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Dark Codes #3
Decoding Darkness
I’ve allowed myself to be kidnapped by the person I hate most in the world...
I find myself in the clutches of the monster who murdered my father. He wants something from me—something I have no intention of ever giving him. But there are men with him who I fear more, men who will take whatever they want from a woman, whether or not she agrees.
Locked in a dark cell, with threats coming at me from every direction, only one thing keeps me going—that the five guys who burst into my life so unapologetically will now come to rescue me.
The memory of their passionate touches and kisses warm me in my darkest moments. But I’m no damsel in distress. I might need them to get me out of here, but I have plans of my own. I’ll retrieve the device they’ve been hunting for, and I’ll fight until it’s back in rightful hands.
I find myself in the clutches of the monster who murdered my father. He wants something from me—something I have no intention of ever giving him. But there are men with him who I fear more, men who will take whatever they want from a woman, whether or not she agrees.
Locked in a dark cell, with threats coming at me from every direction, only one thing keeps me going—that the five guys who burst into my life so unapologetically will now come to rescue me.
The memory of their passionate touches and kisses warm me in my darkest moments. But I’m no damsel in distress. I might need them to get me out of here, but I have plans of my own. I’ll retrieve the device they’ve been hunting for, and I’ll fight until it’s back in rightful hands.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2017
211 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Farrar
154 books1,053 followersMarissa Farrar is a multi-published romance and fantasy author. She was born in Devon, England, loves to travel and has lived in both Australia and Spain. She now resides in the countryside with her husband, three children, a crazy Spanish dog, two rescue cats and six hens. She has a degree in Zoology, but her true love has always been writing.
Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.
If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at [email protected].
Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.
If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at [email protected].
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 3, 2018
So, at the end of the previous book Darcy has willingly gone with Hollan in exchange for her aunt, but she has also put a micro tracker on herself to help the guys find her. Decoding Darkness begins immediately where we left off, with Hollan bringing Darcy to the place where he plans on extracting the information from her. She's trying to drag the time waiting for the guys to show up and rescue her. But the longer she waits, the more she starts to loose hope they'll come at all.
The third book sure was fast paced and actioned packed. I liked it better than the previous one, but there's still that one little thing that kept bugging me - Darcy. The way she acted for the majority of the book definitely required some courage. Reading about her actions I couldn't decide if the was stupid of incredibly brave. I'm leaning more toward stupid, to be honest. She's so damn impulsive, it's bound to get her killed soon. Or not, seeing as how she's the main heroine.
“I’m not going to pretend I like your impulsiveness or your need to be so damned self-sacrificial, but I understand why you did it.”
Aside from that, she could be so fucking annoying at times. Like, when Hollan said they'll need to know her weight in order to get the right dosage of the drug and Darcy got all indignant. I mean, shit, you're about to get tortured but god forbid these people find out how much you weight, right?
Also, I think these books should be nominated for the most ill-timed sex scenes ever.
Overall, I have mixed feelings. Some thing I liked, some - not so much. But I'll read the next one, because I want to know how this shit ends.
The third book sure was fast paced and actioned packed. I liked it better than the previous one, but there's still that one little thing that kept bugging me - Darcy. The way she acted for the majority of the book definitely required some courage. Reading about her actions I couldn't decide if the was stupid of incredibly brave. I'm leaning more toward stupid, to be honest. She's so damn impulsive, it's bound to get her killed soon. Or not, seeing as how she's the main heroine.
“I’m not going to pretend I like your impulsiveness or your need to be so damned self-sacrificial, but I understand why you did it.”
Aside from that, she could be so fucking annoying at times. Like, when Hollan said they'll need to know her weight in order to get the right dosage of the drug and Darcy got all indignant. I mean, shit, you're about to get tortured but god forbid these people find out how much you weight, right?
Also, I think these books should be nominated for the most ill-timed sex scenes ever.
Overall, I have mixed feelings. Some thing I liked, some - not so much. But I'll read the next one, because I want to know how this shit ends.
October 28, 2024
✨ 2.5 stars ✨
What a dumb b*tch
What a dumb b*tch
March 29, 2018
After reading the first two books I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next bad boy, and whilst it was alright, I didn’t love it as much as the first one. Unfortunately, I think that’s because of young Darcy who I adored in the first book, but now she seems a bit too immature and stubborn for my liking. There’s nothing wrong with a headstrong MC, however, a downright dumb and emotional one is another story!
I think I have a complex when it comes to female leads, and maybe they have too much to live up to in my imagination. However, for me Darcy just keeps hitting an all-time new low time and time again. She is too emotional, selfish and has a serious inferior complex. I mean seriously, that chip on her shoulder that makes her keep saying “you won’t hold me back just because I’m a woman” just isn’t attractive – especially not considering that she isn’t trained like the guys and she keeps proving she is ruled by her emotions. So whilst trying to shy away from the ugly stereo types she proves them right over and over again.
With the above being said I do think my biggest let down in this book is after Darcy realises that the bad FBI agent is going to use drugs (truth serum) to get the code from her, which had never occurred to her, and yet one of her most used arguments is: “my dad was an FBI agent I know xxxxx” – which clearly she doesn’t. On top of that I can’t take it serious when she sits there and says she can stop herself from spilling the beans regardless of what torture she’s going to be subjected to, like seriously????????
I think I have a complex when it comes to female leads, and maybe they have too much to live up to in my imagination. However, for me Darcy just keeps hitting an all-time new low time and time again. She is too emotional, selfish and has a serious inferior complex. I mean seriously, that chip on her shoulder that makes her keep saying “you won’t hold me back just because I’m a woman” just isn’t attractive – especially not considering that she isn’t trained like the guys and she keeps proving she is ruled by her emotions. So whilst trying to shy away from the ugly stereo types she proves them right over and over again.
With the above being said I do think my biggest let down in this book is after Darcy realises that the bad FBI agent is going to use drugs (truth serum) to get the code from her, which had never occurred to her, and yet one of her most used arguments is: “my dad was an FBI agent I know xxxxx” – which clearly she doesn’t. On top of that I can’t take it serious when she sits there and says she can stop herself from spilling the beans regardless of what torture she’s going to be subjected to, like seriously????????
January 30, 2020
REVIEWED AS A SERIES - MILD SPOILERS.
I read this series as the kindle version of the box set, so I read continuously through the four books. Normally this is something I like to do, but with this series I would recommend having a short break half way through. I suggest this, just to let some anticipation and interest build back up before diving back in.
My 4 star rating is for the series as a whole. The first book is definitely one of the better books in the series - for me anyway. There were times when I cringed a bit at the beginning with things Darcy did/felt towards her kidnappers, but it all changes as you learn more about them and her synesthesia is really interesting, not something I've heard of before.
I think my favourite of the series is when Darcy is a bit self-sacrificial and we truely get to see how strong willed, determined and resourceful this girl is. This is probably the main reason I would consider reading this series again, purely for this instalment which I loved.
As the books all span over a short time frame, I did find them dragged out in some places and rushed in others. The times where the team interacts with Hollan at various stages felt repetitive (until the last one of course), there were a few twists and turns I didn't see coming, but the ending of the Hollan saga I felt to be quite predictable and the events shortly after this which closed the series, while surprising, felt rushed.
All in all a 4 star series, and I would recommend to RH lovers.
I read this series as the kindle version of the box set, so I read continuously through the four books. Normally this is something I like to do, but with this series I would recommend having a short break half way through. I suggest this, just to let some anticipation and interest build back up before diving back in.
My 4 star rating is for the series as a whole. The first book is definitely one of the better books in the series - for me anyway. There were times when I cringed a bit at the beginning with things Darcy did/felt towards her kidnappers, but it all changes as you learn more about them and her synesthesia is really interesting, not something I've heard of before.
I think my favourite of the series is when Darcy is a bit self-sacrificial and we truely get to see how strong willed, determined and resourceful this girl is. This is probably the main reason I would consider reading this series again, purely for this instalment which I loved.
As the books all span over a short time frame, I did find them dragged out in some places and rushed in others. The times where the team interacts with Hollan at various stages felt repetitive (until the last one of course), there were a few twists and turns I didn't see coming, but the ending of the Hollan saga I felt to be quite predictable and the events shortly after this which closed the series, while surprising, felt rushed.
All in all a 4 star series, and I would recommend to RH lovers.
June 20, 2022
Darcy traded herself for her aunt. Now she's in the hands of the same man who killed her father. She knows her men will come to rescue her but will it be in time?
Darcy looked at a blueprint of how to best approach a rescue mission and defeat the villain. Then she threw it away and did the opposite. Offer yourself up knowing you are the ONLY PERSON with the needed code. Antagonize your kidnapper, crumble giving him everything he needs to destroy your boyfriends' entire organization. The same organization, you apparently just signed up for with no training and no special skills other than being able to remember numbers. Not that the guys seem particularly well-trained either. Thank goodness this is fiction. I would hate for our nation to depend on this team. Even worse than Darcy's poor decision-making is her internal thought process. She alternates between whining, lusting, and fixating on the inane. She becomes more irritating with each book.
Darcy looked at a blueprint of how to best approach a rescue mission and defeat the villain. Then she threw it away and did the opposite. Offer yourself up knowing you are the ONLY PERSON with the needed code. Antagonize your kidnapper, crumble giving him everything he needs to destroy your boyfriends' entire organization. The same organization, you apparently just signed up for with no training and no special skills other than being able to remember numbers. Not that the guys seem particularly well-trained either. Thank goodness this is fiction. I would hate for our nation to depend on this team. Even worse than Darcy's poor decision-making is her internal thought process. She alternates between whining, lusting, and fixating on the inane. She becomes more irritating with each book.
January 1, 2018
I really love this series and I am anxious to read the next book in the series. I do wish that there would of been more interaction with Darcy's men and more background about them. During the first half of the book the focus is on Darcy and I would of liked some kind of view into what the men were doing or what they felt. Approximately half the book was from Darcy's point of view only. I also thought that it did not make rationale sense for Darcy to fight so hard to keep the code from her enemies and then give it away so easily at the end. Even then the book was very entertaining and there was still interaction with Darcy's other love interest in the book. I would highly recommend this book and hope that the relationships are more developed as the story continues. I hope the next book is as good as the first two.
May 13, 2018
I'm dieing...
Wow... book three didnt leave anything out. Darcy you brave, brash, silly girl. I love how strong you are and that you think with your heart first always. At the same time I hate seeing you go through such hard times even though I know it's all leading up to a bigger picture. Your selflessness is what made this book for me. There is nothing I wouldn't do for those I love and I love that quality in a main character it's what makes you so relatable!! My heart almost sunk with clay but the ending made me smile and giggle. I cant wait to finish this amazing story and finally be at peace with the story. This was such a great journey and I'm so sad it will be coming to a end. But I am so happy to have found this author and look forward to more by her!! This one is a 5 for me personally. This is my style l♡♡♡
Wow... book three didnt leave anything out. Darcy you brave, brash, silly girl. I love how strong you are and that you think with your heart first always. At the same time I hate seeing you go through such hard times even though I know it's all leading up to a bigger picture. Your selflessness is what made this book for me. There is nothing I wouldn't do for those I love and I love that quality in a main character it's what makes you so relatable!! My heart almost sunk with clay but the ending made me smile and giggle. I cant wait to finish this amazing story and finally be at peace with the story. This was such a great journey and I'm so sad it will be coming to a end. But I am so happy to have found this author and look forward to more by her!! This one is a 5 for me personally. This is my style l♡♡♡
January 22, 2018
This third book puts Darcy directly in the path of danger. She wants to bring down her father's killer.
These stories are not rushed which I appreciate considering so many others push the characters together and don't have any real development. While each book has plenty of action, the author is really taking time to create the characters and develop the relationships. It is a real buildup to each connection.
The ending of this one felt really positive to me. I feel like they now are a team and am wondering how those dynamics will change their personal relationships.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
These stories are not rushed which I appreciate considering so many others push the characters together and don't have any real development. While each book has plenty of action, the author is really taking time to create the characters and develop the relationships. It is a real buildup to each connection.
The ending of this one felt really positive to me. I feel like they now are a team and am wondering how those dynamics will change their personal relationships.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
August 12, 2024
Fabulous Story!!!!!!
I will say this story keeps getting more and more intriguing. It is a unique story that quickly draws you in. I would have liked to a little less personal moments because sometimes they felt out of place for where they were but it was still a fantastic story. We have been getting closer to the answers and who is trying to cause problems. Darcy and the guys are scrambling to get the flash drive back but with major problems along the way. The story is well written and developed. The ending of this book was fantastic and a little shocking. Definitely can’t wait to see what happens next.
I will say this story keeps getting more and more intriguing. It is a unique story that quickly draws you in. I would have liked to a little less personal moments because sometimes they felt out of place for where they were but it was still a fantastic story. We have been getting closer to the answers and who is trying to cause problems. Darcy and the guys are scrambling to get the flash drive back but with major problems along the way. The story is well written and developed. The ending of this book was fantastic and a little shocking. Definitely can’t wait to see what happens next.
December 31, 2017
If you haven't read the first two books, please start there otherwise you will rob yourself of an amazing journey to get where this book starts. This book is worth the wait of working up to. This book, like the rest is fast paced and action packed. If I were watching it in a movie, I would be sitting on the edge of my seat. Just when you think you know who the bad guys are, and who the good guys are.... you get a curve ball!
I love, love, love this series!!! I highly recommend you jump into this story feet first! I hope you love it as much as I do!!
I love, love, love this series!!! I highly recommend you jump into this story feet first! I hope you love it as much as I do!!
March 27, 2018
Absolutely phenomenol!! A MUST read!
OMG!! I can't even put into words how much I loved this book! And the whole series! Best RH series I've read in years. But it's a great series even without the added RH bonus. This book was so full of danger and excitement and feelings and sacrifice... It just had all the feels! The series is a great thriller series on its own.
Marissa Farrar is quickly becoming a favorite author! The storyline is amazing and the editing is spot on. I am thoroughly enjoying these books! I just hope the series goes on and on!
OMG!! I can't even put into words how much I loved this book! And the whole series! Best RH series I've read in years. But it's a great series even without the added RH bonus. This book was so full of danger and excitement and feelings and sacrifice... It just had all the feels! The series is a great thriller series on its own.
Marissa Farrar is quickly becoming a favorite author! The storyline is amazing and the editing is spot on. I am thoroughly enjoying these books! I just hope the series goes on and on!
April 3, 2019
A very exciting read!!!!
When I started this series, I started just to put it aside because I always love to have 2 or more POV's in a book, and this is strictly Darcy's pov. But I got caught up in this story before I knew It! The romance is good , but it's the suspense that pulled me in! Starting on the 4th and last installment and I can't wait to see what Darcy and her boys will do to wrap up this exciting journey!
When I started this series, I started just to put it aside because I always love to have 2 or more POV's in a book, and this is strictly Darcy's pov. But I got caught up in this story before I knew It! The romance is good , but it's the suspense that pulled me in! Starting on the 4th and last installment and I can't wait to see what Darcy and her boys will do to wrap up this exciting journey!
January 7, 2018
This is the third book in the Dark Codes series and follows on from where book 2 finished. Once again Darcy finds herself in danger, this time with a man she grew up thinking as a friend, but who shot dead her father. Once again the story is fast paced and action packed, a real page turner, with an ending that leaves us eagerly waiting for book 4.
March 3, 2018
The third book in the series and the excitement has ramped up even more (if you can believe it) Darcy is worming her way into all the guys affections and she is proving how tough and fiesty she is
The excitement drama and danger is all there plus some Romance and steam. A truly exciting read and I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series
The excitement drama and danger is all there plus some Romance and steam. A truly exciting read and I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series
March 24, 2018
A survivor RH experience
I really enjoyed reading this book. Once again, Darcy faces hard decisions and makes sacrifices to protect those she cares about. This book also includes steamy scenes involving more than two partners. I'd recommend this book to fans of RH and reading about a woman that does what is necessary to survive.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Once again, Darcy faces hard decisions and makes sacrifices to protect those she cares about. This book also includes steamy scenes involving more than two partners. I'd recommend this book to fans of RH and reading about a woman that does what is necessary to survive.
February 17, 2020
Page turner
Please read series in order since each book ends with a cliffhanger and exactly where next book begins.
Decoding Darkness has more suspense, action and twistedness than the previous books. Will Darcy be able to survive what it will take to find the flash drive? Read to find out what Darcy and her team have to do to get the coordinates and protect the others.
Please read series in order since each book ends with a cliffhanger and exactly where next book begins.
Decoding Darkness has more suspense, action and twistedness than the previous books. Will Darcy be able to survive what it will take to find the flash drive? Read to find out what Darcy and her team have to do to get the coordinates and protect the others.
December 31, 2017
Thrilling!
Decoding Darkness by Marissa Farrar is the third book in the Dark Codes series and again it's repetitive as were the previous two, but it's still thrilling, with good characters and a great storyline. Can't wait for the last part!
Decoding Darkness by Marissa Farrar is the third book in the Dark Codes series and again it's repetitive as were the previous two, but it's still thrilling, with good characters and a great storyline. Can't wait for the last part!
January 10, 2018
This series is really good but, I think it could’ve ended here. I know it couldn’t have realistically because she hasn’t developed an established relationship with all her men yet.. so there’s that; sometimes a series doesn’t need to be ‘stretched’.
January 12, 2018
Brilliant follow up!
I love the way the author weaves the tale. Manages to get the hot side into it but keeping the story fresh and exciting rather than just a filler for sex scenes like some books. Can't wait for book 4
I love the way the author weaves the tale. Manages to get the hot side into it but keeping the story fresh and exciting rather than just a filler for sex scenes like some books. Can't wait for book 4
January 21, 2018
I felt sorry for the female lead character and all the hell she endured but her coping with it was something else.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 3 of the series Dark Codes by the author.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 3 of the series Dark Codes by the author.
March 11, 2018
Involvement
Well she proves she can hold her own. I like her determination to fix things however her impulse gets in the way. She hasn't really thought through her actions. I wonder what will happen in the next book now that she is more involved.
Well she proves she can hold her own. I like her determination to fix things however her impulse gets in the way. She hasn't really thought through her actions. I wonder what will happen in the next book now that she is more involved.
August 17, 2018
This series is so exciting. Darcy is silly and so brave at the same time, but that is her character. So much danger and excitement going on in this book it definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.
July 21, 2020
Another good one.
OMG another good one read and done. I could read this series all day every day. They just get better and better. I haven’t read a series this good in a long time. Thank you and keep writing.
OMG another good one read and done. I could read this series all day every day. They just get better and better. I haven’t read a series this good in a long time. Thank you and keep writing.
May 18, 2021
Took a turn
This took a turn in another direction for Darcy. I didn’t like how her character was so bull headed in this book. This is why I gave 4 stars when I’ve been giving 5. She bugged me SO much with her thought processes and her decisions.
This took a turn in another direction for Darcy. I didn’t like how her character was so bull headed in this book. This is why I gave 4 stars when I’ve been giving 5. She bugged me SO much with her thought processes and her decisions.
March 13, 2024
Enjoyed
I enjoyed this book but cant wait to see what the bad guys have coming for them. Again darcy is fierce and protective. She might not think things through at times and goes with her gut but definitely strong female.
I enjoyed this book but cant wait to see what the bad guys have coming for them. Again darcy is fierce and protective. She might not think things through at times and goes with her gut but definitely strong female.
May 4, 2024
Read this series
Omg so good! I absolutely burned through these books! I love dark romance and reverse harem. Plus the
twists and turns of a good suspense novel. Well done this series is great I totally enjoyed the ride and will definitely be reading the rest of her books
Omg so good! I absolutely burned through these books! I love dark romance and reverse harem. Plus the
twists and turns of a good suspense novel. Well done this series is great I totally enjoyed the ride and will definitely be reading the rest of her books
May 27, 2024
Fairly repetitive.
The MFC inner dialogue repeats things that we already know happened, like repeats everything it seems. So I ended skipping parts to avoid re reading what was going on.
The MFC inner dialogue repeats things that we already know happened, like repeats everything it seems. So I ended skipping parts to avoid re reading what was going on.
January 6, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ rating
1/5 🌶️ rating
Thoughts:
WARNING: close sexual assault scene
Most of this book involves the FMC being kidnapped by the bad guys. I am interested to see where the next book leads and ends.
1/5 🌶️ rating
Thoughts:
WARNING: close sexual assault scene
Most of this book involves the FMC being kidnapped by the bad guys. I am interested to see where the next book leads and ends.
January 12, 2025
good series
There is a great story line through out the whole series. There is some smut, 🌶️🌶️ possibly 🌶️🌶️🌶️ depending on POV. It is a really good mixture of writing and heat. The author really did good tiring everything together. Worth the read.
There is a great story line through out the whole series. There is some smut, 🌶️🌶️ possibly 🌶️🌶️🌶️ depending on POV. It is a really good mixture of writing and heat. The author really did good tiring everything together. Worth the read.
August 20, 2025
My favourite book in the series so far
Another fantastic book in this series, this one being my favourite so far!
This is the first series I've read of Marissas and I can't wait to read more!
Another fantastic book in this series, this one being my favourite so far!
This is the first series I've read of Marissas and I can't wait to read more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews