This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Published by Imajinn Books
Released on September 30, 2020
Pages: 307
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight
Vampires, as imagined by D.B. Reynolds, are real and humans are now aware of them. In her world building, vampire lords are few and far between as only special vampires can win and hold the title. Xavier is the vampire lord of Spain and is under siege by an old enemy-one that uses magic against him. The delight for me is when his human commander’s daughter comes home after a decade to help in the fight. There’s a huge history to discover between the two and a romance to watch happen.
Review
Xavier has made his village a fortress for his fellow vampires and the human’s that work and live there. It’s a gated community with castle type stone work surrounding it. They have lived there peacefully for a very long time. But now while the vampires sleep during the day, the human guards have been in gunfights that come out of nowhere. When his commander must go away for medical care, Layla comes back to help out her family’s home and village. She excelled while in the military and is now captain of her own for hire group of fighters. It’s only right that she would go back home to help. But home is also the place where Xavier turned her down when she was just nineteen. She hasn’t been back since. Of course, sparks are going to fly when these two come together again.
Layla is probably one of Reynold’s strongest heroines yet-the strongest being Cyn from the Raphael books. Layla is highly trained and skilled as a warrior and is just what is needed by Xavier now. He has been waiting for her to come home for a long time as he knows she belongs to him. They’ve got to learn to trust each other, especially Layla as she was just so hurt when she left. Xavier isn’t above keeping secrets and does so to his detriment. Thankfully, Layla is around to pick up the pieces. The mystery of the why behind the attacks, as well as the who is the main action over and above the romance at first. As the story progresses so does the romance-but it does take awhile.
I always go into these books knowing I am going to be reading a book that puts me on the edge of my seat, filled with romance, deaths, injuries and general mayhem. By adding in magic this time, Reynolds has changed it up and added additional suspense and a new sort of villain to the story. There’s always interesting back stories to be told as well-usually historical in nature about the vampire. We also get the backstory of Layla and Xavier and that was pretty interesting too.
Although dark at times, this book(and series) is an exciting story and romance. These vampires are strong(mostly)yet very loving when they find their mate. Layla was more than up for the task of becoming a vampire lord’s mate. I always enjoy these books and I recommend it and the series to adult paranormal romance readers. Adult due to the hot sexy times involved. And of course the violence. FYI-Although the books loosely go in order, it’s not absolutely necessary to read them in order.
About the Book
XAVIER BY D.B. REYNOLDS
Barcelona—exquisite architecture, masterful artists, and just down the coast, an ancient fortress where an old and powerful vampire lives…and rules all of Spain.
Tall, dark, and deadly, vampire Xavier Prospero Flores waded through blood to destroy his enemies and reach the pinnacle of vampire society–Vampire Lord. He has only one regret in his long life, and that’s the day he rejected the advances of Layla Casales. She’d been too innocent, too naïve, and far too young. But she’d also been his.
Layla Casales was only nineteen when she left Spain, brokenhearted and humiliated by Xavier’s rejection. But now, ten years later, the ties of family are pulling her back, not only to Spain, but to Xavier’s fortress. Her father, the vampire lord’s military commander, is critically ill. Layla has spent years fighting on battlefields around the world, so when her father asks her to come home, she can’t say no.
Though Xavier’s rule began on the ashes of his enemies, it’s not vampires trying to kill him now–it’s humans. He needs to eliminate his enemy before more of his people die. Layla arrives just in time to help, but while she came for her father, the minute she and Xavier see each other, desire burns as hotly as if they’d never been apart. Xavier isn’t going to let her go this time. But before they can rediscover the love they walked away from, they must first keep each other alive.
Preview
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I didn’t like this one near as much as you did. I just couldn’t get past my dislike for Xavier.
I didn’t mind him, but I can see how he might not be for everyone.
Number 14…. I do love these type of stories. I like the suspense angle.
You might try book one and see what you think. Raphael. I was hooked immediately and have been reading them on and off ever since.
I’ve heard of this author but not this series. I’m glad you liked it.
Thanks! I don’t think I’ve not liked anything I’ve read by her.
You have really been loving this series. I keep meaning to start it. I love the action and romance together that you describe, Lorna.
Yes, these are definitely not heartwarming books! They have serious conflicts, but they also have great romances and lots of steam. Lots of suspense too.
Mmm. I am intrigued…but I’m not feeling his the look on his face. LOL
Yes, I know what you mean. I had my own picture of him in my head. I’m really surprised you haven’t tried this series before since we read a lot of the same books. If you do, I’d start at the beginning with Raphael. So good.