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© 2006, Christy Poff Reviews For EYES OF DARKNESS BOOK 4: REDFIRE by Christy Poff I was immediately engrossed in this
story. The author combines vivid story telling skills with very well
written love scenes. The characters of Gabriel and Valeria are very
realistic, so much so that I found myself getting angry with them for
some of their less than stellar decisions. The supporting characters,
some apparently from previous stories, are as well drawn as the two
main ones. The author provides quite a few plot twists that kept me
on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The
fourth book in Christy Poff's Eyes of Darkness series, RED FIRE is spine-tingling,
attention-grabbing, and so hot, it will melt your socks off. Gabriel
is a true alpha male and when he stakes his claim, it's for good. But
there's also a tender side to Gabriel. And when that side comes out,
grab a Kleenex. I won't say more because it will give the story away.
Valeria is Miss Independent and doesn't like take charge kind of guys.
So when Gabriel asserts his alpha side she gets a bit miffed. Heck!
She gets mad! But there's more to this than meets the eye and there
are extenuating circumstances that tear Gabriel and Valeria apart. The
sex between the two protagonists is spicy, a little kinky, and very
heated. After reading this erotic tale you might need a cold shower.
There are a few secondary characters who are integral to the plot: Deacon,
the Pack leader, a man of mystery with hidden depths; Damon, Gabriel's
younger brother, who admires his big brother and is protective of him;
Rhiannon and Sean McMurray (see SPARK OF A WOLF) and Julian Hawthorne,
all friends and pack mates of Gabriel's; and a vile villain who has
heinous plans too evil to mention. from Angel @ Romance Junkies, a 4 ribbon review RED FIRE is the fourth book in the EYES OF DARKNESS series and is so intriguing that you find yourself eagerly turning the pages to see what will happen next. This story is certainly different from other werewolf novels because the female is in control and it makes for very interesting reading. Gabriel has a past that he must move past and Valeria has to deal with her heritage. They come up against many difficult odds and go through some major changes. This book will make you scream out loud at times, but it all comes together in a wonderful tale of love and passion. Christy Poff has created a story that readers won't soon forget and I will go back to read the other books in the series. from Chantay at Euro -Reviews Christy Poff is an author whose work I’ve enjoyed immensely. It has been an honor to continuously read her writings. RedFire, fourth book in the Eyes of Darkness series, is definitely a must read! Christy Poff knows how to throw a twist! When readers expect one thing to happen she switches directions which leaves her readers in a state of awe. The characters are outstanding. Gabriel is a wonderful character who is all male and knows exactly what he wants. And when he sets his sights on Valeria, he is sure to her for eternity. The dynamics between the two characters is amazing. They truly complete each other. The book is filled with lots of drama that is well known to keep audiences alive and awake until the wee hours of night. RedFire has a nice balance of action, adventure, intrigue and romance that all readers are sure to enjoy. from Kelly at AORAAG - ...Eyes of Darkness #4 Redfire positively vibrates with action and steamy romance. Author Christie Poff has created a wonderfully detailed recounting of the werewolf tale, their world and their laws. ...Ms Poff has done a beautiful job creating characters which are alternately frustrating and loveable and I often found myself comparing them mentally to friends and relatives. Her sites and locations are richly detailed and intricately faceted, and give you a good sense of time and place. ...Light bondage and D/s add to the heat between Gabriel and Valeria, adding some great spark to very well written story. Sample Chapter For EYES OF DARKNESS BOOK 4: REDFIRE by Christy Poff “Welcome home.” “Thanks, it’s good to be back.” “We have so much to tell you,” Elizabeth Hawthorne said. “What did we miss?” Sean McMurray asked. “Hunter traced the lab in Chicago after he and Gabriel opened the safe in that madman’s house. Once the fire department put out the blaze leveling the rented mansion to the ground, they found a lot of evidence, along with the name and address of the doctor and the lab.” “What happened?” Sean asked. “Since they couldn’t come out and state the reason why they wanted the operation closed down, I persuaded Lockwood to let us take care of it. All the packs throughout North America have searched for that place for years. Gabriel and Damon went to Chicago, where they met several members from…” Julian Hawthorne explained. “Julian, what happened?” Sean asked impatiently. “The lab mysteriously went up in flames. The fire burned so hot, there was no evidence left. Those involved will never hurt us again.” Sean breathed a sigh of relief, but
the Holts’ involvement concerned him. The pack’s mission
had been to peacefully exist in the human world. At least, Julian had
originally explained it as such. “We figured you would, plus they
have information for you and Lockwood, also.” * * * * Gabriel Holt waited impatiently to see the new prince of the pack. Although Gabriel respected him and had come to like him, Sean McMurray intimidated him. Of course, one reason could be McMurray almost ripped his neck out when they fought over McMurray’s wife, Rhiannon. He went over everything he needed to tell Sean about their mission in Chicago to make sure he wouldn’t forget anything. He looked at his younger brother, Damon and hoped he’d make it through this in one piece. Gabriel knew he could handle his future but his brother worried him. Gabriel smiled knowing his brother would, more than likely, remain in Colorado while Gabriel himself could not and would head east. “Gabriel, how are you feeling?” “Fine, Julian, no worse for wear. How did the prince take the news?” “How else would you expect? He’s pleased the threats are gone but worries about the notoriety.” “We did what we had to do. No one…” “I know, but if it were me, I’d have the same reservations.” Gabriel had to agree with Julian—Doctor Julian Hawthorne—the pack’s former leader, though after stepping down, he remained as their physician. A wise man, Gabriel respected him. “Gabriel, Sean’s ready to see us,” Damon announced. “Here goes nothing.” “Gabe…” “I know,” he said, “I’ve already come up with a solution to all this.” “Don’t do anything foolish.” “It’s not, honestly,” Gabe assured Hawthorne. “For once in my life, I’ve made a good decision.” * * * * “Gabriel, Damon, good to see you both.” “We’re glad to be home,” Damon said, smiling. “Tell me what happened,” Sean McMurray, prince of the Aspen Pack, wanted to know. Thanks to his investigative training, Sean treated this session as that—an investigation on an informal level. “Damon, Ryman and I followed the information Lockwood and I found in the safe at the estate. It led us to the lab outside Chicago where Gliickman threatened to send your wife. Several members of other packs helped us take care of it, and the doctors—thanks to Julian’s network.” “How?” Sean asked. An Aspen detective and former Special Ops in the military, he had to make sure Gabriel Holt’s actions would not come back on the pack he now led. “Trust me, Prince. We made it look like a lab accident. Once the guys from a Canadian pack set the high temperature fires…” “Will any evidence lead back to the pack or Lockwood?” Sean asked, needing reassurance. Hunter Lockwood partnered with him in the police department while being Sean’s closest friend and ally. Lockwood knew their secrets, the only human outside the pack with that kind of explosive knowledge. “No, we’re all safe. The fire burned extremely hot leaving no evidence except the point of origin. The heat obliterated everything.” “Good,” Sean said quietly. “Sean?” “Yes?” “I’m leaving here.” “Why?” “Too many memories and you don’t need me competing with you for her, or as Alpha…” “But what about…” “No, Damon will be fine here with the pack. I learned my lesson when you damn near ripped my throat out over your mate.” “You have everything here though.” “But the one thing I want, and she’s with you.” “Gabe, I…” “No, I should have known better than to fight our laws. You are the one Rhiannon was meant for—not me. Besides, I need time to get myself together.” “I didn’t want this to happen.” “I know and I appreciate it. I can’t keep challenging and losing. It’s not fair to you, her, or the rest of the pack. We’ve had our run-ins and you’ve taught me a great deal, which I appreciate, but I can’t keep pressing my luck. It’s the only solution—at least for now. You are prince and pack leader—I bow to your alpha.” “You’re always welcome here.” “I know. It’s the only reason I can leave with a clear conscience.” “If you need anything…” “Thanks.” “Where can we…” “I’ll be in North Carolina. I bought some property there several years ago. Lots of land and it’s secluded, so I won’t be outed.” “Good luck, man.” “Good luck to you, Prince. You’ve got a good wife, a growing family, two important jobs and a lot to make sure never gets out.” The two men shook hands. Gabriel Holt turned to leave, then stopped. “Tell Rhi good-bye for me?” “Sure,” Sean said, agreeing it would be best. Gabriel knew the man’s jealousy when it came to his wife—Gabe had the scars to prove it. “Thanks,” Gabe said, then left. * * * * Gabriel Holt returned to the hunting lodge he owned on the edge of The Sanctuary. His brother had agreed to look after it until he returned—if ever. Looking around, he knew he would miss it but times had changed and he needed a new place to settle down to live his life. Though Sean wanted him to stay, Gabriel could not bear looking at the one woman he nearly died for when he challenged her mate—Sean McMurray. They’d been destined soulmates and Gabe had to live with it. Julian and Elizabeth Hawthorne both told him the same thing—his mate waited for him. Yeah, right… “And I’ll see a red wolf,” he muttered. Gabe doubted he’d ever find his destined soulmate, resigning himself to a fact he’d have to live with for a long time. Tall, dark-haired with killer blue eyes—the description did him no good when it came to women, especially around Aspen. One night stands satisfied his cravings but not the sexual hunger he lived with on a daily basis—a curse of his lupine heritage. Gabe went through each room winding up back in the living room of his spacious home, committing it to memory. A knock on the door brought him back to reality. “Am I disturbing you?” “Julian, never. You’re always welcome in my home.” “I see you’re almost ready.” “A few last minute details and I’m gone.” “You’ll need this, Gabriel.” “What is it?” Gabe asked, taking the envelope. “It’s an introduction to the pack leader in Northeastern North Carolina. His name is Deacon.” “Deacon what?” “Just Deacon. His territory covers area from Richmond, Virginia to the South Carolina state line.” “Impressive.” “Their pack is more spread out than the ones out here. The members fit in where they can.” “My place overlooks the water at Albemarle Sound. How close are we?” “A few miles apart. He owns a huge estate like ours, only they call it The Plantation. I’ve already advised him of your arrival.” “So I don’t rock the boat, so to speak?” “Something like that. If you need help, it’s a good thing to have him in your corner. Not only that, we need the alliance between the packs intact.” “I knew there were underlying reasons.” Julian snickered. “As long as you keep your rebellious tendencies in cheque…” “I know. I learned my lesson with Sean.” “Good and remember—call me if you need anything. Anything at all.” “Thanks, Julian.” The two men shook hands, then Julian left Gabriel to finish what he needed to do before he left Aspen, Colorado behind for Albemarle Sound, North Carolina. A few minutes later, he locked the door of his lodge, put his bags in the rear of his Hummer 2 pickup and closed the tailgate. He drove away, never looking back. |