Kerri Maniscalco does it yet again in the second story of Audrey Rose Wadsworth, this time in the countryside of Romania. This tale takes a deep dive into a mixture of legend, history, and romance. It has the same two characters that I fell in love with in the very first book of the series, Stalking Jack the Ripper. Audrey Rose continues to defy being placed in a box and places herself among men and among situations that no one would desire to be in. Ancient castles, in general, are a certain level of creepy, but the place they find themselves in just happens to be the prior residence and torture chambers of Vlad Tépes. More commonly referred to Vlad the Impaler, aka the origin of the notorious vampire, Count Dracula. When bodies begin turning up on their morgue tables drained of blood or with wooden stakes placed in their hearts, Thomas and Audrey Rose once again set out to find the murderers. Audrey Rose, still dealing with the after-effects of her discovery of Jack the Ripper, dreads that once again the killer might just be closer than she thinks.
So I have a few book boyfriends, such as Will Herondale, and Tiberius Calore but Thomas might just make the top of the list with his perfect combination of wit and charm. When you add that to his complete dedication and relationship with Audrey Rose, well my heart melts.
The level of gore in this one, thankfully, is not as prevalent as it was in the first book and is more filled with intrigue and suspense. This time however instead of random strangers on the street, it is instead fellow visitors staying in the castle. One question that needs answered most, however, has Dracula returned from the dead?
If anyone will find out, it will be these two.
Such a good read that had me unwilling and unable to put the book down. I can not wait for the next!
Top Quotes:
I collected my fear and shoved it into the deepest pocket of my mind, ignoring the way it kicked and scratched on the way down.
Humans were the true monsters and villains. More real than any novel or fantasy could invent.
Thomas moved enough to whisper into my ear, his lips trailing along my jawline. “You are most certainly going to be the death of my dignity, Wadsworth.” I smiled sweetly, allowing myself a moment to collect my breath. “That perished a long while ago, my friend.”
“Impressive, Wadsworth,” Thomas said, turning his gaze to me. “If we weren’t about to face another terrible passageway filled with life-threatening danger, I’d take you in my arms this instant.”
Thomas truly would follow me into the bowels of Hades and not bat an eye. Unless he was inappropriately winking, of course.”
Stay awesome and spread the light!
JR Molt
