The Vampire's Mate

Conceptually the world building was intriguing, well thought out, detailed and convincing so it was a real pleasure to read and meet the characters. Books 1 and 2 are linked, and the plot develops and expands, revealing more and more parts of the supernatural world that is hiding in plain sight among human society. It's quite well paced and what was really fun was the generous sprinkling of dark humour and the spice that definitely ramped up in the 2nd book. Another positive - the descriptions and internal monologue helped me feel absolutely immersed in the story.
I'm mostly a dark romance reader, so I have to say James was the sweetest, kindest vampire I've ever met. Ryder, on the other hand? I really wanted to try my pans on him - more than a few times. The term “commitment phobia” is probably invented with him as a bright example of what that is. Like seriously, Ryder ? More than a year and so much you went through together, the intimacy, the care - and you can't accept the Mate thing? Yeah, stubborn on unimaginable level. I wish there was a little more action throughout all the book instead of only at the end and less of Ryder's annoying reluctance to accept the gift, a real love is, but I hope there will be more in the next book and some redemption arc. The side characters were also more than just stuffing and I appreciate that. They gave the story additional color and intensity. It's hard to pull off trilogy with interconnected books with one couple as the main center, so the author's efforts are truly appreciated in this direction. I am waiting the next book and preparing the pans!