Taste of Forever

by Sophie Ash

I don’t know her name or what she looks like. But her blood is perfection and I will make her mine.

My visits to the blood bank are routine. I feed from an anonymous volunteer and go on my way. But everything changed when I tasted her.

Her sweet flavor hit my tongue and I knew. I found her. My perfect blood source, my blood mate. She’s everything I never knew I needed.

And then she’s gone. I’m left only with the memory of her blood and the scent of her pleasure.

It doesn’t matter. If I have to find her by taste, I’ll choke down all the bitter blood I need to until my fangs sink into perfection again.

When I finally set eyes on her, she hits me with another roadblock. My blood mate has a boyfriend.

Not that it’ll stop me. I’ll show her pleasure and devotion she never thought possible. She’ll see her boyfriend for the pathetic deadbeat he is, and offer me her neck as she was always meant to.

She will choose me. She has to.

Because I’d rather starve to death than not have her.

Taste of Forever is a vampire romance with a guaranteed HEA. This series contains fated mates, hurt/comfort, possessive vampires, and a new world full of conflicts and secrets. Perfect for fans of The Black Dagger Brotherhood and Immortals After Dark!

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

Sophie Ash is a USA Today bestselling author from Northern California, writing paranormal motorcycle clubs with plenty of bite, as well as passionate retellings of myths and folklore.

When she's not writing, she's probably reading, gardening, vacuuming up cat hair, or enjoying a craft beer in the sun.

Reviews

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

"Everything about this situation was like a strange dream. Some anonymous, silky- voiced vampire was about to bite me and drink my blood." (Ch 2)

This is book 3 in an interconnected series. It can be read as a standalone, though I recommend reading 1 and/or 2 for some backstory and a deeper sense of the characters and world. I haven't read book 1 yet, but did read book 2 as an eARC earlier in the year (was actually one of my very first few eARCs!) It was nice to revisit with characters from book 2 in this story.

After a reality-altering incident, Heather found herself being led by curiosity into a world she could never have imagined existed. For research purposes, of course, as she was a scientist, after all. What she discovered, however, was not so easily forgotten. Not for her, and certainly not for the one she encountered... the one who was drawn to her blood as if it were the spice of life... Laith. And so began their intertwined path.

"That kiss, brief as it was, felt like licking honey off the edge of a knife. Sweet and a little dangerous." (Ch 7)

Laith almost has this happy-go-lucky type of vibe. He's like a puppy who follows you around, happy to see you with his tail wagging and tongue lolling, ready to lick you all over...

“I could cover you in your own blood just to taste every inch of your skin" (Ch 26)

Except, he's also a vampire that would as soon tear you apart should you do harm to his family or what is his.

Heather had never known such danger until she unwittingly walked into his world, and what she found there would lead to high-stakes. For them both. But in the end, if they didn't find their own ends, it would be worth it.

Danger. Betrayal. Unconditional loyalty. Unseverable bonds.

"A love that could truly last forever." (Ch 30)

eARC voluntary review

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC READ****
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

Tropes include:
Fated mates
Forbidden love
Golden retriever MMC
STEM FMC
OTTJP
He falls first
Slow burn

Who doesn’t love a Human x Vampire Romantasy?
Heather is a human who follows more of a science / facts lifestyle and had never had any real idea about any other worlds. She starts off a bit cynical but her character growth shines through.

Laith is a Vampire and as soon as he meets Heather he is captivated by her and knew 100% Heather was his blood mate.
I loved seeing Novak & Amy from book 2!

Heather & Laith come together as fated blood mates with banter and Laith’s easy open affection and acceptance of Heather helps her to believe they are made for each other.

I found overall the book interesting, and engaging. The burn is slow and it’s more plot than spice. I loved the characters too.

I’d suggest reading the books in order as this is Book 3!

Happy Reading
🧛🏻🧬🫶🏻

[MsRHReviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. Laith is such a lovable guy who is all in the moment he gets a taste of his blood mate. It's just unfortunate he didn't get to find out her identity right away. Even more unfortunate that she had a boyfriend when he DID find out her identity. Luckily for him, the guy was a dud and didn't even compare to how amazing, attentive, and loving he was! Once Heather got to know Laith better, it was almost a done deal. It was only a matter of time that her boyfriend would push her buttons enough to make her leave. 

There's enough action and trouble brewing in the story to keep things interesting. You get to see the characters from previous books in this one, as well, but if you haven't read them, you won't be lost if you decide to dive mid-series. The author is really good at filling in any missing blanks!

Of the others I've read in this series, I liked this one the best. 

[Radhika Bansal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the progression of their relationship in the story. The Taste of Forever is a slow-burn book. Laith and Heather transition smoothly from strangers to lovers, even if the latter part strikes suddenly for Heather. Laith has always been the cheerful, loyal vampire who is all in to make Heather his whole world and he delivers on all his promises.

The use of science and magic to show the contrast of Shyftworld with the real world while at the same time showing their complementary existence was greatly done. Taste of Forever is perfect for a night of reading. After all, Vampires can only visit you in the dark!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

We love a woman in STEM and a himbo 🙂‍↕️👏🏼

Heather is a blood expert living a simple, if not underwhelming, life. On a hike she finds herself in an unknown world and tries to prove vampires exist. Little does she know, she stumbles into trouble when she finds out she is someone’s Blood Mate and the government is tracking and threatening her.

Laith is the epitome of golden retriever and such a goof ball. He is such a breath of fresh air even if he is a blonde MMC 😂 when he is at the blood bank and finds out his mysterious donor is actually his blood mate, he will stop at nothing to have her… even though she has a life and boyfriend a world away.

I think their progression was the perfect tempo and I loved seeing our older characters too!!

[Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might just be my favorite of all the books in this series!

Laith and Heather were so good together!!

I loved this read, the pace and flow were great, and that plot was something else!

Please give this a read!

[Becca :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, a vampire romance has me sat…absolutely 100% of the time. So imagine my excitement to see not only, a vampire romance-but a BLONDE MMC vampire, a science Barbie FMC (I’m a scholar in my personal life I swear), ANDDDDDD a human boyfriend that doesn’t know how to treat the absolute dime of a girl he’s got. So safe to say this book had me hooked page ONEEE… well, realistically the teasers from the end of book two with our tall goofy golden retriever MMC had me hooked, but that’s besides the point.

Laith the MAN you are. I truly didn’t think we would ever have anyone better than our broody provider vamp Novak, and then Sophie said yeah actually here’s an even cuter, sillier, tall, blonde, vamp that would do anything to make his blood mate happy. WHICH brings me swiftly to Heather. Who, I’ve also loved since her first cameo in book two. She has an incredible personality and a fiery way to her that makes her such a strong main character. She’s a bit stubborn, a lot smart, decently spunky, and freakin STRONG. Shes the whole freakin PACKAGE!!- which is convenient because, so is Laith!

Both of these characters bring so much to the story with their personalities being so different yet so similar, they truly compliment each other perfectly throughout the book, which made it so easy to root for them and to be happy for any small (or large) wins that came their way.

Overall this was such a good addition to Sophie’s Vampires of Sanguine series! It’s a strong contender for my #1 VoS book BUT I’m not entirely sure because I haven’t read the other two recently enough to judge fairly…Oh well! Guess I have to go back and re read !!!

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Taste of Forever”, the third installment in the Vampires of Sanguine series, is a delightfully written book that focuses on Laith, an adorable, loving vampire from Sanguine, and Heather, a bright human scientist who works in a crime lab. Laith would get his blood from a volunteer blood bank and would feed on anonymous donors. One donor was Heather and as soon as he tasted her, he knew she was his blood mate. Of course, she had no idea who he was or what that meant. She was involved in a toxic, loveless relationship but didn’t want to end it. Laith finds her and begins to try to convince Heather to become his. He is very loving, caring, and thoughtful, just the opposite of her boyfriend. As Heather spends more time with Laith, she realizes how pathetic her boyfriend is to her.

Enter Soren, an agent for the Federal government that is trying to gather information about the vampires. He knows that Heather is spending more time in the vampire community and forces her to provide information to him, under threat of destroying her life if she doesn’t cooperate. He and his cronies turn out to be real psychopaths!

Another side story is the missing Kalix from the previous book and how they have been searching for him. I’m sure this will continue into the next book, and I can’t wait to read it!! ‘Taste of Forever’ can be read as a standalone but it’s fun to know the other characters and stories from the previous two books in the series. Sophie Ash is a wonderful writer and creates a fascinating world of humans and paranormals. I highly recommend her books. I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Tracey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy of this book - thank you Sophie!

I really enjoyed this! i love a good vampire book and this doesn't disappoint at all. i love that it breaks away from the traditional vamp traits and creates almost an entirely new genre for them.

Heather's loneliness and frustrations at her boyfriend at the beginning of the book definitely hit a spot with me. The author either knows what it can be like with a gamer or knows someone in that situation because the way it's explained - the rejections, the loneliness, being ignored, feeling less than - was spot on. It was so well depicted that I was there with her. I found myself really despising him for the little breadcrumbs he would drop for her to keep her locked in.

Laith is the boyfriend we all want - he's a green flag. He's attentive, thoughtful and would burn the world Heather. He's playful and funny and has a measure of strength that is relied on by everyone in his circle. He is definitely an enormous cinnamon roll!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Cinderella thread early on in the book, just the idea of it gave me such a chuckle! The way Laith just didn't understand it had me kicking my feet - "seems dishonest, those women had to know the shoe wasn't theirs"


This book is written in a modern voice that was in my language. There is a lot of humour which was a great balance to the heaviness of the plot and kept me hooked. The banter between the main characters was highly entertaining. If you like strangers to lovers, fated mates, fast pace, enemy clans and a loser ex boyfriend you can throw all your hate at, this is the book for you. I definitely recommend for an easy read!

[Theughost · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book. WOW. Just wow.

It was a very nice read and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it. I felt like there could’ve been a bit more happening in the story but otherwise LOVED it!

I chose to give this book 4/5⭐️ and I’d say spice is a 🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.

It’s a really nice vampire romantasy if you’re looking for a cozy read with a cinnamon roll MMC. In this book (which apparently is the third? Oops.) you get to follow Heather and Laith. Heather is a human and has lived her whole life as one, she’s no magic believer and focuses on the scientific side of things. That’s at least until she’s kidnapped and thrown into a whole new world as she months after her capture finds the town Sanguine and decides to try being a blood donor for vampires so she can find out more about them. Problem? It turns into Leith trying to find her and claims she’s his bloodmate. Problem number 2? She has a boyfriend. At least.... for now.

This story was amazing and is perfect if you’re looking for something more focused on story than spice and a break from the darker books i usually read. I really enjoyed it and can highly recommend reading it! You can totally be like me and start with this book but I had no clue it was the third so I suggest reading the first book before this. 😂 That was all for now! Happy read!

Oh and thank you Sophie for letting me ARC read this masterpiece of a book! Oh, and we all hate Justin right?

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Vampires of Sanguine series is here. Taste of Forever was fantastic! I loved Laith and Heather's story so much. Laith was a little unexpected. I knew he was playful from the previous books, but he's also funny, romantic, and extremely caring. Swoon. Laith made me smile. I adored the vampire. Heather took the vampire revelation pretty well, which I liked. She was more open-minded than I would have given her credit for. Heather was cool. I liked her sense of humor. She was able to keep up with Laith, which was a feat. They complement each other really well.


Everyone talks about fated mates, but what happens when they meet and one is already in a relationship? Well, that's the plot of this whole book. Heather was in complete denial about her relationship with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Laith was close to perfection. His patience and understanding when it came to Heather and her feelings were amazing. They connected easily and had fun together. It took Heather too long to come to her senses. That was frustrating, but I enjoyed the anticipation, the moment when she finally got it. The subplot is pretty good; it's been happening throughout the series. There was more information about Kalix and the clan that's holding him. At this point, I'm invested, and I want to see his HEA.


Taste of Forever was excellent! It's my favorite book in the series so far. However, that doesn't mean I'm not excited for the next book, especially after reading the epilogue.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read in the series and by the author but I found that the characters were solid with a good plot behind it. Heather after getting into it with her louse of a boyfriend storms of gets lost and enters either a self induced fantasy from loss of food, heat exhaustion 2 she's lost her mind or it's all real she's a scientist it shouldn't be possible and what exactly is it you ask a town full of Vampires a place with other creatures and humans that know everything is this another reality by the time she leaves she knows her curiosity has to be satisfied so she keeps going back even has a ahem very interesting experience at the local Vamp blood bank but everything she tries to save to record it all disappeared and now the Feds are threatening her she has to stay away if she can. Laith the blood bank has never had anything this special his blood-mate who just vanished he has to find her and when he dose he gets some unpleasant facts his mate has a boyfriend but he's not about to walk away. There's tension There's heat and a Alpha Vampire who just wants to protect and take care of what's his Heather. Heather times running out she has to make a decision but it may already be two late her enemies and Laith's may stop them from finaly being together. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[The Smutty Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laith. My soft, loyal, goofball vampire himbo. This man has my whole heart. He’s pure sunshine in a world full of blood and politics. And the way he calls Thorne (our moody, growly clan leader) “Dad”? I actually laughed out loud. The found family dynamic in this series is everything. I know we’re all counting down the days for Daddy Thorne’s book.

Heather is a smart, capable scientist stuck with a deadshit of a boyfriend who wouldn’t know a good thing if it bit him - pun intended. When she stumbles into Sanguine and discovers vampires apparently exist, she needs to do some experimenting. For science, obviously. All it took was her arm through a curtain at an anonymous blood bank for Laith to find his blood mate. He sees her, truly sees her, and worships her for it. Honestly? We all deserve a Laith.

The story dips into darker territory with humans trying to exploit vampires, vampires exploiting vampires, blackmail, secrets, and loyalty, but it’s balanced perfectly with heart, humour, and a love story that feels earned. It’s not heavy on spice, but it doesn’t need to be.

And sure, these are technically standalones, but let’s be real, you’re cheating yourself if you skip the first two. The world-building is too good, the characters too addictive, and I’m already mourning the day this series ends.

[Amber Durand-Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather, a forensic chemist, sets out on a solitary hike to clear her mind after an argument with her boyfriend, Justin. But what begins as a way to clear her head and calm down—she loses her way and stumbles into a hidden city ruled by vampires. Driven by her natural curiosity, Heather becomes obsessed with understanding this mysterious city and its occupants. A reckless visit to a blood bank binds her to a vampire, Laith, forever altering her reality.
Laith, a member of the vampire clan Blood til Dawn, is instantly bonded to Heather. One chance encounter leaves him determined to protect her, care for her, and somehow win her heart. But how does one safeguard a fragile human in a world so dangerous? And how can he convince her to stay and love him—forever?
What I love most about the author’s writing is the vivid portrayal of Heather’s internal conflict. Torn between her feelings for Justin and the intense bond she shares with Laith, Heather agonizes over every decision. Her emotional journey is compelling, culminating in a moment of clarity that changes everything. The question then becomes: can she trust the bond she shares with Laith? What a wonderful book of characters, I’m hooked #tasteofforever #sophieash #Romance #DarkRomance #spicy

[redreadsromance_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather is a forensic scientist who finds herself pulled into a hidden world of vampires and blood mates, and when she unknowingly donates at a blood bank, she ends up bound to Laith. From the first taste, he knows she’s his and he’s utterly obsessed in the best way.

What made this story stand out for me was Laith himself. He isn’t your typical overbearing vampire. He’s patient, funny and completely devoted right from the start. He knows exactly how to look after his woman, both in and out of the bedroom (homemade chicken noodle soup? Be still my heart). I loved how he balanced being protective and a little obsessive while still giving Heather the space to work through her feelings and situation (no cavemen in this story).

Heather’s struggle with her unhappy relationship added depth and watching her slowly give in to Laith’s devotion was so satisfying. Their connection was sweet, sensual and healing in a way that left me swooning more than once. Laith is the kind of MMC who makes you smile one moment and melt the next and their devotion to each other was beautiful to read.

I really enjoyed this book. It ticked so many boxes for me when it comes to vampire romances and I am definetly keen to read the next book in this fabulous series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Vampire x Human
✨ Golden Retriever MMC
✨ STEM FMC
✨ He Falls First/Hard
✨ Blood mates
✨ Slow burn → FIRE
✨ Found family
✨ Banter + Tension

I absolutely love the 𝘝𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦 series, and 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 just cemented that even more for me. Laith and Heather’s slow burn romance was so good I couldn’t put it down. Laith is basically a golden retriever in vampire form—loyal, playful, impossible not to adore—and Heather is such a strong and loyal person, sometimes to a fault, especially for those who don’t deserve it.

Their first encounter had me hooked, but oh my lord, when Laith 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 finds her again after searching for her? (fans self) 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙬. That moment alone was worth the build-up. This book has everything: sizzling attraction, blood mates, danger, longing TENSION (because she’s already in a relationship, 𝙤𝙤𝙛), banter, and that irresistible push-pull dynamic that keeps you flipping pages.

The nicknames between them? Adorable. The slow burn to absolute raging fire? Perfection. And the found family clan? 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩. All the elements of a gripping paranormal romance are here, and it’s just so dang good. This series keeps getting better, and Laith and Heather’s story is easily one of my favorites.

Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy ❤️‍🔥

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Your Blood Bank Routine Turns Into a Full-Blown Obsession

Big dark-craving, fated-mates energy here. Laith didn’t mean to get hooked—just another day, another blood bag, but then she happened. Sweetness on his tongue, a scent he can’t shake, and suddenly our broody vampire is spiraling into full romantic meltdown over a girl he’s never even seen: Heather.

This one’s intense. Less “I bumped into you at the bookstore” and more “I tasted your blood once and now I will set the world on fire to find you.” We’re talking feral longing, morally gray devotion, and the kind of unhinged possessiveness that somehow reads as heartbreakingly tender.

The romance is obsessive in that “I would literally rather starve than live without you” way, but it never loses its emotional core. Beneath the fangs and fixation is a vampire who’s just so sure he’s found the one good thing in a world that’s given him nothing.

Perfect for late-night reading when you’re in the mood for something a little wild, a little tender, and dripping with forbidden want.
Bonus points for fated mate angst, slow-burn ache, and the kind of yearning that tastes like cinnamon and desperation.

Pour yourself something dark and sweet, and let Heather and Laith’s blood bond consume you.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once started, I was quite engrossed and unable to put it down. Excellent continuity from the previous book. Heather stumbled into the Other Realm by chance and curiosity had her taking excursions into Sanguine, ending up at the Blood bank. Being turned on by the donar process, she fled, full of guilt. Laith, in dire straits, had to find his unknown donar as she's has blood mate. Fate brings them together, but Heather is adamant that she wants to stay in her long term relationship. I could shake her, a brainy scientist, but so relationship daft. The banter between her and Laith was quite fun, the epitome of the ultimate loving, attentive mate and yes, the sparks are threatening to turn into an inferno. Soren, a phyco black ops agent, adds to the suspense which escalated with the kidnapping. Then there's the ongoing search for Kalix. This is one bumper of a packed storyline with found family, hot as hell spice, new friends, blood fated mates and great secondary characters. Now I have wait "patiently", not true, for Rhain's book to come.
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank you

[Lisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️

Tropes: vampire • fated mates • found family • he falls first and hard • she has a boyfriend • stalker • hurt/comfort

Sophie Ash has once again ripped out my heart, put it through a meatgrinder and shoved it back in.

Taste of Forever is fantastic and so, so hard on my heart. This book is going to live rent-free in my mind for years to come.

Laith is the golden retriever above all golden retrievers, and he is going to get his woman. Heather is a rational scientist trying to secretly study a new world she literally stumbled into. And Laith and Heather? They cannot catch a fucking break.

This story left me heartbroken many times over - and the overall story arc of Vampires of Sanguine? Fucking whimpers, y'all... 😢

This is such a good story, I can only give it 5 ⭐️ - but be warned: do not read this book unless you feel like your heart has had it too easy and needs a good beatdown.

Oh, and pro tip: there aren't a lot of spice scenes in this book. But the one true spice scene? It lasts three chapters... 🥵 "I'm not anywhere near done with you."

[Jasmine Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was such a cute and funny read. Heather the FMC accidentally finds her way into a supernatural world while out for a hike. She can’t seem to stay away after finally being able to go home. Laith the MMC is a funny and caring biker who belongs to the ruling Vampire Clan . The two meet by chance at the bloodbank and it’s a match made by Temkra! The way Laith loves her from that moment on and will do anything to be with her needs to be studied. Heather was hesitant to believe what Laith was saying and tried to stay away for the sake of her trash relationship🙄. When the two were finally able to give in to each other it was absolutely beautiful. The way they showed up for each other when they needed them most was absolutely heart warming. This book was very well written and had a well written fast burn. When they came together you knew that was it for them. If you want a cute vampire read that will give you some palpitations (a few twists that could’ve resulted in a very different story) then this book is for you!

Than you so much to Sophie for the copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own💜💜

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice twist on the blood mate story line, with Heather coming over from the human world. For a scientist, she kind of accepts the idea of vampires easily, while at the same time her brain can't help but think of this as an experiment. She's able to travel between the two worlds and continues to do so first for herself, then as she's being threatened, but ultimately because she's drawn to Laith in ways she doesn't understand. Laith is a playboy, who when he discovers his blood mate is all down to do everything he needs to in order to win her. There were various "bad guys" at play in this story, but my favorite parts were when the two MCs just spent time getting to know one another. It made their romance seem like it wasn't just based on the blood mate thing, but two individuals who actually began to care for each other. Heather was especially blown away by the little things Laith did, considering she had a boyfriend and he was less than useless. I also like that she officially broke up with the loser before coming to Laith for good. Great HEA.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read by Sophie Ash! The Steel Demons series by Crystal Ash (Sophie's alternate pen name) is one of my top ten favorite series so I had high expectations. The Vampires of Sanguine series is on the lighter side but just as exciting in its own way. Taste of Forever is the third book of the series and I’m hooked.

Laith is a member of the ruling clan and Heather is a human scientist who only recently discovered the existence of vampires. She also stumbled on a way into Sanguine and agrees to donate blood at the blood bank, all in the name of science. Laith is the recipient and realizes the donor is his blood mate. The process is anonymous and she’s gone before he can stop her or find out her name. So, first he has to find out who she is, and when he does, he has to deal with the fact that she has a boyfriend and somehow convince her that they belong together.

I love Laith! He is caring, thoughtful, and protective, a new experience for Heather, who needs him more than he knows. I really like these characters and this world the author has created. The engaging story is spicy, sweet, and intriguing, and it's a great read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science nerd and cinnamon roll hero for the win

Taste of Forever is the third book in Sophie Ashe's Vampires of Sanguine series. Taste of Forever is Heather and Laith's story. We had a bit of a preview in the epilogue of Taste of Death. 

Heather is a human who stumbles into Laith's world while hiking. Discovering that vampires exist, and being a scientist, her curiosity leads her to donating blood for hungry vampires at Sanguine's blood bank. Because the feeding is done in a manner where the vampire and human can't see one another, Laith has no idea who he just fed from other than that she is his blood mate. 

This story really is a wild ride for Heather and Laith, one of discovery, new found love, past entanglements, government operatives, danger and intrigue.

It's a quick read by the author of the Steel Demon MMC Series, Crystal/Sophie Ash. While it is a stand alone, for context and to know who all the characters are, I recommend reading the entire Vampires of Sanguine Series, starting with Taste of Fate.

[Kathy Whitcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taste of Forever is book 3 in the Sanguine series by Sophie Ash. It can be read as a standalone, or for a better experience, the first two books should be read. If you are looking for a different type of vampire books, slow burn, found family, mild spice, and an emotional ride! This is the book for you!

Taste of Forever follows Heather and Laith in their love story. This isn’t your normal fated mate book. Laith is a vampire, and Heather is a Forensic Scientist.

Laith is an MMC that all women want. Lovely, caring, protective. He goes the extra mile to make Heather his blood mate homemade chicken noodle soup. Something he has never done before. Heather finds that he treats her to an experience she thought she would never have.

“Because talking to him felt too much like flirting, which felt like a betrayal. Because on the brief few times he touched me, my physical response had been more intense than it had been in the year with Justin.”

The buildup was amazing. Talk about hot! Once they connected, it was terrific!

[Katherine Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first dive into the Vampires of Sanguine series, and wow—I’ve definitely been missing out! I need to go back and read Books 1 and 2 ASAP. That said, this book works really well as a standalone. It gives just enough background on the characters from earlier books to get you intrigued without spoiling their full stories. You get glimpses of their pasts and a few hints about their futures, but the focus stays on the present.

I absolutely love Laith. His caring and understanding nature really stood out. The book hints at how different he might have been in the past, but seeing him as Heather’s Laith was honestly heart-melting. As for Heather, she had a lot of growing to do when it came to understanding relationships and her own self-worth. Watching her navigate those struggles and come out stronger was so rewarding. I’m glad she found the strength to love Laith the way he truly deserves.

I can’t wait to read the next book—and all the others in the series! Each character feels like they have a deep story just waiting to be told, and I’m here for every one of them.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I don't just desire you, I ache for you. And you're not just a priority, you're the only priority. I live to take care of you. The blood mate connection brought us together, but the way I'm obsessed with you is all me."

5 stars

Okay, I officially claim Laith as mine!! He's been the charismatic, golden retriever vampire that has been charming us since Cyan's book, and I absolutely loved seeing him stalk (erm, seduce) his blood mate. Laith was fully committed to Heather as soon as they met in the blood bank, but Heather had so many reservations to overcome before she accepted Laith and his complete adoration. She didn't know anything about the supernatural world to begin with and saw vampires as something to be studied, but the more she was around Laith's easy acceptance and open affection, the more she was fascinated by him.

I LOVED the humor Laith inspired in those around him; the jokes between his clan mates were hilarious (especially Des and his "Dad"), while Science Barbie and Vampire Ken made me giggle and swoon. I also loved seeing Cyan/Tavia and Novak/Amy continue to love and support each other, especially my Cyan baby (this boy needs all the hugs)!! This book is definitely my favorite of the series so far, but I am so stoked for Rhain's story next🖤

Tropes: fated mates, forbidden love, unhinged golden retriever hero, STEM heroine, he falls first and hard, touch her and die, hurt/comfort, mild OM drama, he's obsessed with her/she's new to his world, 'who hurt you' vibes, found family, slow burn, STEAMY🔥

*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[Hex Que · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment picks up quickly right where the second left off so Laith is in search of his mystery donor. More than her identity, he doesn’t know that she’s not from his world, she’s already in a committed relationship, and she’s got feds hot on her tail. Heather has to make some tough decisions and come to terms with uncomfortable truths as she explores her self worth and finds her place in this new world and with this vampire that seems too good to be true.

Laith has been my favorite since his first on-page appearance. I have been so excited to get to his story and have more of his wit and banter.
She’s the broody one, and he’s sunshine in a bottle… kinda golden retriever meets Jack Russel terrier. If you can imagine that.

I’m still so invested in Kalix and I hope he gets to tell his own story someday.

[Meesh Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again an absolutely incredible read by Sophie Ash!

I was so excited to get back into the world of Sanguine, and even more excited to get to finally see Laith find his happy ever after. I loved meeting him in the other stories, and getting to see his silly and strong personality bloom in this books was amazing

And Heather? Science Barbie is a BAD ASS! I absolutely love her character, and hello? A woman in STEm? Hell yeah.

Their story was a far cry from typical, and I was hooked from the very beginning.

I can’t wait to read more from this universe!

“‘What do you think? There’s no Science Barbie without her Vampire Ken.’ His grin lit up his whole beautiful face. And the joy and lightness in my chest as we melted into more kisses felt like a sure sign that I made the right decision.”

“To be open with him was to be safe.”

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Needle, meet Haystack."

Ah!... I loved Laith and Heather's story. Laith is not only handsome, but also funny, sweet, thoughtful and patient. And Heather – the Science Barbie – lives up to her nickname. Curious and open-minded, she embarks on "vampire research" ("(...) I'm going to let a vampire bite me") and, through her "biting experiment," meets Leigh, who immediately recognizes her as his "Blood Mate." - Too bad the blood donors are treated anonymously...

Full marks for Leight's "glass shoe project" and for his "chicken noodle soup." By the time you get to the soup, you're completely captivated by him; even as a reader. He's just so sweet to Heather. Sigh...- Their story offers everything a good story needs: romance, humor, suspense, and crackling "oh la la" moments. It will also be exciting to see how Rhain's future assignment, the discovery and rescue of Kalix, will unfold. I hope we won't have to wait too long for the next book.



I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read any of Sophie’s other books or any of the 2 previous books in the series, but I don’t feel like I had to have read them to have loved this book. Which has been a great additional surprise.

For me I really enjoyed the world building that went along in the story with the MFC finding out at the same time. It was well written, kept me interested and turning the pages. I enjoyed Laith, his personality, humour and nicknames. The other relationships in the book were also well paced and meaningful - the ones we like anyway.

Justin needed to just do one sooner. But that’s my lack of patience.

I will be going back to read the first two books shortly.

I think most romantic fantasy readers would enjoy this book, it’s a good, engaging, page turning read. People who particularly read vampire romance.