Second Nature

Blood at First Sight #1

by Marie Lavender

She never expects it…

Desiree Edwards has a problem. Her world has just come crashing down. She’s found out that supernatural beings exist, nightmares, creatures made for the story books. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all things. But sometimes he’s not the monster at first glance. He seems so humanlike that she can’t help it when her emotions betray her…or when her body betrays her. To make matters worse, she discovers more about herself than she ever wanted to know.

She’s unlike any other…

Alec has a dilemma. The animal in him wants Desiree. But so does the man. The more he learns about her, the harder it is to deny what he wants. Yet, he’s a freak, and she’s just a human. The two species don’t mix.

Then an old enemy surfaces and Alec is forced to choose. His life or hers. Such a clear choice, but for Desiree, the cost is too high.

Can Alec’s soul be saved by this unique human? Or will it be far too late?

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

188 pages, ebook

First published December 8, 2014

About the author

Multi-genre author of Victorian maritime romance/family saga, Heiresses in Love, and 18 other books. Listed as one of TOP 5 Authors Who Write Compelling Romance on Wiki Ezvid. UPON YOUR RETURN placed in the TOP 10 on the 2022 P&E Readers' Poll for the Romance Novels category. She made the TOP 10 list for Authors on the 23rd Annual Critters Readers’ Poll. TOP 20 Authors of 2021 on Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews blog. Subsequent 2020 accolades include: Top 10 Book Cover Artwork for UPON YOUR RETURN, Top 10 Romance Novels for CHASING GINGER, Top 10 Romance Short Stories for THE MISSING PIECE, and Top 10 Sci-fi & Fantasy Short Stories for MAGICK & MOONLIGHT for the P&E Critters Readers' Poll. Additionally, the I Love Romance Blog was listed as one of the Top Novel and Books blogs 2020 on Sparpedia. BLUE VISION made the TOP 10 on the Science Fiction and Fantasy category of the 2019 P&E Readers' Poll, and also reached TOP 10 status in the Romance category. Featured interview in the January 2018 issue of Womelle Magazine. DIRECTIONS OF THE HEART reached the semi-finalist round in the 2018 AuthorsDB Book Cover Contest. Voted TOP BLOGGER for 2018 on the Romance Lives Forever Blog. TOP 20 Authors of 2018 on Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews blog. DIRECTIONS OF THE HEART was nominated and made it past the first round in the 2018 Author Academy Awards. THE MISSING PIECE placed in the TOP 10 on the 2017 P&E Readers' Poll. DIRECTIONS OF THE HEART was nominated for the 2017 Reader's Choice Awards. The I Love Romance Blog became a finalist in StartDating DK's Romance Blog Awards of 2017. ILRB landed on Feedspot’s 2017 TOP 100 Novel Blogs and TOP 100 Romance Blogs. DIRECTIONS OF THE HEART placed in the TOP 10 Books of 2017 on Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews blog. TOP 20 Authors of 2017 on Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews blog. Mystery Blogger Award for 2017. A to Z Blog Challenge Survivor in 2016. March 2016 Empress of the Universe title - winner of the "Broken Heart" themed contest and the "I Love You" themed contest on Poetry Universe. SECOND CHANCE HEART and A LITTLE MAGICK placed in the TOP 10 on the 2015 P&E Readers' Poll. Nominated in the TRR Readers' Choice Awards for Winter 2015. Poetry winner of the 2015 PnPAuthors Contest. The Versatile Blogger Award for 2015. Honorable Mention in the 2014 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards. Finalist and Runner-up in the 2014 MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013, 2014 and 2016. 2013 and 2014 Amazon Bestseller Ranking for the first edition of UPON YOUR RETURN. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and two cats. She has been writing for twenty-five years, with more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 21 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantic comedy, dramatic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. She also dabbles in graphic design. A blogger on the side, she writes adult fiction, published one story for children, and recently started some YA fiction. She also contributed to several anthologies. Though Marie has standalone titles on the market, there are six current published series, with many others planned.

Discover more about her and her work at the following links.

All of Marie’s author links: https://linktr.ee/marielavender1

Fan mail email: author@marielavender.com

Reviews

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC copy.

When Marie Lavender said that this was not your ordinary vampire story she was not playing. This book took me through every emotion I own. Before I could finish this book I was calling and texting my friends to recommend this book. From the awesome attention to detail to the dips and turns I love this book. Officially, I am stalking all blogs and emails for the release of the next book. I am truly looking forward to the second book in this series.

[Devika Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of “Second Nature” by Marie Lavender. Having enjoyed her novel “Magick & Moonlight” a lot, and being a huge fan of vampires, I dove in eagerly – and I loved the book!
It was great to see things through both protagonists’ eyes and really understand what motives them and what characterizes them. The heroine and the hero were both very well fleshed out, acted credibly and had me hooked from the start. I loved it that the author didn’t just make Desiree a weakling who blindly falls for an oh so droolworthy vampire, but that she gave her strength, will power, an intriguing family background and life – and a little something I don’t want to mention for fear of spoilers. I also found it awesome that Alec was a troubled soul hiding behind all that brain and brawn and vampire appeal. The two of them made a perfect match, and I was rooting for their happy end throughout the book. Their names are perfect, by the way.
The plot was tight, keeping me on edge with all the action, emotions and steamy scenes. As happens with good books, I wanted to know the end of the story, but at the same time didn’t want it to be over.
If you enjoy vampire fiction that is on the one hand typical for the genre but on the other hand bears the author’s smooth style and flowing language, then you’ll enjoy “Second Nature” as much as I did.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review**

4 stars

What a beautiful book!!
And What an enjoyable journey!!!

I really loved Alec! He's such a gentleman .. and a great person that it was hard sometimes to think of him as a vampire!

I loved their story even though I wasn't a 100% satisfied with the ending .. Too many things left unfinished for me!!!

But still this is a great book for any one who loves a good paranormal romance with a sexy vampire ..

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second Nature is set in a world much like our own, (with the exception of vampires, werewolves) 😉
Desiree is a recently divorced young woman, who has decided to immerse herself in her work. She has friends and family but is starting to feel like she needs a different path to follow, work or personal, she just hasn’t decided which one yet to choose.


Alec is a vampire, he was “made” when another vampire changed him by accident during the civil war !! Having no “sire” to show him how to be a vampire, Alec has made his own way in the works, he has a few rules he tries to live by, one being never drain a “human” and never leave a memory behind (so he erases their memory after feeding)

When Alec spots Desiree at a Jazz and Blues Festival he is captured by her.
There is an attraction between Desiree and Alec that neither one of them can deny, no matter how hard Desiree tries to deny it. There is also a bond that neither one of them can explain.
Desiree has some kind of connection that Alec has never experienced before with anyone else, and he wants to explore this and his feelings for Desiree further.

There are a couple of plot twists that kept the story interesting.
Even though this is book one of a series, there is no cliffhanger..... But it did leave a few questions.

The story is written well, and although both have their say, I never got confused with who was thinking what.




Julie 🦋

[Rachael Tamayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok lets see now...

Hot Vampire? Check

Love at first sight? Check

Hot Lovin? Check

Love with a stranger fantasy? check

Ok...so yeah this book has a bit of something for the dark romantic in all of us.  I tore through this book in  two days, and I really enjoyed the read.  You are thrown into the book in the first chapter and its a take-no-prisoners romance that leaves you fanning yourself and turning the page for more.  

Marie Lavender is an award winning author, and has published some 20 titles.  This one is great, I really liked it and I think you will too. It's the start of a series.  And no cliffhangers here, everything in this one was tied up in a neat little bow so you won't be left hanging at the end of this book.  

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Nature
Marie Lavender

Alec was a vampire and he was on the scent of blood so sweet that he could not help following it. The scent was driving him to the point that he had to have it! He could tell that it was female and he had always craved them but only the legal aged ones and only if they were willing enough to want a moment with him. He also always protected himself and his food source by wiping their memory and healing their wound that way he never had to worry about humans discovering the truth. Killing his victim sickened him and would lead to unwanted attention. He spotted her again and to his surprise he found that not only did he want her blood but he was very attracted to her, this could lead to complications as he was not sure he could ignore the desire long enough to secure her blood and he did need to feed.

She and her friend were in a booth where the seller had Native American pottery for sell. The pottery was quality stuff and if he wasn’t so obsessed with his bloodlust at the moment he might have bought something. He listened to their conversation with the vendor and was so taken with her voice that he could have listened to it for hours. After she made her purchase she looked around and when her eyes slammed into him it created a weird ache in his chest. Her friend asked, “Desiree? What is it?” She said I don’t think it’s anything, I just felt like I was being watched. She fascinated him but he could not take her tonight, he would have to find out more about her. Desiree, what a perfect name for her it was so unique, like her!

She is kidnapped and forced to put up with a vampire of all things, or is he? Sometimes he is so like her and so much the man of her dreams, the one that she had been looking for all her life and even worse her body is betraying her in a big way. What will she do and what will he do? They both feel betrayed by their bodies and neither one of them know what to do!

What did I like? It’s been a long time since I have a read a book that hit me like this one did. I have always liked paranormal books and if they included a romance so much the better. This book has that and more! I started this book and could not put it down, the story started and from page one took hold of me and wrapped me up. The action and emotions were flying off the pages with the author's signature writing of vivid descriptions and details that will start that mental video in your head. I loved the reaction between Desiree and Alec with the connection being so tantalizing that you could not help but be involved. I could feel the how the tension was building and you could just see how their lives were changing and knew that nothing would ever be the same. I was so involved that I cried and cried from the love that was pouring off the pages. There was nothing about this story that I disliked, I loved it from page one to the very end.

What will you like? I have read other books by this author so I knew that I would fall in love with the story but if you have not read any of her work before be prepared for a well-developed story line that shows the work and effort that she puts in her writing. She has a remarkable way of describing the places and characters that pull you into the story from the beginning. You don’t have to read half the book to figure out that you’re going to like it, it starts from page one on! Her characters are always remarkable and loveable with details that leave no doubt that you either love them or hate them. I really like that when I read! When you finish the book you will be craving for the next book to be released soon. I would recommend all the books that Ms Lavender has written, the ones that I have read have all been great. Class writing and a five star story, don’t miss it!

[Malay A. Upadhyay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cup of tea never goes out of fashion, nor do the kind of books that guarantee cosiness to go with it. We are, of course, talking here about romance. And Marie Lavender has a knack for serving it well.
As the author notes about the protagonist - a vampire, “All he’d ever hoped for, when you looked past the bitterness of fate, was acceptance. He had foolishly wanted to be accepted despite his supernatural flaws. And that just wasn’t possible.” That ironically is true for the very genre of romance in the sense that window of acceptance of deviations is rather slim. Readers around the globe are so invested in romantic stories on a sentimental note from the outset that little room is left for any dramatic manoeuvres. Unlike Scifi which allows unheard-of theatrics, Mystery which necessitates unforeseen twists or Adventure which guarantees unexplored arenas, Romance has to comply with specific human ideas of pleasure and love. For, these stories tend to our heart and are blind to all else, thus designed to bear an immense responsibility with a delicate touch. So there must be losses, a somewhat fairy tale approach, passionate lovemaking, an unquenchable thirst, a character both beasty and tender, and the joy of reunion. Perhaps no other element typifies this essence of a love story than vampires do.
Second Nature opens with a woman managing the strings of loneliness, work, a new life and bitter past. Her first rendezvous with the blood-sucking hero, Alec, is sudden and something of a fantasy, despite teetering on lines of “consensual rape.” It leaves us gasping for more, and the author caters to that well enough in the chapters that follow. The story bears ample juice, thanks to a nice little teleportation power she has accorded her lead character, while the lady gets a more subtle but spicier power of reading the other’s mind. There is something that Ms. Lavender seems to be building towards that doesn’t come out in the open. And while the two lovebirds part ways momentarily and go through revelations of their respective past, the source of Desiree’s powers remains a mystery. Cue: Book 2?
Marie Lavender does not complicate her writing. The descriptions are just about sufficient and well spaced to allow us a vision of wall-and-wood that surrounds the unfolding affection. But she pulls us into the latter’s steamy sessions and doe-eyed discussions well enough to draw our focus on matters of anticipation. Yet, the genius lies in her plot itself. It is well paced and simple, but shapes up the characters and their background to such an extent that one can’t help but wonder whether a larger set-piece is about to unfold in this series as a whole. Maybe I simply want that to happen. That is one area the plot can definitely improve upon and go all out on.
Regardless the status, though, we have a story in our hands that gives us what it promises - a dose of mush and thrill.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Nature as an urban fantasy set in a contemporary world much like our own, with the exception of vampires, werewolves, and possibly other creatures we have yet to be introduced to. Desiree is a young divorcee who has immersed herself in her work to start a new life since the divorce. She has friends and family close by but is starting to feel like she needs a change of pace in her life or work. She hasn’t decided which yet.

The story is told expertly through alternating viewpoints so well that I was never confused about whose head we were in. Alec is a vampire, he lost his life from a sloppy vampire who changed him unknowingly on a battle field during the Civil War. So Alex was on his own, without a sire, to show him the ropes on how to be a proper vampire. This turns out well for Alec in the long run. He has made a good life, or unlife, for himself and has been quite successful. He doesn’t kill when he feeds, he erases his victim’s memory of the event and sends them on their way.

When Alec spots Desiree at the annual Jazz and Blues Festival he is mesmerized by her. Not only does she attract the vampire in him, she also attracts the man himself. There is an attraction between Desiree and Alec that neither one of them can deny, no matter how hard Desiree tries to deny it. There is also a bond that neither one of them can explain. Desiree has some kind of psychic connection that Alec has never experienced before with anyone else. This makes the story unique for me. The emotional turmoil that each character experiences is something I appreciated and it drew me into the story. I cared what happened to both of them.

There are a couple of plot twists that kept the story engaging. One I felt was coming, it needed to happen, it was tense and hard to read. However, I am glad it concluded the way that it did. Even though this is book one of a series, there is no cliffhanger. That made me happy. I look forward to more from Desiree and Alec, this story could go so many directions. Great job, Ms. Lavender.

FYI: This book has sexually explicit scenes that may be unsuitable for some readers.

Format/Typo Issues: I found a small number of errors.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** May 30, 2015

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

Initially I found this story somewhat disconcerting. It started out with the heroine being stalked by the hero because he found the scent of her blood appealing. Eventually, he makes a move on her and this led to them having a sexual encounter. It may appear that the heroine was raped, but it depends on how you as the reader interprets this particular encounter. He then proceeded to kidnap her to protect his identity because he had difficulty erasing her memories. However, has the story progressed, I was able to move past my initial reaction and found that this was indeed a cute romantic story with paranormal elements.
 
In Second Nature we meet Alec Sullivan, which I guess you figured by now is a vampire. He has been a vampire for a 170 odd years and during this time he has amassed quite a considerable amount of wealth. Alec experienced true love, however, he lost that love tragically and was not inclined to get closely involved with anyone again especially in light of his condition. This changed, however, the night he found himself being drawn to Desiree.
 
Desiree experienced pain and heartbreak when she found out that her husband has been cheating on her. She tried moving on with her life, but family events made her a bit melancholy. She felt that something is missing from her life, but she could not figure out what it was, that was until Alec stormed into her life.
 
Although their initial meeting was a bit on the creepy side, it was evident that they were good for each other. Desiree made him realise that he is not a monster, but a man who is capable of love. She reawakened his human side. He on the other helped her realise that she s worthy of love and that her ex-husband was not appreciative of her. His appearance in her life helped her to discover some shocking things about herself.
 
This is an engaging read that plays on the reader’s emotions. The romance is sweet and adorable and one cannot help liking the characters. Overall, I enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
 
DISCLOSURE: Complimentary copy received in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *

This book is a paranormal romance book and it starts off a bit on the odd side - It begins with Alec stalking Desiree based on one glimpse and smell of her. I thought that the story was a bit slow going for the first few chapters but once Desiree and Alec actually meet the story gets much more interesting and has a much quicker pace.

The author made sure that the fact that Desiree was weary of men, relationships and getting close to anyone jumped right out to the reader. I felt like this was important for the story. Alec was also weary of being alone, getting too close to anyone and being out in the sunlight - and they both had good reasons for the way that they were. The author did an amazing job with the details of the characters and the reader was able to feel a connection to them. The details that the author used to describe Baltimore and the surrounding areas was spot on - including the restaurants and this made me love the book even more. If you have never been to Baltimore it will feel like you have after you finish reading this book!

The plot did start out a bit slow but by the middle you are hoping that it was a never-ending story. The reader can barely keep up with the twists, turns, loops and curves that the author throws out. The reader also can feel the emotions of the characters through the descriptive writing that the author uses. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger in the fact that the reader wants to know what happens next to the characters that they have bonded with throughout the journey.

This is a fun read that has a bit of a different take on vampires and their blending into society. If you like vampire stories you will enjoy this one! Make sure that you add it to your TBR list and add it soon - it is a great afternoon read!

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Michelle Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Readers Favorite

Alec is not your ordinary drop-dead handsome man, he is a vampire, and he smells the most amazing blood he has ever met. He is looking for it when he finds it at a festival. Desiree is a young woman with a broken heart and soul. She has been unlucky in love, but she thinks she is ok. Alec has to know more about her, he wants to know her not just have a taste of her blood, which is something he has never done. Desiree is strong than she thinks and her mind is even stronger, she is able to resist the normal Vampire mind thoughts, and Alec knows there is something special about her, but it also puts her in danger. He takes a bold step and kidnaps her, taking her to his house. Second Nature follows Alec and Desiree as she begins to learn about Alec and trust him. Along the way, they find something more than they ever thought possible, but they both know in reality, it can never work, right? A human and a Vampire? Author Marie Lavender gives us a different look into the Vampire-Human relationships.

Second Nature by author Marie Lavender is not your typical vampire novel. Alec is a lone vampire, he does not live in a group, or family. Vampires do not mix with humans at all other than to take the amounts of blood they need, but only that much. So when Alec is taken with Desiree this is something he is completely unprepared for and has no idea how to handle. Desiree has no idea vampires exist, but takes the news relatively well. Given her unlucky past with her ex-husband she has a hard time trusting Alec, but he works to win her trust. In reality this is much more a romance novel, it is the story of Alec and Desiree, the fact that they are human and vampire is secondary. Anyone who enjoys a good romance should read this one, it is an emotional read!

[Tom Olbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie Lavender's "Second Nature" continues the vampire/human romance concept with a dark and daring approach, effectively dovetailing horror, paranormal mystery and romance in a disturbing blend.

I'm not a big romance fan myself, but I found this one held my attention very effectively. It builds slowly, the heroine, Desiree, crossing a misty border between realities. Are the strange impressions she's been getting just dreams, or psychic visions? Is she really being stalked by a vampire, or is the shadowy figure following her in the night merely a figment of her imagination? The escalating suspense sets us up for a terrifying attack.

The sexual subtext of the vampire myth is of course well-established in our collective psyche, and many writers have used it, but this one really bites deep, so to speak. It's bound to generate a considerable amount of controversy. The violence is not only primal and disturbing, but raises questions of what the author might really be trying to convey in the symbolism of what could be construed as rape. The reader must draw his own conclusion.

But, from that opening dark encounter, the story takes a very different path. Gentle eroticism, building into a raging inferno. It follows the classic theme of love conquering all, of the love of a good and courageous woman reaching the human core of a man trapped inside a monster. Their forbidden, impossible love becomes like an epic fairy tale of noble self sacrifice, loss, separation and the struggle to reclaim a lost, fateful love.

As Desiree confronts a secret in her family history and an even deeper mystery hidden inside herself, her undead lover Alec must confront a darker demon from his own past as his evil sire re-enters his life.

If you enjoy a love story tinged with danger, struggle and last-minute rescues, you'll enjoy "Second Nature."

[Jennifer Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 Fiery Hearts!**

*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Desiree thought she had the life until she caught her husband in bed with another woman, now she’s just trying to make a life for herself. With her sister newly married and expecting it’s a little heavy on her heart, but she’s truly happy for her and continually shows it.

Alec has been around a long time, he’s had his love and lost her to her own demise, but he never ever expected to find someone who made him feel again…let alone a human.

Each thought they’d known passion and love, but neither truly experienced it until they found each other.

“But … sometimes I look at you and I can’t breathe. You rob me of words.” 

Second Nature started out with a bang. It pulled me right in, captivating my attention…but then it just kind of fell flat. There’s a mild conflict toward the end, but good overpowers evil and then it’s done. There was a slight anticipation that it was coming, but nothing that built up suspense toward it.

As for the love story between Desiree and Alec it started with a creepy infatuation that led straight to carnal animalistic actions that despite denial both parties enjoyed very much.

“Oh my God, she thought, as the evidence began to trickle down her inner thigh. She had been attacked. Violated. And it only got worse; she had submitted to him, let him take her.” 

The connection they are able to share because of their gifts made for interesting turns, but the whole ‘I love you and that’s why I have to let you go’ part seemed a little dramatically overplayed. All I know is that I felt so badly for Alec after they separated; poor guy thought he was going insane.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The rating for this book was 3.5 stars. It had vampires, oodles of sexy times, and heartbreaking romance.

This book is primarily a romance. It starts a little… strangely, but heads right into the kind of romance that makes each partner want to sacrifice themselves for the other. Alec finds Des at a festival by tracking her yummy blood. He’s instantly attracted and probably experiences love at first sight. Des, being completely oblivious to Alec’s discovery, goes about her daily life as an editor, still trying to get over her ex-husband’s betrayal. Alec proceeds to essentially stalk Des, which ends in him mostly attacking her. After his bite, they both tumble into each other’s arms and have some surprising sex. In the aftermath, there is a lot of use of the word “rape.” If this offends you, you should be warned that it gets used quite a bit. While their first encounter isn’t actually rape, there’s a lot of roughness that could make a frightened woman associate the two.

Once Des gets over her traumatic first meeting with Alec, the two get along wonderfully. Sure, the vampire/human thing is a bit of a challenge, but they seem willing to take that chance. They go through some pretty big challenges, but in the end we get the HEA we want from them. While there are some action elements, this is definitely a romantic read from start to finish.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was hot, sweet and cute.
Even though the beginning wasn't all that inspiring, what with the attack for a bite turned into almost rape that was actually consensual but still really weird. Yeah, it's complicated. It was a bit surreal that scene. But then after that it got much better. I'm still not a huge fan of insta-love but I guess we could say they were soul mates and fated to be together.
Needless to say, I loved Alec. Well, except for the first glimpse of him in the beginning and that scene of the first bite. After that I started to increasingly like him. And oh how hot he was. I love my vampire books with some steamy sex, and this got plenty. My hormones are grateful.
I liked Desiree. Mostly. There were moments when I was like "Dude, what the hell are you doing?! Are you nuts?" And wanted to swat at her head for being stupid. But I mostly liked her. Her family was also lovely. I'm shocked that she didn't realize the truth sooner though. I mean, it was pretty obvious looking at her and then at them. Desiree's father and sister were really sweet though.
The ending was cute.

[Azia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Best Vampire romances I have read! I really enjoyed reading this book. Very well written and easy to read. This book is on my "favorites" book shelf... to be treasured! This story has it all...and best part is the happy ending. Left me wanting to read more about these two, and their future adventures together.
If you are looking for a great Vampire romance... I Highly recommend this book!
I am looking forward to reading many more stories by this author!

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bittersweet romance, beautifully written. ... Alec is a powerful vampire who is drawn to Desiree, a beautiful independent young woman. She is not yet fully aware of her special powers. The author is tender and empathic in describing how their love blossoms and how they gather strength to face challenges. A must-read! And it's a series!

[S.C. Alban · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the makings of a classic vamp-rom. Strong, spunky female heroine, tortured, hot, male vampire, and an unlikely and mysterious connection between the two. Great character chemistry. Solid writing. Good foundation for future novels in the series.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a fun read! It's a paranormal / vampire book....I have learned to like this type. Excitement, intensity, well-created characters, love, fun.....Very enjoyable! I'm looking forward to Book 2 in this series!

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something magical about an undead romance

It's obviously not a typical romance, nor is it typical about an undead ravenous vampire story. The vampire is Alec, and the human he desires is Desiree. I am a big fan of Lavender's work, so this was something I definitely wanted to read. A start of something new, and very intense and filled with grand vibrant characters. The story builds so much the reader can feel the intensity of the chemistry between the vampire and his "captive." I really enjoyed this story, and how Lavendar can spin a great tale of romance, even with the undead. It felt almost real. As Desiree says to Alec, “I can see inside of you, Alec. I know your heart. I swear I’ll keep that heart safe as long as I live.” It's quite an undead story.