Review: Embraced by Blood by Laurie London

Book Description:

Alfonso Serrano is a hunted man. For months he’s managed to elude the Darkbloods, vengeful foes who won’t rest until he’s dead. But he still craves one dangerous temptation: Lily DeGraff, the sexy Guardian agent he’ll risk anything to protect.

Lily is a wanted woman. Her talent for tracking Sweet-a rare blood type that’s addictive to vampires-makes her a prime target for enemy capture. Her only hope is the stealthy vampire operative who stole into her bed...then left her in despair. Danger aside-Lily won’t let Alfonso near her heart again-until an irresistible hunger draws them back together...and into an assassin’s snare.

My review:

Paranormal romance has seemingly evolved and melded with the Urban Fantasy world in recent months, becoming more edgy and focused on creating a world, with traditional happily-ever-afters reflecting that change. Couples come together on vows of love but sometimes it just feels different. This isn't a bad thing at all. I'm all for change, but every now and then I like to be treated to an old-fashioned The End. Know what I mean? I want a glimpse at what happens next. Embraced by Blood gave me that and more...with a truly complete and contented happily-ever-after.

Alfonso is rugged and tough, but also vulnerable. He sees himself as unworthy, when in truth he is the most loyal, most devoted, and most dedicated type of man. His feelings run deep and as you are reading its almost like you can feel the anguish of his broken heart, as well as his abiding love for Lily. And as I predicted, sparks fly between these two and the passion runs hot!!

He placed one broad hand on her hips, halting her movement. With the other hand, he pulled the back of her hair, maybe a little too roughly, he realized, when he heard her gasp.

Two tiny thrusts were all it took as he sunk his fangs into her flesh.

And the universe collided behind his eyelids.

Alfonso and Lily, along with Zoe, make a beautiful family. This book could have been titled Reborn by Blood, or Reunited by Blood, because family and the theme of belonging played such an important role, as Alfonso finds his place within two separate family units. This underlying theme was shown throughout, from the house that Alfonso was building to duplicate his parent's home, Casa en las Colinas, to the wonders of being bonded for all eternity. Each aspect demonstrates the power of belonging and what love really means. Both Dom and Alfonso are strong alpha males that are brought to their knees by equally strong women in Mackenzie and Lily. And these men are not afraid to show their emotions at all, and are willing to do whatever it takes to have the one they love...forever.

And we get Jackson's book next!!!

Other books in the series:

Bonded By Blood 

Hidden By Blood  (digital copy only)

A Vampire For Christmas(Anthology coming October 2011)

Tempted by Blood (tent. February 2012)

Information about the Sweetblood series and other Laurie London news can be found on her website.