Protecting His Vampire Mate

Blood Bonded Mates #3

by Jay Castle

BRYAN

After everything I've done, I don't deserve love. Especially not from Tobias Hawthorne—the brave, gorgeous, annoyingly perfect warlock who insists he's my fated mate.

Actually, I might already be halfway in love with him, but Tobias doesn't need to know that. Because it can't happen. I can't put him in danger. Not when I've hurt so many people already. Instead, I'll use this darkness to hunt monsters and make the world a safer place. Love doesn't factor in. And if I just keep telling myself that, maybe someday I'll believe it.

TOBIAS

At fourteen, I cast a spell to see the face of my fated mate. I never expected it to be a vampire. And I denied it for years. Then I met Bryan, and my world made sense for the first time. Until he left.

It's fine. I'm the coven's go-to warlock for banishing big bads. Work keeps me distracted. Except when it doesn't. Which is always. But Bryan needs space, and I'll give him anything he needs, even if it hurts. But then a demon shows me a future where Bryan dies. I have to protect him, no matter the cost. He doesn't want a warlock bodyguard. Too bad. I'm not going anywhere, even if saving him makes him hate me.

Protecting His Vampire Mate is a 90,000-word MM paranormal romance novel featuring a golden retriever warlock who just wants to protect his mate, a stand-offish vampire who needs ALL of the love, only one bed, haunted houses and spooky ghosts that need to be banished, overcoming trauma, spicy scenes, lots of magic, and a guaranteed happily ever after with no cliffhanger. This is book 3 in the Blood Bonded Mates series. It contains some violence, mentions of death/loss of loved ones, on-page depictions of mind-control, strong language, sexual scenes between men, and passages depicting consensual blood drinking, as one might expect from a male-male vampire romance. Please see the front matter of the book for a discussion of potential triggers. This book is intended for mature audiences.

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, M M Romance, Magic, Fantasy, LGBT

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2024

About the author

I write MM paranormal romance and I’m the author of the Blood Bonded Mates series. All of my books end with an HEA and most of them also have a fair amount of hurt/comfort woven in, which is one of my favorite romance tropes (both to read and to write).

I've always been an avid reader, practically ever since I could first pick up a book. I've also been fascinated by paranormal themes for pretty much all my life. If a book had witches, vampires, ghosts, time travel, etc., I wanted to read it.

I developed my love for the romance genre in general and paranormal romance in particular when I started "borrowing" the books off my mom's shelf with supernatural elements in them. She was a voracious reader of romance, so naturally, they were all paranormal romances. I fell in love with them. And once I discovered MM paranormal romance, I felt both seen and included for the first time. I now read a wide range of genres, but paranormal romance has always had a special place in my heart. After all, who doesn't love spooky stuff & happy endings?

I’m owned by cats and I’m a proud dog dad to a border collie (pictured above) who is probably smarter than I am. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my partner of 13 years.

Reviews

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus )]

Bryan is in a dark place because of what happened to him in the previous book and in turn he’s kind of an ass to his mate and I didn’t like how Tobias started to come off as a pushover I was left feeling like these two weren’t a good match at all with Bryan being pretty selfish and Tobias existing solely to do anything Bryan wanted him to and although I LOVE that in fated mates, but it needs to be reciprocated and I didn’t feel like it was even tho the correct words were shared by the end.


And the next couple? Apparently Danny is emotionally in love with Michael but isn’t sexually attracted to him so Michael is constantly hooking up with other people and apparently he’s hooking up even more frequently since Danny said he was in love with him so that’s already going into my avoid pile.

Overall, this series is just not for me. ✌🏻

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very excited to dive into Tobias and Bryan’s story after they were introduced in Married to the Vampire King. If you haven’t read that book, highly recommend.

Bryan is still suffering long term effects of having his free will taken from him and doing horrendous things to others. He feels the call of the mate bond to Tobias but doesn’t feel good enough for him (poor bb). He also wants to prove himself by hunting and helping others.

Tobias swoops in and saves Bryan from being killed by a malevolent spirit, and together they must figure out how to defeat it. We meet the next set of characters along the way (wanted to bash their heads in, but they grew on me…Michael like a fungus….a mildly cute one…).

I liked how Tobias figured out how Bryan and he could help people. It seemed like something he could use to tip the scales and really make a difference.

Next book seems like it’s gonna be a doozy!

*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very much enjoying Jay Castle's Blood Bonded Mates series and was looking forward to Bryan and Tobias' romance. I felt so awful for Bryan. To be trapped in his own mind and forced to witness his body do horrific things all the while he could do nothing about it. It must have been its own form of hell. I can't imagine going through that and coming out the other side the same person as before. Unfortunately, Bryan feels the same while also shouldering all the blame for something that was out of his control.

Thank goodness for Tobias. He really was such a good mate. He gave Bryan space when he needed it, but as soon as Bryan's spiraling led him into trouble Tobias was there. He didn't care if Bryan wanted to be alone. Tobias wasn't letting him out of his sight until he was sure his mate was safe. I respected the warlock so much for that.

Spending time together gives Bryan a glimpse into what his life could be like if he could just forgive himself. He doesn't think he deserves a mate as wonderful as Tobias after what he's done. It takes a lot of work and patience on Tobias' part, but he eventually gets it through his mates thick skull that whether or not he is the man for Tobias is a decision Tobias should be allowed to make himself. Bryan had a lot of healing to do, but with Tobias by his side I knew those two would be just fine in the end.

[Miss S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d burn the world down first if that’s what it took to keep him safe.

❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Paranormal
❥ Fated Mates
❥ Grumpy/Sunshine
❥ Hurt/Comfort
❥ Golden Retriever MC
❥ Warlock x Vampire
❥ Only One Bed

I've been so excited about Tobias and Bryan's story, since meeting them in Married to the Vampire King - where Tobias is the best friend of the protagonist and Bryan is the villain but it turned out that he was being controlled by an evil warlock, and eventually Bryan helped everyone and was a big part of saving the city, Seattle. Tobias and Bryan meet for the first time in the previous book, and they find out they're fated mates.

But now, in Protecting His Vampire Mate, Bryan is dealing with the aftershock of being used by Giles Ames and being forced to kill innocent people. He feels undeserving of love, and puts distance between him and Tobias. He leaves Seattle and begins a journey of self-discovery where he ends up in a haunted house, trying to banish a wraith.

Being around him wasn’t just hard, it was impossible. Because what he saw when he looked at me wasn’t true at all.

Meanwhile Tobias is trying to give Bryan the space he needs, but when he finds out that Bryan's life is in danger, nothing can hold him back from protecting his fated mate. Bryan is not super happy about Tobias showing up, but Tobias isn't leaving until he's sure Bryan is safe.

I already understood that he would give me anything I wanted from him, no questions asked. He’d give me his heart, his blood, probably even his life.

I loved the push and pull between Bryan and Tobias, and how Tobias kept being there for Bryan no matter how hard Bryan tried to push him away, but without being pushy towards Bryan. He was there when Bryan needed him. Despite them being fated mates, it was still slowly moving along, a slow burn but more in the way that Bryan had to accept himself and their bond before he could open up to Tobias. The feelings were already there.

Tobias was the very first man I had ever given my heart to. I was also pretty sure he would be the last man I would ever give my heart to.

I also loved the two hunters, Danny and Michael, and I'm super excited about their story in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

“He was a real person, with his own pain and flaws, his hopes and fears, which evert bit as real and important as my own. And I love those parts of him too.”

Tercera parte de esta fantasía urbana con vampiros. Se me ha hecho un poco más floja que las anteriores y me ha costado conectar con los personajes. Me lo he semi obligado a terminar porque si no había manera.

Igualmente le tengo ganas al cuarto, el cuándo estará por ver.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting his vampire mate is the third book of the Blood Bonden Mates series.

I have to say that the only thing this series does is to improve, because this book touches very important topics, such as mental health. The rules are established and the author plays and has fun with them, but at the same time he introduces new elements, such as the presence of two new characters, who are related to the world but at the same time are outside.

Bryan is lost in guilt and regrets, despite what has happened, but it is not his fault. He is trying to make up for everything that has happened in the last book, and that is the first step to being well.

Tobias, who is his fate mate, tries to give him space, because that's what Bryan wants. But he's there when he needs him. That's why they build a beautiful relationship.

The development of both characters is wonderful.

The book opens the world with two new characters, who I can't wait to see how their story develops in the next book, because it looks like it won't be easy.

[S a n d r a · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I was really excited to read this book because the main couple seemed very promising, and honestly, it did not disappoint me in the slightest.

We met Tobias in the second book as Ethan's best friend (the previous MC) and Poppy's twin brother. We learned about his role in the coven, the powers he possesses (like leaving his body and moving through the spiritual world) and how they work.

We also got to know Bryan, the things he was forced to do against his will, and his connection with Tobias.

The story of these two and the difficulties they were clearly going to face to achieve their happy ending left me on the edge of my seat, eager for more, so I read it as soon as I had the time and opportunity.

This book begins with Bryan's trial for his actions in the previous book, but more interesting than the trial itself is discovering firsthand his perspective on what happened and how the events of the previous book have affected him.

Poor Bryan has to deal with his actions, even though everyone insists on absolving him and considers him innocent. It’s Bryan himself who is unable to forgive, forget, and move on.

Tobias, knowing there’s nothing else he can do to protect Bryan, decides to let him go. However, even though Bryan tries to stay away from his destined mate and insists on punishing himself, their paths cross once again—this time due to a murderous evil spirit that Bryan attempts to eradicate in a small town where no one knows who (or what) he is.

I think I liked this story even more than the previous ones (the series has undeniably gotten better with each book) because the protagonists meet in the previous book, so we’re already introduced to them, and this book starts off strong, without any unnecessary preamble. Also, I’m a sucker for hurt/comfort, and this story has plenty of that.

It’s incredible to see Bryan grow, forgive himself, and break free from the cloud of negativity and self-punishment he imposes on himself, all with Tobias's help.

On the other hand, I liked that even though the plot involves destiny, we see Tobias and Bryan fall in love for who they are, not just because fate wills it.

The ghost hunting was interesting and added a nice touch to the story. Plus, it serves as a hook to introduce us to Danny and Michael, characters who are atypical for the series so far and promise to bring a new twist to what this series has been delivering.

In short, a third book that lives up to expectations and left me more than satisfied, with two charming main characters who have strong, well-defined voices and a relationship that, despite being destined, is built on the respect and love they come to feel for each other.

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I looove this series!!!

Tobias and Bryan were amazing together! What I really like with this series is that the MCs are together fairly quickly (whether by random circumstance, an altering reason, or fate) but they don’t actually get together in a the proper sense for a while which means you get lots of lovely relationship building without the angst of will they won’t they (I find books where the MCs dance around each other for ages stressful lol). My heart broke for Bryan. He had been through unfathomable pain. The devastation to his psyche was intense and all encompassing. On a slightly more saddening but theoretically interesting note, the comparisons between SA and what Bryan went through were intriguing, including his constant fear that he ‘enjoyed’ what happened because vampires inherently enjoy the act of feeding and some level of violence. In that sense, people who are triggered by SA and similar actually may want to approach with caution as a lot of his inner thoughts had the tone of what SA survivors may experience. Putting that aside, the actual romance between Tobias and Bryan was spot on. Tobias’ gentleness, his acceptance that Bryan needed time and may never be in a place where he could handle a relationship with him, his willingness to love him from afar - it was all beautiful. It was what love is meant to be: loving someone enough to respect their boundaries and listen to them about what they need even if your first instinct is to do something different. And while Tobias respected Bryan’s boundaries I also liked he had some of his own including needing to know that he was safe. I think this book really hit me in the emotionally mature, amazing communication, working through trauma feels. The other books in the series absolutely touch on those points but this just blew me away and I think it’s my favourite because of that. That being said I am giddy over the next book and the utter shenanigans that I think are likely to occur (Michael, I am looking at you).

[OnePieceOfReading · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 60%

I really tried. I liked the others in the series but its been like pulling teeth with this volume. I usually dont rate my DNFs but it felt weird not to say why this didnt work. The writing feels stilted. I dont feel any connection between the two MCs and neither of them seem to have much emotional intelligence beyond trauma dumping and then saying thanks for sharing and then going right back to being guarded in weird ass repetative ways (Not saying this as an invalidation to either of these MCs trauma - they both seem interesting as separate people). And i get that things take time - connection can take time sure - but this just feels too dang long with not enough progress or external things happening to keep this interesting and the dialogue feels stiff between them, inorganic, plain werid, and cliche most of the time - idk if these two MCs are actually compatible tbh. I feel like every attempt emotional revelation just fell flat.

Also i did get to their first sex scene and Toby being "prepared" w lube and condoms just gave me the ick since leading up to that point Bryan was adament about them not coming together as mates and it seemed like Toby was finally being respectful of that. But him coming prepared made it seem like that respect was a lie, especially since there wasnt a lot of preamble to indicate Bryan truly had changed his mind.

And im not a fan of the fated mates becoming so 'obsessed' with each other that they dont hang with their friends. Tobys focuses on this struggle of his friends never hang out with him solo again and becoming hyper fixated on their relationships and this trope just rubs me the wrong way. He needs better friends. I think this point is only sticking out for me bc everything else so far has bothered me and it seems like Toby isnt trying to address this/ fix this with his friends but it seems like the storylines 'solution' is just to have him be the same way i.e. just get into a fated mates relationship of his own instead of asking his friends for actual support.

I cant even tell where the plot is going rn bc they just solved the main issue that forced them together so what are they going to do now? They clearly suck at talking with each other and i really dont have the patience for it anymore.

[Susan Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tobias and Bryan

I was happily surprised with this book. I started the series and the first book didn't wow me, but I saw this book and thought I would try it. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for the first book at the time. I really liked the story of Bryan trying to find redemption by getting rid of malevolent beings, ie the ghost. Tobias wants to help Bryan but at first he doesn't know how. I enjoyed reading these two because everything wasn't all peaches and cream with them even though they were fated mates. They still had to work through things. The story was good, I enjoyed the characters, and when I thought the storyline was slowing down a bit, it picked up again. Good read. I'm interested in picking up the next one. I want to know how it goes with Danny and Michael.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Protecting the Vampire Mate is the third book in the Blood Bonded Mates series, but easily enjoyed as a standalone. However, this review may contain mild spoilers for book 2, Married to the Vampire King.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting His Vampire Mate is the 3 book in the Blood Bonded Mates series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. This is Bryan a vampire and Tobias a warlocks story. Both of whom we met in the last book. Jay Castle dose such an amazing job of character development because these two just broke my heart in a good way. It was amazing watching Bryan and Tobias figure things out. I couldn't put this book down once I started because I just wanted to know what would come next. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Demian Grimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

[Bookloversofantastic · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5⭐️
I just loved it !!! It was so painful to see the aftermath and the pain Bryan was feeling but Tobias was so patient, thoughtful. I loved how we could both their struggles and the force of their connection. He can try how much he wants, Bryan cannot fight the mate bond, he finds everything he needs, wants, wishes in Tobias. Also who doesn’t like a good duo going to hunt some ghost.

I’m just loving this series and I’m so excited for the next one, it will also hurt in a way.

I received an ARC Copy of this book from the author, this review is from my own thoughts 😍

[Louise Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The quality of the books in this series is improving. There was a bit too much focus on the traumatic parts and the processing of it for my taste, as well as too much internal monologues. But I enjoyed the book and find the MCs for the next book intriguing so looking forward to continuing the series

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars for a good read .

When we start this book, Tobias is not in a good place - which is not very surprising, considering what he went through.

Bryan gives him space, which is a good thing... but it really hurts him often, which seems a bit unbalanced to me.

The storyline was well done, but I missed Bryan's family and was not so impressed with the background explanation and their behaviour.

In all a good read, which I definitely recommend for lovers of vampire stories ... but please start with the previous book. Otherwise, you are missing a lot

[Sandy Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong entry in the Blood Bonded Mates series, featuring vampires, witches/warlocks, and other paranormal creatures and phenomena. And a favorite trope, fated mates!

I’ve been enjoying this series and happily dove into this new story, which does tie strongly to the events of the previous book and should be read in order, given one hero’s conflict.

Poor Bryan. After becoming a puppet to a malicious and evil warlock and doing unspeakable things as the antagonist in the previous book, this young vampire is free of being controlled but tormented by all the blood and death on his hands. At least, he sees it that way. The last thing he wants is to drag the unlucky man fated to be his mate into his misery. All Bryan thinks he deserves is a lifetime of loneliness, trying to make up for all the terrible things he was forced to do.

Warlock Tobias knows he has to let his mate—a man he already admires and loves for all he survived—go. He can’t force Bryan to be part of his life. Bryan has to let him in willingly, and Bryan’s made it very, very clear he doesn’t consent.

But Tobias can’t let Bryan die if he can prevent it. And when a vision shows him that’s what will happen if Tobias doesn’t go to his mate, there’s no keeping him away.

Seeing the two of them dance around each other, want each other, but hold back—one feeling undeserving, the other respecting his mate’s boundaries—is intense and sad but also entertaining, as of course things continue to happen to bring them together until their draw to each other is so intense, there’s no resisting it. I appreciated Tobias’s ability to hold back and give Bryan the space he needed to figure things out himself while still being there to have his mate’s back and protect him as best he could.

This has a Supernatural kind of feel, with the two coming together to fight supernatural things to keep other people safe. Danger abounds and attraction makes everything more difficult…or maybe it simplifies it all in the end…but the hits keep coming and the pages keep turning. There's also plenty of spell-casting and blood sharing, and other paranormal things happening to suck you into this world.

For some reason I wasn’t as riveted at first, not as much as I’ve been with other books, but once the vampire hunters showed up and escalated the stakes to new levels, I was hooked and raced to the end. I think in the beginning I was overly annoyed by Bryan’s martyr-ism and self-denial and how it hurt Tobias to have to let him go. But once he started coming around, things got good and I enjoyed my time with these two. When they finally become intimate, it’s a lovely, steamy turning point, but definitely doesn’t fix things, adding new complications to their relationship and raising those stakes even higher.

Secondary characters add some interesting enemies to allies shenanigans, and made me angry in a way that got me emotionally invested in the outcome. Characters from previous books have cameos, including Tobias’s awesome sister Poppy.

HEA, fated mates, martyr hero, rejected-mate scenario. No cheating or OM drama or any others in any way. Recommended, as is this great paranormal series.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the aRC; this is my free and impartial opinion.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read (and loved) every book in the series so far, I have to say Bryan and Tobias are my favorites. They're also the most heart wrenching.

Their story really starts in Married to the Vampire King, so to get the full effect, I recommend reading at least that one first. But if you read that one, you'll be interested in Pierce and James and want to read Snowed in with the Vampire Prince, so just do yourself a favor and read the whole series. But if you aren't so inclined, this can be read as a standalone.

Tobias and Bryan are fated mates, but they meet at the worst time. Bryan has been through something horrific and traumatic. He isn't ready for a relationship and has a lot of healing to do, so he takes off on his own. I don't want to spoil the story or the previous book with anything more than that. Suffice it to say that Bryan is dealing with A LOT. Even though it breaks his heart, Tobias doesn't try to stop him. He is completely selflessly supportive.

From the moment the book starts, my heart broke for both of them and what they were going through. Tobias is a "fix it" kind of guy, but he can't just fix Bryan through sheer force of will. He has to give up some control. He's also got some abandonment issues, which makes Bryan leaving so much worse. For his part, Bryan is trying to find solid ground and come to terms with a new post-trauma reality. He can't see anything about himself worthy of Tobias, so while he knows he is hurting his mate, he believes he is doing the right thing for him.

When Bryan finds himself in over his head in a dangerous situation, Tobias flies to his rescue and the two are reunited. But it isn't that easy. None of Bryan's reasons for leaving have changed and Tobias is still determined to be selfless and supportive. But the more time they spend together, the stronger their bond grows and the harder it will be to say goodbye again.

I think Castle has a great writing style. The pacing was well done, I didn't find myself bored or thinking that the story dragged at all. The world building was excellent. I was fully invested in Tobias and Bryan throughout the entire book, even if I got a little frustrated with Bryan for how he was hurting Tobias. It was easy to forgive that though because it was clear why Bryan behaved the way he did and that hurting Tobias was the last thing he wanted.

There were a few light hearted, funny bits sprinkled in throughout that kept the book from getting too heavy, but the weight of what Bryan was healing from was still immense. This isn't a light-hearted read, but it is a beautiful love story, as well as a story of healing and learning to accept who you are and not letting your trauma define you.

The couple for the next series installment is introduced as side characters here and we get glimpses at characters from the previous book as well. Castle did a good job introducing the new couple, who are entirely new characters to the series, without being blunt or obnoxious about it.

[SophiaH · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I liked it but it was frustrating in the same measure. Communication seems to be the main conflict in all the books in this series. I'm going to read the next in the series, but seriously thinking about starting in the middle to skip all the I know a secret but wont tell you just to make it all more complicated part.

This also included one of my pet peeves... separating bonded mates because he is better of and will be happier without me because I will only drag him down. Dear lord.... No really... DEAR LORD. Anyone who knows anything knows, that, even if not bonded, the other person will pine for what could have been and probably will not find or even look for other companionship. So by pushing them away for their own good what they really do is condemning them to some sort of half live. Even if the person could, and I mean truly could, bring themselves to look for some sort of relief to the whole that was ripped open in expectancy of their other half sealing it with their love, they would always look over their shoulders, would always feel that could have been. So for me, yes, it is a pet peeve. Especially in a fated mates book, where you are supposed to only get the one.

But don't you worry, dear reader, after he nearly got over that hurdle he swiftly found another way to hurt his mate.

Don't get me wrong, I know mental struggle is a bitch and I know that your brain lies to you all the time, convincing you of the most inane things. But there should also be a rational part in all of us that tries to make sense of the world in a rational manner, reminding us of general truth.

Aside from Bryan, I would also say Tobias took it all in stride, never letting his hurt show, sticking with Bryan no matter what. And ok, I understand his stance somehow but also not. He didn't really know that Bryan thought himself a monster on the bring of mass murder now, only we the reader do. So in all honesty, while giving space is all good and all but setting a stage of full transparency would have been the much better solution. All this no show and no tell was hurting them both and dragging on a situation that shouldn't have gone on as long as it did.

While the world building and general plot was interesting so far and the characters, while stupid, were als likable and 3dimensional enough, for now, my pet peeve keeps me from giving it more than 3*. Maybe time and mood will change my mind in the future.

Now off to the next one... at what page I don't know yet, as I don't really look forward to Michael keeping Danny in the dark about not hooking up at every turn, even knowing how he feels about him (and how he does about him just not telling him). It's just, sigh, it feels like hurting for the sake of hurting and drama. But we will see.

[myqueerbookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protecting His Vampire Mate by Jay Castle in book 3 of the Blood Bonded Mates series.

« golden boy warlock x prickly vampire»
« fated mates »
« hurt x comfort »
« protective MCs »
« small town »
« only one bed »
« mental health rep »
« hard won HEA »


Bryan has been THROUGH IT. This book follows the events of book 2, where Bryan was forced to do terrible things while under a spell. We see him to try and reconcile what he has done. Those around him do not blame or fault him for his actions as he was not in control or a participant, but rather a yielded weapon. However, Bryan does not see it that way. He carries that blame, guilt, and trauma. This is an accurate representation of how trauma can alter our perspective. This experience has completely changed who Bryan is and has warped his sense of self. He paints himself as a true monster and Tobias the perfect golden boy. Bryan knows Tobias is his fated mate, but he doesn’t think he deserves someone as good as Tobias, so he pushes him away. Bryan sets off on a mission to atone for his so-called sins, as a way to get through the darkness.

"The awful truth was, I needed him. I needed his solidity and his goodness and his warmth. I needed it like the monster I was."

The mental health rep was 👌🏻. There was a clear emphasis on how Tobias didn’t want to “fix” Bryan and there was no fixing him. Tobias wanted to be there, support, and get to know Bryan as who he is now. Bryan does not think he is deserving of love, but the old version of him did, but he knows he can’t ever be that person again after everything he went through. But Tobias accepts him for who he is and wants to love Bryan as whoever he is now, and not the version Bryan thinks he needs to be to be worthy of Tobias’ love.

I really enjoyed the character development and how Bryan’s and Tobias’ relationship grows. Tobias wants him mate badly, BUT he also respects his boundaries and gives him space while doing what he can to protect Bryan and keep him safe. As they work together, they learn more about each other. Bryan soon sees what lies beneath the perfect golden boy persona, is someone way more vulnerable and has his own invisible scars. He hadn’t seen all the puzzle pieces that make Tobias but eventually sees that Tobias needs him just as much and he needs Tobias. I loved how they were able to come together and move forward towards a future in a way that works for both of them. I am definitely looking forward to book 4 – it sounds like it is going to be a wild ride!

[I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.]

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Protecting His Vampire Mate" is the third book in Jay Castle's Blood Bonded Mates series.

["Bryan
After everything I've done, I don't deserve love. Especially not from Tobias Hawthorne—the brave, gorgeous, annoyingly perfect warlock who insists he's my fated mate.
Actually, I might already be halfway in love with him, but Tobias doesn't need to know that. Because it can't happen. I can't put him in danger. Not when I've hurt so many people already. Instead, I'll use this darkness to hunt monsters and make the world a safer place. Love doesn't factor in. And if I just keep telling myself that, maybe someday I'll believe it.

Tobias
At fourteen, I cast a spell to see the face of my fated mate. I never expected it to be a vampire. And I denied it for years. Then I met Bryan, and my world made sense for the first time. Until he left.
It's fine. I'm the coven's go-to warlock for banishing big bads. Work keeps me distracted. Except when it doesn't. Which is always. But Bryan needs space, and I'll give him anything he needs, even if it hurts. But then a demon shows me a future where Bryan dies. I have to protect him, no matter the cost. He doesn't want a warlock bodyguard. Too bad. I'm not going anywhere, even if saving him makes him hate me."]

This one was a hard read. It was mentally and emotionally taxing. Bryan had been through soooo fucking much (like all of the trigger warnings (and more) are about him). He was struggling something fierce. It was hard on him (obviously), and it was hard on Tobias. The two of them almost didn't make it. I almost cried (okay, no almost).

Quote of the Day (Bryan about Tobias): "Just knowing he was out there somewhere made it possible to get through my worst days, even if I had no desire to call him and wreck him all over again." Romantic and heartbreaking...aka the entire novel.

Gotta be honest, not sure how I feel about the next book...but we'll see.

Trigger Warnings: violence, mentions of death/loss of loved ones, on-page depictions of mind-control, a character coping with a trauma that has tones of surviving sexual assault (though no sexual violence of any kind occurs on-page, nor is it mentioned anywhere within the book), and more.

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[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This review has been electronically translated into English.

* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm enjoying the series. It was good that this book was longer, just like the previous one. This gives the author time to develop his story better. Although I think there were a lot of things left open that could have been addressed instead of the repetitive back and forth of the MCs.

I don't like that Tobias always sacrifices himself for Bryan's sake, always gives up something. Protection, care and empathy are acceptable, but that's it.

I understand that sometimes our pain is so great that we can't see anything beyond that. But in this case, Bryan, as Tobias' destined companion, felt part of his feelings, even if not deeply, he still felt them and chose to do nothing, chose to pretend that his actions were only for Tobias's sake, when in fact they were only for his own. His selfishness did not allow him to have an ounce of sympathy when he noticed the other's pain, the loneliness in their eyes, even if the other tried to hide it and failed.
Bryan, I couldn't see anything beyond your pain, your nose and your will.
It's completely understandable that he wants to leave the place that brings him so much pain and suffering, because of what was done to him and what he was forced to do to the victims. The only thing that wasn't good was how he treated Tobias. I didn't like him in this book.
His epiphany after leaving the hospital was terrible, he could have reached the same conclusion earlier and avoided the wear and tear.
It seems that all the characters are so involved in their lives that they don't care about each other, even when they say they love or care. And when they appear in some way, it's to interfere and there's no real care, this only happens between the MCs of the moment.

It was a good read. Able to awaken some feelings, even if it's indignation at times. It's still better than nothing. The author writes well. I would like more depth in the stories. They are not short books that cannot have it.

Dual POV. 1st Person. Bryan and Tobias.
Vampire/Witch. Predestined Companions. Ghosts.
Drinking blood. Exchanging fluids.
Attempted murder in the pages. Mention of several murders that occurred off the page, but some flashbacks.

The author could stop explaining every time that, when vampires run at accelerated speed, humans cannot see them, only a blur. It is already tiring. He explained it once, that is enough. But every time they run, they repeat the same thing.

[ShelfLife · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This was unexpectedly angsty 😬, which I don’t do well with. I am glad that once Bryan finally accepted Tobias and their bond, he didn’t go back on that and do the annoying back-and-forth nonsense just to add more “drama.” But the lead-up to that point was torture for me. I just don’t do well with the rejected-mate trope, so nothing really against the book, just my preference.

The reduced rating is for repetitiveness and comma issues/sentence structure. What’s odd is that there are hardly any spelling errors/typos (a few tense changes here and there). But the comma use still needs work. It’s getting better though! Books one and two were slower/harder to read because it was so bad. This one still had its moments, but was much better. But when the issue is throughout the entire book and not isolated, that’s a full-star deduction in my book.

I also felt like there was a lot of unnecessary repetition, which made the book drag at times. However, the overall plot to this book was good. The trauma that Bryan is dealing with was harder to read than I was expecting, and I thought it was handled well. I do think it’s cool how they found their calling as a couple, but how they did stuff was kind of vaguely described at times, so it was difficult for me to follow along and visualize things.

The crazy crap with the hunters was interesting. I can’t decide if I liked it or not, lol. I feel a little like they took up too much of the spotlight from our MCs in order to set up the next book. Which…I’m debating on reading. It sounds like it’s going to be another angst-filled dramafest. I did read some spoiler reviews to get an idea about a specific topic that would have been a dealbreaker for me, and they gave me comfort. But it doesn’t change the fact that one MC is letting the other MC believe something that isn’t true and it’s hurting him greatly, so… I’ll just have to see what mood I’m in when I get back to this world.

But, overall, I’m enjoying this series. And besides the comma issues and some repetitiveness, it’s written well, and is entertaining and engaging.

[Steve Pardue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m excited to share my thoughts on ‘Protecting His Vampire Mate,’ the latest addition to the Blood Bonded Mates series. As a fan of the series, I was eagerly anticipating this third book. While I reviewed the second book, ‘Married to the Vampire King,’ in April, this new installment has added even more depth to the series, focusing primarily on the captivating characters Bryan and Tobias.

‘Protecting His Vampire Mate’ dives deep into the lives of Bryan and Tobias, whom we met in the second book. Their story is filled with ups and downs that will keep you hooked. Although the book includes a bit of Tobias’s twin sister and his best friend, it’s mostly centered on these two intriguing characters. Their journey is loaded with action, adventure, and a good dose of emotional pain and angst, making you feel deeply connected to them.

This book offers a compelling narrative packed with ghost-hunting and face-offs with vampire hunters, keeping the excitement high throughout. The dangerous and thrilling adventures not only keep readers engrossed but also add layers to the characters’ development. The emotional struggles that Bryan and Tobias endure give the story a rich, resonant depth, making it hard to put the book down.

One of the standout aspects of ‘Protecting His Vampire Mate’ is its impeccable balance of heat and heartfelt moments. The chemistry between Bryan and Tobias is palpable, and their journey toward a happy-ever-after is satisfying and well-earned. While I still favor “Married to the Vampire King” slightly more, because of all the wonderful characters, this third book is undeniably a great read and a worthy addition to the series.

If you’re a fan of vampire romance with a hearty mix of action, adventure, and emotional depth, then ‘Protecting His Vampire Mate’ is a must-read. Dive into the world of Blood Bonded Mates and follow the enthralling journey of Bryan and Tobias today!

[Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and Easy

This book is a little hard to describe. It’s got some deeper themes and trauma, but at the same time it was an easy and quick read that felt pretty low angst? It’s a bit of a puzzle.

I did enjoy Tobias and Bryan, they are sweet together and I like how they both helped each other to heal and become more confident and relaxed, but somehow everything still felt very surface level.

I think part of what made this book not feel very deep despite the subject matter was that for the majority of the book, we really only are reading a book with two characters. The side characters in this book are minimal and play a pretty minimal role. The two side characters who were slightly more present, Danny and Michael, were alright to read about, but once it was clear that they will be the MMCs of the next book it felt like they were just there to promote the next book. They weren’t even likable until the epilogue.

In any case Tobias and Bryan did make for an interesting read. I’m just surprised how emotionless this book felt sometimes. The scenes with Bryan in the last book were so intense I figured this book would be much more in depth and heart wrenching. But even when Bryan was struggling with his own self doubt and guilt over his actions in the last book, I felt sort of meh about the whole thing.

The spice was ok as well but it somehow didn’t really fit to the book sometimes. It felt like it was there because it was expected but I didn’t feel connected to them romantically like I did in the last book with Nathaniel and Ethan.

The book was still an interesting read and I’m mildly curious about what Danny and Michael’s story might be. I guess we’ll see!

Tropes: Hurt/Comfort, Forced Proximity, Fated Mates, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book. 


This is book 3 in the Blood Bonded Mates series, and you should at least read book 2, Married to The Vampire Prince before this one. It sets the scene for what Bryan did at the hands of Giles.


I enjoyed book one, loved book two and I loved this one too! 


It's far more emotional, I thought, than the other two. And it carries some powerful emotions, from Bryan mostly, but Tobias surprised me too!


Bryan is learning to cope with the guilt of what he did. he doesn't want his memories removed, he needs to suffer like he made those witches suffer and he is drowning in it. He goes off to try to offset the guilt by doing some good. Tobias knew Bryan was his mate from the age of 14, he didn't know he would meet him in such difficult circumstances, but Tobias is patient, if nothing else. He knows Bryan needs to heal, but when Ethan's mirror shows Bryan's death, Tobias knows he can no longer stay away. 


I loved that Tobias was so flipping patient with Bryan. Bryan pushes Tobias away, a lot, and quite brutally at times, but Tobias knows, he KNOWS Bryan is hurting. Bryan doesn't need fixing, he needs time. The time factor ran out with the mirror, but Tobias still let Bryan control the pace of their relationship, 


And Bryan?? Oh that boy needs a hug so bad! He asks Tobias for said hug, and it made me cry. I'm not gonna say how he gets his redemption, but I didn't see that one coming, either! 


The thing with hunters was another surprise in this book! They are a pair, that have much to say and those two are next. I look forward to seeing how their story plays out. 


I can't see that there is a bigger picture, after the thing with Giles was all sorted, but I'm hoping there are many more of these to come!


5 full and shiny stars


*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, easily a five star book, I lost myself
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
Wow, what a read I’ve got to say I went through every emotion with Bryan and Tobias. After all that Bryan had been through, been taken and an evil warlock, decided to use him as an instrument of war. Bryan is a vampire and with Giles spell he killed witches. Once Bryan came out of that spell, he quickly handed him self in where he thought he would be sentenced to death, thankfully the witches investigated and found this spell leaving Bryan innocent of the killings. He was one of the victims. When the witches wanted to do a spell for him to forget about Giles the murders and take advantage of he refused . He wanted to remember the pain so he hoped to never hurt another person again. But in that decision he chose to leave his mate Tobias because he needed space. He needed to work this all out in his head. And Tobias bless his heart understand he doesn’t like it, but he understands and tells him he will be there for him, and he won’t follow But
Then he had a premonition that Bryan being killed so he asked Ethan to use the book to see what’s happens to Bryan. Then asked his sister to do a location spell to find Bryan. But where would this lead???
OMG my heart broke for Bryan the pain he was going though, thinking he was a monster. Not worthy of his mate Tobias. But he couldn’t deny that he was pulled to Tobias Tobias is an amazing warlock. His love and support to Bryan was faultless. And he would do anything to show Bryan he has a good heart
The passion they share is electric the connection undeniable. My heart was in my mouth so many times but this book just got better and better. So excited to read more from Jay Castle

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is quickly becoming a favorite when I’m in the mood for paranormal romance. I love the magical world Jay Castle has created where vampires and witches reign supreme, working (mostly) together to keep the peace. If you’re new to this series, the stories are sequential, so I highly recommend reading in order for maximum enjoyment.

This installment picks up right after the last, grabbing Bryan & Tobias’s fated mates thread and running with it. Their story was never going to be anything but complicated, and I love how Jay Castle bucks the traditional fated mates trope. Sure, they feel the telltale, soul-deep bond pulling them together, but the way they fight and resist creates tension, conflict, and a whole lot of heartache.

I’m not generally a fan of stories where one MC avoids the other for their own good, but Bryan’s reasons for staying away run deeper. It’s heartbreaking how he beats himself up over the past; he has a lot to work through before he’ll feel worthy of someone like Tobias. I found his healing journey to be really profound — it was deep and complex, with no easy, quick fix. He wrestles with what he’s been through and what he’s done, until eventually his emotions evolve into something healthier that comes from a place of healing.

I personally struggled with Tobias at times, namely his tendency to be a bit of a doormat. I understand that he’s devoted to his mate, but seriously, sometimes Bryan wasn’t nice and he knew what he was doing. Luckily, they eventually figure it out, and they’re the sweetest. I could have also maybe done without the too convenient lube, readily available in even the least likely of circumstances. Tobias is a warlock, I’m sure he could have just magicked some up. 😂

Overall this was a great read, and I highly recommend it as well as this entire series. The direction it takes next is bound to be interesting as it makes a departure from the inner circle of the vampires to explore new MCs with a different role in this world.

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Cornflakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

warlock x vampire
touch him and die
mates for life
REVIEW:
one word. AMAZING.
there were such different characters that melted together so perfectly.
Tobias and Bryan both had traumatic experience but they both manifested it in a different way.
Tobias was more introvert and sensitive, i loved how he was always there for Bryan even at the cost to suppress his needs and to be used by his mate in whatever way. Their love language was not affectionate (at the beginning) but i could feel their care for each other either way.
Bryan... my heart broke pieces by peices everytime i was reading his guilt and all the things he did not do. It was not your fault and you should not have been ashamed of yourself 🥹
I wanna talk about the side characters as well, how much Ethan and Poppy were always there for both Bryan and Tobias and the random appareance of Nathaniel (not gonna spoiler where and for what tho hehe) marked how they all care for each other.
But what I really appreciated about thia book was their love omg the way they were protecting each other, the way i could FEEL they would die for each other, it was wonderful🫶🏻.
PS. i haven't read the other books but i feel like i should have, it's not like it's not readeble if you do not read the previous one, but maybe for a little bit of context...
Can't wait for Michael and Danny book tho, i swear these two have so much potential that when i read at the end of the book they were gonna have their own book i was so excited.
ANYWAY totally recommend the book!!

[Mary Forster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy that the author wrote this story. After meeting both of the characters in Married to a Vampire King, you just had to know what their story was going to be like.

Bryan is still coming to terms with what happened to him. He was the vampire that was put under a spell by a powerful warlock and did his dirty crimes for him. Bryan doesn't understand why everyone keeps him a live as he has the memories of what happened. He also has Tobias on his side because Tobias claims to be his fated mate. He can't stay where he is because after everything happened, he needs to go. He doesn't want to leave Tobias but he has to in order to fix himself.

Tobias knew what Bryan was to him because he saw it when he was younger. He will stop at nothing to protect his mate even if it's to go against his coven. When Bryan tells him he has to go, Tobias has no choice but to let his mate leave him even though it pains him deeply. When he gets a vision of his mate dying, he decides then he has no choice but to find him. Tobias will stop at nothing until he knows his mate is safe.

Bryan & Tobias have a lot that needs to be worked on. These two will face bad stuff together but also do some good together. Bryan slowly opens up to Tobias to get him to understand what it is like for him while Tobias does the same for Bryan. You will see both of their connections to each other, grow even more. These two are perfect for each other and love how they are so protective of one another.

I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.