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Dartmoor #2.5
Half My Blood
It’s summer in Knoxville, and if the outlaw crew at Dartmoor Inc. thought they were getting a respite from the drama…they were kidding themselves.
Almost a year ago, Mercy’s dying mother claimed he had a half-brother, sired by the beloved father he’d always thought infallible, raised by another man as his own. He’s been in denial ever since, but when Colin O’Donnell arrives, it’s time to face facts. Turns out his family isn’t lost – he only wishes this member of it was.
Holly McCall is determined to prove her worth to the other old ladies – Maggie, specifically. She never dreamed of a life like this, and as she searches for self-worth and acceptance, she is wrapped step-by-step in the gentlest love of the fiercest man.
For Aidan and Tango, this summer is a season for realizations. For waking to a vision of the future. And for drowning in the past.
In this Dartmoor Series novella, readers will spend time with the entire club, meet new voices, and fall deeper into the world of the Lean Dogs MC. Not a stand-alone romance, Half My Blood balances several central storylines with delicacy and passion. Brimming with emotion, spotlighting secondary characters, Dartmoor fans won’t want to miss this bridge between novels two and three in the series. Book three, The Skeleton King, releases September 2015.
Almost a year ago, Mercy’s dying mother claimed he had a half-brother, sired by the beloved father he’d always thought infallible, raised by another man as his own. He’s been in denial ever since, but when Colin O’Donnell arrives, it’s time to face facts. Turns out his family isn’t lost – he only wishes this member of it was.
Holly McCall is determined to prove her worth to the other old ladies – Maggie, specifically. She never dreamed of a life like this, and as she searches for self-worth and acceptance, she is wrapped step-by-step in the gentlest love of the fiercest man.
For Aidan and Tango, this summer is a season for realizations. For waking to a vision of the future. And for drowning in the past.
In this Dartmoor Series novella, readers will spend time with the entire club, meet new voices, and fall deeper into the world of the Lean Dogs MC. Not a stand-alone romance, Half My Blood balances several central storylines with delicacy and passion. Brimming with emotion, spotlighting secondary characters, Dartmoor fans won’t want to miss this bridge between novels two and three in the series. Book three, The Skeleton King, releases September 2015.
166 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2015
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541 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
July 17, 2017
Review later.
July 25, 2022
4.5*
Re-read 23rd - 25th July 2022
Re-read 22nd - 23rd February 2020
Re-read 11th March - 12th March 2018
While I loved this one again on the re-read it’s no longer my favourite. Fearless was outstanding the first time and even better on the second.
Original review.
I absolutely loved this novella, although at 212 pages it's as long as some of the books I read.
It's difficult to say it's my favourite (but I think it is) when 'Fearless' was so brilliant and 'Price of Angels' was simply captivating but this is slightly different it's more of an overview, instead of most of the attention being focused on one couple here we get to spend time with all of them and it's great in fact it works so well I'm hoping we get one of these 'novellas' every couple of books.
We catch up with Ava, Mercy and Remy as they deal with the arrival of Colin. Michael and Holly are adjusting to married life and Sam comes face to face with her school crush. Aidan has some changes ahead and poor Tango is in danger of getting lost in his past. Talking of Tango I have to say I'm absolutely dreading his book, I love him but his book is going to be so difficult to read, I was hoping his story would just run through the others but unfortunately book 5 'Loverboy' is his.
This is written in the same style as the previous books which means the usual POV changes with no warning but I think I'm getting used to it now.
Re-read 23rd - 25th July 2022
Re-read 22nd - 23rd February 2020
Re-read 11th March - 12th March 2018
While I loved this one again on the re-read it’s no longer my favourite. Fearless was outstanding the first time and even better on the second.
Original review.
I absolutely loved this novella, although at 212 pages it's as long as some of the books I read.
It's difficult to say it's my favourite (but I think it is) when 'Fearless' was so brilliant and 'Price of Angels' was simply captivating but this is slightly different it's more of an overview, instead of most of the attention being focused on one couple here we get to spend time with all of them and it's great in fact it works so well I'm hoping we get one of these 'novellas' every couple of books.
We catch up with Ava, Mercy and Remy as they deal with the arrival of Colin. Michael and Holly are adjusting to married life and Sam comes face to face with her school crush. Aidan has some changes ahead and poor Tango is in danger of getting lost in his past. Talking of Tango I have to say I'm absolutely dreading his book, I love him but his book is going to be so difficult to read, I was hoping his story would just run through the others but unfortunately book 5 'Loverboy' is his.
This is written in the same style as the previous books which means the usual POV changes with no warning but I think I'm getting used to it now.
June 22, 2017
4 stars
Review of the whole series: MY REVIEW
Review of the whole series: MY REVIEW
August 27, 2021
4.5 stars
Loved it! This novella is a like a warm blanket. Catching up with everyone and the arrival of Colin.
GAAHH!! Mercy.
Aidan is growing on me.
Loved it! This novella is a like a warm blanket. Catching up with everyone and the arrival of Colin.
GAAHH!! Mercy.
Aidan is growing on me.
February 15, 2016
This author continues to amaze me. I should be used to it by now but with every book in the series I am more and more in awe of her writing. 'Half My Blood' is a novella that is just over 100 pages but it packs so much info and so many feels that I feel like I just finished another novel the size of 'Fearless' (that was 800 pages +) and I mean it in THE most positive way!
I won't say much about this installment [since nothing I'll ever say will do this or any other of Lauren Gilley's books justice it deserves] but if you plan on reading this series, this novella is a MUST read. It let's you catch up with old friends and introduces you to new ones. Do NOT skip it. It is simply BRILLIANT. (I am sure, while trying to review Lauren's work in the past, I've used that word once or twice but it's very fitting.)
Make sure to check out TeriLyn's Spoiler Free Review of Half My Blood because it's FAB!
Cheers!
February 15, 2020
This is listed as a novella, but it's anything but (in a GREAT way), Lauren Gilley packed so much into this one. It's definitely not a standalone and doesn't feature just one couple, rather it's a catch up with characters we've already met as well as hinting at what is coming up for some of these beloved characters.
Mercy is dealing with a whole lot of doo-doo with Colin showing up on the scene, a Colin that won't go away or take no for an answer. I loved the snippets of tenderness between Merc and Ava, and also their new baby boy. The feels!!
Michael and Holly, Ghost and Mags, Aidan and even Tango are featured, driving their stories forward and giving so, so much more to look forward to. How an author can pack so much into a novella, with multiple POV changes and so much going on with no clear ending and still get 5 stars from so many readers is beyond me. Yet LG does this flawlessly.
Another superb read in my all time favourite MC series, ever!
Mercy is dealing with a whole lot of doo-doo with Colin showing up on the scene, a Colin that won't go away or take no for an answer. I loved the snippets of tenderness between Merc and Ava, and also their new baby boy. The feels!!
Michael and Holly, Ghost and Mags, Aidan and even Tango are featured, driving their stories forward and giving so, so much more to look forward to. How an author can pack so much into a novella, with multiple POV changes and so much going on with no clear ending and still get 5 stars from so many readers is beyond me. Yet LG does this flawlessly.
Another superb read in my all time favourite MC series, ever!
March 16, 2016
This little novella packed one hell of a punch with all the drama that took place. Holy cow was it a direct hit!
Everything from going behind the club's back, outright lying, manipulation and tea time with the enemy. Its hard knowing where ones loyalties stand, when they keep coming under question in every book. People you think you should trust, has me the most worried!
Anyhoo another fantastic installment and plugin on to the next. Happy reading!
Everything from going behind the club's back, outright lying, manipulation and tea time with the enemy. Its hard knowing where ones loyalties stand, when they keep coming under question in every book. People you think you should trust, has me the most worried!
Anyhoo another fantastic installment and plugin on to the next. Happy reading!
April 18, 2020
***** 4.5 Stars *****
Oh, wow.
And to think I almost skipped this one.
The Horror. 😱🤯
Beautiful!!!!!!
Oh, wow.
And to think I almost skipped this one.
The Horror. 😱🤯
Beautiful!!!!!!
May 9, 2016
Full review to come.
September 8, 2020
5+ "We are connected." Stars
Half My Blood is a novella in the Dartmoor series showing readers a little slice of real life for our beloved characters of the Lean Dogs MC. Told from multiple points of view, this shorter story enhances fans appreciation for these characters by showing us the love, loyalty, and forward motion in all of their lives. It sets fans up nicely for what's to come in the series providing deeper snippets and clues into each their individual plots. The plot of the MC itself isn't moving forward in this novella but it doesn't matter as Gilley weaves together a beautiful story testing the resolve and love of her characters. We're given a birds eye view into a span of time where we learn just a little more about the characters and internal make up of this club. With Gilley's masterful story-telling at play it was a novella I'm beyond grateful it was written. Her skill at developing her characters is unrivaled in literary fiction. And her prose continually astounds me. This cannot be read as a stand alone - the series must be read in the order provided.
I LOVE the Lean Dogs MC!
Second read: September 2020 - I love this novella and all the new events it unravels.
Reviews for previous books in the series:
Book One: Fearless
Book Two: Price of Angels
Half My Blood is a novella in the Dartmoor series showing readers a little slice of real life for our beloved characters of the Lean Dogs MC. Told from multiple points of view, this shorter story enhances fans appreciation for these characters by showing us the love, loyalty, and forward motion in all of their lives. It sets fans up nicely for what's to come in the series providing deeper snippets and clues into each their individual plots. The plot of the MC itself isn't moving forward in this novella but it doesn't matter as Gilley weaves together a beautiful story testing the resolve and love of her characters. We're given a birds eye view into a span of time where we learn just a little more about the characters and internal make up of this club. With Gilley's masterful story-telling at play it was a novella I'm beyond grateful it was written. Her skill at developing her characters is unrivaled in literary fiction. And her prose continually astounds me. This cannot be read as a stand alone - the series must be read in the order provided.
I LOVE the Lean Dogs MC!
Second read: September 2020 - I love this novella and all the new events it unravels.
Reviews for previous books in the series:
Book One: Fearless
Book Two: Price of Angels
January 14, 2023
Half My Blood is a fabulous novella that features the entire cast of the Lean Dogs. What I really enjoyed was how it added and expanded the overall story and I got so much more story about the characters from the two previous books and planted more seeds for the next ones.
It only made me more excited to continue. For a novella this was pretty damn amazing.
It only made me more excited to continue. For a novella this was pretty damn amazing.
September 20, 2016
4.5 stars
It is touted as a novella but, honestly, it felt like a full novel to me. I really enjoyed it. Caught up with all the characters. It was sort of a follow up to the first two books and a prequel to forthcoming books.
"Well, how's that for hospitality?" he asked with a laugh.
"You know, you're in the South, darlin'. Aren't ya s'posed to be bringing me a cold glass of tea?"
Colin came across as a bit of a dick. Not sure if he crops up in future books.
"She's my conscience. My soul. The only part of me that hasn't gone dark."
Warmed a bit more to Michael and Holly. Still love Maggie, Ghost, Ava, Mercy.
Aidan. Mmmm, not sure I like him yet. Look forward to his story ... and to Tango's.
September 20, 2016
4.5 Stars
What a fantastic extra book to add to this series.
We catch up on the lives of Ava, Mercy, Holly and Michael, Maggie and Ghost and Aiden and Tango.
It follows straight on from Price of Angels Holly and Michael's story.
Ava is now a mother and enjoying her new role.
Holly and Michael have at last something to look forward to but they are both unsure how to be with each other.
Mercy has a surprise visitor.
And then there is Aiden, his life is about to crash around him....
Each book I read in this series just intrigues me a little more.
I can't wait to read Aidens story, I think he is about to become a man.
What a fantastic extra book to add to this series.
We catch up on the lives of Ava, Mercy, Holly and Michael, Maggie and Ghost and Aiden and Tango.
It follows straight on from Price of Angels Holly and Michael's story.
Ava is now a mother and enjoying her new role.
Holly and Michael have at last something to look forward to but they are both unsure how to be with each other.
Mercy has a surprise visitor.
And then there is Aiden, his life is about to crash around him....
Each book I read in this series just intrigues me a little more.
I can't wait to read Aidens story, I think he is about to become a man.
April 19, 2020
"There is a rhythm to everyday life within this club. Steady pulses, like heartbeats. Some people are learning them, finding a way to count them. What is normal? We are connected, We are family. Blood is measured by halves - and we are stronger for it".
Half My Blood is the story of the "other relationships" with the Dogs - half brothers, half-sisters, different types of brotherhood.
I am so glad I clicked this series as it just gets better and better.
Half My Blood should be read after book 2 and before book 3.
Half My Blood is the story of the "other relationships" with the Dogs - half brothers, half-sisters, different types of brotherhood.
I am so glad I clicked this series as it just gets better and better.
Half My Blood should be read after book 2 and before book 3.
September 30, 2017
Short stories combined into a novella about Dartmoor characters and what's going on with their lives atm. I loved Mercy and Ava's the most, they are my favorite. I didn't like the Tango's story, TBH and I'm very curious about Aidan.
Binge reading this series, what else!?
Binge reading this series, what else!?
dnf
November 20, 2022Time of death 23%
I don’t think I’ll ever get back to this series. It’s just too much for me. There’s too many babies already, and everyone’s constantly fawning over them, and thinking about ‘siring’ more kids every ten minutes or so; all that talk about setting up house bored me to tears; there was SO much hyper-masculine posturing in the 60 or so pages I managed to read that I just can’t bring myself to read on. I don’t know why it hadn’t bothered me in book 1 — I’d been in a mood, I guess. That bit about all the old ladies being branded with their husbands’ names just broke this camel’s back.
I don’t think I’ll ever get back to this series. It’s just too much for me. There’s too many babies already, and everyone’s constantly fawning over them, and thinking about ‘siring’ more kids every ten minutes or so; all that talk about setting up house bored me to tears; there was SO much hyper-masculine posturing in the 60 or so pages I managed to read that I just can’t bring myself to read on. I don’t know why it hadn’t bothered me in book 1 — I’d been in a mood, I guess. That bit about all the old ladies being branded with their husbands’ names just broke this camel’s back.
August 18, 2017
Amazing novella!! FIVE Stars!!!
March 6, 2016
This is a novella that was in my opinion written to fill us in on the lives of the main Lean Dogs and their old ladies also to dig a little deeper into the lives of some we did not know much about. It was not full of suspense and drama like the full novels but the writing is just as good.
If you are going to read this series and you love it as much as I do I think this is a must read and god how could you not want to read more of this great series.
If you are going to read this series and you love it as much as I do I think this is a must read and god how could you not want to read more of this great series.
September 2, 2017
I read book 1 & 2 of this series such a long time ago and this novella was just what I needed to remember these characters. This book gives us a glimpse of the main Lean Dogs- Mercy, Aiden, Tango, Michael and Walsh and we get to catch up on all the old ladies as well. I forgot how much I loved this series. Can't wait to get started on the rest of these books.
4 Stars
Series: Book 2.5 (must be read after Book 1 & 2)
POV: Multiple
4 Stars
Series: Book 2.5 (must be read after Book 1 & 2)
POV: Multiple
May 15, 2021
This is a nice short read!
❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
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December 18, 2018
09/11/2015 -- Says it's a novella, but has more than 200 pages. I really liked how this was put together. Setting up others in the series, but also winding some of the previous storylines down a bit too. It was an airplane read for me. Loved it. 5 Stars.
January 3, 2018
I don’t know why Tango made me so emotional during this book.
October 13, 2015
Ah... There he is. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy. It was so worth it. I can't wait until the rest of these stories come to fruition. I love the writing, and character development. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy!
April 20, 2019
4 amazing MC 🌟!!!
February 10, 2018
I'm positively overwhelmed. I wouldn't change a thing, wouldn't have different characters or personal stories.
This is pretty much book perfection and I've cried real, happy tears when Remy was born.
Couldn't be more in love with an author or series at this point.
December 10, 2022
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
I could read about these characters all day, every day! 😍😍
Moving on to Walsh's book . . . not sure how I feel about that😳😂
I could read about these characters all day, every day! 😍😍
Moving on to Walsh's book . . . not sure how I feel about that😳😂
March 12, 2016
5 Brilliant Stars
I love how this novella detailed and everything in between. I want to know about Tango's story with Ian and I hope Tango found his lady love. Jazz, is a wild card in my opinion and Holly is definitely the shit!! She is getting better thanks to Michael. Sam is also another chick to watch out cause she is not taking crap from anyone. Colin, I will be reading about you soon *wink. Aiden, he needs to recover. And of course Ava and Mercy, the power couple that I really love.
“There’s a rhythm to everyday life within this club. Steady pulses, like heartbeats. I’m learning them, finding a way to count them. I don’t know what “normal” is for other people, but this is the new normal for me, and it is wonderful. We are connected. We are family. Blood is measured by halves – and we are stronger for it.”
I love how this novella detailed and everything in between. I want to know about Tango's story with Ian and I hope Tango found his lady love. Jazz, is a wild card in my opinion and Holly is definitely the shit!! She is getting better thanks to Michael. Sam is also another chick to watch out cause she is not taking crap from anyone. Colin, I will be reading about you soon *wink. Aiden, he needs to recover. And of course Ava and Mercy, the power couple that I really love.
“There’s a rhythm to everyday life within this club. Steady pulses, like heartbeats. I’m learning them, finding a way to count them. I don’t know what “normal” is for other people, but this is the new normal for me, and it is wonderful. We are connected. We are family. Blood is measured by halves – and we are stronger for it.”
October 3, 2015
I read this series and forgot to add it to GR or write a review or leave a rating. Going with 4 stars because I know i enjoyed this series
January 27, 2025
The level of investment I feel in these fictional characters lives cannot be healthy, but I’ve never claimed to be normal. The Lean Dogs have a new family member: me. Lauren Gilley is a wordsmith and she just makes you feel like these characters are your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, family and friends. It’s beautiful.
I am absolutely INFATUATED with Felix “Mercy” Lécuyer, the best Cajun biker poet ever! 😍🐊👻🏍️🩸💀
“There’s love, and then there’s love, and no one in the world is ever going to hurt my fillette. No way, no how. I would kill any man, woman, or God help me, child, that I had to, so I could keep her safe. All bets are off when it comes to Ava. I’d shoot the Virgin Mary in the face if I had to. Do you get that?”
Colin leaned back, hands braced on the edge of the table, nostrils flared as if he smelled something foul. “You’re that pussy-whipped?”
Mercy felt a wide, humorless spread across his face. “She’s my conscience. My soul. The only part of me that hasn’t gone all the way dark. No one fucks with her and gets out alive.”
I am absolutely INFATUATED with Felix “Mercy” Lécuyer, the best Cajun biker poet ever! 😍🐊👻🏍️🩸💀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews