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Blackthorn #4
Blood Deep
The tattoos covering Eden Reece’s arm tell the tale of a con with an appetite for danger. Even so, arriving at The Circus – the criminal heart of Blackthorn – and demanding an audience with the notorious Pummel, is the sign of a death wish.
Jessie knows that Eden is trouble. Serious trouble. Held captive by Pummel, despite her powers, she also knows how dangerous a game Eden is playing. Yet she can’t ignore a connection far deeper than the physical spark between them – because Jessie has seen Eden before...
Jessie is the only one who can help Eden save those he loves. But as he uncovers her secrets one by one, he can’t ignore the emotions she stirs in him – feelings neither of them dare face. He risks death. If she trusts him, she risks a fate far worse.
As Pummel’s twisted plans become clear, there’s no doubt all hell risks breaking out in Blackthorn. With time running out, together Jessie and Eden might be the only ones who can stop it.
Jessie knows that Eden is trouble. Serious trouble. Held captive by Pummel, despite her powers, she also knows how dangerous a game Eden is playing. Yet she can’t ignore a connection far deeper than the physical spark between them – because Jessie has seen Eden before...
Jessie is the only one who can help Eden save those he loves. But as he uncovers her secrets one by one, he can’t ignore the emotions she stirs in him – feelings neither of them dare face. He risks death. If she trusts him, she risks a fate far worse.
As Pummel’s twisted plans become clear, there’s no doubt all hell risks breaking out in Blackthorn. With time running out, together Jessie and Eden might be the only ones who can stop it.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
80 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay J. Pryor
16 books522 followersSign up to be the first to hear about Lindsay's NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/150twsa
*Lindsay is not an active Goodreads user. Please visit her website if you would like to contact her.*
Lindsay J. Pryor is a speculative fiction author published by Hachette U.K. Her dark, gritty and complex dystopian BLACKTHORN series has achieved numerous Gothic and PNR Amazon number ones both in the UK and the US. Her spin-off LOWTOWN standalone novels are underway as well as her upcoming romantic Gothic horror.
Quickly deciding that fantasy was more interesting than reality, Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and Communication and is a qualified Psychology lecturer and English teacher. She taught for eighteen years before becoming a full-time author.
Lindsay was born and grew up in Wales and now lives in South West England with her husband and a plethora of wild woodland creatures.
To find out more about Lindsay and her books, please visit her website: lindsayjpryor.com
BLACKTHORN is published by Bookouture. Her LOWTOWN novels are being published by Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group).
I absolutely adore the world she's put into place here. Everything is so well formed with its own history and culture that it really feels like I'm living in Blackthorn... (Marked by Books)
This is a paranormal universe like none you have encountered before. (Keeper Bookshelf)
I don't think I have read such a finely executed dark PNR world before... The world-building is spectacular. (Gaga Over Books)
Lindsay Pryor has crafted a world that's intricate, gritty and genuinely fascinating... (Big Little Sister Blog)
This concept is creative and different from other paranormal books I've read lately. (My Paranormal Book Review)
I cannot say how much I love this author. She is creating a world which sucks you in, which makes you want to know more about Blackthorn and its inhabitants. (I Heart Books)
Not only are Pryor's characters and fathomlessly dark love stories fabulous, but her continual world building of Blackthorn blows me away. (Gravetells)
Lindsay is a wonderful writer. She's crafted one heck of a world... (Vice President of Creative Affairs for Relativity Media Film Studios, California)
*Lindsay is not an active Goodreads user. Please visit her website if you would like to contact her.*
Lindsay J. Pryor is a speculative fiction author published by Hachette U.K. Her dark, gritty and complex dystopian BLACKTHORN series has achieved numerous Gothic and PNR Amazon number ones both in the UK and the US. Her spin-off LOWTOWN standalone novels are underway as well as her upcoming romantic Gothic horror.
Quickly deciding that fantasy was more interesting than reality, Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and Communication and is a qualified Psychology lecturer and English teacher. She taught for eighteen years before becoming a full-time author.
Lindsay was born and grew up in Wales and now lives in South West England with her husband and a plethora of wild woodland creatures.
To find out more about Lindsay and her books, please visit her website: lindsayjpryor.com
BLACKTHORN is published by Bookouture. Her LOWTOWN novels are being published by Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group).
I absolutely adore the world she's put into place here. Everything is so well formed with its own history and culture that it really feels like I'm living in Blackthorn... (Marked by Books)
This is a paranormal universe like none you have encountered before. (Keeper Bookshelf)
I don't think I have read such a finely executed dark PNR world before... The world-building is spectacular. (Gaga Over Books)
Lindsay Pryor has crafted a world that's intricate, gritty and genuinely fascinating... (Big Little Sister Blog)
This concept is creative and different from other paranormal books I've read lately. (My Paranormal Book Review)
I cannot say how much I love this author. She is creating a world which sucks you in, which makes you want to know more about Blackthorn and its inhabitants. (I Heart Books)
Not only are Pryor's characters and fathomlessly dark love stories fabulous, but her continual world building of Blackthorn blows me away. (Gravetells)
Lindsay is a wonderful writer. She's crafted one heck of a world... (Vice President of Creative Affairs for Relativity Media Film Studios, California)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 20, 2016
Thank you, book, for bringing back my faith in this series! After the disaster of the last book - namely Sophia the Idiot, I was worried coming into this one. But, it brought the goods this time. The yummy deliciousness of a super dark world filled with amazingly complex characters and the promise of even darker things to come. It was like a really good chocolate layer cake - dark, decadent, and tempting.
This is me reading this book:
so much good...
We've been getting to know this world for a while now and learning about Blackthorn which is a city that is the dumping grounds for any supernatural creature and human convicts. It's a horrible pit with dirtiness, overcrowding, pollution, crime, and all of the vices of poverty and desperation. It's basically the Pit of Despair.
Our Pit is divided into four sections - like a big pizza. And, each section is ruled by a different group.
The Meat Lovers section: This is the area ruled by the Lycans/shapeshifters/werewolves. They eat meat. See what I did there?
The Ham & Pineapple part: This area is ruled by a vampire named Caleb. He's very salty. But, his brother, Jake, is kind of sweet. So, they make a good team overall.
The just Cheese area: Another part that is ruled by a different vampire named Kane. Kane is a loner. The cheese stands alone.
The Mushroom pizza: The area where the convicts live. They revel in darkness, are kind of scummy, some are poisonous, and grow in shit.
We've already sampled the first three parts of the pizza, and in this book we delve into the mushrooms. It is just as we would expect - dirty and smelly.
Okay, I was looking for a mushroom meme and found this. Why? Poor little mushroom kitty.
Anyway... In this book we have Jessie, a supernatural female of unknown origin who is trapped with the convicts and treated badly, and Eden, a new convict who is on a mission to get close to Jessie. Things start out well for them as Jessie saves Eden's life. That's right, suckers, the GIRL saves the GUY. Ha!
Okay, so maybe I got a little carried away there, but Jessie is awesome and kickass. And, at the same time, she isn't a bitch. She's strong but still kind and sweet.
So the romance was fine. Both characters were likable and that is really important in these books because you get inside the character's heads like crazy in them.
But, going back to my pizza analogy - you know what happens when you try to make a pizza with different toppings in distinct sections, right? There is always topping overspill. The person who wanted pepperoni is always going to get a few unwanted mushrooms. And, the cheese pizza lover isn't happy to find a piece of pineapple on his slice. But, that's what happens.
Hmmm. I eat vegetarian pizza. This chart nailed my dieting life!
So, we get a lot of spillage from the other pizza toppings in this story and it's awesome. Everything in this world is starting to come together into a giant and delicious meal. And, just like if we ate this pizza, along with the chocolate cake from earlier - there is a shit-storm a brewing and it's going to get very ugly.
could help..
This is me reading this book:
so much good...
We've been getting to know this world for a while now and learning about Blackthorn which is a city that is the dumping grounds for any supernatural creature and human convicts. It's a horrible pit with dirtiness, overcrowding, pollution, crime, and all of the vices of poverty and desperation. It's basically the Pit of Despair.
Our Pit is divided into four sections - like a big pizza. And, each section is ruled by a different group.
The Meat Lovers section: This is the area ruled by the Lycans/shapeshifters/werewolves. They eat meat. See what I did there?
The Ham & Pineapple part: This area is ruled by a vampire named Caleb. He's very salty. But, his brother, Jake, is kind of sweet. So, they make a good team overall.
The just Cheese area: Another part that is ruled by a different vampire named Kane. Kane is a loner. The cheese stands alone.
The Mushroom pizza: The area where the convicts live. They revel in darkness, are kind of scummy, some are poisonous, and grow in shit.
We've already sampled the first three parts of the pizza, and in this book we delve into the mushrooms. It is just as we would expect - dirty and smelly.
Okay, I was looking for a mushroom meme and found this. Why? Poor little mushroom kitty.
Anyway... In this book we have Jessie, a supernatural female of unknown origin who is trapped with the convicts and treated badly, and Eden, a new convict who is on a mission to get close to Jessie. Things start out well for them as Jessie saves Eden's life. That's right, suckers, the GIRL saves the GUY. Ha!
Okay, so maybe I got a little carried away there, but Jessie is awesome and kickass. And, at the same time, she isn't a bitch. She's strong but still kind and sweet.
So the romance was fine. Both characters were likable and that is really important in these books because you get inside the character's heads like crazy in them.
But, going back to my pizza analogy - you know what happens when you try to make a pizza with different toppings in distinct sections, right? There is always topping overspill. The person who wanted pepperoni is always going to get a few unwanted mushrooms. And, the cheese pizza lover isn't happy to find a piece of pineapple on his slice. But, that's what happens.
Hmmm. I eat vegetarian pizza. This chart nailed my dieting life!
So, we get a lot of spillage from the other pizza toppings in this story and it's awesome. Everything in this world is starting to come together into a giant and delicious meal. And, just like if we ate this pizza, along with the chocolate cake from earlier - there is a shit-storm a brewing and it's going to get very ugly.
could help..
November 26, 2022
2022 Reread:
Eden Reece is the perfect hero. My heart can’t stand them together. Also, forgot how this is erotic w/o being smutty. I wish Lindsay J. Pryor wrote more 😢
INITIAL THOUGHTS 10/21/21
I was really not sure how this would end! 😳😳😳so happy with everyone’s fate. Villains got their just desserts! Epilogue got my heart pounding right back up again tho 😩
FULL REVIEW 10/27/21
Future Me is shaking her head at Past Me of Little Faith for not wanting to read Blood Deep when I saw the hero was a human.
But OMG Eden Reece was a lil slice of paradise. What a dream squeeze!!! Everything he did for Jessie - ugh my heart...it cannot take it... EDEN REECE STOP BEING SO DAMN PERFECT.
And so bad at the same time?! 😏😏😏
OK no spoilers but I am going to talk about the story. Do not read anymore if you want to read the story blind, which I recommend. How this whole thing unravels is so much fun.
But watch out... Lindsay J. Pryor is not here to play! She is going to force your feels on you. The emotional turbulence to absolute agony pipeline - Oof I was not OK. Completely tied up in knots and just praying for that happy ending to get me out. It was delightful but damn was I put in the ringer.
So, with master vampires and lycan leaders, how did Eden make such a big impression?
Um he was just amazing? His back story, his absolute cool, his mints. So, every hero in Blackthorn has a compulsive habit that they do. Jask tongues his incisors. Caleb has his lighter that he flicks open and close to mimick the heartbeat of the other person in the room with him. And Eden has his mint. But wait I'm getting distracted. That's not why he is amazing, but it's a part of it.
Eden is a quick thinker, a smooth operator, and the best undercover agent ever. He's absolutely unable to faze. He's so brazen. He is a criminal enforcement officer asked to join an undercover mission, and he elevates his job to an art form. It is riveting to watch him in action. Similar to Jask, he's had time to develop and refine his raw potential. Eden could easily be a criminal mastermind, but he's got his brother, his sister-in-law, and a niece to fight for that keeps him honest.
I was absolutely hooked and let me tell you. THIS is how you write the hero who must, must, MUST sleep with the other woman for Reasons. To Save the Country. This is how you write it and it is agony.
I loved Jessie too. How she was in a position of powerlessness but never gave up fight or hope, and didn't want Eden to ever pity her. This is a Jessie stan account!
Eden Reece is the perfect hero. My heart can’t stand them together. Also, forgot how this is erotic w/o being smutty. I wish Lindsay J. Pryor wrote more 😢
INITIAL THOUGHTS 10/21/21
I was really not sure how this would end! 😳😳😳so happy with everyone’s fate. Villains got their just desserts! Epilogue got my heart pounding right back up again tho 😩
FULL REVIEW 10/27/21
Future Me is shaking her head at Past Me of Little Faith for not wanting to read Blood Deep when I saw the hero was a human.
But OMG Eden Reece was a lil slice of paradise. What a dream squeeze!!! Everything he did for Jessie - ugh my heart...it cannot take it... EDEN REECE STOP BEING SO DAMN PERFECT.
And so bad at the same time?! 😏😏😏
OK no spoilers but I am going to talk about the story. Do not read anymore if you want to read the story blind, which I recommend. How this whole thing unravels is so much fun.
But watch out... Lindsay J. Pryor is not here to play! She is going to force your feels on you. The emotional turbulence to absolute agony pipeline - Oof I was not OK. Completely tied up in knots and just praying for that happy ending to get me out. It was delightful but damn was I put in the ringer.
So, with master vampires and lycan leaders, how did Eden make such a big impression?
Um he was just amazing? His back story, his absolute cool, his mints. So, every hero in Blackthorn has a compulsive habit that they do. Jask tongues his incisors. Caleb has his lighter that he flicks open and close to mimick the heartbeat of the other person in the room with him. And Eden has his mint. But wait I'm getting distracted. That's not why he is amazing, but it's a part of it.
Eden is a quick thinker, a smooth operator, and the best undercover agent ever. He's absolutely unable to faze. He's so brazen. He is a criminal enforcement officer asked to join an undercover mission, and he elevates his job to an art form. It is riveting to watch him in action. Similar to Jask, he's had time to develop and refine his raw potential. Eden could easily be a criminal mastermind, but he's got his brother, his sister-in-law, and a niece to fight for that keeps him honest.
I was absolutely hooked and let me tell you. THIS is how you write the hero who must, must, MUST sleep with the other woman for Reasons. To Save the Country. This is how you write it and it is agony.
I loved Jessie too. How she was in a position of powerlessness but never gave up fight or hope, and didn't want Eden to ever pity her. This is a Jessie stan account!
May 29, 2019
5 STARS!!!
Re-read 5/21/19 ❤️❤️
I LOVE this series!!! Lindsay J. Pryor knows how to make me shiver in a very good way and a very bad way! lol The woman also knows how to keep me up all night reading! I once again was up till 6am reading until I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Woke up with my kindle by my head! Lmao
Eden Reece a very dangerous con according to all the tattoos on his arm. He's damn sexy and has an appetite for danger. He wants in with Pummel the leader of The Circus...the criminal heart of Blackthorn. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Pummel has Jessie held captive despite her great powers. Jessie is also off limits to everyone. She's not to be touched. Pummel makes it clear that she is his and his alone. That is until Jessie saves Eden's life one night.
A lot of exciting things went on in Blood Deep. We get introduced to another third species. We also get some shivers from some of the fourth species that are "leaking" into Blackthorn.
Of course toward the end others from previous books make an appearance to set up for the next book Blood Dark (coming in 2015). I for one can't wait to see what happens when all these powerful couples come together. Every book feels like it is a build up to the next. It's going to be explosive when it all comes together. I will be the one over here with dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. But...I will have the biggest cheesiest grin ever!! Oh!! Don't forget horny as hell because Lindsay J. Pryor is so fucking good at writing the powerful connection between her main characters!!! Fabulous job woman:-)
Re-read 5/21/19 ❤️❤️
I LOVE this series!!! Lindsay J. Pryor knows how to make me shiver in a very good way and a very bad way! lol The woman also knows how to keep me up all night reading! I once again was up till 6am reading until I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Woke up with my kindle by my head! Lmao
Eden Reece a very dangerous con according to all the tattoos on his arm. He's damn sexy and has an appetite for danger. He wants in with Pummel the leader of The Circus...the criminal heart of Blackthorn. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Pummel has Jessie held captive despite her great powers. Jessie is also off limits to everyone. She's not to be touched. Pummel makes it clear that she is his and his alone. That is until Jessie saves Eden's life one night.
A lot of exciting things went on in Blood Deep. We get introduced to another third species. We also get some shivers from some of the fourth species that are "leaking" into Blackthorn.
Of course toward the end others from previous books make an appearance to set up for the next book Blood Dark (coming in 2015). I for one can't wait to see what happens when all these powerful couples come together. Every book feels like it is a build up to the next. It's going to be explosive when it all comes together. I will be the one over here with dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. But...I will have the biggest cheesiest grin ever!! Oh!! Don't forget horny as hell because Lindsay J. Pryor is so fucking good at writing the powerful connection between her main characters!!! Fabulous job woman:-)
June 19, 2016
Blood Deep
Oh Eden Eden Eden, be still my immortal heart.
I think I've fallen in love.
I'm seeing hearts and kisses and naked things.
I LOVE this instalment. Enough said!
Haha no seriously, every instalment gets better and better. I've got to say I really loved this one. Eden and Jessie's relationship although hot also seemed sweet too. This one felt like love. Although I believed that there was love involved in all the other relationships in the Blackthorn series, this just screamed love to me.
I know that from now on though SHIT. GETS. REAL. Not that it hasn't already but that was just the premise to the main storyline. I can't wait. Bring it on.
Oh Eden Eden Eden, be still my immortal heart.
I think I've fallen in love.
I'm seeing hearts and kisses and naked things.
I LOVE this instalment. Enough said!
Haha no seriously, every instalment gets better and better. I've got to say I really loved this one. Eden and Jessie's relationship although hot also seemed sweet too. This one felt like love. Although I believed that there was love involved in all the other relationships in the Blackthorn series, this just screamed love to me.
I know that from now on though SHIT. GETS. REAL. Not that it hasn't already but that was just the premise to the main storyline. I can't wait. Bring it on.
December 31, 2014
What a great addition to the series! Blood Deep is gritty, captivating, and richly illustrated, with an exciting plot and fascinating characters. Lycans, vampires, humans, and other creatures come out to play in Blackthorn. But it is a dangerous playground, where hapless souls oftentimes find themselves on the receiving end of the oppressive cons that rule the otherwise lawless city. Succumbing to the rampant corruption may be a means of survival for its inhabitants. Still, there are magical elements that -- despite the dangers -- make Blackthorn an intriguing place.
Eden Reece is charming and handsome, but with a deadly past. The tattoos that cover his body reveal the depth of his crimes, and warn others of his truly formidable nature. So, when Eden is left to fend for himself in Blackthorn, it isn't surprising that his presence brings forth the most hardened cons from the darkest corners of the city, willing to challenge him, and eager to remove a new, potential threat.
Jessie spies an attack, and does her best to stay in the shadows -- getting involved would be a risky venture. But she is impressed with the handsome stranger's fighting skills, and can't resist getting drawn in. Up close, she finds something shocking in the stranger's badly beaten face... she knows this face.
Now warned of the dangers, the stranger has moved on, and Jessie can refocus on keeping the events of the night hidden from Pummel, the brutal con who has provided her with shelter for too many years to count. But Pummel is far from charitable, and nothing comes without a price. So when the stranger, Eden, shows up at Pummel's door, Jessie knows trouble is brewing.
The truth behind Eden's motives are more complex than Jessie could imagine. They are both keeping secrets. But once the truth starts to surface they wonder if they can trust each other. What is being hidden will impact both of their lives, and will determine the fate of all those living in Blackthorn.
Such an amazing tale! I really loved the characters in this story, and enjoyed revisiting those from previous books. This is the fourth installment, but it can be read as a standalone, and is a must read for paranormal romance fans.
Note: This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Eden Reece is charming and handsome, but with a deadly past. The tattoos that cover his body reveal the depth of his crimes, and warn others of his truly formidable nature. So, when Eden is left to fend for himself in Blackthorn, it isn't surprising that his presence brings forth the most hardened cons from the darkest corners of the city, willing to challenge him, and eager to remove a new, potential threat.
Jessie spies an attack, and does her best to stay in the shadows -- getting involved would be a risky venture. But she is impressed with the handsome stranger's fighting skills, and can't resist getting drawn in. Up close, she finds something shocking in the stranger's badly beaten face... she knows this face.
Now warned of the dangers, the stranger has moved on, and Jessie can refocus on keeping the events of the night hidden from Pummel, the brutal con who has provided her with shelter for too many years to count. But Pummel is far from charitable, and nothing comes without a price. So when the stranger, Eden, shows up at Pummel's door, Jessie knows trouble is brewing.
The truth behind Eden's motives are more complex than Jessie could imagine. They are both keeping secrets. But once the truth starts to surface they wonder if they can trust each other. What is being hidden will impact both of their lives, and will determine the fate of all those living in Blackthorn.
Such an amazing tale! I really loved the characters in this story, and enjoyed revisiting those from previous books. This is the fourth installment, but it can be read as a standalone, and is a must read for paranormal romance fans.
Note: This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2018
Reviewed by Sara Reece Owner of Smut Lovers Wonderland
I started this book knowing my heart belonged to Caleb!... but i was not expecting a very cocky full of himself human Eden Reece to walk in and rock my brain and heart! Both Eden and Jessie story is one that makes, breaks and steals your heart. Both have a tragic past, one that no one should go through an yet they fight on, to survive a life in Blackthorn. I loved the fact Eden showed Jessie (in he's very cocky and mischievous way) that not all people are evil and it is possible to trust another. I felt like i have had an affair with Eden behind Calebs back! But i will gladly take any punishment has it was soooo worth it for Eden!!
◇◇◇◇◇◇Spoiler Alert◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
DONT READ PASS THIS IF YOU DONT WANT THIS AMAZING STORY SPOILED BY SPOILERS
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
This story also has a dark side, when i learned about what Pummel plans for the children my heart hurt, i wanted to gut him myself!! But of course Eden and Jessie did what they had to to save them and im so glad they did. Learning about Jessie powers my feeling was right. The second Eden found them scares i was jumping in my seat shouting SHE IS A ANGEL, SHE IS A ANGEL........
I love this series. It means so much to me. I feel like can open my book and go into another world and live another life. Still feel all emotions that the characters feeling and go thought one hell of a journey with them.
After i read the last page and closed the book reality hit me, hit me hard! I had to sit there for a bit and just breath.... not think.... just breath.... has this was one hell of a great story!!
I started this book knowing my heart belonged to Caleb!... but i was not expecting a very cocky full of himself human Eden Reece to walk in and rock my brain and heart! Both Eden and Jessie story is one that makes, breaks and steals your heart. Both have a tragic past, one that no one should go through an yet they fight on, to survive a life in Blackthorn. I loved the fact Eden showed Jessie (in he's very cocky and mischievous way) that not all people are evil and it is possible to trust another. I felt like i have had an affair with Eden behind Calebs back! But i will gladly take any punishment has it was soooo worth it for Eden!!
◇◇◇◇◇◇Spoiler Alert◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
DONT READ PASS THIS IF YOU DONT WANT THIS AMAZING STORY SPOILED BY SPOILERS
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
This story also has a dark side, when i learned about what Pummel plans for the children my heart hurt, i wanted to gut him myself!! But of course Eden and Jessie did what they had to to save them and im so glad they did. Learning about Jessie powers my feeling was right. The second Eden found them scares i was jumping in my seat shouting SHE IS A ANGEL, SHE IS A ANGEL........
I love this series. It means so much to me. I feel like can open my book and go into another world and live another life. Still feel all emotions that the characters feeling and go thought one hell of a journey with them.
After i read the last page and closed the book reality hit me, hit me hard! I had to sit there for a bit and just breath.... not think.... just breath.... has this was one hell of a great story!!
October 29, 2014
Bad does feel good. So very good in this latest enthralling instalment of the Blackthorn series.
My initial response when I finished Blood Deep (well when I managed to rejoin reality several hours of recovery later!), was that this is the best book in the series. However, that would be an injustice to the three previous books of brilliance. The Blackthorn series is simply getting more and more addictive, with a plot that gets stronger and more compelling with each page turn. It’s hard to compare all the books in the series as the author offers something fresh in each one of them, while maintaining the integrity of the world building of Blackthorn.
In Blood Deep you are taken into the depths of Blackthorn where ‘bad’ is a way of life and humans are as much of a threat as the third species are. The lowest of the low are sent to Blackthorn, and Eden Reece is intent on fitting right in where trouble resides. Eden’s tattooed arms are proof that he is a worthy resident at The Circus, and of what he is capable of. Pretty soon he gains the attention of Pummel, the most feared criminal in The Circus.
Jessie saved Eden once, so why didn’t he heed her warnings to escape while he could? Something she can never do. No one riles Pummel and gets away with it, but Eden seems to push each of his buttons. She doesn’t know what Eden’s plans are, but only that it won’t end well. And if they don’t ignore the spark between them, it can only get worse.
Eden will do anything to succeed with his plans, and he stoops to depths so low to achieve his goals that you can only applaud him when you discover the reason behind his determination. Jessie is a big part of that plan, but she’s hiding secrets too. Secrets that involve the prophecy.
I adored Jessie. I was desperate to discover her secrets and I must admit I squealed a little when I did. Her story is heart breaking and when she meets Eden you so want Eden to be her hero, even if he doesn’t appear to be hero material at all. Except he is. This was where the emotion got me when Eden’s back story is revealed. Oh my. And this is Blackthorn, so Jessie and Eden are in for one heck of a bumpy ride. They jump from one heart pounding ‘oh heck’ moment and straight into the next one. Lindsay J. Pryor doesn’t just glide over boundaries, she tramples right over them. The story moves along at pace, and with a few familiar faces joining the fray and more revelations made, it makes this a stunning read. The darkest and sexiest yet.
Pure genius!
My initial response when I finished Blood Deep (well when I managed to rejoin reality several hours of recovery later!), was that this is the best book in the series. However, that would be an injustice to the three previous books of brilliance. The Blackthorn series is simply getting more and more addictive, with a plot that gets stronger and more compelling with each page turn. It’s hard to compare all the books in the series as the author offers something fresh in each one of them, while maintaining the integrity of the world building of Blackthorn.
In Blood Deep you are taken into the depths of Blackthorn where ‘bad’ is a way of life and humans are as much of a threat as the third species are. The lowest of the low are sent to Blackthorn, and Eden Reece is intent on fitting right in where trouble resides. Eden’s tattooed arms are proof that he is a worthy resident at The Circus, and of what he is capable of. Pretty soon he gains the attention of Pummel, the most feared criminal in The Circus.
Jessie saved Eden once, so why didn’t he heed her warnings to escape while he could? Something she can never do. No one riles Pummel and gets away with it, but Eden seems to push each of his buttons. She doesn’t know what Eden’s plans are, but only that it won’t end well. And if they don’t ignore the spark between them, it can only get worse.
Eden will do anything to succeed with his plans, and he stoops to depths so low to achieve his goals that you can only applaud him when you discover the reason behind his determination. Jessie is a big part of that plan, but she’s hiding secrets too. Secrets that involve the prophecy.
I adored Jessie. I was desperate to discover her secrets and I must admit I squealed a little when I did. Her story is heart breaking and when she meets Eden you so want Eden to be her hero, even if he doesn’t appear to be hero material at all. Except he is. This was where the emotion got me when Eden’s back story is revealed. Oh my. And this is Blackthorn, so Jessie and Eden are in for one heck of a bumpy ride. They jump from one heart pounding ‘oh heck’ moment and straight into the next one. Lindsay J. Pryor doesn’t just glide over boundaries, she tramples right over them. The story moves along at pace, and with a few familiar faces joining the fray and more revelations made, it makes this a stunning read. The darkest and sexiest yet.
Pure genius!
June 17, 2016
Blood Deep is the first book in the Blackthorn series that introduces a human hero. Eden Reece is a con (or is he?) who arrives at The Circus – the criminal heartland of Blackthorn – and demands an audience with Pummel, a fearsome criminal who rules the human south side of Blackthorn as viciously as Kane Malloy rules the east and Caleb Dehain the west.
At The Circus, Eden meets Jessie. Jessie is an angel who is being held captive by Pummel (I’ll let you discover for yourself how he manages to do that). Jessie knows Eden is serious trouble who could get her killed, but neither of them can deny the undeniable attraction between them
As Eden digs underneath Jessie’s secrets, it leads them both into danger, but Eden can’t ignore the feelings Jessie stirs in him…
Blood Deep introduces the final couple in the Blackthorn series. Although Eden and Jessie may seem the weak link when compared to the other three couples, they are anything but.
I admit, this book started out as my least favourite of the four Blackthorn novels, but as I dug further into Eden and Jessie’s story, they drew me in until I was hooked.
Eden may not be a vampire, or a Lycan, but let me tell you, he has his own set of special skills! And Jessie is a perfect foil for the all-too-fragile human with a huge heart.
God….bring on the next installment. I’m exhausted.
At The Circus, Eden meets Jessie. Jessie is an angel who is being held captive by Pummel (I’ll let you discover for yourself how he manages to do that). Jessie knows Eden is serious trouble who could get her killed, but neither of them can deny the undeniable attraction between them
As Eden digs underneath Jessie’s secrets, it leads them both into danger, but Eden can’t ignore the feelings Jessie stirs in him…
Blood Deep introduces the final couple in the Blackthorn series. Although Eden and Jessie may seem the weak link when compared to the other three couples, they are anything but.
I admit, this book started out as my least favourite of the four Blackthorn novels, but as I dug further into Eden and Jessie’s story, they drew me in until I was hooked.
Eden may not be a vampire, or a Lycan, but let me tell you, he has his own set of special skills! And Jessie is a perfect foil for the all-too-fragile human with a huge heart.
God….bring on the next installment. I’m exhausted.
June 23, 2015
4.75 stars. So close to 5.
First, I expected to hate this book. I wanted to know what happened with the kids and Jask and Caleb and I was furious at the author for introducing two random people into the series.
That said, Eden is officially my favorite hero of the series. (Jask you were so close!). He was smoking hot, not sure what it was about him, his humor? His mint? His swagger? His verbal games? Outsmarting everyone?
It seems I like my hero's respectful, empathetic and self aware. Don't get me wrong, Kain and Caleb were great, but both had narrow views of acceptability/morality and didn't care for anyone outside their circle/family.
For example, if I was in a burning building Eden and Jask would probably save me, Kain only if he was in the mood and Caleb would probably kill me faster to put me out of my misery.
Jessi as a heroine wasn't bad, I wasn't crazy about her, she didn't have the mouth of Phia or the brains of Leila, and made lots of stupid mistakes but she was alright.
I've never liked how easily some heroines gave it up, (Jessi did so after seeing Eden with a women minutes before). Especially the 'virgins'. I also hated this authors pattern of using sex to a) punish, b) prove a point c)Seduce to kill or d) reveal their emotions. This book was no different. But not enough to detract from the plot.
I was also irritated that the author kept the part I was looking forward to (Jask!) to footnotes, did she run out of time? Didn't feel like writing them meeting? Felt like a copout, :-(
But... I can't can't wait for the next book.
First, I expected to hate this book. I wanted to know what happened with the kids and Jask and Caleb and I was furious at the author for introducing two random people into the series.
That said, Eden is officially my favorite hero of the series. (Jask you were so close!). He was smoking hot, not sure what it was about him, his humor? His mint? His swagger? His verbal games? Outsmarting everyone?
It seems I like my hero's respectful, empathetic and self aware. Don't get me wrong, Kain and Caleb were great, but both had narrow views of acceptability/morality and didn't care for anyone outside their circle/family.
For example, if I was in a burning building Eden and Jask would probably save me, Kain only if he was in the mood and Caleb would probably kill me faster to put me out of my misery.
Jessi as a heroine wasn't bad, I wasn't crazy about her, she didn't have the mouth of Phia or the brains of Leila, and made lots of stupid mistakes but she was alright.
I've never liked how easily some heroines gave it up, (Jessi did so after seeing Eden with a women minutes before). Especially the 'virgins'. I also hated this authors pattern of using sex to a) punish, b) prove a point c)Seduce to kill or d) reveal their emotions. This book was no different. But not enough to detract from the plot.
I was also irritated that the author kept the part I was looking forward to (Jask!) to footnotes, did she run out of time? Didn't feel like writing them meeting? Felt like a copout, :-(
But... I can't can't wait for the next book.
August 24, 2016
Reread and still a 5-stars-review! Now, finally for the next that I haven't read it yet!!
************************************
LOVED IT!!! Although, at first, I had a problem remembering details for the world-building and some of the characters from the previous books, soon everything became clear again and the story not only kept my interest but made me want more!
This series has a very dark world-building and very interesting characters. It’s the story of Eden and Jessie. Both of them are much more than what they appeared to be. I am not going to say anything more because I don’t want to write any spoilers.
What I am going to say is that I liked both characters for different reasons. Jessie, a very lonely woman with great powers, managed to stay untainted in a decadent and dangerous world. Eden is a decent man who stepped lower too many times because he wanted a better world.
Both of them are survivors and fighters. Different kinds, of course. But both of them felt lonely and they found each other in the darkest part of a dangerous world.
I am very curious about what the future will bring to the characters from all the books so far. The author is very talented and she’s building a great story!
If you haven’t start this series, I believe that it’s time to do it!
************************************
LOVED IT!!! Although, at first, I had a problem remembering details for the world-building and some of the characters from the previous books, soon everything became clear again and the story not only kept my interest but made me want more!
This series has a very dark world-building and very interesting characters. It’s the story of Eden and Jessie. Both of them are much more than what they appeared to be. I am not going to say anything more because I don’t want to write any spoilers.
What I am going to say is that I liked both characters for different reasons. Jessie, a very lonely woman with great powers, managed to stay untainted in a decadent and dangerous world. Eden is a decent man who stepped lower too many times because he wanted a better world.
Both of them are survivors and fighters. Different kinds, of course. But both of them felt lonely and they found each other in the darkest part of a dangerous world.
I am very curious about what the future will bring to the characters from all the books so far. The author is very talented and she’s building a great story!
If you haven’t start this series, I believe that it’s time to do it!
July 14, 2016
The Blackthorn novels are my favorite Paranormal Romance series.
Period.
I think it's because they straddle the line between genres so well. They're predominately romance with lots and lots of sex but don't sacrifice plot, drama, or world-building. The world is well-developed, divided on cultural as well as species lines with a heavy-emphasis on social ills. The character arcs are nicely done too, each lead showing genuine growth by the end of the novel.
The books have a signature style too. A pair of lovers meet, initially antagonistic, only to grow closer as they struggle against one another. This is always in the decaying urban hellhole of Blackthorn, a ghetto where the supernatural is segregated away from quote-unquote "polite" (read: human) society. Each couple is somehow tied to the Vampire Prophecy, which predicts the rise of a leader who will overthrow the human-run establishment to set up a more egalitarian society.
Blood Deep is the fourth novel in the series, introducing our fourth and final pair of star-crossed lovers. Jessie and Eden are a human male and supernatural woman caught up in covert operation gone horribly wrong. Eden, the man, has been sent to infiltrate crime boss Pummel's twisted "Circus" in order to extract Jessie for his employers.
Eden has been promised medical treatment for his niece if he can extract Jessie in three days. Jessie is a member of an unknown Third Species (non-humans like vampires or werewolves) with the power to heal. She is mystically enslaved by Pummel and if she tries to turn against him, she'll die.
Eden, of course, falls in love with Jessie but can he deliver her from one slave master to another?
Read and find out!
Interestingly, I find Eden and Jessie to be the healthiest relationship of the four series couples despite the fact she's a slave and he's an undercover cop pretending to be a convicted murderer. Previous romances in the series have involved a lot of emotional blackmail and even attempts to kill one another.
Here, Eden wants to help Jessie but he's caught in a situation where he can't blow his cover. Jessie would dearly love to trust Eden but she's a woman who has been seeing nothing but the worst of humanity in Blackthorn since its creation. Trusting a man who appears to be a hardened felon (and who isn't that far from one in reality) is a risk she isn't willing to take.
At least, initially.
What I really liked was the Noir elements and how they were taken to new heights this volume. We get a real sense of the injustice of Blackthorn's world and the segregation of species. The Circus isn't that far from John Carpenter's Escape from New York, a place where criminals are dumped to live out lawless lives where the strong feed on the weak. The immense poverty in Lowtown and surrounding districts also highlight the troubles of Blackthorn aren't as isolated as initial books implied.
We also get some development of the Vampire Prophecy plot and how the major powers are dealing with it. I admit, I wasn't too keen on the metaphysical results of our heroes "defying destiny" implied by this book and hope there's an explanation as to who (exactly) is so offended by it. I am, however, glad to see fictional power brokers dealing with prophecies in a proactive way. Which side is more evil is up in the air and I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out that Jessie is premature in her belief humans are worse.
I like the characters of Jessie and Eden, both of them appealing to me for various reasons. Jessie's Third species race turned out to be a genuine surprise and yet made perfect sense with all of the clues dropped earlier. While, "I did it all for a sick relative" may sound somewhat contrived, you can tell Eden is a ruthless man at heart. Jessie is hard in her own way, cleverly manipulating Pummel to avoid the worst of his abuses while plotting to figure out her next move. Jessie could easily kill Pummel, in all likelihood, but where would she go instead? As events reveal, there's nowhere safe in Blackthorn's world.
I liked the supporting cast, too, which is surprising given the majority of them are unrepentant psychopaths. Everyone from Mya to Chemist to Tatum is one sort of scumbag or another but they're all likeable scumbags. I wouldn't mind seeing the survivors come back in future books as allies of convenience. It takes skill to make likable protagonists but it takes an artist to make bad guys you enjoy reading about.
I really liked this book, arguably as much as any other in the series if not more so. This is one of those rare series I think which may get better the further you get into it like the Dresden Files. The fact the main plot finally getting off the ground is good too. I'm eager to see how the Vampire Prophecy ends and hope we'll see a conclusion in the next couple of books. Despite this, I'd still be happy to read more in the world.
10/10
Period.
I think it's because they straddle the line between genres so well. They're predominately romance with lots and lots of sex but don't sacrifice plot, drama, or world-building. The world is well-developed, divided on cultural as well as species lines with a heavy-emphasis on social ills. The character arcs are nicely done too, each lead showing genuine growth by the end of the novel.
The books have a signature style too. A pair of lovers meet, initially antagonistic, only to grow closer as they struggle against one another. This is always in the decaying urban hellhole of Blackthorn, a ghetto where the supernatural is segregated away from quote-unquote "polite" (read: human) society. Each couple is somehow tied to the Vampire Prophecy, which predicts the rise of a leader who will overthrow the human-run establishment to set up a more egalitarian society.
Blood Deep is the fourth novel in the series, introducing our fourth and final pair of star-crossed lovers. Jessie and Eden are a human male and supernatural woman caught up in covert operation gone horribly wrong. Eden, the man, has been sent to infiltrate crime boss Pummel's twisted "Circus" in order to extract Jessie for his employers.
Eden has been promised medical treatment for his niece if he can extract Jessie in three days. Jessie is a member of an unknown Third Species (non-humans like vampires or werewolves) with the power to heal. She is mystically enslaved by Pummel and if she tries to turn against him, she'll die.
Eden, of course, falls in love with Jessie but can he deliver her from one slave master to another?
Read and find out!
Interestingly, I find Eden and Jessie to be the healthiest relationship of the four series couples despite the fact she's a slave and he's an undercover cop pretending to be a convicted murderer. Previous romances in the series have involved a lot of emotional blackmail and even attempts to kill one another.
Here, Eden wants to help Jessie but he's caught in a situation where he can't blow his cover. Jessie would dearly love to trust Eden but she's a woman who has been seeing nothing but the worst of humanity in Blackthorn since its creation. Trusting a man who appears to be a hardened felon (and who isn't that far from one in reality) is a risk she isn't willing to take.
At least, initially.
What I really liked was the Noir elements and how they were taken to new heights this volume. We get a real sense of the injustice of Blackthorn's world and the segregation of species. The Circus isn't that far from John Carpenter's Escape from New York, a place where criminals are dumped to live out lawless lives where the strong feed on the weak. The immense poverty in Lowtown and surrounding districts also highlight the troubles of Blackthorn aren't as isolated as initial books implied.
We also get some development of the Vampire Prophecy plot and how the major powers are dealing with it. I admit, I wasn't too keen on the metaphysical results of our heroes "defying destiny" implied by this book and hope there's an explanation as to who (exactly) is so offended by it. I am, however, glad to see fictional power brokers dealing with prophecies in a proactive way. Which side is more evil is up in the air and I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out that Jessie is premature in her belief humans are worse.
I like the characters of Jessie and Eden, both of them appealing to me for various reasons. Jessie's Third species race turned out to be a genuine surprise and yet made perfect sense with all of the clues dropped earlier. While, "I did it all for a sick relative" may sound somewhat contrived, you can tell Eden is a ruthless man at heart. Jessie is hard in her own way, cleverly manipulating Pummel to avoid the worst of his abuses while plotting to figure out her next move. Jessie could easily kill Pummel, in all likelihood, but where would she go instead? As events reveal, there's nowhere safe in Blackthorn's world.
I liked the supporting cast, too, which is surprising given the majority of them are unrepentant psychopaths. Everyone from Mya to Chemist to Tatum is one sort of scumbag or another but they're all likeable scumbags. I wouldn't mind seeing the survivors come back in future books as allies of convenience. It takes skill to make likable protagonists but it takes an artist to make bad guys you enjoy reading about.
I really liked this book, arguably as much as any other in the series if not more so. This is one of those rare series I think which may get better the further you get into it like the Dresden Files. The fact the main plot finally getting off the ground is good too. I'm eager to see how the Vampire Prophecy ends and hope we'll see a conclusion in the next couple of books. Despite this, I'd still be happy to read more in the world.
10/10
October 25, 2014
Sequels so rarely hit the mark. I remember reading books two and three in the Blackthorn series and wondering how on earth Lindsay had managed to successfully pull it off. But to reach book four Blood Deep and to find it is even better (if that's possible?!) than the first three? Surely it can't be done?
But yes, I'm VERY pleased to say that Blood Deep is very much the crowning glory of the series so far. Before now, we've seen Lindsay weave the threads of her plot very expertly throughout the first three books, although she always maintained each could be read as a standalone and not necessarily in order (although I'd urge you to ignore that and go for the sequence read!) and now, in book four, it still amazes me how she can still surprise with each new turn of event, each new twist, whilst also adding into the mix completely new characters who keep the reader hooked from the word go.
It's a skill to keep readers interested when you get them invested in characters, just to then switch characters in the next book, but somehow, magically, Lindsay manages to do this and quickly you find yourself torn over which ones are your favourite - personally my loyalties lie with Jask AND Eden, and I just ADORE Jessie. She's another fabulous female character to bring the men to their knees - as do ALL of Blackthorns's leading ladies - feisty, strong, courageous and with the right amount of vulnerability to make them believable and real.
It's never easy to work out just where Lindsay will take us in Blackthorn - more supernatural creatures, new villains, wonderful twists and harsh revelations (not to mention the uber sexy scenes!) but I am more excited than ever to read the next book - bring on Blood Dark 2015!
Well done Mrs Blackthorn - five stars!!
But yes, I'm VERY pleased to say that Blood Deep is very much the crowning glory of the series so far. Before now, we've seen Lindsay weave the threads of her plot very expertly throughout the first three books, although she always maintained each could be read as a standalone and not necessarily in order (although I'd urge you to ignore that and go for the sequence read!) and now, in book four, it still amazes me how she can still surprise with each new turn of event, each new twist, whilst also adding into the mix completely new characters who keep the reader hooked from the word go.
It's a skill to keep readers interested when you get them invested in characters, just to then switch characters in the next book, but somehow, magically, Lindsay manages to do this and quickly you find yourself torn over which ones are your favourite - personally my loyalties lie with Jask AND Eden, and I just ADORE Jessie. She's another fabulous female character to bring the men to their knees - as do ALL of Blackthorns's leading ladies - feisty, strong, courageous and with the right amount of vulnerability to make them believable and real.
It's never easy to work out just where Lindsay will take us in Blackthorn - more supernatural creatures, new villains, wonderful twists and harsh revelations (not to mention the uber sexy scenes!) but I am more excited than ever to read the next book - bring on Blood Dark 2015!
Well done Mrs Blackthorn - five stars!!
November 17, 2014
As a forty something (don't ask) woman, Twilight was a guilty pleasure of mine, watched and read behind closed doors. So I was very pleased to find the Blackthorn series written by author Lindsay Pryor. Her latest book, Blood Deep features sexy couple Eden and Jessie, and will leave you turning the pages (or clicking the kindle) until dawn. An addictive read which takes you to another world, vampire fans won't be disappointed with Lindsay's latest offering.
October 26, 2015
how can you not love the incredibly kind Jesca or the pure male that is Eden. He has such a heart - totally loved this book, and once again, very addictive. :)
February 2, 2017
This is becoming a common theme for me, I am starting new series' and powering through the first few books but by the time I get to book 3/ 4 I end up disliking the series. It's becoming annoying and I'm considering starting shorter series' or leaving more time between each book. This book was no exception to the rule.
The main characters, whoever they are, were not interesting to me at all. I found them to be conflicted in their motivations and annoying with their justifications. I get that this book was the epitome of the under belly / horrible side of blackthorn with criminals and bad people but these characters were just horrible. In previous books there has been Bad Boys with a softer side and Strong Sassy girls with serious problems in life. But these characters were just nasty, mean, terrible people with no silver lining apart from apparently a six pack and a curvy body.
There are secondary characters but they are just as annoying as the main characters so I'm not going to comment on them.
The storyline was similar to previous books in the series 2 characters who should dislike each other who fall for each other only in this book the two main characters were unlikable so it fails instantly. The pacing was OK but to be honest I wasn't really a fan of this book because of the characters so I can't say I paid that much attention to the pacing.
3 stars not the greatest book. I'm going to take a break from this series and may return to it later in the year
The main characters, whoever they are, were not interesting to me at all. I found them to be conflicted in their motivations and annoying with their justifications. I get that this book was the epitome of the under belly / horrible side of blackthorn with criminals and bad people but these characters were just horrible. In previous books there has been Bad Boys with a softer side and Strong Sassy girls with serious problems in life. But these characters were just nasty, mean, terrible people with no silver lining apart from apparently a six pack and a curvy body.
There are secondary characters but they are just as annoying as the main characters so I'm not going to comment on them.
The storyline was similar to previous books in the series 2 characters who should dislike each other who fall for each other only in this book the two main characters were unlikable so it fails instantly. The pacing was OK but to be honest I wasn't really a fan of this book because of the characters so I can't say I paid that much attention to the pacing.
3 stars not the greatest book. I'm going to take a break from this series and may return to it later in the year
March 1, 2016
5 shining stars again! What can I say? I adore this series, each book is a stunning read, unputdownable, gritty, captivating, enthralling, richly illustrated with exciting plots, fascinating characters (Lycans and vampires) and other supernatural creatures (third and fourth species), lots of secrets, wonderful turns and twists, beautiful magical elements, some harsh revelations and explosive sex scenes…
In this book, 4th in the series, Jessie, a slave and supernatural woman with the power to heal, meets Eden, human and undercover cop pretending to be a convicted murderer… OMG, I was stunned, again. What a bumpy, dark and sexy ride!
But please, make yourself a huge favor and read this series in order because each book will introduce you to a pair of heroes and each book is a build up to the next. Lindsay is a genius and I can’t wait for book 5 to be released next year. It’s going to be explosive when the 8 of them work their connections and abilities together…
Book 1 = Blood Shadows – Caitlin Parish (third specie) and Kane Malloy (vampire)
Book 2 = Blood Roses – Leila McCabe (Serryn witch) and Caleb Dehain (vampire)
Book 3 = Blood Torn – Sophia (Serryn witch) and Jack Tao (Lycan)
Happy reading!
In this book, 4th in the series, Jessie, a slave and supernatural woman with the power to heal, meets Eden, human and undercover cop pretending to be a convicted murderer… OMG, I was stunned, again. What a bumpy, dark and sexy ride!
But please, make yourself a huge favor and read this series in order because each book will introduce you to a pair of heroes and each book is a build up to the next. Lindsay is a genius and I can’t wait for book 5 to be released next year. It’s going to be explosive when the 8 of them work their connections and abilities together…
Book 1 = Blood Shadows – Caitlin Parish (third specie) and Kane Malloy (vampire)
Book 2 = Blood Roses – Leila McCabe (Serryn witch) and Caleb Dehain (vampire)
Book 3 = Blood Torn – Sophia (Serryn witch) and Jack Tao (Lycan)
Happy reading!
June 24, 2019
<50% and I just can't....
I have two major triggers in books (rape and sleeping with other women). After that there is probably no way back for me. And this book explores the second one.
I don't care if H had no choice, but to sleep around! There is always a choice. And after that throw some bullshit like "it doesn't matter because they're not you, because I only care about you "?
Give me a brake...
I have two major triggers in books (rape and sleeping with other women). After that there is probably no way back for me. And this book explores the second one.
I don't care if H had no choice, but to sleep around! There is always a choice. And after that throw some bullshit like "it doesn't matter because they're not you, because I only care about you "?
Give me a brake...
November 3, 2014
Loved this book! Could not put it down. Love this series! With each book, Lindsay raises the stakes a little. Eden and Jessie are another amazing couple. Blackthorn gets better and better and I just cannot wait to see what's coming next. If you haven't read this series yet, please do. Highly addictive and very highly recommended.
October 27, 2017
This series has been an obsessive read, keeping me up at night reading! I love the characters; the complicated women and the strong hot men. There are enough twists to keep you guessing but not to difficult to keep up. Now the books and characters are merging toward the final explosive conclusion and I cant wait!
April 11, 2019
Another beauty this series is amazing
October 26, 2014
Blood Deep
Lindsay J. Pryor
Note: REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!
The Author Visits received a copy of Blood Deep in exchange for an honest review.
Finally, the fourth installment in The Blackthorn series, Blood Deep by Lindsay J. Pryor has arrived and was well worth waiting for.
I finished Eden and Jessie's story within twenty-four hours of receiving my copy and I was not disappointed. Blood Deep centers around Eden, an undercover Curfew Enforcement agent and Jessie, a woman with a secret, held against her will by Pummel, a wicked con (convict) in the deplorable Blackthorn district.
Eden's special assignment is just one angle of a sinister plot set in motion in the war against the third species (vampires and lycans) and has everything to do with a prophecy that is unraveling at warp speed, one that threatens the powerful race of humankind.
Enter Jessie. Her secret is one that if uncovered, can be used in the annihilation of the non-humans and Eden has been sent in to infiltrate Pummel's inner circle and bring Jessie in to the very people who want to take out the third species.
Eden and Jessie share an instant attraction but Jessie is weary of this new "con" realizing quickly, there is something different about the handsome human.
Once the pace picked up and I got past the relationship building between Eden and Jessie, the intricately designed plot twists fueled the pages of Blood Deep and as the story unraveled, I was reading at warp speed, unable to put the book down until the end.
Jask Tao makes an appearance in the later part of Blood Deep, playing a critical role in the storyline while also helping to set the stage for the next Blackthorn installment. I love how Pryor cohesively weaves in major characters from the past three books in the series and plants the seeds for the next stage in the impending war between the humans and the third species.
Blood Deep introduces another third species, the angels. With a power so rare, their existence has been kept a secret that if unearthed, can turn advantageous to whichever side manages to contain their powers. Jessie is an angel under Pummel's unfortunate control and unbeknownst to her, she is also a pawn in a two-way plot that both Eden and Pummel are a part of.
We are also introduced to the fourth species, a wickedly foul race who begin "leaking" into the world of Blackthorn.
Pryor has packed a lot of story into Blood Deep. The writing is consistent as it has been across all her novels, but the tone of the book has shifted to one with more of an urban flare.
Although the book has its fair share of romance, there was more time spent on story telling which I appreciated and I suspect that had everything to do with Jessie's storyline.
It did take me a little longer to find my reading rhythm with Blood Deep. The first several chapters where Eden is making his case for becoming a Pummel insider while trying to get a handle on Jessie were a bit elongated. There were also some superfluous scenes with ancillary characters I could have lived without.
Still, Blood Deep does not disappoint and I am looking forward to book five in The Blackthorn Series. The plotting becomes more substantial with each iteration and I can't wait to see how the story lines converge and conclude in the future.
My rating? A must read. If you haven't picked up The Blackthorn Series, what are you waiting for?
Enjoy my review at The Author Visits
Lindsay J. Pryor
Note: REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!
The Author Visits received a copy of Blood Deep in exchange for an honest review.
Finally, the fourth installment in The Blackthorn series, Blood Deep by Lindsay J. Pryor has arrived and was well worth waiting for.
I finished Eden and Jessie's story within twenty-four hours of receiving my copy and I was not disappointed. Blood Deep centers around Eden, an undercover Curfew Enforcement agent and Jessie, a woman with a secret, held against her will by Pummel, a wicked con (convict) in the deplorable Blackthorn district.
Eden's special assignment is just one angle of a sinister plot set in motion in the war against the third species (vampires and lycans) and has everything to do with a prophecy that is unraveling at warp speed, one that threatens the powerful race of humankind.
Enter Jessie. Her secret is one that if uncovered, can be used in the annihilation of the non-humans and Eden has been sent in to infiltrate Pummel's inner circle and bring Jessie in to the very people who want to take out the third species.
Eden and Jessie share an instant attraction but Jessie is weary of this new "con" realizing quickly, there is something different about the handsome human.
Once the pace picked up and I got past the relationship building between Eden and Jessie, the intricately designed plot twists fueled the pages of Blood Deep and as the story unraveled, I was reading at warp speed, unable to put the book down until the end.
Jask Tao makes an appearance in the later part of Blood Deep, playing a critical role in the storyline while also helping to set the stage for the next Blackthorn installment. I love how Pryor cohesively weaves in major characters from the past three books in the series and plants the seeds for the next stage in the impending war between the humans and the third species.
Blood Deep introduces another third species, the angels. With a power so rare, their existence has been kept a secret that if unearthed, can turn advantageous to whichever side manages to contain their powers. Jessie is an angel under Pummel's unfortunate control and unbeknownst to her, she is also a pawn in a two-way plot that both Eden and Pummel are a part of.
We are also introduced to the fourth species, a wickedly foul race who begin "leaking" into the world of Blackthorn.
Pryor has packed a lot of story into Blood Deep. The writing is consistent as it has been across all her novels, but the tone of the book has shifted to one with more of an urban flare.
Although the book has its fair share of romance, there was more time spent on story telling which I appreciated and I suspect that had everything to do with Jessie's storyline.
It did take me a little longer to find my reading rhythm with Blood Deep. The first several chapters where Eden is making his case for becoming a Pummel insider while trying to get a handle on Jessie were a bit elongated. There were also some superfluous scenes with ancillary characters I could have lived without.
Still, Blood Deep does not disappoint and I am looking forward to book five in The Blackthorn Series. The plotting becomes more substantial with each iteration and I can't wait to see how the story lines converge and conclude in the future.
My rating? A must read. If you haven't picked up The Blackthorn Series, what are you waiting for?
Enjoy my review at The Author Visits
March 24, 2016
Omggggggg... Why oh why? When is the next book coming out????!!!!???
Releasing tomorrow officially... The wait will be long. For book 5 that is xP...Review soon.
___________________________________
Full blog post:
If you follow me on the blog or on twitter you must be aware of how enthralled I was by this series that I read back in June.
So, it was a really good surprise when the publisher approached me to read and review the fourth book, Blood Deep, which released today. I started reading it the minute I got it but then had to get up to tend to other blog needs and life. But then I sat down to read it and kept on reading through the night when I had to sadly stop reading it. Because sleep. I finally finished it and died. I don't know what to expect from the fifth book. The anxious waiting has already begun.
Blood Deep was... How can I say it? It was brilliant like its predecessors that is for sure. The one thing I kept saying while reading it to my sister was This is sooo goood.
This installment featured Jessie and Eden. Eden was our first narrator to this other side of Blackthorn world. I don't know how Lindsay keeps doing this. Keeps writing these wonderful characters. Because I thought Caleb and Jask were it for me in the series representing respective species. But Eden was amazing. And I dunno now. Lol. His self-confidence was definitely something to admire. Gah. And Jessie-- I just love Lindsay's fierce, kick-ass heroines. She was amazing as well. What else can I say? I can only urge you to read this series if you still haven't to not miss these amazing characters.
Our female protagonist's entrance into the picture was quite badass. Tehe. I was on the edge of my seat when everything kept unraveling, and revelation after revelation, especially in the last few chapters which was just nerve-wracking. I can only think about what can happen or will happen in the next book because seriously, you can't imagine how things just got more crazier in this installment. Read. It.
I wasn't expecting Jessie to be what she turned out to be. I don't usually like book's with those species but in this novel it was freaking genius. And the intro of the fourth species. That was creepy and wow. Loved them. You know in that cool-dangerous-creatures-idea way. Lol.
Okay, what else? I don't want to spill the story so I am just rambling. Sorry. Oh, the prophecy- we got to know more about it and things are certainly going to be dangerous and it was soo good to see Tuly. And Jask, too. Loved that part. (Loved every part of this book, though (;) I am worried for her, though after that ending. Gah.
Also in Lindsay's letter at the end, she said Eden and Jessie are the final integral couple to this amazing world and I am soooo worried and excited and curious to know how things will be when we return to it next year, most probably.
Oh, I really disliked Pummel and the rest of his gang.
And yes, before I forget, there is a character who shares my name in this installment and she is close to Eden and Jessie, too. Teheh.
Teaser:
So, if you want to miss out on awesome characters, amazing story-lines, fantastic world-building, clever writing then don't read this series. xP
Special thanks to the publisher and Lindsay for this review copy.
Releasing tomorrow officially... The wait will be long. For book 5 that is xP...
___________________________________
Full blog post:
If you follow me on the blog or on twitter you must be aware of how enthralled I was by this series that I read back in June.
So, it was a really good surprise when the publisher approached me to read and review the fourth book, Blood Deep, which released today. I started reading it the minute I got it but then had to get up to tend to other blog needs and life. But then I sat down to read it and kept on reading through the night when I had to sadly stop reading it. Because sleep. I finally finished it and died. I don't know what to expect from the fifth book. The anxious waiting has already begun.
Blood Deep was... How can I say it? It was brilliant like its predecessors that is for sure. The one thing I kept saying while reading it to my sister was This is sooo goood.
This installment featured Jessie and Eden. Eden was our first narrator to this other side of Blackthorn world. I don't know how Lindsay keeps doing this. Keeps writing these wonderful characters. Because I thought Caleb and Jask were it for me in the series representing respective species. But Eden was amazing. And I dunno now. Lol. His self-confidence was definitely something to admire. Gah. And Jessie-- I just love Lindsay's fierce, kick-ass heroines. She was amazing as well. What else can I say? I can only urge you to read this series if you still haven't to not miss these amazing characters.
Our female protagonist's entrance into the picture was quite badass. Tehe. I was on the edge of my seat when everything kept unraveling, and revelation after revelation, especially in the last few chapters which was just nerve-wracking. I can only think about what can happen or will happen in the next book because seriously, you can't imagine how things just got more crazier in this installment. Read. It.
I wasn't expecting Jessie to be what she turned out to be. I don't usually like book's with those species but in this novel it was freaking genius. And the intro of the fourth species. That was creepy and wow. Loved them. You know in that cool-dangerous-creatures-idea way. Lol.
Okay, what else? I don't want to spill the story so I am just rambling. Sorry. Oh, the prophecy- we got to know more about it and things are certainly going to be dangerous and it was soo good to see Tuly. And Jask, too. Loved that part. (Loved every part of this book, though (;) I am worried for her, though after that ending. Gah.
Also in Lindsay's letter at the end, she said Eden and Jessie are the final integral couple to this amazing world and I am soooo worried and excited and curious to know how things will be when we return to it next year, most probably.
Oh, I really disliked Pummel and the rest of his gang.
And yes, before I forget, there is a character who shares my name in this installment and she is close to Eden and Jessie, too. Teheh.
Teaser:
So, if you want to miss out on awesome characters, amazing story-lines, fantastic world-building, clever writing then don't read this series. xP
Special thanks to the publisher and Lindsay for this review copy.
November 21, 2014
The storyline from the previous three books continues here with Jess and Eden’s story. It starts with Eden watching the eight crates (Lycan youth) being unloaded.
Eden is a human working for the TSCD. In order to obtain the needed medicine for his beloved niece whose medical support has been cut off, he agrees to go on an undercover mission into the heart of the Circus. I like Eden but sometimes he seems a little too self-sacrificing and/or confident in his undercover expertize. He’s very good at turning situations around to what he wants. Which is impressive, but you’d think that other cons, after having to survive the Circus, would have developed equal skills.
Jess is a, well, you’ll have to see. But, while I like her, I was a little disappointed. I know she had no choice but to be controlled by Pummel, but you’d think she’d show a little more backbone. I guess after the decades of being ground down she just lost hope. But for having to keep her secret for so long, she gave in to Eden awfully fast. She seemed to make a lot of mistakes, like her subconscious was fighting her.
As for the other characters. Pummel was getting lazy. He depended on his subordinates too much. If it wasn’t for Jess’ secret, they could easily have taken over. I can’t figure out how Tatum got into such a powerful position. She didn’t seem any different than the other ‘ladies’. If she’d been related somehow…? All the rest seemed to be very interchangeable in the roles.
I do love how this ends as it flows almost seamlessly into the next book. But this prophecy thing is getting confusing.
Quick Thoughts: 1)That mint flipping thing became an annoyance. And didn’t really add anything, cept to fill out the character, maybe. Could be a replacement for how some characters flip a coin in which case this is better as it allows the hands to be free.
2)Mya surprised me. I thought she’d died. I wasn’t paying attention to details enough.
3)I had assumed that, being as this was the 4th couple in the last area of Blackthorn that things would wrap up and this might be the last book. I’m pleasantly surprised.
4)So there’s four species. First: humans. Second: humans with special abilities (shadow readers). Third; vampires, Lycans, etc. Then Fourth: the parasitic creatures (Night Children).
5)Not sure how opening her wings creates scars.
Fave scenes: lock-picking lessons, the car chase, Jess getting her wings and the Night Children.
Eden is a human working for the TSCD. In order to obtain the needed medicine for his beloved niece whose medical support has been cut off, he agrees to go on an undercover mission into the heart of the Circus. I like Eden but sometimes he seems a little too self-sacrificing and/or confident in his undercover expertize. He’s very good at turning situations around to what he wants. Which is impressive, but you’d think that other cons, after having to survive the Circus, would have developed equal skills.
Jess is a, well, you’ll have to see. But, while I like her, I was a little disappointed. I know she had no choice but to be controlled by Pummel, but you’d think she’d show a little more backbone. I guess after the decades of being ground down she just lost hope. But for having to keep her secret for so long, she gave in to Eden awfully fast. She seemed to make a lot of mistakes, like her subconscious was fighting her.
As for the other characters. Pummel was getting lazy. He depended on his subordinates too much. If it wasn’t for Jess’ secret, they could easily have taken over. I can’t figure out how Tatum got into such a powerful position. She didn’t seem any different than the other ‘ladies’. If she’d been related somehow…? All the rest seemed to be very interchangeable in the roles.
I do love how this ends as it flows almost seamlessly into the next book. But this prophecy thing is getting confusing.
Quick Thoughts: 1)That mint flipping thing became an annoyance. And didn’t really add anything, cept to fill out the character, maybe. Could be a replacement for how some characters flip a coin in which case this is better as it allows the hands to be free.
2)Mya surprised me. I thought she’d died. I wasn’t paying attention to details enough.
3)I had assumed that, being as this was the 4th couple in the last area of Blackthorn that things would wrap up and this might be the last book. I’m pleasantly surprised.
4)So there’s four species. First: humans. Second: humans with special abilities (shadow readers). Third; vampires, Lycans, etc. Then Fourth: the parasitic creatures (Night Children).
5)Not sure how opening her wings creates scars.
Fave scenes: lock-picking lessons, the car chase, Jess getting her wings and the Night Children.
November 17, 2021
Sadly this is the first book in the series that I have given less than 3 stars to.
Jessie, Jessie, Jessie! Our heroine has been held captive for centuries by the despicable crime lord Pummel, who uses her for her powers at will. He keeps her on a tight leash, isolated and under constant threat.
Despite living in that horror for so long, Jessie has not been broken. She cares for others, despite her understandably jaded view of humans. She fights and plots and manipulates when she needs to. She is an amazing woman, a survivor in every sense of the word.
So it's no wonder that our hero Eden becomes so drawn to her. Unfortunately his character did not do it for me. I found a lot of his dialogue to be pretty cheesy, if i'm being honest, and his whole shtick quite irritating. This seriously shocked me because i've genuinely enjoyed the previous heroes so so much. Maybe Jask just set a bar too high for others to reach but Eden was a real let down. And given my feelings for him, it's no wonder i thought the chemistry was lacking.
On the upside, it looks like the next book will be back to Caitlin and Kane. I continue to love this world and cannot wait to continue to experience it.
Jessie, Jessie, Jessie! Our heroine has been held captive for centuries by the despicable crime lord Pummel, who uses her for her powers at will. He keeps her on a tight leash, isolated and under constant threat.
Despite living in that horror for so long, Jessie has not been broken. She cares for others, despite her understandably jaded view of humans. She fights and plots and manipulates when she needs to. She is an amazing woman, a survivor in every sense of the word.
So it's no wonder that our hero Eden becomes so drawn to her. Unfortunately his character did not do it for me. I found a lot of his dialogue to be pretty cheesy, if i'm being honest, and his whole shtick quite irritating. This seriously shocked me because i've genuinely enjoyed the previous heroes so so much. Maybe Jask just set a bar too high for others to reach but Eden was a real let down. And given my feelings for him, it's no wonder i thought the chemistry was lacking.
On the upside, it looks like the next book will be back to Caitlin and Kane. I continue to love this world and cannot wait to continue to experience it.
January 12, 2015
I picked this series up at book #3 and was surprised by the emotional intensity and sexual tension, along with some fabulous world building set in a dark world. I was expecting the same type of read with book four Blood Deep. I was disappointed to find the first ¾ of the book was only about the romance between Jessie and Eden. I like a good PNR with a sexy alpha, but it went a little overboard with the back and forth internal lamenting about how they shouldn’t get involved. The last ¼ of the book was exactly what I was looking for, with all the world building and series story arc progress. I was glued to this part.
This book would have been a 4 star read for me if the series story arc had been evenly distributed throughout the whole book instead of crammed into the end. The romance would have been more tolerable for me if it was diluted out a bit. I liked Jessie’s character and the fact her species of “other” was unknown to the reader and hero until near the end. Her presence adds a whole new twist to the world Pryor has created...read the rest: http://www.loveromancepassion.com/rev...
This book would have been a 4 star read for me if the series story arc had been evenly distributed throughout the whole book instead of crammed into the end. The romance would have been more tolerable for me if it was diluted out a bit. I liked Jessie’s character and the fact her species of “other” was unknown to the reader and hero until near the end. Her presence adds a whole new twist to the world Pryor has created...read the rest: http://www.loveromancepassion.com/rev...
April 8, 2015
This series just keeps getting better! I'm sad that I have now caught up and must wait for the release of book 5; the cliffhangers at the end were much less annoying/stressful when I could just immediately start the next book in the series.
I've had some issues with the series; namely a few of the weak female leads and the lack of traditional romance. But I have no complaints for this addition to the series, and so far Lindsay has proven to be able to write a series that keeps getting better with each new addition.
I liked the strong female lead in this book. In many ways she was more powerful than her male counterpart, but they still worked together in harmony. He respected her strength and she was humble in hers and still allowed him to be the traditional "alpha hero".
The overall plot connecting each book is engaging and keeps me eager for the next installment. You can tell that this is a series that has been planned out, no making it up as you go. With that being said, I would like a bit more interaction between all of the characters across the series, rather than just brief (and I mean brief, 1-2 conversations) interactions.
Eagerly awaiting "Summer 2015"!
I've had some issues with the series; namely a few of the weak female leads and the lack of traditional romance. But I have no complaints for this addition to the series, and so far Lindsay has proven to be able to write a series that keeps getting better with each new addition.
I liked the strong female lead in this book. In many ways she was more powerful than her male counterpart, but they still worked together in harmony. He respected her strength and she was humble in hers and still allowed him to be the traditional "alpha hero".
The overall plot connecting each book is engaging and keeps me eager for the next installment. You can tell that this is a series that has been planned out, no making it up as you go. With that being said, I would like a bit more interaction between all of the characters across the series, rather than just brief (and I mean brief, 1-2 conversations) interactions.
Eagerly awaiting "Summer 2015"!
January 17, 2015
I don't know where to begin, I love love love this series! The way all of the stories and characters are tied together is AWSOME!!!! It may be separate books, but it's just one big fantastical, romantic, thrilling, sexy, paranormal movie playing in my head, and I loved every minute of it. Cannot wait for the next installment! I started reading this series late and now that I have finished it I really wish that I had spaced them out. But I know that I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this because I'm ADDICTED! This series reminds me of Lays potato chips, " You can't eat just one", you have to keep going until their all gone, and then you're like "I can't believe I ate the hole bag" or in my case "I can't believe I read the whole series" in less than one week! Now I'm waiting for the next one, totally excited about what could possibly happen in the next 4 books. Lindsay J Pryor! Girl you rock!! You have the best imagination everrrrrrr! Keep um coming!
November 23, 2015
The fourth book in this fabulous Blackthorn series centres around Eden and Jessie and the dark world of the human cons. Pummel, the con leader in the row keeps a secret in his basement and a hold over the beautiful Jessie that Eden is determined to break. He has his own reasons for his interest in Jessie and the tattoos on his arms suggest a dark and dangerous past.
I loved this book, the chemistry between the two is beautiful and we see a very dark side to the humans in Blackthorn. The descriptions, the characters and the atmosphere just drew me in, I didn't want to put it down. The overall story moves on and there are twists at the end that left me really wanting the next instalment, Blood Dark.
Great read, fab series, can't wait for book five!!
I loved this book, the chemistry between the two is beautiful and we see a very dark side to the humans in Blackthorn. The descriptions, the characters and the atmosphere just drew me in, I didn't want to put it down. The overall story moves on and there are twists at the end that left me really wanting the next instalment, Blood Dark.
Great read, fab series, can't wait for book five!!
December 31, 2015
What can I say about this author and her Blackthorn series that I haven't already said in previous reviews? Not a lot if I am totally honest.
I love this series so so much, each book just draws me in deeper to the world of Blackthorn and the lives of the characters.
With book 4 we see the last couple being introduced, and we again see where the interactions between previous couples come into the overall bigger picture!
I cannot wait for the next chapter in what I consider to be one of, if not the top of, my favourite series ever.
I love this series so so much, each book just draws me in deeper to the world of Blackthorn and the lives of the characters.
With book 4 we see the last couple being introduced, and we again see where the interactions between previous couples come into the overall bigger picture!
I cannot wait for the next chapter in what I consider to be one of, if not the top of, my favourite series ever.
February 22, 2015
And the Prophesy Gets Clearer
The mystery and suspense in this series is just as compelling as the romance. At first I couldn't figure how this story fit in since it introduced new characters; and then I burned my dinner because I couldn't put it down.
To the Blackthorn world is added an angel heroine with a human hero. They join the world of the vampires and lycans as the prophesy comes closer to reality. I also like how the author weaves in lessons of tolerance and acceptance of others. I eagerly await book 5; this story is so interesting.
The mystery and suspense in this series is just as compelling as the romance. At first I couldn't figure how this story fit in since it introduced new characters; and then I burned my dinner because I couldn't put it down.
To the Blackthorn world is added an angel heroine with a human hero. They join the world of the vampires and lycans as the prophesy comes closer to reality. I also like how the author weaves in lessons of tolerance and acceptance of others. I eagerly await book 5; this story is so interesting.
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