Heart of the Hunter (Dragon Chalice) [Kindle Edition]

Lara Adrian (Author)

Book Description

Available now in ebook! An award-winning historical paranormal romance series from New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author Lara Adrian (originally published under the pen name Tina St. John).

HEART OF THE HUNTER

Ariana of Clairmont would risk anything to save her kidnapped brother, a quest she knows is fraught with peril. Her only ally is Braedon le Chasseur, a formidable knight with a mysterious past, whose scarred face and brooding nature mask a soul filled with pain. Ariana fears this dangerous man and the secrets he strives to conceal--but Braedon’s touch is pure seduction, his kiss a potent lure that tempts her into a passion she is powerless to resist.

Once known as The Hunter, now haunted by a dark legacy he struggles to deny, Braedon lives in a world of shadow and isolation--until he is thrust together with an innocent beauty in need of his protection. Embarking on a journey that will lead them to a legendary treasure, Braedon will be forced to confront old enemies and the stunning secret of his true nature--or risk losing Ariana and the only happiness he has ever known. . . .

Winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award for Best Historical Romantic Adventure of the Year

RWA Rita Finalist for Best Paranormal Romance of the Year

“Passion, danger and a bit of mysticism all come together brilliantly in the bewitching Dragon Chalice medieval paranormal series.” –Booklist

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For more information and a list of other available titles, visit www.LaraAdrian.com

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

St. John's (Black Lion's Bride, etc.) new medieval fantasy romance series gets off to a rocky start with this thinly plotted installment. The story opens with a description of an artifact called the Dragon Chalice, which allegedly gives the one who wields it untold power. The cup has been sundered into four pieces, and one piece has fallen into the hands of an evil sorcerer. The sorcerer hopes to find a second piece with the help of research performed by a Templar knight, whom he's abducted. When Ariana of Clairmont receives a ransom demand for the knight, her brother, she sets out to deliver his notes. On her way there, she's waylaid by the magician's henchmen and rescued by Braedon, a mercenary called the Hunter. Braedon knows more than he lets on about the Dragon Chalice, and he agrees to help Ariana in her quest-though not for the reasons she imagines. Stuck in her ingénue role, Ariana has little chance to shine; she spends most of the novel being shoved out of danger or storming off and endangering her own mission. Braedon, however, is the kind of strong, charismatic, slightly dangerous hero that will have readers salivating. While Braedon's sexy appeal may be enough to keep some readers intrigued, others may not stick around to see the Dragon Chalice reformed in St. John's subsequent books.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

To deliver the ransom needed to free her brother, Lady Ariana of Clairmont would travel with the very devil himself. Now it seems she must, since the only one who can transport her safely to France is ruthless Braedon le Chasseur. Braedon never thought he would return to France, but somehow he finds himself nearly persuaded into escorting Ariana until he realizes the ransom consists of her brother's research into the location of the legendary Dragon Chalice. Ariana offers to let Braedon name his price in return for his help, and Braedon finds he might just be willing to battle danger, evil, and an old friend turned enemy in return for Ariana's love. A vividly detailed setting, bold and adventurous protagonists, and a compelling plot laced with passion, danger, and a bit of mysticism all come together brilliantly in the first in a bewitching new medieval paranormal series by the wonderfully gifted St. John. John Charles
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 539 KB
• Print Length: 410 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1480188921
• Publisher: Lara Adrian, LLC (March 24, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007OMSHHU
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,665 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars engaging story April 16, 2012

By Under The Covers Book Blog

Format:Kindle Edition

Heart of the Hunter
Reviewed by Ann & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

As a fan of Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series, I thought it would be nice to explore her previously released medieval romances under her pen name, Tina St. John. I was expecting a good romance, as is the case with all of Lara Adrian's work, but I had no idea that Tina could craft such an intricate and engaging story like HEART OF THE HUNTER turned out to be.

Ariana of Clairmont is on a mission to reach France and free her brother from the hands of his captors. Upon receiving a ransom note demanding her brother's work, Ariana gathers her brother's precious research and places them in a satchel for her to carry on her trip. Though Ariana is a well-bred woman with manners and beauty, she certainly holds her own against the scummy men she encounters on her trip. When her bodyguard is killed and her means of travel to France has backfired on her after a particularly close call with death, Ariana finds herself within the arms of a man who just happens to be called Le Chasseur - The Hunter.

Braedon is a knight with a dark past. His scar running along the left side of his face causes others to fear him, but Ariana sees more to him than the disfigurement the marks his face. She sees his strength, his virility and her way out to France. So although Braedon does all that he can to leave the woman after saving her life, Ariana sticks to him like a tick, never relenting until she gets what she wants.

And in the end, she does get what she wants because Braedon begins to soften around her, revealing the secrets of his past to her in slow increments. What I liked about Braedon and Ariana's relationship was that it wasn't a simple love at first sight thing, nor did Ariana swoon over Braedon because he had once saved her life. Their relationship worked because they willed it. They worked together, learning to trust one another as they try to meet their goals.

A few twists and turns that occur will have readers enchanted and enamored by St. John's writing. For those of you who love her writing as Lara Adrian, I would recommend these books to you because there are a few similarities between the Midnight Breed series and the Dragon Chalice series. You can expect the same great action from the Adrian books in St. John's books as well. I thought HEART OF THE HUNTER started off strong with some great fight scenes, but it only got better as St. John revealed a few secrets. You'll also find the same loyalty and fierceness of the Order members in Braedon, the hero of this book.

I should mention that the paranormal aspect of this book isn't as prominent until the latter half. I loved the entire notion of this series. The Dragon Chalice series is based on a quest to find a mythical cup that possesses great power and it's this epic adventure that makes me hope you give Tina's writing a shot! Readers who enjoy books by Donna Grant, Karen Marie Moning's earlier historical and Kresley Cole's Sutherland Brothers series will be sure to enjoy this series. I loved it and I'm sure you will too!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for the best vacation read! June 22, 2004

By Chelle Dabandor

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I brought a bag of books with me to read on vacation last week and only one captured my attention: Heart of the Hunter by Tina St. John. I had forgot it was to be paranormal and there was no clue about it from reading the back cover (odd), but as I enjoy medievals I took a shot. I am so glad I did!

From the first line, that tells of the kingdom of Anvarin and the legend of how the Dragon Chalice was stolen from the people, I could not put the book down! Other reviewers on this page have mentioned how appealing of a hero Braedon le Chasseur is, and I agree 110%. Utterly dangerous and hot! I was melting as soon as Ariana sees him in the London tavern with the scar on his face and his dangerous air about him. I also liked Ariana. I agree she is a bit naiive at first, especially to trust Ferrand the merchant who I knew was going to be bad news. But she didn't have a lot of choices and I thought she was brave for venturing out to rescue her brother, Kenrick. I liked her spunk!

The paranormal aspects of Heart of the Hunter were so interesting, too! The legend of the Dragon Chalices is very cool, with the enchanted kingdom and the battle for the treasure now that it's been stolen into the mortal world. I was shocked when the first shapeshifter appeared and riveted to my seat (my beach blanket, actually!) to know what was going to happen next. It was a little spooky in places with the villains and their powers, but all that only added to the great story. I especially liked learning about Braedon's strange "skills" and where they came about. It was so cool! I don't want to spoil it for others in saying too much here!

And, I have saved the romance aspect for last on purpose. I can't compare to any other books by this author, as I don't think I have read any before this one, but the passion in Heart of the Hunter was h-o-t! Let's just say, I wanted to be Ariana more than once as I was reading about her and Braedon's romance scenes!!

This was a riveting read with lots of unique aspects to keep your interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Medieval fantasy that will have you at the edge of your seat June 1, 2004

By Gayle Greene

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I have enjoyed this author's previous medievals for their strong characters and sensual romance but now I can add that she also is great with adding in some fantasy and paranormal to her plots as well! Braeden "The Hunter" is exactly the kind of hero I love: tough and tortured yet tender with the lady who steals his heart. Ariana was resourceful and compassionate with him, just the kind of woman he needed to stand at his side and save him from himself. Now I am eagerly looking forward to the next book. Excellent! :->