Tainted Blood by Joann I. Martin Sowles

Tainted Blood is the third installment in The Brookehaven Vampires series:

Laney’s life is suddenly tangled by deceit, and as she tries to pull her past, present, and future together, she finds herself and her friends fighting for their lives. Thrown into the midst of a conflict that has been brewing for centuries—a conflict that no mere human should be anywhere near—Laney and her friends will discover that the mythical creatures of lore are not so mythical after all.

As Carter and Kiera’s relationship moves forward, Laney and Oliver’s becomes strained…confusing…dangerous.

Laney would have never thought Oliver was capable of causing such pain, such heartache, such fear. When he becomes a danger to everyone they know, especially her, Laney must make the choice to save herself, or those she loves.

As if this weren’t enough, a visit from Oliver’s brother could bring Laney’s life to a tragic end.(courtesy of Amazon.com)

Sowles is an independent author that also publishes her own work.  As such if often takes a little while between releases, and I am always jumping when I hear she has a new book coming out to be able to continue to read Oliver and Laney's story.  As the third in the series, I felt this book moved pretty quick seeing as we know most of our characters.  I also think that having some of the 'real' young adult drama come into play connects you to the supernatural characters involved.  I'm not going to discuss the 'drama' in particular, so you'll have to grab the book :).

Laney and Oliver have been trying to just get some time to themselves and not have to deal with the craziness of Oliver's world.  I felt their pain as they continue to get pulled apart.  Of course, as Sowles brings in this side of Oliver we have not seen and we end up with issues flying left and right you are definitely turning those pages to find out what happens next.  Carter is one of my favorite characters.  He has some interesting situations to deal with and I was probably as anxious as the characters in the book to find out the results. 

We continue to see more characters lives unfold and the story moves as a really good pace. 

Overall I enjoyed Book 1 - Book 2 moved fast but had a couple of turns I wasn't sure about, and Book 3 really brought things back around.  Great YA read, enjoy the path I think I see Sowles going with quite a few characters.  Can't wait for some more Laney and Oliver and Carter.

Darkness by Joann Martin Sowles

Not long ago, Laney Alexander was living a carefree life, that is, until she was thrown into a world full of creatures only the imagination thought possible. Now, after surviving a terrifying night, Laney and Oliver are lying low at Julz's place, relieved to be in each other's arms once again. But fate seems to have other plans...

Julz is not happy to have visitors in her home and emotions run high. Laney is pushed to her limits as she watches Carter fight for his life and her relationship with Oliver becomes strained as she discovers secrets about Julz that could tear them apart.

As she reaches her boiling point, disaster strikes and her life is shattered. Laney must come to terms with what has unfolded. Will she lose her way and let the darkness consume her or will she find her light in Oliver?

Secrets will be revealed. Hearts will be broken. Lives will be lost. Darkness will fall. (courtesy of back cover)

Sowles brings us book 2 in the Brookehaven Vampires series. 

This is not your run of the mill YA vampire read, Sowles keeps the dark vampires in play tossing in a little drama and twisted up with intense action.  

As we pick up where Laney (book 1) left off, we have so much going on.  Laney just wants to be with Oliver, but there is so much left for her to learn.  Sowles brings in the mysteries behind our characters.  We've met Laney and Oliver, but we finally get to dive into the background of their friends.  It's not all roses for Laney either.  I enjoy how Sowles puts in characters that you can relate to, and when we are learning their back story, it's quick but detailed, so the book doesn't drag on.  I didn't hit a low point in the book.  The passion of our leading couple leaves you breathless as the two figure out their love.  

I enjoy that Laney is a strong character, only perhaps once or twice was I aggravated by her stubborn streak :).  Sowles doesn't set her leading guy up to be a push over either, he's laid it out and he's got to do what can be done to protect his love and family.  We also don't have everything working perfect for the leading couple.  I admire how Sowles makes that work in her book, as she takes you on the flips and turns of the story.  Some added drama and tension between friends, and out right possessive vampire instincts tossed in pull together strong emotions for the characters and Sowles gets you feeling it as well. Carter was a big win for me in this book.  

This series is one that I keep on my list - Oliver intrigues me to see where the story will lead, there are so many directions and possibilities.  If I could complain about anything, was it ended too soon quickly, but really, Sowles did that right by not dragging out the drama. (although, I'm a little shocked about Carter in the end)

5 slices 

Laney by Joann I Martin Sowles

What would you give to be with the one you love?

Would you give it all, including your life?

In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life–that is, until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he?

As Laney’s sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure–including a love she didn’t know she longed for. She soon learns that Oliver is not ordinary, nor is the rest of his family, including a sister who openly hates her and a brother who will stop at nothing for revenge. As she fights for her life, and Oliver’s love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn’t so fictional after all. Nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver’s most important priority, and he will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk, and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn…

Joann I Martin Sowles brings us Laney –

Must Read Young Adult - - Yep I said it!!

I love what this new author has done with this book.  Laney is the first in the Brookhaven Vampire Series.  We have been set up for this series to keep us anxiously awaiting the next!!!

Sowles has given us a story that starts right out and gets you interested.  I definitely wanted to know Oliver…young and fresh romance wrapped in with action and plot.  We’re set up that I can see many twists and turns left to come.   We still have so much to go with this story.  Sowles comments on another top YA that you’ll have to read to find out about…

Laney and Oliver share a hot connection.  As a young college student, Laney is new to relationships, Oliver is an ‘old pro’.  The references and comments in this book were straight from my time.  I felt like this book is meant for the 25-35+ crowd.  I related to Oliver although at some points he went a little old fashioned for my *coughs* crazy tastes.  We end with a great cliffhanger.  I can’t wait for the opportunity to read the next one!!!  Could not put this one down!

5 Slices