The story line in the fourth installment is fantastic. We are introduced to the shifters of all kinds & even witches, yipee. Author embraces the very violent take on werewolves, no sparklies in this bunch. 
 However steel like anita's character is she is very entertaining. Although I do wish we could see more action from some of the other fantastic characters the author has created. Hint, hint, need more of death *Edward*. Other characters are included but they blend into the scenery giving the entire spotlight to one character making Anita seem more vain. 
 The relationship drama is over the top since it has been three books without major love drama. At the end of the circus of the damned I was really looking forward to the relationship between anita & richard. At the beginning of this book however your thrown months forward into their dating and you feel this gaping hole. Your left scratching your head thinking 'what?'. There is no relationship development whatsoever in this book. 
 I agree Jean Claude is getting really stalker-ish with his relationship demands and I feel if he truly loved her he would let her have who she wants. Even if it's not him.