Xavier definitely provides the action, danger and passion readers have come to expect from DBR’s books and the depth of world building is always enthralling. I was impressed with the cast of secondary characters in Layla’s comrades and friends, and the heartache of an unexpected betrayal, showed a vulnerable side to the unwavering Xavier. This is certainly a fast-paced, intriguing and entertaining read and one I’m sure will be loved by ViA fans. That said, it is a great story and will be obviously be added to my print collection; but the main thing missing was Raphael and Cyn of course.

I now conclude that I don't like vampire books at all. I think the story is decent, it's just not the right book for me. I also didn't connect to the story or the characters that much. I just waited and waited for this book to end, and I'm sad because I thought I'm going to enjoy reading this book.

In XAVIER, the latest entry in D B Reynolds "Vampires in America" series, Layla Casales has spent the last ten years becoming a power of her own training First in the military, and then forming an elite mercenary unit fighting in battlefields around world. Layla’s young heart was broken by Xavier years before, so she is determined to keep their interactions all business. Best laid plans, however, often go astray as once they are together again, and Layla and Xavier’s intense connection only amplifies and reignites.

After an attack on his compound from a fanatical human group powered by his old enemy, Xavier has to enlist Layla to help find and remove the threat. Since his daylight hours are spent in an enforced sleep. Xavier needs her elite human force. He has battlegrounds on two fronts: winning back Layla for his mate, and destroying his enemies before they can do the same to him and his people. Recommended, and can be read standalone; although the reader will miss some series background.

Xavier: Vampires in Europe is book 14 in the Vampires in America series and although not my favorite it was enjoyable. I think for me I had a hard time connecting to Xavier and Layla. For the first half of the story Layla acted like a child with a broken heart which she blamed on Xavier and they were hardly together since most of the story was happening in the am. The second half definitely picks up but there was just something missing in the relationship for me. I did enjoy the fact that Layla was a warrior and could take care of herself while she reminded me of Cyn she still couldn't match my favorite female of this series. While I had issues with the story I do look forward to the next book in this series.

DNF

I love Ms. Reynolds Stone Warriors and there are vampires in them, so I thought I might like this one. But no. I tried, but just can't get into it.

The new vampire lord of Spain, Xavier Prospero Flores, has spent the last couple hundred years honing his skills and powers. When his sire is taken out by an old enemy, Xavier not only takes over the territory in the bloody vampire way, but he must protect those he calls his own from recent attacks. One of those people, Layla Casales left his territory several years before after Xavier rejected her advances. Xavier had intense feeling for Layla as well, but that knew she was too young at the time.

Layla Casales has finally come home after purposely avoiding the enticing vampire to help her father when his health declines; he commands Xavier’s military force. Layla spent the last ten years becoming a power of her own training first in the military, and then forming an elite mercenary unit fighting in battlefields around world. Layla’s young heart was broken by Xavier, so she is determined to keep their interactions all business. Best laid plans, however, often go astray as once they are together again, Layla and Xavier’s intense connection only amplifies and reignites.

With an attack on his compound from a fanatical human group powered by his old enemy, Xavier has to enlist Layla to help find and remove the threat since his daylight hours are spent in an enforced sleep. Xavier has battlegrounds on two fronts: winning back Layla for his mate, and destroying his enemies before they can do the same to him and his people. Layla is another one of this series tough cookie heroines doing clashing with an arrogant, powerful vampire such as Xavier who is not much inclined to apologize for his past treatment of her. This book is #14 in the Vampires in America series, #3 in the subgroup Vampires in Europe.

4 1/2 Star Review.....

Nothing says heroine like a badass, female mercenary with her own team of capable and fearless warriors to back her up. Layla was young and in love when Xavier rejected her advances and destroyed her fragile heart. Determined to live life to the fullest, Layla schooled in the US, joined the military and then travelled the world using her unique fighting skills defending causes that others found to dangerous or untenable to even attempt. But her toughest battle is yet to come, as upon returning to her homeland Layla is not only confronted by the Vampire Lord who shattered her heart, but a mysterious evil that threatens her extended family and their way of life.

Xavier has long been the superpower in Spain and has forged a calm and serene lifestyle for the vampire and human inhabitants under his care at the Fortalesa. But the Vampire Lord has become complacent during times of peace and danger now hammers his fortress walls. So, when the commander of his guards calls his daughter home to help, Xavier realise that the young woman who left a decade ago is now a competent and exhilarating warrior who is ready to not only tackle their unidentified enemy, but to also take her place at his side.

Layla is definitely a woman cut from the same cloth as the formidable Cyn; might of stature and a brilliant mind, make Layla a fierce and capable soldier, and Xavier is naturally a commanding and imposing figure who holds the reins of power over his empire through compassion as well as strength. But, years of heartache must be overcome before Layla can accept Xavier’s sudden determination to make her his, and an evil never before encountered must be eradicated to preserve the life that Layal once craved with every breathe.

Xavier definitely provides the action, danger and passion readers have come to expect from Ms Reynolds stories and the depth of world building is always enthralling. I was impressed with the cast of secondary characters in Layla’s comrades and friends, and the heartache of an unexpected betrayal, showed a vulnerable side to the unwavering Xavier. This is certainly a fast-paced, intriguing and entertaining read and one I’m sure will be well received. I must admit I didn’t warm to Xavier’s character as I have with other Vampire Lords, and that may have been influenced by the cover which I found unappealing. That said, it is a great story and will be obviously be added to my print collection; but the main thing missing was Raphael.

Four and a half
Hmm this book certainly had a heroine who could give even Cyn a run for her money because Layla is a gun toting mercenary for hire ! With her own cut throat team she's unafraid to go anywhere but the one place she really doesn't want to return to is her childhood home where her heart was broken by the Vampire Lord himself !
Xavier has ruled Spain peacefully for many years and now suddenly his fortress is being attacked and people hurt. You might expect it to be a rival Vampire but no its humans in broad daylight so how is Xavier ever going to be able to fight back because obviously daylight and Vampires just don't mix ! Perhaps it's time for the bold Layla to come home ?
This author writes action packed stories that pulsate with passion. Layla is perhaps too quick in accepting Xaviers demands for me but it certainly delivers if you seek a steamy romance. I loved the team surrounding Layla and their exploits were very fast and entertaining so definitely an action packed story. I just didn't really fall for Xavier unfortunately and the sneering, arrogant cover art just didn't help. I guess my heart will always belong to Raphael !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

PPre-release copy
This book jumps straight into the story, there is no messing around. DB knows how to write, to grab the readers attention and keep it. Great characters, steamy romance, whats not to love.

I'm conflicted about the front cover, is Xavier smouldering or constipated ;-)

While the premise of the story was intriguing, I failed to connect with the main characters. I have enjoyed every book up to this one, but I needed more character building with this couple. They didn't resonate with the mate vibe like all the previous books. The twisty was excellent, side characters were interesting. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

Ms. Reynolds never fails to deliver. Xavier is an action packed, steamy, and lush read. I finished it in one sitting, only putting the book down to give myself time to breathe. Xavier's castle is under attack. To keep his people safe he will need the help of Layla, a human that hates to love him.