DARKEST DREAMS

Author: Jennifer St. Giles ISBN: 042521303X 12/2006 HISTORICAL/PARANORMAL Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION
Time Period: England, 1879

Love can unite what rivalry attempts to tear apart. Or so Andromeda thought when she journeyed to Dartmoor's End to be with her sister, recently wed to the legendary Sean Killdaren. Andromeda is hopelessly drawn to Sean's estranged twin brother and rival, Alexander Killdaren, Viscount Blackmoor. The talk of a curse won't keep her from seeking employment with Alex, cataloging the Killdaren family antiques. She hopes to use her gift of thought—reading to learn more about him—if only he will let her in. What Andromeda sees in Alex's wicked mind arouses both fear and attraction. But there are other dangers lurking in Dragon's Cove. Women are falling prey to a deadly Druid ritual in which innocents are sacrificed. With her gifts, Andromeda knows she is bound to be the next victim—and with Alex's reputation, he's a likely suspect. Can what they feel for each other be strong enough to reveal the truth? Or will the shadow over Dragon's Cove eclipse their hearts forever?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

This thrilling tale is the sequel to MIDNIGHT SECRETS, and the second book in a trilogy. Unlike some other second books lately I've been reading lately, this one is wonderful. While it can stand on its own, I recommend you read MIDNIGHT SECRETS first. Both are fabulous books and it is interesting to see how DARKEST DREAMS turns so much of what we the readers and the characters thought we knew on its ear.

Jennifer St. Giles was my new discovery of 2006. She's been around for a few years, but I hadn't read her until this summer. I'm glad I found her!

These books are gothic with a paranormal edge and seem to get spicier as we get farther into the series. The sheltered Andrews sisters from Oxford each have a gift. The heroine in this book, Andromeda, can see thoughts when she touches people. (As an aside, this series may seem to have generic romance titles but they actually do reflect the books.) She is tortured by the growing strength of her abilities, as well as her unseemly lust for her new brother-in-law's estranged brother, Viscount Blackmoor.

The hero in this book seems darker to me than in the first, which means we are really treading new ground, and the heroine is more isolated in some ways as well. All the mysteries from the first book are back in new and twisted ways. I wish I had the sequel already so I could jump into it right away, but I'll have to wait until October.

Heather Hiestand