Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

This is the second of Secret McQueen’s adventures, and it is packed with action, danger, betrayal and some very hot loving.

As ‘bounty hunter’ for the Vampire Tribunal, Secret McQueen knows her job is more executioner than anything else. But when her new assignment is to bring in her mentor, Holden Chancery, Secret runs. She hides out until the head of the Tribunal tracks her down and makes her realize that she needs to return, not just to find Holden, but to discover just why he is being charged with treason against the Vampires.

She also needs to deal with things between herself and her men, the two wolves who see her as their mate. As she searches, she realizes that Holden has been set up, and only she can clear his name and save his life. And she needs to take her place in werewolf society, to strengthen her mates place as leader of the Eastern wolves. Can Secret uncover the real traitor and keep Holden safe? Can she keep herself alive, and fulfill her mates’ needs, all while trying to fight strange and terrible creatures determined to stop her?

I love Ms Dean’s world, and the fantastic characters that inhabit it. The world is a blend of reality and fantasy, with many identifying landmarks and the occasional strange being to throw you off the track. I was drawn into this from the first page, and couldn’t wait to see how Secret would solve all the puzzles.

The cast of characters here is much the same as the first book: Secret McQueen, her mentor Holden, her two wolf mates Lucas Rain and Desmond Alvarez, and of course the Tribunal: Sig, Daria and Juan Carlos. There are a few new villains, and one or two surprise twists to make this one edge-of-your-seat exciting.

I was sure I knew who the ‘bad guy’ was, and I was so wrong! Lucas’ sister Kellan was a terrific addition to the cast, and I hope we see more of her in the future. This story made me laugh, cry... and wonder who was behind the plot. I was especially surprised to see who had Secret’s back through this mad dash to save one vampire from an undeserved punishment.

There is a terrific "happy for now" ending, but with a twist that makes me want more. I recommend this for those who like to mix romance and mystery, and those who love surprises.