A Little Blood

The Blood Bond Trilogy #1

by Aimer Boyz

Can you handle forever?

Eternity comes with a price. Forever is a lonely word and Etienne Vaillancourt needs more than blood.

Andrew Delaney needs to pay down his student loans, maybe save enough money to fix up his relic of a Honda. No rush, Andrew’s got his whole life ahead of him.

But one lifetime isn’t always enough.

A chance meeting in a movie theatre is the start of a future neither man had thought possible. A future together … if they can handle forever.

Genres: M M Romance, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, M M Paranormal

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2016

About the author

It's been a long and meandering path from that first attempt at writing a Star Trek story, to Fan Fiction, to seeing my own books on Goodreads. A journey I didn't intend to take, a destination I never expected to reach.
Life, full of surprises, page after page.

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Hearts!!

It’s been ages since I’ve read a vampire story and I was sooo glad this wasn’t a flop!

Etienne is a 236 year old vampire in a 28 year old’s body. During a chance meeting whilst seeing Twilight (I know right!?!), Andrew walks into Etienne’s life. Humans don't know vampires exist in this world, so Andrew and Etienne have a new relationship to work out as well as this secret that will need to be revealed.

I like how this world had elements of traditional vampires, like how Etienne actually dies when the sun rises and comes back to life when it sets and how his pupils turn red when feeding. Boyz has mixed these ideas into vampires living within the modern world with little details like how Etienne manages his wealth over 200 years. It was pretty engaging.



What really surprised me was the banter and humour. I loved how Etienne and Andrew interacted with each other. Andrew is happy and down to earth and Etienne has a dry sarcasm that compliments Andrew nicely.

Holy shit. How did I not think of that before? Andrew walked into the school, grin stretching across his face . There were a veritable arsenal of taunting, teasing nicknames for Andrew’s oh, so, dignified favourite fiend: Dracula, Nosferatu, Vlad, Night Walker. Awesome.

The build up of Etienne’s and Andrews relationship and the eventual ‘vampire’ reveal was great. It was pretty realistic with them dating first and slowly becoming more serious. It was a little bit insta-love with Etienne feeling Andrew was ‘special’ from the moment they met. It was all quite sweet and I was surprisingly suck to the pages because of these two.

Etienne took Andrew’s hand. “But you, there is no darkness in you. The first time you smiled at me, I saw it; sunshine . It is a part of you, it is who you are. Laughing, and teasing, calling me those ridiculous names; you chase the darkness away.”

The sex was hot! All biting and bleeding, everything vampire books should have! Some scenes were fade to black and some were glossed over but it was explicit enough to keep me interested, so that's saying something.



So if this was so good why the average rating? Well I was rating this 4.5 hearts all the way until the epilogue, when I finished I couldn’t believe how much was cut out completely and I find that really disappointing.

Spoiler ahead.

We finish the end of the book (minus epilogue) with Andrew deciding whether he was going to let Etienne ‘turn’ him. From about 80% onwards I expected not to see ‘the turning’ in this book as the build up was really well done and I knew it was the first of a trilogy. Then came the epilogue and the words…”Eight years later….. and yes Andrew has already been turned and apparently there was a bit of a story/drama with the whole process, so why the fuck couldn’t I read about that!!! It's what the whole story was building up to! I was sooooo excited to read about two characters I really liked going through the most important decision and moment of their lives, but no, instead I got highlights. Unfortunately the rest of the trilogy isn't about them either, so there's no possible way of getting more information about how they got to the point of their HEA.



I really really enjoyed this and I’ll definitely continue with the series, but I’m still so disappointed with the ending when I think of this book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good the second time around. Loved it. 🦋

Vampires that do not take themselves too seriously but are still Children of the Night. Dark, lusty and not ridiculous. Sweet, funny, romantic and very, very sexy.

Fanfic? Perhaps. It's no MM Twilight. Thank you Dracula! It's much better. I will definitely read more from this author. Recommended for lovers of MM vampire paranormal romance!

Yummy goodness!

[Celestine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up for the double-whammy of two reading challenges - "blood on the cover" for Halloween and M/M. The cover is way scarier than the insides. Call this vampire light, because even Twilight was more frightening. There is tongue-in-cheek humor as the author pokes fun at various popular vampires while telling an affectionate story. Twilight, Bram Stoker, Count Chocula cereal and Count von Count on Sesame Street all get lampooned during the light-hearted banter offered up by Andrew. Etienne is more staid, and in my head I saw a dark-haired Edward. Andrew was a clone of Eddie Redmayne all the way. There was a big focus on sex, but strangely many (but not all) scenes went behind closed doors. It was the like the author couldn't decide at first whether the book was going to be explicit or not. The side characters add dimension, but there wasn't much to the plot, and the editor or author needs to be more aware of what detail moves the story forward and what does not. I would have taken my red pen to lots of passages.

2.5 rounded to 3 stars because I enjoyed the vampire lampooning and the sunny disposition of Andrew.

Book source: Kindle Unlimited

[Susan]

DNF at 20%

Very mediocre writing, no chemistry between the characters, and fade-to-black sex scenes.

Not my cup of tea.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A low angst vampire-human romance storyline so don't you get fooled by the predatory sexy cover. I love stories that focus on the main characters and the roles of side characters in their development. Sadly, the side characters were not being highlighted enough and seem to be redundant especially Trent, Andrew supposedly childhood best friend and his family members. Etienne and Andrew had an insta-love moment when they met in a movie theatre. If you are looking for steamy vampire-human romance this is for you.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up to 3. This was a bit light for a vampire book but I really enjoyed the humor at other "famous vampires" the author employed. We get some digs at Twilight, Count Chocula from the cereal and even the count on sesame street. Etienne is drowning in maudlin because he's a vampire and doesn't want Andrew to know or later to become a part of that world because it's dark and evil or something like that. Andrew is easy going and that doesn't change when he realizes that Etienne is a vampire. THere isn't much of a plot but I enjoyed the humor of it.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a sweet story about a vampire and a teacher and I really liked it.
so 3,5 stars for sweet without big drama

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are wonderful with great secondary characters to enhance the story. The author didn’t try to completely change how many would think of vampires, but also wasn’t too cliché either.

Etienne has been alone a long time, it’s better to keep his secret and to not get attached to his food. However, Andrew completely throws him for a loop when they begin talking at the movie theatre. They quickly grow to care for each other, but neither really know how they want to navigate their relationship.

Etienne and Andrew feel an immediate connection to each other when they meet that only grows with time. This story was told from both characters’ points of view which gave me the opportunity to see both characters feelings. Etienne would do anything to protect and be with Andrew, but is afraid of his reaction. Andrew needs to decide if forever if what he really wants. I can’t wait to read more stories in this series.

Cover art by James at GoOnWrite.com is perfect for this book.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved the relationship between Etienne and Andrew. Very low angst, lots of snark and plenty of affection. This a complete story, but is part of a trilogy. I have to read the other books. I would recommend this book.

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fade to black the FIRST TIME they have sex??? What Susan said, word for word: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

[Janeylou · Rating 5 out of 5]

3. 75 stars

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twilight with dudes. But it worked for me, and I will definitely read another especially if its to see Symon get knocked on his ass by a human.

Title: A Little Blood
Author: Aimer Boyz
Series: The Blood Trilogy
Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance



Plot Summary:


Andrew Delaney is a high school English teacher with a fairly boring life. He has friends, family, and he isn’t lonely, but his life isn’t all that interesting either. Until a chance meeting in a movie theatre.

Etienne Vaillancourt has been a vampire for over 200 years. He walks alongside humans, using them for food as necessary, but never really engaging with them. His only indulgence is watching the crowd reactions at vampire movies. This is how he meets Andrew, and he immediately feels a connection to this human… a connection that shouldn’t be happening and goes well beyond just attraction.

Character Descriptions/Development: 3 stars

Like I said above, Andrew was a little dull in the beginning, but fleshed out as he and Etienne became closer. I was pretty happy with his reactions overall, he wasn’t overly freaked (i.e. ran screaming) over the vampire thing, etc. I was impressed with his loyalty and dedication.

Etienne was very Anne-Rice’s-Louie for me with his tortured attitude. It got a little boring after a while. Eternity is lonely, I love Andrew but cannot condemn him to the night… etc.

Storyline/Conflict: 3 stars

There was no external conflict, it was just the love story/ tortured vampire thing.


Writing Style:4 stars

Much better than I was expecting. It was well edited, not overly telling versus showing, etc. I was impressed.


Heat: 3 stars

Nothing overly special except maybe once Etienne starting feeding (which wasn’t until much later in the book). The early scenes just weren't overly descriptive.

Favorite Quote:

Andrew ended his text with a happy face. Vampires to not smile at emojis.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much to this book, I’m not sure where to start. The two MCs meet by chance in a movie theater, seeing Twilight of all movies. Andrew Delaney, a teacher at an all girls school is seeing the movie to better relate to his students. Etienne Vaillancourt is seeing the movie because, well, he can relate. The chemistry between the two men is instant, but their ability to be together takes a little work at first. Etienne has his secret, and does his best to keep Andrew from finding out. Andrew just wants to be with his man.

