I am so happy there was a continuation of Rhea Claire and Dante's story. This installment answered all the questions that were left dangling in Chance the Wiinds of Fortune, plus some. We really got into the bones of the love story in this installment and, while it was not steamy, it was great to see the relationship evolve as it did.

I cannot say enough how much I love this heroine. She is not one of the headstrong or tomboy type heroines that I sometimes like in romance - she is every inch the gentle lady. Usually these type of characters and their feminine wiles really drive me crazy (think Caroline and Bess). But Rhea Claire is a genuinely nice person and always has a kind word for everyone. As she promised she would, she stuck by Dante through thick and thin. When she was presented with something that would send most heroines running, she approached Dante and they talked it out like adults. I love love love when characters show this type of maturity in a story.

We learn a lot more about Dante and his tragic past. He goes home to Merdraco with family in tow determined to face all his demons. Going home to face two whole towns that think the worse of him took some gumption, but Dante stood strong in the face of adversity. The townfolk see they may have judge the lordling harshly fifteen years ago and cannot help but respect the brave man who has returned. Dante is no longer acting cold toward Rhea; he loves her openly and without restraint. It was nice to see him as a doting and loving husband. At the same time, his alpha male comes out as he stands up to old bullies and takes back what is his. And who doesn't love an alpha male with a little bit of vulnerability?

I continue to love all the secondary characters in this book. Rhea's family and Dante's shipmates really come to life and add so much to the story. The villains add a lot to the story as well - they were described in great detail and I have such a good picture of Kate, Miles and Jack Shelby from this series. You also get something totally unexpected happening at the end that threw me for a loop - but it was a great surprise. If you like long sagas, sit down with this series for a weekend and dig in!

I received an advanced copy of the re-released version of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars / 1 flame.
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Dark Before the Rising Sun by Laurie McBain is a 2015 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

“A Thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun- Isaac Watts

When we last saw Dante and Rhea they were sailing toward England to reunite Rhea with her family and announce their marriage. However, Dante still has a bit of unfinished business to attend to as well.

Sadly, the happy couple is met with stern disapproval from Rhea's parents. But, alas, Rhea is already pregnant, which puts things into perspective a little more. Once things settle with Rhea's family and her child is born, the time has arrived for Dante to bring his bride to his family home.

In order for Dante to fully live his life in the moment and look forward to his future with Rhea and his children, he will have to deal with an old adversary or two and hopefully clear his name once and for all.

The Dominick trilogy has been so much fun to get reacquainted with. Originally published back in the 1980's the book is written in a much different style than some are accustomed to, but this saga is absolutely ageless and timeless. Laurie McBain was an excellent storyteller and this sweeping family saga is one of the finest out there. These stories mingle danger, adventure, and intrigue in with a powerful story of redemption, with some retribution thrown in for good measure, and of course, a couple of sweeping and epic love stories, with a beautiful, inspiring and uplifting conclusion.

I loved this last book every bit as much as the two previous chapters in the series and highly recommend it to all historical romance fans.

5 stars ( )

A deadly homecoming!

Dante and Rhea and their band of stalwart friends return to England. Rhea is reunited with her beloved family and home, Camareigh, with Dante a barely tolerated misalliance.
However, Dante must move on to his ancestral home and the problems that await him, including accusations of murder.
Those problems include an old enemy with a powerful grudge, leader of a band of rapacious smugglers. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of the man who led to Dante's fall into hell as a young man.
Friends are present though, including Captain Morgan fresh from the West Indies.
Treachery is afoot and Damte must do all he can to protect his loved ones and regain his heritage.
I must admit that are times the situation become almost too melodramatic. But I rolled with it. Although I did not see the particulars of the last surprise coming, something about that first meeting had made me wonder.
This novel stands alone, but I do recommend reading the prior book, Chance the Winds of Fortune, first to have a more complete understanding of the backstory to this dark homecoming of Dante's and Rhea's.

A NetGalley ARC ( )