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Their Dark Reflections
Personal assistant Sam Coleman can do it all: housekeeping, groundskeeping, bookkeeping. The catch? It’s a con.
Ed Simon, his newest millionaire boss, doesn’t know Sam Goldman is a Robin Hood for hire who targets rich jerks. Sure, Sam keeps the money for himself, his crew, and his real employers, but at least they only steal from bad people.
Until sweet, fumbling Ed, who doesn’t seem to have a single vice. Too bad the people who hired Sam won’t let him back out. They want Ed’s money, and they’ll hurt Sam and his friends to get it.
For years Ed has kept people at arm’s length, but Sam’s charms wear down his defenses—just as he learns their budding relationship was an act. Sam isn’t who Ed thought he was, but Ed has a dark secret too: he’s a vampire. And someone is framing him for a series of bloody murders.
When the real villains force their hand, Sam and Ed must choose: work together, trust each other, and give in to the feelings growing between them… or let what might have been bleed out like the victims piling at their feet.
Ed Simon, his newest millionaire boss, doesn’t know Sam Goldman is a Robin Hood for hire who targets rich jerks. Sure, Sam keeps the money for himself, his crew, and his real employers, but at least they only steal from bad people.
Until sweet, fumbling Ed, who doesn’t seem to have a single vice. Too bad the people who hired Sam won’t let him back out. They want Ed’s money, and they’ll hurt Sam and his friends to get it.
For years Ed has kept people at arm’s length, but Sam’s charms wear down his defenses—just as he learns their budding relationship was an act. Sam isn’t who Ed thought he was, but Ed has a dark secret too: he’s a vampire. And someone is framing him for a series of bloody murders.
When the real villains force their hand, Sam and Ed must choose: work together, trust each other, and give in to the feelings growing between them… or let what might have been bleed out like the victims piling at their feet.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2020
7 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Meuwissen
57 books659 followersAmanda Meuwissen is a queer author with a primary focus on M/M fiction and romance. As the author of LGBTQ+ Fantasy #1 Best Seller, Coming Up for Air, LGBTQ+ Horror #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, A Delicious Descent, and several other titles through various publishers, Amanda regularly attends local comic conventions for fun and to meet with fans, where she will often be seen in costume as one of her favorite fictional characters. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, John, and their cat, Helga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 24, 2020
** 3.75 stars **
This was my first time reading this author's work. The writing style was lively and the story was steadily paced. It was a curious mix of paranormal, suspense and a touch of darkness. The MCs were likable and the relationship between them was equal sides tender and passionate. I liked the villain and their to your face evil nature - it gave me goosebumps.
I liked both Sam and Ed from the beginning. Sam's goodness and assertiveness were very attractive, and Ed's shy blushing demeanor was very endearing in comparison with his brutal force when he was in a vamp mode. I liked them together as well. The author didn't make it very easy for them to be a couple and threw a couple of curve balls along the way.
There were a couple of times where the POV switched right in the middle of the scene but I caught that quickly so there was no major confusion. The finale was action filled with a bit of hilarity thrown in, I liked how both MCs and their friends ended up. What made this story absolutely wonderful was the epilogue. It was both so sweet and romantic. Sam was just so yummy and Ed was there with him, both men in love and living their life to the fullest. Overall, I enjoyed the story, author's take on vampires and engaging dialogue. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
This was my first time reading this author's work. The writing style was lively and the story was steadily paced. It was a curious mix of paranormal, suspense and a touch of darkness. The MCs were likable and the relationship between them was equal sides tender and passionate. I liked the villain and their to your face evil nature - it gave me goosebumps.
I liked both Sam and Ed from the beginning. Sam's goodness and assertiveness were very attractive, and Ed's shy blushing demeanor was very endearing in comparison with his brutal force when he was in a vamp mode. I liked them together as well. The author didn't make it very easy for them to be a couple and threw a couple of curve balls along the way.
There were a couple of times where the POV switched right in the middle of the scene but I caught that quickly so there was no major confusion. The finale was action filled with a bit of hilarity thrown in, I liked how both MCs and their friends ended up. What made this story absolutely wonderful was the epilogue. It was both so sweet and romantic. Sam was just so yummy and Ed was there with him, both men in love and living their life to the fullest. Overall, I enjoyed the story, author's take on vampires and engaging dialogue. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
November 3, 2021
Not the typical vampire romance that I usually read, but it was I intriguing. It started off slow, but towards the end there are much twist and turn. There seems to be way more bad guys and I was a little confused there for a moment.
Ed isn't the typical vampire. He seems introvert and shy and his feeding pattern is by killing and draining his prey. It seems messy to me. I usually prefer they feed on their mate, which isn't in this case.
Sam is a conman who is suppose to con Ed, but ended up being smitten with his new vampire lover. Someone is targeting Ed and Sam, and together they have to find out the culprit and come out of it unscathed.
Recommended to those who prefer a meaty subplot beside the romance.
Ed isn't the typical vampire. He seems introvert and shy and his feeding pattern is by killing and draining his prey. It seems messy to me. I usually prefer they feed on their mate, which isn't in this case.
Sam is a conman who is suppose to con Ed, but ended up being smitten with his new vampire lover. Someone is targeting Ed and Sam, and together they have to find out the culprit and come out of it unscathed.
Recommended to those who prefer a meaty subplot beside the romance.
November 2, 2020
3.5 stars Sam Coleman ‘plays’ housekeeping, groundskeeping, bookkeeping. He takes all jobs but... It’s a con. He steals for himself, his friends, and real employers. He steals only from bad people.
Ed Simon, his new boss, doesn’t know Sam is a Robin Hood who wants to steal from him.
Sam likes the sweet, blushing, and sometimes stuttering Ed. He’s very rich, only Sam can’t harm him, can’t he?
People are greedy and certainly Sam’s real bosses.
Ed has a secret, a bloody one, even blood can’t keep Sam on arm length.
There are murderers, dead bodies and people who want to hurt Sam. Well, luckily Ed has powers to protect the ones he loves and he’s very smitten with Sam.
The parts about Sam and Ed were fun and endearing. The whole crime part was for me a bit too much to consume. Sorry to say I skipped some parts. I loved the vampire parts very.
The rest of the story was entertaining and the main characters were engaging, flawed, and lovable. The end was quite satisfying!
Ed Simon, his new boss, doesn’t know Sam is a Robin Hood who wants to steal from him.
Sam likes the sweet, blushing, and sometimes stuttering Ed. He’s very rich, only Sam can’t harm him, can’t he?
People are greedy and certainly Sam’s real bosses.
Ed has a secret, a bloody one, even blood can’t keep Sam on arm length.
There are murderers, dead bodies and people who want to hurt Sam. Well, luckily Ed has powers to protect the ones he loves and he’s very smitten with Sam.
The parts about Sam and Ed were fun and endearing. The whole crime part was for me a bit too much to consume. Sorry to say I skipped some parts. I loved the vampire parts very.
The rest of the story was entertaining and the main characters were engaging, flawed, and lovable. The end was quite satisfying!
November 12, 2020
3.5 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
Sometimes a vampire paranormal romance is just what you need, and this was a cute one! The romance started up kind of quickly, but it grew on me as the book went on. Ed was the quintessential brooding vampire in some ways, but not in others. He worried about hurting Sam, but, if I recall correctly, he didn't mind what he was. The way Ed couldn't be intimate without his vampire side taking over and putting Sam in danger added an element of difficulty to the romance and sex scenes that I enjoyed. I also liked their dynamic, how each was able to accept the darkness in the other (which was kind of a theme throughout the book). It was interesting to see how being with Ed kind of changed Sam, brought out more darkness in him, but not necessarily in a good or bad way, just a way that suited them and their relationship. And of course I always love me some sexy vampire biting sex scenes ;-) There was also a plot about crimes and murders and the two of them being in danger, but overall, this was sweet!
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: eBook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m vampire romance with themes about darkness but sweet characters and relationships.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
Sometimes a vampire paranormal romance is just what you need, and this was a cute one! The romance started up kind of quickly, but it grew on me as the book went on. Ed was the quintessential brooding vampire in some ways, but not in others. He worried about hurting Sam, but, if I recall correctly, he didn't mind what he was. The way Ed couldn't be intimate without his vampire side taking over and putting Sam in danger added an element of difficulty to the romance and sex scenes that I enjoyed. I also liked their dynamic, how each was able to accept the darkness in the other (which was kind of a theme throughout the book). It was interesting to see how being with Ed kind of changed Sam, brought out more darkness in him, but not necessarily in a good or bad way, just a way that suited them and their relationship. And of course I always love me some sexy vampire biting sex scenes ;-) There was also a plot about crimes and murders and the two of them being in danger, but overall, this was sweet!
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: eBook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m vampire romance with themes about darkness but sweet characters and relationships.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 1, 2022
I am so glad that I gave this book a chance! I loved these two characters. They were so perfect for each other.
They didn't just instantly start sucking each other off and they didn't instantly start trusting each other. They took their time.
It was sweet to read something believable after all the bullshit this year has thrown at me.
They didn't just instantly start sucking each other off and they didn't instantly start trusting each other. They took their time.
It was sweet to read something believable after all the bullshit this year has thrown at me.
September 17, 2020
Dark and devious! Mystery, lies and betrayals twist together in this devilishly romantic tale that captured my attention from page one. I loved the characters and the twist and turns that the story took.
November 18, 2020
For me a good Vampire story must have an element of danger, that the vampire could lose control of the one he loves. He must fight his vampire nature or learn to control it. It also must show us the world from a vampire’s point of view and how they’re being a vampire is important to the story.
Well let me tell you Amanda has done just that; she has woven an excellent paranormal suspense romance story.
We have Sam a small-time thief and his gang who only rob from bad rich people. That have got themselves tied up with gangster thieves.
And we have shy nerdy Eddie who happens to be rich and Sam’s next target and just happens to be a vampire.
After several days working for Eddie, Sam tries to get out of the job, as he is slowly falling for Eddie. But the bosses leave him with the option of finishing his task of gaining access to Eddies accounts or his friends will face the consequences.
Eddie is shocked when he finds out what Sam has been up to and is also heartbroken.
Then the tables are turned when Sam walks in on him feeding from a man.
What follows is a lot of talking and an agreement that Sam will help Eddie capture the gangster thieves, which he will feed from.
Once Sam comes to terms with seeing Eddie feeding and the whole vampire thing. And once Eddie realises that Sam was trying to save his friends. And the fact they both only target the scum of the earth.
I love the way we have two main strands in this story, the actual crimes and Eddie being set up, and the whole vampire love story. Not only is the plot strong and suspenseful, but it flows well and feels real. Both main characters are kind of quirky in their own ways and the supporting characters are strong and individuals too, which does not always happen.
If you like a good gay Vampire story, or even just a good crime suspense story this is a book that you defiantly should take a look at.
Well let me tell you Amanda has done just that; she has woven an excellent paranormal suspense romance story.
We have Sam a small-time thief and his gang who only rob from bad rich people. That have got themselves tied up with gangster thieves.
And we have shy nerdy Eddie who happens to be rich and Sam’s next target and just happens to be a vampire.
After several days working for Eddie, Sam tries to get out of the job, as he is slowly falling for Eddie. But the bosses leave him with the option of finishing his task of gaining access to Eddies accounts or his friends will face the consequences.
Eddie is shocked when he finds out what Sam has been up to and is also heartbroken.
Then the tables are turned when Sam walks in on him feeding from a man.
What follows is a lot of talking and an agreement that Sam will help Eddie capture the gangster thieves, which he will feed from.
Once Sam comes to terms with seeing Eddie feeding and the whole vampire thing. And once Eddie realises that Sam was trying to save his friends. And the fact they both only target the scum of the earth.
I love the way we have two main strands in this story, the actual crimes and Eddie being set up, and the whole vampire love story. Not only is the plot strong and suspenseful, but it flows well and feels real. Both main characters are kind of quirky in their own ways and the supporting characters are strong and individuals too, which does not always happen.
If you like a good gay Vampire story, or even just a good crime suspense story this is a book that you defiantly should take a look at.
November 9, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but once the descriptor of “sweet, fumbling vampire” caught my eye, I had to immediately add this to my reading list. And oh yes, Ed is exactly that…but don’t let that fool you. Seriously—DON’T.
He had Sam fooled for a while. But once that ended, things started getting pretty interesting. We know from the start that Sam went to work for Ed as a con, and as more is revealed it turns out there’s more going on than what was first thought. Even once the identity of the person behind everything is known, there are still surprises to come up almost to the very end. Just enough to keep you guessing, and even when you think it’s all been revealed? Nope—here, let’s throw something else at you.
Things between Sam and Ed are very slow burn. At first because neither of them expects the other to be around long, then because Ed’s true nature makes it difficult for him to keep control. It’s a learning process for them both, which both ramps the sexual tension up and the frustration levels between them as well. They definitely have the chemistry between them though, something the slower pace of things helps develop not just physically but between them as friends too.
I liked that most of the classic vampire weaknesses from the majority of the literary myth are not in play here. It opens up more options for the story and lends the story its own uniqueness.
Overall, Their Dark Reflections was a 4-star read for me, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of M/M paranormal romance. I also thought the epilogue made for the perfect ending for Sam and Ed, letting readers know how things played out for them without getting too overly sentimental. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and the bloody scenes you might expect with a vampire being framed for murders ;-)
He had Sam fooled for a while. But once that ended, things started getting pretty interesting. We know from the start that Sam went to work for Ed as a con, and as more is revealed it turns out there’s more going on than what was first thought. Even once the identity of the person behind everything is known, there are still surprises to come up almost to the very end. Just enough to keep you guessing, and even when you think it’s all been revealed? Nope—here, let’s throw something else at you.
Things between Sam and Ed are very slow burn. At first because neither of them expects the other to be around long, then because Ed’s true nature makes it difficult for him to keep control. It’s a learning process for them both, which both ramps the sexual tension up and the frustration levels between them as well. They definitely have the chemistry between them though, something the slower pace of things helps develop not just physically but between them as friends too.
I liked that most of the classic vampire weaknesses from the majority of the literary myth are not in play here. It opens up more options for the story and lends the story its own uniqueness.
Overall, Their Dark Reflections was a 4-star read for me, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of M/M paranormal romance. I also thought the epilogue made for the perfect ending for Sam and Ed, letting readers know how things played out for them without getting too overly sentimental. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and the bloody scenes you might expect with a vampire being framed for murders ;-)
November 8, 2020
This was one hell of a fantastic, amazing, grab-you-by-the-feels, smoking hot, deliciously dark, wicked, emotionally charged, unconventional, completely unexpected, definitely different, and totally awesome story. Filled with mystery, danger, evil, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, I would recommend getting this marvelous gem for yourself. This is a new-to-me author, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
March 22, 2021
This was sweet, humor-ish story.
There weren't too many surprises and it sometimes felt like ‘already seen’ but I liked it.
There weren't too many surprises and it sometimes felt like ‘already seen’ but I liked it.
November 5, 2020
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
You know when you read a blurb, and you think, yeah I'll read that, and then somewhere along the way you don't fully process what that blurb actually says?? No?? Just me then!
Cos let me tell you, it says the word VAMPIRE in the blurb, cos I checked AFTER I read the book, and that one word was the one that I did not proces properly, and so when it was revealed that Ed is a vampire, I was like "say WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT now??" Honestly I totally missed that, so I was NOT putting the clues together correctly about Ed not going out, not eating, not having many friends and moving around a lot. Totally surprised me!
I thoroughly enjoyed this, even with that total surprise, or maybe because of it, I don't know, and I don't much care. I read it, and really enjoyed it.
It's violent, though. There is a lot of it described on screen and I don't usually like that much violence but I think for Ed, being the type of vampire that he is, it's necessary. It especially helps when Ed is dealing with his monster when he and Sam are getting hot and heavy. I mean the violence doesn't help then, but it helps to understand what Ed is going through, when he comes up close and personal with Sam's neck. It's not especially explicit, though. Oh they get hot and heavy and down and dirty, but not too much.
I liked how it all went down with the Cramers and Midnight. I liked that Ed doesn't do what Sam wants straight away and I really LOVED the epilogue!
I don't think I've read anything by this author before, but I will read more. I really REALLY enjoyed it!
4 stars
~~same worded review will appear elsewhere~~
You know when you read a blurb, and you think, yeah I'll read that, and then somewhere along the way you don't fully process what that blurb actually says?? No?? Just me then!
Cos let me tell you, it says the word VAMPIRE in the blurb, cos I checked AFTER I read the book, and that one word was the one that I did not proces properly, and so when it was revealed that Ed is a vampire, I was like "say WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT now??" Honestly I totally missed that, so I was NOT putting the clues together correctly about Ed not going out, not eating, not having many friends and moving around a lot. Totally surprised me!
I thoroughly enjoyed this, even with that total surprise, or maybe because of it, I don't know, and I don't much care. I read it, and really enjoyed it.
It's violent, though. There is a lot of it described on screen and I don't usually like that much violence but I think for Ed, being the type of vampire that he is, it's necessary. It especially helps when Ed is dealing with his monster when he and Sam are getting hot and heavy. I mean the violence doesn't help then, but it helps to understand what Ed is going through, when he comes up close and personal with Sam's neck. It's not especially explicit, though. Oh they get hot and heavy and down and dirty, but not too much.
I liked how it all went down with the Cramers and Midnight. I liked that Ed doesn't do what Sam wants straight away and I really LOVED the epilogue!
I don't think I've read anything by this author before, but I will read more. I really REALLY enjoyed it!
4 stars
~~same worded review will appear elsewhere~~
November 3, 2020
For me, this book is another winner from this author. The world building is great, the plot is fast paced and gripping, the characters -good and bad- are well written, and I found two absolutely endearing men for whom I was rooting from the beginning.
I loved Sam from the start. He was so adorably giddy with planning another con, going through the steps of how to free his new employer of his riches. Well, getting to know Ed made Sam forget about his schemes and soon enough he was desperately looking for solutions to keep Ed in his life. Ed, for his part, was a sweetheart...at least until put in the situation to show his fangs. From cute to deadly in a blink of an eyes, and I found his two contradicting sides intriguing and hot.
Both Ed and Sam had secrets, and, of course, secrets have the bad habit of coming out at the worst moment. I feared for them. I feared they wouldn't be strong enough to cling to each other or that outside forces would tear them apart. Even knowing that there was bound to be a happy ending for them, I was still anxious and excited to see how they would reach it.
I loved it this book. Fun, thrilling, sweet, fascinating and swoony, the story kept me engaged and invested in its outcome from the first page to the last, amazing, one.
I loved Sam from the start. He was so adorably giddy with planning another con, going through the steps of how to free his new employer of his riches. Well, getting to know Ed made Sam forget about his schemes and soon enough he was desperately looking for solutions to keep Ed in his life. Ed, for his part, was a sweetheart...at least until put in the situation to show his fangs. From cute to deadly in a blink of an eyes, and I found his two contradicting sides intriguing and hot.
Both Ed and Sam had secrets, and, of course, secrets have the bad habit of coming out at the worst moment. I feared for them. I feared they wouldn't be strong enough to cling to each other or that outside forces would tear them apart. Even knowing that there was bound to be a happy ending for them, I was still anxious and excited to see how they would reach it.
I loved it this book. Fun, thrilling, sweet, fascinating and swoony, the story kept me engaged and invested in its outcome from the first page to the last, amazing, one.
November 2, 2020
Embrace the darkness
Anytime of the year is a good time for vampires and this book was fantastic. “Aren’t you afraid of my darkness, dear?” “No. You haven’t seen mine yet.” Ed, a vampire who can be gentle and bashful but also fierce and powerful sure didn’t expect what the artful but loyal and unwavering Sam would bring to his life. They contrast beautifully yet complement perfectly and I fell hard for them both. I loved how Sam’s belief in Ed brought them closer together and how Ed always put Sam first. I rooted for them the whole way through. Add in some tenacious friends, some nasty villains, and you have a recipe which will leave you craving just one more bite.
Anytime of the year is a good time for vampires and this book was fantastic. “Aren’t you afraid of my darkness, dear?” “No. You haven’t seen mine yet.” Ed, a vampire who can be gentle and bashful but also fierce and powerful sure didn’t expect what the artful but loyal and unwavering Sam would bring to his life. They contrast beautifully yet complement perfectly and I fell hard for them both. I loved how Sam’s belief in Ed brought them closer together and how Ed always put Sam first. I rooted for them the whole way through. Add in some tenacious friends, some nasty villains, and you have a recipe which will leave you craving just one more bite.
November 8, 2020
Amanda Meuwissen has a new novel, Their Dark Reflections, a modern day, less altruistic take on the Robin Hood story of old. Con artist Sam Goldman may steal from the rich as his more honorable predecessor did but that's where the similarities end. But Sam does have a core of good in him that allows him to recognize his latest mark, Ed Simon, is actually a really nice and very sweet billionaire. Despite his growing attraction to Ed, Sam is still out to get his money for himself and for the less than nice people that hired him and to back out is next to impossible. What he doesn't know immediately is that Ed has a very dark secret as well. When the real villians move into action it is going to take Sam and Ed working together to not only keep themselves safe but those they love as well.
I truly loved these two guys as a couple. There was humor, intrigue and a interesting angle on the whole vampire/paranormal trope that was just refreshing about Meuwissen's story. I found myself reeled into the fantasy aspect immediately. Vampires are so often drawn as one note johnnies but not Ed. He is wonderfully sweet--almost shy and when you juxtapose that with how fierce he is in full vamp mode it is really fascinating to see this other aspect of his character. Sam and he are perfect together. There is no easy path to these guys becoming a couple but each time they handle whatever comes their way.
I think the only problem I had with this novel is when the author chose to switch point of view mid stream. It happened more than once and it always took me a moment to figure out who was speaking which, for me, really threw off the pacing of an otherwise marvelous novel. I would note for those who find murder and explicit violence triggering this novel has that in spades but the author definitely tempers it with softer, more humorous interludes when Sam and Ed are together and the epilogue is just wonderful, positive and hopeful.
I think for those looking for a slightly different take on the vampire trope this novel is just the ticket. It is entertaining, romantic, sexy and often quite fun to read. All in all Their Dark Reflections is a great paranormal story.
I truly loved these two guys as a couple. There was humor, intrigue and a interesting angle on the whole vampire/paranormal trope that was just refreshing about Meuwissen's story. I found myself reeled into the fantasy aspect immediately. Vampires are so often drawn as one note johnnies but not Ed. He is wonderfully sweet--almost shy and when you juxtapose that with how fierce he is in full vamp mode it is really fascinating to see this other aspect of his character. Sam and he are perfect together. There is no easy path to these guys becoming a couple but each time they handle whatever comes their way.
I think the only problem I had with this novel is when the author chose to switch point of view mid stream. It happened more than once and it always took me a moment to figure out who was speaking which, for me, really threw off the pacing of an otherwise marvelous novel. I would note for those who find murder and explicit violence triggering this novel has that in spades but the author definitely tempers it with softer, more humorous interludes when Sam and Ed are together and the epilogue is just wonderful, positive and hopeful.
I think for those looking for a slightly different take on the vampire trope this novel is just the ticket. It is entertaining, romantic, sexy and often quite fun to read. All in all Their Dark Reflections is a great paranormal story.
November 3, 2020
*I received a copy of this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
When con man Sam Goldman meets his latest victim he is dismayed to learn that millionaire Ed isn’t like his usual targets. He’s a sweet, socially awkward nice guy and Sam finds himself falling for him. Used to conning bad people who Sam feels deserve it, Sam is quickly faced with a dilemma. Either he continues the con or he backs out and risks the wrath of his employees. However, Ed is hiding a dark secret. He is a vampire. As Sam gets rapidly drawn into the supernatural world he and Ed have to work together to save themselves and those Sam cares about from the real villain.
I enjoyed reading Amanda Meuwissen’s take on vampires. There were traditional elements of the lore incorporated with modern twists that made them seem even more believable. Ed’s vampire and human natures contrast nicely with each other. You have a sweet, genuine guy who struggles to be sociable but he’s also capable of doing what is necessary for his kind in order to survive. I actually expected Sam to be the more ruthless of the two considering his background and the kind of work he does, but he’s just a kind and caring as Ed and the two characters understandably develop feelings for each other. The plot was different from many vampire novels I have read before; a vampire getting framed for murders as opposed to covering up ones that they had committed. It is an interesting concept and one that I very much enjoyed reading playing out as the villain’s real motivation was revealed.
My only niggle with the novel was the chapter lengths. They were very long and I felt could have been broken down into shorter ones. In the current lengths I did experience some moments of lag but these were not enough to take away my enjoyment of the novel as a whole.
I recommend Their Dark Reflections to anyone who is looking for a modern vampire read with a sweet and believable romance between the two main characters!
When con man Sam Goldman meets his latest victim he is dismayed to learn that millionaire Ed isn’t like his usual targets. He’s a sweet, socially awkward nice guy and Sam finds himself falling for him. Used to conning bad people who Sam feels deserve it, Sam is quickly faced with a dilemma. Either he continues the con or he backs out and risks the wrath of his employees. However, Ed is hiding a dark secret. He is a vampire. As Sam gets rapidly drawn into the supernatural world he and Ed have to work together to save themselves and those Sam cares about from the real villain.
I enjoyed reading Amanda Meuwissen’s take on vampires. There were traditional elements of the lore incorporated with modern twists that made them seem even more believable. Ed’s vampire and human natures contrast nicely with each other. You have a sweet, genuine guy who struggles to be sociable but he’s also capable of doing what is necessary for his kind in order to survive. I actually expected Sam to be the more ruthless of the two considering his background and the kind of work he does, but he’s just a kind and caring as Ed and the two characters understandably develop feelings for each other. The plot was different from many vampire novels I have read before; a vampire getting framed for murders as opposed to covering up ones that they had committed. It is an interesting concept and one that I very much enjoyed reading playing out as the villain’s real motivation was revealed.
My only niggle with the novel was the chapter lengths. They were very long and I felt could have been broken down into shorter ones. In the current lengths I did experience some moments of lag but these were not enough to take away my enjoyment of the novel as a whole.
I recommend Their Dark Reflections to anyone who is looking for a modern vampire read with a sweet and believable romance between the two main characters!
October 14, 2020
It took me a bit to get into this one, but I'm a sucker for a Vampire romance so I trudged on and I'm glad I did. Though it started off a bit slow, it quickly sped up and I started to enjoy the MCs more. There was a lot going on in this book and vampires aren't portrayed as they typically can be; as beings who glamor their prey while sipping from their throat. It is much more brutal.
From the title I'm guessing you surmised this is more of a darker romance. It's filled with blood and backstabbing, but also a sweet nerdy vampire who can be deadly when he needs to be. I loved the contradiction of Eddie. One moment he's stuttering and blushing, then the next he's ripping the throat out of a threat to him or Sam.
Sam seemed to enjoy that about Eddie too. In fact, I'd say that is one of his favorite things about him. Sam hasn't had an easy life. He's a foster kid, turned con man. He spends his time conning evil rich men out of their money. That is until Eddie becomes his next target and he finds he can't go through with conning the adorably sweet man he's starting to have feelings for.
Sam took a lot of stuff in stride, better than I would have in the same situation. Then again, he's more used to the seeing the darkness others are capable of. After his initial freak out, he never really judged Eddie. He had compassion and understanding for him so it's no surprise the two worked so well. I really enjoyed the epilogue, 20 years down the road. The ending was perfect for the book.
From the title I'm guessing you surmised this is more of a darker romance. It's filled with blood and backstabbing, but also a sweet nerdy vampire who can be deadly when he needs to be. I loved the contradiction of Eddie. One moment he's stuttering and blushing, then the next he's ripping the throat out of a threat to him or Sam.
Sam seemed to enjoy that about Eddie too. In fact, I'd say that is one of his favorite things about him. Sam hasn't had an easy life. He's a foster kid, turned con man. He spends his time conning evil rich men out of their money. That is until Eddie becomes his next target and he finds he can't go through with conning the adorably sweet man he's starting to have feelings for.
Sam took a lot of stuff in stride, better than I would have in the same situation. Then again, he's more used to the seeing the darkness others are capable of. After his initial freak out, he never really judged Eddie. He had compassion and understanding for him so it's no surprise the two worked so well. I really enjoyed the epilogue, 20 years down the road. The ending was perfect for the book.
September 27, 2020
A quick-paced, plot-driven, mystery with fantastic characters and a solid origin story of a budding romance between two opposites attracting one another.
I was so eager to find out what happened next, I read the whole thing in one sitting. The fast pacing really hooks you into the story, making it extremely hard to stop reading at any point in-between. Though I am usually a sucker for that slow burn of waiting for the romance to bloom at a simmer’s pace, the fast past in this was quite refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable.
Outside of the main pairing, my personal favorite character out of this book is Mim. I blame it on my soft spot for badass, assertive women.
Best of all is the ending, which I fell in love with because it’s the cherry on top of an already spectacular story. Without spoiling anything, all I can say is there are no loose ends and it’s portrayed as a true beginning for Sam and Ed.
I’m just sad there isn’t more to read because the dynamic between the two is so adorable and heartwarming, I just can’t get enough. The supporting characters and even the antagonists are all well fleshed out and help drive the plot forward in such a smooth way that nothing drags.
I was so eager to find out what happened next, I read the whole thing in one sitting. The fast pacing really hooks you into the story, making it extremely hard to stop reading at any point in-between. Though I am usually a sucker for that slow burn of waiting for the romance to bloom at a simmer’s pace, the fast past in this was quite refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable.
Outside of the main pairing, my personal favorite character out of this book is Mim. I blame it on my soft spot for badass, assertive women.
Best of all is the ending, which I fell in love with because it’s the cherry on top of an already spectacular story. Without spoiling anything, all I can say is there are no loose ends and it’s portrayed as a true beginning for Sam and Ed.
I’m just sad there isn’t more to read because the dynamic between the two is so adorable and heartwarming, I just can’t get enough. The supporting characters and even the antagonists are all well fleshed out and help drive the plot forward in such a smooth way that nothing drags.
November 10, 2020
*I was given a review copy of this book by the author, foran honest opinion.'
I was blown away by this book. Firstly, I love vampires. Male them gay male vampires and we are on you a winner. Male the romance, swoonworthy, and the plot so fill.of excitement and twists. Then this just has to be a 5star read.
I loved the relationship that developed between Sam and Ed, even though it started off as a con. Sam the con artist and Ed the seemingly tame and shy vampire.
The writing is beautifully done, and detailed. The relationships are very well developed and you can really feel the connections. Sam and his con friends, and then how Ed's friendship and love for the family next door.
The world building is great the characters have depth aplenty. The sensual, romantic scenes are lovely and the violent scenes are harrowing. This is this first book I have read by Amanda and it wont be the last for sure.
The ending was perfection. I was completely blown away by it and it made me so happy.
Please read this book if you love gay vampires, story with heart, and lots of excitement and twists and turns.
I was blown away by this book. Firstly, I love vampires. Male them gay male vampires and we are on you a winner. Male the romance, swoonworthy, and the plot so fill.of excitement and twists. Then this just has to be a 5star read.
I loved the relationship that developed between Sam and Ed, even though it started off as a con. Sam the con artist and Ed the seemingly tame and shy vampire.
The writing is beautifully done, and detailed. The relationships are very well developed and you can really feel the connections. Sam and his con friends, and then how Ed's friendship and love for the family next door.
The world building is great the characters have depth aplenty. The sensual, romantic scenes are lovely and the violent scenes are harrowing. This is this first book I have read by Amanda and it wont be the last for sure.
The ending was perfection. I was completely blown away by it and it made me so happy.
Please read this book if you love gay vampires, story with heart, and lots of excitement and twists and turns.
November 22, 2020
Sam and his friends have built a nice life for themselves as modern day Robin Hoods. They rob from the rich but do not exactly give to the poor. Sam Goldman has set himself up working for his latest target, Ed Simon, as his personal assistant. They are usually directed to bad people but Sam finds himself doubting this assignment. He wants out but his bosses say no way. Ed has his own secret – he is a vampire and someone is framing him for murders. The two find themselves attracted to each other but their secrets could kill them. They must choose to work together or lose everything.
This was an excellent story from beginning to end. The plot was gradually revealed and kept us turning the pages. Sam and his friends turned out to have some ethics but their bosses did not. Ed, while rich, was a very endearing man. A bit absent minded, he as well as Sam and his friends will touch your emotions and you will realize that not everything is black and white, good or bad. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to so many more from this author. Pick it up and see for yourself.
This was an excellent story from beginning to end. The plot was gradually revealed and kept us turning the pages. Sam and his friends turned out to have some ethics but their bosses did not. Ed, while rich, was a very endearing man. A bit absent minded, he as well as Sam and his friends will touch your emotions and you will realize that not everything is black and white, good or bad. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to so many more from this author. Pick it up and see for yourself.
September 21, 2020
Sam might be considered a bad guy. He robs sort of bad people and him and his friends keep the spoils. His next target is Ed. But Sam just can’t seem to find anything bad about him. Except that pesky little thing about being a vampire.
Eddie lives a quiet life, avoiding his neighbors, occasionally draining a bad guy. Then he hires Sam. Sam comes into his life and turns it topsy turvy. Before he knows it he’s falling in love and going to barbecues.
Delicious bad guys being good. Bad, bad guys being extra evil. I liked Sam and Eddie’s story. Eddie enjoyed the normal things in life, collecting things, reading. He wasn’t angsty or unhappy with his lifespan. Quite different than most vampire stories. Sam loved his partners in crime and didn’t see himself in a bad light. Two morally ambiguous, normal-ish guys They truly belonged together.
Nice writing. I got into the book immediately. Not a whole lot of world building but the storyline was well done. Don’t really need it but I would love to read more of these two.
Eddie lives a quiet life, avoiding his neighbors, occasionally draining a bad guy. Then he hires Sam. Sam comes into his life and turns it topsy turvy. Before he knows it he’s falling in love and going to barbecues.
Delicious bad guys being good. Bad, bad guys being extra evil. I liked Sam and Eddie’s story. Eddie enjoyed the normal things in life, collecting things, reading. He wasn’t angsty or unhappy with his lifespan. Quite different than most vampire stories. Sam loved his partners in crime and didn’t see himself in a bad light. Two morally ambiguous, normal-ish guys They truly belonged together.
Nice writing. I got into the book immediately. Not a whole lot of world building but the storyline was well done. Don’t really need it but I would love to read more of these two.
September 25, 2020
(4.5 stars)
Sam Coleman is a conman plain and simple. He has a Robin Hood complex and steals from bad, rich guys and gives it to his band of merry followers and of course his employer.
Ed Simon is Sam's new boss. He is sweet and charming but he also holds a secret of his own, he is actually a vampire.
Now Sam's employer wants Ed's money and they will do anything in their power to get it. Also Ed is being framed for murders he didn't commit.
Now all they have is eachother to rely on. Will they join forces and work together and maybe give into their growing feelings between them.
This was such sweet, opposites attract, boss employee romance.
The story was compelling with its twists and turns and kept me engaged from the very first page.
Sam and Ed were adorable together and I loved the dynamics between them.
This was another great read from Amanda Meuwissen. Love her writing style and how well fleshed out her characters are.
If you like sweet vampires, a thief with a hero complex with lots of mystery and intrigue, you will love this!
Sam Coleman is a conman plain and simple. He has a Robin Hood complex and steals from bad, rich guys and gives it to his band of merry followers and of course his employer.
Ed Simon is Sam's new boss. He is sweet and charming but he also holds a secret of his own, he is actually a vampire.
Now Sam's employer wants Ed's money and they will do anything in their power to get it. Also Ed is being framed for murders he didn't commit.
Now all they have is eachother to rely on. Will they join forces and work together and maybe give into their growing feelings between them.
This was such sweet, opposites attract, boss employee romance.
The story was compelling with its twists and turns and kept me engaged from the very first page.
Sam and Ed were adorable together and I loved the dynamics between them.
This was another great read from Amanda Meuwissen. Love her writing style and how well fleshed out her characters are.
If you like sweet vampires, a thief with a hero complex with lots of mystery and intrigue, you will love this!
November 7, 2020
Ed seems so sweet and shy, stumbling over his words and gives of a nervous energy but lo and behold he has a sinister and dark secret. Sam is his newly hired assistant, who is casing the joint looking for a huge score but doesn't realise he is in danger. Sam is under immense pressure from his employers and their associates but he isn't one to fold easy and having been found out he works up a suspense filled and dangerous plot with Ed to route out the mysterious Black. You truly have no idea whose side people are on and so much double crossing keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of revenge. A slow build up to an exciting conclusion with so much intrigue and deception tempered with some emotional upheaval. I did not see the ending coming and was rather scared for our heroes who seemed to be outmatched, but never count out sneaky friends. Ed does have trouble with wanting to flee as he thinks it best for everyone but my heart broke a little when Sam thought he left him but then facepalmed when I read on. The epilogue was cheeky and slightly snarky but awesome.
October 25, 2020
Conman with a heart of gold Sam sets out to scam adorkable vampire Ed. From there on in, it’s a bit The Sting, a bit film noir, a bit Dracula (Gary Oldman edition). I loved pretty much everything about this novel: the chemistry between Sam and Ed is real. Sam’s adjustment to the reality of Ed’s existence, and the changes to his own moral compass that it does (and doesn’t) require are well-developed and help to advance the plot nicely. There are intrigues and capers and crosses and double crosses. It’s dizzying at times, but the twists and turns definitely keep a reader invested. Sam’s friends are a great supporting cast, as are Ed’s neighbors, the cop and the reporter. The ending fits perfectly. All in all, a highly enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2020
A fast paced, suspense filled paranormal romance.
The story starts off with Sam, a snarky, hilarious conman, a Robinhood of sorts being unapologetic and trying his best to profile his new target- the quiet, slightly strange, old fashioned, yet courteous and kind Ed. Sam is convinced it's all a facade and that Ed would fall victim to his ploy, but doesn't realise that there may be one skeleton, too many in Ed's closet too.
What follows is an engaging tale filled with mystery, intrigue, sinister elements and an adorable romance.
Told in dual POV, the author's writing style complemented the plot and set the pace of the story and both main characters as well as the side characters were well written.
Recommend to those looking for a paranormal romance with a good mystery plot or a good vampire romance with a HEA.
The story starts off with Sam, a snarky, hilarious conman, a Robinhood of sorts being unapologetic and trying his best to profile his new target- the quiet, slightly strange, old fashioned, yet courteous and kind Ed. Sam is convinced it's all a facade and that Ed would fall victim to his ploy, but doesn't realise that there may be one skeleton, too many in Ed's closet too.
What follows is an engaging tale filled with mystery, intrigue, sinister elements and an adorable romance.
Told in dual POV, the author's writing style complemented the plot and set the pace of the story and both main characters as well as the side characters were well written.
Recommend to those looking for a paranormal romance with a good mystery plot or a good vampire romance with a HEA.
November 16, 2020
Sam seems like a very nice and efficient assistant working for Ed, an awkward but sweet young man. They seem like a good boss-employee match, but nothing is as it seems. Sam is a conman who robs from bad people, and he has targeted Ed as his next victim. But Ed has a secret too: he happens to be a vampire. A sweet young vampire who can be brutal when he has to be. But...it soon becomes hard for Sam to carry through his betrayal of Ed; Sam realizes that in spite of Ed being a vampire, he is not one of the bad people, and Sam learns that his loyalties were placed with the wrong people. There are so many plot points, twists and turns, and unexpected behavior, that I couldn't put the book down. If you like mafia mobsters mixed with a discordant vampire plus a sweet romance in an entertaining fast-paced story, you will love this book.
November 29, 2020
This story it's not what it seems in the beginning and neither are the characters. Sweet and awkward Ed hides and fights his very much darker side quite efficiently... until he doesn't... Con artist Sam sees him as an easy prey, but his attraction to Ed gets in the way, not to mention that he really doesn't know what he's getting himself into. The story is well paced and very fast gets on much darker side than one would expect from the blurb and that was a big bonus for me. I loved the way Ed brings up Sam's darker side and the way the men complement each other. Supporting characters are fun, interesting and well fleshed out. There were some plot issues for me, especially in the beginning but they can easily be forgotten when you look at the whole picture. If you're looking for a paranormal, steamy, dark, action packed book with a family found as an added bonus, this is a book for you.
November 30, 2020
Sam and Ed. To say it is a take on Robin Hood is a bit of a stretch. This did not however stop me from loving the book. Sam a con for hire who hired himself out to rich not so nice people to get their wealth fir him and his dubious employers. From the beginning things are not as they seem. Ed is rather a sweetbprrson who Sam is attracted to. Ed has his own dark secrets (very dark) an on the night of the swindle thevtruth of both comes to light. Now one woukd think if you saw the man you are falling fir rip another man's throat out you would get the message, but no. There then ensues a fascinating plot of who really are the bad guys and a few surprises along the line. Well developed though some of it from a moral perspective is a challenge . Well worth the read though. Got this book as a freebie in exchange for an honest review. My first from this author and certainly not my last.
September 29, 2020
I want to thank the author and the team at Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to review Amanda Meuwissen's Their Dark Reflections. Although I was lucky enough to read an advanced review copy of this book, the following analysis is completely my own.
Sam Goldman is a thief. But not just any thief. He sees himself as a sort of Robin Hood who only goes after rich people who deserve to be robbed. His most recent mark is Ed Simmons, who he has been assured is a very bad person. Coupled with his friends Mim and Gerry, Sam gets himself hired as Ed's assistant. His goal is to get in, case the place, find Ed's bank account information, and drain him dry.
As with most stories, Sam's plans don't exactly go according to plan. Ed isn't a supervillain who deserves to be robbed. In fact, Ed is a kind of handsome albeit socially awkward guy who just likes to keep to himself. The more Sam hangs around Ed, the more he finds himself falling for him. Can Sam rob Ed blind now that he's falling for him?
Ed has a secret. He's a vampire with more than a few hundred years under his belt. He's been very good at not being found out, and he finds himself starting to let down his guard around his new assistant. Will Ed be blinded by his growing desire for Sam that he becomes a sucker and an easy mark for Sam the thief?
These and many other questions are answered in this book. I've done my best not to include spoilers above, so the description is admittedly a bit on the vague side.
So, what did I like about the book? I found the story different. It's sort of a Robin Hood meets The God Father meets Lestat. Oh yeah, there are some mobsters involves, Sam just didn't realize that the dirtbags were the ones who hired him to rob Sam in the first place.
As whole, I found this book enjoyable and easy to read. I was looking for a fun pre-Halloween read, which this book definitely fulfilled. Also, I liked that this book was plot driven and not sex driven (a complaint I have about many MM books). Don't get me wrong, there are some steamy parts, which probably could be edited down a bit, but the sex is organic and doesn't detract from the movement of the plot. If anything, the sexual interaction helps spur on the plot in major ways.
Sam Goldman is a thief. But not just any thief. He sees himself as a sort of Robin Hood who only goes after rich people who deserve to be robbed. His most recent mark is Ed Simmons, who he has been assured is a very bad person. Coupled with his friends Mim and Gerry, Sam gets himself hired as Ed's assistant. His goal is to get in, case the place, find Ed's bank account information, and drain him dry.
As with most stories, Sam's plans don't exactly go according to plan. Ed isn't a supervillain who deserves to be robbed. In fact, Ed is a kind of handsome albeit socially awkward guy who just likes to keep to himself. The more Sam hangs around Ed, the more he finds himself falling for him. Can Sam rob Ed blind now that he's falling for him?
Ed has a secret. He's a vampire with more than a few hundred years under his belt. He's been very good at not being found out, and he finds himself starting to let down his guard around his new assistant. Will Ed be blinded by his growing desire for Sam that he becomes a sucker and an easy mark for Sam the thief?
These and many other questions are answered in this book. I've done my best not to include spoilers above, so the description is admittedly a bit on the vague side.
So, what did I like about the book? I found the story different. It's sort of a Robin Hood meets The God Father meets Lestat. Oh yeah, there are some mobsters involves, Sam just didn't realize that the dirtbags were the ones who hired him to rob Sam in the first place.
As whole, I found this book enjoyable and easy to read. I was looking for a fun pre-Halloween read, which this book definitely fulfilled. Also, I liked that this book was plot driven and not sex driven (a complaint I have about many MM books). Don't get me wrong, there are some steamy parts, which probably could be edited down a bit, but the sex is organic and doesn't detract from the movement of the plot. If anything, the sexual interaction helps spur on the plot in major ways.
November 6, 2020
OMG! the book is simply incredible! a captivating plot, so complex that got me at the edge of my seat the whole time. Many amazing characters, involved in dangerous situations, full of angst, action and sometimes betrayal, and at the same time a very sweet and endearing love story was developing in the background. My heart bled after some of the scenes between Ed and Sam. I loved how the author managed the thin lines between good, bad, dark and downright evil and how she made us even enjoyed and supported everything was happening. Fascinating! I can't wait to read more on this Universe... pretty please with a cherry and a lot of sugar on top?
I received this book as an ARC by Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received this book as an ARC by Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 27, 2022
I read Ms. Meuwissen's After Vertigo last May and found it fascinating! Yes, there were a few things that quirked me about it, but overall it really worked for me. This book, on the other hand, I found to be weird? It didn't grab me as the first book did and even though I did manage to finish it, I can't say that I actually liked it. Although, I am sure there will be many who will find it was just what they were looking for!
I intend to continue reading books by this author as time permits... you never know when the next "OMG, that was great" book is going to happen! *grin*
I intend to continue reading books by this author as time permits... you never know when the next "OMG, that was great" book is going to happen! *grin*
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