Black Bullet

The Order of the Senary #2

by L.D. Rose

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01MCWB3GU

He had everything under control until she crashed into his afterlife...

Fledgling vampire Jonathan Kerr has just met his match.

Not even his past life as a former Marine and FBI agent could prepare him for the battle against the monster inside him, struggling to take hold. After an old nemesis of the Senary surfaces in Brooklyn, unleashing chaos and terror in the battered borough, Jon sets out to take him down. Instead, he ends up with far more than he bargained for when he clashes with the beautiful half-vampire hybrid, Lawan Knight.

After escaping near death and suffering unspeakable horror at the hands of vampires, Lawan trusts no one, regardless of species. In between bouts of drunken stupor, her only goal is to exterminate all those who've wronged her, including every member of Jon's vampire bloodline. But Jon's soulful eyes and quick smile crawls under her skin, transforming her black and white world into a hazy shade of gray.

As the days rapidly grow darker, Jon and Lawan turn to one another, but their inner demons threaten to tear them apart. The only way either of them will survive is if they overcome their greatest fear--

Love.

Book 2 in The Order of The Senary Series

*First Place Winner of the 2017 RWA Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for Paranormal and Fantasy*

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction

293 pages, ebook

First published November 9, 2016

About the author

L.D. Rose is a neurotic physician by day, crazed writer by night, and all-around wannabe superhero. She writes award-winning dark paranormal and fantasy fiction, but her favorite monsters have always been vampires. She currently lives in Savannah, GA, with her studly hubby and her adorable furbabies.

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Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In BLACK BULLET, L.D. Rose's writing is as strong as ever. There wasn't as much world building in this one because the heavy lifting was already accomplished in Book 1. I strongly suggest that you read Releasing the Demons before tackling this story.

My review of RELEASING THE DEMONS

Jon Kerr was once a former marine and FBI agent until a bullet to the heart took him out. Thanks to a vamp bite he suffered before his death and his hybrid besties, he's given a new life - as a leech (vamp). What no one counted on was his sire insisting on sharing his head space, threatening to take over his consciousness. Not to mention his sire's twin, Regin Ramsden, is back in town, giving new meaning to the words depraved and deadly.

Lawan is a hybrid. Separated from her brothers as a young teen, she's forged a life for herself out of her own pain and destruction. She has more than a few bones to pick with the Ramsdens after they tortured her to near death and has a rigid hatred for ALL leeches. Until she encounters the one vamp with warm obsidian eyes and a kind soul - Jon Kerr.

There's plenty of action, angst and bloodshed. This author doesn't seem to cut any corners when it comes to giving a story all she's got. She gives us the entire guts, glory and mayhem that make up this series and it leads us on an extraordinary journey. She captured the feelings of these characters so eloquently and each touch had a profound effect on how I interpreted each scene. She allowed her characters to be naked in body, mind, heart and soul and I couldn't help but be equally captivated and enamored by both their brokenness and fluidity. I have no clue which characters I'll meet next, but this author now has a new dedicated fan and if it's anything like what I've read so far, it will be a must-have experience.

Release Date: November 19, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romance - vampires
POV: Mainly Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 3.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 2 of The Order of The Senary

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point I’m prepared to bet that this series is just going to get better with each new book that the author releases. I love L.D. Rose’s writing style and the way she makes everything play out in your head like a less trite and PVC squeaky version of the Underworld film series. There’s plenty of violence and fighting scenes in this instalment, with blades, guns and good old fashioned face punchery and Rose doesn’t miss out a single necessary detail.

This book picks up shortly after where we left off in the first book: Releasing the Demons. Jon is now some variation on a vampire and is working with the hybrids to protect humans from the vampires without moral qualms about who they feed on. While he’s hunting down these vampires and trying his best to come to terms with his new state of being, he comes across Lawan.

Lawan likes to stab things that come to close to her, as a result of the trauma she suffered at the hands of the villains of this book. She’s a survivor by nature but the abuse she’s suffered has left her struggling with drug and alcohol dependency to drown out the worst of her memories, while she tries to revenge herself on the man who hurt her.

She and Jon form an instant connection, though I was a little disconcerted at how quickly she seemed to overcome the worst of her psychological trauma. I know it’s necessary for the story to progress and to demonstrate how they’re teaching each other to trust again…. But I felt that there could have been a little bit more resistance in the process.

What I particularly loved about Lawan as a character was that she was both a victim and a hero in equal measure – she wasn’t being rescued by the menfolk at every turn and she did her fair share of rescuing, but she had endured unimaginable suffering before this story began.

This series has now taken a step away from the Black Dagger Brotherhood style and come into its own and I LOVE IT. Not as much as I love Oscar the cat, who you’ll meet when you do the right thing and start reading this book, but it really is outstanding.

The hybrids all live together in a secure compound, the dynamic between them all is fascinating and I think keeps the story together better than just focusing on a single couple to the exclusion of all else and is why I can say that this series has taken a place in my heart above the Black Dagger Brotherhood *gasp*.

If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, vampires and violence – this is the book for you! I would recommend reading the first book in the series first as it fills in some of the gaps and is also another book to read!

Reviewed by Nia on www.whisperingstories.com

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 dama stars

This is the second book I’ve read by Linda, and like I said in my last review, I was really pleased with Releasing the Demons. It painted the perfect world. OK! OK! Not so perfect world about what would happen if vampires were to happen. Where the last book spent it’s time building the world, and merely introducing the characters, this book spent it’s time building the characters and thickening the plot.

This story revolves around Jonathan Kerr, the “black bullet”, the vampire who hunted his own kind, and the seventh ‘secret’ member of the Order of Senary, and his beloved love interest, and also the love interest of his not-so-beloved dead sire- Lawan Knight. And when I say revolves around them, I mean that they are the main plot story, but there are minor ones too- like Regin and Alek’s plans, Jon’s relationship with the rest of the Knight brothers, and his sister and a little sneak-a-peek into what exactly happened the night he was turned. When I say a peek, I really mean that. So little! (At this point I just need Kasen and Veronica’s story, because what the hell!! So much back story and you just keep hush hush on it Rose!!! I don’t likes you berry mush *pouts*)

OK. Well, when I said in my last review that this book was almost better than the last one, I really meant it. Rose’s writing was brilliantly strong, and just like the last one, it had science! And I ♥ science.

Jon, despite being saved, has a lot of resentment towards his team mates for saving him, and trapping him in a life as the very creature he abhorred, and Lawan hated the entire world because she felt like everyone had betrayed her- the humans by creating her and then discarding her, and her brothers by abandoning her. Both their growth from self-hatred to love was seriously well portrayed.

What won me over in this book however, was the fact that the characters had so much depth to them. We get to see inside Jon’s mind as his sire threatens to take over his psyche, and we get to see Lawan’s fear of well.. any kind of human (and not so human) touch. Not that I blame her. She had every right to be wary of a hot-friendly-neighbourhood vampire that kept stalking her. Especially after what had happened.

Which brings me to Jon’s sire and his brother- Taylon and Regin.

I kind of don’t get what their end games were. Regin can sense that his dead brother grows inside of Jon, because of the blood connection, so he wants to wait until Taylon completely possesses Jon, and Jon becomes Taylon, and then what? They had to know that Roman was a very powerful psychic, and just as easily as he had kept Jon from going insane after Taylon’s death, he might have been able to exorcise Taylon out? Right?

Also, I am a bit confused about Taylon. I don’t know what to think of him.

He wasn’t as evil as Regin, but never really stopped Regin from hurting Lawan. And he apparently loved Lawan, because he definitely let her go. So.. then he tries to kill her? What? I mean I get that she killed his brother in the end, but it was pretty obvious that they were going to torture her. So was the loving her part a lie? Am I really that gullible?

Oh goddammit, I really am that gullible, aren’t I?

Fuck.

Fine! Let me talk about the person I freaking loved- Roman. Because really- psychic, extremely smart, and also kind of aloof? My heart is melting. I kind of had a hard time picturing the goat like rectangular pupils, but I think I can work with those too. If his book is the next one, then I needed it yesterday, or the day before preferably. Plus that exorcism scene? Oh-mah-fucking-gawd! Best. Scene. Ever. It was so bloody fucking good! Only way it would have been better was if it was from Jon’s perspective instead of Lawan’s because I would have loved to hear more of the snarky bitchisism between Jon and Taylon, as Roman tried to kick him off Jon’s mind. Now that, would have been gold. Pure. 24 fucking karat. Gold.

Also the whole Dama de Noche thing with Lawan? I approve of that. Very interesting indeed.

Ugh. OK let me bring this back to some semblance of a review- I loved this book. Really did. Jon’s and Lawan’s past were really well portrayed, as were their connection. If Taylon truly loved her, it would explain Jon’s initial attraction to the female hybrid. But, I also felt their love for each other, as it gradually grew. Um.. so yeah. Rose is really really good, and I really really need the next book, because what the hell! Give it already! And like I said last time, this series is definitely fullfilling my need for a good vampire series with some kickass characters.

Do I recommend it to everyone?

Hell the fuck yeah!

“She’s luring me out, baby boy. She lures us all out, even you.”

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh. My. Word.

It is official: I have another series addiction. I feared such would be the case when I finished Releasing the Demons a couple of days ago, but after reading Black Bullet I know without a doubt that I will be jumping on each and every book that is realised in this series. Seriously, The Order of The Senary is promising to be a truly mind blowing series. I could rant and rave about how addicted I am, but the short and simple explanation is that I’m well and truly in love.

Whilst I’m being short and simple about my feelings towards the series, I’m not going to be short and simple in explaining why I enjoyed this book. Releasing the Demons had me writing up a lengthy fangirl review, and the same is going to happen here. I would apologise, yet it’s a book that requires gushing.

As with Releasing the Demons, Black Bullet is a great paranormal romance set in a dystopian style future where vampires and hybrids run amuck. We’re giving the same main group of characters from the first book, along with being introduced to some new individuals. The way in which the story is told means the book works perfectly fine as a standalone novel and you can enjoy it in such a way should you wish; however, I would recommend you do read the prior book. There is an underlying story that seems to be playing a prominent role in where things are heading, and I’m sure a lot of things we get to see are suggestions of where the series will head in the future. I don’t wish to say anything specific, but if things are heading where I’m hoping they’re heading, we’re in for some real action packed books in the future.

More action packed than this one – and trust me when I say Black Bullet was filled with action.

From the get-go, the story is moving forward. I admit that it took me longer to be pulled into Black Bullet than Releasing the Demons, but once Black Bullet had pulled me in I found it even harder to put down. There’s a massive internal debate as to which of the two books are my favourite, and I’ll come back to that shortly, but all in all I think Black Bullet had more action than Releasing the Demons. Both are high-octane action stories, both pull you deep into the world, yet Black Bullet seemed to pack a harder punch. There was more fighting, there was more shooting, there was more guts and gore – it just seemed to have a little bit more. Every scene was infused with some kind of action, ensuring your heart was pumping. It didn’t help that every chapter left with you wanting more, making it impossible to put the book down. So yeah, all in all, there’s so much happening in this one.

Back to my debate regarding which of the two books I loved the most. This is liable to become a bit rambled, so I apologise in advance. I blame all the emotions the two books have brought about.

First off, both books are very strong four-star ratings. They’re both flickering around the four-point-five line, leaving me positive that one of the future books will pull a five star rating out of me. Trust me when I say those things are hard to receive. I haven’t given a five star rating in months, and I really did consider it with this one. It just wasn’t quite there, much in the same way Releasing the Demons had me contemplating a five star rating. However, they had me contemplating for two very different reasons.

You see, part of me favours Releasing the Demons because I loved the chemistry between the main characters. They were wonderful, and I’m so glad I got to see more of them in Black Bullet. Honestly, my face lit up whenever they made an appearance. I honestly cannot remember a couple I loved as much as those two. However, I loved the way in which the romance developed within Black Bullet. It took me a while to fall in love with the couple, but when it happened it hit me so hard. It was the kind of punch you cannot dodge, hitting you right where it hurts the most. Their romance developed in the way I love: it was slow going, it had ups and downs, and there were so many emotions infused that I’m sure I’m still dealing with the backlash. By the end of the story, I started to question whether they were my new favourite couple. They’re close, I’ll admit that, but they don’t quite beat the couple from the first book. That being said, I favour their story. Now can you see my problem? I’m a ball of mess when trying to decide which couple I love more. I love them both, for very different reasons.

It’s not even a case of the romantic storyline being the reason for my love: it’s the overall storyline. Releasing the Demons was a wonderful storyline, offering everything I could ask for. It was dark and gritty, it was full of action, it had emotions on both ends of the spectrum, and it had a cast I fell in love with. Black Bullet takes all of these things and amplifies them. The storyline is just as dark and gritty, if not more so, filled with troubled pasts and present ghosts. As I’ve already said, the action doesn’t let up. The emotions are so raw, and I’ve already mentioned my emotional backlash. The cast is even better because we get to find out so much more.

In fact, one of my favourite aspects is the development of the cast.

We were introduced to the group in the first book, but they really came alive in this one. I’m not sure whose story I wish to read next, as I’m in love with all of them. There are a couple I’m overly interested in reading about, in understanding better… but I think the one I want most will be held off until the end. I feel as though that will be the story that wraps everything together nicely. The fact I’m even looking that far ahead shows how much the characters developed in this one – they all became so much more in this one, allowing me to contemplate where the future will go for them. I doubt all my theorising is correct, but whatever happens I know I’m in for the long run. I need to know where this series goes; I need to know how every character’s story plays out.

I just need more. More of everything this series is offering.

Honestly, I really could go on forever about this one. It’s wonderful. I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book, eager to see whether I’m going to be given that five star read I feel is sitting just beyond the horizon. Because, seriously, this one was so close to that five stars. The emotions, the development, and the addiction I experienced – my words cannot do the book justice, especially when I’m doing nothing more than spilling my fangirl heart all over the place.

The only reason it didn’t quite get that full five star rating is because it took me a while to be pulled in. Yes, it was an interesting story; however, it didn’t quite grab me as quickly as the first book did. Moreover, I still feel as though there is some explaining to be done. There was a lot more explaining about the world in this one, yet I’m still missing answers to some very big questions. Part of me believes things will slowly be revealed throughout the series, yet certain parts of me wish the answers were there just so I could better understand the world.

Just two tiny things, showing how I really am harsh when it comes to holding off my five star ratings. In fact, I’m sure most will give this a five star rating – especially when anyone who enjoyed the first book is bound to absolutely adore this one. I cannot stress enough, it’s a brilliant addition to the series and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Sign me up to reading book three as soon as possible, because I need more!

So, the short of it: I’m a fan, and you can be sure of more fangirling from me when the next book is released.

As a final note, I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read this in exchange for a review. Book one gave you a fan, and book two has pushed me over into the land of obsession. Well done!

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

"5-Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about Stars!"


I don't really read dark, edgy paranormal romance, but the synopsis for this book and the first book in the series (Releasing the Demons) had me curious and intrigued.

I'm so glad I took the chance and agreed to read and review this book!

This is an urban fantasy/paranormal romance.
The world the author has created is where the Vampires have made themselves know to the human race and now they want to rule.
Millions were killed during the initial insurgency.

The Vampires rule the night and the human spend their time coping with the loss from the nights and fighting the Vampires in order to survive.

In order to combat the Vampires, the Government experimented and created genetic hybrids (half human-half vampire) that have special "gifts" that make them superior to even the vampires.

The hybrids are thought to have been destroyed because of the uproar about the genetically modified embryos, so they remain as a secret black-ops project knows as the "Order of the Senary".

This story is about Jon Kerr, a former marine, FBI agent and now a "vampire, but not a vampire" who was saved by the Order because of his former work with them while he was an FBI agent, and it's also about Lawan, the only female hybrid left alive.

Their story is tragic, dark and edgy but oh so worth the read.

I loved it!
This arc has so many possibilities and so much potential.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I'm so thrilled that the author reached out to me and asked me to review for her!

"I voluntarily read a copy of this book which was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review."

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Link to full review below! Really different PNR with a dystopian twist! If you want your vampire stories on the darker side, this is a great pick! See full review on The Book Disciple

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of me wishes I had waited longer to try this series because then I would have more books to glom through at once. I picked this up right on the heels of Releasing the Demons, and now I am sad I have to leave this world. LD Rose is one heck of a writer.

If you like your PNR dark, then you should definitely give this a try. (Though I advise you to start with the first book in the series.) The vampires in this book are not sparkly or shiny. They’re not misunderstood or romantic. They are killers. They believe in torture. And they will do anything to get what they want. Or who they want.

Our hero is Jon. We met him in the last book. And despite what I just said about vampires, John is a special one. He is a singularity. It really wasn’t explained why in the first book, but here we learn exactly what makes him so different. He still has his soul. But this is not what he wanted for himself. Part of him wishes he would’ve died the day that he turned, but as he meets our heroine, that all starts to change.

Lawan is a hybrid. But she is not part of the group that has already been introduced. She has been living on her own under the radar for years. And as miserable and tortured as Jon is, she is even more so. She endured horrific torture at the hands of two vampires. She wants no one in her life as a result. But when her path crosses with Jon’s, there is no turning back, at least for him.

I appreciated the fact that the author did not rush to create a relationship between these two, especially a physical one. Lawan is a hot mess, but she should be in light of her history. It’s really quite gratifying to see Jon break down her walls and for her to break down his. They are both so very damaged. But together they start to rebuild.

There’s not as much time spent with the supporting characters in this book as the last, or at least it didn’t seem like it. I want more of the other hybrids. But we do get a little deeper glimpse of Rome. He is fascinating.

A few little niggles, in that some small things didn’t entirely make sense. For instance, how Veronica’s big news worked with the earlier information about the hybrid physiology. Or why exactly John’s sire haunted him the way that he did, at least in the physical sense. I needed a little bit of explaining there.

But the writing is just fantastic. It put me right inside of the story. The characters had depth and was totally invested in them and in their romance. Now I want more. It looks like there was a fair amount of time between the first two installments. I hope there is not so long of a wait for book 3.

Rating: B+

*Review copy provided by author

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review can also be found in Chill and read

Black Bullet, the vampire turned former FBI agent Jonathan Kerr is still out there, fighting the Vampires by the side of the humans and hybrids, continuing the job he started when still in the agency. He is under the Order’s wing, staying with them, fighting with them, making his life tolerable with them.

The thing is that when he turned, he somehow kept his consciousness. The monster however is still there inside him, growing stronger in his subconscious. The battle between them is fierce! It gets even worse when he meets Dama de noche, that beautiful smell that makes his heart move. Lawan.

Lawan Knight is a lost hybrid. She is found by Jon, fighting the Temhota just like him. There is hate in her eyes. Hate against all vampires, especially those that have the Temhota mark on them. She has every right to, as she has been tortured by the Gemini. Now she is after avenge. It is her life purpose and nothing is going to stop her until both Gemini are swept out of the face of the earth.

“Black Bullet” is the second book of “The Order of the Senary”series written by L. D. Rose. It is one of those series that will become a favorite! The world the author has her story going on, is a sort of dystopian future earth, New York so far in the series. The Vampires have taken over most of the city and people no longer walk in the streets after dawn. Only that, the monsters do not hesitate breaking into houses and killing humans for their blood supply or just for fan. The world is not safe anymore.

To help humanity defend themselves against the monsters, the United States of America government had created hybrids, with supernatural powers. But even they, are not enough. Both books in the series are fast paced action books, with a hint of romance in them to spice up the story and make it roll. The vivid descriptions make it more real. The storyline is great! It is a true page turner!!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the Senary lives a vampire, their sworn enemy, but Jonathan Kerr is no ordinary vampire as he struggles to keep control of the monster that lives within. For the camaraderie and friendship they have given him, he has vowed to help them take down an old nemesis before his reign of terror destroys what is left of Brooklyn.

Lawan knows unspeakable pain. She has survived being a vampire plaything and now the half vampire hybrid lives the life of a ghost, alone, mistrustful of everyone. Her best friends are an unruly cat and a bottle of booze until Jon barrels into her life and taunts her with the one she thing thought she had lost forever, hope, and the one thing they both fear, finding love, because to love is to lose, or is it?

L.D. Rose brings on another riveting and heart-pounding read with BLACK BULLET as two misfits in a world where right and wrong are sometimes the same thing and gives them each a chance at personal redemption, revenge and to free the world of one more jagged shard of hate.

Hang on for a roller coaster of emotion, heart-breaking heroes and another steamy, paranormal romance that has both grit, and the stamina to hold readers enthralled from beginning to end!

I received a complimentary copy from L.D. Rose!

Series: The Order of the Senary - Book 2
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing, LLC (November 9, 2016)
Publication Date: November 9, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 332 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Black Bullet is the second book in The Order of the Senary series by L.D Rose. This is a wonderfully original (dark) paranormal romance with plenty of action, drama, violence, danger, and adventure. The world building in this story is first-rate! This was a really well written, multi-layered plot that kept me completely engrossed from start to finish.
We met Jonathan Kerr, who is a vampire, in the first book- but get to know him really well in this book. He’s a unique, interesting, confused, and tortured soul. Lawan Knight is a hybrid who had been held and tortured by vampires and was traumatized by the experience. So, what happens when these two tortured and haunted souls’ cross paths? You really should read all the intriguing details for yourself!
You don’t need to have read the first book in the series before starting this one, but I really recommend that you do because the first book gives so much back story and character introductions- with which would enhance your reading experience of this book.
I really felt for Jon and Lawan, and what they’d been through- their burden of pain was palpable.
A fantastic addition to the series, and my favourite, so far!

Thank you, Ms. Rose!

[Ingrid Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you like dark, paranormal, on the edge of your seat romance with a great cast of characters!!!!

This is the second book in the Senery series.. It can be read as a stand alone but I really recommend reading it in order.

Jonathan James Kerr, US Marine Corp… ended up dead…. or as a vampire but with a conscience and a soul.

The only weapon the humans have against the growing vampire population is one they don't even know it exists. The one family that can actually compete against the vampires are hybrids. Half human, half vampire. And their mission is to rid the world of the vampire population. The Knight family.

Jonathan isn’t exactly family, but he was a very good friend before becoming a vampire, and now, he is a weapon for the Knights, a friend, a brother in arms. But he is tortured because of the beast inside of him, because maybe it would've been better for everyone if he had died.

During one hunt at night, John is suddenly surrounded by vampires, and in the mix of all the chaos there is a woman that entered the fray, unfortunately, she wants to kill him.

And what is so special about her??? She is a Hybrid… The Knights didn’t know she existed! Or did they?

Lawana, has had to face the world alone, having escaped what she believed to be certain death,only to be tortured, used and abused within an inch of her life by vampires. Her only resolve and motive to keep on living is to hunt down all the vampires or die trying. An in the meantime, drown her sorrows in alcohol.

That is until she meets a very special, very soulful vampire, that even though he has black eyes, they are not empty, they show emotion, conscience… but how can that be? She has been deceived before, she will not fall for it again!

They are irrevocably drawn together, one wanting to avoid at all costs the vampire with a conscience, and the other trying to get close to the only human that can actually make him come out of his depression.

Can they overcome their distrust, and learn to love and rely on each other even after all the bad things that has happened to them?

As I said it in my last review, L.D. Rose has that ability to play a movie inside your mind, her descriptions very well elaborated, with no fluff that makes your mind wander.

The story is dark and gripping, and harrowing at times, and you end up wondering if it will ever get better, if they'll be able to surpass their obstacles… but in the end, I know it sounds cheese but LOVE CONQUERS ALL.

I love the curvballs that L.D. Rose throws, (******spoiler alert**** if you do not want to read skip to the last paragragh******) when Lawana is kidnapped by the big bad vampire, and John goes after her like a bat out of hell, and suddenly crashes with the ambulance…. Well that scene was amazing in my head.. And you guess that he will get to her in time… and noooooooooo!!!!! I will not say any more, but wholly molly, I love it when you can surprise me.

So… in conclusion...READ THE BOOK.!!! I simply cannot wait for the next one!!!!


Even though I loved the book, and I do plan to keep on reading, the is just one little detail, very personal if you will, that made some noise in my head… there are some references to God, or religious artifacts that made me squirm in my seat, even though I’m not a religious fanatic.

For more of my reviews, follow me on my blog Ingrid's Book Bolg

L.D. Rose
I was given the book by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[Avril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really loving this series.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan died. People said goodbye to him at his funeral, but what they don't know is that he woke up as a vampire. Now Jon works together with the Knight brothers and helps them to take down the bad vampires. Vampires who show no mercy to anyone and who have done unimaginably cruel things to others. Jon is different because when he turned his soul remained whole. He still knows who he was and remembers everything about his former life. When he has a violent run-in with a female hybrid, Jon can't get her haunting eyes out of his head. He wants to find her again and show her that he's one of the good guys. What would happen if his soul is not the only thing that made it back?

Lawan lives alone. Vampires tortured her and left her for dead. In the hospital the horrific things that were done to her came to the surface. Lawan has never been the same since. She hides in her own sanctuary, which is an abandoned church. Vampires can't come onto holy ground, so she feels safe whenever she's at the only place she calls home. Lawan knows about the hybrid brothers. She once lived with them in the same compound. Lawan is out for revenge and will not rest until she has exterminated ever single Temhota vampire. To her Jon is just another vampire, but when she learns about him fighting side by side with the Senary, Lawan must open her eyes to the fact that maybe there are still some good men left. Will Lawan be able to let other people get close to her again?

Jon has always lived by the honorable code of the marines and the FBI. The day he died was the day his human life ended and his vampire life began. Jon is an intelligent man and an incredibly skilled fighter. He went on several missions and is a reliable soldier, someone people want to have on their side. I liked to read about how this big badass man meets his match in Lawan. She kicks his behind and he has to pull out every trick in the book to get on her good side. Jon is protective and he will do anything to keep his loved ones safe, which is something I admired about him.

Lawan has been on the verge of death, but came out even stronger than she already was. She can hold her own like any man and she's a force to be reckoned with. Lawan also has a softer side that she keeps hidden. She has a cat that she takes good care of and I liked that I was introduced to the woman behind the hybrid. I loved her way of thinking, she's really smart and she has a great sense of humor. I'm in awe with this beautiful woman, who still finds the strength to take back what was taken from her.

Black Bullet is the second book in The Order of The Senary series and it's mind-blowing. L.D. Rose does not spare her main characters. They have gone through the most horrific events and this book isn't for the faint-hearted. She gives her readers the chance to look inside the minds of the evil as well as the good guys. I think that's an interesting angle. I found myself using every minute I could find to read another paragraph. I carried my kindle everywhere. I have been hooked on this series ever since Releasing the Demons and I can't wait to find out what more L.D. Rose has in store for us.

[Ramona Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Bullet is a fantastic book written by L. D. Rose. I read Releasing the Demons which I LOVED. I got hooked and found out that Black Bullet was out so needless to say I had to read that one too and admit, this one was just as good. This author has this skill that draws you in pretty much from page one with a big splash. This book is a serious page turner that is very tough to put down. The plot is so unique even though it is basically about vampires who are written about so much. This makes this book so refreshingly different. The pace of this book is relentless and just spot on. There is never a second where I felt bored or rushed, which is very important to me and quite a few authors fail on. Thankfully this author nailed it! There are some nice twists and I for one can't wait for the next one in this series to come out!

Jon is a unique character and fights quite the inner demons, literally. His situation is rather unique even in the world of vampires and this makes him such a likable character. He is very strong, yet has his weaknesses, which are not bad ones, since they are really doing what he can for the ones he loves, even if they are at the costs of his own life. So how can you fault a man for that?

Lawan, oh wow. A lot of character went into her and there were a lot of tense moments I really felt for her! This author does such an incredible job showing the torment her characters go through in this book but also Releasing the Demons, and how they overcome them with the help of their loved ones. It just shows how much that can really do! And since she is the "crazy cat lady' I like her even more!

I have to say, this series is really becoming another one of my favorite ones and I really really really hope the author is working on more! This book has so much to offer. Uniqueness in a topic that is so much written about and has so many movies out there these days. Lots of action, drama and romance, but also lots of emotion that feels real making you feel with the characters! I honestly can only recommend this author and her books, particularly this one!

Voluntary review of Advance Reader Copy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon died, and Rome and the other hybrids saved him. But they changed him too. He isn't the monster that the vampires are, but close. And the voice of his sire grows stronger by the day. Meeting Lawan, fighting against those monsters changes Jon again. He just needs to make her see his good side first. When Lawan's past collides with Jon's, they have to fight for each other.

I struggled a bit with this one. I really enjoyed book one, but reading this one back to back to that one, was maybe not such a good idea.

Oh, don't get me wrong, it's a good book, well written, from everyone's point of view, including the bad guys again . But it just didn't grab me quite so much.

Or at least it didn't in the beginning. It was well over half way before I became fully engaged in it. The connection between me and the characters grew as the book moved towards conclusion. I did not actually know which way it was gonna go with Jon and the voice of his sire. That kept me guessing right til it happened.

But I am again left with questions!! One occurred to me at a really random point too, especially after that epilogue. So I would love to continue reading this series, if only to get my answers and see all the guys loved up.

4 solid stars.

[Bobo's Book Bank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Order of the Senary series and I gotta say, the series gets better and better! Black Bullet is a standalone but I recommend reading Releasing the Demons first. Not only is it a great book but it gives more background on the Senary and the characters involved. L.D. Rose built an intense, dark and gritty world set in New York but with a twist in history that brought vampires to life. Her words were so imaginative and fantastical that I was easily pulled into Jon and Lawan's story. Their romance is slow burning, it takes a lot for Lawan to learn to trust in Jon and the Knights because of her horrific past. But when Jon and Law finally come together, the chemistry between them is sultry and passionate! I loved Lawan, she was so tough and strong, a real heroine. Jon was of course a tough guy too but he was also incredibly sweet and tender with Law. The story has so much to offer, it's full of intriguing twists, some dark turns, exotic characters, a bit of sexiness and even a sprinkle of laughter. I'm adding this series to my READ AGAIN E-SHELF and I can't wait for the next book! Told from dual POVs with a happy ending for Jon and Law (but hopefully not the end for the Senary yet!)

[Katherine Philbrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book from Weapenry Cooperative via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Make sure to read more reviews at Katherine's Book Reviews.

Black Bullet is a paranormal romance novel by L.D. Rose. It is the second book in the The Order of the Senary series, although it can be read as a stand alone. Since I did read this book out of its series order, I think it would be appropriate to give you the author’s summary of the novel since I am not aware of all that has gone on in the series:

“Fledgling vampire Jonathan Kerr has just met his match.

Not even his past life as a former Marine and FBI agent could prepare him for the battle against the monster inside him, struggling to take hold. After an old nemesis of the Senary surfaces in Brooklyn, unleashing chaos and terror in the battered borough, Jon sets out to take him down. Instead, he ends up with far more than he bargained for when he clashes with the beautiful half-vampire hybrid, Lawan Knight.

After escaping near death and suffering unspeakable horror at the hands of vampires, Lawan trusts no one, regardless of species. In between bouts of drunken stupor, her only goal is to exterminate all those who’ve wronged her, including every member of Jon’s vampire bloodline. But Jon’s soulful eyes and quick smile crawls under her skin, transforming her black and white world into a hazy shade of gray.

As the days rapidly grow darker, Jon and Lawan turn to one another, but their inner demons threaten to tear them apart. The only way either of them will survive is if they overcome their greatest fear–

Love.”

Black Bullet is an exciting and rough novel that will leave you thinking “woah, what just happened?” I am actually not used to reading paranormal romances but I really enjoyed this book, and I especially enjoyed getting to know the characters. Jon and Lawan are both deeply intricate and kindred spirits. They both have really interesting backstories and are rounded out enough so that by the end you can automatically recognize their feelings and their antics. I also love the way they are described as vampires. The vampires I have been familiar with in literature are described as being mushy, soft and glittery. The vampires in this book however are far from that. They can be emotional but all around they are raw and violent and it was so awesome to read of their adventures. Some people may deem the violence in this book a little too much for their taste but I think that is what makes this book so great, and what brings it to life. I had so much fun getting to know this story and although I may have had to back away from it at times because of the violence, the characters and the storyline always managed to bring me right back into the story.

Overall, I believe this is a great, action-packed read. L.D. Rose’s writing is fast paced but it works well given the storyline. She has a great talent and shows it off through the paranormal romance genre. I was impressed by her ability to create such wonderful descriptions and story arcs in what felt like such a short amount of time. Once I started reading I got really attached to the characters to the point where I did not want to put the book down. I definitely want to go back and read the first book, as well as finish the other books in the series. Again, I am not the biggest fan of vampires but I ended up loving all of the creatures/characters in this book. I suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a satisfying, horror/romance filled and fast-paced novel. This book teaches you that no matter who you are, even if you try to run away from it, true love cannot be denied and will always find a way to catch up with you.

[Aggis · Rating 4 out of 5]

L.D Rose is a newer author to me and despite the time between the 2 novels I was immediately drawn back into her world. The picture she paints of vampires in modern day is a very dark one - so readers beware if that is not your cup of tea.

Forget tortured hero's everyone in this book is straight up tortured and it is always worth it when we reach their happy ending. Its easy to see L.D Rose setting up her future cast of characters and I'm excited to revisit her world. It looks like Shaul may be next but Kaj, Dex, Rome - there's a lot of love to go around.

I will say that I was not the biggest fan of Lawen/Jon so I'm hoping the next novel has more in store for me.

[vvb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel continues the main storyline of romance and action in a paranormal world involving mostly vampires, hybrids and leeches.

Characters from the previous novel are spotlighted while others have minor roles in the background.

Along with the usual push and pull of the start of love relationships, the couple here must also deal with the struggles that involve battles with evil beings.

Includes: guns and a fierce cat

[Sara Oxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Bullet by L.D. Rose a four-star read that will put you in order. This is the second novel in the Order of the Sentry series, however it is a stand-alone, you don’t need to have read the first one Releasing the Demons, but it does give you good world building background. The world building in this series is sublime, Jonathan Kerr is one of those characters that will make you feel his pain, he will make you feel his confusion and heart, coming to terms with what he is now. The pain and hardship are palpable, you will feel it as if it was your own. If you like your reads dark then you will adore this read.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series so much! This is my third reread of this book 😅

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Black Bullet" is a wild and crazy adventure that involves a variety of supernatural characters.

Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fledgling vampire Jonathan Kerr has just met his match.

Not even his past life as a former Marine and FBI agent could prepare him for the battle against the monster inside him, struggling to take hold. After an old nemesis of the Senary surfaces in Brooklyn, unleashing chaos and terror in the battered borough, Jon sets out to take him down. Instead, he ends up with far more than he bargained for when he clashes with the beautiful half-vampire hybrid, Lawan Knight.

After escaping near death and suffering unspeakable horror at the hands of vampires, Lawan trusts no one, regardless of species. In between bouts of drunken stupor, her only goal is to exterminate all those who’ve wronged her, including every member of Jon’s vampire bloodline. But Jon’s soulful eyes and quick smile crawls under her skin, transforming her black and white world into a hazy shade of gray.

As the days rapidly grow darker, Jon and Lawan turn to one another, but their inner demons threaten to tear them apart. The only way either of them will survive is if they overcome their greatest fear–

••••••••••

REVIEW:

The second book to what’s turning out to be a really good series.

JJ was a marine, then FBI agent, now he’s a human turned vampire (against his will) and holds a lot of resentment still, but he puts his skills to good use.
He was saved by the Knights (his sister is marrying one) after saving one of the hybrids life.
(There aren’t many good vamps, and JJ finds it hard to come to terms with what he is)

Lawan is a knight, (the hybrids that all live in the same place, have the same father) a hybrid, but she works alone. Something really bad happened in the past, and it shaped her into the killing machine she is today.

Their first meeting is explosive, she literally kicks JJ’s butt, and after leaving him coughing up blood, their next meeting should be just as explosive.

One of the hybrids (Rome) explains that although females were once made into hybrids, they were quickly eradicated. But not all of them, how Lawna slipped through the net gets revealed in the book. But he knows Lawna, and she certainly knows Rome !

The story remains at a fast pace, and like the first book in the series, it’s a graphic but gripping read.
The characters slowly dance around their attraction for each other, JJ feels he doesn’t deserve anyone (who could love a vampire, right?) and Lawna can’t get close to anyone, and certainly not a leech. It would hurt too much to lose anyone else.

There is a sub-plot going on as well, and it’s interesting how the two move along together.

I’m totally hooked on this series, and can’t wait for more.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through the Quill and Ink Tour Review Team in exchange for a fair and honest review.....this is an exciting, dark paranormal, dystopian story, and the second instalment in the Order of the Senry Series .... Vampires, hybrids and humans are locked in a deadly battle for supremacy and survival and this book focuses on a small band of warriors prepared to fight and if necessary sacrifice themselves in a bid to rid the world of an evil enemy...

Jon and Lawan are the two main characters in a book packed full of interesting dysfunctional beings.... the relationship between the two main characters is full of humour; there is no suggestion that Lawan, a total badass, is anything but an equal to Jon and although they are fighters first theirs is also a love story....

Not only are the characters well written but also I loved the detailed descriptions of the landscapes in which these wonderful and dreadful characters move and interact...the author creates vivid pictures of the environments which made this grim, imagined world seem very real...

This book is dark and thrilling with immortal and mortal locked in battle but it is also a love story played out with this dystopian universe as it's backdrop ...the ending when it comes brings a satisfactory conclusion to this episode but there is clearly so much more story to be told about all the characters encountered and I am excited to read the next instalment....

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Black Bullet is the second book in the series. It follows JJ or Jon, whom we met briefly in the first book. Jon is a vampire, but when he was dying two of the Knights were able to keep him from becoming an evil vampire minion by keeping his soul in his body. (kind of like Angel) Jon's backstory goes back before Releasing the Demons. This book goes into more depth and detail about the Knights and the Order of the Senary and the who, what, why, and how of them. Once again I was sucked into the story and the setting and it was wow.

The vampire who killed Jon is dead, but his twin brother Reign is back and wants revenge, that is unless Jon finds him first. But Jon isn't the only one tracking this psychotic vampire Lawan has reasons of her own for wanting the maniac dead. Lawan appearance has everyone surprised she is one of them, a genetically created hybrid. Jon is amazed by the lost Knight sister and is completely taken by the woman's grace, beauty, and fighting ability. His need to help and protect her is almost as much as his lust for her. Lawan does not trust easy and thinks Jon has an ulterior motive she has a hard time seeing past his black vampire eyes at first but Jon is nothing if not persistent and eventually wears her down and she lets him into her heart.

Old demons, bad blood, torture and one angry kitten is it more than Lawan and Jon can handle? or can their love conquer all. Overall, damn good book. Yes still graphic and violent that's one of the reasons I liked it so much. I really can not wait for Rome's story.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did something silly. I read this book out of order. Do yourself a favour, and don't make that mistake. Read Releasing the Demons first (review to come next month). I suspect that it will assist with the background nuances of the clearly established relationships referenced in this book.

That aside, I found this to be an easy read. The pacing was fast, and that worked perfectly with the storyline. The characters have real substance to them, and although here is a lot going on, each has his or her own very unique voice. And despite the action which is packed into these (virtual) pages, there is a tangible sense of family which pervades the narrative.

An engaging story.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG...another great story featuring The Order of the Senary! I read this in one day/night on my desktop, it was that damn good! Another action-packed paranormal drama featuring two very broken, angry, yet beautiful main characters: Jon - the hot half-Italian, former Marine vampire, and Lawan - a rare female vampire hybrid of Asian decent, and one kick-ass chick!
I fell in love with these two. I love strong, complicated and sensitive characters, and they fitted the bill perfectly. Like Blaze from 'Releasing the Demons' Jon and Lawan were good, realistic examples of how one deals with and overcomes the horrific chapters of their lives, with the resulting PTSD issues.
(I could tell right off the bat that these two were made for each other: Jon would frequently visit his grave, and Lawan lived in an abandoned church. They both had to be on holy ground...lol)

Besides being re-introduced to the awesome characters from the first book, this book had the perfect balance of action (with the required dose of gore and violence), twisted vampire villains, humor, one particularly beautiful love scene (with a few others that didn't take over the story), and an awesome black cat named Oscar.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this series for damn sure!

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.*

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.D. Rose is not an author to “watch”. She is an author to READ. This is a story that will keep your eyes stuck to each page. Breakfast, Lunch – Dinner? Who needs to eat? This was the most incredibly vibrant, soul snatching, emotional and rockin’ ride ever!

Ok . . . Ok. I’ve calmed down a little. I cannot say enough about how good this story is. It is a very dark romance and it takes place in a post apocalyptic-type New York City. There is some sex, lots of death, substance abuse and blood. There is a HEA and a happy pseudo cliffhanger that leads into the next book. The characters are stunningly realistic. The anger, the self loathing, the sadness and glimmer of hope that turned into a full fledged beacon of light was so realistic it was nearly painful to read.

This author seriously knows how to write. The world is at war with vampires and there are some seriously brutal and psychopathic vampires. L.D. Rose does not pull any punches when it comes to descriptive picture writing. She writes just enough to let your mind paint the picture of whatever scene our heroes/heroines slash antihero/anti heroines are currently involved.

This is not a fluffy book. I would lean toward darkly spine-tingling and suspenseful. If you are uncomfortable with torture, you may want to look the other way, but I am truly encouraging you to give this Order of Senary series a try.

[Porch Swing Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an ARC of Black Bullet by L.D. Rose in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed reading Releasing the Demons, book 1 in L.D. Rose's The Order of the Senary series, but I LOVED LOVED LOVED reading Black Bullet! I started reading Black Bullet on Friday night and was sneaking in a few moments of reading any chance I could during my busy busy weekend.

Jon's character didn't really stand out to me when I was reading Releasing the Demons. I recognized him as someone from Val's past, but shrugged him off as a distant and cold character I didn't care too much about getting to know any further. Unexpectedly, I ended up loving him and craving more of his and Lawan's stories. Have you ever connected so deeply with a book couple that you feel as if you are an invisible third party in their relationship? Yeah, well that is how invested I became in Jon and Lawan's relationship. It was intense and extremely frustrating at times, but I enjoyed every single minute of it.

If there is a third Order of the Senary book, I am hoping it will revolve around Shaul. He is such an intriguing character and I would love to find out more about him. Plus, a third book means more of L.D. Rose's great writing!

[Speed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully gripping fantastic read!!!
I have not read a good vampire/paranormal story in a very long time and this book tots did it for me! I can't say enough about showing the true nature of those evil vamps and this was pretty darn close. This is my first read in this story and I missed reading the first in this series. I will be reading Blaze and Valerie's story next. I love Jon and Lawan' s story. Full of action, hot sex, Humor from the Senary crew and blood and death So much blood. Lol. A really great read and I am sooooo looking forward to the next book in this series. 4.5 stars!
****ARC provided thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review****