Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Sloan Crane is a vampire on a mission. He knows from the moment he catches Opal’s scent that she is his mate. The last thing in this world Sloan wants is a mate, but he won’t let that monster, Fletcher, have her either. Just because he doesn’t want her doesn’t mean he wants her to die. And he has two choices: let her bleed to death or change her without her permission.


Opal Erickson is beyond furious. Up until now she might not have exactly been happy with her life, but it was hers. In the blink of an eye that bloodsucker has stolen her freedom and turned her into a bloodsucking hybrid. And she is supposed to be grateful? Not in this lifetime…or any other.


Why must everything be so complicated?


Fletcher is far from finished with the couple, and if he has his way Opal won’t survive it…

204 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2014

4 people are currently reading
117 people want to read

About the author

Kathi S. Barton

445 books673 followers
Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids, three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. aaronskiss@gmail.com.
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
71 (45%)
4 stars
51 (32%)
3 stars
29 (18%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,672 reviews83 followers
September 16, 2022
Yeah, I have to say 'Opal' is the fourth book in Kathi S. Barton's "Rare Gems" series and by far has made the top of the list, in my humble opinion. I fell in love with Sloan's character when he was introduced and then felt so sorry for him. He came with so many surprises it was astounding! And then there's Opal, the calm, easy-going one who tries to be a little different than the rest. The woman was thrown into a situation there was no escape from and started to feel bad until she decided she was going to "continually throw a temper tantrum." Make no mistake, these Erickson gems all have the same obstinate character trait and a temper to boot but it was so satisfying watching her come into her own and then watch Sloan grow into his new role. They have their own heated chemistry that came along with the trials and tribulations they had to deal with. Oh, and new surprises came out about Blair and part of his and Allen's history. You have to read this one, we have a whole new set of characters we've been introduced to.
Profile Image for Denise.
651 reviews19 followers
September 26, 2014
Oh wow talk about twist and turns !!!!!!! Opal is a shewolf and was in Paris when a vampire tried to kidnap her but winds up hurting her .. Slone is a vampire that happen to save her live and winds up turning her into a vampire and to make matter worst Slone is her mate .. Needless to say Opal was not happy about this and wanted to die , she did not want to come to turns about what had happen to her that know she vampire and werewolf ..
This story has up's and down's twist mystery and great sex scene ... Fair Warning this book may not be for everyone .. But those who loves Dark Fantasy and werewolf and Vampires this a must read ..This is the fourth book in series .. If you haven't read this series yet please start with Sapphire book one in series
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,864 reviews112 followers
September 27, 2014
This was such an amazing book that I could not put down. It has awesome and amazing characters and a story that does not quit. I would gladly recommend this book to everyone I know, this has got to be read.
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,207 reviews24 followers
June 12, 2018
3.5 stars. I was actually quite disappointed and annoyed at Opal's character...

Opal Erickson is usually the calm and easy going of the sisters. She's been working so hard on her customized jewelry that she takes a vacation in Paris. But the trip takes a turn for the worse, and now she's a hybrid, half wolf half vampire and has a mate who has made it known, quite loudly, how much he doesn't want a mate.

Sloan Crane is thousands of years old. He is set in his ways and doesn't need a woman to come into his life and shake things up. Especially if the woman is an Erickson. While working with Quentin and his issues he has gotten to know the Erickson women and knows they are loud and very independent as well as stubborn.

But another has his eyes set on Opal and won't stop until he has finished with his "dinner".

Opal was probably my least favorite character of all the books I've read so far. Yeah the women are suppose to be independent, stubborn, and alpha in their own way. But Opal was just a childish and contradictory character. She was so dead set on only seeing things her way and seeing what she was losing that she couldn't see how much she was hurting others and gaining. She's envious of the love that Blair and Sapphire have and wanted that for herself, but when confronted she tells everyone she doesn't want anyone to love her.?? That makes absolutely no sense.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this title**
60 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2014
Opal

The 4th book in Kathi S Barton’s “Rare Gems” series.
After a grueling show in New Orleans, Opal Erickson decides she needs a vacation, so she heads to Paris.
While there, she is accosted by a vamp names Fletcher.
Before he gets the chance to harm her, Sloan, a friend of her family, appears behind her. He can immediately tell that she is his mate. He saves her from Fletcher by marking her as his mate.
After returning to her hotel, she is so angry that she tries to attack Sloan, and Rufus pushes her, and she falls into a glass table. She is bleeding to death, and Sloan feels he has no choice but to convert her, or she will die.
Of course, because she is wolf, Blair knows when it happens. Sloan knows he is in a lot of trouble both with her and her family.
Will she ever forgive him? Will they ever be able to find happiness together? And what of Fletcher? Did he just go away, or will he come after them?
These are just some of the questions that you must find answers to. There are many other twists and turns, as well as secrets to reveal.
This is such a wonderful book.

Profile Image for Niki Driscoll.
889 reviews17 followers
September 8, 2016
Is a mate punishment or a reward? I guess it depends on who you ask. Sloan did not want a mate, he has lived a long time and can't figure out why he is getting one now. Of course he is a man and makes some stupid mistakes where his mate is concerned. Opal can't believe what an arrogant jerk Sloan is and despite the attraction doesn't want him either. Enter a bad guy who is wants to eat her and things go from bad to worse. This was anther great story, the characters were interesting and very amusing. I just loved the interaction between the family, poor Sloan should have been bursting into flames from the angry glances. Some interesting twists in this storyline and some very unique supporting characters. Easy to follow, moves quickly and is fun. Every time a new mate enters the picture I kind of feel sorry for them. They have no idea what they are getting into when they a mate a gem usually. However, in Sloan's case he was well aware of what was in store for him and it really made me smile. Only two gems left and I am sure it is going to be good.

I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elaine Kirby.
972 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2016
Happy Cry!

Opal & Sloan they are family & they are friends to the people in their lives; Opal's family is the Gems & their mates & Sloan is at 1st just a friend. But when Sloan goes to save Opal from an evil vampire he has to mark her as his (but ,before he had left to save her he had known that she was his mate). Opal winds up with a serious injury that takes choices from both of them when he has to turn her into a vampire like him to save her life. Opal was far from happy when she found out what he did.

Their courtship has it's ups & downs along the way but they're also trying to get rid of the evil vampire who doesn't take No for an answer & kills a lot of people in this book. But, there is also very happy make me cry moments in this book too.

This book contains most of the characters from the previous books in this series, lots of sex scenes & biting scenes, a birth, a wedding, another realm, & of course the good vs bad plot. This book as excellent & I'm now off to read the next book in this series (I also think that it's the last book in this series).
Profile Image for Emily.
5,877 reviews548 followers
October 20, 2014
When Sloan Crane came to the rescue of Opal Erickson, he never expected that he would end up mating her. Sloan didn't want a mate and Opal certainly didn't want to be mated with a vampire. Opal feels that Sloan took from her something special, her freedom to choose. As they begin life as a newly mated couple, Sloan finds he wants his mate to be happy and goes about trying to win her heart along the way. Now if he can keep her safe from another vampire who is intent on taking her, then everything would be perfect in the world.

this was a different one, Sloan has another vampire he is close with and I found his accent off putting, had a kind of cockney slant that didn't fit with the story. Not my favorite in series, but it could certainly have been my mood. I liked how it started off though and was distracted by the side characters. Would continue to read series though.
Profile Image for Vettech.
529 reviews14 followers
December 6, 2015
Rare Gem sister Opal Erickson meets her Prince Charming in this exciting tale werewolves and vampires....

Sloan Crane has been around for thousands of years and is so set in his ways that just the thought of having a mate after all this time has him turning the other way. Until he is sent to watch over a beautiful woman who is in danger and discovers she is his mate. Rather than let her die, Sloan changes her.....then feels the wrath of both the she-wolf and her family.

When Opal wakes and finds she is both wolf and vampire, she's none too happy.....nor is she happy to find herself with a mate she doesn't want. Neither Opal nor Sloan can fight the irresistible attraction to each other. This story has more twists and turns than the best coaster ride.....and some of the most amazing love scenes as well.

I really love this series...
Profile Image for LaVida Brisco - One Last Page Book Blog.
763 reviews10 followers
September 26, 2014
Creative Gem

Once again the author has brought us another heroine who's not only strong but fierce. Sloan is a vampire and friend of Opal's brother in law, he helped her sister and the vampire council and was rewarded with a mate who turned out to be Opal. Their first meeting was Sloan saving Opal from another vamp and in the process claiming her. From that point on we're taking on a wicked journey where they try to stay away from each other, but they're fooling themselves. The connection they share is too strong, too combustible, and there is no denying it. This was a very captivating read and I can't wait for the next sister. I'm eagerly anticipating the next in this sensational series.
Profile Image for Cindy Barton.
150 reviews
September 27, 2014
Opal is the newest gem that gets a mate, whether she wants one or not. Sloan isn't the happiest with the choice he has made, but he couldn't let Opal die. For neither of them wanting a mate, they both seem to blossom with the realization that they love the other. Outside forces are determined to create havoc. Fletcher wants Opal, badly. Fletcher also has a lot to learn about the Gems and their mates. They protect their own and they are a huge family with many different paranormal beings, mess with one, mess with all. With a new life happening, a new business flourishing, and a new love discovered, Opal will tantalize the followers of Kathi Barton and leave us all wanting more.
Profile Image for Lane.
1,348 reviews
August 27, 2016
I found that there were several mistakes, like calling him a her. It took me a while to understand Opal's anger. I understood her being upset due to her lack of choice, but once she got over that, she was unreasonable. I found myself rolling my eyes at some of her antics. She was aggravating and I felt sorry for Sloan. I liked Sloan, though I am still trying to figure out exactly what he is. I liked seeing the incorporation of more paranormals. Allen and Annabelle are a hoot.

I liked the pacing. This was entertaining. I swear it seems the characters get crazier as the series progresses. This is an adult read due to content and language. 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Belinda.
253 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2016
Opal is a shewolf. Sloan is a vampire. Opal gets hurt by Forrester another vampire and to save her Sloan changes her without her knowledge and in the process claims her as his mate. To say Opal is mad is an understatement. This is a definite must read to find out how Opal copes with being a wolf and a vampire. Would definitely recommend to everyone as a must read. Congrats Kathi S Barton on another amazing book - can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Leslie.
513 reviews8 followers
May 5, 2023
Fantastic

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Sloan and Opal's characters. In the beginning, I thought they would kill each other before admitting they belonged together. It was exciting to read the trials they went through, but the best part was the ending. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I can't wait to see what happens with Ruby and Emerald.
Profile Image for Peggy.
158 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2014
A great addition to the Rare Jem Series. Awesome writing and characters. Opal learns how to be a vampire. Alone and Opal learn how to be mates, live together and love each other. Alone learns to live with his new family. They get the bad guy. Then Opal learn Slone secret.
Profile Image for Emmie.
1,277 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2017
I am really enjoying this series by Kathi Barton. It promises to be as good as the Aaron's kiss series. This book on its own was very good.
Profile Image for Kathy.
6 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2014
WOW Kathi S. Barton has once again out did her self on this book. It is one that you will not want to put down. Opal meets her mate. can't wait for the next one I highly recommend to everyone
Profile Image for Juliana.
380 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2015
That one ancient other vampire found his match and his precious gems in Opal... a she wolf that won't back down for what she believed...
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.