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Blackthorne Vampires #1
Blood Captive
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
He wanted me for my blood...
Living on the run was all I'd ever known. My life was unstable, but at least I wasn't alone. That all changed when my mother was murdered.
I ran from the unknown creatures she'd always feared. Until the day I stopped being afraid.
That was my first mistake.
Cashel Blackthorne took me as his captive, but more than that, he opened my eyes to the terrible truth of the world.
Vampires exist, and I am the key to their salvation.
The Blackthorne vampires need my blood but their prince desires more--me.
There's something between us neither of us can deny.
He is my captor, but I'll be his ruin.
He wanted me for my blood...
Living on the run was all I'd ever known. My life was unstable, but at least I wasn't alone. That all changed when my mother was murdered.
I ran from the unknown creatures she'd always feared. Until the day I stopped being afraid.
That was my first mistake.
Cashel Blackthorne took me as his captive, but more than that, he opened my eyes to the terrible truth of the world.
Vampires exist, and I am the key to their salvation.
The Blackthorne vampires need my blood but their prince desires more--me.
There's something between us neither of us can deny.
He is my captor, but I'll be his ruin.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2019
870 people are currently reading
1261 people want to read
About the author
Kim Loraine
79 books1,062 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.
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July 26, 2025
✅ Vampires
✅🆗 Pace
🆗 Plot
🆗 Backstories
🆗❌ Characters
🆗❌ Romance (almost insta-love)
❗️❗️Mild cliffhanger
This book is linked to The Mate Games series, as it’s about Noah and Rosie’s parents: Cashel and Olivia, but it is not necessary to read it before reading the Mate Games series.
Olivia has always lived on the run. From what, she has no idea, but her mom insisted on them moving around every few months or years and changing their identities every time. One year after her mother’s murder, Olivia finally understands what they were running from. After being kidnapped by Cashel Blackthorne and learning that her blood is special due to some old magic, Olivia needs to find a way to escape Blackthorne manor before it’s too late for her, but things become more and more complicated the more time she spends with Cashel because she finds herself insanely attracted to him for some reason.
Not much happens in this book, but at the same time, it felt rushed. The romance could almost be qualified as “insta-love”, and it was even more annoying because of the way Olivia was treated. I don’t like insta-love to begin with, but the fact that Olivia developed feelings for Cashel so quickly after being kidnapped, sequestrated, having her blood taken against her will, and being almost raped made it even worse than a “regular” insta-love. How could she possibly develop romantic feelings for him in the middle of everything, in only a few days? It was not enough for him to show her that he was different, or whatever it would have taken to turn this into a good captive romance.
The dialogues between Olivia and Cashel were not smooth, it felt awkward at times, and I honestly didn’t care about them at all. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, and I didn’t even understand why they liked each other. They both annoyed me and were quite bland at the same time. Olivia has no backbone and keeps thinking about how hot Cashel is instead of fighting back and trying to escape. Cashel has the potential to be an interesting character, but it was not developed in this book, so I don’t really care about him either.
We also lack some basic information on the characters' backstories (or maybe I missed it? For example, I still don’t understand how Olivia knows the hunters and who is this Logan to her. How and when did they meet? Were they friends? I feel like I’m missing a chunk of the story here.
After devouring both Mate Games series, I wanted to like this prequel series about Olivia and Cashel, but it was a miss for me. I didn’t enjoy the story, the romance, or the writing, and I will not be continuing this series.
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✅🆗 Pace
🆗 Plot
🆗 Backstories
🆗❌ Characters
🆗❌ Romance (almost insta-love)
❗️❗️Mild cliffhanger
This book is linked to The Mate Games series, as it’s about Noah and Rosie’s parents: Cashel and Olivia, but it is not necessary to read it before reading the Mate Games series.
Olivia has always lived on the run. From what, she has no idea, but her mom insisted on them moving around every few months or years and changing their identities every time. One year after her mother’s murder, Olivia finally understands what they were running from. After being kidnapped by Cashel Blackthorne and learning that her blood is special due to some old magic, Olivia needs to find a way to escape Blackthorne manor before it’s too late for her, but things become more and more complicated the more time she spends with Cashel because she finds herself insanely attracted to him for some reason.
Not much happens in this book, but at the same time, it felt rushed. The romance could almost be qualified as “insta-love”, and it was even more annoying because of the way Olivia was treated. I don’t like insta-love to begin with, but the fact that Olivia developed feelings for Cashel so quickly after being kidnapped, sequestrated, having her blood taken against her will, and being almost raped made it even worse than a “regular” insta-love. How could she possibly develop romantic feelings for him in the middle of everything, in only a few days? It was not enough for him to show her that he was different, or whatever it would have taken to turn this into a good captive romance.
The dialogues between Olivia and Cashel were not smooth, it felt awkward at times, and I honestly didn’t care about them at all. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, and I didn’t even understand why they liked each other. They both annoyed me and were quite bland at the same time. Olivia has no backbone and keeps thinking about how hot Cashel is instead of fighting back and trying to escape. Cashel has the potential to be an interesting character, but it was not developed in this book, so I don’t really care about him either.
We also lack some basic information on the characters' backstories (or maybe I missed it? For example, I still don’t understand how Olivia knows the hunters and who is this Logan to her. How and when did they meet? Were they friends? I feel like I’m missing a chunk of the story here.
After devouring both Mate Games series, I wanted to like this prequel series about Olivia and Cashel, but it was a miss for me. I didn’t enjoy the story, the romance, or the writing, and I will not be continuing this series.
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October 3, 2022
Vampire catnip!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: ☺️😉😀😘
The heroine: Olivia Stewart - Her mother was murdered one year ago. As she lay dying, she told Olivia to run. Her mother had been crazy, always moving them from town to town, saying that monsters were after her blood.
The Hero: Cashel Blackthorne - he is one of the Blackthorne vampires, son to the King. He finds the woman they have been searching for and brings her to Blackthorne manor to be a pet for the King.
The Story: Olivia is taken against her will and held captive in a mansion full of vampires who wanted her blood. They said her blood was sunshine. She had to cover her scent with rose oil or she would be at risk from all the vampires in the manor. Cashel is her only safety but she is not safe from him and she isn’t for him, but for the King.
This book was told in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Emma Wilder and Aaron Shedlock. Emma Wilder has a soft feminine voice and she portrays anxiety well with her voice. Aaron Shedlock has a gravely voice that works for the mysterious vampire that is Cashel.
The vampires had a plan and needed Olivia’s blood to cure sun sickness which is a disease that is killing vampires. Olivia is descended from a line of powerful magic. Her bloodline used to hold sunshine that could kill vampires. Though the blood was diluted through the years and when her mother died, she got the magic in her blood. Small amounts of blood would keep the remaining vampires alive.
Cashel was responsible for her safety, they told her that vampires would want to drain her dry and she was safer there than anywhere else where her fate might be the same as her mother. This all reminded me a lot of True Blood when it turned out Sookie was part Fairy and vampires craved her blood.
We find out early on that Cashel is somewhat trustworthy and that his father, the King, is the kind of vampire who likes to torment those around him. He wants Olivia for himself and would eventually drain her dry when he couldn’t stop himself even if killing her would mean the end of his race. This was a good alpha vampire captive romance with an original twist.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: ☺️😉😀😘
The heroine: Olivia Stewart - Her mother was murdered one year ago. As she lay dying, she told Olivia to run. Her mother had been crazy, always moving them from town to town, saying that monsters were after her blood.
The Hero: Cashel Blackthorne - he is one of the Blackthorne vampires, son to the King. He finds the woman they have been searching for and brings her to Blackthorne manor to be a pet for the King.
The Story: Olivia is taken against her will and held captive in a mansion full of vampires who wanted her blood. They said her blood was sunshine. She had to cover her scent with rose oil or she would be at risk from all the vampires in the manor. Cashel is her only safety but she is not safe from him and she isn’t for him, but for the King.
This book was told in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Emma Wilder and Aaron Shedlock. Emma Wilder has a soft feminine voice and she portrays anxiety well with her voice. Aaron Shedlock has a gravely voice that works for the mysterious vampire that is Cashel.
The vampires had a plan and needed Olivia’s blood to cure sun sickness which is a disease that is killing vampires. Olivia is descended from a line of powerful magic. Her bloodline used to hold sunshine that could kill vampires. Though the blood was diluted through the years and when her mother died, she got the magic in her blood. Small amounts of blood would keep the remaining vampires alive.
Cashel was responsible for her safety, they told her that vampires would want to drain her dry and she was safer there than anywhere else where her fate might be the same as her mother. This all reminded me a lot of True Blood when it turned out Sookie was part Fairy and vampires craved her blood.
We find out early on that Cashel is somewhat trustworthy and that his father, the King, is the kind of vampire who likes to torment those around him. He wants Olivia for himself and would eventually drain her dry when he couldn’t stop himself even if killing her would mean the end of his race. This was a good alpha vampire captive romance with an original twist.
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October 11, 2021
I listened to this book on audio and became so invested in this story! Olivia is kidnapped and finds herself stuck in a house full of vampires. They want her blood and have no plans of letting her go. Olivia finds herself drawn to Cashel, though, and safe when she's around him. But he can't be with her since his father is the king and the one who needs her blood the most. I loved how this was a forbidden romance and how Olivia found herself not wanting to leave Cashel, even when she has the chance. It was so interesting watching them want to trust each other but then also not trusting each other when their loyalty came into question. And then that ending! I can't wait to start book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2021
This book had its good intentions with combining two genres of captive romance and PNR but I just DID NOT CARE THAT SHE WAS SPECIAL BECAUSE SHE WAS ANNOYING AND HE WASN'T AS HOT AS I IMAGINED HIM TO BE.
I just couldn't care about the plot and the evil characters.
I just couldn't care about the plot and the evil characters.
May 12, 2022
Another heroine who finds rape hot, wonderful. Mind you, it's only in the context of the "hero" and her maybe possibly eventually definitely having sex at that point but???
There's a scene where he tells her to pick out a book, any book because he read them all, close her eyes and read a random part and he'll guess what the book is.
This is what happens:
My mouth ran dry as I began to read a scene which described a woman named Beauty being woken by her prince, but not simply with a kiss. He fucked her, deep, taking her virginity even as she came back from the depths of her sleeping curse.
And then she gets aroused, starts fantasising about Cashel doing it to her, and says consent wouldn't be needed because he has hers already or something along those lines. Baby, that Stockholm syndrome is strong, break free of it.
She could've picked ANY BOOK, and this is what she picks. This was a conscious choice and a completely ridiculous one at that. I'm not sure what's worse, that the book exists in real life or that the heroine found it hot. Both are bad, whatever.
LUCKILY, nobody rapes her in this book, not the hero or anyone else, but it does get kinda close. And she has enough sense not to find it hot there, good job Olivia.
Aside from that, this book gave me nothing. Not one thing. WHERE'S THE CHEMISTRY? THE PASSION? I really can't see why he wanted her so badly that he had to go and kidnap her and then acted on-and-off towards her while she was trapped.
The ending is a cliffhanger as expected, and it was an okay one as far as cliffhangers go. I liked it actually, I hope it stays that way (I know it won't, but I can dream).
Sorry Noah, I really wanted to meet you and see who you are in this universe, but I don't think I can continue with this series. See you in The Mate Games.
There's a scene where he tells her to pick out a book, any book because he read them all, close her eyes and read a random part and he'll guess what the book is.
This is what happens:
My mouth ran dry as I began to read a scene which described a woman named Beauty being woken by her prince, but not simply with a kiss. He fucked her, deep, taking her virginity even as she came back from the depths of her sleeping curse.
And then she gets aroused, starts fantasising about Cashel doing it to her, and says consent wouldn't be needed because he has hers already or something along those lines. Baby, that Stockholm syndrome is strong, break free of it.
She could've picked ANY BOOK, and this is what she picks. This was a conscious choice and a completely ridiculous one at that. I'm not sure what's worse, that the book exists in real life or that the heroine found it hot. Both are bad, whatever.
LUCKILY, nobody rapes her in this book, not the hero or anyone else, but it does get kinda close. And she has enough sense not to find it hot there, good job Olivia.
Aside from that, this book gave me nothing. Not one thing. WHERE'S THE CHEMISTRY? THE PASSION? I really can't see why he wanted her so badly that he had to go and kidnap her and then acted on-and-off towards her while she was trapped.
The ending is a cliffhanger as expected, and it was an okay one as far as cliffhangers go. I liked it actually, I hope it stays that way (I know it won't, but I can dream).
Sorry Noah, I really wanted to meet you and see who you are in this universe, but I don't think I can continue with this series. See you in The Mate Games.
January 23, 2021
really good book. really intense book. but i'm basically demanding spoilers for the next two books (any takers reply below) before I go any further. This book made me SO anxious. I see that there is a love triangle introduced with the hunter in book 2. i don't want her with the hunter. i want her with Cash. So I need to know EXACTLY what happens in the next book books point by point before I'll be able to read them because I just can't go forward without spoilers. Too much tension. Too much anxiety for me. K. Loraine should be proud of herself. She broke me. :P
June 17, 2019
3.5 stars - New legends for the Vampire folklore
In Blood Captive , Kim Loraine is expanding on the known Vampire mythology by creating her own brand of lore . The sun sickness and the bloodline that can cure it . Overall , that is the basis for this book.
I liked the world building, the hero and heroine, and the amount of heat in this tale.
Will have given a higher rating , if it had more layers and depth . Lots of details in the plot were very vague.
I am counting on future books of the series to have more deets on Olivia and Cash background and family. Who are these vampires? Where do they come from? Sun sickness? Oliva bloodline?
Be Aware: This book ends in the mother of CLIFFHANGERS. There is no HEA or HFN in this story , next book continues with the same MC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Blood Captive , Kim Loraine is expanding on the known Vampire mythology by creating her own brand of lore . The sun sickness and the bloodline that can cure it . Overall , that is the basis for this book.
I liked the world building, the hero and heroine, and the amount of heat in this tale.
Will have given a higher rating , if it had more layers and depth . Lots of details in the plot were very vague.
I am counting on future books of the series to have more deets on Olivia and Cash background and family. Who are these vampires? Where do they come from? Sun sickness? Oliva bloodline?
Be Aware: This book ends in the mother of CLIFFHANGERS. There is no HEA or HFN in this story , next book continues with the same MC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to read
October 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/25/2019)! 🎁
December 12, 2019
This starts out a bit on the slow side but ends on a WTH - Reason for the four stars
A lot is happening but it seems like it is all running in the background. What do I mean?
We get hints - Little clues of Why? and Who? and What for?
I didn't feel like I got all the answers I wanted by the end of the book.
This being the first in the series would probably explain that feeling.
At about 60% the story takes a turn and things become intense.
As this first in the series wraps up we are left on a bloody hellacious cliff hanger with a lot more questions than answers.
I believe that there is a lot more to Cashel than we are shown. He is multi-faceted. I get, sort of, why he did what he did. I still have a lot of questions though. One is what he was doing there that night?
Olivia, I am a bit torn when it comes to her. She is strong in so many ways and stands her ground but at times Idk she got on my nerves.
Then we have the King - really do not like him
And the rest of the family again torn with regards to them and how they behave.
And then the hunters... I'm almost believing they are as dangerous and bloodthirsty as the vampires if not more so.
As I mentioned this ends on a serious cliff hanger and I am off to find out what happens next!
A lot is happening but it seems like it is all running in the background. What do I mean?
We get hints - Little clues of Why? and Who? and What for?
I didn't feel like I got all the answers I wanted by the end of the book.
This being the first in the series would probably explain that feeling.
At about 60% the story takes a turn and things become intense.
As this first in the series wraps up we are left on a bloody hellacious cliff hanger with a lot more questions than answers.
I believe that there is a lot more to Cashel than we are shown. He is multi-faceted. I get, sort of, why he did what he did. I still have a lot of questions though. One is what he was doing there that night?
Olivia, I am a bit torn when it comes to her. She is strong in so many ways and stands her ground but at times Idk she got on my nerves.
Then we have the King - really do not like him
And the rest of the family again torn with regards to them and how they behave.
And then the hunters... I'm almost believing they are as dangerous and bloodthirsty as the vampires if not more so.
As I mentioned this ends on a serious cliff hanger and I am off to find out what happens next!
May 23, 2023
DNF'f at 63%. I just couldn't do it anymore.
January 23, 2023
Typical blood captive story. It's ok but I won't be continuing the series
April 26, 2019
This book is going to be an automatic reread for me. Might be my favorite set of characters ever. Crazy good world building, complex and astounding characters. Kim has really out done herself this time.
June 23, 2019
Blood Captive is the first book in a new vampire series by Kim Loraine. This series is completely unrelated to any of Kim's other paranormal/supernatural books. It is written in the 1st person POV of Olivia and Cashel. After the prologue, the book begins with Olivia meeting Cashel Blackthorne, being kidnapped, and taken to the Blackthorne home. During the course of the book, Olivia learns that Cashel's family believe that her blood will allow them to be in the sun and possibly cure those vampires who have "sun sickness." Cashel and Olivia are intensely attracted to each other from the beginning, but they spend most of the book fighting their attraction because of vampire politics and the potential risks to Olivia's life if they give into the attraction. There's way more to this story, but I'm not going to go into more detail because I think it's best to experience this book without any spoilers. It does end in a cliffhanger, a pretty major cliffhanger, and is scheduled to be released in September. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series. One thing that confused me initially was when the Prologue occurred. I thought it took place a few years before Chapter 1, but later in the book a character made the statement that the events in the Prologue happened a year before the book's storyline. So, I would have liked to have that specified in the Prologue. Also, there was so much build-up and tension throughout the bulk of the book, that I did feel that the last couple of chapters were a little rushed and that I was kind of left with the feeling that it was over too quickly. BUT, both of those things are minor complaints to me and did not affect my overall enjoyment of this book. Plus, those things aren't dealbreakers for me when it comes to this type of storyline, especially when it's the first book of a series. There's a lot to this storyline and I feel like this book has just scratched the surface of the overall storyline of the series. I mean, there's a vampire council that we haven't met yet and there's vampire hunters that we don't know much about, not to mention what is going on with Cashel's family. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book. I recommend this book/series to anyone who is a fan of vampire and/or paranormal romances. It's definitely worth checking out if you have Kindle Unlimited.
June 16, 2019
Blood Captive by Kim Loraine is book One in The Blackthorne Vampires Series. This stars the story of Olivia Stewart and Cashel Blackthorne.
Olivia found her mother murdered and her last words were for her to run. Olivia was used to her mother extreme behavior and them being on the move but her death open the true danger to her. About a year later after her mother's death, Olivia happens to run into Cashel. Cashel knows what Olivia is from the first sunshine smell of her. Cashel kidnaps her and takes her to Blackthorne Manor where his father Elias, the King is.
Olivia is set to be his father's but as much as Cashel tries to keep his feelings from growing toward Olivia he fails.
This is a dark vampire romance that does end in a cliffhanger which sets us up for more in their story.
Olivia found her mother murdered and her last words were for her to run. Olivia was used to her mother extreme behavior and them being on the move but her death open the true danger to her. About a year later after her mother's death, Olivia happens to run into Cashel. Cashel knows what Olivia is from the first sunshine smell of her. Cashel kidnaps her and takes her to Blackthorne Manor where his father Elias, the King is.
Olivia is set to be his father's but as much as Cashel tries to keep his feelings from growing toward Olivia he fails.
This is a dark vampire romance that does end in a cliffhanger which sets us up for more in their story.
June 17, 2019
Yes! A Kim Loraine paranormal story is my favorite type of Kim Loraine story. What an exciting start to this series! I can’t believe how much happens in this first book. I love Cashel and can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen. Great world building, great characters, and intrigue and action around every corner. I’m loving Cashel and Olivia and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them and how they are going to get through this. Anxious for book 2.
July 11, 2019
Story line is great and I loved the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Unexpected twists and turns had me reading this book in one sitting. Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!
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.
June 11, 2019
Wonderful start to a new Vampire series by Kim Loraine! I love her writing and this book sucked me in!
June 26, 2019
I really enjoyed Cash & Olivia's story. Good characters. This is a newer author & am liking her books so far. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
July 2, 2020
I love it
I really enjoy this book! Man the ending was terrible!! I love Cashel and Olivia’s chemistry. Can’t wait for the next one.
I really enjoy this book! Man the ending was terrible!! I love Cashel and Olivia’s chemistry. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 24, 2023
Actually really liked this a lot. The audio was fiaaaah
Watch that cliff hanger. It’s a dooooozy
Watch that cliff hanger. It’s a dooooozy
November 4, 2024
DNF.
Not for me. Everything is fine about the writing and narration. The author loses me when scenes that are supposed to be a terrifying just become sexual innuendos and sex driven right from the get go.
Not for me. Everything is fine about the writing and narration. The author loses me when scenes that are supposed to be a terrifying just become sexual innuendos and sex driven right from the get go.
January 26, 2020
Take a bite into this book, it's a good one!
Olivia's life changes when she's out for drinks one night, she's taken to a houseful of vampires.
Talking vampires there's a few there, the main ones being the king who is beyond horrible, along with his children. Cashel is the eldest child and his dad the king loves tormenting him.
I didn't like Cashel at all to begin with but he showed a few good qualities and a softer side as the story went on. I kept wondering which is the real him!
Olivia, she is sassy maybe too sassy considering she's in a house of vamps and her blood smells so good! She is strong-willed though, but Cashel is her weakness, she wants him or is she playing him and us?
Vampires are one of my fave genres, so add in some good characters and an interesting storyline and I got a book I really enjoyed.
Did I mention there's a cliffy... Book 2 here I come.
Olivia's life changes when she's out for drinks one night, she's taken to a houseful of vampires.
Talking vampires there's a few there, the main ones being the king who is beyond horrible, along with his children. Cashel is the eldest child and his dad the king loves tormenting him.
I didn't like Cashel at all to begin with but he showed a few good qualities and a softer side as the story went on. I kept wondering which is the real him!
Olivia, she is sassy maybe too sassy considering she's in a house of vamps and her blood smells so good! She is strong-willed though, but Cashel is her weakness, she wants him or is she playing him and us?
Vampires are one of my fave genres, so add in some good characters and an interesting storyline and I got a book I really enjoyed.
Did I mention there's a cliffy... Book 2 here I come.
September 29, 2024
Currently putting up past reviews from my Blog on GR because I forgot at the time oops 😅
My Rating For The Audio Book:
4 stars
My Rating For The Story:
2 and a half stars
Let's start from the beginning. I have picked up this book a few times before when it first released and it just didn't work for me at that moment. I'm a mood reader so that wasn't anything new for me. When the audio book released I thought that I had a second chance to read a book that a lot of people enjoyed. I was wrong. The narration was good but the book, in general, was not for me.
The heroine (whose name escapes me) was so dense and naive, almost bordering on too-stupid-to-live at various moments in the story. Being in her head was a bore. I understand she's a human in a vampire world but there has to be more you can do other than whine and pine over someone while in captivity.
Cashel is not a book boyfriend I want to read about. The should-I-shouldn't-I thing he had going on got boring and annoying very early on.
The ending was annoying. It was way too obvious of a way to set up the second book to this series. It was the last straw for me with this set of characters and their story. I don't intend to pick up the following books in this series.
The Audio Book:
I had no problems with the narration! Both narrators were awesome. All the characters had distinct enough voices so I didn't get lost in conversation throughout the story. Though this would have been even better if it had been dual narrated.
My Rating For The Audio Book:
4 stars
My Rating For The Story:
2 and a half stars
Let's start from the beginning. I have picked up this book a few times before when it first released and it just didn't work for me at that moment. I'm a mood reader so that wasn't anything new for me. When the audio book released I thought that I had a second chance to read a book that a lot of people enjoyed. I was wrong. The narration was good but the book, in general, was not for me.
The heroine (whose name escapes me) was so dense and naive, almost bordering on too-stupid-to-live at various moments in the story. Being in her head was a bore. I understand she's a human in a vampire world but there has to be more you can do other than whine and pine over someone while in captivity.
Cashel is not a book boyfriend I want to read about. The should-I-shouldn't-I thing he had going on got boring and annoying very early on.
The ending was annoying. It was way too obvious of a way to set up the second book to this series. It was the last straw for me with this set of characters and their story. I don't intend to pick up the following books in this series.
The Audio Book:
I had no problems with the narration! Both narrators were awesome. All the characters had distinct enough voices so I didn't get lost in conversation throughout the story. Though this would have been even better if it had been dual narrated.
April 26, 2020
Hi, my name is Suzi and I have a Vampire addiction that has gone from movies now into books. We all know the general trope and rules of vampire books; K. Loraine has re-Vamped the tale into something that equates to a total page turner for me. The story line of Cashel's Blackthorne family and the relationship to Olivia, whose blood is special and could be a cure of sorts is completely revolutionary to Vampire folklore. Really enjoyed the character development and slow build of how these two enemies become more to each other.
When I didn't think the story could get better, Loraine brought in two PHENOMENAL performers to narrate the series. I have a #GirlCrush on Emma Wilder and she does not disappoint. When Olivia is panicking and at her lowest moments, Wilder's performance takes over my emotions & I want to be there to comfort her. The other character voices she provides in this dual narration are blended well and she shines with her masculine voices, too! And then there is Aaron Shedlock...I'm BLOWN AWAY by his Cashel - it was not his voice I heard in my head when I read the book - so when he first came on the scene I was floored. The longer his audio portion builds in the narrative the more I fall further and further into the hypnotic control that Shedlock gives to Cashel. I'm really impressed & cannot wait to hear more in book two and three.
BRAVO - Give Me More Please!
When I didn't think the story could get better, Loraine brought in two PHENOMENAL performers to narrate the series. I have a #GirlCrush on Emma Wilder and she does not disappoint. When Olivia is panicking and at her lowest moments, Wilder's performance takes over my emotions & I want to be there to comfort her. The other character voices she provides in this dual narration are blended well and she shines with her masculine voices, too! And then there is Aaron Shedlock...I'm BLOWN AWAY by his Cashel - it was not his voice I heard in my head when I read the book - so when he first came on the scene I was floored. The longer his audio portion builds in the narrative the more I fall further and further into the hypnotic control that Shedlock gives to Cashel. I'm really impressed & cannot wait to hear more in book two and three.
BRAVO - Give Me More Please!
May 31, 2022
If you like vampire stories, and I mean real vampire stories. Those were the vampires are the bad guys and do bad guy things, this is the book (trilogy) for you. Now, don’t get me wrong, Cashel has some redeeming moments but overall, if you are going in expecting a swoony, lovey dovey vamp, you’re going to be disappointed.
The title should give you a big hint, but just in case it isn’t clear enough, there are some dark moment within this story.
I loved how this story is crafted in a way that you are invested from the get-go. At first wanting to know why Olivia is so special, and then wanting to know more about the Blackthorne family and their history. Why they need Olivia so badly. Not to mention the pull between Cashel and Olivia. The tension and enemies to lovers feel will have you routing for them and cursing when they don’t do what you want.
I can’t wait for book two. Blood Traitor.
Aaron Shedlock and Emma Wilder voice the audiobooks, and it is primarily from Olivia’s point of view, so Emma carries the bulk of this book, and she is brilliant. I loved how she voiced Olivia, and her voice for the men was nothing short of fabulous. The scent work was too-notch. Aaron was great as Cashel.
The title should give you a big hint, but just in case it isn’t clear enough, there are some dark moment within this story.
I loved how this story is crafted in a way that you are invested from the get-go. At first wanting to know why Olivia is so special, and then wanting to know more about the Blackthorne family and their history. Why they need Olivia so badly. Not to mention the pull between Cashel and Olivia. The tension and enemies to lovers feel will have you routing for them and cursing when they don’t do what you want.
I can’t wait for book two. Blood Traitor.
Aaron Shedlock and Emma Wilder voice the audiobooks, and it is primarily from Olivia’s point of view, so Emma carries the bulk of this book, and she is brilliant. I loved how she voiced Olivia, and her voice for the men was nothing short of fabulous. The scent work was too-notch. Aaron was great as Cashel.
January 29, 2024
Good First in a Series ❤️🌹🩸💙
Cashel and Olivia have an intense connection from the moment they meet, but their roles are unusual. She starts out as his captive, but she ends up capturing his heart. Not the norm for a vampire.
There’s a lot of action in the story. It kept me interested and on edge. Just know, it does end on a cliffhanger, but I went into the book knowing it’s part of a trilogy, so I am ready to head into the next book.
Cashel and Olivia have an intense connection from the moment they meet, but their roles are unusual. She starts out as his captive, but she ends up capturing his heart. Not the norm for a vampire.
There’s a lot of action in the story. It kept me interested and on edge. Just know, it does end on a cliffhanger, but I went into the book knowing it’s part of a trilogy, so I am ready to head into the next book.
October 7, 2020
2.5 down the middle
it was a bit meh for me... I didn't really feel the chemistry between the characters... feelings and intentions changed like my kids nappies..... touch me done, I hate you I love you...... and the ending was even weirder... still not awfull either
it was a bit meh for me... I didn't really feel the chemistry between the characters... feelings and intentions changed like my kids nappies..... touch me done, I hate you I love you...... and the ending was even weirder... still not awfull either
March 29, 2020
Great book
Damn I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this but I did I actually like the girl and the guy is supper hot my heart was on edge every time can’t wait for the next books
Damn I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this but I did I actually like the girl and the guy is supper hot my heart was on edge every time can’t wait for the next books
March 16, 2020
The good thing about this book was I was never quite sure where it was going. The problem is I didn’t like where it went.
I won’t be reading on.
I won’t be reading on.
September 26, 2024
Interesting concept, shaky execution.
It kinda came off Edward and Bella-y, especially with her being so horny and the male MC trying to warn her off every way he knows how. The male MC was also super hot and cold like Edward (of course there are other hot and cold vamp characters, but Edward takes the blood bag for me).
Despot having guts, the fem MC was not very good at planning anything out. Why did it take her so long to try to escape during the day? I kinda feel like that should have been the second thing she tried when she found out everyone sleeps during the day and they were willing to drug her to keep her on their schedule. Hide the pill under your tongue and voila. Also she was all too casual about just popping pills from strangers and found out the hard way she doesn’t ask enough questions (apparently, though I’m not sure how it’s a thing, the pill was both birth control and a sedative). The fem MC also completely missed several opportunities to ask the questions she should have in order to better understand her situation and her captors, which drove me up the wall a little.
The “romance” between the MCs was cheesy and grating. Just once I would love for a romance male MC who says “I’m no hero” to actually be the villain, or at least completely neutral, no matter what happens to the fem MC. When a male MC says this line and then starts talking about “darkness” my eyes automatically start rolling and I lose all respect for him. I know what’s going to happen just by the MCs having that kind of conversation (I don’t read book descriptions anymore so I have little idea what I’m getting myself into anymore when I start a new book).
The end of the book felt chaotic and rushed, but also because I didn’t care about the characters, it was hard to give a shit about what was happening to them.
I just didn’t connect with the fem MC and despite her yelling down the hallways every chance she got that the vamps couldn’t “make her do anything” she had no power and most of her attempts at escape lacked umph (she didn’t even try to lure the male MC with the rest of her blood and only lightly tried to seduce him much later into her captivity and toward the end she had completely forgotten about leaving at all). *CAVEAT* I’m most definitely only referring to a fictional captured heroine, NOT real victims of kidnapping/captivity.
The writing style was not for me and I didn’t really see any reason to fear the vamps (who were supposed to be “monsters”).
It kinda came off Edward and Bella-y, especially with her being so horny and the male MC trying to warn her off every way he knows how. The male MC was also super hot and cold like Edward (of course there are other hot and cold vamp characters, but Edward takes the blood bag for me).
Despot having guts, the fem MC was not very good at planning anything out. Why did it take her so long to try to escape during the day? I kinda feel like that should have been the second thing she tried when she found out everyone sleeps during the day and they were willing to drug her to keep her on their schedule. Hide the pill under your tongue and voila. Also she was all too casual about just popping pills from strangers and found out the hard way she doesn’t ask enough questions (apparently, though I’m not sure how it’s a thing, the pill was both birth control and a sedative). The fem MC also completely missed several opportunities to ask the questions she should have in order to better understand her situation and her captors, which drove me up the wall a little.
The “romance” between the MCs was cheesy and grating. Just once I would love for a romance male MC who says “I’m no hero” to actually be the villain, or at least completely neutral, no matter what happens to the fem MC. When a male MC says this line and then starts talking about “darkness” my eyes automatically start rolling and I lose all respect for him. I know what’s going to happen just by the MCs having that kind of conversation (I don’t read book descriptions anymore so I have little idea what I’m getting myself into anymore when I start a new book).
The end of the book felt chaotic and rushed, but also because I didn’t care about the characters, it was hard to give a shit about what was happening to them.
I just didn’t connect with the fem MC and despite her yelling down the hallways every chance she got that the vamps couldn’t “make her do anything” she had no power and most of her attempts at escape lacked umph (she didn’t even try to lure the male MC with the rest of her blood and only lightly tried to seduce him much later into her captivity and toward the end she had completely forgotten about leaving at all). *CAVEAT* I’m most definitely only referring to a fictional captured heroine, NOT real victims of kidnapping/captivity.
The writing style was not for me and I didn’t really see any reason to fear the vamps (who were supposed to be “monsters”).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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