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Valerie Dearborn #1
Love is Darkness
Valerie Dearborn wants a cotton candy life, but it’s more like a puffer fish: pointy, unusual, and—if not prepared exactly right—deadly.
In London for graduate school, Val knows she's finally free. Her father and ex-almost-boyfriend are back in California and she's out of the Vampire hunting biz for good. Or is she?
She draws the attention of Lucas, a 1600 year old Vampire, and King to his kind. He’s also wicked hot. As golden as Lucifer, and just as tempting, he makes Valerie an offer she can't refuse— help him find out if the Others (Empaths, Fey and Werewolves) still exist or he'll stop protecting those she loves.
Lucas tells her that Empaths were a Vampire’s biggest weakness before going extinct hundreds of years ago. While the Fey or a Werewolf might kill a Vampire, an Empath could enslave them, seducing or harming with emotions at will. The one detail he leaves out? Valerie is an Empath.
And after 1600 years of an emotionless existence, Lucas wants Valerie like a recovering alcoholic wants a wine cooler.
Can she keep those she loves alive, stop Lucas from munching on her, survive a fanged revolution and still find a way to have that boring, normal life she’s always wanted? Probably not, but boy is she gonna try!
This is a full length novel and contains adult content.
In London for graduate school, Val knows she's finally free. Her father and ex-almost-boyfriend are back in California and she's out of the Vampire hunting biz for good. Or is she?
She draws the attention of Lucas, a 1600 year old Vampire, and King to his kind. He’s also wicked hot. As golden as Lucifer, and just as tempting, he makes Valerie an offer she can't refuse— help him find out if the Others (Empaths, Fey and Werewolves) still exist or he'll stop protecting those she loves.
Lucas tells her that Empaths were a Vampire’s biggest weakness before going extinct hundreds of years ago. While the Fey or a Werewolf might kill a Vampire, an Empath could enslave them, seducing or harming with emotions at will. The one detail he leaves out? Valerie is an Empath.
And after 1600 years of an emotionless existence, Lucas wants Valerie like a recovering alcoholic wants a wine cooler.
Can she keep those she loves alive, stop Lucas from munching on her, survive a fanged revolution and still find a way to have that boring, normal life she’s always wanted? Probably not, but boy is she gonna try!
This is a full length novel and contains adult content.
227 pages, Nook
First published August 27, 2011
926 people are currently reading
5816 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Hanson
18 books660 followersCaroline Hanson grew up in California and moved to London in order to dance and go to pubs. Eventually, she matured enough to marry and imported an Englishman, returning to the United States.
After passing the bar, she had two children and now tries to parent, read, write and play tennis. She's heard rumors that other mothers clean and cook but is putting in serious effort to make sure those rumors don't reach her family.
Caroline grew up listening to Brit pop and reading about vampires. As a teenager her favorite authors were Anne Rice and Jude Deveraux. Now she loves Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Laura Kinsale, Lisa Kleypas, Loretta Chase, Nalini Singh and JR Ward-- that's the short list.
She is also the proud owner of a WWJD t-shirt, (What Would Joss do?) which she hopes is apparent in her books.
She loves to hear from fans and her second book in the Valerie Dearborn Series, Love is Fear, will be published in December 2011.
A free short story called Bewitching the Werewolf was released in September on Smashwords.
After passing the bar, she had two children and now tries to parent, read, write and play tennis. She's heard rumors that other mothers clean and cook but is putting in serious effort to make sure those rumors don't reach her family.
Caroline grew up listening to Brit pop and reading about vampires. As a teenager her favorite authors were Anne Rice and Jude Deveraux. Now she loves Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Laura Kinsale, Lisa Kleypas, Loretta Chase, Nalini Singh and JR Ward-- that's the short list.
She is also the proud owner of a WWJD t-shirt, (What Would Joss do?) which she hopes is apparent in her books.
She loves to hear from fans and her second book in the Valerie Dearborn Series, Love is Fear, will be published in December 2011.
A free short story called Bewitching the Werewolf was released in September on Smashwords.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 507 reviews
December 14, 2011
Reading this book was about as interesting as listening to my own brain cells die. Oh, now isn't that coincidental...several brain cells died a horrible death in the reading of this book. I'm not sure if this book was supposed to be PNR, UF, YA, Indie or what. But whatever it's supposed genre, it was a horribly painful book to read.
The heroine, and please know that I use the word loosely, was a slut. I hate throwing around such a tabooed word as slut.
I am not trying to be cruel but the story was weak and the romance, between any of the characters, was non-existent. How could any romance occur when Val was aroused by every Tom, Dick, and Tree Stump? The story lacked any parallelism because of all the time jumps and really didn't start until my Kindle was at 40%. Hansen ended the story, basically in mid-paragraph...I suppose her version of a cliffhanger...to encourage the reader to buy the next book in the series, Love is Fear. People say the second book in a series is often better than the first...I'm not sure about that.
My head is yelling PASS!!!! on the next one. This book received great reviews on GR and on Amazon so maybe I'm missing something.
The heroine, and please know that I use the word loosely, was a slut. I hate throwing around such a tabooed word as slut.
*RAH...RAH...RAH...woman's lib...and feminism rocks*However, Val blew feminism to smithereens. She vacillated between Jack and Lucas for the entirety of the book. Oh, and let's not forget the one night wonder of Ian, who she slept with just to prove that she didn't want Lucas. She had sex with Ian and left his room immediately after the deed was done and discovered Jack in her room when she returned. She goes all mooney over Jack because he was the man she loved. Umm, excuse me Slutty Spice, but you just slept with one man to forget about a man you lusted after but was not the man you loved. *Skeevy*. What a slutty and tangled web Val weaved. She auto-orgasmed twice, one time from Jack and one time from Lucas, with very little to almost no stimulation. Really? Auto-orgasm? What woman does that?!?! This story was supposed to be a paranormal romance and not a fantasy.
I am not trying to be cruel but the story was weak and the romance, between any of the characters, was non-existent. How could any romance occur when Val was aroused by every Tom, Dick, and Tree Stump? The story lacked any parallelism because of all the time jumps and really didn't start until my Kindle was at 40%. Hansen ended the story, basically in mid-paragraph...I suppose her version of a cliffhanger...to encourage the reader to buy the next book in the series, Love is Fear. People say the second book in a series is often better than the first...I'm not sure about that.
My head is yelling PASS!!!! on the next one. This book received great reviews on GR and on Amazon so maybe I'm missing something.
May 11, 2017
Review posted: 11.06.2016
*Might contain spoilers*
I really, really hate Valerie. She's a selfish bitch, who only cares for herself. She's also a goddamn schizo, and she blames everyone else but herself for situations that are not others fault. She's violent (at least that's what I see her as), tries to provoke a 1600 year old vampire with violence. One minute she speaking softly and stroking his cheek, next she's slapping him, or dragging her nails down his cheek. Yes, she did that. I mean, come on; who the hell does that?! She almost beg Lucas to fuck her, gets angry when he says no, and then she blames him for her lust, desire and wants? No. Just fucking no.
Not only that, she uses Lucas, in a way that is despicable. I hate her! Nate, Val's father gets hurt, who does she blame? Lucas. She hates herself, who does she blame? Lucas. Something happens, who does she blame? Can you guess? You guess right, she blame Lucas. She uses people, or more correctly; she uses Lucas. She wants something from Lucas, something that can destroy everything Lucas is trying to do, and if he gives her that, she will sleep with him and then go back to Jack. Who the hell does that?
The only reason I didn't give up this book was Lucas, a 1600 year old Vampire King. He's amazing. I love his coldness, his numbness, his beautiful face and body and I also how he is confused by human emotions because he cannot feel anything himself. I love how he talks and how he looks at Val, though she doesn't deserve his affection at all. I would actually have no problem with Val dying and getting replaced by another woman, but since this series is called 'Valerie Dearborn', I'm guessing that ain't happening anytime soon. The only reason I wanted Lucas with Val was because Lucas would then be winning. Though winning Val isn't all that much, considering how much I hate her.
Jake wasn't that bad either. He just wanted revenge more than anything else, and I get that. Also, he did give me the 'brother' feels. So picturing him and Val together just felt wrong. Jack would have been awesome though, and I probably would have loved him if it weren't for Lucas. Perhaps Val should die or disappear or something, and Lucas and Jake could get together...hmmm, I wonder how that would go... The story was alright, I guess. Not much happened, except for Val wanting three men (does Ian even count?), her blaming others for her actions, and Lucas being hot. I don't really think the series will improve much more should I continue with it.
Anyway, this book did have potential, if it weren't for the much hated main character and heroine. And no matter how much I love Lucas, I cannot find the will and strength to continue with this series, hell, I even had problems finishing this one.. Yet another series given up on :( Plus, was it just me, or did this series, in a way, remind you of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton? Just in a...worse way? No? Just me then...
*Might contain spoilers*
“You want me to be unselfish? A vampire is selfish. We kill so that we can survive, that is the ultimate selfishness.”
I really, really hate Valerie. She's a selfish bitch, who only cares for herself. She's also a goddamn schizo, and she blames everyone else but herself for situations that are not others fault. She's violent (at least that's what I see her as), tries to provoke a 1600 year old vampire with violence. One minute she speaking softly and stroking his cheek, next she's slapping him, or dragging her nails down his cheek. Yes, she did that. I mean, come on; who the hell does that?! She almost beg Lucas to fuck her, gets angry when he says no, and then she blames him for her lust, desire and wants? No. Just fucking no.
“How flattering. The only reason I’m in danger is because of you.”
“Now that is an unusual picture. Jack and your father are just as guilty as I for involving you in our world. Do you not blame them as well?”
Not only that, she uses Lucas, in a way that is despicable. I hate her! Nate, Val's father gets hurt, who does she blame? Lucas. She hates herself, who does she blame? Lucas. Something happens, who does she blame? Can you guess? You guess right, she blame Lucas. She uses people, or more correctly; she uses Lucas. She wants something from Lucas, something that can destroy everything Lucas is trying to do, and if he gives her that, she will sleep with him and then go back to Jack. Who the hell does that?
Everything she knew about him rushed through her mind like a tidal wave.
The only reason I didn't give up this book was Lucas, a 1600 year old Vampire King. He's amazing. I love his coldness, his numbness, his beautiful face and body and I also how he is confused by human emotions because he cannot feel anything himself. I love how he talks and how he looks at Val, though she doesn't deserve his affection at all. I would actually have no problem with Val dying and getting replaced by another woman, but since this series is called 'Valerie Dearborn', I'm guessing that ain't happening anytime soon. The only reason I wanted Lucas with Val was because Lucas would then be winning. Though winning Val isn't all that much, considering how much I hate her.
“Of course it was, this was perfect Jack. She could tear his fucking heart out and he'd want to know is she broke a nail.”
Jake wasn't that bad either. He just wanted revenge more than anything else, and I get that. Also, he did give me the 'brother' feels. So picturing him and Val together just felt wrong. Jack would have been awesome though, and I probably would have loved him if it weren't for Lucas. Perhaps Val should die or disappear or something, and Lucas and Jake could get together...hmmm, I wonder how that would go... The story was alright, I guess. Not much happened, except for Val wanting three men (does Ian even count?), her blaming others for her actions, and Lucas being hot. I don't really think the series will improve much more should I continue with it.
“I know that whenever someone tells you they are doing 'what's best for you', you're screwed. Those are not words you want to hear. It's right up there with 'it's not you it's me'.”
Anyway, this book did have potential, if it weren't for the much hated main character and heroine. And no matter how much I love Lucas, I cannot find the will and strength to continue with this series, hell, I even had problems finishing this one.. Yet another series given up on :( Plus, was it just me, or did this series, in a way, remind you of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton? Just in a...worse way? No? Just me then...
November 20, 2015
4,5 Stars.
Yes, it took me more than 3 years to finish this book but that is definitely not a comment to the storyline itself. I loved it from the beginning i just lost it somewhere and it took me awhile to complete it.
Valerie Dearborn is a great heroine, witty, mouthy, seeking for normalcy in her life and nowadays alone. After she decides that the vampire hunting lifestyle is not for her, she leaves everything behind and restarts her life.
But that won't last for a long time. Bound to trouble like always she will find herself tangled up with an ancient powerful and unfeeling vampire who is obsessed with her that's Lucas, her true true love vampire hunter who is also her father's protege Jack and every mythical creature out there.
Valerie will try to protect her loved ones, Lucas will try to exploit their chemistry and Jack will try to keep at bay in order to protect her. I don't normally like love triangles but this one was nicely written and i had no problem at all. Although it ends with a big cliffhanger i also didn't mind at all. So one to next one in the series, I'm sure it'll worth my time.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- I still don't know who i'd like her to end up with!
- Jack and Val growing up together. AWWW!
- Lucas was the anti-hero but and i liked him right away.
Yes, it took me more than 3 years to finish this book but that is definitely not a comment to the storyline itself. I loved it from the beginning i just lost it somewhere and it took me awhile to complete it.
Valerie Dearborn is a great heroine, witty, mouthy, seeking for normalcy in her life and nowadays alone. After she decides that the vampire hunting lifestyle is not for her, she leaves everything behind and restarts her life.
But that won't last for a long time. Bound to trouble like always she will find herself tangled up with an ancient powerful and unfeeling vampire who is obsessed with her that's Lucas, her true true love vampire hunter who is also her father's protege Jack and every mythical creature out there.
Valerie will try to protect her loved ones, Lucas will try to exploit their chemistry and Jack will try to keep at bay in order to protect her. I don't normally like love triangles but this one was nicely written and i had no problem at all. Although it ends with a big cliffhanger i also didn't mind at all. So one to next one in the series, I'm sure it'll worth my time.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- I still don't know who i'd like her to end up with!
- Jack and Val growing up together. AWWW!
- Lucas was the anti-hero but and i liked him right away.
October 20, 2011
I am a paranormal romance and all things vampire junkie. There isn't much I haven't read, and finding a book with a new twist on things is hard to come by. With that said, I was skimming through my Kindle one evening looking for a book to jump out at me, I came accross Love is Darkness and thought "hmmmm, let's give it a try". A few hours later and some very swoon worthy moments, I finished the book and went on the search for book number 2. My heart ached when I found out I would have to wait until December to find out what was going to happen next. DECEMBER!!!! this is torture.
Our heroine, Valerie Dearborn is a woman that wants to be free of the nightmare she has been forced to live since she was a child, she gets into the college she wants, then eventually moves to London in search of freedom. Little does she know that a blast from her past is about to come knocking on her perverbial door and her life is going to be no where near normal.
Enter the luscious Vampire King Lucas, **Sigh**.......sorry, I got sidetracked. Lucas is HOT, treacherous and oh so smooth, Valerie can't decide what she is doing with him, but she knows exactly what she wants to do with him (wink, wink). And the fact he agrees to protect her and the ones she loves if she agrees to help him find something or somethings that he wants puts her right in the middle of some very unpleasnt situations. She also is let in on the secret that she is an Empath and that makes her very desriable (in not a good way) to vampires. The story weaves in colorful characters (oh Marion you are a cruel one), tender moments, anger, confusion, blood, gore, manipulation, treason, sadness and romance. Did I mention the HOT vampire king? There are questions that need to be answered here! Can Lucas keep his hands off Valerie and his teeth out of her? Does she want him too? Will she find the peace she is looking for? Needless to say I was blown away by the first book in this series and I am eagerly awaiting book number 2 "Love is Fear". Oh Ms. Caroline you have bewitched me. Awesome book solid 5 stars
Our heroine, Valerie Dearborn is a woman that wants to be free of the nightmare she has been forced to live since she was a child, she gets into the college she wants, then eventually moves to London in search of freedom. Little does she know that a blast from her past is about to come knocking on her perverbial door and her life is going to be no where near normal.
Enter the luscious Vampire King Lucas, **Sigh**.......sorry, I got sidetracked. Lucas is HOT, treacherous and oh so smooth, Valerie can't decide what she is doing with him, but she knows exactly what she wants to do with him (wink, wink). And the fact he agrees to protect her and the ones she loves if she agrees to help him find something or somethings that he wants puts her right in the middle of some very unpleasnt situations. She also is let in on the secret that she is an Empath and that makes her very desriable (in not a good way) to vampires. The story weaves in colorful characters (oh Marion you are a cruel one), tender moments, anger, confusion, blood, gore, manipulation, treason, sadness and romance. Did I mention the HOT vampire king? There are questions that need to be answered here! Can Lucas keep his hands off Valerie and his teeth out of her? Does she want him too? Will she find the peace she is looking for? Needless to say I was blown away by the first book in this series and I am eagerly awaiting book number 2 "Love is Fear". Oh Ms. Caroline you have bewitched me. Awesome book solid 5 stars
November 2, 2011
Simply put... AMAZING! Now for the details.
Hanson has easily earned a position in my top ten favorite authors, which is not easy to do. I consider myself a tough customer and Caroline Hanson has solidly delivered! Her plot was involved and woven very well. Her pacing was spot on and she did a good job of providing tension and conflict in the form of external and internal conflict in every scene. Character development was great as well, I felt connected with the characters and could really visualize them and feel their pain and their happiness. Dialog was witty, funny and flowed wonderfully. Hanson left a wonderful hanger at the end and I will definitely be reading more. My only nit was the opening of the book. It felt a bit choppy and a little hard to follow with lots of internal dialog in short sentences. Looking back, now that I've finished the novel, I understand now what she was trying to convey though I figured it out pretty quick as I continued reading. But don't let it stop you from reading an excellent book!
Hanson has easily earned a position in my top ten favorite authors, which is not easy to do. I consider myself a tough customer and Caroline Hanson has solidly delivered! Her plot was involved and woven very well. Her pacing was spot on and she did a good job of providing tension and conflict in the form of external and internal conflict in every scene. Character development was great as well, I felt connected with the characters and could really visualize them and feel their pain and their happiness. Dialog was witty, funny and flowed wonderfully. Hanson left a wonderful hanger at the end and I will definitely be reading more. My only nit was the opening of the book. It felt a bit choppy and a little hard to follow with lots of internal dialog in short sentences. Looking back, now that I've finished the novel, I understand now what she was trying to convey though I figured it out pretty quick as I continued reading. But don't let it stop you from reading an excellent book!
June 1, 2014
Hmm, something was missing here...oh yeah, a plot.
I'm not a big vampire book reader, so I'm not sure what even made me get this. I did read a few pretty good ones recently, like The Greyfriar -a steampunk vampire book, and The Immortal Rules -a dystopian vampire book, so I guess I figured I'd keep going until I read one that would make me stop buying them. Found it!
I'm not sure who this book is even geared to - it reads really juvenile, yet there's some pretty graphic sex scenes, so I don't think it's supposed to be YA. From the synopsis and the book cover, I was thinking it would be a fun, maybe a bit fluffy story so I was surprised at the amount of stupid angsty crap that littered it throughout. Oh, Val just loves Jack so much. But Lucas is so hot. But Jack is hot too. She's so attracted to Jack. But she's so attracted to Lucas too. Oh what to do, what to do.
It ended with a mid-scene cliffhanger - which by the way, is completely obnoxious and irritating - but whatever, I'm not reading the sequel anyway.
I'm not a big vampire book reader, so I'm not sure what even made me get this. I did read a few pretty good ones recently, like The Greyfriar -a steampunk vampire book, and The Immortal Rules -a dystopian vampire book, so I guess I figured I'd keep going until I read one that would make me stop buying them. Found it!
I'm not sure who this book is even geared to - it reads really juvenile, yet there's some pretty graphic sex scenes, so I don't think it's supposed to be YA. From the synopsis and the book cover, I was thinking it would be a fun, maybe a bit fluffy story so I was surprised at the amount of stupid angsty crap that littered it throughout. Oh, Val just loves Jack so much. But Lucas is so hot. But Jack is hot too. She's so attracted to Jack. But she's so attracted to Lucas too. Oh what to do, what to do.
It ended with a mid-scene cliffhanger - which by the way, is completely obnoxious and irritating - but whatever, I'm not reading the sequel anyway.
January 18, 2013
Lucas. A 1600 year old vampire King attempting to restore ballance in both supernatural and human world, while attempting to keep at bay his unquenchable desire for Val, a Hunter's daughter and Empath. She could destroy him with only her emotions. Bring him to his knees with her confusing want for him. Torn between games of politics, rebellions, and a pull so strong it does not end with this book but keeps us waiting for more.
Val. A girl desperate for a normal life, free of deaths and the hunt of vampires. Sought out by a powerful vampire to set out on a search in exchange for the protection of those she loves. But the attraction is more than she can cope with or understand. And the bond with the vampire will leave her more mind-boggled than it is possible.
Cliffhanger alert! What will happen next remains to be seen.
His gaze burned into hers, words quiet and forceful. “You want me to feel more? You want a declaration? Love? I can tell you that I have wanted
nothing more than you for hundreds upon hundreds of years, that I will kill anyone for you, anyone you can name. In me you have a shield, could have
a lover, a friend and a confidant.”
*****
She was going to turn, see what he saw but he cupped her face in his, leaned down to kiss her. “One last kiss until next time. And next time…we
make it to the bed."
Val. A girl desperate for a normal life, free of deaths and the hunt of vampires. Sought out by a powerful vampire to set out on a search in exchange for the protection of those she loves. But the attraction is more than she can cope with or understand. And the bond with the vampire will leave her more mind-boggled than it is possible.
“You’re underdressed,” she said. Up here, Val. Look at his face! Well, at least she knew he wanted her too. She could see his erection under
the towel, heavy and huge, pressed flat against his stomach.
“You want me to take you to him?”
“What?” Look. UP.
*****
“If I open this bag will I find a human heart?” Val couldn't believe she'd said that. Was it a joke?
“I paid for a croissant. If it is a human heart I shall be quite put out.
Cliffhanger alert! What will happen next remains to be seen.
November 5, 2011
This book came up on a Goodreads discussion thread about books similar to Moning’s Fever series. It is a little indie book from a self-published author. I found it refreshingly engaging, witty, and well written. I’m not sure I’d compare it to Moning’s Fever series because it’s not an epic fantasy novel, but I can draw favorable parallels to the Neill’s Chicagoland series. Love is Darkness however, stands up on it's own two legs as a superb addition to the parnormal romance genre.
Premise:
Valerie wants a normal life. She’s a rainbows and sunshine kind of girl, who has unfortunately known far too much darkness. When her mother was killed by a vampire years earlier, Valarie’s father became obsessed with hunting and killing the undead. His crusade was absolute and left no room for anything else in his existence, including his little girl. To all extents and purposes, Valarie grew up without a father in her life – instead she had a drill instructor, a training regime, and a constant series of field exercises in vampire killings. Her happy go lucky ways, and reluctance to kill earned her nothing but her disapproval and scorn from her father and her adopted “brother,” and longtime crush, Jack. She tried for them, but her best was never good enough. The role of slayer never fit her and she withered in the midst of the darkness and violence they created.
Everything changed when she graduated high school. She staked a claim on her life, cut her ties, and left her family behind for school. For the first time she was able to really live life – to embrace it and find joy, and for a time it seemed like she’d changed her stars… which was when the vampires found her.
Lucas is a 1600 year old vampire and king to his people. For him, and those of his kind, the long press of years steals humanity and emotions, steadily increasing the ennui of existence. The only escape is suicide, and the only reprieve can be found in empaths – a type of supernatural human long thought extinct. At one point empaths acted as diplomats and peace keepers in the supernatural world. But Empath blood is like a drug to vampires, making them feel again, and even their physical presence evokes emotions in those around them.
Unbeknownst to her, Valarie is an Empath, the last of that kind. This supernatural legacy seals her fate, tying her to the very world she thought to escape. She ran from her father’s crusade, but she cannot escape her own gift. It draws Lucas to her. He wishes to use her talents to help rebuild the world of supernaturals he helped break centuries before when he summarily hunted down and killed the werewolves, fae, and empaths. Now there are only vampires left, and the balance of the unseen world is off kilter.
When the life path Valarie yearns for seems forever closed to her, which road will she choose? Will she embrace her father’s mission, and lend aid to the hunters, or will she take up Lucas’ cause and help him find redemption by rebuilding the supernatural world?
