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By Blood #1

Desire by Blood

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Enter the world of By Blood where an entire class of vampires operates within the glittering realm of the victorian ton.

A man with a secret.

Nicodemus Blackburn has seen the best and worst of mankind. Five hundred years of dealing with them teaches the vampire to be very wary of the creatures. Unfortunately, alarming events leave him no choice but to enter the world of the ton to hunt a rogue vampire—one who is making his own army of blood thirsty vampires. Searching for the villain is not the worst of his troubles. That can be laid at the feet of bluestocking Lady Cordelia Collingsworth.

A woman on a mission.

Cordelia has always been an outcast, even in her own family. She has forged her way in the world with her ability to write, and Nico Blackburn is the focus of her next article. Before she can obtain any information about the mysterious man, she is pulled headlong into a scandal that leaves her with no choice but to marry Nico—a man with dangerous secrets.

A passion that consumes them both.

Thrust into a world she knows nothing of, Cordelia finds herself falling in love with a man who claims to be a vampire. As their passion grows, so does the danger around them and Nico will have to call on all of his powers to protect the one thing he has realized he cannot live without: his opinionated, infuriating, and thoroughly delectable wife.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2012

66 people are currently reading
840 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Schroeder

212 books1,660 followers
USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,439 followers
June 19, 2016
This is a surprise sleeper story for me. I've read Ms. Schroeder once before and she was enjoyable but not too memorable. This one is definitely memorable. It is rare for me to come across a vampire story set in historical London. I liked the premise. The world building was decent. I hoped for more and expect to learn more in the following books. The characters were stereotypical arrogant male and bluestocking female. I liked this about the historical paranormal romance.

The sex in this story is reminiscent of bodice rippers. Good for those who enjoy sweet erotica. For those who enjoy kinky sex, this is a bit too tame. I whipped through the sex scenes as they were a bit too boring for me. The rest of the story moves at a decent pace and resolutions are not unexpected. The ending is sweet and teases the reader into looking for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
September 20, 2012
Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

Nicodemus Blackburn and Lady Cordelia Collingsworth are honestly made for each other. A strong-willed woman and a brooding man, well, vampire.

What a wonderful book this was. The Vampire Alliance is alive and ignoring all signs that there is another problem happening on the streets of London. Nico is forced to go to town and deal with the “ton” while looking for the vampire making other vampires and setting them on an unsuspecting public. Cordelia is the bastard child of a woman who’s reputation with men was unspeakable. Ignored and abused by her family, she refuses to give in and takes a job as a reporter. Her next assignment, Nicodemus Blackburn and figuring out where he gets all his money from. What she doesn’t know is that she is a “Carrier”, a perfect mate for a vampire and her blood sings to Nico. After compromising Lady Cordelia, Nico proposes and they are married as soon as possible. But, Nico can’t get his mind off of his wife, he needs to be focusing on the problems and it soon becomes clear that he is the target of all the attacks. While he is trying to solve the mystery, Nico also needs to explain the vampire world and the fact that she is a Carrier to Lady Cordelia.

I just adore good books that have more than one plot going on at the same time, have strong woman that will stand up to their men and men who will stop at nothing for their woman. Oh, and we cannot forget the mother who makes sure her son knows when he screws up. Nico’s mother, Adelaide was wonderful! And, hopefully the subplots in Desire by Blood are setting up the stories for upcoming books in the series (I hope). Several characters are introduced and I would so look forward to seeing Malik and Grayson take the fall. They are so smug and it would serve them right.

The attraction between Malik and Lady Diana is electric and Lady Elizabeth seems to be entrancing Grayson, Duke of Queensbury.

This was no run-of-the-mill ordinary vampire book. It was so much more. Set in the time of Queen Victoria’s reign, these vampires can go out during day (no, they do not sparkle); they do not only live on blood and they have the sexual drive of any normal Alpha Male, especially since they feed during sex. But, there are Borns and Mades and I would love to know what really sets them apart other than the fear that the Mades will go into blood-lust.

Melissa Schroeder wrote a beautiful historical paranormal romance filled with love and mystery. She kept you in suspense and sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next. And she did all this while weaving a story that will leave you happy that you chose this book to read. If you love paranormal and enjoy historical romances filled with tender moments, a touch of mystery and wonderfully written erotic scenes, read Desire by Blood. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Annie Slasher (Booked & Loaded).
257 reviews16 followers
September 28, 2012
Desire by Blood (By Blood, #1) is one damn sexy vampire romance. In Desire by Blood Melissa Schroeder really made you feel connected to a wide variety of characters. Each of them with a distinct story and personality. Although the main plot was centered around Cordelia Collingsworth and Nicodemus Blackburn, many of those secondary characters were clearly memorable. Desire by Blood has a strong historical feel. Melissa Schroeder then spun into this historical setting some very strong alpha vampires who are following a different set of rules. Women are valued, protected, and respected, and in the case of Nico’s mother – feared. Melissa Schroeder made you feel like part of the family. Cordelia was fantastic. She was quick witted, feisty, and passionate. The passion between Nico and Cordelia was smokin’ hot, steamy, and unforgettable. Melissa Schroeder writing is flawless. Seriously. The sexual tension and scenes fit perfectly into a wonderful and complete story that I will not soon forget.
Profile Image for T.B. Caine.
631 reviews55 followers
June 29, 2022
This was fun but honestly felt like half a novel.

Nothing felt like it reached a good/solid conclusion imo. I never really bought into them really being I love and their third act fight was like... never resolved??? And the hero didn’t grovel after that so??? As a whole so many threads just didn’t feel like they got resolved at all or got resolved for no reason. Was her father’s identity really that big of a plot?

Also: the little plot blurb on here is weird because the hero doesn’t even know she’s a writer until the third act break up lol I def thought her being a writer would be bigger but it basically doesn’t come up at all besides like one or two instances. As a whole this book felt like it missed out on a lot of opportunities for “more”
Profile Image for Michelle.
266 reviews41 followers
July 1, 2013
A rather compelling story that draws you in almost from the first page. The attraction between Cordelia and Nico is palpable and evident from the first moment they meet. It's little surprise that within hours they end up in a clinch that threatens to compromise her reputation if he doesn't marry her, which of course he does. From then on they have to work at getting to know one another at the same time as the desire between them refuses to be denied and keeps pulling them together again and again whatever other differences they may have.

Cordelia is an intelligent woman who has been living her life independently in an age when women, especially women of the gentry, did not do so. More than that, she has been secretly working which was particularly unheard of and simply not done by titled women in Victoria's England. She has been a journalist, a genteel and learned profession to be sure, but still one that would have sullied her already precarious reputation had it been known. Still, it is her job which really brings them together to start with, for without the impetus to question him for the paper she works for, it is doubtful she would have dared to approach Nico to begin with.

Nico has been a confirmed bachelor all of his life, particularly since the death of his brother and sister in law. He is haunted by memories, and loath to take a mate. Still, he does not hesitate in doing the right thing by Cordelia and asking her to marry him after they are discovered together in the library during a ball. His willingness to do so is no doubt helped by the intense attraction he feels toward her, and even though he intends to keep her at arms length, once they are married it quickly becomes apparent that he will be unable to do so, and he doesn't even really try. He does maintain a certain distance though in refusing to bond with her.

However much they are attracted to one another, and however well they get along in the bedroom, still they are two people who barely know one another at the time they are married and so a good portion of the story deals with them getting better acquainted and learning each others' personalities. There are outside distractions to this though, particularly for Nico who had originally come to London to investigate a series of odd murders. As time goes on, the murders continue and the situation becomes increasingly grave and Nico finds himself torn between his desire and need to be with Cordelia and his desire to find who is committing the murders both so they'll stop and so he can get their life back to normal and be able to devote himself to his new bride.

The story moves along at a good pace, and I found it difficult to put down through most of it. It does start to drag a bit around 60% or so, but quickly picks back up and keeps you reading to find out how it all will end. The end came rather sooner than I had expected, and was horribly rushed I thought and was resolved much too quickly and easily, so much so that I didn't think it was truly the end and that there would be another twist that I hadn't anticipated and that hadn't been foreshadowed. This is due in part because my reader was showing I was still only at 80% or so and so I wasn't expecting the main confrontation just then. In the edition I have, however, the last 10% is taken up entirely with samples of both the next book in this series and of one of the author's other books, so the percentage was deceptive regarding how far along I was in the book itself. I have to say that I find it rather annoying when there is so much extra material included that it skews the percentage to that extent.

Besides the problems with the ending, I still thought this was a very good book and will be watching for the sequel. I'd recommend this to anyone that likes paranormal romances, particular with vampires, or perhaps just anyone who likes historical romance and doesn't mind if there's a paranormal element to it. Historical romance readers should probably be aware that there are some inaccuracies here, particularly as regards women's clothing and the ease with which it could be removed or put back to rights. On several occasions the author has Nico simply pull Cordelia's bodice down to bare her breasts, or undo the buttons down her back to find bare skin beneath, completely disregarding the fact that women of the era wore several layers, including a corset, and because of this breasts were nowhere near so easy to bare. Still, while I found this detail to be a bit annoying, it ultimately wasn't enough to hamper my enjoyment of the book, so I'm giving this one a solid 4-star rating.
Profile Image for Shirley Frances.
1,798 reviews119 followers
September 16, 2012
4.5 stars

I must admit that what first attracted me to this book was the cover. Come on, it's very HOT! Yes, I am one of those reader who likes to look at covers first and blurbs later. Luckily for me, this book had both!

This is my first read by Melissa Schroeder and my first Victorian Paranormal book, so I did not know what to expect. But the synopsis really captured my attention and I wanted to learn more. And boy am I glad I did!

The beginning of the book was a bit confusing since the author delved right into the world she had created and I felt a little lost. But little by little I became fascinated by this new world of vampires - the 'Born' and the 'Made- and the Victorian society of the 'ton'.

Lady Cordelia is an independent, strong woman who has had to make her own way in order to survive. Her assignment is to find out more about Nicodemus Blackburn, a Born vampire who is not looking to get attached. In an interesting and very hot turn of events, Cordelia finds herself compromised and married to Nico. Here their story begins.

The author manages to give us glimpses of the their personalities early on, but once they are married they revealed a lot more about themselves. And their chemistry? Off the charts. The author managed to convey their every emotion - lust, frustration, anger, love - in a way that it flowed beautifully on the page and added that special something that made you feel for them and understand where each character was coming from. The secondary characters were an added bonus. Each one contributed to Nico and Cordelia's story in their own right. I especially liked Nico's mother Adelaide. Another great example of a strong woman in a time when they usually just followed a man's lead.

The writing was excellent. I had no trouble, except at the very beginning, following the story and the world the author created. The series of events and the main plot were delivered at the right time which kept me intrigued and wanting more. I think that is why, when the resolution to the plot came to be, it felt a bit rushed to me. However, as a whole the book was great - strong and lovable characters, real emotions, interesting plot and hot chemistry. What more could you ask for?

I look forward to reading the next book in the series. The excerpt of Malik's story was very interesting!
Profile Image for Lori.
Author 75 books719 followers
October 1, 2012
This author is very adept at her craft. She built strong characters, who oozed sexual chemistry, but also maintained a sense of humor. I loved the quick wit of the heroine Cordelia, in fact I almost wish the author had delved more into her personality. She will be an excellent supporting character in books to come, much like Adelaide will be. They are vibrant strong minded women, who turn to mush with their men. Nico is the alpha male we all crave, and his desire to protect his mate was sinfully attractive.
If I had on critique it would be that I found the first couple of chapters difficult to enjoy, because the author jumped into this fantasy world very quickly. It threw me off kilter because there are so many aspects to this world that are unique, and must be learned. I think that a more thorough explanation earlier in the story about what a Made/Born was might have helped. Once I got past that, I was truly invested in the story. I can't wait to read about Malik and Diana, and I desperately want to see what type of woman could hold Saint's attention.
Overall a really good read, and I will be coming back for more.
Profile Image for Daria.
1,991 reviews42 followers
February 6, 2014
This has to be the first historical romance that had vamps in it, that Ive had the pleasure to read.
I truly loved Nico's mother, what a lady!
I enjoyed the fact that Cordelia was not like a lot of the Ladies of the ton. She held her own with her intelligence and sassiness.
Nico whats not to adore about him? raw sex walking in a form of a man, the situation that he found himself in upon meeting Cordelia... he could have just let go, but he didn't. He showed much honor.
Cordelia's easy acceptance of her new fate shows just what type of lady she really is. The passionate scenes between them were hot and steamy. The way they got along, was great...

I love vampires and this will be a fav of mine. There isn't anything bad I can say about this. It was awesome!! Id recommend it to anyone that likes Vampires... Enjoy!
Profile Image for Gina.
278 reviews22 followers
September 27, 2012
LOVED IT!!!!

The combination of humorous comments and sarcasm and suspense was fantastic! I was so absorbed I couldn't put it down. Definitely a MUST read!!
Author 6 books35 followers
September 26, 2012
My Thoughts

When it comes to character development, Melissa Schroeder is a mastermind. That’s what I loved about this novel the most and what I’ll remember - the characters and their relationships.

I quickly became invested in the hero (Nico) and the heroine (Cordelia) and the intensity and passion they felt for each other. This impassioned feel carried through the entire novel. Then as each supporting character was introduced, I loved them just as much. Each has a story to tell and seriously, I can’t wait to hear them all.

The banter between the boys (Nico, his best friend Malik and his cousin Saint) was amusing as only boys can be. They tormented each other in ways that alpha males may not find amusing but others do. On the other hand, their love and respect for each other was clear and heartfelt.

This is a series that left me wanting more. I love it when you read a novel and you dread the finish because you just don’t want to leave that story world the author has ensnared you in. I seriously didn’t want it to end. In fact, I read it a second time because I didn’t want to let go.

For me, I think part of the allure was I found the author’s use of description incredibly persuasive. Let me give you an example. Nico is walking through a crowded room and people move to let him pass. A simple enough situation and it could have been said just like that. However, the author tells it from Cordelia’s perspective. She describes how she feels as she watches him, her reaction to his movements, his commanding presence, noticing other people’s reaction to his movements and how they instinctively move out of his way and finally the conclusions she makes about his character from this one simple event. I could actually picture myself in that room moving back to let this Adonis pass, staring in awe with butterflies in my stomach. And this wasn’t done in pages and pages of prose. Just a few strategically placed words and sentences. That’s just one example and the novel is full of them.

As with most series romances, most issues are resolved for the main characters; however, the author teases us with a couple things to whet our appetite for stories to come. Oh Saint, how I’m dying to hear why you hide away in your Scottish castle…

________________________________________
A Little about the story…
________________________________________
Desire By Blood is the first novel set in Victorian London. Governed by the Vampire Alliance, their world has their own class structure and operates within the Victorian ton. A ‘Born’ vampire is one born of a vampire and Carrier mating. A ‘Carrier’ is a woman who carries the gene that allows her to birth vampires. Vampires can also be ‘Made’ but they are susceptible to Blood Lust and often have to be eliminated if not helped through the transition by a Born. Mades are considered lowest in their society.

In this story, a Born vampire sets out to make his own army of Mades in his desire to take over the Vampire Alliance. The Mades are wreaking havoc on London society by brutally killing women, mostly Carriers. So the adventure begins with Nico, as a member of the Alliance, investigating the murders and trying to stop the slaughter of innocents.
________________________________________
About the Characters…
________________________________________
As I mentioned above, all of the characters in this novel held me spellbound. I can’t talk about them all here, so I’ll just to give you a brief description of the main ones:

Nico – the hero of the story; definitely alpha male; possessive over his mate yes but not in an annoying way; (I think the boys in this story aren’t obnoxiously alpha because of the mother, Adelaide, and their fear of her cutting off their mushy bits if they were. That’s just my impression.)

Cordelia – the heroine of the story; a Carrier but unaware of this fact since she’s unaware that a vampire society exists. Despite her position in London society, she grew up poor after her brother spent all the family’s money. She had to find a way to support herself and did so by becoming a writer. She could have taken the easy way out and become a courtesan; however, she did not. I think she’s one of the best heroines I’ve read this year. Truly, she’s a role model for all women. She’s somewhat afraid of the mother.

Malik – Nico’s best friend; a Made vampire; self-proclaimed bachelor; loves to poke fun at Nico, in true brotherly fashion, for his falling for Cordelia while swearing it will never happen to him (I think his book is next...how the mighty will fall); considered part of Nico’s family; very afraid of the mother.

Saint – Nico’s Scottish cousin; totally hot in a brutish sort of way; also loves to poke fun at Nico and Malik in a fun brotherly way; rarely leaves his home so for him to come to London to help with the investigation means the situation is dire; deathly afraid of the mother.

Adelaide – Nico’s mother, a Carrier, can shrink men to bite-size pieces with just a look; has a big heart and is extremely caring towards women; outspoken. She was one of my favorite characters and definitely someone I’d love to have in my corner.

There’s so many more characters introduced and all are equally interesting. Wish I could continue but I’d keep you all night.
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Bottom Line
________________________________________
Desire by Blood is a novel that any lover of Romance will not want to miss out on! The author shows her incredible expertise at creating multi-faceted characters (both main and supporting) and integrating them into an exciting storyworld and plot. This is a great introduction to the series and I highly recommend you add this one to the top of your To Be Read list!

Happy Reading!!

5 Stars – Absolutely Loved It!!!!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
March 26, 2020
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Profile Image for Jody.
2,089 reviews60 followers
October 14, 2012
Melissa Schroeder has brought a new spin to the vampire genre with her new release, Desire By Blood. Her vamps are male and fall into two categories, Made and Born, with those that are Made going insane if they're not helped in making their transition. Women are Carriers and greatly sought after for their ability to birth new vamps and their blood that is also highly valued.

Unbeknownst to Cordelia she's a Carrier, and an unexpected encounter leads to a dramatic change in her circumstances as she becomes Mate to the mysterious Nico Blackburn. Cordelia has always felt alone and had to rely on herself to make ends meet, so the intense attraction and connection to Nico catches her off guard. She's now surrounded by outspoken in-laws who want to protect her as opposed to her real family who have taken everything from her. Cordelia is strong-willed and intelligent and accepts the changes to her life calmly. Even with her life in jeopardy from a man from Nico's past she's no wilting flower and keeps up a brave front. She's an admirable and likable heroine who's a perfect match for Nico.

Nico's been busy chasing after a madman making one new vamp after another when he stumbles upon Cordelia and is instantly drawn to her and can't wait to claim her. His claiming of her brings the madman closer and for the first time he feels real fear of losing her. Nico is strong and sexy and even though he's somewhat overbearing his charm still makes him likable. There's a constant slow and sensual burn to their relationship that culminates in super steamy sexual interludes.

The mystery of the madman adds an exciting element to the story. We're given clues early on as to his identity but don't fully realize the ramifications until the heartpounding conclusion. The hunt for this madman brings out an intriguing and eclectic cast of secondary characters whose unique backgrounds are just hinted at and have me dying to learn more about. Each of these vamps are sexy with backgrounds that have left them emotionally scarred with me hoping that they'll find mates to ease their unspoken pain.

This is an exciting and well-written start to a promising series that sets some tried and true vampire myths on end. With a memorable cast of characters and its rollercoaster ride of suspense that completely drew me in I have high hopes for what Ms. Schroeder has planned next and I highly recommend this book to fans of the paranormal.
486 reviews41 followers
September 20, 2012
Ahh,,, Sexy vampires and strong women... such a wonderful combination.

Cordelia is a bluestocking that is making a living by being a reporter. She's the bastard daughter who always felt like an outsider and fears becoming like her mother. She's strong and unwilling to conform to society's expectations of what a woman should be. I liked her practicality and willingness to stand up for what she believed in but felt sorry for her own self-doubt and denial of her sensual nature. She has no idea what she is going to get when she meets Nico. She doesn't know her total worth both from a mental perspective or as a woman in general for a man like Nico.

Nico... sigh... Nico... such a wonderful Alpha male that still understands that a strong woman is something to treasure and not fear. Of course he has his wonderful mother to thank for that mentality as she is a prime example of what good a strong woman can do for the family. He's not looking for his match but boy oh boy do the sparks fly when he and Cordelia meet. This vampire that has all sorts of self-control can't seem to muster it when near his beloved. They end up in a situation that compromises Cordelia and to keep her safe/make it right he marries her. This is not expected to be a love match and Cordelia initially fights it but relents as it is the only choice she can really make. Once the two are married... *fans self*... all bets are off as they realize that not only do they have chemistry but there is a real love and respect there that should be cherished and nurtured.

The story uses the concepts of Born and Made vampires in a new way but boils down to discrimination and the older more established ignoring the issues at the expense of innocents. I liked the tension but am really looking forward to Malik's story and seeing how he and Cordelia's sister make things work between them while the fight against the old guard continues. Oh and of course you know there is going to be some really sexy times cause man oh man does their chemistry shine in this book.


Thanks to Melissa for giving me a copy as I really enjoyed the start to this world.. You can send em to me any time you wish... ;-)
Profile Image for Drmgrl99.
100 reviews70 followers
October 14, 2012


I knew getting into this book that I was going to like it ‘cause I mean...come on, look at the cover and it's a Melissa Schroeder book. But I was surprised just how much I really did enjoy it. I'm a bit of a "closet" historical fan but I'm a huge PNR junkie so when I started the book I was immediately drawn into the world. While she keeps us in the time period she adds to it with the paranormal elements and keeps building. I love the world building but I would highly recommend that readers check out Melissa Schroeder's website at http://melissaschroeder.net/extras.php to get more information on the World Guide, it has information that will help the book flow a little easier otherwise you could get a little lost at first.

Nico has compromised Ms. Cordelia and has no other choice but to marry her, but little did he know what he was truly getting into when he met Cordelia. He doesn't truly have time to be getting married right now—not when there is a killer on the loose—but for some reason the only thing Nico can think about is Cordelia.

Murder, vengeance, love, and intrigue fuel this story that you can't help but want to sink your teeth into. The Characters, Nico and Cordelia, light up the pages with their sexual chemistry. Not only are you sucked into their relationship’s ups and downs but also the camaraderie and friendly banter between him, his family and friends which is fabulous and witty. Melissa has created some amazing characters that make you crave more from them (I know I especially want to more about his cousin, Saint).

So, my opinion is...
Amazing world building, fantastic characters, multiple plots, great dialogue, and perfectly paced. This is another Melissa Schroeder story that will keep you begging and pleading for more.
Profile Image for Daune Mc.
34 reviews
September 16, 2012
: Desire by Blood (Kindle Edition)
I was drawn into the story of Nicodemus Blackburn and Lady Cordelia Collingsworth.The reader is taken back in time to the Victorian era you feel as if you are there in London.At the balls and the warm lemonade it's these little things that help capture the feeling of the time. Melissa Schroeder gets you involved in her stories you feel like you are there with them. In this story the intrigue was so complying I could not put it down I keep reading and wondering what is going to happen next.Then there is the Melissa Schroeder passion that we have come to love. We see it happening between Nico a Born vampire and Cordelia a bluestocking trying to get an interview from Nico for a newspaper she writes for. Cordelia is trying to find out about Nico's finances how he makes his money.He doesn't know she is a reporter. When Nico and Cordelia see each other at the Smythe's ball we see the beginning of their passion.Melissa gives you a different look at vampires then you have read before at first it was a little confusing then you get it the more you read about them and their families.We meet Nico's parents,his cousin Saint and his best friend Malik a Made vampire.
I'm afraid if I say anymore I will give the whole story away.I look forward to the next story in this series. A must read!
Profile Image for The Smutty Kitty.
326 reviews44 followers
October 16, 2012
As posted on The Smutty Kitty

5 out of 5 Licks

I LOVE finding books that I can’t put down and Desire By Blood was definitely one of them!! I finally had to force myself to turn off my K Fire last night while I was reading because the words got all blurry. lol I’m having a hard time finding the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book, but I’ll try. The story just sucked me in. There are murders, hot sex, romance, and did I mention the hot sex? I don’t know that I would call myself a big historical fan but adding the vampires into the mix really does it for me. Who doesn’t like a sexy vamp? No one that’s who! ;) Nico is a strong, stubborn man (just the way I like them) and Cordelia is a strong, stubborn woman. I always enjoy a heroine who will kick her man’s ass! All too often I read about wimpy women who don’t know their own worth and the man eats them alive. Cordelia may not think she is a knockout but thanks to her horrid past she is strong and more than willing to give Nico a verbal thrashing a time or two.

You know I don’t like to give any spoilers but all I can say is I can’t wait for more in this series. I want at least 4 more books and I would love to read Nico’s mother and father’s story too. lol I’m a sucker for a series. So run, don’t walk, to your computer and snatch this one up now!! You won’t regret it!
Profile Image for Donna.
4,129 reviews58 followers
September 16, 2012
Paranormal romance with a twist. Cordelia is the disowned bastard daughter of a member the ton and a heretofore unknown “carrier”. A carrier is a human woman genetically able to bear a “born” vampire and thus highly sought after. She is making her way by writing for a scandal sheet. Her latest mission is to find out how Nicodemus Blackburn is making his money. When they meet “born” vampire Nico is immediately taken with Cordelia and when caught in a compromising position Nico claims Cordelia in marriage to keep her from being ruined. Meanwhile there is a born vampire out there that is making “made” vampires and not keeping control of them. They are creating havoc and Nico and friends need to stop them.
This is a sexy vampire story that reads like a Victorian romance novel. It works. Melissa Schroeder is known for her erotic A Little Harmless series so the sex was a given to be hot. Not as hot as her other stories but smoking just the same. I just adore Cordelia and Nico’s mom. Good strong women in an age where women were often ignored. The story ended a little abruptly with questions still left unanswered but hopefully they will be answered in the next book Seduction by Blood.
Profile Image for Netanella.
4,731 reviews38 followers
May 25, 2014
A well-done blend of historical romance set in the Victorian era and paranormal romance of a secret alliance of vampires who move easily within the glittering balls of upper class. The author does a impressive job in combining the romantic elements of the story with a fairly unique vampire mythos.

Beyond the petticoats and bonnets and cravats is a society of vampires, living amongst the humans for hundreds of years. And just like their mortal counterparts, the vampires too have their social caste system, dividing themselves into the elitist Borns and the lower Mades. Add to this mix a human female bloodline of Carriers who are capable of birthing little vampy babies, and you get an interesting set up for a wonderfully told story.

Recommended.
Profile Image for Mara.
2,533 reviews270 followers
July 31, 2021
Think of it as a really watered down glass of wine. It barely remembers it was grape and alcohol in an other life. Why would you enjoy it?
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,407 reviews14 followers
August 13, 2018
Whether you are into the vampire paranormal romance genre or not, you will want to read this book! Vampires are generally not one of my favorites, but once I started this I could not put it down. You will adore Lady Cordelia. She’s a strong minded and strong-willed young woman who believes in speaking her mind. After being virtually abandoned by her family, she supports herself by making her way through the ton of London reporting on their activities and indiscretions for a local gossip newspaper. Her current assignment is to find out what Nicodemus Blackburn is up to.

You will fall in love with Nico Blackburn. He has a commanding presence & is unaccountably drawn to Cordelia. Although not a member of the ton, he seems to carry a great deal of influence, which is what first sparked Cordelia’s interest as a reporter. Little does she know she’s about to get more than she bargained for but just what she needs.

There’s a compromised reputation to save, secrets to reveal, made vamps to overcome, family history to uncover, a threat to their lives from the grave, and the ultimate question, to bond or not to bond. This story has drama, intrigue, suspense, a touch of humor, romance vampire style, and plenty of hot, steamy passion. Oh, I forgot to mention, you may shed a tear or two. This is a definite must read! I can’t wait to read Malik and Diana’s story next!!
Profile Image for Shelby.
662 reviews39 followers
October 14, 2022
So disappointing! I was excited to read this because I’ve been craving a historical romance with vampires. This has vampires operating amongst humans in Victorian London. A great idea, but the delivery fell flat. I felt like the characters and plot kept going around in circles so that when we hit the climax, it was all very anti-climactic. I was also disappointed in the love story. I was expecting more steam and passion which was not delivered. I ended up being completely bored throughout most of the book.
47 reviews
June 4, 2023
DNF

It's been something like 5 or 6 months since I put this down and I just haven't picked it back up again because I don't have much of a desire to finish it. There are other books on my TBR to go through and this is just 'meh'. There's nothing wrong with it, I in fact want to like it more because it's a paranormal period piece, but I'm just not getting into it and it's proven hard for me to pick it back up after stopping.
462 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2018
This is a Victorian Paranormal Romance. I like vampire books, but Melissa Schroeder’s vampire world is different than most others I had read. I really enjoyed the differences. The characters are both determined characters and when they get together it is explosive. The pace of the story is great and the characters are well developed. This is a great paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Rachel Jones.
353 reviews
August 14, 2018
Melissa is one talented woman! Desire By Blood is an amazing literary work. Her imagination amazes me and makes me excited for the next book in the series. I'm not normally a big vampire fan, but I found myself enthralled in this book.
Profile Image for Melody Hillier.
1,151 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2018
this is an amazing take on vampires, with a deep plot and well rounded characters who drag you into their world and dont let you go even after the last page is done making you want more and more for these characters and this world!
i received an arc of this story that i happily reviewed
1,046 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2019
Enjoyed this book.

Loved how the author wrote about vampires. What a whole different concept and loved all the different characters and how they all interact with each other.
Profile Image for Charlotte Lowe.
808 reviews
June 28, 2019
Desire by Blood

I enjoyed the variation this book took in telling the vampire story. Little things were revealed throughout the book, and that made ie even more enjoyable.
Profile Image for susan stacy smith.
84 reviews
August 24, 2019
Lovely story

Great book for a Sunday afternoon little suspense adds the flavour to it i enjoyed this book and recommend it
261 reviews
August 13, 2022
3.75
Very entertaining, though I felt the climax was cut a bit short, and the connection between the heroes was superficial. The lore and the characters definitely needed to be more fleshed out.
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