Ash’s review of Chosen By Blood (Para-Ops Novels, Book 1) by Virna DePaul
Paranormal Romance published by Berkley 03 May 11

After a few chapters I thought this was going to be a DNF for me, but I was way wrong. Even with a big pet peeve of mine, I was able to really get into this book.

I started reading this book a month ago, and I had to put it down. I couldn’t stand Knox. To vampires, fidelity is a just a word and both Knox and his wife, Felicia’s best friend, are okay with him having a relationship with Felicia. I had a hard time reading on after this. Years later Knox and Felicia have the chance to really be together, but he plans to re-marry and again expects Felicia to accept being his woman on the side. I understand he felt he had to marry in order to ensure the survival of his species, but he doesn’t seem to care that Felicia does not want to have to share him. I wasn’t sure if Knox could redeem himself to me. If he loves her as much as he claims, he wouldn’t brush aside her feelings like they are stupid. He didn’t respect her, and that’s not okay with me.

As for Felicia, I like that she didn’t give in to him, even when it’s nearly impossible to fight her feelings. I was actually a little mad at her when she finally does accept him, but she stands by her decision with him regarding their relationship. My first thought about her is that she’s weak, when she actually turns out to be a strong heroine. With Knox, and with the team, she proves herself over and over again. She can also accept that sometimes she can’t do what the rest of the team can.

When I picked the book up the second time, I was able to give Knox the benefit of the doubt. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship and this time I ended up not being able to put the book down. The world is full of the usual paranormal beings, but it’s written in a way that is refreshing. I am hoping the rest of the para-ops team members get books, because Virna DePaul has made each one intriguing and I am definitely left wanting more. If the next book is about the two people I think it’s about, I can’t wait because I have been thinking about them and wondering about what will happen since I finished Chosen by Blood.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and otherborn- humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA-still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills.

Leader of an Otherborn clan, half-breed vampire Knox Devereaux would do anything to find a cure for the anti-vamp vaccine slowly starving his people into extinction. When the FBI contacts him about leading a team of hand-selected Others on a mission to reclaim the stolen antidote, Knox accepts. His new assignment places him in direct contact with Special Agent Felicia Locke, the beautiful human he’s craved since their very first meeting.

Read an excerpt.