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Mi Corazón Sangrante #1
Bleeding Heart
While the public struggles to live side-by-side with vampires, medical student Brian Preston has dedicated himself to their care and study by working in a government-run clinic that monitors and feeds the resident vampire population. He has learned to expect the unexpected in his job, but his life takes a surprise turn late one night when a young, struggling vampire named Kyle stumbles into his clinic and his heart.
As they draw closer, can Brian come to grips with loving the elusive vampire, and can Kyle find the strength to share the secret that can separate them forever?
Bleeding Heart is the story of love, blood, political intrigue and the secrets that can spell the difference between life and death. Based on the fan fiction story, What I Hide Reminds Me.
As they draw closer, can Brian come to grips with loving the elusive vampire, and can Kyle find the strength to share the secret that can separate them forever?
Bleeding Heart is the story of love, blood, political intrigue and the secrets that can spell the difference between life and death. Based on the fan fiction story, What I Hide Reminds Me.
172 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2014
19 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Graves
8 books41 followersA veteran writer of fanfiction known as MissBeizy to her online readers, Melissa Graves’ stories have thousands of followers. At age 13, she wrote her first work of fan-based fiction, and by age 16, had met her future husband in an online vampire fiction chat room. A fan of science fiction/fantasy, she has a degree in anthropology and a passion for good chocolate, amateur erotica and fan worlds that celebrate diversity. She is mother to two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 4, 2016
4 Stars
Full Review:
This book was not your typical brooding, angsty, dark vampire romance. It was ADORABLE and sweet, and, even though I normally like the angsty, dark stuff, I couldn't help but love it.
One of the things I loved was how slow Brian and Kyle took things. It seems like every book I read portrays characters as prudes or weird and terrible people if they wait more than a week to have sex, but that's ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, there was sex eventually, but, since they waited, it felt so much more deep and emotional.
And speaking of the sex... WOW! I don't usually talk specifically about sex scenes in my reviews, but I swear these were some of the best I've ever read, partially because they really furthered the relationship between the characters. And if you like vampire biting, EVEN MORE WOW. I'm letting my freak flag fly for a moment to say that one of the things I love most about vampire books is the sexiness and intimacy of the biting, and this author nailed it. The descriptions of both, especially when combined, were just INCREDIBLE. And even though in many ways the sex scenes were the usual "perfect" kind, they were somehow also some of the most realistic ones I've read. But they were beautifully written, and the love and care and communication between the characters was part of what made them so perfect.
And that leads me to the next point, which is that Brian and Kyle were such a cute and adorable couple! It was also great that they didn't suffer from the jealousy-is-sexy plague that infiltrates many books. In fact, they didn't suffer from the jealousy plague period. Even better was how real their relationship was. Like, they went on day dates to the zoo and craft fairs and everything. I freaking loved it. And their communication, the way they talked, the way they felt---just everything about them felt so realistic.
Also, FINALLY A VAMPIRE BOOK IN WHICH THE VAMPIRES DON'T WASTE BLOOD BY SPILLING IT ALL OVER THE PLACE. No self-respecting vampire would waste blood when they bite someone, yet, in so many books/movies/shows, blood is spilling all over the place until the people are covered and their clothing is ruined and it's dripping all over the floor. Are you kidding? There wouldn't even be any blood left to drink at that point. But Kyle was always super careful not to spill even a single drop. And it actually made sense how often he was feeding; Kyle fed at his job to stay filled, and Brian kept track on a calendar how often Kyle could drink from him since Brian worked in medicine and knew how much and how often would be safe.
So as you can tell, there were so many things I loved about this book. The only reason I didn't rate it even higher was because the writing made me feel a bit distant from the characters. Sometimes I felt close to them, but sometimes I felt more like I was watching than experiencing through them. But overall, it was still a wonderful read!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes M-M vampire romance with adorable, healthy relationships.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
This book was not your typical brooding, angsty, dark vampire romance. It was ADORABLE and sweet, and, even though I normally like the angsty, dark stuff, I couldn't help but love it.
One of the things I loved was how slow Brian and Kyle took things. It seems like every book I read portrays characters as prudes or weird and terrible people if they wait more than a week to have sex, but that's ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, there was sex eventually, but, since they waited, it felt so much more deep and emotional.
And speaking of the sex... WOW! I don't usually talk specifically about sex scenes in my reviews, but I swear these were some of the best I've ever read, partially because they really furthered the relationship between the characters. And if you like vampire biting, EVEN MORE WOW. I'm letting my freak flag fly for a moment to say that one of the things I love most about vampire books is the sexiness and intimacy of the biting, and this author nailed it. The descriptions of both, especially when combined, were just INCREDIBLE. And even though in many ways the sex scenes were the usual "perfect" kind, they were somehow also some of the most realistic ones I've read. But they were beautifully written, and the love and care and communication between the characters was part of what made them so perfect.
And that leads me to the next point, which is that Brian and Kyle were such a cute and adorable couple! It was also great that they didn't suffer from the jealousy-is-sexy plague that infiltrates many books. In fact, they didn't suffer from the jealousy plague period. Even better was how real their relationship was. Like, they went on day dates to the zoo and craft fairs and everything. I freaking loved it. And their communication, the way they talked, the way they felt---just everything about them felt so realistic.
Also, FINALLY A VAMPIRE BOOK IN WHICH THE VAMPIRES DON'T WASTE BLOOD BY SPILLING IT ALL OVER THE PLACE. No self-respecting vampire would waste blood when they bite someone, yet, in so many books/movies/shows, blood is spilling all over the place until the people are covered and their clothing is ruined and it's dripping all over the floor. Are you kidding? There wouldn't even be any blood left to drink at that point. But Kyle was always super careful not to spill even a single drop. And it actually made sense how often he was feeding; Kyle fed at his job to stay filled, and Brian kept track on a calendar how often Kyle could drink from him since Brian worked in medicine and knew how much and how often would be safe.
So as you can tell, there were so many things I loved about this book. The only reason I didn't rate it even higher was because the writing made me feel a bit distant from the characters. Sometimes I felt close to them, but sometimes I felt more like I was watching than experiencing through them. But overall, it was still a wonderful read!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes M-M vampire romance with adorable, healthy relationships.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
August 6, 2014
Let's get to the important stuff right away--the sex is hot. Super hot. I know you wanted to know, so hey, why not just lead with that? And it's my favorite kind: it's not there just to titillate; the sex moves the story forward. Graves writes sex as character and plot development--the relationship between the Kyle, the vampire with a secret past and Brian, the vampire who falls for him is ignited by sexual chemistry and deepens as they both awaken to their sexual desires.
Bleeding Heart hooked me right away--I was fascinated with the world Graves created, in which vampires live alongside humans, sometimes within the same family, and the lengths both vampires and humans go to, to control the vampires and mitigate danger.
As a queer person, I found myself relating to the vampires in the story. The "licensed" pleasure at the Blood Club in contrast to the sanitized exchanges of blood at the clinic reminded me of the pressure some of us feel to homogenize with the mainstream.
Graves' story is most definitely focused on the development of the relationship between Kyle and Brian. That said, it reads like a prequel to a fascinating series. I could feel the undercurrent of intrigue as I read the book. And the ending, while completely satisfying, did leave me with a feeling of, "What is going to happen next?" I'm excited for the sequel!
Bleeding Heart hooked me right away--I was fascinated with the world Graves created, in which vampires live alongside humans, sometimes within the same family, and the lengths both vampires and humans go to, to control the vampires and mitigate danger.
As a queer person, I found myself relating to the vampires in the story. The "licensed" pleasure at the Blood Club in contrast to the sanitized exchanges of blood at the clinic reminded me of the pressure some of us feel to homogenize with the mainstream.
Graves' story is most definitely focused on the development of the relationship between Kyle and Brian. That said, it reads like a prequel to a fascinating series. I could feel the undercurrent of intrigue as I read the book. And the ending, while completely satisfying, did leave me with a feeling of, "What is going to happen next?" I'm excited for the sequel!
July 30, 2014
I sat down to read this book one night after the kids had gone to bed -- I was tired and grumpy and the hubby wanted to watch a gruesome horror movie (NOT my thing). I was *not* expecting to get so sucked in that I refused to go to bed (I am *very* regimented about bedtime.
I have to give it to the author, this book sucks you in from the start. I didn't want to put it down and leave the character, their burgeoning relationship, and once they got there, the smoking hot sex. Blood play and vampires are not my thing (see above about the horror film), but she made it incredibly sexy and intimate and compelling.
I only wish it was a little longer. There are so many complexities at play here, especially with a character at the end (not gonna spoil!) that I wanted to roll around in and really explore. Again, I am Goldilocks in my reviews lately.
I'm going to recommend this book to anyone who wants a solid and sexy romance. If Vampires are not your thing, I am gonna urge you to give it a try anyway.
I have to give it to the author, this book sucks you in from the start. I didn't want to put it down and leave the character, their burgeoning relationship, and once they got there, the smoking hot sex. Blood play and vampires are not my thing (see above about the horror film), but she made it incredibly sexy and intimate and compelling.
I only wish it was a little longer. There are so many complexities at play here, especially with a character at the end (not gonna spoil!) that I wanted to roll around in and really explore. Again, I am Goldilocks in my reviews lately.
I'm going to recommend this book to anyone who wants a solid and sexy romance. If Vampires are not your thing, I am gonna urge you to give it a try anyway.
July 27, 2014
This is going on the shelf I reserve for books I'm going to reread over and over again.
Bleeding Heart is a fast-moving, complex story. Brian and Kyle feel like real people who really do fit together, and their story is fascinating, sexy, and smart. I'm looking forward to the sequel with bated breath.
Bleeding Heart is a fast-moving, complex story. Brian and Kyle feel like real people who really do fit together, and their story is fascinating, sexy, and smart. I'm looking forward to the sequel with bated breath.
November 8, 2015
Was this book free? (Checks shelf) Why yes, yes it was. Free books are a gamble, but I’d been looking for a m/m vampire book for weeks (celebrating Halloween with my bad self) and I’d read one very bad one and one “ok” one. Well turns out this was what I’d been looking for. There were two things that makes this an above average m/m vamp book for me. Three stars all day, every day for the sex in this one. Seriously I’m not sure why so many books shy away from feeding during sex but come on, that’s what we are here for isn’t it. This was done better than most. No guilt from the human or the vamp, it was about building a bond and was intimate. Another star because overall I liked the main MC’s and the side characters lead me to believe that the follow up books in the series will be interesting. Even the virgin and Kyle’s back story wasn’t bad. I thought it needed to be developed more, but once I knew the backstory I feel as if I were to reread it with the knowledge it would be more enjoyable.
The only thing keeping me from five staring this is that Kyle’s character was slightly off for me. He was turned at 16 and was a virgin and not socially awkward but not necessarily social. At the time of the book he is 19 yet he seemed older. To me he was written as if he was a mature vampire with life experience and he was the exact opposite. I felt he should have come off younger or less sure of himself. This was his first relationship and as the book is written he’s still very emotionally similar to a human at 19. I also felt Bryan was way too understanding of Kyle’s job. It seemed odd to me that it wasn’t an issue in their relationship especially since they incorporated feeding/biting in their personal sexual relationship. I think I personally would have been telling Kyle he had to find another job.
The only thing keeping me from five staring this is that Kyle’s character was slightly off for me. He was turned at 16 and was a virgin and not socially awkward but not necessarily social. At the time of the book he is 19 yet he seemed older. To me he was written as if he was a mature vampire with life experience and he was the exact opposite. I felt he should have come off younger or less sure of himself. This was his first relationship and as the book is written he’s still very emotionally similar to a human at 19. I also felt Bryan was way too understanding of Kyle’s job. It seemed odd to me that it wasn’t an issue in their relationship especially since they incorporated feeding/biting in their personal sexual relationship. I think I personally would have been telling Kyle he had to find another job.
January 12, 2016
So you get your vampire and human romance with this book which I loved!
Brian works in a clinic were vampires got to get their blood, which is were he first meets Kyle.
Kyle was turned against his will when he was sixteen so he is very lost and confused. Brian helps him so Kyle has someone there for him. He meets two woman who offer him a job were clients let him bite and drink from them.
Now I am not sure how I feel about that because honestly how do you start a relantionship with someone while your biting other people which in this story a vampires bite will turn you on.. I guess that part really does not make sense to me but oh well.
You get your romance between these two and some action also.
All together I liked this book!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
Brian works in a clinic were vampires got to get their blood, which is were he first meets Kyle.
Kyle was turned against his will when he was sixteen so he is very lost and confused. Brian helps him so Kyle has someone there for him. He meets two woman who offer him a job were clients let him bite and drink from them.
Now I am not sure how I feel about that because honestly how do you start a relantionship with someone while your biting other people which in this story a vampires bite will turn you on.. I guess that part really does not make sense to me but oh well.
You get your romance between these two and some action also.
All together I liked this book!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
August 2, 2014
I can't put this damn book down! Immensely enjoyable and wonderfully steamy!
May 4, 2016
Fans of vampire stories will find themselves drawn to this one that's an intriguing mix of young love in a world where vampires are a part of society and their needs met through blood centers along with a bit of suspense. With its two sweet main characters and a colorful cast of secondary characters playing matchmaker the romance goes from a cutesy burgeoning relationship to a steamy no holds-barred romp. Along the way we're presented with a society catering to vampires while also showing bits of racism when it comes to the police. Underground there's a group studying vampires and trying to make their lives better with leaders whose identities caught me by surprise. All of this makes for an entertaining read that will hopefully lead to more.
Brian is a sweet-natured young man with a big heart who just wants to help people. One night a bedraggled young man comes to the blood center and he goes out of his way to help him as he's completely drawn to him. This meeting changes his life forever as their romance plays out over weeks of sweet verbal foreplay and hand holding before segueing into even hotter encounters before becoming scorching interludes. Brian is clearly the more experienced but even he is caught off guard by being with a vampire which leads to encounters fueled by curiosity and sexy blood-fueled interludes. Just when it looks like they're on their way to HEA danger from Kyle's past comes to put Brian in danger in a heart-pounding fast-paced conclusion that leads to secrets being revealed.
Ever since his parents died life has been lonely and difficult for Kyle. He had no real friends and an aunt and uncle who saw him as a burden. He was ostracized for being gay and one night out of desperation takes false comfort from a vampire which leaves him changed forever. He knows very little about being a vampire which leads to a traumatic event that has him running from his past life and finding a new one at the Bleeding Heart where people pay for vampires to feed from them. The owners become like family to him and his deepening relationship with Brian has him happy for the first time since his parents died until a not so blast from is past puts Brian in danger. Kyle's guilt over this event further complicates his relationship with Brian and it's a true test of their commitment if their love will survive.
This story has a clever premise that I hope to see expanded as we've seen just the tip of the iceberg. Seeing vampires as part of society, able to go outside, with a special field of medicine devoted to them made for an intriguing read. The early stages of Brian and Kyle's relationship was sweet as they discovered more about their needs and the techniques but it soon started dragging. The sexual interludes, while steamy, overwhelmed the story at times and showed Kyle as a kid with a new toy who couldn't get enough. All of this made for a middle section that went on a bit too long. The suspense late in the story seemed to come out of nowhere but it was the kick-start the story needed to make for a thrilling conclusion that kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall this was an entertaining m/m read with lots of sweet and vividly detailed erotic encounters. Fans of the paranormal will enjoy this view of vampires while others will enjoy the high steam factor. This was a good introduction to Ms. Graves for me and I look forward to reading more from her.
Brian is a sweet-natured young man with a big heart who just wants to help people. One night a bedraggled young man comes to the blood center and he goes out of his way to help him as he's completely drawn to him. This meeting changes his life forever as their romance plays out over weeks of sweet verbal foreplay and hand holding before segueing into even hotter encounters before becoming scorching interludes. Brian is clearly the more experienced but even he is caught off guard by being with a vampire which leads to encounters fueled by curiosity and sexy blood-fueled interludes. Just when it looks like they're on their way to HEA danger from Kyle's past comes to put Brian in danger in a heart-pounding fast-paced conclusion that leads to secrets being revealed.
Ever since his parents died life has been lonely and difficult for Kyle. He had no real friends and an aunt and uncle who saw him as a burden. He was ostracized for being gay and one night out of desperation takes false comfort from a vampire which leaves him changed forever. He knows very little about being a vampire which leads to a traumatic event that has him running from his past life and finding a new one at the Bleeding Heart where people pay for vampires to feed from them. The owners become like family to him and his deepening relationship with Brian has him happy for the first time since his parents died until a not so blast from is past puts Brian in danger. Kyle's guilt over this event further complicates his relationship with Brian and it's a true test of their commitment if their love will survive.
This story has a clever premise that I hope to see expanded as we've seen just the tip of the iceberg. Seeing vampires as part of society, able to go outside, with a special field of medicine devoted to them made for an intriguing read. The early stages of Brian and Kyle's relationship was sweet as they discovered more about their needs and the techniques but it soon started dragging. The sexual interludes, while steamy, overwhelmed the story at times and showed Kyle as a kid with a new toy who couldn't get enough. All of this made for a middle section that went on a bit too long. The suspense late in the story seemed to come out of nowhere but it was the kick-start the story needed to make for a thrilling conclusion that kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall this was an entertaining m/m read with lots of sweet and vividly detailed erotic encounters. Fans of the paranormal will enjoy this view of vampires while others will enjoy the high steam factor. This was a good introduction to Ms. Graves for me and I look forward to reading more from her.
July 25, 2014
“Bleeding Heart” by Melissa Graves is an adult m/m paranormal novella that centers around a human medical student named Brian Preston who forms an unanticipated connection with a desperate vampire he meets at the blood service center where he works. The young male who calls himself Kyle is fleeing a horrific experience and he serendipitously ends up at a site that caters to humans who want to experience vampire feedings. The two slowly establish a connection that deepens as they explore a relationship but it is fraught with not only the complications attendant with being two males in a human-vampire relationship but the specter of Kyle’s past which may do more than just end the blossoming romance before it can truly form, it may end someone’s existence.
This fascinating and evocative story is both frustrating and mesmerizing for me. I thought it was a great storyline and it was delightful to watch the two main characters explore an intimate relationship that deepens gradually but I was disconcerted by the use of the present tense to tell the story and found it to be a bit jarring. This story establishes a great framework with a complex system that is in place to deal with the needs of vampires and I think the author did a wonderful job of creating intriguing primary and secondary characters who all have their own stories to tell. There are multiple threads that I would love to see developed in subsequent stories since this story provides a very entertaining sensual and suspenseful read and I would love to read more about this world.
A copy of this title was provided to me for an honest review
July 23, 2014
As a vampire, Kyle is used to being rejected, and when he meets Brian, the opportunity to finally find a love of his own feels too good to be true.
Brian started working at the government run vampire clinic with high ideals and no reason to doubt what he'd been taught about vampire nature. It doesn't take him long to realize that there is a whole lot more to the supernatural world than what meets the eye.
Kyle and Brian start working together to overcome their own insecurities, accept the mutual attraction that draws them towards each other, and turn initial passion into lasting love love. Their efforts seem to be paying off, that is, if the past that Kyle tries to keep hidden doesn't destroy everything they've accomplished first!
BLEEDING HEART contains a well written cast of characters that are interwoven with action, adventure, and sensuality. Melissa Graves quickly made me fall in love with her uniquely crafted paranormal world. The fast paced yet well balanced story development made this a book a pleasure to read. An excellent first effort; I look forward to reading more books from this author soon!
OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
Brian started working at the government run vampire clinic with high ideals and no reason to doubt what he'd been taught about vampire nature. It doesn't take him long to realize that there is a whole lot more to the supernatural world than what meets the eye.
Kyle and Brian start working together to overcome their own insecurities, accept the mutual attraction that draws them towards each other, and turn initial passion into lasting love love. Their efforts seem to be paying off, that is, if the past that Kyle tries to keep hidden doesn't destroy everything they've accomplished first!
BLEEDING HEART contains a well written cast of characters that are interwoven with action, adventure, and sensuality. Melissa Graves quickly made me fall in love with her uniquely crafted paranormal world. The fast paced yet well balanced story development made this a book a pleasure to read. An excellent first effort; I look forward to reading more books from this author soon!
OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
July 1, 2014
Brian Preston works at the government-run blood clinic that monitors and feeds the resident vampires. He has made it his mission to learn and practice the field of Vampire medicine. Everything with vampires is new and Brian quickly learns that not everything is what it seems, so when he meets a disheveled and gaunt vampire named Kyle he is taken by surprise. Brian has a connection with Kyle he can't deny so they try to figure out their relationship while things from Kyle's past try to tear them apart.
This is a refreshing vampire story. I have read many and loved few, it was getting harder and harder to find good vampire stories. Melissa Graves has created a new, refreshing, and interesting world of Brian and Kyle, Vampires and Humans living together. It wasn't anything to outrageous or flamboyant. I fell in love with Brian and Kyle as the story went on and connected as I read. I didn't want to stop reading I wanted the story to go on, but alas the story ends. I have to say I think Melissa Graves will become an author I come to enjoy and continue to read her works!
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock!
This is a refreshing vampire story. I have read many and loved few, it was getting harder and harder to find good vampire stories. Melissa Graves has created a new, refreshing, and interesting world of Brian and Kyle, Vampires and Humans living together. It wasn't anything to outrageous or flamboyant. I fell in love with Brian and Kyle as the story went on and connected as I read. I didn't want to stop reading I wanted the story to go on, but alas the story ends. I have to say I think Melissa Graves will become an author I come to enjoy and continue to read her works!
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock!
July 1, 2014
Brian Preston works at the government-run blood clinic that monitors and feeds the resident vampires. He has made it his mission to learn and practice the field of Vampire medicine. Everything with vampires is new and Brian quickly learns that not everything is what it seems, so when he meets a disheveled and gaunt vampire named Kyle he is taken by surprise. Brian has a connection with Kyle he can't deny so they try to figure out their relationship while things from Kyle's past try to tear them apart.
This is a refreshing vampire story. I have read many and loved few, it was getting harder and harder to find good vampire stories. Melissa Graves has created a new, refreshing, and interesting world of Brian and Kyle, Vampires and Humans living together. It wasn't anything to outrageous or flamboyant. I fell in love with Brian and Kyle as the story went on and connected as I read. I didn't want to stop reading I wanted the story to go on, but alas the story ends. I have to say I think Melissa Graves will become an author I come to enjoy and continue to read her works!
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock!
This is a refreshing vampire story. I have read many and loved few, it was getting harder and harder to find good vampire stories. Melissa Graves has created a new, refreshing, and interesting world of Brian and Kyle, Vampires and Humans living together. It wasn't anything to outrageous or flamboyant. I fell in love with Brian and Kyle as the story went on and connected as I read. I didn't want to stop reading I wanted the story to go on, but alas the story ends. I have to say I think Melissa Graves will become an author I come to enjoy and continue to read her works!
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock!
November 5, 2015
I think I could have loved this but I didn't because:
1. written in present tense
2. felt like I got dropped into a world with no idea what it was - insufficient world building
3. started as strong story with sex, devolved into sex scenes so long it was difficult to find the story
I don't think I'll be buying more of this series. I'd love to know more about the characters and their story but its not worth wading through all the sex to find out. Sex is fine and I love it but not when there's so much it buries the plot.
1. written in present tense
2. felt like I got dropped into a world with no idea what it was - insufficient world building
3. started as strong story with sex, devolved into sex scenes so long it was difficult to find the story
I don't think I'll be buying more of this series. I'd love to know more about the characters and their story but its not worth wading through all the sex to find out. Sex is fine and I love it but not when there's so much it buries the plot.
August 1, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I love vampire stories, and Melissa's take on the trope is really interesting. It's not just a romance story between Kyle and Brian but gets into dynamics of politics, friendships, people looking out for one another and how we treat people who are different from us. Fascinating. Her characters are well thought out and interesting. This book kept me engaged from start to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2015
I was instantly sucked into this story! Melissa creates such a unique world where vampires and humans coexist. It's the early stages since the vampire "outing" and the vamps still face a lot of prejudice, which provides great social commentary and makes it very believable. I was struck by Brian's compassion to understanding vampires and so drawn into the love story between him and Kyle. It's both emotional and sexy throughout. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2015
No tenía muchas expectativas con respecto a este libro, pero debo aceptar que fue una grata sorpresa!
A pesar de que casi no me gustan los libros de vampiros (nada más me he leído como uno o dos), me pareció bastante interesante el mundo creado por la autora, y como los representa a los vampiros y su relación con los humanos.
Y, debo aceptarlo, el romance me gustó bastante! jajaja
A pesar de que casi no me gustan los libros de vampiros (nada más me he leído como uno o dos), me pareció bastante interesante el mundo creado por la autora, y como los representa a los vampiros y su relación con los humanos.
Y, debo aceptarlo, el romance me gustó bastante! jajaja
November 5, 2015
short sweet and to the point
this was one of the better "vampire x human trope" books I've read -- definitely would recommend, though the suspense was lacking a bit and the relationship build up could have been pulled along a bit longer. other than that, though, it was a pretty good book
this was one of the better "vampire x human trope" books I've read -- definitely would recommend, though the suspense was lacking a bit and the relationship build up could have been pulled along a bit longer. other than that, though, it was a pretty good book
February 7, 2015
Gosh such a guilty pleasure read! Loved this, and can't wait for the lovely Melissa to finish the sequel! I will definitely be picking it up! So hawt!
June 10, 2015
Enjoyed this book
February 20, 2016
4.5 stars - really good book. Brian & Kyle make a cute couple. I figured out that the person that broke into the clinic was related to Kyle's past.
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probably-not_uninterested_never
November 13, 2016for anyone interested the fanfic is a Blaine/Kurt (Klaine) Glee fanfic and can be found here
April 1, 2023
DNF @ 37%
I appreciate that the author went out of their way to do something original in the world of vampire MM romances, but this approach didn't work for me because I found it really boring.
In this fantasy world, vampires aren't treated like dangerous supernatural creatures but like they're a different version of human that human beings can choose to become if they want to. The author spent a lot of time considering how society would respond to the existence of vampirism as a real thing and I appreciated that effort (for the most part). The author addresses the procedures governing how/when vampires are allowed to feed, how the police deal with violent hungry vampires and how the medical community is constantly studying vampire physiology to see if vampirism can be used to help humans. This had a lot of potential but unfortunately, the author didn't do anything interesting with these topics. In particular, the medical stuff was incredibly boring and was referenced too many times.
My main issue with the story is that it felt really boring and generic while the blurb had promised me something exciting. This is from the blurb:
Bleeding Heart is the story of love, blood, political intrigue and the secrets that can spell the difference between life and death.
Yes, there's love and blood in the story but neither of them are used in an interesting way. Brian and Kyle are both young (Kyle's 19 and Brian's 22) so they act like typical awkward young adults around each other as they flirt and initiate a romance. All of it was very sweet but there was very little conflict so it was boring and it felt too YA to me. Plus, there hadn't been a single hint of political intrigue by the time I DNF'd and while Kyle did have some secrets, they weren't as important as the blurb made them out to be (they definitely didn't appear to be life or death secrets).
The majority of positive reviews for this story applaud the sex scenes, which are written well but because I didn't care about the MCs or their romance, I skimmed most of them. Other readers praised this unusual approach to a vampire romance but it wasn't my thing. While I appreciate the originality, it felt too YA and too generic, which wasted the supernatural potential of the premise.
I appreciate that the author went out of their way to do something original in the world of vampire MM romances, but this approach didn't work for me because I found it really boring.
In this fantasy world, vampires aren't treated like dangerous supernatural creatures but like they're a different version of human that human beings can choose to become if they want to. The author spent a lot of time considering how society would respond to the existence of vampirism as a real thing and I appreciated that effort (for the most part). The author addresses the procedures governing how/when vampires are allowed to feed, how the police deal with violent hungry vampires and how the medical community is constantly studying vampire physiology to see if vampirism can be used to help humans. This had a lot of potential but unfortunately, the author didn't do anything interesting with these topics. In particular, the medical stuff was incredibly boring and was referenced too many times.
My main issue with the story is that it felt really boring and generic while the blurb had promised me something exciting. This is from the blurb:
Bleeding Heart is the story of love, blood, political intrigue and the secrets that can spell the difference between life and death.
Yes, there's love and blood in the story but neither of them are used in an interesting way. Brian and Kyle are both young (Kyle's 19 and Brian's 22) so they act like typical awkward young adults around each other as they flirt and initiate a romance. All of it was very sweet but there was very little conflict so it was boring and it felt too YA to me. Plus, there hadn't been a single hint of political intrigue by the time I DNF'd and while Kyle did have some secrets, they weren't as important as the blurb made them out to be (they definitely didn't appear to be life or death secrets).
The majority of positive reviews for this story applaud the sex scenes, which are written well but because I didn't care about the MCs or their romance, I skimmed most of them. Other readers praised this unusual approach to a vampire romance but it wasn't my thing. While I appreciate the originality, it felt too YA and too generic, which wasted the supernatural potential of the premise.
May 14, 2016
Title: Bleeding Heart
Author: Melissa Graves
Series: Mi Corazón Sangrante series: Book One
Publisher: Interlude Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 21, 2014
Genre(s): Gay Male Romance, Vampire Romance, Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 172 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
This is an exciting story in more ways than one. First it is an interesting take on the vampire story. Set in Chicago in a time pretty close to current, the vampire is no longer in hiding. They for the most. part live side by side with their fellow humans, but they are faced with many prejudices. Second, this is an exciting Gay Male romance with a steady dose of hotness. Third it has a pretty good suspense/mystery going on. I really enjoyed this book. I will confess at the time of writing this review I have already finished Tainted Blood, the second book of this series. Plot- This story starts with Kyle a young vampire who is on the run. In an effort to save himself from an attack from a fellow high school student and friend, he kills Jeffrey. Knowing that because he is a vampire he will not receive a fair trial he runs away to get lost in the big city of Chicago. Starving he enters a government run clinic that supplies blood to vampires he meets Brian, a medical student who works at the clinic. Breaking the rules, Brian sets up Kyle with a new identification card and supplies his with some blood. There is an instant attraction between Brian and Kyle. Brian has had a few relationships. None of them have lasted, and he has never been with a vampire. Kyle, although he has known that he was gay from a very early age is still a virgin. The chemistry is very hot and gets hotter as the story develops. The story starts out slowly with a steady build that pulls you in more with every page. I loved the ending of this story. The author has given the reader a wonderful ending to this story. There really is no cliffhanger. Book two is a continuation of book one. It is about the same characters, but a new episode. So as a reader you can continue to find out more about Kyle and Brian, or be content with ending with book one. I highly recommend continuing the story however. I loved Tainted Blood. Character development was a slow process. Kyle has so many levels to reveal that each layer must be revealed at a steady pace.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Bleeding Heart provided by the Author, Melissa Graves and Interlude Press for an honest Review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Melissa Graves
Series: Mi Corazón Sangrante series: Book One
Publisher: Interlude Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 21, 2014
Genre(s): Gay Male Romance, Vampire Romance, Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 172 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
“Melissa Graves has created a new, refreshing, and interesting world.” —Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock Reviews
One bite can change everything... While the public struggles to live side by side with vampires, medical student Brian Preston has dedicated himself to their care and study by working in a government-run clinic that monitors and feeds the resident vampire population. He has learned to expect the unexpected in his job, but life takes a surprising turn late one night when a young, mysterious vampire named Kyle stumbles into his clinic and into his heart. As they draw closer, can Brian come to grips with loving the elusive vampire and can Kyle find the strength to share the secret that can separate them forever? Book One in the Mi Corazón Sangrante series, Bleeding Heart is the story of love, blood and the secrets that can spell the difference between life and death.
Review:
This is an exciting story in more ways than one. First it is an interesting take on the vampire story. Set in Chicago in a time pretty close to current, the vampire is no longer in hiding. They for the most. part live side by side with their fellow humans, but they are faced with many prejudices. Second, this is an exciting Gay Male romance with a steady dose of hotness. Third it has a pretty good suspense/mystery going on. I really enjoyed this book. I will confess at the time of writing this review I have already finished Tainted Blood, the second book of this series. Plot- This story starts with Kyle a young vampire who is on the run. In an effort to save himself from an attack from a fellow high school student and friend, he kills Jeffrey. Knowing that because he is a vampire he will not receive a fair trial he runs away to get lost in the big city of Chicago. Starving he enters a government run clinic that supplies blood to vampires he meets Brian, a medical student who works at the clinic. Breaking the rules, Brian sets up Kyle with a new identification card and supplies his with some blood. There is an instant attraction between Brian and Kyle. Brian has had a few relationships. None of them have lasted, and he has never been with a vampire. Kyle, although he has known that he was gay from a very early age is still a virgin. The chemistry is very hot and gets hotter as the story develops. The story starts out slowly with a steady build that pulls you in more with every page. I loved the ending of this story. The author has given the reader a wonderful ending to this story. There really is no cliffhanger. Book two is a continuation of book one. It is about the same characters, but a new episode. So as a reader you can continue to find out more about Kyle and Brian, or be content with ending with book one. I highly recommend continuing the story however. I loved Tainted Blood. Character development was a slow process. Kyle has so many levels to reveal that each layer must be revealed at a steady pace.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Bleeding Heart provided by the Author, Melissa Graves and Interlude Press for an honest Review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
October 10, 2016
This book is like if someone read all my reviews on m/m romance recently, made a list of the things I wanted, and put them into one book.
The characters are so *cute* together. They're shy and tentative and awkward and really open about how much they like each other. When they have sex, they talk about it, get explicit consent, check in about likes/dislikes, and are careful and good with each other. The book goes out of its way to say that while penetration isn't the pinnacle of all sexual activity, it's important and special for the two of them.
Ugh, just. I loved all of that so much.
There are a *lot* of sex scenes, but only after a relationship has been established between the two of them, which was super important to me as a demisexual, haha. There's also some blood play? (vampire....) so. be ye warned.
I anticipated the plot a bit, but who really reads romance for the Action Packed Plot?
I'm giving this 5 stars just because it was such a breath of fresh air in the middle of a romance reading slump. I'm not sure if it is more of a 4 star book? but really, I enjoyed it 5 stars so. :)
The characters are so *cute* together. They're shy and tentative and awkward and really open about how much they like each other. When they have sex, they talk about it, get explicit consent, check in about likes/dislikes, and are careful and good with each other. The book goes out of its way to say that while penetration isn't the pinnacle of all sexual activity, it's important and special for the two of them.
Ugh, just. I loved all of that so much.
There are a *lot* of sex scenes, but only after a relationship has been established between the two of them, which was super important to me as a demisexual, haha. There's also some blood play? (vampire....) so. be ye warned.
I anticipated the plot a bit, but who really reads romance for the Action Packed Plot?
I'm giving this 5 stars just because it was such a breath of fresh air in the middle of a romance reading slump. I'm not sure if it is more of a 4 star book? but really, I enjoyed it 5 stars so. :)
July 31, 2014
What an amazing book; once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down. It's a quick read and so much action is packed into so few pages and it definitely left me wanting more! The love story between Kyle and Brian is so beautifully written and the way both characters fall in love with each other had me falling in love with both of them. I've always enjoyed thrillers and paranormal fiction and Melissa is able to create a world that seems so believable and sucks you in (no pun intended.) The erotic scenes are numerous and lovely and the secondary characters add comedy and intrigue and keep the reader interested in Brian and Kyle's world. You find yourself rooting for these two to overcome all the odds and be together.
All in all it's a fantastic debut by a supremely talented author. I can't wait for more!
All in all it's a fantastic debut by a supremely talented author. I can't wait for more!
July 24, 2014
I was hooked from the very first interaction between Kyle and Brian, and fell quickly in love right along with them, experiencing schoolgirlesq glee as their budding relationship developed. But, make no mistake – this is no mere love story! The dynamic and complex world created by this author had me gripping the pages in suspense so tightly that I left little indentations in the cover. This book is a quick read, and it's a good thing, too, because it's so engaging that once you begin, you most definitely won't be able to stop.
May 16, 2015
3.5 stars
I liked the story, it was a little too sweet for me, but the writing was good and I enjoy vampire type stories, so overall not bad. I don't know if the author is planning for, but this was kind of set up to be able to continue.
I liked the story, it was a little too sweet for me, but the writing was good and I enjoy vampire type stories, so overall not bad. I don't know if the author is planning for, but this was kind of set up to be able to continue.
November 8, 2015
Awesome read
I think I've found my new favorite author! I loved this book, Kyle and Brian are so sweet. The pace of the book is moderate but that's ok as you have time to get to know the characters. The plot is fun and eludes to things to come. Look forward to the next book.
I think I've found my new favorite author! I loved this book, Kyle and Brian are so sweet. The pace of the book is moderate but that's ok as you have time to get to know the characters. The plot is fun and eludes to things to come. Look forward to the next book.
July 27, 2014
I read this in less than a day. Such a fun read and an intriguing new take on the vampire genre.
February 27, 2017
WARNING! Going to be talking about M/M romance. If you're not into that kind of stuff, head over to another review.
Some Hope For the Romance Genre
I had just about given up on romance as a genre. I had reasoned that, perhaps, I was just too cynical -- that I couldn't suspend my disbelief and let the fantasy unwind. I had also reasoned that, perhaps, I was just too much of a feminist interested in reading only about consensual relationships.
Well... I was wrong.
Because Bleeding Heart by Melissa Graves showed me just how much potential M/M paranormal romance and romance as a genre could have.
What I Thought Worked Well
Characters and Style
Two aspects of Bleeding Heart that I thought were really strong were the characters and the writing style. Bleeding Heart centers around the relationship between medical student Brain Preston and a vampire with a mysterious past named Kyle.
And instead of Brian Preston being the adorable puppy victim and Kyle being some broody angsty teenager, they are portrayed as two unique individuals, and portrayed really, really well through the the narrative's writing style and dialogue.
I mean, check out some of these great hooks at the beginning of some scenes:
1.
2.
The interactions between these two feel intimate and real. The details are the perfect caliber -- not too light, not too strong. The wit doesn't feel forced. And in these situations, I admire how the writing employs a really deft hand. The sex scenes are written this way as well. They're vulnerable, intimate, and exquisitely detailed. Such writing turns the ordinary into something extraordinary and memorable, and that is one of the greatest skills a writer can possess.
So, in this sense, I was fine on the micro-level regarding the overall writing style.
The macro-level, however, is where I had problems.
What I Thought Didn't Work Well
Plot, Setting, and Theme
No matter what the genre, I'm not a fan of when the plot, setting, and theme in a novel take a back seat. I'm not a fan of stories with little to no tension or conflict. And there were many times when Bleeding Heart felt like everything was hunky-dory when it shouldn't have been.
While the sex scenes between Brian and Kyle were wonderful and detailed and emotionally stimulating, it felt like there was a sex scene with them every single chapter. And I get it. They've got the hots for each other. And slowly, over each sex scene, they become even more and more intimate and open with each other, sort of depicting the ebbing away of their own inner conflicts.
But when the back blurb of a book claims that I'm going to receive a "story of love, blood, political intrigue," and I only get the first two, I get worried.
The setting and theme of Bleeding Heart is even embodied by the characters themselves. Brian is a med student studying vampires and helping give artificial blood donations to new vampires that ask for them. Kyle is a new vampire that struggling to make a new life for himself and ends up working as someone who fulfills the sexual desires of customers through his bites. Even Brian's brother is a vampire, who gets recently engaged to a human woman.
All of the pieces are there for political discussion and intrigue within the world of the story -- a world in which vampires are relatively new and feared, yet managed to be controlled through artificial blood that tastes like "crayons."
Yet I found nothing really comes about through those pieces. Every so often, Kyle worries about someone coming to get him or Brian (foreshadowing whatever happened in his mysterious past), but for the most part, there's no political intrigue. There's barely any conflict or outside force that interrupts Brian and Kyle, and I wanted more of that.
Yes, this book is a part of a series, but I don't think that gives Bleeding Heart the excuse to act as set-up, with the sequel coming in later to fill the gaps. That might be posited as a successful marketing tactic somewhere, but it doesn't bode well with me.
My Verdict
It saddens me that I can't give Bleeding Heart a higher rating. I enjoyed its writing style and its characters a lot. But I can't ignore its flaws. I can't ignore that even though it gave me an emotionally-stimulating experience, I was not given an intellectually-stimulating one. And perhaps that's by design. Maybe the romance genre is all about the feels, and I'm taking it too seriously.
I don't know. In any case, this book has re-lit my hope in the genre. And that's something worth noting.
2.5 Stars
Some Hope For the Romance Genre
I had just about given up on romance as a genre. I had reasoned that, perhaps, I was just too cynical -- that I couldn't suspend my disbelief and let the fantasy unwind. I had also reasoned that, perhaps, I was just too much of a feminist interested in reading only about consensual relationships.
Well... I was wrong.
Because Bleeding Heart by Melissa Graves showed me just how much potential M/M paranormal romance and romance as a genre could have.
What I Thought Worked Well
Characters and Style
Two aspects of Bleeding Heart that I thought were really strong were the characters and the writing style. Bleeding Heart centers around the relationship between medical student Brain Preston and a vampire with a mysterious past named Kyle.
And instead of Brian Preston being the adorable puppy victim and Kyle being some broody angsty teenager, they are portrayed as two unique individuals, and portrayed really, really well through the the narrative's writing style and dialogue.
I mean, check out some of these great hooks at the beginning of some scenes:
1.
"The synthetic blood tastes like crayons. In Kyle’s current state, dirty and tired and alone and starving, this discovery actually makes him laugh until he cries.
Crayons."
2.
“ 'I had a feeling you were going to be a pancake man,' Kyle says, crossing his legs.
Brian cuts his blueberry pancakes into pieces. 'It’s weird to be eating with someone who can’t join me.' "
The interactions between these two feel intimate and real. The details are the perfect caliber -- not too light, not too strong. The wit doesn't feel forced. And in these situations, I admire how the writing employs a really deft hand. The sex scenes are written this way as well. They're vulnerable, intimate, and exquisitely detailed. Such writing turns the ordinary into something extraordinary and memorable, and that is one of the greatest skills a writer can possess.
So, in this sense, I was fine on the micro-level regarding the overall writing style.
The macro-level, however, is where I had problems.
What I Thought Didn't Work Well
Plot, Setting, and Theme
No matter what the genre, I'm not a fan of when the plot, setting, and theme in a novel take a back seat. I'm not a fan of stories with little to no tension or conflict. And there were many times when Bleeding Heart felt like everything was hunky-dory when it shouldn't have been.
While the sex scenes between Brian and Kyle were wonderful and detailed and emotionally stimulating, it felt like there was a sex scene with them every single chapter. And I get it. They've got the hots for each other. And slowly, over each sex scene, they become even more and more intimate and open with each other, sort of depicting the ebbing away of their own inner conflicts.
But when the back blurb of a book claims that I'm going to receive a "story of love, blood, political intrigue," and I only get the first two, I get worried.
The setting and theme of Bleeding Heart is even embodied by the characters themselves. Brian is a med student studying vampires and helping give artificial blood donations to new vampires that ask for them. Kyle is a new vampire that struggling to make a new life for himself and ends up working as someone who fulfills the sexual desires of customers through his bites. Even Brian's brother is a vampire, who gets recently engaged to a human woman.
All of the pieces are there for political discussion and intrigue within the world of the story -- a world in which vampires are relatively new and feared, yet managed to be controlled through artificial blood that tastes like "crayons."
Yet I found nothing really comes about through those pieces. Every so often, Kyle worries about someone coming to get him or Brian (foreshadowing whatever happened in his mysterious past), but for the most part, there's no political intrigue. There's barely any conflict or outside force that interrupts Brian and Kyle, and I wanted more of that.
Yes, this book is a part of a series, but I don't think that gives Bleeding Heart the excuse to act as set-up, with the sequel coming in later to fill the gaps. That might be posited as a successful marketing tactic somewhere, but it doesn't bode well with me.
My Verdict
It saddens me that I can't give Bleeding Heart a higher rating. I enjoyed its writing style and its characters a lot. But I can't ignore its flaws. I can't ignore that even though it gave me an emotionally-stimulating experience, I was not given an intellectually-stimulating one. And perhaps that's by design. Maybe the romance genre is all about the feels, and I'm taking it too seriously.
I don't know. In any case, this book has re-lit my hope in the genre. And that's something worth noting.
2.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews