I died a woman and woke up a monster. Now the only vampire who cares for me is exactly who I should run from.
I’ve been turned against my will and can’t stand the idea of drinking blood. When Novak finds me, I’m half dead and starving.
He’s the reclusive, sole vampire of Rathka’s Order, a cursed clan that’s nearly extinct. But he takes me in. Gives me shelter… and looks at me like I’m someone worth keeping.
When the vampires who turned me find out, they’re pissed. Because of a centuries-old feud, I have to sneak away to see Novak. But the tall, silver-haired vampire with sexy smirks is worth it.
As he teaches me to embrace my vampire instincts, our connection deepens. When I feel like a monster, he calls me a goddess. When I hate my eyes and fangs, he says I’m beautiful.
And his blood tastes like he was meant for me… and me alone.
But Novak can never be mine, and not just because the ones who turned me want him dead.
He has a duty to his clan. Just when I think he’ll keep me, I find out the truth.
He needs an heir, and he has to make one with someone else.
Taste of Death is a vampire romance with a guaranteed HEA. This series contains fated mates, possessive vampires, and a new world full of conflicts and secrets. Perfect for fans of The Black Dagger Brotherhood and Immortals After Dark!
Sophie Ash is a USA Today bestselling author from Northern California, writing paranormal motorcycle clubs with plenty of bite, as well as passionate retellings of myths and folklore.
When she's not writing, she's probably reading, gardening, vacuuming up cat hair, or enjoying a craft beer in the sun.
I would have read 100 pages just to get more depth about some of the characters. I chose the book because of the cover and because I love a good vampire story. I knew from the blurb what to expect. They have an HEA and I’m here for it! Obviously, they will have some rocky situations - as expected (hence the minus 0.5 from me).
I didn’t read Book 1. It was advised but not mandatory. You still get the story even if you skip to Book 2. I will 100% read Book 3.
Expect some HOT scenes, blood (I mean, this is a vampire book after all), found family, classy and not so classy vampires among other things.
Please note: I received an Advance Review Copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
When Your Emotional Support Vampire Is Also a Curse
Big cozy vampire drama energy here. Amy didn’t ask to be turned, and she definitely didn’t ask to fall for a cursed vampire with tragic eyes and secret soft-boy energy, but here we are. Novak gives classic “I’m cold to everyone but you” vibes, and he does it so well. This one leans emotional rather than action-packed. It’s less “fangs out, let’s fight” and more “I feel broken, please don’t look at me while I cry and maybe kiss you.”
Perfect for gloomy fall days when you want something slower, more introspective, and heavy on the forbidden yearning.
Bonus points for vampire politics, hidden vulnerability, and a hero who calls her a goddess when she can’t even look in the mirror.
Sip your cinnamon chai and let these two complicated immortals pull you into a softer kind of spooky.
I enjoyed reading this vampire romance about Amy and Novak. This is actually my first introduction into this world as I didn't realize there was a previous book to the series, but each book can be read as a standalone without any confusion. The author, Sophie, makes sure to explain who everyone is and gives a gist of what happened in the past so you aren't left questioning who people are or what took place prior to this story. All of the important things are filled in for you!
The book flows perfectly and pulls you in right from the start. There were no points that dragged on and is overall written really well. I enjoyed it, and I think anyone who feels like a vampire romance will enjoy it! The MC is so sweet and is patient and gentle with the FMC, even before realizing they're fated mates. He also really helps her find herself again after everything she's gone through.
NOTE ABOUT THE DEPRESSION PART OF THE BOOK: There are a couple of scenes in the book that show one of the characters with depression, but considering how it was mentioned in the blurb / trigger warnings, it was less than I expected. That's not to say it wasn't serious in the book or that it isn't still important to have it as a TW - I've been there, you can relate to the character in a way if you've been through depression yourself, but it isn't really as long lasting as I expected it to be. If reading about a character going through depression makes you uncomfortable, it's only really on page in detail for 2-3 chapters, not written heavily about, and it is not constant.
I loved, loved, loved Amy and Novak!! Amy is a brusang and was turned without consent in book one. She's been taught to fear what she is, so it takes some time for her to adjust. Novak has always been alone, so when Amy turns up, he's intrigued by her. Amy comes so far in this book. She's use to being put down and not being respected, but Novak lifts her up and allows her to be herself.
I wanted to thro ttle him for doing what he thought was best for her and essentially keeping a target off of her. I hated it, but at the same time it was what was best for her. Amy and Novak both get their ending that they deserved, especially for both of them being looked down on for so long.
I can't wait for the next one! I'm so excited about finding out the next pair!
Great continuation of this series. I love the world building! Amy and Novak are such a good pair! Can’t wait for the next one! Love all these vampires!!!
I loved this book which is the second in the series (Vampires of Sanguine). The first book, Taste of Fate, was also excellent and really should be read first before this so you understand the backstory. This book COULD be read as a standalone, but you will not get the nuances of the backstory.
Amy is a young woman who was raised in the only remaining human compound in the vampire world. She was very proud of her pure human status. Her best friend was given to the vampires as tribute and comes to the aid of the human compound when a horde of crazed vampires attack in the previous book. As a last ditch effort to save Amy who was mortally wounded, she is given vampire blood to turn her into a brusang, a made vampire versus a born vampire. This book starts two weeks after her turning, when she is trying to come to terms with no longer being human, and having had no choice in the turning.
She meets a charming and suave rich vampire after fleeing a disastrous first attempt at feeding. He takes her in and feeds her his blood from a glass, saving her from starving. She soon learns that he is the last member of a hated clan who is sworn enemies with her friend's clan that has been helping her. This of course complicates their growing feelings for each other.
I loved the story of how she comes to grips with her new existence. Novak is a total cinnamon roll with Amy, and I think he is my new best book boyfriend (swoon). There is a lot of drama between clans and with trying to unravel the mystery of how Amy's human compound came to be attacked by crazed vampires. The vampire lore and world building is very original and riveting. The friendships Amy makes are very believable, and stretch her limited worldview about what constitutes humanity. Amy has to move past her bigoted beliefs to be able to function in her new world and it was handled very movingly.
Novak's character is also well thought out. He is a scientist who is working to find a cure for the virus that decimated his clan and left the survivors as mindless hungry predators. (I got flashbacks to Charlton Heston in the old post-apocalyptic thriller "The Omega Man" (the movie was remade as "I Am Legend" with Will Smith) as he works in his basement lab to find a cure for the virus that created ravenous beastly vampires.) Novak is a gentle soul left with a heavy legacy as the sole sane survivor of his clan. The dilemmas he is thrown into make for some great drama!
The secondary characters are great! I loved getting to know the members of Amy's adopted clan. There are some sweethearts and some total hard cases, a very believable mix of personalities that I hope get their own HEAs. I highly recommend this book to all fans of vampire paranormal romances. I can't wait for the next book in the series, and hope the series continues for many more books.
I read an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was fortunate enough to be given an ARC for this story and having gotten my claws on it early I have some thoughts to get off my chest that hopefully convinces everyone to go and add this baby to their TBR!! I’m not kidding though. If dark romance is your thing this book is for you and the min it releases im gonna need everyone to read it for me <3
The way Sophie Ash writes characters is ADDICTING!! They are always so well rounded with so much depth to them and their stories. This is one of the most important aspects of a book in my opinion because the characters and their relationships with each other are what truly makes or breaks the story. When I started this book, I won’t lie I was frustrated with the FMC from her actions in the previous story and her attitude towards Tavi, who was the FMC in the previous book, Taste of Fate. Yet as the story begins to unfold we get a glimpse into who Amy is as a person, how her backstory and personal values contribute to the decisions she makes, and why she is the way she is. I then began to fall in love with her and relate to her on a more personal level. For that reason alone this book was incredibly enjoyable, I truly felt like I went on a journey with these characters and it’s so easy to fall in love with them.
While the characters are easily my favorite part of this story there are sooooo many other things that make it incredible as well. The world building is extensive but easy to understand, the rivalries between vampire groups creates the perfect scene for an antagonist while also leaving some ambiguous aspects to the plot that make the next events unpredictable, always keeping the reader on their toes!!!
The spice is perfect as well, it’s not overdone but applied perfectly within the flow of the story. Novak is probably one of my favorite MMC’s that I have read recently and I won’t accept any criticism on that!
Overall I enjoyed this read from start to finish and truly did not want to story to end. There are some definite trigger warnings so as always pay attention to those and protect your peace but for my dark romance baddies with no triggers this is ITTTTTT.
Taste of Death is the second book in Sophie Ash's Vampires of Sanguine series. I'm surprised I liked it as much as I did. I didn’t care for Amy when I met her in Taste of Fate (and the bonus scene), so I wasn't holding my breath when I started. And I was right. I didn't like Amy for most of this book. It wasn't until near the end that I found her tolerable. Her life changed, I get it, but that does not give her the right to act like a mean, whiny, entitled teenager. However, I did like Novak. He was unexpectedly sweet with Amy and sarcastic to Blood 'til Dawn. Not to mention he gave off those sexy nerd vibes. One word. Forearms.
That being said, I enjoyed the story despite my dislike of the MFC. Amy and Novak had a lot in common, both wanting to be accepted by people who weren't the best. Amy with the humans from her previous community (they most definitely had some cult vibes) and Novak with curing his family and finally gaining the approval he's been seeking his whole life. They understand each other and slowly start to heal together. It was easy to fall into the romance. There was some political stuff, things about the clans. More was also revealed about Novak's clan. They were monsters, and I'm wondering if they actually were punished. The gods were talked about more, which was good because the prologue had me curious. They are actual beings with a big influence. Truthfully I'm even more curious now than when I started, but at least I got something.
The final few chapters were the peak of messiness, and I lived for it. It was like a train wreck. I could see what was coming, but I couldn't stop it. Not that I wanted to. So much destruction was resolved in the most awesome of ways. It made my heart flutter. I can't wait for the next book, especially after reading the epilogue. So many things are in the works.
I love this complicated world of Sanguine as there are rather strained connections between the vampire clans that offer quite a bit of backstory, which I thoroughly appreciate. I liked Amy and Novak's story - it was genuine, sweet and kind of unexpected for both of them. It was such a pleasant surprise following them as inevitable circumstances allowed for their paths to meet and then a wonderful friendship started to blossom.
Novak was absolutely exquisite and for me, he was the real gem here. The horror he has gone through, watching his entire clan seize to exist due to the horrible virus that has overtaken everyone he once considered family made me see him in a completely different light. It takes courage and extreme inner will to endure all of that and still keep pushing to find a meaning to life.
Now, Amy I did struggle with, but partially this has to do with her attitude towards Tavia. As I have read the previous book, I knew that Amy would be a character that I might slightly struggle with. I understood her anger and resentment as she wakes up a brusang rather than human, but how long does one hold grudges towards your best friend, who has defended you and supported you ever since you were children?
Overall, I really liked the connection between the main characters and appreciated the slow - burn element. It fitted the story perfectly and allowed me to see Amy and Novak's relationship blossom. Although I did not enjoy this one as much as Taste and Fate, I think the story was compelling as despite being a sweet romance story, there were quite a few darker themes here, which showed the struggle, perseverance and ability of the characters to leave the past behind and start fresh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Best Vampire Series Continues! Taste of Death is book two if the Vampire Sanguine Series. In this book we meet Tavi’s (of book one “Taste of Fate”)BFF, Amy. Amy becomes a Brusang - “A freshly dead human brought back to life with a vampire’s blood”…in Amy’s case when she was mortally wounded by an attack and Tavi didn’t want her to die. When Amy realizes what was done she is angry and depressed. The thought of her having to drink blood sends her out one night and into the courtyard of Novak. Novak is head of Rathka’s Order a clan of one now due to his family stricken with an unknown disease who turned his clan and family into flesh eating beings. He’s also a scientist trying for years to find a cure. He came from a family where he was despised by his father and stepbrother nothing he did was ever good enough similar to Amy except it’s pretty much her whole community thinks she’s worthless because of her asthma and other ailments. Both Amy and Novak find comfort and camaraderie. (His home reminds me of something I might find in Savannah, GA). Despite the now ruling clan, Blood ‘til Dawn, Novak knows he will need them. Amy and Novak’s attraction is paced out beautifully…never rushed. I hope their story will continue in future books as there are so many storylines I want to see continue. I’m wholeheartedly recommending this book and book one. This is blossoming into a series for your reading pleasure and satisfaction. PEACE.
Amy's soul was set free from her dying, weak body, giving her a sense of euphoria for a brief moment...
"... I could only describe dying as the freshest, sweetest breath of air." (prologue)
... before she was yanked back in without her consent. She awoke to find herself alive, but turned into something different. She was not human, nor was she a vampire. She felt alone and lost and had difficulty coping with her undesired new existence... and the very thought and act of drinking blood freaked her out. That is until, under dire circumstances, she met Novak, the silver-haired irresistible "Cursed One". He was the last of his vampire order and despite the stigma attached to his clan, he was "patient as a saint" (pg 87) and helped her work through her fears and misgivings in more ways than one.
"...she ran her tongue along her fangs while listening to me talk? Like she didn't know what to do with them. It drove me wild in ways I hadn't felt in years." (pg 94)
Through protectiveness and passion, they faced their personal and social problems head-on, together.
"... pure and sweet and mine." (pg 187)
"Her pulse hummed in my senses, just as much a comfort as it was a distraction. It wasn't enough. I was desperate to have her across all of my senses, to just drown in her." (pg 188).
Love the playfulness between Novak and Amy. The way they are together just seems natural, not forced. And Novak is very poised, calm, and gentle, which seems such a juxtaposition to the normal stereotype for vampires. That is not to say that he doesn't also have his sexy bad boy side, which is equally as tantalizing.
Though there was good backstory, some parts, I thought, were a little truncated and could have had more bite to it. It was more character driven, which I don't mind so much.
Medium to fast-paced read. I didn't read the 1st book, but either can be a standalone, as with the next book, which the epilogue sets the premise for.
When I got through the Prologue I immediately knew I was going to love this book.
Novak is a vampire who survived a curse that ravaged his entire clan and since then he's been looking for a cure.
Amy is a brusang, someone who's been turned shortly after their death, and resents her best friend from taking that choice away from her.
So, when Amy refuses to drink blood her best friend intervenes and brings her to a blood bank. But after a disastrous feeding she flees and finds herself in Novak's courtyard, exhausted & hungry.
From that point on they develop a friendship, which eventually turns into something more.
I absolutely loved how the author built up their relationship, and how they eventually fed from each other & got intimate. It was a bit of a slow burn & it actually worked out well. I normally hate waiting for things to happen, but it was necessary for them, especially for Amy since she had a terrible experience with men/humans in her past.
I admit I did want a little bit more from the clan 'Carpe Noctem'. I feel like I didn't get enough... risks, or drama, despite them being a rival clan. Not a lot was at stake, so I wished we had a bit more to fear.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this! I also loved the idea of a blood mate! The thought of both parties' blood being designed for the other? *chef's kiss*
Taste of Death grabs you by the throat from page one - and doesn't let go until the very last page!
Taste of Death is a heart-wrenching story about two individuals trying to survive in a world that’s dealt them a terrible hand.
Amy, the FMC, comes from nothing - bullied and ridiculed her entire life until she dies. That’s right, she dies. And even that is denied her... She’s turned into a brusang - a turned vampire - very much against her will, and thrown into a new life she never asked for.
Novak, the MMC, is a born vampire, ridiculed and belittled by his clan his entire life - a clan he now spends every waking hour trying to save from a horrible curse.
This agonizing story depicts Amy and Novak coming to terms with their pain and finding comfort in each other, while life throws them curveball after curveball. Sophie Ash makes the reader feel every single painful impact alongside the characters. And fall deeply in love with them on the journey.
What a story - so much pain and angst - it’s almost a relief when it’s over, though you’ll want just a little more...
The story could have used a few more pages of the couple finally making it through, allowing the reader to bask a little longer in the relief. But it was SO good.
Note: I received an ARC of this book for free, but all opinions in this review are my own and completely honest.
I was drawn to this book by the cover and title and I wasn’t disappointed. Although starting with the first book isn’t required before starting this, I would definitely recommend it as to really get a feel for the amazing world-building that the author has created
Amy, our fmc, has always been proud to be a human in a world where the supernatural also exist. To her, to be anything else would be a slap in the face. After an attack on her village her best friend made the only choice she thought was right. Turn Amy into the very thing she despised. Taste of Death takes place 2 weeks after that
Taste of Death was so well written that it was easy to place myself in Amy shoes. Her choices and struggles felt like mine. Watching as she not only had to navigate her new life and all that it entailed, but also face her feelings regarding her best friend’s literal life-altering decision to change her.
Hot vampire scientist anyone? Enter Novak. In between trying to cure a terrible disease Novak is now trying to decide if he should open his closed off heart to his newly discovered mate Amy.
While I don’t agree with some of the decisions that Novak made regarding Amy it’s apparent that he loves and cares for her just as deeply as she for him. This was an enjoyable read and I plan on continuing with the series
Amy was a human in a human only city, Sapien, that was attacked by vampires and nearly died, but her best friend begged her mate to save Amy by changing her. Now Amy struggles with the vampire life that she did not want and nearly death from starvation she stumbles upon Novak's home.
There is no lack of fun, charm, and sweet moments among this couple. They are adorable together and they definitely help build each other up. This is a mild spice story that is a standalone novel in the same universe. The characters in this universe leave you wishing each couple had more books in their story.
With that being said, I feel like the story line could have gone in many different directions with this couple, but the arc of the story is very predictable like many chick flick movies and the misunderstanding that moves the story forward. The plot was well written, and it is stunning clear that redemption, putting the past behind you, and love and forgiveness are the themes in this story. There is also an underlying storyline that is extending through the series that I cannot wait to see how it will unfold.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story as I do all of Sophie's books, but it is also not a story that will stay with me long after I have read it like her Steel Demons MC series.
"My heart beats for you... Every moment I look at you, hear your voice, taste your blood, touch your skin, they all feel like gifts I don't deserve."
4.25 stars
As much as I loved the first book in this series, Novak and Amy's book was a beautiful and healing slow burn seduction. The romantic flavor of this story was so different from the one between Cyan and Tavi, but I was completely enraptured by the comforting and supportive love between Novak and Amy. Both Novak and Amy carried trauma and feelings of unworthiness from their past, but fate pushed these two broken souls together and allowed them to finally find love and acceptance in a family forged of their own choice. I absolutely loved the drama and angst at the end of the story, especially the few unexpected twists that Sophie casually dropped leading into the next book! I cannot wait for Laith's book next as I already love his goofy personality🖤
Umm, can we just say "hooked from the first page?!"
While this is the second book in a series, reading the first was not necessary for you to understand the store, and from the prologue, I was absolutely enthralled by this book.
Amy and Novak are absolutely delicious and I did not expect Novak to be so "cinnamon roll" but I ATE IT UP (no pun intended). He is everything you'd want and more from an MMC and while I had expected a darker MMC, I am sooo not complaining. Novak has had many chances to turn cold but he isn't, and I think it adds to his and Amy's chemistry. Amy is a fierce FMC, that ended up in this world against her will, but she finds her identity and power and goes through a considerable amount of character development in the story.
The book is perfectly paced and I loved the lore, the action and the dual POVs! The setting is vivid, and there isn't too much world-building, but you definitely feel the tension between the clans, which adds to the action in the book.
Overall, this was 5 stars for me, it had great characters, an organic romance, and as a paranormal romance lover, I think this is a top contender amongst other popular books!
Thank you, Book Sirens and Sophie Ash for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Taste of Death is the second entry the Taste of Sanguine Series by Sophie Ash.
I have to admit, I thought we'd be getting Thorne's story with this outing. But I was wrong, and we have a wonderful story of change, growth, forgiveness and love with Amy, who is the best friend of Tavi, who we meet in Taste of Fate, and Novak, head of a rival vampire clan.
Amy was mauled and left for dead in an attack on Sapien, the all human town where she and Tavi were raised. Tavi begged her mate Cyan, to save her, and our story begins.
Amy would have preferred death to becoming a Brusang, and this change forced upon her has angry with everyone. Refusing to feed, she runs and loses herself in the twists and turns of an unknown territory, only to meet a vampire who offers help and sanctuary, Novack.
Both harbor pain in their pasts that may ruin any future they may have together. Facing the past and betrayal maybe the only path forward.
It's a lightly spiced story, I'd say Novack is a touch cinnamon roll, but has that hot vampire appeal all the same. Amy is sweet but feisty, and her growth is so satisfying.
Taste of Death is an absolute gem—I adored every moment of it! Amy and Novak are simply precious together, and their story had me completely hooked.
Amy’s journey is gut-wrenching. Her entire world is upended, and watching her struggle, disconnect, and spiral down was heartbreaking—but also incredibly realistic. Her pain is raw, and I felt every ounce of it.
And then there’s Novak. If there were ever a vampire deserving of the ultimate cinnamon roll title, it’s him. He’s sweet, gentle, and endlessly kind to Amy, wrapping her in warmth when she needs it most. Every moment between them gave me all the best feels—I absolutely love him.
Their connection is undeniable, deep, and electric, with sizzling chemistry that practically leaps off the page. I also loved seeing Novak embrace his destiny, stepping into his own power with such conviction. The healing woven throughout their journey was just as beautiful as their romance, making this story even more special.
Taste of Death is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, packed with heart and a truly fantastic HEA. I can’t recommend it enough!
Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 🫶🏼
Loved the second installment in this series. Novak and Amy are perfectly paired. This book was filled with hurt/comfort and I loved every step of their relationship and how they healed each other’s deep seated hurts. They truly complemented each other.
Both Novak and Amy had preconceived notions about themselves from how they grew up. Amy’s doubts about her worth played havoc with her self confidence and Novak’s determination to bring honor back to his clan and gain his family’s respect ruled his life.
Together, while navigating their feelings for each other, Novak gives Amy the strength to be herself and love herself in her new life and Amy helps Novak accept letting go of his family’s past and builds up his courage to face a new future. I loved how emotional this read was.
Their story has star crossed lover elements with the centuries of bad blood between Blood Til Dawn and Rathka’s Order. This added another element to the plot and gave some suspenseful elements, giving some more glimpses into other Blood Til Dawn and other clan characters.
I can’t wait to see what’s next with Laith!
**I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was more of a sweet, softer vampire story. It was enjoyable. I felt for both characters. Amy who was turned against her will and trying to figure out who she is now and what to do with her life as a brusang. A life she doesn't really want, but wants to keep living, only not knowing how.
Novak, the last of his clan, the only one to survive the "curse". Living alone, until the little brusang runs from him and ends up right in his courtyard. He offers her a place of respite for the night. He is kind and patient and wise. She is sweet, but a bit shy and self-conscious.
Novak and Amy are from rival clans. Both of these characters were treated poorly. Bullied and teased, made to feel that they were less than. When in reality, they were both amazing in their own way. There was such a natural feel about their relationship. I enjoyed seeing how they protected each other and how Amy stood up for Novak, when he was in enemy territory. I loved how they healed each other's broken pieces and made each other whole.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Amy? Feral, furious, and grieving the life she didn’t choose. Novak? The sole surviving outcast vampire prince, shunned for the sins of his clan, with a heart too soft for this brutal world. And yet, together? They just make sense.
Amy doesn’t take her unwanted transformation into a Brusang lightly - she’s bitter, depressed, and so angry. And Novak? This man had every reason to be cold, but instead, he’s gentle, patient, and so painfully besotted with Amy that I wanted to scream. Who knew the deadliest vampire in Sanguine would also be the red-eyed, cinnamon roll of my dreams?
The pacing is perfect, pulling you into a world that feels so vivid and alive, full of danger, tension, and the looming threat of vampire politics. But at its core, this is a story about connection, healing, and two lost souls finding their way back to something softer. The slow burn is so worth it, the mutual devotion is stunning, and Amy’s obsession with Novak’s forearms? Deeply relatable.
I need book three in my hands immediately, because I already know Laith is going to be the most glorious MMC!
Sophie Ash does it again with Taste of Death, the second book in the Vampires of Sanguine series. While it can stand on its own, I highly recommend reading Taste of Fate first to get the full backstory and context—it really enhances the experience. This sequel flows seamlessly from the first book and immediately pulls you into its world, with no dull moments or slow sections.
The writing is sharp and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the story. If you're a fan of vampire romance, this book is definitely for you. The chemistry, the intrigue, and the twists keep you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re new to the series or continuing the journey, Taste of Death is an enjoyable and well-crafted addition to the world Sophie Ash has built, and it’s sure to satisfy fans of the genre.
I received an ARC for “Taste of Death” for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Novak & Amy’s story! A quick and easy read. I hadn’t read book 1, though found it super seamless to follow along to the interconnected storyline’s and backstories. There was enough world building, explaining past events without losing interest in the current situation.
I loved the instant chemistry between Novak & Amy and how their relationship made each other better. Coming from rival clans, with a lot of past trauma and strong grudges they had a lot of people against them. They are stronger together, and this showed in their character development and growing connection.
Tropes include: Friends to lovers Rival clans Slight miscommunication/ OWD Fated mates Found family Touch her / him and 💀 Age gap PNR
Vampire romance to soothe the nostalgia but aged up to meet your romance desires. Amy and Novak are an unlikely match and watching Novak fall for Amy is such a beautiful story.
Sophie Ash delivers yet again with this MF, dual first person POV story. Vampires, enemy clans, misconceptions, all come together in this stand alone second installment of the Vampires of Sanguine series.
Amy is a newly turned vampire who has no desire to complete the change or live the lifestyle her new self requires, on the brink of starvation and at risk of perishing she meets Novak. After a traumatic encounter attempting her first true feed, she unknowingly meets her mate—but will either of them acknowledge the bond and accept one another?
I loved this story and I cannot wait for the next installment.
In this second installment of the Vampires of Sanguine series, we follow Amy and Novak’s journey.
Amy was turned into a brusang—a human-turned-vampire—against her will, all because her best friend couldn’t bear to live without her. Filled with anger and resentment over her new existence, she crosses paths with Novak, the last of his kind and a member of a rival clan. Despite their differences, they bond over shared past traumas as he helps her adjust to life as a brusang and embrace the need to drink blood.
But as their connection deepens, they begin to suspect there’s something greater pulling them together. Yet with rising tensions and clan politics threatening to tear them apart, their chance at a future together may be slipping away.
I was very kindly given a free copy via booksirens❤️
This book was so so amazing this author is undoubtedly surprising me a lot!!! The first time I read a book of hers, it was the first book in this series and I loved it so much and now I had the wonderful opportunity to receive a copy of the second book in this series and I was so excited. The author's writing is incredible, she manages to capture my attention from the first chapter and makes me fall in love with the main characters in her books. If the next book is like these two previous books I can say that I am obsessed with the author's writing. I loved this book so much, I was afraid of not liking it as much as I liked the first one but I was surprised and liked this one as much as the first one (or maybe I even liked this one a little more). I loved reading Amy and Novak's story, their chemistry was out of this world and the way they understand each other and become each other's safe space undoubtedly melted my heart. For me this story was so beautifully written the author is undoubtedly to be congratulated and I can't wait for the next book🤭❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A captivating continuation in the series that had me binge reading. To save Amy's life, Tavia convinced Cyan to turn her into a brusang like Bea. For two weeks she wouldn't feed, was pretty cheesed off with Tavia, seeing this as a betrayal. Running away, she met Novak of the cursed Rathka's clan, an enemy of the Blood 'Til Dawn MMC. Fate had a finger in the pie. A slow burn heating up rapidly. I read the scene with Innesa, almost chewing my nails. Great wordbuilding, add in trauma, old feuds, romance, lots of steam, new alliances, blood mates, to mention a few mesmerising magnets. The end came too soon, but hints at another salivating edition in the future. I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank. you for the opportunity.
Amy is a newly turned Brusang that wants nothing of her new blood dependent life and Novak is a Vampire outcasted due to the history of his clan. The two make an unlikely pairing when he saves her life.
Sophie Ash builds an intriguing world of clans, magic, and blood mates. In the dual POV format, Ash was able to create a wholesome story between Amy and Novak. Both characters have struggles and are able to learn and lean on one another.
This book would be perfect for those who love a good vampire romance, political conflicts and alliances, and a touch of science. The spice scenes will get you wanting to find your own blood mate.
Although an advanced copy was sent to me for review, all opinions are my own.
Taste of Death is the second part of the Taste of Sanguine series and what a ride!
Amy and Novak were a special couple full of struggles, growth and forgiveness! While she never would have chosen to change on her own; Tavi begged her love to save her friend.
I think Amy felt like she had no choice in the matter, and is so incredibly angry. She runs off and ends up in danger but Novak stepped in. He took care of her, while also working through his own trauma. He had a horrid life with his family yet he still tries to save them.
Sophie has a way at tugging at my heart strings! I don't think I've ever finished a novel and not cried. This one was super angsty yet sweet. Cannot wait for the next one!