MASTER BOTOSONI (Masters of the Consulate 9) by Sylvia Black-tour

MASTER BOTOSONI (Masters of the Consulate 9) by Sylvia Black -review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 19, 2024

A pureblooded vampire on a mission to hunt.
An innocent psychic with the strictest of rules.
When destiny speaks, will she break all of the rules for love?

As a pureblood, I am prepared for anything the rogue vampires bring my way. I will stop at nothing to keep them from driving us into the ground.

When a dark-haired beauty can lead us to the blood-thirsty villains, it’s clear destiny has sent us another sign.

The beautiful innocent will be mine someday. The fact she is forbidden will not deter me in any way.

But when Catina’s visions lead her into a shifter filled den, there are seconds to spare.

The decision is easy—make her my queen and end the rogues together. But when she awakens, will she choose me and immortality, or follow the rules?

••••••••

REVIEW: MASTER BOTOSONI is the ninth instalment in Sylvia Black’s contemporary adult MASTERS OF THE CONSULATE dark, erotic, paranormal romance series. This is pureblood master vampire Master BOTOSONI, and twenty-one year old, seer /fortune teller Catina’s story line. MASTER BOTOSONI can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout, and many of the previous story line characters and couples play a significant role.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Catina and Botosoni) MASTER BOTOSONI follows the hunt for a group of rogue vampires and shifters in and around Eastern Europe and the Carpathian Mountains. Catina is a seer, and Master Botosoni needs help to locate the creatures taking aim at the Master of the Consulate. As a seer, Catina is able to ‘see’ the future, and the future includes an attack against our story line heroine. Realizing Catina is much more than she claims to be, Master Botosoni claims Catina as his mate only to discover she may have betrayed them all. What ensues is the quick building relationship between our story line couple as Botosoni and the other Masters of the Consulate devise a plan to take down the rogues.

The world building focuses on family and tradition including Catina’s position as a proverbial pawn. As Catina continues to reveal the who, how and why of the approaching rogues including their search for three magical stones, Catina will have to face the family who have plans to use our story line heroine.

The relationship between Catina and Botosoni is one of immediate attraction but Catina knows her family has other plans for her future, to be sold to the highest bidder. As a member of what I suspect are a tribe of wandering Roma, Catina is used and abused, and her value as a woman of marrying age has past. Master Botosoni knows immediately that Catina is his fated mate but he suspects he may need approval to mate a human female. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There are some scenes of bondage and discipline.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters many of whom were introduced in the previous instalments : Master Descallia and Lucianna: Romano and Raven: Campania and Willow: Sardinia and Madria; Lucas and Embry, as well as Botosoni’s housekeeper Clara.

MASTER BOTOSONI is a story of betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, supernatural and obsession. The premise is engaging and enchanting; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are powerful and determined. MASTER BOTOSONI ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Sylvia Black is a master’s prepared paranormal romance author with a special love for old-world history and the folklore of Europe. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured this love and it grew more profound as a young child living for years in England and traveling extensively.

Sylvia likes to keep her readers on the edge of their seats one minute and fanning themselves as the heat rises in the next. Her novels feature handsome, dark-minded males who will stop at nothing to protect their mates.

The perfect day for Sylvia would be spent sitting on a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while enjoying an espresso as she writes.

While not writing, she spends time with her husband and family, including an adorable fur-baby. She enjoys traveling extensively, especially when researching for her next novel.

She also loves to spend time interacting with you, her readers, so please feel free to connect with her on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylviaBlackRomance 

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Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton – a Review

Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton – a Review

 

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Description 

  • Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, goes up against an ancient evil set on destroying all she holds dear in the new book in the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling series.

My name is Anita Blake and I’m no stranger to killing monsters. But this time, it’s personal…

The wedding of the century is almost here. My wedding – to Jean-Claude, the new vampire king of America. But not everyone wishes us well. Humans think I’m on the side of the monsters. And the vampires fear their king is under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in a thousand years – me.

When the St. Louis police summon me to a brutal murder scene linked a nationwide slaughter of vampires and humans, I know there is more than just a killer to catch. An ancient evil has arrived in town, hell bent on destroying everything – and everyone – I love.

Even I cannot face this alone. Jean-Claude and I must embrace our triumvirate to save both vampires and humans, and to prove that love conquers all. 

 

Review 

Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton is the twenty-ninth book in her series with our Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake. 

It’s not necessary to read them all (it’s a pretty long series) but it does help a little. But saying that I’ve not read them all, I’ve only read her recent ones, and I managed to keep abreast of who is who and what is what ? 

Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude. (They’ve been an item/couple for many years, and you’ll see their relationship in most of the books) 

So the story starts with Anita’s best friend U.S. Marshall Ted Forrester. Whilst he is admiring himself in his  best man clothing, Anita gets a phone call from the local police. They think the Sunshine Murderer has hit again. 

But, that’s not the only thing going on in St. Louis. An ancient being has arrived to challenge Jean-Claude for his vampire crown. And it’s not looking good for Jean-Claude! He might be the most powerful vampire around, but he’s still no match for the newcomer! Will he lose his crown? 

Then you have both humans and vampires thinking neither one should be with the other! Humans think Anita will take the vampire’s side over theirs, and the vampires think Anita will eventually turn their king against them! 

Although I’ve not read all the books in this series, the ones I’ve read have given me the impression Anita has become a pretty powerful entity, she has many powers at her fingertips, and this book sees her utilising most of them…..

So, what with keeping her vampire partner alive and on his thrown, she’s keeping humans happy, the vampires are needing constant reassurance she’s not out for his powers, she’s also trying to work out who the Sunshine murder is and can she catch them this time? Anita did seem to be juggling quite a few emotional balls in the air as well! Did she need to be? I didn’t think so! But that’s just me ??‍♀️ 

There are a few spicy moments ? but they don’t slow us down too much (nothing as distracting when the MC’s getting carried away with page after page ?) 

I keep meaning to go to the beginning of this series, I’d love to read how far she’s come, and I’d like to know when Anita and Jean-Claude first met.

I’m also getting the feeling this was a set up for the next book! A few of the threads that could have been sorted weren’t! And I did feel the ending a little vague! 

But I did enjoy the book immensely, the author can definitely weave a tale, twenty nine books in and the character still had plenty to give. 

Will Anita and Jean-Claude get married or will the the Sunshine murderer take precedence? Will the vampires and humans get their wishes? 

I’m definitely recommending this book if your a fan of the author, and I’m suggesting if you have the time, go to the start of the series and work your way through. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
How bad can a blind date with a vampire really be?

The last thing Ryan Harding needs is his brother setting him up on dates with random women. Yes, he’s been avoiding relationships and burying himself in work, but come on, a blind date? Surely things aren’t that desperate. Still…the cute blonde at the bar is pretty amazing. Kind of sexy as hell. Why did he think a blind date was so bad again?

Grace Stanhope has no interest in dating mortals, but she owes her best friend one hell of a favor. A blind date with a human can’t be all that bad right? She might even have a nice time…but oh god is he three of her most favorite things? Tall, dark, AND handsome!?!

Before the night is through, sparks fly, spells are cast, and this blind date just might have a bite to it…

 

Review:

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith is a standalone novel.  Grace is a 160 year old vampire, who is about to go on a blind date with a human! Reading that, I wasn’t expecting much of a story. It’s a Valentine story, yawn!! 

But get past the first chapter and something happens that will have you inhaling the book until it’s done. It’s only 133 pages (9 chapters) long, so it won’t take long. But nothing is missing, nothing is skipped, and you won’t feel cheated (you’ll only want it to last a little longer ?

Grace and Ryan are a great couple, once we get past the cheese that Valentine’s seems to bring out in people, you’ll enjoy the interaction and chemistry between the two characters. Grace has loved and lost lovers before, so she’s hesitant to let love in again…. 

Ryan lives to work, he throws himself into his job (?) he doesn’t want or need that special someone in his life, and he certainly doesn’t need his brother fixing group in a blind date thank you very much. Although when he spots his date at the bar, he’s not so certain ? 

Meeting up for a blind date on Valentine’s Day could have had disastrous consequences, but the couple hit it off. But someone wants to split the new couple up! Who and why? 

I’ve read a few of the author’s historical books (loved them) I’ve read and loved her contemporary romances, but as I’m a PNR (paranormal romance) reader, and I love her PNR works. 

