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Jessica Sweet Trilogy #1
Sweet Vengeance
Jessica Sweet is an orphan – Again…
At 26, the term may not truly apply, but having been abandoned by her birth parents at an early age, the death of her adoptive parents is like déjà vu all over again. Now she finds herself alone, facing a future that should be unsure; however, the visions she’s been plagued with since childhood are about to descend upon her, pulling her into a supernatural world where her deepest fantasies and most harrowing nightmares will soon come true.
A monster, even by Vampire Standards...
Raven has spent the better part of his five-hundred-seventy-plus years fighting the evil within. His capture by an ancient breed of Sorcerers, just surfacing in the Legion’s base town of Fallen Cross, Ohio, leaves him beaten and starving. Escape leads him to an old farmhouse, the single heartbeat within promising life. What he couldn’t know is that the blood he now seeks will sustain him in ways he could never imagine…
At 26, the term may not truly apply, but having been abandoned by her birth parents at an early age, the death of her adoptive parents is like déjà vu all over again. Now she finds herself alone, facing a future that should be unsure; however, the visions she’s been plagued with since childhood are about to descend upon her, pulling her into a supernatural world where her deepest fantasies and most harrowing nightmares will soon come true.
A monster, even by Vampire Standards...
Raven has spent the better part of his five-hundred-seventy-plus years fighting the evil within. His capture by an ancient breed of Sorcerers, just surfacing in the Legion’s base town of Fallen Cross, Ohio, leaves him beaten and starving. Escape leads him to an old farmhouse, the single heartbeat within promising life. What he couldn’t know is that the blood he now seeks will sustain him in ways he could never imagine…
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2016
42 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
Aliya DalRae
31 books451 followersWhat started as therapy turned into a fulltime passion for Aliya DalRae. The fictional town of Fallen Cross, Ohio, and its cast of characters, both human and paranormal, reside in her imagination, and she brings their stories of love, loss and redemption to life in her Jessica Sweet Trilogy, and The Fallen Cross Pack and Fallen Cross Legion Series. You can find Aliya on Facebook and Goodreads, or subscribe to her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/dtEWqH for twice-monthly updates, contests and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 19, 2016
The usual triad of Vampire, Shifter and Magic takes an interesting direction in Sweet Vengeance by Aliyah DalRae. Raven, second in command in a military faction of the vampires, has a past so dark and bloody, he’s hated by his own race. Jessica, a human, has had visions her entire life that always come true. One such vision has prepared her to someday find a naked man on her porch. When that day finally arrives her life and those of her friends will never be the same. Suddenly thrust into the middle of a war between the shifters and the sorcerers with the vampires siding with the shifters, Raven and Jessica discover an undeniable attraction.
I enjoyed Sweet Vengeance greatly. Although at times it becomes very dark and violent, there is enough humor and light to balance out the mix. The story is fast-paced and never left me wondering. DalRae kept the large cast of characters and constantly evolving plot clear and easy to follow.
If you enjoy dark paranormal and an interesting couple whose love will last a lifetime, then I highly recommend Sweet Vengeance. But beware, this is only the beginning. Although the immediate conflict is resolved, the war is far from over.
I enjoyed Sweet Vengeance greatly. Although at times it becomes very dark and violent, there is enough humor and light to balance out the mix. The story is fast-paced and never left me wondering. DalRae kept the large cast of characters and constantly evolving plot clear and easy to follow.
If you enjoy dark paranormal and an interesting couple whose love will last a lifetime, then I highly recommend Sweet Vengeance. But beware, this is only the beginning. Although the immediate conflict is resolved, the war is far from over.
July 22, 2017
Vampires, shifters, magic and suspense. This is my first book by the author and it won't be the last. It took me a while to read, but that was only because I've got so many things going on at the moment. I cannot wait to re-read this and I would definitely recommend this author.
February 6, 2017
Check out this review, and many more, on my blog https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com
5 out of 5 stars
If you pick up this book (seriously though, pick it up right now) be prepared to get completely sucked in! If it hadn't been for a flu bug knocking me on my proverbial backside for four whole days I would've been dead to the world for a whole other reason. Instead, I was forced to take a hiatus midway through this book. Talk about sucks-ville!
Ms. Dalrae has woven a wonderful story. Her heroine, Jessica Sweet (great first name BTW) is really sweet. As in slang for kick-ass! And what's even better is that she has no idea how badass she really is. She's just a normal "nothing special to see here folks" kinda girl. Oh, except for the fact that she has these psychic visions, premonitions of the future that always come true. Like I said, just your run of the mill average girl.
Add to Jessica's psychic ability the fact that outta nowhere she finds herself in the company of Vamps, Sorcerers and Weres embroiled in some centuries old war and you've got a recipe for a stellar story. But Ms. Dalrae doesn't stop there; we're also treated to an impossible attraction between sweet Jessica and one sexy as sin Vamp named Raven.
The two main characters were fabulously portrayed. I loved the backstories of both characters. While both sad, Raven's held its own unique flavor of tragedy. The supporting characters were each little gems in their own right. Jessica's best friends Piper and Alexander "Alex" created a really fun and believable dynamic. Then there was Raven's crew: an elite group of Vampire warriors dedicated to enforcing Vampire law and keeping Vamp existence a secret from all humans. (Side note: After this trilogy wraps, if she'd like to treat us to a book featuring each of the Vamps on "the Team" I'll be first in line for my copies. Start with Tas please. Then Harrier; he may be an ass, but he's a sexy one!)
The tension, both of pending war between the supernatural and that of the sexual variety between Raven and Jessica, was well maintained through the entire story. As the first book in a trilogy, the ending was satisfying but with just enough turmoil left brewing that I absolutely cannot wait to sink my fangs into the next installment! I loved this book. Thank you for an entertaining and addicting read.
5 out of 5 stars
If you pick up this book (seriously though, pick it up right now) be prepared to get completely sucked in! If it hadn't been for a flu bug knocking me on my proverbial backside for four whole days I would've been dead to the world for a whole other reason. Instead, I was forced to take a hiatus midway through this book. Talk about sucks-ville!
Ms. Dalrae has woven a wonderful story. Her heroine, Jessica Sweet (great first name BTW) is really sweet. As in slang for kick-ass! And what's even better is that she has no idea how badass she really is. She's just a normal "nothing special to see here folks" kinda girl. Oh, except for the fact that she has these psychic visions, premonitions of the future that always come true. Like I said, just your run of the mill average girl.
Add to Jessica's psychic ability the fact that outta nowhere she finds herself in the company of Vamps, Sorcerers and Weres embroiled in some centuries old war and you've got a recipe for a stellar story. But Ms. Dalrae doesn't stop there; we're also treated to an impossible attraction between sweet Jessica and one sexy as sin Vamp named Raven.
The two main characters were fabulously portrayed. I loved the backstories of both characters. While both sad, Raven's held its own unique flavor of tragedy. The supporting characters were each little gems in their own right. Jessica's best friends Piper and Alexander "Alex" created a really fun and believable dynamic. Then there was Raven's crew: an elite group of Vampire warriors dedicated to enforcing Vampire law and keeping Vamp existence a secret from all humans. (Side note: After this trilogy wraps, if she'd like to treat us to a book featuring each of the Vamps on "the Team" I'll be first in line for my copies. Start with Tas please. Then Harrier; he may be an ass, but he's a sexy one!)
The tension, both of pending war between the supernatural and that of the sexual variety between Raven and Jessica, was well maintained through the entire story. As the first book in a trilogy, the ending was satisfying but with just enough turmoil left brewing that I absolutely cannot wait to sink my fangs into the next installment! I loved this book. Thank you for an entertaining and addicting read.
February 4, 2017
A Blood-Pumping Novel!
Invoking vampire vernacular, Jessica Sweet, a twenty-something woman who has been plagued by visions foretelling her destiny since childhood, gets sucked into a supernatural world and falls in love with Raven, a vamp whose reputation of a bloody past torments him.
I “stake” my claim that ‘Sweet Vengeance’ is not your granddaddy-o-Drac paranormal novel with a trope vamp as caped crusader, night-cruisin’ in a black, horse-drawn hackney coach, prone to hanging upside down like a bat, or sleeping inside a coffin. Cast aside the legendary notions of garlic, holy water, wooden stakes, and brandishing crosses as vampire antidotes too, but hang onto solar sensitivity.
These Vamps, who are front and center in the novel, and reside in the subterranean Legions compound, resemble outlaw bikers in leather garb or camou fatigues with the personas and physiques of a surfer dude, GQ model, ruffian, and computer geek representing a race striving to survive under the radar by adhering to their own code of ethics. As do the other societal factions in the story, co-existing in harmony and disharmony amongst unsuspecting humans: Werewolves (Weres), Sorcerers (Sorcs), and Shifters who join forces with one another when it suits their purpose. For the most part, each paranormal division is mindful of the environment by taking only what is needed from the earth.
Besides the credibility factor and character empathy the author elicits from the reader, like a pair of vamp fangs, her writing is sharp and to the point as she leads you over hill and dale along the trail of 93 short and “sweet” chapters with everything going for it. There are plot twists and turns I never saw coming, though in retrospect, she alluded from the beginning to the shocker in the epilogue! Told in alternating first-person narratives, the reader reaps all the benefits of perception and introspection. There’s witty dialogue. Most importantly, the protagonists are so well-developed that I felt the anguish of Raven’s inner conflicts.
I highly recommend this blood-pumping novel whose story will course through my veins until my next feed from the upcoming novels in the trilogy.
Invoking vampire vernacular, Jessica Sweet, a twenty-something woman who has been plagued by visions foretelling her destiny since childhood, gets sucked into a supernatural world and falls in love with Raven, a vamp whose reputation of a bloody past torments him.
I “stake” my claim that ‘Sweet Vengeance’ is not your granddaddy-o-Drac paranormal novel with a trope vamp as caped crusader, night-cruisin’ in a black, horse-drawn hackney coach, prone to hanging upside down like a bat, or sleeping inside a coffin. Cast aside the legendary notions of garlic, holy water, wooden stakes, and brandishing crosses as vampire antidotes too, but hang onto solar sensitivity.
These Vamps, who are front and center in the novel, and reside in the subterranean Legions compound, resemble outlaw bikers in leather garb or camou fatigues with the personas and physiques of a surfer dude, GQ model, ruffian, and computer geek representing a race striving to survive under the radar by adhering to their own code of ethics. As do the other societal factions in the story, co-existing in harmony and disharmony amongst unsuspecting humans: Werewolves (Weres), Sorcerers (Sorcs), and Shifters who join forces with one another when it suits their purpose. For the most part, each paranormal division is mindful of the environment by taking only what is needed from the earth.
Besides the credibility factor and character empathy the author elicits from the reader, like a pair of vamp fangs, her writing is sharp and to the point as she leads you over hill and dale along the trail of 93 short and “sweet” chapters with everything going for it. There are plot twists and turns I never saw coming, though in retrospect, she alluded from the beginning to the shocker in the epilogue! Told in alternating first-person narratives, the reader reaps all the benefits of perception and introspection. There’s witty dialogue. Most importantly, the protagonists are so well-developed that I felt the anguish of Raven’s inner conflicts.
I highly recommend this blood-pumping novel whose story will course through my veins until my next feed from the upcoming novels in the trilogy.
March 25, 2016
Anything Paranormal always draws me in, add Romance to it and you have a recipe that is going to draw the reader into the book with you. You felt like you were right there in the story with the characters and that is what Aliya DalRae brought to this book. You can't put it down, you need to read on to see what happens next. You have to know what happens next! Spellbinding, romance, drama, sex, humor, this book has it all and draws you in. You fall in love with Raven and Jessica and you can't wait to continue this journey with them. I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into the next book of this Trilogy!!
October 25, 2018
This is an interesting take on the paranormal romance genre with vampires, shifters, and witches. There's ancient curses and bad boys. I don't quite think I'd make my bad boy MC a rapist and have him referred to that way throughout the entire book, but he's somehow redeemed by the books end. There's a twist at the end about the curse that I didn't see coming. I do have to wonder if we're going to see more of the scorcerers and Raven's curse as the series progresses, but overall, it was an enjoyable read
November 5, 2016
Absolutely loved this story. Hot vampires, werewolves and evil sorcerers with Jessica Sweet right in the midst of all of it. I loved Jessica who started out as somewhat lonely and vulnerable but watch out when someone threatens someone she cares about. I think that there is much more story to tell and can't wait the read the second installment.
July 7, 2017
Jessica Sweet thought she was just an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life. A life with visions of the future, that is. She goes about her normal country life in Fallen Cross, Ohio until one of her visions comes true and sends a hurt, bleeding man unconscious on her doorstep. She had no idea that that man was a vampire and would become the love of her life. Now, before you go “Oh, it’s one of those stories” I have to tell you that this is not your average vampire meets girl story. There’s not only Vampires and Werewolves, but ancient Sorcerers too! Aliya DalRae’s first novel in the Jessica Sweet Trilogy is a uniquely riveting and quite addicting story of redemption, love, and plenty of action to go around.
The Review:
From the beginning of this book I was immediately drawn in. Aliya DalRae has done a great job of showing, not telling and throws words in there that make me vividly see the world she is building. Her writing is up there in the top for me and I applaud her for this great talent in storytelling!
What I like about Jessica is that, even though she falls in love with a guy with a horrifying past she has no idea about, she is self-sufficient and independent. After her adopted parents die, she (I’m assuming) inherits the old farmhouse and small, family business of refurbishing old furniture. I like how she doesn’t have a stereotypical job liked waiter or assistant. She’s the boss and sets her own hours. It’s also realistic. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for a good vampire/human love story, but this one is my favorite by far because Jessica Sweet isn’t some weakling and she even has a talent of her own. Did I mention she sees the future? That’s pretty cool. The only problem I had with this is that it seems like she doesn’t get that sometimes she shouldn’t do exactly what her visions show her. There were frustrating moments when she only thought of two options and I’m here like “you have a third option! It’s so simple!”. But then I would assume that’s the author’s intent, right? To get you invested in the character and send plot twists to keep you frustrated/hooked and boy did it work!
Remember me mentioning a naked guy? Well, the naked guy is actually a vampire named Raven. Jessica thought she had another vision of the same scene of him on her porch, but after seeing him at the Mayor’s fundraiser she realizes that it wasn’t just a vision and that it actually did happen. Jessica is dragged to this fundraiser by her best friend Piper, along with her other best friend Alex, a guy who is sweet on Jessica (see what I did there?) and makes Raven growl a lot. I didn’t want to like Raven after I found out about his past of being the Rapist vampire, but his past was 500 hundred years ago and he literally tortured himself for five hundred centuries. He also repented and has continuously repented for just as long. I think five hundred centuries of repentance and torture (which is twice as long as he lost his humanity) is enough of a punishment and shows you that he has actually changed. He also loathes himself. He desperately wants to leave Jessica alone, for her not to get mixed up into his world, but in over 500 hundred years of being dead with grief he finally finds himself alive with love. He has found his true love and can’t seem to stay away and at this point in the story none of us are complaining! I loathed Raven at first, but I think he deserves a break since he shows us by his actions that he has truly changed his ways. Jessica is his one true love. She is his redemption.
I don’t like Malcolm. Malcolm the cat is a weird and creepy concept! At first I thought it would be just her guardian, but now that I know it’s some creepy guy cat who thinks she’s his? Not a fan of that. It’s just weird. Raven needs to tell her because that is awful. I don’t think it was meant to come across that way, but Malcolm is a creep and should be ashamed of keeping this secret from Jessica. And who is he reporting to about Jessica? Who is his Overlord? I hope we’ll find out at some point through this trilogy.
The villain of the story, Fuhrmann the Sorcerer, is definitely an evil one. How he’s connected to Raven and Jessica is astonishing and the ending will definitely surprise you. Also, what happens in the Epilogue? Wow! That’s a story I’d like to find out more about and could change Jessica’s life even more!
Star Rating Report Card:
4.43 Stars out of 5
1) Were the characters believable?
★★★★ - 4 stars
2) Did you like the characters?
★★ - 2 stars
3) Does the story move at a good pace?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
4) Are there holes in the plot?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
5) Is there conflict?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
6) Is the point-of-view consistent?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
7) Did you enjoy the story overall?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
The Review:
From the beginning of this book I was immediately drawn in. Aliya DalRae has done a great job of showing, not telling and throws words in there that make me vividly see the world she is building. Her writing is up there in the top for me and I applaud her for this great talent in storytelling!
What I like about Jessica is that, even though she falls in love with a guy with a horrifying past she has no idea about, she is self-sufficient and independent. After her adopted parents die, she (I’m assuming) inherits the old farmhouse and small, family business of refurbishing old furniture. I like how she doesn’t have a stereotypical job liked waiter or assistant. She’s the boss and sets her own hours. It’s also realistic. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for a good vampire/human love story, but this one is my favorite by far because Jessica Sweet isn’t some weakling and she even has a talent of her own. Did I mention she sees the future? That’s pretty cool. The only problem I had with this is that it seems like she doesn’t get that sometimes she shouldn’t do exactly what her visions show her. There were frustrating moments when she only thought of two options and I’m here like “you have a third option! It’s so simple!”. But then I would assume that’s the author’s intent, right? To get you invested in the character and send plot twists to keep you frustrated/hooked and boy did it work!
Remember me mentioning a naked guy? Well, the naked guy is actually a vampire named Raven. Jessica thought she had another vision of the same scene of him on her porch, but after seeing him at the Mayor’s fundraiser she realizes that it wasn’t just a vision and that it actually did happen. Jessica is dragged to this fundraiser by her best friend Piper, along with her other best friend Alex, a guy who is sweet on Jessica (see what I did there?) and makes Raven growl a lot. I didn’t want to like Raven after I found out about his past of being the Rapist vampire, but his past was 500 hundred years ago and he literally tortured himself for five hundred centuries. He also repented and has continuously repented for just as long. I think five hundred centuries of repentance and torture (which is twice as long as he lost his humanity) is enough of a punishment and shows you that he has actually changed. He also loathes himself. He desperately wants to leave Jessica alone, for her not to get mixed up into his world, but in over 500 hundred years of being dead with grief he finally finds himself alive with love. He has found his true love and can’t seem to stay away and at this point in the story none of us are complaining! I loathed Raven at first, but I think he deserves a break since he shows us by his actions that he has truly changed his ways. Jessica is his one true love. She is his redemption.
I don’t like Malcolm. Malcolm the cat is a weird and creepy concept! At first I thought it would be just her guardian, but now that I know it’s some creepy guy cat who thinks she’s his? Not a fan of that. It’s just weird. Raven needs to tell her because that is awful. I don’t think it was meant to come across that way, but Malcolm is a creep and should be ashamed of keeping this secret from Jessica. And who is he reporting to about Jessica? Who is his Overlord? I hope we’ll find out at some point through this trilogy.
The villain of the story, Fuhrmann the Sorcerer, is definitely an evil one. How he’s connected to Raven and Jessica is astonishing and the ending will definitely surprise you. Also, what happens in the Epilogue? Wow! That’s a story I’d like to find out more about and could change Jessica’s life even more!
Star Rating Report Card:
4.43 Stars out of 5
1) Were the characters believable?
★★★★ - 4 stars
2) Did you like the characters?
★★ - 2 stars
3) Does the story move at a good pace?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
4) Are there holes in the plot?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
5) Is there conflict?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
6) Is the point-of-view consistent?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
7) Did you enjoy the story overall?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
December 28, 2018
Now imagine yourself living your life normally day after day when suddenly one of your recurrent dreams become true and from that moment on everything changes. For the worse? For the best? Who knows, the only thing you know is that suddenly you are surrounded by Vampires, Werewolves, and Sorcerer. Like this is not enough, you find yourself in the middle of a conflict between those three. Well, I tell you something, this was an amazing read. So engaging and packed with humor and action to literally nail me on the screen of my kindle. You have to read it because this is a must read everyone can enjoy, so grab your copy right away, Oh buy it also as a present for your friends!
January 30, 2018
Sigh. What a delightful read. The relationship between Jessica and Raven is wonderful, full of ups and downs, but finally landing up. The storyline is excellent, the characters fully developed. Yeah, excellent, with some surprises along the way. Malcolm... Harrier... Patrick and Maggie (that one I didn't see coming).
And how could I forget that awesome cover.
And how could I forget that awesome cover.
April 8, 2017
This is my first read of this Author, Aliya DalRae but it won't be my last. I quickly found myself immersed in a believable fantasy that had me falling in love with the characters. I genuinely did not want to stop reading, I longed to find out what would become of Jessica Sweet and the vampire she meets. Filled with suspense, adventure, fear and character so real you forget they are fictional, I'm excited for the next story in the trilogy!
February 28, 2016
I was prepared to rate this book 5 stars no matter how I felt about the book, the Author being a relative and a first book. I had it in my mind that it would be good , but not the stuff that make" real "Authors good writers. Boy, was I wrong!!! Aliya is definitely a "real" Author!!!! I couldn't put it down! Not going to give any spoilers because I want this book to be read! It was totally awesome, and I cannot wait for the next book! Kudos, Aliya! You did it! As an avid reader I highly suggest you add this book to your reading list!! You won't be sorry!
November 23, 2016
I have rarely read a book as well written, easy to read, and exciting as this (perhaps never!) I would give it 10 stars out of 5... yes it's that good! Ms. DalRae expertly pulls you into a wonderful, but frightening world, and once there you'll never want to leave. I am an instant lifelong fan of hers now, and can't wait to continue this series. Saying that I most highly recommend this book is a severe understatement... I just can't say enough good things about. There is one more thing... I rarely ever reread a novel, but this one I most certainly will.
September 2, 2025
I Can't Take It
2.5 Stars.
I tried. But I have a lot of problems with this one.
This dialogue of the MFC, Jessica and her friends is very YA.
The story itself comes across as a series I read a long time ago. Only a lot more YA and I don't do YA.
It's painfully slow moving and boring.
I give up on chapter 16, page 55, 19%.
It's a DNF for me.
2.5 Stars.
I tried. But I have a lot of problems with this one.
This dialogue of the MFC, Jessica and her friends is very YA.
The story itself comes across as a series I read a long time ago. Only a lot more YA and I don't do YA.
It's painfully slow moving and boring.
I give up on chapter 16, page 55, 19%.
It's a DNF for me.
March 31, 2016
Vampires, shifters, sorcerers, oh my! This book has it all. I am very impressed with Aliya's first book. It had me from the first page and I read it in one day. The story is captivating, funny, suspenseful, hot and sexy! It's the start of what will be an amazing trilogy. You won't be disappointed!
March 22, 2016
If you like the paranormal, you will love Sweet Vengeance. Not my favorite kind of book, but in spite of that, I found it exciting. Couldn't put it down. Absolutely cannot wait for her second book of the trilogy. For a new author, Aliya Dalrae has hit the ball out of the park.
June 2, 2020
Absolutely fabulous story. Jessica is just perfect for the character. Not too long but awesome.
September 5, 2017
When doing a review, I’m always hesitant to give away too much. I hate spoilers. But if you like modern vampire stories with an updated version of other supernatural or otherworldly creatures than this story is for you. The book has something often hard to find, a strong female lead. I like that in the tale. This story is worth your time.
December 17, 2018
New take on paranormal romance
Human with psychic powers Jessica Sweet (love that name!) and vampire Raven, bad boy who ends up on her porch…naked, are the heroine and hero of this fresh paranormal romance.
The whole cast of characters are well-developed, and the world-building is out of this world. You get to see them as real people: the good, the bad, and the much worse. My fav? Biker leather daddy vampires.
Great writing style. Funny and laid back. It’s great to read from the point of view of different characters as they come alive. I was especially rooting for Jessica the whole time as she had a positive attitude despite hardships.
This was a page-turner, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this trilogy. I especially hope we learn more about the cat character, as I found him to be quite intriguing.
Human with psychic powers Jessica Sweet (love that name!) and vampire Raven, bad boy who ends up on her porch…naked, are the heroine and hero of this fresh paranormal romance.
The whole cast of characters are well-developed, and the world-building is out of this world. You get to see them as real people: the good, the bad, and the much worse. My fav? Biker leather daddy vampires.
Great writing style. Funny and laid back. It’s great to read from the point of view of different characters as they come alive. I was especially rooting for Jessica the whole time as she had a positive attitude despite hardships.
This was a page-turner, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this trilogy. I especially hope we learn more about the cat character, as I found him to be quite intriguing.
October 5, 2016
I'm typically not a big fan of paranormal, unless it happens to be written by Anne Rice. Sweet Vengeance, however, is my favorite kind of book - one you can't put it down. Vampires, wizards, shifters - I loved them all. At least I loved them in this book at any rate. Can't wait for the second book of the trilogy. Well done, Aliya DalRae. Kudos to you.
June 24, 2016
Sweet Vengeance is a beautiful take on an overused concept. The vampire-based genre has begun to fade out, but as I read this novel I felt that it had been rejuvenated and I felt myself connecting to the younger me who only read vampire novels. But perhaps the best element of this novel was that it didn't just include vampires; instead, it included other supernatural beings to the mix while also enhancing the story line with romance.
Aliya DalRae is a master of understanding characters and what makes them tick. Her characters were brilliantly developed, and I felt absorbed by the plot and setting as I fell deeper and deeper into the novel. She avidly included the reader in her story, instead of having them as the audience, and that is something that I rarely see in today's market. Many times authors can talk at their audience instead of including them, but DalRae made it clear that her readers were a part of her story, and through that I felt as though DalRae had taken my hand and allowed me to explore the world she had created with her.
I loved getting to know the vivid characters in Sweet Vengeance, and as time went on I began to forget that they were fictional. The only critique I have is that the writing was a bit choppy at times, but it didn't hinder the story. DalRae did a beautiful job of putting down her ideas onto paper, and I am very excited to read the rest of this trilogy once the books are released.
Aliya DalRae is a master of understanding characters and what makes them tick. Her characters were brilliantly developed, and I felt absorbed by the plot and setting as I fell deeper and deeper into the novel. She avidly included the reader in her story, instead of having them as the audience, and that is something that I rarely see in today's market. Many times authors can talk at their audience instead of including them, but DalRae made it clear that her readers were a part of her story, and through that I felt as though DalRae had taken my hand and allowed me to explore the world she had created with her.
I loved getting to know the vivid characters in Sweet Vengeance, and as time went on I began to forget that they were fictional. The only critique I have is that the writing was a bit choppy at times, but it didn't hinder the story. DalRae did a beautiful job of putting down her ideas onto paper, and I am very excited to read the rest of this trilogy once the books are released.
February 7, 2017
What an interesting take on vampires, shifters and sorcerer's. Mrs. DalRae's story of one girl's discovery of this mythical world is fascinating and imaginative. The characters are a mixture of realism and fantasy, well composed and believable driving, the story forward at every turn.
Jessica Sweet is the main character of the story and it is through her perspective we see most of the story unfold, however the point of view is often changed throughout the story to third person, but Mrs. DalRae handle's this in such a way it's almost seamless.
Raven is a complicated character with a questionable past that Mrs. DalRae makes irresistible and intriguing, but who doesn't love a bad boy.
This is a stellar story, a wonderful read and I for one can't wait for the next installment to find out where this story will go next.
Well done, Mrs. DalRae. Terrific novel.
August 17, 2016
What a fresh take for a storyline involving vampires and other supernatural, and I was more than a little surprised by the writing quality. In fact, when I started to do just a polite read through to see what the book was about, I couldn't stop reading! Every chapter held me captive. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, especially when it came to the romance building between the two main characters. I couldn't help routing for Jessica, the spunky and oh so very real MC! Expect a lot more between her and the dark and brooding Raven during the last half of the book.
Keep in mind that this story is NA/Adult. Although not overtly graphic, there are some adult themes. I'm normally sqeemish about this kind of thing, but Aliya gives just enough detail, never going overboard in both the fight scenes and romance department.
Keep in mind that this story is NA/Adult. Although not overtly graphic, there are some adult themes. I'm normally sqeemish about this kind of thing, but Aliya gives just enough detail, never going overboard in both the fight scenes and romance department.
November 5, 2016
The story starts with Jessica Sweet coming in touch with a man that she has been dreaming of since she was a child. Events unfurl after that, introducing characters with varied depths and pasts. I enjoyed how each character was portrayed. I enjoyed the male protagonist, Raven and his sordid past. Even the villain, Fuhrman had an excellently developed past and character. None of the characters are black and white. They are all shades of grey, leaving the reader conflicted as to who to lend their support.
My only concern is the changing POV which led to some degree of repetition of the same events. Otherwise, the story was well-paced and is definitely a page-turner.
My only concern is the changing POV which led to some degree of repetition of the same events. Otherwise, the story was well-paced and is definitely a page-turner.
December 19, 2016
'Sweet Vengeance' has it all: jealousy, love, rage, angst, mystery and intrigue, and some breathtakingly hot moments without being gratuitous or needlessly graphic.
The plot is as intriguing as it is complex, although as one is reading, it does seem straightforward. Such is DalRae's genius at weaving plot, sub-plot and backstory seamlessly together.
The characters are believable and engaging, yet at the same time vivid and unique.
And that "penny drop" moment at the end? Nothing prepared me for that.
Brilliant work, Ms DalRae. I already want the sequel.
The plot is as intriguing as it is complex, although as one is reading, it does seem straightforward. Such is DalRae's genius at weaving plot, sub-plot and backstory seamlessly together.
The characters are believable and engaging, yet at the same time vivid and unique.
And that "penny drop" moment at the end? Nothing prepared me for that.
Brilliant work, Ms DalRae. I already want the sequel.
November 9, 2018
A masterclass in writing
Absolutely loved this book - so well written with everything added to make a riveting read. Humour, romance, action, suspense, and a magic little reveal at the end. I never got bored as each page was well structured, and the pace was aimed perfectly. The word building was superb and the characters leapt off the page. What am I going to do now that I've finished ? I'm missing gorgeous Raven and beautiful Jessica already, and Malcolm the cat - will have to read book two.
Absolutely loved this book - so well written with everything added to make a riveting read. Humour, romance, action, suspense, and a magic little reveal at the end. I never got bored as each page was well structured, and the pace was aimed perfectly. The word building was superb and the characters leapt off the page. What am I going to do now that I've finished ? I'm missing gorgeous Raven and beautiful Jessica already, and Malcolm the cat - will have to read book two.
March 28, 2016
This is my first paranormal romance, so I'm not sure how to compare this debut novel to others of its type. The author does a good job of introducing us to the creatures that populate this world and leaves a mystery at the end, a must for a trilogy! :) Her description of amazing vampire sex should satisfy devotees of the genre. The vampire's past, however, bothered me. Would a sensible, brave, contemporary woman forgive him for that?
March 15, 2016
WOW! Author Aliyah DalRae hit it out of the park on her very first book. Grabbed me from page one. This is an awesome start to a three book series. Jessica and Raven will captivate you just like they did each other. It is truly amazing. Read it in one day. I am looking forward to the other two books coming in the series to answer some of my questions...in particular, what is with THAT cat????
April 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this new author's first book of her first trilogy! The reading of the story made me want to turn the next page, and the style of her writing is captivating! I am looking forward to the next two books to complete the journey. Aliya DalRae has a real talent for storytelling, and is on her way to great success!
September 4, 2016
This book just kept getting better and better! The ending was satisfying, but left plenty of clues about the next installment. I'm ready for the next book now!
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
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