Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

Remember when I said that HOT BLOODED, the second book in the Jessica McClain series, was action packed? I take it back. It was nothing compared to book three, COLD BLOODED. We pick up right after we left off in HOT BLOODED, and this time, Carlson pulls out all the stops- we’ve got witches, sorcerers, demons, vampires, ghosts, oracles, fae, and of course, werewolves. Plus, we finally find out what kind of creature Rourke shifts into! (Hint: something amazing and extinct.) As we follow Jessica on her journey to get to New Orleans, there is never a dull moment and I was quickly reminded how much I love this series.

One of my complaints about HOT BLOODED was that I felt it was lacking in the development of the mythology that Carlson started in the first book in the series, FULL BLOODED, and I was disappointed by the focus on Jessica and a limited number of characters. Luckily, this was not something I needed to worry about in COLD BLOODED. Pretty much every character that could made an appearance, and I was so busy figuring out what was happening that I forgot to be disappointed that I didn’t learn much more about the prophecy surrounding Jessica. We do learn a lot more about the supernatural world she inhabits, and that was plenty to keep my brain occupied and my curiosity satisfied.

As I write this, I feel like if it were any other book, I would be annoyed by the author trying to shove everything into one book like she did, but Carlson makes it work. It never felt like too much. I’ve fallen in love with Jessica, and her loyalty to those around her and willingness to do what it takes to keep them safe. I’m thrilled to be following her as she figures out this whole werewolf thing- not to mention all the seemingly unprecedented powers that her wolf gives her. And for all of you who were waiting for it, Rourke and Jessica finally get together. And yes, it is as hot as you were likely expecting it would be.

At the back-breaking pace these books go at, I have a feeling we could have many more installments before we finally start to see the full picture- something which doesn’t bother me a bit. There is no dead time COLD BLOODED, and I was very upset when it ended sooner than I thought it would (dang extras making me think there’s more than there is)! You can bet I’ll be picking up RED BLOODED, book four of the Jessica McClain series, the minute it comes out.

Sexual content: Brief sex scenes