Customer Reviews

Heat of the Night (Dream Guardians, Book 2)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When his captain, Aidan Cross, joined the moral realm in the fight to save humanity from the Nightmares that terrorize them, Connor Bruce was left as the new leader of the Elite warriors. In his position as Captain, he battles both the Nightmares that plague the human world and now also the Elders, whose deceptions are beginning to unravel. In his role as Guardian, Connor fulfills the sensual fantasies of his human charges in their dreams, a job he is more than up to the task for.

Now his team of Elite warriors has uncovered information concerning a new, unforeseen threat that is vital to Cross's mission in the mortal realm, and Connor is the Guardian best suited to undertake the journey to relay this information to his friend. Knowing all too well his trip to the mortal realm may be one way, leaving him stranded far from the Twilight he so loves, he nevertheless is resigned to the sacrifices he must make in order to save mankind from a hellish existence. But when he lays eyes on the delectable Stacey, staying doesn't seem so much like a sacrifice any longer.

Stacey Daniels doesn't know quite what to think when the disturbingly sexy Viking lands on the doorstep of her friend Lyssa's home while Stacey is house-sitting. She is even more unsettled when he insists he will be staying in that house - with her. When he makes clear his amorous intentions towards her, she is completely blown away, but finds herself unable to resist this strange yet enticing man, although she certainly tries.

But enemies abound, even in the mortal realm, and soon they threaten everything Connor and Stacey hold dear.

With, Pleasures of the Night (Dream Guardians, Book 1), the first book in her Dream Guardians series, Sylvia Day hooked me but good. She set a high standard with the novel that kicked off this fascinating saga, and in the newest release, Heat of the Night, she raises that bar still higher. While the first book had me on the edge of my seat, the second book snares me completely, leaving me enthralled with this fascinating paranormal world (or is it worlds? lol) that she has built for the Dream Guardians universe.

Of course, a story does not work without intriguing characters, no matter how fascinating the world. And no one creates more engaging characters than Sylvia Day. In a book where the mythos could easily overtake the characters, there is no doubt that the hero and heroine own the story. This is most definitely Connor and Stacey's story.

But in the backdrop of their romance, we enjoy the continuation of Aidan and Lyssa's tale, as their fate is undeniably entwined with the ongoing mysteries that snake their way through this saga. Ms. Day answers some questions, raises still others, and left this reviewer with several theories regarding some of the intrigues rampant in Heat of the Night. Of course, as this book is a continuation of a larger story arc, my theories will be left unanswered until the next book... Or maybe the one after that! Truly, I love the Dream Guardians series so much that I would be happy to leave my theories unproved for several books if it means more editions in this compelling saga!

Conner is the consummate romance hero - strong, capable, noble, and intimidatingly handsome. With his confident manner and unwavering determination, he wastes no time in letting Stacey know in no uncertain terms just how desirable he finds her, quickly dispelling any qualms she might feel regarding his attraction to her. But convincing the gun shy single mother that he can be relied on to be there for her, to come home to her even after long missions away from home is another thing altogether. Stacey needed a lot of convincing, I have to say, and every moment of it was a delicious read!

As I write this review, Dream Guardians, Book 2: Heat of the Night is still days away from release, and I am already hungering for the next!

Connor Bruce was left at the end of the first book, angry and feeling betrayed by the Guardians he had sworn to protect. His best friend had found the key--and she wasn't the end of the world--she was just a very special woman. As head of the resistance--he had done has part--found men to assist him, and even found a way to uncover some of the guardians secrets. And what he learned needed to be told to Aidan--and only Conner would be able to gain Aidan trust--so off he goes--giving up the Twilight--and all he loved--to help his friend.

The first person he runs acrossed is Stacy--house sitting for Aidan and Lyssa. You might just say it was lust at first sight--for both of them--and not to long after that it was love. This book, like the first, was a real page turning, with a world unique, and a couple that you come to know, enjoy, love and wish to continue to read more about.

Ms Day had a delicious way of writing a story. Her men are real men, glorious, confident, sexy, unintentionally romantic, tender and they always seem to only enhance the independence of the woman they are involved with. The men are highly sexed---(pure fantasy), but Ms Day carries that off with such a flair it isn't until you find yourself wishing--that you realize no such man exists out there.....

The fact that all her books are extrememly character-driven makes for charaters that are memorable because they become your friends....

Captain Connor Bruce was left behind in the Twilight searching for answers when his best friend and fellow warrior returned to the mortal plane with his fiancé. Outlawed as rebel insurgents, Connor and his elite band of fighters invade the Temple of the Elders looking for clues and secrets of their existence; information denied to them for thousands of years. Encountering a demonic monster, Connor realizes that the Elders have spread falsehoods and that lies abound in his world. Unable to passively sit back and accept things like before, Connor has only one choice to get the answers he seeks - he must travel on a slipstream to the mortal world via a medium.

Stacey Daniels is feeling overwhelmed. Striving for years to be both mother and father to her son, she is disconcerted to have her ex suddenly show up and take her child on a dream weekend. Left with nothing to do, Stacey agrees to house-sit for her best friend. In the middle of feeling sorry for herself the doorbell rings and Stacey is completely overwhelmed and in awe when a giant warrior crosses the threshold. Instantly aroused by this massive male, Stacey does her best to act nonchalant when inside she is craving the touch of this man like none before. The man, Connor Bruce, forcibly lets Stacey know of his intentions to remain until her friend and her friend's fiancé return from their trip. Stacey doesn't know what to do but suddenly finding herself naked and in his arms is definitely not something she planned but something that she craves.

Connor finds Stacey bright, funny, and beautiful - And she's nothing like Connor's former lovers. It seems that Connor's previous paramours pale in Stacey's shadow. Time is not on their side however because before the two can establish a bond, the fight between the Twilight and the Nightmares escalates and hits close to home. Conner is determined to save the one person whom Stacey can't live without and he vows that failure is not an option.

When I had the extreme fortune to read Pleasures of the Night, book one of Ms. Day's new series, I was instantly enthralled with this paranormal world and Captain Connor Bruce. He gives the term, `Viking warrior' a new name. Strikingly handsome with finely-honed weaponry skills and the ability to knock a girl's socks off in the bedroom, Conner Bruce is one compelling male package. His loyalty to his friends and his group of fellow fighters is remarkable. His unending infatuation with Stacey and constant striving to make her happy set my heart and mind on fire. I enjoyed watching Connor take Stacey's doubts and fears and throw them out the window. Their falling in love was hot enough to melt plastic and I enjoyed more than once seeing Connor work his magic.

HEAT OF THE NIGHT is the perfect addition to Ms. Day's Dream Guardian series. I suspected I would be in trouble reading Pleasures of the Night and after reading HEAT OF THE NIGHT, I know I am in trouble. I need more of these wonderful characters and their stories - and I need them now! A twelve-step program would be nice while I wait for the next installment!

The Story
The elders are up to no good. Conner and his team of dream guardians, that fight nightmares, are now in a rebellion. Conner discovers the elders created monsters and sent them into the real world. Conner has no choice, but to leave and find his former boss and best friend Aidan Cross. He now resides on earth with his mate, Lyssa. Conner arrives at Adians house to find they are on vacation and Stacey is house sitting. Instantly Conner is attracted to the tiny spitfire Stacey. She doesn't know what to make of him, but she knows she is tired of being alone. Together they work to find out what the elders are up to.

Thoughts
I liked this book, but I didn't buy into it as much as I did the first. The relationship plot seemed a little rushed, where as the first one Lyssa and Aidan has been meeting in the dreaming for a long time before actually coming face to face. Day did explain why they fell into bed at once, just a little too rushed for me. By the end I bought it and their relationship more. The plot with the guardians and the elders is real and understanable to a point. I still don't know what the elders are up to. It isn't told in this book and there is no sign of a third book. That is a little disappointing. I want to know where Day was headed with that plot. I did enjoy reading more of Lyssa and Aidan. Day does write one steamy romance though!

Nightmares may seem like imaginary creatures to us, but to the guardsmen of Twilight, nightmares are horribly real--and they've begun infecting the Guardians--the leaders of the long fight against them. Connor, a captain of the rebel guard, must make his way to the land of the dreamers--our ordinary earth--to meet up with his former leader, Aidan.

When Connor arrives, Aidan and his earthling true love are vacationing, and curvy Stacey Daniels is house-sitting while she obsesses about her son's first trip with his long-vanished father. Connor is like a fantasy dream--super-sexy, strong, and absolutely unwilling to take no for an answer. He sweeps her off her feet.

The guardians/nightmares aren't taking the rebellion lightly and have sent agents to complete their mission, to kill Aidan's wife and retrieve certain artifacts. To ensure that Aidan and Connor don't stop them, they kidnap Stacey's son. And that makes it very personal for Connor.

Author Sylvia Day combines paranormal fantasy with erotica in a combination that almost works. For me, when Connor ignored Stacey's 'no' and continued to insist on sex (because, being a dream visitor, he knows she needed it), that crossed far too close to rape, undoing the fantasy. The fantasy plot, involving nightmares, rogue guardians, etc. also didn't work. It wasn't clear to me why the guardians kidnapped Stacey's son, as they didn't really make any demands. As a result, that whole portion of the plot felt more as if it was intended to create an emotional crisis for Stacey rather than something actual people would do.

HEAT OF THE NIGHT is certainly readable and Day steams up the pages. Overall, though, the story fell a bit short of what I'd hoped.

The heat in this book is the best. What a writer Ms. Day is. She knows how to bring the plot, the characterization, the hot sex and a well written story. We need more in this series!

Another great one by Sylvia Day!!!! She can write romance and sex to make anyone drool. Great Read.

Loved it, loved it, loved it! Sylvia Day has outdone herself. I just discovered the first book Pleasure of the Night and just finished Heat of the night. I love this entire series. Just disappointed that another book has not been written, it has after all been two years since the last book. With the paranormal romance genre taking off this would be the time for Ms. Day to come out and write the rest of this story. This series has topped my top 25-list. I am an avid reader and in the last year I have read most of the paranormal series. I can certianly put this up there with other paranormal series like Carpathian vampires ect. If anybody has any suggestions on other good authors or series, it would be much appreciated! I have already read authors like Christine Feehan, J.R Ward, Kathryn Smith, Sherrilyn Kenyon ect. I would like something similar to this series. Thank you!

Just a wonderful book. Conor can come to my house anytime. Made me think of things I haven't thought of in a long time. I can't wait until the next book comes out. You really need to read Heat of The Night.I read it in one evening. Great book.

In the Twilight, a plane between sleep and consciousness, there exist Elite Warriors, Dream Guardians who help human Dreamers by fighting the Nightmares that want to harm them. But another battle is raging in the realm of dreams, and Elite Warrior Connor Bruce must travel to the human realm to deliver a message to fellow Warrior Aidan Cross. But with him he brings great danger...

Stacey Daniels can hardly believe her eyes when Connor appears on her doorstep. When he tells her he's from another plane of existence, she's dumbfounded. They're instantly attracted to each other, but the danger that follows Connor strikes way too close to home. Will Connor and the Warriors be successful in their fight? Will Stacy make it through with her heart unscathed?

I'm a longtime Sylvia Day fan, so when I saw the opportunity to review this book I didn't just jump at the chance; I flung myself at it with giddy glee. Just as I expected, I wasn't disappointed. This is an awesome series.

Because Heat of the Night is the second book of the series, there's a lot of back-story that's a bit hard for me to summarize without going into great detail and without giving away any spoilers. I definitely recommend reading the series in order, starting with the first book, Pleasures of the Night.

The rich and sensual alternate reality that the author has created is fascinating and complex. This series is full of power struggles, subterfuge, lies and conspiracies, and it will appeal to readers who enjoy action, suspense, scorching-hot sensuality and drama. Ms. Day is a master of penning intelligent characters who work together in a well-orchestrated symphony of riveting action. I believe there will be a need to bring additional reinforcements from the Twilight, so we can look forward to future books. This is a series that is not to be missed.

4 1/2 Kisses, 1 Pepper

~Lindy
Reviewer, TwoLips Reviews, LLC
www.TwoLipsReviews.com