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A Deep Dark Call
Even a lone wolf must one day claim his mate.
I expected what I came for in a job as a governess and a fresh beginning, far away from all that tormented me in England. Instead, I found a sinister manor house with secrets lurking down every dim corridor.
Eerie, erotic nightmares plague my sleep—inspired, no doubt, by tales of the village’s mystical guardians and my darkly handsome employer.
Ioan Marcu is as enigmatic as the lands where he and his daughter make their home. The locals say that he is cursed, that he is behind the questionable circumstances of his first wife’s death.
But I feel an almost supernatural pull toward him, despite the wall of solitude he’s built around himself.
Our passion has reached a fever pitch, and I know we must confront the consequences of our lust.
For Ioan is no normal man, and I may just be the key to his powers’ full potential.
This book is approximately 43,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Carina Press acknowledges the editorial services of Mackenzie Walton
I expected what I came for in a job as a governess and a fresh beginning, far away from all that tormented me in England. Instead, I found a sinister manor house with secrets lurking down every dim corridor.
Eerie, erotic nightmares plague my sleep—inspired, no doubt, by tales of the village’s mystical guardians and my darkly handsome employer.
Ioan Marcu is as enigmatic as the lands where he and his daughter make their home. The locals say that he is cursed, that he is behind the questionable circumstances of his first wife’s death.
But I feel an almost supernatural pull toward him, despite the wall of solitude he’s built around himself.
Our passion has reached a fever pitch, and I know we must confront the consequences of our lust.
For Ioan is no normal man, and I may just be the key to his powers’ full potential.
This book is approximately 43,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Carina Press acknowledges the editorial services of Mackenzie Walton
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2017
2 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Rose Vane
1 book21 followersRose Vane teaches historical linguistics, but she also resides in an imaginary tower surrounded by all kinds of characters. Occasionally, she remembers to feed her husband (who really is from Transylvania). She never ever forgets to take care of her son’s blue piglet. A Deep Dark Call is her first fiction book. You can find Rose on Facebook (@rosesvanes) and on Twitter (@RoseVaneVane). Check out Rose Vane's blog https://rosevane.com/ for free stories, fun stuff, more reviews and more information about her books!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 25, 2019
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
A darkly sensuous tale set in the wilds of Romania and steeped in Wallachian lore and culture. Lucy is a strong, passionate h and more than meets her match in her mysterious employer, Boyar Marcu. Fascinating folk legends, dark secrets, wicked priests, and engaging villagers made this a quick, charming read.
A darkly sensuous tale set in the wilds of Romania and steeped in Wallachian lore and culture. Lucy is a strong, passionate h and more than meets her match in her mysterious employer, Boyar Marcu. Fascinating folk legends, dark secrets, wicked priests, and engaging villagers made this a quick, charming read.
December 1, 2017
A quick and easy read. I didn't like it that everything happened so fast. Lucy and Ioan met and the insta-lust was off the charts. They were consumed with sexual thoughts about each other. I wouldn't have minded so much if they genuinely seemed to like each other but they did not. The story was set up that way for a reason, but it was weird for a romance to have two MCs not like each other much. If more time had been spent developing their relationship this would have been very good.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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December 7, 2017DNF
I was really excited about this book. It was supposed to be a gothic style PNR, with an English-governess in Wallachia who falls for her enigmatic employer. The blurb promised a sinister manor house, a possible curse, and questionable circumstances surrounding the death of the hero's first wife. I was expecting Rebecca meets Dracula or something. What I got was a story I had to put down three times in eye-rolling frustration before I finally walked away for good around the halfway point. It should tell you a lot that I couldn't get any further, since the book was only about 43,000 words.
It started out with a lot of scene setting, which ok, the author was trying to set the mood. Wallachia is very different from London and wolves howl a lot. Lucy, the heroine, has some kind of Past which forced her to leave her home and strike out somewhere entirely new. At first, I figured someone must have deflowered her, especially since she wondered if her new employer was going to ravage her the first time they met (an idea she was clearly not adverse to) but since we later discover she's a virgin, I can tell you that wasn't it.
Anyway, Lucy and Ione have an immediate connection (ie. they want to boff each other right away.) This makes Ione run away to a brothel with his buddies where they often go to all have sex in the same room. Mind you, this is not an orgy-kinky/guy on guy thing. I guess in Wallachia, brothels do it differently. The first time I set down the book was when Ione started ruminating on how his friends liked to do it with their various whores. For instance, he wonders what he himself would have looked like from outside in moments like this. An impatient, insatiable lover like George? Rough like Iancu? Skilled and patient? Fastidious? After all, we get to see the various ways his friends are boning through Ione's eyes.
I left the story and tried again. Lucy keeps dreaming of Ione. Ione admits to dreaming of her. Of course that leads him to the obvious question... if they're dreaming of each other, could they be sharing the same dream? (Seriously, why the hell would you jump to that conclusion?) His admission makes Lucy stomp her foot and tell Ione he's inappropriate in the stable, and then they end up hiding and peeping on another couple engaging in some spanking and nookie. It gets her all hot. It was as if his essence was already inside her, filling her. Yet again she inhaled a scent that was unmistakably his--soap and tobacco, very discernably all male, cock and unspent seed, blood that was hot and burning for her. What in God's name does that even mean???
OK, now at this point, they just want to have sex with each other. She says no, it wouldn't be proper, so he proposes. When she says she doesn't want to marry him, he replies, "I don't particularly want to marry you either, but I want to fuck you and you want it too." I mean, who wouldn't swoon with a proposal like that? Of course she says yes. Then they get to the wedding night where Ione can smell Lucy's virginity and asks her if she's wondering how she'll fit this strange looking thing inside her.
That was when I quit.
I'm pretty sure Ione's a wolf-shifter of some kind, because there a lot of talk about wolves and the foreshadowing is rather heavy-handed. I just couldn't stick with it to find out.
This has some pretty good reviews on Goodreads, so maybe it's just me. Your mileage may vary.
*ARC provided by publisher
I was really excited about this book. It was supposed to be a gothic style PNR, with an English-governess in Wallachia who falls for her enigmatic employer. The blurb promised a sinister manor house, a possible curse, and questionable circumstances surrounding the death of the hero's first wife. I was expecting Rebecca meets Dracula or something. What I got was a story I had to put down three times in eye-rolling frustration before I finally walked away for good around the halfway point. It should tell you a lot that I couldn't get any further, since the book was only about 43,000 words.
It started out with a lot of scene setting, which ok, the author was trying to set the mood. Wallachia is very different from London and wolves howl a lot. Lucy, the heroine, has some kind of Past which forced her to leave her home and strike out somewhere entirely new. At first, I figured someone must have deflowered her, especially since she wondered if her new employer was going to ravage her the first time they met (an idea she was clearly not adverse to) but since we later discover she's a virgin, I can tell you that wasn't it.
Anyway, Lucy and Ione have an immediate connection (ie. they want to boff each other right away.) This makes Ione run away to a brothel with his buddies where they often go to all have sex in the same room. Mind you, this is not an orgy-kinky/guy on guy thing. I guess in Wallachia, brothels do it differently. The first time I set down the book was when Ione started ruminating on how his friends liked to do it with their various whores. For instance, he wonders what he himself would have looked like from outside in moments like this. An impatient, insatiable lover like George? Rough like Iancu? Skilled and patient? Fastidious? After all, we get to see the various ways his friends are boning through Ione's eyes.
I left the story and tried again. Lucy keeps dreaming of Ione. Ione admits to dreaming of her. Of course that leads him to the obvious question... if they're dreaming of each other, could they be sharing the same dream? (Seriously, why the hell would you jump to that conclusion?) His admission makes Lucy stomp her foot and tell Ione he's inappropriate in the stable, and then they end up hiding and peeping on another couple engaging in some spanking and nookie. It gets her all hot. It was as if his essence was already inside her, filling her. Yet again she inhaled a scent that was unmistakably his--soap and tobacco, very discernably all male, cock and unspent seed, blood that was hot and burning for her. What in God's name does that even mean???
OK, now at this point, they just want to have sex with each other. She says no, it wouldn't be proper, so he proposes. When she says she doesn't want to marry him, he replies, "I don't particularly want to marry you either, but I want to fuck you and you want it too." I mean, who wouldn't swoon with a proposal like that? Of course she says yes. Then they get to the wedding night where Ione can smell Lucy's virginity and asks her if she's wondering how she'll fit this strange looking thing inside her.
That was when I quit.
I'm pretty sure Ione's a wolf-shifter of some kind, because there a lot of talk about wolves and the foreshadowing is rather heavy-handed. I just couldn't stick with it to find out.
This has some pretty good reviews on Goodreads, so maybe it's just me. Your mileage may vary.
*ARC provided by publisher
December 8, 2017
Lucy travels from London to a remote house in Wallachia, where she is to be governess to a widower’s daughter. It’s all gothic and moody and I’d hit ‘take my money, online eBook retailer!’ at the point in the blurb where it mentions she has erotic dreams. Didn’t even bother with the rest of the blurb, because I know what I like. Sure, those next sentences could have gone on to say ‘Lucy will have a secret baby and then she runs away for ten years and when they meet again tries to pretend hero isn’t the baby daddy’ or something else that would irritate me, but it was a risk I was prepared to take. I was in the mood for some smutty gothic, although this doesn’t quite rate as high on the smut-o-meter as Sierra Simone’s The Awakening of Ivy Leavold.
Plus, this is paranormal. Not getting any more spoilery than that. Although, since I’ve mentioned Wallachia, and if you read any paranormal, you probably have at least some idea of possible directions this plot could be taking.
Lucy has the two classic gothic problems: snarky servant conflict and attraction to her (possibly murderous) employer. She’s also going to discover some stuff about herself where her weaknesses and flaws are actually her strengths, etc etc, but characters do that without being paranormal, whether I want them to or not, so: fine. This isn’t a ground breaking plot. It’s elevated by the fact that both hero and heroine manage not to be annoying or do too many ridiculous things. They both seem to have some smarts, and they think about things. Those erotic dreams rate mentions over fully described cinematic dream sequences, but there was enough going on in the book that I didn’t feel I’d been cheated.
What I enjoyed most about the characters was their introspection. At a critical point the hero gets really annoyed with the heroine, and while this drives them apart he eventually has a sit down and a good objective think about what he’s doing, and how he’s going to fix it. I really liked that. And I really liked the ultimate resolution of the plot’s broader issues, because it all went down in a way that was credible and aligned with the hero and heroine’s values.
The balance of descriptions of their sexy times falls a bit more on the painful/uncomfortable side than I’d usually prefer, and there is more smutty promise in the first part of the book that isn’t delivered on in the later chapters. There’s also secondary character smut, which I’m not really a big fan of, because those characters can have fun between the lines, rather than on the page. I’m time-poor! Stay on romantic target, plot!
The later chapters focus more on the paranormal plot and the hero and heroine’s emotional conflict. I thought the romantic love elements could have been stronger, but Vane does at least make the distinctions between what’s motivating them to boink all the time and the development of deeper feelings, and works on a resolution to both.
There’s light and unobtrusive set up for another hero, and I’ll probably read his book too. He’ll apparently need masses of boinking otherwise he’ll die, what fun!
Plus, this is paranormal. Not getting any more spoilery than that. Although, since I’ve mentioned Wallachia, and if you read any paranormal, you probably have at least some idea of possible directions this plot could be taking.
