Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall

Amazon Book Description:
In this dazzling, sensual novel, Dianne Duvall beckons readers into a world of vampires, immortals, and humans with extraordinary gifts. . .where passion can last forever, if you're willing to pay the price. . .

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control. . .

In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible--when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect. . .

My thoughts:
Holy Wow!  I truly enjoyed this book.  
The characters - all of them - are wonderfully created and the story is excellent.  Roland is fantastic.  Sarah is expertly designed as the heroine.  The relationship between Roland and Sarah develops quickly, but not disturbingly so, and their relationship allows many elements of the story to be brought out and utilized. And although there are those "Really!" moments in the book, I found their love and devotion sweet and refreshing.
My favorite feature of the story is the closeness of the immortals.  The way they all work together and support each other.  I struggle to find a favorite character, and must conclude that I like so many of them there can be no clear cut favorite.  I found the cat endearing, but an odd addition. I had wondered if perhaps there would be something used from that situation later, but not yet. 
I found the immortal/vampire theme to be original and intriguing, the human "seconds" to be a nice touch. I thought the organic food issue was a great add.  
The story is fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Each of the characters seems to be on their own personal emotional roller coaster and the reader is front row.  Larger than life characters, battles, and feelings. 

I am solidly hooked and can't wait to get started on the next book in the series.