From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Ivy comes a new story in her Guardians of Eternity series…
Only an idiot would try to kidnap Jayla. She’s a take-no-prisoner kind of vampire who rebelled against the previous King of Vampires, and now regularly battles with both human and demon enemies who resent the success of Dreamscape casino she manages in Hong Kong. So when she’s snatched off the streets, she doesn’t bother to struggle. Instead she starts plotting her slow, bloody revenge.
The last creature she expects when she arrives at her destination is Azrael, the mysterious mercenary vampire she killed a century ago.
Azreal has never forgotten Jayla, and not just because she tried to stab a stake through his heart. He’d never encountered a female who could match him in battle. Her raw courage was sexy as hell. And it didn’t hurt that she was drop-dead gorgeous. But, he didn’t abduct her because he desired her. Or at least, that wasn’t his main motivation. He needs her rare talent to stop time. An evil fey has stolen his sword. The weapon is magically bound to him, and unless he retrieves it, he’s doomed to a painful death.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
I'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
Slayed by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy Guardians of Eternity book 17.5. From 1001 Dark Nights. Paranormal romance novella. Can be read as a stand-alone but I’m sure I missed a lot of the series nuances or recurring characters since I haven’t read any of the prior books. Jayla is kidnapped and starts planning her revenge before she recognizes the other vampire. She agrees to help Azrael instead of killing him a second time.
A quick action packed story that moves from killing to loving with a visit from a friendly gargoyle. Absorbing and satisfying. I plan to go back and read this series from book 1.
SLAYED BY DARKNESS is instalment 17.5 in Alexandra Ivy’s adult GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY paranormal/fantasy romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is vampires Azreal and Jayla’s story line. SLAYED BY DARKNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary
Told from several third person perspectives SLAYED BY DARKNESS focuses on the abduction and attempted assassination of our heroine Jayla. Jayla works as the manager for Dreamscape Casino in Hong Kong but a rival casino manager has demanded some of Jayla’s time. On her way, Jayla finds herself the victim of a potential kidnapping, only to come face to face with the vampire she thought she over seven hundred years earlier. Enter former Viking turned vampire Azreal. As Azreal presents his case for ‘kidnapping’ our heroine, Dreamscapes owner Chiron calls upon our intrepid gargoyle Levet, to help locate his missing manager. What ensues is the building relationship between Azreal and Jayla, and the potential fall-out as something more sinister is going on behind the scenes.
Azreal knew immediately the assassin sent to take him down is his fated mate but our hero was cursed by the fey hundreds of years earlier, and his soul has been trapped inside a magical sword all this time but Azreal woke up to discover the sword had been stolen, and his life was slowly draining with each passing day. Desperate to retrieve the sword, Azreal knows of only one being who is able to control time, and that being is the woman that calls to his heart.
SLAYED BY DARKNESS is a fast paced, novella length story of second chances, of a sorts. Jayla believed she had killed a man for no other reason that having been ordered to do so, and with his return, Jayla got a second chance to make things right.Having been cursed by the Fey, Azreal knew he would probably live a long and lonely life but the return of Jayla meant Azreal had a second chance at his own happily ever after, if only they could retrieve the sword that held his soul. The $ex scenes are limited by passionate.
The secondary and supporting characters included Jayla’s boss Chiron, and her assistant Gideon; rival casino owner Emile; gargoyle Levet and his aunt Bertha.
SLAYED BY DARKNESS is entertaining and engaging; the characters are dynamic-always fun to read about Levet ; the building relationship between Azreal and Jayla focuses on the search for the sword, and the acceptance of one another as each other’s mate.
It was quick but it was great. There wasn't as much action or romance as full-length books of this series but nonetheless, it was worthy.
Jayla and Azrael (love the names) have a past... moment that she doesn't even realize is still relevant, except in her memory. When after a very long time, the one man who made a killer impression (pun intended) on her comes back, surprise is not the only thing Jayla's feeling. And Azrael has plenty of reasons to reveal himself to the woman who killed him once already, only one of which is the use of her talents.
With a guest appearance by a certain vampire Dreamscape owner and everyone's favorite gargoyle (well, every female's favorite), this short novel only makes me want to read the next one. And hopefully, there'll be more to come. Also, I wish to find out what sort of powers called aunt Bertha away. If she's anything like Levet - and they are related - then I'm sure there'll be plenty of chaos and romance wherever she goes.
A romantic and sweet second chance novella is recommended to all romance readers. Ms. Ivy is a magical storyteller as she shares her Guardians of Eternity world in this series. I must say, when the 1001 Dark Nights concept first came out, I thought it was a bit hokey. I am surprised by how many of the authors I read are in this collection. I am really loving the ones I read. This is a standalone and can be read independent of both this 1001 Dark Nights collection as well as Ms. Ivy's Guardians of Eternity.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
A small but oh so fun taste of the Guardians series
When you finish Jayla and Azrael's story After you laughed with (or at) the Gargoyles Stood united beside the Vampires Shuttered at the memories of their past White knuckled at the betrayals Even possibly blushed at the romance You will only want more More of the banter, the chemistry, the suspense
One of my favorite PNR series - Ivy spins such a fantastically fun world with solid storylines and characters that easily stay with you long after you close the pages
1001 Dark Nights novellas are a great way to try a new series, each release is a standalone usually interconnected. A painless way to dip your toes into different genres, types of storylines, and try authors writing style
I really enjoyed this novella and would definitely like to check out this series. I am a fan of the paranormal romance genre so this really suited my reading taste.
The beauty of the 1001 Dark Nights series is that I can test drive new series and I have been really impressed with Slayed By Darkness.
The chemistry between Azrael and Jayla was sizzling and the plot, was really well written. I really liked how such a strong plot worked to both make me want to read more of this series and give a complete story.
With a great pace, chemistry, and tension, Slayed by Darkness delivered everything that I could ask for from a novella.
La verdad si me gustó. Empezó muy interesante la historia y me entretuvo.
Los dos vampiros se conocen siglos atrás y ella es una asesina que tiene la orden de ponerle fin. El es rival para el Anasso de ese tiempo y lo quieren muerto y ella lo mata, sin saber o sospechando que era su pareja. Siglos después se encuentran porque la secuestra y ahora ella debe de saber cómo sobrevivió en ese tiempo y ayudarlo ahora que su vida si está terminando.
Si bien la historia estuvo padre, que Levet haya mostrado al fin a su tía Bertha vale todo. Al fin la conocimos, después de tantos libros. Fue genial la verdad. Lo único que no me gustó tanto fue el final pero bueno, peores he leído.
Seven hundred years ago, Jayla assassinated the rebel vampire Azrael for her Anasso and has regretted it ever since. Now she’s managing a Dreamscape Resort in Hong Kong for her current Anasso: Chiron.
But then on her way to a meeting with a competitor, she is kidnapped and is astonished to see that her kidnapper is the one she thought she’d killed: Azrael.
Fave scenes: Jayla making tea, Jayla convincing the innkeeper and tricking the Sylvermyst.
Even though this is a quick read, there's lots of action and drama. I'm starting to think the vamps are all drama kings. Quick to drop the fangs LOL. You get the feeling right off the bat Jayla totally regretted slaying Azrael. I think she knew he was her mate and what he was telling her spooked her. 700 years later they meet again and I loved it. And if course our Lever again is the KISA.
Great novella in the Guardians of Eternity series! Jayla is In shock seeing the vampire she killed is standing in front of her needing her help. Azrael is not only alive and just beautiful as she remembers, he is her mate. They just need to save his soul to be together.
'Angel of Death to Security Guard' quite the career change. I loved this story Azrael and Jayla were great characters and as always the forever favorite Levet. Do yourself a favor and if you haven't read this series go and get it and fall in love with the characters and world that is the Guardian's of Eternity.
Kayla, former assassin turned hotelier, thought she had killed her mate a thousand years ago, but he is back in her life to claim her at last. Still there are several obstacles that must be overcome before they can find real happiness. Adding Levet to the story adds humor.
I am hooked. I want more of this. I can't believe this is my first book by this author and now I will be picking up the rest in the series. I love the world and the magic and the suspense and chemistry is amazing.
A fun fast little story in a great series. Wish it was longer but understand it's a teaser book. Suggest giving more of these amazing characters cameos in these little books.
Heart racing, action packed and dangerously thrilling short yet highly entertaining adventure filled with exciting and engaging charters, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Great reading from beginning to end.
This is a short story that packs a big punch. Jayla was sent to take care of Azrael hundreds of years ago. In the process he became obsessed with her. Now he needs her help to save himself. Hong Kong is the backdrop of this new couple and there sexy romp.
“I want you to follow her trail.” Levet wrinkled his snout. “I’m a gargoyle, not a blood dog.” “Bloodhound,” Chiron snapped. Levet sniffed. “Agree to disagree.” It wouldn’t be a Guardian’s of Eternity book without Levet and his comic relief but we don’t get a whole lot of him this time but what we do get is great.
“Are we here to bond?” he demanded, his wings twitching in anticipation. “Do you wish to get a Brazilian wax together?” “I’d rather have my fangs pulled,” Chiron growled. Levet stuck out his lower lip. “Very well, we can do a mani-pedi, but I insist on champagne. Dom Perignon.”
Reading this novella just reminds me why I love this series so much :)
Azrael and Jayla have a unique introduction that was intense and so heartbreaking. As time goes on and 700 hundred years (yes 700) pass so much has changed yet some things don't. Now add Levet into the mix and you have a laugh track. I enjoy these characters and never tire of new hook-ups, danger, intrigue and a bit of humor. I have followed this series from the 1st book and always look forward to more. If you have read any of the authors books in this series I don't think you will be disappointed and if you haven't I highly recommend starting from the beginning.