Review: 4 and a half stars!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 9, 2013
I had no idea what I was in for when I started this book, but it just proved to me why I love finding new authors. Part of me wanted to devour this story, while the other part of me wanted to take it slow and just let it sink in. A good sign of a great read.I loved Alice's character from the moment the story opened to her trying to find courage at her neighbors front door. She seemed so real to me and possessed many characteristics that I could see in myself. It's always a joy coming across a character that you can easily relate too, you become more invested in their HEA. When Noah stepped onto the page and was being described by Alice, I was immediately smitten. Erotic, sensual, dangerous, amazing blue eyes and a nice ass < Hello!! Every girls fantasy! Noah definitely sounded easy on the eyes, but when his voice took control of the story, my crush was cemented. A 200 year old vampire who likes things safe and avoids change, has his world rocked and self control challenged by Alice, a first in a very long time to tempt him into thinking about a human. Both have pasts that have shaped them and old relationships that still have a hold of them, but once Noah accepts to help Alice by attending her sisters wedding on a week long cruise in the guise of her new boyfriend, the attraction that has simmered under the surface over the years of friendly neighbor glances, grows to an all out hot sexual chemistry.While Alice's intentions are in the need to show her ex fiance, who is the grooms brother and a complete ass, that she has moved on, Noah needs an escape to put off an arranged marriage to a younger vampire by the council. Though it seems like these two have issues in their life that would hamper them from moving on and maybe aren't ready to let go of the past and actually put it behind them, their growing feelings for each-other help them see where they are and where exactly they want to be. It also helps to lift the veil of those around them and helps them to see certain truths.The chemistry these two share is evident and by being in close quarters, on a ship and sharing a room, they are forced to confront what's right in front of them. Each has insecurities to overcome, trust issues to see past and secrets that need to be revealed. Can two people overcome all of this and fall in love in just a week? Hell yes. It doesn't take months or years to see what is in front of you.Noah is a 200 year old vampire and not only is it something the reader obviously knows but it's not the main focus of the story. It's there, he's a vampire, they have rules, a past war, a council of elders, they drink blood, become sick in the sun....It's all mentioned and touched on, but the main focus of the story is of Alice and Noah. I loved that and I loved seeing the walls they both had erected come tumbling down.The salsa dancing lesson was intense and once of my favorite scenes! I'm trying not to give too much away as I am gushing, but obviously, I really enjoyed this story and will keep my eye on this author and grab each and every book she puts out. I want more of this series and the secondary characters all have me intrigued. I loved Alice's sister. She had such a beautiful soul that was plain to see in just the few parts of the book she had a voice in. Edna, Alice's mom had her heartbreak and I loved her optimism. I'm hoping to see more of her and though Alice's brother was only mentioned, I know there is a story there. Noah's blood brother's Charles and Alex are definitely something I want to see more of! Charles is younger than Noah and I enjoyed his personality, but the possibility with Alex's story has me giddy! He's older, more withdrawn, already bonded in the vampire ritual but lonely. I would love to read more of him! Overall, great read and I can't wait for more from this seriesI usually don't post quotes from books I read, but there are a couple that really stood out in this book and really speaks about Noah and Alex"Her energy and optimism warmed part of him that had lived in shadow for so long he had thought it had died with his humanity""She couldn't look away from those eyes. God, they were beautiful, swirling with emotion and strength. She could live and die in those eyes"