What do you think?
Rate this book
The New Protectorate Syndicate #2
Grim Games
Tempting a vampire is a dangerous game.
He’s there to settle a debt, not to be entangled in the seediest game United Washington’s underground has to offer. But when the prize is a woman like Francesca Sinclair, Luis Amauri will do anything to win — even if that means he has to kill to do it.
She’s offered herself up to a group of hungry vampires for a chance at a better life, but she’s completely unprepared for the bloodshed she unleashes when the infamously depraved Amauri sets his sights on her. He’ll do unimaginable things to sink his fangs into her, and he’ll do even worse to keep her bound and sated in his bed forever.
His victory isn’t the end of the nightmare. It’s when the real game begins.
He’s there to settle a debt, not to be entangled in the seediest game United Washington’s underground has to offer. But when the prize is a woman like Francesca Sinclair, Luis Amauri will do anything to win — even if that means he has to kill to do it.
She’s offered herself up to a group of hungry vampires for a chance at a better life, but she’s completely unprepared for the bloodshed she unleashes when the infamously depraved Amauri sets his sights on her. He’ll do unimaginable things to sink his fangs into her, and he’ll do even worse to keep her bound and sated in his bed forever.
His victory isn’t the end of the nightmare. It’s when the real game begins.
- GenresVampires
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
27 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 29, 2026
Thank you Abigail Kelly for this ARC!
Trigger or content warnings? Yes, included in the back of the book.
Details?
Frankie is the FMC. Luis is the MMC. I assumed Frankie is in her mid to late twenties, and Luis’ is older than her.
OM drama. Past OW drama, that haunts the present narrative. Luis had a very active sexual life. His past is mentioned more than once, and Frankie is his maid that cleans his apartment (where he would take his submissive so that he had privacy away from his family).
Frankie is not with others after meeting. Luis did have a submissive when first meeting Frankie but he broke it off with her.
My thoughts?
Frankie needs money, and so she signs up for the Blood Games. Truly, out of pure desperation. Her parents are about to lose their home. She’s trying to locate her chosen-sister that she lost contact with ages ago. She needs money, and the quicker the better. Frankie *is* a hard worker. I love Frankie. She works multiple jobs, she does not come from a life of privilege, and she values being a realist. While that realism leans more towards pessimism is besides the point. Which is why when the Blood Games go sideways she is blindsided.
With Frankie being naturally skeptical she just thinks that Luis is a flirt, and knows that he is not into commitment. She only sees heartbreak in her future with him, so after an impulsive goodbye kiss she decides to quit.
You may be wondering “oh why wouldn’t she consider him?” well on the night of May 8th Frankie seen Luis with his last submissive named Caitlin. Luis is supposed to be a smart man, but he was not in this moment. He brought his already pushing-boundaries-submissive to a fancy restaurant and spent the night wining and dining her. They flirted, Caitlin made her way to his lap to where they shared tipsy kisses, and then he decided to break it off with her. In the middle of the dining room. Caitlin had an emotional break down. Luis got doused in wine. He had a very large bill by the end of the night.
So in Frankie’s mind (smart woman) he is a big old “hell to the no”. Personally, my issue was the fact that he allowed Caitlin to still feel so vulnerable and safe with him, even though he knew she had developed feelings. Was that Caitlin’s bad? Yeah, because he made it clear from the beginning that he wasn’t a permenant-be-my-anchor sort of vampire. Yet he is still in the wrong because he knew she had developed feelings, and then flirted, shared some kisses, and cuddled with her.
Luis was my downer for this book. He was by far my least favourite MMC. There is a trend in Abigail Kelly’s work where past sexual experiences are usually mentioned in casual ways, and I’ve adjusted to that. I still have loved majority of her books. I love Frankie. I love Milo. I love Milo and Luis’ Moms and Dad (they’re a triad). I love Maxine. I loved seeing my favourite crazy couple (Dahlia and Felix). I love aspects of Luis. Once he realized how much of an idiot he had been, he definitely locked into securing Frankie as his anchor. He was dedicated to her after breaking things off with Caitlin. He was trying to court her slowly, because he got the impression that Frankie was very shy. That he needed to take his time. Once he was given the opportunity to show Frankie what a good provider and vampire he can be for her, he threw himself into it whole heartedly. I love how much he loves his younger brother. I love how much of a soft spot he has for Dahlia. I love how he was so taken with Frankie even when she was oblivious. At his core he still had the dedicated-to-my-mate special brand of Abigail Kelly goodness to offer.
This ends on a HFN, with the main chunk of the drama (the bad guy) continuing on into the next story just with a different angle. It is like puzzle pieces clicking together. Frankie and Luis are happily together, and in love.
Completely off topic, but I would **love** to see Caitlin get her HEA with a head-over-heels love interest that is above and beyond wanting to be serious with her.
Trigger or content warnings? Yes, included in the back of the book.
Details?
Frankie is the FMC. Luis is the MMC. I assumed Frankie is in her mid to late twenties, and Luis’ is older than her.
OM drama. Past OW drama, that haunts the present narrative. Luis had a very active sexual life. His past is mentioned more than once, and Frankie is his maid that cleans his apartment (where he would take his submissive so that he had privacy away from his family).
Frankie is not with others after meeting. Luis did have a submissive when first meeting Frankie but he broke it off with her.
My thoughts?
Frankie needs money, and so she signs up for the Blood Games. Truly, out of pure desperation. Her parents are about to lose their home. She’s trying to locate her chosen-sister that she lost contact with ages ago. She needs money, and the quicker the better. Frankie *is* a hard worker. I love Frankie. She works multiple jobs, she does not come from a life of privilege, and she values being a realist. While that realism leans more towards pessimism is besides the point. Which is why when the Blood Games go sideways she is blindsided.
With Frankie being naturally skeptical she just thinks that Luis is a flirt, and knows that he is not into commitment. She only sees heartbreak in her future with him, so after an impulsive goodbye kiss she decides to quit.
You may be wondering “oh why wouldn’t she consider him?” well on the night of May 8th Frankie seen Luis with his last submissive named Caitlin. Luis is supposed to be a smart man, but he was not in this moment. He brought his already pushing-boundaries-submissive to a fancy restaurant and spent the night wining and dining her. They flirted, Caitlin made her way to his lap to where they shared tipsy kisses, and then he decided to break it off with her. In the middle of the dining room. Caitlin had an emotional break down. Luis got doused in wine. He had a very large bill by the end of the night.
So in Frankie’s mind (smart woman) he is a big old “hell to the no”. Personally, my issue was the fact that he allowed Caitlin to still feel so vulnerable and safe with him, even though he knew she had developed feelings. Was that Caitlin’s bad? Yeah, because he made it clear from the beginning that he wasn’t a permenant-be-my-anchor sort of vampire. Yet he is still in the wrong because he knew she had developed feelings, and then flirted, shared some kisses, and cuddled with her.
Luis was my downer for this book. He was by far my least favourite MMC. There is a trend in Abigail Kelly’s work where past sexual experiences are usually mentioned in casual ways, and I’ve adjusted to that. I still have loved majority of her books. I love Frankie. I love Milo. I love Milo and Luis’ Moms and Dad (they’re a triad). I love Maxine. I loved seeing my favourite crazy couple (Dahlia and Felix). I love aspects of Luis. Once he realized how much of an idiot he had been, he definitely locked into securing Frankie as his anchor. He was dedicated to her after breaking things off with Caitlin. He was trying to court her slowly, because he got the impression that Frankie was very shy. That he needed to take his time. Once he was given the opportunity to show Frankie what a good provider and vampire he can be for her, he threw himself into it whole heartedly. I love how much he loves his younger brother. I love how much of a soft spot he has for Dahlia. I love how he was so taken with Frankie even when she was oblivious. At his core he still had the dedicated-to-my-mate special brand of Abigail Kelly goodness to offer.
This ends on a HFN, with the main chunk of the drama (the bad guy) continuing on into the next story just with a different angle. It is like puzzle pieces clicking together. Frankie and Luis are happily together, and in love.
Completely off topic, but I would **love** to see Caitlin get her HEA with a head-over-heels love interest that is above and beyond wanting to be serious with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
I really appreciate the world the author has built.
May 2, 2026
I adored this, but it’s too short!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Once again, I am here to gush, rant, and rave about an Abigail Kelly book. I do think The New Protectorate Syndicate series is quickly becoming a collection of my most favorite reads from Abigail. They have mafia things, broody/possessive men, vampires, sassy ladies who are incredibly capable, and just like really great steam. I finished this read in one day and can honestly say I was deeply invested from start to finish. It was truly the best birthday gift a girl could ask for.
In this installment, we get Francesca and Luis. Fran is a sweet, unassuming maid who's just trying to make it through the day, it seems. Luis, on the other hand, is the vampire she cleans for, and he's absolutely obsessed with her. By chapter one, we have a classic "who did this to you" scene (if that tells you how quickly we jump into things). Their flirtation is already established, so it really allowed the story to jump right into the good stuff. Very quickly, we figure out that Francesca is not a wilting flower. *Queue meme of a man getting yelled at by his woman with the caption "He's right where he wants to be*. Throughout the story, she makes intelligent decisions, and I respect the hell out of her. Luis, while very similar to his brother Felix, is a known player...but the way he switches gears and slobbers over Fran is everything I want in my mafia romances. His lothario nature leads to some tension between our lovers. Fran, rightfully so, is cautious of him and the vampire world he lives in.
This storyline does introduce a bit of kink play- Luis is a Dom- which feels fresh from Kelly's works. I think it was handled well and added a nice extra layer to the spice. I would say this book is on the lower spice side- or perhaps that's just how well integrated it is that my brain doesn't remember it standing out as excessive. As usual, NPU is full of gays/theys representation. It's the standard of the world, and we adore it. Additionally, this story does feel like it's doing some filler work part-time. A lot of side characters get their information filled in or their plot points revealed in this book. That does set book three up beautifully, however, and it did not detract at all from the main story.
My one complaint/critique is that the large amount of action at the end felt like it resolved itself too quickly. By the end of that chapter, flipping to the epilogue, I found myself confused and like there was something missing. I think the plot points that were left unresolved have at least forward momentum or were mentioned in a way that indicates future reads might resolve them. However, I think I would have liked to see a bit more on-page resolution to the climax. I also would have loved to get more of the Amauri family, just in general. A good portion of the book is spent at the elicit games, and afterward they're kind of shuttled off on their own. Does it make sense in the story? Yes. Did I miss the highjinx of the family? Also, yes.
Amazing book. Such a fun time. You don't need to have read book one; however, you'd sorely be missing out on family information and a proper introduction to side characters. I need book three ASAP.
Thank you to Abigail Kelly for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Once again, I am here to gush, rant, and rave about an Abigail Kelly book. I do think The New Protectorate Syndicate series is quickly becoming a collection of my most favorite reads from Abigail. They have mafia things, broody/possessive men, vampires, sassy ladies who are incredibly capable, and just like really great steam. I finished this read in one day and can honestly say I was deeply invested from start to finish. It was truly the best birthday gift a girl could ask for.
In this installment, we get Francesca and Luis. Fran is a sweet, unassuming maid who's just trying to make it through the day, it seems. Luis, on the other hand, is the vampire she cleans for, and he's absolutely obsessed with her. By chapter one, we have a classic "who did this to you" scene (if that tells you how quickly we jump into things). Their flirtation is already established, so it really allowed the story to jump right into the good stuff. Very quickly, we figure out that Francesca is not a wilting flower. *Queue meme of a man getting yelled at by his woman with the caption "He's right where he wants to be*. Throughout the story, she makes intelligent decisions, and I respect the hell out of her. Luis, while very similar to his brother Felix, is a known player...but the way he switches gears and slobbers over Fran is everything I want in my mafia romances. His lothario nature leads to some tension between our lovers. Fran, rightfully so, is cautious of him and the vampire world he lives in.
This storyline does introduce a bit of kink play- Luis is a Dom- which feels fresh from Kelly's works. I think it was handled well and added a nice extra layer to the spice. I would say this book is on the lower spice side- or perhaps that's just how well integrated it is that my brain doesn't remember it standing out as excessive. As usual, NPU is full of gays/theys representation. It's the standard of the world, and we adore it. Additionally, this story does feel like it's doing some filler work part-time. A lot of side characters get their information filled in or their plot points revealed in this book. That does set book three up beautifully, however, and it did not detract at all from the main story.
My one complaint/critique is that the large amount of action at the end felt like it resolved itself too quickly. By the end of that chapter, flipping to the epilogue, I found myself confused and like there was something missing. I think the plot points that were left unresolved have at least forward momentum or were mentioned in a way that indicates future reads might resolve them. However, I think I would have liked to see a bit more on-page resolution to the climax. I also would have loved to get more of the Amauri family, just in general. A good portion of the book is spent at the elicit games, and afterward they're kind of shuttled off on their own. Does it make sense in the story? Yes. Did I miss the highjinx of the family? Also, yes.
Amazing book. Such a fun time. You don't need to have read book one; however, you'd sorely be missing out on family information and a proper introduction to side characters. I need book three ASAP.
Thank you to Abigail Kelly for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Frankie, house keeper for a wealthy family, enters a sacred vampire competition hoping to earn money to support her family and fund her search for her sister. Her employer and vampire mafia member Luis “Casanova” Amauri realizes his advances toward Frankie have been too subtle, but now is withholding nothing in order to not only win Frankie in the competition but truly win her in real life.
Okay, wow. This series is like boarding a roller coaster only to realize the track is much, much more chaotic and thrilling than you thought it’d be. Compared to some of her other books, these that focus on the Amauri family are WILD.
Character-wise, it took me a little while to figure out Frankie, but in the end, her little bursts of strength and feistiness were the perfect foil to Luis’s sweet talking and smooth moves.
"You don't think I've learned that? You surprise me constantly, Frankie. It's one of the things I love about you. Watching you spit out a bite of that vampire was the hottest thing I've ever seen." <— I mean, c’mon. The human attacks the enemy vampire by biting them. The irony is too good.
If you like mafia romances and vampires, heyo - this is your moment. Extra special blood, fights to the death, mafia warfare, true love, found family.
"But if I never got to taste you, I’d still pay whatever it took to spend even a moment with you, Frankie. Your blood is a gift, but you... You're my everything."
Anyone else like, super intrigued by Nash and Ginny? Milo? I can’t wait for the rest of the Amauri family to find their matches!
Kind of unhinged, not for the faint of heart, but still full of Abigail’s signature storytelling excellence, immersive world building, high stakes, and endearing characters. This story was fun. I think you need to be familiar with Abigail’s fantasy world and have read book one of this series to get the most out of this one, but otherwise, hop on that roller coaster and let ‘er rip.
Thank you so much to the author for an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Okay, wow. This series is like boarding a roller coaster only to realize the track is much, much more chaotic and thrilling than you thought it’d be. Compared to some of her other books, these that focus on the Amauri family are WILD.
Character-wise, it took me a little while to figure out Frankie, but in the end, her little bursts of strength and feistiness were the perfect foil to Luis’s sweet talking and smooth moves.
"You don't think I've learned that? You surprise me constantly, Frankie. It's one of the things I love about you. Watching you spit out a bite of that vampire was the hottest thing I've ever seen." <— I mean, c’mon. The human attacks the enemy vampire by biting them. The irony is too good.
If you like mafia romances and vampires, heyo - this is your moment. Extra special blood, fights to the death, mafia warfare, true love, found family.
"But if I never got to taste you, I’d still pay whatever it took to spend even a moment with you, Frankie. Your blood is a gift, but you... You're my everything."
Anyone else like, super intrigued by Nash and Ginny? Milo? I can’t wait for the rest of the Amauri family to find their matches!
Kind of unhinged, not for the faint of heart, but still full of Abigail’s signature storytelling excellence, immersive world building, high stakes, and endearing characters. This story was fun. I think you need to be familiar with Abigail’s fantasy world and have read book one of this series to get the most out of this one, but otherwise, hop on that roller coaster and let ‘er rip.
Thank you so much to the author for an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Review of advance copy received from Author
How many ways can I say that this is yet another incredible entry to the NPU universe without saying that....same thing. Seriously, it's been so much fun living in the Syndicate for a bit while waiting for more movement in the larger story and it was SO much fun seeing someone enter the world of the vampire mafia who had no connection to it at first (unlike Dahlia, FMC of the first book).
One of the most enduring motifs of a PNR is when a character has no idea what they're getting into. Even if they know about the supernatural (like all humans arrants do in the NPU), it's another to be thrust into a dangerous world where if you don't get locked down, you might get kidnapped (and not in the fun way). Francesca finds herself in that position when she signs up for the worst version of the Bachelorette (think violence to death and blood splatter everywhere, less nice limo rides and roses) and one of her employers (by way of being his mansion cleaner), Luis ends up submitting himself into the game.
And by submitting I mean showing up, winning, and then the two of them having a month by contract to figure out what's next. As always there's a great cast of secondary characters who are there to help Francesca since she definitely couldn't hear me screaming at her to listen to Luis and at least three near death experiences, but also as always, the romance was great, the sex was hot, and everyone had a great time. Except for that one guy.
I also really loved meeting our first on page trio, Luis parents who are ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL and I can't wait to see more varied relationships as we meet more Amauris (and characters in general). A must read!
One of the most enduring motifs of a PNR is when a character has no idea what they're getting into. Even if they know about the supernatural (like all humans arrants do in the NPU), it's another to be thrust into a dangerous world where if you don't get locked down, you might get kidnapped (and not in the fun way). Francesca finds herself in that position when she signs up for the worst version of the Bachelorette (think violence to death and blood splatter everywhere, less nice limo rides and roses) and one of her employers (by way of being his mansion cleaner), Luis ends up submitting himself into the game.
And by submitting I mean showing up, winning, and then the two of them having a month by contract to figure out what's next. As always there's a great cast of secondary characters who are there to help Francesca since she definitely couldn't hear me screaming at her to listen to Luis and at least three near death experiences, but also as always, the romance was great, the sex was hot, and everyone had a great time. Except for that one guy.
I also really loved meeting our first on page trio, Luis parents who are ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL and I can't wait to see more varied relationships as we meet more Amauris (and characters in general). A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“There’s nothing more dangerous than a vampire in love.”
Abigail took me on an equally parts hysterical, spicy, and nail biting ride throughout this story! While at times the book was completely unhinged, I adored it anyway.
Frankie and Luis come from two different worlds, he’s part of the notorious Amauri family that runs an empire in the syndicate and she is..his maid. She is on a mission to help her family by any means necessary and he’s on a mission to get her heart by any means necessary.
I really appreciate how she gave us a prologue to explain the games and how they came to be instead of shoving us into the world of Grim Games/ world building in general. I also liked how we got so many cameos of some other characters that we know and love already from the syndicate series with new fantastic faces. While it felt at times like a nice little reunion, it didn’t take away from the story. If anything, it added superbly to the narrative.
This book has everything that I love! If you love the following then this book is absolutely for you:
Mafia x Vampire romance
Touch her and get unalived
Possessive men
Badass FMC
D/s dynamic
Banter
I received this copy as an ARC from Abigail Kelly. My thoughts and my feelings are my own and the rating reflects them. Thank you dear author for sharing!
Abigail took me on an equally parts hysterical, spicy, and nail biting ride throughout this story! While at times the book was completely unhinged, I adored it anyway.
Frankie and Luis come from two different worlds, he’s part of the notorious Amauri family that runs an empire in the syndicate and she is..his maid. She is on a mission to help her family by any means necessary and he’s on a mission to get her heart by any means necessary.
I really appreciate how she gave us a prologue to explain the games and how they came to be instead of shoving us into the world of Grim Games/ world building in general. I also liked how we got so many cameos of some other characters that we know and love already from the syndicate series with new fantastic faces. While it felt at times like a nice little reunion, it didn’t take away from the story. If anything, it added superbly to the narrative.
This book has everything that I love! If you love the following then this book is absolutely for you:
Mafia x Vampire romance
Touch her and get unalived
Possessive men
Badass FMC
D/s dynamic
Banter
I received this copy as an ARC from Abigail Kelly. My thoughts and my feelings are my own and the rating reflects them. Thank you dear author for sharing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
“I don’t give up my winnings, Francesca Sinclair, and I won your heart fair and square.” ❤️🥀🩸
Fast paced and exciting, this is a great follow up to Abigail Kelly's NPU Syndicate series. MFC Frankie gets herself into a bit of a pickle as a prize for bloodthirsty vampires. MMC Luis had been pining for her for months and relentlessly does anything to keep her safe as his anchor. The romance is a little fast paced but fits well within the confines of the plot and fast-paced story. I also think this is definitely in the spicer rating compared to other books in the greater NPU series.
I really enjoyed reading this and am anxiously awaiting the next entry to this series. Once again the books in this greater series feel like a drug I can't get my hands on soon enough lol 😅 The side characters are always so interesting without being overbearing and I NEED to know whay happens next
I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion, etc ✨️
“I don’t give up my winnings, Francesca Sinclair, and I won your heart fair and square.” ❤️🥀🩸
Fast paced and exciting, this is a great follow up to Abigail Kelly's NPU Syndicate series. MFC Frankie gets herself into a bit of a pickle as a prize for bloodthirsty vampires. MMC Luis had been pining for her for months and relentlessly does anything to keep her safe as his anchor. The romance is a little fast paced but fits well within the confines of the plot and fast-paced story. I also think this is definitely in the spicer rating compared to other books in the greater NPU series.
I really enjoyed reading this and am anxiously awaiting the next entry to this series. Once again the books in this greater series feel like a drug I can't get my hands on soon enough lol 😅 The side characters are always so interesting without being overbearing and I NEED to know whay happens next
I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion, etc ✨️
April 29, 2026
Another slam dunk by Abigail Kelley
When reading the synopsis for this book I was slightly worried that the competition aspect of things would make me struggle with this read, but I should’ve known better. Abigail always writes stories that manage to pull me in quickly and completely, with exciting characters that jump from the page. This novel is on the shorter side, but there is plenty of action packed into every page! I was so invested in Frankie’s story and finding out the whole of it, and Luis brought the Amauri swagger that I’m already completely obsessed with. Overall a wonderful read and one I’m sure I’ll come back to as I do all of Abigail’s books.
When reading the synopsis for this book I was slightly worried that the competition aspect of things would make me struggle with this read, but I should’ve known better. Abigail always writes stories that manage to pull me in quickly and completely, with exciting characters that jump from the page. This novel is on the shorter side, but there is plenty of action packed into every page! I was so invested in Frankie’s story and finding out the whole of it, and Luis brought the Amauri swagger that I’m already completely obsessed with. Overall a wonderful read and one I’m sure I’ll come back to as I do all of Abigail’s books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of my favorite thing about Abigail Kelly books is how each book and characters feel so individual and unique. Grim Games takes us on a journey of two individuals different from what we have seen in other books and turns up the spice! 🌶️🔥
Once Frankie and Luis started having conversations I really enjoyed this book and as always recommend reading for a well connected series experience and fantastically written book.
This book is best enjoyed after Grim's Delight.
I can't wait to read the next ones in this series!!
Thank you for the ARC which in no way influenced my review.
Once Frankie and Luis started having conversations I really enjoyed this book and as always recommend reading for a well connected series experience and fantastically written book.
This book is best enjoyed after Grim's Delight.
I can't wait to read the next ones in this series!!
Thank you for the ARC which in no way influenced my review.
April 28, 2026
Wow, very disappointing if you've many of her other stories.
I've read most of A Kelly's books, purchased thru Kindle and this is the first one I jyst couldn't finish. Simple fact the FMC is TSTL. Just made me cringe. EX. She likes him but won't date him "cause he's a vamp and a dominant.. By the way he's very rich, of course Whine...but she agrees to sell herself/really blood only...right&%$". For money..to the Vamp that wins a contest. Just too embarrassing. I couldn't finish it and deleted half way
I've read most of A Kelly's books, purchased thru Kindle and this is the first one I jyst couldn't finish. Simple fact the FMC is TSTL. Just made me cringe. EX. She likes him but won't date him "cause he's a vamp and a dominant.. By the way he's very rich, of course Whine...but she agrees to sell herself/really blood only...right&%$". For money..to the Vamp that wins a contest. Just too embarrassing. I couldn't finish it and deleted half way
April 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really well written. I especially loved the shit Luis got throughout the book. He was a favorite of mine from Grim's Delight so reading his story was amazing. Francesca is a nice character, a little reckless but overall a great character. My only issue with the book is that I wish it was a little longer and that the ending felt a little rushed. A lot of the action happened in the last few chapters and I think it needed a little more the flesh things out. Overall I loved the book!
May 1, 2026
Abigail Kelly is one of my fav authors. This was probs like a 4.5 read for me. I think the end maybe just felt a little rushed and not solved? And it really seemed to set up the next book in the series rather than wrap up Luis and Francesca’s story. I also imagine Billie is going to have a romance with Tomas Bowan, which meant we didn’t get Francesca’s search for her resolved either. I think I wish the epilogue just was more focused on them. Everything from the safe house onward seemed really quick. Other than that it was great.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclaimer: I was gifted this to review honestly
Miss Kelly does it again.
This is Book 2 of a series set in a universe but it can be read as a standalone as there are a different set of characters here. However it does help to read book 1 as some mains do reappear.
Under 300 pages and absolutely interesting. Working class girl and hot rich vampire-fire and stubbornness collide into one fun read.
Miss Kelly does it again.
This is Book 2 of a series set in a universe but it can be read as a standalone as there are a different set of characters here. However it does help to read book 1 as some mains do reappear.
Under 300 pages and absolutely interesting. Working class girl and hot rich vampire-fire and stubbornness collide into one fun read.
May 1, 2026
This is the first couple that I'm not very fond of. I did like Louis when he was introduced in the previous book and was looking forward reading his story.
Unfortunately I'm not really into the whole dom/sub thing and find it incredibly cringy. I don't find Louis as charming and interesting as I hoped. It all felt very insta lust for me.
Their relationship was mainly established before the story started and it progresses very quickly. Intimacy starts early on, it felt too rushed.
Unfortunately I'm not really into the whole dom/sub thing and find it incredibly cringy. I don't find Louis as charming and interesting as I hoped. It all felt very insta lust for me.
Their relationship was mainly established before the story started and it progresses very quickly. Intimacy starts early on, it felt too rushed.
April 28, 2026
She decided to sign up to be a prize as a blood donor for a vampire. She needs money. She has an extremely rare bloodtype. The winner of the competition gets her contract. She will only donate blood in a cup, nothing else.
The hero knows the winner will just ignore her contract and do whatever he wants. So he enters at the last minute to win and save her.
The hero knows the winner will just ignore her contract and do whatever he wants. So he enters at the last minute to win and save her.
Read
April 29, 2026Missing omph
It feels like its missing the omph I got from the other books. The characters were great on the surface but you never really got past that. Theres a lot left unfinished, which makes me think that many of the side characters are open to their own storylines. Im here for it.
It feels like its missing the omph I got from the other books. The characters were great on the surface but you never really got past that. Theres a lot left unfinished, which makes me think that many of the side characters are open to their own storylines. Im here for it.
May 5, 2026
so much action and yearning
The tension was so good. I am loving this series with the Amauri’s and how the story is progressing. I really enjoyed this duo and the yearning was perfect! I appreciated the stubbornness however it was a lot of “lip service” with no real action to stop anything. Despite that little annoyance the story was a fun time!
The tension was so good. I am loving this series with the Amauri’s and how the story is progressing. I really enjoyed this duo and the yearning was perfect! I appreciated the stubbornness however it was a lot of “lip service” with no real action to stop anything. Despite that little annoyance the story was a fun time!
April 28, 2026
Must say i loved this book in the New Protectorate Syndicate serie, the dynamic between them is absolutely amazing and a great mix of vampires and mafiaand who doesn't love a possessive mmc. Fun fast paced and can't wait for more of this world.
This book is best enjoyed after Grim's Delight.
This book is best enjoyed after Grim's Delight.
May 3, 2026
Non il migliore tra romanzi di questa prolifica e talentuosa scrittrice, ma comunque una piacevole lettura, ben al di sopra della qualità media dei romanzi del genere paranormal/fantasy.
Come sempre, le copertine (di cui di cui è autrice la stessa Abigail Kelly) sono delle piccole opere d'arte.
Come sempre, le copertine (di cui di cui è autrice la stessa Abigail Kelly) sono delle piccole opere d'arte.
May 6, 2026
Another excellent read by Abigail Kelly! Although I didn't love this one as much as other stories I have read of hers, I love the world the author has created and would happily recommend this series (and related series) to anyone.
May 2, 2026
i love when no thought occurs during the reading of abigail kelly books
May 3, 2026
DNF at 62% - 2 stars
I fear I’m not into the vampires. I’M SORRY.
But after the elves, the orcs, the dragons… They just seem a little boring.
I fear I’m not into the vampires. I’M SORRY.
But after the elves, the orcs, the dragons… They just seem a little boring.
May 5, 2026
4/5
I wish it was longer
I wish it was longer
April 17, 2026
“Let yourself go, kitten. Let someone take care of you for once. I’m not going anywhere”
Boy do I love the men of the Syndicate and Luis was no exception! This one was a fun, fast paced ride that gave us another glimpse into Abigail’s vampire world. It was her first foray (that I can remember) into an MMC Dom and I for one hope it’s not the last. Loved the dynamic, intensity and connection.
I can’t wait for more!
Thank you Abigail for this ARC!
Boy do I love the men of the Syndicate and Luis was no exception! This one was a fun, fast paced ride that gave us another glimpse into Abigail’s vampire world. It was her first foray (that I can remember) into an MMC Dom and I for one hope it’s not the last. Loved the dynamic, intensity and connection.
I can’t wait for more!
Thank you Abigail for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm really enjoying this New Protectorate Syndicate branch of Abigail Kelly's world. Mafia, but make it vampires, is pretty fun.
Vampire Luis has realised Francesca is his anchor but has kept their relationship light and friendly until it's too late and they're plunged into fights and bloodshed to get to their HEA.
Grim Games plays alot with irony. I love the “human bites vampire and not in a good way” piece!
We also have a few teasers for future books which I'm really looking forward to.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Vampire Luis has realised Francesca is his anchor but has kept their relationship light and friendly until it's too late and they're plunged into fights and bloodshed to get to their HEA.
Grim Games plays alot with irony. I love the “human bites vampire and not in a good way” piece!
We also have a few teasers for future books which I'm really looking forward to.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How does every book just get better? I don’t know I needed feral mafia vampires in my life, but my eyes have been opened, as long as they’re the Amauri family apparently.
Frankie’s newly retuned to United Washington, where she lived as a child. She’s searching for her sister who wasn’t adopted with her. She’s juggling multiple jobs while trying to help her parents financially so they don’t lose their home. She has a lot on her plate. Then there’s her mysterious vampire client whose house she cleans. He’s been flirting with her for months, but she doesn’t even know his name. It’s no wonder Frankie takes what seems like the deal of a lifetime to offer herself up as an Anchor in a Grim Games.
Poor Luis, with his playboy past his family is shocked he’s decided Frankie is his anchor. It’s pure luck (fate?) that Luis is in the right place to realize what Frankie is doing. Seriously, read this book.
Frankie’s newly retuned to United Washington, where she lived as a child. She’s searching for her sister who wasn’t adopted with her. She’s juggling multiple jobs while trying to help her parents financially so they don’t lose their home. She has a lot on her plate. Then there’s her mysterious vampire client whose house she cleans. He’s been flirting with her for months, but she doesn’t even know his name. It’s no wonder Frankie takes what seems like the deal of a lifetime to offer herself up as an Anchor in a Grim Games.
Poor Luis, with his playboy past his family is shocked he’s decided Frankie is his anchor. It’s pure luck (fate?) that Luis is in the right place to realize what Frankie is doing. Seriously, read this book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews