Refrain: Neriza

Blood Courtesans

by Susan Griscom, Michelle Fox

One fateful night changed my life forever and brought secrets to light I never could have imagined, leaving me parentless, penniless, and caring for an ailing sister. My father was not the man I thought I knew, and his greed and sickness have left me with virtually nothing to use to care for my sister and get her the treatments she needs to maybe one day walk again. And now, we might lose our house, as well.Luckily, an ad in the paper helps me regain some hope. I have something to barter with that not many courtesans have, after all, and it just might be enough to earn what’s needed to secure my future as a successful Blood Courtesan. My first client turns out to be the man of my dreams, the sexy-as-sin vampire rock star I’ve lusted after since I was a teen, but he wants nothing to do with me or what I have to offer.My father’s misdeeds continue to haunt me and I’m left with only one I need to make the talented and headstrong Lyric Rivers desire me, or lose everything. Maybe even my life.The Blood Courtesans Series, where vampires are real, rich, powerful--and hungry.Blood is bought and sold like fine wine, and the best blood goes to the highest bidder.It's not supposed to be about love ... until it is.Originally published in the Blood Courtesans Boxed Awakenings.

Genres: Paranormal, Audiobook, Supernatural, Paranormal Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2018

About the author

Find me on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Griscom/...

Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMGriscom

Susan Griscom, writes paranormal and contemporary romance. She's hooked on gritty romances and is a huge fan of superheroes and bad boys confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers, and abilities beyond the norm mixed with steamy romance, of course.

She loves those days when she gets to sit around in her sweat pants, doing nothing but writing emotionally charged stories about love and violence and drinking coffee.

She lives in Northern California with her romantic husband and together they have five great superhero kids and eight mini-superhero grand kids, so far.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Yeah…Vampires…I love when I see my name in a book, and even though Refrain, which is a complete story, is predictable, it is filled with enough steamy deliciousness to keep me reading more of the series and wanting more of her work.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love anything Susan Griscom writes, Refrain is just one more amazing story she has brought to her readers. Love the characters, would love to see more from them. Love the setting and world Susan and Michelle Fox brought to us. Wouldnt mind seeing side stories from other characters. Definitely a book you need to pick up and read.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled into this story from the first page, and I had a hard time putting it down. Neriza and Lyric have amazing chemistry, and their story is beautiful. There is enough intrigue to keep you wondering, and pasts that make your heart ache for them. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a vampire love story. I’m looking forward to reading Susan’s complete vampire series.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent quick read! A rock band of vampires and a virgin blood courtesan, a fab storyline, hot chemistry, drama , excitement and some fab characters, everything you need in a vampire romance!

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

Neriza and Lyric are two strong, captivating characters that heat up the pages of this scorching hot vampire romance.

Read full review in the 2018 holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires! Yes! It’s so hard to take a vampire story and make it unique. I often find that there is a lot of monotony with them. But this is hardly the case for the Blood Courtesans. In this world vampires are real and out in the open. They are normal people like you and me but they drink blood…maybe they are not what you consider completely normal, lol! Neriza is our female lead in Refrain. She lost her parents in a horrible car accident and this accident has left her sister paralyzed. Neriza is the sole provider for herself and her sister along with taking care of her parent’s debt. She decides to apply to be a Blood Courtesan. She tries to do this quietly as her uncle doesn’t agree with vampires paying for blood. Basically she gets rented for sex and blood. She has a unique quality about her that makes her a bit more valuable and she is accepted right away. She is essentially “rented” by Lyric (through his assistant) so that she can go on tour with the band and keep him sustained. Lyric happens to be the lead singer of the band Crimson Rivers, also her childhood crush, also a total hottie with an accent! He wants her gone and gone ASAP! She can’t figure out why so she puts all of her effort into getting him to keep her so that she is not in trouble with the Madame at the agency. As these two are learning to work together she gets some terrible news and finds that her dad was in the middle of some shady dealings, and here is where the real fun begins. Neriza and Lyric do form a friendship and confide in each other about their pasts. As things heat up both of their pasts come to the present and we find that the world may not be as large as we all thought. I can’t give you ANY more of the story without giving away tons of spoilers. The intensity between Lyric and Neriza with the witty banter is enough to make you want to read the book. But all the crazy twists in between are what makes this story amazing!

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neriza's life went into a tailspin when a car accident leaves her with no parents, a sister who is severely injured and completely poverty stricken. Then she sees an advert in the paper and a solution seems clear to her - become a Blood Courtesan. However her first client is her teen idol pop star Lyric Rivers and bizarrely he doesn't want anything to do with her after paying for her. Then things take a turn for the worst when her father's misdeeds come to haunt her putting them all in danger. Can she solve the problem left my her Dad, make Lyric want her and keep her heart intact?

This is a great addition to the Blood Courtesans series of books and had a few really great twists in the story that you won't see coming (I certainly didn't). I loved the way it built up and the anticipation of how great things could and hopefully would be between Neriza and Lyric. Well told and described it was easy to pick up the thoughts and emotions of the characters involved in the story and get involved in their story.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Blood Courtesan series and this one was just as great as the others I have read which is quite a feat when there are so many different authors involved

Neriza applies to be a blood courtesan after she loses her parents in a car accident that also cripples hr sister Now she is facing a mountain of medical debts as well as her parents debt and this is her only answer. Lyric is the lead singer of the band Crimson Rivers he needs a courtesan to go on tour with him and leaves it to his assistant to organize getting a experienced one for him . What he actually gets Neriza a totally inexperienced courtesan and one he has a past with she had a major crush on him. While he tries to get rid of her she does all she can to stay after all she needs the money as they finally start to form a friendship and truce both the past come back to attack them Neriza finds her father was involved in some very shady deals and now she needs protecting will Lyric stand up and keep her safe. You will have to read to see.

[Jennifer G · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the accident that resulted in her parent's deaths and her younger sister's paralyzation, Neriza needed money. Her father had left the family in debt and her sister needed medical care and Neriza's prospects were limited. So, she decided to apply to become a blood courtesan. Her first client turned out to be the man of her dreams, a vampire rocker she had crushed on since she was a teen. But while Neriza was thrilled with the match, her client Lyric Rivers was not as happy. She has her hands full trying to convince him not to send her back. Then as more of her father's misdeeds come to light, she has an even bigger problem - staying alive.

This felt more like an outline of a story than the actual story itself. The basics are there. The characters are good and the story plot is solid but it needs more flushing out. It requires more details, more descriptions, more time with side characters, and more relationship-building.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and sexy read! Hot, hot, hot!
I originally read this as part of a box set but this one really stood out to me amongst the other stories.
Neriza needs a way to help her family and decides the best way is to become a blood courtesan. Hoping to help her sister she is sold to Lyric the sexy lead singer to the Hot as sin Vampiric rock band Crimsion Rivers. Even with Lyrics brooding demeanor and painful past he falls ever so slowly for Neriza. This is where the passion and pain clash. Sexy and exciting this book delivers more then expected. Niether ones past can let them go. Can they move on or will this just be a hot ember of love that burns hot and fast but is put out to quick. I can't say more with out giving away any of the goid stuff. Just trust me when I say read it!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read a couple in the past of these type of romances with it being a while so this one was tempting. Family being everything to Neriza she has to do what she can. With not many avenues for her she does go in one direction that has pros and cons but you will get caught up in her quest. She does get to cross paths with someone that she is aware of with brief meeting once. Lyric whom is a hot one will be more than he appears with this taking you with them as they heat up the pages in a slow burn. Drama will escalate making this one quick and filling to read. I was delighted with how it all wraps up too.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vampire refraining from feeding?? That's right because of a violent spree Lyric has stayed away from her type no matter how enticing the smell of her blood is or how much he needs to feed. What starts off as a business venture ends in so much more. With a few twist and surprises add some suspense and spicy scenes and this will most definitely keep you going. Great addition to the Blood Courtesan Series from this author that can tell a story and make it hot too!!

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella, Neriza & Lyric were a perfect match, especially once Lyric got over his fears!

I hated uncle Lars/Lorenzo, he got what he deserved in the book!

I really liked Lyrics band mates as well, especially Cass who helped him out in the story.

I was also happy for Nina, Neriza's younger sister. She deserved to have something good happen for her too.

I wish Nina and Cass could get a book, whether as a match or individually.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the world of the Blood Courtesans. Lyric had his reasons for his phobia about taking her blood, but how is Neriza supposed to NOT take that personally? That girl had the weight of the world on her shoulders and she was not backing down. I liked that a lot about her. I loved Neriza's solution to Lyric's phobia.This was a prime example of the type of book I love to read. The betrayal and pure evil of someone very close to Lyric and Neriza will try to destroy them both.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from The Blood Courtesan Series. I didn't really know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.
There is some plot twists to keep you wondering.
Overall I did enjoy it, but I couldn't get to attacted to Neriza. She was just a confusing character and I found she quickly adapted to being a seductress from virgin.
I will continue with the series to see what they are all about.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the A Vampire Blood Courtesan Romance series a well-written book with danger, drama, suspense, kidnapping one very evil vampire, and romance a story I enjoyed reading. Rockstar Lyric Rivers and Neriza when they first meet there is tension between them, then when they start to know the other person that changes. I hope there is a story for Cass. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a alternate reality where vampires are real and are pretty much running society, women can make a ton of money by opting to become a willing food source and sensual partner to the rich vampires and they are called blood courtesans. this is a series of books written by different authors. this one was very good

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is getting desperate as her sister is ill and she barely has any money. She needs to find something as they may be about to lose their home. She sees an ad which gives her hope. He is a vampire and they pay for blood but he turns her down. She will do anything to change his mind. Will she succeed? See if she can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually listened to the audio version of this book, though I own the Kindle version also. Neriza had lost her parents in an auto accident and her sister was paralyzed at the same time. She is desperate to find a way to make enough money to support her sister's needs, and applies to be a blood courtesan. Her first contract is for six months and is owned by a rock star she has always loved. But when he realizes she is a virgin, he refuses to have anything to do with her. What the...?

[Rebecca Stigers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock and Roll

Lyric was a musician in a rock group...they all were vampires..he needed a blood courtesan and told his human manager..a experienced courtesan. What he got was Neriza a virgin courtesan. The storyline was very good and the characters excellent. Really enjoyed this one. And definitely recommend it...All the Blood Courtesan stories are GREAT

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been enjoying many of the books in this series. This one is a great one for those who like rocker romances as the rocker she is so attracted to is a vampire who has contracted her services. The book features lots of surprises and twists and I enjoyed the romance as well. They definitely have great chemistry.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. I love the story lines and the characters that fit so well with them. She sure has her problems and he has a haunted past that comes between them. No spoilers. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this. It has so many twists and turns in it and is exciting, suspenseful, emotional and so much more.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refrain: Blood Courtesans - Neriza: A Vampire Blood Courtesan Romance by Susan Griscom Is a awesome story to read. I love reading this story cause it is about vampires with aunique twist on the story. I loved reading this story and I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about vampires.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the blood courtesan series, this author knows how to write vampire romance. Just enough intensity and danger to live up to the vampire life without going overboard into the gory. The story line at times flows a bit lyrical and also has its steamy & humorous moments. Very convincing....Loved it!!!

[Cheesecake · Rating 1 out of 5]

.
Well that was kinda lame.
I think the author wanted to write a sexual fantasy about a vampire rockstar and a perfect girl.
SG set about building a story to fit these two characterless characters.
It's shallow and predictable, boring and borders on ridiculous.
Lack of world building makes the read very ham-fisted.

I skimmed the second half.

safety is predictably good.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neriza

Neriza needs money and decides to be a blood courtesan. Her parents died in a car accident but her sister survived and paralyzed. Lyric needed a courtesan to take on tour. What happens was not what Neriza expected. Drama happens, secrets shared. Not all is good. Read on, very good book.

[Rachel Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: 3.75/5
Narrator: 4.5/5

This was a cute quick listen. I enjoyed the twists that connected our two main characters. Their getting over the MMCs big issue together was well done. The story lacked a real danger element though it was meant to feel like there was one. But the love story was cute and well crafted. I just wish there was more of it.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good addition to th series.

An exciting, romantic and steamy story. I like the Blood Courtesan series. This one is a good addition. It has all the elements which make this series enjoyable. If you like the series, this one will not disappoint.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. It kept me interested till the end. It had suspense and plot twisted that you didn't see coming. I would recommend this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had the pleasure of reading some of the previous blood courtesan books. I can't say I've lived them all but Susan Griscom came out with a winner. Give it a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.