Dark Secret (The 'Dark' Carpathian Book 15)

I love Christine Feehans Carpathian series! There isn't 1 book in this series that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. I am finished with all the series and I hope there's more comming. I liked Raphael ALOT! Very good read!

I'm a big fan of Christine Feehan's, so maybe I'm rating this one too low because my expectations were too high - I loathed this book, and had to force myself to reread it to see if I missed something before writing this review.

Okay, the main premise of the Carpathian series is that the males are NOT HUMAN, so their predatory nature and their instincts to claim their mates can't really be judged by human standards. This works for me as a fantasy - I like the idea of being overwhelmed, of being irresistible, of being totally out of control - it certainly takes the guilt out of sexual pleasure. Most of the Carpathian males seem to acknowledge that their human lifemates weren't prepared for this, and they try to cushion the shock of blood exchanges, etc., and hope that their lifemates will come to love them in time. This guy is the opposite - he not only refuses to make anything easier for Colby, he seems to deliberately show his worst possible behavior, and then he feels outraged and betrayed that she doesn't immediately adore him.

Shortly after their first meeting, he insists that she dance with him or cause a scene - in other words, he would hurt all the friends and neighbors who would try to come to her defense. So much for the centuries of protecting humanity. This guy is a noble hero? There are soldiers, police officers and firefighters putting their lives on the line for others every day, but that doesn't mean they're perfect or excuse every other flaw - and it's not enough to fall in love with.

[...] What I couldn't believe or accept was that he was in her mind after this and felt her shame, her feelings that her body betrayed her, her feeling that she had been violated and that he had violated her - and his response to her despair was that he wasn't a filthy rapist, that he had thought it was an act of mutual love. Maybe I'm judging him too harshly, since he was feeling her feelings the whole time, maybe he's just a lot dumber that your average Carpathian? But no, he doesn't feel remorse that he caused her to feel so bad, he doesn't try to comfort her or acknowledge her feelings, he doesn't even try to reassure her that her body's reaction to his was natural and beyond her control, that he's not the playboy she thinks he is and that she's the only woman in his life, that she has a right to feel how she does and that it's his fault - no, he's frantic to make her acknowledge that he's not a rapist. Yes, it's all about him. Gregori showed a lot more class.

For me, a romance novel has to end with two people in love, and I couldn't believe that he really loved her. They never laughed together or enjoyed each other's company in any non-sexual way, so when she "realized" that she loved him, I figured it was either Stockholm syndrome or some Carpathian survival instinct - eternity with this be intolerajerk would ble without some hormonal whammy to soften the brain cells.

I must say, I was a huge Feehan fan. Huge. And I could not be more disappointed with this book.

This hero is as rude and unlikable as they come. Maybe he has his motivation for acting this way to the heroine--I never could tell. He threatens to slaughter a bar full of people if she doesn't dance with him. He tricks her into letting him into her bedroom. He is stubborn, unfeeling--unless it's jealousy or anger--and completely uncaring. And, here's the unforgivable--he rapes her.

This is not hero behavior. This is not romantic or sensual. This is the violation and degradation of a woman, plain and simple. She cries the whole time. Afterward, she says, "You raped me, I hate you." His response--"No, I didn't!" So to prove it, he does it AGAIN! He's waited how many thousands of years for a lifemate, and he can't treat her with anything even remotely resembling respect.

And now's the kicker. Twenty-four hours later, she's happily making love with him and everything is peachy keen, she's falling in love with him and thinks, how'd I ever live without him?

Yes, these are dark stories that contain violence. Yes, I understand that these are modern gothics, and the heroines have to be clingy and needy for the genre. They do not have to be raped. Real heroes, no matter their species, do not have to force a woman. I am honestly surprised this story ever saw print.

2.5-3 stars

This was an alright story but I had some issues with the MCs. This caused me to have problems connecting to the couple and made the story lack something for me.

Colby is a 22 year old that's running her family's ranch and raising her younger brother and sister. Her mother and stepfather were in a plane accident and it killed her mother and paralyzed her stepfather (who she took care of until he died a while after the wreck). Unfortunately, the medical bills put the ranch in debt and Colby is having a hard to keeping the the ranch going.

Rafael is an ancient Carpathian male; Carpathians are born vampires with abilities like shape shifting (to any form, even mist), magic spells and psychic powers. The males of the Carpathians have a darkness in them and if they don't find their lifemates, they can lose their souls and become evil. Rafael and his 4 brothers (the De La Cruz brothers) were sent out into the world by the Prince of their people. He and his brothers moved to South Africa, started a cattle farm together and kept their area of the continent free of vampires.

The De La Cruz brothers have a human family (the Chevez family) that help them run their ranch in South Africa and have been serving them for centuries. Colby's step-father was Armando Chevez, who left the family to marry her mother and was disowned for it. The Chevez family made no effort to contact Coldy's family either before or after Armondo's death. Now, 5 years later, the Chevez's show up seeking to claim Colby's brother and sister to take them back to South America. Colby isn't prepared to allow that to happen and considers both the Chevez family and the De La Cruz brothers as enemies. Rafael is rather shocked when he realizes that the woman they've come to "handle" is his lifemate. Unfortunately, since he's been without emotions for a very long time, Rafael behaves like a real jerk at first, treating Colby more like a possession rather than a thinking entity.

Rafael is a pain at first but as he starts to explore Colby's mind, he realizes that behavior is just hurting his case with Colby. Colby has been working night and day since she was 17 to keep the ranch going so she's never dated and has no interest in it. She recognizes that there's a strong attraction between her and Rafael but fears Rafael (especially his overpowering personality) so she fights against anything with him. This continues through most of the story and Colby tried to do anything she can to push Rafael away and get him to leave her and her siblings alone. These actions get to the point of ridiculousness at times and last through most of the story. While Rafael is pursuing Colby, there are some issues taking place at the ranch that indicate someone is trying to put her out of business and a possible vampire in the area. Things work out and Colby has a sudden turnaround so the story ends with Colby and Rafael starting a HEA together.

This was a vaguely enjoyable story. The story itself was good but I had trouble connecting with the MCs. This is mostly because of Colby...she was a very annoying heroine who freaked over things she shouldn't and promised to hate Rafael forever...and then has does a 180 and suddenly loves Rafael with all her heart. I mean she wouldn't even connect with his mind so she could find out what kind of a man Rafael really was....not even when he asked her to. I just couldn't like her. Rafael was a real jerk at first but he changed as he started getting to know Colby so I could accept that. While I like the series, I just can't recommend this book.

* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a pretty good job.

This book just goes on and on. Way to many characters. I hated the characters of Rafael and his brother. Rafael basically forces himself on her. I liked these books in the beginning but as the series continues on I no longer like the Carpathian men. I hate how need the women become for these men even though they don't want them and say no to them. The men just ignore them and force them to accept that they no longer are allowed to think for do anything they want or need to do. There is a term for what these men do and it's called RAPE with their blood being the choice of drug they use on the women. I am no longer going to read these books.

Colby Jansen is determined that the Chevez family will not take her brother and sister back to the family compound in Brazil. Armando Chevez left the ranch to his children and she is determined to see that his wishes are carried out. Juan and Julio Chevez have brought Rafael De La Cruz with them. He is an ancient Carpathian on the verge of turning into a vampire when he notices colors and feelings and recognizes that Colby is his lifemate. She is stubborn and independent and has no intention of being anyone’s lifemate. Rafael has his hands full in getting Colby to see things his way.

I am actually on dark melody on the way to the end of dark an each book. Is well addictive I have admired this author for a few years now and truly love every book she has done all of her books are five stars and am sadden by the end of each series dark, Drake sisters an the element girls and guys I can not wait till she gets a reunion of each series (hint hint) keep'em coming Mrs Meehan love your work

I have been reading the Carpathian books in order and I have enjoyed every one, some more than others, but I never had a problem finishing the book. Until this one. It took me forever to get through this book. I didn't like Raphael at all. There was nothing good about him. In all of the other books, there was something likable about the main male character, but Christine Feehan didn't come through this time. If I have the time, I can usually read a book of this length in 3 days. This one took me a week. The only reason I finished it is because once I start a book, I will make every attempt to read the whole thing and it's part of a series. But it was hard. I'm hoping the next one in the series is more like the earlier ones otherwise I may just give up on it.

The fact that it apparently took his near-death to get her to reconcile with him is a giant red flag.

Giant.
Red.
Flag.

The beginning of the book is much the same - boy meets girl, boy recognizes girl as his, boy attempts to win.

Here's where we break away from the familiar and dive headlong into the terrifying. Rafael De La Cruz is certifiably insane. He is literally a terrible person. At no point in time did he ever wonder at what he might be breaking when he made for Colby. In fact, here is an excerpt of his first coherent thoughts -

"He would have her. He had never denied himself a single thing he wanted in centuries of living. He would have her. All of her, no matter the cost. He would keep her for his own, make love to her when he chose. Feed his hunger, possess her. Own her...He should just take her. He had enough power to kidnap her, get her to his home territory."
x
...
...
...
All of that really just speaks for itself.

There is no mention of her feelings, what a wonderful person she is, how he admires her work with horses and the way she's kept her family together.

NOPE.

NOT A SINGLE MENTION.

As I was reading this, I was literally leaning away from my computer screen. I was hoping maybe I'd misread. I was hoping maybe this was just that initial rush of madness that would dissipate into amused and frustrated understanding. Maybe he'd forgotten what Riordan felt when he found Juliana. Maybe he needed to kick his retarded half-assed brother Nicolas - who insisted on giving terrible advice the duration of the book - out of his head.

That was not the case. It never did. Gregori is the closest we've ever come to this utter disregard for your lifemate's happiness and well-being - and ol' Dark One proved himself halfway through his book. Not to mention the giant elephant in the room - rape. I stand by that name for the act because she did not want it. She did not invite him in. She never at one point while she was still coherent gave a semblance of consent. Instead the triple whammy of the lifemate bond + thinking that it's a DREAM and not reality + the human body's unfortunate tendency to respond involuntarily to stimuli totally did her in. The second time is still rather questionable, And then when she calls it for what it is, he has the audacity to tell her it was out of love. Which is clearly a lie straight from the mouth of Lucifer himself. And then repeats the experience.

Okay.

I have never wanted a character to die as much as I did, and I'm slightly taken aback by the fact that I had to say this - when that vampire did him in, I cheered. I felt unbelievable sorry for Colby - I'd never wish her man on ANY ONE. It also made me more than disturbed. I am not in anyway looking forward to any more De La Cruz brothers' books. If Rafael is anything to go by, all of their lifemates are going to suffer tremendously.

He redeems himself fractionally through his interactions with Ginny and Paul. But that's about it.

Good Lord, I want to know what Feehan thought we would think of this!

As I have read several of Ms. Feehan's Carpathian novels, I'm beginning to tire of the reluctant virgin with some type of life issues being pursued by the Carpathian male. Thats essentially what this novel is about. A third of this novel is devoted to said couple arguing about the why for's and what if's of their potential relationship. Another third is taken up with their ad nauseum sex acts.(I dont mind reading about sex, but back off a little). The final third is the plot. There you go. That's the whole shebang.

Again Feehan does not disappoint. This book is very different than the previous ones. The Hunter is much more intense but not offputting and I loved his lifemate, Colby. She is strong and extremely independent. As I always say with her books, another great read in the series!

This was hard for me to rate. In general, I'm a fan of the Carpathian novels, but this is the first one I'm reviewing.

In a series of events almost typical to the Carpathian world, a human woman with psychic abilities turns out to be the lifemate of an ancient warrior. This Carpathian, Rafael, sees color for the first time in centuries and strives to secure his lifemate to him for eternity. The domineering attitude doesn't fly with Colby, the woman of interest, especially when she sees him as a threat to everything she worked for.

In a series that has threatened to become quite stale, Feehan punched this novel up with interesting plot twists, such as the De La Cruz brothers' permanent posting in Brazil, Colby's family and ranch situation, and an ultra-dangerous vampire.

What kept me from allowing more than three stars were two major issues. The first was writing technique. I found the constant and sudden point of view changes and certain elements of her writing technique distracting, and, at times, confusing.

My other issue was Rafael. As a Carpathian, I expected him to be domineering and somewhat disdainful of women's capabilities. However, I was constantly disturbed by his rough treatment of Colby, both physically and emotionally. Yes, these heroes tend to be rough, but in this situation, Colby was frightened of him, felt raped/intruded upon at some point(s), and Rafael treated it as her problem until the very end.

I was NOT satisfied when she suddenly "realized" that all her emotional distress was because she was fighting the fact she really loved him the whole time, and that he realized how awful he treated and disrespected her only at the very end.

Despite her great strength of character, she was very manipulated by him. He was a constant danger to everyone around, including Colby.

Rafael's character was overdone. The tender moments that gave me hope he was changing throughout the book were jarred by very selfish actions in the name of "love." So he was close to turning vampire. That is the only possible excuse, but I've read other Carpathians close to turning who, while domineering, treated their lifemates much better without giving them the feeling, ever, of being raped.

The only reason I gave this a 3-star rating instead of a 2-star rating is because Feehan provided a rich, detailed setting with moving subplots (the younger half-siblings, mysterious happenings on the the ranch, an impossible mortgage to meet).

I was very disturbed by sections of this novel. But the entirety of the story drew me in so much I ended up finishing it in a very short period of time.

"Dark Secret" is set in modern day, on a ranch run by the leading lady & her two young siblings. The leading man's brother & allies offend her mightily before the main couple meet, much of which turns out to be a misunderstanding. These allies want to take her younger siblings into their custody & move to another country. She is offended & appalled & just can't calm down enough to talk clearly to them.

The leading man is a 1700 (or so) year old vampire. He meets the her and instantly recognizes as the woman who can complete him; the light of his life. She distrusts him (due to his brother & allies' actions) but finds him physically irresistable. Meanwhile, her trusted friend is murdered and some evil vampires show up to threaten everyone. I suggest you let the rest of the plot be a surprise.

I wouldn't call "Dark Secret" light entertainment, but it is an enjoyable casual read filled with action and romance. The plot is romatic, exactly as promised, and the physical attraction between the couple is certainly well portrayed. In my opinion, the book's major faults are all in the first third. The leading man's wooing strategy is to tell her that she will be his wife, an ultimatum that is not softened even by a "hi, you're cute." This is pretty offensive and doesn't exactly leave the reader liking him! The leading woman is also pretty offensive here. She's wildly attracted to him, has sex with him, and then turns around and accuses him of raping her! Oh, please. This is as bad as that lame "joke" about the woman who says "Don't! ... Stop! ... Don't stop!" Personally, I think this doesn't fit the definition of rape, but I can sympathise with other reviewers who did. Anyway, once you are past that, there aren't any more obnoxious plot elements.

Overall, "Dark Secret" was enjoyable but not memorable.

Christine Feehan has been my life line. In 2003, I was diagnosed and treated for end first stage colon cancer. What that means is I was miserable, cranky and tired for 9 months while they pumped who knows what in me.

I love to read, and nothing could keep me focused until I found the Dark Series and all her other wonderful books. I've worn out three copies of Dark Desire and two of Dark Magic.

Gregori, Jacques and Lucien are my favorite heroes from her Carpathian world. I looking at them I can see exactly why I was let down.

Rafeal is the requsite vampire hunting Carpathian trapped in a world of shades of grey and no emotions. Colby, a spunky red head (as a spunky red-head can we please get rid of this stereo-type? Just one grumpy in the morning red head would be nice) is his life mate. He must claim her to regain his hold onhis soul.

Colby is fighting to keep her ranch and custody of her brother and sister from mystery relatives associated with Rafeal.

That said, Rafeal doesn't seem to have thedeep suffering and passion that Gregori, Jaqcues, Byron or any of the other Carpathian men.

I honestly wanted him to go away and let Colby live on her own.

Yeah the sex was good, but 8 times out 10 it felt like some version of date rape.

Something was missing.

Try the other books in the series rather than lose faith here.

I read several of the books in this series a few years ago, then just stopped buying them, as they all started to sound the same. However, I picked this one up at the store the other day on a whim, to see how things were progressing.

Much of the style is the same - the phrase "can do no other" still appears an awful lot - but it seemed a little less prevalent than I remember from earlier books. However, I thought this particular one had better characterizations and more realistic reactions on the part of both the hero and the heroine to their situation.

The heroine's reactions, especially, I thought were finally closer to how a real woman would react to a) discovering the new hottie in her life is actually a Carpathian, b) waking up buried underground and c) her boyfriend expects her to do everything he says without question.

The resolution of these conflicts was a little simplistic, in my opinion. Going through a traumatic event just suddenly makes everything okay for our heroine, but doesn't actually change anything. But, overall I felt this title was one of the best in this series.

I found the hero, Rafael, quite appealing. As usual, he is tall, dark and dangerous, but also had some sensitive moments and was actually trying to see things from the heroines point of view, even if failing miserably for the most part. Let's just say that a Carpathian male can rationalize his way into doing whatever he wants like nobody's business.

All in all a solid entry that may actually entice me to read a few more in this series.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

This latest in the Dark saga by Christine Feehan opens new doors on her world that will intrigue and entice.

Colby Jansen loved her step father, Armando Chevez, dearly. When he died she was crushed, but swore to keep their ranch going strong for her brother and sister as it was to be their legacy. Strange accidents keep happening at the ranch that have her worried since she is already struggling to keep it alive. The final straw comes though, in the form of a visit from the Chevez brothers, Paul and Ginny's uncles, saying they want custody of the children to take them back to Brazil.

Rafael De La Cruz is of an ancient race, sent to South America centuries ago with his four brothers, to protect their Carpathian people, and their prince, safe from the evil vampire. He is extremely close to turning vampire himself, when he journeys to the US with Juan and Julio Chevez, loyal human servants of his family, to aid them in bringing back their niece and nephew. He never expected to find his lifemate, the one woman who can prevent him from turning vampire on this journey.

Colby and Rafael are attracted immediately, though she despises him for his role in trying to take away her beloved siblings. He realizes she is his lifemate immediately and can do nothing but protect her by trying to help her get to the bottom of the strange happenings at her ranch. Sparks fly and mutual respect grows, but when a very powerful vampire turns up and tries to claim Colby for himself, can the two of them come together in time to protect Colby's family and their ranch?

This reviewer feels this story is back up to par with Ms. Feehan's other books in the saga, after having been disappointed in the previous full-length book in the series. The action is intense and never ending, sucking readers under its spell, keeping them reading long into the night, eager to see what will happen next. There are also some new plot threads woven into the world of the Carpathians, which sound fascinating and are sure to come into play in later books in the series. The romance between Colby and Rafael is extremely hot and passionate, luring readers into seduction right along with Colby.

Colby is quite the heroine, strong willed, with a fiery temper to match her red hair. Her life is her family and she will stand for no one stepping in and trying to take them away from her, or telling her how to run her ranch and her own life. She is stubborn and determined... more then an equal match for the domineering Rafael. He has lived centuries, defending his family, his people, his prince from evil and he knows nothing of tenderness and patience. Finding his lifemate when he is on the brink of turning evil himself, makes him darker and more dangerous then previous heroes in the Dark saga. He has no time to cater to Colby's need for space to come to terms with what will be her new life, yet he holds out converting her as long as he can, knowing that each day he does not bind her brings him one step closer to eternal damnation as a vampire.

There are numerous characters in this story, possibly more secondary players then most preceding books. Paul and Ginny, Colby's half-siblings are loveable and kind, showing a more tender kind of love... that of one for family. They are key to understanding Colby's personality as her entire life revolves around them. The vampire is malicious and cruel, extremely powerful... possibly the strongest readers have yet met. Juan and Julio, the Chevez brothers start out mysterious and suspicious, but readers come to trust them along with Colby and company. A few characters from previous books return once more adding more depth to this story, and preparing readers for their own which are surely soon to come. Also, some new people are introduced that are deeply mysterious and guaranteed to make one wonder just what their story is.

Readers are bound to be captivated by Dark Secret by Christine Feehan. This story will please fans of the series, be they old or new, and leave them hungry for more.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2005. All rights reserved.

This was a rather long read, not because of the length but because I had to struggle through the first couple of chapters. I do remember dreading reading this book because I didn’t really like Rafael and I remember never really feeling a connection between the couple.

When I re-read this, when he wasn’t being such a dominating jerk and not acting for Colby’s happiness, I did feel a little bit of a spark between them. If Rafael had been less of a self-serving jerk and been more patient, this would have been a great book.

It was a big part of the series long plot and gives more a background of the five brothers, even if it’s just a brief glimpse of Rafael’s first shape shift. It also gives a little insight into how the plot came about.

When Vikirnoff shows up with his picture of Natalya, I wish the difference in the color of the eyes was brought up. In Dark Destiny, her eyes in the picture are an icy blue but in this book, when Rafael and Colby actually meet her, they are a startling green. When Vikirnoff shows Rafael the picture, he doesn’t mention the eye color at all.

I thought I would be giving this book at least two star since I didn’t really think much of it before but after those first couple of chapters, I warmed up to it. Still not my favorite and I haven’t forgiven Rafael for his earlier behavior but, I can actually see them together now.

This one would have been stuck on three stars if not for the awesome climax, probably the best so far in this series!

In this installment, Feehan finally addresses what we have all been wondering about... what if the strong, domineering, alpha male didn't care if the woman wanted to be his lifemate? Rafael De La Cruz, answers that question in spades. He is an ancient, super powerful and used to getting his way - always and without complaint. If there is any question, he just takes what he wants. That is how he handles the woman he discovers is his lifemate. It is of little consequence what she might want. If she disagrees - and she does - he compels her and takes it anyway. It makes him a very hard character to like but kudos goes to Feehan for exploring the side of the Carpathian male we all know is there.

Colby is the perfect foil for this plot-line. She is independent, incredibly headstrong - she has to be, as she has had the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings and running a ranch since she was seventeen years old. She is responsible yet loving and fiercely protective of her life and family. So, when Rafael enters the picture, demanding she submit to him, turn her siblings over to his care and follow him to his home country of Brazil, one can imagine the response. It results in great reading but not necessarily enjoyable reading. Rafael's character is never given enough depth to overcome our disdain of his actions. He never just sits down and explains things to Colby so she is able to understand and accept everything that is pummeling her world. The reader becomes as infuriated as Colby with this confusion, keeping those stars from climbing despite the great writing.

Things take a drastic turn for the better, however, as the climax hits. It comes out of nowhere and, again, explores an area that we often wonder about concerning those almost indestructible males but have never really experienced to this extreme (notice how hard I'm trying not to spoil?!?) It was the perfect twist needed to bring redemption to Rafael and acceptance to the reader.

*The steam factor in this book is high and somewhat uncomfortable. It is also hard to skip and keep the thread of the plot consistant.*

After a tragic plane accident that killed her mother and left her beloved stepfather paralyzed, Colby Jansen has shouldered the burden of running their ranch, caring for her invalid stepfather, Armando, and younger siblings. Despite the difficulties, she never once complained and has worked from sunup to sundown to support her family financially. But when her stepfather dies, Colby is dealt another blow when Armando's family threatens to tear her family apart. Before she knew it, two of Armando's brothers are at her front step, and accompanying them are the powerful De La Cruz brothers.

He is one of ancients sent out by Prince Vlad centuries ago to hunt down vampires. Along with four of his brothers, he has killed many vampires and with each kill, a part of his soul and sanity is taken from him. Fighting down the beast that threatens to rise, Rafael has only his brothers to rely on to keep his code of honor intact and keep from succumbing to evil. Upon learning of his human family's battle with a young American woman who refuses to let her half brother and sister move to Brazil, he travels with Juan and Julio Chevez to the US ranch to assist in getting the kids. But he never expected that the woman would be his lifemate - the very salvation he's been yearning for more nearly two thousand years. And Rafael knew right there and then that he must do everything in his power to protect her from harm.

When Colby comes face to face with Rafael, she feels an immediate attraction that is so intense it scares her. Drawn to the man whom she thinks oozes power and menace, she knows she needs to fight what she feels for him, especially with the threat of losing her siblings to the Chevez family. As for Rafael, the emotions he feel for her are so foreign to him that he is overwhelmed and confused, and as much as he tries to control himself, the dominant nature of the Carpathian males refuse to be tamed.

Except for the anthologies, I have read all the Dark Series books and Rafael is by far the most dominant off all the males. The man almost makes Gregori (DARK MAGIC) seem so placid! As for Colby, well she's not exactly the most endearing heroine in the series, but I did like how she managed to fend for herself and her siblings after their parents' death. I just wish that she weren't so stubborn.

DARK SECRET is the most action-packed installment in the series. We see plenty of battles between the hunters and vampires, and we learn that the undead are far more cunning and stronger. No longer are they living in solitude but are now are congregating to form a powerful force intent on ruling over the world. And as usual for Feehan, the book is also filled with plenty of sex scenes. Another bonus to this is the involvement of Vikirnoff Von Shrieder, whom we first met in DARK DESTINY. The author has set up the pace perfectly for his story (DARK DEMON) by introducing us to his lifemate Natalya (although neither knows it yet). Now we know why the vampires are after her - she's a Dragonseeker, one of the most revered bloodline of their race. I can't wait for the book to come out.

Overall, DARK SECRET was a pretty good read, but one of my least favorites in the series.

I have been reading the Carpathian books in order and I have enjoyed every one, some more than others, but I never had a problem finishing the book. Until this one. It took me forever to get through this book. I didn't like Raphael at all. There was nothing good about him. In all of the other books, there was something likable about the main male character, but Christine Feehan didn't come through this time. If I have the time, I can usually read a book of this length in 3 days. This one took me a week. The only reason I finished it is because once I start a book, I will make every attempt to read the whole thing and it's part of a series. But it was hard. I'm hoping the next one in the series is more like the earlier ones otherwise I may just give up on it.

The fact that it apparently took his near-death to get her to reconcile with him is a giant red flag.

Giant.
Red.
Flag.

The beginning of the book is much the same - boy meets girl, boy recognizes girl as his, boy attempts to win.

Here's where we break away from the familiar and dive headlong into the terrifying. Rafael De La Cruz is certifiably insane. He is literally a terrible person. At no point in time did he ever wonder at what he might be breaking when he made for Colby. In fact, here is an excerpt of his first coherent thoughts -

"He would have her. He had never denied himself a single thing he wanted in centuries of living. He would have her. All of her, no matter the cost. He would keep her for his own, make love to her when he chose. Feed his hunger, possess her. Own her...He should just take her. He had enough power to kidnap her, get her to his home territory."
x
...
...
...
All of that really just speaks for itself.

There is no mention of her feelings, what a wonderful person she is, how he admires her work with horses and the way she's kept her family together.

NOPE.

NOT A SINGLE MENTION.

As I was reading this, I was literally leaning away from my computer screen. I was hoping maybe I'd misread. I was hoping maybe this was just that initial rush of madness that would dissipate into amused and frustrated understanding. Maybe he'd forgotten what Riordan felt when he found Juliana. Maybe he needed to kick his retarded half-assed brother Nicolas - who insisted on giving terrible advice the duration of the book - out of his head.

That was not the case. It never did. Gregori is the closest we've ever come to this utter disregard for your lifemate's happiness and well-being - and ol' Dark One proved himself halfway through his book. Not to mention the giant elephant in the room - rape. I stand by that name for the act because she did not want it. She did not invite him in. She never at one point while she was still coherent gave a semblance of consent. Instead the triple whammy of the lifemate bond + thinking that it's a DREAM and not reality + the human body's unfortunate tendency to respond involuntarily to stimuli totally did her in. The second time is still rather questionable, And then when she calls it for what it is, he has the audacity to tell her it was out of love. Which is clearly a lie straight from the mouth of Lucifer himself. And then repeats the experience.

Okay.

I have never wanted a character to die as much as I did, and I'm slightly taken aback by the fact that I had to say this - when that vampire did him in, I cheered. I felt unbelievable sorry for Colby - I'd never wish her man on ANY ONE. It also made me more than disturbed. I am not in anyway looking forward to any more De La Cruz brothers' books. If Rafael is anything to go by, all of their lifemates are going to suffer tremendously.

He redeems himself fractionally through his interactions with Ginny and Paul. But that's about it.

Good Lord, I want to know what Feehan thought we would think of this!

As I have read several of Ms. Feehan's Carpathian novels, I'm beginning to tire of the reluctant virgin with some type of life issues being pursued by the Carpathian male. Thats essentially what this novel is about. A third of this novel is devoted to said couple arguing about the why for's and what if's of their potential relationship. Another third is taken up with their ad nauseum sex acts.(I dont mind reading about sex, but back off a little). The final third is the plot. There you go. That's the whole shebang.

Again Feehan does not disappoint. This book is very different than the previous ones. The Hunter is much more intense but not offputting and I loved his lifemate, Colby. She is strong and extremely independent. As I always say with her books, another great read in the series!

This was hard for me to rate. In general, I'm a fan of the Carpathian novels, but this is the first one I'm reviewing.

In a series of events almost typical to the Carpathian world, a human woman with psychic abilities turns out to be the lifemate of an ancient warrior. This Carpathian, Rafael, sees color for the first time in centuries and strives to secure his lifemate to him for eternity. The domineering attitude doesn't fly with Colby, the woman of interest, especially when she sees him as a threat to everything she worked for.

In a series that has threatened to become quite stale, Feehan punched this novel up with interesting plot twists, such as the De La Cruz brothers' permanent posting in Brazil, Colby's family and ranch situation, and an ultra-dangerous vampire.

What kept me from allowing more than three stars were two major issues. The first was writing technique. I found the constant and sudden point of view changes and certain elements of her writing technique distracting, and, at times, confusing.

My other issue was Rafael. As a Carpathian, I expected him to be domineering and somewhat disdainful of women's capabilities. However, I was constantly disturbed by his rough treatment of Colby, both physically and emotionally. Yes, these heroes tend to be rough, but in this situation, Colby was frightened of him, felt raped/intruded upon at some point(s), and Rafael treated it as her problem until the very end.

I was NOT satisfied when she suddenly "realized" that all her emotional distress was because she was fighting the fact she really loved him the whole time, and that he realized how awful he treated and disrespected her only at the very end.

Despite her great strength of character, she was very manipulated by him. He was a constant danger to everyone around, including Colby.

Rafael's character was overdone. The tender moments that gave me hope he was changing throughout the book were jarred by very selfish actions in the name of "love." So he was close to turning vampire. That is the only possible excuse, but I've read other Carpathians close to turning who, while domineering, treated their lifemates much better without giving them the feeling, ever, of being raped.

The only reason I gave this a 3-star rating instead of a 2-star rating is because Feehan provided a rich, detailed setting with moving subplots (the younger half-siblings, mysterious happenings on the the ranch, an impossible mortgage to meet).

I was very disturbed by sections of this novel. But the entirety of the story drew me in so much I ended up finishing it in a very short period of time.

"Dark Secret" is set in modern day, on a ranch run by the leading lady & her two young siblings. The leading man's brother & allies offend her mightily before the main couple meet, much of which turns out to be a misunderstanding. These allies want to take her younger siblings into their custody & move to another country. She is offended & appalled & just can't calm down enough to talk clearly to them.

The leading man is a 1700 (or so) year old vampire. He meets the her and instantly recognizes as the woman who can complete him; the light of his life. She distrusts him (due to his brother & allies' actions) but finds him physically irresistable. Meanwhile, her trusted friend is murdered and some evil vampires show up to threaten everyone. I suggest you let the rest of the plot be a surprise.

I wouldn't call "Dark Secret" light entertainment, but it is an enjoyable casual read filled with action and romance. The plot is romatic, exactly as promised, and the physical attraction between the couple is certainly well portrayed. In my opinion, the book's major faults are all in the first third. The leading man's wooing strategy is to tell her that she will be his wife, an ultimatum that is not softened even by a "hi, you're cute." This is pretty offensive and doesn't exactly leave the reader liking him! The leading woman is also pretty offensive here. She's wildly attracted to him, has sex with him, and then turns around and accuses him of raping her! Oh, please. This is as bad as that lame "joke" about the woman who says "Don't! ... Stop! ... Don't stop!" Personally, I think this doesn't fit the definition of rape, but I can sympathise with other reviewers who did. Anyway, once you are past that, there aren't any more obnoxious plot elements.

Overall, "Dark Secret" was enjoyable but not memorable.

Christine Feehan has been my life line. In 2003, I was diagnosed and treated for end first stage colon cancer. What that means is I was miserable, cranky and tired for 9 months while they pumped who knows what in me.

I love to read, and nothing could keep me focused until I found the Dark Series and all her other wonderful books. I've worn out three copies of Dark Desire and two of Dark Magic.

Gregori, Jacques and Lucien are my favorite heroes from her Carpathian world. I looking at them I can see exactly why I was let down.

Rafeal is the requsite vampire hunting Carpathian trapped in a world of shades of grey and no emotions. Colby, a spunky red head (as a spunky red-head can we please get rid of this stereo-type? Just one grumpy in the morning red head would be nice) is his life mate. He must claim her to regain his hold onhis soul.

Colby is fighting to keep her ranch and custody of her brother and sister from mystery relatives associated with Rafeal.

That said, Rafeal doesn't seem to have thedeep suffering and passion that Gregori, Jaqcues, Byron or any of the other Carpathian men.

I honestly wanted him to go away and let Colby live on her own.

Yeah the sex was good, but 8 times out 10 it felt like some version of date rape.

Something was missing.

Try the other books in the series rather than lose faith here.

I read several of the books in this series a few years ago, then just stopped buying them, as they all started to sound the same. However, I picked this one up at the store the other day on a whim, to see how things were progressing.

Much of the style is the same - the phrase "can do no other" still appears an awful lot - but it seemed a little less prevalent than I remember from earlier books. However, I thought this particular one had better characterizations and more realistic reactions on the part of both the hero and the heroine to their situation.

The heroine's reactions, especially, I thought were finally closer to how a real woman would react to a) discovering the new hottie in her life is actually a Carpathian, b) waking up buried underground and c) her boyfriend expects her to do everything he says without question.

The resolution of these conflicts was a little simplistic, in my opinion. Going through a traumatic event just suddenly makes everything okay for our heroine, but doesn't actually change anything. But, overall I felt this title was one of the best in this series.

I found the hero, Rafael, quite appealing. As usual, he is tall, dark and dangerous, but also had some sensitive moments and was actually trying to see things from the heroines point of view, even if failing miserably for the most part. Let's just say that a Carpathian male can rationalize his way into doing whatever he wants like nobody's business.

All in all a solid entry that may actually entice me to read a few more in this series.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

This latest in the Dark saga by Christine Feehan opens new doors on her world that will intrigue and entice.

Colby Jansen loved her step father, Armando Chevez, dearly. When he died she was crushed, but swore to keep their ranch going strong for her brother and sister as it was to be their legacy. Strange accidents keep happening at the ranch that have her worried since she is already struggling to keep it alive. The final straw comes though, in the form of a visit from the Chevez brothers, Paul and Ginny's uncles, saying they want custody of the children to take them back to Brazil.

Rafael De La Cruz is of an ancient race, sent to South America centuries ago with his four brothers, to protect their Carpathian people, and their prince, safe from the evil vampire. He is extremely close to turning vampire himself, when he journeys to the US with Juan and Julio Chevez, loyal human servants of his family, to aid them in bringing back their niece and nephew. He never expected to find his lifemate, the one woman who can prevent him from turning vampire on this journey.

Colby and Rafael are attracted immediately, though she despises him for his role in trying to take away her beloved siblings. He realizes she is his lifemate immediately and can do nothing but protect her by trying to help her get to the bottom of the strange happenings at her ranch. Sparks fly and mutual respect grows, but when a very powerful vampire turns up and tries to claim Colby for himself, can the two of them come together in time to protect Colby's family and their ranch?

This reviewer feels this story is back up to par with Ms. Feehan's other books in the saga, after having been disappointed in the previous full-length book in the series. The action is intense and never ending, sucking readers under its spell, keeping them reading long into the night, eager to see what will happen next. There are also some new plot threads woven into the world of the Carpathians, which sound fascinating and are sure to come into play in later books in the series. The romance between Colby and Rafael is extremely hot and passionate, luring readers into seduction right along with Colby.

Colby is quite the heroine, strong willed, with a fiery temper to match her red hair. Her life is her family and she will stand for no one stepping in and trying to take them away from her, or telling her how to run her ranch and her own life. She is stubborn and determined... more then an equal match for the domineering Rafael. He has lived centuries, defending his family, his people, his prince from evil and he knows nothing of tenderness and patience. Finding his lifemate when he is on the brink of turning evil himself, makes him darker and more dangerous then previous heroes in the Dark saga. He has no time to cater to Colby's need for space to come to terms with what will be her new life, yet he holds out converting her as long as he can, knowing that each day he does not bind her brings him one step closer to eternal damnation as a vampire.

There are numerous characters in this story, possibly more secondary players then most preceding books. Paul and Ginny, Colby's half-siblings are loveable and kind, showing a more tender kind of love... that of one for family. They are key to understanding Colby's personality as her entire life revolves around them. The vampire is malicious and cruel, extremely powerful... possibly the strongest readers have yet met. Juan and Julio, the Chevez brothers start out mysterious and suspicious, but readers come to trust them along with Colby and company. A few characters from previous books return once more adding more depth to this story, and preparing readers for their own which are surely soon to come. Also, some new people are introduced that are deeply mysterious and guaranteed to make one wonder just what their story is.

Readers are bound to be captivated by Dark Secret by Christine Feehan. This story will please fans of the series, be they old or new, and leave them hungry for more.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2005. All rights reserved.

This was a rather long read, not because of the length but because I had to struggle through the first couple of chapters. I do remember dreading reading this book because I didn’t really like Rafael and I remember never really feeling a connection between the couple.

When I re-read this, when he wasn’t being such a dominating jerk and not acting for Colby’s happiness, I did feel a little bit of a spark between them. If Rafael had been less of a self-serving jerk and been more patient, this would have been a great book.

It was a big part of the series long plot and gives more a background of the five brothers, even if it’s just a brief glimpse of Rafael’s first shape shift. It also gives a little insight into how the plot came about.

When Vikirnoff shows up with his picture of Natalya, I wish the difference in the color of the eyes was brought up. In Dark Destiny, her eyes in the picture are an icy blue but in this book, when Rafael and Colby actually meet her, they are a startling green. When Vikirnoff shows Rafael the picture, he doesn’t mention the eye color at all.

I thought I would be giving this book at least two star since I didn’t really think much of it before but after those first couple of chapters, I warmed up to it. Still not my favorite and I haven’t forgiven Rafael for his earlier behavior but, I can actually see them together now.

This one would have been stuck on three stars if not for the awesome climax, probably the best so far in this series!

In this installment, Feehan finally addresses what we have all been wondering about... what if the strong, domineering, alpha male didn't care if the woman wanted to be his lifemate? Rafael De La Cruz, answers that question in spades. He is an ancient, super powerful and used to getting his way - always and without complaint. If there is any question, he just takes what he wants. That is how he handles the woman he discovers is his lifemate. It is of little consequence what she might want. If she disagrees - and she does - he compels her and takes it anyway. It makes him a very hard character to like but kudos goes to Feehan for exploring the side of the Carpathian male we all know is there.

Colby is the perfect foil for this plot-line. She is independent, incredibly headstrong - she has to be, as she has had the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings and running a ranch since she was seventeen years old. She is responsible yet loving and fiercely protective of her life and family. So, when Rafael enters the picture, demanding she submit to him, turn her siblings over to his care and follow him to his home country of Brazil, one can imagine the response. It results in great reading but not necessarily enjoyable reading. Rafael's character is never given enough depth to overcome our disdain of his actions. He never just sits down and explains things to Colby so she is able to understand and accept everything that is pummeling her world. The reader becomes as infuriated as Colby with this confusion, keeping those stars from climbing despite the great writing.

Things take a drastic turn for the better, however, as the climax hits. It comes out of nowhere and, again, explores an area that we often wonder about concerning those almost indestructible males but have never really experienced to this extreme (notice how hard I'm trying not to spoil?!?) It was the perfect twist needed to bring redemption to Rafael and acceptance to the reader.

*The steam factor in this book is high and somewhat uncomfortable. It is also hard to skip and keep the thread of the plot consistant.*

After a tragic plane accident that killed her mother and left her beloved stepfather paralyzed, Colby Jansen has shouldered the burden of running their ranch, caring for her invalid stepfather, Armando, and younger siblings. Despite the difficulties, she never once complained and has worked from sunup to sundown to support her family financially. But when her stepfather dies, Colby is dealt another blow when Armando's family threatens to tear her family apart. Before she knew it, two of Armando's brothers are at her front step, and accompanying them are the powerful De La Cruz brothers.

He is one of ancients sent out by Prince Vlad centuries ago to hunt down vampires. Along with four of his brothers, he has killed many vampires and with each kill, a part of his soul and sanity is taken from him. Fighting down the beast that threatens to rise, Rafael has only his brothers to rely on to keep his code of honor intact and keep from succumbing to evil. Upon learning of his human family's battle with a young American woman who refuses to let her half brother and sister move to Brazil, he travels with Juan and Julio Chevez to the US ranch to assist in getting the kids. But he never expected that the woman would be his lifemate - the very salvation he's been yearning for more nearly two thousand years. And Rafael knew right there and then that he must do everything in his power to protect her from harm.

When Colby comes face to face with Rafael, she feels an immediate attraction that is so intense it scares her. Drawn to the man whom she thinks oozes power and menace, she knows she needs to fight what she feels for him, especially with the threat of losing her siblings to the Chevez family. As for Rafael, the emotions he feel for her are so foreign to him that he is overwhelmed and confused, and as much as he tries to control himself, the dominant nature of the Carpathian males refuse to be tamed.

Except for the anthologies, I have read all the Dark Series books and Rafael is by far the most dominant off all the males. The man almost makes Gregori (DARK MAGIC) seem so placid! As for Colby, well she's not exactly the most endearing heroine in the series, but I did like how she managed to fend for herself and her siblings after their parents' death. I just wish that she weren't so stubborn.

DARK SECRET is the most action-packed installment in the series. We see plenty of battles between the hunters and vampires, and we learn that the undead are far more cunning and stronger. No longer are they living in solitude but are now are congregating to form a powerful force intent on ruling over the world. And as usual for Feehan, the book is also filled with plenty of sex scenes. Another bonus to this is the involvement of Vikirnoff Von Shrieder, whom we first met in DARK DESTINY. The author has set up the pace perfectly for his story (DARK DEMON) by introducing us to his lifemate Natalya (although neither knows it yet). Now we know why the vampires are after her - she's a Dragonseeker, one of the most revered bloodline of their race. I can't wait for the book to come out.

Overall, DARK SECRET was a pretty good read, but one of my least favorites in the series.

I've read all the Dark series books. Loved most of them. But Rafael is definitely my favorite. I've read some of the reviews and some readers have a really hard time with him. He's very dominant. He's not especially verbal. He has no pretty words to make things ok. He and his brothers were different from others of their species. More rebellious. Wilder. He's also a product of his environment...a secluded ranch in the the store rain forest where their word is law. He doesn't fit in with modern society and isn't comfortable in the company of humans. That first time he visited Colby's room he did what his nature dictated expecting her to react as a Carpathian woman would. Of course she didn't. And that took him totally by surprise. I can understand that he was hurt and outraged at being accused of rape. He had no frame of reference for it. Add to that the fact Colby's physical reaction was off the charts(for reasons that become clear later in the series but he could have no knowledge of) and it's even more understandable.

And no. He didn't talk to her, explain it to her, try to ease her into things slowly. Rafael's character wasn't capable of that. He was 1) not a man that expressed such things verbally and 2) as overwhelmed as Colby was in his own way. He certainly made mistakes but it wasn't as if he knew they were mistakes when he was making them and he definitely tried to do the best for all of them under the circumstances.

If you don't like VERY alpha men you likely won't like this book. But if you do you'll love it as much as I did. They don't come much more alpha than Rafael.

Not my favourite although still a great book. She has been breaking horses since the death of the patriarch of the family as a means to keep the family together. He is from the most wealthy family in the locality and unbeknownst to her is from another race. When he first meets her, sparks fly. He wants her to leave the ranch. (He also realises that she is his soulmate) Her reaction is less than polite. He visits her in her dreams and starts turning her into one of his race. This unfortunately means that when her ranch is attacked by vampires, she is weakened. Can he save her? Will she ever accept and forgive him? A good plot and well written but the hero came off as an arrogant and a bit of a jerk. Saying that I still replaced my tatty hard copy with this copy.

I love Christine Feehans books but the Romance was missing in this one & it is my lease favorite so far. I did not feel like Rafael cared if Colby fell in Love with him or not he was just going to take her anyway. When she wanted him to be more gentle he told her he knew her better than she knew herself and kept being rough with her. Yuck! I was really turned off by that! There was too much going on with the brother being attacked by a Vampire and then attacking Colby over and over again. I read thru that as fast as possible as the book got hard to get thru around that point. I did like the fact that Vikirnoff was in this book and I am all excited about reading his story which I hope will have more Romance and a girl with some backbone who can earn his love & respect. I will put this one on my shelf with all my others and keep it but it will not be one I will read over and over like the other Feehan books. 3 Stars because I liked her secondary Carpathian characters and the fact that she put just enough of them in this book to make me buy the next one that comes out.

This was the first and last Christine Feehan novel for me. The cover should have warned me that I wasn't going to enjoy the book. The cover model wasn't sexy enough or menacing looking.

My main problem with the book, however, is the author's complete lack of creativity in describing the characters, especially Rafael. By about page 40, I was thinking that if I read one more time about how menacing he was, how darkly magnetic his eyes were, or how he exuded raw sexuality and power I was going to scream. I also agree with another reviewer that Colby's character got old real quick. I like strong heroines who give the men a run for their money. Colby started out that way, but became the typical damsel in distress.

If you want rough, graphic sexual scenes, however, this is the book for you. That was the best part of the book at the beginning, and I did find myself getting caught in the sexual fantasy, but even that got old midway through the book.

If you really want to read about a strong heroine, read one of Brenda Joyce's old novels, "A Scandalous Love."

I'm a huge fan of Christine Feehan's. I own every book she's written and to date the only ones I'm not such a big fan of are what I call her jungle series. The De La Cruz brothers.

In particular, I found this book to be extremely boring. Mostly because I thought the characters were dense, thick headed when it came to understanding one another. I found myself skimming, hoping something different or exciting would happen. It finally did about half way through when we finally get introduced to Kirja, a Carpathian turned vampire.

What I found interesting about his entrance is that for the first time, a vampire was able to attack a hunter without first being detected. Interesting twist to the norm, and the scene was very very good. It was exciting, interesting, and graphic. Love that!

The sex scenes were just that...sex. Mating for the sake of binding the two main characters together. Romance? The intention is there in the written word, but was it pulled off? In my opinion, it wasn't. Rafael and Colby were two halves of the same whole who finally collided together and it was a must that Rafael mate with Colby because one was meant for the other and vice versa. Usually...I like Christine's sex scenes, but I found the ones in this book to have more of an animalistic appeal than romantic. I suppose that was the intention sense the reference to Rafael being so dominate kept coming up over and over again, and a point was trying to be made in regards to Rafael's personality.

The characters lacked any kind of warmth, compassion or understanding toward one another. I did not find myself rooting for them or reading with any great expectations because they were so repetitive in dialoge and behavior to one another.

Colby cares and loves her brother and sister. She would do anything for them. Rafael, he cares deeply for his brothers and loves Colby because she's his lifemate. But all those feelings, those emotions....they come through about as dry as reading the first two sentences of this paragraph. Stale.

There were hints of greatness in this book. But alas...it fell way short because it never "got there". And that's because the emotions of the characters were not written in a way that would affect me...the reader.

Overall, I rate this book "Okay". I read it through because it is part of the series and I'm looking forward to getting to Dark Celebration and finding out who shows up in that one.

Any of the Dark Carpathian books with a De LA Cruz in it is a good book to me. Rafael is more dominant and rougher than the other Carpathian's we meet. He knows what he wants and goes after it. Colby Jenson is his LifeMate and nothing or no one will stop him from taking her. There's action, suspense and amazing sex scenes. Great story. Loved it!!

I have read every novel by Christine Feehan and have for the most part enjoyed them, not to say that I hated this novel, but "Dark Secret" showed me something that was apparently there all the time and I refused to see, "Lifemates are given no choice and they are generally taken against their will".

While the Carpathian male proclaims that it is his duty to protect his Lifemate and see to her happiness/well being, who protects the Lifemate against such a predator? What if she can protect herself and can make her own happiness? The reality of it is that he needs her more than she needs him.

Although I usually love the dominant Carpathian males in Ms. Feehan's novels, I had some serious issues with Rafael in "Dark Secret", in particular his raping Colby, and no matter how you cut it, it was rape. Rafael is the first Carpathian I truly didn't like throughout the story and my opinion of him hasn't changed. Although Colby has had to work hard to provide for her siblings and as difficult as it would have been, Colby would have managed without Rafael's entrance into her life.

When looking back on the series as a whole, Rafael wasn't the first Carpathian male to do what he did to an unsuspecting female who has given color/emotions back to a Carpathian male.

I am fully aware these stories are completely fantasy and that the Carpathian male must find his Lifemate in order survive becoming the vampire but it's almost like saying "I'm going to live no matter what the consequences are to you and I will MAKE you go along with the program no matter what you think/feel/do, I KNOW what is best for you".

Although there may have been other instances, I can only recall "Dark Symphony" where the Carpathian male, Byron actually gave Lifemate, Antonietta the choice as to whether she wanted to become a part of the Carpathian world. Byron resisted his nature of taking the control away from Antonietta because he wanted her just as she was no matter the cost to himself. Antonietta made that choice to be with him in all ways. Although many of you did not care for Byron's character, I respected him, as he actually did what was good for his Lifemate and not what was necessary to his well-being.

Unless there is instance where the Lifemate life were in jeopardy or death was imminent as in "Dark Gold" where Alexandria was bitten by a vampire and was destined to become a vampire, until Aidan intervened, conversion into the Carpathian world should still not be accomplished less she, the Lifemate consents.

After much consideration on my part, after having read "Dark Secret", I've decided to take a break from Ms. Feehan's Carpathian series as it appears I'm experiencing a problem with the fact that all Lifemates are portrayed as subservient to their male counterparts, no matter how smart or powerful she is in her own right. As in every novel, it is the male who controls all.

Maybe these novels are not what I need at this time as "Dark Secret" left a really bad taste in my mouth and I'm not certain I can rid myself of it anytime soon.

This is probably not a book for die hard romantics but it is very hot.

I personally loved the caveman personality of the Carpathian, Raphael - it seemed somehow more convincing to me. A true, earthy, predator without the veneer of civilisation. And whilst not a gentleman, he struggles to overcome his inherent nature to meet his lifemate half way.

Colby was a tad annoying however - repeatedly demanding her independence when very real and proven danger threatened her and her young dependents.

My carpathian faves are Darius and Tempest and Byron and Antoinetta - so if you really liked those, you will probably like this too.

Rancher Colby Jansen demands that Juan and Julio Chevez leave her spread immediately and that she will never hand over her young step-siblings to them as they command. She detests the Chevez family for not responding to the request of her "adoptive dad" who never adopted her. He wanted to end his estrangement with his sons their nut they never went to see him before he died. They conveniently show up to take the blood members back with them to Brazil except for Colby who they believe is tainted since her mom never married her biological Chavez father.

Accompanying the Chevez males is Carpathian siblings Nicholas and Rafael De La Cruz. They are both shocked that this slight female mortal can block their mental attacks although she does get headaches from doing so. Rafael is stunned when he realizes that the feisty American is his soulmate that he has waited centuries to find. She refuses to have anything to do with him as long as he is on the side of her enemies, which loyalty demands he must be. As Rafael struggles to persuade his beloved they belong together, someone is stealing her equipment, vandalizing her machinery and escalating the assault on Colby, which her beloved will not tolerate.

DARK SECRET is a refreshing Carpathian tale that uses a different location to tell an entertaining story. Colby is a courageous mortal refusing to allow any harm to her step-siblings while battling against impossible odds. Her counterpart Rafael is typical of the Feehan alpha male, but knows he has met his perfect match in the feisty American. With a strong support group that further brings out the personalities of the lead couple especially during the war of words and attrition, fans of the series will enjoy this fine gender battle.

Harriet Klausner

I do not like this series. I have read 3 of the books in the DARK series and I just cannot get into romance of the Carpathian men. The men are selfish and secretive and yet they always seem to get their way. I am not sure any of their once mortal lifemates get much out of the relationships. The women become immortal, but they are vampires and have to give up sunlight, feed on human blood, and sleep in the ground. Plus, they do not need to eat and lose all desire for food. And they will have difficulty conceiving a Carpathian child, and it will have difficulty surviving until puberty. Yet the women seem to willingly bond with these men with very little thought about the future. The men all seem tortured and more than half crazy. Why would anyone want to make a forever commitment to this family?

I found the stories too dark and disturbing to the point that I could not sustain the romantic fantasy. There is no laughter in these stories. No joy, no fun. Reading one of these books might be okay but after 3 I was almost ready to bury myself in the dirt. I much preferred Feehan's MIND GAME series. The men and the women are more evenly matched and better able to give and take from each other. I do not have much hope for the Carpathians.

Ms. Feehan has dropped the ball on this one. I have read all of her books and this one was a total disappointment. Rafael may have loved Colby but I could not tell. The impression I got was that he was God and what he said was law. I did not like the way Colby was treated by Rafael. Her conversion took forever and when it happened Rafael did not seem to understand what was going on. It seemed strange that when a Carpathian is hurt that everyone comes together to help. However, the Carpathian men or either to proud or stupit to ask about the experiences other Carpathian men have had with their lifemates. Rafael may have had his feeling returned to him but he did not know how to share OR CARE about Colby feelings. The next book cannot be worse than this one I hope.

I am in love with Rafael. I realize that his arrogance probably would rub some people the wrong way however the simple fact that he is unafraid to set things straight and handle himself as a man is sooooo sexy! Colby is no wilting wallflower. She gives Rafael a run for his money and defies him as best she can. Their chemistry is so realistic- the impossible odds faced by a young heroine fighting to defend her family with aid from the Alpha Male she hates to love. This pairing is one of the better couplings in the Carpathian world. He offers the same characteristics as the others but he has his own unique personality. It didn't feel like the same man appearing again as with some of the other Hunters/Lifemates. I have read this at least 4 times and will probably read it many more.

Hey, Colby isn't Anita Blake...& Rafael isn't human. Colby is a hybrid, which makes her "different" than most humans. She has the racial memories that cause her to want the Carpathian quilt, the psychic abilities that her human half-siblings don't share. Carpathian mating rituals are obviously more animalistic than human, and the author wants to convey this to the reader. Rafael is the alpha male to Colby's alpha female role. The female Carpathian, which Colby becomes after her conversion, is the sole recipient of her lifemate's sexual advances. If ever a final Carpathian novel is written, the "Prince" will be replaced with a "Queen." Probably Desari, but Colby will be her right-hand gal. & the males? Well, they can still hunt the vampire, but we all know their real role is to amuse the gals at night!

This is the latest installment in her Dark series.

Riordan our hunky hero is trapped inside a volcano with a very old and wicked vampire. They have been there for 500 years.

Juliette our beautiful and gutsy heroine has an affinity with the volcano that goes back generations. She doesn't understand why she has to get to the top of the volcano before it erupts but is determined to get there.

The first half of the book is intense, dark and brooding. The second half is action, adventure and romance.

We do get some answers to the ongoing Carpathian problems.

