A review by bribreez
Second Rite by Geneva Lee

dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5⭐️/ 3-4🌶️

*Please check trigger warnings before reading.

Julian and Thea’s story wasn’t over by any means. With a story surrounding vampires, mates, forbidden love, passion, romance, and secrets being revealed, the two main characters were faced with more obstacles than they realized in the first book. Geneva Lee added more stakes to Thea and Julian’s story that elevated their romance together as well as showed how the two of them were determined to face what was up against them in order to be together. Nothing like a bunch of rich vampires and an interesting story line to get things going.

The first book introduced Thea and Julian and how the two of them came from different worlds, but more importantly how they were different in more obvious ways such as, Julian being a vampire. Pretty sure, Thea never expected to fall for a vampire, but hey, it worked out well for her especially having a handsome, overprotective vampire like Julian as her man *wink. The first book I really enjoyed from the luxury and wealth that surrounded Julian’s life, but also seeing Thea explore that world too. Thea wasn’t a wealthy person, she was use to working multiple jobs in order to pay for her mother’s hospital bills, her tuition, and her own living expenses. From the moment Thea was thrusted into Julian’s world, she saw just how much different things were on the wealthier side. The title of this series truly lived up to it with all the filthy Rich vampires spending money like it was pocket change. 

This time around, Thea and Julian were not only faced with the consequences of them being together but also the significant part of them being…MATES! I love a good “mates” trope in books, but I wasn’t expecting this in the first book when I read it the first time! With the fact of Julian and Thea being mates, it brought up even more obstacles for them from Thea being human, Julian being a vampire, the Council not approving of their relationship, and there was also the pesky little detail of Thea’s virginity somehow making things even more complicated. I know that by reading my previous sentence it would sound unusual, but trust me when I say that when you read it in the book, it just makes sense. Anyways, Julian and Thea weren’t completely out of the woods, they still had to deal with Julian’s family namely, Julian’s mother of not wanting Julian to be with Thea, and (sigh) there was a lot to unpack in this book. Poor Thea and Julian, those two loved each other so much, and despite all the love, trust, and admiration they had for each other, they still had a lot to deal with. 

I will say, that one of my favorite things about this series is, Thea and Julian together. Obviously, this story illustrates the story of Thea and Julian falling in love and everything that entails it, but I loved how Julian has always been overprotective of Thea and wanting her to have the best of everything as well as supporting her in everything she wished to do. Although this book in particular, the level of over protectiveness that Julian had was Lowkey unhinged and…I enjoyed it! Nothing says, “I will do anything to protect her” like an overprotective, obsessive, in love vampire wanting his mate forever as Julian showed in this book. Plus, throughout everything that Julian and Thea faced in this book, throughout everything, the love between the two of them grew exponentially stronger and it was a testament to their commitment. I have nothing but great things to say about Thea, Julian, and their romance together.

Wow, I felt like I went through different levels of minor plot twists, and revelations throughout this book! Thea and Julian’s love was put to the test in order to be together, and despite the love they had for each other, there was always something to someone they had to deal with. There was also the side plot pertaining to Julian’s twin sister, Camila, who SURPRISE! WAS NOT DEAD AS EVERYONE BELIEVED! With a faction of Rebel vampires wanting to destroy the hierarchy of vampire life and all the traditions, there also seemed like a specific character who was mentioned might potentially be after Thea in future books. There was never a dull moment in Thea and Julian’s story, especially since this time around the two of them were even more intimate and passionate whenever they had a moment together. Phewwww the spice and romance was good in this book, and needless to say, Thea definitely took advantage of the saying, “bite me” to a new level! I have a feeling that based off the events in this book, the next book will dig even deeper into what exactly Thea and Julian will have to do next in terms of their now ENGAGEMENT and maybeeeee the question of, can Thea even bear Julian an heir?! Geneva Lee has me wanting more of Thea and Julian’s story so I gotta go buy the next book soon! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a vampire romance book.