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Dark Brethren #3
Sin's Dark Caress
O’Hara continues her gripping paranormal saga of shapeshifters, vampires, werewolves, and darkest magic with Sin’s Dark Caress, as an NYPD Detective joins forces with a powerful forensic witch to investigate a rash of gruesome murders that plagues the city, hoping to prevent an ancient, insidious evil from reentering their world. Sin’s Dark Caress is supernatural suspense combined with a captivating love story that will appeal equally to dark fantasy lovers and fans of paranormal romance.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 31, 2012
8 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Tracey O'Hara
16 books220 followersTracey O'Hara was born in Tasmania, Australia, but actually grew up in North and Far North Queensland. She discovered a passion for writing when researching her family history and started with an Australian colonial saga.
She grew up reading Stephen King, Raymond E. Feist, Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, and J. R. R. Tolkien, and developed her taste for adventure and the paranormal thriller. Her love of fantasy, horror, and science fictions soon had her exploring darker subject matter.
Tracey also enjoys listening to heavy metal, reading and writing, and watching action movies with her boys. She lives in Australia with her husband, two sons, and three cats. She is now working on her Dark Brethren Urban Fantasy series.
She grew up reading Stephen King, Raymond E. Feist, Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, and J. R. R. Tolkien, and developed her taste for adventure and the paranormal thriller. Her love of fantasy, horror, and science fictions soon had her exploring darker subject matter.
Tracey also enjoys listening to heavy metal, reading and writing, and watching action movies with her boys. She lives in Australia with her husband, two sons, and three cats. She is now working on her Dark Brethren Urban Fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 2, 2019
Enjoyed the storyline, but this is strictly UF with no romance. H is an alcoholic, drug addict. The h is a witch. We have dragons and a lot of drama.
June 8, 2019
I'm really, really liking this series but I'm sad that book 4 hasn't been published yet. Though I will say that I was rather annoyed by all the typos and words missing in sentences in this printed book.
July 24, 2012
It has been a while since I have read something in the Urban Fantasy genre and I've missed it. Having read Night's Cold Kiss and Death's Sweet Embrace last year I jumped at the opportunity to read Sin's Dark Caress as part of the AWW (Australian Women Writers) challenge I am participating in and was quickly drawn back into O'Hara's dark fantasy world.
Forensic witch Dr Bianca Sin features in this installment, called in by NYPD homicide detective Lancelot McManus when young women are found brutally murdered, an infant ripped from their womb and the Dark Brethren's mark painted nearby in blood. While the FBI blame a black market baby ring, McManus, Bianca and Oberon's team know that there is something much more sinister happening.
I enjoyed the plot of Sin's Dark Caress which blends action, mystery and magic with a touch of romance. There tends to be a fair bit of grisly violence in the story but it supports the gritty tone of the series. While the last two books in this series veered towards paranormal romance, Sin's Dark Caress is more properly urban fantasy. The relationship between Bianca and McManus is an aside rather than central to the story though O'Hara does ensure the romantic tension between the pair remains present throughout.
Bianca has appeared briefly in other installments of this series as a member of Oberon's elite team. She is a forensic specialist and also a witch but has never bonded with a familiar, a necessary process for a witch to come into full power. In Sin's Dark Caress her powers are activated when her pendant hatches to reveal a dragon, Kedrax. Dragons are the first guardians of the veil between this world and the dimension where the Dark Brethren are trapped, and Bianca's new power, along with McManus's surprising birthright, are crucial in preventing their escape.
Sin's Dark Caress is a fast paced read with plenty of action, exciting twists and strong characters. With its mix of murder, mayhem and magic I think its the strongest book of the three and though it could work as a stand alone, I would recommend reading the previous installments.
Forensic witch Dr Bianca Sin features in this installment, called in by NYPD homicide detective Lancelot McManus when young women are found brutally murdered, an infant ripped from their womb and the Dark Brethren's mark painted nearby in blood. While the FBI blame a black market baby ring, McManus, Bianca and Oberon's team know that there is something much more sinister happening.
I enjoyed the plot of Sin's Dark Caress which blends action, mystery and magic with a touch of romance. There tends to be a fair bit of grisly violence in the story but it supports the gritty tone of the series. While the last two books in this series veered towards paranormal romance, Sin's Dark Caress is more properly urban fantasy. The relationship between Bianca and McManus is an aside rather than central to the story though O'Hara does ensure the romantic tension between the pair remains present throughout.
Bianca has appeared briefly in other installments of this series as a member of Oberon's elite team. She is a forensic specialist and also a witch but has never bonded with a familiar, a necessary process for a witch to come into full power. In Sin's Dark Caress her powers are activated when her pendant hatches to reveal a dragon, Kedrax. Dragons are the first guardians of the veil between this world and the dimension where the Dark Brethren are trapped, and Bianca's new power, along with McManus's surprising birthright, are crucial in preventing their escape.
Sin's Dark Caress is a fast paced read with plenty of action, exciting twists and strong characters. With its mix of murder, mayhem and magic I think its the strongest book of the three and though it could work as a stand alone, I would recommend reading the previous installments.
July 30, 2012
Favorite Lines: "Bianca followed him back to the body and dropped to a squat. Dark blond hair was tacky with drying blood that pooled around the dead girl's head, and her lower abdomen was just an empty cavity." (p. 6, egalley)
Tracey O'Hara's Dark Brethren series gets better with each book. I didn't fall in love with book one, Night's Cold Kiss. It was okay, but I didn't really think about it after I read it. Book two, Death's Sweet Embrace, felt like a totally different series. I read it quickly, connected with some parts of the story and was entertained by the mystery. Sin's Dark Caress is even better because it brings something I love. It is dark. Not horror dark, but heavier than the average romance. Evil permeates its pages, but it never lets you forget you are reading a romance. You may want to read the first two books in the series before jumping into Sin's Dark Caress.
Characters: Almost all the characters are intentionally or unintentionally hiding something. Some don't know--on a molecular level--who they are. Others are transitioning. Change is not always good and there is plenty of change happening in book three of the Dark Brethren series.
We met vampires and animalians (shifters) in the first two books. In Sin's Dark Caress we get to know witches and the fae. Other paranormals are still around, but the focus of the book is witches. We also get to see the birth of a battle between good and evil.
Sin's Dark Caress feels like the start of a new chapter for the series. The first two books had things in common, but for the most part they brought up a "case," solved it and ended with a couple finding love. At the end of book three, I feel like future books will consistently get darker as the characters attack a worse and worse evil. I also expect to learn more about a couple of mobsters that intrigued me in Sin's Dark Caress.
Tracey O'Hara's Dark Brethren series gets better with each book. I didn't fall in love with book one, Night's Cold Kiss. It was okay, but I didn't really think about it after I read it. Book two, Death's Sweet Embrace, felt like a totally different series. I read it quickly, connected with some parts of the story and was entertained by the mystery. Sin's Dark Caress is even better because it brings something I love. It is dark. Not horror dark, but heavier than the average romance. Evil permeates its pages, but it never lets you forget you are reading a romance. You may want to read the first two books in the series before jumping into Sin's Dark Caress.
Characters: Almost all the characters are intentionally or unintentionally hiding something. Some don't know--on a molecular level--who they are. Others are transitioning. Change is not always good and there is plenty of change happening in book three of the Dark Brethren series.
We met vampires and animalians (shifters) in the first two books. In Sin's Dark Caress we get to know witches and the fae. Other paranormals are still around, but the focus of the book is witches. We also get to see the birth of a battle between good and evil.
Sin's Dark Caress feels like the start of a new chapter for the series. The first two books had things in common, but for the most part they brought up a "case," solved it and ended with a couple finding love. At the end of book three, I feel like future books will consistently get darker as the characters attack a worse and worse evil. I also expect to learn more about a couple of mobsters that intrigued me in Sin's Dark Caress.
August 2, 2012
Although Sin’s Dark Caress didn’t have any sex or any sexual tension for that matter (although the author did try), I enjoyed reading the 3rd in The Dark Brethren series. There was just so much going on that it was hard to miss what wasn’t there. But of course it was not labeled as a romance, nor was it labeled as having any kind of romantic element it in.
The plot was unmistakably riveting. I was so engrossed; I was hard-pressed to concentrate on my real life. My mind was always going back to the questions swirling around in my head; who exactly are the Dark Brethren? Will McManus and Bianca finally acknowledge their feelings towards one another? And what exactly who/what is McManus?
The ending was surprisingly unpredictable and supercharged. The dragon had me at hello. I almost cried…but then I realized dragons aren’t real.
The plot was unmistakably riveting. I was so engrossed; I was hard-pressed to concentrate on my real life. My mind was always going back to the questions swirling around in my head; who exactly are the Dark Brethren? Will McManus and Bianca finally acknowledge their feelings towards one another? And what exactly who/what is McManus?
The ending was surprisingly unpredictable and supercharged. The dragon had me at hello. I almost cried…but then I realized dragons aren’t real.
May 11, 2018
So, tho i enjoyed Bianca's journey to discovering what she was, and McManus, there needed to be more, more explored between them, that was just left hanging.
And now no telling when another book will come out, if ever, it kinda feels like a season finale that ends on a cliffhanger but doesn't get picked up for a new season
And now no telling when another book will come out, if ever, it kinda feels like a season finale that ends on a cliffhanger but doesn't get picked up for a new season
November 12, 2023
Tracey's Dark Brethren series gets better with each book. I would sell my kidney for a fourth book!!!
July 19, 2012
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
As a forensic witch, Sin sees a lot of horrible nasty things, but her latest case may just be the worst. Girls are being torn apart as their unborn children are ripped from their wombs by the darkest magic. They carry the mark of the Dark Brethren, the darkest force imaginable. She partners up with her longtime friend, detective McManus and a special ops task force to get to the bottom of these brutal rituals before the unimaginable happens and the Brethren are released unto this world, wreaking death, horrors, and destruction. Failure is not an option.
I really love Sin's character. She's considered the least of her peers as she was never able to bond to a familiar, so she tries to avoid the politics surrounding her kind. (Think high society with magical powers.) In fact, this lack actually lessened the standing of her family, something that is very important in Witch culture. Yet she never once shows an inferiority complex, and she puts her entire heart and soul into her job. I really admire the way she found a way to work with her limited powers to help others. Of course the power situation changes pretty early on in the story as events unfurl. I've always loved books that have an awakening of some sort where the character goes from the weakest to strongest. I think the time spent being "lesser" gives the character a unique perspective and more apt to use the power responsibly when the time comes. Based on what I've seen, no one is more capable and deserving than Sin.
I was rather frustrated with the lack of any real romance in Sin's Dark Caress, especially considering the much larger role it played in the previous installments. Sin and McManus had tried the whole intimacy thing in the past and claimed it was incredibly awkward, so they abandoned that idea to just be good friends. Yet, despite that, there still was a spark between them, and I just think there were several missed opportunities for their relationship to have been expanded on. Granted, McManus has had a very rough life, and has good reasons for distrusting Witches as his past haunts him. He has multiple vices of addictions, that are slowly destroying him, so he isn't really in the best of places for a relationship. That being said, the one constant in his life is Sin, and I think in time she could help him overcome his addictions and past. We were given glimpses of that potential with a kiss here and there, but nothing really substantial. Unfortunately, if this series continues the trend of changing character focuses, we won't get to see that growth and change, which is really disappointing.
The beginning of Sin's Dark Caress was rather slow, but once things got in motion, they took off with a bang, almost, but not quite to the point of chaos. I would have preferred a more even pacing, but that didn't hinder my reading experience as much as my frustration with the lack of romantic development. Honestly, I don't mind a slow romantic build up when the series continues with the same characters, but as we probably won't directly see these two together I feel rather let down. That being said, the rest of Sin's Dark Caress was pretty solid, and definitely worth the time spent. So if you enjoy Urban Fantasy and don't mind the lack of romance, then Sin's Dark Caress should largely appeal to you.
As a forensic witch, Sin sees a lot of horrible nasty things, but her latest case may just be the worst. Girls are being torn apart as their unborn children are ripped from their wombs by the darkest magic. They carry the mark of the Dark Brethren, the darkest force imaginable. She partners up with her longtime friend, detective McManus and a special ops task force to get to the bottom of these brutal rituals before the unimaginable happens and the Brethren are released unto this world, wreaking death, horrors, and destruction. Failure is not an option.
I really love Sin's character. She's considered the least of her peers as she was never able to bond to a familiar, so she tries to avoid the politics surrounding her kind. (Think high society with magical powers.) In fact, this lack actually lessened the standing of her family, something that is very important in Witch culture. Yet she never once shows an inferiority complex, and she puts her entire heart and soul into her job. I really admire the way she found a way to work with her limited powers to help others. Of course the power situation changes pretty early on in the story as events unfurl. I've always loved books that have an awakening of some sort where the character goes from the weakest to strongest. I think the time spent being "lesser" gives the character a unique perspective and more apt to use the power responsibly when the time comes. Based on what I've seen, no one is more capable and deserving than Sin.
I was rather frustrated with the lack of any real romance in Sin's Dark Caress, especially considering the much larger role it played in the previous installments. Sin and McManus had tried the whole intimacy thing in the past and claimed it was incredibly awkward, so they abandoned that idea to just be good friends. Yet, despite that, there still was a spark between them, and I just think there were several missed opportunities for their relationship to have been expanded on. Granted, McManus has had a very rough life, and has good reasons for distrusting Witches as his past haunts him. He has multiple vices of addictions, that are slowly destroying him, so he isn't really in the best of places for a relationship. That being said, the one constant in his life is Sin, and I think in time she could help him overcome his addictions and past. We were given glimpses of that potential with a kiss here and there, but nothing really substantial. Unfortunately, if this series continues the trend of changing character focuses, we won't get to see that growth and change, which is really disappointing.
The beginning of Sin's Dark Caress was rather slow, but once things got in motion, they took off with a bang, almost, but not quite to the point of chaos. I would have preferred a more even pacing, but that didn't hinder my reading experience as much as my frustration with the lack of romantic development. Honestly, I don't mind a slow romantic build up when the series continues with the same characters, but as we probably won't directly see these two together I feel rather let down. That being said, the rest of Sin's Dark Caress was pretty solid, and definitely worth the time spent. So if you enjoy Urban Fantasy and don't mind the lack of romance, then Sin's Dark Caress should largely appeal to you.
July 21, 2012
A dark, graphic tale! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Bianca Sin, a forensic witch, had so far been unable to bond with a familiar so her powers were not fully developed. But after being called out to the site of a dead homeless girl whose body had been cleaved in half by dark magic and her baby removed from her body, things began to rapidly change. She knew that this was particularly bad, especially when she saw the sign that had been drawn in blood by the body…the seal of the Black Brethren, and the blood did not belong to the homeless victim. That night, the pendant that had been handed down to her and which she always wore seemed to set off her cat. Earlier in the day, she had noticed some movement and change of temperature with the pendant. When the cat practically attacked her, she took off the pendant and laid it on the table. Later, waking up, she discovered that the cat had claimed it and refused to give it up. Returning home from work the next day, she found her pendant had been broken in half and to her surprise her cat now had a friend…a blue dragon. Finding herself bonded to the dragon named Kedrax, she found her powers coming in fully. She also made some other discoveries. The dragon could talk to her and the reason she had been unable to bond with a familiar was that she had already mentally bonded with Kedrax when she was a child.
On the job, Bianca teams up with longtime friend, NYPD homicide detective Lancelot McManus and an elite task force, which is run by Oberon DuPrie, a shape-shifter, to investigate the case which has been labeled Womb Raider. Although McManus, who has a drinking and a Neon Tears drug addiction, desires Bianca, he tries not to show it after the one disastrous night they spent together. But these two must work closely together, trusting each other, even after McManus is suspended from his job for striking another officer. With one body after another showing up, each bearing the seal of the Dark Brethren, both the human and paranormal worlds have been thrown into disorder. In many cases, a fully formed fetus is removed from the body of the victims, even some victims who had not been pregnant that very morning. The pure, dark evil of the Dark Brethren has arrived and it is left up to McManus and Bianca, with the help of Kedrax, to stop it. But when the evil hits too close to home and Bianca’s loved ones, the powerful witch has had enough. With danger all around them, will they be able to defeat the dark forces before it is too late?
A dark tale, SIN’S DARK CARESS, the third book in author Tracey O’Hara’s DARK BRETHREN series, is an intense, suspense-filled paranormal urban fantasy. It is set in an alternate earth where humans and paranormal beings exist in a tentatively peaceful state. Although it takes off slow, it quickly picks up speed. Brimming with action, magic, witches, faeries, evil, suspense, mystery and an originally creative plot, this story is an exciting read. Romance is not a big component in Ms. O’Hara’s story, but I recommend it to lovers of urban fantasy. I loved Bianca’s spunky, heart-filled character as well as McManus’ sarcastic, bad boy persona. At times graphic, I don’t believe this story is for the faint of heart. Still it is an enjoyable read. Do not miss it!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Bianca Sin, a forensic witch, had so far been unable to bond with a familiar so her powers were not fully developed. But after being called out to the site of a dead homeless girl whose body had been cleaved in half by dark magic and her baby removed from her body, things began to rapidly change. She knew that this was particularly bad, especially when she saw the sign that had been drawn in blood by the body…the seal of the Black Brethren, and the blood did not belong to the homeless victim. That night, the pendant that had been handed down to her and which she always wore seemed to set off her cat. Earlier in the day, she had noticed some movement and change of temperature with the pendant. When the cat practically attacked her, she took off the pendant and laid it on the table. Later, waking up, she discovered that the cat had claimed it and refused to give it up. Returning home from work the next day, she found her pendant had been broken in half and to her surprise her cat now had a friend…a blue dragon. Finding herself bonded to the dragon named Kedrax, she found her powers coming in fully. She also made some other discoveries. The dragon could talk to her and the reason she had been unable to bond with a familiar was that she had already mentally bonded with Kedrax when she was a child.
On the job, Bianca teams up with longtime friend, NYPD homicide detective Lancelot McManus and an elite task force, which is run by Oberon DuPrie, a shape-shifter, to investigate the case which has been labeled Womb Raider. Although McManus, who has a drinking and a Neon Tears drug addiction, desires Bianca, he tries not to show it after the one disastrous night they spent together. But these two must work closely together, trusting each other, even after McManus is suspended from his job for striking another officer. With one body after another showing up, each bearing the seal of the Dark Brethren, both the human and paranormal worlds have been thrown into disorder. In many cases, a fully formed fetus is removed from the body of the victims, even some victims who had not been pregnant that very morning. The pure, dark evil of the Dark Brethren has arrived and it is left up to McManus and Bianca, with the help of Kedrax, to stop it. But when the evil hits too close to home and Bianca’s loved ones, the powerful witch has had enough. With danger all around them, will they be able to defeat the dark forces before it is too late?
A dark tale, SIN’S DARK CARESS, the third book in author Tracey O’Hara’s DARK BRETHREN series, is an intense, suspense-filled paranormal urban fantasy. It is set in an alternate earth where humans and paranormal beings exist in a tentatively peaceful state. Although it takes off slow, it quickly picks up speed. Brimming with action, magic, witches, faeries, evil, suspense, mystery and an originally creative plot, this story is an exciting read. Romance is not a big component in Ms. O’Hara’s story, but I recommend it to lovers of urban fantasy. I loved Bianca’s spunky, heart-filled character as well as McManus’ sarcastic, bad boy persona. At times graphic, I don’t believe this story is for the faint of heart. Still it is an enjoyable read. Do not miss it!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
June 28, 2012
I received this ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss
Tracey O'Hara's Sin's Dark Caress was phenomenal! This series is really turning out to be a good one! It doesn't follow the standard series format where we see the same characters again and again, and I kind of like that! It's how I'm formatting my series as well!
So we meet Bianca Sin this time around, she's a forensic witch, working on murder cases where magic was involved and using her abilities to try find clues from the magic left behind. Her partner, McManus--as his first name isn't really used--helps out as well. McManus is human, noting incredibly super about him. He also has a bit of a drug problem.
He and Bianca are working on a case involving a set of murdered young women, who have had their stomachs ripped open, and their unborn children are missing. But something is very odd about this case, for some of the victims were never said to be pregnant by their loved ones. Dark forces are involved and it soon gets very dangerous for both Bianca and McManus.
I will admit that the beginning was a little slow. I can't recall how long that lapse went on for me, but it does pick up! And once it does, there's never a moment where I want to put it down! Bianca is a fabulous character! She's spunky, fun and takes her work very seriously.
McManus, on the other hand, is a handful! He's the sarcastic, bad boy type. Getting into trouble at every corner, yet he has a good heart. That much is made abundantly clear from the get go.
There wasn't a whole lot of romance going on between McManus and Bianca. They tried once in the past--something that's mentioned--but it didn't work out. But they're still friends, partners. Yet there's definitely some tension between the two, and possibly some lingering feelings. You can pretty much tell where the romance is going, but as the danger in the book is stacked pretty high, romance will have to wait.
The body count continues to rise and Bianca and McManus are no closer to discovering who the murderer is than they were at the beginning. It was pretty mind-blowing! I admit to falling for things I should've seen as being suspicious! But that's also fun sometimes, because then you are just as shocked at the murderer as the characters are!
Antoinette and Kitt both make brief appearances, which just amps up the fun for me! I like seeing the other characters pop in for a bit! Oberon, from Night's Cold Kiss, is there too!
A darkly delicious read that comes packed with action, excitement, magic, murder and dragons! This series definitely has some strong potential! O'Hara continues to surprise me with every book! This is definitely a series to be read!
Overall rating 4.5/5 stars
Sin's Dark Caress releases July 1, 2012
Tracey O'Hara's Sin's Dark Caress was phenomenal! This series is really turning out to be a good one! It doesn't follow the standard series format where we see the same characters again and again, and I kind of like that! It's how I'm formatting my series as well!
So we meet Bianca Sin this time around, she's a forensic witch, working on murder cases where magic was involved and using her abilities to try find clues from the magic left behind. Her partner, McManus--as his first name isn't really used--helps out as well. McManus is human, noting incredibly super about him. He also has a bit of a drug problem.
He and Bianca are working on a case involving a set of murdered young women, who have had their stomachs ripped open, and their unborn children are missing. But something is very odd about this case, for some of the victims were never said to be pregnant by their loved ones. Dark forces are involved and it soon gets very dangerous for both Bianca and McManus.
I will admit that the beginning was a little slow. I can't recall how long that lapse went on for me, but it does pick up! And once it does, there's never a moment where I want to put it down! Bianca is a fabulous character! She's spunky, fun and takes her work very seriously.
McManus, on the other hand, is a handful! He's the sarcastic, bad boy type. Getting into trouble at every corner, yet he has a good heart. That much is made abundantly clear from the get go.
There wasn't a whole lot of romance going on between McManus and Bianca. They tried once in the past--something that's mentioned--but it didn't work out. But they're still friends, partners. Yet there's definitely some tension between the two, and possibly some lingering feelings. You can pretty much tell where the romance is going, but as the danger in the book is stacked pretty high, romance will have to wait.
The body count continues to rise and Bianca and McManus are no closer to discovering who the murderer is than they were at the beginning. It was pretty mind-blowing! I admit to falling for things I should've seen as being suspicious! But that's also fun sometimes, because then you are just as shocked at the murderer as the characters are!
Antoinette and Kitt both make brief appearances, which just amps up the fun for me! I like seeing the other characters pop in for a bit! Oberon, from Night's Cold Kiss, is there too!
A darkly delicious read that comes packed with action, excitement, magic, murder and dragons! This series definitely has some strong potential! O'Hara continues to surprise me with every book! This is definitely a series to be read!
Overall rating 4.5/5 stars
Sin's Dark Caress releases July 1, 2012
January 18, 2013
*Rating* 3.0-3.5
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Review*
Sin’s Dark Caress, book three in the Dark Brethren series, surrounds Forensic witch Dr. Bianca Sin who is called to the scene of a crime after a woman appears to have been torn apart from the inside out. It appears she had given birth to a new born baby that is now missing and the Dark Brethren's mark is painted nearby in blood.
Sin teams up with her former love interest NYPD homicide detective Lancelot McManus who just happens to be addicted to a new designer drug named Neon Tears and he is on the cusp of losing his job if he doesn’t clean himself up quickly. Sin and McManus are also joined by Oberon DuPrie, a shape-shifter who leads a Special elite team of paranormals, to investigate the case which has been labeled Womb Raider.
Bianca has appeared briefly in other installments of the Dark Brethren series as a member of Oberon's elite team. Until Sin’s Dark Caress, Sin had never bonded with a familiar which is something of a sore spot for her. In Sin's Dark Caress her powers are finally activated when her pendant hatches to reveal a dragon named Kedrax who she supposedly bonded to as a child.
Sin’s Dark Caress is a decent enough story that kept my interest peeked to the point of putting away another book I was reading at the same time in order to see it through to the very end. This also appears to be a bridge to another sequence in the Dark Brethren series now that the cat is literally out of the bag.
There tends to be a fair amount of violence in the story but it supports the gritty tone of the series to this point. The relationship between Bianca and McManus is an aside rather than central to the story though O'Hara does ensure the romantic tension between the pair remains present throughout.
Characters from the first two novels, like Antoinette Petrescu, Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, make brief appearances in the story but aren't major factors in the story’s direction or conclusion. It's all about Bianca's new powers, and her relationship with McManus.
I would recommend reading NIGHT'S COLD KISS and DEATH'S SWEET EMBRACE before trying to read Sin's Dark Caress. Some have found it to be just as good as a standalone, but you miss the significance of other characters that have been introduced over the course of this series. There is plenty of action, along with characters who aren’t perfect. I am definitely hoping for a next installment to this series.
*ARC Recvd 05/10/2012 from Harper Voyager via Edelweiss. Released July 31, 2012
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Review*
Sin’s Dark Caress, book three in the Dark Brethren series, surrounds Forensic witch Dr. Bianca Sin who is called to the scene of a crime after a woman appears to have been torn apart from the inside out. It appears she had given birth to a new born baby that is now missing and the Dark Brethren's mark is painted nearby in blood.
Sin teams up with her former love interest NYPD homicide detective Lancelot McManus who just happens to be addicted to a new designer drug named Neon Tears and he is on the cusp of losing his job if he doesn’t clean himself up quickly. Sin and McManus are also joined by Oberon DuPrie, a shape-shifter who leads a Special elite team of paranormals, to investigate the case which has been labeled Womb Raider.
Bianca has appeared briefly in other installments of the Dark Brethren series as a member of Oberon's elite team. Until Sin’s Dark Caress, Sin had never bonded with a familiar which is something of a sore spot for her. In Sin's Dark Caress her powers are finally activated when her pendant hatches to reveal a dragon named Kedrax who she supposedly bonded to as a child.
Sin’s Dark Caress is a decent enough story that kept my interest peeked to the point of putting away another book I was reading at the same time in order to see it through to the very end. This also appears to be a bridge to another sequence in the Dark Brethren series now that the cat is literally out of the bag.
There tends to be a fair amount of violence in the story but it supports the gritty tone of the series to this point. The relationship between Bianca and McManus is an aside rather than central to the story though O'Hara does ensure the romantic tension between the pair remains present throughout.
Characters from the first two novels, like Antoinette Petrescu, Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, make brief appearances in the story but aren't major factors in the story’s direction or conclusion. It's all about Bianca's new powers, and her relationship with McManus.
I would recommend reading NIGHT'S COLD KISS and DEATH'S SWEET EMBRACE before trying to read Sin's Dark Caress. Some have found it to be just as good as a standalone, but you miss the significance of other characters that have been introduced over the course of this series. There is plenty of action, along with characters who aren’t perfect. I am definitely hoping for a next installment to this series.
*ARC Recvd 05/10/2012 from Harper Voyager via Edelweiss. Released July 31, 2012
August 17, 2012
I gave it 3.5 stars
Book 1 of the Dark Brethren NIGHT'S COLD KISS remains my favorite of the series. It did a fabulous job of drawing me into the story so that I wanted to read more of what would come in the series. Book 3 SIN'S DARK CARESS was a good addition to the series. It follows Bianca Sin and Lancelot McManus as they investigate a string of mysterious crimes.
The other two books were heavy on the relationship front but SIN'S DARK CARESS is more about the story and mystery then relationship. There is some romance but nothing like the previous 2 books in the series. I really liked both characters. Bianca is a witch who never came into her powers so she is pretty much the dunce to the other witches. She finally comes into her powers when she bonds with a dragon of all things and happens to be extremely powerful. McManus is an addict. He is addicted to alcohol but also a drug called Neon Tears. You can see the attraction to each other but they take forever to act on it. The case they are on was extremely close to Bianca. It involves others with powers and even people that she knows personally. The whole case is pretty gruesome but fantastically so. It grabs your attention and makes your heart go a little faster then normal trying to see what will happen and who that something will happen to. The only thing I missed is a bigger role of the characters from the previous books.
O'Hara has an easy to get into writing style with great descriptions of her world and characters. I would recommend starting from book 1 or even DANTE RISING which is a prequel to NIGHT'S COLD KISS. I will continue to follow the series and hope we get some more of my favorite characters from previous books.
Book 1 of the Dark Brethren NIGHT'S COLD KISS remains my favorite of the series. It did a fabulous job of drawing me into the story so that I wanted to read more of what would come in the series. Book 3 SIN'S DARK CARESS was a good addition to the series. It follows Bianca Sin and Lancelot McManus as they investigate a string of mysterious crimes.
The other two books were heavy on the relationship front but SIN'S DARK CARESS is more about the story and mystery then relationship. There is some romance but nothing like the previous 2 books in the series. I really liked both characters. Bianca is a witch who never came into her powers so she is pretty much the dunce to the other witches. She finally comes into her powers when she bonds with a dragon of all things and happens to be extremely powerful. McManus is an addict. He is addicted to alcohol but also a drug called Neon Tears. You can see the attraction to each other but they take forever to act on it. The case they are on was extremely close to Bianca. It involves others with powers and even people that she knows personally. The whole case is pretty gruesome but fantastically so. It grabs your attention and makes your heart go a little faster then normal trying to see what will happen and who that something will happen to. The only thing I missed is a bigger role of the characters from the previous books.
O'Hara has an easy to get into writing style with great descriptions of her world and characters. I would recommend starting from book 1 or even DANTE RISING which is a prequel to NIGHT'S COLD KISS. I will continue to follow the series and hope we get some more of my favorite characters from previous books.
April 28, 2012
Pregnant young women are murdered, their foetuses removed, with the Dark Brethren's mark left as a signature. The Womb Raider case has Detective Lancelot McManus and forensic thaumaturgist Dr Bianca Sin investigating the links between the victims, and predicting whom will be next.
It's safe to say that the Dark Brethren series has entered bonkers territory. Weird shiz makes me laugh, keeps me entertained, so I'm happy to go along on this ride. But be warned - there are talking dragons. I'm used to this from animated TV comedies, not books, so in my mind the talking dragons sound like when Futurama's Nibbler pontificates. Hopefully the author meant this as comic relief, or else I'm laughing inappropriately. I do love Kedrax's bond with Bianca's cat, Vincent. I love that kitty! He's not parahuman, but he's a great little accomplice. There's also mention of "erotic plant manipulation", but we don't see it in action. Still makes me laugh.
As for the serious stuff, the Dark Brethren are breaking through, but as this is the last contracted novel, we may not get closure. So if you want to learn more about the Dark Brethren, be sure to drum up sales of Night's Cold Kiss, Death's Sweet Embrace, and Sin's Dark Caress, and hopefully we'll get a Book 4 in the future.
It's safe to say that the Dark Brethren series has entered bonkers territory. Weird shiz makes me laugh, keeps me entertained, so I'm happy to go along on this ride. But be warned - there are talking dragons. I'm used to this from animated TV comedies, not books, so in my mind the talking dragons sound like when Futurama's Nibbler pontificates. Hopefully the author meant this as comic relief, or else I'm laughing inappropriately. I do love Kedrax's bond with Bianca's cat, Vincent. I love that kitty! He's not parahuman, but he's a great little accomplice. There's also mention of "erotic plant manipulation", but we don't see it in action. Still makes me laugh.
As for the serious stuff, the Dark Brethren are breaking through, but as this is the last contracted novel, we may not get closure. So if you want to learn more about the Dark Brethren, be sure to drum up sales of Night's Cold Kiss, Death's Sweet Embrace, and Sin's Dark Caress, and hopefully we'll get a Book 4 in the future.
May 21, 2012
The pace is brisk and intense. The story has betrayal and action, with plot twists to give great entertainment, but alas NO romance!
I recommend to read these books in order because there are a lot of people in it without further explanations who they are.
Paranormal Cravings
ARC - Review Copy from Publisher
Be prepared there is no romance in Sin's Dark Caress, so if it is a must for you! Skip this one.
I recommend to read these books in order because there are a lot of people in it without further explanations who they are.
Paranormal Cravings
ARC - Review Copy from Publisher
Be prepared there is no romance in Sin's Dark Caress, so if it is a must for you! Skip this one.
July 9, 2012
Well...
The first thing I really wish is that the characters were more consistent. Each book has been about a new two characters. However, book 2 did a bit better incorporating the previous characters than this one did. Also, I can't even begin to predict who the next book will be about. There is no lead in for that.
I really missed the main characters from the last two books. I got to know them so well...and then this book pretty much just had them wave to us and had them tell us that they wouldn't be around for the story.
I thought the story line was interesting. A little awkward in some places... I really didn't like the little dragon. I just...didn't. He felt so flat, so lame, so awkward.
I really didn't believe the sexual tension between the two main characters either.
I would have to say that of the three books that are out for this series so far that this one is my least favorite. I don't know what to expect next. I don't have any idea who the next book will be about, nor do I necessarily find myself hoping that it is for any one in particular (if we've even met the person(s) yet). The whole underlying story is going fairly well, but that is about all I think this story truly has going for it.
The first thing I really wish is that the characters were more consistent. Each book has been about a new two characters. However, book 2 did a bit better incorporating the previous characters than this one did. Also, I can't even begin to predict who the next book will be about. There is no lead in for that.
I really missed the main characters from the last two books. I got to know them so well...and then this book pretty much just had them wave to us and had them tell us that they wouldn't be around for the story.
I thought the story line was interesting. A little awkward in some places... I really didn't like the little dragon. I just...didn't. He felt so flat, so lame, so awkward.
I really didn't believe the sexual tension between the two main characters either.
I would have to say that of the three books that are out for this series so far that this one is my least favorite. I don't know what to expect next. I don't have any idea who the next book will be about, nor do I necessarily find myself hoping that it is for any one in particular (if we've even met the person(s) yet). The whole underlying story is going fairly well, but that is about all I think this story truly has going for it.
January 18, 2013
I was really looking forward to this book as I have liked what I've read so far in this series. Right away I found myself confused, there were too many new characters and things weren't explained very well. I quick switched to read the definitions in the back, hoping that would help, but no luck. I didn't care for McManus, I hated his drugged and drinking ways, especially considering that he was a cop. I was ambivalent on Bianca, the most interesting thing about her was her new familiar. I found that I was forcing myself to read, after 50 pages, I put it down for dinner. Came back, was forcing myself back to reading, after 100 pages I had to put down the book again. I switched to a different book, then went back to this one. After 15 pages I realized I just didn't care any more and couldn't bring myself to finish this one, in the end it wasn't for me.
May 19, 2012
This was surprisingly good, even though also a little confusing at first. Apparently you should read the prequels first. ; )
Proper review to come, but my first thoughts:
Apparently set in an alternate universe, similiar to The Hollows/Sookie Stackhouse series, though a little darker - More like the Kate Daniels novels or even Unbound.
Strong structures, heroine is a witch; hero is a cop with a drug problem and crappy past.
Women are being killed, their babies stolen (to be sacrificed)
Really loved the dragon and the cat. It feels like this book is the premise/dealchanger, but not having read the prequels I can't be too sure. Maybe it's just a chainreaction? Hmmm.
Good pacing, but a little.. messy.
Overall.. 3-3.5, but I'll give it 4 because I shoulda read the prequels. >_<
Proper review to come, but my first thoughts:
Apparently set in an alternate universe, similiar to The Hollows/Sookie Stackhouse series, though a little darker - More like the Kate Daniels novels or even Unbound.
Strong structures, heroine is a witch; hero is a cop with a drug problem and crappy past.
Women are being killed, their babies stolen (to be sacrificed)
Really loved the dragon and the cat. It feels like this book is the premise/dealchanger, but not having read the prequels I can't be too sure. Maybe it's just a chainreaction? Hmmm.
Good pacing, but a little.. messy.
Overall.. 3-3.5, but I'll give it 4 because I shoulda read the prequels. >_<
August 15, 2012
Sin’s Dark Caress(Dark Brethren,#3), Tracey O’Hara, Dr. Bianca Sin is a witch with a secret not even she's aware she possess. Bianca partners up with a detective McManus who appears to be human and also so obviously her love interest. They have a really heinous crime spree to solve and it involves the Dark Brethren. Calling the crime the Womb Robbers, its really disturbing. This was a decent mystery set in the supernatural genre. This was also the third in the series. I really like the way O'Hara has set up her world, having each of the characters have their own book and story but showing up in each of the books gives you that sense of familiarity. There was just one thing that really annoyed me about this book and that was the fact that it probably had more mistakes them most ARCs I have read. Other than that the book was good and I look forward to the next in the series.
March 17, 2013
Nicely suspenseful book in the Dark Brethren Series. The plot was intriguing enough that it kept my attention for the entire book. Bianca and McManus were interesting characters and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in the next books. Oddly, McManus, who is not the main character, was better drawn than Bianca. I especially liked that the romance took a back seat to the plot. Bianca didn't spend paragraph after paragraph mooning over McManus. The balance between romance and the paranormal elements was perfect for me.
I found the world building fascinating. The author came up with a fresh take on vampires and other "parahumans" which kept me hooked.
My only real complaint was the graphic violence. I don't usually mind blood and gore, but some of the scenes were drawn out too long, and the focus strayed too often from the main characters.
I found the world building fascinating. The author came up with a fresh take on vampires and other "parahumans" which kept me hooked.
My only real complaint was the graphic violence. I don't usually mind blood and gore, but some of the scenes were drawn out too long, and the focus strayed too often from the main characters.
October 3, 2012
I really do like this series, however, I wish we could go back to get more of Antoinette and Christian. I guess when I read what I consider to be urban fantasy, I'd like there to be a central group of people (usually two, but I'd settle for four) in the story line. I'd rather follow their exploits than to always introduce new characters. Yeah, I guess I'm selfish like that.
I did enjoy this story for the most part...however, the ending was so abrupt. I kept thinking that I must've missed a few pages in my kindle version, because really, there's no way it could have ended like that.
Will I read the next story? Yes, I will. There's a few more characters I guess who could use their own books- Oberon and Tones.
I did enjoy this story for the most part...however, the ending was so abrupt. I kept thinking that I must've missed a few pages in my kindle version, because really, there's no way it could have ended like that.
Will I read the next story? Yes, I will. There's a few more characters I guess who could use their own books- Oberon and Tones.
October 1, 2012
I really do like this series, however, I wish we could go back to get more of Antoinette and Christian. I guess when I read what I consider to be urban fantasy, I'd like there to be a central group of people (usually two, but I'd settle for four) in the story line. I'd rather follow their exploits than to always introduce new characters. Yeah, I guess I'm selfish like that.
I did enjoy this story for the most part...however, the ending was so abrupt. I kept thinking that I must've missed a few pages in my kindle version, because really, there's no way it could have ended like that.
Will I read the next story? Yes, I will. There's a few more characters I guess who could use their own books- Oberon and Tones.
I did enjoy this story for the most part...however, the ending was so abrupt. I kept thinking that I must've missed a few pages in my kindle version, because really, there's no way it could have ended like that.
Will I read the next story? Yes, I will. There's a few more characters I guess who could use their own books- Oberon and Tones.
May 19, 2014
This was not as good as the rest of the books in this series. The characters seemed more two dimensional, and the story (what little of it there was) was pretty typical. In fact the whole book seemed to be about the main character being amazed that she had a dragon and the other main character and his substance abuse issues. What should have been the main story ended up being a B story and there wasn't a lot to it. This wasn't the worst thing that I've read recently but it wasn't anywhere near the best either.
April 20, 2012
This is such a great read MS O'Hara is building a great world that gets more intriguing with each book. Although there is not a big romance in this one the pull between McManus and Bianca is there and you can really feel the sparks between the two as they join forces and fight the Dark Bretheran as they make their way back into the world. The Black Magic is growing and I look forward to more books in this series.
A great read that will keep you turning pages late into the night
A great read that will keep you turning pages late into the night
November 4, 2012
review was [posted at http:vampchix.blogspot.com
I was sent this for review and did not have the benefit of reading the first two books but I did enjoy this one. I am planning on going back to read the previous books, but I think most readers will like this even if they haven't started at the beginning. The UF world is well crafted and original, with plenty of deceptions and betrayal to keep you guessing.
I was sent this for review and did not have the benefit of reading the first two books but I did enjoy this one. I am planning on going back to read the previous books, but I think most readers will like this even if they haven't started at the beginning. The UF world is well crafted and original, with plenty of deceptions and betrayal to keep you guessing.
April 15, 2013
Although no sex it was a very good book. The action made up for it immensely. I also liked that the main character McManus wasn't the perfect poster child. He had issues and not just past issues. Present with the drug addiction. Makes him seem more real. But I'm wondering is there going to be a next book?? Maybe about Oberon (very much hope so), he's a character I definitely like to sink my teeth into!!
August 20, 2012
Hmmm I think I'm still wanting and looking for Antoinette and Christian....and I keep coming back for more nothing. This one I seemed to think something was going to happen but it never did......the story seemed to be all over the place, but came together in the end. 3.5 stars.....bring Antoinette back
September 9, 2012
This is a very dark and gritty series. I would have liked a little more romance between Bianca and McManus but the story was good and Bianca is much more rounded, mature and likeable than the heroine of the other Dark Brethen book I read ( No 1).
February 10, 2013
Didn't read the first 2 books in the series, but this one was very good. Forensic witch with some great twists and turns,little romance but story line that kept me page turning. Would recommend for a different type of read, urban fantasy that didn't fall into a set category.
July 30, 2012
Rated 3.5
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
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