Helpful Score: 8
This book made my head spin, and not in a good way. The plot might be OK if you could do without the characters. The heroine is one dimensional and constantly in a state of panic or other high emotion. She never says anything sedately and if I read "she cried!" one more time I will have a fit. You cannot maintain that kind of angst continually - either in real life or, more importantly, to have a good story. I would only recommend this book if you enjoy reading historical, fantasy romances with tepid sex and women who lack the ability to have a single rational thought.
Helpful Score: 5
This book is in an entirely new direction for Joyce. Unfortunately, I have been disappointed in her last three books and this is the worst. If you are looking for sex, not romance, this is for you. The entire book is sexual and not presented in a "fluff" manner, which becomes boring after a while. The little bit of plot is flawed with contridictions throughout. The book does supply lots of character introductions and explantions about the Masters, which you will need to know if you continue with the series. I don't think I will be continuing.
Helpful Score: 3
This is the first Brenda Joyce novel I have read. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next in the series. Several editing errors irked me a little, like leaving the periods off the end of sentences. I mean, really, who does that in a published book? But the story itself was imaginative and entertaining.
Helpful Score: 3
If Malcom of Dunroch suddenly appeared at my home I would leap across space and time with him on the spot, anytime, anywhere and figure out what to tell my husband and boss later (sorry Claire). Joyce has created a superb series that leaps right off of the page. Fast action, great storyline, swoon-inducing men, strong females, and hot hot highlander romance. I even chose the handsome Malcom as my avataar. This series is a keeper and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Ah Calum!
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book. If you like J.R. Ward, laurell k hamilton and sherrilyn kenyon you will love these too.
Helpful Score: 2
Very good time travel adventure with a handsome, sexy Highlander. Claire, a bookstore owner, is taken into the 15th century by a warrior with extraordinary powers. I don't recall any over-the-top sex scenes yet there's an aura of sensuality throughout the book. Definitely recommend.
Helpful Score: 2
I try never to order the entire series until I've read at least the first book to make sure i'll like it. I broke that rule this time and now I'm stuck with all the books. I did not enjoy this book at all. It was a chore to read it to the end. The heroine was annoying and whiney. The ending was forced. I'm really hoping the rest of the books are better since I have them all to read!!!
Amy H. (passionateaboutbooks) reviewed Dark Seduction (Masters of Time, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I love highlander books and especially paranormal romance...but this book made want to gag. I like a good hot book but this was so much overkill and absolutely ridiculous! The fact that the "heroine" treats the hero like an idiot was absolutely nerve wracking! It was definately all about her and the whole "I'm in love with him" was absolutely b.s. How is that possible with one meeting?? Seriously, Aidan sounded so much more interesting....I struggled getting through this book. To me there is no comparison, Karen M. is so much better a writer! Read her series and leave these on the book shelf!
Helpful Score: 2
Loved it...... If you like Christine Feehan books you will enjoy these.
Helpful Score: 2
New series featuring medieval time traveling warriors who protect the innocent from evil. The story has an interesting plot with lovable characters, however the sexuality aspect of the story was a little over the top. Overall I think the story is worth reading and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Helpful Score: 2
It is very rare that I put down a book without finishing it, but for this book I made an exception. The plot was non existent. The dialogue was forced, unbelievable, and was never used to further the storyline at all. The heroine of the story had no depth of character and really I felt terrible for the hero having to deal with her. The worst part of all this mess was the plot. If there was one I didn't see it. So many different things were happening in the book it was impossible to keep track of what the characters were doing and where they were. I several times found my self saying "what the heck is going on here". If you're looking for a good paranormal romance try JR Ward, Lara Adrian, or Kerrelyn Sparks. They manage plot, witty dialogue, and characters who have depth.
Kristen S. (SomethingSmarter) reviewed Dark Seduction (Masters of Time, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I'm in total agreement with JillB. I love the time travel, good vs evil plot, and the characters .. but the sex is just too much for me.
Patricia A. (armstrongpaw1) reviewed Dark Seduction (Masters of Time, Bk 1) on + 101 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
First book of a new series, "Masters of Time." Sons and grandsons of an ancient goddess, Masters are picked to join a secret brotherhood which fights evil in any age. Malcolm is a newly chosen Master - a novice to her extraordinary and dangerous powers. He has already broken his vows and a young woman's death is on his hands.
Claire Camden, a seller of old and rare books, has done everything possible to create a safe world since her mother's and cousin's murder. But nothing she does can save her from being swept back to 15th century Scotland to become the Innocent under Malcolm's protection. Claire needs Malcolm to survive in this treacherous world, yet must somehow keep him at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake--anf fulfilling his desires could prove fatal.
I enjoyed this thoroughly. A different theme. Grabs you from the start.
Claire Camden, a seller of old and rare books, has done everything possible to create a safe world since her mother's and cousin's murder. But nothing she does can save her from being swept back to 15th century Scotland to become the Innocent under Malcolm's protection. Claire needs Malcolm to survive in this treacherous world, yet must somehow keep him at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake--anf fulfilling his desires could prove fatal.
I enjoyed this thoroughly. A different theme. Grabs you from the start.
Kathleen E. (harleybabe2015) reviewed Dark Seduction (Masters of Time, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The premise of the book was great and I couldn't wait to settle in for a good read. Unfortunately it stumbled out of the blocks and couldn't catch up. I didn't get a quarter way through the book before I had to put it down. It just didn't grab me like her other books have in the past.
Helpful Score: 1
tedious & boring - not able to complete book. Not enough solid story, too much cheap sex.
Kathleen (denbroncofan4evr) -
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first book I've read by Brenda Joyce. It was pretty good - I'd give it a B+. It was different but they kept going back and forth so much I was getting bored in a few places. I would recommend it but it would not be at the top of my list.
Helpful Score: 1
Wayyyy to much like soft porn for my liking! not even much of a plot!
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't realize it was part of a series until after I started reading it. I strongly suggest reading the other books first in order to have some background, but it can stand on it's own. I like the good versus evil theme, and the special powers given to the good guys. I thoroughy enjoyed the hot scenes between Sam and Ian! If a reader is in to books with mythical god-like men with special powers who fight against evil and meet awesome women who help them, then this book it definitely it!
Somewhat hard to follow at first. Once you get used to the language, it is entertaining. She doesn't have the humor of Gena Showalter but I find I enjoy Ms Joyce's books more. Perhaps b/c the sex isn't as graphic and violent. Her stories aren't as gripping nor is she the storyteller that JR Ward is, but if you enjoy the unusual, this is a fun series. I have read the first 3, with each one being better than the previous. It isn't necessary to read each but I recommend reading each in order since the characters surface in each novel and are entwined in each.
Loved it. A bit hard to get used to the accents...But once I caught on it was much easier. Pure Lust and Love. The hero is quite humerous.
Although I've never read any of Brenda's historical romances, I've heard that they are good. And IMO she should have stuck with them because this book was baaaaaaad.
I liked the overarching mythology of the book (time-travelling superhuman "Masters" who are descended from Celtic Gods who are born to fight evil and Demons), and that is the only thing that kept me reading the book. Otherwise I would have put it down after the first sex scene - which was a little too close to rape for my taste. And if that hadn't done it, the multiple TSTL (too stupid to live) moves by the heroine would have. Or the many little contnuity errors in the book that had me thinking "What just happened?????".
I have decided yet whether or not to read the second book in the series. I've read the reviews and they say it gets better. But it would have to get a LOT better.
I liked the overarching mythology of the book (time-travelling superhuman "Masters" who are descended from Celtic Gods who are born to fight evil and Demons), and that is the only thing that kept me reading the book. Otherwise I would have put it down after the first sex scene - which was a little too close to rape for my taste. And if that hadn't done it, the multiple TSTL (too stupid to live) moves by the heroine would have. Or the many little contnuity errors in the book that had me thinking "What just happened?????".
I have decided yet whether or not to read the second book in the series. I've read the reviews and they say it gets better. But it would have to get a LOT better.
This is the first novel I've read by Brenda Joyce. I liked the idea behind it and the story was good, but the sex scenes bugged me for the most part. It seems like they were all pretty much worded the same and they didn't feel emotionally involved. Even the "love" sex scene didn't feel emotional enough for me. I bought the whole series at the same time so I will read them and keep my fingers crossed that the love scenes will be better. I really enjoyed the secondary characters and look forward to reading more about them.
I did not get past the Prologue...started way to fast with the hot and heavy sex...I prefer the build up and a plot first. I'm not sure I like paranormals if they are all like this one.
I enjoy the overall premise of sexy time-traveling Highlanders who fight evil, but found parts of this book to be repetitive. I also wanted a heroine who was a bookseller to have a few scenes or comments about books. Instead what was emphasized was her fitness and fighting abilities. If that's the main characteristic, she should have been a personal trainer!
Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary --and dangerous--powers. But he has already broken his vows--and a young woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himslef all pleasure...until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.
Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time--a treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake--and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal...
Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time--a treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake--and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal...
Diana C. (princessdiana34691) reviewed Dark Seduction (Masters of Time, Bk 1) on + 361 more book reviews
excellent book.
THE MASTERS OF TIME... HIGHLAND WARRIORS SWORN TO PROTECT INNOCENCE THROUGH THE AGES.. Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary-and dangerous-powers..But he has already broken is vows-and a youong woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself all pleasure... until fate sends him another innocent, the beautiful Claire Camden.. DESIRE IS THE FIRST WEAPON... Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life foe herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time- A treacherous, frightening world shere the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's lenght. For Malcolm's soul is at stake- and fulfulling his desires could prove fatal
Malcolm of Dunroch has been chosen by the secret Brotherhood, a nameless society of pagan knights sworn to defend mankind. He is a novice to his extraordinaryâand dangerous--powers. But he has already broken his vows--for an innocent woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his dark sexuality, denying himself all pleasureâ¦until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller, Claire Camden.
Desire is the first weapon
Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of the night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his timeâa treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously powerful Master at arm's length. For she has no wish to die in his bed like the othersâin the throes of dark, forbidden pleasureâ¦
Desire is the first weapon
Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of the night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his timeâa treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously powerful Master at arm's length. For she has no wish to die in his bed like the othersâin the throes of dark, forbidden pleasureâ¦
Brenda Joyce's new series that devulges into time travel, magic, and of course, LOTS of sex. lol What is with magic & sex books lately?
Anyways...
Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinaryâand dangerousâpowers. But he has already broken his vowsâand a young woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself all pleasureâ¦until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.
Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his timeâa treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stakeâand fulfilling his desires could prove fatalâ¦.
Anyways...
Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinaryâand dangerousâpowers. But he has already broken his vowsâand a young woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself all pleasureâ¦until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.
Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his timeâa treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stakeâand fulfilling his desires could prove fatalâ¦.
This was a very enjoyable book, I read it one day!
