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Masters of Time #5
Dark Lover
Ian Maclean's arrogance hides a terrible secret for decades he was held prisoner by demons. Not a day goes by that he isn't tormented by his darkest fears of powerlessness. Now he is about to sell to the highest bidder a page he's stolen from the Book of Power if one woman doesn't stop him.
Slayer Samantha Rose's latest mission is to recover the stolen page and get payback from the only man who's ever rejected her. What she hasn't counted on is the raging attraction between them or her growing realization of what Maclean has survived. As the powers of the evil from his past gather, Sam will do anything to help him even if it means following him into time and facing his worst nightmares with him
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2009
48 people are currently reading
1269 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Joyce
106 books1,298 followersBrenda Joyce is the bestselling author of forty-one novels and five novellas. She has won many awards, and her debut novel, Innocent Fire, won a Best Western Romance award. She has also won the highly coveted Best Historical Romance award for Splendor and Two Lifetime Achievement Awards from Romantic Times BOOKreviews. There are over 14 million copies of her novels in print and she is published in over a dozen foreign countries.
A native New Yorker, she now lives in southern Arizona with her son, dogs, and her Arabian and half-Arabian reining horses. Brenda divides her time between her twin passions—writing powerful love stories and competing with her horses at regional and national levels. For more information about Brenda and her upcoming novels, please visit her Web sites: www.brendajoyce.com, www.thedewarennedynasty.com and http://mastersoftimebooks.com.
A native New Yorker, she now lives in southern Arizona with her son, dogs, and her Arabian and half-Arabian reining horses. Brenda divides her time between her twin passions—writing powerful love stories and competing with her horses at regional and national levels. For more information about Brenda and her upcoming novels, please visit her Web sites: www.brendajoyce.com, www.thedewarennedynasty.com and http://mastersoftimebooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 17, 2015
I'm not a very big fan of promiscuous heroines and let's face it, Sam liked her men. However, I really wanted to read this story because of Ian's past. I did like the book but it was very hard to get past Sam's varied past.
January 26, 2024
Yeah, loved this last installment in the series, it was so great, and I enjoyed it so much!
May 10, 2010
This was a wonderful book. I love anything Highlander, and this story didn't disappoint. Ian MacLean is a tortured soul, after being imprisioned by demons for 66 years, he has comes to live in the present and left his family and his true time, in the past.
Everything is perfect from the outside looking in, Ian is rich, modern and arrogant. He uses women for sex, gets what he wants and has the money to buy what ever he doesn't take.
There is one thing he can't or doesn't have, Samantha Rose.
She is a Slayer, a Rose woman and everything about her fasinates him. He wants her and she knows it.
Everything about Ian MacLean just pisses Sam off. He has humiliated her, mocked her and even paraded himself around her knowing his effect on her, telling her that she will eventually be his.
Fate or circumstances has brought them together, making them have to work together, no less. God help her! But working so closely, Sam soon learns that Ian is not what she thinks, he is not the man she detests. And Ian finds that Sam is more then a facination, lust or desire...she is the one that could save him.
This is a great journey, and well worth every moment and every turn of the page.
A great read.
Enjoy!
Everything is perfect from the outside looking in, Ian is rich, modern and arrogant. He uses women for sex, gets what he wants and has the money to buy what ever he doesn't take.
There is one thing he can't or doesn't have, Samantha Rose.
She is a Slayer, a Rose woman and everything about her fasinates him. He wants her and she knows it.
Everything about Ian MacLean just pisses Sam off. He has humiliated her, mocked her and even paraded himself around her knowing his effect on her, telling her that she will eventually be his.
Fate or circumstances has brought them together, making them have to work together, no less. God help her! But working so closely, Sam soon learns that Ian is not what she thinks, he is not the man she detests. And Ian finds that Sam is more then a facination, lust or desire...she is the one that could save him.
This is a great journey, and well worth every moment and every turn of the page.
A great read.
Enjoy!
September 25, 2009
AWESOME!! and heartwrenching. It made me cry more than once. So far, I think this is my favorite of the series. I just love Ian what a poor tortured soul. His tory just about ribbed my heart out. It kinda reminded me of Acheron. Sixty six years as a captive of a sadistic demon. How he survived is truly a miracle. Sam Rose is a spectacular heroine and a slayer to boot. Their "romance" was volatile and sexy. The sex scenes were something else and rather violent and uncontrollable.
It's like a family reunion -- Brie and Aidan, Tabby and MacLeod and even Allie make an appearance to help fight the demon from hell. Simply wonderful!
It's like a family reunion -- Brie and Aidan, Tabby and MacLeod and even Allie make an appearance to help fight the demon from hell. Simply wonderful!
June 10, 2010
Dark Lover is the fifth book in Brenda Joyce's Masters of Time series. Ian Maclean spent 66 years imprisoned by a powerful demon suffering from unspeakable torture as a nine year old boy. His father eventually freed him from this demon, but Ian carries horrible emotional scars. He has spent the last twenty five years building up his wealth and power in the hopes that nothing like that will ever happen to him again. Samantha Rose works for a secret government agency which keeps track of demonic activity. They hear that Ian Maclean has acquired a page from an ancient text, one that has a very powerful spell attached to it. Sam is assigned to get the page back from Ian before it falls into enemy hands.
Dark Lover is one of those books that I should have just given up on and stopped reading after I realized it wasn't for me. Instead, I managed to keep reading (after all I am a fan of Brenda Joyce's work) but it just never got any better. It seemed like there were many things about this book that hit my hot buttons. I am going to focus on the two main issues.
First, I didn't like the characters. Ian had two personalities, neither of which were appealing a.) he would act like an arrogant jerk or b.) a scared little boy. I understand that he was tortured, but Ian's behavior just didn't sit right with me. Sam's personality wasn't all that great either. She keeps herself at an emotional distance from everyone. She likes meaningless sex and will have it with anyone. She starts to feel, *gasp* compassion for Ian when she learns what he went through. But there is a lot of mental head hopping which explains the emotions of these characters, but not enough action with them working through these issues and they are very heavy issues. They are not something that can be glossed over, which is what I felt happened.
The second major complaint I had with the story was the plot/world building. First of all the evil bad guy from a previous book comes back to play in this story. I'm sorry, but if the characters already took the time to battle with him in the last book you can't just resurrect him and have him show up again. I mean, who's to say the guy doesn't just keep showing up again and again. Enough is enough. The author does take the time to explain it, but seriously it all just seemed way to flimsy to me. There are still a few characters who could get their stories, but at this point I have no desire to read them. This series is on the outs with me.
Dark Lover is one of those books that I should have just given up on and stopped reading after I realized it wasn't for me. Instead, I managed to keep reading (after all I am a fan of Brenda Joyce's work) but it just never got any better. It seemed like there were many things about this book that hit my hot buttons. I am going to focus on the two main issues.
First, I didn't like the characters. Ian had two personalities, neither of which were appealing a.) he would act like an arrogant jerk or b.) a scared little boy. I understand that he was tortured, but Ian's behavior just didn't sit right with me. Sam's personality wasn't all that great either. She keeps herself at an emotional distance from everyone. She likes meaningless sex and will have it with anyone. She starts to feel, *gasp* compassion for Ian when she learns what he went through. But there is a lot of mental head hopping which explains the emotions of these characters, but not enough action with them working through these issues and they are very heavy issues. They are not something that can be glossed over, which is what I felt happened.
The second major complaint I had with the story was the plot/world building. First of all the evil bad guy from a previous book comes back to play in this story. I'm sorry, but if the characters already took the time to battle with him in the last book you can't just resurrect him and have him show up again. I mean, who's to say the guy doesn't just keep showing up again and again. Enough is enough. The author does take the time to explain it, but seriously it all just seemed way to flimsy to me. There are still a few characters who could get their stories, but at this point I have no desire to read them. This series is on the outs with me.
December 25, 2009
This was definitely the best of the series...I like Nick Forrester, and hope he gets his own HEA one day. But the best part of this book was that Sam and Ian were very equal. In the previous 4, my complaint was that we have strong 20-21st century women but in the face of the hotness of the Masters, they melt/swoon and are almost useless, despite the fact that the author tries to prove to the men that they are better with their women beside them. It never flows. Sam and Ian are good together and Ian's troubled soul is very real, whereas the hardness of some of the other alpha males she's written about was unwarrented. But this is definitely the best. I feel book #2 w/Royce and Allie was really good too, but this is the first time I've given Brenda Joyce 5 stars, and she definitely deserves it.
September 10, 2018
Finally a book where the heroine has some control on her libido and doesn't automatically jump in bed with the hero.
I think there were to be more books in this series, at least two more, but this is a good place to stop, with Moray defeated and all the Masters we knew wed and happy.
Given that it looks like this author doesn't write anymore, I guess we'll never know about Nick and that's a shame, he looked like an interesting character.
I think there were to be more books in this series, at least two more, but this is a good place to stop, with Moray defeated and all the Masters we knew wed and happy.
Given that it looks like this author doesn't write anymore, I guess we'll never know about Nick and that's a shame, he looked like an interesting character.
June 17, 2018
4.0 - Voto
Eccoci giunti all’epilogo di questa avvincente e sensuale serie time travel di Brenda Joyce.
Abbiamo conosciuto molto da vicino ogni protagonista ma in questo libro, come in omaggio ad ognuno di loro, avremo il piacere di ritrovarli tutti, uniti come sempre contro il Male.
Dark Lover ci racconta, nello specifico, la storia d’amore e passione tra Sam Rose e Ian Macleod.
Sam è rimasta sola a New York, le sue sorelle e la cugina Brie, sono ormai felicemente accasate nel passato accanto ai loro grandi amori per combattere il male al loro fianco. Sam è la guerriera della famiglia Rose, bellissima ma spietata combattente, ha votato tutta la sua esistenza a sconfiggere il male ed ora, con Brie che vive nel 1500 ed ha lasciato il CAD, il centro per le attività demoniache, ha un incarico governativo segretissimo ereditato proprio dalla cugina, che le consente di combattere ma anche di essere maggiormente informata e tutelata. Nick Forrester è il suo capo, con il quale condivide un rapporto strettamente lavorativo che soddisfa entrambi: lui infatti l’assegna all’unità crimini storici, la più adatta alle qualità e attitudini della donna.
Sam è molto indipendente e non fa mistero con nessuno della sua disinibizione sessuale: per lei l’accoppiamento è pura energia, sfogo, un bisogno da appagare senza nemmeno troppo interesse al punto che, recentemente, non prova nemmeno troppo gusto durante i suoi incontri amorosi. In realtà pur sentendo fortemente la mancanza delle ragazze Rose, ormai felici nel passato, Sam si scopre finalmente libera di agire e pensare solo per sé stessa: non si è mai concessa di farlo del tutto prima perché, come guerriera Rose, prima di tutto voleva proteggere le sorelle e la cugina con le quali, oltretutto, è legatissima.
Ma adesso, sola nella Grande Mela e alle prese con i demoni e la criminalità, Sam si sente libera di esprimere tutta la sua essenza guerriera ed è più feroce che mai. Grazie alle conoscenze di Nick, il CAD scopre che un’antichissima pagina di un manoscritto celtico, molto preziosa ed unica, è stata battuta all’asta e acquistata da Rupert Hemmer; il CAD ipotizza si tratti della mitica pagina del Druisean creduta persa per sempre non fosse per alcuni indizi che la collocherebbero proprio nella New York odierna. Sam si mobilita all’istante per cercare di individuarla e recuperarla ma non ha fatto i conti con l’altra persona che ha i suoi medesimi interessi: Ian Macleod, il figlio del Lupo di Awe, l’uomo che un tempo lontanissimo, fu un bambino di nove anni, strappato alle braccia del padre e vissuto in prigionia per sessantasei lunghissimi anni sotto un incantesimo che lo ha lasciato identico in età e fisicità prima di essere liberato da quel padre in cui non crede più, ed essere diventato l’uomo sprezzante, egoista e profondamente arrabbiato che incontriamo nelle prime pagine. Ha sperato, lottato, sofferto ed è stato torturato in maniere abominevoli e malsane sin quando la sua mente ha deciso che nessuno sarebbe mai venuto per lui, per salvarlo. Scopriremo leggendo, che Ian ha motivi più che validi per essere ridotto in questo stato, gli anni di prigionia lo hanno devastato emotivamente più che fisicamente, soffre di attacchi di panico, sbalzi d’umore e soprattutto rifiuta di conciliarsi con il padre e Brie, come pure di legarsi a qualcuno.
Sam e Ian però devono collaborare anche se lei cova desiderio di vendetta verso di lui per averla respinta l’anno prima e Sam è una donna decisamente vendicativa, capace di portare rancore per lungo tempo. Ian d’altronde è troppo preso dai suoi drammi interiori e dalla caccia alla pagina del Druisean per preoccuparsene. Insomma due scintille accanto alla paglia sarebbero meno pericolose di questi due quando si incontrano. Eppure tra battibecchi, veri e propri scontri verbali e sfide, entrambi avvertono con autentica paura, l’attrazione che li lega e che diviene sempre più forte ogni momento che passano insieme.
In questo ultimo libro, pieno di colpi di scena e scontri all’ultimo sangue, potremo finalmente godere della vittoria dell’amore e del bene sul Male, passando ovviamente attraverso esperienze tragiche e violente come in ogni battaglia a cui ci ha abituate la Joyce. Io penso che sia valsa la pena arrivare sino qui, questo romanzo non solo conclude una serie ma ci regala l’opportunità di vedere i nostri beniamini riuniti nel nome dell’amore e della lotta comune. Le Rose, schierate tutte accanto ai loro Highlanders, Maestri espertissimi e valorosi guerrieri, tutti pronti a sostenere Sam e Ian e a sconfiggere definitivamente il male. Scopriremo come abbia fatto il conte Moray a tornare e le reazioni che questo scatenerà. La battaglia di Ian non sarà solo tra bene e male ma anche verso sé stesso e l’uomo che vuole e può diventare anche grazie all’amore di Sam che, ricambiato, cresce sempre più e diviene una forza potentissima che spezza vecchie catene e costruisce nuovi legami indissolubili. Per Ian sarà una rinascita che non potrà non contagiarvi e farvi palpitare il cuore per lui. Io mi sono sentita molto coinvolta dal percorso di quest’uomo e prima ancora, dal bambino che era. Aidan resta il mio tenebroso preferito ma infondo Ian è suo figlio e sicuramente non vi deluderà.
Commovente e impossibile da non menzionare, il momento in cui Ian comprende l’amore immenso che suo padre prova per lui. La verità rende liberi e l’amore illumina i nostri cammini.
“Cominciò a piangere mentre fissava suo padre. «Mi credevi davvero morto. Ora lo so.»
«L’ho visto ucciderti» rispose Aidan. «Ho viaggiato tante volte nel tempo per impedirglielo. Ho passato sessantasei anni a dare la caccia a Moray, tempo che avrei potuto utilizzare per cercare te. Morirò con i miei rimpianti.»
«No» replicò Ian senza respiro. «Nessuno deve vivere con il senso di colpa e il rammarico.»
«Nessuno deve vivere con il dolore» lo corresse Aidan.
Ian alzò le spalle. «Ora va meglio. Per molto tempo ho convissuto con il passato, ma non più.»
Aidan annuì. «Ne sono felice.» Esitò. «Devo andare.»
«Aspetta!» disse Ian.
Aveva voglia di dire a suo padre quanto fosse dispiaciuto e che aveva compreso. Era arrivato per entrambi il momento di smettere di soffrire. «Mi dispiace» gli disse. «Mi dispiace tanto di averti incolpato quando non c’entravi.»
«Mi perdoni davvero?» Aidan aveva gli occhi sgranati, increduli. «Farei qualsiasi cosa per te. Tu sei il mio primogenito, Ian. Ti amo come solo un padre può amare.»”
L’amore e la passione che travolgono Sam e Ian sono incredibilmente emozionanti, oltre che ovviamente erotici: entrambi dovranno accettare il bisogno reciproco che hanno l’un per l’altra e lasciarsi andare, fidarsi e concedersi. Cose non semplici da fare ma per fortuna, complici i consigli di Tabby e un’intesa sessuale davvero molto istantanea e impossibile da ignorare, avremo finalmente il piacere di assistere alla loro unione. Se vi state domandando dove andranno a vivere, vi rispondo però che lo scoprirete leggendo il romanzo perché la Joyce ha pensato a tutto e non potrei mai pensare di sostituirla.
«Ti volevo a Oban. Quel giorno decisi che ti avrei trovata e ti avrei avuta. Ti voglio ancora, come quel giorno.»
Lei sorrise. «Be’, la cosa è reciproca.»
Cambiò l’espressione nel volto di Ian. «Sono un codardo» disse mentre si alzava. Anche Sam si alzò. «Non è vero.»
«È la verità. Quando vedo un demone mi sento male dalla paura.»
Alzò le spalle evitando lo sguardo di Sam. «Il monaco mi terrorizza.»
«Tu puoi essere spaventato quando affronti il male, ma lo combatti ugualmente, e ciò ti rende coraggioso quanto me o anche di più.»
E dulcis in fundo, per questo guerriero tormentato che ha combattuto tutti i suoi demoni e sconfitto il peggiore, arriva la tanto sospirata, almeno da parte mia, visita dell’abate di Iona, MacNeil. Oramai sappiamo benissimo che la sua presenza porta svolte significative nella trama della Joyce, ciò che non svelerò è cosa decideranno gli Dei Antichi e MacNeil per il futuro di Ian, prossimo Maestro… vi lascio con un piccolo scorcio della loro chiacchierata…
«Hai affrontato i tuoi nemici, uno a uno, le tue paure sconfiggendole tutte. Sono orgoglioso di te, Ian. Tutti gli dei lo sono.»
Lui era scioccato. «Nessuno è orgoglioso di me» obiettò Ian. Ma il suo cuore fremeva di speranza.
«lo sono orgoglioso di te. Gli antichi lo sono. Tuo padre, che sta qua davanti a te, lo è.»
Ian aveva gli occhi pieni di lacrime. Si girò per nasconderle. Era impossibile, un miracolo. «Allora è vero.»
«Aye. certo. Non è un miracolo, ragazzo. Ti sei guadagnato il nostro rispetto.»
Lui annuì incapace di rispondere.
«Non vuoi sapere il motivo di questa mia visita improvvisa?» Vide lo sguardo divertito e soddisfatto di MacNeil e cominciò a pensare. «Credo di sapere.”
La Min - per RFS
Eccoci giunti all’epilogo di questa avvincente e sensuale serie time travel di Brenda Joyce.
Abbiamo conosciuto molto da vicino ogni protagonista ma in questo libro, come in omaggio ad ognuno di loro, avremo il piacere di ritrovarli tutti, uniti come sempre contro il Male.
Dark Lover ci racconta, nello specifico, la storia d’amore e passione tra Sam Rose e Ian Macleod.
Sam è rimasta sola a New York, le sue sorelle e la cugina Brie, sono ormai felicemente accasate nel passato accanto ai loro grandi amori per combattere il male al loro fianco. Sam è la guerriera della famiglia Rose, bellissima ma spietata combattente, ha votato tutta la sua esistenza a sconfiggere il male ed ora, con Brie che vive nel 1500 ed ha lasciato il CAD, il centro per le attività demoniache, ha un incarico governativo segretissimo ereditato proprio dalla cugina, che le consente di combattere ma anche di essere maggiormente informata e tutelata. Nick Forrester è il suo capo, con il quale condivide un rapporto strettamente lavorativo che soddisfa entrambi: lui infatti l’assegna all’unità crimini storici, la più adatta alle qualità e attitudini della donna.
Sam è molto indipendente e non fa mistero con nessuno della sua disinibizione sessuale: per lei l’accoppiamento è pura energia, sfogo, un bisogno da appagare senza nemmeno troppo interesse al punto che, recentemente, non prova nemmeno troppo gusto durante i suoi incontri amorosi. In realtà pur sentendo fortemente la mancanza delle ragazze Rose, ormai felici nel passato, Sam si scopre finalmente libera di agire e pensare solo per sé stessa: non si è mai concessa di farlo del tutto prima perché, come guerriera Rose, prima di tutto voleva proteggere le sorelle e la cugina con le quali, oltretutto, è legatissima.
Ma adesso, sola nella Grande Mela e alle prese con i demoni e la criminalità, Sam si sente libera di esprimere tutta la sua essenza guerriera ed è più feroce che mai. Grazie alle conoscenze di Nick, il CAD scopre che un’antichissima pagina di un manoscritto celtico, molto preziosa ed unica, è stata battuta all’asta e acquistata da Rupert Hemmer; il CAD ipotizza si tratti della mitica pagina del Druisean creduta persa per sempre non fosse per alcuni indizi che la collocherebbero proprio nella New York odierna. Sam si mobilita all’istante per cercare di individuarla e recuperarla ma non ha fatto i conti con l’altra persona che ha i suoi medesimi interessi: Ian Macleod, il figlio del Lupo di Awe, l’uomo che un tempo lontanissimo, fu un bambino di nove anni, strappato alle braccia del padre e vissuto in prigionia per sessantasei lunghissimi anni sotto un incantesimo che lo ha lasciato identico in età e fisicità prima di essere liberato da quel padre in cui non crede più, ed essere diventato l’uomo sprezzante, egoista e profondamente arrabbiato che incontriamo nelle prime pagine. Ha sperato, lottato, sofferto ed è stato torturato in maniere abominevoli e malsane sin quando la sua mente ha deciso che nessuno sarebbe mai venuto per lui, per salvarlo. Scopriremo leggendo, che Ian ha motivi più che validi per essere ridotto in questo stato, gli anni di prigionia lo hanno devastato emotivamente più che fisicamente, soffre di attacchi di panico, sbalzi d’umore e soprattutto rifiuta di conciliarsi con il padre e Brie, come pure di legarsi a qualcuno.
Sam e Ian però devono collaborare anche se lei cova desiderio di vendetta verso di lui per averla respinta l’anno prima e Sam è una donna decisamente vendicativa, capace di portare rancore per lungo tempo. Ian d’altronde è troppo preso dai suoi drammi interiori e dalla caccia alla pagina del Druisean per preoccuparsene. Insomma due scintille accanto alla paglia sarebbero meno pericolose di questi due quando si incontrano. Eppure tra battibecchi, veri e propri scontri verbali e sfide, entrambi avvertono con autentica paura, l’attrazione che li lega e che diviene sempre più forte ogni momento che passano insieme.
In questo ultimo libro, pieno di colpi di scena e scontri all’ultimo sangue, potremo finalmente godere della vittoria dell’amore e del bene sul Male, passando ovviamente attraverso esperienze tragiche e violente come in ogni battaglia a cui ci ha abituate la Joyce. Io penso che sia valsa la pena arrivare sino qui, questo romanzo non solo conclude una serie ma ci regala l’opportunità di vedere i nostri beniamini riuniti nel nome dell’amore e della lotta comune. Le Rose, schierate tutte accanto ai loro Highlanders, Maestri espertissimi e valorosi guerrieri, tutti pronti a sostenere Sam e Ian e a sconfiggere definitivamente il male. Scopriremo come abbia fatto il conte Moray a tornare e le reazioni che questo scatenerà. La battaglia di Ian non sarà solo tra bene e male ma anche verso sé stesso e l’uomo che vuole e può diventare anche grazie all’amore di Sam che, ricambiato, cresce sempre più e diviene una forza potentissima che spezza vecchie catene e costruisce nuovi legami indissolubili. Per Ian sarà una rinascita che non potrà non contagiarvi e farvi palpitare il cuore per lui. Io mi sono sentita molto coinvolta dal percorso di quest’uomo e prima ancora, dal bambino che era. Aidan resta il mio tenebroso preferito ma infondo Ian è suo figlio e sicuramente non vi deluderà.
Commovente e impossibile da non menzionare, il momento in cui Ian comprende l’amore immenso che suo padre prova per lui. La verità rende liberi e l’amore illumina i nostri cammini.
“Cominciò a piangere mentre fissava suo padre. «Mi credevi davvero morto. Ora lo so.»
«L’ho visto ucciderti» rispose Aidan. «Ho viaggiato tante volte nel tempo per impedirglielo. Ho passato sessantasei anni a dare la caccia a Moray, tempo che avrei potuto utilizzare per cercare te. Morirò con i miei rimpianti.»
«No» replicò Ian senza respiro. «Nessuno deve vivere con il senso di colpa e il rammarico.»
«Nessuno deve vivere con il dolore» lo corresse Aidan.
Ian alzò le spalle. «Ora va meglio. Per molto tempo ho convissuto con il passato, ma non più.»
Aidan annuì. «Ne sono felice.» Esitò. «Devo andare.»
«Aspetta!» disse Ian.
Aveva voglia di dire a suo padre quanto fosse dispiaciuto e che aveva compreso. Era arrivato per entrambi il momento di smettere di soffrire. «Mi dispiace» gli disse. «Mi dispiace tanto di averti incolpato quando non c’entravi.»
«Mi perdoni davvero?» Aidan aveva gli occhi sgranati, increduli. «Farei qualsiasi cosa per te. Tu sei il mio primogenito, Ian. Ti amo come solo un padre può amare.»”
L’amore e la passione che travolgono Sam e Ian sono incredibilmente emozionanti, oltre che ovviamente erotici: entrambi dovranno accettare il bisogno reciproco che hanno l’un per l’altra e lasciarsi andare, fidarsi e concedersi. Cose non semplici da fare ma per fortuna, complici i consigli di Tabby e un’intesa sessuale davvero molto istantanea e impossibile da ignorare, avremo finalmente il piacere di assistere alla loro unione. Se vi state domandando dove andranno a vivere, vi rispondo però che lo scoprirete leggendo il romanzo perché la Joyce ha pensato a tutto e non potrei mai pensare di sostituirla.
«Ti volevo a Oban. Quel giorno decisi che ti avrei trovata e ti avrei avuta. Ti voglio ancora, come quel giorno.»
Lei sorrise. «Be’, la cosa è reciproca.»
Cambiò l’espressione nel volto di Ian. «Sono un codardo» disse mentre si alzava. Anche Sam si alzò. «Non è vero.»
«È la verità. Quando vedo un demone mi sento male dalla paura.»
Alzò le spalle evitando lo sguardo di Sam. «Il monaco mi terrorizza.»
«Tu puoi essere spaventato quando affronti il male, ma lo combatti ugualmente, e ciò ti rende coraggioso quanto me o anche di più.»
E dulcis in fundo, per questo guerriero tormentato che ha combattuto tutti i suoi demoni e sconfitto il peggiore, arriva la tanto sospirata, almeno da parte mia, visita dell’abate di Iona, MacNeil. Oramai sappiamo benissimo che la sua presenza porta svolte significative nella trama della Joyce, ciò che non svelerò è cosa decideranno gli Dei Antichi e MacNeil per il futuro di Ian, prossimo Maestro… vi lascio con un piccolo scorcio della loro chiacchierata…
«Hai affrontato i tuoi nemici, uno a uno, le tue paure sconfiggendole tutte. Sono orgoglioso di te, Ian. Tutti gli dei lo sono.»
Lui era scioccato. «Nessuno è orgoglioso di me» obiettò Ian. Ma il suo cuore fremeva di speranza.
«lo sono orgoglioso di te. Gli antichi lo sono. Tuo padre, che sta qua davanti a te, lo è.»
Ian aveva gli occhi pieni di lacrime. Si girò per nasconderle. Era impossibile, un miracolo. «Allora è vero.»
«Aye. certo. Non è un miracolo, ragazzo. Ti sei guadagnato il nostro rispetto.»
Lui annuì incapace di rispondere.
«Non vuoi sapere il motivo di questa mia visita improvvisa?» Vide lo sguardo divertito e soddisfatto di MacNeil e cominciò a pensare. «Credo di sapere.”
La Min - per RFS
Read
September 11, 2009The blurb for Brenda's latest book, Dark Lover.
Highland Warriors, sworn to protect innocence through the ages...Ian Maclean’s arrogance hides a terrible secret—for decades he was held prisoner by demons. Not a day goes by that he isn’t tormented by his darkest fears of powerlessness. Now he is about to sell to the highest bidder a page he’s stolen from the Book of Power—if one woman doesn’t stop him.
Every Rose woman has her destiny
Slayer Samantha Rose’s latest mission is to recover the stolen page—and get payback from the only man who’s ever rejected her. What she hasn’t counted on is the raging attraction between them—or her growing realization of what MacLean has survived. As the powers of the evil from his past gather, Sam will do anything to help him—even if it means following him into time and facing his worst nightmares with him...
If you want to read and excerpt: http://mastersoftimebooks.com/excerpt...
I’ve been following the series. It a hot, sensual time travel story about powerful and sexual medieval warrior warriors of old Scotland whose job it is to protect the innocent from demonic forces and evil. These warriors can jump through time to fight their battles and do and in the process meet up with some strong, independent modern women that knock these alpha males for a loop. The warriors are dark with some real emotional hang-ups and have lived hundreds of years battling evil and personal loss. Brenda’s characters are layered and intense, but have a strong sense of honor. Some are at the point of where you aren’t sure they will remain heroes or become the enemy. Enter the smart women that fall for them and the adventures begin.
What I enjoyed about Dark Lover is the combining of disparate characters—at least on the surface. We have Ian MacLean, an intensely private man scarred by unspeakable torture and one who no longer cares about right and wrong, or so he thinks, but is all about looking out for number one. Ian’s strong, definitely alpha male, but he’s also vulnerable. Then you have Samantha Rose, modern day woman and warrior. She’s feisty and smart mouthed and she makes me laugh even in dangerous time. I like her a lot. Sam is a woman sure of her destiny, her strengths, her sexuality and knows how to use it to her advantage. Sam is one of the good ‘guys’. She’s a tough woman and dangerous. She’s also scarred from her past and it because of this she is a slayer. When the two come together it’s sparks and fire all the way. And danger.
Brenda Joyce is a fabulous writer. Her characters complex and three-dimensional and I like that. Her stories have laughter, danger, hot sexual encounters, magic and an engrossing story. Good wins, but not without paying a high cost.
If you haven’t checked out the Masters of Time series, I highly recommend doing so.
Brenda Joyce is one the reasons I've come back to reading Harlequin.
Highland Warriors, sworn to protect innocence through the ages...Ian Maclean’s arrogance hides a terrible secret—for decades he was held prisoner by demons. Not a day goes by that he isn’t tormented by his darkest fears of powerlessness. Now he is about to sell to the highest bidder a page he’s stolen from the Book of Power—if one woman doesn’t stop him.
Every Rose woman has her destiny
Slayer Samantha Rose’s latest mission is to recover the stolen page—and get payback from the only man who’s ever rejected her. What she hasn’t counted on is the raging attraction between them—or her growing realization of what MacLean has survived. As the powers of the evil from his past gather, Sam will do anything to help him—even if it means following him into time and facing his worst nightmares with him...
If you want to read and excerpt: http://mastersoftimebooks.com/excerpt...
I’ve been following the series. It a hot, sensual time travel story about powerful and sexual medieval warrior warriors of old Scotland whose job it is to protect the innocent from demonic forces and evil. These warriors can jump through time to fight their battles and do and in the process meet up with some strong, independent modern women that knock these alpha males for a loop. The warriors are dark with some real emotional hang-ups and have lived hundreds of years battling evil and personal loss. Brenda’s characters are layered and intense, but have a strong sense of honor. Some are at the point of where you aren’t sure they will remain heroes or become the enemy. Enter the smart women that fall for them and the adventures begin.
What I enjoyed about Dark Lover is the combining of disparate characters—at least on the surface. We have Ian MacLean, an intensely private man scarred by unspeakable torture and one who no longer cares about right and wrong, or so he thinks, but is all about looking out for number one. Ian’s strong, definitely alpha male, but he’s also vulnerable. Then you have Samantha Rose, modern day woman and warrior. She’s feisty and smart mouthed and she makes me laugh even in dangerous time. I like her a lot. Sam is a woman sure of her destiny, her strengths, her sexuality and knows how to use it to her advantage. Sam is one of the good ‘guys’. She’s a tough woman and dangerous. She’s also scarred from her past and it because of this she is a slayer. When the two come together it’s sparks and fire all the way. And danger.
Brenda Joyce is a fabulous writer. Her characters complex and three-dimensional and I like that. Her stories have laughter, danger, hot sexual encounters, magic and an engrossing story. Good wins, but not without paying a high cost.
If you haven’t checked out the Masters of Time series, I highly recommend doing so.
Brenda Joyce is one the reasons I've come back to reading Harlequin.
September 11, 2009
Marekted as a paranormal romance and its a series... Well...I suppose it is what I expected... the characters are all perfect gorgeous folks (both good and bad guys). Their hearts are always lurching, that is when their eyelashes aren't fluttering and everyone loves something or someone impossibly. Oh and the best adjective for describing physical beauty is 'hot' with the occasional 'really hot' thrown in for good measure. Oh if you crave the excessive use of pop culture phrases from the 90's, its got it...If I remember our lead lady at one point does say to a demon bad dude, "My bad."
:-)
:-)
January 29, 2021
This is the fifth book from the Masters of Time series written by Brenda Joyce that brings us the story of Samantha and Ian.
Samantha has an assignment. She has to recover the pages from the Book of Power that were stolen by Ian.
Ian has a dad past. He was tormented and tortured by demons for 66 years. Now he's living in the present and left his family and past behind.
This book was one of my favourites from the series. This book was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It was about healing and forgiveness. It was about love. Ian and Samantha's relationship was powerful and beautiful. This book was a great way to end this amazing series.
Samantha has an assignment. She has to recover the pages from the Book of Power that were stolen by Ian.
Ian has a dad past. He was tormented and tortured by demons for 66 years. Now he's living in the present and left his family and past behind.
This book was one of my favourites from the series. This book was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It was about healing and forgiveness. It was about love. Ian and Samantha's relationship was powerful and beautiful. This book was a great way to end this amazing series.
July 9, 2018
Me encanto esta serie, aparte que me sentí identificada con uno de los personajes que lleva mi nombre, la maravilla de los viajes en el tiempo no pasa nunca de moda, guerreros de Escocia Medieval y brujas modernas del siglo XXI juntos luchando por el bien y los inocentes son la mejor combinación para un libro, Recomendado 1000%
August 13, 2015
Decisamente il migliore. Grande rimpatriata di tutti i personaggi della serie. E finalmente un non-Maestro che se ne frega di regole e codici ed è sexy di suo.
May 4, 2018
I personaggi di questo ultimo capitolo della serie sono Sam/Samantha Rose e Ian Maclean (figlio di Aidan il Lupo di Awe), che era stato rapito all’età di nove anni da suo nonno – l’incarnazione del male, Moray – e che suo padre Aidan aveva creduto morto per più di sessant’anni (avventura svolta nel terzo libro della serie “Dark Warrior”, dedicato a Brianna Rose e Aidan).
In “Dark Warrior”, Sam e Ian si conoscono e tra loro scoppia la prima scintilla, per continuare in “Dark Rose” e avere il suo epilogo nell’ultimo capitolo della serie maestri del tempo .
Entrambi cacciatori e non prede, si scontreranno su molti fronti, incluso quello passionale, tentando di prevalere l’uno sull’altro.
Ian, però, dietro la facciata da sexy playboy egoista, nasconde le paure del proprio passato, delle torture e delle sevizie ricevute negli anni di prigionia; è per questo che deve fare i conti con incubi e flashback che lo tormentano, portando il proprio passato da incubo a galla.
Assolutamente il libro più bello di tutta la serie, è veramente impossibile non innamorarsi del bellissimo Highlander che, per I personaggi di questo ultimo capitolo della serie sono Sam/Samantha Rose e Ian Maclean (figlio di Aidan il Lupo di Awe), che era stato rapito all’età di nove anni da suo nonno – l’incarnazione del male, Moray – e che suo padre Aidan aveva creduto morto per più di sessant’anni (avventura svolta nel terzo libro della serie “Dark Warrior”, dedicato a Brianna Rose e Aidan).
In “Dark Warrior”, Sam e Ian si conoscono e tra loro scoppia la prima scintilla, per continuare in “Dark Rose” e avere il suo epilogo nell’ultimo capitolo della serie maestri del tempo .
Entrambi cacciatori e non prede, si scontreranno su molti fronti, incluso quello passionale, tentando di prevalere l’uno sull’altro.
Ian, però, dietro la facciata da sexy playboy egoista, nasconde le paure del proprio passato, delle torture e delle sevizie ricevute negli anni di prigionia; è per questo che deve fare i conti con incubi e flashback che lo tormentano, portando il proprio passato da incubo a galla.
Assolutamente il libro più bello di tutta la serie, è veramente impossibile non innamorarsi del bellissimo Highlander che, per I personaggi di questo ultimo capitolo della serie sono Sam/Samantha Rose e Ian Maclean (figlio di Aidan il Lupo di Awe), che era stato rapito all’età di nove anni da suo nonno – l’incarnazione del male, Moray – e che suo padre Aidan aveva creduto morto per più di sessant’anni (avventura svolta nel terzo libro della serie “Dark Warrior”, dedicato a Brianna Rose e Aidan).
In “Dark Warrior”, Sam e Ian si conoscono e tra loro scoppia la prima scintilla, per continuare in “Dark Rose” e avere il suo epilogo nell’ultimo capitolo della serie maestri del tempo .
Entrambi cacciatori e non prede, si scontreranno su molti fronti, incluso quello passionale, tentando di prevalere l’uno sull’altro.
Ian, però, dietro la facciata da sexy playboy egoista, nasconde le paure del proprio passato, delle torture e delle sevizie ricevute negli anni di prigionia; è per questo che deve fare i conti con incubi e flashback che lo tormentano, portando il proprio passato da incubo a galla.
Assolutamente il libro più bello di tutta la serie, è veramente impossibile non innamorarsi del bellissimo Highlander che, per proteggere la sua donna guerriera, sconfigge le sue paure, al punto di crescere e riappacificarsi con suo padre.
Ho amato tutto la serie perché considero la Joyce una delle mie autrici romance preferite. Speravo che Dark Lover non fosse l’ultimo libro della serie e mi auguravo di leggere qualcosa su altri personaggi della serie, ma l’autrice, per il momento, sembra non volere scrivere nulla su di loro.
Baby Lady Kira - per RFS
In “Dark Warrior”, Sam e Ian si conoscono e tra loro scoppia la prima scintilla, per continuare in “Dark Rose” e avere il suo epilogo nell’ultimo capitolo della serie maestri del tempo .
Entrambi cacciatori e non prede, si scontreranno su molti fronti, incluso quello passionale, tentando di prevalere l’uno sull’altro.
Ian, però, dietro la facciata da sexy playboy egoista, nasconde le paure del proprio passato, delle torture e delle sevizie ricevute negli anni di prigionia; è per questo che deve fare i conti con incubi e flashback che lo tormentano, portando il proprio passato da incubo a galla.
Assolutamente il libro più bello di tutta la serie, è veramente impossibile non innamorarsi del bellissimo Highlander che, per I personaggi di questo ultimo capitolo della serie sono Sam/Samantha Rose e Ian Maclean (figlio di Aidan il Lupo di Awe), che era stato rapito all’età di nove anni da suo nonno – l’incarnazione del male, Moray – e che suo padre Aidan aveva creduto morto per più di sessant’anni (avventura svolta nel terzo libro della serie “Dark Warrior”, dedicato a Brianna Rose e Aidan).
In “Dark Warrior”, Sam e Ian si conoscono e tra loro scoppia la prima scintilla, per continuare in “Dark Rose” e avere il suo epilogo nell’ultimo capitolo della serie maestri del tempo .
Entrambi cacciatori e non prede, si scontreranno su molti fronti, incluso quello passionale, tentando di prevalere l’uno sull’altro.
Ian, però, dietro la facciata da sexy playboy egoista, nasconde le paure del proprio passato, delle torture e delle sevizie ricevute negli anni di prigionia; è per questo che deve fare i conti con incubi e flashback che lo tormentano, portando il proprio passato da incubo a galla.
Assolutamente il libro più bello di tutta la serie, è veramente impossibile non innamorarsi del bellissimo Highlander che, per I personaggi di questo ultimo capitolo della serie sono Sam/Samantha Rose e Ian Maclean (figlio di Aidan il Lupo di Awe), che era stato rapito all’età di nove anni da suo nonno – l’incarnazione del male, Moray – e che suo padre Aidan aveva creduto morto per più di sessant’anni (avventura svolta nel terzo libro della serie “Dark Warrior”, dedicato a Brianna Rose e Aidan).
In “Dark Warrior”, Sam e Ian si conoscono e tra loro scoppia la prima scintilla, per continuare in “Dark Rose” e avere il suo epilogo nell’ultimo capitolo della serie maestri del tempo .
Entrambi cacciatori e non prede, si scontreranno su molti fronti, incluso quello passionale, tentando di prevalere l’uno sull’altro.
Ian, però, dietro la facciata da sexy playboy egoista, nasconde le paure del proprio passato, delle torture e delle sevizie ricevute negli anni di prigionia; è per questo che deve fare i conti con incubi e flashback che lo tormentano, portando il proprio passato da incubo a galla.
Assolutamente il libro più bello di tutta la serie, è veramente impossibile non innamorarsi del bellissimo Highlander che, per proteggere la sua donna guerriera, sconfigge le sue paure, al punto di crescere e riappacificarsi con suo padre.
Ho amato tutto la serie perché considero la Joyce una delle mie autrici romance preferite. Speravo che Dark Lover non fosse l’ultimo libro della serie e mi auguravo di leggere qualcosa su altri personaggi della serie, ma l’autrice, per il momento, sembra non volere scrivere nulla su di loro.
Baby Lady Kira - per RFS
May 25, 2017
Ho finito anche quest'ultimo libro della serie. Abbastanza noiosetto e ho trovato proprio fuori dal contesto della storia inserire il tema della pedopornografia.
Sam, assassina di demoni vuole trovare a tutti i costi una pagina misteriosa che è stata rubata,ma finisce a fare la crocerossina a Ian,il figlio di Aidan,che ne ha subite di ogni dal nonno e da un misterioso frate; il ragazzo punta tutto sul suo fascino e la seduce fin da subito,nascondendole il suo passato,che però lei già conosce grazie alla sorella Tabitha e all'amica Allie,che ormai vivono con i loro highlander nel Medioevo. Sam,con ironia per modo di dire, evita la sensualità di Ian,ma quando capisce che l'unico modo per riavere la paginetta è andarci al letto, cede subito alle sue avances.
Questa è decisamente la serie romance più gelida che io abbia mai letto, è un mix di tutto,pochissime spiegazioni,ma non viene approfondito nulla, le donzelle cedono dopo pochissime pagine agli highlander e tutti i romanzi sono praticamente identici. Confesso di averli letti per sommi capi,praticamente solo i dialoghi, e mi sono annoiata un bel po'.
Sam, assassina di demoni vuole trovare a tutti i costi una pagina misteriosa che è stata rubata,ma finisce a fare la crocerossina a Ian,il figlio di Aidan,che ne ha subite di ogni dal nonno e da un misterioso frate; il ragazzo punta tutto sul suo fascino e la seduce fin da subito,nascondendole il suo passato,che però lei già conosce grazie alla sorella Tabitha e all'amica Allie,che ormai vivono con i loro highlander nel Medioevo. Sam,con ironia per modo di dire, evita la sensualità di Ian,ma quando capisce che l'unico modo per riavere la paginetta è andarci al letto, cede subito alle sue avances.
Questa è decisamente la serie romance più gelida che io abbia mai letto, è un mix di tutto,pochissime spiegazioni,ma non viene approfondito nulla, le donzelle cedono dopo pochissime pagine agli highlander e tutti i romanzi sono praticamente identici. Confesso di averli letti per sommi capi,praticamente solo i dialoghi, e mi sono annoiata un bel po'.
July 1, 2018
The last instalment in the Master of Time series, and it went out with a bang. Ian Maclean, son of Aidenof Awe, befell tragedy by his grandfather Moray. For 65 yrs he was imprisoned as a 9 yr old. He was brutally tortured throughout time. No more special long. This was such an emotional read that would touch hearts of all Paranormal lovers. This was the perfect closure to an extraordinary series. Would totally recommend to new Paranormal readers and to those who truly appreciate and love Paranormal books.
August 4, 2024
This book had a lot of potential, but I got bored really fast. I don’t love when a heroine is described as strong and independent, when in actuality she’s abrasive and cutthroat. You can be brave and strong without needing to crush others around you. Both characters were extremely hurtful and condescending to others, seemingly without a reason or purpose, and it was just accepted as part of their personality. The story also went on for too long. There were too many epic fights and near-tragic misses, that I just started skimming the second half of the book. Sigh.
May 27, 2019
My guilty pleasure. Two fun characters, one with a tortured past. I loved it!
March 22, 2019
Such a great book! Although I am not a fan of Nick in the book. Makes me want to punch him but other than that, this was a fantastic book!
January 2, 2020
I think i read the first 2 or 3 chapters. Couldn't stand the way the accent of the male lead was written. I probably could have got past it if I was really interested in what happened, but I wasn't.
August 6, 2020
3+ stars
September 8, 2021
I almost abandoned this three times but did not have anything else to read so kept at it. Pretty bad.
September 11, 2010
4.5 stars!
Ian Maclean is arrogant, wealthy, powerful, selfish and antisocial. These are traits that wouldn’t make a very likeable hero but still he is because his behavior and look on life and the world was profoundly altered after he was killed, revived and held captive for 66 years by his demon grandfather and tortured by said grandfather and his demon friends with their perverted games.
Ever since a demon killed her mother and she wasn’t able to safe her, Sam Rose has taken it upon her to hunt and destroy evil. She is the Slayer of the Rose women. When her job for the Historical Crime Unit (HCU), puts her in the path of Ian Maclean, she has to work together with a man she despises and desires at the same time. While they are both trying to use the other for their own purposes, they are forced to face their fears, enemies and feelings.
Ian fears pain and evil and therefore has wrapped himself in a cocoon of aloofness where he thinks no one can reach him. He needs sex to avoid giving into the horrible flashbacks of his tormented and he uses his wealth to prove to himself he is capable of doing anything he wants and doesn’t have to rely on anyone else for his needs. He may seem the sexy, arrogant, careless playboy but underneath that image he’s build for himself, he is a traumatized man who went through horrors during this abduction and is a long way from recovering from them.
Sam seems to be a free spirit, one who lives life her way, liberated, strong, confident, she doesn’t take crap from anyone, especially men. She is vengeful, smart-mouthed and fearless. Beneath her tough outer shell is a woman who tries to protect herself from hurt by pretending not to care about anything or anyone except fighting evil. She doesn’t allow herself to care because caring means pain when she loses them. She has learned to depend only on herself and her own strength.
Sam and Ian are like to peas from the same pod. They both like to be in control, both like to win, losing is not an option and they always get what they want. This makes them clash like crazy, creating a verbal sparring extravaganza even if they are perfect for each other and they are kindred spirits. From the moment they meet, sparks fly and their interactions and dialogues are sizzling. These two take verbal sparring to a whole other level. I loved the way their romance fitted their characters perfectly. It went from pure sexual attraction to partners fighting evil to love. And both went kicking and screaming all the way. They both crave what the other provides but are not willing to admit it, let alone give into it.
Even though there were many secondary characters, the story focuses mainly on Sam, Ian and their enemies. Nick Forrester, who runs the HCU and is Sam’s boss, is the only character who is deepened out a bit more than the others and I really hope he will get his own book, or at least a substantial secondary storyline in the future. There is just so much surrounding him that intrigues me and arouses my speculative mind.
Am glad I stuck with this series throughout some books that I did not enjoy reading so much (books 2 and 3) because if I had given up on it after the terrible second book I wouldn’t have experienced this amazing and almost perfect installment. This fifth book in the series and final installment of the Rose Trilogy within the series was definitely the best so far. There was no confusing time leaping or messed up chronology. It was the first book in the series that I found easy to follow. The characters were great and the plotline was very good, though I am a bit done now with the resurfacing of Moray (the villain of the series). He’s like the soap opera character that just won’t stay dead. Yet again in this book the solution to the problem of Moray leaves possibilities for resurrection so I won’t be surprised if he shows up again in future installments.
Dark Lover is an action-packed romance novel that is all about freedom, taking control back, despair and passion. It represents the potential of the series and shows Brenda Joyce’s writing talent with strong, willful characters and a well written plot, without distracting and confusing time leaping mechanisms, even if the role of the Masters of Time is less present than in the first 2 books of the series.
Contrary to my normal “stick to the series order” advice I tend to give, in this case, I would recommend the first installment of the series and then this one to readers who’d like to sample this series.
And if you don’t read this book for the romance or plot, you should read it just to discover what intriguing body part adornment Ian has and where it is…and I am not talking tattoos here.
Ian Maclean is arrogant, wealthy, powerful, selfish and antisocial. These are traits that wouldn’t make a very likeable hero but still he is because his behavior and look on life and the world was profoundly altered after he was killed, revived and held captive for 66 years by his demon grandfather and tortured by said grandfather and his demon friends with their perverted games.
Ever since a demon killed her mother and she wasn’t able to safe her, Sam Rose has taken it upon her to hunt and destroy evil. She is the Slayer of the Rose women. When her job for the Historical Crime Unit (HCU), puts her in the path of Ian Maclean, she has to work together with a man she despises and desires at the same time. While they are both trying to use the other for their own purposes, they are forced to face their fears, enemies and feelings.
Ian fears pain and evil and therefore has wrapped himself in a cocoon of aloofness where he thinks no one can reach him. He needs sex to avoid giving into the horrible flashbacks of his tormented and he uses his wealth to prove to himself he is capable of doing anything he wants and doesn’t have to rely on anyone else for his needs. He may seem the sexy, arrogant, careless playboy but underneath that image he’s build for himself, he is a traumatized man who went through horrors during this abduction and is a long way from recovering from them.
Sam seems to be a free spirit, one who lives life her way, liberated, strong, confident, she doesn’t take crap from anyone, especially men. She is vengeful, smart-mouthed and fearless. Beneath her tough outer shell is a woman who tries to protect herself from hurt by pretending not to care about anything or anyone except fighting evil. She doesn’t allow herself to care because caring means pain when she loses them. She has learned to depend only on herself and her own strength.
Sam and Ian are like to peas from the same pod. They both like to be in control, both like to win, losing is not an option and they always get what they want. This makes them clash like crazy, creating a verbal sparring extravaganza even if they are perfect for each other and they are kindred spirits. From the moment they meet, sparks fly and their interactions and dialogues are sizzling. These two take verbal sparring to a whole other level. I loved the way their romance fitted their characters perfectly. It went from pure sexual attraction to partners fighting evil to love. And both went kicking and screaming all the way. They both crave what the other provides but are not willing to admit it, let alone give into it.
Even though there were many secondary characters, the story focuses mainly on Sam, Ian and their enemies. Nick Forrester, who runs the HCU and is Sam’s boss, is the only character who is deepened out a bit more than the others and I really hope he will get his own book, or at least a substantial secondary storyline in the future. There is just so much surrounding him that intrigues me and arouses my speculative mind.
Am glad I stuck with this series throughout some books that I did not enjoy reading so much (books 2 and 3) because if I had given up on it after the terrible second book I wouldn’t have experienced this amazing and almost perfect installment. This fifth book in the series and final installment of the Rose Trilogy within the series was definitely the best so far. There was no confusing time leaping or messed up chronology. It was the first book in the series that I found easy to follow. The characters were great and the plotline was very good, though I am a bit done now with the resurfacing of Moray (the villain of the series). He’s like the soap opera character that just won’t stay dead. Yet again in this book the solution to the problem of Moray leaves possibilities for resurrection so I won’t be surprised if he shows up again in future installments.
Dark Lover is an action-packed romance novel that is all about freedom, taking control back, despair and passion. It represents the potential of the series and shows Brenda Joyce’s writing talent with strong, willful characters and a well written plot, without distracting and confusing time leaping mechanisms, even if the role of the Masters of Time is less present than in the first 2 books of the series.
Contrary to my normal “stick to the series order” advice I tend to give, in this case, I would recommend the first installment of the series and then this one to readers who’d like to sample this series.
And if you don’t read this book for the romance or plot, you should read it just to discover what intriguing body part adornment Ian has and where it is…and I am not talking tattoos here.
June 27, 2011
Samantha Rose works as a Slayer, meaning her job is to hunt bad guys. Her most recent assignment is to retrieve several pages from a book of power that was recently acquired by some very evil characters and then subsequently stolen from them by the very man they hired to retrieve it in the first place.
The suspected thief is a man named Ian Maclean, who is a time travelling Highlander with a dark past. Ian was imprisoned, tortured and tormented by demons for most of his life. His possession of the pages from the dark book leads to his involvement with some of the very people who were responsible for his horrible life. Samantha gets involved with Ian because she wants the pages too (for the good guys), but her attraction to Ian and the pity she feels for him get in the way of her doing her job, and also drag her into his past.
Eventually, Samantha finds herself in a similar position to the captivity Ian once faced, and the only person who can save her is Ian. Ian is forced to face his fears to rescue her, and he must rely on his Father for help, even though he has blamed his father for his captivity for all these years.
The biggest problem I had with this story is that the description of the characters didn’t match their actions at all. For example, Samantha Rose was described as a sex crazed woman who constantly uses young men for one night stands. She supposedly has no emotion at all and didn’t even shed a tear or get upset after finding her mother’s murdered body years earlier. We are supposed to believe that this emotionless tough chick is an accurate description of her, but she never actually has random sex with anyone in this book, she gets emotional throughout the whole thing, and she cried more than once. Huh?
The other main character, Ian Maclean, is just as contradictory to his description as Samantha was. We are supposed to believe that he is a strong sexy dangerous dark man (hence the title Dark Lover), but then the author gives him panic attacks through the entire book and makes him scared of everything he faces. Again, Huh? If Joyce had named the book “Scaredy Cat”, that would have been a better fit. And trust me, a scaredy cat does not make a sexy alpha male. Furthermore, the whole plot of the book begins with Ian’s career as an unconscionable thief, and yet he lets himself be tormented over something he only stole for profit in the first place. Baffling, and not in a good way.
I think we are supposed to believe that Ian and Sam are responsible for the changes in each other, but we never really get a good explanation as to why. They are complete strangers to each other and their interactions are confrontational hateful encounters. Then suddenly **POOF** they’re in love. One last time, Huh?
The plot and the characters simply did not add up for me. The word “evil” was ridiculously overused – think broken record – and sounded completely generic as a result. The time jumping also seemed overused with too many people able to do it. And even though there was a lot of activity in the last 1/3 of the book, the first 2/3 was boring and repetitive.
I couldn’t find much to like in this book. The big climax/battle at the end was somewhat decent, and I liked Ian’s family. Those are the only reasons I didn’t give this book a 1 star rating. My recommendation is to skip this series and go straight to Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander Series instead.
This was my first Brenda Joyce novel and unfortunately I wasn’t very impressed. I’m still undecided if I will try another of her books, but maybe this was just an anomaly. If you really love another of her books, please let me know and I’ll give it a try.
The suspected thief is a man named Ian Maclean, who is a time travelling Highlander with a dark past. Ian was imprisoned, tortured and tormented by demons for most of his life. His possession of the pages from the dark book leads to his involvement with some of the very people who were responsible for his horrible life. Samantha gets involved with Ian because she wants the pages too (for the good guys), but her attraction to Ian and the pity she feels for him get in the way of her doing her job, and also drag her into his past.
Eventually, Samantha finds herself in a similar position to the captivity Ian once faced, and the only person who can save her is Ian. Ian is forced to face his fears to rescue her, and he must rely on his Father for help, even though he has blamed his father for his captivity for all these years.
The biggest problem I had with this story is that the description of the characters didn’t match their actions at all. For example, Samantha Rose was described as a sex crazed woman who constantly uses young men for one night stands. She supposedly has no emotion at all and didn’t even shed a tear or get upset after finding her mother’s murdered body years earlier. We are supposed to believe that this emotionless tough chick is an accurate description of her, but she never actually has random sex with anyone in this book, she gets emotional throughout the whole thing, and she cried more than once. Huh?
The other main character, Ian Maclean, is just as contradictory to his description as Samantha was. We are supposed to believe that he is a strong sexy dangerous dark man (hence the title Dark Lover), but then the author gives him panic attacks through the entire book and makes him scared of everything he faces. Again, Huh? If Joyce had named the book “Scaredy Cat”, that would have been a better fit. And trust me, a scaredy cat does not make a sexy alpha male. Furthermore, the whole plot of the book begins with Ian’s career as an unconscionable thief, and yet he lets himself be tormented over something he only stole for profit in the first place. Baffling, and not in a good way.
I think we are supposed to believe that Ian and Sam are responsible for the changes in each other, but we never really get a good explanation as to why. They are complete strangers to each other and their interactions are confrontational hateful encounters. Then suddenly **POOF** they’re in love. One last time, Huh?
The plot and the characters simply did not add up for me. The word “evil” was ridiculously overused – think broken record – and sounded completely generic as a result. The time jumping also seemed overused with too many people able to do it. And even though there was a lot of activity in the last 1/3 of the book, the first 2/3 was boring and repetitive.
I couldn’t find much to like in this book. The big climax/battle at the end was somewhat decent, and I liked Ian’s family. Those are the only reasons I didn’t give this book a 1 star rating. My recommendation is to skip this series and go straight to Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander Series instead.
This was my first Brenda Joyce novel and unfortunately I wasn’t very impressed. I’m still undecided if I will try another of her books, but maybe this was just an anomaly. If you really love another of her books, please let me know and I’ll give it a try.
January 23, 2016
Still trying to catch my breathe!
Last book of the series and so sorry to say goodbye to all the characters, however let me tell you these stories may have started kind of slowly in "Dark Seduction", but every book picked up speed and steam as the characters and the plot lines grew more defined as the series continued!
"Dark Lover" is DRAMATIC, EMOTIONALLY WRENCHING, INTENSELY RIVETING and more!
You find yourself enthralled by this story from the very first, Ian MacLean and Sam Rose are the two characters that we have been waiting for the tale of since they were first introduced in "Dark Embrace"!
Being the son of Aidan-The Wolf of Awe means that Ian has all the powers of a Master, however he has no wish to claim his birthright and serve the gods to save the Innocent! Ian was captured at nine years of age, killed and brought back to life to be tortured for 66 years by his very own Grandfather the demon Moray!
Sam Rose is a Slayer, member of the CDA/HCU unit which hunts and destroys all evil wherever they find it! When she was only 13 she witnessed her Mother's murder and since then has had nothing on her mind but ridding the world of every demon she could find and kill!
Prior to meeting they have both lived a life of hedonistic pleasure taking each day as it came and not wanting any long term entanglements... Ian however cannot get Sam out of his mind, after she comes to ask him to help her in Scotland and he refuses he follows her to New York so as to cajole her into his bed and get her out of his dreams! Sam is having none of it until one night while working a party she is forced to create a diversion and makes the mistake of kissing Ian.. From that time forward all bets are off!
Two very similar people who have each lived through and survived the worst that life could possibly offer and have the nightmares to prove it!
This will be the book you remember for a long time, it has the best story line by far of the series.. So much happens in "Dark Lover" that it is very hard to break down concisely in a few short words... I will just say this, run do not walk to your nearest library, online or brick and mortar book store and pick up the books today! Especially this one, however if you do not read them in order it will not make sense to you with all the different time periods, the characters, the interlocking plots that all culminate in one hugely satisfying ending that clears up all the hanging threads from the main characters stories!
Dark Seduction, Dark Rival, Dark Embrace, Dark Victory and Dark Lover 5 books and some of the best entertainment in reading that you could ever sit down and enjoy!
Last book of the series and so sorry to say goodbye to all the characters, however let me tell you these stories may have started kind of slowly in "Dark Seduction", but every book picked up speed and steam as the characters and the plot lines grew more defined as the series continued!
"Dark Lover" is DRAMATIC, EMOTIONALLY WRENCHING, INTENSELY RIVETING and more!
You find yourself enthralled by this story from the very first, Ian MacLean and Sam Rose are the two characters that we have been waiting for the tale of since they were first introduced in "Dark Embrace"!
Being the son of Aidan-The Wolf of Awe means that Ian has all the powers of a Master, however he has no wish to claim his birthright and serve the gods to save the Innocent! Ian was captured at nine years of age, killed and brought back to life to be tortured for 66 years by his very own Grandfather the demon Moray!
Sam Rose is a Slayer, member of the CDA/HCU unit which hunts and destroys all evil wherever they find it! When she was only 13 she witnessed her Mother's murder and since then has had nothing on her mind but ridding the world of every demon she could find and kill!
Prior to meeting they have both lived a life of hedonistic pleasure taking each day as it came and not wanting any long term entanglements... Ian however cannot get Sam out of his mind, after she comes to ask him to help her in Scotland and he refuses he follows her to New York so as to cajole her into his bed and get her out of his dreams! Sam is having none of it until one night while working a party she is forced to create a diversion and makes the mistake of kissing Ian.. From that time forward all bets are off!
Two very similar people who have each lived through and survived the worst that life could possibly offer and have the nightmares to prove it!
This will be the book you remember for a long time, it has the best story line by far of the series.. So much happens in "Dark Lover" that it is very hard to break down concisely in a few short words... I will just say this, run do not walk to your nearest library, online or brick and mortar book store and pick up the books today! Especially this one, however if you do not read them in order it will not make sense to you with all the different time periods, the characters, the interlocking plots that all culminate in one hugely satisfying ending that clears up all the hanging threads from the main characters stories!
Dark Seduction, Dark Rival, Dark Embrace, Dark Victory and Dark Lover 5 books and some of the best entertainment in reading that you could ever sit down and enjoy!
September 16, 2013
Samantha Rose a slayer for the world of innocence. Sam is on a mission to quire The Page of Illusion from a wealthy but evil man named Hemmer. Hemmer is throwing a party for all his friends at his home. Nick Sam's boss sends her their to scope out the place but with one stipulation Ian Maclean will be on the guest list. Sam is so mad that she wasn't told so now that she knows, she decides to get a little payback. Sam goes with Kit her bestfriend to this party. While Kit distracts all the party people while Sam sneaks up to the forbiden levels of the house. There she meets up with Maclean in unlikely possion, he is having sex with his hostess. As soon as she walks in Ian stops what he is doing and walks away from his hostess to scope out the place. They go to the vault in the next room and they see the page of illusion. Then they get caught but so they don't suspect them of anything they start making out. Sam and Ian get caught and get escorted out. But later Ian sneaks back in and get the Page. Pretty soon Hemmer and the Monk that used to torture Ian when he was a kid attack the people he cares about. Then The Monk and Hemmer take Sam so Ian travels through time to save her. While there Ian asks for his dad Aiden of Awe to help him save Sam. They save her and go back to Castle Awe with her sister Tabby and her cousin Brieanna. At the castle the castle is being seiged and Sam and Ian get captured. Ian and Sam are in a cell, The Monk sends Sam to get the page while he tortures Ian. Tabby and Brie are there to help her along with their men. They find Ian, and Ian is destroying The Monk. Ian and Sam along with their friends leave to Ian's home but he still hates his father. Ian then decides that he can't stand himself so he is going to have to leave Sam and so he does. When Ian reaches Castle Awe he is attacked by Moray his gradfather. The team consisting of Sam, Macleod, Royce, Tabby, Aiden, and Brie come to save him. Only to have themselves trapped in the Page of Illusions power. They get sepperated and Sam and Ian get their own sepperate mazes. The only difference is that Sam opens the doors in the maze. Moray tries to trick her into turning to evil but she refuses him so Moray hits her with a bolt of his power. That power kills her, Ian knows that something is wrong so he breaks away from his illusion. Ian is outraged that he starts thinking that the gods have forsaken him to a life of pain without Sam. The gods then appear and bring her back and give Ian a chance. Then Ian is finally ready to forgive his father and move on from the pain in his life. Then Macniel appears and tells Ian that he is ready to take the vows that will make him a master. Sam and Ian profess their love for each other and start their new life together.
December 14, 2013
«È la tua anima gemella. Non voglio dire che sarà facile, perché ha davanti a sé un lungo cammino verso la guarigione. Ma ha cominciato. E tu hai imparato ad avere compassione. Siete destinati a essere ognuno il maestro dell'altro.»
Come speravo Ian si dimostra all'altezza del padre e chiude degnamente la serie! ;D Anche Sam, come tutte le protagoniste della Joyce, cade preda della lussuria appena incontra l'affascinante Highlander ma non ci si fionda certo a letto al primo capitolo, per fortuna! XD Anzi da il via ad una vera battaglia per il predominio (che a volte, lo ammetto, la fa sembrare un'acida bisbetica), anche perchè non si sa Ian da che parte stia, anche se sembra patteggiare solo per se stesso XD Il rapporto tra i due è molto travagliato, Sam è una donna molto coraggiosa, un'Assassina che per combattere al meglio il male cerca di reprimere ogni emozione ma Ian, con il suo terribile passato, riuscirà ben presto ad infrangere questo muro. Ian sicuramente è uno degli Highlander meglio caratterizzati della serie, dietro alla sua facciata di play-boy egoista nasconde un profondo dolore: per più di sessant'anni infatti è stato alla mercé del nonno Moray, un demone crudele e potente che con un'incantesimo ha mantenuto il nipote all'eterna età di nove anni, torturandolo e abusando di lui in ogni modo. Ian è riuscito a sopravvivere e a non passare dalla parte del male ma ha pagato un prezzo altissimo. Ha interrotto ogni rapporto con il padre Aidan, che non è riuscito a salvarlo da bambino e cerca inutilmente di avvicinarlo, soffre di claustrofobia, attacchi di panico e incubi, è terrorizzato all'idea di saltare nel tempo e non vede nessuna speranza di felicità nel suo futuro. Ma non importa quanto potere e ricchezza accumuli, non riesce a fuggire dal passato e sentirsi al sicuro e libero. Sam riesce lentamente a carpire tutti i suoi segreti e non ha intenzione di abbandonarlo, non importa quanto lui la rifiuti e la maltratti. Per una volta non c'è solo cieca passione, ma anche tenerezza e more. Il cattivo si dimostra essere all'altezza della situazione tanto che fino all'ultimo ho temuto per la sorte dei nostri eroi, che comunque riceveranno manforte da tutti gli altri buoni dei libri precedenti. Vedere Ian finalmente riunirsi al padre e vivere felice con la donna che ama e circondato dalla luce degli dei è stato tanto bello quanto meritato dopo tutto ciò che ha sofferto povero! ç_ç
Come speravo Ian si dimostra all'altezza del padre e chiude degnamente la serie! ;D Anche Sam, come tutte le protagoniste della Joyce, cade preda della lussuria appena incontra l'affascinante Highlander ma non ci si fionda certo a letto al primo capitolo, per fortuna! XD Anzi da il via ad una vera battaglia per il predominio (che a volte, lo ammetto, la fa sembrare un'acida bisbetica), anche perchè non si sa Ian da che parte stia, anche se sembra patteggiare solo per se stesso XD Il rapporto tra i due è molto travagliato, Sam è una donna molto coraggiosa, un'Assassina che per combattere al meglio il male cerca di reprimere ogni emozione ma Ian, con il suo terribile passato, riuscirà ben presto ad infrangere questo muro. Ian sicuramente è uno degli Highlander meglio caratterizzati della serie, dietro alla sua facciata di play-boy egoista nasconde un profondo dolore: per più di sessant'anni infatti è stato alla mercé del nonno Moray, un demone crudele e potente che con un'incantesimo ha mantenuto il nipote all'eterna età di nove anni, torturandolo e abusando di lui in ogni modo. Ian è riuscito a sopravvivere e a non passare dalla parte del male ma ha pagato un prezzo altissimo. Ha interrotto ogni rapporto con il padre Aidan, che non è riuscito a salvarlo da bambino e cerca inutilmente di avvicinarlo, soffre di claustrofobia, attacchi di panico e incubi, è terrorizzato all'idea di saltare nel tempo e non vede nessuna speranza di felicità nel suo futuro. Ma non importa quanto potere e ricchezza accumuli, non riesce a fuggire dal passato e sentirsi al sicuro e libero. Sam riesce lentamente a carpire tutti i suoi segreti e non ha intenzione di abbandonarlo, non importa quanto lui la rifiuti e la maltratti. Per una volta non c'è solo cieca passione, ma anche tenerezza e more. Il cattivo si dimostra essere all'altezza della situazione tanto che fino all'ultimo ho temuto per la sorte dei nostri eroi, che comunque riceveranno manforte da tutti gli altri buoni dei libri precedenti. Vedere Ian finalmente riunirsi al padre e vivere felice con la donna che ama e circondato dalla luce degli dei è stato tanto bello quanto meritato dopo tutto ciò che ha sofferto povero! ç_ç
January 4, 2010
Brenda Joyce! What can I say that will pay tribute to this wonderful woman? (Yes, I'm that speechless)
Joyce writes the Masters of Time series. Basically, the Masters are anicent (near immotal, so they age really well!) Highlanders who have amazing powers. They take vows for the old gods they worship and then are considered Masters.
What is a Master? Well.... The Masters vow to protect the innocent and to use their powers only for good. These men not only age well and have amazing powers, they, themselves, are amazing! Basically, they are the total package. (pun was unintented)
Now, Dark Lover is the 5th book in the series. If you have read the previous books then you will already know our heroin, Sam Rose. For those of you that don't already know: Sam is a Slayer (she hunts and kills demons), she is gorgeous, she now works for the governement department that hunts the evil baddies, and she is now living alone. (Translation: her sister, cousin, and best friend all went into the past and stayed living there with their sexy soulmates [masters:])
In Dark Embrace, Ian, our hero in Dark Lover is introduced. He is a Master's son, meaning he has some incredible powers. But, Ian isn't a Master. He hasn't taken the vows a Master must take. You see, Ian Maclean is the son of Aidan of Awe, making him the grandson of the evil demon, Moray. When Ian was but 9 years old he was killed by Moray then resurrected only to be tortured for 66 years, all because Moray hated his son, Aidan, for not becoming demon.
Safe to say, Ian, now grown up, who has been out of capitivity for 25 years, has a few wounds that have not yet healed. Sam, who doesn't know what compassion is, must work Ian over to the good side. (Right now Ian is playing neutral) The two want each other in bed, but what about when the sun rises and reality sets in?
Dark Lover was extreamly emotional for me. It was cute, it was sad, it was hot, and it was adorable. You can't help but fall for Ian and want to take care of him after what he went through. And Sam is every girl's hero. She's tuff, sexy, and gets what she wants. The book was really cute, and I am definetly going to be telling my friends about it!
Joyce writes the Masters of Time series. Basically, the Masters are anicent (near immotal, so they age really well!) Highlanders who have amazing powers. They take vows for the old gods they worship and then are considered Masters.
What is a Master? Well.... The Masters vow to protect the innocent and to use their powers only for good. These men not only age well and have amazing powers, they, themselves, are amazing! Basically, they are the total package. (pun was unintented)
Now, Dark Lover is the 5th book in the series. If you have read the previous books then you will already know our heroin, Sam Rose. For those of you that don't already know: Sam is a Slayer (she hunts and kills demons), she is gorgeous, she now works for the governement department that hunts the evil baddies, and she is now living alone. (Translation: her sister, cousin, and best friend all went into the past and stayed living there with their sexy soulmates [masters:])
In Dark Embrace, Ian, our hero in Dark Lover is introduced. He is a Master's son, meaning he has some incredible powers. But, Ian isn't a Master. He hasn't taken the vows a Master must take. You see, Ian Maclean is the son of Aidan of Awe, making him the grandson of the evil demon, Moray. When Ian was but 9 years old he was killed by Moray then resurrected only to be tortured for 66 years, all because Moray hated his son, Aidan, for not becoming demon.
Safe to say, Ian, now grown up, who has been out of capitivity for 25 years, has a few wounds that have not yet healed. Sam, who doesn't know what compassion is, must work Ian over to the good side. (Right now Ian is playing neutral) The two want each other in bed, but what about when the sun rises and reality sets in?
Dark Lover was extreamly emotional for me. It was cute, it was sad, it was hot, and it was adorable. You can't help but fall for Ian and want to take care of him after what he went through. And Sam is every girl's hero. She's tuff, sexy, and gets what she wants. The book was really cute, and I am definetly going to be telling my friends about it!
December 26, 2014
What an awesome book this was!
Ian Mclean son of Aidan the wolf of Awe, has been a playboy millionaire, who is ruthless and always gets what he wants sex, art, money, homes, cars, etc. And he doesn't play by fair rules. Then he get intrigued by Samantha Rose, he plays with her and mocks her. And she pissed off at him for humiliating her back in his place in Oban, when she had asked him to take her back in time to help her sister Tabitha.
Sam, has a case where a page from one the magical books appears at some wealthy, not so nice guys estate. She has to retrieve this page before is lands in the hands of evil, and Nick also tells her Mclean wil be there as well. Fury and the desire for revenge takes control over Sam, and thus starting an adventure Sam will never forget. In this book both Sam and Ian tease and taunt each other fighting their urges and desires towards each other, but yet coming closer and the evils from Ian's past come back to haunt him. But also brings back Sams entire family and friend back into the fold and a nice battle here and there.
This has probably got to be one of the best series that I have read that has only been 5 books, I'm saddened that it ended because I could read these books forever. Great stories, great backstories, great ties to each of the main characters in each book. I wish it was a continuing series, but alas all great things must come to an end, and unfortunately this one has, but man oh man what a way to go.
Ian Mclean son of Aidan the wolf of Awe, has been a playboy millionaire, who is ruthless and always gets what he wants sex, art, money, homes, cars, etc. And he doesn't play by fair rules. Then he get intrigued by Samantha Rose, he plays with her and mocks her. And she pissed off at him for humiliating her back in his place in Oban, when she had asked him to take her back in time to help her sister Tabitha.
Sam, has a case where a page from one the magical books appears at some wealthy, not so nice guys estate. She has to retrieve this page before is lands in the hands of evil, and Nick also tells her Mclean wil be there as well. Fury and the desire for revenge takes control over Sam, and thus starting an adventure Sam will never forget. In this book both Sam and Ian tease and taunt each other fighting their urges and desires towards each other, but yet coming closer and the evils from Ian's past come back to haunt him. But also brings back Sams entire family and friend back into the fold and a nice battle here and there.
This has probably got to be one of the best series that I have read that has only been 5 books, I'm saddened that it ended because I could read these books forever. Great stories, great backstories, great ties to each of the main characters in each book. I wish it was a continuing series, but alas all great things must come to an end, and unfortunately this one has, but man oh man what a way to go.
August 26, 2016
"Dark Lover" è il quinto capitolo della serie di Brenda Joyce dedicata ai Maestri del Tempo (degli Highlander in grado di spostarsi nel tempo e dotati di poteri straordinari atti a difendere gli innocenti). Qui, i protagonisti sono Ian Maclean e Samantha Rose. Già incontrati nei precedenti capitoli, Ian, figlio di Aidan di Awe, vive fuori dal suo tempo, nella moderna New York del 2009. Assillato dai ricordi del passato, Ian è un ladro di opere d'arte di inestimabile valore pronto a rubare, e a vendere al miglior offerente, una pagina del Duisean in possesso di Hemmer (un umano che ha venduto la sua anima al diavolo pur di avere ricchezza e potere). Incaricata di seguire il caso Sam, Assassina decisa a vendicarsi dell'affronto subito da Ian mesi prima. Inutile dire che i due s'innamorano perdutamente l'uno dell'altra e, nonostante le varie peripezie, riescono ad avere un lieto fine. Avendo letto tutti i libri della serie, questo è quello che mi ha emozionato di più. Probabilmente perché il personaggio di Ian è più complesso, a mio parere, dei precedenti ed anche molto più vicino alla nostra visione contemporanea. Lo stile di Brenda Joyce mi piace molto anche se, lo ammetto, preferisco Gena Showalter. Tuttavia, consiglio questo libro ^^
[Recensione completa > http://nalie-overthehillsandfaraway.b...]
[Recensione completa > http://nalie-overthehillsandfaraway.b...]
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