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Sundown
Holden Jenkins had been born under unusual circumstances...and in fact nothing about his life was very 'usual' from that day forward. Half human...and half vampire, he'd taken the nickname 'Sundown', given to him by his adopted grandmother when she realized that he seemed to thrive when the sun set and he loved to stay awake all night.
He'd been conceived shortly after his father had been bitten...before he'd known what was happening to him and had fully changed. His birth had killed his human mother, something that he'd never been able to forgive himself for, and because of which he'd vowed to hunt down and destroy as many of his own kind as possible. He'd been raised by the old Cherokee woman who had delivered him...and who'd taught him to control his animal instincts, and his thirst for blood. Under her care and guidance, he'd learned to harness his strength and elevated perceptions that would later come in handy when he'd decided to become a bounty hunter.
His life had been simple....sleep in the day, hunt at night and go where the money is. That is until he'd met and rescued a young boy who was being held hostage by Elias Jacobson, a wanted criminal who had brutally murdered the boy's parents.
Sundown decides to take the youngster with him to find an adoptive family in the closest nearby town. It's there that he meets Miss Jolene...the madam running a whorehouse, who isn't what she seems to be, and her beautiful auburn haired niece, Clover whose icy blue eyes and sweet kiss makes him begin to wonder if love is possible for a bounty hunter with no place to call home and secrets that none could ever know.
When Clover is kidnapped by Elias's brother Vernon, a vampire with vengeance on his mind and blood lust in his eyes, Sundown knows that he'll stop at nothing to bring her back safe and sound.
He'd been conceived shortly after his father had been bitten...before he'd known what was happening to him and had fully changed. His birth had killed his human mother, something that he'd never been able to forgive himself for, and because of which he'd vowed to hunt down and destroy as many of his own kind as possible. He'd been raised by the old Cherokee woman who had delivered him...and who'd taught him to control his animal instincts, and his thirst for blood. Under her care and guidance, he'd learned to harness his strength and elevated perceptions that would later come in handy when he'd decided to become a bounty hunter.
His life had been simple....sleep in the day, hunt at night and go where the money is. That is until he'd met and rescued a young boy who was being held hostage by Elias Jacobson, a wanted criminal who had brutally murdered the boy's parents.
Sundown decides to take the youngster with him to find an adoptive family in the closest nearby town. It's there that he meets Miss Jolene...the madam running a whorehouse, who isn't what she seems to be, and her beautiful auburn haired niece, Clover whose icy blue eyes and sweet kiss makes him begin to wonder if love is possible for a bounty hunter with no place to call home and secrets that none could ever know.
When Clover is kidnapped by Elias's brother Vernon, a vampire with vengeance on his mind and blood lust in his eyes, Sundown knows that he'll stop at nothing to bring her back safe and sound.
- GenresParanormalVampires
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2015
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Lucas
16 books80 followersAfter reading countless romance novels, Cynthia Lucas decided to put her love of writing and 'the desire to inspire' to good use and write her own.
Her first self-published novel, When Lightning Strikes, combines her love of exotic culture, time-travel, swashbuckling and heated romance. It has garnered excellent reviews from readers who want more of her enchanting writing style that leaves them feeling as though they've lived the story. The book has been enjoying a lengthy stay in the Top 20 of Amazon.com's Top 100 Best Sellers in Time Travel Romance and has recently reached #1, and after countless requests for a sequel, QUICKSILVER MOON was released in the fall of 2012.
An avid blogger who often writes short articles for her own and others sites, Ms. Lucas says she finds one of the greatest pleasures in life, is helping other artists and writers to ignite their creative spark, and get their 'inner glow' going so that they too, may reach for their star.
Cynthia is also an accomplished singer/songwriter in the musical act NORTH 2 SOUTH and is an international songwriting competition Song of the Year nominee and award winning vocalist and lyricist. She currently resides in Largo, FL with her husband of twenty years, their daughter and several pets, including exotic birds and wildlife that she rehabs as a hobby.
Other titles by Ms. Lucas: Blood from a Stone (2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards Second Round Pick); a modern-gothic romance sprinkled with a bit of paranormal intrigue, plenty of humor and is a touching story of redemption and the power of the human spirit. It has received glowing reviews from readers and reviewers alike.
Her first self-published novel, When Lightning Strikes, combines her love of exotic culture, time-travel, swashbuckling and heated romance. It has garnered excellent reviews from readers who want more of her enchanting writing style that leaves them feeling as though they've lived the story. The book has been enjoying a lengthy stay in the Top 20 of Amazon.com's Top 100 Best Sellers in Time Travel Romance and has recently reached #1, and after countless requests for a sequel, QUICKSILVER MOON was released in the fall of 2012.
An avid blogger who often writes short articles for her own and others sites, Ms. Lucas says she finds one of the greatest pleasures in life, is helping other artists and writers to ignite their creative spark, and get their 'inner glow' going so that they too, may reach for their star.
Cynthia is also an accomplished singer/songwriter in the musical act NORTH 2 SOUTH and is an international songwriting competition Song of the Year nominee and award winning vocalist and lyricist. She currently resides in Largo, FL with her husband of twenty years, their daughter and several pets, including exotic birds and wildlife that she rehabs as a hobby.
Other titles by Ms. Lucas: Blood from a Stone (2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards Second Round Pick); a modern-gothic romance sprinkled with a bit of paranormal intrigue, plenty of humor and is a touching story of redemption and the power of the human spirit. It has received glowing reviews from readers and reviewers alike.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 3, 2016
3.5
I picked this one up for a challenge and to say I was wary is an understatement. A western romance with a half vampire. Hmm. That just had disaster written all over it.
So now is when I admit that I was wrong. Though a bit moony, this was an enjoyable read. There wasn't a lot of detail about the world around the characters, which was a little disappointing, but the whole book was more about acceptance and it did convey that well.
Plus I kept picturing Sundown like this in my head
In one word - delightful
I picked this one up for a challenge and to say I was wary is an understatement. A western romance with a half vampire. Hmm. That just had disaster written all over it.
So now is when I admit that I was wrong. Though a bit moony, this was an enjoyable read. There wasn't a lot of detail about the world around the characters, which was a little disappointing, but the whole book was more about acceptance and it did convey that well.
Plus I kept picturing Sundown like this in my head
In one word - delightful
March 3, 2016
Fans of Western novels will enjoy “Sundown”. The classic tale of love and redemption in the west goes well with its paranormal elements.
Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 18, 2019
Exceptional...good, easy reading leaving you wanting to read faster to get to the next chapter. Loved this book.
October 29, 2015
This is a western paranormal with a bit of romance. I recommend this for adults only due to the sexual content. The book can be read as a stand alone, but it was left open ended therefore, I hope there will be more books in the near future. This story proves the point people are not always as they may seem, stop judging. Sundown is a amazing character, not only has he learn to tame his inner beast, he has a tender heart at times, even if he hates to admit it. And let's not forget he has long hair, amazing eyes and a muscled body, do I need to say more?! OK ok.... I wasn't to sure about Clover at first, she didn't have much of a backbone and for me that was a let down. But with a little encouragement from Sundown she sure developed one. With every book there usually is someone that I despise, well Jolene meets that criteria, most of her actions were unacceptable, no matter the reason. I just could not forgive her, completely. I will stop now or I could go on and on... just read the book, it is a great read, very entertaining.
Sundown was conceived during his father's transition into a vampire, his father left and never came back. His mother died birthing him, something he never forgave himself for, but she didn't die without first begging for his life to be spared. The Cherokee woman who delivered Sundown took him in as her own. She taught him to control his hunger. She helped him deal with his mistakes and learn from them. Because of her, he chose to do good with his vampire traits and becomes a bounty hunter.
Sundown lived an uneventful life other than collecting bounties. He went where he was needed and left just as quickly. Until he happens across a bounty who has a kidnapped boy in their possession. Determined to make the situation right, he takes in the boy, to find him a new home. Sundown with his boy in tow, heads into the next town when he happens to meet Clover. Everything is fixing to change for all involved. Question is can others accept Sundown for what he is? Will they keep his secret?
Favorite passages:
"The old Indian medicine woman lay by the campfire on a woolen blanket... her long grey hair in a tangled mess around her shoulders as the young man next to her cradled her in his arms."
"The way I see it you're way more human than a lotta men who are... or who claim to be."
"We all know greatness as we walk our own path... but our greatest moments come as we walk with others, knowing their joys, their pains and sharing our own."
"And as it washed over his own trouble spirit, he felt peace he'd never known before."
"The sound of the crickets chirping was soothing against the quiet backdrop of the night sky."
"A love so strong that even though I will be gone, he will be here."
"The rocking chair on the front porch began to move in the wind, and he was sure that she was right there beside them enjoying the time of day she's named him after all those years ago." <3
Sundown was conceived during his father's transition into a vampire, his father left and never came back. His mother died birthing him, something he never forgave himself for, but she didn't die without first begging for his life to be spared. The Cherokee woman who delivered Sundown took him in as her own. She taught him to control his hunger. She helped him deal with his mistakes and learn from them. Because of her, he chose to do good with his vampire traits and becomes a bounty hunter.
Sundown lived an uneventful life other than collecting bounties. He went where he was needed and left just as quickly. Until he happens across a bounty who has a kidnapped boy in their possession. Determined to make the situation right, he takes in the boy, to find him a new home. Sundown with his boy in tow, heads into the next town when he happens to meet Clover. Everything is fixing to change for all involved. Question is can others accept Sundown for what he is? Will they keep his secret?
Favorite passages:
"The old Indian medicine woman lay by the campfire on a woolen blanket... her long grey hair in a tangled mess around her shoulders as the young man next to her cradled her in his arms."
"The way I see it you're way more human than a lotta men who are... or who claim to be."
"We all know greatness as we walk our own path... but our greatest moments come as we walk with others, knowing their joys, their pains and sharing our own."
"And as it washed over his own trouble spirit, he felt peace he'd never known before."
"The sound of the crickets chirping was soothing against the quiet backdrop of the night sky."
"A love so strong that even though I will be gone, he will be here."
"The rocking chair on the front porch began to move in the wind, and he was sure that she was right there beside them enjoying the time of day she's named him after all those years ago." <3
November 24, 2015
If you love Cowboys, the old west, bounty hunters, human/vampire half breeds who are bounty hunters you will love this book. I read it in two sittings. Sundown is a bounty hunter since his mother died at birth and his vampire father (still in transition) left before he was born. He was raised to be honorable in how he 'ate' and when he was old enough he decided to hunt down and bring to justice those criminals on wanted posters and if he ran into that scum who was his father . . . well that would be the bonus. As you can expect, life gets in his way taking down several bad bad men for their bounty. A boy, Caleb, rides with him to the nearest town where Sundown hopes to find him a decent family to adopt. While there, Clover wins his heart. From there Sundown sort of turns the towns folks upside down challenging there way of looking at things.
Cynthia Lucas defines the character of each person you meet on Sundown's journey so well that you think of them as people. Residents of a real Southwestern town. Never mind that he is a half-breed and that there are full on vampires living among the humans in town. This story quickly grabbed me and pulled me into another era and for a time, I was living and breathing in that town and was so happy with the ending which I will not share here. I am looking forward to buying the second book in this series.
Cynthia Lucas defines the character of each person you meet on Sundown's journey so well that you think of them as people. Residents of a real Southwestern town. Never mind that he is a half-breed and that there are full on vampires living among the humans in town. This story quickly grabbed me and pulled me into another era and for a time, I was living and breathing in that town and was so happy with the ending which I will not share here. I am looking forward to buying the second book in this series.
September 18, 2015
How was the west won?? One drop of blood at a time.
This twist on the old west is a page turner. Sundance is your ordinary bounty hunter, he has more to offer. He is half vampire. These extra skills help him hunt down killers. So when he takes down a band of killers, he gets stuck with a young boy. And when he hears the boy's story, he wants revenge against the one that got away...a full vampire.
When the pair come to town, all Sundown wants, is to find a good home for the boy. But things change when he meets one of the girls that work at the whore house. Spending as much stolen time as he can with her takes on a urgent need, when he senses a vampire close by.
This twist on the old west is a page turner. Sundance is your ordinary bounty hunter, he has more to offer. He is half vampire. These extra skills help him hunt down killers. So when he takes down a band of killers, he gets stuck with a young boy. And when he hears the boy's story, he wants revenge against the one that got away...a full vampire.
When the pair come to town, all Sundown wants, is to find a good home for the boy. But things change when he meets one of the girls that work at the whore house. Spending as much stolen time as he can with her takes on a urgent need, when he senses a vampire close by.
November 12, 2015
One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. Not only is it a great love story, it’s a great human story. The strength of will these characters display, the determination to live the best they can in whatever circumstances they find themselves, is inspiring. The relationship between Sundown and Caleb is a real heart warmer, and the relationship between Sundown and Clover, while a real barnburner at times, is perfectly paced and completely believable. The journey Sundown and some of the others take leads to a path of forgiveness, acceptance, tolerance, and love for all living things. One of my favorites this year! 5 Stars!!
September 8, 2015
Thanks
I have to say I was very pleased to read yet another well written story. I found that it kept me entertained and eager to see what would happen next. Can't wait for the next one!
I have to say I was very pleased to read yet another well written story. I found that it kept me entertained and eager to see what would happen next. Can't wait for the next one!
September 11, 2015
Review
I really enjoyed your book. I love a good western tied into the paranormal.sundown is the perfect character.I can't wait to read the next one.thAnk you for sharing your story.it was amazing.
I really enjoyed your book. I love a good western tied into the paranormal.sundown is the perfect character.I can't wait to read the next one.thAnk you for sharing your story.it was amazing.
September 14, 2015
An interesting blend of western, paranormal , and romance, Sundown is a heartwarming story that reminds the reader that it's okay to be different. A little bit of kindness and companionship can soften the hardest hearts, as our beloved half-vampire hero learns. Great story!
January 5, 2016
I absolutely love Sundown. If you like reading westerns with a twist, this book is for you. I am so glad Sundown found Caleb & Clover on his journey. This book was one hell of a book, with a hell of a ending..
October 1, 2015
Oh My Goodness!
Cynthia has a way of pulling you in and keeping you interested! I am so in love with Sundown and Clover, and hope there will be a sequel with Jake and Jolene!
Cynthia has a way of pulling you in and keeping you interested! I am so in love with Sundown and Clover, and hope there will be a sequel with Jake and Jolene!
March 29, 2016
Cowboy Love!
Love this story characters are well developed with interesting story lines. Sundown is one sexy hot cowboy can't wait for the next book in this series.
Love this story characters are well developed with interesting story lines. Sundown is one sexy hot cowboy can't wait for the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews