Rickloff just spun a winner that is sure to be nipping at your heels. Earl of Darkness by Alix Rickloff will hit the shelves January This reviewer advises preordering a copy. If this book is any indications of what Ms. Rickloff has to bring to the paranormal writing table, this series is sure to be a best selling winner. This reviewer cannot wait for the next book in the series, Lady of Shadows, to lose herself in the magical realm Ms.
Russell is a gay paranormal romance that features somewhat inept David Evans as he is assigned to temp for the irascible Dr. Alun Kendrick, a psychologist with a very unu Sharing a Mate While it is well established that the Kindred worship women and no mention has been made of same sex relationships among any of the different Kindred tribes, Bron and Sorin seem to be exceptions to th Defending Chloe Susan Stoker has become one of my go-to authors and this fantastic contemporary suspense illustrates just why. Ronan Cross and Chloe Harris are so well suited and I loved watching them deal so differe His Ward Sam Cheever twists things up,a little with this sexy short.
Virgin for Sale Sam Crescent is one of my absolute favourite authors and this short and sexy read tells the story why. Faye is a such a sweet and and steadfast young woman. She does what she believes she has to in or The secondary characters are as well thought out as our protagonists and I do hope to see them in future books. The ending is a mixture of hope and despair as you are emotionally catapulted through the pages. Rickoff ends it well; answering a few important questions yet leaves others wide open in order to continue this series.
Earl Of Darkness is sure to be a hit with those who love dark romantically dominate pnrs. Cat has learned to take what she can get and basically go with the flow of life and accepts his offer. But that is before a terrifying undead warrior arrives, determined to have it at all costs.
First though Aidan must unravel the mystery of why his father was murdered and his brother suddenly missing. Finding Cat in his library was a stroke of luck and her translating will expedite his plans, but in the process he never imagined falling for the girl from the streets. Which will rule out, his responsibility or his heart?
I do have mixed feelings on this novel.
I had a hard time getting into it at first but by page 50 the story started to sweep me away. Their growing relationship of first friends, then lovers is a bumpy road filled with twists and turns, emotional anguish, passion and desire. The mysterious villain Maelodor is decidedly evil but never comes face-to-face with our main characters.
He provides most of the action in the plot and some of the mystery. He is also one of those characters that starts off bad but half way through you start to wonder if that really is the case. Despite the fact that the Earl or Darkness has a great story line and though the story has a fast pace and the plot complex it started to loose me again in the second half going towards the end. Sometimes there can be just too much detail, character development and new aspects thrown into one novel.
The dialogue also includes several new terms that look similar to each other and would take me away from the story to sort them out.
The purpose and future of most, well everything except the main characters relationship, is left open in the end to continue the series. Which is good for the series but not necessarily good for this novel itself. Earl of Darkness basically was a good but difficult read. Though the excerpt into the next novel in the series, Lord of Shadows out July , sounded interesting and I will be reading it when it is released.
Jun 18, Cailin Ervin rated it really liked it. A frustratingly turn-paging romance, with neither of our main characters knowing the intentions of the other or saying what needs to be said. I really enjoyed this book even if I wanted to ring both Aidan's and Cat's neck on more then one occasion. It was full of drama and magic, I just wish our main heroine was a little less damsel-in-distress and more of the Wildcat from the beginning of the book.
She is able to start fire or open locks with a few whispered words, but during the majority of th A frustratingly turn-paging romance, with neither of our main characters knowing the intentions of the other or saying what needs to be said. She is able to start fire or open locks with a few whispered words, but during the majority of the book it seems she's forgotten these two talents that could be helpful, perhaps in a fight.
The book is able to be read as a stand alone novel, but if you want to understand the big picture and find out what happens to Lazarus you need to read the others in the series. Aug 01, Lassarina Aoibhell rated it it was ok. DNF at chapter four. It was fine, I guess? It just didn't do anything for me. I opened it up no fewer than eight times and on the eighth try made myself actually read more than the first paragraph, and there wasn't anything wrong with it, I guess, except that I had no interest in the world or the characters, which is odd for something as heavily tied up in Celtic aesthetic as this is.
Mar 07, Lisa Jo rated it really liked it Shelves: An item of great importance, but the reason why eludes her. In an unfortunate happenstance during the robbery, she meets the owner of the diary, Aidan, the Earl of Kilronan. Aidan is dismayed to see a thief trying to steal the key to his family secrets, but elated when he discovers Cat can decipher the mysterious language within the volume.
Earl of Darkness is a rip-roaring good time.
The novel features a wonderful universe and great characters that make this mysterious tale set in the early s a great treat. If you like a little touch of mystery mixed in with a little dose of magic, this is the book to pick up next. Earl of Darkness combines all the right intriguing elements to make an interesting mix of paranormal craziness with a touch of romance to boot. It is easy to feel a kinship to the heroine Cat as a woman making the best of the options left to her. Rickloff creates an intriguing woman who is educated and proper, but followed her heart which ultimately led to her ruin.
Now this second chance at love with Aidan has made her more reluctant to trust her heart. That and the fact that society would never welcome their union. She is the character any reader can relate to because she is a fighter and survivor, forced to become sensible about the harsh realities of life. Aidan is the dark brooding hero that drives you crazy. His past reveals he is the tortured soul that Cat longs to save You will fall in love with just as easily as any other heroine.
He has a strong sense of obligation that is attached to any dutiful hero set in a Regency historical, yet it is the paranormal touches that draw out the best in him. His family history with magic shows his that not all answers are black and white and that there is more to life than titles and honor. Both of them harbor wounded hearts which is what drives them together and strengthens their bond.
They start off as an unusual partnership and their journey through this magical mess is how they start to mend those wounds to start again. Not everything was wrapped up in this installment. Really, only a few things were completed resolved by the last page. Hopefully more questions will be solved and answered in the next installment Lady of Shadows.
Earl of Darkness is the first story in the Heirs of Kilronan trilogy. Now, I've read the synopsis for book 2 and I can definitely see where a lot of the plot threads that were left untended will be picked up but I still have this vague feeling of unsettle This is one of those books where I liked it but at the same time I was left a little bit unsatisfied when I finished. Cover may not represent actual copy or condition available. DNF at chapter four. In this book being "Other" mix of fae and human is the persecuted group. Fast-paced and full of mystery and interesting characters makes Earl of Darkness a delicious read. In fact, I really didn't warm up to him until he was finally honest with himself and with Cat as to what he was willing to face with the choices that have been left to him.
As for Earl of Darkness, this historical paranormal romance is a smart and exciting journey that will keep you enthralled until the very end. The writing is vivid, that characters are sharp and the romance is steamy. This novel conjures all the right elements for a fantastic read.
Mar 26, Marilyn Rondeau rated it liked it. Catriona O'Connell was hired to steal a mysterious diary from a Dublin townhouse, but Aidan Douglas, earl of Kilronan, catches her in the act. Aidan agrees to keep Cat out of prison because during the robbery he noticed she seemed able to read the diary, something Aiden had not been able to to since it was written in a mysterious language by his father many years ago. Convincing Cat was not easy but after several attempts on both their lives by mortals and non-mortals alike, they came to a mutua Catriona O'Connell was hired to steal a mysterious diary from a Dublin townhouse, but Aidan Douglas, earl of Kilronan, catches her in the act.
Convincing Cat was not easy but after several attempts on both their lives by mortals and non-mortals alike, they came to a mutually advantageous agreement. Unfortunately her child had not survived leaving Cat little option other than to become a thief in order to eat. This probably would have earned a higher rating from me but while the pace was fast, the lack of deeper character development kept me from being invested in what happened to Aidan and Cat.
Unfortunately, this was just an okay read for me. Marilyn Rondeau, for www. Feb 11, Mojca rated it liked it Shelves: Earl of Darkness Do you think it's possible to become so jaded by too much reading that nothing "wows" you anymore? I liked Alix Rickloff's narrative style and voice, it had a refreshing newness to it, and it most certainly was different from the other authors' out there.
The pacing was also good and the characterization amazing. That said, she apparently didn't know whether to write an angsty, emotionally-dark, and thought-provoking historical romance, or a paranormal romance with a Fey twist, Earl of Darkness Do you think it's possible to become so jaded by too much reading that nothing "wows" you anymore? That said, she apparently didn't know whether to write an angsty, emotionally-dark, and thought-provoking historical romance, or a paranormal romance with a Fey twist, so she did both.
The historical romance would've worked by itself. A destitute former-rake he can't afford to be one, anymore , an educated lady down on her luck, forced to steal, hiding a deep, dark secret in her past, a murder mystery, a disappeared brother, a planned marriage-of-convenience thwarted by passion The paranormal romance didn't have the kick it could've had, but that's probably me, fresh from reading KMM's Fever series.
Still, it had potential. A secret society of Fey and human descendants the Other with magic abilities, hunted by mere humans that didn't understand them, a secret society within the society involved in black arts and trying to resurrect King Arthur to lead a brand new world, the permanent cancellation of said secret society within the secret society because of their dabbling in the black arts, an indecipherable journal someone would kill to possess and did , a resurrected creature doing his master's bidding As I said, it had potential. Unfortunately, while the two genres separately would've worked, the mixture of the two didn't.
There was too much "vying" for supremacy, the historical and paranormal aspects didn't complement each other, but constantly overshadowed one another. The passages between the genres seemed rather choppy, making the story very tiring to read. While I did appreciate the separate genres, the story as a whole didn't wow me. Dec 22, Melissa rated it liked it. In this book being "Other" mix of fae and human is the persecuted group. They hide their magical abilities and become the target of fear when strange things happen.
Cat is one of the Others but her fall from grace was more mundane than anything magical. She was young, fell in love and had a child out of wedlock. In the s that was akin to calling the devil himself in society. So, shunned and after the death of her infant son she was ousted from her childhood home and found a place with an e In this book being "Other" mix of fae and human is the persecuted group.
So, shunned and after the death of her infant son she was ousted from her childhood home and found a place with an elf who treats her like family. He teaches her the thieving trade and this is how she meets Aidan. He's an Earl and an other who is exploring his family history which is hidden from him in a language he cannot understand. Cat's gift helps her to read Aidan's diary his father left him. Instead of turning her in for trying to steal the diary he decides to employ her.
Their adventure and friendship grows from this mystery Aidan's father has laid before them. Plus, they also have to figure out who else knows and wants this diary so bad he is willing to raise an abomination which is unstoppable and kill everyone and everything in his way. I have to say I loved Cat in this book. Despite the problems she has had in her life she faces life with bravery and a will to survive.
She imparts this upon Aidan who is slow on the uptake of this gift. And although there is a great sizzle and lots of sexy time in this book, I had a hard time liking Aidan. Cat was the braver of the two and Aidan kept hanging on to his aristocratic ways. In fact, I really didn't warm up to him until he was finally honest with himself and with Cat as to what he was willing to face with the choices that have been left to him. I give this book 3 stars. I really enjoyed Cat and the sexy-time was pretty hot. I will say that I would have enjoyed a bit more world building and the ending was left with too many questions left unanswered.
It wasn't a cliffhanger, but you know you have to keep reading this series to find out who the heck they are up against. Jan 03, Bookaholics rated it really liked it. She did not ask why or what was special about the book, but she did it as a favor for a friend who took the job but was unwell. But unfortunately, Aidan, the Duke, caught her red-handed. But Aiden uses Cat because he is astonished to find that she could read it! The book was not written in any human language, but the language of the Fey, or the Other. Aidan hires Cat to translate the book.
He needs it to help him discover more about his mission brother Brendan. But the person who originally hired Cat desperately wants the book and will stop at nothing to get it. Cat and Aidan decide to retreat to his country estate while they finish translating the book, in hopes of finding out what important secrets are hidden within it The story itself is fascinating, but readers must be prepared for the roller coaster ride in the beginning and pay attention.
This suspensful novel lures you in by making you wonder why the villain wants the book so badly that he sends an undead warrior. And makes you wonder what exactly are the Fey? Packed with some really cool and deadly magic, Rickloff spins an exciting tale about mages and Fey. In addition, the main characters Cat and Aidan are both interesting characters that are likeable with some serious personal baggage.
A solid read, especially if you are interested in fantasy and romance.
Jul 06, Kelly rated it liked it Shelves: This is one of those books where I liked it but at the same time I was left a little bit unsatisfied when I finished. I felt like the ending was sprung on me without a lot of windup. In fact, I finished the book, stared at the last page for a minute and then backtracked a few pages to see if I'd missed something. Now, I've read the synopsis for book 2 and I can definitely see where a lot of the plot threads that were left untended will be picked up but I still have this vague feeling of unsettle This is one of those books where I liked it but at the same time I was left a little bit unsatisfied when I finished.
Now, I've read the synopsis for book 2 and I can definitely see where a lot of the plot threads that were left untended will be picked up but I still have this vague feeling of unsettlement. This book has a rather dark feel. In a good way. One of our main characters invites a possession by an otherworldly creature, there's talk about human sacrifice, loss, a cursed rebirth, and losing oneself in the quest for power.
As Aidan unravels the mysteries of the diary he begins to see that things he's taken to be the truth aren't the truth after all. I'm going to be honest here and admit that I'm having a hard time with this review. Like I said, I did like the book. I liked a lot of the elements that made it unique and I liked that the characters had fire and flare.
I still feel like we didn't get a lot of resolution to the overlying storyarc. Yes, we get a HEA but the driving conflict is sort of glossed over and left for book 2. On one hand, this makes me want to read the next book so that I can see some resolution. On the other hand, I'm left with that aforementioned feeling of dissatisfaction.
Overall, while it's a good book with interesting mythology and an intriguing overall arc, you might want to have book 2 on hand so you can see some progress toward a final resolution. Jan 08, Cora Lein rated it did not like it. Sie wurde beauftragt ein geheimes Tagebuch aus dem Kilronan House zu erbeuten, doch leider wird sie vom Hausbesitzer Aidan Kilronan beim Einbruch erwischt … Schreibstil: Was ist da nur passiert?!
Schlimmer ist noch, dass das Wort […] Alter […] am Satzende sehr gerne verwendet wird! Wie krass ist das denn, Alter?! Dazu kommt a Inhalt: Die Handlungen sind alle vorhersehbar. Thema verfehlt, setzen, sechs! I hate giving low ratings on novels, just because of the time and energy that goes into it. But in this case it is well deserved. This work was a merge of historical romance and paranormal romance, however, it was brought together badly.
The prose was stilted and wavered between modern and period speech. Aiden was a down on his luck Irish Earl.
Earl of Darkness (Heirs of Kilronan) [Alix Rickloff] on www.farmersmarketmusic.com *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The magic she tries to hide Born a lady, but reduced. Editorial Reviews. From Publishers Weekly. Dan Brown's influence extends even to Regency Earl of Darkness (Heirs of Kilronan Book 1) by [Rickloff, Alix].
What struck me as strange, for a man of limited means, he would light a cheroot, take one I hate giving low ratings on novels, just because of the time and energy that goes into it. What struck me as strange, for a man of limited means, he would light a cheroot, take one drag and throw it in the fire. He did this too many times to count. If someone has money problems, namely lack thereof, you tend not to waste things, as they are to dear.
Cat was a fallen woman turned thief with big trust issues. Other than that, she was unremarkable. The Unseelie Court is represented in the plot, but no mention of the Seelie Court. Certain plot issues were not wrapped up, which let me with some big questions, but not enough to read the next book in the series when it comes out. I hate that I can never get the time I put into this book back. Sep 19, E. Aidan Douglas, Earl of Kilronan has inherited an impoverished estate and has been selling off pieces of the estate but has a mysterious diary that he is unable to read.
He hopes that it will shed light on the reason that his family was destroyed six years ago with his father's death and brother's disappearance. An unconventional thief who turns out to be the only person who can read the diary, Catriona O'Connell is captured and imprisoned by the earl one fateful night. She has multiple secrets o Aidan Douglas, Earl of Kilronan has inherited an impoverished estate and has been selling off pieces of the estate but has a mysterious diary that he is unable to read.
She has multiple secrets of her own but Aidan is drawn to her. Together they gradually uncover more details about Aidan's family than he is comfortable discovering but he is even less sanguine about her secrets. A horrific creature with the single-minded purpose of retrieving the diary causes Aidan and Catriona to face their fears and decide what is truly important in their lives but they have to decide if they can afford the cost of an alliance between them.
Good premise that starts a promising series but an irksome leading pair. Too much ambivalence, improbable solutions and unfortunately, I have read the sequel before this one which makes me even more disenchanted with the villain in this book. I think that Catriona should have a little more self-respect and I am disappointed in Aidan so I was less than satisfied when this book ended. Dec 28, April rated it it was amazing Shelves: It is well written with details, depth, twists, turns, a page turner, and action packed romantic fantasy. It is the beginning of the Heirs of Kilronan series. It has action, magic, romance, sweet sensuality, danger, evil vs good, mystery, secrets, mystical language, family legacy, passion, guilt, lust and a compelling love story.
The characters are enchanting, witty, determined to conquer the evil that larks in the dark corners and find the truth. The hero, Aidan, is sexy,handsome, dangerous, determined to find someone who can read his family's diary. The heroine, Catriona, is beautiful, has secrets of her own, a thief, a burglar who is supposed to steal the magical Kilronan diary, gets caught and has to make a deal with Aidan.
She is the only one he has find who can read the secret language of the diary. Sparks fly between the two of both, Together, they are thrust into a world of dark danger where legends where born and evil larks. I would highly recommend this book especially if you enjoy magic, legend, danger, a dark power larking in the shadows and a compelling love story. This book was received for the purpose of review from the wonderful publisher and details can be find at Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster and at My Book Addiction and More.
May 27, Kelsey rated it really liked it Shelves: This sets into motion an adventure that keeps you turning these pages and wondering about the mystery of Other and their strange world. Men and women who have a mix of Fey and human blood are considered Other and must hide or face persecution. Cat must rely on these powers to survive in the slums of Dublin. She is caught by Aidan and is given only one choice, either translate this mysterious diary of he will throw her in jail.
Aidan knows what she is and needs to use her for her abilities. As they discover the secrets they find themselves being targeted and must live to be able to solve the mystery of the diary. Fast-paced and full of mystery and interesting characters makes Earl of Darkness a delicious read.
Cat is a feisty heroine and Aidan is just plain yummy! Feb 17, Akiva rated it did not like it Shelves: There's a new used book store two blocks from my work!! I am so doomed. Bye, Earl of Darkness. Dec 20, Chrissy rated it really liked it.