Life is not easy in the vampire world and difficult for rebel vampire Chiron who saw his master hidden to the world centuries before. Now he has an opportunity to find Tarak hoping he will not have gone crazy during his imprisonment. With Levet the gargoyle along he leaves the confines of his Las Vegas casinos for a demon hotel in the Everglades. Little does he suspect what he will finally find there let alone falling fast and furious for the lovely owner Lilah while she is under the watchful eye of ogress Inga. Where is the key to release Tanak and what is the strange magic that surrounds the hotel? The story moves fast with romance, suspense, humor, and fascinating details of two lives to be brought together as all Guardian romances do so well.

DARKNESS RETURNS is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY paranormal romance series. This is hotelier and ancient vampire Chiron, and hotelier Lilah’s story line. DARKNESS RETURNS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: WHEN DARKNESS ENDS was originally intended to be the final book in the author’s Guardians of Eternity series but the storyline ended with a happily ever after –for now, so it was the end of that particular arc. Now it appears Ms. Ivy will be continuing to focus on her Guardians of Eternity with a new story line arc.

Told from several third person perspectives including Chiron and Lilah DARKNESS RETURNS follows ancient vampire Chiron as he is tasked by the Anasso Styx (King of the Vampires) to find the vampire Chiron once called Master and friend, a male whose whereabouts are currently unknown. When the reigning Anasso discovers an ancient scroll, Chiron and the gargoyle Levet are called in to help locate the key that will hopefully free Tarak, the missing male. Strong magic and a veiled resort brings Chiron face to face with his future-enter hotelier Lilah, an immortal woman of unknown origins, and the woman Chiron knows to be his mate. What ensues is the search for the key; the discovery of magic and secrets, and the potential fall-out as the truth is revealed.

DARKNESS RETURNS is a story of betrayal, secrets, lies and loss. Lilah is unaware of the true nature of her past, a past that has been wiped from her mind and her thoughts. Chiron knows his Master is still alive but our hero must battle between head and heart when freeing Tarak could place his mate in mortal danger.

Alexandra Ivy introduces a new species or two to her world of the supernatural, species I suspected early on in the story. Levet’s inaccurate use of words and euphemisms is priceless and fun; the return of Viper, Styx and Ulric lends connection, cohesion and familiarity to the current story line. The premise is captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are colorful, dark, and dangerous. DARKNESS RETURNS ends on a cliff-hanger, you have been warned.

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Darkness Returns is another great addition to the series. You will love it. I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. All views are my own.

The Guardians of Eternity has always been one of my favorite series by Alexandra Ivy. This one I believe fell a little short in its appeal. Not sure if it was the characters or the story itself. Levet however, will always be one of my favorite characters. I did expect more disasters from Levet.

This book has some really good world building with some interesting main characters. It had quite the variety of supernatural creatures as well.
Styx is the vampire king who finds the scroll and sets things into motion. His guard and friend Viper isn't so sure it's a good idea. And from there the story takes off with Chiron and his friend and guard, Ulric. Ulric is a werewolf who fears this is a trap but he will stand by his friend.
Chiron is enchanted by Lilah and the mysteries that surround her. He's attracted alright but he also can't figure out who or what she is. And Lilah remembers practically nothing of her life prior to being on this magical island and owning this hotel. I have to admit that it had me going around in circles, guessing on what her story could be. Until the end when there is quite the surprises waiting.
Inga, the ogress is going to play an important part in the story as well. One thing for sure is that she loves Lilah and nothing and no one is going to get in her way of protecting her.
Levet is a small gargoyle with a HUGE and most times annoying personality. More than one "person" has wanted to strangle him fiercely. What he lacks in magic, or height, he more than makes up in ego! He seems pretty useless but he does get a few times where he actually shines.
There is plenty of mysteries and action in this story along with romance. Chiron and Lilah do get their H.E.A. but that just might be a H.E.A. for now. It looks like some things are not completed. The door was left wide open for more.
I will be giving this story 3.5 stars on Amazon when it opens for reviews.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.25 Hearts Oh Alexandra how I love your writing! And your characters!

Chiron is a vampire who is looking for his master and Lilah has lived her entire life hidden away and which Chiron walks into her life she finds herself mesmerized. And aren’t we always mesmerized by Alexandra’s characters too?

Oh the romance (and sex) is delicious in this book, as with all of Alexandra’s stories. And which is my favorite character? Levet! But of course!

This is lucky #13 in the series and lucky for us we get to read it! But I suggest reading the series first… And why wouldn’t you want to since Alexandra is one of the best in the paranormal romance field.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I am so happy to be back in this world, this world that is suspense, action, romance and unexpected twists that grabs the readers attention. A world that I can safely say that is well established that you must start from the beginning to read this, but if you want to read this be warned that you may be confused with re a peering character s and the story arc. the action that take place in this fast paced plot promise to bring about some new and challenging events to come for the Guardians.

The author has a world full of vampires, shifters and magic, While the story concludes with a happy for now ending, I much prefer a happily ever after I do look forward to the next one in the series.

What a brilliant book, and a timely reminder of just how much I adore Alexandra Ivy’s enthralling world of Vampires, Weres and a feisty and annoying little Gargoyle named Levet

Darkness Returns is a wonderful story with a gripping plot, imaginative world building and an array of powerful, pompous, overbearing, confused and lovable characters to complete this fabulous tale. So even though it’s been awhile, devout readers will consume this book in one sitting, as it is impossible to put down before the last page is turned.

I’m not prepared to divulge too much or give away spoilers, but I will say that for me, this story returned to the format of the early tales in the Guardians of Eternity and gave me a feeling of coming home. I’ve always loved this series, and this latest instalment just cemented its appeal.

DARKNESS RETURNS By Alexandra Ivy
I have followed this series since Alexandra Ivy started it. I was surprised when I found she had finally added another book, as it had been a long time. I am glad she did, this is an entertaining read. This is the 13th book in the series and it still seems as fresh as the 1st ones. You do not have to have read the previous books, but they would give you some background that would be helpful. Alexandra Ivy always creates a great world for her well developed characters no matter which genre she is writing about.
Levet the gargoyle, is back to torment Chiron the vampire and Ulric the werewolf. When Styxx the Anasso, discovers new information that leads him to believe Tarak is imprisoned and not dead, he calls for Chiron knowing he will go in search of him. The search leads him to the Everglades where he meets the hotel keeper named Lilah and knows he has found his mate at long last. Many things seem to be coming between them. This book has intrigue, drama, hilarity, great characters, a solid story line, and chemistry. I enjoyed this book enough to give it 5 stars.

Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? It’s been awhile since I’ve read Alexandra Ivy, and man have I missed her books! I need to catch up with this series but I do recognize a lot of the characters from her earlier books and it was like having a reunion with friends. Very deadly, dangerous, older than dirt in some cases friends.


And Levet. Oh Levet I love him so much! That interfering, charming, magically impaired gargoyle is up to his old tricks again and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. He really provides the humor needed to keep Darkness Returns from being too serious. Actually, Levet does that in any and all of Ivy’s books that he appears in.

As old as Chiron is he’s got a youthful sense of humor, he and Lilah had great chemistry and I enjoyed their flirty banter. Of course, being a Guardians of Eternity book there’s plenty of sexiness to go around but there’s also a genuine romance between the two characters that I enjoyed.

While this book is technically a paranormal romance, there’s a big question throughout most of the book: Who is Lilah? Some parts of the mystery I was able to puzzle out myself but there were a few things that caught me completely by surprise and that’s not common for me. Darkness Returns feels and reads like a brand new book in a series but at the same time it is loyal to the previous books and characters and of course longtime readers like me. The book also felt like Chiron and Layla’s story was interwoven with an even bigger plot which I’m all for. As long as Levet comes along for the ride because he is honestly one of my favorite characters ever.




Click It or Skip It? Click It. Whether you’re an old fan like me or a newbie looking for a great PNR read, Darkness Returns is what you’re looking for. I can’t wait for the next book.

Darkness Returns by Alexandra Ivy is a paranormal romance.
Chiron (a vampire) is old and powerful. He's a threat to some in the paranormal community for multiple reasons. In his early dealings he owns tshirts and casinos that cater to humans. In the past his master was captured and imprisoned and he vowed to get him back.
Lilah owns and runs a hotel in the Florida swamp that caters to paranormal beings. She thinks she's always lived there. She has no memory of anything else. Her caregiver heads been hiding huge secrets that end up including Chiron and his master.
Along the way Chiron learns about his master and Lilah discovers the truth of her identity. The fact that they're also mates shows up as well. :)
I always enjoy Alexandra Ivy. Can't wait for the next one!

Surprised? If you are like me you thought that the series ended with When Darkness Ends but apparently there's more to come since I see this is the beginning of a new trilogy. Apparently there's more to come since there is a splinter group that exists outside the guardians and it appears that betrayal and treachery might have played a role in creating them. Can a peace offering from the current Vampire Leader Styxx forge new ties?
Chiron has moved on outside of the ranks of the Guardians Of Eternity and become successful in his own right. A surprise visit from the current Anasso and a secret scroll sends him on the trail of his erstwhile vampire master who had been betrayed by the vampire nation. His trail leads him deep in the everglades of Florida and an enchanted hotel catering to various demon kind and the owner Lilah who is his fated soul mate.
Lilah and her guardian ogress are not exactly friendly even as Chiron finds Lilah intoxicating. Did I mention hat Chiron's companion on this quest generously on loan to him from the vampire king is Levet the gargoyle? you are in for some nice laughs with Levet's mangled English and French translations. Even as Lilah also seems to feel a strong attraction to Chiron, her guardian ogress definitely does not welcome them and goes out of her way to make their stay challenging including imprisoning Level.
Soon Chiron's second finds his way and lends a hand in attempting to find and free their old leader Tarek. Centuries old secrets are revealed as the enchantment unravels and the dust settles. Will Lilah and Chiron find a way to be together?
A whole host of new characters and a new story line revitalizes this series giving us a quick glimpse into some of the characters from the original series.

The 'Guardians of Eternity' series has always been one of my absolute favorite reads. ' Darkness Returns' is the continuation of this series and lives up to my expectations.
In the beginning my two favorite characters begin the story (Styx and Viper) and of course our favorite gargoyle joins the cast of characters.
This story is about Chiron given a map to where his master has been imprisoned. He comes upon a hotel cloaked in a magical barrier. There he meets Lilah a beautiful young maiden who has magic all around her. With the help of Levett he searches for Tarak. The hotel hold many mysteries the reader comes to learn and who Lilah truly is.
Ms. Ivy has done it again with her Guardians and am excited to read the next installment.

Wooooohoooo!!! The Guardians of Eternity are back!!! I am so freaking happy!!!! After reading Cyn and Fallon's story, I thought it was the end and I was sad but lo and behold it wasn't and we now get more awesomeness from Ms. Ivy! Again, I cannot get enough of Levet! I absolutely adore that gargoyle, he is beyond funny, Lol. In this next excellent read we have vampire Chiron and his beautiful mate to be, a witch named Lilah. Unbeknownst to Lilah she has been under a spell for centuries and Chiron seems to be the one who can bring her out of it. But at what cost? Chiron is given a scroll that may lead to the place where his leader, Tarak has been imprisoned for the last five centuries! Yeesh!
We briefly get a glimpse of Styx and Viper (love them!) and Levet is tasked in helping Chiron track down where Tarak may be and that is where he finds his mate, in a hotel made to be under a magical spell. Filled with adventure, humor, action, a bit of suspense and a new tale being woven, we are introduced into more fantastic future reads about the Guardians of Eternity! The ending begs more attention and hopefully we get more Levet and Inga, the Ogress in the next book. I hope this series never ends! Love it to pieces!!!!
4.5 stars*******

P.S. We also have Ulric, second in command to Chiron and his very best friend who I found rather intriguing and hope this wolf get his HEA in upcoming books.

****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****

This is book 13 in the Guardians of Eternity series. I have read a lot of books in this series but not all. Even though I was unfamiliar with these characters, this book works well as a stand alone. Styx, king of the vampires, discovers some information that proves the previous king was involved in the betrayal of another vampire. He passes the info to Chiron so that he can try to find and free his former master and right a wrong. Chiron reluctantly accepts the loan of the king’s annoying gargoyle and sets off in search of the key to finding his master. Being the owner of a string of luxury hotels he is surprised by the exclusive, private and magical hotel that caters to demons. He encounters the beautiful owner and her ogress manager who definitely are harboring secrets. He doesn’t know who to trust or where to look for the key as he finds danger along with a little romance. This is a quick read with not a lot of depth but if you are looking for a vampire romance, this is it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

This book had two strikes against it to begin with. 1) I don't normally jump into a series at #13. 2) I don't particularly care for the paranormal/fantasy genre. So, why am I get this book as an ARC and am actually reading it? I really like Alexandra Ivy and clicked before I realized this was a Paranormal and not a Romantic-Suspense. My bad. I'm reading it for a couple of reasons. April was a slow month and I figured I needed to shake up my normal reading taste and I like Alexandra Ivy. Once I got past all the prior history and different characters and demons interacting with each other and got to the mystery and romance of the story, I found I really liked it. I'm never going to be a Paranormal fan, but I do appreciate a good mystery and romance and Alexandra Ivy is a pro at writing that.

Chiron is a Rebel Vampire who has made a fortune in the human world with his world-wide chain of resorts and casinos. He has been on his own for centuries after the last vampire king banished him and his master, Tarak, mysteriously disappeared. Now, the new vampire king, Styx, has given him a scroll and a guide, the gargoyle, Levet (who sounds like Danny De Vito in my head) that could lead him to his master. It leads him to a demon hotel cloaked and deep in the Everglades, a mysterious paradise owned by a beautiful woman, Lilah.

Lilah has lived her whole life within the enchanted hotel grounds. Her parents were killed by a demon plague and she has few misty memories of them and her childhood. Running the hotel is her life until a very sexy vampire and an annoying gargoyle show up as guests, guests with a lot of questions about the history of the place and a penchant for snooping in places they shouldn't. Someone at the hotel is watching and doing their best to keep hidden that which Chiron seeks. As Chiron encounters the lovely Lilah and their desire for each other threatens the enchantment surrounding this place, he knows that Lilah is his future, if he has one.

Another great story by Ms. Ivy. Interesting plotline and new characters to the series. Lots of twists in the story. Loved it.

I was very excited to read this book, because I’ve long since been a fan of Alexandra Ivy and was not let down. It had the familiar humor and light-heartedness of the previous books wrapped up in a fun mystery. While this book could be read on its own, having read the rest of the series did provide some familiarity with a few side characters. I enjoyed getting to know the two main characters as their quite believable if hurried love story developed; not insta-love, but close. If you like Levet, he is back in a major way in this book with his over the top miss-sayings that got to be a bit much for me after awhile. Overall it was a fun, quick read that ended a bit abruptly.

Although this is the first book in the Guardians of Eternity series I have read, this is not the first book by Alexandra Ivy that I have read. I have been slowly embracing the paranormal world in the last few years and finally decided to give this series a try. With this being the 13th book, I thought I would have a hard time following along, but my fears were unfounded. While there were some scenes that alluded to previous characters/story lines, they were brief and just enough to help me understand the connection to this story.

The humor is the first thing that drew me in. I enjoyed the flirty foreplay between Chiron and Lilah, as well as, the character of Levet. He’s like Einstein and Peter Griffin wrapped in a tiny annoying package, but I loved him. The way he is written is pure genius.

This is a paranormal romance, so there are several different beings in the story, each with their own set of abilities. I think I might like this fictional world that Ms. Ivy has created and at some point will go back and read the previous books in this series. The ending definitely has me awaiting the next book with baited breath.

ARC received from NetGalley for an honest review.

Can you break the curse? Chiron knows that he has to find his leader Tarak but no one knows where he disappeared to but that changes when the king of the vampires Styx visits him. This might be his only chance to find him and to repay his debt. Tarak saved him so many eons ago he would have gone completely mad if he hadn't been shown how to be a vampire. Chiron knows that it isn't going to be easy especially that his helper is a gargoyle named Levet. Will he be able to trust this little annoying creature? Where is the key to finding Tarak and why is magic involved. Vampires don't really like witches that is one thing they all agree upon but he has no choice but to follow Levet. He is surprised when he meets Lilah as he can't figure out what she is. Lilah knows that this vampire could be trouble she just can't understand why her friend and nanny Inga warns her to stay away from him.
Lilah doesn't know much about her dead parents and Inga refuses to talk about them all she knows is that this is her life and that she needs to take in guests so that the hotel can survive. But there is something different about Chiron he makes her want to leave her home and to travel to all the wonderful places that he has been too. Can she take that chance?
Levet doesn't trust Inga the half ogre she is hiding something but before he can warn Chiron he is thrown into a dungeon and no matter how he tries he can't get out. Chiron has been looking for him but he is more attentive to Lilah and that could be his undoing. Why is she so special and why can't she remember anything about her parents. Can he help her learn the truth and will he find Tarak at long last?
A great read who doesn't love a strong vampire that knows what he wants. I was luck enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.