Embraced by Blood (A Sweetblood Novel) (Mills & Boon Nocturne)

by Laurie London

[kimbacaffeinate]

Embraced by Blood picks up sometime after book one ended. The novel focuses on Alfonso Serrano. He was agency tracker, Lily DeGraff’s, informant in the first novel, Bonded by Blood. He is slowly healing from his wounds and has separated himself from his family and Lily. While undercover in the Darkbloods organization he was forced to give a blood oath, and now they know he survived the blast that killed their leader. He is a hunted man, and will not put those he loves at risk. He is laying low and trying to replicate his childhood home on a cliff by the shore. Only when he is working with his hands can he forget all that he has lost. One night while out looking for a light snack, (a little o-positive) he runs across Darkbloods and learns about a computer game and a huge party offering Sweetblood. (This is a rare blood type that is highly addictive) Later, at the hardware store he runs into the agency’s Regional Commander, Tristan Santiago. Santiago wants him to come back to the agency. They are short handed with Alfonso’s brother Dom out of the country and the Darkbloods are causing problems. He refuses, but advises Santiago about what he has discovered. When Santiago informs him that Lily is back with her daughter, his fears go into overdrive. The Darkbloods are looking for trackers to find Sweetbloods and Lily is the best there is. He begins following her and her trainee partner. When he is satisfied that she is protected, he slinks back to his home, and thoughts of Lily fill his mind. What he doesn’t know is that Lily is having problems tracking and she fears that her days in the agency may be coming to an end. The tale that unfolds is action-packed and kept me captivated.

I love the characters London has created. Alfonso is swoon-worthy, loyal and misunderstood. I found myself rooting for him from page one. Lily is sharp and independent. The thought of losing her skills makes her unsure of herself and her identity. Alfonso’s rejection cut her to the core, and yet she still wants him. Santiago has issues, but never doubts Alfonso. If only Alfonso’s brother could see; that all he has ever wanted is family. The romance is hot and at times quite steamy. London has a knack for creating sizzling love scenes that are mostly implied.

The world-building is fascinating and focus on good vs evil. The Agency is sworn to protect humans and keep vampires hidden from them. The Darkbloods want to rule the world and view humans as nothing more than dinner. The cast of agency hunters and their partners intertwine in each of the novels, and I connected with them. I am excited about whose story will be told next.