Ridley Heller thought that all her problems would be over if she could have Bo back—back from the dead. But what Ridley didn’t know was that her wish would come at a price. Bo survived a condition that would have killed a lesser vampire, or any vampire for that matter. The only reason he didn’t die is because of who he is, someone Ridley doesn’t know at all. Someone Bo himself doesn’t know at all. As Ridley gets closer to finding out Bo’s true identity, she discovers that loving him could also come at a price, a price much higher than she ever could have imagined. The question is there any such thing as a price too high to pay for Bo? For his love, for his safety, for eternity in his arms?
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding wild horses, skiing the slopes of Aspen or scuba diving with a hot rock star, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.
About Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.
Okay, I'm sure that my kids officially think that I'm nuts. I have spent the last few hours giving stern advice to my kindle. "Ridley, don't head into the woods late at night." "Ridley, don't head off to the empty school field at night without any shoes." "Ridley, don't turn around." "Ridley, don't go exploring a strange house." "Ridley, run, run, run!!!!" I could go on and on. Ridley got herself into a bunch of crazy situations in this second book of the Blood Like Poison series. As a reader I knew that her decisions were going to lead to no good, and I'm sure that she would have agreed. And yet . . . she kept putting herself right in the path of danger again and again and again. I would expect that reading about these situations constantly in this book would get annoying or old very fast, but in fact I was pulled so far into the story that I was almost hoping that she would make these crazy decisions so that some of the mystery of the story could be solved for me. This book was jam packed and full of excitement and action from almost the beginning. I'm not sure how big this fictional town is, but I found it odd that there wasn't a bigger todo about so many missing teens -- especially because they seemed to disappear under strange and violent circumstances. But, things are getting scary for this town, and Ridley is right in the middle of it. To make matters worse, Bo is MIA for a majority of the book. He hasn't totally left the picture. He shows up periodically as an invisible vampire to check on Ridley, and there is at least one scene that is positively butterfly-inducing as she can feel him but not see him. Knowing that Bo is still around helped me to appreciate this book and not spend so much time bummed out because our leading man has left the picture. There was some potential that this could turn into a big "whoa is me" cry fest of Ridley's depression, but Leighton is able to write the scenes without loading on too much Ridley funk. It works perfectly. This is ultimately not a book about Ridley's sadness. This is a book about Bo and Ridley and exactly how they fit into this bizarre universe that is unfolding around them.
I could see the big reveal that happens at the end of the book from a mile away. I knew exactly who was who and the possible danger that would evolve from that. But instead of it ruining the book for me, it actually created more suspense. I knew the danger that Ridley was in, and I started yelling at my kindle early on, knowing that it made no difference, but hoping that Ridley would get a clue soon. Of course, that didn't happen, and I must say that some of the scenes in the book, especially the scenes in Chapters 11 and 12, ended up being very creepy and suspenseful. I'm glad I was reading them in the light of day rather than late at night as my family slept. We now have a very well written set of villains for this series -- total creepers. The big Lilly reveal was a surprise, and that adds a level of suspense that will continue into the next book. I was glad to see that Trinity finally seemed to have some layers to her personality. She is not pure evil for this book, but there is still much more to discover about exactly what is going on with her and the other students. None of them really take center stage in this book, but they are around, and it is clear that they are not to be ignored.
My absolute favorite scenes in this book were the scenes between Bo and Ridley where Bo reached out to comfort Ridley in her times of need. When she finally broke down after all the craziness and danger around her finally was too much, Bo comforted her in such a sweet way. It was nice to see that side of their relationship. It added a depth to it that was nice to see. And I am glad for the part of the big reveal that involved the two of them, even though it was told with an added twist that complicates things for them in the near future. But I sure love sweet Bo, and I have confidence that he'll get his girl in the end.
So, this was a great addition to this series, and I'm super sad that I have to wait to get the third book to find out what happens to Bo and Ridley (and Savannah too -- love her!). I'm sending good thoughts to the author, hoping for happy writing days ahead! :o)
Ridley has Bo back, well sort of, and yet something isn't right with them. Something is keeping Bo away and it's killing Ridley. As Ridley finds out Bo's secrets, even before he does, she finds out more about herself. It's obvious to the reader who Ridley is and I can't believe she doesn't see it! But I do guess that teenage self-esteem does usually overrule logical thinking. In the end Ridley's life has sort of been set in motion for her, and it's definitely not one she was planning on, or even wants.
There are so many different things happening in this book that you're never bored. You're always finding out new information, particularly who Bo really is, or that someone else has turned up missing. I really liked certain elements of the book that were really original (I'm not going to ruin anything with spoilers so I'll be a little vague) like what happens to Savannah and her condition, or that vampires turn invisible when they're low on blood. Parts of the ending I saw coming but definitely not all of it. I liked the ending too because for once the ending has something happening to the main character, not the person they love.
I really wish Goodreads let us give half stars because this would definitely be a 4.5. I am so stuck between 4 and 5 but I decided on a 4 only because there were some things at the end that I had questions about. I'm confused as to how (not giving away spoilers) the woman in the end helping out fits into the picture. I want that explained and I'm hoping it will become clear in the third book, which I think it will, because we were really just introduced to her at the end. But we also don't find out if a certain character died! I was SO curious and I know Ridley was too. And another character, a girl who's a vamp, but I'm thinking I just didn't catch it in the story.
All in all, I can't wait for the third book! This was a great sequel to the first BLP! Is it Winter yet? :)
M. Leighton did not disappoint in this thrilling non-stop sequel to Blood Like Poison: For The Love Of A Vampire! From page one, there were twists and turns that kept me guessing with edge-of-your-seat 'What could she possibly do now?' chills.
Ridley is a little bit lonely this book with a yearning for Bo that can seemingly never be quenched and my heart broke for her a little bit but that doesn't mean the reader doesn't get their much needed and incredibly anticipated Bo and Ridley time which, let's face it, makes the old ticker race in such pleasant ways as this author is a pro at writing their affectionate scenes. i.e., The scene in Ridley's room, where I was fanning my face to quell the apparent fever I was abruptly running. I love the dynamic between these two characters as so much has been built between these two you're left wondering how Leighton will let it all tumble down and are hoping she gives them what they're fated to have.
Just as I expected, the ending leaves a lot of unanswered questions but fear not, because the third book in the series will be out in the winter of 2011. I just hate that I have to wait, as will you. I give this sequel two thumbs up....just have to remember to keep those thumbs out of Bo's mouth. Wicked fangs are alluring little things though, aren't they? Especially if they belong to Bo.
Noooooooooo! Sorry, emotional response to book ending. Fantastic... the twists and turns in this second BLP book had my heart thumping fast. Serious "wtf" and "omg, that so did not just happen moments" throughout the entire read. My mission is to get others to read the fabulous story of Ridley & Bo. Ridley continues her struggle to find herself and realize how strong and determined she really is.
My Cover Thoughts: I love the cover! It is of a girl with a masquerade mask on. Who is she hiding from? What is she hiding from?
My Thoughts/Review: This book picked up right where the first one left off. Ridley is still reeling from the death of Bo and Savannah being hurt. Devon is missing and Trinity is still wreaking havoc. Ridley is in a state of shock because she has not heard or seen Bo and she fears that he is really dead. Then after a few days mourning him she starts to smell his scent but she thinks she is going crazy because if she could smell him why hasn’t he said anything to her. So she goes to see Lucius to ask him what he thinks and he tells her a crazy story about Bo and what he thinks might have happened to him.
When she leaves Lucius she is more confused and heartbroken. The she screams out to Bo and tells him if he loves her then he will show himself to her or touch her and let her know that everything is okay. Bo hears her cries and comes to her and tells her he loves her but he has to stay away in order to keep her safe. H promises to be near her but he can’t stay with her.
After that gut wrenching visit things start to get weird. Her friends are disappearing and some are being murdered. Then to make matters worse her parents out her on a curfew and tell her she has to babysit for her mother’s co-worker. She soon finds out that someone wants her dead and she is attacked buy the people she trusts and loves.
In the end she will have to choose the right path for her. Will she choose to be human or will she choose to become the one thing that scares her.... a vampire.
I cannot wait till September 05, 2011 for the third and final instalment of this series. You will find out what happened to Devon and savannah, Bo and Ridley, and most important you will see what the secret was and how it affected everyone in the small town of Harker!
Memorable Quotes: Lyrics about guilty pleasure wove a sensual web around us. My blood heated with thoughts of Bo’s skin on mine, covering me, sliding against me. The friction of Bo’s body rubbing against mine, moving in time with the music, sang along my nerves and turned my core into a raging inferno. When I felt his tongue licking at the pulse that beat violently beneath my ear, I had to bite my lip to keep a moan from escaping. “There’s no one like you,” he said, his lips tickling my sensitive skin as he spoke. “There’s no taste like you,” he sighed, trailing his tongue up to tease the lobe of my ear, drawing it gently into his mouth. “No feel like you,” he moaned, his hand moving to the base of my spine and pressing my hips into his. “There’s no one that I need like I need you.” My insides melted. I wanted to cry with the pleasure of it, the bitter-sweetness of it. I couldn’t imagine ever wanting someone as much as I wanted Bo. I didn’t think my heart could take it without exploding. I would gladly give up years of my life to be with him, if only for a little while. In the end, I knew it would be worth it. Bo raised his head to look at me, his eyes searing me with a heat so intense, I felt it in my stomach. Without a word, he tightened his hold on me and lifted until my feet were several inches from the ground and my chest was plastered to his. Slowly, he turned and walked out of the crush, away from the crowd. He carried me toward a deserted corner of the gymnasium and into a short, dark hallway that led to a door that emptied out onto the stage in the auditorium right next door. The music still thudded in my chest, obscuring the excited patter of my heart. Bo walked to the back of the hallway, to its blackest point, and stopped, pushing me up against the wall and holding me there with his body. And then his mouth was devouring mine. As his tongue tangled mercilessly with mine, I grabbed his shoulders and held on tight. I felt his hands at my thighs, his fingers working the material of my dress up until I could feel skin on skin. I wanted Bo so badly it almost hurt. I wanted more. I wanted it all and the frustration of it was killing me.
Leighton, M. (2011-05-30). Blood Like Poison: Destined for a Vampire (Book 2, Blood Like Poison Series) (Kindle Locations 2422-2447). Kindle Edition.
Advice: This book is both Angelic and Vampireistic!
Bo and Ridley are back in Michelle Leighton's sequel Blood Like Poison: Destined for a Vampire. As the book opens, Ridley is dealing with the possible loss of Bo and the many questions that have arisen from the events at the end of BLP. She begins to delve deeper into the mystery of Bo's origins, his identity and his purpose, while becoming the target of several terrifying attacks. Meanwhile, life at school hasn't gotten much better. The school's social strata is in flux as a new queen bee emerges and the strange, horrifying disappearances of her schoolmates continue.
I really love Ridley's character, because although her grief for Bo is enormous, we don't find her sitting in a chair listening to sad Lykke Li songs and slowly turning into an emotionless, unwashed vegetable. Ridley's a fighter and she wants answers so she actively begins seeking them out; however, sometimes having the answers can be just as painful as not knowing. Ridley is a smart character, a very self-reliant character, and a genuine character who has an instinctive need to protect those around her that are in danger even when those people have treated her poorly. I loved her growing friendship with Savannah, probably the only real, healthy relationship, besides Bo, that Ridley has. Savannah herself is a remarkable character as she has experienced extreme trauma and heartache and yet makes a conscious decision to constantly see the glass as half full. I just love that Leighton has used several characters to show that although someone may suffer and experience terrible tragedy it doesn't have to destroy a person, the grief while heavy and tangible doesn't need to be all-consuming. There are good things to hold on to even in the darkest of circumstances.
Like Bo. ;) Oh Bo ....I love Bo. I love Bo's sense of honor, his determination to see justice served, the way he protects Ridley and encourages her to be the person he knows her to be. I love the mythology Leighton created surrounding his origins. It is beautiful and tragic and creates some good internal conflict for Ridley throughout the book as she wrestles with Bo's seemingly predestined future.
And the ending, wow. I had some theories and an inkling about some of it, but Leighton creates some very interesting twists at the end and leaves us with some very important questions unanswered. I cannot wait for the next one.
All in all, an excellent second act of the Blood Like Poison series where the action, the romance, the mystery is taken to new heights by Leighton's fabulous storytelling.
OMG OMG OMG OMG !!!! THIS BOOK IS JUST AWESOME !!! I WOULD RATE IT A MILLIOM STARS IF I COULD !! WOW ! I'm still dizzy with all the excitement . Kindly excuse me while i restart my heart . M. Leighton is a true story teller . This book picks up exactly where the previous one ended . I loved the way this story began . Here we witness Ridley running in a dense forest at night trying to escape the vampires chasing her . Just before she is able to reach an exit and save her self she falls into a hole of some kind and thats actually when the story begins . To put it in simple terms thats where the ending of the first book comes into play and the story continues . After that this book is one helluva ride . I dont wanna give out a lot of details here , but you are sure to fall in love with this book . Evertything that happens in this book is nothing but a mystery . As a reader you are left wondering ' WHAT THE HELL IS GOING IN ??!!' . There are murders , disappearences and so many other stuff going on and none of it is making any sense . Its only towards the end that some pieces start falling into places . I loved the ending , well you cant call it the ending , it was more like a cliff hanger !! Like the first book the romance between Ridley and Bo is out-worldly and intense . Actually its more intense than the first book .. Definitely HAWT !! There are still a lot of questions that needs to be answered , it seems we have only skimmed the surface .. This is a must read . If you hav'nt checked it out yet , well its about time dont you think !! If yes . then what are waiting for ! Go for it already , you'll love this one :)
Destined for a Vampire takes off at a run from page one, ramping up the excitement, suspense and intensity. It's definitely my favourite of the series thus far!
Ridley and Bo's relationship is difficult with the need for Bo to remain "hidden" yet it intensifies and becomes even stronger. They have a deeply rooted connection and despite Ridley's doubts and fears, they are perfectly matched. Bo's progression towards his true self in this book is raw and emotional - you can't help but love him!
The introduction of Sebastian gives you the thought that there's so much more to him than meets the eye, and with out spoiling anything for the reader, while I expected him to have a huge role, I wasn't quite expecting that.
Lilly is an adorable character that you instantly see as an important piece of Ridley's puzzle, though again, I wasn't expecting her to be who she is! I can't wait to see what role she plays in the next book!
Savannah is a fun character that I really grew to like a lot more in this book. Her humour is a great comic relief from the intensity of everything else going on.
Overall this was a fantastic book filled with excitement, suspense and an intensity (and wooo-boy steamy in the Bo and Ridley category). Can't wait to read the next installment!
This series is awesome! If you love vampire stories as much as me, this is definitely a series to check out! Action packed with some pretty hot romance! There isn't any sex, but you definitely feel the steam!! The love that Bo and Ridley share is beautiful! I loved every second! My only complaint is that it ended on a cliffhanger and I have to wait until winter to find out more!!
This series is like no other. These vampires aren't like other vampires I have read about. It's fresh. They become invisible without blood to sustain them. These vampires really are making a mess of these small towns. Kids are going 'missing' left right and centre. Only Bo and Ridley know its not from the human slayer everyone hears about in the news.
This book, the second of the trilogy started off where the first one ended. Full of action. Something was always happening, we were always learning about why things were the way they were and wondering what would happen next - I kept groaning thinking Ridley 'stop' but did she? No! I was so glad she didn't though, I was itching to find out what was going to happen next.
So many times through this book I really felt for Ridley, she seemed so alone. I hated her family life and so desperately wanted her mum and dad to wake up to themselves and see they still have one daughter. I felt so sad for Bo as well, he was almost like a ghost and add to the fact that he's been made so that can't die until he kills his father Constantine, vampire and exiled angel. Geesh. No pressure though! That doesn't stop him from finding trouble and the other way around. My heart broke for him as he learned of his past. I so loved the steamy moments between Ridley and Bo, just the way they connected on a whole other level. That they could literally feel each others presence even when they couldn't see one another. I enjoyed seeing them both showing their emotional vulnerabilities. I feel like this series really separates itself from others because of the way the characters are flawed. Not witty or snarky, not so good looking that everyone is attracted to them, not rich with all the trappings, just regular. Savannah is so fun. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with her and really hoping she gets her eyesight back, although her blind jokes about herself are a little amusing. I am hoping her heart isn't broken by her psychopathic mother.
I suspected from when we met Sebastian about who he was, but not for a second did I think about who Lilly was. Now I need to know what the go is with Lucious and find out if Trinity & Devon are badies too, and what happened to Drew?
This book kept me glued to the kindle. I think this series is going to make my top 5 series ever.
Onto the final book of the trilogy 'To Kill An Angel', I know it's ganna be a doozy from the way this one ended. So many loose ends!!!!!
M. Leighton has done it again! I have found another book from her that I loved and devoured and could not get enough of. I am absolutely loving her take on vampires and the characters she has created are just incredibly easy to like! I am addicted to this series and cannot wait to pick up the final installment.
The vampires in this world are just so cool (showing my age with that word) and they have a bit of a different twist. These vamps can turn invisible when they have not had blood. How cool and different is that? And it just makes them so much scarier since you can’t see them coming! These are not the goody goody vampires and they are clearly dangerous. I love dangerous vampires simply because I think they are more fun.
Ridley is such an awesome heroine. She has been thrust into this dangerous world without any means to keep herself safe. Her strength shows through in her ability to endure and to survive. Despite being up against crazy odds, she doesn’t give up and when Bo is involved she is willing to risk her life. That being said, she is still human. She breaks down and at times things become too much for her to handle. She is not invincible and that makes her believable.
Bo is just awesome. I have seriously fallen hard for him. I was so sad in the beginning of the book because he wasn’t around as much and I seriously missed him. Once he popped back up though he showed up in full force! He was just as swoony as ever *sigh*. We learn a lot about Bo in this one and it really explains so much about his character and his destiny.
My favorite part about the story was the introduction of angel lore. It was such a great addition and provided a great twist. I love vampires and I love angels, so when you put them together we have a winner.
As far as the plot, while I was able to suspect some of it, there was still a lot about it that surprised me. There was one particular twist at the end that made me gasp. I never saw it coming and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I am dying to see where the story is going and that ending was just cruel!
All in all, Destined For A Vampire was a great follow up to For The Love Of A Vampire. This series is just so awesome and so much fun! If you are an M. Leighton fan or just a paranormal fan, you need to give these books a go.
After the first book, I was really looking forward to reading this one to find out what happened with Ridley and Bo. My main complaint about the first book (the references to popular music - specifically) was corrected in this installment (and I am told by M directly that she also removed the specific references in the first book as well - obviously after I had already downloaded my version).
So, where do I begin with this second installment of Ridley's story? I gave this one 3 stars, because it was ok. Even though I get aggravated when authors continually remind you of what has happened in previous books in series' (I'm talking to you, Charlaine Harris), I think I would have actually liked a little reminding in this one. And, I am not exactly sure why. I found that I actually had to go back to the end of the first book to remind myself of how it ended, and even to my review, to remind myself of just what the book was all about. This is not like me. When I like a book, I remember it! I remember the intricacies of the story and the back story of each character. For the life of me, I couldn't remember (and still can't) why in this vampire lore, they were translucent. Or why certain blood was poisonous. That really annoyed me,, and so it would have been nice to have some friendly reminders. That being said, it would have been difficult for someone to just pick this book up without reading the first.
I seem like I am totally bashing this book, which is really not how I felt about the book. However, I saw so much potential in this story, particularly from the writing. M. Leighton writes beautifully. Her sentences are so well crafted and sometimes pull at the heart strings. She definitely has a flair for writing prose, it's the story that lacked a bit for me. I was waiting for something to happen, throughout most of the book. And, I was a bit dismayed that there is a 3rd installment of this story, because I feel like the Ridley/Bo story could have been concluded within 2 books. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised by the third. I really hope I am, because I would read it for the sheer joy of reading Ms. Leighton's words.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the first one. The thing that irritated me the most was how clueless the author made Ridley. She couldn't ever put two and two together, if something was always familiar but she didn't remember or she didn't see a correlation. When she finally puts something together, I found myself saying "Duh", constantly. I know being oblivious is a common theme for paranormal books, but this one seem to take it to a whole new level. I don't know if it bother me so much because the story wasn't as exciting to me as the first one or that I couldn't wait for it to be over. Also, Bo and Ridley rarely talk to each other, the one time they really talked he ran away before she could finish. I mean what kind of relationship do they have if their always falling asleep together and when she awakes he's gone?
The story itself is not a bad one, the concept of vampires and angels was a first for me but I suspect it might not be a unique concept. Really not sure. Ridley's family dynamic and the truth of Bo's existence added some interest to the story. What separated it form similar PNR books was that the vampires in this book were so out of control, they didn't do the typical by keeping to themselves or go out of their circle of friends to find prey.
I already bought the kindle version of the 3rd book so I guess I will give it a try, hope it gets interesting again.
I thought I had seen everything in the vampire genre but I was wrong. Oh so wrong... Leighton serves up a new, impressively creative spin on vampirism that I found just fascinating...
Great storyline. Vivid, Very likable, strong and well developed characters. A plot riddled with unexpected twists and turns, action, suspense topped off with a beautiful yet tragic love story.
And as for Bo? Well, if you've read the first book (and I highly recommend that you do if you haven't already!!) you'll understand my loss of words for this perfect, totally swoonworthy character. Wow and Yum.
You have got to be kidding me!!! I hate cliffhangers, but I kinda like them, too! I cannot wait to read the book that will finish up this series! I want to see Ridley and Bo get their happily ever after! I actually have an idea of how that might happen, but I'm probably completely wrong...I usually am. :) M. Leighton has written another gripping story, full of passion and mystery, that leaves us aching for more! I love how, as some questions are being answered, more mystery keeps unfolding! I'm on the edge of my seat!!
I will preface my comments by saying that this genre is not my normal read, however I like this author and it’s a good fast read and very engaging.
This second book in the series had more plot than the first and I enjoyed it more. Lots of questions still to be answered in the next book, which I will be happy to read. Some characters intrigue me, like Heather, and although we know who she is/was, I think there is much more to her story than is currently revealed. The same (and more) goes for Lucius!
HO-LY CRAP!! I finished this a little while ago & my heart is still going a mile a minute!! This installment had even more intense action than the first and a lot more emotion, as well! There were parts that were so frustrating I just wanted to scream! The romance was still soft & beautiful in places, as well as building in intensity as the situation deepened. Bo continues to get more & more amazing as we go and Ridley is learning things about herself & changing in ways she never expected. It's a good thing I don't have long to wait for the next book or I would be going completely insane!
LOVED this book. Better than the first one (and I loved it to). Bo is becoming one of my favorite characters and I still think Ridley continues to be a great heroine! Now, I can't wait for the next book! There were so many twists that I didn't see coming and some I kind of figured out early on but wasn't sure..... The final one I did NOT see coming! I don't want to spoil anything so I will just say it's a must read!!!
for some reason this was really disappointing for me. The main one being how dependent Ridley is on bo. I mean yea she loves him okay, but stop being so over the top dramatic about it. HES TRYING TO PROTECT YOU. ugh. and THEN whenever she sees him it's all sexual, i don't get it. They're in High School. She shouldn't be referring to her nipples hardening when he's near...ugh. I couldn't even finish it.
Read books 1 and 2. Been wrapped up in them that I have not been able to put them down. It is a classic vampire love story but with many turns and twists. Just when I think I have figured out what is going on another element pops up and I am thinking, "Wow, didn't see that coming!" Now what am going to do until book three comes out?
I could not read this one fast enough...loved every page of it! What a great story...the book really creates another world I can get lost in. I can not wait for book 3!If you haven't already...read this series!! Awesome work M. Leighton...definilety keeping tabs on your writing and what you come out with next!
Bought this immediately after finishing Book 1 in this series! I really fell in love with Ridley & Bo and enjoyed all the unexpected turns the author threw in. SO excited for Book 3 to be released so I can see where the characters end up!