Shades of Desire

Jude Magdalyn #2

by L.M. Pruitt

All I wanted was a little peace and quiet.

Instead, I've got dead Covenant members and a steady stream of letters from the new guy in town. His beverage of choice? A 2002 Merlot, with a shot or two of powerful virgin blood.

On top of that, I'm breaking in a new police liaison, failing at playing matchmaker, and fighting nausea like it's a full time job.

Did I forget to mention that I've also got enough girls living at the Crossroads to start my own boarding school?

Peace and quiet? Out the window.

--Jude Magdalyn Henries

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Magic, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2010

About the author

L.M. Pruitt has been reading since before she can remember, and writing nearly as long. She fell in love with New Orleans after spending one week there, and visits the city as often as her schedule permits--which isn't nearly often enough. She is the best selling author of the Jude Magdalyn series, the Moon Rising series, the Frankie Post series, and the Winged series. She makes her home in Florida.

Reviews

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shades of Desire (Jude Magdalyn, #2)by L.M. Pruitt

LM Pruitt's has given us an excellent second novel in the Jude Magdalyn series. Shades of Desire continues off where Shades of Gray ends.

Jude is pregnant and she calls her unborn baby a bump….lol you have to read this book it made me laugh so many times and the wit and sarcasm is written extremely well. When a author can make me smile and laugh out loud you know the writing is good.

So the story continues and young women are being killed and it’s up to Jude to solve this mystery and put an end to the killings. The new police Detective Rhett and William (vampire) are there to help her along the way and did I mention how handsome and sexy these two are.

This book has everything a great story should have, humor, suspense, romance, sex, action, vampires, magic and mystery…need I say more.

I can’t say too much more without putting spoiler warnings, but take my word for it L.M. Pruitt has written a really great story and this is a series I am going to continue to read.

I would recommend anyone who is reading my post to click on the buy links below and pick up a copy for yourself.

[Loves To Dive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shades of Desire is the second book in the Jude Magdalyn series and takes up where Shades of Gray left off with Jude pregnant with what she calls the bump. This time young girls from the Covenant are ending up dead and it’s up to Jude, with the help of the rest of her faithful Covenant members to find out who is doing it and put a stop to it. With the help of police liaison to the Covenant, Detective Rhett Duprees and Williams, the sexy vampire and bane of her existence, Jude jumps in with both feet and goes where most would fear to tread.

Like the previous book, Shades of Desire is chock full of great sarcasm (after all Jude is the owner of sarcasm), one liners and sticky situations. Theo is back as Jude’s all suffering lover/father of the bump and takes all Jude’s antics in stride. Elizabeth, her sister Celia and Rian are featured in this book more than the last and provide us with many moments of chuckles and worry. We learn more about Jude’s grandmother Gillian’s past and she even makes an appearance (hmmmm she’s dead isn’t she?).

The characters are well written and fleshed out. I have to say, I can’t help but feel a little sad for Williams, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to like him or hate him but I sorta like him. I love Jude’s attitude and how Theo bears it all with a sense of humor and undying love. Jude’s references to the bump instead of the baby are cute and I smiled my way through most of the book. I love the style in which this book is written, it’s irreverent and a little tongue in cheek. It has all you could ask for and more in a book. There is a good mystery/who done it, a little romance, some funny moments, some sad moments, all of which make it a well rounded good read. You don’t have to read the first book in the series to follow the premise of this one, but it would help to understand the characters. I recommend anyone who enjoys some good sarcasm and mystery, pick it up, you won’t regret it.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.

This is book two in this series, and you really need to read book one, Shades Of Gray, before reading this one. You won't get it, if you don't.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as book one, I really didn't. Why?? For the same reason I didn't mind the single POV in book one, Jude herself!! Dont' ask me to explain it any better, because I can't, I just know that Jude bothered me here, and she didn't in book one!

In book one, we get lots of hints and snippets to the future, but here? not a single one, nope, none at all, and that miffed me too!

The cast of supporting characters is ever growing, as is Jude's baby bump, new Covenant people, new family members, new un-expected allies, and a new baddie! A couple finally admit to each other what theyfeel, even if they leave it right to the last minute in and in such a dramatic fashion. And new relationships are formed.

I did find it somewhat creepy tat a five year old attached herself to a vampire, but when you know said five year old, you can understnad WHY she did.

Still written in single POV, but it is a little shorter than book one, and it still drops things at you, and you have to concentrate!!

I have book three to read next.

4 stars

**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**

[Shéa MacLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an ARC of LM Pruitt's second Jude Magdalyn novel. I actually think I liked it better than the first book.

Book two continues the story of Jude and the Covenant and is chock full of the usual murder, magic and mayhem. I particularly love the way the author really gets into the minds of some of the characters so that they feel very real and you really care about what happens to them.

Also intriguing is that, vampires and magic aside, the story is based on a real unsolved murder in New Orleans. Being something of a fan of the murder mystery, I absolutely loved that element to the story.

An enjoyable read for anyone who loves urban fantasy.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to drag through to finish this one. : ( I think I'll pass on the rest of the series unless I really am out of reading material...

[Belinda Boring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to read Shades Of Desire because I was still riding high from reading the first book, Shades Of Gray. I eagerly downloaded it to my Kindle, got nice and comfy and started to read, fully expecting to be blown away again. NOTHING could have prepared me for the experience because it blew me away and then some.

I’ve said it once and so you’ll have to figure me when I say it again what a master L.M. Pruitt is when it comes to the way she writes her stories. From the opening words even, I was quickly connected back with the characters and I stopped seeing mere words on the page and instead started seeing the story unfold in my mind. There was however a HUGE difference that I noticed straight away as I read – not only could I see and feel what was happening, but somehow the author had written in a way that I could seriously HEAR the characters talk with one another. I could hear the frustrations, the bantering, the loving tones and it really intensified the experience for me. All the action was there – another bad guy to vanquish (and an evil piece of work he was) and the story was FULL of heart as Jude and those around her rallied together to fight him. Everything felt so real as I read, not once did the story let me go and not once was I bored because I was so involved with everything that was happening. Nothing else mattered while the book was opened and even when I was away from the book, it lingered and I found myself talking about it with others. Just like Shades Of Gray, this book packed a powerful punch and there was definitely a darker feel to it but if anything it enhanced the story and helped keep me completely enthralled to the end. I can’t gush enough how much I love the author’s writing style and the way she is letting her story be told.

Jude was my hero in this book. I love the tough and sassy female lead and Jude took it to the next level for me. In each scene she ripped a new emotion out of me, having me experience the book with her to the point where I was running down the streets of New Orleans with her, standing at the desk talking with Mr Evil himself, Jack or lying in the arms of Theo enjoying those very few moments of quiet alone time. She was POWER personified in this book and I loved how there was nothing holding back with Jude. The author gave her free reign to be how she should be which gave Jude that raw edge and continued to make her feel extremely real to me. I have loved watching Jude go from the unsure newcomer with an overwhelming responsibility to a woman who clearly defines being a true leader with her strength and ability to do whatever it takes to protect her people, no matter how difficult it was. It required her to be at times ruthless as her rage and sense of justice screamed at her to take action and I can’t tell you what a rush it was to see her in all her glory. The connection I made with her in Shades Of Gray was solidified in this book as I continued to identify with her and by the end of the story, she had me so invested that if given the chance I would have jumped into the scene, taken up her cause and killed Jack myself. Jude is absolutely, hands down THE character worth reading.


There were a few relationships in play through the book and each one of them was wonderful to read. I loved how in the middle of all the ugliness of the story, the author found time for her wonderful characters to have those moments of connection with each other – whether it was that blissful intimate moment, the discovery of the other person you were meant for or the feisty passion that often resulted in potted plants exploding. Jude and Theo’s relationship was as solid as ever and I really enjoyed watching how they interacted with each other. They continued to bond with each other, especially now Jude is pregnant and I can’t begin to tell you how much I LOVE reading these two. They are so comfortable and honest with each other and there’s nothing remotely fake about them. They support one another but also aren’t afraid to pull the other up to tell them they need to be careful. I have to say the thing I loved most about Jude and Theo is their incredible sense of humor and how in the middle of a deadly serious situation, they don’t let that seriousness leak into their relationship and are able to have those light, loving moments where everything doesn’t feel so dire. Some of my favorite scenes and quotes from the story came from those bantering moments and as always I can’t wait to see where the author takes their relationship, especially seeing in both books, she’s foreshadowed an event that will tear Jude and Theo apart. Nail biting stuff!!

I have to mention it because it had me snorting so loudly in parts that would have to stop and read it to my husband but one of the crowning glories of this book is the development between Elizabeth and Rian. OMG, to be a fly on the wall when these two get in the room together because Elizabeth was just so incredibly feisty and Rian was just so incredibly… well he was such a guy!! You really get a sense of the author’s sense of humor reading the scenes between these two where the undeclared passion they felt for each other had the couple either butting heads and words or snuggled unthinkingly into each other for comfort. You never knew what you were going to get with them and it was extremely entertaining to read.

Jack is the resident evil in Shades of Desire and I’m not ashamed to say that he left me a little breathless the more I learned about him. Never has there been a villain who had me sighing from how seductive he could be, chilled by how calculating and cold he was and extremely repulsed by the levels of depravity he would visit. Jack proved my point that evil doesn’t always take the form of a devil with horns or the little man in black suit and hat, standing over the damsel tied to the train tracks, twisting his moustache in devilish mirth. No, to me evil would look like Jack – charismatic, strikingly handsome and seductive with all his charm and well spoken manner. The man gave my GOOSEBUMPS chills each time I read one of his letters and his phone calls with Jude because everything about him just oozed civility while lightly veiling the calculating coldness of a killer. The just when I thought I was sucked into his web, thinking that I finally understood him, out of NOWHERE the author brought a dimension to Jack that literally had me pausing for a moment while I forced the bile back down my throat. I talk a lot about the books I read but this week, EVERY conversation was dedicated to how amazing I felt Jack was and just how much his role in Shades Of Desire challenged me. I LOVED the way the author wrote Jack and loudly cheer for her decision to hold nothing back. There is no “prettying up” evil or diluting it. It is what it is despite how uncomfortable it makes people feel and Jack – he made me uncomfortable and it was LIBERATING !!! LOL Is it wrong for me to say that he was my favorite character?

For the most part I read to be entertained and for those brief moments where I can let my imagination take me away from the stressfulness of life. But sometimes, I come across a book that teaches me something, that causes me to pause and take the time to think. It may not be some life altering lesson but it is something that changes the way I see things and ultimately it alters me. Shades Of Desire is one of those books. I don’t like doing things that make me feel uncomfortable in any way, shape or form. I think that’s a natural reaction for most people and I find that it strongly reflects in the books I choose to read. I was told that this book was a little more on the darker side than Shades Of Gray and I was excited about it right up until I started to feel uncomfortable. Here’s where the lesson came in for me – trips into the darkness aren’t always a bad thing, that in those moments where you feel most uncomfortable, there are also great opportunities for insight. Reading about Jack and all his depravity and how Jude went about defeating him showed me that sometimes nothing helps more in recognizing how truly blessed you are for the good in your life than for those moments when you have to stand in the dark. It makes you more appreciative and reading this book gave me a deeper understanding of the benefits in experiencing life to the fullest and that it really is okay to explore outside my comfort level when reading. That it’s more than okay and definitely not something to hide from. It was a very unexpected lesson but one that I’ll always cherish so regardless of the fact that Shades Of Desire is an amazingly well written and emotionally charged story, I’m giving it my HALLELUJAH rating because what other rating could I possibly give to a story that moved me as much as this one did. Shades Of Desire is definitely a book everyone should read so don’t forget to bring your heart because for me, that’s the only way to fully experience a book like this.

