He is the dark guardian of his people. So how, after centuries of a bleak, soulless existence has he, Lucian Daratrazanoff, suddenly come to crave petite, curvy, colourful policewoman Jaxon Montgomery, who foolishly makes it her life's work to protect others from harm? Fiercely daring, Jaxx will sacrifice anything to shield others. And piercingly erotic Lucian is powerfully, perilously mesmerising - oddly gentle yet clearly a born predator. He has vowed to possess her, to guard her for all time. Yet with his every thirsty kiss, is he drawing Jaxon more deeply into danger...and his dark, mysterious desires?

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has received numerous honours including being a nominee for the Romance Writers of America RITA and receiving a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times. For more about Christine Feehan visit www.christinefeehan.com

Reviews

The eighth entry in Feehan's popular vampire series (Dark Legend; Dark Fire) follows the same formula as her previous books a Carpathian (an immortal vampire hunter) meets his "lifemate," binds himself to her through an ancient ritual involving blood-letting and hot sex, and together they battle the undead. This time around, Feehan spices up her stale story line with her smart and spunky heroine, police officer Jaxon Montgomery. Former Navy SEAL Tyler Drake, Jaxon's maniacal stepfather, has made it his mission to kill anyone she befriends, which has made her equally determined not to form any close ties. Nevertheless, she can't help feeling intimately connected to Carpathian Lucian Daratrazanoff, who takes her into his care when she is shot while searching a warehouse. Convinced that Jaxon is his life mate, Lucian binds himself to her and brings her "over to the Carpathian race." Together, Jaxx and Lucian destroy vampires, battle Drake and read each other's minds. Their romance is heartfelt and convincingly portrayed. Less believable, however, is the fact that Jaxx doesn't object to her Carpathian transformation, especially considering her independent nature. Nevertheless, Feehan's newest is a skillful blend of supernatural thrills and romance that is sure to entice readers who can stomach the occasional gory scene. (May 14) Forecast: Paranormal romances, especially those featuring vampires and werewolves, have been on the rise, and Feehan is one of the subgenre's leading ladies. Last year, four of her books garnered PEARL awards, and there's no question that these accolades will translate into impressive sales for her latest. According to Leisure, all of Feehan's books have gone back to press at least once. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

'Feehan has a knack for bringing vampiric Carpathians to vivid, virile life in her Dark Carpathian novels..." (Publishers Weekly) 'satisfying action adventure romance ... Love and danger are a winning combination in Feehan's latest' (Booklist) 'The exciting and multifaceted world that impressive author Christine Feehan has created continues to improve with age' (Romantic Times)