Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dark Hunter #10, St. Martin's Paperbacks, August 2004, Rating: A

In NIGHT PLAY we get to know the world of the Were-Hunter's better by way of wolf Vane Kattalakis. The short story DRAGONSWAN initiated us into the world of the weres, how their mates were chosen, how modern day electricity affects them (making them change shapes unwillingly when struck by a powerful enough electric jolt), their ability to time jump, and why many chose to live in the past (before electricity). A bar we've seen many times throughout the Dark-Hunter books, Sanctuary, is owned by bears, it is a spot where any and all can enter so long as they abide by the "if you don't bite, we won't bite you" policy.

Vane and his brother, Fang, find themselves offered up to Daimons, tied up and hung from flimsy tree branches in the swamp. This was a result of Vane's helping Talon by guarding Sunshine, which resulted in his sister and her pups' deaths. Fang doesn't recover for quite some time from the Daimon attack he experienced, Vane brings him to Sanctuary not having anywhere else to turn. We learn as the book goes on just how special Vane is, hiding is true identity from so many for so long successfully. Abandoned by their mother who didn't want her wolf pups, Vane and Fang's lives have not been easy. It is only when he sees Bride McTierney for the second time (he saw her briefly while guarding Sunshine) and makes love with her that he finds someone worth loving again. But is it because the fates decided they were mated?

Bride McTierney is a Size 18 woman who gets dumped by her boyfriend of 6 years when he's achieved his goal (through using her) of being a TV anchorperson. Enter Vane Kattalakis who seems to be attracted for her for who she is. Her size is clearly an issue for her, her boyfriend and sister insisted she go on diets to try and lose weight, but Vane gets frustrated when she only orders a salad when they have dinner together. His attitude even endears him to her mother who is clearly pleased a man has accepted Bride for who she is. The decision rests with her whether they will be mated or not, and she realizes once she gets to know the real Vane that it is not a simple issue. If they have children will they be human or pups is a big concern?

I enjoyed NIGHT PLAY, I like the way the author mixes up each story so we're not overburdened with story of Dark-Hunter after Dark-Hunter. We've gotten to know the various breeds of people in this world and I enjoy that. I really liked Vane and Bride, it was refreshing to read about a heroine that wasn't a Size 8 and glamorously perfect and a man who could love her for who she is. It was implied that Vane's brothers have met their mates (the symbol doesn't appear until they've had sex) and I can't wait to read about Fang and Fury when their stories are told. I rate NIGHT PLAY an A.

©Susan Falk and phantomroses.com