Finished Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost. This is the second book in her Night Huntress World spin-off series.
This book focuses on Mencheres, a centuries-old vampire who’s lost his thirst for life and is being hunted by an old enemy. But when private investigator Kira Graceling tries to save Mencheres from some ghouls, he ends up rescuing her instead — and finds something to live for. Kira is just as attracted to Mencheres as he is to her, but the vampire world is new to her, and she has a sick sister to take care of. But when Mencheres’ enemy sets his sights on Kira, Mencheres vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe — even if it means sacrificing himself …
I like Frost’s books because they’re just fun, action-packed reads, but this book isn’t one of my favorites by her for several reasons. One of my main problems was Mencheres — I’ve just never cared that much for him as a secondary character in the Cat and Bones books. Frost does a good job of fleshing him out in this one and makes him much more likable, but he still came off as a little distant to me and not as sexy or fun as some of Frost’s other heroes, like Bones or Ian.
I really liked Kira, though. She’s smart and strong and doesn’t freak out (too much) at this new world and life that she’s thrust into. I also enjoyed Kira’s devotion to her sick sister and how she tries to get her junkie brother to turn his life around. Her family relationships were totally believable. (I’m wondering if Frost will hook Tina up with another one of her heroes at some point. I think it would be interesting to read about a heroine like Tina, who’s been so sick for so long.)
There’s some good action in this one, especially when Mencheres thinks of a clever hiding place for Kira and himself, and Mencheres and Kira have some serious chemistry. But I would have liked to have seen more of the bad guy and gotten some more information about his feud with Mencheres. Also, this book is written in third person, and I think Frost has a snappier, faster paced voice when she writes in first person like she does in the Cat books. Of course, I probably think this because I write first-person books myself — I just like the first-person voice.
I also really missed seeing Ian in this book since he’s such a fun, bawdy character.
Overall, this is still a fun, action-packed read. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me like some of Frost’s other books have.
My grade: C.
Would I read this author again: Yes. I enjoy fun books like Frost’s and want to see what she does next with Cat, Bones, and the rest of her characters.
Up next: Beastly by Alex Flinn.
Books in my TBR pile: About 20.

