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Death is only the beginning…

Better to be a hunter, not prey.

Ever since my partner got kidnapped, I've been on a personal mission to get him back. To do that, I'll need to capture the vampire responsible for destroying my life.

In order to have a snowball's chance at success, I'll have to team up with my most loyal friends—including a certain vampire in black with a provoking talent for distraction.

Old cravings aren’t easily quenched, nor past passions. With knowledge comes danger and I'm at risk on all sides.

I won't go down without a fight!

Unknown Binding

First published March 1, 2015

208 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Jefford

60 books1,055 followers
Reality is overrated ... which is why I write!

Vampire hunters, wolf shifters, witches, elves and Fae with humor, romance, snark and steam. I love bad boys with hearts of gold and heroines who kick ass.

To get in on the fun and adventure, visit my website for release alerts, updates, exclusive giveaways, and a free story when you become a VIP newsletter subscriber: http://nikkijefford.com/

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Bj.
1,219 reviews254 followers
March 5, 2017
4 "Change of Plans?" Stars for the story and 4.5 narration stars!

Please note this series must be read in chronological order, and the below review contains spoilers for earlier books. If you haven't yet started this series, please see my review for Book 1, Aurora Sky.

In Hunting Season we are treated to a whirlwind of action between the hunted and the hunters. The only question is just who is being hunted as more secrets begin to be revealed about the secret, clandestine government agency that Aurora and her fellow vampire hunters and informants work for. But suspense is only one part of the equation in this UF young adult/new adult based romance as the love triangle and fight for Aurora's heart begins to unravel and Aurora's own heart driven motivations begin to be revealed.

Picking up where book 3 leaves off, at the beginning of Hunting Season we find Aurora trying to figure out how she is going to rescue Dante (who has been captured by Jared's former protege turned enemy, Giselle in an attempt to get Aurora to turn over Jared in exchange for Dante). Unfortunately for Aurora, the government agency she works for isn't as motivated in Dante's recovery as she is (even though he too is one of their agents). Instead Aurora's tasked with other assignments and left to also plot out her revenge on Jared (the "recruiter" from the agency who seems to have dubious motivations).

Fortunately for Aurora, and us(!), Fane is willing to help Aurora in her covert, double agent plans. As you can only imagine this close working together leads to further heating up and temptations regarding their already undeniable attraction. But Aurora is still technically dating Dante, and moreover is committed to rescuing him above all costs. Will Aurora be successful in her rescue and revenge attempts? And just who are Aurora's allies and enemies? Not to mention, who will Aurora choose to give her heart to: Dante or Fane?

Em Eldridge delivers another great performance in Hunting Season. Providing remarkable consistency in her character voices, Ms. Eldridge makes it so easy to settle back into the Aurora Sky series even after having listened to a number of other unrelated audiobooks in between. Additionally, Ms. Eldridge's attention to the mood of the scene and ability to impart emotion, makes listening to this tale a must.

The production quality is also fabulous in Hunting Season. Although this is an ACX produced title, you will feel like you're listening to an audiobook produced by one of the big audiobook producers.

All in all, I loved both the attention to the romance and suspense angle in Hunting Season, as well as the expert narration. This was one busy book with many different angles going on, so you will have to pay close attention to catch it all. However, if you do, you will find that it now truly feels like we are starting to get some inklings about the long-term direction of this series. Now I can't wait to continue with Book 5, Whiteout to find out if my suspicions pan out!

Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for angela .
785 reviews161 followers
January 10, 2018
Just gets better

I didn't think it possible but this series just gets better, and better. It's the type of series that grabs you right away, then gets you so addicted, you can't sleep cuz you want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen, you don't want to take the time to eat and God forbid someone tries to talk to you while you're reading. It's a great series to get engrossed in and get out of the real world for awhile, a break from the stress of life. I highly recommend this series to young and older anyone can enjoy this.
Profile Image for Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads).
710 reviews200 followers
May 17, 2015
http://badbirdreads.com/review-huntin...

At A Glance

It was okay. I expected more.

The Good

I gotta be honest. I am going to hardcore complain about this book in The Bad and The Snuggly section. My irritation today is at level 9, so I am just in a pissy mood (my cat scratched up my new Betsy Johnson bag) so I am taking it out on this book, though everything I mention is 100% true. So I want you guys to know that despite what I say below, I love this series. This is not my fav addition to the series but I am happy I read it.

I have been dying to see how Aurora was going to deal with the revelation that Jared purposely killed her to make her into a vampire solider he could use. Seriously, I hate Jared. I was happy to see the crew take an active approach in eliminating Jared, though their attempts are not always successful.

Aurora and Fane are tip-toeing around each other, which you can’t really blame them with their history, but I can tell we are leading towards a reconciliation. Preferably a naughty one. But Aurora focuses on Dante’s rescue, which is how it should be. He is an amazing friend, and he deserves a happy ending.

The action was good. We also get some good revelations and surprises in this one. The killing of vamps is getting somewhat depressing as Aurora realizes not all of them deserve it. I like that she is slowly separating herself from the government organization that pretty much owns her.

The Bad

The whole book was about every plan Aurora, Fane, and Noel make going to shit. If we can’t get at least one win by the good guys, then why read the book?

Almost nothing was resolved. It was like a filler book. I honestly don’t understand the point of this plot, except to fail miserably at everything! And the ending was useless.

The Snuggly

I am over Fane and Aurora being on and off over and over again. At this point I rather she un-forgive him so they both can move on. And the addition of Dante’s feelings is just annoying. I feel bad for Dante, but it’s obvious Aurora is not interested. Dead end. I am not amused.

Flirting and kissing, that’s it.

Final Thoughts

I think so much more should have happened in this book but I am happy I read it because I love this series and that’s not going away. Recommended.


Quotes

“Until then, I never realized one word could come out so breathless and soft, like an invitation to my soul.”



He propped a hand against the door, fingers splayed, blocking me at the threshold.

“Ready to do this?” he asked. “It could get rough.”

I raised my chin. “Promise?”
Profile Image for Liliana.
996 reviews216 followers
November 7, 2022
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book

With Dante gone, it is up to Aurora and her friends to hatch a plan and get him back. Along the way, they also set out to discover what really is going on in the Agency with Jared and Melcher, though they have a pretty good idea. Seriously, those crazy people -_- But this book was great, like always! :)

The story started off fast and with action, just how I like it! Except maybe it was a little too fast... I was a little confused as to what was going on, but it actually did a great job at giving a much needed recap of past occurrences in previous books (seeing as how I read the last one a while ago) and I was soon all caught up with what was going on. I always worry that I wont remember what happened in the previous book and that the sequels wont do a good job a jogging my memory, but this was not the case with this one!

I also have, ahem, a confession to make. Remember how in my review of Bad Blood I mentioned that I was really warming up to Fane? Well, I am officially loving him (this coming from a Team Dante girl)! This book delved deep into Fane's past and I just really loved learning about his background. He was also just SO sweet and protective and yeah, kind of swoon-worthy ;) There, I said it!

Fane - From Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter

A screwed up agency with secrets, vampires who didn't think they were vampires, kidnappings, sexual tension... this books has everything from action to romance that is perfect for those who want a unique take on the vampire genre! And if you are an Aurora Sky fan already, well, this is definitely a must-read for you! The series just keeps getting better and better!
Profile Image for Runningrabbit.
1,387 reviews99 followers
April 9, 2015
Although I've followed this series religiously, I finally got sick of it and have dumped the whole caboodle.
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The romance has become tiresome, on and on and on unfulfilled stuff. Yawwwwn. And finally, I'm just sick of the characters, their more of the same behaviour, and frankly the whole thing needs a big lift and the injection of some fresh material.

The plot itself in the series has remained strong, but too long, too much more of the same, no new characters and no new material.  photo yuk_zps9vzvymfq.gif
I don't even know if the series ended with this book. I just don't care any more, it can pretty much head on to a predictable conclusion. A thorough crash landing.
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Profile Image for Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books.
523 reviews143 followers
May 8, 2015
Enter the giveaway at my blog, just click the banner below to go to that post.


I just love this series. It's been one of my all time favorites. I love how the story has progressed. I can't say too much as I do not want to spoil anything for you.
If your a fan of paranormal books, and a different, and creepy spin on vampires, then this is the series for you. You can even try out the series for free by getting the first book for free, so you can find out for yourself.

Aurora is a strong female character that I love. She really gets even stronger in this book. I love the new changes we discover in this.

I highly recommend, this book and series is written very well, and will have you hooked right from the start.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

Profile Image for Shelley.
5,598 reviews489 followers
April 3, 2015
**I received this book for free from Nikki Jefford in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

*Genre* Young Adult, Paranormal
*Rating* 3.5

*My Thoughts*

Hunting Season is the FOURTH installment in the Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series by Nikki Jefford. Picking up where Bad Blood left off, Dante is still missing after being caught by Giselle, and Aurora has finally been told the truth about what she really is. As a background, Aurora has been through a whole lot since she "died" in a car accident 10 months ago and was forced into joining a secretive government agency intent on wiping out dangerous vampires.

FULL review posting @ Gizmos Reviews 04/04/2015* Link to Follow
Profile Image for Chelcie Dacon.
313 reviews10 followers
March 3, 2015
she has done it again folks. She has taken into one of my favorite worlds and given me smoldering hot Fane. I love FANE. I love how bad A$$ Aurora is and she seriously keeps getting better and better.

Nikki Jeffords knows how to keep you on your toes and hanging by a thread. I can't wait for the next book. She just proves why her series is one of my faves.
Profile Image for Bcoghill Coghill.
1,016 reviews24 followers
March 6, 2015
Dang! but I enjoy reading an adventure tale that takes place in places I know so well.
The Aurora Sky books take place in Anchorage and occasionally Seward, Fairbanks and Girdwood. I have walked everywhere that Aurora has gone.
Thanks for the fun, Nikki.
Profile Image for Danielle Young.
Author 7 books87 followers
Read
February 24, 2015
But, but I swear I just started reading it.... how can it be over already? Another great read! Review coming this week.
Profile Image for Ashley.
88 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2017
I bought this book along with the entire series at a gift shop in downtown Seward, Alaska. I am a blogger @ The Paranormal Bookshelf. My review is completely my own with no bias of the author.

Category: Young adult paranormal romance
Paranormal genre: vampires
5 out of 5 stars!

I just finished this fourth installment of the Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series and it still has me hooked in as deep as book one did. I have to say, I am not 100% in line with the cover version of Fane but the cover goes along with the others so I am not knocking it. There is a real build up of over the antagonist/protagonist relationship (no I will not spoil or do a summary because that's not a review to me). The ending does leave you with a OMG what will happen next mentality that makes you reach for the fifth book asap. I will say I am team Fane all the way.
Profile Image for Amber Smith.
1,925 reviews46 followers
November 2, 2017
I couldn't put this book down. That is how it has been with this series. I love the characters and the story. The writing is great.
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,463 reviews152 followers
May 13, 2015
I received Hunting Season in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Hunting Season is the fourth installment in the Aurora Sky series starting off not long after the end of the third book. Dante has been kidnapped and it’s up to Aurora and Noel to get him back because it’s clearly not important enough for Melcher to deviate from his plans. Thankfully Aurora has some great friends she’s made over the last ten months that will help her get him back. Jared’s back in town working with Melcher with plans of recruitment but this time they are wanting to recruit the vampire instead of causing accidents for innocent people with AB negative blood like Aurora.

While Aurora works with Fane her old boyfriend that she’s not been able to give up she knows that nothing can happen between them even though it’s clear that they both are fighting the attraction. With the plan in place to turn Jared over to Giselle in exchange for Dante the team sets out to put it into place. Only things don’t go as planned when Aurora is called in to bring Selene a vampire from the wine tasting parties in as an informant she misses her chance to take out both Jared and Melcher. When the plan to catch Jared goes wrong she will have to take a chance when it comes up but even that goes wrong. Will they be able to get Dante back alive? What about Valerie who’s back in town determined to get her revenge on Fane and Aurora? Will Fane and Aurora get the chance to rekindle their relationship?

Aurora is one of my favorite vampire slayers she’s not your traditional slayer at all. She’s more the bite me you convulse than I kill you type but that makes her unique which I like. I love that she’s grown so much as a character throughout the series, and I’m curious to see where she will go from here. I’ve read Noel’s novella and it was insightful into understanding who she is and she’s still one of my favorites. We don’t have much of Dante in this one but while I used to root for him I think I have come to the conclusion it’s just going to be Fane. I didn’t like him at first but he’s grown on me as the novels have progressed after all he was there for Noel when she needed him.

I’ve been a fan of the Aurora Sky novels since the very first one so when the newest book tour was announced I had to sign up. I was curious to see how it would play out in the newest installment of my favorite vampire slayer. I really enjoy the concept behind the slayers as well as the informants it’s a unique twist on vampires and I think it’s perfectly done. Hunting Season has everything is an action packed novel with vampires, bad guys and even a little romance tossed in to create a captivating story. I have really enjoyed the author’s written style all of the novels have been well written they are beautifully done. I had a hard time putting Hunting Season down it was finished in just a few short hours over a couple days I just had to know how it was going to play out. I’m already looking forward to the next one can’t wait to see what’s in store for Aurora. I honestly loved every moment of it and hated to see it end. A must for fans of urban fantasy while it’s a young adult series I can easily see teens as well as adults enjoying them.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,367 reviews251 followers
February 27, 2015
Hunting Season is a big ol' mess! In a good way! Aurora just cannot catch a break! Finding out you're a vampire, having your best friend get kidnapped, and trying to make up with your ex all while hunting evil vampires and trying to take down the agency who stole your life can be exhausting! Seriously. Poor Aurora. But it does make for great reading! Everything that can go wrong, does go wrong as Aurora tries to rescue Dante. Plans keep getting interrupted, and then ruining possible escape plans! Crazy redheads commit vandalism while you're having a hot make out session! So much happens!

I really enjoyed Hunting Season. It just may be my favorite of the series so far! Really, any book that opens with some getting punched in the face is probably going to get me excited! Aurora may not like violence, but she knows how to dole it out when necessary. And she is willing to do anything to get Dante back. Not just because he's her best friend and partner, but because she needs to be honest about her feelings for him. Or lack thereof. This upset me so much! I love Dante! I wanted him and Aurora (and Fane!) together! But I totally get that she loves him as a friend, but she didn't let her feelings for Fane get in the way of the rescue either. There will be a time for romance later! I hope!

Now that my love for Dante is out of the way, I'll talk about the nonstop plot of Hunting Season. Like I said before, everything goes wrong! Aurora and Company have good plans in place, but something always messes them up! Then some aspect of their plan conflicts with possible back up plans or escape plans, and I was just so nervous for them all the time! Why can't something go smoothly!? Although one screwed up plan did allow us to get to know Fane a lot better. His past is very interesting, and I'd actually love a novella about his early time as a vampire!

Hunting Season was pretty great. Something is always happening! Plot points actually move forward even though there are a lot of setbacks. We get to learn more about each of the characters, which I always appreciate. And there's no cliffhanger! Well, the ending isn't nice and neat, since stuff still needs to get done, but for the most part it ends on a relatively calm note. Now to wait for more!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
May 5, 2015
Hunting Season (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #4) by Nikki Jefford Hunting Season starts off where Bad Blood ends with Aurora on a personal mission to rescue Dante.
 
I could not put this book down. It was full of non-stop action and excitement.
 
To say Aurora has a lot on her plate is an understatement. Once again, it seems like her world has been turned upside-down. She ends up making new discoveries and realizations about herself and others. I like that she is a loyal friend. She acts on what she feels is the right thing to do. She is resilient and determined to live her life.
 
I’m glad Aurora and Noel made amends. Noel is an upright and dependable friend. I like how Noel’s character has transformed throughout the series. She has become stronger and more confident.
 
I was thrilled Aurora got Tommy back. Sorry for the spoiler but dog abduction is just plan evil. How could anyone want to harm a golden retriever of all dogs? They are so stinking cute. Alright, Tommy is tough for a golden; Dante did train him well, but still that’s just wrong.
 
I never know what to expect from Valerie. That girl is volatile. One minute you think there might be hope for her, the next she is doing something selfish and evil. She keeps the story interesting that is for sure.
 
I love Nikki Jefford’s writing style. Everything flows well and is easy to follow. She offers a little of everything: action, romance, mystery, vampires, paranormal, espionage, fantasy. She also, does it in a way that feels believable and authentic.
 
Hunting Season was another great book in the series. I’m really interested in seeing where the ending takes us. Just when things start to look they are going Aurora’s way, BAM! Something else happens to put a wrinkle in her life. I’m looking forward to Book 5, Whiteout.
 
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amphitrite.
243 reviews21 followers
May 7, 2015
What I liked: After the events of Bad Blood Aurora and her friends have to figure out a way to rescue Dante from the people who took him. The book gives a little recap on what's happened and, while paced at the beginning a little too fast for me, it kind of worked in a way? I'm also glad Aurora was able to figure out her feelings and managed to also (sometimes) compartmentalize the romance so that things got done. I also enjoyed how we finally learned a great deal more about Fane and his past, it gave him more depth to me and I enjoyed learning about him. After everything that happened in Bad Blood things are shaping up in an interesting way.

What I didn't like: I kind of had a problem with watching their plans go astray. For me, it felt a little predictable (it might be because I just finished a book before this that also had the characters make a plan that went astray a few times) and so it was the least interesting part for me. Valerie's actions in this book also confused me. One minute you thought you knew her and the next she's doing something that I couldn't understand her reasoning behind at all.

Overall Review: This is a good next installment to the series, one that I enjoyed as well. I think the big twist of the series (what the hunters really are and what the agency really does) was an interesting bit and while I did kind of guess it back in book one, now that I know for certain my guess was right I still was surprised by the reveal.

Recommend?: This was a good addition and I look forward to seeing what happens to these characters in the next book!
Profile Image for Chris Torretta.
885 reviews40 followers
May 5, 2015
I have been loving this series! It is a ton of fun and chock full of vampires that will rip someone's throat out! Gotta enjoy that!

This is the fourth in the series and I got into it right away because the book picks up right away! There is no missing beat between the books and I never feel like I am missing something, even though I read the third quite some time ago!

For some reason with all of their plans going awry I started losing interest. This is full of plot movement and characters that I have grown to love but something about all the commotion just did not work as well as the first three. Sadly, I cannot really point my finger at why this did not resonate as well as the other books though. The characters are all still deliciously fabulous, especially Fane! But I think I am still pulled between Fane and Dante so I cannot focus on what is going on with the story because I keep going back and forth. I can only imagine how Aurora feels!

Valerie got on my nerves like usual. That's nothing strange though. But she does some things that seemed a bit too easy. Certain conditions are met and she goes wild killing other vampires with ease. That just did not work for me.

I did absolutely love reading about Fane though. I loved him in the beginning, even with my fickleness with Dante, and love him still!

All in all the book was good but did not hold up to the first three. I'll probably read the next book but I am not waiting with as much anticipation as I had this one.

Received from Xpresso Book Tours for free for an honest review.
3.5/5
Profile Image for Lelia Taylor.
872 reviews19 followers
December 7, 2015
A new Aurora Sky book is always cause for celebration to my way of thinking and Hunting Season surely is everything I hoped for. Getting to spend more time with Aurora and the gang is like spending time with old friends you haven't seen in a while.

The scrumptious Dante has fallen into some dastardly clutches and it's up to Aurora and her pals, vampire or otherwise, to figure out how to rescue him. That's not the only thing going on, though; now that Aurora knows she's more than just your typical vampire hunter, i.e., she's a vampire herself, she's begun to question the motives of the federal agents who recruited her.

Nikki Jefford has a sure hand with the creation and development of plot but it's her characters who really shine, who come to life on the page. Aurora has grown from a fairly clueless high schooler to a kickbutt vampire hunter who can kill the quarry with little remorse but who values her family and friends with a passion that doesn't quit. Her close friend, Noel, is every bit as vibrant as Aurora and the two main dudes in their circle, Dante and Fane, appeal to me as much as any fictional fellows I can think of. Even the bad guys, be they vampire or human, stand out and claim their territory.

Aurora struggles with how her life as an undead is going to play out but the betrayal she feels with each new thing she learns about the agency is paramount. She will take them down one way or another but, for right now, she's on the run with a heartbroken Dante and everyone they care about is in danger.

Waiting for the next book is going to be endless, I think ;-)
Profile Image for Ashley Graham.
37 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2015
ARC for an honest review

This book was none stop action, and I loved every minute of it. I was sitting at the edge of my seat most of the time, wanting to know what happened next. Aurora Sky just can't get a break, she is always having to do something or go somewhere. There seems to be twists throughout the book, some I wasn't expecting, which added the bonus for me. I liked to be surprised when reading.

I rated this book at a five star, to be honest, this book was better then her other Aurora Sky's, but I love the others too.

If I could I would tell you all about this book, but I don't want to share to much. Just know that all the characters will show up at some point in the book.

You out did yourself Nikki Jefford. Keep on writing great books. :)
Profile Image for Heather De Los Reyes.
429 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2015
I would hate to be Aurora! She can't catch a break to save her undead life! This girl is amazing and her character has so much life in her. Nikki wrote another fantastic book to add to this already amazing series. The beginning all the way to the end held my attention. So much happened in this book yet there is so much unfinished business for Aurora and her friends. I love Dante and wanted to see Aurora with him but I also like Fane. I hope which ever she ends up with the other can be happy as well. I can't wait for the next one!!!!
Profile Image for Kat Nichols.
Author 6 books34 followers
March 1, 2015
Wow! I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. Well, I can honestly say that I LOVED it! Aurora is on a mission to rescue her partner, Dante, who has been abducted. But my favorite part of this book was Fane. Oh, Fane, I just love you so much! I don't want to give too much away, but this book might be my favorite Aurora Sky book yet. Until that ending... Nikki Jefford you are killing me!! If you haven't checked out this series yet, I highly recommend it!!
Profile Image for Reagan.
71 reviews
March 15, 2015
I have thought this series is fun but now it is starting to read like the author has no other ideas and is dragggggiiiinnnnnggg out the plot FOREVER. I'll probably read book #6 but if it doesn't end there, she's lost a reader.
Profile Image for Nat.
488 reviews123 followers
Read
September 13, 2024
I'm losing interest in these books. I thought this was the last book in the series. the story just draaaags!
Profile Image for Amy Lou.
144 reviews105 followers
August 18, 2015

After loving the past books in this series, I had high hopes for this novel. A lot had gone on in Bad Blood. It ended with Dante being kidnapped at the blood drinking party amongst other loose ends needing to be tied, so I was itching to read this book to find out what happens next.


Because of the gap between reads, I was left a tad confused as to what was happening, but that is my mistake. I read back on things and finally caught up after the first chapter or so. But despite being absorbed in the events, I wasn't absorbed in the story as I have been previously. I was so disappointed, and wasn't sure if that disappointment was aimed at me or the book, but I just didn't connect. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable, or that the writing wasn't as decent as it has always been. It was something to do with the characters and the presence--or more accurately LACK of presence--of emotion.


A few examples that I want to give is the connection between Fane and Aurora. I just didn't feel it. I don't know what it was but in the other books, despite the moments they weren't together or were pissed off with one another, there was this electricity between them. You could feel the gravitational pull of the characters, even when Dante tries it on with Aurora in Bad Blood (previous book) and she's on the fence about whether she should see where things go with him or wait for Fane. You feel her pain and her anger and the betrayal she feels from witnessing Fane drinking Noel's blood at that party. And how she ended up almost dead because of the shock it put her under, leaving her distracted just enough for her to find herself hanging from the ceiling. You understood her emotions.


But in this book, it was like 'meh'.


I get that a lot of things were going on, and people had their problems to deal with  and missions to get done but where was this need for each other--Fane and Aurora, I mean? It wasn't like it wasn't mentioned, but it felt stale somehow. Maybe it was just me, but I wasn't feeling it.


Next big issue for me was the scene where Aurora is forced by Melcher and Jared to kill a vampire. The husband of a nice lady (Sophia--if memory serves, probably not) whom Aurora met at the blood tasting party. It's a moment of huge conflict, and the build up and pressure was just right. I really felt my toes curl and my heart beat for Aurora. I felt sick for her. That was awesome. But after she did the deed, that realism was lost. She has a moment of shock and disgust for what she's done, and has this inner battle with herself, and I believed it all. But then it just suddenly disappeared like the body that was disposed of, and the crime scene swept clean. As soon as that happened, the plot just moved on and that guilt disappeared with it. I mean she KILLED someone.


I wasn't expecting for the author to have Aurora go over and over about it in her mind, but perhaps physically I would have wanted some symptoms of trauma or shock, or a mini flashback because of something in the present that reminds her of what she'd done. Little hints like that mean so much to me, and because of all the bad stuff that came after that like a goddamn hurricane that never ends, it became a small, insignificant thing.


My reason for even saying this, isn't a pointless whine--it's because I had read a book (part of a series) just before picking this up and the MC--in that book that I will not name--feels continuous guilt whenever someone dies indirectly because of her, and DIRECTLY because of her. She doesn't go on about it, but it was so believable that when I went on to read Hunting Season and there was maybe a page or so talking about how guilty Aurora felt for killing a defenseless vampire, that was it. She was numb, and her inner voice was numb too, but in a bad unrealistic dead way.


It didn't ring true to me; that's my argument and I'm sticking to it.


Apart from some of the times I felt a lack of connection between characters, or between myself and a character due to their actions or lack thereof, it was a really good story. It had me bashing my head against a figurative wall when one catastrophe hit, right after the other. It never stopped, and I found it frustrating. Not in a bad way. Just in a 'Boy, this gal can't catch a break' way. It really takes you for a ride.


The writing and description was, as ever, enjoyable and flowed smoothly. I felt the novel itself had more suspense and thrills than substance and character focus. It was a whirlwind, or a car going insanely fast over bumps and potholes, dragging the battered bodies of the characters behind it. There was little chance for feelings and character building, but there was some. Just not enough for me, I'm afraid.


Overall, I'd say this book isn't my favourite in the series, but that doesn't make it bad at all. I personally just didn't connect with it, and I think it is down to my opinion that this book favoured the plot over the characters. If the author pulls back in the next novel to allow us to see how the characters are feeling and recovering from all the tragedies and drama that has befallen them--just giving us a scene or two that focuses on the people and not the events--it will bring me straight back into the centre of this wonderful adventure.


Maybe it was just a bad time for me to read it, maybe I wasn't focused enough. I don't know. I may read it again in the future (should I feel the urge to have an Aurora Sky marathon--which may just happen) and my feelings on this book may change.


But, because I'm an ass, I can't rate this book any more than three stars. Sorry.

Profile Image for Tiffany Copple.
1,491 reviews66 followers
February 24, 2020
5 stars for Hunting Season by Nikki Jefford. This is book 4 in the Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series. This book picks up where book 3 left us. This series just keeps getting better and better. I have not slept, and I am still planning on starting book 5 now. This series has gripped me and isn’t letting go.
Aurora has to get Dante back and will do anything to get him. While trying to find him they want to find out what is really going on with the agency. OH, in this book we have a crooked agency, old vampires, new vampires who aren’t sure they are vampires, and informants going crazy. There are kidnappings, more murders, so oh so much sexual tension. I love when a book can take you from the edge of your seat in suspense to romance that has you gasping for breath.
We do learn more about Fane and his past in this book. We also learn more about Jared, Melcher and Giselle in this book. Everything has me hooked. I am starting book 5 so I can learn more. I just can’t wait to see how everything is going to end.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,612 reviews109 followers
December 21, 2018
It was more or less the same. The "romance" became tiresome. It would have been better if Aurora and Fane got together in this book and then we would be able to enjoy their relationship in book 5 and 6. Then the reader would be able to see them work as a team. At this point, I don't care for the relationship. I got bored of the characters. I can't believe there are two more books. It is not that I hated any of the characters, I just got bored. Aurora and Fane some moments together, but it was still not enough to satisfy me since this is book 4.

I am not a fan of dual POVs, but I think it would have been nice if we got one chapter in Fane's POV.

The narrator did a great job. Even though I was bored with this book, I did end up listening to the audible within 24 hours.

Profile Image for Laura.
2,157 reviews19 followers
July 10, 2018
Aurora and her group of vampires and vampire hunters who are also vampires have a lot going on. They need to capture Jared to save Dante but also need to figure out how to get away from Melcher and his agency.

This series is pretty entertaining, lots of interesting twists and turns. I like Aurora, I think she has a good heart and wants to do right by those she cares about. I like most of the side characters as well. Even though there are a good amount of them they all have a strong voices and stories. I wasn't a huge fan of the way this one ended but I'm pretty invested at this point so I will pick up the next one.
Profile Image for Helen Robare.
813 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2020
Again an improvement in the author's writing. This book, #4 in the series, fleshed out the characters, even more, and surprised me with the changes in at least one character. The plot was much better and the author seems to be getting over her habit of trying to write as fast as she thinks and consequently leaving out some important parts.

Most of the gang is still here...Aurora, Fane, Dante, Valerie, and Noel. Mom and Grandma don't feature very much but they do make an appearance or two.

Unfortunately, I can't write much about the plot itself as it would all be spoilers. Suffice it to say, that the book is building on the other three and getting more involved and interesting.

Profile Image for C. Mercie M Crystal.
445 reviews
May 25, 2021
The undead, forever.

Noel, fane, and Aurora have plans to get back at the agency, save their friends ans family, and make things better for everyone. With the growing of the characters, into knowledge of who they really are, they are trying to change the status quo. It shows the strength of character that many of them still want to make a difference, and protect the good vampires and humans. They believe that they have a better way of doing it then the current management. I enjoy these as they're easy to immerse myself in, and lose myself for awhile.
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