A sense of duty and fervent longing constantly battle each other in the second Nocturne book for the Vampire Moons series, where vows broken by an immortal with knightly principles could have enormous consequences. Linda Thomas-Sundstrom has created a fascinating account of events entangling the lives of vampires, werewolves and unsuspecting humans.
When Faith James came to France to locate her sister who mysteriously disappeared, she is told to get in touch with Mason LanVal. On her way to his home, she is hurt and the person who comes to her aid is Mason. He feels there is no way to save her unless she receives a drop of his blood, but this goes against the guidelines he has abided by for many years. As a Guardian, the immortal must help keep the vampire bloodline untainted by not letting any vampire share their blood with another. Yet, an additional vow is to keep the innocent safe, and this justification has him giving her just a tiny part of himself.
Although Faith only received a very small amount of Mason's blood, the connection between them is immediate and the effect seems to unexpectedly linger. While she continues looking for any information about her sister, she discovers facts about her own background that are staggering. Faith learns of her Lycan heritage, and this is just another reason Mason knows he can never truly be a part of her life, even though the magnetism is often intense. As they fight the relentless attraction, nearby blood-sucking vampires are making their own plans.
The innovative storyline crafted by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom for the Vampire Moons series is imaginatively noteworthy. The whole concept behind the Blood Knights from the Aurthurian period and why they were created is very original, and what is presently happening to one of them is certainly intriguing. Mason LanVal is a hero in many ways, as he has promised to protect the innocent and has dutifully followed his pledge for centuries. However, one woman changes his mind-set in an instant and the powerful connection between Mason and Faith is described in tangible terms, letting the reader feel every one of their emotions. Linda Thomas-Sundstrom depicts all aspects of the story with an exceptional vividness that lets each detail be visually experienced. There is never a time when I did not feel as though I was right there with the characters living through any occurrences that arise. Many of the situations this couple faces are perilous, physically and/or emotionally, and how they ultimately choose what course to follow is conveyed through a variety of sentiments. The sexual yearning between Mason and Faith is beautifully expressed with intense desire, and their inner thoughts about the other are clearly apparent. Werewolves play an important part in the story, and I really hope several of them get the chance to be revisited in future books. GUARDIAN OF THE NIGHT is a captivating look at out-of-the-ordinary paranormal beings and their deepest desires.
CataRomance Reviews - 5 Stars
