What do you think?
Rate this book
Cora's Choice #4
Blood Rites
Blood-bonded to the billionaire vampire Dorian Thorne, Cora Shaw enters a world of unimagined sensuality—and unimagined danger. With the hold he has over her, he can exert absolute control over her body and mind, even to the point of erasing her completely.
And Dorian has already shown a willingness to use his power to force her to do his will.
Cora is determined to find a way out of her bond, no matter what the price. But even as she seeks an escape, she wonders if she can really let him go….
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2014
30 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
V.M. Black
52 books410 followersI write steamy paranormal romance, particularly vampire and shifter/werewolf right now. Check out my two free series starters, Life Blood and Taken. :)
I most often compare my work to Twilight meets 50 Shades (my vampires in Cora's Choice are more dark and angsty, and the S/M elements grow more and more pronounced as the series progresses), but the names that readers most often mention are Anne Rice and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
In Cora's Choice, Cora's Bond, and the following series, I wanted to show a heroine's journey from ordinary girl to someone super tough. This is a journey of months--years, even. So many stories start with an Anita Blake-type, able to kick ass and take names from the first we meet her. I thought it would be awesome and really interesting to show someone becoming that person through tiny changes that build on each other.
My world puts a different twist on everything from vampires (they're alive) to elves (aliens) and demons (interdimensional djinn). The Alpha's Captive series features a kickass heroine out of the gate, while Cora's Choice series--followed my Cora's Bond and others--has my "big" character story line.
Yes, there's an HEA. :) But the story keeps going on!
I most often compare my work to Twilight meets 50 Shades (my vampires in Cora's Choice are more dark and angsty, and the S/M elements grow more and more pronounced as the series progresses), but the names that readers most often mention are Anne Rice and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
In Cora's Choice, Cora's Bond, and the following series, I wanted to show a heroine's journey from ordinary girl to someone super tough. This is a journey of months--years, even. So many stories start with an Anita Blake-type, able to kick ass and take names from the first we meet her. I thought it would be awesome and really interesting to show someone becoming that person through tiny changes that build on each other.
My world puts a different twist on everything from vampires (they're alive) to elves (aliens) and demons (interdimensional djinn). The Alpha's Captive series features a kickass heroine out of the gate, while Cora's Choice series--followed my Cora's Bond and others--has my "big" character story line.
Yes, there's an HEA. :) But the story keeps going on!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 14, 2015
So I compared this series before to a cross between Fifty Shades and Twilight and that was proven again in this installment. There was lots of sex and things got a little bit rough this time. Bed sex, wall sex, shower sex. I wanted more story. Finally near the end Cora finds out how to break the bond and well ......... So this totally pissed me off and if Cora does what she has to to break the bond I hope Dorian hunts her whore ass down and kills her. Okay so I'm gonna go have some herbal tea and meditate because this book has me way too pissed off.
March 2, 2024
I do not know what to make of this. I can't stand how whiny she is, but there is something about the story that keeps me going. I wish we knew more about his history, I do enjoy a back story and this would have been better if it gave pov from both of them throughout the book.
September 19, 2014
So now the world building gets interesting!
For the first two installments (Life Blood, Blood Born) and for much of book three, Bad Blood the tension was mainly between Cora and Dorian and whether she felt she made and informed, willing decision and the power struggle Cora felt she was having with Dorian regarding her free will...now we get into the Athers. All of the otherworldly creatures that exist and how they co-exist with humans. The dark side, if you will.
This is the stuff that I find interesting in a story. For much of the first three books Cora is young, naive and engaged in a personal struggle without understanding (neither her or the reader) exactly what she's gotten into.
With Blood Rites, we get a glimpse of the 'world' of Dorian Thorne. I presume in an attempt to avoid spoiling the big reveal, the world building was in the first three books was a bit cumbersome and awkward. Now in Blood Rites we get a peek behind the curtain.
Can't wait to read on!
For the first two installments (Life Blood, Blood Born) and for much of book three, Bad Blood the tension was mainly between Cora and Dorian and whether she felt she made and informed, willing decision and the power struggle Cora felt she was having with Dorian regarding her free will...now we get into the Athers. All of the otherworldly creatures that exist and how they co-exist with humans. The dark side, if you will.
This is the stuff that I find interesting in a story. For much of the first three books Cora is young, naive and engaged in a personal struggle without understanding (neither her or the reader) exactly what she's gotten into.
With Blood Rites, we get a glimpse of the 'world' of Dorian Thorne. I presume in an attempt to avoid spoiling the big reveal, the world building was in the first three books was a bit cumbersome and awkward. Now in Blood Rites we get a peek behind the curtain.
Can't wait to read on!
November 4, 2014
how i love this series and it gets better and better.
We follow Cora and Dorian through their life together and everything that they have to face each one on their own and as a couple.
I have to admit that at times Cora gets be all angry with all those insecurities still
i coulnd't let the book down!
We follow Cora and Dorian through their life together and everything that they have to face each one on their own and as a couple.
I have to admit that at times Cora gets be all angry with all those insecurities still
i coulnd't let the book down!
April 15, 2021
Storyline just gets better. Very different from Christine Feehan's storyline.
Does make you wonder if you could really break a bond and at what cost.
Does make you wonder if you could really break a bond and at what cost.
September 28, 2015
This review was given based on the first four serial! No spoilers.
Cora is a college senior, same as any, with hopes and dreams for a bright future: grad school, career, husband, kids. Only that is all threatened when she is diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia and her last chance treatment does not work. She is armed with two choices thanks to her oncologist: a referral to hospice or an ominous business card for a last ditch non-medically sanctioned chance. Of course she calls the number on the business card.
Dorian Thorne, attractive, compelling, and ridiculously wealthy business man informs Cora that his "experiment" has a 1 in 100 success rate and if it does not work she will die immediately rather than the 5 months her doctor said she may have. Hoping to be the success she jumps at the chance, but understands that this "business man" is odd and her feelings around him can't be trusted. Dorian seems to know this so he makes her wait two weeks to decide.
The "treatment" is not at all what she expected, more of a transplant via mouth and fangs. Now she is awake and alive, cancer free, but at a very steep cost she had no idea about. Cora must navigate this new world and her new feelings and responsibilities toward Dorian, all the while knowing she would do it again in a heartbeat for a chance at life. But again, at what cost? Her self, her identity? And why is Dorian being so evasive.
This is a serial. I didn't know when I first started it, but should have noticed the multitude of books on the Amazon page, I guess. Anyways, now I am sucked into it! It is a very unique take on a tried and true subject: billionaire vamp and plain human. However, I like the differences in the vampire this author brings about. The first book is free so try without obligation, subsequent serials seem to be about $3. So it will get pricey.
My biggest problem with the book is the pacing. I know it's a serial, but it feels drawn out and I am getting tired of Cora's inner questions. I do like the added action and have written this review after reading the first four serials.
However, the author does a great job of keeping me buying the next one to see what happens!
Cora is a college senior, same as any, with hopes and dreams for a bright future: grad school, career, husband, kids. Only that is all threatened when she is diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia and her last chance treatment does not work. She is armed with two choices thanks to her oncologist: a referral to hospice or an ominous business card for a last ditch non-medically sanctioned chance. Of course she calls the number on the business card.
Dorian Thorne, attractive, compelling, and ridiculously wealthy business man informs Cora that his "experiment" has a 1 in 100 success rate and if it does not work she will die immediately rather than the 5 months her doctor said she may have. Hoping to be the success she jumps at the chance, but understands that this "business man" is odd and her feelings around him can't be trusted. Dorian seems to know this so he makes her wait two weeks to decide.
The "treatment" is not at all what she expected, more of a transplant via mouth and fangs. Now she is awake and alive, cancer free, but at a very steep cost she had no idea about. Cora must navigate this new world and her new feelings and responsibilities toward Dorian, all the while knowing she would do it again in a heartbeat for a chance at life. But again, at what cost? Her self, her identity? And why is Dorian being so evasive.
This is a serial. I didn't know when I first started it, but should have noticed the multitude of books on the Amazon page, I guess. Anyways, now I am sucked into it! It is a very unique take on a tried and true subject: billionaire vamp and plain human. However, I like the differences in the vampire this author brings about. The first book is free so try without obligation, subsequent serials seem to be about $3. So it will get pricey.
My biggest problem with the book is the pacing. I know it's a serial, but it feels drawn out and I am getting tired of Cora's inner questions. I do like the added action and have written this review after reading the first four serials.
However, the author does a great job of keeping me buying the next one to see what happens!
February 26, 2015
Dorian has shown a willingness to use his power to force Cora to do his bidding and now she’s determined to find a way out if she can let him go in this riveting installment of Cora’s Choice.
Cora is faced with an impossible contradiction inside her own body as her mind tells her one thing and her body says another and well she’s not sure her heart knows what it wants. Cora’s strong compelling character and Dorian’s strong charismatic character enthralls readers with their story as the steady paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers hovering in expectation of what will happen next in Cora’s world. There certainly aren’t any problems in the chemistry department because that’s hot enough to scorch the readers but the relationship is still teetering between Cora’s uncertainty and her body’s desire for the red hot passion that flares between them.
Let’s face it…some things aren’t black and white and in Cora’s case the life that Dorian is pulling her into is not one she can understand and is certainly frightening and the well written scenes ad details bring that conflict to life making it easy for the reader to relate to the difficulties that Cora’s facing.
Dorian may be on the sexy side but some of the others are down right scary which isn’t helping Dorian’s cause at all and I am looking forward to finding out how things work out for them.
Cora is faced with an impossible contradiction inside her own body as her mind tells her one thing and her body says another and well she’s not sure her heart knows what it wants. Cora’s strong compelling character and Dorian’s strong charismatic character enthralls readers with their story as the steady paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers hovering in expectation of what will happen next in Cora’s world. There certainly aren’t any problems in the chemistry department because that’s hot enough to scorch the readers but the relationship is still teetering between Cora’s uncertainty and her body’s desire for the red hot passion that flares between them.
Let’s face it…some things aren’t black and white and in Cora’s case the life that Dorian is pulling her into is not one she can understand and is certainly frightening and the well written scenes ad details bring that conflict to life making it easy for the reader to relate to the difficulties that Cora’s facing.
Dorian may be on the sexy side but some of the others are down right scary which isn’t helping Dorian’s cause at all and I am looking forward to finding out how things work out for them.
December 29, 2014
It starts off at her "introduction" ceremony. Here she meets all kinds of people agnates, cognates, and humans under the thrall of agnates, and even children agnates are there. This party is to make sure all agnates and other creatures know that Cora is Dorian's cognate and she is off limits, this is also to show that his research is working and soon they won't have to kill as many humans to live. This news is great to some but not to all in attendance. She meets several people, and some do things to purposefully scare her, which later we find out was exactly what they had hoped would happen. Of course there are hot sex scenes with Dorian and Cora, the author makes you feel their bond. We find out more about Dorian's world, his past, what he can and cannot do, it makes the books more interesting, to have this knowledge. I didn't like how her friend Lisette was acting about Dorian and how she kept pushing Geoff onto her. Then Cosimo shows up and takes her for a ride, trying to show her a different side of their world, he is clearly trying to scare her, but the big secret he shares with her about the "bond" is shocking.
December 9, 2014
I received this book as a gift, in exchange for a honest review. I will try not to post spoilers.
Let me say that in this book that it gets a bit confusing, but Ms Black explains it with Cora working it out. She does a great job of twisting words so as to lead you where you need to be within this story. You can see the struggle that Cora has within herself, to not only accept this new life. But also to see if her dreams are actually still her dreams. She fights this with everything she is. Even to the point he forces her to attend a part and look happy and the part.
You get more details on the social interactions of more then just to two main people. You get a glimpse of the battle between the ones who care for human life to those who do not. Explain how they think they can to be. I would suggest you buy the full set before this book or you may be a bit lost, but not for long.
Yes, there is a cliff hanger, what a hanger... I will be rereading this set at a later date!!!! I only wish I could give it more then 5 stars!
Let me say that in this book that it gets a bit confusing, but Ms Black explains it with Cora working it out. She does a great job of twisting words so as to lead you where you need to be within this story. You can see the struggle that Cora has within herself, to not only accept this new life. But also to see if her dreams are actually still her dreams. She fights this with everything she is. Even to the point he forces her to attend a part and look happy and the part.
You get more details on the social interactions of more then just to two main people. You get a glimpse of the battle between the ones who care for human life to those who do not. Explain how they think they can to be. I would suggest you buy the full set before this book or you may be a bit lost, but not for long.
Yes, there is a cliff hanger, what a hanger... I will be rereading this set at a later date!!!! I only wish I could give it more then 5 stars!
November 18, 2014
I received these ARC books from the Author V.M. Black for an honest review of Rites of Blood: Cora's Choice, Books 4-6 and all I can say is wow, just WOW. This series keeps you on the edge of your seat, fully enthralled turning page after page till the wee hours of the morning.
Dorian and Cora have blazing hot chemistry that burns off the pages, pulls you in and keeps you in ensnared and willingly enthralled.
I was on an emotional roller coaster, laughing, crying, screaming at my iPad, wanting to strangle Cora, hug Dorian. These characters are so real, so alive, their story so well written I felt like I knew them. The only word that keeps running through my head is Wow, holy crap WOW. These stories and V. M. Black's writing will suck you in, twist you inside and out, keep your total interest and leave you wanting more. Can not wait for the next book "For all Time" V.M. Black is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Highly recommend this series.
Dorian and Cora have blazing hot chemistry that burns off the pages, pulls you in and keeps you in ensnared and willingly enthralled.
I was on an emotional roller coaster, laughing, crying, screaming at my iPad, wanting to strangle Cora, hug Dorian. These characters are so real, so alive, their story so well written I felt like I knew them. The only word that keeps running through my head is Wow, holy crap WOW. These stories and V. M. Black's writing will suck you in, twist you inside and out, keep your total interest and leave you wanting more. Can not wait for the next book "For all Time" V.M. Black is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Highly recommend this series.
November 8, 2014
I just finishing reading Rites of Blood: Cora's Choice, Books 4-6 and all I can say is this series is freaking AWESOME! In less than 4 days I've read the whole Cora's Choice Vampire Series (Books 1-6) and the only problem I had with reading this series it that I stayed up way to late reading.
Each book in this series has an excellent story-line that in intriguing and keeps you interested. Dorian and Cora have chemistry that leaps off the page. Their physical attraction is white hot, their desire for each other an unstoppable force of nature.
The whole Cora's Choice series and twists and turns and keeps you guessing right up to the end. V.M. Black had me on an emotional roller coaster and on edge till the very end. Each story in this series are pain and pleasure, lust and passion. These stories will suck you in and keep you interested, wanting more.
September 19, 2017
Ugh
I am getting a bit frustrated with this series. I am new to this form of writing. Never thought I would pay basically three bucks an hour for a mediocre story. I thought it to be original in concept as far as Vampire Romance stories go. Now, I am not sure I care enough to be interrupted yet again to put more dollars in the machine. I guess it's a marketing strategy. If a story is cut up every hundred pages, with so much repetitive content, how many pages are true storyline?
I bought most of this series several years ago and read it. I was hospitalized for major surgery at the time, so I decided to read again unmedicated. I guess I am not a fan of Novellas to become a series. I think they are fine as an addition to a full length Novel albeit stand alone or series. Like a Christmas Special, other character's point of view, etc...
I am getting a bit frustrated with this series. I am new to this form of writing. Never thought I would pay basically three bucks an hour for a mediocre story. I thought it to be original in concept as far as Vampire Romance stories go. Now, I am not sure I care enough to be interrupted yet again to put more dollars in the machine. I guess it's a marketing strategy. If a story is cut up every hundred pages, with so much repetitive content, how many pages are true storyline?
I bought most of this series several years ago and read it. I was hospitalized for major surgery at the time, so I decided to read again unmedicated. I guess I am not a fan of Novellas to become a series. I think they are fine as an addition to a full length Novel albeit stand alone or series. Like a Christmas Special, other character's point of view, etc...
July 20, 2014
I am giving an honest review of this book by author V.M.Black. This is book 4 of the series by the author.
Because of the attempt on Cora's life Dorian speeds up the introduction into vampire society to make sure Cora is safe. Cora has a lot on her plate now but being shown off in front of a room full of vampires is taking a toll on her. She is questioning her decision and how she feels about Dorian.
What can I say I just love reading this series by the author and I have nothing bad to say about this book. I love the conflict and the drama that the author has introduced into this book.
Because of the sexual content in this book this is for mature paranormal romance book readers. This series just keeps getting better with each book and this book is no exception.
Because of the attempt on Cora's life Dorian speeds up the introduction into vampire society to make sure Cora is safe. Cora has a lot on her plate now but being shown off in front of a room full of vampires is taking a toll on her. She is questioning her decision and how she feels about Dorian.
What can I say I just love reading this series by the author and I have nothing bad to say about this book. I love the conflict and the drama that the author has introduced into this book.
Because of the sexual content in this book this is for mature paranormal romance book readers. This series just keeps getting better with each book and this book is no exception.
November 7, 2014
Cora's introduction party has arrived and she does not want to go and Dorian is pushing the fact that's very important that she attends her own party. She meet some cognates one that stands out is Isabella is doesn't talk and more or less like a puppet. Cora realizes she doe not want to be like Isabella and that is one of the reasons she wants to break the bond between Dorian and herself. Cosmo comes and ask her if she wants to see what Dorian is not letting her see in his perfect world. Cora decides to go and see what he's talking about and that's when he brings up that there's a way she could break the bond. When Cosmo gives her this information she has to wonder is this what's she really want to do.
August 11, 2014
Cora has a lot to process. Her attraction to Dorian is visceral and intense; however, she is not sure she can give up her dreams and goals for a normal life. And vampire society seems to have few benefits from the encounters she has had with those other than Dorian. His life appears right out of a Gothic romance complete with a big mansion, countless minions, and scheming rivals for power and influence. Cora knows Dorian can influence her mind so she wonders how much of her feelings are her own. Dorian, despite all his power, wants Cora to make the decision to commit fully to him on her own.
June 3, 2015
In this part of the series you get to see more of Dorians world and the other agnates. Very interesting.
And I loved that Dorian keeps showing more emotions - he really does care for Cora, for HER, not just what she can be to him. I think when this is over I will have a little spot for Dorian in my own "favorite men" shelf.
But Cora, Cora ... still WHINING Cora! It's really getting on my nerves. But also she seems to be a little more open-minded in this part and that's good. Even though she's still looking for a way out.
But either you get out or you accept your terms. You can't have it both ways. Grow a backbone and take care of your business. So to speak.
And I loved that Dorian keeps showing more emotions - he really does care for Cora, for HER, not just what she can be to him. I think when this is over I will have a little spot for Dorian in my own "favorite men" shelf.
But Cora, Cora ... still WHINING Cora! It's really getting on my nerves. But also she seems to be a little more open-minded in this part and that's good. Even though she's still looking for a way out.
But either you get out or you accept your terms. You can't have it both ways. Grow a backbone and take care of your business. So to speak.
March 7, 2016
In this book Cora is introduced to the vampire community at introduction ceremony. Dorian try's his best to not compel her but is left, in his eyes, no other choice just to make sure she stays. It's the only way she will be safe from others. She meets several people, and some do things to purposefully scare her, which later we find out was exactly what they had hoped would happen. Of course there are hot sex scenes with Dorian and Cora, The end is intense, and i really hope Cora will decide what is best for her...but still i am on Dorian team.
June 23, 2014
With book four, we're really starting to dive into the world of agnates an cognates. There's still a good bit of passion with yummy Thorne, but Cora is still not 100% convinced that she belongs in this new world.
I'm team Thorne, and I want things to work out with him and Cora. However, I have a feeling there are going to be some bumps in the road. I'm excited about book five.
I'm really enjoying this series!!!
I'm team Thorne, and I want things to work out with him and Cora. However, I have a feeling there are going to be some bumps in the road. I'm excited about book five.
I'm really enjoying this series!!!
December 6, 2014
Is the bond by choice?
Cora is feeling like all her choices in life are slowly slipping away. Her life is no longer her own. Is there a way to break the bond or is she to someday become a mindless blood slave to Dorian. Dorian has used his influence over her a few times and she doesn't like it. But will she always be able to tell when he’s doing that to her. Lost to his will and nowhere to go, or so she thinks. Well written and very entertaining.
Cora is feeling like all her choices in life are slowly slipping away. Her life is no longer her own. Is there a way to break the bond or is she to someday become a mindless blood slave to Dorian. Dorian has used his influence over her a few times and she doesn't like it. But will she always be able to tell when he’s doing that to her. Lost to his will and nowhere to go, or so she thinks. Well written and very entertaining.
January 14, 2015
Never a dull moment. Again...wow. This book has so much in it. Where do I start. Cora is introduced to the vampire community at introduction ceremony. Dorian try's his best to not compel her but is left, in his eyes, no other choice just to make sure she stays. It's the only way she will be safe from others. And I think more as show and tell. The passion in this book is off the charts. The things she sees and feels at this party.... Most excellent book
July 3, 2014
The story is good, interesting. I should rate more for that, except my annoyance over spreading a novel into 50,0000 novellas is just too much. Especially when it seems like a ploy to get me to spend $2.99 every month. I'm done, thanks for leaving me hanging and annoyed, again. Filler, filler, filler, cliffhanger, BAM. Wait until next month.
September 4, 2014
This series is amazing. Take almost everything you thought you knew about vampires and throw it out the window. Now don't worry these are sparkling vampires. But the world they live in is divided and like humans some are good and some are bad. Only trouble is Cora is lost trying to figure out which is which and if she can live with what she has become.
December 15, 2014
Read this 4th book in this series and have was yet again not disappointed. It starts exactly where the 3rd book ends and I couldn't put it down till this one ended. At this point I am moving on to the 5th book in the series because I just can't get enough of this story and its characters.
June 14, 2015
It really drives me nuts, how selfish Cora is. It's taken her until now - book 4 - to ask ANY questions about Dorian's life or feelings. And even then, she just doesn't care. It's all about her. It drives me up the wall.
July 1, 2014
So ready for the next two books!
January 9, 2015
Good short books
Wish the author would of written these as one book. I think it would flow better that way. Good story, well written love scenes.
Wish the author would of written these as one book. I think it would flow better that way. Good story, well written love scenes.
January 13, 2015
In this book Cora finds out that the bond between her and Dorian might not be forever I can't wait to see what she chooses in book five
February 7, 2015
Another installment done, continues to be a good read.
April 10, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
May 14, 2017
Love this series. I highly recommend reading these books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews