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tlwd's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kaitlin_durante's review
4.0
I enjoyed my re-read of this book more than the first time. I think if you read them all in one go you feel more attached to Bentley and River.
teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
good end to the series.
This was entertaining even if the subject matter was disturbing. I’d read the previous books but think it would have been beneficial to have reread them so they would be fresh in my mind as this spans books 2 and 3. Very ott at times but it did lighten it up.
This was entertaining even if the subject matter was disturbing. I’d read the previous books but think it would have been beneficial to have reread them so they would be fresh in my mind as this spans books 2 and 3. Very ott at times but it did lighten it up.
aubreysmith9412's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book went to a very, very dark place. And it shouldn't surprise me that it's Bentley DeGray, so far the quietest, seemingly most stable member of the VRC, who goes there. But he is, and he's a bit of an idiot about it.
However, I can't blame him for trying to handle things alone. There's a lot at stake in keeping River safe, and while I understand his reluctance to ask for help from the VRC - or hell, even his friends, who happen to be VRC - having done so probably would have saved a lot of bloodshed.
What was fascinating to me was that this book picks up right after the events of book 1. We got to see DeGray's point of view through a lot of the case work done during books 2 and 3, and how some of his strange behaviour in those books suddenly make a lot of sense.
River was a little much for me. I'm all for a healthy dose of chaos, but River's brand of chaos was just a little much. DeGray seems to balance him out some, but the more he falls for River, the more he seems to also fall into his orbit, and thrive on his chaos.
After the events of this book (which are absolutely not for the faint of heart), I'm almost afraid to see what comes next for the VRC. And yet, I'm not quite ready to let them go yet.
mynameiskate2807's review against another edition
5.0
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book but it had a lot more angst than the previous three books and some of River’s diary entries were kind of hard to read. The timeline threw me off a tad as it was weird basically going back to the start of the series when Finn and Marcus got together. I liked finally getting to meet DeGray (Bentley) properly as he was only mentioned the first few books as a fellow Vampire Related Crimes Detective working with Finn, Marcus and Karsyn but I didn’t really get a feel for the type of person he is, well apart from being a really nice guy. I thought River and Bentley were great together and I loved seeing them when they spent the day checking off items on River’s Bucket List especially Bentley in the mesh top and River’s Bull ride which was actually a cow. I’m glad that Bentley’s team came through for him and River when they finally found out what was happening, well Marcus and Finn as Claude and Karsyn already knew and were helping track down the Vampires involved in the traffi*king ring that River was sold to a Vampire named Corbyn and basically forced to go after the Vampires he mentioned that he wanted River to take down as it would be karmic justice that a human ended putting them behind bars considering they think so little of humans. Corbyn constantly threatened to k*ll River’s family and then Bentley if he didn’t do what he was told/conditioned to do. I’m hoping Alice decides to write more books in this universe as I’d love to see Brooks and Orin find forever love, I’m not sure if Brooks is married or not so my bad if he is. Orin has so many ex-wives so he should go for the opposite sex and it may work out better for him. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
I really enjoyed this book but it had a lot more angst than the previous three books and some of River’s diary entries were kind of hard to read. The timeline threw me off a tad as it was weird basically going back to the start of the series when Finn and Marcus got together. I liked finally getting to meet DeGray (Bentley) properly as he was only mentioned the first few books as a fellow Vampire Related Crimes Detective working with Finn, Marcus and Karsyn but I didn’t really get a feel for the type of person he is, well apart from being a really nice guy. I thought River and Bentley were great together and I loved seeing them when they spent the day checking off items on River’s Bucket List especially Bentley in the mesh top and River’s Bull ride which was actually a cow. I’m glad that Bentley’s team came through for him and River when they finally found out what was happening, well Marcus and Finn as Claude and Karsyn already knew and were helping track down the Vampires involved in the traffi*king ring that River was sold to a Vampire named Corbyn and basically forced to go after the Vampires he mentioned that he wanted River to take down as it would be karmic justice that a human ended putting them behind bars considering they think so little of humans. Corbyn constantly threatened to k*ll River’s family and then Bentley if he didn’t do what he was told/conditioned to do. I’m hoping Alice decides to write more books in this universe as I’d love to see Brooks and Orin find forever love, I’m not sure if Brooks is married or not so my bad if he is. Orin has so many ex-wives so he should go for the opposite sex and it may work out better for him. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review against another edition
4.0
As is usual in this series River and Bentleys book is filled with the snark and fun loving crew of the VRC along with a hilarious romance. It spans the time from the first few books and contains spoilers for those so this is not to be read out of order. I loved how River reminded me of Finn in a way that he is sarcastic and kinda silly, while Bentley just goes along with his crazy ideas because that's what a Vampire does when he is in love apparently. He becomes a sap and I love it.
Plenty of action and intrigue is found in this one as only bits and pieces of Rivers past are revealed as we go. As soon as you think he finally has told Bentley the entire story, we are gifted with a little River has hidden. I know he was trying to protect Bentley but at that point he was well and truly involved and I wish River had confided in him totally. I also wish Bentley would have had more trust in his team at the VRC because lord knows those crazy men would have jumped right into the thick of things to help.
The steam was a bit mild in my opinion, I would have liked a little more but that is always personal preference. The book was not lacking due to it as there was plenty of plot to keep you invested in the story. Winters is good like that where she can balance the romance and the wild adventures she sets her characters on perfectly. All the while you are laughing your butt off because ugh hello! this is an Alice Winters book. I have so much fun reading her books and they always brighten my day. I also adored seeing a little more of Claude and Alexei. They are just my favorite! I hope there are more to come in the VRC series as it is quickly becoming one of my favorites to read.
Plenty of action and intrigue is found in this one as only bits and pieces of Rivers past are revealed as we go. As soon as you think he finally has told Bentley the entire story, we are gifted with a little River has hidden. I know he was trying to protect Bentley but at that point he was well and truly involved and I wish River had confided in him totally. I also wish Bentley would have had more trust in his team at the VRC because lord knows those crazy men would have jumped right into the thick of things to help.
The steam was a bit mild in my opinion, I would have liked a little more but that is always personal preference. The book was not lacking due to it as there was plenty of plot to keep you invested in the story. Winters is good like that where she can balance the romance and the wild adventures she sets her characters on perfectly. All the while you are laughing your butt off because ugh hello! this is an Alice Winters book. I have so much fun reading her books and they always brighten my day. I also adored seeing a little more of Claude and Alexei. They are just my favorite! I hope there are more to come in the VRC series as it is quickly becoming one of my favorites to read.
enjodako's review against another edition
5.0
Loved every moment of it!
This book was so perfect, I loved it! River and Bentley were so good together. I'd love to see another story for them!
I was sad that Marcus didn't sweep in and hug and kiss Finn though...I felt like they needed a more romantic moment!
This book was so perfect, I loved it! River and Bentley were so good together. I'd love to see another story for them!
I was sad that Marcus didn't sweep in and hug and kiss Finn though...I felt like they needed a more romantic moment!
belle165's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
vicki_williams's review against another edition
5.0
Bentley is the steadfast, solid and dependable member of the VRC unit but his life is thrown for a loop when he meets River in a bookshop. River has overcome so many hurdles in his life but is still capable of caring and loving others all with a healthy dose of sass and humour. So begins their romantic journey which includes a bucket list of misadventures, a mesh shirt, dubious artistic talent and the worlds most evil feline. Culminating in a well earned HEA for these two wonderful men.
This is a superbly crafted, fast paced storyline with well developed characters.
The cast includes friends from the previous books in the series who are back for more mayhem and get caught up in the action, drama, laughter, feels and secrets.....lots of secrets.
I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put this down. From laughing out loud to heart wrenching moments this has all the feels.
This is a superbly crafted, fast paced storyline with well developed characters.
The cast includes friends from the previous books in the series who are back for more mayhem and get caught up in the action, drama, laughter, feels and secrets.....lots of secrets.
I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put this down. From laughing out loud to heart wrenching moments this has all the feels.
rudypatootie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5