Dark Need

The third in Lynn Vieh’s Darkyn series is just as good, if not better, than the previous two.

So hot it’ll make your ears burn with a plot that that is darker than the other two, Dark Need has everthing: murder, action, lust, betrayal, lies, half-truths, and a dynamic ending you should see coming, but don't.

This is my favourite so far.

Detective Samantha Brown is working a homicide case where the ‘murder’ weapon has the name ‘Lucan’ inscribed on the back. In fact, every victim had a connection to Lucan’s Goth nightclub, Infusion.

Lucan, assassin to the Darkyn High Lord, sees in Samantha a woman he once loved and lost centuries ago; he is determined to make Samantha his kyrya, or human wife. She is resistant. When tragedy strikes, Sam is more determined than ever to hunt down the killer and enlists Lucan’s help. The need for vengeance fades away under the primitive attraction and overwhelming lust.

Added to the mix is Lucan’s plan for his arch-enemy, Michael Cyprien, the hero of If Angels Burn, and his sygkenis, Dr Alexandra Keller; then there’s Sam’s stalker who arranged for her near murder some years ago, that left her scarred physically and emotionally.

At first, Lucan is irritatingly arrogant and determined to have Sam, no matter what her feelings on the issue might be. Sam, of course, while attracted, resists him and his alluring powers, but only for a while – it wouldn’t be a romance if they didn’t come together with some explosive passion.

Both are emotionally damaged, almost without hope at ever finding love. It's a long road to redemption for Lucan, he has been shunned by his own kind for centuries. As a hero is nasty, indifferent, selfish, charming, sneaky, clever and determined; Sam is also determined, but she is lost, heroic, confused and guilt-ridden.

I think the only disappointment was the homicide case. The clues led straight to Lucan, and no other suspect was ever contemplated. As a cop, that makes Sam a pretty poor one, even with her 'special' talent. Sure, these books are about the Darkyn, but they're also about those who are drawn into their world.

This story has an excellent end that was foretold in Private Demon. As with all of Lynn’s books, the reader must be aware of the ongoing plot issues that span books to come.

Dark Need, while satisfying in itself, is a harbinger of dangerous times ahead. Now all I need is for Lynn’s publishing company to get the lead out and fast track the next one.

Dark Need, a Signet book, is out today. Go get it.