John Scofield has been living a relaxed, vampire-playboy lifestyle for three years-and now he's being followed. But Kelly, the strange young woman following him, doesn't seem to mean him any harm-she just wants to know more about him. To his surprise, John discovers he wants to know more about her. So they make a deal: an information exchange. As they each reveal more of their histories, outside dangers loom large. The two of them grow closer, but Kelly's relentless curiosity about vampires threatens to bring destruction down on them-and forces John to face the veiled tragedies of his past. And he'll have to decide who he can really trust-before it's too late.
*Thank you to the author for a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review!*
Actual Rating: 4.25
Your Name, In Blood was really just as action-packed and wild as the first book, Your Name, In Fire. And if you read that book, you know Connor and Wendy, who actually appear in this book as well. But this book follows Connor's little sister Kelly; she's been following John Scofield recently, and it's easy to see that she's someone who really, really, really wants answers. John has been living a fun, playboy life as a vampire - but the arrival of Kelly throws everything out of place, and for once - he realizes that there's more to himself than he had ever guessed.
Whew. I loved John and Kelly. Maybe even more than Connor and Wendy. Yeah, I know. I said it. I think that the way they got to know each other started out in such an odd and unique way - right off the bat, you could tell that they'd be something special.
Both characters were extremely well developed, but I think one main reason I enjoyed this book so much was because of Kelly, who had the fiery curiosity and determination that I love to see in so many main characters.
The writing style was great - no surprise there. I did notice that I had a little trouble remembering what had happened in the first book. However, as the story progressed, there were tons of references to it, which remedied my confusion. (Still, a reread might've been a good idea.)
Regardless, I thought this book was a treat! The balance between domestic and witty dialogue and action scenes were written in a way that paced the story well and and made it seem more realistic - or as realistic as a vampire story could get anyways! I'd definitely recommend this series to any readers of paranormal romance.
ust like the first book in the series, Your Name, In Blood sucked me right in (vampire pun intended) and never let go. I read it all in three or four sittings, and I probably would have finished it in one if I didn’t have work obligations nagging at me for the duration.
Emory’s writing has a way of casting a spell over the reader, making you desperate to read on to the next sentence, next paragraph, next page. Because you absolutely must know what’s going to happen next, damn it!
The characters are genuine in a way that I can’t help but think as I’m reading, “This must be based on a real person, it’s too detailed and feels too real to just be made up.” And on the other hand, I know as a writer that’s almost never the case. You might borrow little things from real people, but most real people aren’t half as interesting as the best-written characters in books.
So let’s talk characters for a moment.
First there’s John, living his ignorance-is-bliss lifestyle of expensive clothes, fancy cars, and one-night stands. When we meet him, his existence is pretty shallow and superficial. And yet you can empathize with his hesitation to start asking questions. If he starts picking at one thread, there’s no telling what else might start to unravel.
And then there’s Kelly, who might as well be the polar opposite of John: she’s ferociously curious about everything, and she won’t stop until she gets a satisfying answer. It’s a little scary how smart, clever, and analytical she is. She has a way of examining things that makes you wonder if she ever sleeps at night, or if she only sort of closes her eyes while her brain continues to whir along, worrying at the unanswered questions in her life.
A good writer might manage to create a main character that fits that feels-more-real-than-real-life criteria. Where Emory shines is that every. single. one. of her characters feels that way, from the returning protagonists from book one, Connor and Wendy, to the aging waitress at the local diner. On top of all that, they are the kind of characters I wish I could know in real life.
Lastly, I have to mention Emory’s knack for storytelling and structure. Both books had me looking toward the end, wondering how things would wrap up, coming up with my own theories… and both books had a final twist I hadn’t seen coming, but one that felt like the perfect, just-as-it-was-meant-to-be resolution to the story.
Another great story from this author! It boasts fantastic characters and an absorbing storyline, nicely topped off with a ton of humor. Written as a sequel to "Your Name, In Fire," this book broadens the story's universe and introduces new characters, as well as expanding the role of one of the secondary players. (Even though intended as a sequel, I think new readers would have no problem following along and enjoying it.) Normally I'm not a reader of vampire tales, but these characters are so real and lovable that being undead becomes just another detail, such as hair color or height. After the halfway point I raced to the end, so caught up in the story and so invested in the people on the pages that I couldn't wait to see how it all turned out. Ms. Emory has a beautiful, easy writing style that wraps you up in the story and makes you feel like you're practically a participant instead of a reader. I appreciate any author who can make me laugh as I read! Too bad I'll now have to wait impatiently for the arrival of the third part of this story, because I already can't wait to read it!
I really enjoyed this storyline. I love the new twist on the vampire side. Just when you think you've read it all, then bam! Surprise! Your Name, In Fire, the first book in this very short series, was awesome. This one, I couldn't put down. I really hope there's more where this came from tho. That ending really had me ready to read more. I want to know what happens next with Kelly, John, Julian and the rest of them lol Definitely 2 thumbs up Good Job Kera, but you gotta keep them coming now.
The ending leaves you saying wow. Not your typical happy ending so my actual rating is 4.5. The ending actually raised my rating. At times the book Lloyds along a little too methodically but then feels like it is on speed for the last third of the book. The ending is worth it so keep reading.
I really enjoyed this book. I had thought that I would be disappointed that the focus was not on Connor and Wendy, but Kelly and John did not disappoint me at all. I am hoping that there will be more about them in the next book. There has to be a next book, right?