Review: Danann Frost Embraces the Darkness by Joanne Valiukas

Title: Danann Frost Embraces the Darkness Series: Danann Frost #2 Author: Joanne Valiukas Publisher: Joanne Valiukas Published: June 12, 2011 My Copy: From publisher To be with her love, Danann Frost, Archangel of the Light has chosen to Fall from Grace a second time. Returning to their lake in Western Ireland, Danann finds herself abandoned and alone. She is soon taken to the castle where all does not seem as it should be. Held captive by Seth’s Ancient enemy, the King of the Mayo vampires; Eamon Ahern himself vows to take Danann in marriage. Running from the dangers of her beloved’s mother and sister, does Danann have any choice but to acquiesce to Ahern’s heated demands? Managing to defy every attempt by Seth to save her, Danann learns to cling to the bonds in which she is held captive. Journey with Danann as she is forced into marriage, vowing a honeymoon full of vengeance as she travels to New York and eventually home to Melbourne. Who will win the battle of wills for her freedom? In a fight that involves the ultimate battle with the darkness, can Danann come out of it with her spark intact or will she lose her soul and her life for all time?

After having given Danann Frost Falls from Grace a glowing 5 star review I was a little concerned that the sequel would fall short. I needn’t have worried! Joanne Valiukas outdid herself once again! Danann Frost Embraces the Darkness not only delivers but actually surpasses its predecessor! This book moved me and surprised me at every turn. Just when I thought that the story couldn’t possibly get any better, it did! When I first picked-up this installment I expected move of the same, which isn’t a bad thing because I adored book one. However, what I got eclipsed all of my expectations and don’t even get me started on the ending! Wow!

The first two hundred pages or so are on par with the first book. Danann has fallen from grace a second time for Seth, the love of her life. Unfortunately for her, two hours in heaven equate to two years on Earth. Needless to say, a lot has happened while she was busy battling for her light! The misunderstandings that were prevalent between angel and vampire in Danann Frost Falls from Grace are back in full force. Danann seeks refuge from her enemies with Seth’s biggest rival and understandably, Riordan is not impressed! Frost is just trying to do the right thing and spare her beloved from learning the hurtful truth. Her plan backfires horribly and as a result, Dannan and Seth’s reunion gets off to a rocky start. This unlikely couple agree to disagree by deciding to feign indifference where each other is concerned.

I liked Danann well enough the first time around but in this installment I absolutely loved her! She’s sassy, wild and even a little badass! Yup, this goodie-goodie angel actually grows some balls! She gets obnoxiously drunk, picks up a guy at the bar and eats tons of garlic in an attempt to piss Seth off. Mission accomplished! I really enjoyed the new Danann. She seems to have learnt a thing or two from her time among humans. In the first book she was somewhat of victim but in this one she really takes control of her life. That a girl!

Then the action kicks in! I wasn’t expecting this turn of events at all but it made for an extremely gripping read! Lucifer actually shows up. That’s right, the devil himself! The only other angel to have ever fallen from grace. Needless to say, he chose an entirely different path than the one Danann did. And then there’s the ending! Oh my god! I didn’t see it coming at all but it fit so perfectly that I couldn’t help but give myself a quick whack on the forehead for not having thought of it sooner. There’s no cliffhanger like in the first book but in my opinion this was so much better!

I love, love, LOVED this book! Danann Frost Embraces the Darkness combines all of the elements that I adored in the first book plus a sassier version of Danann and a kick as ending that absolutely blew me away. I haven’t been able to find any news on a third installment but I’m keeping my fingers crossed! Ooh and if you missed my earlier post, Joanne Valiukas used a quote from my review on the dust jacket AND I’m mentioned in the acknowledgements. How cool is that!? Read. This. Series. You won’t regret it! Promise!

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