Circle of Fire (Damask Circle #1) by Keri Arthur

Series: Damask Circle #1
336p.
Publisher: Dell
Published: 1/28/14 (first published: 08/20/01)
Source: NetGalley and the publisher for review

VISIONS OF TERROR 

Sixteen teenagers taken from their homes. Eleven bodies recovered, each completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible. Jon Barnett knows that what’s happening is far worse. Sent by a group of paranormal investigators known as the Damask Circle, Jon quickly becomes enmeshed in a web of black magic and realizes he needs help. But fate gives him only one choice. 

Madeline Smith has retreated to an isolated farmhouse, afraid of the abilities she cannot control—abilities that have killed. But when a “ghost” brings a warning of danger and her nephew goes missing, Maddie not only has to leave her haven, she has to place her trust in a man who is neither ghost nor human. As the noose of sorcery tightens, the search for the teenagers becomes a race against time. But the greatest danger to Maddie and Jon could be the intense feelings they refuse to acknowledge but cannot ignore.

My thoughts:
This is a book that was previously published but is being rereleased. This is a PNR shifter type of story with your standard HEA at the end. It has no cliffie *cheers* so it can be read as a standalone and I suspect the next book will be another couple. I enjoy those since you can read out of order (but since this is the first one, of course that isn't the issue here) and not be lost.

The story is one we are quite familiar. Trouble starts we have to opposing and flawed characters, neither of whom are looking for love. As they are forced to work together we see the sparks fly and they try to balance solving the issue as well as trying not to fall for each other. Something we know is inevitable. Okay, so it is predictable, but still fun to see how they do it in the specific world created here. We are also introduced to knowing the Damask Circle exists, but nothing more. Something to build upon in the coming books.

I give this story 3 stars. It is a fun PNR where you want to sometimes kick both characters in the arse for not dealing with the emotions they obviously have for each other. You will probably enjoy this one if you are in the mood for a PNR with a bit of action.