Blood Match

Vampire-Cursed #1

by B.E. Brouillard

You know that voice inside your head?
Well, lately that voice isn’t mine – and it’s terrifying me.

My family are all super powerful magic wielders. But me? I suck. Big time.
I’m so useless that my familiar just left me in disgust,
And the last spell I cast turned someone navy blue.
As witches go, I’m the worst, which is great, because it means that I can hide in plain sight. Those bastard vampires can’t find me if I have no magic running through my veins. There are plenty of downsides to having no power, but this isn’t one of them.

Then he gets inside my mind.
A dreaded vampire. The worst scourge there is.
Thanks to an ancient curse, they’re my clan’s mortal enemy.
I didn’t think I could hate them more, but after what happened to us a year ago, I do…with every fiber of my being. Just hearing him in my thoughts makes me feel like I’m betraying my species. But it’s happening, and I can’t make it stop. Not with my pathetic excuse for magic powers.

Now he’s hunting me, because everyone knows that witches are the only true blood source for those undead fiends. Every last one of them is a bloodthirsty killer. I know that when he finds me, he will drain me dry or keep me alive as a blood slave.
I’ll run. I’ll hide and then I’ll fight him to the death if I have to.

But when we finally face off, it isn’t at all what I expected – it’s so much worse…

“Blood Match” is the first book in Vampire-Cursed, a series of interlinked paranormal romance stories. If you like vampires, witches, and just a touch of psychic power, you’re going to love “Blood Match.” HEAs are guaranteed (even if they have to work hard to get there). "Blood Match" is a duet and Book 1 ends on a major cliffhanger - but the anticipation will be worth it.

Note that this story is written for mature audiences only.

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2024

About the author

After two decades as a journalist, B.E. Brouillard made the leap to fiction. It was time to create the dark stories that had lurked in her mind for all those years. Tortured souls, flawed lovers, dysfunctional behavior...her characters are not for the faint-hearted. Having said that, many readers will find common ground with the less-than-perfect heroes of these stories. In spite of a mild case of cynicism, Brouillard remains a staunch romantic - Happily-Ever-Afters are guaranteed.

A child of the global village, Ms. Brouillard loves Paris, Africa, sushi, and champagne. When she's not wordsmithing dark debauchery, she spends time with her beautiful men, their German Shepherds, and her pack of killer ponies. Or drinking martinis with friends.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorBrouillard

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Match kicks off with the kind of chaotic witch‑energy that feels like someone took your average “I’m a disappointment to my magical family” trope and cranked it up until it started sparking. This heroine isn’t just underpowered—she’s magically hopeless in a way that would be funny if it weren’t also the only thing keeping her alive. Her familiar bailed. Her spells misfire like a toddler with finger paint. Her family is magical royalty and she’s… the navy‑blue‑people‑maker. It’s tragic. It’s hilarious. It’s very her.

And then the voice starts.

Not the inner monologue kind. Not the “I need more coffee” kind. No—this is a vampire in her head. A vampire she’s been raised to hate with the kind of generational fury usually reserved for feuding families and HOA disputes. Her clan’s mortal enemy. The monsters who destroyed everything a year ago. The creatures who see witches as walking blood bags. And now one of them is whispering in her mind like he owns the place.

The panic is real, and honestly? Valid.

She’s spent her whole life hiding behind her lack of magic because it’s the only thing that keeps the vampires from sniffing her out. But now this one—this infuriating, terrifying, too‑calm voice—is hunting her. And she’s convinced that when he finds her, she’ll end up drained, enslaved, or dead. So she runs. She hides. She prepares to fight even though her magic is basically a cosmic joke.

But when they finally collide, everything she thought she knew shatters. He isn’t the monster she expected. He’s worse—because he’s complicated. Because he sees her. Because the connection between them is something ancient and dangerous and absolutely not allowed. And because the truth of why he’s in her head is so much bigger than either of them.

The tension between them is electric in that “I hate you, I fear you, I might kiss you or stab you depending on the next sentence” way that Brouillard does so well. Their dynamic is messy, psychic, intimate, and laced with the kind of slow‑burn dread that makes your stomach flip. And just when you think you’ve found your footing, the book yanks it out from under you with a cliffhanger that feels like someone ripped the last page out of your hands mid‑sentence.

This is a story about a witch who thinks she’s powerless and a vampire who’s anything but, tangled together by a curse older than their hatred. It’s sharp, funny, tense, and deliciously chaotic—the perfect start to a duet that promises to get darker, deeper, and even more unhinged before the HEA finally lands.

[Vasare Kesaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galvojau kiek čia duoti tų ⭐️, bet kažkaip daug nesikabinėjau, nors tikrai būtų galima prie ko.
Lengvai susiskaitė, po visų reading slump’ų matyt man to ir reikėjo, kas neapkrautų galvos. Taip ir buvo 👌🏼

[Joana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very little plot, but so smutty it made me giggle! The cliffhanger :O

[Michele D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out promising...

...then became my least favorite plot. Instead of communicating and becoming a team to fight the evil that is lurking, they keep getting pushed apart by stubbornness and completely thoughtless reactions. I don't even know if I care how this gets fixed enough to read book 2

[Krystal Skye H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you mean he caught on fire!?!

What a cliffhanger lol Hopefully she can bring him back? Like that can't be it, right?

I really enjoy the mind link that Rowan and Darick have. It makes things interesting, especially when they are in the same room together. On to the next book 🤠

[Jo Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a series! Mind you, there’s a massive cliffhanger which transparently can’t be real.

What I liked;
- The worlds and political intrigue of the witches and vampires is well written
- The way the confusion of hearing voices is handled initially was really engaging
- The blood match idea is a good one and something I hadn’t come across before
- Darrick’s character. I really liked him and his vampy ways.

What I didn’t like so much;
- the plot relies heavily on mis-communication which is OK to a point but does get wearisome IMHO
- Rowan’s chapters seem to be written from a much younger perspective (she is supposed to be 26 but sounds more like 18 or 19). Rowan as a character is very self-centred and quick to anger… I think this is one of the things that makes her seem immature. By the end of the book I found myself thinking ‘come on girl, don’t jump to conclusions, let him speak’. I wanted to shake her. I really hope she grows up a bit in the next one.
- There are a fair few minor grammatical errors, so be aware if this winds you up.

I liked the writing style and found myself gripped, wanting to know what happened next. It was honestly hard to put down. I’m going straight on to book two!

Minus one star for overused miscommunication and minus a half for the discrepancy between Rowan’s actual age and apparent age.

3.5 stars, rounded to 4 for Goodreads

[Katie Wilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Match by B.E. Brouillard
Overall Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level 🔥🔥🔥

Genres/Tropes
• Paranormal Romance
• Enemies to lovers

This book sucked me in! No pun intended. I read a lot of vampire and witch books and there are only so many things you can do with them. I was very pleased to see a new spin on the lore with Blood Match. Now this one does end in a cliffhanger that you are going to want to k!ll the author for. But she only is making us wait a month so try to refrain! Side note. The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous!

[Boho Beannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off strong and then they couldn’t have a conversation or trust themselves. Too much angst. The book ends on a cliffhanger that you know can’t be true. No interest in continuing the series

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a compelling read.
I got hooked from the first page and could not put it down.
I loved Rowan. She loved her family deeply, but felt like an outcast, like she wasn’t good enough.
Darick has been alive (or should I day undead) for a millennia, but he needs help, a way to fix what is wrong.
This is such a good read and there is still so much to uncover in this world.
I really hope that there will be more stories written after this arc is concluded.
The last thing I need to talk about is that cliffhanger. Wow oh wow. I will be biting my nails until I find out what happens next! What an ending!
5 stars!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blurb:
"You know that voice inside your head?
Well, lately that voice isn’t mine – and it’s terrifying me.

My family are all super powerful magic wielders. But me? I suck. Big time.
I’m so useless that my familiar just left me in disgust,
And the last spell I cast turned someone navy blue.
As witches go, I’m the worst, which is great, because it means that I can hide in plain sight. Those bastard vampires can’t find me if I have no magic running through my veins. There are plenty of downsides to having no power, but this isn’t one of them.

Then he gets inside my mind.
A dreaded vampire. The worst scourge there is.
Thanks to an ancient curse, they’re my clan’s mortal enemy.
I didn’t think I could hate them more, but after what happened to us a year ago, I do…with every fiber of my being. Just hearing him in my thoughts makes me feel like I’m betraying my species. But it’s happening, and I can’t make it stop. Not with my pathetic excuse for magic powers.

Now he’s hunting me, because everyone knows that witches are the only true blood source for those undead fiends. Every last one of them is a bloodthirsty killer. I know that when he finds me, he will drain me dry or keep me alive as a blood slave.
I’ll run. I’ll hide and then I’ll fight him to the death if I have to.

But when we finally face off, it isn’t at all what I expected – it’s so much worse…

“Blood Match” is the first book in Vampire-Cursed, a series of interlinked paranormal romance stories. If you like vampires, witches, and just a touch of psychic power, you’re going to love “Blood Match.” HEAs are guaranteed (even if they have to work hard to get there). “Blood Match” is a duet and Book 1 ends on a major cliffhanger – but the anticipation will be worth it.
Note that this story is written for mature audiences only."

Review:
Even though there's a disclaimer at the beginning about this ending on a cliff, I still wanted to throw my tablet. I spent most of the book hoping the cliff precipitating incident was XZY, so now super eager to see how that shakes out in book 2. Writing is engrossing and the MC relationship is entertaining, but be forewarned that IMHO several characters have mild to severe cases of TSTL.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read, great characters and the storyline was simply fantastic and I guarantee you’ll love it
This is a simply wonderful read and I guarantee that other readers will be as completely blown away by this book as myself and will most definitely be left looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
Rowan is a witch who is aware of her powers but also realises that she has to be prepared to accept that she is nothing like the rest of the family, she has even now started to hear strange voices that she has no association with and this is unnerving when you hear this in your head.
Darick is an ancient vampire who has been head of a clan for years but he is suffering from Bloodbane which has meant that he is feeling ill when he drinks blood, however if he does not do this, he would die drinking blood is what sustains him.
The interaction between them is simply wonderful and I guarantee that as the first book in these two parts mini-series that you will enjoy every moment of the book, the characters and the read is simply wonderful and I guarantee that you will be as captivated by this book as and when you read it as I am.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Vampire Romance

Blood Match is the first book in the Vampire Cursed series and follows Rowan, a witch whose sister has gone missing and has trouble with her magic and Darick, a Vampire who becomes enraptured with his 'little witch'.

The narrative is descriptive and engaging, allowing the reader to visualise the story. Rowan felt quite young to me, I had to keep remembering she wasn't a teenager. You're made to feel sympathy for her as she battles her feelings of failure by not being as strong as the rest of her family. Her growing connection with Darick is also something she is struggling to understand.

Darick is battling his own issues with a council member and doesn't agree with some of the things this member does. He's trying to find Proof, whilst also warring with his conflicting feelings about Rowan and doing what he can to keep her safe.

Themes of opposites attract and enemies to lovers add to the intriguing storyline, and the world building is complemented by a well-developed writing style.

Overall, Blood Match is a great start to an interesting series, and fans of Vampire Romance will enjoy sinking their teeth into this one

[Faith Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes & villains.

There's a clear cut & oh- so-easy-to-hate black hearted villain of the piece in Lucien. What is it about that name? It's been used in at least four books in that form, more if you add in Lucius. Vampires seem to have a very limited pool of names!

Be that as it may, this promises to be an interesting addition to vampire lore. It's been tackled in other books I've read but this draws a direct correlation between vampires & witches as significant others. This makes me very happy! It's very satisfying to see witch magic & vampire allure melded together to form a very pleasing whole. I'm very much looking forward to the journey that this series, hopefully, takes us on. It's off to a great start, especially with that epic cliffhanger. I'm hoping that it gets darker & more raw as the series progresses.

[FULVIA BELLINATO · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in new series , ends on a cliffhanger
Darick and Rowen can’t be more different: she’s a clumsy witch who can’t cast a spell to save her life and he’s a powerful ancient and respected vampire.
After a few fortuitous coincidences they realize an association might be beneficial to both of them even thou their races have been at odds forever
Will Rowen overcome her misconceptions about vampires and realize not all of them are monsters?
Will Darick be able to prove to her and her coven he’s not the bad guy?
Unfortunately we will have the answers in the next book, due at the end of August
As usual with this author’s writing, the story flies out of the pages and the captivated reader unerringly keeps on turning them one after another until the end.

[Purplegirl76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan is a witch with unpredictable magic, and Darick is a thousand-year-old vampire bored with life's repetition. Suddenly, they both start hearing a voice at inconvenient times. Unbeknownst to them, these mortal enemies are somehow connected. There must be a reason for this, but they must figure it out secretly. If they can learn to trust each other, they can help one another along the way.

"Blood Match" is an excellent beginning to a new series. It has everything: witches, vampires, magic, humor, and steamy scenes. The author does a fantastic job developing these likable characters and describing their internal struggles. The story also offers a lot of suspense and ends with a major cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn’t terrible but wasn’t good either. I would’ve enjoyed this book at 18ish or so but now all I found was that it’s lacking. The characters are not very developed and seem on dimensional. The author is telling you how they are more than showing you. The MMC is supposed to be this old vampire very good in battle, and to survive this long one has to be smart right? Wrong he is easily manipulated by his enemies and shows his cards easily . The MFC is a woe is me type which is annoying and really can’t keep a secret, and is just plain dumb, she reacts without considering the situation. And the characters are supposed to be adults in thier mid twenties but they act like 16 year olds. The world building is subpar, and I’m not a fan of the Insta love created by the blood bond

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the ml and fmls interactions at the start were cute with their bickering. Its so cute how gentle and needy he is with her. Interesting but obvious plot. I didnt like it being sorta like fated mates, where they are drawn to eachother without a choice. Theres no real falling in love, more of a instant mates enemies to lovers thing. The FML was self centered and annoying. She made her sisters disspearence all about herself and how powerless she is. Twisting the way her family sees her when its not true. Very short sighted and impulsive to the point it got annoying. Ans the ml is supposed to be powerful but keeps getting checkmatted

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic start to this new series! So much intrigue that kept me turning the pages! Darick and Rowan were both fantastic characters and I enjoyed getting to know them and the issues they both have going on. This was such an enjoyable and engaging story! That ending was something else and I can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[Lin Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this new series.
Rowan is a witch who has never been able to realise her full witchy powers and is very aware of how she compares to the rest of her family. She starts to hear a voice in her head but doesn’t recognise who it could be except it is very annoying.
Darick is an ancient vampire who is the head of his clan but he seems to have been stricken with Bloodbane which means he becomes ill when drinking blood which he also needs to survive. He starts hearing a woman's voice in his head which turns out to be a witch but strangely enough her blood seems to call to him.
The interaction between them both is brilliant and the storyline builds really well.
I know that this is a two part series but the cliffhanger was such a frustration so I am now desperate for book two!

[Jean Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

I should have quit reading after the first hundred pages, I kept thinking it would get better. Poor Rowan, I think “Poor Rowan” is her complete name. Little magic, Poor Rowan. Then there is Darik, he has Bloodbane. Ugh and I knew that Mia was being held captive. Too much angst, from Darik, Marcus and Poor Rowan. Ugh. Then it ends on a cliffhanger and no, I don’t want to know what happens. A waste of my time.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

horrible cliffhanger

I’m also completely out of patience with the wishy-washy FMC. Her insecurities and emotional irrational refusal to listen make it hard to care about her.
The 4 stars are for the well written plot and for having an interesting male protagonist. I will at least begin the next book, but if Rowan doesn’t show some rapid growth, I might not be able to tolerate her for long.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Read: I'm really enjoying the premise of this story. Love the back and forth between the characters. There was a little trouble pinpointing a time period to place the characters for me? It felt like an older period until I was told about cell phones and 'modern' conveniences. The ending made me mad because why didn't he just blurt out, "I don't have her", and see what else he could say from there.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a start to a duet!!! I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the mind bond they shared and I loved Darick!! She got on my nerves at times as she put herself down a lot, I can see why her sister lost patience at one point. And golly gosh what an ending!!! Need part two as soon as possible!!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Exactly Like Other Girls · Rating 1 out of 5]

Considered DNF seriously at about 60%. Wish I had.

MMC is easily manipulated by his nemesis, very annoying to read. FMC is bitter and jealous about having very little power and I don’t like her or her whining.

This was my second attempt. First time I opened the book, I closed and returned because I hate the MMC name. Come on. Darick? No matter how you spell it, Derick is a douchey name.

[KayCeeReads]

This wasn't for me. I found I was skimming paragraphs, too much description. Too much of Rowan stating how useless she was. And Poppy was actually talking out loud, not internally like familiars always have. I'm struggling imagining a squirrel speaking English with a squirrel mouth.
Dnf 32%

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise, there's a cliffhanger!

The author warns you in the beginning. You thought you understood. You weren't prepared for the budding relationship between the witch and her sworn enemy the elder vampire. Just when you thought things were working out, boom!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the story line. The dialogue was a bit over the top with how they spoke, but it was easily ignored in favor of the story. I only gave it 4 stars because the story was predictable. I am going to continue and read the rest of the series.

[Cathy Sonnenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series, very good

[Jasmine Wilkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

An addictive and compelling vampire x witch enemies story.
Not a massive fan of the writing style but enjoyed the plot and the ending was a shocker.

[Kelsie Gahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need the next book!!!

I know why i read 2000 and before books lol now i have to wait :(