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Blood Gate
Vampire Claire finds herself caught in the middle between her Master, Parker, and her Trigger, Andre. Little love is lost between the former friends, but somehow Claire must build a bridge between them when they are sent to Edgewood to settle their differences. The cost of her failure will be deadly.
Deep in the cellars of Edgewood, a game of sexual bondage unleashes unexpected dangers, twisting open, loving Andre into a secretive virtuoso of manipulation. Is this just another part of the game, or is he losing his mind? Parker will take desperate steps to protect his apprentice, but he won’t be dragged into the game with them.
Can Parker set aside forty years of bitter rivalry, or will he sacrifice Andre to save Claire?
Deep in the cellars of Edgewood, a game of sexual bondage unleashes unexpected dangers, twisting open, loving Andre into a secretive virtuoso of manipulation. Is this just another part of the game, or is he losing his mind? Parker will take desperate steps to protect his apprentice, but he won’t be dragged into the game with them.
Can Parker set aside forty years of bitter rivalry, or will he sacrifice Andre to save Claire?
- GenresEroticaParanormal
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 22, 2014
I would have given this 5 stars if it weren't in first person. I have a problem with erotica in first, but that's me and nothing at all to do with the book. I loved the story. And once I found some time to actually sit and read, became engulfed in the story. But yeah, I wish it weren't in first person. Just know that star rating is for my benefit only and has nothing to do with the book. It was a very interesting tale and took a twist I wasn't expecting. Made for good reading.
August 21, 2014
Blood Gate (The Circle Book 2) Amy Lee Burgess
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
At the end of the last book things had deteriorated badly between Claire and her Master Parker. He was the one to Turn her, and she’d been with him five years as his apprentice. From a wonderful first two weeks he’d then turned into a cruel and cold Master, one who was sarcastic and scathing about any of her attempts to please him. Only the sex between them seemed to work. Then she’d grown closer to Andre and Circle Master Oliver had made him her Master instead of Parker. They’ve has a fabulous few months with Andre being loving and supportive. Claire is Enhanced – able to read people’s and other vampires minds, and Andre is her Trigger, someone to assist her to learn to use her abilities. Things aren’t going well between Andre and Parker though – they were best friends until their big fallout forty years or so earlier, and they’ve become much worse, and the change of /master didn’t help. Circle Master Oliver steps in, makes changes once again and setting Parker back as Claire’s Master. He sends all three to sort out their differences at Edgewood, a huge country estate he owns. Strange things happen there though, placing all of them in danger of losing their lives...
Its another gripping, riveting read, bringing up shadows of the past and spiced up with sensual and erotic sex scenes. I really feel for Claire, she seems to have spent her life trying to get others to love her, and now she’s stuck between Andre and Parker. Andre loves her but has become a very different person at Edgewood, and Parker, though still sarcastic and temperamental does seem to be making improvements at times. Claire still has feelings for him, and wants them all to be happy but doesn’t know how to go about it. Clearly Oliver sent them there for a reason, he gave Claire a key and told her she’d know when to use it but she doesn’t even know what or where its for...He’s one of those enigmatic Vampires that always answers a question with another question, or a vague non specific answer...Poor Claire. I thought she’d found happiness with Andre at the end of the last book, but here his strange bondage games seem to be taking a sadistic turn and she’s worried about him. He’s always been open with her but has closed his mind off now, and she doesn’t know if that’s because she is now apprentice once again to Parker or if there’s something else. The dangers start mounting up, with strange things happening and Claire having very frightening nightmares, which is odd as vampires don't dream. There’s a great deal going on that slowly becomes clearer, and the way Amy comes up with these scenes and plots amazes me. They make sense even though of course non of it is real. I need that kind of “if fantasy was real this could happen” format, and what I love is when an author uses talents and abilities that were evident much earlier in the story, not throw in some last minute new powers. To me that's a cop out, doing the story and reader a disservice. Thankfully Amy never stoops to that, but works on building scenes set much earlier. I’ve noticed that in both these books and in the Wolf Within novels, and that’s part of why they are such a good read for me and bear re reading. These novels are much more openly sexual, the wolf series has sex of course but its alluded to more than openly described. Here its all on the page, from the first sensual moves to the lust and blood sharing that follows. Its a very graphic, erotic book, with sex between all the vampires, not just Master and Apprentice.
Stars: Great read, full five. I’m not sure if there are more books to follow, this one ends really neatly closing up the story of Claire, Andre and Parker that begun in the first book. Part of me would love to read more of the Circle vampires, and part of me feels this is just perfect as a two book deal....No ARC rider this time – its a book I bought! I’m happy that Amy always provides a story for my keeper files to read again, so to me its worth spending money on.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
At the end of the last book things had deteriorated badly between Claire and her Master Parker. He was the one to Turn her, and she’d been with him five years as his apprentice. From a wonderful first two weeks he’d then turned into a cruel and cold Master, one who was sarcastic and scathing about any of her attempts to please him. Only the sex between them seemed to work. Then she’d grown closer to Andre and Circle Master Oliver had made him her Master instead of Parker. They’ve has a fabulous few months with Andre being loving and supportive. Claire is Enhanced – able to read people’s and other vampires minds, and Andre is her Trigger, someone to assist her to learn to use her abilities. Things aren’t going well between Andre and Parker though – they were best friends until their big fallout forty years or so earlier, and they’ve become much worse, and the change of /master didn’t help. Circle Master Oliver steps in, makes changes once again and setting Parker back as Claire’s Master. He sends all three to sort out their differences at Edgewood, a huge country estate he owns. Strange things happen there though, placing all of them in danger of losing their lives...
Its another gripping, riveting read, bringing up shadows of the past and spiced up with sensual and erotic sex scenes. I really feel for Claire, she seems to have spent her life trying to get others to love her, and now she’s stuck between Andre and Parker. Andre loves her but has become a very different person at Edgewood, and Parker, though still sarcastic and temperamental does seem to be making improvements at times. Claire still has feelings for him, and wants them all to be happy but doesn’t know how to go about it. Clearly Oliver sent them there for a reason, he gave Claire a key and told her she’d know when to use it but she doesn’t even know what or where its for...He’s one of those enigmatic Vampires that always answers a question with another question, or a vague non specific answer...Poor Claire. I thought she’d found happiness with Andre at the end of the last book, but here his strange bondage games seem to be taking a sadistic turn and she’s worried about him. He’s always been open with her but has closed his mind off now, and she doesn’t know if that’s because she is now apprentice once again to Parker or if there’s something else. The dangers start mounting up, with strange things happening and Claire having very frightening nightmares, which is odd as vampires don't dream. There’s a great deal going on that slowly becomes clearer, and the way Amy comes up with these scenes and plots amazes me. They make sense even though of course non of it is real. I need that kind of “if fantasy was real this could happen” format, and what I love is when an author uses talents and abilities that were evident much earlier in the story, not throw in some last minute new powers. To me that's a cop out, doing the story and reader a disservice. Thankfully Amy never stoops to that, but works on building scenes set much earlier. I’ve noticed that in both these books and in the Wolf Within novels, and that’s part of why they are such a good read for me and bear re reading. These novels are much more openly sexual, the wolf series has sex of course but its alluded to more than openly described. Here its all on the page, from the first sensual moves to the lust and blood sharing that follows. Its a very graphic, erotic book, with sex between all the vampires, not just Master and Apprentice.
Stars: Great read, full five. I’m not sure if there are more books to follow, this one ends really neatly closing up the story of Claire, Andre and Parker that begun in the first book. Part of me would love to read more of the Circle vampires, and part of me feels this is just perfect as a two book deal....No ARC rider this time – its a book I bought! I’m happy that Amy always provides a story for my keeper files to read again, so to me its worth spending money on.
October 21, 2014
A love triangle, bondage, dominant males, vampires, and an evil plot — What’s not to love?
I was honored to receive both books in this series by Amy Lee Burgess, the first being “Blood Gift” (Amazon purchase link here — side note, I feel like the woman on the cover resembles Kirsten Dunst, so that’s who I was picturing.) and the second, “Blood Gate”, to which this review is dedicated.
Told from Claire’s first person perspective, you begin after she’s been turned but she’s still new, and still learning the ropes. She has the ability to read minds, and the ability to sway others to do her bidding — both talents came out after her turning. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have control over it, so being out in public is very difficult for her — many things are. She comes from a troubled, abusive past and tries to use her powers for good, though the result isn’t always as she planned.
From the first book into the second, she switches “Masters” — first, the vampire who turned her, Parker, to the vampire she can’t resist, Andre. Both are just as dark as she, with secrets of their own. What I love about first person POV writing is that you are able to learn the secrets right along with Claire, but you still have your own frame of mind to think loudly, “What the hell are you doing?! Stop! Go back! Don’t!!!” even as she trudges forward.
At first I thought Claire was weak, but then I realized that, even though she definitely is in a way, deep below Amy Lee Burgess wrote a spine of steel and survivor techniques that I admire.
Speaking of admiration, she made me love and hate both Parker and Andre — and wish I had just one night with both of them.
This review, honestly, covers both books in a way — in the first book I hated Parker, in the second, I hated Andre. And in the end, I loved all three of them. I do hope that there will be more for this series. The only matter of contention I have would be the price of the kindle books themselves. It may just be that I’m poor, but I don’t know if I’d pay $7.99 for each book. Possibly both ($4 each), but I do think the price is a bit high. To each their own, and to what they can afford.
I did very much enjoy these books and I do recommend that people read them and give Amy Lee Burgess credit where credit is due.
I was honored to receive both books in this series by Amy Lee Burgess, the first being “Blood Gift” (Amazon purchase link here — side note, I feel like the woman on the cover resembles Kirsten Dunst, so that’s who I was picturing.) and the second, “Blood Gate”, to which this review is dedicated.
Told from Claire’s first person perspective, you begin after she’s been turned but she’s still new, and still learning the ropes. She has the ability to read minds, and the ability to sway others to do her bidding — both talents came out after her turning. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have control over it, so being out in public is very difficult for her — many things are. She comes from a troubled, abusive past and tries to use her powers for good, though the result isn’t always as she planned.
From the first book into the second, she switches “Masters” — first, the vampire who turned her, Parker, to the vampire she can’t resist, Andre. Both are just as dark as she, with secrets of their own. What I love about first person POV writing is that you are able to learn the secrets right along with Claire, but you still have your own frame of mind to think loudly, “What the hell are you doing?! Stop! Go back! Don’t!!!” even as she trudges forward.
At first I thought Claire was weak, but then I realized that, even though she definitely is in a way, deep below Amy Lee Burgess wrote a spine of steel and survivor techniques that I admire.
Speaking of admiration, she made me love and hate both Parker and Andre — and wish I had just one night with both of them.
This review, honestly, covers both books in a way — in the first book I hated Parker, in the second, I hated Andre. And in the end, I loved all three of them. I do hope that there will be more for this series. The only matter of contention I have would be the price of the kindle books themselves. It may just be that I’m poor, but I don’t know if I’d pay $7.99 for each book. Possibly both ($4 each), but I do think the price is a bit high. To each their own, and to what they can afford.
I did very much enjoy these books and I do recommend that people read them and give Amy Lee Burgess credit where credit is due.
August 29, 2014
I love when characters are so realistic they leap off the page. And when an author succeeds in imbuing traits in a character that humanizes and redeems them, I will be a fan for life. Claire is an Enhanced vampire: she has special powers she uses to help battered women find the strength to make a change in their situation. Andre is a kind, but tortured soul who loves Claire. I found myself afraid when he can't seem to halt his descent madness. Parker, who Turned Claire, hides behind a heavy mask of cynicism and narcissism. Due to a feud of epic proportions in Andre and Parker's pasts, and a current battle over Claire, they are banished to a country estate to work out their differences. This banishment creates a triangle that is erotic and oddly human (for vampires, that is).
I loved the way Amy Lee used metaphors within her writing. A physical key that opens the doors to secrets past and a dangerous game. A rose bush that threatens to die, mimicking the death of relationships. Her evolution of Parker from a major jerk into a kind, loving man was ingenious and kept me gripped.
This book is a sequel. The first book isn't required reading in order to enjoy this one, but trust me, you'll want to own Blood Gift as well.
I loved the way Amy Lee used metaphors within her writing. A physical key that opens the doors to secrets past and a dangerous game. A rose bush that threatens to die, mimicking the death of relationships. Her evolution of Parker from a major jerk into a kind, loving man was ingenious and kept me gripped.
This book is a sequel. The first book isn't required reading in order to enjoy this one, but trust me, you'll want to own Blood Gift as well.
August 24, 2014
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the one before although I'd be untruthful if I suggested that the amount of mutual abuse, and the tolerance of it, between these three was the kind of drama I enjoy. I felt a bit like I suffered through it to get to the meat of the story, frankly. I know some people enjoy angst and dysfunction as relationship hurdles that need to be over come, but I find them pedestrian particularly when they are manifested as abuse and the tolerance of it in the name of "love." To me it often reads like "co-dependents on parade" and I got that feeling in much of this.
That said, I do understand that all three of these people were broken and that over coming it for all three was significant character development. So I'm a bit torn, frankly. I probably would have preferred if more time had been spent on the metaphysical aspects and hurdles, rather than the emotional angst, mutual and self abuse.
It's a good world and good lore, though. I'm probably complaining that it was too much angsty romance and not enough fantasy, which is pretty typical of me.
Still, I liked it well enough to read the next.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the one before although I'd be untruthful if I suggested that the amount of mutual abuse, and the tolerance of it, between these three was the kind of drama I enjoy. I felt a bit like I suffered through it to get to the meat of the story, frankly. I know some people enjoy angst and dysfunction as relationship hurdles that need to be over come, but I find them pedestrian particularly when they are manifested as abuse and the tolerance of it in the name of "love." To me it often reads like "co-dependents on parade" and I got that feeling in much of this.
That said, I do understand that all three of these people were broken and that over coming it for all three was significant character development. So I'm a bit torn, frankly. I probably would have preferred if more time had been spent on the metaphysical aspects and hurdles, rather than the emotional angst, mutual and self abuse.
It's a good world and good lore, though. I'm probably complaining that it was too much angsty romance and not enough fantasy, which is pretty typical of me.
Still, I liked it well enough to read the next.
September 20, 2014
Vampires have never been so deliciously on the edge.
Blood Gate is a paranormal erotic romance and book two in Amy Lee Burgess’s Circle Book series. Talk about a thrilling story that had me on the edge of my seat. I adore the paranormal genre and this book had it all for me. A beautifully woven storyline, delicious erotic sex scenes and some seriously fantastic characters. There isn’t a way you won’t read this book and not be gunning for Parker, Andre, and Claire to work things out.
Parker is Vampire Claire’s master, and Andre her Trigger, and now it’s past time for Parker and Andre to settle their bitter rivalry. Sent by their Circle Master to Edgewood, they soon discover nothing is at it seems. Danger lurks deep in the cellars and to survive, Claire must learn how to use her Enhancer skills.
Expect sizzling chemistry, emotionally charged scenes, and tangled secrets that need to be unraveled to be explored. Huge thanks goes to the author for a fabulous read. I simply adored this book.
Blood Gate is a paranormal erotic romance and book two in Amy Lee Burgess’s Circle Book series. Talk about a thrilling story that had me on the edge of my seat. I adore the paranormal genre and this book had it all for me. A beautifully woven storyline, delicious erotic sex scenes and some seriously fantastic characters. There isn’t a way you won’t read this book and not be gunning for Parker, Andre, and Claire to work things out.
Parker is Vampire Claire’s master, and Andre her Trigger, and now it’s past time for Parker and Andre to settle their bitter rivalry. Sent by their Circle Master to Edgewood, they soon discover nothing is at it seems. Danger lurks deep in the cellars and to survive, Claire must learn how to use her Enhancer skills.
Expect sizzling chemistry, emotionally charged scenes, and tangled secrets that need to be unraveled to be explored. Huge thanks goes to the author for a fabulous read. I simply adored this book.
September 28, 2014
This book was much more in-depth and interesting than the first book. It was very chilling and frustrating at times for me as a reader since I wanted the characters to realize what was happening. This book kept me engaged throughout the entire novel and I was happy that I was able to see more insight into both Parker and Andre’s characters. Claire continued to amaze me with her strength and loyalty. Her loyalty sometimes worked against her but she always had her heart in the right place.
The character I did not like in this novel was their Circle Master, Oliver, he was just so conniving and cold. While I loved Claire’s role in this novel I did not care for the ending. While the main conflict of the novel was solved the relationship between Andre, Claire and Parker seemed stable at best. This seemed like a HFN ending and I am wondering if there is going to be another book. I sure hope so because I feel like after all these characters have gone through both together and separately they really deserve their happily ever after.
The character I did not like in this novel was their Circle Master, Oliver, he was just so conniving and cold. While I loved Claire’s role in this novel I did not care for the ending. While the main conflict of the novel was solved the relationship between Andre, Claire and Parker seemed stable at best. This seemed like a HFN ending and I am wondering if there is going to be another book. I sure hope so because I feel like after all these characters have gone through both together and separately they really deserve their happily ever after.
August 20, 2014
I shall call this...The Book of Arguments. Burgess's latest installment in her Circle series was good, really good. Claire, Andre and Parker are linked together in the first book, The Blood Gift, and now they must lie in the bed that was made for them. Kind of literally. There were many times I let out a little chuckle at Andre's and Parker's tireless abuse of one another, which ramped up the sexual tension quite nicely. Poor Claire. She has to figure out how to smooth things between the three of them so they can at least get on and so forth.
To add to their problems, Andre starts to exhibit strange behavior, even for a vampire. What's eating him?
And how does Parker *really* feel about Claire?
Whether Andre or Parker is your favorite vampire in this series, both males get a satisfying amount of attention.
The sensual scenes are dreamy, hot, sizzling even. The best surprise may very well be at the end, but I won't spoil you.
To add to their problems, Andre starts to exhibit strange behavior, even for a vampire. What's eating him?
And how does Parker *really* feel about Claire?
Whether Andre or Parker is your favorite vampire in this series, both males get a satisfying amount of attention.
The sensual scenes are dreamy, hot, sizzling even. The best surprise may very well be at the end, but I won't spoil you.
August 26, 2014
I was a little hesitant to read this book since I hadn't read the first one. While I still wish I had read the first book in the series first, I am very glad I went ahead and read this one. I loved the world Burgess has created. It is always fascinating to see the different spins authors put on the immortal worlds. This one was well constructed and had me hooked from the first page.
I loved the characters. The plot thickens with every turn of the page and you discover more and more about the characters as you go along. I had a hard time deciding which character I liked better. Andre or Parker... I won't give away anything, but it is an interesting read. The relationship between the three is truly captivating. I really liked Claire. She had her faults, but they made her that much more relate-able. I loved the ending, but I definitely won't spoil that for you. A great read. One I think you should definitely check out!
I loved the characters. The plot thickens with every turn of the page and you discover more and more about the characters as you go along. I had a hard time deciding which character I liked better. Andre or Parker... I won't give away anything, but it is an interesting read. The relationship between the three is truly captivating. I really liked Claire. She had her faults, but they made her that much more relate-able. I loved the ending, but I definitely won't spoil that for you. A great read. One I think you should definitely check out!
March 22, 2015
An interesting plot. Loved the characters. But the rivalry between Parker and Andre just made annoyed after some time. Just when my interest was losing the bondage session happened and everything changes. My interest was amped up. It still is. Loved how the story twisted and ended.
That being said i do think that some of the facts and the back story was just incomplete. It was adequate enough to understand the gist of what is going...
I loved the individual characters and the personality between both of them was so different but at the end it worked out.
Would recommend this to any reader who loves the paranormal genre and vampires but would also suggest to read from the start to fully understand the complete story.
That being said i do think that some of the facts and the back story was just incomplete. It was adequate enough to understand the gist of what is going...
I loved the individual characters and the personality between both of them was so different but at the end it worked out.
Would recommend this to any reader who loves the paranormal genre and vampires but would also suggest to read from the start to fully understand the complete story.
December 5, 2014
From one breath to the next Claire swings between raging and tears. Her character is so insecure she is sure that everything going on with Andre and Parker is about her. She would rather dissolve into tears than try to use her abilities to find a solution. If she can grow a spine and become an equal partner to Andre and Parker this series will, in my opinion, become incredibly more appealing.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
September 18, 2014
I actually enjoyed this installment of The Circle books more than the first, which is saying something! love how this one has a mystery behind it and, without giving anything away, it quickly becomes such a page turner that you can't put it down. another great book by Amy Lee Burgess!
March 1, 2015
While reading this book I got a little upset with the mine character Claire. Her insecurity seem to be a tad too much and she took a little long to grow a backbone. However as far as the overall book goes it was really good I'm looking forward to see what happens to Andre, Paker and Claire.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews