The first title in the Dark Ink Chronicles.
Savannah tattoo artist Riley Poe is quite familiar with the local underground scene. When her younger brother is taken by a sinister cult led by vampires, Riley discovers a world of shadows and blood–and those who exist there. Original. Savannah’s most unconventional tattoo artist, Riley Poe, lives on the edge. Now she’s put over the edge when her younger brother is taken by a sinister cult led by vampires. Her only ally is the hot-tempered vampire Eli Dupre, attracted to Riley’s beauty and rare blood type. To save her brother from certain un-death, Riley faces dangers she’s never dreamed of, ruthless bloodthirsty enemies, and an evil of endless hunger that wants to devour it all…
I read this a few months ago and then wanted to read it again before the next book came out but then I realized I never reviewed this one after the first time I read it. Riley is a gifted tattoo artist in Savannah, who has made a good name and reputation for her awesome tats and Goth type outfits (I picture Abby from NCIS when I think of her outfits). She has been taking care of her teenaged brother since the death of their mother 5 years ago. After a night of teenage boy mischief, Seth as gotten in over his head and is now tied to some very old, very bad vampires. Riley has no idea what is wrong with him and enlists that aid of their “adopted” family. They own the medicine shop next door and are part of the Gullah. (I am not sure how exactly to explain them, they are an old superstitious group in the area, mostly descended from slaves brought there from West Africa who held on to a lot of their traditions and beliefs over the years.) They introduce her to the Dupre family who has lived in Savannah for a very long time, about 200 years.
They are vampires who have a pact with the Gullah for blood in exchange for protection. The family is made up of mom, dad, three sons and a daughter. The oldest is the hero of the book, Eli. Eli and Riley are attracted to one another but Riley has a some quality in her blood that is massively appealing to vampires. Her adopted parents have been giving her a special blend of tea to hide it for years. So to be with her Eli has to find and use massive self-control not to bite her every time he is near her. They have one month to protect the city from the minions like Seth that they have enlisted before the two bad vamps come to full power and the Dupres can fight them.
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was good, the love scenes were hot and the characters were interesting to read about. I loved Eli’s character and how intense he was. His family was nice and a little quirky, which I liked. Riley’s style rocked and her loyalty to her brother was admirable. She was willing to do anything to rescue him and was ready to die to save him. I enjoyed reading her sparring sessions with the family. Though my favorite part was probably still the love scenes. I loved that the story was set in Savannah, I love that area and it is always fun to recognize places you have been when you are reading. Plus the cover is gorgeous; I am such a sucker for a good cover.
The only thing that bothered me in this story was Eli’s reaction to Riley’s blood was so strong in the beginning and then it seemed to taper off, and that seemed inconsistent to me. Maybe I missed something, but that bugged me. Other than that, I enjoyed it a lot and I cannot wait to read the next book.
I give this book a strong 4 out of 5.
This book is available from Signet. You can buy it here