4.5 Stars 
 Taste of Darkness is the 2nd book in the Darkness series by Katie Reus. I loved the hero, Drake. He's a dragon shifter who escaped his imprisonment in hell in the last book. This book begins four months after his escape. He's a great hero. He's tough and strong which he demonstrates spectacularly in this book. He's intense, yet sweet, protective and possessive. He was really wonderful with Victoria. After suffering in hell for over one thousand years he's struggling to find his place in the real world. He knows Victoria is his mate but he wants to better himself before he makes his move. He believes she deserves more but he's not willing to give her up, I loved that about him. Also, since he was betrayed and sent to hell when he was only 11 or 12 years old, he has no sexual experience. I really liked that he got to explore that for the first time with Victoria. 
 I liked Victoria as well. She's a wolf shifter, a healer and much loved by her pack. She's intelligent and kind but not a pushover. She stood up for herself when it counted. She was attracted to Drake from the first time she met him but since he hadn't made any advances towards her so she held back not wanting to take advantage of him. She was one of the few that he had relaxed around and she was afraid he viewed her as a security blanket. It's not long before she learns that Drake wants her just as much as she wants him. 
 I thoroughly enjoyed Taste of Darkness. The plot is interesting and exciting and the characters drew me in. There is depth and emotion. The world building is wonderfully done. I could easily picture it in my head. The romance is sexy and sweet, a joy to read. The story is vibrant and grabs you in its telling. We are given hints to future couples and I find myself eager to read the next book. 
 Taste of Darkness is highly recommended to fans of paranormal romance. 
 HEA, no cheating. 
 *ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from CrushStar Multimedia LLC via NetGalley.