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Vein & Vow
Fated mates? Too bad they can’t stand each other.
Reese Matthews doesn’t believe in fairy tales—especially not the kind that involve vampires and fated mates. She prefers her life work, friends, and absolutely no supernatural drama. But when an infuriatingly gorgeous vampire strides into her job and sends her body into overdrive with a single glance, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
Beaumont Boucher has waited over a century to find his mate again. But this time, fate must have gotten it wrong. Reese is nothing like the woman he lost—the one he walked away from in another life. She’s sharp-tongued, stubborn, and completely unimpressed by his brooding vampire charm. He should leave her alone. But the bond between them is relentless… and the longer he stays away, the worse the craving gets.
While Beau fights the impossible pull toward Reese, his family is reeling from a devastating loss. As the Bouchers hunt for answers, darkness looms—and Reese is caught in the crossfire. With enemies closing in and their connection becoming impossible to ignore, Beau must will he risk his heart—and Reese’s life—for a second chance at fate?
When destiny refuses to be denied, can two enemies find love in the ashes of a past they never shared?
Fans of J.R. Ward and Kresley Cole will devour this steamy paranormal romance filled with fated mates, forced proximity, broody vampires, and enemies-to-lovers tension. Grab your copy and dive in.
Reese Matthews doesn’t believe in fairy tales—especially not the kind that involve vampires and fated mates. She prefers her life work, friends, and absolutely no supernatural drama. But when an infuriatingly gorgeous vampire strides into her job and sends her body into overdrive with a single glance, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
Beaumont Boucher has waited over a century to find his mate again. But this time, fate must have gotten it wrong. Reese is nothing like the woman he lost—the one he walked away from in another life. She’s sharp-tongued, stubborn, and completely unimpressed by his brooding vampire charm. He should leave her alone. But the bond between them is relentless… and the longer he stays away, the worse the craving gets.
While Beau fights the impossible pull toward Reese, his family is reeling from a devastating loss. As the Bouchers hunt for answers, darkness looms—and Reese is caught in the crossfire. With enemies closing in and their connection becoming impossible to ignore, Beau must will he risk his heart—and Reese’s life—for a second chance at fate?
When destiny refuses to be denied, can two enemies find love in the ashes of a past they never shared?
Fans of J.R. Ward and Kresley Cole will devour this steamy paranormal romance filled with fated mates, forced proximity, broody vampires, and enemies-to-lovers tension. Grab your copy and dive in.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
112 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Jacquelyn
38 books3,574 followersNicole Jacquelyn started writing before she started elementary school, however she didn’t start publishing her stories until her senior year in college. Today, she’s the author of the best selling Aces Series, Hawthornes Series, Fostering Love Series and Bouchers Series. She loves to read, drinks too much coffee, and lives in Oregon with the coolest children in the entire world and an English Bulldog named Blue.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
May 8, 2025
3.5 Stars
My update when I started reading this:
Nicole Jacquelyn AND vampires? Oh my god. It's like I've died and gone to heaven. I don't know if I can take it.
And after reading it:
To be clear: I liked this (and could see myself upgrading it after a re-read)...
...but I also spent the majority of the book figuratively flipping back to the cover to make sure it did in fact have Nicole Jacquelyn's name on it. Because this did not read like a NJ book. The writing was kind of messy and there were many paragraph transitions, etc., that felt undone and fragmented. It just wasn't clean. I will to try to hunt for an example and add it in later.
Also, this just didn't feel like an NJ book. It felt rushed and was missing the angst and relationship development I've come to expect from her.
Regardless, I did enjoy it. I just didn't LOVE it like I thought I would. But I will maybe like it more after a re-read. And I give her props for branching out.
My update when I started reading this:
Nicole Jacquelyn AND vampires? Oh my god. It's like I've died and gone to heaven. I don't know if I can take it.
And after reading it:
To be clear: I liked this (and could see myself upgrading it after a re-read)...
...but I also spent the majority of the book figuratively flipping back to the cover to make sure it did in fact have Nicole Jacquelyn's name on it. Because this did not read like a NJ book. The writing was kind of messy and there were many paragraph transitions, etc., that felt undone and fragmented. It just wasn't clean. I will to try to hunt for an example and add it in later.
Also, this just didn't feel like an NJ book. It felt rushed and was missing the angst and relationship development I've come to expect from her.
Regardless, I did enjoy it. I just didn't LOVE it like I thought I would. But I will maybe like it more after a re-read. And I give her props for branching out.
August 17, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 - I ended up being annoyed with this book numerous times and wanted to put it down
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 - so there were some angsty moments that tugged on my heart a bit!
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (they were fine….but I think I wanted more emotional pull?? They felt kind of mechanical to me but maybe it was the hate to sex to I still hate you vibe of the book)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 - most are on the shorter side
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (might be more I got sloppy with note taking in the latter half)
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: This is first person point of view from both hero and heroine (alternating chapters)
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon in
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Not really
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley
Why I chose this book: I was intrigued by the cover on NetGalley
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is Jacquelin’s first of The Boucher’s series.
Basic plot:
Reese loves her job at the vampire blood bank – she gets to listen to music and not deal with people...until her mate walks in and changes her life...
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary paranormal romance
- vampire hero
- human heroine
- mates
- size difference – he’s taller
- enemies to lovers – they hate each other at first but they are mates
- higher steam – at least 4ish full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 27, hero turned undead at 31 but is 155 years old now (or so)
First line:
I’d seen a lot of dead people.
My thoughts:
I struggled with this one. I felt really thrown into this book and not in a good way. Did I miss a prequel series? I still didn’t quite get the world building I wanted. I wanted to understand this world more and how vampires were just ‘accepted’ as a part of life? And the writing felt really chaotic. I felt like it was all over the place.
I also have struggled with enemies to lovers lately. It’s usually not my favorite trope anyway unless it’s more light hearted, but I have read sooo many couples that fought the whole book and hated each other so the poor book might not have stood a chance being like the 5th one in a row I read…
I did like parts of this story though – there were emotional scenes and some angsty moments that I appreciated. I like when the mains hurt my heart and that happened a bit here!
Overall though I think I had a touch of disconnect with the writing. I don’t think I’d continue this series but I would try another series by this author!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This one by default
Worldbuilding/Hero Notes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story: There might have been more towards the end, I got lazy with notes
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 - I ended up being annoyed with this book numerous times and wanted to put it down
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 - so there were some angsty moments that tugged on my heart a bit!
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (they were fine….but I think I wanted more emotional pull?? They felt kind of mechanical to me but maybe it was the hate to sex to I still hate you vibe of the book)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 - most are on the shorter side
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (might be more I got sloppy with note taking in the latter half)
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: This is first person point of view from both hero and heroine (alternating chapters)
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon in
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Not really
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley
Why I chose this book: I was intrigued by the cover on NetGalley
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is Jacquelin’s first of The Boucher’s series.
Basic plot:
Reese loves her job at the vampire blood bank – she gets to listen to music and not deal with people...until her mate walks in and changes her life...
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary paranormal romance
- vampire hero
- human heroine
- mates
- size difference – he’s taller
- enemies to lovers – they hate each other at first but they are mates
- higher steam – at least 4ish full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 27, hero turned undead at 31 but is 155 years old now (or so)
First line:
I’d seen a lot of dead people.
My thoughts:
I struggled with this one. I felt really thrown into this book and not in a good way. Did I miss a prequel series? I still didn’t quite get the world building I wanted. I wanted to understand this world more and how vampires were just ‘accepted’ as a part of life? And the writing felt really chaotic. I felt like it was all over the place.
I also have struggled with enemies to lovers lately. It’s usually not my favorite trope anyway unless it’s more light hearted, but I have read sooo many couples that fought the whole book and hated each other so the poor book might not have stood a chance being like the 5th one in a row I read…
I did like parts of this story though – there were emotional scenes and some angsty moments that I appreciated. I like when the mains hurt my heart and that happened a bit here!
Overall though I think I had a touch of disconnect with the writing. I don’t think I’d continue this series but I would try another series by this author!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This one by default
Worldbuilding/Hero Notes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story: There might have been more towards the end, I got lazy with notes
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Read
May 5, 2025Firstly, I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book. Unfortunately, this was a DNF at 40%. I was trying to push through after seeing so many good reviews, but wasn’t enjoying it. This book follows Beau, a vampire, and Reese, a human, after figuring out they have a mating bond. Beau needs this mating bond, and it’s also his second chance at finding his true love. While Reese doesn’t believe in any of this, she just wants a simple life with her job, her friends, and no drama. When reading the synopsis, I was so intrigued because I love an enemies-to-lovers and I love vampires, but upon reading it, I wasn’t enjoying it. The main characters had insta love, and they were already sleeping together within the first three chapters. It was very quick to get to the actual mating bond, but they kept going back and forth with eachother, whether they liked eachother or not. Overall, I think that this book just wasn’t for me. Thank you again to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2025
I went through every emotion with book! Most of them negative. There was a willful miscommunication situation and I had some righteous anger about it!
There was
Surprise
Anger
Disgust
I had a lot of issues with the MMC for most of the book. The man has been through it but unfortunately uses his past as a reason for hurting those around him.
The way he treats his mate is awful, his family and friends.
Why is it 5 stars when I had such strong feelings about the MMC???????????????
MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
But seriously I hate spoilers, you’re gonna have to read it!
I can’t wait until the next book!
There was
Surprise
Anger
Disgust
I had a lot of issues with the MMC for most of the book. The man has been through it but unfortunately uses his past as a reason for hurting those around him.
The way he treats his mate is awful, his family and friends.
Why is it 5 stars when I had such strong feelings about the MMC???????????????
MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
But seriously I hate spoilers, you’re gonna have to read it!
I can’t wait until the next book!
April 22, 2025
I recently received an ARC from Netgalley and was completely captivated—I couldn't put it down! This book offers a fresh and intriguing twist on the fated mates genre, blending just the right amount of spice, suspense, and family dynamics in a way I haven't encountered before.
I am already eagerly anticipating the release of book two!
I am already eagerly anticipating the release of book two!
April 28, 2025
Tropes - enemies to lovers, fated mates, dual POV, forced proximity, found family
They’re mates, but they don’t like each other. She’s nothing like the mate he had before, and he’s rude to her. With fate at play will they have a happy ever after?
I really enjoyed this story - a quick fast paced read with all the hallmark tropes of a paranormal romance. I wasn’t sure on them at first, reminiscent of how they weren’t sure of each other (!) but as the story progressed I became more invested. I’m intrigued to see where the overall overarching story goes!
Interconnected paranormal romance series, each focusing on a different brother. I’ll definitely be picking up the other books in this series to see where it goes! Excited for Danny’s book.
ARC copy provided by BooksGoSocial & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
They’re mates, but they don’t like each other. She’s nothing like the mate he had before, and he’s rude to her. With fate at play will they have a happy ever after?
I really enjoyed this story - a quick fast paced read with all the hallmark tropes of a paranormal romance. I wasn’t sure on them at first, reminiscent of how they weren’t sure of each other (!) but as the story progressed I became more invested. I’m intrigued to see where the overall overarching story goes!
Interconnected paranormal romance series, each focusing on a different brother. I’ll definitely be picking up the other books in this series to see where it goes! Excited for Danny’s book.
ARC copy provided by BooksGoSocial & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2025
Reading the first few pages, I felt like I had finally found a book that was 'different,' and I was very happy. But after about 50 pages, I realized it was just a story on repeat: the main characters constantly argue with each other, the heroine tries to be funny, and the hero tries to stay angry — then they have s3x because they’re 'mates' and the bond demands it, and then it all starts over.
There are too many ridiculous conversations between them. There’s a fine line the author crossed when she wrote the heroine as independent, impulsive, and exaggeratedly ridiculous. She aimed for something funny, fluid, and engaging, but unfortunately, it tipped into the absurd. By the second half of the book, I found myself skipping through, hoping something would finally happen."
There are too many ridiculous conversations between them. There’s a fine line the author crossed when she wrote the heroine as independent, impulsive, and exaggeratedly ridiculous. She aimed for something funny, fluid, and engaging, but unfortunately, it tipped into the absurd. By the second half of the book, I found myself skipping through, hoping something would finally happen."
August 31, 2025
This book was so good I messaged the author asking how I could get my hands on book 2 early. Hashtag no shame.
I read this description to my friend and she said, “so basically Twilight, but make it corporate?” And yeah, that kinda works… but the book version not the abomination that is the film.
This book is an enemies-to-lovers, jump-their-bones, touch-her-and-die, love-fest and I ate it up with a spoon. Can’t wait for the next installment!
I read this description to my friend and she said, “so basically Twilight, but make it corporate?” And yeah, that kinda works… but the book version not the abomination that is the film.
This book is an enemies-to-lovers, jump-their-bones, touch-her-and-die, love-fest and I ate it up with a spoon. Can’t wait for the next installment!
April 21, 2025
Vein & Vow is a paranormal vampire romance with a nice twist on the mate bond that I haven't seen before. It balanced the romance and the overall plot really well and I flew through it in one session! It was a really easy read but the characters also had depth to them. The backstory of the FMC, Reese, was emotional and I teared up a few times as her story progressed!
There's just something about interconnected paranormal romances with a plot that unfolds across all the books that I just love and find so comforting, especially when the MCs are all part of the same family and you see the family grow book-to-book. I can't wait to see the plot progress and to see a new couple in the first sequel!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
There's just something about interconnected paranormal romances with a plot that unfolds across all the books that I just love and find so comforting, especially when the MCs are all part of the same family and you see the family grow book-to-book. I can't wait to see the plot progress and to see a new couple in the first sequel!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 7, 2025
RUN DO NOT WALK IF YOU LOVE FATED MATE VAMPIRES AND A SERIES WHERE EACH BROTHER GETS A BOOK.
The heat is scorch worthy. The banter banters at the highest level. The mystery will have you hooked and ready for the next immediately.
Commence book hangover.
The heat is scorch worthy. The banter banters at the highest level. The mystery will have you hooked and ready for the next immediately.
Commence book hangover.
May 15, 2025
Vein & Vow is a fast-paced paranormal romance full of tension, passion, and fate-driven conflict. Reese and Beau’s dynamic crackles with chemistry, and the fated mates/enemies-to-lovers angle keeps things interesting. At times, the story felt a bit too quick—some emotional moments could have been explored more deeply—but the compelling premise and steamy tension make this an engaging read for fans of the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2025
3 ⭐️ My first ARC via NetGalley 🥳 A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC
Thr plot was really interesting, but the s*x talk and smut was too much. He calls her ”baby” after they’ve known each other for only a few days, and this book made me hate the trope ”insta-love”.
I’ll still keep on going for the plot, though.
Thr plot was really interesting, but the s*x talk and smut was too much. He calls her ”baby” after they’ve known each other for only a few days, and this book made me hate the trope ”insta-love”.
I’ll still keep on going for the plot, though.
May 13, 2025
I came close to ditching this a couple of times because I just couldn't warm to either character, and this book isn't a patch on her other books that I've read and re-read so many times. Managed to finish it and am curious about Ambrose's story so will probably read the next one.
May 1, 2025
I received this book for free via NetGallery for an honest review. Here is my opinion:
3.5 stars.
This book had me at "Enemies to lovers vampire romance."
In the beginning, I was irritated with both of the main characters because they did not communicate at all about the vampire mating process or, well, about anything. I really like a slow burn, so I would have liked to see more of them wrestling with accepting the mating and all that before cementing the bond.
One of the things I like best about this book was that I felt like there wasn't a lack of action. which made the book go by really fast. I felt the ending wrapped up way too fast for my liking, but I guess that means I will have to read book 2.
Overall, this gave me serious twilight vibes, but as a twilight girlie, I am not mad about it.
3.5 stars.
This book had me at "Enemies to lovers vampire romance."
In the beginning, I was irritated with both of the main characters because they did not communicate at all about the vampire mating process or, well, about anything. I really like a slow burn, so I would have liked to see more of them wrestling with accepting the mating and all that before cementing the bond.
One of the things I like best about this book was that I felt like there wasn't a lack of action. which made the book go by really fast. I felt the ending wrapped up way too fast for my liking, but I guess that means I will have to read book 2.
Overall, this gave me serious twilight vibes, but as a twilight girlie, I am not mad about it.
May 11, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Nicole Jacquelyn for the opportunity to read this book… So simple things out the way first… tropes: enemies to lovers, fated mates, forced proximity, found family. A spicy fast paced dual pov (which I love) you will have to keep up as the pace stays through the book.
The connections between characters/families felt genuine and Beau’s development through the book was really good. I did not enjoy the miscommunication especially with regard to the whole mate process and how serious it is etc. I loved the fated mate trope (because goosebumps) but I love that Reese still called him out on his crap behaviour. I think the ending felt rushed but with it being the first in a series of interconnecting books I do want to try the next book. I would recommend this to vampire girlies
The connections between characters/families felt genuine and Beau’s development through the book was really good. I did not enjoy the miscommunication especially with regard to the whole mate process and how serious it is etc. I loved the fated mate trope (because goosebumps) but I love that Reese still called him out on his crap behaviour. I think the ending felt rushed but with it being the first in a series of interconnecting books I do want to try the next book. I would recommend this to vampire girlies
May 9, 2025
Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. Okay so I love vampires and I was hooked by the first page. Talking about the characters Reese is amazing like, I love her so much and I love how brave she is. Beau is just trying like he is trying and he has potential.
Okay, so low-key I felt like this book was similar to twilight, yeah I'm a bit crazy.
So if you're looking for a vampire book with a good plot I recommend this book
Okay, so low-key I felt like this book was similar to twilight, yeah I'm a bit crazy.
So if you're looking for a vampire book with a good plot I recommend this book
June 3, 2025
So Nicole write stories that give me all the feels and have been full on 5 Star reads for me. I saw vampires and I instantly thought omg this is going to be the greatest thing ever.
It was… ok. I don’t even know how else to even describe it. It almost gave me twilight fanfic vibes. No wolves or anything but the closeness of the vampire family gave me Cullen vibes. It wasn’t super fantasy and it didn’t really give a lot of back story. Idk how to even describe it all really.
I’m just gonna give it 3 stars and let everyone else decide how they felt
It was… ok. I don’t even know how else to even describe it. It almost gave me twilight fanfic vibes. No wolves or anything but the closeness of the vampire family gave me Cullen vibes. It wasn’t super fantasy and it didn’t really give a lot of back story. Idk how to even describe it all really.
I’m just gonna give it 3 stars and let everyone else decide how they felt
May 8, 2025
I had so much fun with this one. I can ignore the plot twists randomly thrown in for no apparent reason, I can ignore the 0-100 warp speed romance. I loved it nonetheless. Also, lots of smut. Lots. Maybe an uncomfy amount?
Thank you to NetGalley and Booksgosocial for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Booksgosocial for the eARC.
September 21, 2025
Chick flick sort of book basically. May or may not continue. This relationship felt very mechanical and I didn’t feel any sort of emotional bond. I love fated mates, but what I don’t love is a relationship between mates that only works because there is a bond. I want there to be emotional growth between the couple that is strengthened by the bond. I don’t want their relationship to only be because of the bond.
Also, they shared I love yous and I think it had only been five days :/
Also, they shared I love yous and I think it had only been five days :/
June 1, 2025
3.5⭐️
June 4, 2025
This felt like... it just needed more.
As the next book in the series surrounds a new couple, these two feel completely underdeveloped.
As the next book in the series surrounds a new couple, these two feel completely underdeveloped.
April 27, 2025
For such a short, fast paced book I have so many thoughts and feelings I want to discuss!!! That’s the downside of reading ARCs I suppose, I have no one to talk to about the book that has my mind reeling a mile a minute. 😫
Ok so here’s the deal, in my heart of hearts this book was absolutely a 5⭐️ read. If given the time I easily could have devoured it in one sitting. When I wasn’t reading, I was wishing I was reading. It will hook you in so fast that you find yourself resentful towards your beautiful children because they keep interrupting your reading time with frivolous words like “I’m hungry” and “can you make lunch”. 😒
But as utterly addictive as it was, it was not without fault. For the following reasons I am giving it a 4⭐️. It’s going to be hard to put my thoughts in order because some of the things that I loved most about this book were also some of the things that needed the most fixing.
Here we go…
* It is fast paced. The second you open this book you will hit the ground running. The pacing is steady so it will hold your attention the entire way through.
*The storyline is interesting. Definitely giving Twilight vibes but not a knock off. It was a fresh new twist but with spice and a lot of hilarious, potty mouth banter. I considered this more of a rom-com with vampires than an actual fantasy.
*The characters are fun and have their own personalities. Beau is a dick. I mean, let’s just call it what it is. He’s not broody, he is full on phallic status. Reese is the quirky hot mess that you instantly fall in love with. She is chaos incarnate. If you are sensitive to MMCs breaking FMCs hearts then get your tissues ready. I was up at 4am with tears running down my cheeks. Then again, that also could have just as easily been my subconscious mourning my lack of sleep knowing that I’m 40 and still have to adult the following day on only 2 hours of sleep.
*LOVED the duel POV. It was helpful in conveying that they truly are DISGUST to lovers. There was no mistaking their true feelings for one another. And you know what? I ate that shit up with a spork. You know how sometimes a book will be labeled enemies to lovers but then the FMC will say something like, “my traitorous body wanted him!” 🙄 Gag!!! Not in this book, they both can’t stand each other BUT they are fated mates so they also can’t be away from each other. Freaking hilarious. 😂 I do think the author could have dived a little deeper with this and extended the hatred between them. It was mentioned that Reese (FMC) and Beau (MMC) won’t be able to touch another person of the opposite sex without feeling extreme pain. I was so hoping that was foreshadowing for them trying to break the bond or make each other angry by trying to date other people but instead it going horribly wrong. Like not being able to explain to their dates why they get zapped every time the person tries to touch them. I think that would have made for some hilarious scenes.
*It is heavy on the dialogue and crammed full of witty banter that had me laughing out loud. I LOVE when a book is heavy on the dialogue because it makes the characters come alive. It is without a doubt the fastest way to make me forget that I am reading. However, the heavy dialogue was also its downfall. The author was so focused on the dialogue that she kinda forgot everything else altogether. Don’t get me wrong, overly descriptive writing can grow tiresome quickly but it was completely missing in this book. We didn’t get a location description, descriptions of physical features - nothing! I don’t think the author ever did mention the features of the MMC other than he was handsome, strong and eventually several chapters in it is mentioned he has brown eyes. We don’t learn the FMC’s hair color until page 53 despite the fact she is introduced into the story almost immediately. We are given more descriptive features of the MMCs PAST love interest than we do of the current FMC. 😳🤯 I don’t think her eye color was ever even mentioned. I also would have liked for the author to weave in more detail about the characters mannerisms throughout the dialogue. All we got was cut and dry quotes from the characters that went back and forth like a ping pong ball. Her writing did start to improve closer to the end. Eventually we do start to get physical descriptions of new characters being introduced into the story and I think the author mentions at the very end that the weather is cold and there is a fresh blanket of snow.
*Annnnd finally my last thought is that I’m worried the author may have written herself into a corner with the whole “fated mates, know at first sight” narrative. With still 3 brothers remaining I am struggling to see how she plans to write up any other storyline other than enemies to lovers which was already done in this book or insta-love, but, ewww no. I’m definitely interested to see what she is able to come up with for the future books in this series.
Shoutout to NetGalley for constantly feeding my ARC reading addiction and thank you BooksGoSocial and Nicole Jacquelyn for granting me a sneak preview of your epic new book, Vein & Vow.
Be sure to check this book out on May 6th when it becomes available.
Ok so here’s the deal, in my heart of hearts this book was absolutely a 5⭐️ read. If given the time I easily could have devoured it in one sitting. When I wasn’t reading, I was wishing I was reading. It will hook you in so fast that you find yourself resentful towards your beautiful children because they keep interrupting your reading time with frivolous words like “I’m hungry” and “can you make lunch”. 😒
But as utterly addictive as it was, it was not without fault. For the following reasons I am giving it a 4⭐️. It’s going to be hard to put my thoughts in order because some of the things that I loved most about this book were also some of the things that needed the most fixing.
Here we go…
* It is fast paced. The second you open this book you will hit the ground running. The pacing is steady so it will hold your attention the entire way through.
*The storyline is interesting. Definitely giving Twilight vibes but not a knock off. It was a fresh new twist but with spice and a lot of hilarious, potty mouth banter. I considered this more of a rom-com with vampires than an actual fantasy.
*The characters are fun and have their own personalities. Beau is a dick. I mean, let’s just call it what it is. He’s not broody, he is full on phallic status. Reese is the quirky hot mess that you instantly fall in love with. She is chaos incarnate. If you are sensitive to MMCs breaking FMCs hearts then get your tissues ready. I was up at 4am with tears running down my cheeks. Then again, that also could have just as easily been my subconscious mourning my lack of sleep knowing that I’m 40 and still have to adult the following day on only 2 hours of sleep.
*LOVED the duel POV. It was helpful in conveying that they truly are DISGUST to lovers. There was no mistaking their true feelings for one another. And you know what? I ate that shit up with a spork. You know how sometimes a book will be labeled enemies to lovers but then the FMC will say something like, “my traitorous body wanted him!” 🙄 Gag!!! Not in this book, they both can’t stand each other BUT they are fated mates so they also can’t be away from each other. Freaking hilarious. 😂 I do think the author could have dived a little deeper with this and extended the hatred between them. It was mentioned that Reese (FMC) and Beau (MMC) won’t be able to touch another person of the opposite sex without feeling extreme pain. I was so hoping that was foreshadowing for them trying to break the bond or make each other angry by trying to date other people but instead it going horribly wrong. Like not being able to explain to their dates why they get zapped every time the person tries to touch them. I think that would have made for some hilarious scenes.
*It is heavy on the dialogue and crammed full of witty banter that had me laughing out loud. I LOVE when a book is heavy on the dialogue because it makes the characters come alive. It is without a doubt the fastest way to make me forget that I am reading. However, the heavy dialogue was also its downfall. The author was so focused on the dialogue that she kinda forgot everything else altogether. Don’t get me wrong, overly descriptive writing can grow tiresome quickly but it was completely missing in this book. We didn’t get a location description, descriptions of physical features - nothing! I don’t think the author ever did mention the features of the MMC other than he was handsome, strong and eventually several chapters in it is mentioned he has brown eyes. We don’t learn the FMC’s hair color until page 53 despite the fact she is introduced into the story almost immediately. We are given more descriptive features of the MMCs PAST love interest than we do of the current FMC. 😳🤯 I don’t think her eye color was ever even mentioned. I also would have liked for the author to weave in more detail about the characters mannerisms throughout the dialogue. All we got was cut and dry quotes from the characters that went back and forth like a ping pong ball. Her writing did start to improve closer to the end. Eventually we do start to get physical descriptions of new characters being introduced into the story and I think the author mentions at the very end that the weather is cold and there is a fresh blanket of snow.
*Annnnd finally my last thought is that I’m worried the author may have written herself into a corner with the whole “fated mates, know at first sight” narrative. With still 3 brothers remaining I am struggling to see how she plans to write up any other storyline other than enemies to lovers which was already done in this book or insta-love, but, ewww no. I’m definitely interested to see what she is able to come up with for the future books in this series.
Shoutout to NetGalley for constantly feeding my ARC reading addiction and thank you BooksGoSocial and Nicole Jacquelyn for granting me a sneak preview of your epic new book, Vein & Vow.
Be sure to check this book out on May 6th when it becomes available.
April 24, 2025
overall i would give this a 3.5 (rounded down to 3) because while this was enjoyable, there were just some things that felt too lacking for me, and a few things that made the characters incredibly frustrating.
The one thing I can really think is that this gave me major twilight vibes (but in a good way). Think twilights cousin I guess because there were a lot of similarities yet a lot of things that put a bit of a fresh twist on it too. I wouldn’t say this is the best vampire book I’ve read, but I think its one that will get better when more books within the series are released and we get a better sense of the world that they’re living in, the overall plot, and more of an insight into all of the characters.
Considering that this is a romance first and foremost with the premise being that vampires have fated mates / a soul mate that they’re meant to love unconditionally, I kinda hated both of these characters, and they didn’t really grow on me either. They were ok, but maybe things were just rushed and glossed over too quickly (but it would be great if you like a faster paced book).
I thought I really liked Reese at the beginning. She was the definition of quirky and different, could hold her own and wasn’t submissive in anyway. However, when things got messy between her and Beau she was so quick to fold, start crying and fall into a pit of depression and self loathing when I honestly thought she would get angry and stand up for herself. It also seemed like when explaining her backstory and life things were brought up between the two of them that held a lot of weight, were traumatic and explained a lot of her emotions, yet again they were just glossed over and discarded as soon as they were brought up. Idk it just seemed like there was no lingering on the important bits I guess?
Beau was different because it was obvious that he was going to be a bit of a dick towards her at the start of their alleged relationship, yet every time he realised he was being horrible and unfair to her and thought to himself that he needed to change / be better and more considerate, he was almost immediately back to being a dick after she did something he didn’t like. Make it make sense. The only time he really changed was when he thought he was going to lose her because she became so emotionally detached and withdrawn (not a surprise though considering all she was having to deal with)
The stakes in this also seemed so high at the beginning. I thought it was going to be some kind of revenge quest against the person who had killed one of Beau’s brothers and then all of a sudden its just them getting used to being mates and navigating what that meant? Seemed super all over the place before right at the end it went back to trying to find a lead on what had happened to the brother again.
Maybe my problem was that this whole thing just seemed very rushed? I love a fast paced romance, love insta love and fated mates when done right, but maybe more time should have been spent on introducing all of the other characters and the bigger plot first?
Overall it was an ok read, and I really do think that the rest of the series has potential to make this something really cool and interesting to read.
The one thing I can really think is that this gave me major twilight vibes (but in a good way). Think twilights cousin I guess because there were a lot of similarities yet a lot of things that put a bit of a fresh twist on it too. I wouldn’t say this is the best vampire book I’ve read, but I think its one that will get better when more books within the series are released and we get a better sense of the world that they’re living in, the overall plot, and more of an insight into all of the characters.
Considering that this is a romance first and foremost with the premise being that vampires have fated mates / a soul mate that they’re meant to love unconditionally, I kinda hated both of these characters, and they didn’t really grow on me either. They were ok, but maybe things were just rushed and glossed over too quickly (but it would be great if you like a faster paced book).
I thought I really liked Reese at the beginning. She was the definition of quirky and different, could hold her own and wasn’t submissive in anyway. However, when things got messy between her and Beau she was so quick to fold, start crying and fall into a pit of depression and self loathing when I honestly thought she would get angry and stand up for herself. It also seemed like when explaining her backstory and life things were brought up between the two of them that held a lot of weight, were traumatic and explained a lot of her emotions, yet again they were just glossed over and discarded as soon as they were brought up. Idk it just seemed like there was no lingering on the important bits I guess?
Beau was different because it was obvious that he was going to be a bit of a dick towards her at the start of their alleged relationship, yet every time he realised he was being horrible and unfair to her and thought to himself that he needed to change / be better and more considerate, he was almost immediately back to being a dick after she did something he didn’t like. Make it make sense. The only time he really changed was when he thought he was going to lose her because she became so emotionally detached and withdrawn (not a surprise though considering all she was having to deal with)
The stakes in this also seemed so high at the beginning. I thought it was going to be some kind of revenge quest against the person who had killed one of Beau’s brothers and then all of a sudden its just them getting used to being mates and navigating what that meant? Seemed super all over the place before right at the end it went back to trying to find a lead on what had happened to the brother again.
Maybe my problem was that this whole thing just seemed very rushed? I love a fast paced romance, love insta love and fated mates when done right, but maybe more time should have been spent on introducing all of the other characters and the bigger plot first?
Overall it was an ok read, and I really do think that the rest of the series has potential to make this something really cool and interesting to read.
April 29, 2025
3,5 stars rounded up.
Thank you NetGalley for this copy. My opinions are honest, and my own.
Beau Boucher, one of the five Boucher brothers, is reeling. His youngest brother Zeke was just found brutally murdered without any clue as to how this happened... much less why. The only hint we get, is that the Boucher brothers are all Vampires. But it's normal in this universe. Vampires "came out" more than 60 years ago, and have made arrangements with the government: they'll work for them as elite soldiers until they find their mate. In exchange, they... get to exist alongside humankind. When they need blood, they go to the bank to buy some.
It is at such a bank where, 2 months after Zeke's murder, Beau meets blood technician Reese, a human woman in her late twenties with a big mouth, wild hair and questionable fashion sense. He looks into her eyes and feels immediately... Completely... Utterly...
...F*CKED because she's his mate and he is just not that into her. He keeps repeating, "she's all wrong." Well ain't that just the way to a gal's heart. This is "oh shit" at first sight. Beau hauls ass so fast, it's eyebrow-raising and almost comical. Reese is over it before it really begins, but unfortunately for them, violent physical suffering will immediately ensue for a newly mated pair who are apart with the human taking the brunt of it. Neither one of them is that masochistic. It's close, because the hate runs deep, but survival instinct trumps disgust. They quickly realize and agree-ish they'll have to figure this out together.
We wanted an enemies to lovers romance, right? Well, let me just wrap this in shiny bloodred paper and stick a big black glittery bow on it, because here she is, a gift in all her brutal glory. I gasped. I balked. I took out my earrings on Reese's behalf. I wasn't having ANY of it.
And now I want ALL of it.
For this is a really good introduction book to a promising series. This one focuses primarily on the romance story between Beau and Reese, rather than having a lot of movement in plot. It functions as a pilot of sorts, really introducing the universe, the mate bonds that are central to the series, and the main + supporting cast of characters (with some light and funny moments). I feel Jacquelyn covered a lot of ground here. The modern take on Vampirism, veering away from the lore of yore, is always welcome. There are some things about Vampirism in this book series that I'd never read before. It's not easy to write something fresh befitting supernatural creatures that have featured in many stories over the centuries. Sparkly skin is still a punchline. I'll take Vein & Vow & Feral over that any day.
The mystery/thriller re: "what happened to Zeke" is on the backburner for most of the book, but there is enough development (especially from about 80% in) that keeps me interested in the follow-up books. I like that they are written as an ongoing serial while still giving each Boucher Brother his own romance arc. Book 2 will feature older brother Ambrose and I'm excited to see where it'll go from here.
A solid opener, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you NetGalley for this copy. My opinions are honest, and my own.
Beau Boucher, one of the five Boucher brothers, is reeling. His youngest brother Zeke was just found brutally murdered without any clue as to how this happened... much less why. The only hint we get, is that the Boucher brothers are all Vampires. But it's normal in this universe. Vampires "came out" more than 60 years ago, and have made arrangements with the government: they'll work for them as elite soldiers until they find their mate. In exchange, they... get to exist alongside humankind. When they need blood, they go to the bank to buy some.
It is at such a bank where, 2 months after Zeke's murder, Beau meets blood technician Reese, a human woman in her late twenties with a big mouth, wild hair and questionable fashion sense. He looks into her eyes and feels immediately... Completely... Utterly...
...F*CKED because she's his mate and he is just not that into her. He keeps repeating, "she's all wrong." Well ain't that just the way to a gal's heart. This is "oh shit" at first sight. Beau hauls ass so fast, it's eyebrow-raising and almost comical. Reese is over it before it really begins, but unfortunately for them, violent physical suffering will immediately ensue for a newly mated pair who are apart with the human taking the brunt of it. Neither one of them is that masochistic. It's close, because the hate runs deep, but survival instinct trumps disgust. They quickly realize and agree-ish they'll have to figure this out together.
We wanted an enemies to lovers romance, right? Well, let me just wrap this in shiny bloodred paper and stick a big black glittery bow on it, because here she is, a gift in all her brutal glory. I gasped. I balked. I took out my earrings on Reese's behalf. I wasn't having ANY of it.
And now I want ALL of it.
For this is a really good introduction book to a promising series. This one focuses primarily on the romance story between Beau and Reese, rather than having a lot of movement in plot. It functions as a pilot of sorts, really introducing the universe, the mate bonds that are central to the series, and the main + supporting cast of characters (with some light and funny moments). I feel Jacquelyn covered a lot of ground here. The modern take on Vampirism, veering away from the lore of yore, is always welcome. There are some things about Vampirism in this book series that I'd never read before. It's not easy to write something fresh befitting supernatural creatures that have featured in many stories over the centuries. Sparkly skin is still a punchline. I'll take Vein & Vow & Feral over that any day.
The mystery/thriller re: "what happened to Zeke" is on the backburner for most of the book, but there is enough development (especially from about 80% in) that keeps me interested in the follow-up books. I like that they are written as an ongoing serial while still giving each Boucher Brother his own romance arc. Book 2 will feature older brother Ambrose and I'm excited to see where it'll go from here.
A solid opener, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
July 7, 2025
I really wanted to like this, the premise intrigued me and I hadn't taken a dive into this branch of fantasy/romantasy since my Twilight days. However, this book ended with more questions than answers than when I started it (but not in the good way unfortunately).
Here are some areas that could've made this a 4/5 star read (slight spoilers ahead, proceed with caution):
- The world building was done in a need to know basis, that left me as the reader frustrated because there was very little shared about the history between humans and vampires beyond the basics. I had a hard time believing there wasn't instances of prejudice towards vampires from humans and vice versa that this world didn't expand upon.
- The soulmate/re-incarnation aspect was really cool. However, I felt it flopped in execution because Millie and Reese were seen as two very different people, yet they have the same soul? Beau treated her like they were completely separate people which confused me because they are, but if they are the same soul just reincarnated, then surely they're also kind of the same? That wasn't well thought out in my opinion. I think it would've been better if maybe she had flashbacks to life as Millie and maybe Reese is more of an evolving of Millie.
- The mystery aspect of this had me really intrigued with twists I didn't see coming. I loved learning more about Zeke as that mystery part evolved, however it didn't progress enough for me to be totally hooked for the second book.
- It was difficult to root for the romance in this book. It was literally forced but didn't seem to really evolve. I would've loved more emotional growth between the two and more catalyst moments that made me want them to find their common ground together. I felt very emotional for Reese and struggled to reconcile with Beau as the book progressed.
Overall, I think this book had some great potential. I was pretty sure it was going to be a 3 star read but by the end I was ready to leave this world behind with very little ambition to read book 2 which made me go, well this wasn't all the great then was it? I think since the second book comes out so soon I'll still give it a chance to see if the mystery part evolves better and if the romance improves.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Here are some areas that could've made this a 4/5 star read (slight spoilers ahead, proceed with caution):
- The world building was done in a need to know basis, that left me as the reader frustrated because there was very little shared about the history between humans and vampires beyond the basics. I had a hard time believing there wasn't instances of prejudice towards vampires from humans and vice versa that this world didn't expand upon.
- The soulmate/re-incarnation aspect was really cool. However, I felt it flopped in execution because Millie and Reese were seen as two very different people, yet they have the same soul? Beau treated her like they were completely separate people which confused me because they are, but if they are the same soul just reincarnated, then surely they're also kind of the same? That wasn't well thought out in my opinion. I think it would've been better if maybe she had flashbacks to life as Millie and maybe Reese is more of an evolving of Millie.
- The mystery aspect of this had me really intrigued with twists I didn't see coming. I loved learning more about Zeke as that mystery part evolved, however it didn't progress enough for me to be totally hooked for the second book.
- It was difficult to root for the romance in this book. It was literally forced but didn't seem to really evolve. I would've loved more emotional growth between the two and more catalyst moments that made me want them to find their common ground together. I felt very emotional for Reese and struggled to reconcile with Beau as the book progressed.
Overall, I think this book had some great potential. I was pretty sure it was going to be a 3 star read but by the end I was ready to leave this world behind with very little ambition to read book 2 which made me go, well this wasn't all the great then was it? I think since the second book comes out so soon I'll still give it a chance to see if the mystery part evolves better and if the romance improves.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
May 6, 2025
TL/DR: Did you read the summary? Great! Do you like the tropes? Awesome! Do you want to read a story that weaves all of that together with amazing characters in a contemporary world in a way that, to me at least, was unique and gave me all the feels? Then, it is my opinion to get the book. You just might not be able to put it down.
Ok, hopefully you have read the synopsis from wherever you buy your books, so I’m not going to waste your time by summarizing it all over again.
What I will tell you is I read a lot of books. I love a good “fated mates” story. This one happens to be with vampires. Awesome! What I wasn’t prepared for was starting this book and not being able to put it down.
I had not read any books by this author before but you best believe I hit the follow author button after reading this story.
She takes these tropes, weaves them together and creates a story of not only these two characters, FMC, Reese, who grew up in foster care, finds a father figure in her high school math teacher and is always her most authentic self, even when she leaps before she looks. She also gives us Beau, the MMC, who is the polar opposite of Reese. Stoic, rigid and has a stick, well never mind.
Watching them come together sent me through a rollercoaster of emotions. This is the book that will have you yelling at the characters one minute, feeling all the feels the next, your heart will flutter and yes your toes will curl.
Oh, and don’t forget about Beau’s family. They are dealing with a family tragedy at the same time one of their son’s has found his mate. (Beau’s lack of explaining, well pretty much what any of that is, is well classic Beau and one of their reasons I couldn’t put this book down). His family is also amazing, and wonderful and frustrating and will protect their own, fiercely. I loved them all!
As if that alone isn’t enough, there is also another arc playing out, linked to the family’s tragedy. Oh, and another brother seems to have found his mate too, but she is not too happy about it.
I am so looking forward to book 2. I would like to thank the author, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for a copy of this book. My review is voluntary and as always, all opinions are my own. Happy reading!
Ok, hopefully you have read the synopsis from wherever you buy your books, so I’m not going to waste your time by summarizing it all over again.
What I will tell you is I read a lot of books. I love a good “fated mates” story. This one happens to be with vampires. Awesome! What I wasn’t prepared for was starting this book and not being able to put it down.
I had not read any books by this author before but you best believe I hit the follow author button after reading this story.
She takes these tropes, weaves them together and creates a story of not only these two characters, FMC, Reese, who grew up in foster care, finds a father figure in her high school math teacher and is always her most authentic self, even when she leaps before she looks. She also gives us Beau, the MMC, who is the polar opposite of Reese. Stoic, rigid and has a stick, well never mind.
Watching them come together sent me through a rollercoaster of emotions. This is the book that will have you yelling at the characters one minute, feeling all the feels the next, your heart will flutter and yes your toes will curl.
Oh, and don’t forget about Beau’s family. They are dealing with a family tragedy at the same time one of their son’s has found his mate. (Beau’s lack of explaining, well pretty much what any of that is, is well classic Beau and one of their reasons I couldn’t put this book down). His family is also amazing, and wonderful and frustrating and will protect their own, fiercely. I loved them all!
As if that alone isn’t enough, there is also another arc playing out, linked to the family’s tragedy. Oh, and another brother seems to have found his mate too, but she is not too happy about it.
I am so looking forward to book 2. I would like to thank the author, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for a copy of this book. My review is voluntary and as always, all opinions are my own. Happy reading!
May 7, 2025
Reese Matthews and Beau Boucher are not what I expected, but they were exactly what I needed.
This book had so many concepts/tropes I truly enjoyed. Found family, fated mates, enemies to lovers and a damn good amount of spice! Definitely didn’t expect it to be that spicy but that was a surprise I welcomed with open arms.
The found family concept in this book is so beautifully and well written. Everything flowed and felt truly organic. Beau’s bonds with his brother’s, Reese’s relationship to Mr. Miranda and Noah, Rena and Reeses relationship—even the bond of Reese with the Boucher family as a whole felt very genuine and real.
What stuck out to me the most though was Beau’s character development. Though this was not what he was expecting and the conflicted feelings he had in the beginning for Reese were valid, there were parts where I felt he could’ve been more open with her about his past and how serious the mate bond is. Though if he did decide to go that route, we would not have had some of the most vital and important scenes later on, which then lead to me actually having a soft spot for him. Because like Reese says, he grows on you 😊
Reese challenges him in a way that no one else can, and the idea that someone can be made specifically for you gave me goosebumps all over. I absolutely loved that Reese never held back and called Beau out when he was in his head too much or being an ass. Because of her personality, Reese is able to show Beau the deepest parts of himself without even realizing it. Thus, not only pushing Beau to heal and grow, but creating an even deeper bond and trust between the two.
This book overall surprised me in the best of ways and I highly recommend this read to anyone who loves the fated mates trope and enemies to lovers. I can’t wait to read what happens next in book 2!!
✧ I received this book for free via NetGalley for an honest review.
This book had so many concepts/tropes I truly enjoyed. Found family, fated mates, enemies to lovers and a damn good amount of spice! Definitely didn’t expect it to be that spicy but that was a surprise I welcomed with open arms.
The found family concept in this book is so beautifully and well written. Everything flowed and felt truly organic. Beau’s bonds with his brother’s, Reese’s relationship to Mr. Miranda and Noah, Rena and Reeses relationship—even the bond of Reese with the Boucher family as a whole felt very genuine and real.
What stuck out to me the most though was Beau’s character development. Though this was not what he was expecting and the conflicted feelings he had in the beginning for Reese were valid, there were parts where I felt he could’ve been more open with her about his past and how serious the mate bond is. Though if he did decide to go that route, we would not have had some of the most vital and important scenes later on, which then lead to me actually having a soft spot for him. Because like Reese says, he grows on you 😊
Reese challenges him in a way that no one else can, and the idea that someone can be made specifically for you gave me goosebumps all over. I absolutely loved that Reese never held back and called Beau out when he was in his head too much or being an ass. Because of her personality, Reese is able to show Beau the deepest parts of himself without even realizing it. Thus, not only pushing Beau to heal and grow, but creating an even deeper bond and trust between the two.
This book overall surprised me in the best of ways and I highly recommend this read to anyone who loves the fated mates trope and enemies to lovers. I can’t wait to read what happens next in book 2!!
✧ I received this book for free via NetGalley for an honest review.
Read
June 15, 2025Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review! I was excited to read something a bit outside my comfort zone, as I haven’t read many vampire books before. When I came across this one, I was intrigued and thought I would enjoy it. Unfortunately, it became a DNF for me at 28%. I don’t often DNF books, and if I do, it’s usually not so early into the book. I always want to give every book a fair chance, but I just didn't really enjoy this one. We follow a vampire named Beau and a human named Reese, who discover that they are fated mates. Reese struggles to accept this reality and desires a normal life, while Beau is given a second chance at true love. Even though I haven't read much vampire books, I generally enjoy anything vampire-related, but I wasn’t enjoying this book as much as I had hoped I would. I felt uncomfortable with how much cursing there's in this book. Each chapter has at least multiple times the word 'fucking' in its sentences, and It just pulled me out of the story every time and the characters and book in general annoyed me quite much because of that. It kind of reminded me of when I read ''Fourth Wing'' with the overuse of modern curse words. I had difficulty connecting with the characters, and I didn’t find them particularly likable either. They were so rude. Also, this book is very insta-love. I can imagine that with vampires and mates and all, but the characters making out in the first few chapters without knowing each other and then going back and forth whether they like each other or not, was just a bit too quick for me. I can see why this book might be addictive for others, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t really for me, and I didn't really care about the story, worldbuilding, and characters either. If you enjoy fated mates, vampires, and a modern enemies-to-lovers storyline and setting, you might like this more than I did.
May 9, 2025
A perfect blend of crackling heat, suspense, action, danger and murder mystery interwoven in a gripping paranormal vampire romance from an author new to me that kept me hooked from the start. The plot is very well written, fast-paced and has enemies to lovers, fated mates, opposites attract and forced proximity tropes. The protagonists are very likable and I enjoyed the tension, sizzling chemistry, banter and bickering between them. The book ends with a cliffhanger and I am already looking forward to the next installment.
A long time ago, humans and vampires made an agreement to live together peacefully. But out of the blue, the youngest son of the Boucher family is brutally murdered and his brothers set out to find the murderer.
Almost a century ago, one of them, vampire Beau Boucher let his destined mate go, as she was already happily married to another man, and didn't think he would get another chance until he meets Reese Matthews, who works at a blood bank he frequents. But Reese is different from what he hoped and expected.
Unlike her best friend, Reese is down to earth and doesn't believe in supernatural attraction until she meets Beau and he turns her life upside down from the moment she meets him. He doesn't seem to like her and she finds his reserve and arrogance appalling.
But neither of them can escape the sizzling attraction between them and it is impossible to stay away from each other without suffering pain. They are irrevocably bound to each other and must face the impending danger together as they learn to master their intertwined fate…
I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys captivating vampire romance novels with endearing protagonists and supporting characters, plenty of steam and suspense!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
A long time ago, humans and vampires made an agreement to live together peacefully. But out of the blue, the youngest son of the Boucher family is brutally murdered and his brothers set out to find the murderer.
Almost a century ago, one of them, vampire Beau Boucher let his destined mate go, as she was already happily married to another man, and didn't think he would get another chance until he meets Reese Matthews, who works at a blood bank he frequents. But Reese is different from what he hoped and expected.
Unlike her best friend, Reese is down to earth and doesn't believe in supernatural attraction until she meets Beau and he turns her life upside down from the moment she meets him. He doesn't seem to like her and she finds his reserve and arrogance appalling.
But neither of them can escape the sizzling attraction between them and it is impossible to stay away from each other without suffering pain. They are irrevocably bound to each other and must face the impending danger together as they learn to master their intertwined fate…
I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys captivating vampire romance novels with endearing protagonists and supporting characters, plenty of steam and suspense!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
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