Richart d’Alencon intrigued me (I think it may have something to do with him being French ?), and after reading Phantom Shadows I wanted to learn more about him. However, it disappointed me to learn that this would be a novella. On its own, In Still Darkness was a good read, but when compared to the previous books, it was mediocre.
This installment occurred around the same time as Night Reigns and Phantom Shadows, resulting in jumps in the sequence of events. Some of the information contained in this installment is basically a repeat of what happened in books 2 and 3. I felt cheated as a result and because the story lacked depth. The length is no excuse for there being no depth. In addition, I felt the author rushed the story. Just as things began to get interesting it was over. It did not pack the punch I expected.
I thought Jenna and Richart made a great couple and believed they were warranted a longer story. I loved how devoted they were to each other. Their romance was simple. No unnecessary drama or obstacles to cast any shade on their feelings for each other.
It would have been nice if there were more to Jenna’s back-story. The information provided regarding her past came unexpectedly at the point when the story almost ended.
It was refreshing to have 37-year-old hero who had a son in college. I hope he will be seeing him in the other books.
Conclusion / Recommendation
Overall, a sweet romance featuring likeable characters.
About Dianne Duvall
Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series. Her debut novel Darkness Dawns, Book 1, was nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance by RT Book Reviews and for Best Paranormal Romance – Vampire by The Romance Reviews. Night Reigns, Book 2, was declared an “utterly addictive” Top Pick by RT Book Reviews and was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance 2011 by The Romance Reviews. Phantom Shadows, Book 3, was named a Top Pick by both The Romance Reviews and Night Owl Reviews. Her Immortal Guardians novella “In Still Darkness” was released in the Predatory Anthology in May 2013. Darkness Rises, Book 4, was also nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance. Night Unbound, Book 5 in the series, will be released on September 2, 2014. When she isn’t writing, Dianne loves all things creative. When her nose isn’t buried in a book, she is very active in the independent film industry and once even appeared onscreen as a machete-wielding maniac not unlike the vampires she so loves to create in her novels.
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I love an honest review!
It’s not an author I’ve tried yet
I hope you get the chance to read the series.
Thank you for the honest review. I hope your next read is better.
Thanks, Bianca.
I would feel jipped, too, if it covered the same ground as the other books and especially since it was a character that you really wanted his story.
Exactly.
Too bad it missed the mark – sounded promising
It has potential and would work better as a full length novel.
I didn’t read the novella, but am disappointed as I love the series.
Yes the series is good.
Great honest review, I’m sorry this book didn’t work out for you I hope your next read is a much better one. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
Thanks, Kati.
It’s a pity that is missed the mark so much, especially as it sounded like it would be so good.
Ah, its one of those things.It would have worked better if it was a full length novel.
I always love reading books with older characters. Thanks for putting it on my radar!
You are welcome, enjoy.
Great review! This sounds like a good book with a lot of interesting characters.
Thanks, Jenn. It was good, despite my issues.
Great review!
Thank you.
Too bad this story didn’t go into more depth so that it could be a full length novel. The Hero sounds very interesting. Great review!
Yes, I found him to be intriguing.
It is nice to have a different age group when reading so everything isn’t always so same old same old. Glad you liked this even if it didn’t blow you away.
Yeah, it was ok.
Awe the book sounds lovely. Great review.
Thanks. It had its issues, but it was ok.