Radu Nicolae has spent centuries in a guilt-induced hibernation beneath the ruins of his family castle. The only time he awakens is to feast on the occasional vampire hunter. When Lillian Holmes invades his lair, trying to kill him for a crime he did not commit, he decides it is time to rejoin the world. As he feeds on the inept, but delectable hunter and sees her memories, he realizes that he is being used as a weapon to murder her. Radu does not like being used.
Agent Lillian Holmes, of the Abnormal Investigation Unit, is sent on a mission to kill the vampire who murdered her father. But when she tries to stake Radu, he awakens. When his fangs sink into her throat, she thinks she’s a goner. To her surprise, she wakes up a prisoner. Furthermore, Radu did not kill her father. The AIU killed Joe Holmes and sent Lillian to Radu to die.
Together, they strike a bargain: Lillian will help Radu travel to the United States to reunite with his long lost twin brother. In return, he will help her take down the men who killed her father. As their relationship deepens on their journey, so does the danger. Not only must they keep government agents from finding out that Lillian is alive, but she also has a secret that will rock the foundations of the vampire world.
Formerly an auto-mechanic, Brooklyn Ann thrives on writing romance, urban fantasy, and horror novels featuring unconventional heroines and heroes who adore them. Author of historical paranormal romance in her critically acclaimed “Scandals with Bite” series, urban fantasy in the cult favorite, “Brides of Prophecy” novels, rockstar romance in the award-winning, “Hearts of Metal” series, and horror in the “Final Couples” series, horror romances riffing on the 1970s and 1980s B horror movies that feature a Final Couple instead of a Final Girl.
She also writes horror under the pen name Brooklyn Ann Butler.
She lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with her gamer son, rockstar/IT Guy boyfriend, three cats, a few project cars, an extensive book collection, and miscellaneous horror memorabilia.
Joe Holmes has been murdered and according to the AIU ~ Abnormal Investigation Unit ~ Radu Nicolae, a very ancient and deadly vampire, killed him.
A thousand years ago, Radu lost everything. His parents, his beloved, and his twin brother, Razvan. He has withdrawn from the world and chose sleep over life, for he could not face another night without the ones he loves.
The AIU wants to destroy all of Radu's kind and they will kill anyone who gets in their way, including Lillian Holmes's father. Lillian also works for the AIU, but like her father, she does not agree with the units policies when it comes to vampires. However, when she learns that her father has been murdered by a vampire, she wants justice. The AIU send Lillian to seek out Radu and kill him with a stake through the heart, knowing full well that she could never defeat such a monster. Her fate is assured. She will die. It was a good plan, but what the AIU didn't take into consideration is that Radu isn't the monster of fairy-tales. Despite Lillian trying to kill him, Radu spares her life. He will not fall foul to the AIU's dirty tactics. He didn't kill Joe Holmes.
Lillian believes Radu, and she realises that the AIU want her dead. She should stay in hiding for the rest of her life, but she is determined to find the real murderer and with Radu's help she will.
I am trying to think of something original to say about this book. I could use the words, spell-binding, a riveting page-turner, an action-packed adventure, a beautiful romance, a believable plot, but those words have been used before, and this book deserves something new. For want of a better word, this was an incredible five-star read.
Unleashing Desire is Book 4 in the Brides of Prophesy series. I haven't read the rest of the books in this series, but Unleashing Desire is so well-written that it stands on its own two feet. I never once felt like I had missed something. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lillian is a strong and determined woman who, despite herself, falls in love with a vampire. Her character is so well fleshed, that I wouldn't be surprised if I one day saw her walking down the street and as for Radu...I think he gives Robert Pattinson a run for his money!
I loved this book. I loved the world. I loved the characterisation. The back story was fabulous. The book is full of suspense. And the journey Lillian and Radu went on was so much fun to read about. This isn't just another vampire story or even another romance story. This is a well-crafted and well-planned book. The attention to detail is exquisite. I haven't come across a vampire romance as good as this in a long time and I wait with bated breath for book 5
I Highly Recommend.
* I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Radu Nicolae is a vampire who spends time in his lair in hibernation mode. He wakes up when AIU agent Lillian Holmes tries to kill him. As Radu feasts on Lillian’s memories, he realizes that there is more to Lillian than being just a vampire hunter. Not only has he not killed Lillian’s father, but someone is trying to get Lillian killed. As the secrets are revealed, Radu and Lillian come to an agreement that helps them both – Lillian would help reunite Radu with his brother and in exchange Radu would help Lillian take down the people involved in her father’s murder. But their deal is making certain people very uncomfortable… Will they manage to take down the people intent on getting rid of both of them?
The author has done an excellent job of setting up two very different characters and bringing them together. Their background is quite interesting and gives depth to the characters as well. The attraction between the characters was palpable even though it was kind of love at first sight sort of thing. What I liked the most was that Radu being an ‘alpha male’ of sorts, handled Lillian’s fiery independence quite well. His protective nature was very much clear and Lillian’s need for his support was also understandable. But instead of a ‘Bella-Edward’ freaky controlling relationship – Radu and Lillian had a more balanced relationship going on. However, the pace of the story lags quite a bit. It maybe because the author has tried to put in a lot of information with regards to the series so that the book can be read as a stand-alone. In any case, it made it very easy for me to just put down the book and pick it up at a later time. It just didn’t hook me in. The author’s writing style is dainty and the narrative, especially while building up a character, is smooth.
Overall, the book made for an entertaining read though pretty forgettable once put down. I would suggest paranormal lovers to give this series a try – reading it in order may prove to be more interesting.
If you really love to read about sexy hot handsome and very old Vampires "Brides of Prophecy" series is for you. I truly enjoyed "Unleashing Desire" the 4th book in the series. Radu Nicholae is all you would want in an Ancient Vampire. Radu has been in hibernation for centuries and separated from his twin brother Razvan who has never stopped looking for him.
Lillian Holmes is a scientist who has been sent by the AIU to castle Nicholae to kill Radu. Lillian believes that Radu killed her father. But why would the AIU sent a young scientist to try and kill a ancient Vampire?
I enjoyed the growing love between Radu and Lillian. The story moves fast and the characters are well developed. The sensual heat while tastefully done is hot and sexy between Radu and Lillian. I loved the way Radu has to learn too live in a modern world. Its really interesting that he can experience the taste of food when Lillian eats. Radu is written as Vampires use to be written he drinks human blood and he has mystical paranormal powers such as flying. If you like the way Vampires use to be written then you will love Unleashing Desire. I Highly Recommend the entire "Brides of Prophecy" series and Brooklyn Ann's "Scandal with Bites" series. I wish I could get more authors to write real Vampires instead of these new style Vegan, bottled blood drinking Vampires with No PR skills. Thank You Brooklyn Ann for staying True to the Vampire Genre!!
OMG LOVE LOVE LOVED IT! I couldn't put it down. The awesomeness in which Brooklyn writes is just mind-blowing. I love how she introduced the two characters to each other, in the standoffish way that she did and how the two seemed to be drawn to each other almost immediately even though Radu tried to fight it. I love how there seemed to be constant back and forth between the two main characters, the sexual tension in both and then the explosion of intimacy that followed. I also liked how Akasha goes from being this hard cord, hard ass to being more womanly and soft once she learned what she did (wont spoil it for others). I also love how Radu goes from being this centuries old vampire who is a bit full of himself, to being uncertain about his and Lillian's future, because of Deglarias' calling Lillian the "Engineer Bride".
This book was given to me free in exchange for an honest review (which is so not hard to do because Brooklyn Ann writes the best vampiric books)
Lillian Holmes is determined to kill the vampire that murdered her father, even if it means travelling to a remote , ruined castle in Romania. Lillian is a scientist not a hunter, but she knows how to do the job. Radu Nicolae has been in hibernation for hundreds of years, but someone has come to disturb him. When he discovers why she is there he is furious that someone is using him as a weapon. Its time to return to the world and put a few things right. Starting with his troubles with his brother. This is part of a series. You could read this on it's own, but you will get more enjoyment reading them in order. You do meet the heroes and heroines of the previous books. Our hero has to learn all about this modern world he finds himself in. Our heroine has to face a few very unpleasant facts, and try to right some serious wrongs. A fast paced, all action story with marvellous characters and brutal but magical fights. I now have to find the rest of the series to read.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I can't tell you how much I LOVE this series. Brooklyn Ann is a very talented writer. These characters she brings together from this series. Oh the sexual tension alone...whew! Although they are both drawn to each other Radu of course fights it. I enjoyed both characters immensely and I very much enjoyed their love story. When these 2 did get together it was explosive. Lots of things were answered in this book but there is more to come I'm bettin! Thank you Brooklyn for bringing such wonderful characters to us! :) Get this book! You wont be sorry.
This was a fantastic paranormal/ vampire book. It was a continuation of book 1. It had all the regular characters that I love with the addition of Radu and Lillian’s story. I truly enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read the next book, pleading rapture. It has mystery, action, suspense, and of course lots of sex and romance!
This can be read as a standalone, but it is more enjoyable after reading at least the first two books. The hero and heroine are fully developed and interesting. The secondary characters are well described too. There is action, vampires, enhanced humans, villian, humor, and romance. There is a HEA ending for the hero and heroine, but the major story arc continues.
I have enjoyed these 4 books. And just bout the rest through book 8. Can’t wait to read these. I find the adventures, trials , and general life issues these paranormal characters deal with are interesting and keep me on the edge of my seat! I am addicted to these romances. I enjoy this author’s writing and will keep track of her new books.
This paranormal romance has a ton of action and humour. I really enjoyed the scientific description of vampire cells. All the main characters are likable even when you think they may not be.
Lillian Holmes is in the Romanian countryside to avenge her father’s murder. As an agent of AIU – the Abnormal Investigation Unit, a covert government agency, Lillian studies vampires, she was never a Hunter, but still the agency sent her out to kill Radu Nicolae, whom she was told killed her father. Lillian enters the Radu’s castle, but when she tries to stake him, thinking he was dead to the world, Radu bites her! When Lillian comes to, she finds herself in a cage, prisoner of the thousand year-old vampire! It soon becomes apparent to Lillian that the AIU want her dead as well, and since she can help Radu find his long–lost brother, Radu and Lillian agree that they must work together, which is easier said than done!
Although UNLEASHING DESIRE is book 4 in the Brides of Prophecy series, it can easily be read as a standalone. While it is obvious the book ties in with the previous three, a newcomer to the series will have no problem following the story, which is rather surprising given that the worldbuilding is very elaborate. Ms. Ann’s fluid and eloquent writing brings Romania as well as Idaho to life with vibrant descriptions. Radu has been a recluse for hundreds of years, eaten by guilt, literally cut off from the world, and the author does a great job at describing his bafflement at modern technology, and this much better than what we usually read in this sort of situation, especially since he has not lived amongst people in centuries. The romance between Radu and Lillian evolved naturally, it never felt forced or rushed. One of the great things about UNLEASHING DESIRE is the impeccable pacing: it is never sluggish or frantic, even when the action seriously picks up towards the end.
I loved every single character; they are all so very alike, never stereotypical, and even very minor characters are well drawn-out; Akasha and Silas nearly stole the show, she is one tough cookie! The story is very solid with many twists and turns. I loved the appearance of a mythical personage who, I am certain, will feature prominently in future instalments, which I’m looking forward to. I really enjoyed the innovative perspective on vampires and preternaturals, and it’s evident there are may more surprises to expect from Brooklyn Ann in this very entertaining series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to start by saying this is a true case of don't judge a book by it's cover! When I read the blurb, I was quite excited to get stuck in but at the same time, having seen the cover I was a little dubious. It's not the most eye catching of things I've ever seen. I haven't read any of the other books in this series, in fact I've never read anything by this author before. I didn't really know what to expect and how easily I would delve into this story so my trepidation was high. I didn't have any need to worry. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Although I could tell there were stories I had missed, it had no baring on the telling of this part of the group's story. Radu and Lillian are such a wonderful couple. I really enjoyed the instant attraction, the banter and the confusion that surrounds them. The back story is interesting. The action within, revolving around the woman of the group makes a nice change to the alpha dominance we usually see in this genre. The second half of this book sped a long a bit quicker than the first. I was swept up in the world of prophecy and other worldliness.
For me though, there was just something. It didn't grab me, it didn't sing to me. At points I found myself drifting away from the story, making up alternate situations or finding that I'd had a spot of deja vu.
In general, it is a good paranormal romance and I would recommend it!
Squee I was so excited to finally get to pick up and read a author that was on my tbr but seemed like forever. Since one of my joys is reading paranormal it goes without saying I would notice her and see her pop up here and there. Finally said enough is enough going to do it with diving in not a understatement. No matter either that this is already one in a series no matter to me. One of my favorite characters is in this a vampire hunter whom is part of a interesting sounding team called Abnormal Investigation Unit. In this there are two people who will be used to get rid of the other but not so fast on that one. When Agent Lillian goes to rid of a vampire whom she thinks has done something wrong against her too, Radu will not be taken so easily. My thoughts exactly too because of the age but it will also add to the drama I do believe. So when they are a team things will heat up with drama just one big juicy part of the story. Mysteries also will be a key ingredient in this novel with that sweeten a read for sure. This author will weave such a intriguing one that I lost track of time myself. The heat will roll of these two so gloves could be a option at times. Needless to say I also get a dose of why it is called the Bride in the title, nice indeed. You also get a dose of his brother which adds more flavor too. I could not have gotten a better read else where with this author giving me immense satisfaction.
This was a nice romance read, with a lot of interesting secondary elements like mystery and prophecies. I would call it a beach read given the ease of reading it, and the fact that it doesn't take long to finish the book.
Lillian Holmes is out to avenge her father's murder. She is told that a vampire, Radu Nicolae, hidden inside a castle, is the culprit, but when she tries to kill him, she finds out that he has been set up as a tool to murder her. Together they must travel back to the U.S. in search of the vampire's brother, who has long been estranged, and then in search of her father's true killer.
I liked the bond between Lillian and Radu. It was a bit insta-love, but when you consider the prophecy involved, perhaps this is done so that it fits well with the idea of a predestined mate. Radu was very protective, but considering how old he is, it was impressive how he was able to allow Lillian some freedom and independence. Usually traditional men are too macho to allow for a strong heroine, but in this case, we get a nice mixture of chivalry and respect.
It was a very intriguing book, and I am interested to see where it goes from here. It's book four in a series, so I will be checking out the earlier books to learn about the other characters.
**I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Radu is a sleeping ancient vampire. He rests in his castle and has been there many centuries. When he is awoken by a beautiful and intriguing Vampire Hunter he cannot kill her as he did the others before her when he locates her memories only to find they are both being used. Him to kill her and her to get her out of the way. Lillian works for a company that observes abnormal beings but when she is fed a lie that leads her to revenge a wrong, she ends up Radu's prisoner. In a journey that will have them both expose secrets of their past that will rock not only them personally but the very foundation of the Vampire and Human communities. Follow their journey as they fight the attraction to each other in ways they shouldn't be. I found the first part of this book too lengthy for me and it took too long to get going, but I am glad I held on and kept reading because by the end of the book I didn't want to put it down.
This is the 4th book in this series. Ive read this whole series out of order and I havent been lost but I would suggest you read them in order to get the full impact. We finally get to officially meet Radu and get inside of his head and what a fun experience that is. The twins finally reuinite after centuries of being apart with some chaos and hilarity along the way. I loved Radu and Lillians love story. Their whole journey to meet up with Razvan has its funny moments. This book also answers some questions while leaving you having more questions. I received an ARC of this book by Brooklyn Ann in exchange for an honest review.
I have read all 4 of this series. They are NOT just another vampire romance.The characters are complex and you will fall in love with them. I did find a little too much sex in book 3 and 4 but the story line in all 4 made up for it. I am REALLY looking forward to book 5...6 and so on! Brooklyn Ann has been added to my FAVORITE authors list. I LOVE paranormal suspense romances. And this series ranks at the top of my list! After reading book 4 I am dying for the next book. I would LOVE to see info on the rescued vampire!!!
I love this series. Brooklyn Ann has outdone herself with this one. The sexual tension alone is enough to set the pages on fire. Then you add a baby into the mix and the whole thing has the ability to turn explosive. I can't wait to see what Brooklyn comes up with next.