Wednesday, March 4, 2015

ARC Review: "Darker Than Desire" by Shiloh Walker


Darker Than Desire 
by Shiloh Walker
Secrets & Shadows, Book 3

LUST FOR LIFE

No matter how many times he’s left her in the past, Sybil Chalmers can’t ignore her feelings for the one man who stole her heart years ago. For countless nights, she has waited for him—for his kiss, his touch—and has longed for him to emerge from the shadows of his past. Only when she is in his arms does Sybil really feel alive…and finally, after all these years, that time is now.

A DEADLY DESIRE

He’s a man raised in a world of strict rules and unbreakable traditions and he’s always yearned to break free. But when a family tragedy lures him back home, he finds his one true passion has been there all along. With Sybil, he can explore his greatest potential—and allow her to discover a whole new level of ecstasy. But will a long-buried secret threaten to tear them apart? The only thing he knows for sure is that he will do anything to keep Sybil in his life…and keep her coming back for more…

I have a confession to make. Having read the other books in this series and knowing the subject matter, I had some reservations about this book especially because I knew it was going to be David’s story. This series revolves around the most horrific case of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by family members and other loved ones. Even worse, it is generational abuse.  As dark as the subject matter is, Shiloh Walker does not spare you any of the pain and despair of her characters.  This story (this series) is so dark and gritty.  At one point, I was almost too overwhelmed to continue.

David is the center.  He is the son of the head of Cronus.  He is the one who escapes and heralds the beginning of the end for that sick, evil organization. He suffered and continues to suffer so hard. My heart bled and bled for his tortured mind.

The only person who grounds him, who brings light to his life is Sybil.  For ten years, she quietly stands by him, is his anchor.  Their relationship is what gives us readers hope for David. Slowly, but surely, the light overcomes the dark.  Thank goodness! 

This struggle is played out against the backdrop of the search for a serial killer.  Someone is killing the members of Cronus and suspicion falls on David. Like the baddies in her other books, Shiloh Walker does a great job building the suspense.  She brings us into the mind of our killer and we become a part of the stalking.  Chilling.

Joseph Campbell says in The Power of Myth that “the black moment is the moment when the real message of transformation is going to come. At the darkest moment comes the light.” It’s a long, arduous road, but there is a Happily Ever After in this story and it is well worth the effort.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.



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