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Bo Blackman #3
High Stakes
It may be less than a month since the doors of New Order opened but that doesn't mean Bo Blackman isn't busy. It's not just daft allegations about vampire dogs and complicated relationships that she has to deal with, however.
When a woman is brutally assaulted, barely escaping with her life, Bo ensures she forms an integral part of the investigation. The trouble is that she may end up being confronted with a darkness that she's simply not ready for...
When a woman is brutally assaulted, barely escaping with her life, Bo ensures she forms an integral part of the investigation. The trouble is that she may end up being confronted with a darkness that she's simply not ready for...
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
260 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 25, 2017
I love page turners this book dose not disappoint love it.
February 26, 2015
High Stakes is the 3rd book in the Bo Blackman series. And Bo is still acclimating to the New Order organization working with her Grandfather and several members of the Montserrat vampire family she took with her. Her investigations take her and the team after a serial killer rapist targeting witches, daemons, humans and vampires. Also the Agathos court to bail out O’Shea again and the mess he got himself into this time. The funny investigation is a dog named Kimchi whose owner thinks he’s a vampire dog, which he isn’t. She has to cross paths with Lord Medici and her previous family Lord, Michael who is trying for a “friends with benefits” relationship; he tries to keep up with Bo and her shenanigans… Good Luck! Really enjoy this series and Bo’s inner struggle of coming to terms with being a vampire vs finding a cure. Also her navigation of human vs vampire politics and vampire politics in general. I’d really like to see more smexy material with her and Lord Montserrat in upcoming books. This has moved up to a must buy when released and read asap series, which sucks because I’m all caught up again…
July 11, 2019
Bo Blackman is not your ordinary run of the mill vampire. Nope, she's a private investigator, and she recently left the "Family." Now, while she's trying to figure out her relationship problems and deal with the repercussions of being out of the Family, a woman is brutally assaulted. Bo is now going to do everything in her power to figure out who did this to her, and why. But it may not be so easy. Especially when she has so many others to think of, and the media after her as well.
This book was okay. It's not as good as previous books, but it was still pretty interesting. I was a little bit annoyed with the fact that Bo kept pushing Michael away. It drove me nuts. Other then that I liked the plot line, and all of the main characters. I look forward to reading more in this series.
This book was okay. It's not as good as previous books, but it was still pretty interesting. I was a little bit annoyed with the fact that Bo kept pushing Michael away. It drove me nuts. Other then that I liked the plot line, and all of the main characters. I look forward to reading more in this series.
September 26, 2025
Wayyy better than the previous one! It's fun to see the world being fleshed out even when some of the new lore directly contradicts book 1 (like demons were said to have various coloured eyes and the past two books they have only orange). But I'm giving it a pass as I'm willing to turn a blind eye to the glaring holes in that story.
I also miss Rachel from book 1? Dry cleaning Rachel looked like a very promising character and a genuine friend and we haven't heard a thing about her past 40% of Book 1 😢
Also where's Beth?? Nell could still potentially be angry but Beth was Bo's ride or die till the end I can't believe they're not even talking over the phone at least.
The books shifting to be Boys only plus that one "I'm not like the other girls" FMC which is super super annoying. By now we only have one antagonistic female cop and that's it, end of the list of recurring female characters. I hope that changes in the next book, which I'll still read because I'm drawn to these series even with all these drawbacks and they're fun to read!
I also miss Rachel from book 1? Dry cleaning Rachel looked like a very promising character and a genuine friend and we haven't heard a thing about her past 40% of Book 1 😢
Also where's Beth?? Nell could still potentially be angry but Beth was Bo's ride or die till the end I can't believe they're not even talking over the phone at least.
The books shifting to be Boys only plus that one "I'm not like the other girls" FMC which is super super annoying. By now we only have one antagonistic female cop and that's it, end of the list of recurring female characters. I hope that changes in the next book, which I'll still read because I'm drawn to these series even with all these drawbacks and they're fun to read!
July 30, 2017
3.5 stars.
December 7, 2019
Fun read... really can't say I love the end (seemed a bit extra), but still enjoyed.
November 2, 2021
TW: r*pe, kidnapping, outing of s*x workers
I think Helen Harper was trying to draw attention to how poorly S* workers are treated, but the fact that none of the men apologised for outing a sworker/ seemed to think the ends justified the means is horrific. I love Helen Harper's works and I do see what she was trying to do but having even Bo saying she understood outing the sworker even if she didn't agree was pretty gross.
I liked Michael as a brooding love interest but he never apologises for his role in telling the police that the r*pe victim is a sworker or following the terrible logic that Bo rails against about the sworker (not saying character name to avoid spoilers) having chosen her career. The book acknowledges that the police tend not to care about sworkers but I don't like a main character's love interest not apologising or owning up for upholding these dangerous views.
I think Helen Harper was trying to draw attention to how poorly S* workers are treated, but the fact that none of the men apologised for outing a sworker/ seemed to think the ends justified the means is horrific. I love Helen Harper's works and I do see what she was trying to do but having even Bo saying she understood outing the sworker even if she didn't agree was pretty gross.
I liked Michael as a brooding love interest but he never apologises for his role in telling the police that the r*pe victim is a sworker or following the terrible logic that Bo rails against about the sworker (not saying character name to avoid spoilers) having chosen her career. The book acknowledges that the police tend not to care about sworkers but I don't like a main character's love interest not apologising or owning up for upholding these dangerous views.
February 9, 2016
Definite step up from the previous two books! Good solid story with very minimal wandering, really looking forward to the next one.
May 24, 2017
Well this series started out good.
Although there were a lot of parallels to the "highland magic" series which i read first. Female investigators like Veronica Mars in a magical world. A feisty young female character, who thinks she is the rescuer of the world. Sadly both were too Stubborn, too independent and lying constantly by omission or not so apparently good reasons. The author did not manage to write a constantly engaging story in both series. The concept wasn't bad and it is a good woven net of cases and stories to solve with a strong backbone story to go along. But the humor for example fell flat and barely made me laugh in both books. The stories are both stretched out too long and i was left dissatisfied at the end with both books.
A love story in the background, her being scared of getting hurt. And the romance drags along through the entire series before anything substantial happens if it happens at all, which lacked big time for me and felt like pulling a tooth.
The first 2 books were a nice read, book 3 was at the limit of my patience, then it went fast forward into boring and annoying, i scrolled through book 4 and 5 only to not loose the hang of it and finally read book 6 fully again.
The finale wasn't that bad, but i missed the love from the author. The ending was disappointing and uncaring.
Although there were a lot of parallels to the "highland magic" series which i read first. Female investigators like Veronica Mars in a magical world. A feisty young female character, who thinks she is the rescuer of the world. Sadly both were too Stubborn, too independent and lying constantly by omission or not so apparently good reasons. The author did not manage to write a constantly engaging story in both series. The concept wasn't bad and it is a good woven net of cases and stories to solve with a strong backbone story to go along. But the humor for example fell flat and barely made me laugh in both books. The stories are both stretched out too long and i was left dissatisfied at the end with both books.
A love story in the background, her being scared of getting hurt. And the romance drags along through the entire series before anything substantial happens if it happens at all, which lacked big time for me and felt like pulling a tooth.
The first 2 books were a nice read, book 3 was at the limit of my patience, then it went fast forward into boring and annoying, i scrolled through book 4 and 5 only to not loose the hang of it and finally read book 6 fully again.
The finale wasn't that bad, but i missed the love from the author. The ending was disappointing and uncaring.
April 8, 2018
Amazing read, fast paced and gripping
This was an explosive read with Bo the super fledging Vampire taking on a Vampire Dog (not 100% true) and Society to undergo an investigation that may have been committed by a Vampire causing tensions to rise throughout society. But as we learn later on it soon turns into a Murder investigation of serveral women and to find out the sick people who brutally attacked them in broad daylight. (Whether they are smart or stupid is still to be decided).
But with Bo and her team they uncover truths about the scene of the Crime that not many others put together due to cross species attacks.
With Bo putting herself at risk and others that she loves she helps discover clues about the victims, whilst also helping O`Shea with his problems (trigger happy Daemons and a "Ear"), she navigates through London from the Underground right into The home of Lord Medici himself. Working with everyone both Human and Vampire Bo will learn new things about her World and discover new truths about herself. And we even see her cry.
But with scream and Tear worthy situations this book has gripped me from beginning to end and I have not been able to put it down. I am moving onto the next straight away as I need to learn about what happens with the Newest development.
This was an explosive read with Bo the super fledging Vampire taking on a Vampire Dog (not 100% true) and Society to undergo an investigation that may have been committed by a Vampire causing tensions to rise throughout society. But as we learn later on it soon turns into a Murder investigation of serveral women and to find out the sick people who brutally attacked them in broad daylight. (Whether they are smart or stupid is still to be decided).
But with Bo and her team they uncover truths about the scene of the Crime that not many others put together due to cross species attacks.
With Bo putting herself at risk and others that she loves she helps discover clues about the victims, whilst also helping O`Shea with his problems (trigger happy Daemons and a "Ear"), she navigates through London from the Underground right into The home of Lord Medici himself. Working with everyone both Human and Vampire Bo will learn new things about her World and discover new truths about herself. And we even see her cry.
But with scream and Tear worthy situations this book has gripped me from beginning to end and I have not been able to put it down. I am moving onto the next straight away as I need to learn about what happens with the Newest development.
January 17, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the third installment to the Bo Blackman series. As the name suggests, the drama increased exponentially in this book. The storyline was fast-paced and captivating and had several twists and turns. Bo, our resident vampire investigator, finds herself caught in the middle of a new drama when a woman is brutally raped and tortured, then states her attacker was a vampire. As the face of New Order, Bo's role to improve public opinion on the vampire families and increase human-vampire relations is put to the test as she joins the human police in the investigation. Soon, she finds herself deep into finding an unsolved serial killer. In typical fashion, her attention is also pulled towards another investigation when a friend lands themselves in danger with the demon community. I was pleased to see Bo reestablish her friend group in this book, if not leaning on them completely. She is also making huge steps in accepting her nature and using it to help others. I thought the love interest made a few positive steps forward in this book, though I was hoping for more! The author certainly knows how to write a slow burn!! Overall, I loved every minute of my listen (Saskia Maarleveld did an amazing job with narration), and I can NOT wait to start the next book.
April 5, 2018
High Stakes is the third instalment in the Bo Blackman series. This book sees things heating up for Bo and, if it’s even possible, there is more action and even explosions.
Bo may be over her PTSD but she still has her issues and things to cope with. High Stakes sees Bo honing her P.I. skills, and we get to learn more about some of the side characters which I absolutely enjoyed - especially Rogu3.
Harper’s writing has been consistent throughout the series and this book is no different. Something else that I’ve noticed which has been consistent is the editing errors. There’s not heaps of errors but they are there, and they have been in all three of the Bo Blackman books. The editing errors are far enough apart that it does not detract from the story.
I would definitely recommend reading the first two books first. And if you’re after romance, this may not be the series for you as it is an Urban Fantasy series and concentrates on the plot more than the hottie. But I am thoroughly enjoying reading about Bo Blackman.
Bo may be over her PTSD but she still has her issues and things to cope with. High Stakes sees Bo honing her P.I. skills, and we get to learn more about some of the side characters which I absolutely enjoyed - especially Rogu3.
Harper’s writing has been consistent throughout the series and this book is no different. Something else that I’ve noticed which has been consistent is the editing errors. There’s not heaps of errors but they are there, and they have been in all three of the Bo Blackman books. The editing errors are far enough apart that it does not detract from the story.
I would definitely recommend reading the first two books first. And if you’re after romance, this may not be the series for you as it is an Urban Fantasy series and concentrates on the plot more than the hottie. But I am thoroughly enjoying reading about Bo Blackman.
September 28, 2017
"High Stakes" is the third novel in the "Bo Blackman" series written by Helen Harper. Even though the vampire population of London is capped at five hundred members per family, the general population has gone from idolizing them to fearing them. Bo Blackman and the rest of New Order are invested in working on improving the relationship between vampires and humans. Easier said than done. At first things are slow at New Order. Bo is even involved in trying to get a human to realize that their dog is not a vampire. But when a woman blames a vampire for assaulting her and staking her hands to the ground, Bo is ready to get to the bottom of what is really going on.
Overall, another great addition to this series. Harper does a great job interweaving the main plot line with the sub plot lines. It is a fast paced story that continues to show character growth for the main cast of characters.
Overall, another great addition to this series. Harper does a great job interweaving the main plot line with the sub plot lines. It is a fast paced story that continues to show character growth for the main cast of characters.
June 9, 2021
Finally, this series is getting good. The dangers the main character faces are actually feeling like real dangers, whereas before I felt like they were not that big of a deal and were just bad plot devices to make the character make the decisions needed to drive the story where the author wanted. The introduction of multiple threads of investigation also help the book move quickly and with suspense. I like the mystery elements beginning to become a big part of the story. It is playing more into the author's strengths and I like where the series is going with the good or bad "Red Angel" angle. There were still some developments that were just out of left field that made me feel like the author was taking an easy way out. The reveal of the killer and the anomaly she introduces were, in my opinion, not well developed and appeared out of thin air just to make an easy wrap-up to the story.
March 7, 2022
I will continue on with this series, but I feel like everything is disjointed. The way Bo all of a sudden knows who done it each book so far is annoying. It doesn’t feel obvious nor is it explained all that well how she finally put the pieces together. Plus, nothing she does sounds like she is this meek as a kitten in strength, it doesn’t feel like the story is keeping in line with what we are being told. Also, the author has a bad habit of will they or won’t they with her book couples, yet doesn’t give us a lot of time building the relationship that isn’t antagonistic which doesn’t lend itself to a very good relationship foundation.Michael shows up at very odd times and out of the blue, it doesn’t get explained very well most of the time.
October 20, 2016
3.5 Getting better. This series improves as it gets older!
Bo and the New Order organization is called upon to investigate a villain who is murdering humans, witches, demons and vampires. The investigation takes her into close quarters with the Medici vampire family, the only one of the five who don't buy into the need for New Order to improve the vampire profile among humans.
Also, she is called in to investigate a dog, kimchi, who, according to it's owner, is a vampire dog! Hilarious!
We meet all the old favourites from previous books: Michael, Conner, O'Shea, Rogu3, her grandfather, Matt and others.
Bo has to learn to get along well with others as she is investigating along with a the human police department.
Lots of intrigue, magic, and daring-do. Also, storylines from the two previous novels progress.
Bo and the New Order organization is called upon to investigate a villain who is murdering humans, witches, demons and vampires. The investigation takes her into close quarters with the Medici vampire family, the only one of the five who don't buy into the need for New Order to improve the vampire profile among humans.
Also, she is called in to investigate a dog, kimchi, who, according to it's owner, is a vampire dog! Hilarious!
We meet all the old favourites from previous books: Michael, Conner, O'Shea, Rogu3, her grandfather, Matt and others.
Bo has to learn to get along well with others as she is investigating along with a the human police department.
Lots of intrigue, magic, and daring-do. Also, storylines from the two previous novels progress.
October 4, 2024
Bo is getting used to the New Order office workers even if there’s not much happening with the exception of a possible vampire dog – Kimchi. While trying to confirm the truth about Kimchi a horrendous rape and assault occur.
This book covers the search for the serial rapist, killer along with the police. It is an interesting procedure between the police, vampires, daemons and all of different information from each group.
There is a good mystery, some action, humour (Kimchi), interesting characters, surprises and a great story. Things are learned about the characters that I wasn’t expecting.
A great read.
This book covers the search for the serial rapist, killer along with the police. It is an interesting procedure between the police, vampires, daemons and all of different information from each group.
There is a good mystery, some action, humour (Kimchi), interesting characters, surprises and a great story. Things are learned about the characters that I wasn’t expecting.
A great read.
October 6, 2019
Well - I am currently listening to these books - not reading them. I really enjoy the narrator, she has narrated all Helen Harpers books. She has the most amazing range of British dialects. I am not sure I would enjoy them just as much reading on my own. The men in her books should be stronger and more persistent and the women should be a bit less standoffish- it quickly becomes old when they keep their love interests at arms length for the most time. But the narrator is amazing and the books entertainment that beats of most what tv has to offer
October 26, 2022
good
I really like this book it was fun. Bo really knows how to get herself into annoying situations and she also finds herself an interesting situations with Michael. One of the things I really thought was interesting is that she had her teenage hacker got into trouble but it wasn’t from hacking. She keeps meeting this scary demon but those situations turn out interesting as well. Bo is trying to build up an agency to work with humans and vampires together and now she’s earned herself a very interesting nickname. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I really like this book it was fun. Bo really knows how to get herself into annoying situations and she also finds herself an interesting situations with Michael. One of the things I really thought was interesting is that she had her teenage hacker got into trouble but it wasn’t from hacking. She keeps meeting this scary demon but those situations turn out interesting as well. Bo is trying to build up an agency to work with humans and vampires together and now she’s earned herself a very interesting nickname. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
March 6, 2024
OMG....I was about to have a coronary when it came to Rogue. This was such an intense book. I wasn't sure how things were going to play out with drama that was displayed so glad Conner got what he deserved with his naivete, thinking her couldn't be touched. I'm so glad the other three were able to save face. I am not sure what favor Bo could possibly perform for X. The dog is was absolutely priceless.
April 28, 2019
Bo Blackman doesn’t disappoint!
Bo continues to confront the forces of darkness. She has finally accepted her existence as a vampire. Even though she has relinquished her possibility of returning to her human existence, she still continues to do what is right, even when it is not easy.
Bo continues to confront the forces of darkness. She has finally accepted her existence as a vampire. Even though she has relinquished her possibility of returning to her human existence, she still continues to do what is right, even when it is not easy.
April 21, 2022
What a wonderful character Bo Blackman is!
I think this series of books is incredibly readworthy. I think Bo is the perfect lead character strong, capable, sexy, endearing but also troubled about the path she is taking. This makes for an addictive read. I love Helen Harper's creations but No is something special!
I think this series of books is incredibly readworthy. I think Bo is the perfect lead character strong, capable, sexy, endearing but also troubled about the path she is taking. This makes for an addictive read. I love Helen Harper's creations but No is something special!
August 31, 2023
She’s had some growth in this book but I still don’t find myself really liking her even though I want to! Her personality is just very mediocre nothing special and a little selfish. The way she treats Michael is horrible as a friend or even slow romance she’s just been brutal. The storyline is okay but the book goes by very slowly!
August 20, 2025
Wow! That was a rollercoaster ride! I really enjoyed this book. The mysteries are interesting and varied, the characters - old and new - are well done, and the overarching stories are moving forward. So far, this is a great series! I'm excited to jump into book four! I definitely recommend this book!
freebie-owned-to-read
August 23, 2020
April 18, 2025
This was the third of the five books in the series. Some general questions about Bo Blackman and her moral make-up are answered, and a very important decision is made. On to the 4th, but to me anyway, the title is not promising, but if this book is like the previous ones, surprises could come.
May 30, 2025
I really love this book (and series)! In a genre that has become saturated and sometimes repeats the same old tropes, this is a breath of fresh air. I won't spoil it, but it has some very unique and well thought out plot points and you are often surprised.
May 11, 2017
It's awesome story. At one point i think story is finished but it was not.
This has everything suspense, action, crime etc...
This has everything suspense, action, crime etc...
June 27, 2017
Romance is minimal in the series but the jealousy of the hero is pretty cute
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2017
Series is getting better but still not a 3-star rating again other series by this author I did find better. This one as potential but still sadly on 2.5 Stars
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