Clive is attacked by vampires from another town, so Sam decides to tag along to defeat vampire Lafitte. In the meantime she discovers she has other powers (not wicche) but with it come consequences.

I loved book 1 and I still enjoy the characters and such. But it seems Sam has made such an enormous turn from her character in book 1. I understand she found she is a werewolf etc. but it was a bit strange to have her talk and behave like a badass after reading the vulnerable girl in book 1. There was a lot of fighting and beheading vampires (plus eating, a lot of eating). And also the build-up to meeting a very powerful person who was defeated in an anti-climax.

Must admit I liked book 1 more but a sequel is always more difficult. So let's hope book 3 is what makes my heart go faster again. Still 4 stars because the writing is very good.

Wow! What a great sequel to the first book in the series! More supernatural action! The novel picks up with the construction of Sam's bar after it was destroyed. She and Clive, her vampire lover are enjoying their time together until an attack forces them to travel to New Orleans. Sam has grown much since the previous novel. She part wolf and wicche, which makes her rather valuable in many ways. Sam has had no luck with her wicche abilities until something happens when Clive was attacked. Sam wants to learn more about her abilities and finding someone who can help her is going to be a challenge. New Orleans brings a whole lot of trouble, new characters, some friendly, others not so much, as well as new and old enemies. Much more action, including trying to discover the truth behind Clive's assassination attempt. The truth is more dangerous than any of them expected and betrayals lurk. Looking forward to the next novel in the series!
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book. Engaging main characters, an interesting supporting cast, snappy dialogue, plenty of snark, nice smexy times, and a plot with plenty of mystery.

The plot shines. Even 90% of the way through I was not entirely sure who were the baddies. Ms. Kelly minimized exposition for action and dialogue, and kept me engaged. The banter between Sam and Stheno had me in stiches. Sam suffers pain from using her abilities and does not win every physical battle. This book reminds me of an Illona Andrews / Jeaniene Frost title.

That said, I do have a couple of issues.
The use of “wicche” is overbearingly cutesy and pulled me out of the story the first few times I encountered it.
After building up St. Germain as an overpowering evil Sam kills him in less than a paragraph.

Ms. Kelly is a new author for me and I am very glad I found her.

Buy / Buy on sale / Wait for library : Buy