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Bloodrunners #7

Blood Wolf Dawning

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If this was what falling for someone did to a person—what craving them felt like—then Sayre Murphy wanted no part of it…

Ever. She might be young and inexperienced, but she was a woman. And she had finally had enough! Cian Hennessey might be the most magnificent, infuriating, arrogant male she had ever known. But the tall Bloodrunner treated her as if she were nothing more than a child, making it painfully clear that despite whatever connection they shared, he'd never see her as an adult female. After disappearing from her life for five years, the werewolf was back, claiming that she was in serious danger and must drop everything to go with him immediately.

Cian was as deadly as he was beautiful. But the young witch knew he would never cause her physical harm. The safety of her heart, however, was a different matter…

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2014

35 people are currently reading
532 people want to read

About the author

Rhyannon Byrd

80 books1,309 followers
Rhyannon Byrd is the national bestselling author of more than forty contemporary and paranormal romance titles, including the romantic thrillers LONDON AFFAIR and NEW YORK SCANDAL, and her books have been translated into ten languages. After years of enjoying the California sunshine, Rhyannon now lives in the beautiful Malvern Hills in England with her family and their ever-growing collection of concert T-shirts and coffee mugs.

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5 stars
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156 (33%)
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75 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
1,122 reviews302 followers
February 9, 2015
4.5 Stars

To protect her from his past, Bloodrunner Cian Hennessey left his mate behind but the enemy has found her and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe but it won’t be easy because Sayre Murphy wants no part of it in this thrilling paranormal romance.

The reader can’t help but get caught up in all the sparks that fly when Cian returns to the Alley to protect his mate. Cian has a lot of explaining to do to everyone especially Sayre and even though he had good reasons that doesn’t mean she has to forgive him…does it? These strong and bewitching characters grab the reader’s attention and don’t let go as they try to work out their emotional issues because their attraction to one another burns as hot as ever and this Irishman won’t be able to deny Sayre for long.

The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and the well orchestrated suspense and the fascinating world draw the reader into the story while the fast paced and smooth flowing plot holds them captive until they have read the very last word. Spine tingling excitement builds as the danger escalates and the enemy threatens to destroy Cian first by hurting those he loves. A spectacular battle with the enemy and continuing clashes between Sayre and Cian ensures that there is never a dull moment in this emotionally gripping Bloodrunner tale.

I have been waiting to read Cian and Sayre’s book forever and I have to say that I am not disappointed, his secrets add lots of insight and depth to his character and I was completely caught up in the book from the beginning. I am so looking forward to reading the next adventure in this series.
- Eva
Profile Image for Tiffany Shaw.
334 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2015
The idea that I never provided a full review of this book astounds me. I began rereading this book yesterday and of course I'm already almost done. I devour these books like a ravenous beast each time one of them is released. This book was very much worth the wait. Cian and Sayre were a divine pleasure to read about. Their witty combative relationship kept me on the edge of my seat. While the hope I built on them making it to their happily ever after kept me turning page after page. I couldn't get enough of them. The writing both provocative and seductive, drawing a sharply vivid picture of the world these tortured creatures live in. 5 stars is not even enough to give it, but it will have to suffice. If you've never read this book, this series then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews28 followers
January 10, 2015
Originally reviewed for Tea and Book.

In her seventh Blood Runner Book, Rhyannon Byrd writes and intriguing tale. One that wraps up some old stories and yet creates an entire new set of questions. In short, she creates the possibility for a new arc.

After all, the Blood Runners have dealt with an elitest pack, that used them for protection but considered them nothing more than bodies to be used as they pleased. They have dealt with a neighboring pack that would see them destroyed.. and for their struggles, they have found love and security and even respect from the pack that once ignored them.

But now? Now it seems there is much more of a story to be told.. or could be. I haven't heard if Ms. Byrd was ending this series, if she is this book ties a lot up and as I said, if she isn't, there's an intriguing new development.

Sayre Murphy was the darling of the pack, beautiful, generous and oh so talented. A true witch born to the pack was never given the ability to shift. That doesn't make her less of a wolf. A a rather young age she knew just who her mate was. She tried to understand why he avoided her but when she was finally of age and he left.. that's right left her and the pack. Off to deal with whoever knows what. Sayre lost a lot of her control. Choosing a life of exclusion because it was just to hard on her magically, to stay with the pack. Isolated from everyone, Sayre has managed to create a decent life for herself.. but the one man who destroyed her world is back and claiming he's there for her protection. Can Sayre accept that he will never claim her? Or can she convince him that they meant to be together? And really, does she even want to?

Cian Hennessey had found a place with the Bloodrunners. It has been his family for years. But eventually his past found him and he knew that he had to leave them to protect them. Only a few years later, he realizes that, that wasn't working and he had to go back. Back to the friends he left without a word, back to those he loved and ignored and back to the woman who should have been his. Only this time, he was going to have to tell them his biggest secret.

Cian and Sayre have been flirting (fighting) with each other throughout several books. We know they are meant to be together but never knew just what they did. We never understood the depth of feelings and we certainly didn't understand Cian's rejection of all he loved. Now we do..

I am not sure I enjoyed the particular path this story took. It seems to me there are enough werewolf issues that Ms. Byrd could have dealt with and having now brought in Vampires it sort of sullied the storyline for me. It's hard to explain why but basically I don't enjoy when a shifter series goes vamp or visa versa... To me it's like throwing in the kitchen sink.

That's not to say that Ms. Byrd didn't write it well, she did. And the characters were extremely well written. The feelings that came out with both the pack and Sayre when Cian returned were perfect! I can totally visualize reacting in just such a manner.

So... the only reason I disliked the book was the onslaught of the vampire community.. that's on me. The book itself? I can see the jewels within and can't help but wonder exactly where it is going..

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Blood Wolf Dawning, provided by netgalley
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
November 28, 2014
Sayre that girl gots some lady balls and ain't afraid to use her gun, "she aimed for less than an inch from the toe of his right boot, and fired a perfect shot. "S***!" he cursed, jumping back a step. "What the hell, woman? Have you lost your bloody mind?" Cian learns something new about his woman and it's intriguing, "sweet little Sayre had a tattoo? holy....s***. He was fairly certain that his jaw had just dropped down to somewhere around his ankles, his c*** so hard he probably wasn't going to be able to walk straight." She's also a little temptress, "learning you." She flicked her wide-eyed gaze up from where she'd been watching her trembling fingers to curl around his long, shockingly thick erection, and she smirked when she caught his stunned expression. "What's wrong, Cian? DId you expect me to run and hide when I finally got a good look at your goods?" I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Tiffany Shaw.
334 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2015
Well Worth The Wait

This book was so worth the wait. Cian and Sayre were a joy to read about. I love her courage and devotion to him even when she's still hurt by the things he's done. His protective nature is pretty awesome and together their story was epic. I've been a fan of this series for some time now and I'm so pleased with this installment. I hope there's more to come in the future. The Bloodrunners are my favorite pack.
Profile Image for Ronnie Tonya.
3 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2014
******5 STARS AGAIN******

I was given this wonderful book for an honest review from the wonderful Rhyannon Byrd.

Blood Wolf Dawning picked up where the last book left off (Dark Wolf Returning) Cian Hennessey left his one true mate 5 years ago to protect her, but to protect her from what?

He never knew that leaving Sayre he had broken her in so many ways. Not with just her heart, but her powers. Hennessey finally decided it was time to get back to the Alley to face the truth that he may have put her in immortal danger. Finding out that this mission not will only be hard, but he needed to get his former Bloodrunner brothers, and sisters to understand the reasons behind his departure. SECRETS, many many dark secrets that he has held back even from his best friend, his brother even though not by blood.

Hennessey realizes that so much has changed in that five years including the fact that his love his mate has not been there. Hennessey finds her, but Sayre is so not happy oh she is a little witch of the sense, but she has every right. She knows that even though Cian found her he needs to convince her to go back to the alley to her Bloodrunner family for extra protection, but from what? He will not reveal his secret till its time.

Sayre will play fire with fire oh yes she will. She will finally get what she wants even though she feels that it will break her again. She wants her mate any way she can get him even though she will not give him her body she wants his mouth his hands all over it. She is not this little girl he left behind 5 years ago, and she will make him see that.

The fact that these two will drive each other crazy Hennessey knows that he is not good for her or is he?

They get back to the alley that's where his secret his very dark dark secret comes out. Oh yes his Bloodrunner brothers, and sister are mad for not telling them, but what hurt them the most was that he has a blood brother who is even darker then Hennessey is, and he is out to kill Cian's woman.

I was blown away like BOOM are you serious. Oh you all want to know what I am talking about don't you... Well you have to read this book to know what he is, what he thought he was, and what he will be.

The fact that he had to finish what was started the ending battle on his lush country land in front of his Bloodrunner family, and the woman he so desperately wants to claim, with his dark father watching on it all HAD ME AT THE EDGE OF MY SEAT.

Will Cian finally get to be whole again? Will he finally be able to love? To claim his woman finally? Will he ever learn to live with his dark side? You need to find out.

Rhyannon you so did it to me again. I am beyond in love with all the runners, now I got to experience Hennessey, and his darkness just made him more drool worthy... I laughed, I cried, I screamed at the book you had me going through a Hennessey roller coaster ride with a lot of Sayre turns... I am still coming down from the ending omg. Love love love love it....

I also have the review on our blog

Www.facebook.com/wolfiesfantasy

Profile Image for Emalie.
484 reviews41 followers
January 16, 2015
Full review on my blog

Before starting to read this I was kind of afraid, because there was a time gap of five years, between Dark Wolf Returning and this one. But I didn't need to be afraid, because this time gap made perfectly sense. It worked beautifully for the story. Even though I wanted Sayre to pull a stunt like Sienna (Kiss of Snow, Nalini Singh) did.

Even though she did not pull such a stunt, she was still awesome. She is smart, forgiving, understanding and sarcastic, also I loved her thoughts. She's really funny. One example:

Knowing Cian, he was probably terrified she'd mistake passion for love and start following him around like an adoring puppy dog, constantly begging for his attention.
God, I'd rather die a virgin!
- 25%

Cian... God, I love Cian, since the first time he was mentioned. He was such a man-whore, but so funny and I love that he's irish. He could call me "lass" whenever he want. His big secret was not what I expected, but it made sense in relation to his character. My poor Cian, he had so many bad secrets, but he came clear of them. I want to hug him.


The development of their relationship was fun to read. Both trying to be casual lovers, even though they are mates, but we all know that they are totally in love with each other. A quote from Cian (we all know this will end in a HEA, so this is no spoiler):

I'm probably going to have my man card revoked for babbling like this, but even if you didn't love me back, I would still love you like this, Sayre. With everything that I am and will ever be. With every part of me.
- 92%




Sorry, I'm totally fan-girling right now. LOL
Let's move on to: the side characters. I love the other bloodrunners and their wives, as well as the mercenaries. The only side character I did not like was Sayre's mother. See just talks so bad about Cian. Thankfully Sayre stood up to her.


The enemy was pretty whacky, mad, insane - think of every other synonyme for crazy.

I really liked this book and would recommened this series to anyone, who doesn't excepted a lot more than entertainment.
Profile Image for Shirley .
1,944 reviews58 followers
January 19, 2015
4.5 - 5 Stars. I'm pretty sure that this one is my favorite so far out of the Bloodrunner series. Cian just about broke me....

I received Blood Wolf Dawning in exchange for a fair and honest review.


Blood Wolf Dawning picks up about 5 years after Blood Wolf Returning. When Cian makes his reluctant return he realizes that a lot has changed. He knows he won’t be welcomed with open arms, but he has no choice. He’s returning for the same reason he left. To protect Sayre.

Sayre doesn’t want to have anything to do with Cian. She can’t afford to have him break her heart again. He made it clear that blood bond or not, he wasn’t interested in her the way she was in him. Cian has to convince the pack that he needs to protect Sayre, while also trying to convince Sayre that she needs to be protected. All while keeping a huge secret from everyone he’s ever really cared about.

I’ve read books 4-7 in this series and I’ve enjoyed them all. I’ve got to confess though that none of them have hit me quite the way that Blood Wolf Dawning did. Readers knew that there had to be more than the age difference that made Cian fight his obvious attraction to Sayre. His secret was bigger than anyone ever imagined.

There were hints in the beginning of the book that clued me in, but his friends were totally floored. Then he had to tell Sayre that his brother wasn’t the only person he was trying to protect her from. It wasn’t only his revelation that broke my heart for him, but his opinion of himself that did me in. He honestly thought that not just Sayre, but his friends would be better off not having him around. Sayre and the Bloodrunners had a different opinion. I fell in love with all of them all over again.

I’m kind of hoping that there are more Bloodrunners books coming. There are still a few guys who haven’t found a mate and more than a few that I’d like to get to know a little better. So far though, Cian is my favorite.
Profile Image for Tracie R.
2,143 reviews
January 3, 2015
He had a past that forced him to leave!
She was the future that was bringing him home!!

Sayre Murphy is a witch and although she maybe young she knows what she want. Sayre just need to be sure she is ready to go all in and risk everything to get it.

Cian Hennessey finally found his home with the Bloodrunners they had become his friends and his family if only he could stop desiring the one witch he could never have.

Five years ago Cian make the decision to leave the Bloodrunners and Sayre behind to keep Sayre safe. Now the reason he left has returned!, Cian will need to go back to the Alley and face the Bloodrunners revealing all including the secret he has kept buried hoping never to reveal. Cian knows the Bloodrunners will help him with Sayre but if he survives the evil that is coming will he ever earn their forgiveness. Will Sayre trust Cian enough to believe she is in danger or will the damage he caused her by leaving have her closed off to him forever. As the danger draws near Cian become more determined to make sure Sayre is safe but what he sees as the only way may not turn out to be the same as Sayre's.

I enjoyed reading Blood Wolf Dawning. The story was well written and I love the dynamics and the strength of the characters, I would definitely recommend this book and series!
Profile Image for Krissys Bookshelf Reviews.
1,640 reviews81 followers
July 16, 2015
Blood Wolf Dawning I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Harlequin. I can't describe how much I love the Bloodrunners series. I love all of Rhyannons work because she is such a wonderful writer but when I discovered the Bloodrunners series I searched high and low for the books until I could buy them. Took me several months before I could find print copies but I finally got them from a dealer in Whales and had to wait the long period it took to ship to the US. Once they arrived I locked myself away in my library in my house and read every one back to back in one sitting. I loved them. Not a single one has disappointed me. Blood Wolf Dawning is no different. I love all of her characters and I love the journey Rhyannon puts them on. Its amazing, its fun, its full of heart and its a series I will always be close to.
Profile Image for Jennifer Reed.
238 reviews20 followers
January 2, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review.

BLOOD WOLF DAWNING has a rich, well-balanced story line, with characters are well-developed and very likable. When Sayre was younger she always wanted Cian, but when she found out that they were life mates she basically told him that if he didn’t want to claim her she would find someone to sleep with. That night Cian left town for 5 years. Now he is back and he is trying to protect Sayre from his evil brother. When Cian left it shattered Sayre’s world. Her powers became unpredictable that she could not be around anyone. Now Cian is back and her powers seem to be quieting down. She has to guard her heart before he breaks it again. Cian will come clean on why he left 5 years ago, and reveal his secret and risk losing her forever. I really liked BLOOD WOLF DAWNING and give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
3,065 reviews167 followers
December 22, 2014
I have read Nocturnes before, but this was definitely one of the better ones. I loved the whole vampire, wolf, witch mix. It made for interesting reading. Although I followed along well enough, I felt like there was more to know. As this is only one book from the Bloodrunners series, I am sure that if I read the others, it would all come together for me.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: Paranormal
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
Family Dysfunction: Yes
HEA: Yes
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: NetGalley
Purpose: Complimentary copy for review in exchange for an honest critique
155 reviews24 followers
January 26, 2015
This book wasn't my first book that I've read by Rhyannon Byrd but it was the first in this series. It was also the first Harlequin I've read in a while and I was pleasantly surprised. It was well written with a touch of heat and a fully fleshed out story. Even with it being the 7th book in a series I wasn't lost nor did I feel left out. The villain was more one-sided than I would like but that could be because these are smaller books and have to conform to certain size requirements. My other problem is that there are six more I want to read lol. But that is a good problem to have. I was given this book in exchange for a fair and honest review by Netgalley.
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,027 reviews109 followers
November 16, 2014
Hm .... I have to admit Cain was not my favourite for a Big Part of this book but he redeemed himself at the end

this book is a 3,5 stars book for me - the main reason is that I really had troubles with Cain for most of the book but he redeemed himself in the end ... and I really loved him than.

Sayre is a strong heroine who decides to stand up for herself - I really liked that about her.

all in all a good PNR and I liked reading it

Review to come
Profile Image for Tory Michaels.
Author 4 books79 followers
January 30, 2015
This didn't really work as well for me as other books in the Bloodrunner series. I found a lot of the reasoning for Cian and Sayre's separation both from the pack and each other to be a bit of a stretch. Granted, I get Cian's reasoning, and I was glad to see that particular problem resolved, I just felt it could have been handled differently/better.

Good book, just not a great book, in my mind.

Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen Ireland.
314 reviews28 followers
November 12, 2018
I wanted to love this book so bad, but I just couldn't I want more of a story about Cian and his home in Ireland I also hope for his life mate to be a woman of his own age and from his homeland a backstory I could get my teeth into. The fact the his life mate was only a child when they meet and still only in her 20's when Cian is closer to 50's didn't work at all for me.

I have loved the series from day one, I cannot see me gone back
Profile Image for Polly.
1,550 reviews7 followers
January 28, 2015
This is the book that I bet a lot of us were waiting for. It was well worth the wait.
I know at times I wanted to smack Cian but he finally realized that he didn't
have to give up on his feelings for Sayre. Together they worked through everything
so that they could be together, of course with the help of the rest of the Bloodrunners.

Loved this addition to the series.
Profile Image for Gina.
278 reviews22 followers
January 2, 2015
Sayre is one of my favorite heroines of this series. I was heartbroken when Cian left and I wanted to punch him. I got this on my kindle this morning and I couldn't put it down, it was intense and the whole story was one very long foreplay :)
341 reviews
January 7, 2015
Hot hot hot

Great stories, I've read them all, they are some of the first stories I read on my E reader. Cain and Sayre have a really rough time to get thru but they get there and start a great life together. Can't wait for more stories in this series.
Profile Image for Jesse.
59 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2024
I rarely give 5 stars but I loved this book!! I've been waiting patiently for Cian's story and was not disappointed!
4 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2015
Bloodlines series

I enjoyed reading every single book in this series. Each had excitement, intrigue and ,of course, true love. Thank you again Rhyannon Byrd!
Profile Image for Ritika Gupta.
278 reviews20 followers
April 21, 2021
The problem with rereading old books is sometimes they just dont hold up....but hello nostalgia!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
65 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2015
I totally enjoyed the characters in this series.
Highly recommended for a twist in the norm...
Profile Image for Bee Mills.
Author 2 books27 followers
June 1, 2018
This book should really be called Why Men Are Idiots.

Cian Hennessy is an idiot. Allow me to explain why:

* He ignores the life-mate connection between him and Sayre.

* While ignoring this connection, he sleeps with LITERALLY EVERY WOMAN IN THE PACK. With no consideration to Sayre's feelings.

* While doing the above, he interferes in Sayre's social life to the point where she can't date, and warns other men off her.

* When Sayre eventually confronts him and tells him to either shit or get off the pot, he buggers off to Ireland, leaving Sayre to suffer because the life-mate connection was the only thing keeping her powers in check, resulting in Sayre leaving the pack to go and live in a cabin in West Virginia.

* When he shows up five years later (only returning because of a horrible threat to Sayre that only he knows about, and which he refuses to explain) and pulls a "Come with me if you want to live" on her, he is ENORMOUSLY SURPRISED AND OFFENDED when Sayre shoots him.

Things improve a bit from there, but in my mind he will always be "That Idiot Cian".

Fairness compels me to mention that Cian did not actually know what effect his leaving would have on Cian's powers, and he felt really super bad about it when he did find out. I mean, he just thought that he was breaking her heart and denying her the connection with the one soul meant for hers, it's not like he was doing a bad thing!
Profile Image for Denise.
175 reviews33 followers
July 19, 2018
*3.75

By far my favorite book out of entire Bloodrunners series so far. And thank heaven for it.

It is so nice to finally have a break from all the bickering and annoying-ness that happened in the prior novels. I was honestly getting tired from the author's overuse of one-person-not-wanting/willing-to-believe-the-other-person-even-if-it-was-the-truth, and everyone just arguing over the smallest things.

BLOOD WOLF DAWNING was a breath of fresh air from all of that crap. Sayre, who was the youngest out of all the female leads, was the most mature. Though she had every right to ignore and fight against Cian for what he did to her, she faced the situation like an actual adult and handled it beautifully. Bless her, truly.

39 reviews
August 11, 2017
I liked this book the best in the Blood Runners series. They were a complicated couple and he had more secrets than anyone knew. Once he began to realize they needed each other, he really started to grow. He saved her from his brother and she saved him from himself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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