Dark Valentine

I have come to expect great stories from Jennifer Fulton, and I was not disappointed. Dark Valentine was definitely a page turner until the very end!

I've read a few of Jennifer Fulton's books by now, and I've always been taken in immediately by her clarity of characterization, the strength of her narrative voice, the focus of her plots and the strength of their message, and her creative use of words and phrasing to avoid so many of the clichéd phrases you find repeatedly in so much of this fiction these days (a product of roots in online fiction perhaps?). I could not put this book down. Apart from (or perhaps integral to) the quality of the writing, it was the suspense the author created in the situation that drove this reader to devour page after page, commiserating with the angst of the main characters, and the cruel turns circumstance drove them to. The characters react in reasonable and understandable ways to circumstances, and therefore it was satisfying to be able to just read and experience circumstances through their eyes: competent women who refuse to be cowed by events. Both points of view are vividly presented, and competently juggled so that the reader receives a multi-dimensional view of these women. I can understand the quibbles of the other reviewers, and they aren't off base, but the strengths of this entertaining read out weigh its weaknesses. I'd perhaps give it 3-1/2 stars versus 4, but I'm comfortable bumping it up. I've been impressed with each of Jennifer Fulton's offerings that I've read to date. The book was beautiful, heart-wrenching, and an all-around riveting read that I'd recommend to anyone who wants to read a nice, straight-forward romance spiced up with a plot twists and a kick of suspense, action and drama.

As a long-time fan of Jennifer Fulton, I anxiously awaited the release of `Dark Valentine' and was not disappointed. Her writing gets better with each new publication and this is no exception. Here, Fulton introduces two characters who seem extremely familiar. They have many of the characteristics one encounters in this genre. One - an attorney named Jules - is physically strong and wise in the ways of the world and women. However, she's emotionally weak and lives an unfulfilling life. The other - a key witness named Rhianna - is less experienced, but makes up for it with enthusiasm for life and sees the good in everyone. After experiencing an incredible night of unexpected passion, these two women find themselves on seemingly opposite sides of a courtroom battle that promises to change both their lives. As the trial continues and life "happens" outside the courtroom, the women learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible. Don't miss this incredible tale of intrigue and passion, delivered in an unbelievably mature and engaging fashion. The characters are well developed and likable, as is the overall story. Fulton's writing style is exciting, drawing the reader in and holding her attention until the last page is read.

I have read all of Jennifer Fulton's published books under her various pen names, and her storytelling has gotten so much richer in the last few years. Her most recent release, Dark Valentine, is no exception. Fulton has written a solid, believable, and erotic romance. Fulton's stories usually carry subtle social messages that are largely ignored by the mainstream. She combines these nicely, respecting the reader will "get" it without being bashed over the head. Dark Valentine focuses on the issue of stalking. The main character, Rhianna Lamb, has to bury her identity and live under the radar to escape her stalker. The book illustrates succinctly how stalking can rob a woman of everything and forces the victim to live in fear of being discovered. Fulton also delves into how the court system doesn't understand the dynamics of this debilitating threat. While tackling the social message, Fulton does not cut corners on the romance. Writing about love is what this author does best. Rhianna has an accidental first meeting at a Palm Springs resort with a woman, Julia Valiant, whom she instantly falls for, but figuring out how to act upon those feelings while hiding poses a seemingly insurmountable problem. That's the least of Rhianna's concerns as the reader soon finds out. This absorbing novel was read quickly, but the messages that Fulton imparted left its mark long after the book was put down. I highly recommend this book, and also the first in the Dark Vista series, Dark Dreamer (Bold Strokes Books April 2007).