Blood Rogue

Blood Rogue #1

by Linda J. Parisi

There is the blood and can only ever be the blood. So, how will love survive in a world of pain?

Vampire Charles Tower never knew anything sweeter than the taste of Stacy Morgan’s lips.

He never imagined anything crueler than her being marked for death by the only father he’s ever known.

Mikhail reared him. Taught him how to survive. Now he’s gone rogue and it’s up to Charles to put the man down.

But can he convince himself, and Stacy, that love between them is impossible?

That’s hard to do with a woman like her, especially when she offers herself up as bait.

Now they must fight against the centuries-old customs that bar them from being together and the rogue vampire who wants every last drop of Stacy’s blood.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2020

About the author

With a major in biochemistry with a minor in English literature, Linda has always tried to mesh her love of science with her love of the written word. A clinical research scientist and NJRW Golden Leaf winner, N.N. Light’s Book Heaven 2021 Paranormal Romance award winner, and the 2022 HOLT Medallion winner for Speculative Fiction, she creates unforgettable characters and puts them in untenable situations, much to their dismay. Choices always matter and love conquers all, so a happy-ever-after is a must. Linda is a member of the Board of Liberty States Fiction Writers. She has served on the boards of other writing organizations, and loves to teach the craft of writing at workshops and conferences. She lives in New Jersey with her husband John, son Chris, daughter-in-law Sara, and Audi and Archer, a pair of pooches who had her at woof!

Reviews

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Paranormal romance is one of my favourite sub-genres, add in a dark and brooding vampire and you can reel me in hook, line and sinker.  Now and again I have the urge for such a book, so, its no surprise, I decided to read and review Blood Rogue in exchange for an honest review.  The author being new to made no difference, as I am always ready and willing to discover new authors.  I am glad I picked this book up, as it satisfied my cravings for a good paranormal story.

The story proved to be an exciting and suspenseful read. It’s not every day one becomes the target of a rogue vampire. Well, that’s the lot of Stacy, a forensic scientist who had been oblivious to the existence of vampires until Charles Towers (Chaz) entered her life. His fascination with her and his decision to feed from her unwittingly placed her in the crosshairs of a rogue vampire. As a Palladin, an elite group of vampires, he is duty bound to protect his race by hunting and kill rogues. Now that Stacy is a target, his hand of protection extends to her. This would prove to be the hardest of his jobs as the rogue in question was his mentor and friend, and to make the situation more tenuous, he has fallen for the woman he was bound to protect.

Blood Rogue took me on a journey filled with suspense, danger, humour and romance. I enjoyed my introduction to the world the author created. I am looking forward to dive deeper into this world, which I hope will be explored further in the future books.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters both primary and secondary. I mourned the loss of a few and regretted not getting more page time with them. I had fun with Stacy’s reaction regarding the existence of vampires. I admired her strength, bravery and compassionate nature. I loved how she embraced the Chaz’s world after receiving proof of the existence of vampires. The risks she took would have given him coronary if he had been human. She had me biting my nails for most of the story.

Although not the main course, the romance proved as delectable as the rest of the story. Stacy and Chaz had undeniable chemistry, and the love scenes sizzled and burn. However, their path to happily ever after proved to a challenging journey. A journey fraught with many obstacles in the form of self-doubt, fears, danger and rules.

Conclusion/Recommendation

Overall, I had a good time with Blood Rogue and would recommend it to fans of paranormal romance.

 

 

This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The debut novel to a new paranormal series, “Blood Rogue” is a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy from page one.

Read full review in the 2020 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Christine Clemetson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! The chemistry between Chaz and Stacy kept me turning the pages. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampire Charles Tower has discovered human Stacy Morgan and knows nothing sweeter than her lips. However, fellow vampire and father figure to him Mikhail has gone rogue and has marked her for death - even worse Charles has to be the man to put him to death. Charles nearly loses it when determined Stacy offers herself up as bait. Now they must fight against the centuries-old customs that bar them from being together and the rogue vampire who wants every last drop of Stacy’s blood.

This was a charming story that was a nice derivative of a standard vampire story and a love story all rolled into one. I loved the drama and danger throughout the book interspersed with tender moments between Charles and Stacy. The insights into vampire politics were fascinating and I look forward to how that may develop in books later in the series. Well written and very easy to read and understand it was a great start to the series and I'm looking forward to what happens next. Contains some sexual content.

[Kat Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a gritty urban backdrop and plenty of intriguing clan dynamics, Blood Rogue is a perfect vampire romance. The world-building is very well done, unique, and adds thought-provoking dimensions to the plot through treatment of scientific themes and how they mingle with the supernatural.

I loved Stacy and how the author weaves her professional expertise into the story, and Chaz is perfect as the sexy, fanged love interest who will do anything to protect his one and only. These two light up the page together and are downright unforgettable. Plenty of steam and just enough danger to keep the plot zipping along at a fast, thrilling clip combine to make this a phenomenal read in the vein of JR Ward that fans of paranormal romance will adore as much as I did.

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Blood Rogue by Linda J. Parisi

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

In a world where blood reigns supreme and love is a dangerous game, vampire Charles Tower finds himself torn between duty and desire. Marked for death by his mentor-turned-enemy, Charles must confront the impossible: can he protect Stacy Morgan, the woman he loves, while obeying the laws of their vampire society? As they navigate treacherous terrain and face off against rogue vampires, Charles and Stacy must confront their forbidden love and fight for their survival against all odds.

While the concept is intriguing and appealing, some may find the initial few chapters challenging to navigate. Or maybe this was just me! Additionally, certain scenes may feel prolonged, potentially impacting the pacing of the story. However, despite these aspects, "Blood Rogue" offers an overall enjoyable read.

Enthusiasts of the paranormal romance will probably enjoy the intricate characters and themes delved into in the book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria Imbalzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read vampire stories, but Blood Rogue had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the smooth writing, well-drawn characters, and steamy sex scenes between the hero/vampire, Chaz, and the heroine/mortal, Stacy, which make this story a wonderful romance. Ms. Parisi builds a vampire world that I could believe in and adds just the right amount of suspense to keep those pages turning. I highly recommend this book.

[T.R. Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don’t forget, a lion doesn’t think about what it is. It simply hunts.”
“Is that how you see yourself? As an animal?”
He grimaced. “I don’t know. I used the analogy because the lion has no choice. Either it hunts, or it starves.”

A story full of danger, love, and excellent banter. If you’re looking for a modern, urban vampire story this is a great book to pick up. I love the dialogue in this story, especially between Stacy and Charles, and I love Stacy’s arc as she realizes that vampires do exist and she’s gotten herself really wrapped up in one. Charles knows their love is taboo, it’s simply not allowed, but can the ancient ways stop them from being together? And when the only father figure Charles has ever known marks Stacy for death (and she offers herself as bait!) what lengths will they go to get rid of him and be together? The centuries-old vampire dynamics and politics were fantastic, and I was particularly fond of how Stacy’s day job with chemistry comes into play to help them. Definitely worth a read!

[Rain]

Look for my review in the November issue of InD'tale!

[Debbie Koman Gallone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man, the undead, Chaz, a hunter after the worse kind of predator he could imagine, finds love again after many lifetimes. A human woman, Stacy, young and determined to use her scientific mind to help Chaz find answers so he can destroy what is killing his race. Will love be able to conquer it all? To find out, follow Chaz and Stacy in this fast-paced book by author, Linda Parisi, who writes as if she’s lived it herself. Once you start, you won’t be able to put it down.

[Limecello]

I don't ... ugh. Really feel comfortable rating and grading this book for reasons ...
but man is the beginning ROUGH.
It was ... it was rough.
Really rough.

This book kinda felt like it was all over the place and contradictory too.
There were flashes of 😻
but then also a lot - so much - of 😒

I just ...

:|

v

😐
I think what's ESPECIALLY disappointing is it had the flashes that were so good - so it made the ugh so much worse cuz you're just like " IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!"
And like ~40% is basically convincing her vampires are real and then I had this existential ~crisis like "what would I do if I encountered a vampire?" and I was like well either I've read way too much PNR or I'm so deep in denial if I met one I'd be like "nope - nice lifestyle cosplay" and then I was like "I'm wasting way too much time thinking about vampires which aren't real" so ...
Yeah the book had me spiraling into thought about NOT it so ... :X

[Crystal Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

The books premise was intriguing, I am not normally a paranormal reader but I thought I would give this book a try. Stacy and Chaz in my opinion lacked character growth. The story rang a bit to one note for me. And I felt the “science” was just nonessential stuff thrown in to be different. There was no connection to the characters to the reader and I had to drag through reading the book. I will not be continuing this series.

[Linda Parisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited to share this book!! Hope you all enjoy!!

[westcountryreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Blood Rogue
Author: Linda J Parisi
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis:
Chad is a vampire with an important duty, to hunt and destroy rogues to protect both humans and vampires. Stacy is a woman who captured his attention and is only supposed to be a feed, but she becomes so much more important to both Chaz and his cell. She��s a scientist who may be their only hope in finding out what makes a rogue. But she’s been marked by one, and that rogue turns out to be Chaz’s friend and mentor and Stacy has become the most important thing to Chaz. Can he protect Stacy who is putting her own life on the line for a vampire society she never knew existed?

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed the theme of the plot of this book; the idea of rogues and the paladins who secretly protect humans from them was interesting. I think it was explored well and I liked that Stacy was important to the vampires because of her science background and she wasn’t just a love interest. I think overall the pacing of the book was good for the size of it, but it did slip in a few places (especially at the beginning).

For me I found it difficult to get into to start with, I found this particularly with some of the dialogue between the 2 MCs and I was having to re-read entire paragraphs. I found it seemed to randomly jump to references about their attraction to each other which didn’t really fit with the rest of the page so I kept second guessing myself and going back. However this did stop happening for me around 40% of the way in and it did get more enjoyable. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of Stacy’s character towards the end as she got a bit clingy over Chaz as a result of his rejection of her (duty over love and all that).

Overall I rated this 3 stars as I found it predictable. I’m the kind of reader that likes to come up with theories and predictions about the books I read and I actually predicted everything that happened in this book from chapter 1. This did affect my enjoyment a little as it was therefore not overly gripping for me. But I enjoyed the writing, I liked the character development, particularly of Chaz, and I see the potential of this series after finishing book 1.

I received a free copy of this book in return for a review. With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy.

[Michelle Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Readers Favorite

For over 900 years, Chaz has been a vampire, not by his own choice though and so he has looked it as a bit of a curse, still at the same time he became a Paladdin ,one swore to uphold the vampire population, sort of a police or enforcer role. This he has felt was his duty to pay penance for his actions as a vampire. Of course Chaz has thought that all humanity left him when he became a vampire, but that is about to change, in ways that Chaz could never have imagined. Stacy is just your average gal, or so she thinks. She worked in a blood bank, then became a forensic officer. A change encounter with Chaz on the street is about to rock both their worlds. Chaz thinks it will be time with a beautiful woman that he takes a little blood from and moves on, unfortunately someone else has other plans, noting Chaz's interest in Stacy and marking her for destruction. Blood Rogue by author Linda J. Parisi is the story of Chaz and Stacy, how he is forced to break all the rules to save her and how she changes his mind about his humanity.

Blood Rogue by author Linda J. Parisi is a different kind of vampire story. The vampire society is ruled by certain sectors, and they keep everyone in order with rules and the Paladdin. There seemed to be an uneasy cooperation among them, but no real friendships, so it really highlighted the idea that a vampire lost their humanity, which is a change from a lot of recent vampire novels. This story really focused on that humanity issue, and the idea of keeping hidden from the human society. The vampires also don't think they need the humans for anything but blood. Stacy is about to use her skills ins science to help answer some questions to things that are happening, and in turn the way she fights for them, even without them really trusting her changes a lot of opinions about the humans. This was titled as the first in a series, so it does leave the reader with some questions and places to go in future books, which is good, but overall the story was well written in a way that the reader could stop after this book and not be disappointed. This was a great read for a cold weekend.

[BookForAHeart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires. Blood. Cruelty. Survival. A Love Unrivaled. Bait.


This romantasy centers around vampire Charles Tower and Stacey Morgan.

Stacey becomes the fixation of the enigmatic, dark and tall and handsome and brooding vampire. Not enough descriptive words in the dictionary to define how attractive this main lead sounds.

Stacey Morgan is a forensic scientist, which piqued my interest. The best novels are centered around a female lead with beauty and brains, and oh, was this one was so enticing.

Charles is a paladin rogue vampire, who hunts those like him, in order to protect those who cannot protect themselves. With his recent interest and obsession with her, he convinces Stacey to let him have her blood, extending his protection for the sweetest taste of the blood that runs through her veins.

The characters are well written, their stories mapped out dynamically. My heart wrenched with the loss of a few, but you cannot make a great story without playing with the reader's heartstrings. The fact that the reader loves those characters in order to feel something is confirmation that the writer is doing their storytelling right.

The main lead, Stacey, has a strength that is unrivaled. She is brave and she is courageous. I know this sounds like many other main characters, but she is a fictional character worthy of admiration. The way she dives into the world of vampires is so visceral, I could not put this book down.

If a book can keep my attention, if I need to flip the page faster than I can process grueling emotions, then the story is very good and worth every bit of suspense during those action-packed scenes. Good first novel. I am very much looking forward to the next one. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book of what will no doubt encompass a much larger world. You can see the world being built before you and it is definitely not just the same old story.

Chaz is a centuries old vampire who also has the responsibility for policing other vampires, especially when if go rogue later in life. One night, while on his evening wander, he encounters Stacy and can’t turn away. Stacy is human and a scientist cop type who is ruled by logic and procedure. These two seem like a poor match, but attraction is attraction. Even if they wanted to part after their single encounter, they are unable to because Chaz’s old mentor is hunting Stacy.

There’s a bunch of vampire drama, but it all centers around an increase in these rogue vampires. Oh, and there is A LOT of martyrdom that has to happen before Chaz and Stacy even get anywhere near a real relationship. If any of those things bother you, this may not be the book for you. As the start of a series, I can see the need to meet all the characters we do and learn about the politics. Now that they’ve found each other though, I struggle to dive back in to more of the back-and-forth of them trying to protect one another. If we had resolution on the larger story, I’d feel like this was a complete standalone. As it is, I’m likely stopping here.

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Blood Rogue by Linda J. Parisi

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

In a world where blood reigns supreme and love is a dangerous game, vampire Charles Tower finds himself torn between duty and desire. Marked for death by his mentor-turned-enemy, Charles must confront the impossible: can he protect Stacy Morgan, the woman he loves, while obeying the laws of their vampire society? As they navigate treacherous terrain and face off against rogue vampires, Charles and Stacy must confront their forbidden love and fight for their survival against all odds.

While the concept is intriguing and appealing, some may find the initial few chapters challenging to navigate. Or maybe this was just me! Additionally, certain scenes may feel prolonged, potentially impacting the pacing of the story. However, despite these aspects, "Blood Rogue" offers an overall enjoyable read.

Enthusiasts of the paranormal romance will probably enjoy the intricate characters and themes delved into in the book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blood Rogue by Linda J. Parisi
Rating: ⭐️⭐️

I was very hopeful for this book, but unfortunately it was a DNF at 20% for me, but that’s not saying that this book won’t be a five star read for you.

In book one of a three part series, we meet Chaz, the vampire, and Stacy, the human. The book starts off with Chaz walking past Stacy in the streets, he then follows her to a bar, before luring her back to her car, where he then drinks her blood. He then gives her Lethe, which causes her to forget whatever happened, and tucks a packet of coffee under her arm. From there onwards, I have no clue what was going on in the book.

With this said, and this is just my opinion, the book is incredibly confusing, repetitive, and just weird for me. I couldn’t push myself to read more than what I did.

Thank you NetGalley and City Owl Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Geneva Roa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and author Linda J. Parisi for the copy of the book in exchange of my honest review.

"There is the blood and can only ever be the blood. So, how will love survive in a world of pain?

Vampire Charles Tower never knew anything sweeter than the taste of Stacy Morgan’s lips.

He never imagined anything crueler than her being marked for death by the only father he’s ever known.

Mikhail reared him. Taught him how to survive. Now he’s gone rogue and it’s up to Charles to put the man down.

But can he convince himself, and Stacy, that love between them is impossible?

That’s hard to do with a woman like her, especially when she offers herself up as bait.

Now they must fight against the centuries-old customs that bar them from being together and the rogue vampire who wants every last drop of Stacy’s blood."

This is the first book of the Blood Rogue Series. I love the characters and the story. I enjoy reading this.

[Julian Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you liked Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the show has legions of fans, then you will love this intriguing tale. The vampire is handsome in a Colin Farrell kind of way, and like Angel, he’s constantly brooding. Chaz is always worrying about his vampiric nature even though he’s a good guy. Stacy is a cop, of sorts, and her scientific skills are employed to help the vampires as they face a mutant strain. The chemistry between Chaz and Stacy is compelling, at first, but then their doubts about their relationship – remember Buffy and Angel, gets dissected over and over again. The repetition bogs down the action, but is redeemed by the steamy intimacy shared between the two.

[M. Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Parisi's "Blood Rogue" is a well-crafted, smart adventure of the unlikeliest of lovers. She's a mortal scientist. He's a vampire determined to save his kind from a venomous bloodborne disease that is killing vampires and turning them into murderous creatures. Although from other worlds, the pair joins forces to combat the unrelenting evil and through a labyrinth of twists and turns, trust seals a bond between them, and love soon follows. But, reminiscent of lore's age-old heartbreak, how can two beings that belong in separate worlds ever be together? A great read!

[Jabberwocky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced, intriguing urban paranormal romance featuring a vampire on a mission and the woman he can't forget, a police office and forensic scientist. I enjoyed the setting, the insights into vampire politics and the way the characters grappled with the possibilities of vampire/human relationships beyond that of predator/prey. I look forward to learning more about the other characters here introduced in the next books in the series!

[Roni Denholtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very well-written. Linda Parisi has a descriptive writing style that makes you feel you are righ there as the story unfolds! She kept me absorbed. The scientific information on blood problems woven into the book make not only for a unique angle on vampire mythology, but a fascinating glimpse ito science.

[Detroit Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good world building that I believe will become bigger which is exciting. This does not seem like the same old vampire romance you read about. Its fast paced but it just grips you to the point you feel like your there along with the characters.
I believe anyone who likes supernatural fantasy reads will enjoy it!

[Dana Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
This first book in a new paranormal series is full of adventure and universe building. Lots of characters were introduced, who I’m assuming will come into play in later books.
I enjoy vampire books as a whole, but I had a harder time getting into this one. Maybe it was a forensic scientist named Stacy?

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Rogue

This was a fast pace book with so much action. There is also some funny things done or said that kind of makes you wonder what is going to happen next
This is a book that all supernatural book lovers will enjoy!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read,holds your interest & easy to follow the storyline. I’m not a big vampire fan but truly enjoyed the book & looking forward to her next book,hopefully a sequel.

[Caridad Piñeiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review. An intriguing concept and action-packed story.

[J.J. Lair · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no downtime in this book. Every page has new information and scenes changing that you have to keep attention. It’s worth it. There is a sex scene that starts in one chapter and continues into the next.
The Lethe pill makes some of the vampires understandable. Stacy and the coffee bag is sort of funny considering.
Very enjoyable story.