“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.” ― Bob Marley
OK, here’s the dealeo. When I first picked up Night’s Embrace (Others of Seattle Book 1) I was underwhelmed. ‘Instalove’ anyone? But, I was in a hot tub, glass of Merlot at hand, rolled towel behind my neck – So, what the heck? And you know something? It wasn’t all that bad, once you got past the typical ‘Boy meets girl. Instant attraction. Sex. Repeat.” scenario. Instead, Brandy L. Rivers has written a tale of hate, betrayal, love, death, and hope all wrapped up in the instalove that so many offer today. Of course, if those books didn’t sell, they wouldn’t be written, right?
Roxy Night, lead singer for Nights Embrace, is a sucker for a sob story, never as well illustrated as by the fact that she has carried her ex-boyfriend, Jordan, for the last five years, babying him out of obsessions, depressions, and maudlin weeping for her to return to him. Bailing him out of fraught situations, ignoring the sex addiction that broke up their relationship in the first place, and generally being a combination mother and babysitter for his whacked-out self. But Roxy is through. Through, I say! And when she meets Trevor, the lead singer of Lunar Storm, she has every intention of standing by her vow to let Jordan deal with his own problems.
So, how’s that workin’ out for you, Roxy?
Wolf shifters aren’t in Roxy’s world view. Nor are succubus, demons, incubus, or any other fae beasties that go bump in the night. But suddenly, she is thrust into that world she never knew, and staying alive through it may be impossible. For while Trevor and his band, as well as their mates, all seem to be good guys, a darkness follows them around – a darkness rooted in jealousy, hate, and an obsessive pair of wolves who will do anything to make sure Trevor suffers. And Roxy is right at the top of the list of ‘make Trevor suffer’ projects. Oh, and let’s not forget the father that Roxy never knew. Her mother may have protected her for most of her life, but mom is dead now, and Daddy Dearest is determined to capture Roxy and make her into the very type of monster he is.
I think I came to like Roxy’s book so well because, while there was that instalove thing that has come to be more than boring for me, there was also a strong thread of how friendships can often weather storms that can crush relationships, and how the vicious struggles of addiction, no matter what type, can destroy everything one holds closest to the heart. Oh, and let’s not forget the important part for me – no matter how evil one (or both!) of your parents are, your friends are the family you make for yourself. 3.5 stars.
Oh, and one thing I will mention. The cover at the beginning of this post is the one on my copy. I noticed that Rivers has apparently changed the cover to this one. Personally? I much prefer the one on my copy! It shows off the model’s gorgeous eyes and classical features, and the wolf matches the one in the story. Just my opinion…
