Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges...
Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her. Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity... Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity. |
Meh, this one was more generic than the first, which I actually rated four stars. What a difference.
While I liked that Vlad finally admits his feelings and it doesn't focus as much on the background angst, some stuff rubbed me the wrong way and I couldn't get into any of the characters as much. Bummer. Really he's just an uncompromising ass, not matter what reasoning the author puts in there. I can only understand people being so twisted and obnoxious up to a point. Leila had a 180 as well - gone is the heroine I liked so much from the first book. Now she's a little more generic, overlooks pretty much everything from everyone, becomes fine with torture (which bothered me clearly), and loses some of her uniqueness as she conforms.
I don't like the staff as much now - I'd never forgive the coldness brushoff. Too conditional. I don't like the changes with the interesting character in the first one, Maximus. Marty is in the background. The dad and sister are the same overall so nothing new there.
The plot is so-so - there's misunderstandings, chases, obnoxious torture scenes, rehashed discussion of their relationship, a weird dinner party where Vlad shows he's clueless, everyone warning Leila against actually getting involved with the man, blah blah blah. The ending wasn't a surprise - I could have guessed that about the villain from page one since I'm not new to the series. And seriously, if someone is spelled to become a traitor, shouldn't that change things? But I degress on the basis of common sense and loyalty I guess.
Not even sure I'll read the next book at this point, I'm turned off by the stories of these two, but we'll see - I may not be able to resist at least trying book three for completions curiosity. Felt more generic and rehashed type of story.
Book Quotes:
“If you introduce yourself to anyone as Mrs. Dracula, I'll bite you in a manner you won't enjoy.”
Book Stepback:
