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Lowrance Vampires #1
Blood Bound
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07XD4FWJV
After waking in a shallow grave and clawing her way to freedom, Penelope Francis hunts for the rogue who stole her life and transformed her into a vampire. Despite being corrupted into a feared preternatural, she clings to her humanity and refuses to prey on innocents, instead slaking her thirst on other miscreant vampires.
In exchange for a chance at revenge, she joins forces with the charismatic master of the Lowrance brood, a choice that may spell the salvation—or destruction—of humanity as she knows it.
After waking in a shallow grave and clawing her way to freedom, Penelope Francis hunts for the rogue who stole her life and transformed her into a vampire. Despite being corrupted into a feared preternatural, she clings to her humanity and refuses to prey on innocents, instead slaking her thirst on other miscreant vampires.
In exchange for a chance at revenge, she joins forces with the charismatic master of the Lowrance brood, a choice that may spell the salvation—or destruction—of humanity as she knows it.
360 pages, ebook
First published January 28, 2020
185 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
96 books1,315 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
February 26, 2020
Could have been much better
This book was a disappointment, given my enjoyment of some of the author’s previous books. It was poorly written, from a technical, literary standpoint. There was almost no action, in a putative world where action is expected. Many of the heroine’s motivations came across as false. I have met many female attorneys, of many ages and backgrounds, and none resembled the lead here. There is just no way to reconcile a determined, capable vampire with a previously docile, doormat human. The author said in her immediate afterword that, basically, the book just ended when she decided she had written too many words. Well, do what good authors do and mercilessly cut half the book, re-write and re-work until something worthwhile emerges. Not recommended.
This book was a disappointment, given my enjoyment of some of the author’s previous books. It was poorly written, from a technical, literary standpoint. There was almost no action, in a putative world where action is expected. Many of the heroine’s motivations came across as false. I have met many female attorneys, of many ages and backgrounds, and none resembled the lead here. There is just no way to reconcile a determined, capable vampire with a previously docile, doormat human. The author said in her immediate afterword that, basically, the book just ended when she decided she had written too many words. Well, do what good authors do and mercilessly cut half the book, re-write and re-work until something worthwhile emerges. Not recommended.
February 2, 2020
A heroine too tough to die, at least not permanently. Excellent read with more to come!
January 31, 2020
I am a huge RJ Blain fan but this book left me confused. The relationships didn’t make a lot of sense. Random characters kept getting introduced but seemed to have very little to do with the plot. Maybe they have larger roles in book 2 but I couldn’t figure out what their purpose was in this one. One issue I just couldn’t get past was how much mansplaining there was about the strength of women. The phrase “If I know anything about women...” was used so often and the supposedly strong female character never jumped in to say “you don’t know anything about women”. I liked that the author showed Pepper’s strength through the hunting and cool stake carving but on the flip side why would she throw a cup of coffee at her Master’s maker for making a flirtatious comment? She just comes off crazy. The whole Brides Brood thing made absolutely no sense to me and the reason why women were so hard to turn was a convoluted mess. The ultimate scene where they go to confront her father turned into a total letdown. He was basically creating a preternatural slave system and she ends it with a “Don’t test me” statement. Why did everyone show up, police included, for a strained conversation? I think this book got off to a strong start and then just fizzled as multiple ideas were pushed in where they didn’t belong. I love RJ Blain’s writing but this particular one was a miss for me.
April 1, 2022
Very slow but it became very good
Pepper was turned into a vampire without warning to. She woke up and had to live on her own with no one to teach her how to live her new life. Enter Emerick a master vampire. He took her under his wings and taught her how to be while she taught him she was a master in her own right.
Pepper was turned into a vampire without warning to. She woke up and had to live on her own with no one to teach her how to live her new life. Enter Emerick a master vampire. He took her under his wings and taught her how to be while she taught him she was a master in her own right.
March 26, 2022
3 stars
Surprisingly well written with a likable & smart couple.
Surprisingly well written with a likable & smart couple.
June 30, 2020
BORING!!!
Way too much dialogue and if you have read any of her books, the dialogue is too similar what she tends to write. Not witty or engaging.
Way too much dialogue and if you have read any of her books, the dialogue is too similar what she tends to write. Not witty or engaging.
February 1, 2020
Well I suppose I should be happy there was no kidnapping this time. I liked the characters but it did fall back on food/coffee addictions, along with relying on a lot of dialogue and info dumps.
It’s starting to feel like read one read them all. Quite a big build up to the ball and then left hanging, as well as the maker still being around. The ending felt very anticlimactic. A lot of random characters tossed in as well, that may be significant or just there to flesh out the broods.
Saying that I liked the characters. Pepper is a strong vampire serial killer and out for vengeance, also a lawyer. Emerick is the equally strong head of a vampire brood. Then there is Ben, who seems to have hidden depths.
So much can happen if they just get to it. I do enjoy these though, just as a fun ride. The books are quirky and the characters have their own charm. Here’s hoping I’ll enjoy the second book more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2022
I found this book via a recommendation thread on another writer's FB page, thought I'd give it a try. It wasn't for me, I struggled through it. The MC character was unpleasant, yes we get she didn't want to be a vampire, yes we get she had daddy issues and felt powerless, yes we also get the trope about new vampire ladies being all violent etc. But oh my gosh was it overused. When the MC wasn't having an inner monologue about those things, there was a LOT of talking about them , over and over again. We got it the first dozens times thanks, some action would have helped. Plus there's all the caressing of stakes in lieu of sex because it's "slow burn", like a fire with green wood, lots of smoke but not so much warmth. Oh yes, she's super good at everything and such a catch! Never mind the hero is a 300 year old vampire who seems to be able to have the ability to make loads of money and keep his enemies at bay.
September 27, 2020
So, I've been incredibly excited to read this book, as many of the readers I follow recommended it, it has high ratings, and I live R. J. Blain's writing style.
I am disappointed. But wait! Let me clarify!
I LOVE her vampire world setting and concept of the vampire - it's not the "same old" vamp concept, which IS refreshing. My only qualm here, is that I felt the whole book was a world-building book. A lot of repetitive summaries of the MFC's vampire birthing story and entry into the vampire undead life - this is explained over and over again to the supportive characters and this gets boring.
The book starts off with a mysterious, intriguing, revenge-vendetta - a rather serious flavour. The last half, the mood of the story changes into something "cutesy," humorous, and lacking seriousness. The mood of this book is bipolar.
The overall story arc is missing. I feel like there was no true build-up or climax. It stayed at the same pace, with tons of introductions to vampire morality customs, and politics. It also has a major cliffhanger and abrupt ending.
While I rate the book itself as a 3/5, am recognizing this is the first installment in what appears to be a series. That said, I do appreciate such a foundation building, and hope the story arc of the series makes up for this book's lack of one. I will read the next, once released with this hope in mind.
I am disappointed. But wait! Let me clarify!
I LOVE her vampire world setting and concept of the vampire - it's not the "same old" vamp concept, which IS refreshing. My only qualm here, is that I felt the whole book was a world-building book. A lot of repetitive summaries of the MFC's vampire birthing story and entry into the vampire undead life - this is explained over and over again to the supportive characters and this gets boring.
The book starts off with a mysterious, intriguing, revenge-vendetta - a rather serious flavour. The last half, the mood of the story changes into something "cutesy," humorous, and lacking seriousness. The mood of this book is bipolar.
The overall story arc is missing. I feel like there was no true build-up or climax. It stayed at the same pace, with tons of introductions to vampire morality customs, and politics. It also has a major cliffhanger and abrupt ending.
While I rate the book itself as a 3/5, am recognizing this is the first installment in what appears to be a series. That said, I do appreciate such a foundation building, and hope the story arc of the series makes up for this book's lack of one. I will read the next, once released with this hope in mind.
June 22, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
January 31, 2020
5/10: Finished the book and it was above average.
“I’ve always been an arrogant bastard, and age has refined me and my arrogance.”
This started out strong, then lost its way a little in the middle, and finished with an OK ending. It'll be another year before the next one comes out, so I'm not sure I'll be keeping an eye out for it.
Still, I liked Emerick. He did vampire well.
Damned tempting suit, damned tempting man, damned tempting vampire.
I could be "tempted" to read the next just for him.
Pepper was competent and at times a great foil to the over-confident vampire. But I think you have to be in the mood for the humour, and perhaps I just wasn't.
Still, a good couple of nights reading, keeping me out of mischief. 3-stars.
"I have learned women are at their most dangerous when they have a thought they wish to share.”
Clever Vampire. ;)
“I’ve always been an arrogant bastard, and age has refined me and my arrogance.”
This started out strong, then lost its way a little in the middle, and finished with an OK ending. It'll be another year before the next one comes out, so I'm not sure I'll be keeping an eye out for it.
Still, I liked Emerick. He did vampire well.
Damned tempting suit, damned tempting man, damned tempting vampire.
I could be "tempted" to read the next just for him.
Pepper was competent and at times a great foil to the over-confident vampire. But I think you have to be in the mood for the humour, and perhaps I just wasn't.
Still, a good couple of nights reading, keeping me out of mischief. 3-stars.
"I have learned women are at their most dangerous when they have a thought they wish to share.”
Clever Vampire. ;)
January 29, 2020
Loved it
Ok, let me make it clear that I'm already a huge fan of R.J.'s work. From the Royal States, to Witch & Wolf, the Magical Romantic Comedies (with a body count), and her contemporary Romantic Comedies, I devour all her work with a voracious, unceasing appetite. That does not mean that I'm unable to be critical of her work, just that I'm naturally of a bent to love it.
This book, the first of the Lowrance Vampires series, is fantastic. First we have Pepper/Penelope, a kickass woman, and I mean woman, not a teenager or young woman at college. She's sassy, capable, feisty, fiery and fun, with a smart brain, a snarky mouth and the fangs to go with it. The world building is superb as always, the dialogue excellent, the character building of all players top notch and the plot a glorious slowburn. As the author herself says, this book has teeth, and she means it and it does, even in the punny ways (Damn you author wench!!)
I'm now going to go and sulk, re-read her other works, eagerly devour the new ones to come and chomp at the bit for book two.
Highly, highly recommended.
Ok, let me make it clear that I'm already a huge fan of R.J.'s work. From the Royal States, to Witch & Wolf, the Magical Romantic Comedies (with a body count), and her contemporary Romantic Comedies, I devour all her work with a voracious, unceasing appetite. That does not mean that I'm unable to be critical of her work, just that I'm naturally of a bent to love it.
This book, the first of the Lowrance Vampires series, is fantastic. First we have Pepper/Penelope, a kickass woman, and I mean woman, not a teenager or young woman at college. She's sassy, capable, feisty, fiery and fun, with a smart brain, a snarky mouth and the fangs to go with it. The world building is superb as always, the dialogue excellent, the character building of all players top notch and the plot a glorious slowburn. As the author herself says, this book has teeth, and she means it and it does, even in the punny ways (Damn you author wench!!)
I'm now going to go and sulk, re-read her other works, eagerly devour the new ones to come and chomp at the bit for book two.
Highly, highly recommended.
April 5, 2020
I like the potential, I hope book two builds
I liked this book, but it had a lot of “telling” of the world building via long conversational explanations. I appreciated learning how the world worked but now I really want to see all those lessons occur in the story “in real life”. I enjoyed the premise, but I want more observation and interaction with other female vampires, weres, observe customs, etc. Good set up book but let’s see our characters actually hunt (like write the scenes and live it as opposed to talking about them after the fact). Love the capable and independent main character, I want her to display this cunning intelligence in the next book- out maneuver some opponents.
I liked this book, but it had a lot of “telling” of the world building via long conversational explanations. I appreciated learning how the world worked but now I really want to see all those lessons occur in the story “in real life”. I enjoyed the premise, but I want more observation and interaction with other female vampires, weres, observe customs, etc. Good set up book but let’s see our characters actually hunt (like write the scenes and live it as opposed to talking about them after the fact). Love the capable and independent main character, I want her to display this cunning intelligence in the next book- out maneuver some opponents.
February 17, 2023
Penelope began her life as a vampire, rising from a shallow grave and boy is she pissed. She goes on to kick butt of vampires who prey on the weak of New York. Until she is pulled into the Lowrance brood and taught how to be a vampire. Will they change her or will she change the brood and all of New York's vampire community?
While I did read the book, it wasn't in the same tone as the Magical Romantic Comedies series so I was a bit offput. Too Aaron Sorkin meets vampires -- all talk, little plot and/or action. What I thought would be the main plot point was shuttled off to the second book of the series, but I probably won't read it. Any romantic undertones were super slow burns, so much so that I missed it.
While I did read the book, it wasn't in the same tone as the Magical Romantic Comedies series so I was a bit offput. Too Aaron Sorkin meets vampires -- all talk, little plot and/or action. What I thought would be the main plot point was shuttled off to the second book of the series, but I probably won't read it. Any romantic undertones were super slow burns, so much so that I missed it.
May 12, 2023
A decent story hidden underneath layers of nonsense and unnecessary repetition.
They mention her first meal was pizza in every chapter. She calls the master “dessert” like 100+ times. All conversations are preceded by repeating earlier conversations. It was quite annoying.
One topic of conversation I found particularly tedious was her dietary needs. Over and over. With every new character introduced we were treated to a rehash of what she eats and an equally detailed explanation of why she needs to eat that way, followed promptly by Emerick announcing that she would be drinking primarily from him.
Which.. makes no sense. If the bites need to be hidden to avoid exploitation why would you announce the bond to everyone??
They mention her first meal was pizza in every chapter. She calls the master “dessert” like 100+ times. All conversations are preceded by repeating earlier conversations. It was quite annoying.
One topic of conversation I found particularly tedious was her dietary needs. Over and over. With every new character introduced we were treated to a rehash of what she eats and an equally detailed explanation of why she needs to eat that way, followed promptly by Emerick announcing that she would be drinking primarily from him.
Which.. makes no sense. If the bites need to be hidden to avoid exploitation why would you announce the bond to everyone??
February 3, 2020
Gaaaaaaaah!
I don't want to wait for the next book. I want it naow!
*sigh*
I bought the book because RJ Blain has yet to disappoint me and I figured that at the very least I'd be able to support an author I like even if the story wasn't quite something that I enjoyed. I didn't expect to enjoy it so damn thoroughly... Silly me. In true RJ Blain tradition, the characters are loveable, the story is engrossing, and the plot well thought out. As much as I don't WANT to wait for the rest of the story (I wanna know what happens NOW dammit) I hope that there is more than just 1 sequel in the future and am eager to see what else lays in store for Pepper, Emeryk, and crew.
I don't want to wait for the next book. I want it naow!
*sigh*
I bought the book because RJ Blain has yet to disappoint me and I figured that at the very least I'd be able to support an author I like even if the story wasn't quite something that I enjoyed. I didn't expect to enjoy it so damn thoroughly... Silly me. In true RJ Blain tradition, the characters are loveable, the story is engrossing, and the plot well thought out. As much as I don't WANT to wait for the rest of the story (I wanna know what happens NOW dammit) I hope that there is more than just 1 sequel in the future and am eager to see what else lays in store for Pepper, Emeryk, and crew.
May 27, 2020
The bites that bind...
Pepper clawed herself out of a grave to find she was a vampire with no memory of how she became one and no one to teach her how to be a vampire. Her former life as a lawyer and heiress was hel l and she had no desire to return. Emerick, a Master vampire, searched for and trapped Pepper to discover she was special and drew her into his brood. This book lays the groundwork for the full story to be completed in 2021. I wish the author had stated that before I read this book because I hate waiting for the next one and would have held off to read them together. That said, this was a great book!
Pepper clawed herself out of a grave to find she was a vampire with no memory of how she became one and no one to teach her how to be a vampire. Her former life as a lawyer and heiress was hel l and she had no desire to return. Emerick, a Master vampire, searched for and trapped Pepper to discover she was special and drew her into his brood. This book lays the groundwork for the full story to be completed in 2021. I wish the author had stated that before I read this book because I hate waiting for the next one and would have held off to read them together. That said, this was a great book!
October 7, 2021
Exceptional, but…
Well not technically a cliffhanger, this one comes close. An excellent book, and well worth the read, but I would wait for Silent Stalker before reading this one and then binge read them both.
Oh, and to the people who complain about the length: you must be young and have little experience with paper books because most ‘books’ these days are merely chapters. I would say that this one could have been even better if it had been finished in one volume, regardless of the length. Excellent writing should take time for savouring, and not be consumable like McD’s.
Well not technically a cliffhanger, this one comes close. An excellent book, and well worth the read, but I would wait for Silent Stalker before reading this one and then binge read them both.
Oh, and to the people who complain about the length: you must be young and have little experience with paper books because most ‘books’ these days are merely chapters. I would say that this one could have been even better if it had been finished in one volume, regardless of the length. Excellent writing should take time for savouring, and not be consumable like McD’s.
January 31, 2020
RJ Blain did it again! She has this wondrous ability to take known tried tropes, mix them up and turn them upside down. She creates these truly funny, relatable yet distinct characters who I really want to meet (preferably not in a dark alley, unless they are rescuing me). We have the feisty corporate lawyer unwillingly turned into a vampire (incidentally, is there a difference?) and the vain egotistical vampire with eyes too pretty for the newbie's self-control. Better yet are the various lines that just catch the funny bone: "Immortality comes at a price. One of those prices is cheese." or "But as you're a vain egotistical vampire, you're looking good for your age." Unfortunately, it is clear that this book is an introduction - the action has not really started yet. Gimme the next one!!!!
April 17, 2020
Blood Bound Review
I'm a sucker for a good vampire story and I very much enjoyed this one.
It was not a typical vampire book full of sex and non-stop action and personally I am ok with that.
It was a much slower burn watching Pepper get to know the rules and relationships of the vampire society's inner workings after being turned horribly against her will. I really liked the characters and it ended with the potential of much more interesting things to come. I am very much looking forward to the next book and I would definitely recommend checking out this one.
I'm a sucker for a good vampire story and I very much enjoyed this one.
It was not a typical vampire book full of sex and non-stop action and personally I am ok with that.
It was a much slower burn watching Pepper get to know the rules and relationships of the vampire society's inner workings after being turned horribly against her will. I really liked the characters and it ended with the potential of much more interesting things to come. I am very much looking forward to the next book and I would definitely recommend checking out this one.
September 12, 2020
Interesting
I liked the story. It had interesting points to it and food characters. The dialogue does a lot of info dumping and it's hard to tell characters apart with speech patterns - you have to rely on the dialogue tags. There's not a lot of action in the story, because of the world building. Still, I liked Pepper and the rest and will look forward to seeing if the next book brings a more final conclusion. This book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but the story is nowhere near finished.
I liked the story. It had interesting points to it and food characters. The dialogue does a lot of info dumping and it's hard to tell characters apart with speech patterns - you have to rely on the dialogue tags. There's not a lot of action in the story, because of the world building. Still, I liked Pepper and the rest and will look forward to seeing if the next book brings a more final conclusion. This book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but the story is nowhere near finished.
October 4, 2022
A story that sinks it’s fangs in
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Blood Bound. I’ve read other books by R.J. Blain and thoroughly enjoyed them, but this one is a bit different. However, within the first 2 chapters I was hooked.
I enjoyed the strong lead characters and the gradual development of the secondaries. The storyline kept me enthralled to the point of forgetting what I needed to accomplish through the day. Reading a book within a day is far more important than being otherwise productive, right?
I can’t wait to have the chance to read the next book!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Blood Bound. I’ve read other books by R.J. Blain and thoroughly enjoyed them, but this one is a bit different. However, within the first 2 chapters I was hooked.
I enjoyed the strong lead characters and the gradual development of the secondaries. The storyline kept me enthralled to the point of forgetting what I needed to accomplish through the day. Reading a book within a day is far more important than being otherwise productive, right?
I can’t wait to have the chance to read the next book!
February 5, 2020
Oh it was so good!
I can’t tell you how I hope that this series is at least a trilogy! Emerick is an amazing hero and Pepper is just the kind of heroine I needed to read right now. I will wait until 2021 because I have no choice but it will be hard. I can’t wait to find out what happens at the ball, with the bride broods, and read more stories about Pepper’s affection for her stakes.
I can’t tell you how I hope that this series is at least a trilogy! Emerick is an amazing hero and Pepper is just the kind of heroine I needed to read right now. I will wait until 2021 because I have no choice but it will be hard. I can’t wait to find out what happens at the ball, with the bride broods, and read more stories about Pepper’s affection for her stakes.
February 14, 2020
Absolutely brilliant
Can this author wrote anything that isn't absolute perfection? I'm beginning to think not!
This is one of the best starts to a series I've encountered. I hate to wait a year to find out what happens next. I am completely enraptured by Pepper and need to know about her further adventures.
And R.J. Brain writes the best dialogue. Snappy, witty, lively, it just sparkles.
Can this author wrote anything that isn't absolute perfection? I'm beginning to think not!
This is one of the best starts to a series I've encountered. I hate to wait a year to find out what happens next. I am completely enraptured by Pepper and need to know about her further adventures.
And R.J. Brain writes the best dialogue. Snappy, witty, lively, it just sparkles.
February 27, 2020
Wow, just wow
I enjoyed every bit of this book. It is a standalone even though there is a part 2 book. It ended satasfactiral but with open questions. Partial sort of spoiler: One thing, although it is a vampiric boy meets girl story at it's heart, it is not a romance and they don't get to 'the good stuff' in book 1. The villain is satisfyingly bad and 5he good guys are very likable. I will order book 2 immediately.
I enjoyed every bit of this book. It is a standalone even though there is a part 2 book. It ended satasfactiral but with open questions. Partial sort of spoiler: One thing, although it is a vampiric boy meets girl story at it's heart, it is not a romance and they don't get to 'the good stuff' in book 1. The villain is satisfyingly bad and 5he good guys are very likable. I will order book 2 immediately.
March 10, 2020
missing something
while the book is ok, it's missing the extra details making it great. lots of things going on that you don't get real info on. no real action of any kind. rather slow story. the first book is like a primer into the vampire world. I would also like other character point of view and we don't get that, not even the bad guys. I did really like the H&h, they kept me interested enough to finish book.
while the book is ok, it's missing the extra details making it great. lots of things going on that you don't get real info on. no real action of any kind. rather slow story. the first book is like a primer into the vampire world. I would also like other character point of view and we don't get that, not even the bad guys. I did really like the H&h, they kept me interested enough to finish book.
May 7, 2021
Vampires are interesting again
Blood bound gives a refreshing take on vampires. The world and lord built around them in this world is fantastic and honestly I can’t wait for the second book which contains more vampire politics.
Pepper is likewise a wonderfully deep character and she will possibly take over the world (I’d certainly happily let her) or well at least revolutionise it throughly.
Blood bound gives a refreshing take on vampires. The world and lord built around them in this world is fantastic and honestly I can’t wait for the second book which contains more vampire politics.
Pepper is likewise a wonderfully deep character and she will possibly take over the world (I’d certainly happily let her) or well at least revolutionise it throughly.
December 21, 2022
Excellent!
I thoroughly enjoyed this very different modern vampire tale. Our FMC is a smart, stubborn badass, although seeing her bloom into sexual aggressiveness had me wondering if she had some cindercorn in her family tree (or possibly a spicy pony with a Peppery bite)! Emerick is quite delicious, and a good match for her - the banter was very entertaining. I only made it halfway through before I went and bought the sequel, which I am looking forward to devouring.
I thoroughly enjoyed this very different modern vampire tale. Our FMC is a smart, stubborn badass, although seeing her bloom into sexual aggressiveness had me wondering if she had some cindercorn in her family tree (or possibly a spicy pony with a Peppery bite)! Emerick is quite delicious, and a good match for her - the banter was very entertaining. I only made it halfway through before I went and bought the sequel, which I am looking forward to devouring.
February 13, 2025
Once again, magic from Blain
Sorry about the naff rhyme. I've been hooked on RJ Blain and her alter egos for several years and more books than I can remember and it still gives me a kick when I find a series that I haven't read!
This is a well developed plot along with characters who, in the main, are well rounded and believable (keep thinking about the suspension of disbelief) in the arc of the book. Only complaint is that this is costing me a fortune! 😆
Sorry about the naff rhyme. I've been hooked on RJ Blain and her alter egos for several years and more books than I can remember and it still gives me a kick when I find a series that I haven't read!
This is a well developed plot along with characters who, in the main, are well rounded and believable (keep thinking about the suspension of disbelief) in the arc of the book. Only complaint is that this is costing me a fortune! 😆
November 15, 2025
I went with four stars because I rounded 3.5 up and because I believe this book falls into the category of world establishment and character building. I love that Ms. Blain took the time to share this world in a way that sets up the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series but will probably put it on hold until book 3 is released next year. Overall I think this is worth the time as you get to meet all the players in a less stressful environment.
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