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Vampires of the Beloved Gem #1
Diego's Heart
Can Diego prove to sweet Nigel that he’s not the monster that some think he is?
As head of security aboard the Beloved Gem, Diego Santiago loves his job and position in the coven. He’s happy for his fellow vampires that have found their beloveds and longs for that connection—someone to care for, love, and call his own. Because he often wonders if he truly is a monster like those in his birth coven. Does he deserve such a thing? When he finally visits Amherst for a little princess’s birthday, he wishes he’d gone sooner.
Nigel Frost loves children; it’s why he works with them every day. He’s adjusted to his new life in the Amherst Coven, but he wants more. He longs for a mate and children of his own. Sadly, he’s usually too tired to leave the coven to chance searching, and he knows his mate isn’t one of the warlocks at the coven. When he suddenly scents his mate at the coven, he’s thrilled with the sexy vampire that the Fates have blessed him with.
Diego and Nigel both have parental drama, but Nigel is determined to show his vampire that he’s good and deserves a beloved and children. Of course, things can’t be easy or go smoothly, can they? When trouble arises for the soon-to-be parents, will they resolve everything before the baby is born?
Diego’s Heart is the first book in the Vampires of the Beloved Gem series. Each book in the series focuses on a different couple, but these books should be read in order as there is an ongoing backstory, and previous couples will make appearances in future books. This is a fated mate MPREG story with plenty of sexy times. You should expect all the normal vampire shenanigans and sometimes love bites in unexpected places.
As head of security aboard the Beloved Gem, Diego Santiago loves his job and position in the coven. He’s happy for his fellow vampires that have found their beloveds and longs for that connection—someone to care for, love, and call his own. Because he often wonders if he truly is a monster like those in his birth coven. Does he deserve such a thing? When he finally visits Amherst for a little princess’s birthday, he wishes he’d gone sooner.
Nigel Frost loves children; it’s why he works with them every day. He’s adjusted to his new life in the Amherst Coven, but he wants more. He longs for a mate and children of his own. Sadly, he’s usually too tired to leave the coven to chance searching, and he knows his mate isn’t one of the warlocks at the coven. When he suddenly scents his mate at the coven, he’s thrilled with the sexy vampire that the Fates have blessed him with.
Diego and Nigel both have parental drama, but Nigel is determined to show his vampire that he’s good and deserves a beloved and children. Of course, things can’t be easy or go smoothly, can they? When trouble arises for the soon-to-be parents, will they resolve everything before the baby is born?
Diego’s Heart is the first book in the Vampires of the Beloved Gem series. Each book in the series focuses on a different couple, but these books should be read in order as there is an ongoing backstory, and previous couples will make appearances in future books. This is a fated mate MPREG story with plenty of sexy times. You should expect all the normal vampire shenanigans and sometimes love bites in unexpected places.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2021
326 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Rylan
89 books496 followersM/M PNR Romance Author 📖
Multitasker
Coffee addict ☕️☕️☕️
Loves unicorns, dragons, pets, and HEAs 🦄🐱🐶🐱🐱🩷
Multitasker
Coffee addict ☕️☕️☕️
Loves unicorns, dragons, pets, and HEAs 🦄🐱🐶🐱🐱🩷
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 30, 2021
Where to start? After the first couple of pages I was ready to chuck this... but, I was reading it for a challenge and didn't want to have to find a new book... so, I persevered!
What I found was basically a 223-page story that could have been told in about 100 pages. While I didn't notice any obvious grammatical errors, this story really could have used some editing to cut out the dead weight! Sure, there was a lot of internal dialogue and even more "mind speak" between the two MCs, but actual dialogue or actions were infrequent and didn't really accomplish much. There were so many missed opportunities that the author presented to us but never gave us any follow through... grrr
And, even though I am a fan of insta-love... upon meeting each other, literally the minute they met, Nigel was wrapped around Diego pronouncing his desire to have lots and lots of babies with him... seriously? *headdesk* :(
Another thought, what is up with the whole "Nigel's mother" issue? I mean, where was the author going with this? For the most part... I don't know, it just didn't seem to serve a purpose and while most mothers aren't perfect, they do love their children... even if they may have a strange way of showing it. I didn't feel that his mother was evil, or even neglectful, just overbearing... and I am not sure that this author gave enough information to give us a better understanding of why Nigel was so adverse to her being in his life... when relationships are presented to us like this, we need facts!
Although I did enjoy the way the author leads into the next book, I fear that things will just be glossed over, as they were in this one. Maybe, someday, I will need a book for another challenge and I will be able to find out what happens in Giovanni's Jackpot: Vampires of the Beloved Gem Book 2 ...
What I found was basically a 223-page story that could have been told in about 100 pages. While I didn't notice any obvious grammatical errors, this story really could have used some editing to cut out the dead weight! Sure, there was a lot of internal dialogue and even more "mind speak" between the two MCs, but actual dialogue or actions were infrequent and didn't really accomplish much. There were so many missed opportunities that the author presented to us but never gave us any follow through... grrr
And, even though I am a fan of insta-love... upon meeting each other, literally the minute they met, Nigel was wrapped around Diego pronouncing his desire to have lots and lots of babies with him... seriously? *headdesk* :(
Another thought, what is up with the whole "Nigel's mother" issue? I mean, where was the author going with this? For the most part... I don't know, it just didn't seem to serve a purpose and while most mothers aren't perfect, they do love their children... even if they may have a strange way of showing it. I didn't feel that his mother was evil, or even neglectful, just overbearing... and I am not sure that this author gave enough information to give us a better understanding of why Nigel was so adverse to her being in his life... when relationships are presented to us like this, we need facts!
Although I did enjoy the way the author leads into the next book, I fear that things will just be glossed over, as they were in this one. Maybe, someday, I will need a book for another challenge and I will be able to find out what happens in Giovanni's Jackpot: Vampires of the Beloved Gem Book 2 ...
May 25, 2022
I know I didn't enjoy the warlocks of Amherst, and can't remember much of the honey creek den series (other than I read it) and don't even remember if I read timber wolf pack. You may wonder, why are you reading this then? Well, I was a fool and got them all at the same time. So now I'm committed by sheer stubbornness and an inability to let things go. And honestly, Taylor's improving.
One of my greatest complaints with the warlocks books was that they felt like carbon copies, from the morning sickness to how the characters prepared for the baby to the birth. That and the fact that any side plot out of the pregnancy, even the relationship itself, was set aside, half baked and hastily resolved, to focus on the pregnancy. Those problems were not present here. For one, we have for the first time, a character without morning sickness. The nausea tea isn't a character here! Second, Diego's and Nigel's issues and the secondary plots aren't set aside to focus on the baby, but share more protagonism with both the relationship and the pregnancy. I appreciate that.
Dare I hope for consistency in the next books? Variety? Still too soon to tell, and my rating sort of reflects the low expectations I came with. It was good. I actually liked it. I didn't expect to. And I'm worried of hoping I might like the coming books too. Hope led me to disappointment with Amherst. And yet, I'm hoping
One of my greatest complaints with the warlocks books was that they felt like carbon copies, from the morning sickness to how the characters prepared for the baby to the birth. That and the fact that any side plot out of the pregnancy, even the relationship itself, was set aside, half baked and hastily resolved, to focus on the pregnancy. Those problems were not present here. For one, we have for the first time, a character without morning sickness. The nausea tea isn't a character here! Second, Diego's and Nigel's issues and the secondary plots aren't set aside to focus on the baby, but share more protagonism with both the relationship and the pregnancy. I appreciate that.
Dare I hope for consistency in the next books? Variety? Still too soon to tell, and my rating sort of reflects the low expectations I came with. It was good. I actually liked it. I didn't expect to. And I'm worried of hoping I might like the coming books too. Hope led me to disappointment with Amherst. And yet, I'm hoping
September 3, 2023
A big DNF. I am swearing off books where an MC giggles. An occasional giggle from a guy is cute. Here we had the love interest whose default laugh is a giggle. Yuck. His lead in line of ‘Do you want babies?? Lots and lots of babies??’ was pretty gag worthy, too. In this book the fated mates trope was a lazy cover for no relationship building and zero chemistry or depth between the leads.
September 19, 2024
Abandoned at 8%
Good lord. How has this author written MULTIPLE series while still managing to write like a middle schooler?
Good lord. How has this author written MULTIPLE series while still managing to write like a middle schooler?
February 22, 2023
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I love this world that Taylor has created which first started with Honey Creek Den, the Timber Valley Wolf Pack, the Warlocks of Amherst which is the prequel to this Series as Diego’s best friend Sev is Fenwick’s a member of the Amherst Coven One so a lot of the characters from that Series are included in this one. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the connection between Diego and Nigel. I was a bit confused why Nigel was scared of the Master Vampires like was it their power but he got used to Master Nikolai so that maybe the case with the created Vampire Master Ambrosius who scares him he probably needs to spend more time with him which maybe the case in the next book since his second in command Lucius’s beloved is Diego’s friend Gio who has been taken by the Alpha of the Evergreen pack and left a note on the apartment that Diego and Gio and share. They’re starving Gio and the note said that Diego and Nigel now owe the Alpha their firstborn as restitution since Diego took his son when him and his pack mates were planning on taking Nigel for their own pleasure so Diego did what was his right and protected his pregnant beloved from danger. Man, Nigel’s mum is a lot of work and I can totally believe that they’d tried to tell her multiple times that Nigel is now mated and is expecting but she never listened. I’m really looking forward to reading Gio’s story next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
I love this world that Taylor has created which first started with Honey Creek Den, the Timber Valley Wolf Pack, the Warlocks of Amherst which is the prequel to this Series as Diego’s best friend Sev is Fenwick’s a member of the Amherst Coven One so a lot of the characters from that Series are included in this one. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the connection between Diego and Nigel. I was a bit confused why Nigel was scared of the Master Vampires like was it their power but he got used to Master Nikolai so that maybe the case with the created Vampire Master Ambrosius who scares him he probably needs to spend more time with him which maybe the case in the next book since his second in command Lucius’s beloved is Diego’s friend Gio who has been taken by the Alpha of the Evergreen pack and left a note on the apartment that Diego and Gio and share. They’re starving Gio and the note said that Diego and Nigel now owe the Alpha their firstborn as restitution since Diego took his son when him and his pack mates were planning on taking Nigel for their own pleasure so Diego did what was his right and protected his pregnant beloved from danger. Man, Nigel’s mum is a lot of work and I can totally believe that they’d tried to tell her multiple times that Nigel is now mated and is expecting but she never listened. I’m really looking forward to reading Gio’s story next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
September 20, 2021
Great start to a new series.
Diego, the sexy vampire, and Nigel the adorable penguin shifter are fated mates. This means that there is immediate instalove between them. Which leads to a claiming and heat filled steamy times. This is low angst so they don’t have major obstacles to overcome but they do need to sort out some minor things such as living arrangements, etc whilst learning about each other’s lives.
I found this to be an enjoyable easy read that kept me engaged and is a great way to fill in a few hours. I love that there’s an ongoing overall story arc to the series and that interesting new characters are introduced. One of which has his story told next and I look forward to its release.
This is the first in a new series within the interconnected universe of the destined paranormals. We do get to catch up with characters from the Warlocks of Amherst and other series and I would recommend reading the previous books set in this universe.
Diego, the sexy vampire, and Nigel the adorable penguin shifter are fated mates. This means that there is immediate instalove between them. Which leads to a claiming and heat filled steamy times. This is low angst so they don’t have major obstacles to overcome but they do need to sort out some minor things such as living arrangements, etc whilst learning about each other’s lives.
I found this to be an enjoyable easy read that kept me engaged and is a great way to fill in a few hours. I love that there’s an ongoing overall story arc to the series and that interesting new characters are introduced. One of which has his story told next and I look forward to its release.
This is the first in a new series within the interconnected universe of the destined paranormals. We do get to catch up with characters from the Warlocks of Amherst and other series and I would recommend reading the previous books set in this universe.
March 24, 2022
Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = 2.5 stars, not bad but not quite average good even in comparison to other brain candy types.
Blurb = 4.5 stars, Gives a good snippet of what the story will be about, and clearly warns that it is an off shoot from multiple other series.
My Genre Scale = 4ish, 5 for the supernatural part, 3.5 for omega stories, 3 for brain candy
Odds if not your genre = 1
Development of: =
*World = 1.5 very little especially for a new series even if it's an offshoot of another from the same world. No real background, mythology, etc...
*Characters = 2 stars because very 2 dimensional, but definitely different from each other at least.
*Plot = 2.5, had some very interesting concepts but little actually happened outside of mating and pregnancy.
What stood out (taking in consideration I've completed over 2000 m/m books) = Penguin shifter, though we don't get to see it, feel it, or see many of the characteristics in the character.
Mood Type : Appeal to those looking for... (and /or those who should avoid) Those looking for an easy, brain candy read. Simplistic and predictable to easily pass the time.
Warnings = Even for fated mates I found the "love you's" quick and without any foundation. M-preg.
HFN/HEA = Yes
Series Notes = 1st of a new series in an established world.
*Reading on? Not likely
*Reading back to back? N/A
*Can be easily read without the previous? I have not read any from the previous series. I didn't feel lost necessarily but there were a lot of characters that cane with little info which made it hard to keep straight or understand where they fit in.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
A whole lot of telling with very little showing. Simplistic plot with little going on outside of couple conversations.
Loved the concept of a vamp clan running a casino ship. Really wanted to see the penguin since its part of the m/c but never do.
I just expect a little more substance even from my brain candy.
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves noted by other readers
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Why rate the blurbs? :
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2022) was a 3.60 average for 1715 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 800 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
5. I'm really confused by reviews that consist of just 2 to 3 sentences - with no explanation or evidence. I'm even more baffled when it receives "likes". I'm unsure of how it is useful to others on whether or not to pick a book, for example: "It was a fun read". Umm okay... What made it fun? For that matter, what do you define as fun? Do not even get me started on people who have rated over a 1000 books with a 4.99 rating average. How is that helpful? And there's is absolutely no way that every book is above average great / 5 star read. Why even bother to rate books?
6. I am not a writer nor a wordsmith, but I am a passionate reader. I joined the m/m group years ago, but I mostly lurk. I like to ask questions, debate, and quite possibly play Devil's advocate - which is hard to do online, with unknown people - to whom you are also an unknown- and no body language is available to convey intent. Plus, true debates seems to be a lost art form where respect and even friendliness can be shown between those with fundamentally different opinions.
Blurb = 4.5 stars, Gives a good snippet of what the story will be about, and clearly warns that it is an off shoot from multiple other series.
My Genre Scale = 4ish, 5 for the supernatural part, 3.5 for omega stories, 3 for brain candy
Odds if not your genre = 1
Development of: =
*World = 1.5 very little especially for a new series even if it's an offshoot of another from the same world. No real background, mythology, etc...
*Characters = 2 stars because very 2 dimensional, but definitely different from each other at least.
*Plot = 2.5, had some very interesting concepts but little actually happened outside of mating and pregnancy.
What stood out (taking in consideration I've completed over 2000 m/m books) = Penguin shifter, though we don't get to see it, feel it, or see many of the characteristics in the character.
Mood Type : Appeal to those looking for... (and /or those who should avoid) Those looking for an easy, brain candy read. Simplistic and predictable to easily pass the time.
Warnings = Even for fated mates I found the "love you's" quick and without any foundation. M-preg.
HFN/HEA = Yes
Series Notes = 1st of a new series in an established world.
*Reading on? Not likely
*Reading back to back? N/A
*Can be easily read without the previous? I have not read any from the previous series. I didn't feel lost necessarily but there were a lot of characters that cane with little info which made it hard to keep straight or understand where they fit in.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
A whole lot of telling with very little showing. Simplistic plot with little going on outside of couple conversations.
Loved the concept of a vamp clan running a casino ship. Really wanted to see the penguin since its part of the m/c but never do.
I just expect a little more substance even from my brain candy.
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves noted by other readers
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Why rate the blurbs? :
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2022) was a 3.60 average for 1715 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 800 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
5. I'm really confused by reviews that consist of just 2 to 3 sentences - with no explanation or evidence. I'm even more baffled when it receives "likes". I'm unsure of how it is useful to others on whether or not to pick a book, for example: "It was a fun read". Umm okay... What made it fun? For that matter, what do you define as fun? Do not even get me started on people who have rated over a 1000 books with a 4.99 rating average. How is that helpful? And there's is absolutely no way that every book is above average great / 5 star read. Why even bother to rate books?
6. I am not a writer nor a wordsmith, but I am a passionate reader. I joined the m/m group years ago, but I mostly lurk. I like to ask questions, debate, and quite possibly play Devil's advocate - which is hard to do online, with unknown people - to whom you are also an unknown- and no body language is available to convey intent. Plus, true debates seems to be a lost art form where respect and even friendliness can be shown between those with fundamentally different opinions.
September 22, 2021
Diego’s Heart by Taylor Rylan is the first book in her Vampires of the Beloved Gem series. It follows her Warlocks of Amherst series and I would suggest that you read those first as many of the characters from them appear in this story. It is also helpful to learn how her world of warlocks, vampires, and shifters works as it is somewhat different from those of other authors. This is the story of Diego and Nigel. Diego is a vampire and head of security on the Beloved Gem which is a casino river boat on the Mississippi. He serves Master Nikolai who owns the boat and is head of their Coven. Nigel is a penguin shifter and lives with the Coven in Amherst. He has a degree in early childhood education, loves children, and is currently taking care of triplets born to another couple who live there. They meet when Diego is visiting Amherst and smells his Beloved which is Nigel. They immediately know they are mates and the story continues from there. They have many things to work out like where to live, if they want children right away, and what Nigel can do in his spare time. Diego also thinks he is not worthy of Nigel because he is a vampire that must drink his blood to survive. While they work on these things they have help from their friends and their Masters. There is also an altercation between Diego and some wolves that ends up being a major complication. One of the premises in this book is that changes are coming to both the warlock and vampire covens in that the Fates have now granted them Beloveds. I feel like there will be other changes but they have not been revealed yet. We also meet some new characters in the Created Vampire Master Ambosius and his second in command Lucius who will be featured in the next book. I have really enjoyed this series, especially Ms. Ryland’s take on the world she has created for her characters. I also like the bonds between them and how they react to each other and the situations they are in. Please note that the story ends in a cliffhanger as Lucius discovers his Beloved works on the Beloved Gem but has disappeared and it also involves Diego and Nigel. Normally I don’t like cliffhangers but in this case it will be well worth waiting for the next book. This story is a great start to a new series and I highly recommend it.
October 13, 2024
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5
Al principio pense que este libro no iba a ser de mis favoritos de la autora, pensé que la pareja me pareceria aburrida y predecible y que me aburriria de leerlo, por que la sinopsis no me atrajo desde el inicio y lo poco que medio habia leido del libro no me llamaba la atención y afortunadamente resulto ser todo lo contrario y termine amando el libro y a los protagonistas, deoss entiendo por que Nigel enamora a todos incluyendo al gruñon de Fergus (por cierto me muero por leer el libro de él, sera un sunshine and grumpy interesante de leer😂🤭), Nigelb era super tierno y lindo, de mente muy abierta y super directo y honesto con sus sentimientos y Diego enserio es una pareja increible, adora a Nigel de una manera hermosa y se le nota el amor que le tiene, Diego le daria el cielo, las estrellas y el universo a Nigel, si Nigel se lo pidiese.
Por otro lado me encanto conocer a el Maestro Nikolai mas a profundidad aqui, lo poco que se de el, es por vistazos a su libro y se nota que ha tenido que soportar y vivir mucho para llegar a donde esta y proteger a los suyos, ya quiero leer su libro y ver que le llega su pareja para que pueda conseguir su propio FELICES PARA SIEMPRE, el mas que nadie se lo merece la verdad.
Al principio pense que este libro no iba a ser de mis favoritos de la autora, pensé que la pareja me pareceria aburrida y predecible y que me aburriria de leerlo, por que la sinopsis no me atrajo desde el inicio y lo poco que medio habia leido del libro no me llamaba la atención y afortunadamente resulto ser todo lo contrario y termine amando el libro y a los protagonistas, deoss entiendo por que Nigel enamora a todos incluyendo al gruñon de Fergus (por cierto me muero por leer el libro de él, sera un sunshine and grumpy interesante de leer😂🤭), Nigelb era super tierno y lindo, de mente muy abierta y super directo y honesto con sus sentimientos y Diego enserio es una pareja increible, adora a Nigel de una manera hermosa y se le nota el amor que le tiene, Diego le daria el cielo, las estrellas y el universo a Nigel, si Nigel se lo pidiese.
Por otro lado me encanto conocer a el Maestro Nikolai mas a profundidad aqui, lo poco que se de el, es por vistazos a su libro y se nota que ha tenido que soportar y vivir mucho para llegar a donde esta y proteger a los suyos, ya quiero leer su libro y ver que le llega su pareja para que pueda conseguir su propio FELICES PARA SIEMPRE, el mas que nadie se lo merece la verdad.
March 7, 2024
. . .
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
Hot: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
É uma leitura F(. . .), desculpe pela palavra, eu amei 🖤. . .
Amei! Ele foi para comemorar um aniversario e encontrou seu amado, e foi uma bela festa, mas tudo tem um pouco de complicações, porém tudo pode se resolver se tiver a família perfeita para ajudar e manter tudo no lugar, pois seu amado e um shifter, e uma coisa linda e encantadora. Ele e um shifter e ômega, sua vida mudou quando seu amigo o salvou e levou para o conven de feiticeiro, e lá ele tinha encontrado um propósito para viver, mas faltava algo e agora lá estava, seu alfa/companheiro, aquele que era tudo em sua vida, e bom tudo estava bem e perfeito, até que lobos vieram e tornaram as coisas complicadas, mas todos estavam juntos para cuidar e proteger. E juntos todos vão lugar para salvar e unir amado com amado. 🥰🤭 que venha o próximo livro. . . Boa Leitura 😘
October 7, 2021
Not my favorite, at all
Wow, this book was all over the place. Why was Diego so sure that Nigel didn’t want to be mated to a vampire? We have no indication from the other matings on the Gem that vampires regularly get rejected by their beloveds. Why was Nigel so timid around the master vampires? He didn’t seem to equate them to his trauma with Timothy, and yet, Diego seemed to bring that up as a possible explanation. When did Diego decide that drinking from his mate would cause harm? We had no inkling that this was a part of his thought process until, suddenly we get a new chapter and it’s gone on long enough for Nigel to be concerned.
I’m normally a big fan of these books, but this one just didn’t work. Neither Nigel nor Diego were believable. The side characters were more interesting than the main characters.
Wow, this book was all over the place. Why was Diego so sure that Nigel didn’t want to be mated to a vampire? We have no indication from the other matings on the Gem that vampires regularly get rejected by their beloveds. Why was Nigel so timid around the master vampires? He didn’t seem to equate them to his trauma with Timothy, and yet, Diego seemed to bring that up as a possible explanation. When did Diego decide that drinking from his mate would cause harm? We had no inkling that this was a part of his thought process until, suddenly we get a new chapter and it’s gone on long enough for Nigel to be concerned.
I’m normally a big fan of these books, but this one just didn’t work. Neither Nigel nor Diego were believable. The side characters were more interesting than the main characters.
November 29, 2024
DNF’d because the lack of chemistry between the MC’s at the beginning of the book.
Like another person said, their conversations are awkward and stilted. I may come back to this but for now it’s put on the back burner. What I can say is that I wish there had been more lead up to them finding each other instead of it happening basically a page in and maybe even a little bit of push and pull from one of the MC’s (not a lot since I hate those types of tropes but just a little bit so that we get to know them each separately better). Most books let the readers know the characters seperately first before introducing them to each other and that’s what I feel like this one lacked. We as the readers hold no emotional connection to them and in turn their romantic connection felt like it was lacking.
Like another person said, their conversations are awkward and stilted. I may come back to this but for now it’s put on the back burner. What I can say is that I wish there had been more lead up to them finding each other instead of it happening basically a page in and maybe even a little bit of push and pull from one of the MC’s (not a lot since I hate those types of tropes but just a little bit so that we get to know them each separately better). Most books let the readers know the characters seperately first before introducing them to each other and that’s what I feel like this one lacked. We as the readers hold no emotional connection to them and in turn their romantic connection felt like it was lacking.
September 24, 2021
This was a fantastic start to a new series. Diego’s Heart has a little bit darker, different vibe to me. It was seriously fantastic!! I would suggest reading the Warlocks of Amherst first, several of those characters cross over into this one. Diego is a vampire and head of security on the Beloved Gem. Nigel is a penguin shifter that lives in the coven and takes care of Cornelius and Mile’s triplets. He seriously loves children. I have been anxiously waiting for Nigel’s story and it was sooo freakin good! Diego is the perfect mate for Nigel. Overall this was a really fantastic story, really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
October 4, 2021
Diego and Nigel
Oh, the feels! I am so happy that Nigel found his mate and I couldn't be more happier that it's Diego. In the last Warlock book, when we met Diego, I thought he was going to turn out to be a bit of a manwhore, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Diego is sweet and devoted and utterly enchanted with his little penguin beloved. I loved how Nigel jumped in with both feet into his mating - no hesitation or uncertainty. That Diego and a vampire doesn't matter to him in the least. The two of them are really one of my favorite couples and I'm certain we'll be seeing more of them in the next book. I absolutely adore these books and can hardly wait for the next one.
Oh, the feels! I am so happy that Nigel found his mate and I couldn't be more happier that it's Diego. In the last Warlock book, when we met Diego, I thought he was going to turn out to be a bit of a manwhore, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Diego is sweet and devoted and utterly enchanted with his little penguin beloved. I loved how Nigel jumped in with both feet into his mating - no hesitation or uncertainty. That Diego and a vampire doesn't matter to him in the least. The two of them are really one of my favorite couples and I'm certain we'll be seeing more of them in the next book. I absolutely adore these books and can hardly wait for the next one.
October 2, 2021
No spoilers of any kind included.
Diego’s Heart is an amazing start to the Vampires Of The Beloved Gem series!
I absolutely loved this book and I am impatiently waiting for the next one.
Taylor Rylan’s stories just keep getting more awesome as time passes which is probably why she’s on my favorite authors list because I love her work.
So it’s going to be a big HECK YEAH I most definitely do recommend Diego’s Heart to anyone who is searching for a awesome story to climb into.
*An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have voluntarily chosen to write a fair and honest review*
Diego’s Heart is an amazing start to the Vampires Of The Beloved Gem series!
I absolutely loved this book and I am impatiently waiting for the next one.
Taylor Rylan’s stories just keep getting more awesome as time passes which is probably why she’s on my favorite authors list because I love her work.
So it’s going to be a big HECK YEAH I most definitely do recommend Diego’s Heart to anyone who is searching for a awesome story to climb into.
*An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have voluntarily chosen to write a fair and honest review*
October 4, 2021
It's always exciting to delve into a new book world and it was definitely the case for me with this one. Opening of a new series from one of my favorite authors was bound to bring excitement and it did not disappoint in the least!
I am impressed at the concept of the story and series overall. The world of vampires she created promises a lot of fun to come and the first story was so good! I loved Diego and Nigel from the get go.
The writing and world building was very well done. All the ideas the author had for her lore are right there, well and clearly presented and woven into the story with a lot of skill.
Can't wait to see what comes next!
I am impressed at the concept of the story and series overall. The world of vampires she created promises a lot of fun to come and the first story was so good! I loved Diego and Nigel from the get go.
The writing and world building was very well done. All the ideas the author had for her lore are right there, well and clearly presented and woven into the story with a lot of skill.
Can't wait to see what comes next!
April 5, 2022
uncomfortably silted conversations but a great mystery
This is a paranormal shifter romance with mpreg, the first book in a fourth series from the same “world” that are interconnected. You should read this book and it’s secon before reading the first book of the next series: Ambrosius. This has a lot of the usually insta-love aspects of the fated mate/omegaverse formula but the conversations are so silted in this book and there’s a lot of them! I am glad that I stuck with it though because the mystery in the last 50% was great and bled right into book two (pun intended). I think we allow there to be more darkness in the plots when dealing with Vampires..
This is a paranormal shifter romance with mpreg, the first book in a fourth series from the same “world” that are interconnected. You should read this book and it’s secon before reading the first book of the next series: Ambrosius. This has a lot of the usually insta-love aspects of the fated mate/omegaverse formula but the conversations are so silted in this book and there’s a lot of them! I am glad that I stuck with it though because the mystery in the last 50% was great and bled right into book two (pun intended). I think we allow there to be more darkness in the plots when dealing with Vampires..
November 7, 2022
3.5 stars. Well I do enjoy the series that all lead to this one, the over arcing issues are a bit of a let down. In addition, Nigel's chatters, at times, like a toddler. If the book is going to have shifters in it, then I want to spend time with them in the shifted form. I know Diego is a vampire, but still Nigel could have spent time in his penguin form. There also could have been something there with his mother. She seem to ignore the fact that Nigel was mated & pregnant, but then that just fizzled out. As invested as I am with all these series, I will continue on. At least I think we will get a wrap up of the issues with the wolves in the next book.
September 20, 2023
3.6 stars rounded up. I was honestly only going to give this book 3 stars, because I didn’t find it to be that exciting of a book. I mean the character types were certainly original if not extremely strange, but beside that it was a pretty basic mm romance. But, when I got to the ending of the book, the only thing that I wanted to do was to read the next book and find out what happens to these characters. So, whatever the author did to get me invested in this story definitely worked. I also really liked all of the leaders of the vampire groups and the alpha of Nigel’s pack, they seemed like cool guys.
October 2, 2021
Lovely, sweet and bringing in an interesting series plot point
I was worried at first because Nigel hadn’t found his mate at the end of the Amherst series and I really wanted to see him get his HEA. We met Diego in the second last book of Amherst and I’m glad he found his beloved given he seemed a bit adrift at the end of that book. I really liked Diego. He was such a sweetheart and I wished he understood how special he was and how loving and giving he was as a mate. I liked Nigel though sometimes I did think he perhaps needed to think a bit before reacting. I remember Taylor mentioned that this series wasn’t going to be as angst free – personally, I think this was still very much angst free. There’s certainly a bit more violence/action but I think if you’re looking for happy, smooth sailing between mates then this is still very much fitting that brief!
I was worried at first because Nigel hadn’t found his mate at the end of the Amherst series and I really wanted to see him get his HEA. We met Diego in the second last book of Amherst and I’m glad he found his beloved given he seemed a bit adrift at the end of that book. I really liked Diego. He was such a sweetheart and I wished he understood how special he was and how loving and giving he was as a mate. I liked Nigel though sometimes I did think he perhaps needed to think a bit before reacting. I remember Taylor mentioned that this series wasn’t going to be as angst free – personally, I think this was still very much angst free. There’s certainly a bit more violence/action but I think if you’re looking for happy, smooth sailing between mates then this is still very much fitting that brief!
October 9, 2021
So cute!
Definitely a good start to a new amazing series by Taylor Rylan.
Diego and Nigel were so cute together. I love how Nigel was right on bored with being Diego's mate, not once did he deny their bond and sometimes that's just nice to have in a book. Insta love. I cant wait to read Gios book. If you love dashing vampires, and adorably loving penguin shifters with a sweet little one on board? You'll definitely love this book. Taylor Rylan never disappoints. 10/10 i do recommend:)
Definitely a good start to a new amazing series by Taylor Rylan.
Diego and Nigel were so cute together. I love how Nigel was right on bored with being Diego's mate, not once did he deny their bond and sometimes that's just nice to have in a book. Insta love. I cant wait to read Gios book. If you love dashing vampires, and adorably loving penguin shifters with a sweet little one on board? You'll definitely love this book. Taylor Rylan never disappoints. 10/10 i do recommend:)
October 9, 2021
Diego and Nigel are a sweet couple. Their story is cute. But I must say that I found Fergus, the grumpy vamp barman to be a more compelling character than either MC. There's also no real explanation as to why Diego is so sure he's an unworthy mate.
I am hoping for a little more action in Gio's book. Resolve the issues with the Evergreen pack. Get a bigger boat. Give Matteo a real vacation. And find out more of what's bugging the Master.
An enjoyable, but slightly low energy book. Fergus does raise the rating to a 5, as Diego and Nigel merit a 3.5-4 on their own.
I am hoping for a little more action in Gio's book. Resolve the issues with the Evergreen pack. Get a bigger boat. Give Matteo a real vacation. And find out more of what's bugging the Master.
An enjoyable, but slightly low energy book. Fergus does raise the rating to a 5, as Diego and Nigel merit a 3.5-4 on their own.
December 16, 2021
This new series continues what the author started with the first shifters book in War and Arik. Since then we had quite a journey and now we're in vampire territory. But we keep meeting Wallace and Edison and others we read about during our journey. It slowly works towards the end with the council coming active, but before that a couple of men, who seemed to be forgotten when it comes to their beloved or mate, need to be rewarded with their true love. I'm still addicted to these books and love to hang on for the rest of the journey.
October 24, 2021
What a gem!
I absolutely loved Nigel and Diego’s story! This story is the first in a new series that is a spin-off from the Warlocks of Amherst. I enjoyed the the first series, but this new series is wonderful! What’s not to love about a boat full of vampires meeting their mates? Diego and Nigel a super cute and they set the stage for the next books in this series. I can’t wait for Gio’s story. This series has become a one click for me.
I absolutely loved Nigel and Diego’s story! This story is the first in a new series that is a spin-off from the Warlocks of Amherst. I enjoyed the the first series, but this new series is wonderful! What’s not to love about a boat full of vampires meeting their mates? Diego and Nigel a super cute and they set the stage for the next books in this series. I can’t wait for Gio’s story. This series has become a one click for me.
July 25, 2022
Diego ❤️ Nigel
I’ve read others in the series before this one but it didn’t make it any different! This series is amazing and absolutely loved Diego and Nigel! They are absolutely sweet together, I love that we gets bits & pieces if both world! All the love they share for each other and protect each other! The ending was good and bad at the same time but now I’m off to read all about Gio & Lucius! 😀❤️😀❤️
I’ve read others in the series before this one but it didn’t make it any different! This series is amazing and absolutely loved Diego and Nigel! They are absolutely sweet together, I love that we gets bits & pieces if both world! All the love they share for each other and protect each other! The ending was good and bad at the same time but now I’m off to read all about Gio & Lucius! 😀❤️😀❤️
September 29, 2021
Oh my gosh I can not gush enough about this book. The characters are so great and so now attached to my heart. The storyline was wonderful and kept me planted in the story until it was over. Then I was sad because I said I was going to take my time and savor the book. (haha) oh well rereads are just as good😊
October 3, 2021
I so loved the previous series and I think Diego is the perfect vampire to start this one. I adored Nigel, a small and super sweet penguin who loves kids. The interaction with known characters and the new plot is the base for the vamps to find their beloved and a new adventure in the paranormal world Ms Rylan has created.
October 4, 2021
I absolutely adored the newest book in the vampires of the beloved series! Diego & Nigel were so perfect for each other. Nigel was ever so patient while Diego worked through his insecurities. Their story was so sweet & I enjoyed every minute of it. I can’t wait for the next book in this great series and I highly recommend it to everyone. Well done!!!
October 7, 2021
3.75 stars
I really hate to give that rating to any of her books BUT Diego was a whiner and I wanted to stop reading early on but her books follow a storyline and not finishing wasn't recommended. So I pushed through book one. Enjoyed getting visits from everyone else, hopefully Gio's book will be s little bit better.
I really hate to give that rating to any of her books BUT Diego was a whiner and I wanted to stop reading early on but her books follow a storyline and not finishing wasn't recommended. So I pushed through book one. Enjoyed getting visits from everyone else, hopefully Gio's book will be s little bit better.
October 12, 2021
Blurb is a bit misleading
I enjoyed the story overall. Although I didn't feel invested in the characters as much as usual. They seemed a bit two dimensional.
The blurb led me to believe there would be a bit more external conflict, which there wasn't.
I'd rec with both those things in mind.
I enjoyed the story overall. Although I didn't feel invested in the characters as much as usual. They seemed a bit two dimensional.
The blurb led me to believe there would be a bit more external conflict, which there wasn't.
I'd rec with both those things in mind.
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