Alexandra Ivy

     I started to read this book and realized quite early on that I was really fuzzy regarding the events being discussed at the beginning of the book.  The first two books are only a matter of weeks apart in time, so a lot of what's happening at the beginning harkens back to When Darkness Comes.  I pulled it off my shelf to skim and reacquaint myself with the basic story... but a funny thing happened...  I didn't want to stop.  At the time I wasn't sure if I'd read this book within the last year or what, but I really didn't care as the story was just too good to put down without really reading it.
     I'm really glad that I did so, because reading the second book immediately after left me a lot more connected ~ and the third book is out in May... colour me thrilled!  Needless to say I'll be getting it, and reading it, as soon as possible.
     Both Viper and Shay played parts in the first book and this is their story; to be honest it's a very good idea to regard these books as belonging together rather than taking them as standalones; there's just too much continuation.  This is not a bad thing by any means!  The stories are excellent; lots of action, some lighthearted moments, hot sexy vampires and romances to match, and excellent stories about the ongoing battles between good and evil. 

RATING:
Excellence: Excellent ~ 4.0 stars
Steaminess: Sensual

     I first read this book over a year ago just after it was first released; mostly because it was by one of my favourite authors, Debbie Raleigh.  Ms. Raleigh went by Debbie when she wrote her numerous Zebra Regency Romances a few years ago, but when she moved into the realm of novels she began going by Deborah Raleigh.  Under either name, I've loved everything she's written... of course a vampire story by her was going to be a winner. 
     Well, I have to say that I enjoyed this book just as much, probably more, the second time around.  Her vampires are gorgeous ~ and so far all male; they're created and forget their past when turned; they cannot be exposed to sunlight and need blood to drink.  Overall they're typical vampires; but even so, Alexandra Ivy's vampires have their very own place in the world of the paranormal / vampire romance genre.
     In When Darkness Comes, I love Dante; his banter with Abby is, on the surface, no more than flirting.  But we come to see very soon that Dante is more than just a little attracted.  I love how good he is for her self-image and she's no slouch either, once she adjusts to the fact that her life is anything but the normal, boring day-to-day existence that it's been up to now.  Boy, when stuff happens to Abby, it REALLY happens!

RATING:
Excellence: Excellent ~ 4.0 stars
Steaminess: Sensual