“Sensual, sophisticated and sinfully addictive!” ~InD’tale Magazine A seductive spy. An alpha vampire. A deadly conspiracy determined to kill them both…Research scientist Cerissa Patel has only one desire: to feel her lover’s fangs slip into her neck for the very first time. Once they become blood mates, no one can keep them apart.But it’s never that easy.Cerissa’s relationship with vampire … easy.
Cerissa’s relationship with vampire Henry Bautista violates a centuries-old law, and the town council wants her banned from their secret community. If they have their way, she’ll be separated from Henry forever.
As if that isn’t enough, Henry is still in danger. The would-be assassin lies in a coma, and Cerissa is no closer to knowing who targeted Henry—or why.
To make matters worse, her own people forbid her from becoming a vampire’s mate. They aren’t sure what Henry’s bite will do to her and want her focused on her original mission: tracking down the vampires behind a ruthless movement to enslave mortals.
Against these odds, Cerissa must find a way to bond with the man who holds her heart, and do so without paying the ultimate price – the loss of her wings forever…
If you like the worlds of Deborah Harkness, Charlaine Harris, or Jeaniene Frost, then you will love this second installment in the Hill Vampire series.
Hit BUY NOW to escape into the mystery, romance, and political intrigue of the Hill Vampire vineyards. Dangerous and seductive, the suspense will grab you and not let go.
NOTE: This is book two in the Hill Vampire series. It will enhance the reader’s experience to read the first book, Dark Wine at Midnight, before reading this one.
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If you like vampire stories, you’ll love Dark Wine at Sunset. It’s a page-turning vampire story with lots of twists. Great world building. There’s suspense and mystery too. Cerissa and Henry are likable, multi-faceted characters.
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
18th February 2018
TITLE: Dark Wine at Sunrise, book 2
AUTHOR: Jenna Barwin
Star Rating: 5 stars
Stats: Editing 9/10, Story 10/10, Writing Style 9/10
‘An intoxicating novel, packed full of thrills and spills. I loved it!’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
REVIEW
Dark Wine at Sunrise is the follow-up novel to the very successful Dark Wine at Midnight. Very much a paranormal romance, the first book follows Cerissa, a scientist, who works for the Lux. She has been assigned to a vampire town called The Hill to determine if they are planning to return to the old ways and overrun mankind. The first book is a fast-paced, gripping adventure with strong elements of mystery and a hefty dollop of forbidden romance. But, for all that, it ends with a cliffhanger and, I felt, lacked ‘POW!’ Thankfully, Dark Wine at Sunset picks up where Midnight left off, and, trust me, it’s even better than the first.
Plot
The central premise is well-thought out and the characters are interesting and well-defined. There is plenty of pace, particularly towards the end, and the author has littered her story with an array of twists and turns. I loved this line from the blurb: Research scientist Cerissa Patel has only one desire: to feel her lover’s fangs slip into her neck. Says it all really! Atmospheric and sexy.
Writing Style
For the most part, I enjoyed this author’s writing style. She is very capable at describing setting and characters but without being overly flowery. The author’s no Hemmingway but that’s okay; often, with fantasy adventure, if the writing style is too complex, it kills the pacing of the story. Well, that’s not a problem here. The pacing is excellent, although, as in the first book, it needs a chapter or two to get going.
The author is also confident with ‘speech’ with plenty of ‘showing’ and not ‘telling’, a good sign of a confident author. Finally, the author is not scared to keep a sentence short and simple where it’s needed; and, by doing so, helping to improve the pacing where speed is needed.
Characters
The characters (I liked Henry the best), as with the fantasy world, are vividly constructed, and the author works well with speech, using it to develop the characters and the story all the way up to the exciting end. The chemistry between Henry and Cerissa is kept high; intoxicatingly so. In fact, the author seems most comfortable when working with her two stars.
To Sum Up
So, who would I recommend this novel to? Well, anybody who enjoyed Twilight will probably enjoy this. Although, saying that, Twilight is for YA; this is not. The sex and the killings – in fact, the dark, almost chilling atmosphere of this book is not for a thirteen year old. However, if you enjoyed Twilight when you were thirteen but that was, say, six years ago, then, yes, this is for you. Just darker – cooler too, and, to be honest, better written. Twilight was so slow, sooooooo romantic! Lots of interesting stuff happens in Sunset; Twilight was like watching grass grow. Sorry, I’m rambling. If you enjoy falling into a fascinating paranormal world; if you enjoy suspense; and, if you enjoy vampire romance, you will love this. In Jenna Barwin’s world, evil is so evil, it’ll creep you out. But, of course, if you enjoy a good vampire novel, that is probably what you want.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
The mystery and the romance deepen with Dark Wine.
Each time I thought I had a proper suspect a new twist was introduced. Between the suspense of trying to figure out who was behind the Cutter and who was leading the movement to the entangled romance of Henry and Cerissa – I felt like I was imploding. With every answer, I found it seemed I was presented with a new question.
Sunrise picks up pretty much right where we left off.
The council is preparing to sentence Henry for crimes against the community. With Rolf feeding the flames of contention against Cerissa the Hill’s council may be blinded to true objectivity and fairness when it comes to his sentencing.
The pieces of the puzzle are still not fitting properly. With the investigation into the attempted murders at a standstill and their assassin still in a comma, Tig is feeling the pressure to provide a resolution.
I have to say I really enjoyed the way Tig took control this time. The council is hampering her investigation. A couple of the older members are so quick to shut down her ideas and to gloss over the truth it led me to wonder why? But when their decisions bring the danger to her front door she has had enough. I wouldn’t want to be in her line of sight at the moment.
As things between Henry and Cerissa become more ‘permanent ‘ Hard choices must be made and the secrets they feel the need to hide from each other become dangerous burdens.
Can they find a middle ground?
Will Henry accept Cerissas true form?
There are so many negatives against them before they even start.
The pieces start to fall into place for Tig and Jayden as they slowly close in on the killer. But the facts just aren’t adding up fast enough.
This ends on a happy for now. We do get to meet the Lux council and I have to say I’m not impressed. Like the older vampires, it’s time for a reality check that also includes a little look at the power structure. Though I did like the varying beliefs that Ari presented to Henry with regards to the Lux. Pretty interesting to ponder upon.
If you enjoy your romances with the edge of a thriller and a touch of mystery then this is a series for you.
The unique world building and well-developed characters round out a complex story line with intricate secondary plot lines.
I need book three now! Please.
Dark Wine at Sunrise is Book 2 in the A Hill Vampire series. This is another wonderful book that has exceptionally well developed characters and story line. It continues smoothly from Book 1. This is an awesome book and series. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to more of her books. I highly recommend this book and series. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
A killer still on the loose & a chief feeling the pressure to solve; A sire becoming more involved even if their relationship is turbulent at best; FINELY!! Henry & Cerissa get to be together but at what cost??!! Sooo many loose ends!?!? What will happen when they all meet in the middle!?! Very intriguing indeed; HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion and review; HAPPY READING!!
Dark Wine at Sunrise starts where Dark Wine at Sunset ended. Henry is in trouble still and Cerissa is trying to save him and the town. The town is out to get them and everyone that is against them (the town).
I loved this story as much if not more than the first one. The love interests do have an ending, but the story continues. I hope that makes sense. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy for my honest review. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
This is a second book in the series. First one is highly recommended to be read first. The romance between the vampire and his love continue with finally a reveal of what kind of creature she really is. There is a lot of suspense, detailed plotline, action, danger and of course a happy end to a romance between the two. There is only a slight cliffhanger. This is a full and lengthy novel. If you like the paranormal vampire romance, this one is recommended.
Vampires! Romance! Suspense! More Vampires! A wonderful read on a dark and stormy night–or a sunny afternoon. Nicely written and paced well, this second book does stand on its own, but I’d suggest snagging a copy of the Dark Wine at Midnight, too.
Dark Wine at Sunrise by Jenna Barwin was paranormal at its best. It was set in an intriguing community of vampires with a mystery that kept me reading to the end. There was intense heat between the two main characters, Henry, a vampire, and Cerissa, a Lux. The suspense plot had numerous twists and turns and although most were solved by the end, there were still a few questions left for the next book in the series. Dark Wine at Sunrise is the second book in the Hill Vampire series and you don’t need to read the first, Dark Wine at Midnight to enjoy it, but I would recommend it.
Best Time for Dark Wine is at Sunrise
(Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the book, decided to read it and provide my honest review.) Dark Wine at Sunrise (A Hill Vampire Novel Book 2) by Jenna Barwin is a magnificent piece of writing. Since I did read Dark Wine at Sunset, I was eager to re-engage and continue with the mystery-thriller. My appetite was already wet from Book One so I settled in ready for a high expectation read. What will happen to try and solve the murder and attacks that occurred in Book One? How will the plot evolve to dig deeper and by doing so what will be discovered? All these questions before I started reading. The author’s World and Character building in addition to the written word, the dialogue is beyond breathtaking which as a reader successfully pulls you into the storyline immediately. As the storyline, plot, and dialogue align in harmony a dynamic all-engulfing experience occurs where you no longer remain a passive reader. At the end of book one I had questions that I felt could have helped the reader understand more of the “world” some of the characters were from. Specifically, what is the Lux or the Lux Enclave? The Protectorate? Those questions are answered throughout the storyline in book two and not in obvious ways. If there was a 6th Star to give I would, but 5 Stars it is for this outstanding and exhausting yet exhilarating read. Dark Wine at Sunset continues the story of intrigue, false personas, espionage and deep boundless love. MY RECOMMENDATION: A Must Read. –Tex.
Engaging, strong characters and a great plot that keeps you guessing and has you rushing to turn the pages to find out what happens next. If you like paranormal, this is a great vampire romance.