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Enduring Kiss #1

Enduring Kiss

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Lying beside my Master had always been a comfort. Though that night, or I should say morning, I found myself restless.
I had to keep reminding myself that this was a job, the best job anyone like me could ask for, and I didn't want to lose it. Or my heart. For when it came to Lucas, I knew heartache was sure to follow.

162 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2011

45 people are currently reading
376 people want to read

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C.E. Black

27 books2 followers

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5 stars
91 (31%)
4 stars
82 (28%)
3 stars
82 (28%)
2 stars
24 (8%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for ★Moonrise.
139 reviews314 followers
May 15, 2014
Jessica has lived under Lucas' employ for three years. But their arrangement is far from traditional... Jessica is his food. Charged with supplying her master with life sustaining blood he needs as a vampire, Jessica has secretly fallen for Lucas. But she doesn't dare breathe a word of it to him, or to the others in his employ--especially Gretchen, who does little to hide her dislike for Jessica, and her jealousy when it comes to sharing Lucas.

As the story unfolds, Jessica discovers Lucas may be developing feelings for her, which stirs up issues from her past, and creates an inner battle as she attempts to hide her emotions. Jessica has no where else to go. Thus, maintaining her position is all the more vital. She struggles to steer clear of any conduct that would jeopardize her stability. Still, she can't help fantasizing about what life would be like with Lucas. Even Gretchen has her suspicions that something is brewing, leading to a series of actions that will ultimately shift the course for all those involved. And there is a lot at stake for Jessica. Not only is she losing her footing, but the love she desires is becoming all the more elusive... and a secret is about to be revealed.

Some events felt a bit rushed, and there were a few minor inconsistencies, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. Lucas is gorgeous, loyal, and fiercely protective of those around him. He doesn't pity Jessica for her troubled past, nor does he take advantage of the fact that she is at his mercy. Instead, he shows compassion for her hardships. Still, he is a vampire, living in a household with other supernatural creatures, so a few surprises are to be expected!

4 1/2 STARS

To read more, visit my blog, at http://www.moonrisebookblog.com
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
July 1, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/1/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Traceys.
1,483 reviews71 followers
August 13, 2014
Lucas is a 200 year old vampire, who has a fair bit of money and staff. Speaking of staff, Jessica is one of his feeders, it's the perfect job where she can hide away and keep her difficult past to herself.

When Lucas shows an interest in Jessica, she is unsure why his being so nice, add in some troublemakers and you get a great story.

You will probably connect more with Jessica through the book, Lucas plays the quiet comforting characther, but by the end of the book you will understand a little more about about the vamp.

I enjoyed the novella and look forward to reading more of this authors work.

Four vampy and racey stars

* I received a complimentary copy for an honest review *
Profile Image for Izzy.
450 reviews43 followers
June 3, 2012
*It was a freebie on the kindle.*

There were quite a few grammatical errors but I was willing to overlook them as the story was pretty decent.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,351 reviews46 followers
January 3, 2021
Simplistic vampire tale that is too short to do it justice but I did find it enjoyable and liked the characters.
Jessica had been through a really crappy thing and
Had other woman annoyance and a baddie sidekick to dislike.
Everything feels rushed and I was left with too many questions.
The rotten mother is not dealt with.
I would have liked to know exactly how they dealt with Gretchen and Cord.
HOW did Gretchen become a vampire?
What exactly is the Enduring Kiss???
If Lucas knew Jessica was his ONE three years previously, why was Gretchen kept on the feed team?
Could have been much better if we had Lucas’s thoughts about his first meeting with Jessica at the beginning, rather than tucked in at the end.
I have read a few of this authors books, so can only assume these were early in her writing career.
Errors overlooked that annoyed. Lucas called Luca in a couple of places.
I will be reading more in this series as I would like to read Sean’s story.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
September 8, 2018
I love this authors books especially the pnr ones that allow her to show another side. These books are lighter in nature and shorter than her others so it's nice to see how well rounded she is. She was a survivor, he sensed that an more from her during the interview. She needed a change an escape from the violence and hatred that she lived with. Yes it's a short story but it is filled wit so much in the small space. Love grows, healing happens, adversaries are laid to rest and lives saved. It's a ton in a little package but so wonderfully done. Great read
440 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2018
A quick read with an interesting twist on the vampire customs yet again. Interesting concept of live-in human feeders and mating with the enduring kiss. Good writing, interesting plot and characters with unique personalities. An enjoyable novella.
Profile Image for angela gunstone.
1,857 reviews8 followers
May 15, 2018
Enduring kiss

Loved the characters and the storyline and found it hard to put down so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Profile Image for Jax O.
1,737 reviews131 followers
June 4, 2012
Enduring Kiss was a very fresh and twisted look at a Vampire Romance. A young woman with a terrible life that becomes a servant for a Vampire is not one that we have visited before. Although, this was perfectly fitting for this young girl with a brutally traumatic past. She hides the evidence daily when she dresses to cover the scars that mar part of her body, but with Lucas help she will learn to overcome the binding that continue to control her. With no family to turn to it is easy to see where she would find comfort in seemly strange career, but the situation offers danger free home, and a safe warm bed. Readers will come to understand and accept Jessica's life style with ease; even finding hope that she will finally find peace in her Master's home. As the story trudges on it is easy to get caught up in the brief encounters that will form our bond for Lucas and Jessica. This was a very short story, and moves at an incredibly fast pace. Regretfully, this is the part where I found an issue. Detail seems to be lacking throughout the story in effort to keep pace. Jessica was well described and laid out for readers, but most of the other characters still remained a mystery. From the start of this story, readers are aware of the three prior years of employment, but not much else. So, the abrupt shift for Jessica and Lucas was not as gratifying for the reader. Feeling the potential pouring from this book I was saddened by lack of detail for Lucas, and the building relationship between Jessica and him. I think that this could have been a story that wraps you in so tightly, but with the remaining mystery I was unable to fully grasp the characters. Please do feel that this proved a failure, because this book still offers an exceptional read. The conclusion was awesome, and it was refreshing to see Jessica in blissful happiness. With such a dark and brutal story I am excited to see her happy ending.
Overall, I found this story to sharp and abrupt. It seemed as though the author was creating a longer story, but with cutting some corners that will hold back the true potential of this book. Otherwise, it I loved the characters and thrill included with this romance. C.E. Black is not afraid to test readers emotions, and I see some great talent coming through. I am aware that Enduring Kiss is the first to this series, and I will definitely be checking out book two.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,400 reviews33 followers
October 30, 2013
This is a great story marred with a lot of tragedy. Jessica had a very abusive childhood and when she finally was set free from it her mother blames her for the fact that he has gone to jail for the abuse of her daughter. Jess learned long before that the love of a parent was not what would be given to her but she still tries to be upbeat and treat people with respect. One day a man named Sean came into the dinner she was working at and slowly got her to talk to him. After a while he tells her what he is and who he works for and asks her if she would like to be one of the feeders for his boss Lucas. After some considerations and a meeting with Lucas she takes the job. The one rule is for the feeders to not become emotionally attached to their Master, however Jessica found herself falling for Lucas. This is a great story about falling in love with just the right person at just the right time. I would recommend this love story there are some tough parts to read when Jess remembers the abuse she endured but the rest of the book more than makes up for the tough pages. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
439 reviews10 followers
May 28, 2015
Loved this book. Meet Jessica young and damaged food for Master Vampire Lucas. She's madly in love with him but is afraid when he finds out she will have to leave him. She's had a rough life until she came to work for Lucas. Lucas is a dark mysterious sexy vampire. Jessica is innocent and naive which is amazing considering what her life has been like. CE Black writes the right amount of suspense, passion, and angst. If your looking for a great quick read then this one is for you. CE Black does a great job keeping you in suspense on Lucas's feelings, Jessica's ability to doubt herself and believes the crap people dish out to her which caused me to yell a few times at my kindle. The sexusl tension will leave you craving for more. I can't wait to read the rest of this series

Suspense 5 stars
Sexiness 5 stars
HEA 5 stars
Length 4 stars only because I'm greedy and want more.
Profile Image for Amanda.
114 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2015
Jessica lived a hard life. She dealt with a mother who just didn't care and an abusive stepdad. While working as a waitress she was given an opportunity to become a feeder. She jumped at the chance to get out a bad situation. Lucas is her Vampire Master. He is handsome and caring and not something that Jessica is used to. Then there is Gretchen who is out to make Jessica miserable. After 3 years as a feeder to Lucas. Jessica starts becoming concerned when her feelings for Lucas start growing into more of a romance but she isn't sure that Lucas feels the same. When Jessica is kidnapped and is severely injured Lucas comes to the rescue and does the only thing he can to save the life of the woman he has come to Love.
Profile Image for Crystal's Quirky Reviews.
186 reviews10 followers
September 8, 2015
I enjoyed this book immensely. A whimsical paranormal romance with a very nice and sweet tale and steamy romance scenes with some emotionally jarring action. I've always been a fan of Author CE Black and I highly suggest her to any PNR fan. (And I'm really hoping this is a series)

Jessica a young woman traumatized by her vicious past starts falling in love with her sexy, sweet vampire boss Lucas. Is this a one sided love or has Lucas finally found his One in the beautiful (body and spirit) of Jessica? Will she trust and accept his love in the end?

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lyndi W..
2,042 reviews210 followers
September 11, 2014
1.5 stars Just reread this... blech. I'm not sure I've ever read a weaker female lead character. Avoid this one unless you really like your heroines to be whimpering, naive, clueless doormats.

I liked the plot, but Jessica's behavior was horrible. She has zero fight in her, which is surprising after all she went through. That's probably why I refused to rate it the first time I read it. Not this time.
Profile Image for Renee Rearden.
Author 2 books79 followers
February 12, 2013
The premise for this book was interesting, but it really reads more like a young adult book. The dialogue is a little stilted and immature in places. More editing would have helped the dialogue issue as well as the multiple misspellings and incorrect word usage. A few spelling mistakes will happen, but too many pull a reader out of the story. The conflicts in the story were resolved quickly and without much depth. Not a bad story, but could have been much better.
Profile Image for Karen Shortridge.
1,459 reviews19 followers
August 1, 2015
I received this book free and so glad I did. Jessica has had a tough time and just wants to escape her life, so gets a job feeding the local vampire master Lucas, this is quite different to what you would expect in a great way, trust , protection, security and romance, these characters are great and there is a couple you will hate but it has all been put together beautifully, I really enjoyed this.
Profile Image for Suzy Ayers.
Author 24 books148 followers
June 22, 2013
Vamp book, drenched in love
Jessica is a character that is relate-able. We all have scars,visible or not that we try to cover up instead of except. There are many Gretchen's in the world...and we can only hope to meet our Lucas. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop,I couldn't get enough. Honestly I read it in a couple hours. A fantastic read for the hopeless romantic in me.
Profile Image for Kristin.
350 reviews19 followers
December 8, 2014
This is a great novella. Nicely built for the others in the series. It's a tad predictable but still quite enjoyable and a different view on feeders and attachment. Jess has been through hell and has the scars to show for it but the abuse isn't the whole book if you get my drift. It's not a angst read at all. It does have a HEA.

Highly recommend for those fans of paranormal and vamps <3
60 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2015
Great read

This was a great book. I loved the characters and setting. I would love to slap the crap out of Jessica's mom. My only complaints are grammatical errors... words missing, misspelled, or used in the wrong context... commas where they shouldn't be and missing where they should be.
Profile Image for Brandi Shaffer.
78 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2015
This was decent little vampire romance book. There wasn't much connecting with the couple since we didn't get much background on the 3 years they had already known each other. It was still decent despite that though.

I would recommend this for someone that is looking for a light quick read in between books.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,193 reviews119 followers
August 6, 2016
This book has a fresh take on the whole blood donor and vampire theme which made it very enjoyable to read. The characters are strong and have enough quirks to make them interesting. The book on the whole is quite dark.

A new author, a new take, a good book.
371 reviews21 followers
November 16, 2013
Like many others have said about this book, there was no real character development. It's like you are walking along then all of a sudden you fall off a cliff. Maybe not the best description but ehh. It wasn't a bad read, but it could have been a lot better.
Profile Image for Regina.
2,150 reviews37 followers
February 14, 2014
Freebie e-book

This read just like TwiFic to me. Withdrawn young woman whose best friend is a werewolf (and his last name is JACOBson) and she's in love with a powerful but kind vampire.

WTH, I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Maham :3.
46 reviews
October 14, 2014
I kinda liked Lucas because was really sweet, kind and caring. But Jassica on the other hand is a problem, she is sweet and all but I'll always hate weak female leads...

Um, the story plot was good but ut felt a bit weak.
Profile Image for Shirley Bennett.
1,082 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2014
Really enjoyed the characters and story line in this book. I love a well written series and C.E. Black does know how to pull together a book with a unique take on vamps! I can almost 'see' these characters and will be reading more from her!!

Profile Image for Monique.
907 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2016
A sweet, fun book

Quite a story, with interesting characters looking for love and acceptance. An exciting twist on the paranormal trope. I enjoyed it! Looking forward to discovering more about this world.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,235 reviews5 followers
owned-to-read
January 1, 2014
*downloaded free on ARE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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