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A review by laurenjodi
Dark Desires by Eve Silver
4.0
Dark Desires
3.5 Stars
In desperation, Darcie Finch takes a position as a maid in the home of the enigmatic Dr. Damien Cole. Despite the whispered warnings and strange rumors surrounding his work, Darcie finds herself inexplicably attracted to her dark and brooding employer. But can she trust her heart and her life with him?
Let me preface this review by saying that this is Eve Silver's debut work, and she is a wonderfully descriptive writer. Her Otherkin books remain one of my favorite paranormal romance series. Nevertheless, there are some problematic aspects to this story.
To begin with, there are time period inconsistencies. Chapter one sets the story in 1828 - the reign of George IV, yet a character mentions "Her Majesty". George IV's estranged wife died in 1821. Moreover, several prostitutes are killed and their deaths are referred to as the "Whitechapel Murders" - this is a clear reference to the 1888 serial killer, Jack the Ripper who killed during the reign of Queen Victoria. Perhaps this is nitpicky but, as a lover of British history, it is jarring.
In addition, the blurb describes Damien's "eerie estate". His townhouse is located on Curzon Street in Mayfair and it is neither "eerie" nor an "estate".
Although the gothic overtones are apparent - a naive young woman working for a mysterious doctor with dark and dangerous secrets, the misty streets of London's East End and a serial killer to boot - the atmosphere is not as sinister or uncanny as expected from the genre.
The romance between Darcie and Damien is very satisfying. She is strong and resilient albeit somewhat TSTL at times, and he is sexy and serious. They have intense chemistry and their intimate connection is believable perhaps due to the fact that he is not an aristocrat.
The murder mystery itself has potential yet it is underdeveloped, and the identity of the killer is obvious from the first despite the inclusion of several red herrings.
Overall, a good enough read and the themes and writing are entertaining enough to continue with the series.
3.5 Stars
In desperation, Darcie Finch takes a position as a maid in the home of the enigmatic Dr. Damien Cole. Despite the whispered warnings and strange rumors surrounding his work, Darcie finds herself inexplicably attracted to her dark and brooding employer. But can she trust her heart and her life with him?
Let me preface this review by saying that this is Eve Silver's debut work, and she is a wonderfully descriptive writer. Her Otherkin books remain one of my favorite paranormal romance series. Nevertheless, there are some problematic aspects to this story.
To begin with, there are time period inconsistencies. Chapter one sets the story in 1828 - the reign of George IV, yet a character mentions "Her Majesty". George IV's estranged wife died in 1821. Moreover, several prostitutes are killed and their deaths are referred to as the "Whitechapel Murders" - this is a clear reference to the 1888 serial killer, Jack the Ripper who killed during the reign of Queen Victoria. Perhaps this is nitpicky but, as a lover of British history, it is jarring.
In addition, the blurb describes Damien's "eerie estate". His townhouse is located on Curzon Street in Mayfair and it is neither "eerie" nor an "estate".
Although the gothic overtones are apparent - a naive young woman working for a mysterious doctor with dark and dangerous secrets, the misty streets of London's East End and a serial killer to boot - the atmosphere is not as sinister or uncanny as expected from the genre.
The romance between Darcie and Damien is very satisfying. She is strong and resilient albeit somewhat TSTL at times, and he is sexy and serious. They have intense chemistry and their intimate connection is believable perhaps due to the fact that he is not an aristocrat.
The murder mystery itself has potential yet it is underdeveloped, and the identity of the killer is obvious from the first despite the inclusion of several red herrings.
Overall, a good enough read and the themes and writing are entertaining enough to continue with the series.