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Opera Macabre
Count Aiden de Lazarus has grown apathetic to the world around him and the monotony of immortal life. Determined to regain his zest for vampiric pursuits, he chooses a mortal girl and bites her with the intent to drain her. Instead, her intoxicating taste and enchanting beauty stirs feelings he has long buried. Scared by such mortal feelings, he gives her to another vampire as payment for a debt.
After eight long years, Bianca is still living a cursed life--singing on stage in Alexi's profitable opera and enduring the bites of the undead as part of his undercover auction when the stage lights dim. Doomed to become Alexi's vampire bride, her future is bleak.
Aiden is horrified to find Bianca still alive and Alexi's prized possession. Her image has continued to haunt him. Now he must find a way to free her from the life he unwittingly condemned her to and prove that he, unlike the vampires she has known, can be a man worth loving.
After eight long years, Bianca is still living a cursed life--singing on stage in Alexi's profitable opera and enduring the bites of the undead as part of his undercover auction when the stage lights dim. Doomed to become Alexi's vampire bride, her future is bleak.
Aiden is horrified to find Bianca still alive and Alexi's prized possession. Her image has continued to haunt him. Now he must find a way to free her from the life he unwittingly condemned her to and prove that he, unlike the vampires she has known, can be a man worth loving.
380 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2011
6 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Rodriguez
27 books59 followersMichelle Gliottoni-Rodriguez wrote her first novel in high school. Fifteen years later, she’s up to 28 and still counting. Fascinated with Gothic romances, she calls her greatest influences the works of the Brontë sisters and adds in an adoration for “The Phantom of the Opera” and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In August 2011, she published her first novel, a Gothic vampire romance titled Opera Macabre. Over the past two years, she has published another vampire romance and the first three novels in her series The Angel and Demon Chronicles; the fourth installment, Imprinted on a Demon’s Heart, will be out next summer. In addition to writing about vampires, angels and demons, she posts Phantom of the Opera stories online and has even had the honor of having them translated into German and Russian for worldwide fans. Due to the wonderful support of her Phantom “phans”, she released two collections of Phantom short stories titled Manifestations of a Phantom’s Soul and her Phantom novel, The Opera Ghost Unraveled last year.
The other side of her life is a passion for music; she’s also a trained opera singer with a Bachelor of Music from Saint Xavier University in Chicago. She’s won various awards and accolades in the Chicagoland area and has portrayed such roles as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro, Yum-Yum in The Mikado, and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute.
From writing at 4AM to practicing for her next performances at 7AM and then onward to being a full time wife and mom with a 7 year old, a 4 year old, and 7 month old, one would call her life crazy, but she likes to think of it as “full”.
For more information, please check out her website: www.michellegliottonirodriguez.webs.com
Or like on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michell...
The other side of her life is a passion for music; she’s also a trained opera singer with a Bachelor of Music from Saint Xavier University in Chicago. She’s won various awards and accolades in the Chicagoland area and has portrayed such roles as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro, Yum-Yum in The Mikado, and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute.
From writing at 4AM to practicing for her next performances at 7AM and then onward to being a full time wife and mom with a 7 year old, a 4 year old, and 7 month old, one would call her life crazy, but she likes to think of it as “full”.
For more information, please check out her website: www.michellegliottonirodriguez.webs.com
Or like on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michell...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 7, 2011
I've been a fan of Ms. Rodriguez's Phantom of the Opera short stories for some time now, and I'm always amazed at her knack for putting the reader right in the action, tugging on the heartstrings, and adding her own little spin. Imagine how blown away I was when I saw what she can do with an original story and her own characters!
This book took me on a roller coaster ride from one emotion to the next, and I was hooked from the very first page. It was torture every time I had to step away from it! Her characters were so vividly drawn I felt as though they might materialize spontaneously as I read, and you honestly feel for them. Bianca was such a strong, spirited heroine, and the despair and pain she had to endure really did bring tears to my eyes. Rufus, her demon guardian, was as engaging as his suits were eye-catching, and his relationship with Bianca was truly moving. As for Count Aiden de Lazarus...when you have heroes like him, who needs Edward Cullen? (No offense meant to the Twi-hards.)
The emotions were so deliciously intense: passionate, sorrowful, tragic, hopeful, terrifying, and so unbelievably romantic! This was a wonderful, and much-needed escape I can already tell I'll be coming back to time and again. It made me cry, for Pete's sake! Any book that can do that deserves some recognition by my reckoning! I can't wait to see what she decides to share with us next!
This book took me on a roller coaster ride from one emotion to the next, and I was hooked from the very first page. It was torture every time I had to step away from it! Her characters were so vividly drawn I felt as though they might materialize spontaneously as I read, and you honestly feel for them. Bianca was such a strong, spirited heroine, and the despair and pain she had to endure really did bring tears to my eyes. Rufus, her demon guardian, was as engaging as his suits were eye-catching, and his relationship with Bianca was truly moving. As for Count Aiden de Lazarus...when you have heroes like him, who needs Edward Cullen? (No offense meant to the Twi-hards.)
The emotions were so deliciously intense: passionate, sorrowful, tragic, hopeful, terrifying, and so unbelievably romantic! This was a wonderful, and much-needed escape I can already tell I'll be coming back to time and again. It made me cry, for Pete's sake! Any book that can do that deserves some recognition by my reckoning! I can't wait to see what she decides to share with us next!
January 3, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Aiden has vowed to protect Bianca from Alexi, but can Aiden protect her from himself?
From the moment I read the blurb for Opera Macabre, my interest was piqued. Curious as to how Bianca could ever come to love the man who stole her life, I eagerly started reading. Once I delved into the pages, I discovered two characters filled with despair. However, when they meet, the chemistry between them was immediately apparent. For the first time in their lives, Aiden and Bianca began to hope that there might be something more to life. Aiden’s new found purpose is Bianca’s well being, but can Bianca ever truly trust a vampire, especially after she learns Aiden’s role in her situation?
Poor Bianca! Her situation was so tragic and completely out of her control. She presented a haughty façade, but the moments when she broke down into tears were truly moving. Though she lamented her situation, Bianca did not let Alexi crush her spirit. Instead, she grew into a beautiful and talented woman. Obviously she was unsure of Aiden and his motives when they first met, but it wasn’t long before she realized that she and Aiden were destined to be together. I enjoyed watching her drop her mask and really open up to Aiden.
Aiden was the perfect hero for Bianca, and yet he was the very reason that she needed rescuing. Guilt ridden by what he had done to Bianca, Aiden vowed to rescue her from Alexi’s clutches. He never expected to fall in love with her. Aiden then struggled to balance out the hunger he felt for Bianca as a man versus the hunger he felt as a vampire. I admired Aiden’s resolve, self control, and loyalty, but I do wish he had been more honest with Bianca at the start. Aiden and Bianca fall in love before he had the opportunity to tell her that he is the one who gave her to Alexi in the first place. As I watched their relationship grow, I knew Aiden’s deed would come to light eventually, and I couldn’t help but think that their relationship was being built around a lie. This made it very hard to relax and enjoy the romance of their relationship. Despite this issue, I thought Aiden and Bianca had a very powerful romance that culminated in some very moving and well written love scenes.
Ms. Rodriguez created a wonderful secondary character in Rufus. Though he doesn’t have the strength of a vampire, he cared for Bianca as if she was his daughter. Rufus became so real in my mind that I could see him fussing around her in his brightly colored suits, and I could even hear his voice when he called her “butterfly.” He was a truly enjoyable character.
As I neared the climax of the book, I had a pretty good idea of what sort of turn the story would take. However, Ms. Rodriguez put in some twists that were completely unexpected. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I will say that Aiden and Rufus find an interesting way to rescue Bianca and thwart Alexi’s evil scheme.
I’m glad I had the opportunity to read Opera Macabre. The characters were compelling and the romance was passionate and spicy. Fans of paranormal romance should certainly give Opera Macabre a try.
Aiden has vowed to protect Bianca from Alexi, but can Aiden protect her from himself?
From the moment I read the blurb for Opera Macabre, my interest was piqued. Curious as to how Bianca could ever come to love the man who stole her life, I eagerly started reading. Once I delved into the pages, I discovered two characters filled with despair. However, when they meet, the chemistry between them was immediately apparent. For the first time in their lives, Aiden and Bianca began to hope that there might be something more to life. Aiden’s new found purpose is Bianca’s well being, but can Bianca ever truly trust a vampire, especially after she learns Aiden’s role in her situation?
Poor Bianca! Her situation was so tragic and completely out of her control. She presented a haughty façade, but the moments when she broke down into tears were truly moving. Though she lamented her situation, Bianca did not let Alexi crush her spirit. Instead, she grew into a beautiful and talented woman. Obviously she was unsure of Aiden and his motives when they first met, but it wasn’t long before she realized that she and Aiden were destined to be together. I enjoyed watching her drop her mask and really open up to Aiden.
Aiden was the perfect hero for Bianca, and yet he was the very reason that she needed rescuing. Guilt ridden by what he had done to Bianca, Aiden vowed to rescue her from Alexi’s clutches. He never expected to fall in love with her. Aiden then struggled to balance out the hunger he felt for Bianca as a man versus the hunger he felt as a vampire. I admired Aiden’s resolve, self control, and loyalty, but I do wish he had been more honest with Bianca at the start. Aiden and Bianca fall in love before he had the opportunity to tell her that he is the one who gave her to Alexi in the first place. As I watched their relationship grow, I knew Aiden’s deed would come to light eventually, and I couldn’t help but think that their relationship was being built around a lie. This made it very hard to relax and enjoy the romance of their relationship. Despite this issue, I thought Aiden and Bianca had a very powerful romance that culminated in some very moving and well written love scenes.
Ms. Rodriguez created a wonderful secondary character in Rufus. Though he doesn’t have the strength of a vampire, he cared for Bianca as if she was his daughter. Rufus became so real in my mind that I could see him fussing around her in his brightly colored suits, and I could even hear his voice when he called her “butterfly.” He was a truly enjoyable character.
As I neared the climax of the book, I had a pretty good idea of what sort of turn the story would take. However, Ms. Rodriguez put in some twists that were completely unexpected. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I will say that Aiden and Rufus find an interesting way to rescue Bianca and thwart Alexi’s evil scheme.
I’m glad I had the opportunity to read Opera Macabre. The characters were compelling and the romance was passionate and spicy. Fans of paranormal romance should certainly give Opera Macabre a try.
October 10, 2011
i was in pressed with this book i won it on blog and say if you get to
read a vamp on read it.This book is high 5 and more the author is
opera singer and she based it on the Opera.The main singer in the opera is human
who is be auction off to the highest bidder most are rick vampires she was taken
form her family and taught the opera and music by a rich vampire and he wanted to
have her stay a virgin and then she be his bride.But she had other things in mind
that was she lost her virginity to another vamp who would not taste her but took
her virginity. She fell in love now she in love what going to happen to her her
guardian is another type of demon i read the book in one day and will in joy reading more
it will keep you guessing what happen
read a vamp on read it.This book is high 5 and more the author is
opera singer and she based it on the Opera.The main singer in the opera is human
who is be auction off to the highest bidder most are rick vampires she was taken
form her family and taught the opera and music by a rich vampire and he wanted to
have her stay a virgin and then she be his bride.But she had other things in mind
that was she lost her virginity to another vamp who would not taste her but took
her virginity. She fell in love now she in love what going to happen to her her
guardian is another type of demon i read the book in one day and will in joy reading more
it will keep you guessing what happen
Want to read
October 8, 2011Very much looking forward to this book! I'm such an opera lover, and what could be more exciting than opera, beautiful vampires and the frightening?!
paranormal-urban-vampire
October 11, 2011Recommended by Jill
November 7, 2011
I loved the write up on this story so much that I put in for a chance to win it...and when I didn't I ordered it...it sounded so good. I have only marked it down 1 star because I felt there were just a touch too many bedroom scenes it it. The concept was magnificent. I would have liked to have seen a little more bad guy and a little more backbone in the good guy. As a writer I think that Michelle Rodriguez is a story teller extraordinaire. I followed along with fluidity and saw what I think she was saying through description. The flow between her characters was spot on. Good book here...and I'm glad to have it in my library! *´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•` ٩(-̮̃-̃)۶
March 24, 2013
I had read several of Michelle Rodriguez's amazing Phantom of the Opera stories online. She is very good at bringing you into the story and making you feel like you're not just watching the scene unfold but that you're actually there in the world she's written about, in a sense. It was for this reason that I had to order her book, Opera Macabre. I think my reaction upon finding out the general plot of this story was something to the effect of, "Vampires and Opera together? I'M THERE!" lol She did not let me down; it was fun to read and left me breathless a couple of times. :)
November 10, 2011
Thank You GoodReads and Michelle Rodriguez for the book "Opera Macabre". I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a bit different from what I usually read, but I enjoyed reading it all the same. The characters were written with so much emotion it was not hard to place yourself there with them as they encountered, Love, hate, passion, sorrow and fear. I will be recommending this book to friends :)
March 5, 2014
I loved this book! It has elements of an Ann Rice book, twilight and phantom of the opera rolled all into one. It's written so well, I love Rodriguez's work!
October 20, 2017
Of course I loved it. Michelle is one of the most talented writers and I adore her attention to detail and ability to make a scene one moment mundane, suddenly erotic. I love her characters and her subject matter. This is my first book outside of her POTO works I've read (if you like POTO, read this girl! She's amazing!) and I adored it in equal measure. Will always be dedicated to her books.
June 5, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Crystal
Review Copy provided by the Publisher
Opera Macabre is a well written story. You are taken on an adventure from the first to the last. Michelle keeps you guessing the whole time and a lot may surprise you. For this to be her first book, you would never know. She captivates her readers.
Each character has a great story and you get to see inside each one. When you first start reading about Aiden your really not sure what kind of vampire he is. You can feel that he has lost all enjoyment out of life and really what’s to live for. He just goes through life doing the same thing everyday and and only putting in appearances to be seen.
That all changes when he meets Bianca. She makes him feel things and he doesn’t want to. He decides to give her to another vampire to repay what he owes him.
Alexi is a very sinister vampire and the darkness in him comes of the paper as you read. You find out all the things he does to get what he wants and you just want to kill him to put a stop to the innocent people he uses for his own gain. You really learn that he’s a vampire you could never trust.
Bianca is a very strong woman who stays strong no matter what Alexi or his cohorts do to her. You see the strength she shows and you can’t help but love her.
When Aiden sees Bianca again he wants to take her away from all the pain that he has cost her. They fight their feelings for each other. Bianca just doesn’t want to give him her love because she sees him as a monster.
You can see Bianca’s hard protective shell breaking and the love they share just shines through. The passion they share is enough to make you swoon. They have a love that could last all eternity.
Michelle did an awesome job with Opera Macabre. She brings all her characters to life and makes you feel you’re really there.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t let go,” she gasped
Reviewed by Crystal
Review Copy provided by the Publisher
Opera Macabre is a well written story. You are taken on an adventure from the first to the last. Michelle keeps you guessing the whole time and a lot may surprise you. For this to be her first book, you would never know. She captivates her readers.
Each character has a great story and you get to see inside each one. When you first start reading about Aiden your really not sure what kind of vampire he is. You can feel that he has lost all enjoyment out of life and really what’s to live for. He just goes through life doing the same thing everyday and and only putting in appearances to be seen.
That all changes when he meets Bianca. She makes him feel things and he doesn’t want to. He decides to give her to another vampire to repay what he owes him.
Alexi is a very sinister vampire and the darkness in him comes of the paper as you read. You find out all the things he does to get what he wants and you just want to kill him to put a stop to the innocent people he uses for his own gain. You really learn that he’s a vampire you could never trust.
Bianca is a very strong woman who stays strong no matter what Alexi or his cohorts do to her. You see the strength she shows and you can’t help but love her.
When Aiden sees Bianca again he wants to take her away from all the pain that he has cost her. They fight their feelings for each other. Bianca just doesn’t want to give him her love because she sees him as a monster.
You can see Bianca’s hard protective shell breaking and the love they share just shines through. The passion they share is enough to make you swoon. They have a love that could last all eternity.
Michelle did an awesome job with Opera Macabre. She brings all her characters to life and makes you feel you’re really there.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t let go,” she gasped
January 27, 2014
I wish that I could find something anything nice to say about this book, but it was so utterly devoid of any good that I'm at a loss.
The romantic leads were both horrible. They both showed the capacity to be the kind of pricks that get poisoned to great fanfare, and then the author beats you over the head with how supposedly sympathetic they are.
Neither the villains nor the side characters are anything to write home about. The villains were boring, and more threatening in theory than practice. The supporting cast had no voice or life of their own, existing to either worship the heroine or be jealous of her specialness.
None of the settings were explored to enough degree to even take a brief breather from the cast for some scenery porn. The Graveyard is a Graveyard, the Church is a Church, The opera house which you would think might merit a little detail... well it had doors and a stage? Hell even the Heroine's bedroom only got a color scheme.
The vampire mythos was pretty stock which is alright, but it was utilized poorly. It was even involved in a failure to fire Chekov's gun. Several times throughout the novel the Hero's shapeshifting and the villain's not knowing about said power come up... to what end? None.
Waste of time, Waste of money, waste of space in my head.
The romantic leads were both horrible. They both showed the capacity to be the kind of pricks that get poisoned to great fanfare, and then the author beats you over the head with how supposedly sympathetic they are.
Neither the villains nor the side characters are anything to write home about. The villains were boring, and more threatening in theory than practice. The supporting cast had no voice or life of their own, existing to either worship the heroine or be jealous of her specialness.
None of the settings were explored to enough degree to even take a brief breather from the cast for some scenery porn. The Graveyard is a Graveyard, the Church is a Church, The opera house which you would think might merit a little detail... well it had doors and a stage? Hell even the Heroine's bedroom only got a color scheme.
The vampire mythos was pretty stock which is alright, but it was utilized poorly. It was even involved in a failure to fire Chekov's gun. Several times throughout the novel the Hero's shapeshifting and the villain's not knowing about said power come up... to what end? None.
Waste of time, Waste of money, waste of space in my head.
February 3, 2013
Intriguing title and a good idea for a storyline, but I'm frustrated by books written in multiple POV without page breaks. It's a dark, sad world for stage diva Bianca, but there's plenty of action with honest and brooding Vampire, Aiden to keep her spirits up. Romantic love shines and wins out over evil with a sweet ending.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews