this one was really good, was pretty actioned packed which I liked, and the sex scenes I loved. over all it was a good book. ( )

Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd
Book #2 in Darkness Chosen
3 stars

Synopsis:
Rurik Wilder, a shapshifter who can turn into a bird of prey, is determined to break the curse that afflicts his family and goes in search of the holy icon that may fulfill this goal. Little does he know that the woman with whom he spent a night of unbridled passion is bent on revenge against the same assassins who seek to stop his quest. Can the two overcome their personal issues to triumph over their adversaries?

Review:
Starts out a bit slow but increases in pace as the quest/adventure proceeds. While the Wilder men are very similar, the heroines are vastly different. Ann is shy and unassuming while Tasya is fiercely independent with trust issues. I enjoyed the differences in their characterization.
The mythology of the series plays an important role in the story but it could have been developed more substantially. Moreover, Tasya’s backs story is not as compelling as Ann’s and her relationship with Rurik is more complex and conflicted.
Recommendation: A satisfying read and I am interested in seeing how the series develops. ( )

Over a thousand years past, a man sells his soul and that of his descendants to the Devil in exchange for the ability to shape-change into a predator and gain power and wealth. The family, the Varinskis, based in the Ukraine, are now assassins and thugs for hire. One man went against tradition, marrying a gypsy girl against family rules, and leaves the family; moving to the American Pacific Northwest and changing his name to Wilder. His family of three sons and a daughter (true Varinskis only bear sons on their partners), fight to stay alive and now are trying to break the ancient curse to save the father's life and their immortal souls. loved this Series of Books. This being the first book of the series, it captivated me. ( )

A search for the Missing icon takes us to the Scottish Isles for some excavating. Rurik the archeologist brother leads this story.There he leads a dig of an Ancient Celtic warrior's treasure filled with Indiana Jones style traps. The Dig discovers a golden trunk while he is away and reporters and danger descend upon him and the site. His love interest Tasya, the women who ran from him after one night in bed, is there and stuck in the middle of it all. They are nearly blown up and embark on a journey to find the icon, each for different reasons. He is driven to prove his love for her she only wants to get away.
A classic romance with an interesting paranormal shifter twist. ( )

Oh yeah, I loved this book. Absolutely fantastic. I really like how Christina blends a bit of humor with suspense. I have no problem connecting with the characters and loved the hero in this one. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series. ( )