Gwen’s review of Heat of the Night (Dream Guardians, Book 2) by Sylvia Day
Contemporary paranormal romance trade paperback published 8 Jan 08 by Avon Red

I am a big Sylvia Day fangirl. I think her sensual scenes are among the best written. Her books are all about the romance. There are, of course, plots and story arcs, secondary characters, but she never takes her eye off the ball – the romance. This book is no exception. We learn more about the Dream Guardians world and their rebellion in this book. There are several moving parts to the story and things become very complicated by the end. Nevertheless, we get an HEA.

The hero is Connor – bad boy, warrior, sex god. The heroine is Stacey – single mom, student, disappointed woman. The two of them come together and sparks fly immediately. It’s a very fun relationship, if a bit suddenly developing. I enjoyed their byplay and their lovin’. The secondary characters were there to move the plot along and didn’t distract from the main romance. The bad guys are really bad, and a villain evolves in this book who is scary in how close to home he/she is.

What I didn’t like was how rushed the story seemed. This book felt short. I would have liked to see more development of the relationship between these two people that we did. Their relationship evolved – no soul-mating to be had (thank goodness) – but it seemed too fast. It was still a good book, regardless. I just wanted more.

This is an interesting series so far and is evolving to become something complex and satisfying. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Sylvia Day’s writing and of the series. It could standalone, though there may be some confusion about what/where/why.

[singlepic=80,80,80,,]Grade: B

Blurb: He is a vision from every woman’s erotic fantasies. Existing in the twilight beneath sleep and consciousness, Connor brings them decadent pleasures, fueled by their sexual energy. But violence and strife now tear apart both worlds, and Connor must embark upon a quest into the mortal realm . . . and into the arms of one intoxicating enchantress.

Stacey Daniels has always been attracted to the wrong type of men—and the muscular, Viking-like champion on her front doorstep is no exception. She can hardly believe the wounded warrior is from another world, a world where erotic dreams are needed to survive, a world of terrible danger that has followed him to her home. Connor finds solace in her passion, but only time will tell if he can defeat the dark foe who hunts them . . . and if Stacey can surrender to the promise he offers with every electrifying touch.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Read my review of Book 1 here.