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True Kin #1
Sacred Circle
Book 1 of the True Kin Vampire Tales
BDSM vampire play—what could be hotter?
Grace Davis has always known there was something different about her. She has a secret fascination with all things vampire and an unrequited longing for the sweet taste of blood. When the dark, sensual Julian Gaston appears in her life, he offers the promise of discovery, but with a price.
Julian wrenches Grace from her safe but lonely humanity into a dangerous, sensual world of erotic submission. The vampire demands obedience and passion in a fiery exchange of power and love. The whisper of true love beckons, but it comes wrapped in blood-soaked cruelty, gossamer sweetness and sizzling passion.
BDSM vampire play—what could be hotter?
Grace Davis has always known there was something different about her. She has a secret fascination with all things vampire and an unrequited longing for the sweet taste of blood. When the dark, sensual Julian Gaston appears in her life, he offers the promise of discovery, but with a price.
Julian wrenches Grace from her safe but lonely humanity into a dangerous, sensual world of erotic submission. The vampire demands obedience and passion in a fiery exchange of power and love. The whisper of true love beckons, but it comes wrapped in blood-soaked cruelty, gossamer sweetness and sizzling passion.
ebook
First published April 13, 2005
6 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Claire Thompson
203 books1,168 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
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https://clairethompson.net
Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library!
https://clairethompson.net
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 20, 2022
When I was asked to read the ARC of 'Sacred Circle' by Claire Thompson it was a no-brainer for me. I've always enjoyed her writing style and the thought of her writing a vampire/BDSM storyline was rather exciting. Reading this storyline reminded me of the early writings of Anne Rice and her vampire novels so I'm excited to see where the rest of this series goes
August 28, 2022
This is an interesting story that starts the True Kin Vampire series. Readers are treated to Julian’s story and how he became what he is now. On a whim he finds himself indulging in the humans play acting but there is a surprise waiting for him. When he meets Ruby both of their lives change forever.
This book brings you into the world of vampires and the secret that they keep. Julian is not your sweet and sparkly vampire. His world is so much darker. Seeing Julian and Ruby find their way made for an engaging read. This book is only the beginning of their adventure. As we watch Julian and Ruby figure out how they fit there are many supporting characters that have much to say and contribute to the story. While this book does generally move along a pretty good pace there are parts that drag. It was nice to see the attraction that Julian and Ruby have for each other and what it could become. Their story is a nice introduction into this world.
This book brings you into the world of vampires and the secret that they keep. Julian is not your sweet and sparkly vampire. His world is so much darker. Seeing Julian and Ruby find their way made for an engaging read. This book is only the beginning of their adventure. As we watch Julian and Ruby figure out how they fit there are many supporting characters that have much to say and contribute to the story. While this book does generally move along a pretty good pace there are parts that drag. It was nice to see the attraction that Julian and Ruby have for each other and what it could become. Their story is a nice introduction into this world.
August 22, 2022
This story is about a young Frenchman who is turned into a vampire just before the turn of the eighteenth century. It starts with Julian Gaston at a Vampire Coven Ball in New Orleans. He senses another of his kind but he never connects. And Ruby Davis is also at the party. She was cajoled into attending by her coworker. She sees all this vampire coven stuff as play acting to the nth degree. Eventually fate brings these two together. And their connection is immediate and deep. Julian teaches Ruby about what she is and how to survive. They also form an unbreakable bond. Julian gives his dominant nature free reign. And Ruby is a natural submissive. This story is beautiful with lots of suspenseful drama. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series. And Claire Thompson always delivers with a richly developed world and endearing characters.
August 26, 2022
I have read virtually every BDSM story written by Claire Thompson over the last few years so was intrigued when I saw she was reissuing a vampire story. Set in New Orleans among the ‘vampire clubs’. Ruby has always felt herself ‘different’ but never knew why until she met Robert Dalton and visited his Red Covenant. There wannabe vampires played at being vampires - drinking blood! But to Ruby it was not playacting and dominant true vampire Julian Gaston senses her real nature and undertakes to initiate her into becoming what she truly is. Love and passion grows as they become ever more obsessed. I was gripped from the start and being a fan of both paranormal and BDSM fiction I loved what Claire brought to the genres. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I received an ARC and am leaving a totally honest, unbiased and voluntary review.
August 23, 2022
I have read a lot of Claire’s BDSM books so I was curious about this series.
The first book gives a lot of background information and sets up the characters and the story. It revolves around Julian and Grace. I enjoyed them together but felt it was all a bit quick and on the surface. But this is the first book in the series so I expect more in depth characters and development in the next book. That is something the author is good in.
The BDSM aspect wasn’t really here either, but that might also change in the next book.
The first book gives a lot of background information and sets up the characters and the story. It revolves around Julian and Grace. I enjoyed them together but felt it was all a bit quick and on the surface. But this is the first book in the series so I expect more in depth characters and development in the next book. That is something the author is good in.
The BDSM aspect wasn’t really here either, but that might also change in the next book.
August 26, 2022
A mystery wrapped in an incredible love story.
I also am 'intrigued with the mortal who isn’t quite mortal', the mesmerizing and charismatic Julian and the not to be forgotten magnificent Mistress Margo.
I love these characters and am eager to dive into book 2 to live vicariously through paranormal creatures as they journey onward in their quest.
I have rarely, if ever, been disappointed with a Claire Thompson book. Different genres, different romantic interests, all have been engaging and captured my interest.
I also am 'intrigued with the mortal who isn’t quite mortal', the mesmerizing and charismatic Julian and the not to be forgotten magnificent Mistress Margo.
I love these characters and am eager to dive into book 2 to live vicariously through paranormal creatures as they journey onward in their quest.
I have rarely, if ever, been disappointed with a Claire Thompson book. Different genres, different romantic interests, all have been engaging and captured my interest.
August 21, 2022
A different take on Vampire lore!
There is none of the "We're the dominant race" in this tale of a lonely 300 year old Vampire. Encounters with humans to feed and entertain, yes, plenty, but what he is really looking for is out of his reach. Love to an equal. There are so few Vampires left and they are spread so thin and far apart, it seems an impossible dream.
But then, one day, there is the hint of a fragrance, ... The hope, ...
There is none of the "We're the dominant race" in this tale of a lonely 300 year old Vampire. Encounters with humans to feed and entertain, yes, plenty, but what he is really looking for is out of his reach. Love to an equal. There are so few Vampires left and they are spread so thin and far apart, it seems an impossible dream.
But then, one day, there is the hint of a fragrance, ... The hope, ...
August 20, 2022
This was a fantastic book. The love story between Julianne and Ruby finally meeting will make you swoon. I would love to be Ruby! I would have liked to have learned about Ruby's biological parents. I hope Margo we've in the next book, or we somehow learn if the three finally get together and Margo gets her wish!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
This was a good vampire read! We got the appropriate amount of background needed, and a good build-up of our story. Thing run hot and steamy, and it all fits together, leaving breadcrumbs for more stories to be told 😊
September 4, 2022
Such a different vibe from what I'm use to. After I adjusted, I loved it just as much as I love all Claire's books. I can almost guarantee the next two books will be even better.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
August 21, 2022
This is an intriguing and some what hypnotic tale, unusual in its take on vampire life! It is written in a slightly unusual style which is quite compelling.
It gripped me all the way through.
It gripped me all the way through.
August 30, 2022
I enjoyed this vampire story. The combination of Julian, Ruby and Margo, made you wish for more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
September 24, 2016
This is a new author to me. From the description of the book I was intrigued and was pleasantly surprised.
Julian Gaston was born in the 1700's in France. He was turned into a vampire by Adrienne, a visiting countess. She left a note after she had turned him explaining to him that she had to leave because she had broken the law of her kind by turning him. Fast-forward 300 years later...
Grace Davis has felt like she has never fit in. She has an obsession with vampires and role playing as vampires. When she finally meets Julian at another "vampire's" coven everything clicks into place for her. Julian and Grace embark on an adventures of submission and learning how to be a vampire.
There were a few grammatical errors but it was easily overlooked in favor of the compelling story. If you like paranormal with aspects of BDSM this is the book for you.
Julian Gaston was born in the 1700's in France. He was turned into a vampire by Adrienne, a visiting countess. She left a note after she had turned him explaining to him that she had to leave because she had broken the law of her kind by turning him. Fast-forward 300 years later...
Grace Davis has felt like she has never fit in. She has an obsession with vampires and role playing as vampires. When she finally meets Julian at another "vampire's" coven everything clicks into place for her. Julian and Grace embark on an adventures of submission and learning how to be a vampire.
There were a few grammatical errors but it was easily overlooked in favor of the compelling story. If you like paranormal with aspects of BDSM this is the book for you.
November 2, 2016
Rating: 3.5 stars
Sacred Circle is about a vampire named Julian. The story starts out by telling us about how Julian was turned into a vampire and how he lived until present day where he finds himself at a 'vampire party'.
We are also introduced to Grace, who loves the idea of drinking blood, but is embarrassed to act on it because of her upbringing. As a kid she would cut herself and drink her own blood. Her parents found out and sent her to a hospital for a mental evaluation and lots of therapy, it's a place she never wants to visit again.
However, Grace and Julian both attend the same 'vampire party', but never actually meet each other. Later they are introduced to each other at a private vampire gathering and the two instantly connect and everything falls into place for Grace regarding who and what she is on the vampire scene. The only issue is that for Grace and Julien to truly work out as vampire mates, she must be willing to submit to Julian's Dominant ways in a BDSM type relationship... it is the vampire way of life after all. The only question is, will Grace truly be able to trust that Julian will always know what's best for them both?
Claire Thompson is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect going into this story. Now that the groundwork and backstory has been laid out for us, this could really be a great series. I just wish that this first story would've captured and held my attention a bit more than it did.
Sacred Circle is about a vampire named Julian. The story starts out by telling us about how Julian was turned into a vampire and how he lived until present day where he finds himself at a 'vampire party'.
We are also introduced to Grace, who loves the idea of drinking blood, but is embarrassed to act on it because of her upbringing. As a kid she would cut herself and drink her own blood. Her parents found out and sent her to a hospital for a mental evaluation and lots of therapy, it's a place she never wants to visit again.
However, Grace and Julian both attend the same 'vampire party', but never actually meet each other. Later they are introduced to each other at a private vampire gathering and the two instantly connect and everything falls into place for Grace regarding who and what she is on the vampire scene. The only issue is that for Grace and Julien to truly work out as vampire mates, she must be willing to submit to Julian's Dominant ways in a BDSM type relationship... it is the vampire way of life after all. The only question is, will Grace truly be able to trust that Julian will always know what's best for them both?
Claire Thompson is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect going into this story. Now that the groundwork and backstory has been laid out for us, this could really be a great series. I just wish that this first story would've captured and held my attention a bit more than it did.
October 9, 2016
Review 3.75
Clare Thompson is a new author to me so i had no expectations going into the start of this series. I signed up to review this book as it ticked my boxes Parnormal ☑️ BDSM☑️ who doesn't love a good Vampire romance not me for dame sure!. And this has been a great start to the series. We start off following the life of a vampire called Julian from when he was turned right up to present day. We also meet Grace who is oddly drawn to the vampire life style always having this urge and craving for blood but she never acted on this, apart from her own blood hiding this secret about her self.
When Julian and Grace meet things start to click into place for Grace as she learns what being a vampire can entail, but with Julian's lifestyle being even more into the darker pleasures can Grace be submissive to him will this be a lifestyle that Grace wants and will Grace be the one for Julian to risk everything on. This is an erotic read with aspects of BDSM not as much as i was expecting but still a great read. If your fan of paranormal erotic romance this is a book for you and i'm jumping straight into Outcast and can't wait to see were this series will take me.
Clare Thompson is a new author to me so i had no expectations going into the start of this series. I signed up to review this book as it ticked my boxes Parnormal ☑️ BDSM☑️ who doesn't love a good Vampire romance not me for dame sure!. And this has been a great start to the series. We start off following the life of a vampire called Julian from when he was turned right up to present day. We also meet Grace who is oddly drawn to the vampire life style always having this urge and craving for blood but she never acted on this, apart from her own blood hiding this secret about her self.
When Julian and Grace meet things start to click into place for Grace as she learns what being a vampire can entail, but with Julian's lifestyle being even more into the darker pleasures can Grace be submissive to him will this be a lifestyle that Grace wants and will Grace be the one for Julian to risk everything on. This is an erotic read with aspects of BDSM not as much as i was expecting but still a great read. If your fan of paranormal erotic romance this is a book for you and i'm jumping straight into Outcast and can't wait to see were this series will take me.
September 11, 2016
I was not exactly sure what to expect when I pick up this book. When I read the synopsis and the genre titles, I will admit I was intrigued. I love paranormals and I enjoy erotica and some BDSM books. So when this touted both, I thought I’d give it a go. Little did I know I was going to enjoy it as much as I did.
In the book we follow of Julian’s life, from his turning to present day. Julian has a dark side when it come to sexual encounters and is a very demanding lover who takes what he wants. We also meet Grace, a woman who loved the vampire craze and had a craving for the taste of blood but she learned to keep that secret to herself as she grew older. When the two meet up it’s erotic and powerful. But is Julian’s lifestyle and dark pleasures the life Grace wants? Is Grace the one that Julian might risk it all for? This erotic powerful story kept this reader glued to the pages. 2 Thumbs up Ms. Thompson for a very well written story and I look forward to reading the next installment of The True Kin Vampire series.
In the book we follow of Julian’s life, from his turning to present day. Julian has a dark side when it come to sexual encounters and is a very demanding lover who takes what he wants. We also meet Grace, a woman who loved the vampire craze and had a craving for the taste of blood but she learned to keep that secret to herself as she grew older. When the two meet up it’s erotic and powerful. But is Julian’s lifestyle and dark pleasures the life Grace wants? Is Grace the one that Julian might risk it all for? This erotic powerful story kept this reader glued to the pages. 2 Thumbs up Ms. Thompson for a very well written story and I look forward to reading the next installment of The True Kin Vampire series.
September 25, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog
A tale as old as time. You can take this quite literally because Sacred Circle really is a Vampire Tale. As such its writing style is more telling than showing, nevertheless I really liked the story. The telling went with the overall mood of the book that really came across fairytale like.
The characters were well developed and I connected with them immediately. The whole writing was really good and descriptive without getting the reader too bored with the descriptions. All went really good together to make a great vampire tale.
However it is said that this is a BDSM vampire tale. Well, I really like BDSM, but if a book is labeled like this I normally expect more BDSM. It was rather tame for my taste, even though I am sure other people would disagree with me here. I would have loved to see even more BDSM, but liked the story nevertheless.
I can’t wait for the second one to see how the story goes on and if my guess concerning Grace’s heritage is right.
4.5 stars for this one.
A tale as old as time. You can take this quite literally because Sacred Circle really is a Vampire Tale. As such its writing style is more telling than showing, nevertheless I really liked the story. The telling went with the overall mood of the book that really came across fairytale like.
The characters were well developed and I connected with them immediately. The whole writing was really good and descriptive without getting the reader too bored with the descriptions. All went really good together to make a great vampire tale.
However it is said that this is a BDSM vampire tale. Well, I really like BDSM, but if a book is labeled like this I normally expect more BDSM. It was rather tame for my taste, even though I am sure other people would disagree with me here. I would have loved to see even more BDSM, but liked the story nevertheless.
I can’t wait for the second one to see how the story goes on and if my guess concerning Grace’s heritage is right.
4.5 stars for this one.
October 13, 2016
Read on behalf of a Book Lovers Emporium.
This is a light paranormal romance. It's a very easy read and centres on vampires only, not adding other supernatural beings into the story.
We met Julian , a 312 year old vampire who looks no more than 30 and Grace, a 24 year old woman with a fetish for blood. Surely that can't be normal? All her life, Grace hasn't felt normal knowing nothing of her birth parents as she had been found abandoned as a newborn. Her parents don't understand and she has very little in the way of friends. The one good friend she does have has a huge obsession with vampires. Soon Grace finds herself in the circle of wanna be vampires and it's here she meets some interesting new friends.
A good read and one I enjoyed very much. I have always had a passion for vampires and their stories and this book didn't disappoint me in the slightest. Book two is now available and I'm off to read it.
This is a light paranormal romance. It's a very easy read and centres on vampires only, not adding other supernatural beings into the story.
We met Julian , a 312 year old vampire who looks no more than 30 and Grace, a 24 year old woman with a fetish for blood. Surely that can't be normal? All her life, Grace hasn't felt normal knowing nothing of her birth parents as she had been found abandoned as a newborn. Her parents don't understand and she has very little in the way of friends. The one good friend she does have has a huge obsession with vampires. Soon Grace finds herself in the circle of wanna be vampires and it's here she meets some interesting new friends.
A good read and one I enjoyed very much. I have always had a passion for vampires and their stories and this book didn't disappoint me in the slightest. Book two is now available and I'm off to read it.
October 31, 2016
I really liked Sacred Circle and to think once upon a time I thought I didn’t like Paranormal books. I haven’t read too many Vampire stories though so I was happy to read Sacred Circle.
This is Julian Gaston’s (a 312 year old Vampire) and Grace Davis (a human or at least she thought she was human) Grace was adopted and never really fit in and she never knew why? She has had a secret fascination for all things vampire and has a taste for blood. I really can’t tell you a lot more because I might give away a spoiler and I don’t like to do those.
I have read a few other of Claire Thompson’s books and she really knows how to tell a story. Sacred Circle is one of Claire Thompson’s older books. I can't help but feel her books have only gotten better.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I found Sacred Circle a very good book to read and found that I couldn’t wait to get a hold of book 2 Outcast.
This is Julian Gaston’s (a 312 year old Vampire) and Grace Davis (a human or at least she thought she was human) Grace was adopted and never really fit in and she never knew why? She has had a secret fascination for all things vampire and has a taste for blood. I really can’t tell you a lot more because I might give away a spoiler and I don’t like to do those.
I have read a few other of Claire Thompson’s books and she really knows how to tell a story. Sacred Circle is one of Claire Thompson’s older books. I can't help but feel her books have only gotten better.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I found Sacred Circle a very good book to read and found that I couldn’t wait to get a hold of book 2 Outcast.
October 13, 2016
This is a light paranormal romance. It's a very easy read and centres on vampires only, not adding other supernatural beings into the story.
We met Julian , a 312 year old vampire who looks no more than 30 and Grace, a 24 year old woman with a fetish for blood. Surely that can't be normal? All her life, Grace hasn't felt normal knowing nothing of her birth parents as she had been found abandoned as a newborn. Her parents don't understand and she has very little in the way of friends. The one good friend she does have has a huge obsession with vampires. Soon Grace finds herself in the circle of wanna be vampires and it's here she meets some interesting new friends.
A good read and one I enjoyed very much. I have always had a passion for vampires and their stories and this book didn't disappoint me in the slightest. Book two is available now and I am off to read it!
November 6, 2016
When I come across this story that ticked all my boxes...Paranormal, DBSM, Dom & Sub lifestyle... I had to jump straight in with two feet first!
It took me a few pages to get into it has at the start of the story explains how one of our main Characters Julian becomes a Vampire and how he deals with this paranormal life.
Then hundreds of years later Grace with a forbidden secret meets Julian at a privet vampire part.
Do they bond?
Can Grace truly accept her forbidden desires?
Will Grace be able to submit to Julian BDSM paranormal lifestyle?
Claire Thompson has written this story very well with a new twist on this genre. very impressed! I must read the next book in this series....
Reviewed for Amo & Sarah Book Corner
It took me a few pages to get into it has at the start of the story explains how one of our main Characters Julian becomes a Vampire and how he deals with this paranormal life.
Then hundreds of years later Grace with a forbidden secret meets Julian at a privet vampire part.
Do they bond?
Can Grace truly accept her forbidden desires?
Will Grace be able to submit to Julian BDSM paranormal lifestyle?
Claire Thompson has written this story very well with a new twist on this genre. very impressed! I must read the next book in this series....
Reviewed for Amo & Sarah Book Corner
September 25, 2016
4.5 STARS
WOW I am so blown away for many reasons!!
New author to me and I am not a huge fan of vampires but I am open to anything and when the synopsis said dark BDSM etc I was looking forward to the read.
Well Ms. Thompson has created a series that rocked my world. It is UNIQUE and so well written that she had me from the beginning to end and I was truly entertained by her words and creativity.
Grace and Julian's story will be sure to entertain anyone that is a PNR fan, with lots of steamy scenes and Romance. I look forward to the second book in this series
I received an ARC in exchange for an HONEST REVIEW for Rockstar Book Muse
WOW I am so blown away for many reasons!!
New author to me and I am not a huge fan of vampires but I am open to anything and when the synopsis said dark BDSM etc I was looking forward to the read.
Well Ms. Thompson has created a series that rocked my world. It is UNIQUE and so well written that she had me from the beginning to end and I was truly entertained by her words and creativity.
Grace and Julian's story will be sure to entertain anyone that is a PNR fan, with lots of steamy scenes and Romance. I look forward to the second book in this series
I received an ARC in exchange for an HONEST REVIEW for Rockstar Book Muse
September 24, 2016
Unique Vampire story
I have to say I have read many vampire stories, I love the unique storyline of the True Kin vampires, it is always a pleasure to find unique stories.
Julian and Grace more a love story than BDSM, the sex is hot, the vampires hotter still, I am looking forward to the next story. Claire Thompson weaves a darn good book. I recommend this to all PNR book lovers.
I have to say I have read many vampire stories, I love the unique storyline of the True Kin vampires, it is always a pleasure to find unique stories.
Julian and Grace more a love story than BDSM, the sex is hot, the vampires hotter still, I am looking forward to the next story. Claire Thompson weaves a darn good book. I recommend this to all PNR book lovers.
September 6, 2016
move over twilight this is the adult hot version and with meat to the story. I love the way Claire explains the vampire history and intertwines myth and mystery. Mr. Gaston is very alluring and just fantastic. Now off to reading book two.
September 26, 2016
I was given a free copy for an honest review, Paranormal and Erotic Romance rolled into one with Vampires, Steamy scenes! I couldn't put it down.. amazing and exciting!
June 16, 2010
Interestingly & well written it was a fun book to read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews