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Northern Canada
Roke hadn't yet given in to his overwhelming desire to commit gargoyle-cide.
But it was a near thing.
Roke was antisocial by nature, and having to endure endless chatter from a stunted gargoyle for the past three weeks had been nothing short of torture.
It was only the fact that Levet could sense Yannah, the demon who'd helped Sally flee from Chicago, that kept him from sending the annoying twit back to Styx.
His mating connection to Sally allowed him to sense her, but Yannah's ability to teleport from one place to another in a blink of an eye meant by the time he could locate her, she was already gone.
Levet seemed to have a more direct connection to Yannah, although they still spent their nights chasing from one place to another, always one step behind them.
Until tonight.
With a small smile he came to a halt, allowing his senses to flow outward.
The sturdy cottage tucked on the western coast of British Columbia was perched to overlook the churning waves of the North Pacific Ocean. Built from the gray stones that lined the craggy cliffs, it had a steep, metal roof to shed the heavy snowfalls and windows that were already shuttered against the late autumn breeze. A garage plus two sturdy sheds surrounded the bleak property, but it was far enough away from civilization to avoid prying eyes.
Not that prying eyes could have detected him.
Leaving his custom-built turbine-powered motorcycle hidden in the trees, Roke was dressed in black. Black jeans, black tee, and black leather jacket with a pair of knee-high moccasins that allowed him to move in lethal silence.
With his bronzed skin and dark hair that brushed his broad shoulders, he blended into the darkness with ease. Only his eyes were visible. Although silver in color, they were so pale they appeared white in the moonlight, and rimmed by a circle of pure black.
Over the centuries those eyes had unnerved the most savage demons. No one liked the sensation that their soul was being laid bare.
On the other hand, his lean, beautiful features that were clearly from Native American origins had been luring women to his bed since he'd awoken as a vampire.
They sighed beneath the touch of his full, sensual lips and eagerly pressed against the lean, chiseled perfection of his body. Their fingers traced the proud line of his nose, the wide brow, and his high cheekbones.
It didn't matter that most considered him as cold and unfeeling as a rattlesnake. Or that he would sacrifice anything or anyone to protect his clan.
They found his ruthless edge ... exciting.
All except one notable exception.
A damned shame that exception happened to be his mate.
Roke grimaced.
No. Not mate.
Or at least, not in the traditional sense.
Three weeks ago he'd been in Chicago when the demon world had battled against the Dark Lord. They'd managed to turn back the hordes of hell, but instead of allowing him to return to his clan in Nevada, Styx, the Anasso, had insisted that he remain to babysit Sally Grace, a witch who'd fought with the Dark Lord.
Roke had been furious.
Not only was he desperate to return to his people, but he hated witches.
All vampires did.
Magic was the one weapon they had no defense against.
Regrettably, when Styx gave an order, a wise vampire jumped to obey.
The alternative wasn't pretty.
Of course, at the time none of them had realized that Sally was half demon. Or that she would panic at being placed in the dungeons beneath Styx's elegant lair.
He absently rubbed his inner forearm where the mating mark was branded into his skin.
The witch claimed that she was simply trying to enchant him long enough to convince him to help her escape. And after his initial fury at realizing her demon magic had somehow ignited the mating bond, Roke had grudgingly accepted it had been an accident.
What he hadn't accepted was her running off to search for the truth of her father.
Dammit.
It was her fault they were bound together.
She had no right to slip away like a thief in the night.
"Do you sense anyone?"
The question was spoken in a low voice that was edged with a French accent, jerking Roke out of his dark broodings. Glancing downward, he ruefully met his companion's curious gaze.
What the hell had happened to his life?
A mate that wasn't a mate. A three-foot gargoyle sidekick. And a clan that had been without their chief for far too long.
"She's there," he murmured, his gaze skimming over the creature's ugly mug. Levet had all the usual gargoyle features. Gray skin, horns, a small snout, and a tail he kept lovingly polished. It was only his delicate wings and diminutive size that marked him as different. Oh, and his appalling lack of control over his magic. Roke turned back to the cottage where he could catch the distinctive scent of peaches. A primitive heat seared through him, drawing him forward. "I have you, little witch."
Scampering to keep up with his long, silent strides, Levet tugged at the hem of his jacket.
"Umm ... Roke?"
"Not now, gargoyle." Roke never paused as he made his way toward the back of the cottage. "I've spent the past three weeks being led around like a damned hound on a leash. I intend to savor the moment."
"While you're savoring, I hope that you will recall Sally must have a good reason for—"
"Her reason is to drive me nuts," Roke interrupted, pausing at the side of the nearest shed. "I promised her that we would go in search of her father. Together."
"Oui. But when?"
Roke clenched his teeth. "In case you've forgotten, she nearly died when the—"
"Vampire-god."
Roke grimaced. The creature that they'd so recently battled might have claimed to be the first vampire, but that didn't make him a god. The bastard had nearly killed Sally in an attempt to break the magic that held him captive.
"When the ancient spirit attacked her," he snapped. "She should be grateful that I was willing to wait for her to regain her strength."
Levet cleared his throat. "And that is the only reason you tried to keep her imprisoned?"
"She wasn't imprisoned," he denied, refusing to recall his panic when Sally had lain unconscious for hours.
Or his fierce reluctance to allow Sally to leave Styx's lair.
"Non?" Levet clicked his tongue, seemingly oblivious to how close Roke was to yanking that tongue out of his mouth. "I would have sworn she was locked in the dungeons."
"Not after Gaius was destroyed."
"You mean after she saved the world from the vampire- god?" the gargoyle taunted. "Generous of you."
Oh yeah. The tongue was going to have to go.
"Don't push me, gargoyle," he muttered, allowing his senses to spread outward.
He would deal with the aggravating gargoyle later.
Testing the air, he caught the scent of salty foam as waves crashed against the rocks below, the acrid tang of smoke from the chimney, and the distant perfume of a water sprite playing among the whales.
But overriding it all was that tantalizing aroma of warm peaches.
A potent aphrodisiac that once again compelled him forward.
Levet grabbed his back pocket. "Where are you going?"
Roke didn't miss a step as he swatted the pest away. "To get my mate."
"I do not believe that is a good idea."
"Thankfully I don't give a shit what you think."
"Très bien," the gargoyle sniffed. "You are the panty boss."
"Bossy-pants, you idiot," Roke muttered, heading directly for the back door.
He'd officially run out of patience twenty-one days and several thousand miles ago.
Which would explain why he didn't even consider the fact Sally might be prepared for his arrival.
Less than a foot from the back steps he was brought to a painful halt as an invisible net of magic wrapped around him, the bands of air so tight they would have sliced straight through him if he'd been human.
"What the hell?"
Levet waddled forward, his wings twitching as he studied Roke with open curiosity.
"A magical snare. Sacrebleu. I've never seen one so strong."
Roke flashed his fangs, futilely struggling to escape.
Damn, but he hated magic.
"Why didn't you warn me?" he snarled.
"I did," the gargoyle huffed in outrage. "I told you it was a bad idea."
Okay, he hated magic and gargoyles.
"You didn't tell me there was a trap."
"You are chasing a powerful witch. What did you expect?" The damned beast dared to smile. "Besides, it's such a fine spell. It would have been a pity to spoil Sally's fun."
"I swear, gargoyle, when I get out of here—"
"Are all vampires always so bad-tempered, or is it just you?" a light female voice demanded, the scent of peaches drenching the air.
Roke swallowed a groan, a complex mixture of fury, lust, and savage relief surging through him.
None of it showed on his face as he turned to study the tiny female with shoulder-length hair that was a blend of deep red tresses streaked with gold. She had pale, almost fragile features with velvet brown eyes and full lips that begged to be kissed.
"Hello, my love," he said in a low, husky voice. "Did you miss me?"
* * *
Sally Grace had been well aware that she was being hunted.
Not only hunted ... but hunted by a first-class, grade A, always-get-my-man predator.
And she should know all about predators.
She'd been prey since her mother had tried to put an end to her existence with a particularly nasty spell on her sixteenth birthday. No one understood the difference between an okay hunter and one you didn't have a hope in hell of shaking off your trail better than she did.
Still, she'd managed to elude him for the past three weeks.
Twenty-one days longer than she'd expected.
Now she intended to hold her ground.
No one was putting her back in a cell.
Planting her hands on her hips, she pretended a confidence she was far from feeling.
"Why are you following me?"
His beautiful eyes shimmered a perfect silver in the moonlight.
Of course, everything about him was perfect, she acknowledged with a renegade rush of awareness.
The exquisitely carved features. The dark hair that was silky smooth. The hard, chiseled body that should only be possible with Photoshop.
And the raw, sexual magnetism that pulsed in the air around him.
There wasn't a woman alive who wouldn't secretly wish he'd handcuff her to the nearest bed.
A pity he was a coldhearted vampire who would happily kill her if her magic hadn't tied them together as mates.
She shivered despite the heavy sweatshirt and jeans she wore to combat the cold.
"Is that a joke?"
She tilted her chin. "There's nothing funny about our situation."
"I agree."
"Then why don't you return to Chicago?" she demanded in frustration. "I'm perfectly capable of tracking down my father without you."
A dark brow arched. "Really?"
"Yes, really."
"The last time you went rogue we ended up mated." His lips twisted as he stopped struggling and instead stood there with his head held high, pride etched onto his beautiful face. As if he was above noticing her tedious spell. "Forgive me if I don't entirely trust you."
Sally flinched, her eyes narrowing. Dammit. She didn't need any reminders that she was a major screwup.
Not when she was tired and frustrated and in the mood to punch something.
Really, really hard.
"Sacrebleu," a voice rasped, drawing Sally's attention to the tiny gargoyle standing at Roke's side. "You may have a death wish, vampire, but I do not. I believe I will speak with Yannah."
Sally blinked, effectively distracted by the question.
Yannah had been a strange travel companion. The small demon had happily zapped Sally to each of her mother's properties so Sally could search for clues of her father, but she'd rarely spoken and had spent most of her time zoned out as she mentally communicated with her mother, who also happened to be an Oracle.
Sally had been almost relieved when Yannah had abruptly announced she had to go home.
She was used to being on her own.
It was ... comfortable. Familiar.
Tragic, achingly lonely, but familiar.
"She left," she informed Levet.
"Left?" His heavy brow furrowed. "What do you mean left?"
"One minute she was standing next to me complaining about the dust, and the next—" She waved a hand.
"Poof," Levet finished.
"Exactly."
Without warning the gargoyle was stomping away, his tail twitching and his tiny hands waving in the air as he muttered to himself.
"Aggravating, unpredictable, impossible female."
"I feel his pain," Roke drawled.
She turned back to stab him with a glare. "Not yet, but keep it up and you will."
The silver eyes shimmered. "Release me."
Sally wrapped her arms around her waist. She could feel his anger through their bond, but more than that she could feel a seething frustration that was echoed deep inside her.
That scared her more than his irritation.
"Why should I?" she bluffed. Yeah, look at her. All badass just so long as Roke remained trapped in her spell. "You're trespassing on my property."
He glanced toward the cottage. "Yours?"
She shrugged. "It was my mother's, and since I'm her only heir, I assume her various houses are now mine."
"She had more than one?"
"What do you think I've been doing the past three weeks?"
The silver gaze returned to sear over her pale face. "Running."
She sniffed, refusing to admit that running had been a large part of what she'd been doing.
There had been a little method to her madness.
"I've been searching through my mother's belongings," she said. "I hoped that she would have left some clue to my ..." She bit off the word father. Did a donation of sperm actually earn the title of father? "To who impregnated her."
He frowned. "I thought you said that witches had a spell so their private papers were destroyed when they died?"
It was true that many witches had binding spells attached to their most sensitive possessions. It gave a whole new meaning to taking "secrets to the grave." And her mother had been more secretive than most.
Still, she had to cling to some small fragment of hope. Dammit.
"They do," she grudgingly admitted. "But she wouldn't have destroyed everything. There has to be a clue somewhere."
"Release me and I'll help you search." He studied her stubborn expression, silently compelling her to obey. "Sally."
"Don't growl at me. You locked me in a cell—"
"And I let you out."
"Only because I forced you to."
A dangerous chill blasted through the air at her foolish reminder that he'd briefly been under her complete control.
"Sally, like it or not we're stuck together," he rasped between clenched teeth.
"I don't like it."
The silver eyes narrowed. "If that were true, then you would be eager for my help."
She snorted. "Nice try."
"You know that vampires are the finest hunters in the world," he continued, ignoring her interruption. "And I'm one of the best."
"And so modest."
"If you were as anxious as you claim to end our mating, you would be begging for my ... services."
His gaze deliberately lowered to take in her slender body, making Sally tremble in reaction. Blessed goddess. The blast of sexual arousal that jolted through her made her feel like she'd been struck by lightning.
And the worst part was, she couldn't blame the intense reaction on the faux mating.
She'd been aching for Roke from the moment she'd caught sight of those dark, male features and the astonishing silver eyes. Not to mention the tight ass that filled out a pair of jeans with oh-my-god perfection.
"Jeez, could you be any more annoying?" she muttered, reluctantly releasing the spell that bound him. The magic was draining her at a rapid rate, and the last thing she wanted was to collapse in front of this man. Better that she pretended to be bored with the game. "You're free. Now go away."
The words had barely left her lips when Roke was flowing forward at a blinding speed.
"Gotcha."
"Roke." His name was a muffled protest against his chest as he lashed his arms around her and flattened her against his body.
"Don't move," he growled, pressing his face into the curve of her neck, his fangs lightly scraping her skin.
"What are you doing?"
He shuddered, his hands running a compulsive path down her back to cup her hips.
"You feel it," he whispered against her neck.
And she did.
Not just the tidal wave of sensual pleasure at being in his arms, but the strange sensation of something settling deep inside her.
Excerpted from Hunt The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy. Copyright © 2014 Debbie Raleigh. Excerpted by permission of KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Anonymous
Posted Thu Aug 28 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I Also Recommend:
Roke is a vampire that keeps it all in check. At least until he meets a nymph-like witch named Sally and she cast her mating spell. The mating between the two may end in the opposite direction in which either of them may actually want. Which is alive. At every turn there seems to be someone or something on their tail.
This is only my second read in the 'Guardians of Eternity' series and I must say that a I so enjoyed this much more than the first. Hunt the Darkness has the heat, passion, and suspense that drives one to want to read more.
Ivy has given me a reason to come back for more of the 'Guardians of Eternity.' After this I will most certainly pick back up where I left off in this series. This is a very good read and would recommend it fully. A very sexy read by the way...
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Powerful demons, sexy vampires, nymphs and Oracles are afoot and want one itsy bitsy witch's powers or her death. She only has one reluctant, pissed off and accidentally mated Vampire to have her back!
Roke is a loner and an anti-social vampire who is the all powerful and trust worthy Clan Leader of Nevada vampires. He also answering the calls of Head Vampire, Styx, when he needs Roke to be the Protector of their people. Roke only reasons for his existing are his clan protection and being a Protector. Roke loves a good fight, his leather jacket and his motorcycle, but he HATES all things magical. That why he is so pissed off when Styx asks him to babysit the sexy, maddening, yummy peach smelling and sexy as HADES moral witch!
Sally Grace is a woman nobody has ever loved or wanted unless they can use her. Her mom conceived her, so her power would live on. Sally's father is no where in the picture and she is taught magic from the cruel and brutal hands of her unloving mom. When she realized Sally is part demon on her 16 birthday, she tries to kill her daughter. Then Sally was used as a conduit for the Dark Lord and after his death, she was locked in Styx's dungeon. She scared, hungry and frustrated, so it's so not her FAULT that her powers go WACKO and magically MATES herself to the dangerous, sexy, yummy looking and pissed off vampire!
Since they are magically mated, she is releases from the dungeon and flees when Roke isn't looking to find her mysterious father, so hopefully he can break the mating spell! Poor Roke is stuck with the troublemaking Gargoyle, Levet, who is a PITA, so he can track and chase down Sally, his mate that he wants to put over his knees and spank. When they do finally find her, Sally is falling apart from hungry and lack of sleep. Their mating bond is getting stronger and they fight the burning passions that are flowing wildly between them. Sally finds a glowing magically box at her old house and in pops a creepy demon who uses his "organ vibrating" power because he wants the box or them death in piles of goo.
They barely get away intact and Sally and Roke begin a hilarious journey with their horniness on steroids! Their quest has a nymph infested vampire club, fey creatures baring gifts, an power hungry female vampire floozy, chained up in bed, lock onto another cage and uncovering an all powerful daddy. Of course, they have all kinds of help from Styx, Levet and an Irish vampire named Cyn. With all these crappy things happening, Roke wants to complete the mating bond and sink his fangs and other parts into Sally. Sally is having a hard time not ripping Roke's clothes off and taking what is rightfully hers. Is their mating ever real or magically? Will Sally love Roke enough to be around vampires 24/7? Can Roke put Sally before his clan and his role as Protector? Can Sally not turn Roke into a toad long enough to have her way with him? Can Roke truly love his mate if she is magically? Will Levet return Roke's $250,000 motorcycle in one piece? When will Sally and Roke be like a pair of Nikes and JUST DO IT?
I have always loved the Guardians of Eternity series by Alexandra Ivy. She has such great, weird, amazing and loveable characters. Sally and Roke could not be more different or as combustible as lighter fluid and a match. The sexual tension was in every chapter and burned through my Kindle on more than one occasion. Sally just wanted to be loved and #1 in anyone's heart. She was beaten, used and brutalized by the ones that should of filled her life with cuddles, hearts and kisses. Roke is a hero who is a born fighter whether it's with his knives, hands or fangs, its all he knows. Weakness is what he fears the most and he believes revealing his heart and soul to Sally will make him weak. Ms. Ivy begins back some the gang from the other books and it just makes the story better. The Guardians of Eternity that Ms. Ivy created is a compelling world that make you go down the rabbit hole and never want to leave. I could not help but grab some snacks, crawl up with my blankie and jump into this Guardians of Eternity cosmos. I give this MISADVENTURE of Ms. Ivy, a score of 5 fingers up and 10 toes.
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Hunt the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #11) by Alexandra Ivy
Witch/demon hybrid Sally Grace accidentally mated herself to the vampire clan chief of Nevada, Roke. She needs to discover who her father is in order to help her break their bond.
I really like Roke. He is an old vampire that has led his clan for a long time. He is powerful and commanding. He has kept his emotions in check until Sally mated with him. I enjoyed the dynamics of their relationship. She definitely kept him on his toes. They make a dynamic couple.
I found Roke’s irritation with the three-foot-tale gargoyle, Levet, very amusing; their conversations made for some pretty entertaining scenes. I could totally visualize Roke’s annoyance with his unwanted sidekick.
The plot was skillfully done with some interesting surprises. Hunt the Darkness has a lot of action and well described scenes. The ending left me wanting to know what’s going to happen with Cyn. I really hope his story is next.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed May 28 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I have been waiting for Roke and Sally's story for a long time and it didn' t disappoint. I loved it. Full of mystery, excitement, interferring oracles, sexy vampires, and one feisty witch it was fabulous from beginning to end. Now I can't wait for the next in the series. Hopefully it will be Cyn and Fallon.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu May 29 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Won't open tried everything recommend by BN no help no refund
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu May 29 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Ive been looking forward to reading this book but it wont open any reasons why
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed May 28 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I'm so excited to read this but for some reason it won't open! Anyone know why?
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Thrilling, action-packed, and delightfully romantic, Hunt the Darkness was a fantastic paranormal romance. I really liked this book and I really enjoyed reading it. It was an absolutely lovely read.
Sally was a wonderful heroine. She was strong, independent, and managed to hold her own while being surrounded by a bunch of alpha males. When she was determined, nothing was going to stop her. I thought she was lovely and I really liked her.
Roke was also amazing. He was so sweet, in his own gruff way. He was intensely loyal, whether it was to his tribe or his mate. And, he was definitely not someone to be messed with if you threatened either one. He was great and I totally adored him.
The romance was lovely. Sally and Roke were so great together. With them both being so strong-willed, they definitely met their match in each other. And, the chemistry between them was constantly on high and there was a ton of steaminess with these two. I thought they were a perfect couple.
The plot was fast paced and I was mostly hooked the entire way through. There were a few parts where I was less interested. There were tons of thrills and surprising secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was wonderful.
Hunt the Darkness was a fantastic paranormal romance. I really liked this delightful read. From the thrills, to the romance, to the secrets I never saw coming, this book was lovely. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Alexandra Ivy is one of my favorite authors. Her witty and brilliantly casts of characters keep me coming back for more.
Hunt the Darkness is the vampire Roke and witch named Sally's story. Yes, somehow and quite magnificently, Ivy twisted the evil witch Sally into a heroine with deep substance...a character I could get behind.
When you read Hunt the Darkness you will be treated with a wonderfully sensual and tantalizing romance, heartfelt emotions and the perfect amount of humor. Roke may be the dark and brooding alpha but he sure knows how to pursue the woman of his desires. Of course, the center of the humor would be the irresistible gargoyle, Levet.
Once again, Ivy created a fabulous story you won't want to put down. The plot twists and turns and I was hit with a boy I didn't see that one coming more than once...
If you love uber alphas with a paranormal twist, complemented by strong females leads that can stand on their own...Don't miss a single book in the Guardians of Eternity series.
NEVER has picking up an Alexandra Ivy story ever let me down! 5 Stars for Hunt the Darkness.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.5 stars!
Paranormal Romance
Release date: May 27, 2014
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The vampire, Roke, is raw, sensual, always in control. Yet somehow he's allowed the unthinkable to happen: a nymph-like witch named Sally has used her magic to trick Roke into mating with her. The pair will remain bound for eternity unless Sally breaks the spell. The trouble is, she has no idea how. . .
Mating with Roke was an accident; at least that's what Sally keeps telling herself. She's on the hunt for her demon father, whose identity holds the key to releasing the spell. The search won't be easy with Roke shadowing Sally's every move. As they mate with a ferocity that leaves them both aching for more, Sally isn't sure if her world is more dangerous without Roke—or with him. ..
MY REVIEW:
Holy cow, this was a good read! It’s been awhile since I’ve picked up a paranormal romance, and I think that’s because I overdid it a few years back. With this read, though, I’m glad I did. It was highly engaging, hot, suspenseful, and overall, a great romance.
So here you have this witch whose managed to bind a strong vampire to her, one who doesn’t want the binding, but finds himself slowly and very reluctantly caring for her. Sally, our witch, also gravitates toward feeling for Roke, our vampire, but she doesn’t know how to proceed. Of course the two don’t talk about it, because if they did, well we wouldn’t have a book, would we?
Add in a demon father, her history that she doesn’t yet realize, and one very funny gargoyle, and oh my goodness, you’ll be flipping through the pages faster just in an attempt to keep up. It’s all around very enjoyable.
If you want a book that will leave you wanting to read it all over again, one that’s hot and engaging, one that will have you laughing out loud, then pick this up today!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Mar 04 00:00:00 EST 2014
Can,t wait to read the whole book
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
I was already a fan when I requested this book for review over at Net Galley, and was thrilled to receive an advance copy of the book. So why only the 3 star rating then? If you are a fan and enjoy the series so much why not give it a higher rating? The thing is when I go back and look at all the other books I’ve read it seems that 3 stars is my standard rating for books in this series. I don’t think I’ve given one of them four or five stars, and this one was no different. If I was to rate the series on a whole it would get a 4.5 stars out of 5, and I do thoroughly enjoy the books and this complex world that Ms. Ivy has created and will continue to buy her books.
This addition to the Guardian’s world is Roke and Sally’s story. I believe Sally was introduced a couple of books ago, but Roke popped up as a possible love interest for her in the last story. If I remember right in the last book I was more interested in their budding romance than that of Santiago and Nefri’s. This book did not disappoint, sure there was some points that I will make later that brought down the rating, but definitely one of the better stories in the series.
I liked their pairing, probably liked Sally’s character a little more than Roke’s, but she just felt fleshed out more or yanked on my heart a little more with all she has been through. Roke had some issues with his past too, but it felt like he got over them pretty quickly. The whole drama around his skeleton in the closet just seemed to be handled a little to smoothly, wrapped up too neatly for my taste. There was just something about it that bothered me, so it wasn’t a problem for me that it didn’t get much page time. Sally on the other hand struck a cord with me. The fact that she was constantly being dumped on by those who should have cared for her, that she was always being betrayed, but still found a way to survive made me admire her quite a bit. She was a tough girl and Roke is lucky to have her. I’m happy that they found a way to make it work.
As with all the stories in this series there are several threads that we follow in each story. Which is always a delight because that means we get to see past characters we enjoy and are introduced to upcoming hero and heroines. And as always there is Levet, the small in stature but big in character gargoyle that is the bane of every vampire’s existence in this world. I love levet, he always bring some comic relief to lighten things up and keep the vamps on their toes. He has come in and saved the day on several occasions in this series and I hope someday he finally catches his elusive Yannah who has captured his stony heart. Styx and Viper also play important parts in Roke/Sally’s story.
So if its so good why always the 3 stars? Sometime we just enjoy stories, don’t love them. This series is that type of series for me. There are parts that make me roll my eyes or that annoy me. For example Roke was constantly grabbing Sally’s chin or face in this book. I got to the point where I wanted to smack him myself. It almost got the point where it felt controlling or demeaning to Sally. I’m sure the author meant for it to show how he cared about her or for it to be endearing, but it just came off annoying to me. Then there is the complexity of this world, while I enjoy getting lost in what I read, I often feel like I need a cheat sheet to keep things straight in this world. There are tons of different species and creatures and I forget the different rules and history that go with each one. I end up just shrugging it off and read on because most of the time it doesn’t affect my ability to enjoy the story. It is just little things that pick at me and in the end drop the rating down to a 3.
But to end on a positive note, because I do hope you give this series a try. I love how the series is based in Chicago. I have long weekends in that city several times a year and it is always a plus for me when I am familiar with the location. The story also bleeds out to the bluff areas near the Mississippi which is fun too. The author represents the Mid-West well. I would call the series an Urban Paranormal, but it has elements or can feel like Urban Fantasy as well. It’s not just about the vamps, even though the main focus is around them. If you enjoy strong alpha males, a battle for the good of all, plenty of romance and steamy scenes, and a complex world give this series a try. I do recommend starting at the beginning and reading in order. The story lines travel from book to book and will make more sense that way.
HUNT THE DARKNESS is the eleventh full length storyline in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult, romance Guardians of Eternity paranormal series. This is Roke and Sally’s storyline one that started in book ten Darkness Avenged. While being held prisoner in the King of the Vampire’s underground lair hybrid witch Sally will cast an enchantment spell over her less than gracious guard-a vampire named Roke-forcing an accidental mating between two species whose hatred for one another goes back thousands of years-vampires and witches are mortal enemies- and Roke’s clan refuses to accept that their chief is mated to a demon.
The storyline follows Roke and Sally as they endeavor to find a ‘counter’ spell that will render their mating inert. Suspecting that her mother may have hidden the secrets to Sally’s true heritage, Sally takes off for places unknown leaving a desperate vampire struggling with the whereabouts of his reluctant mate. Finding Sally is easy now that their mate bond grows stronger but keeping Sally safe from an unknown enemy is proving to be a little more difficult. Sally hopes to find the father she never knew but someone or something is planning to stop her at all costs.
The relationship between Sally and Roke has been building for two books. Enemies to friends to lovers, Roke was assigned by Styx as Sally’s keeper but the mating bond would prevent him from doing any harm. As the couple travel cross country hoping to find any information that will ‘inactivate’ the accidental mating, Sally will discover that there is more to her DNA than a suspected witch and demon mating-there is much more to Sally than meets the eye. Roke knows in his heart that Sally is his mate but Sally still believes that she has tampered with their mating and Roke may belong to someone else. As Roke struggles to convince Sally she is his mate, Sally continues to search for the spell that will tear them apart.
The secondary characters include a couple of the previous storyline heroes including Styx, Salvatore and a fearless little gargoyle who bring familiarity and humor to a story with the potential for heartbreak and loss. The enemy may not always appear in their true form and oft times they may even be someone close or related by blood.
The majority of the storyline focuses on Sally and Roke’s hunt for Sally’s father and the truth behind a box gifted with magical powers. As the storyline builds so too do Sally’s powers-ones that will reveal themselves in their entirety when her destiny is foretold.
Alexandra Ivy writes another exciting storyline with suspense, mystery, romance and love. As Roke and Sally struggle with their attraction to one another the realization that their mating may not have been a mistake is one that must be pushed out of their minds when a long forgotten enemy reappears at the same time Sally’s future begins to unfold. Choices will be made and passions will be ignited, and in the end, a young witch with unforeseen powers may be the key to uncovering a long forgotten species.
Raw, sensual sexuality all in an always in control Vamp.
Roke is a vampire that keeps it all in check. At least until he meets a nymph-like witch named Sally and she cast her mating spell. The mating between the two may end in the opposite direction in which either of them may actually want. Which is alive. At every turn there seems to be someone or something on their tail.
This is only my second read in the 'Guardians of Eternity' series and I must say that a I so enjoyed this much more than the first. Hunt the Darkness has the heat, passion, and suspense that drives one to want to read more.
Ivy has given me a reason to come back for more of the 'Guardians of Eternity.' After this I will most certainly pick back up where I left off in this series.
Thanks, NetGalley.
Anonymous
Posted Thu Jul 03 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I'm going to give a harsh review BUT keep in mind I love this series and will continue to fallow it. It took a long while for me to get into this story line. I love Roke and have been awaiting this story for a long time. Sally is meah! The last 90pgs or so is what saved this story line for me.
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Posted Mon Jun 30 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Was great can't wait for cyn and fallon
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I like this whole series...if your a paranormal lover you will too.
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Posted Wed Jun 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014
A golden tom pads in quietly. "Hello. I am a medicine cat recently kicked out of my old clan because I gave them a prophecy they didnt like. I am verh connected to Starclan and have a great memory for herbs. I was also a warrior before beoming a medicine cat so I know many battle moves."
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Posted Fri Jun 20 00:00:00 EDT 2014
A pretty white she cat padded in. "Hello?"
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Posted Thu Jun 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
~Shadowstar
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