The Dawning (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla, #4) (2024)

(audiobook) While having a few really important events and revelations, I felt the book dragged a lot and wasn’t as packed as the previous ones. Also the pace was weird, with some events taking several chapters, while others happen off page.

With a story focused on Layla and Sam’s relationship and everything they cause, I found it frustrating to have the main events in their love story rushed that much–or hijacked by more action focused elements. And the ellipsis just about killed me. I felt robbed of my love story. I get that they’re both action oriented people, and that their life is crazy at the moment. Maybe that’s why they needed a break and some chill time would have been refreshing. Oh well, probably a matter of taste.

While the book starts on several chapters from Sam’s point of view since Layla has been kidnapped, Layla and her family are really at the center of the story. From surprises to grief, she doesn’t get any respite, and one member of the extended Aberdeen family is always around the corner. Some are friends, some are foes, and some are somewhere in between. More and more Layla chooses to join the Mason family, who seems more balanced even though they’re all monsters. At this point, the reader really wonder who are the monsters anyway.

Sam takes a bigger role as a leader, while also dedicating himself to his woman and unborn children. We also see more of him with his father, and his sister and family. At a crossroad, he’s clearly working on choosing his path and who he wants to be.

The usual flaws can make reading this book a little bit annoying, especially the repetitions. We’re four books into the story of Layla and Sam, and it’s a series with cliffhangers. Do we really need to read for the umpteenth time about what happened to Sam’s sister in a previous series? Or how his father left them in foster care for a long time?

I felt the theme of monsters–of the supernatural kind or of the human kind–was more prominent in this book than in the previous ones, and it was interesting. Human becoming monsters, monsters showing human qualities, Layla and the babies she carries at the frontier between the two worlds, the place of monsters in the society… A lot of aspects are explored.

Narration was good. At this point, both narrators know their character quite well and have no trouble expressing all their nuances. If not for the fact that it could have been way shorter without any impact on the whole story, this book was good.

Quickie

- Series: Vampire navy SEAL: Sam & Layla #4 (ends on a cliffhanger, and references a lot another series by the same author)
- Hashtags: #paranormal romance #military romance #romantic suspense #enemies to lovers #surprise pregnancy #vampire #vampire hunter
- Triggers: violence and death, lots of blood, including blood play
- Main couple: Layla Aberdeen & Sam Mason
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + delicious romantic moments between Sam and Layla
- – with Layla’s family dramas, she would be better off as an orphan…

I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster throughout this whole book! I’ve loved Sam and Layla since the start of their series. Swooning over their relationship as it grows. This book really shows how much their love for each other has grown. I’m in love with their love for each other.

My heart rate increased so many times throughout this book as I became panicked. Layla’s INSANE family have to go. She is so different than them. They are scary crazy.
There were also many swooning, romantic moments.

I loved this book! I think it’s my favorite in the series, so far. I cannot wait for The Prodigies, which comes out in January!
This Paranormal Romance is so much more than just that genre, it’s filled with love, friendship, family (good & bad), action and so much more! I don’t want to give away anything that could be a spoiler, but I will say that this isn’t your typical Vampire Romance, it’s so much more!!

From the very first chapter my heart was pounding. SO much going on! Who can or can't we trust? Who may go missing? S.B. Alexander definitely knows how to get our blood pumping! As with every book in this series S.B. Alexander does an amazing job reminding us of things that happened in previous books. It is always great having that refresher. I won't give anything away, but I definitely felt sad for one of the "bad" guys in chapter 6. I was on the edge of my seat in this book. Always nervous about what may happen next. Poor Layla has some extra crazy family members. Sam and Layla cannot catch a break and that ending just crushed my soul. I cannot wait until the next book comes out!! As always the book was written so well and I love all the characters!!

What the ever-loving, flipping H*LL did I just finish reading? I'm screaming inside so I don't wake up my family. I stayed up late reading this because I just had to know what was going to happen to Sam and Layla in The Dawning. Here I am, hanging off this massive rocky cliff, and I'm going to be hanging here, waiting for The Prodigies to be released in January 2023. The suspense is phenomenal! You can feel it building word by word, page by page. Cue the background music because the anticipation is building so perfectly that you know something is waiting around the corner for you. This book had way more of everything in it than all the previous ones. The intensity of my emotions seems to grow with each book. Rage, sorrow, laughter, hatred, joy and hope, so much hope for Sam and Layla. Will they ever get that happy ending? They have been through hell so far in their short relationship, battling enemies and most of her family, just to be together. If they aren't wanted for their blood and genes, it's for their abilities. It's like outside negative forces constantly pulling at them, forcing them into untenable situations, not wanting them to be happy. They have to get their HEA, right? All their struggles have to lead to that ending. So I'm not giving up on that future for Sam and Layla. My conviction is that their love is strong enough to win the battle for their future!

Hold onto your hats everyone!! ❤❤❤

“Not only are we being hunted by our enemies, but now we have the media to contend with?” Unbelievable. The news that vampires existed would spread among humans like wildfire. Vampire hunters would come out of the woodwork. Innocent humans might run for the hills. Others would be awestruck and brave enough to try to get a glimpse of a true vampire. Basically, mayhem and anarchy."

Sam and Layla are definitely in a pickle at the start of this all out EPIC read!! It is jam packed with action, betrayal, intrigue, smexy vampire/Vampire hunter love, family issues and oh so much more. I cannot get enough of these amazing characters. Layla is one tough cookie, and she proves that in spades within these pages. It's Aberdeen vs Aberdeens as Layla ends up facing off against her warped fam. However she has more than just herself to worry about now.

"Human vampire hunter meets vampire. Falls in love and has four babies. Now that’s a story waiting to be told."

The stakes are higher than normal and both Sam and Layla will do EVERYTHING to get back to one another and to keep their growing family safe. Prepare for all kinds of surprises along the way as we see our beloved characters put through the proverbial ringer. I could NOT put this book down. These characters grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let me go....and *then* that last chapter 😳. Prepare now for a massive cliffhanger. This series never gets old. It's filled with excitement, adrenaline, pathos, magic, mystery, love- and this reader just cannot wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend checking it out!

True Love Always Shines

How can it be? With each book, this story gets better and better. I LOVE the dangerous, unique, epic rollercoaster that is the love story of Sam and Layla. I am rooting for them more and more with every single book.

If someone deserves to experience a happily ever after, it’s them. But there is still a LONG road ahead of them. I think their love shines even brighter in this book - especially in the form of their growing family. But the dangers on their journey lurk in every corner. Each time you think they prevail over a perilous situation, there is a new, worse villain/situation to face. Sometimes, the villains come with the face of those closer to us (namely, Layla’s family here – they go completely off the rails!). And this is the most difficult thing to handle. It’s pure insanity. It’s like the whole universe conspires against them, but they are still strong. Still here. Still fighting. Love is worth it all!

I am not going to reveal anything more specific about the plot, because you’ll really want to experience this first-hand – trust me on this, I’ll ruin it for you if I do. But be prepared. My head is spinning after finishing this, I swear. So, so many emotions – laugh, joy, sorrow, heartbreak, oh-my-loving-God moments, hope, faith. The list is endless. The next book can’t come out soon enough. I am DYING to know what the next chapter of this epic story holds. My advice? Come on board this amazing rollercoaster, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the ride of your lives. Five well-deserved stars from me.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

The Dawning by S.B. Alexander is a paranormal romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Blake Lockheart and Cecily Foster. This is the fourth book in the Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla series.

I am really enjoying the relationship between Sam and Layla. I liked that we got both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

The book ended on an amazing cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book The Prodigies to be released on January 24, 2023.

Blake and Cecily did a great job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to reading more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this series if you like enemies-to-lovers romance, paranormal romances, military romances, slow burn romances, or romantic suspense.

The Flock Team

Ms. Alexander loves to see how fast this reader's heart can race with each book in this series. I don't know where the characters will take me, but I am loving the journey!
Layla and Sam are the linchpin to surviving the expected war among vampires, humans and other supernatural beings. Layla's and Sam's lives are careening out of control as Layla's pregnancy advances.
Hang on to your heart because the way to this happily ever after is a wild ride into the twisted mind of S. B. Alexander. And I love it!

The continuation of Sam and Layla’s story is just as action packed, suspenseful, and humorous as all the other books. In this particular story we definitely get to see how strong Layla really is even when Sam‘s not around. We also get to see the extent of Sam’s love for Layla, which is astonishing in its depth. In order not to have spoilers I will just say the book delivers.
I am truly excited, and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Once again the author out did herself.
From start to finish, my heart beat with anticipation just waiting for the next thing to happen.
I am so in love with these two characters and the cliff hanger had me tearing up.
And what is going on with Jordan? Some questions answered but new ones popping up.
It's going to be Hell waiting for the release of the next book but the author knows how to reel you in and keep you hooked.
Love this series!

WOW!!! This book was phenomenal, like sink your teeth in and not let go. I love S.B. Alexander writing style and she is amazing at this genre. This was such an angsty and emotional read. I love Sam and Layla, their chemistry is off the charts amazing! There was so much happening in this book that kept you reading. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I NEED more!

Sam and Layla have just found out she’s carrying quadruplets, and there’s been an explosion. Layla’s missing, and Sam is going crazy trying to find her. As usual, Roman is involved in tormenting Sam further. We are also still dealing with Layla’s family trying to complete their experiments to make vampire/wolf hybrids. There’s lots of action throughput the story. We also get more incite into Layla’s pregnancy. There are so many questions that I have at the end of this story, and I can’t wait for the next one!

OMG!!! Soooo good!!

Caution: This book is not recommended if you have a heart monitor!

Everyone else, buckle up and enjoy the ride!!

Best book in the series....so far.
I don't have words to describe how good it is. That is why I am the reader and S.B. Alexander is the kick butt author!!

I need more Sam & Layla!!

This book will take one sitting to read as you are not going to want to put it down. The book will have you holding your breath from the first chapter. Not know who to trust or who will go missing will have you on the edge of your seat.

This is the 4th book of Sam and Layla story. It follows on from where the 3rd book left off. S.B Alexanddr has out done herself again with this book. Layla and Sam need to discover who to trust and to trust, whos trying to kill who etc. They just don't seem to be able to catch a break. I loved this story from the first chapter and what happened at the ending well it has kept me hooked for the next book

Wow, what a ride! From the first page to the last, excitement, surprises and so much action! I absolutely loved it, I didn't care for the cliffy, but I loved everything leading up to it. I am going to be heartbroken if someone close to them is an enemy. I guess we will see in January.

Fast paced action and laughs

That cliffhanger…. Gah but oh so good. Roll on January for the next instalment of this series. You rock Susan

Layla and Sam's story just keeps getting better and better!! A one sitting read that had me on the edge on my seat. Absolutely cannot wait for the next book!!!!!

Love, love, love reading about Sam & Layla. I am completely addicted to this series and need the next book like the air I breathe. Drama, angst and a cliffhanger.

WOW OMG NO..........
I need the next book like yesterday, this is the 4th book in this amazing series and Susan as done it again,
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ are just not enough for this series and my review just won't do it justice!!!!

BRILLIANT ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.

Apart from the cliff hanger🤣🤣🤣
This supernatural Vampire Navy Seal series is so good and each book just keeps getting better.

Sam and Layla are put through so many trials and tribulations it's unreal, but they pull through together and just keep getting stronger.

I cannot wait to see where the net book will take us.

I would recommend this series without a doubt.
Vampire books are not my usual genre but these are just so good. You will not be disappointed that's for sure.🥰🥰

As we enter into the fourth book of this incredible series, The Dawning finds us back to the moment we were left hanging onto that cliff. Layla missing.
The author has you completely invested as battle lines are drawn, and Layla's hot vampire unleashes his fury on those standing in the way of his mission. To find his love, his heart, his HOME.
Incredible story, filled to the brim with twists, turns and allll the feels. You cheer for Sam and Layla as they navigate everything thrown their way. Some things can't be controlled, and will love be enough?

Wow! Once again, SB Alexander is leaving me stunned, speechless, heartbroken and what else after finishing this book!
The Dawning continues with Sam and Layla’s story to figure out who to trust and who not. Who is trying to kill them? Will they finally figure out all secrets and who’s all on the other side?
This story line gets better and better and keeps you on your toes while reading! Epic story! Can’t wait to continue with book 5!!

I kindly received an arc from the author and voluntarily left a review

5 HEARTACHE STARS!! My heart aches right now....it has stopped beating, crushed and put back whole at times. Sam and Kayla has the best love story with lots of obstacles all the way through. This author knows how to keep us readers engaged with so much action and love. I need the next book like right now.

Absolute love Sam and Layla. They are fighting so hard to keep everyone safe but everything is against them. Lovely the story and can't wait for the next installment.

Highly recommend

It doesn’t seem possible but somehow there are even more obstacles for Sam and Layla to face. For them, things just got even more complicated! This book is equal parts steamy and fast paced. You will never get bored with this storyline!

OMG... this is the 4th instalment of SB Alexander's second Vampire Navy Seal series centering around the couple of Sam Mason, Vampire seal and Layla Aberdeen, a vampire hunter and now major love interest of Sam. This series gets better with each new book released and simply leaves the reader wanting and needing more and believe me this instalment has left me hanging onto the proverbial cliff top ledge.
The overall story to date has been full of sexual tensions, emotional moments, mystery, throw in some absolute mayhem and political disturbances between the humans and supernatural worlds that leaves me wondering just how will the rest of the plot unfurl.
Great characters from our major players right through to the many secondary level ones that simply enhance the whole story, both good and bad!
With the up coming war now creeping even closer for the whole of humanity and our heroes ready to go to war to save it and their love ones you won't be disappointed in this series. To truly engage in this wonderfully worked plot you do need to start at the beginning to fully understand the complexity of the lives of Layla Aberdeen and Sam Mason.

I received an advanced readers copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The saga continues as Layla, heavily pregnant with nonhuman babies, is kidnapped from the hospital. Sam and his team are on the mission to find her and the other missing supernaturals. Sam continues to show his alpha side when it comes to protecting Layla and his family. Layla is still struggling to come to terms that her family is so far gone down the rabbit hole of having a vampire army that there’s no going back. I’ve enjoyed reading the series as Sam and Layla have grown into a relationship, and now parents, after only a few months. The series can hold it’s own on suspense and action, I really believe the bedroom activities seem forced and heavily played out. I’ve also got a thing about nicknames being overly used, sometimes it’s meant to be intimate and flirty but other times it’s not appropriate. Despite my critique the series is exciting and it’s easy to get lost in their world. I was able to read an early copy and leave my honest review.

S.B Alexander once again delivers another unforgettable and unputdownable addition to what has so quickly become one of my very favorite series !! Im not going to give any details away mostly because In my personal opinion this is definitely a book / series that is best enjoyed when you go into it with a completely open mind and no expectations. It truly does allow you to feel all the emotions it’s guaranteed to stir in you first hand . What I will say is hold on tight and prepare yourself for the ride of your life because it is a emotional rollercoaster that will grab onto you so tightly and literally keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time . I actually ended up reading till about 3 am fighting to keep my eyes open the whole time . It’s Just that freaking good . Take a chance on this amazing series you will not be disappointed
a

Audio Book Review
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the fourth book in the Vampire Navy SEAL series. This book starts in the middle of action. Layla and Sam have just found out how many babies they are having, when Layla gets taken. Sam is willing to go to the end of the earth to get his Baby Mama back safely. However Layla is having some complications with the pregnancy. Her human body just can’t handle the growth of her supernatural babies. Roman’s presence is lingering in the abyss of the unknown. He could pop in and make a mess of everything. The question is when and where? This book ends on a huge cliffhanger surrounding Layla and the babies. I need the final book immediately! I can’t wait. Cecily Foster and Blake Lockheart did a phenomenal job narrating this book.

A war is brewing on the horizon.
Layla managed to escape her abductors but in the blink of an eye she was back in the hands of her family, the Aberdeens. Her Granny and sister have definitely lost their minds.
Sam and Hawk's face is spread all over the media with their fangs showing. With the media frenzy they are the wanted list.
Sam:
"I couldn’t take much more pain. I should be used to the kidnappings , the battles, the wars , losing teammates, loved ones, and being hunted like I was a rabid animal who needed to be put down. Yet as powerful as I was, I wasn’t immune— not physically or emotionally."
With Layla back on base with Sam it's time for the babies to be born but.....
Definitely recommend this series!