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Dusk Queen #3
New Day Rising
Would you do anything for your happily ever after?
Indulge in this steamy paranormal lesbian romance thriller and see the gripping conclusion to Erin and Lucía's love story for the ages.
New Day Rising is the Third Book in the Dusk Queen Series.
After fighting impossible odds to get back to each other, newly-turned Vampire Erin and her Queen Lucía want nothing more than to run off into the sunset and enjoy a moment’s peace. But when a group of Hunters emerges poised to put all supernatural life in their cross-hairs, their bubble barely has time to form before it implodes.
When their enemies prove more difficult to eliminate than expected, Erin must tap into her magic to find a new way to fight. As Erin and Lucía strengthen their romantic bond, it is their love for each other that spurs them on into dangerous new territory to protect what they hold most dear. But they can’t do it alone. Can friends, old and new, come together to ensure a future for all paranormal beings?
Indulge in this steamy paranormal lesbian romance thriller and see the gripping conclusion to Erin and Lucía's love story for the ages.
New Day Rising is the Third Book in the Dusk Queen Series.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2019
About the author
J.J. Arias
32 books823 followersHello! And thank you for finding me!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 10, 2021
An enjoyable end to the Trilogy - on kindle unlimited.
A very action packed ending to the saga of Lucia the vampire Queen and her lover, Erin. Plus all their various vampire, shapeshifting, werewolf and other supernatural friends!
Very satisfying and fun to read.
A very action packed ending to the saga of Lucia the vampire Queen and her lover, Erin. Plus all their various vampire, shapeshifting, werewolf and other supernatural friends!
Very satisfying and fun to read.
January 27, 2021
I've been on this roller coaster ride with Lucía, Erin and co. spanning 3 books and 1 novelette for almost a week now. It was exhilarating, quite honestly.
This book, and trilogy, isn't perfect, but it's unabashed fun.
I'm gonna rate this higher than the last one solely on the basis that Erin and Lucía were not separated this time around, facing whatever the world threw at them, together. The main antagonist on the second book was better though, imo. I know we are talking about fantasy/paranormal here, but I still found the threat of book 3 far-fetched. However, one of my criticisms of book two was that we barely got to see WHY Lucía was Queen, why anybody thinks she is a good regent in the first place. Well, suffice to say that now we saw that and much more. Even Erin was in awe of her, much like I was.
What I didn't like:
- Don't get me wrong, I absolutely fell in love with Tracy ever since I read her novelette. However, hers and Evelyn's story was so removed from the main action that it was a bit of a let down, really. I loved their reconnection, falling in love with one another, the thing with Tracy's mom... but I wish the author found a way to include them in main plot too.
- Alethia... she may be a good second-in-command or whatever, but I have a profound dislike for her character and how she openly antagonized Erin just for the purpose of being a pain in the ass.
- Where is Max, Erin's best friend in book 1? I remember last book when he was worried about Erin and came to see Lucía. I wish I'd seen them interacting here, or maybe have him as a guest at the wedding?
What I liked:
- Lucía and Erin's love story is great. I'm trying not to spoil things, but it warmed my heart seeing how the fearless Queen was so passionate and caring with her consort, and how much admiration Erin cultivated for her partner.
- Charlie and Bo! The whole ordeal of Charlie becoming Alpha reminded me a bit of Black Panther, and I loved it. I loved how Bo was supportive of Charlie even when her partner didn't believe in herself. Bo's family is pretty great too.
- Tracy and Evelyn reconnecting and finding love.
- Again, this whole universe is diverse and interesting. Between vampires, witches, werewolfs and other "supes", I would read another book set in this world in a heartbeat.
All in all, I'm grateful for this. It was fun from the beginning to end.
If I could just make a wish, I would wish for a Tracy/Evelyn spin-off <3
4/5
This book, and trilogy, isn't perfect, but it's unabashed fun.
I'm gonna rate this higher than the last one solely on the basis that Erin and Lucía were not separated this time around, facing whatever the world threw at them, together. The main antagonist on the second book was better though, imo. I know we are talking about fantasy/paranormal here, but I still found the threat of book 3 far-fetched. However, one of my criticisms of book two was that we barely got to see WHY Lucía was Queen, why anybody thinks she is a good regent in the first place. Well, suffice to say that now we saw that and much more. Even Erin was in awe of her, much like I was.
What I didn't like:
- Don't get me wrong, I absolutely fell in love with Tracy ever since I read her novelette. However, hers and Evelyn's story was so removed from the main action that it was a bit of a let down, really. I loved their reconnection, falling in love with one another, the thing with Tracy's mom... but I wish the author found a way to include them in main plot too.
