Dark Seduction
(Masters of Time Series, Book #1)
by Brenda Joyce
The Blurb:
Highland warriors sworn to protect innocence through the ages... — Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary--and dangerous--powers. But he has already broken his vows--and a young woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself of all pleasure...until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.
Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time--a treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake--and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal...
My Review:
I heard a lot of raving reviews about this series and I was quite surprised that I wasn't one to jump along on the band wagon. I tried my best to get into it but I it took me forever to actually finish this novel—I was hoping something would happen, fast, to change my heart on it—but that's right: Nothing did. I was only too happy that when I got to the actual ending!
Maybe it's that personally, I don't like chauvinistic men. I don't find anything about a pig as being remotely sexy.
I understand that this is a time traveling sci-fi/paranormal romance and that back in the day of Highland lairds they were just that way. Warriors, strong, possessive, cool as ice and the complete opposite of a fragile, emotional woman. But it just didn't do it for me. I will say that I respect the historical facts pointed out and that Joyce actually fleshed out a reality of that time. It wasn't the romantic, whimsical historical romances that I enjoy and am used to though. Pout.
In the beginning I was taking a liking to such a "strong" character that Claire seemed to be. She took fighting classes, knew how to use a gun, had a taser and was a cool independent and intelligent woman. But then comes in the beef cake Master Malcolm and she turned to mush before my eyes. She became this docile, powerless thing that I hated. She built her life to protect herself and instantly that was crumbled by some sheer lust! I can say in some situations she played her womanly cards right to persuade things for her favor, but it was kind of rare. I grew bored of her being a whiny, helpless damsel in distress. Blegh.
The sexual scenes were a little steamy, but nothing spectacular or enough to make up for my distaste of the rest of the story. I didn't even like the fact that she was falling in love with him just because he was a passionate screw. Yeah, Malcolm showed a little compassion and tenderness during those scenes, but it wasn't making me fall in love with him. The rest of the time I just wanted to choke the hell out of the hunky jerk. I give Claire props for finding what she could through all that dominating exterior. I am not a woman that could be that patient or as forgiving. Pft.
The story just dragged for me. I found myself more intrigued with the brief mentions of the roguish Aidan and the seemingly more sensitive Ironheart. I think I might try a few others of this series, but the first one just ticked me off. I just don't know...even with the ending, I couldn't get past it. I must have a complex with guys like Malcolm, I guess?
I give one and a half stars for this one. I give stars only because of the details of the historical scene and the few other things that distracted me enough from tearing the book apart.
Book Details:
ISBN: 0373772335
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 384
Genre: Sci-fi, Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction
Point of View: Third Person
Stand Alone / Series: 1st of Masters of Time series
**This book is listed on my shelf on
PaperbackSwap if you're interested in reading.**
