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Dominick #3
Dark Before the Rising Sun
Laurie McBain's classic bestselling Dominick saga
"Now you can see how easily an ill-spoken word can cast doubt on or even destroy the feelings we thought inviolate," Dante warned her. "Never let anyone turn you against me, Rhea. Promise me that."
Newly-wed, Lady Rhea Claire and Dante Leighton must return to England, where their reception is anything but warm.
Now armed with wealth and power, Dante is a target for the murderous smugglers who despoiled his family home, while Rhea's father, the powerful Duke of Camareigh, vehemently rejects their marriage.
The two lovers thought themselves invincible together. But in the riveting conclusion of McBain's epic trilogy, Dante's determination to reclaim his family seat and Rhea's desperation to win over her father threaten to cause an insurmountable rift that could break them apart forever.
Dominick Trilogy:
Moonstruck Madness
Chance the Winds of Fortune
Dark Before the Rising Storm
578 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1982
71 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Laurie McBain
17 books156 followersLaurie McBain was born on October 15, 1949. She was always passionate about art and history, and her father encouraged her and helped her write her first historical romance. At twenty-six, Laurie became a publishing phenomenon with her first historical romance. Her first novels "Devil's Desire" and "Moonstruck Madness" each sold over a million copies. She was one of the pioners of the new romance style with Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. But, after the death of her father, she decided to retire from the publishing world in 1985, with only seven romances written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 25, 2017
4 Redemption and Vindication Stars
* May have some mild Spoilers*
"It will be our home, filled with our love, therefore 'tis as grand as anything I could dream of,"
"Dante, you know you have my love forevermore. I have pledged that to you."
Dark Before the Rising Sun is the 3rd book in the Dominick series and the 2nd book about Dante and Rhea. It picks up right where the last book left off. I liked this one a lot more than Chance The Winds of Fortune. Where as Chance The Winds Of Fortune didn't have enough Dante and Rhea for me, in this book their love took center stage making this a much more enjoyable read!
"Never let anyone turn you against me, Rhea. Promise me that."
"That is why I love you, Rhea. You are so gentle and understanding, loyal and forgiving. When I am lost in my darkest thoughts, I think of you and I no longer feel hatred. Perhaps you were sent to be my salvation. I just pray never to lose the unselfish love you have given me, or fall from that high esteem you seem to hold me in."
What this book is about
The newlyweds Dante and Rhea are back in London. Dante is taking his bride home to Merdraco where he will reclaim his birthright, and start their life together. But nothing is ever that easy. First they will have to face Rhea's Father, false kidnapping charges, an ex lover, a home in ruins, and a few old foes out to destroy and end Dante's life.
"You would be grievously mistaken should you think my husband a lily-livered milksop. And , if I were you," Rhea spoke bravely, "I would not give him another reason to send you into hell, where you should be suffering eternal damnation right now."
"My love. My dearest heart. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you. This is one of the blackest days in my life, yet I stand here with you in my arms and I cannot feel despair. I will always triumph,"
Dante and Rhea are so cute in this book. I loved that there is a lot more of them in this book then in the last one. I feel like I really got to know them as a couple and see their relationship evolve. I also got to know them better individually. I loved seeing Dante's vulnerable side it made him feel more real to me. I also loved that Rhea stood by Dante showing him support, love and trust, no matter how bad things got, or looked! Although there are a few small sub-stories going on in this book the main focus is on Rhea and Dante making it flow better. I was glad that Conny and Alastair were in this book a lot. There is a lot more action in this book keeping it from getting boring. I loved the HEA and I feel this book wrapped up the Trilogy nicely.
Below I leave my favorite moment from this book:
"And did I tell you how much I love you?" he queried further. Rhea's eyes lowered. "Many, many times, m'lord, although 'twould be far more believable if you showed me," she said, startling him with the provocative statement. It had indeed been quite a few months since they had made love. Dante glanced over at her, noting her fiery cheeks. "Aye, m'lady. 'Twould seem as if I do too much talking."
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
* May have some mild Spoilers*
"It will be our home, filled with our love, therefore 'tis as grand as anything I could dream of,"
"Dante, you know you have my love forevermore. I have pledged that to you."
Dark Before the Rising Sun is the 3rd book in the Dominick series and the 2nd book about Dante and Rhea. It picks up right where the last book left off. I liked this one a lot more than Chance The Winds of Fortune. Where as Chance The Winds Of Fortune didn't have enough Dante and Rhea for me, in this book their love took center stage making this a much more enjoyable read!
"Never let anyone turn you against me, Rhea. Promise me that."
"That is why I love you, Rhea. You are so gentle and understanding, loyal and forgiving. When I am lost in my darkest thoughts, I think of you and I no longer feel hatred. Perhaps you were sent to be my salvation. I just pray never to lose the unselfish love you have given me, or fall from that high esteem you seem to hold me in."
What this book is about
The newlyweds Dante and Rhea are back in London. Dante is taking his bride home to Merdraco where he will reclaim his birthright, and start their life together. But nothing is ever that easy. First they will have to face Rhea's Father, false kidnapping charges, an ex lover, a home in ruins, and a few old foes out to destroy and end Dante's life.
"You would be grievously mistaken should you think my husband a lily-livered milksop. And , if I were you," Rhea spoke bravely, "I would not give him another reason to send you into hell, where you should be suffering eternal damnation right now."
"My love. My dearest heart. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you. This is one of the blackest days in my life, yet I stand here with you in my arms and I cannot feel despair. I will always triumph,"
Dante and Rhea are so cute in this book. I loved that there is a lot more of them in this book then in the last one. I feel like I really got to know them as a couple and see their relationship evolve. I also got to know them better individually. I loved seeing Dante's vulnerable side it made him feel more real to me. I also loved that Rhea stood by Dante showing him support, love and trust, no matter how bad things got, or looked! Although there are a few small sub-stories going on in this book the main focus is on Rhea and Dante making it flow better. I was glad that Conny and Alastair were in this book a lot. There is a lot more action in this book keeping it from getting boring. I loved the HEA and I feel this book wrapped up the Trilogy nicely.
Below I leave my favorite moment from this book:
"And did I tell you how much I love you?" he queried further. Rhea's eyes lowered. "Many, many times, m'lord, although 'twould be far more believable if you showed me," she said, startling him with the provocative statement. It had indeed been quite a few months since they had made love. Dante glanced over at her, noting her fiery cheeks. "Aye, m'lady. 'Twould seem as if I do too much talking."
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
maybe
May 29, 2013Always loved the H. Tom Hall cover art.
October 29, 2015
3rd in the Dominick Trilogy a Great Story!
For those of you who read and loved McBain’s Moonstruck Madness, as I did, and want to read the others in the Dominick trilogy, this is the 3rd and it is just as good. This last one begins in 1770 as Rhea Claire and Dante return to England from the Caribbean. Rhea wants to see her family and Dante, having found the treasure, now has the means to reclaim his family estate.
Aware he seduced the young innocent on that faraway Caribbean shore (Rhea was 17 and he was twice her age), upon his return to London, though they are married, Dante is worried he won’t be able to hold Rhea’s love, and he is experiencing trepidation knowing he must face Rhea’s father, the powerful Duke of Camareigh. But that is not all he will have to face. There are smugglers who have engaged in murder, including the murder of the young cutter captain who was the brother of Dante’s friend, Sir Morgan Lloyd, who have despoiled Dante’s ancestral home, Merdraco.
There are many threads in this story as Rhea’s and Dante’s love is tested by an old flame who would like to have Dante, and Dante’s enemies would see him dead. More a sweet love story than the first books, the descriptions are vivid and detailed with rich dialog capturing the period and personality of the characters, whether Scottish, Irish, poor man or high born—or the cat, Jamaica. Well written and an exciting ending to this great trilogy.
While you can read it as a “stand alone,” I recommend you read all three, as they comprise one incredibly worthy story of the Dominicks.
The Dominick trilogy:
• Moonstruck Madness (1977) Sabrina and Lucien
• Chance The Winds Of Fortune (1980) their daughter, Rhea and Dante
• Dark Before The Rising Sun (1982) Rhea and Dante (cont’d.)
For those of you who read and loved McBain’s Moonstruck Madness, as I did, and want to read the others in the Dominick trilogy, this is the 3rd and it is just as good. This last one begins in 1770 as Rhea Claire and Dante return to England from the Caribbean. Rhea wants to see her family and Dante, having found the treasure, now has the means to reclaim his family estate.
Aware he seduced the young innocent on that faraway Caribbean shore (Rhea was 17 and he was twice her age), upon his return to London, though they are married, Dante is worried he won’t be able to hold Rhea’s love, and he is experiencing trepidation knowing he must face Rhea’s father, the powerful Duke of Camareigh. But that is not all he will have to face. There are smugglers who have engaged in murder, including the murder of the young cutter captain who was the brother of Dante’s friend, Sir Morgan Lloyd, who have despoiled Dante’s ancestral home, Merdraco.
There are many threads in this story as Rhea’s and Dante’s love is tested by an old flame who would like to have Dante, and Dante’s enemies would see him dead. More a sweet love story than the first books, the descriptions are vivid and detailed with rich dialog capturing the period and personality of the characters, whether Scottish, Irish, poor man or high born—or the cat, Jamaica. Well written and an exciting ending to this great trilogy.
While you can read it as a “stand alone,” I recommend you read all three, as they comprise one incredibly worthy story of the Dominicks.
The Dominick trilogy:
• Moonstruck Madness (1977) Sabrina and Lucien
• Chance The Winds Of Fortune (1980) their daughter, Rhea and Dante
• Dark Before The Rising Sun (1982) Rhea and Dante (cont’d.)
January 18, 2016
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book of the Dominick trilogy. The writing is expansive and the prose and narrative is unlike what any author writes today. The pictures that Laurie McBain can paint with words has you seeing the scene through her eyes. I have found myself lost in this book and this time, feeling the emotions and hopes of Rhea Claire and the betrayal and need for revenge that has driven Dante for years. Intrigue, betrayal, suspense, mystery and a smoking hot romance with two very passionate characters. This book has all the elements for a great historical romance. Laurie McBain is one of the very best.
Returning to England and her former life is not the sunshine and roses that Rhea Claire expected. Almost from the minute they pulled up to the dock in London, dark forces began to gather together to foil the HEA with Dante she is dreaming of. Now Dante and Rhea Claire must confront the forces that drove Dante from England many years ago and her family too. They are now faced with his past and the nasty secrets and scandals that drove Dante from England years ago. Add into that, Dante is exhibiting a real possessive nature where Rhea Claire is concerned and it has her feeling a little unsettled. How will her family react to Dante and how will Dante react to her family? How is Dante's return going to impact the old hates and will it put Rhea in danger? All questions that will need to be settled before Rhea Claire and Dante can have a life together.
This is the third book of the Dominick trilogy. The writing is expansive and the prose and narrative is unlike what any author writes today. The pictures that Laurie McBain can paint with words has you seeing the scene through her eyes. I have found myself lost in this book and this time, feeling the emotions and hopes of Rhea Claire and the betrayal and need for revenge that has driven Dante for years. Intrigue, betrayal, suspense, mystery and a smoking hot romance with two very passionate characters. This book has all the elements for a great historical romance. Laurie McBain is one of the very best.
Returning to England and her former life is not the sunshine and roses that Rhea Claire expected. Almost from the minute they pulled up to the dock in London, dark forces began to gather together to foil the HEA with Dante she is dreaming of. Now Dante and Rhea Claire must confront the forces that drove Dante from England many years ago and her family too. They are now faced with his past and the nasty secrets and scandals that drove Dante from England years ago. Add into that, Dante is exhibiting a real possessive nature where Rhea Claire is concerned and it has her feeling a little unsettled. How will her family react to Dante and how will Dante react to her family? How is Dante's return going to impact the old hates and will it put Rhea in danger? All questions that will need to be settled before Rhea Claire and Dante can have a life together.
October 24, 2015
Dark Before the Rising Sun by Laurie McBain is a 2015 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“A Thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun- Isaac Watts
When we last saw Dante and Rhea they were sailing toward England to reunite Rhea with her family and announce their marriage. However, Dante still has a bit of unfinished business to attend to as well.
Sadly, the happy couple is met with stern disapproval from Rhea's parents. But, alas, Rhea is already pregnant, which puts things into perspective a little more. Once things settle with Rhea's family and her child is born, the time has arrived for Dante to bring his bride to his family home.
In order for Dante to fully live his life in the moment and look forward to his future with Rhea and his children, he will have to deal with an old adversary or two and hopefully clear his name once and for all.
