Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt of Broken Dawn by Dianne Duvall

Book #10 Immortal Guardians

By Dianne Duvall

June 16, 2020

GOODREADS

Nick Belanger can't stop thinking about the single mother who lives next door. She's smart. She's funny. She's so beautiful he can't stare at her too long for fear his eyes will start to glow. But Kayla thinks he's just an ordinary guy who works in security. Finding out he instead is a powerful immortal warrior who hunts and slays psychotic vampires for a living may not go over well, particularly since she has a daughter she doesn't want to endanger.

Kayla Dorman can keep neither her gaze nor her thoughts from straying to the man next door. Who can blame her really? He is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome with smart, charming, and honorable thrown in. He's also a few years younger than her and surely would not be interested in a single mom who hasn't dated since her divorce. At least that's what she thinks until an accident nearly takes her life and Nick risks all to save her.

The dynamics of their relationship swiftly change. The friendship they've developed over the years deepens into love as the two spend every minute they can together, laughing and teasing, never suspecting a threat may lurk in the shadows. But that threat soon strikes, making it clear that Nick is the target and his enemy doesn't care if Kayla gets caught in the cross fire. Though Kayla bravely rises to the occasion and is determined to do whatever it takes to help Nick defeat his enemy, Nick is terrified of losing her. Can he identify and eliminate his new nemesis before the man takes everything from him?

My thoughts:

Broken Dawn is the 10th book in the Immortal Guardians series. This time around, we get a glimpse into a different part of the country and different Immortal Guardians, Nick and Eliana.  Never fear, other beloved characters make several appearances.  This one had less of an intrigue, battle feel to it.  It's more about two people finding the loves of their lives.  There is a little danger that adds to the story, but I didn't feel that was the main focus.  I loved Nick and Kayla.  They were just too cute together.  We also get to know Eliana a little more.  She is the focus of the second Aldebarian Alliance book, The Segonian.  I can't wait to read that one!!

Usually by now I start to get bored with a series and I want to walk away for a while. I can honestly say that I have never felt that way with this series.   I eagerly look forward to every book and devour new ones as soon as they come out.  I highly recommend starting at the beginning if you haven't read any of them.  What are you waiting for?

Enjoy this excerpt:

Nick climbed the stairs and silently entered Kayla’s bedroom.

She lay curled up on her side, so small she didn’t even take up half the full-sized bed.

He stared down at her, fighting the desire to stroke her hair or kneel beside her and wake her with a kiss. He had never expected to fall in love. Had never thought he would experience the euphoria manifested by finding that one person who completed him. Had never believed he needed completing. He had existed for hundreds of years, after all.

But he knew now that something had always been missing. Not simple companionship. Something more. Something intrinsic that felt like the mortar that held a brick wall together.

Kayla did that for him. She filled the empty spaces. She made him stronger. She made everything better. Bigger. He wasn’t content. He was truly happy for the first time since his transformation. He didn’t worry for her safety. He was terrified for her. He didn’t want to make her smile. He wanted to see her throw her head back and laugh uproariously. Sex wasn’t good. It was fucking fantastic. It didn’t simply sate a hunger. It touched him deeply and brought him an ecstasy he had never before experienced.

He couldn’t lose her. He didn’t want his life to go back to what it had been before he met her. He didn’t want to face an endless stretch of days in which he had nothing to look forward to.

He wanted forever with her.

As if she sensed him standing beside the bed, watching her sleep like a damn stalker, Kayla opened her eyes. She blinked once, then looked up at him.

Heart pounding in his ears, Nick stared down at her.

A long moment passed that stretched his nerves taut. Then she reached out and snagged his hand. He curled his fingers around hers, grateful for the simple touch.

Closing her eyes, she pulled his hand around behind her back.

Nick didn’t have to be asked twice. Unwilling to relinquish her hand, he knelt on the mattress, straddled her legs, then rolled onto the empty side of the bed. As he slipped beneath the covers and curled his body around hers, that feeling of completeness returned.

Without saying a word, Kayla drew his arm around her and pressed his hand to her chest.

Snuggling closer, he exhaled a long sigh.

THIS was what he needed.

This.

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The Immortal Guardians Series:

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians, #1) — http://amzn.to/2uevzhd

Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, #2) — http://amzn.to/2t0Co5K

Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians, #3) —  http://amzn.to/2v8LABy

In Still Darkness (Immortal Guardians, #3.5) — http://amzn.to/2t9V26z

Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians, #4) — http://amzn.to/2u4AW1V

Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians, #5) — http://amzn.to/2ueeJiB

Phantom Embrace (Immortal Guardians, #5.5) http://amzn.to/2u4BlkX

Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians, #6) — http://amzn.to/2sLOSd9

Blade of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 7) —  http://amzn.to/2t9OTXZ

Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 8) — https://amzn.to/2NdiGOw

Death of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 9) — https://amzn.to/32URd8L

Broken Dawn (Immortal Guardians Book 10) — https://amzn.to/2ZWKKe0

Aldebarian Alliance Series:

The Lasaran (Aldebarian Alliance #1) — https://amzn.to/3aRq1Kx

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews. 

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .

Blog   Facebook   Twitter  YouTube   Pinterest   Goodreads   Book Bub   Instagram 

Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt of The Lasaran by Dianne Duvall

The Lasaran
Book #1 Aldebarian Alliance
By Dianne Duvall
April 21, 2020

New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers the first novel in a thrilling new sci-fi romance series full of action, intrigue, humor, and happily-ever-afters.

Taelon searches the galaxy for his younger sister, who mysteriously disappeared while on a diplomatic mission. When an ally reveals that she was seized and is being held prisoner on Earth, Taelon descends upon the blue planet, intent on freeing her and exacting vengeance. However, all does not go as planned. Before he can find her, Taelon is captured and becomes the subject of torturous experiments. For what feels like an eternity, all he knows is pain and fury… until a mind tentatively touches his own and a woman’s voice forever changes his world.

After suffering tragic losses, Lisa is finally beginning to carve out a future for herself when chance sends her to the Anomalous Cognition Research Institute. What at first appears to be a benign organization seeking participants for a psychic study instead turns out to be a government facility harboring a much darker intent. Lisa discovers this too late and soon becomes the unwilling subject of a terrifying experiment. Just as fear and desperation threaten to consume her, a deep, compelling voice penetrates the looming insanity and lends her hope.

Having seen only the worst of humanity, Taelon is shocked when Lisa risks everything to free him. Together the two make their escape, and Taelon finds himself fascinated by the small human woman who—despite all she’s suffered—can still laugh and tease and lure smiles from him. Friendship swiftly grows between them as they work together to evade soldiers intent on capturing them and find themselves hunted by mystifying preternatural beings. Through it all, Lisa steadfastly remains by his side, stealing more of his heart each day while she helps him unravel the mystery of his sister’s fate. Can they find his sister before the hunters find them? If they survive their quest, will Taelon have to bid Lisa farewell… or can he coax her into leaving her planet and joining him for the adventure of a lifetime?

My thoughts:

The Lasaran is the first book in a new Sci-fi spin-off series.  The last book in the Immortal Guardian Series, Death of Darkness, left us all on a cliffhanger.  The first half of this book tells us covers the events the lead up to the mysterious strangers showing up at the door.  This is Taelon and Lisa's story.  It is so hard to talk about any of these books at this point without giving away spoilers for the Immortal Guardian series or this one.  I'll just say that I loved this first book and am so excited to have two series to devour from this author.  I loved Taelon and Lisa.  I loved their back story and their bond. I loved the direction the new series is taking.  Of course, this one ends in kind of a cliff-hanger, with the fates of some characters unknown.  I hope we get answers real soon!  I highly recommend this one.  You won't be disappointed!

Kindle | Kobo | B&N |  iBooks | Audible | Paperback 

AmazonUK | AmazonAU | AmazonDE | AmazonCA | AmazonFR 

Mythoughts:

Enjoy this excerpt:

The bathroom door opened. He turned as Lisa stepped out.

Leaving the light on, she pulled the door almost closed so a little light would illuminate the room for them.

Taelon turned off the overhead light and crossed to the bed.

Lisa faced him on the other side of it and fiddled with the edge of her towel. “My clothes are still wet.”

“Mine are, too.”

“I’m thinking there’s no way this towel is going to stay around me while I sleep.”

“Do you wish to sleep without it?” he asked, willing his body not to respond to just the idea of it.

“Um . . .”

“I can sleep on the floor.”

“Hell no. Not with those wounds. You’ll sleep in the bed with me. I’m just . . . not exactly an exhibitionist.”

He hesitated. “I don’t think my translator is giving me an accurate definition of that word.”

Her eyebrows rose. “You have a translator?”

“Yes. All members of the Aldebarian Alliance do.”

She studied him curiously. “Where is it?”

He pointed to his head, just behind his ear. “Embedded in my brain.”

“I’m surprised the doctors at the base didn’t remove it.”

“Their scans failed to detect it because it isn’t metal and appears to be part of my skull when viewed with your more primitive scanning devices.”

“That’s trippy.”

“That word isn’t translating at all.”

She tilted her head to one side. “What did it tell you an exhibitionist is?”

“A street performer.”

She laughed. “When I said I’m not an exhibitionist, I meant I’m not comfortable flaunting my naked body.” She glanced down and wrinkled her nose. “Especially when it looks like this.”

“You’re shy?”

“More self-conscious than shy,” she admitted. “I don’t know. I guess, despite my actions earlier, I just don’t want you to see me naked.”

Surprise coursed through him. “You don’t want ME to see YOU naked?”

Her brow furrowed. “Yeah.”

Taelon shook his head. “Lisa, you’re beautiful.” When she started to speak, he held up a hand. “I’m not saying that to put you at ease. I think you’re lovely. So much so that I’ve honestly been having a hard time keeping myself from staring at you too long.”

Her lips parted in surprise. “Really?”

“Yes.” He motioned to the towel at his hips. “This doesn’t exactly hide my body’s response to you, so I’ve been trying to keep my focus from drifting lower than your pretty face. You’re beautiful, Lisa. If anyone should wish to hide his body, it’s me. I’m quite a bit thinner than I used to be.”

Her eyes widened. “Seriously?” She motioned to his form. “You have all that muscle.”

“I used to have more. And I’m covered with all these ghastly wounds and scars because I’m too weak to regenerate. I don’t know how you can stand to look at me or manage not to grimace when you touch me. So again, I will offer to sleep on the floor.”

She stared at him, unspeaking.

“I won’t be offended if you don’t wish to sleep with me,” he assured her. Assuming an exaggeratedly somber expression, he rested a hand over his heart and spoke in dejected tones. “I will just be deeply, deeply hurt.”

Her lips twitched, then she laughed. “You are so freaking likable.”

He smiled. “I feel the same about you.”

“Okay then. We’re both adults. And neither one of us is physically up to engaging in anything amorous anyway, so—”

“Well,” he said with a grin, “that isn’t precisely true.”

Her cheeks pinkened. “Stop making me blush!”

He laughed.

The Immortal Guardians Series:

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians, #1) 

Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, #2)

Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians, #3) 

In Still Darkness (Immortal Guardians, #3.5) 

Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians, #4) 

Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians, #5) 

Phantom Embrace (Immortal Guardians, #5.5)

Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians, #6) 

Blade of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 7) 

Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 8)

Death of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 9)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews.

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Goodreads | Book Bub | Instagram

Tour-Wide Giveaway:

- (1) $50 Amazon Gift Card
- (2) An Aldebarian Alliance, Immortal Guardians, and The Gifted Ones by Dianne Duvall Prize Pack

*Please be aware, that should conditions worsen due to COVID-19, the author reserves the right to substitute an Amazon.com gift card of their choice amount for the prize pack. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. 

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Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt of Death of Darkness by Dianne Duvall

Author: Dianne Duvall

Immortal Guardians Book #9

Releasing August 20, 2019

Delve into the most eagerly anticipated book in New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall’s “utterly addictive” (RT Book Reviews), “fast-paced and humorous” (Publishers Weekly) Immortal Guardians series.

Seth has led the Immortal Guardians for thousands of years. With them fighting by his side, he has protected humans from psychotic vampires, defeated corrupt mercenary armies, defended military bases under attack, and more. But the latest enemy to rise against the Immortal Guardians has proven to be a formidable one, wielding almost as much power as Seth. His goal is simple. He wants to watch the world burn. And he will use every means at his disposal to accomplish it. Seth and his Immortal Guardians have succeeded thus far in staving off Armageddon despite heartbreaking losses. But they have never before faced such danger. Seth has only one wish: to protect his Immortal Guardians family and ensure the continuation of humanity by defeating his foe. But then Leah walks into his life and sparks a new desire.

Leah Somerson has suffered losses of her own. It has taken her a long time to rebuild her life and find some semblance of peace. Then one night a tall, dark, powerful immortal with what appears to be the weight of the world on his shoulders stumbles into her shop, and everything changes. Peace and contentment are no longer enough. Now she wants more. She wants to find happiness. She wants to erase the darkness in Seth’s eyes and replace it with love and laughter. She knows he’s different in ways that make most fear him. Even some of his immortal brethren keep a careful distance. But Leah will not. Nor will she shy away when danger strikes.

Death of Darkness is the ninth book in the Immortal Guardians series.  It's also the one I have been waiting for since the beginning.  Seth is the leader of the Immortal Guardians and is the one who needs some love in his life the most.  This book was everything I wanted for Seth's story!  I literally read this 500 page book on my flight from Phoenix to Boston.  I couldn't put it down.  Being the ninth book, I don't really want to talk plot because it would give away a lot of back story.  This book does kind of assume you have read from the beginning. 

 I will say that I giggled, I swooned and I teared up several times.  I held my breath through several scenes only to let it out in relief.  I loved Leah for Seth.  Talk about a slow burn romance!  The rest of the characters who I have loved from the start start are all in this one.  Ethan was one of my favorites, but I love him so much more in this one.  You'll have to read to find out why. There is so much revealed in this story that I'm still processing it all.  Basically, I love this series.  I know this will be in my top ten again this year. I highly recommend this one (It's out on August 20!) as well  as the entire series.  The book ends with a cliffhanger.  I need the next book now!

Enjoy this sneak peek:

Adira squirmed in Leah’s arms, wanting down.

Leah lowered her until her little sneaker-clad feet touched the floor.

Adira toddled away, patting the garments that brushed her head and shoulders.

Straightening, Leah watched her for a moment, then turned back to Seth. “I guess I’ll get back to work.”

Was that disappointment he felt upon hearing her words? He really was enjoying her company.

Adira turned around and toddled back. Grasping Leah’s fingers, she reached out, took Seth’s hand, and placed Leah’s in it.

Seth instinctively curled his fingers around Leah’s.

Satisfied, Adira turned and toddled off once more.

“Oh,” Leah said with a surprised chuckle. “Well. Maybe not.”

Seth was surprised, too. What was Adira thinking?

He glanced at Leah. Should he apologize? “Sorry about that.”

“No worries,” she said with another charming smile. Raising their clasped hands, she turned them so his was on top and slid her free hand over it. “Oooh. Look how big your hand is.”

How many times had he heard Tracy or one of the other mortal women he frequently encountered think Oooh. Look how big his hands are. You know what they say: big hands, big feet, big package in much the same tone as Leah’s.

Seth couldn’t help it. He barked out a laugh.

Leah’s eyes widened. “Wait. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

“It sounded as if you like that my hands are so big.”

She flushed. “I do, but I didn’t mean it like you think.”

“How do I think you meant it?” he asked with exaggerated innocence.

Face red, she laughed. “Stop making me blush. I just meant I like that you’re so big. Not just your hands. But all over.” Again her eyes widened. “I mean, not all over, but—”

Laughing, he took pity on her. “It’s all right. I understood what you meant the first time.”

Smiling, she squinted up at him. “You like to tease, don’t you?”

“Guilty as charged.” Many immortals did. It helped lighten what could otherwise be a dark existence.

She caressed his hand again, sending little tingles through it. “My hand actually looks small in yours. That’s so cool.”

It did. And the sensations her soft touch inspired unnerved him a bit. His pulse even picked up.

Seth eyed her curiously. “You really dislike your size so much?” He thought it a shame. She was a beautiful woman.

Shrugging, she released his hand and let hers fall to her sides. “When someone gives you a complex in high school, it tends to stick with you.”

Adira reappeared as if by magic. Taking Leah’s hand, she again placed it in Seth’s, then moved away.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Leah nodded after Adira. “Maybe she’s hoping I’ll distract you so she can take her time looking over the toys she plans to coax you into buying before you leave.”

Seth winked. “Or maybe she just heard you say you like my big hands.”

She laughed.

 Available for pre-order:

SPECIAL PRE-ORDER EBOOK PRICE—$5.99 (Save $1)

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iTunes — http://bit.ly/DeathOfDarkness_iBooks

AmazonUK — http://bit.ly/DeathOfDarkness_AmazonUK

AmazonAU — http://bit.ly/DeathOfDarkness_AmazonAU

AmazonCA — http://bit.ly/DeathOfDarkness_CA

AmazonDE — http://bit.ly/DeathOfDarkness_DE

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The Immortal Guardians Series:

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians, #1) — http://amzn.to/2uevzhd

Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, #2) — http://amzn.to/2t0Co5K

Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians, #3) —  http://amzn.to/2v8LABy

In Still Darkness (Immortal Guardians, #3.5) — http://amzn.to/2t9V26z

Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians, #4) — http://amzn.to/2u4AW1V

Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians, #5) — http://amzn.to/2ueeJiB

Phantom Embrace (Immortal Guardians, #5.5) http://amzn.to/2u4BlkX

Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians, #6) — http://amzn.to/2sLOSd9

Blade of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book #7) —  http://amzn.to/2t9OTXZ

Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book #8) — https://amzn.to/2IIb02y

About the Author

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and"wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews,and/or Night Owl Reviews. 

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .

Blog — dianneduvall.blogspot.com
Facebook — facebook.com/DianneDuvallAuthor
Twitter — twitter.com/DianneDuvall
YouTube — youtube.com/channel/UCVcJ9xnm_i2ZKV7jM8dqAgA?feature=mhee
Pinterest — pinterest.com/dianneduvall
Goodreads — goodreads.com/Dianne_Duvall
Google Plus — plus.google.com/106122556514705041683

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dianne.duvall/

Blog Tour: Review and Excerpt of Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall

Author:Dianne Duvall

Publisher: Self

Date of publication:  September 19^th, 2017

Return to the “utterly addictive” (RT Book Reviews) world of New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians.

Dana Pembroke has been able to glimpse the future of those she touches for as long as she can remember.  But she never saw Aidan coming.  When the tall, dark Celt with the charming grin yet world-weary eyes walks through her door, the future she sees for him is one full of violence, danger, deception… and passion.  Because amidst the terrifying battles that unfold in her visions, she also sees herself in Aidan’s arms and in his bed.  Dana knows she should keep her distance, but the tender moments and laughter they share entice her even as she finds herself thrust into a world of vampires, immortals, and other preternatural beings.

Immortal Guardian Aidan O’Byrne has been hunting and slaying psychotic vampires for nearly three thousand years, so visions of bloody battles don’t trouble him.  The battles Dana foresees, however, show Aidan’s brethren turning against him, so he can’t help but feel alarmed.  While he spends as much time as he can with Dana, struggling to decipher her dire predictions, Aidan finds himself utterly smitten. Hope rises that he has finally found a woman who can banish the darkness and loneliness that plague him. But when vampires begin targeting Dana and a powerful enemy spawns chaos, will fate grant them time to find happiness together?

Blade of Darkness is the seventh book in the Immortal Guardians series.  All I really have to say about this series is that it just keeps getting better and more intriguing.  This one is Aidan's story.  He is among the elders of the brethren and has been searching for 3000 years for a gifted one who will love him enough to transform for eternity. How he has been going about this task the last couple of yeas is pretty amusing.  Dana is the perfect match for him.  I loved them together.  I loved how the plot of the overall series developed more.  The ending left me hanging though.  I want to know what happens to the twelve left,  so the next book can't come fast enough!

While the author does a good job of inserting information to catch a new to the series reader, I would not say this holds up too well as a stand alone.  You really need to go back to the beginning with the first book.  Not that that is really a hardship because all of these books are amazing.  While you are waiting for your pre-order of this book, why not start with Darkness Dawns?

Enjoy this excerpt:

Dana’s eyes flew open.

Aidan’s big warm body still spooned around hers, his front glued to her back. The arm he had wrapped around her was heavy and relaxed. His muscled chest rose and fell with deep, even breaths.

She frowned. What had woken her?

The faint illumination that filtered in from the streetlight out front didn’t allow her to see much farther than the bedside table.

Easing Aidan’s arm off her, she sat up and reached for the cell phone she usually kept by the bed at night but didn’t find it.

She must have left it downstairs.

Opening the top drawer in the table, she felt around until her fingers closed around her iPod. Pressing the power button, she slid her thumb across the screen to unlock it.

Pastel wallpaper lit up the screen, along with the time: 3:57.

Looked like they’d slept for several hours.

She glanced at the battery indicator. Red instead of white. Seven percent battery power left. That should be enough to help her fetch her cell phone.

Rising, she tiptoed out of the bedroom and into the hallway.

The house seemed to slumber, too, encapsulating her in quiet. Even the air conditioner made no sound.

Moving toward the stairs, she turned on the iPod’s bright flashlight.

Much better. She hadn’t wanted to turn it on in the bedroom and risk waking Aidan.

Descending the staircase, she passed the door she had forgotten to close earlier and entered her shop. All seemed quiet there, too.

Padding forward, toes curling against the cold wood floor, she found her cell phone where she had left it on the counter before all hell had broken loose.

No new calls or texts had come in.

Hmm. So what had awakened her? She was usually a pretty sound sleeper and had assumed her phone had chimed.

Perhaps Aidan had shifted and inadvertently nudged her awake?

Could be. She hadn’t slept with anyone in quite a long time, so she wasn’t used to having a big warm body in bed with her.

Glancing up, she froze.

Faces peered at her through the bay window.

Sneering, blood-splattered faces that housed long, sharp fangs and glowing eyes.

Oh, crap. Vampires. A lot of them.

They smiled in unison.

Spinning around, Dana raced for the stairwell. “Aidan!” she screamed.

Glass shattered behind her.

Find it on Goodreads —

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35647981-blade-of-darkness

Available for pre-order:

Kindle   Nook  Kobo   iBooks   AmazonCA   AmazonUK   AmazonDE   AmazonAU 

AmazonFR    Paperback   Audio Book  

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Buy the The Immortal Guardians Series on Amazon

About the author:

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and"wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews,and/or Night Owl Reviews. 

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .

Blog   Facebook   Twitter   YouTube   Pinterest   Goodreads   Google Plus 

Blog Tour: Phantom Embrace by Dianne Duvall

Author: Dianne Duvall

Publisher: Zebra

Date of publication: June 28, 2016

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Across dimensions . . .

Born with the ability to see spirits, immortal Yuri Sokolov avoids making contact with them, because such has always yielded negative results...until lovely Cat Seddon begins haunting his home and his dreams. As a new threat rises against the Immortal Guardians, Yuri disregards all the rules so he can be with Cat, even though the consequences are substantial.

For centuries, Catherine Seddon has been alone. When her brother is forced to join the Immortal Guardians’ ranks, she haunts the primary home of the powerful warriors to keep an eye on him, and soon finds herself captivated by Yuri. The handsome Russian immortal swiftly banishes her loneliness as friendship grows between them and deepens into love.  But can two people who are unable to touch find a future together?

Previously published in On The Hunt

My thoughts:

Phantom Embrace was previously included in the anthology On the Hunt (Zebra, 2015).  On June 28th it's being released on its own. I read this one last year in On the Hunt. In fact, it's the only one I read in the book.  I got it specifically for this story. The novella takes place during and toward the end of Night Unbound.  I liked that Ms. Duvall released a short story to tell fans what happened to Yuri.  It kind of gave us some closure.  I thought it was a really sweet love story and one I highly recommend picking up.  In fact, the series as a whole is one of my favorites.  You don't want to miss it!

Enjoy this sneak peek into the novella and don't forget to check out the giveaway!

Excerpt

Cat leaned into the frame of a large window behind the massive desk in David’s study. The sun’s rays, almost blindingly bright and sparkling with dust motes, poured through the clean panes and passed right through her, imbuing her with warmth.

The house around her was quiet. All the immortals slept. Many of their human Seconds slept as well, having worked until noon or thereabouts, running errands and conducting whatever business they did during the day for the immortals they served and protected.

Even David slept, exhausted by the long hours he had kept of late, aiding immortals in North Carolina and surrounding states whenever emergencies arose, then spending the moments in between poring over medical textbooks in search of any information that would help him and Seth carry Ami safely through her difficult pregnancy.

Outside, Roland’s cat, Nietzsche—as cantankerous as his owner—crept toward a squirrel.

The squirrel continued to nibble on an acorn, watching the cat from the corner of its eye.

A pleasant male voice spoke, startling her. “There you are.”

Her head snapping around, Cat stared at the tall figure in the doorway.

Yuri graced her with a charming smile as he entered and closed the door behind him.

“Why aren’t you asleep?” she asked, telling her treacherous heart to stop slamming against her ribs. She had never understood why she had continued to feel that particular organ after she had breathed her last breath. She never felt hunger. Never felt thirst. But her heart seemed to thump away in her breast. One of many mysteries for which she had no explanation.

“I was looking for you,” he said, tucking his hands in his pockets as he strolled toward her. He wore the usual garb of an immortal. Black pants. Black T-shirt stretched taut over the thick muscles of his chest, shoulders, and arms. Heavy black boots.

From what she understood, immortals and their Seconds dressed thusly so blood stains would be less apparent to any looky-loos who saw them after a hunt.

She frowned. Was that the right phrase? Looky-loos? It sounded odd.

Regardless, the clothing suited Yuri, accenting his dark hair and chestnut eyes.

She straightened as he approached the desk.

“I’ve only caught the briefest glimpses of you these last few nights,” he commented.

Because she had been careful to avoid him since their talk. As soon as he had entered a room, Cat had left it. She had even resisted the temptation to follow him on his hunts.

He arched a dark brow. “Are you avoiding me?”

For a moment, Cat considered denying it. But she had told him she valued honesty. So she nodded.

“Why?” He cocked his head to one side. “Did I offend you in some way?”

Shaking her head, she glanced down. “I fear it is I who offended you.” She forced herself to meet his gaze. “I owe you an apology.”

His expression remained impassive. “For what?”

“Now that I know you can see me, that you’ve always been able to see me, I realize . . .” Mortified, she looked away and began to pleat her skirts with anxious fingers. “You said you value your privacy, and I denied you that on many an occasion, visiting your chamber and following you on hunts. I—”

“Cat.”

She shook her head and met his gaze. “I don’t want to be like that first spirit you mentioned, the one you spoke to. I don’t want to irritate you or make you uncomfortable. I—”

“You don’t,” he interrupted with a kind smile. “You didn’t.” He sighed as he circled the desk. “I feared this might be the reason for your absence.” Stopping a few feet away, he leaned against the wall on the opposite side of the window, careful to avoid the sun’s rays. “I confess I enjoyed your presence each time you joined me in my room or on a hunt.” His smile widened. “The former more than the latter. The latter proved dangerously distracting on more than one occasion.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“I’m not,” he said and glanced out the window.

Giveaway Details:

1st Prize—$35 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Prize—$20 Amazon Gift Card

3rd Prize—Signed copies of Night Unbound and Shadows Strike+swag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/23p0HGm

iTunes - http://apple.co/20vndIp

Kobo - http://bit.ly/1WnDCyu

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/23p0K4V

About the author:

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series and The Gifted Ones series. Her books have twice been nominated for the RT Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews).

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she has created in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit www.DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .

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