AFTER THE REREAD: 
 So I read this series once years ago and decided to give it another go. Much of what I said in the original review still held true for the reread. The only thing that I would put a heavier note on this time is the long paragraphs. In all honesty, the book just felt wordy. After a bit, I started skimming. An easy fix would have been for her to "show" instead of "tell". Movement and dialogue interlaced with description could go a long way in this book. Still excited about reading the next book, but hoping the writing improves. 
 ORIGINAL REVIEW: 
 Great romance. It was great to have a tough female lead who could handle herself-- though she was typically out of her league. However, there is promise that that won't be the case in the following books. Fingers crossed. The goth aspect of this book wore on me. I have no interest in it. I feel like the author tried pushing it. I ignored it mostly. There are many comparisons to Twilight that are hard not to notice. Just imagine Bella tattooed and squeezing a guy's junk cuz he grabbed her ass. I'm not insulting the book in anyway by stating that. I would recommend this to anyone who wants something edgy, likes vampers, steamy sex, and a strong atmosphere. I talk about this book and others on my YouTube channel, here: http://bit.ly/RN2j5n 
 My Spoilery Thoughts: (view spoiler)[I really liked Eli, but I changed his hair in my mind. I'll have none of that Justin Beiber wind-swept bangs shit. I also didn't really picture him as a goth. Every male goth I'd ever met was a scrawny kid in a skin-tight jeans-- and that's a very unattractive image. He was also a bit of a dick in the beginning. He said some really shitty and nasty things to Riley, but once they fucked that changed his attitude quickly lol. 
 This is the second series that I read recently that had a female lead who's lover could read her mind. Honestly, I don't know how these gals tolerate it. I'd despise it and run in the other direction. I'd feel invaded, unsafe in my own head. There's no way I could handle it. 
 Victorian turned out to be a real interesting chap for me. He's still a twisted SOB, but I felt kinda bad for him at the end and was glad that he didn't die. I'm looking forward to more of him. 
 Thank god that Riley was bitten at the end. I would have been so pissed if she would have remained full mortal while her brother became a Tendesie (Or whatever they called it). I can't stand that damsel shit and her being a stubborn damsel isn't better. Ya know the "I will fight, but really just have to be rescued" kind of crap. It would be so badass if she grew wings or something like that bad guy had. Gosh, I really hope she kicks ass in the next book. (hide spoiler)] 
 Recommended 
 Yes/No Checklist 
 Sex: Yes 
 Gore: Yes 
 Rape: No *Attempted, but nothing disturbing 
 Magic: Yes *Of the Hoodoo/Voodoo variety 
 Drugs: Yes *All kinds 
 Star Categories 
 Romance: 5 Stars 
 Action: 4 Stars *I'm hoping our Heroine gets more involved in the fighting in book 2. 
 Pacing: 4.5 Stars 
 Writing: 3.5 Stars *Long long paragraphs. It's like she forgot to hit "enter" often. 
 Plot: 4 Stars 
 Overall: 4 Stars 
 Protagonist Meter 
 Damsel-----*-----Badass 
 She's tough against mortals, but of course those aren't her problem. This is why she's in the middle.