What do you think?
Rate this book
When Darkness Whispers
Some memories are better left forgotten...
Haunted by an unclear past, biologically enhanced Marine, Eva Montreaux, can't be distracted from her mission. With American troops being brutally murdered on the island of Okinawa, it's more than priority. It's critical. But when her investigation brings her face to face Marcos Delacruz, it triggers memories. Ones she lost. Memories that somehow include him.
Marcos Delacruz has tried to forget the woman who left him with nothing but empty promises. Even now, three years later, Eva doesn't seem to express any guilt over breaking his heart. In truth, she seems to barely recognize him. This deployment has been challenging enough with too many restless spirits haunting the island. But when his own investigation forces him to cross paths with her once more, Marcos discovers there may be a deeper truth.
With the number of murders claiming rapidly and the rising need to track the murderer across the tropical island, Eva struggles to reclaim what she lost. But the island holds darker elements--a serial killer. One that doesn't appear to be human.
Thrust into a world she can't escape, Eva must discover a way to stop a murderer from destroying anyone else's future, but how can she succeed if she can't even remember what role Marcos played in her past?
When Darkness Whispers is a unique blend of paranormal and military romance you won't want to put down! If you like haunting mystery, spine-tingling suspense, and Japanese mythology, you'll love When Darkness Whispers!
Haunted by an unclear past, biologically enhanced Marine, Eva Montreaux, can't be distracted from her mission. With American troops being brutally murdered on the island of Okinawa, it's more than priority. It's critical. But when her investigation brings her face to face Marcos Delacruz, it triggers memories. Ones she lost. Memories that somehow include him.
Marcos Delacruz has tried to forget the woman who left him with nothing but empty promises. Even now, three years later, Eva doesn't seem to express any guilt over breaking his heart. In truth, she seems to barely recognize him. This deployment has been challenging enough with too many restless spirits haunting the island. But when his own investigation forces him to cross paths with her once more, Marcos discovers there may be a deeper truth.
With the number of murders claiming rapidly and the rising need to track the murderer across the tropical island, Eva struggles to reclaim what she lost. But the island holds darker elements--a serial killer. One that doesn't appear to be human.
Thrust into a world she can't escape, Eva must discover a way to stop a murderer from destroying anyone else's future, but how can she succeed if she can't even remember what role Marcos played in her past?
When Darkness Whispers is a unique blend of paranormal and military romance you won't want to put down! If you like haunting mystery, spine-tingling suspense, and Japanese mythology, you'll love When Darkness Whispers!
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2017
33 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Carlisle
154 books593 followersUSA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes or quirky outcasts. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 7, 2017
Check out all of my reviews at: http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
WHEN DARKNESS WHISPERS by Lisa Carlisle is a mix of military romantic suspense, paranormal/urban fantasy and serial killer thriller all woven together to make an AMAZING book!
Eva Montreaux is a biologically enhanced Marine. She leads the NEO (Night Eagle Operations) team 17 sent to Okinawa to investigate who or what is brutally murdering American servicemen. With the increased tensions between the American military and the Japanese it is essential to solve and stop these killings as soon as possible. As she works with her special team, she runs into military colleagues from her time in Afghanistan, but her enhancements have made that portion of her memory incomplete until she sees Gunny Delacruz.
Gunnery Sergeant Marcos Delacruz has had three years since Eva left Afghanistan to come to terms with promises not kept. When he runs into Eva on Okinawa, he cannot believe she shows no emotion at seeing him again. The past will have to be dealt with, but right now he is on a mission. With his special ability to communicate with spirits, his superiors hope he can solve the serial murders. What he does not expect is to continually cross paths with Eva during the investigation.
Eva and Marcos both have secrets that cannot be revealed to others in regards to their missions. They also have misunderstandings that are tied to their pasts in Afghanistan. As Eva struggles to remember Marcos and their shared past, they both have to find a serial killer that does not appear to be human.
I loved this whole book. Eva and Marcos are great main characters that are fully fleshed with flashbacks that in no way confuse or interfere with the main plot. Trust is a huge issue for them in the past and present that has to be resolved for them to work together. Their romance is written past and present and grows throughout the story. There is great sexual tension as well as tender yet hot sex scenes. I also really enjoyed the last chapter of this book which is unique.
Ms. Carlisle has delivered a well written military romantic suspense with paranormal characters. She has then intertwined the whole story with Japanese folk lore that adds to the uniqueness of the story. This is a book that I highly recommend!
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
WHEN DARKNESS WHISPERS by Lisa Carlisle is a mix of military romantic suspense, paranormal/urban fantasy and serial killer thriller all woven together to make an AMAZING book!
Eva Montreaux is a biologically enhanced Marine. She leads the NEO (Night Eagle Operations) team 17 sent to Okinawa to investigate who or what is brutally murdering American servicemen. With the increased tensions between the American military and the Japanese it is essential to solve and stop these killings as soon as possible. As she works with her special team, she runs into military colleagues from her time in Afghanistan, but her enhancements have made that portion of her memory incomplete until she sees Gunny Delacruz.
Gunnery Sergeant Marcos Delacruz has had three years since Eva left Afghanistan to come to terms with promises not kept. When he runs into Eva on Okinawa, he cannot believe she shows no emotion at seeing him again. The past will have to be dealt with, but right now he is on a mission. With his special ability to communicate with spirits, his superiors hope he can solve the serial murders. What he does not expect is to continually cross paths with Eva during the investigation.
Eva and Marcos both have secrets that cannot be revealed to others in regards to their missions. They also have misunderstandings that are tied to their pasts in Afghanistan. As Eva struggles to remember Marcos and their shared past, they both have to find a serial killer that does not appear to be human.
I loved this whole book. Eva and Marcos are great main characters that are fully fleshed with flashbacks that in no way confuse or interfere with the main plot. Trust is a huge issue for them in the past and present that has to be resolved for them to work together. Their romance is written past and present and grows throughout the story. There is great sexual tension as well as tender yet hot sex scenes. I also really enjoyed the last chapter of this book which is unique.
Ms. Carlisle has delivered a well written military romantic suspense with paranormal characters. She has then intertwined the whole story with Japanese folk lore that adds to the uniqueness of the story. This is a book that I highly recommend!
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
July 8, 2017
I absolutely loved this new Lisa Carlile series, I'm so used to reading the gargoyles, but this is such a new fascinting take on the paranormal. The mystery kept me glued to the book until I finished it. Just a few shifts and that was fine, everything else was so new and intriguing. Who done it kept me guessing and I so enjoyed the unknown, or unanticipated. I really hope to read more like this. Modern war torn lands with a bit of paranormal thrown in and enhanced marine soldiers, could it really be?
A reunion years in the coming, problem is Eva doesn't remember anything after she entered the Marine NEO program and Gunny Marco De La Cruz after 3 years of silence and thinking the worst wants answers she cannot give. Marco couldn't be a sexier latin Marine, good thing Eva realizes it too, if only in pieces.
A reunion years in the coming, problem is Eva doesn't remember anything after she entered the Marine NEO program and Gunny Marco De La Cruz after 3 years of silence and thinking the worst wants answers she cannot give. Marco couldn't be a sexier latin Marine, good thing Eva realizes it too, if only in pieces.
May 18, 2017
Book: When Darkness Whispers
Author: Lisa Carlisle
Publication Date: 6/19/2017
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
Wow If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would.
Eva is a marine who has been changed? She has lost her memory however of many things.
Marcos also a marine is now in Japan and runs into none other than Eva. They are in search of a murder and on the team is various paranormal members.
Eva can't figure out exactly what Marcos was to her but she knows he is something and Marcos can't figure out why she doesn't remember. Can these two figure it out before it's to late?
Suspense, Mystery, and Thrills all in one book.
“I was gifted this book for my reading pleasure and I am choosing to write a review for it.”
Lisa Carlisle
Author: Lisa Carlisle
Publication Date: 6/19/2017
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
Wow If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would.
Eva is a marine who has been changed? She has lost her memory however of many things.
Marcos also a marine is now in Japan and runs into none other than Eva. They are in search of a murder and on the team is various paranormal members.
Eva can't figure out exactly what Marcos was to her but she knows he is something and Marcos can't figure out why she doesn't remember. Can these two figure it out before it's to late?
Suspense, Mystery, and Thrills all in one book.
“I was gifted this book for my reading pleasure and I am choosing to write a review for it.”
Lisa Carlisle
May 18, 2017
OMG what an exciting story and fantastic characters in the book.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
October 10, 2017
When Darkness Whispers is listed as a paranormal romance; however, it also has action, adventure, science-fiction, and suspense. There’s something in this story for readers of all genres.
The story is unique and the writing is perfect; I found When Darkness Whispers to have just the right amount of everything to keep readers on the edge. A definite page turner and hard to put down; but at 250 pages, I didn’t lose too much sleep to read to the end.
When Darkness Whispers, by Lisa Carlisle is an excellently entertaining quick and smooth read. I feel it is definitely worthy of a 4 Boundless Star rating.
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
The story is unique and the writing is perfect; I found When Darkness Whispers to have just the right amount of everything to keep readers on the edge. A definite page turner and hard to put down; but at 250 pages, I didn’t lose too much sleep to read to the end.
When Darkness Whispers, by Lisa Carlisle is an excellently entertaining quick and smooth read. I feel it is definitely worthy of a 4 Boundless Star rating.
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
June 4, 2017
Eva and Marcos met years earlier while stationed Marines in Afganistan. She'd been transferred just as their relationship was becoming more. Now, in Okinawa, they meet again. He wanted to know why she'd left and never contacted him or responded to him. She wanted to know who he was and why he felt familiar. Why was he so angry at her? She didn't know him.
Marcos didn't know that she'd been called to lead a special unit. A unit of enhanced and supernatural beings; gargoyles, vampires, shifters, and maybe there were more out that she didn't even know about. She too had been enhanced. A side effect was the loss of some memory.
She didn't know about the special ability he'd been born with. They both were on the small island to find a serial killer of military personnel. However, neither knew it. Nor were they permitted to discuss their units or abilities. Will they live long enough to find their way back together?
This is a compelling story with the reuniting and the terror on the island. It will take working together to figure it out. There is so much going on, some truly interesting mix of island lore and supernatural fiction.
If you are looking for your typical paranormal story with vamps and shifters—you won't find it here. This is unique and kept me reading from start to finish. I will have to read more about this unit and from this author.
A recommend from me.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
Marcos didn't know that she'd been called to lead a special unit. A unit of enhanced and supernatural beings; gargoyles, vampires, shifters, and maybe there were more out that she didn't even know about. She too had been enhanced. A side effect was the loss of some memory.
She didn't know about the special ability he'd been born with. They both were on the small island to find a serial killer of military personnel. However, neither knew it. Nor were they permitted to discuss their units or abilities. Will they live long enough to find their way back together?
This is a compelling story with the reuniting and the terror on the island. It will take working together to figure it out. There is so much going on, some truly interesting mix of island lore and supernatural fiction.
If you are looking for your typical paranormal story with vamps and shifters—you won't find it here. This is unique and kept me reading from start to finish. I will have to read more about this unit and from this author.
A recommend from me.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
May 11, 2017
Haunted by an unclear past, biologically enhanced Marine, Eva Montreaux is a biologically enhanced marine and she can't remember her past and she has nightmares and is haunted about that past but she goes on when she hears of troops getting murdered on the island of Okinawa she can't be distracted from her mission and goes to find out who is killing the men but she finds Marcos Delacruz that looks familiar and triggers some memories but she can't remember and it is making her crazy and he seems to remember her and she has feelings about him but the mission first and then find out about Marcos Delacruz. Great read loved it could not put it down it has intrigue and excitement and sexy read you don't know who until the end what a wild ride but so good I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Michelle
May 24, 2017
When past and present collide.
A bit of military action and adventure as well as lots of paranormal activity.
We have a female marine, Staff Sergeant Eva Montreaux whose new missing brings her to the Island of Okinawa. While Eva was in the states she was asked to get some enhancements, the only issue is it left a blank spot from when she was station In Afghanistan.
Gunnery sergeant Marcos Delacruz is now station in Okinawa with fellow marines he's worked with in the past, in Afghanistan. But when he sees her, Eva, there in Okinawa he can't help but wonder what happened. So many promises made and she acts like she hardly knows him.
Then there's the serial killer, that's been targeting GI males. But the killings are not normal.
Lots of action and adventure throughout as well as emotions running high in this well written self-contained story.
A bit of military action and adventure as well as lots of paranormal activity.
We have a female marine, Staff Sergeant Eva Montreaux whose new missing brings her to the Island of Okinawa. While Eva was in the states she was asked to get some enhancements, the only issue is it left a blank spot from when she was station In Afghanistan.
Gunnery sergeant Marcos Delacruz is now station in Okinawa with fellow marines he's worked with in the past, in Afghanistan. But when he sees her, Eva, there in Okinawa he can't help but wonder what happened. So many promises made and she acts like she hardly knows him.
Then there's the serial killer, that's been targeting GI males. But the killings are not normal.
Lots of action and adventure throughout as well as emotions running high in this well written self-contained story.
May 11, 2017
I think Lisa Carlisle has turned into mystery books!
Daaamn and this was a good one!
Supernatural mystery romances are getting to be my favorite lately!
Really well written characters and amazing sceneryas well as details of the island and everything that was happening.
What a research the author must have made into the myths and Legends of Okinawa as well as the island and culture itself.
A really great book,a page turner filled with action and mystery.
And as the author herself has written :
When Darkness Whispers is a unique blend of paranormal and military romance you won't want to put down! If you like haunting mystery, spine-tingling suspense, and Japanese mythology, you'll love When Darkness Whispers!
Daaamn and this was a good one!
Supernatural mystery romances are getting to be my favorite lately!
Really well written characters and amazing sceneryas well as details of the island and everything that was happening.
What a research the author must have made into the myths and Legends of Okinawa as well as the island and culture itself.
A really great book,a page turner filled with action and mystery.
And as the author herself has written :
When Darkness Whispers is a unique blend of paranormal and military romance you won't want to put down! If you like haunting mystery, spine-tingling suspense, and Japanese mythology, you'll love When Darkness Whispers!
May 12, 2017
This is a very interesting storyline. You have a modified human being and other supernaturals who work for the US government to investigate unusual cases. It takes place in Japan and offers an interesting perspective on the area and their belief in the supernatural.
I really enjoyed the romance. Eva and Marcos have a history that she has forgotten but he has not. When he sees her again, he is not sure what to believe. Marcos has his own abilities he has kept hidden and Eva hides her true mission so it makes it more difficult for them to find their way back to each other. You can definitely feel their connection. I really liked how supportive he is of Eva and the respect he shows her.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I really enjoyed the romance. Eva and Marcos have a history that she has forgotten but he has not. When he sees her again, he is not sure what to believe. Marcos has his own abilities he has kept hidden and Eva hides her true mission so it makes it more difficult for them to find their way back to each other. You can definitely feel their connection. I really liked how supportive he is of Eva and the respect he shows her.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
June 11, 2017
When Darkness Whispers by Lisa Carlisle was quite a wild ride. It's a military romance that has heaps of suspense, action and adventure racing you to the ending. The characters are intriguing and unique and I love the twist in their relationship. While it's mostly contemporary romance/suspense it has a paranormal element with the bad guys ( and a few of the good). I'm not a huge reader of paranormal but this would be great for any fans of shows like Charmed, where normal life is all around but then suddenly something otherworldly happens. It was a great blend of these two genres and I read the entire book in one day. Fast paced and action filled yet Carlisle never let us forget we were reading a romance. I loved that!!
May 11, 2017
What a fantastic page-turner that wowed me from the get-go! An action-packed, contemporary PNR must read full of suspense that kept me glued to my seat! ... This has a fresh, new storyline, with great descriptions, full of surprises and witty dialogue with relatable characters that will keep readers engaged & turning pages just like I did! ... Oh & can't forget to mention the smoking hot romance between the H/h ;) Even tho I volunteered to read this, these are my honest opinions without any outside influence. I highly recommend this must read & any book by Lisa Carlisle and now I can't wait to read whatever she pens next, but I will :D
June 3, 2017
I've only got one question.. when can we expect the next book?
I absolutely loved this book. As I read through flashbacks, recovered memories and their present time, Eva and Marcos keeps me engaged and completely enthralled in their lives, both past and present. The more I read, the more I found myself unable to put this down. It has something for everyone. Military, syfy (Eva is a biologically enhanced afterall), paranormal (ghosts, demons), Romance, and mystery. Somehow Carlisle managed to get all these genres into one book and make it flow seemlessly. If any of those genres are your preferred, I would definitely recommend picking this one up. You won't be disappointed.
I absolutely loved this book. As I read through flashbacks, recovered memories and their present time, Eva and Marcos keeps me engaged and completely enthralled in their lives, both past and present. The more I read, the more I found myself unable to put this down. It has something for everyone. Military, syfy (Eva is a biologically enhanced afterall), paranormal (ghosts, demons), Romance, and mystery. Somehow Carlisle managed to get all these genres into one book and make it flow seemlessly. If any of those genres are your preferred, I would definitely recommend picking this one up. You won't be disappointed.
March 5, 2018
Another great read by Lisa Carlisle..
Military suspense with a lot of paranormal mixed in..
Marco and Eva served together in Afghanistan...As they begin to explore their relationship, Eva is called back to Quantico..
Marco tries to find her for 3 years..But she seems to have disappeared..She was recruited to secret military unit.
They run into each other on Okinawa..She doesn't seem to remember him...
What has happened in the last 3 years? Can she remember what they meant to each other?
Can they find who or what is killing the American GI's?
I don't usually read Military romance..But with the added mix of the paranormal..I'm glad I did..
Military suspense with a lot of paranormal mixed in..
Marco and Eva served together in Afghanistan...As they begin to explore their relationship, Eva is called back to Quantico..
Marco tries to find her for 3 years..But she seems to have disappeared..She was recruited to secret military unit.
They run into each other on Okinawa..She doesn't seem to remember him...
What has happened in the last 3 years? Can she remember what they meant to each other?
Can they find who or what is killing the American GI's?
I don't usually read Military romance..But with the added mix of the paranormal..I'm glad I did..
June 19, 2017
We have marines in Japan with the paranormal and it works! Marines fighting the paranormal was a new twist with great characters and great scenery building. The story flowed smoothly with several flashbacks that were done right. Marcos and Eva were both likeable and I enjoyed their interactions with each other. Great chemistry between the two with a HEA ending. I am voluntarily giving an honest review on an ARC I received.
November 1, 2017
I floved this book! Eva can't remember part of her past, and when she comes face to face with part of it, Marcos, she starts to understand that her dreams are memories coming back to her. In the middle of searching out and fighting something evil. This story is intriguing and suspenseful, and I highly recommend it.
March 9, 2018
Fast paced, exciting, SF/fantasy. “Curtesy” un-needed sex scene at end of book. When I come across this, I always wonder if the author adds to extend length of book, or if editor/advance readers input need to ensure more readers. Most of my favorite authors write interesting books with either no or implied intimatacy. I did enjoy basic story very much.
May 11, 2017
Wow Ms. Carlisle has outdone herself this time .
You have action, adventure, suspense,forgotten love, shifters, what more can you ask for.
Follow Eva and Marcos on the journey of rediscovery of the past between them.
You have action, adventure, suspense,forgotten love, shifters, what more can you ask for.
Follow Eva and Marcos on the journey of rediscovery of the past between them.
July 7, 2021
When Darkness Whispers
I usually don't read paranormal stories, I thought I would give this a try as I've enjoyed Lisa Carlisle's other stories and I enjoyed it, even had trouble putting it down wondering what was going to happen next.
I usually don't read paranormal stories, I thought I would give this a try as I've enjoyed Lisa Carlisle's other stories and I enjoyed it, even had trouble putting it down wondering what was going to happen next.
July 4, 2017
I like this book a lot. Good characters. Good story. I recommend it
- - Gifted copy by author - -
L
- - Gifted copy by author - -
L
January 9, 2019
Supernatural Darkness
Very cool premise and lots of tension and a lot of action. Excellent way to show women as extremely qualified and competent.
Very cool premise and lots of tension and a lot of action. Excellent way to show women as extremely qualified and competent.
November 13, 2021
Very good story, unusual mythology, good character development. Would like to hear more about these two!
March 11, 2018
A military romance, a paranormal urban fantasy mystery and a serial-killer thriller all-in-one!
They had a past together. Did it rule out a future?
When Darkness Whispers is a solid tale interweaving a military romance, paranormal urban fantasy mystery and a serial-killer thriller. It is a standalone read primarily set in Okinawa with multiple flashbacks to Afghanistan where the main characters had originally met and fallen in love. Our hero remembers their past history; our heroine does not. This is the story of Latin Gunnery Sergeant Marcos Delacruzz and biologically-enhanced Marine Eva Montreaux.
As the story opens, we meet Eva. She leads a NEO (Night Eagle Operations) team which has been dispatched to Okinawa to investigate the persistent barbarous murders of American servicemen there. Besides herself, her team of supernaturals includes two vampires, two gargoyle shifters and two other shifters who could transform into any animal. Solving the mystery of who or what is committing these atrocities and stopping them, is of utmost importance as the carnage is escalating tensions between the already-stressed relations amongst the American military and the Japanese. As she probes, she encounters military colleagues from her time in Afghanistan and it’s blatantly obvious that the Sergeant believes that he knows her… and that he’s upset.
Marcos has always been able to see and communicate with spirits or ghosts. It’s not something he talks about as most people don’t understand or believe he’s off his rocker. But, his superiors believe that his special abilities will be useful in solving the serial murders of American servicemen in Okinawa so he is also looking into the murders – separate from the NEO. He and Eva were lovers in Afghanistan and shared plans for their future together. Then, she disappeared without a trace until he runs into her while on assignment in Okinawa. He cannot believe that she doesn’t even seem to recognize him when she sees him. Did their time together and the dreams they shared mean nothing to her?
While I liked the characters, I failed to connect with them. The couple’s sexual chemistry slowly built throughout and the sex scenes between them were sweet and hot. Their main issues involved too many secrets and lack of trust. Unfortunately, Eva can’t remember anything after she entered the NEO program and Marcos understandably expects answers – that she cannot give - after three long years of not hearing from her. One thing that united them, though, was a shared goal to solve the murders which, from all appearances, seemed to be committed by something not human.
The setting in Okinawa was a definite plus. I found that part of the story fascinating. The author described Okinawa thusly…
“Okinawa is an ancient land with a rich history and culture dating back centuries. And over those centuries, many legends have sprung up. Some of them are stories, but others, well – let’s just say that this land may have more supernatural elements than anyplace I’ve ever been.”
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from When Darkness Whispers:
He had made a vow to defend his country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
He’d never expected to fight unknown beings that weren’t human.
---
“You can’t move forward with your life until you make peace with your past.”
---
“If you kiss me like that,” she purred, “I’ll take on any danger. I’d rather stay with you.”
I normally thoroughly enjoy paranormal military romantic suspense reads. Sadly, this entry was not one of my favs from Lisa - though I will add that my view is definitely in the minority. This story just didn’t resonate with me with too much repeating of the same information which made the story boringly move too slow for my taste. On a good note, besides the wonderful location and the riveting Japanese legend elements, the action scenes near the end kept me on the edge-of-my seat. If you enjoy haunting thrillers set in exotic lands spiced with foreign legends with a hot romance to-boot, you may want to check out When Darkness Whispers!
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
They had a past together. Did it rule out a future?
When Darkness Whispers is a solid tale interweaving a military romance, paranormal urban fantasy mystery and a serial-killer thriller. It is a standalone read primarily set in Okinawa with multiple flashbacks to Afghanistan where the main characters had originally met and fallen in love. Our hero remembers their past history; our heroine does not. This is the story of Latin Gunnery Sergeant Marcos Delacruzz and biologically-enhanced Marine Eva Montreaux.
As the story opens, we meet Eva. She leads a NEO (Night Eagle Operations) team which has been dispatched to Okinawa to investigate the persistent barbarous murders of American servicemen there. Besides herself, her team of supernaturals includes two vampires, two gargoyle shifters and two other shifters who could transform into any animal. Solving the mystery of who or what is committing these atrocities and stopping them, is of utmost importance as the carnage is escalating tensions between the already-stressed relations amongst the American military and the Japanese. As she probes, she encounters military colleagues from her time in Afghanistan and it’s blatantly obvious that the Sergeant believes that he knows her… and that he’s upset.
Marcos has always been able to see and communicate with spirits or ghosts. It’s not something he talks about as most people don’t understand or believe he’s off his rocker. But, his superiors believe that his special abilities will be useful in solving the serial murders of American servicemen in Okinawa so he is also looking into the murders – separate from the NEO. He and Eva were lovers in Afghanistan and shared plans for their future together. Then, she disappeared without a trace until he runs into her while on assignment in Okinawa. He cannot believe that she doesn’t even seem to recognize him when she sees him. Did their time together and the dreams they shared mean nothing to her?
While I liked the characters, I failed to connect with them. The couple’s sexual chemistry slowly built throughout and the sex scenes between them were sweet and hot. Their main issues involved too many secrets and lack of trust. Unfortunately, Eva can’t remember anything after she entered the NEO program and Marcos understandably expects answers – that she cannot give - after three long years of not hearing from her. One thing that united them, though, was a shared goal to solve the murders which, from all appearances, seemed to be committed by something not human.
The setting in Okinawa was a definite plus. I found that part of the story fascinating. The author described Okinawa thusly…
“Okinawa is an ancient land with a rich history and culture dating back centuries. And over those centuries, many legends have sprung up. Some of them are stories, but others, well – let’s just say that this land may have more supernatural elements than anyplace I’ve ever been.”
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from When Darkness Whispers:
He had made a vow to defend his country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
He’d never expected to fight unknown beings that weren’t human.
---
“You can’t move forward with your life until you make peace with your past.”
---
“If you kiss me like that,” she purred, “I’ll take on any danger. I’d rather stay with you.”
I normally thoroughly enjoy paranormal military romantic suspense reads. Sadly, this entry was not one of my favs from Lisa - though I will add that my view is definitely in the minority. This story just didn’t resonate with me with too much repeating of the same information which made the story boringly move too slow for my taste. On a good note, besides the wonderful location and the riveting Japanese legend elements, the action scenes near the end kept me on the edge-of-my seat. If you enjoy haunting thrillers set in exotic lands spiced with foreign legends with a hot romance to-boot, you may want to check out When Darkness Whispers!
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews