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The BloodStone Legacy #2
Atonement
Aden thought nothing could be worse than killing the woman he loved. He's about to learn how wrong he was.
Three centuries of guilt.
Two souls reunited.
One chance to defy fate.
The second installment of The BloodStone Legacy—a dual POV, dark, seductive paranormal romance about destiny and the prices we pay for love powerful enough to transcend both death and time.
Dive into the darkness now—and discover why some loves are worth burning the world for
Atonement is the second book in The BloodStone Legacy series. Set in a dystopian future where vampires rule and humans are slaves, a vampire and human's forbidden love will either transform their blood-soaked world—or burn it to ash.
Books 1 and 2 of The BloodStone Legacy end on cliffhangers. Book 3 is a HEA.
With a shocking cliffhanger that will leave you breathless, look for the REDEPMTION, the explosive conclusion to the trilogy, arriving January 20, 2026.
Perfect for fans of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City, Scarlett St. Clair's Adrian X Isolde, Karina Halle's The Dracula Duet, and readers who crave their romance dark, passionate, and unforgettable with brooding anti-heroes paired with resilient heroines.
This book contains dark themes, including scenes that may be distressing to some readers. Be mindful of the trigger warnings. For a full list of content/trigger warnings, please visit the author's website.
Three centuries of guilt.
Two souls reunited.
One chance to defy fate.
The second installment of The BloodStone Legacy—a dual POV, dark, seductive paranormal romance about destiny and the prices we pay for love powerful enough to transcend both death and time.
Dive into the darkness now—and discover why some loves are worth burning the world for
Atonement is the second book in The BloodStone Legacy series. Set in a dystopian future where vampires rule and humans are slaves, a vampire and human's forbidden love will either transform their blood-soaked world—or burn it to ash.
Books 1 and 2 of The BloodStone Legacy end on cliffhangers. Book 3 is a HEA.
With a shocking cliffhanger that will leave you breathless, look for the REDEPMTION, the explosive conclusion to the trilogy, arriving January 20, 2026.
Perfect for fans of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City, Scarlett St. Clair's Adrian X Isolde, Karina Halle's The Dracula Duet, and readers who crave their romance dark, passionate, and unforgettable with brooding anti-heroes paired with resilient heroines.
This book contains dark themes, including scenes that may be distressing to some readers. Be mindful of the trigger warnings. For a full list of content/trigger warnings, please visit the author's website.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2025
32 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
V.E. Huntley
5 books140 followersI'm a retired film producer who now writes dark, steamy romance about foul mouthed anti-heroes with anger management issues & the sweet and resilient heroines who know how to tame them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 11, 2025
I was eager to get my hands on the second book in The Bloodstone Legacy, Atonement, by V E Huntley. I love vampires and walking on the dark side. There is plenty of violence and brutality, but also some hot and steamy romance.
Atonement takes place in a dystopian future where the vampires rule and humans are slaves. There are lots of triggers, so if you are squeamish, Atonement may not be for you.
I love characters that are put to the test. Characters that have to fight for what they want, and Aden and Ellie fit the bill. They not only have to fight others, but they also have to face their own personal demons. There will be a price to pay, but there are some light hearted moments where we can enjoy a laugh that will help us make it through the dark times.
I am loving The Bloodstone Legacy series by V E Huntley. It has everything I desire in a vampire novel, blood and guts along with some love and steamy romance. Atonement moved at a fast pace, keeping me lost in the story, eager to know how it would end, but not wanting to get there too soon. No worries there. We have a cliffhanger.
I hope you are writing fast V.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Atonement takes place in a dystopian future where the vampires rule and humans are slaves. There are lots of triggers, so if you are squeamish, Atonement may not be for you.
I love characters that are put to the test. Characters that have to fight for what they want, and Aden and Ellie fit the bill. They not only have to fight others, but they also have to face their own personal demons. There will be a price to pay, but there are some light hearted moments where we can enjoy a laugh that will help us make it through the dark times.
I am loving The Bloodstone Legacy series by V E Huntley. It has everything I desire in a vampire novel, blood and guts along with some love and steamy romance. Atonement moved at a fast pace, keeping me lost in the story, eager to know how it would end, but not wanting to get there too soon. No worries there. We have a cliffhanger.
I hope you are writing fast V.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
May 5, 2025
The one thing about cliffhangers is the waiting. But I didn’t have to wait too long with V.E. Huntley’s second book in The Bloodstone Legacy Series. The first book sets the basis of Aden and Ellie’s history, connecting past and present timelines that explain their relationship. It also included the significance of BloodStone's creation, the dynamics between the vampires and the enslavement and treatment of the thralls, and the hierarchy of the vampires. Author V.E. Huntely’s cliffhanger excited readers enough to want to know more about Ellie’s vision of her past life.
Atonement, Book 2, was everything and more I could have wanted. It’s one of those stories that didn’t even need a build-up. It started in a way that I did not want to put my Kindle down. Atonement is another hefty book at about 431 pages. If you're in this series, you are in it. But it’s worth it. The plot components of the relationships between the vampires and humans and how they use them increased exponentially, as did my interest in this area as well as the role of half-breeds, the enslavement issues, bidding on “pets,” and their usage of them. The spice level is ramped up in Book 2. It’s high and frequent. Aden is the OTT/JP MMC for Ellie. Book 2 met my expectations in plot, spice factor, suspense, and action. I checked them all off! That ending, though!
Atonement, Book 2, was everything and more I could have wanted. It’s one of those stories that didn’t even need a build-up. It started in a way that I did not want to put my Kindle down. Atonement is another hefty book at about 431 pages. If you're in this series, you are in it. But it’s worth it. The plot components of the relationships between the vampires and humans and how they use them increased exponentially, as did my interest in this area as well as the role of half-breeds, the enslavement issues, bidding on “pets,” and their usage of them. The spice level is ramped up in Book 2. It’s high and frequent. Aden is the OTT/JP MMC for Ellie. Book 2 met my expectations in plot, spice factor, suspense, and action. I checked them all off! That ending, though!
April 21, 2025
If this isn’t on your TBR, it needs to be. I was sucked in - pun intended - and quickly became even more envious of Ellie than I already was. Who doesn’t need a possessive moody vampire boyfriend? I know I do! If you liked Damnation, you’re going to LOVE Atonement!
May 5, 2025
Well, V.E. Huntley has done it again! If you’re looking for a truly bloody, spicy, violent dark vampire romance book - THIS IS IT! These are not your lame ass sparkly Twilight vampires or a bunch of high school drama addicted vampires…these vampires are ruthless, obsessive, possessive, vengeful, devoted, and honestly - a lot of them are giant walking red flags…and I wouldn’t have them any other way. Definitely check your triggers though before you start reading. I’d also suggest not eating or drinking until a a few chapters in, just to be on the safe side. Remember, this is a DARK supernatural ROMANCE…emphasis on “dark.” Don’t say you weren’t warned.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I’m going to be vague here…This book picks up after the events at the end of Damnation and we see how much Ellie and Aden have both changed since those events. This book really shows us how complicated it is for someone who starts remembering this whole other life but doesn’t necessarily have any real deep emotional connections to said life - while everyone around them still does and kind of expects them on a subconscious level to be that other person (I hope that made sense without spoiling too much). Trying to live up to the expectations of others while still remaining true to your current self may prove harder than Ellie thinks…Our boy Aden has made some pretty decent changes in this book too, but he’s still our overprotective, growly, slightly psychotic, blood sucking Emo boy that wants to keep Ellie locked away in a nuclear bomb proof bunker to keep her safe…and to be fair, that girl has like zero sense of self-preservation (you’ll understand what I mean by the time you finish the book…😬). So I totally get Aden’s crazy ass overprotectiveness. Even if the vampire version of Caligula/Nero wasn’t constantly trying to get Ellie back for his own twisted pleasure, I’m sure she’d manage to get herself in some other situation where death or at least a really gruesome mutilation would be the best outcome.
The spice in this book is SCORCHING 🥵 🥵 Those two can’t keep their body parts to themselves! BUT! And this is important, it’s not obscene spice. No shade to anyone that’s down for the super duper graphic spice that goes on and on and on, but that’s NOT for me and when I come across stuff like that I usually skip it or stop reading the book altogether. So yes, Aden and Ellie are horny little toads in this book but not in an obscene way.
We get to see our favorite side characters again in this book and maybe meet some new ones. Maybe finally say goodbye to some that should have been punched in their whore mouth last book…again, trying not to be spoilery…I’ll just say that I had to reread the ending more than once because I couldn’t comprehend what I’d just read. I’d had a migraine all weekend because of the rain and was thinking maybe my brain was a bit fried, but no, it was not my brain or a batshit crazy fever dream…the cliffhanger Mrs. Huntley gifts us with…ma’am, I’d like to exchange that gift for something else, please, lol. January 2026 can’t get here fast enough!
I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I’m going to be vague here…This book picks up after the events at the end of Damnation and we see how much Ellie and Aden have both changed since those events. This book really shows us how complicated it is for someone who starts remembering this whole other life but doesn’t necessarily have any real deep emotional connections to said life - while everyone around them still does and kind of expects them on a subconscious level to be that other person (I hope that made sense without spoiling too much). Trying to live up to the expectations of others while still remaining true to your current self may prove harder than Ellie thinks…Our boy Aden has made some pretty decent changes in this book too, but he’s still our overprotective, growly, slightly psychotic, blood sucking Emo boy that wants to keep Ellie locked away in a nuclear bomb proof bunker to keep her safe…and to be fair, that girl has like zero sense of self-preservation (you’ll understand what I mean by the time you finish the book…😬). So I totally get Aden’s crazy ass overprotectiveness. Even if the vampire version of Caligula/Nero wasn’t constantly trying to get Ellie back for his own twisted pleasure, I’m sure she’d manage to get herself in some other situation where death or at least a really gruesome mutilation would be the best outcome.
The spice in this book is SCORCHING 🥵 🥵 Those two can’t keep their body parts to themselves! BUT! And this is important, it’s not obscene spice. No shade to anyone that’s down for the super duper graphic spice that goes on and on and on, but that’s NOT for me and when I come across stuff like that I usually skip it or stop reading the book altogether. So yes, Aden and Ellie are horny little toads in this book but not in an obscene way.
We get to see our favorite side characters again in this book and maybe meet some new ones. Maybe finally say goodbye to some that should have been punched in their whore mouth last book…again, trying not to be spoilery…I’ll just say that I had to reread the ending more than once because I couldn’t comprehend what I’d just read. I’d had a migraine all weekend because of the rain and was thinking maybe my brain was a bit fried, but no, it was not my brain or a batshit crazy fever dream…the cliffhanger Mrs. Huntley gifts us with…ma’am, I’d like to exchange that gift for something else, please, lol. January 2026 can’t get here fast enough!
May 5, 2025
ARC Review for Atonement (Book 2 of the Bloodstone Legacy).
Holy Crap!
I was not familiar with the series so I read Damnation first. It took me awhile to get into the first book but once I did I was hooked and couldn't wait to read the second… now I have to wait till January and my heart can't take it!!
Vampires, half-breeds, and humans!
Vampires keep humans as pets or for feeding, as they are the inferior species. Vampires have taken over. There are even Games held by them to have humans fight to the death under the control of their Vampire master, and they are also sold as slaves.
Vampire and Human relationships are forbidden unless the human is turned with permission from the Grand Chancellor who is of course kind of a Dick and the Villain of our story so you can guess how that goes!
Ellie and Aden are such a fun couple. It's fun to see her turn into a strong FMC from where she was at the beginning. Aden can be a little "much" at times with his possessiveness but in his mind it's warranted and to keep her safe. Their story (which I won't spoil) is full of emotions and surprises. His character growth is very prominent as well as he changes from this dark, brooding, pissed at the world Vampire with zero Fs about anything or anyone, to this protective, loving, burn the world down, loving and caring man. I can't wait to see how book 3 plays out after that major cliff hanger!!
The side characters and their stories were also very strong. I loved Ellie's relationships with Sophie and Keely. Vlad is everything!!! I love the idea of Bloodstone and am eager to see if they are able to do what they set out to do.
Well written, easy to follow, keep me entertained! The spice was spicing but never vulgar or took away from the story. This book gave me all the major feels, and I can't wait to see how it ends.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Holy Crap!
I was not familiar with the series so I read Damnation first. It took me awhile to get into the first book but once I did I was hooked and couldn't wait to read the second… now I have to wait till January and my heart can't take it!!
Vampires, half-breeds, and humans!
Vampires keep humans as pets or for feeding, as they are the inferior species. Vampires have taken over. There are even Games held by them to have humans fight to the death under the control of their Vampire master, and they are also sold as slaves.
Vampire and Human relationships are forbidden unless the human is turned with permission from the Grand Chancellor who is of course kind of a Dick and the Villain of our story so you can guess how that goes!
Ellie and Aden are such a fun couple. It's fun to see her turn into a strong FMC from where she was at the beginning. Aden can be a little "much" at times with his possessiveness but in his mind it's warranted and to keep her safe. Their story (which I won't spoil) is full of emotions and surprises. His character growth is very prominent as well as he changes from this dark, brooding, pissed at the world Vampire with zero Fs about anything or anyone, to this protective, loving, burn the world down, loving and caring man. I can't wait to see how book 3 plays out after that major cliff hanger!!
The side characters and their stories were also very strong. I loved Ellie's relationships with Sophie and Keely. Vlad is everything!!! I love the idea of Bloodstone and am eager to see if they are able to do what they set out to do.
Well written, easy to follow, keep me entertained! The spice was spicing but never vulgar or took away from the story. This book gave me all the major feels, and I can't wait to see how it ends.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 6, 2025
Atonement for the win
This second book Atonement was full of Aden and Ellie getting to know one another again. She's merged her memories from her past with the present and they're learning to love in this new life of hers.
Aden must learn to toe the line with Mathias and not bring too much suspicion on to his feelings towards Ellie. Especially once they begin sharing blood during their intimate moments.
Ellie proves to be invaluable to the family business at Bloodstone solving some problems they hadn't been able to figure out for centuries. She's a very bright young woman. Her and this family could go far as long as they stay away from Mathias.
But things are not all as they seem and Aden may have made a powerful enemy saving Ellie's friend. We will have to wait to see what happens in the next book because this author left us hanging off of a large cliff.
But I will say this Aden and Ellie once they got past his resentment of everyone telling him who she was to him and her resentment of being taken from the only home she ever knew, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other. If you're looking for something very spicy this book has it.
This second book Atonement was full of Aden and Ellie getting to know one another again. She's merged her memories from her past with the present and they're learning to love in this new life of hers.
Aden must learn to toe the line with Mathias and not bring too much suspicion on to his feelings towards Ellie. Especially once they begin sharing blood during their intimate moments.
Ellie proves to be invaluable to the family business at Bloodstone solving some problems they hadn't been able to figure out for centuries. She's a very bright young woman. Her and this family could go far as long as they stay away from Mathias.
But things are not all as they seem and Aden may have made a powerful enemy saving Ellie's friend. We will have to wait to see what happens in the next book because this author left us hanging off of a large cliff.
But I will say this Aden and Ellie once they got past his resentment of everyone telling him who she was to him and her resentment of being taken from the only home she ever knew, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other. If you're looking for something very spicy this book has it.
May 10, 2025
Thank you VE Huntley for this copy to review!!
First, how am I supposed to survive waiting til book 3 comes out!? That was a brutal cliffhanger ending and I’m not okay and I’ll never be okay until I can get my hands on the next one!!
Now on to the rest of the review 🤣
I will say this book was a bit slower than the first, however we got to see Aden and Ellie’s relationship blossom (even if he still acts like a brat from time to time but he’s getting a lot better I feel like).
I also like how we got a more in-depth look at Bloodstone and the Laboratory and all that! It was very interesting and different!
And I can’t wait for Matthias to get what’s coming to him cause he is a character that I wish would already get removed from existence. 😌 so great job for making a villain I absolutely can’t stand and everytime he shows up I wish someone would just lop his head off!
Overall this was another amazing installment to the Bloodstone Legacy series and I absolutely recommend reading!
First, how am I supposed to survive waiting til book 3 comes out!? That was a brutal cliffhanger ending and I’m not okay and I’ll never be okay until I can get my hands on the next one!!
Now on to the rest of the review 🤣
I will say this book was a bit slower than the first, however we got to see Aden and Ellie’s relationship blossom (even if he still acts like a brat from time to time but he’s getting a lot better I feel like).
I also like how we got a more in-depth look at Bloodstone and the Laboratory and all that! It was very interesting and different!
And I can’t wait for Matthias to get what’s coming to him cause he is a character that I wish would already get removed from existence. 😌 so great job for making a villain I absolutely can’t stand and everytime he shows up I wish someone would just lop his head off!
Overall this was another amazing installment to the Bloodstone Legacy series and I absolutely recommend reading!
May 1, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️ DARK Paranormal Romance Done Well!
🌶🌶🌶 (5+ explicitly described smexy time)
V. E. Huntley has created a dystopian world where vampires win the war against humans and rule with complete domination over them. Humans are used for blood, smex, and entertainment. We learn not all vampires wish to treat humans as slaves which adds a new conflict among the vampires which has implications for civil war.
I love that we learn more about the history behind how the vampires came to rule and the blood science behind Bloodstone. This brings validity to the plot and deepens the world-building.
Aden is everything I would want in a morally dark gray vampire. He is a round and dynamic character who manages to go through an emotional metamorphosis throughout the book while struggling with his past and reconciling with his present. Ellie is the one who helps him see that he is capable of expiation. One of my favorite definitions of Atonement that I came across was from the 16th century meaning unity and reconciliation. Sometimes we can't see the strength within ourselves until we see how our strength is reflected in the actions of those closest to us. When Aden is at his lowest Ellie and his family are there for him reminding him how far he has come. Huntley truly did an amazing job balancing his emotional journey with his ruthless vampiric nature. He is not a cinnamon roll or golden retriever.
The Bloodstone Legacy: Atonement is a lesson of learning how to forgive others as well as yourself. Although this is a very dark paranormal romance, it is deep and not to be read lightly. Check the trigger warnings. He will unalive you in a heartbeat for looking twice at his girl.
Bloodstone Legacy Trilogy:
Damnation (Available Now)
Atonement (May 5th 2025 release)
Redemption (January 2026 release)
I received an advance copy of Atonement for free and am leaving a voluntary review and my opinions are my own.
🌶🌶🌶 (5+ explicitly described smexy time)
V. E. Huntley has created a dystopian world where vampires win the war against humans and rule with complete domination over them. Humans are used for blood, smex, and entertainment. We learn not all vampires wish to treat humans as slaves which adds a new conflict among the vampires which has implications for civil war.
I love that we learn more about the history behind how the vampires came to rule and the blood science behind Bloodstone. This brings validity to the plot and deepens the world-building.
Aden is everything I would want in a morally dark gray vampire. He is a round and dynamic character who manages to go through an emotional metamorphosis throughout the book while struggling with his past and reconciling with his present. Ellie is the one who helps him see that he is capable of expiation. One of my favorite definitions of Atonement that I came across was from the 16th century meaning unity and reconciliation. Sometimes we can't see the strength within ourselves until we see how our strength is reflected in the actions of those closest to us. When Aden is at his lowest Ellie and his family are there for him reminding him how far he has come. Huntley truly did an amazing job balancing his emotional journey with his ruthless vampiric nature. He is not a cinnamon roll or golden retriever.
The Bloodstone Legacy: Atonement is a lesson of learning how to forgive others as well as yourself. Although this is a very dark paranormal romance, it is deep and not to be read lightly. Check the trigger warnings. He will unalive you in a heartbeat for looking twice at his girl.
Bloodstone Legacy Trilogy:
Damnation (Available Now)
Atonement (May 5th 2025 release)
Redemption (January 2026 release)
I received an advance copy of Atonement for free and am leaving a voluntary review and my opinions are my own.
May 13, 2025
Ellie and Aden return only to pick up where they left off. This second part of the story I was impressed with. I did see that the writing has changed some to attract the interest of the adult age range. The story seems more believable even though it’s a fantasy. The sub-story help to make the book to be more believable as well as the help from the romance department. And the romance from Aden and Ellie has matured on every level that they deserve an A plus. That is until one certain part and I shook my head. Well any way. I would have like to have seen more battles between the two different vampire realms. Just to add more action and excitement. The characters are all brilliant. The plot is believable. There are more rough edges to smooth out with this writer. I hope that they will get there as a talented writer.
May 1, 2025
Atonement
The Bloodstone Legacy Book 2
By V.E. Huntley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
🖤 Spicy Dark Paranormal Romance
🥀 Vampires
🖤 Multi POV
🥀 Intricate world building
🖤 Possessive MMC
🥀 Soulmates
🖤 Past Life
🥀🩸 and 🔪 Play
🖤 Touch her and 🪦
Aden and Ellie are back with bite in this second instalment of the Bloodstone Legacy and steamier than ever while their compulsion is under full swing 🥵. But we also see some truths come out about Adens family history while Master Matthias is attempting to take over the world both literally and with his ego 😅.
So what will be done to stop him? Because he still has his eyes set on Ellie 👀 so will they manage to save her from him in time?
As always V.E. Huntley has not disappointed with this one!
Atonement releases May 5th 😘🖤
The Bloodstone Legacy Book 2
By V.E. Huntley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
🖤 Spicy Dark Paranormal Romance
🥀 Vampires
🖤 Multi POV
🥀 Intricate world building
🖤 Possessive MMC
🥀 Soulmates
🖤 Past Life
🥀🩸 and 🔪 Play
🖤 Touch her and 🪦
Aden and Ellie are back with bite in this second instalment of the Bloodstone Legacy and steamier than ever while their compulsion is under full swing 🥵. But we also see some truths come out about Adens family history while Master Matthias is attempting to take over the world both literally and with his ego 😅.
So what will be done to stop him? Because he still has his eyes set on Ellie 👀 so will they manage to save her from him in time?
As always V.E. Huntley has not disappointed with this one!
Atonement releases May 5th 😘🖤
April 21, 2025
Overall it was a great paranormal romance! This story was fun, quick-paced and had a ton of fun interactions between each other. I absolutely loved everything about this story. It was beautifully written, had a great original storyline and wonderful characters. I loved not only the main characters, but so many of the side characters. I had the chills many times reading this book, especially towards the end. It completely blew my mind and surpassed all of my expectations. I couldn’t put it down until the end!
April 25, 2025
I've been dying to get my hands on this book since I finished Damnation, and it did not disappoint!
Amazon didn't like me mentioning specific content warnings in my review for Damnation, so I'll just encourage you to check those out before reading.
Just like in Damnation, I was sucked in from the beginning. This book took the stereotypical second-book curse of being dull, awkward, and slow and broke it like it looked at Ellie the wrong way! Atonement was gripping and fast-paced throughout without ever feeling rushed, and I devoured it in no time.
As I had hoped, we really got to know the members of Aden's family better and I fell utterly in love with them! That said, Kane has my heart <3.....and maybe he'll have Carrie's? Or perhaps I'm just projecting....
P.S. It's going to take me weeks to recover from the ending...
Amazon didn't like me mentioning specific content warnings in my review for Damnation, so I'll just encourage you to check those out before reading.
Just like in Damnation, I was sucked in from the beginning. This book took the stereotypical second-book curse of being dull, awkward, and slow and broke it like it looked at Ellie the wrong way! Atonement was gripping and fast-paced throughout without ever feeling rushed, and I devoured it in no time.
As I had hoped, we really got to know the members of Aden's family better and I fell utterly in love with them! That said, Kane has my heart <3.....and maybe he'll have Carrie's? Or perhaps I'm just projecting....
P.S. It's going to take me weeks to recover from the ending...
May 16, 2025
I couldn’t wait for this Damnation sequel and it didn’t disappoint!
I immediately fell for V. E. Huntley’s dystopian future where vampires rule over humans - some very cruelly (there are trigger warnings for this at the front of the book). The world-building is excellent and we learn more about the history of all the characters and science behind their world in this second book in the Bloodstone Legacy series.
Our human heroine, Ellie, is stronger, more confident and deeply in love with her morally grey vampire, Aden. I love how the author has woven Aden’s intense emotional complexity into the story as he desperately tries to reign in his inner demons. His fierce protectiveness towards Ellie has him veering from murderous rages to seriously steamy to tender moments full of the love that has defied time.
But the course of their romance doesn’t run smoothly and with the past - and a certain vicious vampire - threatening to impact their present and future, the stakes are raised higher and higher to a cliff-hanger of an ending that will leave you breathless!
While I received an advance copy of Atonement for free, this is a voluntary review and my opinions are my own.
I immediately fell for V. E. Huntley’s dystopian future where vampires rule over humans - some very cruelly (there are trigger warnings for this at the front of the book). The world-building is excellent and we learn more about the history of all the characters and science behind their world in this second book in the Bloodstone Legacy series.
Our human heroine, Ellie, is stronger, more confident and deeply in love with her morally grey vampire, Aden. I love how the author has woven Aden’s intense emotional complexity into the story as he desperately tries to reign in his inner demons. His fierce protectiveness towards Ellie has him veering from murderous rages to seriously steamy to tender moments full of the love that has defied time.
But the course of their romance doesn’t run smoothly and with the past - and a certain vicious vampire - threatening to impact their present and future, the stakes are raised higher and higher to a cliff-hanger of an ending that will leave you breathless!
While I received an advance copy of Atonement for free, this is a voluntary review and my opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
The book is dark, utterly gripping, and steamy. Set in a dystopian world where vampires rule and humans are their slave. So a lot of things happens in this book. If you are looking for a really dark vampire romance, look no further. Expect the unthinkable, reincarnation, reunion of souls, making difficult choices, perils, political intrigues and twists and turns. Waiting for the next book.
I received the ARC from Booksirens and leaving my review voluntarily. Thanks to the Publisher, Aurhor, and Booksirens
I received the ARC from Booksirens and leaving my review voluntarily. Thanks to the Publisher, Aurhor, and Booksirens
May 31, 2025
Dive into the darkness now—And discover why some loves are worth burning the world for!”
In this dystopian future where vampires rule and humans are slaves, Aden, a vampire commander, and Eli, a human, further explore their growing forbidden bond while politics begin to increasingly impact their lives and those around them. With Matthias determined to retain his power (and we all know he still wants Eli), tensions are high and Aden’s hair-trigger temper is never far from the surface in this suspenseful and spicy second book in The Bloodstone Legacy series.
Aden’s character begins to show growth as he works to control his volatile nature with Eli, though he still struggles to control it with others—and with anyone who threatens to harm her or interfere with his time with her. Even the cat is not immune from his irritability when it takes Eli’s attention away from him. Eli’s strong character challenges Aden constantly, and her determination for autonomy is a catalyst for both of their development and part of the story that kept me invested in them as characters. I will say Eli’s lack of self-preservation kept my heart rate up the entire time—and with good reason.
The plot is filled with super steamy spice, growing tension and action. If you love a touch her and 💀vampire MMC, a strong FMC, quick burn and fated mates, this is a must add to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you, @vehuntley for the ARC. As always, these are my own honest thoughts and opinions.
In this dystopian future where vampires rule and humans are slaves, Aden, a vampire commander, and Eli, a human, further explore their growing forbidden bond while politics begin to increasingly impact their lives and those around them. With Matthias determined to retain his power (and we all know he still wants Eli), tensions are high and Aden’s hair-trigger temper is never far from the surface in this suspenseful and spicy second book in The Bloodstone Legacy series.
Aden’s character begins to show growth as he works to control his volatile nature with Eli, though he still struggles to control it with others—and with anyone who threatens to harm her or interfere with his time with her. Even the cat is not immune from his irritability when it takes Eli’s attention away from him. Eli’s strong character challenges Aden constantly, and her determination for autonomy is a catalyst for both of their development and part of the story that kept me invested in them as characters. I will say Eli’s lack of self-preservation kept my heart rate up the entire time—and with good reason.
The plot is filled with super steamy spice, growing tension and action. If you love a touch her and 💀vampire MMC, a strong FMC, quick burn and fated mates, this is a must add to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you, @vehuntley for the ARC. As always, these are my own honest thoughts and opinions.
May 6, 2025
"Atonement," the second installment in The BloodStone Legacy series, plunges readers into a haunting yet seductive world where love and pain intertwine across centuries. V.E. Huntley masterfully builds upon the foundation laid in the first book, presenting a story rich in emotional depth and tension.
The story revolves around Aden and Ellie, two souls eternally entangled—reunited after three hundred years of anguish and loss. Aden's tragic past, marked by the guilt of killing his bride on their wedding day, amplifies his emotional struggles as he navigates his rekindled feelings for Ellie, who carries the essence of his lost love. Their passionate romance is not without its challenges, as both are forced to confront their demons while evading powerful foes intent on tearing them apart.
The author’s writing style is immersive, using vivid descriptions and intense emotions to draw readers into the dark, dystopian landscape ruled by vampires.
The tension between Aden’s fierce protectiveness and the external threats facing him adds layers to the plot, creating a heart-pounding sense of urgency. The author excels in developing complex characters. We witness Aden's transformation from tormented soul to a man willing to defy the very fabric of vampire society for Ellie’s sake. Meanwhile, Ellie's journey to confront her own past and reclaim her strength adds a refreshing dimension to the storyline.
The backdrop of a dystopian future, where vampires dominate and humans are subjugated, serves as a gritty canvas for the story. The political intrigue and danger add depth, highlighting the stakes not just for Aden and Ellie, but for the world they inhabit. The themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the high cost of love resonate throughout the tale.
However, you should be aware that "Atonement" is indeed dark; it tackles heavy subjects and incorporates elements that may not be suitable for everyone. Trigger warnings are warranted given the emotional and psychological themes present in the storyline. So please check the list before diving in.
The cliffhanger ending had me throwing my poor middle across the room.
I’m left awaiting the resolution promised in Book 3.
In conclusion, "Atonement" is a gripping addition to The BloodStone Legacy series, expertly blending romance, danger, and complex characters in a dark, paranormal setting.
I absolutely loved this tale of love that defies time and circumstance.
Overall, a compelling read that leaves you yearning for more!
Hurry up book 3 😝
🦋
The story revolves around Aden and Ellie, two souls eternally entangled—reunited after three hundred years of anguish and loss. Aden's tragic past, marked by the guilt of killing his bride on their wedding day, amplifies his emotional struggles as he navigates his rekindled feelings for Ellie, who carries the essence of his lost love. Their passionate romance is not without its challenges, as both are forced to confront their demons while evading powerful foes intent on tearing them apart.
The author’s writing style is immersive, using vivid descriptions and intense emotions to draw readers into the dark, dystopian landscape ruled by vampires.
The tension between Aden’s fierce protectiveness and the external threats facing him adds layers to the plot, creating a heart-pounding sense of urgency. The author excels in developing complex characters. We witness Aden's transformation from tormented soul to a man willing to defy the very fabric of vampire society for Ellie’s sake. Meanwhile, Ellie's journey to confront her own past and reclaim her strength adds a refreshing dimension to the storyline.
The backdrop of a dystopian future, where vampires dominate and humans are subjugated, serves as a gritty canvas for the story. The political intrigue and danger add depth, highlighting the stakes not just for Aden and Ellie, but for the world they inhabit. The themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the high cost of love resonate throughout the tale.
However, you should be aware that "Atonement" is indeed dark; it tackles heavy subjects and incorporates elements that may not be suitable for everyone. Trigger warnings are warranted given the emotional and psychological themes present in the storyline. So please check the list before diving in.
The cliffhanger ending had me throwing my poor middle across the room.
I’m left awaiting the resolution promised in Book 3.
In conclusion, "Atonement" is a gripping addition to The BloodStone Legacy series, expertly blending romance, danger, and complex characters in a dark, paranormal setting.
I absolutely loved this tale of love that defies time and circumstance.
Overall, a compelling read that leaves you yearning for more!
Hurry up book 3 😝
🦋
May 14, 2025
Thank you to the Author for allowing me to ARC read this book in exchange for an honest review of my experience.
As with my review on the previous book, this book is set in the far future where humanity almost wiped itself (and everything else) out. Humans are now the slaves of Vampires, and are essentially cattle. Enter in Ellie (our FMC) and Aden (our MMC). In the previous book they fell in love, for what proved to be the second time. In this book, the separation between Ellie and her past life, is made more clear, in the form of forcing Aden to accept that they are different people and Ellie is NOT her past incarnation. Aden is a bit of an overprotective, possessive, ass, in mostly good ways :P
The story also builds upon the lore of the world, exposing secrets and exposing how things came to be the way that they are now.
The characters in this story do actually grow a fair bit and their growth shows. As other readers have put it, Ellie, in particular shows us how a person can remember a past life but have both minimal and extreme emotional connection to it and because of it. Aden, is.. he does grow, but boy does the boy need to learn when to protect the girl and when to let the girl do her thing. I do get why he is the way that he is though :P
As for characters, I have said this once, I will say this again. Matthias deserves to die slowly in a fire with explanations of why what he did was wrong in such detail that he starts begging for his death to be faster. I want that man to *suffer*. But I know that he will never see the error of his ways and he is beyond redemption.
The story was pretty decently written. The beginning was a liiiiittle slow for me and slightly difficult to immerse myself into for some unknown reason (Maybe I was in pain those days? But.. then again I had just come off another read that intense in other ways). The spice in the book was good, though, I would have liked to have seen more variety in the spice (but that's just me, its not a bad thing). There wasn't anything immersion breaking and the story itself is actually quite good. Its a solid book.
As with my review on the previous book, this book is set in the far future where humanity almost wiped itself (and everything else) out. Humans are now the slaves of Vampires, and are essentially cattle. Enter in Ellie (our FMC) and Aden (our MMC). In the previous book they fell in love, for what proved to be the second time. In this book, the separation between Ellie and her past life, is made more clear, in the form of forcing Aden to accept that they are different people and Ellie is NOT her past incarnation. Aden is a bit of an overprotective, possessive, ass, in mostly good ways :P
The story also builds upon the lore of the world, exposing secrets and exposing how things came to be the way that they are now.
The characters in this story do actually grow a fair bit and their growth shows. As other readers have put it, Ellie, in particular shows us how a person can remember a past life but have both minimal and extreme emotional connection to it and because of it. Aden, is.. he does grow, but boy does the boy need to learn when to protect the girl and when to let the girl do her thing. I do get why he is the way that he is though :P
As for characters, I have said this once, I will say this again. Matthias deserves to die slowly in a fire with explanations of why what he did was wrong in such detail that he starts begging for his death to be faster. I want that man to *suffer*. But I know that he will never see the error of his ways and he is beyond redemption.
The story was pretty decently written. The beginning was a liiiiittle slow for me and slightly difficult to immerse myself into for some unknown reason (Maybe I was in pain those days? But.. then again I had just come off another read that intense in other ways). The spice in the book was good, though, I would have liked to have seen more variety in the spice (but that's just me, its not a bad thing). There wasn't anything immersion breaking and the story itself is actually quite good. Its a solid book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
His penance is never going to be enough.
Atonement, the second installment of The Bloodstone Legacy – it is a dark, seductive paranormal romance about destiny and the prices we pay for a love that is powerful enough to transcend both death and time itself.
Three centuries of guilt have passed
Now, two souls are reunited
They have one chance to defy fate.
Aden has spent the last three hundred years drowning himself in guilt for murdering his wife on their wedding night. Now suddenly, Aden has found the one thing he thought was impossible, her soul reborn in Ellie – the woman who has not only awakened his deepest love but also his deepest and darkest fears. Their reunion has been everything Aden ever dreamed it could be, the single chance to atone for their tragic past. Sometimes, though, happy endings come with the heaviest of price tags.
While Aden and Ellie both lose themselves in their newfound passion, more than just passion is found as memories are awakened and Ellie's personal demons fight her to face the tragedy that ripped them apart in the first place, all the while in the shadows a sinister force gathers, bound and determined to rip their new found happiness from them.
To keep Ellie safe, Aden swears that he will burn the vampire world to the ground. But, the price of protecting her keeps rising as he continues to break more and more of the ancient vampire laws.
Aden once thought that killing the woman he loved and swore to protect was the worst thing that could happen to him. Now, he's about to learn just how very wrong he was.
Atonement is set in a dystopian future where the vampires rule and humans are slaves, against a backdrop of danger and political intrigue, Aden and Ellie's love is either going to transform the blood-soaked world they live in – or they are going to burn it all to the ground.
Perfect for fans of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City, Scarlett St. Clair's Adrian X Isolde, Karina Halle's The Dracula Duet, and readers who crave their romance dark, passionate, and unforgettable with brooding anti-heroes paired with resilient heroines.
Atonement is Book 2 of a trilogy. It ends on a cliffhanger, but Book 3 will have the HEA you're waiting for.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please know and read the trigger warnings as some scenes contain: Graphic Violence, Sexual Situations, Non-Consent (Not between MMC and FMC), Blood Play, Knife Play, Rape, Adult Language (the word “fuck” is used a lot), Scenes and references of physical and/or sexual abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering.
I have been waiting for V.E. Huntly's Atonement since I read Damnation. This is the second installment in her The Bloodstone Legacy series, and I was thrilled when I got this book in my hands. I think it took me a total of two days to read it. I just couldn't put it down once I started, and only total exhaustion forced me to close my Kindle for the night as the words were blurring.
Here, we are once again taken back into the dystopian world V.E. Huntley has so masterfully created, even though it is dark and bleak, and I really don't see a way for there to be a HEA for our couple at the moment. Here, vampires rule the world, and humans are their slaves, doing their bidding, or acting as nothing more than blood bags.
Atonement picks up right where Damnation left off, and we get the same intense, seductive threads that pulled us in to begin with and left us wanting more when we finished the first book. And here we are once again reunited with Aden who has spent three centuries guilt ridden for murdering his wife on their wedding day and Ellie, the reincarnation of his dear wife, who he happened to find by chance.
V.E. Has given us such a perfect narrative in this book again that is just amazing for the subject matter that she is writing about, it has the dark thick atmosphere that you would expect and all the desire that you would want for a newly reunited couple after centuries apart. The reunion is perfectly portrayed with such passion and intensity that you get the feeling that there will be atonement for the past and what happened all those centuries ago. And yet, you can tell that the love that is being rekindled between Aden and Ellie is not as simple as it seems as they both come to terms with their own personal demons and the threats that surround them.
Atonement dives more deeply into some darker themes than Damnation did. This book explores how complex love can be when it is beyond the realm of both time and death, and more than that, it dives into how brutal the vampire rule really is.
All the while there are dark forces that are surrounding Aden and Ellie in the shadows, threatening the love, happiness, and hope of a future together that they have and this add yet another layer to the story. Giving us more suspense and even more danger to the romance that is blooming between Aden and Ellie and the battles they are already battling in themselves.
Aden has this fierce and dire need to protect Ellie from every threat, and this is one of the main driving forces of the plot. It is also one of the main things that continually lead him down the path of defying the ancient vampire laws over and over again. Thus forcing powerful enemies to rise against him, rising the stakes against him and Ellie even further.
I love that romance is the core of this story, but surrounding it is not only the danger and the enemies but you also have political intrigue, a struggle for power within the vampire hierarchy. This adds so much more to not only the storyline but also to the world-building and this adds even more for the couple to have to navigate through and around as they struggle to survive in a world that seems to want to rip them apart before their love can fully bloom.
I can't say enough good things about both Damnation and Atonement. If you haven't already jumped into this world, then you are missing out on a great read. If you have already read Damnation, then you need to read Atonement. You don't want to miss out. Yes, it does end on another cliffhanger, and it's going to leave you biting your nails wanting the final book yesterday. I really do need to see what happens next, and I want to know if Aden and Ellie can really find their own way to a HEA, despite the darkness that surrounds them.
Atonement, the second installment of The Bloodstone Legacy – it is a dark, seductive paranormal romance about destiny and the prices we pay for a love that is powerful enough to transcend both death and time itself.
Three centuries of guilt have passed
Now, two souls are reunited
They have one chance to defy fate.
Aden has spent the last three hundred years drowning himself in guilt for murdering his wife on their wedding night. Now suddenly, Aden has found the one thing he thought was impossible, her soul reborn in Ellie – the woman who has not only awakened his deepest love but also his deepest and darkest fears. Their reunion has been everything Aden ever dreamed it could be, the single chance to atone for their tragic past. Sometimes, though, happy endings come with the heaviest of price tags.
While Aden and Ellie both lose themselves in their newfound passion, more than just passion is found as memories are awakened and Ellie's personal demons fight her to face the tragedy that ripped them apart in the first place, all the while in the shadows a sinister force gathers, bound and determined to rip their new found happiness from them.
To keep Ellie safe, Aden swears that he will burn the vampire world to the ground. But, the price of protecting her keeps rising as he continues to break more and more of the ancient vampire laws.
Aden once thought that killing the woman he loved and swore to protect was the worst thing that could happen to him. Now, he's about to learn just how very wrong he was.
Atonement is set in a dystopian future where the vampires rule and humans are slaves, against a backdrop of danger and political intrigue, Aden and Ellie's love is either going to transform the blood-soaked world they live in – or they are going to burn it all to the ground.
Perfect for fans of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City, Scarlett St. Clair's Adrian X Isolde, Karina Halle's The Dracula Duet, and readers who crave their romance dark, passionate, and unforgettable with brooding anti-heroes paired with resilient heroines.
Atonement is Book 2 of a trilogy. It ends on a cliffhanger, but Book 3 will have the HEA you're waiting for.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please know and read the trigger warnings as some scenes contain: Graphic Violence, Sexual Situations, Non-Consent (Not between MMC and FMC), Blood Play, Knife Play, Rape, Adult Language (the word “fuck” is used a lot), Scenes and references of physical and/or sexual abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering.
I have been waiting for V.E. Huntly's Atonement since I read Damnation. This is the second installment in her The Bloodstone Legacy series, and I was thrilled when I got this book in my hands. I think it took me a total of two days to read it. I just couldn't put it down once I started, and only total exhaustion forced me to close my Kindle for the night as the words were blurring.
Here, we are once again taken back into the dystopian world V.E. Huntley has so masterfully created, even though it is dark and bleak, and I really don't see a way for there to be a HEA for our couple at the moment. Here, vampires rule the world, and humans are their slaves, doing their bidding, or acting as nothing more than blood bags.
Atonement picks up right where Damnation left off, and we get the same intense, seductive threads that pulled us in to begin with and left us wanting more when we finished the first book. And here we are once again reunited with Aden who has spent three centuries guilt ridden for murdering his wife on their wedding day and Ellie, the reincarnation of his dear wife, who he happened to find by chance.
V.E. Has given us such a perfect narrative in this book again that is just amazing for the subject matter that she is writing about, it has the dark thick atmosphere that you would expect and all the desire that you would want for a newly reunited couple after centuries apart. The reunion is perfectly portrayed with such passion and intensity that you get the feeling that there will be atonement for the past and what happened all those centuries ago. And yet, you can tell that the love that is being rekindled between Aden and Ellie is not as simple as it seems as they both come to terms with their own personal demons and the threats that surround them.
Atonement dives more deeply into some darker themes than Damnation did. This book explores how complex love can be when it is beyond the realm of both time and death, and more than that, it dives into how brutal the vampire rule really is.
All the while there are dark forces that are surrounding Aden and Ellie in the shadows, threatening the love, happiness, and hope of a future together that they have and this add yet another layer to the story. Giving us more suspense and even more danger to the romance that is blooming between Aden and Ellie and the battles they are already battling in themselves.
Aden has this fierce and dire need to protect Ellie from every threat, and this is one of the main driving forces of the plot. It is also one of the main things that continually lead him down the path of defying the ancient vampire laws over and over again. Thus forcing powerful enemies to rise against him, rising the stakes against him and Ellie even further.
I love that romance is the core of this story, but surrounding it is not only the danger and the enemies but you also have political intrigue, a struggle for power within the vampire hierarchy. This adds so much more to not only the storyline but also to the world-building and this adds even more for the couple to have to navigate through and around as they struggle to survive in a world that seems to want to rip them apart before their love can fully bloom.
I can't say enough good things about both Damnation and Atonement. If you haven't already jumped into this world, then you are missing out on a great read. If you have already read Damnation, then you need to read Atonement. You don't want to miss out. Yes, it does end on another cliffhanger, and it's going to leave you biting your nails wanting the final book yesterday. I really do need to see what happens next, and I want to know if Aden and Ellie can really find their own way to a HEA, despite the darkness that surrounds them.
July 11, 2025
Well, @vehuntley has done it again with the second book in her 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓! If you’re looking for a truly bloody, spicy, violent, dark, vampire romance book - 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑰𝑺 𝑰𝑻! These are not your lame ass sparkly Twilight vampires or a bunch of high school drama addicted vampires…these vampires are ruthless, obsessive, possessive, vengeful, devoted, and honestly - a lot of them are giant walking red flags…and I wouldn’t have them any other way. Definitely check your triggers though before you start reading. I’d also suggest not eating or drinking until a a few chapters in, just to be on the safe side. Remember, this is a DARK supernatural ROMANCE…emphasis on “dark.” Don’t say you weren’t warned.
This book has character growth, it has spice, it has steam, it has tragedy, it has an ending that will have you asking yourself whether you actually read what you read or if your migraine medicine was somehow making you hallucinate. I don’t want to give any spoilers because this is a book you really have to read for yourself. Be prepared to experience ALL THE EMOTIONS from start to finish with this book!
𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚
🩸Dual POV
🖤Dark Romance
🩸Possessive MMC
🖤Strong/Resilient FMC
🩸Forbidden Love
🖤Soulmates
🩸Touch Her & Die
🖤Vampire/Human
…and so much more!
This book has character growth, it has spice, it has steam, it has tragedy, it has an ending that will have you asking yourself whether you actually read what you read or if your migraine medicine was somehow making you hallucinate. I don’t want to give any spoilers because this is a book you really have to read for yourself. Be prepared to experience ALL THE EMOTIONS from start to finish with this book!
𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚
🩸Dual POV
🖤Dark Romance
🩸Possessive MMC
🖤Strong/Resilient FMC
🩸Forbidden Love
🖤Soulmates
🩸Touch Her & Die
🖤Vampire/Human
…and so much more!
April 16, 2025
V.E. Huntly's "Atonement," the second installment in "The BloodStone Legacy," plunges readers back into a dark, dystopian future where vampires reign and humans are enslaved. This paranormal romance picks up the intense and seductive thread from the first book, "Damnation," focusing on the intertwined destinies of Aden, a vampire burdened by centuries of guilt, and Ellie, the reincarnation of his murdered wife.
Huntly crafts a narrative thick with brooding atmosphere and palpable desire. Aden's torment over his past and his desperate yearning for Ellie create a compelling central conflict. Their reunion is portrayed with a passionate intensity, offering a glimmer of hope for atonement. However, this rekindled love is far from simple, as both characters grapple with their own inner demons and external threats.
The novel delves into darker themes, exploring not only the complexities of a love that transcends time and death but also the brutal realities of the vampire-ruled world. Sinister forces lurk in the shadows, threatening Aden and Ellie's fragile happiness, adding layers of suspense and danger to the romance. Aden's fierce protectiveness of Ellie drives much of the plot, leading him to defy ancient vampire laws and make powerful enemies, raising the stakes considerably.
While the romance forms the core of the story, Huntly also weaves in elements of political intrigue and the struggle for power within the vampire hierarchy. This backdrop adds depth to the world-building and provides additional obstacles for the central couple to overcome.
"Atonement" is a dark and passionate read, clearly aimed at fans of authors like J.R. Ward and Sarah J. Maas. It delivers on its promise of a brooding anti-hero and a resilient heroine facing extraordinary circumstances. However, readers should be aware of the book's trigger warnings for graphic violence, sexual situations, non-consensual acts (not between the main couple), and mature language. The cliffhanger ending will undoubtedly leave readers eager for the final installment to see if Aden and Ellie can truly find their hard-won happy ending amidst the darkness.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Huntly crafts a narrative thick with brooding atmosphere and palpable desire. Aden's torment over his past and his desperate yearning for Ellie create a compelling central conflict. Their reunion is portrayed with a passionate intensity, offering a glimmer of hope for atonement. However, this rekindled love is far from simple, as both characters grapple with their own inner demons and external threats.
The novel delves into darker themes, exploring not only the complexities of a love that transcends time and death but also the brutal realities of the vampire-ruled world. Sinister forces lurk in the shadows, threatening Aden and Ellie's fragile happiness, adding layers of suspense and danger to the romance. Aden's fierce protectiveness of Ellie drives much of the plot, leading him to defy ancient vampire laws and make powerful enemies, raising the stakes considerably.
While the romance forms the core of the story, Huntly also weaves in elements of political intrigue and the struggle for power within the vampire hierarchy. This backdrop adds depth to the world-building and provides additional obstacles for the central couple to overcome.
"Atonement" is a dark and passionate read, clearly aimed at fans of authors like J.R. Ward and Sarah J. Maas. It delivers on its promise of a brooding anti-hero and a resilient heroine facing extraordinary circumstances. However, readers should be aware of the book's trigger warnings for graphic violence, sexual situations, non-consensual acts (not between the main couple), and mature language. The cliffhanger ending will undoubtedly leave readers eager for the final installment to see if Aden and Ellie can truly find their hard-won happy ending amidst the darkness.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Once again, V.E. Huntley has me feral. I knew it was going to be a cliffhanger. I knew. And yet... here I am, wrecked and begging for the next book like a thrall in a bloodline drought.
This book does not let up. It picks up right where Damnation left off and drags you deeper into Aden and Ellie's obsessive, achingly tender, absolutely cursed connection. You want angst? We got it. Betrayal? Yes. Steamy, slow-burn intensity wrapped in three centuries of guilt and secrets? Sign me the hell up.
Ellie continues to prove she's a force, scrappy, strong-willed, and navigating a world built to break her. Aden is still brooding, devastating, and a little unhinged... but oh, the way he loves her. There’s real emotional weight in his desperation to protect her and make amends, and that vulnerability slams you right in the heart.
This is not a book for the faint of heart, especially not with the trigger warnings present. It starts intense and keeps raising the stakes (literally and figuratively). The tension, the trauma, the burning need for answers, it’s all here, and Huntley balances it with just enough hope and heart to keep you flipping pages like your soul depends on it.
If Damnation cracked your ribs, Atonement is going to dig a little deeper. But if you’re like me and you live for that particular brand of paranormal pain? You’re going to love every second.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Once again, V.E. Huntley has me feral. I knew it was going to be a cliffhanger. I knew. And yet... here I am, wrecked and begging for the next book like a thrall in a bloodline drought.
This book does not let up. It picks up right where Damnation left off and drags you deeper into Aden and Ellie's obsessive, achingly tender, absolutely cursed connection. You want angst? We got it. Betrayal? Yes. Steamy, slow-burn intensity wrapped in three centuries of guilt and secrets? Sign me the hell up.
Ellie continues to prove she's a force, scrappy, strong-willed, and navigating a world built to break her. Aden is still brooding, devastating, and a little unhinged... but oh, the way he loves her. There’s real emotional weight in his desperation to protect her and make amends, and that vulnerability slams you right in the heart.
This is not a book for the faint of heart, especially not with the trigger warnings present. It starts intense and keeps raising the stakes (literally and figuratively). The tension, the trauma, the burning need for answers, it’s all here, and Huntley balances it with just enough hope and heart to keep you flipping pages like your soul depends on it.
If Damnation cracked your ribs, Atonement is going to dig a little deeper. But if you’re like me and you live for that particular brand of paranormal pain? You’re going to love every second.
May 8, 2025
Atonement is the second book in the BloodStone Legacy series, written by VE Huntley. The series is a dark paranormal, forbidden love romance set in a dystopian future timeline where vampires are in power and humans are slaves.
The book focuses on Aden Westcott, a vampire commander with a terrifying reputation who rules through fear and blood. The hardened exterior hides a soul that has been suffering for lifetimes. The book also follows Ellie, a human thrall whose purpose is to serve her master. Book one gave us a good amount of backstory and laid the foundation for Ellie and Aden. We also got a history lesson of how this dystopian future came to be and the interesting dynamics between the vampires, half-breeds, and humans.
In book two, we explored these dynamics more in depth. The spice level definitely increased, and so did my blushing! Yes, Aden is still his overly possessive and protective self, and quite honestly, Ellie needs it. Seriously, Ellie?! We again saw some of our favorite side characters, Keely and Sophie - I’m looking at you! We do end in another cliffhanger!
Thanks to V.E. Huntley for gifting me an eARC of Atonement. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book focuses on Aden Westcott, a vampire commander with a terrifying reputation who rules through fear and blood. The hardened exterior hides a soul that has been suffering for lifetimes. The book also follows Ellie, a human thrall whose purpose is to serve her master. Book one gave us a good amount of backstory and laid the foundation for Ellie and Aden. We also got a history lesson of how this dystopian future came to be and the interesting dynamics between the vampires, half-breeds, and humans.
In book two, we explored these dynamics more in depth. The spice level definitely increased, and so did my blushing! Yes, Aden is still his overly possessive and protective self, and quite honestly, Ellie needs it. Seriously, Ellie?! We again saw some of our favorite side characters, Keely and Sophie - I’m looking at you! We do end in another cliffhanger!
Thanks to V.E. Huntley for gifting me an eARC of Atonement. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 5, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 4🌶️
Atonement really builds on what Damnation started, with deeper character development and a broader story arc that pulled me in more this time around. I especially appreciated the addition of multiple POVs—it helped me feel more connected to the characters and the world.
The pacing picks up a bit compared to book one, though the frequent time jumps are still very present. That said, they didn’t disrupt the flow too much. The plot expands beyond the central romance, which was a welcome shift—it made the book more layered and engaging.
The spice level definitely kicks up a notch (4🌶️!), which, while fun, did at times pull a bit of focus from the plot. Still, the balance mostly worked.
And that ending? I did not see it coming. The cliffhanger left things in such a precarious, tense spot—I’m definitely eager to see where book three takes us!
Spice Level: 4🌶️
Atonement really builds on what Damnation started, with deeper character development and a broader story arc that pulled me in more this time around. I especially appreciated the addition of multiple POVs—it helped me feel more connected to the characters and the world.
The pacing picks up a bit compared to book one, though the frequent time jumps are still very present. That said, they didn’t disrupt the flow too much. The plot expands beyond the central romance, which was a welcome shift—it made the book more layered and engaging.
The spice level definitely kicks up a notch (4🌶️!), which, while fun, did at times pull a bit of focus from the plot. Still, the balance mostly worked.
And that ending? I did not see it coming. The cliffhanger left things in such a precarious, tense spot—I’m definitely eager to see where book three takes us!
May 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this Arc!
This second book lost the plot for me. It was just sex, sex, yelling, sex, Ellie being delusional, sex, Aden finding out new things about his parents, sex, random side mission that leads no where, sex, sex, sex, sex,cliff hanger. I couldn’t wait to be done with this. I had so many questions from the first book and instead of getting hints or answers I got more questions. In this book Aden continued to be a spoiled brat, Ellie continued to lose her fight and aggression and the plot never felt like it was advancing.
The concept of this story is so interesting, but I just think, like the first book, it needed to be shortened. A lot of the fluff could’ve been taken out and kept the reader hooked for the entire book.
This second book lost the plot for me. It was just sex, sex, yelling, sex, Ellie being delusional, sex, Aden finding out new things about his parents, sex, random side mission that leads no where, sex, sex, sex, sex,cliff hanger. I couldn’t wait to be done with this. I had so many questions from the first book and instead of getting hints or answers I got more questions. In this book Aden continued to be a spoiled brat, Ellie continued to lose her fight and aggression and the plot never felt like it was advancing.
The concept of this story is so interesting, but I just think, like the first book, it needed to be shortened. A lot of the fluff could’ve been taken out and kept the reader hooked for the entire book.
May 23, 2025
Vampire Story
VE Huntley is a new author that I thought I'd take a chance on, since I was looking for a change in reading genres. Boy did I hit the jackpot! Both the first and second books in this trilogy about vampires were outstanding. I literally could not put the books down. I loved the two main characters Aden, the vampire, and Ellie his human love interest. The multitude of characters were really well developed and believable. The two main characters had both strengths and weaknesses that really added to the plot. I can't wait for the final book to come out in January. If you really want to read a story that holds your interest to the very last page, don't miss this trilogy!
VE Huntley is a new author that I thought I'd take a chance on, since I was looking for a change in reading genres. Boy did I hit the jackpot! Both the first and second books in this trilogy about vampires were outstanding. I literally could not put the books down. I loved the two main characters Aden, the vampire, and Ellie his human love interest. The multitude of characters were really well developed and believable. The two main characters had both strengths and weaknesses that really added to the plot. I can't wait for the final book to come out in January. If you really want to read a story that holds your interest to the very last page, don't miss this trilogy!
May 24, 2025
I can NOT believe I have to wait till Jan 2026 for the last book of the trilogy after that cliffhanger! 😫
Absolutely loved this book! I thought it was much less violent than book 1, though it still had violence in it.
I loved seeing Aden heal a bit through Ellie's acceptance, love, and forgiveness. This book was full of vampire politics and conspiracies with a bit of slightly-complicated post-apocalyptic science behind vampirism. Add in the decent amount of smut and it was perfectly balanced ;)
I don't often appreciate when books have additional perspectives to the MC's, but because this is in third person, it works well and I thought it was very smooth.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author!
Absolutely loved this book! I thought it was much less violent than book 1, though it still had violence in it.
I loved seeing Aden heal a bit through Ellie's acceptance, love, and forgiveness. This book was full of vampire politics and conspiracies with a bit of slightly-complicated post-apocalyptic science behind vampirism. Add in the decent amount of smut and it was perfectly balanced ;)
I don't often appreciate when books have additional perspectives to the MC's, but because this is in third person, it works well and I thought it was very smooth.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author!
April 27, 2025
The second book in the BloodStone legacy will suck you right back into Aden and Ellie’s world with its fast paced and intriguing storyline about a love that even death cannot stop. This book was very fast-paced and enjoyable and not only do you develop a love for the main characters, you also fall for the side characters as their roles in Aden and Ellie’s story is explored more. This steamy and gripping story set in a dystopian world was such a good read and I could not put it down! The cliffhanger at the end of the book has me on the edge of my seat for the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this ARC!
May 20, 2025
Atonement is the second book in The Bloodstone Legacy series, and it is required to read Damnation first as this is the continuation from that story.
Again V.E. Huntley has done a great job with this addition to the series. Atonement brings us a deeper into the storyline and more character development, I found that the start is a bit slow, the story itself is fast paced, if that’s even a thing. But it was interesting seeing more about the characters and situations.
In the first book I wasn’t vibing with Aden and in this book I’m now on the fence, so that progress.
Overall great addition to the series again we are hit with a cliffhanger, looking forward to the next book
Again V.E. Huntley has done a great job with this addition to the series. Atonement brings us a deeper into the storyline and more character development, I found that the start is a bit slow, the story itself is fast paced, if that’s even a thing. But it was interesting seeing more about the characters and situations.
In the first book I wasn’t vibing with Aden and in this book I’m now on the fence, so that progress.
Overall great addition to the series again we are hit with a cliffhanger, looking forward to the next book
June 11, 2025
As with the first book, take heed to the trigger warnings. Trigger warnings are in place for a reason so pay attention.
This is the second book in a series. The world is a futuristic dystopian world where things are flipped - Vampires rule the world and humans are slaves to the vampires. And yes this sets the stage for some not so nice situations. This is, after all, a dark vampire series with lots at stake. The characters make this series. They both have great character arcs and are easily relatable. I think that the way this series unfolds does a lot to keep the reader's attention and the desire to complete the series.
I am looking forward to the next book .
This is the second book in a series. The world is a futuristic dystopian world where things are flipped - Vampires rule the world and humans are slaves to the vampires. And yes this sets the stage for some not so nice situations. This is, after all, a dark vampire series with lots at stake. The characters make this series. They both have great character arcs and are easily relatable. I think that the way this series unfolds does a lot to keep the reader's attention and the desire to complete the series.
I am looking forward to the next book .
April 28, 2025
After Damnation, I was excited to go onto this story because who doesn’t love a vampire story with a possessive boyfriend. I enjoyed the faster pace this story was - compared to a slow burn- being the second book, I needed that quickness to the story. The character development was so good and I loved the storyline just as much! Aden and Ellie have such a passionate connection and the need to overcome tragedy makes the story more compelling. A great paranormal romance with all the mystery you need.
This was provided as an ARC, but this is my honest review
This was provided as an ARC, but this is my honest review
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