September 22nd, 2011
Thursday’s Talking About: Darkness and Light by J.A. Belfield
Darkness and Light is a paranormal romance about Jem and Sean, who have a relationship that spans the ages. The only problem is, Jem doesn’t exactly remember him being the love of her life! Oh no! Instead, she’s plagued by dreams that leave her on the edge awareness. And in her waking hours, she’s saddled by the fact that she’s married to one (despicably obsessive / compulsive) man, Peter, yet, finds herself yearning for another who turns out to be the (wolf) man of her dreams, Sean!
Now, here’s where my analytical writer’s brain kicks in and discovers the brilliant way author J.A. Belfield established the pacing of the book. Each chapter is labeled according to Jem’s waking state: Darkness for the chapters depicting her dreams (about Sean and some rather dramatic transformations 
) and Light for the time she’s conscious and pondering the paranormalities of her dreams (while she deals with an increasingly controlling husband).
The story sweeps the reader away, taking them through Jems emotions of discovery: she’s committed to a cad while her lasting love achingly pines for her and her lost memories of him. And as parts of her past with Sean are gradually revealed, through the interpretations of her dreams, Jem suddenly finds it a supreme struggle to stay loyal to Peter.
But when Sean boldly steps forth from her dreams and into her reality, to confront Jem and confirm she’s really his mate, his physical presence triggers something in her body, prompting her to *sniff* him – just like a wolf would do to draw a scent signature into their memory. Her dark dreams of running through the forest are illuminated from a single whiff of Sean. (the romantic in me sighed! 
)
From there, J.A.Belfield guides the reader through Jem’s turmoil, as she finally comes to terms with the fact that she’s part of something bigger than herself. It’s no surprise she ends up with Sean, it is a paranormal romance afterall. But the reader will be pleasantly engaged in the story, discovering the magnitude of Jem’s past lives with Sean, at the same moments Jem learns of love, longevity and loyalty.
Darkness and Light is a compelling read about love and loss and werewolves. It’s a book that stands alone, yet leaves threads of intrigue near the end, giving the reader promise that the Jem, Sean and the Holloway pack story will continue on. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Until the second book becomes available, I’ll be checking out the supplemental short story to the Holloway Pack world, Fated Encounter.
Darkness and Light is a recommended read
Published July 2011 by J. Taylor Publishing
Paperback, 412 pages
ISBN: 0983405816
Buy it here: Barnes and Noble or Amazon
Visit J.A. Belfield: http://www.jabelfield.com/
See my *starred* revew on Goodreads.