My thoughts:
Likeable characters are the most important element of good fiction for me. I want to connect with my protagonist (and even sometimes my antagonists), understand them. I want to feel what they feel, share their victories, and weep for their defeats. As you might imagine, I frequently feel disappointed with characters in novels. Often characters are written as likeable, but I just can’t relate to them. Their internal monolog doesn’t reveal enough to allow me to make that kind of connection. I felt every character in Love is Darkness was beautifully fleshed out, completely likeable, and very understandable. Even the inhuman ones, like Lucas.
I loved Valarie’s character almost from the first page. She has had such a hard and sad life – the kind of life that could make a girl bitter and angry, but she is neither. She works hard, tries to stay positive, and uses humor to cope with the pain in her life. She’s sort of a cross between Merit from Chicagoland and Mac from Fever – she has Mac’s love of sunshine, vigor for life, and joy (minus the Barbie doll silliness), and Merit’s sense humor and duty. Her humor is delightfully witty and sarcastic - it adds a fun bit of light heartedness to the very dramatic events in the story.
The love interests in her life are incredibly sexy. There is a love triangle here, but both men involved are so remarkably hot, I’d have a hard time picking teams.
Jack won my heart early in the book. His story is just as sad as Valarie’s. His family was brutally slaughtered vampires when he was a child. He was saved and brought up by Valarie’s father. Where she made peace with her violent past, Jack seeks vengeance with single-minded determination. In many ways Jack is the child Valarie’s father always yearned for – he was the “perfect one” growing up, whereas Valarie was always found lacking. Despite this, she loved Jack. And it seems he loved her. Their feelings were never spoken, and the time never seemed right for them. Jack spent the time he should have been sharing secret kisses acting as protective and disapproving older brother. They have romantic moments together, but it’s always one step forward, two steps back. He would do anything for her, do anything to protect her, except give up his mission. Vengeance was always more important to him than Valarie. The romantic tension here is enough to help the pages, and make you SQUEE in a most teendagerish fashion.
My other book boyfriend here is, of course, the 1600 year old vampire king, Lucas. He’s a golden god, with long flaxen hair, and stormy eyes. 100% pure vampire sex on a stick. He’s definitely an alpha male, but more Ethan from Chicagoland than Drago from Dragon Bound. Think noble, remote king instead of angry, domineering bad boy. His age makes him inhuman and remote, but his actions speak of honor, and buried passion. One of the things I loved about Lucas was his sense of purpose. He should, by all rights, be yearning for death at his age. Yet instead of giving into ennui, he directs his energies into a genuinely noble mission. By far his most sterling virtue is his sense of honor. We see primarily in the way he treats Valarie. He yearns for her. Her blood is like a drug to him, something that calls to him constantly, yet he treats her with complete respect and honor. Her understands her Empath nature better than she does, and refuses to take advantage – he protects her, honors her, and gently pushes her away to keep her safe.
Have I mentioned how hot these guys are? Yup I think I did, but man if you enjoy a healthy dose of smoking hot romance, and some very well written sexy scenes this is definitely the book for you.
I’m so focused on the characters and romance here; I’m neglecting to talk much about the plot. The author definitely didn’t slack in this department. The story is well paced, and completely engaging. I picked up at about 8 PM, and didn’t want to put it down even to sleep. This book deals primarily with establishing Lucas’ mission, and his and Valarie’s partnership, but there is also unrest in vampire society. Lucas’ vision for the reunification of the supernaturals hasn’t been well received by those of this kind, and forces are at work to supplant him on the throne. All very good stuff.
My only nitpick is a minor one involving the antagonist – Marion. She felt a bit wooden to me as a character – I had a hard time “getting” her – perhaps because she’s also bat sh*t crazy. I also felt she was given far too much leeway to wreak havoc in the story. I felt Lucas could have done a better job at anticipating and curtailing her acts of mayhem.
I really loved this book. Can’t you tell by the length of this review? Reading a novel like this is similar to finding a diamond when you went mining for coal. It’s a tiny little indie book of remarkable and unexpected quality – certainly better than any other self-published book I’ve read, and I’d put it up against many of the published ones I’ve picked up lately. It’s a novel I see myself reading many times, and that’s not something I say lightly. I’ve read plenty of quality books that I enjoyed yet would probably never re-read. Love is Darkness has a perfect blend of very likeable characters, a good story, and a romance that makes the heart sing.
Premise:
Valerie wants a normal life. She’s a rainbows and sunshine kind of girl, who has unfortunately known far too much darkness. When her mother was killed by a vampire years earlier, Valarie’s father became obsessed with hunting and killing the undead. His crusade was absolute and left no room for anything else in his existence, including his little girl. To all extents and purposes, Valarie grew up without a father in her life – instead she had a drill instructor, a training regime, and a constant series of field exercises in vampire killings. Her happy go lucky ways, and reluctance to kill earned her nothing but her disapproval and scorn from her father and her adopted “brother,” and longtime crush, Jack. She tried for them, but her best was never good enough. The role of slayer never fit her and she withered in the midst of the darkness and violence they created.
Everything changed when she graduated high school. She staked a claim on her life, cut her ties, and left her family behind for school. For the first time she was able to really live life – to embrace it and find joy, and for a time it seemed like she’d changed her stars… which was when the vampires found her.
Lucas is a 1600 year old vampire and king to his people. For him, and those of his kind, the long press of years steals humanity and emotions, steadily increasing the ennui of existence. The only escape is suicide, and the only reprieve can be found in empaths – a type of supernatural human long thought extinct. At one point empaths acted as diplomats and peace keepers in the supernatural world. But Empath blood is like a drug to vampires, making them feel again, and even their physical presence evokes emotions in those around them.
Unbeknownst to her, Valarie is an Empath, the last of that kind. This supernatural legacy seals her fate, tying her to the very world she thought to escape. She ran from her father’s crusade, but she cannot escape her own gift. It draws Lucas to her. He wishes to use her talents to help rebuild the world of supernaturals he helped break centuries before when he summarily hunted down and killed the werewolves, fae, and empaths. Now there are only vampires left, and the balance of the unseen world is off kilter.
When the life path Valarie yearns for seems forever closed to her, which road will she choose? Will she embrace her father’s mission, and lend aid to the hunters, or will she take up Lucas’ cause and help him find redemption by rebuilding the supernatural world?
My thoughts:
Likeable characters are the most important element of good fiction for me. I want to connect with my protagonist (and even sometimes my antagonists), understand them. I want to feel what they feel, share their victories, and weep for their defeats. As you might imagine, I frequently feel disappointed with characters in novels. Often characters are written as likeable, but I just can’t relate to them. Their internal monolog doesn’t reveal enough to allow me to make that kind of connection. I felt every character in Love is Darkness was beautifully fleshed out, completely likeable, and very understandable. Even the inhuman ones, like Lucas.
I loved Valarie’s character almost from the first page. She has had such a hard and sad life – the kind of life that could make a girl bitter and angry, but she is neither. She works hard, tries to stay positive, and uses humor to cope with the pain in her life. She’s sort of a cross between Merit from Chicagoland and Mac from Fever – she has Mac’s love of sunshine, vigor for life, and joy (minus the Barbie doll silliness), and Merit’s sense humor and duty. Her humor is delightfully witty and sarcastic - it adds a fun bit of light heartedness to the very dramatic events in the story.
The love interests in her life are incredibly sexy. There is a love triangle here, but both men involved are so remarkably hot, I’d have a hard time picking teams.
Jack won my heart early in the book. His story is just as sad as Valarie’s. His family was brutally slaughtered vampires when he was a child. He was saved and brought up by Valarie’s father. Where she made peace with her violent past, Jack seeks vengeance with single-minded determination. In many ways Jack is the child Valarie’s father always yearned for – he was the “perfect one” growing up, whereas Valarie was always found lacking. Despite this, she loved Jack. And it seems he loved her. Their feelings were never spoken, and the time never seemed right for them. Jack spent the time he should have been sharing secret kisses acting as protective and disapproving older brother. They have romantic moments together, but it’s always one step forward, two steps back. He would do anything for her, do anything to protect her, except give up his mission. Vengeance was always more important to him than Valarie. The romantic tension here is enough to help the pages, and make you SQUEE in a most teendagerish fashion.
My other book boyfriend here is, of course, the 1600 year old vampire king, Lucas. He’s a golden god, with long flaxen hair, and stormy eyes. 100% pure vampire sex on a stick. He’s definitely an alpha male, but more Ethan from Chicagoland than Drago from Dragon Bound. Think noble, remote king instead of angry, domineering bad boy. His age makes him inhuman and remote, but his actions speak of honor, and buried passion. One of the things I loved about Lucas was his sense of purpose. He should, by all rights, be yearning for death at his age. Yet instead of giving into ennui, he directs his energies into a genuinely noble mission. By far his most sterling virtue is his sense of honor. We see primarily in the way he treats Valarie. He yearns for her. Her blood is like a drug to him, something that calls to him constantly, yet he treats her with complete respect and honor. Her understands her Empath nature better than she does, and refuses to take advantage – he protects her, honors her, and gently pushes her away to keep her safe.
Have I mentioned how hot these guys are? Yup I think I did, but man if you enjoy a healthy dose of smoking hot romance, and some very well written sexy scenes this is definitely the book for you.
I’m so focused on the characters and romance here; I’m neglecting to talk much about the plot. The author definitely didn’t slack in this department. The story is well paced, and completely engaging. I picked up at about 8 PM, and didn’t want to put it down even to sleep. This book deals primarily with establishing Lucas’ mission, and his and Valarie’s partnership, but there is also unrest in vampire society. Lucas’ vision for the reunification of the supernaturals hasn’t been well received by those of this kind, and forces are at work to supplant him on the throne. All very good stuff.
My only nitpick is a minor one involving the antagonist – Marion. She felt a bit wooden to me as a character – I had a hard time “getting” her – perhaps because she’s also bat sh*t crazy. I also felt she was given far too much leeway to wreak havoc in the story. I felt Lucas could have done a better job at anticipating and curtailing her acts of mayhem.
I really loved this book. Can’t you tell by the length of this review? Reading a novel like this is similar to finding a diamond when you went mining for coal. It’s a tiny little indie book of remarkable and unexpected quality – certainly better than any other self-published book I’ve read, and I’d put it up against many of the published ones I’ve picked up lately. It’s a novel I see myself reading many times, and that’s not something I say lightly. I’ve read plenty of quality books that I enjoyed yet would probably never re-read. Love is Darkness has a perfect blend of very likeable characters, a good story, and a romance that makes the heart sing.
May 10, 2013
All Valerie wanted was a normal life. Raised by her father to be a vampire hunter, she had always known that as soon as she was old enough she would leaving that life of death and danger behind. Starting over on her own is not as easy as she thought it would be, and running from her past is next to impossible.
I really like Valerie as a protagonist. She does not come from a perfect little world where everything is rose colored and happy. Her whole life has revolved around death and fear, and her survival instinct tells her to run from the vampires, not to them. As a survival instinct she has learned to keep people at arm's length and to use her attitude to hide her true feelings.
The story starts 15 years in the past and slowly brings us up to present day. I enjoyed the way the author brought out the details of the story and the interactions between the characters. With each scene you could feel the tension between Valerie and Jack, and once Lucas enters the picture everything gets kicked up a notch. I am looking forward to the next book in this series to see where the story goes.
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really like Valerie as a protagonist. She does not come from a perfect little world where everything is rose colored and happy. Her whole life has revolved around death and fear, and her survival instinct tells her to run from the vampires, not to them. As a survival instinct she has learned to keep people at arm's length and to use her attitude to hide her true feelings.
The story starts 15 years in the past and slowly brings us up to present day. I enjoyed the way the author brought out the details of the story and the interactions between the characters. With each scene you could feel the tension between Valerie and Jack, and once Lucas enters the picture everything gets kicked up a notch. I am looking forward to the next book in this series to see where the story goes.
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2012
I absolutely loved this book (except for the kindle typos, but I don't blame the author for that). To me this is a cross between Buffy the Vampire Slayer (see why I liked it?!) and the Fever series. But it doesn't feel derivative in any sense to me. I found the storytelling phenomenal, the characters engaging and the worldbuilding quite fascinating, and some parts actually laugh out loud funny. (one such quote "probably not a Kindle kind of guy. Just a guess.") I had absolutely no problem stepping into the main characters shoes, and inhabiting this world from her viewpoint. I was actually 21 once upon a time, and her reactions felt very real to me as viewed from that perspective. And is the King of the Vampires ever an Alpha Male! Some of the scenes with him were smoking hot!
September 11, 2016
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
3.5 stars
So, how to resist to a title & cover like this, even if it has the one thing I despise when reading and what usually makes me stay away from a book- the (in)famous curse of a LOVE TRIANGLE? I know I tried and failed, but fortunately I'm not sorry this time.
This actually turned out to be one of the rare books I've read and liked, although it has a *love triangle* in it. I know I always say that I'm not so big on romance and cheesy lines, but I prefer books with no triangles, squares etc., bottom line- no more than one drama queen whose biggest worry is: whom of these gorgeous & super-rich super models should I choose -_-. As the matter of fact, one of the guys in question in this book is a vampire hunter & the other is a wicked vampire king.
The story was super-funny, action-packed and with a very hot romance. I don't remember the last time I read a book with so much sexual tension between the characters that in one moment you just wanna shout at them :"JUST DO IT ALREADY !" Actually, I think I got that covered a couple of times :). Finally, an author who gave me a good reason to make me believe that it's possible to be in love in two persons at the same time. Yes, both male characters were were uber-hot, but they did a lot of swoon-worthy things for the female character that I kept changing my mind through the whole book about who the girl should choose.
His gaze burned into hers, words quiet and forceful. “You want me to feel more? You want a declaration? Love? I can tell you that I have wanted
nothing more than you for hundreds upon hundreds of years, that I will kill anyone for you, anyone you can name. In me you have a shield, could have
a lover, a friend and a confidant.”
Oh well, the wicked vampire had won in the end. That shameless dirty talker! But, I still like the hunter too, damn it! See, that's why I avoid this type of books. The female protagonist was at times great and so funny, but a other times also very annoying, because she had like billions questions about every situation she found herself in and I just wanted to shake her and tell her to relax, but then my "dear" friends reminded me that I can be like that so I forgave her :P :).
All in all- a very good paranormal book and I recommend it to everyone who likes vampires, empaths (fairies and werewolves in the future probably), love triangles etc. I'm looking forward to the next one, but I know I'll probably stop reading it if the female protagonist doesn't choose one of the guys (read: the wicked vampire) and she better do it soon enough, although the other one is great too *sigh*.
I guess I'll wait for the next book for my final decision.
"If I open this bag will I find a human heart?” Val couldn't believe she'd said that. Was it a joke?
“I paid for a croissant. If it is a human heart I shall be quite put out."
3.5 stars
So, how to resist to a title & cover like this, even if it has the one thing I despise when reading and what usually makes me stay away from a book- the (in)famous curse of a LOVE TRIANGLE? I know I tried and failed, but fortunately I'm not sorry this time.
This actually turned out to be one of the rare books I've read and liked, although it has a *love triangle* in it. I know I always say that I'm not so big on romance and cheesy lines, but I prefer books with no triangles, squares etc., bottom line- no more than one drama queen whose biggest worry is: whom of these gorgeous & super-rich super models should I choose -_-. As the matter of fact, one of the guys in question in this book is a vampire hunter & the other is a wicked vampire king.
The story was super-funny, action-packed and with a very hot romance. I don't remember the last time I read a book with so much sexual tension between the characters that in one moment you just wanna shout at them :"JUST DO IT ALREADY !" Actually, I think I got that covered a couple of times :). Finally, an author who gave me a good reason to make me believe that it's possible to be in love in two persons at the same time. Yes, both male characters were were uber-hot, but they did a lot of swoon-worthy things for the female character that I kept changing my mind through the whole book about who the girl should choose.
His gaze burned into hers, words quiet and forceful. “You want me to feel more? You want a declaration? Love? I can tell you that I have wanted
nothing more than you for hundreds upon hundreds of years, that I will kill anyone for you, anyone you can name. In me you have a shield, could have
a lover, a friend and a confidant.”
Oh well, the wicked vampire had won in the end. That shameless dirty talker! But, I still like the hunter too, damn it! See, that's why I avoid this type of books. The female protagonist was at times great and so funny, but a other times also very annoying, because she had like billions questions about every situation she found herself in and I just wanted to shake her and tell her to relax, but then my "dear" friends reminded me that I can be like that so I forgave her :P :).
All in all- a very good paranormal book and I recommend it to everyone who likes vampires, empaths (fairies and werewolves in the future probably), love triangles etc. I'm looking forward to the next one, but I know I'll probably stop reading it if the female protagonist doesn't choose one of the guys (read: the wicked vampire) and she better do it soon enough, although the other one is great too *sigh*.
I guess I'll wait for the next book for my final decision.
"If I open this bag will I find a human heart?” Val couldn't believe she'd said that. Was it a joke?
“I paid for a croissant. If it is a human heart I shall be quite put out."
December 3, 2011
I’m on an adult urban fantasy kick at the moment and Caroline Hanson’s Love is Darkness was a delicious meal in my feeding frenzy. Hanson’s modern, smooth and polished prose drew me in from the first page. I was immediately engaged by Val and Jack, the tension and chemistry between them was absolutely electric! Val is an incredibly likeable heroine. There’s a lot about her that’s relatable - certain insecurities, loneliness, a drive for something ‘more’. She just wants an ordinary life away from paranormal danger (I loved how her reactions to the paranormal were so authentic) and the conflicted pull she has between wanting this and a certain hot hunter was expressed extremely well. I have to love Val for her backbone and resolve.
With a great sense of humour and an intense loyalty towards the people in her life (a loyalty that is used against her), Val is a great character. She plays off of Lucas just as well as she does Jack which was frustratingly brilliant I must say. Lucas was just as compelling as Jack. Sometimes I find one male hero shines less than the other but I’m on the fence with this one. OK, maybe I’m leaning more towards Jack but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy every second Lucas was on the page. The ending was like ahhhh no ‘I need more!’ I’m so glad book 2 is out in ten days. Seriously, seriously impressed with this book, not just as an indie (an amazingly professional, polished and well-structured indie), but as an adult pnr book in general. It holds its own among some of my favourite writers such as Charlaine Harris, Chloe Neill and Keri Arthur. It’s full of humour, action and sizzling chemistry. Fans of adult urban fantasy will love it!
Five Massive Massive Stars!
With a great sense of humour and an intense loyalty towards the people in her life (a loyalty that is used against her), Val is a great character. She plays off of Lucas just as well as she does Jack which was frustratingly brilliant I must say. Lucas was just as compelling as Jack. Sometimes I find one male hero shines less than the other but I’m on the fence with this one. OK, maybe I’m leaning more towards Jack but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy every second Lucas was on the page. The ending was like ahhhh no ‘I need more!’ I’m so glad book 2 is out in ten days. Seriously, seriously impressed with this book, not just as an indie (an amazingly professional, polished and well-structured indie), but as an adult pnr book in general. It holds its own among some of my favourite writers such as Charlaine Harris, Chloe Neill and Keri Arthur. It’s full of humour, action and sizzling chemistry. Fans of adult urban fantasy will love it!
Five Massive Massive Stars!
March 26, 2024
Finished Reading this July 16, 2013
Loved this one but the rest of the series was disappointing
📝🎵 Purchased from Amazon July 12, 2013
Loved this one but the rest of the series was disappointing
📝🎵 Purchased from Amazon July 12, 2013
November 15, 2011
The description pretty well sums up the book. Valerie Dearborn wants a simple human life, but she keeps getting sucked into the dark underworld of the Others...well, the vampires anyway.
Overall, this was a good book, but not a great one. The characters were reasonably believable, the plot was fast enough to keep me entertained, but there were also quite a few problems that were distracting during the read, including grammar and spelling errors, and problematic point of view switches (one paragraph from one character followed immediately by another paragraph from a different character, and back again). At $.99, it’s a fun distraction and a quick romp in urban fantasy, but don’t expect anything extraordinary.
Characters: *** 3 Stars
Nearly every character in this novel was a contradiction of themselves. Valerie wants to have a “normal” life, but she loves men who can’t give her that normalcy. In fact, the only man that could, Ian, is a non-character that was present for a couple of chapters and unnecessary for the plot. I actually would have preferred her just focusing on her grad school studies rather than getting involved with a stand-in. Meanwhile, Jack is the bad boy from her past that simultaneously wants to protect her by keeping her away from the action, but gets jealous when she actually tries to have a life outside of his world. Lucas is the vampire king that has been emotionless for centuries, but on finding out that Valerie is an empath, wants to take her as his own while using her as a tool to find more of the Others (empaths, werewolves, and fae). None of the characters really grew through the story or resolved their issues, although at least Valerie realized she was probably never going to have her white picket dream.
Plot: *** 3 Stars
Beyond the basic spelling and grammar issues (which automatically subtract a star), the story concept was strong but the execution of the plot was forgettable. The intro flashback chapters could have been incorporated into the rest of the story better, providing integrated background and adding some suspense instead of being front-loaded on the novel. Once we finally get into the meat of the story, Valerie does a lot of complaining while being whooshed around by Lucas or ordered around by Jack. Some of the action sequences toward the end were good, and the verbal repartee was fun, but there were huge plot holes that needed to be filled. For example, a whole section of the story is devoted to Valerie doing research on the Others. Lucas whisks her off to the British Library, sneaking her into the stacks using his ability to dematerialize. However, in subsequent chapters, Valerie is going to the library on her own. How does she get to the books she needs without Lucas? Similarly, she finally discovers some information, but never has a chance to report it to Lucas, yet somehow he magically knows about it. It left me with a lot of unanswered questions.
The ending also left me hanging. It was too open-ended and too abrupt, like a cliff-hanger at the end of your favorite TV series before they go on break for the holidays. LOVE IS DARKNESS clearly wasn’t intended to be a stand-alone novel, but I shouldn’t have turned the last virtual page thinking there were still several chapters to go.
Setting: **** 4 Stars
I love London, so the setting worked for me, but probably because I’ve been there. The description was somewhat limited, and I never fully felt sucked into the world, but I was still able to enjoy it.
Romance: *** 3 Stars
The love triangle was set up nicely, but failed due to an overabundance of jealousy, lack of willpower, and inability to make a decision. I loved the tension between Valerie and her two interests, but I never felt emotionally involved in either relationship. I wanted to her to have some kind of epiphany, even a small one, that would start her down the path toward one of the men.
Genre - Urban Fantasy: **** 4 Stars
LOVE IS DARKNESS fit right in to the urban fantasy genre. It’s dark enough to please, with a couple of kinky twists and lots of vampire action. That being said, I didn’t feel the story offered anything new to the genre, so I can’t give it a full 5 stars.
Overall, this was a good book, but not a great one. The characters were reasonably believable, the plot was fast enough to keep me entertained, but there were also quite a few problems that were distracting during the read, including grammar and spelling errors, and problematic point of view switches (one paragraph from one character followed immediately by another paragraph from a different character, and back again). At $.99, it’s a fun distraction and a quick romp in urban fantasy, but don’t expect anything extraordinary.
Characters: *** 3 Stars
Nearly every character in this novel was a contradiction of themselves. Valerie wants to have a “normal” life, but she loves men who can’t give her that normalcy. In fact, the only man that could, Ian, is a non-character that was present for a couple of chapters and unnecessary for the plot. I actually would have preferred her just focusing on her grad school studies rather than getting involved with a stand-in. Meanwhile, Jack is the bad boy from her past that simultaneously wants to protect her by keeping her away from the action, but gets jealous when she actually tries to have a life outside of his world. Lucas is the vampire king that has been emotionless for centuries, but on finding out that Valerie is an empath, wants to take her as his own while using her as a tool to find more of the Others (empaths, werewolves, and fae). None of the characters really grew through the story or resolved their issues, although at least Valerie realized she was probably never going to have her white picket dream.
Plot: *** 3 Stars
Beyond the basic spelling and grammar issues (which automatically subtract a star), the story concept was strong but the execution of the plot was forgettable. The intro flashback chapters could have been incorporated into the rest of the story better, providing integrated background and adding some suspense instead of being front-loaded on the novel. Once we finally get into the meat of the story, Valerie does a lot of complaining while being whooshed around by Lucas or ordered around by Jack. Some of the action sequences toward the end were good, and the verbal repartee was fun, but there were huge plot holes that needed to be filled. For example, a whole section of the story is devoted to Valerie doing research on the Others. Lucas whisks her off to the British Library, sneaking her into the stacks using his ability to dematerialize. However, in subsequent chapters, Valerie is going to the library on her own. How does she get to the books she needs without Lucas? Similarly, she finally discovers some information, but never has a chance to report it to Lucas, yet somehow he magically knows about it. It left me with a lot of unanswered questions.
The ending also left me hanging. It was too open-ended and too abrupt, like a cliff-hanger at the end of your favorite TV series before they go on break for the holidays. LOVE IS DARKNESS clearly wasn’t intended to be a stand-alone novel, but I shouldn’t have turned the last virtual page thinking there were still several chapters to go.
Setting: **** 4 Stars
I love London, so the setting worked for me, but probably because I’ve been there. The description was somewhat limited, and I never fully felt sucked into the world, but I was still able to enjoy it.
Romance: *** 3 Stars
The love triangle was set up nicely, but failed due to an overabundance of jealousy, lack of willpower, and inability to make a decision. I loved the tension between Valerie and her two interests, but I never felt emotionally involved in either relationship. I wanted to her to have some kind of epiphany, even a small one, that would start her down the path toward one of the men.
Genre - Urban Fantasy: **** 4 Stars
LOVE IS DARKNESS fit right in to the urban fantasy genre. It’s dark enough to please, with a couple of kinky twists and lots of vampire action. That being said, I didn’t feel the story offered anything new to the genre, so I can’t give it a full 5 stars.
January 19, 2012
I think I’ve found a new series that’s *dear* to me!
Correction, I think I must thank Val for throwing it in my face how good this series is. This is the best 99 cents I've spent yet! Of course the price has increased to a whopping $1.99, but I can assure you it's worth breaking the bank for this one.
Valerie Dearborn has spent her life trying to avoid her destiny. As a child, she watch her mother meet a tragic end at the hands of a vampire. That unfortunate turn of events changed her life forever. Her father, with a help of Jack--a young man left orphaned after a vampire slaughtered his family as a child--have made it their life's mission to hunt these evil bloodsuckers. They're pretty good at it too! ...Or so they think. Except one night they bring Valerie along and she meets Lucas, a 1600 year old vampire King who knows that Valerie is no ordinary human. She is part Empath, a believed-to-be extinct species that makes vampires vulnerable to their emotions. Using her family as leverage he recruits Valerie to help him on his quest to find others like her, as well as werewolves and fae, who were supernatural adversaries to vampires long ago. He also really really wants to get in her pants because he's been emotionless for so long and wants to "feel" again. Let's not stray away from that not so little plot point. Of course Valerie wants a normal life, but it is obviously not in the cards, or this book would be really boring.
Valerie as a heroine is pretty cool. I have no real complaints since I understand that this is the first novel and she hasn't yet gone down the road of self-discovery. I sense a lot in store for her as the books continue. This series is not in first-person tense, but Valerie's own humor and personality shine through in a number of scenes.
I admit that for a while I just hadn't been coming across super sexy badass vampires. If they weren't of the "emo" variety then they merely talked the talked. Well, Lucas walks the walk. He has a valid reason for his attraction to Valerie. None of that "I have lived for 900 years and never met a strong, fearless woman who speaks her mind!" and similar lame, unbelievable crap. It's attraction on a cellular level, literally. Their chemistry is all kinds of crazy. I was liking Jack in the beginning, but after Lucas it just doesn't compare for me. I think what really impressed me was his display of complete power and dominance against enemies. He is King and he knows it, he doesn't doubt it, and it's his way or the highway. He could be as ruthless or as gentle as the moment calls for and he makes no apologies.
As for the writing, while I love Caroline Hanson's style, there are a number of spelling and formatting errors which interrupts the flow for me at times. But this tends to be pretty common for the cheap or free Kindle books.
There isn't a whole lot of story, but I see a lot of promise. The character interactions are very intriguing and there are a number of action-pact scenes to keep things moving while not being overbearing. While Love is Darkness not surprisingly has "dark" undertones, there's a lot of humor as well which is always a plus for me.
There are a few sex scenes as well so this is certainly NOT of the YA variety, but if you're in the mood for a more mature story (or about as mature you can expect a college girl moving abroad to be) then this one may be for you. Favorites don't come easy for me, but I really connected with this series and was left wanting more...a lot more. Highly recommended.
*Review also posted to Amazon
Correction, I think I must thank Val for throwing it in my face how good this series is. This is the best 99 cents I've spent yet! Of course the price has increased to a whopping $1.99, but I can assure you it's worth breaking the bank for this one.
Valerie Dearborn has spent her life trying to avoid her destiny. As a child, she watch her mother meet a tragic end at the hands of a vampire. That unfortunate turn of events changed her life forever. Her father, with a help of Jack--a young man left orphaned after a vampire slaughtered his family as a child--have made it their life's mission to hunt these evil bloodsuckers. They're pretty good at it too! ...Or so they think. Except one night they bring Valerie along and she meets Lucas, a 1600 year old vampire King who knows that Valerie is no ordinary human. She is part Empath, a believed-to-be extinct species that makes vampires vulnerable to their emotions. Using her family as leverage he recruits Valerie to help him on his quest to find others like her, as well as werewolves and fae, who were supernatural adversaries to vampires long ago. He also really really wants to get in her pants because he's been emotionless for so long and wants to "feel" again. Let's not stray away from that not so little plot point. Of course Valerie wants a normal life, but it is obviously not in the cards, or this book would be really boring.
Valerie as a heroine is pretty cool. I have no real complaints since I understand that this is the first novel and she hasn't yet gone down the road of self-discovery. I sense a lot in store for her as the books continue. This series is not in first-person tense, but Valerie's own humor and personality shine through in a number of scenes.
I admit that for a while I just hadn't been coming across super sexy badass vampires. If they weren't of the "emo" variety then they merely talked the talked. Well, Lucas walks the walk. He has a valid reason for his attraction to Valerie. None of that "I have lived for 900 years and never met a strong, fearless woman who speaks her mind!" and similar lame, unbelievable crap. It's attraction on a cellular level, literally. Their chemistry is all kinds of crazy. I was liking Jack in the beginning, but after Lucas it just doesn't compare for me. I think what really impressed me was his display of complete power and dominance against enemies. He is King and he knows it, he doesn't doubt it, and it's his way or the highway. He could be as ruthless or as gentle as the moment calls for and he makes no apologies.
As for the writing, while I love Caroline Hanson's style, there are a number of spelling and formatting errors which interrupts the flow for me at times. But this tends to be pretty common for the cheap or free Kindle books.
There isn't a whole lot of story, but I see a lot of promise. The character interactions are very intriguing and there are a number of action-pact scenes to keep things moving while not being overbearing. While Love is Darkness not surprisingly has "dark" undertones, there's a lot of humor as well which is always a plus for me.
There are a few sex scenes as well so this is certainly NOT of the YA variety, but if you're in the mood for a more mature story (or about as mature you can expect a college girl moving abroad to be) then this one may be for you. Favorites don't come easy for me, but I really connected with this series and was left wanting more...a lot more. Highly recommended.
*Review also posted to Amazon
December 15, 2011
4 1/2 Stars
Another surprisingly decent cheap read. I am again struck by how many good Indy authors there are out there. The first book in the series is a twist on the very overdone subject of Vampires. But don't let that deter you from checking out this very engaging and fast read. A little more UF than PNR, but there are still plenty of hot scenes to take in.
*******
Valerie Dearborn wants a cotton candy life, but it’s more like a puffer fish: pointy, unusual, and—if not prepared exactly right—deadly. In London for graduate school, Val knows she's finally free. Her father and ex-almost-boyfriend are back in California and she's out of the Vampire hunting biz for good. Or is she?
She draws the attention of Lucas, a 1600 year old Vampire, and King to his kind. He’s also wicked hot. As golden as Lucifer, and just as tempting, he makes Val an offer she can't refuse— help him find out if the Others (Empaths, Fey and Werewolves) still exist or he'll stop protecting those she loves.
*******
Okay, I had a few issues with this book. Namely, the various typos & mistakes peppered throughout. We also get the same worn out plot of the old sexy Alpha Vamp and the innocent pretty human girl. And of course it wouldn't be a hot Vamp novel without a love triangle. But in this case, it is more like a love square for good number of chapters. How many love interests does one girl need anyway?
My 2nd biggest issue is the dialogue & interaction between Val and the hot Vampire King, which seemed sophomoric, unoriginal, and uninteresting at times, but the scenes with her childhood friend, Jack, more than made up for it. Also, points off for the semi-confusing beginning and soft mild.
Still, this was a very engaging read, that I gobbled up in no time flat. I looked forward to reading the newly released sequel soon.
Warning: Adult Content and Violence
Valerie Dearborn
1-Love is Darkness
2-Love is Fear
Another surprisingly decent cheap read. I am again struck by how many good Indy authors there are out there. The first book in the series is a twist on the very overdone subject of Vampires. But don't let that deter you from checking out this very engaging and fast read. A little more UF than PNR, but there are still plenty of hot scenes to take in.
*******
Valerie Dearborn wants a cotton candy life, but it’s more like a puffer fish: pointy, unusual, and—if not prepared exactly right—deadly. In London for graduate school, Val knows she's finally free. Her father and ex-almost-boyfriend are back in California and she's out of the Vampire hunting biz for good. Or is she?
She draws the attention of Lucas, a 1600 year old Vampire, and King to his kind. He’s also wicked hot. As golden as Lucifer, and just as tempting, he makes Val an offer she can't refuse— help him find out if the Others (Empaths, Fey and Werewolves) still exist or he'll stop protecting those she loves.
*******
Okay, I had a few issues with this book. Namely, the various typos & mistakes peppered throughout. We also get the same worn out plot of the old sexy Alpha Vamp and the innocent pretty human girl. And of course it wouldn't be a hot Vamp novel without a love triangle. But in this case, it is more like a love square for good number of chapters. How many love interests does one girl need anyway?
My 2nd biggest issue is the dialogue & interaction between Val and the hot Vampire King, which seemed sophomoric, unoriginal, and uninteresting at times, but the scenes with her childhood friend, Jack, more than made up for it. Also, points off for the semi-confusing beginning and soft mild.
Still, this was a very engaging read, that I gobbled up in no time flat. I looked forward to reading the newly released sequel soon.
Warning: Adult Content and Violence
Valerie Dearborn
1-Love is Darkness
2-Love is Fear
December 21, 2011
***4.5 Stars***
1st line in the book---> He wasn't God.
Caroline Hanson does a brilliant job in taking the vampire myth and putting a twist to it. I had been hearing how her Vamps are not the romanticized version many stories portray them as today. Instead, they are more Anne Rice style. Her vampires are deadly, they are selfish, and eat people because its their nature.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Valerie Dearborn is one of the last surviving Empaths in the world. Living in a family of vampire hunters after her mother was a victim of a vampire attack. Her dreams are simple, have a normal life, and maybe get married and start a family with her long time crush Jack. Jack has also suffered great loss at the hands of vampires and his only goal in life is revenge. Valerie's life takes at 180 turn when she meets The Vampire King Lucas and is commanded to do his bidding. From there, Valeria is pulled into a world she has tried so hard to run away from. Escaping death, watching blood baths, and having to resist the deadly but sexy Vampire King leads to a very thrilling climax!
Love is Darkness is Dark, Dangerous and Delightfully Sinful thrill ride that keeps you reading till the very end! Making you want more!!
Fave Quote: Valerie to Lucas..
“If I open this bag will I find a human heart?” Val couldn't believe she'd said that. Was it a joke?
“I paid for a croissant. If it is a human heart I shall be quite put out. And you would need to share.”
1st line in the book---> He wasn't God.
Caroline Hanson does a brilliant job in taking the vampire myth and putting a twist to it. I had been hearing how her Vamps are not the romanticized version many stories portray them as today. Instead, they are more Anne Rice style. Her vampires are deadly, they are selfish, and eat people because its their nature.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Valerie Dearborn is one of the last surviving Empaths in the world. Living in a family of vampire hunters after her mother was a victim of a vampire attack. Her dreams are simple, have a normal life, and maybe get married and start a family with her long time crush Jack. Jack has also suffered great loss at the hands of vampires and his only goal in life is revenge. Valerie's life takes at 180 turn when she meets The Vampire King Lucas and is commanded to do his bidding. From there, Valeria is pulled into a world she has tried so hard to run away from. Escaping death, watching blood baths, and having to resist the deadly but sexy Vampire King leads to a very thrilling climax!
Love is Darkness is Dark, Dangerous and Delightfully Sinful thrill ride that keeps you reading till the very end! Making you want more!!
Fave Quote: Valerie to Lucas..
“If I open this bag will I find a human heart?” Val couldn't believe she'd said that. Was it a joke?
“I paid for a croissant. If it is a human heart I shall be quite put out. And you would need to share.”
January 28, 2012
I absolutely loved this book!! A mixture of drama, wit, sex, and history-Caroline Hanson got it right!!!! Valeria Dearborn had her mother killed by a vampire and now her father has become a renown vampire slayer. Jack becomes apart of their somber lil family when his parents are ravagely taken from him at the hands at a ruthless vampire. Together, Jack and her father try to convince Val to train as a Hunter so she, too, can rid the world of vampires and avenge her mothers death. Instead Val decides to go away to college and leave that life behind her, despite her smoldering love for Jack. She grows into an educated and wild young lady until the king vampire Lucas discovers by chance that she is the last Empath in existence, the key to having all the exiled Fey, Werewolves and Witches reunited to create balance in a world where vampires dominate!!! Even Lucas know the vampires are out of control and wants to not only police them but create a world where they are not the only mystical creatures in a hope to create a new world order. This may soound like a drab plot, but trust me IT IS NOT!!! Val takes us through her many adventures and sexual encounters, Jack and his undying love for Val and devotion to her father, and Lucas and his superior demeanor and sexy swagger, I can not wait for the sequel. Especially after the cliffhanger and the very end that literally left me with my mouth wide open!!!
READ THIS BOOK!!! Who can go wrong when it is only $.99?
READ THIS BOOK!!! Who can go wrong when it is only $.99?
January 15, 2015
OK, @caroline_hanson I can't be stopped, I will be reading book 2 NOW.
(After I calmed down) Full review at Talk Supe
LOVE IS DARKNESS is a vivid and captivating story. CHanson went all out and didn't spare any details, she gave me lust, blood, gore, love, terror and hate among others. Aside from Val, Lucas and Jack, the villains were superb and the intrigue and conflict were well plotted. The pacing was a steady beat until it finally led to this big blow at the vampire Challenge. My jaw dropped from the merciless violence that Lucas displayed and now I am craving for more. So see you tomorrow, I'm off to cracking open book 2! I hope I won't get blue balls this time
(After I calmed down) Full review at Talk Supe
LOVE IS DARKNESS is a vivid and captivating story. CHanson went all out and didn't spare any details, she gave me lust, blood, gore, love, terror and hate among others. Aside from Val, Lucas and Jack, the villains were superb and the intrigue and conflict were well plotted. The pacing was a steady beat until it finally led to this big blow at the vampire Challenge. My jaw dropped from the merciless violence that Lucas displayed and now I am craving for more. So see you tomorrow, I'm off to cracking open book 2! I hope I won't get blue balls this time
Read
June 17, 2018These characters are fantastic. How I love a book with two equally sexy men and a cute, funny heroine. It was really enjoyable and I have no idea what will happen in book two. In fact, I don't even know what I WANT to have happen in book two. Hmm... :)
July 4, 2017
ANTES DE TODO
le doy un 4 porque a) me ha parecido un sacrilegio que lo deje en la mejor parte
b) me ha costado un montón terminarlo . de hecho me quedado un monton de veces dormida leyendo el pasado con el presente. me ha confundido y eso que estoy muy agradecida con la autoracon poner fechas y lugares antes de los capitulos perfectamente pulcros.
es el primer libro de la trilogia y tambien el primero que leo de la autora.
resulta que por equivocacion o porque pensé que el primero no tenia nada bueno , me habia saltado leyendo el tercero antes que terminar este. ( el tercero esta muy cool)
en fin , yo me dije bueno veamos como fue que paso que se enamoraron o algo asi .
DURANTE
me lo he acabado para variar en un dia y he soñado con él. con Lucas. ME AGRADA la pareja. creo que son adecuados y eso es raro porque general avces los odios a los dos o me gusta uno aveces. aqui creo que son personajes completos con sus problemas . su OSCURIDAD. y su amor.
EL AMOR ES OSCURIDAD , EL AMOR ES MIEDO , EL AMOR ES MORTAL
los supuestos villanos ni me ha caido mal , su perfecta logica y sadismo se me hace algo producto de la locura de vivir tanto tiempo y aburrido.
Val , hermosa , sola y triste . es muy consciente de ella misma mas que muchas personas , tiene objetivos claro y sabe que amar a Lucas le detiene a cumplir muchos de ellos pero sabe que no puede mantener oculta porque no puede. ella es una empatica. es su deber sentir a los demas y placer.
Lucas es un ser perfectamente ordenado , meticuloso y asombroso. me gusta mucho. si no lo quieres val , damelo!!
me ha gustado mucho , muchisimo si no fuera por las razones de arriba seria un 5. aunque me ha faltado algo en las relaciones de los personajes para completar. y Jack es un hombre inmaduro. estupido.
le doy un 4 porque a) me ha parecido un sacrilegio que lo deje en la mejor parte
b) me ha costado un montón terminarlo . de hecho me quedado un monton de veces dormida leyendo el pasado con el presente. me ha confundido y eso que estoy muy agradecida con la autoracon poner fechas y lugares antes de los capitulos perfectamente pulcros.
es el primer libro de la trilogia y tambien el primero que leo de la autora.
resulta que por equivocacion o porque pensé que el primero no tenia nada bueno , me habia saltado leyendo el tercero antes que terminar este. ( el tercero esta muy cool)
en fin , yo me dije bueno veamos como fue que paso que se enamoraron o algo asi .
DURANTE
me lo he acabado para variar en un dia y he soñado con él. con Lucas. ME AGRADA la pareja. creo que son adecuados y eso es raro porque general avces los odios a los dos o me gusta uno aveces. aqui creo que son personajes completos con sus problemas . su OSCURIDAD. y su amor.
EL AMOR ES OSCURIDAD , EL AMOR ES MIEDO , EL AMOR ES MORTAL
los supuestos villanos ni me ha caido mal , su perfecta logica y sadismo se me hace algo producto de la locura de vivir tanto tiempo y aburrido.
Val , hermosa , sola y triste . es muy consciente de ella misma mas que muchas personas , tiene objetivos claro y sabe que amar a Lucas le detiene a cumplir muchos de ellos pero sabe que no puede mantener oculta porque no puede. ella es una empatica. es su deber sentir a los demas y placer.
Lucas es un ser perfectamente ordenado , meticuloso y asombroso. me gusta mucho. si no lo quieres val , damelo!!
me ha gustado mucho , muchisimo si no fuera por las razones de arriba seria un 5. aunque me ha faltado algo en las relaciones de los personajes para completar. y Jack es un hombre inmaduro. estupido.
October 2, 2011
What to say about this book? Well if it was possible to give it more than 5 stars, you can trust me, I would. Why? Well let me explain:
When I first heard about this book, I took one look at the cover and thought it was SMOKING hot. That was the initial draw for me, because I like a book to have an enticing cover. Yes, I know you can still get a good story even with mediocre cover art, but it always helps if the cover is aesthetically pleasing.
Second of all, I read the 'blurb' on Amazon and it sounded like the sort of thing I would enjoy reading.
Valerie Dearborn is just after a normal, quiet life, but isn't likely to get one. Her father Nate and Jack (the boy she loves) are Hunters. This means they hunt and kill vampires.
Nate wants Val to help them, but the last thing she wants to do is get caught up in that life. It's dangerous, it's chaotic, and she just isn't that kind of girl. Or is she?
Val loves Jack and would do anything, give anything for him to be hers. He's 19 years old and is her father's apprentice. He came to America with them at the age of 13, and has been hunting with her father for the last 3 years. His own parents were killed by vampires and now he wants revenge.
One night, Jack takes Val out to hunt a vampire. She assumes he'll be her back-up and help her if anything should go wrong. So of course, when he doesn't help her out and she kills him herself, she is less than pleased.
Val has applied to the University of California, UCLA, UCSD, failing that she'd go to UD, anywhere that was away from home. She waits for the admission letters to arrive, knowing that if she's got in somewhere, she can get away from home, away from hunting vampires. The only thing that hurts is that she'll also be away from Jack. Oh how she loves him.
She gets into university, and is packing her stuff ready to leave, when Jack asks if she wants to do something for her last night. He suggests they play scrabble and order a pizza. She says she'd rather play Monopoly. So this is what they do. Only, Val decides she wants to play the drinking game version, so she grabs a bottle of tequila and two glasses.
I won't say any more about that particular part as I might spoil if for potential readers. All I will say is I laughed and I cried at this point of the book. In fact I cried twice within the first 25-30% of the book.
Val goes away to university, and for a while has the normal life she wanted. Until, that is, Lucas the 1600 year old vampire comes along. He wants her to do some work for him and leave her life behind. He agrees that if she works for him, he shall protect Nate and Jack. After all, he is a vampire, the very thing they hunt and kill.
Even though working for a vampire isn't Val's idea of fun, she has to agree, if only so that Lucas will not allow other vampires to kill her father or the boy she still loves.
I won't give away any more of the story. I just know you will enjoy it as much as I did. I laughed out loud, I cried, I wanted to rip Marion's head off (no I won't tell you who she is).
My favourite laugh out loud line from this book - "I paid for a croissant. If it is a human heart I shall be quite put out. And you would be required to share" - Lucas to Val after bringing her breakfast.
Caroline Hanson writes an intriguing story. It has twists and turns, ups and downs. I have to say, I read a lot of books in the same genre as this, and would make comparisons between this and Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse novels, and Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series.
My reasons for these comparisons? Well, Lucas has attributes that I could see in my mind's eye as very 'Eric Northman'. Although Eric is a viking and Lucas is not, I could definitely see Alex Skasgard playing the role of Lucas if Love Is Darkness were to be turned into a movie. The Lucas of my mind's eye suggests he has the same sort of features as well as the same no nonsense attitude.
Also, the way Val loves one man, but is intrigued by another, that is very Sookie-esque.
As for Anita Blake, well similar could be said really. Lucas has an attitude a little like Jean-Claude and is just as enticing.
I have to say, to me, these comparisons can only be thought of as complimentary, as both Charlaine Harris and Laurell K. Hamilton are amongst my favourite authors. If you also enjoy their work, then you MUST read this book.
For lovers of this genre, there is nothing within this book that would challenge your perceptions, there is nothing new per se, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. There is a time and place for the tried and trusted, every bit as much as there is a time and a place for the new and challenging. What this book is, is proof that Caroline Hanson
is an accomplished author and a "safe pair of hands" within the genre,
capable of taking the accepted conventions of the genre and weaving them into a tale that is compelling enough to make you not only forget but be glad that the author has not felt the need to bring anything new to the table.
The plot is clever, engaging, fast paced, funny and intriguing.
The characters are sassy, hot, funny, with relationships that make you unsure who to root for between the Hunter and the Hunted. This combination makes the book a real page turner in the best sense of the word and my inital thoughts upon finishing the book were "Thank God i only have to wait until December for the next installment."
Caroline Hanson has the makings of a best-selling author, and I look forward to Love Is Fear, the next book in December, as well as any future works she may produce.
All in all, I wish I could give this book at least 5 more stars. It was an action packed, fun filled story. With a sassy heroine, a hot-as-hell love interest, a bad-ass vamp whom you couldn't help but fall for. I don't know what to expect from Love Is Fear, or even what I want to happen. All I know is, this book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and it bodes well for the next book.
When I first heard about this book, I took one look at the cover and thought it was SMOKING hot. That was the initial draw for me, because I like a book to have an enticing cover. Yes, I know you can still get a good story even with mediocre cover art, but it always helps if the cover is aesthetically pleasing.
Second of all, I read the 'blurb' on Amazon and it sounded like the sort of thing I would enjoy reading.
Valerie Dearborn is just after a normal, quiet life, but isn't likely to get one. Her father Nate and Jack (the boy she loves) are Hunters. This means they hunt and kill vampires.
Nate wants Val to help them, but the last thing she wants to do is get caught up in that life. It's dangerous, it's chaotic, and she just isn't that kind of girl. Or is she?
Val loves Jack and would do anything, give anything for him to be hers. He's 19 years old and is her father's apprentice. He came to America with them at the age of 13, and has been hunting with her father for the last 3 years. His own parents were killed by vampires and now he wants revenge.
One night, Jack takes Val out to hunt a vampire. She assumes he'll be her back-up and help her if anything should go wrong. So of course, when he doesn't help her out and she kills him herself, she is less than pleased.
Val has applied to the University of California, UCLA, UCSD, failing that she'd go to UD, anywhere that was away from home. She waits for the admission letters to arrive, knowing that if she's got in somewhere, she can get away from home, away from hunting vampires. The only thing that hurts is that she'll also be away from Jack. Oh how she loves him.
She gets into university, and is packing her stuff ready to leave, when Jack asks if she wants to do something for her last night. He suggests they play scrabble and order a pizza. She says she'd rather play Monopoly. So this is what they do. Only, Val decides she wants to play the drinking game version, so she grabs a bottle of tequila and two glasses.
I won't say any more about that particular part as I might spoil if for potential readers. All I will say is I laughed and I cried at this point of the book. In fact I cried twice within the first 25-30% of the book.
Val goes away to university, and for a while has the normal life she wanted. Until, that is, Lucas the 1600 year old vampire comes along. He wants her to do some work for him and leave her life behind. He agrees that if she works for him, he shall protect Nate and Jack. After all, he is a vampire, the very thing they hunt and kill.
Even though working for a vampire isn't Val's idea of fun, she has to agree, if only so that Lucas will not allow other vampires to kill her father or the boy she still loves.
I won't give away any more of the story. I just know you will enjoy it as much as I did. I laughed out loud, I cried, I wanted to rip Marion's head off (no I won't tell you who she is).
My favourite laugh out loud line from this book - "I paid for a croissant. If it is a human heart I shall be quite put out. And you would be required to share" - Lucas to Val after bringing her breakfast.
Caroline Hanson writes an intriguing story. It has twists and turns, ups and downs. I have to say, I read a lot of books in the same genre as this, and would make comparisons between this and Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse novels, and Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series.
My reasons for these comparisons? Well, Lucas has attributes that I could see in my mind's eye as very 'Eric Northman'. Although Eric is a viking and Lucas is not, I could definitely see Alex Skasgard playing the role of Lucas if Love Is Darkness were to be turned into a movie. The Lucas of my mind's eye suggests he has the same sort of features as well as the same no nonsense attitude.
Also, the way Val loves one man, but is intrigued by another, that is very Sookie-esque.
As for Anita Blake, well similar could be said really. Lucas has an attitude a little like Jean-Claude and is just as enticing.
I have to say, to me, these comparisons can only be thought of as complimentary, as both Charlaine Harris and Laurell K. Hamilton are amongst my favourite authors. If you also enjoy their work, then you MUST read this book.
For lovers of this genre, there is nothing within this book that would challenge your perceptions, there is nothing new per se, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. There is a time and place for the tried and trusted, every bit as much as there is a time and a place for the new and challenging. What this book is, is proof that Caroline Hanson
is an accomplished author and a "safe pair of hands" within the genre,
capable of taking the accepted conventions of the genre and weaving them into a tale that is compelling enough to make you not only forget but be glad that the author has not felt the need to bring anything new to the table.
The plot is clever, engaging, fast paced, funny and intriguing.
The characters are sassy, hot, funny, with relationships that make you unsure who to root for between the Hunter and the Hunted. This combination makes the book a real page turner in the best sense of the word and my inital thoughts upon finishing the book were "Thank God i only have to wait until December for the next installment."
Caroline Hanson has the makings of a best-selling author, and I look forward to Love Is Fear, the next book in December, as well as any future works she may produce.
All in all, I wish I could give this book at least 5 more stars. It was an action packed, fun filled story. With a sassy heroine, a hot-as-hell love interest, a bad-ass vamp whom you couldn't help but fall for. I don't know what to expect from Love Is Fear, or even what I want to happen. All I know is, this book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and it bodes well for the next book.
October 17, 2011
Okay, let me just say...OMF'in G!!! I devoured this book! The storyline is SO GOOD, like ice cream on a hot day, its very fast paced, and the character development is amazing! The romance is sexy, fulfilling and has a hint of fear, but in a good way.
Warning Spoilers Ahead-
Our main Gal, Val, is completely captivating with her wittiness, sarcasm, innocence and her sense of right and wrong. I really liked the fact that Caroline made Val so intense, shes almost reckless with her emotions and her passions cloud her good judgement, especially when with Lucas.
Lucas, the king of vampires, is so intriguing, sexy, and has a presence that makes you feel as if he was in the room with you. I cant wait to see what we can learn about him next!
Jack is a tortured soul. He is a hunter of the vamps and revenge is his first and most important goal in life, even though he has loved Val for a very long time, he does nothing more than fight against his attraction and baser instincts, succumbing to Val only a few times.
I cant say how much I loved this book to make you read it, I can only tell you that its THAT GOOD, and worth so much more than words. Caroline Hanson is my new top favorite Author, i cant wait to devour any and everything else she has to say, publish, blog, whatever!@
Warning Spoilers Ahead-
Our main Gal, Val, is completely captivating with her wittiness, sarcasm, innocence and her sense of right and wrong. I really liked the fact that Caroline made Val so intense, shes almost reckless with her emotions and her passions cloud her good judgement, especially when with Lucas.
Lucas, the king of vampires, is so intriguing, sexy, and has a presence that makes you feel as if he was in the room with you. I cant wait to see what we can learn about him next!
Jack is a tortured soul. He is a hunter of the vamps and revenge is his first and most important goal in life, even though he has loved Val for a very long time, he does nothing more than fight against his attraction and baser instincts, succumbing to Val only a few times.
I cant say how much I loved this book to make you read it, I can only tell you that its THAT GOOD, and worth so much more than words. Caroline Hanson is my new top favorite Author, i cant wait to devour any and everything else she has to say, publish, blog, whatever!@
April 17, 2012
This is the first in a supernatural series where the main character's father has a life long obsession with hunting and killing vampire's. Valerie wants nothing more than a normal life and the constant fighting and blood shed have made her determined to make her life as normal as possible. She has no idea how far from normal she is until the king of vampire's takes an interest in her, Valerie has no idea that she is probably the last empathy a live, and Lucius wants her to be his mind body and soul. Long before Valerie's time there were all shorts of supernatural creature's but the vamps have either killed them or ran them off into hiding. Lucius wants Valerie to find them to help reign the out of control vampire's, they have lost control and kill whether they have to or not threatening the exposure of vampsnto humans. This is a hot fast paced novel, which of course has a love triangle. This was an enjoyable take on the supernatural I'm already reading the second book in the series it has me pretty well absorbed in finding out answers. You should give it a try firth book is 99¢ on amazon.
August 5, 2012
**This is a review of the trilogy as a whole.**
Forget Twilight. This series is one of the best hidden treasures amidst a genre of brooding passive-aggressive vampires. In this densely carnal, twisted take on fey, vampire, and otherworld magic, the heroine Valerie shines beneath the crushing weight of her love for two heroes. Jack, her childhood friend turned vampire hunter, is committed to keeping things platonically frustrating. Lucas, the 1600 year old vampire king, is complicated by his cold abstention of emotion. Each book in this series is infused with a deliberate pace that proves instrumental in establishing and perpetuating what I love most about this story: the dark tone and fantastical atmosphere. From book 1 to book 3, it is dreary, heartfelt, vengeful, and imaginative, without any tacked-on erotica or desperate cliches. The world building is masterful, the writing equally so. CH tortures you before handing over Valerie's hard-earned forbidden love, and while the third book concludes with a HEA epilogue, intriguing questions remain. A promise of another book, separate from the trilogy.
Forget Twilight. This series is one of the best hidden treasures amidst a genre of brooding passive-aggressive vampires. In this densely carnal, twisted take on fey, vampire, and otherworld magic, the heroine Valerie shines beneath the crushing weight of her love for two heroes. Jack, her childhood friend turned vampire hunter, is committed to keeping things platonically frustrating. Lucas, the 1600 year old vampire king, is complicated by his cold abstention of emotion. Each book in this series is infused with a deliberate pace that proves instrumental in establishing and perpetuating what I love most about this story: the dark tone and fantastical atmosphere. From book 1 to book 3, it is dreary, heartfelt, vengeful, and imaginative, without any tacked-on erotica or desperate cliches. The world building is masterful, the writing equally so. CH tortures you before handing over Valerie's hard-earned forbidden love, and while the third book concludes with a HEA epilogue, intriguing questions remain. A promise of another book, separate from the trilogy.
April 6, 2013
Valerie's family is screwed up. She has a dead mother, a disinterested father, and a quasi-boyfriend who may be hot and dangerous, but frankly pisses me off. So, how is it that Valerie, a girl who wants absolutely nothing to do with her family vampire hunting business, ends up being so immersed that there is no possible escape? The answer is both complicated and simple...lust. Specifically the lust of Lucas, the vampire king. I love how the book description puts it, "after 1600 years of an emotionless existence, Lucas wants Valerie like a recovering alcoholic wants a wine cooler." Bring on the added complication of mutiny within the vampire kingdom and you have a real page turner. Queue cliffhanger...
I burnt out on vampire fiction over a year ago. I decided to dip my toe back in the PNR water and asked for a recommendation from a trusted friend. (Thank you Heather!) Without hesitation I can say that I loved this book. The first 50% of the book took time to set up the story and history. Although this wasn't boring, I was ready to get to the meat. The last half flew by and when I turned the last page I just wanted to yell! A solid 4.5 stars.
I burnt out on vampire fiction over a year ago. I decided to dip my toe back in the PNR water and asked for a recommendation from a trusted friend. (Thank you Heather!) Without hesitation I can say that I loved this book. The first 50% of the book took time to set up the story and history. Although this wasn't boring, I was ready to get to the meat. The last half flew by and when I turned the last page I just wanted to yell! A solid 4.5 stars.
December 9, 2011
Loved, loved and loved this short. Even with the story pretty much being the norm, the author did make enough unique qualities that it keep me drawn in. I love that Valerie aka "Val", really just wants a normal life after seeing her mother murdered by a vampire. Not only does that night bring the destruction of their family, it also makes her existence known to Lucas; king of the vampires. And Lucas is set out on making Val his, he watches Val from a distance; making sure she is safe. Val's childhood changed that day and not for the best, her father is set on vengeance. Soon after the murder Nate, Val’s father brings Jack into the already battered family. Once Jack was added to the equation, it really complicated things for Val and she grows attached to Jack in a way that could be referenced to as them being soul mates. But Jack's only logic is to kill the vampire that murdered his family, Marion. Plus, guess who is Marion’s maker, yep; Lucas And so the drama begins and I so love me some drama in my books.
December 4, 2011
Fear, mystery and romance...What a fantastic new paranormal romance! Caroline Hanson has successfully delivered a deliciously engrossing book and carved a spot in my top ten list of writers, (not an easy thing to do), along with Jeaniene Frost, Colleen Gleason, and Karen Marie Moning. This book is the best indie adult book that I have purchased on Amazon (and that says a lot). Yes, there are vampires in this story, however, the empath addition keeps the story unique.
I was a little leary when I first started reading Love is Darkness. It seemed a little choppy and I wasn't sure I was going to like Valerie. However, Character development was great, and I soon felt connected with the characters, including Valerie.
The book was well written, witty and fast paced. Hanson left a wonderful cliff hanger at the end and I will be counting the days until the next book in the series, Love is Fear, comes out. I can't wait to see what happens between Val, Lucas and Jack!!!
I was a little leary when I first started reading Love is Darkness. It seemed a little choppy and I wasn't sure I was going to like Valerie. However, Character development was great, and I soon felt connected with the characters, including Valerie.
The book was well written, witty and fast paced. Hanson left a wonderful cliff hanger at the end and I will be counting the days until the next book in the series, Love is Fear, comes out. I can't wait to see what happens between Val, Lucas and Jack!!!
November 10, 2012
MICHELLE'S REVIEW:
RATING : 4.5 LUCAS & JACK STARS!!
Firstly I must thank Caroline for my review copies and also thank Jennifer on facebook who recommended this series to me and Lisa who swooped in with a comment on Goodreads ‘ooooh. you are going to so love this series!’.
Well, after that, I just had to contact Caroline. These lovely girls on fb read the lesser known authors too, when they simply love the authors work.....I am all ears. So I slid some time aside and cracked ‘Love Is Darkness’ open. I couldn’t stop reading it.
The book starts off in the early stages having us go backwards before we go forwards, to present day, which I appreciated.
We travel from Prague to California to London , swoop back around to some other places, during the course of the story.
Juicy Lucas ( yes I call him that * waggles eyebrows* ) is King of the Vampires and he is 1600+ years old so we need a bit of time getting from A to B, being present time.
Lucas sired Marion and she is quite a scarey , dangerous vamp, who really needs to be on a tight leash.
Marion has been a murderous girl, and Jack, the Italian stallion,is driven by revenge, something Nate, Valerie’s dad, has in common with him. They are hunters of the vampire nature. Nate is grooming Valerie to partake in the family business, but she wants no part of it.
She does everything she can to keep herself away from what Jack and Nate do. She has lost enough in life to love and lose Jack and Nate. Jack has lived with her and her father since he was 13. The crush/love was inevitable for Valerie.
Lucas, long golden straight hair has entered the picture, and he has his own hidden agenda. He knows what Valerie doesn't, he is biding his time.
He may have the hair of an angel, but he is far from it.
I liken Lucas’ type character to that of Jericho Barrons in Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. They both need the girl for their hidden agenda, there is this tension filled relationship, they use the girl to get what they need, not letting them understand what they are unless it suits them to reveal this information. They inevitably begin to have feelings for the girl, but don’t understand it or trust in it, there is this type of jealousy. These guys also know how to strut the smexi.
I really felt for Jack, he is hard nosed, stubborn, and lives life dangerously with only thought of revenge. He doesn’t see Valerie and what they could have. In saying that, there is a kissing scene in this book that will curl your toes.
Valerie flees what she can’t control. Is she selfish to want to live her life free of danger and death? Can’t a girl live in London, study, hook up with a guy and party?
Apparently not.
No matter how hard Valerie tries, it all comes full circle, plus some.
Jack and Val are the safest choice for a relationship....but, sometimes what you were running from in the first place takes your heart and squeezes it.
Where this story starts to where the first book finishes..........WOW!
This is fast paced, the characters are dangerous and seductive, the smexi, is well ......uber smexi. The vampires are blood thirsty and dangerous. I wouldn't turn my back on Marion. Love is Fear, book 2 was even better.
I did feel for Lucas, he doesn't have that right hand man, that loyal character to watch his back. Being King comes with showing great strength at all times to quell being overthroned.
But is it enough?
Especially when he has a weakness , whether he wants to admit it or not.
I would go as far as to say if you like the Fever series, you would like this series. It is adult. It has this mystery that unfolds with a sort of sometimes one sided love triangle, but then..........Whahhhhh!!!
FAVE QUOTES:
Her body was slumped like a beaten dog and a tear landed on his neck. He gripped her harder. “No you don't! Why shouldn't you have to do this? I do it. Your father does it! I have given up everything for you and your father. We were supposed to be a team but we're not. It's me and your father while you pretend that nothing is happening. How can you live with yourself? Watch us walk out the door and not know if we’ll come back? But you do it! You let us go while you shop, and date, and have fun. We are not normal! You and me. That was the deal, Val.”
“Hindsight’s a real bitch.”
Nothing else came to her so she plunged ahead, “You know what it's like? It's like being on a diet. I remember that I am on a diet until a cookie appears or some chocolate, then I eat it and the moment it's gone I suddenly remember, 'oh yeah, I was on a diet!' but during those few moments when I'm shoving cake in my face, I honestly can't remember. You are like that-”
“Shall I be flattered then?” His voice was hard and he turned his back, walking away from her.
“Hold up, Fabio.” She put out a hand to keep him at bay.
RATING : 4.5 LUCAS & JACK STARS!!
Firstly I must thank Caroline for my review copies and also thank Jennifer on facebook who recommended this series to me and Lisa who swooped in with a comment on Goodreads ‘ooooh. you are going to so love this series!’.
Well, after that, I just had to contact Caroline. These lovely girls on fb read the lesser known authors too, when they simply love the authors work.....I am all ears. So I slid some time aside and cracked ‘Love Is Darkness’ open. I couldn’t stop reading it.
The book starts off in the early stages having us go backwards before we go forwards, to present day, which I appreciated.
We travel from Prague to California to London , swoop back around to some other places, during the course of the story.
Juicy Lucas ( yes I call him that * waggles eyebrows* ) is King of the Vampires and he is 1600+ years old so we need a bit of time getting from A to B, being present time.
Lucas sired Marion and she is quite a scarey , dangerous vamp, who really needs to be on a tight leash.
Marion has been a murderous girl, and Jack, the Italian stallion,is driven by revenge, something Nate, Valerie’s dad, has in common with him. They are hunters of the vampire nature. Nate is grooming Valerie to partake in the family business, but she wants no part of it.
She does everything she can to keep herself away from what Jack and Nate do. She has lost enough in life to love and lose Jack and Nate. Jack has lived with her and her father since he was 13. The crush/love was inevitable for Valerie.
Lucas, long golden straight hair has entered the picture, and he has his own hidden agenda. He knows what Valerie doesn't, he is biding his time.
He may have the hair of an angel, but he is far from it.
I liken Lucas’ type character to that of Jericho Barrons in Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. They both need the girl for their hidden agenda, there is this tension filled relationship, they use the girl to get what they need, not letting them understand what they are unless it suits them to reveal this information. They inevitably begin to have feelings for the girl, but don’t understand it or trust in it, there is this type of jealousy. These guys also know how to strut the smexi.
I really felt for Jack, he is hard nosed, stubborn, and lives life dangerously with only thought of revenge. He doesn’t see Valerie and what they could have. In saying that, there is a kissing scene in this book that will curl your toes.
Valerie flees what she can’t control. Is she selfish to want to live her life free of danger and death? Can’t a girl live in London, study, hook up with a guy and party?
Apparently not.
No matter how hard Valerie tries, it all comes full circle, plus some.
Jack and Val are the safest choice for a relationship....but, sometimes what you were running from in the first place takes your heart and squeezes it.
Where this story starts to where the first book finishes..........WOW!
This is fast paced, the characters are dangerous and seductive, the smexi, is well ......uber smexi. The vampires are blood thirsty and dangerous. I wouldn't turn my back on Marion. Love is Fear, book 2 was even better.
I did feel for Lucas, he doesn't have that right hand man, that loyal character to watch his back. Being King comes with showing great strength at all times to quell being overthroned.
But is it enough?
Especially when he has a weakness , whether he wants to admit it or not.
I would go as far as to say if you like the Fever series, you would like this series. It is adult. It has this mystery that unfolds with a sort of sometimes one sided love triangle, but then..........Whahhhhh!!!
FAVE QUOTES:
Her body was slumped like a beaten dog and a tear landed on his neck. He gripped her harder. “No you don't! Why shouldn't you have to do this? I do it. Your father does it! I have given up everything for you and your father. We were supposed to be a team but we're not. It's me and your father while you pretend that nothing is happening. How can you live with yourself? Watch us walk out the door and not know if we’ll come back? But you do it! You let us go while you shop, and date, and have fun. We are not normal! You and me. That was the deal, Val.”
“Hindsight’s a real bitch.”
Nothing else came to her so she plunged ahead, “You know what it's like? It's like being on a diet. I remember that I am on a diet until a cookie appears or some chocolate, then I eat it and the moment it's gone I suddenly remember, 'oh yeah, I was on a diet!' but during those few moments when I'm shoving cake in my face, I honestly can't remember. You are like that-”
“Shall I be flattered then?” His voice was hard and he turned his back, walking away from her.
“Hold up, Fabio.” She put out a hand to keep him at bay.
June 30, 2012
I loved this book! Valerie is raised by her father Nate, who becomes a vampire hunter after her mother is killed by a vampire. Valerie was home when it happened and has tried to gone on with her life a normally as possible but Nate just want let her. He wants her to learn to defend herself against vampires and want rest until she learns. When she is around 8 years old they are in London and the hotel where they are staying is attacked and Jack's parents are both killed by a female vampire infront of him. He comes to live with Nate and Valerie and trains with Nate to become a vampire hunter.
Valerie goes out with Nate and Jack as a look out but doesn't help when it comes to killing the vamps which makes Nate mad. One night she is suppose to help pass weapons as they need them but as she gets out of the car she gets mad at Nate and cuts herself on the door and Jack tells her to get back in and to stay put. He leaves but before she can get back in a vamp grabs her and takes her in to the woods by the cemetary and tries to kill her. Just as she thinks she is going to die another vampire comes to her aid and helps her kill the vampire that attacked her. He tells her he is Lucas the vampire king of course she has heard of him and how dangerous he is but he is hot and just saved her life. Before she can find out why Jack and Nate start calling for her. Nate of course yells at her for leaving the car and not helping so she tells them nothing.
Valerie of course has a crush on Jack growing up but he want give her the time of day other than friendship. He wants her to listen to Nate and takes his side on her training even though he knows she justs wants the hell out as soon as she turns 18 and gets into college.
Nate decides she has to kill a vampire before she goes to college to prove she can live on her own and she isn't happy. Nate is suppose to go and be her back up but of course father of the year doesn't show again and Jack has to go with her instead. She hopes he will actually just Jack want make her do it, but no suck luck. She almost gets killed trying, but she does kill him in the end. But she tells Jack off and tells him she is out of here as soon as possible.
Things move on and she dreams of Lucas in a sexual way and is confused as to why. But she still longs for a relationship with Jack.
She leaves for college and they still are watching her like a hawk but she seems to have a little more freedom. Then she gets accepted in to school in London and things change. The life she ran from hits her head on. Lucas finds her and tells her he is the one who helps supply the info to the hunters to help take out the rogue vamps. But his contact has been killed and he wants her to take his place and if she does no harm will come to Jack or Nate.
Valerie has finally lost her slept with her boyfriend Ian of 3 month and now here Lucas is showing up turning her on like nothing she can comprehend. She is so drawn to him sexual and emotionally and the book gets steamy.
This is a must read for anyone who likes a love triangle with some steamy sex and some great battle between the vampires, the hunters and Jack and Lucas for Valerie.
Valerie goes out with Nate and Jack as a look out but doesn't help when it comes to killing the vamps which makes Nate mad. One night she is suppose to help pass weapons as they need them but as she gets out of the car she gets mad at Nate and cuts herself on the door and Jack tells her to get back in and to stay put. He leaves but before she can get back in a vamp grabs her and takes her in to the woods by the cemetary and tries to kill her. Just as she thinks she is going to die another vampire comes to her aid and helps her kill the vampire that attacked her. He tells her he is Lucas the vampire king of course she has heard of him and how dangerous he is but he is hot and just saved her life. Before she can find out why Jack and Nate start calling for her. Nate of course yells at her for leaving the car and not helping so she tells them nothing.
Valerie of course has a crush on Jack growing up but he want give her the time of day other than friendship. He wants her to listen to Nate and takes his side on her training even though he knows she justs wants the hell out as soon as she turns 18 and gets into college.
Nate decides she has to kill a vampire before she goes to college to prove she can live on her own and she isn't happy. Nate is suppose to go and be her back up but of course father of the year doesn't show again and Jack has to go with her instead. She hopes he will actually just Jack want make her do it, but no suck luck. She almost gets killed trying, but she does kill him in the end. But she tells Jack off and tells him she is out of here as soon as possible.
Things move on and she dreams of Lucas in a sexual way and is confused as to why. But she still longs for a relationship with Jack.
She leaves for college and they still are watching her like a hawk but she seems to have a little more freedom. Then she gets accepted in to school in London and things change. The life she ran from hits her head on. Lucas finds her and tells her he is the one who helps supply the info to the hunters to help take out the rogue vamps. But his contact has been killed and he wants her to take his place and if she does no harm will come to Jack or Nate.
Valerie has finally lost her slept with her boyfriend Ian of 3 month and now here Lucas is showing up turning her on like nothing she can comprehend. She is so drawn to him sexual and emotionally and the book gets steamy.
This is a must read for anyone who likes a love triangle with some steamy sex and some great battle between the vampires, the hunters and Jack and Lucas for Valerie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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