Caressed by Moonlight (Rulers of Darkness, #1)

by Amanda J Greene

Dorian Vlakhos is no ordinary aristocrat. He is a vampire king, who will do anything to save his clan from complete annihilation, before an ancient curse can claim his immortal life.

Penniless and orphaned, Victoria Kingston has nothing to bring to a marriage, yet she must shackle an unsuspecting gentleman into marriage by the end of the month or forfeit her rights as guardian of her younger sister. With the help of her dearest friend, Victoria begins her hunt, and vows to stay far away from the dark, mysterious, Dorian Vlakhos.

After meeting the beautifully innocent Miss Kingston, Dorian had to have her. He would do absolutely anything to make Victoria his. One sweet stolen kiss would bring them together while a force, more powerful than any vampire, would bind them for all eternity, but treachery, war, and death rule Dorian’s dark world and Victoria would be fortunate to survive.

• ISBN10: 0578064006
• ISBN13: 9780578064000
• Publish Date: 1 February 2012 (first published 15 November 2011)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Amanda Greene
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 294
• Language: English

Reviews

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Caressed by Moonlight is the first book in The Rulers of Darkness series. Based on the series name I thought this would have been a dark read. However, this was not the sase. The story met my expectations and I have the second book lined up on my kindle ready and waiting. This is an intriguing read with interesting characters and a fantastic world, which will feed the cravings of fans of both paranormal and historical romance.

Dorian Vlakhos, head of the Mylonas Clan is a vampire king. A member of the Red Order (an organized group of witches) has been hunting and killing the members of his clan. To protect his clan he travelled to London knowing the hunter would follow him thus protecting his clan from further annihilation. To draw attention to himself snd make it easy for his enemies to find him he attended as much high society events as possible. He never expected to meet his mate in the process. Finding his mate broke an ancient curse that came into effect when he became the leader of his clan.

Victoria Kingston lost her parents and found herself saddled with a mountain of debts. Unable to care for her sister as a result she went to stay with an aunt who despised her. Her aunt gave her an ultimatum to find a husband in one month or she would be living in the streets without her sister. With the help of a friend Victoria set on a quest to find herself a husband, which would helpp her to regain custody of her sister.

I enjoyed getting to know the main characters. I loved their banter, which was fun, sexy and pensive. I admired Victoria’s strength in the face of adversity. She took all her aunt threw at her and never once did she falter from her quest. I found her determination to rescue her sister from her aunt’s clutches even if it meant marrying a man she did not love admirable. She refused to let her aunt’s hatred deter from her goal. Determined, strong and independent are words I would use to describe Victoria. She is a fighter and would sacrifice all for those she loved. She impressed me when she willingly embraced Dorian’s culture, lifestyle and vampire nature.

Dorian is a seducer of women. When he met Victoria, he knew without a doubt he wanted her. His intent was to make her his mistress, but he would learn that things do not rarely go as planned. He is arrogant, confident, and possessive. He goes after what he wants with no apologies. He is a rogue who displayed courteous characteristics.

Secondary characters added intrigue and danger to the couples’ journey. I loved the role they each played in the development of the story. Victoria’s aunt was my least favourite. She is a mean, bitter old hag and her hatred towards Victoria was unwarranted.

I found the romance between the main characters enjoyable. However, it was not without its challenges. Victoria’s association with Dorian places her in mortal danger. What started out as a marriage of convenience slowly developed into something meaningful. They both tried to fight their feelings but in the end love won the battle. The action scenes were well executed and I found them exciting and captivating. I loved the world created and the author’s take on vampires.

I relished every moment spent with the characters and the world. However, I thought the ending could be better developed. The story ended on an abruptly. There was an epilogue, but its focus was on the next book in the series.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.