@DianaMarik7DV
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@DianaMarik7DV
When one of High Lord Valadon’s rare paintings goes missing, his second in command, Remare enlists the help of Professor Miranda Crescent, an art authenticator and Elemental, to help locate the stolen work of art. Knowing the darker side of vampire politics, Miranda is reluctant to offer any assistance to the handsome vampire who once tried to kill her, no matter how sexy and alluring he may be. But when her former assistant and nephew to the High Lord, Nick Valadon, implores her return, she agrees.
Their search will lead them to Nightworld, home of the Rogue vampires and a confrontation with Stryder, the dangerous leader of the Rogues. Together, Remare and Miranda will enter the dangerous world of underground auctions where only the very rich and powerful procure “lost” works of art. Making their search more difficult is the rising heat between the vampire and the Elemental, whose attraction may turn out to be more lethal than the adversaries they encounter.
Available in #KindleUnlimited
When Remare’s eyes darkened and his fangs lengthened, Miranda knew they were in trouble. He slowly unsheathed his sword from his cane. A dozen Rogues were behind them...and none of them looked especially friendly. Her fear transitioned into humor. “So, does your sword turn blue when the Orcs attack?”
Remare smirked. “Want to find out?” Never taking his eyes off the Rogues, he asked, “I suppose if I asked you to wait in the car, you wouldn’t listen to me?”
Being an Elemental, Miranda wasn’t about to let him fight the Rogues alone, not when she had two long knives tucked into her boots. She slowly slid the blades out. “You really think you can take this many by yourself?”
As if insulted, Remare sneered, “Please!” He gave only one solitary glance before he struck down three of the Rogues before they even knew what hit them.
5 out of 5 (exceptional)
THE BLUE VEIL is a novella that sits between the first and second books in the Seven Deadly Veils series and we meet up with Miranda and Remare once again. One of Valadon's paintings has gone missing and Remare wants to find it before Valadon returns home.
This was a brilliant novella, with everything you could wish for... there are attacks by Rogues, steam enough to fill a sauna, and delving into the underworld of illegal auctions. It was also full of emotion and I devoured every word.
I am looking forward to reading the next book and hope for a HEA for Miranda and Remare! I also want one for Valadon, as he's not a bad guy, just infatuated with Miranda when it's clear he's not the one for her. Definitely recommended but I would suggest you start with Book one first, as it details instances that you will need to know about.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Miranda Crescent travels to Paris to procure a rare Degas painting for New York’s High Lord Vampire, Valadon. Unaware she's being used to lure his enemies into the open, Miranda will meet one of the most notorious vampires in all of Europe, Vivienna. When Miranda learns Vivienna has knowledge of the vampire elders conspiring against Lord Valadon, she will try to attain the information for the darkly handsome lord, but Vivienna is no easy prey. She’s lived for centuries and enjoys a good game of cat and mouse.
Meanwhile, Remare, Valadon’s second, will use all his resources to track down the traitor who tried to have his friend and lord murdered. He soon realizes his quarry is in Paris, and enemies long silent will surface once again to threaten what Remare holds most precious. After Miranda nearly died at the hands of his enemies, he will stop at nothing to keep her protected. Even if it means defying the High Lord.
Available in #KindleUnlimited
Miranda kept her breathing even as Irina walked by and closed the door behind her.
Her Dark Angel was seething in rage. “Run after the bitch and yank the diamond necklace for yourself.”
The Light Angel reminded her, “Valadon once gave you a necklace of priceless black diamonds.”
No contest, the Dark Angel had this one.
“Nice gift.” Miranda crossed her arms and leaned her shoulder against the wall. “I’m sure she earned it.” Hearing the snark in her voice, she could have kicked herself.
Remare poured himself a drink. “Do not begrudge Irina a trinket of my esteem. She just completed a difficult mission.” He gestured with the carafe in his hand.
Miranda shook her head and glanced back at the door.
“If you had come a moment sooner, you would have heard what I said before I gave her the necklace.” At her raised eyebrows, he continued, “I told her it was not possible for me to give her my heart, but she had…one small piece.” Nonchalantly, he waved his hand in the air. “That is the symbolism of the ruby, Miranda—nothing else.” Remare smiled wickedly at her. “So, you don’t have to run after her and try to snatch the necklace from her throat.”
Damn! Miranda glanced downward. She'd forgotten how easily he could read her mind.
Remare walked toward her and stroked her arm. “You have far more than she ever will. And, one day, I will give you a gift of far more value.” The combination of his sexy voice and tender touch sent a ripple of pleasure through her.
3 out of 5 (good)
VEIL OF MISTS is the second full book in the Seven Deadly Veils series and we return to Miranda and her world of paranormals. We begin with her in New Mexico and then travel to France. All the old crew are there, but we also meet the Vampire High Council, who are desperate to get their claws into Valadon.
While I enjoyed this story, I wasn't fully gripped by it. It has multiple layers and deceptions, as well as three or four stories going on simultaneously. While some may prefer it this way, I found it distracting and wanted to skip over parts (Bastien and Josette having s3x for example.)
The (sort of) love triangle between Remare, Miranda, and Valadon is still going on and full of miscommunications that had me rolling my eyes. Some things are blown up out of proportion, while others are just swept under the carpet.
On the whole, I enjoyed this book but I didn't feel as though it moved the series forward much. I still recommend it if you like all of the above and want a richly detailed and intricate saga to keep you entertained for hours.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
DIANA MARIK is the award-winning author of the romantic urban fantasy series, The Seven Deadly Veils, featuring vampires, werewolves, and elementals. A longtime fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, she often blends genres in her books with mystery, suspense, and romance. Her favorite authors include JR Ward, Karen Marie Moning, Nalini Singh, and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Diana grew up in New York City and has her MA in English literature from Hofstra University. Possessing a passion for travel, she has visited Europe and South America. A history buff, Diana loves discovering museums in whatever city she happens to be visiting. Her favorite spots to travel to are in the American Southwest, but she considers New Orleans her home away from home.