The Dark Heart Series by Pat Esden

She wants more than he can promise. His desires could lead to betrayal. But without each other, neither can survive the dangers ahead.     Annie Freemont knows this isn’t the right time to get involved with a man like Chase. After years of distrust, she’s finally drawing close to her estranged family, and he’s an employee on their estate in Maine... moreShe wants more than he can promise. His desires could lead to betrayal. But without each other, neither can survive the dangers ahead.     Annie Freemont knows this isn’t the right time to get involved with a man like Chase. After years of distrust, she’s finally drawing close to her estranged family, and he’s an employee on their estate in Maine. Though she never intended to stay on the estate for long, her father’s illness and the mysteries surrounding her family made leaving impossible. And now with the newfound hope of rescuing her long-missing mother, Annie’s determined to be involved with the family’s plans one way or another.   If only she could keep her mind off Chase and focus on the impending rescue. But there’s something about the enigmatic Chase that she can’t resist. And she’s not the only woman. Annie fears a seductive stranger who is key to safely freeing her mother is also obsessed with him. As plans transform into action and time for a treacherous journey into a strange world draws near, every move Annie makes will test the one bond she’s trusted with her secrets, her desires—and her heart. less

Her passion is her greatest weakness.His legacy is his prison.To reunite, both must fight the demons within. A world of deception and danger separates Annie Fremont from her mother--and from Chase, the enigmatic half ifrit with whom Annie's fallen in love. But she vows to find her way back to them, before Chase succumbs to the madness that threatens his freedom. The only person who can help is the magical seductress, Lotli, a beautiful, manipulative woman . . . a woman who has disappeared... moreHer passion is her greatest weakness.His legacy is his prison.To reunite, both must fight the demons within. A world of deception and danger separates Annie Fremont from her mother--and from Chase, the enigmatic half ifrit with whom Annie's fallen in love. But she vows to find her way back to them, before Chase succumbs to the madness that threatens his freedom. The only person who can help is the magical seductress, Lotli, a beautiful, manipulative woman . . . a woman who has disappeared. Annie must stay strong, even as the future she imagined is slipping away. With the help of family and friends, she discovers that Lotli is being held against her will, by those who want to exploit her powers. But though weakened, Lotli remains a powerful ally and adversary. A bargain is struck. And now Annie's only chance to rescue Chase could also tear them apart . . . Loyalties will be tested, walls will be breached, and enemies will be fought, yet Annie's greatest battle lies within her own heart--to trust her love for Chase to overcome its greatest enemy, and to save those she holds most dear from the terrifying realm of the djinn. For all of their lives depend on it. Praise for Pat Esden and her Dark Heart Novels "What a fantastic ride! Full of mystery, action, and romance." --Kim Karr, New York Times bestselling author "Twists and turns, a hot guy, and a family with too many secrets to count: the perfect read for a dark and stormy night!" --Jen McConnel "A dark and sexy adventure, mixed with a refreshing twist. Well done!" --Rachel A. Marks "Deliciously dark." -- Publishers Weekly "A major and unexpected paranormal threat adds freshness to Esden's page-turner." --Booklist less