Product Description

Ever think Scrooge had it right before the ghosts ruined his life? Meet Aidan O'Conner.At one time he was a world-renowned celebrity who gave freely of himself and his money without wanting anything in return...until those around him took without asking. Now Aidan wants nothing of the world - or anyone who's a part of it. When a stranger appears at his doorstep, Aidan knows he's seen her before...in his dreams.Born on Olympus as a goddess, Leta knows nothing of the human world. But a ruthless enemy has driven her from the world of dreams and into the home of the only man who can help her: Aidan. Her immortal powers are derived from human emotions - and his anger is just the fuel she needs to defend herself...One cold winter's night will change their lives forever...Trapped together in a brutal winter storm, Aidan and Leta must turn to the only power capable of saving them - or destroying them both: trust.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19411 in Books
• Published on: 2007-12-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

About the Author
Visit Sherrilyn's award-winning website at www.sherrilynkenyon.com and www.Dark-Hunter.com.

Customer Reviews

Sadly lacking when compared to "Dark-Hunter" books
Aidan O' Connor had it all; fame, wealth, a handful of Oscars and an adoring fan base until his family and close friends tried to destroy him. Left feeling only bitterness and pain by the betrayal of those he loved, Aidan becomes a recluse until one stormy night his peaceful isolation is broken by the arrival of a beautiful woman, who if he is to believe, is an ancient goddess of dreams determined to protect him.

Leta, an Oneroi has spent millennia in status healing following her battle with Dolor, the physical personification of Pain; an immortal who murdered her husband and infant daughter. Unable to kill him by the decree of Zeus, she instead cursed Dolor; never believing a human would be capable of enacting out the deeds required to release the God of Pain from his imprisonment. Unfortunately the mortal with the deep sadistic streak required to release Dolor just happens to be Donnie; Aidan's brother and the chief instigator of the attempts to crush his brother's career. Consumed by jealousy and hatred, Donnie's first request made to newly released Dolor is the painful death of Aidan.

Borderline Skoti, Leta is initially drawn to Aidan because of the depth of his rage and betrayal, deep feelings that fuel her own strength, which she very much needs if she wishes to completely destroy Dolor. Both Aidan and Leta are tortured souls drawn together to fight an evil; and amid their battles they find themselves falling in love and learning to trust each other.

I'm a loyal fan of SK's works and hate to make any negative comment; however "Upon a Midnight Clear" does not pack the same punch as her "Darkhunter" series. In fact the highlight of this book is the last 20 or so pages. In her far too short "Holiday Gatherings" SK revisits many favourite characters from previous books; including Acheron, Simi, the Hunter and Deveraux clans and familiar faces found in Sanctuary. I normally find myself completely absorbed in SK's paranormal world yet this book was for some reason quite muted; even when something terrible happened to Leta during the climatic battle against Dolor, I just didn't find myself caring that much. In SK's "Darkhunter" books I've been left close to tears, yet the most heartbreaking moments of this book lacked the emotional impact this author normally produces.

UTMC is undoubtedly a short novel compared to many other "Darkhunter" books, which may explain the overall abbreviated air to it. Everything happened far too quickly; from the emotional commitment between the leading lovers (at odds with the depth of their emotional scars) to the final rushed battle against Dolor. I also missed the abundant quips and pithy comebacks normally fired between the leading lovers. I would perhaps give this book 4 stars if it wasn't written by SK; however when compared to the likes of "Fantasy Lover" or "Dance With the Devil" it just doesn't match the high standards I associate with this author's works. I admit I am disappointed with UTMC; but not to a degree that I won't snap up the "Darkhunter" books scheduled for release in 2008

Where is the spark of Sherrilyn Kenyon?
I've been grunting, roaring and mumbling in myself as I read this book and it wasn't pretty, still in some odd way I was mildly pleased, note....I said pleased, not ecstatic or raving. First I have to say that I feel that Sherrilyn Kenyon over did it a bit with Aidan's attitude, especially the first half of the book he was in one state of mind: I-do-not-trust-anyone-for-I-have-been-royally-******-over-by-everyone-in-my-life. Then we have Leta, a Goddess who needs Aidan's anger, no problem there I would say, so she can attack Dolor who has been summoned after god knows how many decades and ready to spread menace. Dolor is summoned by the one who holds a major grudge against Aidan and Leta needs to protect him so with a knock on the door she arrives at Aidan's secluded cabin.

This novella just couldn't grab me, hold me, and nurture the reader in me with a well written story, characters or plot. I have to admit there where incidentally moments I enjoyed the sarcastic comments of Aidan and the fast reactions of Leta letting a ghost of a smile hover over my lips, the passion and the message of the story where also enjoyable. What saved this novella from being a total waste was the last 70 pages, where Aidan let go of his attitude a bit and started to realize a few things, I know that's called character development but when a character rubs you the wrong way on the brink of tossing the book aside it is a relief! I also got presented with a 24 hours I don't like you - steaming up the bedsheets - get an epiphany - HEA - story, I know there are more out there like that but with this story it was just one more thing that couldn't make me agree with the lot of it.

I'm curiously wondering why I was pleased in some odd way as I read what I'm writing....oh right, so those last 70 or so pages gave me some pleasure with the chemistry of Leta and Aidan, the epiphany with Aidan was nice and made the end have a bit more impact, the plot had a message that fits the season and it has a happy holiday cheery end. Also, since where about 11 days away from Christmas I liked the added extra as it got me in the spirit of the season seeing Ash, Simi, Kyrian, Nick and all the New Orleans crew and the teaser for Xypher had me practically drooling but I'm reserved for the last few books of Sherrilyn Kenyon have received a lot of good promotions which turned me in to jell-o for the book but in the end never truly gotten what I wanted.

I can't in all good conscience say: `Go out and buy the book for this is something you can't miss!' I thought it to a certain degree entertaining if you have lots on your mind and you just want an easy going story that, once finished, will not linger long in your mind. Furthermore, to my understanding and knowledge this was supposed to be a holiday present from Sherrilyn Kenyon to her fans, can I just roar a bit in frustration and say that I feel robbed for the prize of 5,50 euro's that's about $ 8,00 and say in my opinion: 'Present!!! A present would have been a booklet with this story given to the fans!'

A last note: This is my first review of a book from the hand of Sherrilyn Kenyon that I truly bashed and this makes me almost want to cry for she introduced me to those vampires I will always treasure in my heart.

Reviewed by: Leontine
Courtesy of Realms on our Bookshelves

Big Fan, Small Let Down
I normally enjoy anything Ms. Kennyon writes. I must say that I did not enjoy this one as much as the other novels she has written. I can't begin to describe how disappointed I was since I've been following her series for sometime now and have loved all her characters. This novel was missing something and I couldn't put my finger on what that something was. The only part of this book I really truly enjoyed was the extra little holiday story at the end of the book. Considering how action packed the last Dream-Hunter novel was this one was a little bit of a let down. I will still look forward to her other upcoming novels!! I'd recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestselling novel--The Fates--if you haven't read it yet!