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The Sacrifice and the Spare
A Spicy Arranged Marriage Vampire Romance Novella
When a human prince takes a vampire bride, can love bloom where death is sown? As the spare, Prince Kallan is duty-bound to wed the woman chosen for him–even if it means marrying a vampire. After Bria is selected from the neighboring vampire clan, Kallan can’t deny the heat that sparks between them, but his cautious optimism goes up in smoke when the heir to the throne is found dead and Bria is the top suspect. Bria can’t remember her life before she became a vampire, but she knows she was made for one to wed the second prince of Dolbryn–a human prince. In a kingdom of strangers, Bria anticipates being a lamb to slaughter, but the last thing she expects is to be framed for killing the heir. Now, she must trust that the fledgling bond between her and Kallan is enough to see her rightfully freed.
When a human prince takes a vampire bride, can love bloom where death is sown? As the spare, Prince Kallan is duty-bound to wed the woman chosen for him–even if it means marrying a vampire. After Bria is selected from the neighboring vampire clan, Kallan can’t deny the heat that sparks between them, but his cautious optimism goes up in smoke when the heir to the throne is found dead and Bria is the top suspect. Bria can’t remember her life before she became a vampire, but she knows she was made for one to wed the second prince of Dolbryn–a human prince. In a kingdom of strangers, Bria anticipates being a lamb to slaughter, but the last thing she expects is to be framed for killing the heir. Now, she must trust that the fledgling bond between her and Kallan is enough to see her rightfully freed.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
22 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 10, 2024
Really, really poorly executed. The villain was introduced and then immediately their singular character trait gets retconned to shoehorn in a villain arc and it doesn’t even make sense why they killed the guy. Also, insta love.
Rant: https://youtu.be/9iybCa8PaOc
Rant: https://youtu.be/9iybCa8PaOc
August 13, 2023
I had the honour to receive an ARC of this book and let me tell you this was such a page turner!
It’s a novella so if you’re looking for an enticing quick read this will be perfect for you. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Bria and Kallan (it gives the “where’s my wife” energy which is *chef’s kiss*) plus the element of mystery added a stake that kept me guessing. The story had some cliché moments but personally I find them endearing in romance novels. I also loved the way discrimination is battled in the book and not just cast aside. This novella was honestly a very refreshing read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I give this a 5 stars ⭐️ and hope to see more of Bria and Kallan in a sequel (hopefully 🤞🏻).
Thank you once again for the ARC!
It’s a novella so if you’re looking for an enticing quick read this will be perfect for you. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Bria and Kallan (it gives the “where’s my wife” energy which is *chef’s kiss*) plus the element of mystery added a stake that kept me guessing. The story had some cliché moments but personally I find them endearing in romance novels. I also loved the way discrimination is battled in the book and not just cast aside. This novella was honestly a very refreshing read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I give this a 5 stars ⭐️ and hope to see more of Bria and Kallan in a sequel (hopefully 🤞🏻).
Thank you once again for the ARC!
June 22, 2024
The Sacrifice And The Spare fue una novella muy entretenida, y me gustó bastante el desarrollo que tuvo, no obstante, si que creo que de haber sido más largo la lectura hubiese sido mucho más destacable.
No descarto leer el siguiente tomo, la sinopsis no me llama tanto la atención pero el estilo de la autora me agrado, por lo que creo que cuando tenga un hueco libre lo leeré.
En fin, una lectura rápida pero con un toque original. Lo recomiendo.
2.75 Estrellas!
August 12, 2023
5 ⭐️/5… I received an ARC for this and honestly I absolutely loved it. The story was short and sweet but had everything I wanted in a fantasy romance, arranged marriage. The writing was nice a fluid. Not too predictable, aka wasn’t expecting the ending, so loved that aspect. Definitely would read from the author again!
Book is available September 1 I believe.
Book is available September 1 I believe.
August 31, 2023
I had the honor of receiving an ARC of this book.
Rating: 3.5
Spice: 3/5 chili peppers (play by play/ open door)
Tropes:
-Arranged marriage
-Insta Love
-Murder
This book was a quick read and the FMC and MMC were both likable from the start. The first bit of the book I could feel myself rooting for them already, the MMC seemed so genuinely nice. I would say the first 60%+ felt like it was going to be a longer book, and then it seemed like the back 40% was rushed.
I found it somewhat problematic that the MMC was willing to fight his friends (guards) and family over this girl he had barely known for a few hours. I would have preferred to see the turmoil within his family (with him) to be more obvious or some fated mates thing come out to make that make more sense, but I get that it's part of the inst-love trope so I'm choosing to let it go. It was sweet how he stuck up for her when she had no one else there and their spice was great and well done. Their chemistry was undeniable and the arranged marriage aspect was well done.
I didn't correctly guess who the murderer was which made me happy. I love to be surprised. I just wish it had drawn out a little more figuring it out. It seemed like the person just blurted it out all scooby doo "and I would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for you meddling kids". But again, can I fault a novella for being a novella? No.
Overall it was a quick fun read. If you are a fan of the insta-love trope and a cinnamon roll of a MMC with a dash of spice you will love this cute novella. I personally wouldn't be upset if she rewrote it into a full length novel to flush out some of the details but, again, I picked up a novella so I won't complain that it was a short story.
Rating: 3.5
Spice: 3/5 chili peppers (play by play/ open door)
Tropes:
-Arranged marriage
-Insta Love
-Murder
This book was a quick read and the FMC and MMC were both likable from the start. The first bit of the book I could feel myself rooting for them already, the MMC seemed so genuinely nice. I would say the first 60%+ felt like it was going to be a longer book, and then it seemed like the back 40% was rushed.
I found it somewhat problematic that the MMC was willing to fight his friends (guards) and family over this girl he had barely known for a few hours. I would have preferred to see the turmoil within his family (with him) to be more obvious or some fated mates thing come out to make that make more sense, but I get that it's part of the inst-love trope so I'm choosing to let it go. It was sweet how he stuck up for her when she had no one else there and their spice was great and well done. Their chemistry was undeniable and the arranged marriage aspect was well done.
I didn't correctly guess who the murderer was which made me happy. I love to be surprised. I just wish it had drawn out a little more figuring it out. It seemed like the person just blurted it out all scooby doo "and I would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for you meddling kids". But again, can I fault a novella for being a novella? No.
Overall it was a quick fun read. If you are a fan of the insta-love trope and a cinnamon roll of a MMC with a dash of spice you will love this cute novella. I personally wouldn't be upset if she rewrote it into a full length novel to flush out some of the details but, again, I picked up a novella so I won't complain that it was a short story.
August 13, 2023
Received an ARC in exchange of review.
First of I have to say, it takes a lot to convince me of the true chemistry in an MF relationship. Oftentimes I find it forced. But this novella succeeded beyond any of my expectation.
To be fair I'm a sucker (ahah, get it) for angsty vampires and arranged marriages so this was right up my alley. And even though insta-love isn't something I usually find believable, the chemistry and the trust between Kallan and Bria was undeniable.
The story was compelling and the sincere communication between Bria and Kallan made me smile. They trust each other and they stand up for what is right in their eyes. Plus the steamy scenes between them were really good, very sexy (and didn't have any weird euphemisms which is a plus in my opinion).
The foreshadowing was good and most elements were subtly announced while not being in your face. The only problem I had was the reveal about the queen being the murderess at the end. I found it rushed. The entire last scene was rushed in my opinion, breaking the carefully build pace of the story.
Overall a great story despite a rushed ending. I'd love to read more about Kallan and Bria.
4.5/5⭐
First of I have to say, it takes a lot to convince me of the true chemistry in an MF relationship. Oftentimes I find it forced. But this novella succeeded beyond any of my expectation.
To be fair I'm a sucker (ahah, get it) for angsty vampires and arranged marriages so this was right up my alley. And even though insta-love isn't something I usually find believable, the chemistry and the trust between Kallan and Bria was undeniable.
The story was compelling and the sincere communication between Bria and Kallan made me smile. They trust each other and they stand up for what is right in their eyes. Plus the steamy scenes between them were really good, very sexy (and didn't have any weird euphemisms which is a plus in my opinion).
The foreshadowing was good and most elements were subtly announced while not being in your face. The only problem I had was the reveal about the queen being the murderess at the end. I found it rushed. The entire last scene was rushed in my opinion, breaking the carefully build pace of the story.
Overall a great story despite a rushed ending. I'd love to read more about Kallan and Bria.
4.5/5⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
✨"Just so you know-" she felt the rumble of his voice against her back " I would love nothing more than to f^c£ you until you call my name loud enough to wake the entire castle if I thought my body would cooperate."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Paranormal Romance 📖
The Sacrifice And The Spare is Elle Backenstoe’s newest release in Bound by Blood, a multi author vampire romance series, and I loved it!
✨This was a fun, tender, and deliciously spicy read with so many of the tropes that I adore. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the world building, the pacing of this story, the steam, characters, and the bit of a murder mystery that unfolds.
✔️Arranged Marriage
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️Instant Spark
✔️Vampires
✔️ Spicy
✔️ Dual POV
I highly recommend this short steamy vampire romance to those who enjoy fantasy romance, paranormal romance and romantasy.
✨My most sincere and genuine thanks to @ellebackenstoewrites for having me on your ARC team!
A multi author vampire romance series sounds perfect and The Sacrifice and the Spare can be found individually on KU.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Paranormal Romance 📖
The Sacrifice And The Spare is Elle Backenstoe’s newest release in Bound by Blood, a multi author vampire romance series, and I loved it!
✨This was a fun, tender, and deliciously spicy read with so many of the tropes that I adore. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the world building, the pacing of this story, the steam, characters, and the bit of a murder mystery that unfolds.
✔️Arranged Marriage
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️Instant Spark
✔️Vampires
✔️ Spicy
✔️ Dual POV
I highly recommend this short steamy vampire romance to those who enjoy fantasy romance, paranormal romance and romantasy.
✨My most sincere and genuine thanks to @ellebackenstoewrites for having me on your ARC team!
A multi author vampire romance series sounds perfect and The Sacrifice and the Spare can be found individually on KU.
August 20, 2023
the sacrifice and the spare is about an arranged marriage between kallan (human) and bria (vampire) in order to reduce tensions between their two kingdoms. the night of their wedding, the heir to the crown ends up murdered, and all signs point to bria being the killer.
this was like a sexy whodunnit and i ATE IT UP! it for sure had the “where’s my wife” energy that we all know and love from marriage of convenience / arranged marriage tropes. kallan is def on my list of book boyfriends.
again i was surprised by how much i enjoyed this! maybe the key to my heart with novellas is to include sexy vampires??? who knows ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
thank you elle backenstoe for this awesome story!! will be reading your backlist for sure
this was like a sexy whodunnit and i ATE IT UP! it for sure had the “where’s my wife” energy that we all know and love from marriage of convenience / arranged marriage tropes. kallan is def on my list of book boyfriends.
again i was surprised by how much i enjoyed this! maybe the key to my heart with novellas is to include sexy vampires??? who knows ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
thank you elle backenstoe for this awesome story!! will be reading your backlist for sure
August 12, 2023
✨Arc Review✨
Forbidden love in hopes to make mankind better for both kinds. Definitely a wild story that’ll leave you wanting more!
Forbidden love in hopes to make mankind better for both kinds. Definitely a wild story that’ll leave you wanting more!
Read
February 5, 2024Loved the vampire princess & human prince premise & the sex was hot! This was a sweet, quick read.
*SPOILER*
Would love a sequel where the wicked queen becomes a vampire as well 😈
*SPOILER*
Would love a sequel where the wicked queen becomes a vampire as well 😈
August 13, 2023
Holy crap, I did not see the ending coming AT ALL.
August 12, 2023
3.7/5 ⭐️
I had the privilege of getting the ARC so i’m leaving my honest review here.
This is your go-to book if you ever feel overwhelmed in reading thick books and need simplicity. A bit cliché at some parts but in my opinion they are still good.
A very quick read and the delivery was fairly done. Job well done to the author ✍🏼
I had the privilege of getting the ARC so i’m leaving my honest review here.
This is your go-to book if you ever feel overwhelmed in reading thick books and need simplicity. A bit cliché at some parts but in my opinion they are still good.
A very quick read and the delivery was fairly done. Job well done to the author ✍🏼
October 20, 2023
A fun, quick novella. I was wishing for more of the story, would have loved a full length novel.
August 28, 2023
4.5/5 stars
Thank you so much to Elle Backenstoe for sending me the ARC for this book!
The Sacrifice and the Spare is a heartwarming novella about a political marriage between a prince and a vampire. Kallan and Bria find themselves sharing an almost instantaneous bond, but things start to fall apart when his brother, the Heir to the throne is found dead, and Bria is everyone’s number one suspect. The two of them struggle to discover the true identity of the killer, and to clear Bria’s name, despite the judgements and prejudicial treatments coming from the other members of the court.
Some things I liked:
- How respectful Kallan was. He went out of his way to treat Bria like a person, and took care of details that no one else even thought to consider, like the lack of windows in their shared bedchamber.
- Backenstoe did a great job of. Portraying the dynamic between Kallan and his different family members, especially his conflicting feelings towards his brother.
- The plot twist! Something that me and many other neurodivergent people can struggle with is predicting the outcome of books due to pattern recognition, especially when you read over 100 books a year (like me). I definitely had some trouble trying to figure out who the killer was!
- No insta-love. I have no problems with Attraction at First Sight, but don’t like when characters proclaim their ‘Love’ for each other when they haven’t even known one another for a week, and the fact that Bria and Kallan never say it makes the story that much better for me.
Things I think could’ve been handled better:
- Since it’s such a story, we didn’t get a lot of background on the characters, but I would’ve loved to know more about Bria, before OR after the change.
- *minor spoilers* Kallan’s ex, Farrow, felt like a shallow stereotype. Cruel, bitter, & jealous. She didn’t provide any relevance to the plot, apart from being a bitch, and a temporary suspect.
- There wasn’t a lot of notable diversity. Representation for minorities is something that isn’t strictly necessary, but greatly appreciated when present, though I did appreciate when the author used the term “female presenting” as opposed to just “female.”
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book! The characters were pretty well written, and theres was good balance between the steamy and sweet moments. There’s romance, mystery, suspense, and trauma bonding (and who doesn’t love that?). It’s a captivating page-turner that I couldn’t put down, and I’m so exited to read the rest of the books in the Bound by Blood series!
Thank you so much to Elle Backenstoe for sending me the ARC for this book!
The Sacrifice and the Spare is a heartwarming novella about a political marriage between a prince and a vampire. Kallan and Bria find themselves sharing an almost instantaneous bond, but things start to fall apart when his brother, the Heir to the throne is found dead, and Bria is everyone’s number one suspect. The two of them struggle to discover the true identity of the killer, and to clear Bria’s name, despite the judgements and prejudicial treatments coming from the other members of the court.
Some things I liked:
- How respectful Kallan was. He went out of his way to treat Bria like a person, and took care of details that no one else even thought to consider, like the lack of windows in their shared bedchamber.
- Backenstoe did a great job of. Portraying the dynamic between Kallan and his different family members, especially his conflicting feelings towards his brother.
- The plot twist! Something that me and many other neurodivergent people can struggle with is predicting the outcome of books due to pattern recognition, especially when you read over 100 books a year (like me). I definitely had some trouble trying to figure out who the killer was!
- No insta-love. I have no problems with Attraction at First Sight, but don’t like when characters proclaim their ‘Love’ for each other when they haven’t even known one another for a week, and the fact that Bria and Kallan never say it makes the story that much better for me.
Things I think could’ve been handled better:
- Since it’s such a story, we didn’t get a lot of background on the characters, but I would’ve loved to know more about Bria, before OR after the change.
- *minor spoilers* Kallan’s ex, Farrow, felt like a shallow stereotype. Cruel, bitter, & jealous. She didn’t provide any relevance to the plot, apart from being a bitch, and a temporary suspect.
- There wasn’t a lot of notable diversity. Representation for minorities is something that isn’t strictly necessary, but greatly appreciated when present, though I did appreciate when the author used the term “female presenting” as opposed to just “female.”
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book! The characters were pretty well written, and theres was good balance between the steamy and sweet moments. There’s romance, mystery, suspense, and trauma bonding (and who doesn’t love that?). It’s a captivating page-turner that I couldn’t put down, and I’m so exited to read the rest of the books in the Bound by Blood series!
September 7, 2023
3.5⭐ / 5⭐
I got the opportunity to read this as an ARC and this is my honest review!
I will admit that I don't read many novellas, and so that might have something to do with some of the things I was not the biggest fan of, but overall this is a delightful start to the 'Bound by Blood' series and a fun quick read.
I always enjoy a good arranged marriage, especially so for the purposes of political power moves, so the premise of easing tensions between the vampires and humans with this marriage was *chefs kiss*. I loved that. And I really loved the dynamic between the MCs; they felt realistic and endearing in how they handled marrying someone they'd only just met, on top of inter-species tensions, and their initial attraction (but not love at first sight).
The murder mystery was engaging and it had me changing my guess as to who the murderer was multiple times throughout the story.
The biggest thing that made me rate this a 3.5/5 was how it all came together as a whole. I finished the novella satisfied with how the main plot turned out and where the MCs ended the book relationship wise, but I just had some issues with how everything fit together along the way. Some of the character choices were either confusing or felt like they were lacking in motivations. It was a little difficult to think that these characters would act those ways because we just didn't know enough about them or the society around them.
Mostly I just don't think this kind of setting is best suited for novellas, because we didn't get enough background information to make this world feel fully fleshed out and it made certain character choices and interactions fall a little flat or almost unrealistic. I think that's a downfall of having to create a new fantasy-society with a human kingdom and separate vampire clan and fit that into 100 or so pages. There's just not as much room there to have a compelling plot AND a fully fleshed out backstory for everyone/everything.
That being said, for what this story is and the room the author had to do what needed to be done, I do think it was put together very nicely, limitations of the medium aside. Overall, it was a fun read that I read in one sitting because I just needed to know what happened next. It is a great start to this series of novellas and I'm honored to have been able to read it early as an ARC.
I got the opportunity to read this as an ARC and this is my honest review!
I will admit that I don't read many novellas, and so that might have something to do with some of the things I was not the biggest fan of, but overall this is a delightful start to the 'Bound by Blood' series and a fun quick read.
I always enjoy a good arranged marriage, especially so for the purposes of political power moves, so the premise of easing tensions between the vampires and humans with this marriage was *chefs kiss*. I loved that. And I really loved the dynamic between the MCs; they felt realistic and endearing in how they handled marrying someone they'd only just met, on top of inter-species tensions, and their initial attraction (but not love at first sight).
The murder mystery was engaging and it had me changing my guess as to who the murderer was multiple times throughout the story.
The biggest thing that made me rate this a 3.5/5 was how it all came together as a whole. I finished the novella satisfied with how the main plot turned out and where the MCs ended the book relationship wise, but I just had some issues with how everything fit together along the way. Some of the character choices were either confusing or felt like they were lacking in motivations. It was a little difficult to think that these characters would act those ways because we just didn't know enough about them or the society around them.
Mostly I just don't think this kind of setting is best suited for novellas, because we didn't get enough background information to make this world feel fully fleshed out and it made certain character choices and interactions fall a little flat or almost unrealistic. I think that's a downfall of having to create a new fantasy-society with a human kingdom and separate vampire clan and fit that into 100 or so pages. There's just not as much room there to have a compelling plot AND a fully fleshed out backstory for everyone/everything.
That being said, for what this story is and the room the author had to do what needed to be done, I do think it was put together very nicely, limitations of the medium aside. Overall, it was a fun read that I read in one sitting because I just needed to know what happened next. It is a great start to this series of novellas and I'm honored to have been able to read it early as an ARC.
September 14, 2024
This was a nice little novella with a lot of tender moments and a medium spice level. It begins at the reception of the political arranged marriage between Kallan, second son to the king, and Bria, a vampire from a neighboring kingdom. The entire novella spans the course of about 24 hours.
Kallan is fiercely protective of Bria from the start, despite only knowing her long enough to say their vows before splitting off at the reception. He's committed to her and happy with his fate in a way you wouldn't expect from what amounts to a lifelong business arrangement. Kallan, in short, is a sweetheart, and Bria thanks her lucky stars.
Once you move past the instalove between the newlyweds, the story unfortunately falls short.
And they lived happily ever after, the end.
Kallan is fiercely protective of Bria from the start, despite only knowing her long enough to say their vows before splitting off at the reception. He's committed to her and happy with his fate in a way you wouldn't expect from what amounts to a lifelong business arrangement. Kallan, in short, is a sweetheart, and Bria thanks her lucky stars.
Once you move past the instalove between the newlyweds, the story unfortunately falls short.
And they lived happily ever after, the end.
August 30, 2023
The Sacrifice and the Spare is het eerste boek in de Bound by Blood serie. De serie bestaat uit losse verhalen, geschreven door verschillende auteurs, waarvan Elle Backenstoe dus mocht aftrappen.
Beginnend met dit boek wist ik niet zo goed wat ik moest verwachten, maar vanaf moment één wist dit boek me te intrigeren. Alles aan dit boek klopt: de karakters, het mysterieuze plot en het einde. Alles komt samen. Daarmee is dit boek een van de fijnste vampier-mens romance boeken die ik tot nu toe heb gelezen.
Maak je klaar om verliefd te worden op Kallan, een mens, de jongere broer, de reserve voor de troon. Ondanks dat zowel Kallan als Bria geen keuze had in hun huwelijk, is de aantrekkingskracht vanaf het eerste moment duidelijk. Ondanks zijn familie en hun houding richting de vampiers, stelt Kallan alles in het werk stelt om zijn vampierbruid, Bria, als gelijke te behandelen. Hij neemt het constant voor haar op, zelfs wanneer het lijkt alsof zij zijn familie uit elkaar zal drijven.
Bria weet ontzettend goed hoe de mensen over haar denken, deze haat is haar niet onbekend, toch voelt ze direct dat Kallan anders is. Ze hoopt vanaf het eerste moment dat zij samen kunnen zorgen voor meer gelijkheid tussen de mensen en de vampiers. Aan de liefde en aantrekkingskracht tussen de twee hoofdpersonen zal het in ieder geval niet liggen.
Na het ongemak van de bruiloft en een spannende eerste nacht als getrouwd stel veranderd het verhaal al snel van toon. Wat een romantisch verhaal leek te worden, blijkt veel meer dan dat, nadat er zich een waar mysterie ontvouwt waarin Bria de hoofdverdachte is. Je gaat mee met Kallan en Bria op zoek naar antwoorden. Kallan twijfelt geen moment aan zijn bruid en plotseling is iedereen verdacht. De uitkomst is er echter eentje die je niet zult zien aankomen.
Houdt jij van vampierromances? Dan is dit een dikke aanrader voor jou!!!
Beginnend met dit boek wist ik niet zo goed wat ik moest verwachten, maar vanaf moment één wist dit boek me te intrigeren. Alles aan dit boek klopt: de karakters, het mysterieuze plot en het einde. Alles komt samen. Daarmee is dit boek een van de fijnste vampier-mens romance boeken die ik tot nu toe heb gelezen.
Maak je klaar om verliefd te worden op Kallan, een mens, de jongere broer, de reserve voor de troon. Ondanks dat zowel Kallan als Bria geen keuze had in hun huwelijk, is de aantrekkingskracht vanaf het eerste moment duidelijk. Ondanks zijn familie en hun houding richting de vampiers, stelt Kallan alles in het werk stelt om zijn vampierbruid, Bria, als gelijke te behandelen. Hij neemt het constant voor haar op, zelfs wanneer het lijkt alsof zij zijn familie uit elkaar zal drijven.
Bria weet ontzettend goed hoe de mensen over haar denken, deze haat is haar niet onbekend, toch voelt ze direct dat Kallan anders is. Ze hoopt vanaf het eerste moment dat zij samen kunnen zorgen voor meer gelijkheid tussen de mensen en de vampiers. Aan de liefde en aantrekkingskracht tussen de twee hoofdpersonen zal het in ieder geval niet liggen.
Na het ongemak van de bruiloft en een spannende eerste nacht als getrouwd stel veranderd het verhaal al snel van toon. Wat een romantisch verhaal leek te worden, blijkt veel meer dan dat, nadat er zich een waar mysterie ontvouwt waarin Bria de hoofdverdachte is. Je gaat mee met Kallan en Bria op zoek naar antwoorden. Kallan twijfelt geen moment aan zijn bruid en plotseling is iedereen verdacht. De uitkomst is er echter eentje die je niet zult zien aankomen.
Houdt jij van vampierromances? Dan is dit een dikke aanrader voor jou!!!
August 28, 2023
“I wasn’t of the right mind to tell you before, but you are easily the most magnificent creature I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
The Sacrifice and the Spare had me genuinely speechless. I have never highlighted/annotated a book as much as I did this one in my life. Everything about it, from the characters to the suspenseful plot, was just pure perfection. This book is definitely one of the best vampire romances I’ve ever read.
Readers will fall head over heels in love with Kallan. He is just the sweetest, most gentle, cinnamon roll. Although the humans, especially the Royal Family, have their doubts/beliefs about vampires, Kallan never once made Bria feel lesser. He constantly stands up for her, ensuring that she is his equal. Bria is such a strong/badass character. Despite the tension between the humans and vampires, Bria will stop at nothing to make sure everyone is equal. Don’t even get me started on my love for Bria and Kallan’s relationship. This review will be never ending (lol). All I’ll say is they were one thousand percent made for each other.
The plot of this book was just insanely enthralling. There’s so much action and even a good mystery that leaves Bria as the lead suspect. I was on the edge of my seat trying to solve it along with Kallan and Bria. The plot twist left me gasping. I had my suspicions, but I was truly not expecting the outcome.
If you are absolutely obsessed with vampire romances, like I am, I strongly encourage you to read The Sacrifice and the Spare by Elle Backenstoe. I promise you will not regret it.
The Sacrifice and the Spare had me genuinely speechless. I have never highlighted/annotated a book as much as I did this one in my life. Everything about it, from the characters to the suspenseful plot, was just pure perfection. This book is definitely one of the best vampire romances I’ve ever read.
Readers will fall head over heels in love with Kallan. He is just the sweetest, most gentle, cinnamon roll. Although the humans, especially the Royal Family, have their doubts/beliefs about vampires, Kallan never once made Bria feel lesser. He constantly stands up for her, ensuring that she is his equal. Bria is such a strong/badass character. Despite the tension between the humans and vampires, Bria will stop at nothing to make sure everyone is equal. Don’t even get me started on my love for Bria and Kallan’s relationship. This review will be never ending (lol). All I’ll say is they were one thousand percent made for each other.
The plot of this book was just insanely enthralling. There’s so much action and even a good mystery that leaves Bria as the lead suspect. I was on the edge of my seat trying to solve it along with Kallan and Bria. The plot twist left me gasping. I had my suspicions, but I was truly not expecting the outcome.
If you are absolutely obsessed with vampire romances, like I am, I strongly encourage you to read The Sacrifice and the Spare by Elle Backenstoe. I promise you will not regret it.
August 14, 2023
The Sacrifice and the Spare by Elle Backenstoe is a novella in the Bound by Blood series, a set of standalone spicy vampire novellas by different authors. These will be releasing over Spooky Season and I was fortunate to receive an ARC for this novella. The Sacrifice and the Spare features an arranged marriage between a human prince (Kallan) and a vampire bride (Bria) with court intrigue, forced proximity, spice and touch her and die vibes.
For a novella this story packed quite the punch and I would love it as a full length story (or a full length with these characters). I like the main characters because neither of them were perfect people but we could understand their motivations and desires. The writing around the characters (dialogue, descriptions) was excellent.
The plot and tension starts quick and keeps moving. The only time I felt the tension pause was when they spent a particular day together (trying not to spoil), when I would have expected Kallan to have been hunting for the killer.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Recommendation: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This was a fun story that fit a lot into not many pages. If you want a quick little break from long epic novels that still delivers high quality writing, this is perfect! I can’t wait to read more of these over spooky season.
For a novella this story packed quite the punch and I would love it as a full length story (or a full length with these characters). I like the main characters because neither of them were perfect people but we could understand their motivations and desires. The writing around the characters (dialogue, descriptions) was excellent.
The plot and tension starts quick and keeps moving. The only time I felt the tension pause was when they spent a particular day together (trying not to spoil), when I would have expected Kallan to have been hunting for the killer.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Recommendation: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This was a fun story that fit a lot into not many pages. If you want a quick little break from long epic novels that still delivers high quality writing, this is perfect! I can’t wait to read more of these over spooky season.
September 6, 2023
THE SACRIFICE AND THE SPARE was a quick and spicy read and I liked both Kallan and Bria. I also enjoyed reading a romance where the FMC was the vampire instead of the MMC and I liked that both of them were experienced and comfortable with who they were.
While I liked this one, I felt like most of the story stayed very surface level. Yes, it's a novella so it's not going to be a really deep dive, but Bria has no past and the character development isn't much deeper than them being a vampire and a royal spare. I also thought it was a little silly that Kallan was ready to take her side over his family's after only knowing her a few hours; that just didn't really make sense no matter how noble of a character he was supposed to be.
Content Warning: death of a sibling
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“We are allies in this, Bria. This marriage was not of either of our choosing, but you are my wife and I will honor you as such.”
- - - - -
“I’m your wife, Kallan. Don’t you wish to see the bounty you have claimed?” She meant the words in jest, but her laughter died in her throat as he pierced her with his intense gaze.
“You are not a prize, Bria. You are my equal, my partner.”
While I liked this one, I felt like most of the story stayed very surface level. Yes, it's a novella so it's not going to be a really deep dive, but Bria has no past and the character development isn't much deeper than them being a vampire and a royal spare. I also thought it was a little silly that Kallan was ready to take her side over his family's after only knowing her a few hours; that just didn't really make sense no matter how noble of a character he was supposed to be.
Content Warning: death of a sibling
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“We are allies in this, Bria. This marriage was not of either of our choosing, but you are my wife and I will honor you as such.”
- - - - -
“I’m your wife, Kallan. Don’t you wish to see the bounty you have claimed?” She meant the words in jest, but her laughter died in her throat as he pierced her with his intense gaze.
“You are not a prize, Bria. You are my equal, my partner.”
May 10, 2024
No tenía muchas expectativas, ni vi reseñas puesto que o nada que ver el resultado me gustó mucho.
pros \☆
+1⭐ El romance es super lindo (al igual que el protagonista 😍). Es medio instalove y sé que eso puede disgustarle a algunos pero yo lo amé porque no se sintió forzado.
+1⭐ En cuanto al misterio, no es la gran cosa pero hubo una cantidad de sospechosos decentes y para nada me esperaba el final.
+1⭐ El estilo de narración me pareció muy acogedor y el worlbuilding (¿se escribía así?) está original, fresco y clásico (sí, ambos a la vez) y todo eso de Santiago y las cosas que se dejaban a la imaginación me pareció super cool.
contras \☆
-0.5💫 La falta de coherencia en algunas partes con respecto a los guardias del fucking castillo. De verdad no creo que haga falta explicar porque unos subordinados van a desobedecer órdenes/amenazas directas de alguien con el de cortarles el pescuezo.
-0.2💫 La poca exploración que se le dió al personaje de la sirvienta sangrienta. Hijo mío, por muy bueno qie tu seas no puedes PAGARLE vacaciones a una sospechosa del asesinato de tu hermano xd
-0.3💫 El nunca faltante siempre presente estereotipo de rubia mala que se acuesta con todo el mundo. BASTA, ¿que mierda le hicieron las rubias al mundo?
bye \°♡
pros \☆
+1⭐ El romance es super lindo (al igual que el protagonista 😍). Es medio instalove y sé que eso puede disgustarle a algunos pero yo lo amé porque no se sintió forzado.
+1⭐ En cuanto al misterio, no es la gran cosa pero hubo una cantidad de sospechosos decentes y para nada me esperaba el final.
+1⭐ El estilo de narración me pareció muy acogedor y el worlbuilding (¿se escribía así?) está original, fresco y clásico (sí, ambos a la vez) y todo eso de Santiago y las cosas que se dejaban a la imaginación me pareció super cool.
contras \☆
-0.5💫 La falta de coherencia en algunas partes con respecto a los guardias del fucking castillo. De verdad no creo que haga falta explicar porque unos subordinados van a desobedecer órdenes/amenazas directas de alguien con el de cortarles el pescuezo.
-0.2💫 La poca exploración que se le dió al personaje de la sirvienta sangrienta. Hijo mío, por muy bueno qie tu seas no puedes PAGARLE vacaciones a una sospechosa del asesinato de tu hermano xd
-0.3💫 El nunca faltante siempre presente estereotipo de rubia mala que se acuesta con todo el mundo. BASTA, ¿que mierda le hicieron las rubias al mundo?
bye \°♡
September 10, 2023
Loved this! Great new plot and loved the MCs from their first conversation. It's rare I'm excited for both MCs so quickly and delighted for their lives together. Rarer still I like the whole royalty with no jobs lifestyle but they're royals that deserve loyalty and power. So glad I read this book with a FMC who's equal parts strong, kind, and vulnerable. Finally a vampire that doesn't need to throw her weight around or be mean. And finally an MMC that doesn't have a misogynistic bone in his body. No young virgins but actualized adults. They're equals and he's not an alpha caveman when he's protecting her but he'll still take on the world to take care of her. They have no angst or miscommunication or secrets between them and they respect each other and they're sexy. The spice is around the 3/4 mark and yummy with a little blood play. They have great chemistry and a beautiful bond without being OTT or cringe. I'm looking for more of this author now so I can make sure I read all her work!
September 19, 2023
This book is packed full of some of my favourite things I love to find in books. We have the tender development of a relationship between a human prince and vampire bride, loaded with plenty of spice and some incredibly heartfelt moments. This is all wrapped up with a good old murder mystery, and come on who doesn’t love a murder mystery?!
I loved how quickly Kallan becomes protective over Bria, and how they interactions provide such sweet natured moments.
I felt that this book was incredibly easy to dive into and that it was also very fulfilling. I was hooked straight away and naturally inhaled this book and all its vampire goodness in one sitting. The shorter word count didn’t compromise anything, the story quality and relationship development was top notch.
I honestly did not see the resolution of the murder mystery coming and that made this book even more satisfying.
This has me ridiculously excited to read the other books in this series!
I received an ARC copy of this book and can confirm that this is my honest review.
I loved how quickly Kallan becomes protective over Bria, and how they interactions provide such sweet natured moments.
I felt that this book was incredibly easy to dive into and that it was also very fulfilling. I was hooked straight away and naturally inhaled this book and all its vampire goodness in one sitting. The shorter word count didn’t compromise anything, the story quality and relationship development was top notch.
I honestly did not see the resolution of the murder mystery coming and that made this book even more satisfying.
This has me ridiculously excited to read the other books in this series!
I received an ARC copy of this book and can confirm that this is my honest review.
October 8, 2023
This was 4.5 stars for me!
I love Elle's writing style and how she can go from writing an innocent story to something so wicked. Bravo to the author! She's an author I will be looking out for so I can continue reading her work.
I absolutely loved this spicy novella following a forced marriage between Kallan, our human, and Bria, our vampire. Kallan has such a way about him that leaves you intrigued and the way Bria uses her words and actions to express her intentions is masterful.
I'd also like to add that the spice in this is so well done. There is no cringing. It's done tastefully and intertwines beautifully with the story. I very much enjoyed this short and spicy story and think if anyone wants a quick read - Pick this up!
I wish there was more because there was so much story behind Kallan's family and the marriage betrothal between Bria and Kallan. I would've loved to get into the history behind it - But overall, I think Elle did a fantastic job with this one.
I love Elle's writing style and how she can go from writing an innocent story to something so wicked. Bravo to the author! She's an author I will be looking out for so I can continue reading her work.
I absolutely loved this spicy novella following a forced marriage between Kallan, our human, and Bria, our vampire. Kallan has such a way about him that leaves you intrigued and the way Bria uses her words and actions to express her intentions is masterful.
I'd also like to add that the spice in this is so well done. There is no cringing. It's done tastefully and intertwines beautifully with the story. I very much enjoyed this short and spicy story and think if anyone wants a quick read - Pick this up!
I wish there was more because there was so much story behind Kallan's family and the marriage betrothal between Bria and Kallan. I would've loved to get into the history behind it - But overall, I think Elle did a fantastic job with this one.
October 13, 2023
The Sacrifice and the Spare
By: Elle Backenstoe
ARC Review
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this novella. It isn’t anything I have ever read before, and although I do enjoy fantasy.
Even with this being a novella, it seemed rushed. I am not sure if the other novellas tied into this
have more information to the story, or if each is just a quick little story.
Bria is a vampire who has been forced to marry human, she was essentially “made” for this
family, and doesn’t remember who she was before she was turned. However, despite her bond
with Kallan, the brother to the heir to the crown, she is being framed for his murder. Will the
bond between Bria and Kallan be enough for them to clear her name and find out who the true
murderer is?
I really enjoyed the story, but I am not sure if it was because it was a novella, but the story
seemed rushed, and then also just seemed to be missing something.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
By: Elle Backenstoe
ARC Review
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this novella. It isn’t anything I have ever read before, and although I do enjoy fantasy.
Even with this being a novella, it seemed rushed. I am not sure if the other novellas tied into this
have more information to the story, or if each is just a quick little story.
Bria is a vampire who has been forced to marry human, she was essentially “made” for this
family, and doesn’t remember who she was before she was turned. However, despite her bond
with Kallan, the brother to the heir to the crown, she is being framed for his murder. Will the
bond between Bria and Kallan be enough for them to clear her name and find out who the true
murderer is?
I really enjoyed the story, but I am not sure if it was because it was a novella, but the story
seemed rushed, and then also just seemed to be missing something.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5
Format: Kindle
Vibes:
Vampire, Murder Mystery, Royalty, Arranged Marriage
Short Summery:
Kallan - Human, and Brie - Vampire, are to be wed in an arranged marriage to attempt to reduce the tension between humans and vampires.
At the night of their wedding, the heir to the crown is found dead and Brie is taken to the dungeons as a suspect for the killing.
Review:
So this was just a short and simple read. Good for a beginner reader wanting to try their hands with some fantasy, or someone looking to finish up their reading goal quick.
The writing was fine, with a good amount of dialogue.
Nothing revolutionary, but to be fair the story is so short it would be hard to make it so.
I was surprised about the murderer which was nice, since it makes for a more interesting read.
However I felt that it was executed poorly. Very rushed, the just kind of blurted it out for no reason which was so weird.
Format: Kindle
Vibes:
Vampire, Murder Mystery, Royalty, Arranged Marriage
Short Summery:
Kallan - Human, and Brie - Vampire, are to be wed in an arranged marriage to attempt to reduce the tension between humans and vampires.
At the night of their wedding, the heir to the crown is found dead and Brie is taken to the dungeons as a suspect for the killing.
Review:
So this was just a short and simple read. Good for a beginner reader wanting to try their hands with some fantasy, or someone looking to finish up their reading goal quick.
The writing was fine, with a good amount of dialogue.
Nothing revolutionary, but to be fair the story is so short it would be hard to make it so.
I was surprised about the murderer which was nice, since it makes for a more interesting read.
However I felt that it was executed poorly. Very rushed, the just kind of blurted it out for no reason which was so weird.
September 1, 2023
This is a short novella but it packs a lot in. Kallan is the spare in the title, second in line to the throne and Bria is his betrothed. Their marriage is a political one to bring peace between humans and the vampire clan but I liked how both Kallan and Bria went into this eyes open. They felt like a team from the start which was refreshing. I liked Kallan's part in particular as he immediately shut down Farrow (she's vile) and had ended their relationship before the events in the book as well as the way he instantly went to bat for Bria when she was wrongly accused. It would have been very easy to have gone down an enemies to lovers route but I loved this take on the arranged marriage trope where it was them against the world instead. Its not insta-love as such and there is plenty of romance and the murder mystery element definitely kept me guessing!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; this book is pretty much perfect and I have added all the authors works to my TBR
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; this book is pretty much perfect and I have added all the authors works to my TBR
August 16, 2023
I was given a ARC in exchange for a honest review so let’s get into it!
This book or novella I should say was short and sweet, you get the sweet beginning, then the sad/what’s going to happen next, middle and then your happy ending. This is the PERFECT book if you’ve just finished a book that’s traumatizing. Cleansing your pallet if you will. For the arranged marriage I had thought it was going to take MOST of the novella for both to trust each other but I was proven wrong, from the get go Kallen trusts his wife,Bria. He knew so little about her but still trusted her and made sure she knew how he felt, even when doubt clouded his mind. I feel as though the ending was a bit rushed, overall this is an AMAZING book to read!
This book or novella I should say was short and sweet, you get the sweet beginning, then the sad/what’s going to happen next, middle and then your happy ending. This is the PERFECT book if you’ve just finished a book that’s traumatizing. Cleansing your pallet if you will. For the arranged marriage I had thought it was going to take MOST of the novella for both to trust each other but I was proven wrong, from the get go Kallen trusts his wife,Bria. He knew so little about her but still trusted her and made sure she knew how he felt, even when doubt clouded his mind. I feel as though the ending was a bit rushed, overall this is an AMAZING book to read!
August 28, 2023
4.5 ☆
This novella is such a quick and heartwarming read. I love to read novels about courts and political turmoil, and this one did not disappoint.
Bria is the vampire bride to Prince Kallan stuck in an arranged marriage to settle the issues and bring peace to their people. Tragedy strikes, fingers point, and chaos erupts. Each must make life changing decisions and decide who to trust.
I loved that Bria is portrayed as a strong, independent person, but comes to rely on Kallan, who is a big ol' softy. The chemistry and spice between them are instant. I enjoyed watching them grow with each other. I only wish I got to see more of them and that I didn't have to leave that world so quickly. It's definitely a novella to revisit and reread.
This novella is such a quick and heartwarming read. I love to read novels about courts and political turmoil, and this one did not disappoint.
Bria is the vampire bride to Prince Kallan stuck in an arranged marriage to settle the issues and bring peace to their people. Tragedy strikes, fingers point, and chaos erupts. Each must make life changing decisions and decide who to trust.
I loved that Bria is portrayed as a strong, independent person, but comes to rely on Kallan, who is a big ol' softy. The chemistry and spice between them are instant. I enjoyed watching them grow with each other. I only wish I got to see more of them and that I didn't have to leave that world so quickly. It's definitely a novella to revisit and reread.
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