by Susannah Sandlin
Series: Penton Legacy #4
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
From award-winning author Susannah Sandlin comes the fourth book in the smart and steamy Penton Legacy series. British vampire psychiatrist and former mercenary Cage Reynolds returns to Penton, Alabama, looking for a permanent home. The town has been ravaged by the ongoing vampire war and the shortage of untainted human blood, and now the vampires and humans that make up the Omega Force are trying to rebuild. Cage hopes to help the cause, put down roots in Penton, and resolve his relationship with Melissa Calvert. The last thing he expects is an attraction to Robin Ashton, a trash-talking eagle shape-shifter and new Omega recruit. Meanwhile, as a dangerous saboteur wreaks havoc in Penton, the ruthless Vampire Tribunal leader Matthias Ludlam has been freed on the eve of his scheduled execution. But by whom? And to what end? As war and chaos rage on, love is the last thing Cage is looking for, but will his attraction to Robin distract him from the danger living among them?
Allegiance is the fourth novel in Susannah Sandlin’s Penton Legacy series, and I was eager to get back to this small-town and its characters. Sandlin’s paranormal romantic suspense series has been intense from the first book, with fleshed out characters, and an action-packed plot. While Sandlin does a great job of filling in the details, I highly recommend reading the Penton series in order. Each tale continues the overall arc and tells the story of one couple. Allegiance grabbed me from page one and had me holding my breath, swooning and laughing.
Penton, Alabama is home to vampires and humans living side-by-side. Master vampire Aidan Murphy leads the group and outside forces have been working to crush this model community. In Sandlin’s world, a vaccine created to treat a global outbreak has had a nasty side effect. The blood of vaccinated humans is now deadly to vampires. The series has given us hot romances, intense battles, backstabbing politics and a nemesis to make you shiver with fear. The town was ravaged, but out of the debris, an elite force was created known as Omega Force. Uniting human military with the supernatural and you can learn more about them in the spin-off series Omega Force.
The leaders of Omega Force have sent Robin an eagle-shifter and Nik, who can see the past by touching objects to help rebuild Penton. You will adore Robin. She might look like a pixie, but her tongue is sharp and she can pack a punch. I adored Robin in Storm Force and absolutely loved seeing her in Allegiance. Cage Reynolds a British vampire we met in the last book has returned with plans to become a permanent resident. Cage is a psychiatrist and former mercenary and the man will definitely make you swoon.
Allegiance was an intense ride, and I consumed this in a short time. Outside forces are working to destroy Penton and its alliance with the Tribunal. Matthias Ludlum has escaped but who helped him? Accidents and strange sightings have the folks of Penton on alert even as they forge new friendships with Robin and Nate. Melissa Calvert and Cage work to resolve things, and we see tremendous growth in her as a character. The interaction between Robin and Mirren Kincaid is downright hilarious. I laughed so hard; I had tears. The romance that develops between Robin and Cage was delightful. They are both alpha personalities, and it caused moments of humor for me, as these two dealt with their inner feelings and attraction to each other. Sandlin brought heat to their romance, and it felt genuine. My heart was in my throat as this intense tale unfolded. No one was safe, and the diabolical happens had me flipping the pages. The tale had a wonderful flow to it, with action-packed scenes and moments of fear. This had some dark elements to it that will raise the hair on the back of your neck. Sandlin weaves humor and a steamy romance into the story perfectly balances out the tale and providing me with that book high I constantly chase. We are far from done with Penton, and I cannot wait to return.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Tanya
I get so excited when I find a new vampire book! I can’t wait to start reading this series now:)
Naomi
Love the review Kimberly! I need to get this one myself, since I loved the first 3 so much! I want more of this world and the characters. Robin sounds like a great girl… love that she’s a shifter!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, did you read Storm Force yet? It introduces Robyn and I kind of recommend reading it first even though it is a separate series since they intertwine.
aurian
Great review Kimba, thank you! I do love this series and can’t wait to read this one myself!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I love when we both like a series!
Teddyree
Ooh vampires … I want! but the ‘creepy eye’ covers aren’t doing it for me lol
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..his eyes are a little creepy. Thanks Teddyree
Jessica
I haven’t tried this series yet, but you’ve definitely made me curious. I think I’ve seen them on the Amazon Prime list, so maybe I’ll have to borrow one for my book this month 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo hope you find it there 🙂
Livia
I’ve only read the first in the series, but it was a lot of fun and I liked the worldbuilding too. Glad to hear the rest of the reads are just as fun, I’m gonna finish reading the series…at some point, lol.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I have been there done that…. so glad you enjoyed book one!
Paij Slater
I need to read this series!!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, yes you do Paij!
Melliane
Oh I love this series and I have the book but I’m so late! I’m so curious to read it as well, it sounds really good!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, so glad you love them too..this has a darker tone, laced with humor.
brandileigh2003
This does sound intense and like it would keep you on edge of the seat and wanting more
kimbacaffeinate
Me too, I love that edgy page turning suspense!
Maida
“The series has given us hot romances, intense battles, backstabbing politics and a nemesis to make you shiver with fear.” —> What’s not to love!!?? This sounds absolutely fantastic! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this series before. I love action, romance and great characters, so I am looking forward to giving this series a try. Plus, I really like the sound of the story arc and world of this series too. Glad you enjoyed this, Kimba! Fabulous review! Love the YUMMY covers! LOL :p
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Maida, I have really enjoyed each installment and I am eager for more!
Angela Adams
The eyes on that book cover are mesmerizing.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, thanks Angela!
Lauren
I really need to read this series! So glad to hear you’re enjoying it still and recommending it so highly. Time for me to bite the bullet and get book one. PS these covers are yummy!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, bite the bullet!
Stephanie Faris
The glowy eyes on those covers creep me out. They’d probably haunt my dreams if I read the books!
kimbacaffeinate
oh no, think happy thoughts!
Lupdilup
The only reason I’m not listening to this right now is because the new Outlander book came out today, and after waiting 5 years I couldn’t wait a minute longer..LOL
I’m so thrilled this is good 🙂 This is another series I picked up because of your reviews! BTW, they rock on audio.
Thanks Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha…you are excused.
Franny
Oh, a new series to put my eyes on!! Thank you for your beautiful review, Kimberly, and boy if those covers look cute!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Franny, I hope you give this series a go!
Heidi
I have got to get back to this series. I have only read the first two, and I agree Susannah (Suzanne) always knows how to entertain me. Glad this series is still going strong for you. I intend to get on it soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes and be sure and add Storm Force as well, it adds to this tale as far as getting to know new characters.
Tanja
I have seen this series around and it sounds really good. I’m so happy that the fourth book didn’t disappoint. I need to get to read this some day. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Tanja.. I enjoyed it.
Braine Talk Supe
Oh cool! This reminds me of Larissa Ione’s MoonBound Clan Vampire series where it’s paranormal but very science-y too. Sorry I’m not very articulate today, I don’t know how to describe it but I know you get what I’m trying to say.
kimbacaffeinate
I get ya, and yeah there is some twisted science in here, as well as a strong UF vibe.
Lily
I have to admit I haven’t sat down to read anything by this author but i’m kind of intrigued by the sounds of her books! Definitely adding them to my TBR pile
kimbacaffeinate
I love her books under both names and hope you try her!
Mary
Really? She writes the Sentinels of New Orleans? Love that series, which means that even though I’m very bias against Montlake (haven’t had ANY good experiences there…yet), I’m going to have to check out this series! Thanks for that!
kimbacaffeinate
I have read every book ever written by her under both names and loved them all Mary.
miki
This is a great addition to the series, not my favourite book in it but i loved it and Yes Robin is a fantastic addition and will make us laugh i’m sure
Nik ( ^^ not nate by the way ^^) is also a great characther and i do hope we will have more of him later
it’s really a series to try but read in order is better (and you can add Storm Force from where Robin are Nik are oriniated in your reading list as well it’s more a paranormal thriller than paranormal romance but with a team of shifters ( diffrenet kind, lot of action, humour and yes romance too)
kimbacaffeinate
I read them in order, and Storm Force, I liked the darker, more open tone of this one. Hopefully the next book will have you smiling again Miki
sherry fundin
I just skimmed the review because I haven’t read any of these. Seems like I’m missing out on a good thing. ^_^
kimbacaffeinate
I love this author, so I hope you look for book one 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
I picked up the first one in this series. I am going to see if it is a good fit for me 🙂 I think she will be!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Felicia. I am not sure but I think Loupe listens to these.
Candace
Ali gifted me the first book and I’m excited to pick it up. Especially after reading this review and hearing that she’s an auto-buy author. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo..enjoy my friend and Ali rocks.
Jenea
I haven’t read a good vampire book in quite a while, and this does sound like it is really good. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jenea, I hope you decide to try one..no sparkles.
Debbie Haupt
Oh my this series sound terrific and your rating just made me order the first in the series.
Thanks Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Debbie, she is talented and I love visiting Penton.
Andrea
I have the first two books in the series, just haven’t had a chance to get started. I love her books as Suzanne Johnson.
Glad you enjoyed Allegiance, Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
i can honestly say I have loved every book she has written under both names.
Michelle
I love that this author is an auto-buy for you. That alone, is enough to make me want to try something by her.
Great review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have read all of her books under both names and honestly loved them all!
Jenny
Paranormal romantic suspense? YES PLEASE! Plus an eagle shifter? Even better. I don’t think I’ve read a book that features an eagle shifter yet, so I can’t wait to meet Robin! This series is a new must for me Kim:)
kimbacaffeinate
Robin was hoot Jenny. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series.
Nick
That is an unfortunate cover, but the actually story line sounds great. I like how it’s a paranormal story set in a small-town. I’m glad that you enjoyed this book as much as the previous books, Kim. I need to keep an eye on this series.
kimbacaffeinate
You don’t like the cover? LOL This series has been a blast to read.
kindlemom1
I have been wondering when we would see your review for this one. 😉
I am so glad you loved this one as well, I really do love this series and I am really excited about the ending and what it means for the future of Penton.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Whenever possible I try to review on release date or right around since I think it boosts the book more. I devoured it last month. I love how dark this one was and like you I cannot wait for the next book!
Carmel
I was a bit turned off by this series because of the vampires; I think I’m burnt out where they are concerned. Everyone seems to be really diggin’ these books though, so I might make an exception for Sandlin! Plus, the fact that one of my go-to reviewers gave this one 4.5 stars bodes well. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
When I first read book one, it had an urban fantasy vibe, even though it is set in a rural town. I think you might enjoy these Carmel.
Michelle
Another great series to follow! I love discovering wonderful books. I think many of my TBR books come from your list. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
It is I have been enjoying it Michelle 🙂
Red Iza
It looks very good, I’ve just added it to my to-read list (category : next) and wish-list. Thanks for the review… and the discovery 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy! I look forward to your thoughts 🙂
blodeuedd
i still have not tried that other series either by her
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo well you need to remedy that 🙂
Christy
I swear, between you and Ali, I KNOW I have to read these. Might as well do it soon since the 4th book in the SoNO series is so far away.
kimbacaffeinate
You love her Sentinels of New Orleans series so yes, yes, yes! These have an urban fantasy vibe too them, even though they are paranormal.