What do you think?
Rate this book
Valorian Chronicles #2
Fascination nocturne
En rencontrant Jace Jéricho pour la première fois, Tala Channing est fascinée malgré elle par la beauté virile et la force superbe de l'homme loup venu enquêter avec elle en territoire humain. Une attirance irraisonnée contre laquelle elle s'efforce tout d'abord de lutter en gardant ses distances avec Jace, jusqu'au jour où elle se rend compte que ce dernier, en dépit de sa haine proclamée envers les humains, s'intéresse de plus en plus à elle.Une vague de panique envahit alors Tala. Car, à aucun prix, cet amour naissant ne doit grandir entre eux. Mieux vaut souffrir, mieux vaut perdre Jace que le laisser découvrir le secret de sa naissance, cette blessure qu'elle cache depuis l'enfance au plus profond de son cœur...
277 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2007
17 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Vivi Anna
91 books328 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author, Vivi Anna likes to burn up the pages with her original unique brand of fantasy fiction. Whether it's in ancient Egypt, or in an apocalyptic future, Vivi always writes fast paced action-adventure with strong independent women that can kick some butt, and dark delicious heroes to kill for.
When Vivi isn't writing, you can find her causing a ruckus at downtown bistros, flea markets, or playgrounds. Oh and on twitter at @authorViviAnna.
When Vivi isn't writing, you can find her causing a ruckus at downtown bistros, flea markets, or playgrounds. Oh and on twitter at @authorViviAnna.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 30, 2019
Dark Lies was better than the first book Blood Doesn't Lie. The world building is good and I liked Vivi Anna easy writing. Jace was quite a jerk in the first book. It became clear why he hated the humans so much. Ironically, he finds his mate in a human police officer Tala. Turns out she has her own dark secrets.
March 31, 2018
Missed book one but that’s not why I rated it at the 3, though it was very hard to decided between 3 and 4. I didn’t like the ending. I liked the people and the whole, supernatural have own City and still mostly myth in the human world but they have their in jobs and such. Thinking I’ll find book one too see the start of their world. And wondering if book three will actually finish Jace’s and Tala’s story and not go to another member of the team like this book did.
August 23, 2009
OK, so I managed to find the shitty Mills and Boon version of this book, but it doesn't feel right when it's not the American original!
Needless to say I breezed through this story really quickly, but not because it was bad, 'cause it was pretty damn good, all things considered.
Jace Jericho is a lycan with all the oozing testosterone and manliness one tends to expect but he meets his match in the demure human police officer Tala Channing when they combine forces at a grisly murder scene. There's something about Tala that really gets Jace off (pun nearly almost intended) but there's certainly more to Tala than meets the eye.
The murder mystery is handled quite well until the end where it just resolves itself like a gaping wound, but that's all quite secondary when there is such palpable tension between Jace and Tala. Also some curious themes about acceptance and loving oneself that I thought were spot-on. Kudos to you Vivi Anna.
Needless to say I breezed through this story really quickly, but not because it was bad, 'cause it was pretty damn good, all things considered.
Jace Jericho is a lycan with all the oozing testosterone and manliness one tends to expect but he meets his match in the demure human police officer Tala Channing when they combine forces at a grisly murder scene. There's something about Tala that really gets Jace off (pun nearly almost intended) but there's certainly more to Tala than meets the eye.
The murder mystery is handled quite well until the end where it just resolves itself like a gaping wound, but that's all quite secondary when there is such palpable tension between Jace and Tala. Also some curious themes about acceptance and loving oneself that I thought were spot-on. Kudos to you Vivi Anna.
April 30, 2013
Another novel in the Otherworld Crime Unit. Jace is a werewolf and eally hates to work with humans. Tala is the newest member of the team and human. They have to work together to solve the newest case...and Tala gets under Jace's skin like no other! I loved this book..a great addition to the series!
December 30, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a huge fan of shapeshifters and fell in love with Jace in the first book of the series. He is such a passionate character, it was great to see him get his HEA.
August 11, 2020
When Jace's team is forced to work with human police on a ritualistic murder, he isn't happy. He doesn't like humans in general, and something about rookie officer Tala Channing drives him crazy. In spite of his misgivings, Jace is drawn to her, which serves only to irk him further. How can he be attracted to a human woman?
Tala wasn't prepared for the feelings that being around Jace stir in her. She can't afford to be distracted by the handsome lycan. Tala has far too many secrets. When things come to a head between them and secrets are revealed, Jace has to decide if he wants to run, or if he intends to stay and claim the woman who's claimed his heart.
I enjoyed this story for the most part. It was interesting to read both viewpoints, which gave me a sense of both main characters' thoughts and motivations. The case was especially compelling and creepy. I would have liked more resolution on the main plot, but since this is part of a series, I can forgive that.
Tala wasn't prepared for the feelings that being around Jace stir in her. She can't afford to be distracted by the handsome lycan. Tala has far too many secrets. When things come to a head between them and secrets are revealed, Jace has to decide if he wants to run, or if he intends to stay and claim the woman who's claimed his heart.
I enjoyed this story for the most part. It was interesting to read both viewpoints, which gave me a sense of both main characters' thoughts and motivations. The case was especially compelling and creepy. I would have liked more resolution on the main plot, but since this is part of a series, I can forgive that.
February 13, 2019
Second book in the valorian series follows Jace Jericho the lycan member of the team and continues the hunt for a serial killer. Loved that the heroine , Tala, was a stronger character than the first book . It's great also that you still see what is happening with the previous books couple.enjoying this series. Can't wait to read Lyra the witches story next.
January 4, 2018
Great wolfs
The Otherwise have been called to SanAntonia to help solve a strong murders. Mayhem and neutral follows them. Also Tala who tries to hide her true nature learns a hard way. Great read and cannot wait to read another one.
The Otherwise have been called to SanAntonia to help solve a strong murders. Mayhem and neutral follows them. Also Tala who tries to hide her true nature learns a hard way. Great read and cannot wait to read another one.
November 28, 2018
Urban
Another murder, another joint investigation, and drama drama drama. Not as completely wrapped up as I like. Worth the read.
Another murder, another joint investigation, and drama drama drama. Not as completely wrapped up as I like. Worth the read.
October 19, 2011
This is a cool book. If you're into thriller + romance and steamy.. stuffs :D this is the book for you.
Here's a few things I didn't like about the book, but it's just personal stuffs really and I don't expect it to be the same for anyone else.
I didn't like how the female main character, Tala was into the whole crime thing just for the thrill of it. (well it wasn't just for the thrill of it, but it really just seemed that way) I guess I prefer vigilante who works for the love of people rather than the chase.
I didn't like how blood turned them on. Well, wasn't really just the blood but it seemed to have heightened their lust. I guess I'm not really into the whole blood thing and is probably the reason why I always prefer shape-shifters over vampires. As I said, this is all just a personal thing :)
The main female character wasn't really my thing. I'm a bit of a shy person myself and I definitely don't have a high pride thing going on, so I guess I always prefer books with main female characters like that. 'cause you know, it's nice to feel related and think that I'm in a book :D haha
If anyone's the same as me and want to know a bit about the main character before indulging, here's a brief description of the female character.
She's very straight forward, high in pride, loves to be of help but also wants to keep distance from people. She's not talkative but she's not afraid to fight back and argue when needed. She has green eyes which is mentioned a couple of times throughout the book. She's active and is a good runner.
Other things that annoyed me are minor things. Such as, drug being found in teddy bear. Yeah... drug dealers SMUGGLE drugs inside teddy bears, but normal people don't normally hide drugs in difficult to access places like that. What did she do? Open the teddy bear, put it inside and sew it back up to use later by tearing open the bear again?
I don't really get ghosts in this book either. Normal people don't become ghosts I guess, since that would've made the crime very easy. But seriously? Lyra can talk to her grandmother, who is apparently strong enough haunt people (giving Jace nightmares etc) talk about people's future and all, but doesn't do anything else to help solve a crime..
The picture of the vampire a DECADE ago being found was also quite ridiculous. Has the author seen the pictures back in the 1890? It’s not very clear is it? Has the author also looked up ‘look alike’ on google? Because there are thousands, no millions, of pictures of people who look alike one another. A police officer looking like someone a decade ago is hardly news material… well I guess it is since the world is quiet screwed up nowadays.
Also, why is the vampire guy going out with that woman, treating her like a goddess (according to jace) when she’s not immortal? So is she like your, once in a life time, fling? If she is, not cool man…
The most annoying thing was the reference to science. Lyra said the enemy can be a demon and Jace said that it can’t be and that their existence was ‘purely scientific’. Paranormal is not supposed to be scientific. Seeing things that are not in the electromagnetic spectrum is NOT scientific. Being able to change bone structures within hours is NOT scientific Sucking blood and getting sufficient enough nutrients to live a long life is NOT scientific! As a scientist, I’m offended at the lack of science in all of these claims. I guess it’s sorta all good. If they didn’t mention it! Roar! I don’t know…
But as I've said, this is a good book and if you like thriller, crime investigation and paranormal romance, this is the perfect book for you!
Here's a few things I didn't like about the book, but it's just personal stuffs really and I don't expect it to be the same for anyone else.
I didn't like how the female main character, Tala was into the whole crime thing just for the thrill of it. (well it wasn't just for the thrill of it, but it really just seemed that way) I guess I prefer vigilante who works for the love of people rather than the chase.
I didn't like how blood turned them on. Well, wasn't really just the blood but it seemed to have heightened their lust. I guess I'm not really into the whole blood thing and is probably the reason why I always prefer shape-shifters over vampires. As I said, this is all just a personal thing :)
The main female character wasn't really my thing. I'm a bit of a shy person myself and I definitely don't have a high pride thing going on, so I guess I always prefer books with main female characters like that. 'cause you know, it's nice to feel related and think that I'm in a book :D haha
If anyone's the same as me and want to know a bit about the main character before indulging, here's a brief description of the female character.
She's very straight forward, high in pride, loves to be of help but also wants to keep distance from people. She's not talkative but she's not afraid to fight back and argue when needed. She has green eyes which is mentioned a couple of times throughout the book. She's active and is a good runner.
Other things that annoyed me are minor things. Such as, drug being found in teddy bear. Yeah... drug dealers SMUGGLE drugs inside teddy bears, but normal people don't normally hide drugs in difficult to access places like that. What did she do? Open the teddy bear, put it inside and sew it back up to use later by tearing open the bear again?
I don't really get ghosts in this book either. Normal people don't become ghosts I guess, since that would've made the crime very easy. But seriously? Lyra can talk to her grandmother, who is apparently strong enough haunt people (giving Jace nightmares etc) talk about people's future and all, but doesn't do anything else to help solve a crime..
The picture of the vampire a DECADE ago being found was also quite ridiculous. Has the author seen the pictures back in the 1890? It’s not very clear is it? Has the author also looked up ‘look alike’ on google? Because there are thousands, no millions, of pictures of people who look alike one another. A police officer looking like someone a decade ago is hardly news material… well I guess it is since the world is quiet screwed up nowadays.
Also, why is the vampire guy going out with that woman, treating her like a goddess (according to jace) when she’s not immortal? So is she like your, once in a life time, fling? If she is, not cool man…
The most annoying thing was the reference to science. Lyra said the enemy can be a demon and Jace said that it can’t be and that their existence was ‘purely scientific’. Paranormal is not supposed to be scientific. Seeing things that are not in the electromagnetic spectrum is NOT scientific. Being able to change bone structures within hours is NOT scientific Sucking blood and getting sufficient enough nutrients to live a long life is NOT scientific! As a scientist, I’m offended at the lack of science in all of these claims. I guess it’s sorta all good. If they didn’t mention it! Roar! I don’t know…
But as I've said, this is a good book and if you like thriller, crime investigation and paranormal romance, this is the perfect book for you!
October 22, 2009
The Otherworld Crime Unit (OCU) team thought they had the killer….but they were wrong….
This time a body is found in the human city San Antonio and the Otherworld Crime Unit is asked to help. When they arrive they recognize some similarities between this victim Samantha and the previous victim Lillian. But they all thought the killer was dead, but they cannot ignore the evidence.
Werewolf Jace Jericho hates to work with human, because some things that happened in his past and the only one he work with is his chief wife Eve Grant. But they need his help with this second case and when he meets Officer Tala Channing he doesn’t mind at all…the only downside is that she is human. But he senses she is hiding something and he is determined to find out what that secret is.
Dark Lies by Vivi Anna is the second novel in her Valorian Chronicles and she did it again, present another great novel in this CSI book series. I couldn’t put the book down and had to finish it straight away.
This novel is an easy read and you can read it without reading the first novel, because Viva Anna really gives enough information to understand the whole thing. But I have to say, I recommend reading the books in the right order, because you‘re missing out a fabulous book if you skip the first one.
The team has to work in the human community this time and they are not welcome there. Most of the humankind is afraid of the otherworld species, but the police department knows they cannot solve this crime alone. The moment Jace Jericho meets Tala Channing, he knows she is different from the rest of her department, but he cannot seem to discover what she is hiding, but he is determined to find out. Tala is hiding that she isn’t totally human after all; her mother had a relationship with a werewolf and didn’t know it until she was pregnant. So Tala is hiding her true identity from her department and the OCU, but when she’s attack her wolf comes to service and the only man who can help her is Jace.
The attraction between Jace and Tala is there from the start, totally hot and steamy. You can really sense the emotions of Tala, when she is discovering her true identity with the help of Jace. I’m so looking forward to read next novel, which I know will be about the witch Lyra Magice.
This time a body is found in the human city San Antonio and the Otherworld Crime Unit is asked to help. When they arrive they recognize some similarities between this victim Samantha and the previous victim Lillian. But they all thought the killer was dead, but they cannot ignore the evidence.
Werewolf Jace Jericho hates to work with human, because some things that happened in his past and the only one he work with is his chief wife Eve Grant. But they need his help with this second case and when he meets Officer Tala Channing he doesn’t mind at all…the only downside is that she is human. But he senses she is hiding something and he is determined to find out what that secret is.
Dark Lies by Vivi Anna is the second novel in her Valorian Chronicles and she did it again, present another great novel in this CSI book series. I couldn’t put the book down and had to finish it straight away.
This novel is an easy read and you can read it without reading the first novel, because Viva Anna really gives enough information to understand the whole thing. But I have to say, I recommend reading the books in the right order, because you‘re missing out a fabulous book if you skip the first one.
The team has to work in the human community this time and they are not welcome there. Most of the humankind is afraid of the otherworld species, but the police department knows they cannot solve this crime alone. The moment Jace Jericho meets Tala Channing, he knows she is different from the rest of her department, but he cannot seem to discover what she is hiding, but he is determined to find out. Tala is hiding that she isn’t totally human after all; her mother had a relationship with a werewolf and didn’t know it until she was pregnant. So Tala is hiding her true identity from her department and the OCU, but when she’s attack her wolf comes to service and the only man who can help her is Jace.
The attraction between Jace and Tala is there from the start, totally hot and steamy. You can really sense the emotions of Tala, when she is discovering her true identity with the help of Jace. I’m so looking forward to read next novel, which I know will be about the witch Lyra Magice.
September 1, 2012
Vivi Anna is a new author for me; therefore, I started reading her books in order. The first book,Blood Secrets, was good but I felt the forensic science overshadowed the romance. Well that was definitely corrected in book two! You still have the forensic science but there was a true balance with the development of the romance. I found myself not wanting to stop reading or rushing to get back to the story.
The hero Jace Jericho is very growly, edgy, and hates humans. The fact that he is forced to work with them is very entertaining. Lara, the heroine who has an unexplainable instant attraction to Jace, has a bit of mystery surrounding her. I felt she was perfect for Jace.
I love the characters that the author has created. The Otherworld Crime Unit is comprised of a group of eccentric individuals. You are introduced to them in such a way that you can't help but reach for the next book just to learn their story.
Finally, there is the ongoing quest to solve the multiple murders that start in Book one and continue into this installment. It seems with each book you get a little closer to the killer, yet he/she becomes even more mysterious.
I have fallen for this series and can't stop reading it until I read the very last book!
The hero Jace Jericho is very growly, edgy, and hates humans. The fact that he is forced to work with them is very entertaining. Lara, the heroine who has an unexplainable instant attraction to Jace, has a bit of mystery surrounding her. I felt she was perfect for Jace.
I love the characters that the author has created. The Otherworld Crime Unit is comprised of a group of eccentric individuals. You are introduced to them in such a way that you can't help but reach for the next book just to learn their story.
Finally, there is the ongoing quest to solve the multiple murders that start in Book one and continue into this installment. It seems with each book you get a little closer to the killer, yet he/she becomes even more mysterious.
I have fallen for this series and can't stop reading it until I read the very last book!
August 19, 2012
This is a part of the Valorian Chronicles series.
What kind of world do you have when you have Otherworld folks and regular humans?
Some otherworld persona is out there, in the human city, killing people, and human law enforcement don't have resources to deal with it. So income the OCU, Otherworld Crime Unit, designed to figure out what is behind otherworld killings. In comes Jace as a part of OCU and he's teamed with Tala a human and then some.
Jace has no use for any of human kind and prefers not to be around any of it. He had been caged as a "freak" as a child and it wasn't until he was an adult that he was able to break free of it. Tala has her own secrets to hide, encouraged by her mother and her mother's tales.
Will the two of them be able to set aside their prejudices long enough to work the case? What happens when the truth comes out?
Read it and find out.
What kind of world do you have when you have Otherworld folks and regular humans?
Some otherworld persona is out there, in the human city, killing people, and human law enforcement don't have resources to deal with it. So income the OCU, Otherworld Crime Unit, designed to figure out what is behind otherworld killings. In comes Jace as a part of OCU and he's teamed with Tala a human and then some.
Jace has no use for any of human kind and prefers not to be around any of it. He had been caged as a "freak" as a child and it wasn't until he was an adult that he was able to break free of it. Tala has her own secrets to hide, encouraged by her mother and her mother's tales.
Will the two of them be able to set aside their prejudices long enough to work the case? What happens when the truth comes out?
Read it and find out.
August 31, 2009
The second book in the Valorian series continues the story of the members of the Otherworld Crime Unit, this time focusing on Jace Jericho, a hotheaded werewolf. Most of the story takes place in the human city of San Antonio, where the murders of young women have begun again. Tala is the human police officer who is assigned to escort them around the city as protection. However, she harbors her own secrets from everyone - she is a werewolf hiding from her true self, taking poisons to control her beast. I liked this story much more than that of Caine and Eve's story - the passion of Jace and Tala was much more elemental, and the connection between them more real. Very enjoyable book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2013
This is book 2 in the Valorian Chronicles. I read book 4 last year and liked it OK so when this one fell in my lap I figured it be similar. It was and both are good books. The story is good and the heat is good (although pretty tame compared to a lot of other paranormal romance out there) and the characters are well written. This is a paranormal cop mystery series - super evil Supe is killing mortals and non-mortals in a segregated society. I'm interested in reading more of the series in the future - I want to know if they ever catch the bad guy!
March 23, 2010
Tala Channing, the human cop working with the Others - werewolves, vampires and witches - has a secret she is desperate to keep hidden. However her intense reaction to werewolf Jace Jericho just might be her undoing. Jace is feeling something for this human and he's confused - he hates humans. The interplay between them is exciting and entertaining. And the ongoing mystery of the serial killer is interesting and violent.
Read
July 31, 2011Book took awhile to grow on me. This is a book that not necessarily needs to be read in order but it will prevent a lot of confusion that is bound to follow when not read in order. Otherwise it is a good light read.
January 23, 2009
Paranormal - the Others [vampires and werewolves and witches, oh my!:] version of CSI... Book 2 of the Valorian Chronicles, I liked it. [Book 1 is Blood Secrets:].
November 20, 2010
its good book had enough of a story line to keep me interested for the most part , but it of course is a romance book lol.
March 21, 2011
less than wonderful.
November 20, 2013
Re-read for me, but an enjoyable one.
February 10, 2014
While Tala was a bit of an idiot and her mother a tool, this book did keep me hooked and I enjoyed it enough to seek out other books by this author.
June 22, 2025
jace jericho and tala channing
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews