I received this book for free from Spencer Hill Press in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Into the Night by Suzanne RigdonPublished by Spencer Hill Press on December 2nd 2014
Genres: Adult, Romance
Source: Spencer Hill Press
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When Selina Baker, a coordinator for a Boston non-profit, goes out on the town with her friend Jess, she never expects to meet the man of her dreams. And she certainly never expects him to be undead.
When things go from flirty to majorly flawed on her first date with James Lawton, he is forced to save her the only way he can--by killing her. Selina suddenly finds herself in the mix with the creatures she thought were made up solely for late-night TV. Into the Night follows Selina’s transformation from a wallflower into an impulsive and dangerous new vampire. With no choice in the matter, Selina becomes trapped between a new man, his wary brothers, and his cruel and controlling Queen, who wants nothing more than to watch her suffer. Selina must walk the fine line between adjusting to her new powers, life after death, and following the rules--all while avoiding disaster.
I don’t read a lot of Adult or Vampire novels that often anymore, but this one sounded interesting so I figured I would give it a go. (I am assuming it’s an adult book due to the age of the characters) I did like it, but it wasn’t anything that blew me away. I guess it has to be really unique in order for me to really love it. The characters were done pretty well, and the story was engaging enough, but I just felt like I needed more out of it. I didn’t feel like we got enough back story on any of the characters, especially the main ones. Things also seemed to just be kind of rushed through when it got to the action parts.
Selina was an interesting character in that she was actually believable. She didn’t just accept the whole vampire thing. She showed fear when she discovers that not only is James a vampire, but so is she now. She is horrified by her need for blood, but instinct takes over her. Not to say that she is weak, she is brave, but she isn’t some super tough chick who instantly is totally badass. Yes, she has heightened senses and stamina now, but it doesn’t really change her personality.
James was just a bit too perfect for me. Yes, he has his demons and such, but in general he wasn’t realistic to me. He was too charming, too nice, too good looking, just too everything. He was very caring for Selina and she brought back good memories for him. She made him want to be a good person. He goes against his own maker for her.
The romance was actually a bit less than I thought it would be, but it was a good thing. Yes, James and Selina obviously are attracted to each other. Unfortunately, her getting turned into a vampire kind of messes things up. It makes her not trust him. It makes him feel guilty for what has happened, but he did save her life…kind of. Then there is the evil queen vamp who wants James for herself and will do anything to make sure Selina is out of the picture. James is totally falling for Selina because she is so normal, and that is what he has been missing in his life.
Overall this was an entertaining story, but it was nothing super special. It’s an adult book, but it’s not anything that is inappropriate so could be read by people of any age. (Well, not the little ones obviously) Also, the ending makes me believe that it is the first book in a series, which I did not know going into it. The characters were great and I would read a sequel to learn more about them and what is going to happen next. It was a good book and I am interested to see where the story will go now.
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Nick @ Nick's Book Blog
This is the first time I’m hearing of this book. It’s been a while since I’ve read a vampire book. This sounds interesting, but not enough for me to want to read it. Most vampire books have become really repetitive now. I’m glad you enjoyed parts of this book though.
Lovely review! 🙂
Amy
It had been a while since I’d read a vampire novel so I decided to give it a shot. It wasn’t bad, but it just seemed like a typical vampire story to me. Nothing super unique to get really keep me interested.
Kristin
Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy this one as much as you hoped. It sounds like it may have some interesting parts to it but I have kinda shied away from vampire books. They are all kind of the same now and I want something new. Hopefully you enjoy the sequel more.
Kristin @ Book Sniffers Anonymous
Amy
That was my problem with it. It just seemed like the same old vampire novel. The characters were good though and that kept me wanting to read.
Soma Rostam
xD I don’t like it when a book turns out to be the first in a series and I didn’t know.
I haven’t read a vampire novel in SO LONG
GREAT review Amy
Your reader,
Soma R.
Amy
I know!!! I had no idea that it was the first of a series. Even still it doesn’t list it on GR as a series or anything, but with how it ended, I can’t imagine that a book would just end like that. It wasn’t a cliffhanger, but it was very open ended.
Rashika
Yeah this story sounds like something that is more likely to disappoint than to entertain. James sounds so ridiculously generic though. I mean it’s nice that he cares so much but at the same time, I am getting tired of coming across love interests that are willing to go against everything they believe in for love. Meh.
I am glad though that in spite of everything, you enjoyed this book!
Lovely review, Amy! 🙂
Amy
Yes, exactly!! I get that he finds her refreshing and different, but he just meets her and “BAM” she’s his whole world. For someone who has been around for over a century and has mostly followed the rules, it seemed ridiculous.