Dark Heart of the Sun

Dark Destinies #1

by S.K. Ryder

Destiny has a plan for her. So does the vampire she just moved in with…

A relationship gone wrong lands rookie journalist Cassidy Chandler in off-the-beaten-track South Florida. As she settles into her new job and a run-down rental cottage, challenges abound. But none greater than her unexpected roommate, volatile Frenchman Dominique Marchant. He’s got a fondness for sharp swords and obnoxious commentary, and Cassidy struggles to ignore him – until she realizes he harbors secrets even darker than his eyes.

Only last year, Dominique was a carefree playboy in the sun-drenched Caribbean. Now he’s a vampire confined to the night and tormented by the lives he must take. When the intrepid Cassidy invades his hideaway, he sees a way out of his immortal misery. If only he can maneuver her into ending him before his bloodlust ends her.

Instead, Dominique is swept into Cassidy’s chaotic life and finds something he thought lost for good – his humanity. Soon, he desires her in ways that can never be fulfilled while she continues to unravel the mystery of the troubled man stealing her heart. Discovering his truth could kill her. But a secret from her own past is about to find them…and this one could destroy them both.

This is book 1 of Dark Destinies, a series that combines a gritty supernatural world with an against-the-odds struggle for redemption and the power of love to overcome even the most daunting challenges. The series is perfect for fans of fish-out-of-water characters, slow-burn romance, and small-town paranormal suspense.

Editorial

"A fantastical journey and a brave new take on the Vampire genre, present day Florida is the setting for the first installment to what should be a beacon for vampire junkies." ~InD'tale Magazine

“This was fast-paced read, with plenty of action, romance and witty dialog.” ~ Uncaged Book Reviews

“I love a gritty story when it comes to the supernatural and Dark Heart of the Sun pushed all the right buttons.” ~ Lampshade Reader

“Combines the wonder of vampires with the dark and gritty life that they must lead... A great start to Ryder's new series. I definitely can't wait to see what happens next.” ~ Pure Jonel

Reader

“A paranormal romance that is so much more.”

“A Beautiful Love Story where Belief in your Mate is the Key to Everything.”

“If you are looking for a fresh take on vampires in a great book you won’t want to put down, you must give Dark Heart of the Sun a read.”

“Not only do I recommend this work, but I suggest you read it over a weekend, because you won't be able to put it down.”

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Suspense

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2016

About the author

S.K. Ryder writes paranormal and science fiction fantasy featuring fish-out-of-water characters forced to deal with reality gone wrong. Her stories reflect her deep love of nature and are filled with adventure, suspense, humor, and romance. Though she currently calls South Florida home, she has lived in Germany and Canada and has traveled widely, usually in the hot pursuit of wild and scenic spaces. When not writing or working as a freelance programmer, she enjoys plotting her next scuba diving or river rafting trip, beach combing, or just getting lost in a book. Should push comes to shove, she can also bake a halfway decent cake and stand on her head, though not (usually) at the same time.

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Website: http://skryder.com

Reviews

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Review:
I don't read nearly as many vampire books as I used to because I've struggled to find any lately that are my kinda books. I decided to give this a chance though, and I ended up enjoying it enough to read the entire trilogy! In many ways it's your typical paranormal romance. But in other ways, it stands out, and it's also just a well-written series with a good story.

What I Disliked:

- It did have many of the usual paranormal romance tropes. The sexy, tortured vampire hero who sees himself as a monster. The fierce but kindhearted partner who sees the good in him. A tragic backstory for everyone. (But remember, tropes aren't inherently bad, it just depends what you like.)

- There was one thing that happened, and in order to continue the series, I had to just pretend it didn't happen. *SPOILER* Dominic (the love interest) sexually assaulted Cassidy (the protag). She literally begged him to stop and tried to push him away. He did it because he wanted to die, wanted to convince her that he was really a monster and make her hate him enough that she'd drag him out into the sun the next day while he was unconscious, but I don't care what his reasons were. They don't excuse his actions. Of course Cassidy forgave him because she understood his reasons afterward, but I could not like him after that, not if I accepted that as canon, which is why I made the decision to just pretend it wasn't. *END SPOILER* (A non-spoiler summary: trigger warning for sexual assault.)

- I didn't lower my rating for this, but I really wanted all three main characters to get together in a polyamorous relationship and was disappointed that didn't happen. It would've made so much sense given the situation and made for an awesome enemies-to-lovers romance involving a vampire and a vampire hunter, plus it seemed like the author was hinting at it for a while.

What I Liked:

- Vampires! I didn't really understand their uniqueness until the second book, but I like the typical sexy-but-dangerous vampire anyway. What I did find unique in this book was the underwater thing. I'd never read about vampires hanging out underwater and feeding from sharks, so that was fun. I guess it would make sense though if they don't need air. It was kinda funny to me, but also freaking terrifying. Can you imagine vampires just emerging from the water???

- I liked Cassidy. She was smart (most of the time), hardworking, and compassionate toward Dominic. She didn't fall all over his corny lines just because he was sexy though.

- Cassidy also had possibly the most realistic reactions to terrifying situations that I've ever read. It seems most characters just calmly go along with things or turn into total badasses as soon as the shit hits the fan. Cassidy's reactions felt very natural and believable though.

- Random, but I loved that Dominic called Cassidy's cat "Little Brother" since they're both predators.

- The author did a great job of showing the different perspectives. Yeah, Jackson was more of a nuisance than a help, and I was not ok with all his decisions, but I could understand why he was doing most of what he was doing. He was working with a different set of information, and his assumptions made sense based on what he knew. But I could also understand Cassidy's and Dominic's frustrations with him.

- As I said, there were some of the typical tropes, but the book wasn't overly trope-y. The romance progressed in a believable enough way, and although the romance was the focus of this one, bigger things were hinted at for the next two books.

Overall:

The book didn't blow me away, but I definitely enjoyed it (aside from that one thing). The writing was good, the vampires were interesting, and the story kept me intrigued!

Recommended For:
Anyone who likes vampires with a bit of uniqueness, romance, enemies-to-friends, and tortured heroes who just want to be loved.

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one!

This is the kind of darkness I adore!

It’s been awhile since I lost myself in a good vampire story and I was excited to not only be reading Dark Heart of the Sun but also to discover a new to me author, S.K. Ryder. A well-paced, slow burn romance which included a sultry, brooding Frenchman who happened to come with a set of fangs!

Dominic was a charming and reluctant newly turned vampire. He was doing his best to stay under the radar of the coastal town of Key West. His sanctuary is compromised when Cassidy, a local reporter decides to end her engagement and start life anew in the same holiday rental as Dominic.

Cassidy’s ex-fiance is the complete opposite of Dominic and I had no doubt as to which man I would be cheering for, it was Dominic all they way! Not only did he have a way with words, the guy had the whole charming business well and truly honed.

While there were a couple of vampire traits I wondered about, the overall romance and story-line kept me thoroughly entertained. It had suspense, fear, humour and super-hot chemistry. What impressed me most of all, was story didn’t rely on between the sheets action to entertain. It didn’t deviate from sensual moments, rather utilising banter and depicting their attraction through their nightly encounters.

The secondary characters, including a suspicious cat were splendid in fleshing out the story without overshadowing the struggles Cassidy and Dominic experienced in merging their lifestyles. I can’t wait to read the next book and hopefully catch up with Cassidy and Dominic a bit more as well!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (6/6/2018)!💝

[Brenda Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut story, Dark Heart of the Sun, S.K. Ryder introduces the reader to a world that is rich and varied. There are lots of interesting people and creatures.
The story opens with Cassidy calling off her engagement to vampire hunter, Jackson Striker. When Cassidy inadvertently stumbles on a handsome vampire named Dominic, all kinds of interesting adventures happens. I’ll not give away any spoilers. Just know that this story has enough twists and turns to keep readers interested and turning the pages.
If you are looking for a fresh take on vampires in a great book you won’t want to put down, you must give Dark Heart of the Sun a read. A round of applause from me to Ms. Ryder for her creativity and talent. I can’t wait to read more from this new writer.

[Punkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

Drama everywhere. It was interesting but the vampire but wasn't a big part. It was more the drama between key players. Kind of liked the writing style no interest in second book. The little brother and serge were my favorites.

[Melissa Mitravich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Heart of the Sun is the first book in the Dark Destinies series by S.K. Ryder. The story revolves around Cassidy and how one day life is all good and the next day it’s flipped upside down. Though, I do think Cassidy did one heck of a job copping and going with the flow. I didn’t like our hunky French Vampire, Dominic, at first. He came across as a pompous prick, but I quickly warmed up to him, a lot. As for Cassidy’s ex, Jackson, my biggest issue was due to other reviews. Thank goodness I didn’t read any before I started this book. Okay, so you find out pretty quickly in the story what Jackson’s deal is, but I didn’t have a clue, so those reviews that give away Jackson’s secret are spoilers. The synopsis doesn’t even give his secret away. Anyways, rant done and moving on. The story switches POV between a few characters, editing was good, and the story flows at a steady pace of twists and turns. It’s a book appropriate for YA and up. Overall, well done. I liked the book and give it (4) stars. I received a copy from Romance Authors That Rock, in exchange for an honest review.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Dark Destinies series and the main characters are rookie journalist Cassidy Chandler and former playboy and now a youngling vampire Dominique Marchant. Cassidy has split from her wealthy boyfriend/fiancé Jackson, after meeting his family and him not defending her from the rude things his father and uncle say about her and how unsuitable she is to be his wife! She tells Jackson they are over and all she now has is a new job at a local paper, from a recommendation his mother had made, but nowhere to even stay. She ends up finding a rundown holiday cottage for rent and makes a deal to help clean for a cheaper deal. The cabin obviously wasn’t ready for the season and being in southern Florida, having no working air con was a bit of a disaster, as well as needing to be completely gutted and cleaned. There was one room she couldn’t access, as it was locked and she thought it was probably just a junk storeroom or similar. What she doesn’t realise is that the cabin in fact belongs to Dominique’s family and he is occupying that locked room. Cassidy is worn out getting the place cleaned and then starting her new job, as well as dealing with Jackson calling her every day, trying to get her to come back to him. Dominique finally appears in front of her one night, naked and on his way to use the shower! He goes out every night to try and sate his bloodlust, never having been taught anything by the vampire who sired him.

He is hopeful that Cassidy could kill him and end his life of misery since he became a vampire, but he has to keep hidden exactly what he is. He refuses to leave and annoys her no end, but also has a tragic past that intrigues the journalist in her and she starts to look into his story and his life on St Bart’s. Her job is not going as well as she hoped, being stuck on obituaries and not much chance of getting a reference from the editor before he retires. She wants to get stuck into some more interesting stories, such as the possible serial killer who is leaving headless corpses all along the coast. She has no proven experience on big stories and is constantly put down by the main reporter who does such stories for the paper. She finds Dominique has a pair of Samurai swords hanging in his room and rides a large motorcycle he travels around on, wearing his black leathers all the time. She starts feeling more for him than she does for Jackson, which makes her wonder why, especially since he is always so sarcastic with her and rude. Trying to figure out his secrets, soon has her embroiled in some huge secrets about Jackson and his own family and a particular Foundation his family have run for the last few centuries. Add in another vampire, who looks like a demented homeless person, who tries to mentor Dominique in a way, but also speaks in riddles about seeing the light in Cassidy, helps to keep her safe from Dominique’s bloodlust. A trail of bodies brings in another player, much older and more powerful, who also wants the light from within Cassidy, and even Jackson can’t save her this time. A cracking girl’s weekend that ends in danger and brings back memories of an evening with Jackson on the beach she couldn’t remember, plus huge sacrifices for the one you love, as secrets of Cassidy’s own blood come to light! A fantastic vampire tale with a twist, with mad looking Serge, a long run vampire hunting family line and a journalist just starting out who places herself into danger chasing stories.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidy Chandler is done with her relationship with fiance Jackson Striker. She is tired of him not sticking up for her with his family. She decides to find her own place from a rental agency and begins work as a budding reporter for the Orchard Breeze Gazette.

Dominic Marchant is surprised to find a woman living in his house. He has had his own difficult past and soon he meets Serge who becomes a mentor for him.

When Cassidy's past relationships with Jackson comes back to interfere with her life and Dominic. Yet there are things about Jackson that she had no idea about and soon she sees a different side of him.

Can Dominic and Cassidy protect each other from what they are up against?

This is a good introduction to the series with some great twists and turns to keep the reader wanting to know what happens next.

I really liked Cassidy and I was super proud of her for leaving a bad relationship. That being said there was so much she didn't know about the Striker family and why she had to be careful about how far they were willing to go to protect their secrets. I loved how dedicated she was to her job and how she wasn't about to let her work "bullies" get in her way.

Dominic was very mysterious and I was very interested in his past and how he became what he was. I liked how his relationship with Serge changed and evolved into almost a mentor-ship. I loved how protective he was over Cassidy and vowed to keep her safe from any threats.

I was shocked at what happened with the Striker Family and I was blown away by the incident on the plane and everything that occurred on it. I was not surprised at what Dominic was willing to do to keep Cassidy safe.

The end kept me intrigued for sure and I like how it all turned out!

[Geneva Handleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story! Great characters, multiple layers of emotion from everyone, and fantastic action scenes! Starting out like most romance novels, it was entertaining enough to draw me in quickly, and keep me reading. Boy, am I glad I did! An angst-ridden vampire sex god shows up in a back bedroom? Fantasy of my life right there!

Seriously, though, it's well written and has an awesome premise with hints of future stories. Possibly a full series? At least a chapter two! As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I give this a full five stars! Can't wait to read more about these two!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

There sure are a lot of really talented authors coming out here lately or I am just now getting to read their work.
This was an excellent book with a fast paced story that have really good characters that really draw you into the story. Makes you feel like you are part of it. To me that is an exceptional author.
There is plenty of action and intrigue, keeping you guessing just how things are going to go. This one really kept me on my toes, not wanting to put the book down until I had finished it.
I would highly recommend this book to all other readers who love a good story and an excellent author.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise!

It's not often you find an author that can paint a beautiful picture with words especially when writing a vampire story. SK Ryder is one of those wonderful authors. I'm so glad to have found this author and this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and went ahead and purchased the next two in the trilogy. Ya me! I liked everything about this story from the lead character to the bad guys to the environment and the flow that the story unfolded. Just an all around great read! I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys a good belligerence. Oh and no tacky porn scenes just beautifully written love scenes.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

this story is amazingly detailed and it descriptive writing makes me feel like I can hear heart beats and the wind blowing. Cassie has had loss in her life but is engaged to Jackson but his family hasn't been giving her a warm welcome. She has her doubts about their relationship and is overcome with sadness that she thinks that their relationship is coming to an end so she takes her cat and leaves knowing she has little money and no job but she's on a mission to take charge of her life. she's lucky enough to find by the beach to rent a run down dump of a house but she'll make it her home. But little does she know how much trouble is sleeping in this house.

[Holly Bargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Beautifully written, this story twists and turns with passion, terror, excitement, and sweet, sweet romance. Solid character development gives each personality depth. The author's skill with weaving a story captures the reader and engages her attention to the last word. You won't skim through the chapters in this book. I seldom give any book five stars, but this one impresses me.

[Trish Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique new look on vampire life and a great read!

I really enjoyed this book. The author had a unique and different outlook on what vampires are like and that was refreshing. Cassidy was a very strong female heroine. She had been thru traumas in her past and used those to make herself stronger. Dominic is a hero you have to love; he is so tortured by the monster inside him that your heart can't help falling at his feet.

[Jane Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Heart of the Sun

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were different, strange and intoxicating. I read it in one sitting unable to put it down until the last word. It's inspired writing always leaves you wanting more. Usually I can feel the way the story will unwind but definitely not this superbly written novel. I will definitely be reading more of SK Rider's books.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastical journey and a brave new take on the Vampire genre, present day Florida is the setting for the first installment to what should be a beacon for vampire junkies.

Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my kind of vamp romp! Cass and Dominic are interesting and intriguing characters that spice up a fast-paced plot full of secrets, seduction and suspense. This isn't your run-of-the-mill neckfest.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This book was soooo good. Very different than what I'm used to when it comes to a vampire book. Wish there was more romance. Loved the action and storyline. Loved Cassidy and Dominic together wish they didn't fight it so much. Loved the end they finally let something happen.

[S.J. McGarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense page turner

This was a new twist into the world of vampires . The characters were easy to fall in love with and root for their survival. The story was mind boggling. Waging a constant battle to hang on to humanity was exhausring and yet, through the power of their love and bonding, control the beast within.

[Marg Siegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different vamp love story

I am still not sure if I liked this read Ok, so it is an untypical vampire story. There are different aspects to this tale. I was unsure if the gal would end up with the vamp or her old boyfriend who didn't seem bad.
I have to say I am not a fan.
TA TA

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

5stars - no cliffhanger

A refreshing vampire novel, with most of the common vampirism there, just without the ‘sparkle’ and with a great plot to keep you guessing. There’s a secret hunter clan, a nosy reporter and some very loveable vamps. Best thing is this is a stand-alone full length novel. But I really want more of Dominic and his Cherie... think I’ll go hunt down book 2.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this - particularly how the depiction of Florida is actually accurate (rare). As far as vampire romance goes, it's not bad. I found the action to drag at times - like putting a day between events is just weird. I also couldn't understand some of the action scenes, but I may have been speed-reading and missing stuff.

[Marianne Boutet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your run-of-the-mill vampire read! I had a few niggles about editing, but the world-building, the plot, the characters, the romance combined to make an un-put-down-able read. And, hallelujah - no cliff-hanger ending!

[Mrz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!

You think when you've read one vampire take that you've read them all. This one was refreshing!!! Worthy of 5 stars!!!! So hard to not put a spoiler in here. But I won't ruin it for anyone else. If you're reading this review GET THIS BOOK!!!!

[Rae v Sarcasm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written

This is honestly one of the better written vampire novels I've read in recent times. The action and storyline were fantastic. I loved the characters and felt they were perfectly written. I am excited to read the next in the series.

[Bonita B Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different take on vampire lore.

I really enjoyed this tale of vampires,vampire hunters,love and uncontrollable urges. Definitely worth reading and I'll be buying the next book to see what happens next

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

So close to five stars. I found the last part of the last chapter over-done, but I'm guessing that, and the loose plot threads, play out in subsequent books. This was surprisingly good, and that's from a reader not overly fond of vampire love stories.

[Gwamsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassidy and Dominic

There is an abundance of clever repartee and crisp, intelligent world building in this tale of vampiric love. Dominic is ‘sensual force of nature’ and Cassidy is equal to him with her shining humanity. I recommend this book.

[Ina Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired

A new spin which you cannot help but get invested in. So glad there are 2 more books, I have already downloaded number 2. The side characters also make you laugh or cringe or say "oh no!!" Love it.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, this is wonderfully well written and a refreshingly original vampire story. The darkness in both human hunters and vampires has me hooked on these great characters! Very much looking forward to the next installment!!