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Demimonde #1
Bleeding Hearts
Sophie Galen is an advice columnist whose work leaves her neck-deep in other people’s problems. Thanks to her compassion, her gut instinct, and her magnetic charm, Sophie really knows how to attract little black clouds.
Marek Thurzo is no little black cloud; he’s a maelstrom. Marek is Demivampire, a race with the potential to evolve into vampire. A warrior who’s taken his share of spiritual damage, he hovers dangerously close to destruction.
He seeks salvation. She’s driven to save him. But what if he can’t be saved?
Sympathy for his plight becomes true empathy as Sophie’s hidden nature is revealed. Marek suspects she may be one of the Sophia, oracle and redemption of the damned Demivampire. She alone can turn back the evolutionary clock.
All she needs is the courage to face her fears. Can she save him from Falling?
Marek Thurzo is no little black cloud; he’s a maelstrom. Marek is Demivampire, a race with the potential to evolve into vampire. A warrior who’s taken his share of spiritual damage, he hovers dangerously close to destruction.
He seeks salvation. She’s driven to save him. But what if he can’t be saved?
Sympathy for his plight becomes true empathy as Sophie’s hidden nature is revealed. Marek suspects she may be one of the Sophia, oracle and redemption of the damned Demivampire. She alone can turn back the evolutionary clock.
All she needs is the courage to face her fears. Can she save him from Falling?
370 pages, Nook
First published March 11, 2012
16 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
Ash Krafton
39 books643 followersAsh Krafton is a USA Today and international best-selling speculative fiction author from the coal region of Pennsylvania. She's the author of urban fantasy and paranormal fantasy novels, as well as poetry, short fiction, and non-fiction articles on the craft writing and publishing.
Her first novel series, The Books of the Demimonde (BLEEDING HEARTS, BLOOD RUSH, WOLF'S BANE), earned several awards and distinctions, including Finalist ranking in several RWA chapter competitions. A paranormal romance WORDS THAT BIND also received distinctions and is published by The Wild Rose Press.
She has also written New Adult speculative fiction as AJ Krafton. Her début, THE HEARTBEAT THIEF was released in June 2015 and has made the Amazon bestseller lists for historical, fantasy, and coming of age fiction.
Currently, Ash is working on a new urban fantasy series, THE DEMON WHISPERER. The first two books, CHARM CITY and MURDER THE LIGHT are available now, with the series prequel STRAITJACKETS AND HOLY WATER coming out in late 2018 when it will be featured as part as a multi-author boxed set.
She is also releasing a stand-alone urban fantasy TAKIN' IT BACK in August 2018, a book that will put a fresh twist on the old swish-and-flick.
Audiobook lovers can find the Demimonde series on Audible as both individual books as well as a series bundle. Several other titles are currently under production and will be released over the rest of 2018.
Find out more abut Ash Krafton's work when you visit www.ashkrafton.com.
Her first novel series, The Books of the Demimonde (BLEEDING HEARTS, BLOOD RUSH, WOLF'S BANE), earned several awards and distinctions, including Finalist ranking in several RWA chapter competitions. A paranormal romance WORDS THAT BIND also received distinctions and is published by The Wild Rose Press.
She has also written New Adult speculative fiction as AJ Krafton. Her début, THE HEARTBEAT THIEF was released in June 2015 and has made the Amazon bestseller lists for historical, fantasy, and coming of age fiction.
Currently, Ash is working on a new urban fantasy series, THE DEMON WHISPERER. The first two books, CHARM CITY and MURDER THE LIGHT are available now, with the series prequel STRAITJACKETS AND HOLY WATER coming out in late 2018 when it will be featured as part as a multi-author boxed set.
She is also releasing a stand-alone urban fantasy TAKIN' IT BACK in August 2018, a book that will put a fresh twist on the old swish-and-flick.
Audiobook lovers can find the Demimonde series on Audible as both individual books as well as a series bundle. Several other titles are currently under production and will be released over the rest of 2018.
Find out more abut Ash Krafton's work when you visit www.ashkrafton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 7, 2017
this book was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!!
The moment I picked up this book and read a few pages I was hooked, I had stayed up all night reading this and had spent a part of today finishing it up. It was totally a boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl falls for boy, girl finds power, boy goes fights enemy, and girl loses boy story. Mareck, was interested in Sophie the moment he met her, Sophie became interested in the first moment she had thought she met him. They dated for a but, then one night they witnessed someone being attacked and kill, the killer being a vampire. Marek was a demivampire not fully a vampire. Vampire's in this story are created in a different way than I have ever read. They have to lose their soul to become a vampire, until then they are only demivampire. I loved the use of Egyptian history in this. And the details of the scenery and the character detail was awesome, I felt I was right there watching everything play out in front of me. I also love the uniqueness is some of the names. Basically the only other thing I can say about this book though is, When is the next one Coming out.
P.S. I loved this book soooooo much it has been placed on my favorites list and I will recommend this book to everyone I know. :)
A definite must read.
Thank you Ash Krafton for this wonderful new series. YAY EXCITED FOR BLOOD RUSH & WOLF'S BANE:D
The moment I picked up this book and read a few pages I was hooked, I had stayed up all night reading this and had spent a part of today finishing it up. It was totally a boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl falls for boy, girl finds power, boy goes fights enemy, and girl loses boy story. Mareck, was interested in Sophie the moment he met her, Sophie became interested in the first moment she had thought she met him. They dated for a but, then one night they witnessed someone being attacked and kill, the killer being a vampire. Marek was a demivampire not fully a vampire. Vampire's in this story are created in a different way than I have ever read. They have to lose their soul to become a vampire, until then they are only demivampire. I loved the use of Egyptian history in this. And the details of the scenery and the character detail was awesome, I felt I was right there watching everything play out in front of me. I also love the uniqueness is some of the names. Basically the only other thing I can say about this book though is, When is the next one Coming out.
P.S. I loved this book soooooo much it has been placed on my favorites list and I will recommend this book to everyone I know. :)
A definite must read.
Thank you Ash Krafton for this wonderful new series. YAY EXCITED FOR BLOOD RUSH & WOLF'S BANE:D
February 18, 2016
Audio Edition Review
For me this was a revisit to a book that captivated me and emotionally drained me as it gently made its way to a stunning climax and ending. The story was a reunion of sorts since I have missed the series after the concluding book. I wondered if my impressions would change since it wasn't new and fresh for me. Well, they did and they didn't. Of course, knowing the end from the beginning does affect how this re-read affected me and yet, I also found it easy to slip into the here and now so I could enjoy this story once again almost like the first time.
Bubbly advice-columnist Sophie and her handsome, brooding Marick meet and start to see each other. Sophie astutely realizes that there is a lot more to Marick than he lets on and he hints that there is more to her which she dismisses. Sophie slowly learns of the Demimonde world and it is a dark and dangerous one full of all the monsters that go bump in the night for the oblivious humans. And now those beings know of Sophie's existence and her gift that can be the salvation of so many of the Demimonde. For all that is new, disconcerting, and scary for Sophie, she is happy in love, but it is only a matter of time before a dark twisted enemy shatters all that and then things are left heartwrenchingly desperate.
This is the first in a trilogy of an ill fated love affair between a gifted human woman and a vampire who struggles with the darkness inside him. The author created a fascinating Demimonde (Half-vampires, Vampires and Werewolves) world that includes a blend of Egyptian Mythology and paranormal. The book takes its time setting up, creating a mood, introducing the characters, and building the tension and plot. There is passion in the romance, but it stays more on the feelings side than the physical. I didn't mind though I confess that I had a bit of a crush (okay full on swoon) for Marek. The world is dark and gritty and the supernatural beings are dangerous and can become evil monsters. There is big set up with some shocking twists nearer the end.
As to the audio, let's just say, I was only planning to turn it on for a little while and taking my time as I went about doing other things and that didn't happen. I finished this story in record time. The narrator, Kelly Pruner, was a first for me. I liked her storytelling, inflection, and pace. I did have one niggle. I'm not sure if it is because I read this already so I had strong notions about the voices of the characters, but Marik's voice was distracting for me when she did his accent. Sophie's was great.
All in all, I found that this story stood up well to a re-read and I am just as in love with the world, the characters, and the romance. I recommend this refreshing Urban Fantasy book/trilogy to those who like their vampires on the gritty dangerous side and don't mind a slow burn romance that has some dark days ahead.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.
For me this was a revisit to a book that captivated me and emotionally drained me as it gently made its way to a stunning climax and ending. The story was a reunion of sorts since I have missed the series after the concluding book. I wondered if my impressions would change since it wasn't new and fresh for me. Well, they did and they didn't. Of course, knowing the end from the beginning does affect how this re-read affected me and yet, I also found it easy to slip into the here and now so I could enjoy this story once again almost like the first time.
Bubbly advice-columnist Sophie and her handsome, brooding Marick meet and start to see each other. Sophie astutely realizes that there is a lot more to Marick than he lets on and he hints that there is more to her which she dismisses. Sophie slowly learns of the Demimonde world and it is a dark and dangerous one full of all the monsters that go bump in the night for the oblivious humans. And now those beings know of Sophie's existence and her gift that can be the salvation of so many of the Demimonde. For all that is new, disconcerting, and scary for Sophie, she is happy in love, but it is only a matter of time before a dark twisted enemy shatters all that and then things are left heartwrenchingly desperate.
This is the first in a trilogy of an ill fated love affair between a gifted human woman and a vampire who struggles with the darkness inside him. The author created a fascinating Demimonde (Half-vampires, Vampires and Werewolves) world that includes a blend of Egyptian Mythology and paranormal. The book takes its time setting up, creating a mood, introducing the characters, and building the tension and plot. There is passion in the romance, but it stays more on the feelings side than the physical. I didn't mind though I confess that I had a bit of a crush (okay full on swoon) for Marek. The world is dark and gritty and the supernatural beings are dangerous and can become evil monsters. There is big set up with some shocking twists nearer the end.
As to the audio, let's just say, I was only planning to turn it on for a little while and taking my time as I went about doing other things and that didn't happen. I finished this story in record time. The narrator, Kelly Pruner, was a first for me. I liked her storytelling, inflection, and pace. I did have one niggle. I'm not sure if it is because I read this already so I had strong notions about the voices of the characters, but Marik's voice was distracting for me when she did his accent. Sophie's was great.
All in all, I found that this story stood up well to a re-read and I am just as in love with the world, the characters, and the romance. I recommend this refreshing Urban Fantasy book/trilogy to those who like their vampires on the gritty dangerous side and don't mind a slow burn romance that has some dark days ahead.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2012
Most paranormal romances are hot and steamy as well as X-rated. In my opinion there's absolutely everything right with that. If you want to try something different from walking on the wild side, why not not try something sensual and alluring where your mind happily fills in the details that are on the page in the other type of books. While this is quite a change, it allows more emphasis on feelings plus the paranormal. This really gives you a different type of read. Not so much much panting and sweating and more love and vampires. It is definitely a trade-off but in this it pays off in spades.
Ash Krafton must be a wizard because after eight million books being published about vampires, she's come up with with something so original, so creative, so unique that I was actually stunned by it. Those who would read this purely as a vampire book, you will not only pleased, you'll be thrilled, unless you like your vampires traditional. In that case, go buy Dracula by Bram Stoker. The original is always best. Being a wizard Ms.Krafton does a magnificent job combining love and romance with her new conception of vampires which makes this one helluva book on many levels. Way to go Ash!
THE PLOT: Sophie, our protagonist, is an advice columnist for The MAG in the city. On her day off, she meets a man - he is handsome, expensively dressed, with shining green eyes and an encyclopedic knowledge of history. They spend the whole afternoon at the museum until evening, when they part reluctantly. She thinks as she is driving home - he is the perfect man for me: attentive, courteous, intelligent, solicitous, loves history, is handsome and those green eyes just glow. There is only one problem, she can feel a dark side to her knight in shining armour. He gives off an aura of great power, but that's not what she's feeling. It's something else entirely. What could it be? You're thinking vampire but you'd be wrong, or werewolf either. Their relationship grows and grows. Many thing HAPPEN: confessions in church, confessions to Sofie, a murdered Senator, living with non-humans, Sofie to Sofia, out to my shack, kidnapped, Donna gets her due - eaten, priest broken, prophetess bitten, healing, vampire challenge, good bye. There is so much more that happens then this, you'll find out when you read the book.
THE PACING: The pacing of the book is intense. It starts out romantic and alluring like a bubble bath for two in the dark with candles burning. Then the paranormal kicks in to gear - now we're at full speed flying Mach II. We won't slow down again - ever. The next thing you know, after your complete and total immersion into Ash Krafton's world, is that the book is over. You put the Kindle down and sigh. Hmmm! What will I read now that could match that? When nothing comes to mind after looking through your Kindle for about 15 minutes, you put it down and go do something else, disappointed that the next book is not out.
THE UPSHOT: All you ladies who love the typical paranormal romance need to read this one. The romance is sooo sensual and so good, the vampires so imaginative and creative that it may be the best book you'll read all year. Hey you guys out there! I'm talking to you! You don't need a How-to book to understand women,you need this book. Go ahead! Be a man! Buy the book! You'll learn more from this book about how to treat a woman and what she wants. More then you would in a million seminars on the same topic. It's cheaper,faster and better. Trust. me I'm a woman.
Ash Krafton must be a wizard because after eight million books being published about vampires, she's come up with with something so original, so creative, so unique that I was actually stunned by it. Those who would read this purely as a vampire book, you will not only pleased, you'll be thrilled, unless you like your vampires traditional. In that case, go buy Dracula by Bram Stoker. The original is always best. Being a wizard Ms.Krafton does a magnificent job combining love and romance with her new conception of vampires which makes this one helluva book on many levels. Way to go Ash!
THE PLOT: Sophie, our protagonist, is an advice columnist for The MAG in the city. On her day off, she meets a man - he is handsome, expensively dressed, with shining green eyes and an encyclopedic knowledge of history. They spend the whole afternoon at the museum until evening, when they part reluctantly. She thinks as she is driving home - he is the perfect man for me: attentive, courteous, intelligent, solicitous, loves history, is handsome and those green eyes just glow. There is only one problem, she can feel a dark side to her knight in shining armour. He gives off an aura of great power, but that's not what she's feeling. It's something else entirely. What could it be? You're thinking vampire but you'd be wrong, or werewolf either. Their relationship grows and grows. Many thing HAPPEN: confessions in church, confessions to Sofie, a murdered Senator, living with non-humans, Sofie to Sofia, out to my shack, kidnapped, Donna gets her due - eaten, priest broken, prophetess bitten, healing, vampire challenge, good bye. There is so much more that happens then this, you'll find out when you read the book.
THE PACING: The pacing of the book is intense. It starts out romantic and alluring like a bubble bath for two in the dark with candles burning. Then the paranormal kicks in to gear - now we're at full speed flying Mach II. We won't slow down again - ever. The next thing you know, after your complete and total immersion into Ash Krafton's world, is that the book is over. You put the Kindle down and sigh. Hmmm! What will I read now that could match that? When nothing comes to mind after looking through your Kindle for about 15 minutes, you put it down and go do something else, disappointed that the next book is not out.
THE UPSHOT: All you ladies who love the typical paranormal romance need to read this one. The romance is sooo sensual and so good, the vampires so imaginative and creative that it may be the best book you'll read all year. Hey you guys out there! I'm talking to you! You don't need a How-to book to understand women,you need this book. Go ahead! Be a man! Buy the book! You'll learn more from this book about how to treat a woman and what she wants. More then you would in a million seminars on the same topic. It's cheaper,faster and better. Trust. me I'm a woman.
December 8, 2013
When Sophie Galen meets Merek Thurzo at the museum she is immediately drawn to this handsome man with eyes like gemstones and long, dark hair, carrying a notepad and a fountain pen. Sophie is curious about Merek, pondering what he is researching, and wondering what he does for a living. But she doesn't ask a lot of questions, sensing Merek's apprehension. But their chemistry is evident. And soon, this chance meeting with a man who shares her love of ancient cultures and antiquities will evolve into a dating relationship. But what Sophie discovers about Merek, and herself, will change both of their lives forever.
Welcome to a world of vampires and werewolves, who live amongst the human populations, and whose ancient origins are both interconnected and contemptuous. I had a tough time with Sophie early on, as she seemed to trust Merek too easily, despite the red flags. But soon I realized this was part of Sophie's character, and her story, and something she recognized and acknowledged in herself. Sophie's been on her own for a long time. She knows Merek could be dangerous, but she doesn't believe harm will come to her. And the chemistry between them is undeniable. And so, she is swept off her feet and into a world of vampires, demo-vampires, werewolves, and more.
There is a war brewing, and the demi-vampires are looking for the one soul who can save them from eternal damnation--the last one was killed during the Salem Witch Trials. But is this world too much for Sophie? She has been lost for so long, and with Merek she finally feels a sense of belonging. But what are his true intentions? She is about to find out.
This was a great story with awesome characters! I really loved Merek--loyal, fearsome, and powerful in his world. As for Sophie, she grew on me as the story unfolded, and by the end I was totally rooting for her! I could feel the chemistry between them, which is why I was disappointed with the behind-closed-doors love scenes. Sharing all aspects of their relationship would have added to the story, and without it I definitely felt like something was missing. But I enjoyed this fascinating story, and look forward to seeing what happens in the next book!
Welcome to a world of vampires and werewolves, who live amongst the human populations, and whose ancient origins are both interconnected and contemptuous. I had a tough time with Sophie early on, as she seemed to trust Merek too easily, despite the red flags. But soon I realized this was part of Sophie's character, and her story, and something she recognized and acknowledged in herself. Sophie's been on her own for a long time. She knows Merek could be dangerous, but she doesn't believe harm will come to her. And the chemistry between them is undeniable. And so, she is swept off her feet and into a world of vampires, demo-vampires, werewolves, and more.
There is a war brewing, and the demi-vampires are looking for the one soul who can save them from eternal damnation--the last one was killed during the Salem Witch Trials. But is this world too much for Sophie? She has been lost for so long, and with Merek she finally feels a sense of belonging. But what are his true intentions? She is about to find out.
This was a great story with awesome characters! I really loved Merek--loyal, fearsome, and powerful in his world. As for Sophie, she grew on me as the story unfolded, and by the end I was totally rooting for her! I could feel the chemistry between them, which is why I was disappointed with the behind-closed-doors love scenes. Sharing all aspects of their relationship would have added to the story, and without it I definitely felt like something was missing. But I enjoyed this fascinating story, and look forward to seeing what happens in the next book!
April 12, 2012
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Ash Krafton starts this story off with the classic boy meets girl plot line. Then, as usual, the vampires show up and the shit hits the proverbial fan. And then finally, throw in a few unique vamp variations and Bleeding Hearts morphs into a riveting read. I particularly enjoyed the links to Egyptian mythology and the way that Sophie's hidden purpose is gradually unveiled. Unfortunately, Krafton also worked in one of my biggest fiction pet peeves: insta-love. It wasn't overpowering nor did it steal the show but that still doesn't detract from the fact it was there and as a result, mild annoyance ensued on my part.
The opening chapters of this book really drew me in. I enjoyed the way that Ash introduces the reader to her main character, Sophie. We get to tag along with miss Galen through her daily activities which gives us a real sense of her personality. Way more effective than a boring information dump in my opinion! I also liked Sophie and Marek's first meeting. It came off as so innocent and first-date-like that it was cute. However, things are obviously not how they seem and the new love struck feeling is fleeting at best. Once the supernatural curtain is lifted from Galen's eyes, life takes on a whole new meaning.
At first, I enjoyed the chemistry between Marek and Sophie. They go on a couple of dates and life is grand. That is until Galen learns the "hard way" about the existence of vampires. At first, she's obviously shocked and a little horrified but she comes to grips with the news surprisingly quickly. Not only that, but the fact that she's dating a vampire doesn't seem to even phase her. What's even odder is how this news seems to jump start the beginnings of that pesky insta-love phenomena that I dislike so much. Granted, there's a lot going on in Sophie's life after the big reveal and she's dealing with a hidden purpose to boot but the whole thing was just too much, too soon, too fast for my liking. I'm assuming that Krafton simply wanted to get the relationship details out of the way quickly so that she could focus on the meat of the story. Not a bad idea but it could have been handled better in my opinion.
I liked the Demivampire concept and the idea that there are different phases to vampirism, each with their own pros and cons. The Egyptian mythology elements also added an extra level of depth to Ash's undead that made for an interesting tale. The story is packed with fantastic dark and light imagery that really plays up the ancient war of good vs evil. A priest is even tossed into the mix! I can't help but admire Krafton's courage on that one. Jared is actually a very lovable character and I was saddened by his cruel fate. Who would have thought!? Sophie's hidden purpose also came as a welcome surprise. It was a neat way of forming a permanent link between her and the paranormal world. Whether Marek is in the picture or not, she's stuck in this world for the long haul due to her heritage. Poor girl!
A dark urban fantasy story with witty dialogues and compelling mythology, Bleeding Hearts is an satisfying read that's easy to like. Plenty of loose ends are left dangling which makes the sequel sound all the more promising!
Ash Krafton starts this story off with the classic boy meets girl plot line. Then, as usual, the vampires show up and the shit hits the proverbial fan. And then finally, throw in a few unique vamp variations and Bleeding Hearts morphs into a riveting read. I particularly enjoyed the links to Egyptian mythology and the way that Sophie's hidden purpose is gradually unveiled. Unfortunately, Krafton also worked in one of my biggest fiction pet peeves: insta-love. It wasn't overpowering nor did it steal the show but that still doesn't detract from the fact it was there and as a result, mild annoyance ensued on my part.
The opening chapters of this book really drew me in. I enjoyed the way that Ash introduces the reader to her main character, Sophie. We get to tag along with miss Galen through her daily activities which gives us a real sense of her personality. Way more effective than a boring information dump in my opinion! I also liked Sophie and Marek's first meeting. It came off as so innocent and first-date-like that it was cute. However, things are obviously not how they seem and the new love struck feeling is fleeting at best. Once the supernatural curtain is lifted from Galen's eyes, life takes on a whole new meaning.
At first, I enjoyed the chemistry between Marek and Sophie. They go on a couple of dates and life is grand. That is until Galen learns the "hard way" about the existence of vampires. At first, she's obviously shocked and a little horrified but she comes to grips with the news surprisingly quickly. Not only that, but the fact that she's dating a vampire doesn't seem to even phase her. What's even odder is how this news seems to jump start the beginnings of that pesky insta-love phenomena that I dislike so much. Granted, there's a lot going on in Sophie's life after the big reveal and she's dealing with a hidden purpose to boot but the whole thing was just too much, too soon, too fast for my liking. I'm assuming that Krafton simply wanted to get the relationship details out of the way quickly so that she could focus on the meat of the story. Not a bad idea but it could have been handled better in my opinion.
I liked the Demivampire concept and the idea that there are different phases to vampirism, each with their own pros and cons. The Egyptian mythology elements also added an extra level of depth to Ash's undead that made for an interesting tale. The story is packed with fantastic dark and light imagery that really plays up the ancient war of good vs evil. A priest is even tossed into the mix! I can't help but admire Krafton's courage on that one. Jared is actually a very lovable character and I was saddened by his cruel fate. Who would have thought!? Sophie's hidden purpose also came as a welcome surprise. It was a neat way of forming a permanent link between her and the paranormal world. Whether Marek is in the picture or not, she's stuck in this world for the long haul due to her heritage. Poor girl!
A dark urban fantasy story with witty dialogues and compelling mythology, Bleeding Hearts is an satisfying read that's easy to like. Plenty of loose ends are left dangling which makes the sequel sound all the more promising!
August 28, 2012
I chose to review this book on my birthday because I love vampires. However, I got more than I thought I was because this story combines two of my favorite topics vampires and Egyptian mythology. I absolutely loved the story and can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next. I give the book 5 stars.
Sophie is capable of doing something I am not good at. She gives good advice and she tries to save everyone. She also has had a few people in her life that no matter what she did she couldn’t save them and it haunts her. Marek and Sophie meet in a museum in the Egyptian exhibit. At first she is attracted to his looks but she also feels she needs to save him from the darkness she senses inside him. The characters were wonderfully written and interesting to follow. Towards the end of the story I was also emotionally involved in the story as well.
The storyline was very interesting giving yet another twist on vampires and their origins. It had good pacing and could not be considered just another vampire book. I liked the little mentions and connections with the Egyptian gods and goddesses. There were several unexpected turns in the story that kept me on my toes. I ended up reading this whole story in one day because I couldn’t put it down and wanted to see what happened in the end. I did not realize it was the first book in a series when I started reading but I am glad the story will continue. I just can’t wait for the next one. I really would like to know more about what happened to Marek at the end and what they are going to do about it.
I recommend this for anyone who loves vampires or just likes paranormal romances. This book wasn’t as steamy as most Paranormal romances but you don’t miss it with this story as it makes up for it in every other way. Thanks Ash for the great read!
Sophie is capable of doing something I am not good at. She gives good advice and she tries to save everyone. She also has had a few people in her life that no matter what she did she couldn’t save them and it haunts her. Marek and Sophie meet in a museum in the Egyptian exhibit. At first she is attracted to his looks but she also feels she needs to save him from the darkness she senses inside him. The characters were wonderfully written and interesting to follow. Towards the end of the story I was also emotionally involved in the story as well.
The storyline was very interesting giving yet another twist on vampires and their origins. It had good pacing and could not be considered just another vampire book. I liked the little mentions and connections with the Egyptian gods and goddesses. There were several unexpected turns in the story that kept me on my toes. I ended up reading this whole story in one day because I couldn’t put it down and wanted to see what happened in the end. I did not realize it was the first book in a series when I started reading but I am glad the story will continue. I just can’t wait for the next one. I really would like to know more about what happened to Marek at the end and what they are going to do about it.
I recommend this for anyone who loves vampires or just likes paranormal romances. This book wasn’t as steamy as most Paranormal romances but you don’t miss it with this story as it makes up for it in every other way. Thanks Ash for the great read!
October 2, 2012
WoW-just wow-
first and foremost this vampire book this something special, none of the likes of which that has ever been done before. Everyone who reads books knows that ever since Twilight came out there was a big explosion of vampire books. Eventually, my friends and I became sick of them. Bleeding Hearts was, literally, a splash of cold water in the face. It was refreshing. This is why I read books, to enjoy and cherish them as long as I can remember them.
When I signed up for the giveaway for this book, I thought that I would at the least like it. But that didn't even come close to what I felt by the end of the book. I absolutely love it It was well written, the characters were interesting and very well developed. Oh, and the storyline was amazing. I also liked how that there wasn't just vampires in general. The demivampires are something unique.that they are vampire, but they live. They have that fire within them that the evolved demivampires do not.
I have recieved this book for free through Goodreads First Reads
July 12, 2013
Book exchanged for a review~Per Goodreads rules~
Sophie Galen is an advice columnist for The Mag. She personally believes that there is good in everyone and tries to help her fellow man whenever she can. She cares for everyone she meets except for Donna The Stapler Nazi. Sophie's editor Barbara knows that she can count on Sophie to go the extra mile when is comes to work. Sophie is best friends with a priest named Jared who shares a past history with her. She loves to browse around the local museum especially the Egyptian Section. Sophie meets Marek, a handsome stranger, that also shares his likenes for Egyptian Culture especially about Isis. Marek is intrigued by Sophie and yet finds himself wanting to protect her at all costs whether Sophie knows it or not. When Marek tells Sophie that he's demivampire or DV Sophie isn't freaked out by this information which surprises Marek. Marek introduces Sophie to his world and family. Rodrian is Marek's brother and business partner. He's also father to Shiloh whom he adores greatly. Marek's business and political contacts are worried about a new tax bill that could damage the DV and humans alike if it's passed. The Mag is working on an article that will show the pros and cons of tax bill. Marek is worried that the Master will strike out against the whole population. Marek has been working on personal research about The Sophia Oracle and believes that Sophie is the one. How does Jared help Sophie? Is Marek keeping secrets? Is Sophie really the Oracle? Will the tax bill be passed? What are the Master's plans? Will Sophie accept Marek's world? Your answers await you in Bleeding Hearts.
I love the unique twist about vampires and other paranormal creatures. I found that I loved alot of Sophie's characteristic. She is so giving and full of compassion that you want to be just like. The world needs more Sophie's in it. Marek isn't your typical bad boy persona yet he has all the qualities of an Alpha male. I would be interested in seeing this story continue into another book. I thought the author did an excellent job with the creation of this story. I look forward to reading more of their works.
Sophie Galen is an advice columnist for The Mag. She personally believes that there is good in everyone and tries to help her fellow man whenever she can. She cares for everyone she meets except for Donna The Stapler Nazi. Sophie's editor Barbara knows that she can count on Sophie to go the extra mile when is comes to work. Sophie is best friends with a priest named Jared who shares a past history with her. She loves to browse around the local museum especially the Egyptian Section. Sophie meets Marek, a handsome stranger, that also shares his likenes for Egyptian Culture especially about Isis. Marek is intrigued by Sophie and yet finds himself wanting to protect her at all costs whether Sophie knows it or not. When Marek tells Sophie that he's demivampire or DV Sophie isn't freaked out by this information which surprises Marek. Marek introduces Sophie to his world and family. Rodrian is Marek's brother and business partner. He's also father to Shiloh whom he adores greatly. Marek's business and political contacts are worried about a new tax bill that could damage the DV and humans alike if it's passed. The Mag is working on an article that will show the pros and cons of tax bill. Marek is worried that the Master will strike out against the whole population. Marek has been working on personal research about The Sophia Oracle and believes that Sophie is the one. How does Jared help Sophie? Is Marek keeping secrets? Is Sophie really the Oracle? Will the tax bill be passed? What are the Master's plans? Will Sophie accept Marek's world? Your answers await you in Bleeding Hearts.
I love the unique twist about vampires and other paranormal creatures. I found that I loved alot of Sophie's characteristic. She is so giving and full of compassion that you want to be just like. The world needs more Sophie's in it. Marek isn't your typical bad boy persona yet he has all the qualities of an Alpha male. I would be interested in seeing this story continue into another book. I thought the author did an excellent job with the creation of this story. I look forward to reading more of their works.
February 27, 2012
I’ve been looking forward to reading this story since I first heard about it. The waiting was well worth it! BLEEDING HEARTS hooked me from the very first page. I loved Sophie’s wit, sarcasm and bravery. She handled things a bit better than I would have in the same situation! Marek’s overwhelming darkness drew me to him. He was sexy, dark and oh, so dangerous! The mythology behind the vampires in this urban fantasy was something I haven’t read before and I loved the Egyptian angle. Sophie pulled me into her world and I was reluctant to part with it in the end (luckily there is a sequel!). The anguish these characters go through really pulled at my heart, making this a very emotional story, not only for Sophie and Marek but also the other characters I fell in love with, like Jared and Rodrian. This novel is filled with light and dark, good and evil, and a love that is tested beyond all limits. Ash Krafton’s writing is amazing and I simply cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
December 12, 2014
This is a confusing book to review. The best way I know how to say it, is that it had a lot of 4 star moments, but it had a lot more 2 star moments.
The biggest problem with the book in my opinion was the pacing. We start with a premonition in the opening chapter, and we don’t get any more information for almost a fourth of the book. Then we get a sudden reveal, and back to nothing happening for another fourth of the book. What in the world is supposed to make me get through this suspense? The only reason I kept reading was because I got the book as a review copy and felt obligated to finish.
In retrospect, I imagine it was supposed to be the love story that kept me distracted. Perhaps if that had been done well, then I would have joined Sophie in following its unexpected development and then it would have added even more to the plot later on. Instead, I found the relationship very forced and unnatural, and couldn’t figure out why we were spending any time at all with it. They supposedly enjoyed talking for hours, but the only examples we have of that are research related or depressing, and the attraction was only described as how hunky he was or something. I just wanted to get on with the story.
I will take my own advice and briefly highlight my remaining thoughts on this book:
- the emotional descriptions in the book were all technically proficient, but lacking a core spark or authenticity to make it real to me
- the author knows how to write poetically, and I would occasionally admire a flowery phrase, but more often I found the embellishments distracting and hard to read past
- the storyline and contexts were very disjointed. I often got confused jumping from scene to scene, and back again, and motivations and descriptions would change, sometimes in the same scene, that left me wondering what was really happening
- the lack of information on the paranormal universe was very frustrating, and our naivety was used against us in contrived plot twists that could have been avoided with a few simple questions
- the word "evolution" was used to describe a process that was not evolution, which I found annoying
- The main character was presented as an intelligent, cautious person, and yet she made at least two incredibly foolish decisions that seemed out of place and ruined the character for me
All that said, by the time I got to the end of the book, I actually did care about the characters. The critical scenes at the end of the book actually were hair-raising and I flipped from page to page. And during a few moments I actually thought I might shed a tear or two. But these moments were unexpected because I was so numb at the point to what was going on. I remember thinking at the halfway point, wow, this book could have been so much better if they had just deleted the first 20 chapters. It was like that. The book definitely had potential, the author obviously is gifted, but too many things kept getting in the way to make it anything but an average book, hence 3 stars.
For those interested in more details that I seem to have regurgitated in a fit of passion, you can unhide this review spoiler section, which does contain at least one spoiler.
The biggest problem with the book in my opinion was the pacing. We start with a premonition in the opening chapter, and we don’t get any more information for almost a fourth of the book. Then we get a sudden reveal, and back to nothing happening for another fourth of the book. What in the world is supposed to make me get through this suspense? The only reason I kept reading was because I got the book as a review copy and felt obligated to finish.
In retrospect, I imagine it was supposed to be the love story that kept me distracted. Perhaps if that had been done well, then I would have joined Sophie in following its unexpected development and then it would have added even more to the plot later on. Instead, I found the relationship very forced and unnatural, and couldn’t figure out why we were spending any time at all with it. They supposedly enjoyed talking for hours, but the only examples we have of that are research related or depressing, and the attraction was only described as how hunky he was or something. I just wanted to get on with the story.
I will take my own advice and briefly highlight my remaining thoughts on this book:
- the emotional descriptions in the book were all technically proficient, but lacking a core spark or authenticity to make it real to me
- the author knows how to write poetically, and I would occasionally admire a flowery phrase, but more often I found the embellishments distracting and hard to read past
- the storyline and contexts were very disjointed. I often got confused jumping from scene to scene, and back again, and motivations and descriptions would change, sometimes in the same scene, that left me wondering what was really happening
- the lack of information on the paranormal universe was very frustrating, and our naivety was used against us in contrived plot twists that could have been avoided with a few simple questions
- the word "evolution" was used to describe a process that was not evolution, which I found annoying
- The main character was presented as an intelligent, cautious person, and yet she made at least two incredibly foolish decisions that seemed out of place and ruined the character for me
All that said, by the time I got to the end of the book, I actually did care about the characters. The critical scenes at the end of the book actually were hair-raising and I flipped from page to page. And during a few moments I actually thought I might shed a tear or two. But these moments were unexpected because I was so numb at the point to what was going on. I remember thinking at the halfway point, wow, this book could have been so much better if they had just deleted the first 20 chapters. It was like that. The book definitely had potential, the author obviously is gifted, but too many things kept getting in the way to make it anything but an average book, hence 3 stars.
For those interested in more details that I seem to have regurgitated in a fit of passion, you can unhide this review spoiler section, which does contain at least one spoiler.
April 5, 2017
A mesmerizing world that swiftly compels the senses, April 4, 2017
Being my first introduction to Ash Krafton's work I am pleased to add this author to my ever growing favorites list! What started out a bit slow quickly changed course as the plot thickened & characters developed. Before I knew it I couldn't put it down as many of my favorite things continuously popped up along the way.
Bleeding Hearts has a vast array of paranormals that beckoned me in. Not too far in I was already questioning reality & rational thoughts all together as the unseen things of their world rushed through full force before crashing down causing a tidal wave of emotions. I was not quite prepared for the twists brought about as tears, anger, & so much more sprang forth. Regardless, I would do it all again. Seriously an awesome journey that never lacked action or feeling while leaving much to contemplate including a few judgement calls that left me begging for more!
I will be on the lookout for more of the Demimonde series!
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
Being my first introduction to Ash Krafton's work I am pleased to add this author to my ever growing favorites list! What started out a bit slow quickly changed course as the plot thickened & characters developed. Before I knew it I couldn't put it down as many of my favorite things continuously popped up along the way.
Bleeding Hearts has a vast array of paranormals that beckoned me in. Not too far in I was already questioning reality & rational thoughts all together as the unseen things of their world rushed through full force before crashing down causing a tidal wave of emotions. I was not quite prepared for the twists brought about as tears, anger, & so much more sprang forth. Regardless, I would do it all again. Seriously an awesome journey that never lacked action or feeling while leaving much to contemplate including a few judgement calls that left me begging for more!
I will be on the lookout for more of the Demimonde series!
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
May 10, 2012
This book is broken up into 3 sections, so I think talking about each section on its own makes the most sense for me. I really liked the first part. It takes you through the life of Sophie Galen, and really helps you get to know her. Krafton does a great job making her relate-able. The way that Sophie meets Marek is adorable as well. In a museum? I love it. There is definitely instant attraction.
I wish there was more to the week Marek kept coming to Sophie's apartment every night. There was much that was implied as far as what was told about the history of Vamps and Demi Vamps, but we don't get to be privy to those conversations. I felt like I was missing out some.
And then of course there is her best friend, the Priest ex-boyfriend Jared. I love him. He kind of drops out of the second part of the book and makes a grand re-appearance in the third part, but I am getting ahead of myself. I don't know about you, but I would love a friend like him. Someone who knows me that well, but there is no pressure for *anything* to happen, and who won't judge anything I do or say. That would be lovely.
So, section one gets a solid 4 stars from me.
Section two, on the other hand, opens up just a week or two later, but Sophie is already a part of the DV's lives. Lounging in the office, joking with Marek's brother like they have known each other for years ... it all seemed rushed. Maybe if more time had passed it would have grated on my nerves less. It just was too fast. It was too close to "insta-love" for comfort.
This is also when you get a better idea of vamp politics and who runs what. As well as find out more about the Sophia. I thought that was a good try to put a new spin on the vampire mythology, but it just didn't work for me. I don't want to ruin the story for you, just suffice it to say it made them all seem a bit too whiny.
Section two winds down with some bad stuff, a nice evening, and then Sophie doing the dumb heroine thing and not listening to what Marek tells her to do. Section two drops the story to 3 stars.
Section three ... well there isn't a whole lot I can say without spoiling the book. I found parts to be very predictable, not that that is a bad thing. I was just reading along and thought to myself, "I bet _____ happens" and I was right. There were some things I didn't understand, such as someone being excluded from the group. There were definitely some loose ends that I am hoping will be tied up in a second installment. Section three gets 3 1/2 stars.
Overall, I give this 3 1/2 stars. It was a good read and there were parts where I had a hard time putting it down, but I thought some parts of the story were a bit weak, and could have possibly been helped by further explanation. I still recommend you read this if you want a new spin on vampires, and I will be looking forward to a book 2.
I wish there was more to the week Marek kept coming to Sophie's apartment every night. There was much that was implied as far as what was told about the history of Vamps and Demi Vamps, but we don't get to be privy to those conversations. I felt like I was missing out some.
And then of course there is her best friend, the Priest ex-boyfriend Jared. I love him. He kind of drops out of the second part of the book and makes a grand re-appearance in the third part, but I am getting ahead of myself. I don't know about you, but I would love a friend like him. Someone who knows me that well, but there is no pressure for *anything* to happen, and who won't judge anything I do or say. That would be lovely.
So, section one gets a solid 4 stars from me.
Section two, on the other hand, opens up just a week or two later, but Sophie is already a part of the DV's lives. Lounging in the office, joking with Marek's brother like they have known each other for years ... it all seemed rushed. Maybe if more time had passed it would have grated on my nerves less. It just was too fast. It was too close to "insta-love" for comfort.
This is also when you get a better idea of vamp politics and who runs what. As well as find out more about the Sophia. I thought that was a good try to put a new spin on the vampire mythology, but it just didn't work for me. I don't want to ruin the story for you, just suffice it to say it made them all seem a bit too whiny.
Section two winds down with some bad stuff, a nice evening, and then Sophie doing the dumb heroine thing and not listening to what Marek tells her to do. Section two drops the story to 3 stars.
Section three ... well there isn't a whole lot I can say without spoiling the book. I found parts to be very predictable, not that that is a bad thing. I was just reading along and thought to myself, "I bet _____ happens" and I was right. There were some things I didn't understand, such as someone being excluded from the group. There were definitely some loose ends that I am hoping will be tied up in a second installment. Section three gets 3 1/2 stars.
Overall, I give this 3 1/2 stars. It was a good read and there were parts where I had a hard time putting it down, but I thought some parts of the story were a bit weak, and could have possibly been helped by further explanation. I still recommend you read this if you want a new spin on vampires, and I will be looking forward to a book 2.
October 12, 2012
I received a copy of Bleeding Hearts from the Read to Review on Goodreads so thanks to the authors and mods for making this possible.
Ok so this was a first for me, this book was a DNF. I tried I really really did but it took me a week to get half way through and I still could not get into the story. The main character Sophie is an advice columnist for a magazine when on a personal trip to a museum she meets Marek and discovers the world of vampires and demivamps and what her place in it is supposed to be. A romance develops between her and Marek and one day she is needed to save his soul and stop him from becoming a soulless vampire...that was as far as I got.
I absolutely loathed the character Sophie, she was uptight, annoying and if this were a real person I wouldn't be able to spend five minutes alone in a room with her without either slapping her or wanting to get her laid, so she'd stop being so holier than thou. Marek was pretty much every vampire you've ever read about tall, hot, rich and metaphysically uber powerful and of course broody. An all grown up Edward Cullen without the sparkles. The supporting characters were just as uninteresting and all they seemed to do was tell Sophie how wonderful she was and how their lives would be a disaster without her to steer them in the right direction...that got old quickly.
There was supposed to be a romance between Sophie and Marek but honestly I didn't find much in the way of chemistry between them, mostly dialogue of Sophie trying to find out what his issues were so she "could help cuz that's what she does". There was no physical relationship between them described at all and before you jump all over me thinking I am looking for porn that's not the case. A romance of any kind, paranormal or not is selling you a fantasy of an idealized relationship between two people and that includes the physical. The part where Sophie feels there connection is so much more than physical just made me roll my eyes.
The vamps in this book are pretty much like everyday citizens, they have children run businesses until they lose their souls and become bloodthirsty killers. After losing their soul there is no going back from that they are damned after that. That tied into the whole religious theme I found throughout the first part of the book. Sophie's first love and current best friend is a Catholic priest and there was quite a bit about her faith and I was reading it wondering is this a Christian Romance with vampires. Which is fine, but I am probably not the best audience .
While reading Bleeding Hearts I looked over some of the reviews and the book seems well received so I truly do wish the author every success with it. I appreciate how much works goes into penning a novel but this definitely was not for me.
Ok so this was a first for me, this book was a DNF. I tried I really really did but it took me a week to get half way through and I still could not get into the story. The main character Sophie is an advice columnist for a magazine when on a personal trip to a museum she meets Marek and discovers the world of vampires and demivamps and what her place in it is supposed to be. A romance develops between her and Marek and one day she is needed to save his soul and stop him from becoming a soulless vampire...that was as far as I got.
I absolutely loathed the character Sophie, she was uptight, annoying and if this were a real person I wouldn't be able to spend five minutes alone in a room with her without either slapping her or wanting to get her laid, so she'd stop being so holier than thou. Marek was pretty much every vampire you've ever read about tall, hot, rich and metaphysically uber powerful and of course broody. An all grown up Edward Cullen without the sparkles. The supporting characters were just as uninteresting and all they seemed to do was tell Sophie how wonderful she was and how their lives would be a disaster without her to steer them in the right direction...that got old quickly.
There was supposed to be a romance between Sophie and Marek but honestly I didn't find much in the way of chemistry between them, mostly dialogue of Sophie trying to find out what his issues were so she "could help cuz that's what she does". There was no physical relationship between them described at all and before you jump all over me thinking I am looking for porn that's not the case. A romance of any kind, paranormal or not is selling you a fantasy of an idealized relationship between two people and that includes the physical. The part where Sophie feels there connection is so much more than physical just made me roll my eyes.
The vamps in this book are pretty much like everyday citizens, they have children run businesses until they lose their souls and become bloodthirsty killers. After losing their soul there is no going back from that they are damned after that. That tied into the whole religious theme I found throughout the first part of the book. Sophie's first love and current best friend is a Catholic priest and there was quite a bit about her faith and I was reading it wondering is this a Christian Romance with vampires. Which is fine, but I am probably not the best audience .
While reading Bleeding Hearts I looked over some of the reviews and the book seems well received so I truly do wish the author every success with it. I appreciate how much works goes into penning a novel but this definitely was not for me.
May 9, 2017
Bleeding Hearts is the first book in the Demimonde series of books. It is about Sophie, who is a former nurse turned advice columnists. She is very troubled. There was a man writing who was depressed and she was unable to help him. She knew this when she saw his obituary in the newspaper, but the problem is that he wrote her another letter just last week. Now how can someone come back from the dead to write her, and how did he know her home address instead of sending it to the magazine where she works? When talking to her editor Barbara about it, Barbara suggested maybe it had been written before his death, but the post mark on the letter is after. And it is his handwriting and signature, Sophie is sure about it. The whole thing has left her feeling very uneasy. When Sophie is heading to the bus stop a homeless man approaches her for a quarter, and instead she gives him a bus token and tells him where there is a very good shelter. After the man moves off another man gives Sophie a hard time about being too naïve and told her she was wasting her time trying to help. This makes all the weird feelings even worse. What is going on? This is the very beginning of the book and it just pulls the reader in right away. I will not spoil anything so you must get it to read for yourself.
This book is awesome. The character development is excellent and the story flows along at a nice pace. If you like stories about paranormal, vampire like subspecies and thrilling action. I can’t wait to get the next book in the series. This is a great book for anyone who likes paranormal fantasy novels.
I’m giving this book 5 hearts
Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock
This book is awesome. The character development is excellent and the story flows along at a nice pace. If you like stories about paranormal, vampire like subspecies and thrilling action. I can’t wait to get the next book in the series. This is a great book for anyone who likes paranormal fantasy novels.
I’m giving this book 5 hearts
Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock
February 19, 2013
Any book that can evoke more than one intense emotion is worth reading. And I don’t mean a little giggle here, a little tug at your heart there. I mean, full blown laughing out loud at one point, bringing tears to your eyes at another, edge of your seat curiosity and suspense at yet another point. This novel provides that to the reader, and more.
The history and mythology wound through and into this story is absolutely brilliant. Not only is it wound seamlessly into the storyline, but it is also mythologically correct (before she runs with it, of course). She takes Egyptian mythology and creates a phenomenally unique creation myth for both vampires and Weres. The mythological accuracy of the beginnings of this creation myth make it all the more believable and help her create a world that you can actually visualise.
The descriptive techniques that Krafton employs bring this world to life. You can actually see each and every element of the town in which these people find themselves living their day to day lives. It is a very dark world, but it is vivid all the same. The characters are the same. They are brought to life in a manner that is fitting to their dark outlooks on life. They are also uniquely suited to their roles within the story as a whole.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was very well written. There was a while through the middle where the novel just meandered along its storyline, but as a whole it was a very cohesive unit that left you wanting the sequel.
The history and mythology wound through and into this story is absolutely brilliant. Not only is it wound seamlessly into the storyline, but it is also mythologically correct (before she runs with it, of course). She takes Egyptian mythology and creates a phenomenally unique creation myth for both vampires and Weres. The mythological accuracy of the beginnings of this creation myth make it all the more believable and help her create a world that you can actually visualise.
The descriptive techniques that Krafton employs bring this world to life. You can actually see each and every element of the town in which these people find themselves living their day to day lives. It is a very dark world, but it is vivid all the same. The characters are the same. They are brought to life in a manner that is fitting to their dark outlooks on life. They are also uniquely suited to their roles within the story as a whole.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was very well written. There was a while through the middle where the novel just meandered along its storyline, but as a whole it was a very cohesive unit that left you wanting the sequel.
April 14, 2012
This was a fantastic book! You know how sometimes in books there are slow spot and then really action packed spot? This book carries a steady stream of vivacity. I found it very hard to put down. From the beginning you will be charmed to Sophie's character. She's a coffee loving, kind, witty, brave advice columnist who meets a wonderful Man named Marek one day while walking through a Museum. They have an instant connection and start spending much time together. Sophie can feel that there is darkness inside Marek and she starts to think that Marek is spending time with her because he is looking for help to deal with all the darkness. Little does she know, that isn't the case at all and that there is world around her that she doesn't even know exist.
Don't think this is just another Vampire story, it's so much more than that. It's a completely different twist on the Vampire world. Full of emotion, very well written and the story has a wonderful flow. It was great to read a story that was unlike any other Vampire story I've read, so refreshing! The story does end off with some loose ends and I will definitely be getting the sequel called Blood Rush.
I am so grateful Ash Krafton asked me to review this book and I can't wait for you all to get a copy and fall under it's compulsion!
After Dark gives this book a *5 Demon Rating*
Don't think this is just another Vampire story, it's so much more than that. It's a completely different twist on the Vampire world. Full of emotion, very well written and the story has a wonderful flow. It was great to read a story that was unlike any other Vampire story I've read, so refreshing! The story does end off with some loose ends and I will definitely be getting the sequel called Blood Rush.
I am so grateful Ash Krafton asked me to review this book and I can't wait for you all to get a copy and fall under it's compulsion!
After Dark gives this book a *5 Demon Rating*
April 24, 2024
This is truely an amazing read.
The first 11 chapters introduces you to Sophie, her work, life, passions and cat and the chance meeting with Marek. At first, the feel of the book seemed to be chic-lit with mystery.
But then, BOY OH BOY wham the intensity of the book hits you and you are hooked, Sexy Demi Vamp and all the lure that drags you into this relationship, dark, posessive and mysterious.
The story is of a love, strong and trusting. Both Sophie and Marek bring out the best in each other and discover new depths. But the force of Evil is always a threat, from Werewolves and Vampires, their relationship will be put to the test and boy what a test!
I laughed at the humor in this book, the love and dedication is beautiful and i also felt the pain and the hurt to a point where it closed my throat on a painful sob. You feel what the characters feel. This book is written as if you are feeling the emotions, it will leave you gripped in the throng of it.
I would have liked to have seen more intimate passion and heated scenes between the two, though the enticing writing style of Ash makes up for this.
I am so looking forward to reading more from Ash, i believe the next book is Blood Rush and a follow up Wolf's bane and i cannot wait to read them.
The first 11 chapters introduces you to Sophie, her work, life, passions and cat and the chance meeting with Marek. At first, the feel of the book seemed to be chic-lit with mystery.
But then, BOY OH BOY wham the intensity of the book hits you and you are hooked, Sexy Demi Vamp and all the lure that drags you into this relationship, dark, posessive and mysterious.
The story is of a love, strong and trusting. Both Sophie and Marek bring out the best in each other and discover new depths. But the force of Evil is always a threat, from Werewolves and Vampires, their relationship will be put to the test and boy what a test!
I laughed at the humor in this book, the love and dedication is beautiful and i also felt the pain and the hurt to a point where it closed my throat on a painful sob. You feel what the characters feel. This book is written as if you are feeling the emotions, it will leave you gripped in the throng of it.
I would have liked to have seen more intimate passion and heated scenes between the two, though the enticing writing style of Ash makes up for this.
I am so looking forward to reading more from Ash, i believe the next book is Blood Rush and a follow up Wolf's bane and i cannot wait to read them.
November 1, 2012
I really enjoyed Bleeding Hearts. I was a solid well written work that introduces you to Sophie and made me her cheerleader; of course any gal with her appreciation for good coffee is sure to be a friend of mine. The world building was well done, believable, and a unique take on the supernatural. There were times when the story seemed long, but it is a long book and I really cannot say there is anything that should have been left out that was not relevant to the story outcome. Overall Bleeding Hearts is a good solid read with enough twists and turns to make me want to know what was going to happen next and kept me invested in the characters and their choices and the consequences of decisions that are made. At times Sophie's lot is heart wrenching and I will admit I shed a few tears, but her strength of character shines and I am left with a character to not only cheer on, but one I can admire for her resilience. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series.
I received this book from the author with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
I received this book from the author with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
June 13, 2017
I came to this after failing to finish two or three other urban fantasies, and finishing one that still didn't quite entice me to continue the series, so I was feeling a little jaundiced. This, I finished, and bought the sequel. It did sprawl more than a bit, and I felt like there were lots of loose ends that didn't get tied up at all (what was all that about Patrick?), but mostly it was enjoyable and engaging. The writing is competent (though not inspired), the characters were enjoyable (though perhaps someone could write a near-immortal warrior character who is not rich and brooding someday, just for kicks?) and had depth and life to them, and their trials were genuinely moving. So if you're looking for vampires, werewolves, and modern cities, this is recommended.
