At some point or another, every person harbors a secret fantasy. Alexa Chandler’s was to be treated as a princess with her very own dashing knight. So when she learned she’d inherited a castle from her father, she was anxious to investigate. The last thing she expected was to find a ghost, one who was as fascinated with her as she was with him. 

For centuries, Damon Forsyth dreamed of finding his sister and seeking vengeance against the man who’d stolen her. Alexa’s appearance partially freed him from his magical imprisonment in a painting. With one look, one touch, she seduced him into wanting to live. But honor and family won’t be denied. 

Generations after his mortal enemy had disappeared, present day occult followers searched for the secret to his magic, trying to claim it for their own by any means necessary. Unfortunately, Damon needed the magic to find the truth about his past and his sister. Only every time he used the power, it corrupted him. Alexa’s touch overcame the adverse side affects, but when she’s threatened, Damon realized he was willing to do anything, risk everything, if it meant saving her. 

The story has a full cast of characters and a complex plot. Unfortunately, the first part of the books didn’t show the main characters in a forgiving light. Both seem determined to use the other person’s natural attraction to get what they want without regard for anything but themselves. Though very well written, the book didn’t tie me to Damon or Alexa. The thing that kept me turning the pages was the secondary characters, bad guys included. Not only are they three dimensional, they’re complex in a way that fascinated me. I love them and the quick peek in their lives. The ending of the book finally made me think of Damon and Alexa as a believable couple but even still, I’m not convinced they will ever have a ‘happy ever after’ in future for them.

January 9, 2009