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Circle of Blood #4
Lover's Absolution
Xander hates werewolves.
In all fairness, they’re not too keen on him either.
Normally, avoidance would be the obvious solution. At least, it would be if the werewolves in question weren’t holding a newly turned six-year-old vampire child as a prisoner. Alone in London, it’s up to Xander to rescue the boy before he can fall into the hands of Bael’s sadistic servant, Bastian Kovac.
That mission that becomes exponentially more difficult when Xander discovers the identity of the mysterious female werewolf acting as the boy’s guardian. With the forces of darkness closing in from all directions, nothing is as it seems.
There’s a reason vampires and werewolves don’t mix. Of course, in more than a hundred and twenty years, no one has ever accused Xander of playing by the rules.
Why should he start now?
* * *
The Circle of Blood Series
In another lifetime, six vampires lost their mates—and their mortality—to an unimaginable evil power. Now, if they can’t reunite with the reincarnated souls of their lost loves soon, it may just mean the end of the world.
In all fairness, they’re not too keen on him either.
Normally, avoidance would be the obvious solution. At least, it would be if the werewolves in question weren’t holding a newly turned six-year-old vampire child as a prisoner. Alone in London, it’s up to Xander to rescue the boy before he can fall into the hands of Bael’s sadistic servant, Bastian Kovac.
That mission that becomes exponentially more difficult when Xander discovers the identity of the mysterious female werewolf acting as the boy’s guardian. With the forces of darkness closing in from all directions, nothing is as it seems.
There’s a reason vampires and werewolves don’t mix. Of course, in more than a hundred and twenty years, no one has ever accused Xander of playing by the rules.
Why should he start now?
* * *
The Circle of Blood Series
In another lifetime, six vampires lost their mates—and their mortality—to an unimaginable evil power. Now, if they can’t reunite with the reincarnated souls of their lost loves soon, it may just mean the end of the world.
Audible Audio
First published May 16, 2018
185 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Steffan
85 books501 followersUSA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 11, 2018
For this 4th volume in the Circle of Blood series, we focus on the wise-cracking youngest vampire Xander. Those who’ve been reading the series may be looking forward to this because snarky, drunken characters can be fun on the page.
To any new readers, you could jump in here. While there isn’t a lot of rehashing what’s gone before, the over-arching plot isn’t hard to pick up. The story in small here is that once again one of the core group of Vampires meets the reincarnation of the main love interest.
There were a few things here that made the story pop for me. First of all, the heroine is Buddhist, which helps the writer and reader skip the disbelief in reincarnation. That would have been really annoying to see for six back to back books (as the series is planned to be). So with that weight off, it allows the characters to have more fun and less angst. Not that things are all roses. That wouldn’t be a very interesting story.
The reader is warned in the summary that Xander hates werewolves. As a fan of werewolves, it was great to see that element in this story. Yes, something about werewolves gets between Xander and his happy for now ending. Xander and his love both go through unexpected physical changes in this story, and I have to say that this was one of my favorite things that happened.
On the whole, this just might be my favorite book in the series so far. I’m still looking forward to book 6, which is supposed to be Snag’s solo book. But the authors gave us some nice Snag backstory in the middle of this Xander book, so that helped things roll along nicely.
As per my usual, I listened to this as an audiobook with Gwendolyn Druyor narrating. She’s the go-to voice for Steffan’s characters, and it’s one of my favorite creative partnerships up there with Hearne/Daniels and Harper/Ronconi. Really, I have nothing to say about the performance, but that’s because it’s just that good. She lets the story shine and doesn’t have to draw attention to herself. As a bonus, Druyor handles regional accents like a dream.
To new or reluctant readers, here’s the deal: Vampire story where the vamps are wanting to reunite with their lost loves while fighting a great evil that threatens all of humanity. There is a large cast of characters, but each book focuses on one pairing. It would be easy to pick up and enjoy. Plus, Steffan always brings the steam in her stories, and she doesn’t disappoint in this series, either.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
To any new readers, you could jump in here. While there isn’t a lot of rehashing what’s gone before, the over-arching plot isn’t hard to pick up. The story in small here is that once again one of the core group of Vampires meets the reincarnation of the main love interest.
There were a few things here that made the story pop for me. First of all, the heroine is Buddhist, which helps the writer and reader skip the disbelief in reincarnation. That would have been really annoying to see for six back to back books (as the series is planned to be). So with that weight off, it allows the characters to have more fun and less angst. Not that things are all roses. That wouldn’t be a very interesting story.
The reader is warned in the summary that Xander hates werewolves. As a fan of werewolves, it was great to see that element in this story. Yes, something about werewolves gets between Xander and his happy for now ending. Xander and his love both go through unexpected physical changes in this story, and I have to say that this was one of my favorite things that happened.
On the whole, this just might be my favorite book in the series so far. I’m still looking forward to book 6, which is supposed to be Snag’s solo book. But the authors gave us some nice Snag backstory in the middle of this Xander book, so that helped things roll along nicely.
As per my usual, I listened to this as an audiobook with Gwendolyn Druyor narrating. She’s the go-to voice for Steffan’s characters, and it’s one of my favorite creative partnerships up there with Hearne/Daniels and Harper/Ronconi. Really, I have nothing to say about the performance, but that’s because it’s just that good. She lets the story shine and doesn’t have to draw attention to herself. As a bonus, Druyor handles regional accents like a dream.
To new or reluctant readers, here’s the deal: Vampire story where the vamps are wanting to reunite with their lost loves while fighting a great evil that threatens all of humanity. There is a large cast of characters, but each book focuses on one pairing. It would be easy to pick up and enjoy. Plus, Steffan always brings the steam in her stories, and she doesn’t disappoint in this series, either.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2019
I don't normally like vampire stories but Gwendolyn Druyor is one of my favourite narrators and I have enjoyed quite a few books by R.A. Stefan. So thought I would give it ago, so glad I did I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one. I like the mix of vampire and werewolves fighting and the way love conquerors all. I think maybe I should have started with book one but the skilled writing by R.A Steffan meant I didn't get lost and could follow long nicely with what we are told, just maybe didn't know all the background on the characters. I really liked Xander as a character with his attitude it added some fun to the book.
Xander is approached in a night club someone needs his help. The thing is it is slightly more complicated than that. In fact someone does need his help a six year old boy has just been turned into a vampire but the girl asking for his help is one of the people holding him captive or is she? She herself has just been turned into a werewolf and it is her new pack that is holding the boy. She use to be the boys guardian and now she must fight her own animal instincts to keep him alive. Vampires and werewolves have never liked each other and never will ...or can this unlikely pair over come centuries of hate to find there destiny? And maybe themselves.
As I said Gwendolyn is one of my favourite narrators she puts so much into each character, whether it is accents or emotions she had got it all covered excellently.
Xander is approached in a night club someone needs his help. The thing is it is slightly more complicated than that. In fact someone does need his help a six year old boy has just been turned into a vampire but the girl asking for his help is one of the people holding him captive or is she? She herself has just been turned into a werewolf and it is her new pack that is holding the boy. She use to be the boys guardian and now she must fight her own animal instincts to keep him alive. Vampires and werewolves have never liked each other and never will ...or can this unlikely pair over come centuries of hate to find there destiny? And maybe themselves.
As I said Gwendolyn is one of my favourite narrators she puts so much into each character, whether it is accents or emotions she had got it all covered excellently.
April 19, 2020
The best instalment in the series so far
For me, the Circle of Blood started as a bit of a slow burn. I was hooked on the idea and the characters of the main vampires, but the protagonist of the first book, Della, didn't really do it for me. And now, having read all 6 books of the series, I stand by my original opinion that she's the least interesting character of them all... But hey, that's good news! During books 2 and 3 we were served some very interesting tidbits of history, world-building and interpersonal relationships, like Eris and Snag's friendship, the badass Trynn, the very interesting Haiti settings and the character of Mason who's been an absolute gem. The romance scenes have been good, if not as frequent as expected. Like I said, a nice slow burn.
But oh boy, does book 4 up the ante!
I don't know if it's the fact that Xander is such a fascinating character or the fact that the vampire-werewolf twist makes matters doubly interesting, but the pace of this book is much more intense and electric. The sex scenes have the urgency we've learned to expect from R A Steffan's other stellar work like The Horse Mistress. The dialog (and Xander's inner musings) is snappy, fun and fast-paced. The action scenes are captivating. And the twist about what Xander and Manisha's coupling actually does to their abilities (no spoilers), is masterfully served.
Overall, for me this is the best book in all of the series, with Book 6 following closely behind.
For me, the Circle of Blood started as a bit of a slow burn. I was hooked on the idea and the characters of the main vampires, but the protagonist of the first book, Della, didn't really do it for me. And now, having read all 6 books of the series, I stand by my original opinion that she's the least interesting character of them all... But hey, that's good news! During books 2 and 3 we were served some very interesting tidbits of history, world-building and interpersonal relationships, like Eris and Snag's friendship, the badass Trynn, the very interesting Haiti settings and the character of Mason who's been an absolute gem. The romance scenes have been good, if not as frequent as expected. Like I said, a nice slow burn.
But oh boy, does book 4 up the ante!
I don't know if it's the fact that Xander is such a fascinating character or the fact that the vampire-werewolf twist makes matters doubly interesting, but the pace of this book is much more intense and electric. The sex scenes have the urgency we've learned to expect from R A Steffan's other stellar work like The Horse Mistress. The dialog (and Xander's inner musings) is snappy, fun and fast-paced. The action scenes are captivating. And the twist about what Xander and Manisha's coupling actually does to their abilities (no spoilers), is masterfully served.
Overall, for me this is the best book in all of the series, with Book 6 following closely behind.
June 21, 2018
>Book Review – Lover’s Absolution
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 4th in the series and ends in an HEA for the couple, but the plot continues. Xander is the sarcastic vampire. He hides his pain behind humor. His quips in all of the books keep the series with a sense of humor to balance out the darkness. He finds his reincarnated mate in the werewolf, Manisha. Manisha easily accepts the whole idea of reincarnation due to her Indian upbringing. During her first shift on the full moon, Manisha and Xander make a blood exchange and become hybrids of each other.
>This new version of paranormal is unique to anything, but also uncovers a secret regarding Snag. The 13 vampires from the prophesy are in sight, yet one needs to be found and 2 need to be rescued. The romance between Xander and Manisha is the strongest yet, out of all the couples. The romance, along with the action, makes this book the best of the series.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 4th in the series and ends in an HEA for the couple, but the plot continues. Xander is the sarcastic vampire. He hides his pain behind humor. His quips in all of the books keep the series with a sense of humor to balance out the darkness. He finds his reincarnated mate in the werewolf, Manisha. Manisha easily accepts the whole idea of reincarnation due to her Indian upbringing. During her first shift on the full moon, Manisha and Xander make a blood exchange and become hybrids of each other.
>This new version of paranormal is unique to anything, but also uncovers a secret regarding Snag. The 13 vampires from the prophesy are in sight, yet one needs to be found and 2 need to be rescued. The romance between Xander and Manisha is the strongest yet, out of all the couples. The romance, along with the action, makes this book the best of the series.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars.
June 15, 2021
Xander's Bizarre Any Crazy Story
4.5 Stars
Holy Moly with whipped cream and a cherry on top. This was a bizarre and crazy read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What more could you expect for Xander's book?
We land in London for this trip, and oh! boy was it a trip. Xander runs into some werewolves, by way of a pretty girl duping him. From there the story unravels quickly and precisely. Manisha is Xander's soul mate and it turns out she is a werewolf. Something bizarre happens to both Xander and Manisha, which at some point Eris will tell a story not his own.
This book starts out with just Xander, but Tre, Della, Eris, Trynn and Snag show up to lend some help. Snag disappears, as does Sangye. We get Xander's back story on how he came to be, plus some extra. Manisha also provides her back story as well, on how she ended up in London.
This was a great read in this series, and couldn't have been better. A little extra sex in this book than the previous ones, but about the same amount of cussing (which is really not very much). Highly recommend.
4.5 Stars
Holy Moly with whipped cream and a cherry on top. This was a bizarre and crazy read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What more could you expect for Xander's book?
We land in London for this trip, and oh! boy was it a trip. Xander runs into some werewolves, by way of a pretty girl duping him. From there the story unravels quickly and precisely. Manisha is Xander's soul mate and it turns out she is a werewolf. Something bizarre happens to both Xander and Manisha, which at some point Eris will tell a story not his own.
This book starts out with just Xander, but Tre, Della, Eris, Trynn and Snag show up to lend some help. Snag disappears, as does Sangye. We get Xander's back story on how he came to be, plus some extra. Manisha also provides her back story as well, on how she ended up in London.
This was a great read in this series, and couldn't have been better. A little extra sex in this book than the previous ones, but about the same amount of cussing (which is really not very much). Highly recommend.
August 7, 2018
Amazing Paranormal Romance Story / Series - This Series is about six vampires who lost their mates - and their mortality - and they have to reunite with their reincarnated mates to prevent the destruction of the world. It's one of my favorites Series. This is the fourth book in the Circle of Blood Series and you must listen to the first books before. I love the story of Manisha and Xander (I was waiting for his story since the Prequel!). Their chemistry is really strong. This story is well written, captivating, entertaining and intriguing. If you like Vampires and Werewolves, you should like this story. Now, I can't wait for the next book in the Series, Lover's Atonement. The narration is well done and easy to listen. Gwendolyn is the perfect narrator for this paranormal Series. I really enjoyed my listening. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
November 12, 2018
Zander is cornered by group of werewolves who claim that they have a six year old boy that has been changed into a vampire. He follows them and finds that it is true. He discovers that it is a trap for him because that all have the reincarnation of his dead wife.
Manisha is a Buddhist who was in charge of protecting the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Their caravan got overtaken by a group of evil men who killed all but her and the boy who was changed.
Bastian Kovacs/Bael have plans to kill the vampires and their mates as well as other supernaturals and make them his puppets.
Snag sacrifices himself to Bael in order to save the boy. But both are taken.
I love this series. It draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is so much action in these books that you don't want to put it down for even a second. Can't wait to find out what happens to Snag.
Manisha is a Buddhist who was in charge of protecting the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Their caravan got overtaken by a group of evil men who killed all but her and the boy who was changed.
Bastian Kovacs/Bael have plans to kill the vampires and their mates as well as other supernaturals and make them his puppets.
Snag sacrifices himself to Bael in order to save the boy. But both are taken.
I love this series. It draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is so much action in these books that you don't want to put it down for even a second. Can't wait to find out what happens to Snag.
December 20, 2024
Unique vampire story. There aren’t a lot of Vampires and they kind of stick to their own. Xander is taking a minute to get his head on straight when a damsel in distress shows up and he just can’t say no. Xander hates werewolf’s and this one is going to be the death of him if he isn’t careful. A fun suspense filled book a lot of feels!!! These authors do a wonderful job world building a unique paranormal world! This series would be better if read after books one through three to get all the if back story and other threads but the love story stands alone.
June 7, 2018
I know it's fiction but...
Obviously it's a fictional story but if you're going to mention a real life person, by name not just title such as the Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso and then say he died 7 years ago and one of the characters is his reincarnation, I don't know it's weird to read about a real life, still living person as someone who is dead.
Maybe the reason will be revealed in the next book but it made me feel uncomfortable.
Obviously it's a fictional story but if you're going to mention a real life person, by name not just title such as the Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso and then say he died 7 years ago and one of the characters is his reincarnation, I don't know it's weird to read about a real life, still living person as someone who is dead.
Maybe the reason will be revealed in the next book but it made me feel uncomfortable.
July 22, 2018
I am hooked on the Circle of Blood series,can't wait for the next. In this book, Xander has found his mate and happens to be what Xander hates, a werewolf. With that said, the storyline is perfect. The story continues and can't wait to see what Duchess's story will be, and can't forget about Snag and the boy, which I believe is still alive.
May 28, 2018
I love this series!
I love the characters in these books and all the obstacles they face joining with their mates. The writing is superb with a different story for each character. The evil is so so bad. Can't wait for the next book!
I love the characters in these books and all the obstacles they face joining with their mates. The writing is superb with a different story for each character. The evil is so so bad. Can't wait for the next book!
September 24, 2018
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Another great continuation of this series. I absolutely loved the twists in this book and can’t wait to see what comes next!
Another great continuation of this series. I absolutely loved the twists in this book and can’t wait to see what comes next!
April 15, 2019
My favorite so far. Definitely a new take on vampires and the battle between light and Darkness. Personally I don't feel that these are stand alone. While each book focuses on a particular couple I feel you need to start at the beginning.
May 5, 2020
I found it hard to connect with the new character so that put me off a fair bit. I found the Dalai Mama plot a bit baffling and the love scenes were rather messed up.
That being said I like the twist with the werewolves and enjoy finding out more of the characters backstorys.
That being said I like the twist with the werewolves and enjoy finding out more of the characters backstorys.
December 7, 2018
Book 4, Xander is my favourite and this is my favourite book so far. A twist I wasn't expecting him and plagued him and his long lost love with a few challenges I wasn't expecting
January 4, 2019
Awesome read.
The story flows between books. Doesn't drag out as some series do. It rounds out each story and brings them together. And the writing puts you right there.
The story flows between books. Doesn't drag out as some series do. It rounds out each story and brings them together. And the writing puts you right there.
September 12, 2019
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** If there's one thing Xander and me share in common is our hatred of werewolves. Only two authors have made me read their werewolf books but R.A. Steffan and Jaelynn Woolf can now count themselves as the third.
Not only did they give the muts a whole new origin but the transformation of our dear smart-mouthed, alcoholic and drug-addict vampire into a were/blood-sucker hybrid was fantastic. Plus you get to know much more about Snag. Like always the storytelling was just as emotional and raw than the rest of the novels; and the plot was even more action packed than Lover's Awakening.
Oh, and the sex scenes are THE BOMB. Hot, agressive, bdsm stuff that will leave you needing a cold shower.
Not only did they give the muts a whole new origin but the transformation of our dear smart-mouthed, alcoholic and drug-addict vampire into a were/blood-sucker hybrid was fantastic. Plus you get to know much more about Snag. Like always the storytelling was just as emotional and raw than the rest of the novels; and the plot was even more action packed than Lover's Awakening.
Oh, and the sex scenes are THE BOMB. Hot, agressive, bdsm stuff that will leave you needing a cold shower.
August 15, 2018
I just wish that there was going to be more books in this series
I just wish that there was going to be more books in thus series, I have enjoyed this series and now that it gets really good it's going to be over, I sure that this next book will be my favorite, Snag aka Menkhef, can't wait to read his story.
I just wish that there was going to be more books in thus series, I have enjoyed this series and now that it gets really good it's going to be over, I sure that this next book will be my favorite, Snag aka Menkhef, can't wait to read his story.
April 1, 2019
I won't say much about this book because I will spoil it for those who haven't read it yet.
Xander was my favorite character of the group from the begging and when I finally read his story I loved him even more.
His attitude and comments are still here but we see a new side of him, more vulnerable that makes us love him even more. Of course he reconnects with his soul mate as his companions in the previous books but it happens with a twist that I didn't not expect that I liked very much and took the story to a new level. I don't know what this twist will change or help with in the end but I am looking forward to it.
The writing once again is amazing and helps you devour the book.
By far this one is my favorite in the series.
Xander was my favorite character of the group from the begging and when I finally read his story I loved him even more.
His attitude and comments are still here but we see a new side of him, more vulnerable that makes us love him even more. Of course he reconnects with his soul mate as his companions in the previous books but it happens with a twist that I didn't not expect that I liked very much and took the story to a new level. I don't know what this twist will change or help with in the end but I am looking forward to it.
The writing once again is amazing and helps you devour the book.
By far this one is my favorite in the series.
November 1, 2020
Glad I bought the second box set. This book definitely leaves you hanging. Lots more back story on Snag, the most mysterious member of the group. Kovac thought to derail the Council of Thirteen by turning Xander’s mate into a werewolf. It backfired. They are both stronger now then they would have been as pure vampires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2018
These lovely ladies have done it again. Finally we learn why Xander is the way he is. Why he tries to deaden his demons with alcohol and drug infused blood. And Manisha turning the tables on them all and throwing a whole new ball into the storyline. And finally we find out who the 13th Vampire is. Or do we???? Only these ladies know the true outcome. Can't wait for the next instalment!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews