His Darkest Embrace

Jaguar Warriors #2

by Juliana Stone

A solitary hunter with no regard for the human world, Jagger Castille is a shifter living on the edge. A woman who calls him enemy will give him reason to live...

Jagger is a creature of the night—Skye Knightly soars in the sun. Natural adversaries, they are now joined in a mission entrusted to Skye's family centuries ago: nothing less than the salvation of the Earth.

Wounded and bitter, Jagger sought escape in the solitude of the jungle, driven by a need to disappear forever...until a mysterious shifter who calls to his soul and feeds a yearning long forgotten pulls him from his dark path. A courageous warrior, Skye's passion is equal to Jagger's—but can she trust a man whose secrets are as devastating as her own?

Each is the other's sole hope for survival. But a dark and twisted truth is leading them toward the ultimate sacrifice for a love they may never live to claim.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Demons

361 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 26, 2010

About the author

Juliana Stone is also known as J.A. Stone.

USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.

Reviews

[Azet · Rating 4 out of 5]

"His Darkest Embrace" is the second book in the Paranormal Romantic "Jaguar Warriors"-series by Juliana Stone,a series that follows the deadly Jaguar Castille brothers.In this book everything in mix of terrific adventure and sizzling romance gets delivered in the sets of the jungles of Belize where the youngest of the Jaguar brothers ,Jagger Castille saves the fiery eagle knight Skye Knightley from other evil DaCosta jaguars that wants to take her as their captive.Jagger can`t help but be drawn to this woman who infuriates him at every turn and takes her as his captive after she tries to escape him.It will make for a heartbreaking and captivating journey where they learn to trust each other,and for Jagger and Skye to walk through the dangerous zones of the jungles to get to the portal where the key lies in saving the earth forever.

I remember meeting Skye Knightley in the former book where she also had been captive of the DaCostas together with Libby and managed to escape with her.Many readers can be annoyed with how bitterly she fights Jagger all the time but i thought it quite realistic since they are natural born enemies and all the jaguars has managed to do to Skye`s people is to kill them to almost extinction.She places the duty of saving mankind above all and was willing to sacrifice her own life for it.When she does learn to trust Jagger and finds herself falling in love with him-knowing her time on earth are short made her more miserable and heartbroken since she knew how much it would hurt Jagger.She is a spitfire of a heroine,so stubborn and strong and beautiful.The scene where she shaped herself into her eagle form and let Jagger touch her wings was such a beautiful moment that i felt myself sigh.Jagger and Skye are one of the best power couple`s i have stood across,and i also loved how Jagger had her back even when he thought her the enemy.

Jagger Castille is the middle Jaguar brother, he is also the wildest one who prefer the nature to the civilisation.In the former book i could see how tormented he was by something and felt how deep it went when his shame,guilt and sorrow was revealed in this book about his past battles in Afghanistan where he lost groups of his own people under his care and had to see so many innocents slaughtered.He lives only half-alive until he meets Skye.She made him feel emotions he never thought he had in him before.I found it so romantic with how he longed for her all the time-and even when he hated her at most he never could let go of her. Both Jagger and Skye are warriors at hearts who finally find soalce in each other in "His Darkest Embrace".What a exciting and sexy adventure it was and i badly want to follow up the next instalment about the oldest Jaguar brother,Julian Castille who seems to have a past with DaCostas sister Jaden.There is great deal of angry sparks between them i want to explore!

Ps:I did enjoy this instalment way more than the first one but i am giving both books the same ratings.Reading Jagger`s and Skye`s story made me realize what`s actually missing in the series and that is the lack of dialogue.I also remember how much of that was missed between Jaxon and Libby in His Darkest Hunger.I love well done dialogue`s in all types of romantic books and find it a very appetizing part of the romantic developement.But i needed much more of it when it came to Jagger and Skye since there is so much left of each other they need to know about.Skye never got to know the full details from Jagger`s past in the war which i thought was a shame since she herself was curious about the mysterious Eden.

[Claire Louise¤°.¸¸.•´¯`» · Rating 4 out of 5]

rated 4.5 out of 5
Disclaimer:Provided by NetGalley

Oh My Goodness what a follow on book this was! Book two in Juliana Stone's Jaguar Warrior Series, His Darkest Embrace tells Jagger's story. After months of being in his jaguar form Jagger stumbles upon Skye being attacked by an enemy Jaguar gang deep in the heart of the jungle, after saving her it's apparent he is instantly attracted to this woman, wanting to know what she is up to, why the Dacosta gang is after her and his burgeoning attraction he keeps Skye close determined to find out all her secrets.

Skye is an eagle knight, charged with keeping an ancient portal relic safe she has to outwit the enemy to close the portal ensuring the human worlds safety from the demons, Jaguar's have long since been an enemy to the eagles and yet she's drawn to the dynamic sexy Jaguar who is dogging her every movement through the deep Belize jungle.

After loving the first book in this series 'His Darkest Hunger' there is always a fear the sequel will bomb, i'm so happy HDE didn't, in fact it rocked my socks! Juliana Stone BROUGHT IT! it's fast paced, has twists and turns, a bite your lip intense romance and you really feel connected to the main leads along with being intrigued by the secondary characters.

I loved Jagger and Skye, together they were enigmatic, i wanted their dialogue to go on and go. Separately they had a depth and warmth and fighting spirit. Whatever was thrown at Skye she dealt with it, she didn't whine or cower or turn into a pumped up steroid robot either (all things that make me want to vomit nails onto a heroine. he!) the girl is dealing with a lot, the loss of her dad, the disappearance of her brother, baddies are after her, shes falling for a man who belongs to a race she's always thought of as the enemy and she's faced with an ultimate dilemma, to choose a life with the man, or to choose a world free of hell and its demons.

Oh my gosh i was so HOOKED into this story, i couldn't stop reading, the author knows just how to twist and turn a tail to grab my attention. The descriptions of the transformation from human to animal was fascinating, i loved the magical aspects in the book.
i LOVED Skye...i kinda want to be her when i grow up, she was a heroine i would have happily read more of. Together the pair made reading the story so engaging, there is lots of steam, lots of teases, lots of intense sexual chemistry. IN-TENSE! Poor Jagger got c*ckblocked more than one time, i felt for the poor Jaguar.
Now i'm even more ravenous for book three in the Jaguar Warrior Series 'His Darkest Salvation" out July 2011 (according to Goodreads)

Quotes i loved:
Who the hell was she kidding? Could she trust him. Please! The real question was, could she trust herself? - Skye

"you need my help, and fuck if i know why i'm still willing to give it, but you will come with me one way or another. If that means hog tying you and carrying you out of here on my back, then so be it" - Jagger

Christ, he sounded like Tarzan, and from what little he knew about Skye, she sure as hell wouldn't be content as Jane. Hell, she'd be kicking Tarzan's ass from here to Mexico


Sidenote: I'm so excited/intrigued to see more of Julian(brother) and Nico(bad ass jungle man!)
PS. i never want to get kissed by a demon. Everrrr! (read it to know what i mean. he!)

A Team-Jaguar-Fantastic-Read!
His Darkest Embrace is released 26th October 2010.

[Mandi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this one.

I heard such good things about book one I was eager to try His Darkest Embrace. I use the word chemistry a lot in my reviews, and it is hard to explain why some heroes and heroines have this, and others don't. I did not feel chemistry between Jagger and Skye at all. They both felt like such flat characters - I didn't understand their attraction to one another. Skye doesn't trust him, yet submits to a kiss. Jagger feels this overwhelming need to protect her, but it felt false in my opinion.

The beginning is slow - although events happen...they never caught my interest. Jagger came off as too brash and unlikable. I stopped at about the halfway point. Is there a chance things turn around? Possibly..but I don't have the desire to find out.

[Cindyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what an intense and awesome read. Ms. Stone is an exceptional story teller. My stomach was in knots almost the entire read; the intensity is off the charts, it's pace is great and the senuality factor is of the charts as well. I love her characters and I appreicate that she brings the others in to the story if only for brief periods. And check out the damn cover, it's HOT. This is definitely a terrific series and I highly recommend it to any and all whole enjoy paranormal romance. These guys are HAWT!!!
Love em...

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!! I loved the first book in this series, this one picked up where it left off and gave me so much more. It starts off in full force action and just about stays that way through the whole book. I have never read anything like it before, if this wasn’t enough the author tops it with two enemies that has to some how find love, Needless to say I couldn’t wait to get my world done, so I could get back to another world that was highly entertaining and exciting to read. If your looking for excitement, shape-shifting fighting, plenty of different emotions, hot sex, villains, and surprises in just about every corner, you’ll love this one.

light spoilers
You meet Skye and Jagger in the first book.
In this one Skye is a warrior eagle. The eagles have been protectors of an ancient Aztec artifact that is a portal to the demon world for hundreds of years. If its opened all the world as we know it ends. Her father hid it before his death and now its up to her to find it deep in the jungle with the DaCostas hot on her tail. So she has to trust Jaggar and his family in hopes that she can some how save the world. As Skye and Jaggar is fighting their was through the hot Belize Mayan Jungle things starts heating between them, but this is not an easy romance. The last few chapters left me in awe. These two gets their HEA, but the story is far from finished. So be prepared of an intense cliffhanger ending. You'll will also find the chapter for Slavation's book in the back, so you get a little peek. Now I just need that book.......

I loved Skye as the heroine. I don’t think I have ever read a heroine that’s suffered like she did, but she takes it and keeps going. I do think she goes to extremes and causes a lot of suffering on herself. But again if my species was just about wiped out by the jaguars I guess I wouldn’t trust much either.

Jagger is wonderful, at times doesn’t get Skye and keeps hurting them both. He does keep going with his feelings and keeps helping and protecting her even with everything she throws at him. I will say that her kneeing him in his groin was kind of bad.

I would recommend to anyone who love lots of action and hot romance

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read book 3 first, am now reading backwards, book 1 is up next!-lol
BTW, I don't suggest reading out of order with this series.

I was grabbed from the first in this book and it definitely caught me up in the plot and characters. The action kept up til the end. Your heart will race as they are constantly running from someone or something.

My only complaint is that I feel like Skye and Jagger spent so much time dancing around each other that I don't blame Jagger at all for calling her a cock-tease. I felt that the majority of this book was a cock-tease. It got old after like the 3rd time.

But even with that, the sexual heat and sparks were off-the charts. I loved the two together, and I loved the scene where Jagger had changed back to human (from jaguar) and Skye was still an eagle:

"Jagger could well imagine the visual he presented. A tall, dark, naked dude, full of jaguar tats, coming out of the jungle with an eagle on his arm wasn't something you'd see every day."

I am very curious about Nico, the jaguar warrior who no one seems to know anything about.

I am also really curious to see what the history is between Ana and Declan.

This is an excellent series, I will definitely put Juliana Stone and her Jaguar Warriors on my auto-buy list now.

I think that for a book that left a closed HEA for the H/h, the cliffhanger for the other characters was tough. Especially because Skye didn't mention to Jagger what her dreams had been telling her. Wouldn't have been a big deal, except we readers are left without knowing as well. Oh we can guess, and I actually know since I've read Julian's book, but I wanted a bit of clarity there.

BUUUTTT, you'll have to read His Darkest Salvation to find out what happened to everyone at the end (he he, evil laugh here since I'm not telling)

[Crystal _ Reading Between the Wines Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Darkest Embrace follows a few months after where His Darkest Hunger left off and is a great read with the youngest Castille brother. Jagger is a dark and intense shifter wanting to escape the horrors of the real world and delve into his jaguar soul until he meets the proud and secretive Skye . They have a instant and powerful physical attraction but a difficult chemistry. Jagger is suspicious of Skye but refuses to let her go and will track her to the ends of the jungle. Skye has important responsibilities to her clan and the world, being with the enemy jaguar is not part of her plan.
The story-line is well paced, a definite page turner, and ends with a bit of a cliff hanger so that I'm itching for Julian's book up next. Chuck full of suspense, mystery, action, deceit and steamy love scenes in the wilds of the jungle this is a good continuation in the Jaguar Warriors series. -http://paranormalromanceaddict.blogsp...

Read a full review at http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**

I was really looking forward to this book. Jagger is the younger brother, funny and goofy but hiding something deep that he went through. Unfortunately for me, it played out about the same as the first book...ie love conquers all.

I did enjoy Jagger and Skye and it was interesting to see them get together. There was one part when he got back into contact with his friends and family from PATU and they told him their suspicions of Skye. He then called her a whore and some other stuff!! And it didn't seem to faze her. That pretty much put a damper on things for me. Other than that, it was a good story.

The next story is about Julian (the older brother) and again, it's set up to be good. We'll see.

[Lynsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um, well...I can see why a lot of people are annoyed by this book.

It's completely unsatisfactory. Event's are left unresolved, there is a major lack of connection between h/h, and was it just my imagination or was Jagger's past a big non-event - I'm still not entirely sure who the heck Eden was and why Jagger still agonises over her death. The up and down relationship between Jagger and Skye was really annoying. Even if a book is awful, I'm usually still able to appreciate the love scenes but even these let me down and left me totally cold.

I have to admit I had to skim VERY LARGE amounts of this because it just bored me to death. To be honest, I just wanted it to end.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliana Stone delivers the second installment to her wildly, hot and exotic Jaguar Series.

Skye Knightly is a proud fierce eagle knight shifter. Her kind has been extinct for many years, killed off by different shifters, especially the jaguars. The eagle knights are guardians of different artifacts and Skye has a duty to protect a well sought after artifact. Her father was once keeper of a portal that opens up the underworld. His last mission before his murder was to seal the portal to ensure that all of mankind would continue. Skye and her brother Finn set out on the deadly mission in the jungles of Belize to do just that. There is one catch—Skye has to give up her soul to ensure that the portal is sealed.

The story picks up a few months after the first book, His Darkest Hunger, leaves off. Jagger Castille, a proud jaguar warrior is in the Belizean jungle hiding from life. After returning home from his time in the military, he helped his brother Jaxon find his mate in the jungle. When everyone escapes back home, he runs deep into the jungle trying to figure things out. So after months of living out in the wild, he is surprised to see a beautiful blonde fighting off two of his enemies, the DaCosta jaguars. The animal in him roars to life at the sight of her and Jagger risks all to save her.

After learning of her plight, Jagger promises to help her, so the two team up and race through the jungle, fighting off enemies of all sorts to save the world. The chemistry between Jagger and Skye is intense. Sky is leery of trusting Jagger because he is a jaguar and she was taught that they were killers. Jagger wants to know what she is hiding. The tension basically sizzles off of the pages.

They both know that they are mated to one another but there are so many elements stopping them. Skye is torn. She has finally found the right man but can’t have him because she has to sacrifice her life. The initial distrust they have for one another at the beginning of the book drags a bit longer than I would have liked but it was understandable.

My biggest problem with this book is that the action is basically packed towards the end of the story. All of the characters, both good and bad, make an appearance and then there is a huge cliffhanger. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers because they normally take away from the story but the author does show that there is an HEA. My questions are unanswered but we get an idea of what is to come with the next Castille brother. After finding out who his love interest is, I am excited to continue the series.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to start the review by snarking on this book, but seriously, once I turned off my brain it was a lot of fun.

Jagger the jaguar-shifter (le sigh- at least it’s not Jhaggher) “existed peacefully with the vast array of animals that inhabited the dense mountain terrain he’d come to love." (Dude, he’s a cat. They’re carnivores. Unless he became a vegetarian – which is a death sentence for cats – I kind of doubt that.) After spending several weeks (months?) avoiding contact with his family, he comes across the injured Skye, whom he recognizes as a shifter, and quickly starts feeling really lusty towards her. At this point I already know that Skye is an eagle-shifter and… seriously, I had to laugh when I realized I was reading a cat/bird romance.

After that, I told my analytical side to take a nap and settled down to enjoy what turned out to be a goofy romp near the Mayan ruins at Caracol, Belize, where Jagger and Skye team up to stop a demon from opening an Aztec portal between hell and Earth. (Well, eventually they team up; at first Jagger mostly swears at her and generally acts like an asshat.) I’m not sure what my favorite line is, but it’s either when they’re making love and Jagger says to Skye, “every single inch of you f***ing rocks” or when Skye is talking with the demon Azaiel and … oh, snap, I think that would be a spoiler. It’s a pretty funny LOTR reference near the end.

I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, but didn’t have any trouble figuring out what was going on. I can’t say this is a keeper for me, but I do plan on looking into the first book and will likely read others in the series as they come out.

I expect this will appeal to fans of Christine Feehan, Jessica Andersen and Christina Dodd’s paranormal series.

This review is based on the advanced review copy I received through NetGalley.


ETA: I went back and read the first book in the series and, while Jaxon does have the "I am alpha, hear me roar and stomp around" thing going on sometimes, Jagger really is way more ass-hatty in general than Jaxon. I hope subsequent books ease up on the douchey hero factor.

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book two in Juliana Stone’s Jaguar Warriors series picks up a couple of months after His Darkest Hunger. The two oldest Castille brothers left their younger brother Jagger in the jungle not knowing if he was alive or not. Jagger has been roaming the jungle, fully embracing his jaguar. Jagger has a mix of post-traumatic stress disorder and survivors guilt, maybe. I never fully understood him staying behind in the jungle and shifting to cat for extended period of time while estranging himself from his family.

Skye is a very rare eagle shifter who has been tasked with protecting an ancient artifact that is in fact the gate to the underworld. Her people have guarded it for eons. Skye feels that she is the one who must seal the portal forever. The DaCosta’s and Cormac are still after her, they have even begun calling in every mercenary they can to find her. Skye is being chased by unknown evils, a jaguar warrior whom she has been raised to believe is her enemy, and all she wants to do is find the portal that her father hid.

The sexual tension between Skye and Jagger is high. The tension is continuously raised with their number of near encounters. While I love some sexual tension in my romances this tactic became old. They are constantly interrupted or the brakes are put on, every time this couple begins to get in bed together. They wanted each other desperately and I just wanted to shout at the book “just get it over with!”

My biggest complaint was the lack of wrap up with the ending. Typically readers are given a type of closure of the turmoil that brought the hero and heroine together along with the happily ever after. I did not get that closure. It seems like what Skye and Jagger started off trying to complete was left hanging. There is also a mild cliffhanger with what has happened to several secondary characters. The missing element for me left me feeling that the ending was rushed or perhaps something was edited out.

I will continue this series. I’ve loved the League of Guardians books. The one question I have had with those books must take place in the last jaguar book.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of Juliana Stone's Jaguar Warrior series is about the youngest Castille, Jagger who disappeared at the end of His Darkest Hunger. Jagger was a soilder in the Middle East and is facing his own demons, his memories. Skye was a prisoner of the Degas jaguars with Libby and helped her find Libby and Jaxon's baby, but then wanted Libby to tell everyone she died in the end. Why we don't know?

On Jagger's three month hitatis from reality, Skye stumbles into his territory and flips his life upside down. They have an up and down relationship because neither can trust each other. However, the chemisty is there and holding back is hurting both of them. Jagger want Skye to be his. Syke has a mission to close a portal that allows demons into this realm, but a very powerful demon is haunting her dreams. What will become of these two? You want to find out.

The Castille brothers, Syke, Cracker, Declan, Ana, and Nico make interesting relationships. As said very nicely in this book, "It was a bitch to navigate, the whole love thing."

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars for me..

it is a first book I read for this series, and I like it..

just made me really curious and exited for Julian's story...

a good start for me, to consider the next book.

[Jackie Uhrmacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye Knightly must find the Cave of the Sun and destroy the portal to the demon realm. Failure means the possible destruction of humanity; success means the destruction of Skye herself. In order to succeed, Skye must find her way through a jungle full of mercenaries, black magic, and one seriously angry jaguar.

Jagger Castille shucked his humanity months ago after the rescue of his brother’s mate, Libby, from a compound run by some very bad guys — the same compound Skye escaped from with Libby’s help. It seems fate is determined to bring Jagger and Skye together, because of all the jungles in all the world, Skye gets attacked in his. After Jagger rescues her, the two enter into a reluctant partnership. Neither trusts the other, and Skye repeatedly tries to end the partnership, but they need each other whether they like it or not.

My only real issue with His Darkest Embrace was with Skye. Stone is not the only author to create a heroine like her, and she won’t be the last. In fact, these heroines are quite popular — I just don’t prefer them. They’re kind of like a broken dam — sturdy, reliable, and multi-faceted with a tendency to leak. For all Skye’s strength and resolve, she cried constantly. She let Jagger say nasty things to her and instead of retaliating, she cried.

Even with the waterworks, His Darkest Embrace by Juliana Stone is a strong follow-up to her debut novel, His Darkest Hunger. Jagger and Skye are strong, emotional characters who mesh extremely well. The action takes place mostly in the jungle with only the two characters present, forcing Stone to create characters who interact easily and engage the reader. We’re treated to a wider spectrum of the world in His Darkest Embrace. Demons play a big role, and the events at the end of the book promise to introduce a helluva new setting in the next novel.

[Marilyn Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Darkest Embrace takes the reader on a magical journey through the jungles of Belize. The world-building is incredible with details such as the bug sounds and humidity concerns to add to the experience. Many of the scenes are one or more characters wandering through the jungles using their shifter senses. While I appreciated the vacation, it got to be too much. This book would have been five stars for me if it had ended fifty pages sooner. I felt the mistaken location of the portal plot device was played too many times in a row. Even after they find the cave (which is not the cave), she finds the hut, he finds the hut without her, he finds her and brings her to the hut, the villain takes her to the real cave, the hero finds the real cave, and the whole cast of characters finds the new cave, we still don’t know where the portal is located.

Jagger is the loveable playboy from His Darkest Hunger and true to character throughout this book, making him swoon-worthy. The combination of warrior with light-hearted jokester allows Jagger to cut through some of the drama in the book. He is the perfect foil for Skye who brings the drama with her every move. However, she is just as strong as Jagger is when it comes to navigating the dangers of the jungle. I loved how she was a fierce warrior worthy of his attention. He wasn’t looking for damsel-in-distress and Skye meets every challenge she faces (with or without his help). They have a little of the “I hate you, but I’ll get naked with you” awkwardness of Jaxon & Libby in the first book of the series, but it is palatable since Skye is as strong as Jagger.

This series seems to get better with each book, and I can’t wait to see where Julian takes us in the third one.

[Ayauran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one ages ago, and picked it back up a couple of months ago. I fell in love with the story, and I remember going through the rest of the series a while back as well, still, this has to be my favorite book in the series.

I love the twists and turns the characters take as they try to figure things out, and the way they leave the end of the story is both complete, and enough to leave folks guessing and wanting to read more. The style can vary between slow and a quick paced, but overall everything flows nicely. For those whom are fans of skin walkers (shifters) this should be an easy read to pick up, even without having read the rest of the series I do believe you might be able to enjoy it.

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaguar warriors and eagle knights have been enimies for a long time, until now. The martyr theme did wear after a bit

[Stephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jagger Castille is a jaguar shifter and has been in a self imposed exile in the jungles of Mexico for months. One night a fight between two jaguar shifters and a woman spills into his cave and he intervenes to save the woman's life. When he gets a better look at the unconscious female, she brings out feelings in him he thought he banished. He is not sure why but he will do anything to protect this beautiful, stubborn female. Skye Knightly is an eagle shifter and is on a mission to permanently seal a demon portal. What she doesn't need is a gorgeous, dark jaguar shifter, who's people have been at odds with her for many years, following her around but he's made it clear he isn't going anywhere.

As their search for the portal intensifies, Jagger and Skye's defenses begin to crumble and a desire like neither has ever felt begins to burn out of control. But with mercenaries and shifters gunning for them and a sacrifice needed to close the portal, they may never get the chance to have finally be together.

Jagger takes the full blame for the loss of a team mate he feels it was is duty to protect while fighting in the war. He is sick of the wars and the cruelty of it all. While helping his brother Jaxon in Mexico, Jagger decides hes had enough of it all and hides away in the jungle. Months later he sees Skye being attacked by two evil jaguar shifters and comes to her aide. He is attracted to her at first but it's his need to protect this stranger that has him thrown for a loop. He shouldn't care but the thought of leaving Skye does not sit well with his inner animal. Skye wakes up after her attack to find a very naked Jagger laying next to her. She has been raised to believe all jaguars are evil and the fact that she was captured and beaten by a group of them a while back only strengthens her hate for them. She tries to run from Jagger and refuse his help but like the hard headed male he is, he won't take get lost for an answer. Each time she finds herself falling for the well built and dangerously attractive male she reminds herself of her mission. She must find the portal that would allow demons to cross over before an evil practitioner of magick does and seal it forever. Unfortunately the only way to do that is to sacrifice herself.

The relationship between Jagger and Skye is a difficult one and I had a hard time getting into it. They both have secrets they are reluctant to share, both want to be in charge and when feelings arise about the other, they would often say something cruel or just walk away from the person. Every now and again we would get glimpses of feelings for the other person but then there would be a reason right behind it as to why it shouldn't happen. This got a bit tiring after a while and I felt like say 'just get over it!'. Jagger started doing the 'mine' thing earlier on but I wasn't convinced of it until I was well past halfway done. Skye has a harder time excepting anything between them and I can understand why. She was raised to believe all jaguar shifters are bad because of a war that was fought between them and her eagle kind was almost wiped out. Jagger doesn't make it easier because he is very alpha but I felt she gave the cold shoulder far more often than he did. Separately I thought they are really good characters. Jagger is everything I love in an alpha male and has many admirable qualities and Skye is a strong female character who smart and resilient. In the end I can't say I was convinced these two are a perfect pair but I could feel that physical attraction between them.

The hunt for the portal is not an easy one. Besides not knowing exactly where it's at, Skye has a bounty on her head that has brought man evil creatures to Mexico in search for her, which was placed on her by an evil man who wants to use her to find the portal so he can have it for himself. Jagger and Skye are constantly looking over their shoulders and having to fight for their lives. This made the story nerve racking at time because you weren't sure who was lurking in the shadows of the jungle. I really enjoyed this story line because it kept me on my toes and had me wondering what was going to happen next. Also reading how awesome Jagger is at fighting and how Skye wouldn't run away from a fight made me like them even more.

His Darkest Embrace is a well paced, thrilling paranormal ride that at times was hard to put down. Had I wished that the love story had a lighter, happier, less complicated feel to it? Yes, but at the same time to make this happen Jagger and Skye would have not been the same characters I enjoyed reading about. Everything is not neatly wrapped up and I will definitely continue on this see what happens next when the oldest Castille brother, Julian, has is story told next year.

~Stephanie

[Lady Rogue · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the end of the first book, His Darkest Hunger, Jagger Castille had just finished helping his brother Jaxon fight the DaCostas Jaguars and the evil Cormac O'Hara. When that battle was over, he sought solitude deep within the jungle. His excuse for his self imposed banishment was he was fed up with the war. However to me, it felt more like he was self-loathing and having a pity party for himself over his inability, to save a team mate when they were fighting over in Afghanistan.

Skye Knightly was on a mission to destroy a portal that her father had hidden. But, it wasn't an easy quest, especially considering, she didn't know where it was. Not to mention, the DaCostas were searching for her, Cormac was searching for her, and a dream demon was haunting her. If the portal got into the hands of any of them, then the world as she knew it would cease to exist.

When Jagger witnesses two DaCosta jaguars attacking Skye, he went to her rescue. Jagger realized he had a uncontrollable need to protect her. Skye tried to get rid of him, after all, it were the jaguars that practically caused her species to be extinct. But he refused to leave. Yep, you know what is coming...It wasn't long before Jagger joined her quest and Skye spreaded eagle...yes, the pun was intended. I confess, I was a little disappointed in the character development. They both lacked depth and definition. They felt very cardboard - two dimensional and because of it, the relationship felt rushed and forced. In my opinion, these two characters were not the same characters that were in book one. In the first book, Jagger had personality. He was charming, mysterious, and witty. However in this book, he was brooding, arrogant, and careless. He lacked the credibility of a season warrior or soldier. I mean come on...He tied a woman to a tree, then left her unguarded in a enemy infested jungle? Yet, he swore to protect her at all cost? Or what about the jumping to conclusions before having all the facts about a situation...that is not only soldiering 101, but common sense for goodness sakes. It was just all around bad soldiering. Skye was just as bad. I think I got whiplash watching her character flip flop back and forth between personas...first she was intelligent, confident, and a determined warrior. Then, she's a whiny and foolish damsel in distress. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth... *whiplash*

The plot was the biggest disappointment. Although, I could see the direction the story wanted to go, it felt forced, chaotic, and at times pointless. Case in point, the vampire and demon mercs that were hired to capture Skye. They had no relevance to the story. It felt like nothing more than a filler intended to connect Jaggers past to the present. I mean seriously... the very villains that killed his team mate, happen to be in the same jungle he was in, on the other side of the world? Then happened to be hired to capture the one person he happens to be with in all the world? Then in minutes they die....I was like "What the hell was that all about?" I also noticed that at various points of the story, the author seemed to be more concerned about setting up the plot for the next book, that I couldn't help but feel, she must have forgot about the current one.

Overall, while this book had some good points and alot of potential, they were overshadowed by the lack of depth and relevance. This book lacked a solid beginning, middle and end. It was a tease, a slap and tickle walk-by with little climaxing, and no satisfaction. I also believe, this book would not work well as a stand alone. There are just too many unexplained variables, to have a cohesive understanding of all that was suppose to go on. Not to mention, it just didn't seem to have the substance, intrigue or emotional connection it's predecessor had. I can't believe how disappointed I was in this book, especially after I raved so much about the previous one. When I finally closed the book, my first thought was, "What was the point?" then I sighed.

[Kasumi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hasta yo estoy sorprendida de estar cumpliendo mi propósito de no perder el tiempo con libros que no me entretengan, como poco.
Leí el primer libro de esta trilogía y no me convenció mucho, pero sentía curiosidad por la historia que abarcaba los 3 libros y decidí ir a por el siguiente a ver si mejoraba "la tontería" de los protagonistas. Como imaginareis, no ha sido así. Entiendo que los protagonistas no se cuenten las cosas porque acaban de conocerse y los aguilas y los jaguares al parecer han sido enemigos durante siglos (aunque alguien falló en pasarle el memorandum a nuestro protagonista, que ni sabía que existían), pero que se comporten como estúpidos cuando se supone que están en peligro de muerte en medio de una selva, por ahí no paso. Método de interrogatorio de la prota: "Dime dónde está el malo o sino...". Y no, no es una exageración, es literal. Amenazaba a un hombre más fuerte que ella y armado con un "o sino...". El otro, claro, casi partíendose de risa en su cara y con ganas de cargársela, pero cuando interviene el prota para salvarla el culo, no solo se cabrea porque le había hecho perder su oportunidad de averiguar donde estaba el malo, sino que casi se lo carga, y a este ya no le hace amenazas de risa, sino que usa un cuchillo. Entendería que no se fiara de un jaguar, pero es que hace cosas con tan poca cabeza que lo que me extraña es que siga viva. De verdad. Ejemplo final que hizo que decidiriera que hasta ahí había llegado: la huida más estupida y corta de la historia. Situación: acaba de pasar lo del cabreo y el cuchillo, él está obviamente mosqueado pero sigue sin querer mandarla a tomar vientos y que se busque la vida sola. Ella decide hacer un lento striptis, quedarte desnuda disfrutando del sol un momento y transformarse en águila para... aun me lo pregunto. Si quería huir llevaba una pesada cartera que no podía dejar atrás (y que en esa forma no podía llevar), si le tenía miedo se tomó con mucha tranquilidad su transformación (antes la había hecho con menos teatro), y si hasta ese momento tenía una clara ventaja táctica dado que él no sabía qué podía hacer, y ya la había aprovechado para perderle una vez, acababa de perderla de la forma más tonta. Ella, por supuesto, no se alejó después de transformarse, sino que se quedó por encima del prota en plan "chincha revincha" que le duró cero coma, el tiempo exacto que él tardó en coger su preciosa cartera y largarse con ella esperando que esta vez fuese ella la que le siguiera.
Como digo, no aguanto a personajes que parece que solo siguen vivos por deseo expreso del autor, porque si se encontraran en una situación así en la realidad no durarían ni dos minutos. Y si me preguntan, dado que el único que sabía donde estaba la entrada al infierno ha muerto y ella está buscándola para sellarla y los malos para abrirla pero solo ella tiene alguna idea de por donde buscar, se me ocurre que la mejor solución sería no buscarla, y así nadie la encontraría y el mundo no estaría en peligro.
O eso me diré a mi misma, porque ya estoy tan harta de estos absurdos personajes que me da igual.
Lo dejo

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

In His Darkest Embrace, second in Juliana Stone’s Jaguar Warriors series, Stone plunges the reader back into the jungles of Belize for another intense, action packed, edge-of-your-seat battle between good and evil and a love story that defies all odds.

Wounded during a battle with the evil DaCosta jaguar shifters, Iraqi veteran and jaguar shapeshifter, Jagger Castille disappears into the Belize jungle. Weary of post-war stress and the human race in general, Jagger stays in jaguar form, living in the jungle and avoiding all human contact, including the family and friends who search for him. It’s only when he encounters a woman being attacked by DaCosta jaguars that he reverts to human form to rescue her and, once rescued, Jagger discovers he doesn’t want to let her go. He’s already lost one young woman who he had vowed to protect. He’s not about to lose another.

Elite eagle warrior, Skye Knightly, is on a mission. For centuries, eagle warriors have been the keepers of the portal between the human and demon worlds. Now the portal is at risk and it falls to Skye to find the portal and seal it forever to prevent the horror and destruction that will ensue if the demon world is unleashed upon mankind. The last thing she needs is a jaguar shifter shadowing her every step, intent upon protecting her just because he saved her life.

With Skye and Jagger, Stone has created the ultimate “opposites attract” story. As an eagle shifter, Skye has been taught from birth to fear and distrust the jaguar, her natural enemy. Yet now, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a jaguar who shares her ever-deepening attraction. But she won’t give in easily. Skye and Jagger are both strong, independent warriors, used to calling the shots and not depending on another for protection. As you can imagine, this is a volatile and fiery combination. I loved it!

The love scenes between the two warriors sizzle, the intensity of the race through the jungle had me holding my breath and the hopelessness of their love broke my heart. For only one thing will save the world from the demon invasion: an eagle warrior sacrifice. When Skye seals the portal she will be sucked into the horrors of the demon underworld…forever.

Once again, Juliana Stone has written an intense, emotional and sizzling hot story with non-stop action, chilling villains (I hope never to meet one of her demons!) and plenty of story twists and surprises along the way. His Darkest Embrace kept me reading long into the night and left me counting the days until the release of the next book in the series. I can’t wait!

While His Darkest Embrace stands on its own, for a more complete understanding of the story, I highly recommend reading the previous book in the series, His Darkest Hunger, first.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins/Avon for providing an advanced copy of His Darkest Embrace for review.

~PJ
theromancedish.com 10/18/10

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just start by saying how much I love the cover of this book! It is just gorgeous!
Skye is enamoured by a cave that she was sent to by a mission she needs to complete of behalf of her dead father, needing to close and seal a portal to the demon underworld, she stayed there exploring far too long past dark and now needs to find her way back to base camp, traipsing through the jungle alone, which she soon discovers was a mistake on her part. Skye is an eagle shifter and in the past had been held captive by Jaguar warriors after an ancient Aztec artefact, she had survived but being in the jungle alone she has put herself in danger if being captured by them again and ends up in fact being hunted by some, but before any real harm comes to her another jaguar comes to help her and kill the other jaguars for invading his domain but she refuses to let her guard down;

“If Skye didn’t know better, she’d say it felt as if the animal were warning her of danger. She shook her head. All jaguars were evil. They lived to hut and kill.”

When the jaguar, who just happens to be Jagger comes forward near her she makes the decision to make a dangerous jump to what she believes to be her only chance at survival, right over a waterfall. Jagger goes after her, she is hurt and unconscious, he brings her back to his cave. He has been living for months in Jaguar form, tired of losing the people he cared about in self imposed exile, tprtured by the images from his past in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Skye awakens, she runs for her life and now Jagger has to find her before a group of dangerous Jaguars get to her first. When he finally does find her again, he isn’t too much happy with her and expresses his distaste at her actions back at the cave;

“You’re the shifter from last night.” Her eyes narrowed and while ringed with fear, they seemed confused.
Jagger paused and then nodded. “Yeah, and uh, you’re welcome for saving your ass”. His face darkened slightly as he continued. “And thanks for the knock in the nuts this morning, nothing like a shot to the balls to really wake you up.””

And Skye has ultimately resigned herself to the fact that he is there to finish the job and finally kill her, but he manages to convince her otherwise and they head to Jagger’s hideout. Everyone comes to a head when Jagger’s brother turns up with help, they have been looking for him and they team up to help Skye find the portal and seal it, but not all goes t plan. I really like the cross-over with characters from the first book in this; it really sucks you into the story. There is no lack of heat in this book, the desire between Jagger and Skye sizzles. I liked this one more than I did the first in the series, it left me eager to read the third, a series for the shifter lovers.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jagger has spent the last 2 months living in the jungle in his jaguar form trying to forget the things he witnessed in the army. He has no intention of returning to the real world and wouldn't even have taken his human form if he hadn't witnessed an attack on Sky by 2 other jaguars. After stepping in to rescue Sky he finds himself attracted to her and feeling strangely protective of her. Sky has other ideas though, as an Eagle shifter the jaguars have always been her sworn enemy so the last thing she wants is one following her through the jungle as she tries to complete her mission. She is the last protector of an ancient artifact and she has to destroy it before her enemies can get their hands on it and cause the end of the world.

I really enjoyed His Darkest Hunger so was looking forward to reading the second installment in the series but unfortunately I have mixed feelings about His Darkest Embrace. From what I saw of Jagger in the first book I was really expecting to love him but the way he treated Sky was a complete turn off, especially at the beginning of the story. I did find myself liking him more towards the end but I found it hard to understand how Sky could be attracted to him after the things he'd said and done to her. It just made it difficult to believe the relationship that developed between them.

Sky was full of contradictions, on the one hand she was tough and independent and quite a kick ass heroine but then she would do something incredibly stupid (like take off in her eagle form leaving behind all of her clothes and other belongings) which I found irritating. On a more positive note I did enjoy the physical chemistry between the two them and the scene at the waterfall particularly sticks out in my memory.

I enjoyed the action but would have liked to have seen more of the other characters we already met in the previous book. I was disappointed that this seemed like more of a filler between the other books rather than a complete story in it's own right. While I think you could probably read this book without reading the one before it you're definitely left needing to read the next book to find out what happens. I would have read the next book anyway because I'm curious to find out more about the final brother Julian but I like to have more of a complete story even when a book is part of a series. I'm hoping that I'll love the next book as much as I loved the first one because I do really like the world that Juliana has created and the jaguars are definitely some hot shifters!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very first thing you need to know about His Darkest Embrace is that I enjoyed it way, way more than I did its predecessor, His Darkest Hunger. Jagger has his problems and his trust issues and his danger and deception, but there wasn't the feeling of...disrespect...towards Skye that I felt between Jaxon and Libby in the first book. The story also really comes to life and takes on layers and facets that are unusual and unique (in a good way), and the ending, while not a happily ever after per se, felt authentic and fit the characters and their world.

Jagger made a hasty exit at the end of the last book and we join up with him before he learns how the situation in the last book was resolved. He and Skye run into each other, literally, and Jagger takes a serious interest in protecting Skye and keeping her safe, although he doesn't really understand why.

Skye is having none of that, though. Turns out she's the last of a race that's been charged with protecting a portal that could unleash serious ickiness on the world if it's opened, and she's desperate to keep the portal sealed and the disaster at bay. The sparks fly between her and Jagger and their attraction is unwelcome on both sides; it blossoms anyway.

We met Skye at the end of the last book, so the other characters remember her role in that story; Jagger doesn't though, and he feels all betrayed and horrified when he finds out. The Castille family has a remarkable ability to jump to irrational conclusions regardless of any facts or observations which may or may not be present. For a few pages I thought we were going to veer back into the less-than-enticing territory that occupied so much space in the first book, but thankfully, when Jagger is wrong, he admits it and does something different, instead of doing the same wrong thing over and over again, which is definitely refreshing.

Anyway, the story was tight, the romance was believable, the bad guys are creepy, and while there were still a few shaky parts the end result was quite enjoyable. Julian's story is next, and I'd like to remind him of Wheaton's First Law, which is sound advice for anyone: don't be a dick.

Overall Grade: B+

Read more reviews and other good stuff at What Book is That?

[Casee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really impressed with His Darkest Hunger. Really. The way it ended, with Jagger just disappearing into the jungle left me with high expectations for His Darkest Embrace. That turned out to be unfortunate because everything about Jagger was disappointing. He was an overbearing, egotistical arsehole who thought he knew what was best and that was that. It was enormously dissatisfying.

Skye is running from jaguar shifters—bad ones—when she is saved by one. As an eagle shifter, Skye is at her peak strength during the day. It’s her misfortune to get chased during the night when she can’t use her gifts. When she is saved by a jaguar shifter, she has little hope that she will survive. He seems almost feral which doesn’t give Skye much hope that she will accomplish her goal of saving the world. Yes—saving the world.

Jagger took to his jaguar form planning never to return. After so much pain and loss, Jagger can no longer bear to deal with human emotion. (Is that lame or what?) When he comes to Skye’s rescue, he is forced to shift, bringing all his emotions roaring to the surface. Of course the first emotion is raging lust. The lust he feels for Skye is all consuming and makes him all but mindless.

Things were going along quite swimmingly until Jagger’s friends and family catch up to them. At this point, they tell Jagger that Skye is an enemy and he decides to immediately believe them. He starts to treat Skye as his prisoner instead of a lover, which really teed me off. Honestly, it was such a one eighty after how hot and heavy he was feeling before that I just couldn’t get behind it.

As for Skye, I really found myself admiring her courage. By closing the opening between the realms, she is not only killing herself but surrendering herself to a lifetime of living in hell. How can you not admire that? Even when she started have feelings for Jagger, she was still determined to do what needed to be done. What I didn’t buy was how quick she “fell in love” with Jagger. How could she fall in love with such a jerk? Honestly. I’m still wondering.

I’m also wondering if the next book is going to be as disappointing as this one.

3.25 out of 5.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIS DARKEST EMBRACE by Juliana Stone is an interesting paranormal romance.It is Book two in the "Jaguar Warrior" series (Book one "Darkest Hunger") but can be read as a stand alone. It is well written with depth,details,page turning,the plot is easy flowing with twists and turns. It has treachery, magic, danger, passion, adventure,romance, sensuality,evil,the underworld,demons,jaguar warriors,werewolves,vampires,eagles, shapeshifters,and the salvation of Earth.The hero, Jagger,is a Jaguar Warrior,sexy,handsome, a shapeshifter,a creature of the night,is dark, bitter, and wounded from past things. The heroine,Skye,is beautiful,an Eagle Knight,soars in the sun, a shapeshifter, believes she is the last of her kind,her father is dead, her brother is lost to her possibly dead also, entrusted to save the Earth, hounded by underworld creatures to kill her, When Jagger comes upon Skye,he saves her from killers only to find himself attracted to her. Determined to protect her at all cost,Jagger, will enlist the help of his family and a friend.They tramp through the Jungle to find a disc that is to save Earth and humankind from demons.While Skye, will have to give her life by going to "hell", she and Jagger are becoming closer. Jagger is determined Skye is his mate and he will protect her at all cost. He does not know what Skye will have to do to save the Earth.During the fight to save Earth, and Skye,the disc is throw to her brother(he finally has find her)but something happens and some of Jagger's family disappears. To where no one knows. This is a fast paced,action paced fantasy that will keep you on the seat of your chair. You will hold your breathe while the battle flows and you wait to see who will win. If you enjoy fantasy,paranormal, the other world,demons and good vs evil you will enjoy this one.This book was received from Net Galley and details can be found at Avon Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publisher and My Book Addiction and More.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first Juliana Stone I’ve read and the second in her trilogy, well I think it’s a trilogy.

Why with all the graphic artists out there do authors settle for covers that do absolutely nothing for their books? First impressions like a well laid out banquet must be a feast for the eyes, at least for me. Bite me and call me shallow, if left to my own devices I would have passed it on the shelf and missed out on an entertaining though at times choppy read.

Mentally recuperating and hiding out in the jungle after their last job went way wrong Jagger the jaguar shape shifter stumbles across an embattled Skye the eagle shape shifter and while she’s desperately searching for a portal, a portal that only she (or her brother Finn who is missing in action) can close off stopping demons from entering and causing murder, havoc and mayhem in the world.

It seems the whole world has gone completely mad and everyone’s chasing Skye, some for and some against her mission with Jagger alternately chasing her to keep her safe, nursing a massive hard on the whole time, calling her a cock tease and convincingly talking himself into staying in guilt mode over the other woman he once let down.

I liked Skye’s character though I could have done with a little less of the too quick change overs from strong minded to terrified of her own shadow, it made my head spin although I guess if saving the world meant I forfeited my life then I’d probably be a lot more sympathetic.

Jagger was your typical alpha who hadn’t heard the word ‘mine’ until it surprised him by slipping past his lips.

Elder brother Julian intrigued me and the one I’m most interested in is Jaden the jaguar warrior woman. Now I'll have to hunt down the third book to find out. Or perhaps I'll read the first one first.

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

His Darkest Embrace ของจูเลียนา สโตน

เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มที่สองในชุด Jaguar Warriors เรื่องราวของสามพี่น้องตระกูลคาสติลส์ ที่เกิดมาในตระกูลมนุษย์เสือจากัวร์ โดยเล่มนี้เป็นเรื่องราวของน้องชายคนเล็ก ซึ่งในตอนจบของเล่มแรกปลีกวิเวกเข้าไปในป่าลึกในอเมซอนเพื่อหาความสงบ หลังจากกลับมาจากสงครามโดยเพื่อนร่วมรบถูกฆ่าตายหมด

แต่ในป่าแจ๊คเกอร์ก็ไม่อาจหาความสงบได้ เขาได้พบกับสกาย ไนท์ลีย์ นักรบอินทรี (คือแปลงร่างเป็นนกอินทรีได้) ที่กำลังถูกตามล่าโดยพวกดาคอสต้า ซึ่งเป็นมนุษย์เสือจากัวร์เช่นกัน แต่เป็นศัตรูกับตระกูลาสติลส์ ทำให้แจ๊คเกอร์ต้องเข้ามายุ่ง ในตอนแรกสกายไม่ไว้ใจแจ๊คเกอร์ เพราะเผ่าจากัวร์และอินทรีเป็นศัตรูกันมานาน (อันนี้เป็นศัตรูกันตามสายพันธุ์) และเธอก็มีภารกิจสำคัญที่ต้องค้นหาประตูที่เปิดไปสู่นรก ซึ่งสกายทำตามคำสั่งเสียของบิดาที่จะทำลายประตูนี้ลง แต่ทางเลือกของหญิงสาวก็มีไม่มาก และแจ๊คเกอร์ก็เป็นเพียงคนเดียวที่ช่วยเธอได้

เราอ่านเรื่องนี้ไปแบบลืมเลือนค่ะ นั่นคืออ่านจบไปไม่ถึงวันก็แทบจะจำอะไรไม่ได้ มันไม่น่าสนใจมากขนาดนั้น ไม่ได้เลวร้าย (ก็เลยจำไม่ได้ เพราะถ้าแย่มาก ๆ ก็คงจำได้เยอะกว่านี้) คาแร็คเตอร์แบนราบเรียบยิ่งกว่ากระดาษแข็ง เนื้อเรื่องที่ไม่มีอะไรน่าสนใจ ทิศทางของเรื่องที่ห่างไกลออกไปจากพล็อตในเล่มแรก ส่วนหนึ่งคงเพราะพล็อตเล่มแรกนั้นโฟกัสอยู่ที่ทีมนักรบที่มีพลังเหนือธรรมชาติซึ่งทำงานให้กับรัฐบาล ซึ่งคาแร็คเตอร์ดูมีความน่าสนใจมากกว่า แต่เรื่องในชุดกลับไปสนใจพี่น้องของพระเอกเล่มแรกมากกว่า เรื่องก็เลยไร้จุดหมาย แจ๊คเกอร์เหมือนนักรบที่เป็นโรค PTSD (แต่ไม่ออกอาการ จริง ๆ ถ้ามีอาการอาจจะน่าสนใจกว่านี้ก็ได้) แต่ดันไปอยู่ผิดที่ผิดทาง ทำให้ได้เจอกับนางเอกที่หนีคนร้าย นางเอกเองก็มีภารกิจที่อ่านไปก็ดูไร้สาระมากขึ้นเรื่อย ๆ ตัวร้ายก็ราวกับไปเช่ามาจากละครโทรทัศน์ (เลว, โง่,ไร้ความสามารถ) ทิศทางของเรื่องก็ประหลาด ไม่มีเป้าหมาย แล้วก็ไม่น่าสนใจ

คะแนนที่ 53

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the first book His Darkest Hungert, I didn't have very high expectations for the next book in this series, even though the overall storyline appealed to me the characters sadly didn't. I felt this especially with His Darkest Embrace. I had a feeling about this book before I bought it, hoping that the first one was just a one off. Sadly though, I bought this before reading Mandi's DNF review of it and although I enjoyed the first half of the story I did have to force myself to finish the rest of the book just because I liked the first half of the story and was curious to see how it ended.

Favourite Quote: "Skye Knightly was knee-deep in shit. In fact it was way past her knees and sitting up to her ass. And that was putting it mildly."

It possibly says something when the only quote I liked was the opening line to the book. I did like Skye and Jaggar in the first half of the book but by the second half of the book I was really sick of Jaggar's 'behavouiral' issues from being in jaguar form for such a long period of time I felt it was over played and drawn out for too long in the book.

Overall, I'm unsure if I plan to read the next book in this series currently I would have to say no because the characters really haven't appealed to me in either books.