Book Review: Seduced by Blood by Laurie London

Published July 24th, 2012
Harlequin HQN
379 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions:Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors…

Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface—a skill that serves him well as the Guardians' region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can't read: the beautiful yet mysterious Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories.

Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side—and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both…. (From Goodreads)

First off, hot cover alert!!!

I'm a huge fan of this series, but will admit that I wasn't excited for Santiago's story.  I must not have been thinking straight.  The impression we get of him, throughout the first three books, didn't exactly leave me craving his story.

I found myself relating to Santiago more than I'd like to admit.  His ability to torture himself over things that are not his fault sounds oddly familiar.  Even if this weren't the case, Laurie London writes awesome characters that suck you into the story.

The plot of this almost felt a little like a cliche romance novel.  Roxy and Santiago are forced to work together, refuse to admit they're in love because they've both been hurt, but eventually succumb to their feelings.  Frankly, I don't care.  It's my opinion that Laurie London writes a strong enough character to make a cliche plot work well.

The setting helps too.  Some people like the beach, I like tranquil forests.  The series is set along the pacific coast, through Washington state and British Columbia.  The mystery and tranquility of this setting suits these vampires well.  Laurie London also did something unique with this series, and worked this setting, and the lack of UV rays that reach us, here in the Great White North, into how these vampires function and survive.  I just thought that was a great touch.

If you're new to the world of adult paranormal romance, I completely recommend the Sweetblood series.  Her take on vampires isn't overly complex, her characters are hot, and her books are awesome.

Much love, Samantha