Night's Caress is the first book in The Ancients series by author Mary Hughes. I found this to be a super sweet read. I adored this one.
Seb is an ancient vampire.  Hardened by losing someone close to him. He has the power of suggestion.
He is tracking a serial killer who also happens to be a vampire. He prefers not to tamper with people’s minds unless he absolutely has too.
Brie has moved to NY to escape the memory of her vampire ex.  When she has to go undercover as Seb’s lover to help catch a killer she has to fight her feelings for the sexy man as well.
I found Brie to be competitive and smart.  She is a great asset to Seb.
This story is fast paced, has some really well written memorable characters. I would love to see more from this series in the future.  I love a good cop story and this one has a paranormal twist that kept me reading it.

A quick and entertaining read. It was obvious that this was part of a larger series, but the fact that I hadn’t read only other books didn’t stop me from following the plot.  Saying that, there was nothing groundbreaking here. Recommended for those looking for an entertaining straightforward paranormal romance.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

Interesting book. I liked the characters.  ☆☆☆☆ rating because the back and forth between narrations.

A story of vampire politics and love. The strength of finding a mate and the pain of rejecting the same.

When Brie is assigned to go back to her hometown with fellow FBI special agent Seb she just hopes it gets her the promotion she wants. Never did she ever think that she would be involved in vampire politics.  But she finds herself in the middle. And she might be the one surprising Seb.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Good story. Strong characters. I liked the book.

- - Received copy through NetGalley, Mary Hughes and Entangled Publishing, LLC - -
L

I will recommend this title to romance readers both online and in the store. Great book!!

This would be my first title ever read by author Mary Hughes. Night’s Caress synopsis is what made me want to read the book.
Night’s Caress is a first-person/third person narrative, with the book based on Brie Lark POV. Right there is what made it so difficult to get into the story. If this book would have just stayed with one narrative maybe then I could have adjusted to the storyline. Therefore, it was a struggle and I only got through two chapters and couldn’t finish the book. Maybe, when I don’t have anything else to read I may come back to this story.

Some things were amazing. The Characterizations and developments were spot on.
The plot and world building were not.

When I got Night’s Caress, I thought it was a totally new series by Mary Hughes. How surprised and thrilled I was that we were returning to Meiers Corners. The only difference that I could see is that this is a little more intense and darker than what we have previously read about our Meiers Corner residents.

Brie was what you would expect. Lite, airy and fun. She couldn’t get out of Meiers Corners fast enough, away from vampires after her break up with Derek. Now, she’s attracted to the one male that she shouldn’t be, Seb. She knows that he is a v-guy and won’t let herself be attracted to another one. But, since she is trying to make her way up in the FBI as a forensic artist, she has no choice but to return to the dreaded Meiers Corner with Seb on her arm posing as his girlfriend.

Seb is hard-hearted and has no wish to go to Meiers Corner but he, too, has no choice. All murders are pointing to the Ancient One, Elias and that’s one male he never wants to see again. He’s the reason why he’s a vampire, that he has live over 4000 years alone and has given up on love. Then, he has to go there with the one woman who intrigues and annoys him. He can’t get her smell out of his head, he can’t stop hearing the jingling of her bracelets, he can’t stop touching her. He has a mission and he can’t let her infiltrate his mind or his heart. He also can’t stop himself from wanting her in his bed.

As all the factions of the vampire world come together, the elusive Elias, Julian, Aiden, Camille, Thor and Nikos come together with Seb to finally take down Nosferatu/Cleomenes only to have the Shadow Lord step in and set up a trap that could kill them all. Will anyone be able to save Seb and Elias? Will anyone be able to stop the vampire war? Who is the Shadow Lord and just what is his end game?

Yes, a new series by the incomparable Mary Hughes. We may see a few familiar faces but there are a lot of new, darker ones that we will get to know. I think we will fall in love with the heroes and totally despise the corrupt ones as they try to take over. But, as usual, we will enjoy the life lessons that Mary always puts in her stories. So, what did I take away from Night’s Carress? Open your heart, learn to forgive, let go of the past … learn to live in the here and now and accept what your heart is telling you. Yes, I was amazed, again, by Mary Hughes, her style of writing, her way of bringing her story and characters to life and her way of drawing you into the story and not letting go.

Brie, an artist, escaped her ex and hometown and ran to New York City. Her promises to herself? She wasn't going back to Meiers Corners and she was done with vampires, her ex ruining the whole species for her. However, Brie's boss at her bill paying job, the FBI, has other plans. So, back home she goes, undercover, hoping to solve a murder case. Another self promise is in jeopardy due to the mutual attraction between Brie and her new partner.

Seb, an ancient vampire and FBI agent, has closed himself off from all emotions, preferring to protect himself instead of suffering loss again. His life has become bare, sterile, and he prefers it that way. Or at least he thought he did. His partner, assigned to pose as his lover for this assignment, gets to him. She's irritating, full of life, and sexy.

As they work the case, the lines between fake and real grow more blurry every day. But both have their own issues they're struggling with, and those just may stop them from exploring their growing feelings.

Will Seb and Brie solve the case? Can they overcome their pasts and look toward the future? Is a HEA possible?

One-click now and follow along as two people find something neither expected...the desire to live again, to love forever.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

*This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review*
This is the story of Brie Lark who works at the FBI, when she is asked to do an undercover assignment on a murder case, but it is in her home town.  Brie had left there because  of her ex Derek who just happened to be a vampire and she had sworn off any more vampires.
Her assignment is to work with FBI Special Agent Seb Rikare, one problem he is also a vampire and she has tried to keep her distance from him for a while now as she has been attracted to him.
Seb is an ancient vampire and has lost a lot over his time and has cut all emotions, but when he is teamed up with Brie he can’t fight the attraction between them and he also wants to protect her.
This was a great paranormal thriller, and can’t wait to read the next instalment in “The Ancients” series by Mary Hughes.

I really enjoyed this book it was non stop action right from the start.Seb is a vampire who works for the FBI and is investigating a string of murders that look like a vampire kills he has to keep this secret from both the humans and the vampire clans.Brie is an artistwho works with the FBI and is asked to help Seb and go with him to her home town a place she left as soon as she could.
This is a super read a little violent in places but it fits with the plot i am looking forward to reading more in the future.

Going back to her hometown was something Brie Lark swore she'd never do, but there's no way Brie can pass up helping FBI Special Agent Seb Rikare with his investigation into a series of murders. However, he's a vampire and Brie swore never to give another vampire a chance not after what her ex did. But the further into the investigation the pair get, the higher the risk of Brie getting hurt unless Seb can protect her. Will the pair be able to survive the danger closing in on them to achieve their happy ever after, or will the pair go their separate ways because they can't let go of what happened to them in their pasts?

It's been a while since I've read a book by Ms. Hughes, but I'm glad I chose to read this first book of her new series, because it was fantastically-written and a very entertaining read due to the enchanting main characters that face a good dose of danger during the investigation; and riveting dialogue that had me wanting to know whether these two could overcome the disasters of their past relationships to be together. The way this story started was exciting and certainly drew me into this story immediately, because of the discovery that's been made and whether Seb can find the person responsible for the killings. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that had me wanting to know more about Seb and Brie because it's palpable that the heroine doesn't think highly of vampires due to her ex? How long will it take Seb to win Brie over? 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the investigation and the danger the hero and heroine face, as vampires can be quite deceptive and determined to get their way, no matter what they have to do. Moreover, the heroine is strong, brave and I liked how determined she was to help the hero, even when things became too dangerous. I also liked how she didn't give up on the hero, even though she's had a bad experience with a vampire in her past. Yet, what I liked most about the heroine was her willingness to face her past, even though Meiers Corner and vampires were two things she swore she's never have anything to do with again. While Seb, he's been through so much in his past with the danger he found himself in as a human and being turned into a vampire. However, he's resilient, courageous and I liked how determined he was to keep the heroine safe, even though she knows how to protect herself. 

Overall, Ms. Hughes has penned a wonderful and enthralling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance satisfying and full of passion that shows how good this pair are together; and the ending had me smiling because of what Seb does for the heroine that proves how much the hero wants Brie in his life, despite being adamant that love makes him weak. Really, how could he possibly think that when they're so good together? I would recommend Night's Caress by Mary Hughes, if you enjoy paranormal romance or books by authors Nina Croft, Shelly Laurenston, Mina Carter and Cynthia Eden.

Investigations by the FBI usually make great thrillers but when you add in that the Special Agent in this story is also an ancient, powerful vampire you have the recipe for a brilliant paranormal thriller and that is certainly the case in this story! The Agent concerned is Seb Rikare and he's heading to Meiers Corner, which used to be the home town of Brie Lark, an artist who also works for the FBI. She's reluctant to return to Meiers Corner after her relationship with a different vampire broke down, but orders are orders!

The attraction between Seb and Brie is steamy hot, the case they're investigating dangerous and the story a fast paced, action packed paranormal page turner - I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into it! I'll certainly be looking out for more in this series and by this author in future. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys suspense filled, paranormal, crime fighting romance!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying it.

I really had trouble getting into the book initially and getting caught up in the emotions of the characters.  The storyline was good, but it just didn’t stand out in my mind amongst other books in the genre.  The blurb was great, but overall the book just fell flat for me.

Seriously, is there anything better than agreeing to review a book from an author you don’t know and discovering the book totally rocks? I can’t even remember why I agreed to review Night’s Caress. I do enjoy fantasy books now and again, but only if there is a real story to be told. And man, is there a story to be told here. 

The story was complicated, exciting, and just a bit scary. There were lots of twists and turns with regards to the murders as well as the love story. The murder/mystery did not overwhelm the romance and vice versa. It was a nicely balanced story. I could have slapped Seb a few times, but he’s a man – it’s to be expected. I liked Brie a lot. We’d totally be besties. I did find the switch from first person to third person a little annoying. 

I did find the fight scenes a bit overdramatic and complicated. And some of the vampire stuff was quite complicated. Did it have to differ from other vampire novels that much? 

I eagerly await the next novel in The Ancients series!

When I saw the synopsis of Night’s Caress, I knew I needed to read this one. It sounded like something I would love, offering some of my favourite things – namely the FBI and vampires. Of course, I was excited to dive in.

Despite being the first book in The Ancients series, I did not realise this series is actually a spinoff of the Biting Love series. Due to this, there were quite a few things throughout the book that did not resonate with me as strongly as I would have liked. This book works perfectly fine as an introduction to the new series, but I feel like I would have understood certain things – references, characters, and relationships – had I read the Biting Love series. In fact, having now read Night’s Caress, I’m interested in going and giving the Biting Love series a read.

If I am being completely honest, this book didn’t grab me as much as I had expected at the start. It took me a few chapters before I was pulled into the story, but once it grabbed hold of me I found it impossible to put down. Although there were a few things I was not completely content with – certain things that had me thinking it wouldn’t be a four star rating – I found these things were small when compared to how much I enjoyed the majority of the book.

My main issue with the book was the speed at which the characters fell in love, the speed at which the relationship moved. I’m someone who enjoys a slow burning story, who enjoys watching as things slowly come together. Although the speed at which the romantic elements of the story progressed in this one makes sense as details are shared, I was still a bit disappointed. It is, however, a personal preference. I did enjoy the romance between the two characters – I simply wasn’t a fan of the speed at which it moved.

I did love the characters, though. They were both so enjoyable, and I adored the interaction between the two of them. I felt a wide range of both positive and negative emotions towards them, and this helped me to love them even more. I became truly invested in their lives, wanting more.

I really enjoyed the storyline, too. Although the mystery element of it wasn’t huge, there was enough to keep you entertained. Plus, more and more elements were introduced throughout. The biggest element of this story reached a fun conclusion, but certain details were left open to leave you interested in what happens next – there being a continuing story I am excited to see play out.

Without a doubt, I’m interested in picking up the next book.  I had so much fun with this one and I cannot wait to read more.

I really enjoyed this book. It had some fun uniqueness going for it along with some well used mythical ideals; though some of those even had their own twist. The characters were entertaining and made me laugh at their dialogue. Seb is a soul injured man. He is broken and he doesn't even know it. Brie is a free spirited kind of woman and just what he needs to heal his very old wounds and bring him back to life. If only they can both stay alive to do it. This plot was so fun and suspenseful. I can not wait to get my greedy hands on the next book. I need to find out what happens now. I am looking forward to where this cast of characters is heading. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Brie couldn't wait to get out of Meier's Falls, leaving behind small town ways and an ex-boyfriend who happened to be a vampire. She goes to NY City and before she knows it her job has assigned her to work with Seb on a case that could start a vampire war. Murders are happening and they seem to lead bck to Brie's home town. She doesn't want to work with him as she feels he is cold and arrogant but extremely sexy and also a vampire. Vamps are on her no-no list thanks to her ex.

Seb locks his emotions up tight due to the hurt over a relationship he felt would last forever. He finds Brie very attractive.

The real problem is, they have to travel back to Meier's Falls and Seb will be posing as her lover/fiancé. Brie is definitely very happy about this.

Can they stop the murders and find out who is behind it all? Can Seb and Brie control themselves around each other?

This book was pretty enjoyable. Seb is such a serious man but then again he hides his emotions. He is a hot one though. Brie is an artist and a strong woman. She and Seb are a mess when left alone together, at first all they do is argue but that was them fighting the attraction. 

 The writing is good and has a nice flow to it. As I said, it was a pretty enjoyable read.

When artist Brie Lark left her vampire ex and her straitjacket of a hometown to breathe free in New York City, she promised herself two things: she’d never go back to Meiers Corner, and no more vampires. The last thing she expected—or wanted—was to be sent back home on an assignment. But her boss at the FBI needs her undercover on a murder case, working with a black-haired, black-eyed giant god of a man who’s her idea of perfection, except for one thing—he’s a vampire.

FBI Special Agent Seb Rikare is an ancient vampire hardened by loss. He’s cut all emotions to protect himself and leads a deliberately steady, almost sterile life. The brash young woman forced to pose as his lover irritates him, with her jangling bracelets and colorful hair. But as much as she irritates him, he finds himself drawn to her lively spirit and he’s tempted to make fantasy a reality.




Review:




This is an off shoot of the Biting Love series, and in fact we see some of those characters in this book.




I liked this book.  It had a different feel to me than the Biting Love series or maybe it is because it has been a long time since I have read them.  I remember the other books being a little more funny and sarcastic in the dialogue department.  The scenery was very description, you got a real sense of being in Meiers Corner. This was a much more action and dramatic story to me, especially in the second part of the book.  Like I said I liked it, but for me it lacked a little something. I cannot put my finger on what it was lacking or why I did not like it more.  Brie and Seb were interesting and had great chemistry.  The intimate scenes were well-done, nice and steamy, once they gave into their insecurities.  Good start, will have to see what happens in the next book.




3.5 Stars

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*