Embraced by Blood (Sweetblood, #2) in Vampires, Weres and Fae!

Jun 20, 2011 Lori {Romancing the Dark Side} rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, netgalley-reviews, paranormal-romance, vampires, read-in-2011, blog-tour-review

Romancing the Dark Side Review:

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 Alfons Romancing the Dark Side Review:

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!

{ebook courtesy of NetGalley for review} ...more

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Jun 02, 2011 Cindyg rated it really liked it

I was really looking forward to Alfonso's story and this did not disappoint. Damn I loved this book.
The Alfonso's story moved me, my heart ached for him...so alone and so misunderstood...except for one great woman who loved him and believed in him. And his love for her jumped off the pages. His love, respect and loyality to Lily was off the charts.
Great story line...highly recommend you get this book. I guarantee you'll love it. ...more

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