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Vampires of the Beloved Gem #2
Giovanni's Jackpot
Can vampires from two separate worlds figure out how to mesh their lives together?
Giovanni Cardello loves life. He is more than content in his position as a craps dealer aboard the Beloved Gem, and his special bond with the coven master and close friends is all he needs. But mistaken identity leads to him being kidnapped, and he wonders if he’ll ever see his coven family again.
Lucius Mancini is honored to be the second for the created vampire. His family line goes back to the original eight, and Lucius is proud of the life he’s lived. When the created ones are called to be part of the newly formed paranormal council, the last thing Lucius expected was to scent his beloved. But when he discovers his beloved is missing, he questions if they’ll find him alive.
When Giovanni wakes up back on the Gem, he didn’t expect the gorgeous vampire in the room to be his fated mate. Gio agrees to move to Montana with Lucius, but the council is still forming, and Giovanni doesn’t know how he fits into this world. Now an unknown presence appears near Gio on the mountain, leaving everyone to wonder what its intent is. Is it after Gio? Or does it not want the council on the mountain?
Giovanni’s Jackpot is the second 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.
Giovanni Cardello loves life. He is more than content in his position as a craps dealer aboard the Beloved Gem, and his special bond with the coven master and close friends is all he needs. But mistaken identity leads to him being kidnapped, and he wonders if he’ll ever see his coven family again.
Lucius Mancini is honored to be the second for the created vampire. His family line goes back to the original eight, and Lucius is proud of the life he’s lived. When the created ones are called to be part of the newly formed paranormal council, the last thing Lucius expected was to scent his beloved. But when he discovers his beloved is missing, he questions if they’ll find him alive.
When Giovanni wakes up back on the Gem, he didn’t expect the gorgeous vampire in the room to be his fated mate. Gio agrees to move to Montana with Lucius, but the council is still forming, and Giovanni doesn’t know how he fits into this world. Now an unknown presence appears near Gio on the mountain, leaving everyone to wonder what its intent is. Is it after Gio? Or does it not want the council on the mountain?
Giovanni’s Jackpot is the second 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.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2021
97 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Rylan
85 books509 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 46 reviews
May 29, 2022
The good quality of the last book is holding up! I'm honestly stoked! I like Giovanni, and Lucius. And the side plots are interesting. If the quality holds over the four books this series currently has, I'd be down to trying the new series that has Ambrosius meet his beloved.
November 5, 2021
(Note: It best to read the books in this series in order as they are interconnected with both characters and story line.) Giovanni’s Jackpot : Vampires of the Beloved Gem by Taylor Rylan is book 2 in this series. It is the story of Giovanni, a craps dealer on the Beloved Gem, a gambling boat on the Mississippi River run by his coven master and adopted father Nicolai, and Lucius, the second in command to the created vampire Ambrosius. Ambrosius and Lucius were on the Beloved Gem when Lucius smelled his Beloved, but he could not be found on the boat. Giovanni had been kidnapped and was eventually found by Lucius and the warlocks from previous books in a somewhat violent situation that will haunt Giovanni later in the book. The story continues as they realize they are each other’s Beloved and then set out to build their lives together. Lucius cannot leave Ambrosius so Giovanni must leave the boat and go with him to Montana as the Council of the different created species is about to meet. This also leads to some angst which Giovanni must overcome and adds to the story. It continues as they learn to live and adapt together on the mountain where they now live. There are also some mysterious happenings that cause some angst for them. I have really enjoyed this series by Ms. Rylan. She has created her own take on the world of vampires and shifters that is very unique and satisfying. I like how she has included characters from the previous books that play important roles in each of them and help the main characters with their problems as they occur. She also includes mysterious happenings that continue from book to book and are eventually solved as the story line continues. This makes you want to keep reading to find out how they end. Her characters come from varied species and are realistic and have multiple problems to deal with, especially Giovanni with what has happened in his past that is slowly revealed throughout the book. She incorporates a lot of humor as different characters react to each other and the situations they are in. She writes wonderful love scenes and also includes a precious baby which make the reading enjoyable. I absolutely love this series and highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read what will happen in the next book!
November 12, 2021
Will thrill and enrapture you
Gah! This book just took my heart and put it through every emotion under the sun! I am absolutely addicted to these books - starting from the very beginning with War's mate through this one. I had always pictured Giovanni as a bit of a playboy, but once he meets his fated mate, Lucius, he actually proved to be a sweet, sensitive soul. Poor Gio has to go through so many changes, in such a short time, but he proves his inner strength again and again by pushing through and persevering. Lucius has waited so long for his Beloved and it absolutely adored the way that he pours his heart and soul into his mating. Of course, we have appearances NY several of our favorite characters from previous books, and I was completely enthralled to see so much more of Master Nikolai. It can't wait to learn how story. This book is a perfect bridge between the coven on the Beloved Gem and the newly forming counsel in Montana. I can't even describe how beautiful and exciting and absolutely addicting these books are and I would give them 10* stars in a heartbeat! So good!
Gah! This book just took my heart and put it through every emotion under the sun! I am absolutely addicted to these books - starting from the very beginning with War's mate through this one. I had always pictured Giovanni as a bit of a playboy, but once he meets his fated mate, Lucius, he actually proved to be a sweet, sensitive soul. Poor Gio has to go through so many changes, in such a short time, but he proves his inner strength again and again by pushing through and persevering. Lucius has waited so long for his Beloved and it absolutely adored the way that he pours his heart and soul into his mating. Of course, we have appearances NY several of our favorite characters from previous books, and I was completely enthralled to see so much more of Master Nikolai. It can't wait to learn how story. This book is a perfect bridge between the coven on the Beloved Gem and the newly forming counsel in Montana. I can't even describe how beautiful and exciting and absolutely addicting these books are and I would give them 10* stars in a heartbeat! So good!
November 16, 2021
Another great read
I love the stories that are played out in this author's novels, and the world building. Never a dull moment.
A few things that I don't like that are in each and every novel... 1 - the use of the word 'beloved. If there was a way I could highlight that word in each novel and delete it, I would. It is used adnaeseum - really REALLY got old fast.
2 - the sex scenes. Many many pages of repetitive sex scenes. I get that they are highly drawn to each other and sex is a way oif expressing that, but it felt like some of the sex scenes were just used as filler pages....cut and paste. It got to where I would just skim the sex scenes.
3 - one half of the couple stating 'you are my life, mine to protect and love /adore', etc.... which was really sweet and lovely the first time I read it. By the 15th time it was stated I was grinding my teeth. Every book there is one character that does that.
I truly am looking forward to the next 2 upcoming books, but really hope the author has taken out at least 3/4 of the 'beloved ' references. The dialogue is witty, and the stories are each fun to read - bring on the adventures!
I love the stories that are played out in this author's novels, and the world building. Never a dull moment.
A few things that I don't like that are in each and every novel... 1 - the use of the word 'beloved. If there was a way I could highlight that word in each novel and delete it, I would. It is used adnaeseum - really REALLY got old fast.
2 - the sex scenes. Many many pages of repetitive sex scenes. I get that they are highly drawn to each other and sex is a way oif expressing that, but it felt like some of the sex scenes were just used as filler pages....cut and paste. It got to where I would just skim the sex scenes.
3 - one half of the couple stating 'you are my life, mine to protect and love /adore', etc.... which was really sweet and lovely the first time I read it. By the 15th time it was stated I was grinding my teeth. Every book there is one character that does that.
I truly am looking forward to the next 2 upcoming books, but really hope the author has taken out at least 3/4 of the 'beloved ' references. The dialogue is witty, and the stories are each fun to read - bring on the adventures!
November 12, 2021
I'm loving the Beloved Gem and can't wait to see who will find their beloved next! - 4.5*
Yet another great book from Taylor Rylan. It had all the usual loveliness of mates finding each other with a little more drama than normal (certain wolves who shall not be named and mysterious goings on!). Giovanni and Lucius, despite being as different as you can get, were perfect together. I only had one gripe and that was Lucius' attitude towards Giovanni's safety. I get the background (don't want to give away any spoilers) but sometimes the level of control he wanted didn't sit quite right with me - Giovanni might be young but he's still a grown man who is capable of looking after himself. That's a personal thing though (I can be a bit sensitive about things like that) and just means that this might not be my favourite of the series. It was still a great addition to the series and had all kinds of teases about characters' mates in the future (whyyyy do you do this to me, I want to know who they are now). I can't wait for the next one in the series!
Yet another great book from Taylor Rylan. It had all the usual loveliness of mates finding each other with a little more drama than normal (certain wolves who shall not be named and mysterious goings on!). Giovanni and Lucius, despite being as different as you can get, were perfect together. I only had one gripe and that was Lucius' attitude towards Giovanni's safety. I get the background (don't want to give away any spoilers) but sometimes the level of control he wanted didn't sit quite right with me - Giovanni might be young but he's still a grown man who is capable of looking after himself. That's a personal thing though (I can be a bit sensitive about things like that) and just means that this might not be my favourite of the series. It was still a great addition to the series and had all kinds of teases about characters' mates in the future (whyyyy do you do this to me, I want to know who they are now). I can't wait for the next one in the series!
November 14, 2021
I absolutely enjoyed the latest book in the Vampires of the Beloved Gem series!! Lucius is a vampire who while visiting the Beloved Gem senses his fated one. When he realizes that his Giovanni and that he has been kidnapped, he is enraged and ready to do what he needs to do in order to get his one back safe and with him. Gio is a very sweet, fun vampire who's personality is infectious. When he gets rescued and realizes that his fated one is Lucius he is over the moon but doesn't know what he has to offer someone as important as Lucius. Lucius knows that Gio is the perfect one for him and will do whatever it takes to show Gio that he is more than enough and loves him for him.
I loved everything about their story, I was hooked from beginning to end. Another fantastic story in this amazing series and I can't wait for the next book to be here. I recommend this book to all who loves a fated mate paranormal romance. Well done!!!
I loved everything about their story, I was hooked from beginning to end. Another fantastic story in this amazing series and I can't wait for the next book to be here. I recommend this book to all who loves a fated mate paranormal romance. Well done!!!
November 3, 2021
Giovanni is a young and fun, flirty vampire who loves his job on the Beloved Gem. Just as he is about to leave for a week long holiday he is kidnapped. Lucius is much older and holds a very responsible position as the second for the created vampire. He learns that Giovanni is his fated mate so it’s all hands on deck to locate him.
Once Giovanni is safely returned the fated mates are finally together and the chemistry between them is red hot, as are the steamy scenes! With only a couple of minor issues regarding finding a balance between what they both need this fated pair get to relish their new life together.
This is an another enjoyable easy read in the Beloved Gem series with minimal angst, a great cast of characters and also some feels.
Be warned that the “unknown presence” in the woods sub plot is not resolved in this book so that element is a bit of a cliffhanger.
Once Giovanni is safely returned the fated mates are finally together and the chemistry between them is red hot, as are the steamy scenes! With only a couple of minor issues regarding finding a balance between what they both need this fated pair get to relish their new life together.
This is an another enjoyable easy read in the Beloved Gem series with minimal angst, a great cast of characters and also some feels.
Be warned that the “unknown presence” in the woods sub plot is not resolved in this book so that element is a bit of a cliffhanger.
November 15, 2021
Love Giovanni & Lucius! Plus, dragons!
I’m definitely enjoying the Vampires of the Beloved Gem! I love this author’s whole world of interconnected warlocks & shifters, and vampires are an excellent addition!
Giovanni has had some rough things recently and past history; Lucius is the perfect beloved to love and support him. They are also just the right amount of steamy, and bite-y, whew…!
While not a huge amount there is a bit more angst than some may expect from this world but it was perfectly done and fit the characters and setting. I’m enjoying it and the hint of continued mystery; plus…there be dragons! I also like Ambrosius a lot and will be happily awaiting not only the rest of the Gem series but looking forward to the council series. Ferguson is next and I am extra excited about getting his story.
I’m definitely enjoying the Vampires of the Beloved Gem! I love this author’s whole world of interconnected warlocks & shifters, and vampires are an excellent addition!
Giovanni has had some rough things recently and past history; Lucius is the perfect beloved to love and support him. They are also just the right amount of steamy, and bite-y, whew…!
While not a huge amount there is a bit more angst than some may expect from this world but it was perfectly done and fit the characters and setting. I’m enjoying it and the hint of continued mystery; plus…there be dragons! I also like Ambrosius a lot and will be happily awaiting not only the rest of the Gem series but looking forward to the council series. Ferguson is next and I am extra excited about getting his story.
April 2, 2022
More beloveds found on the “Beloved Gem”
This is the second of this particular series but like the 3rd or 4th related series, they are interconnected and if you want the full picture, you’ll want to figure out the full order but you must read book 1 before this one. This series is a bit darker than the other series, which is an interesting change but not completely out of character when you are dealing with vampires. The first half of this book was harder to get through, I think it’s because the way this book starts is right off the mystery of book 1, so adventure, and wildness. Then it just feels like a bunch of stilted conversations, however, if you can just hold on, the book goes from a 2star to a 5star in a switch! There’s almost too much going on to process, but it’s worth hanging in!
This is the second of this particular series but like the 3rd or 4th related series, they are interconnected and if you want the full picture, you’ll want to figure out the full order but you must read book 1 before this one. This series is a bit darker than the other series, which is an interesting change but not completely out of character when you are dealing with vampires. The first half of this book was harder to get through, I think it’s because the way this book starts is right off the mystery of book 1, so adventure, and wildness. Then it just feels like a bunch of stilted conversations, however, if you can just hold on, the book goes from a 2star to a 5star in a switch! There’s almost too much going on to process, but it’s worth hanging in!
May 21, 2023
Ok, I went into this with LOW expectations, and on a lot of fronts... yeah, this had a lot of the same issues as the first book... grrr
If you cut out half of the sex scenes we would have had to read 50 or so fewer pages (frankly, I got to the point that I just started skimming them), and if I have to read "BELOVED" one more time? 🤦♀️😭
As for the story itself and the MCs... I loved it! Yes, I know, first I rant then I praise! This appears to be the pattern that is forming with my reviews for this series! The backstory is moving along nicely, and I always love a series that includes past characters, so that is probably why I will continue with this one whenever I can use it to fill a spot for a challenge...
If you cut out half of the sex scenes we would have had to read 50 or so fewer pages (frankly, I got to the point that I just started skimming them), and if I have to read "BELOVED" one more time? 🤦♀️😭
As for the story itself and the MCs... I loved it! Yes, I know, first I rant then I praise! This appears to be the pattern that is forming with my reviews for this series! The backstory is moving along nicely, and I always love a series that includes past characters, so that is probably why I will continue with this one whenever I can use it to fill a spot for a challenge...
November 11, 2021
Giovanni’s Jackpot is best read after Diego’s Heart. Giovanni is a young vampire that likes to have fun. He works aboard the Beloved Gem. He is kidnapped just when he’s leaving for vacation. Lucius is the second to the created vampire. Lucius scents his beloved but cannot find them. Everyone works to find Gio. Loved Gio and Lucius!! They had amazing chemistry, lots of heat and steamy times! The secondary characters are fantastic! 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.
December 5, 2021
I need to know everything!
I honestly thought that Gio and Lucius were a bit all over the place and I had several instances where I had to go back and reread bits to figure out where the sentence was going.
But, I am super excited to see where other things are going. Who is Nikolai’s mate? Did Atticus end up running from Brice way back in Gage’s book? I’ll have to go back and read that again to see because I remember Brice scenting his mate and everyone deducing that it had to be Atticus, but he was supposed to be human. Who are the other created ones? Why, in a world of mpreg, would Gio ponder only about Noah being Isabel’s future mate and not his own son’s mate?
I honestly thought that Gio and Lucius were a bit all over the place and I had several instances where I had to go back and reread bits to figure out where the sentence was going.
But, I am super excited to see where other things are going. Who is Nikolai’s mate? Did Atticus end up running from Brice way back in Gage’s book? I’ll have to go back and read that again to see because I remember Brice scenting his mate and everyone deducing that it had to be Atticus, but he was supposed to be human. Who are the other created ones? Why, in a world of mpreg, would Gio ponder only about Noah being Isabel’s future mate and not his own son’s mate?
December 14, 2021
This is the second Book in the : Vampire Gem Book Series .
This was a great read it had just the right amount of fluff and seriousness . I really liked the couple although it does irk me with the fated mate trope especially the instant love . But for what it was it was pretty engaging although we never found out what this mysterious presence was it was hyped up during most of the book . But t than nothing I'm gonna assume it will be WATCHING explained in a future book hopefully .
This was a great read it had just the right amount of fluff and seriousness . I really liked the couple although it does irk me with the fated mate trope especially the instant love . But for what it was it was pretty engaging although we never found out what this mysterious presence was it was hyped up during most of the book . But t than nothing I'm gonna assume it will be WATCHING explained in a future book hopefully .
November 13, 2021
No spoilers of any kind included.
I thought Giovanni’s Jackpot was downright pure awesomeness!
Each book in this series just gets better and better and now I am impatiently waiting for the next book, which that should tell you how much I’m enjoying this series.
So yes I am definitely recommending Giovanni’s Jackpot but if you haven’t read the first book then I highly suggest that you do.
*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*
I thought Giovanni’s Jackpot was downright pure awesomeness!
Each book in this series just gets better and better and now I am impatiently waiting for the next book, which that should tell you how much I’m enjoying this series.
So yes I am definitely recommending Giovanni’s Jackpot but if you haven’t read the first book then I highly suggest that you do.
*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*
November 22, 2021
The world of the Created Ones, the first paranormals of their species, has been very interesting. The thought that has gone into world building and creating memorable characters, has been stellar. I didn't expect anything less of Giovanni and Lucius' story. And wasn't disappointed.
There's always a bit of angst in the stories. It cuts the sweetness a bit. And makes for more enjoyable MC's. The HEA is guaranteed and can't wait for more.
There's always a bit of angst in the stories. It cuts the sweetness a bit. And makes for more enjoyable MC's. The HEA is guaranteed and can't wait for more.
November 11, 2021
I don't think I can gush enough about this book. The characters are what sucked me in. By the end of page 2 I was addicted to there story. This new series has me hooked on to there town and lifes like I feel like I should be labeled a stalker ❤️🤣. Another fantastic read. I am so excited for the next book.
November 14, 2021
This series is so good! Giovanni works at the Beloved Gem. He is a fun and lively guy. Lucius, is an important vampire. High ranked. He scents his mate in Gio but a terrible thing like a kidnapping will keep them apart… for a while. I loved these two. There’s suspense around the romance and so much loving. Truly enjoyable book 2!
November 14, 2021
What a gem!
This story is a great addition to the Destined Paranormal Universe! I have really enjoyed all of the books but this one just won me over from the start. Giovanni and Lucius building their lives together and with some suspense added this added up to a really great story. I can’t wait for the next installment!
This story is a great addition to the Destined Paranormal Universe! I have really enjoyed all of the books but this one just won me over from the start. Giovanni and Lucius building their lives together and with some suspense added this added up to a really great story. I can’t wait for the next installment!
November 15, 2021
4.25 stars
This one was better than the first one but I have some unanswered questions? First what was the "presence" that was around Gio? Second, will Nikolai get his beloved? Third, what is Atticus and will he find his mate???
At the end of book 2 we know the Fergus book is next in line, will his book be the last of the Beloved Gem series??
This one was better than the first one but I have some unanswered questions? First what was the "presence" that was around Gio? Second, will Nikolai get his beloved? Third, what is Atticus and will he find his mate???
At the end of book 2 we know the Fergus book is next in line, will his book be the last of the Beloved Gem series??
November 17, 2021
Giovanni’s Jackpot
Apparently Lucius & Angelo are Gio’s jackpot…maybe. I finally finished this book and was so happy for Gio and Nikolai’s role in his life. I don’t think he should ever know what his life was like before Nikolai found him. I really enjoyed it, but would like to know what the presence is that’s on the mountain.
Apparently Lucius & Angelo are Gio’s jackpot…maybe. I finally finished this book and was so happy for Gio and Nikolai’s role in his life. I don’t think he should ever know what his life was like before Nikolai found him. I really enjoyed it, but would like to know what the presence is that’s on the mountain.
October 15, 2022
This was a cute story. There is little action and adventure in the story. It is basically two vampires falling in love and learning to live their lives. Nothing huge happens. There is a bit of a mystery but it isn't a horrible thing. In the end that is really all I can say, it is cute and I enjoyed it.
November 14, 2021
Taylor Rylan has done another winner! I love Gio and Lucius! Right in the beginning I was hooked in this story. I love seeing how these two grow their relationship and also seeing Gio growing as a person. I just love this world that Taylor has created and I can't wait for more in this world!
November 17, 2021
Lucius and Giovanni are just to sweet! I enjoyed their story and the secondary characters.
This has a little bit of everything. It is charming, funny, there is a kidnapping and beloved found, dragons and so much more!
This has a little bit of everything. It is charming, funny, there is a kidnapping and beloved found, dragons and so much more!
November 19, 2021
Great story
I was so worried about Too at the end of Diego's story. Gio went through slot but met his beloved and got his HEA. But the mountain mystery wasn't solved. Maybe in the next book?
I was so worried about Too at the end of Diego's story. Gio went through slot but met his beloved and got his HEA. But the mountain mystery wasn't solved. Maybe in the next book?
November 19, 2021
Amazing!
So much fun! Exciting and thrilling! Possessive and heartache but so much love! Loved seeing past couples, making me want to read through again!
Now I need to know Atticus, Reinhold and Nickoli stories!!!
So much fun! Exciting and thrilling! Possessive and heartache but so much love! Loved seeing past couples, making me want to read through again!
Now I need to know Atticus, Reinhold and Nickoli stories!!!
January 8, 2022
Love it
Taylor Rylan delivers another hit to the series, with this one. Giovanni and Lucius are so sweet, and she brings in a whole knew cast of characters I can't wait to read their stories.
Taylor Rylan delivers another hit to the series, with this one. Giovanni and Lucius are so sweet, and she brings in a whole knew cast of characters I can't wait to read their stories.
December 20, 2022
Giovanni's Jackpot
This was a good title. Giovanni was found and adopted by a loving man. One who rid him of his nightmares and gave him the best life any parent should give their child. Nikolai went above what any adoptive parent would do for a child in a situation like Giovanni's. Then Gio met Lucius. Who was super loving and caring.
This was a good title. Giovanni was found and adopted by a loving man. One who rid him of his nightmares and gave him the best life any parent should give their child. Nikolai went above what any adoptive parent would do for a child in a situation like Giovanni's. Then Gio met Lucius. Who was super loving and caring.
December 27, 2024
Giovanni and Lucius.
MM.
Mpreg.
Enjoyable.
Great addition to the Destined Paranormals, Vampires of the Beloved Gem, Warlocks of Amherst, Honey Creek Den, Timber Valley Wolves and Council Enforcers Connected Universe.
Recommend.
MM.
Mpreg.
Enjoyable.
Great addition to the Destined Paranormals, Vampires of the Beloved Gem, Warlocks of Amherst, Honey Creek Den, Timber Valley Wolves and Council Enforcers Connected Universe.
Recommend.
November 13, 2021
Absolutely loved this.
November 15, 2021
I loved this book it had love, action, intrigue and some mystery. I can’t wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews