Bloodlust and power. Alexa O'Brien is a slave to them both.
As she falls deeper into the seductive embrace of blood and death, the dangerous desire is encouraged by a forbidden attraction and a shady opportunity. But such things can't possibly come without a price.
While trying to run the problematic local vampire hotspot, The Wicked Kiss, Alexa learns that someone is seeking the killers of a major blood ring player. One of those killers just happens to be her. For Alexa's vampire lover, Arys, it takes a personal twist. It soon becomes clear there's something he's not sharing.
Something that could unlock the mystery of where their power comes from and why it is so deadly.
This gritty reverse harem urban fantasy series is a walk to the dark and wild side. It features ass kicking action, magic, and adult content.
I am the author of the Alexa O’Brien Huntress and the Rebel Heart series. I write urban fantasy that is dark and gritty with a twist of romance and horror but which is ultimately about people in dark places discovering who they are and what they’re made of.
I’ve been writing since the age of 9 when I had a Christmas themed short story published in the local town paper. A lover of rock music, vampires and muscle cars, I’m a dreamer who always secretly wanted to be a rockstar.
I love to hear from readers so don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
This book was a strong improvement from the previous book....it focused more on the supernatural storyline depicting Alexa's struggles between the different aspects of herself (Human, Wolf, and Vampire)...it provided the reader with an understanding of the power connection between Alexa and Arys, and why other supernatural beings may want to manipulate it for their own benefits...it also showed the consequences of killing Harley in the previous book and the enemies that Alexa has gained as a result...the character development was strong in this book as well; we see a darker side to Shaz, which I actually was intrigued by (He always seemed somewhat of a weak character to me; it was interesting that the author finally gave him some complex layers and issues that he needs to manage); Kale is a dynamic character that I would love to see being explored more thoroughly; the connection between Kale and Alexa is fascinating and I am eager to see how it develops and plays into the storyline; Arys is a complicated character that we delve into a bit more thoroughly in this story; we get a slight peek into his past and the connection with Alexa; my biggest struggle is Alexa's character; she has many redeeming qualities including honesty, compassion, and stubbornness; she is continually written as a character with power and strength, yet every time she is in a fight she hesitates, loses focus, or get knocked down; once I would like a demonstration of her power and see her actually control it not be a slave to it; the lack of control with the bloodlust is understandable due to the fight against becoming a vampire fully, but the rest is becoming monotonous and frustrating...I did appreciate that this story was not overrun by the sexual exploits of the characters but really provided a solid supernatural story to get lost in...4 stars:)
This is my review for the bundle 1-4. It took awhile to get through this. Several times I put it down and continued it days later cause I was so annoyed by Alexa. All she does is whine about everything and is in denial about many things. She is so unrealistic, I could not relate to her at all. And the fact that everyone turns her on is so ridiculous. Get a hold of yourself woman! I am so done with this series.
SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE OTHER ALEXA O'BRIEN BOOKS PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!!
I love Alexa. She is a kick ass character who, for the most part, embraces her dark side. She doesn't whine and moan about being a werewolf who's bound to a vamp. She does dislike the blood lust that comes with being bound to Arys but that seems to be more because she doesn't want to slaughter random people. She has no issue with her vamp lover killing indiscriminately she just doesn't want to do so herself.
I also very much like that this is a female badass who has multiple lovers and, for the most part, her men are ok with this. This is also done without it being skeezy (see Anita Blake). The only gripe I have is that the sex scenes are a bit dull. There is sooooo much potential, especially with 3 people in bed. There is more focus on the biting and bloodletting during sex than the actual sex.
My main complaint: her constantly getting her ass kicked. You are practically beat over the head with the fact that she has a ridiculous amount of power. That her and Arys are more powerful than everyone and then there's a beat down and Alexa gets her butt handed to her. Yes, it would be boring if every fight was over before it began but give her an opponent that is worthy of her. You can't say that the bad guy is weak and Alexa and Arys are stronger than the bad guy and then have the bad guy lay the smack down. It makes no sense.
Shaz pissed me off in this book too. I don't think Alexa would have had an issue with what he did as long as he had been honest with her. It would be hypocritical of her to be upset with him while she has multiple lovers. But she has always been honest with him...eventually.
I really hate to have to give any of these books of this series such a low rating, but this one just fell flat for me. The Alexa character I grew to love in the first three has become a whiny child, and Shaz has gone completely off the deep end and become territorial male. There are scenes where I was honestly expecting him to shift and start peeing in the corners. Arys is just, well, being more Arys than usual. Always keeping his secrets that he has now taken beyond the grave, and leaving Alexa in the dark when he could answer a lot of questions if he'd act like he really loved her and just told her stuff.
I was happy to see the Kale character finally come to fruition. I knew by the second book that he felt more than friends with Alexa, and I was glad to see them finally act on it, but really, did their sex scene have to be better than any other sex scene in the book? A love triangle has less interesting sex scenes than a back alley love scene--really? I really hope that the Kale relationship doesn't disappear because it is obvious that Alexa is what he needs, whereas Shaz is going everything he can to destroy what he and Alexa have, and Arys acts like he could care less most of the time.
If you can push through this book, please do, because I've already jumped on the fifth one and the series does get better, but you do need some of the background information from this one to know what's going on in the fifth.
In this installment, it is painfully clear that the Huntress world has changed drastically. In this book, the story takes a darker turn and actually becomes quite scary with the introduction of angels and demons. There was more of a focus on death and gore and a shift in the plot in this particular installment and, surprisigly, sex scenes were kind of put on the back burner (there were still plenty of sex scenes, just not as many as in previous books).
For the first time in this series, I can see that there will indeed be an ending and it may not be that far away. At first, it seemed as if Lee made Alexa invincible, so I thought this was going to be a neverending story; however, certain factors come into play in this book show that Alexa is not invincible and is given many obstacles which threaten her existence. This is the book in which the story truly develops and one can see that, like in any real bonafide story, there will be an ending.
These books are getting more unrealistic by the minute though they do fill in the time as they are a fast read. It is hard enough to believe that Alexa has two soulmates, she is now drawn to Kale her long time friend and companion. Instead of the love triangle it has now become a square and reality is suspended at the door. While I do believe you need to keep things interesting, this plot line does not recommend itself to readers which is reflected in some of the reviews. I love a good sexy book as much as the next person but it has to make sense and this just doesn't. Alexa seems to have spiralled out of control and wants to have her cake and eat it too or so it seems. Arys is the voice of reason and offers her a way to control her baser desires but there will always be casualties when playing with fire and Alexa could lose the one thing she values the most.
This book really changed how I felt about the series. The story plot was amazing and it kept my attention throughout the book. But one thing that really had me question if I wanted to continue with the series was what happened between Alexa, Kale, and Shaz. Alexa and Kale finally had sex. This I don't get. She has two boyfriends but that doesn't seem to be enough for her... Then Shaz is secretly seeing other vampires bit claims it's only blood and not sex... Right.... I'm not sure if like where I author is taking this.
I love this series! Alexa, Arys and Shaz are sexy as hell and it gets turned up in this book. Alexa's birthday is coming up and Shaz is determined that they are going to have a big party. She doesn't want to ruin his fun so she agrees but tells him no presents.
Things have been a little crazy since they killed Harley. Alexa's power has gotten stronger and her bloodlust is getting out of control. She is having trouble controling it. She is constantly at the Wicked Kiss with Kale and he drawn to him. I really like Kale. He is always there for her no matter what, where Shaz who is suppose to be her mate flakes all the time and gets an attitude about Arys even though he always says he understands how he know Alexa needs him. Arys is the same way with his crap towards her running off when things don't go his way, but Kale is always there. The one she always talks to. I just want her to screw his brains out and it finally happens! Kale goes off the deep in because he can no longer fight what he is feeling for Alexa and he starts killing again. He leaves 2 dead at the Wicked Kiss and Alexa confronts him and they kiss again but he walks away again and it kills me. I just am like get on with it; stop fighting it. Lena the witch gets killed by Maxwell and Claire people that are coming after Alexa for pay back of killing Harley. They kill Lena trying to get at her and Arys. It sends Kale over the deep end and he attacks Jez at the office one night. She calls Alexa for help and Lilah saves Jez and Alexa goes after Kale, but what was a fight turns into a heated sex scene in the rain behind the Wicked Kiss. He also tells her that he loves her. It is hot and amazing and you see how he really feels. It just leaves her wrapped in is coat and leaves. She gets dressed and starts to leave and realizes Arys is there. When he realizes what she has done with Kale he wasn't happy, but expected it.
She had been trying to find Shaz to talk to him about Kale but he was never around. A few nights had gone by and she went to the Wicked Kiss looking for him and he was there with a vampiress. He had been lying to her, hiding it from her being a blood whore. Shaz swears its just blood and that he's not having sex with her, but Alexa feels betrayed. She knows she shouldn't feel like that since she has Arys but its that fact he kept it from her and he lied about where he was. He said he was running with Ky and he wasn't. She wants to kill her, but knows that would solve nothing. She gets so made she throws what she did with Kale in his face. (I just can't believe Shaz in this book,keeping this shit from Alexa if they are mated you don't keep shit like that from you mate. Its confusing and pisses me off)
Days go by and Shaz is still not acting right he is lost in the bloodlust and Alexa can't seem to get through to him and she is dealing with Maxwell and Claire killing Lena. She takes Shaz, Ky, Julian and Zack to attack them during the day. Arys isn't happy cause he can't go. Alexa is fighting Maxwell and he lets her know that Arys is keeping things from her and then the pushes all her power in him and kills him. The others are fighting Claire she has a gun of all things and Julian goes to attack. She shoots him but he takes her down and the kill her too. Ky is devastated by Julian's death. Zack was wounded in the attack.
Shaz has planned Alexa's party at Lucy's Lounge. Jez, Ky, Zoey, and Shaz are all their drinking down having a good time. No one has listened to her about no presents, Jez made her a wooden stake with her name engraved on it, Ky and Zoey have a present at home. They are drinking and having a blast when Kale comes in and Jez is not happy. She slaps Kale hard before Alexa can stop her but manages to get her to walk away. Kale tells her he isn't staying just that he wanted to bring her a gift and to wish her a Happy Birthday. He tells her to open it later alone. Ky and Shaz is curious about the gift but say nothing right away. Shaz decides to get a pool table and more drinks; Jez and Zoey are dancing, so Ky tells Alexa she knows about her and Kale. Alexa says she isn't surpised but was the one who wanted to tell her. Ky tells her she isn't made and says she knew Kale was in love with her for a while now. She also wants to know how Alexa feels about Kale and she just says it fucking complicated. Just admit it!! Arys finally shows up in time to basically to drive Alexa and Shaz homee. They have a romantic night set up for Alexa at home. Its a great sex scene with the 3 of them. But I do agree with some it could have a little more in it. They also give her their presents and she opens Kale's the next morning too, so you see how they feel about her.
This book has it all! Sex, love, fights, betrayal, and death. I love this series.
Sneak Peak into Death Wish!! Days go by and you think Shaz is doing better with the bloodlust but apparently not. He tells Alexa he is running with Ky. She sets up a meeting for Jez and Kale to work things out at the Wicked Kiss. Her and Jez are waiting for him to show at midnight and she is sheilding to help with all that is going on in this place. Kale comes in and Jez makes him her bitch and he gets on hands and knees apologizing. He tells her she is the little sister he never had and he loves her. Its so sweet and she forgives him. They are having fun and drinking. When all the sudden Alexa looks up and Shaz comes walking out of the back high on the blood rush with the vampiress and she is in shock. Shaz is lock on Alexa and is trying to walk away and the vampiress pulls him in for a kiss and is all over him and Alexa goes crazy. She jumps the table and shoves Shaz out of the way, grabs her by the neck and is pushing all her energy in her. Tells her she will respect her, that Shaz is her mate, and if she ever disrepects her again she will kill her. What she didn't realize she wasn't focusing the power just to her and all the vamps took a hit. She put Kale on his ass even though he put up a shield. She stormed out of the bar not caring about any of it Shaz screaming her name, Jez was calmed her down in the parking lot. Shaz goes to Arys for help.
Alexa also finds out her sister is alive and didn't die in the attack 10 years ago when Roul killed her parents. Things change in this book fast.
Arys tells her he dreamed of a wolf centries ago that she is literally is other half, his twin flame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This series gets better by the book, and by far this one is my favorite! I really enjoy the complication of Alexa’s life—her continuous power struggle, balancing of her multiple lovers, and constant confrontation with old and new enemies—really lends itself for a very entertaining read. There is SO much going on! From the layering of storylines to the suspense and plot twists, the author has really crafted a world with characters and situations that grab your attention and their continuous familiarity makes you root for them even when they aren’t as well behaved as they should be. Even though Alexa is the central character, I’m really enjoying the supporting cast and the level of intrigue and obstacles that they add, giving dimension to this fantastic tale.
Listened to on audio: Sarah Puckett has done another amazing job on narration. Her voices have been a constant throughout the entire series, with easily identifiable characters and an overall smooth listening experience every time.
I liked this book much better than the last book. Alexa is struggling with balancing her natures.. vampire, werewolf, human. I act liked seeing her struggle a little bit. It made her more real. I think we get to see a lot more into this world now that she’s owner of a vampire bar. I love Kale... and Ayrs kind of grew on me here. He’s never been my favorite.. I loved Shaz in the last book... he takes a bit of a turn in this one. Honesty is also important to me so I hate when characters aren’t honest.
All in all a great book! I am looking forward to the next!
We I thought Alexas work and personal life couldn't get any more complex... I was wrong. This one takes you through an extreme range of emotions. it dark, brutal and brooding with a hefty dose of sexual tension and heat as Alexa try to figure out what is going on in her world. A sexy dark compelling read.
Another fantastic book in the Alexa series. Between the fantastic author and my favorite narrator...these books can't fail. I'm gonna order the next one right now. These books were intoduced to me by #audiobookobsession They gave me the first 1 or 2 and now I'm hooked. Totally worth audible credits!
Interesting story. Lots of love triangles. Alexa has way too many problems too fast. It is not cool that Alexa is a werewolf & vampire through unnatural process.
I was still drowning of what is going on and I love it. I give this book a five-star, the Arthur did a great job on writing this book and telling the details of what she want. I would recommend this book to anyone for them to read.
Werewolves, vampire, demons and fallen angels oh my. Alexa has so many battles. Sometimes she is her own worst enemy. I'm on the edge of my seat threw the whole book. I can't wait to read what happens next.
Alexa is strong and powerful but shows compassion and love to others. I really love this series. The ending a great. I can't wait to read the next book to know what's in the journal.
I really liked it, there was a bit in the middle that seemed to drone on, but after that it was back to being great. There were a few unexpected surprises in this one, but I am glad I read it.
After the last book I wasn't really certain I wanted to keep reading Alexa's tale but I liked this one. It was full of action plus the reader gets to see a different side of Kale. Nicely done.
I really enjoyed this because it has paranormal all over it. Alexa is a strong character and the story is awesome. Can’t get enough. I can’t wait for more stories from this author. Loved it!