Edge of Darkness

I did not like not knowing what happened to the people in Christine's book and starting another book immediately this is one of my most unfavorite books that you've ever had. What happened to your people. I didn't even finish the book I scanned it and there was no ending to your store I'm very disappointed.

The only impressive story in here was Dark Crime and that started off exciting and ended up like a typical Carpathian book. Carpathian meets destined virgin and totally takes over her life. Honestly the same M.O. Is the reason I no longer preorder any of Christine's books anymore. The other 2 stories in the book were just a waste of my time, energy and money. Maggie Shayne's writing had deteriorated to me as well. The last author I am unfamiliar with but if this was any indication of her work I'll just stop here. All in all not worth the money I spent on it.

I loved all the stories. I have not read anything by Ms. Herter since the obsession series. I lock forward to more from her. I have always loved the dark series by Ms. Feehan. I can not wait to read more on the other characters left in Seattle. To me it rates a five star rating alone, then comes Ms. Shayne's story. I loved it to. I would also give it a five star rating. So to recap if you are a fan of either Ms. Feehan or Ms. Shayne's than you should read this book. That leaves Ms. Herter whose story is the shortest but just as deserving of at least a four or five star rating (I would give it a 4.5). I loved this book and would recommend this book to my friends.

Totally AWESOME! Just love Christine Feehan. Her books can transport you somewhere else. I also like the fact that the places where she sets her stories are real places that if you wanted to, you could really go see. Love the plots, charectors, and the romance. Always a strong women in them. That's the best part!!

As a Christine Feehan fan I enjoyed this book.
I don't want to give the plots away, you need to read the book.
All three authors had good stories and kept you interested.
I recommend this book.

I enjoyed reading that there are more Carpathians out there and they are learning to adjust to the electronic age. Most interesting read is that they are living amonst us. I've totally enjoyed this book.

Lacked the usual depth of plot that I always enjoy in Feehan books. Left way to many question. Hope that there is a follow up or expanded version soon. While I think the book is worth a read. I prefer single author books better

I only got the book for Feehan's book, sorry but I have read all of her Dark Series and I have to keep following it as my addiction needs to be satiated from time to time. I whole-heartedly want the rest of the stories to come out....yesterday...but since we have to wait. I will be patient about it for a little while! I love the family dynamic of Blaze and Emmy. And I want the Carpathians Lifemated soon. But then there is Dark Ghost and I want all the ones in that novel to be Lifemated as well.
In short, Loved the Story- Am waiting patiently impatient for the rest to follow soon!

Four stars for Christine Feehan's story Dark Crime which is part of her Carpathians series which takes up a little over 50% of the book. I didn't enjoy the other two stories although I usually like Maggie Shayne and her story was also a continuation of one of her series I have read before. The last story was just horrible.

Like all of Ferguson's Dark Series, this story was outstanding from beginning to end. I don't like to read anthologies as normally , I am only interested in reading only one of the stories. These other two stories was ok

This review is for "Dark Crime" by Christine Feehan only. I am not interested in reading the other short stories. That being said, Dark Crime has a bit of a twist too it. Taken place in the U.S, I think I was a bit confused at first becasue initially I though this was going to be Tariq Asenguard's story. It wasn't it was an unfamiliar character to the Dark series Maksim Volkov and his newly found Lifemate Blaze. Dark Crime has that gangster storyline. With the gangsters killing people to take over there property. This happens to Blaze. Her father was viciously beaten and tortured to death by what appears to be a gang of thugs The Hallahan Brothers. The leader of the gang is the mysterious Reginald Coonan. Readers of the Dark series will understand whats going on right away. I am not sure that people who haven't read the Dark series will get whats really happening until further in the story. Basically the last we heard of Tariq, and the triplet brothers Mathais, Tomas and Lojos was back in the Carpathian Mountain. They have been sent to find any women on the list of Physics that hey have.Women with Physic gifts can be converted into Lifemate's to a Carpathian without turning them vampire., but she must be the other half of the Carpathians males soul the one chosen for him for all time. Maksim finds his lifemate in Blaze and they all set out to destroy the Hallahan brothers and the the leader Reginald Coonan. There is lots of action, fight scenes. I didn't like the fact that the Carpathians just don't seem to be as smart or as strong as the Vampire. They take quite the beating before they defeat the Master Vampire and his Puppets. The Romance between Maksim and Blaze is very erotic as all Carpathian and Lifemate romances are. There is another character I am interested in learning more about. She is a Physic Emeline Sanchez and has grown up with Blaze like a sister. I hope we find out who her Lifemate is in future books. The story is good enough for a Short story if you are a fan of the Dark series I would recommend you read it. If not I am just not sure its a Stand Alone, to many important facts are missing. About who and what the Carpathians are and whats going on in there immortal world. I would Highly Recommend you read the entire Dark series. its a Great Series 26 books spanning about 16 years. I read them as soon as they are released an re read them once a year.

Thrilling and Seductive! Fast paced and loaded with action!
I have read all the books in the Dark Series and Christine Feehan has a way of writing that will captivate you. You will be on the edge of your seat! Tons of action and scorching hot romance! The book has a crime/mobster vibe but yet still the mesmerizing Carpathians we all love. While reading I felt like I was in the book with them and I can honestly say Maksim Volkov is one of my favorite Carpathians of all! He had this dominate, sexy bad boy thing going and I just fell hard for him! Blaze was awesome! A complete badass! The love and devotion she has for her family and all that has been taken from her is heart breaking. She is not one to be pushed around. Her heart is set on revenge and she has her very own Carpathian Lifemate to help her take down their enemies! Let me tell you she gets even! The Carpathian world is about to become even more deadly. As the Vampires are banding together and have infiltrated the human world, things are gonna get messy! I was so wrapped up in this book it felt like a full length novel! Dark Crime was almost 60% of the book!

I loved getting a glimpse into Maggie Shayne's world and will be checking out her other books for sure. Madison and Shep are awesome! Madison is a vampire and has been hiding what was forced upon her for decades even though the world knows that they exist. She became a cop to help protect the innocent. When she meets Shep another detective, you can feel their chemistry leap off the pages. They are on the hunt for a vampire killer and they've set themselves up to become his target. To survive they will need all the help they can get. I really enjoyed this story. The only thing I can say I wish was different is their was so much chemistry build up but not any real delivery. I wanted a passionate love seen but their was only an almost one.
Even without it, it was still a great read.
I would definitely read more from this author!

This was my first Lori Herter book and I will definitely be checking into more of her work! I loved Annie and Rafael. Annie is an archaeologist and is digging on the land of a man who wants her to marry him. Brent Logan is not her epic love but he is kind. He is a safe choice. She feels she could have a comfortable life with him. As she is on her dig she discovers there is something to the legends that she has heard, as she stumbles upon a handsome vampire.
Rafael has spent centuries alone. Relationships with humans never end well, but he is drawn to Annie like no one ever before.
Annie has fallen helplessly in love but will she change her way of life to be with him. She fears by loving him she will lose herself. Annie has a choice to make. Will she miss out on a chance of once in a lifetime kind of love.
Do not miss out on these 3 amazing reads!

REVIEW: DARK CRIME is the latest installment (26.5) in Christine Feehan’s CARPATHIAN paranormal romance DARK series and reads like a full length storyline. This is Carpathian Maxim Volkov and bar owner Blaze McGuire’s storyline. DARK CRIME can be read as a stand alone (with some difficulty) but if you are not familiar with Ms. Feehan’s DARK series some background information may be necessary for cohesion and familiarity with the Carpathian history. The storyline takes place in Chicago, Illinois.

Christine Feehan introduces several new characters to her series with Maxim and Blaze’s storyline. Maxim is an ancient, who along with his fellow Carpathians Tariq Asenguard and the triplets- Mataias, Lojos and Tomas- find themselves on the hunt for a master vampire whose minions are wreaking havoc with business owners, the homeless and missing children. Blaze and her best friend Emeline are the vampire’s next intended victims.

DARK CRIME is an erotic paranormal romance with scenarios of graphic violence involving women and children, as well as the usual vampire blood shed, death and destruction. The $ex scenes are provocative and erotic-another ancient Carpathian has found his lifemate following hundreds of years of no emotions and no color; the romance is very quick to build and easily accepted by the storyline heroine; the revelation of the master vampire brings with it a former enemy who has made a pact with the devil.

Sadly, I do have an issue with Christine Feehan’s lack of originality when it comes to her storyline character’s names. This has been a major bone of contention for me throughout all of her series as well as using the same names between series e.g. Stefan has been used 3 times in the DARK series, as well as in 3 of her 4 other series. Duplication of names and their derivatives is a constant in the DARK series: Matias twice; Matt /Matthew 4 times; Henry and derivatives 4 times; John 4 times; Paul 4 times; Peter 4 times; Robert or Roberto 5 times; Tom/Thomas 5 times; and the list goes on). Maxim is a name that has been used twice in the DARK series for major characters-once for an ancient Carpathian-Maxim Malinov- who turned vampire and was killed, and now with Maxim Volkov in Dark Crime. The duplication can lead to confusion, especially with the similarity between surnames as well.
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REVIEW: DEAD BY TWILIGHT is Maggie Shayne’s latest novella in her Wings in the Night: Reborn paranormal, romance series. This is vampire/cop Chloe Madison, and Officer Shepherd Daniels storyline that focuses on the formation of the Vampire Crimes Unit and the hunt for a rogue vampire on a killing spree throughout the town.

Chloe is a reluctant vampire; turned on the night of her senior prom in 1955; and a woman who refuses to be a predator in a world where vampires are at the top of the proverbial food chain. When Chloe and Shep are tasked with investigating a series of killings by a rogue vampire, Chloe knows that to reveal her true nature would mean the end to her career and a potential target on her head.

Maggie Shayne invites the reader into her entertaining world of vampires with a little bit of humor and romance; mystery and suspense. The storyline covers about 24-48 hours in the life with a prologue that looks at Chloe’s initiation into the world of vampires and blood.

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REVIEW: CIMARRON SPIRIT is part 1 of Lori Herter’s paranormal Cimarron Series. This is five hundred year old vampire Rafael de la Vega, and archeologist Annie Carmichael’s story-a story of forbidden love with a slight love triangle premise.

Annie is an archeologist who has been excavating an ancient Anasazi site near Phoenix, Arizona but what Annie uncovers is nothing short of unbelievable. While living and digging on Brent Logan’s ranch, Annie finds herself torn between what is safe, and what it is she wants. Rafael de La Vega, Brent’s closest neighbor and the man with whom Brent has been in a legal tug of war, is a vampire who calls to Annie’s heart.

CIMARRON SPIRIT introduces the major characters of Lori’s Cimarron series, Rafael’s history, his years as a lone vampire, and his need for Annie Carmichael. Annie is a divorcee who was about to settle down with a man she did not love until Rafael showed her what it was like to be a part of his world.

CIMARRON SPIRIT is part one in Lori Herter’s paranormal Cimarron romance series and thusly ends rather abruptly without explanation. To read about what happens to our storyline couple Cimarron Secrets –part 2-will be released August 7, 2015.

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EDGE OF DARKNESS looks at three distinctively different writing styles. Feehan and Shayne offer up works from existing series, while Herter introduces a new series about vampire Rafael de la Vega. Christine Feehan’s DARK CRIMES is infinitely more detailed, and sexually graphic with scenarios of violence against women and children; Shayne and Herter barely touch upon the sexual aspects of their storylines.

I will admit my interest in this anthology has everything to do with Christine Feehan’s DARK CRIMES-a series I have been reading for a number of years. Shayne and Herter’s novellas add some quick, light reads for those that enjoy a little bit of paranormal romance without the sexually erotic factor.

I must confess that I have long been a fan of Christine Feehan and Maggie Shayne but this is the first story that I have read by Lori Herter which is a shame really because her vampire story was a very shiver inducing sexy read, so I will be remedying my error. As for Dark Crime I was completely captivated by the Carpathians as they discover a whole new reign of terror by those evil vampire brothers and I really have to say that those brothers are the ultimate in long term evil plotting and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Now for Wings in the Night Reborn, I am so happy to see this world brought back to life and if this story is anything to go by, it promises to be just as just as addicting as the original series.

“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©

4 ½ STARS

See my full review at: Night Owl Reviews .com

Now then, this is three novellas in one book and the four stars is my rating for all of them together, though I did review the books as separate. So, instead of lumping them together and just reviewing the book as a whole, I’m going to review them as separate, as I wrote them.

DARK CRIME

'''''/5

The beginning got me right away, it’s very tense and just puts me right at the edge of my seat.

Now then, while I do think the relationship happened rather fast, I do understand because it’s a novella but, I think that what happened after he exchanged blood with her and said the binding words could have waited. Even for a novella, I think it happened too fast.

Finally! An ancient Carpathian who changed with the times instead of being stubborn and saying that they are much too old to change. All I can say to them is, should’ve changed with the times buddy.

I can’t wait for Emmy’s book, I just know that one is going to be great and this new ancient, what’s going to happen with him?

It’s also a really nice change when they already somewhat know of the other world and while it’s still a lot to take in, become accepting of it.

This is a highly sexual book in the first part and a highly intense adventure the second part. I would love to see the tunnel part as a choose your own ending video game or some kind of adventure video game.

DEAD BY TWILIGHT

'''''/5

I’ve read two other books by Maggie Shayne, Eternity and Twilight Guardians, and so far, I have not been disappointed. She knows how to keep things interesting and fresh. I mean, those two books I mentioned are so different, you would think a different author wrote one of them.

With this being a halfway book after Twilight Guardians and a rather short novella, I was pleasantly surprised at what I read. It didn’t feel as short as it was, I felt like I was reading a full novel. The writing is simply beautiful and while I’ve given her other books four stars, this one is definitely deserving of five stars.

One thing that I didn’t like about it was a foot thing while they were trying to find the killer. It’s just a personal thing with me, I can’t stand anything to do with feet but it was a quick little thing that the author didn’t dwell on so, I didn’t want to take away a star because of it.

CIMARRON SPIRIT

'''/5

Now we get to the reason behind the four stars for the book itself since I’ve given the first two five stars. I thought four stars would be a nice middle. Anyways, onward to the review for this book.

I was slightly disappointed in this book. After reading the other two, I was expecting more action or something but, with the exception of the love interest being a vampire, it’s just a regular romance.

Now I could blame it on it being such a short novella but, that’s not going to happen because it would be a downright lie. The book before it, Dead by Twilight, is just as short, if not shorter, and it’s got plenty of action.

Maybe the author just isn’t used to writing short stories? I don’t know but if I wasn’t so used to paranormal romance having some action mixed in to make it even more exciting, I probably would have liked it a bit more.

Maybe the second book will be better since it’s longer, though not by much.

I liked the story just fine but I wasn’t really impressed and with it being such a short book, I thought the relationship should have happened faster than it did. It mainly focused on the physical feelings it seemed and she was having to choose between a normal life or life with a vampire so, the wasn’t much connecting going on.

I may have missed this one if not for my BFF! Thank goodness I didn't!
My focus for this book is going to be on Christine Feehan's portion...

Dark Crime was incredible! This was a gateway story for what I am going to call a ReMaster of the Carpathians vs. Vampires Stories she writes!

The Malinov Brothers are back but even More Evil than before!
And I will just say, I didn't realize that was possible! At. ALL!

Blaze is out for revenge and she could care less if it costs her her own life! Her Father has been brutally beaten and murdered and she Won't let it go unanswered! The neighborhood is being taken over by a crime family and she will make them pay!

Our Carpathians are blending in as nightclub owners by the names of Maxsim and Tariq and they are trying to locate the head of the criminal group who goes by the name of Reginald Coonan, except, they don't think he is human!

And this is where Blaze and Maxsim meet! Tariq has offered help to the neighbourhood business owner and left a business card with nothing more than a number on it. Blaze calls, for help of a unique nature, and when Maxsim answers, he is overwhelmed by the blinding colour that assaults his senses as he hears her voice for the first time!
Maxsim has found his lifemate, and he would Never allow her to die!

From here, we are taken on a horrifying journey that takes us into an underground maze created by the most heinous group of vampires, yet assembled!

The deviant, malicious, disdain and hatred the Malinov Brothers and their army have for the Carpathian way of life has evolved into a literal hell beneath the city and there may not be enough Hunters to defeat them!

Christine Feehan has taken us to a new level of Evil by opening the gates and letting out a group of vampires that are working together, preying on children and women in the most diabolically horrifying of ways!
It sickened me, I fought chills! And I Couldn't. Put. It. Down...

DARK CRIME by Christine Feehan
The first story in this anthology, DARK CRIME, was extremely well written, and full of energy, with an interesting story line and good characters which Ms. Feehan’s fans are sure to love.

DEAD BY TWILIGHT by Maggie Shayne
Story two, DEAD BY TWILIGHT was even more enjoyable. I loved that the story started in the 50’s and told us how Chloe became a vampire. Ms. Shayne is a wonderful writer and this story only serves to show why she has the fan base she does.

CIMARRON SPIRIT by Lori Herter
Story three in this anthology, CIMARRON SPIRIT is my reason for owning and reading this book. A longtime fan of author Lori Herter’s work, I was thrilled to see had penned a new vampire romance. And by her story being third in this book, they saved the best for last!

Ms. Herter’s talent for writing a vampire romance (She is the author who started the vamp romance genre), is as strong as it ever was. Classic and classy is what CIMARRON SPIRIT is. I couldn’t put this book down until I had finished her story (which for the record, I read first because I was too excited to wait). It was romantic and passionate. And author Herter has proved once again that erotic and erotica are two different things. Her love scenes invite the readers to use their imaginations, and I for one find that much sexier.

I was disappointed that Ms. Herter’s story was so short, but soon discovered there is a sequel called CIMARRON SECRETS! And a third installment called CIMARRON SEDUCTRESS will be coming out!

It was great to see these authors come together and all of their fans are in for an amazing ride!

I always love Christine Feehan, and have been reading Maggie Shayne for quite some time. I always enjoy both, and these two stories are no exception. Plus, although both stories are complete in themselves, they hint at possible tales to come, which makes a fan happy! Lori Herter I don't remember hearing of before, but I enjoyed her story enough to look for her book list, and was pleased to see she has a few more paranormal books I need to get.She also has more to tell about Rafael de la Vega, which peaks my interest as well. All three stories were well written, complete, and made me want to read more by all three authors. If you like any of them yourself, or enjoy well written paranormal tales, I invite you to try these three stories. you won't be disappointed.

I enjoyed the most recent Carpathian novel, Dark Ghost, enough to check out the Edge of Darkness anthology from the library to read Dark Crime. Although this novel feature an entirely never before heard of Carpathian, Maksim, it was surprisingly good read. Since Dark Wolf, Skylar and Dimitir's book, the Carpathian books seemed go off the rails with the lycans running rough shod over the ancient Carpathians. This exquisite novella, Dark Crime, reminded me of the urgency, purpose, and romance of the early books that laid the foundation of the Carpathian canon.

Maybe because it was a novella, a lot of extraneous, repetitive passages of full-length book were paired own to keep the story focused on the action and the main couple was allowed to shine. Maksim meets his life mate, Blaze McGuire, in Chicago. Apparently, some ancient Carpathian males have assigned themselves as protectors far from their homeland and have set up a home base in the United States. Along with previously introduced Carpathians, triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matias along with Tariq Asenguard and Andre (from Dark Ghost) Maksim and friends find themselves hunting a lethal master vampire, (perhaps the elusive Vadim Malinov), and his vicious minions.

My only gripe was the usual graphic violence against innocent women and children as a plot device. Blaze's friend, Emmeline, another powerful psychic and possible life mate, is kidnapped and brutally assaulted by the master vampire. Still, I appreciated that the sex scenes were kept to a minimum and the action drove the story. I found Dark Crime to be a satisfying and well-written return to the ancient Carpathian finding his life mate. Well done.

Edge of Darkness (Dark Saga #26.5)by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Lori Herter

Dark Crime by Christine Feehan
Blaze knows who killed her father and she has merciless plans for payback. Until a phone call from a seductive stranger pleads with her to wait. Retribution is in his blood, too. Now, he and Blaze will be united in the blood of the guilty. Tonight, vengeance is theirs.

Dead by Twilight by Maggie Shayne
Bloodsuckers may be an accepted minority but one of them is getting away with murder. Until a female vamp teams with a mortal detective to end the killing spree. Now the night belongs to them—and so does every pleasure and danger lurking in the shadows.

Cimarron Spirit by Lori Herter
While excavating an Anasazi ruin, archeologist Annie Carmichael uncovers the resting place of a centuries-old vampire who finds in Annie the liberating mate he has longed for. But how much is Annie expected—or willing—to surrender for the man she now desires?

My Review:
Edge of Darkness is an anthology I've been waiting for a long time. Its been so long and despite it being a novella trio all the authors managed to fit in plenty of background and story to give the full novel effect even through the short format. I have to give a big cheer in relief for Dark Crime. Seriously, I've been waiting for Christine to take back some of that real feel she started out with when she began the Carpathians world and we get a little peek of that once again. I was so happy it felt like home. Thank you Christine! I loved Dead by Twilight you can never go wrong with Maggie Shayne her Twilight books are always a win - her vampires are always adventurous and fun, I also liked the third installment Cimarron Spirit, as Lori Herter is a new author to me I always find enjoyment in discovering fresh to me writers, the story could have been a tad stronger however everything that Lori brought to the table stood up well next to Christine and Maggie so that's saying something. In total Edge of Darkness is a fantastic read.

My Rating:
5 Stars

Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/

I was only interested in reading Cimarron Spirit because I like Lori Herter books so CIMARRON SPIRIT was a story I loved and a page turner that had me eagerly looking forward to the two sequels in the CIMARRON series, CIMARRON SECRETS and CIMARRON SEDUCTRESS. The central characters are engagingly drawn and the story of vampire Rafael de Vega and his mortal love Annie is a gripping one. I read all three of the CIMARRON novellas and enjoyed them all. Lori Herter held this reader spellbound from the first to the last.

I only read Dark Crime. I very much liked the new group of Carpathians introduced in this book as well as the plot showing more of what the Malinov's have been doing. Frankly, I have been getting a little bored with the recent releases in this series. I enjoyed Blaze and Maksim's story. I am also very intrigued by powerful psychic Emmaline and the children introduced in this story as well as the three brothers (Tomas, Mattias, etc.) and the ancient Carpathian freed from captivity. I thought this would be a short story introduction to another mini-series of books with related characters within the Dark series. Imagine my disappointment when I researched the next two books being released in the series and neither involves Emmaline or the brothers or the freed ancient Carpathian that Dark Crime introduced. Hopefully Ms. Feehan will continue the plot and characters introduced in Dark Crime with more Dark novels soon. These random characters appearing in the Carpathian Mountains are just not cutting it for me anymore.

I love Christine Feehan's books. I'm a devoted reader of all her books (two or three times per book)! Dark Crime in Edge of Darkness Anthology was a disappointment where it didn't show the full potential to her story line or characters. Dark Crime was good but I felt like it was rushed to the finish and was defiantly not one of her best. She shouldn't have released a book from the Dark Series in an anthology. This book was fast paced and exciting but lacking in content by the end of the story I wanted their to be more. I understand that stories in an anthology must be short but the Dark Series deserved MORE than what was written. It was a letdown in an EPIC way.

As a long time Christine Feehan fan I thought even a novella with Carpathians is better than the average vampire story, but this is a below average vampire story, predictable, with lots of sex, assurances the male is totally "hot and sexy" and the female is captivated and falls in line and in love. Because it is Christine Feehan, there are some intriguing characters which are never allowed to develop, many references to the story line in her Dark series which only acts as more padding, and some really bad ass villains. I think this might have started as a novel, or she might have planned this as a much shorter, tighter story. Either one would have been an improvement. As it is, it is flat and annoying The other two books are pretty forgettable. I guess if I had to pick one, I would say the Lori Herter short story is the best of the two because it doesn't pretend to be much more than a pleasant romantic tidbit.

I bought this book for the Christine Feehan story and haven't read the other two yet. The story starts bad in my opinion. The first half of it was nothing but crude sex scenes and I almost quit reading it but the last half picked up and gave us an actual story line. The down side was the story line and villain were of epic proportions and should have been saved for a novel instead of a novella. It changes a lot of things for future books and is a must read for fans of the series. Another down side for me was that I never really connected with the hero or heroine. The relationship between them had no build up. They jumped straight into bed and that's pretty much it. The side characters were way more interesting and I hope to see them again very soon.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie and Pack Alpha - Marta & Chelle:

Dark Crime by Christine Feehan (Marta):

It's very hard to keep readers engaged as a series gets longer and it's a trap that many authors fall into. What worked so well in the beginning can become stale and readers constantly demand to be surprised. Ms. Feehan's Dark series has been such an interesting one full of intense emotions, beautiful narrative and incendiary heat. This story is shorter than most and yet is still full of passion and a few surprises and, of course, there's that little thing of claiming a life mate!

I really liked the beginning of this story and felt so much empathy for the heroine Blaze, whose life has been brutally changed forever. She deals with her grief by taking control of her own destiny, but a chance call to a stranger sees yet another rock thrown her way and this time it's a landslide ! The male who answers her call is Maksim and he's definitely not human he us Carpathian and now Blaze has fallen into his world and there's no way Maksim will ever let her leave.

Ms Feehan has somehow stepped away from her previous style and this felt far more modern with a fresh twist. If honest at first I didn't realise it was a Carpathian story and the plot was fuelled by unexpected alliances. Diehard fans will enjoy this but I think those who perhaps felt jaded might also see a fresh approach to tempt them back. I'm happy to report the story was not bogged down by excessive chanting (which many readers find repetitive) and as this story arc continues I know I wil be back for more!

Dead by Twilight by Maggie Shayne (Chelle):

I've been a fan of the Wings in the Night series since book #1, continuing with Wings in the Night: Reborn and Twilight Guardians this last year. I can, without a doubt, say that this was one of my favorite Wings in the Night tales, to date.

Maggie brings us another of her feisty, fiery, independent heroines with Chloe, and I found myself comparing her a bit to Rachel de Luca from Maggie's Brown & de Luca stories. She's just a heroine you love to love and her interaction with the hero was witty, sexy, and full of intrigue.

Overall, the story was smart, fun, and gripping. I am so, SO excited Wings in the Night is back and properly reborn! :)

Cimarron Spirit by Lori Herter (Marta):

This is quite a short read and it's by an author who is completely new to me. Our heroine is Annie an archeologist who, whilst investigating ruins, stumbles upon the find of the century, a vampire! Rafael de la Vega waited a long time for someone to ease his lonely undead life and although at first he wants nothing more than to see the back of the meddling woman as he gets to know more about Annie it's clear that what they both feel could be so much more than mere attraction.

Now nothing is ever that simple and if it was where would the story be? You see Annie is caught up in the midst of the dreaded triangle as Brett, who owns the land she digs on has proposed to her but is it love or just convenience ? Annie proudly proclaims the she is " her own woman " but can she make the right choice for her? A life with a family in the sun or whatever a vampire can offer and then there's the slight problem of Rafaels past and it's a lot closer than Annie realises!

I must point out that I did feel this was very reminiscent of Ms Feehan's work with similar names used and even shifting. I wonder if this was written possibly as a homage or even as fan fiction? Either way it did for this reader end a touch abruptly and I would have liked just a little more but as a quick read to while away an hour it hit the spot perfectly.

OVERALL:
We would recommend this anthology, especially for fans of the authors' series, those who discovered Christine and Maggie's work by first reading Lori Herter, and, of course, any fan of vampire fiction.

✦Spotlight & Review: Edge of Darkness by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne and Lori Herter ► http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2Ly
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rated: 4 Stars

REVIEW:
"Dark Crime" by Christine Feehan is longer than a standard novella so the characters were fleshed out quite nicely. It was a hot and sensual Carpathian story that revolved around an alpha male meeting his alpha female. I loved how they came together and that he not only appreciated her strengths but encouraged her. It did have a definite ending but it also leads into a new story which I have to read hopefully soon.

"Dead by Twilight" by Maggie Shayne is a fun murder mystery full of soft humor. Chloe is a reluctant vampire who manages to hide what she is while hunting rogue vampires as a cop. I enjoyed the little twists and turns the story takes along with the interesting characters. It’s a nice light romance that made me want to read more.

"Cimarron Spirit" by Lori Herter is a romantic story of forbidden love. I wish it was a longer novel so it could be fleshed out more as I liked the archeology angle and the emotional struggle. I could relate to her trying to decide between what is safe and known versus the wild romantic unknown.

*Review copy provided by Penguin exchange for an honest review.

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Christine Feehan's "Dark Crime" was fantastic. I'm pleased to see she has taken the saga back towards the way it was in the beginning/middle - where the hunter and the woman occupy more of the story, and that it introduced new hunters/psychics for future installments. I was also pleased that it was much longer than I was expecting from an anthology (I dislike short stories). Great read, great series.

Maggie Shayne's short was amusing, but I don't think I'll follow that series.

Didn't really care for the third short, especially the ending.

I read only the story by Christine Feehan because I love Carpathians and also this time I was not disappointed. I was just a little bit lost at the beginning because I remembered that the last book was still set in Europe so I was wandering about this new situation in the U.S.

Ho letto solo la storia della Feehan perché i Carpaziani sono una delle mie serie preferite e li adoro e anche stavolta non sono rimasta delusa. Solo all'inizio mi sembrava un po' strano trovarsi negli Stati Uniti quando l'ultimo libro era finito in Europa.

I am reviewing Dark Crime only. It was a great story but it needed to be longer and it ends rather abruptly. Other that I loved the Carpathian and lifemate. The story is fast paced and passionate. These books get better and better.

Still love the Dark series, even though this story was almost 60% of this anthology it was just okay. All of the stories seemed a bit rushed especially the last one, Cimarron Spirit by Lori Herter.

Dark Crime***

Way too incomplete, just too much unfinished business. There are so many books in this series that a short story will never do the series justice.

Dead by Twilight***1/2

It's been years since I've read a book from this series & maybe that's why it's the only one that did stand-alone. It was definitely good enough for me to re-visit this author & this Dead series.

Cimarron Spirit*

This was the worst. I am truly puzzled by this story, no clue how she feel in love with a vampire while living & being engaged to another man. I realize this in fiction but the heroine was emotionless & had no backbone. To top it off, it was still had loose ends.

3 vampire novels that keep you reading til the end. Starts with a Carpathian must read contnues with new Vampire Unit in the police & finally an archeological dig that is the setting for an interesting romance.

All 3 stories felt unfinished. They all had cliffhangers, but did not give any clue to the follow up stories or where they could be purchased. I read them to the end, but didn't feel a connection to the characters.

I bought the book for the first story written by Christeen Feehan. It was developed and have some twists and turns that answered some of the questions as to what the list of physic women are for. You can tell who's stories are about to come next. The new character, I am sure will have his story also. It was a fun read.

I was disappointed with the "new" style that Feehan is exploring... less romance and character development/storyline, more graphic sex. It had the makings of a really good plot, but did a dive when the males made their entrance. Im hoping this was just a bump, and not a foreshadowing of things to come. If you are looking for a romance, with a good plot, wait for her next one to come out.

Not sure how I like three authors writing one book but it was okay. I have read all the books in the series and there is a lot of repetition in the book explaining for those who have not read previous books. I am anxious to get past that and no more about the characters and the story.

Liked the Feehan novel, I thought it would be a novella but it was 216 pages long the other two stories were shorts. It is about time the Carpathians come into the 21st Century. the other stories were very quick reads.