DARKNESS UNKNOWN - Alexis Morgan
Paladins of Darkness, Book 5
Pocket Star
ISBN-10: 1-4165-6343-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-6343-3
February 2009
Paranormal Romance

Missouri - Present Day

Gwen Mosely leads a simple life raising alpacas and her teenage half-brother Chase. It's a good life, but lately it's all she can do to keep Chase on the straight and narrow. His temper is short, and he's becoming increasingly aggressive. Then one night Gwen's dogs lead her to an injured man in the woods, and suddenly the answers to questions she's had about one of Chase's most unusual traits may be near. For the man shares something with Chase; he too heals from injuries no normal human could recover from so quickly in such a very short time.

Jarvis Donahue is a Paladin, a human warrior with slightly different DNA that gives Paladins abilities that specially equip them to fight the Others, those crazed, murderous humanoids from a world separated from ours by an energy barrier who try to cross every time the barrier goes down. When Jarvis tracks down a lone Other in the Ozarks, he feels secure he'll win the battle. Then again, he didn't know there were more Others in the area. When the dust clears, Jarvis finds himself in the care of Gwen, a beautiful redhead who inspires feelings he can't afford. What's worse is that even as their friendship deepens, Jarvis is trying to prepare her brother for his own future as a Paladin. Asking Gwen to accept his own dangerous lifestyle is one thing; informing her that Chase is destined for the same life is something else again.

Can Jarvis convince Gwen to take a chance on him, or should he listen to his head and keep her safe from both the Others and his own hungry heart?

DARKNESS UNKNOWN brings together a loving, loyal, and smart woman with a man who's been on his own for too long. Sure, Jarvis has his fellow Paladins, and friends should never be viewed as unimportant, but there are times people need to be with that special someone who makes them feel whole. It doesn't take long for Jarvis to realize Gwen is that important. Honor and duty have been the bywords of Jarvis's life. He's a wonderful man, the kind you want by your side. Unfortunately, in this case his nobility may be his and Gwen's downfall, for he's convinced that she deserves better than a man who spends much of his life covered in blood. There's no doubt he'll keep Gwen safe, but will he break her heart and his own by denying their love?

Secondary characters of course include many of Jarvis's fellow Paladins, among them are: Jake Beck (Jarvis's best friend and his partner -- he's so cute, I can't wait for him to get his own story!) and Hunter (wounded severely in battle with the Others; he has a bit of a bad attitude but it's just because he cares so much). Dr. Crosby patches the Paladins back together after their battles. A wise man, he gives Jarvis some good advice regarding Gwen. Last, but certainly not least, I have to tell you about Chase. A young man with some definite issues, he loves his sister and feels very protective of her (even more so as his Paladin heritage develops). He has a good soul and, with the help of Jarvis, he's sure to come into his own.

If you haven't been reading the Paladins of Darkness series (what were you thinking?!), I urge you to get to it. Action packed, emotional, passionate, and well written, each book captures the imagination. See www.alexismorgan.com for a complete listing of the books. If you like hot men, strong women, and thrilling stories of love filled with plenty of action, you must read DARKNESS UNKNOWN!

Lori Ann