I’m not fond of the title of this one. It gives the book a generic feeling of YA or NA and does the book a disservice because it’s a gritty, violent and action-packed story that deserves a title such as Aswang: Demon Dogs! That’s catchier, don’t you think? Or maybe Devil Dogs Want to Eat Your Tasty Bits. Yeah, I like that one but maybe that’s why they don’t ask me. Anyway, I grabbed this because the blurb caught my attention and I’m glad I did because it was pretty darn good.

Ollie has never been able to feel physical pain. Because of this, she ended up abandoned by her mother and was tormented by those who should’ve protected her. She’s grown up tough and resilient and has been living on her own since becoming a young adult. One day she is attacked by a dog-like creature and wins the fight as two young men watch. They can’t believe their eyes. Average humans, AKA civvies, aren’t supposed to win fights against the “aswang”, they’re supposed to become their dinner. They kidnap her and bring her back to “Fear University” where only select families are training to fight a secret war against the aswang beasties. She’s soon entrenched in training for the war by a handsome but all business guy named Luke who is reputed to abstain from sexy times because he likes it too rough. She feels no pain. She is intrigued!

So all that’s going on and a whole lot of other stuff that I will not spoil. This book is definitely more urban fantasy than NA angst or romance and I liked that about it. There’s action, the pace is fast, there are many revelations and surprises, the characters are imperfect and their interactions are interesting. But it’s Ollie who makes the book sing for me. She’s carrying the weight of a painful past and she’s sarcastic, cynical and doesn’t take any crap from anyone but she’s also funny and reminded me a bit of Liv from IZombie.

“I didn’t like Luke or his stupid dick.”

She lies too :)

This was a very good urban fantasy but I recommend picking up the next book (and maybe the one after that) in the series if you’re like me and prefer to have all of your questions answered. This book leaves things a-dangling and may leave you pulling out your hair if you don’t have book two all lined up and ready to go. My library does NOT so arrrrgggh!



The narrator is most excellent. She sounds youthful and tough and exudes emotion exactly where needed.

I received a copy of this audio from Tantor Media. Thanks, Tantor!

Lights to My Siren is book 1 of the Dixie Wardens MC series. Bailey is an EMT who has moved to Kilgore Texas for a fresh start. Sebastian is a fire fighter and VP of the Dixie Wardens MC. These two meet by chance and sparks fly. They have a lot of struggles-Sebastian has a son, both of their work schedules are crazy, and Sebastian isn't exactly open about his life in the MC.

In the beginning, I was not a fan of Bailey. She is kind of judgmental. She assumes then worst about Sebastian and then seems surprised when he isn't a thug. However, as the story goes on, I liked Bailey more and Sebastian less. Sebastian is HORRIBLE sometimes. He keeps her totally in the dark about the club, then gets pissed when she doesn't seem to know. Then he gets pissed at her about all kinds of things. He doesn't ever discuss anything with her but barks and yells. I felt like he was so stubborn and expected Bailey to change to meet his expectations.

The story is mostly a string of events as opposed to one over arching storyline. I think this method of storytelling allows the reader/listener to not get bored. It also makes the relationship feel more natural. So, I give Vale kudos for this method because it makes for a good listen.

Lidia Dornet narrated another book I listened to previously (When I Need You) and I really enjoyed her narration. She does a great job of really 'performing' the story. Tristan James is a new to me narrator and he did a fine job. He has the slight twang down pat and his female voices aren't annoyingly overdone.

"I read to escape reality not to deal with characters dying"

This quote from Bailey is perfect and so true!

• POV: dual 1st
• Tears: no
• Trope: MC Club
• Triggers: none
• Series/Standalone: stand alone
• Cliffhanger: no
• HEA: 

...then you will probably like Lights to my Siren!

 
See full review on The Book Disciple