Zeecé Lugo

This is the second book in the Angel’s Guardian series. I’d been waiting for this installment with much anticipation, and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved Angel and Max in the first book. Who doesn’t love a good Beauty and the Beast story? But this one went above and beyond.

At the end of book one, Max was being forced to return home and reclaim his role as King of the Vamps. A role he has run from for decades. With Angel and her children at his side, he goes to face his family. Part of his family loves him and want him to take his rightful place. The other half want him dead so his Uncle, the Regent, can pass the throne onto his own son, Toma. But Toma has plans of his own which ends up endangering everyone he loves.

Two minor human characters from the first book, Jonathan the lawyer and Devian Harris the Mercenary, return for bigger roles. I adore what Zeece did with their characters. Every vamp book I’ve ever read was about humans falling for vamps. What if it was the other way around? Devian may be ugly as sin, but he is a man’s man. *swoon*

Once again, Zeece shows us how talented she is at developing her characters. They spring off the pages, full of life and emotions. Her books are never a dull read. At least not for me.

This story is chock full of action, intrigue, treachery, and heartbreak. And I can’t wait for the next one. If you’re looking for a different vampire book, look no further. I give it 5 vampires.… (mais)

It's hard to rate a prequel. The storylines usually aren't as developed as they are meant to either entice you to buy the proceeding novel, or in some cases, the readers demand it, as they want to know more about how the main character came to be. I've already read Angle's Guardian and LOVED it.

In the novel, Jonathan plays an important role, but we come in after him & Max have already been friends for several decades. This short story explains how and why they met. It also sets you up to the nature of Max. Though he's a vampire, he doesn't see humans as prey. He only targets those who are the dregs of society. Monsters themselves, but of the human persuasion.

I love Zeece's writing. She has that ability to bring her characters to life. I highly recommend this short story and, most importantly, Angel's Guardian. You need to give this series a try. I give it my 4 fangs.… (mais)

I’ve always a sucker for a Beauty & the Beast storyline, especially if it’s well-written. This book did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it. Of course, it helps that I’m a fan of Zeece’s stories. If you haven’t tried her Daniel’s Fork series, you must give them a read. PNR is a new genre for her and she did an outstanding job.

Once again, Zeece’s characters come alive on the pages, well, screen. The story starts out dark, as we’re introduced to Max whose witnessing a brutal assault on a young woman. What he didn’t expect was this chance encounter would change his whole existence. Suddenly, he finds himself burdened with an injured woman, a baby, and a young girl, Nina. I just adored Nina. She stole so many scenes in this story.

My favorite part of the book was when Nina was trying to get Max to change her brother’s poop filled diapers. We all know men who cringe at the thought of changing nose-hair scorching, stinking diapers. I laughed at Max’s revulsion and then his solution to the problem.

There are two plots intertwined together. Angel is running from the man who kidnapped her for his sex trade, and Max is running away from his family obligations and duty to vampire kingdom. The story moves at a good clip, especially when Jonathan is being tortured and Angel is being tracked down by her ruthless enemy. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.

I originally read a beta version of the story and the ending was sort of abrupt. Zeece has since added to the story which has given more depth to Max and Angel’s relationship. I approve.

This is the first book in a series, and I can’t wait to read more about Max and Angel. And don’t forget little Nina. If you love vampires with a different slant, I highly recommend this book. I give it a well-deserved 5 bat wings.… (mais)