Man I love these stories. This is Brigette and Xi’s story. You remember Brigette the evil a of all evil were. Well she’s seeking to redeem herself for her own piece of mind. With the help of her friend a tiny gargoyle, named Levit, a imp named Troy and not just any imp, and 1 sexy vamp named Xi, who happens to be one of the kings Ravens. Follow their adventure to find out if good triumphs over evil and all that stuff. Oh and get ready to smile at the mischief Levit causes and gets into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

It was an okay story. It felt like Levet stole the spotlight more than anything in this story and it took a while to figure out the whole plot. A little lackluster for me.

I didn't think it was possible but Alexandra Ivy did it, she made an evil character into a sympathetic one. She's done it before but I didn't think Brigette could be reformed. The chemistry between the female and Xi is off the charts and worth the buildup. I hope the next book she writes is Levet and Inga's HEA!!!

I've read every book in this series and they just keep getting better. Brigett and Xi have so much in common but brigett is so afraid to trust, the storyline is so good it keeps you focused to see what comes next. I also enjoyed that you got to see past characters from previous books it is definitly worth the read.

Even after 17 books this series is still going strong.
Brigette betrayed everything she held close. Levit is the only one that believes she’s changed.

“Even the rebel riffraff have decided I’m too evil to be a part of the Scooby gang.”

Xi is sent into find out what’s going on when she sends a message warning the vampire king of a rebellion and sparks fly.
This is a story of redemption with a HEA and lots of Levit moments.

And why not? He was charming, his magic was awesome, and he was a knight in shining armor who spent his nights saving the world from disaster.

“Did you tell them to stick the trade deal up their hot toddies?” She blinked. Then blinked again. “Patooties?”
Hopefully we will be getting Troy the Imp King’s book next. There was a little spark of maybe.

I love this series and actually think that it's got better and better as the author keeps adding to it. This time it's Brigette who many will remember as the ultimate betrayer and pretty much a thoroughly nasty piece of work who steps up. She no longer is imbued by the evil powers of the Beast but that's not something she's broadcasting about because she just wants to be alone. Yet when she's approached by rebels wanting to overthrow the Vampire King she goes along with it because she's curious and actually really doesn't have anything else to do !
Styxx is beyond irritated by the recent trivial attacks on his people and is determined to get to the bottom of it or heads will quite literally roll . When he receives a visit from the untrustworthy Brigette he would be a fool to believe she's turned a new page but sometimes even gruff dare I say surly Vampires have to make hard choices. Styxx decides that his trusted Raven, Xi with his trick of being undetectable is the Vampire for the job but descending into the sewers of Chicago brings as many questions as it does answers !
I found this a quick, entertaining read that actually had quite a twisting plot. I think trying to redeem Brigette was a great idea but sadly I also think the romance between Brigette and Xi got overshadowed by everything that was going on. I admit to proudly being a hopeless romantic but even I was surprised by the ending. What I really enjoyed was seeing old friends appear and in case you are wondering yes the divine, calamitous and hysterical Levet is around to cause mayhem and even actually help !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Darkness Betrayed (Guardians of Eternity, #17) by Alexandra Ivy
I love this series and each book is better than the last one. This is Xi and Brigette's story which is full of never stop action, angst, betrayal, evil, magic, redemption, loads of old friends and some enemies (and everyone's favorite Levet), intrigue, violence, lots of laughs, strong feelings, and steam all to get us to their HEA. I can't wait for what is next.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Page-turner Happily Ever After Wonderful characters Romantic Great world building Steamy Funny Tear-jerker Action-packed Easy-to-read Haunting Entertaining Unpredictable Scary

4 stars - It was really good

Brigette was once the conduit for ultimate evil to reach Earth. Now, she is a lonely were living in an isolated Irish cottage, cut off from her animal and humanity. When a band of rebels approces her to betray the king of the vampires, she tags along to try to gather information she can use to warn the king with.

I am glad we are finally getting Bridgette’s story. While she was an evil character, you quickly realize there's more to her than her past. While everyone may view her as an enemy, she is still determined to protect her remaining family and the world. She was a very strong woman who has been through so much. Yes, she did terrible things but she has realized that and is trying to be a better person. I really liked that she was able to redeem herself a little in this book.

Xi was an interesting vampire. He is one of Styxx’s Ravens and has the unique ability to disappear into his surroundings. This makes him the perfect partner for Bridgette while she is undercover. Xi and Bridgette have an instant attraction but they both try to push it aside while stopping the enemy. I really enjoyed their slow relationship because you could feel their intense attraction and growing feelings in every scene and look.

These two were great characters with some intense and prolonged chemistry. The overall story was pretty great as well with a growing rebellion, attacks on lairs, and unexpected enemies. We see the return of quite a few main characters from previous books, like Viper, Troy, and of course Levet. I can’t wait for the next book.

Brigette was a werewolf that destroyed her family and village many years ago. She had a ‘beast’ inside of her and she almost took over everything and now she carries the guilt of what she did. Now she has cut herself off from everyone until two people show up. They are wanting to take down the King of Vampires and they have recruited Brigette to help. But Brigette goes to Styx, vampire king, and tells him. Styx gets Xi to go with her because they don’t trust her. Xi is a vampire and has his own burdens to carry but he has a feeling Brigette is more than everyone sees. As they race to stop the plan from forming, they can’t fight the attraction to each other but is it too late for them?

I loved this story. It was a little hard to get into ( for me ) but once I started I didn’t want to stop. Brigette and Xi are perfect for each other. I love Levet, the “world saving gargoyle” and the imp Troy.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *