I received some reviews with both complimentary and constructive feedback during my tour. Check out what the fabulous blogosphere had to say about Fall of Darkness:
Review
from Three Girls and a Book Obsession:
I'm
a serious... SERIOUS sucker for paranormal romances, especially
vampire/werewolf romances. Fall of Darkness was a fantastic paranormal romance.
I LOVED the connection the Dominic and Kate had throughout the entire story. I
was so mad at Dominic for awhile for not sharing the truth with Kate sooner.
But really... who could blame him?! I'd want to get my hooks in real deep
before I gave the blow that he had to give.
Kate
is an amazing young woman who loves her family, friends, and her job as a
nurse. She absolutely no idea that her birth parents were vampires and that she
is EXTREMELY important to the world of vampires and werewolves. Kate has been
having dreams but has no idea that they are telling her the future that comes
but Dominic knows everything and he is keeping this secret from Kate. As Kate
is slowly turning into a vampire, Dominic is struggling with committing the
biggest betrayal against with werewolf family; falling for the vampire princess
who he was sent to kill.
I
really did love Dominic and Kate, they had such an amazing connection and
Dominic treated her with such care and wanted all of her dreams to come true
and worked hard to make the happen. As Kate finds out the truth and is thrust
into life with her true family I found myself wavering on who I wanted Kate or
as her true self, Katerina, to end up with someone else..GASP!! I know, I
really struggled and felt like I was cheating on Dominic.
This
is seriously a great paranormal romance read. I did find myself struggling with
the changing POVs...it wasn't that I didn't like getting both of their views..
I actually really LOVED it. For awhile, I had a hard time following the
transition of who's POV the story was being told from. At times, it would take
a few paragraphs for me to realize who it was. This story brought a lot of
aspects from all the other vampire romances I've read into one story.
I can't wait for the second story in the series!!
Review
from A Generous Helping of Romance:
Kate is running. Always running. She
knows not from what she seeks escape but something horrendous chases her in her
sleep, often it seems the danger might even be lurking within her. In her
wakeful hours, she can't escape the foreboding that something big is about to
happen; something impossible and very real. And when Kate meets Dominic, she
can't believe her good fortune. He is amazing. He is beautiful and sweet. He
sweeps her off her feet and makes her feel safe, secure, and protected.
But Dominic is hiding a secret. A
secret so big, it might tear these two apart before they have barely begun.
Because in addition to Mr. Wonderful, he is also a werewolf and she, a vampire.
As sworn enemies, he was sent to destroy her before she fulfills the prophecy
that brings extinction to his race. Only, poor Dominic cannot bring himself to
do it. There is something about her, he knows she was meant for himself. He
could no more kill her, than he could rip out his own heart. But what will he
do when she realizes who she is? Why he came to Chicago? The truth of how they
met?
Ohhhhhhhh man, what a story! A sexy,
fun story. A heroine destined to become a vampire, of course her vegetarianism
is a bit of a problem. A problem that absolutely tickled my fancy. And a
delicious, alpha werewolf who makes me a little wet thinking about him. Yep,
this is my kind of romance.
Though, it must be said, I frequently wanted to bi*chslap Kate. That girl...
she makes me mad... so angry. And yet, I understood her confusion and
heartbreak. I respect the trials she went through. And therefore, at other
times, I desperately wanted to bi*chslap Dominic.
What. A. Stubborn. Pair.
Grrrrrrrr. Which brings me to my final thoughts on the book:
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, why why why? It's over? I don't get to see the end?
No! I waited... semi-patiently... for happy things and this is what I get? It's
not fair. Now all I can do is obsess about when the second book will be
released. I might actually die. Die, I say!"
So, read at your own risk. But really, it's a lovely good time.
Review
from Roxy's Reviews:
I'm
a huge fan of Paranormal Romances, and Werewolves are my ultimate favorite
paranormal creature, so when Dominic Ridolfi walked into my life, it was almost
the end of me. Damn! He was one fine specimen.
But
before my review turns into an ode to Dominic...
This
book was exciting. I've read many Paranormal Romances, most of which
include Vampires and Werewolves, and I'm always intrigued by how the
author will spin the tale of these two creatures. I loved the idea of Kate
being human in the beginning, not knowing her true identity, and the fact that
Dominic was sent to kill her. These two were most definitely the definition of
star-crossed lovers. They were the Romeo and Juliet of the Paranormal world and
my heart broke a little for them with the knowledge that no matter how much
they loved each other, the war between their kinds would in one way or another
keep them apart. Or would it? That was the question that really spurred me on
as I read this great story.
Dominic
was willing to give up so much for Kate, but would she be willing to give him
her heart completely? I had so much hope that they'd find each other along the
way, but there were so many factors against them. Trust was a big issue, and
then there was the obvious hate between their kinds, not to mention golden boy
Alex. Kate also had so much to deal with as the life she knew was ripped to
shreds. I did feel that she kind of took to her new life too easily. She
questioned things but never really fought against them. The only part of her
new life she was adamant about wanting nothing to do with was the blood
drinking.
This
story was an intriguing tale of forbidden love and family loyalty,
as Dominic and Kate both struggled with doing what was right; what was
expected of them, or following their hearts no matter the cost. It was a great
read.
Review
from Musings from an Addicted Reader:
Werewolf
Dominic Ridolfi has been sent to kill Kate, a woman who unbeknownst to her, is
from a long line of vampires. It should have been straight forward, but
Dominic finds himself drawn to Kate even though an attraction between the two
would be forbidden. When Dominic ends up rescuing Kate, he can't stay
away and finds himself falling hard for her and it is mutual.
Everything
combusts though when the inevitable happens and Kate turns. Everything
Kate thought she knew about Dominic is a lie, or is it. Now the vampires
have found her and she is learning about her past, but who can she truly trust?
Highly
entertaining read. I so wanted Dominic and Kate to defy the rules.
Had a few surprising twist, well worth picking up for shifter/vampire
fans.
Review from Paranormal Romance Fans for Life:
Fall
of Darkness is a great read. The writing is clear, descriptive, and pulls the
reader in from the first moments. Full of light, hope and humor in the
beginning, this story quickly turns dark and (perhaps) hopeless. The heroine,
Kate Murdock, is compelled to live in a world not only not of her choosing, but
anathema to the very basis upon which she has built her life. Despite the
horror Kate’s life has become, she finds a way to hold onto the precious,
although battered remnants of her human nature.
Throughout,
this reviewer remained hopeful and cheered Kate on, but my fists were bunched
and my anxiety level was off the charts.
The
only downside of this story is that I will have to wait for the sequel to find
out what happens, but there is no doubt I will be waiting, anxiously if not
patiently. Very well done.
Review
from Brandy Nacole's Books:
An
amazing debut novel!
Dominic
is a werewolf and has just been assigned to go get rid of the doom of his race,
Kate. Kate is a vampire and her fate is believed to be the end of
Dominic's race, although she is oblivious to all of this. But when
Dominic meets Kate, he pauses, not expecting the compassion beauty he finds,
even though his race is depending on him.
Elle
Bright has laid out a great foundation for the start of this promising
series. The flow and connection with the characters was perfect. I
am eagerly waiting for the second book in this series.
Review
from The Literary Panda:
When
I first signed up for the tour, I chose to post just an excerpt. But then I
realized that I should not let the chance pass by to read a book with a plot
that interests me a lot. I told myself, "Damn it, Algel! It's a
werewolf-vampire kind of romance! You should read it!" And the decision I
made didn't make me regret. Fall of Darkness is such a great story to
read.
So,
what's up with the werewolf-vampire romance?
As far as I know, it's a forbidden kind of love.
Werewolves and vampires race were mortal enemies. They're like heaven and hell.
Sunshine and rain. Ice and fire. Yin and yang.
Dominic is assigned to kill Katerina, also known as Kate. She's a vampire and
destined to end the darkness and race of Dominic's entire werewolf race. But
Kate know nothing about this since she's not yet transformed. Dominic could've
killed her easily, but ended up falling for her.
This is such a good book. The character build up, the romance, the suspense,
the author did a great job. I love Dominic. I fell for him easily. The fact
that he's true to his feelings for Kate, he turned his back from his family for
her. He's willing to fight for her. There's just a part where I hated Kate. I
didn't understand her real intentions when she learned the truth from Dominic,
and met her tutore, Alexander. It seemed like she love them both and sworn
eternity with the two of them. But later on, that hatred for her changed, but
not my hatred for Alex. I used to love the name Alex, but this time, I loathe
him. So. Much.
I'm looking forward to what happens next to Dominic and Kate's forbidden love
story. This book is excellent. Addictive. You will fall in love with Dominic
every step of the way.
Review
from I Heart Books:
Ahhh, forbidden love!
What would you do if you found out everything you believed about yourself to be
a lie and the person who you fell in love with is not all they appear to be?
This is the case for Kate, a beautiful girl that doesn't know her true purpose
in life. She is the heir to the Vampire throne and the savior of their race but
does she know that, nope she doesn't find out until after she is saved by
Dominic, a dark handsome stranger. They quickly fall in love but she finds that
there is more to him that meet the eye. When she makes the change from human to
vampire she feels lost and broken and betrayed.
Dominic is the dark handsome stranger but he is also a werewolf assassin sent
to kill Kate before she reaches her destiny. What he doesn't expect is to
imprint on her and fall desperately in love with her at first sight. He decides
to go against his family and his kind to follow his heart, repercussions be
damned. Will he end up losing it all when he finally tell Kate the truth not
only about her but about himself as well?
Alex, oh poor Alex was promised Kate from the time of her birth. He has watched
over her over the years and has grown to love her very much. He has been there
for her since her change and is willing to wait to collect all of the pieces
she is willing to give.
Will she choose love over family and betray her kind? Who is lying to her, who
can she trust, and what will become of her?
I really enjoyed reading this story. Ms. Bright has given us slightly different
spin on the Vampire and Werewolf kind has taken some of the lore from all different
areas, but made it her own. It was nice to read a story that wasn't your normal
cookie cutter vampire or werewolf novel. The characters were well thought out
and presented and the story had a great flow to it. I was sad to see it end so
quickly but I can only hope that we will be getting the rest of the story so I
am keeping my fingers crossed.
Review from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock:
This book was a gift
from the author Elle Bright through PR&ATR for an honest review. This is
her debut novel and it is a wonderfully written story of love, family,
vampires, werewolves, ancient prophecies, and betrayals. Kate is a nurse who is
attacked one night and Dominic rescues her and they develop a relationship that
leads to love. When Dominic reveals the secret that he knows her true heritage
and Kate is a vampire and he a werewolf Kate leaves him thinking he is crazy.
Later after she finds out he was right, she also learns the truth about her
heritage and the prophecy written about her. This story is well written and the
characters come to life on the page. I couldn’t put the book down I read it
from front to back in one sitting. I hope there will be a book two, I would
love to hear more about Kate and Dominic. I give it 5 fangs.
Review from Nicci’s Book Blog:
What
happens when you’re the one sent to kill the vampire heiress, the one that
could destroy all that you know, only to have the shocking feeling you’re
looking at your soul mate?
Your body is not held to the ground by gravity, but a beautiful kind hearted
woman. Dominic is about to find out. Dominic is the big strong fearless alpha, a
great warrior but is he about to betray his family and his entire race for
Kate.
This book is the first from indie author Elle Bright, and what a way to begin!
Fall from darkness is a stunning get away fantasy into the werewolf vampire
world, interwoven with tension, romance, darkness, heart break and love.
Dominic is strong and sexy, Kate the kind hearted E.R nurse, they have such a
great intense chemistry together, the story has a deep story line and wonderful
in depth characters, with a wicked plot, that keep you reading this fast paced
book. This book is pure escapism at its best and I cannot wait for book two!
A great piece of fantasy writing from Elle Bright, highly recommended!
Review from About that Story:
I
liked this story a lot, it was a good read and there were parts I really loved.
I enjoyed Kate and Dominic's interactions and their growing relationship. I
liked their chemistry a lot. I also liked the conflict and inner turmoil that
was involved.
When
Kate's world is turned upside down, everything seems pretty abrupt and matter
of fact. I like how she dealt with it for the most part even though she was
very conflicted a lot of the time. During the second half of the book, I felt
bad for Dominic and Kate and all they were going through. There was just so
much longing and it was rather heartbreaking. I liked the growing friendship
between Kate and Alex as well but I never liked Alex like I liked Dominic. He
was intriguing but I never fully trusted him, it was like he had an ulterior
motive I didn’t know about.
There
was a section in the middle where I thought things were a bit drawn out and I
was ready for some action, by the time the ending came around, I wasn’t
disappointed. There were some emotional times at the end with drama mixed in
and I was happy with the conclusion. I can see with how it ended where a second
book would come into play (and yes, there will be a book two – Dark Redemption).
This
was a love story with paranormal characters involved. I liked the storyline,
characters, the bit of heat, and drama. Definitely a good read.
Review from Monlatable Books:
This is the debut novel by Elle Bright
and this paranormal tale is based on the werewolf versus vampire theme. Kate is
the key to the fulfillment of a prophecy that she isn't even aware of. Kate has
nightmares where she sees a version of herself that is evil and she is being
chased by a dark creature that she can't quite make out or recognize. Her
parents died in a car accident when she was very young and she was adopted soon
after, so Kate has no real sense of her family history, and absolutely no clue
what her true self is and what it means to be a Cacciatori. Dominic is the
werewolf who has been tasked to kill Kate and remove the threat the she
represents to his kind; however when he sees her in person for the first time
he finds that he can't follow through with killing an innocent. There is also
the problem of her bringing out a strong desire to protect her and the urge to
see her as his "Il cambiamento", his true mate.
When Kate is faced
with what she is she has real difficulty coming to terms with being a vampire
and what that means for her. Alexander and Massimo help her to adjust, but Alex
has more than a platonic interest in Kate. There were several instances in this
story where I really, really wanted to smack Kate around a bit. I get that she
was having difficulty adjusting and accepting the changes that were being
forced upon her, but seriously, I just wanted her to get on with it already and
suck it up. So I suppose that Elle did her job as writer when you want to pimp
slap the heroine!
There were some parts of the story that felt as though it
didn't flow as well as others, but all in all a good first book. This title is
available at Amazon for $2.99 so it's a good price for a full length book. This
is the first in a new series and the second book in the series will be
titled Dark Redemption.
Review from The Book Harlots:
Elle did a fantastic job on her debut novel. There was just one
part in the book that ruined my initial five star rating. I’m not specifically
naming the scene just because I want to attempt to avoid spoilers in case
someone hasn’t read it. But, the part in question, I viewed as being a turning
point for Dominic and Kate’s relationship; whether it would be strictly
platonic or full on romantic. That part is one of several critical points in
the book, and it let me down. Not because it was poorly written or any other
reason some dislike a whole novel (I loved this one) the scene just moved way
too fast for me.
It went from zero to sixty in a page. The meeting of the
characters, however planned it was, is crucial in their development. So, I
would’ve loved more depth and more finesse with it. Dominic and Kate have so
many layers readers can peel them away as they read, even cry a little. That
experience wasn’t made to rush.
Now to get into what I loved about the book, beginning with
Dominic. He is a hot, sexy, deadly Italian alpha-male with a romantic side. Did
I mention he’s also a werewolf and an assassin? Ladies, you can now melt into
an erogenous puddle. Then there’s Kate, an ER nurse, vegetarian, volunteer and
she’s both a lover and a fighter. What more could you want in a heroine? She’s
also a future Vampire Princess and the key to two races survival.
This book was suspenseful, romantic, infuriating and just an
all-around awesome novel. It had so many ways each scenario could’ve gone,
while you’re rooting for one, something comes along and you’ll be rooting for
the other. I however, am in full Dominic bandwagon. A hot sexy Italian wolf,
who’s also an assassin and a romantic? You better believe I’m hopping on that!
Kate is an amazing woman, she’s a vegetarian Vampire, who will fight when she
needs to but also knows when to love and back down. Like many of us, each of
them have their demons they have to work through. For Kate though, she’s just
not sure exactly what those are. All of these aspects Elle gathered
magnificently together. Each coiled you tighter and tighter until you were
ready to yell with frustration!
Dominic and Kate are sworn enemies, even if she doesn’t know it
yet. Wolves and Vampires don’t mix and Dom has a job to do. But, will this be
the one he won’t complete? Check out “Fall of Darkness” to find out!
Review from Kota’s Book Kollection:
Fall of Darkness by Elle Bright is a paranormal romance that mixes
traditional fantasy with a modern day twist. Kate Murdock works as an emergency
nurse in a Chicago hospital never dreaming that she is the long lost vampire
princess prophesied to bring the vampires back into the daylight and ridding
them of the darkness that has encaptured their souls. The werewolves, bitter
enemies of the vampires, send their most loyal and deadliest assassin, Dominic
Ridolfi, to Chicago to kill Kate before she completes her change and once again
becomes vampire princess Katerina Cacciatori. But what happens when he sights
down the barrel of his gun and sees his soul mate?
Elle Bright's first book of the Darkness Chronicles, Fall of
Darkness is a must read book for the paranormal romance genre fan. It combines
the classic romantic theme of divided houses and bitter rivalry with sexy
werewolves and bloodthirsty vampires. Bright uses a two person perspective to
tell her tale with smooth transitions that aren't repetitive but convey the
thoughts and feelings of both Kate and Dominic.
Kate Murdock's nights are plagued with nightmares of being chased
by an unrelenting darkness whilst a man hidden in the shadows watches. She is
unaware of the world in which she was born, having been adopted by a human couple
when she was 2 years old, so the dreams hold no meaning for her. She is
completely dazzled by Dominic after he comes to her rescue after she is
attacked by three would be rapists. Elle Bright has given a sweetness to Kate
that mesmerizes and makes you want her find true happiness.
Dominic is ruggedly handsome with a poetic tongue. His words
caress your mind like a lover strokes your hair and his romantic gestures would
put the most practiced Lothario to shame. He gives up everything for Kate,
betraying his own kind to be with her. His ability to recognize his own
feelings for Kate without denial makes him a worthy soul mate for the beautiful
and kind Kate and a hot hero in the series.
A third significant character appears in the book after Kate turns
to teach her the way of the vampire. Alexander Ambrogio is vastly different to
Dominic in both looks and personality, Dominic smolders and Alex charms the
pants off you with his golden looks and flirtatious care of the newly turned
Kate. He has a little bit of cockiness and bad boy persona that would make any
young woman want to tame him and there wouldn't be too much disappointment if
the Katerina side of Kate took control and fell into bed with him at least
once.
Minor characters are all well written and provide a necessary
elements to the story, history, danger, humor and reality. They do not
overwhelm the story and help it to progress.
Fall of Darkness is a very good paranormal romance. If there are
any disappointments they are very minor and personal. I would have liked to
have had a bit more of a predatory sense from Dominic, more rough edges to go
with his image as the werewolf assassin. There are some chapters that drag a
little, but it is more than made up for with heated passion, a good story line
and likeable characters. I wouldn't be surprised if this author gets a lot of
recognition in the future.
Review from Love N. Books:
Fall of Darkness is a very good debut novel for Elle
Bright. It is very intriguing and I love how it intertwines both
vampires and werewolves and also goes about them in a different way.
Anyone who knows me, knows that werewolves are my
ultimate favorite paranormal creature – just WOW!!! So Domimic was just
even more yummy for me!! 
Dominic Ridolfi is sent to kill Kate (Katerina)
Cacciatori before she turns. Dominic is a werewolf and Kate is from a
family of vampires. However, instead of trying to kill her, Dominic
finds himself saving her and falling for her. The magnetic pull
between these two is immediate and very strong. Dominic knows that
their involvement goes against everything but he no longer cares.
Kate however, is clueless as to who Dominic really is and who
she is really is. Kate finally comes to the realization of who
she is really, she hates Dominic for lying to her and depends on the one
person who was there when she turned – Alex. Alex helps Kate adjust to her
new “life” and guides her through everything.
Through it all, Dominic never gives up on his love for
Kate. And Kate still yearns for Dominic but knows they can
never be. Alex will do anything and everything to make Kate happy – even
waiting ‘til she is able to move on from her past. This is a different
love triangle because Kate is still in the dark about her past and family,
where Alex and Dominic know everything. Kate holds the future of both
clans in her hands.
A tale of forbidden and family loyalty – what do you
choose??? Elle does a great job of building the plot and story line
behind this series! I love getting to know the heritage of both the
vampires and werewolves and how they are all intertwined with one another.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Review from Ebook Escapes:
“How could he possibly
protect the one he must destroy?”–Dom’s thoughts
After getting assaulted,
Kate’s luck turns around as she’s rescued by gorgeous Dominic Ridolfi and swept
away in an epic romance. Unfortunately, her fairy tale doesn’t end with a
happily ever after, and instead morphs into a tale of vampires, werewolves, and
a prophesy where she’s the star attraction. Dominic promises to stay by her
side forever despite the fact that as a vampire and werewolf, they were born to
be enemies. The vampires aren’t going to let their princess go that easily. The
werewolves aren’t going to let her live…
“If he was a drug, she was
definitely an addict. She’d never get enough of him.”–Kate’s thoughts
I loved this book and was
drawn into the author’s world with the great storytelling and descriptive
imagery. The book can almost be split into two smaller books–the first being a
beautiful romance between two people and the other an urban fantasy where Kate
must learn how to fight and accept her role as not only a newly turned vampire
but also a princess.
The first half focuses on
Kate as a human as she falls in love with Dominic, who has been sent to kill
her before she turns. Instead of an assassination and very short book, we get
two souls falling in love so sweetly as Dom shows Kate the time of her life,
ready to give up everything for her. It almost reads as a contemporary romance
with a billionaire hero and sweet heroine aside from the undertones that
something is off with Kate as she unknowingly transitions into a vampire. The
romance is fantastic, and I would call it medium heat level since there is
sexual tension and a sex scene without gratuitous description.
The second half continues
with Kate as a vampire and has more of an urban fantasy feel with romantic
elements. Not to spoil too much, but Kate gets placed in a love triangle as she
tries to navigate the vampiric world. Although a different feel than the first
half, it’s fantastic on its own and really brings out the paranormal elements.
We also get the mythology behind the two immortal races and prophecy, which was
in-depth and thought out.
“Maybe there was no black or
white, but varying shades of gray.”–Kate’s thoughts
The characters in the story
are great. Kate is a lovely heroine, and I couldn’t help but root for her
throughout particularly since she’s so gentle and willing to try hard to not
act like a typical vampire. Dom is so romantic that it’s hard to imagine him as
a merciless assassin. The banter between Kate and her friends are fun and
believable while the banter between the immortals is cold and shows the harsh
world they live in. With these characters, it’s difficult to say who is good as
bad since they’re all trying to survive with how they were raised to survive.
While much of the book was
spent showing Kate and Dom’s love developing and then the implications of it,
the ending was quick and leads to many unanswered questions. I hesitate to say
you could read this as standalone since the future is still murky despite the
resolution. Personally, I’m looking forward to the next volume in this series!
Overall, if you enjoy paranormal romance, vampires, and werewolves, make sure
you pick this one up! This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
