Wednesday, July 15, 2015

ARC Review: Burned by Darkness

Burned by Darkness (Dragons of Eternity #1) 

by Alexandra Ivy

Blurb:

The Dragons of Eternity were once creatures of myth and legend. Now they’ve returned to the world, prepared to claim what’s rightfully theirs…
Tayla is desperate for a place to call home. After years on the run, the young imp impulsively buys a teahouse and is determined to build a new life. Unfortunately, she’s barely opened the doors when she’s tracked down by the dragon who purchased her from troll slave-traders. He demands she pay off her debts…in his harem.
Baine has devoted a quarter of a century to tracking down his beautiful concubine. And now that he has her in his grasp, he’s not about to let her go. But it’s soon apparent that he isn’t the only demon hunting her. He must uncover her secrets or risk losing her forever.
Themes: Dragons, Fae, paranormal
Rating: 3.5 stars
Heat Rating:
Review:
An all new world has opened to fans of Alexandra Ivy, a world with some of our favorite characters carried over to make the books feel like returning home, but seeing an all new view of the characters and world we love.  The new Dragons of Eternity series kicks off with the imp friend of everyone’s favorite KISA (knight in Shining Armor) Levet! I have read everything ever written by Ms. Ivy and am very excited about this new series, because I haven’t ever met a dragon shifter I didn’t love.  That being said, if you haven’t read any of the Guardians of Eternity series you will still enjoy this story, even though you might now understand a lot of Levet’s charm and sweetness.  Baine and Tayla are obviously a match, even though Tayla resist the attraction and runs from him.  I am wondering whose story will be next ad anticipating this series getting bigger and better as it moves forward. 
Bane and Tayla were both every interesting characters, each of them fighting their true connection and trying to find a way to put the other into a certain mold.  Tayla has run from Baine for so long that she has built him into a true villain even though the brief encounter they had so long ago was mostly harmless.  Likewise Baine has decided that any feelings he may have felt for her were momentary and only stemmed from his desire to own her as his slave.  When they finally have to come to terms with the truth of their destiny and find a way to come together and defeat the enemies after them the bond that develops between them is sweet and lasting.  There were moments when I was sure they would push each other too far and it would get emotionally bloody, but thankfully they find a way and are able to find their hearts.  I love Baine, though in many ways he was just a bit too arrogant and unbending.  He was obviously hooked on Tayla and when he finally finds her again he doesn’t hesitate to make her his woman.  Tayla has a lot of fear because of the rumors and reputations of the dragons, but when she finally gives Baine a chance she sees the truly great man he is under the blustery anger and fiery passion. 
Burned by Darkness is one of those stories that pack so much into it short length you never realize just how short it is and how fast you have read through to the end.  I read this entire story so quickly because I wasn’t able to put it down and I just may have to revisit soon to enjoy the awesome characters, interesting settings, and twisty plots soon.  Baine was a fiery and passionate dragon that is truly a man who has overcome the nature and nurture of his upbringing to become a truly honorable male.  Tayla had lived in fear so long that when she finally comes face to face with her worst fear there is no way for her to give up fighting, but as she spends time with Baine she begins to see that there is more to him than his reputation.  Whether they are battling for supremacy in their arguments or they are bringing one another to ecstasy, the heart of each of them begins to understand that their mating is inevitable.  I also enjoyed the overall plot and the secret of Tayla’s true abilities and heritage, which was a fun nod to the original series.  I cannot wait to see where Alexandra will be taking this series and what sexy dragons we will meet in the future.  I highly recommend reading the original series, but this spin off will definitely give you a fun and sensual read to fill a quiet evening. 
*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided. 


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