Fire Baptized

Diving into Fire Baptized actually marked only the third series I've started in the Urban Fantasy genre. I have to say that the more that I read, the more I get hooked! It's nice to see some strong characters out there, both female and male, who don't go around worrying about romance all the time. They have other, more pressing (and often bloody) things to deal with. It's a nice change of pace.

We meet Lanore Vesta as she witnesses a rather brutal murder, completely by accident. What follows is her battle to figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim herself. I really liked Lanore a lot. Her stubborn and witty attitude drew me in, but it was her compassion for others that really kept me there. She doesn't need a man to save her, Lanore can handle her own and she makes the story. Featuring basic human (or in this case mixbreed) rights, a steamy set of guys to drool over, a sadistic killer, and a dark mystery, Fire Baptized has a little bit of everything. It's hard not to fall in love.

Speaking of falling in love, Lenore has two gorgeous men to choose from in this book. Plus they just so happen to be kick ass shape shifters that can rip your face off in a moment. Each delicious in their own way, MeShack and Zulu are just too steamy for words. I couldn't really decide which of them I liked more, and so I totally understood why Lanore would have the same dilemma. Yes, there is a bit of a love triangle. Still, it doesn't overload the book at all. In my opinion all it does is add a wonderful contrast to the bloody mystery that surrounds it.

Fire Baptized does contain a fair amount of graphic violence, and graphic sexual situations. If you are a reader who is uncomfortable with this subject matter then this probably isn't for you. However if you enjoy a female protagonist who is strong, supporting characters who are seductive and dark in equal parts, and a story line that moves at a lightning pace, then this is a book for you! My only issue was that the climax of the book was so short! I'm sure there is more coming though, and that excites me. I'm ready for more of these characters. Bring on the steam.