The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter~~DIK Reading Challenge

Publisher: HQN Books (May 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0373772467

His powers — Inhuman
His passion — Beyond immortal . . .

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she’ll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member — a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction — and a soul-shattering test of love . . .

My Thoughts:

I have heard a lot of wonderful things about this series, however after reading The Darkest Fire I was not entirely sure that I would even get through this book. I am definitely going to say that my first thoughts were completely wrong. I was gripped and pulled into The Darkest Night almost instantaneously. I can only say that my hesitation and concerns were brought on because of how much I don't like reading short stories/anthologies. To me they just don't give enough of the author's talent for writing and things often progress too quickly between the hero and heroine for my liking. I guess I have to be a big fan of the author's previous works to really enjoy an anthology.

Maddox is one of several Warriors that have been cursed by the Gods for their actions and the part they played in opening Pandora's box releasing some of the most vile and evil demons to grace the planet. The Gods made warrior and demon one. Well I guess not necessarily one, as they are constantly at odds with each other, battling for dominance. Maddox received the most viscous of demons, Violence.

Ashlyn has been blessed, or cursed, with the ability to hear voices/conversation from the past. Anywhere she goes she hears the voices and has no idea how to control this ability. It is slowly driving her mad. As a child her parents, who are at there wits end, turn her over to the Institute. Ashlyn grows up basically as a lab rat with very little human emotion shared. She is desperate to find some way of controlling the voices.

In Budapest she hears of Angels on the mountain and in her desperation defies her boss to beg them for help. On the mountain she is put in Maddox's path. There is an instant connection between them and despite Maddox's warnings Ashlyn refuses to leave, following him instead.

The warriors are hunted by none other than the Hunters. They have in the past used Bait to lure the warriors out and distract them long enough for an attack and hopefully the desired results of killing the warriors. None of the Warriors in the castle trust Ashlyn, she has to be Bait. But for some unexplainable reason Maddox cannot except that she is Bait and looses himself to his demon anytime one of the Warriors verbally attacks her.

I enjoyed the start of LOTU. I was reminded of Rhage in BDB. Both of these men are cursed with an inner demon. The stories are completely different but they have the same outcome, the demon is calmed by a woman. I look forward to reading more LOTU. The Darkest Night did engage me through most of the book, there were some points where it seemed to slow down to a point where I was doing more skimming than reading. My laundry and house definitely suffered while I read this book though.

Rating:4.5 stars

The Darkest Fire by Gena Showalter

He is the guardian of hell, more monster than man. She is the goddess of oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords — and discover a passion unlike any other….








My Thoughts:

The Darkest Fire is the prelude to the Lords of the Underworld series. That being said, if you don't read e-books or you are like me and don't like anthologies, you won't miss out on anything by not reading this story.

Geyron traded his soul to the devil to save his wife's life, now he the task of guarding the gates to Hell have been bestowed on him. He is transformed into a hideous beast that with one swipe of his claw can poison any foe.

Kadence is the Goddess of Oppression. The Gods have demanded that she be the keeper of the wall to Hell. For years she walks the wall delicately touching and restoring it, making sure that none of Lucifer's demons are allowed to escape.

When the wall shows sign of tumbling Geyron and Kadence must work together to fix the wall and round up the demons who seek to destroy the wall.

I gave this story a 3 star rating. I am sure it has to do with my bias against anthologies and short stories, but the story progressed much too quickly for my taste. I guess, however that 200 years (I think) of being in each others presence without any communication or physical contact could attribute the desire and attraction that the hero and heroine felt for each other. All in all it is a decent story that sets up the series wonderfully.

Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell

He pledged his honor to keep her safe...

Returning home to Cornwall after unspeakable tragedy, Sir Gideon Trevithick comes upon a defiant beauty in danger, and vows to protect her whatever the cost. He's dismayed to discover that she's none other than Lady Charis Weston, England's wealthiest heiress-and that the only way to save her from the violent stepbrothers determined to steal her fortune is to wed her himself! Now Gideon must hide the dark secrets of his life from the bride he desires more with every heartbeat.

She promised to show him how to love - and desire - again...

Charis has heard all about Gideon, the dangerously handsome hero with the mysterious past. She's grateful for his help, but utterly unwilling to endure a marriage of convenience-especially to a man whose touch leaves her breathless. Desperate to drive him mad with passion, she would do anything to make Gideon lose control-and fall captive to irresistible, undeniable sin.

My Thoughts:

Captive of Sin is only the second book that I have read by this author, but Anna Campbell did it again! She has completely Wowed me! Her characters are strong and resilient. The story line is thick with passion, love, and deceit.

Feeling as if he will never be a part of society again, Gideon is tormented by his demons. He has accepted that he will never lead a normal life, everything that is taken for granted by others will be denied him. He is touted a Hero, and he despises it. He does not think of himself as a hero and does not accept gratitude willingly. He just wants to get home and get started with some semblance of life when he comes across Charis.

Charis has an inner strength that has kept her alive thus far. She reluctantly accepts Gideon's help to escape Winchester and her deplorable step brothers. She feeds him several falsehoods only to have everything backfire in her face. Now Gideon and Charis are faced with a marriage of convenience.

Captive of Sins was captivating, heart wrenching, and all together an Awesome book! I am looking forward to grabbing more by Ms. Campbell!

Rating: 5 stars

Sinful Surrender by Beverly Kendall

Millicent “Missy” Armstrong is entering her fourth London Season, but not for lack of suitors. Since her debut three years ago, Missy has received twenty marriage proposals. But she is interested in only one man—her brother’s best friend, James Rutherford. As a child, Missy looked up to James. As a grown up, her admiration has blossomed into the longings of a beautiful, sensuous woman—and she won’t rest until James admits his love—and desire—for her…

James Rutherford rues the day he let his physical weaknesses get the better of him by kissing Missy. His best friend has made it clear that Missy is off limits, and though he’s avoided her for three years, he hasn’t forgotten the feel of her soft lips pressed against his—and it seems neither has she. For no matter how much James tries to discourage Missy, he keeps winding up in her arms, sharing heated caresses that promise the most delirious pleasure...

My Thoughts:

I have been patiently waiting for Ms. Kendall's debut novel for some months now. Finding the lovely cover and then reading the blurb on on of Ms. Kendall's wonderful sites The Season, I didn't waste anytime adding Sinful Surrender to my wish list and started counting down the days until release day.

Who doesn't love a story where the younger sister is in love with the best friend! I guess I love them so much because I was always put into similar situations. My brother had some of the cutest friends, but they were strictly off limits! I always respected my brother's wishes not to date his friends, and hated it when the guy I liked found out who my big brother was because he became friend and not boyfriend... tended to make it hard for a girl to find a boyfriend in high school.

Missy on the other hand, while respecting her brother did not respect these wishes. She threw herself at James the moment she was considered old enough to court. James, however was not going to go against his best friend. James took to staying as far away from Missy as possible for as long as possible. None of this deterred Missy. She fancied herself in love with James and no one else would do, not even the Duke!

With Missy entering into her fourth season and two more sisters coming up behind her, Armstrong (Missy's brother) is desperate to get her married and settled. He asks James to change their tactics and to be at every ball, party, opera, etc. possible with any one of his beautiful lady friends and to discourage Missy by showing his rakehell side.

Sinful Surrender was a pleasure to read. I could say that it rivals Julia Quinn in feel. Congratulations Ms. Kendall on an AWESOME debut!!! I highly recommend reading Sinful Surrender!

Rating: 4.5

Master of Surrender by Karin Tabke

The year is 1066. William, bastard Duke of Normandy, has claimed the English throne by right of conquest. To quell the Saxon unrest, William sends out his most trusted knights to secure the land. One of those knights is his cousin, Sir Rohan de Luc, known far and wide for his bloody deeds as The Black Sword. . .

Bold and courageous, Saxon maiden Isabel of Alethorpe is the only one left to protect the people of the manor and its lands. When Rohan de Luc seizes Alethorpe, he offers to spare the life of Isabel’s young squire in exchange for her willing gift of the charms of her body. Betrothed to another, she vows to that while he may take her maidenhead, her heart will remain her own. But even as her lips say no, Isabel’s traitorous body is awakened to desire by the seductive attentions of this potent invader. Can she remain true to her own people, or will Sir Rohan’s skilled touch capture her unwilling heart as surely as his prowess with his sword captured her father’s lands?

My Thoughts:
Rohan de Luc and his fellow knights,having survived a tortuous captivity, learn of the Blood Sword Legacy as they are escaping the dungeons in Iberia. While it is not thoroughly explained, these Christian Knights were betrayed and led into a trap. Each bears a sword on his chest and a half moon scar on their chin. They have banded together and become William of Normandy's most trusted knights.

These knights are hated and feared. With the tenants fleeing to the woods and raiders stalking and killing them Rohan must figure a way to gain their trust in order to secure the land for William.

Isabel is holding out hope that her father and brother will return from battle and oust these knights, but until then she must lead her people by example and show courage while doing everything in her power to protect them. In exchange for one boy's life she trades her only possession left to her... her virginity. In a twist of fate she is saved from losing her maidenhead but must still allow liberties of her body to Rohan.

Her courage and wit keep her and her people safe and earn the respect of the most feared knights.

The Blood Sword Legacy is beginning and each of these knights play a role. Master of Torment follows this tale with Wulfson and another strong willed maiden.

Rating: 4.5

Reviews Upcoming

Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare

There was only one rule on the frontier—survival.

So when wounded, buckskin-clad stranger appeared at the door of her isolated cabin, Elspeth Stewart felt no qualms about disarming him and then tying him to her bed. Newly widowed and expecting her first child, she had to protect herself at all costs. And Nicholas Kenleigh threatened not only her safety, but her peace of mind. The terrible scars on his body spoke of a tortured past, but his gentle touch and burning gaze awoke longings she had never expected to feel. Bethie had every reason in the world to distrust men; the cruelty she suffered at their hands had marked her soul, though her blonde beauty showed no sign of it. But little by little she found herself believing in Nicholas, in his honor, his strength. As he brought her baby into the world, then took both mother and daughter into his care, she realized this scarred survivor could heal her wounded spirit, and together they would… Ride the Fire.

My Thoughts:
This was my first experience with Pamela Clare. I did something I never do... bought the book from the Dollar Tree. For some reason I have been closed minded to any book on display at any of the "Dollar" store chains. I can happily say that I got the better end of the deal spending only a dollar on the book and receiving an excellent book! This being the first book I read for 2010 I am happy to say that I am off to a wonderful start in my reading.

Ride the Fire takes place just after the French and Indian War, I love reading books set during any war but most especially those that took place on our soil here in the States. To top it all off it also involved Indians and the Frontier.

Nicholas was captured by the Wyandot Indians and tortured. When he was finally able to escape the hell that had become his life he returned home to his family in Virginia only to realize that he had escaped one hell to enter another. One that was entirely in him. His soul was tortured and he could not live among his family any longer for fear of what he had become and what he might unintentionally do. So he headed West hoping for death to consume him.

Bethie is widowed and heavily pregnant when Nicholas stumbles into her yard, forcing her to care for his injuries. Growing up in the Frontier, Bethie is not stupid and knows that she has to figure a way to keep herself safe from this man who has held a gun to her head and demanded her help. The Christian inside her won't allow her to kill him while he sleeps. They come to a silent agreement. He takes care of the work that she should not be doing and she allows him to stay under her roof until he is strong enough to move on. Bethie's strong character eventually wins Nicholas's dead heart and soul.

They fight their way to safety and deal with their inner demons side by side. Ride the Fire is a great first read by a new author and for a new year.

Rating 4.5

Merry Christmas!!

I have a house full today. My father and stepmother are staying with us for the rest of the week. My mother and stepfather, sister and brother-n-law, nephews, and daughter's boyfriend are all here to spend a few hours with us on this blessed Christmas Eve. I wanted to take a quick break from the Holiday madness to wish those of you who celebrate it a Very Merry Christmas! I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday with friends and family and Celebrate life to it's fullest.

We are going to take a ride out to Petit Creek Farms to view the holiday lights from the car and probably hit a few neighborhoods as well. This is one of my favorite times of year. The only thing missing is the snow. Yes I said snow. I hate the cold, and the snow even more, but this is the only time of year that I really wish I had a blanket of it in my front yard. I love all of the beautiful lights that sparkle throughout the night, the Christmas Carols, and just spending time with my family. This is the first year in several years that I have had all of them in one spot, and better yet in the same house (even if I need a bottle of wine to calm my nerves...lol). I am truly blessed this Christmas and can only hope and pray that all of you are as blessed as I am.

Warmest Wishes to you and yours!

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Available now from Ballantine

“The sweetest, sexiest romance you’ll read all year.”
~Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author

“A romantic delight, sure to satisfy every reader.”
~Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author

Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion—one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past, full of long-buried secrets. He keeps a safe distance from his own emotions, but to distract Lucy from her reckless scheming, he must give his passions free rein. Their sensual battle of wills is as maddening as it is delicious, but the longer he succeeds in managing the headstrong temptress, the closer Jeremy comes to losing control. When scandal breaks, can he bring himself to abandon Lucy to her ruin? Or will he risk his heart, and claim her for his own?

My Thoughts:

Goddess of the Hunt has got to be one of the best historical romances that I have read all year!! Lucy is determined to not only hunt herself down a husband, but she has one particular man in mind. She has fancied herself in love with Toby since childhood and now he has gone and brought another woman to their annual Autumn vacation. She has her work cut out for her if she is going to sabotage any chances of him proposing to this blond beauty who is the epitomy of everything lady-like.

Lucy did not, however consider that the one man who has vexed her for the last eight years would have anything at all to say about her determination. Jeremy is tired of watching Lucy get herself into all sorts of trouble and he will not stand idly by and watch Lucy have her heart broken because she doesn't have the sense to realize that Toby is not in love with her and she is most certainly not in love with him. A plan is developed to keep Lucy out of Toby's hair and to make Toby jealous. Neither the men at this Autumn getaway or Lucy ever expected to have the plan backfire.

Loved Goddess of the Hunt! I am looking forward to reading Surrender of the Siren, which is Sophia's (Toby's intended) story. I was not overly fond of Sophia, preferring Lucy's character any day, but I am definitely interested in finding out what kind of trouble she is going to find herself in.

Rating: 5 stars

Sweet Restraint by Beth Kery

SWEET RESTRAINT
Publisher: Berkley Heat
ISBN-10: 0425227693
ISBN-13: 978-0425227695
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Format: Trade Paperback

From Beth Kery's Website

This time, he’ll never let her go…

Chicago Special Agent Shane Dominic was in love with Laura Vasquez until the day she left him and married another man. Thirteen years may have passed, but Laura’s never disappeared from his fantasies, or destroyed his desire to learn the truth about why she left him. When her husband, the criminal mastermind behind an international ring of thieves, is murdered, Shane knows this is his one last, desperate chance to learn Laura’s secrets. And he’s not above using their scorching hot passion for one another and a little domination to do it.

One look at Shane, and Laura’s own memories come back to haunt her. Her feelings run deep, but she’d never divulge her secrets—a desperate vow that’s compromised when Shane stuns her by taking her as his captive to a secluded cabin. Here, she will finally belong to him, be subjected to his every torturously erotic whim, and be forced to trust him with a shocking truth she’s hidden for so long—one that will expose them to a danger closing in on the both of them.

My Thoughts:

Shane has never gotten over Laura. Their six month relationship ended abruptly when Laura eloped with Huey Mays. Shane has done his best to move on, he has a great career in the FBI and is engaged to a beautiful woman. His position in the FBI has put him right in the middle of the investigation of corrupt cops and Huey Mays is at the top of the list. He hopes that his past relationship with Laura remains hidden so he can finally end the investigation and get the top man in charge. When Huey is found dead, Shane has reason to worry for Laura's safety.

He takes matters into his own hands and risks everything to try to find the truth behind Laura's involvement in this corrupt ring of cops before it is too late. He takes her to a cabin to slowly break down the barriers between them. He executes his plans with white hot passion. Apparently Laura is not so good at hiding the fact that she still burns for her former lover.

Laura has her secrets, ones she must keep hidden or risk the lives of everyone she loves. She learned years ago that she cannot go against what has bound her and determined the path that she has taken. Her husband's death has changed nothing, except maybe putting her in more danger than she has ever been before. Now she has to contend with Shane's domineering need to have her submit and trust him to carry her burdens. This is the last thing she needs, or so she thinks.

Sweet Restraint was smokin' HOT! There is just no other way of putting it. Beth Kery wowed me with Wicked Burn, gained a loyal follower with Daring Time, and Sweet Restraint has me shouting from the roof tops. This author does amazing things!!! Her stories while wickedly hot and push you to the very edge with the sexual tensions and play have a great story with well developed characters that you can fall in love with and a story that will surely pull you in making you turn those pages nonstop and having you begging for more. Not to mention that she always has amazing covers, the Cover Gods must love her! I mean look at this cover... don't you love that those ties are in reach to where she can untie herself if she wants.

Rating: 5 stars