This month's Challenge is to read a Novella, I chose Dead after Dark. Dead After Dark is a Paranormal Anthology by J.R. Ward, Susan Squires and Dianna Love.
In an effort to catch up with J.R. Ward's BDB series I read "Story of Son". She did not disappoint me.
Clarie is a lawyer obsessed with work and this obsessive behavior leads her to visit a client instead of taking off for a long holiday weekend. She is taken prisoner by the client as source to "feed" the client's vampire son who is held captive in the home. I enjoy the way that Ward describes the situation and gets you to identify with emotions of a tortured hero. I was particularly impressed with the strength of the heroine in this piece. Ward has come under much fire for writing weak women in her BDB series.
Claire has a physical and emotional encounter during her captivity and her lawyer instincts will not allow her leave and ignore an injustice although, she does not fully understand the consequences her interference will bring.
This book is apparently a stand alone and not directly tied to the BDB series but.... she left some unanswered questions 1. Why is this guy being held captive? 2. Can he survive without a vampire support system?
I am 2 books behind in the BDB series so I don't know if Claire & Co appear in other books or may be the start of a spinoff.
My grade for sensual intensity, likeable heroine, tourtured hero and leaving me wanting more - A.
