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January Chevalier #1
Death's Dark Horse
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00O92OFGA
What would you do if someone knew your darkest secret?
January Chevalier hates being back in Hailfield.
Her younger sister, Jo, has been spotted hanging around Witchwood’s vampire population and their parents are sure she’s getting herself into trouble. But when January tries to intervene, Jo gallops off in a cloud of dust. Literally.
Now all she wants to do is play bass guitar, bake cakes, and find her sister again, but trouble always seems to find her.
It’s probably something to do with her other job as a vampire slaying, bounty hunter.
When January is instructed to kill someone a bit too close to her heart, will her feelings interfere with her ability to terminate her target?
What would you do if someone knew your darkest secret?
January Chevalier hates being back in Hailfield.
Her younger sister, Jo, has been spotted hanging around Witchwood’s vampire population and their parents are sure she’s getting herself into trouble. But when January tries to intervene, Jo gallops off in a cloud of dust. Literally.
Now all she wants to do is play bass guitar, bake cakes, and find her sister again, but trouble always seems to find her.
It’s probably something to do with her other job as a vampire slaying, bounty hunter.
When January is instructed to kill someone a bit too close to her heart, will her feelings interfere with her ability to terminate her target?
248 pages, ebook
First published October 6, 2014
123 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Loren
98 books126 followersRuby Loren was born and raised in East Sussex, England. She writes cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and stories about rockstars. Her books are designed to take you away to a little slice of a different world, often set in a rural corner of South East England. Full of ideas, she is always busy writing her next bestseller!
Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.
The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.
Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.
To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com
Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.
The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.
Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.
To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 12, 2018
Ruby Loren does it again. This new series seems to be off to a great start. January is a quirky character who seems delightfully contradicting at times. Lots of weird and wonderful characters and happenings to keep you glued to the pages and it is with a disappointed sigh that you reach the end of the book!
There is never a dull moment and some questions are raised that hopefully will be answered in the next installment.
Thank you to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book
There is never a dull moment and some questions are raised that hopefully will be answered in the next installment.
Thank you to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book
January 2, 2019
Good story
I like the people in this story, they are believable. The relationships feel right too. How many new series can I get interested in this year?
I like the people in this story, they are believable. The relationships feel right too. How many new series can I get interested in this year?
April 8, 2017
I always love novels that portray fierce female protagonists, and Death's Dark Horse does not disappoint. Ruby Loren has created a wonderful character in January Chevalier, and I adore how January is a vampire slayer. Even though January is portrayed as a seemingly normal girl, she has a much needed dark side. I love how her innocence clashes with the reality of her position at times.
Sometimes I find that novels with strong female protagonists end up having the females obsessed with boys or other stereotypical "girl" interests, but January Chevalier was not this way. While is was clear that Loren wanted January to be a classic girl in some ways, she made sure to give January a dark side that would conflict with her interests and hobbies. Even though Death's Dark Horse is set within fictional circumstances, January's life connects well to modern life. This allows for the reader to connect with her, and I enjoyed following her story.
But perhaps the best part about Death's Dark Horse is that it did not glamorize vampires in the way that modern vampire novels have before. Instead, Loren made vampires the enemy, and this allowed for more conflict when January Chevalier had a hard time slaying a vampire due to her relationship with them. This part of the story explores the conflicts that we often have between work and personal relationships, and it was interesting to see a young girl struggle with these concepts. I think that this would allow young adult readers to begin confronting these adult issues in a fictional manner.
Overall, I enjoyed Loren's witty writing and how well she described her characters and world. Even though Loren's sentences could run on at times, I felt that she developed her characters and setting well. I suggest this novel to anyone looking for a modern vampire novel that doesn't glamorize this classic monster!
Sometimes I find that novels with strong female protagonists end up having the females obsessed with boys or other stereotypical "girl" interests, but January Chevalier was not this way. While is was clear that Loren wanted January to be a classic girl in some ways, she made sure to give January a dark side that would conflict with her interests and hobbies. Even though Death's Dark Horse is set within fictional circumstances, January's life connects well to modern life. This allows for the reader to connect with her, and I enjoyed following her story.
But perhaps the best part about Death's Dark Horse is that it did not glamorize vampires in the way that modern vampire novels have before. Instead, Loren made vampires the enemy, and this allowed for more conflict when January Chevalier had a hard time slaying a vampire due to her relationship with them. This part of the story explores the conflicts that we often have between work and personal relationships, and it was interesting to see a young girl struggle with these concepts. I think that this would allow young adult readers to begin confronting these adult issues in a fictional manner.
Overall, I enjoyed Loren's witty writing and how well she described her characters and world. Even though Loren's sentences could run on at times, I felt that she developed her characters and setting well. I suggest this novel to anyone looking for a modern vampire novel that doesn't glamorize this classic monster!
November 12, 2024
“Death's Dark Horse”, second in the 'January Chevalier' series, is a solid paranormal read with a somewhat twisted morality.
January left her hometown of Hailfield and settled in Paris where she lucked into an unusual, and well paying, job - Vampire killer.
She doesn't know who she is working for, nor any of the vampires she dispatches, but does her work cheerfully.
It helps that she is a Black Unicorn.
Her younger sister, Jo, has gone missing and January is summoned home to find her.
It soon turns out that January has been working for the local Shifter Pack as a liaison with Vampires.
The Shifter's leader, Luke, is a nasty piece of work with a magical ability to make people do his will and he's determined that January will bow the knee before him. As far as he's concerned it is do or die. January ain't having any of it.
Then there is the slight problem of the ancient and charismatic Vampire, Gregory. She likes him but then she's offered £5m to kill him.
Oh, and someone, or something, is killing both Shifters and Vampires.
To my mind it explains why people choose to live in cities - there is less going on!
It all gets quite convoluted but strong pacing keeps it ticking away nicely.
There is also a nice touch of humour here and there – I particularly enjoyed the Scooby Do references.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
January left her hometown of Hailfield and settled in Paris where she lucked into an unusual, and well paying, job - Vampire killer.
She doesn't know who she is working for, nor any of the vampires she dispatches, but does her work cheerfully.
It helps that she is a Black Unicorn.
Her younger sister, Jo, has gone missing and January is summoned home to find her.
It soon turns out that January has been working for the local Shifter Pack as a liaison with Vampires.
The Shifter's leader, Luke, is a nasty piece of work with a magical ability to make people do his will and he's determined that January will bow the knee before him. As far as he's concerned it is do or die. January ain't having any of it.
Then there is the slight problem of the ancient and charismatic Vampire, Gregory. She likes him but then she's offered £5m to kill him.
Oh, and someone, or something, is killing both Shifters and Vampires.
To my mind it explains why people choose to live in cities - there is less going on!
It all gets quite convoluted but strong pacing keeps it ticking away nicely.
There is also a nice touch of humour here and there – I particularly enjoyed the Scooby Do references.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
November 9, 2017
I received this as a free download.
January Chevalier has returned home because of a plea from her parents to help with her wayward sister. January, her sister and many others in the town are shifters. Some are wolves, cats, deer, owls, and almost every kind of animal you can think of.
The cats have taken over the leadership of the pack, and membership is compulsory. Only January doesn't plan to be there that long and refuses to join. Luke, the pack leader is using magic to control everyone and even forces them to change into their animal. When he takes exception to January's refusal, and declares anyone seen talking to her will do so under pain of death. It come to a head when he shows up at January's home to give her an ultimatum, join or die. January chooses to challenge Luke to a fight for leadership of the pack. When she turns into a horse, the Luke, the leopard senses an easy victory. Until January turns around. She in not just an everyday horse. She has a major surprise for Luke and everyone else in the area.
Ruby Loren wrote a fascinating story that takes the normal paranormal to the next level. It has a fast pace, strong characters, and many surprises to keep the pages turning.
January Chevalier has returned home because of a plea from her parents to help with her wayward sister. January, her sister and many others in the town are shifters. Some are wolves, cats, deer, owls, and almost every kind of animal you can think of.
The cats have taken over the leadership of the pack, and membership is compulsory. Only January doesn't plan to be there that long and refuses to join. Luke, the pack leader is using magic to control everyone and even forces them to change into their animal. When he takes exception to January's refusal, and declares anyone seen talking to her will do so under pain of death. It come to a head when he shows up at January's home to give her an ultimatum, join or die. January chooses to challenge Luke to a fight for leadership of the pack. When she turns into a horse, the Luke, the leopard senses an easy victory. Until January turns around. She in not just an everyday horse. She has a major surprise for Luke and everyone else in the area.
Ruby Loren wrote a fascinating story that takes the normal paranormal to the next level. It has a fast pace, strong characters, and many surprises to keep the pages turning.
November 17, 2017
A fantastic first book in an exciting new series! You can't put it down, a real page turner!
I love Ruby Loren's series. I especially love her Madigan Amos cozy mystery series. So when I was given the opportunity to read this new series about the paranormal, shifters, vampires, I thought well since I love Ruby Loren's writing style and she does not disappoint, I would give this book a try. I loved it. The storyline grabbed me right away. I Loved the character of January Chevalier from the start. She was a strong and formidable presence, a vampire hunter, who was called back by her parents to her town to help with her feisty sister, a shifter who has disappeared - what about the craziness going on in the town with Luke who is the leader of the shifters and uses dark magic to keep the shifters under his control. Does he have something to do with her missing sister? When Luke decides to give January an ultimatum, January decides to go up against him for the leadership not only does an interesting struggle ensues, but there are threats made and a murder. I couldn't stop turning pages until the end. Lots of surprises and a great, fun read with lots of twists and turns! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions here are strictly my own!
December 3, 2017
The Vampire, The Shifter, The Dark Horse, Oh My!
(Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the book and decided to provide my honest review, which I have.) Death’s Dark Horse is an exuberant book definitely worth all 5 stars. It is comparable to a pot of stew that has just about a little bit of something in it to make it taste fantastic. Similarly, the book has vampires, shifters of all kinds, shifty business of all kind and humor in abundance. Yummy. As soon as you start reading you will be gently pulled into the book and as you go along find that you fell headfirst into the midst of all the action. As the reader, you tend to feel a part of what’s going on rather than reading about what’s going on. The author has done an outstanding job with the development of character personalities particularly the protagonist, a strong, take no prisoners woman and the antagonist, a handsome devilish long-lived vampire. Oh, my. Death’s Deadly Horse is a page turner full of intrigue that dares the reader to put it down. RECOMMENDATION: BUY THE BOOK, find a comfy spot to read, and before you know it you’ll be having a fabulous time. –Tex.
(Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the book and decided to provide my honest review, which I have.) Death’s Dark Horse is an exuberant book definitely worth all 5 stars. It is comparable to a pot of stew that has just about a little bit of something in it to make it taste fantastic. Similarly, the book has vampires, shifters of all kinds, shifty business of all kind and humor in abundance. Yummy. As soon as you start reading you will be gently pulled into the book and as you go along find that you fell headfirst into the midst of all the action. As the reader, you tend to feel a part of what’s going on rather than reading about what’s going on. The author has done an outstanding job with the development of character personalities particularly the protagonist, a strong, take no prisoners woman and the antagonist, a handsome devilish long-lived vampire. Oh, my. Death’s Deadly Horse is a page turner full of intrigue that dares the reader to put it down. RECOMMENDATION: BUY THE BOOK, find a comfy spot to read, and before you know it you’ll be having a fabulous time. –Tex.
November 12, 2017
January Chevalier is literally a horse of a different color in her family. In human form, they are dark haired, and she has hair of Snow White, and pale complexion.
But is she really a horse shifter after all? She's definitely a hit woman of some kind, it's clear from the beginning of this tale.
It emerges that vampires in particular are her targets.
She's always been an outsider and has no desires to join the super shifter pack led by a leopard who may have some additional hidden talents.
Additional details to January's romantic, professional and shifter life are revealed as the story develops.
Is her role as a symbol of peace, or a symbol of battle?
I was pleased to receive an advance copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the many exciting plot twist and life threatening scenarios she's involved in.
If you enjoy death defying escapes, questions of loyalty and betrayal, as well as steamy romantic scenes, you might enjoy this as a standalone, or as this series' opener.
But is she really a horse shifter after all? She's definitely a hit woman of some kind, it's clear from the beginning of this tale.
It emerges that vampires in particular are her targets.
She's always been an outsider and has no desires to join the super shifter pack led by a leopard who may have some additional hidden talents.
Additional details to January's romantic, professional and shifter life are revealed as the story develops.
Is her role as a symbol of peace, or a symbol of battle?
I was pleased to receive an advance copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the many exciting plot twist and life threatening scenarios she's involved in.
If you enjoy death defying escapes, questions of loyalty and betrayal, as well as steamy romantic scenes, you might enjoy this as a standalone, or as this series' opener.
January 18, 2019
Standalones, but a well written series! If you love Sooky, you'll love this series. Each book gets better, as do the characters and the plots are suspense-filled, intriguing and action-packed.
Death's Reckless Reaper, Prequel - An introduction to January. I'm glad I read Death's Dark Horse first, since the anticipation of discovering what her other form was well fed by the delay in revealing the truth. This little story starts with her move to Paris and her experiences with her first vampire marked for death and a twist. Read after Death's Dark Horse is my recommendation, if at all. The author said she was going to rewrite Reaper and make it 1.5 instead of a prequel. 5*
Death's Dark Horse #1 - A well written, suspense filled story with a unique and surprising character and many other interesting characters, along with humor thorough out the story. The plot is well thought out and the reader is kept guessing as to what is so specially about the main character: her job is surprising and you may guess at her animal. I guessed it but put it out of my mind and surprise I was right. I've read many of Ms. Loren's books and she gets better with each new book. 5*
Death's Hexed Hobnobs #2 - The story takes place a year after Death's Dark Horse ends. This book is amazing! I felt like I was reading a Butcher novel. This well written, action paced, suspense filled novel kept me prisoner to its pages. The plot twisted like an angry rodeo bull and the suspense never stopped, along with humor thorough out the story . The characters, while well thought out in DDH, become stronger and evoke all sorts of emotions from the reader. I can't wait to see what #3 is has in stock for the reader.5*
Death's Endless Enchanter #3 - This book starts right where Death's Hexed Hobnobs ended. Well written, filled with suspense and intrigue, humor and well developed characters with realistic dialog - (not stupid dialog). Although the book concludes the issues that arise in this book, it's a cliffhanger and the book doesn't end the way the reader would expect. 5*
Death's Ethereal Enemy #4 - This book starts a month after Death's Endless Enchanter ended. Well written, intriguing with the suspense starting later in the chapters than usual, but making up for the delay. Still with humor, but some darkness appearing and new revelations as the plot twists and the pace picks up. 5*
Death’s Last Laugh #5 – This is a whooper! There’s a lot happening in this book: action; intrigue; suspense; romance; and humor. Another well-written story that keeps the reader immersed in the pages, and too soon, the end is reached. This very substantial book with it’s well thought out twists and turns, along with the continuous growth of the characters makes it hard to put the book down. So ease up with the tea. I’m so glad I contacted the author to review her books. She hasn’t disappointed me yet and she has traveled a long was from Larch Hall. 5*
Merged review:
DARK HORSE SERIES:
Standalones, but a well written series! If you love Sooky, you'll love this series. Each book gets better, as do the characters and the plots are suspense-filled, intriguing and action-packed.
Death's Reckless Reaper, Prequel - An introduction to January. I'm glad I read Death's Dark Horse first, since the anticipation of discovering what her other form was well fed by the delay in revealing the truth. This little story starts with her move to Paris and her experiences with her first vampire marked for death and a twist. Read after Death's Dark Horse is my recommendation, if at all. The author said she was going to rewrite Reaper and make it 1.5 instead of a prequel. 5*
Death's Dark Horse #1 - A well written, suspense filled story with a unique and surprising character and many other interesting characters, along with humor thorough out the story. The plot is well thought out and the reader is kept guessing as to what is so specially about the main character: her job is surprising and you may guess at her animal. I guessed it but put it out of my mind and surprise I was right. I've read many of Ms. Loren's books and she gets better with each new book. 5*
Death's Hexed Hobnobs #2 - The story takes place a year after Death's Dark Horse ends. This book is amazing! I felt like I was reading a Butcher novel. This well written, action paced, suspense filled novel kept me prisoner to its pages. The plot twisted like an angry rodeo bull and the suspense never stopped, along with humor thorough out the story . The characters, while well thought out in DDH, become stronger and evoke all sorts of emotions from the reader. I can't wait to see what #3 is has in stock for the reader.5*
Death's Endless Enchanter #3 - This book starts right where Death's Hexed Hobnobs ended. Well written, filled with suspense and intrigue, humor and well developed characters with realistic dialog - (not stupid dialog). Although the book concludes the issues that arise in this book, it's a cliffhanger and the book doesn't end the way the reader would expect. 5*
Death's Ethereal Enemy #4 - This book starts a month after Death's Endless Enchanter ended. Well written, intriguing with the suspense starting later in the chapters than usual, but making up for the delay. Still with humor, but some darkness appearing and new revelations as the plot twists and the pace picks up. 5*
Death’s Last Laugh #5 – This is a whooper! There’s a lot happening in this book: action; intrigue; suspense; romance; and humor. Another well-written story that keeps the reader immersed in the pages, and too soon, the end is reached. This very substantial book with it’s well thought out twists and turns, along with the continuous growth of the characters makes it hard to put the book down. So ease up with the tea. I’m so glad I contacted the author to review her books. She hasn’t disappointed me yet and she has traveled a long was from Larch Hall. 5*
I contacted the author to review her books and/or purchased them later.
Death's Reckless Reaper, Prequel - An introduction to January. I'm glad I read Death's Dark Horse first, since the anticipation of discovering what her other form was well fed by the delay in revealing the truth. This little story starts with her move to Paris and her experiences with her first vampire marked for death and a twist. Read after Death's Dark Horse is my recommendation, if at all. The author said she was going to rewrite Reaper and make it 1.5 instead of a prequel. 5*
Death's Dark Horse #1 - A well written, suspense filled story with a unique and surprising character and many other interesting characters, along with humor thorough out the story. The plot is well thought out and the reader is kept guessing as to what is so specially about the main character: her job is surprising and you may guess at her animal. I guessed it but put it out of my mind and surprise I was right. I've read many of Ms. Loren's books and she gets better with each new book. 5*
Death's Hexed Hobnobs #2 - The story takes place a year after Death's Dark Horse ends. This book is amazing! I felt like I was reading a Butcher novel. This well written, action paced, suspense filled novel kept me prisoner to its pages. The plot twisted like an angry rodeo bull and the suspense never stopped, along with humor thorough out the story . The characters, while well thought out in DDH, become stronger and evoke all sorts of emotions from the reader. I can't wait to see what #3 is has in stock for the reader.5*
Death's Endless Enchanter #3 - This book starts right where Death's Hexed Hobnobs ended. Well written, filled with suspense and intrigue, humor and well developed characters with realistic dialog - (not stupid dialog). Although the book concludes the issues that arise in this book, it's a cliffhanger and the book doesn't end the way the reader would expect. 5*
Death's Ethereal Enemy #4 - This book starts a month after Death's Endless Enchanter ended. Well written, intriguing with the suspense starting later in the chapters than usual, but making up for the delay. Still with humor, but some darkness appearing and new revelations as the plot twists and the pace picks up. 5*
Death’s Last Laugh #5 – This is a whooper! There’s a lot happening in this book: action; intrigue; suspense; romance; and humor. Another well-written story that keeps the reader immersed in the pages, and too soon, the end is reached. This very substantial book with it’s well thought out twists and turns, along with the continuous growth of the characters makes it hard to put the book down. So ease up with the tea. I’m so glad I contacted the author to review her books. She hasn’t disappointed me yet and she has traveled a long was from Larch Hall. 5*
Merged review:
DARK HORSE SERIES:
Standalones, but a well written series! If you love Sooky, you'll love this series. Each book gets better, as do the characters and the plots are suspense-filled, intriguing and action-packed.
Death's Reckless Reaper, Prequel - An introduction to January. I'm glad I read Death's Dark Horse first, since the anticipation of discovering what her other form was well fed by the delay in revealing the truth. This little story starts with her move to Paris and her experiences with her first vampire marked for death and a twist. Read after Death's Dark Horse is my recommendation, if at all. The author said she was going to rewrite Reaper and make it 1.5 instead of a prequel. 5*
Death's Dark Horse #1 - A well written, suspense filled story with a unique and surprising character and many other interesting characters, along with humor thorough out the story. The plot is well thought out and the reader is kept guessing as to what is so specially about the main character: her job is surprising and you may guess at her animal. I guessed it but put it out of my mind and surprise I was right. I've read many of Ms. Loren's books and she gets better with each new book. 5*
Death's Hexed Hobnobs #2 - The story takes place a year after Death's Dark Horse ends. This book is amazing! I felt like I was reading a Butcher novel. This well written, action paced, suspense filled novel kept me prisoner to its pages. The plot twisted like an angry rodeo bull and the suspense never stopped, along with humor thorough out the story . The characters, while well thought out in DDH, become stronger and evoke all sorts of emotions from the reader. I can't wait to see what #3 is has in stock for the reader.5*
Death's Endless Enchanter #3 - This book starts right where Death's Hexed Hobnobs ended. Well written, filled with suspense and intrigue, humor and well developed characters with realistic dialog - (not stupid dialog). Although the book concludes the issues that arise in this book, it's a cliffhanger and the book doesn't end the way the reader would expect. 5*
Death's Ethereal Enemy #4 - This book starts a month after Death's Endless Enchanter ended. Well written, intriguing with the suspense starting later in the chapters than usual, but making up for the delay. Still with humor, but some darkness appearing and new revelations as the plot twists and the pace picks up. 5*
Death’s Last Laugh #5 – This is a whooper! There’s a lot happening in this book: action; intrigue; suspense; romance; and humor. Another well-written story that keeps the reader immersed in the pages, and too soon, the end is reached. This very substantial book with it’s well thought out twists and turns, along with the continuous growth of the characters makes it hard to put the book down. So ease up with the tea. I’m so glad I contacted the author to review her books. She hasn’t disappointed me yet and she has traveled a long was from Larch Hall. 5*
I contacted the author to review her books and/or purchased them later.
December 25, 2017
This is the first book in the January series! She comes back from Paris at her parents behest to find her missing sister. Her sister Jo doesn’t think and reveals January’s secret almost getting her killed. January is not happy being home! She makes cakes for a tea room which is her favorite part of the day. The town is full of vamps and shifters. The pack leader is using magic to try to force her to join and to keep the pack in line. January has no plans to stay in town let alone join the local pack. As she searches for her sister she runs into Gregory, the head vamp. Then things start to go crazy, bodies start showing up dead some vamp and some shifter! It ends up starting a chain of events that January is not happy with. It’s a fast paced, twisty turning novel! I really enjoyed it. It answered a lot of my questions because I inadvertently started with the 3rd book not realizing it was a series. I love Ruby Loren’s books.
June 30, 2022
Not living up to potential
There isn't enough feeling to create connection. The most feeling we get from January is her hatred of her coworker. And her love of baking but, it's showing up her coworker she truly loves. The rest isn't real and no duh vampires, werewolves, and shifters but hear me out. Hamilton and Andrews both have similar worlds with all sorts of supernatural folk. But at no point do you think Anita or Kate are just fabrications. They are real people with real relationships and feelings, as real as I am reading about their worlds. This book is like an alien trying to tell me how it feels to have a sibling betray you. I know how that feels. I also know how it feels to be attracted to someone and it's nothing like this book. There are too many unimportant characters. Her boss doesn't need to exist. Slyvester, Tracy, Her mother, none of these characters enhanced the book and could have been better served by having their roles replaced.
There isn't enough feeling to create connection. The most feeling we get from January is her hatred of her coworker. And her love of baking but, it's showing up her coworker she truly loves. The rest isn't real and no duh vampires, werewolves, and shifters but hear me out. Hamilton and Andrews both have similar worlds with all sorts of supernatural folk. But at no point do you think Anita or Kate are just fabrications. They are real people with real relationships and feelings, as real as I am reading about their worlds. This book is like an alien trying to tell me how it feels to have a sibling betray you. I know how that feels. I also know how it feels to be attracted to someone and it's nothing like this book. There are too many unimportant characters. Her boss doesn't need to exist. Slyvester, Tracy, Her mother, none of these characters enhanced the book and could have been better served by having their roles replaced.
November 22, 2017
Great book, this is the very first book I’ve read of Ruby Loren’s and now I’m a fan for life. This is the first book of the series and I can’t wait to read the others. I won’t give any spoilers but this book is about a girl named January who comes back to her home town from Paris to search for her sister. January is a shifter who gets involved with vampires and other shifters. This book has action, adventure and no real sexy scenes which is refreshing for a change. I didn’t put the book down until I was finished and then I was sad that it was finished so I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend this book to anyone that loves the paranormal and who like strong females, this is the book for u. Fantastic book.
May 26, 2023
Good
January Chevalier, shifter, bounty hunter, big sister…
Going home to help her sister out of a “situation”, January finds herself facing off against vampires and a power crazy big cat shifter.
This book was a little hard to get into, but the story smoothed out after a while and became rather more interesting as soon as we start to understand who and what January is.
She has two love interests in this, and it doesn’t quite develop into a triangle, but it’s heading there.
The big plot, aka January and the alpha, is sorted out by the end of the book, but the background plot is left hanging.
An interesting and quite different paranormal mystery/urban fantasy for fans of vampires, shifters, and unicorns.
January Chevalier, shifter, bounty hunter, big sister…
Going home to help her sister out of a “situation”, January finds herself facing off against vampires and a power crazy big cat shifter.
This book was a little hard to get into, but the story smoothed out after a while and became rather more interesting as soon as we start to understand who and what January is.
She has two love interests in this, and it doesn’t quite develop into a triangle, but it’s heading there.
The big plot, aka January and the alpha, is sorted out by the end of the book, but the background plot is left hanging.
An interesting and quite different paranormal mystery/urban fantasy for fans of vampires, shifters, and unicorns.
November 22, 2017
I know Ruby Loren from her mysteries set in a zoo. This series is also about animals, but on a totally different level. Where the prequel is really dark and deadly, this book starts surprisingly normal. A young woman works in a tearoom, plays in a band and has a love/hate relationship with her sister and parents. But, being a shifter, her life is far from normal. And don't forget the other shifters in her hometown, or the vampires...
So, rest assured (or not), this book gets darker and more dangerous with every page!
Great book! I'm looking forward to reading the next!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
So, rest assured (or not), this book gets darker and more dangerous with every page!
Great book! I'm looking forward to reading the next!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
January 3, 2018
The concept is too intricated & the story line too twisted to some time understand what actually is happening. It kind of feels like something is amiss.
The summary of this book isn't that attractive. Almost boring. But since I received this book for free (by being part of the author's newsletter), I read it and discovered that it's much more interesting than what the summary conveys.
I gotta say it though that some of the dialogues were pretty humorous and I hand it to the author for making me laugh. If you like shifters & vampires, this might be something you like (though not love...).
The summary of this book isn't that attractive. Almost boring. But since I received this book for free (by being part of the author's newsletter), I read it and discovered that it's much more interesting than what the summary conveys.
I gotta say it though that some of the dialogues were pretty humorous and I hand it to the author for making me laugh. If you like shifters & vampires, this might be something you like (though not love...).
August 12, 2020
This Heroine has pretty poor taste in boyfriends
She's tough, she's an unusual type of shifter. But her boyfriends leave something to be desired. One is a Vampire. So what's wrong with that, you wonder? Well, she's the first to say that Vampires stink like corpses. Her other boyfriend is a shifter who didn't have the nerve to attempt to take over a pack....so he had her do it.
The World Building was lacking in this first book of a series--I actually felt like I'd missed a prior book. That being said, I still enjoyed this book enough that I'll probably continue with the series. Three was action, romance, and a variety of supernaturals. 3-3/4 Stars for me.
She's tough, she's an unusual type of shifter. But her boyfriends leave something to be desired. One is a Vampire. So what's wrong with that, you wonder? Well, she's the first to say that Vampires stink like corpses. Her other boyfriend is a shifter who didn't have the nerve to attempt to take over a pack....so he had her do it.
The World Building was lacking in this first book of a series--I actually felt like I'd missed a prior book. That being said, I still enjoyed this book enough that I'll probably continue with the series. Three was action, romance, and a variety of supernaturals. 3-3/4 Stars for me.
November 26, 2017
This is not the first series I have read by Ruby Loren. I think she's a brilliant writer. This series is different from the cozy mysteries I'm used to but can you say January the Vampire Slayer.
January comes home to help her family with her little sister Jo. But things are not quite what they seem in Hailfield. Shifters all, but where were the wolves who usually ran thing and why were the cats in charge?
I loved the twists and turns this book takes you in and can't wait to read the next one in the series. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January comes home to help her family with her little sister Jo. But things are not quite what they seem in Hailfield. Shifters all, but where were the wolves who usually ran thing and why were the cats in charge?
I loved the twists and turns this book takes you in and can't wait to read the next one in the series. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2017
Vampires and Shape Shifters – What Fun!
What a wonderful and fun story! Paranormal usually is not my preferred genre, but this book has changed my mind. It is well written and a lot of the ‘rules‘ were explained well enough for me to learn about all of this stuff. The author paints a great ‘mind picture’ with her writing. I have enjoyed other books from this author and will read more of this series, too. I received a free copy of this book (ARC) and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.
What a wonderful and fun story! Paranormal usually is not my preferred genre, but this book has changed my mind. It is well written and a lot of the ‘rules‘ were explained well enough for me to learn about all of this stuff. The author paints a great ‘mind picture’ with her writing. I have enjoyed other books from this author and will read more of this series, too. I received a free copy of this book (ARC) and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.
November 13, 2017
This book was sheer fun and a joy to read.
The plot was fast moving, and the characters were a suitably mixed bunch...the star, of course, being January.
I loved the touches of magic, and the paranormal elements. January has a secret, a big secret, which came as a surprise, to me at least, when it was finally revealed.
The book kept me guessing right up to the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The plot was fast moving, and the characters were a suitably mixed bunch...the star, of course, being January.
I loved the touches of magic, and the paranormal elements. January has a secret, a big secret, which came as a surprise, to me at least, when it was finally revealed.
The book kept me guessing right up to the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 14, 2017
An enjoyable paranormal action romp with a touch of romance. The plot has lots of surprises and twists. The only slight issue that I have is that some things happen which aren't explained, but as this is the first in the series (apart from the prequel!) maybe these situations will be explained in later books.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but this honest review is voluntarily written based on my own opinions.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but this honest review is voluntarily written based on my own opinions.
November 17, 2017
A very different book from the previous one by this author, but really interesting one.
I'm not one for shifters and vampires, but I decided to trust Ruby Loren writing, and boy, was I right! She delivered with gusto!
The characters are all interesting, the plot well planned, the writing excellent, so yes, you can say I'm a new convert... at least for this series :P
A very recommended read.
I'm not one for shifters and vampires, but I decided to trust Ruby Loren writing, and boy, was I right! She delivered with gusto!
The characters are all interesting, the plot well planned, the writing excellent, so yes, you can say I'm a new convert... at least for this series :P
A very recommended read.
April 11, 2018
I normaly do not read books about shifters, vampries and so on. But Ruby is one of my favorite authors and I decided I would try this. And I liked it!
I will read the next book. In this story you will find adventure, action, romance, murder, Ruby is a very talented lady.
Does January find her sister?
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I will read the next book. In this story you will find adventure, action, romance, murder, Ruby is a very talented lady.
Does January find her sister?
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
January 7, 2019
Interesting concept
I really wanted to like this book. The premise was great, the plot set up solid and the writing was well done, but I just didn’t like the characters......any of them! The characters felt like plot devices rather than believable three dimensional beings.
I struggled on to the end because I wanted to know what happened, because like I said, the plot was good, but I nearly gave up several times because I didn’t care about January.
I really wanted to like this book. The premise was great, the plot set up solid and the writing was well done, but I just didn’t like the characters......any of them! The characters felt like plot devices rather than believable three dimensional beings.
I struggled on to the end because I wanted to know what happened, because like I said, the plot was good, but I nearly gave up several times because I didn’t care about January.
May 28, 2020
True mixer
Take just about every supernatural creature, shake well and pour into a small town and it will give you an idea of what you will find in this story. Oh yeah, don't forget to add to the mix magic, voodoo, curses, spells and overbearing parents. How all of this can coexist without more mayhem is puzzling.
Still it's an interesting story with even a few normal problems thrown into the mix.
Take just about every supernatural creature, shake well and pour into a small town and it will give you an idea of what you will find in this story. Oh yeah, don't forget to add to the mix magic, voodoo, curses, spells and overbearing parents. How all of this can coexist without more mayhem is puzzling.
Still it's an interesting story with even a few normal problems thrown into the mix.
October 6, 2020
Vampires and Shifters at war.
Take a crazy shifter leader with his own secret agenda, add a Millennia old fascinating Vampire with his own secrets caught up in a battle for supremacy, Enter January a shifter paid to assassinate vampires but she's only there to help her parents with her younger willful sister, or is she. Good story great characters and lots of action, recommend read, Baz.
Take a crazy shifter leader with his own secret agenda, add a Millennia old fascinating Vampire with his own secrets caught up in a battle for supremacy, Enter January a shifter paid to assassinate vampires but she's only there to help her parents with her younger willful sister, or is she. Good story great characters and lots of action, recommend read, Baz.
November 22, 2017
My seventh read from author Ruby Loren was very different from the first six. I read this book in a matter of hours (work got in the way or I'd have taken less time)! Yeah, it is that good! Enjoyable & well-written, Ruby Loren’s writing is like a visit with an old friend. I’ll read more in this series in the future.
November 24, 2017
This was a new type of read for me, So many different shifters and vampires. It was a good read I really enjoyed reading it. January is her own person and has no care on what others think of her. She fights for her self and others. Will she find her sister? Will she learn to trust others? I received and arc copy for my honest review.
November 30, 2017
I received an Arc in return for an honest review. This is my opinion. Ruby Loren has written an amazing start to a new series. Death's Dark Horse is definitely a 5 star novel.
It delivers everything a reader can expect. An exciting plot that is as much thriller as well as fantasy. The characters leap from the page and add sheer delightto the novel.
my opinion is simple read this now.
It delivers everything a reader can expect. An exciting plot that is as much thriller as well as fantasy. The characters leap from the page and add sheer delightto the novel.
my opinion is simple read this now.
November 27, 2018
The title of the book is catchy and the front cover of the book is attractive and attention seeking. The intense plot is the main USP of the book. The thrill, gripping elements of the story (in this series) made this book a faced,enjoyable and hooking read. Loved it to the core. Much recommendable.
November 22, 2019
Took the advice of others and read this book before the prequel novella - and i'm glad i did. Right from the start the author hooks you with an interesting plot and a main character that I instantly wanted to know more off. Found the book very well paced and the reveal of her second nature quite surprising. hoping all the remaining book are as well written as this one was!
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