Morgan D'Arcy is a classical pianist, an English lord and a vampire. He has everything except what he desires most—Isabeau. When she was a child, he appeared to her as the Angel Gabriel, influencing her life and career choice, preparing her to become Lady D'Arcy. Many forces oppose Morgan's daring plan—not the least of which is Vampyre law. A vampire must not sire a child on a mortal.
Isabeau Gervase is a brilliant geneticist engaged to a prominent attorney. Though she no longer believes in angels, she sees a ticket to a Nobel Prize in the genetic puzzle presented by her long-absent childhood friend. She intends to unravel Gabriel's secrets, using the DNA contained in a lock of his hair and identify the non-human species she named the Angel Genome.
Morgan is ready to come back into Isabeau's life, but this time as a man—and a vampire—not an angel. Will he outsmart his enemies, protect his beloved and escape death himself? For the first time in eternity, the clock is ticking.
Linda has seen a lot of this country from the windshield of a truck pulling a horse trailer, having bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses for thirteen years. With Cardinal Desires, a vampire paranormal romance, she won the Georgia Romance Writers Magnolia Award for Excellence. Gylded Wings won the SARA Merritt Award. Until retiring, she worked in the legal field. She has two wonderful sons. Her loves include horses, her snappy little sports car and dressing up and hosting formal dinner parties. She has 6 books with 5 in audio and a 7th on the way.
Morgan D’Arcy is not what he appears to be. Society knows him as an English lord, an art lover and a classical pianist. What they don’t realize, while mingling with him at various parties and events, is he’s a monster, more specifically, a vampire. He has money, power, prestige and women flocking to his side but he only wants Isabeau. From the time she was little, Morgan (in the guise of the Angel Gabriel) has been molding and shaping Isabeau to become his beloved. Now the time has come to reveal his secrets to her. Will she accept him for who he truly is or has Morgan’s enemies finally caught up with him? Life is not worth living without his Isabeau but he makes a costly error in judgement. The treachery about to befall him blindsides him. Will he escape from death’s grip or is his time up?
Sinners’ Opera reads like an operatic masterpiece and I’m fairly certain even Jean-Philippe Rameau would enjoy it. From the beginning, I was captivated by Morgan. He woos the reader with his elegance, beautiful words and his obsession with Isabeau. His magnetism oozes from the story and wraps the reader in a cocoon of allurement. It’s easy to forget he’s a monster who feeds off the blood of humans. He’s a dichotomy of a hero yet in Isabeau’s eyes, that’s exactly what Morgan is, her hero.
Linda Nightingale is a brilliant storyteller and her prose reflects her love for music and the written word. Sinners’ Opera is a beautiful tragic love story which takes an emotional toll on you. You feel everything Morgan and Isabeau feels. You experience the range of emotions from falling in love to hatred to shock to jealousy to choosing which path to take. By the time I finished reading, tears streamed down my face. The ending left me wondering what will happen next and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
If you’re an opera fan and looking for an original paranormal romance, you have to read Sinners’ Opera. Musical descriptive narration makes this a must-read and I highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
“That, my friends, is the way this tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying bloody nothing, ends. Did I mislead you? Did I say this was a love story? I said this was our folie a deux – double madness. Love is madness. Don’t you agree?”
What was it? Love or obsession? 'cause EVERYBODY in this book was obsessed. It would be a beautiful story if not the ending..... I didn't expect that- it disappointed me. Everything was going so romantic an entire book and suddenly the end is like out of another planet. But in general it was quite a good book.
Sinners' Opera is a standalone book by Linda Nightingale.
Being a fan of Vampire stories I have read many and I have to say that this one was unique.
Morgan Gabriel D’Arcy, an aristocrat, a vampire and in this persona, a famous pianist, has been in Isabeau's life since she was born. He has played a part in her upbringing appearing to only her as her guardian angel. He knows she is his destiny and when she is old enough he plans to marry her and for her to have their baby. There are two problems though; it's forbidden for Vampyres and humans to have a baby together, and even if it wasn't, there is a genetic fault that means that children born from such coupling will go insane at puberty. It's for the latter reason that Morgan has encouraged Isabeau to become a geneticist.He is hoping she will be able to discover the faulty gene and find a way to isolate it. He would like them to be parents of a new race of vampire, one that has the benefits of being a vampire, but with the morals of humanity. Never just killing for food for the supposed fun of it.
That is the gist of the story the likes of which I haven't come across before. There is quite a twist to the tale too which I definitely won't mention, you should have as much of a shock as I did!
The drama in this book is enthralling. Not only is there the worry of the Vampyre council discovering what Morgan is doing which puts both his and Isabeau's lives at risk, but there is a desperately angry enemy out for vengeance on Morgan. A vengeance that can only be assuaged by the death of Isabeau! Morgan definitely has his work cut out for him keeping her safe.
The relationship between the couple is steamy hot as one would expect. What makes it more than just sex though is the love between them. The author has the art of making hot sex into beautiful lovemaking rather than just making the reader feel that sex is just a selling point for the book. I loved reading how their relationship grows from the time that Isabeau thinks Morgan is Gabriel, her angel, to when she discovers that he is, in fact, a vampyre, but who she still loves with all that she is. She does put a condition on him though when she discovers he isn't an angel. It is one that lessens his abilities which in turn makes it more difficult to keep her safe. He can't lose her though, so he promises to do what she asks.
I didn't like the fact that Morgan does something very important without Isabeau's knowledge. I know that he has his reasons and he trusts his instincts, but still, it was the one thing that made him less than perfect. Maybe that's a good thing, after all, there is no such thing as a perfect hero is there!
Do our couple have a happy ending? If they survive the people intent on killing them will the pregnancy take place, and if so will the baby be destined to madness at puberty? You will have to read the book to find out and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Morgan Gabriel D’Arcy has known that Isabeau was his destiny since she was born. The vampire came to Isabeau as the angel Gabriel to be near and protect her. Now that she is old enough he wants to make her his wife and have a child with her. Vampyre law prohibits having children with a mortal, and could mean death for him as well as his beloved.
Isabeau is a strong female lead. A brilliant geneticist she had been working on the Angel gene. Using DNA from Gabriel who had left her alone long ago. I loved the passionate character that came through when she was with Morgan. Morgan captivated me right away, he is a handsome English Lord, a renowned classic concert pianist, and as a vampire he is suave and debonair.
Nightingale’s writing is beautiful and descriptive. I was mesmerized from the start. The novel’s twists and turns are enough to keep readers engrossed as well as the heights of emotion in which the story is conveyed. The sex scenes between Morgan and Isabeau are sweet, delicious, and enthralling; I don’t think I could ever get enough of them.
Sinners’ Opera was a delight to read, and I give props to Nightingale for such a wonderful story. I have high hopes that it won’t be long before we see Morgan and Isabeau again!
**Reviewed by Teresa D. for VampireRomanceBooks.com**
Nightingale's talents are legion. Among them is her ability to create a setting. Lush, vibrant phrasing puts the reader "right there". For fans of Southern literature, as well as the paranormal, Sinners' Opera is the book for you. Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
I found Sinner’s Opera a psychologically astute page-turner. The characters from the protagonist vampire Morgan D’Arcy and his love Isabeau down to minor supporting cast all work well, propelling the reader through a mesmerizing plot with twists up to the end. I find myself looking forward to a sequel.
Since I’ve never read anything in the vampire romance genre before, I approached Sinner’s Opera in terms of human emotions and motivations. The reader can’t help but feel sympathetic towards the male half of the romantic pair, Lord Morgan D'Arcy, who’s been a vampire since the 1600’s, though Morgan also strikes me as a good depiction of a manipulative psychopath. Nevertheless Morgan has some heartfelt desire to know real love and empathy--all on his own terms, of course.
The various vampire laws and vampire powers in this novel work excellently, integrating into the characters’ development and never becoming mere plot devices. The vampires may initially strike the reader as being inordinately powerful, yet they require these attributes in the face of other inherent shortcomings, like destruction by sunlight or the need to replenish life energies through murder. Teleportation or the ability to rise from mortal wounds seem natural, integrated facets of the vampires, and the casual arrogance with which they wield these powers strikes me as similar to how a nineteenth century British colonial administrator, imbued with centuries of imperial power, might feel towards the natives he feels he benevolently rules. This metaphor is not too far from how Morgan views the object of his love, the genius geneticist Isabeau Gervase. While Morgan feels deep passion for Isabeau, he’s genuinely surprised to find that she has her own view of their relationship. It’s amazing how he can manipulate her and keep her in the dark, how he can mold and control her in the name of his own concept of love. His desire to father a child with her involves keeping it a secret from her--as well as from fellow vampires who’ll punish him for transgressing vampire law.
In his struggles to create a lasting bond with Isabeau and thus enter, however tentatively, into her human values, Morgan develops a glimmer of a conscience, and despite his self-preoccupation he does genuinely suffer. With several hundreds years of romantic experience behind him, Morgan has watched over and tantalized Isabeau since her infancy, and has even guided her towards a scientific career investigating the DNA of vampires, but his love life with her never comes off quite as planned. But his self-confidence is breathtaking, even admirable, and even when he’s stripped of some or all powers, his inner cocksureness remains. As for Isabeau, although she does succumb to Morgan, her own deep strengths, including her rationality and groundedness in a scientific worldview, eventually find expression and lead her to a life-defining decision.
A comic tone pervades the novel but never veers into clever irony which might diminish the pursuit of the psychological truths of the characters. The alpha dog snarling between a jealous Morgan and Isabeau’s self-important ex-fiancé John is hilarious. The ending posits more in this series, and I’m definitely anticipating a sequel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll 5, spicy
Morgan Gabriel D’Arcy is a classical pianist, an English lord and a vampire. He has everything except what he desires most—a woman he has loved from the day she was born—Isabeau.
For centuries, he has cherished a dream—a race of immortal crossbreeds possessing vampire strength and human morals. Ambition is not his most important motivation. Love is. When Isabeau, his chosen bride, was a child, he appeared to her as an angel and watched over her. As the Angel Gabriel predicted, Isabeau is now a brilliant geneticist. She has come of age, and Morgan is determined to marry her. However, many forces oppose them, not the least of which is Vampyre law. The Vampyre are viral mutations produced by a blood-borne pathogen that alters human DNA. Mating between human and Vampyre is prohibited. The offspring—DarkeChildren—inherit a dangerous gene that drives them insane at puberty.
An enemy from Morgan’s distant past is stalking him. Paul d’Alembert seeks eye-for-an-eye justice, intending to kill Isabeau as once Morgan killed his beloved. In fact, his enemies are rapidly closing in on them. Will Morgan have time and an opportunity to make his dream come true—to sire a child on Isabeau? Will he outsmart his enemies, protect her and escape death himself? For the first time in eternity, the clock is ticking.
I was immediately drawn into Sinners' Opera from page one. Linda Nightingale knows how to lead the reader into the world she creates for her characters and story. Her writing style keeps the reader turning the pages, always wanting more and more.
Morgan is very handsome and used to getting what he wants. He has nurtured Isabeau through her childhood and into womanhood. Guiding her to a career that may isolate the gene that causes insanity in DarkeChildren. He loves Isabeau deeply and is determined to re-enter her life and make her his. I think Morgan really does love Isabeau in his own way. Even though he is a bit obsessive about her. I thought he was being selfish a few times, but as I continued to read more, his actions are explained and I understood them.
Isabeau has wondered over the years why her angel, Gabriel left and has never returned. She's working harder than ever at her job and is in a relationship with a man she believes she's in love with, John Payne. Isabeau is an extremely strong women, not in the physical sense but in the mind and soul. Very admirable qualities.
Ms. Nightingale's book is really a love story about two people who have great obstacles to overcome to be together. Sinners' Opera is full of emotion, danger and intrigue. The plot twists and turns in this story are great and just when I thought I had something figured out, nope there's another twist in the plot. There were a few sections that I didn't understand as I read them, when I finished the book the light bulb went off and I said "Aha! That was brilliant." I can't wait to read more about Morgan and Isabeau.
