An Intense Ride, February 17, 2002
Reviewer: The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers www.RAWSISTAZ.com


Darline Dorce-Coupet's first novel, Embracing the Horror, is a fresh and unique love story with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. The story starts out in Haiti during a battle between the natural and supernatural realms. Young Erin Arielle Symonette is involved in a ceremony in which a spirit that possesses her is cast out. Next we move to the present, which is about 9 and a half years later, in Florida. Arielle, as she prefers to be called, has grown up and is now a driven, ambitious and beautiful woman. She works for Mecca Miami, a fashion magazine, where she has worked her way up the ranks and is now Fashion Editor. While attempting to interview Cedric Courage, one of THE most successful rappers on the scene, for Mecca she begins developing a relationship with him. As the relationship between Arielle and Cedric begins to blossom, we see them share intellectual conversations, develop a friendship and eventually they develop a more intimate relationship. Arielle's life begins to shift from that of a career driven woman, to a party woman trying to juggle her new social life with Cedric and her job. The stress of the two competing lifestyles begins to affect her in some dramatic ways.
As the story continues, Arielle finds herself alone on the romantic getaway cruise she had planned to spend with Cedric. As a result of her anger and disappointment, she decides she will make the most of her trip and have a great time in spite of Cedric's absence. It is then that she meets an attractive man, a Romeo of sorts. This meeting changes the course of her already complicated life. Eventually, Arielle finds herself trying to figure out which man, Cedric or "Romeo" is the man of her dreams.
The author does a wonderful job of developing the characters during the course of the book. With each chapter, you learn a little more about the childhood and background of the characters and you see how these past incidents shape their present lives and choices. The story is told from the first person point of view so you get an even clearer sense of what is going on in the mind of the character. Arielle is the primary storyteller in the book; however, I did not find her character to be very likable. In my opinion, she did a lot of manipulative and selfish things throughout most of the book. At the same time she was also a young woman searching for meaning, self-discovery and love in her life and as much as I disliked her, at times I really felt for her. I found myself shifting from hoping she gets what she deserves to hoping she can finally find peace.
My initial thought upon receiving my copy of Embracing the Horror was "this is a long book" and I wondered whether or not it would have enough substance to sustain my interest throughout. Don't let the length of this book deter you from reading it because it is quite an enjoyable read. The book is suspenseful, erotic, romantic, and even supernatural at times and just when you think you have everything figured out, the author slips in yet another unexpected twist. This story will make you angry, nervous, frustrated, and the steamier scenes may send you searching for your significant other. Overall, this was a pleasant and enjoyable read and definitely one of the most unique love stories I have ever read. I look forward to future works by this author.
Reviewed by Stacey Seay originally for AALBC


Supernatural Erotica, November 10, 2002
Reviewer: Miss "Missy" (Woodridge, IL USA)

Please allow me to pause for a moment before typing this review inhale/exhale, ok let us get started. I had the opportunity to spend time with Darline Dorce-Coupet at the Harlem 2002 Book Festival. She was eager to hear my and my book club thoughts on Embracing the Horror. Unfortunately, I had not read it at that time.
I finished the book this past Thursday night and I am still
assimilating the story. Many times throughout my life I wished for the power Arielle dominated. The capacity to hunger and pine for sex as she did. Arielle Erin Symonette shared her temple with a Goddess named Erzulie, The Goddess of Love and Desire, who tormented her soul to the degree that Arielle was not aware of and the men who thought of her sexual appetite as voracious; she was the best lover they ever had.
Arielle attempts to love two men, one her husband Cedric Courage, who is under her spell and adores her or is it the Goddess inside her that has him under a spell. On the other side of the spectrum is Danyel Champion, a brother who knows exactly what to do with Arielle’s sexual hunger, but because theirs is a forbidden lust they resume their relationship behind the confines of their separate residences. Not only
is Arielle a married woman, but she and Danyel hold a secret so taboo that it can haunt them and their family for generations to come.
Embracing the Horror is a little over 600 pages, and once you pick up the book and begin, reading you will continue to turn pages. The author does an excellent job of storytelling, I was lost in it most times. Her delivery and promise of a story of Forbidden Love was met without a doubt. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an affinity for suspense, the supernatural and erotica.
Missy
APOOO BookClub


AMAZING WRITER OF HER GENRE
January 5, 2004
Reviewer: A reader

Very imaginative and creative!!!! Ms Coupet is an excellent writer that makes you live every word. I am very impressed with her work and would recommend it to other men that may be skeptics. I too was skeptical to read this book but it was worth it. Good luck Ms Coupet.