Vampire's Quest

Knight Fever #1

by Alexa Dare

This edition was previously published under the ASIN B071RGTTCJ

A Vampire’s Quest. A Healer’s Destiny. Her beauty rivals the glow of the sun. To a vampire, elusive, desirable, forbidden.

71,307 Words

A vampire’s quest leads him to his greatest challenge, a defiant traveling Appalachian nurse targeted for her supernatural healing abilities. In the middle of his final mission, Ryderholt Judson’s desire for the sexy healer burns deep and fierce. Yet, as his duty to the Dark Knights comes to an end, the last person he wants anything to do with, despite centuries of celibacy, is a potential fated mate.

Hidden away in the Appalachian mountains, Jess Willowbrook shares her supernatural abilities. No time for romance, she struggles to stay under the radar as the news of her success in healing supposed untreatable illnesses spreads. Danger on her heels, she encounters an injured man whose true nature defies reality.

Passion entwined with peril, Jess must join forces with Ryder to battle the unexpected evil that plagues the mountain community in Vampire’s Quest, Knight Fever Series #1.

Steamy. Light swearing. High heat. Unique, refreshing, edgy vampire romance, shifter romance, and fated mate romance.

Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B071RGTTCJ here.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Witches, Magic

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2017

About the author

Author Alexa Dare, with the oversight of the Jellicle Three (Jasmine, Lightning, and Stormy of feline persuasion), writes time travel and paranormal romance the way she likes to read them: sensual, adventurous, memorable. Along with spending time with her happily-ever-after alpha outdoorsman, Alexa cozies up at home—when not devoting her time to writing and bringing sexy romances to readers—with movies, popcorn, and triple chocolate cupcakes, not necessarily in that order.

Reviews

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of each of these books by the author. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

My Review:
I'm reviewing the two books as one because they blend seamlessly. The author has done a wonderful job of taking the ancient warrior vampires from their making to their last quest for the sacred relics they must find before they can be free of the spell Merlin set on them...and maybe be human again.

There are thirteen of them. And each of them has a great name worthy of an ancient warrior who's survived down through the ages. So, I'm taking a chance here and thinking that each one will have his own story? This first one is about Ryderholt Judson or Ryder. He's the captain of their band, which for now is traveling as a motorcycle club. It seems fitting. They're now in East Tennessee getting ready for each of them to go off on their individual quests for the relics. And fated mates. Ryder's quest is focused in this area.

Also in this area is a small group of young women with some unusual talents. Olivia Trudeau is their self-proclaimed leader. But this is Jess Willowbrook's story. Jess is a touch-healer. She's also a traveling nurse. She hides her talent within her job, but the locals still call her a witch. Some in a nice way, others not so nice. It's the not-so-nice ones giving the gals trouble right now and Ryder is willing to help deal with the trouble if Jess can keep him healed up long enough to fight. He has his own evils dogging his trail, too.

Ryder finds his relic and Jess gets him healed up. The women find a secret in their mountain worth keeping secret. The local bad guys get taken down, but the magical bad guys take off to bother the other knights. I'm sure we'll meet them in other books. I suspect some of the knights will end up coming back to East Tennessee since we still have five other witches as yet unclaimed. And Ryder and Jess will be using this as their home base.

The writing was very good and the sex was well-done. There was violence, but it was fitting for the book. My one comment is that there are no down times, no normal times. They are always on full alert, charging full ahead dealing with trouble. It would be nice to hear at least one normal conversation.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a page turner for me. From the get go it was pretty action packed. I really liked Jess and Ryder. Jess is not a witch...maybe but she does have healing powers by touch. Hear her tell it she's not anything interesting just someone who can heal others. I think deep down she knows she's more than that but kinda refuses to see that part of herself. She meets Ryder and instantly knows there's something different about him. As she's running from those who are trying to take her to a local man she finds out fairly quickly what he really is. They have off the charts chemistry but with things happening so quickly they dont have much time to explore it. Ryder knows what she is to him but he's not wanting to accept it. He's got no time for a mate. He's on his own quest of an artifact and needs to meet his brethren soon but is side-tracked by a red head. This has some great characters in it and good world building. I think if anything I wanted to know more about Ryder's quest and this artifact he's after. Its very briefly touched on. I also wanted to know more about her "coven" they were mentioned a lot but never came into the picture until way later. Although they get a HEA the series continues into the next book.

[Donna Hokanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story

This s a wonderful self-contained story that's also part of a series. You got vampire knights that have been since the time of King Arthur. On a long quest to help mankind. On their final quest comes the reward of their true mate. Well reward to those that want one.
You apps have witches and demons and trouble by other humans. Lots of action and adventure.

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampire quest

The knight of the round table is a vamp on a quest and she's a local mountain healer a great new series

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ancient prophecy and a summoning spell bring a Vampire and a feisty nurse together for a few days of danger, suspense, instant attraction, and love. Alexa Dare's first full length book in the Knight Fever series sets the pace and suspense level for all the books to come. She weaves a tale of love, danger and defending your self and realizing that you need your friends and can't live without a mate.

Ryder Jud and 12 other special Knights of Camelot have come to the Tennessee Mountains in search of their final mission and to fulfill a prophecy from Merlin before the super moon in few weeks. Jess Willowbrook is a country travelling nurse living in the cabin that's been in her family for 6 generations. Ryder is after an ancient sword as his final mission but wants nothing to do with having a mate. Jess is happy in her life and isn't looking for a mate and thinks the summoning ceremony she and her friends are to preform in a few days isn't necessary. Jess is out on a call when she's chased by men from Mr. Holcomb who wants Jess's special nursing. As she flees from her would be kidnappers she comes up on a local road and into the path of Ryder on his motorcycle. Ryder is being chased by demons. He avoids Jess and ends up very badly injured. Using her special gift Jess heals Ryder but with dawn upon them she must save him from death. Ryder doesn't want to be attracted to Jess. She is able to get Ryder to her cabin where she hides him but the demons chasing him show up. Jess & Ryder fight them and he leads them away from her. Jess takes off to the summoning ceremony for mates. Thinking never to see Ryder again. When demons show up at the site where Jess and her friends are Ryder arrives shortly after and takes Jess away to keep her safe. Take refuge in a cave they run into a woman from Ryder's past. Jess & Ryder are separated and he struggles to reach Jess. Jess finds a large cavern and supplies then goes and finds Ryder. To keep him alive he must use Jess's blood. While looking around the cavern Ryder makes a discovery and his enemy shows up again and awakens the cave's occupants. Ryder and Jess work together to save themselves. Jess is rescued by her friends but Ryder is left behind. He makes a deal with the occupants of the cave and finds out that Jess is in danger. After being rescued Jess and her friends are captured by the man who wants Jess's help. Taken to his house they must use their gifts to help themselves escape and Ryder joins the fight. Jess and her friends use their gifts to safe Ryder. Jess is shot and poisoned and is near death. Ryder must give Jess his blood in order to heal her and makes a decision that could keep them apart. Jess goes in search of Ryder. And together with their friends must continue the fight against the demons and other creatures of the underworld.


The Knight Fever series are books that can be read as a stand alone book or as a series. I appreciated the fact that Alexa Dare did the prequel to this book to show the reader what happened to the knights and how they came to be and how their mates before also became friends before they actually meet and come together. I look forward to the rest of the books in the series Vampire's Quest a Knight's Journey (prequel), A Wolf's Pursuit (Book 2), Sorcerer's Conquest (Book 3) and the next 10 books in the series.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merlin's Curse

This paranormal romance series opener is set in modern times, but the story begins 1500 years in the past in Camelot. The wizard Merlin created 12 knights, transformed them into paranormal beings, then cursed them to a life of celibacy until they met their one true mates far in the future. As the book opens, the Dark Knights MC is meeting to hold the ceremony that will send them individually on their final missions to regain lost artifacts from Camelot. Their leader, Ryderholt "Ryder" Judson, sends them on their way, but the concentration of magic has attracted an MC pack of hellhounds who chase him down the dark country blacktop. Speeding without lights, a woman runs out in front of him, then freezes when she sees him coming straight at her.
Jess Willowbrook has lived in the East Tennessee mountains since her mother dropped her off at her grandmother's cabin when she was five, never to return. Jess is a natural healer and is being pursued by thugs attempting to kidnap her for their boss when she accidentally runs into the path of a motorcyclist. The rider avoids her but is critically injured in the resulting crash. As she begins to assess him for injuries, Jess realizes the rider is unlike anyone she's ever met before. Unbelievably, he's the stuff of legends. And after she heals him, neither of them will be the same.
This is a very good series opener, one I had no trouble getting into. The main takeaway was the lack of proofreading of missing letters, missing words, and duplicate words. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to book two.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story flowed pretty nicely. You have a historical aspect with the Dark Knights who were formed in the time of Merlin, their only time to win back their humanity is under the Mage's moon, which is now occurring. They must obtain all Merlin's artifacts in order to do so. At the same time of their ritual, a group of ladies who just consider themselves having special abilities cast a spell to bring about their true mates. This also happens to be a part of Merlin's curse. The Knights want nothing to do with mates, they just want to be done with the curse. Ryder Judson is on his way to find his artifact while the Hell Hounds are hot on his tail in the hills of East Tennessee when he stumbles across Jess, the healing nurse of the group. He wrecks his motorcycle in order to keep from hurting her and severely injures himself in the process. She doesn't realize he's a vampire at first and tries to heal him the best she can while keeping a watchful eye for those chasing her. She realizes something is wrong when she scans his vitals and then when she protects her from those following her and his skin begins to sizzle in the sunlight. She hurries to get him into a protected area and pries information from him. The longer that they spend time together, the more each of their hearts began to melt, but the more danger each of them bring to one another. Is it possible for them to even be together being that they are so different? What of Ryder's curse and his quest?

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a first for me for Alexa Dare, and I honestly hope not all of the books are so bogged down with details that it keeps me confused.
The flow of this book had me confused at times and I guess I kind of just filled in the blanks on my own.
I said this book was too bogged down with details, but then again it was detailed enough when it came to important issues of building the storyline. I wish we would've known more about why the knights were cursed by Merlin. As well a little bit more about the curse. They said they've had fifteen hundred years to complete their quests, but they are just now doing the quests and the spells to find their fated mates. What the heck have they been doing in the past?

I got a bit tired of the back forth Ryder kept playing with Jess. First he thinks she's his fated mate, but he has to find out...so he gropes her without asking and all the while he keeps thinking how he will never take a mate no matter what. Then when he's finally accepted that she might be his mate he decides he needs to stay away from her because he's brought so much danger to her door. But then he feels the pull to be with her and he can't deny it so he runs back to her and she just seems to accept him with open arms. The back and forth just isn't my thing.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, this was a disappointment. Whoever edited/proof read, dropped the ball big time. This felt like a rough draft, not a published book. I only made it to 28% before giving up. First, the world building totally stank. Then the characters are so different that I couldn’t decide if I liked them or not. The plot skips around so much with no thought to the sequences of events, it felt like I was getting whiplash. Things are added in that make no sense to be added at those points. Then the inner dialogue for Ryder is so repetitive as to be annoying. I don’t need it crammed down my throat that Ryder has been celibate since Merlin & King Arthur’s time when he was turned/created into a vampire, or that he will find his life mate & lose his celibate ways for her. Or that he doesn't want a life mate, or that he suspects she’s his life mate. It’s like every other page reiterates the same thoughts. I’m not an idiot that I need this info refreshed so much, or even as a way to reinforce the thoughts. Don’t waste your hard earned money on this book. I definitely won’t be interested in the rest in the series either.

[Melanie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too drawn out

I had high hopes for Vampire's Quest after I read Knight's Journey, the series prequel. I expected a fast-paced paranormal adventure with a scorching romance, and I got most of that. The fated mate romance between vampire Ryder and human witch Jess was indeed hot and sexy. Ryder was every bit as sexy and noble and self-sacrificing as a true knight, when he wasn't seriously kicking demon butt. Jess was strong in her commitment to healing, and to Ryder. The drama of supernatural battles and near-death experiences got pretty intense. But the one thing missing was the pacing. Author Alexa Dare's florid prose and overly-detailed, repetitive narrative slowed the pace of the novel to a crawl, and I found it irritating to be constantly reminded that Jess wasn't aware of her true nature, or that Ryder didn't want a fated mate. A good content editor might have helped this one back into 5 star territory, but as it stands it's too bloated and draggy to be very enjoyable. I'm still interested in the overall storyline of the series, so I'm gonna try the next book and hope for better. This is my voluntary and independent review of an ARC.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

VAMPIRE’S QUEST is the first book in the Knight Fever series. They are meant to stand on their own, but I say they need to be read in the order of release and there is too much overlap to pretend they are self-standing. That said, this is the first book and it definitely stands on its own with no cliff hanger. Still, once I read it, I knew I was going to want more.

There are thirteen knights – from King Arthur’s court – tricked by Merlin to become superhuman and then rejected because of what he had done to them. I’ve always loved stories of Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. This story makes me question what I know. This author has asked “what if” and built a new world. I smile as I say that is what a true author does!

There are five women in East Tennessee. Each has been labeled a witch. Why? How in this modern world? The answers are fanciful and imaginative.

Then Ryder met Olivia and the roller coaster ride took off at breakneck speeds. It never slowed down…making this an absolute page-turner of a story.

I already have the second book and will be starting it immediately. Will another of the coven meet her fated mate within the ranks of the Dark Knights? I hope so!

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: VAMPIRE’S QUEST
Series: Knight Fever #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Received from: Amazon purchase

[Pamela Gramlisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read and can't wait to read the next book.

I copied this from the last pages of the book to give you an idea of what to expect when reading this series. "Each one of a contingency of Dark Knights sets out on his final quest. After a millennium and a half of celibacy, each must find his one true mate to end Merlin’s curse. A vampire, a wolf shifter, a sorcerer, a hunter shifter, a dragon shifter, a wraith, a gargoyle shifter, a phantom, a cougar shifter, a raven shifter, a demon, a specter, and the reaper search for their fated mates." There are so many different types of characters you will follow just in this book alone. This book centers around Jess who is a healer and Ryder who is a vampire and a Dark Knight. I suppose each book will have an evil individual and in this one it's someone who is sick and needs Jess to heal him. He keeps trying to kidnap her. Ryder and Jess are true mates and will have their happy ever after.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Alexa Dare and boy was it good. It was full of suspense that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Ryderholt is a vampire and one of the dark knights from Arthur's round table. And he's on his final mission, with the chance to end his curse and find his fated mate. His final quest is to find Arthur's lost treasures. When he runs into Jess, literally he runs into her with his motorbike. Jess, a healer and suspected witch and is Ryder's unwanted fated mate. But as the danger closes in and they battle demons the romance sparks between them. I want to write so much more as this book has so much going on, but I'd hate to spoil it for other readers. So if you love paranormal romance that has vampire's, witches, shifters, demons and ancient dragons then you're in for a treat with this book.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and type of story, although I have previously enjoyed shifter stories, and wow, I am so glad I gave it a shot. This book was a page turner, and you'll find it hard to put down. I am a fan forever and can't wait to move to the next book in the series. Alexa does a wonderful job with the story, a paranormal romance which doesn't sound likely but really works! Set in Tennessee, the story (and characters) are well developed and although set in modern day, starts out centuries ago. The characters are all very appealing and make you want to follow them through this action packed tome. There is plenty of heat, although it is not instant, (due to a curse), angst (because the attraction/heat is not instant), but rest assured, you get your HEA ending. If you want any more, just get the book! You won't be sorry you did!

[Mystipul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome story of an ancient knight on his quest to freedom. Being released from a 1500 year curse, but to be truly free he must finish his quest to find an ancient Camelot relic. And at the same time he is fated to meet his one true mate. After 1500 years he wants nothing to do with a mate, he just wants his freedom but the Fates have other plans for him and send him into a headlong crash with the one meant for only him. Jess on the other hand is a healer hiding in the mountains and healing the poor people in a little back water town. Little does she knows she needs rescuing and that she's about to run head long into the one man that can save her. This story was action packed and a bunch of little side stories that I'm sure are important later on in the series. I look forward to reading the rest of the Knight Fever Books.

[Sissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute stories of supenatural lobe stories

And the danger they are all in..first when a human wants one of the witches powers to heal his cancer.
He bargains with demons to help him become immortal if his healing doesn't work...Hes a cruel, mean, evil creature even compared with the demons...all of the other witches still waiting to meet their true mates...from a ceremony they preformed in a enchanted place..but they never expected their mates to be supernatural?
Both sides have trust issues.can they all make it by thier trust issues and the fact of what thier mates are? Lets hope so we need them to close the open gate to the underworld...the dragons can only hold it for so long...

[Jan Janus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will take you for the ride of your life. Dark Knights that are created by Merlin over 1500 years ago, or Cursed to serve and protect. It seemed at first it was a little far fetched bringing Medieval times to Modern times as when you think of Dark Knights you think exactly that, medieval. The Author brought the medieval to modern and did a great job creating these characters. I'm not one to give away anything in the book, I don't like spoilers, so why would I do that to other readers. I will tell you this, It was thrilling, empowering and very on edge as to what is going to happen from moment to the next. Do I recommend this to others, YES, YES, YES. Happy Reading :-)

[LWM · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the effort and research are clear, too much information overload the senses.

In short, I found myself impatient at too much background details in what was supposed to be seconds in time. Instead, she prattles on in the middle of someone receiving a mortal wound or potential maiming for one to three pages just to share the victim's or threatened party's thoughts. We are also inundated with so many details of the millenium and a half Ryder has served as a dark knight it gets confusing, not to mention tiresome. The action and excitement get lost amidst all that droning and inner contemplation by Ryder or Jess. One and a half stars.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the day he was cursed, Ryderholt has longed for the day that it will be lifted. Despite being misunderstood, Jess has done what she could to help those on her mountain. Fate has plans for both, but will they resist? Will Ryder allow himself to fall? Will Jess forgive Ryder for the choice he makes?

Loved the leading story into this series. I loved how we get a mix of all the different paranormal creatures available. Loved how despite the fact that Ryder wants to fight it, he can't help but be drawn and protective over Jess. I loved how strong Jess was and how determined she was to help regardless of the outcome. Great read and cannot wait to start the next one!

[Holly Bargo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Often convoluted, though enjoyable

I enjoyed this book, though the story's twists and turns make it more convoluted than mysterious and exciting. The human villain is patently devil; the villainous demon actually comes across as typically evil. The ladies of the coven don't get much character development, but their chance will come later in the series. Some editing glitches could be corrected with a proofreader's attention. This story proved an interesting take on the whole vampire schtick, but I am not sure whether I will read the rest of the series.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knights who are cursed

An interesting new paranormal romance with the twist of Camelot, Merlin and Knights. I love the fact that each knight took on a different paranormal talent. It starts off with Ryder being a vampire. We slowly learn some of the story and the curse the nights suffer. They each have a quest and a fated mate to search for. Neither seems to be easy and Ryder will go through a lot of soul searching (even he still has one) throughout the book. Can’t wait to read what the next paranormal will be and to learn more of the knights’ past.

[Tex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Quest by Vampire
[Disclaimer: received a copy of the book through AXP (Authors Cross Promotion). Read it and decided to provide my honest review]. Vampire’s Quest, Knight Fever Book 1 by Alexa Dare is a quick and easy read. Having just completed reading an intense mystery/thriller this book was what the doctor ordered – not complicated and predictable with a little romance. Overall, Vampire’s Quest is the perfect summer book to have in your travel bag for a vacation or poolside and beach adventure. My RECOMMENDATION is neutral. – Tex.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampire's Quest is like a roller coaster ride of non-stop action, never letting you catch your breath before the next heart-stopping twist in the story. It's well-written and the action scenes are so descriptive that you feel like you're right there. With knights, vampires, sorceresses, demons, and dragons, it's like a medieval tale set in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.

[Andrea (mrsaubergine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this new supernatural series featuring a vampire and a witch. The twists were good, the baddies suitably evil, and it all wrapped up nicely, with much potential for other pairings between the knights and the sorceresses who live on the mountain. I was a bit confused about the Camelot connection, but I think that's because I haven't read the prequel novella that explains the origins of the Dark Knights. Will have to do that soon.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book you have to read. It is not one i want to tell you anything about before you read it. But it is very well written. It is also fun, exciting, suspenseful and full of surprises. I fully recommend it. I couldn't put it down. I held my attention all the way through. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[michelle davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop action!!!!

Absolutely loved this book. Jesus and Ryder are amazing together. Can't wait to see what else they get themselves into,especially if her friends are also mates to his Knights. I could not put this book down. The series is going to be great and I will read everyone of the books . I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Sarah Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensual and Passionate

I really enjoyed reading this book, and can't wait to read the rest of this series. Knights from days gone by, new age sorceresses, demons, and even dragons fill this adventurous romantic tale. Full of all the paranormals,this is a great book for those who enjoy a fantastic tale set in modern times.

[Larry Bos · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not finish this book

Because I found it the writing as annoying as driving a street with more potholes than pavement. The author further rode my nerve by using the word "home" rather than the correct word "hone" as is she honed into her senses. Poor vocabulary is a big turnoff.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A knight of old on a quest to find a sword to fulfill a prophecy and find his fated one true mate. She is a witch, because of her healing abilities and does not even know of her true powers. A Vampire knight's last quest and to be free from service to find their own life and mates. It is a different take on vampires. Enjoyed the book.