After the "Umbrella Man" duet, the "Lilah Love" series continues with the fifth installment, "Bloody Vows", which is also the first book of the "Wedding Duet". Although the previous storyline has been closed, the books in the series should be read in the recommended order, as a full understanding of the events and character development requires a knowledge of the back story. While Lisa Renee Jones tries to summarise the previous events in a few sentences, this alone is hardly enough to allow the reader to grasp the series' complex plot fully.
Throughout "Bloody Vows", Lilah and Kane's relationship continues to deepen, especially after he proposes to her again. Although this relationship becomes more important, the novel still does not become a romance book, nor would I call Kane the hero of the book. Lilah remains the heart of the story and her character defines the essence of the series. As an outspoken, determined, and uncompromising FBI profiler, Lilah handles the new murders with her usual professionalism and dedication.
The tension heightens further when, less than a week after their engagement, Lilah finds a bottle of blood with her name on it at a crime scene. What's more, the victim was wearing a wedding dress at the time of her death, so it becomes clear that the killer aims to confuse and distract Lilah.
When a second victim is found, Lilah still disagrees with her colleagues, who suspect a serial killer. She believes two murders do not make someone a serial killer, even if the textbooks say otherwise. This attitude reflects Lilah's unique approach and exceptional investigative skills.
Lisa Renee Jones masterfully heightens the suspense in this book as well, as mysteries from the previous books take a spotlight once again, while new questions arise. "Wedding Duet" opens with this part, and although the end of the story leaves many unanswered questions, the tense and suspenseful plot is guaranteed to keep the reader interested for the next book.