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Mission #2
Blood Veil
In the midst of supernatural chaos, worlds and hearts collide.
Celia: Having never known my parents, I’ve always felt like an orphan. All I want is a normal life. But after I’m attacked in my bedroom by one vampire—and rescued by another—it’s about time to give up on “normal” once and for all. Idris, the second in command of the Gregorie vampire clan, has come to my aid, but his motives for saving me are unclear. And what surprises me most is my attraction to his heated gaze. . . .
Idris: Terror. Curiosity. Arousal. These are the natural impulses of a human female, not the spawn of the ruthless Valarian king. Is it possible that Celia is unaware of her bloodline—and the power coursing through her veins? As the daughter of my archenemy, she was supposed to be my ransom. But how quickly the heat of desire changes everything. Now the family Celia has always craved is trying to kill her, and it’s up to me to save her again—when all I really want to do is make her mine.
Megan Erickson’s thrilling Mission novels can be read together or separately:
BLOOD GUARD | BLOOD VEIL
Celia: Having never known my parents, I’ve always felt like an orphan. All I want is a normal life. But after I’m attacked in my bedroom by one vampire—and rescued by another—it’s about time to give up on “normal” once and for all. Idris, the second in command of the Gregorie vampire clan, has come to my aid, but his motives for saving me are unclear. And what surprises me most is my attraction to his heated gaze. . . .
Idris: Terror. Curiosity. Arousal. These are the natural impulses of a human female, not the spawn of the ruthless Valarian king. Is it possible that Celia is unaware of her bloodline—and the power coursing through her veins? As the daughter of my archenemy, she was supposed to be my ransom. But how quickly the heat of desire changes everything. Now the family Celia has always craved is trying to kill her, and it’s up to me to save her again—when all I really want to do is make her mine.
Megan Erickson’s thrilling Mission novels can be read together or separately:
BLOOD GUARD | BLOOD VEIL
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2018
30 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Megan Erickson
50 books1,845 followersMegan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
April 2, 2018
This is the second installment in this, series and since I really enjoyed reading the first book "Blood Guard" , I was very curious about this one ;)
This second book is about Idris, Athan's (Blood Guard) brother. He has been send to keep his eye on princess Celia, the daughter of their enemy. Idris wants to use Celia as a pawn to get to her father. After everything that has happend in the first book....Idris is ready for some revenge.
Things don't really go as planned (when do they ever?). Celia doesn't know anything about "his world". She was fostered and raised as a regular human child... and when she gets attacked, he ends up saving her.... and taking her with him.
But what happens when he starts to develop feelings for this pawn...
This book is pretty heavy on the insta-love/insta-lust. Normally with PNR it doesn't really bother me, but for some reason I was a bit annoyed with how easily Celia gives in. I just wanted her to fight it a bit more. I mean she is kidnapped by a vampire...so you would think that fear would override everything else ??? This is personal though...I am just a fan of feisty, strong kickass heroines ;)
Other than that, I really did enjoy reading this one. What can I say... I love me some badass vamps !!!
I do have to say that I enjoyed the first book a bit more. Maybe that's because I just liked Kendra (book 1) more. Anyways...I am very curious to see what will happen next ;)
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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April 3, 2018
***3.75 Stars***
"Never knew it was possible to feel like this. To crave someone so deeply, to be consumed with it."
Ever since I finished Blood Guard, I've been dying to get my hands on Idris's book! After the way things ended in Blood Guard, Idris had one purpose...revenge! The Valarian king was his target and his daughter the perfect prey to carry out his plan.
Celia grew up in foster care, never having known her parents or having any family. She lives a quiet life, surrounded by a few close friends...but mostly just going through the motions. She's haunted by nightmares of bleeding trees and shadows in the night, and with no one to talk to she thinks she may be beginning to lose her mind.
Her life takes a drastic turn when a strange creature tries to kill her in the middle of the night. Things take an even weirder turn, when another imposing figure saves her life and kidnaps her.
Idris's plan just got a curveball. He wasn't planning on taking Celia so early, but it appears that someone wants Celia dead and that just won't do. Not until he gets what he wants. And what he wants is information on her father.
At first, Idris doesn't believe that Celia has no clue about her bloodline, but the more time they spend together, the more he realizes that Celia is telling the truth. And as he gets to know her, the more he realizes that he wants to protect her. But now he must figure out how to reconcile his anger with her father, with the fact that he's falling for his enemy's daughter.
And I didn't miss the fact that when I looked at Celia - I felt like I had purpose. What worried me was that I wasn't quite sure where that purpose would lead either of us.
I was absolutely glued to the pages while reading this book. It's fast paced and addicting. The easy bond between Celia and Idris was all kinds of swoony.
Celia was a smart, strong and likable heroine and Idris was a broody, torn yet protective hero....a fabulous combination to have me immediately invested in these characters. I was rooting for them from the moment that spark appeared...and little by little, I watched that spark ignite into love.
However, I do have to say that I enjoyed the first half more than the second. In the second half things progressed a little too quickly for my tastes. The pacing in the first half felt natural and organic, whereas in the second half it was as though the author put her foot to the gas pedal...a list of scenes and events that needed to happen and a certain number of pages to achieve that.
I was still engaged in the story and characters, but it was as if the effortlessness of the first half disappeared. Certain scenes and plot points felt forced and rushed in order to tick off a checkmark in the story (I'm looking at you "first time Celia and Idris are together").
But even though the pacing and some scenes threw me off in the second half, the emotion was still there. I was still invested in these characters, still rooting for their survival and relationship...and still glued to my kindle anticipating what would happen next.
I believe this is the end of the road for the vampire world Megan Erickson created, and I've got to say...I most definitely enjoyed the ride.
If you're in the mood for an engaging and addicting vampire tale with broody and protective heroes and smart, strong, fiesty and immensely likable heroines...this is the series for you!
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a review***
April 24, 2018
It was an okay read that had some creative elements that I really liked.
Megan Erickson has put her own spin on vampires and their culture/world and I liked reading about them. The different clans and their approach to humans was interesting. The blood veil was also a nice twist I didn’t see coming but really enjoyed.
What didn’t work for me was the insta-love that sprang between Idris and Celia. Not that I don’t enjoy a love at first sight romance but I do need to see that transition from hatred to love to buy into their romance. Idris and Celia’s interactions were way to disjointed with few one on one moments. Their dialogue seemed hesitant and didn’t really convey the depth of yheir emotions (other than lust). The MCs had potential but the pacing of the story didn’t really give them enough opportunity to make a believable and lasting couple out of them.
Celia was a weeping heroine. She cried – a lot! She was endearing and trusting and I liked that she instinctively had faith in Idris even though he didn’t really shine the best light on himself. But she never really stood up for herself. She let others use her and never put up much of a fight, mostly relying on Idris to ride to her rescue. As for Idris, I felt emotional disconnected from his character. His emotional struggle, regarding his father, his brother, Celia and Celia’s father, none of it ever affected me. I read about his rages and when he was hurting over his tension filled relationship with his brother and his conflict with caring for Celia, but none of it was really felt. It was kind of just stated but not enough page time was given to really get into the complexity of his feelings. Than in a blink of an eye, his feelings morph and he’s a different person. Hearing him out of the blue start calling Celia "little one" was so weird! I don’t know if I’m making any sense here, but to me, it didn’t make any sense because no details were given and his about face felt like whiplash. I was just left confused about him and it came off as anti-climatic.
Would I recommend?
If you enjoyed the first in the series, this one will be a must read. I might come back to check out another before deciding whether or not this writing style will work for me.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
Megan Erickson has put her own spin on vampires and their culture/world and I liked reading about them. The different clans and their approach to humans was interesting. The blood veil was also a nice twist I didn’t see coming but really enjoyed.
What didn’t work for me was the insta-love that sprang between Idris and Celia. Not that I don’t enjoy a love at first sight romance but I do need to see that transition from hatred to love to buy into their romance. Idris and Celia’s interactions were way to disjointed with few one on one moments. Their dialogue seemed hesitant and didn’t really convey the depth of yheir emotions (other than lust). The MCs had potential but the pacing of the story didn’t really give them enough opportunity to make a believable and lasting couple out of them.
Celia was a weeping heroine. She cried – a lot! She was endearing and trusting and I liked that she instinctively had faith in Idris even though he didn’t really shine the best light on himself. But she never really stood up for herself. She let others use her and never put up much of a fight, mostly relying on Idris to ride to her rescue. As for Idris, I felt emotional disconnected from his character. His emotional struggle, regarding his father, his brother, Celia and Celia’s father, none of it ever affected me. I read about his rages and when he was hurting over his tension filled relationship with his brother and his conflict with caring for Celia, but none of it was really felt. It was kind of just stated but not enough page time was given to really get into the complexity of his feelings. Than in a blink of an eye, his feelings morph and he’s a different person. Hearing him out of the blue start calling Celia "little one" was so weird! I don’t know if I’m making any sense here, but to me, it didn’t make any sense because no details were given and his about face felt like whiplash. I was just left confused about him and it came off as anti-climatic.
Would I recommend?
If you enjoyed the first in the series, this one will be a must read. I might come back to check out another before deciding whether or not this writing style will work for me.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
June 16, 2018
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Blood Veil by Megan Erickson
Book Two of the Mission series
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication Date: April 3, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
In the midst of supernatural chaos, worlds and hearts collide.
Celia: Having never known my parents, I’ve always felt like an orphan. All I want is a normal life. But after I’m attacked in my bedroom by one vampire—and rescued by another—it’s about time to give up on “normal” once and for all. Idris, the second in command of the Gregorie vampire clan, has come to my aid, but his motives for saving me are unclear. And what surprises me most is my attraction to his heated gaze. . . .
Idris: Terror. Curiosity. Arousal. These are the natural impulses of a human female, not the spawn of the ruthless Valarian king. Is it possible that Celia is unaware of her bloodline—and the power coursing through her veins? As the daughter of my archenemy, she was supposed to be my ransom. But how quickly the heat of desire changes everything. Now the family Celia has always craved is trying to kill her, and it’s up to me to save her again—when all I really want to do is make her mine.
What I Liked:
Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I'm kind of excited about vampires being "in" again. Ten years ago (or more than that), everyone was sick and tired of vampires and werewolves and all that - myself included. But I'm ready for more vampire novels, especially in romance! Thank goodness there is a great author behind this series. I already love Erickson's books, and this series has been going really well for me.
This is the second book in the Mission series, and a companion to the first book. Idris, the younger Gregorie brother, is bent on revenge. He plans to use the Valarian king's daughter as a pawn in his plan to take out the king. But Athan (the Gregorie king and Idris's older brother) wants the Valarian princess safe and unharmed while negotiations are in place. Unfortunately for Celia (who doesn't even know that vampires exist, let alone that she's half-vampire), life is not turning out the way she thought. One minute she's sleeping, the next minute there is a creature in her bathroom. She is almost killed by one supernatural being, only to be rescued by another. Idris thought he could use Celia in his schemes, but he didn't expect to fall for her.
I felt so bad for Idris in Blood Guard, with everything that he had to deal with, and all the changes that came about towards the end of that book. Idris is a complicated guy with a lot of loneliness and a loss of purpose. He is honing in on revenge because his purpose is gone. But while Idris is a strategic mastermind and a man set on the course of revenge, he is also very loyal and protective. He wants more in life but he is also stalled, and doesn't know where to go. He's a good guy, despite his armor and stony facade.
I adored Celia, and maybe for reasons that others might not like her. She is a nurse, a kind soul, a gentle person who cares with her whole heart and is so sweet. She is a selfless, giving woman, and I loved that her gentleness was a perfect foil to Idris's hardness. Celia is NOT weak, but she has a quiet strength. She isn't some sort of kickbutt warrior queen - but she is strong in other ways. Her strength is in her selflessness and her good heart.
As a pair, Idris and Celia really worked. It took some time for each of them to trust each other - which makes sense, since Idris saved Celia's life and then took her away from her home (for her safety of course - but still). Celia was scared and cautious at first, but she began to trust him with every time he saved her life, and every time he showed his softer sides. And Idris... Idris spent his entire life being lonely, not having that sense of connection and love with anyone. Both of them have a lot of caution when it comes to loving someone else, and both of them fit the other really well. There was a slow build of trust and a slow build of feelings, but the chemistry was always there. I didn't see Stockholm Syndrome in this romance.
As always, Erickson wrote some great chemistry and tension, and this book was fairly steamy! Her books are always spot-on when it comes to chemistry, so I expected no less.
This novel isn't just a romance - there is a lot of vampire politics in play. Athan is very present in this book, what with him being Gregorie king and all, and Celia being the Valarian king's daughter (and a very important piece to a puzzle that Idris is trying to understand). We also get to see Tendra (Athan's queen), though less so than Athan. Politics are very important in this book, and certain events take the series even further than Blood Guard. I'm curious to see how the overall plot (the vampire politics and wars and peace settlements with humans) will shake out.
I hope there will be a book three! I don't know who the protagonist would be, but I can hope.
What I Did Not Like:
I can't really think of anything specific at the moment. I enjoyed this book!
Would I Recommend It:
If you like adult paranormal romance, this is a great series to read! I was wanting to read a vampire romance novel last year and lo and behold, Erickson had Blood Guard ready to be published. That book and Blood Veil are excellent! Very steamy, very intriguing paranormal romance novels.
Rating:
4 stars. I really hope there will be a book three! Erickson cannot stop the series here! While each book is a companion novel following a different pair of characters, the overall plot connects the books, and I want to see where things will go. Keep writing, Megan!
Blood Veil by Megan Erickson
Book Two of the Mission series
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication Date: April 3, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
In the midst of supernatural chaos, worlds and hearts collide.
Celia: Having never known my parents, I’ve always felt like an orphan. All I want is a normal life. But after I’m attacked in my bedroom by one vampire—and rescued by another—it’s about time to give up on “normal” once and for all. Idris, the second in command of the Gregorie vampire clan, has come to my aid, but his motives for saving me are unclear. And what surprises me most is my attraction to his heated gaze. . . .
Idris: Terror. Curiosity. Arousal. These are the natural impulses of a human female, not the spawn of the ruthless Valarian king. Is it possible that Celia is unaware of her bloodline—and the power coursing through her veins? As the daughter of my archenemy, she was supposed to be my ransom. But how quickly the heat of desire changes everything. Now the family Celia has always craved is trying to kill her, and it’s up to me to save her again—when all I really want to do is make her mine.
What I Liked:
Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I'm kind of excited about vampires being "in" again. Ten years ago (or more than that), everyone was sick and tired of vampires and werewolves and all that - myself included. But I'm ready for more vampire novels, especially in romance! Thank goodness there is a great author behind this series. I already love Erickson's books, and this series has been going really well for me.
This is the second book in the Mission series, and a companion to the first book. Idris, the younger Gregorie brother, is bent on revenge. He plans to use the Valarian king's daughter as a pawn in his plan to take out the king. But Athan (the Gregorie king and Idris's older brother) wants the Valarian princess safe and unharmed while negotiations are in place. Unfortunately for Celia (who doesn't even know that vampires exist, let alone that she's half-vampire), life is not turning out the way she thought. One minute she's sleeping, the next minute there is a creature in her bathroom. She is almost killed by one supernatural being, only to be rescued by another. Idris thought he could use Celia in his schemes, but he didn't expect to fall for her.
I felt so bad for Idris in Blood Guard, with everything that he had to deal with, and all the changes that came about towards the end of that book. Idris is a complicated guy with a lot of loneliness and a loss of purpose. He is honing in on revenge because his purpose is gone. But while Idris is a strategic mastermind and a man set on the course of revenge, he is also very loyal and protective. He wants more in life but he is also stalled, and doesn't know where to go. He's a good guy, despite his armor and stony facade.
I adored Celia, and maybe for reasons that others might not like her. She is a nurse, a kind soul, a gentle person who cares with her whole heart and is so sweet. She is a selfless, giving woman, and I loved that her gentleness was a perfect foil to Idris's hardness. Celia is NOT weak, but she has a quiet strength. She isn't some sort of kickbutt warrior queen - but she is strong in other ways. Her strength is in her selflessness and her good heart.
As a pair, Idris and Celia really worked. It took some time for each of them to trust each other - which makes sense, since Idris saved Celia's life and then took her away from her home (for her safety of course - but still). Celia was scared and cautious at first, but she began to trust him with every time he saved her life, and every time he showed his softer sides. And Idris... Idris spent his entire life being lonely, not having that sense of connection and love with anyone. Both of them have a lot of caution when it comes to loving someone else, and both of them fit the other really well. There was a slow build of trust and a slow build of feelings, but the chemistry was always there. I didn't see Stockholm Syndrome in this romance.
As always, Erickson wrote some great chemistry and tension, and this book was fairly steamy! Her books are always spot-on when it comes to chemistry, so I expected no less.
This novel isn't just a romance - there is a lot of vampire politics in play. Athan is very present in this book, what with him being Gregorie king and all, and Celia being the Valarian king's daughter (and a very important piece to a puzzle that Idris is trying to understand). We also get to see Tendra (Athan's queen), though less so than Athan. Politics are very important in this book, and certain events take the series even further than Blood Guard. I'm curious to see how the overall plot (the vampire politics and wars and peace settlements with humans) will shake out.
I hope there will be a book three! I don't know who the protagonist would be, but I can hope.
What I Did Not Like:
I can't really think of anything specific at the moment. I enjoyed this book!
Would I Recommend It:
If you like adult paranormal romance, this is a great series to read! I was wanting to read a vampire romance novel last year and lo and behold, Erickson had Blood Guard ready to be published. That book and Blood Veil are excellent! Very steamy, very intriguing paranormal romance novels.
Rating:
4 stars. I really hope there will be a book three! Erickson cannot stop the series here! While each book is a companion novel following a different pair of characters, the overall plot connects the books, and I want to see where things will go. Keep writing, Megan!
August 29, 2019
Inhalt: In dem zweiten Band "Von Liebe erweckt" der "Blood Dynasty" von Megan Erickson geht es nun um Athans Bruder Idris. Er bekommt den Auftrag Celia zu beschatten. Als sie angegriffen wird rettet er sie im letzten Moment. Bis zu diesem Augenblick wusste sie nichts von der Welt der Vampire und das obwohl ihr Vater einer der mächtigsten Vampire ist. Zwischen ihnen entsteht Leidenschaft. Diese ist allerdings alles andere als angebracht. Schließlich ist Celias Vater nicht nur irgendein Vampir, sondern der Erzfeind von Idris und seinem Bruder. Wird er sie trotzdem retten, als ausgerechnet Celias Familie versucht sie zu töten?
Meinung: Das Cover gefällt mir ganz gut, sogar besser als das Originalcover. Dank der schönen roten geschwungenen Schrift und dem weißen Untertitel passt es sehr gut zum ersten Band. Allerdings muss ichzugeben, dass mir das Cover vom ersten Band besser gefällt. Wie auch schon der Vorgänger, wurde auch dieser Band von Susanna Arens übersetzt. Auch wenn mir dieser Teil besser gefallen hat, muss ich leider sagen, dass ich auch hier wieder den Schreibstil etwas platt und langweilig fand. Erneut ist mir negativ aufgefallen, dass öftersmal, wenn auch zum Glück nicht allzu oft, wie im ersten Band, die Wörter "fi**en" oder "harter Schw*" verwendet worden sind. In die Geschichte kommt man schnell rein. Ich rate definitiv dazu zuerst den ersten Band zu lesen. Zwar geht es hier um andere Hauptpersonen, aber dieser Band schließt direkt an Band 1 an. Es wäre schon gut alle Informationen aus dem ersten Band zu haben. Vom Mädchen-weiß-nichts-von-der-Vampirwelt-und-wird-von einem-Vampir-in-diese-Welt-entführt-Prinzip ist es nichts Neues, aber es entscheidet sich schon von der Storyline vom ersten Teil. Zwar gehört Celia, genauso wie Tendra zu den Menschen, die auf sich alleingestellt und eher einsam sind, trotzdem sind die beiden nicht wirklich zu vergleichen. Celias Charakter kam mir realistischer und etwas ausgearbeiteter vor. Ihre Reaktion auf die Quellen und Vampire kam sehr viel echter rüber. Gerade ihre Panikattaken haben gezeigt, dass sie sich der Gefahr bewusst ist und ihr alles zu viel ist. Das Ganze hat sie echter und authentisch wirken lassen.
Idris hat mir vom Charakter her auch besser als Athan gezeigt. Er macht eine Wandlung durch. Wenn man bedenkt ,was er seit dem vorherigen Band alles durchgemacht hat, ist das eine tolle Entwicklung. an lernt ihn sowohl am Tiefpunkt als auch Höhepunkt kennen. Seinen Charakter hat es definitiv gestärkt.
Leider hat mir das Ende nicht ganz so gut gefallen. Während es am Anfang etwas zäher war, überschlugen sich die Ereignisse gegen Ende zu sehr und ich fand es ein bisschen zu konstruiert.
Fazit: Man sollte den ersten Band auf jeden Fall vorher gelesen haben, um auch alles zu verstehen, da es an diesem anknüpft. Wirklich komplett überzeugen konnte mich der Band leider nicht, aber er ist definitiv besser als sein Vorgänger. Jeder der den ersten Band mag wird diesen Teil auch mögen.
Meinung: Das Cover gefällt mir ganz gut, sogar besser als das Originalcover. Dank der schönen roten geschwungenen Schrift und dem weißen Untertitel passt es sehr gut zum ersten Band. Allerdings muss ichzugeben, dass mir das Cover vom ersten Band besser gefällt. Wie auch schon der Vorgänger, wurde auch dieser Band von Susanna Arens übersetzt. Auch wenn mir dieser Teil besser gefallen hat, muss ich leider sagen, dass ich auch hier wieder den Schreibstil etwas platt und langweilig fand. Erneut ist mir negativ aufgefallen, dass öftersmal, wenn auch zum Glück nicht allzu oft, wie im ersten Band, die Wörter "fi**en" oder "harter Schw*" verwendet worden sind. In die Geschichte kommt man schnell rein. Ich rate definitiv dazu zuerst den ersten Band zu lesen. Zwar geht es hier um andere Hauptpersonen, aber dieser Band schließt direkt an Band 1 an. Es wäre schon gut alle Informationen aus dem ersten Band zu haben. Vom Mädchen-weiß-nichts-von-der-Vampirwelt-und-wird-von einem-Vampir-in-diese-Welt-entführt-Prinzip ist es nichts Neues, aber es entscheidet sich schon von der Storyline vom ersten Teil. Zwar gehört Celia, genauso wie Tendra zu den Menschen, die auf sich alleingestellt und eher einsam sind, trotzdem sind die beiden nicht wirklich zu vergleichen. Celias Charakter kam mir realistischer und etwas ausgearbeiteter vor. Ihre Reaktion auf die Quellen und Vampire kam sehr viel echter rüber. Gerade ihre Panikattaken haben gezeigt, dass sie sich der Gefahr bewusst ist und ihr alles zu viel ist. Das Ganze hat sie echter und authentisch wirken lassen.
Idris hat mir vom Charakter her auch besser als Athan gezeigt. Er macht eine Wandlung durch. Wenn man bedenkt ,was er seit dem vorherigen Band alles durchgemacht hat, ist das eine tolle Entwicklung. an lernt ihn sowohl am Tiefpunkt als auch Höhepunkt kennen. Seinen Charakter hat es definitiv gestärkt.
Leider hat mir das Ende nicht ganz so gut gefallen. Während es am Anfang etwas zäher war, überschlugen sich die Ereignisse gegen Ende zu sehr und ich fand es ein bisschen zu konstruiert.
Fazit: Man sollte den ersten Band auf jeden Fall vorher gelesen haben, um auch alles zu verstehen, da es an diesem anknüpft. Wirklich komplett überzeugen konnte mich der Band leider nicht, aber er ist definitiv besser als sein Vorgänger. Jeder der den ersten Band mag wird diesen Teil auch mögen.
March 13, 2018
I was going to have a panic attack. Right here, in front of this -- vampire man -- my body was going to attack itself. Wow, I was amazing at self-defense.
I went into BLOOD VEIL with pretty low expectations because I've yet to really find a recent release by Erickson that's really grabbed me. Some excellent, and exciting, variety in what she's churning out these days but still.. I'm always juuust on the fence about the results.
So maybe it was those lower expectations, or maybe it's been a while since I dipped into paranormal, but I really enjoyed the first half of this second offering in the Mission series. I liked the characters, the plot, the thrills and chases, and it was lacking in the silly, ridiculous, or OTT cheese of book one. At least for a little while.
I'd always thought that place in my soul full of anger made me hard, strong. But now I realized it didn't. Not at all. It was an extreme emotion just like love, and if I could feel anger that strongly, then I could love, too.
By the second half of the book my enjoyment was a lot less and I just wanted to get through it until the end. I think I'm finally at the point where I'm going to stop requesting this author, maybe even stop reading her altogether, and none of that is a result of what's happening out in the romance world right now. I usually like her books (ish) but just don't love them and I'm getting to the point where I don't want to pick apart the things that clearly so many other people love; over and over again. Especially if I'm not getting anything out of it, you know?
So, yeah, not for me but I can see a lot of people liking this addition to the author's world of vampires. I think I still have the second of her werewolf series on my kindle, unread (of course), but after that I think it's so long, goodbye, I wish you many readers who are way less fussy than me.
2.5 "that was my life now, relieved at the sight of my vampire kidnapper. Stockholm Syndrome was a thing, apparently" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
I went into BLOOD VEIL with pretty low expectations because I've yet to really find a recent release by Erickson that's really grabbed me. Some excellent, and exciting, variety in what she's churning out these days but still.. I'm always juuust on the fence about the results.
So maybe it was those lower expectations, or maybe it's been a while since I dipped into paranormal, but I really enjoyed the first half of this second offering in the Mission series. I liked the characters, the plot, the thrills and chases, and it was lacking in the silly, ridiculous, or OTT cheese of book one. At least for a little while.
I'd always thought that place in my soul full of anger made me hard, strong. But now I realized it didn't. Not at all. It was an extreme emotion just like love, and if I could feel anger that strongly, then I could love, too.
By the second half of the book my enjoyment was a lot less and I just wanted to get through it until the end. I think I'm finally at the point where I'm going to stop requesting this author, maybe even stop reading her altogether, and none of that is a result of what's happening out in the romance world right now. I usually like her books (ish) but just don't love them and I'm getting to the point where I don't want to pick apart the things that clearly so many other people love; over and over again. Especially if I'm not getting anything out of it, you know?
So, yeah, not for me but I can see a lot of people liking this addition to the author's world of vampires. I think I still have the second of her werewolf series on my kindle, unread (of course), but after that I think it's so long, goodbye, I wish you many readers who are way less fussy than me.
2.5 "that was my life now, relieved at the sight of my vampire kidnapper. Stockholm Syndrome was a thing, apparently" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
April 3, 2018
Blood Veil by Megan Erickson is book Two in the Mission Series. This is the story of Celia and Idris. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book.
This was a exciting Vampire Dark Romance that kept you wanting to see what would be happening next.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
This was a exciting Vampire Dark Romance that kept you wanting to see what would be happening next.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
February 18, 2018
3.5 - 4 Wanting Stars
Blood Veil is a standalone and is part of the Mission series. You don’t have to read the books in order, but I highly suggest you do so you can get the full feels (and plus you understand the story a little bit better).
This is Idris and Celia’s story. Celia is a nurse. She’s caring, loyal and very normal. For awhile she has had disturbing dreams and felt like someone was watching her.
Idris is on a mission. He’s told to keep watch on Celia until further notice, the only thing is, notice doesn’t come soon enough and now he has swept Celia into his world.
I really liked the way Blood Veil started. You get to the heart of the story and it’s a fast pace book. I read the book in one sitting and those are my favorite kinds of books to read. I liked reading about Celia and I liked she is a nurse. I kind of wish there Idris stalked Celia more before all the interaction to to have some sense of build up.
Celia is the daughter of Idris’ enemy and that makes her his enemy. So there’s a lot of tension on Idris part in keeping Celia at arms length. He wants her, but he can’t have her. I liked that Celia is human and doesn’t know what’s going on. She is the complete damsel I love to read in these kinds of books.
Like I said, it’s a really fast pace book and if you like a quick easy paranormal read then this series is 100% you.
AN ARC was provided
Blood Guard #1 http://amzn.to/2Hs01HR
Blood Veil #2 http://amzn.to/2EBAXR4
not-gonna-be-able-to-do-it
March 11, 2018Returning to NetGalley in exchange for peace of mind. What a fucked up week.
**ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 15, 2018
That was fast!
I really loved the first one. Tendra was hot and badass!
Here, the first half of the book was good. I liked both Idris and Celia.
It was more or less pretty much the same plot as book 1 but okay.
The second half though, it annoyed me a little.
I mean I am not a fan of 'I love you' being said so easily! They literally know each other for 2 days top and here they are speaking like they're in love for a lifetime...
I'll keep coming back if there is a book 3 and I think there will be.
But this book won't be my favorite for sure. It can't always be a win. Book 1 was really good and I decided to stay on that feeling.
It was sexy though!
I really loved the first one. Tendra was hot and badass!
Here, the first half of the book was good. I liked both Idris and Celia.
It was more or less pretty much the same plot as book 1 but okay.
The second half though, it annoyed me a little.
I mean I am not a fan of 'I love you' being said so easily! They literally know each other for 2 days top and here they are speaking like they're in love for a lifetime...
I'll keep coming back if there is a book 3 and I think there will be.
But this book won't be my favorite for sure. It can't always be a win. Book 1 was really good and I decided to stay on that feeling.
It was sexy though!
odio-jarocho-aka-nope
April 2, 2018I was ready to sort of not pursue the issue relentlessly. At the end of the day I do understand the differences between what Santino Hassell did and what Mergan Erickson participated in.
But no. Erickson had to go and prove every single thing said about her to be true. Double-faced, coward, unprofessional bully that she is.
She has deleted every and all mention of the Santino Hassell exposure from her Facebook. Even if her fauxpology is still up in her website, it's almost impossible to get to it unless you have a direct link.
She has disappeared from the Social Media were most of her victims are (not Hassell's, HERS) claiming to need space and time away from SM to heal (from what?! she's the fucking gaslighter). But at the same time she's posting away without a care in the world her life and comings and goings on Insta. She's deleting every comment left on Instagram that hints or directly asks about her participation in what went down.
If she hoped it would all go away just because she's trying to hide what she did, she was wrong.
So fuck this book.
____________________________________________________________
Don't know what I'm talking about?
Go:
You can start here for info.
Head over to Nikki's Twitter over @ease_dropper and get the full story from her and the #nastybirds. Start from the bottom, you are in for a long read.
Twitter is also the place to find most of what other authors apart from Hassell did. Erickson and Stivali with honourable mentions.
Publishers Statements
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
https://mobile.twitter.com/dreamspinn...
Agent's "Statement"
https://twitter.com/millercallihan/st...
Ais' Statement
http://aisylum.com/statement_2018_Ais...
Background to the events
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://spellboundscribes.wordpress.c...
https://twitter.com/courtneymilan/sta...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://twitter.com/i/moments/9707166...
https://twitter.com/sweetsakuradoll/s...
https://twitter.com/thisblackmagic/st...
http://blackmagicblues.com/on-sarah-l...
https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
http://jennytrout.com/?p=12013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWR2o...
Search Santino Hassell on tumblr as well. New info is being posted in some accounts over there.
But no. Erickson had to go and prove every single thing said about her to be true. Double-faced, coward, unprofessional bully that she is.
She has deleted every and all mention of the Santino Hassell exposure from her Facebook. Even if her fauxpology is still up in her website, it's almost impossible to get to it unless you have a direct link.
She has disappeared from the Social Media were most of her victims are (not Hassell's, HERS) claiming to need space and time away from SM to heal (from what?! she's the fucking gaslighter). But at the same time she's posting away without a care in the world her life and comings and goings on Insta. She's deleting every comment left on Instagram that hints or directly asks about her participation in what went down.
If she hoped it would all go away just because she's trying to hide what she did, she was wrong.
So fuck this book.
____________________________________________________________
Don't know what I'm talking about?
Go:
You can start here for info.
Head over to Nikki's Twitter over @ease_dropper and get the full story from her and the #nastybirds. Start from the bottom, you are in for a long read.
Twitter is also the place to find most of what other authors apart from Hassell did. Erickson and Stivali with honourable mentions.
Publishers Statements
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
https://mobile.twitter.com/dreamspinn...
Agent's "Statement"
https://twitter.com/millercallihan/st...
Ais' Statement
http://aisylum.com/statement_2018_Ais...
Background to the events
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://spellboundscribes.wordpress.c...
https://twitter.com/courtneymilan/sta...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://twitter.com/i/moments/9707166...
https://twitter.com/sweetsakuradoll/s...
https://twitter.com/thisblackmagic/st...
http://blackmagicblues.com/on-sarah-l...
https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
http://jennytrout.com/?p=12013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWR2o...
Search Santino Hassell on tumblr as well. New info is being posted in some accounts over there.
April 3, 2018
This is the second book in the series, and while it could work as a stand alone, the story works better of you read Blood Guard first.
Idris is Athan’s brother and grew up thinking he’d be king. Now he’s been charged with watching their enemy’s princess, Celia. They want to use her to get t her father. When things go south for her, he ends up stepping in and saving her life.
Despite not wanting to be, they are attracted to each other, and end up liking each other. This quickly grows to love. A love that is put to the test in more than one way.
I loved this as much as the first, it was action packed and I didn’t want to put it down. I found myself taking breaks to draw out my reading pleasure, so I didn’t finish too soon.
Recommended
*ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley
Idris is Athan’s brother and grew up thinking he’d be king. Now he’s been charged with watching their enemy’s princess, Celia. They want to use her to get t her father. When things go south for her, he ends up stepping in and saving her life.
Despite not wanting to be, they are attracted to each other, and end up liking each other. This quickly grows to love. A love that is put to the test in more than one way.
I loved this as much as the first, it was action packed and I didn’t want to put it down. I found myself taking breaks to draw out my reading pleasure, so I didn’t finish too soon.
Recommended
*ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley
September 15, 2019
Blood Veil is a great vampire PNR. It’s book 2 in the Mission series but can easily be read as a standalone. Celia is a loner and works as a nurse. She has one close friend. A colleague Monica and her sick son Charlie. Celia is unaware that she’s half vampire cause her father gave her away at birth. Idris and his older brother and King of their clan Athan finds about Celia and wants to use her to prevent war.
Idris has to watch Celia and collect her. They both find an immediate connection between them.
Blood Veil definitely has its moments. Especially Idris doing anything in his power to protect Celia. Also why is it so sexy when a vampire feeds?? Celia discovers that and so much more.
It’s a quick read and despite its obvious plot devices I enjoyed it.
3 Little One Stars
Idris has to watch Celia and collect her. They both find an immediate connection between them.
Blood Veil definitely has its moments. Especially Idris doing anything in his power to protect Celia. Also why is it so sexy when a vampire feeds?? Celia discovers that and so much more.
It’s a quick read and despite its obvious plot devices I enjoyed it.
3 Little One Stars
March 9, 2018
4.5 Stars - 3 Flames
Sometimes I feel like receiving ARC's can be a curse. Why? Because when you come across series' that are really good and interest you, you find yourself waiting almost LONGER than the "normal" reader. And THAT is torture!!!!!
There are only a few things that prevented me from giving this a full 5 stars. I know, I can be picky sometimes. Sorry. But I think when I explain, you'll understand. Or not. What ever...LOL
***Although this could probably be read as a standalone, don't. Read the first one before diving in to this. You'll understand the characters more and won't wonder what the heck's going on in some scenes***
Idris is the brother of the newly crowned Gregorie King, Athan. If you read the first book, then you'll remember Idris. He's the one who sacrificed himself, literally, to save the Queen. Well, turns out, Idris is still bitter about his father's betrayal is chomping at the bit for revenge. So how is he going to get it? Easy. Kidnap the Valarian King's hybrid daughter and use her as ransom. Not only to end the war, but to murder the King himself. But....the plan is easier said than done.
Celia is the hybrid. There's a problem though. She has absolutely NO idea what she is, nor does she know anything having to do with her parentage. She's grown up in foster care her entire life, works as a nurse, and up until the night someone tried to kill her, lived a blah life. We should rewind back to when someone tried to kill her, right? Yep. And thankfully Idris was there to save her. But....is he really her savor?
Ok, let's get the "almost there" parts out of the way. I felt as though one particular character was pointless. Like, I spent a full chapter reading dialogue that to be honest, didn't really effect the story. Then, a comment is made between Idris and Zeb (love this guy from the first and wished I saw more of him in this one) regarding "smelling" Celia, but then that's it. Nothing else. Like, why was it even mentioned if smelling her wasn't something that was going to come up later? What can I say, I latched on that for some reason. And then....sigh...the first intimate scene between Idris and Celia was....forced (Not physically, but ON PURPOSE), so I lost that romantic feel that I was looking for which only made the moment....eh for me. Ok, so now that I've mentioned my "issues", that's why it's not a full 5 star. I'M PICKY, I KNOW!!!! But I still gave it 4.5 stars!!!!! Because it's still a freaking amazing story!!!!!!!!!!!!
The good stuff? Yep, totally LOTS of that going on. The inter-turmoil in Idris is real and completely expected. I mean, I'd be a little bit jaded if my father wasn't afraid to kill me. Jus sayin'. And although he's got a serious vendetta, you can see the change in him throughout the story. Celia is super sweet and caring. Not at all what the perception was. The chemistry between these two wasn't explosive, but instead actually felt genuine. The suspense was awesome. Athan and Idris working on their relationship was touching.
And now? Now I sit and wait for the next one.
Crosses fingers that it's before summer.....One can hope, right?
Sometimes I feel like receiving ARC's can be a curse. Why? Because when you come across series' that are really good and interest you, you find yourself waiting almost LONGER than the "normal" reader. And THAT is torture!!!!!
There are only a few things that prevented me from giving this a full 5 stars. I know, I can be picky sometimes. Sorry. But I think when I explain, you'll understand. Or not. What ever...LOL
***Although this could probably be read as a standalone, don't. Read the first one before diving in to this. You'll understand the characters more and won't wonder what the heck's going on in some scenes***
Idris is the brother of the newly crowned Gregorie King, Athan. If you read the first book, then you'll remember Idris. He's the one who sacrificed himself, literally, to save the Queen. Well, turns out, Idris is still bitter about his father's betrayal is chomping at the bit for revenge. So how is he going to get it? Easy. Kidnap the Valarian King's hybrid daughter and use her as ransom. Not only to end the war, but to murder the King himself. But....the plan is easier said than done.
Celia is the hybrid. There's a problem though. She has absolutely NO idea what she is, nor does she know anything having to do with her parentage. She's grown up in foster care her entire life, works as a nurse, and up until the night someone tried to kill her, lived a blah life. We should rewind back to when someone tried to kill her, right? Yep. And thankfully Idris was there to save her. But....is he really her savor?
Ok, let's get the "almost there" parts out of the way. I felt as though one particular character was pointless. Like, I spent a full chapter reading dialogue that to be honest, didn't really effect the story. Then, a comment is made between Idris and Zeb (love this guy from the first and wished I saw more of him in this one) regarding "smelling" Celia, but then that's it. Nothing else. Like, why was it even mentioned if smelling her wasn't something that was going to come up later? What can I say, I latched on that for some reason. And then....sigh...the first intimate scene between Idris and Celia was....forced (Not physically, but ON PURPOSE), so I lost that romantic feel that I was looking for which only made the moment....eh for me. Ok, so now that I've mentioned my "issues", that's why it's not a full 5 star. I'M PICKY, I KNOW!!!! But I still gave it 4.5 stars!!!!! Because it's still a freaking amazing story!!!!!!!!!!!!
The good stuff? Yep, totally LOTS of that going on. The inter-turmoil in Idris is real and completely expected. I mean, I'd be a little bit jaded if my father wasn't afraid to kill me. Jus sayin'. And although he's got a serious vendetta, you can see the change in him throughout the story. Celia is super sweet and caring. Not at all what the perception was. The chemistry between these two wasn't explosive, but instead actually felt genuine. The suspense was awesome. Athan and Idris working on their relationship was touching.
And now? Now I sit and wait for the next one.
Crosses fingers that it's before summer.....One can hope, right?
March 6, 2018
Celia is an orphan quietly living her life. Her quiet life comes to an end when she is attacked by a vampire and rescued by another.
Idris is the hero of this story. This is the second book of a series, and you can tell he had a role on book one. I didn’t read book one, but it wasn’t too confusing.
Idris is keeping Celia as leverage for negations with her father. She has never met her father and doesn’t know her lineage. There’s a lot of conflicting feelings between both characters.
This is a solid PNR. It would probably be better to have read book one, but it stands alone very well.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
Idris is the hero of this story. This is the second book of a series, and you can tell he had a role on book one. I didn’t read book one, but it wasn’t too confusing.
Idris is keeping Celia as leverage for negations with her father. She has never met her father and doesn’t know her lineage. There’s a lot of conflicting feelings between both characters.
This is a solid PNR. It would probably be better to have read book one, but it stands alone very well.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
January 30, 2018
Man, I really enjoyed that! I didn't know how another couple could top Tendra & Athan, but I REALLY adore Celia and Idris together. Dear heavens, please let there be more books in this series!
April 5, 2018
I absolutely adore paranormal novels and this one hit the spot vampire romances! Celia is a totally amazing person and I really loved her character!
This book takes off right after Body Guard. And while in the blurb it says that it can be read as a stand alone, i really think that would make it very confusing. I definitely recommend reading the first book in the series prior to this one because even though I read Body Guard it was back in September and I was totally confused at the beginning of this book for a bit.
If you're a huge paranormal fan like I am, then I def recommend you check out this series!!
For more of my reviews:
* Main Blog: Fern's Book Blog
* Twitter
* Instagram
"Never knew it was possible to feel like this. To crave someone so deeply, to be consumed with it. Every breath I take is for you."
This book takes off right after Body Guard. And while in the blurb it says that it can be read as a stand alone, i really think that would make it very confusing. I definitely recommend reading the first book in the series prior to this one because even though I read Body Guard it was back in September and I was totally confused at the beginning of this book for a bit.
Idris has been lied to for his entire life and was almost killed by his father. He is now charged with collecting the Valarian princess, Celia, to hold as ransom against their king. He has been watching Celia for a while and can't help but notice how kind, caring, and considerate she is.
"I don't care where we are. I don't want to think about what's going to happen. This moment right here is special to me because you're here. That's all that matters right now."
Celia has lived a perfectly normal human life, aside from the dreams she has of blood. One moment she's a nurse living her life, and the next she is kidnapped by a vampire and told that she is half vampire as well.
I absolutely loved Celia. She is like the best person! Super kind and loving towards everyone. She was incredibly brave and self sacrificing throughout the whole book. I really enjoyed watching her interact with everyone she meets. I kinda felt like Idris was lacking a little bit in character though because I can't really think of what to say about him? He totally loved Celia and was dedicated to his work, but there wasn't much that was memorable.
I enjoyed this book but it was very similar to the first in the series. I've read a ton of vampire romances and there wasn't really anything that stood out about this one. I think I had set the bar incredibly high because I LOVE Megan Erickson and all of her books and was super excited to see how Idris' story would turn out.
If you're a huge paranormal fan like I am, then I def recommend you check out this series!!
My ARC copy of the book was provided in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
For more of my reviews:
* Main Blog: Fern's Book Blog
April 3, 2018
I adored the first book in this series, and this one was really great as well. The characters are very relatable, especially for a paranormal romance, and I loved the connection between the hero and heroine.
Idris Gregorie is the brother of the hero from book 1, Athan. Idris had quite a rude awakening in book 1, realizing he wasn't who he thought he was, who his father had groomed him to be. Turns out Athan is the eldest, and therefore the King, and Idris is the younger brother. Idris has always been too impetuous, too emotional, too prone to act on his feelings, rather than thinking things through. Athan will make a much better king than he ever would have. But, where does that leave him? For now, it leaves him watching the dhampir (half vampire-half human) daughter of the King of their rival clan, the Valarians. He needs to use her as a bargaining chip, to gain access to the King, so Idris can kill him for everything he's done, and tried to do to the Gregorie clan. He never plans on having such a strong reaction to her.
Celia Valerie is an orphan. She grew up in foster care, and she's always taken care of herself, never relying on anyone for anything, sometimes to her detriment. She's a nurse at the hospital in Mission City, and she lives a pretty lonely life. Until one night, a scary creature tries to murder her in her own apartment, and a sexy stranger saves her life, then kidnaps her. When Idris tells her of her parentage, she can't believe any of it is true. Is he crazy? Or does this info finally cause a lot of other things in her life to make sense? She's not sure. But, she does know that to stay safe from the things trying to kill her, and to maybe get to finally meet her father, she has to stick close to Idris, and stay alive. She doesn't know what to do with all the unfamiliar feelings that Idris gives her though, because she knows something between them could never work out.
Idris and Celia had great chemistry and really good banter. I loved their awkward interactions at first, and how comfortable they became with each other by the end. Neither of them expected the feelings they had to pop up, and Idris really struggled with them, due to his hate for her clan. But, she wasn't really a part of that clan, in any way other than blood, and he starts to realize his mistake in thinking she would be like them at all. Celia was a truly selfless person, and I enjoyed watching her layers get peeled back as the story went on.
I also enjoyed seeing the side characters, both from book 1, as well as the short story prequel. I just wish we had seen more of my favorite side character from book 1, Zeb. If he doesn't get his own book eventually, I'll be so distraught! I NEED to know more about him and get inside his head! Hopefully we'll at least get a short story for him at some point.
I love a star-crossed lovers story, and that's exactly what I got here, complete with denial over, and guilt for, their feelings. It was executed very well, in between the massive suspense storyline of keeping Celia alive. I enjoyed watching everything unfold, and I loved the resolution. Some things that happened along the way were quite a surprise, and I loved that. Nothing is worse than an utterly predictable storyline in a suspenseful PNR, and this was NOT that. I really enjoyed it so much.
I highly recommend this book, and this series, to anyone who loves great paranormal romance, especially vampire PNR. I have truly loved getting to know these characters, and I hope this isn't the last we'll see of them.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Idris Gregorie is the brother of the hero from book 1, Athan. Idris had quite a rude awakening in book 1, realizing he wasn't who he thought he was, who his father had groomed him to be. Turns out Athan is the eldest, and therefore the King, and Idris is the younger brother. Idris has always been too impetuous, too emotional, too prone to act on his feelings, rather than thinking things through. Athan will make a much better king than he ever would have. But, where does that leave him? For now, it leaves him watching the dhampir (half vampire-half human) daughter of the King of their rival clan, the Valarians. He needs to use her as a bargaining chip, to gain access to the King, so Idris can kill him for everything he's done, and tried to do to the Gregorie clan. He never plans on having such a strong reaction to her.
Celia Valerie is an orphan. She grew up in foster care, and she's always taken care of herself, never relying on anyone for anything, sometimes to her detriment. She's a nurse at the hospital in Mission City, and she lives a pretty lonely life. Until one night, a scary creature tries to murder her in her own apartment, and a sexy stranger saves her life, then kidnaps her. When Idris tells her of her parentage, she can't believe any of it is true. Is he crazy? Or does this info finally cause a lot of other things in her life to make sense? She's not sure. But, she does know that to stay safe from the things trying to kill her, and to maybe get to finally meet her father, she has to stick close to Idris, and stay alive. She doesn't know what to do with all the unfamiliar feelings that Idris gives her though, because she knows something between them could never work out.
Idris and Celia had great chemistry and really good banter. I loved their awkward interactions at first, and how comfortable they became with each other by the end. Neither of them expected the feelings they had to pop up, and Idris really struggled with them, due to his hate for her clan. But, she wasn't really a part of that clan, in any way other than blood, and he starts to realize his mistake in thinking she would be like them at all. Celia was a truly selfless person, and I enjoyed watching her layers get peeled back as the story went on.
I also enjoyed seeing the side characters, both from book 1, as well as the short story prequel. I just wish we had seen more of my favorite side character from book 1, Zeb. If he doesn't get his own book eventually, I'll be so distraught! I NEED to know more about him and get inside his head! Hopefully we'll at least get a short story for him at some point.
I love a star-crossed lovers story, and that's exactly what I got here, complete with denial over, and guilt for, their feelings. It was executed very well, in between the massive suspense storyline of keeping Celia alive. I enjoyed watching everything unfold, and I loved the resolution. Some things that happened along the way were quite a surprise, and I loved that. Nothing is worse than an utterly predictable storyline in a suspenseful PNR, and this was NOT that. I really enjoyed it so much.
I highly recommend this book, and this series, to anyone who loves great paranormal romance, especially vampire PNR. I have truly loved getting to know these characters, and I hope this isn't the last we'll see of them.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
January 3, 2025
I went in on this with pretty high expectations. Book 1 in this series got a solid three stars from me, but I was hopeful for this second book since Blood Guard’s plot ended on a high note.
This book follows Celia, an orphan who lives a very ordinary life, and Idris, a vampire. Idris is consumed by revenge and ruled by his emotions because of what his father did to him in book 1. Idris gets the idea to kidnap his enemies’ secret daughter, the Valarian princess named Celia, to get his revenge.
When Celia is unexpectedly attacked by another vampire, Idris finds himself saving her life. After that he decides to keep her as leverage while he negotiates with her father, who she has never met before (duh, she thought she was an orphan). Throughout all of this Celia and Idris find themselves fighting their attraction to each other.
This book just didn’t work for me. Even between all the action I didn’t really care about what happened to these characters. Idris was too obsessed with his revenge plot, Celia was kind of boring. The plot was really predictable, and the romance didn’t manage to keep my attention, it’s the perfect example of insta-love.
I can see readers who loved the first book fall in love with this one, but I think I’m calling it for this series.
**ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
This book follows Celia, an orphan who lives a very ordinary life, and Idris, a vampire. Idris is consumed by revenge and ruled by his emotions because of what his father did to him in book 1. Idris gets the idea to kidnap his enemies’ secret daughter, the Valarian princess named Celia, to get his revenge.
When Celia is unexpectedly attacked by another vampire, Idris finds himself saving her life. After that he decides to keep her as leverage while he negotiates with her father, who she has never met before (duh, she thought she was an orphan). Throughout all of this Celia and Idris find themselves fighting their attraction to each other.
This book just didn’t work for me. Even between all the action I didn’t really care about what happened to these characters. Idris was too obsessed with his revenge plot, Celia was kind of boring. The plot was really predictable, and the romance didn’t manage to keep my attention, it’s the perfect example of insta-love.
I can see readers who loved the first book fall in love with this one, but I think I’m calling it for this series.
**ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 5, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was a bit hesitant to continue reading this series because the first book didn't blow me away but I figured I would give it another shot. The world Ms. Erickson has created and how she's set up the vampires seems interesting and I wanted to know more.
BLOOD VEIL is the story about the brother of the hero in the first book. We briefly met him, but knew he had been groomed from birth with the understanding that he would be King and lead his clan. After the events of the first book, he is looking for revenge and the way to do that is through the still human (not turned) daughter of his known enemy.
I found this book interesting for the same reasons I came back to read this series. There's something dark and edgy about the world these vampires live in. And I like the characters good enough as well. But it's still missing that spark that makes me fall in love with a rich paranormal story. I think there are many things that could be explored and I felt we are not going far enough into that for my taste.
The romance aspect was great, there is chemistry between Idris and Celia felt real and not rushed even though their feelings develop quickly. Celia as a character was so lovable and I think in the end they were both just looking for love and someone to care for them. I thought it was a nice pairing.
If you are looking for a paranormal romance without the heavy weight of the background story arc and the world building then this is probably a great one for you. I wish it had more layers and depth into the world so I could lose myself into it a bit more. But I think there's a chance I'll pick up the next one anyway.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
April 9, 2018
Celia Valerie is the half-human, half-vampire, daughter of the Valarian king, enemy of the Gregorie Clan. But she has no clue who she is or where she came from. Raised in the human world, abandoned by her parents, she made her way through the system and works as a nurse at Mission Hospital.
Idris, the once future king of the Gregorie Clan, feels more comfortable in his roll as military leader now that the truth of his father's betrayals is out. He wants revenge on the Valarian king, the vampire who turned his own father, the former Gregorie king, into a traitor to his clan. Watching Celia for weeks, waiting for the best time to take her in and use her to draw out her father, his plans change when an assassin breed of vampires attacks Celia.
Blood Veil is the second, action-packed vampire adventure in Ms. Erickson’s Mission series. Overall, I enjoyed the tale, but felt it held too many echos of the first story. Once again, the story centers on a female who grew up without knowledge of the vampire community, although she's strongly tied to the community. And once again, even though she's a bit horrified, she's oddly okay with the whole vampire thing. She's attracted to her captor. It's a bit redundant and I wish it had been a bit fresher. I also feel like it's just too easy... how well Celia accepts she's part vampire.
Even with the similarities with the first title, I found myself engaged in Celia and Idris’s journey. Idris is bent on revenge and I enjoyed watching him mature and grow as he experienced the world through Celia’s eyes. For a tough and fierce warrior, he’s kind, considerate, and remorseful of his actions. And it’s Celia’s gentle nature that allows room for Idris to forgive himself.
I struggled a bit with some of the descriptions in the story. For example: “… his body was the sun and I needed to feel his warmth on my face.” YET… exposure to the sun would kill Idris, so I found that to be an odd comparison. And then there is “But Idris’s seed-reached everywhere inside me,-from fingertip to fingertip, to the top of my head and the bottoms of my feet” That’s not sexy; it’s weird.
In the end, all works out for Celia and Idris, but they made some poor choices along their journey to HEA. I found that even though I was engaged in the story, I was rolling my eyes at the action.
My Rating: C+ Liked It, but I had issues
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Idris, the once future king of the Gregorie Clan, feels more comfortable in his roll as military leader now that the truth of his father's betrayals is out. He wants revenge on the Valarian king, the vampire who turned his own father, the former Gregorie king, into a traitor to his clan. Watching Celia for weeks, waiting for the best time to take her in and use her to draw out her father, his plans change when an assassin breed of vampires attacks Celia.
Blood Veil is the second, action-packed vampire adventure in Ms. Erickson’s Mission series. Overall, I enjoyed the tale, but felt it held too many echos of the first story. Once again, the story centers on a female who grew up without knowledge of the vampire community, although she's strongly tied to the community. And once again, even though she's a bit horrified, she's oddly okay with the whole vampire thing. She's attracted to her captor. It's a bit redundant and I wish it had been a bit fresher. I also feel like it's just too easy... how well Celia accepts she's part vampire.
Even with the similarities with the first title, I found myself engaged in Celia and Idris’s journey. Idris is bent on revenge and I enjoyed watching him mature and grow as he experienced the world through Celia’s eyes. For a tough and fierce warrior, he’s kind, considerate, and remorseful of his actions. And it’s Celia’s gentle nature that allows room for Idris to forgive himself.
I struggled a bit with some of the descriptions in the story. For example: “… his body was the sun and I needed to feel his warmth on my face.” YET… exposure to the sun would kill Idris, so I found that to be an odd comparison. And then there is “But Idris’s seed-reached everywhere inside me,-from fingertip to fingertip, to the top of my head and the bottoms of my feet” That’s not sexy; it’s weird.
In the end, all works out for Celia and Idris, but they made some poor choices along their journey to HEA. I found that even though I was engaged in the story, I was rolling my eyes at the action.
My Rating: C+ Liked It, but I had issues
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
March 29, 2018
3.5 stars for this sexy vampire romance! Rival clans have different agendas where humans are concerned - some want to peacefully co-exist with them ( the Gregorie) while others want them enslaved (the Valarians). This makes for complicated and bloody clashes between them. Idris of the Gregorie has plans for Celia, the daughter of the Valarian King, though she doesn't know her heritage having grown up in foster care. The Valarians and Gregorie are engaged in a nasty battle for supremacy, complicated by the Quellan, hired vampire asassins who work for the highest bidder. When Idris saves Celia from an assassination attempt, she's thrust into a whole new unbelievable world, and Idris becomes her protector, which complicates his plan to kill her father.
As this is the second book in the series, there is a good wrap up of the events from book 1 in the first few pages such that this one reads well as a standalone. The worldbuilding is well done, setting up the different clans and their motivations, as well as the good guys and bad guys. Idris and Celia gain a quick connection, insta-lust leading to insta-love. Their love scenes are intense and sexy and some interesting vampire lore helps lead them to a happy ending. It wouldn't be a vampire romance without some blood and beheadings so expect some violent and action packed scenes. All in all it's a sexy and entertaining read.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
As this is the second book in the series, there is a good wrap up of the events from book 1 in the first few pages such that this one reads well as a standalone. The worldbuilding is well done, setting up the different clans and their motivations, as well as the good guys and bad guys. Idris and Celia gain a quick connection, insta-lust leading to insta-love. Their love scenes are intense and sexy and some interesting vampire lore helps lead them to a happy ending. It wouldn't be a vampire romance without some blood and beheadings so expect some violent and action packed scenes. All in all it's a sexy and entertaining read.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
March 20, 2018
Blood Veil is book two of Erickson's Mission series but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone. Going in, I had forgotten about most of book one and I did just fine here.
We start off this book with Idris watching over Celia until the time is just right. At that point, Idris, and the rest of his Vampire clan will use her as bait to lure out her father. However, something never sits well with Idris. Celia seemingly doesn't know she's half vampire and he can't determine why her father would leave her all alone in the Mission to fend for herself. Idris eventually needs to reveal himself to Celia in a time of danger and from there the two form a bond that is unbreakable. They fall in love hard and fast.
Erickson's work is always such a treat. I love that her portrayal of life and love is RAW. There is no sugar coating here, and in a lot of ways, Erickson's books are comfort-reads since I know just what to expect from her.
Celia and Idris were pretty remarkable together. Although they held parts of themselves back at times, their love and attraction remained pure.
Blood Veil is total, heart-pounding vampire goodness!
We start off this book with Idris watching over Celia until the time is just right. At that point, Idris, and the rest of his Vampire clan will use her as bait to lure out her father. However, something never sits well with Idris. Celia seemingly doesn't know she's half vampire and he can't determine why her father would leave her all alone in the Mission to fend for herself. Idris eventually needs to reveal himself to Celia in a time of danger and from there the two form a bond that is unbreakable. They fall in love hard and fast.
Erickson's work is always such a treat. I love that her portrayal of life and love is RAW. There is no sugar coating here, and in a lot of ways, Erickson's books are comfort-reads since I know just what to expect from her.
Celia and Idris were pretty remarkable together. Although they held parts of themselves back at times, their love and attraction remained pure.
Blood Veil is total, heart-pounding vampire goodness!
May 10, 2018
3.5 stars
February 13, 2018
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After reading Blood Guard I was eager to read Idris's story. I knew it would be interesting, and of course I knew what would happen. At the end of Blood Guard, Athan sent Idris to guard the Valarian princess. Yeah, who didn't see this coming, lol.
I do wish the story had started a little more in the past, maybe right when Idris finds Celia and starting watching her. It's clear when the story starts that Idris is obsessed with Celia, but I would have liked to have seen the why and how of it. Sure, she's pretty and all that stuff to lure a man in, but Idris is planning to use Celia as bait to get to her father, so I wanted to see his struggle early on with his feelings. We do get to see his struggle on page once the two are together, but I wanted more.
Even though Celia is basically kidnapped by Idris (after he saves her from a Quellan attack), and she does fear him at first, she also feels drawn to him, which I kind of rolled my eyes at. She is half vampire, half human so I was able to ignore that aspect some, but OMG, she trusts Idris pretty fast. Speaking from a real life "no, vampires aren't real" mentality, if someone kidnaps me and claims to be a vampire, I am going to try and escape, not hold their hand and follow them.
Overall though I really did have fun reading this and I can't wait for another installment. I hope it's Amelia's story and I have a suspicion of what her story might be. I hope I am right, because how awesome would it be if By the way, there are so many rules in this series about vampires and half vampires. Make sure to pay attention. :)
Oh, and the sex was awesome!! :-D
After reading Blood Guard I was eager to read Idris's story. I knew it would be interesting, and of course I knew what would happen. At the end of Blood Guard, Athan sent Idris to guard the Valarian princess. Yeah, who didn't see this coming, lol.
I do wish the story had started a little more in the past, maybe right when Idris finds Celia and starting watching her. It's clear when the story starts that Idris is obsessed with Celia, but I would have liked to have seen the why and how of it. Sure, she's pretty and all that stuff to lure a man in, but Idris is planning to use Celia as bait to get to her father, so I wanted to see his struggle early on with his feelings. We do get to see his struggle on page once the two are together, but I wanted more.
Even though Celia is basically kidnapped by Idris (after he saves her from a Quellan attack), and she does fear him at first, she also feels drawn to him, which I kind of rolled my eyes at. She is half vampire, half human so I was able to ignore that aspect some, but OMG, she trusts Idris pretty fast. Speaking from a real life "no, vampires aren't real" mentality, if someone kidnaps me and claims to be a vampire, I am going to try and escape, not hold their hand and follow them.
Overall though I really did have fun reading this and I can't wait for another installment. I hope it's Amelia's story and I have a suspicion of what her story might be. I hope I am right, because how awesome would it be if By the way, there are so many rules in this series about vampires and half vampires. Make sure to pay attention. :)
Oh, and the sex was awesome!! :-D
March 12, 2018
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Megan Erickson does not disappoint in the second installment of the Mission series. In Blood Veil we get a closer look at the brother who was groomed to be King of the Gregorie.
Under his father's rule, Idris was raised to be King and to follow in his honorable footsteps. Then it was revealed that his father was not so honorable after all and Idris suffered for the betrayals he made against his own clan. Idris is determined to exact revenge on the clan that turned his father against his own people, and Celia Valerie will make the perfect pawn to his plans.
I was excited to get to read Idris' story. He was a strong alpha warrior even after everything that went down in the first book, Blood Guard. His single minded goal of revenge was a bit tiresome at times, considering I thought he was the nicer of the two brothers. Boy was I wrong, neither brother is nice!!! But not in a bad way, well not completely anyway. Idris, like Athan, will do whatever it takes to assure that those he cares about are safe and well taken care of. He is lethal and drop dead sexy, a devastating combination.
Celia is someone that has been left alone for most of her life. Raised in foster homes and with few friends she is a character that I want to protect from all the evil in the world. She is sweet and kind, the way she visited with Charlie really gave the feel of the person she was. But what I really loved about Celia as a character is that Megan gave her panic attacks, and they were related in such a realistic way that I related to what was happening.
I have loved both books in this series and I cannot wait for more! Megan's leap into paranormal romance, if you ask me, has been extremely successful and proven her worth as an author.
4.5 stars
**Review by Amy W., Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books**
Megan Erickson does not disappoint in the second installment of the Mission series. In Blood Veil we get a closer look at the brother who was groomed to be King of the Gregorie.
Under his father's rule, Idris was raised to be King and to follow in his honorable footsteps. Then it was revealed that his father was not so honorable after all and Idris suffered for the betrayals he made against his own clan. Idris is determined to exact revenge on the clan that turned his father against his own people, and Celia Valerie will make the perfect pawn to his plans.
I was excited to get to read Idris' story. He was a strong alpha warrior even after everything that went down in the first book, Blood Guard. His single minded goal of revenge was a bit tiresome at times, considering I thought he was the nicer of the two brothers. Boy was I wrong, neither brother is nice!!! But not in a bad way, well not completely anyway. Idris, like Athan, will do whatever it takes to assure that those he cares about are safe and well taken care of. He is lethal and drop dead sexy, a devastating combination.
Celia is someone that has been left alone for most of her life. Raised in foster homes and with few friends she is a character that I want to protect from all the evil in the world. She is sweet and kind, the way she visited with Charlie really gave the feel of the person she was. But what I really loved about Celia as a character is that Megan gave her panic attacks, and they were related in such a realistic way that I related to what was happening.
I have loved both books in this series and I cannot wait for more! Megan's leap into paranormal romance, if you ask me, has been extremely successful and proven her worth as an author.
4.5 stars
**Review by Amy W., Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books**
April 19, 2018
This was an entertaining, light read with likable characters. It’s set in a really cool and passionate vampire world and enjoyed how it all worked. I loved the first book in the series so I was really looking forward to this one. It was witty and there was decent chemistry and heat, a nice amount of drama, but it was all way to easy for me, it felt very surface. I liked it, there just wasn't a lot of depth.
I enjoyed the tension between Idris and Celia in the beginning and how they had a pull between them. I liked watching their walls come down and them come together. Everything is easily accepted. There was good humor and thought the internal dialogue was great. I like the world the author created and the dynamics involved. There's a lot happening and a lot of characters mentioned. It's very fast paced with a lot of instant want and love happening. There's a bit of drama and emotion but it's all pretty glossed over.
My takeaway away is this was a fun read. Light and easy with a lot of entertaining moments and some sexy times mixed in. If you're looking for some fast paced vampire fun that isn't too taxing, this is it.
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I enjoyed the tension between Idris and Celia in the beginning and how they had a pull between them. I liked watching their walls come down and them come together. Everything is easily accepted. There was good humor and thought the internal dialogue was great. I like the world the author created and the dynamics involved. There's a lot happening and a lot of characters mentioned. It's very fast paced with a lot of instant want and love happening. There's a bit of drama and emotion but it's all pretty glossed over.
My takeaway away is this was a fun read. Light and easy with a lot of entertaining moments and some sexy times mixed in. If you're looking for some fast paced vampire fun that isn't too taxing, this is it.
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
April 3, 2018
**Copy provided through Netgalley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.**
I didn't like this as much as book one. Idris is angry over his father's betrayal and the vampire clan that turned him against his family. As revenge, Idris plans to kidnap Celia, the leader's daughter. But the more Idris watches Celia the more he's convinced that she's just an unprotected human unaware of who she really is.
An unexpected attack by a Quellan forces Idris to act sooner than he wanted and chaos ensues as Idris and Celia get to know each other and she comes to terms with her new reality.
The story was okay. I was okay with the predictability because I thought there might be some awesome reveal at the end like in book one. But, no, it was pretty cheesy and rather convenient. I rolled my eyes. Overall, I didn't hate it, it was just disappointing comparatively.
I didn't like this as much as book one. Idris is angry over his father's betrayal and the vampire clan that turned him against his family. As revenge, Idris plans to kidnap Celia, the leader's daughter. But the more Idris watches Celia the more he's convinced that she's just an unprotected human unaware of who she really is.
An unexpected attack by a Quellan forces Idris to act sooner than he wanted and chaos ensues as Idris and Celia get to know each other and she comes to terms with her new reality.
The story was okay. I was okay with the predictability because I thought there might be some awesome reveal at the end like in book one. But, no, it was pretty cheesy and rather convenient. I rolled my eyes. Overall, I didn't hate it, it was just disappointing comparatively.
February 15, 2018
Man! Here I thought the first book was amazing!!!! Boy was I wrong, so wrong! If you love paranormal romances like me, do yourself a favor and pick this series up! This series is blowing my mind, character by character, I can't wait for the next book in this fantastic new series!
Review to come!❤️
Review to come!❤️
June 1, 2018
Love this series!
I’m not big in paranormal but Megan sucked me into this world and I loved every minute of it. I would high recommend both of these books in the series to anyone who thinks that PNR is not for them.
I’m not big in paranormal but Megan sucked me into this world and I loved every minute of it. I would high recommend both of these books in the series to anyone who thinks that PNR is not for them.
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