COLD BLOOD Blog Tour ~ Excerpt and Review of COLD BLOOD by Heather Hildenbrand

Welcome to today's stop on the COLD BLOOD (Dirty Blood #2) Blog Tour!

I have a great excerpt from the book for you to enjoy, and my review of COLD BLOOD will follow.

Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process. Which happens more often than not for the freshman. Lucky for them, my presence has just stolen the spotlight, and they get a break from the daily joys of hazing. At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea. So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming committee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself, how did I end up here

Now for the excerpt:

The sound of Headmaster’s voice made me jump. I’d almost forgotten I wasn’t alone.

"If you'll wait in the lobby, your tutor will be along in a few minutes to show you to your class," said Headmaster Whitfield.

I nodded, and he disappeared back into his office.

I made my way back to the lobby and wandered along the wall, pretending to study the portraits I'd seen earlier. A few kids came and went; most of them didn't even bother to hide the fact that they were staring at me. I assumed they were trying to figure out who the new kid was, until I heard one of them whisper, "That's her," as they passed by.

“What a freak,” said the other one. Both of them looked at me like I was day old seafood.

I watched them walk away, feeling confused more than offended. I did a quick outfit check. I knew I didn’t look runway ready in my jeans and hoodie, but I hadn’t had time to change after the trip. And now, with my bags being sent to my room, I guess I wouldn’t. I ran a hand through my hair and used the tie on my wrist to pull it up into a quick ponytail. Maybe that would help.

A couple more students passed through the lobby, and I got funny looks again, but they weren’t close enough for me to hear what they were saying. I was getting paranoid. I wandered towards the wall where the polished plaques of dead alumni hung and used the reflective glass as a mirror. I pulled a lip gloss out of my backpack and slid some over my lips.

Someone cleared their throat behind me. I turned and found myself face to face with the same green eyed boy from the parking lot – and the warehouse.

"I know you," I blurted, finally managing words this time. He looked back at me with lifted brows. "I mean, I saw you. In the warehouse. You saved me. Thanks." My words were rushed partly because I was afraid he was going to bolt again and partly because my nerves were starting to get to me.

He shrugged like he wanted to be done with it, and when he spoke, his words were fast and clipped. "No biggie. I'm Alex.”

“I’m Tara.”

“You ready to go?"

"Go?" I blinked at him. "You're my tutor?"

"Apparently. Is that a problem?"

"Well, I mean, you're a kid. I guess I expected a teacher or something."

A hint of a smile appeared, but it was rough at the edges and sarcastic, like his words. "We'll make do." He gestured to the schedule I held. "Is that your class list?"

I nodded and handed it over. He skimmed it and handed it back.

"Defensive Maneuvers Two, huh? They must think you're capable enough. Hopefully they're right and training will be easier than I thought." He headed for the doors without waiting to see if I was following, or noticing that I was now glaring. "Coming?"

I rolled my eyes and followed him out.

To find out where you can read the next installment of Cold Blood, please visit www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

My Review ~

I absolutely adore love Heather Hildenbrand's writing. Her book, Across the Galaxy, is one of the first self-published books that I read, and loved. I quickly moved on to Dirty Blood, which I also devoured. So, I have been patiently waiting for the follow-up to Dirty Blood, which is Cold Blood.

Did I love Cold Blood? You bet I did. It was everything I hoped it would be, and so much more. Hildenbrand really stepped it up in book two, upping the stakes in every way.

Starting with a new setting. Tara, the smart, tough and fierce main character of the series has been sent off to boarding school to learn how to be a true Hunter. The school is a hostile new world for Tara, who is constantly taunted because of her mixed heritage. Thank goodness, though, for a few new characters, Logan, Cambria and Alex, who help Tara along the way.

Logan and Cambria, Tara's new best friends are quick to take her in, show her around, help her survive. Logan is the cool guy friend we all want to have. Cambria is, well, awesome. She is snarky, tough, and maybe known to compel people to get her way. Great friends to have, for sure.

As for Alex, hmmm...I'm not sure where to start with him. My friend, Jess at Taking it One Book at a Time, and I had a "lively" discussion, actually a swoon-fest over Alex. Namely, how we love how he trusts Tara, and her decisions. A guy who thinks a girl can decide for herself? Not something you see a lot of in YA. Oh yeah, and he is super hot, if that's something that matters to you (because it sure does to me!).The chemistry between Alex and Tara is smoking hot. Each scene they had left me wondering if they were going to fist-fight or make out!

And Wes. I love Wes, and I missed him tremendously in this book. The reason for his absence is absolutely necessary, and allows for character growth for him, and Tara. But I missed him so and my heart did a happy dance every time he showed up in a scene.

Cold Blood was a terrific read, fun, fast-paced and suspenseful. And I have to say, I really don't know what Hildenbrand will throw at us in the third book. She really threw me for a few loops in Cold Blood; I honestly didn't know what was coming next.

If you're looking for a series with a strong, female lead; a cool, unique spin on werewolves; and a love triangle that's exhilerating, not exhausting, Cold Blood and Dirty Blood are the books for you!

Favorite Quote~

"Alex stepped closer and leaned down until his lips were only a breath away from mine. 'If I'd wanted 
 you to kiss me back, you would've.' "

You can purchase COLD BLOOD at:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  | 

*I received a copy of Cold Blood from the author, in exchange for an honest review.*