Crimson Debt by Evangeline Anderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There’s been times that I’ve finished a book and immediately rushed to the computer to craft a review worthy of the book I’ve so recently devoured. Then there are other times that the plot and/or characters are underwhelming and I’ll submit a review more out of obligation than a genuine interest. This review is going to be one of the later.

I’ve skimmed my review a time or two and don’t feel that I’ve included any spoilers. But let’s get real people…with this genre and the cover art is there REALLY any secret how the book will end? I’m pretty sure you can draw your own conclusions to this little ditty. 😉

Addison Godwin is our leading lady in this story and she’s described as red hair, short stature, smaller breasts with ample thighs and derrière. While there was no mention of her intelligence I have to surmise that she is lacking in that aspect. For someone supposedly trained in handling and monitoring the vampire community she was brash and reactive. Often her behavior was excused away with the explanation that she was passionate or defending her friend Taylor. Instead it read as a “how to get murdered by vampires” play-by-play. What Corbin saw in this gal I’ll never know. Wake up Corbin! Red hair be damned, you just signed yourself up for a lifetime of playing “muzzle the idiot”.

Speaking of Corbin…in comparison with tweedle dee (my nickname for Addision) he comes up smelling like roses. However he still had some questionable reactions that made the book cheesy. For example, while attempting to heal extensive damage and bruising on Addison’s vagina he refers to it as her “cunt” and proceeded to dirty talk. Let me say that there’s most definitely a time and a place for dirty talk but this was not one of them. After realizing how ignorant Addison was to vampire politics he also did nothing to educate her until she was in front of his superiors and their lives were on the line. Jigga-What?!?!? For a centuries-old vampire he sure handled that responsibility like a hungover frat boy.

My one accolade for this book is how they handled the dangers of sex with vampires. I’m a huge fan of this genre and have read more than my fair share of vampire sex scenes. Most times the intimacy is romanticized or the hazards are swept under the rug. This book not only mentioned the dangers but nearly beat a dead horse with the concept.

At this time I feel my obligation to submit a review has been sated. By all means tuck into this book if you’re hard up for vampire sex and willing to forgive major character flaws.

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Midnight Star by Karpov Kinrade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about a cliff hanger! Wowzers! Ladies and gents…buckle up because this book will send you on a bumpy ride!

Picking right up where Vampire Girl left off we follow Arianna as she immerses herself more and more into worlds she never knew existed. King Lucian is not only alive but he’s shrouded himself in layer upon layer of lies and manipulation. Using anyone an everyone he comes near as a pawn to further his own gains.

Arianna once again proves she’s worth her weight in salt. (Did anyone else’s dad use that saying? If not, I highly recommend you pick up that saying and spread it like wildfire.) Her actions prove that compassion, loyalty and friendship are the most powerful tools one can possess.

Unlike it’s predecessor this book is much more battle focused and I felt myself going through “Fen-withdrawals” (it’s a real thing, trust me!). Although I’m feeling sated after devouring the awesomeness that was this book I would have definitely liked to see a little more sexiness sprinkled into the story. POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT- For example…when Fen and Ari spend the night together they merely snuggle and fall asleep. Am I the only warm blooded women that was mentally chanting for something more to happen? Come of Ari! You have handsome-as-heck Fen in bed with you and you’re going to waste you time by sleeping?!? Le sigh…

My review wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the authors. Their words swept me in and enchanted me. Descriptions of these worlds and creatures were so vivid I couldn’t help but imagine myself on the front lines along with the characters. Gorgeous writing, captivating story and charming characters. Bravo!

Needless to say I’m delighted with this latest installment and anxiously await the next book in the series. Karpov Kinrade Please take pity on me and include something steamy in the next book! I’ll use your own words against you… Dum Spiro Spero. While I breathe, I hope that the next installment will include some more romantic friction between Ari and Fen. 😉

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