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Blood Winter #2
Dark Summer
Is a human lifetime long enough to learn to love a vampire?
The tumultuous events of the Blood Winter are a fading nightmare, and Alec and Terje are trying to build a life together at Alec’s newly restored ancestral home of Glenroe. There’s just one problem… Terje doesn’t appear to be committed—constantly called away on mysterious errands and seemingly unable to forsake his own kind. Alec begins to wonder if Terje is capable of loving anyone, let alone him.
When an old uni friend Jay Singh, recently out of the closet and looking rather too good to be true, returns to Alec’s life, he becomes more conflicted than ever. Things only escalate when Alec is forced into the social and political issues still surrounding the haemophiles’ tumultuous integration into human society and soon it is more than just his relationship on the line.
Can Alec figure out what kind of future is possible with a vampire—and if it can ever be enough for either of them—before it’s too late?
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, murder, alcohol abuse and blood drinking.
Publisher's Note: This story is best read as a sequel to Blood Winter.
The tumultuous events of the Blood Winter are a fading nightmare, and Alec and Terje are trying to build a life together at Alec’s newly restored ancestral home of Glenroe. There’s just one problem… Terje doesn’t appear to be committed—constantly called away on mysterious errands and seemingly unable to forsake his own kind. Alec begins to wonder if Terje is capable of loving anyone, let alone him.
When an old uni friend Jay Singh, recently out of the closet and looking rather too good to be true, returns to Alec’s life, he becomes more conflicted than ever. Things only escalate when Alec is forced into the social and political issues still surrounding the haemophiles’ tumultuous integration into human society and soon it is more than just his relationship on the line.
Can Alec figure out what kind of future is possible with a vampire—and if it can ever be enough for either of them—before it’s too late?
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, murder, alcohol abuse and blood drinking.
Publisher's Note: This story is best read as a sequel to Blood Winter.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 27, 2021
Dark Summer by S.J. Coles is a sequel to Blood Winter. Now, the first book in this series was one of my favorite reads of last year so this one had a lot to live up to. I’m happy to report that this was a really satisfying follow up… it was exciting, emotional and wrapped up the most important loose ends
This book begins shortly after the first book left off. Alec and Terje are trying to figure out a life together. The thing is… a human and a vampire and very different from one another. Coles did such an amazing job in book one of creating the haemophiles. I said when I reviewed the first book that these aren’t the average vampires. The author has done a fantastic job of fleshing out the world of haemophiles.
Coles explores what it must be like to live for far longer than a human being normally would. Our wants and needs change, the things that we appreciate and love… the things that we want would be completely different. These haemophiles aren’t emotionless or disconnected; they have evolved and changed to the point at which they have completely different goals and wants. I don’t want to go into it too much, but the way that Coles has built up the world of the vampires in this story is great.
In this particular book, Alec is struggling with the fact that Terje feels as though he’s not fully invested in their relationship. Most of the struggles should be behind them, but Terje is still disappearing from their home… sometimes for weeks and Alec can’t help but interpret that as Terje not committing to “them".
A friend from Alec’s past reappears in his life when he has reached an emotional point in his relationship with Terje. The thing is, it’s difficult to trust in someone who doesn’t express the same emotion that you do. There’s a lot at stake for Alec but there is also a lot at stake for Terje.
Terje is working with his own kind to try and facilitate world in which people like him and Alec can live together without fear. No one knows that Terje is alive, so he is the perfect person to do some behind-the-scenes work. But there’s always danger when it comes to the haemophile world. There are still those who don’t support a peaceful future.
There’s a lot of conflict in this book and a lot of emotion. I found myself with tears in my eyes a few times (which doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the book).
This book begins shortly after the first book left off. Alec and Terje are trying to figure out a life together. The thing is… a human and a vampire and very different from one another. Coles did such an amazing job in book one of creating the haemophiles. I said when I reviewed the first book that these aren’t the average vampires. The author has done a fantastic job of fleshing out the world of haemophiles.
Coles explores what it must be like to live for far longer than a human being normally would. Our wants and needs change, the things that we appreciate and love… the things that we want would be completely different. These haemophiles aren’t emotionless or disconnected; they have evolved and changed to the point at which they have completely different goals and wants. I don’t want to go into it too much, but the way that Coles has built up the world of the vampires in this story is great.
In this particular book, Alec is struggling with the fact that Terje feels as though he’s not fully invested in their relationship. Most of the struggles should be behind them, but Terje is still disappearing from their home… sometimes for weeks and Alec can’t help but interpret that as Terje not committing to “them".
A friend from Alec’s past reappears in his life when he has reached an emotional point in his relationship with Terje. The thing is, it’s difficult to trust in someone who doesn’t express the same emotion that you do. There’s a lot at stake for Alec but there is also a lot at stake for Terje.
Terje is working with his own kind to try and facilitate world in which people like him and Alec can live together without fear. No one knows that Terje is alive, so he is the perfect person to do some behind-the-scenes work. But there’s always danger when it comes to the haemophile world. There are still those who don’t support a peaceful future.
There’s a lot of conflict in this book and a lot of emotion. I found myself with tears in my eyes a few times (which doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the book).
July 27, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Dark Summer is the sequel to S.J. Coles’ Blood Winter. It’s set a couple years after those events. For readers new to the series, you’ll definitely want to read the Blood Winter first. In the latter part of Dark Summer, it becomes clear that some of the characters from the first book are critical to the action taking place in the second. Plus, the first book really sets the stage for our romantic leads Alec and Terje—how they seemingly got off to the firmest footing you can imagine, but now that time has passed, the emotional chasm between human and haemophile comes to the fore.
The first part of Dark Summer really delves into Alec’s insecurities. The book is told in Alec’s perspective, so readers get to agonize over what Terje’s actions and his words mean. So when Terje is on the page, I definitely felt like I could understand how and why Alec feels like his lover is still distant, even despite being in the room.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Dark Summer is the sequel to S.J. Coles’ Blood Winter. It’s set a couple years after those events. For readers new to the series, you’ll definitely want to read the Blood Winter first. In the latter part of Dark Summer, it becomes clear that some of the characters from the first book are critical to the action taking place in the second. Plus, the first book really sets the stage for our romantic leads Alec and Terje—how they seemingly got off to the firmest footing you can imagine, but now that time has passed, the emotional chasm between human and haemophile comes to the fore.
The first part of Dark Summer really delves into Alec’s insecurities. The book is told in Alec’s perspective, so readers get to agonize over what Terje’s actions and his words mean. So when Terje is on the page, I definitely felt like I could understand how and why Alec feels like his lover is still distant, even despite being in the room.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
July 27, 2021
4.25 stars. Alec is most of the time alone, he knows and accepted that his haemophile (vampire) lover Terje needs time alone, but now almost a month on his own it’s getting harder and harder.
Alec is in a constant dark and brooding state of mind. He hoped to go on a trip with Terje, he’s afraid it will not happen.
One day he meets an old college friend, Jay from twenty years ago. He’s an investigative journalist, investigating human-haemo relations.
When Alec and Terje are together and make love, wow it’s everything, highly sensual and intense. I was sitting on the edge of my chair to absorb it all.
They reach deep into each other’s hearts. Terje never allows to let him reach into his core.
Terje is vague about what he does during his absence, Alec tries to be patient and understanding, it’s getting more difficult. After pushing Terje, he now knows it’s about Evgeniya. She’s dangerous for all kinds but especially for Terje, she’s planning something.
Terje and Ivor (please read Blood Winter) have a business to do. Alec insists to be part of it.
Arriving in London they split up for different purposes. Alec runs into Jay again. He wants to join Alec on his trip.
When shit hit the fan everything went down, hard.
Okay, first things first. It was an amazing story. It was extremely captivating, entertaining, awesomely written, almost flawless, but I so missed Terje and Alec together. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed about Terje’s behavior, on the other hand, at the end of the story he made up for it, hugely!
My silly romantic heart hoped for much more moments where they would be together, several times they were apart and I’m sorry to say, I didn’t like that. I do understand the choice of it, it’s for the whole picture, but still, my feelings didn’t agree with it.
The different rates of stars and hearts between Blood Winter and Dark Summer tell how different my feelings are about both stories.
So, looking back at it all, it was a beautiful story, with action, a lot of feels, beautifully written, layered, and developed.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes LGBTQ bookreviews
Alec is in a constant dark and brooding state of mind. He hoped to go on a trip with Terje, he’s afraid it will not happen.
One day he meets an old college friend, Jay from twenty years ago. He’s an investigative journalist, investigating human-haemo relations.
When Alec and Terje are together and make love, wow it’s everything, highly sensual and intense. I was sitting on the edge of my chair to absorb it all.
They reach deep into each other’s hearts. Terje never allows to let him reach into his core.
Terje is vague about what he does during his absence, Alec tries to be patient and understanding, it’s getting more difficult. After pushing Terje, he now knows it’s about Evgeniya. She’s dangerous for all kinds but especially for Terje, she’s planning something.
Terje and Ivor (please read Blood Winter) have a business to do. Alec insists to be part of it.
Arriving in London they split up for different purposes. Alec runs into Jay again. He wants to join Alec on his trip.
When shit hit the fan everything went down, hard.
Okay, first things first. It was an amazing story. It was extremely captivating, entertaining, awesomely written, almost flawless, but I so missed Terje and Alec together. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed about Terje’s behavior, on the other hand, at the end of the story he made up for it, hugely!
My silly romantic heart hoped for much more moments where they would be together, several times they were apart and I’m sorry to say, I didn’t like that. I do understand the choice of it, it’s for the whole picture, but still, my feelings didn’t agree with it.
The different rates of stars and hearts between Blood Winter and Dark Summer tell how different my feelings are about both stories.
So, looking back at it all, it was a beautiful story, with action, a lot of feels, beautifully written, layered, and developed.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes LGBTQ bookreviews
August 7, 2024
This duology was so good. Painful and took a while to get there, but that's probably why I loved it. Full RTC. Very underrated author.
July 25, 2021
"We can't always be trying - fighting everything, fighting each other."
Alec brought my hackles up a couple of times in this installment.
He knew his relationship with Terje was not going to be easy and he committed to it -
the good - the bad and - the unknown
I just felt at times, he was asking for things he knew were impossible for Terje to give him.
I realize that circumstances had him questioning Terje's feelings for him given Terje doesn't feel emotions like humans and he, despite the promises made to them, is constantly called back into commission to assist the haemophile
Still...
I wish he had gone about it differently - Had believed in them more
In a roundabout way, his actions got him the privacy he wanted for them but at a cost.
Jason needs to be locked outside in the cold of winter
This was, IMO, more a follow-up to their happy ever after. A look at the hurdles that they still faced together. We get to meet some new players whom I did greatly enjoy. And we also spent some time capturing our rogue lady. Truth be told though after Mag explained what she saw I sort of felt sorry for her.
A lot of new changes took place in this story that leads me to believe we are in for one heck of a ride in coming episodes (or so I hope)
I do wish it had been a touch longer - I had questions or maybe I just wanted more IDK - I can be a greedy little thing
Alec brought my hackles up a couple of times in this installment.
He knew his relationship with Terje was not going to be easy and he committed to it -
the good - the bad and - the unknown
I just felt at times, he was asking for things he knew were impossible for Terje to give him.
I realize that circumstances had him questioning Terje's feelings for him given Terje doesn't feel emotions like humans and he, despite the promises made to them, is constantly called back into commission to assist the haemophile
Still...
I wish he had gone about it differently - Had believed in them more
In a roundabout way, his actions got him the privacy he wanted for them but at a cost.
Jason needs to be locked outside in the cold of winter
This was, IMO, more a follow-up to their happy ever after. A look at the hurdles that they still faced together. We get to meet some new players whom I did greatly enjoy. And we also spent some time capturing our rogue lady. Truth be told though after Mag explained what she saw I sort of felt sorry for her.
A lot of new changes took place in this story that leads me to believe we are in for one heck of a ride in coming episodes (or so I hope)
I do wish it had been a touch longer - I had questions or maybe I just wanted more IDK - I can be a greedy little thing
July 22, 2021
Nice! The sequel to Blood Winter was just as good! It’s on the dark side, but is fascinating as it explores the emotional difference between human and vamp. Alec and Terje strengthen their bond so much in this book.
It’s easier to identify with Alec, of course. Human emotions are all over the place. Terje is more like a glacier, inching along, impervious to almost everything. He’s just as interesting even when sometimes he seems almost two dimensional.
It hurt to lose David and Meg. Jay’s betrayal stung. It worked out in the end, for the most part.
A must read if you enjoyed Blood Winter!
It’s easier to identify with Alec, of course. Human emotions are all over the place. Terje is more like a glacier, inching along, impervious to almost everything. He’s just as interesting even when sometimes he seems almost two dimensional.
It hurt to lose David and Meg. Jay’s betrayal stung. It worked out in the end, for the most part.
A must read if you enjoyed Blood Winter!
October 10, 2021
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first. There was quite a bit of "what the fuck" with Alec's poor choices.
There also was quite a bit left unexplained. The ending also felt a bit wtf. And what people decided to think about the "villain" at the end felt skewed from reality.
Also don't really understand the devotion Alec gets from people. I don't know exactly what it is he offers to people that's so great lol
The writing though is absolutely beautiful. I actually liked the last scene, even though it was bittersweet.
There also was quite a bit left unexplained. The ending also felt a bit wtf. And what people decided to think about the "villain" at the end felt skewed from reality.
Also don't really understand the devotion Alec gets from people. I don't know exactly what it is he offers to people that's so great lol
The writing though is absolutely beautiful. I actually liked the last scene, even though it was bittersweet.
August 1, 2021
Dark Summer continues the story of Alec and Terje. Life becomes more interesting when Alec's old friend, Jay, shows up and Terje is off for weeks at time working. This is a wonderfully written story and I love the world building, the intrigue, and the originality. This isn't a light and fluffy story and may not be for everyone but I really enjoyed it. If you enjoyed the first book you don't want to miss this one. Definitely recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 20, 2021
With it not being for everyone, I'm going to start with the warning that it contains cheating on page.
The writing is great, very atmospheric, and the story interesting. It's a continuation of book 1 so cannot be read as a standalone.
Personally, I couldn't get to grips with Alec or Terje though I really wanted to. All I really felt for them was sadness at this seemingly endless gulf between them. They each had quite a few unlikeable traits too.
More of a HFN than HEA
The writing is great, very atmospheric, and the story interesting. It's a continuation of book 1 so cannot be read as a standalone.
Personally, I couldn't get to grips with Alec or Terje though I really wanted to. All I really felt for them was sadness at this seemingly endless gulf between them. They each had quite a few unlikeable traits too.
More of a HFN than HEA
July 27, 2021
this was really good.. interesting and sexy.. action packed and fast moving.. very good storyline.. amazing writing and it is all together an awesome series. i cant wait to see what is next!
July 31, 2021
5+++ stars
Okay, wow! I read and loved Blood Winter for its originality. The author’s approach to a vampire romance is so unexpected and different that it’s one that I’ll likely measure others against for a long time. Even so, I was not expecting for the series to continue to surprise me the way Dark Summer did. I wasn’t expecting for my heart to break and heal twice in one book. And I wasn’t expecting to be so pulled in that I was sad as I saw the end of the book drawing closer. The first book wowed me, but the second book blew me away.
Blood Winter ends with a happy-for-now resolution for Terje and Alec, so I was a little sad when Dark Summer started and it seemed like that happiness had dulled. In reality, the author stuck true to her characters and the fantasy world she created, and in turn, I had to adjust my expectations of what this couple’s “happy” truly meant. I loved that this book led to much more character development, especially for Alec. I really understood him better and felt for him, so much so that when the events unfold Alec’s choices, responses, and concerns all make sense, even if I wasn’t entirely expecting it to happen. And Terje, he is difficult to understand, but I loved that. I loved his quiet allegiance to Alec even when he doubted that ability for their bond to last. I loved that he was his own character and that I grew to understand and appreciate all the nuances that made his character and this world so unique. And then I loved that both of these men surprised me in a way that I suspect will be unforgettable.
As with Blood Winter, there’s a good bit of action and suspense in Dark Summer. Some moments had me pausing and rereading it because a twist or revelation completely caught me off guard. Some had me clutching my chest with the amount of emotion they would summon in me or I’d feel for these characters. And just when I thought I could see how things would go, the characters and author surprised me again.
These two books have truly been some of my favorite surprises ever. As I said in my review for Blood Winter, I love when a book has a wow factor. It’s even better when a series has that wow factor. In this case, the second book was even better than the first and I ended it both completely satisfied and disappointed that there wasn’t a third book to look forward to get lost in. If you ever have wanted a vampire or paranormal romance that is off the beaten path—this is it and it’s phenomenal.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Okay, wow! I read and loved Blood Winter for its originality. The author’s approach to a vampire romance is so unexpected and different that it’s one that I’ll likely measure others against for a long time. Even so, I was not expecting for the series to continue to surprise me the way Dark Summer did. I wasn’t expecting for my heart to break and heal twice in one book. And I wasn’t expecting to be so pulled in that I was sad as I saw the end of the book drawing closer. The first book wowed me, but the second book blew me away.
Blood Winter ends with a happy-for-now resolution for Terje and Alec, so I was a little sad when Dark Summer started and it seemed like that happiness had dulled. In reality, the author stuck true to her characters and the fantasy world she created, and in turn, I had to adjust my expectations of what this couple’s “happy” truly meant. I loved that this book led to much more character development, especially for Alec. I really understood him better and felt for him, so much so that when the events unfold Alec’s choices, responses, and concerns all make sense, even if I wasn’t entirely expecting it to happen. And Terje, he is difficult to understand, but I loved that. I loved his quiet allegiance to Alec even when he doubted that ability for their bond to last. I loved that he was his own character and that I grew to understand and appreciate all the nuances that made his character and this world so unique. And then I loved that both of these men surprised me in a way that I suspect will be unforgettable.
As with Blood Winter, there’s a good bit of action and suspense in Dark Summer. Some moments had me pausing and rereading it because a twist or revelation completely caught me off guard. Some had me clutching my chest with the amount of emotion they would summon in me or I’d feel for these characters. And just when I thought I could see how things would go, the characters and author surprised me again.
These two books have truly been some of my favorite surprises ever. As I said in my review for Blood Winter, I love when a book has a wow factor. It’s even better when a series has that wow factor. In this case, the second book was even better than the first and I ended it both completely satisfied and disappointed that there wasn’t a third book to look forward to get lost in. If you ever have wanted a vampire or paranormal romance that is off the beaten path—this is it and it’s phenomenal.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
July 22, 2021
This is the sequel to
Blood Winter
– which I thought was rather amazing in a dark and despondent sort of way. Dark Summer has that same almost dystopian feel and it’s all because of Alec’s mood. He’s the sole narrator of the story and thus sets the tone for the entire book. He’s as anti-social as they come and broody as all get out. Borderline depressive actually.
The story pretty much starts where Blood Winter ended. Terje has returned and they’re now trying to start a life together. In secret since no one can know that Terje is still alive. Alec’s and Terje’s differences are, however, making that pretty difficult. And it’s this struggle to understand Terje and accept him for what and how he is that is the core of this story. In short, it’s all about Alec fighting his insecurities.
The writing is flawless, it’s high quality through and through.
However, I struggled with not really being able to identify a storyline. I didn’t think that Alec doubting Terje’s feelings was enough of a plot. Thankfully, there was more action later when an old friend of Alec turns up and then when it’s revealed that Terje’s old Magister is back in the country, allegedly for revenge.
Blood Winter was more event driven, so it didn’t matter (to me) that I couldn’t really understand or connect to Terje as a character. However, in Dark Summer, the focus is Alec’s and Terje’s relationship. The main problem for Alec is his inability to understand Terje. That’s unfortunately a major problem for me as well.
Terje appears so cold and alien that he’s quite hard to like. I don’t dislike him per se, but I can’t really understand Alec’s obsession either. So as a lovestory, I’d say this story failed miserably.
Not least because I liked Alec’s old Uni buddy as a love interest more than I did Terje.
Also, that I was rooting for the bad guy (read gal) to – sort of – have her way there at the end probably says a lot. I’m pretty sure that’s not the reaction Coles intended their readers to have.
To say I’m conflicted is an understatement.
It’s excellent writing, no question. The story is unique in its novel way of portraying vampires/haemophiles. The world-building and the underlying darkness to the story is amazing. However, I just didn’t feel the love between the two MCs. So therefore, I can only rate it as a 4-star.
I still highly recommend it, only not as a romance.
Also, I’m hoping there will be a trigger warning. I know loads of people have real issues with ...
* A free copy of this book was kindly provided by Gay Romance Reviews *
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
The story pretty much starts where Blood Winter ended. Terje has returned and they’re now trying to start a life together. In secret since no one can know that Terje is still alive. Alec’s and Terje’s differences are, however, making that pretty difficult. And it’s this struggle to understand Terje and accept him for what and how he is that is the core of this story. In short, it’s all about Alec fighting his insecurities.
The writing is flawless, it’s high quality through and through.
However, I struggled with not really being able to identify a storyline. I didn’t think that Alec doubting Terje’s feelings was enough of a plot. Thankfully, there was more action later when an old friend of Alec turns up and then when it’s revealed that Terje’s old Magister is back in the country, allegedly for revenge.
Blood Winter was more event driven, so it didn’t matter (to me) that I couldn’t really understand or connect to Terje as a character. However, in Dark Summer, the focus is Alec’s and Terje’s relationship. The main problem for Alec is his inability to understand Terje. That’s unfortunately a major problem for me as well.
Terje appears so cold and alien that he’s quite hard to like. I don’t dislike him per se, but I can’t really understand Alec’s obsession either. So as a lovestory, I’d say this story failed miserably.
Not least because I liked Alec’s old Uni buddy as a love interest more than I did Terje.
Also, that I was rooting for the bad guy (read gal) to – sort of – have her way there at the end probably says a lot. I’m pretty sure that’s not the reaction Coles intended their readers to have.
To say I’m conflicted is an understatement.
It’s excellent writing, no question. The story is unique in its novel way of portraying vampires/haemophiles. The world-building and the underlying darkness to the story is amazing. However, I just didn’t feel the love between the two MCs. So therefore, I can only rate it as a 4-star.
I still highly recommend it, only not as a romance.
Also, I’m hoping there will be a trigger warning. I know loads of people have real issues with ...
* A free copy of this book was kindly provided by Gay Romance Reviews *
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
July 24, 2021
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
When I learned that there was going to be a sequel to Blood Winter, I was so excited as it is one of my favourite vampire novels. I couldn’t wait to read Dark Summer and it did not disappoint.
After the events of Blood Winter, Alec and Terje are rebuilding their lives together and away from the political fallout and unrest from the previous novel. Alec is growing frustrated as Terje does not seem to want to commit on the same level that he does, and he is always going away, sometimes for months at a time. When an old university friend comes back into Alec’s life, he finds himself conflicted and in part yearning for a more human relationship. Then he learns that Terje’s former Magister is back and they are both unwillingly thrust into a world that they had sought to escape from.
This sequel has a darker tone than the previous novel, which suits it perfectly given events. It is told from Alec’s point of view, and you can really feel just how conflicted and troubled he is by his inability to understand Terje, and in turn Terje’s difficulty in reading him. For the two of them the relationship presents different complications but what brings them together is the willingness to try. I really love them as a couple and really wanted them to work through their issues.
Much of the novel is about their relationship, but this is interwoven perfectly with Evgeniya’s return. This time the threat that she presents is different and the confrontation forces both Alec and Terje to face their problems head on.
The writing style is raw and powerful, with a dark tone which also has its lighter moments. This and the descriptions crafted the world perfectly and I felt as though I was living the entire novel rather than reading it. The end does wrap up many of the loose ends, but I would love to see a continuation in the future!
When I learned that there was going to be a sequel to Blood Winter, I was so excited as it is one of my favourite vampire novels. I couldn’t wait to read Dark Summer and it did not disappoint.
After the events of Blood Winter, Alec and Terje are rebuilding their lives together and away from the political fallout and unrest from the previous novel. Alec is growing frustrated as Terje does not seem to want to commit on the same level that he does, and he is always going away, sometimes for months at a time. When an old university friend comes back into Alec’s life, he finds himself conflicted and in part yearning for a more human relationship. Then he learns that Terje’s former Magister is back and they are both unwillingly thrust into a world that they had sought to escape from.
This sequel has a darker tone than the previous novel, which suits it perfectly given events. It is told from Alec’s point of view, and you can really feel just how conflicted and troubled he is by his inability to understand Terje, and in turn Terje’s difficulty in reading him. For the two of them the relationship presents different complications but what brings them together is the willingness to try. I really love them as a couple and really wanted them to work through their issues.
Much of the novel is about their relationship, but this is interwoven perfectly with Evgeniya’s return. This time the threat that she presents is different and the confrontation forces both Alec and Terje to face their problems head on.
The writing style is raw and powerful, with a dark tone which also has its lighter moments. This and the descriptions crafted the world perfectly and I felt as though I was living the entire novel rather than reading it. The end does wrap up many of the loose ends, but I would love to see a continuation in the future!
Read
September 8, 2023So. I read this series overnight and throughout today, and I have thoughts, but I want to be clear: I’m not giving this a star rating. I don’t think it’s fair to the author if I rate this based on my expectations and not the quality of the story itself.
The main reason for that is because this doesn’t have an HEA. I honestly wouldn’t even say it has a romance; it has more of a… bittersweet, time-limited relationship? There’s literally on-page cheating, even though technically Terje gave Alec permission. You could say the ending is a HFN, but even as Terje proposed, Alec thought he was ending things. It feels too rocky to even call it that.
The reality is that what they have is tenuous at best. They both acknowledge that, but it’s hard to see it as a nice romance when it’s so fleeting. Terje kept saying through this entire series that Alec didn’t understand, but he didn’t make an effort to help Alec understand. And Alec was just drowning in doubt and fear, but he never seemed to get any real reassurance. I don’t like that he cheated on Terje, but I think their relationship was an absolute mess at the time.
It hurt that Terje all but said he wouldn’t love Alec anymore if Terje turned him. That what he loves about Alec is his humanity. Which like, okay, that’s lovely and all, but that’s also so sad? Like “I love you now but I don’t want an eternity with you because idk if I’d love who you’d become.” I guess it’s realistic, but certainly not romantic. Meg didn’t stop being friends with Alec, so who’s to say Alec would stop being the person Terje loves? He’s not even willing to give it a chance.
So yeah. Beautiful story, very well written, definitely going to read more from this author. But at the same time, this series wasn’t for me. I mean, listen, I read it overnight! It kept me very interested. But it also hurt, and didn’t feel like a romance, and that’s what I need from my reads right now.
The main reason for that is because this doesn’t have an HEA. I honestly wouldn’t even say it has a romance; it has more of a… bittersweet, time-limited relationship? There’s literally on-page cheating, even though technically Terje gave Alec permission. You could say the ending is a HFN, but even as Terje proposed, Alec thought he was ending things. It feels too rocky to even call it that.
The reality is that what they have is tenuous at best. They both acknowledge that, but it’s hard to see it as a nice romance when it’s so fleeting. Terje kept saying through this entire series that Alec didn’t understand, but he didn’t make an effort to help Alec understand. And Alec was just drowning in doubt and fear, but he never seemed to get any real reassurance. I don’t like that he cheated on Terje, but I think their relationship was an absolute mess at the time.
It hurt that Terje all but said he wouldn’t love Alec anymore if Terje turned him. That what he loves about Alec is his humanity. Which like, okay, that’s lovely and all, but that’s also so sad? Like “I love you now but I don’t want an eternity with you because idk if I’d love who you’d become.” I guess it’s realistic, but certainly not romantic. Meg didn’t stop being friends with Alec, so who’s to say Alec would stop being the person Terje loves? He’s not even willing to give it a chance.
So yeah. Beautiful story, very well written, definitely going to read more from this author. But at the same time, this series wasn’t for me. I mean, listen, I read it overnight! It kept me very interested. But it also hurt, and didn’t feel like a romance, and that’s what I need from my reads right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
The Dark Summer is the sequel to the excellent Blood Winter.
We are treated to another thrilling ride, As Alec tries to leave the events od Blood winter behind. All he wants is a quiet life with Terje his vampire lover.
Terje is in love with Alec, but holds back, as he knows having a lover will inevitably leave a hole in his heart when Alec grows old and dies. After all human lives are just blip in time compared to the haemophile immortality.
This book has the same danger and nail-biting suspense. As both characters are drawn into the ongoing tensions between Humans and haemophiles. We have shady politicians, betrayal from friends and a vampire that wants all vampires to return to their traditional feeding habits.
The story is told from Alecs point of view, we see him struggle with understanding haemophile life and the way they think, feel and care. His feelings for Terje are strong but he is not coping with his absence often for weeks on end, as he goes on missions to try and keep the peace between humans and haemophiles.
As with book one there is plenty of action and danger that keeps the pages turning. The characters continue to grow, though I would have loved to learn more about Terje. I felt like we did not see enough of him in this book. We do not really learn more about Terje what makes him tick, or the haemophiles in general. I would love to see Terje’s story in a book.
Having said all that, I did thoroughly enjoy the story and characters, and when Jay leads Alec to temptation, Added to the struggle Alec was having with his feelings and frustration with Terje.
We are treated to another thrilling ride, As Alec tries to leave the events od Blood winter behind. All he wants is a quiet life with Terje his vampire lover.
Terje is in love with Alec, but holds back, as he knows having a lover will inevitably leave a hole in his heart when Alec grows old and dies. After all human lives are just blip in time compared to the haemophile immortality.
This book has the same danger and nail-biting suspense. As both characters are drawn into the ongoing tensions between Humans and haemophiles. We have shady politicians, betrayal from friends and a vampire that wants all vampires to return to their traditional feeding habits.
The story is told from Alecs point of view, we see him struggle with understanding haemophile life and the way they think, feel and care. His feelings for Terje are strong but he is not coping with his absence often for weeks on end, as he goes on missions to try and keep the peace between humans and haemophiles.
As with book one there is plenty of action and danger that keeps the pages turning. The characters continue to grow, though I would have loved to learn more about Terje. I felt like we did not see enough of him in this book. We do not really learn more about Terje what makes him tick, or the haemophiles in general. I would love to see Terje’s story in a book.
Having said all that, I did thoroughly enjoy the story and characters, and when Jay leads Alec to temptation, Added to the struggle Alec was having with his feelings and frustration with Terje.
July 29, 2021
Dark Summer is the sequel of Blood Winter, and the plot pretty much picks up where the other book left off. Dark Summer struck me as much darker than Blood Winter. Even the ending left me feeling rather sad, even if it was also desperately romantic and wrapped up the various plot points.
I thought that Dark Summer would be a glimpse of how Alec and Terje manage to be in a relationship together. In reality, the day-to-day of their romance occurred in summary. Really, the novel begins when the cracks in their romance appear. This was relatively predictable--Terje disappears occasionally into the outside world, which Alec is insecure about alongside feelings about whether Terje can truly love him.
No doubt a lot of the stuff Alec does in this book will bother some readers, from his unfair expectations that Terje abandon interactions with all others, to his disregard for political issues, to the ways in which he acts out. To me, though, Alec read as self-destructive and rather depressed. He tends to hurt the people around him and he knows it but has trouble breaking out of that cycle. Overall, I think that the novel ended on a hopeful note, and that the relationship between Alec and Terje was also ultimately very romantic, but there was a lot of grim and tragic stuff that happened before we got there that made it less satisfying. Overall, I'd say this was a good sequel with a similar tone to the first book, but there were a few things that lessened my enjoyment.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
I thought that Dark Summer would be a glimpse of how Alec and Terje manage to be in a relationship together. In reality, the day-to-day of their romance occurred in summary. Really, the novel begins when the cracks in their romance appear. This was relatively predictable--Terje disappears occasionally into the outside world, which Alec is insecure about alongside feelings about whether Terje can truly love him.
No doubt a lot of the stuff Alec does in this book will bother some readers, from his unfair expectations that Terje abandon interactions with all others, to his disregard for political issues, to the ways in which he acts out. To me, though, Alec read as self-destructive and rather depressed. He tends to hurt the people around him and he knows it but has trouble breaking out of that cycle. Overall, I think that the novel ended on a hopeful note, and that the relationship between Alec and Terje was also ultimately very romantic, but there was a lot of grim and tragic stuff that happened before we got there that made it less satisfying. Overall, I'd say this was a good sequel with a similar tone to the first book, but there were a few things that lessened my enjoyment.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
July 18, 2021
Wow, what a sequel! First things first, this should definitely be read in order as it's a continuation of Alec and Terje's ongoing bid to stay safe after the events of Blood Winter. It's every bit as good as the first book, too.
The ongoing story arc is again handled brilliantly with some great action stemming from the aftermath of Blood Winter. Alec and Terje are still trying to navigate the complexities of a fledgling human-haemophile relationship. Alec has major concerns that Terje is holding back, especially when he disappears for long stretches at a time. Their commitment to each other comes under real scrutiny when Alec is drawn back into publicly dealing with haemophile integration on the back of the Blood Winter events, however he finds a blast from his past is also embroiled, which complicates matters no end. Terje, meanwhile, is as enigmatic as ever, though we do see that, despite his unwaveringly logical approach to everything (which I previously felt came across as emotionless), he feels just as deeply as Alec and I love the way in which they deal with Alec's mortality.
There's definitely more of an air of things being resolved that at the end of book 1, but there are still questions unanswered for me (e.g. we still don't know everything about Alec's past) and socio-political issues that still need to be ironed out, which leaves the door open to more books in this series. I sincerely hope that's the case. 4.5*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
The ongoing story arc is again handled brilliantly with some great action stemming from the aftermath of Blood Winter. Alec and Terje are still trying to navigate the complexities of a fledgling human-haemophile relationship. Alec has major concerns that Terje is holding back, especially when he disappears for long stretches at a time. Their commitment to each other comes under real scrutiny when Alec is drawn back into publicly dealing with haemophile integration on the back of the Blood Winter events, however he finds a blast from his past is also embroiled, which complicates matters no end. Terje, meanwhile, is as enigmatic as ever, though we do see that, despite his unwaveringly logical approach to everything (which I previously felt came across as emotionless), he feels just as deeply as Alec and I love the way in which they deal with Alec's mortality.
There's definitely more of an air of things being resolved that at the end of book 1, but there are still questions unanswered for me (e.g. we still don't know everything about Alec's past) and socio-political issues that still need to be ironed out, which leaves the door open to more books in this series. I sincerely hope that's the case. 4.5*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
July 26, 2021
4.25 Stars
Great follow up to Blood Winter, where we see the guys 2 years down the track trying to navigate their relationship. It kept me entertained and I managed to read it in one sitting which is rarity this year.
The guys really needed to start talking and actually listening to each other as they were trying to navigate the culture clashes. Some things that were important to Alex just doesn't matter in the same way to Terje, and parts that Terje found vital and important to who he was in the society, Alex just didn't understand or agree with. I liked that Alex tried to understand, and when it was explained to him in a way he could understand, he took it on board and tried to do the right thing.
I hated the storyline with Jay and Alex's reasoning behind it. I was glad that he realized why he did it, but I wasn't happy it happened. I think they both got off easy as Terje didn't find it that important but as a reader I did.
I did like the resolution with Meg as I felt that didn't finish well in the last book and they needed to work it out between them, Alex was given the majority of the blame in the last book and it wasn't really his fault. This gave them the opportunity to reconnect and I'm glad their friendship is back on track.
Enjoyable afternoons read
*** ARC Received from GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review ***
Great follow up to Blood Winter, where we see the guys 2 years down the track trying to navigate their relationship. It kept me entertained and I managed to read it in one sitting which is rarity this year.
The guys really needed to start talking and actually listening to each other as they were trying to navigate the culture clashes. Some things that were important to Alex just doesn't matter in the same way to Terje, and parts that Terje found vital and important to who he was in the society, Alex just didn't understand or agree with. I liked that Alex tried to understand, and when it was explained to him in a way he could understand, he took it on board and tried to do the right thing.
I hated the storyline with Jay and Alex's reasoning behind it. I was glad that he realized why he did it, but I wasn't happy it happened. I think they both got off easy as Terje didn't find it that important but as a reader I did.
I did like the resolution with Meg as I felt that didn't finish well in the last book and they needed to work it out between them, Alex was given the majority of the blame in the last book and it wasn't really his fault. This gave them the opportunity to reconnect and I'm glad their friendship is back on track.
Enjoyable afternoons read
*** ARC Received from GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review ***
July 8, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. I sure missed that old man Clem and his cranky sassy self. Work on the manor was underway, leaving Alec time to mop over the limits placed on the relationship with Terje. The bubble that formed around them was all well and good when they was together but the stress of the unknown was starting to slowly creep in. Patients was running thin on all the faults, Alec finds himself questioning everything when Jay an old friend from his school days shows up willingness to help or was he just the means to get to the powerful Ivor Novák? That still leave the question of did Terje even really care for him the same way after all he been told countless times they feel different then the humans. Being drawled back into a fight that he wanted no part of, Warning signals was everywhere of the rebellion against the haemophiles. Novák is up to something just what Alec isn't sure, only will the leading face of the haemophiles allow Terje to keep Alec out of it now that the his Magister is around once again. Now the only problem is just who will strike first and how much left with casualties. Okay I have to say it getting feels on the whole Novák placing a guard on watch for Alec, like what and why!
July 25, 2021
Will the fight to keep him be too much?
Alec has started to question, if he can have a future with Terje. Terje Is a vampire and they look at life very differently than humans. It doesn’t help that Terje Disappears for weeks at a time and it’s at these times Alec starts the question their future. When an old uni friend Jay Singh Who has recently come out the closet makes advances towards Alec he becomes conflict but when Terje smells him on Alec he isn’t jealous he isn’t angry he says he would understand if he did spend time with him. This just leaves him more confused. When Alec confronts Terje About where he’s been? he finally tells him the truth that once again they are in danger.
This is quite a plot it’s full of action and emotions. I felt sorry for Alec because I just couldn’t see how he could get around the differences between Terje and himself. Things that are important to Alec are not important to him. And if Alec wanted a future then he would have to get his head around this. But would they both make it when their lives are put in danger?? Could they work together for a future?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alec has started to question, if he can have a future with Terje. Terje Is a vampire and they look at life very differently than humans. It doesn’t help that Terje Disappears for weeks at a time and it’s at these times Alec starts the question their future. When an old uni friend Jay Singh Who has recently come out the closet makes advances towards Alec he becomes conflict but when Terje smells him on Alec he isn’t jealous he isn’t angry he says he would understand if he did spend time with him. This just leaves him more confused. When Alec confronts Terje About where he’s been? he finally tells him the truth that once again they are in danger.
This is quite a plot it’s full of action and emotions. I felt sorry for Alec because I just couldn’t see how he could get around the differences between Terje and himself. Things that are important to Alec are not important to him. And if Alec wanted a future then he would have to get his head around this. But would they both make it when their lives are put in danger?? Could they work together for a future?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2021
I am so glad there was a sequel to Blood Winter. So first because this is a sequel you do need to read the first book Blood Winter to understand what is going on it seems to pick up right where that book ended. Also, like the other book, it was just as moody and Dark as the first. I actually did love that it just picked up where Blood Winter ended because it felt like an actual continutation of the other book. In this book, Alec and Terej are trying to build a life together. This book is mostly told from Alec's point of view so it is moody and borderline depressing. But it was interesting. All in all, I liked this book a lot there was just as much steam as the first one. I like that we get to see the two MCs as more of a couple this time around, and it felt more like a romance less like a getting together type. I am definitely looking out for more from this author. I definitely recommend it.
July 27, 2021
4.5 stars
First things first— this is the sequel to Blood Winter, so if you haven’t read it yet, definitely start there! This book gives us a window into Alec and Terje’s lives after the events of that book, and the challenges they face. It’s easy to be both sympathetic to and frustrated with Alec here, as he both understands, and doesn’t, how fundamentally different Terje is and how his emotionally processing, and expression, just is not the same as a human’s. It’s not an easy relationship to navigate, by any means, but it’s easy to see how invested he is, and Terje too, although he can, of course, be much more difficult to read. They’re both such deeply interesting characters, and the book is beautifully written, with descriptive, atmospheric prose— well worth a read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First things first— this is the sequel to Blood Winter, so if you haven’t read it yet, definitely start there! This book gives us a window into Alec and Terje’s lives after the events of that book, and the challenges they face. It’s easy to be both sympathetic to and frustrated with Alec here, as he both understands, and doesn’t, how fundamentally different Terje is and how his emotionally processing, and expression, just is not the same as a human’s. It’s not an easy relationship to navigate, by any means, but it’s easy to see how invested he is, and Terje too, although he can, of course, be much more difficult to read. They’re both such deeply interesting characters, and the book is beautifully written, with descriptive, atmospheric prose— well worth a read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2021
This author has definitely cornered the market on giving you what you need but not necessarily what you want. Because I just wanted Terje and Alec to have smooth sailing and happiness, but the central message of this story was that they are happy but not happy in the way that humans traditionally consider it to be. That made the tone very bitter sweet in my mind but the love and angst will make your heart hurt so good.
The way things concluded, I don't exactly think that there is a set up for another sequel but I would love to read about them getting a more traditional HEA after some more struggle of course. I would definitely recommend this to readers of the first story so that you can have more conclusion on their romance and story.
The way things concluded, I don't exactly think that there is a set up for another sequel but I would love to read about them getting a more traditional HEA after some more struggle of course. I would definitely recommend this to readers of the first story so that you can have more conclusion on their romance and story.
September 16, 2022
I managed to somewhat like the first book, but to be honest both books lacked depth and romance in general. It felt like Alec loved T way more than T did and the fact that T would have to watch Alec die no no no. I honestly expected proper love and Alec turning to they can make their love forever, or for as long as they lived. Alec was very distant from all his friends, even T, he made no real connection at all. And don't get me started on the cheating, I get why Alec did, and if I am being honest he should have ended up with Jay. T never really cared for Alec for like 90% of the book, I just wasted my time for no reason. Anyways whoever reads the book don't get too excited over the romance or even the connection between the two characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2021
The world building in this series is absolutely stunning and imaginative. I feel like Alec might not be relatable to everyone because he is very anti-social and not everyone understands that mind set but that did not bother me at all. Alec and Terje are very, very different and that does cause a lot of the issues in this book which is understandable, and in my opinion, believable (or at least as believable as possible for a story about vampires). I don’t know if everyone would enjoy the romance between the main characters because Terje is a bit cold due to his nature but again I felt like it was believable.
July 29, 2021
I was excited to read this!! This takes place after Blood Winter and you'll need to read that one first to understand this one or you'll be lost. Alec is alone a lot of the time, his vampire lover Terje is gone most of the time. When an old friend Jay, a journalist who Alec knew from college meets up with him to investigate human-haemo relations. Things start to get muddled in Alec's thoughts. This is a somewhat dark read. It's really well written and engaging, its was hard to put down. Highly recommend.
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.
August 1, 2021
Alec wants to be with Terje, but Terje doesn't seem as committed. Terje is secretive and spends lots of time away, so Alec is already feeling uncertain and questioning if they have a future together. So, when an old friend shows up and expresses interest, what will Alec do? I am a little conflicted, too. I want Alex and Terje to have love and a future, but I really didn't see it. I didn't feel the romance, and how do you have love without romance? It's still a book worth reading, especially if you have read the first one (Blood Winter), but I don't think I'd recommend it as a romance.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this chance to see what happens to Alec and Terje after the first book in something longer than the usual Epilogue. These two have been through so much, but still, we are dealing with a vampire and Terje clearly has some major stuff going on. It was interesting to see Jay added into the mix and to watch how Alec reacted. These two still have major issues to work out and the author did a superb job of continuing the story and letting us watch that happen as they negotiate how to have a committed relationship.
August 1, 2021
Following up on the precious book, some time have passed and Alec and Terje live together at the improved mansion but they might be living worlds apart. Alec spends time alone when Terje is called back to secret missions. He doesn’t share much info with Alec and he feels left out. In comes an ex college friend and things get shaken up. I feel they had a bump on their relationship where many thing are happening in very political tasks on Terje’s side. New character are brought and it’s really well written. I felt foe both of the MCs but it gets its reward at the end.
August 4, 2021
Intense, dark, fabulously complex story that will grip your imagination. Well written and will keep your attention. Wonderful supporting characters!
Alec and Terje are a compelling couple that will touch your heart and make you think about what is important.
This book is sequel to Blood Winter and really should be read in sequence. The story-line of Blood Winter is carried over into this book and i would not have understood this story without having read Blood Winter.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
Alec and Terje are a compelling couple that will touch your heart and make you think about what is important.
This book is sequel to Blood Winter and really should be read in sequence. The story-line of Blood Winter is carried over into this book and i would not have understood this story without having read Blood Winter.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
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