Author(s): Jennifer Harlow
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher/Date: Midnight Ink Books / September 8, 2012
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S Squad Investigation (Book #2)
"Monstrously fun! Monstrously suspenseful! Monstrously good! Jennifer Harlow's debut had me laughing and gaspiing from start to finish!" -Victorial Laurie, New York Times Best-selling Author
Case Study
Beatrice Alexander is a F.R.E.A.K. Partnering with her resident stalker, the Don Juan-esque vampire, Oliver Montrose, she’s off to solve her second case as an official member of the government’s Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals Squad. They are headed to Texas on a reconnaissance mission to investigate a coven of vampires suspected in the abduction of several humans. The only catch—Bea and Oliver are undercover posing as husband and wife. The case heats up quickly as do Oliver’s “good intentions,” leaving Bea more than a little hot and bothered. But before she can sort out her feelings, Oliver’s arch-nemesis comes a’knocking and Bea must make a very important decision which will mean the difference between life and eternal death for them both.
The Game's Afoot
When I read Harlow’s debut, Mind Over Monsters, I was completely blown away. Suffice it to say, it was a no brainer that I’d be back for round #2. I read To Catch A Vampire almost immediately after I finished the first and devoured it just as quickly. Harlow’s definitely found her niche and set herself apart in the urban fantasy genre with a pairing of clever humour and devilish antics. I feel like she’s really nailed Bea’s voice this time around and grown more confident in her storytelling. These books sort of remind me of the Sookie Stackhouse series only with a more likeable protagonist and a stronger story. Now we don’t see much of the other F.R.E.A.K. Squad members in this installment but it doesn’t detract from the story because Harlow amps up the tension to beyond electric. Though Harlow initially hinted at a love connection between Will and Bea in book #1 she quickly throws us off by pairing our protagonist with the vamp in this installment. And yes, while initially I was a huge WillBea fan, I’m all about OliBea now. Wow, I’m really no good with these names, am I? You guys, this story sizzles which is to say the chemistry between Bea and Oliver is beyond hot. The tension that drives both Bea and Oliver’s relationship is stimulating and catapulted Oliver from abhorrent status to god-like in my book. Will’s a nice guy but he’s also overprotective and always underestimating our Bea. Here we’re given a deeper introspective into Oliver and his past and we quickly learn that below the suave exterior lies someone who is sweet and totally supportive. By the end, he becomes her dark angel (and mine).
I can’t say enough how much I love these characters, especially Bea. She struggles with the burdens of her gift and her job along with her weight and all the other things that a normal woman does. She feels so real, only much more funny—like the BFF you’ve always wanted! To Catch A Vampire is mostly about the dynamic relationship with Bea and Oliver but there’s no shortage of twists and turns especially when concerning the ending. Seriously, this series just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to see what new ride Harlow has in store for us for book #3!
Summary Prognosis
To Catch A Vampire is a more-than-worthy sequel to the F.R.E.A.K. Squad series and kept my heart (and lady-bits) pumping for more. As usual, the story is witty and funny and climactic. If you loved the first book, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this one even more! Rating: ★★★★
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Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website
Wow, you're making me want to read this series.
ReplyDeleteReally, Naida, you should. It's super entertaining and perfect when you want something a bit lighter.
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