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Tainted Obsession: Tainted Bloodbonds Book One
Jade
All Jade wants to do is protect her little brother. Gaining custody of him has been her sole focus since she reached adulthood, and she is doing everything in her power to see her plan through. But when the stalker who's been writing her letters for nearly a decade starts sending people after her, Jade is forced to make a navigate the abduction attempts on her own or trust the mysterious Alakath, a vampire who has forced his way into her life, claiming to be the protector she needs. Can she afford to put her faith in this monster masquerading as a man?
Alakath
For two centuries, Alakath has dreamed of nothing but revenge against Alaric, the wolf who tore his family apart. But when he finally has an opportunity to pay him back in kind, he must decide if his revenge is worth using the pretty woman Alaric has set his sights on as a sacrifice. She was supposed to be a job, a means to an end. He never considered she could become so much...more. Now, he must choose between completing his mission-defending his remaining family and exacting the vengeance owed to him-and protecting the human woman who has become his enemy's latest obsession...and his own.
All Jade wants to do is protect her little brother. Gaining custody of him has been her sole focus since she reached adulthood, and she is doing everything in her power to see her plan through. But when the stalker who's been writing her letters for nearly a decade starts sending people after her, Jade is forced to make a navigate the abduction attempts on her own or trust the mysterious Alakath, a vampire who has forced his way into her life, claiming to be the protector she needs. Can she afford to put her faith in this monster masquerading as a man?
Alakath
For two centuries, Alakath has dreamed of nothing but revenge against Alaric, the wolf who tore his family apart. But when he finally has an opportunity to pay him back in kind, he must decide if his revenge is worth using the pretty woman Alaric has set his sights on as a sacrifice. She was supposed to be a job, a means to an end. He never considered she could become so much...more. Now, he must choose between completing his mission-defending his remaining family and exacting the vengeance owed to him-and protecting the human woman who has become his enemy's latest obsession...and his own.
705 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 15, 2026
I received a ARC for this book for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The building of the two characters the FMC and the MMC was Great. The spicy scenes were on point and hot! The book read at a nice medium to fast pace.
With the cliffhanger ending…….. Well it has me wanting book 2 ASAP.
The only part of the book that I struggled with was the prologue, for me it was just a little confusing.
I really enjoyed this book. The building of the two characters the FMC and the MMC was Great. The spicy scenes were on point and hot! The book read at a nice medium to fast pace.
With the cliffhanger ending…….. Well it has me wanting book 2 ASAP.
The only part of the book that I struggled with was the prologue, for me it was just a little confusing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Goddamn I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed Tainted Obsession by EG Moncrief! I need something higher than a 5 star scale.
Firstly, the writing style is so compelling and the story itself is so gripping! Every sentence felt purposeful and Moncrief includes the right amount of description and exposition. It was so enjoyable to read.
I related to Jade so deeply. As an older sister to a younger brother growing up in some pretty bad situations, I could really identified with her struggles to do better and get herself and her brother out of poverty, neglect and abuse. She has a string sense of integrity, is hard working and endlessly kind. She has so many layers that anyone could identify with - her struggles, her strength, and her passion.
Alakath is genuinely one of the best MMCs I've ever read. He is strong, sexy and seductive - obviously - but he is also full of such emotional depth and sincerity that really endeared him to me. He is a consent king, which I especially love from a vampire who could so easily overwhelm, overpower and take what he wants from a human woman. (I volunteer as tribute!) He calls Jade "Precious" and he backs it up by TREATING her like she is! It can be so rare with a possessive MMC for an author to really balance that power and dominance with emotional support and true consideration. The sexy, kinky moments have communication and consent and care, which is refreshing and realistic to how healthy relationships should work.
All of the side characters were also fantastic! My heart felt for Jade's little brother Jordan at every turn. I think that a lot of the time involving a child side character can detract from the plot, or can be treated as an object or obstacle rather than a person, and Moncrief truly knew what to do with involving Jordan in the plot. He was well-developed and made me cry several times.
Iysis is a giant sweetheart and I demand a book about this sexy snake daddy with a heart of gold, please.
Legarius has such an interesting relationship with Alakath, and his grumpiness and reluctant kindnesses really added to my enjoyment of him. He really served to help explain the vampire mythos of this setting and to provide context for Alakath.
Lyn is adorable and a truly supportive friend. I also think her health condition sounds really intriguing and I would love to see her as the FMC in something, too!
Basically, E.G., I'm a greedy bottom and I want MORE of your writing.
I wondered and thought there might be a cliffhanger when I realized how little was left of the book, but RUDE. When is book two coming out? And can I please ARC read it?
Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. I cannot recommend this book enough!
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Some favorite quotes:
“Fuck that guy and his stupid goddamn horny blood magic,”
“I wonder, is it the fear that makes you blossom so? Knowing you’ve got a predator’s fangs at your throat?” His grip on her hair tightened just enough to make her gasp and pant. “Or could it be that you enjoy having a firm hand to guide you, to help you focus that clever, overburdened mind of yours on just—” he landed a kiss to her throat “—one—” another to the soft skin at the corner of her mouth “—thing.”
He felt how deep her craving was for someone to free her from the burden of having to control everything all the time, how deep the fear ran that she was lacking, that she’d never quite be enough.
“That will be the last time you make yourself come during our time together. If you need release, you’ll get it from me and only me. Do you understand, precious?”
...he was safe. She was safe with him. And that awareness was almost enough to bring tears to her eyes.
“Matters of the heart are always messy and complicated. That is why we shouldn’t be rushed in puzzling them out. They deserve to be paid proper attention.”
Honestly, I'd paste the whole book. I highlighted so much!
Firstly, the writing style is so compelling and the story itself is so gripping! Every sentence felt purposeful and Moncrief includes the right amount of description and exposition. It was so enjoyable to read.
I related to Jade so deeply. As an older sister to a younger brother growing up in some pretty bad situations, I could really identified with her struggles to do better and get herself and her brother out of poverty, neglect and abuse. She has a string sense of integrity, is hard working and endlessly kind. She has so many layers that anyone could identify with - her struggles, her strength, and her passion.
Alakath is genuinely one of the best MMCs I've ever read. He is strong, sexy and seductive - obviously - but he is also full of such emotional depth and sincerity that really endeared him to me. He is a consent king, which I especially love from a vampire who could so easily overwhelm, overpower and take what he wants from a human woman. (I volunteer as tribute!) He calls Jade "Precious" and he backs it up by TREATING her like she is! It can be so rare with a possessive MMC for an author to really balance that power and dominance with emotional support and true consideration. The sexy, kinky moments have communication and consent and care, which is refreshing and realistic to how healthy relationships should work.
All of the side characters were also fantastic! My heart felt for Jade's little brother Jordan at every turn. I think that a lot of the time involving a child side character can detract from the plot, or can be treated as an object or obstacle rather than a person, and Moncrief truly knew what to do with involving Jordan in the plot. He was well-developed and made me cry several times.
Iysis is a giant sweetheart and I demand a book about this sexy snake daddy with a heart of gold, please.
Legarius has such an interesting relationship with Alakath, and his grumpiness and reluctant kindnesses really added to my enjoyment of him. He really served to help explain the vampire mythos of this setting and to provide context for Alakath.
Lyn is adorable and a truly supportive friend. I also think her health condition sounds really intriguing and I would love to see her as the FMC in something, too!
Basically, E.G., I'm a greedy bottom and I want MORE of your writing.
I wondered and thought there might be a cliffhanger when I realized how little was left of the book, but RUDE. When is book two coming out? And can I please ARC read it?
Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. I cannot recommend this book enough!
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Some favorite quotes:
“Fuck that guy and his stupid goddamn horny blood magic,”
“I wonder, is it the fear that makes you blossom so? Knowing you’ve got a predator’s fangs at your throat?” His grip on her hair tightened just enough to make her gasp and pant. “Or could it be that you enjoy having a firm hand to guide you, to help you focus that clever, overburdened mind of yours on just—” he landed a kiss to her throat “—one—” another to the soft skin at the corner of her mouth “—thing.”
He felt how deep her craving was for someone to free her from the burden of having to control everything all the time, how deep the fear ran that she was lacking, that she’d never quite be enough.
“That will be the last time you make yourself come during our time together. If you need release, you’ll get it from me and only me. Do you understand, precious?”
...he was safe. She was safe with him. And that awareness was almost enough to bring tears to her eyes.
“Matters of the heart are always messy and complicated. That is why we shouldn’t be rushed in puzzling them out. They deserve to be paid proper attention.”
Honestly, I'd paste the whole book. I highlighted so much!
June 16, 2026
My review style:
I don’t write book reports or essays for English class. This won’t be some great literary analysis. I will give you my completely random thoughts and reactions. We review based on vibes over here.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Tropes:
1. Vampire MMC x human FMC
2. Wolf shifters
3. Forced proximity
4. Touch her and die
5. Love after loss
6. Found family
Okay, I have to get this out of the way first. I typically cannot stand 3rd person POV. But somehow it just worked in this book. To the point that I didn’t even notice it until I was several chapters in! Kudos to the author for being able to pull that off.
Alakath and Jade’s relationship starts off a little insta lust, which again, I typically don’t like. BUT it quickly develops into something more. You can tell how much they care for each other by their actions, even if they don’t say it.
The relationship that develops between Alakath and Jordan was one of my favorite things about this story. I loved the scene when they’re cooking breakfast together. “I am wounded, young Jordan.” 😂
Lyn is an absolute ride or die bestie. I can’t say much about this but the moment they have together towards the end of the book (through the glass door) was so special. The forehead press! 😍
Iysis has such a steady, calm presence. He seems so wise and like someone you would go to for advice. I love that he always shows up for his friends and is there for whatever they need.
(Basically I want to be best friends with both of their best friends.)
Also, I am holding out hope that Inkubus is still alive. 🤡
This ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for book two!
Favorite Quote:
“Matters of the heart are always messy and complicated. That is why we shouldn’t be rushed in puzzling them out. They deserve to be paid proper attention.”
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I don’t write book reports or essays for English class. This won’t be some great literary analysis. I will give you my completely random thoughts and reactions. We review based on vibes over here.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Tropes:
1. Vampire MMC x human FMC
2. Wolf shifters
3. Forced proximity
4. Touch her and die
5. Love after loss
6. Found family
Okay, I have to get this out of the way first. I typically cannot stand 3rd person POV. But somehow it just worked in this book. To the point that I didn’t even notice it until I was several chapters in! Kudos to the author for being able to pull that off.
Alakath and Jade’s relationship starts off a little insta lust, which again, I typically don’t like. BUT it quickly develops into something more. You can tell how much they care for each other by their actions, even if they don’t say it.
The relationship that develops between Alakath and Jordan was one of my favorite things about this story. I loved the scene when they’re cooking breakfast together. “I am wounded, young Jordan.” 😂
Lyn is an absolute ride or die bestie. I can’t say much about this but the moment they have together towards the end of the book (through the glass door) was so special. The forehead press! 😍
Iysis has such a steady, calm presence. He seems so wise and like someone you would go to for advice. I love that he always shows up for his friends and is there for whatever they need.
(Basically I want to be best friends with both of their best friends.)
Also, I am holding out hope that Inkubus is still alive. 🤡
This ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for book two!
Favorite Quote:
“Matters of the heart are always messy and complicated. That is why we shouldn’t be rushed in puzzling them out. They deserve to be paid proper attention.”
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given the privilege of ARC reading for my now dear author friend and may I just say... I was not okay the entire time in the best way 😭
Like the tension??? The pull and pull?? The “this is a terrible idea but I need to see what happens next” energy?? You absolutely nailed that. I could not look away. Even though I wasn't Alakath's biggest fan (and DEFINITELY NOT ALARIC'S FAN, GROSS)... the author portrayed each character so well and handles the obsession vs love dynamic very well to where it felt raw and messy and real (and honestly kinda addictive). Respectfully, I am still unwell over it.
E.G. Moncrief's writing just gets that dark romance vibe where it's intense and a little dangerous, but you're still rooting for it anyway, and I was fully invested the whole time.
Seriously, very proud of this author, this was SO good and I can't wait to scream and buy a copy for my book-trophy shelf! 🖤
Like the tension??? The pull and pull?? The “this is a terrible idea but I need to see what happens next” energy?? You absolutely nailed that. I could not look away. Even though I wasn't Alakath's biggest fan (and DEFINITELY NOT ALARIC'S FAN, GROSS)... the author portrayed each character so well and handles the obsession vs love dynamic very well to where it felt raw and messy and real (and honestly kinda addictive). Respectfully, I am still unwell over it.
E.G. Moncrief's writing just gets that dark romance vibe where it's intense and a little dangerous, but you're still rooting for it anyway, and I was fully invested the whole time.
Seriously, very proud of this author, this was SO good and I can't wait to scream and buy a copy for my book-trophy shelf! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shocked that this is E.G. Moncrief’s first novel. This book was a RIDE from start to finish. Jade was an FMC that I very personally related to in so many ways and I loved her growth throughout. She was strong and dedicated and loyal, I absolutely loved reading about her.
It was so fun reading about Alakath’s journey, him slowly falling for Jade and realizing that he needed her in his life in a way that was different from what he originally planned. He’s protective? Green flag. He’s good with kids? Green flag. He’s a centuries old vampire? The greenest flag.
I will be recommending this book to everyone. That ending though?! I cannot wait for Book 2!
Shocked that this is E.G. Moncrief’s first novel. This book was a RIDE from start to finish. Jade was an FMC that I very personally related to in so many ways and I loved her growth throughout. She was strong and dedicated and loyal, I absolutely loved reading about her.
It was so fun reading about Alakath’s journey, him slowly falling for Jade and realizing that he needed her in his life in a way that was different from what he originally planned. He’s protective? Green flag. He’s good with kids? Green flag. He’s a centuries old vampire? The greenest flag.
I will be recommending this book to everyone. That ending though?! I cannot wait for Book 2!
May 21, 2026
In my opinion, if you like paranormal romance and/or fantasy romance - you will find something to latch onto in this one.
I felt the characters themselves did a great job of providing world building background in an efficient and engaging way that had me, as the reader quickly immersed into the world Moncrief has written.
The varying relationships and personalities of the main characters were raw in a way that made them uniquely intriguing.
But be warned: this one is definitely spicy with an ending of that will leave you with your mouth wide open frantically looking for the next chapter that isn’t there yet!!! I know I will be eagerly awaiting Tainted Bloodbonds Book 2!
I felt the characters themselves did a great job of providing world building background in an efficient and engaging way that had me, as the reader quickly immersed into the world Moncrief has written.
The varying relationships and personalities of the main characters were raw in a way that made them uniquely intriguing.
But be warned: this one is definitely spicy with an ending of that will leave you with your mouth wide open frantically looking for the next chapter that isn’t there yet!!! I know I will be eagerly awaiting Tainted Bloodbonds Book 2!
May 12, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
The way I ate this book up!
Jade’s just trying to take care of her family and hold down her job. Next thing she knows, there’s a serious threat to her life and a vampire who refuses to leave, vowing to protect her… Did I forget to mention he’s hot? Yeah… sis is living 💅
I thought the romantic scenes felt natural and were exceptionally well written. Alakath is a total consent king, and I’m here for it. He never pressured her, even when he had the higher power dynamic.
I’ll say the ending was unexpected and definitely had me wanting more 👏🏻
The way I ate this book up!
Jade’s just trying to take care of her family and hold down her job. Next thing she knows, there’s a serious threat to her life and a vampire who refuses to leave, vowing to protect her… Did I forget to mention he’s hot? Yeah… sis is living 💅
I thought the romantic scenes felt natural and were exceptionally well written. Alakath is a total consent king, and I’m here for it. He never pressured her, even when he had the higher power dynamic.
I’ll say the ending was unexpected and definitely had me wanting more 👏🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jade is a struggling college student who literally just wants to care for her family, and unknowingly has found herself in an absolutely terrifying situation.
Alakath is figuring out how to navigate a world he hasn’t been part of in many, many years.. and has been tasked with shadowing Jade and tracking down his biggest enemy.
Watching their character growth through the story was honestly better than I could’ve ever expected!
This book is such an emotional roller coaster, but it’s an amazing one.
I cannot wait for book two!
Alakath is figuring out how to navigate a world he hasn’t been part of in many, many years.. and has been tasked with shadowing Jade and tracking down his biggest enemy.
Watching their character growth through the story was honestly better than I could’ve ever expected!
This book is such an emotional roller coaster, but it’s an amazing one.
I cannot wait for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a ARC reader, and This is my first vampire type book. Let me say what a way to start. I love the character dynamic. I have seen a female main haveing that struggle with being the eldest sister and wanting to protect her brother.
The way the growth of the FMC and MMC, the spicy scenes didn't feel to force and the romance of the flows. I will be reading the 2nd book. This is a good introduction in to vampire romance books if you wanna start.
The way the growth of the FMC and MMC, the spicy scenes didn't feel to force and the romance of the flows. I will be reading the 2nd book. This is a good introduction in to vampire romance books if you wanna start.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Recieced an ARC copy of this to review.
Loved the story from start to finish. The prologue was a little confusing, but the flow of the book moving forward kept my interest. It was hard to put down. The FMC is doing all she can to take care of her little brothe. This may include housing a sexy vampire! The spice was well written and the ending leaves you wanting more. Can't wait for book two.
Loved the story from start to finish. The prologue was a little confusing, but the flow of the book moving forward kept my interest. It was hard to put down. The FMC is doing all she can to take care of her little brothe. This may include housing a sexy vampire! The spice was well written and the ending leaves you wanting more. Can't wait for book two.
May 18, 2026
If you’re looking for a solid vampire romance this is it! Jade and Alakath come together as she looks for protection and Alakath just can’t resist her. This one was spicy! and I liked that Jade could hold her own under the dangerous circumstances she found herself in. It also leaves you wanting much more. Thank you to author E.G. Moncrief for the ARC.
May 19, 2026
I received an ARC of this book. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Right from the start I was hooked. That prologue was so gothic I could visualize everything. Being the oldest of a large family I totally connected with the FMC. I’m a sucker for a vampire story and this one checked all the boxes. This was released 5/17/26. Run and get this book. I can’t wait for the second one.
June 10, 2026
I love the way these characters are written. I love the push and pull between them. For a debut story I am absolutely blown away, I could not put it down. Super excited to read future books from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book and i absolutely lovedddd it. I loved all the spice and banter and that cliffhanger had my jaw on the floor. Absolutely can not wait for book two and hoping it is just as good!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I received this as an ARC. I was hooked from the start and can’t wait to get the next one. Grab this one as soon as you can!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fun read. I can’t wait for the next one
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews