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The Vampires' Illuminant #1
Auctioned for Her Blood
Ember promised her dying mom she'd never go out after dark. If only she’d listened…
When I was fourteen, my mom was killed protecting me from witches wielding powerful dark magic, leaving me alone and hunted for a secret contained in my blood.
Ten years later, lonely and desperate to escape my boring safe life, I break Mom’s rule and go out after dark, only to land on an auction block where two wealthy and powerful men bid their fortunes for a night with me.
I can’t deny that I’m drawn to both of these smoking hot men—one a cultured intellect and the other a dangerous bad boy—and I’m whisked into a glamorous world of powerful vampires, dark secrets and darker desires.
My rule-breaking leads to passion like I’ve never known, but ends in disaster when I’m captured and trapped in a dangerous prison full of vicious creatures all hungry for my blood—and my innocence.
As I discover the mysterious power I hold deep inside me, can I survive long enough to escape captivity? And as I develop intense feelings for more than one of my protectors, how can I possible choose just one?
Auctioned for Her Blood is Book 1 of The Vampires’ Illuminant series. Expect a steamy, exciting story, where the heroine falls for more than one man and doesn’t have to choose.
When I was fourteen, my mom was killed protecting me from witches wielding powerful dark magic, leaving me alone and hunted for a secret contained in my blood.
Ten years later, lonely and desperate to escape my boring safe life, I break Mom’s rule and go out after dark, only to land on an auction block where two wealthy and powerful men bid their fortunes for a night with me.
I can’t deny that I’m drawn to both of these smoking hot men—one a cultured intellect and the other a dangerous bad boy—and I’m whisked into a glamorous world of powerful vampires, dark secrets and darker desires.
My rule-breaking leads to passion like I’ve never known, but ends in disaster when I’m captured and trapped in a dangerous prison full of vicious creatures all hungry for my blood—and my innocence.
As I discover the mysterious power I hold deep inside me, can I survive long enough to escape captivity? And as I develop intense feelings for more than one of my protectors, how can I possible choose just one?
Auctioned for Her Blood is Book 1 of The Vampires’ Illuminant series. Expect a steamy, exciting story, where the heroine falls for more than one man and doesn’t have to choose.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2021
536 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Mara Leigh
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Mara Leigh, a corporate world escapee, loves to hang out in coffee shops and let her imagination run wild.
After hopping between various cities including Edinburgh, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, Mara and her exorbitant shoe collection have settled in Toronto where she writes steamy and emotional reverse harem paranormal, and m/f contemporary romances.
Sign up for her Newsletter
Mara Leigh, a corporate world escapee, loves to hang out in coffee shops and let her imagination run wild.
After hopping between various cities including Edinburgh, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, Mara and her exorbitant shoe collection have settled in Toronto where she writes steamy and emotional reverse harem paranormal, and m/f contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 13, 2022
Ember was just a kid when her mother made her go into the magically concealed basement to hide from those bad people who were looking for her. But when her mother disappeared that night she knew her mother was dead and had died for her, to keep her safe. From that moment on she did as her mother had told her to do and never went out after dark in order to keep herself safe. Until one night she can't help but be out after dark for a work event.
Meeting Zuben changed her life but then meeting Ryker also changed her life but not in bad ways. She now knows that things are not always what they seem and there's a lot more to be seen than she ever knew. Vampires exist and while some are bad, Zuben and Ryker and not the bad kind. At least she doesn't think Zuben is a bad vampire but the people he works for are not good so he tries to keep her safe from them because if they found out what she is, they would keep her locked up and experiment on her.
I was really liking this book when it abruptly ended on a cliffhanger. I was not expecting that and it really ruined the book for me.
Meeting Zuben changed her life but then meeting Ryker also changed her life but not in bad ways. She now knows that things are not always what they seem and there's a lot more to be seen than she ever knew. Vampires exist and while some are bad, Zuben and Ryker and not the bad kind. At least she doesn't think Zuben is a bad vampire but the people he works for are not good so he tries to keep her safe from them because if they found out what she is, they would keep her locked up and experiment on her.
I was really liking this book when it abruptly ended on a cliffhanger. I was not expecting that and it really ruined the book for me.
