Sandy M’s review of Demon’s Hunger (Compact of Sorcerers, Book 2) by Eve Silver
Contemporary Paranormal Romance published by Forever 25 Nov 08

I’ve been lucky through my last several books to read more of those sexy, demanding, alpha heroes that I so love when I read. And what makes those reads that much better is when there’s a strong and intelligent heroine by his side.  Eve Silver has given us that in spades with her hero and heroine, Dain and Vivien, and with the added plus of the supernatural, good and evil, a terrific storyline that will keep you glued to the pages, Demon’s Hunger is one of the best books I’ve read lately and it’s getting a special place of honor on the keeper shelf.

Dain is an ancient sorcerer with the Compact, sworn to protect that thin veil between the human and demon worlds.  He’s a man who does his duty by the book, letting no one close — not even his sorcerer brothers.  One who still harbors guilt over the loss of his wife and child, both killed by demons hundreds of years ago.  He has vowed to destroy any and all of those creatures he comes across, no questions asked.

While investigating recent mysterious murders, he encounters anthropologist Vivien Cairn and feels an immediate, all-consuming desire for her.  He also feels black magic whenever around her, something that gives him pause but doesn’t stifle the lust that resonates for her.  His suspicions of her grow the deeper he gets into the investigation, but so do his feelings and he finds himself in one tight spot — believe she’s a murderer or just make love to her like he wants with everything in him.

Through her work, Vivien has always been able to compartmentalize problems of any kind, think them through and find a resolution.  However, the things that have been happening to her lately defy that kind of logic.  She’s been losing hours of her life at a time, with no memory of the gaps.  Now she’s finding out the world isn’t as she always thought; it’s filled with sorcerers and demons, both of which are filling her life to capacity.

One in particular has her hungry for his touch, his kisses, his lovemaking. Dain.  She’s afraid to commit, though, because everyone in her life has left her, her father, her young love Pat, even her mother has an emotional distance that’s always hurt Vivien.  Only her best friend has been the one to stay, to be there for her when she needed someone.  But now there’s Dain.  He hasn’t left her side since her nightmare started.  It is possible if she gives in to the lust that something more may come of it all?

Both Dain and Vivien have issues to overcome, issues of trust.  Both have suffered loss and betrayal in their lives.  They keep denying their feelings where the other is concerned until it’s almost too late.  But when that time comes, when they finally open up, it’s well worth the wait.  The lovemaking between these two sizzles something fierce.  And with each other, even with the evil lurking about, the suspicions and the mystery all around them, they find what they’ve been looking for.

The secondary characters are all well written, so much so that you want to know their story too.  My favorite is Darqun, his history tortured, and I can’t wait for his book.  We’re given several twists and turns at the end of the book, after several sneaky attempts to point us in the wrong direction, but all of that, of course, brings up other questions to keep this series fascinating and interesting and coming at us for some time to come.

I’ve been a fan of Ms. Silver’s historical Gothics over the last few years, they bring back memories of my old Victoria Holt days, but her paranormals eclipse even my love of those books. This is a powerful series that is full of action and romance, that keeps you reading into the early morning hours, and that makes you hunger for the next gripping installment.  I’m already going through withdrawals and I finished this one just mere hours ago.

Grade: A+

Read more information about this series by clicking on the Compact of Sorcerers series tag.

Summary:

Forensic anthropologist Vivien Cairn fears she’s losing her mind. Her libido has kicked into overdrive, and she’s blacking out – leaving hours of her life unaccounted for and no memory of where she’s been… or what she’s done. But when a sexy stranger rescues her from a demon attack, Vivien realizes there’s more than just her sanity at stake…

A seductive killer is luring victims, and Sorcerer Dain Hawkins finds himself walking a dangerous line between ancient duty and sizzling desire when the brotherhood – and Vivien herself – begin to suspect that her mysterious symptoms may connect her to the crimes. Can Dain save Vivien from the evil that threatens to claim her? Or will they both succumb to… Demon’s Hunger…

Read an excerpt. (click Read an Excerpt link)

Other books in this series: