Embrace the Darkness

Guardians of Eternity Series, Book 2

By: Alexandra Ivy

Narrated by: Arika Rapson

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Lady Shay is the last of her kind. Half human, half Shalott, her blood is a precious aphrodisiac to vampires, who consider it more precious than gold. Though Shalotts are renowned assassins, a curse held over Shay lands her on the slave auction block, where her fate is uncertain. Viper, the beguiling chief of a deadly vampire clan, can't explain his longing to possess the beautiful Shalott who once saved his life, but now he is free to do anything he wants with her. Strangely, while he desires both Shay's blood and body, he wants her to surrender willingly. A hidden evil has been stalking Shay since she left the slave market with Viper. It is an evil that endangers the very existence of Viper's kind, and there's no reason he should court such danger just to protect a Shalott. But the love he feels for Shay is enough to make him willing to go to hell and back if it means spending an eternity with her in his arms.

©2007 Debbie Raleigh (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The second book in Ivy's Guardians of Eternity trilogy delivers plenty of atmosphere and hot-blooded seduction." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great listen!

Would you listen to Embrace the Darkness again? Why?

Yes! Love the chemistry

Any additional comments?

Shay & Viper.... A fascinating love story. Ivy does a wonderful job at writing, Characters are always well developed and the story has a with good plot and a strong storyline.

ANOTHER ENTERTAINING & EXCITING LISTEN BY Ms. IVY

Viper - the charismatic, gorgeous, sexy Leader of the Vampires is obsessed with Shay - a half Shalott Demon who's been enslaved most of her life and, when she comes up for auction. Viper thinks he has a good plan. The simple plan is to sleep with her and then ta-dah he'll finally get her out of his system (yea right, we all know that's not going to happen).

This was an action-packed, funny, sexy romance and their adventure includes Hellhounds, Demons, an evil Villain, a curse, trolls and a Gargoyle who stole the show. As they battle to save Shay she finally begins to trust Viper as she realises he is fighting for and with her and he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. There's great chemistry and verbal interaction between the two which results in trust, passion, sex and love. During their riveting journey they encounter some interesting secondary characters (some from the previous book). However, this could be a stand-alone listen.

Worth a credit? For a Paranormal Romance lover this has everything and AIexandra Ivy's world-building skills just keeps adding layers, creatures and characters to this exciting series - so, naturally, I'm going to say YES and bring on book 3.

I love a romance with humor!

What made the experience of listening to Embrace the Darkness the most enjoyable?

The action started immediately and continued throughout! I also loved Le'vay the gargoyle. What a surprise to have a funny and unexpected sidekick. He appeared often enough to keep you listening and laughing at is quips. I enjoyed Shay and Viper. Two alpha personalities constantly protecting the other. They were constantly denying their feelings for each other but their actions blatantly showed the opposite. Very enjoyable to see these two fall hard. Le'vay, although cowardly was just funny!

What other book might you compare Embrace the Darkness to and why?

Surprisingly, this was the first time I didn't compare one of the other books I had read to this one.

Great adventure

Loved Viper, but when and why was Shay portrayed as weak,dumb, and inept? She was a warrior and the fact that she couldn't seem to get the dangerous situations she was in, or when to be quiet,when to ask questions was an insult to common sense.

The plot is wonderful!

I loved the characters. Viper was definitely swoon worthy and Levet was the best comedic muse you could randomly throw in. The chemistry between Shay and Viper is beautiful, especially when he's the head-over-heels one.

Irritating heroine ruined story

I am all for strong women with brains, fighting skills, and confidence. I am not interested in listening to a story where the heroine is so over the top stubborn that she almost gets herself and everyone around her killed multiple times, is stupidly rash, rude, and so annoying that it is hard to wish her on anyone, especially the hero.

I almost did not read the next book because of this one was so frustrating. The hero and heroine fought constantly, then all of the sudden, the heroine is like "wait, I love him so I will try to be less irritating." (Seriously that was actually her internal dialogue.)

So, worth the Credit or the time it woll take to listen to this one? Not in my opinion. Maybe if you find it on sale you might want to pick it up, if you'd like to read the next book. (Although I have not finished it, it has started out much better.)