Three novellas set in The Hollow, a gated community on a private island that homes the ruling vampires, their legion, and many other vampires and humans. It is not necessary to have read the earlier books in the series, but it may help.
SHATTERED - Max and Paige
If there was one thing Paige West thought she knew for sure, it was that Max Kincaid did not like her. So when an argument between them ends in an explosive kiss, she’s more than stunned. Even more shocking? He proposes a deal—she’ll spend three nights in his bed, they’ll burn off the relentless sexual chemistry, and then they’ll each go their own way. Sounds simple. What could go wrong? Nothing, providing she can walk away emotionally unscathed. The trouble is … she’s not so certain she can.
ENTICED - Damien and Lexi
None of Lexi Solomon’s life plans had included living on an island filled with supposedly mythical creatures. Being inexplicably drawn to one of them isn’t so great, considering relationships between humans and vampires have no future, but Damien Addams compels her like nothing else. He also wants her in his bed. More, he wants to claim her as his vessel, meaning no vampire but him will be allowed to feed from her. Tempting. But it would also be reckless … because she’s falling too fast and too hard for a man she can’t keep.
DARED - Ryder and Maya
Maya Duncan knows that moving on from Ryder Kingsley won’t be easy, even if all they had was a brief fling before he left for a six-month-long trip. Well now he’s back, and it’s clear he has no interest in picking up where they left off. But after a group game of Truth or Dare forces them to put their hands on each other again, their resolve to keep their distance crumbles into nothing. But can the fling amount to more this time round, or are the rumours true? Is Ryder too deep in grief over a woman he lost to ever truly move forward?
Suzanne Wright lives in England with her husband, two children, and her Bengal cats. When she's not spending time with her family, she's writing, reading, or doing her version of housework - sweeping the house with a look.
This title contains three novellas and the above rating is a rough average of my ratings for all.
Here’s the breakdown:
Novella #1: Shattered - 4 Stars
As a longtime reader of the series I am very familiar with Paige and Max. Their story was short, yes, but it was sizzling and fun and I enjoyed it a lot.
Novella #2: Enticed - 2 Stars
It wasn’t bad, I just couldn’t get invested for some reason. I did a fair amount of skimming.
Novella #3: Dared - 3.5 Stars
I have always liked Maya and I remember Ryder from previous books. They had great chemistry. I did think Ryder’s hangup backstory was a little weak, but overall enjoyed the read.
And once again, all I have to say about this is....it's Suzanne Wright... hands down, that's all I need...and I'm absolutely biased and I don't care...
I thought we were over with this series and then she dropped two more. For now, I’m only reading this one because it looks like Touch of Rapture is a set up for an upcoming spin-off that’ll be released next year… so I’ll wait until those are finished first. This book is made up of three couple's novellas, but they’re all pretty similar. The dudes have issues committing but change their minds when the h’s lives are threatened.
Shattered- Paige + Max I wasn’t a fan of either of these two going in. I HATED her in Butch & Imani’s book, and thought he was a jerk in the first book. So I guess they deserve each other😊 I did think it was funny that after being such a bitch to Imani when she thought she kept relationship deets from her… that she kept relationship deets to herself. 🤦♀ There’s not a ton going on (no drama) … lots of sex and chasing down a baddie. **notes- telling the h you think about her while having sex with others isn’t flattering. Evan and Alora are bound. David & Denny are together.
Enticed- Lexi + Damien This is the first vampy/human coupling. I wasn’t really feeling it and skimmed quite a lot. **note- Harvey & Maisy, Rueben & Ian possible couples.
Dared- Maya + Ryder This had the most potential and was my fav couple (+ Ryder Kingsley- super cool name), but I felt like a couple things were dropped that could have brought some drama. Ryder and Maya had a short sex only fling before he left for a 6-mth tracking trip with Sebastian. We pick up with him returning. There was a wannabe OW that had lied while Ryder was gone that went nowhere- bummer. And there was the complication that both would need to feed from others during his tracking trips that wasn’t discussed- double bummer. It’s worth mentioning that the “baddie” is possessing animals that go on killing sprees and need to be put down, so there’s some animal killing-FYI. **notes- Cassie & Donnie, Keeley & Sebastian couples.
Bottom Line- I’m a HUGE SW fan, but this was just OK for me… and we’re talking low 3⭐… which sucks, but I’ll still read anything she puts out. I would only recommend this for fans of the series because I think it would be quite boring without the connection.
Novella #1: Shattered - 4 Stars ~ I really wish that Paige and Max got a full book. Having seen Max from the beginning of the series, I think this book could have been longer. Maybe not full length, but a tad bit more story. But hey beggers can't be choosers. I loved both these characters and while it was short, I enjoyed the crap out of it.
Novella #2: Enticed - 3 Stars ~ My only problem with this one, is I guess I never felt like Damien had this crazy strong personality in the first couple of books. I know he is strong power wise, but he always seemed a little less alpha to me. I wish we had seen Lexi in prior books, but I'm excited to meet her as a Vamp and see what her power is. I'm assuming we will in the next book.
Novella #3: Dared - 3.5 Stars ~ I actually enjoyed this one more than #2. I liked Maya and Ryder together. Again, its so hard to only get a short story from one of your favorite authors, but even still I loved every second of it.
After procrastinating about this book and Touch of Rapture of should I or shouldn't read them I have decided not to read these. The main reason I reread Here Be Sexist Vampires recently and it just wasn't the same anymore. I also can't be arsed to go back and read them all again to remember who these people are. After such a long time is it wise to go back to a series? Even to tie up loose ends?
I honestly don’t think anyone is going to be surprised when I say I loved this. I was a little bit worried when I realised it was a collection of 3 novellas because I find novellas to be incredibly hit and miss (mostly a miss in my experience) but they genuinely were so well written and fleshed out that they felt like full length stories in their own right. They were quick, funny, action packed, spicy and interesting. Another solid, if not slightly unconventional, addition to the series!
There are three stories in this anthology. I really liked the first two - about Max & Paige and Damien & Lexi. The last book with Maya & Ryder was just ok.
Read on to the next book in the series (book 7) to find out what gift Lexi has...it's pretty cool!
OK I'm a huge fan of this author so obviously I was going to read this. Now I've rounded it to 4 stars because over all I enjoyed having a sample of everyone and the change up of three mini stories. However these are not my favourite, I knew this going in so my expectations weren't that of say if I was reading any of her other books. But I still enjoyed being back in the vamp world with my favs Sam and Jarad and even good ol Fletch.
Max and Paige is book one.
I enjoyed the back and forth power struggle between these characters. I've never been a giant fan of slap head because I found him to be immature and selfish but he's definitely grown since Here Be Sexist Vampire days into a more mature version of himself. That being said.. he still needs to man up a bit for me but I did love him with Paige and the fact she pushed him in ways no one else could so he actually opened up. And they had crazy chemistry!!.
Damien and Lexi are book two.
I enjoyed the different dynamics with her being human and him being vampire. There was a little more restraint with their relationship and conflict because the obvious, her being human. I loved that he always wanted her and kind of worked for it. It was a refreshing read but I will say they didn't have me hooked.
Ryder and Maya are the last book.
These two frustrated me because they had the most tension I feel and a crazy chemistry. But Ryder is very frustrating with his past and honestly it just wasn't that big of a deal as It was made out. They played this game of cat and mouse which I kind of liked but also found frustrating. As a whole I enjoyed them but they made me a little crazy to.
For what you get it's absolutely worth the read. It's very typical suzanne style with her sharp witty characters, her steamy scenes and the crazy that happens within them. I enjoyed this book. Would it be a re-read story like her others?.. probably not but honestly that's just because they are short and to the point but was it nice to know these characters got their own little HEA feel?.. absolutely.
I have a feeling I'm about to ruffle some feathers.
I have been a fan of this author since 2015. I have read all but 3 of books. I was excited because it's a been a minute since she released any in this particular series, and to get two back to back like that? Hell yeah. That being said, after reading this book, I think it's time I admit I've outgrown her writing style and move on from her books.
Lazy editing, there's no way around that. You can not make such a big point of having characters that are different nationalities and of your books taking place in very specific countries, only to not give two poops about the way they speak, about the spelling of things, the way courting things are called, and just have them all in the end be British. This has actually been a growing issue in the books she has published in the last idk, 2-3 yrs.
The incredible amount of useless recollection/repetition. This is book 6 in a series, it is not a standalone, so why we are being fed the whole story & explanation from book one all over again is beyond me. Do I need to be reminded of who Sam & Jared are ? No. The Hollow? No, yet there you have page after page of explanation. I read the first 8% of book 7 and guess what? SAME, if not worse. This is also something she does in every single one of her books within a series, even if they are #7-8-9. At no point does she ever say they are standalone novels in case you're wondering.
Every single character in this book was generic. You can't tell me you see much difference in personality between Max & Damien. You honestly could have switched the names around and it would not have made a difference, sad really since they actually were quite different in the first couple of books in the series. Page also seemed no different than Lexie or Maya. They all read the same. Also, I think the timeline for me is messed up, since I think is the Ryder from book one or two, for sure Imani's book, and I think it's been more than 6 months, but not? IDK, that wasn't very clear. Also, I get that Ryder is a vampire now and all, but I thought he came off rather cold to the fact that his unborn child had been killed just 6 months before. That's just not coo, at least when Lexi talks about her loss there's a hair of emotion in the air. Still, I didn't appreciate how these things were basically brushed away so easily.
I think putting all couples in one book was just a mistake. They simply blurred together. One very clear example - all the men thought "Jesus fucking christ" in their stories, they all had this whole "oh let's just fuckk it out of our system". It's just so unoriginal when she uses it so much.
Call me crazy, but I just want more. More story, more depth to characters, and sadly, this was just lacking in both for me.
I truly enjoyed 🤗 reading the anthology and am happy 😊 about the characters getting their 'hea' especially Max and Paige.🥰 I was super excited 🤩 about Damien and Lexi's story since Lexi is a human, I wanted to see how does it plays out and let me tell you they are my fav couple 💕 now though...
I loved💕 getting to know Ryder a bit better🤗 than before and loved his story with Maya; it was great reading all three novellas for sure🥰 The closure given about certain characters in the novella was like cheery🍒 on the top🤭.
Looking forward to meeting all the characters again in the next book❤🤗.
This compilation of novellas suffers from what most anthologies suffer from. Some of the stories are very good-others are Not as good. So when you round off the average you get a meh (2.5 to 3 star average rating). I thought Max and Paige's story was the best of the bunch with Dante and Lexi's being my least favorite, but none of them were great.It was nice to visit with some of the series regulars though and the steam was good.
This was full of emotional novellas, the Legion has a mission, but we get a few new couples. We see their new relationships sprout and the issues they have to face to get there, along with carrying out missions for the Grand High Pair.
This was a collection of shorter stories for some nee couples from the squads. I actually loved seeing all the different stories and connections. They all felt like good sized novellas, each with their own story arc.
I loved loved loved it so much!!!!😍😍😍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ another Phenomenal book by Suzanne Wright she is awesome and her books are Amazing I recommend this book and series to everyone you won't be disappointed!!!
I wanted more from all three stories. They were so short and all had interesting storylines that could have been expanded. Max n Paige deserved a full book😭
As a big fan of the original books of The Deep in Your Veins series, it was great to dive back into this world again. If you haven't dipped your toe into these books before, you definitely don't need to have read any of the previous novels to enjoy this one, although you might enjoy the back story of the main characters and the set up of The Hollow (the Caribbean island where the vampires of this series reside) and the legion (the elite squad of vampires that work for and protect the Grand High Vampires and the main pair of the series, aka Jared and Sam). I'm a fan of a lot of this author's work with some of her series being in my all-time favourite novels and constantly reread by myself. That being said, there are a lot of repetitive themes and a definite style she embraces, so personally I found that the three separate stories being a shorter, novella length and put into an anthology enhanced the reading experience as it made the repetition a little less noticeable than in some of her novels. Just to be clear, it's 100% still there, though, and I'll be mentioning this in more detail below.
Captivated includes three, novella-style stories set in The Hollow. I'll give a brief overview below as a well as a summary of what I liked/what didn't work for me.
Shattered This was Max and Paige's story. To be honest, I thought I'd hate this one because Paige kind of made me want to claw my eyes out in previous books. Over the top, abrasive and trying to pass as a strong female but instead coming across as obnoxious and whiney. I loved Max in the other books, however, particularly the earlier ones. Thankfully, Paige seemed to have either grown up or was toned down in Shattered as I enjoyed her character for the most part. The premise of this book is that Max and Paige have had the hots for each other for ages (including in previous books where it was hinted this would go somewhere). Not able to take the sexual tension anymore, Max proposes that he and Paige have a three night, no holds barred, sex to the wall interlude and walk away once they've gotten each other out of their system. Of course, this being a Suzanne Wright book, there's some corny, over the top back story as to why Max can't commit so he's only looking for something temporary. Again, run of the mill with this author, he can't stay away, he wants her so much, she's his, yada, yada, yada and things get a whole lot more complicated for our couple. Add to that there's a madman on the loose who wants to take Paige out permanently as she's hindering his attempt to take revenge on a couple of other vampires and Max jumps in to the rescue while getting growly and alpha-esque. I found this story had most of this author's usual themes in it laid on thick. Paige going on about Max never wanting a relationship was repeated at least three times. We get it. He doesn't want a relationship. I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess her magic lady bits and the fact that she ain't like other girls, y'all, will help him see the light... I'll also add that this story's antagonist's reasons for going a bit cray were almost comical. Are we running out of ideas?
Enticed This is Lexi and Damien's story and probably my favourite of the three stories. Lexi was chucked in randomly in the previous novella, I'm assuming so she's an least minimally known to readers in anticipation for this story. This one stood out a bit because Lexi was a human and Damien, being really into her, wants her to become his vessel. You could pretty much guess where the plot was headed, given that Lexi is a human and this author always has happily ever afters, but it was still a solid, entertaining read even if the antagonist stretched believability a bit. Basically, one of the nastier vampires is mean to Lexi and has been horrid to humans in the past. He's punished and blames Lexi for this. Insert the over the top reason why (and it was ridiculous) and Damien wanting to protect her and you have the story. I liked it but would have liked a teeny bit more detail as I felt some aspects towards the end weren't entirely tied up. I'm hoping this happens in future books. There was also a fair amount of 'this relationship has no future' and 'it's only about smexy times, nothing serious'.
Dared This was Maya and Ryder's story. Both of these characters, particularly the latter, weren't overly familiar to me but it was an entertaining enough read. There was, however, the token other female causing a bit of trouble - yes, you've read that correctly. There are indeed two stories out of the three with this theme. There's also the 'we're not a couple and never will be'. Ryder is one of the newer trackers so has been gone for 6 months. He and Maya had had a brief fling but then he left. On top of that, he was still adjusting to his new life on The Hollow. There were both likeable characters. Ryder had had a girlfriend that he seemed to be cut up over and without spoiling anything, I kind of guessed his experiences with her would have been misunderstood and over-rated, because heaven forbid any male character have an ex he was actually in love with. Can't have that...apparently. Anywho, Ryder returns and can't stay away from Maya and when they do a bit of smoochy-smoochy while playing Truth or Dare (yes, you read that correctly. Apparently you can never grow out of it...). He wants more and it rekindles what he'd felt for her before leaving, but nothing in life is easy so we'll chuck in a bunch of rabid animals on the island to keep things interesting between our main couple.
All of the books share common themes that this author always drags out. Verbs and adjectives rattled off like nobody's business, especially around the smexy times. I'm talking licking, nipping, exploring, etc. And lets not forget my personal favourite as it always leaves me scratching my head: sipping. I started to worry that I was actually going to read a Wright book that didn't have this chucked in there, but never fear, dear readers, it's slid into the third story. I had a mild panic attack at first because how will our main characters ever achieve intimacy if they're not sipping from each others mouths??? Yeah, I'm being a teeny bit sarcastic. Some of the other familiar phrases come out to do the rounds: sniffing, sucking, body parts feeling like silken fists or velvet, having a magical smexy moment that hits so hard they almost pass out or see black spots, etc. with the level of need between the main characters laid on thick, with sometimes extra cheese added. There's also the emphasis on how strong, confident and powerful the male lead it. One of my favourite phrases from the book? 'He prowled inside, each step fluid and purposeful'. This made me lol hard. What does this mean? Opposed to what? Were we expecting him to walk into the room like a toddler learning to walk or a drunken sailor and not knowing where he was going? Because nobody likes a hesitant walker lolololol.
Super alpha, dominant, jealous and possessive male leads are in abundance here, which is why I always go back to this author as this is my jam. There was also some tedious dialogue that is becoming increasingly obvious the more books from this author that I read - if you've read her novels before, you'll probably know what I mean. Chitter chat between the main and secondary characters that dumbs down the main points of the plot, particularly the key relationship issues between the two main characters. It's always something along the lines of, 'Dude/dudette, I can tell you're really into her', or here's some token analysis I've done of how you react to each other so I think they're really into you or this is a reason for why they act how they do. And my favourite: here's some thickly laid cheese about how scrummy they are. I'll smash this into some dialogue just in case you're too stoooopid to figure it out as the reader. Said dialogue always tends to stand out a wee bit as it comes across as a wee bit contrived.
Of course, this wouldn't be a Suzanne Wright book without some petty ex or other woman/man drama, and this is trotted out early in the book, even for this author. I'm talking Chapter One, there's the jilted other woman who tries to make trouble and gets snarky. I'm generally pretty snarky myself about this in this author's books because I hate it. It's not my thing, particularly when it's done in a way that demeans women for having the audacity to just be female, not to mention I find it terribly cliché, tired and kind of a lazy plot device. Thankfully, it wasn't horrendous in this anthology, but it was definitely there to add some over the top and well-contrived drama. This, combined with the dialogue that dumbs down and summarises key points the author wants to emphasise and I always feel as though I'm back in high school. Like, duuuuuude, I think he really likes you and he is soooo dreamy! Not exactly, but you get the picture. There's also a good dose of the female lead not being like other girls, y'all. She's super duper special with a cherry on top. And let's not forget, he's the guy that doesn't do relationships until that super original (and yet follows the same plot thread) girl rocks his world. While I'm on this topic, there are a heap of tragic, traumatic and terribly convenient backstories thrown in as per usual to explain why the leads are as emotionally stunted as they are, finding it difficult to trust anyone and for there to be any hope of a relationship. Spoiler alert: most of them are ridiculous and mostly non-issues.
I enjoyed the anthology, but with the repetition of themes, I hope I'm not outgrowing this author as they're sometimes getting tired and I'm finding myself writing the same things every time I review her books. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy them and one-click on most of them, but predictability and certain themes laid on thick can get a bit old. The novella length really helped with this here, however, as it diluted the repetition somewhat and stopped it from being overly tedious. I always get to the end of a review of this author's work and feels as though I've over-ranted (because I probably have lol) and made it sound like I didn't liked the book - I did. It's just that the themes are really repetitive in all of her books. I'm really excited about the next book as it focusses on Jared and Sam.
Great collection of novellas based on legion members. Getting a closer look at more members is nice add to the feel of The Hollow.
Max & Paige, been itching for their story so I was annoyed with the jealous ex being used again. SW has a thing for having jealous ex girlfriends as the drama. It’s annoying me as it makes out how bitchy and snarky women can be. (3 stars)
Damien & Lexi I really enjoyed. Especially Lexi being human and I like her character in general. I’m hoping she gets a cool gift and joins the all girls legion. (4 stars)
Ryder & Maya. Ryder ended up being nothing like I envisioned him from previous books. I actually really liked how Maya & Coop had their fling as it shows how people can get along and look out for each other. (4 stars)
I thought this was a good collection of novellas from the Deep in Your Veins Series. I rated this collection 4.5 Stars, so I’ve rounded it up to 5 Stars due to wishing that each couple got a full length book like some of the other squad members. I’ve reviewed each novella separately which is listed below:
Shattered - Max and Paige - I really enjoyed this novella about Paige and Max. Paige honestly thought that Max did not like her at all. She’s stunned when an argument between them ends up in an explosive kiss, he tells her the real reason why he’s keeping his distance and that she couldn’t be more wrong that he doesn’t like her. Max and Paige are very similar people and that they both hold on to their independence. Paige is completely shocked when he proposes a deal for her to spend three nights in his bed so that they’ll be able to burn off their explosive chemistry, before going their seperate ways without getting emotionally involved.
I really enjoyed seeing Max and Paige slowly open up to each other about their pasts. It’s pretty obvious from the get go that they both mean something to the other, and she’s different as she’s breaking all of Max’s rules. I didn’t mind that this was a novella length book because Max and Paige have known each other for awhile. There was already some sort of connection between them, so it wasn’t so insta-love. This novella is all about Max and Paige’s three day s*xathon with a little danger on the side. I do wish that all the couples featured in this collection would’ve gotten a full length book as I’m just greedy for more lol. I’m looking forward to reading Damien and Lexi’s story next.
Enticed - Damien and Lexi - I really enjoyed this novella about Damien and Lexi. Damien has been intrigued by Lexi, from the moment he met her. His eyes are constantly drawn to her and he constantly thinks about her. He knows that nothing can happen between them as Lexi’s human. It isn’t until she’s being accosted by a vampire Castor who doesn’t take rejection from a women well, and its even worse that Lexi’s human. He has real issues where women are concerned and thinks that Lexi doesn’t have any rights because humans are inferior. Castor is a complete a*sehole and he deserved everything he got. Damien and Lexi finally end up crossing the line when they kiss, which is explosive and ends up them having a hot as hell night together.
Both of them know that it should just be once and done but their chemistry is too hard to ignore. Lexi hasn’t accepted any offers that have come her way of being fed from, that is until her night with Damien when she allows him to feed from her. Damien ends up asking her to be his vessel, as since she’s human and nothing long term can happen between them because Lexi will slowly age. Becoming Damien’s vessel at least shows her that she means something to him and that he wants exclusivity since no one else can feed from her. Will Lexi accept to become his vessel? I do wish that all the couples featured in this collection would’ve gotten a full length book as I’m just greedy for more lol. I’m looking forward to reading Ryder and Maya’s story next.
Dared - Ryder and Maya - I really enjoyed this novella about Ryder and Maya. Ryder and Maya had a fling before he left the Hollow six months ago to learn to track with Jared and Sam’s best tracker and advisor Sebastian. Maya doesn’t think that Ryder cares about her, or that sh believes that he’s hung up on his pregnant girlfriend who was killed in front of him, before Ryder’s sire turned him, as he could feel Sebastian on his tale so he thought that having Ryder transition would slow Sebastian down, which it did. The real reason is that Ryder is used to everyone leaving him or trying to change him but Maya definitely wont try to do that. It was heartbreaking hearing about his past and the reason why he’s the way he is.
The chemistry between them is completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell. I really don’t blame Maya for not being able to resist Ryder, especially when he focuses all his attention towards her. I didn’t mind that this was a novella length book because Ryder and Maya have known each other for awhile and they’d previously had a fling. There was already some sort of connection between them, so it wasn’t so insta-love. This novella is all about them realising after a game of Truth or Dare, that things aren’t as over for them as they both believe. They just can’t seem to keep their distance. I’m glad that they both got their sh*t together, as I think that they’re great together. The danger aspect was weird as hell lol. I do wish that all the couples featured in this collection would’ve gotten a full length book as I’m just greedy for more lol. I’m looking forward to reading Touch of Rapture next, and getting more of Jared and Sam and seeing what danger they face next.
I’d definitely recommend this collection, series and author to everyone.