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Seekers #4
Valentine's Day
Fire isn't the only thing that can make a vampire burn.
Jack Valentine is no stranger to a manhunt, but usually she's the one doing the hunting. In retrospect, maybe her assassination attempt on the Primus – the most powerful Silver in existence – was a mistake. She probably shouldn't have murdered her ex-girlfriend either, however necessary it seemed at the time. But if Jack could take back only one thing from that awful night, it would be telling Killian Drake that she... sort of likes him.
On the run from the Primus's guards and fearing retribution from at least three different directions, Jack has no option but to lie low. For a disaster-magnet like her, that's one hell of an ask, but she'd stay in hiding forever if it meant she could avoid Drake.
Unfortunately, she didn't walk away from her murderous endeavours unscathed. With poison in her veins, Jack is now very literally hot-blooded, and getting hotter all the time. She needs Drake's healing kisses to keep herself from going up in flames, which forces them into just the kind of proximity she's trying to avoid.
One way or another, someone's about to get burned.
Valentine's Day is the fourth book in Josie Jaffrey's Seekers series, an urban fantasy series set in Oxford, England.
Jack Valentine is no stranger to a manhunt, but usually she's the one doing the hunting. In retrospect, maybe her assassination attempt on the Primus – the most powerful Silver in existence – was a mistake. She probably shouldn't have murdered her ex-girlfriend either, however necessary it seemed at the time. But if Jack could take back only one thing from that awful night, it would be telling Killian Drake that she... sort of likes him.
On the run from the Primus's guards and fearing retribution from at least three different directions, Jack has no option but to lie low. For a disaster-magnet like her, that's one hell of an ask, but she'd stay in hiding forever if it meant she could avoid Drake.
Unfortunately, she didn't walk away from her murderous endeavours unscathed. With poison in her veins, Jack is now very literally hot-blooded, and getting hotter all the time. She needs Drake's healing kisses to keep herself from going up in flames, which forces them into just the kind of proximity she's trying to avoid.
One way or another, someone's about to get burned.
Valentine's Day is the fourth book in Josie Jaffrey's Seekers series, an urban fantasy series set in Oxford, England.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2024
4 people want to read
About the author
Josie Jaffrey
56 books172 followersJosie is a dark fantasy, paranormal romance and historical fiction author who writes about lost worlds, dystopian societies and morally-ambiguous monsters (vampires are her favourite). She has published multiple novels and short stories. Most of those are set in the Silverse, an apocalyptic world filled with vampires and zombies.
Josie is the founding editor of indie fantasy magazine Indie Bites (www.silversunbooks.com) and the writer of the urban fantasy podcast Jack Valentine, Vampire Detective (www.jackvalentinepod.com).
She’s currently working on vampire murder mysteries (the Seekers series) and a YA series centred around Atlantis and the lost civilisations of the Mediterranean (the Deluge series). Researching the latter is the first time she’s used her Classics degree since university.
Josie lives in Oxford with her husband and two cats (Sparky and Gussie), who graciously permit human cohabitation in return for regular feeding and cuddles. The resulting cat fluff makes it difficult for Josie to wear black, which is largely why she gave up being a goth. Although the cats are definitely worth it, she still misses her old wardrobe.
Josie is the founding editor of indie fantasy magazine Indie Bites (www.silversunbooks.com) and the writer of the urban fantasy podcast Jack Valentine, Vampire Detective (www.jackvalentinepod.com).
She’s currently working on vampire murder mysteries (the Seekers series) and a YA series centred around Atlantis and the lost civilisations of the Mediterranean (the Deluge series). Researching the latter is the first time she’s used her Classics degree since university.
Josie lives in Oxford with her husband and two cats (Sparky and Gussie), who graciously permit human cohabitation in return for regular feeding and cuddles. The resulting cat fluff makes it difficult for Josie to wear black, which is largely why she gave up being a goth. Although the cats are definitely worth it, she still misses her old wardrobe.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 5, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and this does not affect my opinion of the book.)
Holy crap, what a ride. VALENTINE’S DAY was a highly anticipated read for me after flying through the previous three books in the Seekers series, and it did not disappoint. This book has a different tone than its predecessors, which did take me a bit to warm up to as I was hoping for a whirlwind murder mystery like the others, but its focus on Jack and the aftermath of the shitstorm from book 3 drove the story forward just as well as the whodunnit plots of the previous books. And when that murder mystery DID show up, I was shook. Like, “shouting-at-my-kindle” kind of shook. The twists in this book had me on the edge of my seat, and I am once again begging for the next book even though this one isn’t even out yet *sob*
So yeah, I continue to be obsessed with and blown away by this series and I will NOT shut up about it.
Holy crap, what a ride. VALENTINE’S DAY was a highly anticipated read for me after flying through the previous three books in the Seekers series, and it did not disappoint. This book has a different tone than its predecessors, which did take me a bit to warm up to as I was hoping for a whirlwind murder mystery like the others, but its focus on Jack and the aftermath of the shitstorm from book 3 drove the story forward just as well as the whodunnit plots of the previous books. And when that murder mystery DID show up, I was shook. Like, “shouting-at-my-kindle” kind of shook. The twists in this book had me on the edge of my seat, and I am once again begging for the next book even though this one isn’t even out yet *sob*
So yeah, I continue to be obsessed with and blown away by this series and I will NOT shut up about it.
November 6, 2024
Oh. My. God. The tension in this book was off the charts, and I am not just talking about the plot. If you read my review of Winta’s day, the previous book, you’ll know it wasn’t my favourite of the series, but in Valentine’s day my faves Jack and Killian are back at it again and I just couldn’t get enough.
Jack is back to her usual self, still making bad decisions but for slightly more reasonable reasons. But there is one big change… she’s dying. Killing Winta may have been the right decision, but accidentally poisoning herself in the process certainly wasn’t. The only thing slowing down the clock are kisses from the one and only Killian Drake, the man Jack loves, whether she’s willing to admit it or not. If I had one frustration with Jack it’s that she tries to do too much herself, she isn’t trusting, and being on deaths door has absolutely made her more grouchy and temperamental, but through this book she starts to realise just how many people she has on her side, how many people are willing to put themselves on the line for her.
The story starts with Jack on the run from the Solus Invicti, the Vampire government/policing body, which is bound to happen when, you know, you try and kill their ruler. Maybe not Jack’s wisest decision, even she’s willing to admit that, but they aren’t the only one’s trying to kill her. Jack’s own body is fighting against her, burning her up from the inside out, and it takes healing kisses from Drake, the Vampire who silvered for her (like the deepest, strongest kind of love/bond) to ease the symptoms, something that also means Jack’s upcoming death applies to him, because Vampires who silver for another become bound to them in life and death, something Jack isn’t willing to accept. Her decisions are her own, her failures should fall on her shoulders only, and she tries her best to push Killian away, hoping to break the bond, and through that, save his life.
Though the plot largely focuses around Jack’s need to try and heal herself, Jaffrey throws in plenty of twists to keep us on our toes… would it be a Jack Valentine book without a little murder? There are some that are fairly easy to guess, but one towards the end absolutely blew me away and I am not sure whether I like it… let’s just say it’s left open for the next book and I need to know what happens! Jaffrey’s witty and propulsive writing style ensure this is a quick read, like all the other books, and thanks to the twists, as well as the unbelievable tension between Jack and Killian, I polished it off within a matter of hours.
The romance between these two though. I have been a Jack/Killian shipper since book one, which is maybe why I didn’t love the previous book so much, but we get sooo much page time in this one. Jaffrey really ramps up the tension between these two, not that Jack and Killian need any help. Their one a month kisses are slowly torturing them, but Jack isn’t willing to take it any further, to risk deepening the bond any more. What she doesn’t realise is that Killian is head over heels, so deep in love with her that nothing she did or said could push him away. And let me tell you, when they finally give in… Jaffrey treats us I am telling you now. The tension from the last two books explodes and it was smutty and steamy and got me all kinds of hot under the collar. But I also loved the smaller scenes between them, the ones where Jack showed how safe she felt around Killian, how at home she feels with him.
How, how can you end the book like that! It’s torture… not knowing what happens next, and now I’m desperate to get my hands on the next book. If you’re a fan of the series, you’re gonna love this one, and if you haven’t picked it up yet… what are you waiting for?!? Vampires are having their comeback and Jack Valentine is absolutely a favourite of mine.
Jack is back to her usual self, still making bad decisions but for slightly more reasonable reasons. But there is one big change… she’s dying. Killing Winta may have been the right decision, but accidentally poisoning herself in the process certainly wasn’t. The only thing slowing down the clock are kisses from the one and only Killian Drake, the man Jack loves, whether she’s willing to admit it or not. If I had one frustration with Jack it’s that she tries to do too much herself, she isn’t trusting, and being on deaths door has absolutely made her more grouchy and temperamental, but through this book she starts to realise just how many people she has on her side, how many people are willing to put themselves on the line for her.
The story starts with Jack on the run from the Solus Invicti, the Vampire government/policing body, which is bound to happen when, you know, you try and kill their ruler. Maybe not Jack’s wisest decision, even she’s willing to admit that, but they aren’t the only one’s trying to kill her. Jack’s own body is fighting against her, burning her up from the inside out, and it takes healing kisses from Drake, the Vampire who silvered for her (like the deepest, strongest kind of love/bond) to ease the symptoms, something that also means Jack’s upcoming death applies to him, because Vampires who silver for another become bound to them in life and death, something Jack isn’t willing to accept. Her decisions are her own, her failures should fall on her shoulders only, and she tries her best to push Killian away, hoping to break the bond, and through that, save his life.
Though the plot largely focuses around Jack’s need to try and heal herself, Jaffrey throws in plenty of twists to keep us on our toes… would it be a Jack Valentine book without a little murder? There are some that are fairly easy to guess, but one towards the end absolutely blew me away and I am not sure whether I like it… let’s just say it’s left open for the next book and I need to know what happens! Jaffrey’s witty and propulsive writing style ensure this is a quick read, like all the other books, and thanks to the twists, as well as the unbelievable tension between Jack and Killian, I polished it off within a matter of hours.
The romance between these two though. I have been a Jack/Killian shipper since book one, which is maybe why I didn’t love the previous book so much, but we get sooo much page time in this one. Jaffrey really ramps up the tension between these two, not that Jack and Killian need any help. Their one a month kisses are slowly torturing them, but Jack isn’t willing to take it any further, to risk deepening the bond any more. What she doesn’t realise is that Killian is head over heels, so deep in love with her that nothing she did or said could push him away. And let me tell you, when they finally give in… Jaffrey treats us I am telling you now. The tension from the last two books explodes and it was smutty and steamy and got me all kinds of hot under the collar. But I also loved the smaller scenes between them, the ones where Jack showed how safe she felt around Killian, how at home she feels with him.
How, how can you end the book like that! It’s torture… not knowing what happens next, and now I’m desperate to get my hands on the next book. If you’re a fan of the series, you’re gonna love this one, and if you haven’t picked it up yet… what are you waiting for?!? Vampires are having their comeback and Jack Valentine is absolutely a favourite of mine.
November 26, 2024
3,5 stars
Thank you to Josie Jaffrey for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway
TW/CW Blood | Murder | Death | Torture | Poisoning | Gore | Mentions of Drug Use
We are already at book 4 of the Seekers, an urban fantasy series with vampires! Somehow I thought this was going to be the last installment but it clearly isn't.
Jack is in hiding after she tried to kill the Primus. The poisoning she took is however slowly taking her second life and she needs Drake to keep healing her. She has to lay low. But that is something Jack just is not able to do.
I'm so glad after the last book that Jack seems to be returning back to herself. For as far as that is possible considering everything that has happened. She is clearly seeing now how Wynta always manipulated her. Even more so after a confrontation with another one of Wynta's lovers. She played them both.
For the most part I enjoyed this book. We first get settled in to how Jack is doing now and the current situation. Then we slowly start getting some action again. It is set up really wel. And I was glad to see the old gang nearing the end.
But I struggled with the consequences that Jack is getting. The Primus is like: oh well you didn't actually kill me. Whatever. She lied and cheated her way through the last half of the previous book and actually tried to murder their leader. And at the end of this book all is resolved and she gets no consequences.
Then there is the Drake thing. How very convenient that a kiss heals her. I get that his bond to her is what can heal her temporarily. But a kiss, really?
To be fair, I feel strongly about all of this because I have been sucked in to this world and I do care about our characters.
Thank you to Josie Jaffrey for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway
TW/CW Blood | Murder | Death | Torture | Poisoning | Gore | Mentions of Drug Use
We are already at book 4 of the Seekers, an urban fantasy series with vampires! Somehow I thought this was going to be the last installment but it clearly isn't.
Jack is in hiding after she tried to kill the Primus. The poisoning she took is however slowly taking her second life and she needs Drake to keep healing her. She has to lay low. But that is something Jack just is not able to do.
I'm so glad after the last book that Jack seems to be returning back to herself. For as far as that is possible considering everything that has happened. She is clearly seeing now how Wynta always manipulated her. Even more so after a confrontation with another one of Wynta's lovers. She played them both.
For the most part I enjoyed this book. We first get settled in to how Jack is doing now and the current situation. Then we slowly start getting some action again. It is set up really wel. And I was glad to see the old gang nearing the end.
But I struggled with the consequences that Jack is getting. The Primus is like: oh well you didn't actually kill me. Whatever. She lied and cheated her way through the last half of the previous book and actually tried to murder their leader. And at the end of this book all is resolved and she gets no consequences.
Then there is the Drake thing. How very convenient that a kiss heals her. I get that his bond to her is what can heal her temporarily. But a kiss, really?
To be fair, I feel strongly about all of this because I have been sucked in to this world and I do care about our characters.
October 28, 2024
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
VALENTINE'S DAY is the latest instalment in this vampire series that sees Jack having to deal with the fact her body is trying to kill her - on top of all the enemies she's made with her charming personality.
This is, in some ways, a bit of a departure from previous books. There isn't a murder to be solved and a rogue vampire to track down. Instead, Jack is fighting for her survival against the infected blood in her own body.
However, in true Jack fashion, she's doing very, very badly at making good decisions over her relationship with Drake. Panic pushing him away, getting all hot and bothered when up close, kissing him intensely at the wrong moment, and more.
She does, thankfully, make good decisions with regard to the people she trusts to keep her alive. I liked seeing her build new relationships with Tabitha and Mina. They're really fun characters (Mina in particular steals a lot of scenes) and it was nice to see new sides of them. Plus, if you are going to put together a team, they're ones you'd want on side. They are also the only two people who didn't get worse/homicidal when they become someone's ex, which is another point in their favour.
The later events in the book seem to bringing the book series overall closer to revealing whatever tipping point leads to the Solis Invicti series, particularly Solomon's actions and interest in Jack. It definitely feels like this series is starting to move towards something big and explosive in the finale!
VALENTINE'S DAY is the latest instalment in this vampire series that sees Jack having to deal with the fact her body is trying to kill her - on top of all the enemies she's made with her charming personality.
This is, in some ways, a bit of a departure from previous books. There isn't a murder to be solved and a rogue vampire to track down. Instead, Jack is fighting for her survival against the infected blood in her own body.
However, in true Jack fashion, she's doing very, very badly at making good decisions over her relationship with Drake. Panic pushing him away, getting all hot and bothered when up close, kissing him intensely at the wrong moment, and more.
She does, thankfully, make good decisions with regard to the people she trusts to keep her alive. I liked seeing her build new relationships with Tabitha and Mina. They're really fun characters (Mina in particular steals a lot of scenes) and it was nice to see new sides of them. Plus, if you are going to put together a team, they're ones you'd want on side. They are also the only two people who didn't get worse/homicidal when they become someone's ex, which is another point in their favour.
The later events in the book seem to bringing the book series overall closer to revealing whatever tipping point leads to the Solis Invicti series, particularly Solomon's actions and interest in Jack. It definitely feels like this series is starting to move towards something big and explosive in the finale!
November 12, 2024
Josie Jaffrey’s Silverse is a unique universe that always has me eager to see what comes next in the interconnected tales. While the Seekers series is not my favourite in the universe (the Sovereign series holds that title), it is one that has me desperate to see how everything comes together.
I will be entirely honest and say that book three, Winta’s Day, was my least favourite in the series (universe, even) thus far. While I understand the way it developed the overall storyline, I was not a big fan of the way characters behaved. It left me somewhat fearful of what would happen in Valentine’s Day, despite my intense need to see what came after that cliffhanger of an ending. Fortunately, Valentine’s Day is back to the elements that I adored in the first two books. In fact, I think it is safe to say that this fourth book is my favourite in the series thus far. Although there were a couple of elements that I did not entirely love (the villain element felt too easy and I was rolling my eyes with the constant blackouts by the end), I was hooked on the way this book progressed. Between the way the romance developed and the possibilities for the bigger picture, I found myself hooked and unable to put it down. The end left me with high hopes for what will come next, and I cannot wait to dive into book five.
Without a doubt, Valentine’s Day is a must-read for fans of the series. This fourth book is packed with everything that makes the Silverse so addictive, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
I will be entirely honest and say that book three, Winta’s Day, was my least favourite in the series (universe, even) thus far. While I understand the way it developed the overall storyline, I was not a big fan of the way characters behaved. It left me somewhat fearful of what would happen in Valentine’s Day, despite my intense need to see what came after that cliffhanger of an ending. Fortunately, Valentine’s Day is back to the elements that I adored in the first two books. In fact, I think it is safe to say that this fourth book is my favourite in the series thus far. Although there were a couple of elements that I did not entirely love (the villain element felt too easy and I was rolling my eyes with the constant blackouts by the end), I was hooked on the way this book progressed. Between the way the romance developed and the possibilities for the bigger picture, I found myself hooked and unable to put it down. The end left me with high hopes for what will come next, and I cannot wait to dive into book five.
Without a doubt, Valentine’s Day is a must-read for fans of the series. This fourth book is packed with everything that makes the Silverse so addictive, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
December 31, 2024
Dammmmmmmmn this book was quick, frustrating and adorable at the same time.... that last 1/3rd was epic... never through the primus will be a cutie but that move he tried to pull was a JERK move.... wonder how it will play in the next book... at least jack finally gave in....
can't wait for the next one
can't wait for the next one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
Valentine’s Day is the fourth book in Jodi Jaffrey’s Seeker series. As with the other books in the series, the writing draws you in and keeps you interested in the happenings on the page. This book has ended on a serious cliffhanger - I want more!!
September 6, 2024
Wow, just wow! I’m not sure how Josie manages to keep making her books better & better?
Being the fourth book in the series it’s really hard to say anything that isn’t spoilers but if you enjoy fast paced fantasy with kick ass female protagonists then The Seekers series is for you.
I’ve read all of Josie’s books to date and the worlds and systems she has creates allow you to truly feel immersed. Her characters are always well fleshed out, often morally grey and compulsive to read about.
I thought this was the final book in the series but with the cliffhanger ending it better not be as I’m already anticipating what comes next.
I’d highly recommend this series and any of this authors backlist she is my favourite Indie author and her work is more than deserving of my 5⭐️ rating!
Being the fourth book in the series it’s really hard to say anything that isn’t spoilers but if you enjoy fast paced fantasy with kick ass female protagonists then The Seekers series is for you.
I’ve read all of Josie’s books to date and the worlds and systems she has creates allow you to truly feel immersed. Her characters are always well fleshed out, often morally grey and compulsive to read about.
I thought this was the final book in the series but with the cliffhanger ending it better not be as I’m already anticipating what comes next.
I’d highly recommend this series and any of this authors backlist she is my favourite Indie author and her work is more than deserving of my 5⭐️ rating!
December 19, 2024
Jack suffers from the aftermath of the New Year's party. While in hiding, she feels guilt and wallows in self-pity. That makes her forget her Seeker instincts which I found quite infuriating at times. The usual will-they, won't they push and pull between her and Killian is getting a wee bit old and made me roll my eyes (okay, I admit I am Team Tabby anyway).
Valentine's Day takes awhile to get going. We have a very slow build-up. Like going up a rollercoaster: slowly, slowly, you might even think it's going to stop and then it takes off in neck-breaking speed, you can hardly breathe anymore. Can't wait for book five.
Valentine's Day takes awhile to get going. We have a very slow build-up. Like going up a rollercoaster: slowly, slowly, you might even think it's going to stop and then it takes off in neck-breaking speed, you can hardly breathe anymore. Can't wait for book five.
November 28, 2024
Having read the previous books in this series I couldn’t wait to get my teeth into this instalment.
I love that these vampire stories are gritty and real, well as real as a fantasy book can be. The romance isn’t all cute and fluffy and there’s nothing glamorous it’s all just as you’d think an underground vampire community would be and it’s brilliant.
As always Jack is her usual self and is trying to get out of the trouble she got into in book 3 which isn’t proving easy, especially when more obstacles than she’d like are put in her way.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to future Seekers books.
I love that these vampire stories are gritty and real, well as real as a fantasy book can be. The romance isn’t all cute and fluffy and there’s nothing glamorous it’s all just as you’d think an underground vampire community would be and it’s brilliant.
As always Jack is her usual self and is trying to get out of the trouble she got into in book 3 which isn’t proving easy, especially when more obstacles than she’d like are put in her way.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to future Seekers books.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews