Review: Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis

Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis

Amazon Product Description:
With the challenge complete and the corrupt Alpha of Coldspring defeated Fane is now free to complete the mate bond with Jacque and perform the Blood Rites. Although the challenge is done, the affects are far reaching. Once it is known that Vasile one of the strongest Alphas in the world is in America, specifically Coldspring, TX, there is one Alpha who cannot over look the significance of this. An Alpha who happens to share Jacque's DNA, but is this the one she needs to fear? 
With her mom driving and her two best friends, Jen and Sally in tow, Jacque set off for her happily ever after. She will soon realize a plan has been put in motion that will change her course and possibly tear her from Fane's grasp forever. It will take a wolf pack, her mother's love, her two best friend's unrelenting determination, her own will to survive and the undying love of her mate to bring her home. The question remains, if she fights, if she endures, who will she be, what will be left once she is back in her mates arms?
My thoughts:
This was my first book by Quinn Loftis.  I was thrilled!  I have already gone and gotten Prince of Wolves and absolutely cannot wait for the next book, Just One Drop, which is sure to be Jen and Decebel's story!  That is sure to be a wild ride!  
So...about this book:
The characters are wonderful.  Each has a fantastic and well developed personality.  They seem to embody the very ideas of family, friendship, and loyalty.  At times I had a hard time putting these personalities into teenagers, but loved them just the same.  I was fascinated by the 3 musketeers-type relationship between Jen, Sally and Jac - three women that get along is rare and it was fun to be a part of it while reading the story.  The men in the book are incredible - even the bad guys! 
One of my favorite parts of shifter stories is the bond/soul mate idea.  I love the dedication and give all that we see in bonded pairs.  Alina (Fane's mother) tells Jen about the bond on page 145/146 and it is amazingly written!  The last sentence goes like this, 
     "She gets a friend, a lover, a mate, the only man in this world who can complete her and give her the other half of her soul."
I can't imagine that kind of total devotion - although the thought of someone being able to read my mind at any given time is terrifying!
The story is a well paced emotional roller coaster and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.  I couldn't turn the pages fast enough for my liking, but was so into the story that skimming to get to the next page faster was absolutely NOT an option! 
If you enjoy shifter stories, or if you have even wanted to read a shifter story to see if you would like them - DO NOT miss this one!