Winner of the 2021 HOLT Medallion - An Opposites Attract Paranormal RomanceShe's in New Orleans to fence a mystical necklace. He tracked her from Las Vegas to retrieve it. But the jewels' sensuous power derails both of their plans.Marie Robichaud is a card shark with psychic abilities and terrible taste in men. The last loser stole her savings to buy a hot necklace—the priceless jewels she plans to fence in New Orleans to fund a new life on the right side of the law.Victor Durand started tracking the mystical necklace fourteen hundred miles ago, intent on retrieving it before its power falls into the wrong hands. When Marie’s car breaks down near the Louisiana state line, he’s surprised to discover a feisty, tattooed telepath instead of the sophisticated jewel thief he expected. Intrigued, he decides to postpone taking the necklace until he learns more about how she acquired it.Short of money, Marie accepts Victor’s offer of a ride to New Orleans and a temporary job showing him the French Quarter. Soon she suspects he’s more than he seems. And when she dons the necklace, its sensual magic consumes them both with uncontrollable lust that complicates everything.But others want the necklace too. Soon Victor learns vicious killers are on Marie’s trail, while a mysterious woman obsessed with its power lurks in the shadows. And when the danger hits home, Victor will do anything to protect Marie—even if it means entering the world of voodoo she left behind.Meanwhile, Mark Durand’s search for Lily Powell takes him deep into the dark world of sex trafficking where his newfound power makes him increasingly dangerous.This book contains a complete paranormal romance story within the continuing Durand family saga."A smart, fast ride with sizzling chemistry and characters you'll love!" ― Sophie Jordan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author“A supernatural world that’s smart, sexy, and sophisticated!” — New York Times bestselling author Kerrelyn Sparks “Absolutely addictive! This sexy, emotionally-charged tale shimmers with magic, mystery, and off-the-charts chemistry!” ―USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Crane
Lark's love of reading, writing and travel has led her to a string of colorful jobs and a well-worn passport – as well as a few years spent sailing and diving in the Virgin Islands. Her travels have inspired her stories--romantic adventures set in some of her favorite destinations around the world. When not traveling, she lives in Texas with her brilliant husband and two adorable canine “children.”
Victor Durand is following the trail of an antique necklace. His assignment is to procure it and stash it so its dangerous powers are contained. Marie Robichaud left Las Vegas with the necklace after her scumbag ex-boyfriend stole her savings to buy it on the black market. All she knows is that it’s expensive, her money bought it, which makes it hers now, and if she can get home to New Orleans, she can turn it back into cash and finally move forward with her life.
When her car breaks down, it’s Victor’s opportunity to “help” her out. He could get the necklace from her any time, but finds he enjoys being with her. Marie decides to try on the necklace, which lends some major heat to their attraction for each other. But neither feels the allure can lead to anything. Victor is high-minded, and judges Marie to be a psychic card shark, while Marie thinks he’s a wealthy aristocrat, beyond her reach, and a bit of a snob at that.
When a powerful Dissembler stalks Marie pursuing the necklace, Victor finds he’ll do anything to protect her. Voodoo and Santeria, religions that thrive in New Orleans and in Marie’s family, are no match this Dissembler’s evil. Will Victor’s powers be enough to save them?
This is the fourth novel in the Durand Chronicles, a series that involves the Protectors (good guys) in a worldwide war against the evil of the Dissemblers. Once you’ve read and enjoyed this story, if you haven’t already, you’ll want to catch up the first three, too. It’s an imaginative series that includes metaphysical aspects, strong characters with unique psychic powers, high tech knowledge and equipment, and fast-paced suspense, all set in exotic and fun locales. Enjoy!
Hidden in Shadows is the fourth Durand Chronicles book by Lark Brennan. The interplay of suspense and psychic elements makes for an original read that captured my imagination. Add in New Orleans, a little voodoo, and a crackling chemistry between Marie Robichaud and Victor Durand, and I couldn’t put this book down.
I’m looking forward to the next Durand Chronicles book.
This is book four of the Durand Chronicles series and continues to follow Marie as she escapes from her boyfriend Lance, after finding him cheating on her and him having used all of her savings to purchase an expensive necklace, to hopefully sell on for a profit. The necklace has been stolen, she doesn’t know who from, but is taking it from Lance to cover the funds he stole from her! She is on her way to the nearest casinos to try and make some fast cash at the tables, using her talent of being able to read the minds of the other players, as she has psychic abilities, gained from her mother. She grabbed her clothes and the necklace and is making her way home to New Orleans, but in a rather decrepit old car.
Her car breaks down short of the Louisiana border, but she is lucky enough to have a stranger pull up shortly after she breaks down. He seems clean cut and not too much like a serial killer. Luckily she has her own small handgun to protect herself, if needed. His name is Victor and she can’t get a read on him, which in itself is unusual. He offers her a lift to the casino in Shreveport and also a hotel room to make use of as he will be continuing on after a quick wash up and some food. What she doesn’t know, is that Victor has been following her for over a thousand miles. His job is to retrieve the necklace, which is actually a powerful talisman with massive magical powers for the wearer. Marie is not quite what he expected to come across and she doesn’t look anything like a jewel thief.
Intrigued by her and her unusual talent, as well as her holding the relic he needs to recover to keep it from some more dangerous people, he offers her a chance of some quick money, being his local guide in the French Quarter of New Orleans, looking for antiques supposedly. She takes him up on his offer, as she wants to go to college once home and needs funds to keep herself until she can sell the necklace. That first night in New Orleans, she is tempted to put the necklace on and thinks about how hot Victor is and what it would be like to get him in her bed. Victor can’t ignore the pull of the necklace, even though he is a very talented psychic, able to protect himself mentally from all sorts of attacks, nothing helps in this instance.
He is shocked and disturbed by his reactions once the necklace comes off and tries to distance himself from Marie, but realises there is actually a bit of a connection, even though he doesn’t like the sort of person her thinks she is. He gets the necklace off her and departs, but soon finds out that she may well be in danger. He returns to try and protect her from those that want the necklace for evil purposes and finds out killers are already on their way and a mysterious woman is in charge of them. Victor hates New Orleans after events some ten years ago, when a war almost began and battles were fought with a young local boy taking a bullet meant for him. There is also the black magic, voodoo and all others traces of magic users that float around the streets, overwhelming his senses.
In order to keep her save, he is going to have to ask those in the voodoo world for their help, even though they are bitter rivals. He will do anything to protect her and this is when he realises the depth of his feelings. Marie has lots of connections with the criminal underground through Rex and also with the voodoo world though her mother’s sister and her daughter, her best friend growing up. She tries to keep her money situation, the secret of the necklace and how much it might be worth, and even her return to the city, secret from all those she knows, not wanting to get mixed back up into any of Rex’s criminal scams. Her criminal past, pre Katrina, catches up with her and leaves her vulnerable to the killers tracking her.
A great addition to the series and allows you to see a bit of a relationship starting to blossom between a woman who always chooses the bad guys and a man who hasn’t had a relationship for years and isn’t even looking for one. Add in the magical relic, with strange and strong powers, especially in the wrong hands, and those who want Marie dead, she needs the protection of the aloof Victor more than ever before. Another great book in this series, with the Durand dynasty, their Protectors and advanced technology company, all brought together to meet with Marie and Victor in this desperate battle of good vs evil with sizzling chemistry between the main characters and more details of others in the Durand band. I look forward to reading the next story and see what happens with Mark. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Hidden in Shadows is the fourth book in The Durand Chronicles and is a story of Good vs Evil.
Victor Durand and Marie Robichaud are well-developed characters, interesting, intelligent, and both have different psychic gifts. The storyline is well written and kept me on the edge of my seat, with a powerful antique necklace, the Protectors, the Dissemblers, danger, action, voodoo, Santeria, and a wonderful romance.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
This is book 4 of The Durand Chronicles series. I found book 4 well written with an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the characters and found them well developed. This is a series I would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m glad this is a Chronicle because I always want the book to continue and eventually it does. It’s a good read, full of intrigue, adventure and of course some romance but it’s the adventure and imagination that captures my interest. I wish ComDevs were real (read it to see what I’m talking about). Looking forward to Mark’s story.
Returning to her native New Orleans, she plans for a fresh start using the revenue from the sale of the necklace creepy ex bought with her monies.
Victor is an investigator determined to destroy the necklace. As he becomes smitten with Marie, he also feels compelled to protect her from the nasty folks who are after the necklace for more than its material value.
Poor Marie!
Intense and supernatural tinged thrilling adventure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of those psychic thrillers that keeps you turning the pages for the next twist. Loved the chemistry between the wealthy, sophisticated hero from Paris and the street-wise heroine from the gritty side of New Orleans. Looks like this novel sets up another in the future too. Fantastic and original plot- highly recommend!
Hidden in Shadows is the fourth installment in Lark Brennan’s Durand Chronicles, and although I highly recommend reading the previous books, Shadows in the Deep, Mind Shadows, and Shadows of the Past (because they are really good!), Hidden in Shadows works as a stand alone novel.
When Marie Robichaud’s aged Camry dies near the Texas/Louisiana border in the middle of the night, she knows she’s got trouble. She’s on the run from the cheating boyfriend she left back in Las Vegas, and she’s carrying a valuable necklace that said boyfriend bought with money he stole from her. Marie is pretty sure whoever sold him the necklace didn’t exactly have a clear title to it, but she’s past caring. If she can just get to the casino in Shreveport, she can pick up enough cash at the poker table to give her a cushion while she figures out what to do next. When a handsome man driving a powerful Porsche stops to offer her assistance, she’s leery. But she sure needs that ride into Shreveport.
Victor Durand, the man in the Porsche, has been following Marie for hours. Well, actually, he’s been following the necklace, which radiates psychic powers no jewel thief could possibly imagine. Much to his surprise, his “jewel thief” is a young woman with psychic powers of her own, a form of telepathy she’s been using for years to make a living playing poker.
Victor and Marie have little reason to trust each other. Experience has taught Marie that handsome, wealthy men are not likely to have her best interest at heart. Victor sees Marie as a con artist and a card sharp. But there are truly dangerous people searching for Marie’s necklace, and Victor knows that if he simply takes the necklace from her, he will be abandoning her to a very bad fate.
When their uneasy partnership takes them to the voodoo-haunted streets of New Orleans, where Marie grew up and where Victor has left some bad memories behind, Marie finds herself drawn into Victor’s world, where the unending struggle between the Durand Protectors and the evil Dissemblers threatens Marie’s family.
The Durand Chronicles combine romantic (and occasionally steamy) suspense with the varied psychic powers of the Durand family and their associates. Hidden in Shadows includes characters from the first three books and leaves just enough unanswered questions to fuel one more book, Shadow of Death, coming soon.
Hidden in the Shadows by Lark Brennan is set in the mystical city of New Orleans. The story pulls the reader into the residual traces of voodoo and magic as you follow Maria Robichaud on her journey. Maria comes from the wrong side of the track. From an early age, she learns to scam and cheat at casino poker tables. Of course, her psychic abilities help. With her winnings, she had planned to improve her life by getting an education. Her plans are derailed when her life savings was stolen by her boyfriend. To pay him back, she takes the necklace he bought with her savings. Heartbroken her dream has been stolen she leaves Las Vegas with the necklace to return to her hometown of New Orleans. Little did she know her decision would change her life forever. Victor Durand is on a mission. As a member of the Durand Tech, he is sophisticate, well-mannered, and has never wanted for anything except the necklace that Maria has in her possession. He follows her across the country and stops to offer her help when her car breaks down near the Louisiana border. Victor’s act of supposing chivalry sends the two on an adventure shrouded in mystery and love. Hidden in the Shadows is well worth reading. Lark Brennan builds a world that is believable and interesting. If you like a good romance mixed with intrigue and a good dose of the paranormal this book is for you.
I met Lark Brennan at the West Texas Writer's Academy a few months ago. Books set in New Orleans snag me, so I had to buy this at the book sale. Even though this was the fourth book in a series I haven't read yet, I was completely able to start right in and never lost my place. I always knew who was related to whom in the story, and bits of the previous three books told me how they got there. This is kind of a bodyguard falls in love with the one he's protecting story, with the main characters all having just one superpower, everyone out to get a cursed necklace, a blow-by-blow description of how that necklace affects everyone, and clearly who to root for. Marie learns that her psychic abilities could do more for her and the ones she loves other than being a card shark. Victor finds that there is more to life than roaming the world eliminating bad people with evil powers and intent. In the background is a company of fighters trying to keep the world from being taken over by a force of evil. Brennan brings the characters to life and I felt I was right there with Marie and Victor in some of the more fascinating parts of the city, and not just the touristy parts. Next time I'm in New Orleans, I'll be hitting the antique stores on Royal Street. Maybe I can find my own magical necklace, without all the evil ones chasing me, that is.
This story is exciting action packed suspense filled with romance too.The story will keep you on the edge of your seat an the characters will captivate you.There is someone trying to find a necklace that Marie Robechaud took from her cheating boyfriend now she's on her way to New Orleans where she hopes to sell it.Marie is psychic she can read people;s thoughts.He car breaks down in Texas an a guy in a nice car stops an offers her help .She ends up riding to New Orleans with him it bugs her she can;t read him but Victor has several psychic abilities.He;s shielded his mind so she can;t read him.I knows she has the necklace an hes determined to get it even if he had too buy it.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what;s next by this multi talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was thankful that this book worked as a stand alone, but it also made me really want to go back and read the first 3 books in the Durand Chronicles. The tale of Marie and Victor will have the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what is going to happen next. The author delivers on both romance and suspense. Lark Brennan has such a way with words that you will find yourself mentally in the wonderful city of New Orleans and will be picturing yourself wearing the most amazing and powerful necklace. And the end of the book does a terrific job setting up for the fifth installment in the series. As someone who hasn't read a physic romance novel, this one has definitely opened my eyes to new possibilities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.