Fourth Book in the Serial by the New York Times Bestselling Author of Blood of Life After yet another series of setbacks for the billionaire vampire Dorian Thorne's alliance, Cora Shaw struggles to regroup. She has school to attend and the wedding with Dorian to arrange--not just any wedding but a union that is to symbolize the friendship between humans and vampires. But even as she tries to balance these parts of her life, her relationship with Dorian enters more treacherous ground, and a blow to the alliance threatens all their gains.
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!
*For your own benefit, READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES BEFORE JUMPING INTO THIS ONE! Cora feels at a complete loss after Lucretia's death (is that a spoiler?) as she feels it was her fault. But as everyone kept telling her, it was bound to happen and she just happened to be there when it happened. I mean, I get it, a death is a death, specially since we know Lucretia's condition, but she was slowly killing herself anyways. Luckily, she has her wedding and Dorian to sway her mind from the horrible incident. Cora learns a bit more about Dorian's past but still feels unsure of where she stands in his world. Not only that but also feels that she's loosing her corner stone, Lissette, to Clarissa's mind powers. How can they not see she's being manipulated by other forces is beyond me but oh, well, I guess that just shows if you strike the smart one, you really leave the group a little weaker LOL Dorian is as darker and charming as ever. There is scene where I was kind of in awe and in confusion for what he was asking of Cora but as soon as she told him she was scared, boom! He embraced her, took care of her and hold her in a way that almost made me want to be in Cora's place (pick me!pick me! I'll say yes!) Cora keeps being Cora. One minute she is being her whinny self, the other next she feels in control and reckless (I wonder if being Bipolar is a secondary effect to the bond?) I know it's only being months since it all started but she needs to grow, specially with all that's happening. Although, after the last setback at the lab and everyone was still reticent to have Dora working there she felt it was her duty to help, for Dorian and Hattie. I give her props for that. She showed character there. And now, they may have found who the real culprit is but unfortunately it may be too late and Dorian's group may have lost the upper hand in this battle. Must patiently wait to see who wins the next one. ++I received a copy of this story in exchange of an honest review++
VM Black has put yet another installment in the Cora's Bond series that stops time and makes me wish for more. Her writing is simply elegant. It is intelligent and takes you places you would never have thought the plot/story line should go, but when you arrive you think wow, she did it to me again. BRAVO!!! (applause here).
In the fourth installment Cora is going wedding dress shopping with her friends at a place that she described as a pastel bordelo. But nothing mattered once she saw Dorian standing there and looked around at her two worlds colliding with agnates, cognates, and her human friends. Her growth as a character continues and so does the depth of her and Dorian's relationship. The sensual scenes are a bit dark, but delicious like dark chocolate. Those scenes aren't just tossed in for readers, they are part of how Dorian and Cora come closer to one another and see their truer selves. The cliffhanger/ending in this episode was not what I expected, but makes me wonder what will come now as I think I know, but this author always fools me.
If you want to give a book to read or to find a book for yourself get into this series or any of this authors series. She also writes side stories on the background of some of the cognates and how they came into this world. I loved Will's story of Kiss of Memory. Brilliantly written and so adept at understanding someone with issues such as that. Pick up a this series and escape into a new world.
We now find Cora and Dorian in the midst of planning their wedding, while also mourning the loss of Jean and Hattie. Cora seems a bit stronger and confident in some respects in this book. I think the wedding preparation is helping to bring out some of her inner strength and determination. She still questions and waivers back and forth. Why o why me....But she also can't seem to catch a break. Every time she turns a corner something is going wrong. I am excited to see how the wedding is going to turn out and to find out if the final battle will be waged at the wedding.
I am also happy lot see a softer side of Dorian coming out. And yes I did say softer. He seems a bit more playful and fun. He has got a wicked sense of humor in my opinion. But you can still definitely see the power and domination that he is holding back.
Note I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure I liked Cora today. She came across as whiny and really annoying while she was lamenting the death of a fellow Consort. Frankly, the angst wasn't necessary and a bit over the top. However, Cora soon snapped out of it and was soon on to her bridal chores with a mix attendants. This installment feels like a buildup to something - not sure if its going to be spectacular or horrific (or maybe spectacularly horrific). I am anticipating the wedding and what I assume to be the "showdown" between the two factions with more than a little glee. If you haven't read any of the preceding installments, that's a must. This is NOT the book to jump into this series. That said, this is shaping up to be a really entertaining, well written saga.
Cora is still trying to get her bearings in Dorian's world. She's still reeling from her perceived 'mistakes' at the lab and planning her wedding, trying not to lose herself as Dorian's cognate.
As Cora's confidence improves, more undermining plots against the Adelphoi are uncovered. I suspect that mono test that the university was conducting will somehow have a hand in upcoming events…
But there's another spy in their midsts that will have to be dealt with. With Dorian's Alliance losing the upper hand, things just got a lot more volatile.
It's a good thing Ms. Black gets these instalments out quickly! Another good one!
This one seemed to go fast for me loved it as always. I am really enjoying watching Cora grow into a strong woman who isn't easy to walk over. Loved her sassing at those who tried to look down their noses at her. Good for her! Anxious to find out who the mole is in their midst. Bring it on!
DELICIOUSLY FANG-TASTIC ! Be still my heart! I loved it. Somebody call 911 ! Ms. Black has really turned up the heat in Matter of Time, Book 4 in the Cora's Bond Series. She has once again dazzled and entertained us with her exceptional talent and writing ability. Black is a woman on fire in this powerful, compelling and deliciously dark tale of love, murder, suspense, and intrigue! And if you can't take the heat----please, call the Fire Department!! Oh my! I did not think it possible, but this series just gets hotter and even more exciting! This book delves even deeper into suspense and plot twists! Oh my goodness! In this installment we get a much more detailed look into Dorian's character, his past and his dark side. And does he ever have a dark side! The story is powerful, compelling and gripping. The dialog is smart, eloquent and beautiful. Simply exquisite! The characters are smart, well developed and intriguing. They come to life and jump off the page right into your heart and imagination. Exciting! Well Written! Smart! Original! Powerful! Gripping! Thrilling! Suspenseful! Enticing! Captivating! Addictive! Arousing! Romantic! Sexy! Steamy! And let's not forget Hot! Oh yeah! Handsome, wealthy vampire agnate, Dorian, in love with Cora and trying to bring his people, the Adelphoi into the future. Beautiful, intelligent, college student Cora, now bonded with Dorian and desperately seeking her place in Dorian's heart and his world. Sexy vampires-check! A fascinating menagerie of characters-check! Murder, suspense and intrigue-check! Romance, love and steamy sex-check, check and check! Oh yeah! I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I was totally enthralled! Kudos Ms. Black! You've outdone yourself - again! I can hardly wait for Book 5 !
Cora’s trying to balance all the parts of her life while trying to arrange the wedding of the century and Dorian’s struggling with another series of setbacks including a blow that threatens all their gains in this riveting installment of Cora’s Bond.
With all the surprises (most not good) in Cora’s life it’s a wonder she’s still standing especially as her relationship with Dorian enters more treacherous grounds and the reader can’t help but be enthralled by all the drama and excitement that surrounds this couple especially as Dorian may be pushing for more in the kink in their sex life than Cora can handle. The chemistry still burns out of control however and there is no denying that they make one blistering hot couple and the fast paced and smooth flowing plot continues to keep readers glued to the book with suspense, turmoil and passion.
With expectations and pressure building from every side, anticipations keep readers on the edge as setbacks bombard Dorian’s research and now there’s even more of an explosive problem to be dealt with not to mention that someone’s still sending Cora threatening notes and leaving no clues. Vivid imagery brings the story to life while the well-orchestrated events lure the reader in and guarantees that they keep coming back for more.
I was completely riveted with this installment from the very beginning although I must warn you that it seems a tiny bit slower than the previous books, but it also has a lot of emotional ups and downs with everything that Cora is having to deal with and of course it’s a vital part of the story and you won’t be bored and then there is the cliffhanger that lets you know that it is only going to get more sensational.
WOW! WOW! I'm in love, Ms. Black has just out did herself in Matter of Time the fourth book in this series. She has written once again a AWESOME book, her talent is exceptional and she writes the hottest, most powerful, drama filled tale of love,intrigue and suspense! And I do mean hot you may need a fan and maybe a extra pair of undies OMG! I can tell you that this series gets more exciting with each book. There are plots in plots and a lot of twists and turns! Within this book four we get to look more at Dorian's personalty and see his dark side. This storyline is so gripping and very compelling. The description of the characters are well developed and exciting. You will feel like they are lived and have fired up in your imagination. It's so Original and Thrilling! The storyline is also romantic, addictive, steamy hot, sexy and captivating! Dorian is a agnate and he's wealthy, handsome, and did I say sexy. Dorian is trying to introduce the Adelphoi and the Kyrioi to a different way to choose a cognate. He has to show Cora off so that his enemies won't keep trying to hurt her. Cora wants to love Dorian but with her free will and not have Dorian enthrall her. Dorian feels their bond is the same as love, but Cora doesn't feel the same she just wants know her place in his world. Sexy Agnate, Romance, lots of Hot and Steamy sex!! Oh and you will be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. MARVELOUS AWESOME again! If you are like me you will feels you can hardly wait for BOOK FIVE. This well worth the rate of five stars.
I loved this book just as much as the other books in this series, I can't get enough of Dorian and him and Cora together are just wonderful. Even though Lucretia was evil Cora still was upset that she played any part in her death but Dorian took good care of her, reassuring her. I did not like how Clarissa was influencing Lisette, I liked how strong Lisette was and now because of Clarissa she is just a shell of her former self alot of the time. I will say that Cora does stand up for Lisette and puts her foot down with what Clarissa is doing. I enjoyed reading about Cora and the girls at the dress shop, I think it is weird that she has to have agnates in her wedding party, the woman named Karen and Rebecca seemed rude to me, and why is Dorain there, it is bad luck lol I did however enjoy the hot sex scenes at the dress shop. I am so happy Cora found a dress she liked. I enjoyed reading about more of Dorian's past and the things Clarissa shared about her and Dorian's life. I could have skipped the tour around the outside of his home and the whole race track part, not really sure what that added to the story. I didn't trust certain people in the lab and then with the ending I now have my suspicions of who was causing all of the trouble. Excited for what the next book has in store for us readers.
I loved this book just as much as the other books in this series, I can't get enough of Dorian and him and Cora together are just wonderful. Even though Lucretia was evil Cora still was upset that she played any part in her death but Dorian took good care of her, reassuring her. I did not like how Clarissa was influencing Lisette, I liked how strong Lisette was and now because of Clarissa she is just a shell of her former self alot of the time. I will say that Cora does stand up for Lisette and puts her foot down with what Clarissa is doing. I enjoyed reading about Cora and the girls at the dress shop, I think it is weird that she has to have agnates in her wedding party, the woman named Karen and Rebecca seemed rude to me, and why is Dorain there, it is bad luck lol I did however enjoy the hot sex scenes at the dress shop. I am so happy Cora found a dress she liked. I enjoyed reading about more of Dorian's past and the things Clarissa shared about her and Dorian's life. I could have skipped the tour around the outside of his home and the whole race track part, not really sure what that added to the story. I didn't trust certain people in the lab and then with the ending I now have my suspicions of who was causing all of the trouble. Excited for what the next book has in store for us readers.
I am always so excited when I received the next book about Cora and Dorian and dive right into it. The characters are so real they make you laugh and cry with them! Vicky sucks you in and takes you on the same emotional ride as the characters. I do wonder about how everyone on campus needed to get a shot and about how Lisette is feeling and acting slightly different and how that is going to play into the future books?? Claressa is becoming more enduring and it was funny to read Cora’s shocked realization that she would be her step-mother. I am anticipating the wedding and Cora meeting his other two children. We do get to see a little more of Dorian's dark side, and Cora’s now nervous about the fact that he admits to wanting to hurt her and that she might not be able to say no to him in the future because of the bond. She desperately wants to continue to help out in the labs for Hattie, herself and any future children they will so they do not have to become monsters too. This book wasn't as action packed as others but boy did it end with a bang. I can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommend this entertaining, well written series.
*I received this ARC book in exchange for an honest review*
I received this as a ARC for a honest review. Now I will try not to post spoilers as I do this review.
Now, Before I get to the review you really should read the other books before you read this one or you WILL be lost. This book is not a stand alone in any sense!
Now, as I was reading I noticed Cora going from taking charge to back to the wimpy little college student. One minute she is a take charge kind of girl and the next she caves in and scared of everything. Everything is her fault, she is the cause for all the killings and destruction that the other vampires are causing.
Dorian is evil but good ... I know it makes no sense but that is the way it is here. I keep reading this set just KNOWING that Ms Black is going to have a cliff hanger here and me.. I am looking for it. I have no clue how she is able to twist this story around so much but it only keeps getting better.
But it does feel like this book is about what is happening more in the back ground. More what is not written then what is. Or should I say what has been glossed over as you know it will come back to bite you and what is being shown is not what you think it is. GREAT Book!!!
As usual Ms Black weaves a wicked tale. Dorian and Cora are becoming one in the same, while Cora tries to stay true to some part of the person that she was, there is no denying the fact that the person she is, Is changing with every breath. There is no hiding the fact that she is becoming stronger, more self confident, and a kick ass woman in her own right is just around the corner. Cora's world is in a tail spin as her friends are falling back somewhat as her life with Dorian becomes an adventure to say the least. At first, I was wondering if Cora may have taken on a bit much, but it seems my little sleeping beauty is about to come out of her shell in a big way, With the wedding around the corner, and all eyes will be upon her, our little butterfly will be a force to be reckoned with I'm sure. So do yourself a favor, and please follow the series, and start at book one! You won't regret it. Ms Black is a wonderful story teller. And did I mention that Dorian is the hottest Alpha male ever?
Its time for the party to be introduced as Dorian's cognate. Cora is having a panic attack as comes to realize more of what the cognates role is in vampire society. She feels she has lost her free will and Dorian is controlling her mind. Struggling with this new development she does not want to be introduced and Dorian insists making her feel more like a prize then something he cherishes. Forces are out to show Cora things that feed her fear and enforce her resolve to brake the bond and live a normal life. Finding out she may actually have a choice from someone Dorian considers the enemy just adds to the confusion. Who does she believe and what does she really want. This was an excellent next step in Cora's and Dorian's relationship. This segment was filled with a lot of information and background that help round out the storyline and add suspense. I can't wait for book 5 to see how this new information affects the characters.
I love that each addition brings not only more to discover about Cora and Dorian and their relationship but also brings more surprises and keeps you on your toes.
Matter of Time is no different, it brings so much to the story, More humor, more emotion, and as I said more suspense. Poor Cora and Dorian, just when things seem to be going wonderfully another bump in the road pops up, in some way or another. There is so much going on in this story, but you are pulled in and kept on the edge, each layer of the mysteries revealed just builds and adds to the storyline.
I love that each additional book builds on the previous one almost like there was no break in between, it makes it easy to follow the overall storyline without feeling lost or that something was left out. Cora and Dorian are two characters with an amazing story that just begs to be read.
Where to begin!!!! WOW!!! Let me start by saying I LOVE THIS BOOK, THIS SERIES, AND THIS AUTHOR!!!!!!! Matter of Time flawlessly picks up right where we left off in the previous book. And there is no time wasted! This book has action, mystery, murder, betrayal, nail-biting suspense, humor, charming romance, and plenty of heat!!! We do get to see a little more of Dorian's dark side, which I really enjoyed. We've been through so much with Cora and her Dorian, and the twists and turns keep coming! V.M. Black MUST be at the top of everyone's favorite author list. She really is amazing. Each and every one of her books are so unique, fresh, new, and never cease to amaze AND surprise! This book is no exception! I devoured it in one night and cannot wait for book #5!!!! Superb job!
The 4th book in the cora's bond series and the emotional roller coaster is still in full swing. Just when I think Cora and Dorian are settling into their relationship, the heat between them provides a reminder of the darkness in Dorian and Cora retreats emotionally out of the fear that things will get out of hand and she'll lose herself but is she afraid more that Dorian will go too far or that she wants him too ? On top of that, their wedding is fast approaching with all the drama that's likely to bring and of course Ms black finishes with a cliff hanger that reminds you that just when you think things are going well, there's always someone who likes to pull the rug out from under you ! I love it.
Where to begin!!!! WOW!!! Let me start by saying I LOVE THIS BOOK, THIS SERIES, AND THIS AUTHOR!!!!!!! Matter of Time flawlessly picks up right where we left off in the previous book. And there is no time wasted! This book has action, mystery, murder, betrayal, nail-biting suspense, humor, charming romance, and plenty of heat!!! We do get to see a little more of Dorian's dark side, which I really enjoyed. We've been through so much with Cora and her Dorian, and the twists and turns keep coming! V.M. Black MUST be at the top of everyone's favorite author list. She really is amazing. Each and every one of her books are so unique, fresh, new, and never cease to amaze AND surprise! This book is no exception! I devoured it in one night and cannot wait for book #5!!!! Superb job!
Every time I think things are truly going to work out between Cora and Dorian something happen. I'm only one who feeling really bad for Cora every time she tries to do the right thing it always back fires on her I feel like she can get a break .Then the reality of her external youth hit home when her birthday come I feel like she can't really even enjoy her birthday while keeping secrets from her bestfriend plus she still mourning the death of her friend Hattie. least she has her wedding to look forward to her dress sounds amazing. But still so many unanswered questions. Can wait for the next book to see what going to happen next.
Received the 4th book in the Cora's Bond series today and finished it in hours. I just couldn't put it down. It was just as good as the previous books. I liked how this book dealt with a bit of the lighter issues going on in the story line like the planning of Cora & Dorian's wedding. Nice to see the involvement of her girlfriends as bridesmaids a bit in the story & also of her friends with her birthday. Still can't get enough of Cora & Dorian. But I really think the supporting characters like Clarissa, Lisette & others contribute greatly to the story. Will be waiting impatiently now for the 5th book in this series being released on January 19th.
Just Gets Better!Cora and Dorian continue making plans for their wedding. The bridesmaids all gather at an upscale boutique, including cognates that have been chosen for her wedding party by Dorian. After trying on just a few dresses Cora chooses her perfect dress. She also realizes how little she knows about her future husband, and how much he frightens her. There have been students disappearing from the campus. Two of the lab workers have possibly discovered the source of the contamination that Cora was previously suspected of being the source. This was a great book and I hope you are curious enough to read it after what I have written here. Looking forward to the next book!
First this is a series, you need to read in order.
At the end of Time Out of Mind, Lucretia has killed herself. Cora is beside herself of this event. During this book Lisette seems to be acting different could it be Clarissa influence or something else. We get to see interaction between Cora's friends and Vampire's from Dorian's world, while Cora's is shopping for her dress. Yes, there is more wedding planning in this book. During this book, we see the darker side to Dorian. Cora goes back to work in the lab and we get more information what occurred in the lab with the contamination. Who could it be?
The series keeps getting better with more Vampires and shifters.
Cora is taking the death do cognate Lucretia hard and she's blaming herself for it. Dorian is comforting her to let her know that she was alreading dying. She does not see it that way. It seems like everything she does makes it worest and maybe she should stop trying to help out. Dorian and Cora still in the procees of going forward with their wedding plans. Every time she goes down to the lad she thinks about Hatte and it's get hard knowing she not there to help with the research. Good news comes along with some bad news and now Dorian is about to figure out what's going on.
each time a new book comes out i am simply hooked all over again! Despite the fact i miss Hattie and Jean. As always the story is fasted paced with extremely hot sex scenes. The wedding is close and we get to see Cora and Dorian getting ready for the big event. The humanly insecure yet strong Cora and the beautifully twisted and sometimes Cold Dorian trying as always to keep a balance between his world and hers. Once more and amazing story !!!! An addiction!
CAPTIVATING, SUSPENSEFUL, AND SEXY HOT!!!! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down until I finished it, as is the case with all of Ms Black's books. You're on edge the whole time waiting to see what happens next. I love this series and can't wait to see where it goes next. This book lets us see more of what Dorian is made up of. Things are becoming more complicated and the chemistry between Cora and Dorian keeps getting hotter and hotter. You will love this series. Can't wait for next installment. I received this book as a gift for an honest review. Patsy Sacco
I tell you I feel Dorian's pain and frustration, just when you think it's all going to work out. Wham... another monkey wrench thrown into the mix. This just tells you how entrenched I am in this series. This is one darn good series and as usual it is hard for me to put down. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's like a primetime tv series that deserves an Emmy for the way it keeps you until the next episode or in this case...book. That being said..loved it and can't wait for the next one..
Can't Cora get a break? Every time I think Cora and Dorian are finally getting to a safe place something goes wrong. They are getting the final decisions on the wedding handled, the dress sounds amazing. I'm so excited for this wedding Cora deserves the most amazing wedding ever. I knew that Cora wasn't responsible for the contamination! But now what's gonna happen to Dorian's research? I need the next book now.
The next installment of Cora and Dorian's story is amazing as usual. V.M. Black is an excellent story teller.
Cora is feeling very overwhelmed and guilt ridden like everything that has happened is somehow her fault. She tries to keep control of certain aspects of her life as she's afraid to lose herself in Dorian. I'm looking forward to the next installment. I received an ARC for my honest review.