Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost

Title: Shades of Wicked

Author: Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Series: Night Rebel #1
Mass Market Paperback, 370 pages
Publication: October 30, 2018 by Avon
Source: Personal Library
Buy|Amazon|B&N|

The Rule Breaker

Master vampire Ian is unrepentant, shameless…and every shade of wicked. He’s made one too many enemies in his two centuries of existence, including Dagon, a demon who now lays claim to his soul. Ian’s only chance to escape Dagon is to join forces with a Law Guardian, but he’s never been able to abide by the rules for long.

The Law Maker

Veritas’ normal role is police, judge and jury to reprobates like Ian. But she has her own ax to grind with Dagon, so if she can use Ian as bait…well, all’s fair in law and war. As they scour supernatural hotspots to perfect their trap, Veritas soon realizes Ian’s devil-may-care, roguish image hides something much more powerful. And Ian discovers that Veritas has shocking secrets of her own. As they’re drawn to each other with a passion as intense as their peril, either love or justice will prevail. But each will have devastating consequences…

It feels like it’s been awhile since I’ve read an Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance, especially the staples of the genre; in which I mean Jeaniene Frost. When I first got into the genre, Frost, Briggs and Andrews were my automatic go-to, always. I never finished The Night Huntress series, but I absolutely enjoyed the series and spin-offs. Which was what prompted me to pick up Shades of Wicked, the first novel in the Night Rebel series featuring none other than bad boy favorite, Master vampire Ian.

I always liked Ian and am glad he finally has his own series. In The Night Huntress world, I think other fans like myself never took Ian seriously, he certainly didn’t. But we’re treated to a whole different side to Ian, a side that is much deeper than I expected. One that endured pain, loss and heartbreak. I also knew that Ian was loyal to his friends/family but seeing it from his perspective just made me love his character even more. Veritas (such a lovely name), is Ian’s leading lady, one whom you’ve met previously in TNH series, the vampire law guardian. I thought she was absolutely perfect for Ian, she met his snark and fortitude blow for blow. Her unique background and lineage are somewhat enigmatic and complex but I am excited to learn more about it and her untapped powers.

As with all spin-off, you can bet your books that other beloved characters made a cameo in Shades of Wicked. I was so freakin’ happy! Makes me want to go back to reread and finish TNH series. I might just do that. Always a sucker for vampire novels! And no one does vampires like Frost. Shades of Wicked was a whirlwind that ended with a major cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Wicked Bites. If you haven’t read any of Frost books yet, start with the TNH series first! It’s a must read!