March 20, 2012
Fans of Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson books and MaryJanice Davidson’s The Undead Series will thoroughly enjoy Ash Krafton’s story- A paranormal/urban fantasy/chick-lit tale which will grab you by the tail of your shirt and take you for a ride. Her main characters Sophie and Marek jump off the page and secondary characters are vivid and engaging. The author somehow even managed to create some sexual tension between Sophie and her ex-boyfriend turned priest, Jared without it feeling “icky.” With her excellent mythology and world building, the author has a hit on her hands! Lucky for us, there’s a sequel in the works.
April 15, 2017
At least the first half I found to be pretty slow. The second half picks up and gets a bit more interesting. I had trouble connecting with Marek and it might have been the author trying to give you the mysterious romantic interest. Sophie is a young lady who has been holding her own and is successful, yet with Marek in the picture she now acts much different. This story has a good plot idea, there just felt to be that little something that was missing. This is not your typical vampire story for sure.
November 19, 2012
If you need some urban gothic romance with a very realistic female lead in your life, this is the book you've been waiting for. Discover it!!!
Spoilers ahead: My heart is broken. I am going to have to go pelt Ash Krafton with soggy tomatoes until she reassures me that Marek can overcome his fate. Rodrian is hot and all, but I ache for all Sophie's losses. Ouchy ouchy. :( I cried in the dentist's waiting area!
Spoilers ahead: My heart is broken. I am going to have to go pelt Ash Krafton with soggy tomatoes until she reassures me that Marek can overcome his fate. Rodrian is hot and all, but I ache for all Sophie's losses. Ouchy ouchy. :( I cried in the dentist's waiting area!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2013
Slow in parts. Innovative at times. A little too long in the tooth with sexual innuendoes for my taste. The ending was good except for the old boyfriend/priest. Not enough focus on that aspect of the story.
I won this book in a give away. I want to thank the publisher and author. If there is another book to follow, I will buy it to read further adventures of Sophie and how her life progresses.
I won this book in a give away. I want to thank the publisher and author. If there is another book to follow, I will buy it to read further adventures of Sophie and how her life progresses.
May 3, 2014
Sophie and Marek are a different type of paranormal love story. Characters that grow on you throughout the book. The ending makes me want to run out to get the next book to see what happens lol.
February 11, 2016
Breathtaking and gripping are not words I use lightly when I describe this book. It is a sleeper in many ways until near the end. It is a beautiful and tender love story throughout between a fantastic hero and heroine and then...oh and then I was left shaking from all the conflicting emotions it inspired in the end. My only hope of recovery is the fact that I know this is part of a series and it doesn't end where it did. As it is, my poor heart and emotions are as bruised as the heroine's right now. She's a scrappy one though and her strength gives me strength (I know that sounds cheesy, but its all I've got right now).
Sophie Galen works as an advice columnist for a mid-size city paper. She truly believes in her work and puts everything she has into it. She really does hope to save people and works hard at this through her job and in her personal life. Her past is littered with loss and what she terms her failures. She has survived her twin younger brothers and her parents' deaths. This has left her pulled back from committing to others. Only one friend who is nearly family to her is left, Jared, now a priest who is a shining light such as herself. Jared is always there for her and his comforting words and advice help, but there are some things that go beyond what he can offer. After the suicide of one of those who wrote to her for advice and would not listen to her advice to seek professional help, Sophie needs to go someplace peaceful to gather herself. Sophie's steps take her to the Egyptian exhibits at the museum.
It is while studying her favorite goddess, Isis, that Sophia meets the stunningly handsome and mysterious Marek. She does something she hasn't done for years. Sophie doesn't pull away when Marek shows a little interest by asking to walk through the exhibit together. The afternoon and conversation were wonderful and Sophie decides to step cautiously forward and embrace this tentative thing with Marek when he wants to see her again.
What begins small, blossoms into something deeper, richer and so much more than she could have possibly imagined. Even confronted by the fact that Marek isn't even human and there is more out there in the world besides humans, Sophie still wants to continue pursuing the strengthening connection with Marek. Marek is tender, protective, possessive and everything in between to Sophie and she knows that it is all very real for both of them.
But their love affair is not in isolation. Sophie learns of the dangers that are also hidden in the dark and she sees that Marek is one of the defenders protecting both his race and hers from what would harm them. She also grows close to Marek's brother and his family. She is pleased at their acceptance of her just as she accepts them into her life too.
Just when she thinks that her life couldn't get any more perfect and that happiness is within her grasp, it is all shattered. Does she have what it takes to come back from this heartbreaking and horrendous loss?
So yes, I loved everything about this story even when it tore me up inside so that I just sat there filling a tissue with my tears (hint- even you tough people may need the tissue box near by). So much was working in this one. The plot offered up a bit of everything- humor, intrigue, romance, friendship and family, the philosophical, passion, danger, agony, and hope. It starts off slow and gentle and then just builds- and keeps building until that climax crashed like a huge tidal wave.
The creative worldbuilding in this one captures the attention as being something slightly different. The explanation is founded in Egyptian Mythology which always grabs my attention. There are humans who are blissfully unaware of the other species around them. There are the big baddies who are out for blood and power and they're the Fallen- truly and fully vampire. Then there are the weres who are rough in their practices, but are slightly on the side of right. Finally, there are the demimonde or DV as Sophie calls them. They are vampires who haven't fallen and lost their souls. Sophie is something special and I'll leave that a surprise. Something tells me the other books will reveal even more than what this one did.
Now, the characters... Sophie (not just b/c we share a terrif name) is a wonderful heroine. She is strong. Not physically and certainly couldn't defend herself amongst all the others out there, but her strength lies in her resiliency and her strong sense of light and hope. Sophie just gives and gives trying to help others. She believes in people when she can't even believe in herself. And in spite of her losses, she loves fiercely. She loves her friend Jared, she loves Marek's family and deepest of all, she loves Marek.
This story is told entirely from Sophie's POV and is first person. This does not affect the ability to get to know Marek. Sophie loves him and sees the good in him, but she is not delusioned about him. She accepts him as he is. She knows he's dark, but it was beautiful to see her light chasing out his dark. Marek may be dark and he may have the weight of the world on his shoulders, but he sees in Sophie what she can't see in herself. She sees herself as a failure whereas he sees her as his savior and the love of his life.
This story just sizzles with electricity between Sophie and Marek. Their passion and love is palpable even when the romance is a fade to black sort when it comes to the physical. What struck me about this is that the writing is so strong that it didn't need the details of the physical relationship to sell the story. The romance and the emotions it inspired were enough and not lacking though I know there will be some disappointed folks who wanted to see the gorgeous, sensual and powerful Marek in action (guilty as charged).
So in the end, I soared with this book and I look forward to what is to come with this series. Fans of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance need to add this one to their lists. Powerful stuff, people!
Sophie Galen works as an advice columnist for a mid-size city paper. She truly believes in her work and puts everything she has into it. She really does hope to save people and works hard at this through her job and in her personal life. Her past is littered with loss and what she terms her failures. She has survived her twin younger brothers and her parents' deaths. This has left her pulled back from committing to others. Only one friend who is nearly family to her is left, Jared, now a priest who is a shining light such as herself. Jared is always there for her and his comforting words and advice help, but there are some things that go beyond what he can offer. After the suicide of one of those who wrote to her for advice and would not listen to her advice to seek professional help, Sophie needs to go someplace peaceful to gather herself. Sophie's steps take her to the Egyptian exhibits at the museum.
It is while studying her favorite goddess, Isis, that Sophia meets the stunningly handsome and mysterious Marek. She does something she hasn't done for years. Sophie doesn't pull away when Marek shows a little interest by asking to walk through the exhibit together. The afternoon and conversation were wonderful and Sophie decides to step cautiously forward and embrace this tentative thing with Marek when he wants to see her again.
What begins small, blossoms into something deeper, richer and so much more than she could have possibly imagined. Even confronted by the fact that Marek isn't even human and there is more out there in the world besides humans, Sophie still wants to continue pursuing the strengthening connection with Marek. Marek is tender, protective, possessive and everything in between to Sophie and she knows that it is all very real for both of them.
But their love affair is not in isolation. Sophie learns of the dangers that are also hidden in the dark and she sees that Marek is one of the defenders protecting both his race and hers from what would harm them. She also grows close to Marek's brother and his family. She is pleased at their acceptance of her just as she accepts them into her life too.
Just when she thinks that her life couldn't get any more perfect and that happiness is within her grasp, it is all shattered. Does she have what it takes to come back from this heartbreaking and horrendous loss?
So yes, I loved everything about this story even when it tore me up inside so that I just sat there filling a tissue with my tears (hint- even you tough people may need the tissue box near by). So much was working in this one. The plot offered up a bit of everything- humor, intrigue, romance, friendship and family, the philosophical, passion, danger, agony, and hope. It starts off slow and gentle and then just builds- and keeps building until that climax crashed like a huge tidal wave.
The creative worldbuilding in this one captures the attention as being something slightly different. The explanation is founded in Egyptian Mythology which always grabs my attention. There are humans who are blissfully unaware of the other species around them. There are the big baddies who are out for blood and power and they're the Fallen- truly and fully vampire. Then there are the weres who are rough in their practices, but are slightly on the side of right. Finally, there are the demimonde or DV as Sophie calls them. They are vampires who haven't fallen and lost their souls. Sophie is something special and I'll leave that a surprise. Something tells me the other books will reveal even more than what this one did.
Now, the characters... Sophie (not just b/c we share a terrif name) is a wonderful heroine. She is strong. Not physically and certainly couldn't defend herself amongst all the others out there, but her strength lies in her resiliency and her strong sense of light and hope. Sophie just gives and gives trying to help others. She believes in people when she can't even believe in herself. And in spite of her losses, she loves fiercely. She loves her friend Jared, she loves Marek's family and deepest of all, she loves Marek.
This story is told entirely from Sophie's POV and is first person. This does not affect the ability to get to know Marek. Sophie loves him and sees the good in him, but she is not delusioned about him. She accepts him as he is. She knows he's dark, but it was beautiful to see her light chasing out his dark. Marek may be dark and he may have the weight of the world on his shoulders, but he sees in Sophie what she can't see in herself. She sees herself as a failure whereas he sees her as his savior and the love of his life.
This story just sizzles with electricity between Sophie and Marek. Their passion and love is palpable even when the romance is a fade to black sort when it comes to the physical. What struck me about this is that the writing is so strong that it didn't need the details of the physical relationship to sell the story. The romance and the emotions it inspired were enough and not lacking though I know there will be some disappointed folks who wanted to see the gorgeous, sensual and powerful Marek in action (guilty as charged).
So in the end, I soared with this book and I look forward to what is to come with this series. Fans of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance need to add this one to their lists. Powerful stuff, people!
February 18, 2024
Disclaimer: I won this book on a giveaway and it was sent to me by the author, Ash Krafton, herself in exchange for an honest review.
I was beyond speechless when I found out I had won the giveaway for this book on First Reads on Goodreads. When I opened my mailbox and I had this book there waiting for me I was over the moon.
I felt the need to read it straight away though it took me almost a month to pick it up.
Bleeding Hearts tells the story of Sophie Galen who works as an adviser columnist. She helps people solve their problems with her natural gift of simply carrying for people. One day she meets Marek and soon they realise there’s more to their connection than pure friendship. Sophie is pulled into Marek’s world: he’s a demivampire (not a full vampire yet, demivampires need to Fall first in order to become vampires).
The pace at the beginning was a bit slow for me. There wasn’t anything that was catching my attention immediately, nothing that was grabbing. Until Marek shows Sophie what he really is and the whole Demi-Vamp family is introduced and Sophie enters their world. After that, the entire book called my name and I couldn’t stop reading.
Sophie was a nice character to meet. She’s an ordinary young woman who writes the column Dead Sophie to The Mag; lives alone and has a cat called Euphrates. She has a special interest in Egyptian Mythology and her best friend (and ex-boyfriend) is a Priest. Well, it’s a life such as every other life. But when Marek appears in her life, there’s a whole different facet to her and she opens up a little more and we discover more things about her past and about her true gift: she’s some sort of Oracle who is sent to help the Demi-Vamps. Despite it all, there were moments when I simply couldn’t help but grit my teeth; especially when she begins dating Marek and is thrown into his world and doesn’t even flinch. I know I would freak out and lock myself inside my closet for a couple of days – loving him or not.
As for Marek, I really liked him when he and Sophie first met at the museum. He sounded extremely intellectual – a true professor – and a bit of a troubled soul. But when he opens up to Sophie about what he was and presents her with the truth, he slowly changed into the typical vampire (though he’s not one): conceited. It was a sudden change for me, rather harsh and completely unexpected. However, when Sophie’s life is threatened and he realises she might be the Oracle, something in him shifts again and all the overconfidence turns into worry.
Okay, not to mention the end… which I will admit I was in total shock!!!
The whole Egyptian Mythology involved with the creation of the Demi-Vamps was something completely different from what I’m used and I did like it. The fact that supernatural beings are descendent of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses was indeed very well explored. It added some depth to the whole dark fantasy that surrounds this story. Though I’m still a bit at loss with certain details I believe it will all be explained throughout the series.
On the other hand, there was something nagging me throughout the book that made me raise an eyebrow when I finished it and I’m still praying for another explanation. At the beginning of the book, Sophie is haunted by one of her readers who died. She’s receiving letters from a man named Patrick and he’s mentioned once or twice during the book but then we stop reading his name and he stops showing up. I was expecting some kind of enlightening as to who is sending her the letter – since he’s dead and she keeps receiving them – and if there’s any sort of relationship with the vampires or other supernatural beings that might want Sophie.
Overall, I pretty much enjoyed this book. The writing was effortless and easy to follow, Krafton’s descriptions being very well executed and developed. The story has its own twists and turns that make you gasp unexpectedly and have some romantic moments to it. I recommend it to all of those who wish to read a book with bad vampires, a decent supernatural environment and a lesson in Egyptian Mythology.
I have to thank Ash Krafton a million times for sending me the book and allowing me to read it. I admit to being curious to read the continuation 🙂
Sorry, couldn't resist using Chris Martin in this gif... too adorable *blushes*
I was beyond speechless when I found out I had won the giveaway for this book on First Reads on Goodreads. When I opened my mailbox and I had this book there waiting for me I was over the moon.
I felt the need to read it straight away though it took me almost a month to pick it up.
Bleeding Hearts tells the story of Sophie Galen who works as an adviser columnist. She helps people solve their problems with her natural gift of simply carrying for people. One day she meets Marek and soon they realise there’s more to their connection than pure friendship. Sophie is pulled into Marek’s world: he’s a demivampire (not a full vampire yet, demivampires need to Fall first in order to become vampires).
The pace at the beginning was a bit slow for me. There wasn’t anything that was catching my attention immediately, nothing that was grabbing. Until Marek shows Sophie what he really is and the whole Demi-Vamp family is introduced and Sophie enters their world. After that, the entire book called my name and I couldn’t stop reading.
Sophie was a nice character to meet. She’s an ordinary young woman who writes the column Dead Sophie to The Mag; lives alone and has a cat called Euphrates. She has a special interest in Egyptian Mythology and her best friend (and ex-boyfriend) is a Priest. Well, it’s a life such as every other life. But when Marek appears in her life, there’s a whole different facet to her and she opens up a little more and we discover more things about her past and about her true gift: she’s some sort of Oracle who is sent to help the Demi-Vamps. Despite it all, there were moments when I simply couldn’t help but grit my teeth; especially when she begins dating Marek and is thrown into his world and doesn’t even flinch. I know I would freak out and lock myself inside my closet for a couple of days – loving him or not.
As for Marek, I really liked him when he and Sophie first met at the museum. He sounded extremely intellectual – a true professor – and a bit of a troubled soul. But when he opens up to Sophie about what he was and presents her with the truth, he slowly changed into the typical vampire (though he’s not one): conceited. It was a sudden change for me, rather harsh and completely unexpected. However, when Sophie’s life is threatened and he realises she might be the Oracle, something in him shifts again and all the overconfidence turns into worry.
Okay, not to mention the end… which I will admit I was in total shock!!!
The whole Egyptian Mythology involved with the creation of the Demi-Vamps was something completely different from what I’m used and I did like it. The fact that supernatural beings are descendent of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses was indeed very well explored. It added some depth to the whole dark fantasy that surrounds this story. Though I’m still a bit at loss with certain details I believe it will all be explained throughout the series.
On the other hand, there was something nagging me throughout the book that made me raise an eyebrow when I finished it and I’m still praying for another explanation. At the beginning of the book, Sophie is haunted by one of her readers who died. She’s receiving letters from a man named Patrick and he’s mentioned once or twice during the book but then we stop reading his name and he stops showing up. I was expecting some kind of enlightening as to who is sending her the letter – since he’s dead and she keeps receiving them – and if there’s any sort of relationship with the vampires or other supernatural beings that might want Sophie.
Overall, I pretty much enjoyed this book. The writing was effortless and easy to follow, Krafton’s descriptions being very well executed and developed. The story has its own twists and turns that make you gasp unexpectedly and have some romantic moments to it. I recommend it to all of those who wish to read a book with bad vampires, a decent supernatural environment and a lesson in Egyptian Mythology.
I have to thank Ash Krafton a million times for sending me the book and allowing me to read it. I admit to being curious to read the continuation 🙂
Sorry, couldn't resist using Chris Martin in this gif... too adorable *blushes*
September 9, 2012
Book Synopsis
Sophie Galen is an advice columnist whose work leaves her neck-deep in other people’s problems. Thanks to her compassion, her gut instinct, and her magnetic charm, Sophie really knows how to attract little black clouds.
Marek Thurzo is no little black cloud; he’s a maelstrom. Marek is Demivampire, a race with the potential to evolve into vampire. A warrior who’s taken his share of spiritual damage, he hovers dangerously close to destruction.
He seeks salvation. She’s driven to save him. But what if he can’t be saved?
Sympathy for his plight becomes true empathy as Sophie’s hidden nature is revealed. Marek suspects she may be one of the Sophia, oracle and redemption of the damned Demivampire. She alone can turn back the evolutionary clock.
All she needs is the courage to face her fears. Can she save him from Falling?
My Thoughts
I have to say that the character of Sophie Galen is a refreshing blend of innocent and jaded, she has seen so much that life has left it's scars on her soul but at the same time she still has so much empathy and compassion for others that she wants to save as many of them from their pain that she possibly can. Sophie meets Marek for the first time on a street corner, she is giving change and a travel token to a beggar and Marek makes a comment about the fact that she is giving money to someone who will either use it for drugs or drink rather than the food she intended it for. Not a very auspicious start to their acquaintance.
Later on Sophie again meets Marek in one of her favorite museum exhibits, this time he is suave and perfectly turned out the better to charm her into chatting and before the two know it they spend hours together.
The relationship grows and the two become closer, one night though things change for Sophie when she and Marek are witnesses to a brutal killing by a "creature" that appears human but when he turns into the light Sophie realizes that he is actually not. Marek is left with no choice but to finally explain to her exactly what he is and exactly what he could become if follows the destiny that fate has laid out for him.
This story has some familiar themes that the author has taken and made her own by introducing a different vampire mythology that has it's roots in Egyptian culture and folklore, not only does it freshen up the theory of where vampires originated but it also opens the reader up to thinking long and hard on what is the lesser of two evils.
Marek has a younger brother Rodrian and together they have spent many years protecting the human population from wholesale slaughter by the dreaded vampires. In doing so they have also made a powerful enemy in the Master vampire who wishes to make Marek give in and embrace his darkness.
Rodrian and his youngest daughter become very close to Sophie as her relationship with Marek deepens. Readers will enjoy their camaraderie together as it provides Sophie a taste of belonging to the family that she has never had.
One of my favorite characters in the book though has to be Sophie's best friend and childhood sweetheart, Jared is now a priest but they remain close and he is her sounding board when she needs someone to help her when she is troubled.
This is not a story about "sparkly vampires", it is a dark paranormal romance with heart and feeling and the themes of friends, family, honor, sacrifice and responsibility are firmly at the fore as one reads.
The author has taken the best of the lore of vampire and used it in this tale to tantalize the reader into turning the pages, along with that she has added her own unique twist of mystical mythology that puts this book that one step it takes to make it stand out from the rest of the genres offerings. I enjoyed seeing how it all came together and think that others who like their vampires to be more than just a "pretty face" will also.
[EArc from author in exchange for honest review]
March 19, 2017
I'm an independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.
This a great start to what looks like a great series. Sophie and Marek meet at a museum. She can not get enough of his voice. There relationship goes from hot to hot and heavy.. Sophie is lonely so when Marek starts giving her attention she eats it up with a spoon not stopping to realize there are questions that need to be asked... Yes, I was given this for an honest review from RATR.... I enjoyed reading it so much that I am now renting (through Kindle Unlimited) the rest of the series. On to book two...
This a great start to what looks like a great series. Sophie and Marek meet at a museum. She can not get enough of his voice. There relationship goes from hot to hot and heavy.. Sophie is lonely so when Marek starts giving her attention she eats it up with a spoon not stopping to realize there are questions that need to be asked... Yes, I was given this for an honest review from RATR.... I enjoyed reading it so much that I am now renting (through Kindle Unlimited) the rest of the series. On to book two...
September 13, 2012
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. (Is that what I'm supposed to say?)
This book ended up being a lot different than I thought it would be. I read the synopsis and was like, hmm vampires, hmm dark side, cool. But I thought it would be just cool. I thought it would be just another vampire book in a long line of vampire books (not that I have anything against them, because I actually truly love vampire books.) But this book was nothing like that.
First off, when Ash Krafton first described the vampire that Marek and Sophie saw on the roof I was totally grossed out, Ick. Usually vampires are sexy, right? Well here is the thing with Bleeding Hearts. It is the Demi Vamps that are sexy, because the full bloodlust Vampires are creepy monsters with teeth like Jaws (at least that is how I pictured them, especially when Sophie gets bitten).
Something else that surprised me about this book was the emotional levels it made me reach, I kinda figured I would skim the surface of emotions in this book, but by the end I was crying. Like when Sophie went to see Marek after he attacked her. He basically told her that he was done with her, I cried. They had developed this beautiful relationship where they could depend on each others strengths, and it was ripped apart by some douche who smelled like rabbits and wore white leather pants... just to be clear I did say white leather pants (black leather = hot! take me now... white leather = where is the disco.) Now, I read some of the other reviews on this book and people were saying how it bothered them how quickly Sophie and Marek fell in love. I didn't have a problem with that at all, I fell in love with my boyfriend so quickly it left my head spinning. I actually thought it was cute how quickly it happened.
That being said, when he told her what he was and she thought he had been stalking her like prey, my heart dropped. I was on a roller coaster. I am kind of a sucker for (temporary) unrequited love and for a second I thought this might be that, but it wasn't. And then throughout the whole book Marek never drinks from her, so I thought, who is he drinking from? All he would ever say about it was that he has "handled" it. Does that mean that he had been tempting other women to give him blood? I know that any woman he drank from wouldn't mean anything but, I don't know. It seems like that would be an intimate act. I know it is just Marek eating, but in order to get a woman to comply he would have to compel her somehow and the easiest way would be through desire, and that just made my skin crawl. And then when he drank from Sophie at the end and she said it was so painful, then I was thinking, is that because he is crazy with blood lust? Or because it just hurts a lot anyway? THEN! There was the part where Donna was always pale and sickly at work and for a while I was like, HELL NO. I was getting really pissed, because I thought that maybe Marek was using her as a blood donor.
Something that bothered me about Sophie was her need to always be nice. We get to hear her thoughts, so we know that she can't stand certain things, but she was (almost) always nice. That drove me crazy, why couldn't she just tell people no? I understand that could be because she was the Sophia, but still. Speaking of Sophia, at the beginning Marek told her (in her head) that he wasn't going to let go of her now that he found her, and so that made me a little leery later in the book because I felt that he was only with her because she was the Sophia.
I really did like this book though and Ash Krafton left off at a point where I really want to know more. Sophie was about to reach out to Marek even in the tiniest way, but they are still apart even though he follows and watches her. And she was thinking about moving, what would Marek do if she moved away??? So many things to look forward to! Because I am trying to start a rating system I would give this book a 4 out of 5 because I wanted them to stay together forever.
This book ended up being a lot different than I thought it would be. I read the synopsis and was like, hmm vampires, hmm dark side, cool. But I thought it would be just cool. I thought it would be just another vampire book in a long line of vampire books (not that I have anything against them, because I actually truly love vampire books.) But this book was nothing like that.
First off, when Ash Krafton first described the vampire that Marek and Sophie saw on the roof I was totally grossed out, Ick. Usually vampires are sexy, right? Well here is the thing with Bleeding Hearts. It is the Demi Vamps that are sexy, because the full bloodlust Vampires are creepy monsters with teeth like Jaws (at least that is how I pictured them, especially when Sophie gets bitten).
Something else that surprised me about this book was the emotional levels it made me reach, I kinda figured I would skim the surface of emotions in this book, but by the end I was crying. Like when Sophie went to see Marek after he attacked her. He basically told her that he was done with her, I cried. They had developed this beautiful relationship where they could depend on each others strengths, and it was ripped apart by some douche who smelled like rabbits and wore white leather pants... just to be clear I did say white leather pants (black leather = hot! take me now... white leather = where is the disco.) Now, I read some of the other reviews on this book and people were saying how it bothered them how quickly Sophie and Marek fell in love. I didn't have a problem with that at all, I fell in love with my boyfriend so quickly it left my head spinning. I actually thought it was cute how quickly it happened.
That being said, when he told her what he was and she thought he had been stalking her like prey, my heart dropped. I was on a roller coaster. I am kind of a sucker for (temporary) unrequited love and for a second I thought this might be that, but it wasn't. And then throughout the whole book Marek never drinks from her, so I thought, who is he drinking from? All he would ever say about it was that he has "handled" it. Does that mean that he had been tempting other women to give him blood? I know that any woman he drank from wouldn't mean anything but, I don't know. It seems like that would be an intimate act. I know it is just Marek eating, but in order to get a woman to comply he would have to compel her somehow and the easiest way would be through desire, and that just made my skin crawl. And then when he drank from Sophie at the end and she said it was so painful, then I was thinking, is that because he is crazy with blood lust? Or because it just hurts a lot anyway? THEN! There was the part where Donna was always pale and sickly at work and for a while I was like, HELL NO. I was getting really pissed, because I thought that maybe Marek was using her as a blood donor.
Something that bothered me about Sophie was her need to always be nice. We get to hear her thoughts, so we know that she can't stand certain things, but she was (almost) always nice. That drove me crazy, why couldn't she just tell people no? I understand that could be because she was the Sophia, but still. Speaking of Sophia, at the beginning Marek told her (in her head) that he wasn't going to let go of her now that he found her, and so that made me a little leery later in the book because I felt that he was only with her because she was the Sophia.
I really did like this book though and Ash Krafton left off at a point where I really want to know more. Sophie was about to reach out to Marek even in the tiniest way, but they are still apart even though he follows and watches her. And she was thinking about moving, what would Marek do if she moved away??? So many things to look forward to! Because I am trying to start a rating system I would give this book a 4 out of 5 because I wanted them to stay together forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Sophie will sacrifice anything to save Marek, but what if he doesn’t want to be saved?
Poor Sophie. She truly has a weakness for people in need. The problem is she tries to help anyone and everyone she comes across and when she doesn’t succeed, she takes it very hard. I like the way Ms. Krafton presents Sophie’s character. The first half of the book follows Sophie as she interacts with the various people in her life, including her best friend Jared, who is a priest. Sophie’s relationship with her cat Euphrates, Fraidy for short, is also particularly entertaining. While this meandering pace is an interesting way to get to know Sophie, it also means that the first half of the book moves a bit slowly. Readers will need to exercise a bit of patience in order to reap the rewards of the story.
Not long after Sophie meets Marek, she falls for him pretty hard. Something tells Sophie that Marek is dangerous, but she ignores this feeling and pursues a relationship with him anyway. I didn’t get to know Marek nearly as well as Sophie. Sophie kept saying Marek was dark, mysterious, and that she had a powerful connection with him, but this connection never really came alive in my mind. Sophie and Marek spend a lot of time getting to know each other, especially after she learns about the paranormal world he inhabits. However, a lot of those moments take place behind the scenes. I liked that this approach allowed me to use my imagination, but it would have been nice to have a few more details filled in. This would have made picturing Sophie and Marek as a couple easier.
One of the things I like most about Bleeding Hearts is the concept that demivampires and vampires are a more evolved species that have lived side by side with humans for centuries. The connection to Egyptian mythology is also thought provoking. I would have liked a bit more detail on the history of the demivampires and their battle with vampires. Ms. Krafton provides enough information to keep the story moving, but when I finished reading I still felt like my understanding of the paranormal world Ms. Krafton created was incomplete.
The pacing really picked up during the second half of the book. Sophie and Marek find themselves at the mercy of a powerful and ruthless vampire who wants Marek for his own nefarious purposes. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they were going to find their way out of this treacherous situation. I was extremely surprised and also deeply unsettled at how they ended up escaping. Marek crosses a line when battling the master vampire and I’m not entirely sure that he and Sophie will be able to survive the consequences. This relationship will surely be tested in the next book.
Overall, I think Bleeding Hearts is a good book. Sophie is certainly an entertaining character and the mythology of the paranormal world she inhabits is intriguing. Readers looking for a different kind of vampire story might want to give Bleeding Hearts a try.
Sophie will sacrifice anything to save Marek, but what if he doesn’t want to be saved?
Poor Sophie. She truly has a weakness for people in need. The problem is she tries to help anyone and everyone she comes across and when she doesn’t succeed, she takes it very hard. I like the way Ms. Krafton presents Sophie’s character. The first half of the book follows Sophie as she interacts with the various people in her life, including her best friend Jared, who is a priest. Sophie’s relationship with her cat Euphrates, Fraidy for short, is also particularly entertaining. While this meandering pace is an interesting way to get to know Sophie, it also means that the first half of the book moves a bit slowly. Readers will need to exercise a bit of patience in order to reap the rewards of the story.
Not long after Sophie meets Marek, she falls for him pretty hard. Something tells Sophie that Marek is dangerous, but she ignores this feeling and pursues a relationship with him anyway. I didn’t get to know Marek nearly as well as Sophie. Sophie kept saying Marek was dark, mysterious, and that she had a powerful connection with him, but this connection never really came alive in my mind. Sophie and Marek spend a lot of time getting to know each other, especially after she learns about the paranormal world he inhabits. However, a lot of those moments take place behind the scenes. I liked that this approach allowed me to use my imagination, but it would have been nice to have a few more details filled in. This would have made picturing Sophie and Marek as a couple easier.
One of the things I like most about Bleeding Hearts is the concept that demivampires and vampires are a more evolved species that have lived side by side with humans for centuries. The connection to Egyptian mythology is also thought provoking. I would have liked a bit more detail on the history of the demivampires and their battle with vampires. Ms. Krafton provides enough information to keep the story moving, but when I finished reading I still felt like my understanding of the paranormal world Ms. Krafton created was incomplete.
The pacing really picked up during the second half of the book. Sophie and Marek find themselves at the mercy of a powerful and ruthless vampire who wants Marek for his own nefarious purposes. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they were going to find their way out of this treacherous situation. I was extremely surprised and also deeply unsettled at how they ended up escaping. Marek crosses a line when battling the master vampire and I’m not entirely sure that he and Sophie will be able to survive the consequences. This relationship will surely be tested in the next book.
Overall, I think Bleeding Hearts is a good book. Sophie is certainly an entertaining character and the mythology of the paranormal world she inhabits is intriguing. Readers looking for a different kind of vampire story might want to give Bleeding Hearts a try.
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