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The Dowrra Series #1
The Wayside
The Dowrra are human females descended from Inanna, a goddess of love, whose dormant desires erupt when they meet their destiny and mate with powerful, supernatural creatures.
Eternal love is always worth centuries of waiting.
The Wayside
Oblivious to her Dowrra heritage, curvy red-headed stunner, Gwendolyn Rhys never imagined there was a reason for her lack of passion and poor choices in boyfriends.
Then, 500-year-old Miguel Santos, vampire Prince of Wayside Coven, walks into the downtown Toronto diner where she’s serving and changes everything.
Gwen is blindsided by desire. Her heart beats so hard she can feel it pulsing in her fingertips. She’s unnaturally captivated by the tall stranger’s full mouth, rugged jaw, and sculpted body. Her hunger is confusing, disturbing, magnetic – intoxicating. She’s never known such fierce yearning.
Miguel is equally mesmerized by this bold human who doesn’t seem to fear him. The heat of her desire flushing under her soft skin is pure temptation, but it is her innocence and feisty intelligence that fascinates him. Such a powerful impulse can only be a Dowrra bond forming.
Miguel charms Gwen with the city’s glittering nightlife, black tie events, and luxury cars, but his obligation is to maintain the shaky truce between humans and the paranormal. As tensions rise, he’ll need to protect his Dowrra mate, but will Gwen accept Miguel’s dark secret before it’s too late? Can the proud, self-assured vampire prince humble himself for love? Will they survive the war that threatens to unravel their destiny?
Discover love worth waiting centuries for in The Dowrra Series.
Eternal love is always worth centuries of waiting.
The Wayside
Oblivious to her Dowrra heritage, curvy red-headed stunner, Gwendolyn Rhys never imagined there was a reason for her lack of passion and poor choices in boyfriends.
Then, 500-year-old Miguel Santos, vampire Prince of Wayside Coven, walks into the downtown Toronto diner where she’s serving and changes everything.
Gwen is blindsided by desire. Her heart beats so hard she can feel it pulsing in her fingertips. She’s unnaturally captivated by the tall stranger’s full mouth, rugged jaw, and sculpted body. Her hunger is confusing, disturbing, magnetic – intoxicating. She’s never known such fierce yearning.
Miguel is equally mesmerized by this bold human who doesn’t seem to fear him. The heat of her desire flushing under her soft skin is pure temptation, but it is her innocence and feisty intelligence that fascinates him. Such a powerful impulse can only be a Dowrra bond forming.
Miguel charms Gwen with the city’s glittering nightlife, black tie events, and luxury cars, but his obligation is to maintain the shaky truce between humans and the paranormal. As tensions rise, he’ll need to protect his Dowrra mate, but will Gwen accept Miguel’s dark secret before it’s too late? Can the proud, self-assured vampire prince humble himself for love? Will they survive the war that threatens to unravel their destiny?
Discover love worth waiting centuries for in The Dowrra Series.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
256 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Gordon
12 books88 followersA.A. GORDON is the Canadian author of paranormal romance books, The Dowrra Series, and the upcoming fantasy romance trilogy Heart of the Tithriall. She grew up on a farm in Markdale, Ontario, where her imagination knew no bounds. She moved downtown Toronto to study history and English at Ryerson University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts.
GORDON finished her first novel at the age of eleven and has since written many more books. In addition to being a gifted writer, GORDON is a powerhouse of ambition and passion. In June 2018, she co-founded Runefire Publications in Southampton, Ontario with Abby Bolton and Rick Irwin, who saw the great merit of her writing. GORDON’s hope is that she can one day provide the support that new and rural Canadian authors need.
On top of managing the budding publishing company, GORDON still works part-time and enjoys an active social life. She is known for hosting grand Halloween parties, has a large family, a deeply beloved partner, and two quirky shelties. She is enthusiastic about the future of her writing career and cannot wait to share her world with you.
GORDON finished her first novel at the age of eleven and has since written many more books. In addition to being a gifted writer, GORDON is a powerhouse of ambition and passion. In June 2018, she co-founded Runefire Publications in Southampton, Ontario with Abby Bolton and Rick Irwin, who saw the great merit of her writing. GORDON’s hope is that she can one day provide the support that new and rural Canadian authors need.
On top of managing the budding publishing company, GORDON still works part-time and enjoys an active social life. She is known for hosting grand Halloween parties, has a large family, a deeply beloved partner, and two quirky shelties. She is enthusiastic about the future of her writing career and cannot wait to share her world with you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 16, 2023
Hmm, it was ok, but it's disappointing, but it did have potential.
I don't know it seemed like this was a series branched off another with information missing and a whole lot we should already know, so I was left with a heap of questions but the next book is about completing different ppl we never met so i'm left confused.
For one.. ahhh, what is the wayside? It's the title. However, it is only referenced once on page 370: "You're coming with me to the wayside." That's the last sentence on the last page before the Epilogue??? WTF
Also -- what was the point of james at the beginning? her getting a new job for like a week before she ran away? The whole Jonathan Welford story? Her father? Her mother?
It just seemed like maybe it was heavily edited, and a lot of key things were removed. It would have made a really good series about Gwen and Miguel rather than one cut down version.
The book started well it was written like episodes of a show, so it had some drama every now and then, not just at the end.
I liked that Gwen was smart and strong but was annoyed that she just glazed over her mum not being dead but actually abandoning her to a terrible father foster home situation (which is completely forgotten about), or that her only friends completely lied to her and she never got angry at them, and her room-mate is just dumped in a hospital and forgotten about.
It ends like a 'to be continued' because to be honest in the end nothing was resolved, but then the bonus sneak peak of the next book seems completely random about someone we haven't met or even mentioned.
I was also frustrated with the writers choice of words for Gwen.. whenever she asks a question its 'Gwen hissed' 'Gwen snapped' can't it just be 'Gwen enquired' 'Gwen asked' it came across that the girl was always angry at everyone for no reason it was so weird.
Disappointed not sure if I will continue the series. There is nothing to grab me to continue.
I don't know it seemed like this was a series branched off another with information missing and a whole lot we should already know, so I was left with a heap of questions but the next book is about completing different ppl we never met so i'm left confused.
For one.. ahhh, what is the wayside? It's the title. However, it is only referenced once on page 370: "You're coming with me to the wayside." That's the last sentence on the last page before the Epilogue??? WTF
Also -- what was the point of james at the beginning? her getting a new job for like a week before she ran away? The whole Jonathan Welford story? Her father? Her mother?
It just seemed like maybe it was heavily edited, and a lot of key things were removed. It would have made a really good series about Gwen and Miguel rather than one cut down version.
The book started well it was written like episodes of a show, so it had some drama every now and then, not just at the end.
I liked that Gwen was smart and strong but was annoyed that she just glazed over her mum not being dead but actually abandoning her to a terrible father foster home situation (which is completely forgotten about), or that her only friends completely lied to her and she never got angry at them, and her room-mate is just dumped in a hospital and forgotten about.
It ends like a 'to be continued' because to be honest in the end nothing was resolved, but then the bonus sneak peak of the next book seems completely random about someone we haven't met or even mentioned.
I was also frustrated with the writers choice of words for Gwen.. whenever she asks a question its 'Gwen hissed' 'Gwen snapped' can't it just be 'Gwen enquired' 'Gwen asked' it came across that the girl was always angry at everyone for no reason it was so weird.
Disappointed not sure if I will continue the series. There is nothing to grab me to continue.
July 18, 2021
I am DNFing this one for now…it is easy to read and I like the story…but the fact that a woman who works as a waitress in a diner is suddenly this hugely cultured woman who blends seamlessly amongst billionaires, etc is irksome to me.
I don’t really feel anything for the couple because their relationship was just way too easy for them to fall into.
Also….and this is a big one….I DO NOT CARE HOW MANY FANCY CARS HE DRIVES. Like, I feel like I spent two pages just reading about his Ferrari. It’s annoying and distracting….add to that he has been everywhere, done everything, plays every instrument, has cured world hunger, blah blah blah and I have met my very first male Mary Sue character.
I like the writing style I just don’t like this couple so I may see about skipping ahead because I think maybe each book is about a different couple? I hope…
I don’t really feel anything for the couple because their relationship was just way too easy for them to fall into.
Also….and this is a big one….I DO NOT CARE HOW MANY FANCY CARS HE DRIVES. Like, I feel like I spent two pages just reading about his Ferrari. It’s annoying and distracting….add to that he has been everywhere, done everything, plays every instrument, has cured world hunger, blah blah blah and I have met my very first male Mary Sue character.
I like the writing style I just don’t like this couple so I may see about skipping ahead because I think maybe each book is about a different couple? I hope…
July 2, 2023
Enjoyable quick read but disappointed with the ending, I know the series continues but I felt like all the drama ramped up at the end and there was no real conclusions for their story? It’s implied they get a happy ever after but they are still being hunted?
February 16, 2023
i wasn't a huge fan of this book. i felt as though it should've continued forward as a maybe a duology rather than an interconnected series. i honestly wouldn't read another one though.
the third person view of the FMC and the first person view of the MMC was bizarre to me. i don't think i've ever read a dual POV in this style.
there was a lot about this series that was forgotten, poorly explained or just was eh.
overall. wouldn't recommend.
the third person view of the FMC and the first person view of the MMC was bizarre to me. i don't think i've ever read a dual POV in this style.
there was a lot about this series that was forgotten, poorly explained or just was eh.
overall. wouldn't recommend.
December 5, 2022
This isn't necessarily bad, it just didn't particularly hold my interest and at the moment I have no intention of finishing it. I might come back to it at some point, but I got 60% through and just found myself getting bored. I think 100 pages less and I would probably have finished it.
Read
November 29, 2022Dnf
April 16, 2023
Information overload. Spicy scenes were a bit vanilla for me.
May 27, 2023
The Dowrra Series offers a unique perspective on vampires and their mates. Readers of stories like A Discovery of Witches, vampire romances, and paranormal romances will appreciate this steamy series by A.A. Gordon.
August 31, 2023
very interesting story
The world building in this was amazenuts. The geek in me was taking notes. Lots of interesting characters and unique twists.
The world building in this was amazenuts. The geek in me was taking notes. Lots of interesting characters and unique twists.
July 10, 2023
I liked the different approach of the origin if the vampires and dowrras using ancient civilizations. It’s original and interesting. The story, however, has left so many unanswered questions amd plot holes that made it less interesting.
Derek and Charlotte are both Dowrra or from Dowrra families. They call themselves Gwen’s guardians and know she won’t keep a relationship with a human and yet, keep trying her to date one of Derek’s co-worker. Derek meets Miguel, knows what it means for a Dowrra to be interested in a vampire and yet, it’s extreme rude to him. Miguel is nice to him, shows his gazillions of cars and Derek still shows as jerk. And please, why there’s a need to spend pages talking about these cars that interest no one I don’t know. I don’t care about about your million-dollar superfast whatever Porsche.
Gwen has vampires following her in the beginning of the story due to the guy attacking her in the cafe, where no one, including the manager, stepped up to say something to the vampire smashing her leg. And she is still worried about giving two weeks notice? She says nothing of them following her but puts a tantrum over having an official bodyguard.
Gwen learns her mother didn’t die as she thought and had left to be with her mate and there’s no curiosity or angst over this. No thinking of how her mother could had explained it to her and kept in touch. There’s phone, internet and mail. Unless her mother was kept captive inside her coven I doubt she didn’t have the chance to see her daughter if she wanted. And yet, Gwen is all fine with this.
When she and Charlotte are attacked in her house, there’s no explanation of who did that. It’s a group? It’s the same people who killed the researcher? Where they attacking in the whole town? Miguel decided to take her to the Wayside. What it’s the Wayside? It’s a coven? It’s a town? We don’t know because the story finishes there. We are also introduced to a potential strong character in the very last page and yet, have no idea where does he fits in the plot.
Derek and Charlotte are both Dowrra or from Dowrra families. They call themselves Gwen’s guardians and know she won’t keep a relationship with a human and yet, keep trying her to date one of Derek’s co-worker. Derek meets Miguel, knows what it means for a Dowrra to be interested in a vampire and yet, it’s extreme rude to him. Miguel is nice to him, shows his gazillions of cars and Derek still shows as jerk. And please, why there’s a need to spend pages talking about these cars that interest no one I don’t know. I don’t care about about your million-dollar superfast whatever Porsche.
Gwen has vampires following her in the beginning of the story due to the guy attacking her in the cafe, where no one, including the manager, stepped up to say something to the vampire smashing her leg. And she is still worried about giving two weeks notice? She says nothing of them following her but puts a tantrum over having an official bodyguard.
Gwen learns her mother didn’t die as she thought and had left to be with her mate and there’s no curiosity or angst over this. No thinking of how her mother could had explained it to her and kept in touch. There’s phone, internet and mail. Unless her mother was kept captive inside her coven I doubt she didn’t have the chance to see her daughter if she wanted. And yet, Gwen is all fine with this.
When she and Charlotte are attacked in her house, there’s no explanation of who did that. It’s a group? It’s the same people who killed the researcher? Where they attacking in the whole town? Miguel decided to take her to the Wayside. What it’s the Wayside? It’s a coven? It’s a town? We don’t know because the story finishes there. We are also introduced to a potential strong character in the very last page and yet, have no idea where does he fits in the plot.
August 6, 2018
I actually enjoyed this story once I got into it. I finally was drawn in and couldn't stop. Gwen and Miguel are great characters from two different worlds of paranormal. Miguel a vampire and Gwen a Dowrra (vampire's mate) come together by coincedence and find an attraction undeniable but Miguel knows her secret but how will she feel about his secret?
A.A. that was a suspenseful and intriguing read and a new side of vampires for me. I enjoyed reading both points of view of the main characters, I got a feel for both. I could feel the struggle within both characters of their feelings. You had me in tears at points and smiling at others. It seems though you left me wanting more of Gwen and Miguel's story, so I hope their story continues throughout the series amongst the other characters to be introduced. I recommend this read and the series that is to follow because you can never get enough of the paranormal characters that will be met. 5/5 stars
***Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads***
A.A. that was a suspenseful and intriguing read and a new side of vampires for me. I enjoyed reading both points of view of the main characters, I got a feel for both. I could feel the struggle within both characters of their feelings. You had me in tears at points and smiling at others. It seems though you left me wanting more of Gwen and Miguel's story, so I hope their story continues throughout the series amongst the other characters to be introduced. I recommend this read and the series that is to follow because you can never get enough of the paranormal characters that will be met. 5/5 stars
***Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads***
February 8, 2022
Very good
This was a good story, I am moving on to part 2 with only minor complaints about the formatting of this book. First, there were some minor spelling mistakes, I can work my way around them no problem, BUT, there are also some major formatting problems as well throughout the entire book. Large, and I do mean large, gaps between sentences. A very irritating and disrupting kind of error that should never have been allowed past the editors. I do wonder what the heck happened.
As far as the story was concerned, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The character building, world building (love reading a story that takes place in my backyard), I had no problem with the pacing and the characters. I am wondering what the next 3 books will focus on.
This was a good story, I am moving on to part 2 with only minor complaints about the formatting of this book. First, there were some minor spelling mistakes, I can work my way around them no problem, BUT, there are also some major formatting problems as well throughout the entire book. Large, and I do mean large, gaps between sentences. A very irritating and disrupting kind of error that should never have been allowed past the editors. I do wonder what the heck happened.
As far as the story was concerned, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The character building, world building (love reading a story that takes place in my backyard), I had no problem with the pacing and the characters. I am wondering what the next 3 books will focus on.
November 3, 2019
I didn't think I would enjoy this as much as I did. It's still not my genre. But the author is a friend of my aunt's, and I thought I would give it a go anyway. There was so much that I'm interested in, plot-wise, that actually think I'll be reading the next book to learn more about the world that A. A. Gordon created. I wasn't overly thrilled with the characters. I felt like they didn't have time to develop into fully formed people, and the secrets everyone kept from Gwen really made the state of the relationships all unbelievable.
But there's always a chance that the characters will develop more in the sequels, though they are companion books.
But there's always a chance that the characters will develop more in the sequels, though they are companion books.
February 9, 2023
Found this book through tiktok. Wasn't sure what to expect, but I absolutely loved it. Not only was it fast-paced, but I loved the characters and loved the character development. The relationship between Gwen and Miguel was spicy and tense from the start. They fell in love quickly, but it makes sense for the story and the species. Gwen is extremely cultured, but from the little I know of her background, it makes sense. I love that Miguel loves that side of her. Honestly, they are a great couple. He has experienced a lot, and she can learn a lot from his history and who he surrounds himself with. I'm interested to see how in the world the Angelis will affect the dowrra and the vampire race.
December 11, 2023
pretty good
The story line is pretty good.
I would originally rate this as a 4 star but I deducted a star for the editing and the POV is super confusing and not consistent. Not in the way you wonder which character is being focused on. The chapters are separated by main characters as first person POV are. What gets confusing is Miguel’s chapters will consistently use first person (I) and maybe even some third person (he) terms but when it comes to Gwen’s chapters it’s all third person terms (she and even referring to herself as Gwen), one chapter started off as “Gwen sat up” instead of I sat up. If you get past that the story is pretty good.
The story line is pretty good.
I would originally rate this as a 4 star but I deducted a star for the editing and the POV is super confusing and not consistent. Not in the way you wonder which character is being focused on. The chapters are separated by main characters as first person POV are. What gets confusing is Miguel’s chapters will consistently use first person (I) and maybe even some third person (he) terms but when it comes to Gwen’s chapters it’s all third person terms (she and even referring to herself as Gwen), one chapter started off as “Gwen sat up” instead of I sat up. If you get past that the story is pretty good.
August 8, 2021
Good vampire romance but felt unfinished and disappointed that the next book is about another couple
I always love a good vampire romance but good one's are hard to find. I loved this story and the different aspects of vampire lore and lifetime mate. When I read a series I'm looking for the same couple I fell in love with in each book. Miguel and Gwen I felt there story had just begun but the author ends it here and the next book in the series is about another couple. No epilogue on this couple either I'm a little disappointed and will not be moving on to the next book.
I always love a good vampire romance but good one's are hard to find. I loved this story and the different aspects of vampire lore and lifetime mate. When I read a series I'm looking for the same couple I fell in love with in each book. Miguel and Gwen I felt there story had just begun but the author ends it here and the next book in the series is about another couple. No epilogue on this couple either I'm a little disappointed and will not be moving on to the next book.
October 31, 2024
I highly recommend The Wayside!
What a beginning! I really enjoy a good vampire book and this one didn’t disappoint! I really liked the way Miguel meets Gwen in the diner. And when he realizes what she is to him?? And when she has this almost instant, insane attraction to him? Awesome!
I really like the premise of the story, how the 2 bloodlines name to be connected and why it was necessary.
This has romance, intrigue, action, suspense and surprises galore! I look forward to reading the entire series.
What a beginning! I really enjoy a good vampire book and this one didn’t disappoint! I really liked the way Miguel meets Gwen in the diner. And when he realizes what she is to him?? And when she has this almost instant, insane attraction to him? Awesome!
I really like the premise of the story, how the 2 bloodlines name to be connected and why it was necessary.
This has romance, intrigue, action, suspense and surprises galore! I look forward to reading the entire series.
July 23, 2024
Let me start off by saying this is not just another vampire story. This book is a good intro into the entire series. And let me tell you, this series is spectacular. The world building and characters are incredible. Don't let the fact that each book focuses on different characters deter you either. It's like one big puzzle and each book is a peice. If you like fantasy fiction you gotta read this series.
October 1, 2018
A great first novel by a Canadian author. There are minor grammatical errors, and some spelling mistakes, but they do not impact the novel in my opinion. It is well written as a whole, has great pace and is very engaging. It took me a while to read only because I was so busy with the start of school. I look forward to reading Bloodlines.
August 14, 2019
Captivating story, read it in 1 day, couldn't put it down. Local Ontario author who used some local and fictional places. Bought first 2 books in "The Dowrra Series", look forward to starting the 2nd book and reading more. Will have to contact Runefire Publications to see where they next visit. Enjoyed meeting both the author & publisher at a local craft show.
May 26, 2023
so unique
I did not know what to expect going in but the RICH world building with a unique framework was so fun! I also loved the “rich obsessed” hero this book had. We had a lot of cool art dialogue which made the fact that these characters were old more believable to me. Definitely take a chance and go for this!
I did not know what to expect going in but the RICH world building with a unique framework was so fun! I also loved the “rich obsessed” hero this book had. We had a lot of cool art dialogue which made the fact that these characters were old more believable to me. Definitely take a chance and go for this!
July 20, 2023
This story has a lot of potential but was a little disappointed. The story in the first 80% of the book is a slow burn and then it ramps up with lots of action but the ending seemed to fizzel out, leaving you a little disappointed. I do appreciate the time the author took in the art and history reference.
October 3, 2018
I purchased this book from the author at PE PUMPKIN fest. Not the books I usually read but I think it was a kind of read you have to continue as to what comes next and where is AA GORDON taking us?
PS I should have checked her neck for any marks. 👹
PS I should have checked her neck for any marks. 👹
August 6, 2021
I really enjoyed reading The Wayside. The storyline and characters kept me completely interested and invested in the book. I can definitely see myself reading this over again each time a new book comes out!
October 31, 2021
Good book
As book one's go it is well done . It gives you hints ,but doesn't hit you over the head with things that aren't necessarily part of this story . I guess I need to move up to Canada to meet up with Supernatural species . 😁
As book one's go it is well done . It gives you hints ,but doesn't hit you over the head with things that aren't necessarily part of this story . I guess I need to move up to Canada to meet up with Supernatural species . 😁
December 3, 2022
love it!
It’s a really good read! I love the rich lore, the characters and how real they feel. I also love that it’s canadian. I am so in love with the world the author has created that I can’t wait to read the next one!
It’s a really good read! I love the rich lore, the characters and how real they feel. I also love that it’s canadian. I am so in love with the world the author has created that I can’t wait to read the next one!
August 12, 2023
The teenage side of me will always love a good vampire story. Gordon takes an interesting spin on the same old tales pulling different historical aspects and legends to form her characters. While the story was an easy read, it still left alot of questions. Having read a few of the other books before writing this review, I can see that is due to all the stories interconnecting. Though that would have been good information to know for first time readers. Will continue to stick out the series to see how everything connects and the grand scheme of things
August 20, 2023
DNF 20%
I just didn't like the writing.
Info dumps, so many names and characters introduced for no reason, lots and lots of history when we barely have any idea about the characters.
Multiple povs but for some reason it was in first person for one and third for the other.
Just weird writing
I just didn't like the writing.
Info dumps, so many names and characters introduced for no reason, lots and lots of history when we barely have any idea about the characters.
Multiple povs but for some reason it was in first person for one and third for the other.
Just weird writing
September 5, 2023
My new favorite vampure series
I couldn't put it down! A fascinating new twist about vampires and their fated mates. I have read many vampire series but this one is new, fresh, and an unique take of vampires evolution in a fiction world where every story seems the same.
I couldn't put it down! A fascinating new twist about vampires and their fated mates. I have read many vampire series but this one is new, fresh, and an unique take of vampires evolution in a fiction world where every story seems the same.
June 6, 2018
A very enjoyful and enthralling read. The author has created a captivating world and a love story for adults. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews