CELESTA ~ Everyone I cared about was gone. Dead. Except him. Though he’d argue since he was a vampire he was dead too. I was still searching for the truth, but it was elusive. As elusive as Toven’s heart. I offered myself to him—my blood, my body, my heart—but just when I thought I was making progress, he pushed me away again. He was afraid he’d hurt or taint me. Time was running out to convince him that he was worthy of love.
TOVEN ~ Everything that was important to me would soon disappear. My past was racing towards me, ready to destroy everything—my freedom, my music, her. There had to be a solution to save my life, to keep the song from fading into silence. I thought the biggest threat to Celesta was me and my nature. But I was starting to realize I was very naïve in my thinking. I had to save her before my time was up. Then I’d walk away. For her sake.
Can love resurrect a dead heart?
NOTE: This is part TWO of Toven and Celesta's story. Part ONE of their story can be read in Blood Song: Prelude.
When I opened up the introductory book in this series, Blood Song: Prelude, the author notes had my curiosity piqued. I also enjoyed her inclusion of clickable song links that have significance to the story as it unfolds, a fun addition. Now, add the fact that the anti-hero of the story is a vampire AND a very talented musician over his centuries long existence and the story took another interesting, irresistible turn for me. I love romance from historical to contemporary so, when I saw where Toven's tale begins and where it winds up, I was excited to go wherever he lead. There was so many fun and definitely well thought out pieces to his life's history.
A sexy, reclusive vampire with a conscience, now out in the public eye again after a long absence and a sensual, slow burning attraction with a beautiful young woman who wishes for more. Will she find what she desires with Toven? That was the million dollar question from book 1 and the intensity of their building feelings continues in this book- Blood Song: Refrain, book 2.
Tidbits of Toven and what he's been through in his 200 years- the guilt of what he's done in the past and the fear of losing control again eat away af him. His hatred for the one who altered his life and not for the better, the future that was ripped away from him, have all contributed to what has become quite an enigmatic man. The musical genius that consistantly flowed out of his creative mind and lived, in spite of it all he's been through, fascinated me, as did his kind, patient thoughtful and empathic nature which seemed out of place for a vampire who considered himself a monster.
Celesta, in his world now because of her creative marketing abilities, was happy to help him build his nonexistant social media presence, as was part of their agreement. The bond that was forming went far and above any plan, or anything they'd felt with another person before- the beautiful innocent and the corrupted beast, in awe of each other in every way. Toven's freedom from his past was barreling to an end and evil forces swirling around them were conspiring to break them apart. There's suspense and mystery in the air and I'm afraid to see what Celesta and Toven have to endure in the next book, but I'm so ready to find out anyway! I'm wishing so hard that those tentative, steamy encounters and the mutual obsession they can't hide from each other will finally push them over the edge to the next level. Those jaw dropping last lines of this book had me stunned because I sure didn't see that WTH twist coming!! What does it all mean??? I'm dying for more and will be diving into Blood Song: Coda to find out for myself!! Good thing it's already patiently waiting on my Kindle, I need this now!!
The story picks up right where book one finished. You must read the first one in order to truly appreciate this one. Toven and Celesta have found their groove and make falling in love look so easy and blissful. We learn that everything is not okay and not as wonderful at it seems. The past is coming back for Toven, time is running out and Celesta is falling deeper and deeper. I am so ready to dive into the next book, because this slow burn is a raging inferno and there has to be relief in the near future!!
Book two of Toven and Celesta and it’s only gotten better. Toven is a vampire composer and Celesta Is his intern/companion and he’s realizing she’s also the love of his life. Of course there are some challenges along the way but the authors writing style makes it very believable and engrossing. Yes there’s a cliffhanger but it was so good that I’m going to download book three in KU. I’m really loving this author!
Ok I couldn't believe that I had hit the end of this great book already!! Thankfully there's still another one for me to enjoy. Reviews are hard for me to write because I don't want to spoil the opportunity for anybody else to lose themselves as I have. But thank you Charlie B for creating such a great story.
I’m going to combust if Toven and Celesta don’t get their HEA soon! I swear I’m ready to stake Cassandra myself and Victor. Here it is early morning and I’m not in bed because I couldn’t put this book down. Now I must start the third! Pleaseeeeeee let them have a HEA! A must read series!
I love this.series.. Its modern. Celeste is relatable and admirable. This series will leave you on the edge of your seat begging for more. It has great chemistry, lust, romance, popular songs, wonderful characters and more :)
I love this series. Celesta is relatable and driven and so is Toven. This book has wonderful romance, chemistry, passion, lust, humor, and more. It's a cross between the vampire diaries. The hunger games and twilight. It has modern music and more. 😁
while Toven fights his growing passion for Celesta, she continues to the search her father's data for causes to his death. and they both realize that music is a binds that meshes their fiery desires together.
This is an epic love story! I absolutely love Toven! It is definitely a suuuuuper slow burn but I'm loving every minute of it! I can't wait to dive into book 3 next!
Can we say “Crazy Good”? Cause thats what this series is CRAZY-FREAKIN-GOOD!
Being the second book in the Blood Song Series we are now getting deeper into the backgrounds of the main characters and having a better understanding of what’s going on in Tovens head. In the first book we see how Toven kept Celesta at a distance, well at least he was trying to but the connection between them was growing big time. Well in this book its now an explosion. I’m happy to say he is finally coming out of his head and showing/telling Celesta how he truly feels. One of the things I really like about this series is the pace of their relationship. It flows with the story instead of having that Goldie lock syndrome of feeling either to fast or way to slow. For me its just right. But I do have to say Charli B Rose your killing me with those endings. You mangled me with the ending of the first book but this one definitely takes the cake. O-M-G!!!! Why? Why, why, why!?! And now we have to wait (somewhat patiently) for the answers. Ahhhhh!!!!! Anyways... I definitely recommend this book as well as the whole series and I’m not just saying that because I got to read this early for my honest opinion, I really do mean it. The only thing I will say is read it in order. If you read this one first you might feel like your missing out on something and thats because you are so read Blood Song: Prelude first.
I loved this book so much!Full of heat and heart! The end.....😮
Blood Song Refrain is book 2 of the series. Such a great follow-up! I don't know how she does it, but the author always takes a character I'm kinda on the fence about and turns them into one of my favorites! Toven and Celesta are getting closer and closer. He is still searching for a cure and trying to keep distance between Celesta and himself, but she is making it impossible. Celesta is working for Toven, establishing an online presence so his work is noticeable in the era of social media. The close work relationship keeps them in constant contact and the small flame of intimacy they have turns into an inferno! In this book the heat is turned way up! The piano scene is 🔥🔥🔥. We also get a modern introduction to Cassandra and you know she is up to something. The book is so well written and engaging. I love the characters and getting to see so many new things in the eyes of Celesta.! Now the end... I wanted to throw my kindle! It was a big shock and I am so anxious to see how Celesta takes in this new information. Amazing job Charli B Rose! I am on the edge of my seat for more!
Toven & Celesta's story continues, so if you haven't read Blood Song: Predude, that is a must.
I love this series and the two main characters - Toven is a vampire with a lot of love to give, even though he doesn't know it and thinks he's dark and not worthy. He knows his time is limited, he seeks an answer he thinks is impossible, he puts Celesta's feelings before his own and barely managed to resist his lust for her safety.
Celesta is human, she's pure, innocent and trying to fight her father's corner and prove his innocence. Whilst doing so she sees light in darkened places especially in Toven. He is everything she could wish for, he's caring, loving, thought and so sexy, but he won't have sex with her. While he craves blood, she craves him.
Will they get their HEA or will the darkness that follows Toven rip it all away?
Note this book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for Book 3
I’m not into paranormal romances at all. To the point that had I not become such an avid fan of Charli’s after reading her first three novels, I would not have given this series a chance at all.
Charli’s ability to weave a tale is mesmerising. While I struggled because this trope is so against my norm, the story still intrigued me and motivated me to wanting to know more about Toven and Celesta. Although, I think this part of the story in particular gives you more of an insight into Toven’s character than Celesta’s, which I needed after not really feeling anything for him in Prelude.
There are little gems in Refrain that had me shocked beyond belief (that ending, wtf!!!) and others that kept me wanting and needed more. The heat level moves up in Refrain from Prelude, giving people a taste of what Charli is capable of!
Now I’m off to wait for the third and final instalment
I received an advanced copy of this manuscript and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Toven is finely starting to listen to his heart and opening up more to Celesta and showing her more if him self to her why at the same time still trying to keep her from his demons that are starting to coming for him. Celesta is starting to see more of Toven and is really liking it at the same time she is also discovering more about her self also and sharing it with Toven in the hope that she can finley be able to show him just how much light he has in him
Secrets in love always hurt. Book two in the series shows the growing relationship between Toven and Celesta. Celesta is working on bringing Toven's musical skills to the modern era. Toven fights his growing affection for Celesta, harboring a secret that holds him back. We learn more about the world Toven grew up in, and a lot more reasoning for his dark, brooding ways. I love the chemistry between the two characters. Parts of this story make me swoon, but then also quake in frustration. The mystery of Toven, what holds him back, coupled with the undeniable chemistry make for an absolutely riveting read. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3.
Even though this troupe isnt my norm. I still enjoyed Toven and Celeste. The anty ups in this second instalment and Charli's words hold your attention.
If I hadn't read Charli's first three books I don't think I would have even given these stories a chance. But this story is a follow up and gave you more into the couple. Which was enjoyable I look forward ro seeing how this couples ending happens.
This is book 2 of a 3 book series. If you haven't read book 1 BLOOD SONG: PRELUDE , I suggest you read it first. You will be totally lost if you don't.
Amazing. Steamy. Fun. Great story so far. Sweet innocent Celesta. Dark deadly vampire Toven. Such an unlikely combination, but they are wonderful for each other. Highly recommend this series.
The relationship between Toven and Celesta is starting to heat up the closer they get. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series where it can answer all the questions I have because the ending in this book has left me mind blown. 🤯
**This is book two of a three book series. You have to read Blood Song: Prelide before reading Blood Song: Refrain.**
Charlie Rose makes you squirm in anticipation and cringe in agony within her tale. I absolutely love the musical interventions that are apparent throughout this book. Thoroughly enjoyed and anticipating the final!
I was very much looking forward to reading this book and it was so worth the wait. Coda can not arrive soon enough. Thank you, Charli for a few wonderful hours spent in your world.