The Blood Boss: Black Veil Series, Book 1

Black Veil #1

by Davidson King

Vampires, mermaids, and witches...oh, my! Black Veil is full of them all, but at the end of the day, it's The Blood Boss who has the last word. Ever since The Final War, Vampires rule Black Veil, and with The Blood Boss in charge, peace reigns.

Keeping the vampires under control is a task Cain takes seriously. Humans have accepted his rule, and anyone who seeks to destroy his territory is given swift punishment. His promise to keep Black Veil safe comes with great sacrifice and selflessness; never does he dare hope for more in life. Until one day, a man walks through his front door and changes everything.

Jayce has a happy life. His adopted parents love him, he wants for very little, and he lives every day to the fullest. But when a normal evening turns into a nightmare, and Jayce is forced to come face-to-face with The Blood Boss, the world as he knows it feels like a lie.

Then a great secret is revealed, and nothing is what it seems. Cain and Jayce must work together to stop the forces uniting against the vampires. Can Cain and Jayce keep Black Veil from crumbling into the sea when every attempt to do so seems impossible?

Contains mature themes.

Genres: Vampires, M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, Paranormal Romance

Audible Audio

First published August 19, 2021

About the author

Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.

Reviews

[SHI · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bland book trying too hard to be interesting

This is the third time I have tried giving this author a try, and everytime I wonder why. For one thing she is basically writing a F/M marketed as M/M. Literally fellow readers Jayce turned into "Jocie the spunky young adult heroine who doesn't know about her powerful birth right" about 13% into the story...ugh!

The author failed at putting any kind of chemistry between the two main characters...heck there really wasn't even a whiff of sexual attraction leading up to the actual moment of one of the main characters saying he had a dream about them doing the horizontal mumbo!! I actually blinked and thought....okaaay, moving on.

And when I say moving on... I mean I put this book down for a week and forgot I was reading it. I had to skim over what I read to refresh my memory because seriously what is written about 50% into the novel isn't memorable at all.

SO, the other half?

Boring...the author tried to make it interesting...bless her heart...and I tried to give a darn about the characters and plot. I even made an effort to not roll my eyes at the "Twilight" like moment the Author thought was a bright idea to use (don't wanna spoil to much for those who are still wanting to give this novel a go) just know you'll be hard pressed not to hum Bruno Mars lyrics at this moment. Lol

Bright side, if u wanna get a bit tipsy take a sip of whine every time you read "dareIsay" or if one the characters "chuckle" .

Now, will I give this author a fourth try....Uh nope. I'm good. I daresay I will leave it up to her fans to carry on the support without me.

[Kaity · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

well that was the most monotonous book i have ever listened/read. the characters were flat and i think if it wasn't for the audiobook i would have dnf'ed real fast. i felt no chemistry between any of the characters, romantic or platonic!

i liked Davidson King's "Haven Hart" series, but this book was just a bucket of boring. oh well you win some you lose some.

[Nix Buttons · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5- stars - This was... disappointing. The story itself had great potential, but the execution was very much lacking.
I didn't feel any of the emotions the MC's supposedly experienced, their connection came out of nowhere and made absolutely no sense. There was no chemistry, no sexual tension or whatever you want to call it. Suddenly they are all over each other and thinking about forever and it just doesn't work.

[Marzipop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every character was TSTL. Every. Single. One.

[Mags · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as i had hoped

The actual storyline is pretty good and interesting enough, but there was no connection to the two mcs at all. I couldnt see how they worked, it all happened out of the blue with little to no conversation between each other, therefore i the reader couldn't connect with them. The side characters werent interesting and very 1 dimensional. So much more could have been done with Jayces powers or presumed powers but nothing was mentioned in depth

[Dawn Nicole Costiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Believe it or not, The Blood Boss is my first Davidson King book. This author has been on my to-read list forever. I am so thrilled, I finally had the chance to read their work. I thoroughly enjoyed The Blood Boss! It was fun, fast-paced, and action-packed from start to finish. There was never a dull moment. How could there be, when it has vampires, merfolk, witches, and magic... All are residents of the kingdom of Black Veil. Their fierce leader, Cain is a powerful vampire known as, The Blood Boss. He rules with an iron fist (and a gentle heart). All must answer to him. Everything he does is for the good of his kingdom and humanity. When he seeks retribution for an unpaid debt, little does he know his life is about to change forever...

An unpaid debt paved the way to a new life for Jayce. All that he knew and believed changed the day he met the Blood Boss. Cain and Jayce's slow-burn love story was surrounded by a rich plot filled impending doom. Together they must unite to save life as they know it. I was so riveted by the storyline that their romance came second. Although, halfway through the book is when the love story heated up and I became smitten with them. They both filled a need within each other and are truly a perfect match! Together they were a force to be reckoned with.

The Blood Boss is a great start to the Black Veil Series. I am so excited to see where it goes and what other magical creatures we will meet!

[Cynthia Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayce is not what he seems and has signed up to do a punishment for his dad with the Blood boss. As the story progresses we find out secrets and see how some wrongs have been committed. It kept me reading until I finished the book. I loved the different types of people and how they are connected in this story.

I did receive an Arc for a review.

[Moon]

DNF @ 39%

I think I'm on a reading slump lately, but for the life of me, I couldn't get into this one. This story held a lot of promise but failed to deliver. I still don't understand why The Blood Boss took Jayce in as an exhange for payment when he ended up having Jayce do absolutely NOTHING. There was no threat of danger from the vampires. The vampires didn't act like vampires... AT ALL. You'd think having someone like Jayce live with them would drive them crazy with blood lust, but no, everything was quite civil and polite. Jayce just sat around in his room until The Blood Boss called him to sit and observe his meetings. But The Blood boss already HAD a personal secretary, so why have Jayce there in the first place? Didn't make a lick of sense. Too bad I couldn't finish this. No rating.

[Alisa]

DNF @15% because it was terrible. Seriously. Cheesy, sophomoric writing. Everyone who gave this a 5 star rating need to chip in & buy me an audio credit cuz I wasted one on this drivel.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I didn't know I needed. This author is a favorite of mine because of snow and his world...and I haven't read many vamps over the years but omg I'm glad I read this and can't wait for more of this series. It was amazing and wonderfully written...sexy and curious..kept my attention and made me want so much more! Amazing

[Macky · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5⭐️

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic start to a new series!! The characters were well developed in the storyline intriguing, suspenseful and action packed. Jayce just wants to help his foster parents out so when the Blood Boss send his cronies to get repayment for a debt Jayce steps in and takes his father’s place working it off. It was not love at first sight between Cain, the Blood Boss and Jayce. It was a romance they kind of snuck up on them and the readers. Betrayals will be made by Can’s vampires and Jayce is in for a shock of a lifetime because he always thought he was just a run-of-the-mill human. I can’t wait for the series to continue!!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first paranormal book by Davidson King, and it was as exciting as I expected. Which is to say, I couldn't put the book down. It has elements of mystery, action, and vestiges of the mafia/crime organization vibes which bleed from the previous books.
The worldbuilding is so cool too. It's a very interesting post apocalyptic concept. Or more almost post apocalyptic? It explains all the differences between the world we live in, how it's going and how to fix it.

[Elisabeth Dreams · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY, AN AUTHOR WHO KNOWS HOW TO WRITE A VAMPIRE. (AND HIS HOUSEHOLD, AND AND AGED CHARACTERS)

No offense to other authors. I have not the privilege to read all the other authors

Age :- age brings wisdom.

And the characters felt they have lived a long life, and knows how to act. Also the innocent of young age.

I loved it....i want more of this.

Also it's a slow burn, no bunny humping the moment the met...THANK THE GOD, AND THE AUTHOR

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok...so I'm gonna need some more of this ASAP. Cain and Jayce and the fantastical world they inhabit have me counting the minutes until my next visit. Like any good book it pulled me under right from the beginning and I didn't resurface until the last page was read, book two cannot come soon enough.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Arc of this book*

[Noona [ON theStoryGraph] · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for the audio edition: PUBLISHER:
Tantor Audio
RELEASED:
Feb 15, 2022
ISBN:
9781666176766

I really enjoyed this world and am looking forward to the next installment.
I also enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters...it definitely falls into the slow burn category, yet I feel it works and offers a realistic journey for the characters. The development of the relationships between the different characters was also great and unpredictable.

Great narrations by Tim Paige and Declan Winters

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the paranormal starter

The Blood Boss, the first in the Black Veil series, was an excellent and riveting start to the paranormal series. I loved the slow burn between Cain and Jayce. The revelation about Jayce's and Cain's backstories were quite interesting and unique. I can't wait to read more about them in the next book.

[Stacie Streck · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I was actually reading it, I don't think I'd have finished it. Honestly, I wasn't all that fond of the narrators in the audiobook either. I'm glad this was included with Audible because it would have felt like a waste of a credit.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Not what I was expecting from Davidson King! Nice start in the Paranormal genre! She left enough questions for us to anticipate another book but will Jayce and Cain be are only couple???

[Carole Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when mega talented author Davidson King decides to write their first paranormal series? You get a fantastic, gripping, gritty, fascinating, five alarm flaming hot, fast paced, action packed, emotionally charged, thrilling, exciting, wild, crazy, amazing, and totally awesome story. I was hooked from the very first page, ending up with a massive book hangover after reading it in one sitting. I can't wait to get my greedy hands on the next book in this magnificent new series, and would definitely recommend getting it for yourself immediately!

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

[Duckie Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this unique take on vampires, the romance, and the world it's built in. This was such a fun, addictive read that I couldn't put down. I can't wait to get back to Black Veil again

[Kashonna Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series is wonderful. I love this new take on paranormals. Cain, our broody vampire, is the first vampire ever. I loved reading his backstory and how he became what he is. It was so sad, but interesting. It didn't involve the normal ways vampires are made/born and I loved that. The difference was refreshing. Jayce, our resident human, was cute. I loved that he really wasn't this weak human. He didn't cower in the presence of Cain. He didn't go out of his way to be rude, but he also didn't allow Cain or any of the others to walk over him.
I loved the world building! Learning how the paranormals came to Earth was fascinating. It surpised me that Davidson would use that reason for their presence, but I liked it. Learning that each group pretty much stays to themselves was interesting. I would have thought they'd want to mingle with each other, but that's not the case. It was even more mind blowing to see the hierarchy within the communities.
This book was a great intro to the series. We get to see how everything is set up with the communities and characters. We learn that humans still suck, lol. And we get to see what the fall out is when separates species intermingle. All in all, this new series is great and I can't wait to read more.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Can’t wait for the next one!

Absolutely loved this first book in a new series from Davidson King. I am a fan of her Haven Hart series and this has a familiar feel to it. She has created a unique universe her and I look forward to learning more about it.

Main character Jayce is a human who offers himself in place of his father to the vampire boss of all things to repay a debt. (Picture the scene from The Hunger Games…”I offer myself as tribute!”) Cain is the Blood Boss, the leader of all vampires who rules the town of Black Veil. As the two men spend more time together a relationship begins to develop that is greatly impacted when new and startling information is discovered about Jayce.

The world building is well done and the character development coincides with that nicely. The story arc moves well. There are a range of emotions the reader will experience given various aspects of the story. The suspenseful parts are tense and exciting, the relationship elements are sweet and steamy.

There is much to learn and I really look forward to the next book in the series.

[KJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming to this one after reading the Haven Hart series, overall I was underwhelmed. I adore the idea of the world and it's just fascinating enough to read all the way through. I do feel that the characters are lacking in depth (I couldn't connect to them) and wished we had more world-building to truly bring this series to life. In sum, I did read all the way through, but ended up skimming over the steamy scenes and reading without any emotional connection. However, this book is great for those times when you are completely tapped out emotionally and just need something to take your mind elsewhere.




Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Maybe? Again, this is a great read for needing no emotional intensity but a distraction. I'd re-read the Haven Hart series first.


See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: As mentioned, I really couldn't connect with either Cain (The Blood Boss) or Jayce. The ideas for both of them are great, but it all remains just that: potential. I simply didn't have enough time or scenes to get to really know them or establish a connection with them. There is very little vulnerability in Cain, for one, and for what Jayce goes through and finds out about himself, his own emotional intensity felt a bit flat. Additionally, they aren't 'fated' or anything like that, but suddenly it's a switch flipped and they are completely connected lovers, which didn't feel realistic to me either.



PLOT: Humans and supernaturals live side by side in the world now and it's fairly balanced, except secrets about Jayce get out that will upset the balance and cause chaos and war. So Jayce works with Cain to avert that war and stay alive while developing a romantic relationship on the side. It's evenly paced, I'd say fast-paced simply because we don't get enough of the richness and depth to bring the world to life. It ends fairly quickly, without much issue. No high stakes, but HEA. Honestly it simply distracted my mind and for that I'm grateful!



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

1:5/low. A great beach read for those of us who don't read a typical 'beach read'.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?


25%. I mean, they succeed and it's a HEA? But there really wasn't much connection to fulfill.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly can't tell you how happy this series makes me. I'm in love with the newest universe in the Davidson King repertoire. They've done a great job building this new world without making it feel like that's what they were doing. I've been able to follow the order of things easily and if anyone knows me, that's a check in the plus column for sure.

So many great characters and beings to get to know. I was feeling a bit lonely since the end of their last series and I hope this one has a super long run because it's that good. There's tons of intrigue and mystery and danger and adventure and suspense.

And of course, there's a super sweet love story.

This first story in the series features Cain, the big cheese of all the beings on earth. He's the Blood Boss and can strike fear into the most dangerous of beings with just a look. I found him to be totally in control and wielding his power with a mighty hand. But also so much more and maybe a tiny bit misunderstood. Definitely misunderstood as far as the witches are concerned, or at least one in particular who happens to become a big part of his world whether they like it or not.

Cain's relationship with Jayce might start out slow and they might get on each other's nerves at first but they soon warm up and before long they're each other's everything.

Jayce was just the sweetest of characters. Helpful and kind and humble. He has to learn to come into his own and work not only for, but with the Blood Boss to save, well, everyone. He learns some things. Sad, dark things and I admit to a sniffle or two along the way.

As always, Davidson King proves they can weave a tale that will keep you spellbound. Such a great start to a new universe, world, series. Seriously, go grab this now!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a refreshing read of mystical creatures. TBB is perfect set up for introducing us to a new world, this story focus is on Cain and Jayce, but I will tell you that the secondary characters and learning about the structure of how this new system works is excellent.

Cain is in charge of Black Veil and all the Vampires, humans are secondary in this world so when Jayce's father was not able to pay his loan back the TBB Jayce steps in out of love to pay off his fathers debt. This selfless act has intrigued TBB and he wants to learn more about Jayce.

The story between these two is a fast paced but yet in depth, you will be smiling as they get to know each other and laughing at some of the snarky comments. One thing I really enjoyed about this story was how it was not just insta-love, the build up was slow and steady which I felt was needed since Cain being the oldest vampire he also had a reserve about him that made you want him to have an HEA. As with any excellent story we have twist and turns, the correct amounts of hurting and sacrifices that gave this story the element of hurt/healing.

The detail in this story is amazing, for example at one point it is talking about how vampire's do not need air to breath something very simple but yet powerful to giving you the full picture of the character, I loved it. The descriptions in this story made me feel like it was a very real world. The detail is just beyond expectations.

If your looking for a new outlook in a mystic world with Vamps, Mer-people, witches' and more the this book is for you, the romance and the fresh take on this world is just what we needed.

[Rebecca Azizov]

It's review time 🎧
Blurb 📜:
Vampires, mermaids, and witches…oh, my! Black Veil is full of them all, but at the end of the day, it’s The Blood Boss who has the last word. Ever since The Final War, Vampires rule Black Veil, and with The Blood Boss in charge, peace reigns.

Keeping the vampires under control is a task Cain takes seriously. Humans have accepted his rule, and anyone who seeks to destroy his territory is given swift punishment. His promise to keep Black Veil safe comes with great sacrifice and selflessness; never does he dare hope for more in life. Until one day, a man walks through his front door and changes everything.

Jayce has a happy life. His adopted parents love him, he wants for very little, and he lives every day to the fullest. But when a normal evening turns into a nightmare, and Jayce is forced to come face-to-face with The Blood Boss, the world as he knows it feels like a lie.

Then a great secret is revealed, and nothing is what it seems. Cain and Jayce must work together to stop the forces uniting against the vampires. Life and love are in jeopardy as they fight those who seek to destroy them. Can Cain and Jayce keep Black Veil from crumbling into the sea when every attempt to do so seems impossible? 
Warning ⚠️: Vampire, New world, mare people, fantasy, mm romance

Narrator score🎧 ; both narrator's were good. They did very well. I liked the voices.

Level of steam🔥: the book was kinda of a slow burn but then it was very hot!

Level of anxiety and sadness 😱😢: I can't say the book was too sad or too harsh ..it was fine.

The book itself📖: well, I can't yell If I really liked the book or if I didn't. It wasn't bad, but I felt like the author just tried too much with the fantasy aspect. It wasn't perfect but it was an overall cute story. I can't say it was bad. Not at all.

[nat · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm someone who literally only reads books BECAUSE OF chosen one bullshit and Gary Stus but there was NO intrigue in this!!! the sex scenes weren't even good!! somehow instalove??? the blood boss guy was all "everybody else clear out of the room I need to talk to the twink sea creature man who has recently come to our charge"
and then he's like "I had a dream about you"
and then there's blushing
and then they fuck

this was a few specific tropes with no connective tissue or substance.

there was a fight somewhere?? idek who they were fighting other than some people from the twink guy's bio-parents shit

there wasn't enough tension or suspense. somehow the stakes just fell flat.

also hated the whole "humans rarely do things for each other, why did this person stand in for his dad's debts?" like there's just so many loopholes there. is everyone really taking these debts out? why aren't there more indentured servants?

what did the vamps save humanity from??

it plays on so many ecofascist misconceptions to just assume I'm supposed to believe humans are so bad and never willing to do things for each other. like buddy all the problems in society can stem back to like,, the equivalent of like 5 guys. it's not actually 5 guys but basically it's 5 guys. the average human doesn't have the socioeconomic power to doom us all. what exactly was supposed to have happened here


like I could MAYBE excuse the plot issues if it made sense to me that it was meant as a porn with plot thing. but the porn was not even good. just all the expected top bottom stereotypes and nothing of intrigue.