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Crimson City #4
A Darker Crimson
Long ago the portal was sealed, and Los Angeles—now Crimson City—rid itself of demons for eternity. Or so Claudia Donovan believed. With the city’s other “paranormals” more active than ever, and the treaty between the species all but dissolved, she and the rest of the CCPD have enough to handle.
But now her daughter has been kidnapped and she’s learned that demons still exist—and that they are plotting. To whom can she turn for help? The vampire, Tiberiu Korzha, whose eyes promise death but whose lips taste of eternity? Or does salvation lie with the powerful Lath, he who inspires lust beyond name? Thirst, bitterness, despair—on the plane of Orcus, all these things await. But just as surely, beyond that portal are Claudia’s daughter, victory and true love. And her first taste of...A DARKER CRIMSON!!
373 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
16 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Jewel
58 books527 followersCarolyn Jewel was born on a moonless night. That darkness was seared into her soul and she became an award winning and USA Today bestselling author of historical and paranormal romance. She has a very dusty car and a Master’s degree in English that proves useful at the oddest times. An avid fan of fine chocolate, finer heroines, Bollywood films, and heroism in all forms, she has two cats and a dog. Also a son. One of the cats is his.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 9, 2013
I was told that A Taste of Crimson was the best of this series and that the rest were stinky but, of course, I didn't listen to my wise friends and went ahead and read this one. And were they ever right.
This book is about a young woman, Claudine (Claudette? Sorry her name escapes me) who at 25 is a cop, a mother of a 10 year old daughter and lives in a world where vampires and werewolves are commonplace. While investigating a crime scene she becomes entangled with a demon who brings her to his world. Soon she discovers her daughter has been kidnapped by the demons as well because Claudia is able to "open the portal" between the worlds. Why her and how do the demons know, anyway? Don't ask me. Fortunately for her she has very big breasts, huge brown eyes and a gorgeous, ancient vampire is on her side and helps her slay the demons. Some girls have all the luck.
Though this book didn't grab me with its wit or imaginative plot it sure as heck managed to annoy me. The dialogue is awful, the characters very substandard and the plot sketchy and difficult to follow. The heroine's daughter has been kidnapped but I felt nothing as there's very little in the way of character development and Claudine is far too busy lusting over gorgeous vampires and demons who woo her with mind tricks to dwell on the fact that her daughter may be suffering atrocities (after all, she is being held by lusty demons). A little way into the book the heroine is raped by a demon (in a nice-y romanc-y way of course - blech - it's still rape all the same) and a day or so later she's all ready to have sex with her vampire savior because he's hot. After all of the sex she realizes "whoops we didn't use protection" and asks him if he has "swimmers", him being the undead and all, well you never know do you? Never mind the fact that a demon had sex with her and his demon "seed" was all over her legs. The rape has simply escaped her empty head. Ugh, ugh, ugh. It was at this point that I gave up all hope of ever connecting with this imbecile.
This books worse sin, however, is the fact that it's boring. Most of the story features the vampire and the forgetful heroine running for their lives from demons, in between pauses to reflect on how beautiful they think each other are. It just plods on and on. Not at all recommended unless you're stuck in a room with people you wish to avoid and only have this book as a means to escape them . . .
This book is about a young woman, Claudine (Claudette? Sorry her name escapes me) who at 25 is a cop, a mother of a 10 year old daughter and lives in a world where vampires and werewolves are commonplace. While investigating a crime scene she becomes entangled with a demon who brings her to his world. Soon she discovers her daughter has been kidnapped by the demons as well because Claudia is able to "open the portal" between the worlds. Why her and how do the demons know, anyway? Don't ask me. Fortunately for her she has very big breasts, huge brown eyes and a gorgeous, ancient vampire is on her side and helps her slay the demons. Some girls have all the luck.
Though this book didn't grab me with its wit or imaginative plot it sure as heck managed to annoy me. The dialogue is awful, the characters very substandard and the plot sketchy and difficult to follow. The heroine's daughter has been kidnapped but I felt nothing as there's very little in the way of character development and Claudine is far too busy lusting over gorgeous vampires and demons who woo her with mind tricks to dwell on the fact that her daughter may be suffering atrocities (after all, she is being held by lusty demons). A little way into the book the heroine is raped by a demon (in a nice-y romanc-y way of course - blech - it's still rape all the same) and a day or so later she's all ready to have sex with her vampire savior because he's hot. After all of the sex she realizes "whoops we didn't use protection" and asks him if he has "swimmers", him being the undead and all, well you never know do you? Never mind the fact that a demon had sex with her and his demon "seed" was all over her legs. The rape has simply escaped her empty head. Ugh, ugh, ugh. It was at this point that I gave up all hope of ever connecting with this imbecile.
This books worse sin, however, is the fact that it's boring. Most of the story features the vampire and the forgetful heroine running for their lives from demons, in between pauses to reflect on how beautiful they think each other are. It just plods on and on. Not at all recommended unless you're stuck in a room with people you wish to avoid and only have this book as a means to escape them . . .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2015
Re-read on 1/17/2015. Still really good. I noticed more some minor nits, which was to be expected.
Fast paced, action packed futuristic UF.
A great, strong, human heroine compelled to fight for her daughter's life literally in hell.
I found her absolutely realistic in her description: a human woman coming from the slums, pregnant a 15 doing everything to keep her daughter and herself floating. Hating vampires (who, when rogues, prey on humans like her father, and when normal dominate Crimson City with their riches) and Others, but slowly overcoming racism.
I liked that until the mid and over I wasn't sure were the story was heading. I liked the vamp and at the end felt damn sorry for the demon (trapped like her in a bond).
For the faint of heart: there's a scene of forced seduction. You might call it rape, in this case, they are both forced into it. Unpleasant, but not sexist.
A note to purist: it lacks editing (missed/wrong words mostly). It's not big, but in a few phrases you have to re-read to try to understand.
Fast paced, action packed futuristic UF.
A great, strong, human heroine compelled to fight for her daughter's life literally in hell.
I found her absolutely realistic in her description: a human woman coming from the slums, pregnant a 15 doing everything to keep her daughter and herself floating. Hating vampires (who, when rogues, prey on humans like her father, and when normal dominate Crimson City with their riches) and Others, but slowly overcoming racism.
I liked that until the mid and over I wasn't sure were the story was heading. I liked the vamp and at the end felt damn sorry for the demon (trapped like her in a bond).
For the faint of heart: there's a scene of forced seduction. You might call it rape, in this case, they are both forced into it. Unpleasant, but not sexist.
A note to purist: it lacks editing (missed/wrong words mostly). It's not big, but in a few phrases you have to re-read to try to understand.
March 12, 2013
Intriguing take on the paranormal romance genre. Loved most of the book but there were a few scenes that didn't sit well.
Overall, good read!
Overall, good read!
July 26, 2008
A little disturbing for me.
There are some good points in the book, but there are bad points as well.
I liked Tiber, however I think we could have used more background on him. You don’t get his whole story, so you don’t really understand why he does what he does. However, a strong vamp, he does what is necessary - for Claudia, Holly and himself. What he had to do in a part of this novel was really sad - a parent shouldn’t have to do what he had to do. I really felt for him.
As for Claudia, her hatred for vampires wasn’t clarified so you didn’t understand her feelings, especially the distrust. It kept coming back to what she learned in the academy. While you do get some background on her, you don’t get a whole lot, nor do you get a straight, full story on how she fell for a demon, not knowing what he was and had a baby. The idea of her being only 15 at the time had me rather frightened: my daughter is seven and I can’t imagine what life would be like at the age of 15 and finding out you’re pregnant, regardless of the life you’ve had. Couldn’t have been easy. But there isn’t enough for the ready to fully comprehend what’s going on in that department. I do, however, have to give Claudia kudos; she raised her daughter alone, and fought with everything she has inside to give her daughter a better life.
The plot was good, could have used a little more work. There is a couple of parts in the story that I’m really not happy with - rape is rape, no matter how or who, and I don’t like reading the by-play of the entire scene. Saying the victim was raped is one thing, but to be there with Claudia while it’s happening? While she’s screaming no but her body says yes? Vishtau or not, I didn’t like it, and I hope to never read something like that again. I’d have liked to take a knife to Lath myself, no doubt about that.
And it’s because of those exact scenes that I can’t give the novel a better rating than 3 stars. Sorry, Ms. Jewel! A little too ‘dark’ for my taste.
There are some good points in the book, but there are bad points as well.
I liked Tiber, however I think we could have used more background on him. You don’t get his whole story, so you don’t really understand why he does what he does. However, a strong vamp, he does what is necessary - for Claudia, Holly and himself. What he had to do in a part of this novel was really sad - a parent shouldn’t have to do what he had to do. I really felt for him.
As for Claudia, her hatred for vampires wasn’t clarified so you didn’t understand her feelings, especially the distrust. It kept coming back to what she learned in the academy. While you do get some background on her, you don’t get a whole lot, nor do you get a straight, full story on how she fell for a demon, not knowing what he was and had a baby. The idea of her being only 15 at the time had me rather frightened: my daughter is seven and I can’t imagine what life would be like at the age of 15 and finding out you’re pregnant, regardless of the life you’ve had. Couldn’t have been easy. But there isn’t enough for the ready to fully comprehend what’s going on in that department. I do, however, have to give Claudia kudos; she raised her daughter alone, and fought with everything she has inside to give her daughter a better life.
The plot was good, could have used a little more work. There is a couple of parts in the story that I’m really not happy with - rape is rape, no matter how or who, and I don’t like reading the by-play of the entire scene. Saying the victim was raped is one thing, but to be there with Claudia while it’s happening? While she’s screaming no but her body says yes? Vishtau or not, I didn’t like it, and I hope to never read something like that again. I’d have liked to take a knife to Lath myself, no doubt about that.
And it’s because of those exact scenes that I can’t give the novel a better rating than 3 stars. Sorry, Ms. Jewel! A little too ‘dark’ for my taste.
August 3, 2013
This is book 4 in the multi-author series Crimson City. This was good but nothing great. It kind of annoyed me with the whole "I hate everything about you but I'm inexplicably attracted to you" genre, especially when it comes to human to vampire relationships. Read it one too many times. But in the overall Crimson City series, you do need to read this because it has crucial plot development and activity. If you don't read it you will be a little lost in the next book. Since they're all written by different authors you don't get a recap of the previous book at the beginning of the next one so you do have to read them all. So here I go; on to the next one.
September 18, 2010
I have very mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed the adventure, liked the main character and was particularly happy to see her not turn from tough street cop to whimpering female any time the primary males showed up.
I had a serious issue with the writing, though. It was inconsistent and confusing to follow at times. Sometimes I found I had to re-read a few paragraphs, because the continuity didn't seem to pan.
Still, even with the issues, a very quick read, making for some light escape.
I had a serious issue with the writing, though. It was inconsistent and confusing to follow at times. Sometimes I found I had to re-read a few paragraphs, because the continuity didn't seem to pan.
Still, even with the issues, a very quick read, making for some light escape.
September 7, 2011
Our heroine is the soul mate of a demon and also apparently a vampire. She gets dragged to the demon world where she runs into her destined demon mate. He is compelled to mate with her. She takes off with the vampire and eventually has sex with him too. The demon completes the bond to save her, but she chooses the vampire over him; Eventually, she kills the poor bastard. (rubs bridge of nose). First time I've felt sorry for a demon in a series. Not that I necessarily dislike the H or the h, but well... Yeah.
June 4, 2017
3.5 Stars. A very good, action filled story once I was able to really get into it. Unfortunately, that was not until I was past the 30% mark. I found the first part to be a little slow and ponderous. After that part passed, the read was great; although I much prefer the demons in Jewel's 'My Immortals' series...
Loan from fellow CJ fangirl Mara...
Loan from fellow CJ fangirl Mara...
January 11, 2009
This is an action novel with sexual tension everywhere. It was an excellent read despite or maybe because of the ever present sexual activities and constant flirting with paranormal creatures. I would be very careful when recommending this book.
February 21, 2021
Spoiler alert!
I would have given this five stars as I consumed it fairly quickly, and I would have continued with the series...however, the ending felt like the author just said - meh, I am done with this ridiculously powered character so he is going to dei far too easily
I would have given this five stars as I consumed it fairly quickly, and I would have continued with the series...however, the ending felt like the author just said - meh, I am done with this ridiculously powered character so he is going to dei far too easily
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
It is a good thing I had several of these before I started the series, as the first has been the lesser of them so far. Entertaining example of the genre.
November 4, 2023
I absolutely love this series I swear lol
January 10, 2010
I realise being part of a series can make some sort of confusion acceptable, but this was beyond that. The world(s) were poorly constructed on the whole and felt like flimsy sets. There were creatures and items and technology etc that were never explained yet referenced to with weird terminology. It's like details were thrown in solely for the sake of having details, but without adding anything to the novel on the whole and really only confusing me further!
The characters also felt stereotyped and lacked depth, though I liked the heroine and her romantic hero - but these are not unusual flaws in romance. Similarly with the plot. I barely was able to finish it, though, bc of how much I disliked the book and how slow I found it, even though the writing style was decent. I did also like the portrayal of vampires, the unusual backstory of the heroine, and attempt at futurism alternate reality.
I don't know if it's the series or the writer (each book has a different author) - I do have another in the series on its way to me. Update: yes, this book is better when read after earlier books in the series, but it's still terrible. Books in series should still be able to stand on their own to some extent.
The characters also felt stereotyped and lacked depth, though I liked the heroine and her romantic hero - but these are not unusual flaws in romance. Similarly with the plot. I barely was able to finish it, though, bc of how much I disliked the book and how slow I found it, even though the writing style was decent. I did also like the portrayal of vampires, the unusual backstory of the heroine, and attempt at futurism alternate reality.
I don't know if it's the series or the writer (each book has a different author) - I do have another in the series on its way to me. Update: yes, this book is better when read after earlier books in the series, but it's still terrible. Books in series should still be able to stand on their own to some extent.
April 9, 2023
First reading in PB 5 stars...2nd reading 3 stars...average 4. I enjoyed it. The vampire doesn’t seem emotional and then he falls in love with Claudia..who grew up as a hoodlum gets knocked up at 15 and somehow that pregnancy turns her life around and she becomes a cop without help? Uh uh. Throughout the book, her only concern is her kid but she hands her off a lot. Also, she’s really against giving the vamp blood..,even when he’s so weak and fighting to protect her…knowing he’s the only chance of getting her and her daughter to the portal between human and demon realm? She finally figures it out but it made zero sense. She’s willing to give her life to rescue her daughter but not a little blood? Once rescued, mom drops her off at a neighbors house so she and the vamp can chase bad guys...instalust...you my mate demons...just made it odd. But still I was able to stay entertained even though I was baffled.
Reread again. I actually forgot I read this. But enjoyed it more this time but still ranking 4 stars. I don’t believe Claudia would have had so many strikes and turn out as she did and I don’t think she’d be so anti vampire without a reason. She hates vamps more than demons even though demons kidnap her kid. It makes no sense.
Reread again. I actually forgot I read this. But enjoyed it more this time but still ranking 4 stars. I don’t believe Claudia would have had so many strikes and turn out as she did and I don’t think she’d be so anti vampire without a reason. She hates vamps more than demons even though demons kidnap her kid. It makes no sense.
September 16, 2016
At times the writing was a tad confusing. It did not help that the editing was lacking in places (some sentences missed words). The background of the heroine was interesting, but I was constantly rooting for the wrong romantic interest.
When you look at the world from the eyes of the heroine, you expect to know which guy she will end up with. But I didn't really get why she was attracted to the vampire that much instead of for example her demon 'mate'. Pairing her up with a demon would have been a much more interesting story.
And what was the purpose of her having a child by another demon? Will this be in the next installment? It felt a bit thrown in without any good reason. Since we never get to know her daughter Holly, you tend to forget she's there. That part of the story was very badly executed in my eyes. Also the killing of the rogue vampire was very quickly forgotten.
I have read the first three parts of this series and this one I liked the least. Actually found it a bit boring at times. But since I'm curious I will try the next book.
When you look at the world from the eyes of the heroine, you expect to know which guy she will end up with. But I didn't really get why she was attracted to the vampire that much instead of for example her demon 'mate'. Pairing her up with a demon would have been a much more interesting story.
And what was the purpose of her having a child by another demon? Will this be in the next installment? It felt a bit thrown in without any good reason. Since we never get to know her daughter Holly, you tend to forget she's there. That part of the story was very badly executed in my eyes. Also the killing of the rogue vampire was very quickly forgotten.
I have read the first three parts of this series and this one I liked the least. Actually found it a bit boring at times. But since I'm curious I will try the next book.
January 8, 2014
If you like paranormal with strong female characters, steamy love scenes, and lots of action, this is a good choice for you.
Claudia Donovan comes through as a relatable, single mom and cop who pulled herself up from the lowest parts of Crimson City in the fourth installment of the series. She has the uncomfortable experience of falling for Tiber Korza, a powerful, wealthy vampire. Claudia doesn’t like vampires. In fact, Claudia has a lot of wake up calls in this book. She faces the toughest challenges a parent can face. I feel for her. I like that the world of Crimson City expanded to include more demons.
Claudia Donovan comes through as a relatable, single mom and cop who pulled herself up from the lowest parts of Crimson City in the fourth installment of the series. She has the uncomfortable experience of falling for Tiber Korza, a powerful, wealthy vampire. Claudia doesn’t like vampires. In fact, Claudia has a lot of wake up calls in this book. She faces the toughest challenges a parent can face. I feel for her. I like that the world of Crimson City expanded to include more demons.
December 11, 2012
I've read other books by Carolyn Jewel, and I've been eying these Crimson City books for some time. So I was optimistic about this particular novel. I have to admit, though, that I just couldn't get into it. I didn't really connect with the characters, and my attention didn't want to stay with what I was reading. Which is unfortunate because there is some good writing here -- creative and colorful with a nice edge to it. I plan to give this one another go someday and may up my rating. For the meantime, though, let's say "like it, don't love it" and call it good.
August 16, 2013
Ok so let me just say that the story line was really good and I loved it. However as an adult I understand that I hear or read adult language but, I just want to know why do so many Romance novels have you the F-bomb like it is candy. I do not find that sexy in the least lil bit. Maybe so ladies do but not me. That crap does not make me feel femanine or sexy. It's like ewwwww really you had no better way to decribe this. I mean come on. Anywho I did really like the story line I was pretty nice and altough this series has floating authors for each book. I will be checking out another one.
January 24, 2016
Crimson City, the former City of Angels, is on the brink of war among humans, vampires, and werewolves, and police officer Claudia Donovan is caught in the middle. Things couldn't get much worse, and yet they do. Her child is kidnapped, and Claudia discovers another faction threatening to destroy whatever last tie to peace Crimson City has. Demons do exist, and they're ready to spill into the city to take control. Her only ally is the vampire Tiber Korzha, and he may be the greatest, sweetest danger of all.
Book 4..
Book 4..
September 10, 2009
Loaned to me by a friend. Wait. This is #4??? I didn't get the sensation of having missed something, but now I'm wondering if I should read the others in the series. It's a series, but each book by a different author. Will have to investigate further.
September 15, 2009
This is much more an action sci-fi book than a romance. The best of the series in my opinion.
January 29, 2012
3 1/2 stars. I really liked the story, although at times it was a little difficult to follow. Once it smooths out, it's very interesting.
March 9, 2012
Skip this one unless you don't mind a little rape with your romance.
April 1, 2013
These audiobooks are pretty good. The stories are getting better and better.
May 12, 2016
Only 3 stars. Not as good as the first.
Read
November 5, 2008A Darker Crimson (Crimson City) by Carolyn Jewel (2005)
July 31, 2011
although it's in a series, I enjoy the fact I don't have to read them in order.
Read
October 26, 2017I liked this idea of different authors each taking a character of a world
January 26, 2019
Wow awesome
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews