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Nobility has its privileges and its price. Sometimes it just sucks.

The Gray Court, Book 2

For Lord Duncan Malmayne, it was love at first sight with his true bond, the lovely half-Sidhe, half-leprechaun Moira Dunne. Yet something is missing from his relationship with the fiery redhead, something that prevents him from completing the Claiming and making Moira his forever.

As problems multiply in what should be a magical, idyllic time, the depression weighing on Moira's Sidhe heart signals a potentially devastating condition. Mate sickness. Her instinct tells her what's missing: Jaden Blackthorn, Gray Court vampire, Duncan s bond brother and closest friend who tactfully withdrew from their lives after Duncan declared his love.

Jaden is both heartbroken and elated that the two people he loves most in the world are together. It's best he cut off all contact to give them space to complete the Claiming. But trouble is brewing in the Malmayne clan, and when Jaden's forced back into their lives by the Hob, their extremely rare tribond clicks with a reaction that's swift, sensual and all-consuming, as they discover just what pleasure a tribond brings…

But not everyone looks upon it as a blessing. In fact, the price of their love could be a potentially fatal shift of power.

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and M/M/F love scenes between a Sidhe lord, a vampire and a leprechaun. And no, that s not the start of a dirty joke no matter what my Beta readers said."
 

214 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2011

68 people are currently reading
882 people want to read

About the author

Dana Marie Bell

56 books1,937 followers
Dana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself.

Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.

You can learn more about Dana at:

http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Sandy M.
669 reviews34 followers
July 1, 2011
Dana Marie Bell had me sold on this story from the first page when we’re introduced to Jaden Blackthorn, a lost vampire soul who refuses to feed from others, even from animals, in particular the scared cat that is as pitiful as Jaden himself at that point in time as he hides in an alley to keep anyone he comes across safe. He’s been turned against his will and has yet to feed - and kill, according to his sire - a human. He will never give in to that darkness. What he needs is kindness and understanding, and suddenly out of nowhere, just as his need is at its pinnacle, salvation comes to him. The emotion running through this initial scene had me instantly in love with Jaden and Duncan.

Duncan Malmayne, heir to the Seelie Sidhe lord and heir to the Malmayne clan, reaches out to Jaden, at risk to himself due to Jaden’s condition and nearly lost state of mind. But Ducan somehow knows what Jaden needs and he doesn’t hesitate to offer it all. Thus begins their long-lasting and close friendship, a friendship of bond brothers where either would do anything for the other, no matter what.

During this time Jaden has fallen for Moira Dunne, who is half leprechaun and half Sidhe and the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. But he’s blindsided when he learns Duncan and Moira are true bonds. He tries to be noble and step aside, making it easy for all three of them and keep the friendship intact. He misses them both, but his absence is for the best.

Though Duncan and Moira are happy in their new life while awaiting their ceremony, there’s something not quite right. Duncan is restless, pacing the floor, just not himself. Thinking it must because of other Malmaynes trying to steal leadership of the clan from Duncan, causing him all kinds of havoc, they finally realize it’s mate sickness and immediately contact Jaden to join them to complete their tribond.

I absolutely love Jaden. He’s sexy and smoldering and loves to have fun. His sense of humor is contagious, making you smile when he’s in snooping mode as one of Oberon’s Blades or just having some fun for the hell of it. Duncan is every inch the lord he’s been groomed to be, vowing to keep his clan safe at all costs. Of course, Moira has it made with two such men in her life. She’s feisty and independent and holds her own with them. And the love scenes are hot and sizzling. The first such scene is one of those mind benders for the characters and the reader - Duncan and Moira make love while Jaden merges with them in their minds, feeling and touching just the same as they do. Hot, hot, hot.

Along with Duncan’s power-hungry family, we also get a lot of interaction with Moira’s family, and what fun they are. I especially like Shane and Akane, and their story is going to be something else all together, I can just feel it. If you’re new to this series, I would suggestion you read Dare to Believe first. There’s a lot of players involved, so you’d just be better off starting at the beginning.

I really like this book even better than the first in the series. The characters evolve with more depth and emotion and the storyline is more involved, things don’t at all turn out as you’d expect. Be prepared for m/m scenes, however. I’m usually not a fan of this subgenre, a good majority of authors just not able to do it justice, but Ms. Bell gives the reader such emotion between Duncan and Jaden that it all works beautifully.

This series is getting better as each book comes along, so it’s high anxiety waiting for the next one.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Profile Image for figuranta❤️addicted❤️to❤️books❤️.
766 reviews74 followers
October 26, 2013
4.5 Stars

Noble Blood is the second book in The Gray Court Series and i really LOVED it. I love to read a good menage and i must specify this type of books has to be spot on for me to made the story believable. I need to actually feel a chemistry and connection between the characters and Dana Marie Bell did an amazing job in this book. This book it was a really a fantastic read. My only reason for not rating this book a 5 stars is that it didn't had enough sex scenes. I know i am such a bitch for doing this but fuck i loved their chemistry and connection from all points of view and i wanted more. I couldn't get enough of them but this book it's really highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Mspink.
206 reviews11 followers
January 25, 2011
Leprechauns, vampires, sidhe....oh my! This is going to be a fun little series. So far the author has built a wonderfully creative little world for us. Lots of different races and fun characters. She has such a great way with words and hilarity. I laugh out loud when I read this authors stories. I think she's someone I'd be friends with. A fantastically wicked sense of humor.

Her characters know who they are and they own it. Once recognize their mates, they acknowledge it. The romances are sweet. The families are fierce and loyal. And the story building is marvelous!

I'm always sad when I reach the end of her stories. Don't miss any of them!
Profile Image for Jenny Delandro.
1,921 reviews17 followers
August 24, 2011
I love the way Dana seems to be writing about the normal world and then just drops us out of the bottom of that boat into the cold clear world of her paranormal universe

I am so captivated by this series

ebooks are too easy to buy!!!

I am having trouble controlling how many I buy!

but I can not wait until she is ready to bring us the next installment :)
Profile Image for Heather.
2,790 reviews19 followers
October 15, 2024
Nobility has its privileges and its price. Sometimes it just sucks.
For Lord Duncan Malmayne, it was love at first sight with his true bond, the lovely half-Sidhe, half-leprechaun Moira Dunne. Yet something is missing from his relationship with the fiery redhead, something that prevents him from completing the Claiming and making Moira his forever.
As problems multiply in what should be a magical, idyllic time, the depression weighing on Moira's Sidhe heart signals a potentially devastating condition. Mate sickness. Her instinct tells her what's missing: Jaden Blackthorn, Gray Court vampire, Duncan’s bond brother and closest friend who tactfully withdrew from their lives after Duncan declared his love.
Jaden is both heartbroken and elated that the two people he loves most in the world are together. It's best he cut off all contact to give them space to complete the Claiming. But trouble is brewing in the Malmayne clan, and when Jaden's forced back into their lives by the Hob, their extremely rare tribond clicks with a reaction that's swift, sensual and all-consuming, as they discover just what pleasure a tribond brings…
But not everyone looks upon it as a blessing. In fact, the price of their love could be a potentially fatal shift of power.

Heather's Notes
I liked this book. I liked Jaden, Duncan, and Moria. I liked them together. I do wish Moria had been featured a little more. We mostly heard from Jaden, but it was a short story, so only so much would fit. I did like the twist at the end, where they all go to the "grey" court. I look forward to seeing how that plays out.
Profile Image for Tracy.
933 reviews72 followers
March 15, 2011
Despite being swept away by the half sidhe, half leprechaun Moira Dunne as soon as he saw her, the sidhe Lord Duncan Malmayne wasn't as happy as he should be upon finding the mate he'd hoped for for five hundred years. In fact, despite being certain that Moira was his, he just couldn't seem to bring himself to complete the claim and exchange their vows. And Moira was starting to worry. Not only did she sense the spiraling depression in her mate, but she, too, felt something was not right. Some part of her heart still felt empty.

And she couldn't get thoughts about a kiss with the vampire Jaden Blackthorn out of her mind.

As members of the Malmayne clan conspire with the nefarious queen of the Black Court and plot to topple Lord Duncan from his position as head of the clan, it is Moira who figures out that Duncan and Jaden must accept that all three of them are meant to be together in a rare tribond mating before their separation kills them all and destroys everything they hold most dear. And she's got more than enough Irish in her to make her stubborn mates see the light.

Personally, I blame Jaden for this. See, I didn't like Dare to Believe, I'm sad to say. Despite considering myself a fan of Dana Marie Bell and thoroughly enjoying her Halle Pumas and Halle Shifters series, it just didn't work for me. I hadn't really expected to continue with this series after that first book. Then I found myself in a bit of a reading funk and started searching around for a light, sexy bit of paranormal brain candy to jolt me out of it. I was actually hoping there would be another Halle Shifters book out already, but when I looked I came across Noble Blood: The Gray Court, Book 2 instead.

That's where Jaden comes in.

With his dark past and the sinfully delicious contradictions in his personality, not to mention his nature, he was my favorite character in Dare to Believe, and that book ended a bit grimly for him. Knowing that this one featured him poked, nudged, and niggled at me until I decided I just had to make sure he got his deserved HEA. So really, I blame Jaden. Because now I'm hooked on this series, too.

Bell writes the sort of fiction I most enjoy for my brain candy cravings: likable, sexy characters and a lot of fast, sarcastic, often humorous and sometimes sentimental dialogue. A heady mix of touching and touchy-feely. A little bit of yum and a lot of fun. It was just what I needed, and just what I got in Noble Blood.

The plot surrounding the characters is a continuation of events that were kicked off in the first book and the characters were introduced and fleshed out there, so I would recommend a reader new to the series start with that first book. Bell doesn't spend much time on exposition or world building here, and there really isn't much in the way of character description in this book, either. Instead the story and its characters hit the ground running and while I appreciate that from the perspective of someone familiar with the first book, that may not work for everyone.

As a book that's shorter than a traditional mass market paperback, Bell keeps the narrative of the story trim and the plot arc on the thin side. That style works for this sort of light, easy read, where conflicts rise and fall with relative ease and without an abundance of angst. What worked best for me in this book, though, is that while the plot does lean a bit towards the shallower end of the story pool, it's executed well, transitions smoothly, and evolves and expands through the book as it moves towards conclusion.

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of Menage a trois romances. My romantic preferences lie in pairs instead of sets, regardless of gender. When I do read them, though, I prefer them to be like they were represented here, where each of the involved characters has an obviously deep and abiding love for each other equally, instead of a more two-on-one style. That may create a problem for some readers, though, as this book includes sexual scenes and discussion of the romantic relationship between Duncan and Jaden.

Every time I finish a book by Bell, I wish for the same thing. I wish they were longer. Even though I liked the book and love the characters (and I can't wait for the hybrid and the dragonness to get their story), a hundred more pages in Bell's fun, fast, ferociously imaginative world would have provided the opportunity for a more robust plot with added dimension and a deeper and broader evolution of the romance. Okay, so that's me being greedy. I know.

Like I said, I blame Jaden. Though Bell gets to take some of the blame for that, too.

WARNING: This book features a M/M/F Menage a trois relationship that may disturb some readers. M/F, M/M/F, and M/M sexual situations, including anal and oral sex, are included.

~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
269 reviews
June 17, 2018
Great story

Here is another great story from this author. Now that I read the first two books I must continue to see what happens. I recommend this series you will love all the characters.
Profile Image for L.
137 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2017
Love the way she portrayed/described relationship between the three of them. Sinfully interesting and wicked!
Profile Image for Virginia McDowell.
81 reviews2 followers
Read
August 23, 2019
Solid

It's a solid story for the series. I enjoy getting to know them better and love the twist at the end. Overall, nice story.
Profile Image for Rosamaria.
21 reviews
July 3, 2022
Recommend these books to everyone. Love the series
Profile Image for Laura.
378 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2019
I finished the book last night and I sure hope someone decides to make movies out of this series and that whoever does make said movie remains true to the books, I hate how Hollywood butchers good books on film.

Tri-Bond way cool bet no one saw that coming ;) and in the last book I was feeling so bad for Bunnicula (sorry I really like that nickname). Duncan, Jaden and Moira sure are getting a lot of curveballs thrown at them but they roll so well with the punches, oh yeah and where can I get a pet salamander, I really want one, but instead of seeming into a German Sheppard can my turn into a lap dog like Schitzu.

I think that Dana Marie Bell did a great job of transferring characters from one book to the next without even the remotest change to their personalities. I have read some books where there was nothing but inconsistency from one book to the next. But I found no inconsistency only progression, for example you could tell that Moira was hanging out with her new sister-in-law, Ruby because her nickname for Jaden came up, but that one just has to stick because it fits him so well. It will be fun to see how the next book turns out on my second reading of it.


This review posting contains the body of the review, which is only a portion of the original review which was originally posted here https://lauralusbookreviews.blogspot....
Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,861 reviews1,268 followers
October 7, 2012
"Noble Blood", the second book of the Gray Court series is better than the first book, "Dare to Believe" (which I liked) because of Jaden. Even though he's witty dialogue was slightly annoying at times, I loved him. He was great and oh so necessary. And I enjoyed how the author wrote his HEA.

He felt unworthy and beneath everyone but he didn't understand the true gem he was and...I love stories like these when the author gets to portray the character's feelings effectively. And this author did it.

Duncan and Moira were great too but Jaden totally stole the show in my opinion. But he didn't in the bedroom and that count when writing a good menage - no matter the pairing, to me. Everyone got their couple time and threesome time at least once in this book. Well almost everyone...

And even with out that part and the slight over witty repartee, I was going to give it 5 STARS just cause this story is watching the underdog get his day. But...(there's always a but these days, I swear) There was an issue that nagged me.

Here's my issue:

And even with my damn minor issues...I still love the book, the world building, the characters, the quips, the damn feel of where the series is going.

Was it perfect? Nope.

Am I still reading the rest of the series? Uh, yeah!

FOUR & A HALF STARS--because there's just something about the underdog that I root for every time.

Profile Image for jD.
752 reviews33 followers
April 11, 2011
It's sad when a three star book follows a five star one. I was disappointed in this second book of The Gray Court. I love the Fey and all their shiny brilliance and magic. The first book had a nice underlying story to go along with the erotica so much so that I did not categorize it in my mind as erotica first and foremost. Book two set me straight, it's erotica. The characters where flat and the story was predictable. I also felt it was shorter than the first one although both are novellas.

This book is the continuation of a story from book one so I started out familiar with each and thought I had a sense of who they were. In book one, we meet hardened vamp assassin, Jaden. He had serious promise to be interesting and a true badass. This book turned him into a wuss and other things. The previous book ended with Jaden blood bounding with Moira, a half fey and half leprechaun. I liked the possibilities with these two. Shortly after Jaden discovers Moira is his mate, his best friend and leader of a powerful fey family, Duncan, claims her too. It turns out they had a highly unusual three-way bond because Duncan also had a blood bond to Jaden. Duncan saved Jaden’s life 100 years previously by giving him blood. Neither man realized the future consequences of that chance meeting.

I like these three characters but their weird relationship took up too much time in such a short book. The fighting action was constantly being skimmed. There was plenty of room for drama and supernatural mayhem but the author went with her best talent, erotica. I think she short changed herself because she has an excellent premise for this series. Whoa is me…

As for the series, this book is not a deal breaker. I am planning to read Moira brother Shane's book whenever it comes out although I already don't like this dragon chick he is hooking up with. So no rush on that one.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,135 reviews
September 5, 2016
What Is It About:
Moira is part Sidhe but mainly leprechaun. She recently found her true bond in Duncan. But even as they spend time together, they can't help but feel as though something is missing in their relationship. When Jaden is forced to return, they release that what was missing was him. They must deal with the politics of someone trying to usurp Duncan as clan leader and trying to get a stubborn vampire to admit that he feels something for both Duncan and Moira as they do him.

What I Liked and Didn't:
I must admit that it was a bit ahead of its time with polyamorous relationships but it fits the book well. I was a bit cautious as to how each person would work within the relationship but they all work well as individual couples so why not together? I think it's cute that Jaden is the one that they are the most protective over rather than Moira. I like how Jaden and Duncan met, even though the reader didn't read the entire relationship, it built their relationship up nicely. I like all three characters equally so I never had a favourite couple out of the three which I appreciate with this kind of book. Plot-wise, I think that this book set up the plot for the rest of the series as opposed to it being an action-packed and dramatic plot for this book.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, I'd say that it's a pretty enjoyable read although it certainly wasn't as good as the first book. Miss Bell's writing style certainly shines through and makes this an entertaining and pretty funny read. But the sequels are never as good as the original.
Would I recommend it? Of course, they're a great read.
Will I be carrying on the series? Definitely, got to know Akane and Shane's happily ever after.
Profile Image for Shiran.
356 reviews42 followers
April 2, 2012
Warning: this book contains a cocky vampire, a kick ass hybrid woman and a tribond that will leave you in desperate need of a cold shower!

What more can I say? Dana Marie Bell has done it yet again and she is becoming my top author, at this stage if she decided to write her own adaptation of Eat, Pray, Love I would read it.

Jaden, Moira and Duncan share a unique bond, a tribond, and it's time they all claimed each other. I think I loved Jaden the most out of all of them, he is super hot and sweet. He was willing to sacrifice his heart and soul so that the two people he loved would be happy and he is cocky and witty. Moira is a spunky chick who is going to take what is hers and kill anyone who gets in her way. I loved that even though the men desperately wanted to protect her, they still had faith that she could take care of herself. Duncan is truly a lord and you don't feel as if he has lived for 500 years. I really loved his relationship with Jaden, the fact that he took in a vampire when both his family and court despise them just proves what an amazing character he is.

Before Bell I had never read an m/m/f book and I was curtain I never would, now I'm ever so happy that I couldn't stop myself from reading everything she has written. I really enjoyed the romance and steamy sex scenes, I am finding that m/m/f is really an amazing genre!

The Gary Court series turned out to be a delightful surprise, I really didn't expect the supernatural aspect of it and what I got was the most unique and fantastical world yet. I cannot WAIT to read the next one!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,475 reviews81 followers
June 26, 2011
No significant reading on my personal Ick-Meter nor did the Cliché-component alarm sound.

After I finished the first book in this series, Dare to Believe, The Gray Court Book 1, I sought out the second only to learn it did not yet exist. In the time and many books that followed the Gray court slipped from my mind until Sunday night when something reminded me and I looked up the next book and found that the Kindle copy, at least, was available. The Cover art is gorgeous.
The problem with "long-awaited" sequels is the difficulty in recalling what happened in the previous volume. This book is a bit short on backstory but otherwise has a super sexy love story with comic relief and danger. I searched for cliche and it is not there. The story has a plot with more political machinations than the Republican potentials for President. They are pretty intricate. I am not going to repeat the synopsis, because that would be silly.

Bell's writing style is light and easy to read, although I am sure there is a great deal of effort in writing that seems light but which has so many complicated characters, species, and plot twists. It features a lot of sex in menage—m/m/f. One character's personal discovery that he is, indeed, bi is a bit too rapidly accepted except he is fae and traditionally they have a very different attitude towards sexuality.

It was a quick read for me at about 4 hours. Perfect for a flight or train ride unless you blush easily. Great on the beach too. I enjoyed it and hope you will too.

E-Galley through NetGalley, no expectation
Profile Image for Laura.
378 reviews9 followers
October 12, 2020
I finished the book last night and I sure hope someone decides to make movies out of this series and that whoever does make said movie remains true to the books, I hate how Hollywood butchers good books on film.

Tri-Bond way cool bet no one saw that coming ;) and in the last book I was feeling so bad for Bunnicula (sorry I really like that nickname). Duncan, Jaden and Moira sure are getting a lot of curveballs thrown at them but they roll so well with the punches, oh yeah and where can I get a pet salamander, I really want one, but instead of seeming into a German Sheppard can my turn into a lap dog like Schitzu.

I think that Dana Marie Bell did a great job of transferring characters from one book to the next without even the remotest change to their personalities. I have read some books where there were nothing but inconsistency from one book to the next. But I found no inconsistency only progression, for example you could tell that Moira was hanging out with her new sister-in-law, Ruby because her nickname for Jaden came up, but that one just has to stick because it fits him so well. It will be fun to see how the next book turns out on my second reading of it.

This review posting contains the body of the review, which is only a portion of the original review which was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
Profile Image for Sarah.
248 reviews26 followers
January 24, 2011
I really enjoyed Leo and Ruby's story, and was salivating over Duncan/Moira/Jaden next. It didn't disappoint although I will add the caveat that since this is a series only the really major obstacle gets solved in each book. There is no complete resolution since she is continuing the series. And what a continuation it is going to be!!

For this book, I really liked it. I liked the characters, the setting and pace were good, and I believed in the relationship. There was a little twist at the end that I really wanted a better explanation for, but not so bad that it ruined the book for me. I think my favorite part was how Duncan took us back to that alley so we could see what he saw in Jaden all those years ago. Very sweet.

This is my only complaint: I read the book on my Nook so it could have been a formatting issue, but there was lots of jumping between characters and settings without warning. Two different characters speaking in the same paragraph so I didn't know who said what. And no nice pretty separators when we went from one scene to the next. Again, could have been a formatting issue on my Nook so don't let that stop you from reading the story.

I haven't read any of her other books, but her next Gray Court book will be an auto-buy for me. I can't wait for Shane!!
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,207 reviews24 followers
February 2, 2016
I'm not into M/M/F books all that much, but this one was probably one of the better ones I have read.

In the first book we knew that Jaden figured Moira was his true bond. But he never considered she would be his bond brother's as well. He knows they both deserve love so he bows out and gives them the time to claim each other and maybe get over the fact that his heart has been split in half by the two people he loves.

Moira knew that there was a connection with Jaden after he kidnapped her sister-in-law. But now she's met her true bond in Duncan. So why can't she bring herself to finish the Claiming, and why is she constantly wondering where Jaden is?

Duncan never expected to meet his true bond so fast and fall so hard. But after taking her back to his home he can't help but feel a part of him is missing and the fact Jaden has blocked their connection, on they've had since the beginning, makes him feel so empty?

Will these three come together finally? Will Moira and Duncan be able to convince Jaden he deserves to be happy and loved by his true bonds as much as anybody else?
Profile Image for Mangrovejane.
107 reviews
October 1, 2015
I am willing to upgrade this book to three stars, from the 2.5 I gave the last one. It is STILL one of those brain candy fluffy series that you really need to not think very much about. Some of the language and concepts are still a little adolescent and irritating but it IS getting better. The tension between the grey, white and black courts are becoming more evident and I like that the sex does not interfere with the plot.

This book follows the story of the tri bond struggles between Jaden (vampire), Moira (leprechaun/sidhe hybrid) and Lord Duncan Malmayne (sidhe) (yes....be ready for some threesome MMF action) and also develops the idea that the prophecy of a child of Dunne changing the world may be one of the leprechaun Sean Dunne's children....or it could be one of his grandchildren.

The book follows a typical formulaic writing style. Does that matter? Not really. It is not a book that will change the world or your life, or alter your philosophies...but it is...fun.
Profile Image for Mare.
913 reviews
January 12, 2013
At the end of book #1 Jaden’s dream of Happily Ever After is crushed when Duncan meets Moira & realizes she’s his soul mate. Moira is even surprised and though happy and drawn to Duncan, she misses Jaden. Feeling like he would be a third-wheel Jaden leaves causing Duncan & Moira to feel more then the absence of a dear friend... mating sickness; compound that problem with the fact that the Malmayne clan (Duncan’s clan) is out to remove him so they can continue their pursuit of Moira’s brother Leo (for reasons still unclear). Once Jaden returns because of Robin’s orders, Moira has to make Jaden & Duncan realize that the three of them equal a rare tri-bond…which just adds another reason the Malmaynes will want to remove Duncan as clan leader since White Court sidhe dislike vampires & non-pure sidhe (like Moira).
The series is really picking up!
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,361 reviews46 followers
March 30, 2024
What a great direction this series is going in.
Love the characters that this series is revolving around and the new ones we are getting to meet.
In this the second book we get a tribond mating which I was so happy about as my heart broke for Jaden at the end of book one.
These three have a few battles to fight and I really loved the way this book went in a better direction re the Fae courts.
There seems to be more going on than we know.
We get more of the Hob and Oberon as well as meeting Akane, a very special Oberon’s Blade, that will also have a large impact on the Dunne family.
I have owned, read and reviewed these books years ago but my reviews are missing. Never a hardship to reread them and I am always surprised at how they draw me in. This is my fourth time reading this book. I know how this series goes and it really is enjoyable.
Profile Image for Zeek.
923 reviews149 followers
July 27, 2011
Well, "read" sorta- it was a dnf. Despite the fae and magic and vamps, not enough umpf to hold my interest, but the 3-way love story might be enough for someone else. (I like hot alpha were's the best! :P)

I may read the third brother's story when it comes out because he intrigues me, but then again- I may not. Meh.

Even though I do like her Halle Pumas series- surprise surprise, it's a shifter series!- I have a difficult time calling to mind the plots of each of the books or even the characters. They just dont hang with you like a steller series does. (I promise I will one day get around to reviewing them when I get the chance to go back and refresh my memory- because I did read all of them!)
364 reviews6 followers
September 10, 2017
This is a reread. And damn!!! It keeps having the same effect on me , every time.

This is a mmf menagè. Jade blackthorn (the vampire ) is funy as hell. You're gonna fall hard for his sense of humour if you haven't already in the first book.
And duncan seems like a serious person but nawww he is cute and funny too. What you can expect is a lot of love/banter /rivals blah blah.

I reallyy liked the story of how duncan and jaden met , and formed a blood bond.

Aaaaand... holy hell , that mind controlling fantasy burned up my phone. 🔥🔥🔥

We get to know more about our lead characters for the next book ( artistic vision ). I'll give this book 6 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Eva.
255 reviews10 followers
November 26, 2011
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of Jaden. I really liked his character, mostly because his humor agreed with me.
The plot was ongoing from the previous book and while Jaden, Duncan and Moira did get their hea (though there's still plenty of danger left) the plot is far from resolved and the prophecy about the Dunne child could literally mean anything.
Overall a good book and a good series.
ETA Oh and I almost forgot, Duncan didn't live in Narnia. Apparently he's bi but has had zero interest in men after meeting Jaden and taking him in. Which left me a bit confused because that was about 100 years ago which is a looong time for not figuring out Jaden and he were mates.
Profile Image for Carol.
198 reviews
February 14, 2013
How well you like this book could depend on if you believe you can love more than one person without jealousy.

In the beginning, I felt so sad for Jaden. He seen her first. He tasted her first. She should be his. And I have to say, I didn't see the tribond coming at all! A HEA times three?! It works for them so Aye!!

Have I mention that Dana can write erotica?

The sub-plot continues where DARE TO BELIEVE leaves off. It's goes a little deeper into the Black Court and reasons why they so determined to web/bond with Leo. It also sets up the next story line for Shane and Akane. So let us not wait to see what's happens next...

Profile Image for Kayla.
134 reviews
April 12, 2025
Dana Marie Bell does an amazing job of sucking you in and making you fall in love with not only the storyline but also the characters. Where can I find my own Jaden and Duncan? I mean a girl can't really pick and they love their have not only for Moira but also for each other is so heartfelt and warming you can't help but wish for them to work out their differences and be together. I also love the whole plot line and the twist on the Sidhe and Seelie court. This is a a great new series and read!

I give this 5 out of 5 stars!!!

Looking for more reviews and books? Check out my blog http://whenireadilive.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Dr. Bronwyn Ph.D of Smutology.
425 reviews
April 14, 2013
This was a great read and a wonderful instalment to the series. If I wasn't already a massive fan of Dana Marie Bell, I would be now.

In Nobel Blood we see Moira Dunne, Duncan Malmayne and Jaden Blackthorne navigate the tricky waters of a tribond involving 3 species of seelie/unseelie, politics and a clan on the brink of corruption. We get more answers in regards to the contract for marriage between Malmayne and Dunne, Jaden's second oath AND we get hints about the part Shane will play in what I'm sure is about to become a war.

Well written and funny this really was a joy to read!
Profile Image for ErOtic_SCiFi_CHick.
31 reviews23 followers
October 28, 2011
I had a hard time getting into this book. I just got the feeling that " I heard it all before". For me there was no originality. It went something like this girl meets boy, girl meets other boy and leaves the other behind, girl and new boy miss other boy...blah blah blah. The whole menege a trio was nice but the sex was blah...changing colors and becoming slightly green and smelling like dirt WTH! I'm done now Im a lil pissed I couldn't finish the book Oh well
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