The Dominick trilogy has been so much fun to get reacquainted with. Originally published back in the 1980's the book is written in a much different style than some are accustomed to, but this saga is absolutely ageless and timeless. Laurie McBain was an excellent storyteller and this sweeping family saga is one of the finest out there. These stories mingle danger, adventure, and intrigue in with a powerful story of redemption, with some retribution thrown in for good measure, and of course, a couple of sweeping and epic love stories, with a beautiful, inspiring and uplifting conclusion.
I loved this last book every bit as much as the two previous chapters in the series and highly recommend it to all historical romance fans.
5 stars
“A Thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun- Isaac Watts
When we last saw Dante and Rhea they were sailing toward England to reunite Rhea with her family and announce their marriage. However, Dante still has a bit of unfinished business to attend to as well.
Sadly, the happy couple is met with stern disapproval from Rhea's parents. But, alas, Rhea is already pregnant, which puts things into perspective a little more. Once things settle with Rhea's family and her child is born, the time has arrived for Dante to bring his bride to his family home.
In order for Dante to fully live his life in the moment and look forward to his future with Rhea and his children, he will have to deal with an old adversary or two and hopefully clear his name once and for all.
The Dominick trilogy has been so much fun to get reacquainted with. Originally published back in the 1980's the book is written in a much different style than some are accustomed to, but this saga is absolutely ageless and timeless. Laurie McBain was an excellent storyteller and this sweeping family saga is one of the finest out there. These stories mingle danger, adventure, and intrigue in with a powerful story of redemption, with some retribution thrown in for good measure, and of course, a couple of sweeping and epic love stories, with a beautiful, inspiring and uplifting conclusion.
I loved this last book every bit as much as the two previous chapters in the series and highly recommend it to all historical romance fans.
5 stars
November 2, 2015
This is the third book in the series, and continues off where the second book left off. This ia story where we see Dante and Rhea grow in their relationship. We see them arrive in England, and at first we see them settle in their marriage, taking time to get ready to meet Rhea's parents. But then shockingly her father arrives in London, and what a sweet reunion Rhea has with her family. At first tension is high, and Dante is forced to prove himself. But finally they do accept him and love him as their own. Rhea and Dante journey up north to his family's estate and this is where the story really escalates with intensity and emotion. Dante has to face his past in order to save his future. He has an enemy that is out to destroy him and all that he holds dear.
This is a stimulating romance that is riveting and stunning. So much emotion and I got wrapped up in this story and fell hard for it. I definitely plan on trying out McBain's other stories. Loved getting to know this family and the various facets that come together in the end!!!
This is a stimulating romance that is riveting and stunning. So much emotion and I got wrapped up in this story and fell hard for it. I definitely plan on trying out McBain's other stories. Loved getting to know this family and the various facets that come together in the end!!!
October 6, 2015
A deadly homecoming!
Dante and Rhea and their band of stalwart friends return to England. Rhea is reunited with her beloved family and home, Camareigh, with Dante a barely tolerated misalliance.
However, Dante must move on to his ancestral home and the problems that await him, including accusations of murder.
Those problems include an old enemy with a powerful grudge, leader of a band of rapacious smugglers. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of the man who led to Dante's fall into hell as a young man.
Friends are present though, including Captain Morgan fresh from the West Indies.
Treachery is afoot and Damte must do all he can to protect his loved ones and regain his heritage.
I must admit that are times the situation become almost too melodramatic. But I rolled with it. Although I did not see the particulars of the last surprise coming, something about that first meeting had made me wonder.
This novel stands alone, but I do recommend reading the prior book, Chance the Winds of Fortune, first to have a more complete understanding of the backstory to this dark homecoming of Dante's and Rhea's.
A NetGalley ARC
Dante and Rhea and their band of stalwart friends return to England. Rhea is reunited with her beloved family and home, Camareigh, with Dante a barely tolerated misalliance.
However, Dante must move on to his ancestral home and the problems that await him, including accusations of murder.
Those problems include an old enemy with a powerful grudge, leader of a band of rapacious smugglers. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of the man who led to Dante's fall into hell as a young man.
Friends are present though, including Captain Morgan fresh from the West Indies.
Treachery is afoot and Damte must do all he can to protect his loved ones and regain his heritage.
I must admit that are times the situation become almost too melodramatic. But I rolled with it. Although I did not see the particulars of the last surprise coming, something about that first meeting had made me wonder.
This novel stands alone, but I do recommend reading the prior book, Chance the Winds of Fortune, first to have a more complete understanding of the backstory to this dark homecoming of Dante's and Rhea's.
A NetGalley ARC
October 9, 2015
I am so happy there was a continuation of Rhea Claire and Dante's story. This installment answered all the questions that were left dangling in Chance the Wiinds of Fortune, plus some. We really got into the bones of the love story in this installment and, while it was not steamy, it was great to see the relationship evolve as it did.
I cannot say enough how much I love this heroine. She is not one of the headstrong or tomboy type heroines that I sometimes like in romance - she is every inch the gentle lady. Usually these type of characters and their feminine wiles really drive me crazy (think Caroline and Bess). But Rhea Claire is a genuinely nice person and always has a kind word for everyone. As she promised she would, she stuck by Dante through thick and thin. When she was presented with something that would send most heroines running, she approached Dante and they talked it out like adults. I love love love when characters show this type of maturity in a story.
We learn a lot more about Dante and his tragic past. He goes home to Merdraco with family in tow determined to face all his demons. Going home to face two whole towns that think the worse of him took some gumption, but Dante stood strong in the face of adversity. The townfolk see they may have judge the lordling harshly fifteen years ago and cannot help but respect the brave man who has returned. Dante is no longer acting cold toward Rhea; he loves her openly and without restraint. It was nice to see him as a doting and loving husband. At the same time, his alpha male comes out as he stands up to old bullies and takes back what is his. And who doesn't love an alpha male with a little bit of vulnerability?
I continue to love all the secondary characters in this book. Rhea's family and Dante's shipmates really come to life and add so much to the story. The villains add a lot to the story as well - they were described in great detail and I have such a good picture of Kate, Miles and Jack Shelby from this series. You also get something totally unexpected happening at the end that threw me for a loop - but it was a great surprise. If you like long sagas, sit down with this series for a weekend and dig in!
I received an advanced copy of the re-released version of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars / 1 flame.
I cannot say enough how much I love this heroine. She is not one of the headstrong or tomboy type heroines that I sometimes like in romance - she is every inch the gentle lady. Usually these type of characters and their feminine wiles really drive me crazy (think Caroline and Bess). But Rhea Claire is a genuinely nice person and always has a kind word for everyone. As she promised she would, she stuck by Dante through thick and thin. When she was presented with something that would send most heroines running, she approached Dante and they talked it out like adults. I love love love when characters show this type of maturity in a story.
We learn a lot more about Dante and his tragic past. He goes home to Merdraco with family in tow determined to face all his demons. Going home to face two whole towns that think the worse of him took some gumption, but Dante stood strong in the face of adversity. The townfolk see they may have judge the lordling harshly fifteen years ago and cannot help but respect the brave man who has returned. Dante is no longer acting cold toward Rhea; he loves her openly and without restraint. It was nice to see him as a doting and loving husband. At the same time, his alpha male comes out as he stands up to old bullies and takes back what is his. And who doesn't love an alpha male with a little bit of vulnerability?
I continue to love all the secondary characters in this book. Rhea's family and Dante's shipmates really come to life and add so much to the story. The villains add a lot to the story as well - they were described in great detail and I have such a good picture of Kate, Miles and Jack Shelby from this series. You also get something totally unexpected happening at the end that threw me for a loop - but it was a great surprise. If you like long sagas, sit down with this series for a weekend and dig in!
I received an advanced copy of the re-released version of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars / 1 flame.
October 19, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for review.
DNR. It just didn't grab my attention.
DNR. It just didn't grab my attention.
January 23, 2024
Rhea Claire and Dante might have uncovered sunken treasure, gotten married, and returned in triumph to England, but their problems are not completely over quite yet. To reclaim the Leighton family home and achieve their happy ending, they'll have to tangle with smugglers, spurned lovers, and murder accusations.
This is the last book in the Dominick trilogy, but it follows the couple from the previous book and resolves the remaining plotlines opened there. The writing is atmospheric, and I admired how realistic characters were - especially those who could have been written off as one-note antagonists, like Bess Seacombe. Rhea Claire and Dante too, though they conform to stock tropes, are written complex and full of life.
I was surprised by the minimal amount of angst considering how heavily the author foreshadowed drama, though I did not mind it. However, I did wish the action would have picked up a little earlier - the climax comes in the last fifty pages or so of this otherwise leisurely tome, which leaves not much time to wrap up everyone's happy endings.
This is the last book in the Dominick trilogy, but it follows the couple from the previous book and resolves the remaining plotlines opened there. The writing is atmospheric, and I admired how realistic characters were - especially those who could have been written off as one-note antagonists, like Bess Seacombe. Rhea Claire and Dante too, though they conform to stock tropes, are written complex and full of life.
I was surprised by the minimal amount of angst considering how heavily the author foreshadowed drama, though I did not mind it. However, I did wish the action would have picked up a little earlier - the climax comes in the last fifty pages or so of this otherwise leisurely tome, which leaves not much time to wrap up everyone's happy endings.
November 25, 2022
This is a re-read of an old skool romance.
This is the third in a series and an interesting book because the hero and heroine, Lady Rhea Claire and Dante Leighton, are married at the beginning of the book and in love and very happy and there is no romantic conflict at all. All the story and conflict is external and isn't about their romance. Their actual story started in the previous book and end with the required HEA. This book is a sort of after the HEA is a continuation of the previous book which was not really a convention of romance novels at the time this was published.
In this series, the first book is Moonstruck Madness. This is the story of Serena Varrick and Lucien the Duke of Camareigh. One of my favorite old romances and such a fun story. Serena disguises herself as a highwayman and robs horrible rich people to take care of her family. And Lucien is the wrong guy to hold up. Shenanigans ensue. They get married and have an HEA.
The second book, Chance The Winds of Fortune is actually Rhea and Dante's romance origin story. Rhea is the oldest daughter of Serena and Lucien from the first book. She is a Duke's daughter and lovely and their family is big and happy. In the first book we met her father's evil cousins who hated him. In the second book the evil cousins make a reappearance in one of those 'revenge is a dish best served cold' moves and kidnap Rhea and sell her to pirates. The Pirate in question is Dante. Dante is one of those staples from old skool romance. A disgraced young nobleman who runs off to sea with a trumped up murder accusation following him, becomes a ship captain, becomes a major bad ass, earns a loyal crew of other bad asses, amasses a huge fortune and swears revenge on the evil people who did him wrong. In the second book where Dante and Rhea meet, it is a pirate romance novel where Rhea is onboard Dante's ship, he is searching for a sunken Spanish galleon, he doesn't believe she is the daughter of a Duke and he won't let her go because she's seen his treasure map. Meanwhile her parents are searching for her and holding out hope she is not dead. By the end of that book, Dante has gotten his treasure, Rhea and Dante are married and they are back in England with plans to contact her family with the good news she is alive.
Which brings us to this book. They are back in England, all boo'd up. But there is still some story to tell. Dante needs to meet his none-too-happy new in-laws and go back to his home to reclaim his lands and his place as the Marquis, help root out some smugglers and confront a lot of bad feelings from the past. All this with Rhea by his side.
The first part of the book is a little slow with Dante disbanding his crew and taking care of business so he can settle back. And then they go to Camareigh, Rhea's home, where she is welcomed with glad cries by her parents and her many siblings and cousins. The second part picks up quite a bit and is full of atmosphere and righting old wrongs and has Rhea and Dante travelling back to his home to reclaim his birthright and for him to finally confront the terrible man who manipulated him and vengeful smuggler who believes he killed his daughter, and the ex fiancee who did not stand by him.
A lot of the fun of the story is seeing all the people who only remembered Dante as a callow young lord who ran away possibly and now are getting a load of him as the hardened Sea captain with loyal men at his back and justice on his mind. He plans to clear his name and restore his home and, oh by the way, help his BFF a captain of the navy get rid of the violent smugglers who prowl the coast near his home.
I remembered really loving this back in the day and this has held up great, I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
This is the third in a series and an interesting book because the hero and heroine, Lady Rhea Claire and Dante Leighton, are married at the beginning of the book and in love and very happy and there is no romantic conflict at all. All the story and conflict is external and isn't about their romance. Their actual story started in the previous book and end with the required HEA. This book is a sort of after the HEA is a continuation of the previous book which was not really a convention of romance novels at the time this was published.
In this series, the first book is Moonstruck Madness. This is the story of Serena Varrick and Lucien the Duke of Camareigh. One of my favorite old romances and such a fun story. Serena disguises herself as a highwayman and robs horrible rich people to take care of her family. And Lucien is the wrong guy to hold up. Shenanigans ensue. They get married and have an HEA.
The second book, Chance The Winds of Fortune is actually Rhea and Dante's romance origin story. Rhea is the oldest daughter of Serena and Lucien from the first book. She is a Duke's daughter and lovely and their family is big and happy. In the first book we met her father's evil cousins who hated him. In the second book the evil cousins make a reappearance in one of those 'revenge is a dish best served cold' moves and kidnap Rhea and sell her to pirates. The Pirate in question is Dante. Dante is one of those staples from old skool romance. A disgraced young nobleman who runs off to sea with a trumped up murder accusation following him, becomes a ship captain, becomes a major bad ass, earns a loyal crew of other bad asses, amasses a huge fortune and swears revenge on the evil people who did him wrong. In the second book where Dante and Rhea meet, it is a pirate romance novel where Rhea is onboard Dante's ship, he is searching for a sunken Spanish galleon, he doesn't believe she is the daughter of a Duke and he won't let her go because she's seen his treasure map. Meanwhile her parents are searching for her and holding out hope she is not dead. By the end of that book, Dante has gotten his treasure, Rhea and Dante are married and they are back in England with plans to contact her family with the good news she is alive.
Which brings us to this book. They are back in England, all boo'd up. But there is still some story to tell. Dante needs to meet his none-too-happy new in-laws and go back to his home to reclaim his lands and his place as the Marquis, help root out some smugglers and confront a lot of bad feelings from the past. All this with Rhea by his side.
The first part of the book is a little slow with Dante disbanding his crew and taking care of business so he can settle back. And then they go to Camareigh, Rhea's home, where she is welcomed with glad cries by her parents and her many siblings and cousins. The second part picks up quite a bit and is full of atmosphere and righting old wrongs and has Rhea and Dante travelling back to his home to reclaim his birthright and for him to finally confront the terrible man who manipulated him and vengeful smuggler who believes he killed his daughter, and the ex fiancee who did not stand by him.
A lot of the fun of the story is seeing all the people who only remembered Dante as a callow young lord who ran away possibly and now are getting a load of him as the hardened Sea captain with loyal men at his back and justice on his mind. He plans to clear his name and restore his home and, oh by the way, help his BFF a captain of the navy get rid of the violent smugglers who prowl the coast near his home.
I remembered really loving this back in the day and this has held up great, I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
July 12, 2022
Great Title, Beautiful Cover, Too Bad About the Book
Dark Before the Rising Sun is the last installment in Laurie McBain's trilogy that began with Moonstruck Madness. This is a direct continuation of that book’s sequel, Chance the Winds of Fortune. I am breaking my rule for reviewing books that I have didn’t fully read, as I made it fairly far into this book and then skimmed to the end. Yes, it was that bad.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more if it had been combined with the first book, and halved by length.
As I said in my review of Chance the Winds of Fortune, the second and third books combine for over 1000 pages. In the previous installment, the pride and joy of the Dominic family, the eldest daughter Rhea Claire was kidnapped. Events led her to be an unwilling passenger on a ship sailing the Caribbean, captained by Dante Leighton, former English Marquis turned pirate. Rhea charmed the pants off of the ship’s men, metaphorically speaking for the crew, but literally speaking of Captain Dante. Rhea and Dante found treasure and true love.
Now the pair have returned to England so Dante can regain his title as the Marquis of Jacobi, and his beloved, Rhea Claire, daughter of Moonstruck Madness' Sabrina and Lucien, can let her parents know she’s alive and well.
After reading the soporific precursor to this book, I found myself looking at another 500 pages to complete their stupid, boring love story. Why? I don’t know. What was the point? Rhea’s dad doesn’t like Dominic. Society still looks down at Dante. Rhea and Dominic are united in their love for one another as they head to Dante’s estate of Merdraco to re-establish his place as the rightful Marquis. There’s a nasty villain who wants to destroy Dante.
There’s Rhea acting cute as always: “Let’s meet my great family and they’ll help get your titles and estates restored now that you’re not a pirate anymore. I love you, darling. Aren’t we so wonderfully dull?”
And Dante reveals his dirty little secret: “Years ago, I once saw your mother at a party when I was a young man and had a crush on her.” That’s like a .05 on a scale of 1-100 for old-school romance craziness!
I suppose to really enjoy this book, you had to love the prior novel, and I didn’t. So I was destined to hate this one.
Dark Before the Rising Sun has a largely positive consensus in reviews I’ve seen online. I guess most people who read this far into the trilogy, do genuinely love it. Not me, the eternal contrarian.
I keep these books only for the covers, but as far as re-reading them, life’s too short!
1.5 stars DNF
Dark Before the Rising Sun is the last installment in Laurie McBain's trilogy that began with Moonstruck Madness. This is a direct continuation of that book’s sequel, Chance the Winds of Fortune. I am breaking my rule for reviewing books that I have didn’t fully read, as I made it fairly far into this book and then skimmed to the end. Yes, it was that bad.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more if it had been combined with the first book, and halved by length.
As I said in my review of Chance the Winds of Fortune, the second and third books combine for over 1000 pages. In the previous installment, the pride and joy of the Dominic family, the eldest daughter Rhea Claire was kidnapped. Events led her to be an unwilling passenger on a ship sailing the Caribbean, captained by Dante Leighton, former English Marquis turned pirate. Rhea charmed the pants off of the ship’s men, metaphorically speaking for the crew, but literally speaking of Captain Dante. Rhea and Dante found treasure and true love.
Now the pair have returned to England so Dante can regain his title as the Marquis of Jacobi, and his beloved, Rhea Claire, daughter of Moonstruck Madness' Sabrina and Lucien, can let her parents know she’s alive and well.
After reading the soporific precursor to this book, I found myself looking at another 500 pages to complete their stupid, boring love story. Why? I don’t know. What was the point? Rhea’s dad doesn’t like Dominic. Society still looks down at Dante. Rhea and Dominic are united in their love for one another as they head to Dante’s estate of Merdraco to re-establish his place as the rightful Marquis. There’s a nasty villain who wants to destroy Dante.
There’s Rhea acting cute as always: “Let’s meet my great family and they’ll help get your titles and estates restored now that you’re not a pirate anymore. I love you, darling. Aren’t we so wonderfully dull?”
And Dante reveals his dirty little secret: “Years ago, I once saw your mother at a party when I was a young man and had a crush on her.” That’s like a .05 on a scale of 1-100 for old-school romance craziness!
I suppose to really enjoy this book, you had to love the prior novel, and I didn’t. So I was destined to hate this one.
Dark Before the Rising Sun has a largely positive consensus in reviews I’ve seen online. I guess most people who read this far into the trilogy, do genuinely love it. Not me, the eternal contrarian.
I keep these books only for the covers, but as far as re-reading them, life’s too short!
1.5 stars DNF
November 24, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Dark Before the Rising Sun is book three in Laurie McBain's Dominick Trilogy. Last week we met Dante and Rhea Claire. They fell in love and have a hope for the future, but first they must face both society and the demons that have been chasing Dante.
This is what I call a WOW Story, take out your pillows
because there is plenty to swoon about. Where Chance the Winds of Fortune isolated this couple, Dark brings them full circle. We get to spend time with those wonderful Dominicks and their friends, even the ones we don't like. Lucien and Sabrina still run the Dominick Family but their children are grown and the adventures are a bit more extreme. And Rhea Claire's return to the family is nothing short of brilliant.
Lucien, ever the doting dad wants to make her a widow and Dante ever the doting husband wants only for Rhea Claire to be happy.. no he doesn't die... Choices have to be made and these two are forced to separate. And when coming together should bring only happiness, old scandals arise to test their faith.
This time, it's Dante's past that they must face. Dante, a once dissolute lord has returned to Merdraco, his family estate. His only desire to bring it back to what it once was. If only it was that simple. First he must face the evil that destroyed his family. He must keep secrets from Rhea Claire, secrets that could destroy her trust..
Seriously, this is just one of those epic stories that has survived the times and is now available in digital format. It's an awesome read and I totally suggest you check it out.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Dark Before the Rising Sun, provided by netgalley
Dark Before the Rising Sun is book three in Laurie McBain's Dominick Trilogy. Last week we met Dante and Rhea Claire. They fell in love and have a hope for the future, but first they must face both society and the demons that have been chasing Dante.
This is what I call a WOW Story, take out your pillows
because there is plenty to swoon about. Where Chance the Winds of Fortune isolated this couple, Dark brings them full circle. We get to spend time with those wonderful Dominicks and their friends, even the ones we don't like. Lucien and Sabrina still run the Dominick Family but their children are grown and the adventures are a bit more extreme. And Rhea Claire's return to the family is nothing short of brilliant.
Lucien, ever the doting dad wants to make her a widow and Dante ever the doting husband wants only for Rhea Claire to be happy.. no he doesn't die... Choices have to be made and these two are forced to separate. And when coming together should bring only happiness, old scandals arise to test their faith.
This time, it's Dante's past that they must face. Dante, a once dissolute lord has returned to Merdraco, his family estate. His only desire to bring it back to what it once was. If only it was that simple. First he must face the evil that destroyed his family. He must keep secrets from Rhea Claire, secrets that could destroy her trust..
Seriously, this is just one of those epic stories that has survived the times and is now available in digital format. It's an awesome read and I totally suggest you check it out.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Dark Before the Rising Sun, provided by netgalley
November 9, 2015
A very drawn out story that seems to be all over the place. There are a lot of subplots and other things going on in the book that constantly throw you off the main plot. There is a point at the beginning of the story where it talks about the heroine and a captain having to testify to save the hero from the gallow then nothing. It was very frustrating. The hero came off very controlling and manipulative and the heroine was weak and always trying to keep the hero from getting upset with her. There were parts that I enjoyed. The banter between the grew and the sisterly love the heroine shows toward the cabin boy. This story just couldn't grab my attention.
Want to read
July 10, 2019NTS: Accessible at my town library via Overdrive.
August 16, 2020
WOW, what a Saga
I read and savored this book like a bowl of ice cream, or a beautiful night of lovemaking. I hated to read it so fast but I couldn't put it down. So many characters was what I expected, but not having an ending to some of their stories was the only drawback to this book. I absolutely loved it. I could possibly write a book about what I loved about this story, since it is so may reasons. I am so grateful I had a chance to read the Dominick Trilogy at last.
I read and savored this book like a bowl of ice cream, or a beautiful night of lovemaking. I hated to read it so fast but I couldn't put it down. So many characters was what I expected, but not having an ending to some of their stories was the only drawback to this book. I absolutely loved it. I could possibly write a book about what I loved about this story, since it is so may reasons. I am so grateful I had a chance to read the Dominick Trilogy at last.
July 22, 2014
The third and final book in the Dominick Trilogy by Laurie McBain. Another book I have fond memories of that I read many years ago. This continues the story of Rhea and Dante from Chance the Winds of Fortune when they return to England.
July 20, 2016
I absolutely adored this trilogy! Laurie McBain is a fantastic writer and wonderful story teller it is really a shame she only wrote seven books. I came to care and love every character in this book-I am sad to see it come to an end.
Read
July 29, 2015We have to wait 70 or so pages to really meet the couple and I'm still a little confused as to what is going on. The language is a bit flowery and over descriptive for my taste. I just can't seem to get into it all.
Read
August 18, 2020Loved the series.
April 2, 2021
3.5 rating. To be fair I did not read the first 2 books so maybe that would make the difference. It just didn't seem to grab my attention.
July 17, 2025
Struggled to read this, being the third book not the first in the series.
ONLY to discover about 3/4 the way through I had already read the book probably 10 or more years ago.
ONLY to discover about 3/4 the way through I had already read the book probably 10 or more years ago.
July 26, 2016
Book three of the Dominick Trilogy: Reprint from 1982: Note this book ends and ends quickly. There is an Epilogue but we are left with so many questions unanswered that you will feel frustrated and at loose ends.
This book takes up where the second Chance the Winds of Fortune left off. Dante and Lady Rhea Claire Dominick have married and her father comes to get her after the Sea Dragon docks in London. After Donte completes his business in London, he then travels to Camareigh to meet the Dominick family. Let’s just say the meeting does not go so well. Her father wants him dead, her brothers and cousins want him to simply go away, and the servants consider Dante, Conny and Houston with a critical and suspicious eye. It takes a while for the family to come around. The fact that Lady Rhea announced she was pregnant helped them accept the marriage.
Some reviewers struggle with Dante’s behavior toward Lady Rhea but we have to understand what his history and motivations are. His episodes of separation anxiety and obsessive possessive tendencies are a result of his mother’s abandonment / death when he was young. His bastard step-father misused and betrayed him. His first love / fiancée ended their engagement thus rejecting him.
Years later, while Captain of the Sea Dragon, his then fiancée spurned him and aborted their child. She thought she could make a better match in London only to discover she was considered no catch in the London marriage market. While there she learned that Dante was in fact the Marquis of Jacqobi. She then made numerous aggressive attempts to reconcile with him. So his track record with women and his relations was damaged and distrustful at best.
So much happens in this book. I was on the edge of my seat as Dante secretly worked with Sir Morgan Lloyd who was trying to bring to justice the smugglers that murdered his brother Benjamin Lloyd, Captain of HMS Hindrance. I could not put it down. I was shocked and horrified at the turn of events and several things I simply did not see coming. The evil, brutal situations good people found themselves in were hard to read.
QUESTIONS*****SPOILER: What the heck? We were simply left hanging. The Epilogue answered a few questions but…what about Anna. Was she Dante’s daughter? What happened to Lady Bess Seacombe? What became of Sir Morgan Lloyd? Did Sir Jacob Weare and Lady Bess reconcile? With the death of Sir Miles…was there anything left to his estate? Did Dante inherit anything or was he able to secure the rest of Sandbourne land or holdings? What about Conny Brady or Houston Kirby? What happened to Alastair Marlowe and did his interest in Anna blossom into something more? What about the Dominick family…the brothers Francis and Robin? Come on…the trilogy ended and there was so much left unsaid and too much to wonder about. Did Caroline manage to snag Wesley the Earl of Rendale or did he manage to escape? Is there another book that I don’t know about?
This book takes up where the second Chance the Winds of Fortune left off. Dante and Lady Rhea Claire Dominick have married and her father comes to get her after the Sea Dragon docks in London. After Donte completes his business in London, he then travels to Camareigh to meet the Dominick family. Let’s just say the meeting does not go so well. Her father wants him dead, her brothers and cousins want him to simply go away, and the servants consider Dante, Conny and Houston with a critical and suspicious eye. It takes a while for the family to come around. The fact that Lady Rhea announced she was pregnant helped them accept the marriage.
Some reviewers struggle with Dante’s behavior toward Lady Rhea but we have to understand what his history and motivations are. His episodes of separation anxiety and obsessive possessive tendencies are a result of his mother’s abandonment / death when he was young. His bastard step-father misused and betrayed him. His first love / fiancée ended their engagement thus rejecting him.
Years later, while Captain of the Sea Dragon, his then fiancée spurned him and aborted their child. She thought she could make a better match in London only to discover she was considered no catch in the London marriage market. While there she learned that Dante was in fact the Marquis of Jacqobi. She then made numerous aggressive attempts to reconcile with him. So his track record with women and his relations was damaged and distrustful at best.
So much happens in this book. I was on the edge of my seat as Dante secretly worked with Sir Morgan Lloyd who was trying to bring to justice the smugglers that murdered his brother Benjamin Lloyd, Captain of HMS Hindrance. I could not put it down. I was shocked and horrified at the turn of events and several things I simply did not see coming. The evil, brutal situations good people found themselves in were hard to read.
QUESTIONS*****SPOILER: What the heck? We were simply left hanging. The Epilogue answered a few questions but…what about Anna. Was she Dante’s daughter? What happened to Lady Bess Seacombe? What became of Sir Morgan Lloyd? Did Sir Jacob Weare and Lady Bess reconcile? With the death of Sir Miles…was there anything left to his estate? Did Dante inherit anything or was he able to secure the rest of Sandbourne land or holdings? What about Conny Brady or Houston Kirby? What happened to Alastair Marlowe and did his interest in Anna blossom into something more? What about the Dominick family…the brothers Francis and Robin? Come on…the trilogy ended and there was so much left unsaid and too much to wonder about. Did Caroline manage to snag Wesley the Earl of Rendale or did he manage to escape? Is there another book that I don’t know about?
October 6, 2015
Conclusion to the Dominick Trilogy
FINAL DECISION: I loved this final book in the trilogy. It really is integral to the story of Rhea and Dante and should be required reading after book two of the series.
THE STORY: Continuing the story of CHANCE THE WINDS OF FORTUNE, Rhea and Dante Leighton have fallen in love and married, but now face their return to England to face Rhea's parents and Dante's mysterious past. The secrets of the past threaten the future that Rhea and Dante want to build together.
OPINION: This series is really a saga with two main romances. This book covers Rhea and Dante's return to England and resolves the conflicts with Rhea's parents and then reveals Dante's past as he finally travels home. The book is really more suspense than romance because -- thankfully -- Rhea and Dante aren't unnecessarily torn apart. In fact, that is one of the things I liked best about this book. Rhea and Dante are a strong couple and there is a tremendous amount of trust between them despite some circumstances which could have easily torn them apart. There are a number of characters who are fleshed out and make appearances. My only real complaint is that there are so many good characters introduced here who don't have resolution to their story.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book is more suspense than romance since the romance has already been settled by the time this book begins.
CONNECTED BOOKS: DARK BEFORE THE RISING SUN is the third and final book in the Dominick Trilogy. This book should be read as part of the series because the stories all begin in the prior books.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
FINAL DECISION: I loved this final book in the trilogy. It really is integral to the story of Rhea and Dante and should be required reading after book two of the series.
THE STORY: Continuing the story of CHANCE THE WINDS OF FORTUNE, Rhea and Dante Leighton have fallen in love and married, but now face their return to England to face Rhea's parents and Dante's mysterious past. The secrets of the past threaten the future that Rhea and Dante want to build together.
OPINION: This series is really a saga with two main romances. This book covers Rhea and Dante's return to England and resolves the conflicts with Rhea's parents and then reveals Dante's past as he finally travels home. The book is really more suspense than romance because -- thankfully -- Rhea and Dante aren't unnecessarily torn apart. In fact, that is one of the things I liked best about this book. Rhea and Dante are a strong couple and there is a tremendous amount of trust between them despite some circumstances which could have easily torn them apart. There are a number of characters who are fleshed out and make appearances. My only real complaint is that there are so many good characters introduced here who don't have resolution to their story.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book is more suspense than romance since the romance has already been settled by the time this book begins.
CONNECTED BOOKS: DARK BEFORE THE RISING SUN is the third and final book in the Dominick Trilogy. This book should be read as part of the series because the stories all begin in the prior books.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
September 26, 2015
I received a complimentary book from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in Laurie McBain’s trilogy, and this book does not stand alone. You must have read Chance the Wind of Fortune first because this is the continuation of Rhea and Lucien’s story. It would also greatly help your understanding of this book if you have read Moonstruck Madness. In this book the couple returns to England where they have to deal with Rhea’s parent's attitude.
Upon returning to England, the couple finds out that Rhea’s parents are not happy with their marriage, especially her father. Rhea is only seventeen, and Dante is about twice her age. Also, Dante is worried that he will not be able to hold on to Rhea once she meets the younger men in England. Meanwhile they have found the treasure and Dante now has taken back his ruined estate. Unfortunately, now he is a target for murderous smugglers.
I enjoyed this book much better than I did the one before this, because now Rhea and Dante are in love, married and working together to try to fix all of their problems. Rhea is trying to win her father’s approval for Dante and their marriage, and Dante is working on getting everything back that he lost when he lost his estate.
This is another excellent book by Laurie McBain who is a fantastic writer. In this book, her characters have great enough depth. We can see Dante and Rhea’s love for each other along with their anger at these new issues. We also see Lucien’s anger at Dante, but we can also feel his love for Rhea.
I would highly recommend this book even though it still has a lot of the old-fashioned thinking that was held during the time when this book was written. However, I like that now the Rhea and Dante are now a loving couple who are working somewhat together throughout the book to solve their problems.
This is the third book in Laurie McBain’s trilogy, and this book does not stand alone. You must have read Chance the Wind of Fortune first because this is the continuation of Rhea and Lucien’s story. It would also greatly help your understanding of this book if you have read Moonstruck Madness. In this book the couple returns to England where they have to deal with Rhea’s parent's attitude.
Upon returning to England, the couple finds out that Rhea’s parents are not happy with their marriage, especially her father. Rhea is only seventeen, and Dante is about twice her age. Also, Dante is worried that he will not be able to hold on to Rhea once she meets the younger men in England. Meanwhile they have found the treasure and Dante now has taken back his ruined estate. Unfortunately, now he is a target for murderous smugglers.
I enjoyed this book much better than I did the one before this, because now Rhea and Dante are in love, married and working together to try to fix all of their problems. Rhea is trying to win her father’s approval for Dante and their marriage, and Dante is working on getting everything back that he lost when he lost his estate.
This is another excellent book by Laurie McBain who is a fantastic writer. In this book, her characters have great enough depth. We can see Dante and Rhea’s love for each other along with their anger at these new issues. We also see Lucien’s anger at Dante, but we can also feel his love for Rhea.
I would highly recommend this book even though it still has a lot of the old-fashioned thinking that was held during the time when this book was written. However, I like that now the Rhea and Dante are now a loving couple who are working somewhat together throughout the book to solve their problems.
March 9, 2016
Dante Leighton was the captain of the Sea Dragon. Dante was an adventurer and privateer. but Dante was also a Marquis and he owned Merdraco. Then Dante owed a debt to a sea captain and paid it. Coming up through the ranks and earning respect from Captain Christopher. When Captain Christopher died Dante inherited what little the captain had. Rhea had sought refuge while in Charles Town. Dante and Rhea fell in love but in actuality Rhea had been kidnapped and seen a treasure map Dante had so he had to sail with her. Rhea was the daughter of a Duke . Dante And Rhea Claire are now married. Dante has asked Rhea never to let anyone turn her against him. Rhea did in fact stand by Dante giving him support, love, and trust even at the worst of times.
This was actually a good story. Although once again I didn’t realize this was part of a series. But I still read this and will go back to the other two books and read them. i really enjoyed this story’ I enjoyed the characters but of course Dante and Rhea stood out and all their ups and downs they went through. I do recommend but read the other books first it will be easier to read this one and all that is going on. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
July 23, 2015
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
Dark Before the Rising Storm by Laurie McBain is the last installment of the Dominick Trilogy.
Even though can be read as a standalone, you’re going to end up getting the previous two installments, especially when Characters from the first two books reappear to participate on this book.
Upon their return to London, as a wealthy married couple, Dante & Rhea's love will be tested, facing not only Rhea's father, the powerful Duke of Camareigh, but in addition Dante will have to face murderous smugglers who despoiled his family home, and of course Dante’s old flame trying to get him back.
An exciting ending to this great trilogy. A delightful and enjoyable read. I’m glad to see Laurie McBain’s stories being told again, that's why I knew I had to make them part of my e-library.
Dominick Trilogy:
Moonstruck Madness
Chance the Winds of Fortune
Dark Before the Rising Storm
Dark Before the Rising Storm by Laurie McBain is the last installment of the Dominick Trilogy.
Even though can be read as a standalone, you’re going to end up getting the previous two installments, especially when Characters from the first two books reappear to participate on this book.
Upon their return to London, as a wealthy married couple, Dante & Rhea's love will be tested, facing not only Rhea's father, the powerful Duke of Camareigh, but in addition Dante will have to face murderous smugglers who despoiled his family home, and of course Dante’s old flame trying to get him back.
An exciting ending to this great trilogy. A delightful and enjoyable read. I’m glad to see Laurie McBain’s stories being told again, that's why I knew I had to make them part of my e-library.
Dominick Trilogy:
Moonstruck Madness
Chance the Winds of Fortune
Dark Before the Rising Storm
May 19, 2014
Dark Before The Rising Sun by Laurie McBain is the final book in the trilogy started with Moonstruck Madness. I enjoyed reading more about Dante Leighton and Rhea Claire Dominick Leighton. This book has murder and mayhem and revenge. There is even a ghost. I think this book was the best of the three and I enjoyed all three (Moonstruck Madness -- Lucien and Sabrina); Chance The Winds of Fortune (Dante & Rhea Claire ~~ the daughter of Lucien and Sabrina) and Dark Before The Rising Sun. I think these books were better written than Devil's Desire Laurie McBain's first book. The characters were well written and the story kept me interested. I've said it before, I wish she had kept writing. Maybe she would have written the story of Alastair Marlowe (the Sea Dragon's suspercargo) and Anne Seacombe.
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