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Dark Pleasures #0.5
Caress of Darkness
From the first moment I saw him, I knew that Rainer Engel was like no other man. Dangerously sexy and darkly mysterious, he both enticed me and terrified me.
I wanted to run–to fight against the heat that was building between us–but there was nowhere to go. I needed his help as much as I needed his touch. And so help me, I knew that I would do anything he asked in order to have both.
But even as our passion burned hot, the secrets in Raine’s past reached out to destroy us … and we would both have to make the greatest sacrifice to find a love that would last forever.
I wanted to run–to fight against the heat that was building between us–but there was nowhere to go. I needed his help as much as I needed his touch. And so help me, I knew that I would do anything he asked in order to have both.
But even as our passion burned hot, the secrets in Raine’s past reached out to destroy us … and we would both have to make the greatest sacrifice to find a love that would last forever.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2014
50 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kenner
161 books1,242 followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 11, 2018
Gotta say as a fan of this author's contemporary romance series, this prequel novella to the PNR series Dark Pleasures fell flat. A cookie-cutter plot with Swiss cheese holes and one-dimensional MCs had me flipping through the chapters hoping to find something to clue me in why it was even written.
An amulet, it seems. And a past energy life transference. Immortality stuff.
Hmmmm. *sigh* *slaps forehead*
Save yourself the $$, bec even the sex is lame.
So in my reading "head," I hear her garbled, and possible gagging, his name into something that sounded more like "Wayne."
Cause that "digit" is shoved in her mouth.
LOL
Not sexy, people.
Possibly the most unsexy thing. Ever.
No disrespect to all those Waynes of the world.
And on that cusp of misinterpreted silliness, the hero SHUSHES her by putting his finger to his lips! Oh. He'll. No. Not sexy. At. All. #arsewipe
Even after a reread to shake my brain into clarity, nothing I read after this enticed me to give a flip about Wayne and Callie's smexy times. meh.
I don't know how important these two play out within the series, but they feel like secondary over primary characters. Maybe the author just wrote it to fill out the 1001 Nights side series?
2 generous stars bec the other characters (even daddy-o in a stroke induced coma lying in his hospital bed and sending out telepathically cryptic clues to the heroine) were at least interesting. Sheesh.
An amulet, it seems. And a past energy life transference. Immortality stuff.
Hmmmm. *sigh* *slaps forehead*
Save yourself the $$, bec even the sex is lame.
...he takes the glass from my hand, then slips his finger into the liquid and slides the digit into his own mouth. My body clenches merely from the sight, and my lips tingle with awareness. “Raine.”Yet all my reading brain heard was that the "heroine" was the receiver of said "digit" in her mouth whilst they were driving in a limo...naked...to his home...after they had just met...bec she had JUST been mugged bec of said amulet and he rescued her...only an hour or two after he broke into her father's bookstore...that she was working in late at night bec daddy-o just suffered a stroke...but I digress.
He shakes his head, then withdraws his finger and holds it over his lips in a gesture of silence."
So in my reading "head," I hear her garbled, and possible gagging, his name into something that sounded more like "Wayne."
Cause that "digit" is shoved in her mouth.
LOL
Not sexy, people.
Possibly the most unsexy thing. Ever.
No disrespect to all those Waynes of the world.
And on that cusp of misinterpreted silliness, the hero SHUSHES her by putting his finger to his lips! Oh. He'll. No. Not sexy. At. All. #arsewipe
Even after a reread to shake my brain into clarity, nothing I read after this enticed me to give a flip about Wayne and Callie's smexy times. meh.
I don't know how important these two play out within the series, but they feel like secondary over primary characters. Maybe the author just wrote it to fill out the 1001 Nights side series?
2 generous stars bec the other characters (even daddy-o in a stroke induced coma lying in his hospital bed and sending out telepathically cryptic clues to the heroine) were at least interesting. Sheesh.
July 24, 2015
So, let me get this straight. I don’t read blurbs, but even if I do, I usually forget it when I am going to start reading because I don’t want assumptions and just concentrate on the reading. I tried. I usually hate myself when I give low ratings. I mean, if I can’t enjoy something, I usually just stop and forgets about the book. And maybe get back with it sometime, or forget about it. But if I do stop reading this one, I am left hanging thinking and thinking over and over so I had to finish this.
I also read somewhere in between series and it doesn’t bother me one bit. You know, I’ve read Eclipse first before I’ve read Twilight and New Moon. Yes. Seriously. But enough rant. So here goes . . .
“I’m going to kiss you, and then I’m going to touch you. I’m going to explore every inch of you, with my hands, with my lips, with my tongue. And then, Callie, I’m going to fuck you.”
Raine entered the bookstore that was supposed to be locked. Looking for an amulet. Finding Callie doing inventory, and ending her crying and bursting her heart out, her frustration. And there was instant connection, that something crackling in the air, the tension, unidentifiable thing.
Okay, I’ve already guessed there was something else, a paranormal feel like that. So the start is a slow pace that lets you settle with and get used to the feel or idea of what is about to happen.
But as I get settled down, like you know, sitting on a couch and getting my popcorn because I feel like this is something building to a great stuff, I was in for a disappointment. I know it started slowly paced for me considering there was no fucking at the first sign of spark, but then everything happened so fast it was like a blur. A push and pull of feelings already happening. I didn’t feel the romance, it was like it was just thrown for that part just so Raine would be sweet and all.
“For making life a movie musical, even if just for a few minutes.”
But, I wanted to feel it. Not be told about it. Like it was so short of telling me it was supposed to be sweet. And the endearment, I mean, after fucking Raine was already calling Callie ‘angel’. I get it, you feel the connection, and there was some essence or something whatever that meant, but really? I sometimes don’t care about terminologies or however you want to call it but using some endearment that is not babe or baby, for me should be significant. Like there should be a reason behind why you’re using it. If he have used ‘sunshine’, yeah sure because she brought the hope back to him, to not let himself succumb to insanity and feel hollow inside. But I don’t feel like angel is some way appropriate to it. I didn’t peg Raine to be the devil to need the angel.
“And this is all some sort of horrible psychological mind-fuck wherein he thinks I’m his dead wife or something.”
So, yeah. It was really a mind-fuck. Pure science, maybe? It was talking about energy and essence, just some science studies. You all learned it so you know what I mean. Multi-dimension and stuff, immortality. I guess the information was so overwhelming and Callie just felt he was right. Of course, he was. That was some science he was talking about. But, entering into the human’s dimension and Callie’s planet, okay I actually thought ‘wait. What? You’re an alien, too?’. So, if you were in another dimension, we are talking dimension, you could end up in another planet, too? Because if we’re talking dimension, can we just stay in this planet? There’s netherworld and ether and then there’s other planets, too? That was just me thinking.
I frown, not sure I’m following.
My thoughts exactly. So maybe I’m a blubbering mess, but the overwhelming information was TMI and my brain just started questioning everything. And that is something I actually hate, because I can overlook other things as long as it is in par with the story and that I-don’t-care-if-it’s-wrong feels as long as I’m enjoying but that was barrage of information after information, and yet there are still other questions in my head that are left unanswered and vague to me.
“How could I have let myself get so close because now it feels like he’s taken a knife and sliced me in two?”
So, I was supposed to feel that. I’m a crier, I admit. Little things like the heroine feeling hurt or neglected makes my throat hurt and my heart aches. Some little petty jealousy I also feel, and outrage at the thought. The heroine on the verge of crying? A tear from me fell first. Imagine that. So, to say that I’m sliced in two and not feeling even an ounce of sympathy, well, I just had to admit I felt detached and numb and not connected to the story in any way.
I had to debate with myself with my rating but the fact that so many thoughts are circling my head I can’t choose which to focus first, cemented my decision. I don’t want to be harsh or anything, but now that I’ve expressed everything, I’m feeling some sense of peace and my mind is calm and thoughts have stopped plaguing me.
This is my third 1001 Dark Nights read and so far, I’ve been let down. I hope my next read with the 1001 Dark Nights would be something I would actually enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2016
Title: Caress of Pleasure
Author: Julie Kenner
Series: 1001 Dark Night, Bundle Five
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: July 12th, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:100 pages
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
Ever since the Stark series and the Stark International series, I have been an instant fan of Julie Kenner's and when I landed on the opportunity to read Caress of Pleasure, I jumped on it. Not only was it entirely different by being part of the paranormal genre, but it also brings in the immortal and hunter aspect that carries the feeling of an undying and fated love, destined to be together throughout the years. Theirteen years have passed since Dante left Brenda and when a job has the two reuniting once again, they must decide if their love was able to survive the pain they went through so many years ago for a novella, I'm reticent to say more about the blurb or the contents of the storyline only because it goes by so quickly: one minute we're introduced to the characters, the next their whirlwind rekindling of their feelings and then the scrambling to finish the job on time, and then the novella was over. It was short for certain, so it was difficult to fully connect with the characters, but I still enjoyed it as a whole.
Review Copy of Caress Of Pleasure provided by the Author, Julie Kenner for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
Author: Julie Kenner
Series: 1001 Dark Night, Bundle Five
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: July 12th, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:100 pages
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
I'd thought that he was mine, the dark, arresting man who commanded not only my body but my heart. Dante had swept into my life, and I'd succumbed to the burn of passion in his arms.
I'd believed we had a love that would last forever, but he'd shattered my dreams and broken me into pieces when he'd walked away, taking a piece of my soul with him.
Now he has come back seeking my help, and though I try to keep my distance and protect my heart, I cannot deny that the fire between us burns hotter than ever. And I cannot help but fear that this time our passion will reduce us both to ashes..
Review:
Ever since the Stark series and the Stark International series, I have been an instant fan of Julie Kenner's and when I landed on the opportunity to read Caress of Pleasure, I jumped on it. Not only was it entirely different by being part of the paranormal genre, but it also brings in the immortal and hunter aspect that carries the feeling of an undying and fated love, destined to be together throughout the years. Theirteen years have passed since Dante left Brenda and when a job has the two reuniting once again, they must decide if their love was able to survive the pain they went through so many years ago for a novella, I'm reticent to say more about the blurb or the contents of the storyline only because it goes by so quickly: one minute we're introduced to the characters, the next their whirlwind rekindling of their feelings and then the scrambling to finish the job on time, and then the novella was over. It was short for certain, so it was difficult to fully connect with the characters, but I still enjoyed it as a whole.
Review Copy of Caress Of Pleasure provided by the Author, Julie Kenner for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
January 9, 2015
Stories like this are a guilty pleasure! A great paranormal element mixed with an extremely passionate and sexy story. Loved it!
This was really fast paced, solid story from beginning to end. I immediately liked Callie. There's a great overview of who she is and what's going on with her that really pulls you into the story. I loved that instant connection and chemistry she had with Raine. Seriously hot and steamy! There was a fantastic build in learning all the paranormal details and finding out just exactly who Raine is and how he and Callie were connected. Loved how it was all laid out.
There were some emotional moments mixed in with bits of drama as well. Nice amount of intensity at the end. I liked it all! I really liked all the characters that were introduced and I wanted to know more about them, I was excited that the epilogue hints at more and I will definitely keep reading.
Excellent and passionate paranormal romance! I'm definitely a fan. 5 stars!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
This was really fast paced, solid story from beginning to end. I immediately liked Callie. There's a great overview of who she is and what's going on with her that really pulls you into the story. I loved that instant connection and chemistry she had with Raine. Seriously hot and steamy! There was a fantastic build in learning all the paranormal details and finding out just exactly who Raine is and how he and Callie were connected. Loved how it was all laid out.
There were some emotional moments mixed in with bits of drama as well. Nice amount of intensity at the end. I liked it all! I really liked all the characters that were introduced and I wanted to know more about them, I was excited that the epilogue hints at more and I will definitely keep reading.
Excellent and passionate paranormal romance! I'm definitely a fan. 5 stars!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
April 13, 2022
Callie meets Rainer when he enters Callie's father's store after hours. Callie is there helping out because her dad recently had a stroke. He acted like he owned the place. Their meeting was just wrong. Not only is it after hours, but he acted like such an entitled asshole. But, that didn't matter because they talk and things lead to other things. It turns out they are some things in common.
I could not get into this. It was too much too soon and the pacing was just off. Add in that Callie (AKA Olivia) was a reincarnation of Rainer's dead wife Livia, this was just meh.
I could not get into this. It was too much too soon and the pacing was just off. Add in that Callie (AKA Olivia) was a reincarnation of Rainer's dead wife Livia, this was just meh.
December 16, 2019
Not my favorite novella but it was pretty short.
Caress of Darkness was meh to me. I feel like things went by crazy fast, which for a short novella seemed odd, and then I just wasn't connecting with anyone or anything. I'm usually not a fan of insta-anything and this little thing had so much of it. I feel like my brain is melting after all of it. Might try to get into the actual series just to see if things are different with the bigger books.
Caress of Darkness was meh to me. I feel like things went by crazy fast, which for a short novella seemed odd, and then I just wasn't connecting with anyone or anything. I'm usually not a fan of insta-anything and this little thing had so much of it. I feel like my brain is melting after all of it. Might try to get into the actual series just to see if things are different with the bigger books.
November 8, 2022
Great intro to the series.
December 8, 2014
Caress of Darkness is the twelfth book in the 1,001 Dark Nights Series as well as the debut work in Julie Kenner’s new series, Dark Pleasures. I was intrigued when I read the synopsis for this story and by the end of the first chapter I was completely captivated. I tried desperately to read slowly and savor the story but alas I couldn’t, and I devoured it in one sitting. It was exceptional.
Successful assistant district attorney Callie Sinclair is at her ailing father’s antique shop, trying to sort through the finances and merchandise while trying to keep her emotions in order over her father’s illness when a sexy, tattooed, imposing stranger enters. And acts like quite an ass. Both startling her and having a less than pleasant reaction to her presence in her father’s shop. It wasn’t exactly how she wanted to start the day. After his rude arrival, and a few marginally more pleasant exchanges, her feelings of anger and annoyance are quickly replaced with feelings of curiosity and, strangely, attraction. There was something about this man who called to her on a deeper level and after chatting for a little bit more, and learning of his business dealings with her father, she feels at ease. Maybe there was something to this connection she was feeling? She would certainly get the chance to explore it further when they both can’t deny the attraction. The attraction that may turn out to be a reincarnation of a long-lost love. Could fate have given two once mated souls a second chance at a happy ever?
Ranier Engel was more than a little bit disappointed when he entered the antique shop and learned the item he was searching for hadn’t been found. That disappointment was soon replaced with a feeling he never thought he would feel again after losing his mate. But here he was, starting at this beautiful woman and thinking he must have her. He couldn’t explain it to her, yet, but eventually she would learn what he was and that he has been alive for thousands of years and had a bond with her that spanned those years. Would she be able to accept what he would eventually need to explain to her? He prayed she would…he couldn’t lose her again.
I have read a lot of paranormal over the years and when I first delved into the genre, I found a few key authors that still hold a place in my heart. They gave me the love of paranormal. It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a new paranormal romance that grabbed me like those original authors had. That’s not to say I haven’t read great books, but there is something different about those first stories. I hadn’t been able to recapture that feeling…until this novella.
Maybe it’s the way Ms. Kenner describes Raine in the first few pages. Maybe it’s the way she wrote the deep, soul-bound attraction or how strong of a heroine Callie is. More than likely it’s the combination of all of that but I can tell you, whatever that magic combination is, she has captured it and wrote it into these pages. Raine is all alpha but with a softer side that had me swooning. He’s a protector. A man who wants to comfort his love. Stop her from ever feeling hurt. Callie is strong and independent. She’s understanding and knows herself well. I enjoy those character traits immensely. The heat and fiery passion between them is intense and hotter than hot.
Above all of that, what Raine is, under his human façade, is new and fresh. It’s exciting and something I haven’t read but is intriguing and well thought out. Also being introduced to characters I’m sure we will se more of throughout this series has me beyond excited.
Truly, this is the start of a series I am certain I will adore. Thank you, Ms. Kenner, for rekindling my love of the genre in writing this phenomenal story.
Successful assistant district attorney Callie Sinclair is at her ailing father’s antique shop, trying to sort through the finances and merchandise while trying to keep her emotions in order over her father’s illness when a sexy, tattooed, imposing stranger enters. And acts like quite an ass. Both startling her and having a less than pleasant reaction to her presence in her father’s shop. It wasn’t exactly how she wanted to start the day. After his rude arrival, and a few marginally more pleasant exchanges, her feelings of anger and annoyance are quickly replaced with feelings of curiosity and, strangely, attraction. There was something about this man who called to her on a deeper level and after chatting for a little bit more, and learning of his business dealings with her father, she feels at ease. Maybe there was something to this connection she was feeling? She would certainly get the chance to explore it further when they both can’t deny the attraction. The attraction that may turn out to be a reincarnation of a long-lost love. Could fate have given two once mated souls a second chance at a happy ever?
Ranier Engel was more than a little bit disappointed when he entered the antique shop and learned the item he was searching for hadn’t been found. That disappointment was soon replaced with a feeling he never thought he would feel again after losing his mate. But here he was, starting at this beautiful woman and thinking he must have her. He couldn’t explain it to her, yet, but eventually she would learn what he was and that he has been alive for thousands of years and had a bond with her that spanned those years. Would she be able to accept what he would eventually need to explain to her? He prayed she would…he couldn’t lose her again.
I have read a lot of paranormal over the years and when I first delved into the genre, I found a few key authors that still hold a place in my heart. They gave me the love of paranormal. It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a new paranormal romance that grabbed me like those original authors had. That’s not to say I haven’t read great books, but there is something different about those first stories. I hadn’t been able to recapture that feeling…until this novella.
Maybe it’s the way Ms. Kenner describes Raine in the first few pages. Maybe it’s the way she wrote the deep, soul-bound attraction or how strong of a heroine Callie is. More than likely it’s the combination of all of that but I can tell you, whatever that magic combination is, she has captured it and wrote it into these pages. Raine is all alpha but with a softer side that had me swooning. He’s a protector. A man who wants to comfort his love. Stop her from ever feeling hurt. Callie is strong and independent. She’s understanding and knows herself well. I enjoy those character traits immensely. The heat and fiery passion between them is intense and hotter than hot.
Above all of that, what Raine is, under his human façade, is new and fresh. It’s exciting and something I haven’t read but is intriguing and well thought out. Also being introduced to characters I’m sure we will se more of throughout this series has me beyond excited.
Truly, this is the start of a series I am certain I will adore. Thank you, Ms. Kenner, for rekindling my love of the genre in writing this phenomenal story.
December 7, 2014
***I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinions. ***
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC from Julie Kenner and couldn't be more thrilled!! I love this author and have all her books. When I started the book I had high expectations and she didn't disappoint. From the beginning Raine’s and Callie have an explosive chemistry that draws you in and keeps you guessing at what could happen next. When we meet Raine he has come to Callie's fathers antique shop looking for an amulet. When Callie sees him she feeld more of an attraction to him than anyone she ever has before. When he first sees her he feels the connection in a major way and when he hears she knows nothing of this amulet and her father has had a stroke he is concerned for her....it's really sweet lol. I don't want to tell you anymore because I don't want to give anything away but I will say the first major encounter between them is so freaking hot you will need to fan yourselves. The story line is so interesting you won't want to put it down. Overall I'm rating this in at 5 hearts!!!
♡♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
December 2, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an arc from the author Julie keener, I'm so glad I did. This book was so good. It draws u in from page one the connection between Raine and Callie is smoking. With out giving to much away the first moment they meet Callie feels drawn to Raine unlike any other man she has ever been with. They just met but Callie feels like she's known Raine forever. Raine shows up in Callie's fathers antique shop looking for a mysterious amulet, unfortunately callies father has suffered a stroke and is the hospital. His recovery is not looking to good so it's up to Callie to help Raine. Raine is freaking hot and he takes charge he wants Callie to come to him on her own he knows they have a deep connection . I don't want to spoil the book all I can say is you will not be disappointed. Lots of exciting moments
December 3, 2014
I received an ARC for my honest review of this book and it did not disappoint! I read this novella in 1 sitting because I couldn't leave it undone. The story flew by quickly and it was smoking hot! It was intriguing, captivating and had an interesting storyline. I'm usually not super fond of (or go out of my way looking for) immortals or the fantasy type books but I had to give this one a try. I truly don't think I've ever read a bad book from Julie Kenner!
The chemistry between Raine and Callie... Whew! It's intense, quick, yet it's totally believable. Enjoyable read.
The chemistry between Raine and Callie... Whew! It's intense, quick, yet it's totally believable. Enjoyable read.
December 19, 2014
I thought from what it was about that I wasn't going get into this book but must say really enjoy it so good.
December 10, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
So Julie Kenner’s Caress of Darkness really, really took me out of my contemporary loving comfort zone and thrust me into the world of alternate dimensions and immortals and while I’ll admit I felt a little over my head at times much like the heroine in this story I still very much enjoyed the love story and the characters. This was an action packed story but it also was a very sexy story of a love that spanned several thousand years.
It wasn’t enough that her father’s stroke turned Callie Sinclair’s life upside down because as soon as Rainer “Raine” Engel walked through the doors of the antiques shop in her heart she knew her life would never be the same. Raised by her father since the age of 4, Callie is struggling with his failing health, the decisions that must be made about his care and the career she’s put on hold back in Texas. Callie was pretty much stunned at the connection she felt for Raine the minute she meets him what she doesn’t know is that feeling is completely mutual. I felt for Callie because she was dealing with so much and meeting Raine and the intense physical reaction she has when she is with him makes it that much more difficult for her to understand everything that is happening. Raine has very caveman like tendencies and that comes from what his “life” has been like since he lost his “mate” long ago but once he meets Callie he feels something and after their first sexual encounter he is convinced that they have a unique connection. I could truly identify with Callie as she tried desperately to grasp the world in which she was thrown into and make sense of everything that was happening; the one thing that was evident from very early on was the connection and eventually love she felt for Raine. I truly admire her for standing up for what she wanted and making Raine understand that she was not going to take anything less that his love for her.
This was my first book by author Julie Kenner and it was easy to see why she is a New York Times bestselling author as she paints very vivid pictures with her words and completely draws the reader in to the story with her compelling story and intense characters and I will be checking out her full J. Kenner contemporary line in the near future because of it. I’ll admit as someone who is not a paranormal reader at times I was a little overwhelmed with the information that came at me fast and furious in this novella but it was also easy to separate that part of the story and concentrate on the sexy and beautiful love story between two people who were meant to be together.
I really have to thank the ladies at Evil Eye productions and the 1001 Dark Nights series and authors like Julie Kenner for helping me explore different genres and discovering new and exciting authors. Although I had never read any of the other Dark Pleasures novels, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by jumping in and reading this book; it stood alone on its own merit. So Julie Kenner’s Caress of Darkness really, really took me out of my contemporary loving comfort zone and thrust me into the world of alternate dimensions and immortals and while I’ll admit I felt a little over my head at times much like the heroine in this story I still very much enjoyed the love story and the characters. This was an action packed story but it also was a very sexy story of a love that spanned several thousand years.
It wasn’t enough that her father’s stroke turned Callie Sinclair’s life upside down because as soon as Rainer “Raine” Engel walked through the doors of the antiques shop in her heart she knew her life would never be the same. Raised by her father since the age of 4 Callie is struggling with his failing health, the decisions that must be made about his care and the career she’s put on hold back in Texas. Callie was pretty much stunned at the connection she felt for Raine the minute she meets him what she doesn’t know is that feeling is completely mutual. I felt for Callie because she was dealing with so much and meeting Raine and the intense physical reaction she has when she is with him makes it that much more difficult for her to understand everything that is happening. Raine has very caveman like tendencies and that comes from what his “life” has been like since he lost his “mate” long ago but once he meets Callie he feels something and after their first sexual encounter he is convinced that they have a unique connection. I could truly identify with Callie as she tried desperately to grasp the world in which she was thrown into and make sense of everything that was happening; the one thing that was evident from very early on was the connection and eventually love she felt for Raine. I truly admire her for standing up for what she wanted and making Raine understand that she was not going to take anything less that his love for her.
This was my first book by author Julie Kenner and it was easy to see why she is a New York Times bestselling author as she paints very vivid pictures with her words and completely draws the reader in to the story with her compelling story and intense characters and I will be checking out her full J. Kenner contemporary line in the near future because of it. I’ll admit as someone who is not a paranormal reader at times I was a little overwhelmed with the information that came at me fast and furious in this novella but it was also easy to separate that part of the story and concentrate on the sexy and beautiful love story between two people who were meant to be together.
I really have to thank the ladies at Evil Eye productions and the 1001 Dark Nights series and authors like Julie Kenner for helping me explore different genres and discovering new and exciting authors. Although I had never read any of the other Dark Pleasures novels, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by jumping in and reading this book; it stood alone on its own merit. Caress of Darkness is a sensual dark tale of lust, love, and immortality and I truly enjoyed every minute of it.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
So Julie Kenner’s Caress of Darkness really, really took me out of my contemporary loving comfort zone and thrust me into the world of alternate dimensions and immortals and while I’ll admit I felt a little over my head at times much like the heroine in this story I still very much enjoyed the love story and the characters. This was an action packed story but it also was a very sexy story of a love that spanned several thousand years.
It wasn’t enough that her father’s stroke turned Callie Sinclair’s life upside down because as soon as Rainer “Raine” Engel walked through the doors of the antiques shop in her heart she knew her life would never be the same. Raised by her father since the age of 4, Callie is struggling with his failing health, the decisions that must be made about his care and the career she’s put on hold back in Texas. Callie was pretty much stunned at the connection she felt for Raine the minute she meets him what she doesn’t know is that feeling is completely mutual. I felt for Callie because she was dealing with so much and meeting Raine and the intense physical reaction she has when she is with him makes it that much more difficult for her to understand everything that is happening. Raine has very caveman like tendencies and that comes from what his “life” has been like since he lost his “mate” long ago but once he meets Callie he feels something and after their first sexual encounter he is convinced that they have a unique connection. I could truly identify with Callie as she tried desperately to grasp the world in which she was thrown into and make sense of everything that was happening; the one thing that was evident from very early on was the connection and eventually love she felt for Raine. I truly admire her for standing up for what she wanted and making Raine understand that she was not going to take anything less that his love for her.
This was my first book by author Julie Kenner and it was easy to see why she is a New York Times bestselling author as she paints very vivid pictures with her words and completely draws the reader in to the story with her compelling story and intense characters and I will be checking out her full J. Kenner contemporary line in the near future because of it. I’ll admit as someone who is not a paranormal reader at times I was a little overwhelmed with the information that came at me fast and furious in this novella but it was also easy to separate that part of the story and concentrate on the sexy and beautiful love story between two people who were meant to be together.
I really have to thank the ladies at Evil Eye productions and the 1001 Dark Nights series and authors like Julie Kenner for helping me explore different genres and discovering new and exciting authors. Although I had never read any of the other Dark Pleasures novels, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by jumping in and reading this book; it stood alone on its own merit. So Julie Kenner’s Caress of Darkness really, really took me out of my contemporary loving comfort zone and thrust me into the world of alternate dimensions and immortals and while I’ll admit I felt a little over my head at times much like the heroine in this story I still very much enjoyed the love story and the characters. This was an action packed story but it also was a very sexy story of a love that spanned several thousand years.
It wasn’t enough that her father’s stroke turned Callie Sinclair’s life upside down because as soon as Rainer “Raine” Engel walked through the doors of the antiques shop in her heart she knew her life would never be the same. Raised by her father since the age of 4 Callie is struggling with his failing health, the decisions that must be made about his care and the career she’s put on hold back in Texas. Callie was pretty much stunned at the connection she felt for Raine the minute she meets him what she doesn’t know is that feeling is completely mutual. I felt for Callie because she was dealing with so much and meeting Raine and the intense physical reaction she has when she is with him makes it that much more difficult for her to understand everything that is happening. Raine has very caveman like tendencies and that comes from what his “life” has been like since he lost his “mate” long ago but once he meets Callie he feels something and after their first sexual encounter he is convinced that they have a unique connection. I could truly identify with Callie as she tried desperately to grasp the world in which she was thrown into and make sense of everything that was happening; the one thing that was evident from very early on was the connection and eventually love she felt for Raine. I truly admire her for standing up for what she wanted and making Raine understand that she was not going to take anything less that his love for her.
This was my first book by author Julie Kenner and it was easy to see why she is a New York Times bestselling author as she paints very vivid pictures with her words and completely draws the reader in to the story with her compelling story and intense characters and I will be checking out her full J. Kenner contemporary line in the near future because of it. I’ll admit as someone who is not a paranormal reader at times I was a little overwhelmed with the information that came at me fast and furious in this novella but it was also easy to separate that part of the story and concentrate on the sexy and beautiful love story between two people who were meant to be together.
I really have to thank the ladies at Evil Eye productions and the 1001 Dark Nights series and authors like Julie Kenner for helping me explore different genres and discovering new and exciting authors. Although I had never read any of the other Dark Pleasures novels, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by jumping in and reading this book; it stood alone on its own merit. Caress of Darkness is a sensual dark tale of lust, love, and immortality and I truly enjoyed every minute of it.
March 8, 2017
I couldn't connect with the characters. Everything went too fast and, at the same time, too slow for me to really appreciate the story.
Moreover, I really HATE insta-love/lust/whatever you call it between the protagonists of a romance
Moreover, I really HATE insta-love/lust/whatever you call it between the protagonists of a romance
March 4, 2017
Will Love win out
Callie Sinclair is attracted to Rainer Engel but her innate distrust and fear means she keeps running away from him. When she realises the attraction to Raine is mutual her attitude changes. The plot of the story moves quickly and both characters must learn to trust each other.
Callie Sinclair is attracted to Rainer Engel but her innate distrust and fear means she keeps running away from him. When she realises the attraction to Raine is mutual her attitude changes. The plot of the story moves quickly and both characters must learn to trust each other.
December 9, 2014
I'm kind of a recovering PNR addict. I overdosed on it years ago when Anne Rice first started writing about vampires and it ended with Sookie Stackhouse. (I don't even think I finished that series.) My recovery process has been slow and I'll admit that I dabble in PNR when the mood strikes. The Three Series by Kristen Ashley is the only PNR series that I've consistently read.
Enter 1,001 Dark Nights and my genre horizon is broadening a bit... just a bit.
I really enjoyed Caress of Darkness. It was a quick 80 pages that if real life had not intruded, I would've easily read it in one sitting. One thing I need to remind myself, is that (for lack of a better word) "instalove" is more common in PNR and that I need to get used to it. I'll admit that I do enjoy the connection that the characters have so quickly and easily due to other worldly reasons. Raine and Callie had great chemistry from the get-go and let me tell you, they were smokin' hot together. Holy crap. There was a bit of back and forth on Callie's part and I guess that would be normal when you're a regular old human and a guy like Raine comes along and rocks your world in a number of ways. Raine recognizes something in Callie that draws him to her in a way that cannot be denied and Callie slowly comes to realize that their connection is quite deep and undeniable.
According to an interview Ms. Kenner did with the lovely Jillian of Read Love Blog , this is only the beginning of Ms. Kenner's erotic paranormal series. Personally, I know I'm interested in reading more about the characters that are introduced in Caress of Darkness.
Purchase: Amazon
This review was originally posted on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
December 13, 2014
3.75 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2014
From the first moment I saw him, I knew that Rainer Engel was like no other man. Dangerously sexy and darkly mysterious, he both enticed me and terrified me.
I wanted to run–to fight against the heat that was building between us–but there was nowhere to go. I needed his help as much as I needed his touch. And so help me, I knew that I would do anything he asked in order to have both.
But even as our passion burned hot, the secrets in Raine’s past reached out to destroy us … and we would both have to make the greatest sacrifice to find a love that would last forever.
REVIEW: 3.75 stars
FROM THE PUBLISHER: 1001 Dark Nights is inspired by The Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights. In the original Scheherazade desperately attempts to entertain her husband, the King of Persia, with nightly stories so that he will postpone her execution. This series is a spin on the premise and creating new stories that a new Scheherazade might tell. A mix of sexy and romantic, paranormal and erotic. One novella will be published each month starting January 2014.
~~
CARESS OF DARKNESS is the introductory novella in J.Kenner’s contemporary, adult, erotic romance Dark Pleasures, fantasy/paranormal series published as part of the 1001 Dark Nights series. This is Raine Engel and Callie Sinclair’s storyline- a story of insta love that crosses dimensions, worlds and centuries.
Told from first person (Callie) and third person points of view, the novella will begin to familiarize the reader with some of the background information about the exclusive Dark Pleasures Club and the Phoenix Brotherhood- a group of immortal warriors and hunters whose mission it is to find a powerful amulet that will allow the immortals to cross between the dimensions. But there is always the requisite evil and in this the ‘fuerie’ will be searching for the amulet as well.
We will be introduced to Raine’s fellow members in the Phoenix Brotherhood-Dante, Mal, Liam and his mate Jessica. The Phoenix is a bird that rose from the ashes and in this the symbolism is a reflection of the Brotherhood and their gift of immortal life.
Because CARESS OF DARKNESS is an introductory novella I felt like some important information and background history is still missing –almost a loss of cohesion to the premise. The story focuses on the quickly building relationship between Callie and Raine -an erotic alliance that brings together the past with the present but a bit of a distraction to the overall story; Callie's emotional well being and fragility; and the cryptic messages left behind by her ailing father pointing to a connection between Callie and Raine.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2014
From the first moment I saw him, I knew that Rainer Engel was like no other man. Dangerously sexy and darkly mysterious, he both enticed me and terrified me.
I wanted to run–to fight against the heat that was building between us–but there was nowhere to go. I needed his help as much as I needed his touch. And so help me, I knew that I would do anything he asked in order to have both.
But even as our passion burned hot, the secrets in Raine’s past reached out to destroy us … and we would both have to make the greatest sacrifice to find a love that would last forever.
REVIEW: 3.75 stars
FROM THE PUBLISHER: 1001 Dark Nights is inspired by The Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights. In the original Scheherazade desperately attempts to entertain her husband, the King of Persia, with nightly stories so that he will postpone her execution. This series is a spin on the premise and creating new stories that a new Scheherazade might tell. A mix of sexy and romantic, paranormal and erotic. One novella will be published each month starting January 2014.
~~
CARESS OF DARKNESS is the introductory novella in J.Kenner’s contemporary, adult, erotic romance Dark Pleasures, fantasy/paranormal series published as part of the 1001 Dark Nights series. This is Raine Engel and Callie Sinclair’s storyline- a story of insta love that crosses dimensions, worlds and centuries.
Told from first person (Callie) and third person points of view, the novella will begin to familiarize the reader with some of the background information about the exclusive Dark Pleasures Club and the Phoenix Brotherhood- a group of immortal warriors and hunters whose mission it is to find a powerful amulet that will allow the immortals to cross between the dimensions. But there is always the requisite evil and in this the ‘fuerie’ will be searching for the amulet as well.
We will be introduced to Raine’s fellow members in the Phoenix Brotherhood-Dante, Mal, Liam and his mate Jessica. The Phoenix is a bird that rose from the ashes and in this the symbolism is a reflection of the Brotherhood and their gift of immortal life.
Because CARESS OF DARKNESS is an introductory novella I felt like some important information and background history is still missing –almost a loss of cohesion to the premise. The story focuses on the quickly building relationship between Callie and Raine -an erotic alliance that brings together the past with the present but a bit of a distraction to the overall story; Callie's emotional well being and fragility; and the cryptic messages left behind by her ailing father pointing to a connection between Callie and Raine.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 29, 2014
Shel: I'm not sure I knew this would have elements of paranormal-ish things in it? But you know what...it'd been a while since I'd read anything remotely like this and it was something a little different for me and that's really not a bad thing. Court: It was an interesting development, to say the least.
Shel: The story of Raine and Callie is not one that evolves over time; it begins very quickly and their relationship moves so very rapidly. On the one hand it worked--I suspended all reality and just went with it, and if you do this, it makes their almost instant love not feel so quick to happen. They had this instant connection (that is explained a little later) and more than anything, that's the focus of this novel--this love, this sense of each other... Court: Yes. That is true. Things are explained eventually, and I realized that with a novella things were going to probably go at warp speed. I think that if you go into it knowing that, it will be quite an enjoyable experience. Think outside the box, I say...as your jedi leader. Think beyond. Haha.
Shel: On the other hand, --even though I know it's a novella, it feels like it should be a novel (but lacks the detail as it is). I think it could be a full story with a slower plot, more development, and more of a natural unraveling of things. I think there's so much that could be done with this story and I wished that there had been more to it. While this seems a bit whiny, I suppose it's a good thing, right? It means I was interested in it enough to want to see more of it. Court: I have to agree with you on that too. I think that with paranormal there is some set up that is required for the world to make as much sense as it can. It is one of my favorite genres, and to be trying to follow a love story, and enter a new world and figure out all of the rules...it can be very daunting for me as the reader.
Shel: Anyway, while Raine and Callie and their relationship is in the forefront of this story, in the background there's the story of Raine and his brotherhood, the amulet,and Callie's life. I have a feeling that as this series develops there will be more about all of this. And even with a few things that I thought could be improved on in the novella, I was and am curious about how these characters all find their happy endings. Court: Yes. We cannot doubt that Julie can keep us on the hook for a good story. And a sexy one. I would definitely like to see where it goes.
Shel: The story of Raine and Callie is not one that evolves over time; it begins very quickly and their relationship moves so very rapidly. On the one hand it worked--I suspended all reality and just went with it, and if you do this, it makes their almost instant love not feel so quick to happen. They had this instant connection (that is explained a little later) and more than anything, that's the focus of this novel--this love, this sense of each other... Court: Yes. That is true. Things are explained eventually, and I realized that with a novella things were going to probably go at warp speed. I think that if you go into it knowing that, it will be quite an enjoyable experience. Think outside the box, I say...as your jedi leader. Think beyond. Haha.
Shel: On the other hand, --even though I know it's a novella, it feels like it should be a novel (but lacks the detail as it is). I think it could be a full story with a slower plot, more development, and more of a natural unraveling of things. I think there's so much that could be done with this story and I wished that there had been more to it. While this seems a bit whiny, I suppose it's a good thing, right? It means I was interested in it enough to want to see more of it. Court: I have to agree with you on that too. I think that with paranormal there is some set up that is required for the world to make as much sense as it can. It is one of my favorite genres, and to be trying to follow a love story, and enter a new world and figure out all of the rules...it can be very daunting for me as the reader.
Shel: Anyway, while Raine and Callie and their relationship is in the forefront of this story, in the background there's the story of Raine and his brotherhood, the amulet,and Callie's life. I have a feeling that as this series develops there will be more about all of this. And even with a few things that I thought could be improved on in the novella, I was and am curious about how these characters all find their happy endings. Court: Yes. We cannot doubt that Julie can keep us on the hook for a good story. And a sexy one. I would definitely like to see where it goes.
April 28, 2016
*I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest review*
For fans of Julie Kenner's erotic novels, this one doesn't disappoint. However, this isn't your typical erotic novella. Ms. Kenner has thrown in some time travel components, along with some fantasy elements that include furies and Phoenixes. Callie has returned to NY to close up her father's antique store after he has suffered a stroke. When Rainier enters the store late one night Callie is drawn to him like a bee to a flower. She feels this inexplicable connection to this stranger, almost as if they've known each other for centuries. What Callie doesn't know, is that she has the essence of Raine's former wife Livia in her. Raine has been searching for Livia for centuries when they were separated. He has thrown his life in the path of danger time and again, slowly leaching the humanity out of him, because, as a Phoenix, he cannot die. When the pair first meet, Raine realizes that his connection to Callie is not just because she is beautiful, but because her soul calls to him on a deeper level. When Raine explains to Callie why they are so drawn to each other, Callie freaks and runs. She then has to figure out if Raine is really in love with her, or who she used to be, before she loses him forever.
Unfortunately, there were parts of this book that were incredibly confusing to me, and as someone who doesn't care for fantasy, I wasn't as in love with this book as someone who is as into the fantasy genre as others might be. I also felt that this book moved very slowly. For a short story, it felt very long. I love Ms. Kenner's writing, and I love how she can create a romantic story and make you want to switch places with the main character, but for the first time, reading one of her stories, I did not want to switch places.
If you are a true fan of fantasy, you will not be disappointed. If you are a fan of erotic romance, you will not be disappointed. And if you like short stories, then this one is for you.
A word to the reader: Read the blurb at the beginning of the story- it will help to explain some of what this story is based on.
For fans of Julie Kenner's erotic novels, this one doesn't disappoint. However, this isn't your typical erotic novella. Ms. Kenner has thrown in some time travel components, along with some fantasy elements that include furies and Phoenixes. Callie has returned to NY to close up her father's antique store after he has suffered a stroke. When Rainier enters the store late one night Callie is drawn to him like a bee to a flower. She feels this inexplicable connection to this stranger, almost as if they've known each other for centuries. What Callie doesn't know, is that she has the essence of Raine's former wife Livia in her. Raine has been searching for Livia for centuries when they were separated. He has thrown his life in the path of danger time and again, slowly leaching the humanity out of him, because, as a Phoenix, he cannot die. When the pair first meet, Raine realizes that his connection to Callie is not just because she is beautiful, but because her soul calls to him on a deeper level. When Raine explains to Callie why they are so drawn to each other, Callie freaks and runs. She then has to figure out if Raine is really in love with her, or who she used to be, before she loses him forever.
Unfortunately, there were parts of this book that were incredibly confusing to me, and as someone who doesn't care for fantasy, I wasn't as in love with this book as someone who is as into the fantasy genre as others might be. I also felt that this book moved very slowly. For a short story, it felt very long. I love Ms. Kenner's writing, and I love how she can create a romantic story and make you want to switch places with the main character, but for the first time, reading one of her stories, I did not want to switch places.
If you are a true fan of fantasy, you will not be disappointed. If you are a fan of erotic romance, you will not be disappointed. And if you like short stories, then this one is for you.
A word to the reader: Read the blurb at the beginning of the story- it will help to explain some of what this story is based on.
December 28, 2014
So what a fun and steamy HAWT read. Or should I say BURNING HOT!! LOL This is the first book in a new series which I am now going to read them all. I'm not quite sure if the little blurb really does justice to this book, but I need to say that you should read this one. If you like some good romance with some paranormal in there, some unique paranormal, and a wonderful new story line, you're gunna wanna grab this one up!! It's not a huge book, but I so can't wait to see what's in store for the next book!
So, Callie has come home. She's a very good district attorney in Texas, but her father is really sick and now, she needs to close his business and see about getting him near her. Well that all changes when she meets Raine. Oh boy. But just wait, he walks in like he owns the place, curses at her, then wants to act all sweet when he realizes he was an ass. But he makes up for it. But he came in because Callie's father is helping him find something to help his species. Yep, he's something totally HAWT, no I won't tell you because I loved the surprise. I loved that Raine wanted to give Callie space, but couldn't. I loved that Callie didn't want to just jump into a relationship she didn't understand how she was attracted to a stranger. Then, Callie starts having weird dreams, and feeling like she's seeing things, and Raine is a little weird. It's all part of the romantic mystery that unravels as you go.
The little mystery plot is very cool too. When you find out what Raine and his friends are, how they work, and where they are from it begins to get fun. Things are just getting to the good stuff at the ending and though it wraps up nicely, it totally leaves things open for the next book. You know, cuz we need that incentive to need more LOL And with Raine and Callie's new relationship, I totally hope she makes him work really hard for it. LOL The writing is fantastic. I loved the way it flowed and I never stopped turning the pages. I couldn't put it down. So with that said, there's some FIERY awesomeness going on... Anybody catching my hints about fire... and I think you guys should all jump for this one! And I am so glad there's going to be MORE!! Cuz I want it... Gimme gimme!! :) so 5 FIERY PAWS! or HAWT PAWS LOL :)
So, Callie has come home. She's a very good district attorney in Texas, but her father is really sick and now, she needs to close his business and see about getting him near her. Well that all changes when she meets Raine. Oh boy. But just wait, he walks in like he owns the place, curses at her, then wants to act all sweet when he realizes he was an ass. But he makes up for it. But he came in because Callie's father is helping him find something to help his species. Yep, he's something totally HAWT, no I won't tell you because I loved the surprise. I loved that Raine wanted to give Callie space, but couldn't. I loved that Callie didn't want to just jump into a relationship she didn't understand how she was attracted to a stranger. Then, Callie starts having weird dreams, and feeling like she's seeing things, and Raine is a little weird. It's all part of the romantic mystery that unravels as you go.
The little mystery plot is very cool too. When you find out what Raine and his friends are, how they work, and where they are from it begins to get fun. Things are just getting to the good stuff at the ending and though it wraps up nicely, it totally leaves things open for the next book. You know, cuz we need that incentive to need more LOL And with Raine and Callie's new relationship, I totally hope she makes him work really hard for it. LOL The writing is fantastic. I loved the way it flowed and I never stopped turning the pages. I couldn't put it down. So with that said, there's some FIERY awesomeness going on... Anybody catching my hints about fire... and I think you guys should all jump for this one! And I am so glad there's going to be MORE!! Cuz I want it... Gimme gimme!! :) so 5 FIERY PAWS! or HAWT PAWS LOL :)
December 21, 2014
A love that transcended time…
Callie Sinclair’s father has suffered a stroke and she has come back to New York from Texas to be with him and to see to his care. As she is doing the inventory of his antiques shop she is surprised by one of his clients looking for an amulet that her father had obtained for him. This man is like no other she has ever met. He is a total stranger but there is something about him that calls to her on a deep internal level. There is more than a physical attraction to this man who exudes sexiness and has an air of danger about him. His presence seems to fill a need that she has always felt but not known how to fill and it terrifies her. She runs from him while she questions her own motives but the mysterious thread that exists between them cannot be denied for long. How she handles the truths that he will reveal to her showed the strength of her character. I do like a strong heroine.
Rainer Engel is no mere mortal man. He has deep dark secrets. Upon meeting the daughter of a man he considered a friend he feels a strong connection that he hasn’t felt in centuries. It doesn’t take him long to figure out whom Callie is to him and he’ll do what it takes to have her in his life but he will have to move carefully for the secrets he keeps could send this mortal woman running and never looking back. He never thought he’d have a second chance at love but fate had deemed otherwise.
This was a very sexy paranormal romance with a strong leaning toward science fiction that I found very interesting. The idea of the Phoenix Brotherhood, who they are and what they do, kept my attention. I found the writing style mesmerizing; there was edginess to the tale shadowed by darkness and suspense that intrigued me. I like the theme of the phoenix and the cycles of rebirth in flames. This was a very good start to a new series and I am looking forward to more. This book is of novella length.
What I didn’t like was that there was anal sex with a finger in the first sex scene; for this reader it was a total turn-off. I miss the days when I could trust books not to have such distasteful activities in them.
Callie Sinclair’s father has suffered a stroke and she has come back to New York from Texas to be with him and to see to his care. As she is doing the inventory of his antiques shop she is surprised by one of his clients looking for an amulet that her father had obtained for him. This man is like no other she has ever met. He is a total stranger but there is something about him that calls to her on a deep internal level. There is more than a physical attraction to this man who exudes sexiness and has an air of danger about him. His presence seems to fill a need that she has always felt but not known how to fill and it terrifies her. She runs from him while she questions her own motives but the mysterious thread that exists between them cannot be denied for long. How she handles the truths that he will reveal to her showed the strength of her character. I do like a strong heroine.
Rainer Engel is no mere mortal man. He has deep dark secrets. Upon meeting the daughter of a man he considered a friend he feels a strong connection that he hasn’t felt in centuries. It doesn’t take him long to figure out whom Callie is to him and he’ll do what it takes to have her in his life but he will have to move carefully for the secrets he keeps could send this mortal woman running and never looking back. He never thought he’d have a second chance at love but fate had deemed otherwise.
This was a very sexy paranormal romance with a strong leaning toward science fiction that I found very interesting. The idea of the Phoenix Brotherhood, who they are and what they do, kept my attention. I found the writing style mesmerizing; there was edginess to the tale shadowed by darkness and suspense that intrigued me. I like the theme of the phoenix and the cycles of rebirth in flames. This was a very good start to a new series and I am looking forward to more. This book is of novella length.
What I didn’t like was that there was anal sex with a finger in the first sex scene; for this reader it was a total turn-off. I miss the days when I could trust books not to have such distasteful activities in them.
December 14, 2014
Let me just start off by saying, I SO needed this book! Caress of Darkness gave me a quick escape from my contemporary erotic norm. I never knew how much I needed some paranormal sexiness in my world until I finished this one up by the incredibly talented Julie Kenner. Die hard fans of authors like Lara Adrian and Kresley Cole will EAT THIS UP! It will satisfy your craving for the paranormal like you wouldn’t believe! There is nothing like being thrust into a world of alternate dimensions, portals, sexy alpha immortals, and blades made of flame.
Caress of Darkness was a great introduction to Ms. Kenner’s Dark Pleasures series. This novella introduced us to so many great characters and gave us insight as to what we should expect from this series. The Phoenix Brotherhood, let’s just say, there are so many great stories that could come out of this group of immortal alpha’s and I can’t wait to devour each and every one of them!
This was a quick read for me, standing at about 80 pages, give or take, but it was also a very fulfilling read for me. Raine and Callie’s love story will leave you breathless and very, very hot. This isn’t just an insta-love romance between two people who just met. Caress of Darkness is a love story that goes back centuries, a love story that knows no bounds, no dimensions, no limits. This is a love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will love the rush you get when you dive into this new world. Julie Kenner satisfied my paranormal cravings and I guarantee it will satisfy yours as well.
Read more of my reviews at Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Caress of Darkness was a great introduction to Ms. Kenner’s Dark Pleasures series. This novella introduced us to so many great characters and gave us insight as to what we should expect from this series. The Phoenix Brotherhood, let’s just say, there are so many great stories that could come out of this group of immortal alpha’s and I can’t wait to devour each and every one of them!
This was a quick read for me, standing at about 80 pages, give or take, but it was also a very fulfilling read for me. Raine and Callie’s love story will leave you breathless and very, very hot. This isn’t just an insta-love romance between two people who just met. Caress of Darkness is a love story that goes back centuries, a love story that knows no bounds, no dimensions, no limits. This is a love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will love the rush you get when you dive into this new world. Julie Kenner satisfied my paranormal cravings and I guarantee it will satisfy yours as well.
Read more of my reviews at Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
November 11, 2015
Ok... Just ok.... Nothing Special at least not for me.....
Raine and Callie ( or Livia) , well let's just say I got to chapter 6 and skipped to the end to see that they did end up together and I was, well "good" .... I felt soo little interest in them or their story I was in ok without knowing exactly how they got there, Honestly I found them ,well,kinda boring, I mean you one minute I felt their intense connection and the next she's running scared which honestly felt kinda at odds with fact that she was what supposedly at distract attorney in Dallas Tx. and a little bit of a slut "looking for love in all the wrong places" but of course runs when she finds a real connection with a man and that "man" let's her even though she's the reincarnation of the mate he lost 3000 yrs. ago... Coz of course she'll come back ? Riiiggghhhttt ;( They felt HOT ...I mean RED HOT!! ( though the whole giving her commands and her mindlessly following them is sooooo NOT MY THING!!! It never gets me hot for a guy to Command a woman to strip then play with herself,aaaaaaaaaaaa No. that's not a mental image I need, now her saying to him, well that getting the red blooded woman excited ;) and Callie sorry but she just seemed to mixed/messed up at this mess for me...
But that's ok, I honestly like the freedom I feel to NOT FINISH this book and despite what I've said I wouldn't dissuade you from reading it, it honestly didn't do it for me and I just feel kinda thrilled by the freedom I feel for once to be able to let got of a book that just wasn't doing it for me.. Soo many times like any bad relationship you feel the need to see a book thru to the end sometimes out pure curiosity even when the book is making you unhappy/miserable or just plain bored and for once it just feels great to let go and just not care ;)
And I don't ,it's nice Raine and Callie found each other again but I don't care how they got there ;)
Good bye ;)
Raine and Callie ( or Livia) , well let's just say I got to chapter 6 and skipped to the end to see that they did end up together and I was, well "good" .... I felt soo little interest in them or their story I was in ok without knowing exactly how they got there, Honestly I found them ,well,kinda boring, I mean you one minute I felt their intense connection and the next she's running scared which honestly felt kinda at odds with fact that she was what supposedly at distract attorney in Dallas Tx. and a little bit of a slut "looking for love in all the wrong places" but of course runs when she finds a real connection with a man and that "man" let's her even though she's the reincarnation of the mate he lost 3000 yrs. ago... Coz of course she'll come back ? Riiiggghhhttt ;( They felt HOT ...I mean RED HOT!! ( though the whole giving her commands and her mindlessly following them is sooooo NOT MY THING!!! It never gets me hot for a guy to Command a woman to strip then play with herself,aaaaaaaaaaaa No. that's not a mental image I need, now her saying to him, well that getting the red blooded woman excited ;) and Callie sorry but she just seemed to mixed/messed up at this mess for me...
But that's ok, I honestly like the freedom I feel to NOT FINISH this book and despite what I've said I wouldn't dissuade you from reading it, it honestly didn't do it for me and I just feel kinda thrilled by the freedom I feel for once to be able to let got of a book that just wasn't doing it for me.. Soo many times like any bad relationship you feel the need to see a book thru to the end sometimes out pure curiosity even when the book is making you unhappy/miserable or just plain bored and for once it just feels great to let go and just not care ;)
And I don't ,it's nice Raine and Callie found each other again but I don't care how they got there ;)
Good bye ;)
December 11, 2014
I'm not sure how I would feel learning that I have the essence of my boyfriend's dead ex inside of me, but Callie pulls her big girl panties up and deals with it in CARESS OF DARKNESS.
Lonely and afraid of losing her dad after a debilitating stroke, Callie Sinclair finds an unexplainable and almost otherworldly connection with her father's friend, Rainer Engel. For some reason she finds herself drawn to the man, immediately in lust and quickly tumbling head first into love for him. She has a feeling that being with Raine would open a dangerous door that she won't be able to close, and when she learns the truth about Raine's background...and her own...Callie will have to decide whether this weird and otherworldly connection to Raine is worth pursuing.
CARESS OF DARKNESS is a novella in the Dark Pleasures series by Julie Kenner, and also a stand-alone book in the innovative and fun 1001 Dark Nights series featuring magical and mystical erotic stories by a variety of popular authors inspired by the classic The Arabian Nights tale.
I was quickly enamored by this story, not able to wait to find out exactly what, or who, Raine is. Callie's background was very interesting, and it took on an almost paranormal scavenger hunt quality that was intriguing. I wish that Ms. Kenner would've explored that element a bit more, but I did like her character driven focus, too.
Saying too much about this story would give away the mystery and fun that was elemental to the enjoyment of CARESS OF DARKNESS, so I'll just note that I really found myself in love with this story and can't wait to pick up more in both the Dark Pleasures series by Ms. Kenner and also the 1001 Dark Nights series.
Lonely and afraid of losing her dad after a debilitating stroke, Callie Sinclair finds an unexplainable and almost otherworldly connection with her father's friend, Rainer Engel. For some reason she finds herself drawn to the man, immediately in lust and quickly tumbling head first into love for him. She has a feeling that being with Raine would open a dangerous door that she won't be able to close, and when she learns the truth about Raine's background...and her own...Callie will have to decide whether this weird and otherworldly connection to Raine is worth pursuing.
CARESS OF DARKNESS is a novella in the Dark Pleasures series by Julie Kenner, and also a stand-alone book in the innovative and fun 1001 Dark Nights series featuring magical and mystical erotic stories by a variety of popular authors inspired by the classic The Arabian Nights tale.
I was quickly enamored by this story, not able to wait to find out exactly what, or who, Raine is. Callie's background was very interesting, and it took on an almost paranormal scavenger hunt quality that was intriguing. I wish that Ms. Kenner would've explored that element a bit more, but I did like her character driven focus, too.
Saying too much about this story would give away the mystery and fun that was elemental to the enjoyment of CARESS OF DARKNESS, so I'll just note that I really found myself in love with this story and can't wait to pick up more in both the Dark Pleasures series by Ms. Kenner and also the 1001 Dark Nights series.
December 15, 2014
Callie Sinclair is more than a little overwhelmed as she attempts to manage the finances and products in her ailing father’s antiques store. Already at the end of her emotional rope, Callie is taken aback when Rainer Engel walks in demanding to see a mysterious amulet promised to him by Callie’s father. Annoyance turns to attraction as she continues speaking to Rainer and soon she begins to feel the pull of a sudden but deep and soul-searing connection to this man. What Callie doesn’t know is that part of her soul was once bonded to Rainer and he will stop at nothing to get her back and rekindle the bond they once enjoyed as mates.
I’ve been out of the paranormal genre for a while, ever since the rash of books following the Twilight phenomenon and the downward spiral of the Sookie Stackhouse series – I needed a break. This novella may be just the thing I needed to get back into the genre. Rainer is a strong alpha-male who is fiercely protective of who and what he believes to be his, namely Callie. Callie is a strong, independent woman who knows her own mind and isn’t swayed (too much) by Rainer’s charm and good looks. The soul-bond between them is a fun trait to explore since Callie is not as fully bonded as Rainer and I enjoyed watching these two fall in love with each other, soul-bonded or not.
A very intense, quick, and satisfying read.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’ve been out of the paranormal genre for a while, ever since the rash of books following the Twilight phenomenon and the downward spiral of the Sookie Stackhouse series – I needed a break. This novella may be just the thing I needed to get back into the genre. Rainer is a strong alpha-male who is fiercely protective of who and what he believes to be his, namely Callie. Callie is a strong, independent woman who knows her own mind and isn’t swayed (too much) by Rainer’s charm and good looks. The soul-bond between them is a fun trait to explore since Callie is not as fully bonded as Rainer and I enjoyed watching these two fall in love with each other, soul-bonded or not.
A very intense, quick, and satisfying read.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 23, 2014
Spellbound! The bond, aura of mystery and immediate sensual bond between our main characters is the hook that will not let me move on after reading this book.
From the moment they set eyes on each other, Raine and Callie feel it surround them, drive them to each other, and finally consume them. Raine is a mysterious man who fills the room with his command and his aura of warmth and safety. Callie can hardly control herself just having met this stranger, from curling up in his arms and share her father's untimely illness. From that moment on, these two are entwined.
Callie is in the process of packing her father's antique shop after he suffered a stroke. There are life decisions to make - close the store, arrange for a long term care facility to transfer her father to closer to her home, and returning to work as an assistant district attorney in Texas. Never did she anticipate being in a situation where her father would be in need of constant care.
Raine has had a long term relationship with Callie's father, as a customer of the antique shop. Searching for a certain amulet has brought them together. Now with Callie's father unable to talk, Raine can only wonder if the amulet will be found.
This story grips you with its complexity and promise of a thrilling journey of discovery. There are thrilling adventures I can visualize as they search for the amulet and this love affair flourishes. Is this the great beginning to a notable series?
From the moment they set eyes on each other, Raine and Callie feel it surround them, drive them to each other, and finally consume them. Raine is a mysterious man who fills the room with his command and his aura of warmth and safety. Callie can hardly control herself just having met this stranger, from curling up in his arms and share her father's untimely illness. From that moment on, these two are entwined.
Callie is in the process of packing her father's antique shop after he suffered a stroke. There are life decisions to make - close the store, arrange for a long term care facility to transfer her father to closer to her home, and returning to work as an assistant district attorney in Texas. Never did she anticipate being in a situation where her father would be in need of constant care.
Raine has had a long term relationship with Callie's father, as a customer of the antique shop. Searching for a certain amulet has brought them together. Now with Callie's father unable to talk, Raine can only wonder if the amulet will be found.
This story grips you with its complexity and promise of a thrilling journey of discovery. There are thrilling adventures I can visualize as they search for the amulet and this love affair flourishes. Is this the great beginning to a notable series?
December 17, 2014
4.5 stars!!
Rainer Engel is bad ass. With tattoos, money and a powerful demeanor no wonder Callie could not resist his charms.
After her father has a stroke, Callie leaves her law firm in Dallas to move to New York to take care of her father and his antique store. She didn’t expect meeting someone like Rainer and she has no clue why she is so drawn to him.
Rainer realizes that he is attracted to Callie in more ways than just sex. It’s a deep connection that goes back hundreds of years. And now that he has found here he is not going to lose her again.
Being immortal has it’s perks but dying and being reborn over and over again, he risks losing his humanity. Something his kind struggles to hold on to. Fighting a war that no human knows exists until Callie. He lets her in to his world but can he convince her that they are destined to be together before it’s too late?
My Thoughts: Wow I admit at first I struggled with this book. I thought that Rainer and Callie’s relationship was unrealistic to have just met. But as you can see from my rating that my feelings quickly changed. Total page turner! I could not stop reading until I was finished. I feel in love with the entire brotherhood and can’t wait to read the others in this series!
Rainer Engel is bad ass. With tattoos, money and a powerful demeanor no wonder Callie could not resist his charms.
After her father has a stroke, Callie leaves her law firm in Dallas to move to New York to take care of her father and his antique store. She didn’t expect meeting someone like Rainer and she has no clue why she is so drawn to him.
Rainer realizes that he is attracted to Callie in more ways than just sex. It’s a deep connection that goes back hundreds of years. And now that he has found here he is not going to lose her again.
Being immortal has it’s perks but dying and being reborn over and over again, he risks losing his humanity. Something his kind struggles to hold on to. Fighting a war that no human knows exists until Callie. He lets her in to his world but can he convince her that they are destined to be together before it’s too late?
My Thoughts: Wow I admit at first I struggled with this book. I thought that Rainer and Callie’s relationship was unrealistic to have just met. But as you can see from my rating that my feelings quickly changed. Total page turner! I could not stop reading until I was finished. I feel in love with the entire brotherhood and can’t wait to read the others in this series!
April 27, 2015
Ahhhhh, these books are the only time that jumping into a fire sound inviting. Although the heat you feel from this novella isn’t from the Phoenix fire. Dante and Brenna have been separated for thirteen years and they have a lot of catching up to do. As you’d expect, the chemistry between them hasn’t been forgotten and the sparks fly between them.
I love love love these short novellas from Julie. She quickly transports you to another world, and then hits you over the head with an adorable sweet love story. There isn’t long, drawn out he-said-she-said shit that drags out for ages. You want them together? You fucking get them together. You want the next piece of the story? IT’S RIGHT THERE, TURN THE PAGE. I loved it!
Caress of Darkness is a great addition to this series. It’s filled with love, drama, and that J. Kenner heat that you’ve come to expect. Great read!
[I received an ARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review]
Check out this & other reviews on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com
I love love love these short novellas from Julie. She quickly transports you to another world, and then hits you over the head with an adorable sweet love story. There isn’t long, drawn out he-said-she-said shit that drags out for ages. You want them together? You fucking get them together. You want the next piece of the story? IT’S RIGHT THERE, TURN THE PAGE. I loved it!
Caress of Darkness is a great addition to this series. It’s filled with love, drama, and that J. Kenner heat that you’ve come to expect. Great read!
[I received an ARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review]
Check out this & other reviews on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com
January 18, 2016
Great, all-too-short read! I'm late to the party here as this come out 2 years ago, but I'm just now discovering J Kenner. I loved this book and after digging around finally found more! Because of the length Kenner dives right in to the heart and heat of things but it works. I feel ready to understand anything that comes after. The insta-chemistry is easy to roll with in no time as the connection is actually centuries old, and the sex is intense. The story also has incredible texture in that I was able to get lost in the visualization of the look of the characters, the club, even the paranormal aspect was well written, and unique! I loved the spin on who these folks are and where (when?) they are from. Can't wait to read more! Julie Kenner has written a great leading woman in Callie. She is smart, driven, and totally in control of herself/actions/reactions. Confronted with a fantastical circumstance, she rolls with it, and Raine, as he takes her on a roller coaster ride through centuries of love and loss. Like I said, it's short and to the point, but not without feeling.
December 12, 2014
What a fantastic beginning to a hot new series that has both romance and a paranormal twist to it!
Callie has come home to help take care of her sick father and his antique business. While dealing with going through his financial papers and the merchandise one day she comes face to face with a sexy stranger who has been doing business with her father. There is something about this man that draws her to him and their chemistry is off the charts. Raine is searching for an amulet and needs her help. He too feels this connection and knows the reason behind it. Revealing that and so much more may have this woman that is his second chance at love running fast in the other direction.
Not only does this book set up the rest of the series giving much background, but it also gives us a wonderful love story with passion and intrigue. I loved Callie and Raine's story and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I give Caress of Darkness 5 hearts!
Callie has come home to help take care of her sick father and his antique business. While dealing with going through his financial papers and the merchandise one day she comes face to face with a sexy stranger who has been doing business with her father. There is something about this man that draws her to him and their chemistry is off the charts. Raine is searching for an amulet and needs her help. He too feels this connection and knows the reason behind it. Revealing that and so much more may have this woman that is his second chance at love running fast in the other direction.
Not only does this book set up the rest of the series giving much background, but it also gives us a wonderful love story with passion and intrigue. I loved Callie and Raine's story and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I give Caress of Darkness 5 hearts!
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