Lucy has the two classic gothic problems: snarky servant conflict and attraction to her (possibly murderous) employer. She’s also going to discover some stuff about herself where her weaknesses and flaws are actually her strengths, etc etc, but characters do that without being paranormal, whether I want them to or not, so: fine. This isn’t a ground breaking plot. It’s elevated by the fact that both hero and heroine manage not to be annoying or do too many ridiculous things. They both seem to have some smarts, and they think about things. Those erotic dreams rate mentions over fully described cinematic dream sequences, but there was enough going on in the book that I didn’t feel I’d been cheated.
What I enjoyed most about the characters was their introspection. At a critical point the hero gets really annoyed with the heroine, and while this drives them apart he eventually has a sit down and a good objective think about what he’s doing, and how he’s going to fix it. I really liked that. And I really liked the ultimate resolution of the plot’s broader issues, because it all went down in a way that was credible and aligned with the hero and heroine’s values.
The balance of descriptions of their sexy times falls a bit more on the painful/uncomfortable side than I’d usually prefer, and there is more smutty promise in the first part of the book that isn’t delivered on in the later chapters. There’s also secondary character smut, which I’m not really a big fan of, because those characters can have fun between the lines, rather than on the page. I’m time-poor! Stay on romantic target, plot!
The later chapters focus more on the paranormal plot and the hero and heroine’s emotional conflict. I thought the romantic love elements could have been stronger, but Vane does at least make the distinctions between what’s motivating them to boink all the time and the development of deeper feelings, and works on a resolution to both.
There’s light and unobtrusive set up for another hero, and I’ll probably read his book too. He’ll apparently need masses of boinking otherwise he’ll die, what fun!
December 5, 2017
I expected what I came for in Wallachia: a job as a governess and a fresh beginning, far away from all that tormented me in England. Instead, I found a sinister manor house with secrets lurking down every dim corridor.
Eerie, erotic nightmares plague my sleep—inspired, no doubt, by tales of the village’s mystical guardians and my darkly handsome employer.
Ioan Marcu is as enigmatic as the lands where he and his daughter make their home. The locals say that he is cursed, that he is behind the questionable circumstances of his first wife’s death.
But I feel an almost supernatural pull toward him, despite the wall of solitude he’s built around himself.
Our passion has reached a fever pitch, and I know we must confront the consequences of our lust.
For Ioan is no normal man, and I may just be the key to his powers’ full potential.
Review:
Great first book for this Author!
I really liked this mixing of mythos to come up with a new twist on werewolves.
This story had a gothic romance feel which I loved. It was dark, atmospheric and super sexy. It is a very fast paced story, so the romance is amped up. Though Ioan and Lucy don’t like each other for the first part of the story, for me it was more of not wanting to want the other and them throwing up walls.
As far as it is posted this looks as though it is a stand alone title but I really think this would make a good series. There were Ioan’s friends who were quite intriguing and would make great stories.
I can’t wait to see what this Author offers next.
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
Eerie, erotic nightmares plague my sleep—inspired, no doubt, by tales of the village’s mystical guardians and my darkly handsome employer.
Ioan Marcu is as enigmatic as the lands where he and his daughter make their home. The locals say that he is cursed, that he is behind the questionable circumstances of his first wife’s death.
But I feel an almost supernatural pull toward him, despite the wall of solitude he’s built around himself.
Our passion has reached a fever pitch, and I know we must confront the consequences of our lust.
For Ioan is no normal man, and I may just be the key to his powers’ full potential.
Review:
Great first book for this Author!
I really liked this mixing of mythos to come up with a new twist on werewolves.
This story had a gothic romance feel which I loved. It was dark, atmospheric and super sexy. It is a very fast paced story, so the romance is amped up. Though Ioan and Lucy don’t like each other for the first part of the story, for me it was more of not wanting to want the other and them throwing up walls.
As far as it is posted this looks as though it is a stand alone title but I really think this would make a good series. There were Ioan’s friends who were quite intriguing and would make great stories.
I can’t wait to see what this Author offers next.
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
December 10, 2017
I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. This is my first read from this author, so I can't compare A Deep Dark Call to her other works. But this one didn't work for me for several reasons.
I did like the setting of Wallachia/Romania, as that is still somewhat unique when it comes to the staging for romance and paranormal stories. And given the release date, I was happy that this was set around Christmastime with lots of snow. But that is about where it ended for me.
Lucy traveled alone from England to Wallachia to act as a governess for Ioan Marcu's young daughter, Alexandra. It's clear that she is leaving England in disgrace and is determined to make this new employment work, but she wasn't expecting to fall in instant lust with her dark and mysterious employer. Ioan suffered from the same problem on his first whiff of Lucy. There is a quite a bit of earthy lusty thoughts happening, and things move very quickly from there. Unfortunately, despite the instant lust, Ioan and Lucy never seemed to like each other. Even when they were together, there was a coldness to their interaction that I did not like.
In addition to the hot and cold relationship, things moved too fast. I know this is a novella, but I felt like it was all tell and no show. I wanted more character development, more details, and more emotional involvement. Much of the dialogue was strange and confusing and I was left scratching my head as to the author's meaning. The prose was too earthy to be purple, but it was no less unappealing. The plot conflicts were also weak and too easily resolved. The whole story just left me feeling cranky and unsatisfied.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, Carina Press.
November 2, 2018
Il y avait de l’idée mais mal exploitée
November 25, 2017
A page-turner of refined historical romance, Rose Vane’s novel revolves around myths and mysteries of Wallachia, delineated as a remote outlandish realm in the eyes of governess Lucy, appointed to attend to the education of Alexandra, Boyar Marcu’s daughter. She arrives at the Boyar’s manor, which appears replete with seductive ghastliness and alluring maleficence. The benign expectations of the English governess are tirelessly challenged by the brusque parlance and the commanding gallantry of the dashing Boyar.
The rhythm of the narrative is melodious and cleverly-spun. The turn of phrase is deliberately and charmingly adjusted to the historical framework, all the more that the use of slightly obsolete and admittedly archaic collocations is never overwhelming for the contemporary reader.
The rhythm of the narrative is melodious and cleverly-spun. The turn of phrase is deliberately and charmingly adjusted to the historical framework, all the more that the use of slightly obsolete and admittedly archaic collocations is never overwhelming for the contemporary reader.
December 28, 2020
A Deep Dark Call
Rose Vane
https://www.facebook.com/rosesvanes/
Release Date 12/04/2017
Publisher Carina Press
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Even a lone wolf must one day claim his mate.
I expected what I came for in Wallachia: a job as a governess and a fresh beginning, far away from all that tormented me in England. Instead, I found a sinister manor house with secrets lurking down every dim corridor.
Eerie, erotic nightmares plague my sleep—inspired, no doubt, by tales of the village’s mystical guardians and my darkly handsome employer.
Ioan Marcu is as enigmatic as the lands where he and his daughter make their home. The locals say that he is cursed, that he is behind the questionable circumstances of his first wife’s death.
But I feel an almost supernatural pull toward him, despite the wall of solitude he’s built around himself.
Our passion has reached a fever pitch, and I know we must confront the consequences of our lust.
For Ioan is no normal man, and I may just be the key to his powers’ full potential.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When the truth comes to light, will they find more than they intended ...
I only read the beginning of the blurb, and was intrigued. It was also very different than any paranormal historical story I have read so far.
I was at first a bit afraid it would only be an erotic story after reading the first chapter. I am not fond of lust driven characters but as the true core of the heroes are revealed it gives all its sense to the words.
Ioan is master of his kingdom but something is missing until the most unexpected governess lands at his doorstep. He first fights this unforeseen pull, but soon understand the whole meaning behind their chemistry.
Lucinda while a bit lost in this new country, enjoys her new freedom far away from England and its forbidding rules. She is immediately taken by her new charge but confounded by her employer. She does now how to resist the attraction between them. She feels not like herself when she is in his presence.
Sure it is a tale of rough desire, both craving the other, and while at time I wondered about this longing, as their tale is revealed, everything finds its real meaning.
The author with this debut novel renews the genre between gothic, paranormal and historical.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 detailed onscreen lovemaking scenes.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Rose Vane
https://www.facebook.com/rosesvanes/
Release Date 12/04/2017
Publisher Carina Press
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Even a lone wolf must one day claim his mate.
I expected what I came for in Wallachia: a job as a governess and a fresh beginning, far away from all that tormented me in England. Instead, I found a sinister manor house with secrets lurking down every dim corridor.
Eerie, erotic nightmares plague my sleep—inspired, no doubt, by tales of the village’s mystical guardians and my darkly handsome employer.
Ioan Marcu is as enigmatic as the lands where he and his daughter make their home. The locals say that he is cursed, that he is behind the questionable circumstances of his first wife’s death.
But I feel an almost supernatural pull toward him, despite the wall of solitude he’s built around himself.
Our passion has reached a fever pitch, and I know we must confront the consequences of our lust.
For Ioan is no normal man, and I may just be the key to his powers’ full potential.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When the truth comes to light, will they find more than they intended ...
I only read the beginning of the blurb, and was intrigued. It was also very different than any paranormal historical story I have read so far.
I was at first a bit afraid it would only be an erotic story after reading the first chapter. I am not fond of lust driven characters but as the true core of the heroes are revealed it gives all its sense to the words.
Ioan is master of his kingdom but something is missing until the most unexpected governess lands at his doorstep. He first fights this unforeseen pull, but soon understand the whole meaning behind their chemistry.
Lucinda while a bit lost in this new country, enjoys her new freedom far away from England and its forbidding rules. She is immediately taken by her new charge but confounded by her employer. She does now how to resist the attraction between them. She feels not like herself when she is in his presence.
Sure it is a tale of rough desire, both craving the other, and while at time I wondered about this longing, as their tale is revealed, everything finds its real meaning.
The author with this debut novel renews the genre between gothic, paranormal and historical.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 detailed onscreen lovemaking scenes.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
December 5, 2017
A bit too fast paced for my taste, but that can't be helped considering the format. It's an enjoyable read, both entertaining and instructive in its use of authentic local customs and lore. (Yes, I do realize that paranormal romances aren't supposed to have much to do with "real stuff", but this is a nice touch and adds substance to the wolf-finds-mate plot.) I particularly like the supporting characters, the (right amount of) Gothic feel, the language and the writing style - mindful of genre conventions, yet compelling and distinctive. The book does a good job of setting the scene for series development, and I look forward to the next installments.
September 7, 2018
A lovely well-written novel about immemorial Romanian folklore (music, dance,hora, sorcova, wedding traditions, werevolves, strigoi and so on).
February 1, 2018
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
This is a rather odd book that is less romance than Gothic, but despite the description hinting at it, this is not a horror novel. A Deep Dark Call is about the truth behind ancient beliefs and the cost of being spread across an unbelieving world. There is a lot of graphic sex at times, but the focus is more on the shifter history and limitations, and the sex is an integral part of that. What I first thought was awkward description from the perspective of a virgin turns out to be much more complicated.
The biggest weakness in the book is secrecy. Despite the characters knowing what is going on, the reader is given hints and teases without facts for far too long. Even worse, the secret, when it is revealed, is not significant because I had already figured it out, so it was a false suspense that felt more like being on the outside of an inside joke. There’s no question that I’d have been happier without the information withholding, but it acted as a minor distraction rather than enhancing the story tension as I assume was intended, and there are many more strengths to counter it.
One of those strengths is Lucy’s relationship with her charge, Alexandra. Lucy comes into the family as a governess. The relationship with Alexandra’s father, Ioan, is an unexpected occurrence that raises its own complications. The story is a clash of old world and new, of greed and tradition, with Lucy’s ignorance an added match to an old fire. The book offers a lovely story with some very dark moments, but not the horrific ones I’d initially feared.
There are mentions of spanking and bondage as sex play that seemed out of place in a historical novel, though the late reveal of the year, and other things like her focus on her curves as a negative, made it seem less like the 1880s than a modern novel. The remote nature of the village assisted in this lack of clarity, while other things supported a less modern era much more. However, as the story occurs mostly in isolation, the time period is less critical than the strong sense of place and culture within this village and its manor.
The story offers interesting differences in cultural expectations between Lucy’s English upbringing and the village culture. Ioan is a sophisticate who permits the old ways but is rather forward thinking in his own perspective and appreciative of his daughter’s clever mind. Alexandra is both smart and aware for her age, but she is still very childlike in certain aspects. The issues of language and how it can be used as a screen for dislike were also well done. I enjoyed the interactions between Ioan and the real (non-shifter) wolves as well, especially in dominance conflicts and how they were resolved.
The concept of these shifters is a fascinating blend of mythology and traditional shifter abilities. It’s both well concocted and complex, with layers that cause many of the rifts and complications in the relationship between Lucy and Ioan.
Ultimately, it is a good story with an interesting history behind it and characters I could connect with. The love story was more an instant attraction and tied into the shifter philosophy at first, but by the end, they’d learned a lot about each other and bonded over the connection with his daughter, so it felt more real.
Despite the issues I had, I enjoyed the read and how everything came together.
P.S. I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is a rather odd book that is less romance than Gothic, but despite the description hinting at it, this is not a horror novel. A Deep Dark Call is about the truth behind ancient beliefs and the cost of being spread across an unbelieving world. There is a lot of graphic sex at times, but the focus is more on the shifter history and limitations, and the sex is an integral part of that. What I first thought was awkward description from the perspective of a virgin turns out to be much more complicated.
The biggest weakness in the book is secrecy. Despite the characters knowing what is going on, the reader is given hints and teases without facts for far too long. Even worse, the secret, when it is revealed, is not significant because I had already figured it out, so it was a false suspense that felt more like being on the outside of an inside joke. There’s no question that I’d have been happier without the information withholding, but it acted as a minor distraction rather than enhancing the story tension as I assume was intended, and there are many more strengths to counter it.
One of those strengths is Lucy’s relationship with her charge, Alexandra. Lucy comes into the family as a governess. The relationship with Alexandra’s father, Ioan, is an unexpected occurrence that raises its own complications. The story is a clash of old world and new, of greed and tradition, with Lucy’s ignorance an added match to an old fire. The book offers a lovely story with some very dark moments, but not the horrific ones I’d initially feared.
There are mentions of spanking and bondage as sex play that seemed out of place in a historical novel, though the late reveal of the year, and other things like her focus on her curves as a negative, made it seem less like the 1880s than a modern novel. The remote nature of the village assisted in this lack of clarity, while other things supported a less modern era much more. However, as the story occurs mostly in isolation, the time period is less critical than the strong sense of place and culture within this village and its manor.
The story offers interesting differences in cultural expectations between Lucy’s English upbringing and the village culture. Ioan is a sophisticate who permits the old ways but is rather forward thinking in his own perspective and appreciative of his daughter’s clever mind. Alexandra is both smart and aware for her age, but she is still very childlike in certain aspects. The issues of language and how it can be used as a screen for dislike were also well done. I enjoyed the interactions between Ioan and the real (non-shifter) wolves as well, especially in dominance conflicts and how they were resolved.
The concept of these shifters is a fascinating blend of mythology and traditional shifter abilities. It’s both well concocted and complex, with layers that cause many of the rifts and complications in the relationship between Lucy and Ioan.
Ultimately, it is a good story with an interesting history behind it and characters I could connect with. The love story was more an instant attraction and tied into the shifter philosophy at first, but by the end, they’d learned a lot about each other and bonded over the connection with his daughter, so it felt more real.
Despite the issues I had, I enjoyed the read and how everything came together.
P.S. I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 23, 2017
This one was a pleasant surprise. I confess I decided to read it out of curiosity, because I’m Romanian and I saw that it was set in Wallachia. I actually half expected to hate it – I was afraid I might get a Dracula-falls in love with-governess plot. Thank God it wasn’t that! It’s a surprising book actually and original – and it makes intelligent use of Romanian mythology. The story starts in a way that seems predictable – so you’re pleased with yourself that you have it all figured out from the start, but actually it’s not quite what you thought it was- it’s more clever than that. The book is intense and there’s raw passion between the MC’s. There’s palpable tension between them (they don’t even want to admit they like each other, although it’s obvious they’re smitten) and I liked that – I hate mushy sweet romance. The hero is sexy sexy sexy – very dark and brooding and just the right amount of yummy. And the love scenes are HOT. I think the book should have been longer though – the hero and heroine have great chemistry and I would have loved to see them interact more. I assume there’ll be a second book about Ioan’s friend – a longer one I hope.
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May 17, 2021Of course, as an author I will not rate my own book. Others are welcome to rate it though! What I can tell you is that it is a pretty out-of-the-box book, with a play upon Gothic romance conventions. It is set in nineteenth-century Romania, and it does have something primal and dark that some of you might like...Do not read this book if you don't like steamy romance. Do not read this book if you do not particularly care for Eastern Europe or Eastern European lore and myths. Do read this book if you are looking for passionate romance of the ardent kind in a unique setting, a truly romantic/Gothic atmosphere, a brooding hero, a fearless heroine and perpetually simmering sensuality. There is also a mystery in the book that you might take pleasure in unravelling...
November 28, 2017
I loved the book! It was fast-paced, uncontrived, the ending was unexpected, the characters well-built. How refreshing that the male hero was NOT a jerk, but crunchy at the same time! That's a difficult thing to accomplish. As for the heroine, I could totally identify with her! I loved the idea that governesses are not always so prim and proper after all. I read this book in a couple of hours and let me tell you, I was as invested in the story as I was when reading my great favorites. Way to go, Rose Vane! Eagerly expecting another good one from you!
December 4, 2017
Expect the unexpected! Rose Vane takes your classical werewolf story and gives it a twist, turning it into the stuff of legend and myth. Set in the land of Dracula, 'A Deep Dark Call' brings together a sultry English rose with a mysterious past and a hot, enigmatic Wallachian boyar tormented by his ancestry in a tale of sizzling passion and dark, erotic dreams. Rose Vane's expertly crafted romance with its tantalizing characters and enthralling plot is sure to capture your imagination and win your heart. I totally hope we'll get to read Iancu's story next!
November 26, 2017
Ioan is more animal than man at times, “then everybody will be able to see I’ve branded you as mine,” he said with something akin to a growl of masculine satisfaction." I loved when Lucy found her voice, “then I shall come with you,” she said, leaving no room for further argument." I liked this book, although Ioan could be a little uncaring at times I grew to like him.
December 11, 2017
A Deep Dark Call by Rose Vane is the story of Lucy and Ioan.
Lucy has come to town to be a live in governess for Ioan's daughter, Alexandra. They have instant attraction to each other but also a complicated one for sure.
This was a really Hot quick read with about 133 pages.
Lucy has come to town to be a live in governess for Ioan's daughter, Alexandra. They have instant attraction to each other but also a complicated one for sure.
This was a really Hot quick read with about 133 pages.
October 12, 2018
It Starts Sexy and Doesn't Stop
The book is sexy from the start and doesn't stop. It lost a star because the characters were a little underdeveloped, but keeps four for mystery and well, hotness!
The book is sexy from the start and doesn't stop. It lost a star because the characters were a little underdeveloped, but keeps four for mystery and well, hotness!
January 7, 2019
In another world with some tweaks and improved writing, this *could* have been quite engaging.
Instead, story and characters fell flat. The backstories in particular held a vast amount of unexplored potential. Pity, because this was a very unusual take on paranormal romance.
Instead, story and characters fell flat. The backstories in particular held a vast amount of unexplored potential. Pity, because this was a very unusual take on paranormal romance.
May 29, 2018
Gloriously and gorgeously Gothic !
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