What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Gothic
Dark Embrace
“…fast paced; once you start, you won't want to stop reading!”—Romantic Times Book Reviews
Left penniless and alone by the untimely death of her father, Sarah Lowell works as a day nurse at King’s College Hospital. Her daily walk to and from work crosses the Rookery of St. Giles, a dangerous place made all the more frightening by the fact that someone lurks in the shadows, watching Sarah, stalking her like a beast of prey.
Enigmatic surgeon Killian Thayne offers Sarah his protection, but his sensual, commanding presence presents another kind of danger. Killian wears his professionalism like a mask, concealing the darkness buried in his soul. He is drawn to Sarah, lured by her intellect, her dry wit, and yes, her loneliness, for it calls to his own.
Then a patient is found dead, drained of blood. Another soon follows, and another, and rumors paint Killian as the monster who killed them. As evidence mounts and the threatening presence that stalks her draws ever nearer, Sarah must decide if Killian is a man deserving of her love or a sinister creature determined to make her his next victim.
Praise for Eve Silver’s
"Silver expertly matches a brooding sense of atmosphere with a generous measure of suspense…"—The Chicago Tribune
"Riveting! A dark, steamy and twisted tale!"—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson
"A dark and delicious gothic. I gobbled it up in a single sitting. Oh, how I have missed books like this!"—New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller
"...beguiling gothic tale..."—Bookpage
"...captivatingly stunning...darkly torrid..."—aromancereview.com
"With her ability to create the perfect chilling atmosphere, a dark, tormented hero and an intrepid heroine, Silver rises to the ranks of Victoria Holt and Daphne du Maurier…"—Romantic Times Book Reviews
Dark Embrace is based on the novella, Kiss of the Vampire, originally published in the anthology Nature of the Beast.
Left penniless and alone by the untimely death of her father, Sarah Lowell works as a day nurse at King’s College Hospital. Her daily walk to and from work crosses the Rookery of St. Giles, a dangerous place made all the more frightening by the fact that someone lurks in the shadows, watching Sarah, stalking her like a beast of prey.
Enigmatic surgeon Killian Thayne offers Sarah his protection, but his sensual, commanding presence presents another kind of danger. Killian wears his professionalism like a mask, concealing the darkness buried in his soul. He is drawn to Sarah, lured by her intellect, her dry wit, and yes, her loneliness, for it calls to his own.
Then a patient is found dead, drained of blood. Another soon follows, and another, and rumors paint Killian as the monster who killed them. As evidence mounts and the threatening presence that stalks her draws ever nearer, Sarah must decide if Killian is a man deserving of her love or a sinister creature determined to make her his next victim.
Praise for Eve Silver’s
"Silver expertly matches a brooding sense of atmosphere with a generous measure of suspense…"—The Chicago Tribune
"Riveting! A dark, steamy and twisted tale!"—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson
"A dark and delicious gothic. I gobbled it up in a single sitting. Oh, how I have missed books like this!"—New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller
"...beguiling gothic tale..."—Bookpage
"...captivatingly stunning...darkly torrid..."—aromancereview.com
"With her ability to create the perfect chilling atmosphere, a dark, tormented hero and an intrepid heroine, Silver rises to the ranks of Victoria Holt and Daphne du Maurier…"—Romantic Times Book Reviews
Dark Embrace is based on the novella, Kiss of the Vampire, originally published in the anthology Nature of the Beast.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2017
158 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Eve Silver
38 books1,568 followersNational bestselling author Eve Silver has been praised for her "edgy, steamy, action-packed" books, darkly sexy heroes and take-charge heroines. Her work won the OLA Forest of Reading White Pine Award 2015, was shortlisted for the Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy 2014, was listed as a 2013 American Bookseller's Association Best Book for Children and a Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens. She has garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Quill and Quire, two RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards, Library Journal's Best Genre Fiction Award, and she was nominated for the Romance Writers of America® RITA® Award.
Eve lives with her husband and two exuberant border collie/Australian shepherds.
Contact Eve through her website at http://www.evesilver.net
Eve lives with her husband and two exuberant border collie/Australian shepherds.
Contact Eve through her website at http://www.evesilver.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 11, 2021
I really wish she continued to write more in this series. They're all so good. Saving my other comments for book club.
November 15, 2017
Dark Embrace by Eve Silver is book six in her Dark Gothic series and if you haven’t checked this series out yet, you definitely should remedy that. They are historical, gothic, romance and I love everything about them.
This book is centered on Sarah Lowell who has been left on her own when her father dies unexpectedly. She is just getting by as a day nurse at King’s College Hospital but her love of medicine and caring for people is what keeps her going. In her role, most of the staff don’t respect Sarah’s opinion but there is one person, a surgeon, who does. I will talk about him in a moment but I have to say, I love Sarah’s drive and motivation. She is willing to take risks to care for those who need it and she is smart too. As a young woman on her own in the 1800’s, she has very few options to support herself so she relies on what she knows, everything her father taught her about medicine.
That surgeon I mentioned is Killian Thayne and he has definitely seen a lot in his time but Sarah catches his attention at the hospital. As I mentioned, he is a surgeon there and one night, he sees her caring for a man under the radar of the other surgeons on staff at the hospital. Killian was an interesting character. He has been through a lot and, against the odds, has survived. Up until now, he has cut himself off from developing relationships because he knows they won’t last. Despite that, he can’t help being drawn to Sarah.
I loved how the relationship between these two was developed. It is definitely a slow burn but when they finally figured things out, it was great. The fact that Sarah was so accepting of who Killian truly is was what eventually had Killian open himself up to her. That and the fact that she was willing to stand up for him no matter what happened to her.
There are a few mysteries in this story on top of the romance. The first one is who is following Sarah home from work every night. She can sense someone following her and one evening she is so frightened that when she finds Killian outside her home, she couldn’t be more relieved. Silver does a fantastic job of building the tension and Sarah’s fear around who was stalking her.
The other mystery focuses on what is happening to patients at the hospital. A number of them have been found dead with their blood completely drained. As this continues to happen, the finger is pointed at Killian and Sarah, sure he had nothing to do with the deaths, stands up for him. As a result, puts herself in a bad position and things change drastically for her due to her decision. As the story continues, we find out that these mysteries are actually linked and I loved how Silver tied it all together.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. If you like historical romance that has a darker feel to it, definitely check not only this book out, but the entire series. Silver does a great job of developing these characters and building in enough background to understand where they are coming from and how that impacts how they move forward. In addition to that, there are swoony bits that will make you love Killian, regardless of his background. I am definitely looking forward to more from Silver and will be checking out more of her books in the future.
This book is centered on Sarah Lowell who has been left on her own when her father dies unexpectedly. She is just getting by as a day nurse at King’s College Hospital but her love of medicine and caring for people is what keeps her going. In her role, most of the staff don’t respect Sarah’s opinion but there is one person, a surgeon, who does. I will talk about him in a moment but I have to say, I love Sarah’s drive and motivation. She is willing to take risks to care for those who need it and she is smart too. As a young woman on her own in the 1800’s, she has very few options to support herself so she relies on what she knows, everything her father taught her about medicine.
That surgeon I mentioned is Killian Thayne and he has definitely seen a lot in his time but Sarah catches his attention at the hospital. As I mentioned, he is a surgeon there and one night, he sees her caring for a man under the radar of the other surgeons on staff at the hospital. Killian was an interesting character. He has been through a lot and, against the odds, has survived. Up until now, he has cut himself off from developing relationships because he knows they won’t last. Despite that, he can’t help being drawn to Sarah.
I loved how the relationship between these two was developed. It is definitely a slow burn but when they finally figured things out, it was great. The fact that Sarah was so accepting of who Killian truly is was what eventually had Killian open himself up to her. That and the fact that she was willing to stand up for him no matter what happened to her.
There are a few mysteries in this story on top of the romance. The first one is who is following Sarah home from work every night. She can sense someone following her and one evening she is so frightened that when she finds Killian outside her home, she couldn’t be more relieved. Silver does a fantastic job of building the tension and Sarah’s fear around who was stalking her.
The other mystery focuses on what is happening to patients at the hospital. A number of them have been found dead with their blood completely drained. As this continues to happen, the finger is pointed at Killian and Sarah, sure he had nothing to do with the deaths, stands up for him. As a result, puts herself in a bad position and things change drastically for her due to her decision. As the story continues, we find out that these mysteries are actually linked and I loved how Silver tied it all together.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. If you like historical romance that has a darker feel to it, definitely check not only this book out, but the entire series. Silver does a great job of developing these characters and building in enough background to understand where they are coming from and how that impacts how they move forward. In addition to that, there are swoony bits that will make you love Killian, regardless of his background. I am definitely looking forward to more from Silver and will be checking out more of her books in the future.
November 16, 2021
Probably more of a 3.5 star review, but since GR doesn't allow half stars I decided to round up.
September 1, 2017
Eve Silver can do no wrong! Buuuuuuut, that being said, I do think the story was a little short for my taste. Things happened quickly, not much action and I felt a little cheated. However, I can put that aside and tell you that she writes so dang well. I LOVE historical paranormal so this was right up my alley- steamy with great dialogue. Really, I cant really complain.
August 29, 2017
4.5 stars
Eve Silver’s Dark Embrace, newly expanded and edited, has everything we readers have come to expect from one of her novels… fascinating characters, landscapes and scenery that are characters in and of themselves, intrigue, and of course plenty of steamy romance between our hero and heroine.
Sarah Lowell is left to fend for herself when her father dies and his body is never recovered. Renting a tiny room in a boarding house in a less than desirable part of London, working as a day nurse at King’s College Hospital, Sarah makes the dangerous trek to and from work every day. However, her daily walks get even more dangerous when someone in the shadows starts following her.
Killian Thayne is a mysterious surgeon at the hospital, completely fascinated by Sarah and her obvious skill in the hospital, though she tried so hard to hide it since women are not permitted to have such medical knowledge. Killian has secrets of his own however, secrets that would endanger everyone he cares about.
When patients start dying, drained of blood, danger grows even closer, pushing Killian and Sarah even closer together, threatening to reveal all of their hidden secrets.
I’ve been a fan of Eve Silver for years, ever since her very first novel was released over 10 years ago. I read Dark Embrace in its original form and was thrilled we were finally getting a full length story. While the core of the story remains the same, we are treated to more of our beloved characters’ backgrounds, which helps us to understand them even more. It also happened to make me fall even farther under Killian’s spell. Nothing added is extraneous. Everything serves to expand the story and give us more insight into the events that made Sarah and Killian who they are, and adds depth to the tale.
I’ve never been disappointed by Eve Silver and Dark Embrace reminds me of why I rush out to buy her books as soon as they are released.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, August 2017. All rights reserved.
Eve Silver’s Dark Embrace, newly expanded and edited, has everything we readers have come to expect from one of her novels… fascinating characters, landscapes and scenery that are characters in and of themselves, intrigue, and of course plenty of steamy romance between our hero and heroine.
Sarah Lowell is left to fend for herself when her father dies and his body is never recovered. Renting a tiny room in a boarding house in a less than desirable part of London, working as a day nurse at King’s College Hospital, Sarah makes the dangerous trek to and from work every day. However, her daily walks get even more dangerous when someone in the shadows starts following her.
Killian Thayne is a mysterious surgeon at the hospital, completely fascinated by Sarah and her obvious skill in the hospital, though she tried so hard to hide it since women are not permitted to have such medical knowledge. Killian has secrets of his own however, secrets that would endanger everyone he cares about.
When patients start dying, drained of blood, danger grows even closer, pushing Killian and Sarah even closer together, threatening to reveal all of their hidden secrets.
I’ve been a fan of Eve Silver for years, ever since her very first novel was released over 10 years ago. I read Dark Embrace in its original form and was thrilled we were finally getting a full length story. While the core of the story remains the same, we are treated to more of our beloved characters’ backgrounds, which helps us to understand them even more. It also happened to make me fall even farther under Killian’s spell. Nothing added is extraneous. Everything serves to expand the story and give us more insight into the events that made Sarah and Killian who they are, and adds depth to the tale.
I’ve never been disappointed by Eve Silver and Dark Embrace reminds me of why I rush out to buy her books as soon as they are released.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, August 2017. All rights reserved.
April 4, 2022
Dark Embrace
3 Stars
Similar to the other books in the Dark Gothic series, this installment is also a loose retelling of a classic 19th-century gothic tale, specifically John Polidori's The Vampyre. That said, it is also quite different from the others as it is the only one with a true paranormal element, i.e., the hero is a vampire.
While the mystery and the romance have definite potential, the shorter format (the book is a longer version of a previously published novella), results in a rushed and abrupt ending. The beginning is well-developed with excellent backstories for both the enigmatic hero, Killian Thayne, and dedicated heroine, Sarah Lowell. They share a strong attraction and their chemistry is palpable. Likewise, the mystery surrounding the deaths of terminally ill patients in the surgical ward at King's College hospital is also well-written and provides some intense and suspenseful moments.
Unfortunately, both the romance and the mystery come to a rather sudden and unsatisfactory ending with the revelation of the killer's identity and the excuses for his crimes. Moreover, the obstacles inherent in Killian and Sarah's relationship are quickly resolved in a very predictable and clichéd manner.
Overall, this is not the best example of Eve Silver's work and I would recommend reading the earlier books or even her Sin series instead.
3 Stars
Similar to the other books in the Dark Gothic series, this installment is also a loose retelling of a classic 19th-century gothic tale, specifically John Polidori's The Vampyre. That said, it is also quite different from the others as it is the only one with a true paranormal element, i.e., the hero is a vampire.
While the mystery and the romance have definite potential, the shorter format (the book is a longer version of a previously published novella), results in a rushed and abrupt ending. The beginning is well-developed with excellent backstories for both the enigmatic hero, Killian Thayne, and dedicated heroine, Sarah Lowell. They share a strong attraction and their chemistry is palpable. Likewise, the mystery surrounding the deaths of terminally ill patients in the surgical ward at King's College hospital is also well-written and provides some intense and suspenseful moments.
Unfortunately, both the romance and the mystery come to a rather sudden and unsatisfactory ending with the revelation of the killer's identity and the excuses for his crimes. Moreover, the obstacles inherent in Killian and Sarah's relationship are quickly resolved in a very predictable and clichéd manner.
Overall, this is not the best example of Eve Silver's work and I would recommend reading the earlier books or even her Sin series instead.
August 30, 2017
This is a deliciously gothic romance about an unusually smart and spunky heroine, Sarah, and the tortured vampire, Killian, she falls in love with. The story is rife with the type of tension you want from this genre, and the dark, almost oppressive, atmosphere is at times as thick as the eery London fog.
I adore the heroine, Sarah. She's smart and a problem solver. She may be a victim of some terrible circumstances, but she's determined to make the best of her situation. A wilting violet she is not. What's more, Killian eventually loves her as much for her brains as for anything else. This book is a very enjoyable read, especially if you're looking for good gothic romance.
Here's my only qualm with this one: the ending. No spoilers here, I promise. But, there's all this delicious tension, delightfully gothic story telling, and it builds and builds . . . to the most fizzled out anti-climax possible. I enjoyed everything in this book except the ending. It's a fun read, regardless. And the author does a great job of setting up the story, creating the perfect atmosphere, and giving us characters that are interesting and engaging. If you like dark, gothic tales about brooding vampires and intelligent women, you'll definitely enjoy this book.
I adore the heroine, Sarah. She's smart and a problem solver. She may be a victim of some terrible circumstances, but she's determined to make the best of her situation. A wilting violet she is not. What's more, Killian eventually loves her as much for her brains as for anything else. This book is a very enjoyable read, especially if you're looking for good gothic romance.
Here's my only qualm with this one: the ending. No spoilers here, I promise. But, there's all this delicious tension, delightfully gothic story telling, and it builds and builds . . . to the most fizzled out anti-climax possible. I enjoyed everything in this book except the ending. It's a fun read, regardless. And the author does a great job of setting up the story, creating the perfect atmosphere, and giving us characters that are interesting and engaging. If you like dark, gothic tales about brooding vampires and intelligent women, you'll definitely enjoy this book.
August 29, 2017
This was a wonderful read - it's everything I could want from a paranormal romance novel.
The heroine is barely described physically, what we know about her is that she's intelligent, compassionate and brave. Those three things being far more meaningful and attractive than a fine rack and a set o' load bearing hips.
When she meets Killian, a mysterious surgeon working at the hospital, she can't help but be attracted to a man who values and respects her opinions and choices.
This is just the best formula for a romance - intelligent woman is respected and smouldered at until sexy times ensue. It works for me every time!
The vampire element of this novel was understated and well done, though I can't help but think that the book wouldn't have been all that different without the supernatural aspect.
This story is fast paced and doesn't hang around long enough to dwell on your usual Victorian melodrama and angst, the mystery is comfortingly predictable and tidy. The enjoyment is in watching Sarah react to the events unfolding around her.
This may be my favourite of all of Eve Silver's books and is definitely going on the 'read again' shelf!
The heroine is barely described physically, what we know about her is that she's intelligent, compassionate and brave. Those three things being far more meaningful and attractive than a fine rack and a set o' load bearing hips.
When she meets Killian, a mysterious surgeon working at the hospital, she can't help but be attracted to a man who values and respects her opinions and choices.
This is just the best formula for a romance - intelligent woman is respected and smouldered at until sexy times ensue. It works for me every time!
The vampire element of this novel was understated and well done, though I can't help but think that the book wouldn't have been all that different without the supernatural aspect.
This story is fast paced and doesn't hang around long enough to dwell on your usual Victorian melodrama and angst, the mystery is comfortingly predictable and tidy. The enjoyment is in watching Sarah react to the events unfolding around her.
This may be my favourite of all of Eve Silver's books and is definitely going on the 'read again' shelf!
October 20, 2020
This is definitely a gothic romance - suspenseful, frightening at times, and a page turner. A compassionate, intelligent, brave heroine meets an enigmatic, attractive hero, who must come to her rescue. But wait, the tables have been turned in this world of men. i have read all six of Eve Silver's historical gothic romances, all different, and well written.
September 25, 2017
Spoiler-free ARC Review
5 Stars!
The previous 5 books in this series fall under the categories of historical fiction/ romance/ thriller.
This is the first one to be a paranormal romance.
Plot and even characters aside - this book follows with Eve's writing style and her brilliant way of scene setting - especially well done in this series compared to her others ( which are also very, very good! ).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with it's cleverly interconnecting plots, wonderful characters and beautifully told romance.
Readers should at least be over the age of consent but the sex scene is inoffensive in its innocence.
A lovely complete tale, with no cliff-hanger, classically told with a happily ever after.
This book gets my 5 stars and is highly recommended to historical romance and paranormal romance lovers alike.
If I had to find a fault with this book - it would only be that it was too short, over too quickly.
I truly love this series and wanted to keep reading about these lovely characters for a bit longer.
5 Stars!
The previous 5 books in this series fall under the categories of historical fiction/ romance/ thriller.
This is the first one to be a paranormal romance.
Plot and even characters aside - this book follows with Eve's writing style and her brilliant way of scene setting - especially well done in this series compared to her others ( which are also very, very good! ).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with it's cleverly interconnecting plots, wonderful characters and beautifully told romance.
Readers should at least be over the age of consent but the sex scene is inoffensive in its innocence.
A lovely complete tale, with no cliff-hanger, classically told with a happily ever after.
This book gets my 5 stars and is highly recommended to historical romance and paranormal romance lovers alike.
If I had to find a fault with this book - it would only be that it was too short, over too quickly.
I truly love this series and wanted to keep reading about these lovely characters for a bit longer.
February 27, 2023
It was an "ok" read. It was free so I read it. Are they worth the $3.99 or more to read? Not for me.
I liked Sarah but the overall story for me fell flat. The mystery is pretty easy to figure out "who done it".
I liked Sarah but the overall story for me fell flat. The mystery is pretty easy to figure out "who done it".
August 29, 2017
Sarah Lowell had a fulfilling life, assisting her father, a doctor, as he treated his patients. Over the years, she became almost as knowledgeable as he. His unexpected death robbed her not only of the vocation she loved, but of her very own home. Her lack of funds forced her to live in the destitute area called St. Giles, and to accept the menial position of nurse at King's College Hospital. Nurses back then were a far cry from what they are today. Basically, they cleaned and fed the patients, handling all the "dirty" work. When Sarah is able, she expands her patients' care beyond what her superiors require. She cleans wounds, changes dirty bandages, and makes sure each new patient has a clean bed - things that are basic today, but were almost unheard of back in the 1800's.
Killian Thayne is a surgeon at King's College Hospital. He's the only person there who is astute enough to see Sarah's knowledge, and he regularly asks her opinion, and treats her with the courtesy and respect sadly lacking in everyone else. It's a heady experience for Sarah, having her opinion valued, and that adds to the attraction that she's already feeling for the enigmatic surgeon. Their mutual regard doesn't proceed any further until some shocking events begin to happen at the hospital. Several patients have died, ruthlessly cut and drained of their blood, and it seems that Killian has been around at the time these murders have occurred. If that weren't bad enough, Sarah is being followed home, through the dark and dangerous streets of St. Giles.
Killian is a very mysterious character. He's a lonely man, who chooses not to pursue Sarah, though he admires and desires her. Things change when he believes that Sarah may be in danger, and from someone not quite human. He steps up, and offers his protection. Then, in a magnanimous gesture of her own, Sarah provides an alibi for Killian when his peers at the hospital begin to accuse him of being involved in the murders. Sarah's statement costs her job and her reputation. Now, Killian brings Sarah to his home, and there is no going back for them.
Sarah and Killian are amazing characters. She is brave and determined to carry on her father's style of care. She showed amazing compassion to those she cared for and then showered her love and nurturing on Killian, a man who has been sadly lacking any type of love or affection for a long, long time. Killian, in turn, protects and respects Sarah. He offers her choices, never trying to force his will on her. He's a man with shocking secrets, who has endured horrible tragedy, yet he chose a vocation that provides healing and care to the sick and injured. Through all he's endured, he somehow maintained his humanity and his compassion, and I fell a bit in love with him.
DARK EMBRACE is a paranormal story - vampires are not just hinted at - they do exist. And while that is a very large part of the story, the main event is a passionate and strong love and bond that develops between two seemingly mismatched people. I enjoyed this romantic, moody, twisty tale very much, and it's one that I will be re-reading and savoring many times.
Killian Thayne is a surgeon at King's College Hospital. He's the only person there who is astute enough to see Sarah's knowledge, and he regularly asks her opinion, and treats her with the courtesy and respect sadly lacking in everyone else. It's a heady experience for Sarah, having her opinion valued, and that adds to the attraction that she's already feeling for the enigmatic surgeon. Their mutual regard doesn't proceed any further until some shocking events begin to happen at the hospital. Several patients have died, ruthlessly cut and drained of their blood, and it seems that Killian has been around at the time these murders have occurred. If that weren't bad enough, Sarah is being followed home, through the dark and dangerous streets of St. Giles.
Killian is a very mysterious character. He's a lonely man, who chooses not to pursue Sarah, though he admires and desires her. Things change when he believes that Sarah may be in danger, and from someone not quite human. He steps up, and offers his protection. Then, in a magnanimous gesture of her own, Sarah provides an alibi for Killian when his peers at the hospital begin to accuse him of being involved in the murders. Sarah's statement costs her job and her reputation. Now, Killian brings Sarah to his home, and there is no going back for them.
Sarah and Killian are amazing characters. She is brave and determined to carry on her father's style of care. She showed amazing compassion to those she cared for and then showered her love and nurturing on Killian, a man who has been sadly lacking any type of love or affection for a long, long time. Killian, in turn, protects and respects Sarah. He offers her choices, never trying to force his will on her. He's a man with shocking secrets, who has endured horrible tragedy, yet he chose a vocation that provides healing and care to the sick and injured. Through all he's endured, he somehow maintained his humanity and his compassion, and I fell a bit in love with him.
DARK EMBRACE is a paranormal story - vampires are not just hinted at - they do exist. And while that is a very large part of the story, the main event is a passionate and strong love and bond that develops between two seemingly mismatched people. I enjoyed this romantic, moody, twisty tale very much, and it's one that I will be re-reading and savoring many times.
October 18, 2019
Like the other Eve Silver gothic romances, I really enjoyed this novella. But (and this is why it's 3-stars), I would've liked it to be as long as the other stories in her gothic series. There just seemed to be the possibility of more for the characters.
Even though I could see through the "mystery" pretty readily, it was still an interesting, if short, journey, watching the two main characters come together. And Silver excels at instilling her work with the properly creepy, dark gothic vibe. I appreciated the desperation of the two characters, and their real need for each other.
The epilogue was also too succinct for my preference. Would've like to have seen It just felt like there was unfinished business.
Other than the length of the story and brevity of the epilogue, I can't fault Silver with her characterization: both Sarah and Killian are intriguing, conflicted characters, and while the chemistry isn't as strong as it was in, say, Seduced by a Stranger, it is still believable that these two would be drawn to each other.
An enjoyable read, but I am a little sad that this is the end-cap of her historical gothic series, as I just wanted them to continue on and on...but I have the rest of them, so I can go back and start re-reading them. October is the perfect time to turn back to page 1, book 1, of Siver's gothic treasures!
Even though I could see through the "mystery" pretty readily, it was still an interesting, if short, journey, watching the two main characters come together. And Silver excels at instilling her work with the properly creepy, dark gothic vibe. I appreciated the desperation of the two characters, and their real need for each other.
The epilogue was also too succinct for my preference. Would've like to have seen It just felt like there was unfinished business.
Other than the length of the story and brevity of the epilogue, I can't fault Silver with her characterization: both Sarah and Killian are intriguing, conflicted characters, and while the chemistry isn't as strong as it was in, say, Seduced by a Stranger, it is still believable that these two would be drawn to each other.
An enjoyable read, but I am a little sad that this is the end-cap of her historical gothic series, as I just wanted them to continue on and on...but I have the rest of them, so I can go back and start re-reading them. October is the perfect time to turn back to page 1, book 1, of Siver's gothic treasures!
November 16, 2025
Loved it!
I have enjoyed all of Eve Silver's books so far, and this is no exception.
The dark and mysterious setting of St. Giles and the lesser-frequented parts of London set this apart from standard historical romances. The cover art is perfectly on point.
The heroine Sarah works tirelessly as a nurse in the King's Hospital for the poor in the London slums. Her recently deceased father was a surgeon, and she trained with him her whole life. She's now alone in the world, but trying to use her skills wherever she can to help the less fortunate.
Killian Thayne is a doctor in the hospital who has noticed Sarah's skill and kindness. The two are drawn to each other, but become closer when a number of strange deaths occur in the hospital, and Killian is suspected of involvement.
It is made clear to the reader from the outset that Killian is a vampire, and it is quickly apparent that Sarah's late father is likely one too. So the story focuses on Sarah's discoveries of these truths, while building the relationship and attraction between her and Killian.
It was perfectly paced, beautifully written, and just what I needed for a quick change of pace from a few disappointing HR reads of late.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
I have enjoyed all of Eve Silver's books so far, and this is no exception.
The dark and mysterious setting of St. Giles and the lesser-frequented parts of London set this apart from standard historical romances. The cover art is perfectly on point.
The heroine Sarah works tirelessly as a nurse in the King's Hospital for the poor in the London slums. Her recently deceased father was a surgeon, and she trained with him her whole life. She's now alone in the world, but trying to use her skills wherever she can to help the less fortunate.
Killian Thayne is a doctor in the hospital who has noticed Sarah's skill and kindness. The two are drawn to each other, but become closer when a number of strange deaths occur in the hospital, and Killian is suspected of involvement.
It is made clear to the reader from the outset that Killian is a vampire, and it is quickly apparent that Sarah's late father is likely one too. So the story focuses on Sarah's discoveries of these truths, while building the relationship and attraction between her and Killian.
It was perfectly paced, beautifully written, and just what I needed for a quick change of pace from a few disappointing HR reads of late.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
August 29, 2017
I adore this entire series! I have said it before, my only problem with Eve Silver's books are that they end.
Dark Embrace was slightly different from the others in this series, being that it deals with vampires. They merely are part of the story and not the point of this story and that was pretty amazing.
Killian is a man after my own heart (and being that he shares the name of my favorite Irish red beer, only made him more sexy.) He has been alone for a long long time and his emptiness from that is almost tangible. Striking and lurking in shadows (and sometimes storage closets) he is a captivating leading man.
Sarah is an intelligent strong woman, trying to do the best she can do while being constantly limited by being a female. She has lost almost everything and still she keeps going. She is almost a mirror image of the emptiness that Killian is going through. I do love the leading woman of Eve Silver's novels. No swooning or clumsy mistakes. This gal has it going on. Well done.
This novel is like going to see a Shakespeare play set in the time period it was based in. Classic. This is a classic novel and everything you would want from this series.
Dark Embrace was slightly different from the others in this series, being that it deals with vampires. They merely are part of the story and not the point of this story and that was pretty amazing.
Killian is a man after my own heart (and being that he shares the name of my favorite Irish red beer, only made him more sexy.) He has been alone for a long long time and his emptiness from that is almost tangible. Striking and lurking in shadows (and sometimes storage closets) he is a captivating leading man.
Sarah is an intelligent strong woman, trying to do the best she can do while being constantly limited by being a female. She has lost almost everything and still she keeps going. She is almost a mirror image of the emptiness that Killian is going through. I do love the leading woman of Eve Silver's novels. No swooning or clumsy mistakes. This gal has it going on. Well done.
This novel is like going to see a Shakespeare play set in the time period it was based in. Classic. This is a classic novel and everything you would want from this series.
August 30, 2017
I loved this book! The atmosphere was eerie and Eve just draws you into to this historical world without you realizing it. I read numerous historical romances and sometimes you hear the descriptions, sometimes you get a hint of the surroundings, then books like this pull and you are there. You just find yourself there on the streets or in the hospital where the majority of the story takes place. Sarah Lowell is no swooning damsel in this story, but she is a strong, smart, and very cautious woman in a very tough time period for a woman on her own in London. She has ability learned at her father's side who was a doctor and she secretly uses this ability to help people early in the morning when she thinks the charge nurses or doctors are not around. Killian Thayne, a doctor on staff at Kings College Hospital, watches Sarah perform minor surgery secretly and starts seeking her opinion at the consternation of other doctors. He is drawn to Sarah and is intrigued by her. These characters start caring for each other during the progression of the story which unfolds at the perfect rate. I did not want this story to end!
August 29, 2017
This is the first book in the Dark Gothic series I have read and I was totally hooked right from the start. This book has plenty of mystery, intrigue, surprises and romance. Sarah is a strong independent women with medical skills learnt from her father that would put the other doctors to shame but is unable to use them due to the era she lives in. Killian is a mysterious and appealing doctor who sees Sarah talent and allows her to provide her opinion which makes him even more appealing. After mysterious deaths start occurring within the hospital suspicion is rife and to be honest I really didn't know who to trust while reading the book! The pace of the book is great and didn't move once I started reading it and when I knew I was getting close to the end I kept checking how much % of the book was left to enjoy. I definitely will be reading the other books in the series if they are as captivating as this read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 13, 2023
3.5/5
This one caught me by surprise! None of the books in the series have any supernatural element so I was super taken aback when the hero is revealed to be a vampire lol.
I loved the story, but it went by really fast. The author said this was an expansion of a novella so I guess that's why it wasn't a long story, but I felt like there was potential to add a lot more in, and I would have loved to read more because the plot and characters were interesting.
Even though I didn't mind the vampire element, it wasn't what I expected so I was a little bothered by it and kept hoping that the hero was going through a psychotic break LOL. It made me end the series on a sort-of disappointing note but it's fine, it was by no means a bad or boring book. I wish the author had written more in this series because I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the books, and I will probably re-read a few of these in the near future.
This one caught me by surprise! None of the books in the series have any supernatural element so I was super taken aback when the hero is revealed to be a vampire lol.
I loved the story, but it went by really fast. The author said this was an expansion of a novella so I guess that's why it wasn't a long story, but I felt like there was potential to add a lot more in, and I would have loved to read more because the plot and characters were interesting.
Even though I didn't mind the vampire element, it wasn't what I expected so I was a little bothered by it and kept hoping that the hero was going through a psychotic break LOL. It made me end the series on a sort-of disappointing note but it's fine, it was by no means a bad or boring book. I wish the author had written more in this series because I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the books, and I will probably re-read a few of these in the near future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2017
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. This is my honest, freely given review.
Our heroine has spent a lot of her life helping her father, who was a doctor, tend his patients. When she recieves news that he drowned she asks for a position at Kings College Hospital and gets a position as a day nurse whose opinion and ideas are almost universally ignored as she couldn't possibly know more than the doctors. Only Killian stands up for her and her seemingly outrageous ideas...like clean bandages and washing your hands between patients.
The gritty backdrop to the story is the seedier side of London and is very well described as Sarah makes her way to and from the hospital and her boarding house.
All in all a great book and I am looking forward to reading more of this author
Our heroine has spent a lot of her life helping her father, who was a doctor, tend his patients. When she recieves news that he drowned she asks for a position at Kings College Hospital and gets a position as a day nurse whose opinion and ideas are almost universally ignored as she couldn't possibly know more than the doctors. Only Killian stands up for her and her seemingly outrageous ideas...like clean bandages and washing your hands between patients.
The gritty backdrop to the story is the seedier side of London and is very well described as Sarah makes her way to and from the hospital and her boarding house.
All in all a great book and I am looking forward to reading more of this author
September 29, 2017
Dark Embrace is the first book in the Dark Gothic series by Eve Silver that I have had the pleasure to read. Going in I knew it was the sixth book in the series but since it sounded like something I would enjoy reading I decided to give it a try. I am certainly glad I did.... It was fabulous. It is a standalone novel so it isn't necessary to read the previous books before reading this story. Although, since I enjoyed this book so much I will definitely be reading the others.
The story is captivating. The characters are full of depth and the writing is expressive. I would highly recommend it to anybody who enjoys dark gothic novels full of intrigue with a vampire theme.
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review."
The story is captivating. The characters are full of depth and the writing is expressive. I would highly recommend it to anybody who enjoys dark gothic novels full of intrigue with a vampire theme.
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review."
October 26, 2019
I was looking for a bit of a Halloween vibe, and I went with this one. It was the only one of these books that I never read, though given it's been years for all of them, I just really don't remember any of the others anyway. But this one was a bit different from those because this one not only suggests the hero is some sort of supernatural being as the other gothic books do, here, he actually is one, a vampire, specifically. It's shorter than the others, which over all was okay, but it felt like maybe the ending was rushed for that - or just that the ending was let down given the other things throughout the story that were being introduced. But still, all in all, a nice spooky but yet romantic story for the season!
August 29, 2017
I don't post spoilers, so if you want to know what the buzz is all about...get this book!
Eve Silver sets the scene beautifully in her latest gothic romance. The descriptions are so vivid (without being exhaustive) that I could feel the cool fingers of fog on the back of my neck during the suspenseful parts. As usual, her characters are not only believable but likable, and the mystery, tension, and build up to the romance are addictive! The end was a tad predictable since I read SO many of these, but it did not diminish my love for this story one bit.
Skillful writing, terrific editing, lovely cover art...this book has it all!
Eve Silver sets the scene beautifully in her latest gothic romance. The descriptions are so vivid (without being exhaustive) that I could feel the cool fingers of fog on the back of my neck during the suspenseful parts. As usual, her characters are not only believable but likable, and the mystery, tension, and build up to the romance are addictive! The end was a tad predictable since I read SO many of these, but it did not diminish my love for this story one bit.
Skillful writing, terrific editing, lovely cover art...this book has it all!
September 11, 2017
Dark Embrace (Dark Gothic Book 6)
By Eve Silver
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author for my honest review. The following review is my own with no input, compensation, nor promises from the author*.
Coming into this book from Eve’s Sins Series I wasn’t sure what exactly I was going to get. Was it going to be a la Johanna Lindsey? Was it going to be similar to the Sins series? It was not either of those. It was so damn good in its own right. It is amazing. Eve definitely has the talent to draw you in and immerse you in the Victorian world with a little ‘extra’. Her characters are well written and develop right on pace with the story. I look forward to the next one.
By Eve Silver
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author for my honest review. The following review is my own with no input, compensation, nor promises from the author*.
Coming into this book from Eve’s Sins Series I wasn’t sure what exactly I was going to get. Was it going to be a la Johanna Lindsey? Was it going to be similar to the Sins series? It was not either of those. It was so damn good in its own right. It is amazing. Eve definitely has the talent to draw you in and immerse you in the Victorian world with a little ‘extra’. Her characters are well written and develop right on pace with the story. I look forward to the next one.
September 30, 2017
An enjoyable read with a very sweet romance. Both H&h are very likeable and the backstory was much appreciated. As for the suspense part of the story, I personally had the mystery figured out quickly in the story, and the ending wrapped it up very quickly. I would have appreciated a little more of an epilogue to update on how they were existing and what they were planning on doing etc, as I found the epilogue to be very short. Overall, a good suspenseful romance. *I received an ARC of this book from eBook Discovery and this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 16, 2017
I was disappointed in this book. It is more a novella and as the author states she expanded the book from a short story. I very much liked the heroine Sarah but because the story was so short there wasn't a lot of character development or plot development for that matter. It's too bad because the H & h were very interesting characters and their circumstances unique. Silva could have taken these two people and written a longer, more complex novel. I wanted much more.
I also didn't expect Killean to be a vampire!
I also didn't expect Killean to be a vampire!
December 22, 2019
I wanted a sort of spooky book to read on Halloween and ever since I recently read a gothic-like novel, I’ve been thinking about Eve Silver and her Dark Gothic series. I hadn’t read Dark Embrace, but I absolutely loved the previous books, so after browsing my kindle library, I decided to read it and I had a good time with it! It had everything I love from an Eve Silver story: grittiness, mystery, and steam. I so loved getting back into this Dark Gothic world and I’ll for sure be watching to see if Ms. Silver puts out any other gothic novels!
~ Sonja, 4.5 Stars
~ Sonja, 4.5 Stars
February 10, 2021
Excellent
I really enjoyed this story. The strong, silent and compassionate hero teams up with the feisty, intelligent and compassionate heroine. Some interesting plot twists although it didn’t take long to figure out who Sarah’s stalker was. I do love an author who writes an epilogue to give us a glimpse of the future.
I wish it had been longer though.
Silver has a wonderful way with phrases which are beautifully descriptive and evocative.
I’ve read and enjoyed all the books in this series and will be watching for the next book.
I really enjoyed this story. The strong, silent and compassionate hero teams up with the feisty, intelligent and compassionate heroine. Some interesting plot twists although it didn’t take long to figure out who Sarah’s stalker was. I do love an author who writes an epilogue to give us a glimpse of the future.
I wish it had been longer though.
Silver has a wonderful way with phrases which are beautifully descriptive and evocative.
I’ve read and enjoyed all the books in this series and will be watching for the next book.
August 30, 2017
Silver delivers again with Dark Embrace -
A romance - A mystery - A little history
This is a truly engaging paranormal romance that will have you wanting to peek around the pages - just to reassure yourself it ends well (Don't do it! )
Full of twists and turns and some startling surprises - each new reveal leaves you with more questions - did he? did she?
A must have for any Eve Silver Fan
I voluntarily am reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
A romance - A mystery - A little history
This is a truly engaging paranormal romance that will have you wanting to peek around the pages - just to reassure yourself it ends well (Don't do it! )
Full of twists and turns and some startling surprises - each new reveal leaves you with more questions - did he? did she?
A must have for any Eve Silver Fan
I voluntarily am reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
December 1, 2017
I'm not really sure why this book has been included under the Dark Gothic series. It doesn't really seem to have a lot in common with the other five books.
I've read various Eve Silver books. I liked the other Dark Gothic books, and loved the Sins series. This one was okay, but I didn't love it. It was a little long winded at times and the connection between the two main characters wasn't particularly believable.
This was an okay story, but not as good as the author's other books.
I've read various Eve Silver books. I liked the other Dark Gothic books, and loved the Sins series. This one was okay, but I didn't love it. It was a little long winded at times and the connection between the two main characters wasn't particularly believable.
This was an okay story, but not as good as the author's other books.
October 23, 2021
This ticked a lot of my boxes. Vampire romance with an MMC who isn't an alphahole, an FMC who is down on her luck, a gothic-style novel with a mystery. Unfortunately, the ending leaves me unsatisfied. After a great beginning and set up, the ending is rushed and feels, sadly, pretty cliché/melodramatic. I was tempted to DNF when the melodrama got going, only there was literally just a couple of pages left.
There's also a couple of pretty anachronistic phrases that gets me out of the mood.
There's also a couple of pretty anachronistic phrases that gets me out of the mood.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews