Varick: The Reluctant

by Red Phoenix

The dark, sexy world Varick Roth is born into is ruthless and harsh - vampires are lethal creatures. He resists the violent culture, but his is a lonely existence until Aleshia enters the darkness. Her youthful passion stirs feelings he once thought lost. In a fit of rage, his sire condemns her to a vampiric hell only Varick’s love can overcome.

This erotic novelette explores a unique vampire society defined by its violence and lust. Thrust into this dark world, Varick must fight to retain his noble character in the midst of extreme cruelty.

Extended Description:

Luther - both sire and enemy, turns Varick at the young age of nineteen. Varick’s sense of justice sets him apart from his new race, forcing him to live alone. Along comes Aleshia, a young human ready to end it all. Against her wishes, he saves her life by condemning her to his living hell. Varick’s depth of love for her is tested the day Luther returns to exact his terrible revenge.

* Adult Reading Material (18+) This book is for mature audiences only and contains sexually explicit content.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Erotica

Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2012

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Red Phoenix is an award-winning romance author who gained popularity with her BDSM series, Brie's Submission.
To join in the Brie experience begin with the 1st Boxed Set (Books 1-3) and start your journey into a sensual world...

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Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to rate this a four stars but I did struggle with the rating. For me it was mainly because of the ending more than anything else. I don't know that I would classify this book as a romance. If there was such a think as a genre called erotic thriller, then that would be how I would classify this book.
This was a true vampire tale with all the blood, gore,and sex. I can always count on Red Phoenix to tell a steamy tale as well. Her sex scenes always deliver and make you want to go find your partner and spend some "quality time"! I love her books and she is on my auto buy list for sure.
The story tells of a vampire named Varick who leads a very lonely existance,and who really is deep down a gentle soul. He really does get put through a hellish existance from the moment he is turned and it was hard for me not to feel sorry for him.
This was a very fast afternoon read for me and once again I enjoyed another Red Phoenix book.

[Kelly| Just Another Horror Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Varick the Reluctant is a unique paranormal romance short story.
It shows vampires in a very different, unglamorous way that I found refreshing and provocative. The characters are well developed and the story flowed at a rapid pace. It left me wanting more, especially after the surprise ending. Highly recommended AND it's free on Smashwords.

[Sisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, good erotica and who doesn't love Vampires and sex? The ending left you hanging and wondering so I need to see if there is another book to continue or plans for one.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay read. I would have liked the characters to be more developed.

[Nancy Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Varick has found his true love and is to be married in a month. But fate would play a nasty role. He is confronted by Luther a vile excuse for a Vampire. Luther turns Varick with the sole purpose of making him his play thing. Luther makes him wait for his first feeding and there by, in a hurry Varick ends up killing his true love by draining her not even realizing it is Eliza. Luther informs Varick he will be his in every way imaginable, but Varick has other plans.

Your heart goes out to Varick in this VERY dark Vampire story. It has very Cruel parts to it, but then Vampire stories for the most part are not to be loving.I did enjoy the way that Varick would treat his Victims before basically having to kill them to feed. He hates having been turned into something that can never die. And where entertainment for bored Vampire Clans is to torture new Vampires where they will suffer for decades. Along the way Varick comes across a young girl on the verge of committing suicide and offers her an easier way to die, but he finds he is unable to kill her and instead turns her. She is not a happy Vampire by any means.

When decades go by and Luther finally catches up with Varick he turns his rage on both Varick and Aleshia. Just when hope is lost help comes from a very unlikely source!

While I found certain aspects of this story not to my liking, it does not take away from the talented writting skills of Red Phoenix.

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dark, sexy, and calm Varick Roth was turned during a ruthless and harsh time. His first taste of blood was his penning bride Elise. Luther, his sire fled her to when he turned him. Thinking that he killed his sire, by buring and cutting his head off Varick left town.


Present day, Aleshia, nineteen and ready to end her life. Varick promise to kill her, but turn instead, Luther returns she pays for his mistakes, with him.

This is not a love story, if you are looking for a happy everafter this is not it.

[Isabelle MBTL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this book surprise me from beginning to end. ;)

It's PNR, for adults, but not a romance.

I liked the main character but the world of the books could have been better. Really bad vampires, which I loved it, but a little slow. Of course the end made it all up for me. it was unexpected and it made me realize this one the first book of a series.
I'm really looking forward to see Varick again, since I really liked the "guy".

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on a mission to read all the books by Red Phoenix. I suppose we put our favorite writer in a cubby hole. Some keep us entertained by working the same formula over and over again. Red Phoenix 's works do not do that.

Varick is a unique take about the creation of vampires and their life afterward. His is a very melancholy story. No spoilers here. Just wanted to let you know there will be a part 2 coming.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Varick's story has the ability to whisper in your mind and soul and hunt you forever. The feelings are so powerful that overwhelms you. If it was just a vamp story I was not gonna rate at all. But as an allegory story, vampires to represent all the terrible things out there I give Varick five stars and I have high expectations for the rest of the story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cool short novel that was full of dark vampires while staying away from most of the regular vampire cliches. It was fresh but a little slow moving. It was reading like a novel and then all if a sudden it was over.

[Ann Glover-Archer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really sure how I feel about this story! Not really a romance and it is a more brutal take on the world of Vampires. I'd have to read the next book...if there is another...just to see where she's going with Varick's story.

[Elizabeth Neff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time giving it anything more than 3 stars, I kept wanting to read other books it didn't hold my attention. However, since I bought this book as a combined set I am working on 2nd book, it has improved.

[Mikki Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first vampire book. I had my reservations at first. I wasn't sure if I would like to read this but knowing how well I love the authors other books I decided to give it a try. Glad I didn't pass this one up. If you like or love this type of book I suggest you buy this one.

[Lilly Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Red Phoenix, you know you are going to get Hot sex scenes and a great story, what better story then a Vampire who is Hot and will make any girl swoon.
It's not a long book, I do wish it was longer or there were story's in this area. But it's a great book recommended.

[Jwezi · Rating 1 out of 5]

too weak for me as for a paranormal romance...:P

[Awilk -never sleeps- · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good quick read. Different take on vampires that I enjoyed. Wish it had been a little longer.

[Teressa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was WAY too abrupt!

[Jennifer Grant freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love vampire books and Red Phoenix did not disappoint with Varick. She puts her own spin on the idea of Vampires and how they feed. I just loved it.

[Adriana]

listed as Varick: The Reckoning in SM with the exact same description.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unsure about reading this book but I am glad I did. It's a good short paranormal/vampire story. The only bad thing was the ending because it sort of leaves you hanging.