Vengeance Due
Ellora’s Cave
ISBN 1-4199-0688-7
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Witches Knot Series #3
Length: Novel
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Simone Charvez admits she’s high maintenance, but she’s also more than the pretty piece of fluff everyone seems to take her for. When Kael Gardener walks into her shop, tattoos, piercings and bad boy attitude she knows she’s in for trouble. For Kael, the news that not all vampires are like the monsters that slaughtered his entire family is nearly as hard to take as his all encompassing attraction to a witch with a family that includes one.
Simone fights to get Kael to let his guard down and love her and Kael fights to keep his emotional distance from a woman he’s sure he has nothing to offer to. All of this as they race to find and kill the Oathbreakers who threaten not just all of New Orleans but Simone’s very soul.
Simone looked up and barely stopped herself from drooling at the man who stood in the doorway of STyle. He was tall, about six feet, and she couldn’t help but think it was the perfect height difference for kissing. So much so her lips began to tingle and her mouth positively watered at the thought.
His eyes, god, they were so light blue they reminded her of the clear sunny sky in midwinter. The T-shirt he wore fit snug across his upper body. Not tight but revealing enough to be obvious he was a man who worked with his body. He had broad shoulders and his torso tapered to a narrower waist. His biceps were defined and hard with muscle. Long, lean and powerful legs were encased in faded blue jeans. The physical package was enough to make her heart speed and her breath catch.
His hair was a pale blond and it was rakish. Not really long or even moderately long like Aidan’s, but it was tousled. Her fingers flexed for a moment as she thought about running them through it. He had a trimmed beard and mustache but his lips were plump and firm-looking. Which made her think of kissing again, this time wondering what it would feel like. Would the beard tickle or scratch her chin and face? What would it feel like in other places?
When he took a step inside the door closed behind him and she felt his pain. Like a cold river beneath the ground, it rushed there. So much. He’d lost so much. She frowned as it washed over her. Her heart ached for anyone carrying around so much hurt.
He met her gaze and her frown melted away as her sympathy turned to something else entirely. The sexual heat rolling off the man was impressive and it resonated with her. Her body responded, nipples hardening, pussy softening, blooming for him. Okay then, let’s roll.
“Something I can do for you, darlin’?” she asked in a smoky drawl.
Pleased, she watched his pupils widen and his breath caught. He liked her voice. She liked it when he licked those lips, the sight making her tingly and achy all at once.
Then he had to go and ruin it. His raw appraisal of her halted when he moved his gaze from her to the walls. The sexy study became calculating.
“Yeah, what are you doing with runes on your walls?” he asked in a low, hoarse voice. It should have been scratchy but it was like suede. Still, he asked it like a prick.
Her eyebrows shot up and her hands rested on her hips. “You doing a survey?” she shot back in the same terse fashion that he’d asked.
He couldn’t hold back a smile. “Sorry, didn’t mean to sound short. Just curious. I don’t see them often.”
She looked at him closer and saw his forearms bore a rune each. “Except when you look in the mirror?”
“Well, so you can see why I’d be curious.”
“I’m a witch.” She shrugged. “They’re protective runes, as you know.”
He took a few steps forward. She cocked her head and looked him up and down. He couldn’t’ help but feel like she was looking into him as well as at him. He found himself unable to resist moving to her. He needed to be close to her.
When he stopped just a few steps from her, her scent washed over him. She smelled of sultry nights and flowers on the air. He had to stop himself from leaning in and inhaling her. Damn it, he had better self-control than this! He looked into her eyes and felt himself sink. They were golden eyes, the color of the smoky Scotch he liked to drink. Somehow they went with the miles of olive-toned skin and the hair that was so shiny he was sure it would feel like silk between his fingers, against the bare skin of his chest. Whoa, where did that thought come from? He couldn’t stop himself from laughing at that internal question. He knew where it came from—he’d wanted to be naked with this siren since he’d seen her the first time. But a witch?
“What kind of witch?”
“You sure ask a lot of questions for a man who hasn’t bothered to introduce himself yet. Is that how the men up North act?”
Ah, haughty. He liked that. Clearly this woman took no guff. “You’re right, of course.” He bowed slightly and took her hand, kissing the knuckles and trying to ignore the fact that her scent intoxicated him.
Gail gives VENGEANCE DUE 4 1/2 stars in the January 2007 issue of Romantic Times Magazine!!! She says in part: “The Charvez family is back in a bewitching new erotic romance. The third in Dane’s Witches Knot series, it can stand alone but will whet readers’ appetites for more. While the story has magical elements, the real magic is between the characters. Dane has a talent for setting the scene and writing dialogue that rings true. The sexual encounters are hot, including a threesome at the beginning. This is an emotionally charged story that really comes alive. ”
Kirra at JERR gives VENGEANCE DUE FIVE STARS in the August 20 issue: “Ms. Dane crafts an exciting story of a family of witches, their loves, and what they do in their duty to protect the civilians at large. While part of series of stories, this particular tale can stand on its own, although I think the most enjoyment would come from reading the stories in order. This chapter involves the ultra feminine Simone. She may keep her pedicure up to date, but this is no delicate wilting flower. She’s tough, determined and the way she embraces some of the traditional trappings of femininity is refreshing in a world populated by so many heroines who couldn’t coordinate their lipstick with their outfit to save their lives. New Orleans humidity turns to searing steam when she gets together with Kael, who is rough bad boy masculine through and through. Yummy, yummy sex ensues. The contrast between his group of rough “living only for the job” type vampire hunters and her family, which makes a rich life in addition to their duties as guardians, adds a delicious amount of spice to the story. The many characters from previous stories and the new ones here are well drawn and add considerable depth. The action itself is quite exciting and a treat for any lovers of urban fantasy. I heartily recommend this story as a welcome addition to my keeper shelf.”
Aris at Alternative Read.com says in part: Emotional on many levels and intensely sexual, creating a wonderful bond.
Nikita at Joyfully Reviewed makes VENGEANCE DUE a recommended read and says in part: “Man oh man, did I enjoy this book! From start to finish I was caught up in the dynamics of this phenomenon tale crafted by Lauren Dane. I found myself reading late into the night because I could not put this one down until the last words were read. All of Ms. Dane’s books are unique and powerful and this one is no exception. I found it so enlightening to see the hero saddled with a heavy emotional baggage instead of the heroine. From the beginning, I could easily guess that Kael and Simone were the perfect soulmates; however, it was fascinating to see how they dealt with what fate had thrown in their path. Simone was determined to fight tooth and nail for Kael’s love and for him to openly admit his true feelings for her. And on the flip side, Kael was equally determined to maintain a tight leash over his emotions and not allow Simone too close to his heart. The chemistry between Simone and Kael was wickedly sinful and blazing hot. So hot, it burned my panties off! I am blushing just thinking about it. Whew! VENGEANCE DUE is one of the most enchanting stories I have ever read. This book rightfully deserves a recommended read.”
Serena at Fallen Angel Reviews gives VENGEANCE DUE FIVE Angels and says in part: “Lauren Dane has done it again; she’s grabbed us and thrown us into the midst of a fantastic story. I enjoyed the push and pull that Simone and Kael had. It tugged on my heart strings and punched me in the gut. In Witches Knot: VENGEANCE DUE Lauren Dane continues her saga of the Charvez women and brings them to life in sometimes maddening ways. We are able to revisit the other characters from the first two books, but never do we feel that we’re only getting half the story. This can be read as a stand-alone title, but I would highly suggest that you read the other two books first. I wait impatiently for the next episode in this drama.”
Rachelle at Fallen Angel Reviews gives VENGEANCE DUE FIVE Angels and says in part: “I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on such an exceptional paranormal series. This is the first book in the Witches Knot series that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. I use the word experience because how else can you explain being sucked into such a vivacious world with an assorted cast of mystical beings. Lauren Dane crafts a story of dark creatures, angst-ridden souls and spine tingling suspense that leaves you sweating from mind exertion. Simone and Kael had explosive chemistry that was past ferocious and really worked well in the frenzied love making and clashes of heat that even a house full of people couldn’t contain. The constant battle to win Kael back from the painful emptiness he’d lived in made me want to give Simone a medal. She went above and beyond with her patience and acceptance of his mood swings. This is really a great story with a well thought out and developed plot that readers will find enjoyable and addictive. I suggest anyone who hasn’t read the first two books to buy them and get a full appreciation of what has happened in the past.”
Kerin at Two Lips Reviews gives VENGEANCE DUE 4 1/2 lips and says in part: “The crackling intensity between Simone and Kael caused me to read VENGEANCE DUE in one sitting. I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. The depth of emotion shared by them was immense and powerful. Kael’s tragic past but hope for his future was beautiful to watch develop and heartwarming to experience. Simone’s loving heart and ability to understand Kael made her a wonderful half to their whole. Their love scenes were not only hot but also were some of the most poignant ones I’ve ever read. VENGEANCE DUE made me laugh, made me cry and more importantly made me believe in the power of forgiveness and love.”
Annie at Euro Reviews gives VENGEANCE DUE 4 1/2 flags and says in part: “This is the third in the Witches’ Knot series; although I had not read the earlier entries, I definitely will now and I recommend the entire series to the reader who loves steamy romance and intimacy threading through a sizzling plot, with graphic violence and terror in an almost-very possible reality. Go for this series, but—keep your lights on if you’re reading it after dark!”
Susan at Coffeetime Romance gives VENGEANCE DUE four cups and says in part: “Ms. Dane is one of my favorite authors. This terrific story is yet another example of why I always rush to read her books. The characterizations are very well done. I enjoyed revisiting characters from the previous two books in the Witches Knot series. The sex scene featuring Aidan, Alex and Lee really knocked my socks off. If you enjoy books about witches, magic and vampires then run out and buy this awesome book right now. You will be very glad you did.”
Cynthia at A Romance Review gives VENGEANCE DUE four roses and says in part: “VENGEANCE DUE the third book in the charming Witches Knot series will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Simone has a wicked tongue and she doesn’t hesitate to use it. Kael’s stubbornness is oddly appealing as well as bloody irritating. Magically it all comes together and slays you.”
Bloodletting, Concrete Blonde
Bohemian Ballet, Deep Forest
Skinny, Filter
Have A Cigar, Foo Fighters
Alive, Godsmack
Brain Stew, Green Day
Sensual World, Kate Bush
Milkshake, Kelis
Just A Girl, No Doubt
Here Comes Your Man, Pixies
To Bring You My Love, PJ Harvey
Roads, Portishead
Sulk, Radiohead
Calm Like a Bomb, Rage Against the Machine
Rusty Cage, Soundgarden
In The Meantime, Space Hog
Tumble In the Rough, Stone Temple Pilots
And Darling, Tegan and Sara
Everybody Wants Some, Van Halen
Rocket Science, Pimps
Do The Evolution, Pearl Jam