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Cover of Dark Need

Dark Need

by Lynn Viehl

Fiction Paranormal RomanceParanormalVampiresRomanceFantasyUrban Fantasy

Book Description

Beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary town lurks a sinister secret, a craving that can shatter lives and twisted fates. When a mysterious new arrival ignites simmering passions and dark desires, the line between love and obsession blurs, threatening to consume those caught in its web. As hidden truths unravel, alliances form and break under the weight of betrayal and longing. With every heartbeat, suspense heightens and the stakes soar, drawing every soul into a desperate struggle for survival. Will they succumb to their darkest desires, or find the strength to resist?

Quick Summary

In "Dark Need" by Lynn Viehl, the tranquil façade of an ordinary town conceals a dangerous supernatural underworld where vampires dwell amidst humans. The arrival of Lucan, a brooding and enigmatic vampire, stirs forces both forbidden and irresistible. Samantha Brown, a determined and compassionate detective, becomes entangled not only in a string of unsettling murders, but also in the seductive pull of Lucan’s world. As their mutual passion flares, they confront a tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and moral dilemmas. Facing mounting threats from both human and supernatural enemies, they must decide whether to surrender to their darkest desires or find the strength to rise above them. Love, obsession, and peril intertwine, testing their trust and the boundaries of their very souls.

Summary of Key Ideas

Hidden Societies and Supernatural Politics

The story unfolds in a contemporary town laced with secrets, where the night shelters a hierarchy of immortal vampires who navigate both the threats and opportunities posed by living among mortals. Despite its peaceful appearance, the city’s underbelly is ruled by ancient codes and political maneuvering among the Darkyn, the immortal vampire clan, whose internal rivalries and traditions pose a constant risk. The balance of power is threatened by murder and unrest, drawing mortal authorities into the unnatural conflict.

Desire Versus Duty

Detective Samantha Brown is driven by a sense of justice and haunted by her own losses. When mysterious deaths disrupt the town, her investigation leads her to Lucan, a brooding vampire lord with a tormented past. The chemistry between them is undeniable, drawing them together even as loyalties collide. Samantha’s determination to reveal the truth pits her against supernatural forces, while Lucan’s struggle between protecting his kind and pursuing his own happiness intensifies as he grows closer to her.

The Nature of Trust and Betrayal

As Samantha delves deeper, she uncovers a tangled network of betrayal and hidden agendas. Allies reveal duplicity, and ancient grudges flare up, forcing both mortal and immortal characters to choose sides. Personal codes of honor are put to the test, and trust becomes a rare commodity. The fragile alliances between vampires and humans begin to fracture, and the town becomes a battleground for control, survival, and vindication.

Choices and Consequences

Love and desire, potent and all-consuming, become both weapon and weakness. Lucan and Samantha are drawn into a passionate affair, challenging the limitations of their respective worlds and threatening to destroy the boundaries meant to protect them. Their bond complicates their loyalties and forces them to question what truly matters: safety, duty, or the vulnerability of the heart. As their connection deepens, the risks rise, and every choice brings mounting consequences.

Redemption in Darkness

In the final reckoning, sacrifices must be made. Samantha and Lucan are ultimately tested as they face lethal threats from those who wish to maintain the status quo or exploit chaos for power. Redemption is possible, but only through honesty, courage, and resilience against temptation. "Dark Need" delivers a gripping blend of suspense, romance, and urban fantasy, exploring whether love can conquer ancient darkness or if desire will lead them all to ruin.