Review: Great Story!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 16, 2011
In this, the second book in the Grey Court series, Dana Marie Bell brings us a story of intrigue, danger, and scorching hot three way passion. We were introduced to the characters in book one, but only as supporting characters. Now they are the stars in this tale of family betrayal, dark magic and a love so deep, it could hurt those involved.Lord Duncan Malmayne has found his true bond in Moira Dunne. What should be the happiest time in both of their lives is anything but. Duncan has yet to complete The Claiming, the ritual the bonds them for life, and Moira and Duncan are at a loss as to what is going on. At least they are until the return of Duncan's long time friend, Jaden Blackthorn, Grey court vampire. It would seem that theirs is a tribond, and both Duncan and Moira are suffering the effects of mate sickness.There is the additional strain of Duncan's family, trying to usurp the title and take over the Malmayne estate. The family is using black arts to attack, and Duncan is forced to make a choice-his family or his loves. When he chooses Moira, the Malmaynes accelerate their campaign, sending ghouls and other evil beings to try to remove Duncan. Jaden is determined to stay out of Duncan's life, because he loves both Duncan and Moira, and doesn't know about the unique tribond situation, at least not at first. Once Jaden realizes his worth and the needs of the two he loves, can he join them and make them all stronger? Can Duncan retain his position as Lord Malmayne, and does he even want to? And just what happens when you unite a Sidhe lord, a leprechaun and a vampire?Ms. Bell knows how to draw you in to the story, and make you feel what her characters feel. The characters, even the evil ones, have true dimension and there is a sense that you could meet these people on the street somewhere.Moira is a strong woman. She is confused at first, when Duncan takes her as his mate, but doesn't complete the mating. She knows there is something missing, but only starts to realize what it is when Jaden returns and she feels complete for the first time. She is smart, and determined to have both of her men, and she schemes at how to make that happen.Duncan doesn't realize what is wrong; he only knows something isn't right between he and Moira. He is the strong Sidhe lord, and thinks it is the distraction of his family's demands causing the trouble. He knows he wants Moira, but doesn't realize he also wants Jaden, and that only when all three are together can the Claiming be complete.Jaden is trying to be noble, and step aside so that the man he loves and the woman he loves can be together. He knows nothing of the tribond, and has no idea that the two he loves most are both suffering because of his absence. He also feels unworthy, because of his less than honorable beginnings. I love Jaden, with his cocky attitude, and self-deprecating humor.I enjoyed watching Jaden and Duncan come to terms with what they felt for each other, and for the one woman that both love. The family intrigues kept me on the edge of my seat, and the scorching unions between the three main characters had me grabbing the ice water many times. This is one for all who like a bit of danger along with the hot and passionate happy ever after. But beware, there are surprises in this story to shock and amaze you.Originally posted at Whipped Cream Reviews.