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Helena Hawthorn #1
Russian Roulette
Helena Hawthorn is a young, free-spirited nineteen-year-old girl right on the cusp of womanhood. She has always known that their world holds secrets behind the veil of normality—having her own Guardian Angel, Michael, ‘on call’ all her life has been a massive indicator of that.
Desperate to know the fate of her father, Helena convinces Michael to take her into the Angel Realm to get her answers. Under strict instruction to touch nothing, Helena feels strange power take hold of her and manipulate her into doing quite the opposite.
Who could ever guess that one brush of a fingertip over a shimmering soul-string could flip your world upside down and inside out?
In that one passing second, Helena puts everyone she loves in danger by setting her path to cross with dangerous monsters and…something that has hunted her bloodline for centuries.
Coming across the handsome yet mysterious vampire Lucious, she thinks he can save her from the darkness threatening to devour her very essence. What she doesn’t know is that the merciless Vampire Council is hunting Lucious for his own sinister secrets.
With not one but two enemies encroaching, her angel missing, and overwhelming emotions stripping the barriers between her and Lucious, can she fight the attraction between them whilst trying to survive, or will she succumb to the ominous force grasping at the edges of her being?
Desperate to know the fate of her father, Helena convinces Michael to take her into the Angel Realm to get her answers. Under strict instruction to touch nothing, Helena feels strange power take hold of her and manipulate her into doing quite the opposite.
Who could ever guess that one brush of a fingertip over a shimmering soul-string could flip your world upside down and inside out?
In that one passing second, Helena puts everyone she loves in danger by setting her path to cross with dangerous monsters and…something that has hunted her bloodline for centuries.
Coming across the handsome yet mysterious vampire Lucious, she thinks he can save her from the darkness threatening to devour her very essence. What she doesn’t know is that the merciless Vampire Council is hunting Lucious for his own sinister secrets.
With not one but two enemies encroaching, her angel missing, and overwhelming emotions stripping the barriers between her and Lucious, can she fight the attraction between them whilst trying to survive, or will she succumb to the ominous force grasping at the edges of her being?
399 pages, ebook
First published October 4, 2016
324 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
May Freighter
27 books237 followersMay Freighter is an award-winning, internationally bestselling author from Ireland. She writes Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Sci-Fi Mysteries that will keep you entertained, mystified, and hopefully craving more. Currently, she's attempting to parent two little monsters and hasn't slept in over 4 years.
Who needs sleep these days, anyway?
On days when May can join her fictional characters on an adventure, stars must align in the sky and meteors will probably rain down. So keep an eye out.
Her hobbies are photography, drawing, plotting different ways of characters' demise, and picking up toys after her kids. Not exactly in that order, either.
Sign up to May's Urban Fantasy Newsletter and get DESIRED for free here!
Sign up to May's Fantasy Newsletter and get HEART OF A THIEF for free here!
Website: https://authormayfreighter.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/May-Freighter/...
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/authormayfre...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayfreighter/
*****
HELENA HAWTHORN SERIES:
- Alexander: Memoirs (Prequel)
- Russian Roulette
- Demon Gates
- Crumbling Control
- Desired (Spin-off Novella)
- Alexander: Monochrome Interview
- Fated Origins
- Cherished (Spin-off Novella)
- Dark Affiliations
- Blood Witch
- Twisted Truths
- TBA
*****
ANNALISE STORM CHRONICLES:
- Case: 0
- Case: 1
- Case: 2
*****
EMPIRE OF SHATTERED CROWNS
- Queen of Deception
- Queen of Ashes
- Queen of Hope
- Queen of Hearts
- Queen of Dante (Release Sept 30, 2024)
- Queen of Vows (TBA)
Who needs sleep these days, anyway?
On days when May can join her fictional characters on an adventure, stars must align in the sky and meteors will probably rain down. So keep an eye out.
Her hobbies are photography, drawing, plotting different ways of characters' demise, and picking up toys after her kids. Not exactly in that order, either.
Sign up to May's Urban Fantasy Newsletter and get DESIRED for free here!
Sign up to May's Fantasy Newsletter and get HEART OF A THIEF for free here!
Website: https://authormayfreighter.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/May-Freighter/...
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/authormayfre...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayfreighter/
*****
HELENA HAWTHORN SERIES:
- Alexander: Memoirs (Prequel)
- Russian Roulette
- Demon Gates
- Crumbling Control
- Desired (Spin-off Novella)
- Alexander: Monochrome Interview
- Fated Origins
- Cherished (Spin-off Novella)
- Dark Affiliations
- Blood Witch
- Twisted Truths
- TBA
*****
ANNALISE STORM CHRONICLES:
- Case: 0
- Case: 1
- Case: 2
*****
EMPIRE OF SHATTERED CROWNS
- Queen of Deception
- Queen of Ashes
- Queen of Hope
- Queen of Hearts
- Queen of Dante (Release Sept 30, 2024)
- Queen of Vows (TBA)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 19, 2017
If you are in need of a books with deep characters and a story full of mysteries and power you should pick this pearl.
The despiction of each protagonists is very well thought, not only the heros, and they reveal more about themselves along the story, explaining choices and changes in their personality. They are alive and that is why you grow fond of them, even the "villain". None of them is perfect in this world where everyone and everything might be more than meet the eyes, be it at first, second or hundredth glance. Especially when somes have had centuries to perfect their masks.
The discovery of a hidden world in ours, set Helena in a weak position when fate seems to have plans for her. Trying to protect her family and friends while saving her soul, Helena is thrown in the supernatural world as a sheep in a pack of wolves. While forging new alliances and loosing somes she opens her eyes to an ugly truth: everyone wants to use everyone to achieve their goals and she might become a simple pawn in a deadly game. Determined to not let anyone rules her life, Helena will learn about how to survive between creature of the tales.
The first book of the HH serie is a must read for all bloody-fantastic lovers.
If I had a warning: Be careful it is higly addicting!
The despiction of each protagonists is very well thought, not only the heros, and they reveal more about themselves along the story, explaining choices and changes in their personality. They are alive and that is why you grow fond of them, even the "villain". None of them is perfect in this world where everyone and everything might be more than meet the eyes, be it at first, second or hundredth glance. Especially when somes have had centuries to perfect their masks.
The discovery of a hidden world in ours, set Helena in a weak position when fate seems to have plans for her. Trying to protect her family and friends while saving her soul, Helena is thrown in the supernatural world as a sheep in a pack of wolves. While forging new alliances and loosing somes she opens her eyes to an ugly truth: everyone wants to use everyone to achieve their goals and she might become a simple pawn in a deadly game. Determined to not let anyone rules her life, Helena will learn about how to survive between creature of the tales.
The first book of the HH serie is a must read for all bloody-fantastic lovers.
If I had a warning: Be careful it is higly addicting!
August 21, 2016
I can say about this book only good things. The entire book is full of suspense which brings the best of the author who was dedictated to writing such awesome book as Russian Roulette in Helena Hawthorn series. I enjoyed it to the fullest. I came to love each character and the way they behaved and talked brought the most wanted I would like to read in this book. I can´t get enough of it. Helena and her way going through hardhips that world trashed under her feeth. She fough until the very end for her beloved ones and for her own beings. The great deal of her problems were deep rooted into past and it came back to bite her but she fought with every ounce of her soul to overcome hardships. The supernatural world thrown into it and mix it with vampires and magic and other creatures, the entire book brings the best out of the adventure with so much detail created into masterpiece.
I recommend this book to the sky. Who doesn´t have it should really hurry up and read it!!! very skilled style and structure of the story.
I recommend this book to the sky. Who doesn´t have it should really hurry up and read it!!! very skilled style and structure of the story.
May 28, 2016
This book is amazeballs. If you are needing something adventurous, paranormal, fun alongside of something to laugh at here and there, and not to forget vampiric romance, then this book is for you. When I first started reading this book, I expected typical romance between two people, one obviously a vampire looking for his/her soul-mate. However, the deeper I went into the story, the more addicted I got to the characters and their witty behaviour, besides the suspense that unfolded and meanings given as the story progressed. My expectations of the characters did not stay same as new discoveries and stages were unravelled.
This is May Freighter's first book in her Helena Hawthorn's series. Her stories are pure and original for which the stories could be understood clearly as they progress. I like how she cleverly interconnects all her books in the series. Nothing amiss is left just like that without a hidden meaning behind. Many things are not as they seem, for which I'm sure will have you hooked onto your seat.
This is May Freighter's first book in her Helena Hawthorn's series. Her stories are pure and original for which the stories could be understood clearly as they progress. I like how she cleverly interconnects all her books in the series. Nothing amiss is left just like that without a hidden meaning behind. Many things are not as they seem, for which I'm sure will have you hooked onto your seat.
May 24, 2016
An Intriguingly BREATH-TAKING SERIES...!!
I loved everything about this incredible Book the beautiful pace, the unexpected mysteries, actions,adventure,humour,romance & of course so much more surprises under one roof, like a complete package just like any reader, would want!!
And one more, the Best thing about it is that this is an Incredible NON-CLICHE plot superbly beautifully written nothing alike I have ever read before , & I would surely recommend each friend of mine to read it !!
I super Loved and enjoyed getting introduced to every new realm and character and in a way discovering and unraveling secrets with the beautiful flow of the story.
The Novel is so AMAZINGLY SURPRISING that I would definitely love to read it again !!
I loved everything about this incredible Book the beautiful pace, the unexpected mysteries, actions,adventure,humour,romance & of course so much more surprises under one roof, like a complete package just like any reader, would want!!
And one more, the Best thing about it is that this is an Incredible NON-CLICHE plot superbly beautifully written nothing alike I have ever read before , & I would surely recommend each friend of mine to read it !!
I super Loved and enjoyed getting introduced to every new realm and character and in a way discovering and unraveling secrets with the beautiful flow of the story.
The Novel is so AMAZINGLY SURPRISING that I would definitely love to read it again !!
May 23, 2016
May Freighter does an exceptionally great job of writing this book. I read it on Wattled and have not yet seen the published edition. She grabbed my interest in the characters and their story from the beginning and kept me racing through the entire book to find out what happens next. She has strong well-developed characters, so I got fully vested in their lives. The characters were believable, the dangers were very realistic and the suspense in this story kept me right on the edge of my seat!! There were a few times where I worried about how the characters would get out of the situation that they were in and was very pleasantly surprised that my favorites survived, again!! Magnificent job by May Freighter!!
August 11, 2016
You are drawn in from the prologue. May Freighters characters are so real that you care about them like they are friends. As you take this journey with Helena you become emotionally invested in all the characters. Mays unique take on the supernatural is refreshing and addicting. You can never tell what's coming next. More twist and turns than a country road. Never predictable. You will love or love to hate the people Helena meets along the way. As she learns to adapt to her strange new world that she never knew existed you are on a emotional roller coaster. I laughed a lot, cried a little and loved every minute. If I was on a desert island and could only have one book series for the rest of my life it would be Helena Hawthorn series, hands down.
May 24, 2016
I've read this book and enjoyed it. This story is very different from the usual vamp books. Its not a quick read and a little on the dark side. There is an underlying secret to couple of characters and story.This is a pay attention to detail story. I loved it.
**I found this book on wattpad and read other stories by May Freighter. This is an up and coming author that i would highly reccomend to pay attention to. Her writing style is unique and she's very personable. If you wish to ask or discuss her stories she is more than willing to reply.
**I found this book on wattpad and read other stories by May Freighter. This is an up and coming author that i would highly reccomend to pay attention to. Her writing style is unique and she's very personable. If you wish to ask or discuss her stories she is more than willing to reply.
August 3, 2016
This is the most amazing book ever! It has so many twist and turns that a reader can never imagine. Would absolutely recommend to readers that love a great thrill and mystery. May Freighter is one of the best authors i have come across in my reading. You can't stop reading her books once you start. Her writing is amazing. People reading this book will have a great time getting lost into Helena's intriguing world.
May 24, 2016
I've read this story in it's first stage of being published on Wattpad, and I immediately felt in love with it. It's a story worth buying as it adds a nice twist in the world of supernatural creatures such as vampires, humans, angels, and demons. There are loads of more creatures, but than I'll be spoiling the overall story, so I suggest reading it and like me fall in love with Alexander (he's a charmer. My favorite character.), Helena, and Lucious.
June 8, 2016
I have read alot of paranormal vampire stories and in each of them the story remained same. But this is the one with a lot of magic and thrills.. U cnt keep the urge of reading more and more..
Perfect for the one like me who is looking for an escape from real world to a paranormal world.. Must read!
Perfect for the one like me who is looking for an escape from real world to a paranormal world.. Must read!
May 23, 2017
Russian Rolette was a great read! I particularly enjoyed that the characters were more real and had depth to them. The story itself moved at a smooth but quick pace. There is plenty of mystery, sexual tension and interesting relational aspects to the story. Freighter takes us on an exciting ride through the paranormal in this exciting urban fantasy. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
September 25, 2016
This is one really good read, I could not put it down, looking forward to the next in this series. If you like complex story lines, and characters you can believe in, then this book is for you.
October 1, 2016
May has a clean writing that conveys a lot of emotions and actions. Russian Roulette is a book about a girl who finds out more about the supernatural world than she wished. She has a guardian angel named Michael, so she's aware of the supernatural. When visiting another realm, she bonds herself with a vampire, and that's when things get tricky... and juicy! Enter Lucious and we have a hell of a combination of strong-willed characters trying to survive in this world where Immortals are deadly and scary.
I enjoyed reading this story. It has everything you are looking for in a paranormal urban fantasy. Helena is a strong character who likes to bicker a lot with what bumps in the night. Lucious is true to his nature, but you will probably fall for him. Or for Alex. Who is Alex? I guess you should read this story! 5 stars because it's engaging, well-written, and there's a lot of events that aren't predicable. Plus, it sets the premise to a new world and a new series. If you enjoy an adventure and a mystery, then Russian Roulette is the book that you need to read.
**I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review. **
I enjoyed reading this story. It has everything you are looking for in a paranormal urban fantasy. Helena is a strong character who likes to bicker a lot with what bumps in the night. Lucious is true to his nature, but you will probably fall for him. Or for Alex. Who is Alex? I guess you should read this story! 5 stars because it's engaging, well-written, and there's a lot of events that aren't predicable. Plus, it sets the premise to a new world and a new series. If you enjoy an adventure and a mystery, then Russian Roulette is the book that you need to read.
**I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review. **
October 5, 2016
Great beginning to a series!
Helena Hawthorn has a knack for moving faster than her guardian angel can fly, and believe me... This is quite literal.
I'm a big fan of urban fantasy in general and vampires in particular,and May Freighter's Russian Roulette is not only an enjoyable read, but a flawless, ambitious first installment in a series that shows a lot of promise.
Helena is no run of the mill human; she is well aware of the supernatural. After all, she knows first hand about the existence of the spiritual realm and those meant to protect her.
Michael is Helena's tutelar angel and together they have faced a number of situations from where they both came out unscathed... Until Helena finds herself in a heap of trouble by becoming bound to a vampire that is...
This book is a bold experiment that pays off, a staple of genre fusion, in which paranormal, action and mystery meet, providing the perfect frame for a strong female lead.
Give it a shot. Highly recommended!
Helena Hawthorn has a knack for moving faster than her guardian angel can fly, and believe me... This is quite literal.
I'm a big fan of urban fantasy in general and vampires in particular,and May Freighter's Russian Roulette is not only an enjoyable read, but a flawless, ambitious first installment in a series that shows a lot of promise.
Helena is no run of the mill human; she is well aware of the supernatural. After all, she knows first hand about the existence of the spiritual realm and those meant to protect her.
Michael is Helena's tutelar angel and together they have faced a number of situations from where they both came out unscathed... Until Helena finds herself in a heap of trouble by becoming bound to a vampire that is...
This book is a bold experiment that pays off, a staple of genre fusion, in which paranormal, action and mystery meet, providing the perfect frame for a strong female lead.
Give it a shot. Highly recommended!
October 13, 2016
“Russian Roulette” intriguing from the start! This first installment of the Helena hawthorn series is a true page turner and there’s no doubt about it! If you’re looking for a book that will always capture your attention and keeps you guessing! You’ve definitely found it! May skillfully added adventure, a sense of danger (That had me biting my nails in anticipation!) and a wee bit of romance to top it all off! The vivid imagination and graphic details transported me to the dark and I felt as if I was Helena battling those demons! Truly a story to devour and get lost in! In my personal experience I was questioning the time of day due to reading the book non- stop! I couldn’t put the book down until I was done with it! Can’t wait for the second installment! I’m definitely recommending this to all my book loving friends!
September 25, 2016
This is an amazing story filled with twisted suspense and mystery. A book that once opened cannot easily be put down, always just one more page,. It makes you feel as if you are part of the story.
Here is a novel with a great plot and has been written in a fabulous way. Where one has many different worlds between 2 covers. Not your usual paranormal vampire story. This one has a dash of the darker side to it. I have read it twice and everytime i read it i find something that i have missed.
A definate buy to add to ones bookshelf.
Thank you may for allowing me to proof read this amazing story. Never stop writing such goodreads.
Here is a novel with a great plot and has been written in a fabulous way. Where one has many different worlds between 2 covers. Not your usual paranormal vampire story. This one has a dash of the darker side to it. I have read it twice and everytime i read it i find something that i have missed.
A definate buy to add to ones bookshelf.
Thank you may for allowing me to proof read this amazing story. Never stop writing such goodreads.
October 12, 2016
this was a great book with a real tough heroine she kicked butt and took names I loved it. anytime and author empowers young women letting them know that they can do anything I love that about these kind of books this is a girl who's not afraid of Adventure.. Even after she finds out that there is more in this world than just humans it if you like the Paranormal action with a little romance thrown in and you're going to love this read more than just this book of May's she just has a way of making his characters come alive. I look forward to reading everything else she puts out but this one is a good place to start so if you haven't read it do yourself a favor and get a copy
December 9, 2016
Exciting first installment of a what promises to be an amazing series! The twists and turns in this book will keep you on your toes and the vampires - I need to know more! I loved this author's fresh take on many paranormal creatures and the intrigues behind the scenes on her world.
My personal favorite character was Victor; I think he might need a spin-off of his own. Highly recommended for readers who love smart YA with a touch of dark romance and fast-paced plots.
My personal favorite character was Victor; I think he might need a spin-off of his own. Highly recommended for readers who love smart YA with a touch of dark romance and fast-paced plots.
October 25, 2016
Took me some time to read but definitely worth it! It was the first time I've read something from this awesome author and I was totally amazed! The story was well paced.Interesting characters thrown into uniquely woven urban fantasy story that I totally enjoyed. Need I say more?May is a talented author to watch out for! Highly recommended for urban fantasy lovers.
November 19, 2016
A Wonderfully Dark Tale
I love it when a writer creates a story that isn't perfectly wrapped. The action, pain, mystery, and fascinating characters is what makes the reader delve into and submerge into a book. This one is full of snafus. Great Read.
I love it when a writer creates a story that isn't perfectly wrapped. The action, pain, mystery, and fascinating characters is what makes the reader delve into and submerge into a book. This one is full of snafus. Great Read.
December 12, 2016
Great Book
I think you will find that you love this book I Love the book
Thank you for letting me read this book I Love it I think you
will love the book
I think you will find that you love this book I Love the book
Thank you for letting me read this book I Love it I think you
will love the book
October 23, 2016
I really enjoyed Russian Roulette. The author handles the genre crossovers effortlessly and the world building is superb. There are many twists and turns and the author did an excellent job in keeping the reader in a constant state of suspense. My favourite character has to be Luscious. He is a gorgeous, edgy vampire who could give Damon from VPD a run for his money in the ruthless stakes. If I had any criticism it would be that there wasn't enough romance between him and Helena, but there are more books to come so I'm sure this will be fully explored later on. As a debut novel, I think the author is definitely one to watch and I'm looking forward to book 2.
October 4, 2016
*received an arc in exhange for an honest review*
Love love loved it!! The suspense, action, dialogue is awesome. Being kept on my toes to what happened next, scared for Helena but she's so strong. Four stars!!
Love love loved it!! The suspense, action, dialogue is awesome. Being kept on my toes to what happened next, scared for Helena but she's so strong. Four stars!!
August 24, 2019
If you like dark plots and vampires, this may be the book for you.
The last paragraph of the summary says, “For readers who enjoyed The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith, Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer, or A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest.” Admittedly, I’ve never read A Shade of Vampire, but between the other two comparisons, I believe this book to be more like The Vampire Diaries than Twilight. It’s been several years since I’ve read TVD, but from what I remember, I can definitely see a few similarities in the traits of the vampires, and Lucious himself very lowkey gives me Damon vibes.
Personally though, I think my favorite thing about this book weren’t the vampires — it was Michael. Having a real life “guardian angel” was a fun addition, and, I think, helped build the supernatural world beyond just vampires. He was my favorite character, and I think I enjoyed his role in this book the most.
The reason I didn’t really connect with the Vampire aspect quite so much was because, while I definitely prefer “dark” vampires to Twilight-esque vampires, there were a whole lot of characters and I... kind of found it just a tad difficult to follow. I had Michael and Helena and Lucious down, but beyond I kind of struggled with juggling all of the different characters.
Also, I think things happened... very fast. Correct me if I wrong, but I don’t remember learning much about Helena at the beginning of the book, and the next thing I knew she was touching a supernatural thread, bound to Lucious, and suddenly the plot was snowballing. I feel like everything just happened very quickly and it was kind of difficult to keep up with one event to another.
Overall, though, I don’t necessarily think this was a bad book. It definitely was not badly written, and the world-building and vampire lore were the best bits, in my opinion. It just wasn’t quite my cup of tea. BUT I do think anyone who loves darker vampire lore, and who can juggle a big cast of characters easier than I can, would love this series, and I definitely recommend they check it out!
The last paragraph of the summary says, “For readers who enjoyed The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith, Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer, or A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest.” Admittedly, I’ve never read A Shade of Vampire, but between the other two comparisons, I believe this book to be more like The Vampire Diaries than Twilight. It’s been several years since I’ve read TVD, but from what I remember, I can definitely see a few similarities in the traits of the vampires, and Lucious himself very lowkey gives me Damon vibes.
Personally though, I think my favorite thing about this book weren’t the vampires — it was Michael. Having a real life “guardian angel” was a fun addition, and, I think, helped build the supernatural world beyond just vampires. He was my favorite character, and I think I enjoyed his role in this book the most.
The reason I didn’t really connect with the Vampire aspect quite so much was because, while I definitely prefer “dark” vampires to Twilight-esque vampires, there were a whole lot of characters and I... kind of found it just a tad difficult to follow. I had Michael and Helena and Lucious down, but beyond I kind of struggled with juggling all of the different characters.
Also, I think things happened... very fast. Correct me if I wrong, but I don’t remember learning much about Helena at the beginning of the book, and the next thing I knew she was touching a supernatural thread, bound to Lucious, and suddenly the plot was snowballing. I feel like everything just happened very quickly and it was kind of difficult to keep up with one event to another.
Overall, though, I don’t necessarily think this was a bad book. It definitely was not badly written, and the world-building and vampire lore were the best bits, in my opinion. It just wasn’t quite my cup of tea. BUT I do think anyone who loves darker vampire lore, and who can juggle a big cast of characters easier than I can, would love this series, and I definitely recommend they check it out!
August 9, 2017
3 Degrees Of Fiction Review Group
4 STARS
Russian Roulette is the first book in the Helena Hawthorn series. Honestly, I was a little worried when I read the book description. For some reason, I wasn't sure that an angel, vampire and a human that knows a little too much about the supernatural world would be a good mix. Nevertheless, I am glad to admit I was wrong here. The start of the book doesn't give that many explanations. I must admit I got very confused as to why did a 19-year-old had and could talk to her personal guardian angel. Helena, our heroine, is quite likable most of the times. Sometimes I couldn't help but be annoyed by her attitude towards the vampires and pretty much any supernatural besides her angel. Then again, it is quite understandable. Now, our vampires. Licious has this charm that you can't help but love even when he is pushing you too hard. I enjoy heroes like that. His best friend, Alexander, is more like a playboy. I really wanted to scold him for seeing women as objects, but I admire his loyalty to Lucious.
I loved the instant connection between Lucious and Helena. However, I was worried that some things that the book dealt with would be cliches. Using the heroine as a bargaining chip is a huge no for me. The again, I couldn't come to hate Lucious at all. I do believe the plot turned out quite well and I enjoyed the mystery it held towards the very end.
4 STARS
Russian Roulette is the first book in the Helena Hawthorn series. Honestly, I was a little worried when I read the book description. For some reason, I wasn't sure that an angel, vampire and a human that knows a little too much about the supernatural world would be a good mix. Nevertheless, I am glad to admit I was wrong here. The start of the book doesn't give that many explanations. I must admit I got very confused as to why did a 19-year-old had and could talk to her personal guardian angel. Helena, our heroine, is quite likable most of the times. Sometimes I couldn't help but be annoyed by her attitude towards the vampires and pretty much any supernatural besides her angel. Then again, it is quite understandable. Now, our vampires. Licious has this charm that you can't help but love even when he is pushing you too hard. I enjoy heroes like that. His best friend, Alexander, is more like a playboy. I really wanted to scold him for seeing women as objects, but I admire his loyalty to Lucious.
I loved the instant connection between Lucious and Helena. However, I was worried that some things that the book dealt with would be cliches. Using the heroine as a bargaining chip is a huge no for me. The again, I couldn't come to hate Lucious at all. I do believe the plot turned out quite well and I enjoyed the mystery it held towards the very end.
September 8, 2018
Epic! Just finished the last book avail in the series, loved this first book and each book gets better and better. Highly reccommend this, if you like vampires/angels/demons/witches-warlocks,werewolvesdifferent realms and so forth. A good new angle, has action, romace, bit of mystery...its got it all.
April 30, 2018
I'm a huge vampire fan so to find a new and fresh take on that world plus excellent writing and a great plot is a win for me. I was immediately drawn into Helena's story and the unfortunate series of events that tie her to one sexy as hell vampire named Lucious. From the start their banter, push and pull, and increasingly romantic connection kept me riveted. Secondary characters will also steal your heart.
This is a dark PNR with some absolutley FANTASTIC world building and DEEP WELL CRAFTED characters. I was surprised time and again and worried for Helena on multiple occasions. Her bond with Lucious was both interesting and unique, the imagery used held me spellbound for most of the book. There's so many layers and twists and turns that I was in awe almost every chapter.
An amazing PNR that you must read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
November 20, 2017
I downloaded Russian Roulette as a free book from Amazon. This book had an interesting blurb, but I found the book to alternate between questionable punctuation and odd phrasing (either the author's first language is not English, or she uses her thesaurus without quite understanding the nuances of some of the words). Also, some of the situations were plain strange-- like, an office with a king-size bed? Michael was an immaterial angel, yet he caught his sleeve of his shirt on something. Then, there are her apparently sentient feet that "forgot how to move." I also got frustrated with the delay tool "It's too soon to explain" or "It's too early for you to understand." I could go on (I took a lot of side notes about this read), but suffice to say, I won't continue with the series. Too many plot holes and inconsistencies for me.
February 5, 2019
This book is packed with adventure. Helena is bravely faces challenges at every corner after being exposed to the supernatural world. I enjoyed how well developed the characters were written and watching them “grow” with the story.
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September 21, 2020💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/19/2018)!💝
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