From Romance Junkie's Maria Shaink

BLUE RIBBON RATING: 5 ribbons (out of 5) 

Lilith Mercury is a badass girl with the best intentions. She’s a werewolf hunter, born to the job by virtue of her father being part of an interplanetary police squad that exterminates the outlawed Lycan species. She’s great at her job and it’s never been a problem, until she meets Marco. He’s off—limits, being a werewolf and all, but their attraction is undeniable and unstoppable. Then there’s Alfred, the man who’s been her partner and roommate for years, and who she suddenly realizes is not just her friend but a very attractive man who’d do anything to warm her soul. Added into the mix is a very sexy police detective who knows how to show a lady a good time. So who’s a girl to choose?  

The story of RED is a fast—paced and highly detailed tale of a werewolf hunter in a world much like our own, but in which werewolves are common knowledge on Earth. In an interesting take on the werewolf legend, the author introduces Lycans as a race created by a mad scientist whose virus infected scores of people on another planet. These first werewolves fled to Earth, and now the people of the original planet, Terran, have agents—hunters—placed on Earth to exterminate them. I really enjoyed this departure from the norm, this blending of paranormal and science fiction genres. Ms. Kitts also blends her debut novel with fantastic details of dream analysis, enchanted journals and psychic powers. 

The characters of RED are the best part of the story. Marco is a consummate Alpha and deliciously sensual figure, a man who knows exactly what he wants and has faith that his patience will win the girl of his dreams. Alfred is just as striking—a romantic, patient man whose love for Lilith has been waiting for the right moment to give it voice. I can’t wait to read more about him in the next installment of the Lilith Mercury tales. All the characters in this story come together to create a terrific vignette of Lilith’s life, what she is like, who she really is beyond the sarcastic wit and carefully controlled emotions. The reader knows and comprehends Lilith by the end of the story, and this leaves the reader anticipating the next book for resolutions to questions posed, and new developments in the life of the huntress. Ms. Kitt’s skill in writing is something that very few debut writers are capable of. Her mastery in weaving an intricate storyline and keeping the reader enticed and on edge is what sets her apart in such a gripping way. I fully expect to see her quickly snatched up by some New York publishing house. 

The loves scenes in this story were exquisitely tasteful and well—placed. This was not just some excuse to write a lot of hot sex with little—to—no story to balance it. The whole book was oozing with sexual tension and I loved every second of it! Ms. Kitts keeps a lot of tension going on the sexual side of certain interpersonal relationships, while adding humor and fun into other aspects of the book. Every secondary character was well placed and added depth to the story, keeping the plot multilayered and vastly compelling. The scenes featuring Lilith’s great—grandfather had me teary—eyed, while scenes in Marco’s nightclub had my blood running hot. Ms. Kitts is an extremely adept writer who knows how to play to her audience’s emotions, and the personal touches she gives to each character, from Lilith’s poetry to her analysis of dreams, lend credence and humanity to the people inhabiting the pages of this work. 

RED is a book that really resonated with me, crawling up into my consciousness like silk—covered fingers. The stage has been set for the next in the Lilith Mercury Werewolf Hunter series, entitled OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION, and I cannot wait to read it when it comes out in October! Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton’s early Anita Blake stories will find a lot to love here. Ms. Kitts’ storytelling is some of the best I have read in a long time, and after finishing this novel, I felt that ache of withdrawal that only comes with reading that last page of a truly great story and cursing yourself for reading it too fast! Anita Blake fans— you have just been served!