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Confessions From Romaholics

To see review at Confessions

This book continues where Shades of Gray left off; the gang is deliriously happy and some juicy secrets are about to be revealed about them. Jude and Theo are happy in love and the only problem is Jude’s morning sickness. Celica, the enchanting little girl, is still going on about the dress and driving her sister Elizabeth mad, Rian is still tiptoeing around Elizabeth afraid to disclose that he loves her, Lies has moved into the house and is seeing someone and William is the head of the vampires in the city now that his brother Hart is dead.

It wouldn’t be a Jude Harris book if we didn’t have a problem. This time, it’s a new vampire in town and once again he is related to William and was turned by his brother Hart. Now he is being an unmentionable vampire since he was housed in a church on the third level where the baddest ass vampires have been put to rest in coffins and the nails blessed by a priest so that they can’t escape. Problem is, that the magic community didn’t realize that the blessing wouldn’t last forever and once the priest who blessed them died, the vampires would be able to escape. Jack, as he likes to call himself after the people who put him away (the police think he is styling his butchery after Jack the Ripper, hence the nickname), is after the people who put him away, The Covenant, after he escapes prison.

Jack doesn’t take long to enact his revenge and the opening of the book dogs his footsteps as he follows his first victim. This time he doesn’t have just vampires for company he has two teenagers with him who have magic in their blood and they are just as crazy as him. The first victim is one of Jude’s Covenant members, Deiadre, and Jude recognizes the signs and knows that her town is under attack by the demented vampire She has to call on William who she is not happy with after discovering that Hart was his brother in the previous book. The two have reached uneasy alliance.



Oh, and there is one other important person to introduce: Dupree, Jude’s new police liaison who has replaced the old liaison. Dupree is the one who breaks the news to Jude about Deiadre and gets an introduction to the Convent and Jude’s crazy kickass power and authority. However, the gang’s problems have to take a back seat once again but they have their moments that leave you laughing, like young Celia meeting the man she is destined to be with according to her visions and he is a 100 year old vamp and William’s second in change. Not something that adults are expecting.

A Swat Team, a house full of teenage girls, vampires and guards, and Jude and her team face the a far greater enemy than Hart and may have to break the rules by seeking help from the oldest vampire around St. Germaine in order to stop William’s brother this time and his two teenager followers.

4 couples for this book; I love the premise of this series as I’ve said before and I love the surprises and twists that the author takes to keep the book entertaining. I don’t want to give everything away, this book is longer than the previous book and packs a lot into the story while setting up the third book by introducing new characters and surprises that leave you wanting to read the next book straight away, which I am because this series keeps getting better and better.

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am panicking for Jude. LOL You know the last sentence of the book before dropped your jaw. Well mine. Lots of those lines mean things hahaha But yeah, so Jude has a serious predicament here. Someone is killing the girls in her covenant, and she now has some serious personal things to take care of. Oh and she still has Theo and Williams vying for her attention. Well, kinda. Theo has it, Williams had it, and well now she needs it. See, it's a predicament. I am not gunna lie, this author is genius when she writes, because this story and plot lines that it follows constantly surprises me and the twists give me whip lash all the while hauling myself back for more. Needing more.

Oh Jude! This one is a little darker than the first. While there were some dark times in Shades of Grey, a good bit of this one has a stock pile of stress on her, and it's all gunna have a major impact for the whole series. And I think I fell even more in love with jude for this one. With Jack the ripper on the run, oh yes, really Jack, killing her people, angling for her, causing horrible things, it's getting complicated. And now, thank goodness for Theo being awesome, and Williams being the jerk, very loyal and honorable though, and for them to stand beside Jude when she needs. I haven't read a heroine worthy of the most praise in a while. Jude is over the top magnificent when it comes to character depth.

We are now meeting more of the Covenant members, especially they younger generation. Most of the girls have been staying at Jude's home, so we now have a bunch of really crazy madness going on. LOL we also see glimpses of their family, and how some started out a hateful character but turned to an ally and friend. And Theo and Jude's romantic relationship is blossoming so beautiful and heartfelt. And it's so real. And I'm surprised, because they have so much on their plate. Well, Jude does, and Theo supports her beyond belief. And though I loved them, Elizabeth and Rian take the prize on crazy relationships. I seriously laughed like a lunatic when they were around each other. LOL But I don't wanna clean up all that dirt... Just saying :)

The bad guy, Jack, is freaking awesomely horrific. Like, I don't quite know how to explain it without ruining things, so I'm going to keep it quite vague. He was so charismatic and seductive and then so damn evil with no thoughts to it. And there's another whammy. I was just wowed. He's probably one of the most well written, defined villains I've ever read. I'm over the moon ready to jump into book three. Holy Moley!! 5 MAGICAL PAWS!!

[Autumn Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
As Jude tries to settle in as the new leader of the Covenant, she also has many other issues to deal with; one being, her pregnancy. Jude continues in her efforts to help Elizabeth and Rian admit their feelings for each other, but can't seem to make progress with the two. Then there's Jack. Jack is in town ready to raise some trouble for Jude. Jude's skills and her sanity are put through another test as she tries to keep the girls of the Covenant safe.

My Take:
I always love finding new authors and new series to read. So, when I got the information regarding this tour, I was excited to say the least. I hadn't heard of this series before, but quickly became involved with the characters. I enjoyed book 2 more than the first book. I feel like the characters were a bit more developed in this story.

Let me tell you how much I love Jude! She's so funny and holds some pretty wicked magic skills. Truly a great heroine! I liked that the magic that they were doing seemed so realistic and detailed. It wasn't hokey at all. I love her relationship with Theo. He's just so incredibly sweet and romantic with her. AND the pregnancy....let me just say I can't wait to see what happens with that story line. I also enjoyed supporting cast, Rian, Elizabeth, Lies, and Celia. Celia has a strong personality and I loved seeing the direction her character is taking.

There are a few side notes I'd like to mention. One is that the information on the double homicide in 1978 is based on a true open case in New Orleans. There is also information on websites surrounding the attic in the convent and Comte St. Germaine. I think it's so interesting when facts are integrated into stories like this.

My last side note is that my children's names are Elizabeth and Jackson. We call Jackson, Jack. It's always funny to me to read books who have characters that same my kids names. Silly I know, but always makes me smile.

Final thoughts, I felt like the story had a strong ending and left the reader anxious to see what will come next for Jude and the Covenant.
http://www.autumnreview.com/2012/03/s...

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got hooked with this series after the first book. I fell in love with Jude's sarcastic witty personality and fabulous one liners. I love how tough and just all around kick butt she is. She has a heart of gold and is always looking out for the underdog. She isn't perfect by any means and she know it and accepts it. She doesn't ever pretend to be someone she isn't and she could give a rat's you know what, if someone has a problem with it.

She has a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders as leader of the Covenant and she somehow takes it all in strides.

The secondary characters in this series are just as good as Jude. Theo, Claire, Elizabeth, Lies, Rian...I can't help but love them all as well. They are all so different yet they all fit together and have become one big, mostly happy, family.

It is hard to say what makes this series so fantastic because there is just so much that makes it fantastic. I laugh out loud throughout the whole book and if I am not laughing I have a great big smile on my face.

This is just so well written. The serious parts are serious and the heartfelt parts grab a hold of your heartstrings and make you teary eyed.

Pruitt knows how to write great memorable characters and create a great world where witches and vamps run wild and magic is always in the air.

I don't want to give anything away but this sequel was even better than the first, filled with fabulous old characters I have learned to love and new ones that are just as memorable as the old ones.

This is such a great fun series. I have already purchased the third book and can't wait to dive into it.

I give this one 4.5 Stars!

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.M. Pruitt is an amazing writer. I love the sarcastic wit which is so masterfully woven throughout this sequel. Another thing that I love about this book is that the female characters are just as vital to the storyline as the male characters. I love that there is contribution from the really old to the really young members of the Covenant. The story flows so effortlessly and is captivating. I could not put the book down. The imagery is so exceptional, that I felt that I was running through the streets of New Orleans with Jude.

This story picks right up with the pregnant heroine Jude and a new crisis threatening the Covenant. Part of the suspense is that No one seems to have any idea who, what, how, when or why the evil person is committing this acts. Of course this means they have to ask for help…here comes Williams!
Now I will admit that I was hoping that Jude’s animosity towards Williams would have lessened by now, but no dice. But I have accepted that I have a different interpretation of what happened between Jude & Williams. I still crossing my fingers that in time (a long time I am guessing) that Williams and Jude will end up together.

Anyway, all the same characters reappear as The Covenant is challenged to catch a bad guy who seems to be two steps ahead of them. This evil is just as deadly as Hart and we learn why. Hopefully, there are no more in that family line because they are seriously depraved. This book was exciting and well written. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book from L.M. Pruitt! It picked right up where it left off in Shades of Gray. While the book is not packed with sex it has a touch of sensuality that adds to the forming relationships. It continued to be unpredictable, exciting, fun, funny, gruesome and downright startling at times. All of it combined made for a book that one could not put down until the very end.

Jude is still leading the Covenant and still in a relationship with Theo. They seem to be very happy (well Jude and Theo anyway) and comfortable together in a way that makes a couple seem like they were together for a long time. There are many new things going on in Crossroads and in New Orleans in general that has set Jude on edge. She now has a house full of hormonal girls and a freak killer on the loose that’s looking to ruin the Covenant permanently and William's life for good. This guy is a real honest to goodness psycho and his entourage is just as bad as he is. But no surprise Jude is not hearing any of it and is (of course) ready willing and able to do anything to get this madman off the streets; as long as it does not harm those she's grown to care about.

There are more surprises, action, adventure and fun than even the first book. Oh and there’s also a visit from someone we would never expect to see again (which I was very happy with!) Once again a great read for those paranormal readers that like a story with edge, excitement and a few twists with a side of turns :)

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude doesn't get any time to relax and always seems to be the focus of the bad guys attentions.

This series is so fun and easy to get into. The characters are all fantastic and I couldn't imagine the series being without any of them no matter how much of a pain in the ass they are. Jude is tough, sassy and all around protective of those she is charged with watching over. She is settling into her new life wonderfully and I am always excited to see where the plot goes next. Jades relationship with Theo is still going strong and growing everyday. There is a lot of worry and flashes towards the events that will end Theo and I really hope they never come to pass. I love how Jude calls her baby the bump it so fits with her personality to do that and it makes me smile every time I read it.

Book 1 SHADES OF GRAY kinda jumped around a bit and wasn't as smooth from scene to scene as I would have liked but SHADES OF DESIRE has none of the complaints I would have voiced if I wrote a review for book 1. The plot was smooth the writing was fluid and the action was exciting. There was a great flash to the past and I loved the creativity that went along with that.


I seriously cant wait to get my hands on the next book. I don't know what it is going to be called or when it is coming out but I will be reading it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most difficult things to get right in a book is dialogue. Too often it is stilted and not like people actually talk. This is not the case with this book. The dialogue is golden! This book is filled with witty banter, sarcastic stabs and amusing anecdotes. Each character's individual personality shines through their speech.

Some of the best dialogue occurs later in the story between Jude, Theo and Rhett. One such conversation has references to both Dude, Where's My Car and Back to the Future. How do you even combine those two movies into a hilarious testerone-filled discussion? You'll have to read to find out.

The only downside that I didn't enjoy as much was the constant making out that Jude and Theo engaged in. Everytime they were alone, and sometimes even when they weren't, they seemed ready to rip each other's clothes off. It got to be a bit much, but since the other characters seemed to feel that way too, and even many comments about it, it didn't get overly annoying.

Overall, this was a highly amusing book that is definitely worth reading. It is a great addition to the series, and I hope there is a third on the way.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second in the Jude Magdalyn series, Shades of Desire doesn’t disappoint. Although, I think it would be possible to read this as a standalone, I’m not sure that you would understand the characters so well. Pruitt’s developed her characters well in Shades of Gray, which I reviewed on Tuesday, and as the story continues in Shades of Desire, there really wasn’t much point in her doing it again.

As I said in the other review, it is very easy to put yourself in Jude’s shoes, and imagine her shock on discovering who Gillian was. Not withstanding the shock of certain others when her grand-father is made known! Jude has grown immensely since leaving her at the end of Shades of Grey, Pruitt has developed her changes well, showing us just how strong a person Jude really is. I with I had just 10% of strength.

I highly recommend reading this, although I do suggest checking out Shades of Gray first. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! Enjoy

NB: I received this book free in return for an honest review

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal follow-up to Shades of Gray. I am growing more and more attached to this group of characters. The story is a great continuation of the first in the series. Jude and her whole crew are unique but also very relatable. There were even parts of this book that I laughed out loud. The interactions between the adults and the slew of teenagers was also so realistic I could actually place myself there. I loved the on going drama between Rian and Elizabeth was so good I can’t wait to find out if they will finally end up together. Overall the story, characters and dialogue have grown and draw you in even more to see what will happen next. I can’t wait to read the next in her series, Shades of Blood.

[Allons-y · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay... I was looking through the books that I have read and could not for the life of me remember reading this book. I clicked on it and read the summary of the book to refresh my memory to see why I apparently disliked it so much. I became confused and scratched my head. Had I even read this book? Yes, I had. I read some reviews of shades of desire and it clicked... it blows. So much. As did the first book. I literally wanted to gouge my eyes out after the first book, I have no clue what possessed me to pick up the second. The main character is so annoyingly stupid and thinks she knows everything it made me want to punch her in the metaphorical throat. I must have blocked out the horror, lets hope I can do it again.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I was a writer and could, more eloquently, put in to words how much I LOVED this book!! It's FREAKING FANTASTIC!!! I stayed on the edge of my perverbial seat the entire time. I laughed at all of Jude's smart remarks. With the banter between characters, I was not only entertained with heart pounding excitement, but also with great humor. I loved how Jude has taken so well to being the leader of the Covenant. This book also made me even more interested in the stories and legends mentioned which makes it fun to learn something new. The characters were more concrete, like I could see more facets of their personalities.

[Runningrabbit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've ditched these books as I just can't stand, really can't stand, the main character. She's just become such a cow. She needs a good punch in the face. The job gone to her head or what? You don't obnoxiously abuse people for doing their job. She'd sure be abusing them if they weren't. She certainly ain't gonna win no war by making friends and influencing people. A diplomat she is not.

In fact, she's so deliriously obnoxious I can't read on. I'd certainly give her a mouthful. Definitely accidentally tread on her toes on the train in my heels.

[Kattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series is equally as good as the first book. It is full of action, romance, sex, and suspense. In this installment, Jude and the covenant are hunting down another crazy vampire, who is going on a serial killing rampage. Not only are the characters well devolved, but the dialogue is super entertaining. The conversations have all of the sarcastic remarks and witty banter, as a real conversation. I will continue to read this series, and hope there is a third book in the works. This book added a ton of characters, and even side characters had such a strong personality.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another Jude Magdalyn novel. I enjoyed the first one immensely and I totally loved this second one. The characters, which I believe is what complements the book, are even better in this second one. Ms. Pruitt highlighted items about a few of them that I was wandering about in the Shades of Gray book. I would recommend this to YA and adult readers.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a tense edgy continuation of the story of Jude. Her pregnancy has progressed enough that it appears the “bumps,” as they call them, have developed their own personalities that are making themselves know. A serial killer is targeting local vampires and she gets some news about the babies that causes tensions to rise.

[Rebekah Hayes-champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

The first book was good this one was even better. I already loved Jude but you get a lot more character growth in this book for both Lies and Elizabeth. The plot was fantastic and not easily predictable.

[Shy The WidowMaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow.