Lucas: the treacherous tease



Lucas
(Vampires in America #6)

by D.B. Reynolds

Delicious! Yep, I like this guy, er vamp. He’s just… smooth, seductive, sensual. You know the type, the alpha that moves with languorous feline grace; feral, formidable, coiled power ready…for anything, will strike in an instant. Lucas Donlon is the Vampire Lord of the Plains Territory. This vamp lord is intensely protective of his people, and quite agitated when FBI Special Agent Kathryn Hunter shows up at his door seeking answers concerning the disappearance of her brother. Lucas has more pressing concerns, the imminent vampire war with his nemesis, Klemens, Lord of the Midwest territory. 

The irresistible charmer agrees to meet with Kathryn, his intent to answer her questions, to send her on her merry way; freeing him to focus his energy on more important matters, defending his borders and people.  But Wait! Special Agent Hunter is definitely not what he expected! Surprise! Surprise! And not much fazes or amazes Lucas anymore, having lived for centuries, seen and experienced so, very, much… 
He’s forced to protect and guide Kathryn through his perplex world; filled with ominous, dangerous vamp warriors, treacherous even for an FBI Special Agent. And then, there’s the war…his people dying, women and children, attacked; Lucas MUST retaliate with his warriors. “Once they were on the ground and running, they’d be on the hunt, their blood flowing hot, adrenaline pumping.”

Reflections

Lucas is just…Fascinating with his multiple complex layers; intense, playful, passionate, similar to most alphas. This arrogant tease annoys, yet attracts. IDK, perhaps it’s the Irish charm, his Irish lilt, his terms of endearment that intrigues, allures…
And… Lucas is hott! Seductive passion! Plenty of smexy times! Reynolds does not disappoint with the gore; blood, sex, the essence of the vampire world. 
I’m amazed how seamlessly Lucas transitions; one moment, menacing, merciless, the brutal vampire lord; 
“You rather I’d kill you quick?”
The vampire nodded, his eyes begging for mercy. But Lucas only laughed.
“Where would the fun be in that?” 

the next, the seductive compassionate lover…
“He slouched back into his own chair like a big, graceful cat, and regarded her over steepled fingers… he added with a slow, smoldering look”



BTW…the bond between Lucas and his Nicholas is another example of the warrior-brother trope; the complete trust, inexorable connection, even affection between the alpha and his First that continues to intrigue me. Following this trope, the Alpha and his First have been together for centuries or eons, share an intuitive connection,  brother warriors have each other’s six. Along with the banter…

 ”And Nick.” Nicholas stopped in the doorway, looking back. “Make sure you come back. I want you with me”
“Aw, come on, Lucas.”
“Fuck that. I’m not suffering alone”

Still, I followed Lucas and Nick’s relationship with bated breath waiting for the other shoe to drop…expecting Lucas to discipline his First (as he did Magda).  A similar discipline occurred between Raphael and Duncan  “You are like a brother to me, Duncan,” he snarled. “Even closer. But you too will obey (Raphael)” 
Well, you’re never quite sure with Reynolds!

However, Lucas is well-balanced. The overarching storyline continues to progress with the vampire
war, the battle over territories intensifies; coupled with captivating characters that continue to develop, grow.  Similar to previous installments, Reynolds provides a glimpse into Lucas’s childhood, another case of abject poverty, abandonment; he survives the hovels of Dublin, and meets his sire, Raphael.  She tells his story… His unique approach to challenges, and the inevitable, his transformation. Lust segues into an emotional intimacy; he opens himself, allows light to enter the emotional darkness that halts his impending descent into a cold, unfeeling madness… 

Lucas and Kathryn? Wait for it… 

The relationship takes Lucas by surprise, dismisses his feelings and unfamiliar emotions. Not him, the charmer; the self-controlled, arrogant Lord! He experiences jealousy over Kathryn’s brother (of all people)! 
“Sit, baby” she said urging him [Daniel] back to his seat.
Lucas almost growled. She never called him, “baby”, he thought… 

Funny! Lucas has many laugh out loud moments, just love his dry arrogant humor! 
In addition, Reynolds teases…with Nicholas, an intriguing secondary character; hope to see more of him as well as Aden, an upcoming vamp lord that vies for the vacated Mid Western territory. Let’s not forget Magda, a female scorned, and out for revenge!  Stay Tuned!

Overall, a great entertaining read!




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