As Christmas approaches, Mikhail Dubrinsky, the Dark Prince of the Carpathians, gathers his warriors, along with their life mates and children, to celebrate the season. The Carpathian Warriors have much to be grateful for, but a dark shadow hangs over them. Many of them have found life mates among humans, however there have been few children born of the unions. Now Mikhail fears that if the cause for their infertility isn't identified and corrected, their race may be facing extinction.

Their ancient enemies also have banded together in one last desperate attack to finish the Carpathians off, and this time they are striking the Carpathians at their weakest point -- the women and children. Mikhail has found his "light at the end of the tunnel" among his own people and looks forward to the day when the earth is healed and their women can again bring healthy children into the world. But his enemy is strong and cunning, and doesn't hesitate to prey on the deepest fears of Mikhail's people. It is an enemy who can compel others to strike while he stays safe and hidden. An enemy ready to destroy the Carpathians who are right on the edge of salvation. Now the Carpathian men, most who have grown accustomed to working alone, must band together under their Prince to strike out at a still unidentifiable foe and fight hard for their future.

Christmas comes early this year for Feehan fans. DARK CELEBRATION is a gathering of all those Carpathian men we've grown to know and love. Feehan tries to give a little time to everyone and the story changes focus a couple of times as we visit the various couples and their extended families. There are a few intriguing set-ups for new couples (life mates) that should develop in future books. There is a section of recipes in the back called "Dark Deserts" and a couple of appendixes, one on language and one on healing chants. The Dark books are always an enjoyable escape. I haven't been disappointed in one yet and this one is no exception. A word to readers...as a bookseller I hear this pretty often: "I'll wait for paper." I have to ask you why. Yes, I know hardcovers are expensive at over 20 bucks each and you buy a lot of books as a romance reader, but you'd pay it to go to the movies for two hours worth of entertainment and popcorn. You'd pay it for a new shirt. Heck, sometimes you pay it for snack food! So why do we, as romance readers, groan when our favorite authors go to hardcover? As a science fiction/fantasy reader, I have to buy almost all my favorite authors in hardcover (or go to the library). Let's support our romance authors, too. They deserve it. They give us hours of enjoyment.