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Dominion #1
Dominion
From USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Romance Author S. E. Lund:
Eve Hayden had no idea what to expect the night she went in search of a translator for an 800-year old French illuminated manuscript but it certainly wasn’t what she found -- Michel and Julien de Cernay: 800-year old identical twin vampire brothers – beautiful, temperamental opposites, both wanting her for themselves.
Michel -- dark, brooding, control-freak, former priest who broke his vows the night he was turned into a vampire. Julien -- impetuous, valiant, passionate, a brave knight who lost his life on a battlefield when a vampire claimed him.
Caught between the two brothers, Eve searches for the truth about her mother's death, her birth, and the fight to prevent Dominion – vampire rule over humans. Eve's mother gave her life to keep Eve safe, but was unable to protect herself. Now, Eve can't escape this fate nor can she escape the twins -- even if she wanted to.
This is her story.
Note: Intended for 18+ for mature content.
Eve Hayden had no idea what to expect the night she went in search of a translator for an 800-year old French illuminated manuscript but it certainly wasn’t what she found -- Michel and Julien de Cernay: 800-year old identical twin vampire brothers – beautiful, temperamental opposites, both wanting her for themselves.
Michel -- dark, brooding, control-freak, former priest who broke his vows the night he was turned into a vampire. Julien -- impetuous, valiant, passionate, a brave knight who lost his life on a battlefield when a vampire claimed him.
Caught between the two brothers, Eve searches for the truth about her mother's death, her birth, and the fight to prevent Dominion – vampire rule over humans. Eve's mother gave her life to keep Eve safe, but was unable to protect herself. Now, Eve can't escape this fate nor can she escape the twins -- even if she wanted to.
This is her story.
Note: Intended for 18+ for mature content.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2012
536 people are currently reading
2974 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Lund
85 books1,037 followersS. E. (Elizabeth) Lund is a writer who lives on the side of a mountain in beautiful British Columbia, Canada with her family of humans and animals. She read Dracula when she was ten, and has been warped ever since. She reads many genres and writes in a few, including paranormal romantic suspense, high fantasy, and YA SF/F. Her books are available on Amazon Kindle, which can be read on any PC, Mac or Smartphone with the Kindle App, available in the App store and at Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
January 15, 2013
I think I am in the minority on my opinion of Dominion. I read this book because it was a group read in one of my Goodreads groups, and I’ve seen a lot of the members speaking highly about it. I don’t get it. I can’t understand what they like about this book.
The story started off okay. There was some snappy dialogue and a bit of sexual tension so I thought I might like it. Then the author started adding things that I thought was weird, the BDSM for one thing. It just didn’t fit for me. The hero is a priest who is into BDSM? Add to that the fact that he doesn’t really seem know anything about BDSM except to demand—and I use this word intentionally—that the heroine gives up all of her control. He wants to control all of her decisions and have her blindly submit to him, but she doesn’t even know him. That’s like going on a single date with a man—and I should add they haven’t even dated—and he wants to completely control you. I think most sane women would respond with a restraining order. He asked for too much too fast.
Besides the BDSM, I felt like the story had too many themes happening at once. My attention was so divided I just lost interest all together. Unfortunately, I will not be reading book 2.
January 6, 2013
In the interest of being completely honest I should admit that this book is a do not finish for me. I made it to the 80% mark and then stopped. There are just too many things I don’t care for about the story. I feel bad because I wanted to like this one. The author is really friendly and a lot of my friends have been raving about it, but it wasn’t for me. I should also say in all fairness, I am deducting a star just for writing style. It’s a personal preference of mine that I don’t like stories written in the present tense. I have a very hard time reading novels written this way, some I won’t even continue past the first chapter just for that reason alone. There are a few exceptions, of course, but the story has to suck me right into it to end up with a high star rating if it’s written in this style.
On the plus side, Dominion could be engaging at times and the banter between Michel and Eve was humorous sometimes. My biggest problem is that the story is a little disjointed and it feels like there are too many things going on. Information is dropped on the reader and then not followed up. For example, we find out early on that Eve cuts herself. There was nothing alluding to the fact that she was a cutter. The information is revealed in a letter and then never elaborated on—it’s literally in one paragraph and if you miss it you have no idea. I found that frustrating. It made me wonder why it’s injected into the story at all.
The other main issue I had with Dominion is the fact that the character’s actions are often contradictory to how they are portrayed. Eve is an atheist, but prays when she’s scared. Michel says he is a priest at heart, but still has sex and sins. When Eve questions him about it he says he just prays for forgiveness after. He doesn't even try not to sin just prays after? That actually made me a bit mad. I would prefer that he said he WAS a priest but isn’t any more. Instead he insists on stressing the point and yet never acts like it.
Anyway, I seem to be the minority on this book. As I said many of my friends have raved about it, maybe I’m just harder on it because of writing style.
January 1, 2015
Wow - you have no idea how wonderful it is to read a book that has a plot - a purpose, and is going to get there.
This was a wonderful book and before I can say more I have just downloaded the next 2 books as I have to see where this is going.
This book has a very complex, well developed plot so far - its multifaceted -
I see Eve's journey ( finding out about her past, her Mother, her purpose, sexual awareness, and coming to grips with the unbelievable).
The twin vampire brothers (their pain, guilt, lust, redemption, and love of Eve)
The murders / River Killer
The supporting cast is good - Soren, Anthony both very interesting characters, and vital to the plot I believe. The SCU members so far have minor roles, but supply the necessary supporting cast of characters.
The images created by the authors descriptive writing is wonderful, the pain, anguish, remorse,lust all emotions felt as they would be in life. Although set in the NOW - the world building, and historic elements work well together.
This is a dark, passionate,lust for life, suspense filled story.
I have so many questions, ideas about whats might happen and whats going to tie it all together..its like eating a rich piece of chocolate cake - the next bite just causes you to lust for another bite.
all I can say in my simple worded review is What a great book
This was a wonderful book and before I can say more I have just downloaded the next 2 books as I have to see where this is going.
This book has a very complex, well developed plot so far - its multifaceted -
I see Eve's journey ( finding out about her past, her Mother, her purpose, sexual awareness, and coming to grips with the unbelievable).
The twin vampire brothers (their pain, guilt, lust, redemption, and love of Eve)
The murders / River Killer
The supporting cast is good - Soren, Anthony both very interesting characters, and vital to the plot I believe. The SCU members so far have minor roles, but supply the necessary supporting cast of characters.
The images created by the authors descriptive writing is wonderful, the pain, anguish, remorse,lust all emotions felt as they would be in life. Although set in the NOW - the world building, and historic elements work well together.
This is a dark, passionate,lust for life, suspense filled story.
I have so many questions, ideas about whats might happen and whats going to tie it all together..its like eating a rich piece of chocolate cake - the next bite just causes you to lust for another bite.
all I can say in my simple worded review is What a great book
December 15, 2012
4.90 Stars!
I CAN NOT WAIT to start Book 2 in this trilogy! It was that good. I could not put this down.
Eve finds a manuscript in her deceased Mother's things. She makes an appointment to have it translated with a professor who turns out to be someone...or rather something other than who he claimed to be. He is a vampire, one of two bothers born in the 11th century.
When trying to wipe her memory doesn't work, Michel knows that this girl is something special and he follows her. Eve is immediately drawn to this man (Vampire) in a spiritual and sexual way. She meets his twin brother and the story of her mother's involvement with both of them starts to unravel.
Michel whom she met with was a priest, but was turned and made to desecrate the very thing he held so dear...the church. His brother was a knight, who was turned after nearly dying on the battlefield. Together they were slaves to their sire for many years until they broke that tie. 800 years later they are in Boston and do not have the best of relationship.
Eve is recruited to be Michel's Adept (Adept is a human counterpart in vampire hunting.) Michel tracks down deviant vampires who have gone on killing sprees and he wants train Eve on how to kill a Vampire in case she is attacked and he also wants her to make her his sexual submissive.
Eve is a modern girl, who is used to taking care of herself and thinking for herself. Slowly as Michel trains her to fight and hunt vampires he asks her to be obedient to him. He can read her mind and she is unable to block him. He tells her he could train her to block him but he does not want that because it is how he knows how she is feeling and how far to take her.
All of this is mirrored in their talk while in bed and about their relationship. He keeps telling her to stop thinking, give up control, and do exactly what he wants and she will stay alive and be happy and content.
