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Guardians of Eternity #1
When Darkness Comes
The day Abby Barlow broke a priceless vase, she thought she might lose her job. She had no idea what she was in for. In just a few hours, she's survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy vampire demon Dante, whom she both desires and fears.
For centuries, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness threatening to overtake the world. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago, Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect in an epic battle between good and evil—and a desperate race to save their love.
For centuries, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness threatening to overtake the world. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago, Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect in an epic battle between good and evil—and a desperate race to save their love.
380 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 15, 2007
778 people are currently reading
11209 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Ivy
140 books5,178 followersI'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
--From authors website--
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
--From authors website--
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 733 reviews
July 3, 2011
Sadly, this is a very weak three stars. It was sooo hard to read this book. It just didn't keep my interest. My attention kept wandering, until there would be an appealing snippet that caught it, and then it would be off again.
Honestly, this is not a bad book. It's just underwhelming to a die-hard paranormal fan who has some favorite series that Bring It. I know that it's First Book Syndrome, because there are some ideas that I like about this series, that will make me keep reading (which is a good thing since I bought the subsequent books). I know some of my friends who have similar tastes enjoy this series, so that makes me hope I will find the next books appeal better.
What I liked:
*I liked Abby a lot. She has had a tough life, and she's very down to earth, adaptable, and strong-minded without being annoying. She has an everyday, regular girl appeal that I liked. She is the type of woman who can take it on the chin and doesn't throw herself into a sobbing heap when things get hairy. I admire her for what she overcame with her abusive father and two parents that were alcoholic. And she didn't stay in denial too long when her life got weird. She saw the evidence and adjusted her worldview accordingly.
*Dante was also likable. He had that sexy old world vampire vibe that I liked a lot. I appreciated that he really cared about Abby and had been half-way in love with her since the book started.
*Viper. Oh my! I really liked him. I can't wait to read his book! I liked that he was Boy Scout prepared. He had a solution to most situations, and that made it fun to see what relics he had to deal with various situations. And I liked his loyalty to Dante. He was a good friend.
What could have been better:
*The worldbuilding felt...unfinished to me. There were some mildly tantalizing elements that made my interest perk, but they teetered off too often. I do think she introduced some interesting characters in the PNR world of this story that make me want to keep reading, so that's a plus.
*Paper Tiger villain. The main villain was lame....He was the type to get others to do his dirty work and he just didn't impress me. I did like that she turned things around and gave a more intense climatic situation. But things still fizzled a bit on that score.
*Although I felt that Abby and Dante had good chemistry, the love scenes didn't really enthrall me. I guess I just have high standards for paranormal. I don't want to compare, but when you read some of the other top series, you do have a benchmark that you expect from books in that genre.
Final Thoughts:
I admit I was disappointed with this one. It was so hard to keep reading at times, but I persevered. At the end, I was glad I finished it, not just because I hate dnf'ing books. At least I got to meet some pretty cool characters like Abby, Dante, and Viper (who is kinda droolicious) But I still have hope that the next books can turn it around.
Honestly, this is not a bad book. It's just underwhelming to a die-hard paranormal fan who has some favorite series that Bring It. I know that it's First Book Syndrome, because there are some ideas that I like about this series, that will make me keep reading (which is a good thing since I bought the subsequent books). I know some of my friends who have similar tastes enjoy this series, so that makes me hope I will find the next books appeal better.
What I liked:
*I liked Abby a lot. She has had a tough life, and she's very down to earth, adaptable, and strong-minded without being annoying. She has an everyday, regular girl appeal that I liked. She is the type of woman who can take it on the chin and doesn't throw herself into a sobbing heap when things get hairy. I admire her for what she overcame with her abusive father and two parents that were alcoholic. And she didn't stay in denial too long when her life got weird. She saw the evidence and adjusted her worldview accordingly.
*Dante was also likable. He had that sexy old world vampire vibe that I liked a lot. I appreciated that he really cared about Abby and had been half-way in love with her since the book started.
*Viper. Oh my! I really liked him. I can't wait to read his book! I liked that he was Boy Scout prepared. He had a solution to most situations, and that made it fun to see what relics he had to deal with various situations. And I liked his loyalty to Dante. He was a good friend.
What could have been better:
*The worldbuilding felt...unfinished to me. There were some mildly tantalizing elements that made my interest perk, but they teetered off too often. I do think she introduced some interesting characters in the PNR world of this story that make me want to keep reading, so that's a plus.
*Paper Tiger villain. The main villain was lame....He was the type to get others to do his dirty work and he just didn't impress me. I did like that she turned things around and gave a more intense climatic situation. But things still fizzled a bit on that score.
*Although I felt that Abby and Dante had good chemistry, the love scenes didn't really enthrall me. I guess I just have high standards for paranormal. I don't want to compare, but when you read some of the other top series, you do have a benchmark that you expect from books in that genre.
Final Thoughts:
I admit I was disappointed with this one. It was so hard to keep reading at times, but I persevered. At the end, I was glad I finished it, not just because I hate dnf'ing books. At least I got to meet some pretty cool characters like Abby, Dante, and Viper (who is kinda droolicious) But I still have hope that the next books can turn it around.
December 29, 2016
Abby isn’t having a good day. First she broke an expensive Ming vase, then her employer is murdered and she suddenly finds herself thrown in the middle of a paranormal war between good and evil, when she didn’t even know paranormals existed. And her only protector is the very sexy vampire Dante, who’s been driving her crazy for months.
Dante has been imprisoned for 341 years, forced to be the guardian of The Chalice, a mortal woman who hosts the Phoenix which is the only thing capable of keeping the darkness from Earth. And now suddenly the woman he’s been lusting after for three months is forced by a twist of fate to be the new Chalice. And because it’s Abby, he’s determined to protect her from all danger even if it means his own death.
"I knew I would make you mine,” he murmured in arrogant tones. Framing his face, she allowed her thumbs to run over the curve of his fangs. "Dante, I've been yours from the moment I walked into this mansion and found a wicked pirate waiting for me.”
I loved how brave and courageous Abby was despite her very understandable fear, and her stubbornness was great, how she refused to allow Dante to risk himself for her. She has quite a sad past, one that made it difficult for her to accept that someone as wonderful as Dante would be interested in her, and I loved how Dante had no problem convincing her otherwise.
Dante was so wickedly sexy, and I adored how focused he was on Abby since the moment they met, how he noticed everything about her. And I loved how possessive and protective he was over her. And the fact that he offered to kill her first boyfriend because he hit her, made him even sexier in a scary way ;-)
The romance was so sexy. I loved the intense attraction between them and that neither tried to ignore or deny how they felt about each other. My only complaint was that Dante liked to call Abby “lover”, which annoyed me immensely. That is definitely not my kind of endearment. But other than that their romance was fantastic.
Like all great PNRs the plot was captivating and action packed, with Dante and Abby trying to figure out who killed the former Chalice and why and trying to evade the demons and the disciples of the dark lord who is intent on destroying the Phoenix so that he can come to Earth.
This is an excellent first introduction to a PNR series, and I can’t wait to read the next books. A must read for all PNR fans.
August 24, 2015
3.5 A Good Enough First In A Series Stars
May 25, 2017
Not sure why but I just didn't get into this book I didn't really like Abby and it drove me crazy that Dante called her lover its such a lame nickname. It took me 3 days to read this book with is forever for me when I like a book I read in within a day but I had to force myself to finish this book. I didn't buy their love and the plot was thin and they talked like a cheesy 80s sitcom. I hope the next one is better if not I will be done with this series!!
February 20, 2008
Guardians of Eternity, Book#1
By the looks of other reviewers you’re either going to love this book or hate it. I’m in the former category, I loved this book. There’s not many books that can keep me riveted to my seat to do a 12 hour marathon cover to cover read; “When Darkness Comes” was one of them.
There’s just something about the hero and heroine, Dante & Abby, constantly being pursued by all manner of demons, and finding time for sex in all types of places that I just couldn’t get enough of.
I loved the descriptions of the vampires, especially Viper, Dante’s ally, and Viper’s sex magnets/bodyguards, identical twin males who had the look of ancient Egyptians.
The one thing that did annoy me was the author’s constant wishy-washy use of making Abby a whiny oh-whoa-is-me I’ve had a rotten childhood character. To hear about her background twice or even three times during critical decision making – move the story along – times is fine. But to constantly throw it up in Dante’s face got old fast. Other than this little nit-pick the book was a very enjoyable read.
Now off to read book 2 Embrace the Darkness……
By the looks of other reviewers you’re either going to love this book or hate it. I’m in the former category, I loved this book. There’s not many books that can keep me riveted to my seat to do a 12 hour marathon cover to cover read; “When Darkness Comes” was one of them.
There’s just something about the hero and heroine, Dante & Abby, constantly being pursued by all manner of demons, and finding time for sex in all types of places that I just couldn’t get enough of.
I loved the descriptions of the vampires, especially Viper, Dante’s ally, and Viper’s sex magnets/bodyguards, identical twin males who had the look of ancient Egyptians.
The one thing that did annoy me was the author’s constant wishy-washy use of making Abby a whiny oh-whoa-is-me I’ve had a rotten childhood character. To hear about her background twice or even three times during critical decision making – move the story along – times is fine. But to constantly throw it up in Dante’s face got old fast. Other than this little nit-pick the book was a very enjoyable read.
Now off to read book 2 Embrace the Darkness……
November 19, 2018
Put my reading experience in the 2 to 2.5 star range.
I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy the writing of Christine Feehan, J.R. Ward, or Jeaniene Frost.
Obviously, this book didn’t appeal to me, nor did the works of the writers listed above, but they are still very highly rated books. So, not my jam but very appealing to others. I’m not a big fan of the damsel in distress, so that’s part of my problem here. Abby seems desperately passive to me, staying in a job that she hates and putting up with harassment from Dante (although she’s a bit conflicted about that, seemingly wishing that she was in his league so to speak). Now, I’ve been stuck in some jobs that I loathed too, but I’ve found my way out of them and into a way of supporting myself that I find quite enjoyable, so I know it can be done. And the whole “Me Too” movement tells the story of systemic harassment, I think the vast majority of women have their Me Too moments that they could tell you about.
Abby is stubborn—Ivy goes out of her way to prove this to the reader. I’m stubborn too. If you could ask my (non-Danish) mother about the stubbornness of her Danish-Canadian husband and daughters she would tell you that we are champions at it. However, I think all of us realize that being stubborn does not equal being independent. If you want me to believe that your main character is strong and independent, you can’t just rely on her sense of stubborn.
Add to this some editing issues: for example, using beaconing rather than beckoning, flaying rather than flailing and a few other words that were close but not quite right. A quote: “While Selena pampered and preened…” You can’t just pamper. You have to pamper something. So the sentence should read “While Selena pampered herself and preened….” Finally, stop reading right now and trying to wrap your own arms around your waist. Perhaps I’m not very flexible, but I can’t seem to find a way to do that. But Abby does it repeatedly—annoying me more that I would have thought possible.
I chose this book for my Women A-Z reading project for this year. I had hoped to find another enjoyable urban fantasy series for future reading, but I will leave this to others who enjoy this style far more than I do.
I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy the writing of Christine Feehan, J.R. Ward, or Jeaniene Frost.
Obviously, this book didn’t appeal to me, nor did the works of the writers listed above, but they are still very highly rated books. So, not my jam but very appealing to others. I’m not a big fan of the damsel in distress, so that’s part of my problem here. Abby seems desperately passive to me, staying in a job that she hates and putting up with harassment from Dante (although she’s a bit conflicted about that, seemingly wishing that she was in his league so to speak). Now, I’ve been stuck in some jobs that I loathed too, but I’ve found my way out of them and into a way of supporting myself that I find quite enjoyable, so I know it can be done. And the whole “Me Too” movement tells the story of systemic harassment, I think the vast majority of women have their Me Too moments that they could tell you about.
Abby is stubborn—Ivy goes out of her way to prove this to the reader. I’m stubborn too. If you could ask my (non-Danish) mother about the stubbornness of her Danish-Canadian husband and daughters she would tell you that we are champions at it. However, I think all of us realize that being stubborn does not equal being independent. If you want me to believe that your main character is strong and independent, you can’t just rely on her sense of stubborn.
Add to this some editing issues: for example, using beaconing rather than beckoning, flaying rather than flailing and a few other words that were close but not quite right. A quote: “While Selena pampered and preened…” You can’t just pamper. You have to pamper something. So the sentence should read “While Selena pampered herself and preened….” Finally, stop reading right now and trying to wrap your own arms around your waist. Perhaps I’m not very flexible, but I can’t seem to find a way to do that. But Abby does it repeatedly—annoying me more that I would have thought possible.
I chose this book for my Women A-Z reading project for this year. I had hoped to find another enjoyable urban fantasy series for future reading, but I will leave this to others who enjoy this style far more than I do.
April 9, 2012
Opening Line: "Oh god, Abby. Don't panic. Just...don't...panic."
Sadly this was a DNF for me. That’s not to say at all that it’s unfinishable because it appears that some reviewers really liked it. It was more ICBBTFT (I can’t be bothered to finish this) when I have so many other books waiting for me that I know I’ll enjoy more and won’t have to force my way through.
I really hate not finishing a book though (especially when it's been sitting on my shelf for 2+ years and I’ve already bought the second and third ones in the series.) But at 120 pages in I was still struggling to care about the characters and the weak plot, to find something engaging to stop my mind from wandering from the page. Even when I started skimming for the juicy parts I was left under whelmed. (“Youza” really?!) It was then that I realized even if I managed to slog through till the end this was only ever going to be a 2 star read, so I gave up.
WHEN DARKNESS COMES is the first book in the Guardians of Eternity series and a lot happens in the first couple of chapters, maybe too much because I found myself going back several times, thinking I’d missed something.
Abby Barlow is working in a mansion owned by an older woman named Selena. -I never did figure out what her actual job was but she seems to spend her days polishing (breaking) vases and flirting with Dante -I’m not sure his job position was ever identified either? None of that matters though because before long there’s an explosion, Selena is dead and Abby has been infused with the "Phoenix". As the physical holder of the chalice Abby also now has her own personal vampire bodyguard in Dante. He’s willing to protect her at any and all costs, which is a good thing because Abby is clueless (see annoying) and demons are now trying to kill her.
Forced on the run it doesn’t take long for Abby and Dante to start bumping uglies, (minus any form of sexual tension I might add) it does however take ages for Abby to come to terms with paranormal world she’s been thrust into. Honestly by this point (other then the introduction of Viper) I had lost interest completely. Both the hero and heroine remained vague characters and the immature dialogue was driving me crazy.
Dante as the “sexy” vampire just never did it for me, as far as vampires go he was very vanilla. And as I mentioned I had to keep backtracking, there were holes just left open in the story; Abby’s terrible background which was mentioned over and over again but never revealed, why she was working for Selena in the first place. I think at one point Dante even says she was trapped or tied to Selena like he was. I never understood that, Dante was assigned to protect her Abby was what? A maid and she couldn’t leave?
Anyways I hope others have better luck with this then I did. Cheers
Sadly this was a DNF for me. That’s not to say at all that it’s unfinishable because it appears that some reviewers really liked it. It was more ICBBTFT (I can’t be bothered to finish this) when I have so many other books waiting for me that I know I’ll enjoy more and won’t have to force my way through.
I really hate not finishing a book though (especially when it's been sitting on my shelf for 2+ years and I’ve already bought the second and third ones in the series.) But at 120 pages in I was still struggling to care about the characters and the weak plot, to find something engaging to stop my mind from wandering from the page. Even when I started skimming for the juicy parts I was left under whelmed. (“Youza” really?!) It was then that I realized even if I managed to slog through till the end this was only ever going to be a 2 star read, so I gave up.
WHEN DARKNESS COMES is the first book in the Guardians of Eternity series and a lot happens in the first couple of chapters, maybe too much because I found myself going back several times, thinking I’d missed something.
Abby Barlow is working in a mansion owned by an older woman named Selena. -I never did figure out what her actual job was but she seems to spend her days polishing (breaking) vases and flirting with Dante -I’m not sure his job position was ever identified either? None of that matters though because before long there’s an explosion, Selena is dead and Abby has been infused with the "Phoenix". As the physical holder of the chalice Abby also now has her own personal vampire bodyguard in Dante. He’s willing to protect her at any and all costs, which is a good thing because Abby is clueless (see annoying) and demons are now trying to kill her.
Forced on the run it doesn’t take long for Abby and Dante to start bumping uglies, (minus any form of sexual tension I might add) it does however take ages for Abby to come to terms with paranormal world she’s been thrust into. Honestly by this point (other then the introduction of Viper) I had lost interest completely. Both the hero and heroine remained vague characters and the immature dialogue was driving me crazy.
Dante as the “sexy” vampire just never did it for me, as far as vampires go he was very vanilla. And as I mentioned I had to keep backtracking, there were holes just left open in the story; Abby’s terrible background which was mentioned over and over again but never revealed, why she was working for Selena in the first place. I think at one point Dante even says she was trapped or tied to Selena like he was. I never understood that, Dante was assigned to protect her Abby was what? A maid and she couldn’t leave?
Anyways I hope others have better luck with this then I did. Cheers
November 5, 2016
Con un principio arrollador y subidas y bajadas emocionantes. Escenas chispeantes y divertidas y unos personajes singulares, creía que estaba frente a una de esas maravillosas series paranormales que tanto disfruto y hace mucho no encuentro.
Lamentablemente cuando iba por el 80% de la historia se me iba haciendo cuesta arriba, me costaba mucho seguir leyendo y admito que me pase algunas páginas porque me terminó aburriendo mucho.
Definitivamente es una serie con mucho potencial pues a pesar de tener todos los clichés habidos y por haber incorpora dosis inesperadas de fantasía que le dan algo de originalidad a la trama.
Puedo decir que me encantó Dante, con su seducción latente, su humor característico y su irreverencia.
También me gustó mucho la forma de ser de Abby, toda valiente y temerosa pero sagaz y testaruda.
La verdad me gustaron mucho los personajes y repito que al principio pintaba para ser un gran libro, no sé que pasó al final que me termino aburriendo de sobremanera.
Lamentablemente cuando iba por el 80% de la historia se me iba haciendo cuesta arriba, me costaba mucho seguir leyendo y admito que me pase algunas páginas porque me terminó aburriendo mucho.
Definitivamente es una serie con mucho potencial pues a pesar de tener todos los clichés habidos y por haber incorpora dosis inesperadas de fantasía que le dan algo de originalidad a la trama.
Puedo decir que me encantó Dante, con su seducción latente, su humor característico y su irreverencia.
También me gustó mucho la forma de ser de Abby, toda valiente y temerosa pero sagaz y testaruda.
La verdad me gustaron mucho los personajes y repito que al principio pintaba para ser un gran libro, no sé que pasó al final que me termino aburriendo de sobremanera.
June 12, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
I wanted to try to get a review in real quick before I head off to work. So this will be a bit shorter than normal. I have of late been on the hunt for some good vampire romances lately, its been the type of trope I have been in the mood for. And when I saw a review for the most recent book in this series, I realized I hadn’t read this one yet…and that I needed to get a head start on it. So I grabbed it on B&N and started reading…and wowzers I was very impressed with the story. Now it’s not a J.R. Ward or Kresley Cole type romance…its fun and silly at times, romantic and sweet, dangerous and suspenseful and packed with a mystery that kept me guessing. The heat in the book I would consider “Warm” just because it’s not the primary focus of the story (which is refreshing)…I loved seeing more than just sex in a vampire romance…that there is substance and realism to the relationship. Or maybe just lately the paranormals I have been reading there is way more sex than story and it has just been too much since I like a good story and then great sex to make the story fabulous. What i found most endearing about this story was the charm and plot twists, at times it was predictable but others it blew me away and I kept thinking “I totally didn’t see that coming” and it surprsied me in moments that I was overwhelmed but in a positive way. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the second book…bring it on Alexandra Ivy!!
I wanted to try to get a review in real quick before I head off to work. So this will be a bit shorter than normal. I have of late been on the hunt for some good vampire romances lately, its been the type of trope I have been in the mood for. And when I saw a review for the most recent book in this series, I realized I hadn’t read this one yet…and that I needed to get a head start on it. So I grabbed it on B&N and started reading…and wowzers I was very impressed with the story. Now it’s not a J.R. Ward or Kresley Cole type romance…its fun and silly at times, romantic and sweet, dangerous and suspenseful and packed with a mystery that kept me guessing. The heat in the book I would consider “Warm” just because it’s not the primary focus of the story (which is refreshing)…I loved seeing more than just sex in a vampire romance…that there is substance and realism to the relationship. Or maybe just lately the paranormals I have been reading there is way more sex than story and it has just been too much since I like a good story and then great sex to make the story fabulous. What i found most endearing about this story was the charm and plot twists, at times it was predictable but others it blew me away and I kept thinking “I totally didn’t see that coming” and it surprsied me in moments that I was overwhelmed but in a positive way. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the second book…bring it on Alexandra Ivy!!
July 12, 2007
Oh, DGIH. I laughed through this entire book. Sometimes, the laughs were for bits that were funny. Most of the time, it was for the unintentionally funny stuff. Like most of the romance. Methinks this book is going right into the sell pile. It really needs an editor. Well, I'm sure it has one, but it needs an editor who understands the difference between adjectives and adverbs. Being a grammar nazi, those mistakes were completely distracting.
I have this pet peeve when it comes to any kind of romance, but particularly romance novels. I hate the whole soul mates thing. The "we've just met, but... I think I'm in love with you!" thing. It's just so roaringly implausible. Well, and I'm a horrible cynic. I prefer to read romances where feelings develop over the course of the plot rather than hit like a bolt of lightning four pages in.
This book? Well... the characters did know each other before the beginning of the story, but their love just seemed really eyeroll-worthy. Also? They're being chased by demons, evil wizards, etc, and they often stop to have sex. Now... I like sex. I like reading well-written sex scenes (which these really were not). But would I stop to have sex, even with a fucking hot vampire, while someone who wanted to sacrifice me to the Dark Price was tracking me down? Logic, people.
The heroine has Spunky Syndrome (i.e. she's too damned spunky for her own good, and I want to strangle her), the hero can't seem to decide if he gets or doesn't get modern idiom (he uses modern phrases all the time, and then the heroine will come out with something along the same lines and he just doesn't get it).
Meh. I feel like I wasted my money on this one.
I have this pet peeve when it comes to any kind of romance, but particularly romance novels. I hate the whole soul mates thing. The "we've just met, but... I think I'm in love with you!" thing. It's just so roaringly implausible. Well, and I'm a horrible cynic. I prefer to read romances where feelings develop over the course of the plot rather than hit like a bolt of lightning four pages in.
This book? Well... the characters did know each other before the beginning of the story, but their love just seemed really eyeroll-worthy. Also? They're being chased by demons, evil wizards, etc, and they often stop to have sex. Now... I like sex. I like reading well-written sex scenes (which these really were not). But would I stop to have sex, even with a fucking hot vampire, while someone who wanted to sacrifice me to the Dark Price was tracking me down? Logic, people.
The heroine has Spunky Syndrome (i.e. she's too damned spunky for her own good, and I want to strangle her), the hero can't seem to decide if he gets or doesn't get modern idiom (he uses modern phrases all the time, and then the heroine will come out with something along the same lines and he just doesn't get it).
Meh. I feel like I wasted my money on this one.
May 5, 2019
“This is a private home.”
“And?”
“And I can’t enter without an invitation.” She jerked her head up. “You’re kidding me?”
“No.”
“You don’t live in a crypt and you can’t turn into a bat, but you have to have an invitation to enter a house?” Abby hissed.
A reluctant amusement softened the flat eyes. “You wanted me to be vampirish.”
“Not when it’s inconvenient.”
Was this the best story. No. Did I read it in one sitting. Yes. Abby and Dante were cute together. The story was interesting. I absolutely hated how Dante called her “lover” throughout the story. It was too much. I guess the story just needed some more meat to it. But it was still good. My library has the whole series and I’m continuing so that’s something.
“And?”
“And I can’t enter without an invitation.” She jerked her head up. “You’re kidding me?”
“No.”
“You don’t live in a crypt and you can’t turn into a bat, but you have to have an invitation to enter a house?” Abby hissed.
A reluctant amusement softened the flat eyes. “You wanted me to be vampirish.”
“Not when it’s inconvenient.”
Was this the best story. No. Did I read it in one sitting. Yes. Abby and Dante were cute together. The story was interesting. I absolutely hated how Dante called her “lover” throughout the story. It was too much. I guess the story just needed some more meat to it. But it was still good. My library has the whole series and I’m continuing so that’s something.
March 28, 2009
More vampire's and Demons, say I.!!!
I reeally enjoyed this story of Dante and Abby. Poor Abby has no idea what she has gotten herself into but the stranger, Dante, that stays at her employer's house is hot, mega hot. But then the house explodes and Selena is dead and now Abby is the Chalice. She has a mysterious power inside her body and the hunky vampire is now her protector. From wizards, to witches to demons to another vampire name approx Viper. This one keeps yopu interested to the end. Next one is Vipers story and a preview is given of it intwined with this story and a peek at the first chapter at the end of the book
I reeally enjoyed this story of Dante and Abby. Poor Abby has no idea what she has gotten herself into but the stranger, Dante, that stays at her employer's house is hot, mega hot. But then the house explodes and Selena is dead and now Abby is the Chalice. She has a mysterious power inside her body and the hunky vampire is now her protector. From wizards, to witches to demons to another vampire name approx Viper. This one keeps yopu interested to the end. Next one is Vipers story and a preview is given of it intwined with this story and a peek at the first chapter at the end of the book
January 14, 2012
This was my second time reading this and as noted below on my comments, I'm realizing my cheesy fun doesn't hold up well under the scrutiny of a second reading.
That said Ivy is a capable writer. Launching the Eternal Guardian series, I originally rated this book 4 stars. What a difference a year of reading PNR and UF makes!
The plot is not super original but it's fun. Abby Barlow, our heroine, is a young woman with a pure soul (so claims any vampire that gets a look at her, otherwise we readers have no idea how she is pure or why, or what the hell that actually means except what we can assume) who is slaving away at a Girl Friday/companion kind of job for Selena. Selena is a bazillionaire who happens to enjoy the company of a beautiful pirate (not my description but Abby seems obsessed with his pirate likeness) seeming kind of man named Dante.
Abby and Dante have spent months slobbering over each other in Selena's mansion. Within the first chapter or so Selena dies and Abby ends up acquiring the "Phoenix" spirit and becoming the Chalice. I don't consider this a major spoiler because it happens very early on in the book- within 50 pages or earlier I believe. Dante is automatically leashed to Abby once she accepts the spirit within her and the search is on for answers, looking for witches, fighting demons and wizards and meeting a few slightly interesting characters.
One of my biggest nitpicks about this book is that the dialogue yanked me out of immersion- Abby is supposed to be a girl raised by the school of hard knocks in Chicago, yet she says things that aren't largely believable for someone who is repeatedly noted as street savvy but not terribly intellectual. As we learn, Abby "isn't stupid", but she uses words like "horrid" and says things like "what of you?” . Now- this seems very nitpicky but someone in America that is a working class kid who works her butt off doing two jobs and getting by isn't going to speak like that. I can forgive vampires in books talking in any number of ways because of the assumption that they are a few centuries old or from a different country/era. I do not need Abby to smack gum constantly and check her smartphone for updates on Facebook to seem believable, but her dialogue was off.
The other issue which many reviewers have mentioned is that the horrible childhood Abby endured is mentioned ten too many times. I actually grew up in an extremely dysfunctional household, I am a card carrying member of child abuse and divorces and misfortune. What I find hard to read is someone who literally seems to make every decision referencing her crappy parents. Oh my! Can I do this/make this choice..but but I might be like my parents who were evul! No, that usually isn't the way we unfortunate children of abuse operate. At least no one I know that has lived that kind of childhood. I'm not sensitive in that I read this and am offended in the lame way her childhood is presented, but it irritates me as going overboard and being gratuitous. Also it seems lazy. Why do characters need to have a sad childhood for me to be prepared to think she has a pure soul or think she's a giving person? I can understand a character having this type of past and her POV being colored by this in her adult life but not the way Ivy chooses to handle this for Abby.
The better things:
-Viper: you meet him, don’t get to know too much about him but he’s fun. You don’t get enough of him. Yeah yeah, that name. It makes me cringe but I like his character.
-The Shalott demon and the Imp, Troy, I enjoyed the secondary characters as briefly as we see them. I have read the rest of the series and these are the things that continued my interest.
I give Ivy points for not giving us a stupid cliff hanger and providing an HEA even if it seems pat. So read this if you want definite HEA’s, are desperate for another vampire PNR series, don’t want to have to think too deeply, and you like cheesy movies.
dnf
January 29, 2016The snarky humor is overdone, making both Abby and the 300+ year old Dante sound like YA characters. The dialogue was inconsistent with the life-and-death struggle they were embroiled in when I quit in chapter 4.
November 29, 2011
For those of you who don't have a relative or friend who's trying to prove how OVER something they are by constantly mentioning it, here is your chance to experience the wonderful thing that is paradox behaviourism. - I'm not saying it's not possible for a person to behave like this, but when people are constantly complaining about the woe that is them, while also demanding everyone to acknowledge their superior mindset, strength and overall existence, it becomes somewhat annoying. "Oh, I'm so strong, nothing hurts me... BUT EVERYTHING TRIES BECAUSE THE UNIVERSE IS AGAINST ME AND WHY, NO, THIS IS NOT PUBERTY, THIS IS MY PERSONALITY, YOU ASS!"
The heroine is an atypical example of this. She's the complaining aunt we all have at least heard of, if not lived with for an extended weekend.
Despite that, the novel was an almost average read, sometimes a 2.5 on a scale from 0-5, even, but then came one of the most disgusting scenes in the history of romance novels.. And I read Devil's Embrace.
It's when Dante tries to reassure the heroine (what was her name?), and what he's saying is-
My instant reply to that was a huge FUCK YOU. It made me wonder if the author actually thinks the same, but even if she doesn't, I feel like there is a certain amount of responsibility she has, i.e. even if her character feels that prostitution is a sign of weakness or lack of courage, the narration should have made it obvious how dead wrong they are.
Because while I thought the heroine was annoying, the hero is a douchy, priviliged asshole. A guy who can't comprehend the idea that some women might need to work their asses off, might have others to care for, might even like their job, might somehow not get ouf their lives as sex-workers if they want to.
A very serious and already mistreated job, and that is another thing the author should be held responsible for. Because not only should we, as a society, get our heads out of our arses, some of us might actually be sexworkers and, it might come to a surprise to Dante, be able to read.
If I were "walking the streets", Ed Sheeran serenating how pale my lips were*, I'd not only be angry as fuck, I would also be deeply hurt by how even authors, who - and that's biased, I am aware - should think about what they write, should work their asses of to be deeper, thoughtful, etc. imply or state explicitly that sexwork is something 'bad'. Because it really isn't, and four for you, random sex worker who doesn't give a shit about this. I hope it's okay that I want to fuck shit up because of this novel, though.
In other words, the lack of empathy and understanding, the complete disregard of actual sexworkers as part of her readership or part of our community, was so unsettling and upsetting for me, that I just.. wanted to throw up in faces of random citizens.
What's almost weirder for me is how "accepted" this attitude seems to be. I read some of the reviews here on Goodreads, and I don't think anyone mentioned this, which is.. kind of fucked up, to be honest. (Not in the way that it's their fault for not noticing, but a flaw in our society in general. Ignorance isn't something I'd hold against a person, unless that ignorance actively hurts someone else.)
But even if Dante hadn't been such an asshole, if whatshername hadn't been the annoying person that she was, this read wasn't good. It wasn't even mediocre, but a dry, "oh when am I doone?" kind of title. The second wasn't much better, and I don't think I'll continue this series. Might read one of the later titles in case there is a fan favourite or something, but otherwise? Nah.
*Yes, I edited this review later because typos, and yeah, I know there most likely still are several of those.
The heroine is an atypical example of this. She's the complaining aunt we all have at least heard of, if not lived with for an extended weekend.
Despite that, the novel was an almost average read, sometimes a 2.5 on a scale from 0-5, even, but then came one of the most disgusting scenes in the history of romance novels.. And I read Devil's Embrace.
It's when Dante tries to reassure the heroine (what was her name?), and what he's saying is-
"You would have never walked the streets. You have too much courage and power for such a fate."
My instant reply to that was a huge FUCK YOU. It made me wonder if the author actually thinks the same, but even if she doesn't, I feel like there is a certain amount of responsibility she has, i.e. even if her character feels that prostitution is a sign of weakness or lack of courage, the narration should have made it obvious how dead wrong they are.
Because while I thought the heroine was annoying, the hero is a douchy, priviliged asshole. A guy who can't comprehend the idea that some women might need to work their asses off, might have others to care for, might even like their job, might somehow not get ouf their lives as sex-workers if they want to.
A very serious and already mistreated job, and that is another thing the author should be held responsible for. Because not only should we, as a society, get our heads out of our arses, some of us might actually be sexworkers and, it might come to a surprise to Dante, be able to read.
If I were "walking the streets", Ed Sheeran serenating how pale my lips were*, I'd not only be angry as fuck, I would also be deeply hurt by how even authors, who - and that's biased, I am aware - should think about what they write, should work their asses of to be deeper, thoughtful, etc. imply or state explicitly that sexwork is something 'bad'. Because it really isn't, and four for you, random sex worker who doesn't give a shit about this. I hope it's okay that I want to fuck shit up because of this novel, though.
In other words, the lack of empathy and understanding, the complete disregard of actual sexworkers as part of her readership or part of our community, was so unsettling and upsetting for me, that I just.. wanted to throw up in faces of random citizens.
What's almost weirder for me is how "accepted" this attitude seems to be. I read some of the reviews here on Goodreads, and I don't think anyone mentioned this, which is.. kind of fucked up, to be honest. (Not in the way that it's their fault for not noticing, but a flaw in our society in general. Ignorance isn't something I'd hold against a person, unless that ignorance actively hurts someone else.)
But even if Dante hadn't been such an asshole, if whatshername hadn't been the annoying person that she was, this read wasn't good. It wasn't even mediocre, but a dry, "oh when am I doone?" kind of title. The second wasn't much better, and I don't think I'll continue this series. Might read one of the later titles in case there is a fan favourite or something, but otherwise? Nah.
*Yes, I edited this review later because typos, and yeah, I know there most likely still are several of those.
September 20, 2013
I don't give many "bad" reviews because I generally get to read books I know will be good or books recommended to me by people I trust. That was not the case with this book, recommended to me by someone who obviously doesn't know me as well as they thought.
This book was published in Jan 2007. I only heard about it recently. I read it because I was looking for a strong vampire series. This is NOT it.
First, I don't like books with a lot of sex, or panting about sex, or lusting for sex without some significant plot. The sex should not be the focus of the book. If I want lots of sex, I'll read erotica. Vampire lusting is pretty common and expected; unless done with some MAJOR originality, it gets boring VERY fast.
Second, if I read "raven" for a color one more time I may throw up. Way overused. Also, how many times must I be told how "lethal" or "dangerous" or "deadly" someone is? Once you impress upon me that a vampire is "dangerously" whatever, I think I have it.
What bugs me is Ms. Ivy can actually write! And that must be why she got published. There is some plot or TPTB wouldn't have bothered, right? So, to be fair, obviously this book appeals to many because it is first in a series (and I think there are six or more so far). However, this book does not appeal to me. I wanted a vampire story with a bite. Not an overly deprived, hungry for sex vampire in charge of a woman who is part goddess (I do not want to give away the plot). To make it worse, our heroine is always complaining and needing help, despite our being told over and over how capable she is. Not convincing for me.
Finally, the conversations are very trite, and even the vampire character name is rather expected. His name is Dante. And his fellow vampire? Viper. Yeah. See what I mean?
This is like Christine Feehan Lite. (And I don't like her books either). I'll stick to Kim Harrison, Diana Rowland, Rob Thurman, Christina Henry or Kalayna Price. You should too.
This book was published in Jan 2007. I only heard about it recently. I read it because I was looking for a strong vampire series. This is NOT it.
First, I don't like books with a lot of sex, or panting about sex, or lusting for sex without some significant plot. The sex should not be the focus of the book. If I want lots of sex, I'll read erotica. Vampire lusting is pretty common and expected; unless done with some MAJOR originality, it gets boring VERY fast.
Second, if I read "raven" for a color one more time I may throw up. Way overused. Also, how many times must I be told how "lethal" or "dangerous" or "deadly" someone is? Once you impress upon me that a vampire is "dangerously" whatever, I think I have it.
What bugs me is Ms. Ivy can actually write! And that must be why she got published. There is some plot or TPTB wouldn't have bothered, right? So, to be fair, obviously this book appeals to many because it is first in a series (and I think there are six or more so far). However, this book does not appeal to me. I wanted a vampire story with a bite. Not an overly deprived, hungry for sex vampire in charge of a woman who is part goddess (I do not want to give away the plot). To make it worse, our heroine is always complaining and needing help, despite our being told over and over how capable she is. Not convincing for me.
Finally, the conversations are very trite, and even the vampire character name is rather expected. His name is Dante. And his fellow vampire? Viper. Yeah. See what I mean?
This is like Christine Feehan Lite. (And I don't like her books either). I'll stick to Kim Harrison, Diana Rowland, Rob Thurman, Christina Henry or Kalayna Price. You should too.
March 3, 2022
*I just remembered I read this one more than a decade ago 😶 but forgot to add it on here.*
This book was just so-so. Not really impressive for me.
This book was just so-so. Not really impressive for me.
September 12, 2021
The couple in this book was sweet and cute and cheesy. The hero had a very nice humor that made me smile in a lot of occasions. This book was not super great but it was nice in a cute 1980s kind of way.
The plot was good just enough to make me want to keep reading the next book.
3.5 stars.
PS: the narrator is super weird.
The plot was good just enough to make me want to keep reading the next book.
3.5 stars.
PS: the narrator is super weird.
July 14, 2011
Lately I have been learning that it is okay if a book has three stars. it means that I liked it, and while it may have some work to do to grow on me, I know that it will. Four stars means that I really really liked it, and five stars for me means that it is a book that will be picked up again and again and again. But three stars? There is no shame in three stars!
This book started out as a three star one but all of a sudden it seriously just smacked me in the face. Somehow the author managed to make everything I tend to dislike in a book come together in this cohesive plot that blew my mind.
Abby Barlow, normal girl, lonely, but with a backbone of steel is in the house when her employer dies and she blunders in to accepting the Phoenix, a spirit that battles evil and lives inside of her, making her the Chalice.
Dante is a vampire who is chained to the Chalice and was about to be free when Abby meddled. Together, they are on the run because Abby is like the holy grail to every demon who wants to kill her.
This book is action-packed and slams in to you like a freaking freight train. At first, I found myself a little annoyed with Abby for not listening to Dante, especially when they were in danger. But then I realized that she had reasons for her actions and she wasn't going to be bossed around. She never, ever tread on too stupid to live territory. I usually don't like it when the hero and heroine do not care for each other in the beginning, but the author really made this work for me. She even managed to make me get over the fact that the vampire's name was Dante. That seems cliche to me, but I like a lot of cliche things, and his personality was awesome.
Also, I would just like to say, holy smokes! Their attraction found them acting out on it physically while danger surrounded them. Talk about living on the edge!
Dante is not the moody broody vampire struggling with the darkness of his soul. I don't mind books like that, but his personality was quite refreshing. he knew exactly what he was, understood that he was deadly, and made certain that Abby also knew that as well. he showed vulnerability, but he was not so emo that he cut the lawn of his existence with the chains that bound him.
Abby grew up with abuse and insecurities at every turn, but that doesn't stop her from standing up for herself. She won't be bossed around and she is incredibly stubborn. Her vulnerabilities showed often, and together, she and dante worked on them until she realized her worth.
Together, they were just what the other needed and it was so much fun to watch them love and annoy each other. I found myself cheering them on and laughing with them.
I came to care for Abby, Dante, Viper, and a few of the other characters that we were introduced to in this book. The action just kept happening and I found it very difficult to put this book down. I loved abby and Dante's chemistry, loved watching them deepen the bonds of their relationship, loved abby's prejudices and misconceptions slowly slipping away, and absolutely just loved the book in general.
My one quibble would be that a few of the villains seemed almost cartoonish to me. That didn't stop me from worrying about the characters, however, and it certainly did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The world-building and foreshadowing were really nice, and there were a few rather chilling parts of the book. Ivory's greatest asset is the way that she incorporates humor throughout, wrapping the book in a package of smokin hot combustible characters, a need to save the world, and a lot of laugh out loud moments. I highly recommend it if you like paranormal romance.
This book started out as a three star one but all of a sudden it seriously just smacked me in the face. Somehow the author managed to make everything I tend to dislike in a book come together in this cohesive plot that blew my mind.
Abby Barlow, normal girl, lonely, but with a backbone of steel is in the house when her employer dies and she blunders in to accepting the Phoenix, a spirit that battles evil and lives inside of her, making her the Chalice.
Dante is a vampire who is chained to the Chalice and was about to be free when Abby meddled. Together, they are on the run because Abby is like the holy grail to every demon who wants to kill her.
This book is action-packed and slams in to you like a freaking freight train. At first, I found myself a little annoyed with Abby for not listening to Dante, especially when they were in danger. But then I realized that she had reasons for her actions and she wasn't going to be bossed around. She never, ever tread on too stupid to live territory. I usually don't like it when the hero and heroine do not care for each other in the beginning, but the author really made this work for me. She even managed to make me get over the fact that the vampire's name was Dante. That seems cliche to me, but I like a lot of cliche things, and his personality was awesome.
Also, I would just like to say, holy smokes! Their attraction found them acting out on it physically while danger surrounded them. Talk about living on the edge!
Dante is not the moody broody vampire struggling with the darkness of his soul. I don't mind books like that, but his personality was quite refreshing. he knew exactly what he was, understood that he was deadly, and made certain that Abby also knew that as well. he showed vulnerability, but he was not so emo that he cut the lawn of his existence with the chains that bound him.
Abby grew up with abuse and insecurities at every turn, but that doesn't stop her from standing up for herself. She won't be bossed around and she is incredibly stubborn. Her vulnerabilities showed often, and together, she and dante worked on them until she realized her worth.
Together, they were just what the other needed and it was so much fun to watch them love and annoy each other. I found myself cheering them on and laughing with them.
I came to care for Abby, Dante, Viper, and a few of the other characters that we were introduced to in this book. The action just kept happening and I found it very difficult to put this book down. I loved abby and Dante's chemistry, loved watching them deepen the bonds of their relationship, loved abby's prejudices and misconceptions slowly slipping away, and absolutely just loved the book in general.
My one quibble would be that a few of the villains seemed almost cartoonish to me. That didn't stop me from worrying about the characters, however, and it certainly did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The world-building and foreshadowing were really nice, and there were a few rather chilling parts of the book. Ivory's greatest asset is the way that she incorporates humor throughout, wrapping the book in a package of smokin hot combustible characters, a need to save the world, and a lot of laugh out loud moments. I highly recommend it if you like paranormal romance.
May 29, 2012
Book Description:
It's been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she's survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a man she both desires and fears. For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago, Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death. A terrifying plan has been set in motion, one that will plunge Dante and Abby into an epic battle between good and evil - and a desperate race to save their love.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this story for the most part. As a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Abby becomes the Chalice for the ancient spirit of the Phoenix. The Phoenix is goodness and light where her counterpart, the Prince, is nothing but darkness and the harbinger of evil. Although the Phoenix is good, the human Chalice is a target beacon for all things evil and Dante wants to spare Abby a life of being hunted by evil. With the devastatingly handsome Dante at her side, Abby embarks on a journey to rid herself of the Phoenix. During their journey Abby discovers more about herself and her inner resilience and comes to trust and love Dante. The characters were likable and the story was paced very well. There lines blurred between who the 'good guy' and 'bad guy' was which kept the story interesting.
The problem I had with the story was Dante's excessive use of 'lover'. It was a bit cheesy in an Austin Powers, bow chicka wow wow kind of way. Other than that, the story was great.
It's been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she's survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a man she both desires and fears. For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago, Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death. A terrifying plan has been set in motion, one that will plunge Dante and Abby into an epic battle between good and evil - and a desperate race to save their love.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this story for the most part. As a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Abby becomes the Chalice for the ancient spirit of the Phoenix. The Phoenix is goodness and light where her counterpart, the Prince, is nothing but darkness and the harbinger of evil. Although the Phoenix is good, the human Chalice is a target beacon for all things evil and Dante wants to spare Abby a life of being hunted by evil. With the devastatingly handsome Dante at her side, Abby embarks on a journey to rid herself of the Phoenix. During their journey Abby discovers more about herself and her inner resilience and comes to trust and love Dante. The characters were likable and the story was paced very well. There lines blurred between who the 'good guy' and 'bad guy' was which kept the story interesting.
The problem I had with the story was Dante's excessive use of 'lover'. It was a bit cheesy in an Austin Powers, bow chicka wow wow kind of way. Other than that, the story was great.
August 11, 2021
I read many reviews about this story. And, I guess as one of them said you'll either love it or hate it. Well, I really liked it. The best thing I can say in favor of this witty tale is, it was about the good old fashioned real kind of Vampires. You know what I mean, no day light, no reflection, like a Bella Lugosi Dracula.
Some of the reviewers said they found Abby's character whinny. I found her snarky, cranky, irritable and funny, but not whinny. The only little thing I found annoying in this story was Dante's pet name for Abby, I just found it odd is all. But, thank goodness I was able to block it out with my own version.
One of the many cute lines in a scene.... "Don’t let down your guard,” he warned. “And stay close to me.” “I think I’m going to throw up.” He took a deliberate step backward. “Then that staying-close thing was more of a metaphor.” Very cute banter between this couple.
I can't say this was an intense read like some of my favorite PNR tales, but I found it very entertaining. When the Shalott stepped into the fight I was excited for it, and I hope the next story has her in it along with Viper. Very good read.
Some of the reviewers said they found Abby's character whinny. I found her snarky, cranky, irritable and funny, but not whinny. The only little thing I found annoying in this story was Dante's pet name for Abby, I just found it odd is all. But, thank goodness I was able to block it out with my own version.
One of the many cute lines in a scene.... "Don’t let down your guard,” he warned. “And stay close to me.” “I think I’m going to throw up.” He took a deliberate step backward. “Then that staying-close thing was more of a metaphor.” Very cute banter between this couple.
I can't say this was an intense read like some of my favorite PNR tales, but I found it very entertaining. When the Shalott stepped into the fight I was excited for it, and I hope the next story has her in it along with Viper. Very good read.
December 8, 2009
Not really for me. Everything that happens in this book is far too ambigous - there is a darkness, there is this, there is a that, minimal explanations on how or why. That alone bothered me.
I'm not keen on the romance between the Dante and Abby - it feels like an amalgamation of everything I ever read before in this genre but without any depth to the characters. I find it hard to read books where they love each other from the word go, without question. It feels a little lazy, and the entire story is padded out with dark heated looks and her biting her lip.
Its written in a style that is similar to the J.R Ward Brotherhood series, so I guess if you liked that, give it a go. Otherwise...meh.
I'm not keen on the romance between the Dante and Abby - it feels like an amalgamation of everything I ever read before in this genre but without any depth to the characters. I find it hard to read books where they love each other from the word go, without question. It feels a little lazy, and the entire story is padded out with dark heated looks and her biting her lip.
Its written in a style that is similar to the J.R Ward Brotherhood series, so I guess if you liked that, give it a go. Otherwise...meh.
October 11, 2015
yeah, I know I said I liked it in my status post, but then I was nearing the end and I couldn't help it...as much as I wanted to get into it...I couldn't
I didn't like the HERO/vamp Dante (300 smth old vamp) - he had features that didn't appeal to me and I could only invision him as this...
and unfortunately I don't like that guy, like at all
so that was a bust!
a heroine's shown some hope, she was funny, had a few good joking remarks...BUT that wasn't enough to hold my interest :(
and the constant grammar mistakes...but maybe I just got that kind of (non)edited edition
and this was a first vamp book I didn't fall for...damn!
July 4, 2008
I really liked this book. I was a little wary of the mixed reviews but it sounded like my kinda book, so I gave it a shot!
Abby Barlow is a woman that goes through life blissfully ignorant of all the unusual things that surround her, until one evening, the woman she works for is suddenly killed in a violent manner. Little does she know that her entire world is about to change.
In comes Dante. Hot vampire sent to protect Abbys former boss, now entrusted to protect Abby after this horrible accident.
Great paranormal romance, hot sexy vampires, good sex scenes. Overall a pretty darn good read! I'll be looking for her next book in this series soon ;-)
Abby Barlow is a woman that goes through life blissfully ignorant of all the unusual things that surround her, until one evening, the woman she works for is suddenly killed in a violent manner. Little does she know that her entire world is about to change.
In comes Dante. Hot vampire sent to protect Abbys former boss, now entrusted to protect Abby after this horrible accident.
Great paranormal romance, hot sexy vampires, good sex scenes. Overall a pretty darn good read! I'll be looking for her next book in this series soon ;-)
January 17, 2011
Congratulations to this book-I had to create a "couldn't finish" tag just for it. This book was so unbearably terrible I could not read a page without groaning to myself over it's cheesiness. I kept seeing it in my list thinking maybe I'll have the patience to finish it tomorrow, but no. It's just not worth the torture.
February 18, 2012
I will admit it started out great. I was having a great time with it, but then it just became slow-paced and boring. The plot was just going nowhere. It took me forever to finish this book, I even read another book in between because I couldn't focus enough to go through it all at once.
January 6, 2019
Rating: 4/5
Heat Rating: 3/5
Narrator Performance: 3.5/5
This has been in my library for years and I'm happy that I finally got to it since I really enjoyed it. It was written 13 years ago and I think it's held up well. Ivy didn't put in any details or pop culture references that would make the story feel "dated".
Heat Rating: 3/5
Narrator Performance: 3.5/5
This has been in my library for years and I'm happy that I finally got to it since I really enjoyed it. It was written 13 years ago and I think it's held up well. Ivy didn't put in any details or pop culture references that would make the story feel "dated".
September 5, 2021
Didn't really like either of the leads.
And this book just reinforced the fact that "Lover" is the most cringe worthy pet name, no matter who uses it.
And this book just reinforced the fact that "Lover" is the most cringe worthy pet name, no matter who uses it.
March 2, 2025
I can never not reread it 😗🤩
December 24, 2015
"When Darkness Comes"
is the first book in Alexandra Ivy's (Guardians of Eternity) series. I have read the "Bayou Heat" series by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright and wanted to try out some of Alexandra's other works. I have to say the first book in her Guardians of Eternity series was disappointing, but I like to give a series a three book try.
I give "When Darkness Comes" a 2.5-3 stars. It was an ok read. It's not a book I'd read again. It did not pull me in and make me want to keep reading. I had trouble staying interested, but I did finish. A lot happens in the first couple of chapters maybe too much, because I found myself going back several times. Both the hero and heroine remained vague characters and the immature dialogue was driving me crazy. There also were holes left open in the story for example Abby's terrible background mentioned over and over but never revealed.
Abby is working in a mansion owned by an older woman Selena and Dante also works there thou his position is never clarified, but that is neither her nor their. Dante as the “sexy” vampire was very vanilla to me.
An Explosion happens and Selena is dead and Abby has now been infused with the “Phoenix”. She is now the physical holder of the “Chalice" and Dante has become her personal bodyguard. Abby on the other hand is so very clueless (annoying at times) as to what is happening and now her life is in danger with demons out to kill her. They are forced on the run and in no time they are intimate with each other. As for the paranormal world it takes Abby forever to come to terms with the world she’s been thrust into.
I give "When Darkness Comes" a 2.5-3 stars. It was an ok read. It's not a book I'd read again. It did not pull me in and make me want to keep reading. I had trouble staying interested, but I did finish. A lot happens in the first couple of chapters maybe too much, because I found myself going back several times. Both the hero and heroine remained vague characters and the immature dialogue was driving me crazy. There also were holes left open in the story for example Abby's terrible background mentioned over and over but never revealed.
Abby is working in a mansion owned by an older woman Selena and Dante also works there thou his position is never clarified, but that is neither her nor their. Dante as the “sexy” vampire was very vanilla to me.
An Explosion happens and Selena is dead and Abby has now been infused with the “Phoenix”. She is now the physical holder of the “Chalice" and Dante has become her personal bodyguard. Abby on the other hand is so very clueless (annoying at times) as to what is happening and now her life is in danger with demons out to kill her. They are forced on the run and in no time they are intimate with each other. As for the paranormal world it takes Abby forever to come to terms with the world she’s been thrust into.
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