This got better as it went along, but it was still on the slow and predictable side. I liked Matthew and I liked Rhiannon, but the rest of the characters were kind of annoying. ( )

In the Heat of the Bite
3.5 Stars

Slightly better than book #1.

Matthew was fascinating in the first book and while he is a great hero, noble, honorable and sensual, he is a little too beta for my tastes and I was disappointed in the lack of backstory.

Rhiannon is a very likeable heroine and her powers are shown to much better effect than Blaire's in book #1 - she is really something fierce to behold. The fact that she accepts Matthew without reservation and does everything to can to have him is one of her most endearing qualities. Their scenes together are sensual but could have been more detailed.

The plot is alright although there is no real conflict or villain - the resolution to the vampire trope in this series is different but satisfying.

The secondary characters are a mixed bag: the Hadley twins come across as irritating teens rather than grown men, Sochia is as vapid and frivolous as ever (it is difficult to see her as the heroine of the next book), and Aunt Greer does not get what's coming to her. Cait and Dash, on the other hand, are still a wonderful couple and Archer is compelling but the real gem in the book is the Duchess of Hythe, who reminds me of Lady Danbury in Julia Quin's Bridgerton's series. It is worth reading the book just for her although the romance is entertaining. ( )

My thoughts:

This book is a part of a series but you can read it as a standalone. But if you really want to dive into this world then I recommend the 4 Westfield Wolves books first to get to know our dear lycans and witches. But this series of course belong to the vampires.

Matthew Halkett is old, he has seen it all. He is this steady figure of reason and at the same time one tempting delicious vampire. I am drawn to him as a moth to a flame and much of has to do with how fast he falls for Rhiannon. Sure he has doubts but then he is a vampire who will live forever, while she is an innocent who will not. Oh yes Rhiannon, a Scottish witch with a temper. She can command thunder and lightning and sure does when she gets angry. And she is not afraid of a vampire when she has that at her command.

This world is lovely and cosy somehow. I already know the Lycans (love them) and in this book we meet more. I sure hope Dare writes their story too because they are a fun bunch. The witches are fun and now when Rhiannon has found her man there is only Sorcha left and I can't wait for her story..and, oh just read the blurb. The vampires are a great addition to this world and I really enjoyed the banter between Matthew and the 4 Lycans he came across more times than he wanted. There is nothing like a brood of werewolves telling a vampire to back down ;)

The book has got a bit of humour, great friendships and passion. I did like how Matthew tried his best to be the perfect gentleman. Just a reason to like him even more.

Conclusion:

Lydia Dare does not disappoint. She (well they do) does it again and gives me a book that I read and time just disappears. There is always something that makes me want to read the next page and on. It kept me entertained and I read it in a heartbeat.

Rating.

Good

( )

Witches, lycans, vampires; I love them all! Such great characters. I cannot wait to read the next book! And I wonder of we'll see stories of the Hadley brothers ( )

Witches, lycans, vampires; I love them all! Such great characters. I cannot wait to read the next book! And I wonder of we'll see stories of the Hadley brothers ( )