Linda Nightingale’s lush Sinner’s Opera is the story of English Aristocrat (and vampire) Morgan D’arcy and his love/obsession with Isabeau Gervase, a genius geneticist who he’s been watching over, or some would think stalking, since before she was born. Morgan is everything you’d want as a tragic vampire hero, but do not look for a traditional HEA, at least not at the end of this book. One can only hope there is at least one more to follow. Nightingale paints portraits with her words; a true artist with prose. If there isn’t a continuation of this story, I believe readers will weep.
Sinner’s Opera is poetic and beautiful -a love story that touches as deeply as some of the most romantic classics. The story is sophisticated in nature, bringing with it a rich and tasteful air of sensuality. Its unique take on the all too familiar vampire novel is a welcome change, adding uncharted territory to a popular genre in need of some new ideas. The characters are brilliantly penned, every detail of their being painted like a beautiful picture, exposing their strengths, weaknesses and emotion. The main character of the book, Morgan, is a vampire that’s waited centuries for his one true love, the stunning Isabeau. He struggles to keep her safe from his dark enemies and from himself, as he fights his thirst for the blood that runs through her veins. He’d risk everything to keep her safe - including his heart and his life.
This story drips with romance, wit and charm. It is addictive, exciting and grips you from the very first page to the very last. Morgan and Isabeau are characters that could be placed in the same category as some of the most famous couples in romance history – Romeo and his Juliet, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy – and their romance plays out like one of Beethoven’s famous love letters.
As a sucker for anything that rings classical romance, this one drew me in and captured me. It ended with the hint of a sequel (and hopefully beyond). If that comes to pass, I can honestly say that I’ll be first in line on release day.
This is a dark intense entry to the vampire genre with a dark and intense hero. And, honestly, I’m still not sure what I feel about Morgan, but I do know I want to read the next book in the series. And, not knowing what I feel about the hero is not a bad thing. Strong feelings toward a character, to me, is a mark of the author’s skill.
What I don’t like about him… it made me uneasy how long he manipulated Isabeau…grooming her for his own use. To me, that was just creepy.
On the other hand, he is completely devoted to her (although, in the beginning, even that, too, smacked of an unhealthy obsession and an unhealthy relationship).
Both Isabeau and Morgan are strong characters and, once she discovered the entire truth about him and was able to meet him as an equal, was, to me, the best part of the book. I loved them together at that point. The author has done a wonderful job at making the characters (even the secondary characters) come alive.
The plot was riveting– in addition to the main romantic plot, there are secondary plots flowing through that have to do with Morgan’s past (there are some prequels to this novel, which I am eager to read, that I believe will shed a lot of light on Morgan and his thinking). There were twists and turns that I definitely didn’t see coming but that added to the richness of the book.
One warning– this book does not end with a traditional HEA. As a part of a series, it definitely leaves the ending open. And, I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Well done, Ms. Nighingale!
Told from Morgan’s point of view, Ms. Nightingale’s version of the “vampyre effect” is original in its use of a transforming virus. Her vampires have reflections, can speak the name of God, and refute several of the usual laws constraining the Undead.
The creation of Morgan himself is a tour de force of egotism, wit, sensuality, and talent, as well as a determination to bring about his plan while protecting Isabeau from harm.
Sinners’ Opera is a beautifully written love story with vivid imagery, dry humor, sarcastic wit, and sensuous love scenes. The descriptions of Charleston bring that city to life. It’s also a fascinating journey through the psyche of a man who’s lived through the centuries but is now willing to die for the woman he loves and to bring his kind into the light of the mortal’s world.
This novel was supplied by the publisher and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
This review is an excerpt from the one written by me for the New York Journal of Books.
Sophisticated, arrogant, beautiful, darkness, love. Many things can describe Morgan D’Arcy, these are just a few that came to me right at this moment. He’s as dangerous as he is beautiful, he can be a vampire that is the thing of nightmares, or the passionate lover that everyone wishes for. Morgan is a being of the past, and it still shows even in the modern times. This is a love story, but it’s also a tragic love story and will haunt you long after you finish reading it. This all-consuming love story of Morgan and Isabeau will enthrall the reader as they try to overcome the many obstacles in their path to happiness.
There are enough twists and turns in the story to keep you spinning in a different direction and will pull at emotions you didn’t think you’d have for a vampire story, and I can only hope that Morgan will grace us with further stories. Reviewed by Cyrene
A story told with almost lyrical prose, this tale of forbidden love has a Gothic feel. Dark undertones and mysterious intentions lace this paranormal romance.
Nightingale pens a dark romantic vampiric story in Sinners' Opera. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I really enjoyed this story. I became a fan of vampiric stories, and I enjoyed the darkness of this one, as well as the "science" in it. In some ways it can be romantic, and others its dark and almost believable. Obsession is not the best way to fall in love, especially with the vampire doing the stalking. Morgan is a tragic hero so-to-speak with Isabeau the subject of his lust. I liked the story from beginning to end and it wasn't some stereotype vampiric romance. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly and the characterizations are engrossing. The author's technique of intense characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
In this story we can find an English lord, classical pianist and vampire, like if Dorian Gray was a vampire concert pianist. It definitely caught my interest right away, since I'm a huge fan of Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, vampires and forbidden love.
Morgan certainly leans to the darker side. He embraces being a vampire and often seems to revel in his kills. With that in mind, I’m going to list him with Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. A tortured soul who though he loves, love is not his salvation. Everything was going to romantic an entire book and suddenly the end is like out of another planet. But in general it was quite a good book.
this book was really great. if you love vampires this book is for you. he always wanted her but couldnt have the one thing he desired. she is geneticist and no longer believes in fairy tales. you have to read to find out what happens. so much death and danger.
A captivating dark and intense tale involving a tragic vampire hero seeking his true destiny. I found this unique story with its complex characters totally intriguing and hard to put down - a definite page turner. One I highly recommend.
A rollercoaster of emotions gripping of start right to the end. A different twist then most vampire stories which makes it a different read altogether. Written well and well built up character and background storyline. Definitely recommend
The intense connection between Morgan and Isabeau is breathtaking. The story line makes this page turner amazing. Found all the characters made the story that much better. Found it very difficult to put the book down. Highly recommend this vampire psychological thriller.
This book was an interesting and intriguing take on the Vampire world!
As somewhat of a vampire media fan, who grew up with the Twilight books and movies, I was excited to read this book. This is definitely a darker, more nefarious, and steamier version than Twilight. Not for your high school book club lol!
This book tells the tragic and harrowing love story of Isabeau and Morgan. But this is no ordinary tale as Morgan is no typical man – he is an English lord, a classic pianist, oh yea and he’s a vampire! Morgan has been watching Isabeau since she was a child. He secretly helped guide her life and career as a geneticist in hopes of her being able to help create a new gene of vampires. Morgan has always been in love in Isabeau and dreams of the day that they can finally be together and have a baby, but many complications arise, Morgan’s vast number of enemies try to get the jump on him, and a life with Isabeau is quickly slipping away. Will Morgan’s enemies catch up with him? Will Vampyre law find out Morgan’s secret plans and forbid him from being with Isabeau? Against all odds, will Morgan and Isabeau end up together and live happily ever after? No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out!!
I liked the main characters, Isabeau and Morgan/Angel Gabriel. Isabeau was intelligent, sweet, innocent, caring, beautiful, and compassionate. I found Angel Gabriel to be a bit tricky and creepy as I would find it odd to have someone technically spy on me, watch me grow up, and basically steer my life and career towards a certain away all for his ulterior motives. I definitely could never trust them after that, but that’s just me. Morgan was the handsome, seductive, charismatic, alluring, talented, enchanting, English lord, and classic pianist that every girl was practically throwing themselves at. However, he only had eyes for Isabeau. I eventually came to liking Morgan and Isabeau together and could see a real future for them.
The passion levels are quite hot and totally brought a few blushes on this blogger during those steamy scenes. However, I do admit the author kept the scenes in a more gentle, respectful, romantic sense than an erotic encounter. This really helped show the relationship developing and evolving between Morgan and Isabeau.
I really liked the story line concept and found it very intriguing! The author has fascinating ideas about vampires and the paranormal romance world!
The story line worked and there were definitely quite a few plot points to keep the story going – especially since it’s on the longer end of 460 pages. However, this book felt a bit complicated and confusing at times as there was so much going on in the story. There were several passages I had to re-read to figure out what was happening and get back into the story.
I’d also like to point out that I think the author did an impressive job on her world-building and research. Whether it was details on Vampyre law, or characteristics of Morgan, or specifics about the genetic code Isabeau was working on – it all sounded credible and cohesive. At no point did I feel like what I was reading was questionable regardless that this book genre is paranormal.
At first, I honestly felt like there were some easily predictable scenes. However, I was pleasantly caught off guard as there were quite a few unexpected twists and turns that even I didn’t see coming!
This book is technically not part of a book series and can be read as a standalone. However, the author has released a prequel, “Sinners’ Obsessions,” and a prequel to that book, “Sinners’ Waltz.” The main character, Morgan is the starring character in both of those books. In addition, Morgan is featured in the author’s other book series, “Cardinal Desires.”
All in all, there were just a few hang-ups for me, but overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and would still recommend it. There is an intriguing story line and great characters that do make this book an interesting paranormal romance read! I think all vampire fans will be sure to like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
When you have all the time in the world, you can learn to do many things. And if you make the right investments over the course of many years, you can live like royalty. Although Morgan D’Arcy really is royalty, being a peer of the realm, a British lord. But he’s also a world-renowned accomplished pianist. At least in this “lifetime”, he is. Morgan is also a vampire, which means that because of his longevity—read immortality—he has to reinvent himself every so often. People get suspicious of someone who never ages, even the good-looking ones. And Morgan is undeniably good-looking. Just ask his good friend and mentor, Lucien.
But there is something Morgan wants more than anything else, something he has been unable to attain. Or should I say who, for Morgan’s obsession is with a woman named Isabeau. A woman he’s been watching and guiding since before she was born. She knows him, but not as Morgan. To her, he is Gabriel, the man who visits her in dreams. Who watches out for her and cares for her. With his help, Isabeau has become one of the foremost leading geneticists in the country, if not the world. With her help, Morgan hopes she can cure the genetic defect which keeps him from siring an actual child, and together they can have a baby. But how to explain all that to her, as well as the truth about what he is?
Isabeau has been quietly in lust with her Gabriel for a while now, but it’s hard to have a relationship with someone who comes and goes at his own whim, and who leaves no real evidence that he’s ever been there. She has her job, of course, and her friends. And a boyfriend she plans to marry. But Gabriel… he’s so much more. If only she knew if he were real or just a figment of her lusty imagination.
Morgan has very strict rules under which he lives, enforced by a council of vampires which includes Lucien. He’s spent his various lives doing pretty much as he pleases, within the parameter of those rules—it’s easy to live dangerously when you know you can’t die. From fast horses to fast cars, as technology progresses over the years. Women of all sorts, his for the taking. But something has changed. Now he has so much more to live for… and he’s willing to break the rules in order to have that.
This can either be a love affair made in the heavens or one with origins a little bit south of that…. I have to say that I fell in love with this book from the beginning, particularly with Morgan D’Arcy. He is sexy as hell, so charming it should be illegal, and yet possessed of a certain vulnerability that makes you want to hug him close (before turning to other activities, of course). I love the world this author has created with its own vampires and their own unique qualities. There are many vampire stories out there, but this one stands out to me. Linda Nightingale knows how to make us see and feel what she’s writing about, very vividly, on a very visceral level. I felt as though this book ended far too quickly, I just wanted it to go on forever. At the same time, it’s dramatic, romantic, intense, and heartbreaking.
If you enjoy romances, if you love vampires, if you love drama and excitement and characters who both attract and repel, I highly recommend this book. Morgan D’Arcy is like a drug, one I cannot get enough of. I hope there’ll be many more books featuring this enchanting man!
There are many things about Sinners’ Opera by Linda Nightingale that stand out to me. Morgan is main male lead in this story and the fact that he is a vampire gives his character even more dimension, especially when it comes to his relationships. Morgan’s exchange with Alice in chapter three is a good example of the clever banter that his flirtatious personality requires of him. Morgan was like Isabeau’s childhood imaginary friend. At least, that’s how she reasoned through her relationship with him once she had grown up. While he had been real to her for a time, he was long since absent. The main female character is Isabeau, whose work in the lab is a driving part of the plot of this story. She’s working hard to sequence the DNA of her mysterious friend, and the implications of this are far reaching.
The scene with Kirsty and Isabeau’s trip to the fortuneteller, Nekeya, was a stand out for me. It sums up a lot of the story, and foretells some of the biggest highs and lows. She tells Isabeau that she is both blessed and cursed, and that she will know love more deeply than many ever know. This love that Morgan and Isabeau share is something that is remarkable. It’s a relationship between two adults, and not the unrealistic blind love that is often true of a first love. It’s real, and it’s wonderful and messy.
I loved the rich historical element that was pervasive throughout the book. There were many references to iconic figures and historic places that helped not only to set the mood for much of the settings but also lent a kind of credibility to the story, like it could have happened in some alternate reality.
By chapter sixteen, things begin to really heat up, and the pace is quick until the end. Without revealing any spoilers, this may not be one for people who require at least a happy for now ending. It’s well written, and a beautiful story, but it doesn’t have that kind of feel good ending that some people want. If you enjoy well written vampire fiction, you should give this one a read. I actually found the relationship between Morgan and Isabeau to be well worth the pain of their not happy just yet ending. Thankfully the author does give us hope that Morgan will do his best not to leave things this way. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Vampire fiction and Paranormal Romance.
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here. My review in a nutshell: I really shy away from vampire books because they aren’t what I prefer reading. I found this book entertaining, interesting, and well-put-together. I won’t say it swayed me to vampire fiction, but I would definitely read more from this author. For lovers of the classy vampire, by which I mean the rich and polished kind, this is a must-read. Morgan is equal parts sophisticated and predator. He really is the ultimate bad boy, and he’s sexy to boot. For those wanting some truly hot intimacy, this book has it in spades. Isabeau was a wonderful foil for Morgan. She’s independent and intelligent, and her science background brought a lot to the book. She has a complicated relationship with Morgan even before they start being intimate, which I won’t spoil. Suffice to say that the entire thing was a little mind-bendy but not in a bad way. There are a few different plotlines that mingle here. Morgan and Isabeau’s romance is a big part, but there are also murders, genetic research implications, and Morgan’s secrets on the line, to name a few. It was all handled well. There were points where I forgot about some of the smaller details and had to remind myself what was going on with an exact side story. Overall, though, everything came together in an interesting way. This probably goes without saying, but this book is definitely not for young readers. There is a lot of sex, some violence, some cursing—it’s a book for adults. The ending surprised me, and that’s all I’ll say. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, I encourage you to give it a try.
This story had me glued to my kindle right from the first chapter. It’s dark and twisted and will keep you guessing. I hope there’s a second book , I need more of the romantic sexy Vampire Morgan !!
4 Stars. This paranormal romance is filled with drama, action, and plenty of blood. I haven’t read a vampire book in a while, but the main character, Morgan, with his charm and elegance, made the transition an enjoyable one. This book is long, so don’t expect to read it in one sitting. However, there is something always going on as you turn to the next page. The author places you in the dark scenes filled with intensity. Added twists will have you anticipating what will happen next. The cast of characters are interesting and one of my favourite characters was Isabeau’s friend, Kirsty. When she barrelled into a room with a gun in hand, I was smiling. I hope she gets a story of her own because she would make a good lead heroine. The plot was well done and the dialogue was a good mixture of emotion and wit. The ending was surprising. Not the happy-ever-after I expected. Not even a happy-for-now. The ending leaves you asking questions like...What will happen to Isabeau? What will happen to the baby? What is Morgan’s next step? The epilogue, told in Morgan’s voice, was fun and hinted to a sequel, which I would look forward to reading. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.