Tiffany Allee

Okay guys first - I love Claude. I've wanted Allee to write a book about Claude's tortured past since book 1. She finally has and...well...I'm really glad he gets a crack at love. But I judge him pretty harshly for some of his past mistakes.

Straight up if your main issue with having a relationship is that you think you're too 'dark'? You've done bad things? Then either don't engage in an affair with your partner of all people or suck it up cupcake because you know what? That just is not cool.… (meer)

I enjoy Allee's other paranormal series, Files From the Otherworlder Enforcer Agency, so I was pleased to see this new series (which as far as I can tell does not tie into OEA). With her engaging wit, surprising characters and a couple surprises Allee had me hooked on what would happen between Alice and Noah.

This is lighter in tone then OEA, which has horrific crimes at the center of each book, though it doesn't make the vampires any less broody. Noah's 'brother' Alex is a good example of this, though I'll toss his 'father' Kanehito in the mix. Noah himself does his darnedest to appear to be having fun during the cruise--despite the possibility of sun poisoning, the likelihood that he wouldn't be able to keep his hands off Alice and his impending nuptials.

The chemistry between them was hot, even as they both bumbled around trying to convince the other to do what they wanted and ignore what their bodies were telling them to do. It led to some amusing scenes as Alice tosses herself at him left and right, and Noah is almost as shocked as a virginal debutante and equally as scared.

Alice's ex is a sleaze, though I wish we had more characterization from Kristen (his fiancé) and her mother--oh my shiny stars her mothers was HILARIOUS. I can't fault a woman for teasing her daughter or making it obvious what she wants. She was largely played for comedic value, but she had some very touching lines.

The ending was a bit rushed--both Alice and Noah brought up good points, but we don't see too much resolution beyond 'I screwed up, forgive me?'. Which I was fine with; this is only the first book in the series (following the 'sons' of Kane[hito] as they find love I presume) so there's plenty of time to have mentions of what's going on with Noah and Alice. I *do* hope we find out what was up with Alice's brother and his own fiancé. I kind of felt like a big piece of the puzzle was missing, but really it just made me hope for the next book to give more clues.… (meer)