Eve starts going through her mother's papers and finds out information about her life, as well as Michels and Julian life and how they became a vampire. The more she learns the further she is drawn into this world that exists in secret, quietly beneath the surface...a world that is dangerous, evil and frightening.
The maker of Julian and Michels Sire learns of Eve's existence and starts starting trouble, creating plots and is someone to avoid and stay way from. He is playing his little cat and mouse games with Michel and Julian and Eve believes he may be connected to some recent serial killings being made by vampires. His emergence in this story further complicates things for Michel and Eve.
I find the story line and plot move along at a fast pace. I am fearful for Eve and I don't think she has any idea the complexity of the situation in front of her. Her only option is to trust Michele and I am not sure I, the reader, can trust him....how can she? While the story moves along, the love affair is slow and plotting. I feel it is like spooning honey into a cup of tea.
Michele promises so much if she is willing to give in and trust him and the question in her mind is always, can I trust him, should I trust him? What do I want? Sometimes he is distant and other times he rewards her with his affection and care.
She also is torn as to giving in to something she knows she desires...servitude and submission. But can she really let go? Can she trust? There is alot of talk about becoming a blood slave. There are many humans who prostitute themselves and become addicted to vampire blood for which they give of their own blood. Eve sees this and feels horrified that this occurs. Michel holds back and does not drink of her as not to tie her to him by addiction. But part of her wants that connection, as does he. They both see that addiction to each other as being a beautiful thing. Eve is torn....and it all goes back to trust.
The author creates a very interesting vampire world, one that is not all it's cracked up to be. It is a world of intrigue, wheeling-and-dealings, violence and loss. Yes, there are many wonderful powers, abilities and control over life but the cost to exist as a vampire has meant abandoning your faith, your moral character, decency and the value of life.
Book 1 was fantastic and I can't wait to start book two this evening. I know sometimes I rave about a book and many don't always agree with me. But for me this had it all, a great story, dialog, characters and it made me feel something inside....emotion-the pain, the longing, the love...but so far in this trilogy I put this at a 4.9 stars!
Book Trailers: http://youtu.be/dOraKHgxIe8
http://youtu.be/99vR3-I7AwY
Author website: http://selund.com/
I CAN NOT WAIT to start Book 2 in this trilogy! It was that good. I could not put this down.
Eve finds a manuscript in her deceased Mother's things. She makes an appointment to have it translated with a professor who turns out to be someone...or rather something other than who he claimed to be. He is a vampire, one of two bothers born in the 11th century.
When trying to wipe her memory doesn't work, Michel knows that this girl is something special and he follows her. Eve is immediately drawn to this man (Vampire) in a spiritual and sexual way. She meets his twin brother and the story of her mother's involvement with both of them starts to unravel.
Michel whom she met with was a priest, but was turned and made to desecrate the very thing he held so dear...the church. His brother was a knight, who was turned after nearly dying on the battlefield. Together they were slaves to their sire for many years until they broke that tie. 800 years later they are in Boston and do not have the best of relationship.
Eve is recruited to be Michel's Adept (Adept is a human counterpart in vampire hunting.) Michel tracks down deviant vampires who have gone on killing sprees and he wants train Eve on how to kill a Vampire in case she is attacked and he also wants her to make her his sexual submissive.
Eve is a modern girl, who is used to taking care of herself and thinking for herself. Slowly as Michel trains her to fight and hunt vampires he asks her to be obedient to him. He can read her mind and she is unable to block him. He tells her he could train her to block him but he does not want that because it is how he knows how she is feeling and how far to take her.
All of this is mirrored in their talk while in bed and about their relationship. He keeps telling her to stop thinking, give up control, and do exactly what he wants and she will stay alive and be happy and content.
Eve starts going through her mother's papers and finds out information about her life, as well as Michels and Julian life and how they became a vampire. The more she learns the further she is drawn into this world that exists in secret, quietly beneath the surface...a world that is dangerous, evil and frightening.
The maker of Julian and Michels Sire learns of Eve's existence and starts starting trouble, creating plots and is someone to avoid and stay way from. He is playing his little cat and mouse games with Michel and Julian and Eve believes he may be connected to some recent serial killings being made by vampires. His emergence in this story further complicates things for Michel and Eve.
I find the story line and plot move along at a fast pace. I am fearful for Eve and I don't think she has any idea the complexity of the situation in front of her. Her only option is to trust Michele and I am not sure I, the reader, can trust him....how can she? While the story moves along, the love affair is slow and plotting. I feel it is like spooning honey into a cup of tea.
Michele promises so much if she is willing to give in and trust him and the question in her mind is always, can I trust him, should I trust him? What do I want? Sometimes he is distant and other times he rewards her with his affection and care.
She also is torn as to giving in to something she knows she desires...servitude and submission. But can she really let go? Can she trust? There is alot of talk about becoming a blood slave. There are many humans who prostitute themselves and become addicted to vampire blood for which they give of their own blood. Eve sees this and feels horrified that this occurs. Michel holds back and does not drink of her as not to tie her to him by addiction. But part of her wants that connection, as does he. They both see that addiction to each other as being a beautiful thing. Eve is torn....and it all goes back to trust.
The author creates a very interesting vampire world, one that is not all it's cracked up to be. It is a world of intrigue, wheeling-and-dealings, violence and loss. Yes, there are many wonderful powers, abilities and control over life but the cost to exist as a vampire has meant abandoning your faith, your moral character, decency and the value of life.
Book 1 was fantastic and I can't wait to start book two this evening. I know sometimes I rave about a book and many don't always agree with me. But for me this had it all, a great story, dialog, characters and it made me feel something inside....emotion-the pain, the longing, the love...but so far in this trilogy I put this at a 4.9 stars!
Book Trailers: http://youtu.be/dOraKHgxIe8
http://youtu.be/99vR3-I7AwY
Author website: http://selund.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2012
Hmmm... Liked it... But...
Our main girl Eve is a bit whiny. And our main guy Michel - 800y/o going on 3. Ok, they're not that bad all the time - though Michel really gives off the impression of a kid who's been asked to share the toy his just after he's unwrapped it on his birthday. Then Eve wants to be this bad ass vampire hunter/researcher... But then she won't believe that anything other than vampires and humans exist - even tho she's seen some evidence of it.
Oh, and now I'm thinking about it... There is that whole 'big bad guy' compelling her partners - including her obsessive insecure boyfriend - to leave her ass behind so she can ride solo with the 'big bad guy'. Now it's not the compulsion I have a problem with... That's what 'big bad guy's' do right! My problem is that she just 'mentions' it to the partner almost in passing and when he fobs it off (as per his compulsion)... She just forgets about it. Not to mention that the aforementioned obsessive insecure boyfriend doesn't even call or show up to work to see if she made it home safe - and again... This is the compulsion... But come on... Wouldn't you be tracking them down and having a little vent? And it's not like Eve's this self contained mature model adult either... She would at least be whining more than she did.
The there is the Dom/sub side. I haven't minded reading about them in the past, but this book has made me realise that I can empathise more with 'I'm a Dom to make you happy to make me happy' variety... Rather than Michel's 'I'm a Dom cause I need to make you a sub'.
Now when I decided to rate this puppy, I was thinking it not so bad and I wouldn't have minded if I'd had to pay a little bit for it (come on, we've all had those books make you growl at the memory that you wasted money on them). In this case, the book was free and I was thinking I'd be happy to pay for a sequel... Writing this review has thankfully set me straight. If book 2 were free... I might read it... I will not be paying for it tho.
PS... I was just about to send this when I remembered... Eve has two cats. Who cares right? Right, well she only mentions them like 3 times... Never first hand petting them or seeing them... It's only really in passing about how she'll have to feed them. Then... She moves into Michel's house indefinitely... Doesn't take them with her... And only decides to go home and feed them 4 days later cause she's bored sitting around the house. You're still sitting there wondering why I've gone off on this little rant aren't you! Well that's my point... Why the hell were they in there? Why waste the words or the readers time? I mean, there are reasons to write pets in. They can tell the reader something about the characters or the story or you can even get some story across when the owner talks to them. These two cats were just a waste of letters!
Ok... Sorry... Didn't actually mean to get into a rant on this one... Oops :/
Our main girl Eve is a bit whiny. And our main guy Michel - 800y/o going on 3. Ok, they're not that bad all the time - though Michel really gives off the impression of a kid who's been asked to share the toy his just after he's unwrapped it on his birthday. Then Eve wants to be this bad ass vampire hunter/researcher... But then she won't believe that anything other than vampires and humans exist - even tho she's seen some evidence of it.
Oh, and now I'm thinking about it... There is that whole 'big bad guy' compelling her partners - including her obsessive insecure boyfriend - to leave her ass behind so she can ride solo with the 'big bad guy'. Now it's not the compulsion I have a problem with... That's what 'big bad guy's' do right! My problem is that she just 'mentions' it to the partner almost in passing and when he fobs it off (as per his compulsion)... She just forgets about it. Not to mention that the aforementioned obsessive insecure boyfriend doesn't even call or show up to work to see if she made it home safe - and again... This is the compulsion... But come on... Wouldn't you be tracking them down and having a little vent? And it's not like Eve's this self contained mature model adult either... She would at least be whining more than she did.
The there is the Dom/sub side. I haven't minded reading about them in the past, but this book has made me realise that I can empathise more with 'I'm a Dom to make you happy to make me happy' variety... Rather than Michel's 'I'm a Dom cause I need to make you a sub'.
Now when I decided to rate this puppy, I was thinking it not so bad and I wouldn't have minded if I'd had to pay a little bit for it (come on, we've all had those books make you growl at the memory that you wasted money on them). In this case, the book was free and I was thinking I'd be happy to pay for a sequel... Writing this review has thankfully set me straight. If book 2 were free... I might read it... I will not be paying for it tho.
PS... I was just about to send this when I remembered... Eve has two cats. Who cares right? Right, well she only mentions them like 3 times... Never first hand petting them or seeing them... It's only really in passing about how she'll have to feed them. Then... She moves into Michel's house indefinitely... Doesn't take them with her... And only decides to go home and feed them 4 days later cause she's bored sitting around the house. You're still sitting there wondering why I've gone off on this little rant aren't you! Well that's my point... Why the hell were they in there? Why waste the words or the readers time? I mean, there are reasons to write pets in. They can tell the reader something about the characters or the story or you can even get some story across when the owner talks to them. These two cats were just a waste of letters!
Ok... Sorry... Didn't actually mean to get into a rant on this one... Oops :/
February 26, 2013
The review is for Dominion, Ascension and Retribution as this series is soo good I could not stop for a break!
This was a great roller coaster - woo-hoo! Wanna do that again!
This is the one of the better paranormal,dark urban fantasy,steamy,romance,suspense thrillers that I have read - fans of the X-files and the Makers Song Series by Adrian Phoenix will enjoy these books. There were soo many twists, turns and switch backs that I had whiplash by the cliffhanger end!!!
http://www.facebook.com/EroticaBookClub
http://www.facebook.com/gina.tobin.14
This was a great roller coaster - woo-hoo! Wanna do that again!
This is the one of the better paranormal,dark urban fantasy,steamy,romance,suspense thrillers that I have read - fans of the X-files and the Makers Song Series by Adrian Phoenix will enjoy these books. There were soo many twists, turns and switch backs that I had whiplash by the cliffhanger end!!!
http://www.facebook.com/EroticaBookClub
http://www.facebook.com/gina.tobin.14
July 6, 2025
Finished Reading August 5, 2016
Dominion (Dominion, #1) by S.E. Lund
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense.
1.75 Stars
There are numerous editing problems.
Just to name a few there are wrong words and improper placing of words, punctuation not properly used, and running sentences.
There was so many editing problems that it made it impossible to enjoy the story.
You had to work your mind hard to figure out what she was trying to say.
Another problem with the story was unnecessary and redundant information.
There was a long paragraph just describing Eve walking into a building and her umbrella.
No particular reason for it. I kept thinking something was going to happen, but nope.
There are a lot of scenes like this.
The relationships of all the characters are way off.
You keep waiting for something interesting or an answer to ANY of the questions shaped throughout.
That never happens.
In fact, I have to say, this whole book was a lot of words about nothing.
I was very disappointed in the whole thing.
If I could have reached into my Kindle and pulled the book out to stomp on it, rip it up and burn it, I would have.
It was that frustrating.
This was the 2nd book of this author I have read. It is worse than the 1st.
This book and its predecessor has been added to my 'book rejected' shelf.
The author will soon follow.
Purchased from Amazon February 14, 2016
Dominion (Dominion, #1) by S.E. Lund
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense.
1.75 Stars
There are numerous editing problems.
Just to name a few there are wrong words and improper placing of words, punctuation not properly used, and running sentences.
There was so many editing problems that it made it impossible to enjoy the story.
You had to work your mind hard to figure out what she was trying to say.
Another problem with the story was unnecessary and redundant information.
There was a long paragraph just describing Eve walking into a building and her umbrella.
No particular reason for it. I kept thinking something was going to happen, but nope.
There are a lot of scenes like this.
The relationships of all the characters are way off.
You keep waiting for something interesting or an answer to ANY of the questions shaped throughout.
That never happens.
In fact, I have to say, this whole book was a lot of words about nothing.
I was very disappointed in the whole thing.
If I could have reached into my Kindle and pulled the book out to stomp on it, rip it up and burn it, I would have.
It was that frustrating.
This was the 2nd book of this author I have read. It is worse than the 1st.
This book and its predecessor has been added to my 'book rejected' shelf.
The author will soon follow.
Purchased from Amazon February 14, 2016
July 31, 2015
Wow! It's been a long time since I've read a book that is so flat and devoid of any true emotion but unfortunately, "Dominion" fits that bill. Initially I thought this would be a read I could really embrace; however,what I found was page after page of descriptions and unexciting background materials with virtually no action. Thing really didn't start to progress or get exciting nor did we really meet the villain until I was about 65% into the story; then, things fizzled out just as quickly.
Eve has been raised in a foster home since her mother's murder and the commitment of her father to an insane asylum. Now, she is in medical school but recently discovered an ancient manuscript gifted to her mother that she believes will help solve the crime if she can get it translated. So. off she goes to the local University where she meets, Michel, one of the original twin vampires the book is about. Michel attempts to erase Eve's memory but it doesn't work; so, he decides that if she can pass all of the necessary entrance tests he will make her an adept.
Eve encounters Michel's twin brother, Julian who helps with the translation of the book and revealing the abusive debauchery they survived at the hands of their creator. However, when a series of River front murders begin occurring, Eve's new adept status puts her right into the sight of Soren, a cruel and vengeful vampire from the twin's past. However, Doren is no ordinary vampire as Eve is not quite ready to discover.
I had so many problems with this read. For example, Eve us constantly spouting off about how she us a strong independent woman yet she gives herself completely over to the agency even knowing that they are keeping secrets from her. Additionally, Michel keeps telling her he will protect her from Soren but he falls so easily under his thrall and does whatever the puppet master spells him to do. Most importantly I just couldn't connect with the characters. lack of action, and the so called relationships between the two main characters. Quite honestly, the villain, Soren was the most interesting character in the read!
Needless to say, I won't be going on with this series. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Eve has been raised in a foster home since her mother's murder and the commitment of her father to an insane asylum. Now, she is in medical school but recently discovered an ancient manuscript gifted to her mother that she believes will help solve the crime if she can get it translated. So. off she goes to the local University where she meets, Michel, one of the original twin vampires the book is about. Michel attempts to erase Eve's memory but it doesn't work; so, he decides that if she can pass all of the necessary entrance tests he will make her an adept.
Eve encounters Michel's twin brother, Julian who helps with the translation of the book and revealing the abusive debauchery they survived at the hands of their creator. However, when a series of River front murders begin occurring, Eve's new adept status puts her right into the sight of Soren, a cruel and vengeful vampire from the twin's past. However, Doren is no ordinary vampire as Eve is not quite ready to discover.
I had so many problems with this read. For example, Eve us constantly spouting off about how she us a strong independent woman yet she gives herself completely over to the agency even knowing that they are keeping secrets from her. Additionally, Michel keeps telling her he will protect her from Soren but he falls so easily under his thrall and does whatever the puppet master spells him to do. Most importantly I just couldn't connect with the characters. lack of action, and the so called relationships between the two main characters. Quite honestly, the villain, Soren was the most interesting character in the read!
Needless to say, I won't be going on with this series. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
January 6, 2013
★★★★1/2
I read this book as part of a group read, otherwise, it probably wouldn't have caught my eye. I say this, not because it is not eye catching worthy (even without having read the book, the cover itself rather draws you in... it makes you want to find out what's inside) but because the book has been released for several months & I've never noticed it before. I am saddened by this because I've discovered that I've really been missing out. This book was a mixture of mystery, discovery, suspicion, & romance, with an extremely hot, complicated hero & a foolishly brave heroine. What I really enjoyed about this book (besides the wonderfully written, hot & steamy sex scenes), is the author's ability to create mysteries, provide hints to make you think you're on the right track to solving them. Then, when you think you have it all figured out, BAM! something else is revealed & your entire line of thinking is shifted off balance. Then, your left with a whole lot of doubt as to whether or not you even had a clue to begin with. The only other series that I can think of to compare what I experienced in this novel to is the Fever series. I will also say that there were some things in Dominion that just didn't sit right with me because they did NOT make a lot of sense, which would have caused me to give a lower rating. However, I believe that those things will be settled after I read the next books in the series. I also do not like love triangles or cliffhangers - also reasons for a lower rating - but the book was just too good for me to let those things bother me. A must read!
I read this book as part of a group read, otherwise, it probably wouldn't have caught my eye. I say this, not because it is not eye catching worthy (even without having read the book, the cover itself rather draws you in... it makes you want to find out what's inside) but because the book has been released for several months & I've never noticed it before. I am saddened by this because I've discovered that I've really been missing out. This book was a mixture of mystery, discovery, suspicion, & romance, with an extremely hot, complicated hero & a foolishly brave heroine. What I really enjoyed about this book (besides the wonderfully written, hot & steamy sex scenes), is the author's ability to create mysteries, provide hints to make you think you're on the right track to solving them. Then, when you think you have it all figured out, BAM! something else is revealed & your entire line of thinking is shifted off balance. Then, your left with a whole lot of doubt as to whether or not you even had a clue to begin with. The only other series that I can think of to compare what I experienced in this novel to is the Fever series. I will also say that there were some things in Dominion that just didn't sit right with me because they did NOT make a lot of sense, which would have caused me to give a lower rating. However, I believe that those things will be settled after I read the next books in the series. I also do not like love triangles or cliffhangers - also reasons for a lower rating - but the book was just too good for me to let those things bother me. A must read!
September 5, 2012
Really enjoyed this book, Sexy Vampire twin brothers whats not to love !!! Michel seems to have so much more to him for us to find out an ancient priest with a huge lust for Eve the female character who repents his sins (love it) and Julien his twin brother is so different i cannot choose who i like most yet. Could not believe how this book ended.Looking forward to finding out what happens next in Ascension.:)
August 2, 2012
What's not to love about this book? Hot, very hot Vampires, love, lust, mystery...It's such a great read!! Though I am partial to Michel, how Eve chooses is beyond me...I love Julien too!
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December 22, 2014
Rating: B- ... Heat: Hot
In the literary world, particularly in the genre of Paranormal Romance, it isn’t easy to stand out. A romance novel starring a hot vampire as the hero? Been there, read that. A heroine who is seemingly the underdog, unable to keep up with the much older vampire lover? Sounds pretty familiar. Thankfully, that is about all that Dominion has in common with other PNRs.
Dominion opens with Eve Hayden on a mission to get a manuscript, found in her late mother’s possessions, translated. Her desire to find the vampire who murdered her mother, clues to which might be found in the manuscript (which is written in French), leads her to a professor of linguistics at a local university. Or so she thinks. Instead she finds Michel de Cernay, who has been looking for the manuscript, authored by his brother, for many years. When Michel tries to compel Eve to forget their meeting—and fails—that’s when things get interesting. And complicated.
The brothers de Cernay, also known as Michel and Julien, or ‘those hot vampire twins’, were born in the 1200s. Michel a priest, Julien a warrior, the two couldn’t be more different in personality, if not in looks. Both men were turned against their will and, for many years, lived bound to their maker Marguerite. (Who is, quite frankly, a downright bitch.) Through the manuscript, which reads like a journal, we get to know the twins and their back story—which you could almost classify as a tragedy. I really enjoyed this journal/flashback storytelling woven throughout. It worked for me.
I wish a bit more would have been told about Eve and her backstory. It felt like more was revealed about Michel and Julien than Eve. That could be deliberate on the author’s part, as there is quite a bit of mystery wrapped up in Eve’s past. Things she doesn’t even know about herself. What we do know, however, is that Eve is an Adept. Able to sort through vampires minds and experience memories from objects by touch, Eve also has the ability and strength within herself to kill vampires. She’s got some pretty cool powers, I’ve got to say. And the way that she uses and experiences the touch memories was very unique and fun to read.
As an Adept, Eve is expected to work for the SCU as a ‘blood witness’. This is where things got a bit confusing for me. It really isn’t explained in too much detail the relationship between the SCU and the alphabet government agencies we’re used to—other than they often wear fake FBI jackets. I would have liked more clear and concise information on their purpose and how they run things. Also, I have to say, the man in charge (I think?), Ed, is a horrible boss! I just… there were moments I couldn’t help thinking, “Who put this guy in charge?”
Eve’s first task with the SCU is to hunt down a killer called The River Man. The investigation of which is one of my favorite aspects. The way that the kills are shown, how Eve looks for clues, and the way the killer seems to be connected to Eve was well done. When Eve has her first suspect, things kind of take an odd turn. Eve very quickly jumps to conclusions and it left me confused as to whether she was right in her assumptions or not. Also, Ed and Michel’s inability to listen to her, or even hear her out about it, was more than a tad frustrating. It was almost like Michel ‘checks out’ at that point.
I also had a few issues with the pacing. There were a few scene transitions that felt a little jumpy, where it went from one setting to another abruptly. I’m not quite sure… it could simply be the kindle format not showing clear line breaks. There are also many, many lopsided grins from Michel and Julien. Mixing it up with a smirk or a crooked smile would’ve made the twins signature look a bit less distracting. But those are minor grumbles when compared to the whole book.
I look forward to seeing what’s in store for Michel and Eve. In this novel, they are very much ‘feeling each other out’. And, sometimes, said ‘feeling’ can get very hot when they’re in Eve’s bedroom... or her bathroom. I liked the chemistry between them and, right now, would definitely be on Team Michel. I hope in the next book, the dominance and submission aspect of their relationship is delved into deeper. It’s hinted at and talked about in this one, but neither one is actually living it yet. Eve never truly submits to Michel, and Michel never truly forces her to. Something to look forward to!
Dominion is the first self-published offering from Miz Lund and, while it does sometimes feel like a first novel, it is still a solid and well-crafted debut. I only see these characters and this series, as well as the author, getting better and better.
Favorite Quote:
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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In the literary world, particularly in the genre of Paranormal Romance, it isn’t easy to stand out. A romance novel starring a hot vampire as the hero? Been there, read that. A heroine who is seemingly the underdog, unable to keep up with the much older vampire lover? Sounds pretty familiar. Thankfully, that is about all that Dominion has in common with other PNRs.
Dominion opens with Eve Hayden on a mission to get a manuscript, found in her late mother’s possessions, translated. Her desire to find the vampire who murdered her mother, clues to which might be found in the manuscript (which is written in French), leads her to a professor of linguistics at a local university. Or so she thinks. Instead she finds Michel de Cernay, who has been looking for the manuscript, authored by his brother, for many years. When Michel tries to compel Eve to forget their meeting—and fails—that’s when things get interesting. And complicated.
The brothers de Cernay, also known as Michel and Julien, or ‘those hot vampire twins’, were born in the 1200s. Michel a priest, Julien a warrior, the two couldn’t be more different in personality, if not in looks. Both men were turned against their will and, for many years, lived bound to their maker Marguerite. (Who is, quite frankly, a downright bitch.) Through the manuscript, which reads like a journal, we get to know the twins and their back story—which you could almost classify as a tragedy. I really enjoyed this journal/flashback storytelling woven throughout. It worked for me.
I wish a bit more would have been told about Eve and her backstory. It felt like more was revealed about Michel and Julien than Eve. That could be deliberate on the author’s part, as there is quite a bit of mystery wrapped up in Eve’s past. Things she doesn’t even know about herself. What we do know, however, is that Eve is an Adept. Able to sort through vampires minds and experience memories from objects by touch, Eve also has the ability and strength within herself to kill vampires. She’s got some pretty cool powers, I’ve got to say. And the way that she uses and experiences the touch memories was very unique and fun to read.
As an Adept, Eve is expected to work for the SCU as a ‘blood witness’. This is where things got a bit confusing for me. It really isn’t explained in too much detail the relationship between the SCU and the alphabet government agencies we’re used to—other than they often wear fake FBI jackets. I would have liked more clear and concise information on their purpose and how they run things. Also, I have to say, the man in charge (I think?), Ed, is a horrible boss! I just… there were moments I couldn’t help thinking, “Who put this guy in charge?”
Eve’s first task with the SCU is to hunt down a killer called The River Man. The investigation of which is one of my favorite aspects. The way that the kills are shown, how Eve looks for clues, and the way the killer seems to be connected to Eve was well done. When Eve has her first suspect, things kind of take an odd turn. Eve very quickly jumps to conclusions and it left me confused as to whether she was right in her assumptions or not. Also, Ed and Michel’s inability to listen to her, or even hear her out about it, was more than a tad frustrating. It was almost like Michel ‘checks out’ at that point.
I also had a few issues with the pacing. There were a few scene transitions that felt a little jumpy, where it went from one setting to another abruptly. I’m not quite sure… it could simply be the kindle format not showing clear line breaks. There are also many, many lopsided grins from Michel and Julien. Mixing it up with a smirk or a crooked smile would’ve made the twins signature look a bit less distracting. But those are minor grumbles when compared to the whole book.
I look forward to seeing what’s in store for Michel and Eve. In this novel, they are very much ‘feeling each other out’. And, sometimes, said ‘feeling’ can get very hot when they’re in Eve’s bedroom... or her bathroom. I liked the chemistry between them and, right now, would definitely be on Team Michel. I hope in the next book, the dominance and submission aspect of their relationship is delved into deeper. It’s hinted at and talked about in this one, but neither one is actually living it yet. Eve never truly submits to Michel, and Michel never truly forces her to. Something to look forward to!
Dominion is the first self-published offering from Miz Lund and, while it does sometimes feel like a first novel, it is still a solid and well-crafted debut. I only see these characters and this series, as well as the author, getting better and better.
Favorite Quote:
He thrusts inside me, grabbing my hands over my head and he’s kissing my throat, his other hand on my breast, squeezing my nipple and I feel his lust and mine combined so that the waves of pleasure build until I’m gasping, my body arching, my muscles clenching around him.
I’m coming as he thrusts harder and faster and I feel his climax on top of mine, his cheek pressed against mine, grunting with each thrust. it’s as if he’s holding me there, right at the top and not letting me fall. I feel his body spasm as if it’s my own, and it is my own, the pleasure such agony and it goes on and on and I’m completely drowning in it...
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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January 12, 2020
This was a good start to the series. I like the fact that Eve Doesn't know anything about the new world shes in. I like the sound of the task force, having a vamp police system gives it a cool edge. I can't believe that Julien was killed. I thought the twins would be around for the whole series always fighting in there way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2013
Great premise! Execution could use some fine tuning as there is so much going on in the this the first book of the Dominion Series.
Description:
A paranormally-gifted female vampire hunter is seduced by beautiful eight-hundred year old identical twin vampire brothers.
Note: This description is for the series. The story elements, including the love triangle, take place over the course of five books. These are not stand-alone novels. Each book is an instalment in the series, which will be five books.
When pre-med student Eve Hayden searches for a translator for an ancient French illuminated manuscript she found in her dead mother’s research files, she gets more than she bargained for: Michel de Cernay, an eight hundred year old vampire and his identical twin brother Julien. The manuscript details their death and rebirth as vampires in 1224 during the Cathar Crusade at the hands of an ancient vampire.
Michel wants to prevent Eve from reading the manuscript or becoming a vampire hunter like her dead mother before her. He hopes Eve will instead pursue her studies in music. Unable to compel her to forget him and all about vampires, Michel asks Eve to become his Adept, working cases with him protecting the Treaty of Clairveaux that keeps vampires in the closet and peace between the two species. He also wants her to become his sexual submissive and despite her initial reluctance, Eve is drawn to the idea of submitting to this beautiful vampire.
She also meets his brother Julien, a brash and mercurial opposite to Michel's calm determination. The temperamental opposite of Michel, Julien tries to complicate the budding romance between Eve and Michel in the hopes of winning Eve for himself. The brothers play a dangerous game of power with an ancient enemy in an effort to prevent Dominion -- when vampires rule over humans.
Gifted with paranormal skills, planning to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a vampire hunter, Eve is torn between loyalty to her mother’s cause and her desire for these twins.
Erotic, suspenseful and fast-paced, the Dominion series will keep you turning pages as Eve searches for the truth about her mother’s death, her birth and her desires.
My Thoughts:
This novel seems to create strong feelings in people the reviews are all over the board and I can see why. The author has a lot going on in this book in her attempt to create her characters and her world she brought in a lot of different components and about half way through the book you felt like you were doing an "Exorcist" with your head spinning around. The idea of a love triangle didn't bother me because I had confidence that the book/series would end with a HEA eventually and it would work out. Michel, I liked but there were a few things that bothered me and that effected my rating but I will get to those in a second. Julien to me is still a bit of an unknown although we met him a few times in this part of the story we really didn't get to know him. This was definitely Michel and Eve's book. We know that SE Lund was trying to introduce Eve's troubled mind by bringing in the cutting so I was ok with that as it went to her character building and I understand Michel's need for control. When you look at his history of being turned against his will ...lack of control....being basically raped repeatedly by his creator while basically being an innocent again lack of control it makes sense that he requires that control in his current sex life for him to feel he can let go and love. So I'm ok with this...what bothered me was the trying to bring BDSM into his control issues. For those of us who love reading BDSM books we know that it is an exchange of power and that the sub is truly the one in control. Michel demanding Eve trust him...nope not BDSM but controlling. Michel having sex with Eve while restraining her..ok some bondage there however he used her and left never taking his clothes off ..is a way to use humiliation however as there was no relationship building from a BDSM aspect and no after care given at any time, it as just Michel being a controlling prick. I would have felt much better about the story if Michel had done some of the steps required in a "healthy" BDSM lifestyle. For all I know things could change and flow in up coming books but based on this one it really disappointed me. Time was taken for several other plot threads but none given to this. I admit this cost half a star from me. This all being said I did enjoy the book and kept up with all the different aspects happening in the story.
I rate this book 3.5 stars leaning into the 3 rather than the 4 because I do think SE tried to introduce too many plot threads into this novel. Might have been better to add another book to this series than to rush all this out at once. I'm not sure I would recommend the book however this could change with the reading of the second book.
Description:
A paranormally-gifted female vampire hunter is seduced by beautiful eight-hundred year old identical twin vampire brothers.
Note: This description is for the series. The story elements, including the love triangle, take place over the course of five books. These are not stand-alone novels. Each book is an instalment in the series, which will be five books.
When pre-med student Eve Hayden searches for a translator for an ancient French illuminated manuscript she found in her dead mother’s research files, she gets more than she bargained for: Michel de Cernay, an eight hundred year old vampire and his identical twin brother Julien. The manuscript details their death and rebirth as vampires in 1224 during the Cathar Crusade at the hands of an ancient vampire.
Michel wants to prevent Eve from reading the manuscript or becoming a vampire hunter like her dead mother before her. He hopes Eve will instead pursue her studies in music. Unable to compel her to forget him and all about vampires, Michel asks Eve to become his Adept, working cases with him protecting the Treaty of Clairveaux that keeps vampires in the closet and peace between the two species. He also wants her to become his sexual submissive and despite her initial reluctance, Eve is drawn to the idea of submitting to this beautiful vampire.
She also meets his brother Julien, a brash and mercurial opposite to Michel's calm determination. The temperamental opposite of Michel, Julien tries to complicate the budding romance between Eve and Michel in the hopes of winning Eve for himself. The brothers play a dangerous game of power with an ancient enemy in an effort to prevent Dominion -- when vampires rule over humans.
Gifted with paranormal skills, planning to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a vampire hunter, Eve is torn between loyalty to her mother’s cause and her desire for these twins.
Erotic, suspenseful and fast-paced, the Dominion series will keep you turning pages as Eve searches for the truth about her mother’s death, her birth and her desires.
My Thoughts:
This novel seems to create strong feelings in people the reviews are all over the board and I can see why. The author has a lot going on in this book in her attempt to create her characters and her world she brought in a lot of different components and about half way through the book you felt like you were doing an "Exorcist" with your head spinning around. The idea of a love triangle didn't bother me because I had confidence that the book/series would end with a HEA eventually and it would work out. Michel, I liked but there were a few things that bothered me and that effected my rating but I will get to those in a second. Julien to me is still a bit of an unknown although we met him a few times in this part of the story we really didn't get to know him. This was definitely Michel and Eve's book. We know that SE Lund was trying to introduce Eve's troubled mind by bringing in the cutting so I was ok with that as it went to her character building and I understand Michel's need for control. When you look at his history of being turned against his will ...lack of control....being basically raped repeatedly by his creator while basically being an innocent again lack of control it makes sense that he requires that control in his current sex life for him to feel he can let go and love. So I'm ok with this...what bothered me was the trying to bring BDSM into his control issues. For those of us who love reading BDSM books we know that it is an exchange of power and that the sub is truly the one in control. Michel demanding Eve trust him...nope not BDSM but controlling. Michel having sex with Eve while restraining her..ok some bondage there however he used her and left never taking his clothes off ..is a way to use humiliation however as there was no relationship building from a BDSM aspect and no after care given at any time, it as just Michel being a controlling prick. I would have felt much better about the story if Michel had done some of the steps required in a "healthy" BDSM lifestyle. For all I know things could change and flow in up coming books but based on this one it really disappointed me. Time was taken for several other plot threads but none given to this. I admit this cost half a star from me. This all being said I did enjoy the book and kept up with all the different aspects happening in the story.
I rate this book 3.5 stars leaning into the 3 rather than the 4 because I do think SE tried to introduce too many plot threads into this novel. Might have been better to add another book to this series than to rush all this out at once. I'm not sure I would recommend the book however this could change with the reading of the second book.
January 6, 2013
Synopsis:
A paranormally-gifted female vampire hunter is seduced by beautiful eight-hundred year old identical twin vampire brothers.
Note: This description is for the series. The story elements, including the love triangle, take place over the course of five books. These are not stand-alone novels. Each book is an instalment in the series, which will be five books.
When pre-med student Eve Hayden searches for a translator for an ancient French illuminated manuscript she found in her dead mother’s research files, she gets more than she bargained for: Michel de Cernay, an eight hundred year old vampire and his identical twin brother Julien. The manuscript details their death and rebirth as vampires in 1224 during the Cathar Crusade at the hands of an ancient vampire.
Michel wants to prevent Eve from reading the manuscript or becoming a vampire hunter like her dead mother before her. He hopes Eve will instead pursue her studies in music. Unable to compel her to forget him and all about vampires, Michel asks Eve to become his Adept, working cases with him protecting the Treaty of Clairveaux that keeps vampires in the closet and peace between the two species. He also wants her to become his sexual submissive and despite her initial reluctance, Eve is drawn to the idea of submitting to this beautiful vampire.
She also meets his brother Julien, a brash and mercurial opposite to Michel's calm determination. The temperamental opposite of Michel, Julien tries to complicate the budding romance between Eve and Michel in the hopes of winning Eve for himself. The brothers play a dangerous game of power with an ancient enemy in an effort to prevent Dominion -- when vampires rule over humans.
Gifted with paranormal skills, planning to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a vampire hunter, Eve is torn between loyalty to her mother’s cause and her desire for these twins.
Erotic, suspenseful and fast-paced, the Dominion series will keep you turning pages as Eve searches for the truth about her mother’s death, her birth and her desires.
My Thoughts:
I am feeling quite conflicted over this book. I didn't enjoy it as much as I had expected to. I don't think it was bad, but the tense the book was written in just didn't jell for me. It also didn't help that I couldn't connect with the characters in the way that I would have liked to. In the end, I didn't like Eve at all and am still very conflicted on how I feel about Michel. At this point, I don't really care about Julien at all.
There were some interesting aspects. I did like the glimpses into Michel and Julien's pasts via the translated manuscript. And I am interested in just what exactly Soren is up to. I just don't know if I'm interested enough to continue on and read the next book.
I won't lie, the sex scenes were hot. I just don't understand why Michel has to have to relationship that he is demanding from Eve. Part of me thinks it stems from that time with Marguerite and what she did to him. I just think there may be more to it. I suppose I'd have to read on to discover if I'm correct about that.
Apparently, there's a war coming on and somehow Eve is so special that she'll be dragged into it despite Michel wanting her no where near it. And then there's all that stuff the crazy-but-not-crazy old man Antonio was going on about. Something about the Dragon and Michel and Eve not knowing who/what they truly are (Soren alluded to the same thing regarding Eve). Perhaps one of these days I'll read the next book to see what's going on. I'm not really in a rush to do so, though.
A paranormally-gifted female vampire hunter is seduced by beautiful eight-hundred year old identical twin vampire brothers.
Note: This description is for the series. The story elements, including the love triangle, take place over the course of five books. These are not stand-alone novels. Each book is an instalment in the series, which will be five books.
When pre-med student Eve Hayden searches for a translator for an ancient French illuminated manuscript she found in her dead mother’s research files, she gets more than she bargained for: Michel de Cernay, an eight hundred year old vampire and his identical twin brother Julien. The manuscript details their death and rebirth as vampires in 1224 during the Cathar Crusade at the hands of an ancient vampire.
Michel wants to prevent Eve from reading the manuscript or becoming a vampire hunter like her dead mother before her. He hopes Eve will instead pursue her studies in music. Unable to compel her to forget him and all about vampires, Michel asks Eve to become his Adept, working cases with him protecting the Treaty of Clairveaux that keeps vampires in the closet and peace between the two species. He also wants her to become his sexual submissive and despite her initial reluctance, Eve is drawn to the idea of submitting to this beautiful vampire.
She also meets his brother Julien, a brash and mercurial opposite to Michel's calm determination. The temperamental opposite of Michel, Julien tries to complicate the budding romance between Eve and Michel in the hopes of winning Eve for himself. The brothers play a dangerous game of power with an ancient enemy in an effort to prevent Dominion -- when vampires rule over humans.
Gifted with paranormal skills, planning to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a vampire hunter, Eve is torn between loyalty to her mother’s cause and her desire for these twins.
Erotic, suspenseful and fast-paced, the Dominion series will keep you turning pages as Eve searches for the truth about her mother’s death, her birth and her desires.
My Thoughts:
I am feeling quite conflicted over this book. I didn't enjoy it as much as I had expected to. I don't think it was bad, but the tense the book was written in just didn't jell for me. It also didn't help that I couldn't connect with the characters in the way that I would have liked to. In the end, I didn't like Eve at all and am still very conflicted on how I feel about Michel. At this point, I don't really care about Julien at all.
There were some interesting aspects. I did like the glimpses into Michel and Julien's pasts via the translated manuscript. And I am interested in just what exactly Soren is up to. I just don't know if I'm interested enough to continue on and read the next book.
I won't lie, the sex scenes were hot. I just don't understand why Michel has to have to relationship that he is demanding from Eve. Part of me thinks it stems from that time with Marguerite and what she did to him. I just think there may be more to it. I suppose I'd have to read on to discover if I'm correct about that.
Apparently, there's a war coming on and somehow Eve is so special that she'll be dragged into it despite Michel wanting her no where near it. And then there's all that stuff the crazy-but-not-crazy old man Antonio was going on about. Something about the Dragon and Michel and Eve not knowing who/what they truly are (Soren alluded to the same thing regarding Eve). Perhaps one of these days I'll read the next book to see what's going on. I'm not really in a rush to do so, though.
September 30, 2012
Not having any idea what the premise of this book was when I started it, I have to admit I was reluctant to read about another vampire huntress. But in reading the first few chapters, I was caught intrigued at how the characters and layers of history would develop into a heart-warming story of love. Eve, the main character and huntress, is on a mission to eradicate the vampire race, but quickly finds herself falling for an 800-year-old vampire, Michel, twin to Julien, whom both I pictured in my head as looking much like Ian Somerhalder. Not a bad picture to have in your head while you read through a story, if you ask me. While the story waned after the first half, Lund picks up at the end of the book, leaving the twists and turns (and drool-inducing sex scenes) abruptly at the end of this first installment in her series.
January 6, 2013
This book had some endearing qualities, but other times it was all over the place. The main character's initial goal was to find out who killed her mother and venge her death, or so it seemed. She supposedly had this hatred for vampires, but then it took her all of 5 seconds to "submit" to one. This part shouldn't have been rushed and frankly the main character should have been a much stronger charcter. There just seem to be a lack of character development. In additon, she was supposedly in so much danger, yet they rarely had much training where she'd be taught to protect herself and that always annoyed me. I'm glad the book was free, and it was really an easy read. The writing was not near to the level of other recent book i've read, but it wasn't bad. I don't care enough for the characters so I won't be buying the rest of the series books to see what happens next.
October 10, 2012
What an amazing start to a series! I agree with some of the other reviewers. While I love paranormal romance some of it has been overdone. Not this one. The characters were very believable and easily likable/lovable. The story of the vampire origin was fresh. The story moved at a fast pace with lots of action-danger and mystery. The love/sex scenes were HOT! I am a new fan and can not wait to see where this new author goes with this series!
January 15, 2013
Not for me. Not connecting with the characters or the storyline.
Eve accepts all changes so readily, without complaint.
Also, I find that the fact she can sense emotions/people/events from objects ridiculous. How did she survive up to now with this gift?
Made it to the 50% point.
Eve accepts all changes so readily, without complaint.
Also, I find that the fact she can sense emotions/people/events from objects ridiculous. How did she survive up to now with this gift?
Made it to the 50% point.
March 5, 2025
4.5 Fabulous OMG-what-will-happen-next? and Don't-leave-me-this-way! Stars
October 28, 2019
I just can’t decide if I like this book or not. I just feel rather confused. I kept reading, hoping for the great story to unfold. I also do not like love triangles and this feels like it will be with the twin brothers involved. I have a feeling that they will put the Ancient one in there some way, shape, or form. Three stars is probably generous. I feel like the story is just never going to get anywhere.
September 27, 2022
Interesting
I don't know what I was expecting from this new series, but this very new. It was interesting though, which is why I'll read book number two!!
I don't know what I was expecting from this new series, but this very new. It was interesting though, which is why I'll read book number two!!
October 31, 2018
Eh
Vampire but was old and tired. Loved one of the guys had wings. Instalove and obey. Heroine just kind of gives in because he missed well? Oy.
Lots of throat noises and waves of feelings. No interest in the second.
Vampire but was old and tired. Loved one of the guys had wings. Instalove and obey. Heroine just kind of gives in because he missed well? Oy.
Lots of throat noises and waves of feelings. No interest in the second.
October 22, 2016
5 Still-Fanning-Myself-Stars! ☆☆☆☆☆
Best Vampire Book! Be prepared to read with your jaw dropped and goosebumps peppering your skin. One second i feared for Eve's life, the next i wanted her to jump into the fire and f#%k both vampires senseless. Its insane.
This was better than 'True Blood', hotter than 'Fifty Shades', and so captivating. I was hooked from the first chapter. This story has everything i love, from action and romance to hot sex and laughs.
Michael and Julien are brothers but while they couldn't be more different, they are still both equally hot and seductive as hell. Their personalities are insanely sexy and lip-biting bad. Possessive, demanding, sensual, corruptive and dangerous are just a few words that come to mind. Eve stood no chance standing up to these two from the very beginning.
Who knew being damned could be so freakin hot?! S.E. Lund did. She is one hell of a writer.
“He bends down once more and kisses me, harshly, his tongue finding mine, and a surge of his desire fills me and it's mixed with frustration and some fear. I can't help but respond, my body warming in response to his lust.”
The part where Michel mind-f#%ks Eve is hot beyond words. And it is as it sounds, he enters her mind by just touching her thigh and f#%ks her hard with his huge, thick... until she orgasms, without any actual penetration. Jesus! :)
I even caught myself drooling at some of the sex scenes...
“He pulls off my nightgown so that I'm completely naked beneath him, then he grabs my hands and holds them over my head. "You aren't going to say a word. You're just going to comply. No preliminaries. I'm just going to f#%k you. Now."
He drags me to the edge of the bed, positioning me so that I'm level with his hips and he unbuckles his pants, unzips and without undressing at all, pulls out his erection, which is thick and dripping. He leans over me, pressing against me so that his length slides between the lips of my sex and he holds my hands in his gloved one. His mouth is almost touching mine, but not quite.”
I loved it! This war between Humans, Vampires, & Demons is just getting started. Cant wait to sink my teeth into book 2! :)
Best Vampire Book! Be prepared to read with your jaw dropped and goosebumps peppering your skin. One second i feared for Eve's life, the next i wanted her to jump into the fire and f#%k both vampires senseless. Its insane.
This was better than 'True Blood', hotter than 'Fifty Shades', and so captivating. I was hooked from the first chapter. This story has everything i love, from action and romance to hot sex and laughs.
Michael and Julien are brothers but while they couldn't be more different, they are still both equally hot and seductive as hell. Their personalities are insanely sexy and lip-biting bad. Possessive, demanding, sensual, corruptive and dangerous are just a few words that come to mind. Eve stood no chance standing up to these two from the very beginning.
Who knew being damned could be so freakin hot?! S.E. Lund did. She is one hell of a writer.
“He bends down once more and kisses me, harshly, his tongue finding mine, and a surge of his desire fills me and it's mixed with frustration and some fear. I can't help but respond, my body warming in response to his lust.”
The part where Michel mind-f#%ks Eve is hot beyond words. And it is as it sounds, he enters her mind by just touching her thigh and f#%ks her hard with his huge, thick... until she orgasms, without any actual penetration. Jesus! :)
I even caught myself drooling at some of the sex scenes...
“He pulls off my nightgown so that I'm completely naked beneath him, then he grabs my hands and holds them over my head. "You aren't going to say a word. You're just going to comply. No preliminaries. I'm just going to f#%k you. Now."
He drags me to the edge of the bed, positioning me so that I'm level with his hips and he unbuckles his pants, unzips and without undressing at all, pulls out his erection, which is thick and dripping. He leans over me, pressing against me so that his length slides between the lips of my sex and he holds my hands in his gloved one. His mouth is almost touching mine, but not quite.”
I loved it! This war between Humans, Vampires, & Demons is just getting started. Cant wait to sink my teeth into book 2! :)
January 5, 2013
Dominated!
In this fast paced origin story, pre-med student Eve Hayden is torn between pursuing a career in the arts and the joining the family business of vampire hunting. Receipt of a manuscript that had been given to her deceased mother puts Eve on the path to meet Michel de Cernay, puritan & debauched priest who resents his life as a vampire and his twin brother Julien a libertine and former knight who is enjoying the changes vampire-hood have brought into his life. After refusing to return the manuscript to Eve and being unable to compel her to forget all knowledge of it, Michel suggests to Eve that she become his Adept, not to be outdone, Julien provides a few tantalizing tidbits about her mother to Eve before suggesting she was meant to become his Adept. Each side of the vampire conflict could utilize Eve’s skills to assist and further their particular vampire agenda. Eve is enthralled with each of the brothers on both a physical and emotional level and would like the manuscript back as she determines her own future. All of this was a pre-cursor to a not so run of the mill erotica novel that contains paranormal, mystery, romance and suspense elements.
I was disheartened that I didn’t like the story more. Unfortunately Eve’s interaction with Michel didn’t work for me. IMO the turn-around from strong heroine to weak female happened much too quickly. That it was mostly limited to him pushing it toward control and her swooning. I didn’t buy them as a couple but liked them both as individuals.
Despite my feeling about the heroine I liked quite a few other things in this exciting read. The originality of the story; the pacing; the intriguing sensuality of the characters and suspense within the story itself all contributed to guaranteeing this would be a new favorite series for many as these things highlighted Ms. Lund's talent for storytelling. Misgivings about the heroine aside, I will be on board with book 2.
In this fast paced origin story, pre-med student Eve Hayden is torn between pursuing a career in the arts and the joining the family business of vampire hunting. Receipt of a manuscript that had been given to her deceased mother puts Eve on the path to meet Michel de Cernay, puritan & debauched priest who resents his life as a vampire and his twin brother Julien a libertine and former knight who is enjoying the changes vampire-hood have brought into his life. After refusing to return the manuscript to Eve and being unable to compel her to forget all knowledge of it, Michel suggests to Eve that she become his Adept, not to be outdone, Julien provides a few tantalizing tidbits about her mother to Eve before suggesting she was meant to become his Adept. Each side of the vampire conflict could utilize Eve’s skills to assist and further their particular vampire agenda. Eve is enthralled with each of the brothers on both a physical and emotional level and would like the manuscript back as she determines her own future. All of this was a pre-cursor to a not so run of the mill erotica novel that contains paranormal, mystery, romance and suspense elements.
I was disheartened that I didn’t like the story more. Unfortunately Eve’s interaction with Michel didn’t work for me. IMO the turn-around from strong heroine to weak female happened much too quickly. That it was mostly limited to him pushing it toward control and her swooning. I didn’t buy them as a couple but liked them both as individuals.
Despite my feeling about the heroine I liked quite a few other things in this exciting read. The originality of the story; the pacing; the intriguing sensuality of the characters and suspense within the story itself all contributed to guaranteeing this would be a new favorite series for many as these things highlighted Ms. Lund's talent for storytelling. Misgivings about the heroine aside, I will be on board with book 2.
March 1, 2016
Clueless meets Control Freak all bundled up in a convoluted and nonsensical plot line. I skimmed through to the end after reading 3/4 of the book.
Clueless: Stuck on plane alone with serial killer. Ties one on. Falls asleep. Nuff said.
Control Freak: Calls human lover inferior, she needs to obey him 24/7. Needs human lover to protect him physically and she can wipe the floor with his ass at any time. And this isn't just, "I want to dominate you for kinks" kind of stuff. He's very clear that humans are inferior to vampires, period. Vampire BDSM priest is a total asshole. "NOOOO! I must be able to read your mind! Why are you doing this to me???" Seriously, he's a prick. He's a "give him an inch, he'll take a mile" sort of guy.
Convoluted and Nonsensical: Tortured hero wants to destroy all vamps. Is himself a vamp, who works for a vampire law enforcement agency (that is never explained in much detail). Why would he work with other vamps when he wants them all to die? And if other vamps know that he wants to kill all vamps (doesn't seem to be secret), why hasn't someone killed him by now? Or at least locked him up, or something?
Eve's mother was a vampire hunter, supposedly hated all but a few vamps, but also worked for a vampire law enforcement agency, AND agreed to bear "modified" children for the purpose of helping said agency. Pushes modified child into music lessons and does not train her for the express purpose that she was born for. What the?
Eve knows nothing about vampire law enforcement agency but essentially signs her life over immediately to it, and to creepy BDSM Vampire priest.
I can't even. These examples only scratch the surface of the problems in this story. This book is missing at least 200 pages of explanations-objects, situations, and history are introduced then dropped into thin air, never resolved in any way-and actual meaningful, fleshed out characters. I thought the homeless guy was the most interesting character in the whole book.
Clueless: Stuck on plane alone with serial killer. Ties one on. Falls asleep. Nuff said.
Control Freak: Calls human lover inferior, she needs to obey him 24/7. Needs human lover to protect him physically and she can wipe the floor with his ass at any time. And this isn't just, "I want to dominate you for kinks" kind of stuff. He's very clear that humans are inferior to vampires, period. Vampire BDSM priest is a total asshole. "NOOOO! I must be able to read your mind! Why are you doing this to me???" Seriously, he's a prick. He's a "give him an inch, he'll take a mile" sort of guy.
Convoluted and Nonsensical: Tortured hero wants to destroy all vamps. Is himself a vamp, who works for a vampire law enforcement agency (that is never explained in much detail). Why would he work with other vamps when he wants them all to die? And if other vamps know that he wants to kill all vamps (doesn't seem to be secret), why hasn't someone killed him by now? Or at least locked him up, or something?
Eve's mother was a vampire hunter, supposedly hated all but a few vamps, but also worked for a vampire law enforcement agency, AND agreed to bear "modified" children for the purpose of helping said agency. Pushes modified child into music lessons and does not train her for the express purpose that she was born for. What the?
Eve knows nothing about vampire law enforcement agency but essentially signs her life over immediately to it, and to creepy BDSM Vampire priest.
I can't even. These examples only scratch the surface of the problems in this story. This book is missing at least 200 pages of explanations-objects, situations, and history are introduced then dropped into thin air, never resolved in any way-and actual meaningful, fleshed out characters. I thought the homeless guy was the most interesting character in the whole book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2012
S.E. Lund’s Dominion is a vampire story set apart from the crowd of vampire stories by both a unique concept and by the quality of Lund’s writing.
Eve Hayden is a pre-med student and a vampire hunter. She is in possession of a manuscript left to her by her mother. It’s in French, so she seeks out a translator. Eve wants revenge against the vampire who murdered her mother.
Enter the vampire Michel de Cernay. His journey to vampire-hood is detailed in the journal manuscript, along with his twin brother Julien’s. Michel and Julien are “hot” vampires from the 13th century. Unexpectedly, when Eve meets Michel and Julien, she realizes that they are not monsters but have compelling human qualities. She is strongly attracted to them.
Eve is an Adept, and as such she has a variety of special powers.When she interacts with Michel and Julien, she can feel their attraction to her, and this makes for some really great and steamy sex scenes. The romantic theme really keeps a reader engrossed in the book.
The author does a good job of building suspense in the mystery of the crime in the story, as well as in immersing the reader in vivid detail. The book is quite well-written, and, as other reviewers have said, I can certainly verify that the story will keep you turning pages in anticipation.
Although this novel has much in common with Twilight, it is definitely for adults. There are hints at BDSM between Eve and Mich el, though it does not actually take place.
The ending will make you want the next book in the series right away!
Eve Hayden is a pre-med student and a vampire hunter. She is in possession of a manuscript left to her by her mother. It’s in French, so she seeks out a translator. Eve wants revenge against the vampire who murdered her mother.
Enter the vampire Michel de Cernay. His journey to vampire-hood is detailed in the journal manuscript, along with his twin brother Julien’s. Michel and Julien are “hot” vampires from the 13th century. Unexpectedly, when Eve meets Michel and Julien, she realizes that they are not monsters but have compelling human qualities. She is strongly attracted to them.
Eve is an Adept, and as such she has a variety of special powers.When she interacts with Michel and Julien, she can feel their attraction to her, and this makes for some really great and steamy sex scenes. The romantic theme really keeps a reader engrossed in the book.
The author does a good job of building suspense in the mystery of the crime in the story, as well as in immersing the reader in vivid detail. The book is quite well-written, and, as other reviewers have said, I can certainly verify that the story will keep you turning pages in anticipation.
Although this novel has much in common with Twilight, it is definitely for adults. There are hints at BDSM between Eve and Mich el, though it does not actually take place.
The ending will make you want the next book in the series right away!
October 25, 2012
While this book was filled with hot sex scenes, it was all over the place. First, I don't understand how she can be caught in between the twins when she only spends a total of maybe half an hour with one and sleeping with the other. How am I supposed to buy that she has feelings for Julien when she only talked to him twice! Then there's Michel.... He's yelling that he loves her after maybe a week. Seriously? And last, Eve herself. She makes no sense. It was hard to connect with her because one minute she believes in vampires and is born into all of that, and the next she's questioning everything Michel tells her about them. Not to mention that a lifetime of her mother's work is basically taken away from her, then reappears and then taken away again. Okay, I can kind of wrap my brain around that... But my MAIN question is, why would this character, Eve, after her mother was murdered by vampires, and she's supposed to be a hunter and so distrusting of them.... Why would she give in to submission to one just because he asks and claims its for her protection? I think she either needs to be a strong, kick-ass character with a small touch of weakness, or she needs to just be completely weak and not question things. Her shifts were giving me a headache. She needs to pick a side and stick with it. The best part of this book was the sex, and that wasn't even enough to rate three stars..... Lots and lots of potential, but too bouncy for me.
October 20, 2013
I picked up this book free on Amazon and then devoured it within a matter of days. What a steal. Now I feel guilty because this steamy paranormal romance is worth considerably more, considering how much I enjoyed it. For one thing, I loved the historical touches: the manuscript, and the glimpses into Michel and Julien's past. The writing is top notch, the story flows well, and it has a real sense of immediacy to it, putting you right there with the characters. The BDSM theme is actually fairly light here--although the characters have a lot of discussion of dominance and submission. I imagine it will get more intense as the series progresses. The relationship between vampire and Adept is a really intriguing premise and it will be interesting to see it unfold. And by "unfold" I mean I'm looking forward to reading more smoking hot scenes with these characters. Overall, this is a solid paranormal romance that's catchy and sexy, fun at times, dark at others, with interesting characters that will make you want more. Now I'm going to check out the sequel.
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