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The Belladonna Agency #1
Turned
Virna DePaul’s new series of paranormal romances introduces readers to a thrilling world where vampires secretly co-exist with humans, seduction rules the night, and the stakes are nothing less than life and undeath.
Welcome to a mesmerizing world where vampires hide among humans. This centuries-old species has its own rules, code of conduct, and taboos. Only the FBI knows that vampires exist—and although the Bureau agrees to keep their secret, it also plots to give humans the upper hand.
Turning mortals into vampires is forbidden.
But there are creatures who refuse to play by the rules.
Ever since he was turned, FBI special agent Ty Duncan has had one mission: bring rogue vampires to justice. As a recruiter for Belladonna, a shadow agency formed to keep vampires in check, Ty must tap Ana Martin, a troubled ex–gang member and one of the few mortals who can infiltrate places that his kind and the law cannot. From their first encounter, Ty fights a hunger to make Ana his own.
When Ty claims to have information about Ana’s missing sister, Ana has no choice but to trust this captivating stranger who awakens her deepest desires. But as she and Ty climb the heights of pleasure and passion, an enemy is conspiring to destroy them both.
Can Ana help Ty find his humanity in a love that could heal them both, or will their passion lead them into a darkness impossible to escape?
Welcome to a mesmerizing world where vampires hide among humans. This centuries-old species has its own rules, code of conduct, and taboos. Only the FBI knows that vampires exist—and although the Bureau agrees to keep their secret, it also plots to give humans the upper hand.
Turning mortals into vampires is forbidden.
But there are creatures who refuse to play by the rules.
Ever since he was turned, FBI special agent Ty Duncan has had one mission: bring rogue vampires to justice. As a recruiter for Belladonna, a shadow agency formed to keep vampires in check, Ty must tap Ana Martin, a troubled ex–gang member and one of the few mortals who can infiltrate places that his kind and the law cannot. From their first encounter, Ty fights a hunger to make Ana his own.
When Ty claims to have information about Ana’s missing sister, Ana has no choice but to trust this captivating stranger who awakens her deepest desires. But as she and Ty climb the heights of pleasure and passion, an enemy is conspiring to destroy them both.
Can Ana help Ty find his humanity in a love that could heal them both, or will their passion lead them into a darkness impossible to escape?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
13 people are currently reading
1295 people want to read
About the author
Virna DePaul
127 books987 followersA former prosecutor, Virna DePaul writes "heat, heart, & HEA" for Harlequin and Random House. She is also a bestselling Indie author, with Bedding The Wrong Brother being a top 100 contemporary romance on Amazon with over 150 5* reviews. www.virnadepaul.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 23, 2014
2.5 STARS
Whoa there, let’s not be too presumptuous. It wasn’t THAT great.
With a bit of effort, I can almost imagine this as the urban-fantacheese erotica book that took me by surprise and make me finally take vampire stories with more seriousness less derisive snorting.
ALMOST.
Because this did have a couple of good things going for it plot-wise. I mean, you’re bound to get something right if you throw everything and the sink in the storyline, I suppose. And if you take away the draggy narrative, the Groundhog Day world and character building, the habitual telling without showing, maybe add a half-teaspoon full of chemistry between characters outside the ridiculously lengthy sex scenes and just pare down the overall length of this book to half… we might have something here.
Okay make that a bit of effort, imagination and maybe some herbal support.
Vampires feeding on humans for blood is expressly forbidden by vampire law, but under the FBI’s classified Turning Program, a group of vampires are employed by the government to turn, and thus weaponize, human volunteers into their kind. This brilliantly stupid plan starts to unravel when the vampire group turns rogue and starts to feed on and turn people on their own random discretion, including some of the bureau’s own agents.
The Belladonna Agency is an off-the-books team tasked by the FBI to hunt down these Rogues by infiltrating the organisations tied to their operations.
Okay first problem, that bit of information was repeated every time a new character needs to be kept abreast of the story thus far.The narrative as it is has no hook in terms of humour, dialogue or empathic depth in any characters but this SERIOUSLY made everything TEN TIMES WORSE. Every time the plot mercifully advances, we have to revisit this piecemeal form of world building all over again. The repetitive horny manifestations of “cock twitching”, “nipples perking” and “gushing moistness” is par for the course in an UF book with a half-naked man in its cover so that was fine and expected. But imagine being hammered with that in your head while The Rogue issue was on constant loop all throughout.
Moving on…
Ty Duncan is an FBI agent turned vampire turned operative of Belladonna. At the beginning of the book he isstalking stalking ex-convict, ex-gangster and current barista Eliana Garcia with the intent to recuit her into the agency. They’ve recently found evidence that her former gang is now in bed with the rogue vampires as Salvation’s Crossing - a Hispanic Rights organisation that actually supplies migrant workers for the vampires to feed on. Belladonna wants to use her old ties with her former gang and train three other attractive ladies with kickass backgrounds: an ex-cop, an ex-dancer and a West Point graduate to form a ragtag team of sexy agents.
Well they do answer to a woman named Carly who communicates through an intercom.
And as if the plot wasn’t busy enough as it is, there’s also this important subplot of Ana’s missing sister, Gloria, whose whereabouts serve as the Agency’s leverage to force Ana to join them. This and her shady past eventually forces our heroine to choose between the hold of her old life and the promise of her new.
I quite liked that there’s a rhyme and reason as to why the Belladonna ladies are chosen specifically to join the agency and would’ve been enough of a push for me to tune in for the next installment of this series. The sexy tension between the Belladonna director and the Vampire Queen is also worth some recognition. I honestly feel that this could’ve worked better if the UF aspect was made a part of the mystery instead of leading off with it. This would’ve been an excellent rom-suspense story had the rom part been convincingly pulled off.
That was 2% in.
Complaining about insta-love in urban-fantacheese is like complaining about the cholesterol in your Big Mac. It comes with the contract you signed yourself into. And it really isn’t something that would be detrimental to my enjoyment of these kinds of stories. I finished the first 10 BDB books in 11 days. Straight, bitchez.
But as the story moves along, I expect to understand why Ana’s nipples (which shifts from copper to berry-red here, much like a mood ring I guess) and Ty’s cock is getting so hyperactive around each other. Which this book never really bothered to rationalise, not even exerting some effort to build any chemistry between the leads. You don’t build chemistry thru a four chapter sex scene.
I don’t think there was even any attempt to make me swoon over Ty. He came across a sulky, whining, emo hero complaining about being turned into a vampire - the moral baggage and dietary restriction than comes along with it.
I mean, between Angel and Spike? Bleach blonde bad boy all the way, baby! He may have his accent but Ty had none of Spike’s swagger. And no, Ana had none of Buffy’s either.
The dialogue was saccharine, the plot twists Mexican soapy. Which keeps in theme with Ana’s heritage, I suppose.
This is one of the most self-aware slash patronising books I’ve read in a while. It is quite conscious how complex the story it’s trying to sell, and wants to ensure the reader is keeping track that Ana is Hispanic, she and Ty are in lust-love with each other and The Rogues are vampires who turned against the FBI.
Right to its very mediocre end.
ARC provided by the publishers thru Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Also on BookLikes.
With great sex comes great responsibility.
Whoa there, let’s not be too presumptuous. It wasn’t THAT great.
With a bit of effort, I can almost imagine this as the urban-fantacheese erotica book that took me by surprise and make me finally take vampire stories with more seriousness less derisive snorting.
ALMOST.
Because this did have a couple of good things going for it plot-wise. I mean, you’re bound to get something right if you throw everything and the sink in the storyline, I suppose. And if you take away the draggy narrative, the Groundhog Day world and character building, the habitual telling without showing, maybe add a half-teaspoon full of chemistry between characters outside the ridiculously lengthy sex scenes and just pare down the overall length of this book to half… we might have something here.
Okay make that a bit of effort, imagination and maybe some herbal support.
Vampires feeding on humans for blood is expressly forbidden by vampire law, but under the FBI’s classified Turning Program, a group of vampires are employed by the government to turn, and thus weaponize, human volunteers into their kind. This brilliantly stupid plan starts to unravel when the vampire group turns rogue and starts to feed on and turn people on their own random discretion, including some of the bureau’s own agents.
The Belladonna Agency is an off-the-books team tasked by the FBI to hunt down these Rogues by infiltrating the organisations tied to their operations.
Okay first problem, that bit of information was repeated every time a new character needs to be kept abreast of the story thus far.The narrative as it is has no hook in terms of humour, dialogue or empathic depth in any characters but this SERIOUSLY made everything TEN TIMES WORSE. Every time the plot mercifully advances, we have to revisit this piecemeal form of world building all over again. The repetitive horny manifestations of “cock twitching”, “nipples perking” and “gushing moistness” is par for the course in an UF book with a half-naked man in its cover so that was fine and expected. But imagine being hammered with that in your head while The Rogue issue was on constant loop all throughout.
Moving on…
Ty Duncan is an FBI agent turned vampire turned operative of Belladonna. At the beginning of the book he is
”So what is this? Your take on some cheesy seventies drama about three women and a guy named Charlie that they never get to meet?”
“Three hot women,” Ty said mildly. “Don’t forget that part about it.”
Well they do answer to a woman named Carly who communicates through an intercom.
And as if the plot wasn’t busy enough as it is, there’s also this important subplot of Ana’s missing sister, Gloria, whose whereabouts serve as the Agency’s leverage to force Ana to join them. This and her shady past eventually forces our heroine to choose between the hold of her old life and the promise of her new.
I quite liked that there’s a rhyme and reason as to why the Belladonna ladies are chosen specifically to join the agency and would’ve been enough of a push for me to tune in for the next installment of this series. The sexy tension between the Belladonna director and the Vampire Queen is also worth some recognition. I honestly feel that this could’ve worked better if the UF aspect was made a part of the mystery instead of leading off with it. This would’ve been an excellent rom-suspense story had the rom part been convincingly pulled off.
He found his favourite photograph of her, the one in which she was almost smiling. The promise of that smile was as intoxicating as it was frustrating. Next to seeing her smile outright, there was only two things he wanted more.
To fuck her. Hard.
That was 2% in.
Complaining about insta-love in urban-fantacheese is like complaining about the cholesterol in your Big Mac. It comes with the contract you signed yourself into. And it really isn’t something that would be detrimental to my enjoyment of these kinds of stories. I finished the first 10 BDB books in 11 days. Straight, bitchez.
But as the story moves along, I expect to understand why Ana’s nipples (which shifts from copper to berry-red here, much like a mood ring I guess) and Ty’s cock is getting so hyperactive around each other. Which this book never really bothered to rationalise, not even exerting some effort to build any chemistry between the leads. You don’t build chemistry thru a four chapter sex scene.
I don’t think there was even any attempt to make me swoon over Ty. He came across a sulky, whining, emo hero complaining about being turned into a vampire - the moral baggage and dietary restriction than comes along with it.
I mean, between Angel and Spike? Bleach blonde bad boy all the way, baby! He may have his accent but Ty had none of Spike’s swagger. And no, Ana had none of Buffy’s either.
The dialogue was saccharine, the plot twists Mexican soapy. Which keeps in theme with Ana’s heritage, I suppose.
This is one of the most self-aware slash patronising books I’ve read in a while. It is quite conscious how complex the story it’s trying to sell, and wants to ensure the reader is keeping track that Ana is Hispanic, she and Ty are in lust-love with each other and The Rogues are vampires who turned against the FBI.
Right to its very mediocre end.
ARC provided by the publishers thru Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Also on BookLikes.
April 11, 2014
The Book Nympho and I have teamed up on this review! You'll get two perspectives for one view so let's bring it....
World building
Strengths
Jonetta: There were some unique qualities. For one, there are many distinct differences between "born" vampires versus "turned," which sets up a platform for natural conflicts. Some have mind-reading abilities (not consistent) and there are ways to block it. Knowledge of vampire existence is limited to covert arms of government agencies. Vampires have the same hair and eye colors, which can be altered but it's their natural state.
TBN: After reading so many vampire books it's always refreshing to see new twists to the creatures. The "born" versus "turned" is not new (to me) but the ways they can be killed is. I won't go into it so that I don't spoil it for anyone. But both ways are ones I've not read so gold star to DePaul for putting a fresh twist to her vamps.
Weaknesses
Jonetta: There were too many variables that finally just made things seem convoluted. And, they were released throughout the story, some unknown to those that should have been wise to. It just weakened the plot.
TBN: I agree that some of the variables were kind of rough in places but I think it's due to "first book in series sydrome". I have hopes that things will iron themselves out more in the next book, Awakened.
Romance
Strengths
Jonetta: It was instant lust between Ana and Ty and they did a dance for most of the book. Rather than have them connect sexually too early in the story, the erotic aspects were managed through some pretty realistic dream sequences. It satisfied my need to see them together but not too soon. Their chemistry was very steamy.
TBN: I quite enjoyed those dream sequences. They were a nice way to give us some sexy times early in the story which only stoked Ana's want for Ty. And I think Ana needed it. Ty had watched her for a while. Yeah stalker but it was his job so he had time for his lust to grow for her but Ana needed a little catching up time on her side of it.
Weaknesses
Jonetta: Their dance got a little tiresome after awhile, especially as Ana's behavior bordered on schizophrenia. One minute she's ready to commit, and in the same paragraph she would change her mind inexplicably. I got whiplash from all the times she vacillated about Ty. He was always consistent so this just got irritating.
TBN: About 80% of romances have the same dance. It may not be a tango but a waltz. That I'm used to. And one if not both characters have those moments where they think or say "but we can't be together" for some reason or another. But, yeah, the fact that Ana had those mixed thoughts within the time frame of 20 seconds or as Jonetta pointed out within the same paragraph was a bit much.
Action
Strengths
Jonetta: The action scenes were pretty tense and exciting. Many of them occurred without having the benefit of the extent of vampire powers and abilities so I wasn't certain of the outcome or possibilities for each engagement. That just made them more exciting.
TBN: I liked that we got to see the good and bad side of Ty in the action scenes. Yeah he's sexy but he's not afraid to rip someone's throat out with his bare hands.
Weaknesses
Jonetta: There weren't enough of them. Too much time was spent on Ana rehashing her past instead of moving the story. At least Ty's musings uncovered new issues. Ana's, not so much. It interfered with the pace of the story.
TBN: I could have used a little more action as well.
Character Development
Strengths
Jonetta: Ty and Ana were very well developed. I have a good sense of who he is, what drives him and his moral center. Ana's background was more complicated but I was always clear as to who she was and what was important to her. The secondary characters have a basic framework, enough to be intrigued about them to want to learn more.
TBN: Yes I also felt like both Ana and Ty's characters were well developed. We also get just enough of the other characters that I want to get to know them more in future books.
Weaknesses
Jonetta: The secondary characters have a framework but I wish a little more rail had been laid for personal conflicts of each that may emerge later in the series.
TBN: I like that the main characters got most of the page time. It's their story so they should get all our attention. DePaul fed just enough info on the secondary characters to make them interesting to me.
One thing I will say is that one character is sick because of a blood transfusion but they say the blood was clean and the doctors doesn't know what's wrong with her. Then a few chapters later she has AIDS. I don't know if that got edited in the final copy but it bugged me while reading the ARC. That's a big thing for someone to have and the doctors would know what was wrong with her. It's 2014 not 1970s or 1980s.
Overall Story
Jonetta: I think the debut for the series is pretty solid, even if the world building seemed a little all over the place. The main characters were strongly developed and the story was interesting. Cutting back on the repetitive character musings would improve the pacing, allowing for a lot more action and keeping things much more tense and suspenseful.
TBN: DePaul has intrigued me with her spin on vampires and I will be returning to see what happens next with the summer release of Awakened.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
World building
Strengths
Jonetta: There were some unique qualities. For one, there are many distinct differences between "born" vampires versus "turned," which sets up a platform for natural conflicts. Some have mind-reading abilities (not consistent) and there are ways to block it. Knowledge of vampire existence is limited to covert arms of government agencies. Vampires have the same hair and eye colors, which can be altered but it's their natural state.
TBN: After reading so many vampire books it's always refreshing to see new twists to the creatures. The "born" versus "turned" is not new (to me) but the ways they can be killed is. I won't go into it so that I don't spoil it for anyone. But both ways are ones I've not read so gold star to DePaul for putting a fresh twist to her vamps.
Weaknesses
Jonetta: There were too many variables that finally just made things seem convoluted. And, they were released throughout the story, some unknown to those that should have been wise to. It just weakened the plot.
TBN: I agree that some of the variables were kind of rough in places but I think it's due to "first book in series sydrome". I have hopes that things will iron themselves out more in the next book, Awakened.
Romance
Strengths
Jonetta: It was instant lust between Ana and Ty and they did a dance for most of the book. Rather than have them connect sexually too early in the story, the erotic aspects were managed through some pretty realistic dream sequences. It satisfied my need to see them together but not too soon. Their chemistry was very steamy.
TBN: I quite enjoyed those dream sequences. They were a nice way to give us some sexy times early in the story which only stoked Ana's want for Ty. And I think Ana needed it. Ty had watched her for a while. Yeah stalker but it was his job so he had time for his lust to grow for her but Ana needed a little catching up time on her side of it.
Weaknesses
Jonetta: Their dance got a little tiresome after awhile, especially as Ana's behavior bordered on schizophrenia. One minute she's ready to commit, and in the same paragraph she would change her mind inexplicably. I got whiplash from all the times she vacillated about Ty. He was always consistent so this just got irritating.
TBN: About 80% of romances have the same dance. It may not be a tango but a waltz. That I'm used to. And one if not both characters have those moments where they think or say "but we can't be together" for some reason or another. But, yeah, the fact that Ana had those mixed thoughts within the time frame of 20 seconds or as Jonetta pointed out within the same paragraph was a bit much.
Action
Strengths
Jonetta: The action scenes were pretty tense and exciting. Many of them occurred without having the benefit of the extent of vampire powers and abilities so I wasn't certain of the outcome or possibilities for each engagement. That just made them more exciting.
TBN: I liked that we got to see the good and bad side of Ty in the action scenes. Yeah he's sexy but he's not afraid to rip someone's throat out with his bare hands.
Weaknesses
Jonetta: There weren't enough of them. Too much time was spent on Ana rehashing her past instead of moving the story. At least Ty's musings uncovered new issues. Ana's, not so much. It interfered with the pace of the story.
TBN: I could have used a little more action as well.
Character Development
Strengths
Jonetta: Ty and Ana were very well developed. I have a good sense of who he is, what drives him and his moral center. Ana's background was more complicated but I was always clear as to who she was and what was important to her. The secondary characters have a basic framework, enough to be intrigued about them to want to learn more.
TBN: Yes I also felt like both Ana and Ty's characters were well developed. We also get just enough of the other characters that I want to get to know them more in future books.
Weaknesses
Jonetta: The secondary characters have a framework but I wish a little more rail had been laid for personal conflicts of each that may emerge later in the series.
TBN: I like that the main characters got most of the page time. It's their story so they should get all our attention. DePaul fed just enough info on the secondary characters to make them interesting to me.
One thing I will say is that one character is sick because of a blood transfusion but they say the blood was clean and the doctors doesn't know what's wrong with her. Then a few chapters later she has AIDS. I don't know if that got edited in the final copy but it bugged me while reading the ARC. That's a big thing for someone to have and the doctors would know what was wrong with her. It's 2014 not 1970s or 1980s.
Overall Story
Jonetta: I think the debut for the series is pretty solid, even if the world building seemed a little all over the place. The main characters were strongly developed and the story was interesting. Cutting back on the repetitive character musings would improve the pacing, allowing for a lot more action and keeping things much more tense and suspenseful.
TBN: DePaul has intrigued me with her spin on vampires and I will be returning to see what happens next with the summer release of Awakened.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
September 17, 2014
Two chapters in, I knew I was not going to like this book. I've tried three or four books by Ms DePaul, every time trying to be fair and give her a chance. By book four I can honestly say that I really dislike her writing. I DNFed it and sent it back.
Ash in her review said
I'm not sure I fully agree. Yes, when I buy a PNR I have to expect that romance is the name of the game, and that the story of the couple is full frontal in the plot. But I completely disagree that I have to accept the "cholesterol" in the cheese. When I buy PNR I don't expect (nor want) cheap, unhealthy fast-food. But this is often what I'm offered. And it seriously piss me off. (Like when I'm told I'm reading UF and then it's a badly disguised romance :D
Here, after a serious bout of info-dump, I'm presented with a supposed good guy (the "hero") who is stalking (for the good of the country eh) a woman. Who is having very creepy sexual thoughts about her. Yea. Not.
I'm presented with an heroine who has a very difficult past, a gang- kind of past. Where I'm made to understand she may have suffered sexual threats, maybe something more. She was into fight. She went into prison. But, while fighting, this tough broad gets aroused and wet. Just because.
I don't want to start the usual rant about women as hormone-driven, (also because here he is too), but this is not romance. This is the easy way out. And from other readers I got it never even tried to.
So I decided to call it quits and go our separate ways.
Good luck Ms DePaul. But I can't say hasta la vista, as I don't wish it so.
Ash in her review said
Complaining about insta-love in urban-fantacheese is like complaining about the cholesterol in your Big Mac. It comes with the contract you signed yourself into. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (Please, read her very nice review.)
I'm not sure I fully agree. Yes, when I buy a PNR I have to expect that romance is the name of the game, and that the story of the couple is full frontal in the plot. But I completely disagree that I have to accept the "cholesterol" in the cheese. When I buy PNR I don't expect (nor want) cheap, unhealthy fast-food. But this is often what I'm offered. And it seriously piss me off. (Like when I'm told I'm reading UF and then it's a badly disguised romance :D
Here, after a serious bout of info-dump, I'm presented with a supposed good guy (the "hero") who is stalking (for the good of the country eh) a woman. Who is having very creepy sexual thoughts about her. Yea. Not.
I'm presented with an heroine who has a very difficult past, a gang- kind of past. Where I'm made to understand she may have suffered sexual threats, maybe something more. She was into fight. She went into prison. But, while fighting, this tough broad gets aroused and wet. Just because.
I don't want to start the usual rant about women as hormone-driven, (also because here he is too), but this is not romance. This is the easy way out. And from other readers I got it never even tried to.
So I decided to call it quits and go our separate ways.
Good luck Ms DePaul. But I can't say hasta la vista, as I don't wish it so.
March 24, 2014
It was a cold rainy night. Nothing was on TV. Nothing was calling to me on my shelves. So, I grabbed my computer and began to search. Search for something new, exciting with an air of who-done-it and of course a smoking hot romance.....and I found it in Turned!
Belladonna series is a must for me. The world DePaul created is unique, suspenseful, sensual, and leaves a reader begging for book two.
Ty was an emotionally damaged character whose past held a couple of traumatic events. Both of which can not be undone. He immerses himself in work and in a good cause or fight may be a better word choice. This job lead him to Ana....she makes him want everything he thinks he shouldn't/couldn't have. When he gives into that pull it is explosive!
Ana has her own demons. Her back story is heart breaking and gives credence to the storyline. Ana's world is forever changed when the few things in her life she cherished and thought we're good and solid become questionable. Are people and things really what she believed them to be?
Storyline is simply put...exciting. Trying to figure out the who, what, when, and how's was exciting. The love story will make your toes curl and your body tense.
Absolutely loved this! Can not wait for more!
http://darkhorseromancereviews.com/20...
Belladonna series is a must for me. The world DePaul created is unique, suspenseful, sensual, and leaves a reader begging for book two.
Ty was an emotionally damaged character whose past held a couple of traumatic events. Both of which can not be undone. He immerses himself in work and in a good cause or fight may be a better word choice. This job lead him to Ana....she makes him want everything he thinks he shouldn't/couldn't have. When he gives into that pull it is explosive!
Ana has her own demons. Her back story is heart breaking and gives credence to the storyline. Ana's world is forever changed when the few things in her life she cherished and thought we're good and solid become questionable. Are people and things really what she believed them to be?
Storyline is simply put...exciting. Trying to figure out the who, what, when, and how's was exciting. The love story will make your toes curl and your body tense.
Absolutely loved this! Can not wait for more!
http://darkhorseromancereviews.com/20...
October 14, 2017
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Rating: 3.5/5
Heat Rating: 3/5
Narrator Performance: 4.5/5
It's been a long time since I've read a PNR by Virna DePaul and while this wasn't as good as the previous ones I've read it was still an enjoyable read. The world building was interesting and I'd like to learn more about it.
Both Ty and Ana were good characters but I wasn't able to fully connect with Ty. Well, at least not at first. By the end however I knew where his head was at. To me it seemed easy to put myself in Ana's shoes. Her motives were always clear.
Ty's and Ana's relationship had it's ups and downs and that lent an air of authenticity to it. They were clearly drawn to each other and the conflicts in their relationship were completely understandable.
There were a few things that I didn't like about the book. The biggest issue I had with it was what happened between Ana and her sister once she found her. I don't feel that the motivation behind Ana's sister's actions was addressed so I wasn't satisfied with the way that that part of the story ended. Another thing that bugged me was the sudden appearance of the savior of the story. That kind of felt like it came out of left field. Same with the set up for the next book in the series. It was like it was just thrown in there last minute and because of that I'm a bit confused about the resolution of the case that Ty, Ana, and the Belladonna agency were on.
Even though TURNED didn't quite meet my expectations I would happily read the next book in the series. Like I said the world building grabbed my attention and I'd like to learn more about the vamps and their culture. Plus it's not like reading DePaul is a chore or anything. She tells a wonderful story.
About the narrator...
Dude was awesome! He used different voices for the characters and I love when narrators choose to perform the story that way. He also used a British accent for Ty and occasionally slipped in a few accented words for Ana when her emotions got the better of her. While I didn't quite like the voice for Ty I think it suited the character perfectly. Another thing that I liked about his performance was his acting. Plus his pace was fabulous. I'd love to listen to another one of his performances.
Rating: 3.5/5
Heat Rating: 3/5
Narrator Performance: 4.5/5
It's been a long time since I've read a PNR by Virna DePaul and while this wasn't as good as the previous ones I've read it was still an enjoyable read. The world building was interesting and I'd like to learn more about it.
Both Ty and Ana were good characters but I wasn't able to fully connect with Ty. Well, at least not at first. By the end however I knew where his head was at. To me it seemed easy to put myself in Ana's shoes. Her motives were always clear.
Ty's and Ana's relationship had it's ups and downs and that lent an air of authenticity to it. They were clearly drawn to each other and the conflicts in their relationship were completely understandable.
There were a few things that I didn't like about the book. The biggest issue I had with it was what happened between Ana and her sister once she found her. I don't feel that the motivation behind Ana's sister's actions was addressed so I wasn't satisfied with the way that that part of the story ended. Another thing that bugged me was the sudden appearance of the savior of the story. That kind of felt like it came out of left field. Same with the set up for the next book in the series. It was like it was just thrown in there last minute and because of that I'm a bit confused about the resolution of the case that Ty, Ana, and the Belladonna agency were on.
Even though TURNED didn't quite meet my expectations I would happily read the next book in the series. Like I said the world building grabbed my attention and I'd like to learn more about the vamps and their culture. Plus it's not like reading DePaul is a chore or anything. She tells a wonderful story.
About the narrator...
Dude was awesome! He used different voices for the characters and I love when narrators choose to perform the story that way. He also used a British accent for Ty and occasionally slipped in a few accented words for Ana when her emotions got the better of her. While I didn't quite like the voice for Ty I think it suited the character perfectly. Another thing that I liked about his performance was his acting. Plus his pace was fabulous. I'd love to listen to another one of his performances.
August 30, 2016
Since learning about the existence of vampires, the FBI didn't want to rely on the Vampire Queen's word that they posed no threat to humans, so they secretly took preemptive measures and employed Rogues to turn FBI recruits. But the Rogues had their own agenda and were creating vampires on their own. When a couple of agents were attacked and turned, an off-the-books agency named Belladonna was formed to clean up the mess - hunt down and destroy the Rogues.
Special Agent Ty Duncan was attacked, tortured and turned six months ago. That made him not only an asset but also the FBI's dirty little secret. Belladonna's first mission is to bring in four human women to serve a purpose. Ty's objective is Ana Martin, a former gang member. Through her, they hope to gain access to a commune that may be harboring Rogues and their operation. Their attraction was instantaneous, but would Ana be able to accept Ty for what he was, and would she choose him over her family?
The story started off well, and it didn't take long for the hero and heroine to have their first contact. I liked that Ana was a blend of hard and soft. She was a survivor, a fighter, and determined to hold on to her independence. Her only weakness was her sister and her desire to find her. Had Ty been human, I might have said they were an equal match. Her appeal began to wear off the more she repeated how much she missed her sister and began making excuses for the two people that Belladonna was after. She was also one of those heroines who just had to defy the hero and insist on confronting vampires armed only with a bit of defiance and hope.
My first impression of Ty was definitely a good one. He was one of the good guys, he was gorgeous, he was a bad a** when he had to be and he had a British accent. The stronger his feelings got for Ana, and the more she waffled, the more emo he got. At six months “reborn” he was bound to fall off the wagon. Then came the self-loathing. When it seemed like Ana wasn't going to express a desire to become like him or at least discuss their options, he would say it wouldn't be a bad thing if he died. As a hero, an FBI agent with special abilities, I would have wanted him to be a little bit more...manly, I suppose.
I struggled with this story. I liked the plot, but there was quite an info dump at the beginning. The information was later repeated for Ana's benefit when she was told about Belladonna, its purpose and what role she would be asked to play. Speaking of repetitiveness, Ana kept mentioning how much she missed her sister and bemoaned that burned bridge at least every other page. Whenever the story was starting to take hold and roll along, I got pulled out of it because Gloria was mentioned yet again.
I didn't buy their chemistry because the majority of it developed during the two weeks he was training her in combat, and the first few sex scenes were in their dreams. They never talked about themselves, so I never saw them trying to learn about one another. Granted he knew a lot from his dossier on her, but she never reciprocated. Some of the story space could have been better spent on building more of a connection between Ana and Ty instead of them making assumptions on each other's behalf. By the end of the book, I was still a little unclear as to why Gloria's hatred ran so deep. Perhaps she was brainwashed, but we'll never know.
The Bottom Line
This was an interesting introduction to a new series, but I think the execution could have been better. Certain parts of the story dragged, and like the protagonists, I didn't know if the attraction was because they were (fated) mates or just a normal attraction between a man and a woman. That part of vampirism wasn't explored in this book. I found some of the supporting characters more interesting than the protagonists. At this point, I'm undecided on whether or not I want to continue with this series. I have read a contemporary erotic romance by this author and enjoyed that one more. This was just okay in comparison to the other works mentioned in the tagline.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. My thanks to Bantam Books, an imprint of Random House Publishing Group.
November 18, 2013
TURNED
Ty Duncan FBI special agent is a vampire turned against his will, he hates what he is. Now working for the highly secret Balladonna agency, he's been ordered to recruit Ana Martin ex gang member. Ty hopes to persuade Ana to join Belladonna , he does have something that will seal the deal if Ana is reluctant, news on her long lost sister Gloria. Belladonna believe that Ana is the key to infiltrating a secret organisation suspected of being involved with illegal activities connected to the turning humans into vampires. When Ty first makes contact with Ana he was not prepared for his overwhelming attraction to her. In fact it took every bit of his self control not to act upon it. But he knows that once Ana discovers he's a vampire, a monster, she will never want him. Vampires live hidden from humans, it's against vampire law to turn humans. But there are rogue vampires who are doing the unthinkable.
This is the first book in a new series, I have read this authors work before and like her writing style. Her books are well balanced and hard to put down. This is a complex and fast moving story with plenty of other characters that successfully add to fleshing out the plot. I particularly liked the characters growth throughtout. The relationship between Ty and Ana it was very intense, and not without problems. But this is a very good book that PNR lovers will definitely enjoy.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
Ty Duncan FBI special agent is a vampire turned against his will, he hates what he is. Now working for the highly secret Balladonna agency, he's been ordered to recruit Ana Martin ex gang member. Ty hopes to persuade Ana to join Belladonna , he does have something that will seal the deal if Ana is reluctant, news on her long lost sister Gloria. Belladonna believe that Ana is the key to infiltrating a secret organisation suspected of being involved with illegal activities connected to the turning humans into vampires. When Ty first makes contact with Ana he was not prepared for his overwhelming attraction to her. In fact it took every bit of his self control not to act upon it. But he knows that once Ana discovers he's a vampire, a monster, she will never want him. Vampires live hidden from humans, it's against vampire law to turn humans. But there are rogue vampires who are doing the unthinkable.
This is the first book in a new series, I have read this authors work before and like her writing style. Her books are well balanced and hard to put down. This is a complex and fast moving story with plenty of other characters that successfully add to fleshing out the plot. I particularly liked the characters growth throughtout. The relationship between Ty and Ana it was very intense, and not without problems. But this is a very good book that PNR lovers will definitely enjoy.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
May 26, 2014
Meh. So much erect peen. The hero thinks with his johnson more than anything. Another guy interviews the queen of the vampires with a woody. The emphasis on sex-sex-sex over what could have been an interesting story about vampires and human trafficking felt cheapened by all the focus on the lust.
Parts of it were good, but I rolled my eyes so hard I was seeing the back of my skull when the hero Hulks out on a former gang member trying to get his freak on with his beloved Ana. Ty, the hero, ends up tearing into the other guy very messily with his vampiric powers and killing him, and then the heroine... helps him feel better about himself with sex? What?
Also, the tendency to repeat. Every. Single. Plot point. Was so tiresome. SO TIRESOME.
Skimmed the last 50 or so pages, maybe a bit more. Not awful, but this one didn't hold my attention and stretched my disbelief so thin that it snapped in a few places.
Parts of it were good, but I rolled my eyes so hard I was seeing the back of my skull when the hero Hulks out on a former gang member trying to get his freak on with his beloved Ana. Ty, the hero, ends up tearing into the other guy very messily with his vampiric powers and killing him, and then the heroine... helps him feel better about himself with sex? What?
Also, the tendency to repeat. Every. Single. Plot point. Was so tiresome. SO TIRESOME.
Skimmed the last 50 or so pages, maybe a bit more. Not awful, but this one didn't hold my attention and stretched my disbelief so thin that it snapped in a few places.
November 19, 2013
This book was very good. It kept me entertained the whole way through. It's a little different from most vampire books and the vampires themselves are unique which is important with a market still a little saturated in vampires. It has an HEA and can stand alone but it's a series. The next one starts with one of the main character's friends/co-worker being the next heroine and continues with the investigation they start in this first book. Try it you'll like it! I received this book for review as an ARC from Net Galley.
Read
March 29, 2014At one time I could tolerate dream sex but that time has passed *sigh*
August 23, 2019
It was a cold rainy night. Nothing was on TV. Nothing was calling to me on my shelves. So, I grabbed my computer and began to search. Search for something new, exciting with an air of who-done-it and of course a smoking hot romance.....and I found it in Turned!
Belladonna series is a must for me. The world DePaul created is unique, suspenseful, sensual, and leaves a reader begging for book two.
Ty was an emotionally damaged character whose past held a couple of traumatic events. Both of which can not be undone. He immerses himself in work and in a good cause or fight may be a better word choice. This job lead him to Ana....she makes him want everything he thinks he shouldn't/couldn't have. When he gives into that pull it is explosive!
Ana has her own demons. Her back story is heart breaking and gives credence to the storyline. Ana's world is forever changed when the few things in her life she cherished and thought we're good and solid become questionable. Are people and things really what she believed them to be?
Storyline is simply put...exciting. Trying to figure out the who, what, when, and how's was exciting. The love story will make your toes curl and your body tense.
Absolutely loved this! Can not wait for more!
Belladonna series is a must for me. The world DePaul created is unique, suspenseful, sensual, and leaves a reader begging for book two.
Ty was an emotionally damaged character whose past held a couple of traumatic events. Both of which can not be undone. He immerses himself in work and in a good cause or fight may be a better word choice. This job lead him to Ana....she makes him want everything he thinks he shouldn't/couldn't have. When he gives into that pull it is explosive!
Ana has her own demons. Her back story is heart breaking and gives credence to the storyline. Ana's world is forever changed when the few things in her life she cherished and thought we're good and solid become questionable. Are people and things really what she believed them to be?
Storyline is simply put...exciting. Trying to figure out the who, what, when, and how's was exciting. The love story will make your toes curl and your body tense.
Absolutely loved this! Can not wait for more!
October 17, 2014
3 stars
The story in a nutshell…
Ty Duncan is part of Belladonna, the agency tasked to take care of vampire issues or, in this case, catastrophic problems. They believe a private organization publicly known as a shelter and help group for immigrants is working with rogues, vampires who formerly worked for the FBI but who had turned against the agency. They need someone who can help them infiltrate or at least get close to the organization. And Belladonna found that someone in Ana Martin. Her ties to the said organization, it might be run by a close childhood friend, one who may or may not have information about Ana’s younger sister.
What worked for me?
This book really had wonderful parts, little gems sprinkled in places, like when a character perfectly describes the situation with all its nitty-gritty details in terms of tone and emotion. I love the somewhat layered conflicts that Ty had to overcome throughout the book: over how he sees himself, how he sees his life, and how he feels for Ana. Ana is a strong female character. She thinks for herself and does not let people run over her.
The premise of the book is what first drew me to this book, well aside from the fact that it was touted as perfect for fans of Nalini Singh. I love the idea of a specialized unit created to deal with whatever is happening to turned vampires. And in this regard, the author did a good job in keeping that overarching mystery intact but still able to deliver bits and pieces of answers in order to tie up this book in the end. And I want to know more about the world of Belladonna.
What didn’t work for me?
Sadly, this book is nowhere near the level of Nalini Singh’s stories. The world-building was just okay. It made me want to know more about this world the characters are living in, one part because it is a really intriguing set-up and on the other part because there weren’t enough details presented in the book.
I like Ty and Ana enough but not as much as I had been expecting to. Like I said earlier, there were those great character moments but I felt like there was still something lacking. I understand and accept how the two of them would be drawn toward each other but I didn’t feel that tug on my heart that tells me they are meant to stay together because the alternative would be unimaginable. I would have wanted to felt that way reading about their story.
I love how the author knows how to end a chapter. She hits you with the best shots but still follows through with the next chapter. I had no complaints about the pacing. I had only reservations in some parts because I had a hard time picturing how one event would have or would not have impacted on other events. Actions have consequences and there were just some actions by some of the characters that did not ring true to me in terms of following the trajectory I thought it would have. So I guess I had minor qualms about that.
My over-all take on it?
Ty’s and Ana’s story is still worth following and despite some of the minor shortfalls that I find with the book, it was still an enjoyable read. There was this one hint of a future storyline between one of the FBI agents, I think, and get this, the Vampire Queen. Their single scene together was a definite highlight for me. They’re not the ones featured in the next book but I hope they get their own story, I hope in the third book.
The story in a nutshell…
Ty Duncan is part of Belladonna, the agency tasked to take care of vampire issues or, in this case, catastrophic problems. They believe a private organization publicly known as a shelter and help group for immigrants is working with rogues, vampires who formerly worked for the FBI but who had turned against the agency. They need someone who can help them infiltrate or at least get close to the organization. And Belladonna found that someone in Ana Martin. Her ties to the said organization, it might be run by a close childhood friend, one who may or may not have information about Ana’s younger sister.
What worked for me?
This book really had wonderful parts, little gems sprinkled in places, like when a character perfectly describes the situation with all its nitty-gritty details in terms of tone and emotion. I love the somewhat layered conflicts that Ty had to overcome throughout the book: over how he sees himself, how he sees his life, and how he feels for Ana. Ana is a strong female character. She thinks for herself and does not let people run over her.
The premise of the book is what first drew me to this book, well aside from the fact that it was touted as perfect for fans of Nalini Singh. I love the idea of a specialized unit created to deal with whatever is happening to turned vampires. And in this regard, the author did a good job in keeping that overarching mystery intact but still able to deliver bits and pieces of answers in order to tie up this book in the end. And I want to know more about the world of Belladonna.
What didn’t work for me?
Sadly, this book is nowhere near the level of Nalini Singh’s stories. The world-building was just okay. It made me want to know more about this world the characters are living in, one part because it is a really intriguing set-up and on the other part because there weren’t enough details presented in the book.
I like Ty and Ana enough but not as much as I had been expecting to. Like I said earlier, there were those great character moments but I felt like there was still something lacking. I understand and accept how the two of them would be drawn toward each other but I didn’t feel that tug on my heart that tells me they are meant to stay together because the alternative would be unimaginable. I would have wanted to felt that way reading about their story.
I love how the author knows how to end a chapter. She hits you with the best shots but still follows through with the next chapter. I had no complaints about the pacing. I had only reservations in some parts because I had a hard time picturing how one event would have or would not have impacted on other events. Actions have consequences and there were just some actions by some of the characters that did not ring true to me in terms of following the trajectory I thought it would have. So I guess I had minor qualms about that.
My over-all take on it?
Ty’s and Ana’s story is still worth following and despite some of the minor shortfalls that I find with the book, it was still an enjoyable read. There was this one hint of a future storyline between one of the FBI agents, I think, and get this, the Vampire Queen. Their single scene together was a definite highlight for me. They’re not the ones featured in the next book but I hope they get their own story, I hope in the third book.
January 11, 2014
The premise of this book starts with the fact that vampires are alive some are born and some are turned. The population at large does not know this fact but the FBI does. For fear that one day vampires would try and rise up and over throw humanity the FBI has been prepping and double dealing behind the Vampire Queen's back by creating their own vampires. But now the vampires the FBI were working with have gone on their own and started turning others without the FBI's consent.
That's where Ana and Ty come in. Ty was one of those turned against his will by those Rogue vampires. He hates what he has become and fears that one day the monster within will one-day take over completely. Ana was once in a gang but has since tried everything to turn her life around, but in the process has lost contact with her sister who she loves more than anyone in the world. Ty works for the Belladonna agency who are trying to bring down these Rogue vampires, and Ana is his way undercover. She has old gang connections that surprisingly lead to what is happening with the Rogue Vampires.
For her help Ty offers Ana the one thing she wants, her sister. He has knowledge of where her sister is now which is something she desperately wants. But along with her where abouts Ty also tells her the her sister may not be who she believes she is, and that she may be involved with the Rogue vampires. Ty and Ana connect with each other on a level that neither has experienced. The both crave family and while working together they both come to realize that the family they are looking for might be in each other. What started out as a job has progressed to something more, but for two people who believe being alone is safest trusting someone may be the hardest thing these two face.
This book definitely brought up a lot of threads that were left open for future books within the series. This book was an interesting read and I liked it. I would have liked more flushing out of Ty's and Ana's relationship as well as Ana and her sister's relationship. I never fully understood how they became estranged and what drove her sister to be so angry at her.
I would definitely will be curious to see how this series progresses.
That's where Ana and Ty come in. Ty was one of those turned against his will by those Rogue vampires. He hates what he has become and fears that one day the monster within will one-day take over completely. Ana was once in a gang but has since tried everything to turn her life around, but in the process has lost contact with her sister who she loves more than anyone in the world. Ty works for the Belladonna agency who are trying to bring down these Rogue vampires, and Ana is his way undercover. She has old gang connections that surprisingly lead to what is happening with the Rogue Vampires.
For her help Ty offers Ana the one thing she wants, her sister. He has knowledge of where her sister is now which is something she desperately wants. But along with her where abouts Ty also tells her the her sister may not be who she believes she is, and that she may be involved with the Rogue vampires. Ty and Ana connect with each other on a level that neither has experienced. The both crave family and while working together they both come to realize that the family they are looking for might be in each other. What started out as a job has progressed to something more, but for two people who believe being alone is safest trusting someone may be the hardest thing these two face.
This book definitely brought up a lot of threads that were left open for future books within the series. This book was an interesting read and I liked it. I would have liked more flushing out of Ty's and Ana's relationship as well as Ana and her sister's relationship. I never fully understood how they became estranged and what drove her sister to be so angry at her.
I would definitely will be curious to see how this series progresses.
February 4, 2014
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
A very good start of a new series!
The back-story is complex and wil surely lead towards a lot of books, as we are introduced to many interesting characters.
The FBI knows about the esistence of vampires, but it is keeping the large human population in dark. Obviously there're people in the FBI who wants to take advantage of their powers. Those people goes against the vampire law which forbids human being turned into vampires and with a help of rougue vampires, who want more power, start turning unwilling humans. Soon, the FBI finds out about that and the Belladonna agency, a branch of FBI fighting those rougue vampires is born. One of the agents of the Belladonna is our hero: Ty. An unwilling human turned vampire, who fights against his vampiric nature and the violence that sometimes overcome his human one.
The vampire society is complex and I'm sure we'll find out more about it in the next books. Let's just say that there are vampires born and vampires made, each with different, yet similar, set of powers.
Ana is an ex-gang member trying to make a normal life for herself and yearning to find her sister who disappeared when Ana tryed to leave the gang.
Belladonna needs Ana to infiltrate an organization suspected to be turning humans against their will and supplying the rougue vampires with blood slaves.
But Ana is angry and doesn't want anything to do with it and with Ty in particular. At least in the beginning. But, step by step she (and we with her) understands that Ty is not an average vampire, he's not as strong and a vampire born, but he's special because his human feelings are strong and his thirst for justice and fairness is what makes him more human than true humans.
A very nice book with a very nice ideas.
Even if the base idea is not new, I liked the execution. And I liked the fact that Ty is not a perfect hero without blamish. He's very human in an unusual way.
Ana is also an interesting character. Very tough and very troubled, but at the same time vulnerable.
A very good start of a new series!
The back-story is complex and wil surely lead towards a lot of books, as we are introduced to many interesting characters.
The FBI knows about the esistence of vampires, but it is keeping the large human population in dark. Obviously there're people in the FBI who wants to take advantage of their powers. Those people goes against the vampire law which forbids human being turned into vampires and with a help of rougue vampires, who want more power, start turning unwilling humans. Soon, the FBI finds out about that and the Belladonna agency, a branch of FBI fighting those rougue vampires is born. One of the agents of the Belladonna is our hero: Ty. An unwilling human turned vampire, who fights against his vampiric nature and the violence that sometimes overcome his human one.
The vampire society is complex and I'm sure we'll find out more about it in the next books. Let's just say that there are vampires born and vampires made, each with different, yet similar, set of powers.
Ana is an ex-gang member trying to make a normal life for herself and yearning to find her sister who disappeared when Ana tryed to leave the gang.
Belladonna needs Ana to infiltrate an organization suspected to be turning humans against their will and supplying the rougue vampires with blood slaves.
But Ana is angry and doesn't want anything to do with it and with Ty in particular. At least in the beginning. But, step by step she (and we with her) understands that Ty is not an average vampire, he's not as strong and a vampire born, but he's special because his human feelings are strong and his thirst for justice and fairness is what makes him more human than true humans.
A very nice book with a very nice ideas.
Even if the base idea is not new, I liked the execution. And I liked the fact that Ty is not a perfect hero without blamish. He's very human in an unusual way.
Ana is also an interesting character. Very tough and very troubled, but at the same time vulnerable.
April 1, 2014
My Review:
Where to go with this review? This is a tough book for me to review. There were moments when I absolutely loved reading it and then there were moments when I wasn't sure I was going to even be able to finish it. I will tell you, it took me 4 days to read and I read on it every single one of those days. For a girl that reads a book/day, that isn't so great. But to sit down and say why that was...I have no clue. The premise is good. I liked every single character that was introduced. I liked Ana and I LOVED Ty. Ty and Ana together just didn't quite do it for me, but I couldn't even pinpoint to you as to why.
Ana is a former gangbanger who has worked to reform her life after prison. Ty is an FBI agent who's trying to figure out what his life is, after becoming a vampire. They are both at a crossroads and come together through Belladonna...a new government secret agency.
The details about how Belladonna works were pretty convoluted. There's a lot of things about this new agency that are still mysteries and I think will play out throughout the rest of the books to come in the series. Four women have been brought into the organization because of their ties to one night of gang violence 7 years ago. Although they have that one thing in common, they are all VERY different and are being trained by Ty and another vampire FBI agent to do very different jobs. Picture Charlie's Angels with 2 sexy male vampires as Bosley. For me, that's the part of the story that works best. I like the premise of what the author is doing with Belladonna, especially as a girl who grew up playing Charlie's Angels every second I could. I love the idea and can't wait for more in the series.
This particular book didn't quite do it for me. There's a lot to set up in this vampire/gang world and Belladonna and I think the story paid for all that set-up. But the overall writing was fantastic and the scenes that worked in this book, worked incredibly well. I think the series will improve now that it's all laid out and I do look forward to more from it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Where to go with this review? This is a tough book for me to review. There were moments when I absolutely loved reading it and then there were moments when I wasn't sure I was going to even be able to finish it. I will tell you, it took me 4 days to read and I read on it every single one of those days. For a girl that reads a book/day, that isn't so great. But to sit down and say why that was...I have no clue. The premise is good. I liked every single character that was introduced. I liked Ana and I LOVED Ty. Ty and Ana together just didn't quite do it for me, but I couldn't even pinpoint to you as to why.
Ana is a former gangbanger who has worked to reform her life after prison. Ty is an FBI agent who's trying to figure out what his life is, after becoming a vampire. They are both at a crossroads and come together through Belladonna...a new government secret agency.
The details about how Belladonna works were pretty convoluted. There's a lot of things about this new agency that are still mysteries and I think will play out throughout the rest of the books to come in the series. Four women have been brought into the organization because of their ties to one night of gang violence 7 years ago. Although they have that one thing in common, they are all VERY different and are being trained by Ty and another vampire FBI agent to do very different jobs. Picture Charlie's Angels with 2 sexy male vampires as Bosley. For me, that's the part of the story that works best. I like the premise of what the author is doing with Belladonna, especially as a girl who grew up playing Charlie's Angels every second I could. I love the idea and can't wait for more in the series.
This particular book didn't quite do it for me. There's a lot to set up in this vampire/gang world and Belladonna and I think the story paid for all that set-up. But the overall writing was fantastic and the scenes that worked in this book, worked incredibly well. I think the series will improve now that it's all laid out and I do look forward to more from it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 21, 2014
3.5 stars.
This series has potential. I hope the author can really deliver the kind of story that can rival the Midnight Breeds and the like.
FBI Agent Ty Duncan was sent to recruit Eliana "Ana" Duncan to the Belladonna Agency, a covert goverment agency hunting rogue vampires. The general population in the United States were unaware that vampires existed among them. However, the federal government had recruited some of the vampires to turn some soldiers into "super vampire soldiers". Some of the newly turned vampire soilders turned rogue and escaped. Ty was one of the "turned vampire" but he didn't turn rogue. Instead he continued to work with the goverment as it secretly hunted the rogues, through the shadow organization, Belladonna, as they tried to clean up the mess.
The rogue vampires were being aided by a gang organization that Ana and her sister had belong to. In exchange for Ana's assistance, Belladonna will locate Gloria, Ana's sister who had been missing for years.
Ana and Ty were drawn to each other from the start, but each had unfinished business which should supercede personal attachments. However, Ana and Ty were finding it difficult to ignore their attraction.
The author's writing style was enjoyable and I will continue with the series. However, there were just many missing pieces to the puzzle.I didn't get what was really special about Ana. I didn't understand the real issue between Ana and Gloria. But the story was interesting. I liked having a new vampire series with it's own unique elements. I liked Ana and Ty, but the lack of real closure with Gloria really bothered me. I hope the author addresses it more in sequel.
**I was given a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell via Netgalley.
This series has potential. I hope the author can really deliver the kind of story that can rival the Midnight Breeds and the like.
FBI Agent Ty Duncan was sent to recruit Eliana "Ana" Duncan to the Belladonna Agency, a covert goverment agency hunting rogue vampires. The general population in the United States were unaware that vampires existed among them. However, the federal government had recruited some of the vampires to turn some soldiers into "super vampire soldiers". Some of the newly turned vampire soilders turned rogue and escaped. Ty was one of the "turned vampire" but he didn't turn rogue. Instead he continued to work with the goverment as it secretly hunted the rogues, through the shadow organization, Belladonna, as they tried to clean up the mess.
The rogue vampires were being aided by a gang organization that Ana and her sister had belong to. In exchange for Ana's assistance, Belladonna will locate Gloria, Ana's sister who had been missing for years.
Ana and Ty were drawn to each other from the start, but each had unfinished business which should supercede personal attachments. However, Ana and Ty were finding it difficult to ignore their attraction.
The author's writing style was enjoyable and I will continue with the series. However, there were just many missing pieces to the puzzle.I didn't get what was really special about Ana. I didn't understand the real issue between Ana and Gloria. But the story was interesting. I liked having a new vampire series with it's own unique elements. I liked Ana and Ty, but the lack of real closure with Gloria really bothered me. I hope the author addresses it more in sequel.
**I was given a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell via Netgalley.
January 9, 2014
*I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
3 1/2 stars
Ty Duncan isn't the man he used to be. He's a vampire. Forced into a world that he never knew existed, he finds himself trying to make the most of it. A recruiter for a secret agency know as Belladonna, he is responsible for helping keep the shadows a secret from the world and reigning in rogue vampires. His next assignment just might bring him to his knees. Ana Martin is an ex- gang member who is constantly reminded of her past and her biggest failure, her sister. Never willing to give up on finding her, she's unable to resist when a handsome stranger approaches her with information leading to her location. What she never planned on was becoming immersed in a whole new world of violence riddled with ties to her past, along with fighting a desire for this stranger she never thought possible.
Turned was a great start to a new world full of imagination and secrets. Ty wasn't the typical dark brooding alpha vampire that's so often portrayed, he was written as a realistic, albeit very sexy and British, character who had charm and flaws. I love characters with flaws because of the ability to relate vs. some magical creature that doesn't sneeze, trip or ever say the wrong thing. He was definitely easier for me to connect to than Ana but she was a tough and troubled woman who put loyalty above herself and redeemed herself as she allowed her vulnerability to show. Their struggles were human and raw. The Belladonna agency, as well as it's government links, were creative and original and built into a world that made you wonder if it really existed. This was a story that kept you turning the page.
3 1/2 stars
Ty Duncan isn't the man he used to be. He's a vampire. Forced into a world that he never knew existed, he finds himself trying to make the most of it. A recruiter for a secret agency know as Belladonna, he is responsible for helping keep the shadows a secret from the world and reigning in rogue vampires. His next assignment just might bring him to his knees. Ana Martin is an ex- gang member who is constantly reminded of her past and her biggest failure, her sister. Never willing to give up on finding her, she's unable to resist when a handsome stranger approaches her with information leading to her location. What she never planned on was becoming immersed in a whole new world of violence riddled with ties to her past, along with fighting a desire for this stranger she never thought possible.
Turned was a great start to a new world full of imagination and secrets. Ty wasn't the typical dark brooding alpha vampire that's so often portrayed, he was written as a realistic, albeit very sexy and British, character who had charm and flaws. I love characters with flaws because of the ability to relate vs. some magical creature that doesn't sneeze, trip or ever say the wrong thing. He was definitely easier for me to connect to than Ana but she was a tough and troubled woman who put loyalty above herself and redeemed herself as she allowed her vulnerability to show. Their struggles were human and raw. The Belladonna agency, as well as it's government links, were creative and original and built into a world that made you wonder if it really existed. This was a story that kept you turning the page.
November 21, 2013
Turned by Virna DePaul
A fantastically fun beginning-of-series, full of suspense, romance and intrigue!
Renowned author, Virna DePaul adds another paranormal series to her vast collection. The Belladonna Agency series, introduced FBI special agent Ty Duncan. Only a privileged few within the FBI know the real existence of vampires. When Agent Duncan became one of those few, he did it unwillingly as he was turned into one. Now working under the sub-agency Belladonna, he is determined to bring to justice those that turned him. There are rules against turning vampires set by the vampire queen and organization. However, when rogues set about their own agenda a battle of ideologies ensues.
This stand-alone story launching the series also introduces Ana Martin with whom Agent Duncan is to protect and to recruit. Recently out of prison and a former gang member, she is trying to start a new life. Until her past comes back to impede the progress. Tension develops between the two when Agent Duncan realizes he has to exert extra self-control whenever he is around Ana. Ana admits she is attracted to him as well but her inner critic prohibits her from acting on her feelings. More complications about the rogues, an illegal immigrant turned blood-slave ring, and her former gang keep this story moving to a satisfying conclusion.
DePaul creates fresh attributes to the vampire literature legacy making this not your typical vampire story. It is a great start with promise of much more to come. Available now for pre-order to be released April 1, 2014.
To see other works by Virna DePaul please visit her website: http://virnadepaul.com/
A fantastically fun beginning-of-series, full of suspense, romance and intrigue!
Renowned author, Virna DePaul adds another paranormal series to her vast collection. The Belladonna Agency series, introduced FBI special agent Ty Duncan. Only a privileged few within the FBI know the real existence of vampires. When Agent Duncan became one of those few, he did it unwillingly as he was turned into one. Now working under the sub-agency Belladonna, he is determined to bring to justice those that turned him. There are rules against turning vampires set by the vampire queen and organization. However, when rogues set about their own agenda a battle of ideologies ensues.
This stand-alone story launching the series also introduces Ana Martin with whom Agent Duncan is to protect and to recruit. Recently out of prison and a former gang member, she is trying to start a new life. Until her past comes back to impede the progress. Tension develops between the two when Agent Duncan realizes he has to exert extra self-control whenever he is around Ana. Ana admits she is attracted to him as well but her inner critic prohibits her from acting on her feelings. More complications about the rogues, an illegal immigrant turned blood-slave ring, and her former gang keep this story moving to a satisfying conclusion.
DePaul creates fresh attributes to the vampire literature legacy making this not your typical vampire story. It is a great start with promise of much more to come. Available now for pre-order to be released April 1, 2014.
To see other works by Virna DePaul please visit her website: http://virnadepaul.com/
November 22, 2013
*Book received from NetGalley for review*
I have not read many vampire books but I decided to check out this book.
Ty is an agent of The Belladonna Agency, a sector of the FBI, who is looking into a human slavery for blood camp. Ty was changed into a vampire a short time ago. Eliana "Ana" is a former gangster who left to take care of her sister, but ended up going to prison with her sister hating her. Ana is asked to join Belladonna because of her sister's potential involvement of the camp. She is hoping for a chance to see her sister to ask for forgiveness and to see that she is okay. There are twists and turns along the way, paired with Ty and Ana's feelings for each other. Both of these are fighting their inner demons. Ana for things she has done and watching her back at all times and Ty for the feeling the way he does about being a vampire. This guy has a heart of gold and I felt for him and what he was dealing with. I had a feeling of how this was going to fair in the end, I was right but the way it unfolds is WOW.
This is the first book I have read by Virna DePaul and this was very well written, except I wanted more of Ty and Ana. The ending was abrupt and I'm hoping there are more of these two in the series.
I have not read many vampire books but I decided to check out this book.
Ty is an agent of The Belladonna Agency, a sector of the FBI, who is looking into a human slavery for blood camp. Ty was changed into a vampire a short time ago. Eliana "Ana" is a former gangster who left to take care of her sister, but ended up going to prison with her sister hating her. Ana is asked to join Belladonna because of her sister's potential involvement of the camp. She is hoping for a chance to see her sister to ask for forgiveness and to see that she is okay. There are twists and turns along the way, paired with Ty and Ana's feelings for each other. Both of these are fighting their inner demons. Ana for things she has done and watching her back at all times and Ty for the feeling the way he does about being a vampire. This guy has a heart of gold and I felt for him and what he was dealing with. I had a feeling of how this was going to fair in the end, I was right but the way it unfolds is WOW.
This is the first book I have read by Virna DePaul and this was very well written, except I wanted more of Ty and Ana. The ending was abrupt and I'm hoping there are more of these two in the series.
December 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! I liked the strength of the characters, and I really look forward to more books in this series! It was interesting having a secret FBI unit mixing with vampires. I thought Ty was great, and it was nice to see his strength and his vulnerability. I liked Ana, and it was good to see her grow more comfortable with herself. The whole gang aspect I could've done without, but I could see why it may have been needed. I like the way this story ended, and that some of the characters for the next books in the series were introduced; I look forward to their stories. Great start to a new great series!
November 19, 2013
I have to say this book was pretty great! The belladonna project series, and the first which provides a definite twist on vampires. I received this arc for free from netgalley in exchange for a review. This novel length story provided enough character in depth for an amazing read. Ty plays a newly turned vampire who needs Ana to help him infiltrate a cult, the chemistry between the two is amazing. I look forward to the next in this series.
September 17, 2014
Round up to 4.5 stars. Review published at AudioGals.
August 6, 2016
Review on Turned by Virna DePaul
I won this book from GoodReads First Reads program. I have read previous Virna DePaul books and liked them. This book was not one I cared for at all. Most of the book was flat. The characters were flat, the plot was flat (when there wasn’t a lot of wtf going on) and even the sex was rather flat. There was too much telling and not showing, and too many info dumps. I will not be reading further in this series.
Ana Garcia was a gang banger, and was put in prison after a riot that occurred when she tried to get herself and her sister out of the gang. Special Agent Ty was turned into a vampire 7 months ago under torture. The FBI has been secretly employing some vampires to turn more humans into additional vampires to work for the FBI. Now the FBI is trying to get rid of those Rogue-turned vampires who are wrecking havoc. The Belladonna Agency is a very off-the-books group trying to control the Rogue-created vampires.
For reasons that never made much sense to me, the Belladonna Agency, which originally consisted of 5 people, decided that they needed to recruit 4 disparate women to act as additional agents. One of those Belladonna wants to recruit is Ana. Belladonna is trying to infiltrate a Hispanic group that is turning humans into vampires and also trafficking in humans for sex and blood. The leader of this Hispanic group, Miguel, was the one who recruited Ana to join the gang, and Belladonna believes he is still holding a torch for Ana. Belladonna, and Ty, view Ana as their entre into meeting Miguel.
The book also introduces the other 3 women that Belladonna want sot turn into agents. Presumnably the next 3 books will be about the other 3 women. Ana, while she is going to provide the introduction and incentive to Miguel, is also supposed to be teaching the other 3 women how to fight. Ostensibly due to her time in a gang and in person, she would make a good combat instructor *snort* I can’t find the part that talks about what at least one of the other women will contribute in skills, but I think it was about teaching the others how to walk with poise and dress nicely *rolls eyes*
Ty hates himself for being a vampire, and is filled with existential angst until the final portion of the book. Once something happens (that I won’t reveal because it’s a spoiler) he finally accepts his vampiric nature. But the endless self recriminations and self loathing do get to be a bit much, as does much else in this book. This book reduced me to yelling at the characters as I read and typing lots of WTF notes in my Kindle. Also wacky is the fact that Carly, who is their leader, gives them all instructions via conference call. Ana even makes a Carly’s Angel’s wisecrack. There were multiple such hokey elements in this story.
Quotes that made me roll my eyes:
He was perpetually hard whenever he was around her. If he tried covering it up, he’d spend his time doing nothing else.
Seconds passed and she realized he was ashamed of what he’d done. Ashamed of what he was. And dear God, she could relate to that. Even before she’d been sent to prison, long before that prosecutor had picked apart her life in front of a jury, she’d hated what she’d done to survive. Most of all, she’d hated what she was and the life to which she’d been born. It broke her heart to know that Ty was struggling with those same feelings because he’d been turned into a vampire. That hadn’t been his choice, any more than her own misfortune had been.
Felt the first stirrings of love—and respect—for him. He was willing to kill for her. He thought she was beautiful, despite—or maybe because of—the hidden scars she bore. And he cared enough about her to tell her to go, even though he looked as if he’d starve to death without her. Ana didn’t care if he was a vampire or not. She wanted Ty. Ty didn’t consciously try to read her mind, but he could hear her thoughts now. She was convinced she wanted him. He refused to allow himself to believe it.
Without warning, an ominous voice reverberated in his mind. Ty didn’t recognize it but he knew one thing—it didn’t belong to Miguel. You have marked her. You took her. Now what are you going to do with her?
What he’d said—that it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if he died—had to have been triggered by a rush of hate. For himself. Wherever it had come from and why, she had to intervene.
Quotes that were actually sort of sweet:
The abyss in his mind had vanished when she’d come to him. The darkness was still there … yet he could fight back.
His senses went into overdrive, so that even as she was on her knees and touching only one part of him, she surrounded him. She was inside him. Her scent was in his lungs, her taste not just on his tongue but coating his throat, her touch everywhere. On his cock, but also in the tiniest, most innocuous place. His toes. His ears. And yes, his eyes. The silver pupils that he hated became something bearable because she was there.
“Why did you attack him?” she asked, her voice tremulous. “I heard you screaming.” She shook her head. “No. You couldn’t have. I definitely wasn’t screaming. I was letting him kiss me. I was trying to get information about Miguel from him.” He noticed spatters of dried blood across her face and raised his hand as if he could wipe them away, then dropped it. “I lost sight of you on the dance floor.” She winced. “It all happened so fast. He pulled me outside, but I was making progress. I was close, so close to getting him to talk—” “I heard you scream,” he said, his eyes haunted. “You kept crying out the word no, over and over again.”
“I read your mind,” he said. “I didn’t know it at the time, and I didn’t mean to do it, but … you wanted it to stop. That’s what I was hearing. Your thoughts.”
Ty Duncan was entitled to make a few mistakes if he was willing to risk his life for others. He was her kind of man. No. Her kind of vampire, she thought defiantly. She’d lived her whole life longing for someone who cared enough to not neglect her the way her mother had. Someone who cared enough to not use her the way Miguel had. Someone who cared enough to not leave her the way Gloria had. So far, Ty was all that and more. If she took a chance on him, on them, maybe when this was all over, she’d have more than she’d ever hoped for. Love. Rock solid and blazing hot. If he had what it took, then she was in. All the way. She was his. But … First things first. She had to find out whether he could ever see himself as hers.
I won this book from GoodReads First Reads program. I have read previous Virna DePaul books and liked them. This book was not one I cared for at all. Most of the book was flat. The characters were flat, the plot was flat (when there wasn’t a lot of wtf going on) and even the sex was rather flat. There was too much telling and not showing, and too many info dumps. I will not be reading further in this series.
Ana Garcia was a gang banger, and was put in prison after a riot that occurred when she tried to get herself and her sister out of the gang. Special Agent Ty was turned into a vampire 7 months ago under torture. The FBI has been secretly employing some vampires to turn more humans into additional vampires to work for the FBI. Now the FBI is trying to get rid of those Rogue-turned vampires who are wrecking havoc. The Belladonna Agency is a very off-the-books group trying to control the Rogue-created vampires.
For reasons that never made much sense to me, the Belladonna Agency, which originally consisted of 5 people, decided that they needed to recruit 4 disparate women to act as additional agents. One of those Belladonna wants to recruit is Ana. Belladonna is trying to infiltrate a Hispanic group that is turning humans into vampires and also trafficking in humans for sex and blood. The leader of this Hispanic group, Miguel, was the one who recruited Ana to join the gang, and Belladonna believes he is still holding a torch for Ana. Belladonna, and Ty, view Ana as their entre into meeting Miguel.
The book also introduces the other 3 women that Belladonna want sot turn into agents. Presumnably the next 3 books will be about the other 3 women. Ana, while she is going to provide the introduction and incentive to Miguel, is also supposed to be teaching the other 3 women how to fight. Ostensibly due to her time in a gang and in person, she would make a good combat instructor *snort* I can’t find the part that talks about what at least one of the other women will contribute in skills, but I think it was about teaching the others how to walk with poise and dress nicely *rolls eyes*
Ty hates himself for being a vampire, and is filled with existential angst until the final portion of the book. Once something happens (that I won’t reveal because it’s a spoiler) he finally accepts his vampiric nature. But the endless self recriminations and self loathing do get to be a bit much, as does much else in this book. This book reduced me to yelling at the characters as I read and typing lots of WTF notes in my Kindle. Also wacky is the fact that Carly, who is their leader, gives them all instructions via conference call. Ana even makes a Carly’s Angel’s wisecrack. There were multiple such hokey elements in this story.
Quotes that made me roll my eyes:
He was perpetually hard whenever he was around her. If he tried covering it up, he’d spend his time doing nothing else.
Seconds passed and she realized he was ashamed of what he’d done. Ashamed of what he was. And dear God, she could relate to that. Even before she’d been sent to prison, long before that prosecutor had picked apart her life in front of a jury, she’d hated what she’d done to survive. Most of all, she’d hated what she was and the life to which she’d been born. It broke her heart to know that Ty was struggling with those same feelings because he’d been turned into a vampire. That hadn’t been his choice, any more than her own misfortune had been.
Felt the first stirrings of love—and respect—for him. He was willing to kill for her. He thought she was beautiful, despite—or maybe because of—the hidden scars she bore. And he cared enough about her to tell her to go, even though he looked as if he’d starve to death without her. Ana didn’t care if he was a vampire or not. She wanted Ty. Ty didn’t consciously try to read her mind, but he could hear her thoughts now. She was convinced she wanted him. He refused to allow himself to believe it.
Without warning, an ominous voice reverberated in his mind. Ty didn’t recognize it but he knew one thing—it didn’t belong to Miguel. You have marked her. You took her. Now what are you going to do with her?
What he’d said—that it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if he died—had to have been triggered by a rush of hate. For himself. Wherever it had come from and why, she had to intervene.
Quotes that were actually sort of sweet:
The abyss in his mind had vanished when she’d come to him. The darkness was still there … yet he could fight back.
His senses went into overdrive, so that even as she was on her knees and touching only one part of him, she surrounded him. She was inside him. Her scent was in his lungs, her taste not just on his tongue but coating his throat, her touch everywhere. On his cock, but also in the tiniest, most innocuous place. His toes. His ears. And yes, his eyes. The silver pupils that he hated became something bearable because she was there.
“Why did you attack him?” she asked, her voice tremulous. “I heard you screaming.” She shook her head. “No. You couldn’t have. I definitely wasn’t screaming. I was letting him kiss me. I was trying to get information about Miguel from him.” He noticed spatters of dried blood across her face and raised his hand as if he could wipe them away, then dropped it. “I lost sight of you on the dance floor.” She winced. “It all happened so fast. He pulled me outside, but I was making progress. I was close, so close to getting him to talk—” “I heard you scream,” he said, his eyes haunted. “You kept crying out the word no, over and over again.”
“I read your mind,” he said. “I didn’t know it at the time, and I didn’t mean to do it, but … you wanted it to stop. That’s what I was hearing. Your thoughts.”
Ty Duncan was entitled to make a few mistakes if he was willing to risk his life for others. He was her kind of man. No. Her kind of vampire, she thought defiantly. She’d lived her whole life longing for someone who cared enough to not neglect her the way her mother had. Someone who cared enough to not use her the way Miguel had. Someone who cared enough to not leave her the way Gloria had. So far, Ty was all that and more. If she took a chance on him, on them, maybe when this was all over, she’d have more than she’d ever hoped for. Love. Rock solid and blazing hot. If he had what it took, then she was in. All the way. She was his. But … First things first. She had to find out whether he could ever see himself as hers.
January 13, 2014
I'm a little bit disappointed from this book, given the premise of synopsis and the comparison with authors such as J.R. Ward, Nalini Singh and Lara Adrian. We are so far from them, the level is much lower than these authors, in my opinion.
Welcome to a mesmerizing world where vampires hide among humans. This centuries-old species has its own rules, code of conduct, and taboos. Only the FBI knows that vampires exist—and although the Bureau agrees to keep their secret, it also plots to give humans the upper hand.
Turning mortals into vampires is forbidden.
But there are creatures who refuse to play by the rules.
Ever since he was turned, FBI special agent Ty Duncan has had one mission: bring rogue vampires to justice. As a recruiter for Belladonna, a shadow agency formed to keep vampires in check, Ty must tap Ana Martin, a troubled ex–gang member and one of the few mortals who can infiltrate places that his kind and the law cannot. From their first encounter, Ty fights a hunger to make Ana his own.
When Ty claims to have information about Ana’s missing sister, Ana has no choice but to trust this captivating stranger who awakens her deepest desires. But as she and Ty climb the heights of pleasure and passion, an enemy is conspiring to destroy them both.
Can Ana help Ty find his humanity in a love that could heal them both, or will their passion lead them into a darkness impossible to escape?
There were potential to write a good story, but this remained.
Ty is a character a little too troubled, with highs and lows in his behaviour a bit as roller coaster; He hates himself, what he has become and is unable to control his impulses, losing too easily control more than once, especially due to Ana.
She has a turbulent past behind, a victim of violence, she seeks refuge in a gang, but it becomes dominated by a gang, until she decides to escape, but ends up in jail. She wants to rebuild a life, but she hasn't the real possibility until the Agency Belladonna gives her an opportunity to replace the relationship with the most important person in her life, her sister.
Nice idea to evoke the image of the television series Charlie's Angels, which is briefly mentioned in the book.
Otherwise great sex scenes, narration a bit slow, I was a bit bored, and zero humor.
I really didn't like Ty, I don't know if you figured it out, I was impressed, instead, by the bad guy of the situation Miguel and from Ana's ghost protector.
I don't understand from why Gloria felt all the rancor and hatred for her sister Ana.
This is the first book in Belladonna, though I don't know if the netx books are about the other women recruited by the Agency, the other "angels".
Thanks for the book to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Bantam Dell
Libro che mi ha un po' deluso, viste le premesse della sinossi e il paragone con autrici quali J.R. Ward, Nalini Singh e Lara Adrian. Non ci siamo proprio, il livello è decisamente inferiore rispetto a queste autrici, secondo me.
Benvenuti in questa realtà affascinante nella quale i vampiri si nascondono tra gli umani. Questa razza antica di centinaia di anni ha le proprie regole, un suo codice di condotta e i suoi taboo. Solo l'FBI è a conoscenza dell'esistenza dei vampiri, e anche se l'Agenzia è disposta a mantenere il segreto, complotta per poter mettere la razza umana in una posizione di dominio.
Trasformare mortali in vampiri è proibito.
Ma ci sono creature che si rifiutano di giocare secondo le regole.
Sin da quando è stato trasformato in un vampiro, l'agente speciale dell'FBI Ty Duncan ha un unico obiettivo: portare alla giustizia i vampiri ribelli. Dopo essere entrato a far parte dall'agenzia Belladonna, un'agenzia fantasma che ha il compito di tenere sotto controllo i vampiri, Ty deve reclutare Ana Martin, una donna dal passato travagliato, ex membro di una gang, e una delle poche mortali che si può infiltrare in posti dove nemmeno la razza di Ty o la legge possono accedere. Sin dal loro primo incontro Ty deve resistere all'intenso desiderio che prova per lei.
Quando Ty afferma di avere informazioni sulla sorella scomparsa di Ana, la donna non ha altra scelta che fidarsi dell'affascinante sconosciuto, che risveglia in lei desideri nascosti. Ma mentre Ana e Ty scoprono i piaceri e la passione che possono dare l'uno all'altra, un nemico cospira per eliminarli entrambi.
Ana potrà aiutare Ty a ritrovare la sua umanità grazie ad un amore che forse potrà guarire entrambi, oppure la loro passione li condurrà verso un vicolo cieco, al quale sarà impossibile sfuggire?
Le potenzialità c'erano per scrivere una bella storia, ma tale sono rimaste.
Ty è un personaggio un po' troppo travagliato, con degli alti e bassi nei suoi comportamenti un po' da montagne russe; odia se stesso, quello che è diventato e non riesce a controllare i suoi impulsi, perdendo troppo facilmente il controllo più di una volta, soprattutto a causa di Ana.
Lei ha un passato turbolento alle spalle, vittima di violenze, cerca rifugio in una gang, ma ne diventa succube di una gang, fino a quando decide di scappare, ma finisce in galera. Vuole ricostruirsi una vita, ma non ne ha la possibilità reale fino a quando l'Agenzia Belladonna le dà un'occasione, anche per rimettere a posto il rapporto con la persona più importante della sua vita, la sorella.
Carina l'idea di rievocare l'immagine della nota serie televisiva Charlie's Angels, che viene brevemente citata nel libro.
Per il resto gran scene di sesso, narrazione un po' lenta, che mi ha un po' annoiata e zero humour.
Ty non mi è piaciuto molto, non so se si è capito, in compenso sono rimasta colpita dal cattivo della situazione Miguel e dal protettore fantasma di Ana.
Non ho ben capito invece da dove nascesse tutto il rancore e l'odio di Gloria prova verso la sorella Ana.
Questo è il primo libro della serie Belladonna, anche se non so se il seguito riguarderà le altre donne reclutate dall'agenzia, gli altri angeli.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Random House Publishing Group- Bantam Dell per il libro.
September 12, 2018
This story gripped me from the very beginning. As I listened to the talented Sean Crisden, the people became almost real. The distinct voices spoken by Sean Crisden made it clear who was speaking. As for the story itself, I enjoyed the fast-pace and action. There were moments of laughter and others of tears. Ana was such a strong-willed woman, determined to move beyond her past but not wanting to leave behind her family. I loved her interactions with Ty who was such a sexy man yet caring and devoted. His dislike for what he had become made it more real for me. I highly recommend this story and will be looking for more to come.
I received a copy of this audio as a prize in a contest, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this audio as a prize in a contest, and this is my unsolicited review.
March 9, 2014
Too Many Issues
Ty Duncan is a Special Agent with the FBI...on paper, anyway...but since being tortured and turned into a vampire against his will six months ago, he - and a small group of specialized agents - work for the covert group called the Belladonna Agency. Belladonna has a specific purpose: stop Rogue vampires at any cost.
To that end, Ty has been sent to Seattle to recruit a new Belladonna member. Seven years ago, Ana Martin was known as Eliana Garcia, street-wise gang member and a favorite of the gang leader. Those gang ties are why Balladonna needs her. They need access to a place run by Ana's former gang leader, a place that may be a front for a Rogue blood slave market.
Now all Ty has to do is convince a very wary Ana to return to the life she's worked so hard to forget while fighting a desire for the feisty woman that stirs all his darkest yearnings - for her body, her blood, and most dangerous of all, her heart.
~*~
I had a lot of problems with this series debut by DePaul. The world building is pretty sparse, and what few details are provided stick to the broadest of broad strokes. I would have liked to have had a clearer idea of just how long the FBI have known about vampires (the book says "years" but not how many), how they found out about them, how long before they gave up on the born vampires and decided on trusting Rogues for their turning program (which, as far as I'm concerned, puts the FBI fully in the TSTL category, because really - there was no way that was going to end any way but badly), how many recruits have been turned, and what roles those turned recruits had in the FBI.
Not that having answers to any of those questions would have improved my opinion of the FBI's callous disregard for life or their general idiocy, but it may have given me a better handle on the world and the reason for Belladonna's existence.
Its supposed purpose is to quietly clean up the Rogue problem so the FBI could get back to making their turned vamps. That never struck me as the noblest mission statement, given the FBI's duplicitous and suspect actions, but maybe a clearer picture of their history with vampires and their beneficial utilization of turned recruits would have helped.
And not for nothing, but it seemed odd to me that neither the FBI nor anyone in Belladonna seemed to know all that much about vampires. Not even Ty, who was one. I'd think that at least knowing how to kill one would be one of the first things the FBI would want to learn about deadly creatures they're stockpiling.
There were too many problems and troubling elements with the world, the vampires, the FBI, and Belladonna in general for my comfort, but one point in particular stripped away my ability to willingly suspend disbelief. According to the mythos, the act of turning a vampire is fatal to the maker. At face value that's not a problem, but when I thought about Ty's brutal turning and certain other story elements, that detail created way more trouble than it was worth, making several plot points seem highly implausible.
But my problems with the book extended beyond those weighty issues. As characters, I thought Ty and Ana were the strongest part of the book. I liked them both as individuals. Ty's issues with his vampirism and Ana's ties to her sister gave them each depth and helped shape their definition. Unfortunately, I wasn't nearly as fond of them together as a couple.
Their initial chemistry was strong, and I liked the level of heat between them, but as their relationship progressed it started to sputter under conflicts that were inconsistent and hard to follow. Some of that was a reflection of the two characters who were, themselves, inconsistent at times. I had a hard time figuring out exactly what was bothering each of them with the relationship, or determining from one chapter to the next which one was martyring themselves for the greater good. And when I was able to follow the twists, I didn't like what I found.
Ana, in particular, committed what I consider an ultimate sin for a romantic heroine. At one point she pushes Ty away in a completely unequivocal...and rather hurtful manner, completely repudiating any significance in their relationship, then gets all wounded and insecure when as a result, Ty pulls back and treats her strictly professionally. I hate that sort of hypocrisy.
Secondary and ancillary characters, like the other women recruited to Belladonna, had potential to add positives to the story, but they ended up getting little definition and had almost no impact on me one way or the other. They were just too underutilized. Though I do think the reason they were tapped for Belladonna, once revealed, was incredibly weak considering the importance of the jobs they have been recruited to do and the training that would be necessary to do it effectively without getting themselves killed.
Altogether, there were just too many things stacked against this book for me. Too many elements didn't appeal; too many questions left unanswered. Far too many things that just didn't make sense. As a series debut, it posed too many problems for me to feel any desire to follow the Belladonna Agency into the next book.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Bantam Dell publisher Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
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Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Ty Duncan is a Special Agent with the FBI...on paper, anyway...but since being tortured and turned into a vampire against his will six months ago, he - and a small group of specialized agents - work for the covert group called the Belladonna Agency. Belladonna has a specific purpose: stop Rogue vampires at any cost.
To that end, Ty has been sent to Seattle to recruit a new Belladonna member. Seven years ago, Ana Martin was known as Eliana Garcia, street-wise gang member and a favorite of the gang leader. Those gang ties are why Balladonna needs her. They need access to a place run by Ana's former gang leader, a place that may be a front for a Rogue blood slave market.
Now all Ty has to do is convince a very wary Ana to return to the life she's worked so hard to forget while fighting a desire for the feisty woman that stirs all his darkest yearnings - for her body, her blood, and most dangerous of all, her heart.
~*~
I had a lot of problems with this series debut by DePaul. The world building is pretty sparse, and what few details are provided stick to the broadest of broad strokes. I would have liked to have had a clearer idea of just how long the FBI have known about vampires (the book says "years" but not how many), how they found out about them, how long before they gave up on the born vampires and decided on trusting Rogues for their turning program (which, as far as I'm concerned, puts the FBI fully in the TSTL category, because really - there was no way that was going to end any way but badly), how many recruits have been turned, and what roles those turned recruits had in the FBI.
Not that having answers to any of those questions would have improved my opinion of the FBI's callous disregard for life or their general idiocy, but it may have given me a better handle on the world and the reason for Belladonna's existence.
Its supposed purpose is to quietly clean up the Rogue problem so the FBI could get back to making their turned vamps. That never struck me as the noblest mission statement, given the FBI's duplicitous and suspect actions, but maybe a clearer picture of their history with vampires and their beneficial utilization of turned recruits would have helped.
And not for nothing, but it seemed odd to me that neither the FBI nor anyone in Belladonna seemed to know all that much about vampires. Not even Ty, who was one. I'd think that at least knowing how to kill one would be one of the first things the FBI would want to learn about deadly creatures they're stockpiling.
There were too many problems and troubling elements with the world, the vampires, the FBI, and Belladonna in general for my comfort, but one point in particular stripped away my ability to willingly suspend disbelief. According to the mythos, the act of turning a vampire is fatal to the maker. At face value that's not a problem, but when I thought about Ty's brutal turning and certain other story elements, that detail created way more trouble than it was worth, making several plot points seem highly implausible.
But my problems with the book extended beyond those weighty issues. As characters, I thought Ty and Ana were the strongest part of the book. I liked them both as individuals. Ty's issues with his vampirism and Ana's ties to her sister gave them each depth and helped shape their definition. Unfortunately, I wasn't nearly as fond of them together as a couple.
Their initial chemistry was strong, and I liked the level of heat between them, but as their relationship progressed it started to sputter under conflicts that were inconsistent and hard to follow. Some of that was a reflection of the two characters who were, themselves, inconsistent at times. I had a hard time figuring out exactly what was bothering each of them with the relationship, or determining from one chapter to the next which one was martyring themselves for the greater good. And when I was able to follow the twists, I didn't like what I found.
Ana, in particular, committed what I consider an ultimate sin for a romantic heroine. At one point she pushes Ty away in a completely unequivocal...and rather hurtful manner, completely repudiating any significance in their relationship, then gets all wounded and insecure when as a result, Ty pulls back and treats her strictly professionally. I hate that sort of hypocrisy.
Secondary and ancillary characters, like the other women recruited to Belladonna, had potential to add positives to the story, but they ended up getting little definition and had almost no impact on me one way or the other. They were just too underutilized. Though I do think the reason they were tapped for Belladonna, once revealed, was incredibly weak considering the importance of the jobs they have been recruited to do and the training that would be necessary to do it effectively without getting themselves killed.
Altogether, there were just too many things stacked against this book for me. Too many elements didn't appeal; too many questions left unanswered. Far too many things that just didn't make sense. As a series debut, it posed too many problems for me to feel any desire to follow the Belladonna Agency into the next book.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Bantam Dell publisher Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
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Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
March 24, 2017
If I had to choose 3 words epitomizing this story, I'd go for: maturity, intensity, and love. I don't know how to express myself, other than I loved this book. It had a very full, very believable, layered plotline. The romance was through the roof! Such intensity, it had! Such believability! The best aspects of the book were romance intensity, broken characters, a vampire story, a cop story, and true love. I would put this book on my top 5 list of intense romances. The only thing a little negative for me was keeping up with the layered police briefing, but I think I kept up pretty well! Phenomenal book!
June 25, 2017
I would have preferred more back story on why the villains were the way they were. It wasn't a bad stort, but with unanswered questions it was unsatisfying. I get creating suspense, but overall this story plodded along.
February 8, 2019
Audio version. Maybe it was just the narrator, but this one was a bit dramatic. Otherwise, it was ok.
May 10, 2020
2.75 ⭐'s I almost liked it, almost lol.
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