Touch of Darkness: Christina Dodd

Handsome, powerful Rurik Wilder holds the power to transform himself into a fierce bird of prey-a gift that's caused death and destruction.

At last he's offered the chance to redeem himself. Only one woman stands in his way-a beautiful writer determined to wreak revenge on the assassins who murdered her family. Assassins, it's been rumored, who have powers no human should ever possess...

The ending of The Scent of Darkness, or should I say book one of the Darkness Chosen series, leads us straight to this title. We find ourselves half way across the world at an archeological dig in search for hidden treasure but not of the shiny gold expensive type. Rurik Wilder has seen the power in which his brother's mate has given to the family so with that hope, comes to this place in attempt to find another of the broken family relic.

There are only two problems and the one about being shot at, almost blown up and buried alive is the lesser of the two. The past love interest has once again shown up in his life and perhaps it is just fate or maybe she is just doing her job, regardless the need to protect her is too strong thus like most men, he is doomed with this spunky woman. Throughout their journeys we see the 'couple' bantering to and fro and attempting with much resolve to not hop atop one another while there is work to be done. Perhaps she is the one that shall bring another piece of the puzzle and help cure his family's curse.

I will admit to finding Rurik's character very weak but thankfully the wit and sheer determination of Tasya to right what is wrong in the world a refreshing read. However too many things seem to fall into place at just the right moments as if the author were attempting to force the story into this book too much, it lacked the flow that the first novel had. Still amused with the humor and minor back story that was given I would recommend this and hope so very much that the third title is more like the first. Oh and that whole dark secret thing...not very shocking, sorry. Three and a half star in hopes to enjoy the third novel.

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Publisher: Signet (August 7, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0451221842
ISBN-13: 978-0451221841
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