I really enjoyed the first book in the Gwen Sparks series by Stephanie Nelson, Craved. Getting to know Gwen and her friends Fiona, Micah, and especially Aiden (hubba, hubba), as well as learning all about the town of Flora and the interactions between different species in the paranormal world. Gwen's irreverent sense of humor and sensualistic nature made for some very compelling reading!!
I was looking forward to reading Book 2, Deceived, and it was still a good read, but much, much darker than Book 1. Gwen learns the consequences of her run-in with the evil Ian Despereaux, is distrusted by the Witches Council due to her relationship with hunky Aiden, and has to learn to work with the Angel of Death. Along the way Gwen witnesses and is forced to experience some pretty horrific events which we the readers get to encounter right along with her, in pretty thorough detail. It was a little too much for me.
Deceived was not quite to my taste, but it was still a good read with lots of excitement and unexpected twists.