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Six people want her dead. One vampire is under orders to keep her alive, but he's hungry...and for much more than blood.

Lainey Hargreaves has a secret that she must keep at all costs, a secret that could change the face of the earth—forever. But not all secrets can be kept and when hers begins to escape, she is certain that death will follow. There is only one person that can extricate her from the mess in which she finds herself—a vampire.

Mercer is that vampire. His quick analytical brain will give them a head start against her assassins, but even he isn’t confident of success. He needs to discover what Lainey is hiding, unravel her secrets, and earn her trust. She will need to learn to obey his every order without question if they are to stand a chance of success. Where’s the best place to start? The bedroom, of course—all women find him irresistible. All women except Lainey, that is. She fights tooth and nail to deny the bright red spark blooming between them, only…

She’s going to lose.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2016

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About the author

C.P. Mandara

35 books540 followers
C P Mandara writes Dark Romance and Erotic Suspense and she is a hybrid author. Her books feature lots of twisted naughtiness and BDSM.

Where can you find her?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/C-P-Mandara/e/...

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-p-m...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPMandara

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cpmandara/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/cpmandara1

Want to sign up to her mailing list and claim two free books? https://bit.ly/3iL1wT5

Christina Mandara is a USA TODAY bestselling author and tends to write dark romance with lashings of kinky naughtiness. Her favourite pastime is travelling, and if it involves sun, sea and… sand then it’s all good.

In her spare time she’s usually cuddled up with a good book, exploring the countryside or baking in the kitchen. In fact, she loves her kitchen so much she’s one of few woman who wouldn’t mind being tied to it! Her first and foremost love is writing, however, and more often than not you’ll find her on a laptop spinning tales of romance, erotica or dark, paranormal fantasies.

She's a big fan of BDSM in all of its glorious forms, and her favourite item in the toy closet (a box simply isn’t big enough) is her riding crop.

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5 stars
53 (31%)
4 stars
58 (34%)
3 stars
38 (22%)
2 stars
13 (7%)
1 star
7 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Normandie Alleman.
Author 49 books896 followers
February 27, 2016
Loved this author's latest book - this one was FULL of surprises. Witches, Vamps, Magic, Mind Control... seriously... I read it in one setting and couldn't put it down. Talk about action packed! And... I'm a little in love with Mercer and the 'no panties' scene - need I say more? Great fun.
Profile Image for C.P. Mandara.
Author 35 books540 followers
February 28, 2016
From The Author

I think I have always loved writing about alpha males, and vampires are certainly at the top of that list. My vampires can read minds, control humans with little more than a flick of their eyelids... and they're rather handy in the bedroom department ;)

These naughty tales probably come from watching too much True Blood and reading too many '50 Shades of Grey' type books. Yes - I unapologetically love the naughtier side of life!!

Profile Image for J.F. Holland.
Author 40 books177 followers
April 25, 2016
Loved this book,

Great likeable characters and fell in love with C.P. Mandara's story telling, a cross between Lynsay Sands and Jill Shalvis, 2 of my favourite authors.

There's lots of pace in the book, a good story line, magic, vampires, hot sex and some witty one liners, what's not to love. She gave a hot alpha male with a softer side and a heroine who you wouldn't mind changing places with, a thoroughly good read to lose yourself in.

Bring on round two.
Profile Image for Olivia Norem.
Author 5 books16 followers
August 21, 2017
Not my usual read or genre, but selected this as a "why not?" Did not disappoint! Kudos to CP Mandara... made this a great read. Loved the characters, plot and surprises. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Alan Hardy.
Author 39 books128 followers
February 28, 2016
Lainey Hargreaves has made a world-changing discovery which must be kept secret, and only one person can save her from her monstrous pursuers...and that person is Mercer, a vampire. And, however unwilling Lainey might initially be, it's in the bedroom that their relationship begins... Mercer rescues her from certain death, and then the game of romance, capture, rejection and submission commences between the two. Mercer is a vampire to die for, rivetingly handsome, suavely mesmeric, rouguishly dashing, with orgasmic, well-practised fangs. Who's out to kill Lainey? Can Mercer save her? Will she give in to him, or continue to reject him? In the end, will Mercer need Lainey's help as much as she needs his? A story full of sexual tension and vividness, and written with panache and skill, as we follow the couple in their graphically-described sexual games and flight from their pursuers. A superb book which saucily, wittily and edgily combines vampires and eroticism. What more could you possibly want?
Profile Image for Muffy Wilson.
Author 43 books225 followers
April 16, 2016
Yummy Beastly Vampires With Attitude

I have read many a book by this fabulously creative author. But this one? I am in lust with Mercer and the pantie scene. Trust me, you'll know it when you read it! Okay, Okay - I give! Where do I get myself one of these seriously sexy beasts? Mercer can come and rescue me anyday... Full on fun paranormal romp through Paris and England - will have you grinning one moment and swooning in pleasure the next. Wonderful page turner, can't wait to get my hands on the next in the series.
Profile Image for M.C. Chronister.
451 reviews15 followers
March 1, 2018
Decent book

The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is because the beginning is not that great. I had to push myself to get through it and I'm glad I did. There are some really funny parts and I love the banter between Lainey and Mercer. The second half of the story is wonderful. The plot and everything just falls so perfectly into place. I just wish the beginning had been better.
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
February 19, 2020
Mercer's next assignment is to rescue a body from a cement grave before it dies. Tick tock. Time is running out.
Lainey has made a discovery that could change the world. Only problem is there are several thugs that want her head. She has a secret that she's not willing to share with anyone.
Lainey needs to learn to trust Mercer. He needs her secrets in order for them to stay alive.
A paranormal tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Kalliope does what she does best.
Profile Image for Robin Brister.
272 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2016
Good As Dead

I'm usually not a paranormal reader, but being a fan of C.P. Mandara's other books, and decided to give it a try. I enjoyed all the descriptive details through out the book. The characters were full of surprises and the action kept me interested and wanting to know what was going to happen next.
20 reviews
November 3, 2016
Couldn't get enough

I am so glad I stumbled upon this book. I read it in two days. The non stop action and the build up romance keeps you captivated. I love reading PR novels and this is going to go in my top favorites. I don't want to give anything away. The pacing is great. I highly recommend this book . The romance build up in the story was perfect pacing.
Profile Image for Hey Colleen.
89 reviews
April 6, 2018
Great characters. The story lively and interesting. It explained enough without going into a drawn out tedium. The only complaint is that it ended really abruptly.

Hope she writes a second in the series, because she left a couple characters in a tight spot.
Profile Image for Eddie.
204 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2016
Good action packed vampire tale. Full of suspense and steamy scenes. Well worth a read!
Profile Image for Michelle.
55 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2016
Good steamy vampire novel

I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading others by this author
Profile Image for Barb VanderWel.
1,819 reviews30 followers
March 28, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Jeanene.
43 reviews
June 6, 2018
It was too paranormal for me to enjoy. Much prefer erotic surrender compared to magical surrender.
With magic you can jump here and there without walking the path. Too much jumping for me.
1,559 reviews14 followers
August 8, 2018
Very exciting book!

This story was entertaining and interesting!!!. It has an awesome storyline with hot as hell characters 😊. C.P. is an awesome writer and fantastic storyteller!.
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,366 reviews12 followers
Read
August 10, 2017
Liked the very start with Mercer getting a call out to save Lainey although we & Mercer don’t actually know who is is being sent to save at this point. But shortly after this interesting start as we spend a little time with Mercer I came to dislike him intensely with his ego, arrogance, the complete disregard for women as people rather than convenient meals he can fuck and then there is the whole rapey vibe of using his powers to get them interested so he can bite them. And the whole stupid vampire bites give an orgasm every time, even if the person being bitten is unconscious. AYFKM? Sooo ridiculous. Granted I am only about 5% in but I am thinking this wil be a dnf. Will give it a bit more of a chance but sadly this seems to be one of those times you get what you pay for (yes it was free).

Yep called it. This one is definitely not for me. When Lainey attempts to escape from Mercer (perfectly reasonable action seeing as he is basically keeping her a prisoner and she only has his word that he is rescuing her. She was attacked and buried alive then woke up a prisoner in his home. If she didn’t try to escape there would be something wrong). Our charming hero’s response to this is to threaten her with sexual violence unless she agree to follow his every command. Once she has been intimidated into agreeing he then proceeds to order her around like a servant. I’m out!
Profile Image for Marie Fawcett.
65 reviews
February 22, 2018
This is good. A few errors

The storyline is good. The characters are likeable and there's enough passion. Some erotica can be too much and the female character can suddenly turn into a seasoned porn star but all of them were tastefully done.

I hope for a sequel as it says there's 6 people after her but you only hear of 3. Also hearing about Mercers brother would be nice. A whole new story on him.

A few simple errors that could be sorted with proofreading but other than that this story is well done. I bought it rather than got it on kindle unlimited and I'm glad I did because it was worth it.
59 reviews
December 21, 2017
Annoying heroine made it hard to finish

Reading the premise got my attention and the promise of vampires, action and peril drew me in, but failed to compensate for how much I disliked the heroine. Her screaming, squeamish, floundering weakness as a person ruined this book for me. I found myself rooting for the bad guys and couldn't finish it.
327 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2018
Don't let me put you off

Got to chapter 5 but never finished it. Not my cup of tea but I'll still give the author 4 stars as it wasn't awful or terrible it just wasn't for me at this moment and time. Will maybe try again in the future.
180 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2024
4.5 stars. Loved it! A good page turner. Didn’t want to put it down. With some minor editing it would be even better, but I would absolutely read it again!
Profile Image for R.B. O'Brien.
Author 32 books263 followers
March 5, 2016
When Mercer is tasked with his latest conquest of rescue, Lainey Hargreaves buried six feet under in a coffin, he doesn’t quite understand just exactly what he is getting into. And neither do we!

Vampires, witches, mind control, and other supernatural themes had me second-guessing what I was reading. I don’t usually read this genre. As my first venture into reading C.P. Mandara’s work, I am hooked, regardless of the genre. Mandara effortlessly constructs a plot-driven, sexy-as-hell tale that I could not put down.

A hot-throb vampire whom women find irresistible, Mercer discovers himself road-blocked at every turn with the beautiful and strong-willed Lainey Hargreaves, a woman he has been tasked with protecting against a myriad of enemies he can’t quite fathom.

Lainey challenges every fiber of his being. She is not like any woman he has ever conquered, and that is precisely because she is not what she seems. Hunted by many, Mercer must keep her safe. But can he? Will she let him? They dangle on the precipice of danger countless times and secrets are revealed that may destroy them both.

With flawless writing and a heart-pounding plot, Mandara creates something I could not predict, twist after twist. While Mercer is your typical alpha male, he is taken off balance by the woman he tries to resist and just simply can’t. Erotic sensuality abounds as Mercer holds his many “skills” over Lainey’s head, teasing and torturing her to force information out of her for her safety. But she is a refreshingly strong female lead, and Mercer has finally met his match. We feel every second of their struggle to fight the overwhelming urges neither can deny.

Balanced with both plot and sexual tension and eroticism, I’ll be back to read more of Mandara’s work!
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
March 29, 2016
A good story, although a significant error in the first pages when the writer is careful to hide the sex of the person to be rescued, then accidentally says "I'm supposed to be rescuing her from…" Later we realize this was unintended as the hero, Mercer is surprised to find her female (not a spoiler, as the target's identity is suggested in the blurb). A few more proof errors along the was, but not enough to spoil my enjoyment of a good read. To build suspense, the author did use one of my most hated cop-outs-- someone who knows what's going on, but doesn't want to disclose the info. I simply sighed and shook my head for a few moments, as the plot was good, and the action steady enough to hold my attention.
Profile Image for Elodie Parkes.
Author 47 books89 followers
April 23, 2016
Sexy Paranormal Fun

Good as Dead is a sexy, action-filled ride that left me breathless. Mercer is an arrogant alpha male vampire and Lainey is, well Lainey is not quite what you'd expect - but even she can't fight the hold Mercer has over her. As they race across Paris and London the action ramps up a notch and I could barely put the book down. You begin wondering if there's anyway the pair can save the day... and I'm not giving away an spoilers!

An unusual sexy vampire romp with a twist.
4 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2016
No.

Don't waste your time. I coudn't connect with the characters and the story was all over the place. I skimmed it the whole time.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,157 reviews18 followers
April 4, 2017
I feel like too often when authors write a strong /tough woman that she is a nasty bitch. Having an attitude does not automatically make you strong or particularly intelligent.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 29 reviews