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Bloodline Vampires #5.5

The Dark Vampire

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He doesn’t trust humans. Until he meets his fated mate. A lethal vampire warrior, Aaron has never cared for humans. Until now. His fated mate has walked into his life and he’s desperate to own her. But if he wants to keep her close, he’s going to have to tell her what she really is. Aisha is America’s vampire expert, or she would be, if the vamps would let her do her damn job. When an emergency call ends with her deep in the heart of the vampire brotherhood, Aisha starts to wonder if she’s made a dangerous mistake. Until she meets him. Sinfully handsome with a thick aura of power, Aaron is unlike anyone she’s ever met. She’s never felt attraction like this before. His presence drives her senseless with desire. Can she trust it? Can she trust him? A short, slow-burn prequel to the wildly successful Bloodline Vampires series by L.J. Red.

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2021

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About the author

L.J. Red

18 books96 followers
Want hot VAMPIRES, FATED MATES and a touch of SUSPENSE? You're in the right place...

High stakes drama, STEAMY romance and delicious HAPPY ENDINGS guaranteed!

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5 stars
157 (41%)
4 stars
99 (26%)
3 stars
65 (17%)
2 stars
39 (10%)
1 star
20 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Just Josie.
1,157 reviews196 followers
November 23, 2021
2.5 Stars

Not against it.
Kinda liked the “theme”, but editing wise it needs one helluva firm hand because it was a bit messy.

Read: 20/10/2021
1st rating: 2.5 stars
Genre/tropes: Fated mate/insta love/vampire/romance/paranormal
Cover: 2 stars
POV’s: Multiple -3rd person
Will I recommend: Nah.
Profile Image for Harlequin Madness.
884 reviews22 followers
May 24, 2021
This is a prequel novella to the Bloodline Vampires series. In the series, Aaron is in some type of coma, and no one knows why or if he’ll come out of it. Dr. Aisha now works at the sanctuary, and is desperate to find a cure for her soulmate. This novella is the story of how Aisha and Aaron meet, and starts at the very beginning of the corruption and conspiracy that plays out in the rest of the books in the series.

I love Aaron’s character, and am happy for the confirmation that Aisha is his soulmate. In the series, it was just hinted at, but now I can see why. Their relationship was never consummated. The trust they had in each other upon meeting was refreshing and very sexy. It was refreshing to read a main female character not go off the rails when first hit with a mating bond. Just to sink into it and accept it for what it is. Well done.

I believe there is a spin-off series coming that begins with Benedict’s story. We met him in the series books and at the end of this novella. There is also a short story how Aaron and Lucien were turned by Kostas, First of Vampires. It’s a free book that you can download from her website. I highly recommend this series. I think I gave all the books a 5 star rating. I can’t wait for the next series to begin.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews369 followers
May 18, 2021
Fast-Paced, Action-Packed . . .

The powerful alpha vampire warrior, Aaron, was sent to Chicago to find a crazed vampire killer who attacked humans in the streets. But when he arrived, no one in the bloodline was looking for the killer and instead were having parties, draining humans, and acting as badly as the killer he sought! Something wasn’t right in this city. Aaron had ripped a vampire off a very young human who was now close to death. The other vampires had all stood around and watched the girl being drained, never offering to help her. Then Kai approached, sneering at the dying human and not prepared to get a doctor to her to save her life, at least until Aaron snarled at him and made him call a doctor.

Dr. Aisha Patil is America’s vampire expert on a team formed to research vampire biology. Her co-worker, Davies, seemed to do no work at all, pushing his share off on Aisha. He felt that since he was the only male on the team, that made him her boss. Since the murders in Chicago started, the vampires had stopped cooperating with them. Although terrified of their power, she was still fascinated by them. Even though Aisha had just completed a double shift and done all of Davies’ work, he told her she had to now go to the Sanctuary in Chicago. But why for a “medical emergency”? She wasn’t a paramedic. But it would give her a chance to finally get some answers from the vampires.

Aisha was taken to the girl and asked the vampire in the room what blood types they had. Then she said she would transfuse her with her own universal donor blood. The vampire told her no, that he would help her with his own blood. But the girl began to heal. Aisha took 3 vials of blood to see what was going on. The girl had been given something and she needed to find out what. Kai arrived and was furious, accusing her of doing something, but she told him she had done nothing other than remove a syringe and not use it (since she had already put away the blood vials in her bag). Aaron insisted she leave, although Kai was still suspicious. What was Kai up to? What was he doing to the humans and what “human trials” did he urge Hanson to stop? Then Kai ordered Hanson to kill the woman and destroy any samples she may have taken! Will Aaron protect her? Will he find out she is in danger? And will he discover he is the next “vampire trial subject” Kai wants to experiment on?

This is an exciting story line. Just as Kai decides on Aaron as his next victim, Aaron’s powerful Shadow brother Lucian arrives. Things are going to get very intense with those two. Does Kai have a backup plan? Or are his plans now useless to him?
757 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2021
The Dark Vampire is a Bloodline Vampire short novella written by L. J. Redd. This is a stand alone story that includes lots of nail biting action, the beginning of a mysterious adventure of a human doctor who finds herself in a dangerous situation involving the vampires of Chicago. This story describes the incredible first meeting between a vampire elder named Aaron and his soul mate, who is a human research doctor named Aisha. This story is a short fascinating look into the very mesmerizing world of the Vampire Bloodlines series and is only the beginning of the love story between these two very different characters. I loved this story, couldn't put it down, and read it in one sitting. The only thing bad about it is that I wanted to keep reading after it was finished. It definitely made me want to read the next book featuring this couple and the mysterious coven of vampires who seem to be at the center of many problems and troubles evolving the Chicago vampire coven. Readers should be aware that this short story ends with a type of cliffhanger and does not have a happy ever after ending.I definitely recommend The Dark Vampire as a mesmerizing story in the Bloodline Vampire world by author L. J. Redd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Charity (TAKING A BREAK).
140 reviews19 followers
October 9, 2023
TW/CW: blood, harm/injury/near-death experience of a child.

ABOUT: FMC/ MMC lives in an alternate universe where humans and vampire co-exist, and they team up to solve a mystery haunting the sanctuary and the city.

THOUGHTS
This is one of those reads where you think you'll be into it, but the connection just doesn't happen. I LOVE vampire books. And while I did like the plot and writing-style that was pretty much it. It's an insta-love connection type with the characters so I expected that, however there wasn't any explanation other than "they're mates". Maybe there's more info in the next book but I probably won't be reading it since I took forever to finish and it's only 75 pages long lol. This wasn't for me. (But it might be for you!)

Also, there is a lot of errors but not enough to hurt the story.

(I put this in my [unseasoned reads] shelf because it doesn't have any sexual content however it might have some in the other books.)
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,473 reviews49 followers
May 18, 2021
Aaron is a powerful vampire he was sent to Chicago to find out who was draining and killing humans he was disgusted with his own kind humans weren’t animals and he would find whoever it was responsible for this mess and make them pay. Aisha is a scientist she’s a part of a team who is studying vampire biology and now this is her chance to get up close to a vampire when she is called in for a emergency at the sanctuary. There is so much more going on in this fantastic short story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth McDaniel.
2,383 reviews
June 26, 2021
Aisha is a scientist studying vampire blood and it’s properties since they have come out. Aaron is an elder vampire that has been sent to the Chicago Sanctuary to see what the problem is that seems to be going on including all the human deaths via drainings. When Aisha is summoned to the Sanctuary and Aaron sees her he realizes that she is his fated mate and she knows that something is up too. But with the danger, excitement, differences, and problems that arise, Aaron and Aisha’s fast romance starts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Barnes.
456 reviews12 followers
June 2, 2022
Cliffhanger

I would recommend this book to paranormal readers and vampire lovers.
Aaron is an elder, sent to Chicago because of series murders. He stays at the Sanctuary, where vampires live.
Aishia works in a lab. He boss sends her to the Sanctuary in a medical emergency.
What is this strange connection between her and Aaron?
Why are humans healing at an accelerated speed?
This story novella needed to be a bit longer, in my opinion. Definitely, need to read next book to see how characters are revealed.
Profile Image for Michelle.
68 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2025
I’m glad that this book was short. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have wasted my time to finish it. While the general idea was fine, the book was awful. I have no doubt that a six grader could have provided editing advice on the use of punctuation and capital letters at the beginning of sentences. We won’t even go into detail regarding the run-on sentences. I love vampire stories. Finding one’s fated mate should be a perfect book for me. The human doctor immediately falling for the vampire in less than five minutes was lazy writing. I cannot recommend this book to anyone.
1,514 reviews7 followers
May 19, 2021
This is the beginning of what was happening with Aisha and Aaron why he was brought to Chicago the dark plot taking place. And just like with Lucian's story its captivating from the first these Vampire Bloodline books are full of intense heat and mystery. So I can't wait to see how Aaron and Aisha's story concludes.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review I have also purchased a copy.
Profile Image for Nadia Stephens.
312 reviews
May 24, 2021
The Dark Vampire Is a great introduction to the Bloodline Vampire Series by LJ Red. A fast paced short and suspenseful slow burn paranormal romance between Aisha and Aaron filled with curiosity, love, hate, action, and suspense. I would not recommend this to anyone that don’t like cliffhangers or want a happy ending. I enjoyed reading The Dark Vampire and looking forward to reading The Lost Vampire to continue reading about Aisha and Aaron.
Profile Image for  BookwormMomma7.
1,008 reviews
June 11, 2021
The Dark Vampire

This books are written as ongoing parts of a series usually about three per couple, so be ready to pick up the next book as soon as this one is done. It ends in a cliffhanger…

The story for Aaron and Aisha starts out well and there is definitely more going on in the Radiance Bloodline and Aaron has been sent to investigate.

Well set up for the next book the players are set in the board for the next book, make sure to get it.
Profile Image for Melody Hillier.
1,151 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2021
this is a quick novella to get you into this series, it will have you interested in just a few pages, it has plenty of action, and interesting characters, tons of emotion and intreigue between the different vampires and their clans. it is a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.4k reviews8 followers
May 19, 2021
A short, slow-burn prequel to the wildly successful Bloodline Vampires series a well written story that held my interest until the end. I want to read the next book I want to know what is going to happen next.This is a new Author to me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,160 reviews34 followers
May 24, 2021
A quick, slow burn romance story. This is the story of Aaron who is a powerful alpha vampire warrior and his fated mate a human Aisha. Their story will hold your attention all the way through. I didn't want this story to end. I can't wait to read more in this series. You will not want to miss it.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
263 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2021
Soulmates

humans aren’t meant to know about vampires, until they come out to the world? A doctor is searching for answers and she knows the blood is the key.
This was very interesting and kept me captivated. The final chapters really got interesting and make want to get the next book.
5 reviews
May 9, 2022
Its was great right from the start. Its

I liked that it gets your attention right from the beging. It leaves you wanting more. The attraction between the two is great it gives you enough detail without being to over the top dirty. I dis like that the first book was great but the second one you have to payfor. But I'm still glad I read it.




Profile Image for Cassandra Cabler.
168 reviews
January 4, 2024
It was alright I suppose

There was a good plot, decent characters, but poorly written POV change. Hard to tell whose thoughts you are reading at first.
I enjoyed the raw burning desire/connection between Aisha and Aaron and hope they overcome the evil corrupting Chicago in the next book!
7,813 reviews65 followers
May 22, 2021
Aisha and Aaron are characters that are not only well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily and smoothly throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Valerie Kendle.
120 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2021
These Vampire Bloodline books are full of intense heat and mystery. This is the start of Aaron and Aisha story which will conclude in The Lost Vampire. This is a fast paced short and suspenseful paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
Author 16 books11 followers
June 30, 2021
Quick prequel

Interesting take on the vampire theme. Would have loved to have seen more character development. Word choices and errors could do with a tidy up. A little distracting.
Profile Image for Kitsy.
255 reviews
March 17, 2022
🌶 🩸 endearing

Yes!!! I read The Lost Vampire before The Dark Vampire. Messed up the order but I feel like it just filled in holes for me. I *love* the Bloodline Vampire stories and characters. Please, L.J. Red, please keep writing about them!!!!
Profile Image for Paula.
806 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2022
This book showed up in the middle of the series to read next. If that was the spit it was supposed to be it did some backtracking. It should be the first book. However, now that I read it things make more sense.
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,812 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2022
The Dark Vampire: A Bloodline Vampires Novel

The Dark Vampire: A Bloodline Vampires Novel - this novella is great, now I know why the good Dr would not leave his side… can’t wait to read their story… onto the last book… definitely recommend this book 📕
2,411 reviews6 followers
September 2, 2022
Prequel novella for the Aisha and Aaron's story . Aisha and Aaron are good characters. I like strong women, and Aisha is a strong woman. I like the premise of the series. I will be reading the series.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,850 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2022
The Dark Vampire

Holy shiznet!!! What a gr8 story. This series is getting better and better. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Profile Image for Sydney Winward.
Author 38 books330 followers
December 20, 2023
I was very impressed by the writing in this novella. Although we only get a glimpse of the characters' lives, I thought the story was intriguing, with the promise of more to come. I'll definitely be checking out the other books in this series.
45 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2021
I missed this series! Loved seeing how Aaron and Aisha met. Fun read! I definitely recommend all the books in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews