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Bloodlines Legacy #1

The BlackBurne Legacy

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For the last nine years, Alexandria Reed has been locked away, a prisoner of her own nightmares. Determined to escape, she convinced the doctors she was sane. It wasn’t even that hard really. She leaves behind her fears and joins her family in their new home, Jacob’s Fork, West Virginia, where she plans out her nice, normal life.

But she’s not normal. She can never be normal.

Soon after her arrival to the sleepy little town, Alex comes face to face with her past and learns something terrifying. There’s a secret her family has killed to protect, a secret that has now put her and her brother’s life at risk.

Luka Rinaldi both fascinates and frustrates Alex from the moment she meets him. He’s dark and broody, arrogant, and hot enough to scorch brimstone. She’s drawn to him despite all the warning signs telling her he means her harm. She wants to trust him, but her instincts tell her to run.

Aided by her new friends, who have some dark secrets themselves, can she survive long enough to figure out the secret behind the secret?

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2016

271 people are currently reading
655 people want to read

About the author

Apryl Baker

79 books1,827 followers
So who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.

Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.

Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.

I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.

You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...

PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!

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5 stars
339 (51%)
4 stars
203 (30%)
3 stars
84 (12%)
2 stars
18 (2%)
1 star
14 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Haley Allison.
Author 6 books277 followers
April 26, 2016
I am in tears. Literally about to sob like a baby because a book is over and I have to wait until winter for book #2. Apryl Baker destroyed me. Ripped me apart thread by thread and pieced me back together again battered and bruised.

I'll be honest, I'm not typically the biggest paranormal fiction fan. I gave this book a chance because I'm an Apryl Baker fan and her other books had this same effect on me. At first when I started reading this book, I was afraid I'd have to tell her I couldn't review it because it's just not my thing.

Boy, was I wrong!

Alex's voice resonated with me from the first page. She is so broken and thinks she's crazy because she hears a voice in her head. Little does she know that voice is coming from someone who will prove crucial in her life. There are so many amazing characters in this series, and I have a feeling there will be many more incoming.

And can I just say LUKA?

OMG, Luka. Alpha male, protective, domineering, arrogant, and bossy. Everything you want in a paranormal romance hero. Not bad on the "eyes," either. I rooted for him and Alex from the beginning.

This is a sexy, heart-wrenching, vividly visual read that will spin you into a whirlwind from the 50% mark onward. You will get angry as a wolf at anyone who tries to make you put it down. I can't recommend it enough!

Five silver stars!

For Silver Day Book Reviews: silverdaybookreviews.wordpress.com
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
May 29, 2020
3.5 Stars
So I picked this book up after reading the Ghost Files series. In the Ghost Files is where we meet the characters from this series when they are called in to help in the final book. The backstory on each character was so interesting I needed to learn more about them, I wanted their stories.
While I enjoyed this one, it wasn't my favorite and doesn't compare to the Ghost Files. This book sort of read like Twilight fan-fic with a few additions added in. The author tried to create a air of mystery but really everything was pretty obvious and it was not hard to see where the story was going. On that note, the story itself sort of dragged. As readers we see how much is happening in Alexandria's life an how little she recognizes reality even as it's hitting her in the face. I wasn't loving the plot and really wanted something more wild to happen, I mean for a girl who spent years in an asylum and then winds up in a clearly paranormal town with secrets not much happens... until the end that is. Within the last few chapters so many bombs were dropped I'm surprised Alexandria and her brother can function. I'm curious to see where things will go from here especially with Saidie. And now that things picked up and the 'truth' has been revealed, hopefully the next two will be full of thrills and chills.
Profile Image for Rose Hastings.
88 reviews
May 31, 2020
Whoa.... This book was a stunner. I wasn't expecting it to be this good. I don't know how I've never heard of the book nor the author before.

Alexandrea Nicolette Reed/ BlackBurne has recently come out of Compton Academy, a mental institution posing as a boarding school and has relocated to West Virginia. She lives with her brother, Jason, and has started making some friends. Her new life seems to be good from the outside, but Alex is seriously doubting herself. She keeps hearing a voice in her head and suddenly has the urge to run and be free. She's also started acting like a teenager with mood swings, prone to an emotional outburst at the slightest prodding and quick to temper. Everyone in the town seems to be acting strange but she can't figure out why. But, what if she really is crazy?

I was so not expecting this little beauty. I read it in one sitting. Yes, it has minor editing errors but I don't give a damn. A good story-line. Nice pacing. Well-written. I really liked this.

Alexandria is one cute little fireball. I loved how strong she was. I mean, she is smart enough to cautious of strangers and doesn't fall for Luka the first time she sees him. Like she kinda does but she isn't afraid to call out his bullshit and arrogance just because she likes him.

I like Jason and Micah more than Luka, our MMC though. I'm usually not into the hot broody type at first glance and even though Luka pulls it off well here, I liked the over-protective and cute wolf called Micah more. I loved the bond between him and Alex.

The group dynamics in this book was awesome. Where most books have the guy BFF, girl BFF and MMC, we had a brother, two guys and two girls as best friends and of course, our MMC working together here. These people mesh together really well.

This book also contains a unique view on soul mates, one I've admittedly never seen before. It made the bond so much more special though. I can't elaborate because that'll be a spoiler but let's just say that our MMC is seriously missing out, which I've never seen before.

Also, I loved how the characters reacted to situations. Like most of the time it was anger and they weren't afraid to rant or stand up for themselves.

Overall, a good read. I really liked it. Of course, I could have no idea of what I'm talking about because its 1:30 am and I'm really sleepy but right now, I really love this book.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
December 2, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

As the start to a new series this book does well at creating a world that will keep you guessing as to what will happen next. Alexandria was placed in a mental institution after nightmares made her go a little wonky. After years of being there she finally convinces them that she is better so she can be released where she goes to live with her brother while attending college. Things start out great but then strange things start happening that may get her locked up again. As the secrets start coming out the truth will set her free while also giving her a wonderful romance. Great for fans of paranormal romance though it does have a jolting ending. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Kim.
664 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2020
A girl is released from a psych ward after 10 years and goes to college in West Virginia with her brother. She’s just trying to transition to a normal life. WV has different plans and super natural hoodwinks are in abundance!


This is really a 3.5 but I can’t round up. Man oh man how do I review this book? I feel like i want to do it justice because the story is pretty cool. The first half of the book was lame. Her back story wasn’t all that interesting and her over protective parents were annoying. The second half of the book saved this for sure! Finally we get some answers about the secrets her friends are keeping. Her secret isn’t shocking, I feel like you can guess from the beginning. The way it ends is cool and I’ll be reading the second book.
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,513 reviews88 followers
May 28, 2020
Okay this wasn't quite what i thought it would be. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. I need to spend longer in the world. The characters were okay. I liked the main character and her brother. Luca was a bit weird at times and I'm not sure if I like him or not. The story line was good. I liked the way that they are finding out about themselves.
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,904 reviews60 followers
July 14, 2019
Good story

Witches ,shifters, necromances, what else could you ask for all together in one story. All the characters worked well to make it as enjoyable book to read
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,327 reviews38 followers
December 6, 2017
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

I had such high hopes for The BlackBurne Legacy, but unfortunately it was just not good. It was all tell not show which I hate. That and I don't feel you get to know any of the characters, a super whiney main character, and it made for a story that I simply did not enjoy. It was not good, but I seem to be one of the only ones with this issue. Makes me think did I read a different book than everyone else?

So the story is all tell not show. Most of it is just big data dumps of information. Oh, you need to know what is happening now? Well let me just give you all the information in a not so good way. Plus the conversations in this book were painful to read as they do not read as realistic. Not good.

This is the story of Alexandria who has been locked up in the nuthouse, but now she is out. She still thinks she is crazy, but she can't be in there anymore. She moves in with her brother and meets some new people who she becomes instant friends with. Oh, and Luka who is apparently a love interest, but was hardly in the story. At one point Alexandria says she might be in love with Luka and at that moment I thought "oh yeah. I forgot about him..." and also really?? You spent like two seconds with the guy and he dropped out after that and suddenly you are somehow in love? I don't understand. It wasn't even insta-love. It felt like suddenly she was in love with a random person...odd.

Alexandria is also incredibly stupid and whiney! Oh goodness gracious she liked to whine a lot. It was super annoying. So there are some bad guys who are coming for her, she knows this and knows she has some powers and stuff and what does she do? Nothing. No trying to learn things or prepare for the bad guys or anything like that. Nope, better to do nothing and just whine about everything instead. That is a great plan. Oh she was annoying. At one point she is staying at Luka's as that is the safest place for her, she knows this and knows that she should stay there, but she doesn't think twice about leaving. Oh, bad guys are after me and I am safe as long as I stay here? Eh, might as well leave, and not tell anyone cause then I could just whine some more about poor poor me if something happens. Ugh.

Now my favorite part of this story was Luka even though he is hardly in it. He is the only one I could really picture or felt like I knew at all. He was so cute. He is this big, tough guy who speaks broken English with a Romanian accent. Love! I wish he would have been in the story more. It definitely would have made it a more enjoyable read.

Really I was expecting this book to more of a mystery. Like what is really going on? Is she really crazy? Who are these other people? Instead it felt very piecemeal and like you don't get the full story, just these long explanations at times. It is just Alexandria telling you again and again and again how she is crazy, how she was in the nuthouse and she had to get out, and is now out. How she is not comfortable with real life, how she is mad at her mom for leaving, how everything is just so so hard, poor, poor Alexandria. I couldn't deal with her and since everything was just told to me I couldn't connect to much of anything in the story. Not good.
Profile Image for Xiamera.
434 reviews16 followers
July 30, 2016
I have to say that I'm a bit annoyed at how it ended. It felt a bit abrupt to me but other than that it was a enjoyable read. I like the characters and Luka's not so great grasp on English is perfect. I swear though, every time I read about some family separation, I just start to feel like the characters should get over it. Some interesting things I noted: Micah is introduced as a boy and not a man like Luka, I could swear there was a typo somewhere about the color of Luka's eyes, Dean Winchester is indeed the sole reason to watch Supernatural, the author likes Beautiful Disaster. I wouldn't mind continuing this series but the next book is slated for a winter release and it'll probably slip my mind like so many other things. The title has thrown me off a little though, since I assume it's going to be about Saida (might have misspelled). I wasn't particularly drawn to her but I hope there is some development in Alex's powers mentioned.
Profile Image for Fly FreeBird.
415 reviews11 followers
November 10, 2018
I had high hopes for this... it was an okay read.


******************************
Note to self:
No need to read the other books.
Profile Image for izzy .
435 reviews21 followers
May 20, 2020
Meet Alexander Reed who just came out of Compton. More like a school for mentally challenged. It all started when she was a child and attached by animals. Saved by her mum only for her mum to leave the next day
She meets Luka,Micah,Bree and Sabrina.


Her brother Jason is very protective of her

Is Alex really crazy?

Not too bad but a cliche.
Profile Image for Bridgett Brown.
830 reviews48 followers
April 27, 2016
I love This book!! I can not wait for the next installment of this series. I was hooked from page, I really like this author.

Alexandria Reed has had a tough life, nightmares had her in a mental hospital, and somehow she has convinced the doctors that she is sane, so they release her. But her dreams may send her back...

Apryl Baker is a writer that you want to take notice of. I love her style of writing.
If you love Paranormal stories. check this out!!! I highly recommend this book and author!!!
Profile Image for Terri.
315 reviews
April 26, 2016
ARC from author in exchange for an honest review.
Alexandria Reed had moved to Jacob's Fork in search of a new start after her release from Compton Academy, a "private school" that basically doubled as a mental hospital for unstable youth. Upon her arrival in the strange new town she now calls home, she discovers not everything or everyone there is as it seems including her new friends, new boyfriend, even her own family isn't who she has always thought they were.
Profile Image for Crystal Collier.
Author 5 books184 followers
February 18, 2017
This was a good read, although one of those books that held the secrets too close to the vest for too long. Definitely some interesting story development, and the first time I've seen the "crazy" angle work well. So kudos for that! It's also one of those that is meant to lead right into the next book in the series--not a cliff hanger, but it definitely leaves the door WIDE open. I liked the variety in the cast, and how different they each were.

Content warning: closed door relations, but all not closed minds. Some minor language. Some violence.
19 reviews
May 30, 2017
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started rading this book but once I did start, I did not want to put it down! It has been a really long time since I enjoyed a book as much as I enjoyed this one. Apryl does a great job developing the characters and setting up the story. There are a few twists in the book - some are predictable and some are a complete surprise but it all works great together. I actually slowed down reading as I neared the final pages because I didn't want the book to end.... I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Cecilia.
602 reviews
May 25, 2018
This book surprised me.

I liked Alex and her brother Jason.
I even liked Alex's relationship with Luka. Even though I am not a fan of the insta-love kind of stories.
And, I really liked her relationship with Micah.

Overall a good and interesting story.

406 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2022
I love everything Apryl Baker and this book was no different, but for me it moved a bit slow. I felt like nothing really happened until the last third of the book and then all of a sudden everything is wrapped up and it’s over. That being said, I did enjoy the cast of character and the plot, although I would have liked for Saidie to be a bit more involved since the next book is hers. I also liked how it ties to the ghost files series, I just would have liked more depth and consistency in the story.
Profile Image for Courtney Huchton.
211 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2017
This book was beyond unexpected. I really had no clue what supernatural creatures would surface in this book. I really read the first two sentences of the synopsis and decided it was read worthy! Very different story line then what I would have imagined and a differently love triangle then you typically read. I really love what soulmates mean in this book, Alex needs as much love as possible from the way she had grown up. I cant wait to read the next!
Profile Image for Debbie.
21 reviews
August 1, 2017
I fell in love with Apryl's writing when I started reading the The Ghost Files. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Penned Con in St. Louis. Switching gears with her was easy. I feel in love with Alexandria and Luka's story. She took me on journey with twists and turns and uncovered lies. I can't wait to read the next book in this series !! Oh wait !! It's out !! See ya !!!
Profile Image for Marie Yule.
300 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2018


I throughly enjoyed this book, It kept a little mystery going throughout the whole book, which I really liked. Most books I have read seem to rush into the big reveal. This book hints various times the big secret but it’s not told fully until later into the story.
.
Micah’s relationship with our Mc was an interesting take on the soul mate! And I loved their bond, regardless of her ties to Luka she maintained a great relationship with Micah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tamara.
1,152 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2020
Very intriguing

This book has so many twists and turns and surprises. It kept this reader who has recently struggled to stay engaged with a story totally captivated. Thank you April Baker for a wonderful story. I sure hope Alex, Micah and Luka survive what is to come as well as Bree, Conner and Jason.
Profile Image for Karissa Francis.
66 reviews
June 29, 2022
It felt like someone was telling me the story rather than me reading it, feeling it, and being a part of everything.

I really enjoyed the story though! It’s not the first book I’ve read where the FMC gets out of a mental facility, but it was the first I’ve read that has her surrounded by males with her only having crush/love interest about 1 guy.
Profile Image for Belinda.
192 reviews51 followers
May 22, 2017
Loved it, the main characters were fantastic and had a dynamic that made you feel like they were your best friends. The story had so many twists that kept you engrossed til the end. Can't wait for the second book....
Profile Image for Amy Haskins.
69 reviews
June 25, 2017
Oh My God

I've had this book in my TBR soon pile...it should have been in my TBR NOW pile! The twists..the turns..the way the story threads were woven into this amazing world! I love Apryl's books! Why it took me so long to start this series will haunt me! AMAZING!
54 reviews
June 27, 2017
Definitely some twists in this storyline, but I really enjoyed it. I like Alex a lot. I hope there is more to Alex than just the one book. I will be reading the next one about Sadie the necromancer. I hope it is as good.
Profile Image for Brieanna.
14 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2017
Another amazing novel by Apryl Baker! I was hooked right from page one and could not put it down! I loved the characters and their background stories, it was all so intricate and detailed! The plot was amazing! I cannot wait to read book two!
44 reviews
July 31, 2017
My first book by this author and I have to say I sooo enjoyed it. I loved how the characters developed and the group came together. A real page turner it was hard to put down. Looks like a great new series, Come on book 2 !!
9 reviews
July 29, 2017
Apryl has done it again with another well written book.
I throughly enjoyed reading this book the characters, the plot and everything in between was great. Read it one day/night.
If you are after a paranormal book then try this one out, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Toni.
363 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2018
Another spellbinding thrillers from Apryl Baker! The more I read, the more I enjoyed it. Wonderfully written with great characters. The farther I got into the story, the harder it was to put it down. Now that I've finished it, I have to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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