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Blood Burden #1
Burden of Blood
The second story but first full length novel in the Blood Burden series is Burden of Blood.
No one wants to know everyone’s darkest secrets, especially not police officer, Nicole Keenan. All she wants is a blissfully normal life in the small, Alabama town where she was born. But as generations of power running through her veins start to wake up, an ancient grudge is ignited that threatens to push her over the edge. She can hardly believe in what she is, let alone that a dark force will not stop until she's joins them. Or is dead.
Nicole Keenan's life enters into a dangerous dance with warriors and gothic fairies. Southern tradition collides with Irish folklore as she learns about love, heartbreak, and the Burden of Blood.
No one wants to know everyone’s darkest secrets, especially not police officer, Nicole Keenan. All she wants is a blissfully normal life in the small, Alabama town where she was born. But as generations of power running through her veins start to wake up, an ancient grudge is ignited that threatens to push her over the edge. She can hardly believe in what she is, let alone that a dark force will not stop until she's joins them. Or is dead.
Nicole Keenan's life enters into a dangerous dance with warriors and gothic fairies. Southern tradition collides with Irish folklore as she learns about love, heartbreak, and the Burden of Blood.
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First published February 3, 2012
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January 9, 2012
Burden of Blood by Wenona Hulsey
Burden of Blood is a paranormal / urban fantasy novel and I will say a great addition to the genre. Wenona’s writing is phenomenal her character development was excellent and the words flowed so well that before you knew it you were at the end book.
Nicole is the main character in this novel, she is a strong independent woman and a police officer. Nicole loves her job and happens to be very good at it; she has a secret though that she keeps from everyone fearing they would reject her or think she is crazy. She can hear people’s bad thoughts and sometimes this leads her to making some great arrests. Then we are introduced to Luke who is a fellow police officer, he is handsome, loyal, a man she could trust or could she? The mutual attraction is evident but Nicole keeps him at arms lengths so not to lose the friendship they have.
When someone tries to kill Nicole many family secrets are revealed and Luke has a confession of his own.
This story is filled with mystery, romance, fae’s, warriors and a bit of heart break. I can’t say enough about the author or this book besides it is one of the best paranormal books I have read in some time. I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next in this series and Wenona Hulsey is going on my automatic buying list.
I rated this book 4 out of 5 and it deserves at least 4.5 rating if I could, the only reason it lost a half a point is because I wished the story would of been a bit longer.
I will recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal/urban fantasy novel.
Burden of Blood is a paranormal / urban fantasy novel and I will say a great addition to the genre. Wenona’s writing is phenomenal her character development was excellent and the words flowed so well that before you knew it you were at the end book.
Nicole is the main character in this novel, she is a strong independent woman and a police officer. Nicole loves her job and happens to be very good at it; she has a secret though that she keeps from everyone fearing they would reject her or think she is crazy. She can hear people’s bad thoughts and sometimes this leads her to making some great arrests. Then we are introduced to Luke who is a fellow police officer, he is handsome, loyal, a man she could trust or could she? The mutual attraction is evident but Nicole keeps him at arms lengths so not to lose the friendship they have.
When someone tries to kill Nicole many family secrets are revealed and Luke has a confession of his own.
This story is filled with mystery, romance, fae’s, warriors and a bit of heart break. I can’t say enough about the author or this book besides it is one of the best paranormal books I have read in some time. I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next in this series and Wenona Hulsey is going on my automatic buying list.
I rated this book 4 out of 5 and it deserves at least 4.5 rating if I could, the only reason it lost a half a point is because I wished the story would of been a bit longer.
I will recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal/urban fantasy novel.
August 4, 2011
Busy day, busy week, oh man,I have thought long and hard on what I want to try to say about this novel. Here is the thing, I am fortunate to read a lot of different stuff, not just in form but in genre. This novel just stands apart from anything I have read of late, what type of words should I use, how should I say it? Let’s get to the synopsis first and I can ponder it a bit more:
“No one wants to know everyone& their darkest secrets, especially not police officer, Nicole Keenan. All she wants is a blissfully normal life in the small, Alabama town where she was born. But as generations of power running through her veins start to wake up, an ancient grudge is ignited that threatens to push her over the edge. She can hardly believe in what she is, let alone that a dark force will not stop until she's joins them. Or is dead.
Nicole Keenan's life enters into a dangerous dance with warriors and gothic fairies. Southern tradition collides with Irish folklore as she learns about love, heartbreak, and The Burden of Blood.”
I am fortunate, and I mean this sincerely, to get advanced reads on many of the novels, digital short stories and novellas I get to post on. It is a privilege and an honor that I don’t take lightly. When I had this in my hands it was just like having a slice of fun, of liberation, reading this insightful, provocative and truly original narrative definitely put a smile on my face. So much so my wife was wondering what I was enjoying so much, she read it when I was done. Yes, she gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up also. Today I told her I am grooving on the latest Brad Thor novel, but once she read the jacket told me it wasn’t her speed, I knew that, but hey, you never know.
My suggestion people, if you are looking, and I mean hungering for a really good read, something that is going to keep you riveted to your ereader, making those thumbs jump on the button, that will make you defy your usual genre choices, then download this novel; there is no burden in reading this at all. The only blood involved may be from the blisters you get from clicking the pages too fast. Enjoy.
NEW RELEASES BY TRESTLE PRESS AUTHOR’S THIS WEEK: “The Air Guy” by Angelique LaFontaine, “Impeccant”, The Reprisal Series by Sam Lang, Big Daddy Abel “Open Mic Volume Four”, Cody Toye Intangible series ,”Revelations”, Paul D. Brazille’s Drunk on the Moon series, Julie Madeleine “Fear the Night”, The Author’s Lab/Collaboration series “Down Under Dead” ,Sylvia Massara, Leona DeRosa Bodie “Cocooned in Darkness”, The Author’s Lab/Collaboration series “The Fairy GodFather” Rie Sheridan Rose.
“No one wants to know everyone& their darkest secrets, especially not police officer, Nicole Keenan. All she wants is a blissfully normal life in the small, Alabama town where she was born. But as generations of power running through her veins start to wake up, an ancient grudge is ignited that threatens to push her over the edge. She can hardly believe in what she is, let alone that a dark force will not stop until she's joins them. Or is dead.
Nicole Keenan's life enters into a dangerous dance with warriors and gothic fairies. Southern tradition collides with Irish folklore as she learns about love, heartbreak, and The Burden of Blood.”
I am fortunate, and I mean this sincerely, to get advanced reads on many of the novels, digital short stories and novellas I get to post on. It is a privilege and an honor that I don’t take lightly. When I had this in my hands it was just like having a slice of fun, of liberation, reading this insightful, provocative and truly original narrative definitely put a smile on my face. So much so my wife was wondering what I was enjoying so much, she read it when I was done. Yes, she gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up also. Today I told her I am grooving on the latest Brad Thor novel, but once she read the jacket told me it wasn’t her speed, I knew that, but hey, you never know.
My suggestion people, if you are looking, and I mean hungering for a really good read, something that is going to keep you riveted to your ereader, making those thumbs jump on the button, that will make you defy your usual genre choices, then download this novel; there is no burden in reading this at all. The only blood involved may be from the blisters you get from clicking the pages too fast. Enjoy.
NEW RELEASES BY TRESTLE PRESS AUTHOR’S THIS WEEK: “The Air Guy” by Angelique LaFontaine, “Impeccant”, The Reprisal Series by Sam Lang, Big Daddy Abel “Open Mic Volume Four”, Cody Toye Intangible series ,”Revelations”, Paul D. Brazille’s Drunk on the Moon series, Julie Madeleine “Fear the Night”, The Author’s Lab/Collaboration series “Down Under Dead” ,Sylvia Massara, Leona DeRosa Bodie “Cocooned in Darkness”, The Author’s Lab/Collaboration series “The Fairy GodFather” Rie Sheridan Rose.
August 6, 2011
When Wenona Hulsey approached me and asked me to read and review her first novel, I was thrilled. I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting, but Burden of Blood exceeded any possible expectations I could have had. It was like as soon as you thought you knew what was going on, a new character would come in or a new twist in the story would surprise you. The love story between Nicole and Luke will have you screaming at the book as you beg Nicole to give in, and realize it’s okay to let go and fall in love. The characters are real, relatable, funny and all individual. This book really shows us what we are not only capable of, but the strength that we have when we think we’ve lost everything.
So now that we know who the dark mysterious figure is from Blood Awakening, will Nicole find the strength to carry out her destiny and protect the fey? I’ll be waiting very impatiently for that answer.
To see more of my reviews please visit ink-puddle.blogspot.com
So now that we know who the dark mysterious figure is from Blood Awakening, will Nicole find the strength to carry out her destiny and protect the fey? I’ll be waiting very impatiently for that answer.
To see more of my reviews please visit ink-puddle.blogspot.com
August 31, 2011
I liked this book right from the beginning. Nicole is a smart, tough police officer with a very interesting ability. She can hear people's bad thoughts. This is really hard for her sometimes because she can only hear the worst in people, but still she manages to keep from going insane and uses her talent to help people. Her abilities grow stronger and change throughout the book as she learns more about her heritage.
Luke, her partner, complements her perfectly. He is understanding and kind, but full of surprises and a stubborn streak. Because both he and Nicole are such strong and smart protagonists, it is a lot of fun watching their relationship develop.
This book is fast-paced and from beginning to an end that leaves you begging for more, though not torturing you with an evil cliffhanger. I can't wait until book 2 comes out.
I would recommend this book to lovers of urban fantasy and strong heroines.
Luke, her partner, complements her perfectly. He is understanding and kind, but full of surprises and a stubborn streak. Because both he and Nicole are such strong and smart protagonists, it is a lot of fun watching their relationship develop.
This book is fast-paced and from beginning to an end that leaves you begging for more, though not torturing you with an evil cliffhanger. I can't wait until book 2 comes out.
I would recommend this book to lovers of urban fantasy and strong heroines.
August 24, 2011
New and Enjoyable! Paranormal fans should take notice.
Ms. Hulsey starts this book out with a really different type of heroine. She is tough, stubborn (to a fault), and hears the evil thoughts of people around her. Being the strong character that Nicole is, she uses her gift to fight evil, although it comes at great personal risk.
There are some big twists in this book-- Things that I did not see coming. And the men? Well, lets just say you shouldn't read the book somewhere you will be worried about people seeing you drool. Luke... oh my.
This is a fun, interesting read, and definitely worth a look.
Ms. Hulsey starts this book out with a really different type of heroine. She is tough, stubborn (to a fault), and hears the evil thoughts of people around her. Being the strong character that Nicole is, she uses her gift to fight evil, although it comes at great personal risk.
There are some big twists in this book-- Things that I did not see coming. And the men? Well, lets just say you shouldn't read the book somewhere you will be worried about people seeing you drool. Luke... oh my.
This is a fun, interesting read, and definitely worth a look.
January 22, 2022
More from the random freebies pile.
Been a while since I picked up a UF/PNR book and I was kinda in the mood for one - after seven years on my TBR, this one was rather overdue. Not the most original premise and the writing, particularly when it comes to dialogue, is a bit clunky, but otherwise this started out entertaining enough... until about the point where Rhys showed up, and then we were suddenly way deep down cliché alley in so many ways and I quickly lost interest.
Been a while since I picked up a UF/PNR book and I was kinda in the mood for one - after seven years on my TBR, this one was rather overdue. Not the most original premise and the writing, particularly when it comes to dialogue, is a bit clunky, but otherwise this started out entertaining enough... until about the point where Rhys showed up, and then we were suddenly way deep down cliché alley in so many ways and I quickly lost interest.
August 7, 2011
I've finally finished Burden of Blood by Wenona Hulsey. I'm glad I saved it for my mini-vacation this weekend because it was nice to sit down and read a book from start to finish, without interruptions.
If you're familiar with my reviews you know that I don't do synopses-- you can get that info from the book's page at Amazon or Barnes & Noble, no? I like to give my honest impressions of a book in my reviews, and that's what I'm going to do here.
I really liked this story! I was introduced to Nicole and her friend Kat in the short story Blood Awakening. That was a nice little beginning that established the dawning of Nicole's special powers-- though we're really left chomping at the bit at the end of Blood Awakening, trying to figure out why Nicole has these powers and what, if anything, they mean for her future.
In Burden of Blood, our curiosity is momentarily slaked, as we learn more about Nicole, her family history and the new-found direction her life has taken. In BoB we meet a few new characters-- her dad, nosy-but-nice townspeople, a hot co-worker (read: love interest) and a couple of colorful super-natural-types that make the brief world-building here a pleasure to dig into.
I think it is the development of all these characters, as well as the fleshing out of Nicole (over the glimpse of her we get in Blood Awakening) that lifts this story above being just-another-new-paranormal-tale status to something you can definitely sink your teeth into. Nicole and Luke, her fellow police officer, are both very believable, as are Nicole's Dad and best friend, Jim and Kat, respectively. Considering this is a spare novel (only 14 chapters), Hulsey does a good job of letting us get to know more about Nicole, her gift and her motivations. And boy do we learn just enough about Luke to make him a nice, but determined, hubba-hubba. Sage and Rhys add just the right amount of spicy as secondary characters (I'm certainly hoping that Rhys has an up-skirt incident and Sage does more than salivate over Nicole in the sequel, hehehe).
Now as much as I like this book, I do have a few small criticisms. There are a few grammar, punctuation and grammar errors in the text-- but not enough to take you out of the story. I wish this novel had been just a bit longer and that we had learned a tad more about the villain and his henchmen. Since Nicole is a cop, I expected a bit more action, so that she uses that professional skill set just as much as she uses her new-found gifts. I am grateful, though, that Nicole is tough, resolved and doesn't find herself always playing the victim (as we see in way too many paranormal romancy-heroines). I guess I would have preferred for Nicole to be more conflicted about things at times-- she is resolved not to have a romantic entanglement from the git-go in BoB, but to me she needs to be far more emotional about giving up that part of her life-- that would be deliciously painful, and would make the reader pang for the possibilities. And I'm a little puzzled about how and why Nicole's dad, Jim, is so accepting of what's going down in his daughter's life. I know I inhaled this story, but is Jim the descendant (if not, son) of a powerful fae queen? Is he powerless? Besides goading his daughter on to accepting her powers, what does Jim add, besides being a continued vulnerability for his daughter. I'm sure we'll learn more about Nicole's family tree (especially because there's that big old tree on the back of that lovely that's on the BoB's cover, hehehe) but I would have loved more breadcrumbs about dear old dad (and about Nicole's mom, if she also has a role in Nicole's supernatural development).
Ok, let me sum this review up-- Burden of Blood has deftly matured from its storied-beginnings in Blood Awakening. The pacing works-- not too fast nor too slow. There could have been a bit more action for my taste, but there is solid-enough worldbuilding here, establishing the good guys-- and the bad. Luke is a sexy and likable love interest, and that Nicole doesn't fall head-over-pistols in love with him immediately leaves the reader panting for more-to-come, but not too disappointed. This story is a fun, fast read, and I'm looking forward to the continuation of series.
If you're familiar with my reviews you know that I don't do synopses-- you can get that info from the book's page at Amazon or Barnes & Noble, no? I like to give my honest impressions of a book in my reviews, and that's what I'm going to do here.
I really liked this story! I was introduced to Nicole and her friend Kat in the short story Blood Awakening. That was a nice little beginning that established the dawning of Nicole's special powers-- though we're really left chomping at the bit at the end of Blood Awakening, trying to figure out why Nicole has these powers and what, if anything, they mean for her future.
In Burden of Blood, our curiosity is momentarily slaked, as we learn more about Nicole, her family history and the new-found direction her life has taken. In BoB we meet a few new characters-- her dad, nosy-but-nice townspeople, a hot co-worker (read: love interest) and a couple of colorful super-natural-types that make the brief world-building here a pleasure to dig into.
I think it is the development of all these characters, as well as the fleshing out of Nicole (over the glimpse of her we get in Blood Awakening) that lifts this story above being just-another-new-paranormal-tale status to something you can definitely sink your teeth into. Nicole and Luke, her fellow police officer, are both very believable, as are Nicole's Dad and best friend, Jim and Kat, respectively. Considering this is a spare novel (only 14 chapters), Hulsey does a good job of letting us get to know more about Nicole, her gift and her motivations. And boy do we learn just enough about Luke to make him a nice, but determined, hubba-hubba. Sage and Rhys add just the right amount of spicy as secondary characters (I'm certainly hoping that Rhys has an up-skirt incident and Sage does more than salivate over Nicole in the sequel, hehehe).
Now as much as I like this book, I do have a few small criticisms. There are a few grammar, punctuation and grammar errors in the text-- but not enough to take you out of the story. I wish this novel had been just a bit longer and that we had learned a tad more about the villain and his henchmen. Since Nicole is a cop, I expected a bit more action, so that she uses that professional skill set just as much as she uses her new-found gifts. I am grateful, though, that Nicole is tough, resolved and doesn't find herself always playing the victim (as we see in way too many paranormal romancy-heroines). I guess I would have preferred for Nicole to be more conflicted about things at times-- she is resolved not to have a romantic entanglement from the git-go in BoB, but to me she needs to be far more emotional about giving up that part of her life-- that would be deliciously painful, and would make the reader pang for the possibilities. And I'm a little puzzled about how and why Nicole's dad, Jim, is so accepting of what's going down in his daughter's life. I know I inhaled this story, but is Jim the descendant (if not, son) of a powerful fae queen? Is he powerless? Besides goading his daughter on to accepting her powers, what does Jim add, besides being a continued vulnerability for his daughter. I'm sure we'll learn more about Nicole's family tree (especially because there's that big old tree on the back of that lovely that's on the BoB's cover, hehehe) but I would have loved more breadcrumbs about dear old dad (and about Nicole's mom, if she also has a role in Nicole's supernatural development).
Ok, let me sum this review up-- Burden of Blood has deftly matured from its storied-beginnings in Blood Awakening. The pacing works-- not too fast nor too slow. There could have been a bit more action for my taste, but there is solid-enough worldbuilding here, establishing the good guys-- and the bad. Luke is a sexy and likable love interest, and that Nicole doesn't fall head-over-pistols in love with him immediately leaves the reader panting for more-to-come, but not too disappointed. This story is a fun, fast read, and I'm looking forward to the continuation of series.
August 27, 2011
My thoughts:
Wow! This is one of those books where you wish that the characters were real people! It would be amazing if we had police that could hear thoughts! It would take the mystery out of deciding guilt. It would be even more amazing if a man like Luke actually existed!
The characters are fantastic and for the most part drive the story. Nicole is a great character. Tough, seasoned cop with new found "super" powers that she has to not only learn to control, but learn to fight with - she becomes a force to be reckoned with. I like the warrior/fae hybrid twist as well as the warrior/princess angle that the story takes. Luke is (obviously) my favorite. His character is just the right mix of bad boy meets angel. I can't wait to see where the sequel takes Luke and Nicole. The supporting characters are well done and vital to the story.
The book is set in today's world but has Nicole travel to the past in her dreams. It is in these dreams that we learn about her grandmother, although this isn't where we learn who her grandmother really was.
There is a theme throughout the book of both sacrifice and family. The characters are faced with loyalty, love and dedication but also of distrust, deception and secrets. The story is filled with mystery and had me turning the pages faster and faster in an effort to find out what choices Nicole would make. I found myself cheering for her, cursing her hardheadedness and hoping for her. What would you be willing to do for those you love?
This is a fresh, new look at fae and magical powers. I enjoyed the story very much. It is well written, nicely paced, easy to read and truly entertaining. I read the book in one sitting. Be sure to give this one a read!!!
Wow! This is one of those books where you wish that the characters were real people! It would be amazing if we had police that could hear thoughts! It would take the mystery out of deciding guilt. It would be even more amazing if a man like Luke actually existed!
The characters are fantastic and for the most part drive the story. Nicole is a great character. Tough, seasoned cop with new found "super" powers that she has to not only learn to control, but learn to fight with - she becomes a force to be reckoned with. I like the warrior/fae hybrid twist as well as the warrior/princess angle that the story takes. Luke is (obviously) my favorite. His character is just the right mix of bad boy meets angel. I can't wait to see where the sequel takes Luke and Nicole. The supporting characters are well done and vital to the story.
The book is set in today's world but has Nicole travel to the past in her dreams. It is in these dreams that we learn about her grandmother, although this isn't where we learn who her grandmother really was.
There is a theme throughout the book of both sacrifice and family. The characters are faced with loyalty, love and dedication but also of distrust, deception and secrets. The story is filled with mystery and had me turning the pages faster and faster in an effort to find out what choices Nicole would make. I found myself cheering for her, cursing her hardheadedness and hoping for her. What would you be willing to do for those you love?
This is a fresh, new look at fae and magical powers. I enjoyed the story very much. It is well written, nicely paced, easy to read and truly entertaining. I read the book in one sitting. Be sure to give this one a read!!!
August 27, 2011
This book instantly has me asking questions- what's she doing, what's going on, how does she have these abilities, what is she?
So of course the questions made me dive right in so I could get my questions answered. I wish I would have read Blood Awakening first, this might have answered a few questions - or at least introduced me to Nicole's powers. But this is a great stand alone. I don't think I missed much by not reading the first book.
Burden of Blood was a quick read that kept me clicking the page button on my Kindle- next page, next page, OMG what is she, why...and then there's the connection between her and Luke that she just kept trying to fight and Wenona throws in a few more plot twists and turns, a new character and just keeps you glued to the book.
I can't wait to see where she takes this series because I want to learn more about Nicole's twisted fae family tree.
August 18, 2011
Let this serve as a warning.
Before the reader opens this book, she (or he) should strap herself in tight because the roller-coaster starts early on and doesn't let up until it runs off the end of the story leaving the reader demanding "What happens next?"
A flawed heroine, with serious power. Strapping, sexy and sage (sorry - in-joke), if snarky protectors. A story of love and friendship set against a battle raging through the ages. What's not to like?
Ms. Hulsey has built herself a world in which her readers are going to enjoy playing. I look forward to the next.
Before the reader opens this book, she (or he) should strap herself in tight because the roller-coaster starts early on and doesn't let up until it runs off the end of the story leaving the reader demanding "What happens next?"
A flawed heroine, with serious power. Strapping, sexy and sage (sorry - in-joke), if snarky protectors. A story of love and friendship set against a battle raging through the ages. What's not to like?
Ms. Hulsey has built herself a world in which her readers are going to enjoy playing. I look forward to the next.
August 17, 2011
This is the prelude to her new book Burden of Blood. This is an excellent book for new author, Wenona Hulsey.
Shortly after the death of her Mother, Nicole and her best friend Kat take a short trip to Panama City, FL to escape the pressure and have some fun. After waking up on the beach, Nicole knows something is different, but she isn't sure what is happening to her.
I enjoyed this short story and it sets you up for the series. I am waiting on pins and needles for the next in her series!
Shortly after the death of her Mother, Nicole and her best friend Kat take a short trip to Panama City, FL to escape the pressure and have some fun. After waking up on the beach, Nicole knows something is different, but she isn't sure what is happening to her.
I enjoyed this short story and it sets you up for the series. I am waiting on pins and needles for the next in her series!
August 25, 2011
i really enjoyed this book. When i started reading i thought it was going to be a murder mystery book but got a nice surprise to find the supernatural elements thrown in.
i was hooked and found i couldn't put it down.
i was hooked and found i couldn't put it down.
August 18, 2011
I received an ARC of this book to review for GeekMom.com
August 8, 2011
A very good first book with an intriguing plot premise. I look forward to the next book in the series....
April 3, 2012
** this review was first posted on my blog; here **
If there is one thing that Wenona Hulsey can do, it’s grabbing the audience’s attention from the very first chapter. From the start, this novel pulls the reader into the action and truly sets up the scene for the rest of the book. Instantly you are shown how much strength the protagonist has and how good she is at her job, but you’re also shown a world that isn’t quite normal. It is just such a brilliant way to start a novel as it really just pulls the reader in. I, for one, was instantly hooked and it only gets better from there. This book kept me going and I always wanted to return to it, instead of carrying on with my normal life. A great novel and a great start to what looks to be a brilliant trilogy.
I adored Nicole. She was this woman who was so full of strength and completely self-less all at the same time. She pushed her personal life aside to battle the evils of the world because, in her mind, she was too damaged and derranged to have a personal life in the first place! As the story continues, it is so great to see her open up a little bit, to let people in, including her best friend Kat. There were times throughout the novel when I wanted to whack her upside the head and point her to what was right in front of her, but at other times, I felt like I could understand where she was coming from.I truly enjoyed witnessing the journey that Nicole led but, in all honesty, I preferred the side characters in this novel to the main protagonist. While I liked her strength of character, and the way she always put others before herself, I also found her to a tad annoying at times.
So, therefore, I feel it should be good to mention the other characters here. Like Kat. Ah, Kat. I have a friend just like Kat and I think that this is probably why I love her so much. She’s fun, she’s full of flair and she sure as hell won’t take no for an answer and I love it. She’s always there whenever Nicole needs her and she never, ever, bats an eyelid or demands anything in return. In fact, I think it would have been nice to know a little bit more about Kat, to see a little bit more of her life, especially when she starts to get pulled into this new world, but I do also see how difficult that would have been through Nicole’s POV. But I think a little bit of history just of their relationship would have been good. Obviously I had a bit from the novella I read beforehand but I think even more than that would have been good to see. But I really hope to see more of Kat in the next book.
Then there is Luke. Ah yes, Luke. He is the chiselled good-looking Warrior who will protect Nicole with his life. I love him. But not because he’s chiselled and good-looking. In fact, the comments on his appearance often left me rolling my eyes, (yeah, yeah, we get it, he’s extremely handsome.), no, I loved him because of his personality. He was gentle and kind with Nicole, he never over-stepped any boundaries she put up and he was patient and just always ready to be there for her. When I heard his story I felt as shocked as Nicole and then I was right there with her, wrapping my arms around him in an embrace. He is the ultimate hero, in my eyes, and I really, really, can’t wait to see more of him in the next book! I just wish that Nicole will see past her own naivety to see that he’s there to help her, to make her stronger than she already is.
I liked the plot of this book. It was fast-paced, but not too fast-paced. It was interesting and really kept the reader hooked and on their toes. Just when it seems like things are starting to slow down, like Nicole will finally get a break, something else happens and she’s pulled back into a world she doesn’t quite understand yet and I absolutely loved it. It was the perfect pace, the perfect balance between action and calm. It wasn’t constant, and yet, at the same time it was and I enjoyed that completely. It left the reader in a constant state of fear, wondering what would happen next and how Nicole and the “team” (I am referring to them as a team because I feel that, that is what they were by the end) will win, or ultimately, lose, if it came to that.
I enjoyed the world and the world-building. I would still say that I’m new to the fae genre and this was the first adult faerie book that I have read but it is definitely a good story. It is one that makes me know just how much potential this genre has and how much I want to go out and read many, many more books like it! It wasn’t confusing and I felt that it was well-explained throughout, and this probably works because Nicole was new to the whole fae world as well so as she was getting clued in, so were you. It was really interesting to read and I still want to know more, I want to know what will happen now, what will happen next.
A few problems I did have the novel are the fact that at times the conversations between characters felt flat. Like, they were just happening because they needed to be in there but they didn’t feel real. I also couldn’t get my head around Rhys or why he even had to belong to the story in the first place. I’m curious to see if this will be explained further along in the story. Luckily, these few bumps along the way don’t detract from the novel as a whole and I still thoroughly enjoyed myself reading it. I laughed when it was funny and I felt an emotional pull when it got heavy. And I will admit, there were a few tears at the end.
Oh, the ending! It was so powerful, so emotional, so amazing and just.. gah… how could it end… like that? I don’t have the next book yet and I don’t think this is fair because I need the next book now. I need to know what happens next. I do, I do, I do!
This book is a great, fun, action-full, romance-included novel that really pulls the reader in and gets them turning pages faster than a yo-yo. It was emotional and interesting and inspiring and definitely leads the reader wanting more. A great start to what looks to be a very interesting and good new trilogy! I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good faerie story or likes a bit of action but wants something with a bit of a new twist to it! I would say that readers of sixteen and over would enjoy this novel and urge people to go and buy it so that they can read it!
If there is one thing that Wenona Hulsey can do, it’s grabbing the audience’s attention from the very first chapter. From the start, this novel pulls the reader into the action and truly sets up the scene for the rest of the book. Instantly you are shown how much strength the protagonist has and how good she is at her job, but you’re also shown a world that isn’t quite normal. It is just such a brilliant way to start a novel as it really just pulls the reader in. I, for one, was instantly hooked and it only gets better from there. This book kept me going and I always wanted to return to it, instead of carrying on with my normal life. A great novel and a great start to what looks to be a brilliant trilogy.
I adored Nicole. She was this woman who was so full of strength and completely self-less all at the same time. She pushed her personal life aside to battle the evils of the world because, in her mind, she was too damaged and derranged to have a personal life in the first place! As the story continues, it is so great to see her open up a little bit, to let people in, including her best friend Kat. There were times throughout the novel when I wanted to whack her upside the head and point her to what was right in front of her, but at other times, I felt like I could understand where she was coming from.I truly enjoyed witnessing the journey that Nicole led but, in all honesty, I preferred the side characters in this novel to the main protagonist. While I liked her strength of character, and the way she always put others before herself, I also found her to a tad annoying at times.
So, therefore, I feel it should be good to mention the other characters here. Like Kat. Ah, Kat. I have a friend just like Kat and I think that this is probably why I love her so much. She’s fun, she’s full of flair and she sure as hell won’t take no for an answer and I love it. She’s always there whenever Nicole needs her and she never, ever, bats an eyelid or demands anything in return. In fact, I think it would have been nice to know a little bit more about Kat, to see a little bit more of her life, especially when she starts to get pulled into this new world, but I do also see how difficult that would have been through Nicole’s POV. But I think a little bit of history just of their relationship would have been good. Obviously I had a bit from the novella I read beforehand but I think even more than that would have been good to see. But I really hope to see more of Kat in the next book.
Then there is Luke. Ah yes, Luke. He is the chiselled good-looking Warrior who will protect Nicole with his life. I love him. But not because he’s chiselled and good-looking. In fact, the comments on his appearance often left me rolling my eyes, (yeah, yeah, we get it, he’s extremely handsome.), no, I loved him because of his personality. He was gentle and kind with Nicole, he never over-stepped any boundaries she put up and he was patient and just always ready to be there for her. When I heard his story I felt as shocked as Nicole and then I was right there with her, wrapping my arms around him in an embrace. He is the ultimate hero, in my eyes, and I really, really, can’t wait to see more of him in the next book! I just wish that Nicole will see past her own naivety to see that he’s there to help her, to make her stronger than she already is.
I liked the plot of this book. It was fast-paced, but not too fast-paced. It was interesting and really kept the reader hooked and on their toes. Just when it seems like things are starting to slow down, like Nicole will finally get a break, something else happens and she’s pulled back into a world she doesn’t quite understand yet and I absolutely loved it. It was the perfect pace, the perfect balance between action and calm. It wasn’t constant, and yet, at the same time it was and I enjoyed that completely. It left the reader in a constant state of fear, wondering what would happen next and how Nicole and the “team” (I am referring to them as a team because I feel that, that is what they were by the end) will win, or ultimately, lose, if it came to that.
I enjoyed the world and the world-building. I would still say that I’m new to the fae genre and this was the first adult faerie book that I have read but it is definitely a good story. It is one that makes me know just how much potential this genre has and how much I want to go out and read many, many more books like it! It wasn’t confusing and I felt that it was well-explained throughout, and this probably works because Nicole was new to the whole fae world as well so as she was getting clued in, so were you. It was really interesting to read and I still want to know more, I want to know what will happen now, what will happen next.
A few problems I did have the novel are the fact that at times the conversations between characters felt flat. Like, they were just happening because they needed to be in there but they didn’t feel real. I also couldn’t get my head around Rhys or why he even had to belong to the story in the first place. I’m curious to see if this will be explained further along in the story. Luckily, these few bumps along the way don’t detract from the novel as a whole and I still thoroughly enjoyed myself reading it. I laughed when it was funny and I felt an emotional pull when it got heavy. And I will admit, there were a few tears at the end.
Oh, the ending! It was so powerful, so emotional, so amazing and just.. gah… how could it end… like that? I don’t have the next book yet and I don’t think this is fair because I need the next book now. I need to know what happens next. I do, I do, I do!
This book is a great, fun, action-full, romance-included novel that really pulls the reader in and gets them turning pages faster than a yo-yo. It was emotional and interesting and inspiring and definitely leads the reader wanting more. A great start to what looks to be a very interesting and good new trilogy! I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good faerie story or likes a bit of action but wants something with a bit of a new twist to it! I would say that readers of sixteen and over would enjoy this novel and urge people to go and buy it so that they can read it!
June 21, 2012
BURDEN OF BLOOD (Blood Burden series) by Wenona Hulsey
BURDEN OF BLOOD is the first book but second storyline in Wenona Hulsey’s paranormal/urban fantasy Blood Burden series. If you are interested in the series, I would recommend reading the prequel novella Blood Awakening, which explains how the heroine Nicole discovers that she has an unwanted ability to hear ‘evil’ thoughts.
Nicole Keenan is a small town cop with an impeccable record of finding and arresting the bad-guys. What her fellow law enforcement officers do not know (about) is her ability to hear ‘evil’ thoughts. Now, that would be convenient for just about anyone, but evil thoughts surround Nicole wherever she goes, including the local bars and pubs. And when her friend Kat finally convinces Nicole that a night out on the town would be a perfect distraction, Nicole knew that it would be an early night-especially when Luke was invited along for the night’s festivities.
Luke is also a police officer and Nicole’s partner. Since Luke’s arrival on the force, Nicole has been distracted by his good looks, charm and ‘warrior’ like ability to get the job done. And Luke is most definitely attracted to Nicole, in more ways than one.
In a small town there are always those residents who keep an eye out for anyone suspicious and Nicole will suddenly find herself the topic of conversation when a mysterious stranger appears asking about her family and friends. But when Nicole finds herself hunted like prey, it will be Luke that will profess to be her guardian and protector-for all time.
The mystery of Nicole’s abilities will soon become the overriding premise to the hunt when it will be revealed by her father (and Luke) that Nicole’s abilities are descended from the family line of both Royal Fae and Irish Warrior. To complicate matters, she is the sole surviving member of the Royal Fae family. And where does Luke stand?-he is the centuries old Warrior that has been ‘sentenced’ to guard and protect the only surviving member of the royal Fae. Luke has been waiting most of his life for Nicole and he is more than drawn to Nicole as her protector-he is in love with the feisty Fae, and she to him, but life has a funny way of directing you on a chosen path. When Nicole’s full-powers are finally reveal, she knows that there is only one thing she must do-and the is to eliminate the threat to her family and friends, by hunting down the people responsible for destroying her life and to reclaim the family name. But by claiming her independence she will alienate the one person who has sworn to protect and guard the feisty Fae with his life.
BURDEN OF BLOOD is a wonderful storyline. The story is well paced and well written. My only complaint would be the ending. When the heroine walks away from both family and friends, she is also walking away from the man that she loves, all in the name of honor. Luke has sworn to protect and guard, but she pushes everyone away knowing that she risks her own life because of her stubbornness to ask for help. So, yes, the ending pissed me off, but hopefully Wenona will eventually bring Luke and Nicole together-as in a HEA, but it is Urban Fantasy and sometimes, there is rarely a HEA.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
BURDEN OF BLOOD is the first book but second storyline in Wenona Hulsey’s paranormal/urban fantasy Blood Burden series. If you are interested in the series, I would recommend reading the prequel novella Blood Awakening, which explains how the heroine Nicole discovers that she has an unwanted ability to hear ‘evil’ thoughts.
Nicole Keenan is a small town cop with an impeccable record of finding and arresting the bad-guys. What her fellow law enforcement officers do not know (about) is her ability to hear ‘evil’ thoughts. Now, that would be convenient for just about anyone, but evil thoughts surround Nicole wherever she goes, including the local bars and pubs. And when her friend Kat finally convinces Nicole that a night out on the town would be a perfect distraction, Nicole knew that it would be an early night-especially when Luke was invited along for the night’s festivities.
Luke is also a police officer and Nicole’s partner. Since Luke’s arrival on the force, Nicole has been distracted by his good looks, charm and ‘warrior’ like ability to get the job done. And Luke is most definitely attracted to Nicole, in more ways than one.
In a small town there are always those residents who keep an eye out for anyone suspicious and Nicole will suddenly find herself the topic of conversation when a mysterious stranger appears asking about her family and friends. But when Nicole finds herself hunted like prey, it will be Luke that will profess to be her guardian and protector-for all time.
The mystery of Nicole’s abilities will soon become the overriding premise to the hunt when it will be revealed by her father (and Luke) that Nicole’s abilities are descended from the family line of both Royal Fae and Irish Warrior. To complicate matters, she is the sole surviving member of the Royal Fae family. And where does Luke stand?-he is the centuries old Warrior that has been ‘sentenced’ to guard and protect the only surviving member of the royal Fae. Luke has been waiting most of his life for Nicole and he is more than drawn to Nicole as her protector-he is in love with the feisty Fae, and she to him, but life has a funny way of directing you on a chosen path. When Nicole’s full-powers are finally reveal, she knows that there is only one thing she must do-and the is to eliminate the threat to her family and friends, by hunting down the people responsible for destroying her life and to reclaim the family name. But by claiming her independence she will alienate the one person who has sworn to protect and guard the feisty Fae with his life.
BURDEN OF BLOOD is a wonderful storyline. The story is well paced and well written. My only complaint would be the ending. When the heroine walks away from both family and friends, she is also walking away from the man that she loves, all in the name of honor. Luke has sworn to protect and guard, but she pushes everyone away knowing that she risks her own life because of her stubbornness to ask for help. So, yes, the ending pissed me off, but hopefully Wenona will eventually bring Luke and Nicole together-as in a HEA, but it is Urban Fantasy and sometimes, there is rarely a HEA.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
March 26, 2016
I found out about Wenona Hulsey through a YA author, so I had assumed that her stories were going to be YA too. When I read the novella, Blood Awakening, I noticed the characters weren 19t teenagers, but still didn 19t quite know what to expect from Burden of Blood. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that it was an adult paranormal romance book. You get sexual tension, a wicked villain with minions who are just as bad, and you get a powerful 13 if somewhat reluctant 13 heroine.
The story starts off a few years after the novella, in which Nicole 19s ability to hear the vile thoughts of others begun. Because she can pick up things like when a drug deal is going to go down, or when someone is planning a kidnapping, or intends to seduce an underage drunken girl, it makes perfect sense that Nicole decided to become a cop. She can plan a drug bust and legally help prevent all the horrible things she hears, putting the dirtbags behind those deeds away for good.
She and her partner, Luke, make a great team, but he hopes to be more than just her partner. However, because of her power, Nicole has resigned herself to a lifetime alone, and is really stubborn in her determination to keep her distance from Luke, despite what her instincts tell her. When an attempt is made on her life, everything changes. Things go from bad to worse, and people come together to help and protect Nicole. With the help of a sassy new friend, and two sexy Irish warriors, Nicole will fight, or she will die.
What I liked the most about this story is that everyone behaved like adults, for the most part *giggle*. There were no temper tantrums over a boy, no running off half-cocked, no giggling at the fact that one of the guys wore a kilt and nothing else *drool*, and it just felt like a genuine group of smartass adults. The plot was well paced and the suspense was kept up without being obnoxious. Since I hadn 19t read the blurb first, I got a surprise when I had her pegged wrong as to what she was and where her powers, which were ever growing and ever evolving, originated.
The only thing that sticks out in my mind as a kind of 1Chuh 1D issue is that her father seems to take everything pretty well for someone who supposedly never knew about any of the history behind what 19s going on now. He 19s also real comfy with all the new people hanging around. But meh, such a minor thing in the face of cool that the rest of the book is.
Wenona Hulsey provides her readers with characters you can 19t help but get emotionally attached to, and a well written book that 19s action packed with just a small helping of sexual heat here and there. Don 19t miss this fiery sequel that will no doubt only get hotter in the conclusion that 19s due out later this year!
The story starts off a few years after the novella, in which Nicole 19s ability to hear the vile thoughts of others begun. Because she can pick up things like when a drug deal is going to go down, or when someone is planning a kidnapping, or intends to seduce an underage drunken girl, it makes perfect sense that Nicole decided to become a cop. She can plan a drug bust and legally help prevent all the horrible things she hears, putting the dirtbags behind those deeds away for good.
She and her partner, Luke, make a great team, but he hopes to be more than just her partner. However, because of her power, Nicole has resigned herself to a lifetime alone, and is really stubborn in her determination to keep her distance from Luke, despite what her instincts tell her. When an attempt is made on her life, everything changes. Things go from bad to worse, and people come together to help and protect Nicole. With the help of a sassy new friend, and two sexy Irish warriors, Nicole will fight, or she will die.
What I liked the most about this story is that everyone behaved like adults, for the most part *giggle*. There were no temper tantrums over a boy, no running off half-cocked, no giggling at the fact that one of the guys wore a kilt and nothing else *drool*, and it just felt like a genuine group of smartass adults. The plot was well paced and the suspense was kept up without being obnoxious. Since I hadn 19t read the blurb first, I got a surprise when I had her pegged wrong as to what she was and where her powers, which were ever growing and ever evolving, originated.
The only thing that sticks out in my mind as a kind of 1Chuh 1D issue is that her father seems to take everything pretty well for someone who supposedly never knew about any of the history behind what 19s going on now. He 19s also real comfy with all the new people hanging around. But meh, such a minor thing in the face of cool that the rest of the book is.
Wenona Hulsey provides her readers with characters you can 19t help but get emotionally attached to, and a well written book that 19s action packed with just a small helping of sexual heat here and there. Don 19t miss this fiery sequel that will no doubt only get hotter in the conclusion that 19s due out later this year!
April 29, 2012
I found out about Wenona Hulsey through a YA author, so I had assumed that her stories were going to be YA too. When I read the novella, Blood Awakening, I noticed the characters weren’t teenagers, but still didn’t quite know what to expect from Burden of Blood. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that it was an adult paranormal romance book. You get sexual tension, a wicked villain with minions who are just as bad, and you get a powerful – if somewhat reluctant – heroine.
The story starts off a few years after the novella, in which Nicole’s ability to hear the vile thoughts of others begun. Because she can pick up things like when a drug deal is going to go down, or when someone is planning a kidnapping, or intends to seduce an underage drunken girl, it makes perfect sense that Nicole decided to become a cop. She can plan a drug bust and legally help prevent all the horrible things she hears, putting the dirtbags behind those deeds away for good.
She and her partner, Luke, make a great team, but he hopes to be more than just her partner. However, because of her power, Nicole has resigned herself to a lifetime alone, and is really stubborn in her determination to keep her distance from Luke, despite what her instincts tell her. When an attempt is made on her life, everything changes. Things go from bad to worse, and people come together to help and protect Nicole. With the help of a sassy new friend, and two sexy Irish warriors, Nicole will fight, or she will die.
What I liked the most about this story is that everyone behaved like adults, for the most part *giggle*. There were no temper tantrums over a boy, no running off half-cocked, no giggling at the fact that one of the guys wore a kilt and nothing else *drool*, and it just felt like a genuine group of smartass adults. The plot was well paced and the suspense was kept up without being obnoxious. Since I hadn’t read the blurb first, I got a surprise when I had her pegged wrong as to what she was and where her powers, which were ever growing and ever evolving, originated.
The only thing that sticks out in my mind as a kind of “huh” issue is that her father seems to take everything pretty well for someone who supposedly never knew about any of the history behind what’s going on now. He’s also real comfy with all the new people hanging around. But meh, such a minor thing in the face of cool that the rest of the book is.
The story starts off a few years after the novella, in which Nicole’s ability to hear the vile thoughts of others begun. Because she can pick up things like when a drug deal is going to go down, or when someone is planning a kidnapping, or intends to seduce an underage drunken girl, it makes perfect sense that Nicole decided to become a cop. She can plan a drug bust and legally help prevent all the horrible things she hears, putting the dirtbags behind those deeds away for good.
She and her partner, Luke, make a great team, but he hopes to be more than just her partner. However, because of her power, Nicole has resigned herself to a lifetime alone, and is really stubborn in her determination to keep her distance from Luke, despite what her instincts tell her. When an attempt is made on her life, everything changes. Things go from bad to worse, and people come together to help and protect Nicole. With the help of a sassy new friend, and two sexy Irish warriors, Nicole will fight, or she will die.
What I liked the most about this story is that everyone behaved like adults, for the most part *giggle*. There were no temper tantrums over a boy, no running off half-cocked, no giggling at the fact that one of the guys wore a kilt and nothing else *drool*, and it just felt like a genuine group of smartass adults. The plot was well paced and the suspense was kept up without being obnoxious. Since I hadn’t read the blurb first, I got a surprise when I had her pegged wrong as to what she was and where her powers, which were ever growing and ever evolving, originated.
The only thing that sticks out in my mind as a kind of “huh” issue is that her father seems to take everything pretty well for someone who supposedly never knew about any of the history behind what’s going on now. He’s also real comfy with all the new people hanging around. But meh, such a minor thing in the face of cool that the rest of the book is.
May 1, 2012
Nicole Keenan is a police officer in a sleepy county town. She is one of the best officers in the department. However, she is in denial about her secret "gift". All that is about to change when an ancient grudge catapults her into danger, and allows the power hidden within her to burst free. Her police partner, Luke has a few secrets of his own. Will Nicole be able to control her power to help the ones she loves?
This is a fantastic paranormal story that took me on a roller-coaster ride of action and adventure.
Nicole has been trying to deny and hide her ability to read the thoughts of those who plan to do harm. Undeniably, it does come handy in her line of work; As a police officer, her arrest record is impressive. She also finds out that she is the Granddaughter of a Fae Queen and a Warrior. When both her father and Kat are kidnapped to get to her, Nicole must dig deep to find the courage to use and control her powers.
Nicole is a fantastic character, full of confidence and kick-ass attitude. She is fierce in her loyalty and defence of her family and friends. She also has feelings for her partner, Luke, but she is doing her best to keep it purely business between them.
Luke is also a fascinating character. He is definitely handsome, but he has a secret of his own. He is a Warrior, sworn to protect Nicole. He also has feelings for Nicole, but respects her wishes to remain friends (for now).
There are some other characters that add depth to the story; notably Nicole's father and her best friend, Kat, and later on, the introduction of Rhys and Sage. I was a little bit disappointed as I got to the end, as I didn't want the story to finish. I am now looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series.
I do not recommend this book for younger YA readers, as there is profanity used. However, I highly recommend this book if you love a fantastic paranormal action/adventure/romance.
This is a fantastic paranormal story that took me on a roller-coaster ride of action and adventure.
Nicole has been trying to deny and hide her ability to read the thoughts of those who plan to do harm. Undeniably, it does come handy in her line of work; As a police officer, her arrest record is impressive. She also finds out that she is the Granddaughter of a Fae Queen and a Warrior. When both her father and Kat are kidnapped to get to her, Nicole must dig deep to find the courage to use and control her powers.
Nicole is a fantastic character, full of confidence and kick-ass attitude. She is fierce in her loyalty and defence of her family and friends. She also has feelings for her partner, Luke, but she is doing her best to keep it purely business between them.
Luke is also a fascinating character. He is definitely handsome, but he has a secret of his own. He is a Warrior, sworn to protect Nicole. He also has feelings for Nicole, but respects her wishes to remain friends (for now).
There are some other characters that add depth to the story; notably Nicole's father and her best friend, Kat, and later on, the introduction of Rhys and Sage. I was a little bit disappointed as I got to the end, as I didn't want the story to finish. I am now looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series.
I do not recommend this book for younger YA readers, as there is profanity used. However, I highly recommend this book if you love a fantastic paranormal action/adventure/romance.
January 25, 2014
It took me a little bit to really get into this book, but honestly I don't know that it had anything to do with the book being that I have a three week old. I expected to story be an obvious continuation of the prequal Blood Awakening, but it takes place a few years later. You get most of the information from Blood Awakening spread through out the story. You really don't have to read them in order to understand what is going on. That said, this one has our main character Nicole as a police officer. She has the ability to hear when people are plotting to do bad things which serves to be very handy in tracking down criminals. She has to fabricate a few stories to explain how she knew where the criminals were and when they would be committing the deeds, but otherwise life is good. Nicole has secluded herself from the dating game and really doesn't like to go out partying with her friend Kat any more. She unfortunately can't turn off her ability and drinking has the effect of making people think and do things less than honorable. Nicole, being the honorable police officer, feels the need to stop the actions of others every time she hears them which makes having a good time at a club or with a man rather difficult. There's only one man that she has trouble controlling her feelings, her partner Luke. But Luke is more than he appears. It takes Nicole a while, but she learns that Luke is one of the few guys out there that she actually can trust with her secret, actually her life depends on it.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the character development and how the plot played out. I would definitely recommend this to people who like supernatural or urban fantasy lovers. The only complaint I have is that when Nicole discovers what she is, it felt a little abrupt. Of course that fit into the plot exactly as it should, but it was rather shocking to me to discover what she really is. Other than that, a great story!
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the character development and how the plot played out. I would definitely recommend this to people who like supernatural or urban fantasy lovers. The only complaint I have is that when Nicole discovers what she is, it felt a little abrupt. Of course that fit into the plot exactly as it should, but it was rather shocking to me to discover what she really is. Other than that, a great story!
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
April 3, 2012
Nicole is a small town Southern police officer with a big secret, and she doesn’t even know the half of how deep this secret goes. Nicole can hear people’s thoughts, but not just any thoughts. She can only hear the evil or criminal thoughts of the the people near her. This comes in quite handy in her line of work, but also isolates her from the world. She will not allow herself to have romantic feelings for anyone. She is unwilling to bring a lover into her strange and paranormal world, because she fears it is all just too strange for any man to handle. Little does Nicole know, but what she has for so long considered strange is about too look normal.
Yes, reading minds starts to look normal when immortal warriors honor bound to protect the royal family of the fairy realm show up and start calling Nicole their princess. However, what’s worse is a sect of these warriors as rebelled against the fairy kingdom and are out to kidnap and control her, for she is the key to controlling the flow of power in fairyland. These evil warriors are willing to stop at nothing in order to have her and so Nicole quickly finds herself, and those close to her, in more danger then her small town police training could have ever prepared her for.
This book is filed under the genre of Paranormal Romance and that’s exactly what it is, complete with rippling muscles and pounding hearts, but this book also has it’s share of non-romantic action. In fact, this book has significantly less erotic play then I personally would have preferred. Yes, I’m a great lover of smut. I freely admit that and this book isn’t smut. This is the sort of romance novel most parents could feel good about their teenager reading and is certainly better then most of what is out there in that particular market.
Yes, reading minds starts to look normal when immortal warriors honor bound to protect the royal family of the fairy realm show up and start calling Nicole their princess. However, what’s worse is a sect of these warriors as rebelled against the fairy kingdom and are out to kidnap and control her, for she is the key to controlling the flow of power in fairyland. These evil warriors are willing to stop at nothing in order to have her and so Nicole quickly finds herself, and those close to her, in more danger then her small town police training could have ever prepared her for.
This book is filed under the genre of Paranormal Romance and that’s exactly what it is, complete with rippling muscles and pounding hearts, but this book also has it’s share of non-romantic action. In fact, this book has significantly less erotic play then I personally would have preferred. Yes, I’m a great lover of smut. I freely admit that and this book isn’t smut. This is the sort of romance novel most parents could feel good about their teenager reading and is certainly better then most of what is out there in that particular market.
September 4, 2011
Burden of Blood is about a police officer named Nicole who can hear the bad thoughts of those around her. What better super power is there for a cop to have, right? You know if someone around you has done something, or is going to do something illegal. Despite the good things that Nicole is able to achieve with this ability, she sees it as a burden.
As Nicole's ability grows stronger, and she finds out what she is, she falls deeper and deeper in danger. Her loved ones are in danger as well, and this leads to a lot of suspenseful moments in the book. I liked the character of Nicole. She's a strong, stubborn, independent woman. She puts the well being of others above her own happiness. Of course, that also leads to one aspect of the book that left me wanting more – Romance. Because Nicole is reluctant to get involved with anybody, there is no passion or happiness for Nicole. She is so stubborn, that even when she has this perfect man who understands her and wants to be with her, she keep herself at a distance.
Luke is a great guy, and I would have liked to have seen something more between these two characters. Unfortunately, I didn't get into this book as much as I wanted to. Not because the writing wasn't good – because it was. I found out that there was a short story called Blood Awakening that is a prequel to this book. Maybe if I would have read that first, I would have felt more of a connection. However, it's still a good story that a lot of paranormal lovers will enjoy.
As Nicole's ability grows stronger, and she finds out what she is, she falls deeper and deeper in danger. Her loved ones are in danger as well, and this leads to a lot of suspenseful moments in the book. I liked the character of Nicole. She's a strong, stubborn, independent woman. She puts the well being of others above her own happiness. Of course, that also leads to one aspect of the book that left me wanting more – Romance. Because Nicole is reluctant to get involved with anybody, there is no passion or happiness for Nicole. She is so stubborn, that even when she has this perfect man who understands her and wants to be with her, she keep herself at a distance.
Luke is a great guy, and I would have liked to have seen something more between these two characters. Unfortunately, I didn't get into this book as much as I wanted to. Not because the writing wasn't good – because it was. I found out that there was a short story called Blood Awakening that is a prequel to this book. Maybe if I would have read that first, I would have felt more of a connection. However, it's still a good story that a lot of paranormal lovers will enjoy.
August 15, 2011
The beginning of the book really hooked me. It really interested me when Nicole was able to hear all of the evil thoughts around her and was able to take that and do something with it. Like, say, arrest them. Plus Luke isn't bad for man candy!
It did take on a twist I wasn't expecting and had plenty of excitement until the end of the book. Nicole seems to be a bit of a loner, but not by choice. So it was hard to see her push everyone away at different points, the rest of the story made up for her need to be alone in her fight.
The novel is shrouded in mystery and adventure and even a bit of romance. The premise is intriguing and it sounds to be a very promising series as things start to really get heated up towards the end.
It did take on a twist I wasn't expecting and had plenty of excitement until the end of the book. Nicole seems to be a bit of a loner, but not by choice. So it was hard to see her push everyone away at different points, the rest of the story made up for her need to be alone in her fight.
The novel is shrouded in mystery and adventure and even a bit of romance. The premise is intriguing and it sounds to be a very promising series as things start to really get heated up towards the end.
October 8, 2012
Nicole can hear other people's "evil thoughts" which is pretty handy if you are a police officer although difficult to explain why you know something is going to happen before it goes. Isolating herself due to her "gift" she is attracted to her handsome partner who she has known for years but keeps at a distance, focusing on fighting drugs crime in her small town until someone tries to kill her and then everything changes. Entertaining enough although the guy in the kilt (Scots men only) with the terrible Irish accent is cringe worthy. However enjoyable enough to give the next one in the series a go.
December 31, 2012
I started the series with the short Blood Awakening. It was a good read that left me longing for more. In Burden of Blood, Nicole can hear the evil thoughts of those around her. This really helps out her career as a police officer, but makes for a cruddy social life. She soon learns that this 'gift' of hers is part of her heritage. Along with this insight,comes the fact that there is is more to her than she first believed. She also discovers that Luke, her long time partner at work, is her own personal warrior that is sworn to protect her. There are also some great new characters introduced. I had to grab the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one
January 4, 2013
After reading Blood Awakening, I could not wait to read Burden of Blood. Wenona's ability to describe characters and the scene has the reader feeling like they are part of the book and can actually visualize the scene. An author who can describe things that well has me putting them on my favorites list. This book was a quick read for me since I could not stand to put it down. I wanted to know what would happen between Nicole and Luke! There were quite a few surprise twist and turns throughout this book and certainly left me wanting more!
June 3, 2013
Ok, so I only gave it 4 stars because I found the start of the book to be very slow, that and I absolutely hated the ending. Now I know that it continues in Blood of Fire but I still felt that it should have had a better ending. Now on a good note; I really liked the story. I found Luke to be a very lovable character - even with his messed up history. Rhys, I found, was hilarious, his accented dialog gave him a believable Irish edge. I also loved that the book is based strongly on Irish folklore, me being Irish myself. :)
May 11, 2012
Nicole can hear the bad thoughts people have, which aids her in her job as a police officer. Unfortunately, she doesn't like her 'gift'. However, the time has come to either accept her abilities or die trying. The book kept my attention and the sexual tension between Nicole and Luke was good. Definitely worth a read.
August 13, 2012
2 1/2 stars. Fairly basic storyline. Woman police officer in a small town discovers she has special powers. All characters in the book are either in love/lust with her or out to get her. Discovers where her powers originate from, and has to rescue the two people she loves most in the world. Let down by poor editing.
December 31, 2012
Being from the small town that Wenona Hulsey writes about made this book even more interesting to me. Knowing the streets that Nicole ran and the store with the bench out front she stopped at pulled me in to the story. The charactors , their abilities, and the whole story pulled me in even more. Wonderful short story series.
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