juju8j's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
miii_'s review against another edition
3.0
Quite okay like the first book, because in the first book I thought:
'Kismet is a really clever person' but in the second book her mistakes are quite dumb...So this book is a bit unrealistic! It's a a pity, because I love to read the book.
'Kismet is a really clever person' but in the second book her mistakes are quite dumb...So this book is a bit unrealistic! It's a a pity, because I love to read the book.
shelleyrae's review
3.0
The second installment in the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist, Blood Therapy, picks up a short time after the conclusion of [b:The Vampire Shrink|17169100|The Vampire Shrink (Kismet Knight, Ph.D., Vampire Psychologist, #1)|Lynda Hilburn|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1386602101s/17169100.jpg|1727109].
With the deranged vampire that kidnapped Kismet in book one, Lucifer/Brother Luther, still on the loose, much of the plot action is concerned with the search for him as he continues to stalk Kismet and resumes his killing spree - this time targeting female psychologists with a resemblance to Kismet. Hilburn maintains suspense as Lucifer moves ever closer to recapturing Kismet
Meanwhile, the emotional storyline involves Kismet reconsidering her intimate relationship with Devereaux, especially given Alan's continued interest, as she learns more about the Master Vampire. I can't blame Kismet for being concerned and I like that she takes a step back here and thinks about the repercussions of the relationship, and the secrets Devereaux is still keeping.
My biggest issue with Vampire Shrink was the trouble I had reconciling the analytical, sensitive, intelligent Kismet we were introduced to with the caricature that she became. Thankfully her character is less hysterical in Blood Therapy, though Kismet's penchant for second guessing herself is still an annoyance. Overall, Kismet is adjusting well to the paranormal underground, give or take surprise meetings with a celebrity or two, and she is managing her unique clientele sensibly. I like that seeks help with her emerging abilities in Blood Therapy and manages to wrest some control of her life back.
Devereaux is also much more interesting in this installment. The 800 year old vampire is frustrated and angry about his inability to capture Lucifer, not just because of the danger he poses to Kismet but also because lesser vampires are questioning his leadership as a result of the failure. There are glimpses of vulnerability which I prefer over the broody alpha type and his struggle to overcome his 'nature' is sweet, and occasionally funny.
There is humor and romance along with plenty of angst in Blood Therapy and I think it is a much stronger and better balanced story than the introduction to the series. I am looking forward to seeing how the third book, [b:Crimson Psyche|17284529|Crimson Psyche (Kismet Knight, Ph.D., Vampire Psychologist, #3)|Lynda Hilburn|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1380379653s/17284529.jpg|23903064], develops.
jeanz's review
5.0
MY REVIEW
I received this book directly from Quercus/Jo Fletcher Books in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Thank you for this brilliant book!
The cover depicts Kismet, in the dress Devereux gives her to wear to a vampire wedding they attend. You also see the rather large cross she is wearing. Whilst the religious symbol does nothing to protect Kismet from Vampires (because they aren't afraid of religious symbols)it is an old expensive piece of jewellery from Devereux's family. Devereux explains to Kismet that if she feels afraid or is in danger all she needs to do is hold the cross and say Devereux's name and he will be summoned to her side.
In this book Kismet is getting more used to dealing with her Vampire clients, so that part of her life seems to be going well.
The problem she is having is with Devereux. Devereux is an 800 year old vampire who is used to being obeyed without question, and Kismet is of course a modern day young woman with a mind of her own who does not wish to bow to Devereux's every whim and wish.
Kismet is also still suffering awful nightmares about Lucifer and his split personality alter ego Brother Luther. As Lucifer has "lost his mind" he is harder for Devereux to track, which irritates Devereux as he thinks he is the Master and should be able to protect his mate. That's another thing Kismet's not so keen on, Devereux's constant comments about her being his mate.
Kismet finds out that being around vampires actually changes your own brain, so she searches out people that can help her control that. Devereux is not so happy about this as it means he is unable to "read" Kismet. So then there's a case of an angry, yet nervous 800 year old vampire. At time Kismet questions her whole involvement with the Vampires as a race as well as her relationship with Devereux. Will Kismet turn her back on the Vampire community....even if she wanted to would her vampire clients let her. Then there's the issue of the side effects of drinking the blood of ancient vampires. The blood is changing her, at first in subtle ways then in much more startling ways. Will her relationship with Devereux survive? Will Kismet change her love interest and finally officially "get it together" with Alan? or someone else? Kismet has lots of difficult decisions and maybe a few sacrifices to make in this book.
I am not going to tell you anymore about the plot as you should discover it for yourself in the correct order whilst reading the book for yourself!
So did I like the book? Loved it! Would I recommend it? As I said with book #1 this is vampires for mum's....and I was going to say not a sparkly vampire in sight....but....you'll see what i mean when you read it lol! Would I read more of Lynda Hilburn's books? Yes
Would I read more of the Kismet Knight Vampire shrink books? YES Please counting down to Bk#3 already.
I received this book directly from Quercus/Jo Fletcher Books in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Thank you for this brilliant book!
The cover depicts Kismet, in the dress Devereux gives her to wear to a vampire wedding they attend. You also see the rather large cross she is wearing. Whilst the religious symbol does nothing to protect Kismet from Vampires (because they aren't afraid of religious symbols)it is an old expensive piece of jewellery from Devereux's family. Devereux explains to Kismet that if she feels afraid or is in danger all she needs to do is hold the cross and say Devereux's name and he will be summoned to her side.
In this book Kismet is getting more used to dealing with her Vampire clients, so that part of her life seems to be going well.
The problem she is having is with Devereux. Devereux is an 800 year old vampire who is used to being obeyed without question, and Kismet is of course a modern day young woman with a mind of her own who does not wish to bow to Devereux's every whim and wish.
Kismet is also still suffering awful nightmares about Lucifer and his split personality alter ego Brother Luther. As Lucifer has "lost his mind" he is harder for Devereux to track, which irritates Devereux as he thinks he is the Master and should be able to protect his mate. That's another thing Kismet's not so keen on, Devereux's constant comments about her being his mate.
Kismet finds out that being around vampires actually changes your own brain, so she searches out people that can help her control that. Devereux is not so happy about this as it means he is unable to "read" Kismet. So then there's a case of an angry, yet nervous 800 year old vampire. At time Kismet questions her whole involvement with the Vampires as a race as well as her relationship with Devereux. Will Kismet turn her back on the Vampire community....even if she wanted to would her vampire clients let her. Then there's the issue of the side effects of drinking the blood of ancient vampires. The blood is changing her, at first in subtle ways then in much more startling ways. Will her relationship with Devereux survive? Will Kismet change her love interest and finally officially "get it together" with Alan? or someone else? Kismet has lots of difficult decisions and maybe a few sacrifices to make in this book.
I am not going to tell you anymore about the plot as you should discover it for yourself in the correct order whilst reading the book for yourself!
So did I like the book? Loved it! Would I recommend it? As I said with book #1 this is vampires for mum's....and I was going to say not a sparkly vampire in sight....but....you'll see what i mean when you read it lol! Would I read more of Lynda Hilburn's books? Yes
Would I read more of the Kismet Knight Vampire shrink books? YES Please counting down to Bk#3 already.
More...