Series: In the Company of Vampires #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: Harlequin Nocturne on January 7, 2014
Format: eARC
Pages: 304
Source: NetGalley
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A vampire hunter finds himself powerless to resist a bewitching stranger's dangerous magic in Michele Hauf's latest romance.
In all his years of battling the undead, Kaz has never seen bloodlust like this. And as a Knight of the Stake, it's up to him to find out who's responsible for the mayhem sweeping the streets of Paris and put a stop to it. Kaz's task becomes infinitely more complicated when a very attractive witch wants to help.
With her quirky charm and irresistibly kissable lips, Zoë just feels right to Kaz, the way no mortal woman ever has before. But as a sworn enemy of the supernatural, can he really trust a witch? Especially one with dangerous secrets of her own?
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A sweet and flirty romance in an intriguing paranormal world!
As a Knight for the Order of the Stake, Kaspar’s sole mission is to rid the world of vampires and protect the human population. He has recently lost two of his friends thanks to a drug called Magic Dust that has turned vampires into bloodthirsty addicts in the streets of Paris and has sworn to seek vengeance for the horrific murders. While hunting vampires one night, he encounters Zoë, a beautiful witch who steals his heart, along with one of his stakes. Kaz knows he should walk away from Zoë, but the attraction to her is too hard to ignore and soon the two are put to the test when they join forces to save the city while trying to keep their distance and secrets from each other.
The Vampire Hunter is my second book by Michele Hauf and I must say I love the world building this author creates in her books. She weaves an intriguing tale of various supernaturals in the human world with new a new spin on the usual mythology. While I enjoyed the new world I was introduced to, I feel the plot was a little slow paced for me in this installment.
I would say Kaz is definitely grew up to be an alpha with the help of the Order of the Stake (being human and all), but like any good hero he has some insecurities and a big heart. I’m used to supernatural heroes in paranormal romance so a human hero was a surprise but it doesn’t make him any less of a leading man, it’s pretty refreshing. The author gives up glimpses into Kaz’s past before he became a Knight, which makes it easy to connect with his character. When it comes to the romance between him and Zoë it was too lovey-dovey for this girl, I was found wanting in the passion department. The romance was flirty and sweet, but there were no real fireworks for me. I think my feelings have a lot to do with the fact that their relationship developed quickly and with little tension, it was almost too easy but that might just be because I’ve been jaded by all the forbidden romances out there!
Zoë is introduced as a strong, intelligent and independent woman who happens to also be a powerful witch. I definitely felt there was more to her story and wished there would have been a bit more back story for her in order to connect with her completely. It struck me as odd that she was so naive when it came to the Magic Dust she was making and it’s effect on the vampires, especially after her conversations with Kaz. I think both him and Zoë were in denial of the situation at hand for a while due to their feelings, but am glad that they both worked together to right the wrongs and without sacrificing each other. Did Kaz forgive too easily? maybe, but this is where I was able to connect with the two characters most…when they open up and bare their souls to one another.
The Vampire Hunter is a sweet love story set in a captivating, dark world with supernaturals and plenty of mystery. Vampires can succumb to drug addiction, the fae are dangerous warriors and witches play by a different sets of rules while the secret society of the Knights of the Stake fight to protect the innocent in Ms. Hauf’s fascinating paranormal world. Fans of paranormal romance will enjoy the romance and urban fantasy junkies will appreciate the world building. I look forward to spending more time In the Company of Vampires (pun intended)!
*Note: This story is part of a series but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Books in the Series:
Great review I have not seen this book/series around before. But now I want to add it to my wishlist. The cover is not clearly visible, but if all that red is her dress, a. it is gorgeous, and b. totally impractical to fight vampires in!
I almost feel that I might have missed something because I didn’t read the first book but I doubt it, this can totally be read as a stand-alone. Not sure if all that red is her dress but he’s the vampire slayer, she’s the witch so she’s not really fighting many vamps! LOL
Depending on the lenght of the book, sometimes I’m not a fan of insta-love. And me, I love a little tension with my romance. Great review Lori 🙂 I have a couple of M. Hauf’s books on my NOOK that I’m dying to get too.
Thanks! I have an angel book by her that I need to get to, I love her writing it was just that the romance in this book didn’t really grab me the way I thought it would, everything worked out a little too easily for my tastes but it was a good read. Can’t wait to hear what you think of her books!
I love that it can be read as a stand alone. Though it sounds good enough to go back and read book 1!
I love when a book in a series can also stand by itself. Though the romance doesn’t sound entirely convincing, the characters and world building sound fantastic. I’d be willing to give this book a try. Lovely review, Lori!