Red-Haired Ash Reads

It’s been about six months since the previous book and Finn and Marcus have settled into life as a couple while continuing to be partners on the VRC. While the threat of the ancient vampire stalker is still out there, life goes on and things have been quiet. When Marcus and Finn get a new case that involves kidnapped women who are being killed and then dressed up like dolls, Finn realizes his stalker has returned. 

This was a very emotional and angsty one. Marcus and Finn are struggling to be a new couple, while also dealing with the trauma of being hunted by an ancient vampire who is hell bent on Finn. We see both Finn and Marcus struggle in this one. Finn is struggling with the trauma of still being hunted, the nightmares of being taken as a teenager, and his fear of his family and Marcus being killed because of him. I hated seeing how hopeless Finn was at times in this. He has been strong for so long but everyone has a breaking point, and we see Finn hit his. Marcus is struggling with his inability to protect Finn from harm and not being strong enough to stop this vampire. It was kind of heartbreaking seeing Marcus be serious and admit his fear and vulnerability when it came to Finn. 

While we do see a lot of heavy emotion in this book, I think Winters does a good job balancing it with the humorous banter between Marcus and Finn, and all the other characters. I think the balance of suspense, emotions, and humor was perfect and really kept the pace of the book going. Also, I loved that for me the vampire stalker, aka The Dollmaker as they started calling him, was such a surprise and not who I expected. It always makes any suspense book better when you can’t figure out the villain until it’s revealed. 

Overall, this was a great addition to this series and I love getting more of Marcus and Finn’s relationship. I do hope Finn can move on with his life now and start healing from the trauma inflicted upon him. Also, I do hope we see more of Marcus’ brother Claude because he was amusing and very different from Marcus. 

TW: stalking; on page severe animal injury (but no death); gun violence; death; body self-confidence issues; PTSD and nightmares;

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Previous books and reviews for the series:

1. How to Vex a Vampire