Time Without End

Cora's Bond #2

by V.M. Black

Bound to the Vampire

Cora Shaw was bonded twice to the billionaire vampire Dorian Thorne, once though blood and again through her promise to marry him. She knew that her life with him could never be easy. But the dangers that lurk in their bond—the incredible power it gives him over her and the recklessness that it stirs in her—are only a start of the peril that they face.

With their enemies drawing ever closer, will Cora ever be safe again?

Genres: Romance, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Novella

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2014

About the author

I write steamy paranormal romance, particularly vampire and shifter/werewolf right now. Check out my two free series starters, Life Blood and Taken. :)

I most often compare my work to Twilight meets 50 Shades (my vampires in Cora's Choice are more dark and angsty, and the S/M elements grow more and more pronounced as the series progresses), but the names that readers most often mention are Anne Rice and Sherrilyn Kenyon.

In Cora's Choice, Cora's Bond, and the following series, I wanted to show a heroine's journey from ordinary girl to someone super tough. This is a journey of months--years, even. So many stories start with an Anita Blake-type, able to kick ass and take names from the first we meet her. I thought it would be awesome and really interesting to show someone becoming that person through tiny changes that build on each other.

My world puts a different twist on everything from vampires (they're alive) to elves (aliens) and demons (interdimensional djinn). The Alpha's Captive series features a kickass heroine out of the gate, while Cora's Choice series--followed my Cora's Bond and others--has my "big" character story line.

Yes, there's an HEA. :) But the story keeps going on!

Reviews

[Lanie (Lanies Book Thoughts) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the previous Cora's Bond books or the entwining series, but I could still follow the plotline pretty easily. These are novellas, so it's gonna leave you wanting more.

Some background:Cora was sick with cancer and slowly fading away, that is before vampire Dorian comes into her life. Dorian slowly injects her with his blood over a couple months span which creates a bond between Cora and Dorian. They fall in love and are set to marry.

In this part of the story, Cora is just starting to understand the changes in her new life. She's slowly warming up to the idea that she's not gonna have a normal life. She now has enemies and a very powerful fiance to protect her.

Overall, it's an interesting story. I'd recommend reading the other books first so you have a more complete story as you read.

I was given an eArc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was provided to me by the author for a honest review


This book was my least favorite so far. Just seemed to drag on as Cora starts her classes and learns about what takes place with future cognates. Usually these are fast paced and I dont want to put it down but this one I was kind of bored at times. Until that is the end of it when I found myself very much surprised and upset..
Pretty much hell breaking loose and Cora and Dorian are in danger. I am still loving this series and just love this unique world and the steam between Cora and Dorian still there. This had some interesting kink added with a riding crop. Hmmm...all Im gonna say lol.

[Reba Rhynland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is number 2 in the second series of novellas featuring Cora Shaw, the cognate (human consort) of agnate (vampire) Dorian Thorne. Wow! What a read! This 20 something, victim of leukemia (oh, BTW, I had not read any of the other books in the series, I was given this one in exchange for an honest review, so I went back and grabbed the FIRST book in the FIRST series to get some background) was given the option of dying with dignity in Hospice, or going to see one Dorian Thorne. With nothing to lose, she chose door #2. Fast forward a few months, her treatment for cancer, was supposed to have been an injection of long chain molecules, a hemotoxin, which would create a metabolic changes, reverting the cancer cells to a healthy state. It instead was Dorian's vampiric bite, a cure, but also an irreversible bond. We are now nearly to the eve of their wedding, this, Cora's second Bond to Dorian. They have fallen in love, Cora is nearly finished with college, has started working at Dorian's Lab, where they are perfecting the injection for humanitarian purposes and she is beginning to take on responsibilities of the chatelaine of the manor, helping Dorian host various soirées.
Then suddenly, during an outing, something goes horribly wrong!
Cora, who did not want to die, has gotten much more life than she bargained for! Murder! Mayhem! Intrigue! Espionage!
I cannot wait to read the next installment - AND catch up on what I missed between the first book in the first series and this one!
VM Black is an author to follow.

[JoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continues the story between Dorian (a vampire or agnate as they call themselves) and Cora, his mate (or cognate). She's becoming more and more accustomed to her new role but still can't deal with the separation of her two worlds. That sounded a little too whiny at the start of this story but then I had to do like Dorian and understand that she's still relatively too young. Dorian on the other hand sounded at times like a dusty old soul with nothing to live for. "Dorian, shake it up buddy. You have the love of your life with you. Enjoy it while you can." Now, not complaining about the scorching, steamy encounters, because they were something else, however they took a little turn to the dark and erotic, and took a lot of time for so short a story. I wish there was more romance, more tender words, and more story about the whole Agnate universe. But I'll bear in mind this is a serial and perhaps we're just getting there ;) so I'll still continue reading the stories not only because of that but because yet again that cliffhanger left me biting my nails and I just have to know what will happen next!!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of Cora's Bond series. First, I have not read the other books in this series or the previous series. You kinda need to read the previous books to follow the literary terminology and understand about the research they are working on, but Ms. V.M. Black gives you enough information that I was not totally lost. This book kept me entangle to the end. Cora Shaw is bonded to the husky wealthy vampire Dorian Thorne. Cora has to adjust being away from her fiancé while she finishes her last semester in collage. The bond between is very strong that they almost feel pain or at least very discomfort to be without each other. Cora has to step in the role of mistress of the manor. Dorian enjoys watching her. This story ends with a cliffhanger. I really enjoy this novella. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series and the preceding books. I received this complimentary book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending! Holy. Freaking. Cow.

I loved the CORA'S CHOICE series, and now the series continues with CORA'S BOND...and it's just as good. If you love vampire romance, you have to give these series a try.

#2 has a nice steady pace, and then BAM you're hit with the ending. I'm almost speechless. I totally didn't see it coming. I can't wait for #3 to come out, just to see what happens.

What will Dorian do? Will Cora stay is school?

V.M. Black continues to wow me with her vampire romance series. Seriously, she's good.

[Spanxmcb (Yovanka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Fantastic installment - this series keeps getting better. I just wish this one was a tad longer - and that ending!!!! V.M. Black and our heroine, Cora Shaw are really coming into their own! Can't wait for the next installment!

[Jennifer L Lambdin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing installment

Just like the rest of the books in this series, I couldn't put it down. Excellent characters, story, and romance!! 50 shades doesn't have anything on this series. Love, love, love it!!

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew skyping was that HOT???? Like I've always said, if I smoked I would need a cigarette. What's more everyone of her novels are just that hot. Seriously do yourself a favor and look her up.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't read these books fast enough. I am so invested in Dorian and Cora's story. I want to know what happens but I don't want these books to end.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish the series. I really liked Dorian Thome but Cora Shaw was a whiner in each novella. I say novella because each is around 200 pages. At $2.99 ea. this gets pricey for me. I bought the first 5 as an Amazon bundle. I bought the second bundle hoping the stories would pickup. Well I my opinion UGH..... so around $29 later, need I say more. I'll never, ever buy a series this way.

Now you may love Cora's insecurities throughout the series. If you read the first you'll know what the rest are like

[Anita Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start we are into the action that ended the last book and it is as exciting as before. I love how he kissed her to try and calm her down and how she called him a name right away for doing that. I like how everything got covered up and her friends were none the wiser. I hate that she is torn up about her putting her friends in danger but it is understandable. She wants so much of her life to be back to "normal" but she is seeing that no matter what it never will be. I like how Cora is now expected to make some of the decisions around his house, how she is to take on the "mistress responsibilities" I like how she is interested in learning more about his research and working in the lab, this is something she wants to try for herself. I really like Hattie, she seems fun and would be a good friend for Cora. I liked how we got to know more about Dorian in this book, how we got to see another side of him, a few things he used to do for fun. It was interesting reading about how Cora was being affected by being away from Dorian when she stayed at her dorm room at college instead of at the Mansion. I am afraid of what this so called "mono epidemic" is, and why they would need to test everyone, something isn't right about all of this and it worries me. I loved their Skype "session" and I think it is great how excited and helpful Jane is being with the wedding arrangements and I am so glad that Cora is not making a big deal about how large the wedding needs to be instead she is just going with it. I thought the scene with the crop was so hot and it allowed us to see a new side to both Cora and Dorian and it was great. I like how once again they are doing something Dorian used to love to do and she is spending time with his friends. What happens during this outing was a shocker and how Hattie reacts to what happened had my mouth dropping open to the floor, I could not believe it.

[Lisa Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't as a rule read serials. V.M. Black changed my mind. I hate cliffhangers, but V.M. Black writes them so well, that they do not make you want to throw you kindle, but re read the story to see if you missed something because you were so engrossed in the story. Time without end is the second installment of Cora's Bond, the continuation of the story of Dorian and Cora from Cora's Choice.

In this installment Cora and Dorian are working on their bond/relationship. We were left at book 1 with them being chased by a Djinn and all the rules of the agnate and congate world being broken as cognates are sacred and never harmed. Dorian's character is growing as he is becoming in a word more animated after centuries of not having a cognate that helps him to be more human. We also find out he has a daughter from a previous cognate and delve a bit more into his past. Cora is growing by leaps and bounds as she is tossed into a world and relationship that is overwhelming, overpowering, and tempestuous.

This serial is one of the best stories I have read. The world itself is fresh and the characters and the interaction overwhelming. The cliffhanger in this one is well perfect. The author has found a flow for a story and followed it so that it is what if this were real would have happened and also makes me very impatient for the next book.

[Charlie Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Cora's Bond series. If you have not read the previous books, I really suggest that you do. You will easily get lost with all of the characters and what is going on if you don't read them, but it will definitely be worth your time.

The bond between Cora and Dorian intensifies and the time part is a struggle for them both. But Cora insists on completing her final semester as a "normal" college student. But heck she is not normal and she should accept that. Dorian grants Cora her wish to do so rather than controlling her mind and actions through their bond. And Dorian of course has his research to keep him occupied.

One thing that I have really enjoyed seeing is the change in Dorian over the last books. Cora (while she can be a brat at times), really is starting to bring out the more human side of Dorian. Those little touches makes their relationship endearing.

I always enjoy reading Ms. Black's books. They really are entertaining and are good at keeping you engaged. The only problem is the cliffhangers. I don't mind serials at all. But this one just totally left me hanging and I am in a tizzy just waiting to see what is going to happen in the next book.

***Note I was provided a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*****

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and have read every book in the series. This series is just keeps getting better and better. Cora is juggling school, her friends, planning a wedding, trying to understand the way that Dorian's society works and accepting her love for Dorian and that he is not trying to control her. She is still living in her apartment with her friends and suffering through not seeing Dorian every day. I keep waiting for her to run into her ex who had been controlled by Cosmo but that hasn't’ happened so far. She has asked her friends to be bridesmaids and they are planning a day to pick out dresses, even though her best friend is still not 100% okay with their engagement. The danger is escalating all around them and comes to a head at an outing with Dorian’s friends that had my jaw dropping in shock.
I am really enjoying this series, the only thing about this book and the slight theme running through-out the series that I am not enjoying is the pain thread. There is a scene in this book that really bothered. I really hope it doesn't go any further with this. I couldn't put this book down once I started it and I highly recommend this book, the whole series. I do find the books pretty short for the cost of them. I hope they start getting longer.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of this series and although other reviewers have insisted that you have to read all the books to not be lost I did not feel truly lost in this series without reading book #1. There were references to the previous book, but even without reading it I was able to get enough understanding to not feel like I had to go and read the first book to enjoy this one. I may go back and read the first one sometime in the future (since I did enjoy this book, and enjoy this author's style), but do not feel like it will be absolutely necessary. This is the second book that I have read by V.M. Black and I will most certainly be going back for more of her books. As a general rule I enjoy shifter books more than vampires, but this book had me from start to finish and I read it in one sitting...could not put it down....and am really glad it was not a 400+ page book (I would have stayed up and kept reading) I was that caught up in the story. Overall I would say that V.M. Black is an author to watch and I will be picking up more books by her...she has been added to my most watched author list.

[Valerie Spearman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second installment of the second series, Cora's Bond, Dorian and Cora have made a narrow escape from the enemy. Dorian insists that Cora move into the mansion with him for her protection. She refuses to give up her freedom totally and compromises to split her time between school and staying with Dorian. The bond between them is growing stronger and it is becoming increasingly more difficult for Cora to maintain her distance from Dorian. The sexual attraction between the two is becoming stronger and hotter.

No rest for the wicked. Just as Dorian and Cora are planning their wedding, those that do not hold the same views as Dorian about the human race, conspire to disrupt his efforts.

Time Without End has turned Cora's Bond into a real "Who-Done-It". Dorian has to find out who is behind the constant threats to himself, Cora and now, his associates. A real page turner! I usually don't care for cliff hanger endings but this is one that I can't seem to put down. Can't wait to read the next installment.

I received a copy of this serial in return for an honest review.

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora's finding it hard to adjust to being away from Dorian while at school and the added strain of the unexplained warnings aren't making it any easier in this riveting installment of Cora's Bond.

This fast paced and smooth flowing plot is all about Cora's adjustments to her new life and the reader can't help but get tangled up in all the emotions and passion that flows from the pages as Cora strives to make those adjustments and handle the burning desires that radiate between her and Dorian with some scorching hot sex scenes that also gives Cora new things to ponder. These strong compelling characters and the fascinating world continue to hold reader's captive with lots of suspense, excitement and passion, while the well orchestrated events ensure that the readers come back for more and the mysterious warnings add suspense and danger to the story.

Of course that surprising cliffhanger guarantees that I have to know what happens next because I sure didn't see that coming.

4 1/2 STARS

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Cora's Bond series and is absolutely fantastic.This series is amazing, as is the previous Cora's Choice series, where our couple got together. I have gone back to read the Cora's Choice series and have read half of it so far. I can't stand to see each book end, i am so hooked. This part of our story, finds Cora and Dorian planning their very large (1,000 people) wedding while they are finding it almost painful to be away from each other, while Cora completes her education. Dorian invites Cora to a gathering of his friends and they spend an enjoyable day horseback riding, but the day is destroyed with an attack on the group. This had me crying like a baby, but I can't wait to get my hands on the next part of our story. Anyone who hasn't read this series is really missing out. Please start with the beginning of the Cora's Choice Series, Life's Blood, which is free.

[Yvonne Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this five starsbecause this book was amazing. Cora and Dorian chemistry was very exciting It was intense and sexy and I just could not get enough of it was so great. I started it at like 5pm and couldn't stop until I finished it. I could not get enough of it. There is so much love building its just great and I know you will totally love everything, these two are extremely hot and you need feel like you need a fan. From the first Dorian and Cora want every moment together. She was afraid to about her human and vampire friends mixing. But their love was as I throught it was going to be an intense relationship. The story itself is full of action and very hot, they don't know who is trying to kill Cora. Did I mention how hot these two are together?lol. This is my second book by V. M. Black and I am so checking out more as fast as I can! Yes this book was that great. So this series is worth every penny you pay, you will not be disappointed.

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

We now enter book 2 in this compelling series about Cognates and Agnates and delve deeper into the workings of the bond between Cora and Dorian. Cora is stilling trying to get a grip on her feelings for Dorian and questioning whether his feelings are true or just for politics. We get some more insight into the workings of Agnate society and Cora is starting to fear the darker side of her desires . Cora is juggling school, planning a wedding , trying to understand the way that Agnatic society works while waiting for the next attack to come. The danger is escalating and we start to wonder who is the real target of the attacks. This was a quick read with a storyline that keeps developing as the plot unfolds. This is a fantastic series but you do need to start at the beginning to get a good grasp of what is going on. I warn you now it has one heck of a cliff hanger so buy book 3 right away as you are not going to want to wait to find out what happens next.

[Roseanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as an advanced reader copy. I immediately went and purchased the beginning of the series to be able to give my best review possible. And I can definitely say I am not disappointed at all. Cora's story is a hot sexy read. Corals starts out as a college student diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her doctor sends her to se the mysterious Dorian Thorne. After accepting his experimental cancer treatment she awakens bonded to this handsome vampire. In this part of the series they are planning their wedding while also dodging a lot of danger. And don't forget the super hot and sexy love scenes. And a major OMG ending. Can not wait till the next book is don't. This series keeps it coming at you every turn of the page. Hats off (fanning myself..lol) to V M Black you never disappoint. Thank you.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. You really need to read these in order or you will be lost with what’s going on. The first book ended with them being chased by a Dijinn. They manage to get away safely but it makes Cora start to think that maybe she can’t have her college life and be safe. There’s all kinds of action going on in this short serial but you have a good love sequence happening between Cora and Dorian at the same time. Cora is beginning to realize that she might not be able to stay away from Dorian like she first thought. There’s a cliff hanger at the end of this book that you might need to have the box of Kleenex close by to get through. This is beginning to be a really good serial book. I highly recommend reading it.
This was given to me to review by the author.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora's bond 1 was the first book in the vampire series I have read of V M Blacks, now having read book 2 I find myself immersed in the intrigue of cora and Dorian's life. This series is certainly different from a lot of other vampire stories and as such I find it a refreshing change. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing how cora continues to try and adjust to her new life in Dorian's world while trying to hang on to a part of her old life and friends, will she be able to have both ? will the dangers of her new life affect her friends and if so, will she be ale to protect them ? will Dorian be able to protect cora from the threats ? I can't wait to find out. In the meantime I'll definitely be reading the Cora's choice books to fill in the background info.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book for an honest review by author V.M. Black. This is book 2 of Cora's Bond series by the author.

Cora is getting ready to start college but she still is under protection by Dorian because of the attempts on her life. Dorian is getting close in the work the lab is doing and it could be a big break though for them. But things always seem to come with a price and blood is spilled.

I love the characters of Cora and Dorian and how they interact with the other characters in the book. The author seems to always write a smooth flowing book and this is no exception.

This is for any mature paranormal romance book lover. It is best to read this series in order because where 1 stops the next starts.

[Kristen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, nothing can go smooth for Cora or Dorian. This part of the story starts out with a would-be-assasin ready to strike. Cora fears for the safety of her friends. Time Without End finds Cora being more deeply embedded into Dorian's world.

In this edition, we get to know more about Dorian, and Cora learns more about her roles in his house and in his life. Cora decides where she wants to help and tries to find her way in figuring out her new life.

Time without end is filled with the same level of humorous suspense I've gotten used to from V.M. Black where Cora and Dorian are concerned. With a good bit of steamy romance as well. I look forward to more of their story

[Chari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an exceptionally well written piece. Even though I had never read any of this authors books before or this particular series before, I had thought that this was an easy piece to follow.

The story line was very in depth, the characters were ever evolving and the chemistry was for sure being turned up a notch or two with almost every chapter you read. Boundaries were being pushed and the couples bond was being strengthened which by the end of this particular book, they are gonna need.

I am so looking forward to book 2 and 3 for sure to see what happens next. I got sucked in to their lives and you will to.

[Jill Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Dorian and Cora story. The relationship between these two is getting deeper and is always intense. I hope Cora continues to get closer to Dorian, maybe figure out she is not a normal college student. I think Dorian is being very patient with her, which is not his way.

I don't like to give spoilers but this book loses two favorite characters for me. The end is definitely a cliff hanger, so maybe they will be back. If you haven't been keeping up with this story, go back to the beginning and start there. V M Black is weaving a great story that you will look forward to each month!

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from the start, Time Without End: Cora's Bond has a good mix of tension, angst, anger, fear, sadness, drama, romance, lust, a great plot line, and characters that you can empathize with. Twisted, delicious, with swoon worthy moments, V.M. Black has the ability to grab hold of her readers from the very beginning and keep help captive until the very end.

The whole Cora's Choice and Cora's Bond series has sucked me in and kept me interested. This book as well as the others had me on the edge on my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Prepare yourself for an ending that will shock your and leave you panting for more!

[Cher · Rating 2 out of 5]

If only...

So apart from wasted writing concerning recaps, repeating how many times Cora doesn't realize she was holding her breath, the 50 shades sex, and now the installation isn't even a hundred pages, story is improving. Cliffhanger felt desperate. Is Cora going to change her mind again? So after how many tiny books concerning her fears to make a choice, now she wants to be beaten and darkness?
I know I am only reading these little Novellas because they were purchased a few years ago while heavily medicated. I know I would never buy another Novella series again. I am definitely repeating myself with each review.