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Stephen Silva is a three thousand year old vampire. He is too set in his ways and has existed too many years to find a mate now. But the woman did save his life. He couldn’t just let her die, could he?
Clarice Kelley, Clar to her friends, is hiding out from her stepfather and has been for several years. She’s a loner and prefers it that way, because she always winds up getting hurt whenever anyone gets too close to her. She only killed the vampire because he would have killed her friend. Now the vampire she saved won’t leave her alone. He doesn’t want her and makes no bones about it, but he won’t just let her go either.
“I want you.” She didn’t say anything, but didn’t pull away from him either. “Let me take you the way I want, and I’ll give you so much pleasure you’ll never want anything else.”
“And then what? You’ll toss me to the street again? Or will you turn me over to my stepfather? You’re a great deal like him. Did you know that? Ordering people around as if you’re the king of the world.”
A new mate is a handful enough, but when an old lover, one he’d condemned to the ground for eternity resurfaces, is anyone safe? Velvet December has sworn revenge on Stephen, but what will she do when she discovers he has a new mate?
Stephen and Clar are formidable as a couple, but will it be enough to stop Velvet? How many more have to die? Find out in the next installment of Samuel’s Pride―Stephen

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2014

12 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

Kathi S. Barton

445 books673 followers
Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids, three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. aaronskiss@gmail.com.
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,676 reviews83 followers
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September 22, 2022
'Stephen' is the fourth book in Kathi S. Barton's "Samuel's Pride" series. It seems to me that every one of the members of this pride has been holding secrets. Stephen is a three-thousand-year-old vampire. He has loved and lost within his life without ever finding a mate and after what he's experienced, he has no inclination of taking one now after all this time. He's perfectly happy with the way life is right now. Except, he's really not. Clairice, aka Clar, was in the car when her mom was carjacked and killed when she was a child. Not only that but she saw who was there and ultimately tried to kill her. Now she has magical powers she can't explain and is, quite frankly, she's tired of men using her for their own benefit and her being abused. Her step-father's actions resulted in the straw that broke the camel's back causing her to run and she hasn't stopped since. He's arrogant and demanding while she's prickly and cold, at least that's what they project to those around them but when these two come together from the chemistry it's explosive. It's a shame they don't like each other. Now the stepfather is after Clar and Velvet December, and a vampiress with a score to settle is after Stephen. There's plenty of action, drama, and angst surrounded by loyalty, chemistry, and love in this storyline. It's a great addition to the series.
1,404 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2015
Stephen Silva is a three thousand year old vampire. He is too set in his ways and has existed too many years to find a mate now. But the woman did save his life. He couldn’t just let her die, could he?
Clarice Kelley, Clar to her friends, is hiding out from her stepfather and has been for several years. She’s a loner and prefers it that way, because she always winds up getting hurt whenever anyone gets too close to her. She only killed the vampire because he would have killed her friend. Now the vampire she saved won’t leave her alone. He doesn’t want her and makes no bones about it, but he won’t just let her go either.
“I want you.” She didn’t say anything, but didn’t pull away from him either. “Let me take you the way I want, and I’ll give you so much pleasure you’ll never want anything else.”
“And then what? You’ll toss me to the street again? Or will you turn me over to my stepfather? You’re a great deal like him. Did you know that? Ordering people around as if you’re the king of the world.”
A new mate is a handful enough, but when an old lover, one he’d condemned to the ground for eternity resurfaces, is anyone safe? Velvet December has sworn revenge on Stephen, but what will she do when she discovers he has a new mate?
Stephen and Clar are formidable as a couple, but will it be enough to stop Velvet? How many more have to die? Find out in the next installment of Samuel’s Pride―Stephen
Profile Image for Niki Driscoll.
889 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2016
While not my favorite in the series I was glad to see Stephen find his mate. He as so sure he as going to escape that it was kind of priceless when his mate saves his butt or when he went flying across the cave. For as old as he is ,he needs a strong mate and Char was up for the challenge. There were several parts of this story that I was disappointed in Stephens actions, they were not the actions of a lover, mate or even a friend. I understood what brought out the beast but thought a true mate was unable to be hurt by the one that was supposed to protect them. Char was almost as mysterious as Stephen , there are a lot of things that have been hinted at but left out that leaves me with questions. One of my biggest ones is how she learned to use the sword that she carries and where it came from. There were some interesting twists and turns sure to keep you on your toes. Both characters are stubborn and refuse to admit that they have more then a sexual bond causing interesting reactions from their friends. The Fairies are present again and provide some interesting insight and are great supporting characters. I am enjoying this series and look forward to seeing how the last two hold outs end up with mates. It is sure to be an interesting reading experience.
I was given an ARC for an honest review
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,207 reviews24 followers
June 12, 2018
In book 4 of Samuel's Pride we have another male who doesn't want a mate, for one reason or another.

Stephen is a very vampire. He's thousands of years old and is convinced he's too set in his ways to have a mate now. When Clarice Kelley is injured while trying to save him, one taste of her blood and his world is no longer the just him anymore. Now he's gotta keep her safe and protected from the harm and ex lover who is determined to extract revenge on Stephen.

Clarice Kelley is just trying to keep one step ahead of her step-father, who would exploit and use her gift for his own benefit. When it comes to men she's only use to them using her and abusing her. When Stephen first comes around he seems to be no different from any other man.

Will Stephen realize that Clarice could be the best thing that's ever been given to him? Or will he ruin his chances of making her truly his because of his stubborn ways?

While I did like this book, I didn't like Stephen's character for the first half of the book. He basically "rapes" his mate, I can't even call it a poorly done seduction and the way he treats her would make it seems like he thought dog poop was in better standings with him than she was.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**
Profile Image for Elaine Kirby.
972 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2016
Stephan Had His Name Changed

In all the last 4 books in this series his name was spelled Stephan, but in this book it's spelled Stephen all the way through & even though this book was excellent it was also kind of confusing with the name change. To me he will always be Stephan & Stephan & Clar's story is one of 2 strong people meeting their match; as Clar is just as strong as Stephan in many ways especially when she knocked him out cold in the cave where she was living when he made her mad. The evil person is a vampire named Velvet December & she is cruel, crazy & loves rough sex. She is gunning for Stephan because he was the one that turned her in for punishment & now wants to do the same thing to him. Clar does some miraculous things with her powers that helps Samuel's mother Summer & in the end of this book Summer takes a position in the Council that's very surprising. This is a HEA standalone with lions, vampires, a hawk, a dragon & a very mentally strong woman. I loved everything in this book other than the name change.
Profile Image for LaVida Brisco - One Last Page Book Blog.
763 reviews10 followers
October 14, 2014
Vampire Love

This was the book that I was waiting for Stephen who we know from the previous books. I knew when Stephen fell that he was going to fall hard for a woman just as stubborn as he was. Stephen was a old and powerful vampire who didn't want a mate because he was too set in his ways and Char was a women who was homeless and on the run from her stepfather because he wanted to use her. When they first meet she saves him from being attacked also injuring herself and flees. With one taste of her blood he knows she his mate and he doesn't want her but can't seem to let her go. Through a lot of arguing, misunderstanding, dynamite sex and a ex-lover and stepfather hell bent on ruining what this commanding couple can do a you have story that grips you and doesn't let go. I totally can't wait for the next being in Samuel's Pride to find out that life's better with your mate by your side.
Profile Image for LaVida Brisco - One Last Page Book Blog.
763 reviews10 followers
October 13, 2014
Vampire Love

This was the book that I was waiting for Stephen who we know from the previous books. I knew when Stephen fell that he was going to fall hard for a woman just as stubborn as he was. Stephen was a old and powerful vampire who didn't want a mate because he was too set in his ways and Char was a women who was homeless and on the run from her stepfather because he wanted to use her. When they first meet she saves him from being attacked also injuring herself and flees. With one taste of her blood he knows she his mate and he doesn't want her but can't seem to let her go. Through a lot of arguing, misunderstanding, dynamite sex and a ex-lover and stepfather hell bent on ruining what this commanding couple can do a you have story that grips you and doesn't let go. I totally can't wait for the next being in Samuel's Pride to find out that life's better with your mate by your side.
60 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2014
Stephen

Stephen is the next in the “Pride” series. He is a very old vampire, who believes that he dosen’t want or need a mate. (If you know anything at all about Ms Barton’s books, you know that is about to change)
Claire is one of the most intriguing characters to date. She is funny, strong, lonely, and vulnerable. She has not known any real love or kindness since the death of her mother, and she is absolutely perfect for Stephen.
The is a danger stalking each of them. A crazy vampires who believes that Stephen is hers, and a nasty step-father who believes that Claire owes him (for some weird reason).
Come along as see how these two wonderful people deal with the dangers, as well as each other.
I promise that you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Vettech.
529 reviews14 followers
September 26, 2015
In book four of Samuel's Pride we follow Stephen Silva, a VERY old, yet VERY hot and sexy vampire. He believes himself to be way too old for a mate. That being said, a chance encounter with the beautiful Clarice Kelley has him perhaps changing his mind.....despite the fact she saved his life.

Clar has been on the run from her evil nasty good-for-nothing stepfather for years now. He wants her to exploit her gifts for his own benefit. So, when her life is constantly in danger....Stephen is there, even though he fights his attraction and the fact she is his mate....he doesn't want her (or so he keeps saying), but he won't let her out of his sight either....decisions decisions!

Stephen also has his own evil vampire bitch out to get him....get this totally great addition to an amazing series!
Profile Image for Cindy Barton.
150 reviews
October 14, 2014
This newest release by Author Kathi S. Barton will not disappoint her fans. Stephen is a very old vampire who does not want a mate. Joke is on him when she saves his life collaterally. Clar, the one who saves him, only does so because she is saving her friend. She also does not want a mate, especially him. With good reason, he is an ass! As is typical with these alpha males, Stephen takes what he wants and in the process, finds he needs her. Through old vampires out for revenge and a stepfather that thinks he is owed something, they find their way to each other. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Belinda.
253 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2016
Meet Stephen who is a three thousand year old vampire who is after all this time very set in the way that he lives. Meet Clarice who is hiding from her stepfather - she is a loner and likes it that way. Clarice killed a vampire who was gonna kill her friend and in the process saved Stephen. Stephen realizes that Clarice is his mate - he doesn't want one and when his old lover shows up for revenge things get pretty hectic.

A definite must read and would recommend to all - congrats to Kathi S. Barton on another great read.
Profile Image for Denise.
651 reviews19 followers
October 16, 2014
This is the fourth book in series
Stephan didn't want a mate he thought he was too old and set in ways to even accept it ..
Did I mention Stephan is a vampire with an ex trying to kll him !!!
Clar has problems of her own with her step father Clar saved Stephan life ..
And Stephan knew she was his mate .. Stephan really didn't know how to treat her he was not a very nice
mate at the beginning but he does grow on you thur out the story .. Can't wait for the next one in series
Profile Image for Kim Baides.
15 reviews
September 29, 2014
This book really suprised me. It was raw and really road that fine line of love it or hate it. I loved it it is not your tipickle Fated mates meet fall in love get the bad guy and it is done. It is fantastic and I HIGHLY recommend reading it as soon as passable!(Sorry about any miss spelling)
Profile Image for Peggy.
158 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2014
The plot is awesome. The character are wonderful. Stephen and Clark don't like each other but they are mates. There is vampire and a person that wants them dead. Will they survive? Will they love? Read the amazing book to find out. There are so many thing that I love about is book.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,870 reviews112 followers
October 15, 2014
OMG, this is such a great book. KAthi S. Barton has done it again. Once I started reading there was no stopping until it was finished. It moved along at a great pace, has fantastic characters and a story you will not be able to walk away from until you are done. Wow, this is a must read.
Profile Image for Emmie.
1,277 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2015
I am a big fan of Kathi Barton. This book was true Kathi Barton. The men are sometimes just too full of themselves, but they are always brought down to size by their women!
Profile Image for Leslie.
513 reviews8 followers
December 10, 2022
Great

Another great book by Ms. Barton! I have liked Stephen's character since he was first mentioned, and Clar's character was the perfect mate for him.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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