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The Ellie Gray Chronicles #1
Drain Me
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
"Red coated his lips, vibrant against that ivory skin. He was the devil incarnate, dressed impeccably in Armani, and I had never seen a sight more terrifying."
When diagnosed with a fatal illness at the age of twenty six, Eleanor Gray is resigned to her fate—at least until the enigmatic Dublin Helos appears and makes her an offer she knows she should refuse:
Life or Death?
With a decision as harmless as checking the wrong box on a mysterious questionnaire, Ellie is plunged into a dangerous world where souls are sold to the highest bidder and pleasure is fueled by pain.
The rules of this new life are simple: submit everything—mind, body and soul. But the further Ellie falls under Dublin’s control, the more she comes to realize that it’s not just her sanity at stake, but her heart and a whole lot of blood too.
"Red coated his lips, vibrant against that ivory skin. He was the devil incarnate, dressed impeccably in Armani, and I had never seen a sight more terrifying."
When diagnosed with a fatal illness at the age of twenty six, Eleanor Gray is resigned to her fate—at least until the enigmatic Dublin Helos appears and makes her an offer she knows she should refuse:
Life or Death?
With a decision as harmless as checking the wrong box on a mysterious questionnaire, Ellie is plunged into a dangerous world where souls are sold to the highest bidder and pleasure is fueled by pain.
The rules of this new life are simple: submit everything—mind, body and soul. But the further Ellie falls under Dublin’s control, the more she comes to realize that it’s not just her sanity at stake, but her heart and a whole lot of blood too.
562 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2014
317 people are currently reading
1509 people want to read
About the author
Lana Sky
61 books1,328 followersI am a quirky writer from the US who dabbles in dark, paranormal and contemporary romance. My stories aren't always typical, but contain a little something for everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
October 21, 2021
3.65-4.25 stars. I'm rounding up to 4 for Yulia, my favorite character.
I am still so confused! aaagh. full review to come. Gotta jump into the next book first.
~After a few days of simmering, I'm rounding down to 3, but this is a positive 3 star rating. After thinking about it, my feelings about this book are basically: "I liked it, but have some reservations."
Positives:
✓ Lana Sky's writing style. This is an author who clearly has worked on her craft. In each book I've read by her I've enjoyed her ability to set a scene, give descriptive detail, and structure a plot. I plan on checking out the rest of her backlist.
✓ Vivid, memorable main & side characters
✓ A unique, fresh spin on a vampire tale
✓ The secret society trope
Mixed feelings:
→ The ugly duckling trope
I initially was excited to see the heroine wasn't described as some remarkably beautiful woman, but rather plain and awkward. I like the ugly duckling to beautiful swan trope. I'm even open to the MMC initially finding the heroine unattractive. However, Dublin was so mean to Ellie throughout the entire book! Continually reminding her that no one would want her for her physical attributes or face. The heroine seemed remarkably accepting of this, and it didn't seem to phase her too much. Idk. There's clearly a pull between these two, Dublin is clearly attracted to some elements of Ellie...but there needs to be a progression in the next book to Ellie becoming a swan otherwise I'm not going to be satisfied. Dublin will need to change the way he speaks to her as their relationship further develops.
Negatives:
✗ Some of the dialogue - There was too much cryptic double speak. I was okay with it to a point, but after awhile it became frustrating. I get this was purposeful, and Ellie was frustrated as well...but still.
✗ Dublin's hot and cold attitude. I get it was part of his character, but it wore on me by the end of the book. I was expecting their relationship to further develop more before the end. Hopefully it does in the next book.
3.5 stars.
I am still so confused! aaagh. full review to come. Gotta jump into the next book first.
~After a few days of simmering, I'm rounding down to 3, but this is a positive 3 star rating. After thinking about it, my feelings about this book are basically: "I liked it, but have some reservations."
Positives:
✓ Lana Sky's writing style. This is an author who clearly has worked on her craft. In each book I've read by her I've enjoyed her ability to set a scene, give descriptive detail, and structure a plot. I plan on checking out the rest of her backlist.
✓ Vivid, memorable main & side characters
✓ A unique, fresh spin on a vampire tale
✓ The secret society trope
Mixed feelings:
→ The ugly duckling trope
I initially was excited to see the heroine wasn't described as some remarkably beautiful woman, but rather plain and awkward. I like the ugly duckling to beautiful swan trope. I'm even open to the MMC initially finding the heroine unattractive. However, Dublin was so mean to Ellie throughout the entire book! Continually reminding her that no one would want her for her physical attributes or face. The heroine seemed remarkably accepting of this, and it didn't seem to phase her too much. Idk. There's clearly a pull between these two, Dublin is clearly attracted to some elements of Ellie...but there needs to be a progression in the next book to Ellie becoming a swan otherwise I'm not going to be satisfied. Dublin will need to change the way he speaks to her as their relationship further develops.
Negatives:
✗ Some of the dialogue - There was too much cryptic double speak. I was okay with it to a point, but after awhile it became frustrating. I get this was purposeful, and Ellie was frustrated as well...but still.
✗ Dublin's hot and cold attitude. I get it was part of his character, but it wore on me by the end of the book. I was expecting their relationship to further develop more before the end. Hopefully it does in the next book.
3.5 stars.
March 14, 2015
4.5 innocence is irresistible stars
Although at first I was very hesitant to read this book, I am SO glad that I did!
what I loved:
-the twists in the book were great! I did NOT see them coming!
-I loved the heroine, Eleanor Gray, a ton! It's not every day where you read a romance novel where the heroine is a NORMAL looking woman. Eleanor is described as a woman with dull brown hair, sallow skin, and enormous green eyes that, she claims, take up too much of her face. Although she is an heiress, she is very relatable. She constantly feels like she is 'nothing' in the world and that people are just after one thing- her money. It was so refreshing to be able to read a book in which the heroine isn't some super model!
-The whole premise of the book was so different and so amazing. The book required you to actually THINK and that alone sets it apart from MOST of the other romance novels I have read!
-Oh, I can't forget about the sexy vampire hero Dublin Helos. He was such a mystery and I loved the banter between him and Eleanor.
-And last but not least, the sex scenes were SOO scorchingly hot. Sex, blood, & vampire bites...what could be hotter?!
If you LOVE vampire romance books and are sick of the 'twilight' fan fiction-type books...then you seriously need to read this book! Can't wait for the next one!!!!!
Although at first I was very hesitant to read this book, I am SO glad that I did!
what I loved:
-the twists in the book were great! I did NOT see them coming!
-I loved the heroine, Eleanor Gray, a ton! It's not every day where you read a romance novel where the heroine is a NORMAL looking woman. Eleanor is described as a woman with dull brown hair, sallow skin, and enormous green eyes that, she claims, take up too much of her face. Although she is an heiress, she is very relatable. She constantly feels like she is 'nothing' in the world and that people are just after one thing- her money. It was so refreshing to be able to read a book in which the heroine isn't some super model!
-The whole premise of the book was so different and so amazing. The book required you to actually THINK and that alone sets it apart from MOST of the other romance novels I have read!
-Oh, I can't forget about the sexy vampire hero Dublin Helos. He was such a mystery and I loved the banter between him and Eleanor.
-And last but not least, the sex scenes were SOO scorchingly hot. Sex, blood, & vampire bites...what could be hotter?!
If you LOVE vampire romance books and are sick of the 'twilight' fan fiction-type books...then you seriously need to read this book! Can't wait for the next one!!!!!
July 21, 2021
4 Stars
Mixed emotions on this one. I did actually enjoy it overall, and it's definitely pretty unique for a vampire book. I loved the writing, the heroine and her "normalness", the premise, and even the hero (most of the time😅). On the other hand though... It did start to drag just a bit. I really could have used more hints, or even some answers sooner on, because we didn't get any until literally the last few chapters, and for this LONG of a book, to have to wait til the very end just for a few, got a bit tedious. And when we did get some, it was kind of confusing because everyone talks in riddles.
Other than that, I also wish we had at least a few tender moments between the heroine and hero. I do like how his personality didn't just change super quick just because he feels something for the heroine, and I do like the slow burn of it, but at the same time, pretty much all we got was the hero being a jerk to the heroine. We know he is actually pretty possessive and protective of her, so i wish he would actually show it instead of us being told about it from side characters. The heroine is more docile and naive, so idk maybe that is how their dynamics will be? At this point, I really cant imagine him ever being really even kind to her, which is a bit sad because of all the insults about her looks and the damage they do to her self esteem. I'm just waiting for some moments where he actually reassures her or protects her from other people's insults instead of going along with them. So here's to hoping for some actual romance in the next book 🤞😅
Safety: safe
Virgin h / non virgin H
26 yr old h / over 500 yr old H
No ow/om drama
No cheating??⬇
No details if hero is with a ow while with heroine, but i highly highly doubt it
Mixed emotions on this one. I did actually enjoy it overall, and it's definitely pretty unique for a vampire book. I loved the writing, the heroine and her "normalness", the premise, and even the hero (most of the time😅). On the other hand though... It did start to drag just a bit. I really could have used more hints, or even some answers sooner on, because we didn't get any until literally the last few chapters, and for this LONG of a book, to have to wait til the very end just for a few, got a bit tedious. And when we did get some, it was kind of confusing because everyone talks in riddles.
Other than that, I also wish we had at least a few tender moments between the heroine and hero. I do like how his personality didn't just change super quick just because he feels something for the heroine, and I do like the slow burn of it, but at the same time, pretty much all we got was the hero being a jerk to the heroine. We know he is actually pretty possessive and protective of her, so i wish he would actually show it instead of us being told about it from side characters. The heroine is more docile and naive, so idk maybe that is how their dynamics will be? At this point, I really cant imagine him ever being really even kind to her, which is a bit sad because of all the insults about her looks and the damage they do to her self esteem. I'm just waiting for some moments where he actually reassures her or protects her from other people's insults instead of going along with them. So here's to hoping for some actual romance in the next book 🤞😅
Safety: safe
Virgin h / non virgin H
26 yr old h / over 500 yr old H
No ow/om drama
No cheating??⬇
No details if hero is with a ow while with heroine, but i highly highly doubt it
March 22, 2015
So I was very fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from the author. Note that this does not in any way affect my personal rating of this book and all opinions are my own etc.
Eleanor Gray is an heiress. Born into wealth and luxury, she should have everything she ever wanted. Rather than spoiled though, she's a bit apathetic to her wealth, especially as she is sentenced to a rather unfortunate fate. A deadly illness.*cue somber music*
A chance encounter with a mysterious doctor, followed by a strange note with a checklist addressed to her.
Live or Die?
Choose Wisely.
Once Ellie makes that fateful decision between life and death, she is whirled into a dark world, where blood is everything. Where everything has a price and a pretty little paycheck is nothing.
Eleanor Gray, or Ellie as she prefers, is an interesting character. She's not personable like most heroines seem to be, and she's very stubborn, among other things. Maybe it was how she was born with so much, but she has little care in life, except a choice few. She's desolate. And I think that's what drew me to her so much: her vulnerability. Dublin pushes her buttons in the most dangerous way possible, and she never lets go but provokes him back instead.
'I want the real Eleanor Gray,' he had told me once. Well, here she was in all of her insane, complicated glory.
Dublin Helos is one hell of a character as well. He's everything you would expect from a cold-hearted (does he even have a heart? :P) vampire, and I couldn't blame Ellie at all for the confusion and frustration she felt whenever they had an interaction. Ellie confounds him, and watching him slowly slip out of control was one of the most fascinating things I've read. I would say more, but he's such a gem of a character that I don't want to spoil any part of the story for you.
"You call this—"
He gestured toward my body with a disapproving wave of his hand.
"Corruption? Dear God, Eleanor...I haven't even begun."
Dark and rich, like the blood vampires are oh-so-fond of, this story is definitely a gem from a very promising debut author. Ribbons and handcuffs galore, Ellie and Dublin will show you a world that will sink its teeth into you and drag you down into the depths of darkness :P
*warning* This book is a little dark, so brace yourself. And watch out for...sleepless nights because it's addicting. :)
Eleanor Gray is an heiress. Born into wealth and luxury, she should have everything she ever wanted. Rather than spoiled though, she's a bit apathetic to her wealth, especially as she is sentenced to a rather unfortunate fate. A deadly illness.*cue somber music*
A chance encounter with a mysterious doctor, followed by a strange note with a checklist addressed to her.
Live or Die?
Choose Wisely.
Once Ellie makes that fateful decision between life and death, she is whirled into a dark world, where blood is everything. Where everything has a price and a pretty little paycheck is nothing.
Eleanor Gray, or Ellie as she prefers, is an interesting character. She's not personable like most heroines seem to be, and she's very stubborn, among other things. Maybe it was how she was born with so much, but she has little care in life, except a choice few. She's desolate. And I think that's what drew me to her so much: her vulnerability. Dublin pushes her buttons in the most dangerous way possible, and she never lets go but provokes him back instead.
'I want the real Eleanor Gray,' he had told me once. Well, here she was in all of her insane, complicated glory.
Dublin Helos is one hell of a character as well. He's everything you would expect from a cold-hearted (does he even have a heart? :P) vampire, and I couldn't blame Ellie at all for the confusion and frustration she felt whenever they had an interaction. Ellie confounds him, and watching him slowly slip out of control was one of the most fascinating things I've read. I would say more, but he's such a gem of a character that I don't want to spoil any part of the story for you.
"You call this—"
He gestured toward my body with a disapproving wave of his hand.
"Corruption? Dear God, Eleanor...I haven't even begun."
Dark and rich, like the blood vampires are oh-so-fond of, this story is definitely a gem from a very promising debut author. Ribbons and handcuffs galore, Ellie and Dublin will show you a world that will sink its teeth into you and drag you down into the depths of darkness :P
*warning* This book is a little dark, so brace yourself. And watch out for...sleepless nights because it's addicting. :)
December 12, 2015
It was long winded and slow, I skimmed over large sections of it because I was bored.
On top of that I really didn't like the way Eleanor was constantly put down because she wasn't beautiful. Some have said it was nice to have a heroine that was 'normal' but how is that nice when it is pointed out that she is unexceptional all the time! That no one would want her because she is plain.
This sounded right up my street but sadly it just didn't work for me.
February 24, 2015
Drain Me is dark, sexy, thrilling, sensual, alluring and quite frankly, the next big thing. I received an ARC of this novel from the author and I fell in love with it like you fall asleep: slowly then all at once. Sorry for the poor The Fault In Our Stars reference... It is a tale of money, sex and lust. A book that, once published, will be in a well-deserved spot on my crowded bookshelf.
Eleanor “Ellie” Gray.
Heiress, sister, dying woman. Born into wealth, she has been handed everything she could ever want on a silver platter. But she doesn't care for it. She is a desolate young woman whose life is coming to an end. An end she welcomes. With a bleak future ahead of her, she sets about getting her affairs in order. But when she is given a choice, everything she knows is flipped, turned upside down. Apologies for the Fresh Prince anecdote. Two choices, one tick.
Live. Die.
“Choose Wisely.”
Enter Dublin Helos.
A vampire Adonis. The man of every woman's dreams. Or is he? This man loves blood, sex and control. He throws Ellie, head first, into a world of darkness, confusion and frustration. And like a true Gray, Ellie accepts everything that is thrown at her. Her stubbornness and refusal to back down has gotten her into trouble and this time, money can't save her.
“I'm here to offer you a choice, Eleanor: accept your impending death, or... something else.”
Every word of this book will entice you. It's compulsion will drag you down the deepest, darkest parts of Hell, where Dublin is waiting to chain you up and devour ever last drop of you...
“Corruption is pain,” he explained while cresting my hip with the tip of a nail.
“It's relishing in it, savouring the violence. It is feeling your own defences shatter and knowing that you are helpless against the onslaught. Even worse, while deep down you know that you should run from the pain, fear it even. Instead... you crave it.”
Dark, enticing, rich, sexy... Drain Me is the debut novel of an author I have followed on Wattpad for quite some time. Each and every one of her novels is a work of art. Art worthy of a place on every bookworms bookshelf. I will be first in line to claim a copy when it becomes available.
Eleanor “Ellie” Gray.
Heiress, sister, dying woman. Born into wealth, she has been handed everything she could ever want on a silver platter. But she doesn't care for it. She is a desolate young woman whose life is coming to an end. An end she welcomes. With a bleak future ahead of her, she sets about getting her affairs in order. But when she is given a choice, everything she knows is flipped, turned upside down. Apologies for the Fresh Prince anecdote. Two choices, one tick.
Live. Die.
“Choose Wisely.”
Enter Dublin Helos.
A vampire Adonis. The man of every woman's dreams. Or is he? This man loves blood, sex and control. He throws Ellie, head first, into a world of darkness, confusion and frustration. And like a true Gray, Ellie accepts everything that is thrown at her. Her stubbornness and refusal to back down has gotten her into trouble and this time, money can't save her.
“I'm here to offer you a choice, Eleanor: accept your impending death, or... something else.”
Every word of this book will entice you. It's compulsion will drag you down the deepest, darkest parts of Hell, where Dublin is waiting to chain you up and devour ever last drop of you...
“Corruption is pain,” he explained while cresting my hip with the tip of a nail.
“It's relishing in it, savouring the violence. It is feeling your own defences shatter and knowing that you are helpless against the onslaught. Even worse, while deep down you know that you should run from the pain, fear it even. Instead... you crave it.”
Dark, enticing, rich, sexy... Drain Me is the debut novel of an author I have followed on Wattpad for quite some time. Each and every one of her novels is a work of art. Art worthy of a place on every bookworms bookshelf. I will be first in line to claim a copy when it becomes available.
March 10, 2015
*Review copy received from author in exchange for honest review
DNF at 60%
This book was okay, but I just got a lot to say. First of all, the cover was basically screaming "Vampire" and I haven't read a vampire book in ages. I remember being so obsessed with them years back in my high school years. But no. Technically, some of the characters here do suck blood, but they're not labelled as vampires. Okay, cool. No big deal. Not exactly something worth to nitpick on.
But what didn't do it for me was the heroine, Ellie. She's dying due to terminal illness, and then obliviously agrees to a second life offered by a supposed vampire-slash-demon named Dublin. However, as payment for being granted a new life, she must serve Dublin. Thus, she's given two choices: pay using her money, or pay using her body. Now, of course, if she ever chooses paying with her money, then the story is basically over. Done. Dublin takes her money and they go their merry ways. So obviously, to make the story actually flow, she picks the option of paying with her body. She's later on taken into a vampire night club for the elite where the clients feed on the girls and have sex with them.
Now, this is where it starts. Ellie may come off as a strong willed heroine just because she agreed to something she knows she can't do, but her will says otherwise, despite her inexperience. Now, a smart heroine knows her limits, but we've got Ellie continuously agreeing to every single thing, even when Dublin has offered to give her an out to save herself. And then, she starts to become all victimized and submissive. I just can't deal with her.
Dublin, on the other hand, was dark, compelling and mysterious. Although, he did kind of threw me off in a couple of scenes where he gets very much aggressive and dominant towards Ellie, but as a dark romance novel character, such actions are supposed to be in his nature.
I really liked the chemistry between them though, no doubt about that. There was total intensity, but I just couldn't deal with reading about a heroine that's just dumb as hell. I just had to drop it.
DNF at 60%
This book was okay, but I just got a lot to say. First of all, the cover was basically screaming "Vampire" and I haven't read a vampire book in ages. I remember being so obsessed with them years back in my high school years. But no. Technically, some of the characters here do suck blood, but they're not labelled as vampires. Okay, cool. No big deal. Not exactly something worth to nitpick on.
But what didn't do it for me was the heroine, Ellie. She's dying due to terminal illness, and then obliviously agrees to a second life offered by a supposed vampire-slash-demon named Dublin. However, as payment for being granted a new life, she must serve Dublin. Thus, she's given two choices: pay using her money, or pay using her body. Now, of course, if she ever chooses paying with her money, then the story is basically over. Done. Dublin takes her money and they go their merry ways. So obviously, to make the story actually flow, she picks the option of paying with her body. She's later on taken into a vampire night club for the elite where the clients feed on the girls and have sex with them.
Now, this is where it starts. Ellie may come off as a strong willed heroine just because she agreed to something she knows she can't do, but her will says otherwise, despite her inexperience. Now, a smart heroine knows her limits, but we've got Ellie continuously agreeing to every single thing, even when Dublin has offered to give her an out to save herself. And then, she starts to become all victimized and submissive. I just can't deal with her.
Dublin, on the other hand, was dark, compelling and mysterious. Although, he did kind of threw me off in a couple of scenes where he gets very much aggressive and dominant towards Ellie, but as a dark romance novel character, such actions are supposed to be in his nature.
I really liked the chemistry between them though, no doubt about that. There was total intensity, but I just couldn't deal with reading about a heroine that's just dumb as hell. I just had to drop it.
October 12, 2015
Why this book is so amazing
1. No insta-love
2. No love triangle
3. Sexy alpha vampire
YES!
Dublin + Eleanor = perfection. There's a slight dom/sub theme that I loved! I also loved how protective he was of her, yet he'd never admit it.
I usually can't honestly say I completely love a MC. But I loved, loved, loved being inside Eleanor's head. I found her innocence, snobbish, and naiveté absolutely endearing.
And DUBLIN, oh my god. I LOVE Dublin. There I said it. ;) His character remained strong and arrogant but we get to see his interaction with Ellie, his protective side that had me swooning.
I love reading romance novels, so most books get a 4 or 5 star rating from me… this one gets a 10 out of 5 stars.
This book has blown me away. It is like nothing I have ever read before. And it continue to hold me captive as I read it over and again waiting for Chain Me!
1. No insta-love
2. No love triangle
3. Sexy alpha vampire
YES!
Dublin + Eleanor = perfection. There's a slight dom/sub theme that I loved! I also loved how protective he was of her, yet he'd never admit it.
I usually can't honestly say I completely love a MC. But I loved, loved, loved being inside Eleanor's head. I found her innocence, snobbish, and naiveté absolutely endearing.
And DUBLIN, oh my god. I LOVE Dublin. There I said it. ;) His character remained strong and arrogant but we get to see his interaction with Ellie, his protective side that had me swooning.
I love reading romance novels, so most books get a 4 or 5 star rating from me… this one gets a 10 out of 5 stars.
This book has blown me away. It is like nothing I have ever read before. And it continue to hold me captive as I read it over and again waiting for Chain Me!
November 7, 2014
I made an account to talk about this book, I've followed Lana Sky from Wattpad, to the vault, and now to here because of this book. Her characters are what drew me in most to this book. The unconventional hero and heroine have a twisted chemistry that brought me to my knees. I will not however recommend this to any one who is unfamiliar with darker romances. This is by no stretch of imagination "fluff" ladies and gents...
avoid
March 18, 2023self note avoid
- The ugly duckling trope
The h is unattractive/plain.
The H continually reminded her that no one would want her for her physical attributes or face.
- The ugly duckling trope
The h is unattractive/plain.
The H continually reminded her that no one would want her for her physical attributes or face.
February 27, 2021
3.75/5
“I figured I’d always known that, rather than pass away peacefully in my bed of old age, I would die a horrible death.”
Ellie Gray is dying. Having lived a sheltered life controlled by her mother (even after her mother died), Ellie was lost anyway. She is the obedient, docile heiress who was just told she has a terminal illness. Rather than regret the choices she never made, she simply accepts her fate. Until Dublin enters her life. He thrusts her into a world of shadows and predators, games and manipulation, all the while constantly challenging her and everything she thought she knew.
I have always enjoyed Lana Sky’s work, especially since she writes dark romances. I was first introduced to her work on Wattpad, before she even published Drain Me, and I remember binging everything on her profile and eagerly awaiting more updates. So when I saw that Drain Me had a sequel (a sequel I never read), I decided I had to reread this book immediately. It’s also a bonus that this is a vampire book, because I was craving a dose of vampires!
“Corruption is pain. It’s relishing in it, savoring the violence. It is feeling your own defenses shatter and knowing that you are helpless against the onslaught. Even worse, while deep down you know that you should run from the pain, fear it even, instead… you crave it."
This book is dark and definitely makes you question if Ellie is sane or not. Even Dublin questions her sanity from time to time. Regardless, I really enjoyed Ellie’s determination to be the opposite of what Dublin expects. She goes out of her way to prove that she can dance on the dark side and not run away, even when he challenges her and thrusts her further into the shadows. She is introduced to a whole new way of living, involving different types of pain and pleasure. Slowly, the docile and obedient Ellie learns she has a whole other side to her that actually craves the dark side. I actually really like her character! She is strong though she doesn’t believe she is, and she is also very brave. Meeting Dublin has changed her life and allowed her to experience things she probably never would have otherwise. It was entertaining, tense at times, and engrossing.
The man standing above me was a predator, ravenous and untamed. In his eyes, Eleanor Gray had ceased to exist, and all the remained was prey.
Dublin on the other hand, is unapologetic. He does what he needs to do no matter how it affects the other person. He is harsh, arrogant, and seemingly untouchable. He drags Ellie into situations she would rather avoid but goes along with anyway just to spite him. He punishes her, uses her, and even tries to instill some sense into her. No matter what happens, he is and always will be a predator. And Ellie is his prey. His character is a bit more mysterious though. We don’t know much about his background, or why he has the reputation he does. I still enjoy his character though! Especially since we start to see a different side to him as the book goes on. Honestly, I look forward to what we will learn about him in the second book the most. The ending to this one has left me with quite a few questions!
“you and I both know the truth: you crave danger, Eleanor. You surround yourself with creatures who only want to hurt you… You desire pain. Admit it, and I could give you all the danger you desire.”
There is a sense of danger, excitement, and fear in almost every scene in this book. It kept me enthralled, wondering what will happen next and what will finally break Ellie. I was invested in the characters and their growth (though it was a bit slow), and I look forward to what the sequel may bring for them.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story and I will be reading the sequel asap! I definitely want to know what happens next…
Twitter || Blog
“I figured I’d always known that, rather than pass away peacefully in my bed of old age, I would die a horrible death.”
Ellie Gray is dying. Having lived a sheltered life controlled by her mother (even after her mother died), Ellie was lost anyway. She is the obedient, docile heiress who was just told she has a terminal illness. Rather than regret the choices she never made, she simply accepts her fate. Until Dublin enters her life. He thrusts her into a world of shadows and predators, games and manipulation, all the while constantly challenging her and everything she thought she knew.
I have always enjoyed Lana Sky’s work, especially since she writes dark romances. I was first introduced to her work on Wattpad, before she even published Drain Me, and I remember binging everything on her profile and eagerly awaiting more updates. So when I saw that Drain Me had a sequel (a sequel I never read), I decided I had to reread this book immediately. It’s also a bonus that this is a vampire book, because I was craving a dose of vampires!
“Corruption is pain. It’s relishing in it, savoring the violence. It is feeling your own defenses shatter and knowing that you are helpless against the onslaught. Even worse, while deep down you know that you should run from the pain, fear it even, instead… you crave it."
This book is dark and definitely makes you question if Ellie is sane or not. Even Dublin questions her sanity from time to time. Regardless, I really enjoyed Ellie’s determination to be the opposite of what Dublin expects. She goes out of her way to prove that she can dance on the dark side and not run away, even when he challenges her and thrusts her further into the shadows. She is introduced to a whole new way of living, involving different types of pain and pleasure. Slowly, the docile and obedient Ellie learns she has a whole other side to her that actually craves the dark side. I actually really like her character! She is strong though she doesn’t believe she is, and she is also very brave. Meeting Dublin has changed her life and allowed her to experience things she probably never would have otherwise. It was entertaining, tense at times, and engrossing.
The man standing above me was a predator, ravenous and untamed. In his eyes, Eleanor Gray had ceased to exist, and all the remained was prey.
Dublin on the other hand, is unapologetic. He does what he needs to do no matter how it affects the other person. He is harsh, arrogant, and seemingly untouchable. He drags Ellie into situations she would rather avoid but goes along with anyway just to spite him. He punishes her, uses her, and even tries to instill some sense into her. No matter what happens, he is and always will be a predator. And Ellie is his prey. His character is a bit more mysterious though. We don’t know much about his background, or why he has the reputation he does. I still enjoy his character though! Especially since we start to see a different side to him as the book goes on. Honestly, I look forward to what we will learn about him in the second book the most. The ending to this one has left me with quite a few questions!
“you and I both know the truth: you crave danger, Eleanor. You surround yourself with creatures who only want to hurt you… You desire pain. Admit it, and I could give you all the danger you desire.”
There is a sense of danger, excitement, and fear in almost every scene in this book. It kept me enthralled, wondering what will happen next and what will finally break Ellie. I was invested in the characters and their growth (though it was a bit slow), and I look forward to what the sequel may bring for them.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story and I will be reading the sequel asap! I definitely want to know what happens next…
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July 30, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️ I liked this. Slow burn and detached but possessive MMC is going to do it for me every time. Extra points because he’s blonde. 🤭
May 11, 2016
Okay. I know this book is entitled Drain Me but I didn't expect it to drain me in the literal sense. Because honestly, that's how I felt after finishing this book -- drained. First of all, I love the cover of this book; it's what really made me attracted to pick it up in the beginning. I thought this book was going to be a simple, cliche Paranormal Romance. Boy, I was wrong. But not in a good way.
Drain Me started out very, very slow. When she was told by her doctor that she was going to die because of some unknown blood disease, Eleanor was resigned to her fate. But when she was given the chance to choose between Life and Death, understandably she chose the former.
After waking up feeling very refreshed, the Hero, Dublin Helos was there to collect her debt. She was given yet, another, choice to settle her debt in exchange for her life. With money? Or her soul? And of course, Eleanor being absolutely predictable, chose the latter.
And it all went downhill from there. If you're planning to read this book, I'll warn you this: this book is very slow-paced and every chapters seem very repetitive. I think from beginning of the book towards the climax, almost every single scenes seem repetitive from Eleanor doing stupid shit to Dublin saving her ass and repeatedly told her not to play games. I'm not even lying. Dublin sounds like a broken record.
Don't play games, Eleanor! This isn't a game Eleanor! You've made your choice so now you have to play the game Eleanor! This isn't a direct quote but you'll hear this thing over and over again in the book.
Drain Me has a total of 36 chapters and if my memory serves correctly, the story only picks up around chapter 32 to 36. I was gonna DNF this book around 80% but because I was too curious of the ending, I had to force myself to finish it. And when I did, it all felt so anti-climatic and unsatisfactory.
Regardless of my opinion, I might read the next book because of that
Drain Me started out very, very slow. When she was told by her doctor that she was going to die because of some unknown blood disease, Eleanor was resigned to her fate. But when she was given the chance to choose between Life and Death, understandably she chose the former.
After waking up feeling very refreshed, the Hero, Dublin Helos was there to collect her debt. She was given yet, another, choice to settle her debt in exchange for her life. With money? Or her soul? And of course, Eleanor being absolutely predictable, chose the latter.
And it all went downhill from there. If you're planning to read this book, I'll warn you this: this book is very slow-paced and every chapters seem very repetitive. I think from beginning of the book towards the climax, almost every single scenes seem repetitive from Eleanor doing stupid shit to Dublin saving her ass and repeatedly told her not to play games. I'm not even lying. Dublin sounds like a broken record.
Don't play games, Eleanor! This isn't a game Eleanor! You've made your choice so now you have to play the game Eleanor! This isn't a direct quote but you'll hear this thing over and over again in the book.
Drain Me has a total of 36 chapters and if my memory serves correctly, the story only picks up around chapter 32 to 36. I was gonna DNF this book around 80% but because I was too curious of the ending, I had to force myself to finish it. And when I did, it all felt so anti-climatic and unsatisfactory.
Regardless of my opinion, I might read the next book because of that
December 13, 2014
Drain Me is a dark and sexy debut novel by Lana Sky in which we have our heroine, Eleanor "Ellie" Gray, who's quirky innocence is refreshing and as it says in the book “Innocence is irresistible to those who have lost their own...” and true to form the creatures of dark are drawn to her in some way. Cue the deliciously dark, Dublin Helos, who quite possibly could be the Devil incarnate...if it wasn't for a pesky, albeit subtle, moral streak.
The story begins with a tragic diagnosis for our prudish and naive Miss. Gray, who let's face it, was basically just going through the motions of life, so much so that she embraced death as if it was a long lost friend. All that changes when she has a chance encounter with a man (enter our scrumptiously devious Dublin) who offers her a choice.
When Ellie accepts his offer we get to see her shed the prim and proper shell of an already dead inside Ellie and slowly awaken to life as the strong and willful woman she could have always been had she not been in the shadow of her more vibrant, and outwardly beautiful, younger sister.
Dublin’s demand of control and sensual temptations soon prove too much for Ellie to resist as she spirals downward into the depths of shadows, blood and lust.'
And she discovers that the price of life might be higher than she ever bargained for.
So come on and take a chance on a story that is sure to lure you into taking a ride on the dark side...It will leave you begging for the next installment.
The story begins with a tragic diagnosis for our prudish and naive Miss. Gray, who let's face it, was basically just going through the motions of life, so much so that she embraced death as if it was a long lost friend. All that changes when she has a chance encounter with a man (enter our scrumptiously devious Dublin) who offers her a choice.
When Ellie accepts his offer we get to see her shed the prim and proper shell of an already dead inside Ellie and slowly awaken to life as the strong and willful woman she could have always been had she not been in the shadow of her more vibrant, and outwardly beautiful, younger sister.
Dublin’s demand of control and sensual temptations soon prove too much for Ellie to resist as she spirals downward into the depths of shadows, blood and lust.'
And she discovers that the price of life might be higher than she ever bargained for.
So come on and take a chance on a story that is sure to lure you into taking a ride on the dark side...It will leave you begging for the next installment.
December 12, 2014
Let's make this clear, this book is like this when reading "okay, next break, stopping. Okay, really, next break, I'm stopping. okay, DAMNIT DUBLIN WHAT ARE YOU DOING, okay, really, next break, I'm stopping, after he - after she - after my head explodes!!" AND repeat. saying that, I mean it in the best possible way. Ellie has an excellent way of making you believe what she is doing is okay and Dublin (the one we should all fear, cause I'm sure he's real in some dimension) makes you believe everything he's doing is TOTALLY normal. No, really, it's okay for him feed off Ellie cause it's... yeah, it's okay and it's okay for him to keep hitting Ellie with riddles and little information as he breaks her and makes her into his.
The ending may make you irrationally scream and be like *twinkly eyes* where's the next b-book, Lana?
All in all, just read the damn thing.
The ending may make you irrationally scream and be like *twinkly eyes* where's the next b-book, Lana?
All in all, just read the damn thing.
February 4, 2015
This book is the first novel in the Ellie Grey Chronicles and ends with things unsettled.
Story: Ellie is a terminally ill young woman who inadvertently makes a deal with the devil. The devil in the form of vampire Dublin. Each injection of his blood keeps her healthy for a few more days. Ellie only has her cat and her wayward sister, but wants to have more time to put her affairs in order for their benefit. instead of paying with her reputation or good name she decides to pay with her body ?@! Dublin exacts a price for each dose of blood and Ellie struggles with her "contract" with him while ha asked for it.
Great Love stories of the the ugly duckling, but if you asked me how she looks, No idea!. The male character with his constant verbal abuse is not making it easier to like him, or to like reading about. So that leaves out the romance part what kind of is mandatory for Paranormal Romance.
Story: Ellie is a terminally ill young woman who inadvertently makes a deal with the devil. The devil in the form of vampire Dublin. Each injection of his blood keeps her healthy for a few more days. Ellie only has her cat and her wayward sister, but wants to have more time to put her affairs in order for their benefit. instead of paying with her reputation or good name she decides to pay with her body ?@! Dublin exacts a price for each dose of blood and Ellie struggles with her "contract" with him while ha asked for it.
Great Love stories of the the ugly duckling, but if you asked me how she looks, No idea!. The male character with his constant verbal abuse is not making it easier to like him, or to like reading about. So that leaves out the romance part what kind of is mandatory for Paranormal Romance.
January 6, 2020
This book was a strange Vampire romance, if you can call it that. Eleanor isn’t pretty or special. Dublin isn’t in the least nice or kind. I have never felt so humiliated for anyone the way I did Eleanor, although I also enjoyed it in a perverse way. I’m sick like that! The sex was off the charts hot and I’m anxious to see if Dublin can redeem himself in the next book. This is a raw and original story 👄
December 5, 2014
I've read this book several times on wattpad and just finish the published version. I love it!!! Lana keeps you up at night because you simply cannot get enough of Ellie and Dublin. It is my favorite book so far and I can't wait for the sequel!!!
November 26, 2019
Ellie is an heiress who is running out of time because of a fatal illness. Dublin enters her sheltered life who plans to show her a new world. This is a fast-paced read with loads of twists and turns, drama and secrets. The chemistry between Ellie and Dublin is steamy and the story draws you in from beginning to end. I really liked it and look forward to more.
October 10, 2019
I'm a little on the fence about this book because it had some serious problems but also could be compelling. I thought the idea of this plot was delicious but the execution needed work. First off you should know that it's an undisclosed cliffhanger (I HATE that) and although written in 2014 I see no signs of a sequel! Also, the cover is yummy and deserves a mention (the flower/smoke one not the face cut off at the eyes). Our heroine is Eleanor, the orphaned, oldest daughter of the super wealthy Gray family. She is the practical and plain one compared to her jet setting, glamorous and beautiful younger sister. Eleanor sits at home with only servants or doctors paid to be there. She finds out she is dying when a handsome stranger entices her into a bargain. The stranger is the mysterious Dublin Helos and this is where Eleanor learns vampires really exist even if it takes her a while to figure it out.
Contracts for your soul by vampires have rules but Dublin, the one she bargains with, doesn't bother to tell her what those rules are. Then he becomes angry when she makes mistakes and is pretty much a dick about it. You only see Dublin through the eyes of Eleanor who isn't the sharpest narrator so his obscure behavior isn't explained well. We only know Eleanor doesn't choose the options expected of her and it seems to cause problems for Dublin. When Dublin takes Eleanor's virginity it is especially clinical and hard to read. Truthfully, Eleanor really bugged me. She couldn't seem to go anywhere without tripping, stumbling or staggering to a destination. She was fearful and cringing to the point of annoyance. Not that she didn't have a reason to be afraid but it felt like she only had two emotions - exhausted and fearful. Brace yourself baby, you asked to come along on this ride! After 37 chapters of listening to Eleanor gasp, gulp and stammer her way through only to find the story abruptly cut off without a true HEA or ending I'm really torn. I'm not sure I can stand to watch Eleanor lurch, whimper and blunder through another book but I kinda want to get to a HEA after the investment. Not that it seems like a book 2 will appear anytime soon. Ymmv.
Contracts for your soul by vampires have rules but Dublin, the one she bargains with, doesn't bother to tell her what those rules are. Then he becomes angry when she makes mistakes and is pretty much a dick about it. You only see Dublin through the eyes of Eleanor who isn't the sharpest narrator so his obscure behavior isn't explained well. We only know Eleanor doesn't choose the options expected of her and it seems to cause problems for Dublin. When Dublin takes Eleanor's virginity it is especially clinical and hard to read. Truthfully, Eleanor really bugged me. She couldn't seem to go anywhere without tripping, stumbling or staggering to a destination. She was fearful and cringing to the point of annoyance. Not that she didn't have a reason to be afraid but it felt like she only had two emotions - exhausted and fearful. Brace yourself baby, you asked to come along on this ride! After 37 chapters of listening to Eleanor gasp, gulp and stammer her way through only to find the story abruptly cut off without a true HEA or ending I'm really torn. I'm not sure I can stand to watch Eleanor lurch, whimper and blunder through another book but I kinda want to get to a HEA after the investment. Not that it seems like a book 2 will appear anytime soon. Ymmv.
February 23, 2015
Drain me, to me, is like a rush of adrenaline. You dive head first into this dark and dangerously alluring world with Ellie, who I came to love. She isn't some glammed up, perfect girl with all the boys chasing her - she's alone, average and loves her cat more than most things - just like most of us.
Lana Sky's writing style has this addictive quality that sucks you in and doesn't let you up for air until you turn that final page. Which can be dangerous in this book when we are dealing with Dublin, a vampire whose past is coated in darkness and mystery.
The elements of this story weave together in a delightfully sinister way, with every character so unique and with their own story to tell. I often find myself wondering about these secondary characters and I hope we get to learn more about them in the sequel, Chain Me.
For anyone who wants an escape from their humdrum life, pick up this book. But be prepared - this is a world you can lose yourself in and if you aren't careful, like Ellie, you'll find yourself too far gone with no way out and you'll be thirsty for the sequel.
Lana Sky's writing style has this addictive quality that sucks you in and doesn't let you up for air until you turn that final page. Which can be dangerous in this book when we are dealing with Dublin, a vampire whose past is coated in darkness and mystery.
The elements of this story weave together in a delightfully sinister way, with every character so unique and with their own story to tell. I often find myself wondering about these secondary characters and I hope we get to learn more about them in the sequel, Chain Me.
For anyone who wants an escape from their humdrum life, pick up this book. But be prepared - this is a world you can lose yourself in and if you aren't careful, like Ellie, you'll find yourself too far gone with no way out and you'll be thirsty for the sequel.
December 23, 2020
I DNFd at 50%. I can’t bear a dragged out secret that gets played and played and played over and over until you just want to tear out your eyeballs. I hated Ellie Gray. Her story made no sense. I hated the cloak and dagger stuff - everyone skirting around the subject but not saying anything. I just didn’t believe in this. I’m pretty sure she only ever asks questions for about 95% of the book. Also couldn’t stand the stuttering. And the sex scenes left me cold.
I will say though that I think this author has a huge amount of potential. Maybe I just didn’t gel with this one.
I will say though that I think this author has a huge amount of potential. Maybe I just didn’t gel with this one.
January 15, 2015
I've now read this amazing book a few times and each time I find myself more addicted to it than before! Lana Sky is a very talented author who knows how to capture the imagination of her readers and bring them into the world revolving around the plain-Jane, Ellie Gray and her brooding, dark vampire, Dublin.
I'd highly recommend this book if you like dark, saucy going-ons and like begin left on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.
***** Five stars all the way!
I'd highly recommend this book if you like dark, saucy going-ons and like begin left on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.
***** Five stars all the way!
July 13, 2022
Wow 🤩 . I don’t know how much I missed reading Vampire novels🤣. This one is very good . I love this author ✍️ there’s seriousness in her writing . This book concept is different. I couldn’t put it away . Dublin is soooo hotttt 🥵. I love how this author writes about plain & simple heroines 🦸♀️ which attracts me more .. not everything needs to be perfect . I m so excited to read the next book in this series 🤩.
December 5, 2014
Loved this book! Dark romance, very entertaining and captivating. Well written, story flowed without any stumbles, character dialogue was smooth. Editing was great, no misspellings or incorrect word usage to distract the reading flow (big pet peeve of mine). I just finished it and already want to read it again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly looking forward to the next one!
November 30, 2014
*Review coming soon*
June 3, 2015
2,5 Stars
May 28, 2019
I thought i know a lot about vampires--- I WAS WRONG. This book made me fall in love with vampires when i was so mehh. I love how unique the story line is and how i fell in love with the characters even when i was fighting my attraction. I love books that I can't predict the ending, and this book made me sit on my toes, SOOOOOOO GOOOOOD!!!
June 15, 2017
I really liked this book although the main heroin and her ways might have got on my nerves a little I got over it. I have read many books by this author on watt pad and I really enjoy her style.I'm looking forward to the next book.
April 30, 2022
3 stars
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