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Blood Secrets (Alexandra Sabian #2)

by Jeannie Holmes (Goodreads Author)

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 269 ratings · 40 reviews

WHEN ALEXANDRA SABIAN SINKS HER TEETH INTO AN INVESTIGATION, SHE DOESN’T LET GO.

Alex allowed a case involving murdered vamps to get personal and is suspended from the Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigation. Now she’s facing an official inquiry but has a chance to redeem herself. The catch: She must once again work with Varik Baudelaire, her former mentor and ex-fian...more

Mass Market Paperback, 307 pages

Published July 5th 2011 by Bantam (first published June 28th 2011)

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Oct 02, 2011 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.25 stars.

There are spoilers in this review but they will be hidden, so if you don’t want to find out any secrets about the plot, just don’t click on them!

Blood Secrets picks up a couple of weeks after the events that concluded Blood Law. This time around there’s another even creepier serial killer on the loose, one that goes back decades, possibly longer, a vampire pimp and a Special Investigator to the Tribunal who has it out for Alex and Varik, who has been retained as an Enforcer in Jeffers...more

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Aug 05, 2011 Amy A rated it 4 of 5 stars

Finished this book this afternoon. I really enjoy this series so far, I can only assume it will be continuing. Jeannie Holmes sets this book up very nicely. She answers all the outstanding questions from the first book, then leaves new questions, I assume, to be answered in the next book. It's very satisfying because, while there are more questions you want answers for, at least you're not waiting the whole series to get some of the answers. She seems to have a pattern. This book follows the sam...more Finished this book this afternoon. I really enjoy this series so far, I can only assume it will be continuing. Jeannie Holmes sets this book up very nicely. She answers all the outstanding questions from the first book, then leaves new questions, I assume, to be answered in the next book. It's very satisfying because, while there are more questions you want answers for, at least you're not waiting the whole series to get some of the answers. She seems to have a pattern. This book follows the same pattern as the first in that we get Alex, Varik, Emily, Tasha, and our villain's POVs. And like the first we know who the villain is, but then we are left with figuring out how the rest of the threads will tie together.

I liked the progression of Alex and Varik's relationship. I know they both still have their issues, but you can tell they both really care about each other and I like that they are trying and will continue to try.

I mentioned in my review of the first book, that I found it difficult to understand Alex's personality from the snippets we get of her POV in the story. I have a clearer picture here of what she feels especially in regards to Varik, and it's nice to see.

At this point I'm not sure what I think of Tasha's character. I think I was hoping for more from her in the beginning and thing are not shaping up to what I expected. I am interested to see how far she will go before she breaks.

This case actually involve Alex personally. I know in the first book she's involved because Stephen is involved, but here Alex is the focus of our villain's attention.

Alex goes through a lot in this book, but she's a strong character, and she will get through it. As I said Holmes sets up things really well for the next book. Varik and Alex will be tested in their relationship, but as I said this book really illustrates how commited they are to each other (even if Alex can't verbally admit that right now).

I look forward to seeing where the story goes although this far Jeannie Holmes seems to set up the upcoming story in the preceeding book, I don't see an overall story arc, but that just might be me being unobservant. Regardless, I like this series and can't wait to read more!(less)

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Aug 23, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jeannie Holmes's Blood Secrets was freaking incredible!! I loved it from beginning to end! I don't even know where to start on this review, just that it was so awesome and I don't want to spoil it as I gabber. Let's give this a try though! ;)

So things are still intense for Alex after her last case. Alex is still trying to figure out what her father was up to before he died. Also, she and Varik are still trying to work on their relationship along with readjusting to their reinstated blood bond cr...more Jeannie Holmes's Blood Secrets was freaking incredible!! I loved it from beginning to end! I don't even know where to start on this review, just that it was so awesome and I don't want to spoil it as I gabber. Let's give this a try though! ;)

So things are still intense for Alex after her last case. Alex is still trying to figure out what her father was up to before he died. Also, she and Varik are still trying to work on their relationship along with readjusting to their reinstated blood bond created by Alex. But their relationship woes get put on hold when a serial killer pops up. One that Varik has followed in the past but he always alluded him (Varik). Now he's back in town and there's a girl missing--one who happens to have red hair.

Fear not, it's not Alex! But Alex becomes deeply involved in the case for reasons she doesn't realize. The Dollmaker, as he is known by for his creepy doll collection, has an infatuation with Alex. He's one seriously creepy dude! When reading scenes from his perspective (it's all third person p.o.v, but there are multiple p.o.v.s) I was weirded out! His character development was done supremely well. We love to love our heroes and heroines and even hate our villains, but being totally creeped out by the villains takes talent and Jeannie's got it!

This novel looks into Alex's past and she goes through an emotional train-wreck of sorts throughout the book due to certain events. Complications arise between her and Varik as well when secrets from his past are revealed. This book reveals tons of secrets too by the way! Some that were quite shocking!

It's hard to get into everything since so much happened in the book with all the different characters and how events that happened to one person may effect another! While it sounds complicated, it really isn't! There's also another dangerous vampire out there that ties into the Dollmaker's case as well that led to other interesting developments!

I do have to admit that I LOVED the cameo appearance of one Ms. Vicki Pettersson when she arrived around page 206! And she was still a Vegas resident too!! Thought it to be very clever!

The story was very gripping and engaging, as the bulk of it occurs in 2 days time, but with the different p.o.v.s it literally flies by! And the ending leads to more shocking surprises and revelations. The next Alexandra Sabian Novel is going to be awesome! I just know it! It is possible that it will look more at Alex's upcoming trial as that didn't occur this time around, but the ball is rolling into place for more outstanding revelations!

Overall rating 5/5 stars

Thanks again goes to Jeannie for sending me a copy! I totally loved it! Can't wait for the next one!!(less)

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Jul 25, 2011 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars

If you aren't the type to get distracted by statements in the first book being completely negated and can just enjoy the story for the story's sake, then you will enjoy this book. However,I am stickler for series sticking to their own rules. I am totally torn about rating this book. On one hand I genuinely enjoyed reading it and I liked the chracters. On the other hand, there are quite a few inconsistencies within the created world that drove me nuts reading it. I had to keep telling myself to "...more If you aren't the type to get distracted by statements in the first book being completely negated and can just enjoy the story for the story's sake, then you will enjoy this book. However,I am stickler for series sticking to their own rules. I am totally torn about rating this book. On one hand I genuinely enjoyed reading it and I liked the chracters. On the other hand, there are quite a few inconsistencies within the created world that drove me nuts reading it. I had to keep telling myself to "let that slide" and "stop overthinking it." I honestly don't believe the author thought about making this a series until after the first book was done or jsut didn't bother checking to make sure she wasn't contradicting her previous material.

A big contradiction that kept bothering me was the Hall of Records. In the first book, Blood Law, Alex's father Bernard tells her that the Hall of Records only contains the memories of their kind - vampires. Then on page two of Blood Secrets the author says "the Hall of Records - a metaphysical storehouse for the memories and experiences of every man, woman and child who'd walked the face of the earth". And later SI Morgan is telling Varik about records missing from the Hall and he asks her if the missing records were human or vampire. She responds, "Both, but mostly human and nearly all female." I also didn't like that in a short amount of time Alex has figured out how to reshape the image of the hall with her powers but hasn't figured out much else. It felt like the author regretted her first description and wanted to come up with a way to change it.

Sometimes the characters just don't make sense, for instance when Varik calls Alex out on not responding to him when he says "I love you." She says she isn't sure how she feels about him and he says "Such a pity" and kisses her? Someone you love just said I don't know if I love you and you say such a pity? Really!? That is how you respond? I don't think so.Alex and her daddy issues bothered me as well. The covers show this strong woman and throughout the book she is collapsing and calling out for her "daddy."And don't get me started on Tasha. She doesn't really like Alex but goes rushing in to save her. She can't make any decision on her own she just blindly does what anyone tells her to do. Mysterious caller tells you to steal evidence. Sure, why not? SI vamp tells you to file a complaint against Varik. Absolutely.

So yeah. Still torn.(less)

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May 11, 2012 Jenny Delandro rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alternate-universe, vampires

random pick!

Vampires are OUT -
(view spoiler)
In this world they have Shadowlands, a transition space between life and death. (view spoiler)...more

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Aug 08, 2012 MissM rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012, library-borrow

Picked it up on a whim at the library since I recognized the name and had read the first.

Probably about a 3.5 really, but not quite a 4 star. I enjoyed it. It was a little slow for me to get into and it felt a little chaotic in the beginning - too many diverse stories that didn't blend as seamlessly as the author may have hoped - but, by the end, I found myself interested in what was next.

Problem is that there are only two books listed in the series here with none forthcoming. And since this one...more

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Oct 01, 2011 Ron rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban_fantasy

I have to say that I do like the world she builds in this series and the core plot is compelling, but the repetitive descriptions and profusion of unnecessary possessives were a constant distraction. My biggest gripe in both novels is that when your main character spends half the novel unconscious, recovering in hospital, kidnapped and bound, or in some otherworldly dream state, she is not a protagonist; she is a victim. A protagonist DOES something. Varik and Tasha eclipsed Alex in the first no...more

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Oct 22, 2011 Melliane rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really like this second book. I don't remember a lot of things from the first one but we find all the characters here. It's a book mixing Urban fantasy and detective stories. Alex has become stronger and very determined to find the truth about her father's murder. The investigation was very interesting and it was a pleasure to follow Varik and Alex all along the book. Therefore, we'll learn a lot of secrets about Varik, a lot of stuff about his past. It was a really great book !

Mon avis comple ...more

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Jun 28, 2011 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

In this, the second installment of her Alexandra Sabian Urban Fantasy series, Jeannie Holmes continues the wild adventures of Alexandra Sabian, an FBPI Enforcer who’s one kick azz heroine complete with a heart of gold! Whatever the task, Alex has the bravery, determination, and an insurmountable strength of character to go up against anyone and to do whatever it takes in order to get the job done! And, make no mistake; the adventures Alex experiences in Blood Secrets are most definitely not for...more In this, the second installment of her Alexandra Sabian Urban Fantasy series, Jeannie Holmes continues the wild adventures of Alexandra Sabian, an FBPI Enforcer who’s one kick azz heroine complete with a heart of gold! Whatever the task, Alex has the bravery, determination, and an insurmountable strength of character to go up against anyone and to do whatever it takes in order to get the job done! And, make no mistake; the adventures Alex experiences in Blood Secrets are most definitely not for the faint of heart.

With an impressive education in English, Holmes is not your average debuting author. I believe readers will be truly impressed with her astounding talent for story telling. From solid, well defined foundation and seemingly effortless world-building to a great cast of relatable, likable characters, readers will have no trouble immersing themselves in the trials and tribulations of Alex’s life down in Jefferson, Mississippi.

Ok. So I’ve been pretty clear on the kudos for Jeannie, so let’s touch on a few points of which I found noteworthy. First and foremost, I tend to shy away from the “dark” side of any story. From bloody battles to brutal and murderous attacks, I just can’t stomach them. Love, love, love Urban Fantasy and kick azz protagonists, but there are some battles so bloody, so viciously brutal and intense that they make me cringe and turn the page. With Blood Secrets , Holmes has upped the ante in comparison to Blood Law and, (without wanting to share too much information on this new release), it suffices to say that the blood, gore, violence and intellectual brutality reaches a whole new level which may leave some of Jeannie’s more sensitive readers questioning his or her ability to continue.

While I did struggle a bit through some of the more brutal, (and oh so effectively described), physical violence, there is one scene which literally made my skin crawl with the desire to creep between the pages and take a scalpel to the villain’s…eh hem…well, you get the picture! Though not bloody nor a particularly physically violent event, there is one battle that Alex fights in which she is subjected to a brutality that could easily be compared to rape. Though, in many past reading excursions I’ve been exposed to some pretty brutal and/or sexually violent assaults against women, I’ve never been quite as affected as I was with this particular emotional event. Well done Jeannie!

While there may be plenty blood, gore, and murderous violence, Holmes hasn’t forgotten to keep her readers intrigued on an intellectual and emotional level. With a revealing sub-plot wherein readers learn more about the Sabian family history, Blood Secrets includes a journey of discovery when Alex stumbles upon family secrets which may have been better left in the past.

From scenes rife with intense, dark and disturbing events to a jovial, light hearted comedic banter ever present between Alex and Varik (her love interest), Jeannie has a seemingly effortless ability to tell an “edge of your seat” adventure that is sure to keep readers coming back for more!

(FBPI – Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigations, Jefferson, Mississippi)
(less)

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Jul 02, 2011 Stacy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-publisher-author

reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blo...

BLOOD SECRETS is book 2 in the Alexandra Sabian Series. After the events of book 1 Alex is in trouble and facing an official inquiry. Despite that she is reinstated to help solve and hunt down the Dollmaker. Jeannie continues the series with the same level of intense situations, action, character development, mystery and suspense that I fell in love with in the BLOOD LAW. I ended up enjoying Varik a lot more in book 2, he was very protective an...more

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Jul 02, 2011 All Things Urban Fantasy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-abigail

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

BLOOD SECRETS picks up just weeks after the ending of BLOOD LAW and finds vampire and suspended FBPI Agent Alexandra Sabian trying to figure out a future with the vampire she loved and almost lost her life to when she gets pulled back in to help stop a serial killer with a fondness for redheads who look just like Alex.

The police procedural aspects in both BLOOD SECRETS and BLOOD LAW before it are top notch. The vampire mythology is solid too with sever...more Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

BLOOD SECRETS picks up just weeks after the ending of BLOOD LAW and finds vampire and suspended FBPI Agent Alexandra Sabian trying to figure out a future with the vampire she loved and almost lost her life to when she gets pulled back in to help stop a serial killer with a fondness for redheads who look just like Alex.

The police procedural aspects in both BLOOD SECRETS and BLOOD LAW before it are top notch. The vampire mythology is solid too with several fun details the make their integration into human society all the more believable like a product called Vlad’s Tears which is sold in grocery stores across the country. This blood substitute can tide a vampire over until they can get to a human blood donor. But there were several issues that kept me from enjoying this book as much as the first one.

There are some redundancies in the descriptions, and the multiple POV shifts and storylines (Tasha’s & Emily’s were both on the tedious side) tended to pull me away too often from Alex. I’m also not really on board with the Hall of Records spiritual realm that Alex and a few others can slip into. It felt like it didn’t belong in this otherwise very gritty world. My biggest issue, however, was with the plot which is basically Kiss the Girls with vampires. It was very unsettling to read the chapters written from the perspective of the killer and another villain in the sex trade. To experience their thoughts and emotions as they brutalized girls in different ways was really more than I could stomach.

Overall, BLOOD SECRETS is not as good as the previous book, but if you can handle the depravity of the villains, there is some interesting worldbuilding here. Fans of Tanya Huff may want to check out these urban fantasy police procedurals that blend paranormal mythology with hard boiled detective work. Fans will be glad to know that Jeannie Holmes is currently writing next book in the Alexandra Sabian series tentatively scheduled for 2012

Sexual Content:
A few sex scenes some which include strong violence and sexual assault. References to rape and prostitution.(less)

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Aug 14, 2011 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-releases, vampires, paranormal-romance

*Rating* 3.0
*Genre* Urban Fantasy

*Review*

Blood Secrets is the second novel in the Alexandra Sabian series by Jeannie Holmes. It follows Blood Law in timeline and story continuation. As the story picks up, Alex, who is a vampire, is on suspension from her job as an enforcer with the Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigation. She has also rekindled her romantic link with Varik Baudelaire, the director of Special Ops for the FBPI, vampire, and former fiancé.

While on suspension awaiting the hear...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Felicear rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires, moreseries

****Spoilers****
I am still in the midst of this book but am finding it difficult to find any of the characters very likable. The characters do not always act with regularity..ah well. I will keep my fingers crossed that things will improve as I go along. It could be that I really do not like how unkind the characters that are supposed to like one another are to each other.

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Nov 17, 2011 Nocturne Romance Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

TOP PICK!
Holmes most definitely does not disappoint with part two, of the Alexadra Sabian series. Picking up right where she left off in Blood Law, fans will once again be on the edge of their seats with chills going up there spine from one page to the next.

Read more of review on NRR's website http://www.nocturnereads.com/Blood-Se...

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Jul 08, 2011 Emma rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A stronger plot than Blood Law (but still fairly flimsy as plots go) & I think the writing is definitely improving too. But the characterisation needs a lot more work to make this a convincing or compelling read. I almost enjoyed this, but will not be reading any further in the series.

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Jul 14, 2011 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

LOVED! LOVED! LOVED! this book. What a GREAT series. The first book was great and the second book was AWESOME! I love the story, I love teh characters and can't wait until the next book! Holmes hit a home run in my book with this series. Happy Reading :-)

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Apr 21, 2012 Eero rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime, detective, paranormal, vampire, romance, red-head

Murders and mayham were good and get intrest to read book to end, but otherwise book is not very good and I would not anyone to read it, world is full of better books and this book don't give even one reason why one should read it.

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Nov 06, 2011 Paris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

3.5/5

So far I am enjoying this series. I like the mythology behind the vampires being out and about and I like that the author blends paranormal with procedural. There were parts of this book that dragged and that I found really uninteresting, most notably the time spent in the Hall of Records and in the in between (I think it has a name but I can’t remember). I like Alex and Varik and I think that they make a very dynamic team both personally and professionally. Although the entire book was pre...more

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Nov 25, 2011 Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, paranormal-romance

Although I did enjoy this book, I wasn't quite as into it as I was with the first book. I did like the interaction between Alex and Varik, I though the mystery that Alex's mom Emily was hiding was somewhat interesting (although a bit predictable after awhile), and the baddie they were chasing was pretty insane. I didn't really like the whole Tasha storyline and I kept wishing someone would kill her off. Also, some parts about the tribunal were a little boring to me and there was an overall slown...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Shelita Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: awesome, books-i-own, e-book, funny, fantasy, magic, paranormal-romance, royalty, scary, series, urban, vamps, would-read-again

I was highly disappointed with this book, because I felt that Alex lost more than she gained. This series is quickly becoming tired and boring.It's a good read but not recommended..........

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Nov 21, 2011 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

I liked it but boy does everyone get beat up a lot. This inquiry is getting a little tedious. What has Alex done anyway? I hope she and Varik can be happy at least for a little bit.

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Aug 30, 2011 Kat rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was one of the best books I have read in a long time! So ready for the next one. Hope this series has a long and productive life!

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Jun 25, 2012 Carrie Fort (Book Fairy) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alexandra-sabian, 111

I want next in series wish there as one, it was GREAT! How much does this couple gotta go through!?!? Reall good read

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Dec 11, 2011 Lore Lush Books rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Vampire and Murder Mystery fans

Blood Secrets is book 2 in the series but the author did a good job of weaving the events of book 1 with little interruption to the story. This book had quite a bit going in the plot and changed POVs a lot as well. While the plot was interesting and I enjoyed the book, as I read it I cared about what happened to the main character, I found that by the end of it I had little desire to read the next book which is unusual for me as I love series. But on a good note, it reminded me a little of the T...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Subhendu Sarkar added it

i I reading this book.I have want know.What is Blood secrets ?

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Sep 21, 2011 May rated it 4 of 5 stars

I got this as an ARC. Enjoyed this book tremendously... Thought that the conflict was interesting... the suspense and action made this book outstanding for me..... You do need to read the first book to totally appreciate this book though...

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Jan 11, 2012 Dawn Lindhorst rated it 5 of 5 stars

Am enjoying the series.

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Feb 15, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, kick-butt-chicks, paranormal-romance, has-erotic-scene-s, part-of-a-series, urban-fantasy

Unfortunately it's been too long since I've read this to give it a really thoughtful review. It was better than the previous book, but I'd still give it a 3.5/5. Better world building with an intriguing place known as the Hall of Records. There were some really gritty, disturbing scenes that would certainly put off some but gave me more of a sense just how depraved some "monsters" can be. I liked the book & would recommend it to those who like paranormal with a harder edge.

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Aug 04, 2011 Darcy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, vampires, uf

I got tired real fast with Alex. She wants to be with Varik yet she still has issues with him for his past actions and holds them against him.

It also seems like most of the characters are hiding very big secrets that you know are bound to come out and destroy them and all those around them. Alex seems to be at the center of most of these, but Tasha is coming in a close second.

With Alex's brain being all muddled it will be interesting what happens next.

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Nov 26, 2011 Lindsay Harold-wagner rated it 3 of 5 stars

Great world! But extreme on the psychological stuff, but an interesting take on the classic cop case. Definitely keeps her main character relationships interesting.

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About Jeannie Holmes

Jeannie Holmes is a native of southwest Mississippi. Before receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of South Alabama, she worked in a variety of interesting fields, including medical records, independent auction houses, and owned a small handcrafted jewelry business. In addition to working on the sequel to Blood Law, she received her Master of Arts degree in English in...more

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Blood Secrets (Alexandra Sabian #2)

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