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The Blood Falls #1
Queens and Monsters Awakening
She is the enemy...and he is sworn to protect her.
Just out of sight exists a world of magic, vampires, monsters and royalty all on the brink of war…
Something Rhysa Smith knew nothing about until the sight of Draygus Wren’s blood Awakened her. She’s suddenly thrust into the middle of a lavish new world with powers she doesn’t understand, a trail of lies and deceit she must untangle, and an unstoppable love for the monster who is both her sworn enemy and her sworn protector.
Just out of sight exists a world of magic, vampires, monsters and royalty all on the brink of war…
Something Rhysa Smith knew nothing about until the sight of Draygus Wren’s blood Awakened her. She’s suddenly thrust into the middle of a lavish new world with powers she doesn’t understand, a trail of lies and deceit she must untangle, and an unstoppable love for the monster who is both her sworn enemy and her sworn protector.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2021
816 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
India Amare
20 books66 followersIndia Amare is the author of The Blood Falls series. It’s the pen name of a prolific romance author who finally unleashed the paranormal universe that’s been trapped in her head ever since she snuck a copy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula into the shopping cart when her mom wasn’t looking. (And got in trouble for that!)
After a career studying the long arc of human history she’s often wondered what if…
What if vampires existed. What if magic was real. What if everything we dream about isn’t imaginary after all…
Visit Blood Falls to delve into this alternate world.
After a career studying the long arc of human history she’s often wondered what if…
What if vampires existed. What if magic was real. What if everything we dream about isn’t imaginary after all…
Visit Blood Falls to delve into this alternate world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 23, 2022
LOVED THIS!
⤏ What to expect:
• Vampire Shifter
• Great Worldbuilding
• Good plot
• Hot 🔥 scenes
• Badass Heroine
• Grumpy Hero
⤏ Summary
Rhysa has been living her life as a normal human, working in a bookstore and going to college, when one day she meets Gigi, a normal but sophisticated girl in appearance, and everything changes.
A revelation that changes her life. A battle she doesn't want to be part of. A vampire who makes her breath catch.
⤏ Plot/Writing
Fast paced and with a plot that leaves you wanting more. I have nothing to criticize here.
⤏ Worldbuilding
I wasn't exaggerating when I said this book has great worldbuilding.
It's such an interesting and new take on vampires. The magic, the houses, the powers, the history, everything is explained so well you can't get lost in the details, you just want to know more. I loved this aspect of the book, it's so masterly made.
⤏ Characters
∘ Rhysa
I really liked her character. She knows what she wants, although it is difficult for her to accept what she is and how this is going to change her life, she's not foolishly denying it, or the help the others are offering.
She's a strong character, independent and capable of making her own decisions, keeping her wits to herself in different situations.
∘ Dray
Dray is a perfect example of powerful but grumpy male with a soft side. Giving me the "touch her and you die" vibes, he's possessive of her, but also respectful and caring.
I can't help but respect this man.
∘ Gigi
Gigi is the friend who really deserves the title "best friend". She's funny, she cares and she doesn't hesitate to help people in need. She supports Rhysa from the beginning and constantly offers to help when her friend's in need.
⤏ Romance
The romance was a little on the insta-love side, but giving the fact they're mates, it didn't bother me as much as this trope usually does. Theirs so much sexual tension between these two, you could cut it with a knife, really. The hot scenes were intense, especially with the feeding going on.
⤏ Conclusion
If you want to discover a new take on the vampires, a romance story with a little (more) spice and characters that makes you want to kill for them, give this one a go. I don't regret doing it ✨
⤏ What to expect:
• Vampire Shifter
• Great Worldbuilding
• Good plot
• Hot 🔥 scenes
• Badass Heroine
• Grumpy Hero
⤏ Summary
Rhysa has been living her life as a normal human, working in a bookstore and going to college, when one day she meets Gigi, a normal but sophisticated girl in appearance, and everything changes.
A revelation that changes her life. A battle she doesn't want to be part of. A vampire who makes her breath catch.
⤏ Plot/Writing
Fast paced and with a plot that leaves you wanting more. I have nothing to criticize here.
⤏ Worldbuilding
I wasn't exaggerating when I said this book has great worldbuilding.
It's such an interesting and new take on vampires. The magic, the houses, the powers, the history, everything is explained so well you can't get lost in the details, you just want to know more. I loved this aspect of the book, it's so masterly made.
⤏ Characters
∘ Rhysa
I really liked her character. She knows what she wants, although it is difficult for her to accept what she is and how this is going to change her life, she's not foolishly denying it, or the help the others are offering.
She's a strong character, independent and capable of making her own decisions, keeping her wits to herself in different situations.
∘ Dray
Dray is a perfect example of powerful but grumpy male with a soft side. Giving me the "touch her and you die" vibes, he's possessive of her, but also respectful and caring.
I can't help but respect this man.
∘ Gigi
Gigi is the friend who really deserves the title "best friend". She's funny, she cares and she doesn't hesitate to help people in need. She supports Rhysa from the beginning and constantly offers to help when her friend's in need.
⤏ Romance
The romance was a little on the insta-love side, but giving the fact they're mates, it didn't bother me as much as this trope usually does. Theirs so much sexual tension between these two, you could cut it with a knife, really. The hot scenes were intense, especially with the feeding going on.
⤏ Conclusion
If you want to discover a new take on the vampires, a romance story with a little (more) spice and characters that makes you want to kill for them, give this one a go. I don't regret doing it ✨
October 8, 2025
DNF
I knew what I was getting into when I started reading it, but even so, halfway through it, I lost interest, and it became more of a chore than something I was enjoying.
I knew what I was getting into when I started reading it, but even so, halfway through it, I lost interest, and it became more of a chore than something I was enjoying.
June 14, 2021
Meh, this was fine but I wasn't blown away by it and it ended on a cliffhanger, such that it felt like part of a story, rather than anything complete in and of itself. I did appreciate that Rhysa was quite independent, but I also felt like her self-defensiveness was overblown (or maybe not well enough supported). I liked Dray as a romantic lead, but I also didn't feel like the romance was particularly deep and I wasn't given enough meat to truly dig in. All in all, a fine read but not outstanding. I'd read another if I found it free or at the library. But I don't think I'd buy the next book.
April 3, 2022
exciting book
Found on a free site, i enjoyed this book very much, great characters and storyline. The ending was very metaphysical and not really my cup of tea, but the book was enjoyable.
Found on a free site, i enjoyed this book very much, great characters and storyline. The ending was very metaphysical and not really my cup of tea, but the book was enjoyable.
May 14, 2024
This book was...an incredibly difficult read. And I'm not saying that because it was dark or heavy, but it was just...so drab, even considering everything that happened within it. The book was so long (I don't know why it says on here that it was only 200 some pages, because it was definitely 400 or so on my version) but I felt like...nothing happened? Everything that was monumental that was happening with the main character felt like it happened so fast and it was just swept away. Plus, I really hate the "she's just so magical and special and good at everything even though she had no idea what she was" trope, and I rolled my eyes pretty hard at that several times.
Also, the sex scenes were not good. I'm pretty sure I was scowling the entire time I read them, especially with the line "my dick is warm and happy inside of you" and "my rear clit." Nope. Naw. And then there were so many scenes and they just were not good. The only one that had any hint of being good was the double up scene and that was even just not great.
There were also a lot of editorial and grammatical errors, which always pulls me out of the book for a moment.
For some reason (probably my stubbornness) I have to finish a book if I started it, but this was difficult to complete.
Also, the sex scenes were not good. I'm pretty sure I was scowling the entire time I read them, especially with the line "my dick is warm and happy inside of you" and "my rear clit." Nope. Naw. And then there were so many scenes and they just were not good. The only one that had any hint of being good was the double up scene and that was even just not great.
There were also a lot of editorial and grammatical errors, which always pulls me out of the book for a moment.
For some reason (probably my stubbornness) I have to finish a book if I started it, but this was difficult to complete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2023
Disjointed
No foster kid is going to be so accepting. She barely asked questions. She never even tried to see what abilities she had. Never a peep about the supplemental liquid diet requirements. Insta everything: friendships, love, acceptance. Dray literally pushes her away emotionally until the last few pages where he expects her to capitulate to his sudden acceptance of his desire for her... and again she just accepts it. There's going with the flow, and then there's this chick who just floats along like a balloon on a string. We get barely any world building. The characters don't evolve or develop. In fact, we know hardly anything about them. The plot is "prepare for war" but, again she isn't practicing her powers before walking into the lion's den, or learning weapons or hand to hand, either. All powerful energy means squat if you can't direct it. And then, after their night together, he just walks away. No promises to see her every couple days, or even once a week. Just, here's your grandpa, bye. End scene. Or rather, book. What was the point of this story? She has no interest in learning anything, so why should we?
No foster kid is going to be so accepting. She barely asked questions. She never even tried to see what abilities she had. Never a peep about the supplemental liquid diet requirements. Insta everything: friendships, love, acceptance. Dray literally pushes her away emotionally until the last few pages where he expects her to capitulate to his sudden acceptance of his desire for her... and again she just accepts it. There's going with the flow, and then there's this chick who just floats along like a balloon on a string. We get barely any world building. The characters don't evolve or develop. In fact, we know hardly anything about them. The plot is "prepare for war" but, again she isn't practicing her powers before walking into the lion's den, or learning weapons or hand to hand, either. All powerful energy means squat if you can't direct it. And then, after their night together, he just walks away. No promises to see her every couple days, or even once a week. Just, here's your grandpa, bye. End scene. Or rather, book. What was the point of this story? She has no interest in learning anything, so why should we?
February 10, 2022
Did you like twilight as a kid? How about Vampire diaries or the House of Night books? Okay good then you will love this book! It reads like the grown up version of all of our favorite YA vampire books! It’s fun, it’s sweet, it’s suspenseful with has forbidden romance and all the goodness of a YA novel with all the spice your adult heart could need! My only critique is that the ending didn’t leave me feeling satisfied. I know there is a second book but it’s for a new couple and I don’t love how Dray and Rhysa left things. Her deciding to go back to college and “get back to a normal life” while maybe fits her character a little bit I can’t see Dray not going with her or at least her just teleporting to campus while living with him. It just doesn’t make sense. Also the kiss between Rhysa and Gigi kind of felt out of place. Like I love me a good RH or poly situation but up until that moment I never felt any sexual tension or attraction between the two of them. I always saw Gigi as the sister Rhysa never got to have. And I cannot see Dray being cool with that at all. He’s extremely possessive. This book was originally written as a serial so maybe the author was pressured in to it by fans shipping Gigi and Rhysa but I don’t know it just felt forced to me. But over all the book was great and maybe all of my concerns will be addressed in the second book. I would still suggest you give this book a shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2022
I like the different take on the supernatural world, the story arc had a good pacing, the writing was decent, however, the "sausage in the cave" droned on, several pages each session. It's past a story with some steamy play; it's gratuitous, with a story attached. If that's what you are looking for, you may really like this book. I ended up skipped through a quarter of the book as I was looking for more adventure, more mystery, more character development...something I could really sink me teeth into.
I will move onto the next book in the series with the expectation I will be skipping through a bunch of it as I want to see how the world building plays out. While the next book is about a different couple, the overall story arc continues. Having said all that, if I had to purchase the book, instead of getting it for free with my kindle membership, I would not move onto the next book in the series unless it was on clearance or in a bargain bin.
I will move onto the next book in the series with the expectation I will be skipping through a bunch of it as I want to see how the world building plays out. While the next book is about a different couple, the overall story arc continues. Having said all that, if I had to purchase the book, instead of getting it for free with my kindle membership, I would not move onto the next book in the series unless it was on clearance or in a bargain bin.
September 24, 2022
Queens and Monsters by India Amare is a 5 ⭐️ read.
Rhysa was raised on foster home after being a I dined as a baby, she has no idea of who her parents are or why they left her but she’s come to terms with it now. She’s at school, working an internship and working in a bookstore, when one night a beautiful woman and her 2 brothers come in looking for a book that’s sold out everywhere but Rhysa has one put away and after selling it to the woman she gains a new friend and finds her life changed forever.
Dray Wren is the leader of his family, but they’re not an ordinary family they are Samhain, also known as shifters who drink blood the same as vampires, when his sister, his brother and him go to a bookstore they don’t expect to find Rhysa and have to tell her what she is.
This is a totally new author for me and I enjoyed this book so much I stayed up until 3am reading it. If you’re looking for a book with 🌶 then this book will be good for you.
Rhysa was raised on foster home after being a I dined as a baby, she has no idea of who her parents are or why they left her but she’s come to terms with it now. She’s at school, working an internship and working in a bookstore, when one night a beautiful woman and her 2 brothers come in looking for a book that’s sold out everywhere but Rhysa has one put away and after selling it to the woman she gains a new friend and finds her life changed forever.
Dray Wren is the leader of his family, but they’re not an ordinary family they are Samhain, also known as shifters who drink blood the same as vampires, when his sister, his brother and him go to a bookstore they don’t expect to find Rhysa and have to tell her what she is.
This is a totally new author for me and I enjoyed this book so much I stayed up until 3am reading it. If you’re looking for a book with 🌶 then this book will be good for you.
April 28, 2021
This was a wonderful and riveting story. This book provides a different take on vampires and you get immersed into this mesmerizing world with each page. Rhysa Smith was living a normal human life until a fateful encounter shatters her world and she learns not only that everything she has known about herself is a lie, but she plays a major part in this unknown world. When Draygus Wren enters her life through a chance encounter, Rhysa's life changes and her whole world turns upside-down with new emerging powers and a tangled web of deceit. The characters were absolutely amazing and I loved reading the chemistry between them. I would definitely recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2022
Samhain
Queens and Monsters is book one in the series The Blood Falls by author India Amare. Ok firstly this is first book I’ve read from this author and all I can say is that I am so damn sorry. And I promise to rectify my mistake ASAP.
With all that said and done- this book is absolutely brilliant, it’s fascinating, captivating and delicious. It’s like everything you’ve ever dreamed of wrapped in a bow (it’s not even my bday). The characters are so well written they feel like friends- like family. The words take you on a journey- you’re intensely involved. And the most perfect part is there’s more. India Amare you talented beyond belief- thank you for sharing your world with us.
Enjoy!!
Queens and Monsters is book one in the series The Blood Falls by author India Amare. Ok firstly this is first book I’ve read from this author and all I can say is that I am so damn sorry. And I promise to rectify my mistake ASAP.
With all that said and done- this book is absolutely brilliant, it’s fascinating, captivating and delicious. It’s like everything you’ve ever dreamed of wrapped in a bow (it’s not even my bday). The characters are so well written they feel like friends- like family. The words take you on a journey- you’re intensely involved. And the most perfect part is there’s more. India Amare you talented beyond belief- thank you for sharing your world with us.
Enjoy!!
August 31, 2021
No estoy segura aún de qué pensar. Vine creyendo que era una historia de cambiantes y vampiros, pero es una raza que es una mezcla de ambos y no sé, he visto más de vampiros que de cambiantes, y estos días prefiero los cambiaforma, pero eso se debe a un simple gusto personal mío y a que estoy pasando por una etapa de lectura cambiaforma de lobos estos días. De todas formas, me ha gustado, es solo que todavía no he decidido si me encanta o no, es como que no me ha parecido suficiente y sí estoy intrigada, pero a la vez no me satisface, pero repito, esto se debe a que estoy pasando por una crisis lectora donde solo quiero leer un tipo de lectura, entonces eso no es culpa del libro en sí.
October 13, 2025
I read the book to the end, hoping it would get better.
The beginning was really good; the story unfolded slowly, but it was interesting enough to draw me in.
Then, with each subsequent chapter, I became more and more bored. I didn't feel a connection with the characters, and I couldn't really get into the story.
Normally, I would have given it a "DNF," but this book irritated me so much that I decided to read it to the end to have some actual arguments.
I feel like the potential was a bit wasted. I knew there were sequels, but with this one, which was almost 500 pages, I got so bored that there's no way I'd pick up the second volume.
So it will be 2* from me. Sad
The beginning was really good; the story unfolded slowly, but it was interesting enough to draw me in.
Then, with each subsequent chapter, I became more and more bored. I didn't feel a connection with the characters, and I couldn't really get into the story.
Normally, I would have given it a "DNF," but this book irritated me so much that I decided to read it to the end to have some actual arguments.
I feel like the potential was a bit wasted. I knew there were sequels, but with this one, which was almost 500 pages, I got so bored that there's no way I'd pick up the second volume.
So it will be 2* from me. Sad
November 22, 2021
This was a great story, and it has so much potential. However the way it ended left me with more questions that answers. The second book deals with a whole new couple, so I am unsure if it will give the answers I need. What happens with Rhysa's mother and grandfather. All we know is that her mother is still stuck between the plane and living, and that her grandfather locked himself in his room and won't come out. Also, what happens with Rhysa? Is she able to fix everything and become the leader for all of the houses? So many questions, and no answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
“spice up your life” with this
Wow, 3.6 rounded to 4
Hot scale: 5 (very hot)
Story: 3 (good but need more context and refinment)
Magic: 4 (dragon shifter ohhh yeah!)
MMC: 5 ohhhh yessss >> commanding but kind, tall and gentle… and much more 💖
FMC: 4 doesnt overthink, not superhero from d1, booklover…
Standalone: 5 (with other characters from this separate storiesTBC)
Book-club: 1 (why oh why this G kiss had to be there?!?!)
Strangies: 2 >> 2nd C?! Awww… wasnt nescessary with all the other heat ongoing
Wow, 3.6 rounded to 4
Hot scale: 5 (very hot)
Story: 3 (good but need more context and refinment)
Magic: 4 (dragon shifter ohhh yeah!)
MMC: 5 ohhhh yessss >> commanding but kind, tall and gentle… and much more 💖
FMC: 4 doesnt overthink, not superhero from d1, booklover…
Standalone: 5 (with other characters from this separate storiesTBC)
Book-club: 1 (why oh why this G kiss had to be there?!?!)
Strangies: 2 >> 2nd C?! Awww… wasnt nescessary with all the other heat ongoing
December 11, 2021
Good story line But to many unanswered questions
A lot happened in the book it was a good story all around a lot of thought process went into this book was disappointed in the ending there are to many in answered questions for D&R let alone other character story line that enter twine with this book then you read the Epilogue and its not who you would think the next book is about but over all worth the read just to many in answered questions
A lot happened in the book it was a good story all around a lot of thought process went into this book was disappointed in the ending there are to many in answered questions for D&R let alone other character story line that enter twine with this book then you read the Epilogue and its not who you would think the next book is about but over all worth the read just to many in answered questions
September 4, 2023
Felt longer than it actually was, and I didn't love that. The spicy scenes seemed repetitive in nature, like I was just reading slightly varied versions of the same scene--for the most part. Not sure how I feel about the FMC having a fated mate and a presumably monogamous system for fated mates, and then engaging in a potential relationship with her fated mate's sibling? That just seems weird and kind of like it was thrown in as an afterthought.
June 14, 2024
I've read better stuff on Wattpad when I was 13.
The writing was just horrible. I've skipped over passages, especially the smut scenes. I love a good smut book but it was just too cringe to read and I was rolling my eyes constantly. A magical penis? seriously?
The book was entirely too long and I struggled to finish it (I just hate not finishing a book).
The only thing I liked, was the different take on the supernatural world.
The writing was just horrible. I've skipped over passages, especially the smut scenes. I love a good smut book but it was just too cringe to read and I was rolling my eyes constantly. A magical penis? seriously?
The book was entirely too long and I struggled to finish it (I just hate not finishing a book).
The only thing I liked, was the different take on the supernatural world.
April 27, 2021
DNF approx. half way. I'm giving a good review because I can tell it is a good book and the beginning of a good series. It just couldn't hold my interest right now, note: that's on me and my choice in genre not suiting my mood. I might pick it back up later! And I would really love to know India Amare's other pen name[s]!
September 6, 2021
Por mucho que le haya puesto una nota baja, no me parecio un mal libro. Se nota que la autora necesita aprender a escribir mejor pero no es aburrido, tampoco siento que sea toxico. Tiene instalove, y no se porque lo deje pasar, no me molesto. La prota no tiene personalidad, bueno creo que nadie tiene personalidad, pero lo disfrute; si eso tiene sentido?
April 12, 2022
Not my favorite. Definitely needs to be proof read. Way to many mistakes of wrong words. Not to much depth in the story and it felt like the smut was constantly copy and pasted. Super repetitive. Plot wasn't bad but maybe there wasn't enough time to develop the story and the characters. Not a bad read tho.
June 11, 2022
confused… happy for now??
3.5ish stars. So… I enjoyed this book but what I didn’t enjoy was the open ended happy for now… I prefer each couple to be wrapped up in a bow and I for this sense of impending doom that might affect their relationship. I liked the characters and interested in reading following books.
Read on KU
3.5ish stars. So… I enjoyed this book but what I didn’t enjoy was the open ended happy for now… I prefer each couple to be wrapped up in a bow and I for this sense of impending doom that might affect their relationship. I liked the characters and interested in reading following books.
Read on KU
June 30, 2022
absolutely loved it … except
Some of the smexy times just went on and in and on. It started to feel a bit repetitive. Not bad it I def adored their relationship but just exhausting I guess
Other than that this book and story was great world building was stupendous I really enjoyed this
Some of the smexy times just went on and in and on. It started to feel a bit repetitive. Not bad it I def adored their relationship but just exhausting I guess
Other than that this book and story was great world building was stupendous I really enjoyed this
May 29, 2023
DNF. I was pretty far along but it was honestly just me forcing myself to read it. I paused on it so many times and always hesitated to pick it back up. Even reading another entire book in between the last pause and choosing to quit. It just didn’t hold my interest enough. It felt like everything was so basic. Like a glazed over version of things. Even the sexy times were boring to me.
September 8, 2023
the spice
Y’all the spice was there, absolutely threw myself into reading once I had my claws on this book.
I’m glad I got the chance to read this, absolutely will read the second book asap.
It’s a must read if you’re into fated v soul mate vibes
Beloved vampire etc that real vibe
Y’all the spice was there, absolutely threw myself into reading once I had my claws on this book.
I’m glad I got the chance to read this, absolutely will read the second book asap.
It’s a must read if you’re into fated v soul mate vibes
Beloved vampire etc that real vibe
September 10, 2023
I got this for free. I've never heard of it but it seemed really interesting. I gave it a shot and I have no regrets.
I saw some mentioning of a cliffhanger. On a scale of 1-10 it's a level 1 cliffhanger. I think it's like that to build the stories of the other houses.
I'm into it.
I'm off to buy the next one now ❤️
I saw some mentioning of a cliffhanger. On a scale of 1-10 it's a level 1 cliffhanger. I think it's like that to build the stories of the other houses.
I'm into it.
I'm off to buy the next one now ❤️
November 3, 2025
nope this was a DNF for me it was way too drawn out, Her magic was super confusing they didn't have a common thread running through it and you couldn't feel their romance between them, it was more "fate has decided this so then we get to be intimate with each other. fate has decided that I will be attracted to you" 🙄 I liked the idea for the book but there was no spark for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2021
Great world building
I loved this book it is different and has a different take on the vampire. I loved the characters and talk about a sex romance with angst and all the great sexy times. Going straight on to book 2 !!
I loved this book it is different and has a different take on the vampire. I loved the characters and talk about a sex romance with angst and all the great sexy times. Going straight on to book 2 !!
May 3, 2021
Interesting story line about an orphan with powers and nice world building with heat as well. I just wish it had been longer. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2021
The lick and bite!
First I would like to say I got addicted to know what happens next once Gigi came into the story! Which was in the first couple of paragraphs.
Second is the steamy scenes.
Third is; stop reading my review and go read it already!
First I would like to say I got addicted to know what happens next once Gigi came into the story! Which was in the first couple of paragraphs.
Second is the steamy scenes.
Third is; stop reading my review and go read it already!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews