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Blood Rose Nights #1
Born Reckless
“You can’t turn someone into a vampire, at least not the kind we are. You have to be born this way.”
I thought I was being noble when I put myself between my best friend and the switchblade of a mugger. Turns out Elena could have split the guy in half with her bare hands, and she did while I bled out on the sidewalk.
It should have been game over, but I woke up with newfound strength and a terrifying craving for that sweet, sweet smelling liquid pumping through your veins. Too bad my first taste ended a woman’s life and gained me an enemy who swears to make me pay.
Enter Mason Godfrey, Elena’s brother. He’s given me an ultimatum. Go back to my life, back to my medical residency, and most likely be hunted down—or come away with them to Chicago and start over. The golden, still-human prince of the city is impossible to resist. Despite the herd of eligible and eager bachelorettes who would rather see me dead than on his arm, his eyes keep lingering on me. Neither of us has forgotten that one magical night we had, right before my first life ended. Where does this lead, now that I’m a vampire and he isn’t?
They say Chicago is a safe haven for our kind, but it is nothing like I expected. This new life is filled with luxury and money. There are galas and vampire night clubs, enchanted tattoos, and a council of powerful immortals. But I must never forget. Despite this glamorous second chance at life, I’m still being hunted. And time is ticking until I make a reckless move. Because it’s what I do.
I thought I was being noble when I put myself between my best friend and the switchblade of a mugger. Turns out Elena could have split the guy in half with her bare hands, and she did while I bled out on the sidewalk.
It should have been game over, but I woke up with newfound strength and a terrifying craving for that sweet, sweet smelling liquid pumping through your veins. Too bad my first taste ended a woman’s life and gained me an enemy who swears to make me pay.
Enter Mason Godfrey, Elena’s brother. He’s given me an ultimatum. Go back to my life, back to my medical residency, and most likely be hunted down—or come away with them to Chicago and start over. The golden, still-human prince of the city is impossible to resist. Despite the herd of eligible and eager bachelorettes who would rather see me dead than on his arm, his eyes keep lingering on me. Neither of us has forgotten that one magical night we had, right before my first life ended. Where does this lead, now that I’m a vampire and he isn’t?
They say Chicago is a safe haven for our kind, but it is nothing like I expected. This new life is filled with luxury and money. There are galas and vampire night clubs, enchanted tattoos, and a council of powerful immortals. But I must never forget. Despite this glamorous second chance at life, I’m still being hunted. And time is ticking until I make a reckless move. Because it’s what I do.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2021
442 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Keary Taylor
82 books2,109 followersKeary Taylor is the USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels. She grew up along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where she started creating imaginary worlds and daring characters who always fell in love. She now splits her time between a tiny island in the Pacific Northwest and Utah, with her husband and their two children. She continues to have an overactive imagination that frequently keeps her up at night.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 22, 2021
Keary – you never cease to amaze me. Born Reckless is Keary's next release and she nails this one out of the park. It is also the start of new series and she truly knows how to hook readers from the start and keep us engaged through til the end.
Born Reckless is a fresh take on vampires and the PNR genre and the start of her next series. The title fits this story line perfectly; Juliet is reckless in many ways, but none of them ever done with the wrong intentions.
I want to say so much about this book but so afraid I will give something away. Juliet is quite the lovable heroine. The book is written entirely from her POV. I love that she is real, raw, blunt and has an uncanny sass to her. Mason and Elena Godfrey are interesting in their own right. And the secondary characters are just as important in keeping this story moving and entertaining.
I devoured this book faster than I anticipated and it has left me speechless. I loved every bit of this story and Keary wrote it beautifully. The bits and pieces she delivers throughout this book, allows readers to piece them together and give us this "ah-ha" moment as things unfold in the best way. I love the anticipation of what was to come and learning more and more about this mecca for vampires and others like them.
Quick side note - Love how this story is uniquely tied to your previous vampire series but readers don't need to read any of those to grasp this book. Keary delivers the right amount of information to explain the main idea but also pique interests for those who have not read those books yet.
Keary is wildly talented and her writing grows with each book. This book was written brilliantly. I cannot wait to see where she takes us next in this series. I can't lie, she's definitely left us teetering right on the edge of what is to come and no doubt, it will be amazing and completely unique.
Born Reckless is a fresh take on vampires and the PNR genre and the start of her next series. The title fits this story line perfectly; Juliet is reckless in many ways, but none of them ever done with the wrong intentions.
I want to say so much about this book but so afraid I will give something away. Juliet is quite the lovable heroine. The book is written entirely from her POV. I love that she is real, raw, blunt and has an uncanny sass to her. Mason and Elena Godfrey are interesting in their own right. And the secondary characters are just as important in keeping this story moving and entertaining.
I devoured this book faster than I anticipated and it has left me speechless. I loved every bit of this story and Keary wrote it beautifully. The bits and pieces she delivers throughout this book, allows readers to piece them together and give us this "ah-ha" moment as things unfold in the best way. I love the anticipation of what was to come and learning more and more about this mecca for vampires and others like them.
Quick side note - Love how this story is uniquely tied to your previous vampire series but readers don't need to read any of those to grasp this book. Keary delivers the right amount of information to explain the main idea but also pique interests for those who have not read those books yet.
Keary is wildly talented and her writing grows with each book. This book was written brilliantly. I cannot wait to see where she takes us next in this series. I can't lie, she's definitely left us teetering right on the edge of what is to come and no doubt, it will be amazing and completely unique.
February 5, 2023
Yeah, okay
This series is disappointing because there is an excellent idea that is hamstrung by careless mistakes. For example, there are misspelled and misused words - author misspelled “gaudy” as “gawdy” and used the word “predecessor” when they meant “successor” - as well as sloppy syntax errors.
Also, a foundational feature of the protagonist is that they grew up in foster care where they were grievously abused every single day from the time they were literally 1 day old until they turned 18. I guess prospective adoptive parents in Kansas don’t want white healthy newborn infant girls with no biological parents. The author didn’t bother to Google that the termination of parental rights in Kansas for the purposes of adoption takes 6 months. Which is to say that as a newborn baby with a deceased mother and no father, the protagonist would have been placed with an adoptive family and formally adopted by the age of 1. It’s not like adoption under the best of circumstances is all sunshine and roses, therefore I will never understand why so many authors believe that foster care exists solely to torture and abuse children and categorically refuse to do any research on the subject at all, choosing to perpetuate salacious misconceptions instead.
As for the plot, it reads like the author took inspiration from Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series. Which is certainly not a bad or problematic choice, but also makes for a slightly derivative read. Much like Stackhouse, the protagonist here is buffeted along caught in the tide of one powerful person or another drifting between political powers plays and mysteries without ever standing on their own.
This series is disappointing because there is an excellent idea that is hamstrung by careless mistakes. For example, there are misspelled and misused words - author misspelled “gaudy” as “gawdy” and used the word “predecessor” when they meant “successor” - as well as sloppy syntax errors.
Also, a foundational feature of the protagonist is that they grew up in foster care where they were grievously abused every single day from the time they were literally 1 day old until they turned 18. I guess prospective adoptive parents in Kansas don’t want white healthy newborn infant girls with no biological parents. The author didn’t bother to Google that the termination of parental rights in Kansas for the purposes of adoption takes 6 months. Which is to say that as a newborn baby with a deceased mother and no father, the protagonist would have been placed with an adoptive family and formally adopted by the age of 1. It’s not like adoption under the best of circumstances is all sunshine and roses, therefore I will never understand why so many authors believe that foster care exists solely to torture and abuse children and categorically refuse to do any research on the subject at all, choosing to perpetuate salacious misconceptions instead.
As for the plot, it reads like the author took inspiration from Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series. Which is certainly not a bad or problematic choice, but also makes for a slightly derivative read. Much like Stackhouse, the protagonist here is buffeted along caught in the tide of one powerful person or another drifting between political powers plays and mysteries without ever standing on their own.
February 8, 2024
Okay let me explain. The writing is good, the story is okay, but I would not classify this series as a romance. Maybe recategorize it on Amazon because any romance involved is very meh. I started book 2 but DNF’d it because the focus was all over the place, and I just found myself not caring.
I’d recommend it if you’re not in a romance mood and want a good story, but otherwise no.
I’d recommend it if you’re not in a romance mood and want a good story, but otherwise no.
April 2, 2022
Man, that ending definitely hooked me and made me jump straight into book 2, Born Savage.
February 9, 2022
I loved this book. I only have one issue about Juliet and Mason. Couldn't their relationship conflict be resolved by using a donated egg and a surrogate? Do they not exist in this world?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
Decent read
Slowly crossing off my SYKD finds in my kindle library. I wasn’t sure what to expect of this one, having not read any of Keary’s books before. The pace was perfect, fast but without sacrificing anything relevant. The tension between Juliet and Mason is so tightly strung you could play it like a violin. This was very closed door romance, I’m not sure if it spices up in the following books, and it’s been a hot minute since I read a clean romance that I actually enjoyed. The fact I enjoyed it is a testament to the plot and the really interesting take on the vampire trope.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 and .5 🌶️
Slowly crossing off my SYKD finds in my kindle library. I wasn’t sure what to expect of this one, having not read any of Keary’s books before. The pace was perfect, fast but without sacrificing anything relevant. The tension between Juliet and Mason is so tightly strung you could play it like a violin. This was very closed door romance, I’m not sure if it spices up in the following books, and it’s been a hot minute since I read a clean romance that I actually enjoyed. The fact I enjoyed it is a testament to the plot and the really interesting take on the vampire trope.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 and .5 🌶️
March 17, 2022
mixed feeling and bait and switch
First- beginning started out great until her best friend Elena allowed her to murder 2 people upon waking up. She is a doctor that murdered people because Elena couldn’t take the time to watch over her awakening.
This sets up the plot for the entire book as the father vows vengeance and even knowing how that turns out…Juliette has some redemption to do and Elena was disappointing.
Complete this with tracker tattoos or die it was a bit much.
Started out great and then had a hard left turn and was no longer as good.
Spoilers……
Also Mason and her had a nice relationship going, but based on the summary of the next books mason is out the door and a new guy is moving in on her.
First- beginning started out great until her best friend Elena allowed her to murder 2 people upon waking up. She is a doctor that murdered people because Elena couldn’t take the time to watch over her awakening.
This sets up the plot for the entire book as the father vows vengeance and even knowing how that turns out…Juliette has some redemption to do and Elena was disappointing.
Complete this with tracker tattoos or die it was a bit much.
Started out great and then had a hard left turn and was no longer as good.
Spoilers……
Also Mason and her had a nice relationship going, but based on the summary of the next books mason is out the door and a new guy is moving in on her.
May 5, 2024
Honestly, I was expecting another super smutty brain dead read... Boy was I surprised!!!
Very pleasantly surprised!!!
This book was awesome! A FL I liked! Male and female cast that were interesting. I could go as far as calling them captivating.
I did have to look and check who our girl ends up with... because if it was going to be a certain medical person... I was going to drop this series. I just don't like that guy's vibe. (Yes, even though it's book 1.)
Props to the author. My hats off. A well written, strong female. Why the hell are they so rare?
Well, stick around, cause so far, this books got it all: character progression, detailed emotions, a good story, realistic relationships and friendships... I'm totally on board for book 2!!
Also, the narrated version of this book is on YouTube - and it was done very nicely. Hard to voice all those male characters, but still executed skillfully.
Give this one a shot, guys!!
Very pleasantly surprised!!!
This book was awesome! A FL I liked! Male and female cast that were interesting. I could go as far as calling them captivating.
I did have to look and check who our girl ends up with... because if it was going to be a certain medical person... I was going to drop this series. I just don't like that guy's vibe. (Yes, even though it's book 1.)
Props to the author. My hats off. A well written, strong female. Why the hell are they so rare?
Well, stick around, cause so far, this books got it all: character progression, detailed emotions, a good story, realistic relationships and friendships... I'm totally on board for book 2!!
Also, the narrated version of this book is on YouTube - and it was done very nicely. Hard to voice all those male characters, but still executed skillfully.
Give this one a shot, guys!!
April 27, 2025
Love, love, love!!
Vampires? Hot, rich and educated people, hints of romance while also developing the characters. If this is your preferred genre then you should be reading Keary Taylor!
I love the universe, the characters, the supernatural beings, the relationships that have been created and are being created. I came across Keary Taylor in TikTok, immediately bought one of her books and devoured it when I received it. I love supporting indie authors and I absolutely love when I find one who writes as eloquently as Taylor, who has well established characters in their own unique universe that intersects with the real world. The book I started with was Vengeance and Venom (which I loved!) and I immediately ordered more from her. I obviously wanted to start at the beginning of this series and I grabbed this one on KU. Zero regrets and I’m diving into the next as soon as I post this review.
Vampires? Hot, rich and educated people, hints of romance while also developing the characters. If this is your preferred genre then you should be reading Keary Taylor!
I love the universe, the characters, the supernatural beings, the relationships that have been created and are being created. I came across Keary Taylor in TikTok, immediately bought one of her books and devoured it when I received it. I love supporting indie authors and I absolutely love when I find one who writes as eloquently as Taylor, who has well established characters in their own unique universe that intersects with the real world. The book I started with was Vengeance and Venom (which I loved!) and I immediately ordered more from her. I obviously wanted to start at the beginning of this series and I grabbed this one on KU. Zero regrets and I’m diving into the next as soon as I post this review.
December 11, 2021
Keary is amazing as always. No matter what it is that she writes, she does an amazing job. The first series of hers I read was the House of Royals series, so I was SUPER excited to learn she was going back to this universe! And boy was I not let down. It was amazing!! You do not have to read the other series to understand this one, but I highly recommend you check it out.
Juliet is one of my favorite characters Keary has created by far! The title fits Juliet perfectly, she is very reckless, but she is always trying to do the right thing. It is impossible to not fall in love with Juliet’s character. She is real, relatable, honest, and the sass that she has is amazing. All of the characters are amazing in their own right, but Juliet is definitely my favorite.
Juliet is one of my favorite characters Keary has created by far! The title fits Juliet perfectly, she is very reckless, but she is always trying to do the right thing. It is impossible to not fall in love with Juliet’s character. She is real, relatable, honest, and the sass that she has is amazing. All of the characters are amazing in their own right, but Juliet is definitely my favorite.
October 3, 2024
I was so excited to see another beautiful book by Keary Taylor! This has been on my TBR for way too long. Finally, I purchased the audio book and gave it a listen.
This was an intriguing tale set in the Decendants' world but not with those beloved characters. Which is entertaining because now, anything can happen with this series. And it's twisty and surprising as we navigate the Chicago vampire world. But wait... there are other supernatural beings. Which is just amazing.
Our heroine is the underdog, and she is fiery. She's been dealt a difficult life and is befriended by a very powerful vamp. And that's where the story begins.
If you like the idea of a potential love interest, other delicious and dangerous guys, bestie conflicts, and an enemy who won't give up, this is for you!
This was an intriguing tale set in the Decendants' world but not with those beloved characters. Which is entertaining because now, anything can happen with this series. And it's twisty and surprising as we navigate the Chicago vampire world. But wait... there are other supernatural beings. Which is just amazing.
Our heroine is the underdog, and she is fiery. She's been dealt a difficult life and is befriended by a very powerful vamp. And that's where the story begins.
If you like the idea of a potential love interest, other delicious and dangerous guys, bestie conflicts, and an enemy who won't give up, this is for you!
June 28, 2024
Enjoyed this spinoff of the Descendants Universe, but I was kind of hoping it left off where Crown of Bones did. Either way, I'm enjoying it and the interesting new information presented.
I don't like witchy stuff, but thankfully it's more like powers than spells and stuff. For the most part. So far.
I appreciate the difference in Juliet compared to the other girls fronting this vampire universe, although I wish she played her cards a little closer to her chest with loverboy, considering her backstory.
All in all, I look forward to what else this series has in store, and I absolutely love cliffhangers or huge questions posed at the ends of stories.
On to book 2.
I don't like witchy stuff, but thankfully it's more like powers than spells and stuff. For the most part. So far.
I appreciate the difference in Juliet compared to the other girls fronting this vampire universe, although I wish she played her cards a little closer to her chest with loverboy, considering her backstory.
All in all, I look forward to what else this series has in store, and I absolutely love cliffhangers or huge questions posed at the ends of stories.
On to book 2.
November 4, 2025
CLASIFICATION: 3.2 ESTRELLAS
Esta saga la lei, un libro tras otro asi que no recuerdo muy bien donde empieza uno y termina el otro. Por lo tanto voy a escribir esta misma reseña en los demas.
Lo primero que debo resaltar es que me gusto la manera en la que la autora decidio contar como se crearon los vampiros en este mundo.
Lo segundo y no se si me gusta o no. Es que la protagonista tiene un enamorado distinto a lo largo de estos 5 libros pasa por 3 personas... Y todos son insta-love. Y bueno por lo menos me gusto como con quien quedo.
Lo tercero senti el final muy apresurado.
Ps: se que esta saga esta conectada a otra de la autora pero no creo que la lea.
Esta saga la lei, un libro tras otro asi que no recuerdo muy bien donde empieza uno y termina el otro. Por lo tanto voy a escribir esta misma reseña en los demas.
Lo primero que debo resaltar es que me gusto la manera en la que la autora decidio contar como se crearon los vampiros en este mundo.
Lo segundo y no se si me gusta o no. Es que la protagonista tiene un enamorado distinto a lo largo de estos 5 libros pasa por 3 personas... Y todos son insta-love. Y bueno por lo menos me gusto como con quien quedo.
Lo tercero senti el final muy apresurado.
Ps: se que esta saga esta conectada a otra de la autora pero no creo que la lea.
January 9, 2025
I love Keary Taylor’s work! She is so intricate in the details, I should have expected the cliff hanger! She gets you sucked into the story that as soon as the climax drops, the story ends. Quite frustrating when you can’t move onto the next but still good! I enjoyed how the seemed to be slightly based on the same story but with a different FMC in totally new location. But if you’ve read her other works, some of the pieces connect! Exciting.
September 17, 2025
change of lifestyle
Juliet was just working her shift at the hospital, when her bestie dragged her out for a date with her brother. so, that caused on of those fast lifestyle changes, moving, change of diet, living with an Adonis-like man in his penthouse. why, just because she apparently killed the wrong person.
a must read!!!
Juliet was just working her shift at the hospital, when her bestie dragged her out for a date with her brother. so, that caused on of those fast lifestyle changes, moving, change of diet, living with an Adonis-like man in his penthouse. why, just because she apparently killed the wrong person.
a must read!!!
January 9, 2022
Sigh ... Did I just read an entire book that built up a relationship that was going nowhere?? Grrr!!! I liked the writing and enjoyed the story, but WTF? I just wasted 4 hours of my life being misled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
Well this book finished pretty quickly. I’m not going to lie it was a good book and I plan on reading the others because I do want to see how the story goes along. Good thing the next book drops in a couple of days
May 10, 2022
I loved Kate's fast pace straight from the get go and innovative changes on the supernatural stereotypes. Overal it was an addictive read and the end was a major cliff hanger. But the story did get a little predictable.
June 20, 2022
Vampires
I liked it! It was a fun and quick moving book. There is some great action and a little mystery. There isn't a happily ever after and a cliffhanger. It's very intriguing to see what and who Juliet will become. I enjoy strong female roles.
I liked it! It was a fun and quick moving book. There is some great action and a little mystery. There isn't a happily ever after and a cliffhanger. It's very intriguing to see what and who Juliet will become. I enjoy strong female roles.
January 26, 2023
Good First Read
Wow okay different alternate versions of vampires and gifted humans. Honestly I actually liked the whole story. The struggles and the horrible people who was in her life. Made me sad. Now on for book2
Wow okay different alternate versions of vampires and gifted humans. Honestly I actually liked the whole story. The struggles and the horrible people who was in her life. Made me sad. Now on for book2
Read
September 18, 2023Vampires
I liked this book. The story us interesting and it doesn't drag. Juliet is a very likable character and you want her to have her HEA, but it seams it is always beyond her reach. Hopefully things get better for her in the second book.
I liked this book. The story us interesting and it doesn't drag. Juliet is a very likable character and you want her to have her HEA, but it seams it is always beyond her reach. Hopefully things get better for her in the second book.
March 7, 2024
3 stars because while the characters are supposed to be in their late twenties to early thirties, it was very much to high school. It was mildly entertaining. There are 5 books in the series and I am not sure if I will bother the other ones.
March 19, 2024
3.5 stars
That was nice
It felt missing, I understand why it's a series, though it feels very distant from whole. More like a season than a book.
Anyway...
First person
Contemporary
Present tense
Chicago, Illinois, USA
That was nice
It felt missing, I understand why it's a series, though it feels very distant from whole. More like a season than a book.
Anyway...
First person
Contemporary
Present tense
Chicago, Illinois, USA
December 22, 2021
A quick fun read. I look forward to book 2 in the series.
January 13, 2022
another winner series keary taylor. absolutely loved it...look forward to the next book
June 6, 2022
DNF 30%
added-it
January 14, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/14/2023)! 🎁
March 6, 2023
A must read
Absolutely loved this book the storyline the characters are amazing . It’s so well written . Can’t wait to read the next book .
Absolutely loved this book the storyline the characters are amazing . It’s so well written . Can’t wait to read the next book .
March 22, 2023
Good character building while still being fast-paced and engaging. Love the characters and storyline. This series can be read before or after Crown of Thorns series!
November 27, 2023
Enjoyed this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews