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The Vampire Legacy #2
Hunter Trials
Three things about the Elites of Blackburn 1. They rule with fear and cruelty. 2. They kill vampires for sport. 3. They think I’m one of them. Entering Blackburn Academy was supposed to be a dream come true. Instead, I’m trapped in a nightmare. Every second of the day, I have to hide what I am. My boyfriend Justin is keeping secrets again. And I have to spend all of my time with the deadly Elites. I’m in their classes. I live with them. I even have my own Elite bodyguard, Mitch Holter, the biggest bully at Blackburn Academy. When Justin vanishes under mysterious circumstances, I have to depend on the Elites to save the boy I love. But I’m entering a deadly game. Can I survive the secrets and lies of Blackburn Academy? This is a full length 93,000 word novel. Recommended for 16+. This book contains sex (not explicit). This novel was previously on preorder under the title First Bite (Bite Me) Blackburn Orientation. The story is unchanged.
385 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2019
About the author
Rita Stradling
34 books831 followersRita Stradling is a USA Today Bestselling Author with an all-consuming addiction to popcorn.
She writes young adult and new adult romances about flawed people who find their perfect together (often these people are dragon-shifters, werewolves, or have magical powers).
Rita believes in soulmates, happily ever afters, and that love can overcome any obstacle.
She writes young adult and new adult romances about flawed people who find their perfect together (often these people are dragon-shifters, werewolves, or have magical powers).
Rita believes in soulmates, happily ever afters, and that love can overcome any obstacle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 11, 2019
“You chose the wrong side and I’m not powerful enough to protect you from what’s coming.” - Dante Mortis
January has reluctantly accepted her scholarship at Blackthorn Academy and become a member of the Hawthorn Group. In return for protection for her Mother and Nana from further vampire onslaught, she must keep her dhampir status a secret from her friends and submit to tests and gruelling training under the owner of the Hawthorn Group, Sebastian Holt.
January soon uncovers corruption at the heart of the Hawthorn Group and by extension, the Blackburn Academy. Increasingly distrustful of Sebastian’s motives and shadowed by his cousin Mitch who seems to despise her, January finds herself between a rock and a hard place. With the attacks on her life becoming more frequent by vampires determined to kill her, January is unprepared when Justin, who had been investigating the mysterious deaths of soldiers who were Alphastrains, suddenly goes missing. Blackmailed into participating in the Senior Hunt in which she is required to kill a vampire for sport, January must place her trust in Mitch as her second. But can he be trusted?
Hunter Trials is the second compelling instalment of what is turning out to be a thoroughly entertaining series. This was a tense, fast paced, exhilarating read which had me anxiously turning the pages.
Once again I felt that the characters showed real depth and substance. Lucas, Zach, Susie, Mia and Richard were as protective and supportive as ever. It was interesting to see the relationship between January and Mitch unfold. While initially they were antagonistic towards each other, they came to develop a sense of mutual respect. Mitch is an interesting character and I look forward to further exploring his back story.
Despite this being only the second book, I can’t help feeling emotionally invested in the characters which is a testament of the authors characterisation skills. I genuinely welled up at the scene where January and her father came face to face at the Senior Hunt. Sebastian Holt was a particularly nasty villain. At first it was hard to ascertain what it was that he wanted from January. Despite knowing that his motives wouldn’t bode well for her, when his agenda was finally revealed, I felt a sense of outrage.
All in all this was a well executed, gripping instalment with a deeply unnerving teaser at the end which has ensured that this reader will be eagerly anticipating the follow up, Broken Elites.
January has reluctantly accepted her scholarship at Blackthorn Academy and become a member of the Hawthorn Group. In return for protection for her Mother and Nana from further vampire onslaught, she must keep her dhampir status a secret from her friends and submit to tests and gruelling training under the owner of the Hawthorn Group, Sebastian Holt.
January soon uncovers corruption at the heart of the Hawthorn Group and by extension, the Blackburn Academy. Increasingly distrustful of Sebastian’s motives and shadowed by his cousin Mitch who seems to despise her, January finds herself between a rock and a hard place. With the attacks on her life becoming more frequent by vampires determined to kill her, January is unprepared when Justin, who had been investigating the mysterious deaths of soldiers who were Alphastrains, suddenly goes missing. Blackmailed into participating in the Senior Hunt in which she is required to kill a vampire for sport, January must place her trust in Mitch as her second. But can he be trusted?
Hunter Trials is the second compelling instalment of what is turning out to be a thoroughly entertaining series. This was a tense, fast paced, exhilarating read which had me anxiously turning the pages.
Once again I felt that the characters showed real depth and substance. Lucas, Zach, Susie, Mia and Richard were as protective and supportive as ever. It was interesting to see the relationship between January and Mitch unfold. While initially they were antagonistic towards each other, they came to develop a sense of mutual respect. Mitch is an interesting character and I look forward to further exploring his back story.
Despite this being only the second book, I can’t help feeling emotionally invested in the characters which is a testament of the authors characterisation skills. I genuinely welled up at the scene where January and her father came face to face at the Senior Hunt. Sebastian Holt was a particularly nasty villain. At first it was hard to ascertain what it was that he wanted from January. Despite knowing that his motives wouldn’t bode well for her, when his agenda was finally revealed, I felt a sense of outrage.
All in all this was a well executed, gripping instalment with a deeply unnerving teaser at the end which has ensured that this reader will be eagerly anticipating the follow up, Broken Elites.
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September 4, 2019
If I had a drink every time the heroine cried, I'd be three sheets to the wind and I'M A TEETOTALLER. That's how much she teared up.
The romance was also lacking in intensity - I don't think I'll get onto the sequel, though it was undeniably well-written.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
The romance was also lacking in intensity - I don't think I'll get onto the sequel, though it was undeniably well-written.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
August 14, 2019
The Hunter Trials is the second book to Midnight Secrets also known as " A Bite of the Cherry". Which I think was a good idea to change the names in the series. I love the covers even more. So we continue with January Moore's story and it gets more complicated. There are lies, betrayal and the bullying is not as intense. The only drawback that I feel would have made it better is if January would have developed her vampire powers. She was up against a lot in this book and I feel that she always helpless and could not even defend herself. However, she is smart and could think through things logically which helps her out in the end. At the end of the first book her dad sent her a message that she choose the wrong side. So going into Blackburn Academy she was always thinking of what was going on. Then Justin disappears and that puts her even more on edge. She is followed around by Mitch Holter who is the biggest bully ever and that drives her insane. Her benefactor is Sebastian Holter and he has ulterior motives and she is trying to figure out his endgame at the same time trying to find Justin. Then she has to compete in the Hunter Trials on top of everything that goes on. Then BAM chaos ensues and she is in the middle of it. You have no idea of what happens and the story keeps you on your toes and wanting more. Some things are answered in this book and more questions arise. Hunter Trials is an emotional whirlwind and will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is more to the story and hopefully we will find out in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2019
This story takes off where book one ended and it is so much more exciting (if that is even possible)!
January is now a student at the academy, trying to find her way around this new world. The dynamics have changed. She’s indebted more then she expected and her boyfriend is suddenly missing… All this and she has a new, feisty and grumpy yet really fantastic bodyguard that I am certainly going to need more from. January also has a different kind of trial to get through this time and the action is page turning. I loved the fact that January is now at the academy, it changed the vibe of this story but allowed so much more freedom to it as well.
I LOVED getting to know the secondary characters in this story as there are new ones and ones that have released new parts of their personality. Mitch is a fascinating character and I really enjoyed the scenes with January; their dialogue was amazing! I have wants for that man!! The vampires in this series are different enough to be compelling and I really want to know more about January’s father.
I devoured this story just as fast as book one! If you liked book one, First Bite, you need to read this story it is a more in-depth story that has secrets reveled and an amazing plot. The story took a turn and become much more then I was expecting and the twists that were added were unpredictable. I cannot express my love for this book or this series, BUY NOW!!
January is now a student at the academy, trying to find her way around this new world. The dynamics have changed. She’s indebted more then she expected and her boyfriend is suddenly missing… All this and she has a new, feisty and grumpy yet really fantastic bodyguard that I am certainly going to need more from. January also has a different kind of trial to get through this time and the action is page turning. I loved the fact that January is now at the academy, it changed the vibe of this story but allowed so much more freedom to it as well.
I LOVED getting to know the secondary characters in this story as there are new ones and ones that have released new parts of their personality. Mitch is a fascinating character and I really enjoyed the scenes with January; their dialogue was amazing! I have wants for that man!! The vampires in this series are different enough to be compelling and I really want to know more about January’s father.
I devoured this story just as fast as book one! If you liked book one, First Bite, you need to read this story it is a more in-depth story that has secrets reveled and an amazing plot. The story took a turn and become much more then I was expecting and the twists that were added were unpredictable. I cannot express my love for this book or this series, BUY NOW!!
August 28, 2019
While I tire easily of political maneuvering, and vampires are a tired subject, I do love this series. The author has a way of bringing to life the characters with a lot of humor infused in them and a fully fleshed out supernatural world. My one quibble is that I still don’t care for the constant use of the f-word. There’s really no point for it being in this. I was surprised it didn’t really focus on the classes, choosing instead to focus on the drama between January and the other characters, especially the atrocities and depravity of Sebastian, and the budding relationship between her and Mitch (I wouldn’t call it a friendship. Maybe more of a respect, sympathy, and trying to figure out what lies beneath their outer shells). Mitch definitely has to be my new favorite character. I loved his sense of humor. And I still love Justin, who seems to be just discovering his way as a boyfriend, and realizing he likes this being in love thing, with an odd insecurity about the whole thing. January, is still a fun viewpoint to follow with her attitude, her need for friends, and how lost she is in some of her classes. The “Hunter Trials” in the title, only come in in the very last couple of chapters. The next book can’t come fast enough.
August 11, 2019
I loved the first book and so was really excited to read this second book and it did not let me down! Carrying on from the first book I was quickly sucked into the fast paced fantasy / supernatural story and I loved the characters and their continued growth and relationships . Add in the plot twists and you have a series you do not want to miss out on!
September 11, 2020
A definite improvement from the first book as this one caught and kept my interest throughout. High school can be a challenge. With personal, school, organizational secrets, overbearing benefactor, hard choices, (whether made freely or not), friends, peers and social strata, whats a senior on a scholarship trying to get along to do? Add to that missing boy friend, vampires, vampire killers, paramilitary and becoming their target, just about sums up what goes on in this story. Will her friends rally with her? Will her secret be kept? Can she survive the hunt? That's why we read these books.
September 2, 2019
The Vampire Legacy: Hunter Trials by Rita Stradling is the second book in The Vampire Legacy Series. In this book, a poor scholarship student named January begins her first year as a student at Blackburn Academy. When she arrives at Blackburn Academy, January is told that as part of her scholarship she must submit to daily testing by Sebastian Holter, who is the owner of Blackburn Academy and the one who awarded her the scholarship to attend Blackburn Academy. After meeting with Sebastian and hearing his demands, January believes this is just one more threat against her life along with the vampires that are out to kill her because she is a dhampir. As she begins classes, January soon discovers that her boyfriend Justin’s cousin Mitch Holter has been told to constantly follow and observe her by his older brother Sebastian. This is the incredibly fast paced amazing story full of mystery, suspense, adventure, danger, and romance. This book was so addicting that I couldn’t stop reading it. This is the second compelling book in The Vampire Legacy Series that I have read and loved. Anyone who enjoys an entertaining paranormal romance with plenty of intrigue and adventure will love this book! The Vampire Legacy: Hunter Trials is a story full of mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance!
August 21, 2019
The story was very good and there was good suspense. There was a twist that I did not see coming and some things that I did see coming. I’m on the fence on how I feel about Mitch and I look forward to seeing his character development. I also would like to see how other creatures, in addition to vampires, that were mentioned in passing fit into this world.
April 29, 2020
Y'all, I cannot get enough of Rita's Vampire Legacy series! I love all of the smart-assery and I love getting to see all of my favorite characters again and in a different environment. Getting to enter Blackburn Academy was exciting! Loved the baroque (I believe that was the word that was used..) castle like imagery. Getting to learn all about the supernaturals and learning about the elites and their powers. How cool would it be to get to live and go to a school like that? Aside from the whole evil HG part! I really loved getting to watch every-bodies relationships grow in this book. Especially January and Mitch! Their bantering back and forth made me laugh so much. I need an asshat like Mitch in my life. There was so much suspense in this book. Especially when a certain person goes missing for awhile. I got a little worried. And the Senior Hunt was exciting, was a little worried for our girl January, but she pulled through, even if she was unconscious for most of her turn. I can't wait to start book 3 and see what wild ride Rita has in store for the gang next!And hopefully January figures out her gifts as well! Fingers crossed!
August 24, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
Again, like the first book, I really enjoyed this second installment! The storyline picks up where we were left at the end of book one. Thrown into a new world in which January could not be less prepared for if she tried, she's thrown through the ringer, as shit just does not go her way whatsoever.
I loved the January and Mitch relationship, and while maybe a little bit predictable of the outcome, it was interesting to see the relationship develop. Although, Mitch's nickname of 'Dirtbag' for January actually made me cringe, and really hated the unimaginative and childish nature of Mitch's though process. I expected for a very volatile, and seeming clever character.
I don't think this book captured my attention as well as the first one did, but I still loved the characters, the storyline, and every twist and turn that followed. Bring on book three!
Again, like the first book, I really enjoyed this second installment! The storyline picks up where we were left at the end of book one. Thrown into a new world in which January could not be less prepared for if she tried, she's thrown through the ringer, as shit just does not go her way whatsoever.
I loved the January and Mitch relationship, and while maybe a little bit predictable of the outcome, it was interesting to see the relationship develop. Although, Mitch's nickname of 'Dirtbag' for January actually made me cringe, and really hated the unimaginative and childish nature of Mitch's though process. I expected for a very volatile, and seeming clever character.
I don't think this book captured my attention as well as the first one did, but I still loved the characters, the storyline, and every twist and turn that followed. Bring on book three!
August 19, 2019
First Bite (now renamed Hunter Trails) is an excellent follow up to the first book. Now a student at Blackburn Academy, January’s life has become even more complicated and risky. Justin has disappeared, there are foes around every corner, she must compete in the Hunter Trials and the bully, Mitch Holter, has become her shadow! I loved how we get to see the real Mitch in this story, the revealing of new parts of his personality was a surprise, humorous, and heart wrenching at times. The intrigue and mystery surrounding her father and the true aims of the Blackburn Academy leadership is captivating and I can not wait to see how this progresses. This story has lots of twists, suspense, intrigue, secrets and action; it will keep you glued to the page and leave you dying for the next book in the series.
April 15, 2020
January, Justin, Mitch and the rest are back as the new year at school starts. This get complicated fast and the vampires seem to to be moving in.
This is a wonderful second book in the Vampire Legacy series. The characters are great, they are well developed and definitely some with evil personalities. The storyline flows smoothly and is filled with romance, emotional drama, surprises, betrayal, danger, action and suspense. The author did a great job of weaving all the elements together into a wonderful story that kept me engaged until the end. I look forward to the next instalment of this interesting paranormal academy series.
This is a wonderful second book in the Vampire Legacy series. The characters are great, they are well developed and definitely some with evil personalities. The storyline flows smoothly and is filled with romance, emotional drama, surprises, betrayal, danger, action and suspense. The author did a great job of weaving all the elements together into a wonderful story that kept me engaged until the end. I look forward to the next instalment of this interesting paranormal academy series.
June 18, 2020
Audible.
6.18.20 Justin Justin Justin... where art thou? Oh gracious it's dragging midway through the book.
Speed speech professor needs fewer words.
I have to say Mitch is a punk. Not liked by others. Doesn't really care. No friends aannnd...
...I like the cocky little shit. Im liking him more and more. He's rude with a side of crude snark.
Ex: Hunters ball... January trying to graciously decline Mark's invite to the ball. Mitch is sitting in next to her and just tells them it's too painful to watch and sends Mark away cuttingly.
6.18.20 Justin Justin Justin... where art thou? Oh gracious it's dragging midway through the book.
Speed speech professor needs fewer words.
I have to say Mitch is a punk. Not liked by others. Doesn't really care. No friends aannnd...
...I like the cocky little shit. Im liking him more and more. He's rude with a side of crude snark.
Ex: Hunters ball... January trying to graciously decline Mark's invite to the ball. Mitch is sitting in next to her and just tells them it's too painful to watch and sends Mark away cuttingly.
January 3, 2020
Hmmm, didn't love this one as much. There was very little character progression with the main characters. Also, the writing at the end was just confusing... I had to go back and re-read passages and was still confused as to what happened. The epilogue was just sort of ridiculous. I'll leave it at that.
February 13, 2020
Action, mystery this book had everything.
This book pulled me In. I love how January had the will to fight no matter what. I would gladly recommend this series and I cant wait. You have a new fan.
This book pulled me In. I love how January had the will to fight no matter what. I would gladly recommend this series and I cant wait. You have a new fan.
June 5, 2020
3.5 stars. The last few chapters were worth the read. I wish it had been RH, but that's just personal preference. I liked it well enough I will likely continue to see how things end. Mitch has turned out to be my favorite character in this series. There's much more to him than meets the eye.
June 7, 2020
My review is based on the audiobook. Book 2 does not disappoint. I did not want to stop listening. Fast pace with tons of suspense I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. I'm completely invested in these characters & am excited to see where the author takes us next
May 6, 2020
If I remember this book was decent it had me looking for her next
May 30, 2020
Wow! This book gives us action, compassion and romance! The epilogue has me wanting to listen to the next book!!
July 20, 2020
My favourite hufflepuff girl January makes her way to the Blackburn Academy and things are riling up. Can’t wait to read more.
August 28, 2020
Ugh, cliff hanger end and then the next one I can't read under my subscription. Classic.
September 1, 2020
Good story
September 9, 2020
3.5 Stars
November 20, 2019
The second of this series was actually a lot better than the first, and I really started to enjoy it. I'll definitely go on the read the final one when it is published.
September 23, 2019
January is officially accepted into Blackburn Academy. This is where she starts to discover a whole new secret world she was unaware of previously. She's finally in a new school with her boyfriend Justin, but this is where she begins to see how different this world is.
She gets separated from her friends, she gets to live on a floor full of Elites, and where has her boyfriend Justin disappeared to? Mitch is Justin's cousin and had somehow become her bodyguard of sorts, protecting her from those nasty Elites and from anyone threatening her life.
January was also forced to participate in the Hunter Trials by Mitch's brother Sebestian, and when it was her turn to face the vampire she's supposed to kill, she got the shock of her life.
At the end of this book, we got another shocker when we thought someone who was gone, isn't actually gone! I can't wait to find out what happens next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
She gets separated from her friends, she gets to live on a floor full of Elites, and where has her boyfriend Justin disappeared to? Mitch is Justin's cousin and had somehow become her bodyguard of sorts, protecting her from those nasty Elites and from anyone threatening her life.
January was also forced to participate in the Hunter Trials by Mitch's brother Sebestian, and when it was her turn to face the vampire she's supposed to kill, she got the shock of her life.
At the end of this book, we got another shocker when we thought someone who was gone, isn't actually gone! I can't wait to find out what happens next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
October 10, 2019
January is finally getting her start and Blackburn Academy and her boyfriend, Justin, is by her side. This is gonna be one heck of a school year. Being the Vampire King's daughter in a school that teaches Vampire Hunters is not a safe place to be. Surprisingly, January is a scholarship student and somehow she has been assigned a room on the Elites floor. Money, power and jealousy await her there. Justin's cousin, Mitch, is her next door neighbor and her assigned guard/sitter. Mitch's reputation instills fear in everyone, teachers included. There is something diabolical going on at the school. Mitch and January become an unlikely team when Justin comes up missing. I love how she doesn't give up and stands tall, even though she would rather run. I also loved how the more time Mitch and January spent together the closer they got and how Mitch started becoming more like a normal person. This is an outstanding book and I am so excited for the next book!
August 19, 2019
Hunter trails is an excellent follow up to the first book, Midnight Secrets. Now a student at Blackburn Academy, January’s life has become even more complicated and risky. Justin has disappeared, there are foes around every corner, she must compete in the Hunter Trials and the bully, Mitch Holter, has become her shadow! I loved how we get to see the real Mitch in this story, the revealing of new parts of his personality was a surprise, humorous, and heart wrenching at times. The intrigue and mystery surrounding her father and the true aims of the Blackburn Academy leadership is captivating and I can not wait to see how this progresses. This story has lots of twists, suspense, intrigue, secrets and action; it will keep you glued to the page and leave you dying for the next book in the series.
August 13, 2019
This is another amazing entry in this unbeliebvably good series. As January's story continues the drama, secrets, danger, tension and angst all increase and have both January and the reader's nerves stretched to the breaking point. All the familiar faces return And that's a very good thing because as it stands now January needs every friend she can get to provide assistance and watch her back. Old foes are still lurking and new ones have moved within striking distance. With another deadly test ahead and Justin missing, our heroine needs to use every ounce of cleverness, courage, sass and snark at her disposal. Thoroughly engrossing, packed with twists, emotional, exciting, funny, sweet and romantic, this is a book and series you do not want to miss!! This is my candid, voluntary review.
August 16, 2019
Well for one we will see Mitch in a whole new light. Two, secrets about the evils of why Sebastian is called Prime and what his family other then Mitch has done and doing. Three, Justin will get help from outside, from the very Vampire King, January’s father to dig deep into the secrets the HG is hiding and experimenting with. For a ‘safe’ school there is more murders there the the bad parts of town have. Justin isn’t in this book as much as the last book and it’s giving room for January to spread her wings and experience her new life even if it’s constantly in danger. Mostly in January ‘s POV but the first chapter is Justin’s and the last is Mitch’s and what he’s dealing with in the fall out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews