Monday, July 21, 2014

SUNNY - REVIEW BLITZ: "Dark Secrets" by Madeline Pryce




Welcome to the Release Blitz for Dark Secrets, book two in the Dark series by Madeline Price.  Since reading Dark Cravings, I have been anxiously waiting for this book! 

The worst moment of Micah’s life was when Ella nearly died in his arms. Her miraculous recovery should have been the start of their future. Unfortunately, a new demonic heritage, the Shadow Agency’s corruption and Julian, the vampire who turned Ella, are testing their relationship. Despite hotter-than-ever sex and a variety of new places and positions to explore, Micah begins to wonder if a relationship based on lust can survive for more than a few scorching-hot months.

Ella has forgiven, but not forgotten, the fact that Micah once plunged a dagger through her heart. Everything with Micah is passion, excitement and an uncontrollable desire to explore his body in a variety of very satisfying ways. But as buried secrets, ongoing lies and murderous deceptions pile up, Ella is reminded that she and Micah’s relationship was based on a curse. In order to forge a future together, Ella and Micah will have to face down their personal demons—and prove that love and trust are more than just words.

 
I had a little anxiety before I started this book.  I really, really, enjoyed Dark Cravings and I wondered which direction the author would take this story.   Book two in a series is a little tricky, especially if it is a sequel to a romance.  After all, the hero and heroine are already together.  The conflict introduced to separate our pair has to be such that either or both sides are redeemable. We already love them together, what will happen to them to separate their love? I am happy to say that Madeline Pryce delivers and then some. 

Ella is struggling with her new role as a vampire queen.  Her primal nature is to conquer and control with no regard to blood and death.  But her humanity keeps her darker side balanced. But for how long?  What kind of leader will Ella be and will there be room for Micah? Micah is seeking the truth behind a newly revealed family secret. It haunts him and impacts his self-esteem. This journey casts uncertainty to Micah and Ella’s relationship.

The writing is crisp. The tone is both serious and humorous; the pace is quick and intense; the love scenes are erotic.  I thought the hospital scene in the original book was hot, but this has one of the most intense shower scenes I can remember reading. It is fiercely passionate and emotional.

I enjoyed the direction the author took this story.  She drew me in, took me to a fantastic and satisfying place and then, BAM!  She knocked me for a loop. It is a highly entertaining read and I found myself smiling (when I wasn’t gasping in surprise) throughout the entire book.
An ultimately satisfying sequel, Dark Secrets is a perfect companion in this potent PNR series.  I would not recommend it as a stand alone, but it is essential as a sequel.


Series Reading Order
Dark Cravings (#1 Ella/Micah – 85k)
Dark Innocence (#1.5 Hannah – 45k)
Dark Secrets (#2 Ella/Micah – 85k)
Dark Vengeance (#2.5 Castro – 45k) – release date coming soon!
Dark Promises (#3 Ella/Micah) – Spring 2015


Madeline Pryce wrote her first novel when she was ten, penned with neon-pink ink in a loose-leaf binder. Captivated by romantic literature, yet intrigued by the paranormal, she continues to develop her own voice, writing the kinds of stories that inspired her as a teen.





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1 comment:

  1. Yay!!! Thank you SO much for the fantastic review. I was so stressed out writing this book, but I really tried to pour everything into. I cried. I screamed. I laughed. In the end, I think it came out just how it was supposed to <3 Thank you for following me and for writing your kick ass review!

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