Passion of the Vampire King

Blood Fire Saga #5

by Bella Klaus

Might as well face it, I’m addicted to thrall.

I thought I’d seen the last of Valentine… at least for a little while, but he’s found a way to get me back under his thrall. This time, I’m not resisting.

But he’s the least of my problems. The deal I made with the devil has backfired.

If I don’t get the better of this bargain, I’m at risk of spending the rest of my days in hell.

Passion of the Vampire King is book five of the Blood Fire Saga.

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Romance

466 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2021

About the author

Bella Klaus is an avid fan of paranormal and urban fantasy featuring sultry-as-sin supernatural heroes and heroines not afraid to stand up to them.

Join Bella's reader group for giveaways, advance copies of her books, and to connect with Bella and other readers:
http://www.bellaklaus.com/facebook

Her first series is the Blood Fire Saga, a set of fast-paced stories where the natural and supernatural worlds collide. If you enjoy steamy romance, twists and turns and supernatural mysteries, you’ll love Return of the Vampire King its sequels.

When Bella isn’t crafting stories about magic, she lives in Central London with her inamorata, enjoys True Blood, Supernatural, and The Vampire Diaries, and hopes to one day craft the perfect chocolate cocktail.

Reviews

[Patrice Harrington · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous

I hope there isn’t a book past book 6 because the storyline is fast heading into general ridiculousness. If all you want is the sexual scenes then it’s a great book. If you want a story with intelligent main characters (Mera is a complete idiot) then you will not find it here. Reading this series is like a bad wreck that you just sit and watch happen.

[Believe The Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

To much

This woman character is a bafoon....she has consistently made bad decisions and is always saved by someone.....in all the books she has never got her magic under control and she runs around like she's invincible. I mean by book five can we get some semblance of what all a phoenix can do and not do and at least see her change more then twice. She's just not a strong character and I've read much better. I really want this series to end so I can move on but unfortunately I'm invested and just really want a conclusion. There's definitely a few side stories that I think could have been left out to make it flow better and not weigh down the gist of the story but now most of these side stories need their own conclusions or I will feel like it was missing something.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate spoilers and so I am going to keep this as spoiler-free as possible. This is the fifth book in the series- and you do need to read the previous books to follow along. They are all really good books that will grab your attention, and finish in one sitting. This book is no different. We catch up with a few supporting characters in this book which helps give us a complete story and a complete picture of Mera. She's not just a fire-wielder or Valentine's girl, she is a best friend and quite vulnerable which just adds to her depth as a character.

Kresnik, Hades, Irdu, and the Mage King are only a few obstacles in Mera's way! While she is still trying to restore Valentine and replenish her magic supply Mera keeps getting into sticky situations. Every time she tries to fix one problem it only seems to get worse, and she can't seem to catch a break. She does have the determination as well as the stubbornness to get her way but she isn't perfect. This book gives us a perfect balance of action, magic, and reality all rolled into one/

A very good book for those that love magic, PNR, and vampires.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this fifth book in the series, and I almost yelled “Noooo!!” to the whole house! First, though, this latest is filled with action, intrigue, passion, and laughs. Yes, laughs. I don’t usually laugh out loud even if I find a book funny, but there were a couple places where I did in this one (the “dinner” with Hades…OMG!!). Poor Mera has so much to deal with and at times I feel she was running around trying to put out fires (HA!). Anyway, I thought that ending was just so unexpected, and I need the next NOW!! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only thought throughout this series is when will Mera (FMC) and Valentine get a break?? No one wants to see them together except themselves. There so many Supernatural factions all working on their own agendas and with the fast pace you need to keep your focus on it just in case you miss something. What with Mera trying to work out her Phoenix, Valentine popping up with plenty of steamy scenarios, Hades (which i have to admit i kinda liked how he tried to seduce and cajole Mera), a backstabbing family member and a sick friend. This book had all of that and more. With that ending im dying for the next book. Im enjoying reading it so much. Its a brilliant read

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW book five and it just keeps getting better and better! The addictive storyline continues to grow and develop and the characters continue to find their way. The plenty of action, intrigue , passion, surprises and humour and is so good I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next book!

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passion of the Vampire King is the fifth book in Bella Klaus's Blood Fire Saga. Things pick up where they left on in book 4 and while there is some progress I want more. Mera has been captured, but thanks to her deal (sorta) with the Demon King she's not executed. But things aren't just going to go smoothly as she might have wished. There are still a lot of trials and tribulations to go through, but if Mera can just get it together then she can make it through.
Passion of the Vampire King is gradually moving forward. I was really engaged in the first few chapters of this book and I was honestly thrilled that it didn't quickly devolve into Mera having sex every chapter, but I am a bit disappointed that basically everytime Mera crosses paths with Valentine that she's begging him to have sex. I get that she misses him, but I need her to kinda get it together already. Yes, sex is great but it's not going to save him, save the world or anything other than scratch an itch. I know this is a paranormal romance novel, so yes I expect steamy and sexy-times, but I want the storyline to really start taking substantial strides in progress.
There are good moments in this book and I like that we are getting a nice amount of Macavity in this book, and I like that we get some more of Mera's friend as well, but Mera is really coming off as an airhead at times. She's not checked on her friend in...forever. I know she's trying to protect her, but she's gotta do better. I'm beginning to think that there might be a little too much going on because it's bogging the storyline down in places. I just feel we should be making progress already in Mera resurrecting Valentine by now and it feels like we're barely halfway there.
I enjoyed this book and the twists and surprises the author writes in, but I'm hoping that we really start seeing serious progress to getting Valentine back alive and Kresnik destroyed for good. I love the steamy scenes but I really need Mera to not get so hot and bothered everytime she sees him and the only thing she can think about is jumping his bones. I'm choosing to rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still somewhere between three and four stars with this book, and as it is second in a row in this series, I am setting my hopes high for the final book to fix the issues I have with this series.
In general, the writing is good, the story is good, it has a lot of twists and turns and action, and can be really emotional sometimes. But I cannot help myself but struggle with the main couple. Mera, in all the time we have seen her, is really defiant and has strong spirit and everything, and yet willingly succumbs to every whim of the preternatural Valentine and even enjoys being treated that way. Also, she claims at one point that she has never been treated as an inferior by Valentine - when the last two books he mostly treats her that way, even if he claims it is for her protection. And there are several more similar points with her claims. Also, I very much struggle to have a connection with a MC who behaves the way Valentine does. Thank goodness for the presence of his soul that balances it out. I enjoyed much more the scenes with Lazarus and Beatrice, felt completely endeared by Macavity, and even had a lot of fun watching the Demon King trying his best to come out as the smarter from this situation, yet the focus of the book is unfortunately on the element I struggle with. I also still feel like the series is a bit too long and could be fit into shorter/less books with providing the same information and same reading experience. All in all, the majority of the book was very book, but once I come to a point in a book that I am not really motivated to continue reading the scene/part or just plainly want to skip it, I cannot rate it higher than 3.5 stars.

[Yasmin Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Credit where credit due....Previously I have felt that the books have been a consistent 3 however, I do feel that this book in particular is worth a 4 star.

Whilst the book ends of yet another frustrating cliff hanger, I have to admit that the storyline is picking up drastically and ENDS IN THE MOST SHOCKING WAY, AND I LOVE IT!

FINALLY!!!!

DRAMA. SUSPENSE. HEARTACHE. SORROW. PAIN. REVENGE.

I am all for this, it’s the first time in this saga that I’m desperate to see where book 6 will conclude.

I want all above themes to make one hell of an action packed, ultimate transformation finale.

Mera, I’m looking at you girl. Stop being such a snowball and transform (metaphorically and physically)!!!!!!!

Unfortunately we do have to wait for the release though I think it may very well be worth the wait.

[Jamielee Prue · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s alright…

If you can get through the forever long sex scenes and the long whining of the so called heroine… it’s an okay read. I really liked the first book but the last four after that first one have been long… drawn out… to the point that I’m considering not reading on. Maybe I’ll try the first couple of chapters of book six to see what happens. This series is very well written over all. (I sure couldn’t do it) You can see the story unfold it’s just to long in the way of explanations and getting to predictable.

[Faydra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh

These books are engrossing. I like the idea. However... spoilers.

The MC is willfully ignorant, and dumb as a rock. The author made her annoying with the inability to think for herself unless she's attempting to get killed a million times.

Book 4... The plot... why does the MC suddenly get a case of the idiots everytime he berated her for not listening? She was literally forced into situations, oh and almost died... again but none of this was relevant to their communication? "Dude tried to kill me, thats why", no we get "sorry". He dug through her memories and didn't see how she almost died like 3 seconds before that? Sigh. My world for a smart heroine. Why more Mary Sues?

She literally only functions on pure emotions, using no logic whatsoever and frequently freezes up.

Oh and girl has a serious case of the dry mouths. What an annoying description. A few times, yeah. But every situation, at all, has her mouth drying up. Through 4 whole books.

The mc is unlikeable and annoying with her constant emotional overreacting to every possible thing. She literally puts herself in danger constantly by her emotions making all the decisions.

And given the nature of these books she literally has so many ideals that she keeps crippling every decision. Yet, these ideals change none of the outcomes.

It's like having kids in the backseat of a long journey completely annoying the hell out of you while not changing the outcome whatsoever.

It's frustrating. If something came of all these ideals and emotional reactions than at least it would be redeeming.

The MC is a toddler having a fit at all times that doesn't understand English.

Why am I still here? Im here for Valentine. His story carries the whole series and leaves you wondering what's next. Almost to the point of reducing the mc to just an annoyance and not a book-killing disaster. Its a close call though.

Read the books, they aren't a waste of time and they are engrossing, but be prepared to be annoyed at the mc constantly ruining a compelling journey.

4 stars cause I didn't even realize how involved I became. Minus one star for the mc completely destroying the fantasy.

Just ... ugh. Valentine needed to be a lot more aware of her stunted and backwards behavior. A vampire king falling for an airhead? Sure but only as a "blood cow".

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been such a ride with so much happening that I am not ever sure what is going to happen next! Mera has a lot of growth in this book and personally it feels for the better. We start right where we left off and unfortunately Mera doesn't get the easy path yet. She finds a few more enemies in this book and it seems like a never ending cycle but you also get to see learn more about Mera and Valentine and she will do absolutely everything to bring him back.

I love that we also got to see past characters that we didn't see much of previously. There is a lot of power crazy people in this series and it just seems to be never ending. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book! I found myself laughing at some scenes in the book, gripping the edge of my chair and wanting to throw the book because poor Mera...If you haven't started this series you definitely should especially after this last ending!!

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has Intrigue and betrayal in abundance

Mera, a phoenix fire user, has been caught by the Supernatural Council’s Enforcers after being abandoned by Valentine, the now controlled undead Vampire king, after dropping the wards protecting Kenwood House. As the story progresses a deal is made with the Devil, an unaccounted side effect keeps her bound, and more enemies are added than subtracted as she fumbles along. Bella Klaus’ Passion of the Vampire King has intrigue and betrayal in abundance as Mera attempts to avoid yet another set of pitfalls on her way to resurrecting Valentine. I have a feeling what’s in store for them next could break them further apart or draw the entire community closer together.

I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agggh! These poor characters can never catch a break. Just when you think that Valentine and Mera will finally be able to be together something else happens. The something else I’m referring to is Uncle Prince Draconius. I knew there had to be something more to him just wanting to “bury” Valentine.

I loved Hades! He is such a self absorbed dick and I just love that about his character. Never a dull moment with him. I wonder if the feelings he has for Mera are true or just because her blood is tied to his regeneration.

What is happening with Beatrice????? I kinda had a feeling about Christian being something other than he said he was. I actually thought he was a spy for the Flame. Anxious to see what happens there. Can’t wait for book 6.

On a side note....Dearest Author, please, please, this book is nothing like FSOG.

[PelicanFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. Much. Chaos. It’s like, as Mera gets one part of her latest dilemma figured out and begins working toward a solution, a bunch more pop up.

Klaus is a complete master, as a couple of her characters are so complex, that I’m not even sure where their allegiances lie … and I’m constantly guessing as to what exactly their true agenda really is. I also gain even more respect for Mera as the saga goes on and she demonstrates true colors which are very ‘pure of heart’.

Depending on where you are in the series, anything could serve as a spoiler and I’d rather not do that. So I’ll simply state that the fast pace, action and steamy scenes are all present here. Oh … and I might be in love with Hades. (Anyone else?)

Ends on a major cliffhanger and I’m not even mad … just in awe at the author’s style. (A bit cruel, but more brilliant!)

4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 INFURIATING STARS.


I was totally prepared to let this book redeem the last book. But no. Nobody has learned anything!

I like long series. 12 books. 11 books. 9 book series I’ve read and loved! I thought I was trudging through this one because I was impatient. But no! I figured out what’s wrong….. the characters haven’t grown at all.

This book ends in yet another disaster because yet again Mera couldn’t save herself and Valentine is sacrificed to save her. It’s just the same BS over and over. She’s been through so much and she still can’t shift into a phoenix. She’s still squeamish about killing people that clearly need to die, and she still can’t call forth her flames at will or burn hot enough to defend herself. It’s infuriating. She saved herself 0 times this book. What’s the point of all this turnmoil if the the characters aren’t growing.

I’m over it.

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the Blood Fire saga and Mera's struggle to wright the wrong of Valentine’s death which took place in order to save her.
In this book we see that there is more than meets the eye to Valentine’s nature as a undead vampire and that he is more sentient than you would expect and is driven completely to protecting Mera above all else.
Kresnick's in hiding whilst Mera now faces a new threat from within the Vampire Hierarchy and her best friends life is in the balance, this poor girl just cant catch a break!! Add to this Hade's obsession with her and things get interesting.
Full of intrigue, twists and turns galore plus some heat and sizzle
Loving this storey and cant believe we are at book 5 already.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mera will end up working with the Council since they now know about the return of Kresnick. Mera will also learn just why Valentine acted the way he did. Mera wants Valentine to help Kain and others. He is so focused on Kresnick and her saftey. Mera will also find her friend in dire straits. Mera is under attack from all sides, she must learn her magic in order to get Valentine back

This was a good story, it adds to what was going on. Mera is still having issues with her magic. She is still trying to save Valentine and others from Kresnick. I am looking forward to the conclusion of the series. I am not a fan of the best friend always hooking up with the brother of a character. Just happens so much in books.

[Tara Syrnyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mera is really starting to come into her own in this book. We see a lot of growth within her. Her self confidence grows, and I enjoyed seeing that happen. There is also a lot happening with and to some of the other characters and it all combined to keep you on the edge of your seat. I am still rooting for Valentine and Mera to get their happy ending, but seriously, everything and everyone seems to be against them and it is stressful! This is well paced, the story is full of twists and turns and really well created characters . The ending of this book had me gasping and I am really really curious and eager to read the next installment!

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much going on in this book, tragedy struck Mera in book four, but her and Hades are finally free from Kenwood House and she will do anything to save Valentine. But it's never that easy and Mera finds herself captured again. But this time she's prepared to turn the tables. Everyone wants to use and abuse her powers but she finds a way to stay on top at every turn.

There are so many twists and turns a long the way, and some more truths come to light for Mera, especially when it comes to Valentine and his actions from book four. This book kept me turning the pages until the very last and even then I didn't want it to be over. I can't wait to delve into book six.

[FluffPandas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot for days!

There is so much happening in this book (let alone the series), our FMC is just dealing with so much, from trying to get Valentine back, and dealing with Kresnik, to dealing with Hades (my new favourite!

The plot of this series is intense, and it does take a little bit of brainpower to keep track of, that being said, I absolutely love it! Hades is absolutely my favourite character and I totally want him to have more time with our FMC just to mess everything up a little more!

It’s honestly tragic when you can see our FMC talk to Valentine’s soul, I love both Valentines’ and am hoping for a reunion of epic proportions in Book 6!

[C. Mercie M Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mera finds herself losing hope

Mera's plan to break through to Valentine's orriginal self, and unite his body and soul is looking more and more hopeless. Even with escaping the fire stronghold, she cannot seem to make anyone see the danger of her biological father, and the need for a whole Valentine to fight the threat. She needs to heal her heart and soul, without her soul mate, break the bonds of thrall, and keep going after all she's endured. She cannot even protect herself, much less her best friend, mentor, or family. She has to find a way to break through the mental block and become the pheonix she's meant to be.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yowza! This book definitely packs a punch!!! Even more trials and tribulations occur for our beloved couple. Just when she thinks she's out of danger something or someone else joins the fray. So many webs to decipher, and hidden foes within the shadows. Will King Valentines heart and body be reunited?? Will he and his Inamorata truly be back together again and start to bring their realm to normal? This book is filled with suspense, adventure, mystery, deception, crazy power hungry zealots, an a love determined to reunite.

[Dori Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kresnik, Hades, Indru, the Mage King... all would control Mera for their own gain. Valentine seems to be in her corner, but appearances aren't always glamour-free. All she knows is that each time she gets a step closer, somebody lengthens the staircase and the climb is definitely taking its toll!

I hate spoilers, so I won't leave one here. But seriously, READ THIS BOOK and the preceding 4. If the last sentence [of this book] doesn't hook you IMMEDIATELY, you're made of stronger stuff than I. OMG, where is book 6 already?? I may not survive the wait!

[Retta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know people say they don’t like cliffhangers, but I don’t know why. It really just leaves me wanting the next book. And let me tell you, I waaaant the next book. It is a must read. I got to the end and was NO! IT CANT END THERE! It wasn’t expected, I wasn’t ready. I need the next book, this series is so good. Meta the poor girl never gets a moments rest. Constantly chasing after something, looking for someone! It was awesome, and steamy. Absolutely loving this series. Can’t wait to read more!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a read, this series is so exciting, I can’t wait to see how it ends, book 6 already pre ordered. Mera is still trying to save Valentine, the supernatural world, and get rid of Kresnik, it’s a twist and turn all the way through. Will she be able to finally shift into her Phoenix and harness her power??? Or will her mistakes get the better of her?
Amazing story, plot and characters. This series has so much going on it’s amazing, so much angst, lots of steamy moments, and cute loving moments, overall I can’t recommend this series enough.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

There are so many surprising twists in this book that I am not sure what to even say. Mera is pretty much in survival mode at all times since she is trapped by the Flame and Valentine has been turned to another master momentarily. This makes for some dicey situations at times that will keep you hooked wondering what was going to happen next. Makes for quite the fun read as it all plays out. I cannot wait to see what is in store for this couple next. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the series and I am on the edge of my seat reading this. This is intense and so beautifully written. The story just pulls you in as you follow Mera through an insane story of love, betrayal and devastation. They twists will hit when you least expect them. There is plenty of fighting with paranormals. You’ve got plenty of vampires and demons all around. Some characters you will hate immediately and others will shock you. I can’t wait to read the next book and hope the Mera finally gets what she wants most.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Passion of the Vampire King...

Blood Fire Saga book 5. I'm obsessed with this series. I love the characters and the flow of it. However this book had me lost, confused and angry. She's suppose to be hiding out from daddy dearest but she out investigating. She is a freaking Phoenix and yet in crunch time she can't shift of use her powers to stop some baddies. Her bodyguards that are demons die by dumb luck circumstance. She has more bargains And trouble than she can handle. Simply always needing to be rescued. And the ending was TOTAL WTF.

[Cinamon Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has been, in my opinion, one long boring story. Starting with book 4, for me it started to drag. However, once I start a series I am committed until the end. The FMC for so many reasons has gotten on my last nerve. She appears to be one horny chocolate eating idiot. I’m hoping that the ending of this series is worth all the muddling about in the middle books. I read the spinoff series of Hades and Persephone first by this same author and decided to read the Blood 🩸 Saga Series. Boy, I guess I should’ve stopped with the spinoff series.