What do you think?
Rate this book
Consortium Trilogy #3
Melting Darkness
Ben and his new mate, Leon, left the safety of Alaska so Leon could learn to live with humans and gain more control over his lust for blood. They arrive in Eureka and stay with Ben’s friends Lucas and Brennan, another mated vampire couple. They plan to slowly expose Leon to humans and let him adjust to the constant need that haunts him.
Lucas has always avoided contact with The Twelve. That changes when Brennan is taken by a group of vampires intent on destroying one mate while capturing the other. After waiting several human lifetimes to find his mate, Lucas won’t sit back and lose Brennan. They’re all forced to seek out The Twelve, the ancient vampires who rule over all others.
When they reach the hidden fortress of the Consortium, they soon realize there’s more going on than they ever could have imagined. They’re forced to become the hunters through an unfamiliar landscape where not only are they the predators, but quite possibly the prey. #vampire, #fated mates #Gay paranormal romance
Lucas has always avoided contact with The Twelve. That changes when Brennan is taken by a group of vampires intent on destroying one mate while capturing the other. After waiting several human lifetimes to find his mate, Lucas won’t sit back and lose Brennan. They’re all forced to seek out The Twelve, the ancient vampires who rule over all others.
When they reach the hidden fortress of the Consortium, they soon realize there’s more going on than they ever could have imagined. They’re forced to become the hunters through an unfamiliar landscape where not only are they the predators, but quite possibly the prey. #vampire, #fated mates #Gay paranormal romance
- GenresParanormal
Unknown Binding
Published May 4, 2024
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 20, 2024
This is the third in the series and has plenty of action and drama along with some twists that kept my interest until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2024
enjoyable book
May 19, 2024
Melting Darkness is the third book in the Consortium Trilogy. This is a wonderful continuation of the story. Ben and Leon are now with Lucas and Brennan. They're trying to help Leon learn how to control his blood lust. When Brennan is kidnapped, they must work together to get him back. Wonderful read. I was caught up from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2025
I love this book. Ben and Leon are staying with their friends Lucas and Brennen in Eureka. After Brennen is taken by a group of vampire who are intent on capturing one mate and destroying the other. They know the Consortium must be taken down. Will they survive to live the lives they always wanted?
July 15, 2024
Surrounded by Evil . . .
Vampire Ben is doing what he can to assist his new mate, Leon, in learning to adjust to his new life and the cravings it brings with it. This means developing the ability to exist among humans without losing control and seeking their blood. Mates Lucas and Brennan, friends of Ben, have been doing what they can to help. However, there is something else going on that will threaten all of them. The vampire Consortium, the ruling council who has turned corrupt, has its own nefarious plans and sets them up in order to lure Lucas into their clutches. How will the friends respond to this blatant action and all of the lies? Can they go up against the evil ones and succeed? Or will they find help when they need it most?
The storyline is exciting and well-written. The story itself draws the reader in, and the characters will soon win your heart. Grab your copy and share the excitement as the good guys are pitted against absolute evil!
Vampire Ben is doing what he can to assist his new mate, Leon, in learning to adjust to his new life and the cravings it brings with it. This means developing the ability to exist among humans without losing control and seeking their blood. Mates Lucas and Brennan, friends of Ben, have been doing what they can to help. However, there is something else going on that will threaten all of them. The vampire Consortium, the ruling council who has turned corrupt, has its own nefarious plans and sets them up in order to lure Lucas into their clutches. How will the friends respond to this blatant action and all of the lies? Can they go up against the evil ones and succeed? Or will they find help when they need it most?
The storyline is exciting and well-written. The story itself draws the reader in, and the characters will soon win your heart. Grab your copy and share the excitement as the good guys are pitted against absolute evil!
June 16, 2025
Overall 5 STARS
Performance 5 STARS
Story 5 STARS
Oh my goodness I enjoyed listening to this series so much.
Such a thrilling ride from beginning to end! It was action packed with twists and turns that kept me on edge for more.
I am sad that this series is over but I absolutely loved the ending :)
I loved having Lucas and Ben together with their mates for the final story and we get to meet some new friends as well as say hello to old friends.
Guy Veryzer did a fabulous job bringing this story to life. His voice works very well for paranormal stories.
I would have liked less spacing between chapters but this is just an editing issue and maybe some people like long gaps between their chapters.
Even though you don't have to read / listen from the beginning I would recommend that you do because it will enhance your enjoyment.
Performance 5 STARS
Story 5 STARS
Oh my goodness I enjoyed listening to this series so much.
Such a thrilling ride from beginning to end! It was action packed with twists and turns that kept me on edge for more.
I am sad that this series is over but I absolutely loved the ending :)
I loved having Lucas and Ben together with their mates for the final story and we get to meet some new friends as well as say hello to old friends.
Guy Veryzer did a fabulous job bringing this story to life. His voice works very well for paranormal stories.
I would have liked less spacing between chapters but this is just an editing issue and maybe some people like long gaps between their chapters.
Even though you don't have to read / listen from the beginning I would recommend that you do because it will enhance your enjoyment.
May 20, 2024
I loved how strong these men are together and how much they care for the safety of each other. The fact that they were going against what they always knew to save the lives of others was amazing. I really like how smart and strong Ben is with his love and need his fated mate, and Lucas also wants his fated mate to be safe and alive through the awful interaction. In the end they helped destroy the evil twelve who had used their power to hurt and destroy many. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who likes mm adventures of old ways being made new.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2025
This is the third book in the Consortium Trilogy. This book is as interesting as the other two. This book is a continuation of the whole story. Ben works for the Consortium and is living in Alaska with his new mate Leon. Ben decides to take Leon to Eureka to visit with his friends and fellow vampires Lucas and Brennan. Leon needs to learn how to control his blood lust when around humans. They run into problems are are on the run trying to figure out what is right and who is right. Will Ben and Leon find what they are looking for??.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2024
Ben and Leon have left their home and safety in order to expose Ben to more human in order to help him learn to control himself.
They're staying with Lucas and Brennan who have agreed to help.
Of course nothing is ever simple with the Consortium involved and this time they've gone too far, stooping to using the mates as bait.
They get help from some new players, Euan, Josh and Angelique.
There's lots of fast paced action, danger, drama and lots of twists and turns that had me racing to the last page.
They're staying with Lucas and Brennan who have agreed to help.
Of course nothing is ever simple with the Consortium involved and this time they've gone too far, stooping to using the mates as bait.
They get help from some new players, Euan, Josh and Angelique.
There's lots of fast paced action, danger, drama and lots of twists and turns that had me racing to the last page.
June 12, 2025
Great series finale!
All loosed ends are tied up as the two fated couples from the previous books stand up to the Consortium, the group of ancient vampires that rule and submit all vampires. Things are not always what the four of them believed to be and as Lucas, Brennan, Ben and Leon prepare to face the Consortium, they gather new friends and allies and reveal a lot of secrets along the process.
A great mix of fated-mates love and action, this last book, performed by Guy Veryzer, is an excellent ending to a very interesting series.
All loosed ends are tied up as the two fated couples from the previous books stand up to the Consortium, the group of ancient vampires that rule and submit all vampires. Things are not always what the four of them believed to be and as Lucas, Brennan, Ben and Leon prepare to face the Consortium, they gather new friends and allies and reveal a lot of secrets along the process.
A great mix of fated-mates love and action, this last book, performed by Guy Veryzer, is an excellent ending to a very interesting series.
May 13, 2024
This is book three of the trilogy and what a great finish to it, Ben and Leon as well as Lucas and Brennan are confronted by Euan and told about how the consortium been abusing their powers and that they are being hunted, they will either have to keep running until caught or destroy the consortium. The story is action packed and the outcome is good, I’d love to know what happens to Euan, Jorah and Angelique and if they can make thing’s better after the consortium. Great read.
May 17, 2024
This is the third book in the Consortium Trilogy and every page is full of drama, danger and love. Ben is trying to help Leon be around humans without blood lust, with the help of Lucas and Brennan. The twelve, the vampire ruling council has more devious plans for the vampire population. The twelve have caused so much damage over the centuries, killed or imprisoned their own kind their rule has to end. This book keeps you wondering until the end who you can trust.
May 18, 2024
This is a well written book with strong characters and an intriguing storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes. She kept me glued to the pages with the drama, danger, mystery and romance. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific conclusion to the trilogy.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
June 14, 2025
This is the conclusion to the series and what an end it is! It was part the end I expected and part not the end I expected. Characters from earlier in the series are present once more.
To understand the full scope of this book I would strongly recommend to read in order.
Narration:
Guy is for this book and series a very good narrator. The way he uses his voice fits these older and ancient characters.
I was kindly gifted a code for this book vua Bookbub/ the author.
To understand the full scope of this book I would strongly recommend to read in order.
Narration:
Guy is for this book and series a very good narrator. The way he uses his voice fits these older and ancient characters.
I was kindly gifted a code for this book vua Bookbub/ the author.
May 17, 2024
Interesting Ending
We finally get the ending of this trilogy and it was worth the wait. The story was so interesting and very entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
We finally get the ending of this trilogy and it was worth the wait. The story was so interesting and very entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
May 18, 2024
Wow, the ancient Twelve are no longer in charge. The vampires within and outside their lair are rising against them. No more abuse of vampires. Our fated couples fight for their love and their future. And who guessed Euans history?
May 17, 2024
really enjoying this series of Consortium Trilogy … book 3 “Melting Darkness” by BL Maxwell was great 😊
May 27, 2024
Ben, Lucas and their mates have found out that The Twelve who are suppose to protect are lying. Now they must right a wrong before it's to late. I really enjoyed this book.
June 11, 2024
Love this book! Mystery, Intrigue and a love story beyond the norm. Who could ask for more? Going to read it again.
June 30, 2025
A strong finale to the Consortium Trilogy. The narration captures both the tension and the deep bonds between the vampire mates. Action, romance, and vampire intrigue—this short audiobook packs in everything paranormal romance fans will love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2025
I just listened to Cold Blood, Warm Heart and wasn't crazy about it because it felt too much like filler and I wanted to see them interact with Ben's friends. I liked this story much better. Ben and Leon's actions were more substantial. And Lucas and Brennan were much more present and involved. I liked how Guy Veryzer did Heughen's Scottish accent. The story had more action, suspense, and danger.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 3 stars
Story: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 3 stars
Story: 4 stars
June 23, 2025
The narrator brought this already amazing story to life!!
The characters and story became biigger and more intricate with each chapter read!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters and story became biigger and more intricate with each chapter read!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2024
Overall, I think this is a good ending to the series. We have now seen two couples, each a fated mate pair, and how they came together, but we have also read the suspicious goings on in regards to the Consortium.
We're back in Eureka with Lucas and Brennan who have Ben and Leon staying as guests but Leon is really struggling with blood thirst. While the group are trying to help him they are set upon and they find out the Consortium's plans for mated pairs. With the help of Euan, someone Ben has worked with for the Consortium, they decide to fight back and make their way to face the Twelve.
I always enjoy seeing a couple after their HEA. Lucas and Brennan were still loving hard on each other but Leon's struggles have been worrying everyone about bringing the Consortium to them if he were to lose control. It's an interesting dynamic with the four of them now together. Ben has the most experience with the big bad Consortium while Lucas just wants to keep away from them. Brennan has really come into his own as a vampire and his sweet, caring nature still manages to shine through.
The final act for the group has them heading towards the Consortium to deal with everything once and for all, but along the way, more horrors and deceptions are revealed. This brings even more danger to everyone involved but it's a case of helping to end things or wait to be killed. Slightly morbid but it makes for a good story. There are some fairly gorey moments as they take the fight to them and some interesting characters introduced, some I'd be interested to read more about, especially Euan after they spend so much time with him.
I think this is my favourite of the trilogy as this book brings the story arc to a close. It has been built up across the three books and has a well written ending.
We're back in Eureka with Lucas and Brennan who have Ben and Leon staying as guests but Leon is really struggling with blood thirst. While the group are trying to help him they are set upon and they find out the Consortium's plans for mated pairs. With the help of Euan, someone Ben has worked with for the Consortium, they decide to fight back and make their way to face the Twelve.
I always enjoy seeing a couple after their HEA. Lucas and Brennan were still loving hard on each other but Leon's struggles have been worrying everyone about bringing the Consortium to them if he were to lose control. It's an interesting dynamic with the four of them now together. Ben has the most experience with the big bad Consortium while Lucas just wants to keep away from them. Brennan has really come into his own as a vampire and his sweet, caring nature still manages to shine through.
The final act for the group has them heading towards the Consortium to deal with everything once and for all, but along the way, more horrors and deceptions are revealed. This brings even more danger to everyone involved but it's a case of helping to end things or wait to be killed. Slightly morbid but it makes for a good story. There are some fairly gorey moments as they take the fight to them and some interesting characters introduced, some I'd be interested to read more about, especially Euan after they spend so much time with him.
I think this is my favourite of the trilogy as this book brings the story arc to a close. It has been built up across the three books and has a well written ending.
May 19, 2024
Having now been living almost entirely in Lucas and Brennan's home for the last month, needing a haven in Eureka after they left Alaska, Ben and Leon are about to make their first tentative steps outside, for the sake of Leon. He is desperate to learn how to control his desire for blood and he needs to feed, he can't live on the synthetic blood the others can drink.
The plan is to take it a step at a time. Step one is to go into the forest where Leon can hunt wildlife and be well away from humans. Step two is to go to the waterfront, after dark, when the humans will be home but their scents will remain. Brennan, Lucas' mate, hopes this will help Leon adjust, he wants the best for Leon as much as Leon's mate does, they've become good friends.
All is working reasonably well until they are ambushed on the waterfront and Brennan is taken. After they all give chase Leon rescues Brennan and they interrogate one of those who ambushed them. What they learn is horrifying and forces them to seek out The Twelve. The ancient vampires who rule over their kind, vampires who they learn have become corrupt, this becomes all the clearer when they reach the Consortium and find themselves both hunter and prey. When the life of your fated mate, your best friends, you kind and humanity are all under threat is there anything you won't do?
An absolutely thrilling conclusion to the Consortium Trilogy which answers many of the questions that have been raised through all three books, leave us possibilities to work out for ourselves and a very satisfying ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plan is to take it a step at a time. Step one is to go into the forest where Leon can hunt wildlife and be well away from humans. Step two is to go to the waterfront, after dark, when the humans will be home but their scents will remain. Brennan, Lucas' mate, hopes this will help Leon adjust, he wants the best for Leon as much as Leon's mate does, they've become good friends.
All is working reasonably well until they are ambushed on the waterfront and Brennan is taken. After they all give chase Leon rescues Brennan and they interrogate one of those who ambushed them. What they learn is horrifying and forces them to seek out The Twelve. The ancient vampires who rule over their kind, vampires who they learn have become corrupt, this becomes all the clearer when they reach the Consortium and find themselves both hunter and prey. When the life of your fated mate, your best friends, you kind and humanity are all under threat is there anything you won't do?
An absolutely thrilling conclusion to the Consortium Trilogy which answers many of the questions that have been raised through all three books, leave us possibilities to work out for ourselves and a very satisfying ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2025
Having now been living almost entirely in Lucas and Brennan's home for the last month, needing a haven in Eureka after they left Alaska, Ben and Leon are about to make their first tentative steps outside, for the sake of Leon. He is desperate to learn how to control his desire for blood and he needs to feed, he can't live on the synthetic blood the others can drink.
The plan is to take it a step at a time. Step one is to go into the forest where Leon can hunt wildlife and be well away from humans. Step two is to go to the waterfront, after dark, when the humans will be home but their scents will remain. Brennan, Lucas' mate, hopes this will help Leon adjust, he wants the best for Leon as much as Leon's mate does, they've become good friends.
All is working reasonably well until they are ambushed on the waterfront and Brennan is taken. After they all give chase Leon rescues Brennan and they interrogate one of those who ambushed them. What they learn is horrifying and forces them to seek out The Twelve. The ancient vampires who rule over their kind, vampires who they learn have become corrupt, this becomes all the clearer when they reach the Consortium and find themselves both hunter and prey. When the life of your fated mate, your best friends, you kind and humanity are all under threat is there anything you won't do?
An absolutely thrilling conclusion to the Consortium Trilogy which answers many of the questions that have been raised through all three books, leave us possibilities to work out for ourselves and a very satisfying ending.
The plan is to take it a step at a time. Step one is to go into the forest where Leon can hunt wildlife and be well away from humans. Step two is to go to the waterfront, after dark, when the humans will be home but their scents will remain. Brennan, Lucas' mate, hopes this will help Leon adjust, he wants the best for Leon as much as Leon's mate does, they've become good friends.
All is working reasonably well until they are ambushed on the waterfront and Brennan is taken. After they all give chase Leon rescues Brennan and they interrogate one of those who ambushed them. What they learn is horrifying and forces them to seek out The Twelve. The ancient vampires who rule over their kind, vampires who they learn have become corrupt, this becomes all the clearer when they reach the Consortium and find themselves both hunter and prey. When the life of your fated mate, your best friends, you kind and humanity are all under threat is there anything you won't do?
An absolutely thrilling conclusion to the Consortium Trilogy which answers many of the questions that have been raised through all three books, leave us possibilities to work out for ourselves and a very satisfying ending.
June 14, 2025
This is the conclusion to the series and what an end it is! It was part the end I expected and part not the end I expected. Characters from earlier in the series are present once more.
To understand the full scope of this book I would strongly recommend to read in order.
Narration for audiobook
Guy is for this book and series a very good narrator. The way he uses his voice fits these older and ancient vampires/ beings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
To understand the full scope of this book I would strongly recommend to read in order.
Narration for audiobook
Guy is for this book and series a very good narrator. The way he uses his voice fits these older and ancient vampires/ beings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. Evil beings coming out from behind years of evil doings only to be stopped by others of their kind. Good vampires tracked down and put an end to the evil while also keeping their mates safe is a wonderful way to be. I was able to listen to this story and that made it even better. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm love stories and with a little danger on the side.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2024
Euan, an ancient Scottish warrior vampire, the very first vampire in Skara Brae for Samhain
What great book! I usually shy away from the gay vampire genre, but I'm sure glad I read this amazing story! BL Maxwell outdid herself with this heavy hitting tale. The world-building is phenomenal and the characters are well-developed and used well. The imagery is richly and masterfully painted. The storyline is captivating, fascinating, and moves in an even, quick manner. Ain't nuthin' wrong with this at all! Recommended!
What great book! I usually shy away from the gay vampire genre, but I'm sure glad I read this amazing story! BL Maxwell outdid herself with this heavy hitting tale. The world-building is phenomenal and the characters are well-developed and used well. The imagery is richly and masterfully painted. The storyline is captivating, fascinating, and moves in an even, quick manner. Ain't nuthin' wrong with this at all! Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews