Death's Sweet Embrace (Dark Brethren #2)

Jan 23, 2011 Scooper Speaks rated it 4 of 5 stars

The first book in the Dark Brethren series was Night’s Cold Kiss. It followed a Venator (vampire slayer) named Antoinette Petrescu on her journey to find a serial killer who was a vampire. Her journey ended in a life altering manner at the end of the first book. Antoinette makes an appearance in Death’s Sweet Embrace, but the story isn’t about her. She has a minor role in the story and I could almost be comfortable with her not even being mentioned.

Book two in the series is Kitt’s story. Kitt is...more The first book in the Dark Brethren series was Night’s Cold Kiss. It followed a Venator (vampire slayer) named Antoinette Petrescu on her journey to find a serial killer who was a vampire. Her journey ended in a life altering manner at the end of the first book. Antoinette makes an appearance in Death’s Sweet Embrace, but the story isn’t about her. She has a minor role in the story and I could almost be comfortable with her not even being mentioned.

Book two in the series is Kitt’s story. Kitt is an Animalian (shifter), widow and mother of two who lives alone. She was kicked out of her pride and her children were taken from her and raised by the very pride which disowned her. During this same time a bounty was placed on her lover Raven because Kitt’s pride believed he had something to do with the death of Kitt’s husband.

Even though I read the first book in the series I felt a little bit unbalanced reading Death’s Sweet Embrace. The story flashed between characters other than the hero and heroine, and I didn’t really get the purpose. The story is a romance involving Kitt and Raven even though the back of the book doesn’t tell you that.

If I were to only consider the who-dun-it aspect of the book I would have to give it high marks. I knew who the killer was, but in a way I was wrong. I didn’t see the ending coming at all.

While I enjoyed the story I became aggravated. I was unable to suspend belief in key parts of the story. The mother in me couldn’t I know people give up their kids every day when they can’t provide for them. I get that Animalians need to be surrounded by their pride. What I have a problem with is knowing the dangerous environment the heroine let her children grown up in. Especially with the knowledge that is disclosed toward the end of the story.

Despite all of my personal issues, the story is well written and contains a great plot. The characters are likeable and there is a happily ever after. I don’t regret reading Death’s Sweet Embrace, and I’m sure that I’ll continue reading the series.
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Feb 20, 2012 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, dropped-series-graveyard

For the second installment, new characters come to the forefront of the story. Antoinette is back as a supporting cast member and Christian makes one cameo. The new heroine is Kitt, a felian (a snow leopard shifter). She is educated, a doctor, and is called in by Oberon's new organization to perform an autopsy. Turns out there is a new paranormal serial killer on the loose and its up to these guys to stop the murderer. And of course, this will require Kitt to get up close and personal with her b...more

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Aug 01, 2011 Kat at Book Thingo added it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, romance-paranormal, australian-authors

Full review at Book Thingo.

I thought I’d like this book much more than I did. Although the first book in the series, Night's Cold Kiss, had its flaws, I generally enjoyed the story and was looking forward to more. This book does have a romance, but it didn’t feel fully fleshed out to me and too many things pulled me out of the story. The love scenes seem out of place, and many scenes don’t transition well. The prose is uninspired and the story lacks layers—frustrating when there’s actually a gr...more

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Feb 19, 2011 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy

Dark & gritty....

This is book two in the Dark Bretheren series following Night's Cold Kiss: A Dark Brethren Novel, I loved the first book & Christian only makes a cameo appearance & Antoinette just plays a supporting role.
In this installment we follow Kit, a widowed shapeshifting 'Animalian', who has been banned from her tribe & children. After taking a job teaching she is pulled into a harrowing investigation by Oberon (were bear), to find the killer who is sadistically killing...more

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Jan 23, 2011 Lady Rogue rated it 3 of 5 stars

Banished from her pride, Kathryn "Kitt" Jordan had been trying to deal with being away from her lover, her children, and her family. She left her previous job, Chief Medical Examiner, to take a teaching job, only to discover her twin daughters were enrolled in her class. But before she got a chance to reunite with them, Oberon pulled her into an investigation. A serial killer had been preying on the campus students and leaving symbols carved into the victims. The symbols implied that an ancient...more Banished from her pride, Kathryn "Kitt" Jordan had been trying to deal with being away from her lover, her children, and her family. She left her previous job, Chief Medical Examiner, to take a teaching job, only to discover her twin daughters were enrolled in her class. But before she got a chance to reunite with them, Oberon pulled her into an investigation. A serial killer had been preying on the campus students and leaving symbols carved into the victims. The symbols implied that an ancient society bent on the annihilation of all para humans was resurfacing. Imagine her surprise when she discovered that Oberon also put her ex-lover Raven on the team. I loved the chemistry between Kitt and Raven. There was defiantly sparks...hard to imagine it possible... between a snow leopard and a wolf, but there you have it. The only problem I had with Kitt , from a mother's perspective, I can't imagine a mother letting anyone take her children away from her, without a good reason, no matter who they were. From what I read, there wasn't a good enough reason. I wish Kitt had more fire and determination....more fight.

That being said, I did like Raven. I wish there had been more story involving him and more interaction between with him and Kitt. I also would have liked more background, because I thought he was avery interesting character. He was good with their daughters, he was great with Kitt, and he actually stood up for what he believed in even with a price on his head. Not to mention, he was a real bad ass...there is this one moment with Leon where he......Pshaw....You didn't think I would give away a "Hell Yeah!" moment...did you?

There were also several characters from the previous book, Night's Cold Kiss, that had a role to play. There was Oberon, the big bear of a man and the leader of the team. Antoinette was also a part of the story, although she was more intricate in the subplots than in the main one. She pretty much was off doing what she loved best- killing dreniacs. Yeah, she was still pretty much gung-ho with her zest for life and battle. Unfortunately, Christian only had time enough to make an appearance to get a little something something from Antoinette then he took off again.

The author did an amazing job with the world building. It felt gritty, dangerous, and very credible. I also liked the direction of the main plot. In truth, I didn't suspect the identity of the killer until it was revealed. I suspected...but, for some reason, I kept dismissing it. That was great writing on the authors part. That being said, what the hell was the point of Ealund? Even at the big reveal, I was still confused. I understood why Gideon had a role and even his reasoning...but Ealund? Also...what was the connection to the Dark Brethren? As for the subplots...I felt they were more filler than anything. In most novels the subplots weave in and out of the main plot. In this book, they felt more like isolated incidents, that gave the story a bit of a jerking and chaotic feel to it.

Overall, it was a good read and had alot of potential. I thought the characters were interesting and original. Although, as I already mentioned, I would have liked to have seen more character background and perhaps more interaction between Kitt and Raven. I appreciated the fact the author thought outside the box when she created her villains. I just wish they had a bit more definition and explanation. I found myself a bit confused in that respect. Other than that...this story was action packed, suspenseful, and thought provoking. I look forward to learning more about the Dark Brethren and getting back together with the characters in the next installment.

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Jan 20, 2011 Kt from A Book Obsession.. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: received-for-review

After losing her brother, Dylan, in the last book, Kitt is just trying to start over. When her ex-lover and their shared twins that she hasn't seen since their birth show up at the academy she is teaching at Kitt nearly loses it. She doesn't even get a chance to breathe before she is thrown into a investigation into a serial killer that is preying on the students of the academy. Things get really messy when the group realizes that the symbols that are carved into the victim's chest point to an e...more After losing her brother, Dylan, in the last book, Kitt is just trying to start over. When her ex-lover and their shared twins that she hasn't seen since their birth show up at the academy she is teaching at Kitt nearly loses it. She doesn't even get a chance to breathe before she is thrown into a investigation into a serial killer that is preying on the students of the academy. Things get really messy when the group realizes that the symbols that are carved into the victim's chest point to an evil ancient threat that could mean the death or enslavement of every last parahuman. They must all work together to stop the killer before it's too late because the threat is bigger than any of them could possibly realize.

The main characters from the last book returned for this one. While Christian only shows up for a small cameo appearance, Antoinette and Oberon play an important role. However the focus of this book really is the star crossed lovers, Kitt and Raven. Their history is extremely complex with a ton of baggage. When Kitt gave birth to their twins, she gave them up to protect them and spent the next 20 years trying to get her status in the pride reinstated. Raven disappeared at the same time, only to reappear when the pride found the girls. Their attraction to one another is so strong that neither can really resist even though being together is a recipe for disaster.

I loved Raven's character. When things went bad and their twins were hidden from Kitt's pride, he abandoned his pack and traveled with the girls to stay with them and help raise them. After they were found almost 20 years later, he came back with them at a great risk to himself despite the bounty on his head. He is highly trained and is definitely someone you would want to have in your corner. He also didn't seem to lose any of love for Kitt despite all that time apart. My feelings about Kitt's character are a little more murky. There isn't really a definable reason, but I just couldn't seem to feel a real connection to her. Perhaps it is because she chose to abandon her daughters to be raised by someone else rather then standing up and fighting to keep them. She just didn't seem to have much of a backbone and I prefer my heroines to be strong.

I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first one. While the first one served as a good introduction into the world and characters, this one really cemented my connection to the characters. I really liked how all of the characters were important to the story and not just the two lovers. The "big bad" threat is just starting to reveal itself and I think the group in in store for a world of danger. In the next book I'm hoping Oberon will be the focus, as the grumpy old bear could use a little love in his life. All in all it was a good read with some really interesting characters and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment. (less)

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Dec 29, 2010 Karissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Dark Brethern series by O'Hara. I got an advanced reading copy of this book through NetGalley. I thought the first book of this series was entertaining and was eager to see how this book advanced the storyline. This book was also entertaining; I thought it was pretty good, if a bit run-of-the-mill for vampire paranormal romance.

Where the first book in the series centers around Antoinette, this book centers around the story of Kitt. Kitt is a were-snowleopard who is...more This is the second book in the Dark Brethern series by O'Hara. I got an advanced reading copy of this book through NetGalley. I thought the first book of this series was entertaining and was eager to see how this book advanced the storyline. This book was also entertaining; I thought it was pretty good, if a bit run-of-the-mill for vampire paranormal romance.

Where the first book in the series centers around Antoinette, this book centers around the story of Kitt. Kitt is a were-snowleopard who is a doctor. She is starting work at the University where Antoinette, Oberon, and others work. Kitt's first day on the job is a tough one. She is called in to consult on a body of a were that is found, attacked by a crazy vampire, and finds out that her sexy ex-boyfriend (and the father of her twin-daughters), Raven, is seeking sanction at the University. The story goes back and forth between Antoinette and Kitt, but focuses on Kitt.

I have to be honest and say that I didn't like Kitt as a character quite as much as Antoinette; Kitt is more about healing and less about kicking butt. That's not to say there isn't a lot of action in this book, there is. In fact this book is much like the first in terms of the amount of violence and gore that are included; O'Hara doesn't shy away from giving all the gory details. There are a few steamy sex scenes in this book, they were very similar in tone to the first book if a bit more tender at points.

As a couple I thought Kitt and Raven had way better chemistry going on than Antoinette and Christian in the first book. Both Kitt and Raven are much more likable, have a good basis for their relationship, and actually seem to love each other. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Kitt and Raven's twin daughters Cal and Seph, these two added humor to the story and were very intriguing...hopefully future stories focus on them.

This story focuses more on the were-societies than the vampires. Not too much creative here, the were-societies are male-centric and much like other wereanimals you have read about in other stories. O'Hara also expands on the storyline from the first book, there are more paranormal murders happening and in this book the Dark Brethern are finally talked about in more detail.

The story ties up nicely and builds on the idea of the Dark Brethern becoming more of a problem. The story was easy to read and moved at a good clip.

My main problem with this series so far is that I am having trouble connecting with the characters. I think maybe it is leaning too much towards romance for me; all the males are of the Alpha sort and much of the storyline focuses on the main two characters trying to make a relationship work against all odds. There is a little bit of humor throughout but at times the story takes itself a bit too seriously.

Overall a good read, entertaining, and the plot moves at a good clip. Fans of paranormal romance that features vampires with some good action scenes sprinkled throughout should enjoy this. I personally won't keep reading this series. There are just too many other really awesome and creative urban fantasy books out there to pick from. I am kind of burned out on these vamp/werewolf stories. I also have some trouble connecting with these characters, there is a bit too much romance for me, and the story and world is just too predictable. Maybe as O'Hara starts expanding the Dark Brethern portion of the storyline things will get more interesting. I would recommend Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter, Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin, Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep, or Dorina Basarab series by Karen Chance; all of these are great urban fantasies featuring kick-butt females in creative worlds and have just a touch of romance to them.(less)

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Oct 23, 2010 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

This review is based on the advanced reader's copy I got through NetGalley. Based on the ARC, I'm not sure quite what to think of this one. It had its fun moments and its slow moments and its really over the top moments (which some will find entertaining and some will find irritating). So, I guess uneven would be a good description.

The romantic focus is on Kathryn "Kitt" Jordan, a were-lion, and her former lover, Raven, a wolf-shifter accused of killing Kitt's late husband. Kitt knows that Raven...more

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Apr 21, 2011 WildAboutBones rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the second in Tracey's debut series and it is even better than the first book. While it is not necessary to read the first book in the series, several of the characters from the first one feature main parts or are talked about in this second book which sets up the plot for the series. While the publisher categorizes this as Urban Fantasy, it is really more Paranormal Romance and shouldn't be missed by fans of either category. Tracey's characters come alive for the reader in this series a...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Jessica (Taking It One Book at a Time) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Going into the second book in the, Dark Brethren series, without reading the first, I found the story easy to follow. The author does a great job with providing enough back story and information without boring you, or getting lost it what they're trying to tell you. Kitt to me is an amazing leading character. I like the fact that she's strong, but vulnerable at the same time. She doesn't have super bad ass fighting skills, but her shifting ability allows her to defend herself when needed or hold...more

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Nov 05, 2010 Wenj rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:

Death’s Sweet Embrace, book 2 in the Dark Brethren series, is an action packed thrill ride filled with non-stop action, mystery and a touch of romance. Truly a unique view in the paranormal genre that shouldn't be missed.

The characters of this novel and relationships between them is masterfully written with the main cast of characters being highly developed and likable. Unlike a lot of novels where the protaganist is shown to be the lone skilled fighter, t...more

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Jan 27, 2011 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Death’s Sweet Embrace is the second novel in Tracey O’Hara’s DARK BRETHREN series and the follow-up to 2009’s Night’s Cold Kiss. Here, O’Hara focuses more on the shapeshifters of her world than on the vampires, and introduces readers to the Dark Brethren themselves, a creepy faux-angelic race that once enslaved all parahumans and wants to regain its supremacy.

The central plot deals with a serial killer who preys on shapeshifters and whose grisly crimes may be connected to the Dark Brethren. Kitt...more Death’s Sweet Embrace is the second novel in Tracey O’Hara’s DARK BRETHREN series and the follow-up to 2009’s Night’s Cold Kiss. Here, O’Hara focuses more on the shapeshifters of her world than on the vampires, and introduces readers to the Dark Brethren themselves, a creepy faux-angelic race that once enslaved all parahumans and wants to regain its supremacy.

The central plot deals with a serial killer who preys on shapeshifters and whose grisly crimes may be connected to the Dark Brethren. Kitt Jordan, a werecat doctor who had a small role in Night’s Cold Kiss, becomes involved with the hunt for the killer while trying to wrestle with romantic and family issues. Years ago, she had a relationship with a wolf shifter, Raven Matokwe, and had twin daughters. Pride politics broke them apart, but now she is thrown back into close proximity to her ex-lover and her now-grown daughters and has to decide how to mend the relationships.

Kitt and Raven and the girls are good people, and I was rooting for them to work out all their issues and become a true family. The murder mystery keeps the pages turning, too, as does the constant threat of trouble from Kitt’s family.

But while Death’s Sweet Embrace held my attention, it has issues as well. Part of the problem is characterization. Kitt is upstaged by almost everyone else in the book. There’s just some intangible spark missing from her character, though I did like that she gets several opportunities to use her medical skills. Meanwhile, I don’t feel like I have a good grip on Raven. About all I know is that he loves Kitt and the twins and gets angry when they’re threatened. Oh, and that he considers himself “damaged” due to his stint in an order of assassins. Yet neither he nor Kitt seem bothered by the thought of the twins joining that same organization… Then there’s Antoinette Petrescu, the heroine of the previous book, who does get to do plenty of awesome buttkicking — in a Necrodreniac-hunting plotline that never really connects with the shapeshifter-murders thread.

The story is told from a variety of points-of-view. I like the idea of a big team of good guys working together, but the downside of the shifting perspectives is that it feels like Kitt and Raven have been crowded out of their own book. The scenes from the villain’s point-of-view work well, however. They establish a creepy mood and give clues without revealing the whole picture.

The book also has some “Wait, why did they…” moments, plus a bad case of Burly Detective Syndrome (there’s a lot of “the ursian male did this, the Aeternus female did that”) and some sloppy proofreading.

Overall, Death’s Sweet Embrace is an OK urban fantasy to pass the time with, featuring plenty of action and sex. It has several nagging flaws, though, and doesn’t really stand out in the crowd.(less)

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Aug 01, 2012 Leslie rated it 2 of 5 stars

2.5/5

I was a little disappointed in this book to be honest. Since this was a series I was expecting the same characters to be the focus in this book. I was looking forward to another book about Antoinette and Christian, but instead got a new story told by a few different characters—Antoinette was in the book mind you but more in a supporting role.

The story mainly focus on Kitt, (who is a great character just unexpected) a snow leopard who has been banished from her pack and had her kids taken aw...more

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Apr 12, 2011 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book! The development is soo much better than the first book. Love Antoinette in this book (even though it’s mainly about Kitt and Raven)! This is the Antoinette I wanted for the first book. This book is pretty action packed, yet still have plenty of romance. The book starts out kind of slow, but the pace picks up pretty quickly. This story mainly follows Kitt and her relationship with Raven. Kitt, in my opinion, is selfish and spoil. Because some of the history doesn't tie up, we don't kn...more

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Mar 18, 2011 CoffeeTimeRomance andMore rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Death’s Sweet Embrace has many different facets within its pages. The horrendous and villainous act the killer subjects his victims to is just one of the many scenes within the novel. You have so many different characters, all with their own story to tell and all just as important as the other ones that are in this book. Ms. O’Hara shows us a very dark side of fantasy that includes the cliques, prejudices, and caste systems within the paranormal world. This is an interesting read that leaves you...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Rie Conley rated it 4 of 5 stars

As opposed to the first in the series this one had my attention from the first page. How could it not with an evil spirit commanding a guy to rip out a boy’s beating heart while the boy was still conscious? Seriously good hook.

The character development in this book also surpassed the first. Kitt is an extraordinary character who gave up everything in order to protect her twin daughters. The team seems to be a tight family, which adds a human element missing from the first.

The characters really s...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Susi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, 2011-01, urban-fantasy, paranormals, romance

The first thing I have to admit is that I was really disappointed to realize this book wasn't about Antoinette and Christian again. I loved these two and at the end of Night's Cold Kiss I was sure their story would develop more in the next book. The end left my HEA loving heart yearning for more and I always assured myself: you will get your fix in book two. So you can see when I realized I wouldn't get this, Death's Sweet Embrace and I had a rocky start.

This story is all about Kitt, the snow le...more The first thing I have to admit is that I was really disappointed to realize this book wasn't about Antoinette and Christian again. I loved these two and at the end of Night's Cold Kiss I was sure their story would develop more in the next book. The end left my HEA loving heart yearning for more and I always assured myself: you will get your fix in book two. So you can see when I realized I wouldn't get this, Death's Sweet Embrace and I had a rocky start.

This story is all about Kitt, the snow leopard shifter we already met in book one. She still suffers from the aftershocks of her brother's death but there are some important things in her life that need her immediate attention right now. She accepts a position for teaching at the NYAPS (the parahuman university) and she has to face her past there. She meets her daughters- twin she had to give away after birth and as you can imagine this situation troubles her not only with anticipation. To make the whole situation even more complex she also discovers that her first big love and father to the girls, Raven, is currently at NYAPS too- so she finds herself in an emotional roller-coaster ride from the start.

I was never sure what I really should think of Kitt. I started out really liking her but when story progressed I couldn't really follow her reasoning- her past lays very much in shadow through the whole book and with this missing intel it was hard to understand or like why she did this and that. All her struggles against Raven didn't sit well with me. For me he was the epitome of purrfect. He is one of those dark and brooding bad good guys- my kryptonite. He seems to be strong and cold on the outside but every time he's with Kitt all his thought and actions are centered around her. He adores her with every part of his being- she is his everything and he is highly protective of her and the girls- exactly how it should be. That's part of the reason why I didn't understand her rejection of him- she was stubbornly set on this. Kitt is a huge contrast to Antoinette from book one- she's more shy, not so direct and more a thinker than a fighter. She's not weak- after all she is a snow-leopard shifter and has the claws to defend herself but she keeps her strength to herself and this infuriated me at some points.

I loved that Oberon got so much more screen-time in this novel. We finally learn some more about him and he seemed to be a different person with Kitt. I loved to see his more gentle side and I really hope he'll get his own HEA at some point. Sadly we didn't see much of Christian but Antoinette still plays a big role so that made a bit up for it. And we finally learn something about the Dark Brethren so my curiosity got sated a bit.

We learn so much more about the Animalians- how their society is build, prejudices they let fester in the middle of their community and how old fashioned their views of the female role are. I would have loved to smack most of them real hard for most of the time.
The plot in Death's Sweet Embrace was complex and perfectly constructed- mysterious murders and even though some chapters are out of the bad guy's POV I was never able to guess who it was.The story ARC of this series got more depth and an added layer here and there and I'm highly curious about how this will all work out in the end.

Death's Sweet Embrace was not what I expected- it was different from the first novel in this series but I still enjoyed reading it. I didn't like Kitt as much as I hoped but Raven made up for this. Entertaining read with a fascinating urban fantasy setting that will make you yearn for more. Recommended to all urban fantasy readers out there.

I give Death's Sweet Embrace 3,5 out of 5 bookies. (less)

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Jan 17, 2011 Stacy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blo...

Book two in the Dark Brethren series has some of the characters as book one NIGHTS COLD KISS but mainly follows Kitt Jordan an Animalian (shifter). We are taken on a action packed ride trying to solve a string of killings. Kitt is brought into the fold and has to re-visit her past to move on to her future. The story complements book one and continues and builds stronger onto the problem of the Dark Brethren. The plot is entertaining full of twi...more

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Jun 19, 2011 Shell rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, urban-fantasy, series

I originally started this book, and then had to set it aside 50 pages into it because it was too overwhelming and I got confuzzled. Once I picked it back up and started over, I found myself falling back in love with the world Ms. O'Hara created. I enjoyed the different cultures and backstory of the Beastiabo (sp?). The lore is what really kept me turning page after page, as I could not make myself more than just passingly interested in the main characters of Kit and Raven. I found myself questio...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Heather ~ Marceline rated it 4 of 5 stars

IMO this book moved a little slower than the first book, but was still really good. I really enjoy the fast pace and the action that has been included in both books. I liked that even though this books from Kitt's view, there was still plenty of scenes from the POV of the characters we came to enjoy in the first book. As I said before, this series reminds me some of the Chicagoland Vampires, but with a few more love scenes than take place in the other series for those of you that prefer more act...more

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Sep 01, 2011 Kaza rated it 4 of 5 stars

I got this book as an ARC for review.

I must admit I was hesitant about this book when I found out that the protagonist had changed to Kitt, a friend of Oberon’s (a secondary character in Night’s Colds Kiss). I tend to treat a spin off book with the same distrust I would give a TV series spin off or a sequel of a classic Disney movie. However, when I read Death’s Sweet Embrace I really enjoyed it. Antionette and Christian were still featured as secondary characters so I could see what they were...more I got this book as an ARC for review.

I must admit I was hesitant about this book when I found out that the protagonist had changed to Kitt, a friend of Oberon’s (a secondary character in Night’s Colds Kiss). I tend to treat a spin off book with the same distrust I would give a TV series spin off or a sequel of a classic Disney movie. However, when I read Death’s Sweet Embrace I really enjoyed it. Antionette and Christian were still featured as secondary characters so I could see what they were doing and experience some more fight scenes featuring Antionette, while I learnt about Kitt and grew to love her as well. In essence, demoting Antionette to a secondary character really worked.

Kitt is a snow leopard shifter with black and white hair which is distinctive to the race. She works as a lecturer of parahuman forensic pathology. Raven is the love interest and he was a werewolf. The crime aspect of the story reminded me of the early work by Laurell K Hamilton’s with Anita Blake. Tracey O’Hara displayed the same attention to detail when examining the body post-mortem.

The story was layered with Raven and Kitt’s history. At the beginning it could be a little confusing where a feeling was created where you knew you were missing something, but this added to the intrigue. Just like the first book in the series, death’s sweet embrace had a fascinating mystery involving a serial killer that kept you wondering.

The book was a little slow at the beginning possibly because of the, at times, frustratingly slow revelations of information concerning Kitt and Raven’s past. In addition, the romance wasn’t filled with as much chemistry as I would have expected with their history. In this way it felt more like a dark urban fantasy than a paranormal romance, more focused on the world and the storyline than the romance.

However, I still enjoyed the romance between Kitt and Raven. I loved the idea of these two characters being apart for twenty years but still loving each other, as well as the progressively revealed story about why they separated and the sacrifices they made in their lives. I also really felt for Kitt and while reading I was continually hoping she would get treated with more fairness, be given access to her children and be accepted back into her pack. I was completely surprised when I found out why she was exiled by her father.

On a side note, I was very curious as to how old Kitt was when I read that the shape shifters (Animalian) could live for several hundred years. This wasn’t answered in the book. Raven had to be at least 80 but there was no mention of Kitt’s age that I noticed except a few things mentioned that leads you to conclude that she has to be at least 40 or older. I also had some standout favourite scenes that I absolutely loved. First I loved how Antionette helped Kitt get rid of some unwanted suitors, including the fight afterwards; it was so funny (If you have read the book you’ll know what I mean). Second, the idea for the shadow combat game was great. A unique twist on the idea of using magic and paranormal abilities to compete i.e. baseball with vampire players in the Twilight series and Quidditch in Harry Potter. Finally, one of my favourite parts was when Christian jumps out and surprises Antionette and Kitt.

In summary, I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I’m especially looking forward to learning more about the Dark Brethren.

My rating out of 5:

4/5 (less)

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Jan 12, 2011 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-releases, fantasy, paranormal-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Synopsis: Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness, including the newly vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu (from Night's Cold Kiss), as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes and forbidden lovers who had two daughters together.

Review as offered with minor spoilers: This is definitely a Paranormal Romance novel with a definite...more

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Jan 11, 2011 Cyna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Maybe it's the change of venue and focus that makes the world more bearable for me. While Night's Cold Kiss followed the sworn-enemies-team-up-and-fall-in-love formula, Death's Sweet Embrace makes the investigation a team effort, and our heroine's primary agenda shifts from falling in love to getting to know the teenage daughters she's never met. And also falling for their father again, but that's less important here.

Our heroine this go 'round is Kitt - short for Kathryn - Jordan (oh, Kitty, how...more

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Jan 01, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Death's Sweet Embrace is the highly anticipated book in Tracey O'Hara's Dark Brethern series. I was excited to read this book early through NetGalley and it did not disappoint!

As you can tell from the BOC, this is a slightly different novel, Antoinette is not the main character while she is there throughout the novel. The point of view is multiple third person, so it's hard to say who the main character really is, I would say it's Kitt, the female Animalian from the Animalian couple described in...more Death's Sweet Embrace is the highly anticipated book in Tracey O'Hara's Dark Brethern series. I was excited to read this book early through NetGalley and it did not disappoint!

As you can tell from the BOC, this is a slightly different novel, Antoinette is not the main character while she is there throughout the novel. The point of view is multiple third person, so it's hard to say who the main character really is, I would say it's Kitt, the female Animalian from the Animalian couple described in the BOC. Raven is the other and her lover.

Some things that were a little complicated was the history about the Animalians. There were some past events that get explained along the way, yet at times I kept feeling like I was missing something, like the info was supposed to be already know, and yet I didn't know it. This didn't take away from the story though as there was a connection between Antoinette and another mentioned character who might have been in Night's Cold Kiss, yet I can't recall since it's been a few months since I last read it.

Overall Death's Sweet Embrace was a very exciting read! Kitt is drawn into a murder investigation a little unwilling, but complies and soon discovers that her lover, Raven is helping out as well when he should be in hiding since her father has put on bounty on his head for a past murder, one that he may or may not have committed. Kitt is also in exile from her pack for the decisions she has made and she longs to return to her Pride and her daughters. A small reprieve she has is that her daughters attend the school where she is teaching.

While trying to work the case with Oberon, Antoinette and the others, Kitt has to fight her attraction to Raven for getting back together would be too dangerous especially when her father's people start watching her.

Filled with action, suspense, intrigue, and a bit of romance, Death's Sweet Embrace is an incredibly GREAT read that I highly recommend. Vampires are seen a little differently here, much like they were in the first book, and there are other supernatural creatures involved so it makes for a fun flavorful read. I am really looking forward to the next book, as now knowing that there was a narrator shift, I am wondering who we will see next and what other connections will be made.

Overall I give the book 4.5/5 stars!

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Apr 03, 2011 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-reviews

I'm supporting Aussie Author Month during April and so I am pleased to host Tracey O'Hara on her blog tour for the Australian release of Death's Sweet Embrace.
Death's Sweet Embrace is the second installment in O'Hara's Dark Brethren series, Night's Cold Kiss introduced the series that walks a line between dark urban fantasy and paranormal romance. merging humanity with vampires and shifters. The first book introduces Antoinette and Christian whose relationship develops as they hunt a psychotic s...more I'm supporting Aussie Author Month during April and so I am pleased to host Tracey O'Hara on her blog tour for the Australian release of Death's Sweet Embrace.
Death's Sweet Embrace is the second installment in O'Hara's Dark Brethren series, Night's Cold Kiss introduced the series that walks a line between dark urban fantasy and paranormal romance. merging humanity with vampires and shifters. The first book introduces Antoinette and Christian whose relationship develops as they hunt a psychotic serial killer and a corrupt politician.
A Death's Sweet Embrace introduces Kit, a Snow Leopard shifter who has joined the Academy as an instructor on parahuman forensic pathology. Her motivation is the enrollment of her twin daughters whom from she has been estranged since their birth after being banished by her Pride. For Kit, things are further complicated by the return of Raven - a wolf shifter, and the father of her twins, and her families antagonism. In addition, Oberon, the head of security and Kit's late brother's partner, hopes to recruit Kit into his elite team of investigators to deal with a ritualistic serial killer on campus and an escalating threat from a society once thought mythical.
A Death's Sweet Embrace maintains story threads that are complex, yet not complicated. O'Hara is still developing story precedents and introducing characters to establish the series in this second book. The foreshadowing, along with the story arcs, compete with both the main and minor plots so it can seem crowded. There are one or two aspects of the plot that don't quite coalesce and I feel that the editing process may have been a little brutal in places resulting in details being left out that can be disconcerting but ultimately has little impact on the main plot resolution. There is plenty of action and violence, the details of the murders can be graphic but it supports the gritty tone of the series. Kit allows O'Hara to develop the Animalian aspect of her world. The Animalian society conforms to the shifter trope (patriarchal societies that are concerned with territory and property as power), though she has created some interesting mythology and I thought the idea of the suits they wear is clever. I thought O'Hara managed to sustain the suspense well, the identity of the killer is a shocking twist in that it is not as cut and dried as you might guess. The pace is varied but well balanced.
I thought Kit was likeable, she comes off as quite weak both physically and emotionally initially (and I still don't understand the back story that led to her separation from her daughters) but reveals hidden depths as the story progresses. Raven is the expected Alpha, his background is interesting but I would have liked to have seen him as a more active participant in the story. The romance between Kit and Raven is anchored in their past so the development of their relationship is believable. While Kit is the protagonist of Death's Sweet Embrace, there is a large supporting cast and the point of view shifts on occasion to illustrate different perspectives. These are smoothly handled and allow insight into the minor plots. Several of the characters from Night's Cold Kiss reappear, Oberon, Antoinette and Christian briefly to name a few. Most of the newly introduced characters are tied directly to Kit's story though I would expect one or two may appear in future installments. More of the mystery of the Dark Brethren is revealed but they are still quite a nebulous group that doesn't have a particularly solid presence at yet.
Death's Sweet Embrace is a gritty yet entertaining read that offers an uncommon blend of mystery, action, horror and romance. O'Hara's Dark Brethren series is unique in the paranormal/fantasy fiction genre and I will be looking forward to the next installment.
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Feb 07, 2011 Larissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, to-review

Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life

Rating: 4.5 Stars

*Spoiler FREE.

After loving Night's Cold Kiss and the world Tracey has created, I was really looking forward to Death’s Sweet Embrace. I am happy to say that this second installment in Tracey’s Dark Brethren series did NOT disappoint.

This time around we get to focus on two next main characters, Kitt and Raven. They are both Animalians from feuding clans that had a love affair 20 years before. Kitt’s new job teachin...more Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life

Rating: 4.5 Stars

*Spoiler FREE.

After loving Night's Cold Kiss and the world Tracey has created, I was really looking forward to Death’s Sweet Embrace. I am happy to say that this second installment in Tracey’s Dark Brethren series did NOT disappoint.

This time around we get to focus on two next main characters, Kitt and Raven. They are both Animalians from feuding clans that had a love affair 20 years before. Kitt’s new job teaching at the Academy and a series of gruesome, ritualistic murders, bring these two start-crossed lovers back together.

Tracey O’Hara has created a very intricate world in the Dark Brethen series, I love a good world building and she has done it in spades. She also does an incredible job of not boring the readers with explanations. We get to learn about this incredible world piece by piece, without feeling like we are being fed a “history” lesson. It’s subtle and keep things intriguing, all at the same time. This time around we finally start leaning a bit about what/who are the Dark Brethen and I am scared for the characters I have come to feel so close to.

One of my favorite things about this series is the perfect balance between the Romance and the Plot. Death’s Sweet Embrace is full of action and very disturbing mystery, but at the same time there is a love story being told, one very reminiscent of Romeo & Juliet, however with a much happier ending.

I was utterly shocked by the mystery’s conclusion, I did NOT see it coming at all and it has been a while since that happened. I loved being so surprised and am still in awe as to how Tracey has woven such a plot right before my eyes and I never saw it coming.

Now, the romance was just as awesome! Tracey got out a bit of the PNR comfort zone and told the story of a couple that were already together, but because of reasons bigger than they could handle have been apart for 20 years. Not only that, but they even have children together, twin 18-year-old girls, that were just fundamental to the story as anybody else.

I loved Death’s Sweet Embrace and I really enjoyed getting a little bit of Night's Cold Kiss main characters, Antoinette and Christian. I really like the friendship that is being built between Antoinette and Kitt. However I would have rather had less POV moments from Antoinette. I feel that those moments stole a bit from Kitt and Raven’s story. That’s the only reason Death’s Sweet Embrace didn’t get full marks.

All is all, Death’s Sweet Embrace was a brilliant addition to this incredible series that has officially been added to my favorites. If you love all things Paranormal, this is definitely a series you need to check out! I am really looking forward to book 3 later on this year, Can’t wait!(less)

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Dec 25, 2010 Crystal ♥ RBtWBC rated it 4 of 5 stars

About the book in my own words:
Kitt, a animalian snow leopard, and Raven, a animalian wolf, were past lovers whose relationship had to remain secret because of their warring families and the fact that Kitt was married. But after her husband was murdered a price was put on Raven’s head and he had to disappear. He went to Australia with their twin daughters while Kitt and her brother Dylan were kicked out of their pride and found careers and new lives in New York. Eighteen years later, and after D...more About the book in my own words:
Kitt, a animalian snow leopard, and Raven, a animalian wolf, were past lovers whose relationship had to remain secret because of their warring families and the fact that Kitt was married. But after her husband was murdered a price was put on Raven’s head and he had to disappear. He went to Australia with their twin daughters while Kitt and her brother Dylan were kicked out of their pride and found careers and new lives in New York. Eighteen years later, and after Dylan’s murder, Kitt quits her job as M.E. and starts teaching at NYAPS, where her daughter’s are attending. On her first day her long time friend and brother-like Oberon drags her into a murder investigation and a special NYAPS security team that he has put together who’s members include Antoinette and Tones (from Night’s Cold Kiss) and her former lover Raven. Kitt struggles with her feelings for Raven and forming a relationship with her daughters while trying to catch a sadistic killer. The marks left on the victim’s bodies point to a once-thought-mythical group, the Dark Brethren, and if it is them behind this then these killings will only be the beginning for humans and parahumans alike.
While Antoinette, now an Aeternus instead of Venator, investigates the murders with the rest of the team she stumbles upon a group of Dreniacs and their ringleader, a psychotic Aeternus with an 80’s fashion sense. Can this group be connected to the Dark Brethren or is there another faction of evil brewing in the parahuman world?

My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think Tracey O’hara’s second novel in the Dark Brethren series is even better then her debut, Night’s Cold Kiss!

Death’s Sweet Embrace has an interesting plot that unfolds naturally and is packed with action, mystery, suspense, romance and creative twists and turns. There are compelling characters, intriguing side characters and chilling villains with well-developed relationships & motivations between each one. Most of the plot is fast paced but does slow down in some spots for the character’s emotional struggles & growth. The world O’hara has built is very believable and you finally learn what the Dark Brethren is.

Though the book focuses mainly on Kitt, Raven and Antoinette there is a team of characters and it goes back and forth between their POV’s. I found the transitioning between characters smoothly done.
I would of liked to see more of Raven’s past, as he was such an interesting, not to mention sexy, character. And also his & Kitt’s past together. I think he needs his own short story in an anthology!
Antoinette plays a major role but unfortunately Christian only appeared in one scene, though that one scene was vera vera nice. ;)

There are some new terms to learn if you haven’t read the first book but there is a glossary in the back to help you out if you need. Death's Sweet Embrace kept me captivated from start to finish! And I can’t forget, there were a few pretty hot scenes too. ;)
A great read to say the least and I def. recommend!
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Dec 13, 2010 Tez rated it 4 of 5 stars

A serial killer is targeting teenage Bestiabeo, paralysing them from the neck down before ripping out their still-beating hearts - this is the fascinating plot. Meanwhile, there's something going on with an ex-muso Necrodreniac and her groupies, but I don't really understand that. And the car scene with Antoinette and Christian seems unnecessary and thus gratuitous.

Tracey O'Hara's parahuman races, organisations, and back-stories are detailed enough to sound almost scientific - no small feat when...more

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Feb 14, 2011 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, review, read-in-2011

Publisher: Harper Voyage
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: NetGalley

Kitt is back for the second installment for The Dark Brethren series. She is working at the academy as a teacher, finally getting the chance to meet her twin daughters. When the horrific murders start on campus, she gets pulled into the task force to track down the murder.

Kitt is reunited with the father of her children, Raven her one time lover and only love of her life. Although there is a price on Raven’s head, and Kit...more Publisher: Harper Voyage
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: NetGalley

Kitt is back for the second installment for The Dark Brethren series. She is working at the academy as a teacher, finally getting the chance to meet her twin daughters. When the horrific murders start on campus, she gets pulled into the task force to track down the murder.

Kitt is reunited with the father of her children, Raven her one time lover and only love of her life. Although there is a price on Raven’s head, and Kitt has been ostracized from her family, the two will fight for the life and happiness of their daughters, as well as their own freedoms. But when the murder sets his sights on Kitt and and her daughters, will Raven and Kitt be able to save each other?

Death’s Sweet Embrace by Tracey O’Hara is finally out, and was one I was looking forward too. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, and was anxiously awaiting this one. I have to say though, I really wish that I had re-read Night’s Cold Kiss before reading this, because the whole first third of the book or so, I was completely lost.

So, although it took me awhile to get back into the story, once I got back into the flow of the world building, I got sucked completely into the story. It would have been very very helpful had O’Hara done some more world building explanation, even though this is the second book in the series. It’s always nice for a refresher, especially since there can be so much time between two books.

Kitt really captivated me, and the story surrounding her past with her husband, Raven, her children and family was so complicated and intertwined with the suspense of this book. I found myself really being able to relate to her, because Kitt just wanted to make everyone happy. She wanted her daughters, her father, Raven and everyone else in her life to be happy, and was willing to sacrifice so much.

There were times when I wanted to smack Raven, because he was driving me crazy. Although he was more than capable of taking care of himself, the fact that he didn’t seem to care about Kitt concern for his life annoyed me. He wanted her to do everything he said and asked, but at the same time, wasn’t willing to give her the same courtesy.

The suspense plot was very well done, and I was kept guessing until the last minute. And l loved it! It tied into Kitt’s history and present so well, and fit with the overall story so well, it was probably my favorite aspect of this story. The romance between Kitt and Raven was also well done, and although there were times I didn’t think they would make it (or even want to for that matter), they were finally able to find a way to both get past their pigheadedness and agree to make it work.

I’m excited that it seems as if Kitt and Raven’s twins will play a large role in the series as a whole. I am really liking the way that the series seems to be progressing, and look forward to the next, however I might have to do a refresher before.

All in all, I give Death’s Sweet Embrace 3 out of 5 shifting cat and wolf twins. (less)

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Feb 11, 2011 Teresa rated it 5 of 5 stars

So I must say, this book starts out with a bit of a shocker...the brutal murder of a young shapeshifter at a college. The main chacter from the last book, Antoinette, is asked to help find the killer, who turns out to have killed others...and he is not finished. The book does revolve mostly around Kitt, who used to work in the morgue and is just starting her first day at the college. She was kicked out of her pride a long time ago and also had her twin babies taken away from her..she has not see...more

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Death's Sweet Embrace (Dark Brethren #2)

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