Published: June 09, 2012
Words: 61,381 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9780985266356

Short description

Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms with being the Chosen One. She knew having a “normal life” would be tricky, between intense training sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn’t know at what cost it would come.Who can you trust when darkness surrounds you?

Extended description

Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms with being the Chosen One. She knew having a “normal life” would be tricky, between intense training sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn’t know at what cost it would come. That is, until a dear friend is harmed by the malicious forces hunting her.

Now, she’d like nothing more than to retreat into a hermit lifestyle to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. But startling revelations, amazing new abilities, and mortifying moments in front of insanely hot guys won’t allow time for that. Soon, Celeste finds herself surrounded by darkness and wondering who she can trust—if anyone.

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Embrace, Gryphon Series Book 2
Who can you trust when darkness surrounds you?

Reviews

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Review by: Claire Eustace on March 14, 2013 :
Embrace Review:
This second instalment of Celeste, Kendall and Gabe is TOTALLY amazing, I have to say that the story with the twists and the momentum of the book made it hard for me to put down some evenings....kept me hooked. I now have to hang on till the next book comes out in April (Hurry up April) You could say that I am a little eager for the next book in the series, but that would be an understatement. I love them.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Alana McKinney on Feb. 21, 2013 :
Embrace Review

Another page-turner!!

I was given this book for an honest review.

Oh my word!! Just like The Conduit, I honestly think that I would have read this book in one sitting if I did not have other responsibilities! I am a fairly sarcastic person most of the time (at least in my head), so I appreciated the humor and sarcasm expressed by the characters. The developing love interests in each of the siblings’ lives, as well as the twists and turns in the fight against the Dark Army, kept me engrossed in each new chapter. Celeste, Gabe, and Kendell’s endless antics did not disappoint.
I look forward to reading the continuation of the Garrett siblings’ adventures in the novella and the third book of the series!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Stephanie Ruppert on Feb. 04, 2013 :
37 Chapters is a bit long for a continuing series, but this book doesn't disappoint.
Once you get into it, Meet Rowan and Caleb one a demonic Pirate, the othern a Irish bloke from the 1700's who Celeste falls for not knowing who or what he is until it's too late?

You'll be amazed at how this continuation ends or is there more? Read on and see what you think. Does Celeste find happily ever after? Is true love in her future, or just a glimpse of what is not to be?

Take a trip into the continuing battle, both personally and as the Conduit, Sentry and Protector..
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Amanda Engelkes on Nov. 01, 2012 :
There was no question that I was going to read Embrace. After The Conduit I was hooked. All of the amazing characters were back and a few new ones tossed into the mix, just for fun. (Dark Army Glee Club = pee your pants funny!!! If for no other reason you MUST read this book to meet them)

The characters always seem so real and not at all forced. The plot was well written and was full of action, adventure, romance, and a lot of humor. Stacey didn't disappoint with her comic relief and more often than not had me in a constant state of laughter.

The guessing game....Rourke has a knack for twisting everything so you constantly question, "Who is good and who is evil" but crafts it in such a way that there is never a dull moment.

I loved the sequel just as much as I loved the first, eben if the cliffy at the end nearly gave me a heart attack!! Stacey's writing style is unique and not easy to achieve or even pull off and for that reason she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Carrie Blair on Oct. 19, 2012 :
Wow this book was amazing. Conduit was a great intro for this book. All the main characters are just as amazing as the first. Grams who wouldn't want a feisty grandma that believes the supernatural without thinking your crazy. And her attitude of living doesn't stop when your older, got to life it.
I was on the edge wondering when Alec was going to show up again, however Caleb got me over that quickly. I know many others don't like ending on a cliffhanger, however I love it. It leaves me wanting more so I know I will buy the next book the day it was released.
(review of free book)

Review by: jennifer blaney on Oct. 19, 2012 : (no rating)
well all i can say is
this series just keeps getting better and better
stacey rourke really does take you on adventure
when you read this series
the characters are great
you get to meet new charcters in this book
along with the characters from book 1
i cant wait for book 3
as always this author is amazing i for one
am glad i read this book and will look foward to more stories
from this author
i totally reccomend this series to everyone
once you start reading you wont wanna put the book down
its the best
(review of free book)

Review by: Amanda Heath on Oct. 18, 2012 :
      
  Let me tell you Stacey Rourke if you weren't so awesome I would be mad right now! This book left off with a big cliff hanger and now I wishing it was November for Sacrfice! Okay on to the book...
If you haven't read The Conduit you need to read it first because you will totally be lost! Anyway this book was freaking amazing! I devoured it in a couple of hours. I couldn't put it down. The only problem I have is I wish it was longer! It was a quick delightful read with plenty of action, drama, and romance! 
I thought that the relationship between Celeste and Alec wasn't developed enough in the first one and I wasn't a big fan of him so I was pleasantly surprised with Caleb and Rowan. Two seriously hott guys! I liked that the romance in this book had more of a build up. It didn't take over the story but still had plenty to do with it. 
Celeste is back and better than ever! She develops some new powers which are awesome! Where I've seen other heroines by this point get whiny and full of themselves Cee didn't. She stayed down to earth. I love to read a book and find that the lead character is relatable especially in a paranormal book. She is so funny too! I don't think I have ever laughed out loud as hard as I did in this book. 
Gabe, Kendall, Grams, and Alaina are back as well! They makes the story even more enjoyable and keep "the chosen one" in check because sometimes she needs it. I was also surprised but not by a new relationship! Love it! 
Stacey Rourke has true talent and I'm happy to have gotten these to review because I would happily have paid for them no question. This series is great and unique and I'm jumping up down impatiently for the next one! I can't wait to see where she takes it!
(review of free book)

Review by: Kayla Moran on Oct. 17, 2012 :
I loved this book!
The only thing I was disappointed about in book 1 was the lack of romance. Well book 2 completely makes up for it! I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say I LOVE hot bad boys!!
Once I started this book I couldn't put it down! I read the entire thing in one sitting!!
Embrace has all the good things from The Conduit(humor, action, drama) plus so much more(romance being the main thing for me) to make it even more amazing!
I have a love hate relationship with cliff hangers so needless to say I wanted to throw my Kindle when I read the epilogue.
I will now be FB stalking the author for any news on book 3!!
(review of free book)

Review by: Airicka Phoenix on Oct. 16, 2012 :
This book was generously donated to me by the author, Stacey Rourke, in return for a fair and honest review.

79 5star Amazon reviews and 70 5star Goodread reviews can’t be wrong, right? There’s no humanly possible way to hate a book that everyone loves, right?

Right.

No I’m not one of those people that go with the pack and accept everything everyone else is saying. If I don’t like a book, I’ll say it. But I liked this Embrace. I liked this series. Granted, I’ll admit, I liked Embrace better. Is that wrong? The Conduit was great, but Embrace really had the meat. In all honesty, I am loving this author. Ms. Rourke has my kind of humor, my brand of sarcasm. That gives her an automatic A in my books, even if her books had sucked, which they don’t, her writing style would totally draw me.

Now, Embrace brings us back to Celeste, her siblings, her AWESOME grandmother and… Celeb, sweet, sexy… mysterious Celeb *sigh* oh how I swoon for thee. And a whole lot more action, ROMANCE (yes, it needs to be in caps because that’s how awesome the romance was in round two!), humor and plot. The plot is just wow. I had notes on my kindle of everything I was going to put into this review, but everything was such a spoiler and needed explaining otherwise it’s just random sentences. But believe you me, this Series ROCKS. What I wasn’t a fan of… the cliffhanger. That’s right. Not cool. That means we have to wait until book 3. And what do I have to say about that? Dude, BRING IT!! I am so ready!!
(review of free book)

Review by: Bex Johnson on Oct. 10, 2012 :
"Seriously! I don't know whether to throw kisses your way or rocks. Just finished Embrace. Loved, loved, loved, but come on - the ending! It's already 11pm here. How on earth can I sleep after that cliff hanger! When do we get the next installment please? I might just pop in excitement! Lol"

Okay, so this is not my usual way to start a review, but this was my immediate response to Stacey Rourke , and I mean immediately after completing Embrace. Maybe it will suffice as a review as it sums up my immediate response? But, hey, what fun would that be, so I'll add just a wee bit more!

Embrace, just like The Conduit, held my attention from the very first page all the way through to the end. There was no secret skimming ahead. I allowed myself to savour ever word, every description, every thought that Stacey put into Celeste's head. And, I enjoyed every minute of it.

We learn that little bit more about the characters and are introduced to some amazing new characters along the way, who no doubt will feature pretty heavily in book three, Sacrifice. I loved the intensity of the relationships, the constant twists and turns as well as the moments that I very loudly went 'ah ha' (there were several!). What I additionally reveled in, was Stacey's wonderful wit that is evident through her characters; it truly helps to shape and personalise her characters, and offered an element of realism which I always marvel at considering the genre.

And finally the ending! You will have read my quoted message involving rocks and kisses. I wish I could say I was exaggerating; however, I am not. A fellow blogger recently referred to Stacey as the 'Cliff-hanger Queen', and indeed she is; however, I now, and from this moment forth will fondly refer to the wonderful Stacey Rourke by the appropriate title 'Evil Genius'. There are no more words...

...Okay just a few more...I wholeheartedly and without reservation rate Embrace 5 twinkling stars!
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Heather Alexander on Sep. 28, 2012 :
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Stacey Rourke has done it again. This is her second book in the Gryphon series, and my second 5 star review, my first was on her book The Conduit. I loved this book just as much as the first. Poor Celeste is starting to have some issues with being The Conduit, she feels like she has no choices in life. She has to save the world and she doesn't want to get innocent people hurt by doing normal things like dating, going to college, etc. She has to learn to balance being The Conduit with living her own life. Still realing over the fact that her first boyfriend may or may not be possessed by a demon, Celeste soon has more to worry about, 2 hot mysterious men pop into her life, Rowan, who she knows is a demon but who says not all demons are bad, and Caleb an Irishman who she knows nothing about. She also meets a group of demons called the Glee Club, due to their love of bursting into song. The Glee Club says they are on her side and not all demons are bad just like Rowan said. Celeste is confused and not sharing information with her inner circle, older brother Gabe (who turns into a lion to protect her), younger sister Kendal (an angelic girl with protective wings and healing powers), Alaina(a bird/angel who is their guide in all things mystical) and Grams (eclectic, spunky and in on the secret). Celeste finds out that they are also keeping secrets. Celeste has to make peace with her family so they can fight the new big bad "The Countess". Once all is said and done Celeste has to figure out who she can trust, if anybody at all. Fantastic book, absolutely loved,loved,loved it. Well done yet again!
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: amy Bowling on Aug. 04, 2012 :
Embrace, Gryphon Series Book2
Author: Stacey Rourke
Fantastic! Edge of your seat action, wit, and non stop entertainment with this incredibly engrossing continuation in the ancient saga of Good vs. Evil. Celeste deals with relationship issues, family issues, not to mention your everyday battle against demons as she sarcastically feels her way through lies, deceit and love finds herself dealing with all kinds of trust issues. Ms. Rourke, takes us to a world that is so well written her demonic boyfriends, and evening battles with dark forces seem completely plausible.
This is quite literally a page turner, as Ms. Rourke, picks up the series where she left off with Conduit and only gains in intensity and builds the characters throughout. Getting to know Celeste, Gabe, Keni, and their friends has been an immense pleasure and I can wait to see more from them.
I highly recommend this series for anyone, young and old, who enjoys, well timed humor, action, mystery, suspense, and a well spent afternoon that will take you on a very inexpensive trip to Gainesboro, TN.
Review – AB August 4, 2012
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: jaime cross on Aug. 02, 2012 :
After reading the first book in this series (The Conduit), I knew I had to read the second book. And just like the first, it had me hooked within the first few pages. This was an amazing read and an excellent continuation of the series. In this book, Celeste has come to terms with being the "Chosen One" although it is wreaking havoc with her life. She is just trying to be a normal teenager and it isn't working out so well. Then she meets the handsome & mysterious Caleb, who has a secret of his own.

A fast paced read with lots of snappy one-liners, it is action packed and humorous as well (just wait until you meet the Dark Army Glee Club)! If you loved The Conduit, you will love Embrace even more!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: AC Wright on July 23, 2012 : (no rating)
I recieved this book as a gift in return of an honest review.

I must start of with kudos to Stacey Rourke. It just gets better and better! If the last book, The Conduit, wasn't exciting enough she came back and made Embrace even more exciting along with romantically challenged and added some humor to top it off. This was the perfect continuation for her series. It so many twists and turns it made my head spin while I physically laughed from the humanity of the whole situation that was placed before the main characters, Celeste, Gabe and Kendall. Grams has now caught on to the whole "super hero" thing and is the trio's biggest fan. There are some unexpected romances here that will knock your socks off and an ending that will cause you mouth to drop and make to twitch with excitement as you wait to read the next book in the series. Unfortunately, THAT book won't be out until November 2012. I can't wait to read it and will count down the days until it has been made available. If you haven't read The Conduit yet, go read it and then top it off with Embrace. You'll be glad you did!
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: christine bonner on July 19, 2012 :
the is a book about 2 sisters and there brother and the powers that there get, it was funny in places,this book starts by them getting their powers and how there react to them,
could not put this book down and i had to start the next one straight after
the demons and there black cloud
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Ever Star on July 16, 2012 :
My Review:

I received this book from the author as to give an honest review.


Embrace is the second book in the Gyphon series, the first book is The Conduit which I would recommend you read first so you will not be lost.

Celeste has finally came to terms with being "The Chosen One" even though her personal life is suffering. She is taking Alec being harmed pretty hard since he came into contact with malevolent forces who were and still are hunting her. She has tried to be "normal" but it is hard especially with the training her and her siblings have to go through and fighting demons.

In the midst of trying to live a normal life her only friend Sophia is always trying to get her to go out and have fun, and meet guys. Celeste keeps trying to put it off until one day Sophia has her meet a very handsome man at their place of work. Celeste is terrified, she does not want to get close to anyone in fear of what will happen to them while demons are hunting her. She ends up talking with Caleb, and ends up having a new power come to life which embarrasses her. Little does she know that Caleb has a secret of his own and is not quite who he makes his self out to be.

While fighting demons, Celeste has learned that some demons are fighting against their will, and she is now torn between helping them and killing them. What will she do?

There are some new characters who have been introduced: The Dark Army Glee club (who insists they are there to help her), The Evil Countess who wants her dead, and a Irish man who may win Celeste's heart.
Of course then there is Alec who Celeste insists on calling him her friend even though he has a darkness about him.

Embrace is fully of action, some laughter, heartbreak.

I truly enjoyed reading Embrace and the ending has me wanting more. Where Stacey left off has me wondering who is this new spirit guide that has Celeste so freaked out.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Mallory Heart Reviews on July 12, 2012 :
Gryphon Series #2
When I first read “Conduit” a few short months ago, I thought this series couldn’t get any better. Well, I thought inaccurately-“Conduit” reached a peak, and “Embrace” put me over the top. This is a must-read-in-one-setting novel cause you won’t be able to sleep till you finish; the characters, the plotting, the auhor’s manipulation of the Supernatural and paranormal, the deliciously immediate suspension of disbelief-and oh! That cliffhanger ending! I wanted to jump up and shout, “No! Don’t end it here!! Give me more!!” I swear I tried to turn the page at the end of the ebook, just to find out what’s next!

Celeste, her sister Kendall, and brother Gabriel moved to a small town near Nashville to live with their Grams while their mother, Julia, sells their Michigan home. Losing their Dad two years earlier and very unexpectedly have carved deep grief lines in all their hearts. Newly discovering that Celeste is the “chosen one,” the Conduit of the Supernatural entity the Gryphon, upended all of their lives once again. Kendall is the healer and shield, Gabe is the protector (and a lion shapeshifter now).

As the Conduit, Celeste must defeat minions of the Underground’s Dark Army of demons; but this is a neverending battle. The flames really intensify in this entry, adding the question of Alec, a young journalist with whom Celeste became enamoured during “Conduit,” who has undergone some soul-stultifying transformations; the hot Irishman Caleb; and the perhaps equally hot (and inspirationally gifted) pirate Rowan. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more dangerous, and author Stacey Rourke couldn’t dig any deeper to yank your heartstrings and yank you to edge of your seat in throat-gripping suspense: the danger magnifies a thousandfold and Ms. Rourke delivers even more strongly! Do not miss this special book, or this series. And Ms. Rourke, please, please bring us the third in the series very quickly!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Kitty Boodles on July 03, 2012 :
Embrace (Gryphon Series #2) by Stacey Rourke

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

After finishing Conduit (Book 1) I had to get right into Book 2, Embrace. I could not wait to see what happens next to our heroes, Celeste, Gage and Keni. Full of new characters, twists, turns, and brilliant writing, it is a fantastic sequel to Conduit - my only wish was that it lasted longer! I want more, more, MORE!

Extremely well written - and don't let the YA fool you, these stories are great for all ages. :) Don't hesitate, buy these books!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Kitty Boodles on July 03, 2012 : (no rating)
Embrace (Gryphon Series #2) by Stacey Rourke

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

After finishing Conduit (Book 1) I had to get right into Book 2, Embrace. I could not wait to see what happens next to our heroes, Celeste, Gage and Keni. Full of new characters, twists, turns, and brilliant writing, it is a fantastic sequel to Conduit - my only wish was that it lasted longer! I want more, more, MORE!

Extremely well written - and don't let the YA fool you, these stories are great for all ages. :) Don't hesitate, buy these books!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Heather Alexander on June 28, 2012 :
Celeste (the Conduit to the Gryphon), her big bro Gabe (turns into a lion to protect), and little sis Kendal (sprouts inpenitrable wings and has healing powers), have to protect the gryphon and humans from Demons sent by The Countess, to kill them and then kill the Gryphon. Poor Celeste feels like she can't have a real life anymore because she is a danger to everyone around her. She meets Rowan, a demon who swears they aren't all bad, The Glee Club, a ragtag group of misfit demons who say the same, and Caleb, the hot mysterious Irishman. Celeste, her sibs, Grams, and their trainer/keeper, Alaina, must sift through the lies to try to find out who the bad and good guys really are and hope to live through it all in the process. The first book in this series is The Conduit which I also rated 5 stars. Fantastic!!!!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: m Williams on June 28, 2012 : (no rating)
Awesome book! Dealing with life as an 18 year old is never easy when your dad has died, your boyfriend has turned evil and you have to rely on your strength and your siblings to keep you alive because the balance of good and evil rests on your shoulders.
This book has everything from romance to drama to humor all rolled into one. What more could you want?!?
This is a highly recommended YA book series!
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Valerie McQueen on June 22, 2012 : (no rating)
Review of Embrace (Gryphon Series #2) by Stacey Rourke

FIVE STARS!!!! ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!!
This book was provided free by the author in exchange for honest literary review.

So Celeste has now gotten some crazy cool new supernpowers. She's finally gotbto enroll in college and get a start on the rest of her life. Things should be great, right? Not really. Her last boyfriend showed his true demon side so she has sworn off dating. It seems no matter where she goes there is this huge target on her back for seekers to find her. Talk about a troubling time as a teenager!!! While Gage and Kendall hav been able to find inner peace and balance since coming into their powers, Celeste feels none of that. Then it seems no one around her understands how lonely she feels or the pressure she constantly feels. Sounds deep right? NOOOO. LOL This book is as filled with humor as the last. I had to stop at times judt to stop laughing so i could see. The author mixes humor, surprise, love, and action in a perfect recipe. This whole series has been above amazing. From the dark army glee club to the werelion in starwars boxers......u will love this book from all angles. I read so much sometimes i have to think about what to review so i dont sound the same......my problem here is that there is so much i want to say, but i don't want to spoil your fun!!!! So please this is a must. Top five of all indie authors i have ever read!!!!!!
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Heather Schrock on June 16, 2012 :
I have so much trouble writing a review for a book that I like this much. I just want to scream, "READ IT NOW!" But since that doesn't really help you much, I guess I should give it a try.
Who do you trust when you're not sure you can trust anyone? Lots of exciting things happening in this one. So many twists and turns, I wasn't sure if I was sitting or standing! I was second guessing everyone in Celeste's life. Great new characters! I am totally in love with Caleb, and I even like Rowan! This book was even better than the first! Great Job Stacey!!!! Keep 'em comin'!
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

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