I’d like to welcome you to my stop on Laurie London’s Embraced by Blood Virtual Book today! Read on for my review of this deliciously sweet paranormal romance, more on the author and a fabulous giveaway!
Author: Laurie London
Series: {Sweetblood ~ Book #2}
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: HQN
Format: ebook, 384 pages
Source: Received via NetGalley for blog tour
Buy it here:
| Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy—Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity and Darkblood rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors.
Alfonso Serrano is a hunted man. For months he’s managed to elude the Darkbloods, vengeful foes who won’t rest until he’s dead. But he still craves one dangerous temptation: Lily DeGraff, the sexy Guardian agent he’ll risk anything to protect.
Lily is a wanted woman. Her talent for tracking Sweet-a rare blood type that’s addictive to vampires-makes her a prime target for enemy capture. Her only hope is the stealthy vampire operative who stole into her bed…then left her in despair. Danger aside-Lily won’t let Alfonso near her heart again-until an irresistible hunger draws them back together…and into an assassin’s snare.
My Romancing Thoughts:
Alfonso Serrano is a wanted man in a world where vampires are torn by two different agendas, Darkbloods, bloodthirsty predators and Guardians, the protectors of humanity. Leaving everything important to him behind, Alfonso has spent his time evading the Darkbloods who seek vengeance for his betrayal. As a Guardian with a special gift, Lily DeGraff is an asset to her team and a valuable asset for the Darkbloods as well. When Lily becomes just as wanted as Alfonso by the Darkbloods, he has no choice but to go after the woman he loves and sacrificed long ago. Their reunion will ignite long lost passions that will once again be threatened by the enemy.
I initially thought I’d be lost while reading the second book in a series but Embraced by Blood gives you enough back story and details to jump right into the story without feeling overwhelmed. This book has a solid story line with amazing characters and non-stop action. If you’ve ever read my reviews you know I adore an Alpha hero and this book gives you that and more. Alfonso is ever the Alpha and Lily is an Alpha heroine in her own right…it’s great to have two equally strong characters with some of the best sexual tension I’ve read come together! The main characters in this paranormal romance already share a history, so all the courting and getting to know one another has already been established, giving you a deeper look into their relationship.
Alfonso is a great tortured hero who is willing to sacrifice his feelings to keep those he loves safe. It’s very easy to connect with his character from the start and want him to ultimately have a happy ending. His loyalty and devotion are the two traits that make his character beautiful, yet haunting. What I admire most about Alfonso is his acknowledgement of his past errors and his ability to grow from them, he is a tortured soul but doesn’t harp on that…he’s determined to fight for what he believes in no matter the cost.
Lily is a fierce heroine who can hold a candle to any of her male Guardian trackers. Her strength and take charge attitude make her the perfect match for Alfonso. She also shows vulnerability when it comes to love and her daughter, which makes her character multi-faceted and realistic. Lily struggles with opening her heart up to Alfonso again, until she’s faced with the possibility of losing him forever and decides to give into the only love she’s ever known. Seeing a strong woman like her finally wear her heart on her sleeve is truly commendable if you ask me. There are scenes between Lily and Alfonso that are heartwarming and then there are scenes that are plain scorching…these two know how to heat things up!
Embraced by Blood is a fast paced paranormal romance combining mystery, suspense and romance in a fresh and creative vampire world. The supporting story lines keep the intrigue on high and the unexpected twists add some drama to the forbidden romance that encompasses this book. Your heart will be on an emotional roller coaster from chapter one and take you on an unbelievable ride you won’t want to end. Laurie London has outdone herself with a new, smart and sexy vampire series. A must read for those who like their vampires dark, sweet and sexy!
My Rating
About the Author:
A graduate of Western Washington University with a BA in Business Administration and a former tester/programmer for a Fortune 500 company, Laurie London writes from her home near Seattle where she lives with her husband and two children.
She is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Greater Seattle Area RWA, RWAOnline, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, FF&P (RWA chapter devoted to all things paranormal), and two book clubs.
When not writing, she can be found running, reading, or riding and showing her horse. Someday she hopes to qualify for the Quarter Horse World Show – that is, if her horse doesn’t get hurt again.
For more information on Laurie, visit her here:
What’s up for grabs?
One lucky winner will win a signed copy of Embraced by Blood, a set of Sweetblood trading cards and a beautiful themed book thong which was donated by the wonderful Mandy @ Stupid Shiny Designs on Etsy.
Courtesy of:
Giveaway Guidelines:
Must be 18 years or older to enter.
Giveaway ends July 24, 2011, 11:59pm, EST.
Open to US ONLY.
Must be 18 years or older to enter.
Giveaway ends July 24, 2011, 11:59pm, EST.
Open to US ONLY.
I would love to read this book. Thank you for the review and giveaway opportunity.
This book looks intriguing!!! Luv vamps!!! Thanks for this awesome giveaway!!! Luvin’ the swag too!!! 😀
I soooo want this book!
Wow…terrific giveaway! Embraced by Blood has the makings of a super hot summer read. 🙂
Great post and giveaway – hope you are having a great summer