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Vesper #1
Gilded Destiny
The new release edition features a brand new cover, additional chapters and a never-before-seen preview of Jaded Touch.
A woman's memory returns when she falls in love with the monster who took it from her.
Calli tattoos her skin to fill the holes in her memory, thanks to an accident that left her mind damaged and empty. But a nasty encounter with a fired employee leaves her in the arms of her unlikely savior: Nycholas, a predatory, serpentine Vesper on the run from his brutal master.
Nycholas’ clandestine world holds the secrets to mankind’s origin and survival… but he only wants one thing before his time is up: a few colorful nights with Calli, the fragile, tattooed, human woman he pursued and saved.
The more Calli learns about Nycholas, the more her own darkened memories return to her. Despite her haunted past, she loses herself to passion and desire with her immortal captor.
Now, Calli must overcome the demons of her past, or allow Nycholas to kiss her memories away and spare her the trauma of loving a doomed immortal. But each choice comes with dire consequences – some that endanger not only herself, but her family as well.
A woman's memory returns when she falls in love with the monster who took it from her.
Calli tattoos her skin to fill the holes in her memory, thanks to an accident that left her mind damaged and empty. But a nasty encounter with a fired employee leaves her in the arms of her unlikely savior: Nycholas, a predatory, serpentine Vesper on the run from his brutal master.
Nycholas’ clandestine world holds the secrets to mankind’s origin and survival… but he only wants one thing before his time is up: a few colorful nights with Calli, the fragile, tattooed, human woman he pursued and saved.
The more Calli learns about Nycholas, the more her own darkened memories return to her. Despite her haunted past, she loses herself to passion and desire with her immortal captor.
Now, Calli must overcome the demons of her past, or allow Nycholas to kiss her memories away and spare her the trauma of loving a doomed immortal. But each choice comes with dire consequences – some that endanger not only herself, but her family as well.
154 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2013
6 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Nola Sarina
20 books100 followersNola Sarina is a paranormal romance, dark fantasy, and erotica author from Alberta, Canada. She loves weaving romances that leave you breathless and challenge typical relationships with the most mind-blowing twists.
Represented by Michelle Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency, Nola is the author of the spicy hot dark fantasy Vesper series. Taking vampires to a whole new level, the Vespers in Gilded Destiny & Jaded Touch live dangerously sexy lives in a harsh world of the balance between mortals and immortals.
Nola is also the co-author of Wild Hyacinthe and THE CORE with friend Emily Faith. Wild Hyacinthe portrays sexy, alpha hero from a unique perspective: an incubus who can't help but kill, while THE CORE invites every reader to throw stereotypes out the window, strip down, and get dirty.
SNEAK PEEK free chapters of all Nola's works are available on her website! http://www.nolasarina.com/sneak-a-pee...
Be sure to join her email contact list for newsletters, exclusive content and to get the latest on all Nola Sarina titles before anyone else: http://www.nolasarina.com/contact/
Represented by Michelle Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency, Nola is the author of the spicy hot dark fantasy Vesper series. Taking vampires to a whole new level, the Vespers in Gilded Destiny & Jaded Touch live dangerously sexy lives in a harsh world of the balance between mortals and immortals.
Nola is also the co-author of Wild Hyacinthe and THE CORE with friend Emily Faith. Wild Hyacinthe portrays sexy, alpha hero from a unique perspective: an incubus who can't help but kill, while THE CORE invites every reader to throw stereotypes out the window, strip down, and get dirty.
SNEAK PEEK free chapters of all Nola's works are available on her website! http://www.nolasarina.com/sneak-a-pee...
Be sure to join her email contact list for newsletters, exclusive content and to get the latest on all Nola Sarina titles before anyone else: http://www.nolasarina.com/contact/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 3, 2013
This is a novella, so I obviously can't go into too much detail about the contents of the book because I don't want to give anything away. This was the first time I was introduced to a Vesper...I actually had no clue what it was. When I began the novella, I assumed it was going to include a vampire, but that is not what a Vesper is. It is half-snake, half-human. Nycholas, the main Vesper in the novella, is extremely attractive but has black spideray veins all over which are originally thought to be tattoos but is really his veins. His skin is also very pale and somewhat translucent, and, of course, he is cold blooded.
OK, so now that we all know what a Vesper is, we can move on to the rest of the story. We meet Calli who owns a tattoo shop and five years earlier was in a car accident that causes her to have problems with her memory. She is a very pretty girl minus a scar that runs down her face that she only knows came from the accident. She can't really remember anything about it. She seems OK with life, but she is not entirely happy.
Then, she meets Nycholas. She has a weird combination of attraction and fear toward him, but the attraction wins out. Deep down, she doesn't really feel like he will hurt her. Nycholas plans to stay away from her but doesn't really want to. When he comes back for her, she is being mistreated by her former employee Freddy, and Nycholas steps in to help her. This is when we can truly see what a Vesper is capable of....he bites Freddy which causes him to begin to shrivel up. Then, Nycholas's jaw unhinges and he eats Freddy.
That is the one part of the novella that I had a hard time wrapping my head around. First off, I'm not crazy about snakes, so I couldn't get that image out of my mind. But, I didn't like the thought of his jaw unhinging and eating people. I think I would have maybe liked it better if the bite took care of the job.
Anyway, Nycholas and Calli form a bond in the short time they are together. It is obvious that Nycholas really cares for her and just wants to be with her. He is also forceful and a little rough, but Calli likes that and finds comfort in it.
"When I tell you not to look," he said, "do not look. If I tell you to run, run. And when I tell you it's time for you to let go of me, you do it, without question. Is that understood?"
Calli slowly starts to have some things come back to her through her memory which serve as an excellent twist for a novella. I don't want to say anything about it because I don't want to give out any spoilers, but I will say it made me very curious as to how things would turn out.
"Can you set aside how bad I am for two more nights, to be with me? If you find it eats at you, I can blank it from you when we're finished."
I couldn't help but finding myself really liking Nycholas and rooting for him. You have to be prepared that this novella does not necessarily have a happily ever after, but it is not sad either. It evolves to other characters within the story. It does end with a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more.
Gilded Destiny is getting four stars from me. Once again, it is a novella, but it thoroughly tells the story. Ms. Sarina was able to get an incredible amount of information in such a small text, and it leaves the reader curious as to what will happen next!
For all of my reviews check out my blog www.marilynbookblogger.blogspot.com
OK, so now that we all know what a Vesper is, we can move on to the rest of the story. We meet Calli who owns a tattoo shop and five years earlier was in a car accident that causes her to have problems with her memory. She is a very pretty girl minus a scar that runs down her face that she only knows came from the accident. She can't really remember anything about it. She seems OK with life, but she is not entirely happy.
Then, she meets Nycholas. She has a weird combination of attraction and fear toward him, but the attraction wins out. Deep down, she doesn't really feel like he will hurt her. Nycholas plans to stay away from her but doesn't really want to. When he comes back for her, she is being mistreated by her former employee Freddy, and Nycholas steps in to help her. This is when we can truly see what a Vesper is capable of....he bites Freddy which causes him to begin to shrivel up. Then, Nycholas's jaw unhinges and he eats Freddy.
That is the one part of the novella that I had a hard time wrapping my head around. First off, I'm not crazy about snakes, so I couldn't get that image out of my mind. But, I didn't like the thought of his jaw unhinging and eating people. I think I would have maybe liked it better if the bite took care of the job.
Anyway, Nycholas and Calli form a bond in the short time they are together. It is obvious that Nycholas really cares for her and just wants to be with her. He is also forceful and a little rough, but Calli likes that and finds comfort in it.
"When I tell you not to look," he said, "do not look. If I tell you to run, run. And when I tell you it's time for you to let go of me, you do it, without question. Is that understood?"
Calli slowly starts to have some things come back to her through her memory which serve as an excellent twist for a novella. I don't want to say anything about it because I don't want to give out any spoilers, but I will say it made me very curious as to how things would turn out.
"Can you set aside how bad I am for two more nights, to be with me? If you find it eats at you, I can blank it from you when we're finished."
I couldn't help but finding myself really liking Nycholas and rooting for him. You have to be prepared that this novella does not necessarily have a happily ever after, but it is not sad either. It evolves to other characters within the story. It does end with a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more.
Gilded Destiny is getting four stars from me. Once again, it is a novella, but it thoroughly tells the story. Ms. Sarina was able to get an incredible amount of information in such a small text, and it leaves the reader curious as to what will happen next!
For all of my reviews check out my blog www.marilynbookblogger.blogspot.com
April 23, 2013
This book was provided to me as a R2R. I rate this book as a solid four stars. This book is the first published work from this author and I expect to see many more, possibly even a continuation of the world and characters she has created in this novella.
We meet Calli as she closes up her tattoo shop for the evening, once again feeling uncomfortable with the "friend/apprentice" she hired as a favor to someone. We learn that Calli was in a "car accident" and was left with a scar, short term memory issues and a missing year of her life. The author does an excellent job of portraying the environemnt of not only the tattoo shop but the world that surrounds it from Calli's POV. We see her using the "reminders" she has developed since the accident to make her feel comfortable in a world she can't remember. We also see the darkness and despair that coats all she experiences since waking up four years ago; missing that year as well as something else she is unable to define. Nycholas enters our story late one night when he comes into the shop after Freddy has left, finding Calli alone and scaring her into fainting and eventually running, attempting to escape Nycholas once she realizes he is not human.
Thus begins the long, dark, tortuous road that the author takes us down as we follow Calli and Nycholas as they run; first to avoid death then eventually to embrace their destinies and the path that life, or whatever it is called, has laid out for them.
The author shows us the bond between these two and as we read, we begin to understand exactly what these two have endured to be together for a few stolen moments. We experience the darkness that surrounds both Calli and Nycholas, for very different reasons. We feel the terror and horror that Calli experiences as she learns who and what Nycholas is and the world view that he must live in. We feel the lust and other emotions these two experience for and around each other, especailly as the love they have for each other is remembered.
I must admit that this book was a bit dark for me and I, personally, felt somewhat uncomfortable reading parts of it. Having said that, nothing detracts from my admiration for the storytelling and creative abilities of this author. The environment and emotions she is able to envoke in the reader are terrifying and breathtaking at the same time, much as the book is. I did find some of the secondary characters to be somewhat thin compared to the depth we have in our main characters but I think the length of this novella and direction of this story hindered a lot of understanding of the family we meet as the story goes on. Perhaps further books in this world will fill in these spaces and answer the lingering questions the author has left as the book ends.
I definetely recommend this book for those who enjoy the darker side of PNR. There was certainly some sex in these books but not really any romance and definetely nothing that would define this as an eroitc novel. All in all, I am happy to have been given the chance to read this book and am interested to see whatever this author presents in the future.
We meet Calli as she closes up her tattoo shop for the evening, once again feeling uncomfortable with the "friend/apprentice" she hired as a favor to someone. We learn that Calli was in a "car accident" and was left with a scar, short term memory issues and a missing year of her life. The author does an excellent job of portraying the environemnt of not only the tattoo shop but the world that surrounds it from Calli's POV. We see her using the "reminders" she has developed since the accident to make her feel comfortable in a world she can't remember. We also see the darkness and despair that coats all she experiences since waking up four years ago; missing that year as well as something else she is unable to define. Nycholas enters our story late one night when he comes into the shop after Freddy has left, finding Calli alone and scaring her into fainting and eventually running, attempting to escape Nycholas once she realizes he is not human.
Thus begins the long, dark, tortuous road that the author takes us down as we follow Calli and Nycholas as they run; first to avoid death then eventually to embrace their destinies and the path that life, or whatever it is called, has laid out for them.
The author shows us the bond between these two and as we read, we begin to understand exactly what these two have endured to be together for a few stolen moments. We experience the darkness that surrounds both Calli and Nycholas, for very different reasons. We feel the terror and horror that Calli experiences as she learns who and what Nycholas is and the world view that he must live in. We feel the lust and other emotions these two experience for and around each other, especailly as the love they have for each other is remembered.
I must admit that this book was a bit dark for me and I, personally, felt somewhat uncomfortable reading parts of it. Having said that, nothing detracts from my admiration for the storytelling and creative abilities of this author. The environment and emotions she is able to envoke in the reader are terrifying and breathtaking at the same time, much as the book is. I did find some of the secondary characters to be somewhat thin compared to the depth we have in our main characters but I think the length of this novella and direction of this story hindered a lot of understanding of the family we meet as the story goes on. Perhaps further books in this world will fill in these spaces and answer the lingering questions the author has left as the book ends.
I definetely recommend this book for those who enjoy the darker side of PNR. There was certainly some sex in these books but not really any romance and definetely nothing that would define this as an eroitc novel. All in all, I am happy to have been given the chance to read this book and am interested to see whatever this author presents in the future.
March 27, 2013
I was lucky enough to do a small beta read for this novella. I was so intrigued by Nola's imagination and description. I was quickly able to formulate mental images and get immediately on board with the romance between Callie and Nycholas. The story was fast paced and clean - she chose her words carefully and there was nothing frivolous. I must say, after reading this, I am terribly intrigued as to what happens next in the story as this one set up what follows nicely. I can't wait to read the follow-up novels in the series. I highly recommend - it's a quick read and a real page turner. Just when I thought paranormal couldn't get more interesting, Ms. Sarina quickly dashed any possible doubts I could have. Vespers aren't your average paranormal vampire.... What's been written is a fresh take - no sparkles here! I loved that I was intrigued by the horror of the Vespers but still invested enough to care about them. Not only has she invented a new character to fear and love but se's twisted the Biblical FanFic to a new level.
April 28, 2013
Wow! There are no words to describe this book. Awesome novella! I love trying new authors and after reading the synopsis of the book, which grabbed my attention, I had to give it a try. I had no clue what the paranormal aspect of the book was, but was intrigued to figure it out. Soo glad that I did. I tore through it so quickly, it was that good.
A brief recap: Our main character, Calli, suffered an accident 5 years ago and as a result her short term memory as well as an entire year of her life are gone. Through tattos she's tried to fill the void of her life. One night, in walks Nycholas and Calli's world changes forever. What Calli doesn't realize is that Nycholas knows why she can't remember anything from 5 years ago... and as a result he's been on the run from his master ever since. While Nycholas would never intentionally hurt Calli, he has made a decision but wants one last thing from her - three nights...that's it. Calli soon realizes what happened to her in the past and the secert that Nycholas is keeping has to do with her.
From the beginning you know that Calli and Nycholas have a shared past and you can feel the intensity of their emotions/love for one another through their interactions. Its heartbreaking what these two have gone through to be together and Calli must prepare herself for the decision that Nycholas has made. I don't want to give too much away, as you really should read this. I will say this, though - Go back and re-read the opening page a second time after you finish. The intensity of Calli's love and remarks will sink in and tie in with the book ending.
And Ms. Sarina, all I can say is this...where can I find me a Nycholas! I think I've added another name to my list of book boyfriends :) Can't wait for the rest of the books!
A brief recap: Our main character, Calli, suffered an accident 5 years ago and as a result her short term memory as well as an entire year of her life are gone. Through tattos she's tried to fill the void of her life. One night, in walks Nycholas and Calli's world changes forever. What Calli doesn't realize is that Nycholas knows why she can't remember anything from 5 years ago... and as a result he's been on the run from his master ever since. While Nycholas would never intentionally hurt Calli, he has made a decision but wants one last thing from her - three nights...that's it. Calli soon realizes what happened to her in the past and the secert that Nycholas is keeping has to do with her.
From the beginning you know that Calli and Nycholas have a shared past and you can feel the intensity of their emotions/love for one another through their interactions. Its heartbreaking what these two have gone through to be together and Calli must prepare herself for the decision that Nycholas has made. I don't want to give too much away, as you really should read this. I will say this, though - Go back and re-read the opening page a second time after you finish. The intensity of Calli's love and remarks will sink in and tie in with the book ending.
And Ms. Sarina, all I can say is this...where can I find me a Nycholas! I think I've added another name to my list of book boyfriends :) Can't wait for the rest of the books!
July 21, 2013
Ok, first off I feel like I was hit with a freight train!
Second, this is like the paranormal romance equivalent to Song of Fire and Ice Series--nothing good ever happens to anyone!
Third, my masochist says that this is one of the best and original new paranormal romance series I have read in quite some time!
Did I want to throw my Kindle out the window after I read this?! Um, yes! I mean I was like, OH MY GOD! Someone cut Lavitiqas's head off already! I mean really! He's the issue! Can I cut his head off? Please? I promise to be super quick about it and come in like a ninja and just SLICE AND DICE! Then I will leave in the shadows and cackle once I get in the privacy in my own home!
I want to say UGH! Then I want to cry! Then I want to shake Nola Sarina for how she ended that. I WANT NYCHOLAS BACK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm gonna pout like a tween that didn't get Justin Bieber tickets for weeks over this ending! However, I started book two--there might be hope for some redemption??
Strongly written, highly engaging, and it brought me up and out of my slump! Two very fine thumbs up.
Only one think I had issue with. She world builds and explains the Vespers. However, she hints at 'the garden, the apple, adam and eve, and protecting humans' But we get no real story as to how the Vesper's play the role in the Garden of Eden. I get it is a series and you don't want to unravel all your plot twists in the first installment. However, I feel this information might work in our favor for future books so we 'get' the head Vesper's more. Just a thought.
Second, this is like the paranormal romance equivalent to Song of Fire and Ice Series--nothing good ever happens to anyone!
Third, my masochist says that this is one of the best and original new paranormal romance series I have read in quite some time!
Did I want to throw my Kindle out the window after I read this?! Um, yes! I mean I was like, OH MY GOD! Someone cut Lavitiqas's head off already! I mean really! He's the issue! Can I cut his head off? Please? I promise to be super quick about it and come in like a ninja and just SLICE AND DICE! Then I will leave in the shadows and cackle once I get in the privacy in my own home!
I want to say UGH! Then I want to cry! Then I want to shake Nola Sarina for how she ended that. I WANT NYCHOLAS BACK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm gonna pout like a tween that didn't get Justin Bieber tickets for weeks over this ending! However, I started book two--there might be hope for some redemption??
Strongly written, highly engaging, and it brought me up and out of my slump! Two very fine thumbs up.
Only one think I had issue with. She world builds and explains the Vespers. However, she hints at 'the garden, the apple, adam and eve, and protecting humans' But we get no real story as to how the Vesper's play the role in the Garden of Eden. I get it is a series and you don't want to unravel all your plot twists in the first installment. However, I feel this information might work in our favor for future books so we 'get' the head Vesper's more. Just a thought.
April 24, 2013
Wow...where to start. I was lucky to be given an ARC of Gilded Destiny. So thank you Nola! This story has a bit of everything. Paranormal action, suspense, drama, a bit of romance, and the aching feeling at the end that you have to read MORE! Because now that I've finished, I'm dying to know what happens next! Nola has created a creative and unique world and mythology based around the Garden of Eden story. I was a bit taken a back at first (because how can a half man/half snake be sexy?) but by the end I wanted my own slice of hot Vesper action. ;-) The plot is fluid and the main character's voice is strong and likable. The only critique I have is the time line...it's a bit hard to follow. But other than that, this is an interesting and well told story and I look forward to reading more from this author!
March 27, 2013
Disclaimer: I am the agent who represents this book, so I clearly have a bias toward my client and her project. Even so, the following is my honest opinion of this book:
Nola Sarina's twist on Original Sin gives birth to a new monster - one which gains our empathy as quickly as our dread.
In this, the first novella of the series, Nola has crafted a beautiful love story within the trappings of her urban fantasy world of the Vespers... and one you will see carries on to another generation.
It's a quick read and a page-turner that will leave you hungry for more. And more you will have!
Nola Sarina's twist on Original Sin gives birth to a new monster - one which gains our empathy as quickly as our dread.
In this, the first novella of the series, Nola has crafted a beautiful love story within the trappings of her urban fantasy world of the Vespers... and one you will see carries on to another generation.
It's a quick read and a page-turner that will leave you hungry for more. And more you will have!
April 14, 2013
I finally got reading this and it was great. I love the imagination!!
April 30, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I must say it totally exceeded whatever expectations I had!!!
The Vespers-- half-man, half-snake-- honestly terrify the crap out of me. In the first scene in which a Vesper eats a human, I stared at my computer with my mouth hanging open, completely creeped out and disgusted. But, Nola Sarina has a way of making at least a few of these creatures likable. You start to root for them... at least two of them, anyway. That is some wonderful storytelling!!!
There are just a few things I would change, but they're not major. I felt that at some points some of the Vespers seemed like such regal, powerful creatures and then they said, "Fuck fucking shit!" and it threw me off slightly. Like, why does this creature talk like my Marine ex-husband? Lol! The only other thing that bothered me, and only just a little, was that I kind of didn't like the way parts of the ending were summarized. Not that Nola should've gone into great detail about years passing, but I still LOVED the book.
At its heart, it's a beautiful, tragic love story. A star-crossed lovers story that it takes an amazing mind to tell.
The Vespers-- half-man, half-snake-- honestly terrify the crap out of me. In the first scene in which a Vesper eats a human, I stared at my computer with my mouth hanging open, completely creeped out and disgusted. But, Nola Sarina has a way of making at least a few of these creatures likable. You start to root for them... at least two of them, anyway. That is some wonderful storytelling!!!
There are just a few things I would change, but they're not major. I felt that at some points some of the Vespers seemed like such regal, powerful creatures and then they said, "Fuck fucking shit!" and it threw me off slightly. Like, why does this creature talk like my Marine ex-husband? Lol! The only other thing that bothered me, and only just a little, was that I kind of didn't like the way parts of the ending were summarized. Not that Nola should've gone into great detail about years passing, but I still LOVED the book.
At its heart, it's a beautiful, tragic love story. A star-crossed lovers story that it takes an amazing mind to tell.
April 18, 2013
4 1/2 Stars
** DISCLAIMER** I was sent a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
This compelling novel kept me reading and full of surprises all the way to the end. It took a few pages for me to get into the swing of the novella, once I did it was a great and exciting read. I felt for Calli and Nycholas, their passion and fear came through as did their strength and destiny.
The pages fly by as you read their tale. The reader is grabbed from the beginning and it doesn’t let go until the very last page, and when you reach the end, you are trying to turn the page and you realize that’s it. It’s done. You are left on a razor’s edge and holding your breath wanting more and waiting.
Despite a slightly disorienting timeline, Nola doesn’t give you a frame of reference at the top, you read and realize its been a few years or several years since the last page, other than that, I loved this novel. The intricacies and twists are what most mystery/romance/paranormal romance readers look for.
** DISCLAIMER** I was sent a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
This compelling novel kept me reading and full of surprises all the way to the end. It took a few pages for me to get into the swing of the novella, once I did it was a great and exciting read. I felt for Calli and Nycholas, their passion and fear came through as did their strength and destiny.
The pages fly by as you read their tale. The reader is grabbed from the beginning and it doesn’t let go until the very last page, and when you reach the end, you are trying to turn the page and you realize that’s it. It’s done. You are left on a razor’s edge and holding your breath wanting more and waiting.
Despite a slightly disorienting timeline, Nola doesn’t give you a frame of reference at the top, you read and realize its been a few years or several years since the last page, other than that, I loved this novel. The intricacies and twists are what most mystery/romance/paranormal romance readers look for.
April 28, 2013
Instead of giving you another synopsis within my review, I'm going to get right to the point so that you can get to this awesome book even faster.
I was given an ARC of this Gilded Destiny in exchange for an honest review. This is one of those books that men and women will both enjoy. Gilded Destiny has the perfect combination of action and romance. Nola Sarina’s Vespers are unique and very interesting, especially when it comes to their eating habits, which are quite disturbing…. The characters are intriguing and full of mysteries, some of which I hope will be answered very soon!
I was given an ARC of this Gilded Destiny in exchange for an honest review. This is one of those books that men and women will both enjoy. Gilded Destiny has the perfect combination of action and romance. Nola Sarina’s Vespers are unique and very interesting, especially when it comes to their eating habits, which are quite disturbing…. The characters are intriguing and full of mysteries, some of which I hope will be answered very soon!
April 26, 2013
I loved this story!
In Gilded Destiny, Nola Sarina introduces us to a whole new kind of paranormal character, the Vespers, a seductive blend of dark and light, love and death, power and servitude. Even though this is a novella, Sarina does an excellent job of building a rich, complete and believable world, and she pulls us into it with expert ease. Sarina’s strong, clean writing lets the story unfold with seamless elegance, moving from gritty to sensual to gripping without faltering. The pacing is excellent, lingering on the characters and their love story, yet with action moving fast enough to pull readers through the pages. Once you start reading, you won’t want to put this one down!
Here’s a quick synopsis, with only a few spoilers.
Calli is a tattoo artist with a hole in her past. Five years ago she disappeared, and when she returned a year later, she had no memory of where she had been. All she knows is she was in a terrible accident which left her scared both inside and out. When a beautiful, inhuman man walks into her shop one night, she knows she should be terrified, but something about him stirs her in ways she thought she had lost forever. When he returns to save her from a drunken attacker, she makes a leap of faith to trust him and in turn, to get her life back. But the peace and passion they share is destined to be short-lived.
Nycholas is a Vesper, a blending of human, demon and serpent, cursed to spend eternity protecting humans—and feeding from them. He’s been on the run for years, fleeing from his cruel and oppressive Master, but now that he has found Calli again, it is time to make a stand. His only hope for freedom is in defying his Master, yet that path leads to certain death. Nycholas asks Calli for only three nights--three amazing nights--but before he goes, he must find a way to protect her from his Vesper brothers and their powerful Master.
The Vespers are not simply another kind of sparkly paranormal monster. They do bad things to humans and to each other, yet Nola Sarina makes them sympathetic despite their darkness. Like all good monsters, the Vespers are quite human, and the balance of blackness and beauty in Nycholas’ soul will make you love him even more.
Read this story. It will make you laugh and sigh and cry, but it will definitely leave you wanting more!
In Gilded Destiny, Nola Sarina introduces us to a whole new kind of paranormal character, the Vespers, a seductive blend of dark and light, love and death, power and servitude. Even though this is a novella, Sarina does an excellent job of building a rich, complete and believable world, and she pulls us into it with expert ease. Sarina’s strong, clean writing lets the story unfold with seamless elegance, moving from gritty to sensual to gripping without faltering. The pacing is excellent, lingering on the characters and their love story, yet with action moving fast enough to pull readers through the pages. Once you start reading, you won’t want to put this one down!
Here’s a quick synopsis, with only a few spoilers.
Calli is a tattoo artist with a hole in her past. Five years ago she disappeared, and when she returned a year later, she had no memory of where she had been. All she knows is she was in a terrible accident which left her scared both inside and out. When a beautiful, inhuman man walks into her shop one night, she knows she should be terrified, but something about him stirs her in ways she thought she had lost forever. When he returns to save her from a drunken attacker, she makes a leap of faith to trust him and in turn, to get her life back. But the peace and passion they share is destined to be short-lived.
Nycholas is a Vesper, a blending of human, demon and serpent, cursed to spend eternity protecting humans—and feeding from them. He’s been on the run for years, fleeing from his cruel and oppressive Master, but now that he has found Calli again, it is time to make a stand. His only hope for freedom is in defying his Master, yet that path leads to certain death. Nycholas asks Calli for only three nights--three amazing nights--but before he goes, he must find a way to protect her from his Vesper brothers and their powerful Master.
The Vespers are not simply another kind of sparkly paranormal monster. They do bad things to humans and to each other, yet Nola Sarina makes them sympathetic despite their darkness. Like all good monsters, the Vespers are quite human, and the balance of blackness and beauty in Nycholas’ soul will make you love him even more.
Read this story. It will make you laugh and sigh and cry, but it will definitely leave you wanting more!
June 19, 2013
I just finished reading this sultry, knee-buckling paranormal romance written by my author friend Nola Sarina, and I was left wanting to know more. The characters are vivid, the writing evocative, and Nola's sexy vespers announce their presence on the paranormal scene with dark, imaginative flair--an intriguing twist to the ageless story of original sin.
The storyline drew me in quickly--the vespers were a creative new concept, and the image of the vespers traveling on trains was both chilling and fitting (will I ever look at midnight train rides the same way again?). Oh, that rusty, dark, cold-metal feeling of the abandoned train yard for a lair--yes! It was a thing of my nightmares! Perfect.
There were a few details I craved --the creation story behind the vespers, more about Nycholas' development into a vesper that could understand love, and of course, more about Levitiqas, since I feel I need to know my enemies well-- but I also felt the author did a great job of opening up her world in the short amount of time a novella allows for.
Funnily enough, I found myself attaching to Levi even though he was not our main heartthrob. Nycholas was hot and mysterious, to be sure, but Levi was the glass of tall, dark, and handsome that I needed. I could picture him immediately as he walked into the story, and his badassery combined with his vulnerability made him all the more appealing.
The ending really did it for me. I wasn't expecting that warm, fuzzy feeling you get at the end of certain novels, nope, not with the thick, dark, sticky-tar feeling of evil that drenched this world. I could only hope that there would be a little glimmer of light left--some sort of rebellious phoenix that would rise from the ashes, and I got it! Yay!! I was left with the distinct impression that there would be future installments including Desiree kicking things in the balls, and that's all a girl could ask for.
Thanks for a great ride, Nola.
Looking forward to immersing myself in future novels by this talented woman.
Dee
May 18, 2013
Gilded Destiny: A Vesper Novella by Nola Sarina – Now I want to see a Vesper novel
Calli, a tattoo artist, lost her memory some time ago believing she was in a terrible car accident that left her scarred. The memories start to return when Nycholas, a predatory, serpentine Vesper comes into her life to save her from a dangerous situation. As it turns out, this stranger may not be a stranger at all and as things heat up between them, his brutal master is honing in with plans that put Nycholas, Calli, and her family at risk.
I wasn’t totally sure what to expect when I took a chance on this one, but it surely exceeded my expectations. Novellas tend to be more miss than hit for me when it comes to a brand new story and new characters, but Sarina did an excellent job with the world building, character development, and the suspense. I’ve seen less in full novels which really speaks to her talents and skills. The Vespers, while attractive, can also be super creepy. I found their species quite refreshing in the urban fantasy genre. They really stand out to me in times when vampires and other supernaturals have become a dime a dozen.
The story is not for the faint of heart, but if you like series that are on the darker side, then I definitely recommend giving this one a try. Considering how the novella ended, I am assuming this is the start of a whole new series. If it is, I can’t wait to read it in its full on glory.
*ARC provided by the author.
*Review also posted to Amazon.
Calli, a tattoo artist, lost her memory some time ago believing she was in a terrible car accident that left her scarred. The memories start to return when Nycholas, a predatory, serpentine Vesper comes into her life to save her from a dangerous situation. As it turns out, this stranger may not be a stranger at all and as things heat up between them, his brutal master is honing in with plans that put Nycholas, Calli, and her family at risk.
I wasn’t totally sure what to expect when I took a chance on this one, but it surely exceeded my expectations. Novellas tend to be more miss than hit for me when it comes to a brand new story and new characters, but Sarina did an excellent job with the world building, character development, and the suspense. I’ve seen less in full novels which really speaks to her talents and skills. The Vespers, while attractive, can also be super creepy. I found their species quite refreshing in the urban fantasy genre. They really stand out to me in times when vampires and other supernaturals have become a dime a dozen.
The story is not for the faint of heart, but if you like series that are on the darker side, then I definitely recommend giving this one a try. Considering how the novella ended, I am assuming this is the start of a whole new series. If it is, I can’t wait to read it in its full on glory.
*ARC provided by the author.
*Review also posted to Amazon.
April 24, 2013
This is the first work by Nola Sarina and I definitely hope it is not her last! Actually I hope she continues this story because when it ended I had "book hangover". I could not believe there wasn't more.
I was thoroughly enthralled with the relationship between Calli and Nicolyas. It was crazy, passionate, deep, dark and totally captivating. I will not spoil it for all of you that really need to read it but I will tell you that theirs was a love that could overcome almost EVERYTHING!
I had no clue what a Vesper was and snakes are not my thing but I will tell you, SIGN ME UP for a Vesper lover! Nola's view of a human/paranormal couple was incredibly innovative and very very sensual! I also appreciated the fact that we readers were well aware of the couples sexual desire and their inability to keep their hands off of each other without having to have a "blow by blow".
I really really hope that Nola continues this story line and it becomes a series because Levi, Dizzy and Festus definitely need their stories told!
I was thoroughly enthralled with the relationship between Calli and Nicolyas. It was crazy, passionate, deep, dark and totally captivating. I will not spoil it for all of you that really need to read it but I will tell you that theirs was a love that could overcome almost EVERYTHING!
I had no clue what a Vesper was and snakes are not my thing but I will tell you, SIGN ME UP for a Vesper lover! Nola's view of a human/paranormal couple was incredibly innovative and very very sensual! I also appreciated the fact that we readers were well aware of the couples sexual desire and their inability to keep their hands off of each other without having to have a "blow by blow".
I really really hope that Nola continues this story line and it becomes a series because Levi, Dizzy and Festus definitely need their stories told!
May 15, 2013
OK so I am going to give you a quick review, and why well because this was not a long book so I don’t want too give too much away. You will want to get your hands on this novella soon before the next in Nola Sarina’s gets her next book out in this amazing series!
I loved it, I love books that have awesome female characters in them and Calli was awesome. I started this novella and never stopped till the end. Sarina does an astonishing job keeping you hooked and wanting more. Nycholas who is a Vesper and something totally new to me made for a much more interesting and deadly read! When these two meet the books takes off, and that’s just a few pages in!! You will want to venture down the path with Calli and Nycholas in this one. This paranormal read will get you excited and will have you stepping into a new world. The ending will have you begging for me, I know I am!!
Thanks Nola for this one, I am so glad I had the chance to read this and get involved in your world and mind of these character’s!! Keep me posted for more!
I loved it, I love books that have awesome female characters in them and Calli was awesome. I started this novella and never stopped till the end. Sarina does an astonishing job keeping you hooked and wanting more. Nycholas who is a Vesper and something totally new to me made for a much more interesting and deadly read! When these two meet the books takes off, and that’s just a few pages in!! You will want to venture down the path with Calli and Nycholas in this one. This paranormal read will get you excited and will have you stepping into a new world. The ending will have you begging for me, I know I am!!
Thanks Nola for this one, I am so glad I had the chance to read this and get involved in your world and mind of these character’s!! Keep me posted for more!
April 27, 2013
This better be a short story of a series otherwise is a fail. While it explained some things about Vipers but I did not felt as if the story had a destiny. A reason to begin and a reason to end. A reason to explain something. I would prefer a different end to Callie's story. You don't even have to read further than the first chapter to find out what happens in the end. The rest of it is about how it got there. The last chapter was confusing and if the author does not continue the book it would be a total fail. I liked it but I wanted more. I did not get that something that I didn't know I was looking for until I realised that I did not had it.
Revie is also posted here:http://sofia-loves-books.blogspot.gr/...
Revie is also posted here:http://sofia-loves-books.blogspot.gr/...
April 24, 2013
Teasers dropped before the availability of Gilded Destiny had me salivating to read it. Once I got my 'hands' on it, I wasn't disappointed. Prepare yourself for a journey of drama, love, fear, suspense and passion with the characters. I found it hard to put down as the tension and pace built. Yes, I would certainly like to see Nycholas in the flesh! For escapism and a good read, I’d definitely recommend Gilded Destiny.
October 13, 2015
This is my first time reading anything from this author..
For a novella it was a great quick read that was full action. I enjoyed the characters and was captivated with the storyline... I wish it was longer, but knowing there is more to come I will be grabbing the next book to continue this journey into the world or the immortal Vespers, and can not wait to find out more of Desire, Levi and the shinobi..
*I received a copy of this book for review*
For a novella it was a great quick read that was full action. I enjoyed the characters and was captivated with the storyline... I wish it was longer, but knowing there is more to come I will be grabbing the next book to continue this journey into the world or the immortal Vespers, and can not wait to find out more of Desire, Levi and the shinobi..
*I received a copy of this book for review*
April 17, 2013
From the first line until the last I found this impossible to put down. The characters that Nola has created left an impression that will be hard to beat. Her style of writing, adds huge depth, which leaves you feeling real emotion for the characters that are introduced to us throughout this story.
September 21, 2015
here do I start? Gilded Destiny, by Nola Sarina is unlike any romance novel I’ve read, though I suppose it could also be classified as Urban Fantasy. Either way, it’s an interesting book with a heated romance, vampires, danger, and love that surpasses memory and obligation.
Callie is a tattoo artist with a short-term memory problem after an accident five years ago left her with apparent brain damage. She also doesn’t remember what happened to her the year she was gone before that. When Nycholas walks into her tattoo parlor, her life changes as she finds herself attracted to this unhuman, gorgeous being.
Nycholas is something else. Half human, half snake, his race of Vespers are humanities’ vampires, though we’ve got it all wrong. Born of the Garden of Eden, Vespers roam the Earth, mysteriously protecting humanity while also feeding off of it. But Nycholas hasn’t forgotten his human side, nor his desire for love. When he walks into Callie’s shop, he sees something he wants though he knows it will probably be the death of him.
Sarina is a very talented writer. Her words flow across the pages of Gilded Destiny like a slow coursing river, washing over you, filling your senses. I loved her imagery. She does a fantastic job of world building as well, creating the Vespers and their mythology and making complete sense of it, though Gilded Destiny, the first of the Vesper series, doesn’t spill all their secrets. She easily maps out the relationships between Nycholas and Callie and those between Nycholas and his brethren. The reader feels the evil that pours from Levitiqas, the ageless leader of the Vespers, we feel the pull of Nycholas’s brothers, Levi and Festus, who would rather bring him back to the fold than kill him. And Sarina takes risks. The telling of Callie and Nycholas’s story is not for the faint of heart. Murder and heartbreak abound in this short book (only 154 pages), but there’s love as well.
For me, the love story wasn’t quite strong enough to make up for the violence. I didn’t feel Callie and Nycholas’s love as strongly as I wanted to. They fall into bed rather quickly and Callie has to accept a whole lot of crazy before that happens. And it happens quickly. Honestly, that’s the only thing that keeps this from being a 5 star book. But, Gilded Destiny is realistic at the heart of its story (obviously, the vampire bit isn’t, but hey, it’s paranormal) sets up the Vesper series in a dynamic way, so I don’t mind and I’m anxious for the next installment. Heat level: 2.0
Callie is a tattoo artist with a short-term memory problem after an accident five years ago left her with apparent brain damage. She also doesn’t remember what happened to her the year she was gone before that. When Nycholas walks into her tattoo parlor, her life changes as she finds herself attracted to this unhuman, gorgeous being.
Nycholas is something else. Half human, half snake, his race of Vespers are humanities’ vampires, though we’ve got it all wrong. Born of the Garden of Eden, Vespers roam the Earth, mysteriously protecting humanity while also feeding off of it. But Nycholas hasn’t forgotten his human side, nor his desire for love. When he walks into Callie’s shop, he sees something he wants though he knows it will probably be the death of him.
Sarina is a very talented writer. Her words flow across the pages of Gilded Destiny like a slow coursing river, washing over you, filling your senses. I loved her imagery. She does a fantastic job of world building as well, creating the Vespers and their mythology and making complete sense of it, though Gilded Destiny, the first of the Vesper series, doesn’t spill all their secrets. She easily maps out the relationships between Nycholas and Callie and those between Nycholas and his brethren. The reader feels the evil that pours from Levitiqas, the ageless leader of the Vespers, we feel the pull of Nycholas’s brothers, Levi and Festus, who would rather bring him back to the fold than kill him. And Sarina takes risks. The telling of Callie and Nycholas’s story is not for the faint of heart. Murder and heartbreak abound in this short book (only 154 pages), but there’s love as well.
For me, the love story wasn’t quite strong enough to make up for the violence. I didn’t feel Callie and Nycholas’s love as strongly as I wanted to. They fall into bed rather quickly and Callie has to accept a whole lot of crazy before that happens. And it happens quickly. Honestly, that’s the only thing that keeps this from being a 5 star book. But, Gilded Destiny is realistic at the heart of its story (obviously, the vampire bit isn’t, but hey, it’s paranormal) sets up the Vesper series in a dynamic way, so I don’t mind and I’m anxious for the next installment. Heat level: 2.0
August 27, 2013
Into the Night Reviews
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3.5 out of 5 stars
It's been a little while since I've read a paranormal novel and I had forgotten just how much I enjoy that genre. The exposure to a parallel world in which immortal (or other supernatural) beings interact with humans, sometimes without the humans understanding exactly what it is they're dealing with; a reality that just verges on impossible to believe, but also has enough substance to it that you really can't completely discount it - I do love paranormal!!
Gilded Destiny introduced me to the Vespers. An immortal, vampire like being with a history reaching back to the Garden of Eden. The Vespers are an interesting 'race' and I found myself wanting to know more about them and their history. What became apparent was the battle between the expectations of their 'maker' (Levitiqas) and their residual, human morals/beliefs. While Levitiqas controlled the Vespers with violence, cruelty and by removing their memories, the Vespers, particularly Nycholas, retained enough of themselves to challenge the rules.
Calli is the 'female lead' in Gilded Destiny. A strong woman, grappling with the aftermath of a serious accident and memory loss associated with that. She encounters Nycholas one evening and her reality alters significantly. I liked Calli, although I did think she handled some of the situations she faced a little too stoicly. She was witness to some rather gruesome events and she managed to keep her composure entirely. While I appreciated in many cases her survival instinct was driving her reactions I did find it a little hard to believe.
Gilded Destiny is described as a novella - around 120 pages, so not long. While I really enjoyed the pace at which the story moved, there were some sections where I would have liked a little more detail. Of course not having the information printed on the page didn't stop my mind from wandering and creating my own scenarios!
Web: http://intothenightbookreviews.blogsp...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IntoTheNightR...
for great book reviews, new release updates, giveaways and more!!
3.5 out of 5 stars
It's been a little while since I've read a paranormal novel and I had forgotten just how much I enjoy that genre. The exposure to a parallel world in which immortal (or other supernatural) beings interact with humans, sometimes without the humans understanding exactly what it is they're dealing with; a reality that just verges on impossible to believe, but also has enough substance to it that you really can't completely discount it - I do love paranormal!!
Gilded Destiny introduced me to the Vespers. An immortal, vampire like being with a history reaching back to the Garden of Eden. The Vespers are an interesting 'race' and I found myself wanting to know more about them and their history. What became apparent was the battle between the expectations of their 'maker' (Levitiqas) and their residual, human morals/beliefs. While Levitiqas controlled the Vespers with violence, cruelty and by removing their memories, the Vespers, particularly Nycholas, retained enough of themselves to challenge the rules.
Calli is the 'female lead' in Gilded Destiny. A strong woman, grappling with the aftermath of a serious accident and memory loss associated with that. She encounters Nycholas one evening and her reality alters significantly. I liked Calli, although I did think she handled some of the situations she faced a little too stoicly. She was witness to some rather gruesome events and she managed to keep her composure entirely. While I appreciated in many cases her survival instinct was driving her reactions I did find it a little hard to believe.
Gilded Destiny is described as a novella - around 120 pages, so not long. While I really enjoyed the pace at which the story moved, there were some sections where I would have liked a little more detail. Of course not having the information printed on the page didn't stop my mind from wandering and creating my own scenarios!
May 1, 2013
Calli works in a tattoo shop and loves what she does. She has had a rough time do to an accident leaving her memory with gaps and messed up. She is working one night when she comes in contact with someone she knows is not human. She ends up forgetting the meeting till the next night when the stranger saves her from a disgruntle ex employee. She watches in horror as the stranger shows her what he is. Then her memories begin to slowly return she realizes he is no stranger to her, and he may just hold the key to all her lost memories. Nycholas is a Vesper on the run from his master and wants to spend a few nights with Calli if she is willing. She knows she shouldn't but she goes with him and ends up having to make some hard decisions that could change her life.
Wow oh wow where do I start. First off I fell in love with this book from the start. It has a new paranormal creature that I have never read about. There may be other books with it but it is new to me and I love it. You get to hear about the past of these creatures and see just how long they have been around. They are fascinating and horrible at the same time. Nycholas is hot, deadly and seems to generally care for Callie. Callie I will say some times I wondered just what she was thinking but the more I read the more I could see why she would go with him. This book really draws you into the amazing world of the Vespers. I will say I did not expect the ending and really was shocked by it. I don't want to give spoilers but I will say I loved and hated how the book ended. I love how the author did what she did and hated it in a good way because well you just need to read it to see why lol. You won't be disappointed by this book.
Wow oh wow where do I start. First off I fell in love with this book from the start. It has a new paranormal creature that I have never read about. There may be other books with it but it is new to me and I love it. You get to hear about the past of these creatures and see just how long they have been around. They are fascinating and horrible at the same time. Nycholas is hot, deadly and seems to generally care for Callie. Callie I will say some times I wondered just what she was thinking but the more I read the more I could see why she would go with him. This book really draws you into the amazing world of the Vespers. I will say I did not expect the ending and really was shocked by it. I don't want to give spoilers but I will say I loved and hated how the book ended. I love how the author did what she did and hated it in a good way because well you just need to read it to see why lol. You won't be disappointed by this book.
May 8, 2013
Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Heat Rating: HOT
Gilded Destiny is a surprisingly intense story all told in 116 pages! I usually don't sway toward paranormal books, but something about this story intrigued me and I was not disappointed. This is not your typical paranormal character, Nycholas is not a Vampire, Werewolf or what have you, he is a Vesper (something I had never read about and won't spoil the surprise for you here). Even if you don't typically like this genre I would recommend you read this quick novella for a different take on a mythical creature falls in love with human female type of story. (if you are squeamish, be prepared).
The story of Callie and Nycholas didn't feel like a novella but a full length novel. Nola Sarina packs these pages with constant action and a story I could not put down. I love a story that is fast paced and unexpected and this is what you get in Gilded Destiny. I am afraid to say too much and ruin all the surprises that are in store for the reader in the story, but I will say there are some twists and turns that shocked me and had me reaching for the tissues to catch a few tears.
This isn't your typical boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after journey. Gilded Destiny is a novella that grabs you from the beginning, shocks you, breaks your heart and then leaves you wanting more! I truly hope this is just the beginning to an unreal and intense series and I will be looking for what comes next out of Nola Sarina!
Heat Rating: HOT
Gilded Destiny is a surprisingly intense story all told in 116 pages! I usually don't sway toward paranormal books, but something about this story intrigued me and I was not disappointed. This is not your typical paranormal character, Nycholas is not a Vampire, Werewolf or what have you, he is a Vesper (something I had never read about and won't spoil the surprise for you here). Even if you don't typically like this genre I would recommend you read this quick novella for a different take on a mythical creature falls in love with human female type of story. (if you are squeamish, be prepared).
The story of Callie and Nycholas didn't feel like a novella but a full length novel. Nola Sarina packs these pages with constant action and a story I could not put down. I love a story that is fast paced and unexpected and this is what you get in Gilded Destiny. I am afraid to say too much and ruin all the surprises that are in store for the reader in the story, but I will say there are some twists and turns that shocked me and had me reaching for the tissues to catch a few tears.
This isn't your typical boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after journey. Gilded Destiny is a novella that grabs you from the beginning, shocks you, breaks your heart and then leaves you wanting more! I truly hope this is just the beginning to an unreal and intense series and I will be looking for what comes next out of Nola Sarina!
April 29, 2013
My Rating: ❤❤❤
This book was provided by the author for an honest review.
This was an interesting novella with the introduction of the vespers -- a unique blending of man and snake -- into the paranormal world. I have to say that I have not read of this type of immortal before. That said, the story was...odd. Not in a terrible way but I just couldn't get a bead on the point of the story. First there is Calli and Nycholas...then Calli after his murder...and then Desiree (her niece/daughter) fighting the Vespers. It was a lot going on in such a short story.
In a few words...
Gilded Destiny was a different kind of story that has mildly peaked my interest into figuring out the "why" of it all.
GOOD: The characteristics of a 3 heart book include: interesting characters, a decent storyline, and unique story elements; there was something about the story that I didn’t completely connect with; the book is a solid read.My Thoughts:
This book was provided by the author for an honest review.
This was an interesting novella with the introduction of the vespers -- a unique blending of man and snake -- into the paranormal world. I have to say that I have not read of this type of immortal before. That said, the story was...odd. Not in a terrible way but I just couldn't get a bead on the point of the story. First there is Calli and Nycholas...then Calli after his murder...and then Desiree (her niece/daughter) fighting the Vespers. It was a lot going on in such a short story.
In a few words...
Gilded Destiny was a different kind of story that has mildly peaked my interest into figuring out the "why" of it all.
June 9, 2013
Spoiler Alert!
Just finished and I’m looking forward to the next one coming out. Curious as to what will be happening with Desiree and (assumingly) Levi! I love the fact that Nola Sarina isn't afraid to take a negative turn on her main (and not so main, I suppose) characters. Most of the time bad things happen but they are things the characters can get through. But pretty much everyone dying? nope, you don't bounce back from that.
It's great to have a new take on creatures of the night. Ones that are actually not able to blend in as human. I was a bit sad that I have to wait for more back story on the Vespers and how they are protecting the humans when it seems that everyone that crosses their path turns into lunch.
Good start to a series. My only complaint is the lack of further storytelling/ world building, but it is a novella. I'll probably feel more like it's one big novel once I've got all three out together.
Just finished and I’m looking forward to the next one coming out. Curious as to what will be happening with Desiree and (assumingly) Levi! I love the fact that Nola Sarina isn't afraid to take a negative turn on her main (and not so main, I suppose) characters. Most of the time bad things happen but they are things the characters can get through. But pretty much everyone dying? nope, you don't bounce back from that.
It's great to have a new take on creatures of the night. Ones that are actually not able to blend in as human. I was a bit sad that I have to wait for more back story on the Vespers and how they are protecting the humans when it seems that everyone that crosses their path turns into lunch.
Good start to a series. My only complaint is the lack of further storytelling/ world building, but it is a novella. I'll probably feel more like it's one big novel once I've got all three out together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2016
I will admit, I don't typically go for these books, which I am finding myself saying that more than I thought I would. At first, I was unsure of the book, but, as always, I am willing to try. I definitely am glad I did. This is a story of love, and what lengths the characters are willing to go in the name of that love. Sacrifice is something we all know, well at least we say we know. This will have you questioning what you would do to save the one you love. Then, we have revenge. Oh sweet revenge. We all like revenge now and then... This is just the beginning of sweet revenge on those who have wronged the wrong person. I am not going to go through the characters and plot. You can read that in the book blurb. I will say this is a book worth taking a chance on. I was not disappointed. You won't be either.
May 22, 2014
Favorite Line “I can’t bring myself to eat you, to make that… pretty… disappear. I should want to. I tried. Do your colors make you tasteless?”
What a fabulous novella! When Nycholas first well bit/ate Freddy I was in awe of it. I mean it was so descriptive I could really see it in my head, every gross moment and I LOVED IT!! The love between Nycholas and Calli shared was something that ran so deep it amazed me! This book was so dark but, Full of so much love. I cried and got angry and cried some more and the ending paved the way for what I believe will be a dark amazing fabulous series! I just hope in the next book the rip the head off of the crazy vesper!!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP & Indy Book Fairy)
FOUR VESPER FAIRIES
What a fabulous novella! When Nycholas first well bit/ate Freddy I was in awe of it. I mean it was so descriptive I could really see it in my head, every gross moment and I LOVED IT!! The love between Nycholas and Calli shared was something that ran so deep it amazed me! This book was so dark but, Full of so much love. I cried and got angry and cried some more and the ending paved the way for what I believe will be a dark amazing fabulous series! I just hope in the next book the rip the head off of the crazy vesper!!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP & Indy Book Fairy)
FOUR VESPER FAIRIES
May 20, 2013
See the full review at Bitten By Books:
http://bittenbybooks.com/63649/gilded...
Gilded Destiny is a dark and winding tale that creeps up on you. I was not sure if I liked it or not at the start, but by the time I finished it I was hooked. This a slow-building story, it was never boring but the more the narrative develops the more you find yourself invested. Sarina deftly handles plot points that are initially perceived as flaws, working them into a well thought-out story full of twists and an incredibly solid foundation.
http://bittenbybooks.com/63649/gilded...
Gilded Destiny is a dark and winding tale that creeps up on you. I was not sure if I liked it or not at the start, but by the time I finished it I was hooked. This a slow-building story, it was never boring but the more the narrative develops the more you find yourself invested. Sarina deftly handles plot points that are initially perceived as flaws, working them into a well thought-out story full of twists and an incredibly solid foundation.
July 24, 2013
This is a dark and some what creepy, but truly unique story.
It takes your mind on a paranormal ride that you won't forget no time soon.
Calli, a tattoo artist lost her memory sometime ago, believing it was cause by a car accident.
One night a stranger enter her shop causing her to feeling like she is missing something, or what really happen four years ago?
This book will make you sleep with the lights on, it have suspense, drama, romance and dark paranormal.
Nice read...
Jackee322001.tumblr.com
It takes your mind on a paranormal ride that you won't forget no time soon.
Calli, a tattoo artist lost her memory sometime ago, believing it was cause by a car accident.
One night a stranger enter her shop causing her to feeling like she is missing something, or what really happen four years ago?
This book will make you sleep with the lights on, it have suspense, drama, romance and dark paranormal.
Nice read...
Jackee322001.tumblr.com
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