The Dark One

I thought it was much better than some of the nonsense I've been reading by Christine Freehan. It's historal paranormal romance with werewolves. The werewolf concept definitely takes a back seat for those of ya'll who enjoy reading about strange creatures. As a matter of fact, the character doesn't give into/turn into a werewolf until the very end of the book. The fact that it could happen is considered a curse to the family that they want to get rid of, but first they have to solve the poem that tells them how. This is not even the major plot followed throughout the story, that one is about an abused young woman who is trying to escape her phyically abusive step-brother, whom she is the ward of. I liked it and definitely plan to read more in this series.

Fluff, you might say? Maybe so, but if this is what some readers consider fluff, then I am pleased to say that I enjoy "fluff" books very much. "The Dark One" is my intro into Rhonda Thompson's version of the werewolf world and I couldn't have come away more pleased with the results. I didn't fully read the back cover when I bought the book, so I was unaware I was getting a werewolf tale. When I did read the back cover I moaned and groaned to myself, thinking it would be another "typical" werewolf book, with the deep hidden wolf society and the big bad usual werewolf types, blah, blah, blah. Much to my relief, what I read turned out to be very refreshing and enjoyable. Armond Wulf is the oldest of four brothers, all tainted with the rumors of madness that supposedly run through their family. Unbenownst to society, thank goodness, their secret is much more forbidden and dark than mere insanity. An ancestor of long ago was cursed by a woman he had thought to have loved, a powerful witch, that curse him and all males of his family that followed with the full moon affliction of the wolf. Determined never to give into the curse, the brothers have vowed never to marry, never to love, certainly never to have children and possibly pass the curse onto any sons. Rosalind Rutherford is a woman in dire straits. Terrified of living under her stepbrother's roof and what plans he may have for her future, she is determined to escape by the only means she knows how - by making sure her reputation is ruined beyond repair. She sees Armond as her ticket to freedom and propositions him at a ball. Thoroughly intrigued by the young woman, Armond wants to help her, but alas is too honorable a man. Once he has met the delectable beauty though, he cannot stop seeing her, knowing somehow that all is not right in her stepbrother's household. What ensues is a whirlwind situation that lands him with a woman he knows not what to do with. Should he love her and forsake all he knows to be true about the family curse? Of should he turn tail and run, turning his back on the one person who may be the answer to all his problems? This was a very quick read due to the fact that the story had me completely in it's grip. The suspense leading up to Armond's transformation was so consuming it was next to impossible for me to put the book down till I had finished it. Armond longed to avoid dark side of his cursed nature and to be with his wife, but he always held back from her, never wanting to succumb to any feelings for her less it cause him to turn. Rosalind, while confused for most of the book as to why her husband acted so strangly determined to keep their relationship distant, nevertheless was just as determined to have him love her. Her gutsy bravery was a blessing in disguise for the poor tortured Armond. I just loved this intro book into the Wild Wulfs of London series! We're introduced to two of the other brothers, Gabriel and Jackson, both of whom promise to be enigmatic hero

This long awaited series is everything and more than I expected. Ms. Thompson has outdone herself in creating a touching story that anyone would love, whether you love paranormals or historicals. It's a perfect blend of both. The characters are wonderful, the hero, Armound, is to die for and a dream, the heroine, Rosalind, strong and loyal. Take it from one reader who's a hard sell. You cannot go wrong with THE DARK ONE. It's packed with emotion, intrigue and mystery. You'll also get a peek at the other two brothers, Jackson and Gabriel, who both snatch a piece of your heart and make you groan when you think how long you have to wait between books, which really isn't long but sure will feel like it. If you buy any book this fall or try any new authors to you, this is the book to buy. You won't be sorry.

Rosalind Rutherford was desperate. With her life spinning out of control and her sadistic and hateful stepbrother now orchestrating her every move she would have to court scandal as a means to escape the plans he had for her. The scandal she would need was to chose, and attempt to seduce the notorious Armond Wulf, Marquess of Wulfglen, and Earl of Bumont into ruining her! Armond Wulf and his three brothers were cursed and all had vowed never to marry, rather than unleashing the beast each held within them. From the moment he saw her, Armond's senses were aroused and the self-control he held firmly in check was warring with his body by the sheer presence of the young woman who had boldly approached him. To him she was 'pure sin' packaged deceitfully in the guise of innocence and he was totally ensnared. Her proposal was nothing short of shocking and after one very sensual waltz he was ready to teach her a lesson in not daring to trifle with the dangerous Wild Wulf's she knew nothing about. After giving her a very sensual taste of what passion was all about, Armond stopped himself from letting the beast within him ruin her and returned a very disappointed yet awakened Rosalind to her home. As events and unsolved murders all began hinting at Armond as the villain responsible, Rosalind, who knew him to be innocent, stepped forward to save him and in the process Armond was compelled to marry her. Rosalind while half in love with the enigmatic man accepted his proposal even though he declared that though they might share a bed - she would never have his love nor his child. It soon became apparent that the self-control Armond prided himself with was fast deteriorating and the desire and feelings for his wife were winning the battle as the beast within showed signs of breaking free, unless Rosalind could decipher the clues to break the curse. -- This was an absolutely spectacular read and the series `The Wild Wulfs of London' are sure to catapult this authors new paranormal series right up there with the likes of Kenyon and Feehan! Armond was a totally divine and dreamy kind of hero. The author did a fabulous job of depicting a very vivid description of how his body began metamorphosing into the werewolf that sent shivers up my spine. The parallel plot depicting Rosalind's heinous and evil stepbrother added greatly to the dangerous edge-of -the-seat suspense the story took on and kept me turning the pages throughout the night. This well-written tale complete with fascinating characters, an utterly romantic love story, and divine sensuality captivated me from the very beginning to the heart-stopping ending. I highly encourage lovers of paranormal romance to grab a copy of this new series and hang on for it's sure to become a classic! [...]