3.75 stars-- DARKNESS BETRAYED is the seventeenth full-length instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is vampire/Raven Xi, and werewolf Brigette’s story line. DARKNESS BETRAYED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Xi and Brigette DARKNESS BETRAYED follows Brigette as she is approached to join a revolution, a revolution against the King of the Vampires but Brigette knows betrayal first hand, and isn’t about to find herself on the wrong side of the fight. Reaching out to the Anasso (King), Brigette is tasked with infiltrating the supernatural group preparing to take down the vampire Styx but she finds herself now partnered with the vampire in charge of Styx’s protection. Enter Xi, and the man with whom Brigitte will fall in love. As Styx and Brigette begin to investigate the who, how and why of the upcoming revolution, the pull between our couple cannot be denied.

Meanwhile, our intrepid gargoyle Levet is sent on a mission of his own. Brigette recovered a series of ancient scrolls once connected to the previous Anasso, and Levet is tasked with uncovering the whereabouts of the source of its’ magic.

DARKNESS BETRAYED is a story of power and control; betrayal and vengeance; retribution, loss, family and love. Alexandra Ivy pulls the reader into a tale of ruthlessness and reprisal for sins of the past, sins misdirected at the Anasso vampire. The fast paced and character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the slow building romance is fated; the characters are energetic and colorful-it is always fun to watch Levet in action.



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This is book 17 in the Guardians of Eternity, and while it could be read as a stand alone-I would read the previous few books because this character and her actions in those books are spoken about in this book. In this one we finally get a book for Brigette! Once Brigette was the conduit for the ultimate evil to come to earth. Now she is a were that keeps herself isolated. When rebels come to her for help in taking down the vampire king, she knows she has to warn him. Even if he doesn't listen to her. Xi knows from the moment he meets Brigette that there is more going on in her mind than just guilt. He also knows that the attraction he feels towards her is mutual. But will their mission be a way for her to achieve absolution or will it lead to the death that should have found her long ago?

I loved most of this book! I loved how Brigette and Xi's relationship progresses, how they handle the rebels, and just their connection in general. I didn't like how some of the other characters were almost thrown in just because we all love those characters so much. It threw it off the main characters story for me. I loved that Brigette gets to be redeemed. She didn't seem to deserve in the previous books, but to actually get her feelings and thoughts behind her actions was perfect. And the fact that she knew what happened should have never happened. There is scene towards the end that made me ugly cry. For a minute there I thought I was going to have to do something drastic with my book. But I am oh so glad that it worked out the way it did! I can't wait to read more in this series because it never gets old for me!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Werewolf Brigette teams up with rebels and finds herself working with a vampire named Xi. The passion and action were nonstop! The book held my attention and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Lost no time in getting into this one. Bridgette is to be used but she wants to warn too. Torn she is already was alone before this. Xi is the one between her and the King and he feels what she carries. They become partners in this mission but they also have a chemistry that they feel. They have to get this through though this mission to save the guardians but then it could mean death. This author knew what to do to us having us turn the pages with no turning back. Wanting also the heat of the romance to blossom so we feel anticipation and excitement to the very end.

3.5 stars

Darkness Betrayed is book 17 in the Guardians of Eternity series and finally Brigette's redemption. I have been not so patiently waiting for this book since we were told of her ultimate betrayal. Now while I loved Brigette and Xi together I'm disappointed that their romance was basically nonexistent. I feel the author has been putting the couples and their romances on the backburner giving us barely any time for any passion but boom their in love and the end. So many characters are having on page time that I feel I'm taken out of the story of the main characters. The ending was so rushed that while I got my HEA I was left disappointed. I'm am so invested in this series that there is no question I will read the next book.

This is a great redemption story. Bridgett & Xi have a very interesting journey to find each other. I really enjoyed the revolution plot for this book. It really kept everything interesting. I love this series & cannot wait for the next installment.

after 16 novels and several novellas you might think that the characters and storylines would get repetitive but Ivy continues to avoid that penitential downside of a long running series. While the hero, Xi, is sexy (one common trait amount the author's heroes), he is also his own unique strengths, character and issues. Bridgette was on the wrong side in the past, made mistakes in her youth that carried over across the years, but she's paid a price and suffered as a result of those past decisions and had come to new realizations and a desire to make amends. someone is planning to take down Styx, the vampire king, and thereby turn the demon world upside down and inside out. While Bridgette and Xi work to discover the rebellion secrets, they discover much more and we are given a story, not only about romance but redemption and forgiveness. There is also plenty of action as the rebellion's threads are followed and we get to enjoy some old favorites in Styx, Viper and, of course, Levet who has his own piece of puzzle to follow (a slight change up from his being tagging along with the main h/h). the intrigue, action and humor are all well paced and result in another enjoyable installment in the series and a couple you are happy to see together HEA.

Alexandra Ivy is a can't miss author!! 4 1\2

Its no secret I am a fan of Alexandra Ivy. It has mainly been her Romantic Suspense series and this is the 3rd book in her Guardians of Eternity series I have read. This book fits into the the paranormal romance series which can be read as a stand alone or part of the 17 book series. (Side note it is fun to see the author change in writing only become better and better with each book!)

Who would guess the one person you would like you should hate you can't. The author shows the evolution of change in the different characters and looking for redemption but scared. The author creates this amazing world that readers will be pulled into with characters and romance that is hot, action that is perfect blend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Lyrical Press publisher for the advance copy of Alexandra Ivy Darkness Betrayed

Alexandra Ivy is always a automatic buy for me. However I went into this nervous. She did such a good job of making me hate Brigette, I was a bit skeptical about how Alexandra would make her redeemable. Well I shouldn't have worried because Alexandra Ivy is a brilliant story teller and what she created she can recreate. That's what she did, while Brigette will never be my favorite character , she will be the one who will remind me just how talented one of favorite Author's are.
Xi character was intriguing but I felt like his part of the story was just a supportive one to help Brigette find her redemption. Like all The Guardians of Eternity books it come with mystery, suspense and humor.
The only thing I didn't like, it seemed to wrapped up and end kind of abruptly. I've never experienced that with one of her books so it took me off guard.
Over all I would highly recommend this book, but suggest you read in order, you know since its a series and all.

I was gifted an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley for a honest review .

Another hit for this series! The world building that has went into it is fantastic. The characters are complex and whether you love or hate them, you are completely invested. There's a lot of action and suspense. More than romance, this is a story about redemption.

a thrilling addition to The Guardians of Eternity series. I really liked how the story was written. Quite intriuging plot line that made me keep reading late into the night.

DARKNESS BETRAYED is a complex, entertaining and intriguing read. This is the 20th book of Alexandra Ivy's Guardians of Eternity series and it is still as exciting and fresh as the first one.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=73889

Darkness betrayed is the 23rd volume in the Guardians of eternity series (if you count the long novels and the novellas). It follows the previous volume, Shades of darkness, some time later.

I’ll talk about the heroine, Brigette. She’s a pure Were we met in Conquer the darkness. She was there the bad girl but at the end of the book, she was just imprisoned in the castle of the Queen of the Merfolk. In the following long volume, Shades of darkness, she was back, still in a less than glorious role but better than previously. Yes I voluntarily stay vague in order not to spoil for those who haven’t read the books yet (I don’t know if that’s possible with the series’ fans but you never know).
In any case, in this volume, I had already felt some kind of transformation in this character in spite of her disastrous choices. So when I read the synopsis for Darkness betrayed, I wasn’t surprised to see her as a heroine. As said by Alexandra Ivy during the virtual Festival du Roman Féminin 2021 (a French online event in April), she had decided to use the redemption plot for this bad character. She already did that especially for Styx (Darkness everlasting, 3rd volume in the series) but it’s the first time she does it for a female character.

I must say I was a bit skeptical about Brigette and I had trouble seeing how Alexandra would make me appreciate her. Challenge met!
When I finished this book, I only had one thought: Brigette will stay on our heart just like Alexandra’s other heroines. She’s powerful, determined and loyal to Levet. In Brigette’s case, some vulnerability can be added, consequence of her past decisions. I’d have like less self-pity moments. But all in all I loved Brigette.

After that, you’ll ask me: and what about the hero?
Don’t fret, Xi, the vampire, a Raven (member of Styx’s personal guards) is not outdone. As powerful as Alexandra’s any other hero, I must say his special power makes him one of the best heroes of the series. And no, I won’t say more. By the by, to visualize Xi, I always have in mind the first appearance of the Ravens with Styx leading them (since then he has become the King of the Vampires) in Embrace the darkness (2d volume in the series): quite a group of powerful warriors you’d better have on your side.
Anyway, to go on with this review, Xi also had a complicated past as a vampire and sometimes he’s engulfed by a feeling of guilt, but he has succeeded in overcome that through Styx. I remind here that with Alexandra Ivy, vampires don’t remember their past as humans once they’re transformed, which is handy as some must have done things… LOL
In this book, he tries to make Brigette understand it’s possible at times to overcome the feelings of guilt by thinking of the future.

I liked the relationship between Xi and Brigette. The attraction is immediate and powerful. Xi accepts it more easily than Brigette, but we understand why. I liked that the first love scene arrives after the half of the book because before that it would have been ill-timed seeing the dangerous situation the heroes were confronted to.
Indeed, they are for a good part of the book in the same area as the bad guys.
At the beginning of the book, Brigette is approached by a female vampire and a werewolf. Their goal is to use Brigette’s power to dethrone Styx. Problem: Brigette doesn’t have this power anymore (read Conquer the darkness to know why). However she accepts their proposal to spy on them. After having warned Styx through Levet, she teams with Xi to go on watching the bad guys and learn their plans.

On the suspense and action side, there’s plenty of it! To the point I had trouble putting down the book to do my daily tasks (like go to work LOL). As usual, Alexandra puts us quickly in the heart of the subject and we wonder how they’ll manage till the end.
What’s more, in Darkness betrayed Styx and Viper (hero in Embrace the darkness) have a more active role than in the previous volumes, with an ending in a blaze of glory on many levels. We also see Darcy (message for Alexandra; I’d really like to see again more often previous heroines 😉) and Dante as well as his soulmate Abby (heroes of the first volume), and Shay, Viper’s soulmate, are mentioned, which made me want to read again the first volume of this series I’m fan of since 2009, that is When darkness comes.

In any case, with Darkness betrayed, Alexandra Ivy did a wonderful job. I loved this book from start to finish and I can’t wait to know if she’s planed a story for Troy, the Prince of the Imps, who’s taking more and more place in the series; to know what will happen to Levet and Inga, the Queen of the Merfolk… So many potential stories I can’t wait to discover.

This is the seventeenth book in the Guardians of Eternity series by Alexander Ivy. This time the adventure include a former villain Brigette, who was once unwillingly channeling evil against the earth. She is on her own and a conspiracy against the king of vampires tries to recruit her. She doesn’t want to go along with th rebels but also realizes king might not listen to her.
I comes to escort her and sees the heartbreak behind her guilt. Styx, the king, has assigned Xi to Brigette because he doesn’t fully trust her.
Xi and Brigette really start to bond on their adventure. It’s a lovely story of redemption along with the action we come to expect in a Guardians book. It was fun seeing old favorites and the story was well written. I really enjoyed learning more about Brigette and enjoyed her relationship with Xi immensely. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Darkness Betrayed is a smooth slide back into the Guardians of Eternity series for those who may have taken a break. For those who read a lot of paranormal romance, this world is easily to understand. Ms. Ivy does an excellent job of explaining the players to a new reader. The focus of this story is all about Brigette.

Since I haven't read most of the earlier series, I am unaware of the explicit cruel details Brigette has mete out in her quest for power. The Brigette we meet here, is essentially wearing a sackcloth and flagellating herself through denial and starvation. The regret Brigette feels for what she has done is the impetus for her continuous penance.

This story moves quickly as Bridgette paired with Xi try to unravel the underground rebellion. Xi is one of the elite guards to the King of this paranormal world. Bridgette's interactions with Xi are stilted as it is clear she has been on her own for too many centuries. Whilst Bridgette is going through journey towards redemption, a bit of her limelight is stolen by an adorable gargoyle. I am not sure what the story is for this gargoyle, but I want to learn more. I can see why the males in this universe are frustrated with him. Because there is something about his character which is appealing to females. I am not immune to his charm.

This story is more paranormal than romance for me. Quite frankly, without the romantic angle, I think the story would have been a bit stronger. I do like the pairing of Bridgette and Xi, I just didn't really need to have their romance played out or any of their romantic interludes. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who enjoy atonement themes.

Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal story. Even though the King of the Vampires may not believe the attempt being made on his life, Brigette goes to tell him and is sent on a mission with the handsome vampire XI. As Brigette and XI work together to try to stop the lives of many paranormals being killed, the attraction between the both of them becomes stronger and the chemistry ignites between the two of them. After Brigette's evil past, she does not think she is worthy of happiness. Meanwhile, Levet puts himself in danger to discover secrets and plans for the King. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of intrigue, danger, and romance, and a must read riveting and engaging love story.
I reviewed a copy of the book through NetGalley.

Kudos to Alexandra Ivy for making me believe there is redemption. I have read every book in this series and didn't think I could become invested, or care for Bridgette, At the end, with her resignation, I was choked up, with Xi I was sniffling. This can be read as a stand alone, but it is oh so much more if you have read the series. It's like putting on an old coat but you keep finding new things in your pockets. This paranormal has vampires, Imps, weres demons, gargoyle and orgs. It has a twisted plot, laughter and romance. It is entertainment with sorrow and sunshine. Does anyone else wondering what Troy is going to have to do??? You know he is going to have to get his own story, surely! Thank you for the Arc Lyrical Press, NetGalley and Alexandra Ivy, I freely volunteer m thoughts and opinions.

As with all of Alexandra Ivy’s Guardian books, the characters are strong, loyal and passionate. In this story Bridgette gets a shot at redemption. While helping her on her mission, Xi falls for her and is willing to do anything to help her.

Ivy is great at bringing back some series favorites to fall in love with not just the main couple but with the supporting characters and the community that they make. Of course the little gargoyle Levet, a favorite, brings his comedic shenanigans into the mix.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was going to be an uphill battle - how do you root for someone who has done such horrendous things like Brigette has?

Brigette can't go back and change the damage she has wrought but she now owns it and takes responsibility. Her wolf has abandoned her in disgust. Her powers are...wonky to say the least.

Approached by rebel forces who want to overthrow Styxx, she goes along for the ride, whilst having no thought of actually overthrowing him, after all, he helped release her from the beast. But as we know curiosity killed the cat- it might kill this Shifter too!

Xi gets deployed to see if the tales Brigette is telling are actually true - he's pretty much the invisible man! But whilst he's tailing Brigette, he gets to see the torture she puts herself through daily and that she truly does repent.

Twisty plot as usual and there is always some levity when Levet makes an appearance. He takes the KISA thing really seriously LOL. Another great addition to the series!

The latest Guardian of Eternity book Darkness Betrayed is number seventeen in this long running series by Alexandra Ivy. Conspiracy is at the focus of the conflict against the Guardians this time with a former villain along for the ride. Brigette was once used to channel evil against earth. At that time she did not have any choice in being used. This time the choice is hers. Unclear as to where she stands in this conspiracy sends Xi as a watcher going undercover with her.

It is difficult to make a bad character show that they have changed for the better, overcoming what has always been thought by others. This story does just that, showing the different Brigette that is undeniable for Xi. Their story is one of wariness to trust, despair to hopefulness and lonely to love. It was great to see characters from previous books as supporting characters in Xi and Brigette’s story.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.