Glittery vampires have nothing to do with this high-tension packed read, where danger lurks behind every corner and the deception is thicker than blood.

The vampire haven, Belle Morte, has survived the attempt revolt but has suffered huge damage on the image vampires had in the human world. Where they were respected and awed before, mistrust and fear are digging their claws into human society. It will take a long time to regain trust, but the vampires are determined to win it back....that's if they can hunt down the last rogues. Although still human, Renie is determined to help her friends and sets off as a liaison between humans and vampires, since the vampires' seclusion from the human world has left them more than a little out-of-touch. But even this position will be more dangerous than any adventure she's faced so far.

While I have read one of the first books in this series, it's been a while back. So, my memory was more than a bit hazy. This didn't prove to be a problem, though, since the author has woven just enough background story in to make it easy to sink into this world. I still recommend reading this as a series.

This is a fast-paced, high-tension read and drives forward the entire way through. As an action-girl, I was thrilled and read this in only two sittings (and that because I did need sleep). Well-woven intrigue mixes with mystery and increasing danger to keep the reader guessing until the very end. Every time the intentions seemed clear, it would twist in unexpected ways. The danger raised with every page as did the brutality. But then, vampires aren't exactly pink, puffy creatures.

The unique relationship between the vampires and humans gains depth thanks to the mix of remaining star-struck attitudes (as seen in the books before) with fear and hate. It adds an interesting back and forth as Renie deals with the police, and works in thoughts surrounding societal views, reactions, prejudices, and more. There are also smaller subplots worked in, which take peeks at human nature. Of course, there's the romance, which works well enough and adds more emotion.

This is a grabbing read with tons to enjoy. At times, some aspects didn't click quite as smoothly as they could, but it wasn't enough to break the fun. The romance also hit a little off on the emotional and pacing for me, but I'm pretty sure this is just a personal thing, and many readers will sink right in.

I do recommend this one to vampire fans, who enjoy romance with intrigue, mystery, action, and very high-stakes. ( )