I thought that the energy vampire storyline was different, but the story was lacking something that I couldn't put my finger on compared to some of Ms Frank's other series. I did like the characters of Rafe and Renee and I would try another book in the series.

A new series with a different type of vampire. No they don't suck blood, but they do still bite. They are energy vampires that take energy from humans. But they can only take from humans who have a healthy lifestyle. Sycophants are energy vampires that take from anyone and usually kill them. Now add in an intelligent homicide detective that is following a death caused by a sycophant. And don't forget the detective is a woman.

I enjoyed the book, but I can see the ending pushing a little too much into a sci-fi realm for some readers. But until I read how the next book is going to take it, I will leave my mind open on it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.

I found this book completely ridiculous and could not finish it. I ended up skimming it after the first 100 pages. It was way too much. And then the final curve ball at the end about how the energy vampires came to be? OMG. No. Just...no. I've appreciated other works by this author, but this one was sorely lacking and I just couldn't read the whole thing.

Thirst is a new series introducing a unique breed of vampires with a twist. Jacquelyn Frank has found a new way for vampires to feed, not with blood but with energy. She has turned the vampire myth on its head and created something new and different.
I have to admit I struggled with Thirst right through the book - hovering between wanting to know what happens next and perhaps not finishing the book. In the end, I finished it and I'll get into my reasons why.
Firstly, while interesting, I think the story dragged due to Ms Frank's writing style. It was heavily dialogue driven which I tend to like but in this instance, it seemed somewhat stilted and clinical. It was difficult to connect intimately with Rafe and Renee as protagonists. Perhaps it was because being the first book in a new world, a lot of world building had to take place and that world building bogged down the story? This is unusual and surprising to me because I have read a lot of Ms Frank's work and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've read some of her Nightwalker books and all of her Nightwalker World books. The writing style in Thirst is very different to what I experienced in reading her previous books but because I enjoyed her previous books, I soldiered on.
This book touches on some big issues - politics, world peace, drug abuse and addiction, all of which revolving around the energy vampires and how they try to govern their nation and how they sustain themselves. This brings me to Rafe who is suave, refined and every inch the gentleman, though a deadly one and not to be underestimated. Rafe is the consummate diplomat as he is responsible for negotiating a very important treaty within the vampire nation. He also seems to know all the right things to say to Renee when she gets all riled up (and she got riled up a lot!), a side effect from being the ultimate diplomat of the vampire nation, I'm sure. And since I'm a sucker for a hero with a protective streak in them, I loved the way he was protective of Renee even though she obviously knew how to take care of herself and treated her with such care. I would have liked more depth to Rafe's character but perhaps I'm being judgmental and he was just a little too polished for me?
I had more of a hard time with Renee. I found her at times exceedingly annoying and at other times, feminine and likable. She was a character full of contradictions, at one point tough and brassy from being a jaded cop, to being vulnerable and afraid of being hurt and confused about her own feelings. One thing about Renee though, she is undoubtedly brave. Perhaps it has to do with her being a cop and facing danger everyday of her life. She did not back down when faced with a dangerous situation and she certainly showed she was very capable of taking care of herself. She did take issue with Rafe trying to protect her and her argumentative nature did rub me the wrong way a few times but in the end, I did warm towards her as she redeemed herself quite adequately in my eyes.
One more point of note, I have to say, the story of the energy vampires origins seems a little far fetched and also a little to easy. Really? That's what you came up with, Ms Frank? I must admit I kinda snorted when I read that bit. That said, I think this is a very interesting start to the series and I'm curious to see where it goes. I'd like to know who's book is next. I'd love to see Halo brought to his knees by a woman.

I was a little let down by this book, because it just didn't compare to other Jacquelyn Frank Books.

I really didn't like Rafe and I didn't feel the connection between Rafe and Renee.

The new concept of Energy Vampire's, sounded interesting, but it actually feels like nothing happened in this book.

Unfortunately, this book just didn't work for me. Hoping the next in the series will be better.

Thirst is the first title in a new series by a new-to-me author, Jacquelyn Frank. I read it, cover-to-cover in one sitting and for originality alone, I give it 5 stars.

Ms. Frank has created a new world/society of vampires, energy vampires, who feed off the life energy of sunlight and the humans who live alongside them, and those humans never know they've been a food supply thanks to the vamps abilities to hypnotize them to forget the entire incident. As in the human world, there are good vampires who obey vampire laws and feed off healthy living, organic food-eating humans and there are bad vampires, sycophants, who choose to prey upon drug addicts, alcoholics, sick and disease-ridden humans, and often drain them to death. In vampire law, they are to be hunted and killed on sight.

This is the story of handsome, suave, courtly and sexy Rafe DaSilva, one of the elite in energy vampire society and police detective Renee Holden, who is investigating the murder of a man found dead in an alley with twin bite marks on the back of his neck. Rafe, who knows that this is the work of a sycophant, watches Renee at the crime scene and is both intrigued, attracted, and drawn to the clean energy she exudes. He accidentally on-purpose bumps into her at a local organic market and convinces her to have dinner with him, and the usually cautious Renee is equally attracted to him. When he walks her home, he feeds on her energy and makes her forget, but it's obvious that she's already more than a just food source to him.

When Renee interviews the lone witness to this murder, who swears she saw a vampire, Rafe must contain this story, and his relationship with Renee is the way to be on the inside track, but he must tread lightly, because letting her learn about their hidden society may also mean punishment by death according to vampire law. I truly enjoyed getting to know Renee, she's a strong, independent woman, rather than the usual shrinking violets who succumb to sexy vampires, and she's not afraid to speak her mind or decide on a course of action. When Rafe and Renee are attacked by a trio a sycophants, Rafe must explain what they were to Renee, since the one that got away promises to return to kill her. According to vampire law, he should have made her forget, but he refuses to leave her ignorant of the danger she's now in.

These are two, well-drawn, and fascinating characters, whose attraction to one another breaks the bonds of secrecy between their two worlds, is certainly for the 18+ reader, and with danger everywhere, a possible sycophant uprising, an energy vampire peace treaty in the works, and many lives at stake, Ms. Frank drew me in and kept me at the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved this novel and cannot wait to read the next title in this series.

I love Jacquelyn Frank. Her stories are usually very addictive. For some reason I had trouble staying engaged to this story. I did find it entertaining.

What a deliciously written, skillfully paced novel! Readers are blessed with two leads that are absolutely beyond compelling and the plot sticks with you even after you're finished. Frank doesn't disappoint in this series.

I had a hard time getting into the story. Rafe and Renee were ok, but it was so hard for me to get into the story. To complicated for this reader

Renee is a homicide detective. And the case before her is odd to say the least. The witness says the victim was bitten by a vampire. Is she delusional? Rafe has to protect the nation. Can he contain this investigation or will Renee learn more than either of them is comfortable with?
Thirst is the first in a new series by Jacquelyn Frank. Renee is a strong female character. She loves finding justice and is focused on her career. But when she catches an unusual case, she also gets a new man in her life. I love how Rafe is with Renee. He has ulterior motives for meeting Renee but once he meets her, his intentions change. I loved that Ms. Frank made their growing relationship sweet. Rafe wasn’t quite sure what it was about his growing relationship that felt so effortless but the more he got to know Renee, the less it mattered. Renee is equally taken with Rafe and allowed him closer quicker than she is comfortable admitting to. Both Rafe and Renee are strong characters with competing interests. But Ms. Frank did not allow that to derail their romance. Rafe was uber protective and Renee was headstrong but willing to compromise.
I loved that both Rafe and Renee fought for each other. They found a way to accept their differences even as danger dogged them both. I loved the growing intimacy between them even as their respect and friendship blossomed. I thoroughly enjoyed his new world Ms. Frank is crafting and can’t wait to see where she will take us next.

An interesting new take on vampires.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thirst was a book with a different take on vampires. I couldn't really get into the story with the main characters and the different vampire take. I found the main characters fell for each other too quickly and didn't care for the new spin on the vampire world.

Ms. Frank consistently surprises me with the different kinds of supernatural creatures she creates. The "Energy Vampires" in this book took me a little longer to appreciate than previous species, and I look forward to learning more about them. Vampires who feed from the sun! Who knew?!

It was a great read. I feel the character development was good and I would and have recommended to friends.

I haven't read a vampire book as good as this one in a long time. I will be on the look out for this author,.

I have read and enjoyed other Jacquelyn Frank novels, so I was excited about this new world. Unfortunately, energy vampires just had a lot of confusing mythology and world-building and it definitely detracted from the romance.

I love this author and have been a fan for awhile now. I enjoyed getting the chance Thu read and revise this book. It was another homerun. Great characters, great plot, plenty of drama and excitement. I didn't want it to end.

Whenever I pick up a Jacquelyn Frank book I know I will find myself in an intriguing, beguiling world that I won't want to leave. THIRST is just such a book. The action starts from the first page and continues to the last, with the reader wishing for more. Rafe is an interesting mixture of bad-ass and suave, debonair man. Renee is also a bad-ass; a smart and determined woman who isn't so quick to let this stranger into her world but when she does, wow! The build up of the romance and the steamy are equally amazing to read. I have to admit I do appreciate the caution that Renee used when it came to Rafe, after all it fit her police training mentality and would have been a bit out of character to be too trusting right away. The bad guys are just dreadful and the supporting characters including her police partner are realistic and absorbing. If you are looking for a book that will hold you in it's grip, with characters you will love and the perfect amount of romance with equal intriguing action then THIRST is just what you need.

Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

The complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=62043

I greatly enjoyed this book. It kept me interested from page 1 and it was a new perspective on vampires. Can't wait for the next book.
Book was reviewed on Amazon.

I love reading paranormal books and this one was pretty amazing. Thank you for the opportunity.