Nocturne by Syrie James

Author: Syrie James

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: Jan 2011

Goodreads

When Nicole Whitcomb’s car runs off a Colorado mountain road during a blinding snowstorm, she is saved from death by a handsome, fascinating, and enigmatic stranger.

 

Snowbound with him for days in his beautiful home high in the Rockies, she finds herself powerfully attracted to him and soon comes to realize that the feeling is mutual. But there are things about him that mystify her, filling her with apprehension—and Nicole can’t shake the feeling that he doesn’t want her there.

 

Who is Michael Tyler? Why does he live alone in such a secluded spot and guard his private life so carefully? What secret—or secrets—is he hiding?

 

Nicole has secrets of her own and a past she is running from—but Michael understands her better than anyone she has ever known. Soon, she is falling as deeply in love with him as he is with her.

But as the sexual tension between them builds, the clues mount up. When Nicole learns the terrifying truth—that her host is an ages-old vampire who is torn between his love for her and his desire for her blood—there’s nowhere for her to run but into the blizzard raging outside, and he’s the only one who can save her life.

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**Review contains possible spoilers**

Oh dear. I'm afraid I have very little good to say about this book. I was into about the fifth chapter and I already knew that this book was a waste of my time. Now I'm questioning why I even spent the time to finish reading it. I suppose it's like watching a train wreck in progress: it's so horrific and surprising, and there's nothing you can do to stop it. You just stand there with your jaw hanging open, waiting for impact. I wouldn't say Nocturne was horrific, but it was definitely not enjoyable.

First of all, the book spans a four day time period. How on earth can we get to know the characters well and understand them when that's all the time we're given? The romance was completely unbelievable. And I mean, on the second day unbelievable. I'm all about love at first sight, but there has to be some time to develop the relationship after the initial meet-cute. And then, horror of all horrors, there wasn't even a happily ever after! The characters could never figure out how to make it work, and so she drives off into the sunset, not ever planning to come back again. If I want to spend my time with relationships that don't end well, I'll watch the news.

I will give it to Ms. James, I actually liked the hero in this story. Michael was equal parts good/bad boy, and it was fascinating to read about his internal battles. I wish that the story would have been longer, so we could have spent more time with him.

Truthfully, this book wasn't for me. You are welcome to give it a try, but I wouldn't recommend it.