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Vampire Queen #18
Vampire's Choice
Because Ruth was born weaker than most vampires, she has to find a place on the fringes of the vampire world where she can call the shots on her own life. Doing bodyguard work at the mysterious Circus fits the bill, but it’s there her biggest secret is revealed. Unlike most vampires, she’s not a Dominant. She wants a Master she can fight, until he makes her submit. He must prove he’s stronger on every level that matters, and win her trust, loyalty and love.
Merc, part incubus, part angel, catches her attention, but his dangerous reputation makes him a bad risk. Working alongside him to protect a fortune teller who has seen things that can endanger the vampire world, she gets a different view. Plus, out of all his mesmerizing qualities, there’s one she finds irresistible.
He relishes a good fight.
Merc, part incubus, part angel, catches her attention, but his dangerous reputation makes him a bad risk. Working alongside him to protect a fortune teller who has seen things that can endanger the vampire world, she gets a different view. Plus, out of all his mesmerizing qualities, there’s one she finds irresistible.
He relishes a good fight.
643 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2024
37 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Joey W. Hill
112 books3,549 followers"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"
A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.
"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady
Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!
If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...
You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill
A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.
"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady
Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!
If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...
You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 30, 2024
What happens with a submissive vampire crosses path with a demonic angel? Erotic delight is what happens! Vampire's choice is one of my favourite books in this series. Ruth's tale is moving with her determination, longing, sweet submission, and soul crushing sorrow. I felt so many emotions reading this book as well as arouse. How does Ms. Hill do it? Find out by reading this must read book. It can be read as a standalone. Be forewarned if this is your first book with this series, you might end up finding all the previous books and reading them all.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website
August 3, 2024
Absolutely epic. I could leave it right there, but that doesn't say what needs to be said.
I had natural colour in my hair when I first started following Joey W Hill, some 18 years ago. Very, very few storytellers since, have captured, not just my imagination, but my heart and my soul. Like, reached in and just brought substance to the words that weave stories into life-truths. Through fiction, yes, but no less meaningful. Sometimes, profound.
This story is a classic example of that, but because it is a natural progression of this long-lived and long-loved fictional world of hers, and because real life also progresses in fundamentally similar ways, it resonates on a whole new level. It tests pain long buried. It reminds of resilience where its hard to imagine having the bandwidth for any. And as always, it speaks to faith. In ourselves. In others. And in future, through the many and varied ways and people it can be realized.
Now, apart from all that profundity, may I now harken back to that 18-years-younger-me, and say?:
Merc! I KNEW he'd have game! Strong, fast, two sides to make a great whole AND he can bring a whole new meaning to the Mile High Club. Hey! (shrugs) Profound manifests in many ways...
Ruth didn't surprise me at all because she is Mal and Elisa's child, so she couldn't be anything other than strong in all the ways that matter. Smart, loyal and the JWH hallmark: more self assured than she realized, until life handed her the memo.
And as we old folk tend to do, the reminiscing afforded was both fun, and bittersweet. I call them "The Daegan years" because...well, I used to send the Muse flowers and brullys for her frou-frou-frou drinks for *that* particular creation. To this day, a leather duster will revive parts long-since shrivelled up. Just saying.
Hats off, once again Joey W. Hill, for an absolutely stellar if gut wrenching escape. There is not, nor will there ever be, another weaver such as you.
I had natural colour in my hair when I first started following Joey W Hill, some 18 years ago. Very, very few storytellers since, have captured, not just my imagination, but my heart and my soul. Like, reached in and just brought substance to the words that weave stories into life-truths. Through fiction, yes, but no less meaningful. Sometimes, profound.
This story is a classic example of that, but because it is a natural progression of this long-lived and long-loved fictional world of hers, and because real life also progresses in fundamentally similar ways, it resonates on a whole new level. It tests pain long buried. It reminds of resilience where its hard to imagine having the bandwidth for any. And as always, it speaks to faith. In ourselves. In others. And in future, through the many and varied ways and people it can be realized.
Now, apart from all that profundity, may I now harken back to that 18-years-younger-me, and say?:
Merc! I KNEW he'd have game! Strong, fast, two sides to make a great whole AND he can bring a whole new meaning to the Mile High Club. Hey! (shrugs) Profound manifests in many ways...
Ruth didn't surprise me at all because she is Mal and Elisa's child, so she couldn't be anything other than strong in all the ways that matter. Smart, loyal and the JWH hallmark: more self assured than she realized, until life handed her the memo.
And as we old folk tend to do, the reminiscing afforded was both fun, and bittersweet. I call them "The Daegan years" because...well, I used to send the Muse flowers and brullys for her frou-frou-frou drinks for *that* particular creation. To this day, a leather duster will revive parts long-since shrivelled up. Just saying.
Hats off, once again Joey W. Hill, for an absolutely stellar if gut wrenching escape. There is not, nor will there ever be, another weaver such as you.
October 23, 2024
This hit so close to home for me. I’ve cried and felt so much while reading Ruth and Merc’s book. Everything they went thru to get to where they are now. Loss ,love and a future. You better have a box of Kleenex with you while reading. I highly recommend this book. I got to read and see about my favorite characters also. Please Joey never stop writing this series, it brings so much happiness and joy to us all.
March 8, 2025
"What are you?" "Incubus, Angel. Human. The worst parts of all of them."
With an opening like that, what chance does a girl have—vampire or not? This was my first foray into Joey's world and, wow, what an introduction! I was utterly spellbound, taken from exhilarating highs to gut-wrenching lows in the span of a single book. There were moments of triumphant cheers and others that left me in absolute shambles. Merc and Ruth stole my heart, but the cast of characters is so richly woven that each one demands recognition. Merc is a fascinating contradiction—his mixed heritage a constant battle for control over his darker, incubus side. Feared by most, he finally meets his match in Ruth, a born vampire with a fierce spirit and lethal skills. Ruth is no damsel in distress; she's a warrior who wants a dominant worthy of the name—not one who relies on tricks of power, but one who can truly command her trust, loyalty, and love. Their mission to protect a fortune teller/seer whose visions could unravel their world, forces them into a tense alliance. Merc is captivated by Ruth’s defiance; she doesn’t fear him, she fights him, even as her body betrays her. Their chemistry is electric, their battles—both physical and emotional—are utterly mesmerizing. Every interaction is charged with danger and desire, leaving you breathless and yearning for more. The world Joey has crafted is a dark carnival of intrigue and peril. The Circus and its inhabitants are both terrifying and beautiful, a place I was reluctant to leave. Despite this being my first book in the series, I never felt lost, only hungry to dive into the previous installments (though, to be honest, I might need a moment to recover first). Ruth and Merc’s journey is a tragic, twisted path of longing and loss. Their scenes, whether they were fighting, loving, or toeing the line between the two, were pure magic. I was emotionally wrecked by the end, but in the best possible way. Bravo, Joey, bravo! This won’t be my last visit to this dark and dangerous world. 🖤
With an opening like that, what chance does a girl have—vampire or not? This was my first foray into Joey's world and, wow, what an introduction! I was utterly spellbound, taken from exhilarating highs to gut-wrenching lows in the span of a single book. There were moments of triumphant cheers and others that left me in absolute shambles. Merc and Ruth stole my heart, but the cast of characters is so richly woven that each one demands recognition. Merc is a fascinating contradiction—his mixed heritage a constant battle for control over his darker, incubus side. Feared by most, he finally meets his match in Ruth, a born vampire with a fierce spirit and lethal skills. Ruth is no damsel in distress; she's a warrior who wants a dominant worthy of the name—not one who relies on tricks of power, but one who can truly command her trust, loyalty, and love. Their mission to protect a fortune teller/seer whose visions could unravel their world, forces them into a tense alliance. Merc is captivated by Ruth’s defiance; she doesn’t fear him, she fights him, even as her body betrays her. Their chemistry is electric, their battles—both physical and emotional—are utterly mesmerizing. Every interaction is charged with danger and desire, leaving you breathless and yearning for more. The world Joey has crafted is a dark carnival of intrigue and peril. The Circus and its inhabitants are both terrifying and beautiful, a place I was reluctant to leave. Despite this being my first book in the series, I never felt lost, only hungry to dive into the previous installments (though, to be honest, I might need a moment to recover first). Ruth and Merc’s journey is a tragic, twisted path of longing and loss. Their scenes, whether they were fighting, loving, or toeing the line between the two, were pure magic. I was emotionally wrecked by the end, but in the best possible way. Bravo, Joey, bravo! This won’t be my last visit to this dark and dangerous world. 🖤
July 19, 2024
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Deliver to Dorothy - Tavares 32778 ⌵
Vampire's Choice: A Vampire Queen Series Novel
Dotty
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic story
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2024
Ruth and Merc oh my!!!
What an unputdownable book (is that really a word) don't care because I couldn't stop reading for anything.
Ruth needs a master to take control over her, she longs for it but when she meets Merc he is not going to accommodate her desires. He is only interested in fun and games and being the bad boy
Ruth joins the circus to help protect a seerer and her visions that involves the vampire world. Trying to keep everyone safe while, Merc plays his games.
There is so much that happens as the story unfolds you can't read fast enough. There are connections with others from previous books.
Romance and sorrow, love and hate but through all of the story friendship and belonging.
It is a great read, you won't be sorry you purchased this book
Thank you for your review.
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August 2, 2024
Joey W. Hill is surely one of the finest writers. Her characters and stories have opened me up to new worlds and lived experiences—for even when she writes about vampires and angels and mermaids and fae, their wants and dreams, challenges and burdens, feel so resonant and real. The world-building she weaves in is a marvel.
Vampire's Choice is everything I crave and expect from a novel by this author. I mean this in the best of ways. Because one of the things I have come to expect is surprise and wonderment. There's heat and passion, and real moments of suspense. The story between Ruth and Merc is beautiful and raw. The appearances of many beloved characters brought me so much joy. The scenes where Ruth and Merc pay visits to some familiar characters were just incredible.
Vampire's Choice is everything I crave and expect from a novel by this author. I mean this in the best of ways. Because one of the things I have come to expect is surprise and wonderment. There's heat and passion, and real moments of suspense. The story between Ruth and Merc is beautiful and raw. The appearances of many beloved characters brought me so much joy. The scenes where Ruth and Merc pay visits to some familiar characters were just incredible.
August 19, 2024
Merc is mix of human, incubus, and angel. Abandoned as a child, his incubus side ruled most of his life. Ten years ago he was taken in and taught control. He's one misstep away from execution.
Ruth was born weaker than most vampires, but she is as fierce as she is tender. A skilled fighter with a wild spirit. She's unique in her world, a vampire who desires a master but she'll only submit to one who will fight her and earn her submission.
When a fortune teller needs extra protection from those plotting evil, Ruth leaves her beloved Island Animal Sanctuary to guard her. She meets her match in Merc, while discovering so much more about the world and her place in it.
Merc has always been feared, letting his Incubus side out to play more than he probably should. It takes the courage of a badass, submissive to bring out his Angelic Master side.
Hill is a master at taking her readers on a journey they thought they were ready for but weren't. This story took me to so many places. I soared high and fell low with tragedy, only to be uplifted by hope. I love how she wove her various worlds together and tells a story of not only love but a tale that will change the Vampire world forever.
Another amazing chapter in the Vampire Queen series, a story that I won't forget anytime soon.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
Ruth was born weaker than most vampires, but she is as fierce as she is tender. A skilled fighter with a wild spirit. She's unique in her world, a vampire who desires a master but she'll only submit to one who will fight her and earn her submission.
When a fortune teller needs extra protection from those plotting evil, Ruth leaves her beloved Island Animal Sanctuary to guard her. She meets her match in Merc, while discovering so much more about the world and her place in it.
Merc has always been feared, letting his Incubus side out to play more than he probably should. It takes the courage of a badass, submissive to bring out his Angelic Master side.
Hill is a master at taking her readers on a journey they thought they were ready for but weren't. This story took me to so many places. I soared high and fell low with tragedy, only to be uplifted by hope. I love how she wove her various worlds together and tells a story of not only love but a tale that will change the Vampire world forever.
Another amazing chapter in the Vampire Queen series, a story that I won't forget anytime soon.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
April 6, 2025
Epic Emotional Hot
An intensely emotional journey of learning to love and be loved for who you are. I cried a lot. Not going to give any spoilers it is so much more rewarding to gradually come to know the characters as the story develops.
Really loved the two MC’s interactions, Ruth a submissive vampire and Merc part incubus part angel what a lethal combination. Some seriously hot scenes.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Para romance and BDSM genres.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the 18th book in the Vampire Queen Series and the first I have read so there were a lot of characters I did not know from the earlier books. That being said it can be read as a standalone and it is a fantastic book. It is also the first I have read by Joey W. Hill but I will definitely be reading more. She creates wonderful characters that you get emotionally involved with.
An intensely emotional journey of learning to love and be loved for who you are. I cried a lot. Not going to give any spoilers it is so much more rewarding to gradually come to know the characters as the story develops.
Really loved the two MC’s interactions, Ruth a submissive vampire and Merc part incubus part angel what a lethal combination. Some seriously hot scenes.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Para romance and BDSM genres.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the 18th book in the Vampire Queen Series and the first I have read so there were a lot of characters I did not know from the earlier books. That being said it can be read as a standalone and it is a fantastic book. It is also the first I have read by Joey W. Hill but I will definitely be reading more. She creates wonderful characters that you get emotionally involved with.
Read
September 27, 2024It's always a great pleasure to return to this universe. Joey's plot and characters never disappoint. The paranormal circus universe in this book was really interesting, as was the hunt for the Trads.
The only downside I have is that I would have preferred this plot to be told without the introduction of a new couple. I would have liked to spend more time with the two main characters, getting to know them at the same time as they get to know each other. Joey is excellent at psychological analysis, and I wish there was more of it.
However, know that I was not bored for a second, it was really nice to see all the characters from the series again, especially Lyssa and Caleb.
The only downside I have is that I would have preferred this plot to be told without the introduction of a new couple. I would have liked to spend more time with the two main characters, getting to know them at the same time as they get to know each other. Joey is excellent at psychological analysis, and I wish there was more of it.
However, know that I was not bored for a second, it was really nice to see all the characters from the series again, especially Lyssa and Caleb.
Read
May 9, 2025I would start with book one of the series I kind of started with this one. It’s book 18 but it’s a hot vampire romance and you won’t wanna miss it a good steamy so turn out the lights and find a cozy place in the dark on the couch, it is a must read page Turner. It will keep you interested. The characters are magnificent. They just draw you in the world building just brings you into their world. It’s fantastic and the storyline is amazing. I would highly recommend this book and quite frankly looking forward to book 19.
August 18, 2024
wow
Not as much laughter and definitely a lot of tears. This book made me feel all of the emotions. It’s not a light read. Merc and Ruth face so many challenges, internal and external.
I loved the flow of the book and the action. In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any book by Joey W. Hill but really enjoy when her works intersect and crossover. So many wonderful characters reappear in this book. I can’t wait for her next release.
Not as much laughter and definitely a lot of tears. This book made me feel all of the emotions. It’s not a light read. Merc and Ruth face so many challenges, internal and external.
I loved the flow of the book and the action. In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any book by Joey W. Hill but really enjoy when her works intersect and crossover. So many wonderful characters reappear in this book. I can’t wait for her next release.
August 21, 2024
Speechless! I loved this book and had one heck of a book hangover after this one. I cried and it take a special book to make me cry. I was glued to it and did not want it to end. Oh there are a couple of parts I had to re read just to make sure I read correctly.
Ruth and Merc together. Oh wow! The interaction between these two ... well mix a vampire and an angel/incubus mix and the result is explosive and dangerous. The end result is an HEA but the journey there is a tough one.
Ruth and Merc together. Oh wow! The interaction between these two ... well mix a vampire and an angel/incubus mix and the result is explosive and dangerous. The end result is an HEA but the journey there is a tough one.
August 29, 2024
Once again Joey transports you into a tale that carries you through every emotion--even some you didn't know existed! Fans of the Vampire Queen series will love seeing so many previous main characters reappear and new fans will be rushing to buy the backlist.
Ruth and Merc's story will destroy and rebuild you!
"Love can kill you. Hate can force you to live. But only the one that can kill you is worth living for."
Ruth and Merc's story will destroy and rebuild you!
"Love can kill you. Hate can force you to live. But only the one that can kill you is worth living for."
September 3, 2024
Where's the 10*star possibility? But for real.
Heart-piercing loss, overwhelming love and everything inbetween.
So much care to write this story, all the details and not getting lost in them but living in it. From the first word until the last, every single one kept me in this world. To be angry, devastated, murdurous, happy, joyeus, in love. To celebrate and to cry. A lot.
But to feel hope too. Thank you for a wonderful world♡
Heart-piercing loss, overwhelming love and everything inbetween.
So much care to write this story, all the details and not getting lost in them but living in it. From the first word until the last, every single one kept me in this world. To be angry, devastated, murdurous, happy, joyeus, in love. To celebrate and to cry. A lot.
But to feel hope too. Thank you for a wonderful world♡
April 8, 2025
OMG… I am absolutely in love with this book! If you're into BDSM, extremely hot and passionate scenes and a flair for the twisted, you will LOVE!! Angels and vampires, a circus with a hella twist, kinky and hot as hell characters, drama, action, emotion (I cried people!!!!), it's ALL there!!! I am going to get ahold of every single book of hers. Absolutely awe struck.. I received an ARC (and damn am I happy I did!) and leave this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2024
WOW!
The only constant is change. The Vampire world is as effected as much if not more than humans. With their longevity they tend to resist change. This book is all about the circle of life and the changes that each stage brings. This story also deals with privilege and how despite it some things effect us all,
This book touched me deeply.
The only constant is change. The Vampire world is as effected as much if not more than humans. With their longevity they tend to resist change. This book is all about the circle of life and the changes that each stage brings. This story also deals with privilege and how despite it some things effect us all,
This book touched me deeply.
August 14, 2024
OMG I can't get enough of this series!
I fell in love with Ruth and Merc. I also cried again like I do in all these books in this series. Loved all the characters from the previous series showing up in this book and new ones. Thank you Joey Hill for being such an amazing Author!
I fell in love with Ruth and Merc. I also cried again like I do in all these books in this series. Loved all the characters from the previous series showing up in this book and new ones. Thank you Joey Hill for being such an amazing Author!
September 5, 2024
Ruth and Merc’s book was so incredible! The fight scenes, the love scenes, the devastating emotional scenes all made for one of my favourite Vampire Queen books. I really loved revisiting the characters from previous books, especially in the council scenes and also seeing what’s been happening in the Circus. Ruth and Merc are characters I hope to see in the future.
August 15, 2024
So amazingly good.
I love the characters in this series, and this book is the perfect next step in the series. As always, there is love and loss, which kept me up until I finished it. Brava, Ms Hill.
I love the characters in this series, and this book is the perfect next step in the series. As always, there is love and loss, which kept me up until I finished it. Brava, Ms Hill.
September 8, 2024
I love Joey Hill and the Vampire series has been my all time favorite for as long as she has been publishing them. This one hurt my soul. I absolutely loved it and Joey Hill as always creates an amazing world and story. But I will be grieving for a while on this book.
September 13, 2024
Love this book
I love this book I love joey hill and everything she writes this book I laughed I cried I really cried Some of the best characters lost their lives in this book For a Read this Read this 1 Read this 1 you'll love ITIT's fantastic
I love this book I love joey hill and everything she writes this book I laughed I cried I really cried Some of the best characters lost their lives in this book For a Read this Read this 1 Read this 1 you'll love ITIT's fantastic
August 14, 2024
Book XVIII in the Vampire Queen series 🤩
Intensely emotional and exquisitely beautiful ❤️🔥
I absolutely LOVED it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Intensely emotional and exquisitely beautiful ❤️🔥
I absolutely LOVED it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 6, 2025
Wow this is quick a story. With elaborate world building and a large cast of characters, it took me a while ro get into it but once I did I didn't want to put it down. Brilliant read.
March 10, 2025
Another wonderful story from Joey W. Hill continuing her epic vampire queen series.
February 22, 2026
SPOILERS: I like to include characters and share my emotions when reviewing a book by @JoeyHill. I don't even realize I'm giving you too much information. Trust that this book is phenomenal, and make sure you have read the previous VQS books, Mermaid's Ransom, and Medusa's Heart FIRST!!!
I must apologize to Joey Hill, because (1) I neither read your books late, nor wait this long to write a review. I also had never read "Medusa's Heart." I've been missing some storylines, and lo and behold, they were here! Considering that there's an excerpt at the end of "Mermaid's Ransom" that involves the two characters I wondered about ... UGH, no answer, sorry! Clara and Marcellus have the best pound cake scene (an all-time favorite) 😁 and it's worth (re)reading!! So, take a day or two and read "Mermaid's Ransom" as well! I am obviously forgetting some reference from another book.
Here is another usual delay in completing a Joey Hill masterpiece. I jump around from book to book re-reading favorite scenes or reminding myself of some backstory. At the mention of Rhoswen and Tabor, I had to leave "MH" and go read one of my top five VQS scenes in "Bound by the Vampire Queen," Samhain...Oh, goodness, so much sobbing! Who knew this would be a precursor?!?
Have a box of tissues handy!!! At one point, I had to put the book down and take a break for a couple of days ... I was that distraught.
Seriously, stop reading if you don't want to learn something you shouldn't!
I ALWAYS get sidetracked and have to go and revisit with characters. At the mention of Cai and Rand (a deep sad sigh) ... "Vampire's Soul" haunts me as does "Vampire Instinct," which I believe is as ESSENTIAL to read before "Vampire's Choice," along with "Medusa's Heart " and "Vampire Guardian." You have to have backstory!! "Vampire Instinct" will leave you raw as will "Vampire's Choice," so if you haven't read any VQS, STOP AND START AT THE BEGINNING 😘
OK
I have now read Medusa's Heart, reread Vampire Guardian, reread scenes from Bound By A Vampire Queen and Mermaid's Ransom and have finally begun Vampire's Choice. As many times as I re-read Joey's books, I will never re-read "Vampire's Soul" in its entirety. It haunts me to this day, as does "Vampire Instinct."
REAL SPOILERS
Ohh, Joey, your muse was definitely in a cruel, cruel mood. Over a month later, I am still heartbroken ... over fictional characters. You are a master storyteller.
God, so many horrible memories, Cain, Farida, and John at the mall; Kai and Rand rescuing Dovia; Rand's family; my sweet Jeremiah ... then BAM, like HOLY FUCKING SHIT "BAM!" WTF, Joey?
"Vampire's Choice" lives up to a quote from "Vampire's Soul," "Life was like that. Made up of love and loss, and wisdom so hard-earned it rode hand-in-hand with guilt, regret, and nightmares."
And, of course, half a dissertation later, and I still haven't written about this book 🤪
Irrelevant side note: I was a wee bit disappointed, because there were several setups for a fabulous Lyssaism, but we never got one 😪 I could have used a chuckle or two.
This story is so much more than an HEA for Ruth and Merc. This world that Joey has built is brilliant and complicated. This story started in VQS #3 with Danny and Dev, and oh, poor Eliza. Such a cruel life. Loved twice, lost both BRUTALLY, plus the children, then Adan's kidnapping. She only had 80 years with Mal; she deserved so much more!!
Mal and Eliza ... to die like that? John and Farida, their love story will be more epic than Mason and Jessica's. I am a bit confused as to their ages and the timing of the mall story. When I retire, I'll catalogue the characters as a "thank you" to Joey 😜
Merc and Ruth are so sweet together. I never would have thought I would ever use the word "sweet" to describe Merc 😂
A quote for the ages, "... love doesn't have to make sense to anyone but the people involved."
For those in Heaven, "It doesn't matter what world they're in. They're with you. Nothing severs that bond. You ride in the same hunt, side by side, always."
Now my mind is back to Samhain...
Be prepared, be very prepared 😭
I must apologize to Joey Hill, because (1) I neither read your books late, nor wait this long to write a review. I also had never read "Medusa's Heart." I've been missing some storylines, and lo and behold, they were here! Considering that there's an excerpt at the end of "Mermaid's Ransom" that involves the two characters I wondered about ... UGH, no answer, sorry! Clara and Marcellus have the best pound cake scene (an all-time favorite) 😁 and it's worth (re)reading!! So, take a day or two and read "Mermaid's Ransom" as well! I am obviously forgetting some reference from another book.
Here is another usual delay in completing a Joey Hill masterpiece. I jump around from book to book re-reading favorite scenes or reminding myself of some backstory. At the mention of Rhoswen and Tabor, I had to leave "MH" and go read one of my top five VQS scenes in "Bound by the Vampire Queen," Samhain...Oh, goodness, so much sobbing! Who knew this would be a precursor?!?
Have a box of tissues handy!!! At one point, I had to put the book down and take a break for a couple of days ... I was that distraught.
Seriously, stop reading if you don't want to learn something you shouldn't!
I ALWAYS get sidetracked and have to go and revisit with characters. At the mention of Cai and Rand (a deep sad sigh) ... "Vampire's Soul" haunts me as does "Vampire Instinct," which I believe is as ESSENTIAL to read before "Vampire's Choice," along with "Medusa's Heart " and "Vampire Guardian." You have to have backstory!! "Vampire Instinct" will leave you raw as will "Vampire's Choice," so if you haven't read any VQS, STOP AND START AT THE BEGINNING 😘
OK
I have now read Medusa's Heart, reread Vampire Guardian, reread scenes from Bound By A Vampire Queen and Mermaid's Ransom and have finally begun Vampire's Choice. As many times as I re-read Joey's books, I will never re-read "Vampire's Soul" in its entirety. It haunts me to this day, as does "Vampire Instinct."
REAL SPOILERS
Ohh, Joey, your muse was definitely in a cruel, cruel mood. Over a month later, I am still heartbroken ... over fictional characters. You are a master storyteller.
God, so many horrible memories, Cain, Farida, and John at the mall; Kai and Rand rescuing Dovia; Rand's family; my sweet Jeremiah ... then BAM, like HOLY FUCKING SHIT "BAM!" WTF, Joey?
"Vampire's Choice" lives up to a quote from "Vampire's Soul," "Life was like that. Made up of love and loss, and wisdom so hard-earned it rode hand-in-hand with guilt, regret, and nightmares."
And, of course, half a dissertation later, and I still haven't written about this book 🤪
Irrelevant side note: I was a wee bit disappointed, because there were several setups for a fabulous Lyssaism, but we never got one 😪 I could have used a chuckle or two.
This story is so much more than an HEA for Ruth and Merc. This world that Joey has built is brilliant and complicated. This story started in VQS #3 with Danny and Dev, and oh, poor Eliza. Such a cruel life. Loved twice, lost both BRUTALLY, plus the children, then Adan's kidnapping. She only had 80 years with Mal; she deserved so much more!!
Mal and Eliza ... to die like that? John and Farida, their love story will be more epic than Mason and Jessica's. I am a bit confused as to their ages and the timing of the mall story. When I retire, I'll catalogue the characters as a "thank you" to Joey 😜
Merc and Ruth are so sweet together. I never would have thought I would ever use the word "sweet" to describe Merc 😂
A quote for the ages, "... love doesn't have to make sense to anyone but the people involved."
For those in Heaven, "It doesn't matter what world they're in. They're with you. Nothing severs that bond. You ride in the same hunt, side by side, always."
Now my mind is back to Samhain...
Be prepared, be very prepared 😭
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