Midnight's Kiss (Dark Warriors, #5) by Donna Grant
Bound by the gods. Champions against evil. The Dark Warriors have taken their battle from ancient Scotland to the modern world - where a woman’s love is the greatest danger of all...DEEPER THAN DESIRE
Dr. Veronica Reid is a world-renowned archeologist whose Druid abilities help her to unearth ancient magical items. The arrival of the all-too-attractive and charismatic Arran MacCarrick puts her on the defensive when he begins to question how she really finds her artifacts…until an unknown foe attacks and Ronnie discovers that Arran has a secret as great as her own. Together, they unleash an all-consuming passion that won't be denied...
STRONGER THAN FATE
Immortal Warrior Arran is on a mission to find the spell to bind the god within him. But one look at the impossibly beautiful Ronnie and he knows there is more to her than meets the eye. With danger lurking around every corner and an undeniable hunger that grows with every kiss, Arran must reveal who he is to keep Ronnie from his nemesis. Now he is left with no choice but to fight - or fall - for the woman he loves...
With the ending of the last book, it was clear that the Warriors would face a new evil. This story happens about a year later. Set, in part, at an archaeological dig, the search for a spell the Warrior want is the focus of the book. It becomes a mystery. The discovered items at the dig, the new evil in the world, a prophesy that may be about Ronnie all focus the book. But the real center of the book are Ronnie and Arran.
I really love the characters in this series. Each book keeps us up to date on what they are all up to. And you really get to know the couple. Arran isn't looking for a women. He just wants something to do. So when the assignment to check out the dig comes up, he jumps at it. But he's very tempted by the beautiful Dr. Reid. Ronnie is leery of Arran. Her past has made her ignore men and focus on her work. The last man she trusted was using her. So she works hard to resist Arran. Very, very hard. They both do a lot of resisting. It's really fun. When they can't resist any longer, well that was some hot sexy fun.
There are a few glimpses of Malcolm and his continuing struggle to come to terms with who he is and what he is. There is good in him but he can't see past the scars on his body. He just doesn't know what to do with himself. He comes to the aid of the Warriors when needed but mostly stays apart.
The story is a good one. It is possible to understand the story as stand alone, the author does a good job of giving the background. But really, why would you want to? The whole series is really good.
If you enjoy paranormal romance, then this series, this story is for you.
Midnight's Captive (Dark Warriors, #6) by Donna Grant
ENSLAVED BY DESIRE
Laura Black knows her boss is a man of many secrets—haunted by some unknowable force, driven by some unspeakable destiny—and yet it makes her crave the devilishly handsome, roguishly charming Charon all the more. When she uncovers a betrayal that will send her into a world of magic, she turns to the only one she trusts: Charon. Even when she’s in jeopardy of losing her heart…
UNLEASHED IN FURY
Charon Bruce endures a relentless yearning to have Laura for his own, an ache he knows will never be fulfilled. After the town he has protected for centuries is targeted by a ruthless Druid, he has no choice but to reveal his secret to Laura. He must fight the deadliest foe he’s ever known if he’s to keep her safe. But when Laura is captured by his nemesis, he must choose between winning the battle of good versus evil—or losing the woman he loves…
I've enjoyed this series and the one it spun off from very much but this book steps it up a notch. Not only does it connect the series more firmly to the Dark Kings series but it adds a second couple to the mix. Much more complex in it's story and depth, this one is a five star read.
The whole reason that I started reading this series and the one before it was because they are set in the same world as a favorite series, Dark Kings. Once or twice the name of the whiskey, Dreagan, from Dark Kings has been mentioned, but for the first time that changes. There is a visit to Dreagan Industries and many of the kings and their mates make an appearance. I was so happy about this. I love the Dragon Kings and it feels so nice to see little glimpses of them. But better yet, an alliance has been made between the Kings and the Warriors.
Of course, I still love the characters in this series. They are like friends to me. It was wonderful seeing them as they once again ban together to fight the evil that is after them. The focus is on the current Warrior, Charon, and Aiden, this time. Each is attracted to a women and both are resisting as they do. I was excited to see that Aiden was in this story. We know of him but he hasn't been very front and center through the series at all. This time, we see he is truly his father's son. Though there are still questions about him that I'm sure will be answered in the next book.
The story itself is better than the past books. There is more going on and it's woven nicely into the action of two series'. I was impressed with that. The Warriors are scattered like never before. They are challenged like never before. And I just wanted to keep reading like never before. Good stuff.
If you haven't read the Dark Swords or the Dark Warriors but are a fan of the Dark Kings series, this would be the place to start (unless, of course, you just want to read all of it they way I did). This book gives a good job of bridging the gap between the series and cementing them together. I am very happy I went back and read them all but I get why some choose not to.
This is really good paranormal romance and some of Donna Grants best work.
Midnight's Temptation (Dark Warriors, #7) by Donna Grant
She is a mystery—a woman on the run, hunted by two different men. As much as she longs to be captured by the magnificent warrior Phelan, she knows she must resist the temptation. A vengeful evil is stalking her, watching her every move—a madman who will stop at nothing to possess her power. Once, she sold a piece of her soul for magic. Is she willing to risk Phelan’s life, and give up her heart…for love?
Like the last book, this one stepped the series up a step. I think that's because it's intertwining with the Dark Kings series. The Fae make an appearance and play a large role in this book.
I admit that I know who Phelan is from the Dark Kings series. He's come up before and his friendship with Rhi has come up many times. Phelan's story isn't clear from reading the other series but his abilities and that friendship was clear. It's nice to read his story and know more about him.
Aisley has struggled through her life. Her family has been ridiculously cruel to her. Plus she's related to the current evil they are fighting, Jason. When she meets Phelan, she's expecting him to kill her not kiss her. Needless to say, their relationship is an emotional roller costar. Both struggles. Both make choices I wish they hadn't. I wish she'd told him her secrets. I wish he'd listened to her. But, alas, there is always conflict with the couple. And they do figure things out after a lot of pain and there is a lot of healing for both of them.
I enjoyed the story, especially how it is merging with the Dragon Kings. The Dark Warriors series is winding down. There is but one unmated warrior left and I know the Kings will be take over the action. But I'm so glad that I went back and read their stories so I understand them better. The story line and series plot has gotten better as the series has gone on and come closer to what I expect from this author.
If you love the Dragon Kings, you'll want to take the time to enjoy these stories too. Phelan's story is an important one that you don't want to miss.
A roller costar of emotions from this one but a great paranormal read.
Midnight's Promise (Dark Warriors, #8) by Donna Grant
For centuries, Malcolm has struggled against the forces of darkness—and bears the scars to prove it. Hardened by a lifetime of fighting, he is more warrior than man, incapable of feeling love or compassion. But one stormy night, he pulls a beautiful woman from a car wreck—and experiences a rush of fiery emotion that could melt even the hardest of hearts.
TOUCH OF MAGIC
Since childhood, Evangeline Walker has felt the magic growing inside her. Descended from Druids, she is the perfect vessel for ancient magic—and evil. Evie knows she should trust no one, not even Malcolm, whose strong touch and tender kiss she craves. But after she makes a devil’s bargain to save her half-brother, this fearsome warrior may be the only man who can protect her—with his heart, his body, and his soul…
My heart has been broken for Malcolm since I first met him way back in the series before this one. He is a highlander that has been broken and stitched back together incomplete. His emotions have been buried so deep that I wasn't sure anyone could find them. I've been looking forward to his book for some time.
This story was a lot longer than the rest. It clearly was tying up all the loose ends from the series as a whole. I do believe it was meant to be the end of the focus on Warriors and the changing of the guard to the Dragon Kings. The Kings played a big role in this story and that made me happy as I do love the Dragons very much. It was also the battle that bound the Kings and the Warriors as friends and allies for good.
Of course, I love the characters. I wouldn't be on book 8 of a spin off series if I didn't love them. The focus of this story was very much on Malcolm and Evie. The castle wasn't as involved until the very end. I found that I was okay with that. Malcolm has been a loner for a long time. It makes sense that his story played out outside the castle. It was also his story that brought the stronger bond between the Warriors and the Dragons. I will admit that Evie was a sell for me. I'm sure that Malcolm would be furious at my reaction. But Evie does some dumb things. I found myself yelling at her to talk to Malcolm. Alas, she did not. In the end, it was her devotion to Malcolm that won me over.
Malcolm had so far to go in this story. I was really glad that he didn't just meet Evie and turn back into a feeling person again. It was an agonizing trip for that growth. Well done. I was also very happy that Malcolm didn't have his scars removed somehow. Evie accepts his scars and sees his beauty with them. And I will admit that the end of Jason was a bit cliche. And while I don't want to admit it, Death played a role. If you've read the Reaper series that spins off this one, then you know she is not like the person in this story. That was definitely a plot hole that I'm sure came about because of adding onto a world after the fact. I'm going to let it go.
Overall, I was very pleased with this ending to the series and the passing of the torch to the Kings.
Great paranormal romance worth staying up late to finish.
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