So. Good. Whilst not as action-packed in terms of vampire ass-kicking, there's a strong build-up of anticipation, particularly in the first half of this book. There were some slow moments in this one, lulls which weren't present in the first in the series, but they were few and far between, and didn't for a minute detract from the enjoyment of the story. 
 Leila's strength comes through in this second book even more than the first, and her independence and assertiveness is admirable and refreshing to read. She might be more accepting of Vlad than that which is humanly possible, but somehow it's believable. Again, the complexity of Vlad's character and Leila's own apparent thirst for revenge helps her to understand him in a way no other woman has before, and in this book, she sees so much more of what makes him who he is--the good, and the very, very bad. 
 Vlad doesn't fail to excite, and as more of his horrific past is unveiled, his depth becomes more and more appealing. 
 His smile was tantalizing and frightening, like being whipped and finding out you enjoyed the pain. 
 As ruler, he is one shade shy of psychopathic, and yet underneath the brutality of his actions against his enemies, lies unwavering loyalty to those who follow him. And now, underneath his experience of century-sweeping loss, his love for Leila is a force onto itself, despite the fact that he believes she loves only a fraction of the man he really is. 
 "You claim to love me, but the man you love doesn't exist." 
 As a couple, their relationship has similar dynamics to Night Huntress Cat and Bones, (particularly when it comes to over-protection and jealousy--that's vampires for you) but there's not enough of it yet to even begin to scratch the surface of Cat and Bones' chemistry. I'm hopeful though, since Vlad, for me, blows Bones right out of the water, and that's not easily done. Vlad's intensity, his energy--is unrivaled. 
 Overall, I'm thrilled by the whole series so far. Book three is lined up and waiting, and I have a feeling it won't disappoint.