Follow Me When the Sun Goes Down (Forged Bloodlines Book 5)

Follow Me When the Sun Goes Down, the fifth book in the Forged Bloodlines series picks up seamlessly where the last one left off, with Anja freaking out over her appointment as Elder. It turns out the vampire council appreciates a candidate with the guts to take charge of the West and Anja sallies forth with her entourage (sans Maggie, sadly but understandably) to England for the Gathering.

There are some fun new characters in this one, from Macallister James, the cocky cowboy representing the sovereign nation of Texas, to the dizzying pair of seamstresses, weaving their magic to get Cinderella ready for the ball, and the wide assortment of delegates from the various vampire houses. Author Lisa Olsen excels at bringing a little something extra to these comedic vignettes in an otherwise dramatic storyline. We also finally get to meet Bishop's estranged brother Aubrey and learn the history between them and what happened to Carys. And can I just say - I wanted to stake Angel myself several times, and I never in a million years would have thought of Anja's unique brand of punishment for the b.i.t.c.h.

There are subplots a go-go in this one, and plenty of reasons for Rob to blow his cool and stake a protective claim over Anja. The twist at the end threw me for a loop and I can't wait for the gôu pì to hit the fan in the next one as Anja's secrets are revealed for the world to see.

"Me, Anja Evans, the new Elder of the West? Had I slid into an alternate dimension? What else was wonky here? Would someone bust in and announce a tornado full of sharks on the horizon in the next instant?"

Anja maintains her steady rise to power as she asserts herself as the newest vamp on the block in the world of political intrigue. Returning to England, this time as Elder of the West, to attend the first vampire Gathering held in over fifty years, she can't wait to see friends and foes alike. Not everyone's happy to see Anja again, but strangely enough, old enemy Simon Corley is the one who welcomes her with open arms. Will Anja find a new ally in the Warden of Vetis, or should she stop and count her fillings? Convinced she's over Bishop, will her resolve hold once she actually sees him, or will any hope of rekindling their love fizzle as soon as he opens his mouth? And what about Rob - can he truly keep those deep feelings bottled up inside, or will they spill out, especially when Anja's life is in danger?