I read the part 2 of the series and I think I like the first book better. The intensity between Valtu and Mina/Lucy/Dahlia/Rose is stronger than it is in the second. I’m not sure if the second doesn’t hold up as well because it was semi rushed but something doesn’t add up for me. I enjoyed the reveal of Valtu gaining his memories back and the lead up scenes to that. I liked how Halle explored his torment of seeing his lost love being taken and rebirth es over and over. The plot aspect wasn’t that interesting. In comparison to Blood Orange, the plot is much more interesting and makes more sense. In the Black Rose, it’s not really mentioned like seriously until the very end but that gets wrapped up pretty quickly. A part of me wishes the author chose a different route involving the conflict because it feels unfinished. Overall, the duet was pretty solid.