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Fang and Dagger #2
Vicious Waltz
How long can Zack pretend to belong to Roger’s world?
Zack Wright should be happy. He has a hot boyfriend and a mission that will turn him into a vampire hunting legend. All he has to do is put his training into practice. But his charmed life is rife with problems, the greatest of which is Roger’s reluctance to form a plan to tackle their target.
Roger is stronger than he’s ever been. Months of recuperation in Taliville have given him a freedom he hasn’t known in centuries. The prospect of taking on his sire is suddenly daunting, but his time in paradise is running out. If Roger doesn’t take control of the coven, he’ll have to endure his sire’s cruelty. And so will Zack and countless others.
At the last moment, a new addition is made to their conspiracy. Takashi Sato is a polished vampire who has a history with Roger. Seeing a charming man cozy up to Roger, Zack wonders if he truly belongs at Roger’s side. Can he keep up his masquerade as Roger’s pet? Will Roger find the courage to face his nightmares? Or will both misstep into a destructive oblivion?
Zack Wright should be happy. He has a hot boyfriend and a mission that will turn him into a vampire hunting legend. All he has to do is put his training into practice. But his charmed life is rife with problems, the greatest of which is Roger’s reluctance to form a plan to tackle their target.
Roger is stronger than he’s ever been. Months of recuperation in Taliville have given him a freedom he hasn’t known in centuries. The prospect of taking on his sire is suddenly daunting, but his time in paradise is running out. If Roger doesn’t take control of the coven, he’ll have to endure his sire’s cruelty. And so will Zack and countless others.
At the last moment, a new addition is made to their conspiracy. Takashi Sato is a polished vampire who has a history with Roger. Seeing a charming man cozy up to Roger, Zack wonders if he truly belongs at Roger’s side. Can he keep up his masquerade as Roger’s pet? Will Roger find the courage to face his nightmares? Or will both misstep into a destructive oblivion?
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2024
12 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Harker
8 books27 followersJS HARKER loves stories. She was one of those kids who always had a book in her hands and spent many hours adventuring with her siblings. These days she wanders into her imaginary worlds and conjures up tales of magic, passion, and happily-ever-afters. She currently lives in the part of the Midwest that makes Tatooine look interesting by comparison (not that she’s ever obsessively thought about becoming a Jedi or anything).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 8, 2024
VICIOUS WALTZ came in swinging and didn't stop all the way through the end...and what an end too! Roger and Zack are heading to Chicago to reintegrate into Roger's coven but things aren't perfect in paradise. Zack is dealing with his newfound feelings for a vampire, being disowned by his family, and realizing that the supernatural world isn't so black and white while Roger is struggling with confronting his past and all the abuse he endured under Seamus and Anton. Being back in the coven will be a tightrope walk of careful words and shuttered emotions and Zack isn't sure he can manage it without staking a few vampires along the way.
I loved the tension in this one and it's so complex. The vampire politics were really fleshed out and we learned so much about the world and the character development was exquisite. While he sometimes frustrated me, I really enjoyed seeing Zack wrestle with his morals and his beliefs and truly grow as a character. Confronting what humanity really means and how hunters can be just as monstrous as vampires was an issue Zack struggled with throughout most of the book but it all felt so authentic and real. Roger also goes through a fair bit of growth as he looks back on his past and he's forced to come to terms with the way he's numbed himself to survive in the coven.
Roger and Zack had some ups and downs as they worked through everything but I loved seeing a deeper exploration of their relationship. And to make things more complex Roger's ex lover, Takashi, is joining them in Chicago. Roger has always enjoyed having multiple partners but he doesn't want to mess things up with Zack so it takes a bit for them to finally have a much needed conversation. Seeing Zack become more comfortable with his feelings and his desires was so great and I adored the relationship that develops between Roger, Zack, and Takashi. The spice ramps up from book 1 but I especially loved the emotional intimacy that Takashi helps bring to the relationship.
This was an emotional, complex romance with an incredibly crafted plot and I never wanted to put it down. I won't spoil the ending but its a doozy of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Content Warning: reference to past abuse and sexual assault; death and torture
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
"You deserve to be loved, Zack. I want you to have as many kinds of love and as many people that you can handle. I want you to have so much love in your life that you never feel alone in the dark again. Because you are worth all of it."
I loved the tension in this one and it's so complex. The vampire politics were really fleshed out and we learned so much about the world and the character development was exquisite. While he sometimes frustrated me, I really enjoyed seeing Zack wrestle with his morals and his beliefs and truly grow as a character. Confronting what humanity really means and how hunters can be just as monstrous as vampires was an issue Zack struggled with throughout most of the book but it all felt so authentic and real. Roger also goes through a fair bit of growth as he looks back on his past and he's forced to come to terms with the way he's numbed himself to survive in the coven.
Roger and Zack had some ups and downs as they worked through everything but I loved seeing a deeper exploration of their relationship. And to make things more complex Roger's ex lover, Takashi, is joining them in Chicago. Roger has always enjoyed having multiple partners but he doesn't want to mess things up with Zack so it takes a bit for them to finally have a much needed conversation. Seeing Zack become more comfortable with his feelings and his desires was so great and I adored the relationship that develops between Roger, Zack, and Takashi. The spice ramps up from book 1 but I especially loved the emotional intimacy that Takashi helps bring to the relationship.
This was an emotional, complex romance with an incredibly crafted plot and I never wanted to put it down. I won't spoil the ending but its a doozy of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Content Warning: reference to past abuse and sexual assault; death and torture
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
"You deserve to be loved, Zack. I want you to have as many kinds of love and as many people that you can handle. I want you to have so much love in your life that you never feel alone in the dark again. Because you are worth all of it."
July 15, 2024
I loved the first book in this series as it has not only an interesting world building but also a bit of different character cast.
Therefore, I was not only ecstatic when I got my hands on this book but also enthusiastically re-reading the first book.
Habing just read "Wrong Hunt", I wondered what happened in the mere weeks between the books as we were now in a totally different relationship status and a change in confidence and trust.
This change had a deep importance on the characters and how they behaved. Especially Zachs character was not improved by that.
He was also the one character I had the most troubles with. On the one hand, I could understand his behaviour. On the other hand, it was not understandable at all. Especially not, why so many fell in love with him.
The development with Takeshi on the other hand was beautifully done, and I loved what happened there.
The story is not easy to read, and the cliffhanger at the end is vicious ....as is a big part of the plot.
But, I hope for the best for the next book .... and pretty, pretty please let it be published soon.
Note: This is the second book in this series, and it is essential that the books are read in order.
And if you don't like cliffhangers, wait till the third book is out as this one was no joke
Therefore, I was not only ecstatic when I got my hands on this book but also enthusiastically re-reading the first book.
Habing just read "Wrong Hunt", I wondered what happened in the mere weeks between the books as we were now in a totally different relationship status and a change in confidence and trust.
This change had a deep importance on the characters and how they behaved. Especially Zachs character was not improved by that.
He was also the one character I had the most troubles with. On the one hand, I could understand his behaviour. On the other hand, it was not understandable at all. Especially not, why so many fell in love with him.
The development with Takeshi on the other hand was beautifully done, and I loved what happened there.
The story is not easy to read, and the cliffhanger at the end is vicious ....as is a big part of the plot.
But, I hope for the best for the next book .... and pretty, pretty please let it be published soon.
Note: This is the second book in this series, and it is essential that the books are read in order.
And if you don't like cliffhangers, wait till the third book is out as this one was no joke
November 28, 2024
nice follow up
Zack and Roger (and friends) attempting to take down Seamus. Lots of tension and scary moments. I also liked the deeper questions of morality in the story. Great polyamory chemistry and friendship too.
Zack and Roger (and friends) attempting to take down Seamus. Lots of tension and scary moments. I also liked the deeper questions of morality in the story. Great polyamory chemistry and friendship too.
January 9, 2024
Note that this is book two and you must read book one first. Also, it ends on a massive plot cliffhanger. MASSIVE. So, if that is not your thing, as the author says: wait for book three before you proceed. My opinion? It’s worth reading now.
The world building was top notch. The whole vampire and other supernatural society was very thorough and the twists kept coming. I did not see quite a few of them coming.
The ploy triad, which I can picture expanding in book three was a really good addition, brining Takashi in to add sweetness for Zack and support for Roger.
Seamus and Anton are reprehensible villains. I see zero good side. These are not heroes we might come to love, but just straight up monsters. Excellent work by the author to create pure hatred for the big baddies.
It’s interesting how you never know who to trust outside the core group. Each interaction make us question if this new side character is good or evil. Lying, manipulating, trying to survive, or a potential ally. Anything is possible.
Yes, it ends on a gigantic cliffhanger. Kind of like a TV show does. You know things will be okay EVENTUALLY, but the sweet sweet torture is actually really effectively done.
Point of contention for me: The first 25% drove me nuts with the lack of communication between Roger and Zack. Like, my guys, one conversation would fix all of your relationship or lack-of-relationship problems. One. Conversation. This theme continued throughout with Zack’s insecurities and Roger’s unwillingness to force a conversation.
Also, with all the resources available to them through Talisville, could we not get Zack into therapy for a minute? Self-loathing at that level is dangerous. Actually, we could get them all into therapy. A quick novella with all these poor souls just getting therapy and anti-depressants.
Five stars for sheer entertainment value.
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 (bonus world building points)
Swoon 🥰🥰
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Angst. 😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫 (yes, I’m giving 10 angsts)
I recieved an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
The world building was top notch. The whole vampire and other supernatural society was very thorough and the twists kept coming. I did not see quite a few of them coming.
The ploy triad, which I can picture expanding in book three was a really good addition, brining Takashi in to add sweetness for Zack and support for Roger.
Seamus and Anton are reprehensible villains. I see zero good side. These are not heroes we might come to love, but just straight up monsters. Excellent work by the author to create pure hatred for the big baddies.
It’s interesting how you never know who to trust outside the core group. Each interaction make us question if this new side character is good or evil. Lying, manipulating, trying to survive, or a potential ally. Anything is possible.
Yes, it ends on a gigantic cliffhanger. Kind of like a TV show does. You know things will be okay EVENTUALLY, but the sweet sweet torture is actually really effectively done.
Point of contention for me: The first 25% drove me nuts with the lack of communication between Roger and Zack. Like, my guys, one conversation would fix all of your relationship or lack-of-relationship problems. One. Conversation. This theme continued throughout with Zack’s insecurities and Roger’s unwillingness to force a conversation.
Also, with all the resources available to them through Talisville, could we not get Zack into therapy for a minute? Self-loathing at that level is dangerous. Actually, we could get them all into therapy. A quick novella with all these poor souls just getting therapy and anti-depressants.
Five stars for sheer entertainment value.
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 (bonus world building points)
Swoon 🥰🥰
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Angst. 😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫 (yes, I’m giving 10 angsts)
I recieved an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
January 17, 2024
After enjoying Wrong Hunt, the first book in the Fang and Dagger series, I was eager for more of the world. There were lots of interesting points I wished to see explored in more depth, which meant I was eager to dive into the second book. As I’d hoped, Vicious Waltz was an addictive second book in the series.
As with the first book, Vicious Waltz was a story I happily devoured. I will be honest and say that I found things a little slow at the start of the book, but I could not put it down once things started to move. While I found the book difficult to put down, I will admit that I was a little conflicted. For me, the pacing did not feel entirely right. There were some elements – such as the changes to the romantic dynamic – that felt like they happened much too quickly, while there were other elements that seemed to be spread out over more time than I’d anticipated. It was not enough to remove my enjoyment of the book, but it did leave me feeling like some elements were given more attention than others. Despite, this, I had a lot of fun with the book. Lots of interesting elements developed in this story, and I am curious to see what comes next.
All in all, Vicious Waltz was an addictive addition to the Fang and Dagger series. With an ending that will leave you desperate for more, it is well worth the read for those who enjoyed the first book.
As with the first book, Vicious Waltz was a story I happily devoured. I will be honest and say that I found things a little slow at the start of the book, but I could not put it down once things started to move. While I found the book difficult to put down, I will admit that I was a little conflicted. For me, the pacing did not feel entirely right. There were some elements – such as the changes to the romantic dynamic – that felt like they happened much too quickly, while there were other elements that seemed to be spread out over more time than I’d anticipated. It was not enough to remove my enjoyment of the book, but it did leave me feeling like some elements were given more attention than others. Despite, this, I had a lot of fun with the book. Lots of interesting elements developed in this story, and I am curious to see what comes next.
All in all, Vicious Waltz was an addictive addition to the Fang and Dagger series. With an ending that will leave you desperate for more, it is well worth the read for those who enjoyed the first book.
January 19, 2024
Zack should be happy with his new life. He has a very hot boyfriend, even if he is a vampire, and he is ready to eliminate a cruel vampire, which could make him a hunter legend. But that path is fraught with danger. Roger, his boyfriend, has not shared the plan and things keep changing. New members have been added to their group. There are now three pets and another vampire, Takashi Sato. Takashi has a past with Roger and Zack wonders if he would be better for Roger. However, they are all prepared. Roger has more power than he thought he would have while Zack has been trained in pet expectations. What could go wrong? It turns anything and everything.
Zack is too tender in so many ways. He is not prepared for the callous disregard of humans as well as the violence he witnesses. Roger has more than a few doubts. He feels he is strong but maybe not strong enough. Takashi is an interesting addition and he adds much to the plans. The ending is incredible and will leave you wanting so much more. Be sure to start with book one as it will enhance your reading pleasure. I cannot wait for the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and it was my pleasure to voluntarily leave this review.
Zack is too tender in so many ways. He is not prepared for the callous disregard of humans as well as the violence he witnesses. Roger has more than a few doubts. He feels he is strong but maybe not strong enough. Takashi is an interesting addition and he adds much to the plans. The ending is incredible and will leave you wanting so much more. Be sure to start with book one as it will enhance your reading pleasure. I cannot wait for the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and it was my pleasure to voluntarily leave this review.
January 5, 2024
Book two in the Fang and Dagger series was quite enjoyable. There was a lot of angst, pining over love and jealousy. A lot of spilled blood. The tension builds until the very end of the book.
Roger and Zack's partnership develops into a real relationship, bringing in another vampire, Takashi. Once Takashi and Roger were lovers and feelings remain. There are also two more pets/feeders. A human named Carter and a fox shifter, Kit.
In the content discretion/ forward of the book, the author warns that this book ends on a cliffhanger. In the author's words a STRONG cliffhanger.
JS Harker does not lie. The ending was an OMG moment... also... What the fudge. Book one was alright. This book was tremendous. Will it only be a trilogy (I hope so, because I need resolution ASAP) or will the author torture us through several more books?
An enjoyable read. Want more.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Roger and Zack's partnership develops into a real relationship, bringing in another vampire, Takashi. Once Takashi and Roger were lovers and feelings remain. There are also two more pets/feeders. A human named Carter and a fox shifter, Kit.
In the content discretion/ forward of the book, the author warns that this book ends on a cliffhanger. In the author's words a STRONG cliffhanger.
JS Harker does not lie. The ending was an OMG moment... also... What the fudge. Book one was alright. This book was tremendous. Will it only be a trilogy (I hope so, because I need resolution ASAP) or will the author torture us through several more books?
An enjoyable read. Want more.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 17, 2024
First things first— this is book two in a series, which means 1) it’s a very good idea to start with book one, if you haven’t already 2) there’s more to come for this overall storyline (i.e., expect a cliffhanger). Here we get a chance for more depth pretty much across the board: in character development, world building, and the overall plot arc. All in all, its an engrossing reading experience: Roger and Zack are compelling characters, although their lack of communication skills at times tows the line between ridiculously frustrating and “potentially going to get them into a world of trouble on every possible level.” There’s emotion and pain and potential all over the place here, the villains are reprehensible and Takashi is…something. Not sure exactly what yet, but I definitely look forward to finding out. 4.5 stars: well worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 16, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Vicious Waltz is the second book in J.S. Harker’s Fang and Dagger series and picks up shortly after the end of the first book, Wrong Hunt. That book came out about a year and a half ago and I was a little worried when reading through my notes that I wasn’t going to remember enough to pick up here. But while you are absolutely going to want to read these in order, I think Harker does a nice job conveying the basics you need to know to transition into this second story.
This one ends with some big excitement and a cliffhanger that shakes a lot of things up. I am eager to see how it all comes together in the next book and what the future holds for Roger, Zack, and Takashi.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Vicious Waltz is the second book in J.S. Harker’s Fang and Dagger series and picks up shortly after the end of the first book, Wrong Hunt. That book came out about a year and a half ago and I was a little worried when reading through my notes that I wasn’t going to remember enough to pick up here. But while you are absolutely going to want to read these in order, I think Harker does a nice job conveying the basics you need to know to transition into this second story.
This one ends with some big excitement and a cliffhanger that shakes a lot of things up. I am eager to see how it all comes together in the next book and what the future holds for Roger, Zack, and Takashi.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
January 22, 2024
More delicious vampires and their world
This is definitely a story that is bigger than one book and JS Harker has done some wonderful world building to set things up in. I couldn’t even begin to describe the plot without you reading the series because the whole thing is so big but it’s so well set up and written that it’s a joy to follow. At its heart it’s about ancient vampire Roger and human Zack who starts out as a monster hunter but then the story keeps getting bigger and more characters and situations come into play. Harker does a delightful job of keeping things up in the air about who is on whose side and what the heck is going on without ever losing me at least as interested and focused on what I was reading. This is definitely one of those series that is going to go on my reread once a year shelf.
This is definitely a story that is bigger than one book and JS Harker has done some wonderful world building to set things up in. I couldn’t even begin to describe the plot without you reading the series because the whole thing is so big but it’s so well set up and written that it’s a joy to follow. At its heart it’s about ancient vampire Roger and human Zack who starts out as a monster hunter but then the story keeps getting bigger and more characters and situations come into play. Harker does a delightful job of keeping things up in the air about who is on whose side and what the heck is going on without ever losing me at least as interested and focused on what I was reading. This is definitely one of those series that is going to go on my reread once a year shelf.
January 9, 2024
As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, I think I liked this one more. As it is, it is 4.42am as I write this review and I have just put the kindle down. Holy hika, that ending scene. Do not read this book if you're not into cliff hangers. I'm absolutely holding out hope that everyone comes out of that alive...
This story was much bloodier and more brutal than the first, though there were also more bright spots. Both Roger and Zack do quite a bit of introspection throughout, and they both come out stronger for it. The poly thing was somewhat of a surprise, but it works. Ugh, now the waiting for the next book begins.
This story was much bloodier and more brutal than the first, though there were also more bright spots. Both Roger and Zack do quite a bit of introspection throughout, and they both come out stronger for it. The poly thing was somewhat of a surprise, but it works. Ugh, now the waiting for the next book begins.
January 15, 2024
I thought the first book in the series (you do need to read this first) was exceptional and wow the author has surpassed themselves with this book, I literally could not put it down! Great world building and the violent, bloody storyline had so may unexpected twist and turns and the tension just builds and builds so you are completely captivated. It still gives you plenty of sweet moments and an intriguing relationship dynamic between them all. But OMG what an ending! A true cliffhanger moment leaving us desperate for more!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
January 20, 2024
Zack and Roger
Well, well, let's just say that this was a holy sh*t continuation of the first book with an "OMG what will happen next" ending that is just WOW! Honestly I'm going to be pretty vague with this review, I don't want to spoil but I will say that this story kinda keeps you guessing. Introductions to new characters that add a way different dynamic to these guys, the present and possibly future. Listen, if you've read the first book, this is a must and if you haven't, grab the first one read it and then get this book....you won't be disappointed. I recommend this story 100%
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Well, well, let's just say that this was a holy sh*t continuation of the first book with an "OMG what will happen next" ending that is just WOW! Honestly I'm going to be pretty vague with this review, I don't want to spoil but I will say that this story kinda keeps you guessing. Introductions to new characters that add a way different dynamic to these guys, the present and possibly future. Listen, if you've read the first book, this is a must and if you haven't, grab the first one read it and then get this book....you won't be disappointed. I recommend this story 100%
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
January 14, 2024
So, this was quite a violent and bloody edition to the series! Very exciting with top notch continuing of the world building and supernatural species. I really felt for Zack for a while there. He was feeling insecure in his relationship with Roger, and they so needed to communicate. Ironically adding Takashi to the mix is not only going to instigate that, but it seems it is building into a threesome relationship, and I am all aboard! Takashi really does genuinely fit, and I believe he will change up the dynamic in a positive way. GIANT Cliff hanger though but I am here for that too!
January 19, 2024
I'm kind of annoyed that I now have to read a third book to get any sort of closure, especially considering that this book didn't make me like Zach any more than I did at the end of the first book. Honestly, Roger is now starting to annoy me as well. This book ends on a HUGE cliffhanger. Will I read the next book? Absolutely, because I'm more concerned with all the secondary characters than I am with either of the MCs at this time. Takashi is my new fave.
January 24, 2024
What an absolutely insane ride this was! And I loved every minute of it! This author sure does like their cliffhangers, let me you! It is going to drive me insane until I find out what is going on now, dammit, I hate waiting, but at least it is coming, right? Read this book or if you are new to this start with the first one, you'll love every moment of it too! It's a bloody good book! (sorry, bad pun!)
January 11, 2024
I absolutely loved the in depth exploration of supernatural lore and although I’m not a fan of poly ships I enjoyed the way the characters bounced off each other regardless and enjoyed the sweet comfort moments between Takashi, Roger and Zack. And the cliffhanger, boy the cliffhanger, very curious to see where that goes!
January 19, 2024
He has been pretending to belong to their world and he will soon need to make a decision on where his life is going to lead. He needs to kill his sire but he is unsure if he can do it. If he cannot others will suffer the wrath. What will he do? Will he face his sire? Can he beat his sire? See just what will happen for them all
January 23, 2024
There is a very clear notice from the author about the cliffhanger, but oh my gosh! When will the next book be out? I'm pretty sure I need it now. So this is a continuation of storyline and characters from book one of this series. We get to know more about Zack and Roger. We also see more of Kit and Carver. It's a very exciting book, and I really am very ready for the next book.
January 15, 2024
Holy Smokes! Wow! So good! This book was awesome, full of surprises and I hope that there will be a short wait before book three! Action packed page turner that will leave you breathless until the very end! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review! So good!
July 16, 2024
This is a fantastic addition to the series. Incredible world building, changes and growth in the relationships between the MCs and secondary characters, and some hot scenes too. A lot of angst, and a HUGE cliffhanger. I’m desperate for book 3!!!!!
October 2, 2024
Urban fantasy with growing romance compared to the first in the series. Abrupt ending. Appreciated the evolution of the poly relationship between the main characters but the initial start of it did not ring particularly true given Zack’s age and relative inexperience.
January 30, 2024
Cliffhanger
More drama, more action and more angst and what the holy mother is that ending, I need book 3 ASAP.
More drama, more action and more angst and what the holy mother is that ending, I need book 3 ASAP.
April 26, 2024
An Incredible Cliffhanger!
A romance between a vampire hunter, vampires and their 'pets.'
A lifelong struggle between vampires.
A time for a new leader!
A fantastic series!
A romance between a vampire hunter, vampires and their 'pets.'
A lifelong struggle between vampires.
A time for a new leader!
A fantastic series!
Read
July 15, 2025DNF @ 38%
January 16, 2024
This book is not a standalone. I would strongly recommend reading book 1 first.
Fantastic world building! The poly aspect was a surprise but the new addition strengthened their relationship.
I was sitting there trying to figure out who was good, bad and/or had ulterior motives.
Ends in a cliffhanger so be prepared.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Fantastic world building! The poly aspect was a surprise but the new addition strengthened their relationship.
I was sitting there trying to figure out who was good, bad and/or had ulterior motives.
Ends in a cliffhanger so be prepared.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
October 3, 2025
3.75⭐️
Viscous Waltz is a great follow-up to Wild Hunt. Roger and Zack are much more fleshed out, and the members added to their group provide people for Zack to lean on and who call him out for being an asshole. They’re also a nice balance to the danger and intensity inherent in the story. There’s a lot of tension in the story as the game Roger, Zack and Takashi are playing is a delicate dance that is hindered by Roger’s hesitance. Coming back to the GLC is hard in many ways for Roger. It reminds him of how mercenary and self-serving vampire culture is, and how difficult it can be to live freely. But disappearing without a word to Seamus has him walking a tightrope over a lava pit.
Roger’s time in Taliville with Zack forces him to face the abuse and atrocities Seamus and Anton inflicted that Roger convinced himself he enjoyed in order to survive. He’s afraid and wants an easy solution though he knows there is none. He has no confidence in himself but needs to find some quick. He has to get the coven behind him before he takes out Seamus but needs to kill him asap. Zack is equally conflicted and feeling less than confident, especially when he makes his debut into vamp society. He scoffed at the training and the protocols but quickly realizes his mistake. Meeting Seamus brings home the vampire’s danger and power, but Zack is still frustrated by the protracted steps necessary to take him out.
He’s intimidated by Seamus’s power, overwhelmed by Roger’s world and angered by the horrific things he sees but can’ stop. He’s also still dealing with his family disowning him and desperate to make contact even as he tries to move on. Moreover, he and Roger have yet to talk about their relationship, and the few things they have discussed, such as Roger being poly, make Zack feel inadequate. Roger reconnecting with his suave, cultured and clearly still interested former lover Takashi wreaks havoc on Zack’s insecurities about being boyfriends with vampires. He also has to face some hard truths about what it means to be a vampire and aspects of their nature Zack will have to accept.
The intrigue is handled pretty well, but the plan is still very shaky, especially since it’s on a truncated timetable. The entire plan still hinges on Zack getting close enough to take Seamus by surprise and use his dagger, but there is no battle plan laid out to get the dagger near Seamus until they start smoozing. There’s some loose explanations for why master planner Zack couldn’t sketch out an outline of the general plan, but there’s no reason not to focus on, again, the most important, weakest and hardest part the entire plan hinges on. They talk about where and when they can take Seamus out, and why they can’t leave their weapons there, but there are no considerations of how to get it done. They then decide to kill Seamus in a way they rejected earlier, but again with no plan for hiding their weaponry. In a world of magic and where Zack can do magic, I’m hard-pressed to believe they couldn’t find something that seems innocuous to mask Zack’s dagger, especially when Anton’s not around. It starts to really feel reckless after a certain display that would definitely catch Seamus’s attention, but the MCs don’t take precautions or get serious about how they’ll get to Seamus, which I found frustrating and distracting. However, the climax did catch my attention, and unlike before, I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
Viscous Waltz is a great follow-up to Wild Hunt. Roger and Zack are much more fleshed out, and the members added to their group provide people for Zack to lean on and who call him out for being an asshole. They’re also a nice balance to the danger and intensity inherent in the story. There’s a lot of tension in the story as the game Roger, Zack and Takashi are playing is a delicate dance that is hindered by Roger’s hesitance. Coming back to the GLC is hard in many ways for Roger. It reminds him of how mercenary and self-serving vampire culture is, and how difficult it can be to live freely. But disappearing without a word to Seamus has him walking a tightrope over a lava pit.
Roger’s time in Taliville with Zack forces him to face the abuse and atrocities Seamus and Anton inflicted that Roger convinced himself he enjoyed in order to survive. He’s afraid and wants an easy solution though he knows there is none. He has no confidence in himself but needs to find some quick. He has to get the coven behind him before he takes out Seamus but needs to kill him asap. Zack is equally conflicted and feeling less than confident, especially when he makes his debut into vamp society. He scoffed at the training and the protocols but quickly realizes his mistake. Meeting Seamus brings home the vampire’s danger and power, but Zack is still frustrated by the protracted steps necessary to take him out.
He’s intimidated by Seamus’s power, overwhelmed by Roger’s world and angered by the horrific things he sees but can’ stop. He’s also still dealing with his family disowning him and desperate to make contact even as he tries to move on. Moreover, he and Roger have yet to talk about their relationship, and the few things they have discussed, such as Roger being poly, make Zack feel inadequate. Roger reconnecting with his suave, cultured and clearly still interested former lover Takashi wreaks havoc on Zack’s insecurities about being boyfriends with vampires. He also has to face some hard truths about what it means to be a vampire and aspects of their nature Zack will have to accept.
The intrigue is handled pretty well, but the plan is still very shaky, especially since it’s on a truncated timetable. The entire plan still hinges on Zack getting close enough to take Seamus by surprise and use his dagger, but there is no battle plan laid out to get the dagger near Seamus until they start smoozing. There’s some loose explanations for why master planner Zack couldn’t sketch out an outline of the general plan, but there’s no reason not to focus on, again, the most important, weakest and hardest part the entire plan hinges on. They talk about where and when they can take Seamus out, and why they can’t leave their weapons there, but there are no considerations of how to get it done. They then decide to kill Seamus in a way they rejected earlier, but again with no plan for hiding their weaponry. In a world of magic and where Zack can do magic, I’m hard-pressed to believe they couldn’t find something that seems innocuous to mask Zack’s dagger, especially when Anton’s not around. It starts to really feel reckless after a certain display that would definitely catch Seamus’s attention, but the MCs don’t take precautions or get serious about how they’ll get to Seamus, which I found frustrating and distracting. However, the climax did catch my attention, and unlike before, I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
July 20, 2024
An incredible follow-up to the first book. We get new details about this world and vampire and hunter culture along with great character development for Zack and Roger. Both these characters are flawed in ways that complicate both their mission and the relationship they are trying to build and I loved the way the author made me alternate between frustration with them both and deep sympathy for the trials both emotional and physical they must go through. The addition of the character of Takashi added even more wonderful angst.
July 23, 2024
oh, warning the cliffhanger is a doozy. the characters bring the angst to a new level. we see these three built something
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