Caressed by Night (Rulers of Darkness, #2)

by Amanda J Greene

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Caressed by Night by Amanda J. Greene is the second book in the Rulers of Darkness series. Each book can be read on their own as they feature a different couple. However, for background information and introduction to the other rulers of darkness you would need to read the books in order. I enjoyed the first book, Caressed by Moonlight so I hoped this installment would yield the same or even more enjoyment. Ms. Greene did not disappoint.

The setting for this installment differed from its predecessor as it took place in Modern Las Vegas (21st Century) while the events of the first book took place in the 19th Century.

This installment gives us Dimitri and Kerstyn’s story. The prologue which took place in 1611 set the pace for the rest of the story. Here we see King Dimitri faking his death paving the way for his second in command to ascend the throne. Fast forward 400 years later Dimitri has returned from the ‘dead’ to take back what is his and satisfy his thirst for revenge against the vampire who seized his throne. In the process he encounters his mate a human named Kerstyn.

He met Kerstyn when he rescued her from a band of rogue vampires. The moment he laid eyes in her he recognized her to be his mate. Down on her luck she finds herself homeless and carless. With the help of her friend Sylvie and Dimitri she will gain a roof over her head and enough cars to transport her to her varying destinations.

Dimitri is no ordinary vampire. He is the last of the original vampires and has the power to see into the future. So his faking his death and returning to Las Vegas 400 years was strategically planned. Despite him being such a powerful vampire there was a vulnerability to him that the author demonstrated. He blames himself for the existence of vampires and has been bearing this guilt for more than a thousand years. He sees himself as a monster undeserving of love. He was far from being a monster. Wise, patient, caring and loyal are words I would use to describe this powerful vampire, but let these traits tool you. He is not one you should double cross.

Before meeting Dimitri, Kerstyn did not know of the existence of vampires and witches. Therefore, her reaction to discovering that her rescuer and the man she desired was a vampire was unexpected. Her easy acceptance was not in line with someone who has no awareness that such beings existed. Despite her intense attraction to Dimitri, I expected her to be resistant to an extent, but everything fell into place so easily.

Despite my issue with Kerstyn’s easy acceptance of Dimitri’s nature, they were great together. I loved how protective he was of her without being overbearing. Her loyalty, strength and compassionate nature made her a perfect match for Dimitri.

I enjoyed spending time with the secondary characters and it was wonderful to be reunited with the couple from the previous installment.

I was hoping for a little more action than what was offered. I would imagine waiting 400 years to enact revenge that the build up to the big moment along with the fight scene would be more intense.

The epilogue gave insight as it relates to two of the secondary characters who are likely to become a couple. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them.

Conclusion / Recommendation
Overall this was a good read and one I would recommend to fans of the genre.