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Instincts #1
Natural Instincts
Andreas Nikandros has one focus, to kill the vampire he believes murdered his sister, and he knows with their greater strength, the surest way to kill a vampire is to become one. As a zoologist, he’s used to looking at the world from a natural standpoint, but when he sets out on a quest to find a vampire to Turn him, what he finds in Titus Antonius Calidus is the last thing he expected.
Titus has lived for over a thousand years, and in that time has only ever given his heart to one man. As they follow their natural instincts, they discover something truly worth living forever for, each other.
Titus has lived for over a thousand years, and in that time has only ever given his heart to one man. As they follow their natural instincts, they discover something truly worth living forever for, each other.
247 pages, ebook
First published April 13, 2011
22 people are currently reading
1269 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Frost
44 books572 followersS.J. Frost resides in Ohio with her family, pets, and horses. Her short stories have been featured in several erotic and romance anthologies, and her novels are published through MLR Press. Rock stars, vampires, fantasy heroes, and more, she enjoys dabbling in many different sub-genres in gay romance, but no matter what she writes, love and passion are the driving forces in every story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
February 28, 2016
I've read other books by this author which I really enjoyed. This unfortunately, was not one of them. I really wanted to like it, because it sounded so promising, but maybe I've read too many great vampire books, and I'm now spoiled.
Andreas is a human, who's sister was murdered by a vampire. He wants his revenge, but he knows he can't go up against a vampire, so he decides to find a vampire to change him into one too. That way things would be more equal and he would actually have a chance at revenge. His first attempt at finding a vampire, turns into a disaster and he is safed by a beautiful ancient vampire.
This is were my first frustration comes from. Normally with fantasy books I don't mind insta-love/lust because of the whole mating thing. However that was not the case here. You would think that a man, who's sister just got murdered by vampires, would feel some kind of hate towards vampires as a whole. Not here...no, there was admiration and wonder and hard cocks. He was literally gagging for this vamp.... What also pissed me off, was the fact that Andreas went to the vampire who killed his sister, to be turned...does that make sence ? No it doesn't, it was just stupid.
After a night of sexing it up with this vamp (Titus), Andreas makes his escape in the morning, eventhough he really doesn't want to, because he's feeling a pull towards him. Titus apperantly feels the same way and goes looking for him to make him a proposition. Andreas is to live with him one month. In this month, Titus will show him what it's like to be a vampire and if he's convinced, that Andreas would make a good vampire, he will turn him. However is he feels this is not that case then he won't, but Andreas is still to be his, for food and fucking. Ofcourse Andreas agrees, because like I said...he's gagging for it.
While they live together, one of Titans ex boyfriends shows up (also a vamp), and ofcourse there is jealousy. I actually liked Daniel (the ex). At least he showed some normal and sincere emotions.
Andreas declares his undying love....after being with this vamp for such a short time. Ofcourse he felt it right from the start, but waited to tell untill he couldn't hold it in anymore....sigh. In the mean time, he seems to have forgotten about his sister, because he was so happy. Eventually, his big bad, but sappy vampire tells him he loves him too. Even the sexscenes did nothing for me.
Like I've said...I've read a lot of vampire and shifter books and this one really didn't do it for me. I like my vamps to be badasses. I like their lovers to be strongwilled and opinionated. Andreas to me, felt like a doormat. This was all ridiculously sappy. It read like an m/f book and even those I've read in this genre, were more hardhassed then this one.
I'm not saying that that is a bad thing, because a lot of people love that kind of thing. I just don't, at least not in this genre. However, don't let my opinion stop you from reading this book. It has a lot of great reviews from those who loved it.
Eventhough, this was not the book for me, I will continue reading books by this author, just maybe not this genre. I loved all the other books I've read.
2,5 stars from me
Andreas is a human, who's sister was murdered by a vampire. He wants his revenge, but he knows he can't go up against a vampire, so he decides to find a vampire to change him into one too. That way things would be more equal and he would actually have a chance at revenge. His first attempt at finding a vampire, turns into a disaster and he is safed by a beautiful ancient vampire.
This is were my first frustration comes from. Normally with fantasy books I don't mind insta-love/lust because of the whole mating thing. However that was not the case here. You would think that a man, who's sister just got murdered by vampires, would feel some kind of hate towards vampires as a whole. Not here...no, there was admiration and wonder and hard cocks. He was literally gagging for this vamp.... What also pissed me off, was the fact that Andreas went to the vampire who killed his sister, to be turned...does that make sence ? No it doesn't, it was just stupid.
After a night of sexing it up with this vamp (Titus), Andreas makes his escape in the morning, eventhough he really doesn't want to, because he's feeling a pull towards him. Titus apperantly feels the same way and goes looking for him to make him a proposition. Andreas is to live with him one month. In this month, Titus will show him what it's like to be a vampire and if he's convinced, that Andreas would make a good vampire, he will turn him. However is he feels this is not that case then he won't, but Andreas is still to be his, for food and fucking. Ofcourse Andreas agrees, because like I said...he's gagging for it.
While they live together, one of Titans ex boyfriends shows up (also a vamp), and ofcourse there is jealousy. I actually liked Daniel (the ex). At least he showed some normal and sincere emotions.
Andreas declares his undying love....after being with this vamp for such a short time. Ofcourse he felt it right from the start, but waited to tell untill he couldn't hold it in anymore....sigh. In the mean time, he seems to have forgotten about his sister, because he was so happy. Eventually, his big bad, but sappy vampire tells him he loves him too. Even the sexscenes did nothing for me.
Like I've said...I've read a lot of vampire and shifter books and this one really didn't do it for me. I like my vamps to be badasses. I like their lovers to be strongwilled and opinionated. Andreas to me, felt like a doormat. This was all ridiculously sappy. It read like an m/f book and even those I've read in this genre, were more hardhassed then this one.
I'm not saying that that is a bad thing, because a lot of people love that kind of thing. I just don't, at least not in this genre. However, don't let my opinion stop you from reading this book. It has a lot of great reviews from those who loved it.
Eventhough, this was not the book for me, I will continue reading books by this author, just maybe not this genre. I loved all the other books I've read.
2,5 stars from me
September 6, 2011
Grab your stake, it's vampire season!
Reading the blurb I had the impression it would more another gay vampire tale... same old.. same old... I'm SO GLAD I had MUCH MORE! It's a paranormal-romance, with a lot of twists and some surprises! Love it!
Andreas Nikandros is angry, sad, and he want revenge...
...because a vampire killed his sister. And his desire is to be turned, and kill the bastard. Only a vampire can kill another vampire... so it's his only hope, find a master vampire (better a old one) and beg to be turned.
Titus Antonius Calidus is a VERY old vampire...
... and his life is very boring. Going around from the a Roman empire to the moderns days his last concern is what a human could ask. But well, let's say Andreas good look make also a very suborn vampire think twice.
Their will seal an agreement: one month, to Andreas know the vampire world... and serve also Titus on bed. NO NO; WAIT, it's not a non consensual story, because well, who wouldn't grab that hot vampire???
But there are more... many more characters. Let me just talk about two.
The one that made me Love/Hate/Love/Hate him (yeah very confusing)... Daniel
His angelic face, and dubious intentions. I really adore this character... but hate him too! Read to know why!
And the last one I want to talk about. He was introduced in this story with this words:"The rider's black leather trench coat billowed lightly around his slender body... as he lifted off the helmet, his black hair, smooth as fine silk, fell just past his shouders"
... the Japanese samurai.... Ryunosuke
So yes... it's a 5 stars book!
Great characters,
Very good plot, and
Wonderful suspense full of action scenes! It's a pity I read it so fast!!! I want more!!!!
P.S: This book is perfect, and I would LOVE to read more. Because it's only Titus and Andreas story... much more could happen... and if a certain samurai is searching his soul mate too, please can I give my phone number???
April 20, 2011
**5 stars** I fell in love with this story and with both Andreas and Titus. I don't think I'd ever read any of S.J.'s books except the Conquest series so I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was fabulous. Andreas was such a needy, confused character at the beginning, aimed on revenge at any cost - I just wanted to scoop him up and cuddle him until all the darkness in his heart went away. And Titus was such a stubborn but loving creature (not to mention hot) that I wanted to take home and torture (only in good ways) until he finally admitted his feelings. I loved the storyline and as always, the writing style and descriptions. I also heard from a "delurker" that there will be more and that makes me very happy and inpatient for more. :)
October 13, 2013
This was an amazing start to the series! I fell in love with Andreas and Titus, and yes, even Daniel. Natural Instincts wasn't what I had been expecting. In fact, I would say it was even better than I had been expecting. This is definitely one of those books fans of vampires who don't mind sweet and sappy reads would enjoy. If you can get past the fact that this isn't a dark romance, you should really give this a shot.
Andreas had kind of a sad reason for becoming a vampire in the beginning. And, even though I guessed how it would end, I was glad the author took her time, dragging it out and crafting a beautiful story for the reader. Titus was an ancient vampire. Basically, he is royalty in the vampire community because he has lived for over a thousand years. Unlike most of the vampire books I have read, this world didn't classify vampires as being dead. I've seen it a couple of times, and I will admit to liking the unique(ish) twist.
The sex scenes... what can I say, some of them were hot, others were emotional, and I enjoyed each and every one of them. Titus worried me for a while even though he was kind of obvious during those scenes, I couldn't stop myself from worrying about him sleeping around. Thankfully, though, he didn't and I was able to really get into those sex scenes.
There was a secondary character, Daniel, who you will either love or hate. In the end? I loved him. Yeah. Shocking, I know, but he grew on me and I could tell he was mostly genuine when it came to his feelings. For a while, I thought he would end up becoming the bad guy. When he didn't I was more than a little relieved. His love for Titus was real, and even though it wasn't reciprocated, he still was likable afterwards.
I'd highly recommend this book to fans of the author or of vampire stories. This is definitely a new favourite of mine.
Andreas had kind of a sad reason for becoming a vampire in the beginning. And, even though I guessed how it would end, I was glad the author took her time, dragging it out and crafting a beautiful story for the reader. Titus was an ancient vampire. Basically, he is royalty in the vampire community because he has lived for over a thousand years. Unlike most of the vampire books I have read, this world didn't classify vampires as being dead. I've seen it a couple of times, and I will admit to liking the unique(ish) twist.
The sex scenes... what can I say, some of them were hot, others were emotional, and I enjoyed each and every one of them. Titus worried me for a while even though he was kind of obvious during those scenes, I couldn't stop myself from worrying about him sleeping around. Thankfully, though, he didn't and I was able to really get into those sex scenes.
There was a secondary character, Daniel, who you will either love or hate. In the end? I loved him. Yeah. Shocking, I know, but he grew on me and I could tell he was mostly genuine when it came to his feelings. For a while, I thought he would end up becoming the bad guy. When he didn't I was more than a little relieved. His love for Titus was real, and even though it wasn't reciprocated, he still was likable afterwards.
I'd highly recommend this book to fans of the author or of vampire stories. This is definitely a new favourite of mine.
April 17, 2011
You know you are reading an engrossing book when you don’t realize that your backyard is flooding until your neighbor bangs on your door to inform you of the rising water! And then you get annoyed because that disaster means you have to stop reading the book. So to say I really liked S.J. Frost’s Natural Instincts is a vast understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed every single page in this gripping, sexy and complex tale of vampires in Chicago.
Titus and Andreas are three-dimensional characters who are equals on every level, and even though Titus is a vampire, his human lover matches him quite easily in wit, intelligence and strength. It is apparent to see why Titus would fall so hard, so quick for Andreas. It was their relationship that dragged me into Natural Instincts and kept me spellbound for 252 pages. The chemistry between them literally jumps off the page, and the love scenes are scorching.
Plus there are amazingly complex secondary characters who provide a wonderful backdrop to the plot and S.J. Frost is able to effortlessly weave their storylines into the main plot, without it taking away from Titus and Andreas. And although I loved Titus and Andreas’ story, I certainly hope S.J. Frost will be revisiting this universe because I really want Daniel to have his happy ending too.
So, if you love vampires, great writing, brilliant characterizations and an intricate plot, then Natural Instincts is the read for you. Highly recommended. 5+ stars.
Titus and Andreas are three-dimensional characters who are equals on every level, and even though Titus is a vampire, his human lover matches him quite easily in wit, intelligence and strength. It is apparent to see why Titus would fall so hard, so quick for Andreas. It was their relationship that dragged me into Natural Instincts and kept me spellbound for 252 pages. The chemistry between them literally jumps off the page, and the love scenes are scorching.
Plus there are amazingly complex secondary characters who provide a wonderful backdrop to the plot and S.J. Frost is able to effortlessly weave their storylines into the main plot, without it taking away from Titus and Andreas. And although I loved Titus and Andreas’ story, I certainly hope S.J. Frost will be revisiting this universe because I really want Daniel to have his happy ending too.
So, if you love vampires, great writing, brilliant characterizations and an intricate plot, then Natural Instincts is the read for you. Highly recommended. 5+ stars.
April 4, 2011
This is SJ's attempt at writing a vamp book and let me tell you if you haven't read it yet I highly suggest you do. If you think she's done exceptionally well with the boys of Conquest you don't want to miss out on this one.
I highly recommend reading it.
I highly recommend reading it.
July 20, 2021
Such a great story! I can’t believe it took me so long to read this of my TBR list 🤷🏼♀️.
June 24, 2011
3,5 stars
Before I start writing this poorly written review, I have to get it out of my system: Titus? It took me a lot to concentrate on the story and not on the character's names.
I'll begin with some things I disliked:
-Love at first sight if it's not justified. In some books the lovers are meant to find each other, destined to be together since the day they are born. This is not the case. It was a surprise when I got up to 23% and read "He realized then he wasn't falling for Titus. He'd already fallen, so very far, so very quickly."
-When it comes to vamps I'm a little fussy. I would've liked them to show off their powers. If it weren't for the blood sucking, they could pass for humans. I don't like humans who think they can handle a bunch of supernatural beings either. There was this fight scene...
-If the Tribunal were seven people, why the hell only three are mentioned? If they had nothing to say, why bother "visiting" Titus?
On the other hand, I love power in paranormal stories. The mightiest vamp/shifter/ or whatever. All the more interesting when they are vulnerable. Also, I really liked Andreas and Titus. I think they were the main reason I kept reading. The two fit perfectly and have this personality that makes you love them from the very first page. Not to mention the supporting characters. I couldn't stay mad at David, and Carl added a comical touch. The author knows how to engross the reader in the scenes and describe a lot with such a few words.
Before I start writing this poorly written review, I have to get it out of my system: Titus? It took me a lot to concentrate on the story and not on the character's names.
I'll begin with some things I disliked:
-Love at first sight if it's not justified. In some books the lovers are meant to find each other, destined to be together since the day they are born. This is not the case. It was a surprise when I got up to 23% and read "He realized then he wasn't falling for Titus. He'd already fallen, so very far, so very quickly."
-When it comes to vamps I'm a little fussy. I would've liked them to show off their powers. If it weren't for the blood sucking, they could pass for humans. I don't like humans who think they can handle a bunch of supernatural beings either. There was this fight scene...
-If the Tribunal were seven people, why the hell only three are mentioned? If they had nothing to say, why bother "visiting" Titus?
On the other hand, I love power in paranormal stories. The mightiest vamp/shifter/ or whatever. All the more interesting when they are vulnerable. Also, I really liked Andreas and Titus. I think they were the main reason I kept reading. The two fit perfectly and have this personality that makes you love them from the very first page. Not to mention the supporting characters. I couldn't stay mad at David, and Carl added a comical touch. The author knows how to engross the reader in the scenes and describe a lot with such a few words.
September 15, 2012
FOUR & A HALF STARS--What do you get when you cross a human zoologist bent on being turned into a vampire to avenge his sister's death and a centuries old Roman Centurion vampire?
One hot M/M romance, let me tell you!
Andreas, the human willing to give up his life to gain the vampiric strength needed to defeat the vampire who killed his sister has this plan to confront his sister's killer. And his plans are thwarted fairly quickly. But...Titus Antonius, the Roman vampire, saves the day and the man.
I was on board in the beginning for Andreas to turn into a vampire but as the story progressed, I didn't want him to. It wasn't necessary. And the love Andreas and Titus grow into? It's delicious. I loved each man's possessiveness of each other. And the author doesn't let the story turn into one giant love fest. Exes, murders and vampire politics are thrown into making one entertaining and satisfying read. And the world created by S.J. Frost? Very intriguing.
The fight scenes? Bloody good.
Daniel, Titus' ex-lover & good friend? Sarcastic and necessary. (I'm happy to see he has a book, I'll reading that ASAP)
And I'm happy to what more S.J. Frost has in store for this series. With characters like Titus, Andreas, Ryu & Daniel, I'm chomping at the bit.
One hot M/M romance, let me tell you!
Andreas, the human willing to give up his life to gain the vampiric strength needed to defeat the vampire who killed his sister has this plan to confront his sister's killer. And his plans are thwarted fairly quickly. But...Titus Antonius, the Roman vampire, saves the day and the man.
I was on board in the beginning for Andreas to turn into a vampire but as the story progressed, I didn't want him to. It wasn't necessary. And the love Andreas and Titus grow into? It's delicious. I loved each man's possessiveness of each other. And the author doesn't let the story turn into one giant love fest. Exes, murders and vampire politics are thrown into making one entertaining and satisfying read. And the world created by S.J. Frost? Very intriguing.
The fight scenes? Bloody good.
Daniel, Titus' ex-lover & good friend? Sarcastic and necessary. (I'm happy to see he has a book, I'll reading that ASAP)
And I'm happy to what more S.J. Frost has in store for this series. With characters like Titus, Andreas, Ryu & Daniel, I'm chomping at the bit.
February 19, 2012
I really like S.J. Frost's writing style. Very easy to read and I easily connected with all the characters...whether I like them or not. In this case I loved them all...excluding Renart(whom I eventually just felt sorry for). Titus Antonius Calidus is my new fave-alpha, the big man on the block, my newest fantasy man, and one hot vampire.
I loved him!!!
And the more I read about him in the sequel, Enduring Instincts, the more I love him...he just keeps getting better. Andreas is awesome...gotta love a man who loves creatures with claws and fangs (that would be cats and vampires). He is not a weak man and does not take any crap off big-bad vampire Titus at all. He may be human but he is all man.
Now Daniel, poor Daniel stole my heart. You just want to take him home and hold him tight, make the mean world go away and soothe his pain. If ever a man needs a HEA it has to be Daniel.
This is a great vampire story...a bit of angst but not too much. It is truly a love story...between a couple and the love between friends. Recommended for those who believe we all have a soul mate out there somewhere.
I loved him!!!
And the more I read about him in the sequel, Enduring Instincts, the more I love him...he just keeps getting better. Andreas is awesome...gotta love a man who loves creatures with claws and fangs (that would be cats and vampires). He is not a weak man and does not take any crap off big-bad vampire Titus at all. He may be human but he is all man.
Now Daniel, poor Daniel stole my heart. You just want to take him home and hold him tight, make the mean world go away and soothe his pain. If ever a man needs a HEA it has to be Daniel.
This is a great vampire story...a bit of angst but not too much. It is truly a love story...between a couple and the love between friends. Recommended for those who believe we all have a soul mate out there somewhere.
May 1, 2011
Wow. Just wow. THE BEST m/m vamp erotic rom I've read in a long time, if not The Best Evah. The world building is rock solid, the characters superbly drawn and the plot enthralling in its intricacy. A full stable of secondary characters you fall in love with right along with the heroes will make you as desperate as I am for sequels.
S.J. Frost is now on my autobuy list. Cannot possibly recommend this more highly.
S.J. Frost is now on my autobuy list. Cannot possibly recommend this more highly.
March 13, 2014
3.75
Not a complex story, and a bit cliché , but I enjoyed it :D
And yes, I'll be reading more of this series.
Tags: beautiful people, sappy but I liked it, hot sexy times, alpha male
Side note:
I thought this story ended twice before it actually did, so I was surprised when it really did end :)
Not a complex story, and a bit cliché , but I enjoyed it :D
And yes, I'll be reading more of this series.
Tags: beautiful people, sappy but I liked it, hot sexy times, alpha male
Side note:
I thought this story ended twice before it actually did, so I was surprised when it really did end :)
August 20, 2017
4.5 Someone should scream at me for putting off reading this for so long. Why, oh why did I not read this sooner? It was so good!
May 5, 2011
This was another spectacular story by SJ Frost. Thirty-year old Andreas Nikandros is determined to avenge the death of his beloved sister, Adrienne. His target? Renart Bellerose, a very old, extremely powerful vampire. To accomplish this rather colossal task Andreas needs to elicit the help of another vampire, one willing to turn him. In walks Titus Antonius; a dashing, ancient vampire perfect for Andreas plan. The two come to an agreement: Andreas will stay with Titus for a month and if at the end of the month Titus believes Andreas will be able to survive and excel in life as a vampire, then he will change him. What neither man foresees, however, is how that month will change their hearts.
This book was very different from this author's previous books. There were no kick ass rockers in it, but there were a few kick ass vamps, a few young power hungry ones and a witty, intelligent zoologist that held me captivated and left me hoping for more of this fabulous vamp-filled world SJ Frost created.
This book was very different from this author's previous books. There were no kick ass rockers in it, but there were a few kick ass vamps, a few young power hungry ones and a witty, intelligent zoologist that held me captivated and left me hoping for more of this fabulous vamp-filled world SJ Frost created.
August 18, 2012
The first two chapters reminded me a lot of the Wild Bill series by JCP. Then it took a dif direction which was good and I got into it more.
There were a lot of missing words and sometimes extra words were added which annoyed me
The pov changes sucked. It would randomly just switch to a new pov for a paragraph then switch back. Made it confusing and distracting for me.
Way too much sex for my tastes. It got kind of repetive since the sex wasn't very creative. I prefer more sexual tension but this they meet and fuck right away. And then instantly in love.
This made me laugh out loud: "With his hand wrapped around the base, he set a fast pace, sucking and yanking demandingly on the hard rod."
Overall I did really like the book. It's a quick enjoyable read
There were a lot of missing words and sometimes extra words were added which annoyed me
The pov changes sucked. It would randomly just switch to a new pov for a paragraph then switch back. Made it confusing and distracting for me.
Way too much sex for my tastes. It got kind of repetive since the sex wasn't very creative. I prefer more sexual tension but this they meet and fuck right away. And then instantly in love.
This made me laugh out loud: "With his hand wrapped around the base, he set a fast pace, sucking and yanking demandingly on the hard rod."
Overall I did really like the book. It's a quick enjoyable read
October 6, 2011
This book was picked for me to read for the September Comfort Zone Challenge by a fellow member of the MM Romance Group. The minute I started reading it I was hooked. This was somewhat surprising because while I do like vampires, I'm not obsessed with them and don't go out of my way to read them. This was no ordinary run of the mill vampire story. Frost totally challenged my views on vampire lore and created a new vampire culture where vampires ate food and walked in the day without burning up, lol. The author's explanation of this phenomenon was delivered so well, I bought into it without any questions. And, no there wasn't any special serum, pill or magic involved. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the second book in the series.
May 30, 2013
This was actually a re-read for me since it had been a while since reading it and I wanted to continue with this series. I really liked the story and all the characters. Absolutely loved Titus, he was exactly what I think of when I think of a badass vampire. The POV changing all the time, while annoying some times did make it much better to know what each was thinking. The plot is pretty typical for any romance type story, but since it was a vampire story, that added to my enjoyment. I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens with Daniel.
May 30, 2011
I don't often reach for a paranormal but the setting of Natural Instincts is Chicago and I couldn't resist. S.J. Frost is new to me and I'd like to thank her for a wonderful reading experience. I really hope to see a sequel with Daniel and Ryu playing major roles. They are both great characters, as are Andreas and Titus. I especially enjoyed all the animals that played secondary roles in this great adventure. Titus is one of the sexiest vampires around. Yum...highly recommended!
February 12, 2013
Oh come on, MLR...this (and most of your other books, quite honestly) deserves a better cover than that! I'll tell you what, I would have read this one ages ago if the cover wasn't so unattractive.
I liked this one a lot! For some reason I thought that I wasn't going to like it. I don't know why...when I look at all my friends reviews, they're all favorable. Definitely looking forward to the next one. :)
I liked this one a lot! For some reason I thought that I wasn't going to like it. I don't know why...when I look at all my friends reviews, they're all favorable. Definitely looking forward to the next one. :)
August 20, 2012
This one sucked me in. I loved Titus, but I did feel he fell for and gave in a little too quickly to his feeling for Andreas, though he seems to be holding steady as the story goes. I loved how Andreas' focus changed from revenge to his relationship with Titus. He and Titus are a very good fit.
Daniel is a bit annoying at times, and while I understand the reasons behind his dependence on Titus, it gets to be a little much. I'm really looking forward to his book and seeing him move on.
Daniel is a bit annoying at times, and while I understand the reasons behind his dependence on Titus, it gets to be a little much. I'm really looking forward to his book and seeing him move on.
April 15, 2011
Really liked this one.
Hopefully we might see a sequel??? Would love to see David/Ryu in a story.
Highly recommend this book.
Hopefully we might see a sequel??? Would love to see David/Ryu in a story.
Highly recommend this book.
February 16, 2018
3.5 Stars
I tend to like books with vampires that a) don't sparkle and b) don't typically conform the the established genre stereotypes. This story treats vampires as a different evolutionary species (sort of) where all they need is a little blood to sustain them and otherwise can eat, drink, sunbathe, etc. just like normal humans. Only they're supercharged and powerful. No mind tricks, no glamours (although they tend to be beautiful on the whole in some way) and there was supposedly something in the vampire blood that "infected" the human to make them vampires, too.
While I like that the MC used his science-based thinking to rationalize & the author used that to help explain the existence of vampires, it didn't always hold up with the stories of god/goddesses/demons "Turning" them in the ancient past. ("Turning" with a Capital T, always; that was irritating.) So the ambivalence lost the story some points after starting off strong. (I wonder if introducing Ryu, who claimed a demon-based origin, was what prompted that change?)
The story also morphed from a revenge-based quest to an Insta-love match. Which, I can appreciate the sentiment of (especially given the explanation later in the book for why it wasn't necessary) but something about the initial impetus reminded me of Inigo, forever searching for the 6-Fingered Man, and I kinda loved that part. Also, there seemed to be no repercussions for the younger-ish vamp that "Turned" (heh) all those revolutionary humans unsuited to being a vampire as the current culture would have them. Considering the Tribunal was present for the fighting, and was investigating other allegations, that was a missed opportunity to teach an important lesson to newer vamps. (More so than the outcome of that fight.)
It also had some editing issues but not enough to dissuade me from at least putting the next one on the TBR shelf for when I need more vampires to fulfill a challenge category.
I tend to like books with vampires that a) don't sparkle and b) don't typically conform the the established genre stereotypes. This story treats vampires as a different evolutionary species (sort of) where all they need is a little blood to sustain them and otherwise can eat, drink, sunbathe, etc. just like normal humans. Only they're supercharged and powerful. No mind tricks, no glamours (although they tend to be beautiful on the whole in some way) and there was supposedly something in the vampire blood that "infected" the human to make them vampires, too.
While I like that the MC used his science-based thinking to rationalize & the author used that to help explain the existence of vampires, it didn't always hold up with the stories of god/goddesses/demons "Turning" them in the ancient past. ("Turning" with a Capital T, always; that was irritating.) So the ambivalence lost the story some points after starting off strong. (I wonder if introducing Ryu, who claimed a demon-based origin, was what prompted that change?)
The story also morphed from a revenge-based quest to an Insta-love match. Which, I can appreciate the sentiment of (especially given the explanation later in the book for why it wasn't necessary) but something about the initial impetus reminded me of Inigo, forever searching for the 6-Fingered Man, and I kinda loved that part. Also, there seemed to be no repercussions for the younger-ish vamp that "Turned" (heh) all those revolutionary humans unsuited to being a vampire as the current culture would have them. Considering the Tribunal was present for the fighting, and was investigating other allegations, that was a missed opportunity to teach an important lesson to newer vamps. (More so than the outcome of that fight.)
It also had some editing issues but not enough to dissuade me from at least putting the next one on the TBR shelf for when I need more vampires to fulfill a challenge category.
July 12, 2018
3.5 stars
I liked this. We got to meet some interesting side characters, and I am looking forward to their stories as well.
Andreas was sweet. I enjoyed him a lot, I could understand his motivation at the beginning and I loved that we got to see how he changed and watch him fall in love. I liked Titus quite a bit as well. To be honest, I wanted to kill Daniel often, he was so bitchy, but he ended up being the most interesting character and I really hope to see him and Ryu again.
I liked this. We got to meet some interesting side characters, and I am looking forward to their stories as well.
Andreas was sweet. I enjoyed him a lot, I could understand his motivation at the beginning and I loved that we got to see how he changed and watch him fall in love. I liked Titus quite a bit as well. To be honest, I wanted to kill Daniel often, he was so bitchy, but he ended up being the most interesting character and I really hope to see him and Ryu again.
December 29, 2013
This book had really sappy moments, and I don't mean that in a good way. I need a certain degree of realism to really stay in a book, and finding Disney moments took away the mood.
The author over-explains a lot, which is incredibly annoying when I'm reading along and then I get yet another surprise info-dump. There was a lot of unnecessary backstory that I just didn't care about but which the author wanted to marinate me in. A lot of pruning would have done wonders for this book.
Worst of all is the floating POV. The majority of the early book is from Andreas' POV, with a few random paragraphs where we're suddenly in Titus's head, then later the author branches out to use POVs from other characters. I dislike too many POVs in a book (I prefer it if the authors can manage to hold themselves back and keep it to 1-2 POVs), but the really annoying part was the jumping around from person-to-person without warning. There were no breaks in the story, no chapters breaks, just one paragraph we're in Andreas' head, and the next, we're in Titus's. It was really jarring and confusing at times when I didn't know who was narrating.
I ended up giving up at 62% because the POV thing was just too much, and the other problems were escalating. As the book continued, the quality went down. For the first 1/4 of this book, I would have ranked it at 4 stars, and by the time I stopped at 62%, I was down to 3 stars. If I'd finished, I wouldn't be surprised if I'd be ranking it as 2 stars, but we'll never know.
The author over-explains a lot, which is incredibly annoying when I'm reading along and then I get yet another surprise info-dump. There was a lot of unnecessary backstory that I just didn't care about but which the author wanted to marinate me in. A lot of pruning would have done wonders for this book.
Worst of all is the floating POV. The majority of the early book is from Andreas' POV, with a few random paragraphs where we're suddenly in Titus's head, then later the author branches out to use POVs from other characters. I dislike too many POVs in a book (I prefer it if the authors can manage to hold themselves back and keep it to 1-2 POVs), but the really annoying part was the jumping around from person-to-person without warning. There were no breaks in the story, no chapters breaks, just one paragraph we're in Andreas' head, and the next, we're in Titus's. It was really jarring and confusing at times when I didn't know who was narrating.
I ended up giving up at 62% because the POV thing was just too much, and the other problems were escalating. As the book continued, the quality went down. For the first 1/4 of this book, I would have ranked it at 4 stars, and by the time I stopped at 62%, I was down to 3 stars. If I'd finished, I wouldn't be surprised if I'd be ranking it as 2 stars, but we'll never know.
March 26, 2012
Andreas and Titus make an interesting couple. For the most part I enjoyed Andreas's no holds barred push to get revenge. That type of emotion overwhelms and compels and it is easy for me to "go there" with the character and engage in those feelings. Titus was a bit of an enigma at first. I thought he was too soft at times. I had a hard time buying that an Ancient could have survived so long without some bloody backstory (more than what we get here). I'll admit the relationship between Daniel and Titus disturbed me - codependent much? I get the responsibility Titus felt but it felt a little uneven and emotionally almost crossing the line. I'm happy Daniel is getting his own book (I just went and bought it since I really want to read about him and the ninja!).
I love action scenes so the latter part of the book was an outstanding read for me. The vampire thing was o.k. -- I might have liked more exposure to the seedy politics side. I think the main reason it could not get above 4 stars for me is that vengeful Andreas made sense but was never designed to be forever. He was going to get the guy and die trying (to be turned). That much willpower and drive would bleed into the personal life and so it was hard for me to believe that Andreas would just leave his regular life when he had real time to think about things without . Regardless a recommended read!
I love action scenes so the latter part of the book was an outstanding read for me. The vampire thing was o.k. -- I might have liked more exposure to the seedy politics side. I think the main reason it could not get above 4 stars for me is that vengeful Andreas made sense but was never designed to be forever. He was going to get the guy and die trying (to be turned). That much willpower and drive would bleed into the personal life and so it was hard for me to believe that Andreas would just leave his regular life when he had real time to think about things without . Regardless a recommended read!
January 27, 2015
This book was recommended to me and I am SO glad it was. The story starts out with Andreas, a big-cat zoologist, wanting revenge on the vampire he believes murdered his sister. He decides that the only way to defeat the vampire would be to become an even stronger vampire. He goes to a restaurant owned by the one that his sister was involved with, Reinart, but he ends up tossed out the back with a few vampires looking to make him pay for showing up there to begin with. A vampire comes to his rescue, and soon enough they are involved and very shortly realize they have deep feelings for each other. I thought the main story would be Andreas trying to be Turned for revenge on his sister, but in the end it turns out to be an even better story than that. I really liked the build up in this story and the ending was great!!!
October 28, 2012
I really liked this story, particularly the contrast between Titus' old ways and Andreas' modern outlook. It made for a very interesting love story especially when Daniel was added to mix.
Aside from drinking blood, living forever and having superhuman strength - the vampires in this book are just like humans. I am so used to the "true blood" type vampires (can't tolerate daylight, must be invited in to a home etc), that at first I did not feel like Titus, Daniel etc were "real" vampires, but I got over that particular hang up by the end of the book.
However, I was really disappointed that Andreas' request to be turned was not fully addressed in this book, and so I guess I will have to read the rest of the series to find out what happened.
Aside from drinking blood, living forever and having superhuman strength - the vampires in this book are just like humans. I am so used to the "true blood" type vampires (can't tolerate daylight, must be invited in to a home etc), that at first I did not feel like Titus, Daniel etc were "real" vampires, but I got over that particular hang up by the end of the book.
However, I was really disappointed that Andreas' request to be turned was not fully addressed in this book, and so I guess I will have to read the rest of the series to find out what happened.
August 2, 2013
It's always a pleasure to re-read this series, because lets face is, Titus and Andreas, are always damn HOT together. The main storyline was enjoyable and well written. The text flown easily and fast. Sure there is a bit to mush SEX between both MC's but hey they were hot together.
2011/06/01
This story was perfect in every way. For my sense I would liked it a bit more melodramatic between Andreas and Titus, but that's because I really love dramatic moments full of emotions. Let me be clear, this story was full of emotions and romance, too. The book is really perfect and Highly RECOMMENDED to everyone.
2011/06/01
This story was perfect in every way. For my sense I would liked it a bit more melodramatic between Andreas and Titus, but that's because I really love dramatic moments full of emotions. Let me be clear, this story was full of emotions and romance, too. The book is really perfect and Highly RECOMMENDED to everyone.
April 8, 2011
I absolutely loved this book! I'm always a sucker for vampires and an angst-ridden human falling for each other type of romance, and this hit all my buttons from start to finish. I liked SJ Frost's take on vampires and their society. Andreas was a great character and he and Titus were perfect for each other. And there were a few surprises along the way in the plot as well! I would love to see a sequel with these two, or Andreas' friend, Carl or Titus' friend, David and Ryu. I think, and hope, that there is more to Titus and Andreas' story! Very highly recommended for vampire romance lovers!
May 5, 2011
S.J. Frost delivers another fabulous story with a sexy romance and a cast of well developed characters. I am always skeptical of vampire stories, because I feel it has all been said and done before. Frost managed to deliver a fresh perspective on the genre wrapped in an entertaining tale that kept me turning pages non-stop. I can't wait for another book in this world! Must have Daniel's story!
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