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December 2, 2021This is my second attempt at a Mara Leigh series and my second DNF.
I think the way this author writes her female leads is just not to my taste. Her heroines always lean towards the wide eyed and innocent, helpless damsel type, which would be fine if their back stories matched up with that.
I just don't think it makes sense for a fmc with a traumatic past to be this naive/unwary.
I think the way this author writes her female leads is just not to my taste. Her heroines always lean towards the wide eyed and innocent, helpless damsel type, which would be fine if their back stories matched up with that.
I just don't think it makes sense for a fmc with a traumatic past to be this naive/unwary.
December 21, 2021
As soon as I read one of the heroes say “drank her blood after I f####d her!” I wasn’t interested! Sorry, don’t want to know that the hero has slept with someone else (even if it’s before he met the h!). Ewww, no need for it!
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January 11, 2024DNF'd at 45%
2024 is the year of me DNFing books that don't feed my soul and not beating myself up about it. This book was just not working for me. The writing was cringey and the characters we just not working for me. I also read this book physically which I find I am much more critical of my time when I read a book with my 👀 lol! I found myself constantly checking how much longer I had left in the chapter and how far I was into the book because I wanted it to be over. I gave it a really fair shot but it's just not a book for me.
2024 is the year of me DNFing books that don't feed my soul and not beating myself up about it. This book was just not working for me. The writing was cringey and the characters we just not working for me. I also read this book physically which I find I am much more critical of my time when I read a book with my 👀 lol! I found myself constantly checking how much longer I had left in the chapter and how far I was into the book because I wanted it to be over. I gave it a really fair shot but it's just not a book for me.
February 15, 2024
I didn't really know what all the book was about going into it and honestly it's not bad. To me its just one of those books that you can read without having to really think much when you read it. I think the storyline has potential and I'm really hoping that book two leans a little more into the plot. Not a bad book overall, just not amazing.
Rating: 3.5/5
Rating: 3.5/5
September 21, 2023
So good, this series is so good. So many angles love the story line. Spice is (chefs kiss)
April 25, 2023
Everyone wants her
This is truly an entertaining story, full of adventure and twists and turns that keep you on your toes throughout the book.
Ember finally gets a job after college and realises just how much of the big wide world she knows nothing about.
Her mother was a witch who disappeared one strange night, but she remembered what her mother kept telling her, do not go out after dark and never trust anyone.
Suddenly Ember finds herself at the centre of attention of two very good looking men, who both seem determined to to have all of her attention, why are they so interested in a socially inept person who knows little about life, the only thing Ember has skills for is art
After helping to raise money for a goodwill business, Ember finds hers being auctioned and without understanding why she raises more money than anyone can believe.
Why are Zuben and Ryker determined to get her attention for themselves, both are rich business men, yet they offer her more than she could believe.
What has she got herself involved with especially when both men spend all their time letting her know she should stay away from the other male.
For someone who has never had attention from anyone Ember cannot fathom why she has such a strong effect on these men.
Ms Leigh has written a superb series that you will find hard to put down, unknowingly Ember has got involved with vampires and it seems her blood has a strange effect on them, so grab a copy of this series today and find out exactly what is going on.
This is truly an entertaining story, full of adventure and twists and turns that keep you on your toes throughout the book.
Ember finally gets a job after college and realises just how much of the big wide world she knows nothing about.
Her mother was a witch who disappeared one strange night, but she remembered what her mother kept telling her, do not go out after dark and never trust anyone.
Suddenly Ember finds herself at the centre of attention of two very good looking men, who both seem determined to to have all of her attention, why are they so interested in a socially inept person who knows little about life, the only thing Ember has skills for is art
After helping to raise money for a goodwill business, Ember finds hers being auctioned and without understanding why she raises more money than anyone can believe.
Why are Zuben and Ryker determined to get her attention for themselves, both are rich business men, yet they offer her more than she could believe.
What has she got herself involved with especially when both men spend all their time letting her know she should stay away from the other male.
For someone who has never had attention from anyone Ember cannot fathom why she has such a strong effect on these men.
Ms Leigh has written a superb series that you will find hard to put down, unknowingly Ember has got involved with vampires and it seems her blood has a strange effect on them, so grab a copy of this series today and find out exactly what is going on.
February 9, 2025
I had a craving for vamps 😁.... and this book delivered. My rating: 3,75 stars.
Book #1 was certainly interesting enough to want to continue the series. 🧛🏼🦇⚰️🩸
Book #1 was certainly interesting enough to want to continue the series. 🧛🏼🦇⚰️🩸
April 2, 2023
Ratings:
Auctioned for Her Blood: 3.5 ⭐️
Characters: 4 ⭐️
Spicy: 3 ⭐️
A good start to a series. I’m interested in seeing what happens to Ember. This does end with a cliffhanger.
There was some repetitive areas but not distracting. The writer did a good job with multiple POVs.
The characters are fun and enjoyable to read. It will be interesting to see how the characters develop in the books to follow.
World building could have been more detailed. I would have liked to know more about the magic and the other not so human beings that exist in this book.
Would I recommend reading it? Yes, it’s fun and spicy.
Favorite quote from the book:
Chapter 5, page 51 “Humans for sale? How very eighteenth century.”
Auctioned for Her Blood: 3.5 ⭐️
Characters: 4 ⭐️
Spicy: 3 ⭐️
A good start to a series. I’m interested in seeing what happens to Ember. This does end with a cliffhanger.
There was some repetitive areas but not distracting. The writer did a good job with multiple POVs.
The characters are fun and enjoyable to read. It will be interesting to see how the characters develop in the books to follow.
World building could have been more detailed. I would have liked to know more about the magic and the other not so human beings that exist in this book.
Would I recommend reading it? Yes, it’s fun and spicy.
Favorite quote from the book:
Chapter 5, page 51 “Humans for sale? How very eighteenth century.”
November 20, 2021
Ember is going to be an amazing fmc. Shes shy but smart, has flaws but stands tall, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her. Shes innocent but by the end of this books her eyes have been opened for so many things. The men of this book are unique and endearing in their own ways, even if they are a bit infuriating. The plot is well developed with enough mystery to keep the reader wanting answers and enough sexiness to allow the mind to run wild. It ended on a cliffhanger of sorts and I cant wait to see what direction this story will take.
November 23, 2021
Leaving the light
The author has started a very interesting story. From the begining the story is wrapped in mystery and keeps you on your toes about who to trust.
Ember is haunted by her past and when she stole into the dark oh boy does she find out some stuff. Zuben and Ryker are very different men but I think that's what draws you in. They both have pasts that we don't fully know that force them to act a certain way. I can't wait to find out more of what that is....and not to mention the mysterious cave dwellers
The author has started a very interesting story. From the begining the story is wrapped in mystery and keeps you on your toes about who to trust.
Ember is haunted by her past and when she stole into the dark oh boy does she find out some stuff. Zuben and Ryker are very different men but I think that's what draws you in. They both have pasts that we don't fully know that force them to act a certain way. I can't wait to find out more of what that is....and not to mention the mysterious cave dwellers
February 9, 2022
So this book was pretty good.
The beginning and end is what really sold it though. The middle was a bit hard to get through. The writing is amazing and the characters have a lot of protentional though I just feel that if the middle section had been a bit shorter and we got more of her either dealing with the aftermath of her mom or more of the prison it would have kept your attention more in the middle.
Overall a pretty good book, and with how the author wrote the characters you really do feel as if you know them.
The beginning and end is what really sold it though. The middle was a bit hard to get through. The writing is amazing and the characters have a lot of protentional though I just feel that if the middle section had been a bit shorter and we got more of her either dealing with the aftermath of her mom or more of the prison it would have kept your attention more in the middle.
Overall a pretty good book, and with how the author wrote the characters you really do feel as if you know them.
February 10, 2022
Good, Fast Paced
Interesting read! Not a lot of detail. Needed more fleshing out even though it is book 1 in a series, it is a pretty short read. But, a different take on the supernatural world. As expected, book 1 ends on a cliffhanger. If you need resolution in a book, you will have to read on to get it. If you hate cliffhangers you won't like this book, so don't read it just to complain because you have been warned!
IMO, Well written and worth continuing on to the next book in the series.
Interesting read! Not a lot of detail. Needed more fleshing out even though it is book 1 in a series, it is a pretty short read. But, a different take on the supernatural world. As expected, book 1 ends on a cliffhanger. If you need resolution in a book, you will have to read on to get it. If you hate cliffhangers you won't like this book, so don't read it just to complain because you have been warned!
IMO, Well written and worth continuing on to the next book in the series.
November 20, 2021
Auctioned for her Blood sucked me in within just one chapter. Set in the same world as the Bound by her Blood series, I knew this story would drag me in and refuse to let go. Leigh has written such a sweet character in Ember that I can't help but root for her. The men that she finds herself attracted to have distinct personalities. I rushed through this book because I was so eager to read more. The ending came too soon but left me ready for book two!
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December 24, 2021Brilliant interesting read
This is book one of the new series and what an amazing start we are introduced to the main lead female character and the start of her journey of discovery. This book is like a rollercoaster ride with so many twists and turns it it is brilliant in the way that you think you know what is going to happen and then bang it goes in the different direction. Be warned this is a page turner of a book and you will struggle to put it down!
This is book one of the new series and what an amazing start we are introduced to the main lead female character and the start of her journey of discovery. This book is like a rollercoaster ride with so many twists and turns it it is brilliant in the way that you think you know what is going to happen and then bang it goes in the different direction. Be warned this is a page turner of a book and you will struggle to put it down!
February 8, 2022
Riveting Read
Fully immersed in this story. From the main character Ember to all the additional characters Vampires Zuben and Ryker I became involved with these two unsuspecting protectors and Ember's introduction to the supernatural. In a world where Vampires are revealed and humans strike first and ask questions later, our little homebody Ember is afraid to go outside after dark and we find out why.
Fully immersed in this story. From the main character Ember to all the additional characters Vampires Zuben and Ryker I became involved with these two unsuspecting protectors and Ember's introduction to the supernatural. In a world where Vampires are revealed and humans strike first and ask questions later, our little homebody Ember is afraid to go outside after dark and we find out why.
September 22, 2023
I am enjoying reading this story
I am enjoying reading this story and I look forward to reading more of them. They tell of a young woman that is being hinted for her blood for it holds some kind of magical was that vampires are acted to and can make them able to walk. in the sun light,former others also are infected by it as well.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁from a bookworm.
I am enjoying reading this story and I look forward to reading more of them. They tell of a young woman that is being hinted for her blood for it holds some kind of magical was that vampires are acted to and can make them able to walk. in the sun light,former others also are infected by it as well.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁from a bookworm.
January 17, 2024
A warning would have been great
I do not enjoy books where the main male characters have sex with other women or even think about it . The plot was really good but this absolutely killed it for me I will not be reading any other books by this author . If you're ok with that then definitely check this book out . The plot is still really good , it's just a personal prefrence of mine and a total story killer for me.
I do not enjoy books where the main male characters have sex with other women or even think about it . The plot was really good but this absolutely killed it for me I will not be reading any other books by this author . If you're ok with that then definitely check this book out . The plot is still really good , it's just a personal prefrence of mine and a total story killer for me.
July 24, 2024
Ember, Ryker and Zuben!
This book is part 1 of a series. Ember was raised by an overprotective mother in a rural farm area.
She is an adult now and doesn’t know where her mother is. She works for a nonprofit organization.
She unknowingly attracts the attention of two very handsome men.
This book has mystery and action and really steamy love scenes.
The vampire authority want her but can Ryker and Zuben keep her safe?
Now I’m going to read book 2!
This book is part 1 of a series. Ember was raised by an overprotective mother in a rural farm area.
She is an adult now and doesn’t know where her mother is. She works for a nonprofit organization.
She unknowingly attracts the attention of two very handsome men.
This book has mystery and action and really steamy love scenes.
The vampire authority want her but can Ryker and Zuben keep her safe?
Now I’m going to read book 2!
August 30, 2024
Eghhhh, this author has a hard time understanding nuance. She fails not to make a neurodivergent love interest creepy; she fails hard at consent and under what condition it cannot be given, and she super-fails at making sex scenes sound fun when describing the vampire MC drilling into the FMC super-hard at vamp speed, friction burns and all. It reminded me of True Blood and not in a good way. The book ends on a cliffhanger.
November 17, 2021
Omg this book is amazing. I was sucked in front page one. This story has a great storyline and characters. I'm loving ember she starts out shy and afraid of the dark but her character really evolves. I'm claiming ryker, he is mine lol I'm not so sure about zuben I hope his character evolves more. I can't wait for the next book.
November 19, 2021
Bloody Brilliant
She’s back again and she has brought a brilliant new addition to the universe she previously created with the series bound for her blood. This new series labeled The vampires’ illuminant, is full of intriguing twists and turns, and some steamy scenes. I hate that the book ended.
She’s back again and she has brought a brilliant new addition to the universe she previously created with the series bound for her blood. This new series labeled The vampires’ illuminant, is full of intriguing twists and turns, and some steamy scenes. I hate that the book ended.
November 20, 2021
I really really enjoyed reading this book. It moves along at a pace that is neither too fast nor too slow, but the perfect speed for an enjoyable read. You will love these characters. They are so real that you feel like you know them and you want to be there for them. This is a must read book that you need to have on your TBR list, you will not be sorry that you did.
November 20, 2021
Embers mom died with one last warning, never go out after dark. Thanks to her job at a non profit she is going to break that rule. Ember is a naive sheltered heroine. if you like innocent fmcs finding the secrets of their identity, and men who fight for her time. Vampires and shape shifters this one is for you.
November 27, 2021
Set in the same world as Bound By Her Blood which I read and enjoyed I kind of expected to love this series as well. It definitely sucked me into the story very quickly. Ember is so sweet and very entertaining. Her guys are intriguing without being too much and the story overall is filled with enough mystery to keep you engaged. Enjoy!
December 23, 2021
Strap in for the ride
Wow ... what a great read, wont give any spoilers but if you like anything supernatural you will love this book. Love the plot twists, it has just enough heat without being too overwhelming. Cant wait for the rest of the series ! I would highly recommend this book. Mara you did an awesome job will definatly be checking out your other books as well.
Wow ... what a great read, wont give any spoilers but if you like anything supernatural you will love this book. Love the plot twists, it has just enough heat without being too overwhelming. Cant wait for the rest of the series ! I would highly recommend this book. Mara you did an awesome job will definatly be checking out your other books as well.
May 29, 2023
When Ember meets Zulen her life is changed forever, then she meets a pirate. The cliffhanger ending ruins this book. It felt like they have taken a completed novel and divided it into smaller novels, the cliffhanger is an unnatural ending designed to make you buy the next book. I would have given four stars otherwise. I finished it in about 9 hours.
September 28, 2023
Stars: 4.2/5
Spice: 2.7/5
If you're looking for your good guy/bad guy (or 2) vampire book this is the book for you. It does leave you on a cliffhanger but considering the next books are out, that shouldn't be a problem. It's definitely a quick read I liked this book a whole lot. I look forward to reading the next one.
Spice: 2.7/5
If you're looking for your good guy/bad guy (or 2) vampire book this is the book for you. It does leave you on a cliffhanger but considering the next books are out, that shouldn't be a problem. It's definitely a quick read I liked this book a whole lot. I look forward to reading the next one.
September 28, 2024
what a read
This started a bit slow for me, but then soon heated up… in more ways than one…
Storyline is interesting and the threats within are intriguing…
The characters interactions are sometimes surprising, but definitely pull the reader in…
With spice and some things not so nice this was a pretty good read in the end…
Am so looking forward to follow Ember’s story….
This started a bit slow for me, but then soon heated up… in more ways than one…
Storyline is interesting and the threats within are intriguing…
The characters interactions are sometimes surprising, but definitely pull the reader in…
With spice and some things not so nice this was a pretty good read in the end…
Am so looking forward to follow Ember’s story….
June 14, 2025
Loved
She is a Hunan her mum was a witch she thinks one day her mum tells her to hide this is not a drill they have done this so many times but this time her mum doesn't hide with then she hears noises up stairs then hears her mum's screams she's paralyzed and her mum's warning never go out after dark 11years later
She is a Hunan her mum was a witch she thinks one day her mum tells her to hide this is not a drill they have done this so many times but this time her mum doesn't hide with then she hears noises up stairs then hears her mum's screams she's paralyzed and her mum's warning never go out after dark 11years later
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews