Book 3), Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter

In Sherrilyn Kenyon's alternate reality, gods exist and demons stalk the earth preying on humans. However, Artemis -- of Mount Olympus fame -- has set up her own commando team of immortal warriors to kick daimon butt and protect the fragile humans. Led by the ever intriguing Acheron Parthenopaeus, the Dark Hunters are rowdy, gorgeous and sometimes even slightly insane. But each of them is bigger than life and each has a story to tell. NIGHT EMBRACE is Talon's tale.

Talon of the Morrigantes is a Dark Hunter with a particularly painful past. The son of a forbidden union between a Celtic Queen and a Druid High Priest, he had overcome tragedy and hardship to become leader of his clan only to have them betray him and his sister. Bargaining his soul to Artemis for revenge, Talon has now spent hundreds of years as a Dark Hunter and caring for no one. That all changes one night in New Orleans when he runs into a runaway float and Sunshine Runningwolf.

An unconventional artist with a soft spot for bad boys, Sunny couldn't just leave the hurt stranger on the street. When he refuses to go to the hospital and falls unconscious, she decides to take him home and nurse him. Given his unnatural ability to heal fast and her instant attraction to his amazing, tatooed body, Sunshine and Talon quickly give in to temptation and embark on a sizzling affair. What the two don't know, however, is that there is more at work than hormones gone amuck. Evil forces are at work and Sunny and Talon are part of an intricate plot to bring down the Dark Hunters and unleash chaos on the world.

Thousand-year old vendettas, reincarnation, wicked gods bent on conquering the world and testosterone-laden immortals behaving badly. These are just some of the plots that interweave through NIGHT EMBRACE and it is a blast! This entry into the world of the Dark Hunters and assorted creatures is darker and more elaborate than the previous books (FANTASY LOVER, NIGHT PLEASURES). While its core story revolves around Talon and Sunny and their preordained love with its accompanying complications, readers are introduced at a frenetic pace to new characters and intriguing bombshells that are sure to unfold in future books.

TheSchemer

The third installment of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series returns in fine style. Talon of Morrigantes meets his match in the form of spunky artist Sunshine Runningwolf when his nemesis Calamus hunts him down for revenge. An intense struggle begins when the cursed Talon discovers Sunshine is his reincarnated lover and she becomes unwittingly an innocent target. Ms. Kenyon's imaginative spin blends authentically Greek myths and gods like Artemus and Ero while keeping the romance fiery with the sassy Sunshine who charms with energy and the tortured Talon as her protector. The dialogue crackles with fast humor and along with Ms. Kenyon's other endearing characters like the enigmatic Acheron, Kyrian and the embittered Zarek (featured in the upcoming Dance with the Devil), Night Embrace is a blast and departs from the current vampire fare cluttered with sex. Yes, it has lots of hot sweaty sex, but Ms. Kenyon sculpts her characters so well that they come leaping off the pages with emotions and scarred pasts in a fascinating scope of vendetta, rivalry and doomed romance. They are the ones who give this zesty and enchanting dark spiel heart and soul - and lots of attitude.

Fifteen hundred years ago, he was a Celtic chieftain whose warrior skills were feared by many. But when the betrayal of a power-hungry cousin made him commit the biggest mistake of his life, he found himself the victim of a powerful god's wrath who vowed to make him pay by taking away everyone and everything that mattered to him. And paid dearly was what Talon did. First his aunt was raped and mutilated, then his beloved Nynia died shortly after delivering his stillborn son, and then he saw his own clan killed his sister Ceara before being killed himself. With one wish for an act of vengeance, the goddess Artemis answered his call. In exchange for his soul, Talon got his final act of vengeance against those who wronged him and has become a Dark-Hunter, part of an army sent by Artemis to protect the world from Daimons.

One night in modern New Orleans, he stumbles upon a woman being threatened by Daimons and goes to her rescue. But when he is run over by a Mardi Gras float and left unconscious, Sunshine Runningwolf knows that she cannot leave her rescuer behind so she ends up taking him back to her loft. And the moment he regains consciousness, his life would never be the same. Free-spirited and independent, Sunshine is everything that Talon looks for in a woman - someone who won't beg him to stay when he leaves her. Yet, he is astounded when she easily dismisses him from her life. For the first time, Talon meets a woman able to say no to him. And instead of keeping his distance knowing that he endangers her life if he gets too close too her, he finds himself more and more drawn to her.

When we first met Talon in NIGHT PLEASURES, he was depicted as being calm and collected regardless of how nasty the situation was. In this book, we learn more about him and see the vulnerability that he has buried inside for centuries. The sad life he once lived, having been banished from his village at the age of seven with his infant sister to look after, and accepting the cruelty and insult given to him, you will truly admire him for his strength and for his devotion to those he loved. As for Sunshine, she is a real riot and the perfect partner for someone like Talon. She is as passionate as he is, and her carefree attitude is simply refreshing. But the most fun part about her is her forgetfulness and quirkiness. She really lights up the pages.

As with the first two books (FANTASY LOVER and NIGHT PLEASURES), this is action-filled and witty. I love the exchanges between the hero and heroine, and even the secondary characters add to the fun. I loved the part when Acheron rejects Artemis' advances by telling her he's got a headache, to which she replies "You've had a headache for two hundred years!". And watch out for Zarek, the psycho Dark-Hunter. That's an interesting character you'd want to read about. His is the next book (DANCE WITH THE DEVIL).

Also featuring a surprise twist, NIGHT EMBRACE is a fun and exciting read. I am totally hooked with this series and can't wait to read the rest. Highly recommended!

Sherrilyn Kenyon has created an alternate world of the paranormal. For those readers who enjoy the vampire/action/love story, this series is quite refreshing. The author uses Greek Mythology to create the Dark Hunters a group of men and women who defend humanity from the things that go bump in the night. Dark Hunters surrender their souls to the Greek goddess Artemis when they die and in turn become immortal with all sorts of powers. Each book can be read on its own although there are recurring characters from previous books and broad hints about what is to come with others.
Talon, the main character in Night Embrace, appeared as a side kick for Kyrian in Night Pleasures. Talon was a Celtic tribal chieftan and warrior who was killed by an evil cousin who wished to take over the tribe; in the process his younger sister was slaughtered in front of him. To make matters worse, the Celtic war god cursed Talon for killing his son in a battle. Therefore, Talon is doomed to have any human that he loves die. For centuries he fights Daimons (evil soul stealing descendents of Atlantis) and is very much satisfied with his life.
Naturally, he meets his soul mate and all his carefully buried emotions come roaring back at a very inopportune time for a being whose career is defending humanity. While the characters are what could only be called ultra-alfa males they all have crippling weaknesses and the author uses humor very, very effectively to relieve the horrendously sad existence that most of the Dark Hunters live.
Kenyon's world is totally outrageous and great fun. It is a tribute to her judicious use of humor and mythology that the reader buys into the fantasy. Furthermore, she really knows her mythology because a quick check on some of her inferences and references revealed that Kenyon had done her homework. And finally the world of the Dark Hunter appears to be very complete in the author's mind. The back story is clear so she avoids the problem of dates that don't match or inconsistent myths to support the story. Finally, these are hot books not meant for children although the entire love story is about redemption and finding THE one person that completes the hero and heroine. Definitely a five star keeper.

Slogging painfully through trite dialogue and a convoluted story line with only brief bursts of interest is how I would describe reading Night Embrace. This was a book that had all the ingredients it needed to be a winner and yet somehow missed the mark. It has your unconventional heroine, your dark hero and the makings of a really good story.
Sadly the characters are rather flat, repetitive and inconsistent. They are surrounded by a host of secondary characters that do not enrich the plot in any way. They are totally unnecessary but sadly most them are more interesting than the main characters. The ending is just too tidy to be believed. I spent the entire book wishing I could read the other characters stories and wondering when this one would fulfill the promise that it had showed earlier. This book should have been 200 pages shorter, all the rest is filler.
If you have nothing to do and you have read all the other books in your collection, go for this one. However if you want to read a really good book, with great characters, good dialogue, steamy love scenes and a slamming story line, pick up any one of the books in Christine Feehan's Carpathian Dark series. Now those are books that you will read over and over again!

This is the second book in the 'Darkhunter' series that officially began with 'Night Pleasures' and even before that started out in "Fantasy Lover".
This is the tale of Talon of Morrigantes. A nearly 1500 year old Darkhunter and former Celt Chieftain. He hasn't thought about that horrible night he became one of the undead, but now after meeting a woman named Sunshine in an alley after getting run down by a Mardi Gras float, he is thinking back to that fateful night.
She is everything that is good and pure and everything he has to avoid. All he ever wanted since his cursed fate was chicory coffee, which is adores and warm tasty beignets and his best friend to chat with on his cell phone. what he DOESN'T need is this newest complication. Yes, the eccentric woman saved his life from the float and helped him when he needed it badly, but she can't remember where she put his pants and now he is stuck in her apartment until sundown....with alfalfa sprouts and tofu to eat! She seems to forget everything and is a bit flighty at times too. Talon still can't find enough reason to run from her...and this is disturbing.
The more Talon is around her, the more he yearns for his former life...what he had. Why does he feel like he's known her forever? Nothing makes sense anymore.

Funny as usual and packed with action and soulwrenching romance. Kenyon sure knows how to pack a punch in this department and her creativity and imagination are really to be commended. We meet some new Darkhunters and more history is revealed and explained.
Talon can take me away anytime on his Harley, lol.......

Tracy Talley~@

I found this book to be nothing more than the usual cookie-cutter romance. The hero is handsome and troubled, their romance is doomed to fail, etc.
Neither the hero nor heroine were well defined. They seemed very two-dimensional and I honestly didn't care what happened to them. There were so many other characters in the story-line (gods, goddesses, assorted immortals) that their relationship never had a chance to develop.
I suppose the fact that the heroine is the reincarnation of the hero's long dead wife was supposed to explain how they fell instantly in love, without knowing anything about each other and never having had a conversation about anything more meaningful than bean sprouts vs. Oreos for dinner.
I am new to Sherrilyn Kenyon novels, so perhaps this book would have been more interesting if I had read the earlier books in the series. But based on the poor quality of this novel, I won't be buying any more of her books.

This is the 3rd book (if you include Fantasy Lover)in the Dark-Hunter series. I personally think Fantasy Lover was the best as the story line was entertaining and heart wrenching at the same time. The second book, Night Pleasures, was unique and suspenseful. By the third book, Night Embrace, the whole bad boy with the heart of gold and a horrible past that he needs to get over to accept love is a bit tiring. What annoys me most about this book is that most of it is wasted on the two leads repeating "it won't work, I can't have him/her". Well, have you tried!? Sheesh, no wonder it won't work, no relationship will work if the two people in it refuse to figure out what needs to be done to keep it going. Instead of figuring out what they can do to be together, they automatically condemn their future and try every way to justify the relationship will fail.

I personally like the side character's interactions best (and that's a really sad thing to say about a book). I thought the humor between Julian, Kyrian, Vane, Fang, Acheron, etc was witty and entertaining. The heart break and drama between Talon and Sunshine is so rediculous that I kept skipping to the ending. I personally have a hard time believing someone who lasted thousands of years and had his heart so guarded all that time will get so emotionally involved with a perfect stranger. The author spent so much time writing about how horrid his tragic past is and how it scarred him for life that I question why he bother keep going back? I know they're soulmates but how can they tell, obviously conversation was not a big part of their relationship. The basis of their relationship is grunting and dirty talks while doing the deed. Heck he didn't even tell her he was a Dark Hunter, she found out from her friend! So I can only base from my reading that these two had a purely physical relationship and nothing else. So how can their heart "break" and "pain ripped through" them if they don't even really know the other person. Obviously from their past they've had one night stands and they had no problems moving on.

Honestly, this was a luke warm version of Kyrian and Amanda and I expected better from Sherrylin Kenyon. I understand her fanscination with bad boy Greek men, but must they all have long blond (on the occasion black) hair, are seriously wealthy, and over 6 ft (how many middle ages men are that tall?) physical perfections of manhood while the women are plain jane with a touch of girl next door? For once, please have at least half the men be normal and realistic. Oh and must every one of them have that god awful sneer and express their temper through animalistic growls or hissing? You'd think after a few thousand years they would learn to better articulate themselves than grunting?

Is it me or does the author really hate Romans? I know she wrote a Dark Hunter book on Valerius who was a Roman general but seems like everyone else is pretty much Greek. The things said in the books about Romans a very biased and made the good guy an exception instead. Come on, the whole entire Roman race can't be THAT bad. Um are we just a tad biased?

I know we didn't read these books because we wanted reality, but does it have to be this rediculous? At least make it believable. Still, it's served its entertainment value. Just not something I rush back to pick up again though. Personally I am a bit embarassed to buy the books because the cover usually have some scantilly clad beefcake and it gets quite a few looks during check out.

So far this one is my favorite!! It seems every time she puts out a new book, she exceeds the last one.
If you have not read these books yet, you can start with this one, they will stand alone.
Talon is great, and I loved that Sunshine was as easy going as she was. No whining and simpering for her!! Really HOT love scenes, and lots of them.
As usual, set in New Orleans (my favorite spot, wish I would have run into some Peltiers!!) and have to outsmart the Gods. Love triumphs in the end, so typical in alot of respects, but it isn't.
SK, weaves such great strong characters that you see them in your mind while you are reading the books. You can visualize all of this happening, and wish you were there. I love these stories and can not wait for December for the next one. This is on my keeper shelf!!!

I've read and completely enjoyed Kenyon's other novels (as well as those she has written as Kinley MacGregor). If the writing in the other novels was a little weak, I never really noticed (or was at least able to overlook) since the story and ideas were fresh, and the characters engaging. Dialogue is a bit banal at times, but overall well written and often witty. With this novel, however, Kenyon dropped the ball somewhat. It's still an entertaining read, and for already fans of Kenyon, well worth the buy. But. As another reviewer noted, Kenyon seems to have mistaken unabashed lust-fest for true love. The characters seemed a little flat in part because of this. And since the characters fell short, it made me more aware of the weak writing. Definitely not one of the better novels in the series or for Kenyon, but good enough for light reading, and not so awful that I won't pick up her future books.

Night Embrace started out as my favorite of the series. I love the story of Talon's past and the whole soulmates idea. I like the setup for the other characters to have their own books. But I thought the final battle was pretty cheesy. I like these kinds of books where each book centers on different characters but the same story continues and that's what interests me here. I'll keep reading.

Sherrilyn Kenyon is repeatedly demonstrating her wonderful talents to the delight of fans and new readers alike. The humorous tones meshed with emotion and action is nothing less than wonderful in the Dark Hunter series.
I started this book in much the same way I use to take on a program of Buffy. It wasn�t my first preference, but I was entertained enough to get through it. However, this book grabbed me and pulled me into the story. It contains a sufficient mixture of vampires and werewolves showing up at just the right moments to keep the story interesting the tale moving. Grant it, the image of Harley riding heroes that have women coming on to them in groves was a bit much, but acceptable.
All in all, if you are a paranormal romance fan, you may find this book a tad farfetched, but it will still entertain you.

I love all of Kenyon's books this is one of my favorites ❤ I've started listening to the audiobook for my third encounter with the book. And I have to say I LOVE the narrator for this audiobook. She uses different voices and accents for all the characters which makes it very entertaining to listen to. I highly recommend it for long commutes

This is the 3rd SK novel I have read and I have gotten the forumla down for her writings. But it is still a fun, distracting read and I will continue to read more of them. I agree with another reviewer that a lot of the text was devoted to setting up other characters for their own upcoming stories.

You have to keep the books to re-read the history of the characters because they do interact a lot. And these guys have a lot of history !! The fact that mythology is a part of the storyline, you can't always predict the ending. Like what happened to Sunshine and Talon. That was a surprise.

I would like to see a novel devoted to one of the squires. They have their own stories and it would be fun to see what their lives consist of when they are not serving the Dark Hunters.

Werewolves and Daimons, and bears, oh my! Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series blew me straight into my own version of Oz. If you like the out-of-the ordinary romance, this series is for you. Talon is a dark hunter (sort of a vampire who only kills the real vampires), Sunshine is a left-over, lovable hippie, and together . . . all I can say is wow! Not only is Talon a strong Alpha male in this book, but there are several others who were just screaming for their own stories, and one of whom already has his (Kyrian - Night Pleasures). Sherrilyn's imagination is wonderful, but it is her ability to create the most vivid, laugh-out-loud humor to relieve the well-drawn tension that had me begging more more. Next up? Zarek's story in Dance With the Devil. No doubt, you'll find that review posted here when I'm done reading. Way to go Ms. Kenyon. You've just nabbed another fan!

Sherrilyn Kenyon is truly becoming a master of *hot* paranormal romances. Having waited impatiently for the release of NE I was not dissapointed. The relationship between Sunshine and Talon was a nice change from most romances; its refreshing to find a heroine who is mature and knows what she wants. She's frank and unapologetic about her needs and sexuality. While I enjoyed the sweet romance and hot sex between Talon and Sunshine; what I truly loved was the glimpse into future DH stories. I have to admit that I'm very partial to Zarek and Acheron; these guys made me laugh, they made me cry, and they made me need a cold shower *grin*. I can't wait for Zarek, Wulf, and most definitely Acheron's stories. SK excels at tragic, tug-on-your-heart heros and plucky, laugh-your-butt-off heroines. The Dark Hunter series is truly an imaginative and unique combination of vampires, weres, magicians and greek and celtic mythology. My only complaints are that the stories aren't long enough (I'm greedy) and that I can't go buy the other DH stories *right now*.
If you can't wait till December (Zarek's story, Dance with the Devil) for your next DH fix, SK also writes as Kinley Macgregor -the heros are just as tragic and sexy as the DH.

Technically Night Embrace is the second Dark-Hunter novel. The first book in the series, Fantasy Lover, which I have yet to read, does not carry the Dark-Hunter moniker. Talon, who had a small part in the previous story Night Pleasures, just wants to enjoy a cup of coffee and relax. But the Daimons gathering for the party madness that is Mardi Gras have different plans. An attempt to rescue a threatened woman goes wrong, Talon is hit by a passing float, and he awakens in the apartment of the lovely artist Sunshine. The attraction between the two is impossible to resist. What the couple do not know is that more than mere lust draws them together. There is a lot going on in this book, and much of it does not really involve the hero and heroine. Kenyon is obviously setting up characters for future novels. While this might distract a tad from what is supposed to be the main focus, the hero and heroine falling in love, it does wet the appetite for future books. Recommended.

I was referred to Kenyon because I so thoroughly enjoy Laurell K Hamilton. Trust me, these two authors are in completely different classes. Laurell is a very talented writer/author. Sherrilyn, on the other hand, is banal, inaccurate, and unimaginative.

As a joke, I received 10 of her books. So far I have struggled through the first four. Each one gets successfully more difficult to complete. I've rated the first two. I finished this book a couple of months ago (finally) but have not been compelled to "relive" the story long enough to rate it.

This book follows the same trite pattern. The tortured hero is physical perfection. The herione is the "average" woman - not really a physical beauty, absolutely not a brain surgeon. Both are flat and two dimensional - I'm being generous. After 1500 years and thousands of one night stands, this woman is the only one for him? Regarding the forgetful nature of the "Sunshine" character - The fact that Sunshine could remember her own name, address, and parents was inconsistent with the authors depiction/description in the extreme. It was nearly "50 First Dates". Obviously Talon finds this extremely attractive in a woman, as all men would. Riiiight.

As in the previous books, the relationship between the hero and herione lacks development. As usual there are CONSTANT references to "never before in his life . . . " After 1500 years? Never? Not believable in the slightest. Let's not forget 'Sunshine' (aka dim bulb) and "never before in her life . . ." Perhaps if Sherrilyn had tacked on "that Sunshine could remember" I might have been more compelled to believe it.

There really is NO romance in the true definition of the word. Just pure phermone driven, inexplicable hormonal surges. I found myself completely apathetic towards the characters in this book. I could not care less whether the two got together or not since there was no "relationship" development.

The ONLY saving grace of this book, aside from the fact that it finally ended, was that Sherrilyn (finally) opted to leave out the incessent references of hissing and growling that she used in her previous two novels to denote desire / passion.

Aside from that:
1.) The characters are weak, flat and unbelievable.
2.) The story line is predictable, if you even care.
3.) The mythological references are subjective and inaccurate.
4.) And the dialogue is juvenile and pathetic. I have never heard men talk to each other the way the DHs are written. It is practically effeminate.

I finally plugged through the fourth book. Once I can stomach a re-visit, I will leave a review on that one. I can't wait to finish the lot, get rid of them and get back to LKH, real entertainment.

If you've not read this author before, don't waste your money here. Buy LKH instead. You won't be disappointed.

This was my first read by Sherrilyn Kenyon and while I found it to be somewhat fun it just couldn't hold my interest that much. I found the idea of the Dark Hunters to be an interesting one but found the love story between Talon and Sunshine to be rather boring. Really, I enjoy a good paranormal romance, but the typical "reincarnated soulmate" plot in many novels of this type has worn a bit thin for me. This was rather humorous in dialogue and characters, but its not a "keeper" for me.

I've been waiting for this book for a long time and it didn't disappoint! It takes you on an emotional roller-coaster sweeping from the high of Talon and Sunshine's relationship to the low of Acheron's bondage with Artemis. It brings in the Kataringa, shape shifters with the hearts of animals, new characters like Valerius and Zarek and heralds the return of beloved old characters Kyrian and Julian.
I agree wholeheartedly with the assessment that this book can rip the heart out of you and mend it back again, although it does not leave you entirely unscathed. Unlike many romances I have read, Night Embrace left me with a real ache in the heart. The story is not entirely happy-ever-after and in the end the beauty of Talon's love for Sunshine and hers for him was overshadowed for me by the confusion of Valerius and Zarek's relationship (a rather hurried end there) and ultimately by the hurt you feel for Ash whose existence is manipulated by the cruel goddess Artemis. The flashes of vulnerability you see from the otherwise confident Achelon induces you to fall more and more in love with him and intensifies your dislike for Artemis. If there is one story I cannot wait to read it is Ash's story and I really sincerely hope that in it he finds the love that eludes him and finally gets out from Artemis's grasp!
Overall a brilliant read, one you'll find yourself quite unable to put down, and you'll await breathlessly for the next book. I know I will! :)

I loved this book. Great hero, perfect heroine, fast-paces story, great chemistry, steamy love - scenes, a host of secondary characters I just can't wait to read about, but who, for a change, don't get in the way of the main story... I absolutely adored this book. This book makes you feel. Can't wait to read Zarek's story. And Acherons. OMG. Can't wait :)

The humor is too funny. I love Ms. Kenyon's characters. Sunshine is a load of laughs. Corky, bold and feminine. I like when the heroines are not all wimpy and the "feel sorry for" type. And by no means does Sunshine resemble that type of personality. Talon, what can I say, but "to drool for". These two characters have different personalities but somehow Ms. Kenyon fits them together so perfectly. The book is a fast read and you won't be able to put it down.

Awesome. I wasn't too sure about this does but I've gotten hook. The action, love, and plot are flawless. I read this in one day. I've already purchased the next few books and i look forward to the next books.

A lot of readers didn't like Sunshine Runningwolf, but I thought she was a lot of fun. Sure, she couldn't find her keys and lived in an all-pink apartment, but she was spontaneous and interesting. She was definitely intelligent--knowledgeable about art history, sensitive to visual imagery. Honestly, I thought it was a realistic portrayal of an artist...but then, I am an absent-minded poet myself :-) The conversations between her and her equally hippie-dippy mother are extremely funny.

Talon is likeable, though not my absolute favorite hero. He didn't seem as distinctive as some of Kenyon's leading men. I was annoyed by his moderate homophobia--a complaint that I have had with other Dark-Hunter books as well. It seems bigoted and out of place.

As in pretty much every Dark-Hunter book, I was left with a yearning to get Acheron's story. When is it coming out?!

Since stumbling across Sherri's website almost 2 years ago I have read almost everything she has written, and have never once been disapointed. NE was probably one of the best of the lot!!
All too often romance books are nothing but cookie cutter versions of each other, but not one of Sherri's. The whole series has been carefully planned out, and in conjuction with the website [...] a whole other world is opened up to the reader.
Reading NE was like taking a trip back through New Orleans as Sherri captured it outstandingly, (of course she lived there for so long it shouldn't have been hard) every scene could be so clearly seen in my mind. Sunshine, while slightly ditzy, was a refreshing change from the usual boring advertising executive or marketing type heroines we are subjected too.
Talon, Acheron, Nick, Zarek, Val, Kyrian...each of them all have unique powers, coming from their unique differences, which will lead to unique stories.
Although it is adviceable to read the books in the right order, Fantasy Lover, Night Pleasures followed by Night Embrace, the books will still be an amazing read on their own.
I rate NE as a 5 star book because Sherri has taken the time (about 20 years or so) to combine real greek mythology into a highly believeable and proveable vampire series with a real twist. Those of us with imagination will never ever be disapointed reading a book by Sherrilyn Kenyon!!!

I wish I hadn't listened to the positive reviews for this book on the store. Usually, the reviews don't do me wrong, but this time, uggh.

This book took me a long time to finish. Kenyon's plot lines are so convoluted I just couldn't keep them straight. I never really understood the Daimon part from the previous novel because it is way too complicated, but she takes it even further in this novel, adding more gods and mixing in more plots and characters. I know she has to set up for other novels, but the set ups are just confusing. The ending almost completely skips the characters that have been emphasized for the whole book (thank god for the epilogue).

I am going to stop with this series. Jullian and Kyrian's stories were adorable, but this book just derailed the series and I cannot continue.

All I can say is Oh dear LORD... Excellent, superb, amazing writing is here. Sherrilyn Kenyon is such an awesome writer, I can't get over it - and I'm DYING for the Zarrick tale to get out. This story was great, just absolutely phenomenal, as were the other books (I haunt the book stores, waiting for the next novel to come out, buying it the first day - I'm insane like that), and I'm ALWAYS left wanting more! I finish one of her books and then turn it over and begin again.
Very humourous, mixed with serious feelings and plenty o' action, nothing's lacking. I've found Talon incredibly sexy since he was introduced in previous novels, and I was SO glad when this one came out. (And I could totally relate to his love for chicory coffee and beignets! YUM!)
Talon's ego in the beginning was so hilarious, especially his tripped-up thoughts on Sunshine's nonchalant attitude after their hot christening of every available surface in Sunshine's apartment.
Another thing I loved about this novel was Sherrilyn's descriptions of her characters - Sunshine being a "real woman with curves" instead of the slender sticks I usually read about, and the wolf's amazing attraction to the "plus-size model" woman. Of course, her description of Talon's nicely sculpted body wasn't bad either ;-).
I'm also glad Talon recognized his weakness of not being able to leave Sunshine...
Okay, I have NO idea what I'm trying to say but that the Dark-Hunter series is absolutely AWESOME!! If you EVER get a chance to read it, please do so, it's not a waste of time. I am also a very huge fan of Nora Roberts - and if you are, too, you're tastes probably run along the same lines so... you'll probably agree with me when I say sherrilyn kenyon is one of the best.

This was my first dark-hunter book and I was very disappointed. I didn't realize that this was a mythological gods and goddesses story. I found the endless repetition of the hero's losses and suffering tedious and excessivley redundant. Just the same points made again and again, in case I had forgoten from the page before perhaps. That and the two main lead character's constant bemoaning to themselves that they just knew they could never stay together. I didn't like the female lead at all.
I did however find myself intrigued , no, quite captivated in fact, by the secondary character of Acheron. Now HIS story I hope Mrs.Kenyon does justice to because that one I will go out of my way to buy as soon as it hits the stands.

I've read everything I can get my hands on by Sherrilyn Kenyon and she just seems to get better. As many others have said this book, the second in the Dark-Hunter series, goes much deeper into the mythology of the Dark Hunters and the pasts of many of the Hunters. All of this was very interesting and it was nice to see a longer book by Ms. Kenyon, but I felt the actual romatic plot was a little scattered. It seemed like the author was trying to cram so much information into the book she ended up losing sight of her main story and throwing it together as a second thought. The climax and resolution just didn't seem as well thought out as in her previous works.
Despite this I thouroughly enjoyed the book and am eagerly awaiting Zarek's story as a Christmas present. I also have my fingers crossed for a future book starring Valerius and more info on the Squires and other breeds of Hunter.

Tall, Blond, & In Leather...He's Talon, a Man who love's his beignets & chicory Coffee. This is a funny Story about Mr. One night Stand Meeting Hippy Love child, Sunshine...who happens to be a daughter of a Shaman & Friends with a certain Fortune Teller (can you guess what Other novel She's From?) This book is the Book Before "Dance With the Devil" & allows you to see Zarek from the Rest of the Dark Hunter's View points. You've gotta read this one before you read "Dance with the Devil" to get the "Whole" picture of What's going on.
Paired with Steamy Love Scences & Lot's of Laughs, this is the page turner you can't set down until you're done!

Sherrilyn Kenyon has outdone herself in this third installment (technically 2nd) of her Dark-Hunter Series.
Night Embrace is Talon's story and what a story I have to say that it's the best story so far.........!!!! But wait there are plenty more stories to come (bring on Zarek!)
The only downside I can see for this series is they don't come out every MONTH!!!!!
So for all her fans this series we have to put uup with drooling and getting sneak peeks for upcoming stories on her Dark-Hunter website.
But getting back to Night Embrace we have a story full of blood, fangs, gods, god-bolts, new characters, drool worthy guys, feisty heroines, hints to future alliances and stories, were-hunters, dream-hunters and many many more. SK has a whole 'nother world that will have you begging for more as soon as you start on this serie of books.
So if you are umming & ahhhing whether to purchase this book or not, Just do it and get the rest and welcome to a whole new world. You'll never want to leave.....

I LOVED this book. I love all of her Dark Hunter books so far, but this one is the absolute best! I was cracking up while I read it. It was absolutely hilarious. When Zarek comes to town and meets up with Talon, Ash and Valerius I was literally laughing out loud. Sherrilyn Kenyon truly has an amazing way with words. In this one book alone she made me laugh (very hard), cry (almost), get angry, smile, and wish that the world she has created were real. I would reccommend this book to anyone. It is sure to delight romance fans, action/suspense fans and vampire fiction fans alike. The only problem I had with it was that I wanted to find out more about Zarek and especially Ash. I can't wait until the next book "Dance With the Devil" (Zarek's story) comes out! I will wait with bated breat until next December. She is supposed to write a story about Ash, and I cannot wait for that one. READ THIS BOOK, you WON'T be disappointed. I'd give it a million stars but the limit is five.

I started this series with book 3 and was pleasantly surprised. I just loved it. Sunshine and Talon - what a couple. I found this book enjoyable and easy to read. It was laugh out loud funny at some points. I loved the dark hunter/vampire thing. Looks like I'll be starting with Book 1 (Fantasy Lover) now.

Talon is a tortured soul who's spent centuries protecting humans from things that go bump in the night. He's run over by a float, and soon his emotions are running high over a woman. He can't help feeling something for Sunshine...problem is, loving her could kill her.
Sherrilyn Kenyon pens a great, page-turning story full of emotion and humor! I'm so looking forward to more Dark-Hunter books!

Night Embrace was a great fun read. I wouldn't say that it was believable; there's definitely some plot loopholes. Still, it had me laughing while reading. Sherrilyn Kenyon has a great talent for making macho men picked on by their "poor sweet innocent affectionate" love that makes me laugh so hard my stomach hurts. It's always fun to pit a woman who knows her own mind against a supernatural hero.
Having said that, I'm keeping my copy. Go buy your own.

This story by Kenyon was great. It made me laugh,angry, sad, and hot!;-D Talon is a really cool character and it's hilarious when he wakes up in Sunshine's "Pink" loft. I would have died if I was surrounded by all that pink. The one thing that crushed me was Talon's past. It was so horrible that I was crying a whole lot (and people call me heatless). I was happy when she made the women more realistic (e.g. Sunshine and her friend,Bride McTieney, the woman Vane likes). I was kind of tired of hearing about women you fit a size 0-7. Overall, the book was great. I've already read Zarek's story, but I really want to read about Acheron's story and why he puts up with that cow Artemis.

It's rare to find something truly new in PNR these days, however these books keep bringing fresh ideas into the stories! I love the mix of steamy romance and Greek Mythology! The storyline is suspensful and the characters are well written and detailed! Great writing. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

If your a Kenyon fan this book is a must have. Kenyons style of humor, imagery, and the great contrast of things aren't always what they seem creates a wonderful story that you will read over and over.

Night Enbrace is a fun and sexy read. Everything a girl dreams of are all in this book. Your wildest fantasty comes to life in black and white from the talented brain of Sherrilyn Kenyon. I really insist that you buy/read this book. You'll never want to put in down. Thank you, Sherrilyn Kenyon for a picture of the man of my dreams. (smiles)

I've read most of Kenyon's Dark Hunter series and this one, although published 5 years ago, I missed the first time around. I've got to say that one of the things that I like most about her books is that they all seem to stand on their own. While it's preferable to read in order, you lose nothing if you don't.

As for Night Embrace...it's another great one! Since there are so many other reviews, I'll leave it at that and just add my voice to the others that recommend it.

Love Talon but had difficulty with Sunshine. I don't like Sunshine I think she is too contrived, tooooooooo... I don't have the words for her. I couldn't no matter what I did identify with her.

I didn't like the whole reincaration theme going on.. and felt the whole "Only-One" thing was just too much for me to handle. I was disapointed but loved that Kenyon used Cetic Mythology.

Ms. Kenyon's work just keep getting better and better. I think that this was the most enjoyable book I've read in a while. Talon, an anciet Celtic Chieftain, is a Dark- Hunter (A soulless hunter that is there to protect humans from the soul steal vampires that haunt the night.) When he meets the reincarnation of his wife his seemingly, emtionless life is turned upside down in a fun twisting story that will keep you highly entertained.
A great read, I couldn't put it down!!!!

I just finished the book and let me tell I couldn't put it down. Zena and Buffy fans will love this. The Gods were great and shown in a modern somewhat black leather fashion. It was great. This book was hot and humorous. A combination that wins big time with me. If you're not into the futuristic kind of far fetched genre, then don't bother (some people have no imagination). If your imagination knows no bounds, I say pick it up, put the kids to bed, kiss the hubby goodnight, and enjoy.

I am glad I kept going with this series! Talon is a lead character to DIE for! Sunshine is a good female lead and the story kept me entertained. Did not want to put the book down. Moving on to the next novel.

I liked this book alot. I have to agree with others that Sunshine is a wacky. What I liked about this book so much was the minor character, Zarek. His story is found in "Dance with the Devil". At the end of the book, (and the beginning to "Dance with the Devil", you will find Zarek being loaded in to a helocopter listening to Nazareth's "Hair of the dog". At first I didn't pay much attention to that, but then I got curious so I found a copy on-line and listened. What a great "Visual".

I have kept this book and have read it several times.

This book was not nearly as bad as some of the other reviews had led me to believe. While this book is certainly not one of the best Dark Hunter books, it is still an enjoyable read. Pure brain candy.

Ms. Kenyon has written a spellbinding book with twists and turns throughout. It was romantic, sexy, and thrilling.
Readers of Sherry A. Mauro will love this writer, too and you won't be dissappointed!

I read this book in one day. I could not put it down. I fell in love with Talon and Sunshine. In addition to being sexy, fun and thrilling, it brought me to tears. Sherrilyn Kenyon's books are just so well written, you lose yourself in them. All of her characters are delicious. The Dark-Hunter series is a must have for everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to admit, the story was nice and smooth. YOu know, its about talon, a dark-hunter, and i think her name is sunshine.. then thay have a quick fling....many flings... then talon leaves but she doesnt even bother asking for his number or anything. Talon is obviously hurt that she doesnt think about him when the next few days, hes dying to see her again..ok ya just read it ok?

I really enjoyed the author's other 2 books (Fantasy Lover and Night Pleasures); however I can't say that about this book.
I found it hard to follow... too many other characters introduced! The quirky humor was a bit much. I will give her next book about Zarek a chance and hope that she writes another one as Kinley MacGregor

I thought this one was pretty funny. The pink apartment and this manly man were a riot. I was glad to see the same characters come back from previous books. The Dark Hunter Series is fast becoming one of my favorites.

Sexy and entertaining. One of my favorites from this series. Though sometime predictable, the story line is well written. It will keep you reading well into the night! I am not a romance reader - I love vapire stories! These my freinds - is a good read.

I had sent an e-mail to the vender and never received a reply. The dust cover or paper cover was missing on the book and it did not mention this in the books discription. So I was not really happy about this because I save all these books.

I really liked the characters, the adventure, and the romance! Kenyon gives it all! When comparing her writing with Cassandra Clare, I have to say I really like how Kenyon adds steamier love scenes. And the references to the Gods are growing on me. At first, I felt like adding the gods was a bit much. But I like how Kenyon fits them in with today's times. Very interesting. I will be reading more in this series.

Terrific third book. Can a free living hippy type cope with an immortal warrior? Can they defeat his curse whilst still fighting vampiric forces that are pitted against them. Awesome book and a must for all Dark Fantasy lovers. I would recommend reading them in order as they are all interlinked.