**Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques**

Now bearing the third mark of his mistress, the Vampire Queen Lyssa, Jacob finds himself immersed even deeper into the archaic politics of the vampire world, where humans are considered only property, chattel even. For a man with very Alpha tendencies, learning to accept his role in this hierarchy is difficult.

But one thing is not difficult for Jacob, and that is accepting his place in Lyssa’s life. From the moment he first saw her, he knew he was meant to be with her until the end of his days.

With the third mark binding his life to hers, that end is very near. The mysterious disease that ravages her mind and body is rapidly advancing, with no cure yet in sight. Keeping her condition a secret from the Vampire Council becomes more vital than ever, as Lyssa works to safeguard the vampires under her protection. One hint that she suffers from the debilitating illness and those who seek to usurp her power and territory will not hesitate to strike.

Her loyal servant forever, Jacob will pay any cost to keep her alive and safe.

Anyone who has read The Vampire Queen’s Servant, the first book in Joey W. Hill’s Vampire Queen series, will understand just how much I have coveted its sequel, Mark of the Vampire Queen, since I read it. The book that kicked off this fantastic paranormal saga was wonderful, but felt much like a ‘part one’. Having now enjoyed the second book, I can tell you with great delight that Mark of the Vampire Queen is very definitely a continuation of that first story and that the two together make for a powerful and edgy story that is not to be missed.

Picking up where we left off with Lyssa and her new human servant, Jacob, we are thrust even deeper into the intrigues and politics that make up the vampire society in Ms. Hill’s supernatural universe as we learn along with Jacob how to navigate this dangerous world with one’s throat still intact.

Being the very antithesis of the typical servant for a vampire, Jacob understands the rules, but finds them difficult to abide by at times – most notably when there is a threat to the Lady he so cherishes. While he can suffer any pain, any indignity for her benefit, his protective instincts kick into high gear when anyone or anything dares to place her in harm’s way – including Lyssa herself.

Over a thousand years old, and the most powerful vampire in the world, Lyssa is accustomed to being obeyed without question. Jacob’s insubordinance, despite its altruistic cause, is trying for her. Strangely, though, she finds herself growing to treasure his care, his presence, and even the man himself – something that goes against all tenets of the vampire-human relationship. Consequently, our own empathy for this disheartened lady grows just as her feelings for Jacob do.

Through it all, Joey W. Hill keeps the tension high as Jacob and Lyssa prepare for the annual Vampire Council and the danger it brings to their lives. Once they arrive at the event, however, things turn absolutely explosive…

As fans of this author would expect, the sex is wonderfully rampant throughout the story, titillating the reader with some very inventive scenes, and some very touching moments. Readers be warned, however, the vampire world has very liberal ideas concerning sex, especially with human servants, and anything goes! For many of us, that is less a warning than a selling point, of course!

Mark of the Vampire Queen is a riveting yet unconventional paranormal romance that is sure to thrill readers who enjoy something a little different on their bookshelves.

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