What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fiercest Star
A dance with the devil…
Dakota and Diego’s do-over first date is going so well—until the alcalde himself crashes the party with veiled threats and the suggestion that Dakota will make an excellent addition to his harem of stolen women. Dakota promises to see Don Federico dead first, and Diego knows that he and his coven of rebel vampires must strike soon or risk losing everything they’ve worked for.
A fight to the death…
When a distraught wife comes to Dakota for help in finding her missing husband the bounty hunter takes the case. Luis Peña is a diagnosed werewolf and he’s disappeared without taking his Lycanthropene pills. A seemingly routine checkup leads Dakota into the underground world of a shifter fighting ring. Digging a little too deep backfires as usual, and Dakota finds herself on the wrong side of the ropes.
A war for the crown…
The death of Juan the Ripper leaves a power vacuum in New Mexico’s shifter community that plunges the Land of Enchantment into chaos. The bounty hunters of PCT struggle to keep a lid on the violence as two powerful players emerge—and both want la Cazadora’s endorsement for the throne.
Revolution is coming…
Something in Dakota is changing. Strange dreams and unexplained abilities are a boon to her chosen profession, but is she willing to pay the price? Everyone seems to want a piece of the bounty hunter, from Santa Fe’s vampire elite to the millennia-old demon Sri Devendra. When she finds herself in the clutches of the head bloodsucker himself, Diego sharpens his sword and prepares to move heaven and earth—or at least topple a municipal government—to save her.
Dakota and Diego’s do-over first date is going so well—until the alcalde himself crashes the party with veiled threats and the suggestion that Dakota will make an excellent addition to his harem of stolen women. Dakota promises to see Don Federico dead first, and Diego knows that he and his coven of rebel vampires must strike soon or risk losing everything they’ve worked for.
A fight to the death…
When a distraught wife comes to Dakota for help in finding her missing husband the bounty hunter takes the case. Luis Peña is a diagnosed werewolf and he’s disappeared without taking his Lycanthropene pills. A seemingly routine checkup leads Dakota into the underground world of a shifter fighting ring. Digging a little too deep backfires as usual, and Dakota finds herself on the wrong side of the ropes.
A war for the crown…
The death of Juan the Ripper leaves a power vacuum in New Mexico’s shifter community that plunges the Land of Enchantment into chaos. The bounty hunters of PCT struggle to keep a lid on the violence as two powerful players emerge—and both want la Cazadora’s endorsement for the throne.
Revolution is coming…
Something in Dakota is changing. Strange dreams and unexplained abilities are a boon to her chosen profession, but is she willing to pay the price? Everyone seems to want a piece of the bounty hunter, from Santa Fe’s vampire elite to the millennia-old demon Sri Devendra. When she finds herself in the clutches of the head bloodsucker himself, Diego sharpens his sword and prepares to move heaven and earth—or at least topple a municipal government—to save her.
333 pages, ebook
First published November 3, 2014
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Julia DeBarrioz
6 books50 followersLong ago, a fortune teller read Julia's palm and told her, “You’d better write this all down.” Julia has been writing, writing, writing, ever since. Somewhere along the line she earned a degree in fine art and traveled the world. Now she lives on a farm in Missouri with her darling husband, two criminal conures, one stubborn bulldog, one bad bunny, and possibly too many chickens.
But really, is there such a thing as too many chickens?
But really, is there such a thing as too many chickens?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 23, 2019
The Dakota del Toro series just gets better and better, the fact I love the sidekicks (and "villains") of this story and root for them is just hilarious. Another well written, witty, compelling and epic adventure by Julia DeBarrioz.
VIVA LA REVOLUCION! Cannot wait for Dakota's return!
VIVA LA REVOLUCION! Cannot wait for Dakota's return!
July 22, 2019
interesting supernaturals.. a different sort of plot.. and good writing.. all around a well written book and i enjoyed it a lot.
November 19, 2014
Just a book, Just a story NO! this one falls under the epic Adventure category!
Having read the first book in the Dakota del Toro series (which was amazing) this one surpasses that, knowing the characters was just the beginning this whole novel screamed Action and Adventure.
The Continuing story of Dakota del Toro, Painter turned Bounty Hunter, A job that comes with certain Danger, Danger for herself and for all those she calls her own.
Dakota just hoping for a peaceful holiday season and a real first date with her Vampire, don Diego de Gama ends up being a mission to save her friends, family and strangers from a takeover by outside vampires trying to instigate a new regimen. Dakota battling vampires and weres as well as investigating Art theft and Underground fights all while trying to understand her own new found abilities, and her place in Diego's world.
A fantastic novel written with glorious details I felt as though I was right there with these characters. The authors ability to not only describe setting but the emotions of each character had me feeling every moment along with them, Dakota and Diego's as well as the adventures of other characters, their pasts and present all woven into a wonderfully created world full of good, bad and dangerous.
A complex and thrilling story a that has left me wanting more. Please Ms DeBarrioz don't make me wait to long to find out what happens next..
I would Highly recommend this book to all fans of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal and Adventure..
Having read the first book in the Dakota del Toro series (which was amazing) this one surpasses that, knowing the characters was just the beginning this whole novel screamed Action and Adventure.
The Continuing story of Dakota del Toro, Painter turned Bounty Hunter, A job that comes with certain Danger, Danger for herself and for all those she calls her own.
Dakota just hoping for a peaceful holiday season and a real first date with her Vampire, don Diego de Gama ends up being a mission to save her friends, family and strangers from a takeover by outside vampires trying to instigate a new regimen. Dakota battling vampires and weres as well as investigating Art theft and Underground fights all while trying to understand her own new found abilities, and her place in Diego's world.
A fantastic novel written with glorious details I felt as though I was right there with these characters. The authors ability to not only describe setting but the emotions of each character had me feeling every moment along with them, Dakota and Diego's as well as the adventures of other characters, their pasts and present all woven into a wonderfully created world full of good, bad and dangerous.
A complex and thrilling story a that has left me wanting more. Please Ms DeBarrioz don't make me wait to long to find out what happens next..
I would Highly recommend this book to all fans of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal and Adventure..
October 17, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better! Diego de Gama, sexy 400 year old vampire, is determined to start a Revolution and overthrow the evil Alcalde, Don Frederico. Dakota del Toro is a bounty hunter with the PCT and finds herself falling for Diego. But, can a bounty hunter who is tasked with finding supernaturals have a chance at love with a vampire?
Dakota is determined to find and rescue missing young women who are being held as slaves by Don Frederico, but will she be able to do that without becoming one of his harem? I love her kickass attitude and lack of fear in the face of true danger.
The author has done a great job with writing wonderful characters in this series. In this book, she introduces a few new ones that added a lot to the story. There is plenty of action, some heartache, betrayal, hope, and romance.
Another reason that I love this series is because of the author's obvious love for the City Different, Santa Fe. The Land of Enchantment has plenty of landscapes and culture that make the possibility of vampires, demons and werewolves seem believable. Her descriptions of the area and people add a lot to this series.
Even though this book does have an ending, I hope that Ms. DeBarrioz continues to write about Dakota and friends. Great entertainment and wonderful reading for those who love PNR and vampires in general. I was given the chance to read this book through a book review group and chose to review it.
Dakota is determined to find and rescue missing young women who are being held as slaves by Don Frederico, but will she be able to do that without becoming one of his harem? I love her kickass attitude and lack of fear in the face of true danger.
The author has done a great job with writing wonderful characters in this series. In this book, she introduces a few new ones that added a lot to the story. There is plenty of action, some heartache, betrayal, hope, and romance.
Another reason that I love this series is because of the author's obvious love for the City Different, Santa Fe. The Land of Enchantment has plenty of landscapes and culture that make the possibility of vampires, demons and werewolves seem believable. Her descriptions of the area and people add a lot to this series.
Even though this book does have an ending, I hope that Ms. DeBarrioz continues to write about Dakota and friends. Great entertainment and wonderful reading for those who love PNR and vampires in general. I was given the chance to read this book through a book review group and chose to review it.
August 23, 2019
This is such a fresh and absorbing take on supernatural fantasy combined with characters that you will get so attached to. Dakota - please stop taking all the risks, please? Just for one book, one chapter, one night? No? No wonder Diego worries!
But even as the vampire resistance is working towards its ultimate goal, Dakota still has her day job to worry about and the werewolf community is no easier to deal with. I really enjoyed the new PCT characters and further insight in the work world of bounty hunters tracking supernaturals which linked up with other ongoing story threads. And I really enjoyed the backstory for both the more central characters and more minor ones and how they were linked into the case Dakota was working on.
The world-building remains one of my favourite things about this series, the original take on vampire and werewolf (and other mythic creatures) lore means is one of the many reasons why this series will drag you in and you'll be up all night reading - you have to know how things work in this universe.
The other is that the characters are drawn so vividly you'll be sucked in wanting to know if they are ever going to get that uninterrupted date!
But even as the vampire resistance is working towards its ultimate goal, Dakota still has her day job to worry about and the werewolf community is no easier to deal with. I really enjoyed the new PCT characters and further insight in the work world of bounty hunters tracking supernaturals which linked up with other ongoing story threads. And I really enjoyed the backstory for both the more central characters and more minor ones and how they were linked into the case Dakota was working on.
The world-building remains one of my favourite things about this series, the original take on vampire and werewolf (and other mythic creatures) lore means is one of the many reasons why this series will drag you in and you'll be up all night reading - you have to know how things work in this universe.
The other is that the characters are drawn so vividly you'll be sucked in wanting to know if they are ever going to get that uninterrupted date!
June 27, 2019
Dakota has picked up a new case looking for a missing man, Luis. His longtime girlfriend doesn't know his whereabouts. But Luis is in a line of men, lycanthropes, who have been going missing lately. Dakota isn't sure where to start, but she's great at her job as a Bounty Hunter working with the PCT. She's going to have to rely on her connections to figure out what is going on, and if she wants to help Diego take down Federico.
I developed a bit of a crush on Dakota in the first book, Compañera, and it gets stronger with every book. If you love strong leading ladies, this series is for you. Dakota is fierce, she's sassy, and she's strong. People do fear her, with good reason, but she has a good moral compass. She embodies strength and is a symbol of hope. She never backs down even when it lands herself in trouble.
She's also working on this relationship with Diego, who I absolutely adore. I want to see what happens with this connection they share, what it means for her and their relationship. There has been great change in both the vampire and shifter world and Dakota is at the center of it. The Fiercest Star is well-written, it's got a perfect mix of supernatural and romance. The characters are wonderful and you get drawn into their story.
As for how great this cover is? I've learned from stalking, I mean following, DeBarrioz on Insta that she drew this herself. How amazing is that? Anyone that follows my reviews know I love when a book is part of a true series, being able to be read alone and together, and this series is exactly that. Though you are going to want to start with Dakota from the beginning. The Fiercest Star is a wonderful addition. Very well done!
I developed a bit of a crush on Dakota in the first book, Compañera, and it gets stronger with every book. If you love strong leading ladies, this series is for you. Dakota is fierce, she's sassy, and she's strong. People do fear her, with good reason, but she has a good moral compass. She embodies strength and is a symbol of hope. She never backs down even when it lands herself in trouble.
She's also working on this relationship with Diego, who I absolutely adore. I want to see what happens with this connection they share, what it means for her and their relationship. There has been great change in both the vampire and shifter world and Dakota is at the center of it. The Fiercest Star is well-written, it's got a perfect mix of supernatural and romance. The characters are wonderful and you get drawn into their story.
As for how great this cover is? I've learned from stalking, I mean following, DeBarrioz on Insta that she drew this herself. How amazing is that? Anyone that follows my reviews know I love when a book is part of a true series, being able to be read alone and together, and this series is exactly that. Though you are going to want to start with Dakota from the beginning. The Fiercest Star is a wonderful addition. Very well done!
July 28, 2019
Fantastic paranormal read
I am loving this series. It is fresh and original, giving vampires a new slant. Dakota is the glue, headstrong and wilful, she lets her heart overrule her head and accepts the consequences. I am not talking about romance here although there is plenty of that and it’s hot, sensual and lovingly, sexily, fraught with tension. I won’t say more except you won’t be disappointed.
Our star in this drama has a passion for the right thing. It makes her brave and reckless much to her lover’s despair. The world building is tight and well scripted. We fear for the good guys and they see plenty of action, and we hate the bad guys who do very bad things. Be warned - the author doesn’t hold back.
The cast is not a small one but it is far from distracting for the reader. Instead credibility is added to the complex plot. We meet some very likeable characters who add colour and suspense - no spoilers - seriously read it and find out for yourself.
This is a series so be prepared for it to continue but there is no real cliffhanger to force the issue. If you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the three books so far, you will be itching to get to the next one.
I am loving this series. It is fresh and original, giving vampires a new slant. Dakota is the glue, headstrong and wilful, she lets her heart overrule her head and accepts the consequences. I am not talking about romance here although there is plenty of that and it’s hot, sensual and lovingly, sexily, fraught with tension. I won’t say more except you won’t be disappointed.
Our star in this drama has a passion for the right thing. It makes her brave and reckless much to her lover’s despair. The world building is tight and well scripted. We fear for the good guys and they see plenty of action, and we hate the bad guys who do very bad things. Be warned - the author doesn’t hold back.
The cast is not a small one but it is far from distracting for the reader. Instead credibility is added to the complex plot. We meet some very likeable characters who add colour and suspense - no spoilers - seriously read it and find out for yourself.
This is a series so be prepared for it to continue but there is no real cliffhanger to force the issue. If you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the three books so far, you will be itching to get to the next one.
December 18, 2021
I had far too many books to read between books one and two of this series, and finally delving into The Fiercest Star was like coming home. Coming home to a magical, madcap house full of unforgettable friends and powerful foes. DeBarrioz writes a western, paranormal romance that still manages to stay grounded in Spanish and indigenous roots while sweeping a wide arm around the mysticism of India as well, a rare feat. Not only that, but she deftly writes self-willed and independent female characters who thrive alongside alpha male characters, some of whom would dearly love to cling to traditional perspectives but simply can't. If you've read Book One, you'll be delighted by the progress of Dakota and Diego's relationship as well as intrigued with its promise for the future, but even a reader dropping into the series will have no difficulty enjoying the read. A must-have for the bookshelves of romance readers of all stripes.
March 7, 2021
Given how full of high-stake action the other books in this series are, I'm amazed how the author manages to increase it in this book! Very well done. I'm still enjoying the original take on these supernatural beings. Really entertaining to read despite finding this segment of the series not as polished as the other books. The characters blurred when it came to the distinctive personalities I've come to know and adore. And the love triangle (or rather rectangle now) is a bit much for me. I didn't mind Edoardo's incessant flirting in the other books. It was fun and innocent and fit his lovable rogue persona. But it went too far in this one. I didn't sign up for a love triangle and I do not want one this far into the story. Now we have Gabrielle to contend with also.
September 18, 2020
Anxiously Awaiting Next Book
DeBarrioz kicks up the action in the second book in the Dakota del Toro series and I ate it up! A missing shifter fighter, relationship trials, and an impending war are just the tip of the excitement in this novel. I can't say enough how much I love the characters and this series! Though it didn't end in a cliffhanger, I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment.
DeBarrioz kicks up the action in the second book in the Dakota del Toro series and I ate it up! A missing shifter fighter, relationship trials, and an impending war are just the tip of the excitement in this novel. I can't say enough how much I love the characters and this series! Though it didn't end in a cliffhanger, I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment.
February 7, 2022
Happy sigh. A beautiful continuation of Dakota and Diego's story, with new characters, new chaos, and new points of view woven in. This world is so rich and beautiful. It truly feels as if you're transported while reading. I cannot recommend the world-building and words of this author enough. It's swoony paranormal romance with old world vibes, American Southwest beauty, endless surprises, and so much uniqueness. Grab it now!
October 9, 2019
Things are heating up, and I’m here for it!
In this installment of the tales of Dakota del Toro, Diego de Gama, and the myriad cast of characters involved in the multiple subplots that weave seamlessly together in this exciting tale, things are heating up on every level. Diego and Dakota are both wonderfully, realistically stubborn. They’re either a match made in heaven or too alike for it to work. Thankfully I’m pretty sure it’s the former. But moreover, forces are at work in the background that are more aligned than they’d ever imagined, and their quiet beginnings of a revolution for vampires, weres, and humans alike is about to get a big shove into the light. Because it’s time to fight, in more ways than they’d anticipated.
While this story went darker than I expected it to, it was well-handled, and it would be foolish to think Dakota would escape completely unscathed. Her fiery temper was bound to get her into a tough situation, and the teasings of a deeper reason as to why she is who she is permeate the narrative. While so much happened, and Diego and Dakota were forced into making their play to unseat the villainous Don Federico, the revolution has really only just begun. And I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
The only thing I would add is, I sincerely hope Devendra, the demon vampire who is as sexy as he is dangerous, makes a strong appearance in future installments, as I’m starting to have almost as deep of a soft spot for him as I do for Diego. And that’s saying something.
In this installment of the tales of Dakota del Toro, Diego de Gama, and the myriad cast of characters involved in the multiple subplots that weave seamlessly together in this exciting tale, things are heating up on every level. Diego and Dakota are both wonderfully, realistically stubborn. They’re either a match made in heaven or too alike for it to work. Thankfully I’m pretty sure it’s the former. But moreover, forces are at work in the background that are more aligned than they’d ever imagined, and their quiet beginnings of a revolution for vampires, weres, and humans alike is about to get a big shove into the light. Because it’s time to fight, in more ways than they’d anticipated.
While this story went darker than I expected it to, it was well-handled, and it would be foolish to think Dakota would escape completely unscathed. Her fiery temper was bound to get her into a tough situation, and the teasings of a deeper reason as to why she is who she is permeate the narrative. While so much happened, and Diego and Dakota were forced into making their play to unseat the villainous Don Federico, the revolution has really only just begun. And I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
The only thing I would add is, I sincerely hope Devendra, the demon vampire who is as sexy as he is dangerous, makes a strong appearance in future installments, as I’m starting to have almost as deep of a soft spot for him as I do for Diego. And that’s saying something.
December 1, 2019
More like 3.5 stars. Who edits these books? I found myself distracted quite often by spelling and grammar mistakes. This time, a wife reports her missing husband—a positive were who left without taking his pills. While Dakota and Diego attempt a do over on their first date, they’re interrupted by Don Federico and a deadly dance begins—the revolution must start soon. Dakota learns of a shadow fight club involving vampires and weres, but is also struggling with disturbing dreams from another demon and her nightmares start changing.
The plot for this one is definitely interesting and I wish I could get into a little more detail, but again, spoilers. Unfortunately, we find Dakota both an extremely strong woman and heroine in her own right, but also an emotional, somewhat unsure woman who needs almost constant validation—whether it’s from John, her boss, or Diego. To say that it’s frustrating is an understatement.
The plot for this one is definitely interesting and I wish I could get into a little more detail, but again, spoilers. Unfortunately, we find Dakota both an extremely strong woman and heroine in her own right, but also an emotional, somewhat unsure woman who needs almost constant validation—whether it’s from John, her boss, or Diego. To say that it’s frustrating is an understatement.
October 20, 2019
This book is a awesome adventure! Werewolves, vampires and humans too. Oh my. What more could you ask for in a bloody adventure, that has romance and mystery in it too. Though some parts are very cringe worthy. It's a great tale. Read the first before this one or you'll be lost on some of the characters that are in and out of book 2.
Dakota biggest problem is her bullheadedness and her inability to keep her smart mouth shut. But her main vampire Diego loves her with every fiber of his body. And as much as he wants to watch and protect her from all. He knows that she'll do the opposite of what he wants. But what he doesn't know is that she loves him with all her heart but will still have to kick that vampires butt across the room. Only she's seems to have dug out a hole in which she just might need to ask for help for once
Dakota biggest problem is her bullheadedness and her inability to keep her smart mouth shut. But her main vampire Diego loves her with every fiber of his body. And as much as he wants to watch and protect her from all. He knows that she'll do the opposite of what he wants. But what he doesn't know is that she loves him with all her heart but will still have to kick that vampires butt across the room. Only she's seems to have dug out a hole in which she just might need to ask for help for once
August 8, 2019
Dakota del Toro was petite, human and without superpowers but fierce, decided and eager to defend what was fair. Too much was at stake in this story and the little bounty hunter, her vampire lover and the different and dramatic plot development intrigued me from the beginning. The vampires were stronger, the violence escalated, Dakota had to face a nightmare and some more but when all was said and done, she was still alive. Read Compañera, received Cazadora for free from CandidReviews and I’m pleased with this series. Liked the strong Paranormal characters, the intense drama, Dakota’s and Diego’s passion and how the different characters had an important role in the series.
February 4, 2015
The author continues to make the characters better each time and adding others as well. You get to know the lives of these characters and what they have gone through and why some of them have changed for good or bad. I really like her writing style and the way she writes her stories. So I will say that I really enjoyed reading her book and I would recommend that you get copy of this book! I can't wait to see what happens next because it will be the toughest decision Dakota will have to make, who of the two men that she loves will she stay with?
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews