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Vampire Romances #28
A Fire in the Blood
"A master of her craft." --Maggie Shayne
"I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you." The gypsy's hand gripped Tessa's tighter. "He will bring you death," she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. "And life."
Ten years later, when Andrei Dinescu saves Tessa from a vicious attacker, she has no idea that the handsome stranger the gypsy fortune teller predicted is not a hunter but a seven-hundred-year-old vampire. Darkly powerful, unbelievably compelling, he is obviously pursuing Tessa, but is it her love he's after or her blood?
"A classic vampire tale of sensual, spine-tingling suspense." --Christine Feehan on Desire After Dark
"Sexy, fast-paced, gritty, this is Amanda Ashley at her best! A must read!" --Ronda Thompson on Dead Sexy
"I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you." The gypsy's hand gripped Tessa's tighter. "He will bring you death," she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. "And life."
Ten years later, when Andrei Dinescu saves Tessa from a vicious attacker, she has no idea that the handsome stranger the gypsy fortune teller predicted is not a hunter but a seven-hundred-year-old vampire. Darkly powerful, unbelievably compelling, he is obviously pursuing Tessa, but is it her love he's after or her blood?
"A classic vampire tale of sensual, spine-tingling suspense." --Christine Feehan on Desire After Dark
"Sexy, fast-paced, gritty, this is Amanda Ashley at her best! A must read!" --Ronda Thompson on Dead Sexy
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2017
73 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 25, 2017
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I have to admit while it was a nice if somewhat predictable read I'd expected (hoped for) something a little darker and grittier.
When she's fifteen years old Tessa visits a fairground gypsy and is told:
I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you. The gypsy s hand gripped Tessa s tighter. He will bring you death, she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. And life.
Ten years later and Tessa is now living in Cutters Corner and it has a serious vampire problem, they're everywhere which has attracted vampire hunters as well. The quiet town is nowhere near as quiet as it once was and strangely Tessa seems to be right in the middle of it.
Tessa is saved from a vampire attack by the incredibly handsome Andrei Dinescu who it turns out isn't the hunter she expected but a seven hundred year old vampire.
Not only do we get Tessa and Andrei's story but we also get the romance of Tessa's best friend Jilly and Luke and then Bailey and Tristan as well so three romances for the price of one.
So what's going on with all the vampires in town?
Word has got round that Tessa's blood is special that it makes fledgling vampires stronger and so vampires are travelling from all over to try it for themselves.
As I said I'd hoped for a darker read but that wasn't my only problem this is also a very predictable read with one exception. Tessa annoyed me at times and Andrei seemed a little too hung up on money for a seven hundred year old vampire and while I know he's trying to impress Tessa all it did was annoy me.
“From Chateau Montelena. One hundred fifty dollars a bottle.”
You wouldn't would you? Turn up with a bottle of wine and say how much it cost.
Andrei was just a bit too wishy washy for me, personally I like my vampires a little more dark, dangerous and alpha.
Jilly. I have mixed feelings on Jilly at times she seems like a good friend but then it's like a switch has been flicked and she becomes an overbearing expert on everything.
Tessa again at times she was okay but the constant doubting everything got to me after a while.
But Bailey, I loved Bailey and while I appreciated that the author didn't drag this out I felt in this case Bailey deserved her own book.
If Bailey and Tristan are life mates surely he would have been watching her closer because as it turns out he nearly lost her.
We never find out (unless I missed it) why Luke can detect vampires, this is not really important but I was curious.
Finally. I don't want to add a huge spoiler because I know I personally can never resist them and I don't want to spoil this but I had issues with the experiment as well.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I have to admit while it was a nice if somewhat predictable read I'd expected (hoped for) something a little darker and grittier.
When she's fifteen years old Tessa visits a fairground gypsy and is told:
I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you. The gypsy s hand gripped Tessa s tighter. He will bring you death, she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. And life.
Ten years later and Tessa is now living in Cutters Corner and it has a serious vampire problem, they're everywhere which has attracted vampire hunters as well. The quiet town is nowhere near as quiet as it once was and strangely Tessa seems to be right in the middle of it.
Tessa is saved from a vampire attack by the incredibly handsome Andrei Dinescu who it turns out isn't the hunter she expected but a seven hundred year old vampire.
Not only do we get Tessa and Andrei's story but we also get the romance of Tessa's best friend Jilly and Luke and then Bailey and Tristan as well so three romances for the price of one.
So what's going on with all the vampires in town?
Word has got round that Tessa's blood is special that it makes fledgling vampires stronger and so vampires are travelling from all over to try it for themselves.
As I said I'd hoped for a darker read but that wasn't my only problem this is also a very predictable read with one exception. Tessa annoyed me at times and Andrei seemed a little too hung up on money for a seven hundred year old vampire and while I know he's trying to impress Tessa all it did was annoy me.
“From Chateau Montelena. One hundred fifty dollars a bottle.”
You wouldn't would you? Turn up with a bottle of wine and say how much it cost.
Andrei was just a bit too wishy washy for me, personally I like my vampires a little more dark, dangerous and alpha.
Jilly. I have mixed feelings on Jilly at times she seems like a good friend but then it's like a switch has been flicked and she becomes an overbearing expert on everything.
Tessa again at times she was okay but the constant doubting everything got to me after a while.
But Bailey, I loved Bailey and while I appreciated that the author didn't drag this out I felt in this case Bailey deserved her own book.
If Bailey and Tristan are life mates surely he would have been watching her closer because as it turns out he nearly lost her.
We never find out (unless I missed it) why Luke can detect vampires, this is not really important but I was curious.
Finally. I don't want to add a huge spoiler because I know I personally can never resist them and I don't want to spoil this but I had issues with the experiment as well.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books.
June 9, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
A Fire In The Blood is technically a standalone but it is part of the world that Amanda Ashley has created with her paranormals which all are vampire-themed stories. I always get a kick out of reading her books because she has this spooky vibe that we just don’t see that much in vampire romance, it’s perfect for Halloween time but she has so many in her backlist and when I saw this one available in the library, I jumped at the chance to read it especially since I have been wanting to read more paranormal lately. I was really intrigued by this one, it had a similar style to some of her other books and there was this level of danger that kept me on edge all the way through it. I found this book to be difficult to put down and really invested in the story. The world-building is superb and really adds a aura of mystery and danger to it that scream “things that go bump in the night”. While this author isn’t like a five-star read for me all of the time, she always delivers in solidly written stories.
Summary
Our story begins with our heroine, who when she is a teenager visits a fortune teller who says that her life will be in danger and that a tall dark stranger will save her life and bring death and life to her. Then we skip ahead ten years later, and our heroine feels like she is being followed and as the reality of vampires has recently been revealed to the world, she knows something is off. Then she is attacked the next night but her life is saved by a mysterious stranger who protects her. Through a course of events, Andrei and Tessa begin dating and there is a level of trust that is built between them. At first, Tessa doesn’t know what to make of Andrei, she believes he won’t harm her, but she senses something more about him even though he walks in sunlight. But when the truth is revealed of his true nature, Tessa isn’t as afraid as she should be because he has been protecting her. She learns that newbie vampires are hunting her as a rumor is being spread that her blood will make them stronger. Andrei has built a home in this town and won’t let these vampires overrun it or kill Tessa. But when the past comes to the present and a threat to Tessa becomes more real than ever, will Andrei and Tessa be able to defeat her or lose everything in this villain’s rage and obsessiveness?
What I Loved
This was quite an interesting story and I really liked how the hero is with Tessa and the different things that built toward the climax. The world-building as always is stellar, I am always intrigued by the tone in which this author builds her stories, and it’s always so fascinating to see where its been going and how she builds it toward the end. It was so fun to see them “date” you normally don’t see that in vampire romance, there is a splice of life feel to the story that I found intriguing. I also liked how we get more than vampires but also a bit of shifter lore packed into the story. I really loved how Tessa has a level of trust with Andrei and doesn’t resent him for being a vampire and is mature about learning his identity. I really liked her for that, even when she has these moments where she falters in her faith in him, she still always impressed me throughout the story in how she takes the threat against her life and falling in love with a vampire with such ease that it felt highly relatable. And she has such a strong will of iron that turns her into the perfect match for Andrei. Its a solid vampire romance that kept me entertained all the way through.
What I Struggled With
I will be honest, this wasn’t exactly a five star read and I think if the story had been more engaging (it was engaging but not exactly a page-turner you can’t put down) and if I had been more invested in the romance, I just didn’t feel the chemistry like I wanted to.
Overall View
I found A Fire in the Blood to be a thrilling, edgy vampire romance that kept me on my toes, and had me eager to explore more of this world that this author has created! A solid win of a read!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
A Fire In The Blood is technically a standalone but it is part of the world that Amanda Ashley has created with her paranormals which all are vampire-themed stories. I always get a kick out of reading her books because she has this spooky vibe that we just don’t see that much in vampire romance, it’s perfect for Halloween time but she has so many in her backlist and when I saw this one available in the library, I jumped at the chance to read it especially since I have been wanting to read more paranormal lately. I was really intrigued by this one, it had a similar style to some of her other books and there was this level of danger that kept me on edge all the way through it. I found this book to be difficult to put down and really invested in the story. The world-building is superb and really adds a aura of mystery and danger to it that scream “things that go bump in the night”. While this author isn’t like a five-star read for me all of the time, she always delivers in solidly written stories.
Summary
Our story begins with our heroine, who when she is a teenager visits a fortune teller who says that her life will be in danger and that a tall dark stranger will save her life and bring death and life to her. Then we skip ahead ten years later, and our heroine feels like she is being followed and as the reality of vampires has recently been revealed to the world, she knows something is off. Then she is attacked the next night but her life is saved by a mysterious stranger who protects her. Through a course of events, Andrei and Tessa begin dating and there is a level of trust that is built between them. At first, Tessa doesn’t know what to make of Andrei, she believes he won’t harm her, but she senses something more about him even though he walks in sunlight. But when the truth is revealed of his true nature, Tessa isn’t as afraid as she should be because he has been protecting her. She learns that newbie vampires are hunting her as a rumor is being spread that her blood will make them stronger. Andrei has built a home in this town and won’t let these vampires overrun it or kill Tessa. But when the past comes to the present and a threat to Tessa becomes more real than ever, will Andrei and Tessa be able to defeat her or lose everything in this villain’s rage and obsessiveness?
What I Loved
This was quite an interesting story and I really liked how the hero is with Tessa and the different things that built toward the climax. The world-building as always is stellar, I am always intrigued by the tone in which this author builds her stories, and it’s always so fascinating to see where its been going and how she builds it toward the end. It was so fun to see them “date” you normally don’t see that in vampire romance, there is a splice of life feel to the story that I found intriguing. I also liked how we get more than vampires but also a bit of shifter lore packed into the story. I really loved how Tessa has a level of trust with Andrei and doesn’t resent him for being a vampire and is mature about learning his identity. I really liked her for that, even when she has these moments where she falters in her faith in him, she still always impressed me throughout the story in how she takes the threat against her life and falling in love with a vampire with such ease that it felt highly relatable. And she has such a strong will of iron that turns her into the perfect match for Andrei. Its a solid vampire romance that kept me entertained all the way through.
What I Struggled With
I will be honest, this wasn’t exactly a five star read and I think if the story had been more engaging (it was engaging but not exactly a page-turner you can’t put down) and if I had been more invested in the romance, I just didn’t feel the chemistry like I wanted to.
Overall View
I found A Fire in the Blood to be a thrilling, edgy vampire romance that kept me on my toes, and had me eager to explore more of this world that this author has created! A solid win of a read!
April 24, 2017
Three and a half
Vampire Andrei stumbles across fledgling Vampires attacking Tessa and he's almost immediately attracted to her but there's something about Tessa's heritage and particularly her blood that's drawing Vampires to Cutters Corner. People are dying and all because of a Gypsy who ten years ago met Tessa. I'm really unsure how or why this rumour is spreading but it leaves Tessa in a very vulnerable position indeed. Their romance progresses but Andrei has a secret and it's a whopper as his Maker is still alive and it just happens to be his wife! Cue much bloodshed and mayhem when the crazy ex wife finds out what's happening!
I discovered this author several years so and enjoy her Vampire romances . This book though unfortunately kind of stumped me initially and I nearly gave up but I'm glad I persevered .Not exactly a dark heated romance story but more a sweet one that unfortunately had almost instant love that personally isn't my preferred trope. Now that comment aside this story actually has all the elements I enjoy yet it's the overall story arc and assorted characters that really kept me reading. Yes we get not one but three relationships forming here and those supporting characters brought the depth that I initially found lacking.
I did say there's a sweetness to this and it centres around Tessa. Actually she's hard to describe, loyal, full of empathy for others and yet I didn't truly understand her. I applauded the author for giving us a heroine with strong morals but to my mind Tessa just didn't seem to be the strongest character . Andrei funnily enough I found easier to understand and I have to commend his patience !
My final thoughts are perhaps I'm jaded and this book would suit someone younger and still idealistic. Definitely not for those who seek dark pulsating romance stories but nevertheless an interesting paranormal story with a satisfying end.
This book was provided for me with no requirement to review. I voluntarily read this and my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Vampire Andrei stumbles across fledgling Vampires attacking Tessa and he's almost immediately attracted to her but there's something about Tessa's heritage and particularly her blood that's drawing Vampires to Cutters Corner. People are dying and all because of a Gypsy who ten years ago met Tessa. I'm really unsure how or why this rumour is spreading but it leaves Tessa in a very vulnerable position indeed. Their romance progresses but Andrei has a secret and it's a whopper as his Maker is still alive and it just happens to be his wife! Cue much bloodshed and mayhem when the crazy ex wife finds out what's happening!
I discovered this author several years so and enjoy her Vampire romances . This book though unfortunately kind of stumped me initially and I nearly gave up but I'm glad I persevered .Not exactly a dark heated romance story but more a sweet one that unfortunately had almost instant love that personally isn't my preferred trope. Now that comment aside this story actually has all the elements I enjoy yet it's the overall story arc and assorted characters that really kept me reading. Yes we get not one but three relationships forming here and those supporting characters brought the depth that I initially found lacking.
I did say there's a sweetness to this and it centres around Tessa. Actually she's hard to describe, loyal, full of empathy for others and yet I didn't truly understand her. I applauded the author for giving us a heroine with strong morals but to my mind Tessa just didn't seem to be the strongest character . Andrei funnily enough I found easier to understand and I have to commend his patience !
My final thoughts are perhaps I'm jaded and this book would suit someone younger and still idealistic. Definitely not for those who seek dark pulsating romance stories but nevertheless an interesting paranormal story with a satisfying end.
This book was provided for me with no requirement to review. I voluntarily read this and my thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 25, 2017
'A Fire in the Blood' by Amanda Ashley 3.5 Stars'A Fire in the Blood' by Amanda Ashley is the story of Andrei and Tessa. Andrei is wondering why vampires are trying to attack Tessa. Andrei unknown to Tessa at first has saved her a few times. Andrei moves forward to meet her and find out what is going on with Tessa. This leads Andrei to be drawn to her too. Tessa friend when she was younger talked her into seeing a fortune teller who predicted that Tessa would meet a man that would kill and save her. Is that mane turning out to be Andrei? Also Andrei has a big secret too...will Tessa get past that?"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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July 1, 2017
Well this book made me realize that you can be bored even when many things are happening. It was just too predictable. It had all the PNR cliches going for it. Vampires, shifters, hunters, the whole lot, they just conveniently appeared out of nowhere. Yea, it wasn't that great.
May 9, 2017
Small town girl with an idyllic life meets ancient vampire when he saves her life. Readers who enjoy grand gestures of romance when an alpha male courts an independent female, this book is for you. Tessa grew up in a confines of a small town where everyone had their place and there was no way to re-invent oneself. Whilst she likes the support of a small town, she wanted to break away and grow into her own person. She successfully does this in the cozy town of Cutter's Corner. This little town of friendly people is perfect for her. This lovely life she set out to have is destroyed when there are five murders one after another. The murders themselves are odd with blood drained and scared towns people whispering of vampires.
Tessa is a sweet character who is an average gal. She is relate-able in her job and her choice of best friends. There is nothing that makes her standout. This is the plot device which makes the story interesting as the reader learns why the vampires are in Cutter's Corner. Tessa's near death experience at the hands of vampires could have turned her into a sniveling victim. Instead, she is smart about it and tries to figure it out. When Andrei reveals his past to her, Tessa is a bit skeptical which fits her character. Her caution and mixed feelings is refreshing because she does it with an open mind. The romance between Andrei and Tessa is slow and simmering. For those who expect this to be an erotic novel with several graphic sex scenes, this is not the book for you. This is a teasing romance with erotic foreplay and a bit of suspense which finally ends in a bit of sexy time. By focusing on the plot instead of the sexual relationship, the story builds out the supernatural world as well as give the characters more depth.
The addition of other supernatural creatures feels rushed in this story. It started out slow and picked up the pace in a secondary character. Near the end, it moved a bit faster than expected. Not sure if this is because this book supposed to be a standalone or if it is a hook for a follow up to feature the secondary characters in their own book. My vote is for the latter option. The pace of this book moves in a nice steady speed and ends with a happily ever after. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who like alpha male vampires and other creatures that go bump in the night.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Tessa is a sweet character who is an average gal. She is relate-able in her job and her choice of best friends. There is nothing that makes her standout. This is the plot device which makes the story interesting as the reader learns why the vampires are in Cutter's Corner. Tessa's near death experience at the hands of vampires could have turned her into a sniveling victim. Instead, she is smart about it and tries to figure it out. When Andrei reveals his past to her, Tessa is a bit skeptical which fits her character. Her caution and mixed feelings is refreshing because she does it with an open mind. The romance between Andrei and Tessa is slow and simmering. For those who expect this to be an erotic novel with several graphic sex scenes, this is not the book for you. This is a teasing romance with erotic foreplay and a bit of suspense which finally ends in a bit of sexy time. By focusing on the plot instead of the sexual relationship, the story builds out the supernatural world as well as give the characters more depth.
The addition of other supernatural creatures feels rushed in this story. It started out slow and picked up the pace in a secondary character. Near the end, it moved a bit faster than expected. Not sure if this is because this book supposed to be a standalone or if it is a hook for a follow up to feature the secondary characters in their own book. My vote is for the latter option. The pace of this book moves in a nice steady speed and ends with a happily ever after. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who like alpha male vampires and other creatures that go bump in the night.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2017
Vampires are flocking to Cutters Corner. Tessa for some reason has turned into a magnet for them. When a Tessa is saved from a vampire attack by Andrei, little does she know what her savior is. As they get to know each other, he tells her he is an antique dealer and a hunter. Of course, he leaves out the part about being a seven-hundred-year-old vampire! The cause of the attacks is because of her blood, although why is a mystery until they find out it ties to a gypsy who read Tessa's fortune ten years earlier. When Tessa discovers Andrei is a vampire, she's at first frightened, but their growing attraction overrides her fear. Now she has to find out if it's her or her blood that has Andrei wanting her.
It has been a while since I was able to lose myself in a vampire story. Unfortunately, I found Fire in the Blood to be just passable. It lacked the darkness and fire I want in a book. Tessa I never really warmed up to. She was just wasn't a very strong character for me. As for Andrei, I like my leading men to be more Alpha, which I didn't find him to be. Once the story of how Andrei was made into a vampire by Katerina everything got too predictable. The ending wasn't too hard to puzzle together. Jileen and Luke, saw that coming a mile away. Her I found rather annoying and Luke, how is it that he can sense vampires? I'm racking my brain trying to remember if it was explained. Really only thing I found surprising was the spin on Tessa's blood. Honestly, it wasn't a bad book, it was just not very riveting for me. That is except for Bailey and Tristan. I just totally loved Bailey! I would love to see her get her own book.
Fire in the Blood is my first book by author Amanda Ashley. While I didn't find any fire in the book, which the exception of some arson, it was still a passable read. Despite not being able to completely lose myself in the storyline, I would still recommend this book to readers who prefer PNRs that are not too dark.
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 - 3, Flames - 2
It has been a while since I was able to lose myself in a vampire story. Unfortunately, I found Fire in the Blood to be just passable. It lacked the darkness and fire I want in a book. Tessa I never really warmed up to. She was just wasn't a very strong character for me. As for Andrei, I like my leading men to be more Alpha, which I didn't find him to be. Once the story of how Andrei was made into a vampire by Katerina everything got too predictable. The ending wasn't too hard to puzzle together. Jileen and Luke, saw that coming a mile away. Her I found rather annoying and Luke, how is it that he can sense vampires? I'm racking my brain trying to remember if it was explained. Really only thing I found surprising was the spin on Tessa's blood. Honestly, it wasn't a bad book, it was just not very riveting for me. That is except for Bailey and Tristan. I just totally loved Bailey! I would love to see her get her own book.
Fire in the Blood is my first book by author Amanda Ashley. While I didn't find any fire in the book, which the exception of some arson, it was still a passable read. Despite not being able to completely lose myself in the storyline, I would still recommend this book to readers who prefer PNRs that are not too dark.
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 - 3, Flames - 2
May 27, 2017
3.5 helms
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages (www.vellumvoyages.com)
If you're looking for an easy, light vampire romance without heavy angst written in a style reminiscent of an older style romance novel, look no further!
Tessa and Jileen (her bestie from work) lead a quiet life in Cutter's Corner until vampires start flocking to their town in droves and attacking its citizens. One fateful night, Andrei Dinescu saves Tessa from a vicious vampire attack and the two are immediately drawn to each other. Unknown to Tessa, Andrei is a seven-hundred-year-old vampire and she is the reason fledgling vampires are flocking to her town. A gypsy who foretold Tessa's fortune in the past has spread a rumour that Tessa's blood will strengthen fledgling vampires and hence the sudden increase in the young vampire population at Cutter's Corner. Andrei and Tessa start falling for each other as they start spending more time with one another, but Andrei has his own deep dark secret. Can Tessa overcome this shattering hurdle and take their relationship to the next level?
The storyline is simple and yet has a pull to keep you reading. The characters were not the strongest or most memorable but they definitely weren't boring. What I didn't understand was why the gypsy felt the need to spread the rumour after predicting Tessa's future? Also it was never explained HOW she knew this tidbit of information. There was no closure on this at all....it was definitely a small rip in the plot! I don't feel like I wasted my time with this book as it was a satisfying read....this novel firmly stays at its 3.5 helms rating for me.
*Thank-you Amanda Ashley, Netgalley & Zebra Kensington Books for the ARC.
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages (www.vellumvoyages.com)
If you're looking for an easy, light vampire romance without heavy angst written in a style reminiscent of an older style romance novel, look no further!
I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you.- The gypsy's hand gripped Tessa's tighter. -He will bring you death, - she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. -And life.
Tessa and Jileen (her bestie from work) lead a quiet life in Cutter's Corner until vampires start flocking to their town in droves and attacking its citizens. One fateful night, Andrei Dinescu saves Tessa from a vicious vampire attack and the two are immediately drawn to each other. Unknown to Tessa, Andrei is a seven-hundred-year-old vampire and she is the reason fledgling vampires are flocking to her town. A gypsy who foretold Tessa's fortune in the past has spread a rumour that Tessa's blood will strengthen fledgling vampires and hence the sudden increase in the young vampire population at Cutter's Corner. Andrei and Tessa start falling for each other as they start spending more time with one another, but Andrei has his own deep dark secret. Can Tessa overcome this shattering hurdle and take their relationship to the next level?
The storyline is simple and yet has a pull to keep you reading. The characters were not the strongest or most memorable but they definitely weren't boring. What I didn't understand was why the gypsy felt the need to spread the rumour after predicting Tessa's future? Also it was never explained HOW she knew this tidbit of information. There was no closure on this at all....it was definitely a small rip in the plot! I don't feel like I wasted my time with this book as it was a satisfying read....this novel firmly stays at its 3.5 helms rating for me.
*Thank-you Amanda Ashley, Netgalley & Zebra Kensington Books for the ARC.
May 14, 2017
To be honest the beginning reminded me a little of True Blood, which is not bad because I liked True Blood. But that was just the very beginning with Vampires coming out of the coffin and such. Though Andrei did also remind me a little of Bill. You know the “nice’ vampire wanting to protect the poor innocent human.
I must say I was not a huge fan of Andrei and his behavior. I really didn’t care for that he just kept the lie up and even later when it all came to light. I just never could really trust him anymore and was just waiting to see what else he is lying about.
I however did enjoy Tessa. She was likeable and seemed real. She was also funny and fast thinking and give up.
There was a rather big cast of side characters, which where a big part of the story and way more than side characters.
The overall story was enjoyable. Though some parts were very predictable and sometimes it just seemed very long and had some page fillers. A little shorter book would not have been a bad idea in this case. But as mentioned overall I enjoyed the book.
I rate it at 3 ★
May 22, 2017
Ashley was one of the first paranormal writers that I read when starting my love of Paranormal Romance eons ago. This was a fun, though not quick read at 400 pages. It reminded me of why I keep going back to this genre and author. They never let you down and keep you entertained over several days. Another solid book by Amanda Ashley.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
October 24, 2017
this is one of the books i bought at barnes and noble with the insistence of my friend Mika.
I have problems with this book.
I'm not a big fan of the writing style.
For what it is, this book is alright.
It could have been a lot worse, or cheesier.
Sometimes when they were making out, it would be described as, their tongues were fencing each other
or dueling
It's a very simple book. You're not supposed to think while reading it. This happens, then this happens, this is how this character feels about it. Oh look a new character. this happens.
In terms of romance this book was disappointing. After a certain point, the main character Tessa and the hot vampire, Andrei, are like super in love
and when I thought about it, I didn't understand why
I mean yeah, he saved her life a few times from vampire attacks, but like
why do they love each other??
I mean, yeah, they go on a few dates
and every time they kiss it fuels their unquenchable desire or whatever
but like
I have no reason to ship them!
It's mostly just like, he's hot, and he's really good at kissing,
oh and he's spent his whole life waiting for her
and the fact that he's like, 700 years old is nothing
like there is no creepy factor, because he's still super hot
:/
like, they're so in love, and she loves him, and we don't learn much about him. we learn his history, and that's it
at this point i would like to share a quote that Tessa says after having turned into a vampire herself:
"She loved Andei, but there were times, like this, when she realized she really knew very little about him"
like this girl has already changed her entire life and committed to him and she doesn't even know what mind of man he is
smh
right so whatever
they date, and andrei's ex wife Katerina comes back into the picture and wants andrei back , but andrei is like nah
and andrei and tessa fall more in love, and eventually get engaged
and katerina kills people
and tessa is like, "no one else will die because of me. i dont want to be defenseless anymore. andrei, make a into a vampire"
right and that happens.
and it isnt until after she has changed that like, she thinks about all the things she is giving up. no kids, no sunlight, eternal youth
and like, we get one line, where shes like, "huh, maybe i should have thought about this more"
and then whatever shes cool with it
and im like????
????
like girl, you are giving up everything
your humanity
but lol whatevs
smh
okay so whatever
after a certain point andrei rescues this teenage girl from being killed by katerina, and tessa basically shelters and adopts this teenage girl who is a runaway from foster care
Bailey
we find out that bailey is a were-panther
fine. cool
then other were-panthers find bailey, and one of them is a hot teenage guy that is baileys age if not a year or two older
Tristan
and tristan is like, "Bailey, my family and I have been watching you for years. you and i are destined to be life mates"
THIS IS CREEPY
GET AWAY FROM HER
WTF DO YOU MEAN LIFE MATES THIS GIRL IS 16
YOU'VE BEEN WATCHING HER FOR YEARS???
and eventually she's just like, oh, tristan is hot. it feels right to be with him. okay i will be his life mate
and im like????
right so tessa decides to wait to have sex with andrei because she knows that once they do it, she'll be super committed to him
fine
but man, that really gets dragged out
and apparently, the book doesn't really describe this but apparently she was a virgin?
and that definitely makes more sense as to why she wanted to wait before having sex with him
anyway this book really drags out their sexual tension and by the time they do it we get like two pages and the deed is done.
idk
also throughout the entire book katerina is just like a weight hanging over eveyrone's head, because they can't relax while katerina is around
and yeah, by the end there is a fight to the death and then katerina just dies
like
its another two pages
and with a sentence katerina is dead and then everyone moves on
it was very
anitclimactic
this book just lacked heart
or
idk
it wasnt real enough for me
when people find out that andrei is vampire , they freak out for like a sentence and the next page they're totally fine with it
and i wasn't given a good reason to ship andrei and tessa
like if ur just reading it then fine
but when you really think about it, like, why
why are they good for each other
why does she care for him so much besides her craving physical intimacy
:/
anyway. those are my problems with this book.
but i did like some parts of it
we see people get their beating hearts ripped out of their chests
haha
i made the mistake of reading this today before going to school and i was very distracted about vampire bites
vampires bites are uh...cool
and the vampire bites in this book are...nice
at this point i would like to share one of my favorite lines from this book,
"Drink, love," he whispered as his blood dripped onto her lips. "Drink and be mine forever"
:D
look it's not a secret that I'm into vampires
and the vampire parts of this book were neat
anyway
is this my ideal vampire book ?
no
not at all
but we're getting there
now its time for me to read something more than 3 stars dammit
I have problems with this book.
I'm not a big fan of the writing style.
For what it is, this book is alright.
It could have been a lot worse, or cheesier.
Sometimes when they were making out, it would be described as, their tongues were fencing each other
or dueling
It's a very simple book. You're not supposed to think while reading it. This happens, then this happens, this is how this character feels about it. Oh look a new character. this happens.
In terms of romance this book was disappointing. After a certain point, the main character Tessa and the hot vampire, Andrei, are like super in love
and when I thought about it, I didn't understand why
I mean yeah, he saved her life a few times from vampire attacks, but like
why do they love each other??
I mean, yeah, they go on a few dates
and every time they kiss it fuels their unquenchable desire or whatever
but like
I have no reason to ship them!
It's mostly just like, he's hot, and he's really good at kissing,
oh and he's spent his whole life waiting for her
and the fact that he's like, 700 years old is nothing
like there is no creepy factor, because he's still super hot
:/
like, they're so in love, and she loves him, and we don't learn much about him. we learn his history, and that's it
at this point i would like to share a quote that Tessa says after having turned into a vampire herself:
"She loved Andei, but there were times, like this, when she realized she really knew very little about him"
like this girl has already changed her entire life and committed to him and she doesn't even know what mind of man he is
smh
right so whatever
they date, and andrei's ex wife Katerina comes back into the picture and wants andrei back , but andrei is like nah
and andrei and tessa fall more in love, and eventually get engaged
and katerina kills people
and tessa is like, "no one else will die because of me. i dont want to be defenseless anymore. andrei, make a into a vampire"
right and that happens.
and it isnt until after she has changed that like, she thinks about all the things she is giving up. no kids, no sunlight, eternal youth
and like, we get one line, where shes like, "huh, maybe i should have thought about this more"
and then whatever shes cool with it
and im like????
????
like girl, you are giving up everything
your humanity
but lol whatevs
smh
okay so whatever
after a certain point andrei rescues this teenage girl from being killed by katerina, and tessa basically shelters and adopts this teenage girl who is a runaway from foster care
Bailey
we find out that bailey is a were-panther
fine. cool
then other were-panthers find bailey, and one of them is a hot teenage guy that is baileys age if not a year or two older
Tristan
and tristan is like, "Bailey, my family and I have been watching you for years. you and i are destined to be life mates"
THIS IS CREEPY
GET AWAY FROM HER
WTF DO YOU MEAN LIFE MATES THIS GIRL IS 16
YOU'VE BEEN WATCHING HER FOR YEARS???
and eventually she's just like, oh, tristan is hot. it feels right to be with him. okay i will be his life mate
and im like????
right so tessa decides to wait to have sex with andrei because she knows that once they do it, she'll be super committed to him
fine
but man, that really gets dragged out
and apparently, the book doesn't really describe this but apparently she was a virgin?
and that definitely makes more sense as to why she wanted to wait before having sex with him
anyway this book really drags out their sexual tension and by the time they do it we get like two pages and the deed is done.
idk
also throughout the entire book katerina is just like a weight hanging over eveyrone's head, because they can't relax while katerina is around
and yeah, by the end there is a fight to the death and then katerina just dies
like
its another two pages
and with a sentence katerina is dead and then everyone moves on
it was very
anitclimactic
this book just lacked heart
or
idk
it wasnt real enough for me
when people find out that andrei is vampire , they freak out for like a sentence and the next page they're totally fine with it
and i wasn't given a good reason to ship andrei and tessa
like if ur just reading it then fine
but when you really think about it, like, why
why are they good for each other
why does she care for him so much besides her craving physical intimacy
:/
anyway. those are my problems with this book.
but i did like some parts of it
we see people get their beating hearts ripped out of their chests
haha
i made the mistake of reading this today before going to school and i was very distracted about vampire bites
vampires bites are uh...cool
and the vampire bites in this book are...nice
at this point i would like to share one of my favorite lines from this book,
"Drink, love," he whispered as his blood dripped onto her lips. "Drink and be mine forever"
:D
look it's not a secret that I'm into vampires
and the vampire parts of this book were neat
anyway
is this my ideal vampire book ?
no
not at all
but we're getting there
now its time for me to read something more than 3 stars dammit
April 22, 2017
Well this was actually a good story but at 400 pages it was a bit bloated.
Tessa and Andrei were a bit of a frustrating couple at times, a bit overly romantic at times but overall they worked as a good couple and probably close to realistic as could be done. The 3 main secondary characters were filled out pretty nicely which is always a plus, the "villain" was a bit over the top evil but for this story it played well.
You ever had a book you really liked but you reached a point where you kinda knew what was coming in general but were tired of reading the "I love you" over and over? This is that book, great story, great characters, a total nutjob ex-wife villain. Whats not to love .
So 4 Stars and Highly recommended and if you are like me you might do some minor scanning in the middle.
Tessa and Andrei were a bit of a frustrating couple at times, a bit overly romantic at times but overall they worked as a good couple and probably close to realistic as could be done. The 3 main secondary characters were filled out pretty nicely which is always a plus, the "villain" was a bit over the top evil but for this story it played well.
You ever had a book you really liked but you reached a point where you kinda knew what was coming in general but were tired of reading the "I love you" over and over? This is that book, great story, great characters, a total nutjob ex-wife villain. Whats not to love .
So 4 Stars and Highly recommended and if you are like me you might do some minor scanning in the middle.
April 18, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet vampire tale. Tessa is a sweet homebody minding her own life when she becomes #1 on the vampires must munch list. Apparently there is an anomaly in her blood that is said to make vampires stronger and word has gone out in the vampire community. Andrei Dinescu is a master vampire who has problems of his own but he isn’t about to see the little human be killed for a rumor. I loved watching the relationship between Andrei and Tessa grow. The secondary characters kept it real and added some spice to the story. Check reality at the door and enjoy.
April 24, 2017
Review: A FIRE IN THE BLOOD by Amanda Ashley http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-8wI
Publication Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars
This was a fun light romp through a dangerous vampire world. Tessa handled her new reality quite easily, but with the handsome vampire Andrea…how could you not. That being said, she sometimes took the new information too easily. The love and romance are there, but light on the sexual aspects. Perfect for those who like their romances less explicit. A fun quick read.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Publication Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars
This was a fun light romp through a dangerous vampire world. Tessa handled her new reality quite easily, but with the handsome vampire Andrea…how could you not. That being said, she sometimes took the new information too easily. The love and romance are there, but light on the sexual aspects. Perfect for those who like their romances less explicit. A fun quick read.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
June 22, 2017
Eh...
It wasn't a story that "flowed" very well. Character development was lacking. It was hard to "get into the story". Hard to see myself as one of the characters.
It was more like,
"OMG that guy was a vampire and he just tried to kill me! Thank you for saving my life! Wait...you're a vampire too? Oh, ok. I'm so in love with you!"
Yeah, kinda like that. Makes you think to yourself, "what?"
Not to mention it was predictable. On a plus side:
It had potential. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
It wasn't a story that "flowed" very well. Character development was lacking. It was hard to "get into the story". Hard to see myself as one of the characters.
It was more like,
"OMG that guy was a vampire and he just tried to kill me! Thank you for saving my life! Wait...you're a vampire too? Oh, ok. I'm so in love with you!"
Yeah, kinda like that. Makes you think to yourself, "what?"
Not to mention it was predictable. On a plus side:
It had potential. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
July 15, 2017
I haven't hadluck with Ashley before but hey, new book! Interesting jacket copy! Worth another try, yes?
Enh.
The good:
- Plot, we haz it. Say what you like about the other parts of the book, but there's always something happening.
- The writing is good enough not to stick out.
The not-so-good:
- While you can't take the paranormal elements out of the story a large part of it reads as a contemporary romance. We have two or three weddings, the hero meeting the heroine's parents, talking about having kids, nesting in a new home. If contemporary is your thing that's great, but I'm more of an urban fantasy gal myself.
- The setting is a small town and Tessa works in a bank. Okay. She's a loan officer and is friends with a teller. Still good. They eat lunch together... in the company cafeteria. Questionable. The kicker - they have to take the elevator to get there. What the hell? What kind of a town has a bank large enough where you a) have a cafeteria and b) need to take an elevator to get to it?!?
- Heroine as bait. 'Nuff said.
- Heroine as special snowflake. All this bad stuff is happening because there's something about her that's so amazing!
- The heroine makes a life-changing decision because she's being carried along in that direction, not because it's something she wants herself. Not bad for all but annoying to me.
- I didn't believe the relationship between the heroine and her best friend, and that best friend and her new boyfriend. It feels like they're friends of convenience, a coworker you hang out with so you don't have to eat lunch alone.
- The fights are short and disappointing, especially with the big bad at the end.
A sadly mediocre read.
Enh.
The good:
- Plot, we haz it. Say what you like about the other parts of the book, but there's always something happening.
- The writing is good enough not to stick out.
The not-so-good:
- While you can't take the paranormal elements out of the story a large part of it reads as a contemporary romance. We have two or three weddings, the hero meeting the heroine's parents, talking about having kids, nesting in a new home. If contemporary is your thing that's great, but I'm more of an urban fantasy gal myself.
- The setting is a small town and Tessa works in a bank. Okay. She's a loan officer and is friends with a teller. Still good. They eat lunch together... in the company cafeteria. Questionable. The kicker - they have to take the elevator to get there. What the hell? What kind of a town has a bank large enough where you a) have a cafeteria and b) need to take an elevator to get to it?!?
- Heroine as bait. 'Nuff said.
- Heroine as special snowflake. All this bad stuff is happening because there's something about her that's so amazing!
- The heroine makes a life-changing decision because she's being carried along in that direction, not because it's something she wants herself. Not bad for all but annoying to me.
- I didn't believe the relationship between the heroine and her best friend, and that best friend and her new boyfriend. It feels like they're friends of convenience, a coworker you hang out with so you don't have to eat lunch alone.
- The fights are short and disappointing, especially with the big bad at the end.
A sadly mediocre read.
May 6, 2018
**spoilers**
So many problems. This book was a bait and switch into a Christian paranormal romance. But had it been well-written, I wouldn't have minded! Let's talk about all of it's myriad issues:
MC: goes to church every Sunday (nothing wrong there, just unusual to see in a romance book not marketed as "inspirational"), refuses to give up her virtue until she's married, wants to marry an already married dude, and does no critical thinking on her own. Horribly classist, doesn't mind that homeless people (transients) are being killed by vampires, because they obviously have no family or friends that would miss them. At the end of the book, is turned into a vampire, marries vampire boyfriend, but even after 2 years is too embarrassed to tell her parents. Agrees to adopt a bunch of kids to fulfill their family fantasy. At one point in the story, she discovers that she has a mystical Cherokee medicine man in her lineage, but that lasted all of two or three pages and then is never mentioned again.
Now the titular vampire: 700 years old, still married, current wife is trying to actively kill his girlfriend, and he just happens to have a weapon designed specifically to kill her, but he's going to keep it locked up in a safe until the last possible second. Deus ex machina, anyone? Also, borderline controlling tendencies, and constantly physically pressuring the MC to have sex while verbally telling her that he'll respect her limits. Which he does, but only after pushing her to those limits constantly. Hides behind MC to get current wife killed.
Vampire Wife/Protagonist: poorly written, maniacal but not smart, easily defeated.
That this author has won a lifetime achievement award from RT baffles me.
So many problems. This book was a bait and switch into a Christian paranormal romance. But had it been well-written, I wouldn't have minded! Let's talk about all of it's myriad issues:
MC: goes to church every Sunday (nothing wrong there, just unusual to see in a romance book not marketed as "inspirational"), refuses to give up her virtue until she's married, wants to marry an already married dude, and does no critical thinking on her own. Horribly classist, doesn't mind that homeless people (transients) are being killed by vampires, because they obviously have no family or friends that would miss them. At the end of the book, is turned into a vampire, marries vampire boyfriend, but even after 2 years is too embarrassed to tell her parents. Agrees to adopt a bunch of kids to fulfill their family fantasy. At one point in the story, she discovers that she has a mystical Cherokee medicine man in her lineage, but that lasted all of two or three pages and then is never mentioned again.
Now the titular vampire: 700 years old, still married, current wife is trying to actively kill his girlfriend, and he just happens to have a weapon designed specifically to kill her, but he's going to keep it locked up in a safe until the last possible second. Deus ex machina, anyone? Also, borderline controlling tendencies, and constantly physically pressuring the MC to have sex while verbally telling her that he'll respect her limits. Which he does, but only after pushing her to those limits constantly. Hides behind MC to get current wife killed.
Vampire Wife/Protagonist: poorly written, maniacal but not smart, easily defeated.
That this author has won a lifetime achievement award from RT baffles me.
March 17, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this novel.
3.5 stars
It was a...good..read. I did enjoy it. It kept me entertained. enough that I read it in about two sittings. I just didn't love it. It's not something I would reread and there was a few things in the story I didn't enjoy that much which brought my rating down unfortunately.
The romance between Andrei and Tessa happened very fast. I would have preferred more build up, or resistance to being together. Instead they kissed very early on and there was a lot of sex talk shortly after that. It was not quite insta love but it was about halfway there.
The story was very predictable. Her friend meets a guy, and BAM they're married by the middle of it. Yet, I did see that coming. The ending of this, I saw happening early on given the romance that was built between them. The ending defeat I saw happening as soon as they showed that character.
The introduction of that teenage were was nice for the story with Tessa, but her whole mating romance I would have LOVED to see as a second novel. I'd like to say we'd still get one with her as an adult, but her story seems finished by the epilogue.
What I did enjoy plot wise was the twist on her blood. How we were led to believe one thing when it actually wasn't so. it took me by surprise.
Again, although a lot of this sounds bad, I did enjoy the read. Or I wouldn't have finished the book, and as fast as I did. I have other books by this author that I still plan on trying out. Although this book wasn't an A+ for me, her other ones may hit the mark. Since I still enjoyed this one, I won't rule her out as an author until I try more by her.
3.5 stars
It was a...good..read. I did enjoy it. It kept me entertained. enough that I read it in about two sittings. I just didn't love it. It's not something I would reread and there was a few things in the story I didn't enjoy that much which brought my rating down unfortunately.
The romance between Andrei and Tessa happened very fast. I would have preferred more build up, or resistance to being together. Instead they kissed very early on and there was a lot of sex talk shortly after that. It was not quite insta love but it was about halfway there.
The story was very predictable. Her friend meets a guy, and BAM they're married by the middle of it. Yet, I did see that coming. The ending of this, I saw happening early on given the romance that was built between them. The ending defeat I saw happening as soon as they showed that character.
The introduction of that teenage were was nice for the story with Tessa, but her whole mating romance I would have LOVED to see as a second novel. I'd like to say we'd still get one with her as an adult, but her story seems finished by the epilogue.
What I did enjoy plot wise was the twist on her blood. How we were led to believe one thing when it actually wasn't so. it took me by surprise.
Again, although a lot of this sounds bad, I did enjoy the read. Or I wouldn't have finished the book, and as fast as I did. I have other books by this author that I still plan on trying out. Although this book wasn't an A+ for me, her other ones may hit the mark. Since I still enjoyed this one, I won't rule her out as an author until I try more by her.
October 8, 2017
A FIRE IN THE BLOOD is an amazing read with a number of interesting twists and turns and a variety of different beings that keep the action moving. This is a paranormal but with a good bit of contemporary touches, friendships, working and living in the human world, falling in love, and a jealous hateful woman ... but then you have your paranormal side with vampire hunters, vampires, shapeshifters and well ... a jealous hateful woman.
At first I was ambiguous about Tessa, she seems like a nice average woman working at a bank and having lunch with friends, who is thrown into the dark world. She did manage to intrigue me and set me to the mind that she might be perfect for the dark and compelling Andrei, even giving him a taste of humanity again. Andrei himself is amazing, managing. Too bad his turning brought into their lives the “jealous woman,” whom I disliked immensely for her past sins and for the future attempts on ruining Tessa and Andrei's plans for a future. Luke, Jilly and Bailey are some of the secondary characters that add a lot of life, dialogue and steadiness to the storyline.
I have read a number of books by author Amanda Ashley and I have to say her paranormals are different ... they have the same types of characters: vampires, shapeshifters, gypsies and hunters but she give a fresh modern touch to their stories.
If you are looking for something that will let you escape into a different world, characters that are intriguing and interesting, and a very sweet yet steamy romance then get your hands on A FIRE IN THE BLOOD.
At first I was ambiguous about Tessa, she seems like a nice average woman working at a bank and having lunch with friends, who is thrown into the dark world. She did manage to intrigue me and set me to the mind that she might be perfect for the dark and compelling Andrei, even giving him a taste of humanity again. Andrei himself is amazing, managing. Too bad his turning brought into their lives the “jealous woman,” whom I disliked immensely for her past sins and for the future attempts on ruining Tessa and Andrei's plans for a future. Luke, Jilly and Bailey are some of the secondary characters that add a lot of life, dialogue and steadiness to the storyline.
I have read a number of books by author Amanda Ashley and I have to say her paranormals are different ... they have the same types of characters: vampires, shapeshifters, gypsies and hunters but she give a fresh modern touch to their stories.
If you are looking for something that will let you escape into a different world, characters that are intriguing and interesting, and a very sweet yet steamy romance then get your hands on A FIRE IN THE BLOOD.
May 5, 2017
This book was a nice spin on your typical vampire love story. It had fortune tellers, vampires, shifters, and magic.
Tessa’s town is being taken over by vampires. It happens so suddenly that nobody is quite sure what to make of it. With the vampires comes the hunters, and now there are rewards being posted for turning in proof. Andrei has been picking off the intruding vampires to protect the innocent, but he begins to notice that they seem to be swarming one particular woman. There is also a rumor going around the vampires about a woman with blood that gives fledgling vampires more power and strength. Wrap all of these things up and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Andrei has no choice but to protect Tessa, even though he’s a master vampire himself.
These two really light up the page when they meet. The chemistry is palpable, made more so by the fact that Andrei always appears to be saving Tessa from some bad guy. Things might have been a little simpler if Andrea’s maker and general evil-doer doesn’t show up. Oh, and she’s also still married to him. Surprise! We somehow still eke out a HEA for these two, complete with some fantastic supernatural help.
Tessa’s town is being taken over by vampires. It happens so suddenly that nobody is quite sure what to make of it. With the vampires comes the hunters, and now there are rewards being posted for turning in proof. Andrei has been picking off the intruding vampires to protect the innocent, but he begins to notice that they seem to be swarming one particular woman. There is also a rumor going around the vampires about a woman with blood that gives fledgling vampires more power and strength. Wrap all of these things up and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Andrei has no choice but to protect Tessa, even though he’s a master vampire himself.
These two really light up the page when they meet. The chemistry is palpable, made more so by the fact that Andrei always appears to be saving Tessa from some bad guy. Things might have been a little simpler if Andrea’s maker and general evil-doer doesn’t show up. Oh, and she’s also still married to him. Surprise! We somehow still eke out a HEA for these two, complete with some fantastic supernatural help.
January 7, 2018
I liked the characters in the beginning of the book, but they got exhausting by the end.
Tessa is a lovely, down to earth girl whose life got flipped turned upside down when she realized there’s vampires in her sleepy town. After nearly getting killed many times (and almost killing one herself, in self-defence), after The Experiment where 3 vampires accidentally die, she actually gets mad at Andrei. Odd.
Andrei is 700 years old, but still finds the need to yell out the value of everything he buys. Odd.
Jilly is notorious for falling in love quickly and often. She encourages Tessa to go for Andrei at first, but her haranguing got annoying very fast. And her love interest, Luke, after 8 months of being a vampire hunter (and sucking at it), suddenly gains a Fifth Sense and is a super killer. Then gives it up within a year and a bit. Not that odd, but almost seemed too easy.
But what really ground my gears? After a full 3 weeks of being a vampire, Tessa kills 700+ year old vampire (and Andrei’s [ex-] wife) in 28 seconds. That was a huge let down.
Altogether predictable, but a good way to pass time.
Tessa is a lovely, down to earth girl whose life got flipped turned upside down when she realized there’s vampires in her sleepy town. After nearly getting killed many times (and almost killing one herself, in self-defence), after The Experiment where 3 vampires accidentally die, she actually gets mad at Andrei. Odd.
Andrei is 700 years old, but still finds the need to yell out the value of everything he buys. Odd.
Jilly is notorious for falling in love quickly and often. She encourages Tessa to go for Andrei at first, but her haranguing got annoying very fast. And her love interest, Luke, after 8 months of being a vampire hunter (and sucking at it), suddenly gains a Fifth Sense and is a super killer. Then gives it up within a year and a bit. Not that odd, but almost seemed too easy.
But what really ground my gears? After a full 3 weeks of being a vampire, Tessa kills 700+ year old vampire (and Andrei’s [ex-] wife) in 28 seconds. That was a huge let down.
Altogether predictable, but a good way to pass time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2017
I enjoy vampire story and this one is a good start if you are not fan with the blood sucker.
It started with a prediction and then Tessa's blood is different from any human. It said that it can make a powerful vampire and just like that, Andrei became curious and interested with her. Entering Katerina in the picture was quite bloody and violent. Adding Bailey and other shapeshifters seem to be something to look forward to Miss Amanda Ashley's next novel.
I enjoyed this novel and I like to have someone like Andrei (not the vampire thingy), yet I still had an unanswered question in my mind like: who was the one started spreading about Tessa's blood? Did the gypsy really die in a natural way or a vampire killed her?
Somehow, I predicted the ending, which quite didn't, surprise but I still like this first novel that I read from Amanda Ashley.
Thank you for the ARC, Zebra and Netgalley!
It started with a prediction and then Tessa's blood is different from any human. It said that it can make a powerful vampire and just like that, Andrei became curious and interested with her. Entering Katerina in the picture was quite bloody and violent. Adding Bailey and other shapeshifters seem to be something to look forward to Miss Amanda Ashley's next novel.
I enjoyed this novel and I like to have someone like Andrei (not the vampire thingy), yet I still had an unanswered question in my mind like: who was the one started spreading about Tessa's blood? Did the gypsy really die in a natural way or a vampire killed her?
Somehow, I predicted the ending, which quite didn't, surprise but I still like this first novel that I read from Amanda Ashley.
Thank you for the ARC, Zebra and Netgalley!
May 9, 2017
What started out as a promising traditional-style vampire romance fizzled pretty quickly for me. I kept reading through the halfway point but eventually stopped because the plot and characters just weren't holding my interest. I found some of the characters annoying, and the head-hopping (POV switches mid-scene) made dialogue and actions hard to follow. I felt like the story was trying to set up a larger series universe, but ultimately, this isn't one I'll likely revisit. Ymmv.
September 10, 2017
Amanda Ashley's books are always keep you on the edge of your seat reading. I've yet to read any of her books that weren't terrific. I happen to love vampire romances. Her's are always well written, & the editing well done, never boring or trashy. Her characters are excellent. The good and the bad ones live up to the way they're supposed to be. I've read a bunch of her books and always look forward to reading the next ones. Thanks Amanda you write beautifully. A multiple book fan.
June 19, 2021
Everything was rushed yet somehow still boring. Why am I reading about 3 weddings being planned when there is a murderous vampire stalking the bride(s)? I know this is like 28th in a series so maybe the author was tired of vampire stuff and just churning it out for a contract?
Also, were we not as a society moving past the 'mysterious Cherokee heritage' cliche in 2017? (And also the slur g*psy)
I didn't have high expectations but sheesh
Also, were we not as a society moving past the 'mysterious Cherokee heritage' cliche in 2017? (And also the slur g*psy)
I didn't have high expectations but sheesh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2017
Amazing
This book was amazing as always from Amanda Ashley the story was very compelling it was so desperately hard to put down and I read it and only two days. A fire in the blood had everything that you wanted romance mystery intrigue and more. Can't wait to read more of Amanda Ashley.
This book was amazing as always from Amanda Ashley the story was very compelling it was so desperately hard to put down and I read it and only two days. A fire in the blood had everything that you wanted romance mystery intrigue and more. Can't wait to read more of Amanda Ashley.
April 3, 2019
This book was very good. Its all about a gypsy fortune teller telling Tessa that in her future there would be a man that would bring her life and also death. She thought it was ridiculous. Little did she know that it does come true. A lot of suspense here and also passion and the story line flowed very nicely. Recommend.
June 18, 2017
Love all the characters in the book. This author never fails to suck me back in to her story. I love all the connections. How the story builds. I love the angst, and the jealousy, and friendship. Hope there will be a book on Bailey.
January 15, 2018
I really loved this book! I didn't think there could be good vampires though, but one thing I have to say I am so very glad there's no such thing as vampires.
Amanda Ashley is a really good author. I will have to try to find more of her books. Keep up the good writing Amanda!
Amanda Ashley is a really good author. I will have to try to find more of her books. Keep up the good writing Amanda!
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