I downloaded this as a free book from Amazon. This series seems to parallel the Anita Blake series (incubus/ succubus vampire/werewolf triangle), but I'm happy to report, while similar, it retains unique aspects that manage to give this series a different feel. There is a good plot to books 1 thru 4 and the supernaturals are not nice guys- they are unabashed killers. As I noted in the review for book 4, there has been an issue with the personal growth of the main character, Alexa. Each book sees an upgrade for her abilities, but she still does have more than a hit and miss control and her hesitancy to explore her abilities is making her come across as a victim, not a strong character. I was also wondering WTF with Shaz' new addiction, and why he was so willing to be secretive after the past books have had such an open communicative style-- sure, she was hiding something- but he's been the more level-headed of the two, now he's coming across as weak. This book left me feeling frustrated- the series now has a feel of dragging out too long without and positive forward momentum. Sure, there's conflict and interesting love-interest dynamics, but Alexa's character is still in the dark about her abilities. After 4 books, I was ready for her to be making progress (I don't consider piling on more abilities as progress when she still can't control what she's had). I plan to stop here. SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE OTHER ALEXA O'BRIEN BOOKS PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!!I love Alexa. She is a kick ass character who, for the most part, embraces her dark side. She doesn't whine and moan about being a werewolf who's bound to a vamp. She does dislike the blood lust that comes with being bound to Arys but that seems to be more because she doesn't want to slaughter random people. She has no issue with her vamp lover killing indiscriminately she just doesn't want to do so herself.I also very much like that this is a female badass who has multiple lovers and, for the most part, her men are ok with this. This is also done without it being skeezy (see Anita Blake). The only gripe I have is that the sex scenes are a bit dull. There is sooooo much potential, especially with 3 people in bed. There is more focus on the biting and bloodletting during sex than the actual sex.My main complaint: her constantly getting her ass kicked. You are practically beat over the head with the fact that she has a ridiculous amount of power. That her and Arys are more powerful than everyone and then there's a beat down and Alexa gets her butt handed to her. Yes, it would be boring if every fight was over before it began but give her an opponent that is worthy of her. You can't say that the bad guy is weak and Alexa and Arys are stronger than the bad guy and then have the bad guy lay the smack down. It makes no sense.Shaz pissed me off in this book too. I don't think Alexa would have had an issue with what he did as long as he had been honest with her. It would be hypocritical of her to be upset with him while she has multiple lovers. But she has always been honest with him...eventually.Overall...it's a great series.