Etienne has a dark, mysterious personality, while Andrew is feisty and full of humor. Both characters are appealing, and I found myself rooting for the two of them, even when it seemed impossible for both men to have what they wanted without infringing on the other. Colorful side characters, most notably Symon and Trent, add much to the well woven fabric of this story.

A Little Blood has something for everyone – intriguing plot, dark secrets, an intense rescue, rich friendships, divergent characters, humor, and hot sex. I recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of M/M romance, and especially if you are a vampire fan, this one is not to be missed.

[Anthea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a good vampire book and this one does not disappoint. This story has a bit of everything and some of the one liners had me laughing. All the characters were so likeable and the two MC's just worked. I'd say that my only gripe is the main event which is completely skipped at the end of the book and we find ourselves at the epilogue, having jumped 8 years into the future instead. It's an angst free, easy read.

[MN Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires exist and hide in Canada. Etienne is a vampire who sits next to Andrew during a showing of Twilight at the movies. The date and fall in love, all without Andrew knowing Etienne is a vampire. He finds out when his life is in danger. That is where most of the drama comes from.

This is a good book and I enjoyed reading it. It was relatively low-angst and an enjoyable read. There were a few punctuation or spelling issues, but not enough to take away from this well written love story.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly enjoyed this book. Most vampire books are full of angst, drama, violence, and gore (not that that's a bad thing,) but this one was a fun and fluffy romp that made me laugh and smile. Etienne and Andrew meet while watching Twilight in a theater and it's filled with vampire jokes and references without being too cliche or annoying. The first sex scene being fade-to-black really threw me, but the rest of the book more than made up for it.

[Sara Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fangirled all over this book the first time I read it. No surprise - it was a delightful read! Funny, sexy and I couldn't put it down. So excited to learn there will be more from these characters.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Lois - Who Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short book and it moves fast. Andrew and Etienne meet at a showing of Twilight and end up having coffee. Andrew at least has a good excuse for seeing that terrible movie as he is a teacher and is planning to use it to get his students to read Romeo and Juliet. These two immediately hit it off and their joking banter is hysterical.

There does not seem to be anything that can rattle Andrew, not even that moment when he realizes that Etienne is a vampire or the moment that he realizes that Etienne is hungry and he is the solution. He just seems to take it all in stride. He was madder about waking up alone than he was when he discovered Etienne was a vampire. I did not like Etienne refusing to even seriously discuss turning Andrew. He may have 200 years on Andrew, but he has been surprised by so many things Andrew – why not trust what Andrew had to say about the issue.

[Ayanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean the editing - and writing sometimes - itself is a bit rough, but it's a self-aware vampire romp set in Toronto. The MC vamp lives in a converted church condo. How fantastic is that?

tbh I skimmed a bunch of it, especially some middle parts and the sex stuff, but I like the characters? A lot? Like ALL of the main ones? I like the relationships between them and there's not, like, festering bitterness as a plot device? Also it has a great last ending bit and last line, which is very important for making a final good impression lol. Would definitely be interested in more. Especially if it's about Symon or there's a lot more Symon, as that Q&A seems to imply.

(also peep the cover model's pec 👀)

[Ankita Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the storyline. I really, really did. It was refreshing to come across a character who didn't freak out when his boyfriend told him he's a Vampire.

But.

There was so much sex!

I mean, I don't mind some sexy times in a book, but when every interaction ends with sex (and each sex scene is described at length) then it gets annoying after a while. I can confidently say around 50% of this book was JUST sex scenes.

Which is why the book ended up with a 3 stars rating.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, that's the word. This novel is the umpteenth variation on your usual vampire-boy-meets-human-boy scenario. Nothing new, nothing original yet a sweet and flowing 140 something pages. Just the right thing to pick up if you feel like not thinking too much or if you're as tired as I felt when I picked it up.

[Monique Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read with few, if any, grammar errors

Enjoyable plot that, amusingly enough, unabashedly and humorously points out its links to Twilight and Romeo and Juliet. Maybe a little too rushed toward the end, but still a pleasant read with good, steamy parts.

[Lucia Rukia · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2* not good enough for me to read till the last page

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not very often you find a new "side effect" of being a vampire. That being said it was sweet watching these two men to know one another.

[Amethyst · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? I loved it. I’m always up for vampire books but this one really didn’t feel much like a “traditional” vampire romance. As a matter of fact even though he’s a vampire the story would’ve worked well without that fact. Im looking forward to the rest of this series.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

KU
I'm always a little wary about a book when it is a book 1 but this is a complete story with a great ending, NO cliffhanger. The writing flows easily and is a pleasure to read, the characters are well developed, the story is tight and its just a great book. I think my favorite part of this book is the humor; it's not forced and comes from the personality of the characters. My only disappointment is that there aren't a lot more books by this author because she's an autobuy for me now and I can't wait to read more of this series.