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Solomon's Pride #1
Blood of a Leo
Leo Adams was kidnapped and forced to serve as an unwilling blood donor for a coalition of vampires. One day, he manages to escape it...and straight into the lion-shifter Maddox's life.
Maddox is unsure of what has fallen into his arms, but he knows one thing. He will fight to the death to keep Leo safe.
Maddox is unsure of what has fallen into his arms, but he knows one thing. He will fight to the death to keep Leo safe.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2011
18 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Dawn H. Hawkes
23 books119 followersDawn H. Hawkes was born in the beautiful country of Norway. Having been buried in fairy-tales from the moment she knew what one was, it has always had a special place in her heart. With a strong belief that there is someone out there for everyone and it's just a matter of finding that special someone, she's incorporated this into her stories.
She's a fan of almost anything mythological and thinks there's nothing sexier than a man going against the stereotype of his kind, vampires and shapeshifters alike, particularly if he growls or has a mighty roar.
She really hopes to inspire people around her, to have them take part in her own little world inside of her own busy little mind.
She's a fan of almost anything mythological and thinks there's nothing sexier than a man going against the stereotype of his kind, vampires and shapeshifters alike, particularly if he growls or has a mighty roar.
She really hopes to inspire people around her, to have them take part in her own little world inside of her own busy little mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 24, 2011
This was a good book. I liked how it started off with being able to see what Leo has gone through during his stay with vampires. How his life has been so horrible since he was kidnapped by them. We get some background information on Leo. Like who his old master was and what happened to him, who his new master is and some of his new master's friends. It was entertaining to read about (especially for someone who likes reading about such cruelties ^_^)
I really liked Leo. He's a broken man but even with how much he's been through, he automatically feels safe when he's in his mate's, Maddox, arms. Maddox is, of course, one of those big, burly guys who is intimidating and possessive (hot!). When it comes to Leo, though, he's all gentle fingers and caressing hands, which is adorable, but, if you make a threatening move towards his mate, he's quick to attack.
I liked the plot. It was interesting to follow how Leo gets away from the vampires and how he falls into Maddox's lap. Literally. The interesting details about the pride and what happens to a cat when they get mated kept me reading, and had me laughing a few times. The secondary characters were pretty funny in regards to Maddox's primal side and I liked how we got little tidbits on each of those secondary characters.
As much as I liked the story, though, there was some major head-hopping going on. At times I thought Leo was speaking when it was really Maddox that was. I didn't notice it at first but it gets more prominent as more and more characters come into the story. I was also left with some questions.
Warning! Blood of a Leo ends on a cliff-hanger. Like a major cliff-hanger, at least to me it seemed major.
Overall, a good story. I'm looking forward to the next in the series (which I hope comes out soon) but if you can't stand cliff-hangers, wait until the next in the series is released.
I really liked Leo. He's a broken man but even with how much he's been through, he automatically feels safe when he's in his mate's, Maddox, arms. Maddox is, of course, one of those big, burly guys who is intimidating and possessive (hot!). When it comes to Leo, though, he's all gentle fingers and caressing hands, which is adorable, but, if you make a threatening move towards his mate, he's quick to attack.
I liked the plot. It was interesting to follow how Leo gets away from the vampires and how he falls into Maddox's lap. Literally. The interesting details about the pride and what happens to a cat when they get mated kept me reading, and had me laughing a few times. The secondary characters were pretty funny in regards to Maddox's primal side and I liked how we got little tidbits on each of those secondary characters.
As much as I liked the story, though, there was some major head-hopping going on. At times I thought Leo was speaking when it was really Maddox that was. I didn't notice it at first but it gets more prominent as more and more characters come into the story. I was also left with some questions.
Warning! Blood of a Leo ends on a cliff-hanger. Like a major cliff-hanger, at least to me it seemed major.
Overall, a good story. I'm looking forward to the next in the series (which I hope comes out soon) but if you can't stand cliff-hangers, wait until the next in the series is released.
January 25, 2011
Okay, I loved this one. I want my own cat shifter now...I about fell out of my chair at this statement "...how much he understood about his mate's other half; the disturbing thing though, was that he'd learnt it all from the nature channel." I laughed until I had tears streaming down my face. I dunno, struck me funny. I knowthere is a sequal in the works. Can't wait till it gets here.
September 24, 2011
3.5 stars
Leo Adams is a blood-donor (a 'mild' term for a human who simply is a blood slave for vampires) and his time serving the vampires has not been easy. His previous Master also used as a boy-toy and his new master, Mika, is not a gentle kind either. Not only Leo must gives blood but his Master also uses him as trial for new drugs. During a night out, when Mika is meeting with his dealer, a hell breaks loose and Leo is able to run away ... and lands in the arms of Maddox, a lion-shifter who is also one of Solomon's Pride. Maddox's lion recognizes Leo as his mate -- and he will do anything to keep Leo safe.
This seems to be a new series that will be developed by Ms. Hawkes. For the first book, it definitely has the charm. I think the world build around the Pride (lead by Solomon) who seems to be in war with the vampires (lead by Mika and his evil friends).
Leo is an adorable character. Even if he is suffering from his life as blood slave, I don't feel any despair from him. On the contrary, I feel his strength and determination to survive, even the cruelest form of torture. When he meets Maddox, I can't help to feel happy for him. He deserves his happiness. Maddox is the common type of possessive Alpha, ONLY, he doesn't come as annoying for me *grin*. He has the right amount of possessiveness. There is something cute when Maddox is in heat (yes, apparently, for shifters, it's not just females who are in heat *lol*). The relationship between Leo and Maddox is filled with love and respect and well, chemistry.
The rest of the Pride is also fun to read. There's Solomon - the leader, then Liam - Maddox's twin, Jace - the Pride's doctor, Kett - Maddox and Liam's youngest brother, and Damian - the sole vampire in the Pride (now I want to know his story). I cannot wait to read the sequel, since there is a sort-of cliff-hanger in this one, when one of Solomon's Pride is captured by Mika as a replacement for Leo ...
Leo Adams is a blood-donor (a 'mild' term for a human who simply is a blood slave for vampires) and his time serving the vampires has not been easy. His previous Master also used as a boy-toy and his new master, Mika, is not a gentle kind either. Not only Leo must gives blood but his Master also uses him as trial for new drugs. During a night out, when Mika is meeting with his dealer, a hell breaks loose and Leo is able to run away ... and lands in the arms of Maddox, a lion-shifter who is also one of Solomon's Pride. Maddox's lion recognizes Leo as his mate -- and he will do anything to keep Leo safe.
This seems to be a new series that will be developed by Ms. Hawkes. For the first book, it definitely has the charm. I think the world build around the Pride (lead by Solomon) who seems to be in war with the vampires (lead by Mika and his evil friends).
Leo is an adorable character. Even if he is suffering from his life as blood slave, I don't feel any despair from him. On the contrary, I feel his strength and determination to survive, even the cruelest form of torture. When he meets Maddox, I can't help to feel happy for him. He deserves his happiness. Maddox is the common type of possessive Alpha, ONLY, he doesn't come as annoying for me *grin*. He has the right amount of possessiveness. There is something cute when Maddox is in heat (yes, apparently, for shifters, it's not just females who are in heat *lol*). The relationship between Leo and Maddox is filled with love and respect and well, chemistry.
The rest of the Pride is also fun to read. There's Solomon - the leader, then Liam - Maddox's twin, Jace - the Pride's doctor, Kett - Maddox and Liam's youngest brother, and Damian - the sole vampire in the Pride (now I want to know his story). I cannot wait to read the sequel, since there is a sort-of cliff-hanger in this one, when one of Solomon's Pride is captured by Mika as a replacement for Leo ...
January 30, 2011
Blood of a Leo is the first book of the Solomon's Pride series. It is one of the few shifter novels I have read that portrays the shifter human as a separate entity, or personality, to that of its shifted animal. Dawn writes about a mixture of shifters, from lion to leopard, together in a pride under one Sorena (or Alpha). The use of a few unique phrases throughout gives the story an individual flair, with each word being clear of description when it's used, so I never felt left behind as a reader.
As the possession, or feeder, of a strong head vampire, Leo has been mistreated, abused, and injected with every manner of drug. The first impression of Leo is of someone who has reached the end of his rope and out of necessity, has made a certain peace with his situation or position. As freedom is obtained in an unusual fashion, Leo is confronted with his mate. The instinct for survival comes to the fore, and Leo's true strengths are revealed.
Maddox is a lion shifter. He's quite cute; in a possessive, protective, overbearing sort of way. At least, until Leo's around, then he just turns to mush, to the amusement of his fellow shifters. Born the youngest of twins, Maddox has always lived for his brother and the job, never bothering to spare the time for anything else deemed unnecessary. Leo, as his gentler counter-part and with a history of abuse, compels Maddox to show a softer, gentler side.
With a solid plot line throughout, this novel from Dawn offers angst, lust, love, action and hot men all in one serve. If you enjoy shifter novels of any description written in a contemporary style, I believe you will enjoy Blood of a Leo. Nx
Note: Reviewed for Queer Magazine Online.
As the possession, or feeder, of a strong head vampire, Leo has been mistreated, abused, and injected with every manner of drug. The first impression of Leo is of someone who has reached the end of his rope and out of necessity, has made a certain peace with his situation or position. As freedom is obtained in an unusual fashion, Leo is confronted with his mate. The instinct for survival comes to the fore, and Leo's true strengths are revealed.
Maddox is a lion shifter. He's quite cute; in a possessive, protective, overbearing sort of way. At least, until Leo's around, then he just turns to mush, to the amusement of his fellow shifters. Born the youngest of twins, Maddox has always lived for his brother and the job, never bothering to spare the time for anything else deemed unnecessary. Leo, as his gentler counter-part and with a history of abuse, compels Maddox to show a softer, gentler side.
With a solid plot line throughout, this novel from Dawn offers angst, lust, love, action and hot men all in one serve. If you enjoy shifter novels of any description written in a contemporary style, I believe you will enjoy Blood of a Leo. Nx
Note: Reviewed for Queer Magazine Online.
March 2, 2011
Okay, more like 2.5 stars for me because I know how much work writing this would have been, and I think it has a lot of potential.
A quick overview : paranormal/shifter MM romance about a human, Leo, that escapes from brutal, highly abusive vamps only to literally run into his lion shifter mate, Maddox. Trouble is, Leo's vamp "owner/master" wants him back.
Technically, this one had a lot of problems. There were pretty significant editing misses. Rather large plot/story telling holes which could have been explained but never where (at least not to my satisfaction) and the craft, IMO, needed more work - by this I mean the POV switching (sometimes almost paragraph to paragraph) was so excessive as to truly distract and detract from the tale. What saves this piece is that the characters and story are genuinely interesting. I would recommend reading a couple of good length extracts...if you can handle the writing, can overlook some poor editing, don't mind cliffhanger endings for significant secondary characters with no definite second book release date in sight and don't over-analyse stories/plots too much this is a read I could recommend.
A quick overview : paranormal/shifter MM romance about a human, Leo, that escapes from brutal, highly abusive vamps only to literally run into his lion shifter mate, Maddox. Trouble is, Leo's vamp "owner/master" wants him back.
Technically, this one had a lot of problems. There were pretty significant editing misses. Rather large plot/story telling holes which could have been explained but never where (at least not to my satisfaction) and the craft, IMO, needed more work - by this I mean the POV switching (sometimes almost paragraph to paragraph) was so excessive as to truly distract and detract from the tale. What saves this piece is that the characters and story are genuinely interesting. I would recommend reading a couple of good length extracts...if you can handle the writing, can overlook some poor editing, don't mind cliffhanger endings for significant secondary characters with no definite second book release date in sight and don't over-analyse stories/plots too much this is a read I could recommend.
August 1, 2011
Honestly, I had a hard time hanging in until the end. The characters were interesting but there were too many thrown in at once - and continuously, throughout the novel - that it was hard to keep up. The insta-mate, and almost-insta-love thing happens here but not to any great or believable degree, and the sudden 'shock' of Leo realizing Maddox loves him - and of Maddox realizing that omg, Leo loves him back! - is so over-used I was almost embarrassed to read it.
Shallow, and cliche seem to be the two words that come to mind. I liked the concept but just wish there had been so much more depth than there actually was, that's all.
Shallow, and cliche seem to be the two words that come to mind. I liked the concept but just wish there had been so much more depth than there actually was, that's all.
March 2, 2016
The books started really well. There was a plot. There was action. The story was definitely going somewhere. After Leo's escape, however, everything stalled. Including editing. I had hard time following the story because instead of being consumed by the progress of a new relationship, I was consumed by untangling one twisted sentence after another, figuring out who did what to whom and why. Leo transformed into a "precious bundle" and a lion's lapdog, the plot turned into PWP and I completely lost interest in the book. Very disappointed :(
February 5, 2011
Great start to a new series! \
My only question is "How soon till the next one?" (Need to read about Jace!)
lol!
My only question is "How soon till the next one?" (Need to read about Jace!)
lol!
November 2, 2013
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Leo was kidnapped and used as a blood slave and experimental drug tester. When something went wrong at a "business" meeting, Leo was able to escape and ran right into a brick wall.
That brick wall happened to be Maddox and he knows he can't leave the human and hospitals would ask too many questions. They take him back to the Pride house.
Things settle a bit, but Maddox knows Leo is his mate. After all the trauma Leo has been through Maddox can't hurt him like that. So Maddox suffers.
When a botched mission goes wrong one of the Pride is kidnapped by the vampires and Leo is wanted as a trade. Knowing that Leo is mate will Maddox be able to trade his mate for his family?
Leo was kidnapped and used as a blood slave and experimental drug tester. When something went wrong at a "business" meeting, Leo was able to escape and ran right into a brick wall.
That brick wall happened to be Maddox and he knows he can't leave the human and hospitals would ask too many questions. They take him back to the Pride house.
Things settle a bit, but Maddox knows Leo is his mate. After all the trauma Leo has been through Maddox can't hurt him like that. So Maddox suffers.
When a botched mission goes wrong one of the Pride is kidnapped by the vampires and Leo is wanted as a trade. Knowing that Leo is mate will Maddox be able to trade his mate for his family?
February 14, 2013
Entertaining, but tropey and lacking logic at many places.
There's worse books, but better too.
There's worse books, but better too.
May 29, 2018
Klasse Geschichte. Fesselnd und unterhaltsam.
Ich bin von diesem Buch wirklich begeistert. Das war ich schon nach der Leseprobe, weil ich selten eine Geschichte mit und über Vampire gelesen habe, in der diese und ihr Verhalten derart plastisch und authentisch beschrieben waren. Schon in der Leseprobe bekam ich Gänsehaut durch die eindringliche Darstellung, die alles andere ist als so dilettantisch, wie die üblichen Witzfigur-Vampire.
Und trotzdem sind die Vampire nicht nur die Bösen, es gibt keine Schwarz-Weiß-Malerei. Aber ich möchte da nicht weiter spoilern. ;) Es gefiel mir außerordentlich gut, dass nicht nur eine Rasse als böse klassifiziert wird und ich freue mich schon sehr darauf zu erfahren, was die folgenden Bände preisgeben werden.
Blood of a Leo ist unheimlich spannend und fesselnd erzählt, ich konnte das Buch nur unfreiwillig aus der Hand legen.
Die Geschichte des Paares ist hier abgeschlossen, obwohl ein winzig kleiner Cliffhanger schon neugierig auf den nächsten Band macht, der sich dann mit einem anderen Paar beschäftigt, während die Hintergrundgeschichte sich durch alle Bände zieht. Bei dieser Hintergrundgeschichte handelt es sich um einen logischen, sehr gut ausgearbeiteten Plot, der nicht nur als Alibi herhält, sondern neben der Liebesgeschichte ganz genauso für Spannung und fesselnde Unterhaltung sorgt.
Die beiden Hauptprotgonisten haben Profil und sind sympathische Männer, die man schnell ins Herz schließt, weil sie glaubwürdig und nachvollziehbar umgesetzt sind. Ich konnte mich wunderbar in sie hinein versetzen und mit ihnen fühlen.
Leo tat mir anfangs furchtbar leid und sein Schicksal hat mich sehr berührt. Es war toll zu lesen, wie mutig, stark und tapfer er ist, nach allem was er durchgemacht hat. Die Augenhöhe zwischen ihm und Maddox empfand ich als sehr positiv und erfreulich, er wird nicht verweichlicht. Und wie sehr die beiden einander lieben, ist in jeder gemeinsamen Szene spürbar. Auch die Erotik kommt nicht zu kurz und dennoch immer passend zur Situation, wirkt nicht unangebracht und inszeniert, dabei gestaltet sie sich sehr, sehr heiß und niveauvoll. ;D Gefiel mir außerordentlich gut.
Außerdem ist die Geschichte voller liebenswerter, sehr interessanter Nebenfiguren, die alle eine wichtige Funktion haben, nicht nur als Statisten auftauchen, und in den folgenden Bänden ihre eigene Hauptrolle bekommen. Dieser erste Band schafft es bereits, einen ziemlich neugierig auf die anderen zu machen. Besonders auf Damian freue ich mich schon sehr. Aber auch auf Jace und Maddox' Bruder und Zane und Casey... :D
Gerne mehr davon. :D Ausdrückliche Leseempfehlung.
Ich bin von diesem Buch wirklich begeistert. Das war ich schon nach der Leseprobe, weil ich selten eine Geschichte mit und über Vampire gelesen habe, in der diese und ihr Verhalten derart plastisch und authentisch beschrieben waren. Schon in der Leseprobe bekam ich Gänsehaut durch die eindringliche Darstellung, die alles andere ist als so dilettantisch, wie die üblichen Witzfigur-Vampire.
Und trotzdem sind die Vampire nicht nur die Bösen, es gibt keine Schwarz-Weiß-Malerei. Aber ich möchte da nicht weiter spoilern. ;) Es gefiel mir außerordentlich gut, dass nicht nur eine Rasse als böse klassifiziert wird und ich freue mich schon sehr darauf zu erfahren, was die folgenden Bände preisgeben werden.
Blood of a Leo ist unheimlich spannend und fesselnd erzählt, ich konnte das Buch nur unfreiwillig aus der Hand legen.
Die Geschichte des Paares ist hier abgeschlossen, obwohl ein winzig kleiner Cliffhanger schon neugierig auf den nächsten Band macht, der sich dann mit einem anderen Paar beschäftigt, während die Hintergrundgeschichte sich durch alle Bände zieht. Bei dieser Hintergrundgeschichte handelt es sich um einen logischen, sehr gut ausgearbeiteten Plot, der nicht nur als Alibi herhält, sondern neben der Liebesgeschichte ganz genauso für Spannung und fesselnde Unterhaltung sorgt.
Die beiden Hauptprotgonisten haben Profil und sind sympathische Männer, die man schnell ins Herz schließt, weil sie glaubwürdig und nachvollziehbar umgesetzt sind. Ich konnte mich wunderbar in sie hinein versetzen und mit ihnen fühlen.
Leo tat mir anfangs furchtbar leid und sein Schicksal hat mich sehr berührt. Es war toll zu lesen, wie mutig, stark und tapfer er ist, nach allem was er durchgemacht hat. Die Augenhöhe zwischen ihm und Maddox empfand ich als sehr positiv und erfreulich, er wird nicht verweichlicht. Und wie sehr die beiden einander lieben, ist in jeder gemeinsamen Szene spürbar. Auch die Erotik kommt nicht zu kurz und dennoch immer passend zur Situation, wirkt nicht unangebracht und inszeniert, dabei gestaltet sie sich sehr, sehr heiß und niveauvoll. ;D Gefiel mir außerordentlich gut.
Außerdem ist die Geschichte voller liebenswerter, sehr interessanter Nebenfiguren, die alle eine wichtige Funktion haben, nicht nur als Statisten auftauchen, und in den folgenden Bänden ihre eigene Hauptrolle bekommen. Dieser erste Band schafft es bereits, einen ziemlich neugierig auf die anderen zu machen. Besonders auf Damian freue ich mich schon sehr. Aber auch auf Jace und Maddox' Bruder und Zane und Casey... :D
Gerne mehr davon. :D Ausdrückliche Leseempfehlung.
July 19, 2017
This was one of those serial books that relies heavily on formula to carry it through. Take one tiny but smart guy, have him be tortured by the bad guys, then throw him into the arms of the big sexy shifter and watch him yell 'mate!'. Going into this knowing what to expect, I enjoyed this for what it was. I liked the characters, which is saying something, and though a few things were iffy-like saying 'acquired' when the author meant 'inquired' and beasty sex, overall I thought this was well written and pretty decent. The author sets us up for more of the series and I found as I read the second one that she worked out some of the kinks and smoothed out some of the wrinkles she inadvertently wrote in the first book. Therefore the second in the book has a more solid feel to it, but for the starter book that it is, I liked this pretty well. Maddox was sexy and protective, if a bit quick to rush his abused mate to bed despite promising to take it easy, and Leo was the awed little guy who cant believe his good fortune and clings to Maddox as his port in the storm.
Fun story, sexy and adorable! Will be reading more in the series!
Fun story, sexy and adorable! Will be reading more in the series!
May 5, 2012
I was hoping that I'd enjoy this more then I did but there were some huge reasons that I didn't.
For one, the plot was pretty weak and took a backseat to the sex in the story. Also, despite how much Leo depended on his friends who were also in captivity, he forgot about them almost completely once he was rescued!! And, if that wasn't bad enough, once they confront the ones who held him and go to the compound with the illusion of saving his friends and others... he forgets about his friends completely and so does the author in the end. We're left wondering what ever happened to Casey and his wolf (who seemed to have a better plot behind them than Leo anyways).
I would say that if plot doesn't mean too much to you and you don't mind glaring holes in a story but are mostly looking for just a 'beach read' then this might be good for you if you want something with shifters. However, overall, there are many other shifters stories out there that do a better job without leaving you irritated at the end.
For one, the plot was pretty weak and took a backseat to the sex in the story. Also, despite how much Leo depended on his friends who were also in captivity, he forgot about them almost completely once he was rescued!! And, if that wasn't bad enough, once they confront the ones who held him and go to the compound with the illusion of saving his friends and others... he forgets about his friends completely and so does the author in the end. We're left wondering what ever happened to Casey and his wolf (who seemed to have a better plot behind them than Leo anyways).
I would say that if plot doesn't mean too much to you and you don't mind glaring holes in a story but are mostly looking for just a 'beach read' then this might be good for you if you want something with shifters. However, overall, there are many other shifters stories out there that do a better job without leaving you irritated at the end.
January 18, 2012
This is one that you have to be in the mood for. Overall, I'd have to say that I enjoyed the story, but found some of the writing, language, and dialogue to border, and sometimes cross, the too sweet threshold. Was it her intent to write an exaggerated romance or is she a new author who will only get better with more experience? Since her 3rd installment of this series is what caught my attention, I am looking forward to finding out.
Hawkers bio mentions that she was born in Norway. Not knowing if her stories are written in English as the first language or are the result of translations, I am happy to overlook some of the phrasing and sentence structure but am very disappointed that Silver didn't correct some of the mistakes in editing.
Hawkers bio mentions that she was born in Norway. Not knowing if her stories are written in English as the first language or are the result of translations, I am happy to overlook some of the phrasing and sentence structure but am very disappointed that Silver didn't correct some of the mistakes in editing.
January 31, 2011
The start of this series is really hot and promising. The plot is ongoing and the first couple is really sweet and awesome together. They are just adorable!
I liked Leo and Maddox a lot and for my liking it was to short. What I enjoyed the most is the feeling of truth and innocence in Leo. I mean the characters didn't keep their thoughts in their mind, and this way we didn't get silly plots which could have happened if the characters wouldn't talk with each other. So this openness between mates was really nice touch.
I'm definitely going to read all the next from this series.
Highly recommended story, the start is really good ^^
I liked Leo and Maddox a lot and for my liking it was to short. What I enjoyed the most is the feeling of truth and innocence in Leo. I mean the characters didn't keep their thoughts in their mind, and this way we didn't get silly plots which could have happened if the characters wouldn't talk with each other. So this openness between mates was really nice touch.
I'm definitely going to read all the next from this series.
Highly recommended story, the start is really good ^^
September 10, 2011
Could have been better. I don't know is this was because it was so short or because of Leo. Why did he have to keep appearing so WEAK in situations where MADDOX always has to come and rescue him with his damn crying about everything. I really hate effeminate characters!
My respect kept diminishing for him and he so quickly forgot his friends as soon as he was rescued! everything suddenly because about MADDOX again! WTH!
Other than that, everything else was okay. That head vampire dude wasn't scary at all. I sort of laughed at how sad he really was.
My respect kept diminishing for him and he so quickly forgot his friends as soon as he was rescued! everything suddenly because about MADDOX again! WTH!
Other than that, everything else was okay. That head vampire dude wasn't scary at all. I sort of laughed at how sad he really was.
September 5, 2011
I like this book, fun to read, even though some scenes are hard and cruel.
December 1, 2011
A dark begining, but turns out to be a lovely romance story!
S2 Maddox!
S2 Maddox!
September 5, 2011
4.5 Stars
This is my new favourite shifter book!!!!!!
Everyone must read it :-)
This is my new favourite shifter book!!!!!!
Everyone must read it :-)
February 4, 2018
Rating: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this first installment in the Solomon’s Pride series. It started out in a really dark place with Leo being used as an extremely ill-treated blood-donor for the vampires. Luckily, Leo escaped and ran inot Maddos. I thought Maddox and Leo made a good couple. I think the only thing that bothered me was Maddox wanting to hide things from Leo. I know Leo went through a lot, but it always bothers me when one mate tries to protect the other one for his own good. Just once, I would love both mates to be upfront with each other from the very beginning.
The overall story was good. Most of the secondary characters were good in this series. I especially liked Kett, Maddox’s younger brother. Jace on the hand got on my nerves some.
Be warned that this book ended ina cliff hanger. Despite that, I thought this a good start to the Solomon’s Pride series and am looking forward to reading the next one.
I enjoyed this first installment in the Solomon’s Pride series. It started out in a really dark place with Leo being used as an extremely ill-treated blood-donor for the vampires. Luckily, Leo escaped and ran inot Maddos. I thought Maddox and Leo made a good couple. I think the only thing that bothered me was Maddox wanting to hide things from Leo. I know Leo went through a lot, but it always bothers me when one mate tries to protect the other one for his own good. Just once, I would love both mates to be upfront with each other from the very beginning.
The overall story was good. Most of the secondary characters were good in this series. I especially liked Kett, Maddox’s younger brother. Jace on the hand got on my nerves some.
Be warned that this book ended ina cliff hanger. Despite that, I thought this a good start to the Solomon’s Pride series and am looking forward to reading the next one.
January 19, 2018
Short but so sweet
This is a short book but was very well written and flows nicely. Leo and Maddox are such a perfect couple. Even though Leo has been through a traumatic situation there is no drama between Leo and Maddox. I look forward to finding out what happens next.
This is a short book but was very well written and flows nicely. Leo and Maddox are such a perfect couple. Even though Leo has been through a traumatic situation there is no drama between Leo and Maddox. I look forward to finding out what happens next.
July 5, 2023
Podobał mi się pomysł i początek, ale później wszystko zrobiło się typowo infantylne i powtarzalne. Szkoda, że nie była to bardziej rozwinięta książka, z rzeczywistym budowaniem relacji i zaufania, dochodzeniu do siebie, a wszystko było insta, i tylko mate-mate-mate
February 15, 2017
This was a cute and quick read. Loved the purring and the being in heat stuff, that was funny.
August 12, 2019
eine super Geschichte,
spannend, fesselnd und sehr unterhaltsam
spannend, fesselnd und sehr unterhaltsam
July 18, 2024
This was a short quick read that i thought was ok. This book started out ok but went left towards the end.
February 21, 2011
The basic premise of the story is about a young man named Leo who's kidnapped and held as a blood slave by a group of vampires. While in their grasp, he's brutalized, raped, and drugged. He escapes the vampires during a moment of confusion and ends up with a lion shifter named Maddox, who turns out to be his mate.
Though the recent influx of shifter and vampire stories since Twilight hit has been a bit on the annoying side, the story was well written and flowed well. I do like the fact that she made vampires back to what they were originally intended as, evil. She captured the cruelty and taunting quite powerfully. I could actually feel the contempt and hatred they held for humans as other than a food source.
I do understand that in fiction you can pretty much make anything possible, however, I prefer my stories to have a bit of a realistic twist when it comes to things that would traumatize a human. When someone is raped and brutalized, it is not an easy thing to overcome. There are scars, outside and inside, that do not heal and may never heal. Despite the lion shifter being his mate, I still feel his ability to get over his abuse so quickly was unrealistic. Granted the story was only 158 pages and as a writer myself I know that it is difficult to cover as much as you would like to sometimes, but perhaps lengthening the story and adding in a bit more regarding Leo's struggle to overcome the cruel treatment or skipping over part of the torment detailed in the first 25 pages and adding in more of Leo's healing process may have made it a tad more enjoyable for me to read.
One of my biggest pet peeves about reading m/m romance is when almost every single page has a sex scene. I'm as big a perv as the next m/m romance reader, but I do like story with my sex to make it one big amazing package to read. I like that Hawkes did not make it page after page of sex even after the pair engage for the first time. I felt that there was a true connection between Leo and Maddox and their initial 'contact' was sweet and tender rather than going for that all out 'f*** me now' factor.
All in all, the book was one I would give around a 3-star rating and worth reading at least once. Oh, but I do have to say the cover is gorgeous. I find that one of the biggest factors to capture my initial attention is the cover and the artist who prepared the cover for Blood of a Leo definitely has an eye for what makes a cover 'POP'
Though the recent influx of shifter and vampire stories since Twilight hit has been a bit on the annoying side, the story was well written and flowed well. I do like the fact that she made vampires back to what they were originally intended as, evil. She captured the cruelty and taunting quite powerfully. I could actually feel the contempt and hatred they held for humans as other than a food source.
I do understand that in fiction you can pretty much make anything possible, however, I prefer my stories to have a bit of a realistic twist when it comes to things that would traumatize a human. When someone is raped and brutalized, it is not an easy thing to overcome. There are scars, outside and inside, that do not heal and may never heal. Despite the lion shifter being his mate, I still feel his ability to get over his abuse so quickly was unrealistic. Granted the story was only 158 pages and as a writer myself I know that it is difficult to cover as much as you would like to sometimes, but perhaps lengthening the story and adding in a bit more regarding Leo's struggle to overcome the cruel treatment or skipping over part of the torment detailed in the first 25 pages and adding in more of Leo's healing process may have made it a tad more enjoyable for me to read.
One of my biggest pet peeves about reading m/m romance is when almost every single page has a sex scene. I'm as big a perv as the next m/m romance reader, but I do like story with my sex to make it one big amazing package to read. I like that Hawkes did not make it page after page of sex even after the pair engage for the first time. I felt that there was a true connection between Leo and Maddox and their initial 'contact' was sweet and tender rather than going for that all out 'f*** me now' factor.
All in all, the book was one I would give around a 3-star rating and worth reading at least once. Oh, but I do have to say the cover is gorgeous. I find that one of the biggest factors to capture my initial attention is the cover and the artist who prepared the cover for Blood of a Leo definitely has an eye for what makes a cover 'POP'
November 6, 2015
It wasn't fantastic and really most of it was ridiculous but it was a good ridiculous. There were only a few things that annoyed me.
- Leo's life was pretty rough, but the way that we hear about it just made it seem like the author stacked up so much abuse on him for the pity factor. Don't get me wrong, I love "damaged" characters and characters that have been abused (don't look at me like that!) but Leo irked me. I think it was because the majority of mistreatment was told past-tensed and in an offhand manner (like the stuff about past feedings and his old master). So it just felt more like a checklist of horrible things being added on and not something that triggered the proper emotional response.
It would be interesting to see how Jace and his soon-to-be mate fare so maybe I'll read the next one if its out.
- Leo's life was pretty rough, but the way that we hear about it just made it seem like the author stacked up so much abuse on him for the pity factor. Don't get me wrong, I love "damaged" characters and characters that have been abused (don't look at me like that!) but Leo irked me. I think it was because the majority of mistreatment was told past-tensed and in an offhand manner (like the stuff about past feedings and his old master). So it just felt more like a checklist of horrible things being added on and not something that triggered the proper emotional response.
It would be interesting to see how Jace and his soon-to-be mate fare so maybe I'll read the next one if its out.
December 18, 2018
Update: Dec 18, 2018 (3 STARS)
I've been meaning to reread these so I can READ the last book finally.. it's been so long I didn't want to try to jump back basically blind. This I have to say is one of those that I don't feel the same about rereading it later (and I Reread A LOT) I don't suddenly think horrible horrible horrible, but if I were rating it today it would be a 3 not a 4. I noticed a few things that seemed kind of cliche (now) and repetitive...no more like eh, cliche? annoyingly read over and over again like my mate kind of thing. I should have bookmarked it when I came across it to refresh my memory. Again, not horrible, but I definitely don't have quite the same feelings five years and hundreds of books later..However I am leaving the original rating as is since that was my opinion.
Original Review: (4 STARS)
Now that I finally got around to reading this I'm happy to say it was NOT a waste of time! The beginning is on the dark side, portraying vampires as evil, heartless bastards from Leo's (and our) point of view. Seeing as he actually gets an opportunity to escape he takes it and runs, and ends up falling into the hands of Maddox and his twin. Very quickly Maddox realizes what the little man is to him but do to his abuse at the hands of vampires he will have to take it slow.
I would like to get more on why Mika (Leo's previous vampire master) was so obsessed with him. Something to do with the flavor of his blood? And what is with the different colors of the drugs they've kept injecting him with? On another note, I was glad to find out (along with Leo!) that not all vampires have to be evil human killing machines like the group he was kidnapped by, as portrayed by the resident pride vampire who's proven himself to the shifters. Hopefully more to follow on him as well.
Shifter Third Form...obviously not original as several other books have the same thing but was interesting in that it's not a moon phase thing or any other thing like that but specifically something the shifter has to consciously decide on. The sex portrayed with this massive form wasn't too bad. I think, since describing how much larger this form is (in ALL areas) more prep and lube (not semen) would have been a better choice but I felt it wasn't so over the top to put a dent in the storyline.
I've been meaning to reread these so I can READ the last book finally.. it's been so long I didn't want to try to jump back basically blind. This I have to say is one of those that I don't feel the same about rereading it later (and I Reread A LOT) I don't suddenly think horrible horrible horrible, but if I were rating it today it would be a 3 not a 4. I noticed a few things that seemed kind of cliche (now) and repetitive...no more like eh, cliche? annoyingly read over and over again like my mate kind of thing. I should have bookmarked it when I came across it to refresh my memory. Again, not horrible, but I definitely don't have quite the same feelings five years and hundreds of books later..However I am leaving the original rating as is since that was my opinion.
Original Review: (4 STARS)
Now that I finally got around to reading this I'm happy to say it was NOT a waste of time! The beginning is on the dark side, portraying vampires as evil, heartless bastards from Leo's (and our) point of view. Seeing as he actually gets an opportunity to escape he takes it and runs, and ends up falling into the hands of Maddox and his twin. Very quickly Maddox realizes what the little man is to him but do to his abuse at the hands of vampires he will have to take it slow.
I would like to get more on why Mika (Leo's previous vampire master) was so obsessed with him. Something to do with the flavor of his blood? And what is with the different colors of the drugs they've kept injecting him with? On another note, I was glad to find out (along with Leo!) that not all vampires have to be evil human killing machines like the group he was kidnapped by, as portrayed by the resident pride vampire who's proven himself to the shifters. Hopefully more to follow on him as well.
Shifter Third Form...obviously not original as several other books have the same thing but was interesting in that it's not a moon phase thing or any other thing like that but specifically something the shifter has to consciously decide on. The sex portrayed with this massive form wasn't too bad. I think, since describing how much larger this form is (in ALL areas) more prep and lube (not semen) would have been a better choice but I felt it wasn't so over the top to put a dent in the storyline.
October 6, 2015
3.5 out of 4.0 stars
In “Blood of a Leo”, we are introduced to a young man named Leo, who has fallen into the hands of a group of vampires. Held captive with other humans and a small group of shifters, Leo is what is known as a “blood bag” for the vampires to feed off. His former master, who also sexually assaulted him on a regular basis, has been killed, but he has fallen into the hands of another vampire who allows others to feed off the “blood bag” regularly…to the point of near death. Leo prays for them to go too far and put him out of his misery.
When there is a raid one night at a BDSM bar where his master has taken him, Leo is abandoned during the vampires escape and ends up being saved by two feline shifters. Little does he know that one of the shifters, Maddox, will end up being his fated mate.
A lot of the book focused on the developing relationship between the two men, and Leo’s recovery from the drugs the vampires injected him with, as well as the wounds and scars that they left him with. I was very disappointed that it didn’t get back to his friends who were still imprisoned by the vampires, and I’m even more disappointed now that I found the series on Goodreads and discovered that that won’t happen until book four in the series.
I would have to say that I enjoyed this book, but it left me wanting more. From researching on Goodreads, I see that there are currently four books in the series and it appears they are being re-edited and released under this new publisher. That said, the editing appears to be adequate on this one. The sentence structure was a little choppy in the beginning of the book, but either I got used to it, or it got better as I went along. Overall the story was interesting.
I will definitely be holding off on reading any further books in the series though until they are all re-released. With no set re-release dates, it is too iffy for me at this point. Because of the uncertain timeline, I’m going to have to rate this a little lower than I would if I had the other books in front of me.
In “Blood of a Leo”, we are introduced to a young man named Leo, who has fallen into the hands of a group of vampires. Held captive with other humans and a small group of shifters, Leo is what is known as a “blood bag” for the vampires to feed off. His former master, who also sexually assaulted him on a regular basis, has been killed, but he has fallen into the hands of another vampire who allows others to feed off the “blood bag” regularly…to the point of near death. Leo prays for them to go too far and put him out of his misery.
When there is a raid one night at a BDSM bar where his master has taken him, Leo is abandoned during the vampires escape and ends up being saved by two feline shifters. Little does he know that one of the shifters, Maddox, will end up being his fated mate.
A lot of the book focused on the developing relationship between the two men, and Leo’s recovery from the drugs the vampires injected him with, as well as the wounds and scars that they left him with. I was very disappointed that it didn’t get back to his friends who were still imprisoned by the vampires, and I’m even more disappointed now that I found the series on Goodreads and discovered that that won’t happen until book four in the series.
I would have to say that I enjoyed this book, but it left me wanting more. From researching on Goodreads, I see that there are currently four books in the series and it appears they are being re-edited and released under this new publisher. That said, the editing appears to be adequate on this one. The sentence structure was a little choppy in the beginning of the book, but either I got used to it, or it got better as I went along. Overall the story was interesting.
I will definitely be holding off on reading any further books in the series though until they are all re-released. With no set re-release dates, it is too iffy for me at this point. Because of the uncertain timeline, I’m going to have to rate this a little lower than I would if I had the other books in front of me.
April 6, 2013
Human Leo Adams realizes he has a chance to escape the drug addict vampire who has kept Leo captive for months. Unfortunately, the vampire drug he was forcibly injected with is deadly to humans. Half dead, Leo stumbles into the alley behind the nightclub and falls unconscious into the arms of lion shifter Maddox.
Blood of a Leo is the first book in the Solomon's Pride Series. The plot is a vampire versus shifters action-adventure blended with shifter mating as well as a dash of humor. The characters are emotionally convincing. Leo is a gay man, disowned by his family and kidnapped by vampires to be a donor. Because Leo is able to endure the drugs forced upon him, he is especially valuable to vampire Mika, who discovered that by blending the drugs into his food source, Mika achieved a longer lasting high. Maddox is a very compassionate man whose cat side reminds me of a gentle playful kitten with Leo but a deadly enemy to anyone who threatens his mate or the pride. The steamy mating scenes are amazing.
Dawn H. Hawkes has produced a fantastic saga. I enjoyed Blood of a Leo immensely.
Blood of a Leo is the first book in the Solomon's Pride Series. The plot is a vampire versus shifters action-adventure blended with shifter mating as well as a dash of humor. The characters are emotionally convincing. Leo is a gay man, disowned by his family and kidnapped by vampires to be a donor. Because Leo is able to endure the drugs forced upon him, he is especially valuable to vampire Mika, who discovered that by blending the drugs into his food source, Mika achieved a longer lasting high. Maddox is a very compassionate man whose cat side reminds me of a gentle playful kitten with Leo but a deadly enemy to anyone who threatens his mate or the pride. The steamy mating scenes are amazing.
Dawn H. Hawkes has produced a fantastic saga. I enjoyed Blood of a Leo immensely.
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