So can a vampire and a workaholic really make a go of it? Or will Grace have cold feet? Does she really want to see another lover grow old and die? And can Ryan leave his laptop alone for long enough to embrace a little fun and romance? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Enchant The Dawn (Enchant 2) by Amanda Ashley-a review

ENCHANT THE DAWN (Enchant #2) by Amanda Ashely-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 23, 2022

Set in steamy New Orleans, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amanda Ashley delivers a sensually-charged and intelligent vampire romance perfect fans of J.R. Ward and Christine Feehan!

Desire. Danger. Deception. The scion of the Falconer vampire clan inspires them all…

When a mysterious man rescues Madison Bainbridge from a random attack, she sees only his broad shoulders, his gray eyes, his kindness. But as she gets to know Dominic, her attraction wars with the certainty he’s keeping big secrets. Who is the menacing beauty following him around? What of the palm-reader who stops her in the park? And who’s watching them from the shadows?

Young vampire Dominic Falconer wanted nothing more than a few weeks in New Orleans, a chance to see the city on his own. He didn’t expect to be captivated by lovely Maddy—or for enemies to surround him, eager to use the stirrings of his heart to bring down his family.

A hostile rival is out for vengeance. Dominic’s fellow Hungarian vampires are vanishing without a trace. And the shadowy Knights of the Dark Wood want nothing more than to get hold of Dominic himself. But Dominic and Maddy have a connection worth fighting for—and a passion that will awaken the unexpected in them both .

•••••

REVIEW:ENCHANT THE DAWN is the second instalment in Amanda Ashley’s contemporary, adult ENCHANT paranormal, romance series. This is twenty-five year old, vampire Dominic Falconer , and Madison Bainbridge’s story line. ENCHANT THE DAWN can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one ENCHANT THE NIGHT.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty-five year earlier, vampire Quill Falconer, killed the leader of the Knights of the Dark Wood, a brotherhood of warlocks whose goal is to rid the world of the blood sucking vampires.

Told from third person perspective ENCHANT THE DAWN picks up twenty five years after the killing of the last Elder Knight, and the Knights of the Dark Wood are seeking vengeance for the one that they lost. Unable to locate the vampire responsible, the Knights discover that Quill Falconer’s vampire son Dominic Falconer is currently living in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Knights are determined to get their revenge targeting our story line hero. Dominic Falconer is protected by his great grandmother Ava, a powerful witch who knows a thing or two about revenge, herself, and with her magic, Ava intends to protect a young man who is determined to protect the woman he will love.

Meanwhile, a young woman is saved from an attack by our story line hero, a young woman with whom Dominic will fall in love. Enter Madison Bainbridge, a woman who is about to discover a world of supernatural creatures, creatures whose powers she knows nothing about. What ensues is the building but struggling romance and relationship between Dominic and Madison, and the potential fall-out as our couple are target by more than one predator, targeted for sins of the past.

There is more than one magical creature looking for our story line hero. From the Knights of the Dark Wood, to a warlock desperate for his freedom, to a female vampire whose lust for the Falconer blood knows no boundaries including past alliances and sins. Dominic is determined to woo the woman that calls to his heart, a woman who will quickly learn there is something more in the world in which she lives.

The relationship between Dominic and Madison is a slow building romance. Dominic struggles to reveal the nature of his beast, fearing Madison will not accept the man he has become. Madison struggles with the truth about the man with whom she is falling in love but quickly realizes it is the man that she loves, not the monster within. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include Elder Knight Gregory, warlock Jasper, Dominic’s great grandmother Ava Langley, vampire Claret, Madison’s parents, as well as the return of Dominic’s parents Quill and Callie Falconer.

ENCHANT THE DAWN is a detailed and complex story of revenge and obsession, magic and power, love and forever. I recommend reading book one as the events of the current time are as of a direct result of the events of book one. The premise is intriguing and entertaining but something was missing –there is more telling than showing; the characters are interesting and energetic; the romance is subtle .

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Youngblood by Sasha Laurens – a Review

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens – a Review

 

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Description:
Kat Finn and her mother can barely make ends meet living among humans. Like all vampires, they must drink Hema, an expensive synthetic blood substitute, to survive, as nearly all of humanity has been infected by a virus that’s fatal to vampires. Kat isn’t looking forward to an immortal life of barely scraping by, but when she learns she’s been accepted to the Harcote School, a prestigious prep school that’s secretly vampires-only, she knows her fortune is about to change.

Taylor Sanger has grown up in the wealthy vampire world, but she’s tired of its backward, conservative values—especially when it comes to sexuality, since she’s an out-and-proud lesbian. She only has to suffer through a two more years of Harcote before she’s free. But when she discovers her new roommate is Kat Finn, she’s horrified. Because she and Kat used to be best friends, a long time ago, and it didn’t end well.

When Taylor stumbles upon the dead body of a vampire, and Kat makes a shocking discovery in the school’s archives, the two realize that there are deep secrets at Harcote—secrets that link them to the most powerful figures in Vampirdom and to the synthetic blood they all rely on.

 

 

Review:

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens is a YA fantasy standalone novel. We meet Kat Finn, our heroine, who is a vampire, living with her mom, among humans; they must drink Hema, a synthetic blood substitute to survive.  Kat is happy being friends with many of her human classmates, but knows that she and her mother barely scrape by.  Kat is thrilled to learn that she has been accepted to Harcote School, an elite private school for young vampires only, especially for the wealthy; someone anonymous has paid all her expenses.  Kat’s mom does not want her to go, but she wants to learn more about youngbloods like herself, especially having been isolated from vampires all her life.

Taylor Sanger, the second heroine, has attended Harcote for three years, and is shocked to learn her new roommate is a former friend, who she hasn’t seen in years.  Taylor hasn’t forgotten that Kat and her mother left a long time ago, without saying goodbye; and both remain distant though civil. Taylor is openly a proud lesbian, and avoids Kat, who joins with some of the mean girls, as well as the school hunk, Galen Black. In a short time, Kat begins to have some feelings for Taylor, but still pushes herself to see Galen, since she considers herself straight.

When Taylor finds her favorite teacher dead, they both become entangled in a dark conspiracy that threatens Vampiredon. CFAD, is a blood disorder in humans that is fatal to vampires; Hema is the blood substitute vampires use to stay alive.  With the death of the school teacher, Taylor and Kat learn from archives that a cure has been found to allow vampires to be able to use human blood.  Who is behind the murder of the teacher, and why they want to stop the possible cure?

What follows is an excellent story that towards the end, became very exciting.  As we get closer to the end, Kat realizes her feelings for Taylor has gotten stronger.  Kat was a great heroine, always independent in doing what she thought best, and not allowing others to change her mind.  Taylor was also great, not caring what people thought of her, and determined to discover the truths.  I really enjoyed Youngblood, which was well written by Sasha Laurens

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Lover Arisen by JR Ward-Review & Giveaway

Lover Arisen (Black Dagger Brotherhood 20) by JR Ward-Review & Giveaway

LOVER ARISEN
Black Dagger Brotherhood #20
by JR Ward
Release Date: April 5, 2022
Genre: adult, paranormal, vampire, romance

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Possessed by the demon Devina, Balthazar is once again on the hunt for the Book of Spells—and fighting an undeniable attraction to a woman. As a thief, he has stolen a lot of things…but he never thought his heart would be taken by another. Especially not a human.

As a homicide detective, Erika Saunders knows there is something otherworldly going on in Caldwell, New York. Mutilated bodies that cannot be explained are all over her case list—and then there are her nightmares in which she’s hunted by shadows and captivated by a mysterious man who is both a suspect and a savior.

When Devina’s wish for true love is finally granted, Balthazar and Erika unwittingly become the gateway for the rebirth of an old enemy of the Brothers. Will the very thing that brings them together lead to the ultimate destruction of the Brotherhood? Or will they have to lose everything in order to save the race’s most sacred defenders?

•••••

REVIEW: LOVER ARISEN is the twentieth instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series focusing on the elite group of vampire warriors known as the Black Dagger Brotherhood. This is Band of B&stards warrior Balthazar, son of Hanst, and Caldwell New York homicide detective Erika Saunders’ story line. LOVER ARISEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order or the previous book Lover Unveiled where Balz and Erika’s story begins. As per JR Ward’s style of writing, LOVER ARISEN follows several intersecting paths including the beginning or ending for another story line couple.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including memories of violence and death, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. If you have not read book 19, Lover Unveiled, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from numerous third person perspectives including Balthazar and Erika, following several paths, LOVER ARISEN continues to focus on the take down of the demon Devina, and the search for the location of an ancient tome, the Book of Spells. Balthazar is desperate to rid himself of the demon known as Devina, a demon who has taken possession of our story line hero in the wake of our hero’s last robbery and theft. Balthazar is desperate to locate the Book of Spells in the hopes of uncovering the how and why of his current predicament but a trip to a local bookstore has Balthazar, once again, coming face to face with the woman that calls to his heart, a woman who has seen more than anyone could have ever imagined. Enter Caldwell homicide detective Erika Saunders, and the woman/female with whom Balthazar will fall in love but not before Balz sacrifices himself to stop the insanity of Devina’s possession. What ensues is the building relationship between Balthazar and Erika; the return of an old enemy 2.0; and the relinquishment of love and a happily ever after for someone else.

Homicide detective Erika Saunders knows there is something else going on in Caldwell New York, something ‘other’, something not easily explained or understood, and meeting Balthazar our heroine knows immediately he is the answer to her questions. Falling for Balthazar means being pulled into a life she knows nothing about but a life that has experienced the devastation and horrific atrocities of monsters and demons. Hoping to eradicate the demon Devina from his life and his mind, Balthazar goes on a quest to uncover the truth but desperation calls for a violent end, an end to the possibility of his own future and love.

Nate, the adopted son of Muhrder and Sarah has fallen for the young vampire female Rahvyn but a night on the town ends in disaster, and Nate hangs between the precipice of life and the Fade. Female vampire Rahvyn aka Elyn, struggles with her powers, powers that are beyond that of anyone who has come before but with her powers comes the control between life and death, and in this, Rahvyn battles between head and heart knowing to use her powers, means someone else’s choice has been taken away. Nate isn’t the only being to have fallen in love with Rahvyn but to save someone means to sacrifice someone else.

The relationship between Balthazar and Erika begins in Lover Unveiled where Balthazar has had to wipe the memories of our story line heroine. Erika is struggling to remember recent events, a black void where several hours has gone missing. Literally running into Balthazar triggers something within Erika Saunders, a trigger wherein she knows Balthazar has something to do with the missing time. Balthazar knows that Erika is his mate but his life is no longer under his control.In an effort to protect the people he loves, Balz finds solace with our story line heroine, a solace that may be short lived in the face of his position with the Black Dagger Brotherhood. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the Brothers make cameo appearances including Wrath, V, Butch, Rhage, and Tohr, while others by mention or recall; Jane, Manny, BDB doggen Fritz; and our beloved Fallen Angel aka Scribe Virgin Lassiter. We are introduced to Erika’s partner Detective Treyvon Abscott. Lassiter’s story line is next….yay !

LOVER ARISEN is the beginning of a new series arc for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. It is the story of family and relationships, betrayal and vengeance, love and acceptance, sacrifice and hope. The character driven premise is detailed, complex and captivating; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are energetic, powerful and engaging.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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J.R. Ward is the author of more than thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. There are more than fifteen million copies of her novels in print worldwide, and they have been published in twenty-six different countries around the world. She lives in the South with her family.

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JR Ward’s publisher (Simon and Schuster) is offering a paper copy of LOVER ARISEN  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

 

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Description:
Hunter Evans risked his life again and again as a firefighter until the night he died saving a child…only to be reborn as a vampire. Now the man who lived his life as the quintessential “nice guy” must find a way to conquer the deadly urges that threaten to turn him feral. When his own actions put a beautiful woman in danger, he vows to protect her…even from himself.

Alice Darlington has a secret of her own: she sees ghosts. She thought she’d done a good job of keeping it under wraps—until now. A terrible threat from her past is hunting her down in order to use her power for dark purposes. Now she’s on the run and doesn’t know who to trust or where to go.

When Hunter and Alice team up to battle the dangers coming at them from all sides, they’re forced to rely on each other. But Hunter doesn’t know how long he can keep the beast inside him away from the woman it craves…

The Vampire Motorcycle Club series is best enjoyed in order:
Book #1 Bane’s Choice
Book #2 Hunter’s Hope

 

 

Review :

Hunter’s Choice by Alyssa Day is the second book in her Vampire Motorcycle Club series. I have not read the first book, but I’m definitely going back to read it. I’ve not read this author in a while (I loved her Atlantis Series)

This series concentrates on a motorbike gang, but not an ordinary MC gang, this one has vampires riding the bikes. It did remind me a little of Patricia A. Rasey’s Sons of Sangue Series. 

Hunter is considered a “young” vampire as he’d only recently been turned. He’s fighting his revulsion at the the decision to take his old life away and replace it with a new one! And it’s one he’s not sure he can get a grip of! His new diet is causing him anxiety and stress, he thinks he’s going to kill someone’s with his newfound strength and hunger! But all that changes when he meets Alice….

Alice can see ghosts! She’s been able to see them for a long time, hiding the fact from everyone she knows. But when her past comes back to “haunt” her, she’s unsure where to go, can she really trust this stranger who holds a dark attraction for her? And how will she cope when she finds out there is more than just ghosts in her world… Vampires, demons and werewolves for a start! 

I really liked the premise of this story, it’s a little slow and not much interaction with the MC part. But it has great dialogue, parts had me chuckling. It also shows us how newly turned vampires deal with their new life. And the ghost element was a great addition (usually the female is just some ordinary human who stumbles into the supernatural world. I also liked how the couple work together figuring out who and what wants Alice. Maybe I’ve read too many MC books lately, maybe I’ve read too many dark romances to fully appreciate this one, I found it a little tame, there could have been more battles, it could have been a little darker. But it’s still a great read, and I’ve added this series on my TBR list. 

I’d recommend it for those who like their vampires a little less dark and who fight their basic urges ?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair – a Review

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair – a Review

 

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Description:
Their Union Is His Revenge.

Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king, Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him. ⠀

But her assassination attempt is thwarted and Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court. ⠀

Except it isn’t the court she fears most—it’s Adrain. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king——fierce, savage, merciless—chose her as consort. ⠀

The answer will shatter her world.

 

 

Review:

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St Clair is the first book in her new Adrian X Isolde series.  King of Battle and Blood is an intense and steamy sexy romance between an unlikely couple (human and vampire) that were enemies to lovers.

Isolde de Lara, our heroine, is a princess of Lara, who loves her land, which she will one day become Queen. She is strong, tough, independent, savvy, and an excellent swordswoman; especially her ability to use knives.  In the past year, the Blood King has attacked many of the other lands (The Nine Kingdoms), to take over control, and now they are approaching her kingdom.

Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, our vampire hero, is known as the Blood King, and after accidently meeting Isolde in the woods, he is obsessed with her, which we will learn more towards the end. Adrian approaches the king (Isolde’s father), and asks for her hand in marriage, promising he will not attack their kingdom.  Isolde being human, hates the vampires and Adrian, but despite her father’s denial, Isolde agrees to marry Adrian, in order to save their country. 

After the wedding ceremony, she will travel to Revekka, the Red Palace, Adrian’s kingdom, to become its queen. The relationship between Adrian and Isolde becomes very steamy, as despite her hatred for him, she cannot resist him, nor he resists her.  The chemistry between them was sizzling hot lust for each other and insatiable.  During their travel to his kingdom, and upon arriving, Isolde will learn more about the kingdom and truths about the vampires, which was not how she was brought up. 

What follows is an exciting adventure, that will pit Adrian and Isolde against his ruthless court, who are determined to stop him, even to the point of killing Isolde.  Isolde finds herself falling in love with Adrian, especially after learning the truths of the past and what made Adrian choose her to be his Queen; but she knows the pressure from her father to kill Adrian. The more she learns, the more she distrusts her father and the kingdoms.  I loved Isolde, as she was a strong fearless badass heroine, who stood up to anyone.  I also loved Adrian, as he loved Isolde, and was patient in waiting for her to discover the truths of the past.

As we enter the last third of the book, everything escalates, including an evil witch from the past, who is hell bent to destroy everyone.  So many surprises and twists that made the ending so phenomenal.  King of Battle & Blood was a sexy steamy erotic, and fast-paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat.  This was very well written by Scarlett St Clair, and if you enjoy fantasy, vampires, you should be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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