Helpful Score: 3
It took me a while to get into this one. I'm not a big fan of Feehan's writing style -- I find it pretty ponderous and repetitive -- but I like the idea of her storylines so I stuck with the book and it did get better about 1/3 of the way into it. Overall, it was okay but not great, but then I've heard that this isn't the best of the Dark series (which I've been reading here and there out of order as I come across them), so I'm taking that as a pretty good sign. I wish the author would develope a sense of humor, though! I don't think any of these characters ever attempted a single joke! A little levity to break up all the melodrama would be good!
Jennifer M. (medinaserpa) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is when her series has started to go bad. Book is unoriginal!
Helpful Score: 2
It was a good story about Rafael and did give some insight to the Dragonseeker clan but I didn't enjoy it as well as her other books. He is a bit dominating for my taste.
Helpful Score: 2
Wasn't sure I was going to like the 'western' theme, but some interesting details were revealed and Colby is quite a strong woman. Rafael is a bit more chauvanistic than previous Carpathian males, but is yummy by the end. And the two personalities mesh nicely.
Helpful Score: 1
Christine Feehan once again delivers a great Carpathian romance.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful erotic romance with just a touch more.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good-explains what a dragon seeker is.
Helpful Score: 1
good story
Susan B. (TwoLittleMonkeys) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 103 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A very intense and emotional story. I love this whole series!
Helpful Score: 1
First book of this kind I have ever read, about paranoral(vampires) and it had me hypmotized, I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
I have all of the Dark Series and I look forward to each new book. Each book is about fighting evil bad guys and convincing the only one for you that you are a good guy and will love them forever! It is the one of the best epic PERFECT MATE/VAMPIRE book series there is.
Carolyn F. (GracefulFire) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 65 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
So hot, you will scorch whatever you are sitting on!!!!
Excellent Carpathian read!
The enthralling story of Rafael and his lifemate Colby. One of Feehan's Carpathian books, this is one seductive read!
Another great vampire story from Christine Feehan.
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 768 more book reviews
Had it in my keepers pile!
Another great Feehan novel. I love them all!
CARPATHIAN NOVEL rafel de la cruz and colby jansen very very good book!!!!!
a carpathian novel........a good sifi read
Tammy P. (bookluver-in-sc) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 229 more book reviews
Another very good Carpathian Vampire novel. I love this author and these are some of my favorite books.
Everyone is always raving about this series, but it's not my taste.
First of the Carpathian series that I read (and it's book 15!!). I like the latter books more than the earlier ones. The Brazilian Carpathians are (for whatever reason) more interesting. Great mythology created by author and it's a series that has held up well.
This is a wonderful book. The series is awesome.
This book tells the story of Rafael de la Cruz and Colby Jansen, a mismatched pair who struggle with their relationship after Rafael, a Carpathian, binds them together in the manner of his people. Colby is a rancher, a tomboy, looking after her two younger siblings and struggling to keep her ranch afloat when Rafael barges into her life and up-ends everything, helping her out financially and saving her ranch but also introducing her to a world of vampires, Carpathians, and Dragonseekers that terrifies her. They have quite a struggle to get along, these two, and I admit theirs is my least favorite romance of the series. Rafael is too domineering jerk and Colby is all over the place, weepy one minute, rebellious the next. She's a bit of a dim-wit and appears incapable of thinking even five minutes ahead about the consequences of any action she takes. I had a hard time caring about her and Rafael the way I cared about Lara and Nicholas in "Dark Curse" or Natalya and Vikirnoff in "Dark Demon", one of my favorite of the "Dark" series, where you can actually see the couples slowly falling in love.
On the plus side, Christine Feehan explores the world around the Carpathians more deeply and has some interesting bits of history and back-story, and the climax of the book is excitingly written, with a really scary villain and some imaginative underground battles. If you like the "Dark" series then "Dark Secret" contains information you will want to know, even if the romance is, in my opinion, not the most satisfying of the series.
On the plus side, Christine Feehan explores the world around the Carpathians more deeply and has some interesting bits of history and back-story, and the climax of the book is excitingly written, with a really scary villain and some imaginative underground battles. If you like the "Dark" series then "Dark Secret" contains information you will want to know, even if the romance is, in my opinion, not the most satisfying of the series.
Dolores P. (momadukes) - , reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 7 more book reviews
I LIKE THIS BOOK.IT WAS QUICK READING FOR THIS SERIES.
Rafael and Colby...
I loved Colby in this one! She is a strong heroine that has fought for years to keep her ranch and brother and sister together. Very admirable! Then along comes tall, dark, and steamy Rafael from Brazil wanting to take her family away...say the magic Carpathian ritual and it's over. Maybe after reading twelve books in this series, I have become a little bitter at the men feeling like the women owe them this right. I don't know...
All and all if you follow this series, you can't leave this one out. If you do not follow this series, don't start with this one first.
I loved Colby in this one! She is a strong heroine that has fought for years to keep her ranch and brother and sister together. Very admirable! Then along comes tall, dark, and steamy Rafael from Brazil wanting to take her family away...say the magic Carpathian ritual and it's over. Maybe after reading twelve books in this series, I have become a little bitter at the men feeling like the women owe them this right. I don't know...
All and all if you follow this series, you can't leave this one out. If you do not follow this series, don't start with this one first.
This one would have been stuck on three stars if not for the awesome climax, probably the best so far in this series!
In this installment, Feehan finally addresses what we have all been wondering about... what if the strong, domineering, alpha male didn't care if the woman wanted to be his lifemate? Rafael De La Cruz, answers that question in spades. He is an ancient, super powerful and used to getting his way - always and without complaint. If there is any question, he just takes what he wants. That is how he handles the woman he discovers is his lifemate. It is of little consequence what she might want. If she disagrees - and she does - he compels her and takes it anyway. It makes him a very hard character to like but kudos goes to Feehan for exploring the side of the Carpathian male we all know is there.
Colby is the perfect foil for this plot-line. She is independent, incredibly headstrong - she has to be, as she has had the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings and running a ranch since she was seventeen years old. She is responsible yet loving and fiercely protective of her life and family. So, when Rafael enters the picture, demanding she submit to him, turn her siblings over to his care and follow him to his home country of Brazil, one can imagine the response. It results in great reading but not necessarily enjoyable reading. Rafael's character is never given enough depth to overcome our disdain of his actions. He never just sits down and explains things to Colby so she is able to understand and accept everything that is pummeling her world. The reader becomes as infuriated as Colby with this confusion, keeping those stars from climbing despite the great writing.
Things take a drastic turn for the better, however, as the climax hits. It comes out of nowhere and, again, explores an area that we often wonder about concerning those almost indestructible males but have never really experienced to this extreme (notice how hard I'm trying not to spoil?!?) It was the perfect twist needed to bring redemption to Rafael and acceptance to the reader.
*The steam factor in this book is high and somewhat uncomfortable. It is also hard to skip and keep the thread of the plot consistant.*
In this installment, Feehan finally addresses what we have all been wondering about... what if the strong, domineering, alpha male didn't care if the woman wanted to be his lifemate? Rafael De La Cruz, answers that question in spades. He is an ancient, super powerful and used to getting his way - always and without complaint. If there is any question, he just takes what he wants. That is how he handles the woman he discovers is his lifemate. It is of little consequence what she might want. If she disagrees - and she does - he compels her and takes it anyway. It makes him a very hard character to like but kudos goes to Feehan for exploring the side of the Carpathian male we all know is there.
Colby is the perfect foil for this plot-line. She is independent, incredibly headstrong - she has to be, as she has had the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings and running a ranch since she was seventeen years old. She is responsible yet loving and fiercely protective of her life and family. So, when Rafael enters the picture, demanding she submit to him, turn her siblings over to his care and follow him to his home country of Brazil, one can imagine the response. It results in great reading but not necessarily enjoyable reading. Rafael's character is never given enough depth to overcome our disdain of his actions. He never just sits down and explains things to Colby so she is able to understand and accept everything that is pummeling her world. The reader becomes as infuriated as Colby with this confusion, keeping those stars from climbing despite the great writing.
Things take a drastic turn for the better, however, as the climax hits. It comes out of nowhere and, again, explores an area that we often wonder about concerning those almost indestructible males but have never really experienced to this extreme (notice how hard I'm trying not to spoil?!?) It was the perfect twist needed to bring redemption to Rafael and acceptance to the reader.
*The steam factor in this book is high and somewhat uncomfortable. It is also hard to skip and keep the thread of the plot consistant.*
Denell W. (Chitimacha-Princess) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 586 more book reviews
Wonderful story! Highly recommended!
This is about 12 in a series of books by C. Feehan about Carpathians. They are a separate race from humans. They live nearly forever, but the men desparately need their women. They are essentially vampire romance novels. Great cotton candy type of reading.
IT'S ANOTHER CARPATHIAN BOOK BY FEEHAN,GREAT.
Geraldine Z. (gerrielady1) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 102 more book reviews
This is, as usual with ms. feehan,a very good read. I enjoyed it when I read it but I had read it before so I am returning it to you to list again.
great book
Absolutely would read anything she wrote. They are all great
I have yet to read a book of Christine Feehans that i don't like. Dark secret was no exception. loved it.
Not my favorite of Dark Series, but still a good read.
Interested in vampire stories? You'll really like this one.
Wonderful just like all her books.
Another wonderful book by Christine Feehan! Loved it.
Eleanor C. (RayandGabesMommie) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 48 more book reviews
I love her books...Great Series!
good book
Christine Feehan's Dark series is awesome......
I had high hopes for this latest installment of the Dark Vampire series. But this book to follows the same formula as all of her other vampire books. If you enjoy this series your welcome to have it.
Very good Carpathian read
good story
worth the read
Love Christine, love the Carpathians. I Don't have enough good to say about them. Have never read one of the series that I didn't like.
Christine Feehan has thrilled legions of fans with her seductive, sensual Carpathian tales. Tjos os the story of Rafael, a savage hunter from the darkest jungles, and the beautiful prey he would never let escape.........
This wasn't the best of her books, but it was still pretty good!!!
I kinda like the new characters!!
I liked Darius n Tempest the best though. Anyone else?
I kinda like the new characters!!
I liked Darius n Tempest the best though. Anyone else?
This book is part of a large series. You can't just put them down. I really get into the characters and the storyline. I would highly recommend this book especially if you are a fan of this author.
Another fantastic book by Christine Feehan. This whole series is a A rating for collectors.
Raphael de la Cruz is a Carpathian vampire hunter,who has found his lifemate in Colby Jansen.
She is trying to run a horse ranch & raise her two siblings while fending off a master vampire.
She is trying to run a horse ranch & raise her two siblings while fending off a master vampire.
this is a great book
Excellent series!
Another great Carpathian story!
Excellent series!
This is a story from Christina Feehan's Dark Carpathian novels.
The enthralling story of Rafael, a savage hunter from the darkest jungles, and the beautiful prey he would never let escape.
The enthralling story of Rafael, a savage hunter from the darkest jungles, and the beautiful prey he would never let escape.
This is a good book, I did a little board at the end but over all a good read. Christine Feehan dose write a good storie
Susan B. (TwoLittleMonkeys) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 103 more book reviews
Rafael De La Cruz has spent centuries hunting vampires with his brothers, and with each passing year his capacity to feel emotions has grown weaker and weaker until finally there's barely been a memory left-until only sheer willpower keeps him from turning into the very abomination he hunts. But it'll take more than will to keep him away from the woman who is meant to be his and his alone
For five years, rancher Colby Jansen has been the sole protector of her younger half-siblings, and with fierce determination and work she has kept her family together and the ranch operational. Now, the De La Cruz brothers are threatening that stability. They claim that her siblings belong with their father's family, not with her. Colby vows to fight them-especially the cold and arrogant Rafael De La Cruz. But Rafael is after more than her family-he wants Colby and will not let anything stand between them. After ages of loneliness, the raw desire to possess her overwhelms his very soul, driving him to claim her as his lifemate.
*taken from author's website
This is a very dramatic and intense story. Christine Feehan is one of my favorite authors and her Dark books are the best.
For five years, rancher Colby Jansen has been the sole protector of her younger half-siblings, and with fierce determination and work she has kept her family together and the ranch operational. Now, the De La Cruz brothers are threatening that stability. They claim that her siblings belong with their father's family, not with her. Colby vows to fight them-especially the cold and arrogant Rafael De La Cruz. But Rafael is after more than her family-he wants Colby and will not let anything stand between them. After ages of loneliness, the raw desire to possess her overwhelms his very soul, driving him to claim her as his lifemate.
*taken from author's website
This is a very dramatic and intense story. Christine Feehan is one of my favorite authors and her Dark books are the best.
Rafael De La Cruz has spent centuries hunting vampires with his brothers, and with each passing year his capacity to feel emotions has grown weaker and weaker ntil finally there's barely even a memory left - until only sheer willpower keeps him from turning into the very abomination he hunts. But it'll take more than will to keep him away from the woman who is meant to be his and his alone...
For five years, rancher Colby Jansen has been the sole protector of her younger half-siblings, and with fierce determination and work she has kept her family together and the ranch operational. Now, the De La Cruz brothers are threatening that stability. They claim that her siblings belong with their father's family, not with her. Colby vows to fight them-especially the cold and arrogant Rafael De La Cruz. But Rafael is after more than her family-he wants Colby and will not let anything stand between them. After ages of loneliness, the raw desire to possess her overwhelms his very soul, driving him to claim her as his lifemate...
For five years, rancher Colby Jansen has been the sole protector of her younger half-siblings, and with fierce determination and work she has kept her family together and the ranch operational. Now, the De La Cruz brothers are threatening that stability. They claim that her siblings belong with their father's family, not with her. Colby vows to fight them-especially the cold and arrogant Rafael De La Cruz. But Rafael is after more than her family-he wants Colby and will not let anything stand between them. After ages of loneliness, the raw desire to possess her overwhelms his very soul, driving him to claim her as his lifemate...
Rafael De La Cruz has spent centuries hunting vampires with his brothers, and with each passing year his capacity to feel emotions has grown weaker and weaker until finally there's barely even a memory left-until only sheer willpower keeps him from turning into the very abomination he hunts. But it'll take more than will to keep him away from the woman who is meant to be his and his alone...
For five years, rancher Colby Jansen has been the sole protector of her younger half-siblings, and with fierce determination and work she has kept her family together and the ranch operational. Now, the De La Cruz brothers are threatening that stability. They claim that her siblings belong with their father's family, not with her. Colby vows to fight them-especially the cold and arrogant Rafael De La Cruz. But Rafael is after more than her family-he wants Colby and will not let anything stand between them. After ages of loneliness, the raw desire to possess her overwhelms his very soul, driving him to claim her as his lifemate...
For five years, rancher Colby Jansen has been the sole protector of her younger half-siblings, and with fierce determination and work she has kept her family together and the ranch operational. Now, the De La Cruz brothers are threatening that stability. They claim that her siblings belong with their father's family, not with her. Colby vows to fight them-especially the cold and arrogant Rafael De La Cruz. But Rafael is after more than her family-he wants Colby and will not let anything stand between them. After ages of loneliness, the raw desire to possess her overwhelms his very soul, driving him to claim her as his lifemate...
Sandra C. (stonedpeanut38) reviewed Dark Secret (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 12) on + 44 more book reviews
Part of Feehan's Dark series...haven't read because I want to read them all in order but I'm sure I'll enjoy later
Rafael De La Cruz has spent centuries hunting vampires w/his brothers,and w/each passing yr his capacity to feel emotions has grown weaker and weaker until finally there's barely even a memory left-until only sheer willpower keeps him from turning into the very abomination he hunts.But it'll than take more will to keep him away from the woman who is meant to be his and his alone...
Colby Jansen has been raising Ginny and Paul since her beloved stepfather, Armando Chevez, died, while running the ranch he left them. Disaster after disaster strikes; then, members of the Brazilian -Chevez family, along with two of the powerful De La Cruz brothers, for whom their family has worked for centuries, arrive to take the children and dispose of the ranch. Colby finds the handsome Rafael De La Cruz threatening but irresistibly attractive, and when an ancient and powerful vampire appears, Colby and Rafael combine forces.
Rafael De La Cruz has spent centuries hunting vampires with his brothers, and with each passing year his capacity to feel emotions has grown weaker and weaker until finally there's barely even a memory left--until only sheer willpower keeps him from turning into the very abomination he hunts. But it'll take more than will to keep him away from the woman who is meant to be his and his alone...
For five years rancher Colby Jansen has been the sole protector of her younger half-siblings, and with fierce determination and work she has kept her family together and the ranch operational. Now, the De La Cruz brothers are threatening that stability. They claim that her siblings belong with their father's family, not with her. Colby vows to fight them--especially the cold and arrogant Rafael De la Cruz. But Rafael is after more than her family--he wants Colby and will not let anything stand between them. After ages of loneliness, the raw desire to possess her overwhelms his very soul, driving him to claim her as his lifemate...
For five years rancher Colby Jansen has been the sole protector of her younger half-siblings, and with fierce determination and work she has kept her family together and the ranch operational. Now, the De La Cruz brothers are threatening that stability. They claim that her siblings belong with their father's family, not with her. Colby vows to fight them--especially the cold and arrogant Rafael De la Cruz. But Rafael is after more than her family--he wants Colby and will not let anything stand between them. After ages of loneliness, the raw desire to possess her overwhelms his very soul, driving him to claim her as his lifemate...
didnt read...
