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Cora's Choice #1
Life Blood
She wanted life. He needed her blood.
Cora Shaw will do anything to live. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in her senior year of college, she is given a choice: Call hospice, or seek out a mysterious man who promises an impossible—and insanely dangerous—cure.
She knows him only as Mr. Thorne, a reclusive billionaire who seems full of contradictions. A man with strange, impossible powers over her.
A man, she discovers, who is not a man at all.
In the first book of the Aethereal Bonds series, Cora makes a deal with a devil—and gets more than she bargained for.
105 pages, ebook
First published February 28, 2014
177 people are currently reading
2310 people want to read
About the author
V.M. Black
52 books410 followersI 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
April 18, 2014
Updated
Sorry, I hate serials*, and I hate even more when I am not told it's one. To be fair I wasn't going to give this short story more than two stars anyway. But let it be clear that the one star is due to the format, where basically you expect a story that doesn't exist.
Why the 2 stars then. Not much of a plot, nor characterization. I thought that the illness was well described, and it still doesn't add up. The story is too short, or the writing not gripping enough, to make me understand why she's jumping into death without thinking. She sees the dangers, and ignores them. And the illness doesn't cover this much. You're not invested enough to believe in her choices, nor frankly you care about consequences. At least I didn't. And I'm not going to pay an unknown sum of money for an unknown quality/quantity.
If you'd like to make your own mind, the short s. is free. You might like it.
*Update. After reading a post by Sunita (DA) I wanted to clarify that I really dislike what passes as a serial in many published works. Serials should be contained short stories or novellas within a world with the same characters. What they shouldn't be in my opinion is a book divided in chunks. Yes, of course they have a story arc, even book series have. But I hate the soap opera make up, both in melodrama and fake cliffhangers. :)
As a purely personal pov, I dislike paying more for an end product, and having to wait. But these are my peeves, and must not be used against an author or their works. In fact, I read online and then bought Clean Sweep, as a thank you to the authors. And I bought Disenchanted&Co, knowing it was part one of two. But honestly I didn't buy Selene, as the price for it was too high for me (already read online, self published, 6$ discounted: I felt a little bit robbed). Again, purely personal.
I often rant, but I hope I never rage or make it personal. As I wrote in my profile, what I talk about is me, and my experience with the book.
But "books" like this aren't serials to me, but a "fraud" (please note the quotation marks). Chunks of a story, maybe.
Sorry, I hate serials*, and I hate even more when I am not told it's one. To be fair I wasn't going to give this short story more than two stars anyway. But let it be clear that the one star is due to the format, where basically you expect a story that doesn't exist.
Why the 2 stars then. Not much of a plot, nor characterization. I thought that the illness was well described, and it still doesn't add up. The story is too short, or the writing not gripping enough, to make me understand why she's jumping into death without thinking. She sees the dangers, and ignores them. And the illness doesn't cover this much. You're not invested enough to believe in her choices, nor frankly you care about consequences. At least I didn't. And I'm not going to pay an unknown sum of money for an unknown quality/quantity.
If you'd like to make your own mind, the short s. is free. You might like it.
*Update. After reading a post by Sunita (DA) I wanted to clarify that I really dislike what passes as a serial in many published works. Serials should be contained short stories or novellas within a world with the same characters. What they shouldn't be in my opinion is a book divided in chunks. Yes, of course they have a story arc, even book series have. But I hate the soap opera make up, both in melodrama and fake cliffhangers. :)
As a purely personal pov, I dislike paying more for an end product, and having to wait. But these are my peeves, and must not be used against an author or their works. In fact, I read online and then bought Clean Sweep, as a thank you to the authors. And I bought Disenchanted&Co, knowing it was part one of two. But honestly I didn't buy Selene, as the price for it was too high for me (already read online, self published, 6$ discounted: I felt a little bit robbed). Again, purely personal.
I often rant, but I hope I never rage or make it personal. As I wrote in my profile, what I talk about is me, and my experience with the book.
But "books" like this aren't serials to me, but a "fraud" (please note the quotation marks). Chunks of a story, maybe.
January 14, 2015
It was a pretty generic read. The only interesting part for me is that this takes place at the University of Maryland, College Park. That's my alma mater. Unfortunately the imagery is a bit lacking. I was hoping this would evoke a sense of nostalgia for me, but it's like the author reserved that more for describing food and pretty much anything else but the campus. The relationships and the obvious potential love triangle felt a bit forced and rushed. I think more time should have been spent building chemistry for one guy instead. But hey, it's a freebie and wasn't a long commitment. *shrugs*
August 25, 2014
Really good. I would definitely read the sequel. Looking forward to it being released in April 2014.
Updated:
Read a 2nd time 04/14/2014
I enjoyed it more the second time. Great little novella, and fantastic intro to what promises to be a great series.
Updated:
Read a 2nd time 04/14/2014
I enjoyed it more the second time. Great little novella, and fantastic intro to what promises to be a great series.
April 4, 2014
This had promise in the beginning. The writer does a nice job in pulling you into the plot, and the approach is new and creative. Her writing initially is good enough that you're able to be absorbed. Unfortunately overall it's a pretty bad book.
My main criticisms are that the internal dialogue of the main character is much much too lengthy, and the male lead is extremely one dimensional. I was almost prone to fall more for the supportive best friend character because she had more dimension.
In addition, the ending is horrible. Just when you're about to get some "payoff" from reading all the blather, the story ends. The author calls it a "cliffhanger", but I call this abandonment... or just lazy writing. I think she really only had an idea when she started writing, not a full story. Which is probably why it's free.
Unfortunately not worth the time in my opinion. I give it two stars only because it's not completely unreadable.
My main criticisms are that the internal dialogue of the main character is much much too lengthy, and the male lead is extremely one dimensional. I was almost prone to fall more for the supportive best friend character because she had more dimension.
In addition, the ending is horrible. Just when you're about to get some "payoff" from reading all the blather, the story ends. The author calls it a "cliffhanger", but I call this abandonment... or just lazy writing. I think she really only had an idea when she started writing, not a full story. Which is probably why it's free.
Unfortunately not worth the time in my opinion. I give it two stars only because it's not completely unreadable.
April 21, 2014
I enjoyed the book...in many ways...first, it was a simple read...second, I like the character Cora a lot...she is strong willed knowing that she wants to live, and do everything possible to survive the illness she has...cancer...third, I loved the concept of the plot...and wondered if I would be soooo willing to say yes to a man, whose bond with me both confuses me...and causes a fire within my soul...hmmmm
BUT, and yes there is always a but...I wanted more...I wanted to know more about Cora...more about Mr. Thorne...and maybe that will come out in the second part of the book, which I am now reading, because I want to know what happens...especially after she said "yes" to the treatment...
So this is a good book, but I really wanted a bit more being the first part of the series...
BUT, and yes there is always a but...I wanted more...I wanted to know more about Cora...more about Mr. Thorne...and maybe that will come out in the second part of the book, which I am now reading, because I want to know what happens...especially after she said "yes" to the treatment...
So this is a good book, but I really wanted a bit more being the first part of the series...
September 19, 2014
Nice premise and an interesting start to the series.
I'm reading all six installments back to back. Although it's a serial, reading them as one makes it feel like a novel.
I had moved away from the NA demographic for a bit, but keep getting pulled back. I like the concept of a terminal cancer patient being given a second chance at life as a vampire's consort....let's see where this goes.
I'm reading all six installments back to back. Although it's a serial, reading them as one makes it feel like a novel.
I had moved away from the NA demographic for a bit, but keep getting pulled back. I like the concept of a terminal cancer patient being given a second chance at life as a vampire's consort....let's see where this goes.
May 4, 2018
Incomplete. Again with these stupid half segments of a story. I refuse to give this author any more credit than my half effort star for an incomplete book.
February 5, 2018
It was a little too short for me, the paranormal aspect never really surfaced until the end, but it was written well.
September 28, 2015
Cora is a college senior, same as any, with hopes and dreams for a bright future: grad school, career, husband, kids. Only that is all threatened when she is diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia and her last chance treatment does not work. She is armed with two choices thanks to her oncologist: a referral to hospice or an ominous business card for a last ditch non-medically sanctioned chance. Of course she calls the number on the business card.
Dorian Thorne, attractive, compelling, and ridiculously wealthy business man informs Cora that his "experiment" has a 1 in 100 success rate and if it does not work she will die immediately rather than the 5 months her doctor said she may have. Hoping to be the success she jumps at the chance, but understands that this "business man" is odd and her feelings around him can't be trusted. Dorian seems to know this so he makes her wait two weeks to decide.
The "treatment" is not at all what she expected, more of a transplant via mouth and fangs. Now she is awake and alive, cancer free, but at a very steep cost she had no idea about. Cora must navigate this new world and her new feelings and responsibilities toward Dorian, all the while knowing she would do it again in a heartbeat for a chance at life. But again, at what cost? Her self, her identity? And why is Dorian being so evasive.
This is a serial. I didn't know when I first started it, but should have noticed the multitude of books on the Amazon page, I guess. Anyways, now I am sucked into it! It is a very unique take on a tried and true subject: billionaire vamp and plain human. However, I like the differences in the vampire this author brings about. The first book is free so try without obligation, subsequent serials seem to be about $3. So it will get pricey.
My biggest problem with the book is the pacing. I know it's a serial, but it feels drawn out and I am getting tired of Cora's inner questions. I do like the added action and have written this review after reading the first four serials.
However, the author does a great job of keeping me buying the next one to see what happens!
Dorian Thorne, attractive, compelling, and ridiculously wealthy business man informs Cora that his "experiment" has a 1 in 100 success rate and if it does not work she will die immediately rather than the 5 months her doctor said she may have. Hoping to be the success she jumps at the chance, but understands that this "business man" is odd and her feelings around him can't be trusted. Dorian seems to know this so he makes her wait two weeks to decide.
The "treatment" is not at all what she expected, more of a transplant via mouth and fangs. Now she is awake and alive, cancer free, but at a very steep cost she had no idea about. Cora must navigate this new world and her new feelings and responsibilities toward Dorian, all the while knowing she would do it again in a heartbeat for a chance at life. But again, at what cost? Her self, her identity? And why is Dorian being so evasive.
This is a serial. I didn't know when I first started it, but should have noticed the multitude of books on the Amazon page, I guess. Anyways, now I am sucked into it! It is a very unique take on a tried and true subject: billionaire vamp and plain human. However, I like the differences in the vampire this author brings about. The first book is free so try without obligation, subsequent serials seem to be about $3. So it will get pricey.
My biggest problem with the book is the pacing. I know it's a serial, but it feels drawn out and I am getting tired of Cora's inner questions. I do like the added action and have written this review after reading the first four serials.
However, the author does a great job of keeping me buying the next one to see what happens!
April 21, 2014
Imagine you had terminal cancer with only months to live.
Imagine your doctor gave you the choice of either checking into a hospice to die, or calling an anonymous number on a business card.
Imagine after calling that number an incredibly handsome man says he can offer you a procedure with a 1/100 chance of being permanently cured, and a 99/100 chance of imminent death.
I would imagine that you would have some major decisions to make!
Cora's Choice is the first in the Life Blood Aethereal Bonds series and is INCREDIBLY well written. Unlike a lot of books of this nature, the author very wisely stays with Cora and her cancer throughout. This is the ONLY thing on this 22 year old's mind; her sole reason for making her decision. While it is apparent from the offset that her savior to be is a vampire, Black only actually spells it out right at the very end. I love the sexual tension between the pair. I love the fact that the vamp, only just manages to stop himself having sex with Cora while drawing the blood necessary for the procedure. I love the fine line that Black walks in terms of victim/savior/abuser.
I also was intrigued by the role that Cora's doctor plays/might play in future, and thought that her friendships and on/off relationship with a college boyfriend was touching and genuine.
My ONLY niggle with this is the length. For the first in a series it is WAY too short and I suspect it is a cynical sales ploy on behalf of the author. Not that I am dissing her particularly for this, as a lot of other authors are doing exactly the same thing. I just feel in terms of readers feeling as if they are getting their dues, then the book should have been twice the length. (The next installment could easily have been rolled into this one) Either that OR the author should have CLEARLY billed it as a short story...
Imagine your doctor gave you the choice of either checking into a hospice to die, or calling an anonymous number on a business card.
Imagine after calling that number an incredibly handsome man says he can offer you a procedure with a 1/100 chance of being permanently cured, and a 99/100 chance of imminent death.
I would imagine that you would have some major decisions to make!
Cora's Choice is the first in the Life Blood Aethereal Bonds series and is INCREDIBLY well written. Unlike a lot of books of this nature, the author very wisely stays with Cora and her cancer throughout. This is the ONLY thing on this 22 year old's mind; her sole reason for making her decision. While it is apparent from the offset that her savior to be is a vampire, Black only actually spells it out right at the very end. I love the sexual tension between the pair. I love the fact that the vamp, only just manages to stop himself having sex with Cora while drawing the blood necessary for the procedure. I love the fine line that Black walks in terms of victim/savior/abuser.
I also was intrigued by the role that Cora's doctor plays/might play in future, and thought that her friendships and on/off relationship with a college boyfriend was touching and genuine.
My ONLY niggle with this is the length. For the first in a series it is WAY too short and I suspect it is a cynical sales ploy on behalf of the author. Not that I am dissing her particularly for this, as a lot of other authors are doing exactly the same thing. I just feel in terms of readers feeling as if they are getting their dues, then the book should have been twice the length. (The next installment could easily have been rolled into this one) Either that OR the author should have CLEARLY billed it as a short story...
January 18, 2015
This was a strange little novella that I picked up because I saw it advertised on Facebook with one of the sponsored ads. The thing that most interested me, was that it was written in the Twilight formula. Now, don't misnderstand me. It is written with that FORMULA. For example, girl is dying of cancer. Girl meets hot rich dude that could possibly cure her. Girl has a bestie dude friend that is human, normal and can give her a normal life. But oh no. Hot rich dude ends up being a vampire who then turns her into a vampire and it is the first time its actually worked! BONDED! BOOM!
Now, its not really that simple. But I do, at times feel that the author is connected more with some of the secondary characters and at this point hasn't totally flushed out her hero and heroine. I see what she is trying to do with this and I really want to continue the series because I love the idea that vampires are being, well, vampires. There is fangs, biting, and blood lust, and some smexy claiming going on in this book. It was written with a very dark tone that made me want to play some Within Temptations in the background while I read it. The feel was cool and very much written in style that flows well with a vampire story. It gave me enough meat to want to move forward with the series.
*I read a copy of this book via Oyster Books Subscription*
Now, its not really that simple. But I do, at times feel that the author is connected more with some of the secondary characters and at this point hasn't totally flushed out her hero and heroine. I see what she is trying to do with this and I really want to continue the series because I love the idea that vampires are being, well, vampires. There is fangs, biting, and blood lust, and some smexy claiming going on in this book. It was written with a very dark tone that made me want to play some Within Temptations in the background while I read it. The feel was cool and very much written in style that flows well with a vampire story. It gave me enough meat to want to move forward with the series.
*I read a copy of this book via Oyster Books Subscription*
March 30, 2014
I give this book 4.5 stars because it was too short-it's a novella!
Cora Shaw will be graduating from college but has T-cell leukemia and has been given 5 to 6 months to live. They've exhausted all possible cures for her and there is nothing left but hospice or an unproven possible cure. She is all alone in the world except for a few friends and a possible romance with her friend Geoff. The heartbreak she goes through is indescribable. She decides to find out about the unproven cure-what does she have to lose! She meets with a Mr. Thorne and he takes some blood. The sexual tension between the dark, mysterious and handsome Mr. Thorne and Cora is so palpable. She is told to call back for the results and then will have to make a decision whether to go through with the procedure or not.
You'll have to read the story for yourself to find out what happens and I know you'll really like it. You really get into Cora's character and feel the heartbreak she's going through. I'm so looking forward the next book to see how the story plays out. I highly recommend it.
Cora Shaw will be graduating from college but has T-cell leukemia and has been given 5 to 6 months to live. They've exhausted all possible cures for her and there is nothing left but hospice or an unproven possible cure. She is all alone in the world except for a few friends and a possible romance with her friend Geoff. The heartbreak she goes through is indescribable. She decides to find out about the unproven cure-what does she have to lose! She meets with a Mr. Thorne and he takes some blood. The sexual tension between the dark, mysterious and handsome Mr. Thorne and Cora is so palpable. She is told to call back for the results and then will have to make a decision whether to go through with the procedure or not.
You'll have to read the story for yourself to find out what happens and I know you'll really like it. You really get into Cora's character and feel the heartbreak she's going through. I'm so looking forward the next book to see how the story plays out. I highly recommend it.
February 13, 2015
Cora Shaw has cancer. The story starts with her in her doctors office and the doctor is telling her she has no hope. She has only a few months to live all the doctor can do for her now is give her two business cards. Cora has to make a choice. Either she has to call the first card which is hospice care or the second card where she might just have a chance to survive. A mysterious billionaire has offered her an experimental treatment. The problem .......this treatment ends in a 99% death rate. That's right only 1 out of 100 will survive. Cora has to decide whether to take those odds or not but there are secrets surround the mysterious billionaire and his experimental treatment that Cora doesn't know.
June 15, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book; It's a bit edgy and dark. There's Cora, a collage student, who's ill and may only have a few months to live. Her only option to live is a mysteriously dark sexy man name Mr. Thorne. After a couple of tests,intensely hot( sexy) meetings with Mr. Thorne and weeks of waiting Cora's approved to participate in Thorne's single treatment test trail. This book, ends with Thorne injecting the treatment into Cora's blood. I can't wait to see if it heals Cora or take a turn for the worse.
January 9, 2015
Cora Shaw doesn’t have long left to live and she’ll have to choose whether to take part in an experimental procedure by the strange, compelling Mr. Thorne. A steady to fast paced plot with well written scenes and details that capture the imagination and well orchestrated suspense and emotional drama that draws the reader and doesn’t let go.
4 ½ STARS
To see my full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4 ½ STARS
To see my full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 21, 2014
Very disappointed
Unlikable characters and a really demeaning situation makes me want to stop reading. I continued because I had purchased the first three books and I was convinced they had to get better. I was wrong.
Unlikable characters and a really demeaning situation makes me want to stop reading. I continued because I had purchased the first three books and I was convinced they had to get better. I was wrong.
July 7, 2014
it's a good story and I have no problem with short stories, I just don't like how they sometimes just cut a story into pieces and sell them separately. this story drew me in and got me interested but then just stopped at the climax.
July 12, 2014
Free Kobo eBook.
April 21, 2014
Oh..man now I have to get the next book!
April 21, 2014
Awesome
Awesome
captivating book and lots of build up. can't wait to read the next book. I read it within a day.
Awesome
captivating book and lots of build up. can't wait to read the next book. I read it within a day.
April 24, 2015
Read this because I saw an ad on Facebook in the middle of the night when my baby wouldn't sleep. I'm glad I didn't waste full consciousness on this :)
February 11, 2023
Very short succinct story but also enjoyable. Slightly steamy, leaves you wanting more of the story for sure.
January 26, 2015
I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review. Though, it's available for free on Amazon anyway. This review will likely contain spoilers and will be cross posted to Amazon and Smashwords.
I really feel that Cora was kind of... unbelievable. She was essentially kind of stupid and it didn't seem at all as if she cared about her potential death. From the very beginning, I could have understood that she was just remembering things about herself, being that she'd already dealt with those sorts of things. However, she didn't seem at all upset about her life span being even more shortened when the first doctor informed her of the news. Later on in the appointment, the doctor informs her that they've made a referral to some new doctor. After this, Cora goes and immediately makes another appointment. Only that this new appointment, they're instructing her to go outside and then later get into a car. She texts her friend the last number she'd rung and what was going on. This was a particularly stupid thing to do in my opinion, despite it meaning for her to look smart. Realistically, any decent hospital would have security cameras overlooking the emergency room entrance and car park. Not to mention, phone records would searched if something were to happen to her, finding that very phone number. The police would find out soon enough, regardless of the message she'd sent her friend. It just made her look stupid; she knew that these people were suspicious and there was a danger by getting into the car. If she really did feel that something were to happen, she likely wouldn't have gotten into the car. Later on, after the car ride, she meets Mr. Thorne and can't take it seriously at all. This is a life changing decision and all she can think about is how good looking the man is. Umm... What? This is life or death! It kind of seems as if she's oblivious as to medical happenings as well. She finds it "unconventional" to have her blood drawn in an office. It's not that uncommon. Many doctors have examination areas within their own offices and it's not uncommon for people to be examined or even have tests (or samples for testing) taken in their offices. I guess that the author was trying to add an air of mystery, but it really just seemed like a stupid comment to make on the part of the character. Surely, after all the medicals tests she would have gone through in her illness, she would know better... As the blood test goes on, she continues more about how good looking her is, begins thinking about his cologne and his age. It just seemed like she didn't care at all about her condition.
Lisette, the friend Cora has texted earlier with the phone number, doesn't seem to care either. As soon as Cora gets home later, they begin talking. Through the conversations they go through, it just doesn't seem like Lisette has any feelings either. She supposedly text and tried calling Cora multiple times in the time that she had been at the appointment. Yet, when Cora gets home, she's a very casual person. Though they have a conversation about the day's events, Lisette is very bland about it, doesn't question Cora very much. A little later, Lisette makes the suggestion that they go and watch movies or play games. I guess that this was meant to seem as if she were distracting Cora from the illness. However, to me, it just seem like she didn't care and she wanted to do something interesting.
Next, Cora waits for her test results from Thorne. There's about a page and a bit of Cora considering the upcoming results. Yet, it just seems like a portion of useless text as it's pretty obvious that she'll be allowed into the trial. Weirdly, she decides to dress up for the appointment, something I don't quite understand as she'd been dressed regularly for her first appointment with the man. She goes on to explain that her Gramma had "used to break out her heels and her full palette of makeup whenever she had an important meeting at work or with the school." Though, surely if Cora were to follow the same philosophy, she'd be wearing really nice cloths to every single one of her appointments as any of these meetings might be life changing to her. It just seems, to me, as if she's being pretentious. Mind you, it's just as well that she dressed up as they ended up going to what the author thinks sounds like a really nice restaurant. Yet it just sounds like just about any other restaurant. Dorm food is somewhat cheap if you spend your money wisely, by the way. On that note, making a reservation one month in advance is pretty common. A wait list for a really, really, super nice restaurant would be months in advance, sometimes even a year. Mr Thorne is a pretty unprofessional person. It's meant to be a medical consultation and any information they would need to discuss would be private and not the type of thing to be discussed in a restaurant. I'm sure the other diners would not appreciate hearing about some random woman's illness, either. It's yet another portion of unnecessary text and I rather felt as if it were meant to seem like her was splurging, spending his money on her and being somewhat generous. Really, he was being generous enough to offer to treat her in the first place.
After this meeting with Mr. Thorne, Cora comes home and all her friends are now worried about her well being, after being gone for only four hours. The boy from before, Geoff had seen Cora get into a strange car and this worries other people. Yet, earlier when Cora had texted Lisette that she was getting into a strange car with complete strangers, Lisette was completely uninterested when Cora got home. Sure, she had texted Cora multipl times during that event, but she didn't seem scared for her friend at all, or even relieved when Cora had gotten home. Four hours is not a long time to be gone. Especially considering that they're in school, it would be entirely possible that Cora could have gone to a bar, the library, shopping or even to see a movie during this time. It seems as if Lisette's personality has changed within the week and she's unnecessarily worrying when her friend hadn't been gone for such a phenomenal amount of time.
Overall, I think the author needs to pay more attention to the characterisations. Any feelings expressed in the story just seemed unreal. Many actions from the characters expressed unintelligence, even when it was meant to seem as if they were being smart. I was quite surprised when reading this story to find most of the people or scenes to be completely illogical considering the prior information or actions introduced to us. In retrospect, it took me far too long to read it. Originally, when entering to win it through a Goodreads giveaway, I thought that it sounded pretty interesting. Yet, I found the overall story to be poorly rendered. The author had a good concept, yet it was poorly rendered. I think that, with a little bit more work and practical thinking, the story could be improved.
I rate it at one and a half stars. I wasn't impressed. I likely will not be reading more stories by this author in future.
I really feel that Cora was kind of... unbelievable. She was essentially kind of stupid and it didn't seem at all as if she cared about her potential death. From the very beginning, I could have understood that she was just remembering things about herself, being that she'd already dealt with those sorts of things. However, she didn't seem at all upset about her life span being even more shortened when the first doctor informed her of the news. Later on in the appointment, the doctor informs her that they've made a referral to some new doctor. After this, Cora goes and immediately makes another appointment. Only that this new appointment, they're instructing her to go outside and then later get into a car. She texts her friend the last number she'd rung and what was going on. This was a particularly stupid thing to do in my opinion, despite it meaning for her to look smart. Realistically, any decent hospital would have security cameras overlooking the emergency room entrance and car park. Not to mention, phone records would searched if something were to happen to her, finding that very phone number. The police would find out soon enough, regardless of the message she'd sent her friend. It just made her look stupid; she knew that these people were suspicious and there was a danger by getting into the car. If she really did feel that something were to happen, she likely wouldn't have gotten into the car. Later on, after the car ride, she meets Mr. Thorne and can't take it seriously at all. This is a life changing decision and all she can think about is how good looking the man is. Umm... What? This is life or death! It kind of seems as if she's oblivious as to medical happenings as well. She finds it "unconventional" to have her blood drawn in an office. It's not that uncommon. Many doctors have examination areas within their own offices and it's not uncommon for people to be examined or even have tests (or samples for testing) taken in their offices. I guess that the author was trying to add an air of mystery, but it really just seemed like a stupid comment to make on the part of the character. Surely, after all the medicals tests she would have gone through in her illness, she would know better... As the blood test goes on, she continues more about how good looking her is, begins thinking about his cologne and his age. It just seemed like she didn't care at all about her condition.
Lisette, the friend Cora has texted earlier with the phone number, doesn't seem to care either. As soon as Cora gets home later, they begin talking. Through the conversations they go through, it just doesn't seem like Lisette has any feelings either. She supposedly text and tried calling Cora multiple times in the time that she had been at the appointment. Yet, when Cora gets home, she's a very casual person. Though they have a conversation about the day's events, Lisette is very bland about it, doesn't question Cora very much. A little later, Lisette makes the suggestion that they go and watch movies or play games. I guess that this was meant to seem as if she were distracting Cora from the illness. However, to me, it just seem like she didn't care and she wanted to do something interesting.
Next, Cora waits for her test results from Thorne. There's about a page and a bit of Cora considering the upcoming results. Yet, it just seems like a portion of useless text as it's pretty obvious that she'll be allowed into the trial. Weirdly, she decides to dress up for the appointment, something I don't quite understand as she'd been dressed regularly for her first appointment with the man. She goes on to explain that her Gramma had "used to break out her heels and her full palette of makeup whenever she had an important meeting at work or with the school." Though, surely if Cora were to follow the same philosophy, she'd be wearing really nice cloths to every single one of her appointments as any of these meetings might be life changing to her. It just seems, to me, as if she's being pretentious. Mind you, it's just as well that she dressed up as they ended up going to what the author thinks sounds like a really nice restaurant. Yet it just sounds like just about any other restaurant. Dorm food is somewhat cheap if you spend your money wisely, by the way. On that note, making a reservation one month in advance is pretty common. A wait list for a really, really, super nice restaurant would be months in advance, sometimes even a year. Mr Thorne is a pretty unprofessional person. It's meant to be a medical consultation and any information they would need to discuss would be private and not the type of thing to be discussed in a restaurant. I'm sure the other diners would not appreciate hearing about some random woman's illness, either. It's yet another portion of unnecessary text and I rather felt as if it were meant to seem like her was splurging, spending his money on her and being somewhat generous. Really, he was being generous enough to offer to treat her in the first place.
After this meeting with Mr. Thorne, Cora comes home and all her friends are now worried about her well being, after being gone for only four hours. The boy from before, Geoff had seen Cora get into a strange car and this worries other people. Yet, earlier when Cora had texted Lisette that she was getting into a strange car with complete strangers, Lisette was completely uninterested when Cora got home. Sure, she had texted Cora multipl times during that event, but she didn't seem scared for her friend at all, or even relieved when Cora had gotten home. Four hours is not a long time to be gone. Especially considering that they're in school, it would be entirely possible that Cora could have gone to a bar, the library, shopping or even to see a movie during this time. It seems as if Lisette's personality has changed within the week and she's unnecessarily worrying when her friend hadn't been gone for such a phenomenal amount of time.
Overall, I think the author needs to pay more attention to the characterisations. Any feelings expressed in the story just seemed unreal. Many actions from the characters expressed unintelligence, even when it was meant to seem as if they were being smart. I was quite surprised when reading this story to find most of the people or scenes to be completely illogical considering the prior information or actions introduced to us. In retrospect, it took me far too long to read it. Originally, when entering to win it through a Goodreads giveaway, I thought that it sounded pretty interesting. Yet, I found the overall story to be poorly rendered. The author had a good concept, yet it was poorly rendered. I think that, with a little bit more work and practical thinking, the story could be improved.
I rate it at one and a half stars. I wasn't impressed. I likely will not be reading more stories by this author in future.
October 14, 2017
I didn’t realize before reading that this was a short story rather than a full-length book. I had seen this advertised as 50 Shades of Grey meets Dracula or something, so I was expecting sex. I imagine as the series continues, that’ll happen - I just figured since it was described that way from the off, that it’d be more focal. But upon reading, I see why it’s described like 50 Shades. It has the same smooth, easy reading flavor that 50 Shades had as well as a similar way of looking at the world and at the male protagonist. I think I might read the second. This one was good - I’m just not sure I’m interested in the love triangle.
February 2, 2021
I’m a major fan of paranormal (vampire) romance and drama novels. The premise of the book is intriguing and the enigmatic way Mr. Thorne entices Cora into “treatment” is definitely as tantalizing as you expect.
My issue is this is a novella - and it cuts you off right at the good part! That being said I’ve read my fair share of vampire novels and this one seems like it’s pulling pieces from previous works - so slightly unoriginal. I still plan on finishing the series.
Quick and easy, vampire smut reading.
My issue is this is a novella - and it cuts you off right at the good part! That being said I’ve read my fair share of vampire novels and this one seems like it’s pulling pieces from previous works - so slightly unoriginal. I still plan on finishing the series.
Quick and easy, vampire smut reading.
December 9, 2017
Cora has terminal cancer. No cure nothing to stop it. She only has 5 months to live. The Dr gives her a card with only a number and a pamphlet for hospice. She calls the number and automatically get driven to Mr Thorne. And he takes her blood to see if she's a match. She is a match for the cure. You need to read this book. Great story line. Cannot wait to read the rest in this series.
May 20, 2020
Not sure what I think of this. I don’t like the serialisation of the whole book. The writing of it was probably a little wordy. I had trouble staying engaged, but I am exhausted. And yet the idea of the story was quite interesting. 2 1/2 stars.
February 25, 2024
Very interesting. Definitely a new spin on the classic vampire genre but I don't quite know if I love it. I'm definitely intrigued but I found Cora to be whiney and a but spoiled but that could be deliberate on the part of Black as her character evolves following the procedure...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2017
Love this! Cora has her life saved, but irrecoverably changed by Dorian! Love this series.
September 3, 2017
It ended before anything really happened
Very slow start, then things got interesting right before the book ended. It is crazy to pay three dollars for the next novella.
Very slow start, then things got interesting right before the book ended. It is crazy to pay three dollars for the next novella.
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