Dark Flame by Alyson Noël

In Shadowland, Ever's attempt at getting the antidote for Damen failed.  Instead, she bound herself to her enemy, Roman.  Now there's a dark flame ignited inside her, and she's being pulled toward Roman.  She knows that she loves Damen, or at least some small part of her knows it, but Roman is the one she wants now.  She eats, sleeps, and breathes Roman, and she's terrified that Damen is going to find out and dump her.  She needs Roman to give her the antidote, but she's continually driven off course by her intense longing for him.

I thought Dark Flame was really good; much better than Shadowland.  It definitely held my interest, and I loved learning more about bad guy Roman...where he came from and what his story is.  He's such an interesting character, and I'm hoping to get more of his story, especially now that something surprising has happened to him.  I liked seeing this alternate side to Ever, too.  I just wish she'd learn to trust Damen, and not always attempt to work everything out on her own.  I want her to grow and learn from her mistakes, and I think she's finally getting there.  Damen was his perfect, patient self, and I respect that.  He's had ample opportunities now to drop Ever like a bad habit, but his love for her is true and has lasted centuries.  I also liked seeing a bit of Jude again.  He's now remembered his past with Ever, and he's ready to fight for her. 

I have two big gripes:  One, the way Ever was able to overcome her attraction to Roman.  All she needed to do was think positively, really?  Two: Haven.  She's annoyed me to no end since book one, and I just want her to disappear.  She should go to the Shadowland and never return!  I hate the way she jumps to conclusions, and how she thinks she's better than everyone.  Ugh.  Go away, Haven.

Overall, a really good read.  I'm looking forward to Night Star.

4/5

Also in the series: Evermore, Blue Moon, Shadowland