Bloody Valentine (Blue Bloods #5.5)

Summary:

"The Blue Bloods have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shape-shift, and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even those immortal vampires, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, part of the best-selling Blue Bloods series, author Melissa de la Cruz offers three tantalizing stories that delve deep into the love lives of the all-powerful vamps (and their Red Blood friends) from New York's Upper East Side. Might a witchy new girl help cure Oliver's broken heart? How did Allegra fall in love with a human? Will Schuyler and Jack finally be bonded?

Romantic and sensual, Bloody Valentine reveals the undying love, the hope and devastation, and the lust and longing that have defined the Blue Bloods throughout history. Prepare to be swept off your feet."

Reading this Novella is not a must to the series. In fact the 6th book quickly brushes up on these events. However... for fans of the series it is nice. We learn how Oliver copes with Schuyler's departure and we meet Freya, which is nice.. and I think I even enjoyed this more. Since I already know Freya's character from Witches of East End. Understanding Allegra and Charlie's relationship and how it feel apart is maybe the coolest of the stories. Since at this point of the series we do not know a lot about Allegra/Gabrielle. However my favorite story is Schuyler and Jack's wedding. Especially, with the drawings. So, like I said this book is an absolute treat to fans of the series but you are not missing anything too important.

Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story

Summary:

"Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists."

The crossover I didn't know HOW bad I wanted until I discovered it was available! Carter did an awesome job combining the two worlds and sustaining my love of these characters. As everyone else has said, my only problem with this was that it was TOO short. Granted it was a Novella, I think she could have squeezed a few more pages out of it. And Can I just say W.W. Hale, man oh man do I heart you! Overall Bravo to Ms. Ally Carter.