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Vampire Romances #21
His Dark Embrace
A VAMPIRE’S KISS. A WOMAN’S SURRENDER.
Tall, dark, mysterious—and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous—Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home after eight years, she can’t believe her reclusive neighbor is still living across the street—and hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn’t know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him…even if he harbors a fearful secret he refuses to tell her.
When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers—and accidentally draws blood—he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back…
Tall, dark, mysterious—and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous—Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home after eight years, she can’t believe her reclusive neighbor is still living across the street—and hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn’t know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him…even if he harbors a fearful secret he refuses to tell her.
When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers—and accidentally draws blood—he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back…
338 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 29, 2012
36 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 22, 2012
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: For fans of old school tame vampire romance. His Dark Embrace is a story that just doesn’t seem to know where it wants to go and will leave readers struggling to find a plot.
Opening Sentence: When Skylynn O’Brien McNamara came home to bury her grandfather and settle his estate, she was surprised to see that the house across the street was still vacant.
The Review:
Skylynn McNamara is used to tragedy in her life. Her parents and grandmother died when she was young. Her brother is currently missing in action in Iraq and now she has returned back to her childhood home to bury her grandfather. Sky runs into Kaiden Thorne, her childhood crush and the man who lives across the street from her grandfather. Kaiden has also recently returned to town, looking the find the recipe that allows him to appear and feel human. Unfortunately Sky’s grandfather has taken the recipe to the grave. Kaiden races to find the recipe before he reverts back to his vampiric self.
Sky enjoys the time her a Kaiden have gotten to know each other. She decides to leave her life, apartment in Chicago, a boyfriend she never really loved and her job at a lawyer’s office to be with Kaiden. It doesn’t take her long to see through Kaiden’s ruse but does she love him enough to stay by his side.
I struggled through His Dark Embrace. The plot meander’s from one point to another. Conflicts are added many chapters in just to prolong the storyline. The relationship part of the story could have ended the book at Chapter 20, while the main plot point of finding the recipe seems to be forgotten for the majority of the rest of the novel while dealing with a brother with amnesia to prolonged revenge from an old enemy. It felt like these elements were added just to make the story longer.
Normally I don’t have any problems with age in a vampire book. A four hundred year old vampire or even eighty year old vampire is going to be much older than the twenty or thirty year old they hook up with. Skylyn is currently in her mid-twenties and I never really think about the age difference but she had a crush on Kaiden since she was an awkward teenager. The only problem that leaves me a little squeamish is when Kaiden says he’s loved her since she was a little kid and it doesn’t come off as protective friend but a little creepy but maybe I just read too much into it.
Overall, His Dark Embrace is a strange and slow read. I have read Amanda Ashley novels in the past and loved them but this novel would not be among my favorites. I would recommend His Dark Embrace to those readers who are new to romance and don’t want to read any sex.
Notable Scene:
Throne drained his glass and put it aside. The wine warmed him, but it was as nothing compared to the heat Sky’s nearness aroused in him. How exquisite she looked, with the fire’s glow pinking her cheeks and gilding her hair. The steady beat of her heart was like music to his ears, the flowery scent of her perfume, the scent of the woman herself, sweetly alluring.
She was beautiful.
She was desirable.
She was here.
Alone.
In his house.
And she had what he so desperately craved.
FTC Advisory: Kensington/Zebra provided me with a copy of His Dark Embrace. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: For fans of old school tame vampire romance. His Dark Embrace is a story that just doesn’t seem to know where it wants to go and will leave readers struggling to find a plot.
Opening Sentence: When Skylynn O’Brien McNamara came home to bury her grandfather and settle his estate, she was surprised to see that the house across the street was still vacant.
The Review:
Skylynn McNamara is used to tragedy in her life. Her parents and grandmother died when she was young. Her brother is currently missing in action in Iraq and now she has returned back to her childhood home to bury her grandfather. Sky runs into Kaiden Thorne, her childhood crush and the man who lives across the street from her grandfather. Kaiden has also recently returned to town, looking the find the recipe that allows him to appear and feel human. Unfortunately Sky’s grandfather has taken the recipe to the grave. Kaiden races to find the recipe before he reverts back to his vampiric self.
Sky enjoys the time her a Kaiden have gotten to know each other. She decides to leave her life, apartment in Chicago, a boyfriend she never really loved and her job at a lawyer’s office to be with Kaiden. It doesn’t take her long to see through Kaiden’s ruse but does she love him enough to stay by his side.
I struggled through His Dark Embrace. The plot meander’s from one point to another. Conflicts are added many chapters in just to prolong the storyline. The relationship part of the story could have ended the book at Chapter 20, while the main plot point of finding the recipe seems to be forgotten for the majority of the rest of the novel while dealing with a brother with amnesia to prolonged revenge from an old enemy. It felt like these elements were added just to make the story longer.
Normally I don’t have any problems with age in a vampire book. A four hundred year old vampire or even eighty year old vampire is going to be much older than the twenty or thirty year old they hook up with. Skylyn is currently in her mid-twenties and I never really think about the age difference but she had a crush on Kaiden since she was an awkward teenager. The only problem that leaves me a little squeamish is when Kaiden says he’s loved her since she was a little kid and it doesn’t come off as protective friend but a little creepy but maybe I just read too much into it.
Overall, His Dark Embrace is a strange and slow read. I have read Amanda Ashley novels in the past and loved them but this novel would not be among my favorites. I would recommend His Dark Embrace to those readers who are new to romance and don’t want to read any sex.
Notable Scene:
Throne drained his glass and put it aside. The wine warmed him, but it was as nothing compared to the heat Sky’s nearness aroused in him. How exquisite she looked, with the fire’s glow pinking her cheeks and gilding her hair. The steady beat of her heart was like music to his ears, the flowery scent of her perfume, the scent of the woman herself, sweetly alluring.
She was beautiful.
She was desirable.
She was here.
Alone.
In his house.
And she had what he so desperately craved.
FTC Advisory: Kensington/Zebra provided me with a copy of His Dark Embrace. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
August 29, 2012
When Amanda Ashley first revealed that she was working on this story on her website, long before it became a book, I was hooked. Skylynn McNamara is a young girl at the time she and Kaiden Thorne the mysterious stranger across the street become neighbors. There is something intriguing about him from the first that never leaves her thoughts. The same is true for Kaiden. The years pass and Skylynn returns home when her Grandfather dies to settle his estate. By this time she has been married and divorced, but is still intrigued by the neighbor across the street. The feeling is mutual for Kaiden Thorne, as he has held what he feels for Skylnn in his heart all these years as she grew up.
Ms. Ashley's vampires are always dark, mysterious, sexy and protective of the women that they love at all costs. Kaiden Thorne is no exception. I thought he had adapted more to the modern day world than some of the her other vampires that I've read about. Even though Skylynn had feelings for him, she didn't profess not to be afraid of him. I liked that idea. When she found out what he truly was, she wasn't as accepting to me as some of her other heroines were of the revelation. She was scared to death of him and showed it.
After all here was a man with an affliction that supposedly existed only in books, movies and her nightmares when she was young. Skylynn had to come to terms with this for their attraction to flourish and grow into something deeper. As for Kaiden, he always thought of himself as a monster. He never thought she'd reciprocate his feelings when she found out what he was. What I loved about him was that he always deferred to Skylynn in understanding her feelings regarding his vampirism. He always gave her an out to either accept or decline his attentions.
The supporting characters, including Skylynn's brother, a best friend, a werewolf, an ancient vampiress and a slayer add to the story to make it very interesting and good reading. Although her Grandfather has passed on, he is very much a part of this story. I'll not spoil it by telling you the reason why. You'll love it as it becomes apparent later on in the story. When you find out what her Grandfather did and who held the key to solving the puzzle surrounding it, you will be surprised. I was.
I just love how Ms. Ashley pulls the heartstrings when it comes to her vampires and their dilemmas. How she always manages to match each vampire's personality with a heroine that complements him in every regard. This was a well thought out and well written story. It had an epilogue that I absolutely loved! If you're looking for graphic or explicit bedroom scenes there aren't any. There are romantic love scenes, but done tastefully and very romantically leaving the rest to the imagination, which I rather like. Another gorgeous love story where love triumps over adverse circumstances showing that no matter what stands in the way, the heart will have what or who it wants, needs and desires ... always.
Ms. Ashley's vampires are always dark, mysterious, sexy and protective of the women that they love at all costs. Kaiden Thorne is no exception. I thought he had adapted more to the modern day world than some of the her other vampires that I've read about. Even though Skylynn had feelings for him, she didn't profess not to be afraid of him. I liked that idea. When she found out what he truly was, she wasn't as accepting to me as some of her other heroines were of the revelation. She was scared to death of him and showed it.
After all here was a man with an affliction that supposedly existed only in books, movies and her nightmares when she was young. Skylynn had to come to terms with this for their attraction to flourish and grow into something deeper. As for Kaiden, he always thought of himself as a monster. He never thought she'd reciprocate his feelings when she found out what he was. What I loved about him was that he always deferred to Skylynn in understanding her feelings regarding his vampirism. He always gave her an out to either accept or decline his attentions.
The supporting characters, including Skylynn's brother, a best friend, a werewolf, an ancient vampiress and a slayer add to the story to make it very interesting and good reading. Although her Grandfather has passed on, he is very much a part of this story. I'll not spoil it by telling you the reason why. You'll love it as it becomes apparent later on in the story. When you find out what her Grandfather did and who held the key to solving the puzzle surrounding it, you will be surprised. I was.
I just love how Ms. Ashley pulls the heartstrings when it comes to her vampires and their dilemmas. How she always manages to match each vampire's personality with a heroine that complements him in every regard. This was a well thought out and well written story. It had an epilogue that I absolutely loved! If you're looking for graphic or explicit bedroom scenes there aren't any. There are romantic love scenes, but done tastefully and very romantically leaving the rest to the imagination, which I rather like. Another gorgeous love story where love triumps over adverse circumstances showing that no matter what stands in the way, the heart will have what or who it wants, needs and desires ... always.
June 8, 2012
Review: His Dark Embrace, Amanda Ashley
Tall, dark, mysterious - and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous - Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home is after eight years, she can't believe her reclusive neighbour is still living across the street - and is hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn't know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him ...even if he harbours a fearful secret he refuses to tell her. When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers - and accidentally draws blood - he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back.
Published: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN- 13: 978-1-4201-2133-9
ISBN- 10: 1-4201-2133-2
Skylynn returns to her childhood home, under less than ideal circumstances. Her Grandfather has passed away and Sky is going to have to decide whether she wants to move back to Vista Verde or sell the house and return to Chicago.
She has more than her Grandfather’s death to deal with, her brother Sam has been missing in action for almost four months, and no one has any clue as to what happened to him. Sky is keeping her faith – she believes that Sam is still alive…she refuses to believe he is gone too.
Skylynn and Sam are all that each other has left, their parents died in a car accident when they were young. Their Grandparents took them in and raised them, with all the love and affection two children could need.
A few years after their parents were killed, Gran got sick and passed too – leaving just the three of them.
Sky’s first day back at home, she notices her enigmatic neighbor, Kaiden, is out mowing his lawn. She’s puzzled because he used to only come out at night…
Sky has had a crush on Kaiden since she was 13; it’s hard to believe he’s still living across the street.
Kaiden has become good friends with Paddy; they’ve spent lots of time chatting over the years.
He’s having a hard time believing he’s gone – and that Sky is back. It’s been 8 years since she came home, and now she’s all grown up and Kaiden no longer has to feel like a dirty ole man because he is attracted to her.
Kaiden is more than he seems – and Skylynn wants to know what that ‘more’ is. Matter of fact, she wants to know all of Kaiden. Will she get more than she bargained for?
In His Dark Embrace, I found the setting of Vista Verde to be interesting. I would’ve liked to read more details about it.
The characters didn’t really grab me, I knew less about them by the end of the book than I did when I began reading. There were bits and pieces of things they’ve done but the information left me with more questions about them.
The story had potential, but it just never took off for me.
I believe this was just not the book for me, but those who enjoy a love story – without the heat – this one is definitely for you.
Amanda Ashley is one of those rare birds--a California native. She's lived in Southern California her whole life and, except for the earthquakes, loves it. She shares a home with her husband, as well as a fluffy Pomeranian named Lady, a wild house sparrow she raised from a baby named Tweety, and a tortoise who remains nameless. Amanda and her alter ego, Madeline Baker, have written over 70 books and short stories. Not bad for someone who started writing just for the fun of it. Her books have made the New York Times Bestseller List, the USA Today Bestseller List, and the Waldenbooks Bestseller and Mass Market lists.
Tall, dark, mysterious - and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous - Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home is after eight years, she can't believe her reclusive neighbour is still living across the street - and is hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn't know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him ...even if he harbours a fearful secret he refuses to tell her. When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers - and accidentally draws blood - he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back.
Published: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN- 13: 978-1-4201-2133-9
ISBN- 10: 1-4201-2133-2
Skylynn returns to her childhood home, under less than ideal circumstances. Her Grandfather has passed away and Sky is going to have to decide whether she wants to move back to Vista Verde or sell the house and return to Chicago.
She has more than her Grandfather’s death to deal with, her brother Sam has been missing in action for almost four months, and no one has any clue as to what happened to him. Sky is keeping her faith – she believes that Sam is still alive…she refuses to believe he is gone too.
Skylynn and Sam are all that each other has left, their parents died in a car accident when they were young. Their Grandparents took them in and raised them, with all the love and affection two children could need.
A few years after their parents were killed, Gran got sick and passed too – leaving just the three of them.
Sky’s first day back at home, she notices her enigmatic neighbor, Kaiden, is out mowing his lawn. She’s puzzled because he used to only come out at night…
Sky has had a crush on Kaiden since she was 13; it’s hard to believe he’s still living across the street.
Kaiden has become good friends with Paddy; they’ve spent lots of time chatting over the years.
He’s having a hard time believing he’s gone – and that Sky is back. It’s been 8 years since she came home, and now she’s all grown up and Kaiden no longer has to feel like a dirty ole man because he is attracted to her.
Kaiden is more than he seems – and Skylynn wants to know what that ‘more’ is. Matter of fact, she wants to know all of Kaiden. Will she get more than she bargained for?
In His Dark Embrace, I found the setting of Vista Verde to be interesting. I would’ve liked to read more details about it.
The characters didn’t really grab me, I knew less about them by the end of the book than I did when I began reading. There were bits and pieces of things they’ve done but the information left me with more questions about them.
The story had potential, but it just never took off for me.
I believe this was just not the book for me, but those who enjoy a love story – without the heat – this one is definitely for you.
Amanda Ashley is one of those rare birds--a California native. She's lived in Southern California her whole life and, except for the earthquakes, loves it. She shares a home with her husband, as well as a fluffy Pomeranian named Lady, a wild house sparrow she raised from a baby named Tweety, and a tortoise who remains nameless. Amanda and her alter ego, Madeline Baker, have written over 70 books and short stories. Not bad for someone who started writing just for the fun of it. Her books have made the New York Times Bestseller List, the USA Today Bestseller List, and the Waldenbooks Bestseller and Mass Market lists.
May 22, 2012
Oh Ms. Ashley, how you love to tease me and indulge my vampire fantasy! I am a sucker (no pun intended) for a vampire romance. What truly makes a vampire romance stand out for me though is how they were written before the vampires became sparkly and soft. I love them bad, tough, secretive and edgy. Author Amanda Ashley has never let me down with making a vampire romance a true dark and beautiful read.
Skylynn has watched and admired Kaiden from across the street from a young age up until adulthood. She remembers having a teenage crush on him even with his unusual quirks. So what if he only mowed his lawn at night. So he never quite aged as much as other people. As a teen she looked over those mysterious and crushed anonymously on him. Kaiden was her Grandfather's friend. When Kaiden would come over and join her Grandfather in his lab, she never knew what happened behind closed doors. She would hear bits and pieces of conversation, but never got the whole story. Her brother also had questions, but never ventured in asking them.
Now she is an adult, her brother is missing, and her Grandfather has just passed away. Skylynn is forced to return to her childhood home and begin settling her Grandfathers estate. Should she keep the house or sell it? What should she do with all of his medical journals and supplies? Shortly after returning, Skylynn is surprised to see Kaiden return to his home as well across the street. Even more surprising is the fact that he still looks as gorgeous and youthful as he did so many years ago. It seems that Skylynn's Grandfather had been making a medicine of sorts for Kaiden and he is running out of the last batch. He is hoping that Skylynn will help him out and look around her Grandfather's lab for the formula. Unfortunately, Kaiden is not the only person wanting the formula. Another person is wanting it and willing to do whatever it takes to find it -- including hurting Kaiden by going after Skylynn.
I really enjoyed the sweet romance between Kaiden and Skylynn. They have known each other for years, but never acted on their feelings. At first I was a little timid watching the two start a romance for the simple fact that Kaiden watch Skylynn grow up from a child. True, he didn't have sexual feelings for her when she was young, but that doesn't seem to make me ignore the fact that it seemed wrong. Once I moved past that though, I enjoyed reading about their romantic progression and the hopes in finding the formula. When the formula is revealed at the end of the book -- which is easy to figure out once you think about it -- you will be laughing along with the characters at the creative way Skylynn's Grandfather had hid it.
If you are looking for a darker and less sparkly vampire romance, then I urge you to give author Amanda Ashley a try. Not only does she do them well, but she has many to choose from for days of reading enjoyment.
Skylynn has watched and admired Kaiden from across the street from a young age up until adulthood. She remembers having a teenage crush on him even with his unusual quirks. So what if he only mowed his lawn at night. So he never quite aged as much as other people. As a teen she looked over those mysterious and crushed anonymously on him. Kaiden was her Grandfather's friend. When Kaiden would come over and join her Grandfather in his lab, she never knew what happened behind closed doors. She would hear bits and pieces of conversation, but never got the whole story. Her brother also had questions, but never ventured in asking them.
Now she is an adult, her brother is missing, and her Grandfather has just passed away. Skylynn is forced to return to her childhood home and begin settling her Grandfathers estate. Should she keep the house or sell it? What should she do with all of his medical journals and supplies? Shortly after returning, Skylynn is surprised to see Kaiden return to his home as well across the street. Even more surprising is the fact that he still looks as gorgeous and youthful as he did so many years ago. It seems that Skylynn's Grandfather had been making a medicine of sorts for Kaiden and he is running out of the last batch. He is hoping that Skylynn will help him out and look around her Grandfather's lab for the formula. Unfortunately, Kaiden is not the only person wanting the formula. Another person is wanting it and willing to do whatever it takes to find it -- including hurting Kaiden by going after Skylynn.
I really enjoyed the sweet romance between Kaiden and Skylynn. They have known each other for years, but never acted on their feelings. At first I was a little timid watching the two start a romance for the simple fact that Kaiden watch Skylynn grow up from a child. True, he didn't have sexual feelings for her when she was young, but that doesn't seem to make me ignore the fact that it seemed wrong. Once I moved past that though, I enjoyed reading about their romantic progression and the hopes in finding the formula. When the formula is revealed at the end of the book -- which is easy to figure out once you think about it -- you will be laughing along with the characters at the creative way Skylynn's Grandfather had hid it.
If you are looking for a darker and less sparkly vampire romance, then I urge you to give author Amanda Ashley a try. Not only does she do them well, but she has many to choose from for days of reading enjoyment.
June 11, 2012
I will give you a synopsis of the story, taken from the book itself: "So much had happened in such a short time, it was hard to think straight. They had been kidnapped by Desmarais. She had begged Kaiden to turn Sam into a vampire. Sam had regained his memory. She and Kaiden had been married. Before they had even made love as husband and wife, Kaiden had left her alone in their marriage bed. I have go to go, he had said. Sam's in trouble. She could hardly have objected. And now Lisa was dead and Sam was in mourning for a girl he hardly knew."
There...you now have the whole book. I just could not get into this book! It was tell-able, and by that I mean, I could tell you every last thing that was going to happen next. There was NO suspense! I'm sorry, this was just a good filler book. Something to read while I waited for another book to get to my home. Maybe someone else can see more of this book, but to me it was, for want of a better word, boring!
There...you now have the whole book. I just could not get into this book! It was tell-able, and by that I mean, I could tell you every last thing that was going to happen next. There was NO suspense! I'm sorry, this was just a good filler book. Something to read while I waited for another book to get to my home. Maybe someone else can see more of this book, but to me it was, for want of a better word, boring!
June 21, 2012
2.5 stars
It was o-k! I originally put 2 stars but felt that that looked rather harsh. This is a PG-13 paranormal romance as there are no sex scenes (just make-out sessions... seriously) and even the action felt light and fluffy. I simply like more meat to my PNR. This felt quite Twilight-y to the point where even the lead female character compares herself to Bella Swan.
At the end of the day, if this is this author's typical writing style, this will be the last book i read of hers. While it's an okay story and the characters are fine, I just need more... More depth, more action/suspense, more detail, more SEX, more detail in the sex scenes, (doesn't even need to be Erotica graphic, but definitely more than just make out sessions, disrobings, and then we skip to the scene AFTER the love-making).
It was o-k! I originally put 2 stars but felt that that looked rather harsh. This is a PG-13 paranormal romance as there are no sex scenes (just make-out sessions... seriously) and even the action felt light and fluffy. I simply like more meat to my PNR. This felt quite Twilight-y to the point where even the lead female character compares herself to Bella Swan.
At the end of the day, if this is this author's typical writing style, this will be the last book i read of hers. While it's an okay story and the characters are fine, I just need more... More depth, more action/suspense, more detail, more SEX, more detail in the sex scenes, (doesn't even need to be Erotica graphic, but definitely more than just make out sessions, disrobings, and then we skip to the scene AFTER the love-making).
July 11, 2012
This book was good. I liked how Amanda put a different twist on the vampire story. I think it was a little slow to develop in the beginning but that added to the suspense. I have mixed feelings about how Amanda portrayed Skylynn. She's a strong woman but is still naive at times. For a woman who has experienced so much loss, I figured she would be a little firmer on her feet. Thorne is a bit old fashioned and I liked that. I think it added to his allure. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Its a good summer read.
May 23, 2012
This was a book that clearly is separate from any of Mandy's other novels. Desmarais, the protagonist, was so evil in this that I, for once, didn't fall in love with the bad guy. The biology and anatomy of vampires is certainly a new one in this novel for Mandy. I really loved this and the ending was pure bliss.
xoxo
xoxo
January 11, 2014
I love Amanda Ashley's brand of sweet, mostly traditional vampires. I say mostly traditional because these vamps have souls. it isn't really discussed as such in her books, but you can tell.
I enjoyed this story for that reason. I found the plot to be straightforward, & other than the almost-too-quick resolution to one particular problem, it was all told at a good pace.
I enjoyed this story for that reason. I found the plot to be straightforward, & other than the almost-too-quick resolution to one particular problem, it was all told at a good pace.
August 1, 2023
DNF @ 30%.
Her neighbor, who watched Skylynn grow up as a CHILD, lusts after her the moment she comes home. Aside from the weird grooming, I was 132 pages in and still couldn't identify the plot. One minute, the main character is head-over-heels in love with the vampire, the next, she doesn't want anything to do with him. Also, despite her neighbor being a grown man when she was a child, Skylynn breaks off her relationship with a boy in Chicago, quits her lucrative job to live in her dead grandfather's house across from the vampire/predator. #quirky
Her neighbor, who watched Skylynn grow up as a CHILD, lusts after her the moment she comes home. Aside from the weird grooming, I was 132 pages in and still couldn't identify the plot. One minute, the main character is head-over-heels in love with the vampire, the next, she doesn't want anything to do with him. Also, despite her neighbor being a grown man when she was a child, Skylynn breaks off her relationship with a boy in Chicago, quits her lucrative job to live in her dead grandfather's house across from the vampire/predator. #quirky
January 7, 2025
A classic vampire book it’s a little predictable, but I enjoyed it. There were some heavy tropes and random deus ex machina like insertions towards the end. Also not everything is explained, but that doesn’t necessarily leave you up at night. Gave me the vibes of a Hallmark movie, but the neighbor next-door is a sexy vampire man.
January 6, 2020
Started out okay, then it just became very arduous to read. It felt very much like the fanfic of a teenager than a book by a "bestselling author" (maybe even worse). I don't know how many times I rolled my eyes at the characterizations in this book.
April 8, 2018
BORING! This book was too slow and dull.
August 7, 2020
Lacked consistency. For example, Sky and Kaiden kissed the first time in chapter 3. Then Sky describes their kiss in chapter 5 like it was their first kiss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2022
Found out the I don’t like vampire books
June 6, 2022
I enjoyed this one enough as a stand alone to pick up another. The second book was less good.
Ill still hunt down more from this author and read to my hearts content.
Ill still hunt down more from this author and read to my hearts content.
September 13, 2022
Amazing
This book is definitely amazing! The story line is as is the characters!! I loved every minute of this book and couldn't put it down
This book is definitely amazing! The story line is as is the characters!! I loved every minute of this book and couldn't put it down
October 21, 2022
3 1/2 stars
January 20, 2025
Reread. Still found it a good read. I will be reading the rest of this series too.
June 5, 2012
Coming home is never easy, especially when the reason is a funeral. Skylynn is mourning the death of her grandfather and in order to take care of his possessions she comes home to the house he raised her in. With a brother missing in action overseas, a funeral and a lover she really doesn’t care about, Sky is ready for a change. She’s surprised to find that the hottie neighbor across the street is not only still there, but hasn’t aged a day. As they enter into a tenuous relationship strung tight with the developing heat between them, Sky will learn what it means to love and that coming home is exactly what she needed.
I went into this one knowing the last book I had picked up from Amanda Ashley was a good read. I was excited to try to capture that same feeling again with His Dark Embrace. It opens with a flash back in Skylynns life. She’s young, divorced, currently seeing a man she doesn’t really love and has just gone home to bury her beloved Granda, the one that raised her and her brother alone after Skylynns parents died in a car wreck and his wife died several years later. With a brother missing in action overseas and believed dead, Skylynn shoulders all the responsibility associated with a funeral. Looking onto the house across the street she remembers the elusive man who lived there when she was a child. She is enamored by him just thinking his name and when she sees that he has come home as well after being gone many years, she is just as happy to see him as he sees to be seeing her.
Kaiden is basically in love with Skylynn from the start and to be honest I found it all a bit creepy. The guy has known her since she was six….now she’s all grown up (24 yrs old) and he’s got the major hots for her. He’s even been following her around the country and keeping tabs on her all these years at her Grandas insistence. An elixir that her Granda concocted allows him to basically revert back to human but with the old mans passing, Kaidens time is running out on being “normal”. Instead he is quickly becoming a full-fledged vampire again and the sweet and tempting Skylynn is like handing a steak to a starving man.
I understood his blood thirst after reverting about to his full vampire nature. Though it bugged me that instead of telling Skylynn he goes out and drains a bunch of people and is gone for days without telling her what was going on. Especially right after she got done telling him how everyone in her life has up and left her. Men. Waiting till he gets her in bed and then having her accidentally seeing his blood red eyes probably isn’t the way you want someone to find out you’re a vamp. I sure wouldn’t want to be naked and writhing under some dude and then “oh by the way, can I suck your blood?” No thanks. Skylynn probably should have put two and two together on her own anyway. The guy hasn’t aged a day in years, he used to only come out at night until he became buddies with her Granda and was over in the basement lab all the time, he seemed to be able to hear her coming a mile away…ect ect.
I didn’t think there was near enough relationship building for these two before they were standing at the altar. In fact I didn’t like the epilogue either. Everything was way to neat and tidy for my tastes. I love HEAs but come on now, the book was only 380-ish pages. They hadn’t seen each other for years. All of a sudden they are together, then bam they are wanting to get married and then a few other bombs are dropped. The addition of the “missing in action” brother was both clever and boring. I can’t explain it. I liked that he was essential to the story but damn he was all over the map in personality. He is kinda just thrown at the reader after a few vague paragraphs prior to him appearing. I wish he would have just shown up at the end with the knowledge he carried and been done with it.
The main protagonist, a hunter who is bent on revenge because Kaiden killed his wife years ago, just wasn’t scary. I found him to be an incredibly weak villain and I wished more was done with his character. He does a lot of skulking around planning a revenge that never comes quite to fruition. I wanted something a bit more mean…a bit more “in my face”.
I liked the actual love story, before things got hectic. I liked the tenderness they found in each other. The awakening of senses and the realization that together they were whole. The sex scenes are tame for those readers that don’t want to delve into the graphic descriptions and so this one will work for a broad range of readers. I liked that on its own. All that other mess just brought the book down for me.
I give His Dark Embrace by Amanda Ashley 3 stars!
I went into this one knowing the last book I had picked up from Amanda Ashley was a good read. I was excited to try to capture that same feeling again with His Dark Embrace. It opens with a flash back in Skylynns life. She’s young, divorced, currently seeing a man she doesn’t really love and has just gone home to bury her beloved Granda, the one that raised her and her brother alone after Skylynns parents died in a car wreck and his wife died several years later. With a brother missing in action overseas and believed dead, Skylynn shoulders all the responsibility associated with a funeral. Looking onto the house across the street she remembers the elusive man who lived there when she was a child. She is enamored by him just thinking his name and when she sees that he has come home as well after being gone many years, she is just as happy to see him as he sees to be seeing her.
Kaiden is basically in love with Skylynn from the start and to be honest I found it all a bit creepy. The guy has known her since she was six….now she’s all grown up (24 yrs old) and he’s got the major hots for her. He’s even been following her around the country and keeping tabs on her all these years at her Grandas insistence. An elixir that her Granda concocted allows him to basically revert back to human but with the old mans passing, Kaidens time is running out on being “normal”. Instead he is quickly becoming a full-fledged vampire again and the sweet and tempting Skylynn is like handing a steak to a starving man.
I understood his blood thirst after reverting about to his full vampire nature. Though it bugged me that instead of telling Skylynn he goes out and drains a bunch of people and is gone for days without telling her what was going on. Especially right after she got done telling him how everyone in her life has up and left her. Men. Waiting till he gets her in bed and then having her accidentally seeing his blood red eyes probably isn’t the way you want someone to find out you’re a vamp. I sure wouldn’t want to be naked and writhing under some dude and then “oh by the way, can I suck your blood?” No thanks. Skylynn probably should have put two and two together on her own anyway. The guy hasn’t aged a day in years, he used to only come out at night until he became buddies with her Granda and was over in the basement lab all the time, he seemed to be able to hear her coming a mile away…ect ect.
I didn’t think there was near enough relationship building for these two before they were standing at the altar. In fact I didn’t like the epilogue either. Everything was way to neat and tidy for my tastes. I love HEAs but come on now, the book was only 380-ish pages. They hadn’t seen each other for years. All of a sudden they are together, then bam they are wanting to get married and then a few other bombs are dropped. The addition of the “missing in action” brother was both clever and boring. I can’t explain it. I liked that he was essential to the story but damn he was all over the map in personality. He is kinda just thrown at the reader after a few vague paragraphs prior to him appearing. I wish he would have just shown up at the end with the knowledge he carried and been done with it.
The main protagonist, a hunter who is bent on revenge because Kaiden killed his wife years ago, just wasn’t scary. I found him to be an incredibly weak villain and I wished more was done with his character. He does a lot of skulking around planning a revenge that never comes quite to fruition. I wanted something a bit more mean…a bit more “in my face”.
I liked the actual love story, before things got hectic. I liked the tenderness they found in each other. The awakening of senses and the realization that together they were whole. The sex scenes are tame for those readers that don’t want to delve into the graphic descriptions and so this one will work for a broad range of readers. I liked that on its own. All that other mess just brought the book down for me.
I give His Dark Embrace by Amanda Ashley 3 stars!
June 5, 2012
HIS DARK EMBRACE by Amanda Ashley
HIS DARK EMBRACE is the June 5, 2012 latest release in Amanda Ashley’s Vampire series of novels. Amanda (aka Madeline Baker) is one of the most prolific writers of paranormal and romance novels, and His Dark Embrace is the latest in a series of sexy vampires.
Kaiden Thorne is over 400 years old, a master vampire and has been in love with his neighbor’s granddaughter since she was a small child. In the beginning, Kaiden thought only to protect the young child, as requested by her grandfather, but as the girl grew into a young woman, Kaiden’s desires and feelings changed. When Skylynn moved to Chicago and married, Kaiden left town, only to return on the occasion when it was necessary to seek out the old man across the street.
Skylynn (Sky Blue) had always known she was in love with the mysterious Kaiden Thorne. As a young girl, she dreamed that one day she would marry and raise a family with Kaiden, but their age difference would be a problem. After a failed marriage, her brother Sam missing in Afghanistan, and now the death of her grandfather, going home to Vista Verde, California was difficult. Would Kaiden still live across the street and would he remember Skylynn?
As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that there is a mutual attraction between Skylynn and Kaiden, but Kaiden needs something of her grandfather’s. Hoping the old man had written the secrets to his many experiments, Kaiden and Skylynn search through her grandfather’s vast collection of journals and books, but the only clue is an old notebook with torn and missing pages. Without the information, Kaiden is doomed to return to a life of darkness and blood.
Desmarais is a vampire hunter and his target is Kaiden. Seeking revenge for the death of his wife, Desmarais has tracked his wife’s killer to the town of Vista Verde-the same town where the old man with his ‘life-altering’ experiments has recently died. Hoping to recover the secrets, Desmarais is unable to find the journals, but discovers that Kaiden is involved with the old man’s granddaughter and that would alter the stakes for revenge. Skylynn was now on the vampire hunter’s list of intended victims. When Desmarais is approached by an ancient vampire, more powerful than Kaiden, the true nature of the vampire will be revealed to the once proud vampire hunter. And it is with his new-found powers, that Desmarais is willing to risk everything to avenge the death of his wife.
The relationship between Skylynn and Kaiden progresses, but the revelation that the man she has loved all of her life is not human, sends Skylynn back to Chicago searching for answers. Adding another detail into the storyline, Skylynn’s brother Sam returns from the Middle East suffering amnesia. But it is Sam who will once again fall prey at the hands of monsters.
His Dark Embrace is a romantic paranormal novel with an interesting HEA. Amanda Ashley has written a story about love, death, betrayal and revenge, without the use of foul language, graphic sex or scenes of violence and death. A refreshing look at a love story involving two people who have always loved the other without the angst of playing hard to get or pushing away the one that you love. Another wonderful read from the desk of Amanda Ashley.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
HIS DARK EMBRACE is the June 5, 2012 latest release in Amanda Ashley’s Vampire series of novels. Amanda (aka Madeline Baker) is one of the most prolific writers of paranormal and romance novels, and His Dark Embrace is the latest in a series of sexy vampires.
Kaiden Thorne is over 400 years old, a master vampire and has been in love with his neighbor’s granddaughter since she was a small child. In the beginning, Kaiden thought only to protect the young child, as requested by her grandfather, but as the girl grew into a young woman, Kaiden’s desires and feelings changed. When Skylynn moved to Chicago and married, Kaiden left town, only to return on the occasion when it was necessary to seek out the old man across the street.
Skylynn (Sky Blue) had always known she was in love with the mysterious Kaiden Thorne. As a young girl, she dreamed that one day she would marry and raise a family with Kaiden, but their age difference would be a problem. After a failed marriage, her brother Sam missing in Afghanistan, and now the death of her grandfather, going home to Vista Verde, California was difficult. Would Kaiden still live across the street and would he remember Skylynn?
As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that there is a mutual attraction between Skylynn and Kaiden, but Kaiden needs something of her grandfather’s. Hoping the old man had written the secrets to his many experiments, Kaiden and Skylynn search through her grandfather’s vast collection of journals and books, but the only clue is an old notebook with torn and missing pages. Without the information, Kaiden is doomed to return to a life of darkness and blood.
Desmarais is a vampire hunter and his target is Kaiden. Seeking revenge for the death of his wife, Desmarais has tracked his wife’s killer to the town of Vista Verde-the same town where the old man with his ‘life-altering’ experiments has recently died. Hoping to recover the secrets, Desmarais is unable to find the journals, but discovers that Kaiden is involved with the old man’s granddaughter and that would alter the stakes for revenge. Skylynn was now on the vampire hunter’s list of intended victims. When Desmarais is approached by an ancient vampire, more powerful than Kaiden, the true nature of the vampire will be revealed to the once proud vampire hunter. And it is with his new-found powers, that Desmarais is willing to risk everything to avenge the death of his wife.
The relationship between Skylynn and Kaiden progresses, but the revelation that the man she has loved all of her life is not human, sends Skylynn back to Chicago searching for answers. Adding another detail into the storyline, Skylynn’s brother Sam returns from the Middle East suffering amnesia. But it is Sam who will once again fall prey at the hands of monsters.
His Dark Embrace is a romantic paranormal novel with an interesting HEA. Amanda Ashley has written a story about love, death, betrayal and revenge, without the use of foul language, graphic sex or scenes of violence and death. A refreshing look at a love story involving two people who have always loved the other without the angst of playing hard to get or pushing away the one that you love. Another wonderful read from the desk of Amanda Ashley.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
June 16, 2012
Can't get much better than Amanda Ashley.
Amanda Ashley is my favorite vampire writer. I feel her books give me the best of both worlds. A romance I love and the vampires I crave put together. HIS DARK EMBRACE certainly didn’t disappoint me.
Kaiden Thorne has known Skylynn McNamara her entire life. Living across the street, he sensed her always watching, changing from a young girls curiosity to a teen girl crush.
When her grandfather learned what Kaiden was, he told him of his experiments with prolonging life and soon the two were creating the perfect formula to allow Kaiden to live almost like normal.
Now, with the death of her grandfather, it has brought Skylynn home after a disastrous marriage and divorce and left Kaiden with his last supply of formula.
Keeping up with Sky, Kaiden knows she’s no longer the innocent young girl he watched, but now a beautiful woman. Her crush for him returns instantly when they reconnect over grandfather’s death.
Despite them both searching, neither can find where grandfather wrote the formula that Sky is quickly assuming help with Kaiden’s health as he’s soon keeping away from her and keeping odd hours again.
Feeling himself revert back to normal vampire ways, Kaiden knows he shouldn’t pursue a relationship with Sky, but after a nick of the tongue, her blood calls even more to him.
When his eyes turn glowing red, the truth is out and after returning back home, a phone call to a friend, Sky realizes her love for him triumphs what he is and returns home to let him explain. Of course she chooses to pursue a relationship with him.
An engagement is soon after and a quick trip to Vegas seals the deal.
When the lab is broken into and the formula stolen, Kaiden smells the scent of a well-known vampire hunter, Girard Desmarais. Desmarais was also benefitting from the formula by giving him strength despite his aging and is now looking for more. He and Kaiden have a past and revenge is soon on the way when Kaiden’s maker, Cassandra, turns him. After warning him not to harm Kaiden, Sky is now his target.
The return of Sky’s MIA brother, without his memory, was a new twist in A.A’s books. When she and Sam are both captured by Desmarais, Kaiden has no choice but to turn him when his injuries are too severe.
Luckily, Sam takes the change well and both open Sky up to the change and close her off to it at the same time. Now that Kaiden has some aid, they use Sky as bait. Once the threat is over, Sky attempts to continue her interrupted married life by moving in with Kaiden.
It’s during their first night that she’s rushing to the bathroom with a persistent bug she’s had all week that Kaiden senses the tiny baby growing in her womb. Unintentional anger flow off him despite his certainty she never cheated.
With their only guess being the potion is the reason, Sam recalls a formula that grandfather made him memorize. Recreating it, they can now have a normal life.
10 years later, after having a son and daughter, Sky is ready to join her husband in the life of a vampire.
*I have to say, my only complaint is A.A’s endings are always quick without details. I love a pregnant vampire story, but A.A just doesn’t include enough details about the pregnancy for me. I would love to read about scares and complications before the happy ending is revealed.
Amanda Ashley is my favorite vampire writer. I feel her books give me the best of both worlds. A romance I love and the vampires I crave put together. HIS DARK EMBRACE certainly didn’t disappoint me.
Kaiden Thorne has known Skylynn McNamara her entire life. Living across the street, he sensed her always watching, changing from a young girls curiosity to a teen girl crush.
When her grandfather learned what Kaiden was, he told him of his experiments with prolonging life and soon the two were creating the perfect formula to allow Kaiden to live almost like normal.
Now, with the death of her grandfather, it has brought Skylynn home after a disastrous marriage and divorce and left Kaiden with his last supply of formula.
Keeping up with Sky, Kaiden knows she’s no longer the innocent young girl he watched, but now a beautiful woman. Her crush for him returns instantly when they reconnect over grandfather’s death.
Despite them both searching, neither can find where grandfather wrote the formula that Sky is quickly assuming help with Kaiden’s health as he’s soon keeping away from her and keeping odd hours again.
Feeling himself revert back to normal vampire ways, Kaiden knows he shouldn’t pursue a relationship with Sky, but after a nick of the tongue, her blood calls even more to him.
When his eyes turn glowing red, the truth is out and after returning back home, a phone call to a friend, Sky realizes her love for him triumphs what he is and returns home to let him explain. Of course she chooses to pursue a relationship with him.
An engagement is soon after and a quick trip to Vegas seals the deal.
When the lab is broken into and the formula stolen, Kaiden smells the scent of a well-known vampire hunter, Girard Desmarais. Desmarais was also benefitting from the formula by giving him strength despite his aging and is now looking for more. He and Kaiden have a past and revenge is soon on the way when Kaiden’s maker, Cassandra, turns him. After warning him not to harm Kaiden, Sky is now his target.
The return of Sky’s MIA brother, without his memory, was a new twist in A.A’s books. When she and Sam are both captured by Desmarais, Kaiden has no choice but to turn him when his injuries are too severe.
Luckily, Sam takes the change well and both open Sky up to the change and close her off to it at the same time. Now that Kaiden has some aid, they use Sky as bait. Once the threat is over, Sky attempts to continue her interrupted married life by moving in with Kaiden.
It’s during their first night that she’s rushing to the bathroom with a persistent bug she’s had all week that Kaiden senses the tiny baby growing in her womb. Unintentional anger flow off him despite his certainty she never cheated.
With their only guess being the potion is the reason, Sam recalls a formula that grandfather made him memorize. Recreating it, they can now have a normal life.
10 years later, after having a son and daughter, Sky is ready to join her husband in the life of a vampire.
*I have to say, my only complaint is A.A’s endings are always quick without details. I love a pregnant vampire story, but A.A just doesn’t include enough details about the pregnancy for me. I would love to read about scares and complications before the happy ending is revealed.
May 28, 2012
3.5 Stars.
Skylynn knows pain and she is living it again right now.
She lost her parents at a very young age, but she had the love of her grandparents to comfort her. Then she lost her grandmother, but her grandfather was there for her, her touchstone. Life has been good up until a few months ago. Now her beloved brother is missing in action in Iraq and she just buried her grandfather. Her life is at a crossroads. Does she go back to her life in Chicago or stay at her grandfather’s home and start a new life? Well for the time being she has a bit of time.
Kaiden Thorne has lived on the outside of his neighbor’s life for years. Watching Paddy’s grandchildren grow up has been a calming and an amazing experience. Through the years he grew very close to Paddy and they have had a very beneficial relationship. Kaiden may have left Vista Verde years ago, but he never lost contact with Paddy and he secretly watched over his granddaughter. Now Skylynn is all grown up and his feelings for her have grown all the more personal. But that isn’t the only thing he needs from her. She is now the keeper of Paddy’s secret; a secret that very well could ruin Kaiden and Skylynn’s forever.
Skylynn has always had a secret crush on Kaiden and Kaiden has developed a burning lust for her. Circumstances have propelled these two together and things are about to get steamy. There is nothing in the way for them now, except Kaiden’s hunger; a hunger so primal that it could killer her. But there may be something else in their way…an old enemy that has been lurking around the O’Brien house unbeknown to Kaiden. This is a man that will do anything to get his revenge on Kaiden, even turn his back on all he has ever known.
His Dark Embrace is a lovely sweet story. It is well balanced and I truly enjoyed it. The vampire lore in the story is pretty standard, but with a very nice twist. Intimate relations are very much behind closed doors. So if you like your romances with a little more love action, this book is not for you. But if you are familiar with Ms. Ashley’s writing you will already know that she writes sweet sensual romances not steamy hot burn your fingers type.
His Dark Embrace has a good plot with emotion, sensuality and intensity. Her character development is on the light side, but getting into their mind set is not hard. This is a very enjoyable read that kept me engaged but not gripped. I would recommend His Dark Embrace for a quiet evening when you just want to relax, lose yourself in a book and get away from the overly sexed novels out there. While this might not be a bodice ripper, it is still a lovely escape.
Skylynn knows pain and she is living it again right now.
She lost her parents at a very young age, but she had the love of her grandparents to comfort her. Then she lost her grandmother, but her grandfather was there for her, her touchstone. Life has been good up until a few months ago. Now her beloved brother is missing in action in Iraq and she just buried her grandfather. Her life is at a crossroads. Does she go back to her life in Chicago or stay at her grandfather’s home and start a new life? Well for the time being she has a bit of time.
Kaiden Thorne has lived on the outside of his neighbor’s life for years. Watching Paddy’s grandchildren grow up has been a calming and an amazing experience. Through the years he grew very close to Paddy and they have had a very beneficial relationship. Kaiden may have left Vista Verde years ago, but he never lost contact with Paddy and he secretly watched over his granddaughter. Now Skylynn is all grown up and his feelings for her have grown all the more personal. But that isn’t the only thing he needs from her. She is now the keeper of Paddy’s secret; a secret that very well could ruin Kaiden and Skylynn’s forever.
Skylynn has always had a secret crush on Kaiden and Kaiden has developed a burning lust for her. Circumstances have propelled these two together and things are about to get steamy. There is nothing in the way for them now, except Kaiden’s hunger; a hunger so primal that it could killer her. But there may be something else in their way…an old enemy that has been lurking around the O’Brien house unbeknown to Kaiden. This is a man that will do anything to get his revenge on Kaiden, even turn his back on all he has ever known.
His Dark Embrace is a lovely sweet story. It is well balanced and I truly enjoyed it. The vampire lore in the story is pretty standard, but with a very nice twist. Intimate relations are very much behind closed doors. So if you like your romances with a little more love action, this book is not for you. But if you are familiar with Ms. Ashley’s writing you will already know that she writes sweet sensual romances not steamy hot burn your fingers type.
His Dark Embrace has a good plot with emotion, sensuality and intensity. Her character development is on the light side, but getting into their mind set is not hard. This is a very enjoyable read that kept me engaged but not gripped. I would recommend His Dark Embrace for a quiet evening when you just want to relax, lose yourself in a book and get away from the overly sexed novels out there. While this might not be a bodice ripper, it is still a lovely escape.
January 18, 2017
Originally published at Dark Faerie Tales: http://darkfaerietales.com/review-dar...
Quick & Dirty: For fans of old school tame vampire romance. His Dark Embrace is a story that just doesn’t seem to know where it wants to go and will leave readers struggling to find a plot.
The Review:
Skylynn McNamara is used to tragedy in her life. Her parents and grandmother died when she was young. Her brother is currently missing in action in Iraq and now she has returned back to her childhood home to bury her grandfather. Sky runs into Kaiden Thorne, her childhood crush and the man who lives across the street from her grandfather. Kaiden has also recently returned to town, looking the find the recipe that allows him to appear and feel human. Unfortunately Sky’s grandfather has taken the recipe to the grave. Kaiden races to find the recipe before he reverts back to his vampiric self.
Sky enjoys the time her a Kaiden have gotten to know each other. She decides to leave her life, apartment in Chicago, a boyfriend she never really loved and her job at a lawyer’s office to be with Kaiden. It doesn’t take her long to see through Kaiden’s ruse but does she love him enough to stay by his side.
I struggled through His Dark Embrace. The plot meander’s from one point to another. Conflicts are added many chapters in just to prolong the storyline. The relationship part of the story could have ended the book at Chapter 20, while the main plot point of finding the recipe seems to be forgotten for the majority of the rest of the novel while dealing with a brother with amnesia to prolonged revenge from an old enemy. It felt like these elements were added just to make the story longer.
Normally I don’t have any problems with age in a vampire book. A four hundred year old vampire or even eighty year old vampire is going to be much older than the twenty or thirty year old they hook up with. Skylyn is currently in her mid-twenties and I never really think about the age difference but she had a crush on Kaiden since she was an awkward teenager. The only problem that leaves me a little squeamish is when Kaiden says he’s loved her since she was a little kid and it doesn’t come off as protective friend but a little creepy but maybe I just read too much into it.
Overall, His Dark Embrace is a strange and slow read. I have read Amanda Ashley novels in the past and loved them but this novel would not be among my favorites. I would recommend His Dark Embrace to those readers who are new to romance and don’t want to read any sex.
Quick & Dirty: For fans of old school tame vampire romance. His Dark Embrace is a story that just doesn’t seem to know where it wants to go and will leave readers struggling to find a plot.
The Review:
Skylynn McNamara is used to tragedy in her life. Her parents and grandmother died when she was young. Her brother is currently missing in action in Iraq and now she has returned back to her childhood home to bury her grandfather. Sky runs into Kaiden Thorne, her childhood crush and the man who lives across the street from her grandfather. Kaiden has also recently returned to town, looking the find the recipe that allows him to appear and feel human. Unfortunately Sky’s grandfather has taken the recipe to the grave. Kaiden races to find the recipe before he reverts back to his vampiric self.
Sky enjoys the time her a Kaiden have gotten to know each other. She decides to leave her life, apartment in Chicago, a boyfriend she never really loved and her job at a lawyer’s office to be with Kaiden. It doesn’t take her long to see through Kaiden’s ruse but does she love him enough to stay by his side.
I struggled through His Dark Embrace. The plot meander’s from one point to another. Conflicts are added many chapters in just to prolong the storyline. The relationship part of the story could have ended the book at Chapter 20, while the main plot point of finding the recipe seems to be forgotten for the majority of the rest of the novel while dealing with a brother with amnesia to prolonged revenge from an old enemy. It felt like these elements were added just to make the story longer.
Normally I don’t have any problems with age in a vampire book. A four hundred year old vampire or even eighty year old vampire is going to be much older than the twenty or thirty year old they hook up with. Skylyn is currently in her mid-twenties and I never really think about the age difference but she had a crush on Kaiden since she was an awkward teenager. The only problem that leaves me a little squeamish is when Kaiden says he’s loved her since she was a little kid and it doesn’t come off as protective friend but a little creepy but maybe I just read too much into it.
Overall, His Dark Embrace is a strange and slow read. I have read Amanda Ashley novels in the past and loved them but this novel would not be among my favorites. I would recommend His Dark Embrace to those readers who are new to romance and don’t want to read any sex.
June 29, 2012
3.5 STARS REALLY
First off I wanted to start off this review with a huge Thank the Dark Goddess. I swear Amanda Ashley practically read my mind with what I would and would not like to see in her next novel. This one had some much more original characters, and plot line while retaining the dark forbidden old fashioned vampire romance I have come to love from this author.
Here are some notable points:
1) I think Ms. Ashley has a food fascination, and I must admit her descriptions work I usually want to eat after reading one of her books.
2) Authors really need to remember what time period they are writing in, a vampire in 2012 is not going to say, ”This car is the bomb”. I practically cringed.
3) I love how there is a potion in this book that makes the vampire act normal, this was a new twist, and the vampire wasn’t self loathing either, he just wanted to see the sun and be able to eat.
4) While I could have cared less for the MC Skylynn I did like that the author introduced us to some interesting other characters. Skylynn’s soldier brother Sam, A werewolf named Lisa and a demon ( though, I could not figure out what she was doing in the book. She felt almost like a random plot point that maybe was going to go somewhere and then didn’t.)
5) Thorne was different from some of Ms. Ashley’s other vampire heros. At one point he actually tells the MC that if they are going to be together she has to promise to get a job, something that will get her out of the house during the day. I loved that he didn’t just want her waiting at home for him to rise at night.
6) Why in these novels is there ALWAYS the following characters a)The person who almost dies and the MC begs her vamp lover to change them b) the beeoootch old powerful sexed up vampiress and c)the angry vampire hunter…I am tired of these things.
7) The ending felt rushed. They destroyed the bad guy in a just a few pages and Skylynn’s brother winds up married to her BFF. Sky and Thorne have kids (what is WITH this fad?) and then Sky chooses to become a vampire at the age of 34.
So while it did have that corny happily ever after feeling and nothing really bad happens to anyone (except the baddie) I did enjoy that the plot line had moments of freshness and I enjoyed reading the book on the whole. I just wish we could have her write a reverse plot book, girl vamp, boy MC. I’d really like that.
First off I wanted to start off this review with a huge Thank the Dark Goddess. I swear Amanda Ashley practically read my mind with what I would and would not like to see in her next novel. This one had some much more original characters, and plot line while retaining the dark forbidden old fashioned vampire romance I have come to love from this author.
Here are some notable points:
1) I think Ms. Ashley has a food fascination, and I must admit her descriptions work I usually want to eat after reading one of her books.
2) Authors really need to remember what time period they are writing in, a vampire in 2012 is not going to say, ”This car is the bomb”. I practically cringed.
3) I love how there is a potion in this book that makes the vampire act normal, this was a new twist, and the vampire wasn’t self loathing either, he just wanted to see the sun and be able to eat.
4) While I could have cared less for the MC Skylynn I did like that the author introduced us to some interesting other characters. Skylynn’s soldier brother Sam, A werewolf named Lisa and a demon ( though, I could not figure out what she was doing in the book. She felt almost like a random plot point that maybe was going to go somewhere and then didn’t.)
5) Thorne was different from some of Ms. Ashley’s other vampire heros. At one point he actually tells the MC that if they are going to be together she has to promise to get a job, something that will get her out of the house during the day. I loved that he didn’t just want her waiting at home for him to rise at night.
6) Why in these novels is there ALWAYS the following characters a)The person who almost dies and the MC begs her vamp lover to change them b) the beeoootch old powerful sexed up vampiress and c)the angry vampire hunter…I am tired of these things.
7) The ending felt rushed. They destroyed the bad guy in a just a few pages and Skylynn’s brother winds up married to her BFF. Sky and Thorne have kids (what is WITH this fad?) and then Sky chooses to become a vampire at the age of 34.
So while it did have that corny happily ever after feeling and nothing really bad happens to anyone (except the baddie) I did enjoy that the plot line had moments of freshness and I enjoyed reading the book on the whole. I just wish we could have her write a reverse plot book, girl vamp, boy MC. I’d really like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Shannon
Review Copy Provided by ARC from Publisher
I normally like my vampire books with hot vampires, hot sex and don’t mind if there is a bit of gore, as long as those three elements combined give me a storyline that has me by the collar of the shirt and won’t let go until the last page. While this doesn’t necessarily meet all those criteria, it was still a story that had an engaging storyline with interesting characters.
Skylynn McNamara has had a crush on her grandfather’s neighbor, Kaiden Thorne, since she was a little girl. As she grew, her crush went from that of a young girl to a teenage girl. She never imagined that she would run into Kaiden as she came back to her girlhood home to take care of her grandfather’s affairs. But running into Kaiden comes at a time when Sky is at a crossroads in her life. Recently divorced and contemplating a marriage proposal from a co-worker, Kaiden awakens Sky’s dreams and lust. With Kaiden, Sky comes alive and longs to enjoy life as long as it’s with Kaiden. She knows she’ll go to any lengths to make sure Kaiden is happy and remains in her life.
Kaiden has watched over Sky since the little chubby girl came to live with her grandfather, along with her brother, after the death of their parents. He’s always felt like a lecherous old man by the feelings Sky evoked in him, but he kept his distance due to his friendship with her grandfather. Without that friendship, and his magical elixir, Kaiden wouldn’t be able to lead the somewhat normal life that he does, but all that pales when he meets a grown up Sky. She makes him want to have a normal, loving relationship with the only woman who has made him feel this way.
Kaiden and Sky’s relationship has a few bumps, with the evil Demarias (ex-vampire hunter, now vampire) bent on revenge against Kaiden, but they stick together and work as a team. I think that was the most refreshing aspect of their relationship. Kaiden didn’t try to lord over Sky because he has 400+ years more experience than her. When they disagreed or fought, he listened and more importantly apologized when he was wrong.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and one I highly recommend, especially to any reader who may not have dipped into the Vampire romance genre and wants an easy one to try out first.
Reviewed by Shannon
Review Copy Provided by ARC from Publisher
I normally like my vampire books with hot vampires, hot sex and don’t mind if there is a bit of gore, as long as those three elements combined give me a storyline that has me by the collar of the shirt and won’t let go until the last page. While this doesn’t necessarily meet all those criteria, it was still a story that had an engaging storyline with interesting characters.
Skylynn McNamara has had a crush on her grandfather’s neighbor, Kaiden Thorne, since she was a little girl. As she grew, her crush went from that of a young girl to a teenage girl. She never imagined that she would run into Kaiden as she came back to her girlhood home to take care of her grandfather’s affairs. But running into Kaiden comes at a time when Sky is at a crossroads in her life. Recently divorced and contemplating a marriage proposal from a co-worker, Kaiden awakens Sky’s dreams and lust. With Kaiden, Sky comes alive and longs to enjoy life as long as it’s with Kaiden. She knows she’ll go to any lengths to make sure Kaiden is happy and remains in her life.
Kaiden has watched over Sky since the little chubby girl came to live with her grandfather, along with her brother, after the death of their parents. He’s always felt like a lecherous old man by the feelings Sky evoked in him, but he kept his distance due to his friendship with her grandfather. Without that friendship, and his magical elixir, Kaiden wouldn’t be able to lead the somewhat normal life that he does, but all that pales when he meets a grown up Sky. She makes him want to have a normal, loving relationship with the only woman who has made him feel this way.
Kaiden and Sky’s relationship has a few bumps, with the evil Demarias (ex-vampire hunter, now vampire) bent on revenge against Kaiden, but they stick together and work as a team. I think that was the most refreshing aspect of their relationship. Kaiden didn’t try to lord over Sky because he has 400+ years more experience than her. When they disagreed or fought, he listened and more importantly apologized when he was wrong.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and one I highly recommend, especially to any reader who may not have dipped into the Vampire romance genre and wants an easy one to try out first.
June 10, 2012
His Dark Embrace by Amanda Ashley
Grade: D
“While I’ve been here, taking care of my mom and trying to keep my dad’s spirits up, Lance has been out on the town with another woman.”
Skylynn McNamara has returned to California after her grandfather’s death to sort out all of his belongings and settle his estate. Skylynn hasn’t been home since she left for college and is shocked to see her neighbor and childhood crush Kaiden Thorne still living across the street. Kaiden hasn’t aged a bit and Sky is shocked when he asks her out fulfilling her childhood fantasy. But Kaiden is not what he seems and the more time they spend together it becomes obvious Kaiden is not what he seems.
Kaiden Thorne has been a vampire for over four hundred years and with the help of his neighbor Mr. McNamara he was able to be a normal person and not a creature of the night. With McNamara death, the formula for keeping Kaiden able to walk in the sunlight is lost and he is desperate to find it. Kaiden is shocked to see Skylynn all grown up and as important as the formula is Kaiden cannot walk away from her. Kaiden is not the only one looking for the formula and soon old enemies are back in Kaiden and Skylynns life and together they must set things right.
I wanted to like this book but I have finally accepted that I am not a fan of this author’s work and need to just stop trying . I found this book to be very cheesy and the dialogue had me spending a lot of time rolling my eyes. The quote I used is the perfect example of the corny things characters say and it made it so hard to read this book.
Kaiden and Skylynn aren’t bad characters and I really liked them at first but after awhile they got very annoying. Neither could make up their minds about anything and Sky would run and hide when anything bad happened. Sky seemed very naive and very young, which is not something I look for in a heroine. I don’t think her and Kaiden are a good match and it made it very hard to root for them to have a happily ever after.
I don’t want to give too much away and I don’t want to be super negative. I personally am not a fan of this book or it’s characters and this will be the last book I read by this author out of fairness to her and her fans.
Grade: D
“While I’ve been here, taking care of my mom and trying to keep my dad’s spirits up, Lance has been out on the town with another woman.”
Skylynn McNamara has returned to California after her grandfather’s death to sort out all of his belongings and settle his estate. Skylynn hasn’t been home since she left for college and is shocked to see her neighbor and childhood crush Kaiden Thorne still living across the street. Kaiden hasn’t aged a bit and Sky is shocked when he asks her out fulfilling her childhood fantasy. But Kaiden is not what he seems and the more time they spend together it becomes obvious Kaiden is not what he seems.
Kaiden Thorne has been a vampire for over four hundred years and with the help of his neighbor Mr. McNamara he was able to be a normal person and not a creature of the night. With McNamara death, the formula for keeping Kaiden able to walk in the sunlight is lost and he is desperate to find it. Kaiden is shocked to see Skylynn all grown up and as important as the formula is Kaiden cannot walk away from her. Kaiden is not the only one looking for the formula and soon old enemies are back in Kaiden and Skylynns life and together they must set things right.
I wanted to like this book but I have finally accepted that I am not a fan of this author’s work and need to just stop trying . I found this book to be very cheesy and the dialogue had me spending a lot of time rolling my eyes. The quote I used is the perfect example of the corny things characters say and it made it so hard to read this book.
Kaiden and Skylynn aren’t bad characters and I really liked them at first but after awhile they got very annoying. Neither could make up their minds about anything and Sky would run and hide when anything bad happened. Sky seemed very naive and very young, which is not something I look for in a heroine. I don’t think her and Kaiden are a good match and it made it very hard to root for them to have a happily ever after.
I don’t want to give too much away and I don’t want to be super negative. I personally am not a fan of this book or it’s characters and this will be the last book I read by this author out of fairness to her and her fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2012
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
There’s something very old fashioned about Amanda Ashley’s vampire romances. The time periods are often nominally modern with characters and dialog that seem more suited to historical settings. There’s a charm in this approach for readers looking for a nostalgic flavor with their paranormal romances. In the case of HIS DARK EMBRACE, that nostalgia wasn’t quite enough to compensate for a somewhat bland story.
The premise was appealing enough with a women returning to her childhood home and finding the older neighbor she grew up loving still there…and somehow doesn’t look any older. Suddenly the hot neighbor is looking at her as a woman and passion quickly sweeps the two away. There were a couple uncomfortable moments where Kaiden remembered Sky ask a child and later as a developing teen, but fortunately those were few and far between. In typical Ashley fashion, the romantic plot quickly gives way to supernatural suspense when a vengeful vampire hunter comes after Kaiden and a formula that lets him live as a human. That’s unfortunately where the story really floundered for me.
The romance was basically resolved by then, so the introduction of a villain didn’t really feel all that harrowing, especially since he mostly filled his chapters with plotting revenge but not actually taking any action. To further drag down the story, Sky’s MIA brother shows up and has an equally uninspired side plot.
If HIS DARK EMBRACE had stuck jut to the main romance storyline, and maybe gone for novella length, it would have been a sweet, subtly sexy story that I would have enjoyed (despite the somewhat weepy heroine). But with the toothless villain and boring brother story thrown in, the book just left me a little underwhelmed.
Sexual Content:
Non graphic sex scenes/references
There’s something very old fashioned about Amanda Ashley’s vampire romances. The time periods are often nominally modern with characters and dialog that seem more suited to historical settings. There’s a charm in this approach for readers looking for a nostalgic flavor with their paranormal romances. In the case of HIS DARK EMBRACE, that nostalgia wasn’t quite enough to compensate for a somewhat bland story.
The premise was appealing enough with a women returning to her childhood home and finding the older neighbor she grew up loving still there…and somehow doesn’t look any older. Suddenly the hot neighbor is looking at her as a woman and passion quickly sweeps the two away. There were a couple uncomfortable moments where Kaiden remembered Sky ask a child and later as a developing teen, but fortunately those were few and far between. In typical Ashley fashion, the romantic plot quickly gives way to supernatural suspense when a vengeful vampire hunter comes after Kaiden and a formula that lets him live as a human. That’s unfortunately where the story really floundered for me.
The romance was basically resolved by then, so the introduction of a villain didn’t really feel all that harrowing, especially since he mostly filled his chapters with plotting revenge but not actually taking any action. To further drag down the story, Sky’s MIA brother shows up and has an equally uninspired side plot.
If HIS DARK EMBRACE had stuck jut to the main romance storyline, and maybe gone for novella length, it would have been a sweet, subtly sexy story that I would have enjoyed (despite the somewhat weepy heroine). But with the toothless villain and boring brother story thrown in, the book just left me a little underwhelmed.
Sexual Content:
Non graphic sex scenes/references
June 14, 2012
Skylynn “Sky” returns home after her grandfather, who raised her and her missing brother Sam, passes away. Now she must settle the estate but while there she starts contemplating staying. She is surprised that the hot, mysterious neighbor Kaiden Thorne, has also returned home. Kaiden and her grandfather were close during Sky’s childhood and she has always had a secret crush even if he mows his lawn in the dark. She starts to think back to the times that she would try to overhear what her grandfather and Kaiden were discussing in their many late night meetings in their basement lab.
Kaiden has found the secret formula to living life like a human and not being hindered by his vampiric nature. Now that formula is missing because it lived in the brain of his neighbor who passed away. Kaiden and Sky’s grandfather had an unusual relationship. Kaiden allowed him to experiment on his person in return for being the beneficiary of the elixir that was created. Kaiden was always fond of Sky and now that she is a grown woman, temptation is going to be hard to resist. Circumstances throw these two together when an old enemy who use to be a vampire hunter and now is a newly turned vampire is after them on a quest to get his revenge on Kaiden. Kaiden must protect Sky if is the last thing he does, keeping his vow to Sky’s grandfather.
His Dark Embrace is standard in terms of a vampire story and was what I expected when reading an Amanda Ashley book. I would categorize it as a sweet paranormal romance. I found it to be a quick, fun read without any heavy plot lines to tangle thru but with some nice twists thrown in to keep the reader interested.
(Book was received from publisher for an honest review)
Kaiden has found the secret formula to living life like a human and not being hindered by his vampiric nature. Now that formula is missing because it lived in the brain of his neighbor who passed away. Kaiden and Sky’s grandfather had an unusual relationship. Kaiden allowed him to experiment on his person in return for being the beneficiary of the elixir that was created. Kaiden was always fond of Sky and now that she is a grown woman, temptation is going to be hard to resist. Circumstances throw these two together when an old enemy who use to be a vampire hunter and now is a newly turned vampire is after them on a quest to get his revenge on Kaiden. Kaiden must protect Sky if is the last thing he does, keeping his vow to Sky’s grandfather.
His Dark Embrace is standard in terms of a vampire story and was what I expected when reading an Amanda Ashley book. I would categorize it as a sweet paranormal romance. I found it to be a quick, fun read without any heavy plot lines to tangle thru but with some nice twists thrown in to keep the reader interested.
(Book was received from publisher for an honest review)
July 8, 2012
A charming potion
Skylynn O’Brien McNamara had a fascination with the mysterious, tall, dark neighbor who lived in the big old house across the street ever since she was a child. As a young girl the house sat empty, but Skylynn remembered the day Kaiden Thorne moved in, although she was only five, she was optimistic the new neighbors would have children with whom she could play. Unfortunately no children arrived with the moving truck carrying furniture and Skylynn found her attention caught by the man who would only leave the house and do his chores once the sun set. Skylynn and her older brother Sam had been living with their grandfather after her parents died in a tragic traffic accident sadly, she was only three at the time and Sam was six. Skylynn grandfather was a retired doctor who loved to dabble in chemistry and actually kept a laboratory in his basement. As time passed, Dr. McNamara and Kaiden had become friends oftentimes held their visits in the laboratory behind locked doors, leaving Skylynn and her wild imagination as to the reason why. One summer after Skylynn turned fifteen or sixteen, Kaiden was suddenly out in the day and with being constantly surrounded by him, as girls growing up tended to do; Skylynn found she had developed a crush on him that she not soon forget. Now years later, after coming back home to settle affairs, looking wistfully across the street Skylynn wondered what had become of Kaiden after all this time. Skylynn would soon find that even with her creative mind, the answers would soon get were beyond anything she could ever imagine.
Skylynn O’Brien McNamara had a fascination with the mysterious, tall, dark neighbor who lived in the big old house across the street ever since she was a child. As a young girl the house sat empty, but Skylynn remembered the day Kaiden Thorne moved in, although she was only five, she was optimistic the new neighbors would have children with whom she could play. Unfortunately no children arrived with the moving truck carrying furniture and Skylynn found her attention caught by the man who would only leave the house and do his chores once the sun set. Skylynn and her older brother Sam had been living with their grandfather after her parents died in a tragic traffic accident sadly, she was only three at the time and Sam was six. Skylynn grandfather was a retired doctor who loved to dabble in chemistry and actually kept a laboratory in his basement. As time passed, Dr. McNamara and Kaiden had become friends oftentimes held their visits in the laboratory behind locked doors, leaving Skylynn and her wild imagination as to the reason why. One summer after Skylynn turned fifteen or sixteen, Kaiden was suddenly out in the day and with being constantly surrounded by him, as girls growing up tended to do; Skylynn found she had developed a crush on him that she not soon forget. Now years later, after coming back home to settle affairs, looking wistfully across the street Skylynn wondered what had become of Kaiden after all this time. Skylynn would soon find that even with her creative mind, the answers would soon get were beyond anything she could ever imagine.
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