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The First #2
Dark Diary
Book II of Dawné Dominique’s The First
The lives of a deranged serial killer, a seven centuries old First vampire and a City of Winnipeg detective collide in this second novel of Dawné Dominique’s The First series.
Daniella Rolfe, a seven-century old First vampire is unwittingly drawn together with a City of Winnipeg detective, who happens to be investigating a string of some rather bizarre serial murders. It doesn’t take long for her to discover that this mere mortal man holds more power over her than any she's ever known.
And Aiden…he's only dreamed about women like Daniella.
Blood battles and broken vows are just the beginning of Daniella Rolfe’s woes.
The lives of a deranged serial killer, a seven centuries old First vampire and a City of Winnipeg detective collide in this second novel of Dawné Dominique’s The First series.
Daniella Rolfe, a seven-century old First vampire is unwittingly drawn together with a City of Winnipeg detective, who happens to be investigating a string of some rather bizarre serial murders. It doesn’t take long for her to discover that this mere mortal man holds more power over her than any she's ever known.
And Aiden…he's only dreamed about women like Daniella.
Blood battles and broken vows are just the beginning of Daniella Rolfe’s woes.
- GenresParanormal Romance
204 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
10 people want to read
About the author
Dawné Dominique
29 books23 followersA multi-published and award-nominated author of paranormal and fantasy, Dawné Dominique's novels instantly hooks readers until that last page is read.
Although published in the US, she is a Canadian author through and through. The second novel of her vampire series called Dark Diary, II: The First is set in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she resides with her family and Gunkers, a stray cat she recently saved.
She embraces life with one simple rule: “Everything in life happens for a reason, be it good or bad, and it’s because of this we learn to never take anything for granted.”
(author website)
www.dawnedominique.com
(professional cover artist website)
www.DusktildawnDesigns.com
(artist website)
www.dawnedominique.deviantart.com
Although published in the US, she is a Canadian author through and through. The second novel of her vampire series called Dark Diary, II: The First is set in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she resides with her family and Gunkers, a stray cat she recently saved.
She embraces life with one simple rule: “Everything in life happens for a reason, be it good or bad, and it’s because of this we learn to never take anything for granted.”
(author website)
www.dawnedominique.com
(professional cover artist website)
www.DusktildawnDesigns.com
(artist website)
www.dawnedominique.deviantart.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 8, 2012
Today's review is on Dark Diary by Dawne Dominique
After reading Dominique's first book in this series; Eden's Hell, I just had to keep going. Now after reading this second installment, I'm glad I did. In Dark Diary we are introduced to Daniella Rolfe. She is one of The First, and the last of her kind. She is a born vampire, able to walk in the sun and feed just once a month.
Like Addison from Eden's Hell, Daniella has be living her life alone. Yes, she has had love in her life, but the differences between her and other "made" vampires was just to much. Now she lives off of one night stands; when she is in her blood cycle, and snacks in between on the killers, rapists, and all around scum of Winnipeg.
Even though there are magical wards surrounding her 180,000sqft penthouse from other vampires, it does not protect against regular old humans. Her penthouse home, along with other tenants of her building are robbed.
Though Aiden has been investigating a string of strange murders, he has been pulled from the case because he lost his temper and hit a perp. Because of this, he is sent to Daniella's building to investigate the B&E.
Once Daniella and Aiden see each other they can't seem to get the other off of their minds. They even dream of each other, and those are some serious X rated dreams.
When it is found that the men that have been murdered have all been past lovers of Daniella, and one of them had the detective's name etched into the skin, the case takes on new meaning. Aiden has been ordered to stay with Daniella to make sure she is safe, and that is one assignment he doesn't mind.
As days go by, the attraction that Daniella and Aiden feel for each other becomes to much and they both give in. There is no mistaking it, they are in love. Now both of them will do anything to protect the other. But can they stop the crazed vampire that has been watching them? Not before some of the humans they love are killed. And not before one of their own lives are about to end.
Excellently written with still a bit to many mistakes, but I still could not force myself to put this book down. I only hope that the next is just as good. I will be starting that one today :)
4 of 5 stars
After reading Dominique's first book in this series; Eden's Hell, I just had to keep going. Now after reading this second installment, I'm glad I did. In Dark Diary we are introduced to Daniella Rolfe. She is one of The First, and the last of her kind. She is a born vampire, able to walk in the sun and feed just once a month.
Like Addison from Eden's Hell, Daniella has be living her life alone. Yes, she has had love in her life, but the differences between her and other "made" vampires was just to much. Now she lives off of one night stands; when she is in her blood cycle, and snacks in between on the killers, rapists, and all around scum of Winnipeg.
Even though there are magical wards surrounding her 180,000sqft penthouse from other vampires, it does not protect against regular old humans. Her penthouse home, along with other tenants of her building are robbed.
Though Aiden has been investigating a string of strange murders, he has been pulled from the case because he lost his temper and hit a perp. Because of this, he is sent to Daniella's building to investigate the B&E.
Once Daniella and Aiden see each other they can't seem to get the other off of their minds. They even dream of each other, and those are some serious X rated dreams.
When it is found that the men that have been murdered have all been past lovers of Daniella, and one of them had the detective's name etched into the skin, the case takes on new meaning. Aiden has been ordered to stay with Daniella to make sure she is safe, and that is one assignment he doesn't mind.
As days go by, the attraction that Daniella and Aiden feel for each other becomes to much and they both give in. There is no mistaking it, they are in love. Now both of them will do anything to protect the other. But can they stop the crazed vampire that has been watching them? Not before some of the humans they love are killed. And not before one of their own lives are about to end.
Excellently written with still a bit to many mistakes, but I still could not force myself to put this book down. I only hope that the next is just as good. I will be starting that one today :)
4 of 5 stars
September 12, 2012
Having loved book 1 in the series, I couldn't wait to get reading this one. This time we follow the lives of Daniella, a seven-century old First vampire and Aidan, a Winnipeg cop investigating a string of bizarre murders somehow connected to the dark, beauty.
As the mystery deepens, so does their attraction and WOW - let's say, I'd love to take lessons from Daniella! Or at least find a cop like Aiden ;) This book delves deeper into the First vampires, combining urban fantasy, erotica and paranormal. Another winner from Ms. Dominique!
As the mystery deepens, so does their attraction and WOW - let's say, I'd love to take lessons from Daniella! Or at least find a cop like Aiden ;) This book delves deeper into the First vampires, combining urban fantasy, erotica and paranormal. Another winner from Ms. Dominique!
December 4, 2011
Dawne Dominique "Dark Diary: The First" Review by Raven Kelly- Vampirebooks.ca
Daniella Rolfe is the only living race of her vampire kind that has her blood type. She is like no other vampire. Daniella wields an unmistakable power that can kill any vampire, even the oldest vampires. She is also drop dead gorgeous and has no problems finding a mortal lover with her sex appeal. She has managed to go undetected for centuries without humans knowing of her. That is, until mortal lovers of hers start turning up dead with Daniella's initials scared into their bodies. Daniella now has the police asking her questions, and she even had someone break into her apartment and trash the place. Will Daniella's secret of being a vampire be discovered by mortals, or will she find out who is killing her lovers first, and remain a secret?
Aiden Blackmore is the best damn cop Winnipeg has. He can catch any criminal and solve any crime. So when Aiden's name starts appearing on dead mens bodies, he starts wondering who would play a such a sick trick on him. He has no enemies, that he knows of, that would want to see him in jail. Aiden is about to learn that this is not your typical killer, and what he thought was once a fairytale will soon become reality. Aiden also must try and put his male hormones aside when he is asked to interview the beautiful Daniella Rolfe and protect her from this crazed killer.
Aiden Blackmore and Daniella Rolfe, two very unlikely allies will have to come together united to have any hope in tracking down the evil sicko that has taken their loved ones from them. Will Aiden and Daniella's sexual attraction towards each other be their downfall, and will the killer catch them off guard? Find out in this fast paced action packed novel where secrets will be exposed and trust will be built. Where vampire and human unite in Dawne Dominique's Dark Diary: The First.
3 Bats out of 5
Click Here to Visit VampireBooks.ca
Daniella Rolfe is the only living race of her vampire kind that has her blood type. She is like no other vampire. Daniella wields an unmistakable power that can kill any vampire, even the oldest vampires. She is also drop dead gorgeous and has no problems finding a mortal lover with her sex appeal. She has managed to go undetected for centuries without humans knowing of her. That is, until mortal lovers of hers start turning up dead with Daniella's initials scared into their bodies. Daniella now has the police asking her questions, and she even had someone break into her apartment and trash the place. Will Daniella's secret of being a vampire be discovered by mortals, or will she find out who is killing her lovers first, and remain a secret?
Aiden Blackmore is the best damn cop Winnipeg has. He can catch any criminal and solve any crime. So when Aiden's name starts appearing on dead mens bodies, he starts wondering who would play a such a sick trick on him. He has no enemies, that he knows of, that would want to see him in jail. Aiden is about to learn that this is not your typical killer, and what he thought was once a fairytale will soon become reality. Aiden also must try and put his male hormones aside when he is asked to interview the beautiful Daniella Rolfe and protect her from this crazed killer.
Aiden Blackmore and Daniella Rolfe, two very unlikely allies will have to come together united to have any hope in tracking down the evil sicko that has taken their loved ones from them. Will Aiden and Daniella's sexual attraction towards each other be their downfall, and will the killer catch them off guard? Find out in this fast paced action packed novel where secrets will be exposed and trust will be built. Where vampire and human unite in Dawne Dominique's Dark Diary: The First.
3 Bats out of 5
Click Here to Visit VampireBooks.ca
February 8, 2012
I found something interesting in the pages of Dark Diary that I’m almost positive that I’ve never read before. The female Daniella is the centuries old vampire that has always lived her life as a loner and never taken a long term lover, much less a human lover for the long term. She has secrets that need to remain hidden. A man with a job in law enforcement would never work. He would have too many questions that she could never answer. Aiden is a human detective that meets a captivating female while he is working his punishment case of a breaking and entry. I liked this perspective. It was new, something different.
Daniella is also one of The First. She was born with the need to feed on blood. She is very different from her vampire kin. The differences is the main reason she has lived as alone as possible throughout the years. Things are about to change for her though. A random burglary has set a rather horrific chain of events into fast motion, placed circumstances onto her doorstep, sent a serial killer bombarding into her life and hurting the few people she holds dear.
Aiden had been investigating a string of puzzling and viscous murders when his captain sends him out on a breaking and entering case. He’s pissed that he’s been pulled from the serial killer case due to an arrest gone wrong, now he gets reprimanded in the form of a B&E case that he feels is beneath him. The problem is that he cannot seem to take his mind off of the female whose home was broken into. She is in his every thought and even invading his dreams and fantasies.
I am pleased to see that the next book in the series continues with Aiden and Daniella still as the main characters. I liked them together. They brought out qualities in each other that they never knew they had. I am also eager to see what the “changes that are coming.” The first chapter and the last chapter are written as Daniella’s confessions into a diary, her dark diary.
Daniella is also one of The First. She was born with the need to feed on blood. She is very different from her vampire kin. The differences is the main reason she has lived as alone as possible throughout the years. Things are about to change for her though. A random burglary has set a rather horrific chain of events into fast motion, placed circumstances onto her doorstep, sent a serial killer bombarding into her life and hurting the few people she holds dear.
Aiden had been investigating a string of puzzling and viscous murders when his captain sends him out on a breaking and entering case. He’s pissed that he’s been pulled from the serial killer case due to an arrest gone wrong, now he gets reprimanded in the form of a B&E case that he feels is beneath him. The problem is that he cannot seem to take his mind off of the female whose home was broken into. She is in his every thought and even invading his dreams and fantasies.
I am pleased to see that the next book in the series continues with Aiden and Daniella still as the main characters. I liked them together. They brought out qualities in each other that they never knew they had. I am also eager to see what the “changes that are coming.” The first chapter and the last chapter are written as Daniella’s confessions into a diary, her dark diary.
February 1, 2011
In Dark Diary, we find a rough around the edges yet irresistible cop, Aiden, who crosses paths with an anomaly amongst the vampires creed, the beautiful Daniella. Both feel the sparks in their first meeting and, while trying to sort through these feelings, a serial killer is leaving a wake of bodies all with a message for Daniella. But when the most recent body has a message for Aiden, they realize they must work together and give trust unexpectedly in order to stop the murders. When grief pulls our couple together, sheets ignite! While this book was more sexually charged then the previous, the love was no less special. Again beautifully written, and I love the fact that again we receive a happy ever after of sorts, but in a very convoluted way.
I am super excited for the next in the series!!
--Brandi, The One Hundred Romances Project
I am super excited for the next in the series!!
--Brandi, The One Hundred Romances Project
October 23, 2010
"I read, and really enjoyed, Dawné Dominique’s book in her Dark Diary series, Eden’s Hell; actually I was quite stunned at the impact it had on me by the time I finished it. I definitely had no idea what to expect you see, even after having read the blurb.
Well, once again, I find myself startled at the effect that her book has had on me. Having read the book description I was thinking that I had quite a good grasp on how Dark Diary II: The First would go… boy was I wrong! I mean, yes the story follows the blurb, but it is gives such a bare bones idea of what to expect.
What Ms. Dominique delivers is a power-house of a mystery and romance as well as a rather unique take on the vampire legend; in this case the existence of The First. While connected to the first book—Eden’s Hell—albeit somewhat marginally, The First does stand alone… but I strongly recommend that you read them in order and one right after the other if possible.
One aspect of the book that I found quite… hmmm, I guess ‘enjoyable’ is a good word, is that the story takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a city and province where a number of family members live. Let me just say that I was *extremely* glad that none of them have ever experienced what was happening on the streets! I think part of the reason I had this reaction is that the grittiness and sense of real-ness I found as I read the book led me to feeling a connection to what was happening.
And then there are the characters; Daniella and Aiden. On the surface there couldn’t be two more different people. One an ancient vampire, born not made, who has seen far more than any one ever should and the other, definitely mortal who, come to think of it, has seen more than one person ever should as well. Well, I guess the biggest difference is their life experience; Daniella’s that goes back centuries and Aiden’s, mere decades. And yes, though Daniella is immortal, she still has a human-ness, a sense of being a real person. But then I should have expected that knowing what the author had managed to do with the main characters in the first book of the series.
Aiden is definitely human, somewhat alpha in temperament, persistent, intuitive… in fact an excellent cop. And after he meets Daniella, he finds himself over his head in many ways, the least of which is the connection he has with her. Of course Daniella is no more understanding of this connection that she has to this human… and one in a position of authority at that.
So while they’re both linked to the mystery haunting the city, they’re also learning that there’s far more bringing the two of them together than the monster out on the streets killing, extremely viciously.
If you are a fan of somewhat dark urban fantasy combined with mystery and a romance that has both main characters completely outside their comfort zone, then I strongly recommend the two books in Dawné Dominique’s Dark Diary series. They’ll grab onto your imagination and take you on a ride that you’ll not soon, or even want to, forget." Kathy K., my link text
Well, once again, I find myself startled at the effect that her book has had on me. Having read the book description I was thinking that I had quite a good grasp on how Dark Diary II: The First would go… boy was I wrong! I mean, yes the story follows the blurb, but it is gives such a bare bones idea of what to expect.
What Ms. Dominique delivers is a power-house of a mystery and romance as well as a rather unique take on the vampire legend; in this case the existence of The First. While connected to the first book—Eden’s Hell—albeit somewhat marginally, The First does stand alone… but I strongly recommend that you read them in order and one right after the other if possible.
One aspect of the book that I found quite… hmmm, I guess ‘enjoyable’ is a good word, is that the story takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a city and province where a number of family members live. Let me just say that I was *extremely* glad that none of them have ever experienced what was happening on the streets! I think part of the reason I had this reaction is that the grittiness and sense of real-ness I found as I read the book led me to feeling a connection to what was happening.
And then there are the characters; Daniella and Aiden. On the surface there couldn’t be two more different people. One an ancient vampire, born not made, who has seen far more than any one ever should and the other, definitely mortal who, come to think of it, has seen more than one person ever should as well. Well, I guess the biggest difference is their life experience; Daniella’s that goes back centuries and Aiden’s, mere decades. And yes, though Daniella is immortal, she still has a human-ness, a sense of being a real person. But then I should have expected that knowing what the author had managed to do with the main characters in the first book of the series.
Aiden is definitely human, somewhat alpha in temperament, persistent, intuitive… in fact an excellent cop. And after he meets Daniella, he finds himself over his head in many ways, the least of which is the connection he has with her. Of course Daniella is no more understanding of this connection that she has to this human… and one in a position of authority at that.
So while they’re both linked to the mystery haunting the city, they’re also learning that there’s far more bringing the two of them together than the monster out on the streets killing, extremely viciously.
If you are a fan of somewhat dark urban fantasy combined with mystery and a romance that has both main characters completely outside their comfort zone, then I strongly recommend the two books in Dawné Dominique’s Dark Diary series. They’ll grab onto your imagination and take you on a ride that you’ll not soon, or even want to, forget." Kathy K., my link text
April 24, 2011
Title: Dark Diary II: The First
Author: Dawne Dominique
Publisher: Purple Sword Publications
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-193165-53-7
Genre: Paranormal, vampire
Length: 166 pages
Buy Link
Author Website
Author Email
Rating: 5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: BDSM, oral
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 3-12-11
Book II of Dawné Dominique’s The First series
Can I say “Oh Wow!”? Sure I can. I read the first book in the series (Eden’s Hell, I: The First) and loved it. I enjoyed this book every bit as much if not more. I look forward to reading the next part, Kindred Blood, III: The First.
The author continues to write stories about a unique version of vampires. The character of Daniella Rolfe as a seven hundred year old last of the First vampires was very well drawn. I felt her struggles with who and what she was, with her struggles not to be like her kin, and with a loneliness she has forced upon herself.
Detective Aiden Blackmore proved to be the perfect match for Daniella, even though their conflicts were many. He is drawn to her from the first time they meet, for reasons he can’t understand. She has long vowed never to interlace her blood with human. But with Aiden she is pulled by “a yearning I have never felt before. A mortal man…his spell surrounds me in a web I cannot escape, nor do I want to.”
If you’re looking for a series to follow, this is it. The characters pull you into their story and force you to hope they can beat the difficult obstacles in their way. There are many reasons for them not to find happiness together, but theirs is a developing relationship that you will want to follow every step of the way. Adding to that, there are some seriously “hot” moments.
Author: Dawne Dominique
Publisher: Purple Sword Publications
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-193165-53-7
Genre: Paranormal, vampire
Length: 166 pages
Buy Link
Author Website
Author Email
Rating: 5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: BDSM, oral
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 3-12-11
Book II of Dawné Dominique’s The First series
Can I say “Oh Wow!”? Sure I can. I read the first book in the series (Eden’s Hell, I: The First) and loved it. I enjoyed this book every bit as much if not more. I look forward to reading the next part, Kindred Blood, III: The First.
The author continues to write stories about a unique version of vampires. The character of Daniella Rolfe as a seven hundred year old last of the First vampires was very well drawn. I felt her struggles with who and what she was, with her struggles not to be like her kin, and with a loneliness she has forced upon herself.
Detective Aiden Blackmore proved to be the perfect match for Daniella, even though their conflicts were many. He is drawn to her from the first time they meet, for reasons he can’t understand. She has long vowed never to interlace her blood with human. But with Aiden she is pulled by “a yearning I have never felt before. A mortal man…his spell surrounds me in a web I cannot escape, nor do I want to.”
If you’re looking for a series to follow, this is it. The characters pull you into their story and force you to hope they can beat the difficult obstacles in their way. There are many reasons for them not to find happiness together, but theirs is a developing relationship that you will want to follow every step of the way. Adding to that, there are some seriously “hot” moments.
February 17, 2015
Dark Diary ( The First #2) by Dawne Dominique
3.5 Stars
Unlike usual vampires Daniella Rolfe only needs to feed once per month and though her skin is pale, she doesn’t feel icy cold to the touch. She has been alive longer than she can remember and was born not made. She is one of the first, and is the only one of her type left. Living a relatively isolated life, Daniella keeps her contact with humans to a minimum, preying only on the dregs of society who commit violent crimes, something she has no understanding of. Unfortunately being a vampire doesn’t protect her home from thieves, and one night she falls victim to a robbery along with other tenants in her building, this brings the police around and is how she meets Aiden, a detective who after losing his temper on a murder case has been demoted from homicide to robbery.
The two have an instant connection, appearing in each others erotic dreams, and when it is discovered that the latest in a recent string of murder victims has Aidens name carved into its body and that all the victims were somehow connected to Daniella, Aiden is reinstated by homicide to find the killer.
Dark Diary is the second book in ‘The First’ series, and follows yet another of the original vampires. I was a little confused about how she came to be, it being different than Addison, the vampire in book one, and I have to wonder how many variations on ‘first’ there can be. Regardless, the story is exciting and action packed and I enjoyed the writing style. Dawne has definitely brought something new to the table where vampires are concerned and this is turning out to be an interesting series.
Copy supplied for review
3.5 Stars
Unlike usual vampires Daniella Rolfe only needs to feed once per month and though her skin is pale, she doesn’t feel icy cold to the touch. She has been alive longer than she can remember and was born not made. She is one of the first, and is the only one of her type left. Living a relatively isolated life, Daniella keeps her contact with humans to a minimum, preying only on the dregs of society who commit violent crimes, something she has no understanding of. Unfortunately being a vampire doesn’t protect her home from thieves, and one night she falls victim to a robbery along with other tenants in her building, this brings the police around and is how she meets Aiden, a detective who after losing his temper on a murder case has been demoted from homicide to robbery.
The two have an instant connection, appearing in each others erotic dreams, and when it is discovered that the latest in a recent string of murder victims has Aidens name carved into its body and that all the victims were somehow connected to Daniella, Aiden is reinstated by homicide to find the killer.
Dark Diary is the second book in ‘The First’ series, and follows yet another of the original vampires. I was a little confused about how she came to be, it being different than Addison, the vampire in book one, and I have to wonder how many variations on ‘first’ there can be. Regardless, the story is exciting and action packed and I enjoyed the writing style. Dawne has definitely brought something new to the table where vampires are concerned and this is turning out to be an interesting series.
Copy supplied for review
December 8, 2008
Daniella Rolfe, the last of The First, emerged from the womb in the year 1312 suckling blood. Proud of not having sullied her blood spawning lesser vampires as so many of her vampire brethren did, Daniella has traversed the centuries a part of yet only on the fringes of the human world...
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of Diary of Daniella Rolfe in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of Diary of Daniella Rolfe in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews