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Castle of Dark Dreams #7
Wicked Memories
Return to the Castle of Dark Dreams, where USA Today bestselling author Nina Bangs lures readers into a world of pleasure, adventure, and revenge…
Thorn Mackenzie was a young Viking when he met Sparkle Stardust long ago. She used him and then abandoned him. Over a thousand years later, he has finally found a way to repay her. Employing his power of persuasion, he assembles a team that can create the ultimate fantasies and illusions. The group will work together in Nirvana, the amazing amusement park Thorn has built—right across the street from Sparkle’s Castle of Dark Dreams. To fight back before Thorn bleeds her business dry, Sparkle must hire a spy.
Kay Stanley needs extra money, so she reluctantly agrees to do some sneaking and peeking for Sparkle. But as she gets closer to Thorn, she discovers they have a lot more in common than just a need to crush the competition and a willingness to fight dirty. As sexual tension between them mounts, she finds it harder to see the gorgeous Viking as her enemy. But with an evil force working to destroy their city, they may not survive long enough for her to help him overcome his…Wicked Memories.
Thorn Mackenzie was a young Viking when he met Sparkle Stardust long ago. She used him and then abandoned him. Over a thousand years later, he has finally found a way to repay her. Employing his power of persuasion, he assembles a team that can create the ultimate fantasies and illusions. The group will work together in Nirvana, the amazing amusement park Thorn has built—right across the street from Sparkle’s Castle of Dark Dreams. To fight back before Thorn bleeds her business dry, Sparkle must hire a spy.
Kay Stanley needs extra money, so she reluctantly agrees to do some sneaking and peeking for Sparkle. But as she gets closer to Thorn, she discovers they have a lot more in common than just a need to crush the competition and a willingness to fight dirty. As sexual tension between them mounts, she finds it harder to see the gorgeous Viking as her enemy. But with an evil force working to destroy their city, they may not survive long enough for her to help him overcome his…Wicked Memories.
296 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
8 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Nina Bangs
44 books673 followersTalk about misspent youth. What did I do during those lazy summer days of childhood when I could’ve been honing my writing skills? Nothing. Okay, so I spent a lot of time dreaming I was a cowgirl with a trusty black stallion. Oh, and I read every Walter Farley horse novel. I was an only child so I relied on my imagination to supply the excitement in my life.
By high school, I’d decided to trade in my lariat for a trench coat. I was into dark and dangerous. As an intrepid foreign correspondent, I’d stalk the mean streets of the world. Did I actually write anything? No, but I did read all of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.
I worked at a department store during college. My short stint in the accounting department taught me a lot about math. Three hundred-dollar shortages plus hysterical tears equaled instant move to gift-wrap. A career in math was not in my future. I didn’t care because I’d discovered “real” literature. I plowed through James Joyce’s Ulysses and Tolstoy’s War and Peace. If it didn’t make my eyes cross then it wasn’t worth reading. Yes, I admit it, I was a literary snob.
Nina and best buddy, Barbara Joyce.
Folk singers extraordinaire.
But there’s just so much “real” literature one person can take. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in English Literature and a determination to avoid books that induced eye crossing or had tragic endings. The only things I managed to write during those years were research papers.
I taught second grade for several years then spent two years in Dublin, Ireland. A friend and I supported ourselves by singing folk songs in Irish pubs. We weren’t great, but we were young, enthusiastic, and wore short skirts. It was obviously my destiny to be the next Judy Collins. I spent a lot of time poring through music books.
Returning to New Jersey and reality, I taught elementary school until I grew restless again. My cross-country odyssey included stays in Arizona, California, and Texas. Along the way, I indulged my love of horses. No black stallions, but I did have several beautiful Arabian mares. I read tons of books on breeding and showing.
Somewhere between California and Texas I grew addicted to romance novels and cats. The cat’s independent attitude was exactly the quality I admired in my romance heroes. And once I decided to try writing my own romances, I made sure a cat crept into each story.
Texas is my permanent home. I’ve come full circle. Born in San Antonio, I spent most of my life in New Jersey. Maybe the Texas in my blood accounts for my attachment to strong men, fast horses, and wide-open spaces. My love of cats? Haven’t a clue.
By high school, I’d decided to trade in my lariat for a trench coat. I was into dark and dangerous. As an intrepid foreign correspondent, I’d stalk the mean streets of the world. Did I actually write anything? No, but I did read all of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.
I worked at a department store during college. My short stint in the accounting department taught me a lot about math. Three hundred-dollar shortages plus hysterical tears equaled instant move to gift-wrap. A career in math was not in my future. I didn’t care because I’d discovered “real” literature. I plowed through James Joyce’s Ulysses and Tolstoy’s War and Peace. If it didn’t make my eyes cross then it wasn’t worth reading. Yes, I admit it, I was a literary snob.
Nina and best buddy, Barbara Joyce.
Folk singers extraordinaire.
But there’s just so much “real” literature one person can take. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in English Literature and a determination to avoid books that induced eye crossing or had tragic endings. The only things I managed to write during those years were research papers.
I taught second grade for several years then spent two years in Dublin, Ireland. A friend and I supported ourselves by singing folk songs in Irish pubs. We weren’t great, but we were young, enthusiastic, and wore short skirts. It was obviously my destiny to be the next Judy Collins. I spent a lot of time poring through music books.
Returning to New Jersey and reality, I taught elementary school until I grew restless again. My cross-country odyssey included stays in Arizona, California, and Texas. Along the way, I indulged my love of horses. No black stallions, but I did have several beautiful Arabian mares. I read tons of books on breeding and showing.
Somewhere between California and Texas I grew addicted to romance novels and cats. The cat’s independent attitude was exactly the quality I admired in my romance heroes. And once I decided to try writing my own romances, I made sure a cat crept into each story.
Texas is my permanent home. I’ve come full circle. Born in San Antonio, I spent most of my life in New Jersey. Maybe the Texas in my blood accounts for my attachment to strong men, fast horses, and wide-open spaces. My love of cats? Haven’t a clue.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 3, 2013
I'm a huge fan of Nina Bangs and especially of her Castle of Dark Dreams series, not just because she's a fellow Houstonian, but also because she writes awesome stories. This series is about a Cosmic Troublemaker named Sparkle Stardust who owns an adult theme park in Galveston, TX called Live the Fantasy, and her partner Ganymede. The attached hotel is the Castle of Dark Dreams. It's as sensual and cool as it sounds. The premise of the series is that Sparkle uses her powers as the Cosmic Troublemaker of sexual chaos to bring people together who might be sexually compatible, but possibly polar opposites in every other respect. Her antics are usually highly entertaining.
In this book she calls on a human named Kayla to spy on the competition that has popped up across the street, an amusement park called Nirvana. The owner is a vampire named Thorn Mackenzie who is out to destroy Sparkle's happiness due to their past history.
I REALLY liked Kayla. Even as she falls for Thorn she realizes how wrong it is since he's the enemy. She never backs down, takes no for an answer, or allows all the supernatural beings around her to intimidate her. Even while she's shaking in her shoes she has her chin up and fists ready. LOVE her.
Thorn is one hot hunk o'beef. He has the Mackenzie blue eyes, Alpha attitude, and pent up aggression. I like how he is willing to put all of his plans on hold when a mutual enemy surfaces rather than taking advantage of the situation to destroy Sparkle.
I'd have to say this is my favorite in the series so far even if the ending did have me chewing my nails off. I'm not usually a fan of cliffhanger endings, but this one ended well. Nina wrapped up Kayla and Thorn's story and still gave us something to look forward to in the next installment.
I highly recommend this entire series to any lovers of romance, and especially paranormal romance with a comedic twist from snarky and unusual characters.
In this book she calls on a human named Kayla to spy on the competition that has popped up across the street, an amusement park called Nirvana. The owner is a vampire named Thorn Mackenzie who is out to destroy Sparkle's happiness due to their past history.
I REALLY liked Kayla. Even as she falls for Thorn she realizes how wrong it is since he's the enemy. She never backs down, takes no for an answer, or allows all the supernatural beings around her to intimidate her. Even while she's shaking in her shoes she has her chin up and fists ready. LOVE her.
Thorn is one hot hunk o'beef. He has the Mackenzie blue eyes, Alpha attitude, and pent up aggression. I like how he is willing to put all of his plans on hold when a mutual enemy surfaces rather than taking advantage of the situation to destroy Sparkle.
I'd have to say this is my favorite in the series so far even if the ending did have me chewing my nails off. I'm not usually a fan of cliffhanger endings, but this one ended well. Nina wrapped up Kayla and Thorn's story and still gave us something to look forward to in the next installment.
I highly recommend this entire series to any lovers of romance, and especially paranormal romance with a comedic twist from snarky and unusual characters.
June 4, 2013
We're back in Galveston at the Castle of Dark Dreams. Sparkle Stardust, that cosmic troublemaker in charge of sexual chaos, is in charge but she has an ancient enemy. He's built a competing theme park right across the street, blocking Sparkle's view of the Gulf of Mexico. He has his reasons, of course. He was dumped by Sparkle long ago and has come for payback. So Sparkle hires someone to infiltrate his band of paranormals to sabotage his operation and bring him down. Poor Kayla had no idea such creatures actually exist--shapeshifters, demons, vampires? But she has a job to do. It's complicated by the fact that the hunky Viking she's supposed to destroy is much too compelling for her piece of mind.
As usual Bangs brings us fun characters, lots of action and sexual tension that doesn't quit. If you're looking for a good book to take you away from reality, pick this one up. Happy ending guaranteed.
As usual Bangs brings us fun characters, lots of action and sexual tension that doesn't quit. If you're looking for a good book to take you away from reality, pick this one up. Happy ending guaranteed.
July 25, 2013
Not one of my favourite books of the series. I normally like Nina's books because they are fun but also have brooding, alpha type heroes. Didn't really fall for the hero in this book. In my opinion not enough time was spent building up the relationship between the characters, didn't feel the chemistry. Sorry!!
December 6, 2014
This took longer than anticipated to read for various reasons...
I'm kind of in funky land in this one and I'm sure this is going to be on the harsh side...
As far as the action.. most of it was entertaining as usual. However, I am not really feeling it between Thorn and Kayla. Thorn's power and the issues behind it.. ohh something new and different from the rest. But the building relationship of them... nope not that great. The sexual parts.. Blah! Kind of analytical.. not cold but there's a certain... lack.. of passion. Plus, hello... Human and Vampire.. how are these two going to stay together anyways? The answer to this was also unsatisfactory to me.
Moving on... Sparkle and Mede.. Ok its fun and entertaining to see these in cameo type positions of the stories. Lately, they are even more hands on. The previous book I actually like BETTER than this one. Ivy was at least not full human. So, Sparkle has lost her...edge. Not much on the trying to cause sex chaos but seems to be more hooking up. That's not her job! Not everything needs to revolve around having a powerful 'cat' and sex in heels in everyone's business. And frankly the constant misunderstanding and blow offs Gandymede visits on Sparkle is now getting old. Enough is enough. Already heard it. Their presence has now become tooooo big for the storyline for me. While I want to see them make up (AGAIN.. oh let me say AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN to infinity!) I'm not sure I want to delve into that. I just don't think they should get that much air time. I don't think they were intended to become such MAIN (everything much circulate around them) characters...
I'm kind of in funky land in this one and I'm sure this is going to be on the harsh side...
As far as the action.. most of it was entertaining as usual. However, I am not really feeling it between Thorn and Kayla. Thorn's power and the issues behind it.. ohh something new and different from the rest. But the building relationship of them... nope not that great. The sexual parts.. Blah! Kind of analytical.. not cold but there's a certain... lack.. of passion. Plus, hello... Human and Vampire.. how are these two going to stay together anyways? The answer to this was also unsatisfactory to me.
Moving on... Sparkle and Mede.. Ok its fun and entertaining to see these in cameo type positions of the stories. Lately, they are even more hands on. The previous book I actually like BETTER than this one. Ivy was at least not full human. So, Sparkle has lost her...edge. Not much on the trying to cause sex chaos but seems to be more hooking up. That's not her job! Not everything needs to revolve around having a powerful 'cat' and sex in heels in everyone's business. And frankly the constant misunderstanding and blow offs Gandymede visits on Sparkle is now getting old. Enough is enough. Already heard it. Their presence has now become tooooo big for the storyline for me. While I want to see them make up (AGAIN.. oh let me say AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN to infinity!) I'm not sure I want to delve into that. I just don't think they should get that much air time. I don't think they were intended to become such MAIN (everything much circulate around them) characters...
June 27, 2013
Book seven in the Castle of Dark Dreams series; Nina Bangs has given us two new characters to fall in love with in the novel, Wicked Memories.
In order to appease her father and get the money to go to law school, Kayla Stanley agrees to work as a spy for Sparkle Stardust, the owner of the Castle of Dark Dreams. Sparkle wants the new amusement park, Nirvana, which now blocks the Castle’s once spectacular view, gone. Kayla’s job is to find a way to shut down this new business, but she didn’t sign up for talking cats, demons, and vampires.
Thorn MacKensie, vampire owner of Nirvana believes that a man should have a purpose in life; his purpose is revenge. A thousand years ago, he and Sparkle crossed paths and she destroyed his life. Now, with the use of his power of persuasion, he will use Sparkle’s own people to destroy her. Although the price for using his gift is high, his plan is set and ready to go until he meets Kayla, however, her ability to see through his disguise may get her killed.
When ships begin to disappear off the coast of Galveston and a bomb endangers both Kayla and Thorn, a new enemy appears. They must ban together to prevent this evil from not only destroying themselves, but the entire Galveston island as well.
I was swept away by Kayla’s fearless persona. She is courageous, passionate, and funny. Thorn is my favorite hero. He is cunning, sexy, and his story really touched my heart. Nina Bang’s water love scene had me reaching for a cigarette ---and I don’t smoke.
In order to appease her father and get the money to go to law school, Kayla Stanley agrees to work as a spy for Sparkle Stardust, the owner of the Castle of Dark Dreams. Sparkle wants the new amusement park, Nirvana, which now blocks the Castle’s once spectacular view, gone. Kayla’s job is to find a way to shut down this new business, but she didn’t sign up for talking cats, demons, and vampires.
Thorn MacKensie, vampire owner of Nirvana believes that a man should have a purpose in life; his purpose is revenge. A thousand years ago, he and Sparkle crossed paths and she destroyed his life. Now, with the use of his power of persuasion, he will use Sparkle’s own people to destroy her. Although the price for using his gift is high, his plan is set and ready to go until he meets Kayla, however, her ability to see through his disguise may get her killed.
When ships begin to disappear off the coast of Galveston and a bomb endangers both Kayla and Thorn, a new enemy appears. They must ban together to prevent this evil from not only destroying themselves, but the entire Galveston island as well.
I was swept away by Kayla’s fearless persona. She is courageous, passionate, and funny. Thorn is my favorite hero. He is cunning, sexy, and his story really touched my heart. Nina Bang’s water love scene had me reaching for a cigarette ---and I don’t smoke.
November 12, 2013
Have you met Sparkle Stardust yet? Well, she's one of the mainstays of Bangs' series and in Wicked Memories she's still running Castle of Dark Dreams, her playground for the wild, wacky, kinky and weird - not to mention not necessarily human. But she's got competition across the street on the Gulf. Nirvana is the work of Thorn Mackenzie - who had the unfortunate experience of meeting Sparkle when he was a Viking. Now he's not human anymore. But he's still tough and he's got a bone to pick with the cosmic troublemaker/matchmaker. So she calls in the big guns. Only not so much. Thoroughly human Kay Stanley gets pressed into service by her father, but she's a fish out of water. And when there are pissed off gods, demons, and all ferocious manner of land and sea beasts, she's going to need some help. But Thorn is her boss' enemy. But she can't keep her mind - or her hands - off him. As with all Bangs' books, the madness that ensues is by turns hilarious, or hair raising and in the meantime there's always someone getting hot & bothered. The book has a dark edge to it, however, when Sparkle's long-time cosmic companion goes on a rampage. Who knew that a guy who can destroy a world has a jealous streak a mile long? It has a cliffhanger ending, which works great because where would we be without more Sparkle, more cosmic troubles, more mis-matched lovers and an ice-cream loving cat?
August 27, 2013
caution: slight spoilers ahead!
I really, really, really enjoyed this installment of the series. There were minor issues, but those got overshadowed by the enormity of plot and character development. I love how Sparkle and Ganymede manage to stay dynamic throughout the series despite being secondaries. And Mede going off the deep end is something I think most people have secretly been anticipating from the get go.
while I enjoyed Kayla for being a strong heroine, and Thorn for being so human despite being a viking vampire with several powers that could tip that scale for him, the minor characters stole the show for me. I would love to see more of the kelpie. I was very intrigued with him. And it was so cool seeing Aegir as the big villain. Of all the norse gods, poor dude rarely gets a mention in paranormal books. And the short period of time with Loki was delightful!
I really, really, really enjoyed this installment of the series. There were minor issues, but those got overshadowed by the enormity of plot and character development. I love how Sparkle and Ganymede manage to stay dynamic throughout the series despite being secondaries. And Mede going off the deep end is something I think most people have secretly been anticipating from the get go.
while I enjoyed Kayla for being a strong heroine, and Thorn for being so human despite being a viking vampire with several powers that could tip that scale for him, the minor characters stole the show for me. I would love to see more of the kelpie. I was very intrigued with him. And it was so cool seeing Aegir as the big villain. Of all the norse gods, poor dude rarely gets a mention in paranormal books. And the short period of time with Loki was delightful!
February 10, 2014
What can I say, it's Sparkle Stardust. I have been with Ms Bangs since the first Mackenzie Vampire and haven't put down a book yet. And this one is no exception. This is Torn Mackenzie's story. Thorn was burned in the past by Sparkle so he comes back for revenge. Enter a P.I that Sparkle hired who ends up falling in love with him, a pissed off Norse God and fabulous fashionista that is Sparkle, and you're in for one hell of a fun ride. But it also turns emotional when secrets are spilled and Ganymede isn't in cat form anymore. I recommend this book and all other series to everyone. It was great seeing some of my old favorite characters. Kinda miffed that know one has figured out a way to get kids...*hint, hint* I gave this book 5 because I would love to spend a day in Ms. Bangs head. She has such a weird sense of humor.
September 25, 2013
First off, why would Sparkle with some punk-ass not-vampire kid in the first place? And while I can understand his angst at being sold into slavery, etc., his FATHER apparently had the motivation to check facts, so why didn't he?
As for the rest, eh, whatever. The romance was ok, the drama between Sparkle and Ganymede pretty much overpowered everything though.
One other thing - just how many Mackenzie vampires are grandsons and great-grandsons of Loki?
As for the rest, eh, whatever. The romance was ok, the drama between Sparkle and Ganymede pretty much overpowered everything though.
One other thing - just how many Mackenzie vampires are grandsons and great-grandsons of Loki?
March 24, 2014
I've always loved Nina's books because from the get go you love her characters & want to know more about them. And I love how the characters appear in future books. Helps with wondering what happened to them after their story has been told. Though I hafta say the ending to this one left me going :O and eagerly awaiting for the next one!!!
June 11, 2013
I love this series. There so much humor, romance and excitement. Never all dull moment in this story.
May 4, 2018
At the Ripped Bodice in Culver City, CA, I found this gem on a 'Hello my name is' tag attached to a gift-wrapped book on their 'Blind Date with a Book' feature shelves:
"He's a viking. Her name is literally Sparkle Stardust. You need this book."
And I thought 'why yes, yes I do.'
Still not a huge fan of romances (they can be annoyingly insipid and thoroughly repetitive), but this one was entertaining and worth the blind date mystery. (And the Ripped Bodice was totally worth the visit).
"He's a viking. Her name is literally Sparkle Stardust. You need this book."
And I thought 'why yes, yes I do.'
Still not a huge fan of romances (they can be annoyingly insipid and thoroughly repetitive), but this one was entertaining and worth the blind date mystery. (And the Ripped Bodice was totally worth the visit).
August 26, 2024
I really have loved this series and this one was my favorite. Real action packed, never boring, and more different supernaturals. I loved the romance between Thorn and Kayla. I never could guess the ending, not much of a cliff hanger, just made me think there is a next book in this series. Hope so, Sparkle and Mede...
August 24, 2020
Loved!! Give me a Mackenzie brother any day!
August 1, 2013
Wicked Memories, Castle of Dark Dreams #7, by Nina Bangs
Grade: C+
“So what you mean is that if you told me what you are, I might refuse to go into the night with you?”
“Exactly.”
“Well, that’s comforting.”
Thorn Mackenzie has spent centuries plotting his revenge against Sparkle Stardust and as a vampire he has spent years fine tuning the perfect plan. With his amusement park Nirvana up and running, and blocking Sparkle’s Castle of Dark Dreams, he can’t start ruining her business. What Thorn didn’t count on was Kayla Stanley, a law student hired to help destroy Thorn and his business. Thorn hasn’t had feelings for a woman in over a century and Kayla is not a woman he can turn his back on.
Kayla Stanley just wants to finish law school not join her father’s PI firm but if she can do a good job at the Castle of dark Dreams her father will pay her much needed tuition. Kayla soon in immersed in a new world of vampires, wizards, demons and other supernatural beings all of whom expect her to get rid of Nirvana and it’s owner Thorn. Kayla is intrigued by the vampire and finds herself wanting to know more about him rather than ruin his business for Sparkle. As another villain arises the two foes will need to band together if either wants to survive.
I love the Castle of Dark Dreams series but I felt that there was something missing from this installment. I liked Thorn and Kayla but I didn’t feel that they spent enough time getting to know each other at all. I think their relationship is built only on lust and great sex, which isn’t a bad thing, but I didn’t see how they actually fell in love without really knowing anything about each other. I didn’t feel that a lot of the book was actually focused on them and that made it very difficult to buy into their romance.
I did feel that the book focused a lot on Sparkle and Ganymede and that this book was only written to set up their story, which I’m dying to read. I have wondered for a while now if we would get a book for these two and I’m so happy it’s finally happening. I really enjoyed reading about all the past couples and some of the other favorites that are always hanging around the castle. There were some new editions that we were introduced to and my favorite by far is Kel the kelpie, who really needs his own book.
All in all I liked this book but I didn’t love it like some of the others. I still am in love with this series and I’m really looking forward to what happens next with everyone.
Grade: C+
“So what you mean is that if you told me what you are, I might refuse to go into the night with you?”
“Exactly.”
“Well, that’s comforting.”
Thorn Mackenzie has spent centuries plotting his revenge against Sparkle Stardust and as a vampire he has spent years fine tuning the perfect plan. With his amusement park Nirvana up and running, and blocking Sparkle’s Castle of Dark Dreams, he can’t start ruining her business. What Thorn didn’t count on was Kayla Stanley, a law student hired to help destroy Thorn and his business. Thorn hasn’t had feelings for a woman in over a century and Kayla is not a woman he can turn his back on.
Kayla Stanley just wants to finish law school not join her father’s PI firm but if she can do a good job at the Castle of dark Dreams her father will pay her much needed tuition. Kayla soon in immersed in a new world of vampires, wizards, demons and other supernatural beings all of whom expect her to get rid of Nirvana and it’s owner Thorn. Kayla is intrigued by the vampire and finds herself wanting to know more about him rather than ruin his business for Sparkle. As another villain arises the two foes will need to band together if either wants to survive.
I love the Castle of Dark Dreams series but I felt that there was something missing from this installment. I liked Thorn and Kayla but I didn’t feel that they spent enough time getting to know each other at all. I think their relationship is built only on lust and great sex, which isn’t a bad thing, but I didn’t see how they actually fell in love without really knowing anything about each other. I didn’t feel that a lot of the book was actually focused on them and that made it very difficult to buy into their romance.
I did feel that the book focused a lot on Sparkle and Ganymede and that this book was only written to set up their story, which I’m dying to read. I have wondered for a while now if we would get a book for these two and I’m so happy it’s finally happening. I really enjoyed reading about all the past couples and some of the other favorites that are always hanging around the castle. There were some new editions that we were introduced to and my favorite by far is Kel the kelpie, who really needs his own book.
All in all I liked this book but I didn’t love it like some of the others. I still am in love with this series and I’m really looking forward to what happens next with everyone.
December 6, 2014
These books feature vampires and demons inhabiting fantasyland theme parks. These nonhumans are hiding in plain sight and charging normal people for the privilege of experiencing what they think paranormal should be about, so you can see the potential for fun and action.
Sparkle Stardust who runs the Castle of Dark Dreams dislikes her competition, Thorn McKenzie who owns Nirvana. Sparkle allows clients to live out their fantasies in role-play, but Thorn's park offers rides, amusements - and an ugly parking garage. Thorn persuades three employees of Sparkle's to switch sides; a vampire, a demon and a sorcerer. Thorn tries to not use his vampire persuasive powers as he's found that they are addictive - but to beat Sparkle he's made an exception. Sparkle is furious and one of her friends sees to it that a kiosk in Thorn's park explodes.
Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico adds variety with two whale-shifters joining the fray, and other creatures at home in water. Sparkle has hired a female human lawyer to spy on her rival unnoticed in amongst all the regular people, but poor Kayla is far from happy. That's until she's attracted to Thorn, even if he is a thousand-year-old vampire. Next all the disturbance gains the attention of Aegir, a sea god, to everyone's dismay.
Nina Bangs has six previous books, which start with 'Wicked Nights'.
Sparkle Stardust who runs the Castle of Dark Dreams dislikes her competition, Thorn McKenzie who owns Nirvana. Sparkle allows clients to live out their fantasies in role-play, but Thorn's park offers rides, amusements - and an ugly parking garage. Thorn persuades three employees of Sparkle's to switch sides; a vampire, a demon and a sorcerer. Thorn tries to not use his vampire persuasive powers as he's found that they are addictive - but to beat Sparkle he's made an exception. Sparkle is furious and one of her friends sees to it that a kiosk in Thorn's park explodes.
Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico adds variety with two whale-shifters joining the fray, and other creatures at home in water. Sparkle has hired a female human lawyer to spy on her rival unnoticed in amongst all the regular people, but poor Kayla is far from happy. That's until she's attracted to Thorn, even if he is a thousand-year-old vampire. Next all the disturbance gains the attention of Aegir, a sea god, to everyone's dismay.
Nina Bangs has six previous books, which start with 'Wicked Nights'.
June 19, 2013
Wow I loved how tons of the characters from the previous books were brought
back in and even some of their spouses.
Nina just has a way with making feel as though you are right there. Hearing the
sounds and feeling the breeze off the gulf.
In this book Thorn (Brandt) is the main character with Kayla. Thorn is a scorned
lover of Sparkles. But Thorn wants revenge for what she has made him lose.
Little does he know that Sparkle has a trick or two up her sleeve with Kayla in
the picture. Kayla is the product of a former couple who Sparkle had brought
together. Kayla is a strong and mindful woman. Much like Sparkle. Until Kayla
meets Thorn (Brandt). Then you throw in a couple shifters, kelpie, vampires
and a few Gods and Goddesses and it really gets interesting. How is a human
girl to survive. Fast paced and action packed as always at the Castle of Dark
Dreams.
back in and even some of their spouses.
Nina just has a way with making feel as though you are right there. Hearing the
sounds and feeling the breeze off the gulf.
In this book Thorn (Brandt) is the main character with Kayla. Thorn is a scorned
lover of Sparkles. But Thorn wants revenge for what she has made him lose.
Little does he know that Sparkle has a trick or two up her sleeve with Kayla in
the picture. Kayla is the product of a former couple who Sparkle had brought
together. Kayla is a strong and mindful woman. Much like Sparkle. Until Kayla
meets Thorn (Brandt). Then you throw in a couple shifters, kelpie, vampires
and a few Gods and Goddesses and it really gets interesting. How is a human
girl to survive. Fast paced and action packed as always at the Castle of Dark
Dreams.
September 23, 2016
Wicked Memories is Book 7 of the Castle of Dark Dreams Series by Nina Bangs.
I am currently catching up on random series that I haven’t completed and decided this was the next one to hit. I’ve always been a big fan of Ms. Bangs and jumping back into this series just felt right. This is a fun read and enjoyable, however I just didn’t feel it like the others of this series. The connection between Thorn and Kayla wasn’t there for me and I felt it was lacking...more time on the development of the relationship and more work of their chemistry would have been nice. The action, as well as the return of other charries from the series was awesome. This is a 3* out of 5* for me...didn’t hate it but didn’t love it either.
I am currently catching up on random series that I haven’t completed and decided this was the next one to hit. I’ve always been a big fan of Ms. Bangs and jumping back into this series just felt right. This is a fun read and enjoyable, however I just didn’t feel it like the others of this series. The connection between Thorn and Kayla wasn’t there for me and I felt it was lacking...more time on the development of the relationship and more work of their chemistry would have been nice. The action, as well as the return of other charries from the series was awesome. This is a 3* out of 5* for me...didn’t hate it but didn’t love it either.
June 28, 2013
3.5 stars
Thorn, a vampire with persuasion as his gift, has opened a theme park across from Live the Fantasy, with the sole purpose of ruining Sparkles business as vengeance for their past.
Kalya is hired as a PI to close Thorn's theme down by Sparkle.
Thorn & Kayla start to care about each other, but their relationship is doomed (or isit?), but then again that is Sparkles sole purpose in life, cosmic troublemaker of sexual chaos
So we've got some new characters in this book, which is great and a lot of the characters from previous books feature also. And we have an ending which hopefully will lead into the next book, Sparkle & Mede.
Thorn, a vampire with persuasion as his gift, has opened a theme park across from Live the Fantasy, with the sole purpose of ruining Sparkles business as vengeance for their past.
Kalya is hired as a PI to close Thorn's theme down by Sparkle.
Thorn & Kayla start to care about each other, but their relationship is doomed (or isit?), but then again that is Sparkles sole purpose in life, cosmic troublemaker of sexual chaos
So we've got some new characters in this book, which is great and a lot of the characters from previous books feature also. And we have an ending which hopefully will lead into the next book, Sparkle & Mede.
April 28, 2015
Castle of Dark Dreams #7 - Don't say this is the end!!!!!!!!!! OK, there have been better books in this series but I love Sparkle so anything with her in it is judged to be 5 stars by me. We deal with a previously unknown Mackenzie lead by the name of Thorn this time and the daughter of one of Sparkle's previous "clients". If you've in any way enjoyed the other books in this series then you'll like this one. It's typical Nina Bangs.
July 18, 2014
I am not sure what to really think about this book. It was good enough but for some reason it took me several weeks to finish it. The story was good but I guess it just had no real suspense or bang to it for me.
There were things in the book that I thought were great and well written but not enough of it carried throughout the book. I lost interest on more than several occasions. It helps me get closer to my reading goal but I have so many other books to read.
There were things in the book that I thought were great and well written but not enough of it carried throughout the book. I lost interest on more than several occasions. It helps me get closer to my reading goal but I have so many other books to read.
June 30, 2016
Wicked Memories is the 7th book in the Castle of Dark Dreams and it wasn't one of my favorites. I just didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters and there was just so much going on in this book. I've never been a huge fan of Sparkle and Meade and they were really front and center in this book. While I liked the MC's I just didn't love them. This book was entertaining but not as much fun as the previous books.
October 16, 2012
3.5 stars - There's not a lot that makes this latest trip to the Castle of Dark Dreams stand out when all is said and done, but I did like the pairing, and the competing 'amusement' park offers the chance for a nice fantasy interlude and there is action a plenty which turns enemies into allies. And with the fall out from this book it looks like it's about time for a Sparkle/Mede book...
November 24, 2014
I dont know if it's because I lived in Houston for a while, and can so clearly picture Galveston and smell the sea, and feel the sultry heat of a Texas night - that these books resonate so much with me, or if Bangs is just an awesome storyteller; but I just love them!! So sad to think this might be the end...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2016
Sparkle's sparkle..
Well, that was just sad. I cried by the time I turned the last page
But. Thorn and Kayla, well. That is a whole other story.
Loved it
I actually enjoyed the whole series....
Wonderful.
And then there is Sparkle. Sparkle and Ganymede
There is a whole story by itself...
Well, that was just sad. I cried by the time I turned the last page
But. Thorn and Kayla, well. That is a whole other story.
Loved it
I actually enjoyed the whole series....
Wonderful.
And then there is Sparkle. Sparkle and Ganymede
There is a whole story by itself...
June 16, 2016
Quite a story. The "revenge" Thorn was looking for, always in the background. Kayla offered just the right distrastion. The "relationship" developing as the time moved on. The depth developed before the physical did.
June 11, 2013
I felt like this couldve been fine just as a novella instead of a full fledged book. The only thing that made this decent was the hint that the next book in the series is going to be awesome.
June 11, 2013
I love this series so much!
November 11, 2015
Loved this book. The whole series is great.
July 19, 2013
Fun & enjoyable read! Nina Bangs is always great. She has her own style of writing mixing romance, witty dialogue & unusual circumstances!
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