If you are a fan of these books I recommend you read this one. If you are new to the series read them in order or you will get confused.

I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

After reading the various reviews here, I was very hesitant to pick up this book. I have read this entire series, multiple times. After reading about how agressive and even brutal Rafael was, well, I wasn't looking forward to reading this new addition. However, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I can see how some would think that Rafael was too forceful, too aggressive; however, I do not think Rafael's character is any less dominant than Gregori's (Dark Magic). While some reviews indicated Rafael basically raped Colby, I do not think that is true. I thought the book dealt well with both characters and their struggles to understand their feelings and how their lives were changing. CF did focus on Rafael's struggle to understand why Colby repeatedly withdrew from him emotionally. He recognized that he was the dominant in their sexual relationship but that he had to come to an understanding regarding the independent, intelligent woman Colby was. A woman who was used to making her own decisions in all aspects of her life. Whereas some of the other Dark books dealt strongly with the vampire conflicts, this book really focused more on the two characters and the conflict between emotions and independence. I would highly recommend reading the series from the beginning before reading this one as it is darker and the male is more dominant than in other books.

Last summer I picked up this book to read on a plane, not knowing who Christine Feehan or Carpathians were. I couldn't put the book down. HOT is all I can say. Too many sex scenes? Not possible. The sex scenes were so intense I found myself holding my breath at times.

I was so astounded by her writing I searched the internet for Christine Feehan and found her website and learned there was an entire Dark Series! I was almost obsessed. I read the order in which to read the books - and started reading. I have read all of the books except Dark Celebration (which I'm starting tonight)and have just re-read Dark Secret. It is so much better when you read the Dark Series books in order. You appreciate the Carpathian history and struggle because each book builds on the other (you can read each independently - though I do think its important to read in order if you read more than 1 or 2).

I love the books. I read for enjoyment and actually don't like the vampire fights. I love the love stories. Carpathian males are hot and sexy. And can they love a woman! There is so much emotion involved with the physical lovemaking. Dark Secret is in my top 5 Dark Series books.

Great book. Enjoy!

I have been a C.F. fan for quite a while. When I first started reading her Carpathian series, I couldn't get enough! The books were so engrossing! I've read them all - even the off-shoots ('Scarletti Curse' etc.). This latest one ('Dark Secret') is not living up to the standards I've come to expect. First off, the dialogue is just too stilted and awkward-sounding. It makes some of the characters seem very juvenile, even when they are not! Colby comes across like a 13-year old instead of an adult with a huge responsibility; and Ginny and Paul are difficult to get a handle on - they are alternately grown-up or childish in their dialogue and (re)actions. The De La Cruz brothers are the only 'vintage Feehan' in the book, and this is what saves it, in my opinion. They are typical Carpathian males! No disappointment there. My biggest disappointment, however, comes from the way Christine continues to portray her main female characters as child-heroines who behave like unruly children - what with their sullen tempers, bad manners, and wilfulness! And must they ALL have small chins? And must they ALL use said small chins in such a predictable manner: ("...she raised her small chin and glared at him"; or "...she raised her small chin defiantly and snapped at him ..." Etc. etc.)! Even when these 'men' treat their lifemate with such respect and love, all they get for their efforts (initially)are women behaving badly, with a seemingly bad case of PMS! Almost all of her human 'lifemates' fall into this category - they are mostly all small or petite, with little 'this' and small 'that'! They are portrayed as being so fragile-looking, and of small or delicate stature - just barely out of adolescence, yet we are asked to believe that they are capable of doing all these extra-ordinary things (doctor/scientist/rancher etc.), while attracting and holding the attentions of these 'super-beings'! I wish Christine would realize that among her fans there are women do not/cannot relate to these 'child-brides'. We need to connect with them if we are to enjoy the books, and it's difficult to do so when, book after book, (even in her 'Ghostwalker' and 'Seven Sisters' series) portrays this penchant of hers. I find this very off-putting. She must get away from this tendency. Out of loyalty I read this book - but I'm getting very close to giving her a 'pass' for the next little while.

This book is not Feehan's typical warm, passionate, protective story line. Here we have a Carpathian who, along with his brothers, is obviously raised apart from other Carpathians. You definitely get the sense that this guys is on the verge of a total loss of control and there are scenes in here that made me squirm uncomfortably because they were on the verge of force and without Colby's consent. It's not the kind of easy reading, comfortable romance I was used to. However, the saving grace is that the Carpathian will come around. You just have to stick to it and trust Feehan not to cross that line. If you ever wondered what a Carpathian would be like if he didn't have the support of others helping him understand what he's going through, this is the book for you. It's exciting and passionate, if a bit disturbing in the beginning. Feehan weaves a spectacular battle into the storyline the likes of which I have seldom seen. Consider this a rollercoaster romance, a thriller, and a wild ride.

I've read all of this series up to this point, and was getting tired of the same old same old. Same old domineering males, same old 2-dimensional women, same old shallow plot and character development, constant "I could do no other"! But lately Feehan has been breaking her mould, and in this book in particular she has given us a male that evolves, a complex and well-developed female character, a supporting cast that adds a lot to the story, and an interesting setting and plot.

If you have grown tired of the Dark Carpathian rut, this book may restore your love for Feehan's series.

As usual, it is not suggested that you begin the series this far along.

The 12th Dark book.

The Good:
The heroine doesn't just fall in line with the lifemate thing.
The hero was entertaining--clueless earnestness.

The Bad:
The heroine fell back on the old TSTL trick of being too "independent" to accept any help in protecting her brother & sister and being stubbornly ignorant. Argh. But I liked the heroine again in the last part of the book.

The Verdict:
Really, if you just took out, say, the 3rd quarter of the book, where the heroine turned TSTL (in which the S could mean either stupid or stubborn--the effect's the same), I'd be much happier.

This wasn't the worst of the series, but it wasn't the best either. The heroine was annoying and the first half of the book was very repetitive. I found myself skimming through some of her exchanges with Rafael, blah, blah, blah, same old discussion in a bunch of different ways. The second half of the book was much better in that we got to some action with the vampire hunting. That part of the book was like the old Feehan. Ms. Feehan's use of one word in a foreign language over and over takes away from the book also. How many times can you use the word familia? And if you are going to use a foreign language, why just use a couple of words? I found it to be just as annoying in Lair of the Lion with the Italian words she used over and over.

I almost stopped reading the Carpathian series due to the annoying last two books. The last decent entry was Dark Symphony. I barely got through Dark Guardian and Dark Legend. This book is interesting, the sex is hot and the family dynamics intriguing. The main problem is the refusal of Colby (heroine) to admit that there is a problem and of Rafael (hero) is entirely too dominant. I love dominant men (in print), but he's almost abusive. He takes away ALL choices and then claims it's because he loves her. Real love doesn't deny choices. The entry of a new story line of vampire enemies is also incredibly annoying. Every other entry insists that vampires can't work together, now they're planning a grand conspiracy? Please! I think that this book would have been better if he had just taken the family back to the Rain Forest in the beginning.

This is the book that started it all for me. I am a vampire lover and a friend came across this book and thought of me. I also like to read romances, so the cross between the two was not a let down.

Although the males are way to dominating, you can't help liking them because they are only doing what they think is right for their other half, their lifemates.

If you want a vampire book like Anne Rice, don't buy this book or any of the other ones in the Dark Series. You will be very let down. If you like a small story plot with lots of romance, you'll love these books.

They (dark series)are written with the same outline as any other romance. Man meets woman, they hate each other while loving each other, man and woman finally admit love, have totally fullfilled sex and live happily ever after. Then throw in that Carpathians are pre-vampires and life for ever on blood and you have the dark series.

I'd read it again. I have bought ever one I come across since reading this one, so Christine Feehan must be doing something right. I can't say there are any other romance writers I have hunted each book down to read.

please! this could have been such a wonderful story. god save us from colby! She is the worse heroine that ms. feehan has ever given us. in dark magic, savannah came around quickly when faced with the realities of life. not so with colby. even when nicholas tells her BLUNTLY about rafael, explains the facts of carpathian life BLUNTLY to her, she still almost kills rafael AGAIN. some of the other reviews call rafael a darker hero. not so. i'd happily be his lifemate. he was so giving to colby. so loving to her. so very, very patient. she on the other hand was selfish and a bitch. i hope ms. feehan can make the rest of her heroines more likable. i almost didn't finish the book i got so fed up with her. colby is the reason for the 3 stars. get rid of her and it's a 5 star book. THERE IS NO RAPE IN THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rafael De La Cruz and his brother Nicolas have come to America to get the 3 children left by one of their protected families. Only recently have they found out about the 2 children and the adopted daughter of Armando Chevez.

Colby Jensen the adopted daughter has refused to let them take her brother and sister back to Brazil. She has no trouble refusing Nicolas but Rafael enthralls her as well as frightens her. Nicolas seems so cold. But Rafael fires her blood. He refuses to accept her denials of any connection between them. As accidents and injuries mount on the ranch she at first thinks it is the De La Cruz brothers.

After a ranch hand is found dead and she and Rafael are attacked, she has to accept that they are not responsible and take the help they offer.

Rafael knows she is his lifemate, but after 1700 years he has trouble earning her trust before he claims her. Knowing only the harsh reality of the hunter, he must learn tenderness or loose the only thing that will make his life worth living. Colby seems determined not to do as he orders, maybe he should ask. Only the greatest peril can open a closed heart and mind to the truth.

A wonderful addition to the Dark series.

I have read every Christine Feehan book. I am not sure I will ever read another after this book. It was offensive.

Rafael threatens her if she doesn't become his lifemate. He uses "compulsion" to force her to have sex with him, and he is no better than an animal, and a monster. I wanted to write a letter and complain to the publisher about this novel. Rafael's characater may have loved her, but should a woman return those affections just because he loves her so much? No. What about stalkers? Should women fall in love with stalkers for the same reasons? The stalker thinks he loves her? No. This was not a romance novel. This was sick. It was filled with threats, forced sexual encounters, violence and hatred. The mysterious thread at the end did nothing to make up for the rest.

Christine Feehan has created a fascinating world. Too bad she ruins it. Horrid book, horrid romance genre novel especially. This should have been a horror novel.

If you don't like hot steamy sex, paranormal action characters, strong heroines with dominating alpha heroes, then this is not the book or the series for you. However, if those things don't bother you or you even relish them, then boy are you in for a treat with Feehan's latest Carpathian release. I an addict to her vampire series, but this book is her best since my favorite, DARK FIRE. Rafael De La Cruz is another Carpathian warrior who has once again captured my heart. He is indeed once of the most dominating characters since Gregory, but he is definitely aware of his shortcomings. Him and his brothers were sent out by the original prince hundreds of years ago to fight the vampires in South America. However, their nature has always been more wild and less disciplined than the average Carpathian male. They were as we say "the bad boys" of the Carpathian clans. This explains the extra wild & even dangerous nature of the De La Cruz boys, they are truly on the brink of their dark/beast side. The love of a lifemate, Colby, however, brings emotion & even compassion into Rafael's life finally after all these hundreds of years of being without feelings or hope. He cannot help but latch on to her for dear life no matter what the cost and how she feels. There are times, however, when Rafael realizes his mistake in his arrogance in forcing his decisions upon her and his regret & confusion so moved me. It reminded me of a little boy who had broken his favorite toy and he is desperate to fix it. Luckily his lifemate, though angry as hell at him, realizes in the end that his love is true and his intentions are good. This book brings back some old characters (telepathically), but it also introduces a brand new long lost bloodline of Carpathian warriors, The Dragon Seeker Clan. The heroine, Colby turns out to be a descendent of that line and her mating to Rafael will produce strong & powerful & most likely female children. I've basically neglected all my house chores in order to finish this book, it is so exciting that new bloodlines & characters will be coming soon. I can't wait!

I have to admit, Dark Secret was not a book I planned to read or enjoy since the cover looked a bit hokey, and the summary didn't really grab my attention. I'm glad I decided to take a look at it because I ended up liking the story a lot!

Rafael De La Cruz is a very dominating, sensual male lead. It's easier for him to express himself through action rather than words. He always gets what he wants and expects everyone to see things his way. He comes from a powerful, ancient Carpathian family who's darker and wilder than others of their race. Much to his dismay, Colby Jansen is not the fragile, docile young woman she appears to be.

Due to a family tragedy, Colby was forced to take on numerous responsibilities at a young age. She not only works to keep the ranch running from sun up to sun down, she's also guardian to her two younger half-siblings, Paul and Ginny, who help her to the best of their ability. At her stepfather, Armando Chevez's request during his paralysis, Colby wrote a letter to his estranged family in Brazil requesting aid. They never responded, leaving the children to fend for themselves. A few years later the Chevez's want Colby and the kids to get acquainted with their family in Brazil. Their refusal prompts the De La Cruz's to help the Chevez's retrieve the three siblings.

Things are awry at the ranch, and the arrival of the Chevez's and De La Cruz's have made it worse. Between fires, murders and deceit, the three siblings find themselves barely recovering from one disaster to another. Colby is especially stressed out. She doesn't understand why a snotty playboy like Rafael is infatuated with her, and often has the urge to flee from his overpowering character. Colby wants Rafael to accept her decisions, but Rafael claims he knows her better than she knows herself, and insists his decisions are for their benefit. Their combative natures are pushed aside as an enemy and childhood friend of Rafael's appears.

I recommend this book for readers who want to read about a true, dominant alpha male. The sex scenes are particularly hot; maybe even the hottest ones Christine Feehan has ever written. The great thing about her is that she avoids being cliché or corny. Rafael and Colby aren't stereotypical flat characters, but have depth to them. This is without a doubt a hot read worth trying!

I did like the book, but I did not think there was a whole lot of romance. However, there was a lot of sex scenes, but without the romance, that just does not work real well for me. Colby was frightened and usure of her feelings throughout the whole book. I was okay with Rafeal's dominant character, but I wish he would have let her decide whether she loved him before he started to turn her. I realize that he needed his lifemate, but I think it would have been more romantic if he would have let her fall in love with him first, and then let her made the decision to be turned. The book kept me interested, and I plan to read more of her books.

I liked Rafael. He was brooding and intense and very focused on having his way. This is fiction so I don't take offense at his attitude, it's pure entertainment. As well I think that anyone who enjoys Christine's Dark Series come to expect a bit of attitude from her hero's. I wouldn't enjoy this in real life but when it comes to a romance novel - no wimps for me thank you very much! I gave her four stars as this book was 'darker' than any of her previous efforts and I enjoyed that (but then I like Anne Stuart so there you go). As well she seems to be going places with her development of the origins of the good vs evil conflict between the vampires and carpathians. I am looking forward to the next installment as well as Nicholas' story -hopefully soon. Now there's a man who needs to be put in his place, I just hope his mate is strong enough to handle him.

Another of my Favorite books. There is only 1 other at the top of my favorites in this series. I have almost every book she has written and wish that someday she would come to my area so I could meet her so I can thank her for helping me escape into a world that helps me deal with the chronic pain I live in. I could read her books every day and never tire of them

"No" still means "no" regardless-hero was too dominating and heroine was too dumb. The storyline just drags on and on and rushes through conclusion at the end. She even gave the vampire more power than the hero. Apparently Ms. Feehan has decided to change this series to horror instead of romance. I'm disappointed too and hope the author will go back and read Dark Magic in order to get this series back on track.

I keep reading Feehan novels hoping for that spark of something different. I like vampire romance and even the premise is good...but then it falls short each and every time with mindless descriptions and fillers. You could almost read this book's dialogue alone and completely understand the story. When there is a clever avenue for her to explore she halts--then sticks with the over used "panther like grace, mesmerizing voice" descriptions. Does she even proof-read...one paragraph pretty much repeats the last. And lets stop for a moment to realize that her characters are not in love...the men suffer from a strange co-dependent psychosis. If a man ever treated me that way I would run--fast. Abusers always say they love you while they are beating you...and these main characters are abusers. Everytime the female lead wants to get away the male character says: "I don't think you realize how strong I am, I would never let you go." Thats a threat if I ever heard one. Alarms!!!! If you think this stuff is sexy you probably met your boyfriends in a biker bar because it's not. ALSO its lame how every problem can be fixed with stupid powers...hardly have a story at all when everything can be fixed by some trick.

This is actually the first one of this series I have read. Needless to say, I have ordered the rest that are available on the store. I was getting a little bored with the other writers I normally read. A friend recommended these books and let me borrow this one.

I keep asking myself, "Dear Lord, Why can't these Carpathians really exist?!". If the others are even close, I will not be disappointed in the least. Thank you, Christine!!

I usually can't put down a Feehan, despite the overused metaphors...one more brush of butterfly wings, or molten lava reference and I'll send her a thesarus). This on I can't pick up...how much of an arrogant jerk is this guy, expecting her to giv up her home and family for his, ordering a 12 year out of bed to make vegetable soup for his unwilling lifemate.....Throw this bum to the sunlight, and let Colby live with her brother and sister.

I have to admit, Dark Secret was not a book I planned to read or enjoy since the cover looked a bit hokey, and the summary didn't really grab my attention. I'm glad I decided to take a look at it because I ended up liking the story a lot!

Rafael De La Cruz is a very dominating, sensual male lead. It's easier for him to express himself through action rather than words. He always gets what he wants and expects everyone to see things his way. He comes from a powerful, ancient Carpathian family who's darker and wilder than others of their race. Much to his dismay, Colby Jansen is not the fragile, docile young woman she appears to be.

Due to a family tragedy, Colby was forced to take on numerous responsibilities at a young age. She not only works to keep the ranch running from sun up to sun down, she's also guardian to her two younger half-siblings, Paul and Ginny, who help her to the best of their ability. At her stepfather, Armando Chevez's request during his paralysis, Colby wrote a letter to his estranged family in Brazil requesting aid. They never responded, leaving the children to fend for themselves. A few years later the Chevez's want Colby and the kids to get acquainted with their family in Brazil. Their refusal prompts the De La Cruz's to help the Chevez's retrieve the three siblings.

Things are awry at the ranch, and the arrival of the Chevez's and De La Cruz's have made it worse. Between fires, murders and deceit, the three siblings find themselves barely recovering from one disaster to another. Colby is especially stressed out. She doesn't understand why a snotty playboy like Rafael is infatuated with her, and often has the urge to flee from his overpowering character. Colby wants Rafael to accept her decisions, but Rafael claims he knows her better than she knows herself, and insists his decisions are for their benefit. Their combative natures are pushed aside as an enemy and childhood friend of Rafael's appears.

I recommend this book for readers who want to read about a true, dominant alpha male. The sex scenes are particularly hot; maybe even the hottest ones Christine Feehan has ever written. The great thing about her is that she avoids being cliché or corny. Rafael and Colby aren't stereotypical flat characters, but have depth to them. This is without a doubt a hot read worth trying!

Best one since the first one, in my opinion. I believed the Colby/Rafael relationship and bought into both their points of view. Thought this one was better written (or maybe just better edited) than most. And the boys from Brazil had an interesting back story that added depth to the Carpathian universe and made me want to read more about them. Okay, Feehan's no Jane Austen but for me she consistently delivers fun, romantic stories that are well worth devoting a few hours to. I'll keep reading as long as she keeps writing 'em.

Rafael and Colby were very strong characters although somewhat more violent and strong-minded than usual (but with good reason!). Colby's dislike of Raphael went for a long time. I wished she had admitted things to herself a bit earlier. It made for terrible/great tension, though. While I'd prefer the Dark books with a touch less sex/anger in them, these are all keepers and worth rereading. Christine Feehan's vampires are the best.

I love all of those Carpathians. Always want more. Currently trying to if I've skipped many and whose story I need next. Some Carpathians I like more than others, but I love them all.. Can't wait for the next one!!!

All of Christine's heros are commanding men, but this is by far her harshest. Close to turning vampire, Raphael is a disturbing character. It is an entertaining read and develops the series plot well. However, it may come as a surprise to those not used to the series. As the book progresses and Raphael becomes used to his emotions again, the relationship developes and becomes more of the usual romance. A wonderful read, it truly whet's ones's interest in the next book of the series.

I think this book could have been better. Yes Rafael was a very very dominant male. He did not understand what it was to have a lifemate. He just knew that to keep the darkness away he had to convert colby. He and his brothers lived with their own set of laws. I think some people are judging him too harshly. I think he was closer to turning than his brother and it was very urgent that he convert her.

I did not feel any love between them only the urgency for him to convert and for her the urgency to run away. He seemed not to know anything about how the conversion would affect her or what would happen. I didn't understand why the other Carpathians did not inform him.

I enjoyed all the books in the Dark Series, but in a couple of her previous books, I felt that some of the Carpathian males were a little too tame.

This is a fantasy book about Carpathian men on the edge, on the verge of become monsters, and it seems more realistic that they would sometimes act like monsters.

I like that I'm seeing a raw, on the edge Carpathian like Rafael. It's also nice that his lifemate, Colby, has her own abilities and her own ways of defending herself. This book was one of the best books so far.

Im not usually a big fan of the romance type novels. Infact, i cant stand them, but i DO very much enjoy the fantasy based ones. Especially if they include immortals, vampires, werewolves, and fae people. This is the first book ive picked up in a year through the SFBC and actually read until 4am the very same night it arrived and was almost late for work! Steamy, passionate sex is always a plus. Then you have the vampires running around. Dark handsome men, its a great read. I highly recommend this book for those who prefer fantasy romance to the usual genre.

I agree with the other reviewers who thought Rafael was a bit of a jerk, but, give the guy a break. He hasn't felt emotion or any of that crap for centuries. Naturally our hero is going to be rough around the edges. I am reading this book a second time and really enjoy it. Sometimes I find myself skimming over paragraphs when I find Feehan is re-hashing thrice established information (I did this the first time I read it, too), but most of this book is a gripping read. I just with they used an uglier guy for the cover. It slows down my reading when I have to keep stopping to gaze at the cover every couple of pages. lol. I would recommend this book to anyhow who likes romance, but is getting bored with the usual plain vanilla bodice rippers.

Booklist really built it up with their review but the book struck me as a Harlequin with vampires. The writing was proficient, but not moving. It's worth the read if you get it through your local public library, but I'd be hesitant to pay for it.

I have every Dark series book, and this is one of her best. You would think that her stroyline would become to be boring but instead it has gotten better. She has begun to tie her storylines together with the dragonseekers/warlocks and the war coming to the Prince. My hat come's off to this author and her brilliance.

I started reading Christine when the war first started and it helped me keep my mind off of being alone with one child and pregnant. It was a life saver in some ways. Christine made me fall for the hero in Dark Secret the way she made me fall in love with the fist Dark series book I read (Dark Guardian). In some ways the rest of her dark series books kind of were the same because it is practicially the same fights and so on. Dark Secret it kind of sexually dominating if you like that kind of thing but I love that the heroine put up more of a fight to the all powerful Carpathian Hunter. All in all I loved it. The females needed more of a back bone and Christine gave it to them. Way to go Christine and her daughters that help her write these books.

dark secret by christine feehan - on my goodness - I just loved this book!! I read this book in 2 days (I just couldn't put it down at all). The romance between Rafael and Colby (hot hot hot), and to read the history of the clan and fighting scenes (simply of out this world) I'm reading the book again. And I just bought Dark Destiny and Dark Demon, can not wait to read them. This is the definitely one of the best books that I have read in a very long time.

Please give me more books from Christine Feehan; I love her Carpathian series. This latest "Dark" work is an enjoyable, interesting blending of an ancient Carpathian with a modern do-it-yourself female. Read into this that the Carpathian has the ancient ideas of what a female may and may not do (especially if she is the other half of a Carpathian male) who tries to impress his beliefs upon an equally stubborn female who demands to be allowed to protect her family.

Dark Secret continues and expands the Carpathian saga but can stand alone. In addition, we have doorways opening into other possible works by Ms. Feehan.

An avid reader, I purchased it at 5:30 PM, home by 5:45 PM to start reading. I had to finish it before I could sleep last night. I loved it. 4.75 or more stars.

Christine Feehan's books--ALL of them--are my favorite guilty pleasures. I love the worlds she creates, the dark, unyielding characters, the passionate emotions, the wonderfully involved plots. She taps into everything I expect to find in her stories in DARK SECRET with the tormented hero Rafael and his all-consuming need for the independent and determined Colby Jansen. I come away from Feehan's stories with a sense that her Carpathians truly exist somewhere in this world. DARK SECRET is definitely a keeper.

Kate Douglas [...]

very sexual content. It is a good book and I look forward to seeing more of these brothers and their stories and how they will fit in that w/ the other Carpathians because of their strong views on woman.

Finally!!! I was able read the book in one night mind you!!!! This book differs from her others. In other words, the final battle scene between Rafael and the vampire was so different from the other battles. It surprised me to see how it almost ended. Another aspect I enjoyed was how Colby integrated herself in the battles which is somewhat uncommon in Christine's other novels. This book is a must read! I can't wait to read her other upcoming novels.

I love paranormal romance. its mainly what i read. i have read all of feehans work and honestly this one got lost in translation. Lately ive been noticeing the climax in feehans stories have been short lived and leaves you with 100 more pages of muddled "same stuff" garbage. If you take a look at her recent carpathian novels, you notice the same wording, and plots. Honestly its dishearting because i love her books. maybe she should just stop while she is ahead?

I have been waiting most impatitently for this book,I didn't put it down until I had read it all.This was such a wonderful book,

the plot, dialogue, setting, and premise were all well written. Keep it up Ms Feehan, I am waiting for the next one anxiously. Highly recommended!!

Maybe I missed something, but this is the worst book in the whole series as far as I'm concerned and if any of the others focuses on Nicholas, I'm thinking the heroine needs more of a sense of humor and self than Colby.

This book went on and on and on, just using mundane filler. The male was abusive, Colby was a dunce. The battle scene was weak although after the scene finally almost made up for having to waddle through this.

I have all of the Dark Series and I look forward to each new book. Each book is about fighting evil bad guys and convincing the only one for you that you are a good guy and will love them forever! It is the one of the best epic PERFECT MATE/VAMPIRE book series there is.

The only other books that are as good are Kenyon's Dark-Hunters Series (excellent, every one, a * * * * *).

And yes I have read some of the Anita Blake books too (they get a little complicated, they get * * * *)

I just could not leave the book alone for long because once I get going in reading and if I happend to stop any where it getting good. I just can't leave it alone to do anything eles. It hold my interest for quiet some time. It is well written, there nothing I cant complain anything about. I like this book very well. I may get a copy to keep to reread again when I have more time.

Ms. Feehan is on the roll again! After her last few novels that I found sort of repetitive and flat, this one has a spark again. I agree the main Carpathian hero in this book is one of the most dominant (bad boy) and complex at the same time. I found him irresistibly sexy and interesting. I felt the author made a special effort in character development. It's Ms. Feehan's sexiest book! I highly recommend it. Warning: You won't be able to put it down~

This could have been a good book but the main characters ruined it. I like a strong heroine as much as the next gal but Colby was just annoying. I found myself rolling my eyes every time she couldn't understand or was afraid of pretty much everything. I don't think I've ever read a story with a more dense or stubborn female character. Things have to go her way or she has a b***h fit unwilling to see reason or common sense. Raphael was just very one dimensional and more of a caveman then 18th century hunter/warrior.

The story dragged on forever it could easily have been half the length. The sex scenes were too long and too frequent. I liked the idea of the story but I couldn't get past my dislike for the main characters. I had never read a Feehan book before and unfortunately this one hasn't made me want to take a chance on another.

Where should i start?,this is not just another in a long line of sameness. this book stands out all on it's own.the plot is just great!. the hero is strong and sexy,the herione is just sassy.

the fight scenes!,the love scenes!!!oh la la!.to say that i just loved this book would be an understatement. i highly recommend this read. i await on tenderhooks ( and with much nail bitting )

MS.Feehan's next novel.

The sexual tension between Colby and Rafael is simply beyond words. You will be on the edge of your seat trying to figure out how this couple will find a middle ground. I suggest a cool glass of water as you will need it for some parts of this novel. Dark Secret is fascinating and intriguing.

I have read all but one of M's Feehan's dark series.

I felt that this one was one of the better story lines.

I like when she connects the stories to each other.

I hope that she writes the next story soon.

Colby is fiercely loyal with a steel will. Rafael is also fiercely loyal with a steel will. Unfortunately, they are loyal to two different groups of people on opposite ends of the spectrum and their wills clash every chance they get. Over everything.

Somehow, we're supposed to believe these two are chosen to be lifemates. For each other.

I love the Carpathian males. They're yummilicious. More than a little dominant. Very alpha. And they all take protecting their mate very seriously.

Maybe more so than other Carpathians Rafael seemed emotionally stunted. Granted, Colby did not make things easy on him. She seemed to have lost her sense of humour somewhere along the way. And it would seem to me one would need to keep that in order to be a successful lifemate. Especially to someone as bossy as Rafael. I would love to say that the males need a sense of humour too, but they havent had any emotion for a few hundred years, so I'm guessing they long since forgot how to find humour in a situation.

I also questioned.. if Colby's father was the child of a Dragonseeker and her Lifemate, than wouldnt Colby be not really human herself? Kind of like Shea, who's father was Carpathian? Shea knew something was wrong with her her whole life and knew she needed blood regularly. But Colby seems to be very human and very resentful of the changes.

I'm starting to wonder at their "dying race" business tho. There seem to be an awful lot of them still floating around!! And having twins (now triplets!)Perhaps Mikhail and Raven need to get out of the mountians a little more!

Bottom line, it's a good solid addition to the Dark series and introduces us to new facets of what's going on - although, honestly, I've read every book in the series and I'm still not "getting" the conspiracy. Will it ever be resolved?? Rafael and Colby however, got on my nerves and I thought they both deserved a smack of good sense!!

I love Mrs. Feehans books, and I somewhat enjoyed this one. The problem I have is the heroine's lack of strength. It was really hard to connect with this one. She was so supposed to be this strong cowgirl but just came across to me as emotionally whiny and weak. I also felt that the hero crossed the line several times and got by with it, oh sure he was sorry but he didn't suffer any real repercussions. I love a strong alpha male but it seems that the females in this series just have no power of thier own and are on very unequal footing. It would be nice to see a Carpatian get a real run for his money, to see the heroine put up more of a fight. Having said that, it was still worth a read. The book is well developed, the descriptions vivid and even though I didn't enjoy the charactes in this one as much, I found a lot to be likeable in the supporting characters.

I'm a little confused by the name Rafael De La Cruz. Isn't he Carpathian? Why does he have a Spanish name? As for the story itself, I was very disappointed by the hero who was overbearing and arrogant. I was unable to finish the book.

This was the first Dark novel I've read and the first paranormal and let me just say I am hooked!! I am completely obsessed. My husband says I called for Raphel in my sleep!! I am in the process of getting all the others and trying to figure out whose story is where. I want to read them in order. Please tell me there is one for Nicholas. I MUST read that story. I never thought I would like this kind of thing but the sizzling sex scenes combined with romance and rescuing is irresistable.

There is nothing in all her books I've read so far that I dislike. I like the carpathians and their ability to shape shift to anything. I like that their lifemates are the one and only for them. The highest praise I can give Christine Feehan is when I see a book shes written I buy it without looking to see what its about. Thats how good her books are

Not my favourite although still a great book. She has been breaking horses since the death of the patriarch of the family as a means to keep the family together. He is from the most wealthy family in the locality and unbeknownst to her is from another race. When he first meets her, sparks fly. He wants her to leave the ranch. (He also realises that she is his soulmate) Her reaction is less than polite. He visits her in her dreams and starts turning her into one of his race. This unfortunately means that when her ranch is attacked by vampires, she is weakened. Can he save her? Will she ever accept and forgive him? A good plot and well written but the hero came off as an arrogant and a bit of a jerk. Saying that I still replaced my tatty hard copy with this copy.

What is that makes you want to read Christine Feehan? The plots, relationships, or is that you crave what the characters have? Christina Feehan keeps you enthralled with her books, makes you want more and more of what we (the reader)can't have. Takes you away for a little while to another destination. Dark Secret is that book. It is about wanting something that you can't have, yet it is in within our power that we must have. Rafael is dark, sensual, beautiful, and powerful. One look at him and he can have you drooling on the carpet or floor. Oh Baby! His destiny is Colby Jansen: a very proud protector of her brother, sister and the ranch she trys to maintain. Colby tries to resist but in the end its hard not too. Ms. Feehan's, Carpathians (male and female; and other siblings) are well loved and cherished in the heart of her readers. If you haven't read any of her books: IT'S YOUR LOSS!! For you are missing out on most of beautiful love stories ever told in her books. Some books are out of print, some are sold out, and the stores cannot keep them stock. You cry, laugh, share the joy, and the sex(love)in the books; you feel apart of the characters. MOST OF ALL MS. FEEHAN'S ALWAYS SHARES A LITTLE PIECE OF HERSELF IN HER CARPATHIANS; that's why you love them; and, in a way, they make you feel like a part of them. THAT IS WHAT MAKES A GREAT BOOK: WHEN GIVING OR SHARING A PIECE OF YOURSELF. Christine Feehan is remarkable woman.

After a long and turbulent courtship it does. Now imagine adding a younger brother and sister to the mix. Even more turbulent when the mean vampire tries to take over the younger brother to get Colby (the cowgirl) to do as he wishes.

Enter the Carpathian, Rafael. He tries to hold everything and everyone together while courting Colby. Life and death is a cycle repeated throughout the series but it evolves, growing, expanding into different directions and that is just one of the reasons why everyone should read this author and all her series.