His Dark Embrace

by Verika Sloane

The origin of what will become the most controversial love in underworld history...

Stunningly close to the zenith of vampire hierarchy, Shain Trevyn can almost taste achieving an alliance that would change his life forever. What he never anticipates is meeting a wolf shifter who will change his world. She’s bold. She’s irresistible. She’s unlike any other. And she’s forbidden. To be with her would mean to risk it all—his status, his wealth, his empire, his life—and only a madman would allow it.

All her life Kimber has felt like an outsider in her own pack. She wants more, she needs more, and while visiting Atlanta with her pack sisters, she’s determined to see what more there is. One fateful night, she encounters her kind’s most despised enemy and finds she craves nothing more than him. He makes her question everything she’s been told about vampires. He makes her question who she is. He makes her question why she’d love a man she’s conditioned to hate.

What is inevitable is damnable, and their rare connection is both. But if they aren’t meant to be together, why can’t they stay apart?

In this complex and secret underworld, there is no darker enmity than the one between vampires and shifters. Two different but powerful societies, killing each other in the name of their differences, each terrified of the others’ power.

His Dark Embrace is volume one of an intense, forbidden attraction between a vampire and a wolf shifter, with secrets, sacrifices, sex…and a love that could destroy their worlds from the inside out.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Spicy, Romance

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Ms. Sloane is the author of hot, paranormal romance for those of us who yearn for the escape to the dark side. She adores a hero with a fierce sense of honor, but who will break all the rules for his woman. Her favorite kind of heroine can do bad all by herself, and will do even more for true love. In addition to writing romance, Verika loves smell of burning leaves, haunted hotels, big lady hats, period piece movies with angst, and martinis that taste like dessert.

Become a Sloane Slayer for new releases, giveaways & freebies: https://www.verikasloane.com/subscribe

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.
So once I got into this I did enjoy it but it did take me a while to actually settle.
The beginning of this i found quite slow and it does take a while to gather momentum, as a result, I wasn’t instantly invested and it took me a fair bit of time with this to get to that point.
Once I pushed through the first quarter of this it did get better for me.

This one is quite a long read and I do think it could have been condensed down slightly with the same story being told but with fewer words.
But as this progressed I was more on board and I did appreciate the forbidden nature of Shain and Kimber’s relationship.
Being natural mortal enemies vampire and shifter added so much tension and uncertainty.
I was literally on edge whenever they were together they were playing with fire and both of there individual people Shain’s coven and Kimber’s pack wouldn’t take their relationship well at all, Exile and even death the expected consequence to there union.

The chemistry between Shain and Kimber for me was slightly off though it was all there but I personally did feel a slight disconnect.
I do think this was maybe more of a me thing than anything else and my slight detachment with the writing style was the deciding factor here.
Saying that this was excellently written that I can’t fault it on and I did like where we left off with this.

This is the first book in a series but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger only at a stage where there is still more yet to come.
Shain and Kimber though still a secret are in a tentative-place, a crossroads where they will decide just what they are willing to risk to finally be together but going forward will still need some resolution for there current situation, It doesn’t leave you hanging so there is some closure despite there’s still being more yet to come.
Overall this was a good experience for me just be aware it does start slow and takes a while to take off.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of His Dark Embrace.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Megan (sporadic hiatus due to law school) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

This was actually very, very good. I really enjoyed reading His Dark Embrace, from how the characters were consistent and written well to how the plot and the romance developed.

I think it was a little long, I thought the MCs would get together and they didn't and I was 40% of the way through. At the same time, the length and the romance seemed to work well, as there were a lot of things to work through, and if they were intimate too early, it would make the rest of the story too repetitive. Instead, it made the readers anticipate when the scene we had been waiting for would finally arrive.

It was clear Kimber and Shain were the main characters because everybody else lacked depth to their characters - Kimber's friend who helps her meet Shain a few times virtually disappears the more she meets Shain. The other characters felt a little cliche and predictable, and outside of the Kimber/Shain plot, there wasn't much.

[ZARIA (Sheldon Cooper lover)]

dnf

I did not find the hero attractive or interesting at all. The chemistry between those two, big fat 0!

[Cherise Traum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verika Sloane has captured the true experience of forbidden love and what two souls must endure if they choose that love. We meet Kimber who is a strong willed woman and who also happens to be a shifter; she possesses a desire for more out of life than the one she was born into. Since she is always seeking adventure, she was out one night and found a property with a beautiful pond. It was too much for her to pass up a swim in the pond. While she is swimming naked in the pond she meets Shain who just happens to be a vampire. It maybe was fate that drew Shain to be out there that night or just the luck of life. You see, Shain is in a life slump. While he is at his peak, about to have all the greatest honors a vampire could have, he is not content with the life laid out before him. So on the same night Kimber is swimming in the pond, he is walking and he hears her singing, she sounds so happy and that is what makes him stop and watch. While at first he doesn’t realize what she is, she also finds herself unafraid of him knowing exactly what he is. She sees something in him that draws her to him. From this moment you can feel the connection between these two. The dynamic is riveting. As their story continues to play out you are able to see incredible passion, suspense, and the ultimate challenge of overcoming adversity. This is a fantastic page turner, that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. You will not want to put it down until you have read it to the end. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shain is a vamp who is on the prowl to an alliance with the oldest vamp alive and he will do anything to secure the alliance. One night at a party, he sees the most beautiful woman all alone swimming nude. He approaches her and discovers she is a shifter and she discovers what he is as well. The two just cannot stay away from one another. If they come together, they will both be killed; it is forbidden~ She is in Atlanta to find more females for her pack…but what she will find instead will forever alter her. Shain and she are obsessed…but could it be something more? They will have to play an act out for their pack and coven but will have to let one another go…can they? Especially, after what Kimber does? They will have enemies out to expose their secret…they will need to be prepared for anything…what will they do? Will they come together and leave everyone behind?

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This forbidden romance was a enjoyable read. This is not a quick read that I encounter a lot in this genre but a very well written story about Shain Trevyn, vampire, whose been climbing up in the vampire anarchy who meets Kimber, werewolf. Down in New Orleans Shain is at a party at Avery Massey' s home being reminded that something is missing in his life he so he decides to wander the grounds when he encounters a women skinny dipping in a pond in the night. Entranced he makes a sound which alerts Kimber and they talk and Shain discovers Kimber is a shifter but his desire for her overcomes everything. This night defines through out this story which was a romantic read full of angst and drama was a engaging story I volunteer to read and review. ARC

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a forbidden love between Shain, who is a vampire, and Kimber, who is a werewolf. He's at a party and decides to explore the grounds to reflect on what is lacking in his life. He runs across Kimber who is skinny-dipping in a pond. They talk and he discovers she's a shifter. He is totally infatuated with her and even though they are sworn enemies, the attraction between them is overwhelming and could mean death to both of them. This is a great read that grabs you the very beginning and doesn't let go. I hated to put it down when life called. It has a very enjoyable story line, and I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Book Funnel. Patsy Sacco

[BookReadingJenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Dark Embrace is beautifully written. The characters have depth and the storyline is original, unique. The variety of underworld creatures is intriguing and captivating. The relationship between Shain and Kimber draws you in from the moment they meet, ensnaring you in its grasp long after the last moment of the story. The descriptions of their love are exquisite, decadent, forbidden.

“‘You have nothing to fear.’ ‘Yes, I do,’ she said softly. ‘I have everything to fear when I’m with you.’”

I’m thrilled to see there will be another story to follow this one in this world. I highly recommend this read.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimber is an unmated wolf shifter. The only one in the pack. There is no one who is her fated mate or even who she might be interested in. A group of the women from the pack go and try and recruit new women for their pack. While she was skipping out from the women one night, she met an absolutely gorgeous man. The only problem? He was their sworn enemy — a vampire. But the attraction between them was overwhelming, but for them to join could mean death to them both. Fabulous read and the first one I have read by this author. Sure won't be my last.

[Dorothy Y Nunamacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I feel in love with Shain and Kimber. The author draws you in slowly with different possibilities to keep you wanting more. From the moment Shain and Kimber meet I had a feeling that they were Fated Mates. The chemistry and attraction between them was to great for them to ignore. I love how they tried to fight it all the way, but nothing can stop the mate pull. If you love an Alpha Vampire and a female Wolf shifter forbidden romance then this book is for you. You also might find a new author to read just like I did.❤️

[Heidi Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough! I was so engulfed in this story, I found myself thinking about it while I was working. It has been a long while since I have found an author who can keep me so engaged. And I am delighted to find this isn’t the only book from her. I look forward to delving into the rest of the series. I highly recommend this book as a great launching pad into this Author’s works.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the theme of the storyline which is well written and kept me entertained throughout the pages. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout.


I received a copy and am leaving my voluntary and honest review.

[Chrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about fate-crossed lovers who's families hate each other. As they try and end their affair, afraid of being killed or exiled if caught, their world move on without them. Very emotional book that reminds readers of what true love may mean. I can't wait for the next book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review For honest review. This story is of two characters shain tervyn a vampire and kimber a shifter who are forbidden to be together but are drawn together . Awesome story

[Barbijean777 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This book is exceptionally wonderful! O how it was written! The characters are marvelous! Never have liked a shifter vampire romance untill now!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Dark Embrace is an amazing story. The characters have depth to them, and there are multiple viewpoints. I love how easily it is to follow along the story line.

[Mary G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging heroine and believable hero. Interesting take on the werewolf culture without too much explanation to get in the way of the story. Can't wait to read the next installment.

[Beenee Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly a DNF.
Too much telling and not enough showing. I couldn’t get passed it after the first several chapters and have too many books to read to force myself on something I’m not enjoying.