- Alethia... she may be a good second-in-command or whatever, but I have a profound dislike for her character and how she openly antagonized Erin just for the purpose of being a pain in the ass.
- Where is Max, Erin's best friend in book 1? I remember last book when he was worried about Erin and came to see Lucía. I wish I'd seen them interacting here, or maybe have him as a guest at the wedding?
What I liked:
- Lucía and Erin's love story is great. I'm trying not to spoil things, but it warmed my heart seeing how the fearless Queen was so passionate and caring with her consort, and how much admiration Erin cultivated for her partner.
- Charlie and Bo! The whole ordeal of Charlie becoming Alpha reminded me a bit of Black Panther, and I loved it. I loved how Bo was supportive of Charlie even when her partner didn't believe in herself. Bo's family is pretty great too.
- Tracy and Evelyn reconnecting and finding love.
- Again, this whole universe is diverse and interesting. Between vampires, witches, werewolfs and other "supes", I would read another book set in this world in a heartbeat.
All in all, I'm grateful for this. It was fun from the beginning to end.
If I could just make a wish, I would wish for a Tracy/Evelyn spin-off <3
4/5
September 29, 2019
This was a sweet AF read and I wish I had friends like Erin and Lucia in my life heheh. They’re so cool. I love how all the paranormal societies came together as one, fighting side by side with one another. It’s such a different take on shifters and vampires being mortal enemies and I love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2023
4.4 star rating
I think this was the best of all the series so far. Power is very much the prize in the chess game in play here. Lots of action but also paced much. While i think the author did well doing that i also felt it lulled me at times. Also there were socio-ethical issues in play here that i found synonymous with those in real life and wonder how the author will translate further in future.
I think this was the best of all the series so far. Power is very much the prize in the chess game in play here. Lots of action but also paced much. While i think the author did well doing that i also felt it lulled me at times. Also there were socio-ethical issues in play here that i found synonymous with those in real life and wonder how the author will translate further in future.
October 3, 2022
This was really fantastic from start to finish. I loved all the characters equally and enjoyed having some wrapping up for the side stories. May have cried a little in the last few chapters! I'm a sucker for a HEA. Laughed, cried, and held my breath through the entire series. Brilliant!
May 16, 2020
A decent read with a happy ending.
This series has the potential to be great but fall short in the glory as good. I still believe book one was the best and the strongest in the series. Perhaps the story should have been told backwards like introducing us to the many characters then build a plot and world around them. Instead, the first book introduced us to a powerful Queen and a mortal who were over shadowed with a long list of other characters taking up the majority of books 2/3 in the mix. If there is a book 4 I’ll read it because now I know this book is about everyone without an integral focus on anyone.
Anyway, I hope the author delve into the modern or historical world with dragons, magic and elves etc. and take the chance to turn things around in the fantasy land. I like this author a lot and have read many books of theirs so I know the author can whip out a good story.
Cheers.
This series has the potential to be great but fall short in the glory as good. I still believe book one was the best and the strongest in the series. Perhaps the story should have been told backwards like introducing us to the many characters then build a plot and world around them. Instead, the first book introduced us to a powerful Queen and a mortal who were over shadowed with a long list of other characters taking up the majority of books 2/3 in the mix. If there is a book 4 I’ll read it because now I know this book is about everyone without an integral focus on anyone.
Anyway, I hope the author delve into the modern or historical world with dragons, magic and elves etc. and take the chance to turn things around in the fantasy land. I like this author a lot and have read many books of theirs so I know the author can whip out a good story.
Cheers.
May 8, 2022
“I didn’t know how much color could be in the world. You activated something in me I had no idea was there. As someone much better with words than me said: A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise. You are my paradise.”
Heroine: Lucía Guerra
Heroine: 28 year old Erin Lewis
Oh I’m sorry correct me if I’m wrong here… wasn’t I supposed to be reading about Lucía and Erin? Because when I started this trilogy that was my impression. Badass bounty hunter meets the queen of the vampires. Wicked cool premise. Then it turned into 4 different couplings we’re going on simultaneously. I am all for side characters getting their moments but damn I didn’t want to spend over 50% of this book with them. It meant Erin didn’t live up to her potential and Lucía left her out of big things (again). Their love transcends (which kept me reading) but it just was so underwhelming.
Cliffhanger – no (book #3 in series)
POV - Erin & Lucía (and like every other female every introduced…)
Heroine: Lucía Guerra
Heroine: 28 year old Erin Lewis
Oh I’m sorry correct me if I’m wrong here… wasn’t I supposed to be reading about Lucía and Erin? Because when I started this trilogy that was my impression. Badass bounty hunter meets the queen of the vampires. Wicked cool premise. Then it turned into 4 different couplings we’re going on simultaneously. I am all for side characters getting their moments but damn I didn’t want to spend over 50% of this book with them. It meant Erin didn’t live up to her potential and Lucía left her out of big things (again). Their love transcends (which kept me reading) but it just was so underwhelming.
Cliffhanger – no (book #3 in series)
POV - Erin & Lucía (and like every other female every introduced…)
December 19, 2023
another job well done
Once again the author has accomplished relating a story that is well worth reading. Having said that, however, I do have a couple small issues with the ending, but nothing that would stop me from encouraging others to read this wonderful story.
Very minor spoilers to follow.
The first thing that I absolutely do not understand is why we needed to know about what happened with Tracy and Evelyn. It had absolutely zero impact on the main storyline. Other than Erin finding her and thanking her, there was no need for any of it.
The second thing I had a bit of an issue with was how quickly the story ended. It just seemed too simple. You had all this buildup and anticipation, and then it was simply over. I was expecting a little bit more of a fight.
Third, I don't think Erin should have copped out the way she did. It almost seemed cowardice to not embrace who she truly is. Asking for someone to bind her. There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting you have a weakness and learning how to overcome it and control it. In my humble opinion, that's what should've been stride for. Not what ultimately was suggested was going to happen.
But, as I've said, this three book series was absolutely worth every minute of reading it.
Once again the author has accomplished relating a story that is well worth reading. Having said that, however, I do have a couple small issues with the ending, but nothing that would stop me from encouraging others to read this wonderful story.
Very minor spoilers to follow.
The first thing that I absolutely do not understand is why we needed to know about what happened with Tracy and Evelyn. It had absolutely zero impact on the main storyline. Other than Erin finding her and thanking her, there was no need for any of it.
The second thing I had a bit of an issue with was how quickly the story ended. It just seemed too simple. You had all this buildup and anticipation, and then it was simply over. I was expecting a little bit more of a fight.
Third, I don't think Erin should have copped out the way she did. It almost seemed cowardice to not embrace who she truly is. Asking for someone to bind her. There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting you have a weakness and learning how to overcome it and control it. In my humble opinion, that's what should've been stride for. Not what ultimately was suggested was going to happen.
But, as I've said, this three book series was absolutely worth every minute of reading it.
January 13, 2023
The third and final book of the trilogy, this one follows directly on from Sunset Fallen as they rise to face a new threat that may be more dangerous than what they've already been through. Though perhaps there is a lot more going on than meets the eye, and there may well be reasons for decisions previously made.
Very much Urban Fantasy/Supernatural, this story focuses on a lot of characters, multiple pov's showing what is going on, developing and fleshing out the numerous plot lines that were earlier started or hinted at. Also - sex. Like the first book, there is a lot of it.
It is, however, still an enjoyable and engrossing read, seeing the characters grow and take on the challenges, and get their HEA's. The story wraps up well, tying up most of the loose ends, though there is always the potential for a new story is the author wanted to do so. Happy to have picked up and read.
Very much Urban Fantasy/Supernatural, this story focuses on a lot of characters, multiple pov's showing what is going on, developing and fleshing out the numerous plot lines that were earlier started or hinted at. Also - sex. Like the first book, there is a lot of it.
It is, however, still an enjoyable and engrossing read, seeing the characters grow and take on the challenges, and get their HEA's. The story wraps up well, tying up most of the loose ends, though there is always the potential for a new story is the author wanted to do so. Happy to have picked up and read.
July 24, 2023
Honestly what the fuck even happened.
The "main" couple was as always a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed reading about them. But for 2 of the other 3 couples prominetly featured in this book, you'd need to read a side story to get a proper grasp of their relationship. I didn't do that, so i lowkey ended up rushing through them. I wish there was more of a focus on Erin and Lucia. That would've been better.
heavy spoiler about powerscaling.
The "main" couple was as always a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed reading about them. But for 2 of the other 3 couples prominetly featured in this book, you'd need to read a side story to get a proper grasp of their relationship. I didn't do that, so i lowkey ended up rushing through them. I wish there was more of a focus on Erin and Lucia. That would've been better.
heavy spoiler about powerscaling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2020
New Day Rising :Book Three in the Dark Queen Series
Each one of these stories , these being the third gets better as you read how Erin and Lucia plus friends story as to what happens next. This time they are threatened by a group of very old humans out to totally destroy vampires, werewolves and other paranormals..Yet once again J J Arias did a brilliant job writing this from start to the end .
Highly recommend this one and looking forward to reading more about these paranormal characters. Hint, Hint
5***STARS
Each one of these stories , these being the third gets better as you read how Erin and Lucia plus friends story as to what happens next. This time they are threatened by a group of very old humans out to totally destroy vampires, werewolves and other paranormals..Yet once again J J Arias did a brilliant job writing this from start to the end .
Highly recommend this one and looking forward to reading more about these paranormal characters. Hint, Hint
5***STARS
January 10, 2022
This trilogy is THE BEST! Each book built beautifully onto the landscape and characters I had already fallen for. I wish there were 10 more books in this series and hope the teaser at the end of the chapter results in another adventure for the dynamic duo down the road. You will get lost in their love and devotion to one another and the plot from book to book grows organically within and around their relationship so really, the whole series is a great read.
August 1, 2020
Wanted it to go on and on
Upon the satisfying conclusion of Book Three in this series, I longed for more. I felt like I was leaving behind good friends and I was not ready to say goodbye. I strongly encourage you to read this series. It will not disappoint. Thank you JJ Arias.
Upon the satisfying conclusion of Book Three in this series, I longed for more. I felt like I was leaving behind good friends and I was not ready to say goodbye. I strongly encourage you to read this series. It will not disappoint. Thank you JJ Arias.
September 29, 2020
❤❤❤
I love this series so much! Lucìa and Erin are by far my FAVORITE paranormal couple ever! I loved how all the weres came together to fight for the greater good of their species and fought side by side. Everything about this book and the entire series is phenomenal. The ending open ended for a possible 4th book 🙏😉👌
I love this series so much! Lucìa and Erin are by far my FAVORITE paranormal couple ever! I loved how all the weres came together to fight for the greater good of their species and fought side by side. Everything about this book and the entire series is phenomenal. The ending open ended for a possible 4th book 🙏😉👌
December 20, 2020
Excellent series of books!
I just happened to be lucky enough to discover JJArias books! She is a fantastic author! I promise you will get hooked on all of her books as they are hard to put down once you start reading. This a series about vampires! There is romance, hot sex, and plenty of laughter! Treat yourself to some really good reading!
I just happened to be lucky enough to discover JJArias books! She is a fantastic author! I promise you will get hooked on all of her books as they are hard to put down once you start reading. This a series about vampires! There is romance, hot sex, and plenty of laughter! Treat yourself to some really good reading!
November 10, 2021
Supernatural? Paranormal? Entertaining!
After reading the first two books in the series I had to follow the journey of the Vampire Queen to the HEA ending. Lots of great characters and an engaging plot line. Even if, like me, vampires aren't your usual fare, it's well worth expanding your reading choices.
After reading the first two books in the series I had to follow the journey of the Vampire Queen to the HEA ending. Lots of great characters and an engaging plot line. Even if, like me, vampires aren't your usual fare, it's well worth expanding your reading choices.
June 16, 2023
Read all 3 in the series in a few days. I wasn’t sure at first but ended up loving the series after the first few pages of the first book. As a queer person I loved the romance and passion portrayed by the characters. It was very relatable from a lesbian perspective. The difference between a queer writer writing queer love and sex is very obvious in this series…This is how it’s done!
June 1, 2020
Exhausted, but satisfied!
Completed the series in one night! Once I got started I couldn't stop. The world building, romance, murder and magic...it has everything I needed in a paranormal series and more! I 100 percent recommended, it was an awesome ride!
Completed the series in one night! Once I got started I couldn't stop. The world building, romance, murder and magic...it has everything I needed in a paranormal series and more! I 100 percent recommended, it was an awesome ride!
September 9, 2021
A great paranormal series
Action packed with characters that make you fall in them with them. There’s nothing more entertaining than storylines that you wished were realistic than this series!
Action packed with characters that make you fall in them with them. There’s nothing more entertaining than storylines that you wished were realistic than this series!
February 22, 2022
Wonderful!
A stunning conclusion to one of the best 3-book series I've read lately. Vibrant characters, smooth scene transitions, and fast paced action move this series along almost seamlessly. I loved it! This series belongs on your must read list!
A stunning conclusion to one of the best 3-book series I've read lately. Vibrant characters, smooth scene transitions, and fast paced action move this series along almost seamlessly. I loved it! This series belongs on your must read list!
November 9, 2022
Awesome series wish there was more!!!
Absolutely love vampire and supe novels. I cannot get enough and j.j.arias wrote these novels so well I'm disappointed it's actually ended. Would love additional series expanding on other characters in this series.
Absolutely love vampire and supe novels. I cannot get enough and j.j.arias wrote these novels so well I'm disappointed it's actually ended. Would love additional series expanding on other characters in this series.
June 17, 2023
3.5*
I enjoyed this series. Hands down introducing Alethia was the best thing about it. The storyline was okay, it was just over far too easily. These hunters are supposedly the best, I was hoping for more action. I really thought Erin was going to let loose more with her power, especially after the warnings. It wasn’t meant to be, but I enjoyed it all the same.
I enjoyed this series. Hands down introducing Alethia was the best thing about it. The storyline was okay, it was just over far too easily. These hunters are supposedly the best, I was hoping for more action. I really thought Erin was going to let loose more with her power, especially after the warnings. It wasn’t meant to be, but I enjoyed it all the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
well written characters….good and bad
But will JAX be in the next chapter? Oh, and what is Evelyn’s story? These characters introduced but not developed. So will there be a book 4?
But will JAX be in the next chapter? Oh, and what is Evelyn’s story? These characters introduced but not developed. So will there be a book 4?
October 9, 2023
The last book is more action-packed than the last one, so for that I'm relieved!
Has a vibe of 'the end of the world as we know it' and I do think the threat of this book is more interesting than the first two, more raw and real.
However, there are a lot of 'quick fix' solutions, but not enough death, for a 'war'.
Max is nowhere to be seen again, and simply vanishes from the whole story.
The wedding is nice and all, but I do feel like this thing where Erin get to have both Gail and Peter there, as vampires, is just too nice for me, does not fit the vibe of the book.
Sometimes, we feel like they are so damn strong and powerful - Erin and Lucia - that no one can take them, but them we feel hopeless, and then we feel at ease again, not sure still if they are or not all that. Very confusing.
And, this whole thing where they send the 'criminals' away instead of dealing with them, just makes me think they would have problems in the future, and it does not sound like Lucia at all, since I don't think vampires are very forgiving, especially after what they did to her son. But meh, maybe I am the one not thinking this would work?
I liked to see the end of the series, and the future of our lovely ladies, however, not too exciting, I'd say. Very domestic and fluff for a couple of powerful vampires.
Has a vibe of 'the end of the world as we know it' and I do think the threat of this book is more interesting than the first two, more raw and real.
However, there are a lot of 'quick fix' solutions, but not enough death, for a 'war'.
Max is nowhere to be seen again, and simply vanishes from the whole story.
The wedding is nice and all, but I do feel like this thing where Erin get to have both Gail and Peter there, as vampires, is just too nice for me, does not fit the vibe of the book.
Sometimes, we feel like they are so damn strong and powerful - Erin and Lucia - that no one can take them, but them we feel hopeless, and then we feel at ease again, not sure still if they are or not all that. Very confusing.
And, this whole thing where they send the 'criminals' away instead of dealing with them, just makes me think they would have problems in the future, and it does not sound like Lucia at all, since I don't think vampires are very forgiving, especially after what they did to her son. But meh, maybe I am the one not thinking this would work?
I liked to see the end of the series, and the future of our lovely ladies, however, not too exciting, I'd say. Very domestic and fluff for a couple of powerful vampires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2024
My second go around
Just read this series for the second time and still love the characters. I'm positive I will read them again in the future because these characters stick with me.
Just read this series for the second time and still love the characters. I'm positive I will read them again in the future because these characters stick with me.
February 22, 2020
Cb
The story is so good and the characters so believable. Erin and Lucy are so made for each other. Cuz wait for more.
The story is so good and the characters so believable. Erin and Lucy are so made for each other. Cuz wait for more.
March 29, 2020
It was a wonderful book!!! Love the characters!!!
April 5, 2020
The end?
The end? I hope not, I really enjoyed this series and hope that there is another one on the way. Amazing characters and story lines.
The end? I hope not, I really enjoyed this series and hope that there is another one on the way. Amazing characters and story lines.
April 11, 2021
Great ending
An excellent series. You can't help but fall in love with Erin and Lucia's friends and family.
A truly spectacular series by J.J. Arias.
An excellent series. You can't help but fall in love with Erin and Lucia's friends and family.
A truly spectacular series by J.J. Arias.
October 8, 2021
Good paranormal series
I have enjoyed other non paranormal stories by J.J. Arias and this one although a change of genre was no exception. Good characters and a compelling story.
I have enjoyed other non paranormal stories by J.J. Arias and this one although a change of genre was no exception. Good characters and a compelling story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews