REVIEW - Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Title: Dark Kiss
Author: Michelle Rowen
Series: Nightwatchers #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release date: May 22nd 2012
Genres: YA Paranormal Romance
Links: Goodreads / Book Depository
Source: NetGalley

Summary:
I don't do dangerous.  

Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. 

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... 

NIGHTWATCHERS 

When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

4/5

The first thing that piqued my interest in this book was the cover. I mean how gorgeous is it?! The second thing was the summary. Angels and demons working together? I had to find out how this was going to play out.

This was a really unique book which provided a refreshing change from the other angel/demon books that I have read. It tells the story of Samantha, a seemingly normal teen, who after a kiss from her crush, begins to change in ways that she never thought possible. Two angels and two demons are sent to earth to get rid of the grays, soulless creatures who rob the souls of humans by kissing them and thus turning them into grays.  Now you know that if angels and demons have to work together that things must be REALLY bad!

I really liked Sam. Although she wasn't perfect and she made some silly mistakes I thought she was a very strong character with a kind heart. She was dealt some heavy blows but she managed to stay on her feet and keep fighting. Bishop I loved. He was the perfect love interest; dark and brooding with a mysterious past, leaving you wanting more of him. He also had a vulnerable side which made him seem more, for lack of a better word, human. Kraven I also loved. I have a soft spot for the sarcastic and snarky character in books and Kraven was all that and more. Even though he irritated everyone to no end I found it impossible not to like him. I can't wait to see more of him in book two. We didn't really get to learn much about the other angel and demon but they did bring their own qualities to the group.

The story itself was filled with so many twists and turns you didn't know what was going to happen next. You were left guessing who was on who's side as the lines between good and evil were constantly blurred. I hate knowing from very early on what way a book will end so I loved how I didn't know what was going to happen in this. The love story was also very well played out. Even though Sam and Bishop only knew each other for a week, it didn't feel that rushed (which is saying something because I hate insta-love stories). Although there wasn't a love triangle I sense something happening in book two which I am curious about (even though I normally hate love triangles).

Overall, a fantastically dark and addictive read with a wonderful cast of characters, a steamy romance and a great new take on the angel/demon lore. A must for all paranormal lovers. 

*I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*