Lenni Reviews: "Bonds of Death" by Ana Bosch
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Riley Burke lives with his roommate Porter, barely scraping together a living as a part time model at an art school and graphic designer. Riley's lover, Westwood - a member of the undead - makes frequent trips through Riley's window but Riley fears that Westwood merely sees him as a diversion, as most undead like Westwood treat their human lovers as a novelty or passing fancy. But when Westwood is investigating a case for his organization called Lychgate about a series of murders, both he, Riley, and Porter are forced to confront Westwood's past misdeeds and Riley will have to weigh the importance of an uncertain relationship with Westwood.
The conflict between these three men is the most interesting part of this book. Westwood can be a dick but he really is trying to make good on his violent past crimes despite his brusque manner and hesitance to show his feelings. Riley's uncertainty about his bond to Westwood - as in this book the undead can take on "human worshipers" to make them more powerful - as he feels it's just a means to an end for a powerful, immortal creature; and he doesn't want his heart broken again. Porter is mentally recovering from recently becoming undead himself; at Westwood's hand and is having a hard time dealing with the fact he is publicly dead and his best friend is in a romantic relationship with the man who killed him. All of this is going on while a copycat killer is on the loose and whoever is doing the killings has learned of Westwood's one weakness.
I really like the unique take on these supernatural creatures. They aren't exactly vampires but they have otherworldly beauty and strength, one unique ability (such as super speed, for example) and they can't die unless someone figures out their one weakness; which is different for each undead. Riley and Westwood are in the classic "will they realize they both really do care for each other" back and forth but Riley's attempts to adapt to and understand Westwood and his world are admirable. ALl the characters are developed in such a way that I did feel empathy for their struggles but there were moments where I wanted the over arching plot - finding the killer - to get to the darn point.
But then again, I'm an impatient person when it comes to murder mysteries and aside for the gay romance and supernatural elements, that's what this is. This is also book two; the first being Art of Death, so the ultimate climax may have had more Easter eggs from the first book that I just didn't see.
All in all, this book was enjoyable. I am always a fan of well written supernatural romances with real plots and Bosch delivers. It's not heavy on the steamy bits but it's definitely a mature book. So, if you don't like pretty boys smooching (and doing considerably more than that) pass on this one. If you like some good story with your pretty boys kissing (and this book clocks in at 310 pages) you will enjoy this book.
