Violet Midnight by Lynn Rush

Synopsis:

Blending in with her college co-eds proves difficult for vampire Hunter, Emma Martin, considering the mystical tattoo on her wrist glows whenever Vamps are near. And after three months of silence, the glow is back with a vengeance. 

Jake Cunningham witnesses Emma, a violet-eyed beauty, using unimaginable powers to fight off a fanged creature. Finally, after two years of searching, he may have found out what he's become--a Hunter, like Emma. 

Thankful for an ally in the fight against the Vamps, Emma finds hope and comfort in Jake's arms. As she learns more about her new love's family and its dark heritage, she may be forced not only to hunt them but to sacrifice her life to save Jake's soul. 

Review:

I'm a little biased, because I already liked Lynn Rush's writing long before I picked up this book. I'm not sure how she does it, but there is never really a point in any of her books I've read where the story lags. The pace is always right on point and they suck you in to the point where you want to read the book in one sitting, and then get made you don't have the next book in the series in front of you to read. 

This book is no different. Once again, the pacing is really great. It felt like every scene in the book, every POV, was necessary and compelled the story forward. It was really easy to take a liking to Emma. I really like strong women who are protective of those around her but don't let men control them. In fact if anything Emma is the last person on earth who would let a man control her. 

I do have to admit I did take a bit longer to like Jake, and it wasn't really anything against him, he's a good guy, it just took me longer in the book to really identify with him and start pulling for him as a character. I think maybe part of it was how strong his instant connection to Emma was, but when you get further along in the book everything starts to click and make sense. 

But back to Emma and her amazing kick-butt attitude. Like I said I love when the chick is the one kicking butt and taking names. And what I really loved about Emma is that she was actually the one training and pushing Jake to be a better Hunter. Another thing I really liked about Emma is that no matter what she was true to herself and her beliefs. She has a great head on her shoulders. 

I like Ava, Emma's roommate, and there were a couple of other good secondary characters along the way. But I really liked Ava the most, I can totally see how she and Emma are such good friends. And I really hope she continues to play a role in the coming books for this series. 

I don't want to be too spoilery so I don't want to talk to much about the bad guys, but I am guessing if you read the synopsis you know they are Vamps. And of course the big bads in the book aren't going to be your everyday Vamp, oh no, they pack a bit of a punch, and they have quite the history behind them. Although by the end of the book you (as well as Emma and Jake) get the feeling that there is something more going on behind the scenes that they just don't know about yet. 

For some readers, I know you are a bit vampired out. I get it. I myself have suffered from vampire fatigue syndrome. But I do love a good vampire book, and what makes a good vampire book is when the author takes the run of the mill vampire lore and makes it into something unique, just for their books. And I felt like Lynn did a good job with this. From mysterious mystical tattoo, to prophecies, to their various strengths and weakness, it all makes for a good book; not to mention Emma isn't a Vamp she's a Hunter who is going to take down every Vamp she finds. I get the feeling there aren't going to be any warm and fluffy "misunderstood" vampires in this series. 

Long story short, I think this a great read. For anyone who likes Urban Fantasy, this is a great and fast paced book load with action. For anyone who is a big fan of Paranormal Romance, to say the chemistry between Emma and Jake is hot would be a gross understatement. So if you are looking for a book or a new author to try out, I seriously recommend this one and anything written by Lynn Rush!