Ruin

Fire & Blood #1

by Alexa B. James

In a world of perpetual night, vampires rule and humans have no chance of escape.

On the surface, my life must appear one of lavish design. As a courtesan for the vampire royals, extravagant gowns are tailor-made to hug my curves, ensuring I look my best as an ornament decorating a luxurious palace.

What is the cost of all this splendor? My blood, my body... and my soul.

After being arrested for war crimes, I volunteered to become a consort to the three kings to allow my family time to escape. But when the malicious leader of the human rebellion demands I betray my new lovers, even I’m surprised to discover my loyalties have shifted.

My body now craves the touch of my vampiric kings, awakening a burning passion within me to protect them from an uprising that could bring them to their knees. Can I find a way to protect all those I love, or will I pay with my life for daring to care for both sides?

The Fire & Blood series, written by Alexa B. James, is an 18+ Reverse Harem Romance weaved together by secrets, fangs, and passion.

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Audiobook, Paranormal Romance, Dystopia

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2019

About the author

Alexa B. James is the contemporary romance pen name for a 2-time USA Today Bestselling author of YA paranormal romance.

Alexa is a mom, wife, librarian, and country girl at heart. When she's not pounding away on her keyboard, you can find her in her garden, chasing chickens around the yard, or holed up under a blanket with a cup of coffee and a book with lots of kissing. She loves romance novels of every variety (why choose?) and plans to publish more this year.

Reviews

[Alli]

DNF at 78%
I just couldn’t get into the book.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

* First-time reading author
** KU read

Okay, so as you can see, I have never read this author before. I am a vast PNR and reverse harem fan, but this book is just fantastic. I love when humans come out against what they think is wrong, even when it is against something as strong as vampires. This story takes you over a span of time (not horrifically long) where humans and vampires fight each other but in the middle of all of this three king vamps and one human woman that could rule everything if they could only get ahead of all the twists and turns going on.

Great beginning to a series or duet. Not sure yet. However, I do know that I can't wait for the next book to come out!

[Jeanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good world building with lots of twists. The story did have some pacing issues that never smoothed out. I’m hoping it’s solved in book 2.

3 stars
Cliffhanger ending.

Stay away from the audible version the narrator is one of the worst I’ve heard in a while.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 stars. This book had a whole lot going for it starting out. Strong FMC with a really interesting set up story wise, lots of intrigue and plots, interesting characters, a corrupt system with a.. somewhat clear goal starting out. Unfortunately, for me, it had all of this, but felt kind of rushed through. I think that a more clear back story and world foundation would have put me in a better place to follow and get behind the characters. As it was instead of immersing myself in the world I felt kind of like I was dragged through it not quite understanding how I got here and more importantly where I stand with the characters.

This world of Kora's is in the midst of a secret rebellion and Kora herself is a part of it. As the humans try to rise up and displace the Vampires that control their lives Kora learns really quickly that Vampires may not be the greatest enemy after all. Kora escapes one evil king only to end up with 3 man candy kings and realizes that the rebellion she once was a part of, in her eyes, may not even be necessary any longer but now the rebellion's strings are being pulled by an even worse evil. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Will Kora choose to save her friends and family and team up with the rebellion even if the goals aren't what she in her heart believe anymore, or will she side with these new Kings who have their own dark pasts but believe in kindness... or will she even get a choice.

Very rarely do I ever say that maybe too much was going on.. but being smacked around in a back and forth fashion here not knowing who the bad guy really is as well as being dragged through some really interested but not explained supernatural concepts here at the end I felt unsatisfied. The whole tree of life thing.. yep still don't know what exactly is going on with that.. The dreams.. I don't know I just felt a little lost throughout the process thinking maybe if this had been slowed down a little more and better explained I could be all in 100%. Its obvious that the author has an amazingly clever and creative mind I just wish I could have seen the workings like she does.

[Danyelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book good book that I couldn't put down and finished in a day.

This book is about Kori who is a courtesan for the king of Portland but when battle insues Kori finds herself in the hands of 3 new Kings.

This book had alot of really good elements: vampires, deception, family, lovers, lies, and plenty of steamy scenes.

This was a really enjoyable read and I liked the turns that you didn't see coming. The ending opened up a whole new world so I'm looking forward to what's going to happen next.

[Mia LeNae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where did Timmy go?

Woooooooow😳😳😳 That was one hell of a setup!!! Luca that was cold blooded. Ruin is petty af! Did he really just push Death into the couch?😂 Overall not a bad book but it did lack something... world building was good though. And, explanation of characters was also good. I would pick up book two only so I can figure out what is going on because the storyline was interesting; it just felt a bit dry.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending! What a book!
I've always been a fan of vampire books and I enjoyed this one a lot.
Kori is a great FMC in that she's not a pushover but not too strong willed either. She knows herself and it was a pleasure to read.
This book is hot, witty and very intriguing. I will definitely be (im)patiently waiting for book 2 after that cliffhanger.

[Caitlyn Newby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked this up but I'm glad I did! I really enjoyed the story and that ending! I have to know what happens next

[Princess J. Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting...

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 45%

Omg, what a mess!
I keept thinking "it will make sence soon, but ... no!
Not even Chris Chambers dark yet silky smooth -please do very VERY dirty things to me right the f*ck now, please and thank you-voice can make me endure this mess any longer.

[Kasha Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn …. tsss
I absolutely loved this book, Vampires, Mage’s and shapeshifters in a post-apocalyptic world were vampire royals rule the new world, cities under domes and use mage courtesans for their bodies, blood and powers.
Ruin is an intriguing story that sucks you in straight from the start, dark, mysterious and hot sexy scenes that is a defiant panty-melter. The story is complex, rich, action packed with twists at every turn. World and character building are great and I could see myself there, so different and unique all the way through, could not put it down! The ending shook me to my core!
Kobi is a courtesan and has be trained her whole life for it, she is complicit in their eyes but has hidden agendas, she is a strong female lead and I loved her character. The three kings are devilish hot with each their own unique personalities and I would love to be in her shoes. Kobi owes a debt to save her family, being pulled to both sides, can she help everybody she cares about?

Ruin (Fire & Blood Book 1) has me begging for more, this is a MUST read fast-burn Reverse Harem with a cliff hanger, hold onto your seats and panties, or maybe don’t wear any! Lord give me the patience’s until book 2 please!

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this book is very twisted, intense and steamy. It starts off slow but picks up speed real quick. As you read, you will get betrayal, tragedy and emotional turmoil. So we are in an era where vampires rule and humans are food. However, if the humans have blood magic they can become part of the Vampires court. That is the interesting twist about the book. If you have blood magic, depending on the magic, you can make a vampire very powerful. Right now we are in middle of a war between Vampires and the rebel humans. Humans are trying to take back a town because the human population is dwindling. While this war is going on Kori meets 3 vampire warriors who become kings. Ruin, Ash and Death. There is something there between the four but that gets explored later in the book. Lets say that it gets hot at that time. Then tragedy strikes and everything changes. Is Kori strong enough to accept the consequences of what she does? Will she give herself to the Kings? Does she end up betraying her people? So many questions and not enough answers. Then you get that ending that just about kills you because you need to know what happens. Over all this is good story to read.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My head is still pounding from the ending of the book, This book will take you on a fantastic ride you will never be able to forget. It has the drama, A lot of Heat , scorching heat , you have been warned, if you haven't tried a RH book , Oh girl you really need to read this one !! It will have you so engrossed in the reading and seeing what will happen next, nail biting suspense, you could only get from an exceptional read. It has your hot men , vampires , and a courtesan who was trained at a very young age for pleasure and taught to never give your emotions or heart to any of your love interests. A truly remarkable spellbinding book , it deserves more then 5 stars.. But you will run into the ones who will have different opinions , but from my point of view, this one book that won't disappoint you... This book was reviewed by a Book Loving Vixen..

[JAMIE WHITE · Rating 4 out of 5]

New take on Vampires!

Magic, Vampires, and sexy time oh my!! This story has all your paranormal reverse harem checklists marked. It begins about a girl fighting for freedom under the rule of tyrannical vampires and it takes so many twists and turns that the reader is sucked right in to this world. I would have given it 5 stars but I wanted more back story on the world and more descriptions on certian scenes. I wont ruin, ruin for you but there are some scenes your gonna wish you had more information on. Beware the ending has a cliff hanger.

Oh the guys though.. such drama, so much steam.
Overall this book was well written, well edited, and has a great plot line. The characters are written in depth and the female isnt a whiny loser that needs to be saved all the time, so WIN!

[Alyssa W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this different take on the typical vampire/human romance. I also liked that it was set in a post-apocalyptic world, rather than in medieval times which is usually on par for vampire novels. Kori is a strong willed FMC who is desperate to provide a better life for humans currently under vampire rule. She is not only a top member of the rebellion, but one of the favorite courtesans as well - putting her in prime position to plot against the vampires. But her loyalty is tested when she falls for 3 warrior vamps from a neighboring kingdom. Alexa takes you on a journey from the rebellion onset, to some semblance of stability, and betrayal at the end. I was a bit frustrated with the cliffhanger ending, but that is because of what happens to Kori and me wanting to throttle King Ravage. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Fire and Blood series!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kori aka Koribella and her family are courtesan's for the Vampire Court. So Sex and Blood are part of her everyday life. Not the life she would have chosen for herself but the one she has no choice over. Until one night her world collides with three warriors - Death, Ruin and Ash known as The Queen's Three. Three men who want her as much as she wants them. A dangerous thing for a courtesan and Kori knows it. Life, Love and Lies intermingle in this book. Sides are changed throughout this book and Kori doesnt know who to trust from one page to the next. It makes for an amazing read and one great cliffhanger too. Loved it from the beginning to the end. Cant wait for book 2

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the riveting storyline and the paranormal twists that pulled me into the story. This book is filled with Vampires, human courtesans, shapeshifters and so many more fascinating characters. I loved the way Kori was a strong character and was torn between humans and vampires. There is so much going on in this book and I don't want to give anything away but I will say this author has created a mesmerizing world and I can't wait to read the next book in the Fire & Blood series. Ruin ends in a cliffhanger but it only left me wanting book two so much more! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books story line is different from the usual medieval fantasy setting to happening in a post-apocalyptic setting. Kori is a very well written character who wants more out of live than just being a vampires courtesan. When the rebellion she a part of decides to finally stand up to the vampires, Kori realizes her loyalty is torn. She always thought she'd side with her human counterparts, but now she's realized she's fallen for her vampire kings. The story line and the twists woven throughout keep you reading for what will happen next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tori Puente · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5**

The writing style was decent, and I liked the characters, but there were a bunch of factors that niggled at me. I get that it's the first in a series, but it seemed liked all this first book was full of were setups and questions.

I thought the men acted and spoke pretty modern for vampires and they were far too trusting of Kori, especially knowing her background. There's attraction, but then there's self-preservation that ought to take precedence over pants feelings. The sex was hot, though 🤷‍♀️

So yes, I ended this feeling like there had been one giant set backwards for the MCs, and not really understanding how several storylines are going to come together. Kind of frustrating.

[Leanne Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has to be one of my favourite this year! I loved everything about it from the fabulous cover to the cliffhanger ending!! The FMC character Kori is strong willed and tough but living a complicated life as Courtesan in the Vampire Courts. This is where she meets Death, Ruin and Ash. As they all try to build a relationship they must also learn to trust one another. This book has vampires, sex, intrigue and a cliffhanger! The writing was truly splendid I went through so many emotions with this book, it really was exceptional. I can’t wait for the next book!!

[Mary Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portland and Seattle are domed cities due to earlier catastrophes. There is a population of humans and vampires. Kori and her brother and twin sister were all courtesans for the vampires. All courtesans had mage blood and Kori was a latent Fire and active temps. She had always been interested in the Three Warriors, but wouldn’t pick only one. There absolutely was perfection in the world building and the characters were very well portrayed. Cliffhanger at the end. Great read.

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

[Chelsea Allen-Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow..... talk about getting hooked. Just finished this book and the ending will definitely make you crave the next. From the beginning I loved Kori and how strong she is. Also, Death, Ash, and Ruin are pure sex and make you want each one of them.... but Death is my favorite of course. This book will make you laugh and want to throw your kindle down all at the same time. Alexa B. James definitely knows how to pull you in and never let you go. Anxiously awaiting the next!!!!

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!!

Fast paced and sexy as heck, this alternative universe (or is it dystopian?) novel introduces a world where vampires rule and humans struggle... though they are slowly fighting back. Fortunately, not every vampire is the same and not every human views the entire race as monsters... just most.

Pros:
- Deftly woven.
- Fast burn, but it suits the plot and arc.
- Death... rather love him.
- Metaplot is complex and massive.

Cons:
- Need More history.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dystopian book about vampires ruling over humans in a post apocalyptic world of domes is full of intrigue and suspense. Kori is a human that has a latent power of fire and part of the rebellion. She has the eye of the neighboring domes three most feared warriors. Their journey is filled with fighting, intrigue, betrayal and death. Can’t wait to read the next book

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

[Aida Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sexy and so intriguing. It’s a dystopian novel/urban fantasy that actually manages to do something refreshing with vampires. The steamy scenes are sexy and yet down to earth, (I really appreciate the language she uses when describing these scenes; very straightforward yet so enticing) and the storyline itself was incredibly gripping. And it ends with one hell of a cliff hanger. Loved this book, can’t wait for the second installment.

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think this one was my cuppa. The writing wasn't bad even though there were some places where the world-building could have been stronger and a lot of the book seemed to be mostly set up for future books. I think the biggest problem for me is no one MC really connected with me. If dystopian vampire books are your thing then you would probably like this one even though I can't really get into it.

[Jami Kehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely captivating new story from James! From the first page to the last word, I was enthralled!

James has created a world filled with deceit, lust and tons of twist and turns. The pages are filled with sinfully wicked sex and an ending that will have you begging for book 2!

Definitely her best work to date!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless! This book is amazing. This book starts really strong and keeps on going. The storyline is incredible and has great detail including backstories. The ending, what a cliffhanger! I cannot wait for book 2.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a amazing story!!! Absolutely loved it!!! Storyline is amazing. Cliffhanger but that's all right with me. I'll just sit here patiently waiting for the next book. ( not!!! I want it now!!!) This is definitely a must read. Seriously I need the next book.