Eternal Nights [Mass Market Paperback]

Ms. O'Shea takes us back to the world of Jarved Nine, a world she created in Ravyn's Flight. Eternal Nights is not a sequel to the first book, though familiar characters do appear and we do get a glimpse into what has been happening in the interval between the first book and this one.

However, Eternal Nights is deeper and more complex than its predecessor. Though I thoroughly enjoyed Ravyn's Flight, I found myself rooting more for the hero of this novel than for any other in a long time. Captain Wyatt "Marsh" Montgomery is a noble, loving, giving, smart, Alpha male who knows what he wants and has the patience to wait for the right time to go after it. But when that time is right, he wastes no time or effort in winning his woman. Captain Kendall "Bug" Thomas is that woman. An intelligent and strong character in her own right, Kendall has very good reasons for wanting to maintain a "friendship only" status with Wyatt.

Kendall finds herself in the middle of a smuggling operation and when Wyatt comes to her aid, he's caught, too. Now the two of them are on the run in the pyramid in the center of the Old City. Wyatt knows they're fated to be together, he just has to convince Kendall of that. Fate seems to be working against him, however, because how can he prove what she means to him while they're trying to get away from those who would do them harm?

Alex "The Big Chill" Sullivan, Stacey, Ravyn and Damon and their charmingly precocious son Cam all make an appearance and have vital roles in Eternal Nights as well. Without them, the story wouldn't be nearly as climactic, with them; it's a joy to read and a joy to review. The resolution Alex and Stacey reach is as satisfying for the reader as the one Wyatt and Kendall come to.

Eternal Nights combines humor, intrigue, danger, some hot sex and some truly unforgettable characters into one fabulous package. Read Eternal Nights and you'll be hoping for your very own Wyatt...or maybe even your own Alex...I know I am.

Many of the characters from Ravyn's Flight appear in this book where Kendall Thomas and Wyatt Montgomery finally come to terms with the past life connection that's haunted them.

Kendall discovers smugglers on Jarved Nine and when she tries to intervene, she and Wyatt are locked in the city's ancient pyramid. As they're pursued through the maze of tunnels by the smugglers, they come to realize not only their attraction to each other in this life -- but their past life relationship as well. They finally succumb to the passion that's been waiting since they've known each other, their previous and current lives merging and finally acknowledged.

I won't give away any more because I think you'll enjoy the plot twists and turns -- enough to keep you parked in your chair for a good, long read. Eternal Nights kept my attention from the first paragraph, allowing me to root for several different relationships along the way, not just Wyatt and Kendall. I'm a particular fan of 'other world' adventures, and this one has a well-thought-out world that provides enough similarity to Earth to be immediately understandable but still alien enough to be intriguing.

Enjoy the ride!

Patti O'Shea's novel, Eternal Flame, grabbed me from the start. Published by Dorchester's Love Spell line, this book is classified as a Futuristic Romance. I enjoy stories with a paranormal twist, but, I am not usually drawn to the fantasy genre. Nonetheless, I always give an author, and their story, a chance, because what I really enjoy is good writing. And, I believe Patti has convinced me to wander down the fantasy aisle at the bookstores.

Eternal Flame begins by introducing you to three key characters - the hero, the heroine and a good friend. Patti's futuristic world was very believable. I loved that the characters were actually born on Earth, and now inhabit another planet as part of a military mission. The heroine, uncovers a plot by a group of thieves who plan to steal some historic archives, and she goes to investigate; with the protective hero hot on her heels, you just know trouble lies ahead! As I frantically turned the pages to see what adventure awaited these characters, but was stunned with a plot twist, when something happens to one of them and all of this by the end of Chapter One!!!

In fantasy stories the author also has the task of creating a make-believe world in which her characters live. Patti managed this extraordinarily well. Her characters were very "human" amidst the futuristic setting, so I could relate to them and easily imagine their world. I didn't feel confused with having to remember everything about the setting, along with the characters and plot. Things were a bit more "space age" (people being transported back and forth between planets) and the rules were just a bit different on this planet, but, humans are still humans, although a bit advanced.

And, what romance reader doesn't enjoy a story about "soul mates" who knew each other in a previous lifetime and find each other in their present incarnation? This was a great way to establish an existing connection between the hero and heroine, a reason they are automatically drawn together, their past revealed as dreams and events trigger the memories. Nice way to reveal their past.

A good part of the story took place inside a pyramid, where the hero and heroine were captives trying to escape in time to report to the authorities evidence of valuable archives being stolen. While in the pyramid, the romance develops, and our heroine recalls her past life memories, when she was a High Priestess and actually lived in the pyramid. It's very difficult to find time to explore an intimate relationship when you are being hunted by people with guns, but the pyramid was a perfect place to get "lost" and I especially loved the paranormal elements Patti used in the story...I mean, how else could they open the secret passageways inside the pyramid?

Patti successfully wove back story and current events together, with lots of surprising moments, and tight suspenseful scenes. I highly recommend this book.