Gentle from the Night

Rating:
Summary: Dare You Discover the Dark Side of Damian?
Review: GENTLE FROM THE NIGHT kept me up until 2 am reading. I'm embarrassed to say I was pretty dang spooked, too, and didn't even want to turn off the lights. I can't believe a romance novel scared me!

GENTLE FROM THE NIGHT is my first gothic romance, and I rather enjoyed it. I'll definitely be re-reading it. The author's writing style is clean and creative, and I found her characters to be compelling, especially the dastardly hero, Damian. He was definitely drawn to the "dark side" of life - and I have to admit, I liked him all the more for it.

This dark story revolves around Alexandra, a Jewess who is hired to care for Damian's idiot brother, Samuel, in attempt to make Samuel speak. You see, Samuel has been struck silent by fear - fear of a woman whose evil still haunts both Samuel and his cold-hearted brother Damian.

What I liked most about this book was its suspense. As in: Is Ursula a ghost? Is Damian crazy? Who is trying to hurt Alexandra? And when will Damian and Alexandra finally hook up?

What I liked least was the good vs. evil speeches scattered throughout the book and Alexandra's overblown reactions to Damian toward the end. I still can't believe, after having spent the entire night with him doing the nasty, she wakes up and strikes him with a brush for - of all things - trying to kiss her. Then SHE goes on to lecture HIM for being depraved and cruel!!!

Anyway, I highly recommend GENTLE FROM THE NIGHT as one of the more entertaining reads I've encountered. It has horror, suspense, romance, and both a fascinating hero and heroine. I think I like it mostly for Damian. He's one of the most intriguing guys I've read about in a while.


Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I found this book to be refreshing. I love ghost stories, mysteries and romances. Ms. McKinney combines all three into a novel that I could not put down.

Rating:
Summary: Hard to keep reading, hard to stop
Review: I was scared to keep reading this book, but was scared to stop and not find out how it ended. Even reading the villan's name, Ursula Pole, now chills me to the bone three months later. The romance is good and the story draws you in and doesn't let go until it's over. A good read for romance/mystery fans.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect for people who love dark, Gothic romances
Review: If you miss the Gothics, this book has all the elements that you're missing. But be warned that it has a few elements that most Gothics didn't have. Sex; real spookiness; and a hero who is so jaded that he tries to corrupt the heroine.

Yet for all his dark deeds, Damien has good qualities. He takes care of his developmentally disabled brother, and unlike many so-called "heroes," he never rapes the heroine. In his own twisted way (boy is he twisted), he is honorable.

NOTE: That this book is definitely not for everyone. Some people loathe this book because of its hero. Some so-called dark heroes merely "flirt" with the dark side -- Damien pretty much has a full-fledged affair with the dark side.

Anne M. Marble Reviewer, All About Romance

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Phenomenal, my very first and favorite McKinney books of all time! Original and realistic-in some respects...loved the take on a Jewish heroine!