• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Maryse's Book Blog

Following my heart, one book at a time...

  • HOME
  • MY REVIEWS
    • MY LATEST REVIEWS
    • ALL MY REVIEWS (ALPHABETICAL BY AUTHOR)
    • 5 Star Reviews
    • 4.5 Star Reviews
    • 4 Star Reviews
    • FAVORITES LISTS
    • Recommendations
    • MY TOP 10 FOR 2020
    • MY TOP 15 FOR 2019
    • MY TOP 15 FOR 2018
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2017
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2016
    • MY TOP 10 FOR 2015
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2014
    • My Top 25 for 2013
    • My Top 25 for 2012
    • My Top 25 for 2011
  • FAVORITES LISTS
  • BOOK RELEASES
  • READING ORDERS
  • IN THE MOOD FOR
    • THE ENTIRE “PICK YOUR MOOD” LIST
    • AGE GAP ROMANCE
    • A SHORT STORY
    • A SLOW BURN
    • AUDIOBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • BAD GUYS & ANTIHEROES
    • BIKER ROMANCE
    • BILLIONAIRES
    • A BROKEN HERO
    • BOSSY BULLIES
    • BROODING HEROES
    • BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND ROMANCE
    • COMEDY ROMANCE
    • CHRISTMAS ROMANCE
    • DARK READS
    • DYSTOPIAN
    • FALLING FOR A NERD
    • FANTASY ROMANCE
    • FIGHTERS – PRO & UNDERGROUND
    • FORBIDDEN LOVE
    • FRIENDS TO LOVERS
    • HISTORICAL ROMANCE
    • HORROR
    • IN LOVE W/ A CELEBRITY
    • IN LOVE W/ A DOCTOR
    • INFIDELITY
    • INTERRACIAL ROMANCE
    • JAW-DROPPING TWISTS
    • LOVE AFTER LOSS ROMANCE
    • MAFIA ROMANCE
    • MARITAL STRIFE
    • MEN IN UNIFORM
    • M/M ROMANCE
    • OFFICE ROMANCE
    • OLDER MAN/YOUNGER WOMAN
    • OLDER MAIN CHARACTERS
    • OLDER WOMAN/YOUNGER MAN
    • PARANORMAL ROMANCE
    • PERSONAL GROWTH & SURVIVAL
    • POST-APOCALYPTIC
    • PSYCH-THRILLERS
    • RECLUSIVE HEROES
    • REVERSE HAREM
    • SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
    • SINGLE DADS
    • SHELTERED HEROINES
    • STALKERS & OBSESSIVE LOVE
    • STRANDED & SURVIVAL
    • SUPER-ANGST
    • SUPER-HOT EROTICA
    • TEARJERKERS
    • UNCONVENTIONAL LOVE
    • UNREQUITED LOVE
  • EXTRAS
    • BOOK DEALS
    • HOW DO I FIND WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR?
    • READER RECOMMENDATIONS
    • READER QUESTIONS
    • READER CONFESSIONS
    • WHERE DID THIS AUTHOR GO?
    • AUTHOR INTERVIEWS
    • BOOK & AUTHOR NEWS
    • MARYSE’S SURPRISE FROM HER FAVORITE BOOK BOYFRIEND’S
    • BOOK SIGNINGS
    • MY TBR LISTS
    • EDITORIALS
    • MOVIE REVIEWS
    • PRODUCT REVIEWS
      • MAKEUP & SKIN CARE REVIEWS
  • EMAIL
    • EMAIL ME :)
    • ABOUT ME
    • MARYSE’S FAQ
    • REVIEW REQUESTS
    • JOIN MY NEWSLETTER
      • MY NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
    • MY RSS FEED
      • JOIN MY RSS FEED
You are here: Home / My Book Reviews / Alexandra Ivy / Book Review – Embrace The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

Book Review – Embrace The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

March 22, 2011 By Maryse 3 Comments

Embrace the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity Book 2)
Hrmmm. Installment #2 in the Guardians of Eternity series had me at “vampire with long silver hair” but I quickly realized I was putting it down too much to ever become fully involved with the main couple. And that was the problem. I could easily put it down. I liked it, (overall, good story!) but I was never fully consumed with it.

While I got a kick out of Viper and his non-conventional methods of “getting something out of his system”, I…I don’t know. Let’s blame it on the supermoon πŸ˜‰ That,Β a full “over-work” week, and I was too easily distracted. Viper and Shay justΒ didn’t manage to hold me.

Usually, if I am loving a book,Β nothing will keep me away. Oh sure, I stick to my daily responsibilities, but at night, something in my personal life takes a backseat… cleaning, socializing, sleeping…ok, yup – even the husband. This novelΒ should have been right up my alley. Who knows? However,Β it does have manyΒ positive reviews, so there you go.

Viper met “Shay” at the end of book #1, as they struggled to fight off the witches, protect the Phoenix, and stay alive throughout the process. Shay’s blood to Viper, is like Sookie’s is to Eric. Intoxicating. Viper want-y! Badly. Shay however, is having none of it, and has a huge hatred for all things bite-y.

Shay is a “Shalott” demon, and the only one left in the world. Hunted to extinction, her own father was killed by a vampire for his very blood, and despite the obvious attraction between the two of them, Shay doesn’t trust Viper’s intentions one bit.

Unfortunately, Shay doesn’t have much say in her destiny. She is now a slave, and to her great dismay, Viper becomes her new owner. Bound by a curse to a ruthless, barbaric troll who considers himself quite the businessman, his priceless Shalott is back on the bidding block, for the next high roller. And Viper is there with cash in hand and literally purchases her. Shay can’t deny his beauty, but hates him for what he is, and even more so for daring to “own” her.

Shay’s breath caught in her throat. Not at his stunning beauty, or powerful presence, or even the flamboyant velvet cloak that shrouded his slender form.

It was the fact that she knew this vampire.

He had been at her side when they had battled the coven of witches weeks ago. And, more importantly, he had been at her side when she had saved his life.

And now he was here bidding on her like she was no more than a piece of property.

Damn his rotten soul to hell.

But what Shay doesn’t realize is that Viper doesn’t need a slave of any sort. He’s got everything he needs and then some, except…her. The one female that has haunted his thoughts and dreams since he met her. And as luck would have it, she has been made available to him. Having refused him during their first encounter, Viper is not one to worry about “how” he gets her into his life. Just so long as he gets her.

She might hate his method of “procuring” her for now, but he’s enough of a ladies man to change her mind. She’ll get over it. As he lavishes her with food, comfort, clothes, and even freedoms, she waits for the other shoe to drop… for hisΒ use of her body, and worse, of her blood.

But what Shay doesn’t realize is that Viper is the least of her problems. There are some out there that continue to hunt her now that her existence has been brought to their attention, and the only one she can truly trust is the one that “owns” her.

There were quite a few funny moments, that had me laughing. Shay’s borrowing Viper’s Porsche. Her driving it was hilarious (she can’t drive), but his finding it in the garage was priceless!!

“I’m not used to driving stick.”

“So you drove into every tree and ditch you could discover?”

Her lips thinned at his sharp tone. Beautiful or not there were times when he was damn annoying.

“It’s not that bad.”

“It’s a total wreck.”

“I’ll admit there are a few scratches and dents, hardly a wreck.”

The midnight eyes narrowed.

“The drove shaft is beyond repair, the transmission is sot, the-”

“Okay, there are some problems,” she interrupted, inwardly wincing as she recalled just how many ditches and trees she managed to locate. “It’s just a car.”

“Just a car?” He blinked as if she had spoken a foreign language.

Oh and her silly little gargoyle friend, Levet. He was kinda cute – and provided some comic relief too (although he mostly just drove Viper crazy):

“What’s in the box?”

“Obviously we don’t know yet.”

“Is it going to take long?”

“It will take as long as it takes.”

“Are we having snacks?”

Tee hee! He’s so silly!

The comedy was much needed, as enemies and danger abound in this one. There are quite a few (it even got to be a little distracting at times), and all have different motives. One however, remained a mystery, and kept me guessing to the very end. I guess, overall, I wanted there to be more “Shay and Viper depth and connection” and less “Shay and Viper running for their lives”. But as we all know, there is barely any time for self-indulgent basking in the glow of new found love, when in the paranormal world. Someone’s always out to get you ;).

While the first book was emotionally and romantically overwhelming, this one, to me… not so much. Maybe it was just a case of the “it’s not you, it’s me” syndrome. Maybe the book was awesome and I just wasn’t “there”. Maybe on a better week, I’d be a “Viper” girl (I mean, come on…he was perfect). But as it stands now, I’m still Dante’s. That’s okay, cause I keep hearing they get better and better, and I’m all for continuing!

3.5 stars

Interested in the series? β€”> Alexandra Ivy – Guardians of Eternity Series Reading Order

 

Filed Under: Alexandra Ivy, My Book Reviews Tagged With: Alexandra Ivy, Guardians of Eternity, paranormal romance, vampires, viper

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
3 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
LilyofDarkness
LilyofDarkness
11 years ago

I loved the part about the car!! Can’t wait to read these, when I review I will let you know who won my heart – Dante or Viper.

Reply
Conchita
Conchita
11 years ago

I love Viper, but the love interest with Shay was not doing a thing for me. I feel I was missing something. Characters in series are so good that I can forgive the lack of passion in this one though. I will continue to look forward to any future series.

Reply

Primary Sidebar

My Facebook Page

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Maryse's Book Blog
3 days ago
Maryse's Book Blog

Lauren Runow <β€” MARITAL STRIFE/THRILLER ALERT!!! HAPPYISH COUPLE BORED ON THE INSIDE VENTURE IN WITH NEW NEIGHBORS!! <--- Eeeeeep!

#amazonaffiliate #CommissionsEarned #bookrelease #maritalstrife

β€œβ€¦When new neighbors move onto their idyllic street, Leilani is intrigued when she learns of their secret life.

Looking for a new way to connect with her husband, Leilani convinces Clayton to step out of his comfort zone and into a forbidden unionβ€”and a world of trouble...”

AMAZON US: amzn.to/3MnT7o3
AMAZON CA: amzn.to/3LlXfns
AMAZON UK: amzn.to/3a6whmP
AMAZON DE: amzn.to/37PFRcT
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Stolen Desire

amzn.to

Stolen Desire
View Comments
  • Likes: 1
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Maryse's Book Blog
3 days ago
Maryse's Book Blog

The Friends to Lovers Collection by Lauren Blakely <β€” BOOK BUNDLE RELEASE!!! Super-bargain priced, too! πŸ˜€

#amazonaffiliate #CommissionsEarned #bookrelease #laurenblakely

β€œβ€¦In these three standalone romances, you’ll enjoy some of what Lauren is best known for – helping friends fall in love with heat, heart and humor...”

AMAZON US: amzn.to/3Mo4899
AMAZON CA: amzn.to/3LkOc60
AMAZON UK: amzn.to/38uXRcQ
AMAZON DE: amzn.to/3NjD8aN
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

The Friends to Lovers Collection

amzn.to

The Friends to Lovers Collection
View Comments
  • Likes: 1
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Maryse's Book Blog
4 days ago
Maryse's Book Blog

The Monday Early Bird Book Releases ARE READY!

I posted in the 1st comment:
... See MoreSee Less

View Comments
  • Likes: 18
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 1

Comment on Facebook

Check out what just went LIVE ---> www.maryse.net/book-releases/monday-early-bird-book-releases-05-16-2022.html

Maryse's Book Blog
5 days ago
Maryse's Book Blog

Have a guess for this one?

I posted it in the first comment:

Reader Question – The book where they meet on the plane & she instantaneously kisses him and he turns out to be the owner of the plane.
... See MoreSee Less

View Comments
  • Likes: 5
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 2

Comment on Facebook

Have a guess? www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-where-they-meet-on-the-plane-she-instant...

I think it is the end I want by samantha towle

Maryse's Book Blog
5 days ago
Maryse's Book Blog

HAPPY SUNDAY!! Anyone have a guess for this one? ---> I POSTED IT IN THE FIRST COMMENT:

Reader Question – The book about her best friend’s brother that brings her to an island to teach her what men want…
... See MoreSee Less

View Comments
  • Likes: 9
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 1

Comment on Facebook

Have a guess? ---> www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-her-best-friends-brother-that-brin...

Load more

About Me

Reading is my favorite! I love blogging about books, reviewing them, making "favorites lists" & reading order guides, & hearing your own 5-star recommendations to add to my TBR list! I love our virtual book club!Β πŸ˜€ Β [more about me]

Recent Posts

  • Reader Question – The biker book about the girl named Tempest who had 2 siblings that were “club girls”.
  • Reader Question – The book where they are no longer together and he’s meeting his deaf baby daughter for the first time…
  • Reader Question – The biker book where she’s staying at the clubhouse for protection & he comes in butt-naked to have breakfast…
  • Reader Question – The book about the woman wanting a skier to sign a contract and they go on a picnic and go skiing…
  • Latest Romance Book Releases – 05-17-2022

QUICK LINKS:

βž” Book & Author News
βž” My Latest Reviews
βž” Latest Book Releases
βž” Maryse’s Book Blog FAQ
βž” Upcoming Book Releases
βž” My 5-Star Favorites
βž” My 4.5-Star Favorites
βž” My 4-Star Favorites
βž” All My Reviews
βž” Book Recommendations
βž” Reader Questions
βž” Reader Confessions
βž” Author Interviews & Tidbits

βž” Makeup & Skincare Chat
βž” Our Recipes & Kitchen Tools

BEST OF THE YEAR:

βž” My Best Books of 2020
βž” My Best Books of 2019
βž” My Best Books of 2018
βž” My Best Books of 2017
βž” My Best Books of 2016
βž” My Best Books of 2015
βž” My Best Books of 2014
βž” My Best Books of 2013
βž” My Best Books of 2012
βž” My Best Books of 2011

READER RECOMMENDATIONS:

βž” Books that stayed with you
βž” Unrequited Love Books
βž” Infidelity in Romance
βž” What to read after…
βž” Broken Book Boyfriends
βž” Slow Burn Romance
βž” RisquΓ© & Forbidden Love
βž” Comedy Romance
βž” Favorite Audiobooks
βž” Authors’ Favorite Books
βž” Readers’ Top 2015 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2016 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2017 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2018 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2019 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2020 Favs

βž” All Our Favorites Lists

IN THE MOOD TO READ:

βž” Super-Angst?
βž” a Tearjerker?
βž” Unconventional Love?
βž” Love After Loss?
βž” Books w/ a Pregnancy?
βž” Friends to Lovers?
βž” Forbidden Love?
βž” Falling for a Celebrity?
βž” Men in Uniform?
βž” Gritty Biker Romance?
βž” Marital Strife?
βž” Unrequited Love?
βž” Mafia Romance?
βž” Barbarian Warlords?
βž” Arranged Marriage?
βž” Bossy Bullies?
βž” Older Main Characters?
βž” Comedy Romance?
βž” Office Romance?
βž” Second Chance Romance?
βž” Psych-thrillers?
βž” Historical Romance?
βž” Interracial Romance?
βž” Older Man/Younger Girl?
βž” Older Woman/Younger Man?
βž” Age Gap Romance?
βž” Audiobooks?
βž” Reverse Harem?
βž” A Broken Hero?
βž” A Short Story?
βž” Brother’s Best Friend?
βž” M/M Romance?
βž” Reclusive Heroes?
βž” A Nerdy Character?
βž” Fantasy Romance?
βž” Urban Fantasy?
βž” Paranormal Romance?
βž” Vampires?
βž” Shifters?
βž” Witches?
βž” Time Travel?
βž” Stalkers & Obsessive Love?
βž” What to read after…?
βž” Christmas Romance?

βž” The ENTIRE “What Are You In The Mood To Read?” Genre List

Recent Comments

  • Maryse on Reader Question – The book about the rock star that gets called out as a fake, because he has so many plus size fans due to his songs…
  • Marla on Reader Question – The book about the rock star that gets called out as a fake, because he has so many plus size fans due to his songs…
  • Andrea Etchells on Reader Question – The biker book where she’s staying at the clubhouse for protection & he comes in butt-naked to have breakfast…
  • LisaC on Monday Early Bird Book Releases – 05-16-2022
  • Jennifer Worsley on Reader Question – The biker book where she’s staying at the clubhouse for protection & he comes in butt-naked to have breakfast…

Archives

  • May 2022 (21)
  • April 2022 (35)
  • March 2022 (43)
  • February 2022 (44)
  • January 2022 (41)
  • December 2021 (39)
  • November 2021 (30)
  • October 2021 (53)
  • September 2021 (34)
  • August 2021 (34)
  • July 2021 (45)
  • June 2021 (46)
  • May 2021 (40)
  • April 2021 (36)
  • March 2021 (39)
  • February 2021 (48)
  • January 2021 (46)
  • December 2020 (58)
  • November 2020 (46)
  • October 2020 (60)
  • September 2020 (60)
  • August 2020 (49)
  • July 2020 (59)
  • June 2020 (62)
  • May 2020 (56)
  • April 2020 (61)
  • March 2020 (46)
  • February 2020 (50)
  • January 2020 (62)
  • December 2019 (48)
  • November 2019 (43)
  • October 2019 (53)
  • September 2019 (47)
  • August 2019 (48)
  • July 2019 (53)
  • June 2019 (50)
  • May 2019 (54)
  • April 2019 (47)
  • March 2019 (56)
  • February 2019 (40)
  • January 2019 (57)
  • December 2018 (41)
  • November 2018 (44)
  • October 2018 (47)
  • September 2018 (46)
  • August 2018 (44)
  • July 2018 (48)
  • June 2018 (45)
  • May 2018 (47)
  • April 2018 (45)
  • March 2018 (57)
  • February 2018 (44)
  • January 2018 (45)
  • December 2017 (45)
  • November 2017 (40)
  • October 2017 (42)
  • September 2017 (41)
  • August 2017 (43)
  • July 2017 (52)
  • June 2017 (42)
  • May 2017 (45)
  • April 2017 (41)
  • March 2017 (55)
  • February 2017 (48)
  • January 2017 (59)
  • December 2016 (44)
  • November 2016 (45)
  • October 2016 (60)
  • September 2016 (53)
  • August 2016 (50)
  • July 2016 (58)
  • June 2016 (57)
  • May 2016 (54)
  • April 2016 (56)
  • March 2016 (55)
  • February 2016 (51)
  • January 2016 (60)
  • December 2015 (51)
  • November 2015 (44)
  • October 2015 (64)
  • September 2015 (59)
  • August 2015 (59)
  • July 2015 (59)
  • June 2015 (56)
  • May 2015 (60)
  • April 2015 (56)
  • March 2015 (54)
  • February 2015 (50)
  • January 2015 (50)
  • December 2014 (45)
  • November 2014 (47)
  • October 2014 (50)
  • September 2014 (39)
  • August 2014 (51)
  • July 2014 (47)
  • June 2014 (61)
  • May 2014 (47)
  • April 2014 (40)
  • March 2014 (46)
  • February 2014 (41)
  • January 2014 (50)
  • December 2013 (66)
  • November 2013 (50)
  • October 2013 (61)
  • September 2013 (49)
  • August 2013 (61)
  • July 2013 (56)
  • June 2013 (50)
  • May 2013 (51)
  • April 2013 (49)
  • March 2013 (59)
  • February 2013 (61)
  • January 2013 (49)
  • December 2012 (66)
  • November 2012 (48)
  • October 2012 (49)
  • September 2012 (44)
  • August 2012 (51)
  • July 2012 (48)
  • June 2012 (41)
  • May 2012 (40)
  • April 2012 (42)
  • March 2012 (39)
  • February 2012 (29)
  • January 2012 (37)
  • December 2011 (41)
  • November 2011 (41)
  • October 2011 (45)
  • September 2011 (30)
  • August 2011 (37)
  • July 2011 (35)
  • June 2011 (29)
  • May 2011 (28)
  • April 2011 (40)
  • March 2011 (39)
  • February 2011 (40)
  • January 2011 (29)
  • December 2010 (29)
  • November 2010 (36)
  • October 2010 (31)
  • September 2010 (31)
  • August 2010 (22)
  • July 2010 (14)
  • June 2010 (14)
  • May 2010 (18)
  • April 2010 (21)
  • March 2010 (15)
  • February 2010 (14)
  • January 2010 (19)
  • December 2009 (14)
  • November 2009 (14)
  • October 2009 (25)
  • September 2009 (10)
  • August 2009 (22)
  • July 2009 (10)
  • June 2009 (35)
  • May 2009 (33)
  • April 2009 (49)
  • March 2009 (41)
  • February 2009 (5)

Tags

3.5 stars 4 stars 4.5 stars 5 stars age gap alpha males bad boys bikers billionaires bossy bullies celebrity romance cheating comedy romance contemporary romance dark read dark romance forbidden love giveaway infidelity kidnapped love triangle mafia marital strife men in uniform military romance motorcycle club new adult paranormal romance pregnancy psych-thriller psychological thriller reader favorites reader question reader recommendations rock stars second chance romance shifters solved sports stars super-angsty unrequited love unsolved urban fantasy vampires YA

Categories

  • Adrian Phoenix
  • Alexandra Ivy
  • Alternative
  • Amanda Ashley
  • Bad Boys & Rock Stars
  • Behind The Books
  • Book Recommendations
  • Book Releases
  • Caridad PiΓ±eiro
  • Character Look-Alikes
  • Charlaine Harris
  • Christine Feehan
  • Christine Warren
  • Colleen Hoover
  • contemporary romance
  • Cover Models
  • Diana Gabaldon
  • E.L. James
  • eBook Deals
  • Editorial
  • Fun Author Tidbits
  • Gena Showalter
  • General
  • Historical Romance
  • J.A Redmerski
  • J.R. Ward
  • Jamie McGuire
  • Jeaniene Frost
  • Jill Myles
  • Karen Marie Moning
  • Kathy Love
  • Kerrelyn Sparks
  • Kresley Cole
  • Kristen Ashley
  • L.J. Smith
  • Lara Adrian
  • Larissa Ione
  • Latest Book Releases
  • Laurell K Hamilton
  • Leanna Renee Hieber
  • Lynsay Sands
  • Man Candy Book Covers
  • Mary Janice Davidson
  • Megan Hart
  • Michelle Rowen
  • Miscellaneous
  • Movie Reviews
  • My Book Reviews
  • My Favorites
  • News
  • P.C. Cast
  • Personal Blogs
  • Product Reviews
  • Reader Questions
  • Reading Order Guide:
  • Reading Progress
  • Review
  • Richelle Mead
  • S.C. Stephens
  • Sherrilyn Kenyon
  • Stacia Kane
  • Stephenie Meyer
  • Stuff
  • Suzanne Collins
  • Terri Garey
  • Today's Twit-Bits
  • Urban Fantasy
  • What I am reading today

Contact Me | About Maryse | Privacy Policy | Β© 2020 Maryse.net - Maryse's Book Blog |
I am part of the Amazon affiliate program, which is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other than potential affiliate link commissions, I receive no compensation for reviews. All opinions I have expressed are my own.