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New Vampire Justice #1
Dare To Love Forever
Carson Locke is a Tabula Rosa vampire--a dangerous rarity in the world of vampires. With one bite, he can wipe clean a vampire's mind, creating a mindless drone. Because of this, Carson has spent his entire twenty-three years sheltered at home. That changes, however, when his entire family is murdered.
On the run and near death, Carson meets Commander Lincoln Samuels, a beautiful vampire who tries to heal him. In doing so, Carson is bonded to Lincoln and turned into something the vampire world has never seen.
Lincoln is a Sanatore vampire with the ability to heal other vampires. He heads a team in the New Vampire Justice police force in Utica, NY. Late one night, he's called to a local Vampire Blood Market where a starving Tabula Rosa vampire is about to be executed by one of his officers. Feeling a strong connection to Carson, Lincoln wants to heal the broken man despite knowing the risk in doing so--it could destroy Lincoln and cost him the chance to love again. And he soon discovers there's a greater evil threatening to take Carson from him.
Can two vampires who have loved and painfully lost in the past learn to trust one another, defeat the evil rising against them, and dare to love forever?
Genres: Gay / Dark Fantasy / Vampire / Action / Adventure
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
35 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Jake C. Wallace
16 books225 followersJake C. Wallace (JC) started writing from a young age, but took a break for marriage, kids, and college (in that order). He started writing again and publishing three years ago. At night and on the weekends, Jake writes about all things men, believing there is nothing hotter than two men finding and loving one another, whether for a night or forever. An avid reader of M/M romance, Jake loves a good twist of a plot, HEA, HFN, or tragic ending. He also writes what his bestie calls HUNK (Happy Until the Next Kidnapping). In his daytime hours, Jake works with individuals with autism and behavior problems. He is owned by a beautiful partner, three kids, two grandchildren. He lives in the beautiful Northern VT.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 31, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I hate insta-love*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The book centers around Carson Locke (23), a rare Tabula Rasa vampire, he can wipe the minds of those he bites—human or vampire, and Commander Lincoln ‘Linc’ Samuels (29?), an officer in the New Vampire Justice police force and a Sanatore vampire, possesses the gift of healing. Carson gets caught trying to steal blood to survive and end up in Lincoln's care. Their connection is instant. However, the starving has taken its hold on Carson, and the only thing that can save him is Lincoln's blood. Which has consequences. There's also the fact that Carson is not just a normal Tabula Rasa and has powers beyond anyone's control. Can Lincoln keep him safe? Overall, the book was a big meh and there was also that stupid insta-love, which you all know I hate. Anyway, not interested in continuing the series.
A smile threatened Carson’s lips. “Really?”
“Yeah, I’d really like that. Now can I have a kiss to carry me over until I see you again?”
A beautiful red flushed Carson’s cheeks, and he smiled. Lincoln brought their lips together, letting Carson guide the kiss.
Other characters:
↦ Sergeant Dwayne Simpson, member of the Nons police had when dealing with vampires
↦ Lieutenant Max Kincaid, a member of Lincoln's team and his best friend.
↦ Jameson Merrick, a powerful Manashan shaman and
↦ Member of Lincoln team, John Dennison. Seems like a complete dick. And Tommy Dennison, his little brother.
↦ Dr. Reynolds ‘Doc’, who treats Carson.
↦ Justin Masters, Carson's first love.
Love is life, my sweet boy. When you find love, then you will truly live.
His mother was a hopeless romantic, but he so wanted to believe he’d love again. Live.
…one who shines brighter than everyone else… speeds up your heart… voice like a melody….
Lincoln.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Carson Locke.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
November 28, 2018
✮4 Stars✮
June 19, 2014
My first thought when I finished this book? How long am I going to have to wait for the next one. While the majority of m/m paranormal stories have pretty much followed the same formula, this one was a fresh and interesting new take on a vampire society. I was pretty much caught up in the story and some of the twists and turns during the story I didn't see coming. All the characters introduced in this story were interesting and I look forward to finding out more about them. There seems to be different "types" of vampires and hopefully we get more. I don't know if I want to read about Tommy and Doc or Max and Justin in the next one, all of them I think will have interesting stories. I also hope we get to see more about Carson and what he can do.
September 19, 2017
4.5 stars
November 7, 2016
3 Stars - Full Review To Come :-)
December 3, 2016
3.5 Stars
September 27, 2016
3 stars.
The premise and world was interesting and Carson and Lincoln were appealing characters. I would have liked a little more development of the relationship, the instalove was strong here. Our boys flew from drama to drama so I never got the sense that the connection was anything more than biological. There were also some unanswered questions regarding Carson's condition that could be explored a little more.
This definitely had a HEA and our boys weren't left hanging so that's good. I just think that there could be more books about these two without running out of story.
I look forward to reading the next book.
The premise and world was interesting and Carson and Lincoln were appealing characters. I would have liked a little more development of the relationship, the instalove was strong here. Our boys flew from drama to drama so I never got the sense that the connection was anything more than biological. There were also some unanswered questions regarding Carson's condition that could be explored a little more.
This definitely had a HEA and our boys weren't left hanging so that's good. I just think that there could be more books about these two without running out of story.
I look forward to reading the next book.
August 24, 2014
I received a copy of this book part of the DBML program in exchange for an honest review
4 solid stars.
This was a first by this author for me. It was surprisingly good from beginning to end. I don't think I've read any mm vampire books with this level of detail involved in the species. I think that's what drew me in from the beginning.
The two mc was great. Lincoln was the alpha vampire in charge of this elite Vampire police force really, and Carson was the sweet innocent boy who was the victim to a horrible crime. It was action packed as soon as Lincoln stepped in the vicinity of Carson.
From page 1 to the end I was deep involved in the story, I loved all the external characters, and I could say that bad guy I didn't think it was him, I did cry a couple times out the story. I like how these two gents worked with each other, sure we had them in the beginning being afraid of the feelings that they new were involving within them.
I can tell you now going forward I'm all for Team Max/Justin, or Team Jax I called them, I definitely the deeds on them.
4 solid stars.
This was a first by this author for me. It was surprisingly good from beginning to end. I don't think I've read any mm vampire books with this level of detail involved in the species. I think that's what drew me in from the beginning.
The two mc was great. Lincoln was the alpha vampire in charge of this elite Vampire police force really, and Carson was the sweet innocent boy who was the victim to a horrible crime. It was action packed as soon as Lincoln stepped in the vicinity of Carson.
From page 1 to the end I was deep involved in the story, I loved all the external characters, and I could say that bad guy I didn't think it was him, I did cry a couple times out the story. I like how these two gents worked with each other, sure we had them in the beginning being afraid of the feelings that they new were involving within them.
I can tell you now going forward I'm all for Team Max/Justin, or Team Jax I called them, I definitely the deeds on them.
October 9, 2016
EXCELLENT story! Nice twist on the vampire world and I loved the MC's so, so much. And their friends too! Great story and want book 2, pretty, pretty please!
March 17, 2017
Hope next book is Max and Justin's story - pretty please
June 12, 2014
Damn, that was good. How soon can we expect book 2?
July 1, 2014
4.5 Stars
I have read a lot of paranormal m/m stories. There is for most a main theme of instant attraction between the two main characters, often followed by the need to push away said attraction with confusion, hurt feelings, and general mayhem ensuing as a result. Over time, this genre for me has become somewhat formulaic, so I am always hoping that a novel will come along to break the mold, so to speak. Dare to Love Forever by JC Wallace has certainly come very close to renewing my faith in what I feel has become a tired, overwrought genre. However, JC Wallace did not break the mold I mentioned above, rather the author finessed it to the point where new life was breathed into the paranormal market. Allow me to explain how I felt this was so masterfully accomplished.
Essentially we are presented with two unique vampires. One of them is called the tabula rosa, Carson Locke. Carson is starving and on the run. He believes his entire family has been murdered and that he will be next. Deep in his past is the secret that his own nature, that of a blood-sucking vampire, caused irreparable harm to a person he loved. Carson refuses to bite another person as a result, so he finds himself stealing blood from a repository when he is captured by the vampire police force, the NVJ. Also locked within Carson are powers untold, and there is only one way for them to be unlocked, by drinking the blood of another rare form of vampire, a Santore, a healer.
Lincoln Samuels is the head commander of the NJV, where Carson is discovered. He takes him into custody and before long, realizes he must give his blood if Carson is to survive. However, Lincoln also harbors a deep secret. His blood can cause an unbreakable bond with another vampire, and a previous bonding nearly killed Lincoln. Surrounding these two deeply troubled men is a host of complications that will cause them to not only embrace a deepening bond between themselves but also place both of them in danger of losing one another permanently. How can they survive if they are apart? More importantly, will the corruption that is rife within the police force be the ruin of not only the two of them but also of the lives of all those they love?
JC Wallace takes on a tired genre and transforms it into an action packed mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Interspersed with fast paced action and rife with clever plot twists and turns, the author establishes an alternate world where vampires police their own, and those with special powers are not only sought after but are also endangered due to their abilities. Along the way, this clever author allows for the establishment of a strong love between his two main characters, and actually guides them to explain their reactions of fear and mistrust with one another so that the bond they feel can deepen rather than cause disunity.
All in all, the careful plotting and immensely satisfying love story created a paranormal novel that was not only wildly entertaining but left the door open for future installments. Perhaps the only niggle I had with this book, and the reason it was not a full 5 stars, was the ending to the story. I felt it was not only rushed but that things just cleaned up a bit too neatly for all that had happened and been discovered by Lincoln and Carson. However, this was a minor glitch in an otherwise compelling and exciting novel, one that I would easily recommend to those who enjoy this genre, and especially to those who are seeking a story that breathes new life into the paranormal realm.
I have read a lot of paranormal m/m stories. There is for most a main theme of instant attraction between the two main characters, often followed by the need to push away said attraction with confusion, hurt feelings, and general mayhem ensuing as a result. Over time, this genre for me has become somewhat formulaic, so I am always hoping that a novel will come along to break the mold, so to speak. Dare to Love Forever by JC Wallace has certainly come very close to renewing my faith in what I feel has become a tired, overwrought genre. However, JC Wallace did not break the mold I mentioned above, rather the author finessed it to the point where new life was breathed into the paranormal market. Allow me to explain how I felt this was so masterfully accomplished.
Essentially we are presented with two unique vampires. One of them is called the tabula rosa, Carson Locke. Carson is starving and on the run. He believes his entire family has been murdered and that he will be next. Deep in his past is the secret that his own nature, that of a blood-sucking vampire, caused irreparable harm to a person he loved. Carson refuses to bite another person as a result, so he finds himself stealing blood from a repository when he is captured by the vampire police force, the NVJ. Also locked within Carson are powers untold, and there is only one way for them to be unlocked, by drinking the blood of another rare form of vampire, a Santore, a healer.
Lincoln Samuels is the head commander of the NJV, where Carson is discovered. He takes him into custody and before long, realizes he must give his blood if Carson is to survive. However, Lincoln also harbors a deep secret. His blood can cause an unbreakable bond with another vampire, and a previous bonding nearly killed Lincoln. Surrounding these two deeply troubled men is a host of complications that will cause them to not only embrace a deepening bond between themselves but also place both of them in danger of losing one another permanently. How can they survive if they are apart? More importantly, will the corruption that is rife within the police force be the ruin of not only the two of them but also of the lives of all those they love?
JC Wallace takes on a tired genre and transforms it into an action packed mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Interspersed with fast paced action and rife with clever plot twists and turns, the author establishes an alternate world where vampires police their own, and those with special powers are not only sought after but are also endangered due to their abilities. Along the way, this clever author allows for the establishment of a strong love between his two main characters, and actually guides them to explain their reactions of fear and mistrust with one another so that the bond they feel can deepen rather than cause disunity.
All in all, the careful plotting and immensely satisfying love story created a paranormal novel that was not only wildly entertaining but left the door open for future installments. Perhaps the only niggle I had with this book, and the reason it was not a full 5 stars, was the ending to the story. I felt it was not only rushed but that things just cleaned up a bit too neatly for all that had happened and been discovered by Lincoln and Carson. However, this was a minor glitch in an otherwise compelling and exciting novel, one that I would easily recommend to those who enjoy this genre, and especially to those who are seeking a story that breathes new life into the paranormal realm.
September 27, 2016
A new-to-me author, a chance at fascinating world building, and vampires. Honestly? What more could I want?
"What he equated to was a monster—a vampire who could wipe clean minds with one bite. Left behind was a programmable machine, mindless follower without conscience, without remorse, without fear. The perfect army, the perfect killing machines."
The world the author has created is an urban fantasy, an alternate reality, where vampires have been known for over a hundred years but they still get treated like third class citizens. In this world the vampires are essentially exactly like humans except they have elongated canine teeth that are always present, and they need to supplement their diet with blood. No special powers, no inhuman strength, no speedy healing. There are special kinds of vampires such as empaths, healers, etc., but they aren't the norm. New Vampire Justice, or NVJ, was created by the vampires as a way to police their own since the human cops tended to shoot first and ask questions later. Believe me when I say the author definitely didn't stick to the standard lore.
Carson and Lincoln meet when Carson is caught trying to steal synthetic blood from a Vampire Blood Maker. Carson's family has been destroyed, he hasn't fed in ten days which is deadly for a vampire, and he is miserable believing he caused this devastation. Because of Carson's severe malnutrition he can't be revived with synthetic blood, but human blood will help him. Except it doesn't, and the doctor at NVJ headquarters doesn't understand why. Lincoln knows he needs to save Carson because something is building between them, but no one could have predicted what would happen to Carson when he got Lincoln's blood. I'm not telling because it's a huge spoiler.
Lincoln is a Sanatore vampire, a healer through his blood but also the only type of vampire who can bond on a physical, emotional, and mental level with a vampire who has ingested his blood. To say that Lincoln is terrified of what Carson will do when he discovers that Lincoln bonded with him, is mild. Lincoln is the only Sanatore vampire who has ever bonded twice in a lifetime with another. Unfortunately for Lincoln the first time it happened, the other vampire rejected the bond and Lincoln, causing Lincoln to almost go crazy. Once Carson and Lincoln finally talk, however, and realize they were both afraid of the same rejection, their bond grows more powerful and deeper than anyone has ever seen.
There were a number of things that I really liked about this book. The intensity, the world building, the mystery, and the action had me hooked from the start. However, there were a couple of things that didn't work for me, namely the number of discrepancies, and the pace was at times the speed of lightning although more often than not, it dragged in a number of areas. Neither of these things prevented me from enjoying the book but I believe I would have loved it had they not been there.
'Dare to Love Forever' is an action-packed adventure that I read in one sitting. I look forward to the next installment and I hope it's even better than this novel. Thank you, Jake, you write an intriguing tale.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
"What he equated to was a monster—a vampire who could wipe clean minds with one bite. Left behind was a programmable machine, mindless follower without conscience, without remorse, without fear. The perfect army, the perfect killing machines."
The world the author has created is an urban fantasy, an alternate reality, where vampires have been known for over a hundred years but they still get treated like third class citizens. In this world the vampires are essentially exactly like humans except they have elongated canine teeth that are always present, and they need to supplement their diet with blood. No special powers, no inhuman strength, no speedy healing. There are special kinds of vampires such as empaths, healers, etc., but they aren't the norm. New Vampire Justice, or NVJ, was created by the vampires as a way to police their own since the human cops tended to shoot first and ask questions later. Believe me when I say the author definitely didn't stick to the standard lore.
Carson and Lincoln meet when Carson is caught trying to steal synthetic blood from a Vampire Blood Maker. Carson's family has been destroyed, he hasn't fed in ten days which is deadly for a vampire, and he is miserable believing he caused this devastation. Because of Carson's severe malnutrition he can't be revived with synthetic blood, but human blood will help him. Except it doesn't, and the doctor at NVJ headquarters doesn't understand why. Lincoln knows he needs to save Carson because something is building between them, but no one could have predicted what would happen to Carson when he got Lincoln's blood. I'm not telling because it's a huge spoiler.
Lincoln is a Sanatore vampire, a healer through his blood but also the only type of vampire who can bond on a physical, emotional, and mental level with a vampire who has ingested his blood. To say that Lincoln is terrified of what Carson will do when he discovers that Lincoln bonded with him, is mild. Lincoln is the only Sanatore vampire who has ever bonded twice in a lifetime with another. Unfortunately for Lincoln the first time it happened, the other vampire rejected the bond and Lincoln, causing Lincoln to almost go crazy. Once Carson and Lincoln finally talk, however, and realize they were both afraid of the same rejection, their bond grows more powerful and deeper than anyone has ever seen.
There were a number of things that I really liked about this book. The intensity, the world building, the mystery, and the action had me hooked from the start. However, there were a couple of things that didn't work for me, namely the number of discrepancies, and the pace was at times the speed of lightning although more often than not, it dragged in a number of areas. Neither of these things prevented me from enjoying the book but I believe I would have loved it had they not been there.
'Dare to Love Forever' is an action-packed adventure that I read in one sitting. I look forward to the next installment and I hope it's even better than this novel. Thank you, Jake, you write an intriguing tale.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
June 20, 2014
4 star review by Cindy.
Carson is a young vampire who has been isolated his whole life because of his special “power”. When tragedy strikes he finds himself lost, alone and hungry. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone and goes to a blood bank and ends up under arrest. He’s terrified and alone but when Officer Lincoln Samuels arrives they both feel a connection right away.
I loved the premise of the story. A world of vampires and humans living together and I love how they have different races in the vampire world just like in the human world but with many more consequences because of the differences.
Carson stole my heart right away. He’s young, scared and full of anger. His whole world gets turned upside down but he still finds himself capable of trust and love. His determination to help people overrides everything but the love he finds with Lincoln.
Lincoln is just as heartbreaking as he tries to get over his past enough to give Carson the help he needs despite the dangers to them both. He finds everything he believes in twisted and broken as he tries to save the young man he’s come to care so much about.
The twist and turns were enough to keep me guessing throughout the story and the side characters are interesting as well. Jameson is a bad guy you just want to see die and Lincoln’s friends and colleges quickly take young Carson under their wings.
The instant connection between Lincoln and Carson wouldn’t work anywhere else but here in a vampire story, but I like how it gets the action going quickly and it never seems to stop.
I can’t find too much to complain about in this story except that maybe everything happens a little too fast. I would have liked more time to get to know the characters and have a little suspense build.
Other than that, I found the writing smart and well done, the storyline well thought out and the characters likable and believable. I would be very interesting in reading more about these vampires and the world they live in and I hope the author revisits this world they created!
A copy of this book was provided for reviewing. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
Carson is a young vampire who has been isolated his whole life because of his special “power”. When tragedy strikes he finds himself lost, alone and hungry. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone and goes to a blood bank and ends up under arrest. He’s terrified and alone but when Officer Lincoln Samuels arrives they both feel a connection right away.
I loved the premise of the story. A world of vampires and humans living together and I love how they have different races in the vampire world just like in the human world but with many more consequences because of the differences.
Carson stole my heart right away. He’s young, scared and full of anger. His whole world gets turned upside down but he still finds himself capable of trust and love. His determination to help people overrides everything but the love he finds with Lincoln.
Lincoln is just as heartbreaking as he tries to get over his past enough to give Carson the help he needs despite the dangers to them both. He finds everything he believes in twisted and broken as he tries to save the young man he’s come to care so much about.
The twist and turns were enough to keep me guessing throughout the story and the side characters are interesting as well. Jameson is a bad guy you just want to see die and Lincoln’s friends and colleges quickly take young Carson under their wings.
The instant connection between Lincoln and Carson wouldn’t work anywhere else but here in a vampire story, but I like how it gets the action going quickly and it never seems to stop.
I can’t find too much to complain about in this story except that maybe everything happens a little too fast. I would have liked more time to get to know the characters and have a little suspense build.
Other than that, I found the writing smart and well done, the storyline well thought out and the characters likable and believable. I would be very interesting in reading more about these vampires and the world they live in and I hope the author revisits this world they created!
A copy of this book was provided for reviewing. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
June 1, 2014
This is the second book I have read by this author and I cannot wait to read another! As the first book in the New Vampire Justice series you are not only introduced to a world where humans know about vampires, but work with them to a certain extent.
The vampires in this series are the most human-like supernaturals I have ever read. I fell in love with the main characters, Lincoln and Carson, but also all of the supporting characters as well! I cannot wait to read the stories of the other characters and to see the story arc fleshed out.
This is a romance but the plot is furthered through the romance not interrupted with it. If you are a fan of m/m and vampire books then this is the book for you and I would highly recommend this book!
The vampires in this series are the most human-like supernaturals I have ever read. I fell in love with the main characters, Lincoln and Carson, but also all of the supporting characters as well! I cannot wait to read the stories of the other characters and to see the story arc fleshed out.
This is a romance but the plot is furthered through the romance not interrupted with it. If you are a fan of m/m and vampire books then this is the book for you and I would highly recommend this book!
October 24, 2016
4.5 stars
Score!! We finally have some original vampires here people. I loved all the action packed drama and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how things would turn out. The story had a little bit of everything in it - angst over Carson's family and his first love, romance and passion between Carson and Lincoln (insta-love happened a little too quickly for me though) as well as hinted relationships of other couples (Doc, you old devil you), fast-paced action with some nice violence thrown in, and a really sneaky bastard with his assorted minions. Can't wait to see what the next installment brings. :)
Score!! We finally have some original vampires here people. I loved all the action packed drama and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how things would turn out. The story had a little bit of everything in it - angst over Carson's family and his first love, romance and passion between Carson and Lincoln (insta-love happened a little too quickly for me though) as well as hinted relationships of other couples (Doc, you old devil you), fast-paced action with some nice violence thrown in, and a really sneaky bastard with his assorted minions. Can't wait to see what the next installment brings. :)
June 3, 2014
A series off to a good start. Looking forward to its continuance.
June 8, 2014
3.5 stars
June 19, 2014
Pretty please let the next book in this series be a really quick release...mmmmkay. It is so rare to have so many new concepts in a genre I have read so many times.
June 12, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/201...
I know I am not the first to say this, but Dare To Love Forever by J.C. Wallace is a very, very different breed of Vampire book. Of course, this is a plot that is very formulaic: the vampire, the angst, the drama, the mating, the bonding, the biting, the strength of mates, blah blah blah. But that is as far as it goes for formula. The rest of this tale, it is unlike I have read so far.
We have two rare vampires here, one rarer than the other. One is Carson, a Tabula Rosa who had been raised far from society and kept secret from both friend and enemies. When he discovers his family murdered, his mother's last instructions were to seek the help of someone, and to run. He ran but was unsuccessful in finding the much needed information and help. Starving, he risks all to get some blood, but is caught and injured. Second is Lincoln Samuels. To save his life, Lincoln, a rare Sanatore vampire, decides to heal him. The result is a blood union of two rare breeds, resulting to a bonding even rarer and a variety of vampire in the person of Cason. An anomaly no one had ever seen or heard of before.
When these events unfold, all thoughts of 'formulaic plot' disappears into the background.
This is not a romantic story, even if it is supposed to be one. This is an action packed, mystery filled suspense thriller with all the blood, guts and gore one would least expect from a love story but do from a vampire one. There is a whole lot of violence that only serves to impress on the reader the power that is Carson. The erotic scenes, quite unexpected, too, so that by itself was a difference.
Carson starts out a frightened and naive young man, but he quickly grows up, so to speak, when his power kicks in. It is something innate and he does not understand it, neither does Lincoln who could only react to his bond-mate's feelings and thoughts. With both their powers combined, no one really knows what to make of this duo. The only thought that ran through my mind when reading this was: holen! holen! holen! - in reaction to the fast-paced action and unfolding events.
Take it this way: I just positively inhaled this read in less than two hours and I was exhausted from a hard days' work. I was unwilling to put it down. I rated this a four (4) stars last night, but as I found myself dreaming Carson and Lincoln. Well, that raises the rating in my opinion. I cannot argue with my subconscious loving this so much LOL
I know I am not the first to say this, but Dare To Love Forever by J.C. Wallace is a very, very different breed of Vampire book. Of course, this is a plot that is very formulaic: the vampire, the angst, the drama, the mating, the bonding, the biting, the strength of mates, blah blah blah. But that is as far as it goes for formula. The rest of this tale, it is unlike I have read so far.
We have two rare vampires here, one rarer than the other. One is Carson, a Tabula Rosa who had been raised far from society and kept secret from both friend and enemies. When he discovers his family murdered, his mother's last instructions were to seek the help of someone, and to run. He ran but was unsuccessful in finding the much needed information and help. Starving, he risks all to get some blood, but is caught and injured. Second is Lincoln Samuels. To save his life, Lincoln, a rare Sanatore vampire, decides to heal him. The result is a blood union of two rare breeds, resulting to a bonding even rarer and a variety of vampire in the person of Cason. An anomaly no one had ever seen or heard of before.
When these events unfold, all thoughts of 'formulaic plot' disappears into the background.
This is not a romantic story, even if it is supposed to be one. This is an action packed, mystery filled suspense thriller with all the blood, guts and gore one would least expect from a love story but do from a vampire one. There is a whole lot of violence that only serves to impress on the reader the power that is Carson. The erotic scenes, quite unexpected, too, so that by itself was a difference.
Carson starts out a frightened and naive young man, but he quickly grows up, so to speak, when his power kicks in. It is something innate and he does not understand it, neither does Lincoln who could only react to his bond-mate's feelings and thoughts. With both their powers combined, no one really knows what to make of this duo. The only thought that ran through my mind when reading this was: holen! holen! holen! - in reaction to the fast-paced action and unfolding events.
Take it this way: I just positively inhaled this read in less than two hours and I was exhausted from a hard days' work. I was unwilling to put it down. I rated this a four (4) stars last night, but as I found myself dreaming Carson and Lincoln. Well, that raises the rating in my opinion. I cannot argue with my subconscious loving this so much LOL
September 20, 2017
Hm, I don't know. Started quite promising in a world where vampires are somehow a domineered minority although they seem to have their own jurisdiction and police. The vampires as such are not much different than the humans, no super power, no glamour and as easily killed as anyone else. Just your guy next door with the strange habit of drinking synthetic blood - that is if you're no rare special breed with a certain superpower. With that it becomes a bit complicated and I got a bit wary regarding the logic of the world building, but still I was thinking about a 4 star rating, maybe.
But then other stuff happened that made my inner nerd uneasy. It's just that I need a certain level of logic in a world building to get a long with a story. A break-in into a blood bank with synthetic blood for vampires is an offense usually punished by death? Vampires are a domineered minority but the head of their special force is part of the presidential cabinet? The common vampire is nothing special but then there are some with superpowers which are again suddenly limited to fit into the story like your healing blood has the risk that you're bonding with the to-be-healed and from then on your blood only heals your bond mate? Oh and don't forget that bond is only one-sided i.e. there is an invisible strong bond but the other one can break it anytime? You're a commander at the special force but hold back information about a suspect because you have a gut feeling and later on you bond with the no longer suspect but you're still unquestioned head of the investigation? There are other such logical bumps that made the 4 star rating crumble.
It didn't made it better that along the road I simple forgot that I read a vampire story but I really liked the villain and maybe even the end fight although at that time what started as a crime investigation love story became more like a comic superhero movie
November 10, 2014
DNF at 55%.
You know a book is boring you when you start skipping every sex scene after the first, then just start skimming the rest.
My first niggle with this book was the incorrect spelling of tabula rasa, which means "blank slate" in Latin. This story claimed it was "tabula rosa," which either was lack of research (a simple Google search would have sufficed) or bad editing--which I didn't find anywhere else--or possibly it was purposeful? I don't see why it would be purposeful though, that would be like spelling "the" with two h's just because you have creative license or something. Avant-garde, perhaps, but still incorrect. But I digress.
The next thing that made my eyes roll was the insta-love. I see this popping up all over, but think it's almost always just an excuse not to (or a missed opportunity to) actually develop a relationship. And then the love story degraded into saccharine exclamations and false intensity, so I had to skip all those parts.
Furthermore, the structure of the story was rather underdeveloped. Instead of holding things back, making the reader wait to learn the situation, there was a major information dump early on, where the situation was explained, and other plot twists that weren't were so obvious that they were easy to guess. And then the characters would act shocked and betrayed, and I would think, "Yup, if you didn't see that coming, there's little hope for you anyway."
Honestly, the only thing I found interesting in this book was the portrayal of vampires as more realistic than fantastical creatures, which was refreshing. But then everything that happened after the first couple of pages annoyed me, so I had to stop reading for my own sanity.
You know a book is boring you when you start skipping every sex scene after the first, then just start skimming the rest.
My first niggle with this book was the incorrect spelling of tabula rasa, which means "blank slate" in Latin. This story claimed it was "tabula rosa," which either was lack of research (a simple Google search would have sufficed) or bad editing--which I didn't find anywhere else--or possibly it was purposeful? I don't see why it would be purposeful though, that would be like spelling "the" with two h's just because you have creative license or something. Avant-garde, perhaps, but still incorrect. But I digress.
The next thing that made my eyes roll was the insta-love. I see this popping up all over, but think it's almost always just an excuse not to (or a missed opportunity to) actually develop a relationship. And then the love story degraded into saccharine exclamations and false intensity, so I had to skip all those parts.
Furthermore, the structure of the story was rather underdeveloped. Instead of holding things back, making the reader wait to learn the situation, there was a major information dump early on, where the situation was explained, and other plot twists that weren't were so obvious that they were easy to guess. And then the characters would act shocked and betrayed, and I would think, "Yup, if you didn't see that coming, there's little hope for you anyway."
Honestly, the only thing I found interesting in this book was the portrayal of vampires as more realistic than fantastical creatures, which was refreshing. But then everything that happened after the first couple of pages annoyed me, so I had to stop reading for my own sanity.
July 8, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I love a good vampire story, and this book certainly fits the bill. This is a story filled with well-crafted world building. Vampire are essentially human: they breathe, they have heartbeats, and they eat. The only difference is their need for blood and that some vampires have particular powers. Wallace lays everything out for us in a great way, letting us have the information we need as we need it. It never felt like an info dump, or that information was popping up out of nowhere. I was immersed in the world from the very beginning, and truly enjoyed the story the author crafted.
Read Kris' review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I love a good vampire story, and this book certainly fits the bill. This is a story filled with well-crafted world building. Vampire are essentially human: they breathe, they have heartbeats, and they eat. The only difference is their need for blood and that some vampires have particular powers. Wallace lays everything out for us in a great way, letting us have the information we need as we need it. It never felt like an info dump, or that information was popping up out of nowhere. I was immersed in the world from the very beginning, and truly enjoyed the story the author crafted.
Read Kris' review in its entirety here.
January 29, 2016
Interesting take on vampires. Alternate university type story with a pretty good ease into the world (no huge info dumps) and a very strong supporting cast of characters. The latter is it's strength. While I thought Lincoln and Carson were good together I didn't find them as scorching as others. Good - with chemistry yes --- but my real enjoyment came not from them but from the other characters who surrounded them and the AU. I'm a big fan of paranormal law enforcement type books. This one's definitely recommended!
November 17, 2016
2nd read 11/2016
Great book with vampires like I've never read about - definitely different and refreshing. I hope there will be more books because there are a lot of fascinating secondary characters and I'd love to read their stories.
Great book with vampires like I've never read about - definitely different and refreshing. I hope there will be more books because there are a lot of fascinating secondary characters and I'd love to read their stories.
November 25, 2016
3.5 Stars
This was my first book by J.C. Wallace and I liked it. It was action packed and full of interesting characters. It's vampires with some added dimensions.
Bottom line: looking forward to reading more by this author.
This was my first book by J.C. Wallace and I liked it. It was action packed and full of interesting characters. It's vampires with some added dimensions.
Bottom line: looking forward to reading more by this author.
Want to read
August 29, 2015Do I want to read this book? I don't trust Amber Allure much.
July 9, 2014
One of the best vamp stories I read. :)
March 21, 2015
2.5* It's a good/ok read for me. It bored me at times. Maybe I was not in the mood.
June 5, 2025
Découverte de l'écriture et de l'univers. Je me suis lancée parce qu'il était question de vampires et j'avoue c'est mon point faible, je craque très facilement. L'approche des vampires est un peu différente de ce qu'il se fait habituellement et c'est un changement très sympa mais j'ai été un peu déçue par le traitement de l'univers. Si aux premiers abords, il est complexe, on reste assez en surface sur certains points et c'est dommage. J'aurai aimé plus d'explications sur les différents types de vampires (peut être que ça va être fait dans le prochain tome).
Les personnages ont aussi cette complexité,mais ils restent simple à cerner, enfin pas tous. Certains vont être des livres ouverts et d'autres leurs réels intentions vont être des surprises. Je l'ai été pour un personnage en particulier. Je m'étais faitavoir et j'aime ça. Parfois tout est tellement cousu de fil blanc que c'en est décevant. Ici, il y a un mix entre les deux.
Je crois que Carson est le personnage que j'ai préféré, mais si peu exploité au final. Un deuxième tome sur la suite de ce personnage aurait été incroyable. Il y a encore tellement de choses à dire sur lui et son couple. Mais on s'attache très vite à lui, on veut comprendre ce qu'il lui arrive. J'ai apprécié le voir évoluer, grandir et aimer Lincoln. Je l'ai un peu moins apprécié, mais son passé est intéressant à exploiter. Les rares scènes où ils en parlent sont touchantes, il y a ce petit truc qui te serre le cœur.
En repensant à la trame de l'histoire, elle est rapide et c'est paradoxale vu que le rythme du livre est lent. L'écriture prend son temps de développer beaucoup de choses. Il m'a fallu un peu de temps pour rentrer dans l'histoire,mais une fois fait, je déroulais. J'ai beaucoup apprécié suivre l'intrigue principale. Il y a du mystère et assez peu d'amour au final, tout va vite de ce côté et on se concentre plus sur autre chose.
J'ai beaucoup apprécié cette lecture même s'il m'a manqué un petit plus. Les personnages sont très bien construits et l'intrigue est assez complexe pour qu'on se prenne au jeu et qu'on se trompe sur certains points. Je vais lire le tome suivants surtout qu'il se concentre sur un personnage qu'on a peu vu, mais dont on a beaucoup entendu parlé. Je sens qu'il va nous réserver beaucoup de surprises.
Malgré mon avis qui est entre deux (et pourtant plus positif que négatif), j'ai vraiment apprécié ma lecture et je vous l'ai recommande si vous êtes adepte des vampires. Il y a des rebondissements, de l'action, des moments de tendresses
Les personnages ont aussi cette complexité,mais ils restent simple à cerner, enfin pas tous. Certains vont être des livres ouverts et d'autres leurs réels intentions vont être des surprises. Je l'ai été pour un personnage en particulier. Je m'étais faitavoir et j'aime ça. Parfois tout est tellement cousu de fil blanc que c'en est décevant. Ici, il y a un mix entre les deux.
Je crois que Carson est le personnage que j'ai préféré, mais si peu exploité au final. Un deuxième tome sur la suite de ce personnage aurait été incroyable. Il y a encore tellement de choses à dire sur lui et son couple. Mais on s'attache très vite à lui, on veut comprendre ce qu'il lui arrive. J'ai apprécié le voir évoluer, grandir et aimer Lincoln. Je l'ai un peu moins apprécié, mais son passé est intéressant à exploiter. Les rares scènes où ils en parlent sont touchantes, il y a ce petit truc qui te serre le cœur.
En repensant à la trame de l'histoire, elle est rapide et c'est paradoxale vu que le rythme du livre est lent. L'écriture prend son temps de développer beaucoup de choses. Il m'a fallu un peu de temps pour rentrer dans l'histoire,mais une fois fait, je déroulais. J'ai beaucoup apprécié suivre l'intrigue principale. Il y a du mystère et assez peu d'amour au final, tout va vite de ce côté et on se concentre plus sur autre chose.
J'ai beaucoup apprécié cette lecture même s'il m'a manqué un petit plus. Les personnages sont très bien construits et l'intrigue est assez complexe pour qu'on se prenne au jeu et qu'on se trompe sur certains points. Je vais lire le tome suivants surtout qu'il se concentre sur un personnage qu'on a peu vu, mais dont on a beaucoup entendu parlé. Je sens qu'il va nous réserver beaucoup de surprises.
Malgré mon avis qui est entre deux (et pourtant plus positif que négatif), j'ai vraiment apprécié ma lecture et je vous l'ai recommande si vous êtes adepte des vampires. Il y a des rebondissements, de l'action, des moments de tendresses
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