Laney, by Joann I Martin Sowles

Laney (Brookehaven Vampires #1)
by Joann I. Martin Sowles
Brookehaven Publishing
Released October 30, 2010

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...

One of the first things that you notice about this book when you start reading it is just how easy it is to fall into. I liked Laney, who was a decently strong main character that was easy enough to relate to. Her friends were endearing and I like how they interacted with one another, though I think I actually would have liked to see them more in the book. What was not lacking in this story, however, was the chemistry and relationship between Laney and Oliver. Honestly? It's pretty sweet. I know I sometimes go a little crazy when I see a relationship move a little too fast and think things should build up better, but this isn't one of those cases. This... just worked. It was intriguing and thrilling, which is what made it so easy to fall into.

The mystery in the book was one of the things that kept me turning the pages so rapidly. You know what's going on, but then something else is thrown at you and you HAVE to know what's going to happen. Before you know it, you're finished with the book... anxiously checking Goodreads to see when the next book will be out. Along with the mystery is the supernatural lure of vampires and even werewolves. It's been done a thousand times, yes, but Sowles made sure to put her own spin on things in a way that keeps it interested.

All in all, this was a great read for paranormal lovers. I think the only thing that I would have liked to see more of was a little more plot. For the beginning of a series though, Laney definitely fit the bill of a great read. There is character building, star-crossed lovers, action, danger and mystery.. which is everything you'd want in a book, including one of those dreaded cliffhanger endings that keeps you up at night, trying to figure out what'll happen next.

Rating: ★★★★✩
Source: Author

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