** spoiler alert ** 
 This book took me so long to really absorb strictly because I found myself disliking both the two female leads. Rose and Lissa are the type of characters I DON'T like: use their female prowess to get what they want, use people in general, and enjoy revenge instead of taking the high road. I'm no angel, but falling victim to a nasty rumor wouldn't necessarily make me want to ruin someone else's life. 
 That being said, the plot itself did interest me. It was entertaining, not my favorite of the vampire series that I read. Original in some of the backstory, but nothing too new to offer the vampire literature realm. 
 I will say I did like several secondary characters: Dimitri, Christian, and even Ms. Karp (we saw little of her firsthand, but I liked the parts that delved into her history. I foresee her coming up and playing a role in future books). Dimitri in particular had me lusting for Russian accents. 
 I'll read the rest of the series, if only because I truly grew fond of Dimitri and I hate leaving a series unfinished.