A twist of fate made Zoe Pappas heir to the Byzant throne. Bound by duty and devotion to keep the Empire safe, Zoe is captured while on a secret diplomatic mission and sent to an underground prisoner-of-war camp. In this strange, shadowy place, residents are governed by fellow inmate General Matthias “Doc” Raven, whose powerful magnetism rouses an urgent desire in Zoe. But the intensity of her attraction is matched by her surprise at discovering that Doc has a secret of his own: he is a vampire.
Zoe’s presence puts everyone in the camp in danger. Doc knows it, and knows too that Zoe’s royal status makes it impossible for her to bond with a vampire. The only way to save her is to help her escape, and lose her forever. But some fires are impossible to quench, even when following your heart is the ultimate taboo….
Dark Stranger – Susan Sizemore
Available Now
Sci-Fi/Paranormal Romance
Paperback, 384 pages
Pocket Star
Book provided by the publisher
“Time flies when you are having orgasms.” HA! That quote kills me.
Dark Stranger is first book I have read by Susan Sizemore, but I had absolutely no trouble following it. I believe this to be a spin-off of her Prime series, and based on the epilogue, those that have read that series might get a little chuckle.
I think there is a wonderful twist halfway into this book, which I was not expecting and since it is mentioned in the blurb above, I am going to talk about it, but I do consider it a bit of a spoiler. Susan Sizemore writes a wonderful sci-fi book, and Dr. Matthias Raven, is a vampire, which I think just throws in a really cool twist. Not only do Zoe and Matthias have to find a way to escape this awful prison, and survive the dark, oppressive conditions while they are held captive, but they must also deal with Matthias’ vampire self – the blood lust and the soul mating. It definitely adds a more complex element that made the story better. Matthias is not the only one with a secret. Zoe has to pretend to be someone else, in reality she is the Porphyrgia, the heir to the Byzant empire. The Hajim are looking for that heir, but they have no idea what he or she looks like. Zoe feels a huge responsibility to keep all people safe, and considers her safety last of all – which bugs the hell out of Matthias. He is drawn to her independent spirit and calm attitude.
Their relationship is very much a mature one, and I really enjoyed that aspect. Nothing is rushed – heck they don’t even kiss until page 165! (Not that I was waiting, or anything ;) But that is not to say romance is lacking in this book. It is very much there, and makes for a much more realistic relationship. Although the two of them have attraction for each other from the get go, they both realize they have other responsibilities they must face before they can give into temptation. Let me tell you though, once the dam is burst open, the sexin’ is very nice.
My biggest complaint is that at some points the story moved so slow I found myself trudging through some parts that probably could have been left out. However, it was an enjoyable read and one that I recommend.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Lean more about Susan Sizemore and Dark stranger at Simon and Schuster
i haven't read any book from Susan Sizemore yet but i'll be looking her over! It could be my kind of book! Thanks for the review Mandi =)
I don't think I've read any of Susan Sizemore's books yet either…thank you Mandi!
*races off to see what's in the library's catalogue*
I tried reading the first book in Sizemore's 'Laws of Blood' series – but the book started right in the thick of action and half-way through the protagonists' centuries-long romance. I checked on fantastic fiction about 3 times to make sure I was reading the *first* book in a series, not the 4th or 5th.
By chapter 10 I was fed up with Sizemore's lack of explanation about the universe and characters she was writing.
I will definitely read another Susan Sizemore book!
Danielle – hmmmm..I don't know. This one starts right in on the action but the back story is told really well. Some work, some don't. I really don't know anything about her other work.
I have read the whole Prime series but the last one that come out the fist of this month.. I'd say the first two books are not really great but as you read they get so much better by book four I was hooked..
I don't think I've read anything by this author but I love the quote! I'll have to look her up.
I've seen a lot of buzz on Dark Stranger, I almost bought it the other day. Might still…since I've never read anything by Susan Sizemore.
Love the quote!!
Laurie – good to know – thanks!
Tricia – yeah, I really came to love the heroine ;)
Donna – This is def one you can pick up w/o having read her previous work!
This is an author I've been meaning to read forever. I think you have more patience then I do when it comes to reading. 165 until the first kiss? I probably would have given up by then!
Oh Mandi, what a great review! I am a huge fan of Ms. Susan's work!!! I read the whole Primal Series and I ate them up!!!!! That was before I was blogging…. omg… They are so worth the buy!!!!
Thanks honey! Have a great Sunday!
Great review, and I absolutely love that quote! I really enjoy Susan Sizemore's books, but haven't picked this one up yet. Thanks for reminding me!
Hi Mandi,
Great review and it makes me want to read this one even more!
I'm a huge fan of Susan's Primal series and can't wait to read this one!
Sounds tempting, and yes love that quote ;)
Great review Mandi
Buckeye – Don't worry, there is plently of sexual tensionn :D
Cecile – Cool!! We are going to have to chat about them!
Alexia – LOL, yeah Zoe got a little caught up with being with Matthias..I don't blame her ;)
Razlover – Cool! You will have to let me know your thoughts :)
Blodeuedd – I laughed out loud when I read that quote.
I too read Ms Sizemore's Prime books before reviewing/blogging. Have only reviewed Primal Desires (for my TBR challenge this year) and eventhough I love the Prime Series, that one just didn't quite do it for me. However I am now intrigued by this spin-off. Will keep it in mind.
Great review Mandi!