Gabrielle has been in love with Gary Jensen for a long time. But Gabrielle has had enough, especially seeing the changes that her sweet Gary has gone through after his conversion. Gabrielle is a scientist, she doesn't believe that she can live in the Carpathian world, its way too violent for her. But on the eve of their wedding night, Gary and Gabrielle realize the truth and soon after Gary loses all colors and emotions. Which shouldn't have happened this soon. Then suddenly Gabrielle finds herself lifemated to a domineering and violent carpathian...an ancient. Alexsei has lived for over a thousand years, in darkness and violence barely keeping his soul intact from turning. Then he sees colors and senses the anguish of his lifemates call, and goes to her and feels betrayed when he senses her love for another carpathian male. Meanwhile, Trixie Jones has come to save her daughter but unknowingly brought danger with her and Trixie meets Fane another of the ancients. Their relationship starts off rocky with Trixie trying to kill her lifemate thinking he is a vampire and she must use her vampire kit she found online. But soon both couples will be bound together to bring down a greater evil that is stalking them.
The Heroes
Alexsei
Now this is probably one of the most dominating males that Feehan has ever created. YUMMY!! He definitely put a red on my radar that is for sure. He is more controlling and domineering than even Gregori. He has a temper, gets angry easily, but has gone through hell. He has only known a life of danger, violence and darkness for over a thousand years. He has taken care of the ancients at the monastery barely keeping them from turning. He is the leader, their commander ruthless in every regard. He had search the earth for centuries for a lifemate but never found her. Until he hears her pain and anguish and sense love for another male which sends him off the edge...LITERALLY!! Boy when he gets angry...he gets angry. He feels betrayed by Gabrielle (and for good reason) and doesn't take it well. He does get a bit rough but not violent with her. You see how all the emotions he is suddenly feeling are overwhelming and he can't control them. Of course you see how he regrets his actions against Gabrielle. But there are good aspects to Alexsei. Once he gets over his anger, you see his caring nature for Gabrielle. He seeks a honest and open relationship with her. He is dominating in bed...VERY. But he can be so tender and sweet in those needed moments with his lifemate needs that.
Her body had come alive with just his mouth on hers. Alive. Singing. Screaming for more. Every single cell was aware of him. An electrical current seemed to have taken up residence in her bloodstream. She'd never felt anything like it in her life. She hadn't known a woman could feel like that.
Fane
Now Fane is complete opposite from Alexsei in many ways. Fane is an ancient carpathian, dealing with his own darkness. But his lifemate amuses him. He has a solid sense of humor and seems to delight in teasing Trixie all the time. I love his mannerisms, because it helps take a breather from Alexsei who is overpowerfully strong. But Fane, is a talented hunter but he reacts better to his lifemate even though she tries to kill him with a online vampire kit. What was quite admirable about Fane was seeing how kind he could be with Trixie. He is gentle, sincere and is very mischievious at times, it was very contagious. I definitely loved him as one of the main characters in the book.
The Heroines
Gabrielle
Gabrielle is one of those characters we don't know that much about. We see glimpses of her throughout the series, but not enough to know whether or not to like her. Not until this book. Gabrielle is not like her family. She is reserved, quiet, intelligent and loves her quiet world. She never wanted to be Carpathian. She always is fearful of her surroundings and it doesn't help that no one of the Carpathian community has made an effort to teach her what she needs to know. She has her own talents but only views them as "parlor tricks". She is very smart---scientist kind of smart. She loves working in lab with no one around to bother her. Now I will admit, in the beginning I kinda struggled with her character. She seems a bit selfish especially when it comes with her dealings with Gary and Alexsei. You see that she knows better but she still acts like a child at first. But from the moment that Alexsei takes her away, she grows up very QUICKLY. She starts to come into herself. She is still afraid of her lifemate, but we see her growth of confidence and she takes responsiblity for her foolishness.
"I almost destroyed you, Aleksei. I could have lost you. The world could have lost you, all because I was so foolish and didn't understand the gift I was given."
Which I was glad to see. Throughout the story, she grew on me and I really liked her in the end. She understands what Alexsei needs in her and gives him what she can but stands on her own ground when its important.
Trixie
Now Trixie...was freaking hiliarious and every time we entered a scene with her and Fane I just cracked up. Honestly her character was so refreshing. She has attitude, she is older, a grandmother, only known betrayal by men. She doesn't trust them at all. Despite her age, she keeps fit and in healthy condition so she probably doesn't look her age--which she is VERY proud of, kinda cocky about it which I found so entertaining. I love her attitude of doing what she wants and doesn't apologize for it. Her humor is fantastic. She is kind, caring and empathatic. But she can be a bit obsessed with her age.
Plot and Story Line
Okay now....I want to say that this story bowled me over in many different ways. I will say this DONT believe the blurb. It gives off the impression that its about Gary and Gabrielle---a LIE folks. I mean, there are important factors of their relationship that we see get revealed, but man GARY...this story just broke my heart for him. He goes through hell in this book and loses the woman he loves which almost breaks him. We also see how the line of ancients that he is connected to, converge on him all at once. The once sweet scientists who won our hearts in Dark Magic, has changed into a warrior. Even Gregori and the Prince are shocked by his changes.
The story starts off with some tough truths....first off Gabrielle has to learn the hard way about lifemates. She literally has no clue, I mean you would think her family would inform her about it all, but they just leave her clueless for the most part. So that irked me a bit, is how the other Carpathians treat her in some ways. This doesn't help her situation with Alexsei, in fact she is practically blind in dealing with him. She is this quiet reserved woman who just loves her lab and the quiet. We see her act out against Alexsei in front of others, which is a firm betrayal to Alexsei. Alexsei on the other hand is pretty damaged here at the beginning. I know some would say he would be too violent, and yeah he gets a bit extreme but not too much you can't handle it. I was okay with it, but then Gregori in his book was pretty violent too.. What I did find interesting was seeing how they find a balance in their relationship.
That vow for my lifemate flows in letters across my back. For you. To you. Whether I found you or not, I knew you. I saw you, there in my mind. In my heart, I knew you would be passionate and sweet. That you would give me whatever I asked for. And that is you. You always give me what I ask for. When I wasked if you would wear you hair down for me when we were alone, you said yes. You gave that to me. Every time I have asked you for something, you have said yes. You give it to me. I had no idea you would be this beautiful, but I knew you. I talked to you. Each rising, before I went hunting, I told you I would be there for you. I would give you everything you wanted or needed. That I would keep you safe. I would protect you. I would love and cherish you.l I mean those things. You saved me. You did that, No one else.
It has its unbalanced moments, for sure---but we do see how good they are for each other. Gabrielle finds passion and desire....but she also begins to realize how much she cares for Alexsei in ways she never did for Gary. Also another aspect I liked about Alexsei, was seeing how eventually he comes to terms with Gary, he sees the importance of closure and that Gabrielle can help Gary find his true lifemate. I will admit their last moment, just brought tears to my eyes.
"Are you happy? Is he a good lifemate to you?" She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. Even his voice was different. She had to work to fight back the tears. She nodded. "He's very good to me, Gary. She's out there. For you. Your lifemate."
Now Fane and Trixie were just rocking awesome. Their relationship is needed to balance out this book. I like that Feehan had the two couples and their stories. Because quite frankly if she didn't put them in, I would have had a huge book hangover. The emotions are so dark at times, that Fane and Trixie add lightheartedness and a flirty relationship with some great laughs. Especially their first meeting===was just perfect. It was perfect and I really liked their bond. We also get some fun moments with Andre and Teagan which was fun. We some truths revealed about what happens when Teagan, Trixie and Gabrielle use their talents together to help the ancients. Wow....I liked this new twist in the Carpathian world. Now these ancients are AWESOME!! I was very intrigued by some of them. It will be unique to see how Ancient carpathians deals with modern women as lifemates. Gives me the shivers --the good kind. hehe
The Cover
This is one of my favorites....I love green on covers. I am big on nature, and I love how it really gives that theme. I like the monastery in the background. The whole effect gives off a eerie vibe that I just love and is perfect to portray this story.
Overall View
Dark Promises is a story of fighting for love even in the darkest of moments....a tale of fated love and desire that is consuming. One of the best books Feehan has written!!! UTTERLY MESMERIZING
Books N'Tunes Challenge
I chose this song because one its such a romantic song and I love it. Not ashamed. But the lyrics are just a perfect match for this book!!
Dominic, has gone through his existence alone and as one of the most powerful Carpathians he knows what better way to go down than with honor, so he ingests himself with parasitic blood so that he can blend in with the other vampires, and accomplish his mission that he set out to do. Only there is one hitch to the plan on his way to accomplishing his goal he finds his lifemate-Solange, who is everything he could have hoped for in a mate, and knows that he can't bind her to him and that he must let her go because he gave an oath. Solange has always felt alone, being a warrior and trying to save the females of her race, and now she plans on giving up once she destroys Broderick her father who has destroyed everyone and everything that she has ever loved. Then Dominic comes into her life and her world changes, and she knows deep in her heart that she will fight with every breath to keep him at her side...forever Dark Peril is the 21st in the Dark series. I have just loved reading this series, and although I did enjoy reading Dark Peril it wasn't my favorite but still a intriguing read. I loved the whole edge in the story where they both plan to die but right before they do so their life mate comes into their lives---interesting timing wouldnt you say? The passion between Dominic and Solange is full of heat and spiraling desire that only intensifies the connection between the two. What I have always enjoyed about Feehan's books is the vivid pictures she brings to life and she definitely brought this story to life as well. Overall it was a enjoyable read, not one that I would buy or re read, but it was still a book to relax myself in.
My Favorite Quote " I can never betray you. You can never part from me. In love forever, this life and the next. You are the very heart of me"
Allie Monroe is a healer, living in New York City, modern day. When she then meets Black Royce, a Master and the most compelling man she has ever met. When he dies trying to save her life, she refuses to accept his death as fate. So she convinces his closest friend to take her back through time to save him. Only this Royce is far difference from the one she has fallen in love with in her time. Now time is running out for them both as they must face Royce's enemies together, and hope it doesn't cost them both their love and their lives!!Dark Rivals is the second in the Masters of Time series, and I just had such a fun time reading Royce's story. It starts with a tender love story which becomes very emotional when we see Royce being killed, however the story is only at the beginning. Brenda Joyce takes the reader on a thrilling adventure back through time and space, where two people discover that their love is magical and one that will last through the ages. A FANTASTIC READ!!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dark Sentinel is the 28th installment in this fabulous series of the Carpathian World that Christine Feehan delivers to us. This is a huge and daunting series but I have enjoyed every new book that adds more depth to this incredible world that this author has developed for her readers!! I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting especially when dealing with one of the infamous Monastary Carpathians, but this book really wasn't what I was expecting, and that was fun to see a story in this world develop in such a way that I didn't quite see coming. Feehan always does this for me when I least expect it to happen.
Our delicious tale begins with our hero, Andor Katona. who is one of the oldest Carpathians, he has long given up on ever finding his lifemate. He made a vow to never give into the darkness and to live with honor until the end. He has come to the states to help his brothers, but finds himself fighting over a hoard of vampires and injured he is found by three human vampire hunters who then stake him. He knows that he is too weak to survive and is contempletaing letting hiimself go in the sun. Andor is shocked when he sees a human woman, comes out of the woods holding a pot in her hands and going all kamikaze on his attackers. Lorraine Peters has lost her family and is haunted by their deaths and was seeking some peace and solitude in the woods when by the creek, she could hear what these men were doing to another, and it horrified her and she couldn't let someone die in such a horrible way.
Lorraine was raised in a family that were devoted to the martial arts and even though her parents could be strict, they were loving. But when coming home for Thanksgiving, she comes to a blood bath, where all her family are killed by her brother high on steroids who then kills himself. She is tormented by her past and the loss of all those that mattered to her. Lorraine is a fighter though, she is smart and crafty and accepting of reality. When Lorraine finds Andor, things shift for her. She focuses on his needs and his health, she trusts him when he tells her the truth about himself and how to help him. I really admired that Lorraine didn't go into denial or resist the reality of who Andor was, she just accepted it. We continue with the story when his friends are on their way to aid him (Ferro, Sandu and Gary), when a vampire attacks and Lorraine holds her own with him and man she kicked butt peeps!! This was one of my favorite action scenes in the whole book, because we see what Lorraine is made of and that she is more than capable a defeating a vampire...a mere human woman and it was awesome to see her strength and creativity. We then get to meet the three Carpathians, Andor's closest friends, that would be a rock for Lorraine as well.
Lorraine is hesistant to let anyone into her life especially after all that she has lost, but Andor and his friends, treat her life real family and she finds belonging again. Andor is one of my favorite heroes that I have seen in this series in a while. What I really loved about this is one we get to see the infamous Gary. Gary is a side character that we have seen since book five, and has played a role in different ways. He is a human turned Carpathian and a great healer and warrior. Andor is gravely injured, near death and Lorraine as his lifemate is the only one that is able to bring him back to the land of the living. Lorraine has her doubts about this "lifemate" thing, but she feels a connection to Andor.
Andor and Lorraine find themselves bound in a way that was unsuspecting including the three friends which anchored Andor to live. But the story isn't over, Andor and Lorraine may have found something more than priceless in each other, but there is an enemy out there wanting to destroy them. The youngest Malinov brother is more dangerous than ever before. They come across him and his troubadour of vampires he is using, and while they defeat them they are unable to capture him and Lorraine is injured. While they take her back to their sanctuary in the states, Lorraine is able to meet other Carptathians and human children. She is able to find a place among them and along side the man she is coming to love fiercely. What I really admired about these two was their unity in just about everything.
I want you to take your time, Lorraine. We are bound together, soul to soul, and as long as you realize we are lifemates, meant to be together, I want you to do whatever you need to in order to come into our world with your mind fully made up.
Andor is not your typical Carpthaian and I was suprised in how understanding, accepting and patient he was with Lorraine. Most Carpathian's aren't as diplomatic as he is. There is an almost gentle quality whenever he is with Lorraine. He is a fierce warrior, but I love the way he courts his gal. There is nothing in dubious consent at all, and I loved how much he encourages her to be herself and not hold anything back from him or herself. He loves her strength and wits in a battle. The story escalates with the evil malinov vampire, and boy it got intense at times. We have some future stories revealed including on who Gary's lifemate is which has been hinted at in previous books, but we see a different side to him. We see one of my new characters find his lifemate and hope his story will be soon.
The romance that develops between Lorraine and Andor is unforgettable. This is a fated mates trope (like many of Feehan's books) so that is something you need to enjoy. However I felt that Feehan really handled this trope so well in this book. Andor and Lorraine make a great team. Andor is a powerful Carpthathian hunter, but he also has compassion and understanding. Lorraine is human, fierce but gentle too. She has such a strong spirit but needs the soft moments in her life too. Too much violence she abhors but when she finds Andor, she finds a outlet for that which haunts her. Her life isn't all roses and daisies upon finding Andor, but she is able to find her center and peace in a way she never felt before. We see the friendships and the family bonds in this story that is simply so beautifully written.
I think it should be ours. Your brothers, in the short time I've known them, have given me back a family when I thought I would spend my life forever alone. You've offered me a world where I can matter, where my life has meaning.
Overall I found Dark Sentinel to be a tale of suspense, intrigue, dangerous creatures that go bump in the night and a endearing love story that tugs at all those sweet poignant emotions....A TALE TO SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET!!
I see you Lorraine. Never think for one moment that you are not my choice. That you are not in my heart. I cannot see anything or anyone but you.
Dax has been trapped inside a volcano in South America for the past 500 years. Dax has been hunting Mitro for hundreds of years, and has now woken up. He has spent quite some time in this volcano, and has been able to, with some outside help, keep Mitro trapped here. Mitro once had a lifemate, Arabejila, who helped Dax hunt down Mitro and her descendents have been keeping Mitro trapped inside the volcano. But when Mitro manages to escape, Dax ends up bonding his soul with a powerful dragon, and chases after Mitro and vows to destroy him, now having enough power to do so. Riley Parker, has recently lost her father, and trying to keep her mother from drifting away from her, they head on their regular trip every five years down to a land of their ancestors, to visit a volcano. Riley has no idea why its so important to always be coming down every five years, all she knows is how important it is. The closer and closer they get to the volcano, it starts to become evident that there is a evil stalking them, trying to kill her mother, which is slowing them down. When they finally reach their destination, Mitro ends up escaping and Riley comes across a man that is unlike any man she has ever known. A powerful being, that has been hunting Mitro for many years, and she discovers is her destiny. A man that see's her for who she truly is and shows her a world she never imagined existed. Dark Storms is the most recent in the Carpathian series, and I really liked this newest addition. Not as good as the earlier books, but was still a fun and enjoyable read. Dark Storm was a bit different than her other books in the series. For one we have never dealt with a volcano in her series before, so it was nice reading a scenery that was a bit different. I also liked how there was a dragon aspect added to the hero. I really liked how not only was Dax a powerful Carpathian but he also had his soul combined with a dragons (which I thought was so neat), so he is even more powerful than before. I also enjoyed Riley as the heroine, she is very independent and likes things her own way, but she easily accepts Dax into her life, and doesn't fight her feelings for him. She accepts Dax as he is, and accepts being his lifemate, and I just loved her sense of adventure and fun. I also enjoyed how Dax is not all "he man" and knows how powerful Riley is, and knows that she is key to helping him defeat Mitro. I also loved the chemistry between Dax and Riley, as usual with Feehan, very hot and sexy. One other aspect I enjoyed was seeing some other characters we have seen in other books (such as Gary and Jubal), playing a very active role as well. The one thing that I didn't like very much about the story, was that it didn't start out very excited. We don't see Dax and Riley meet for quite some time. It was almost half way through before we see them interact with each other. So I had to be patient, even though there were some action scenes that happen during this time, then it gets really good in the middle once Riley and Dax explore their relationship more and start their hunt for Mitro. Overall a thrilling and exciting new installment in the Carpathian Series. Even though in the past few years I haven't necessarily loved the later part of the series, I found myself really liking this one, and it has been quite some time since I have felt this way about her series. Definitely a fun tale of adventure, love mixed with danger that will leave you breathless.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dark Song is the newest installment in the Carpathian/Dark series by this incredible author. Christine Feehan has done a work of art within this series and most especially this book. I always am so impressed with how big this series has grown over the years (and I am definitely blessed to have followed it from almost the beginning) and seeing the depths of the world building and how this world she creates is utterly captivating and it NEVER loses it magic and this is what impresses me the most about this author. I can never seem to get enough of her work. Dark Song, however, is a must read for any paranormal romance lover, because I guarantee you will fall in love with it. There are some aspects (which I will discuss below) that you need to have an open mind in especially in regards to the heroine, but I promise this will win your heart just as it has mine.
Dark Song encompasses two characters that are both ancient Carpathians and both have suffered but have a love story that will be memorable for years to come. Our heroine Elisabeta (which is so pretty of a name) has been tortured, tormented, abused, demeaned by an ancient vampire, one of the Malinov brothers. She was kidnapped from her home and family and put through hell for most of her existence. She has only known pain and suffering. She has never had a life for herself. And then she is rescued and taken to a haven but she knows that is temporary and she now has a lifemate. A man she knows she will never be worthy of but will strive to survive just as she has all of these generations of time. Ferro, is an ancient Carpathian, one of the oldest of his kind and part of the monastery group. When he finds Elisabeta and realizes she is his lifemate, he knows their path will not be an easy one. She has suffered severe PTSD, doesn't know how to do the basic things but he is determined to show her of her true worth and gift. Through their journey together Ferro and Elisabeta will forge a bond so powerful....the notes of their song will sing to the world....
Dark Song may be the 30th installment (and yes you heard that right) but its one of my favorites of the series and quite frankly probably one of the MOST heart breaking and heart felt of them all. This story was NOT easy to read because of the journey that our heroine goes through especially. Now I want to make it clear this heroine is not weak, feeble, or a door mat. Too many times I see in this genre, heroines that are written in this way belittled and demeaned in this terminology. Elisabeta has been ABUSED for hundreds of years, and that takes a toll on someone. Elisabeta doesn't even know her own capabilities. She just knows laws, rules, obedience. That is it. She doesn't understand many concepts, or the women's movement or anything. She is more at ease following commands than forging her own path. But what was so incredible about her character was her growth. Seeing her come into her own, being more independent, seeing the value of her own worth and her own gifts.
I will admit I want to see more heroines like this in the series that are "Ancient" because I love seeing how strong they are that are equal to the males in their power and gifts. Because if you understand the Carpathian way ....longer you live the more talented and more power you have. And the women that are ancients always seem to surprise the men so deliciously and boy this heroine shocks the males int his book and I was so down with that. Our hero though I want to give him a commendation for how he treated Elisabeta. Because he was so patient with her, gentle, and kind. Even though his alpha instincts are riding him hard, he is so supportive and encouraging of her. Their story was so stunning in so many ways. And there is SO much going on in this book plot wise alone, so to see such depths and growth in their relationship and individually was powerful.
Overall I found Dark Song to be a vibrant, thrilling, heart felt romance that will stun your senses and captivate hearts along the way.....BEAUTIFULLY PENNED IN EVERY WAY!
In Dark Skye, we have a book that has been sitting on my shelf for months and I finally was able to pick this one up!!! So glad that I did, and even though its not my favorite of the series, it still had some stimulating potential that I would highly recommend to any PNR and UF fans. It begins with two warring factions, and two children of each faction who become best friends. But when a tradegy happens, and they betray each other, their lives changes. For centuries, Thronos has been chasing after Lanthe. He knows she is his enemy, and her betrayal still strikes deep. But the moment he captures her, they are forced to work together to survive. Thus begins a fragile reunion. Now these two at the beginning literally despise each other even though they once loved each other and shared secrets beneath Thronos’ wings. What I liked about this one was seeing a relationship full of hate and mistrust turn into something even more powerful….a love that never dies. This story swept me up instantly and I was overwhelmed by Thronos and Lanthe. I loved Thronos, such a fabulous hero and he is so patient and forigving in my opinion. Lanthe hasn’t exactly been as honorable as Thronos. But she proves herself to me through the story. I saw two people that developed a strong bond that no matter that their people were enemies they found a way to surpass expectations, and find their HEa—–although it takes quite a few tough battles for them to get there. But what a adventure we see them go through. Truly in love with this pair, and even though it could be heartbreaking at times….I gobbled it all up instantly.
