Blood Moon Heat

Blood Moon Brides #2

by Sherilee Gray

My fate was sealed years ago. I would be mated to one of The Five.

However, the heartless vampire who'll claim me broke all the rules. Instead of staying away until our blood moon ceremony, Nero watched me intently, fascinated by the pain his nearness caused me.

He is incapable of love, and instead of making me his mate, Nero makes me his prisoner—only offering freedom to savor my fear and the dark sensual need he stirs when he catches me again.

But as danger looms, awakening startling new emotions in him, I learn the ice around his heart is no match for the passion burning in his soul...

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2025

About the author

Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn't writing sexy contemporary and paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of chocolate in the other.

Sign up for Sherilee's newsletter for updates and giveaways: http://www.sherileegray.com/contactne...

Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great vampire romance from The Blood Moon Bride series! Blood Moon Heat book two is best described as an erotic vampire read rather then a regular vampire paranormal romance because of its darker theme and dark lead male. Nero is a ancient vampire who is cold as he is hard hearted and Mina is young and innocent but curious and bold at times so theirs a lot of clashing of personalities at first and Nero doesn’t make it any easier because of his need to cage her. But once the fireworks start their twisted games of predator chasing his prey start it’s very apparent that they are well match! Love this series and the covers are fabulous! Until next time Luv’s 💋😉

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: This is INTENSE! I made the mistake of diving into this after dinner, and I couldn’t stop reading. The author completely pulled me into Mina and Nero’s world, immersing me in an irresistible blend of danger and passion. Nero's struggle between restraint and reckless desire kept me on edge, wondering when he'd finally give in. He didn’t exactly woo his mate in a gentle way, and honestly, I loved every second of it. Now, I’m left craving more.





The story is fast-paced but still gives plenty of attention to character development and suspense. While this is the second book in the series, I don’t feel it’s essential to read the first one before this. That said, it’s just as captivating, so why not indulge in both?

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers per the author: Dubious consent, consensual non-consent, blood play, fear play, primal play
Steam 5 /5; explicit

[T.P.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh goody, I am really having a blast with this universe. Mina and Nero's story is thrilling, intense and one could easily see some of the dark undertones here.
Nero was a goner from the point he found Mina. However, his obsessive protection has no bounds, which of course, the FMC finds a tad frustrating. Mina comes from a loving family, but her destiny asNero's bonded has prevented her from experiencing life. The main heroine is not giving in easily into Nero's demands and the constant pushing that she subjects him to, drives him crazy.
Their relationship is intense, but make no mistake, Nero is a teddy bear for his woman. When trouble comes knocking at the door and Mina finds herself in a rather dangerous situation, Nero wreaks havoc on those daring to touch what is his- his soul, his heart, his beloved bonded. I liked the romance here and frankly, I would love to read about the rest of the Five's journey in settling with their chosen one.

[Mikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just okay. I didn't really like Nero. Mina was fine. This one definitely pushed the world-building forward by like a hair. Was it overall entertaining? Sure. I'll probably try to keep track of when the next book gets released because this series is rather interesting. This series reads like classic paranormal romance and I'm always a sucker for those types of books.

[Vashti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nero and Mina's book.
It been a long while since I read the first book in this series, but I was soon back into this world where vampires find their true mates.
Fast pace with plenty of action that had me reading till the very end.
I believe that this series takes place in the world of Thornheart Trials and this author's other pnr series.
I'm looking forward to the next entry.
Vampire/ Vampire
Virgin FMC
Part of a series
Dubious consent
Blood Play

[Cristina]

DNF

I couldn’t feel a connection toward either MC.

The H is given the h as his fated mate. He takes her to his apartment and keeps her in a room under lock. He calls her “little doll” and she’s to be kept in her room… kind of odd. Anyway, it’s a short read so perhaps it needs more development.

[Lori R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book!! Dark and delicious and so very thrilling in all the glorious ways!

I couldn’t wait for this book after reading the first one. The yummy, little tease at the end of book one made me want and crave and need this book!

Mina - so very naive with so much to learn. She had been locked away, to be saved for her fated mate. Her mate who’d been watching, waiting, wanting. To see her go from innocent and unknowing, to strong and confident was so amazing. For her to stand up to the grumpy and growly, emotionless Nero was quite badass.

Touch her and D l E. <— I’ve come to LOVE LOVE LOVE this trope. This story was all that and then some. There’s protective, and there’s over-protective…then there’s Nero. Lordy, that guy. But the way he does it is so sweet and caring and loving. Seriously! LOL :)

This story was so intense and so sinfully GOOD.
Primal play… *WHEW*… who knew this was one of my kinks!?!!!! And the way Ms. Gray executed it? I was tingling in all the fun places!! Nero can chase me ANY.TIME.

I loved seeing Nero change throughout the book. Watching the walls around his non-beating heart break down was a beautiful thing. And when all the ice around that heart began to melt… sooooo swoony! Yes, Nero…the callous and cruel, emotionless monster with a non-beating heart was swoony and put hearts in my eyes.

This fast-paced story is full of heart-pounding deliciousness and kept me on the edge of my seat while gripping my kindle tight. I never wanted to put it down.

Every time I read a Sherilee Gray book, I’m reminded of why she is one of my favorite authors. I’m always WOWed, I always FEEL, and I always get hooked from the first page until the very end. This book did all of that.

Her words are beautifully written.
The characters step off the page and feel so real.
The emotions are powerful and plentiful.
The story is outstanding.

If you love a well-written, nailbiter of a story, with a sexy AF vampire and heroine who brings him to his knees, you’ll want to read this one!

[between.inked.sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina and Nero's book was deliciously dark and twisted and I absolutely devoured it. 🫠

Ever since the first book, I couldn't wait for Nero's story and to no one's surprise, I finished this in less than a day. There was vampires, blood play, primal play 👀😏 and an emotionless MMC whose mate makes him feel thingsss🤭 And honestly, that was probably my favourite part - watching Nero struggle to understand what the heck was happening to him, all these different feelings after centuries of feeling nothing hehe 😆.

10/10 for this book.

I'll read anything Sherilee writes (100% an auto-buy author for me) so again, a massive thank you to Sherilee Gray for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. ❤️

[lilac wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I'd call "anti-dark romance", it's like the author does the opposite of what the genre has been. The moment you think this is dangerously close to a toxic stereotype, she takes a sharp turn in the "right direction" and makes it a feel-good comfort read with hot cocoa on the side.

Kudos for the fantasy, and the writing style (tried-and-true method). I hope the author loves what she's doing, and stands behind her workmanship. I only wish she were a more prominent name so more people could enjoy what she has achieved. I'd serve these to my sisters to make up for the early 2000s dark romance (or any abusive turns in the romance genre as a whole).

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nero and Mina🥰

Mina from the age of sixteen knows that her future has already been paved, when she is informed that she will be a mate to one of the Five. The Five are warriors who fight for their people against the fae. However, unlike the other chosen mates, her “mate to be” visits her annually.

Suffice to say this story is a tad darker, and slightly more depraved but I really enjoyed the story irrespective of Nero and Mina’s preferences☺️ Though I wouldn’t say no to a future story for Pretender down the track as well as the rest of the Five🙌 I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

[Nicole Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️Thoughts❤️

Loved this story! If you're a fan of fated mates vampire romances, this is a must-read.

I especially enjoyed the unique twist of vampires being able to have children with their mates—it added an extra layer to the story, and I wish more vampire romances included this element.

Worth the read!

❤️Mild Burn
❤️Breeding Romance
❤️Paranormal Romance
❤️Vampire MC
❤️Touch her and ☠️
❤️Stalking
❤️HEA

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐
Steamy:🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Warning⚠️: Check the TWs.
Type📣: Standalone.
Recommend: Yes!!

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look, I wanted to love this but it just fell flat for me. Mina is super sheltered and basically acts like a TSTL doll. She doesn't have much depth aside from wanting to be "mated" / taken sexually and not wanting to be locked up like a prisoner. It seemed like the book wanted to tell us she was this character with depth, caught in a frilly pink prison her parents put her in and that she'd finally get to be her own person... But I didn't get that at all. She's just so dull?

Then there's the rest of the story. It just didn't do it for me. Our hero, Nero is supposed to be this hardened vampire warrior but he kind of just comes across like an asshole. There's NO connection between them and because they're fated mates she's basically instantly attracted to and in need of him. We don't see them bond or talk or anything and it's really just porn with a slight plot. There's like NO real reason he couldn't have had sex with her right away like the other warriors with their brides and it would have avoided the whole kidnapped by the rape-y council thing.

- the smut was ok. Not terrible or anything and some parts were hot but it just didn't do it for me when couples with the story.

- I wasn't crazy about the world building. I thought at first it was some sort of fantasy pseudo medieval type setting because of the virgin brides, warriors, castles etc. but then the male vampires have phones, laptops and cars?? It just didn't mesh well imo. Especially since we learn mine is like 21 and was only cloistered away for 5 years... So how is she still so clueless and innocent? Eh.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Blood Moon Heat is a scorchingly hot & enthralling dark paranormal romance, and I loved every single second of it.

Ever since she was 16 years old, Mina has known that she’s fated to mate one of The Five, terrifying and ruthless vampire warriors whose identities have been kept hidden while they wage war on the Fae. But now the war is over and The Five are coming to claim their brides on the Blood Moon. For five long years Mina has been kept sequestered & protected in her parent’s house, and she hopes that her mate will be able to give her the freedom she craves, and a loving relationship like her parents.

After spending centuries fighting in the war and having long since lost the ability to feel emotion, Nero is reluctant to allow himself the vulnerability of having a mate yet can’t resist the connection he feels with Mina. But after claiming her his emotions are slowly starting to return and he’s even more intent on keeping her at arm’s length and protected, destroying any hope Mina had for more freedom by keeping her locked away in a replica of her childhood bedroom where he insists, she’ll be safe.

Blood Moon Heat is the second book in Sherilee Gray’s Blood Moon Brides series, and can be read as a standalone, although the first book, Blood Moon Bound is a definitely worth checking out.

I’ve been intrigued by Nero since we met him in the Thornheart Trials series, and after seeing some of the snippets Sherilee Gray had posted on Instagram (if you haven’t seen those snippets I recommend you go check them out, because damn 🔥🔥🔥) I was even more excited to read more about him and I’m very glad to say he lived up to all my expectations.

The chemistry between Nero & Mina is truly explosive and I loved the dynamic between them. I loved watching Nero fumble his way through recovering his emotions and trying to do the right thing for Mina & protect her while going about it the completely wrong way, and I loved that Mina was prepared to stand up to him and make it clear it what she wanted/needed.

The pacing and character development was incredibly well balanced throughout the book and the characters and their relationship had enough space to grow authentically without feeling rushed.

I’m so excited to read the rest of the books in this series as they release, and I do hope we get to see more of Pretender at some point.

Please check content warnings, a full list of both tropes and content warnings can be found on Sherilee Gray’s website HERE.

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[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLOOD MOON HEAT is the second instalment in Sherilee Gray’s adult BLOOD MOON BRIDES erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on The Five ancient vampire warriors-Stefan Valiente, Rainer Beiste, August Drapała, Nero Kossek, and Constantine Caputo. This is ancient vampire Nero Kossek, and twenty-one year old vampire Mina Angelos’ storyline. BLOOD MOON HEAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. The events of BLOOD MOON HEAT run parallel to, and cross over with the events of book one BLOOD MOON BOUND.


NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.


Told from dual first person perspectives (Nero and Mina) BLOOD MOON HEAT follows in the wake of the claiming of our story line heroine. At sixteen years of age, it would be revealed to Mina Angelos and her parents that she is to be the fated mate to ancient vampire warrior Nero Kossek. Having spent all of her life a prisoner in a gilded cage, Mina would find herself secreted away except for the one night a year when Nero would quietly visit without speaking a word. Days following her twenty-first birthday, Mina and four other young woman would be called together for a ceremony in which each would be introduced and claimed by an ancient warrior. Enter Nero Kossek, the vampire with whom Mina would fall in love.


Like all ancient vampires, Nero has lost all emotions and the ability to feel , and in this, Mina became nothing more than another prisoner, locked in a room, away from all others but as Mina and Nero continued to dance around one another, Nero would be sent on assignment, and our heroine would become the target of some powerful males.


The world building focuses on the acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. Mina Angelos is painfully naive, naive to the point of pain, and in this, her actions threaten the safety of our story line couple. Determined to make Nero work for her affection, Mina refuses to accept our hero as her fated mate. Nero Kossek struggles with his inability to bond with the woman that would one day control his heart, an inability that threatens Mina’s life going forward. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense but scenes of struggle .


We are introduced to the other four Blood Moon brides, as well as Nero’s assistant Pretender, and Mina’s parents.


BLOOD MOON HEAT is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is limited; the characters are broken, determined and desperate.

copy supplied for review

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars rounded up!

Blood Moon Heat is a sexy, emotional ride—dark, twisted, and utterly consuming. Mina and Nero’s story takes the Blood Moon Brides series to darker depths than the first book, and Sherilee Gray masterfully builds a world where vampires, fated mates, and primal instincts collide.

The book isn't long, the pacing is tight—no time to get bored—and the push-pull dynamic between Mina and Nero is addictively intense. Nero’s emotional awakening was a highlight for me; watching this ancient vampire struggle with unfamiliar feelings was both entertaining and oddly endearing. And if you're into primal play, blood play, and "touch her and ☠️" vibes, this book delivers.

What didn't do it for me as much: this is purely a me thing, but the power imbalance in the relationship went a bit far for my taste. The FMC is VERY sheltered and innocent, and the MMC is a very old vampire and emotionless. That's not an issue in itself, and in fact in the first half of the book Mina starts out with a strong core, being very frank and setting clear boundaries with Nero. bBut as the story progresses, she softens and takes any progress as sufficient, without holding him fully accountable for his early behavior. I wish she had pushed him to work a bit harder for redemption as he regained emotions and their bond developed.

Overall, Blood Moon Heat is an fun, quick, high-stakes read that easily pulls you into its world. You don’t need to have read the Knights of Hell or Thornheart Trials series to enjoy this one, but if you're a fan of Gray’s work, you’ll definitely appreciate the interconnected universe. I can’t wait for the next book—and I especially can't wait for Pretender to get his own story!

[Tina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Moon Heat is a beautiful dark romance that will leave readers breathless, their hearts racing and instill a yearning for more with every turn of the page. From the very first chapter, this book grips you in its dark embrace and doesn't let go until the last word. With a cold, tortured hero and a heroine whose passion remains undiscovered, this story is an absolute delight to explore.

Nero, a centuries-old vampire who is cold and calculated, is a feared warrior for his race —until fate entwines him with an innocent yet fiercely passionate bride. Mina may appear untouched by the darkness that surrounds her, but beneath her gentle facade lies a darkness and a hunger—one that only her fated mate can truly satisfy. Mina’s fire awakens something in him, something he never thought he would need: love, tenderness, and a desire that burns like a wildfire.

The writing is lush, beautifully descriptive, and transports you into a world of danger and longing. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to see what comes next for these two compelling main characters. Every scene, whether full of raw passion or emotional vulnerability, feels meaningful and real.

Sherilee has written another unforgettable tale of love, destiny, and fiery passion. It is a must-read for fans of dark paranormal romance, and it’s guaranteed to leave you swooning for Nero and Mina long after you’ve finished the book. Highly recommended and cannot wait for the next book in this series!

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Nero's story and it did not disappoint! It's dark and steamy, fast paced and unputdownable. Watching him fall for Mina was intoxicating!

Nero is the most deadly vampire. He's cold, calculated, and unfeeling. Mina is innocent but isn't afraid to stand up for what she wants. The push and pull between them is superb. Nero is afraid to give in to their connection because he doesn't want to hurt her. But not giving in is hurting her. I loved how Mina fought for what she needed. These two both have dark tastes that make this book extra steamy. When he finally gives in and claims her, his feelings return. I loved it!

Oh! And I loved Pretender! I hope he gets a book. This is my favorite in the series so far!

ARC review.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have been looking forward to the second installment to this series and, man, did it ever deliver. It had absolutely all the feels you could imagine. Nero and Mina could not have fit each other better. Their story took you through being angry with the way he treated her at the beginning, to ripping your heart out when she goes through what she does, to falling for him as his heart begins to open, and, oh my, the heat. I can’t wait for the next book.

I was allowed the wonderful opportunity to read an ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Timitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Moon Heat was an intense, scorcher of a read. It was blazing hot and a kink fest. I loved the chemistry between Mina and Nero but I didn't like their relationship dynamic in the beginning I struggled a bit with it, it took a bit too long to change for my liking. It dragged the pacing down to me and in ways affected my overall enjoyment of the story. However, I loved it. It was a quick read but a good one with some meat on its bones. I definitely recommend it and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.


Copy provided by author

[Terri All Spice Archive · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book.
Amything Sherilee write I'll read and reread and this is no different. I've been intrigued about Nero for a while as he's been mentioned in other series and he did not dissappint. The brooding, the internal war, the toucher her and die vibe. Mina is definitely inexperienced as are all the brides but I loved that she had a backbone and stood up for herself. The spice between these two is off the charts. Can't wait for the rest in this series.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seize any opportunity I get to pick up a book by Sherilee Gray.
Blood Moon Heat did not disappoint. Mina is a fighter, however inexperienced as a lover and a bride. But don’t let that stop her. She knows what she wants.
Nero’s emotions have long been buried and he has to re-learn what “feeling” is. He is in for a ride when it comes to wooing his bride.
I honestly loved every minute of this book. I was excited to finally learn more about Nero.

[nat _lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, dark and twisted! 🖤🔥
Damn!, this book had me all enthralled and sweating... and not for the outside heat! 🥵
Nero and Mina's love story is so swoony; even tho it's was so difficult in the beginning, every step they took, every struggle, every choice, every decision, all lead to a one of a kind love story that will break you and then, put you back together!, I love every minute of this amazing book! 😍❤️

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight up possessive, fated mates, vampire romance that reads like a mafia romance lol. I kinda enjoyed this even if it feels generic but since it had all the right scenarios that checks off all my usual boxes, I couldn't help enjoying it.

Did I wish there more intimate kisses? Yes, but I liked the sensuality though the relationship could have been more intense.

[Reading Between The Wines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 10/10 for me !!!
Mina and Nero had me hooked from page one and I devoured the book in a day.
Loved how Mina worked her way into Nero’s heart.
And the sex scenes….. wowza 🤩🤩

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always amazing and I'm always left wanting stories about the other characters (this time it's Pretender).
I love Sherilee Gray's writing and I recommend this book 100 times over.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nero is incapable of love until Mina came along and changed everything. With danger lurking around every corner will he let his emotions get to him? Can Mina change his heart before it's to late?

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

Blood Moon Brides :
❌ 1. Blood Moon Bound -
❌ 2. Blood Moon Heat -

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so hot!

[Chesblues · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. PERFECT.