Dark Desire by Christine Feehan (1999, Paperback, Reissue)

If you liked Feehan's first installment of the "Dark" Series, "Dark Prince," then you will like this second volume about Mikail's brother, Jacques. About 20 years have elapsed since "Dark Prince." During that time, a human society has been able to capture and kill several members of the Carpathian race, along with a few humans that seemed to fit their rather broad characteristics of a "vampire." One of the Carpathians they captured was Jacques, Mikail's younger brother. Unfortunately for Jacques, they didn't kill him. They staked him, but missed his heart, then buried him alive in a wooden casket. Because of a rare concoction of herbs, berries, and poisen, Jacques was unable to call for help. The only thing he could do was try to survive on the blood of rodents and rage against his fate. Of course, his mental state suffers severely. But in the midst of his torment, Jacques actually manages, somehow, to connect to the one woman who can save his mind and his soul. It's hard to put this volume down. You connect with the woman and her attempts to understand the mysteries of her life and this man who seems mad. You wonder if the Mikail and Raven will ever discover that their long thought dead brother is actually alive and almost well. You root for the Carpathians as they struggle to increase their population and save the males of their species not only from the internal darkness, but from the new threat of a society bent on wiping them out, without understanding them. Wonderful character development and the details to describe the locations of the novel are wonderous.

I read the first book in the Dark Series, Dark Prince, and loved it. Christine is a wonderful and very informed writer on her topics. So, I decided to try to get the rest of the series. They are all so wonderful that since I have gotten the rest, I have been averaging about 2 books per week. I am working my way through the entire series from Dark Prince to Dark Celebration and waiting anxiously for her next book to come out.

Any one who loves romance books with lots of history, lore and steamy, passionate romance needs to read this entire series. You will be as hooked as I am. You should also check out her website: ChristineFeehan.com/DarkSeries...lots of great info there as well.