The Golden Lily: Bloodlines, Book 2

Sydney is a genius who loves to discuss academic topics whenever she can. She admits that she usually has to dumb things down for people or risk putting them off. Among her conversation topics: the importance of wind power, the roles of ancient Greek women (particularly the hetaerae courtesans), how to drive a car with manual transmission, and the differences between vintage and contemporary Mustangs.

Sydney is an admirable character. She's incredibly smart, generous, and self-sacrificing. Even though she believes in her mission, she questions the narrow-minded, prejudicial rules the Alchemists hold dear. She goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to her charges, whom she begins to consider her friends. Adrian is the classic "bad boy with a heart of gold." Underneath his cocky, aloof exterior, he really does care about Sydney, his art, and his difficult relationship with his parents. He even confronts Sydney about her body issues and encourages her to eat more.

More romance than in Bloodlines, but still not much compared with other paranormal books. Sydney experiences her first romantic relationship, including a rather underwhelming couple of kisses as well as some hand holding and hugging. Throughout the book, Sydney flirts with vampire Adrian and has fluttery feelings toward him. Sydney wears a gauzy Greek-style costume that leaves a few guys hot and bothered. Angeline makes initially unwanted overtures toward Eddie.

Car-loving Sydney discusses her Subaru Outback and two Mustangs that impress her: a new one and a classic.