but the storyline and character development is great!
351862
Some fowl language and suggestive themes that I could have done with less of, but the storyline and character development is great!
4134921
This whole series is marvelous!  Great character and plot details and development, well paced storytelling, and some wonderful twists in the telling!
3968488
I liked the book a great deal, with a completely different storyline from so many novels. However, I kept back one star as I think that the character development and motivations could be further developed. All said, well worth the read!
1294711
Wow! The story line is literally on point! Great characters and storyline! I can't believe I have not heard of this Author! She's amazing! First off, the conversations the characters have with one another is brilliant! This book sucks you in and it's imagination at its finest! Great work! It was an enjoyable read and its a Winner alright!
4605530
Great storyline and very fast paced!  Can't wait until the next one!
4674334
I loved the storyline and the well developed characters!  I was left wanting more much more :)  It was drawn into the story right away and was left guessing what was going to happen next.  One of my biggest pet peeves lately with books is when I can guess where the story is going to end up... I was completely off base with my assumptions on this one which was a pleasant surprise!
I loved that Erin wasn't your typical shrinking violet and that the Declan isn't your typical villain either.  I can not wait for the next book in this series!
4684570
I just adored this series. I felt as if this was one of those rare cases where the author actually improved her story as the series went on. I thought she was spot on in her relationship to her characters and that they were very authentic. The storyline has holes and really, anyone will be able to see them but, this is a character driven story so that isn't as big a problem as it could be. I think the beauty in this story is the relationships that develop and how the main character stays true to who she is right from the beginning and truthfully, she is an adorable character. So, if you like character driven material that is authentically age appropriate, with a little adventure thrown in to spice things up, well then, you should enjoy this series.
543882
Great characters, great storyline. Scott weaves a solid tale of a dark enemy and all too-flawed human heroes struggling against overwhelming forces with little hope. I love these kinds of stories!
1838518
Not the most original storyline but great characters. The first 2/3rds of the book was fast-paced and well-done. The characters were fresh, new,and chocked full of back-story and potential. However, by the end, I was more interested in learning more about the characters than the end of the story.
Well-worth reading, really hoping for more with these folks!
1112481
Lots of action, great storyline- I can't wait for the next book in the series!
4072329
Middle books are usually my favorite in the series because the characters are still struggling to grow and learning about their world (or other characters). With its historical focus, Shadow of Night was a bit slower to develop than usual but well worth the effort to read!

We reenter Matthew and Diana's lives just as they are starting over in Matthew's past, Elizabethan London. Harkness truly shines in this setting and you really get an incredibly developed sense of the time period. Language, clothing, food, manners and even writing style. I sympathized with Diana's struggle to master an alien world while her husband just slid back into an old life. As for historical figures, Harkness pulls in both obscure and well-known faces to delight both new and old students of history.

At its core, this book is a romance. Our heroine and hero are still faced with their greatest hurdle--the ban on species mixing--along with all new challenges. Diana's burgeoning magic, her lack of political insight and her need to be independent clashes with the male-dominated culture of the 16th century. Matthew keeps showing new sides to his personality and forgetting his 21st century development to ever-growing arguments.

Most entertaining was Matthew's father, yes, you finally get to meet the famous Phillipe. If Harkness' only reason to send the couple back in time was to bring in Phillipe than I am more than satisfied! Through this patriarch we learn so much more about vampire life, Matthew's inner demons, and the couple's future. He's not the only oft-mentioned, never-seen character that makes an appearance, but I won't spoil the fun.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the little flashes back to the present. Harkness never drew the reader completely away from Matthew and Diana's adventures, but would tap you on the shoulder, and nudge at a hint of the larger story. These vignettes were well-written enough that I would gladly read a short story compilation expanding on these new characters and experiences.

There are some emotional moments, as expected in a romantic tale, but the long arc mystery continues to build. I was more than ready for the third book, but I also did not feel rushed into a conclusion.
4687751
I've been hooked on this genre for a couple of years now, so I jumped at the opportunity to download this book and give it a read. I was not disappointed. This book has excellent character development and story telling. Amazon has some great indie authors, and Mr. Vance is definitely one of them. I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
2751196
Not usually interested in stories based on the perception of what is happening behind the curtain in religion.  However, that being said, I think this series does an exceptional job of making the fight between good and evil compelling rather than a caricature.  I found the characters complex and satisfying and the storyline really great.
1432779
Really great story, well developed and engaging throughout. The only big downer is it is very long. I listened to the audiobook which is pretty much 20 hours. While the story and characters are interesting and entertaining, you really do feel the length. But I honestly can't say that I would have cut any of the parts.

There is a lot going on in this story from the get go. It has a non-linear feel as flashbacks are interspersed with the present day story. They are pieced out through the book to give snippets of back-story. This helps add drama and intrigue to the past events. It was a really well used device that helped move the story along and the flashbacks were perfectly placed.

I love the relationship between Phoebe and Ian, they are my favorite combo, geeky girl and bad boy!! Sigh, it is always delicious to read those pairings! It felt the relationship progressed quickly, but I am willing to forgive that because it was well developed. I felt the build of attraction and even buy into the way feelings are enhanced by extreme circumstances.

The steam is delicious!! Plenty of yummy detail but not as far as an erotic romance. They are a touch combustible and once they give in to the attraction, HOLY HANNAH!! These two really can burn up some sheets!!

It is a mixed narrative, mostly Phoebe and Ian's POVs but plenty of the supporting cast as well. Each character gives insight to the overall dynamic and allows the reader a unique side perspective. I loved seeing how they all fit together. Ian and Phoebe are not the only romantic connection, although they are the only ones who get intimate in the story.

The supporting cast is varied and all have great sub-plots. I will admit to crying more than once over Aaron and Shel, Francine and even Berto. Each character had trials to overcome, some turned out happier than others. It was amazing to see how one incident in their youth became a defining moment for all of them. It was rather heartbreaking. By the end I wanted redemption and healing for all of them.

I really liked the lawyer Martel and had hopes he would find romance with FBI gal Deb, maybe that can be the next book? They had a nice banter and there was definitely a connection there.

There are many things going on throughout the story both in the past and present. I thought Ms. Brockmann did a wonderful job of juggling them all and keeping the story moving at a steady pace. Plenty of climactic moments mixed throughout help add to the movement of the story and general feeling of suspense. It went a long way in lessening the long feel of the novel.

This audiobook was unique for me as it is a first that I have listened to with two narrators. It was a touch disconcerting at first. I will admit I did not fully pay attention before starting and was surprised by the first sudden change in voice. I eventually grew accustomed to it and by the end really liked the difference. Patrick Lawlor voiced all the male POVs, each voice was distinct and easily identified. I really liked the deep timber to his voice. He put some serious energy into the smexy scene, definitely warms a gal up!! Melanie Ewbank did all the women's POVs, she also did a great job of making each lady sound unique and stayed consistent. She had nice energy throughout the read. They each had a great reading pace that lent itself to the flow of the book. Perhaps a touch more energy in the action sequences, but overall very nice reads.

This is my first book by Ms Brockmann, but certainly not my last. I may have to check out her Troubleshooters series as it was referenced a bit in this book. Perhaps that is where I will see Martel get his HEA. I am also eager to see what is next in this series!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for am honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
2786826
Really liked this series!!! Great storyline and characters!!
2327892
This author can write! It's difficult to write a protagonist who is so deeply flawed and yet make him someone you are rooting for. The premise, upon first encountering it in the story, seems mundane, but the action within the time frame is anything but. It's a tough read at times. You want to close you eyes (metaphorically) at some of the scenes, but you won't be able to because the author keeps you so involved with the plot, action, great dialogue and character development. The characters are each in their own way unsavory, but winners in their own fashion. Again, a nod to the author's talent. I'll be buying this author's first book, and will look forward to more from him.
1401313
Wasn't what I expected.  But the storyline is really good I look forward to reading the rest of this series!