Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

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

 

 

Share

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

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

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

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

Share

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens – a Review

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

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

 

Share

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

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /

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

FOLLOW: Facebook Twitter Goodreads / Website/

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.

Don’t forget to sign-up for exclusive Black Dagger Brotherhood original content:
HERE

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

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow & Like  J.R. Ward on Facebook.

4. Follow & Like Simon and Schuster on Facebook.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe  on FACEBOOK  for an additional entry.

6. LIKE / Follow THE READING CAFE  on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway is open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from April 4-9, 2022

Share

Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

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

 

 

Share

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

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

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

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

 

 

Share

The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith – a Review

The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Tasha Bellamy never expected to get lost in a snowstorm in the Swiss Alps, nor did she expect to fall into a cave and find a sleeping dragon…literally.

One touch awakens the black dragon and he transforms into a gorgeous, ancient, Russian warrior named Vasili.

She soon learns that Vasili has been missing from the world for more than seven hundred years after going on a quest for a dragon stone. But the quest cost Vasili his mate, and driven mad with grief, he sealed himself inside the cave to die.

Tasha can’t help but be drawn to the stormy-eyed dragon shifter and soon learns that her future and Vasili’s are entwined with his far more than she ever could have imagined when he tells her they are possible true mates.

Unable to resist falling for the noble-hearted dragon who’s touch sets her body aflame with desire, she yearns to heal his broken heart, but a revelation of her past might tear them apart.

 

 

Review: 

The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith is the fourth book in the Brothers of Ash and Fire series. I’ve not read the previous ones, and after this one I’m off to find me some dragons ?

I have read some of the authors contemporary and historical romances, so when I got the chance to read one of her paranormal romances, I grabbed my kindle and said yes please…..

There are different dragons that have sole purposes in life, guardians, questing, hoarding and what I’d deem the leader (patriarch/matriarch). 

Vasili was known as a questing dragon, he had to locate and retrieve heart stones (they were used to keep human mates alive longer for their dragon mates). Upon locating one, he’s about to return home…..

When both he and his mate (a female dragon) are attacked! Needless to say, he loses both his mate and his will to live ? Burying himself in a mountain he ends his life……Or so he assumes…..The touch of a human female brings him back to life! 

Tasha knows about dragons, she’s aware of their existence. But she never thought she’d come face to face with one, or find out she’s a potential mate! But trying to get Vasili to agree to becoming her mate is proving hard! As far as he is concerned he’s not good mate material! He let down one mate, there is no way he’d survive losing another! But slowly and with patience, Tasha wins him over. 

But there are things going on in the background that could break this couple before they even have a chance! I loved it. I love a good dragon /shifter romance, and this one ticked all my boxes. Plenty of action, magic, secrets and a couple of twists. 

Tasha is just a wonderful character, strong and determined. Knowing about the dragon world definitely gives her an edge (we don’t get the hysterical female running from her mate!) And Vasili is just great, a mixture of alpha and protector (Questing dragons are more adventurous than aggressive) and it shows when he loses his first mate (dragons usually die when their mate dies) he doesn’t want to go on….But watching as they grow as a couple in the book was very rewarding. 

A few steamy scenes to catch my kindle alight ? and I couldn’t put the book down till the end. We get to meet previous couples, potential couples and some really great characters. It’s just great writing. I’m adding her paranormal writings to my TBR list. 

Highly recommended this book. And I can’t wait to read more. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

Share

For Your Bite Only by Zoe Forward – Review & Giveaway

For Your Bite Only by Zoe Forward – Review & Giveaway

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo 

 

Description:
The best word for Jasmine Renard’s past year is a four-letter word. After years of concerts and increasing recognition, a rogue group of vampire hunters forced her into hiding. When the offer of a lifetime to perform again comes from the arrogant vampire she’s dreamed of shoving off a cliff, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything. Including, Luca Martens.

Luca has waited long enough to be onstage with Jasmine again. Their electrifying musical chemistry damn near blew his mind the last time they performed. To the point he mishandled what happened backstage after their last concert. He’d do anything to feel the spark again while playing, the one only she can ignite. But she hates him.

 

Review:

For Your Bite Only by Zoe Forward is a stand-alone novella.  Jasmine Renard, our heroine, is an upcoming famous pianist, who stepped away from appearances due to a rogue group of vampire hunters, who want to kill her.  Jasmine stays in hiding, until her friend convinces her to fill in Luca Martens concert. She hesitates, not because of her fear (she is told she will have security to protect her), but she hates Luca, though he is a master violinist at the top of the world. 

Luca Martens, our hero, wasn’t sure it was a good idea for Jasmine to fill in, but secretly he was looking forward to her performance, as the chemistry between them in a duo blows his mind, including sexually. Jasmine was engaged to Luca’s brother, before Marcus broke it off, though they remained friends. It was Marcus who convinces Jasmine to perform. When they meet again backstage, Luca feels the chemistry, as well as Jasmine’s nervousness to perform again; especially her facing Luca again.

What follows is an amazing performance when the two of them play together that brings accolades, and Luca is determined to win over Jasmine. He knew the real reason he behaved badly was they he had strong feelings for her, and was jealous that she was engaged to his brother for a prearranged marriage.  When an attempt is made on Jasmine’s life, Luca arranges her to live in his mansion to protect her, as well as have her continue to work with him in performances.  Secretly, he pushes his parent to allow him to win over Jasmine to be his wife, instead of another prearranged marriage.

The chemistry between Luca and Jasmine was hot and sizzling, with both recognizing their feelings for each other.  I really loved Luca and Jasmine, as they made a great couple destined to be together. Jasmine, thinking she has a chance to go out while Luca is away, is attacked by the rogue vampires, which she manages to survive with help from Marcus and Luca. 

For Your Bite Only was a fast enjoyable romantic novella, with a fantastic sexy couple.  There was some suspense and danger, but the chemistry between Luca and Jasmine, and their music together made this a wonderful read. Zoe Forward once again gives us an exciting, fun and steamy story that was very well written.  I would love to see another story about Marcus.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

Zoe Forward is graciously offering a $15 Gift Card to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE Zoe Forward on Facebook

4. Please LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from July 4th to 8th,  2021

 

Share