Review of Turned (The Belladonna Agency, bk 1) by Virna DePaul

                                                         Published April 1st 2014 by Bantam

Welcome to a mesmerizing world where vampires hide among humans. This centuries-old species has its own rules, code of conduct, and taboos. Only the FBI knows that vampires exist—and although the Bureau agrees to keep their secret, it also plots to give humans the upper hand.

Turning mortals into vampires is forbidden.


But there are creatures who refuse to play by the rules.


Ever since he was turned, FBI special agent Ty Duncan has had one mission: bring rogue vampires to justice. As a recruiter for Belladonna, a shadow agency formed to keep vampires in check, Ty must tap Ana Martin, a troubled ex–gang member and one of the few mortals who can infiltrate places that his kind and the law cannot. From their first encounter, Ty fights a hunger to make Ana his own.

When Ty claims to have information about Ana’s missing sister, Ana has no choice but to trust this captivating stranger who awakens her deepest desires. But as she and Ty climb the heights of pleasure and passion, an enemy is conspiring to destroy them both.

A turned vampire with PTSD and semi- suicidal tendencies, a ex-con, gang banger trying to find her sister and peace. Do they stand a chance despite the overwhelming attraction they have for each other? Not just any vamp either, British, upper crust with daddy issues. Not just any ex con, Latina cast off with mommy issues. Both are fighting the inevitable. Neither really wants to win.

Another sensational homerun by one of my "go 2" authors Virna DePaul. The story and premise are riveting, the characters are deep, developed, and compelling, the romance permeates the whole story and I LOVE it!!! Virna combines darkness, lust, love and danger into an intoxicating mix that pulls the reader into this paranormal world and overwhelms the reader's psyche and causes them to be emotionally invested in the lives of her characters.

I felt both Ty and Eliana's longing, reservations and sense of purpose. I understood the reticence and sacrifice. Both are trying to redeem what they feel are failures on their part. Neither feels they deserve happiness until penance has been paid.  Both are so very similar yet they refuse to see it, other than in the most sensual of fashions.

This is destined to be one of my "Must Read series". I loved that there is no clear cut right or wrong on either side. There are a lot of murky areas to wade through in this story and I think I can safely say I'll be in the thick of it. As always, well done Virna! Brava!