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Vampire Sovereigns #1
Venice Dusk
She seeks solace in her art… Portia Kepler had always dreamed of spending a season in Venice, even if it’s with a broken heart. Alone in a foreign land, she plays tourist by day and artist by night, waiting in Piazza San Marco for the mysterious stranger to pass by. The moment he’s in sight, her pen sets to work, capturing the outlines of a man she could never have.
He protects Venice from a killer on the loose… Each night, he walks, searching for the rogue vampire threatening the tourists of the city. But when the redhead who sits at the café distracts him from his duties and tempts his affections, Massimo Brunelli, Vampiric Doge of Venice, will use all the power of his crown to secure Portia’s safety, even if it cost him his heart along the way.
Can she bring light to his world of shadow? As a vampire sovereign, Massimo knows his love brings danger to his beloved. The currents pushing them together are too strong to fight, however. Portia longs to give in, but loving again is a leap of faith she may not survive. And with an ancient enemy closing in, what she needs from Massimo may be the one thing he can’t give time.
Venice Dusk is the first release in the Vampire Sovereigns series, a paranormal romance series from the author of the bestselling urban fantasy Red Chronicles .
He protects Venice from a killer on the loose… Each night, he walks, searching for the rogue vampire threatening the tourists of the city. But when the redhead who sits at the café distracts him from his duties and tempts his affections, Massimo Brunelli, Vampiric Doge of Venice, will use all the power of his crown to secure Portia’s safety, even if it cost him his heart along the way.
Can she bring light to his world of shadow? As a vampire sovereign, Massimo knows his love brings danger to his beloved. The currents pushing them together are too strong to fight, however. Portia longs to give in, but loving again is a leap of faith she may not survive. And with an ancient enemy closing in, what she needs from Massimo may be the one thing he can’t give time.
Venice Dusk is the first release in the Vampire Sovereigns series, a paranormal romance series from the author of the bestselling urban fantasy Red Chronicles .
255 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2020
14 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 24, 2020
I was so thrilled to receive an ARC of this book for review. I am a big fan of the Red Hood Chronicles and was so pleased to be back in the world Ms. Meeks created there.
I remember meeting Massimo in the RHC for a fleeting moment as he stepped in to help Geri and Tobias in a pinch, his few moments on the pages left a mystery I wanted to unveil and I was gifted that in Venice Dusk where we get to know more about the Doge of Venice.
Portia is a wonderful character living in blissful ignorance in the Huey world, who gets plunged into a dangerous upheaval in the supernatural world. Her connection with Massimo is strong but I love that she fights it, she doesn’t jump on the love train without asking questions! She’s been there, survived the train crash and has come out stronger and wiser.
As a Paranormal Romance lover this story 100% fit the bill. Strong & believable love connection, supernaturals and a kick a$$ female lead who’s male counterpart checks all of the boxes and then some. I loved the surprises the author gave us in the story about Portia and I am very excited to see how she adapts as she continues to discover her new self.
I remember meeting Massimo in the RHC for a fleeting moment as he stepped in to help Geri and Tobias in a pinch, his few moments on the pages left a mystery I wanted to unveil and I was gifted that in Venice Dusk where we get to know more about the Doge of Venice.
Portia is a wonderful character living in blissful ignorance in the Huey world, who gets plunged into a dangerous upheaval in the supernatural world. Her connection with Massimo is strong but I love that she fights it, she doesn’t jump on the love train without asking questions! She’s been there, survived the train crash and has come out stronger and wiser.
As a Paranormal Romance lover this story 100% fit the bill. Strong & believable love connection, supernaturals and a kick a$$ female lead who’s male counterpart checks all of the boxes and then some. I loved the surprises the author gave us in the story about Portia and I am very excited to see how she adapts as she continues to discover her new self.
September 10, 2020
This was a nice addition to the world that Meeks has built with the Hood series. However, there is more romance in this novel. I enjoyed getting a first look at this book and certainly recommend it for any supernatural romance lover. The only issue I have with the Hood series and even this one is understanding the different genetic combinations and what they mean. (You’ll get if if you read it.) Please add some kind of glossary, Kendrai!
September 30, 2020
Kendrai Meeks has a way of writing that is not only thoroughly entertaining, but makes you thirsty for more. As with the other books within this world, the plot is fantastic and the romance spot on. These characters will captivate you.
You're going to want to take a day off, clear the house of distractions- kids, husbands, wayward chickens, whatever else you might have going on- and dive in now. Trust me, it's so damn good!
You're going to want to take a day off, clear the house of distractions- kids, husbands, wayward chickens, whatever else you might have going on- and dive in now. Trust me, it's so damn good!
September 30, 2020
Another exciting adventure
This book is a new adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed it! While you get to revisit certain characters from the Red Hood world, this is a new perspective completely. Like Paranormal? READ THIS. Like Romance? READ THIS. Like Paranormal Romance? Guess what? READ THIS! If you are new to Kendrai Meeks, this book is a great place to start. But you won't want to stop here. With a gift for the written word, you will enjoy her talent.
This book is a new adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed it! While you get to revisit certain characters from the Red Hood world, this is a new perspective completely. Like Paranormal? READ THIS. Like Romance? READ THIS. Like Paranormal Romance? Guess what? READ THIS! If you are new to Kendrai Meeks, this book is a great place to start. But you won't want to stop here. With a gift for the written word, you will enjoy her talent.
February 1, 2023
She watches him every day in the plaza and draws him. One day he talks to her and she is so obsessed she follows him.
The hero ambushes her, asks her why she is following him, she says he's hot, the hero takes her memories and all the drawings she made of him. He "mesmerizes" her.
I didn't like that. He shows up the next morning because he decided to ask her to draw a portrait of an important visitor.
The book seemed like it had too much politics in it and not enough romance.
The hero ambushes her, asks her why she is following him, she says he's hot, the hero takes her memories and all the drawings she made of him. He "mesmerizes" her.
I didn't like that. He shows up the next morning because he decided to ask her to draw a portrait of an important visitor.
The book seemed like it had too much politics in it and not enough romance.
August 8, 2025
"One of the best ways to be disappointed was to hold expectations. If you never expected anything, you were never let down."
Normally I'd agree with Portia, but I had some pretty big expectations for Venice Dusk and it blew each and every one of them right out of the water. The banter, the humor, the refusal to lose one's self even as you fall into someone else. Everything about it made this book so hard to put down and I can't wait for the next one.
Normally I'd agree with Portia, but I had some pretty big expectations for Venice Dusk and it blew each and every one of them right out of the water. The banter, the humor, the refusal to lose one's self even as you fall into someone else. Everything about it made this book so hard to put down and I can't wait for the next one.
October 5, 2020
I have really missed Kendrai Meeks' writing, and I'm thrilled that she has a new series out! Venice Dusk crosses over from her Red Hood Chronicles series into the vampire world, melding the two with just enough overlap to make you think, "Oh, I remember that!"
I love the sensuality and the sassiness of the characters. I am really looking forward to the next book!
I love the sensuality and the sassiness of the characters. I am really looking forward to the next book!
January 8, 2021
Vampirlicious
Canadian divorcee and art teacher who used most of her savings is fascinated by a man she’s seen walking at sundown as she’s been sitting and sketching in a plaza in Venice. Turns out he’s a vampire and he’s as fascinated with her.
I enjoyed the references to the authors previous series of wolves and hoods and hope they are featured in a future book.
Canadian divorcee and art teacher who used most of her savings is fascinated by a man she’s seen walking at sundown as she’s been sitting and sketching in a plaza in Venice. Turns out he’s a vampire and he’s as fascinated with her.
I enjoyed the references to the authors previous series of wolves and hoods and hope they are featured in a future book.
September 7, 2020
This was a pretty good read! I enjoyed the characters and the plot. It had a supernatural flavor but also political intrigue but it’s an overall romance with steamy bits but nothing too racy. I can’t wait to read what comes next!
September 23, 2020
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and it was so good! I really enjoyed the characters and loved the way it ties into her other series. There's romance and intrigue in this book and it definitely makes you anxious for the next book. Very enjoyable read!
September 22, 2020
Absolutely fantastic. Love vampire stories especially this one. Once you start, there is no way you can stop until you’ve finished. Superb.
September 29, 2020
I loved this sooo much. Captivating from start to finish. The depths some will go for love, last an eternity.
October 12, 2020
I enjoyed this book. The plot was a tad predictable but if you are in the market for an entertaining read (which I always am!), you will enjoy this book.
September 26, 2020
Awesome start to a new series from one of my favourite authors. Kendrai always keeps me coming back for more.
The story was interesting and the steam levels were high. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I was lucky to get an early copy of this from the author for my honest opinion.
The story was interesting and the steam levels were high. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I was lucky to get an early copy of this from the author for my honest opinion.
November 15, 2020
I was honored to be given an ARC of Venice Dusk (Vampire Sovereigns, #1) to read and review. When I started reading this book, I was struggling with just feeling blue. I took my time reading and honestly I could not have had a better book to help me work through them. Portia has struggles from her past relationship/marriage and as the book goes through I feel like she heals as well. I love how witty and sure of her self as the book progresses. She had a best friend Mae, that is who everyone wants as a best friend. Someone to call you everyday to make sure your still alive and well. Someone that will call the cops if you don’t call back and your in a foreign country by yourself. As the story builds, you don’t feel like you are missing any information, i struggle when I feel like a book rushes though parts I feel important or the ending. This book didn’t feel rushed at all. And I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Portia and Massimo’s relationship slowly builds and when they finally give into their feelings I found myself saying “about time!” As you feel them resisting their feelings as they both are not wanting to get into a relationship, but sometimes when that right person comes, you just have to see what happens.
Overall I really liked this book, the characters that come to life and the world that is being created. I can’t wait to see where the series goes.
Portia and Massimo’s relationship slowly builds and when they finally give into their feelings I found myself saying “about time!” As you feel them resisting their feelings as they both are not wanting to get into a relationship, but sometimes when that right person comes, you just have to see what happens.
Overall I really liked this book, the characters that come to life and the world that is being created. I can’t wait to see where the series goes.
September 14, 2020
Good start to a new series. I'm looking forward to how it will progress in future books. It does kind of leave you hanging for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews