His Dark Kiss Book

Buddy read with Celestine in January!

REVIEW

I was looking forward to reading this because I enjoyed the first book in the series, Dark Desires. For the first few pages everything was fine, as the author established a gothic atmosphere, but as soon as the hero entered the picture, I knew I wasn't going to like it.

You see, Lord Anthony suffers from a condition that affects many gothic heroes. He's overly dramatic and Superdarkâ„¢ He's all like "I'M SO DARK AND YOU SHOULDN'T LOVE ME AND BTW LOOK AT ALL THIS DEATH." He shows interest in the heroine while warning her away, and after several scenes like that, it becomes really tedious.

"Will you flee with the morning light, Miss Parrish? Run from this place?" He cocked a brow. "From me?"

*rolls eyes*

"I am not kind, Miss Parrish. Never mistake me for a man who is kind." Lord Anthony's voice was a whisper, the tone caressing her, though the words made her shiver.

Gothic heroes always disparage themselves in a sexy voice.

"I must offer my heart on a platter, offer it to be shredded, betrayed." He looked back at her, watching her, eyes narrowed and unblinking. "That I will not do a second time."

Relax, dude.

He also sucks in that even though he used to be a skilled doctor, he now refuses to help someone in danger because he'll definitely kill her. Even though the person has no other options. Like, okay? I guess it's better she die on her own than because he attempted to help her? Lord Anthony is so childish in this regard. UGH.

There's also a mysterious tower in this book (duh). And of course NO ONE will talk about what Lord Anthony does in this tower. The response to any inquiry about the tower?

DEATH.

"What's in the tower?"
"DEATH."
"What does he do up there?"
"Deals in DEATH."
"What does it smell like?"
"DEATH."

Like half this book could have been cut out if only the characters hadn't tried so hard to keep the tower mysterious. It was so dumb. There was no reason for this, and Emma's fear of it wouldn't have been an issue if Anthony took the time to explain. But no, he is a gothic hero, and so he must keep secrets.

The romance was forced, and I never once believed in it. Emma is the governess, so obviously Anthony's attention toward her is inappropriate. But this issue is mostly just brushed aside, even though a relationship between a governess and a lord of the manor is not the done thing. She's attracted to him, and they share a few words, and suddenly he's randomly caressing her face during conversations. While warning her away. His behavior just sucks.

Most of my enjoyment of this mostly came from making fun of it. But I thought the gothic atmosphere was well-done, which is why this gets an extra star.