2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful desert romantic fantasy, October 18, 2011
This review is from: Dark Sins and Desert Sands (Harlequin Nocturne) (Mass Market Paperback)
American military Specialist Rayhan Stavrakis spent two years in a prison in Aleppo, Syria before escaping. He captures one of his guards and reads the man's mind to learn who in the States set him up for torture in this hellhole, what happened to his family and the name of the American shrink who worked with his hosts. He learns his family is safely home and the psychologist who coolly abetted his torturers is Dr. Layla Bahset.
Ray slips back into to United States seeking Barhset so he can read her mind and learn who ordered his rendition and why. When he finds her in Las Vegas, he is shocked on two accounts. First he desires his enemy and second she insists she has no memory of him, Syria and her past. He realizes she is telling the truth about suffering from amnesia while she wonders if he is the one she feels has been stalking her. Ray knows they have a mutual enemy who wants both dead, but he vows to use his other paranormal power to keep the woman he loves safe.
Dark Sins and Desert Sands is a wonderful desert romantic fantasy that brings Minoan mythology into the modern world. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Ray begins his quest and never slows down as the hero struggles with a new set of issues once he catches up with Doc; his thirst to get even with her kept him alive and somewhat mentally stable during the ordeal, but has to change to a new paradigm. Readers will appreciate Stephanie Draven's marvelous Mythica thriller.
Harriet Klausner
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book of the Week Winner!, November 1, 2011
This review is from: Dark Sins and Desert Sands (Harlequin Nocturne) (Mass Market Paperback)
Who would ever have believed that the path of vengeance would lead to the discovery of love? A man born and recreated and a woman created yet reborn join together to find that which others denied them. Dark Sins and Desert Sands ends up being a powerful and completely entertaining tale that kept this reader on the edge of her seat.
I was fascinated with the heroine that Ms. Draven created. It seems she explored the possible question of, "what kind of person would I be if I didn't have all the baggage from my past?" Layla, the heroine, didn't purposely pursue the answers to that question. How and why she did is intimately mixed up with the villain of the book.
Layla is a nice person. Too nice. By that I mean she is bland - not forceful or colorful. She's numb to life and yet she knows there's something out of reach, something missing and it's driving her nuts that she can't figure it out. She does the best that she can because she has a good heart. And after reading the book, it totally makes sense. Inside, the heroine really is a decent and giving person who longs for the dream of love, home and kids. A reader is in for a surprise when they find out what Layla is actually capable of. She ends up being a very sympathetic character and I cheered her on as she tried to thwart the destiny mapped out for her. When the heroine starts putting the pieces together, mixed with the person she was at the beginning of the book, get ready for a treat. She's a tough cookie and will fight for what is important, no matter what. The person who inspired that keen sense of loyalty is the yummy hero, Ray.
Ray is an awesome character. He's a military guy with a great record - to a point. His sense of duty, honor and integrity would normally be great qualities and they are. But they can and were used against him. He experienced horrible terrible things. Ms. Draven described a scene that would make anyone puke, not just the hero. Despite the things done to him and his need for revenge, it didn't block him from the basic good nature inside himself. He wasn't blinded by rage all the time and when he wasn't, clarity exposed some intriguing possibilities that blew his mind. And, it set him on a path totally different from his original goal, much to my delight.
The culprit and villain that created the chaos and horror that dogged the steps of Layla and Ray throughout the book is, Seth. The author was creative and amazing in what she did with him. I felt I should hate his character: certainly I was given enough ammunition to do so. But I couldn't. In reality, he was as dysfunctional with relationships as a guy could be. He was so set in his ways; he had become arrogant, lofty and totally clueless when it came to a real woman. The bad guy also had some weird phobias and twisted views of women in general. He's so complicated! Because of the author's brilliant writing, I ended up giggling with diabolical glee when Isabel matched wits with Seth. That's all I'm going to say about that - wouldn't want to ruin the fun for readers.
Secondary characters contribute mightily to the plot movement in the book. I enjoyed how the author led me to a false sense of ambiguity about their presence in the story. They were more than they appeared and readers are going to be pleasantly surprised at the roles they play.
The happy ever after brought tears to my eyes. Truly. It was emotionally powerful, poignant and sweet.
Ms. Draven created a wonderful heartfelt final chapter that wowed me and made everything that came before more meaningful and special. It highlighted the fact that all the tragedies in the past paid the dues for the hope and optimism that now embrace Layla and Ray. Totally romantic.
Dark Sins and Desert Sands is a light in the darkness. Ms. Draven delivers a suspenseful emotionally packed romance layered with passion, heat and the power of true love. The story reaches into the depths of its characters and brings them to life, taking readers along for the ride. There's drama, more twists than a pretzel and plenty of thrills and chills to satisfy readers of romantic suspense. The loving between Ray and Layla is potent and sensual, and their journey of love, though bumpy, is beautiful.
Dark Sins and Desert Sands is great romance. Pick up your own copy and see.
Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A compelling, magical romance!, November 1, 2011
This review is from: Dark Sins and Desert Sands (Harlequin Nocturne) (Mass Market Paperback)
Set against the gritty realism of modern warfare, this steamy love affair between U.S. serviceman Ray Stavrakis and hot-blooded psychologist Layla Bahset will capture your heart--and your imagination. Dark Sins and Desert Sands combines magic and myth with romance to craft a compelling story you just can't put down. Draven skillfully brings the mythical Minotaur to life in the contemporary world, with twists you won't expect. And there's some steamy action between the hero and heroine you simply won't want to miss! I highly recommend
Dark Sins and Desert Sands (Harlequin Nocturne)!
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