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Vampire's Promise #3

A Vampire's Honor

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Sins Of The Past ...

Rowan Harper thought being with a vampire would keep her out of harm's way. But true evil lurks in the darkness, and not even her lover, Gabriel, knows all of its tricks.

Rowan may be his Promise, the one woman who can save Gabriel's soul, but the two of them have a long and complicated history that Rowan is only now discovering--complete with old enemies who will stop at nothing to make them suffer.

When Rowan is abducted and forced to witness unspeakable violence, secrets of the past begin to unfold. Secrets that show Gabriel's best friend Aleksei in a new light.

Will the truth destroy all three of them or bind them more tightly together, and if evil prevails, will it be Rowans's soul that ultimately needs saving?

248 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2016

26 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Carla Susan Smith

11 books101 followers

Born in England a very long time ago, I now call South Carolina home where I live with my wonderfully supportive family, who have come to learn that meeting deadlines translates to pizza for dinner! When not writing, I’m just like everyone else, trolling the internet looking for recipes (I love rhubarb) checking out cute animal videos (who knew baby owls were so adorable?) and trying to get through my never shrinking stack of to-be-read books!

I would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me through my website: carlasmithauthor.com

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila Melo.
1,873 reviews52 followers
September 26, 2016
"Mistress of impulsive decisions, questionable behavior, and foolish choices...Yeah, I was all that and more.  Guilty of obeying my heart more than my head.  And this was going to be no exception."

FINAL DECISION:  This series is improving with every book.  I enjoyed this one because we got to know more about Aleksei (which is deeply woven with Gabriel's story).  I liked how the various threads of the various storylines weave together.  There are still a lot of questions, and some seriously messed up situations, but I am never bored with the plot of this series.

THE STORY:  Rowan is building a new life with her Vampire lover Gabriel but there is much about the past that she doesn't know.  In this book, she discovers more about Gabriel's friend Aleksei.  Aleksei's past comes to threaten Rowan and Gabriel.  Rowan is also dealing with the after effects of having a portion of her soul stolen by a demon.  Rowan and Gabriel are threatened by all around them in this book.

OPINION: I enjoyed this book best of the three I have read so far.  The action and plot in this series is really ramping up.  There is not a tremendous amount of progress in Rowan and Gabriel's relationship, but this book seems like the beginning of the long time test of their relationship.

The relationship between Rowan and Gabriel seems to be normalizing.  The two are living together and Rowan has truly given up her normal life.  Clearly Rowan has sacrificed almost everything to be with Gabriel.  But the two haven't been able to get to a stable compromise.

The two must learn to navigate a relationship and truthfully neither has done that before.  Both continue to act more like individuals than a couple.  They make independent decisions that have bad consequences.  I like that their relationship is challenged in this manner.

I also appreciated that Rowan is beginning to recognize the possible folly of her actions and yet she allows her heart to guide her.  The question is whether or not those actions will ultimately be right or wrong.

This book has a lot of background about the couple's friend Aleksei.  His story is told and is not over by the time this book ends.  We are also introduced to a couple of new enemies who threaten the happiness of Rowan and Gabriel and their friends.

The serial format of these books means that there are more and more problems which arise in each book.  That doesn't bother me, but I know that some readers are driven crazy by the lack of resolution.

WORTH MENTIONING:  This book is part of a serial involving the same couple.  This book ends on a cliffhanger for those who might not like those types of books.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  A VAMPIRE'S HONOR is the third book in the Vampire's Promise series.  This is a serial that follows one couple. Each book is connected to the others and the books have cliffhangers and unresolved issues.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
Profile Image for Monique.
626 reviews43 followers
July 30, 2016
First off, I'd like to state that the author was kind enough to advance a copy of the book to me before publication. Secondly, she is a Goodreads friend here...which has nothing to do with my rate and review. Okay - it does, but only in the fact that I friended her because I love her work. lol
And now, on to my review of 'A Vampire's Honor'. And forgive me for any lack of wordy eloquence as I drool over this book!

THIS BOOK WAS FREAKIN' AWESOME! Not only did I get to revisit my favorite characters in Rowan, Gabriel, Aleksei, and Anazstasia (did I spell her name right)? but I got introduced to a new crop of nasty villains. As I've stated on a few occasions, I love, love, love sexy, nasty villains. Like the designer-clad demon Rowan owes a debt to, and lord, oh lord...Kartel....and his blue hair. Not only are they hot - like the 'good guys' - but they also tilt the scales with their strange, and yet unexplained, jacked-up motivations.
Aleksei's tragic beginning is showcased in 'A Vampire's Honor', and his story is the catalyst that drives the action in the book.
And Rowan - bless her sweet heart - seems to have opened another can of crazy worms, due to her big mouth. She means well as always, but let's just say that - without spoiling the story here - her mouth puts Gabriel in a very uncomfortable position for the future.

I hate cliffhangers. For this particular series, I make an exception, and dial back the hatred. For Carla Susan Smith fans, there is the expected cliffhanger. But I am sure that the story - saga - will be finished to everyone's satisfaction. I - for one - am really looking forward to reading 'A Vampire's Hunger'.
Profile Image for Meigan.
1,381 reviews77 followers
October 25, 2016
This series continues to delight me. Smith has quite the knack for seamlessly blending in quite a bit of humor in her stories, and that's certainly one of the aspects that keeps me coming back to this series.

I also like how in this installment, Rowan is showing tremendous character growth from the previous 2 novels. No longer the bumbling heroine, she's showing incredible strength and finally standing up for not only herself, but for everything she cares about. Yes, Gabriel is the quintessential alpha male, and he's certainly met his match with Rowan. Not only are they singularly strong, but add them together, and they make one heck of a team...in the bedroom and out.

Which leads me to the romance - this isn't your typical paranormal romance. Yes, the story and the series revolve around two individuals in a relationship, but it's taken a back seat at this point. They've made their connection, now they're working as a team against some Serious Business. This series is paranormal romance, but there are plenty of elements to appeal to the urban fantasy lover like myself.

Highly recommend the whole series, it really is such an enjoyable and oftentimes humorous story.

*eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

**Cliterary Genius 2016 A to Z book challenge, letter V.
Profile Image for Melissa Borsey.
1,890 reviews38 followers
August 4, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book, it was very well written, the characters have a great chemistry between them and it was very suspenseful! I look forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Krissys Bookshelf Reviews.
1,640 reviews82 followers
October 12, 2025
Author: Carla Susan Smith
Title: A Vampire's Honor
Series: Vampire's Promise
Cover Rating:
Bronze Star

Book Rating:
4 Stars



About the Book:
Rowan Harper thought being with a vampire would keep her out of harm's way. But true evil lurks in the darkness, and not even her lover, Gabriel, knows all of its tricks.

Rowan may be his Promise, the one woman who can save Gabriel's soul, but the two of them have a long and complicated history that Rowan is only now discovering--complete with old enemies who will stop at nothing to make them suffer.

When Rowan is abducted and forced to witness unspeakable violence, secrets of the past begin to unfold. Secrets that show Gabriel's best friend Aleksei in a new light.

Will the truth destroy all three of them or bind them more tightly together, and if evil prevails, will it be Rowans's soul that ultimately needs saving?



My Thoughts:
I totally would have voted this book five stars but there were two major issues I had through reading this book. One, I didn't do my homework so I didn't realize when I got the book that it was part of a series. Two, the author didn't do much to catch new readers up to the current plot which is evident picks up directly where the previous book leaves off so I spent a lot of time being confused on details, history and back story.

That being said I grew to really like the cast in this series, Smith's characters are colorful and full of life and I really enjoyed their personalities. I especially loved Rowan's wit. The interactions between Smith's cast were fantastic.

I loved that Smith managed to keep the tension and adventure going all the way through the story from beginning to end. It always makes for a fabulous and entertaining read.

I really want to pick up the previous books in the series despite being lost on the story / history in the other books with how well Smith wrote this book. The author's writing is fantastic.

I really enjoyed Vampire's Honor. If you guys haven't read the Promise series I highly suggest it.



Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Kensington Books. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!

264 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2024
The saga continues

The life of Rowan and Gabriel is never easy. Rowan is kidnapped because the stupid persons took the wrong person. Anastasia was the intended one. Petrov along time enemy of Aleksei wants him to suffer. Enter Petrov's vampire. He Visits Rowan and tells her she will be his bride in25 years Gabriel will have cheated on Rowan as a result of protecting Jenna, Laycee's daughter, from harm and vampires. What happens to Aleksei when he goes after Petrov and what happens to Gabriel when he tries to kill the other Original Vampire? The saga continues.
558 reviews
May 6, 2020
Excellent

I loved reading this story. I love the characters the scenarios the surprises and the story line. It has great scenes and scenarios. Great action
Profile Image for Gigi staub.
942 reviews18 followers
September 30, 2016
Sins Of The Past ...

Rowan Harper thought being with a vampire would keep her out of harm's way. But true evil lurks in the darkness, and not even her lover, Gabriel, knows all of its tricks.

Rowan may be his Promise, the one woman who can save Gabriel's soul, but the two of them have a long and complicated history that Rowan is only now discovering--complete with old enemies who will stop at nothing to make them suffer.

When Rowan is abducted and forced to witness unspeakable violence, secrets of the past begin to unfold. Secrets that show Gabriel's best friend Aleksei in a new light.

Will the truth destroy all three of them or bind them more tightly together, and if evil prevails, will it be Rowans's soul that ultimately needs saving?




Review:




I will start that I read the blurb and was instantly intrigued. What I failed to figure out ahead of time is that this the third book in the series. Now, I felt a little lost and think I would have had a better time if I had read the others first. That does not mean that I did not like it and I am still very intrigued by the story and the premise. I will go back and read the others and this one again in order so when the last one comes out I will be caught up.




If you like super sexy stories about vampires and other supernatural creatures, this should be right up your alley. I really want to know more about this Demon, Rowan is attached to. I really liked her and Gabriel but since there was just a brief, hot scene with the Demon and Rowan that really grabbed my attention. The book is filled with super hot scenes, but there is a lot of action and drama too. Don't forget the baddies, they are Very bad and hope they get what is coming to them. A lot of the story does focus on getting to know Aleksei's past for those who have read the other books.




Again, this is book number three in the series and it does end on a cliffhanger for those who might want to wait and read them together.




Now, I just have to fit the other books into my reading schedule...




4Stars




*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
465 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2016
A vampire's Honor

Wonderful, amazing and beautiful story like the other 2 that I have already read.

Loved every single page, word and all in all the entire book.

Can't wait yo find out of what happens with all the major characters.

Thanks again for a wonderful and delightful read.

Hengy Etebar
Profile Image for Jeannie Zelos.
2,851 reviews57 followers
September 28, 2016
A Vampire's Honor,  Carla Susan Smith

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance, Fantasy and Sci-Fi
 
Onto book three and ..Gah! Ack! It ends in a cliff-hanger...and I just so, so hate them, despise them.
The good part is that book four is due in Oct, just a month after this one releases so its not too long to wait. what makes me so cross about this type ending is when authors end book in cliffies and then sequel gets delayed and delayed until suddenly its 2, 3 even 4 years since you were left hanging. Thankfully Carla has book four lined up ready to come out soon after this one – Thank You Carla!!

So after all the deep drama in book two this one feels a bit less intense, but its still got a huge amount going on. Its a while since I read the last book, and ideally I’d have reread it before starting this but as even time was limited ;-) All was fine though, as I continued reading the full events came back to me. It’s so clever the way authors weave little things from earlier books into major plot angles in later ones. Sometimes its just a tiny thing, a throwaway remark, and I like to challenge myself if I can pick them up – I spotted one in this book that led to some big events later, but I’m sure there’s more I missed. Its why I love to read a series back to back when all parts are out, I get really engrossed, pick up things I missed first time round, and its a great way of enjoying a story, getting totally immersed. Don't try reading this without books one and two though – you'll be lost.

You’d think Gabriel and Rowan could get a break after all the things that have happened but no, once more it seems events and certain others are against them, and the dangers start up from Rowan getting abducted, and end in what looks like could be a permanent separation.
How can that be when she’s his Promise?
Well, there are always little details, little clauses in agreements, and Rowan does tend to rush into things without thinking of the consequences. This time her impetuousness really comes back to bite her with a vengeance.

I love Rowan and Gabriel, loved seeing some of his history with Aleksei, and of course Anazstazia, and of course there’s the wonderful Tomas. The five really do make up the core of this book, with the introduction of an old enemy, and someone new coming in who seems to have a desire to cause trouble – why though?
Well, as always who knows? Seems Rowan’s Demon from the last book may have got a few irons in the fire too. Its left on a real gut churning cliff-hanger, where it looks like things could be permanently split for Rowan and Gabriel – I can’t believe he hasn’t worked some way out though, can’t see him just rolling over and giving in, but what he can do I’ve no idea.
Good job its not me writing but Carla or it would be a weepy ending, and not the happy tears kind of crying!

Another fantastic, engrossing novel, and I Just Can’t Wait for book four!
 
Stars: five, roll on book four.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher 
Profile Image for Jacque.
998 reviews22 followers
March 24, 2017
I have one thing to say about the Vampire’s Promise series: Why have I not discovered it before! Why am I reading A Vampire's Honor, the third in the series instead of the first? Dang it, I am seriously missing out on something freaking good here. Apparently, I have a lot to say but mainly - Holy Cannoli this book was good.

Here is what I have pieced together as best I can. Rowan is a human and Gabriel’s Promise. Gabriel is a vampire but as to what a Promise is? I have no clue what that means. Normally I would go back and read the blurbs to figure it out but in this case, I want the dang previous books in my hands! Sorry, I digress. As Gabriel’s Promise, she thought she would be safe from danger, but someone else thinks differently. When Rowan is abducted, they think it’s a case of mistaken identity, that maybe the intended was Gabriel’s best friend Aleksei’s love. Learning Aleksei’s past and a visit from another Original Vampire may prove otherwise.

Yowza! That’s what A Vampire's Honor begins and ends with: Yowzas. Let me backtrack a bit here. As I have mentioned before, I am brand spanking new to the series so what a Promise is or what I should be expecting from each character is absent. I’m judging everything solely off this one book. Chapter 1 begins with a Gabriel and Rowan checking out an apartment with a way-too-friendly realtor. I’m fairly certain Gabriel is not interested and Rowan goes out of her way to *ahem* mark her territory. Boom! And just like that, I immediately fell in instant love with this book.

You would think after a beginning like that everything would go downhill. Nope, not one bit. The energy level stays high and exciting and just keeps going all the way to the end. With this book told primarily from Rowan’s first person POV, with the exception of Aleksei’s historical accounts, there are some serious laugh out loud moments. Remember this, blessing bathrooms and expensive lingerie. Throw in hot steamy moments, tragic history, bad villains with unknown motives and it’s no wonder why I enjoyed myself so much.

For me, everything in this book was screaming set up for the final book to the series but it also gave me a lot of background to Aleksei as he tells Rowan and Anasztaizia how he meet Gabriel. I’m still a bit lost when it comes to Rowan, Gabriel and the whole Promise thing. I’m hoping to rectify that as soon as I get my hands on the two previous books because something tells me I’m going to need them. Now, as for that second Yowza, hold on to your hats. A Vampire's Honor, ends on one doozy of a cliffy. Consider yourself warned! Is this the normal for author Carla Susan Smith, I’m not sure. This is my first book by this author and it is not going to be the last that I can guarantee you. Fans of vampire romances, this is a need to read author, so get your Kindles ready.

I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars – 4.5, Flames – 3
Profile Image for Carmella.
670 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2016
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Rowan has gone through life and death for Gabriel. She is his Promise, the only woman who can save his soul. She had to give up a little piece of hers though.

Rowan went to visit a friend one day. As she was leaving, she found her car was blocked in so her friend suggested she use hers. On her way home, Rowan is involved in an accident. A man comes to the car to help her out and instead she is given an injection, one that knocks her out.

She awakens to find Petrov, a Vampire. Petrov comes to find that his goons abducted the wrong woman, the intended victim was her friend. He is angry but decides to inject her with what he was going to use on his original victim.

Will this mystery concoction keep Gabriel from finding her? Will she die first? What does this vampire want and will he pay for his actions?

I love Gabriel and Rowan! They met in the authors first book and it was quite the experience! They have such a passionate love for one another. In this story we also met Aleksei and Anasztiazia, friends to Gabriel and Rowan. Aleksei is a Vampire and Ana a human. Aleksei and Gabriel are also close. We learned about the history of Aleksei and how Gabriel came into his life. It was truly heartbreaking.

We also meet another Original Vampire, besides Gabriel. His name is Kartel. He adds to the mystery that began with Rowan's abduction.

There a rules, even among the Vampires....

I have to say right off that this book has a cliffhanger. I say this because I don't voluntarily read a book with a cliffhanger but I have done this only with 2 authors and Carla Susan Smith is one of them. Her writing is so great, she just weaves her stories together and I see different plots among the characters come about so effortlessly.

The character development was also good. I felt that I knew enough about most of the characters to understand their relationships to the other characters in the book.

I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Marissa.
533 reviews
August 6, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Vampire's Honor is the third book in The Vampire's Promise series. I had not read the prior two books, but found that I wasn't too lost in reading the third installment. This is the continuing story of Gabriel and Rowan as they try to figure out the whole vampire-Promise relationship while battling enemies from the past. I enjoyed the flashbacks to Aleksei's backstory. Possibly because I hadn't the read the first two books and saw Rowan and Gabriel's relationship evolve, but I felt that their relationship was somewhat one dimensional (i.e. everything revolves around sex) and couldn't quite grasp that they actually loved each other. To be honest, I was a little turned off by the opening scene in the book and didn't have high hopes for the book. I'm glad I stuck with it because it got much better from there. The sexy, mysterious, designer clad demon that Rowan owes a debt to adds a nice bit of spice to the story. I really liked the fun pace of the writing and the creative, unexpected twists on the vampire story that I hadn't come across before. I'm definitely intrigued enough to read the other books in the series.
Profile Image for  Spanxmcb (Yovanka)  .
337 reviews
October 12, 2016
So this series is getting really good! If Smith can churn these out without stalling, I'm definitely hooked! Don't want to give away any spoilers here, but I will say we are getting some solid 3 dimensional characters on all fronts and Rowan, although impulsive is still very likeable as our heroine, if at times a bit misguided.

I likened it to Cora's Choice/Vampire's Choice by V.M. Black, but I think I may actually prefer it to that series. There are similarities, but they are decidedly not the same, and I think Vampire's Promise has a bit more maturity to it as the world seems a bit more flushed out.

Rowan isn't so slow on the uptake anymore and is proving to be a quick learner. In this installment we get quite of bit of Aleksei and Gabriel's backstory/relationship and are introduced to yet another "original" vampire. The possibilities now seem endless and even Rowan's bargain from the last book is revisited briefly creating more intriguing twists.

Can't wait for A Vampire's Hunger!
Profile Image for L.G..
Author 15 books136 followers
January 6, 2017
As a die hard Charlaine Harris / Sookie Stackhouse fan, I loved this series so much. Set in the sultry South Carolina Low Country, it reminded me a little of Bontemps, which I enjoyed. Since this is the last installment in A Vampire's Promise series, I highly recommend starting from the beginning and binge reading the entire series with a beverage of your choice in front of a warm fire since each story builds on the next. Although this story is about vampires, Ms. Smith comes at it from an interesting angle, but I don't want to give it away. Gabriel, the hero, is hot and swoon-worthy, while Rowan, is just the right amount of snark and wit. The cast of secondary characters are interesting and draw you in throughout all four of the books. The story is complex and fast-paced, and more than a little sexy. If you love paranormal romance, you'll love this!
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,210 reviews17 followers
September 10, 2016
I received this book from net gallery for an honest review.

I haven't read the first two books but you get the general idea of what has transpired, which was helpful.

Gabriel and Rowan had great chemistry but the true depths of their feelings was never truly captured.

My heart broke for Alexsei: and his terrible past. His flashbacks were sad, moving and literally made me cry.

I was intrigued by the brief appearance of the demon whom Rowan owes a debt too. The demon has set things in motion to get Rowan into his bed but will he succeed?

I enjoyed the book: it had lots of suspense and twists. It's a shame Gabriel's POV wasn't included: i would have liked a deeper insight into his thoughts.
Profile Image for Keri.
1,339 reviews26 followers
July 20, 2016
Well sheesh, you'd think Rowan and Gabriel could catch a break but alas that's not in the cards this story. In fact things become more complicated for them and by the end of this book I am beyond ready for its conclusion and mark my words....it better be a good ending or it'll ruin me. This has plenty of hot moments between Rowan and Gabriel, the typical Rowan behavior of leaping before looking and more drama in the mix. For lovers of the series you will enjoy it but I definitely say you must start at the beginning before attempting to read this one.
This was a complimentary e-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Alexis.
581 reviews6 followers
October 3, 2016
A Vampire's Honor by Carla Susan Smith is book 3 in the Vampire's Promise series. Yes, I not knowing it is a chronological series (not just stand alone books) started in the middle of a series. The good news is that I enjoyed it so much I have to read the first two books now to get the full story. Well worth the effort. A Vampire's Honor was a delightful read.

*** Thank you to publisher who kindly offered this book on Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.***
Profile Image for Mercedes.
1,056 reviews12 followers
September 25, 2016
A little different vampire story.
Third in series.
Rowan and Gabriel are good characters.
Rowan is one of a kind.
Good story.
enjoyed reading.
Received from Net Gallery in exchange of a honest review.
Profile Image for Celeste.
950 reviews36 followers
July 17, 2016
Loved it! This is such a great read for so many reasons, the chemistry is amazing, the who-when-where , is exciting and at the same time you get small sneaky revelations that had me gasp...
Profile Image for Renee Malm.
66 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2016
Loved this book! I could not put it down! Was holding my breath at the end. Can't wait to read the next installment of this series!
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