Review: Blood Gamble by Melissa F. Olson

Title: Blood Gamble
Author: Melissa F. Olson
Series: Scarlett Bernard #2
Available: Now

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Synopsis via Goodreads

If there is one city that Scarlett Bernard hates, it’s Las Vegas. But when the cardinal vampire of Los Angeles convinces her to go investigate a new vampire-themed stage show, Scarlett quickly finds herself shoulder-deep in sequins, slot machines, and Old World intrigue.

The show’s creators are vampire celebrities Arthur and Lucy Holmwood, who once inspired characters from the original Dracula. Now, however, they have no qualms about announcing their true status to the human world, endangering the secrecy of the Old World and Scarlett’s mission to keep it hidden.

But before she can begin untangling the Holmwoods’ motives, Scarlett also discovers that their new production has attracted more than just fans: Las Vegas’s many vampires are suddenly disappearing, and rumors are flying that actual vampire hunters may have followed Arthur and Lucy to town.

Now, without her allies, her bargest, or her frequent partner Jesse Cruz, Scarlett must navigate a new underworld of secrets and murders in a city where nothing is ever as it seems. And the stakes have never been higher. 

My Thoughts

I discovered this series earlier this year on NetGalley. After finishing my first Melissa Olson novel (Midnight Curse), I checked out her website to see if she had written more (because I wanted more and fast). I was thrilled to find that there wasn't only another series that is Scarlett-centric, but also one with another super badass MC named Lex. I am officially caught up on all the "Old World" has to offer. Where one book ends and another begins is kind of a blur, but if anything says a book series is awesome it is someone binge reading it because they can’t get enough. I am desperately hoping there is more excitement on the way for both Scarlett and Lex!

Lex is by far my favorite heroine, but Scarlett is also awesome. I found I really enjoyed seeing how much she has changed from the Scarlett first introduced in 'Dead Spots'. This installment takes her to Viva Las Vegas (a place she hates) and immerses her in plenty of Old World chaos. My only complaint would be the lack of Jesse Cruz in this book. I’m loving the build-up between him and Scarlett and pray she doesn’t friend zone him in future books.

This book taking place in Vegas means new characters are introduced. And also some not new ones. Some secrets come to light and I’m wondering how they’ll play out as the series continues or if they’ll stay locked up in the vault known as Scarlett (admit it….she can keep a secret like none other).

I’ve actually purchased almost all of this series on audio and am loving them. The narrator does a fabulous job.

I'd highly recommend you follow the author's recommended reading order though. I hopped all around and while I still loved it, I think it would have been more enjoyable had I read in the order she suggests.