SHADES OF WICKED is the first book in Jeaniene Frost's eagerly anticipated Night Rebel series. Ian is most definitely a vampire who is mad, bad, and dangerous to know. Veritas is a kickass Law Guardian and not known for tolerating Ian's brand of mischief. In SHADES OF WICKED, Jeaniene Frost digs below the surface with these characters and has them reveal to each other things that they've kept hidden for years. Both of these characters are initially, and rightfully, wary of each other, but they have a common foe to vanquish. The emotional intimacy they experience on their quest leads to some seriously steamy physical intimacy and another epic romance by Jeaniene Frost is born.

There's a good reason Ian has become a fan favorite over time. Through the years, and various stories, Ian has proved to be more than just a ridiculously attractive bad boy vampire with deliciously snarky rejoinders. His loyalty to those he cares about is something that Veritas is surprised to discover as she gets to know him. Veritas also proves to be more than what most people suppose her to be. In the past, Veritas is shown to be a battle-hardened warrior woman with little sympathy for those who bend the rules. In SHADES OF WICKED, Jeaniene Frost paints a portrait of a very complex woman who has known tragedy and trauma and survived because of her immense inner strength. Veritas is not a ruthlessly unfeeling automaton, and Ian is able to see the real woman beneath her armor. I would not have thought these two would be a good match, but the chemistry between Ian and Veritas in SHADES OF WICKED is phenomenal and very natural. The warrior's quest is a major part of this story, but Jeaniene Frost doesn't skimp on building up her main characters and laying them bare for readers to enjoy.

SHADES OF WICKED is everything Jeaniene Frost fans hoped for and much more. Although SHADES OF WICKED is told from Veritas' perspective, Ian's voice is very strong in this book and his thoughts, feelings, and personality still manage to leap off the page. It will seem like an eternity until the next Night Rebel book gets in my hands, but I know it will be worth the wait.