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The Warrior Within
Libby struggles with a debilitating disease and is resigned to singlehood. When she goes out one evening with co-workers, the last thing she expects is to stumble into the woman of her Jo. It isn’t long until she falls head over heels for her. But Jo’s stunning revelation could spell the end of their new relationship, and as if that wasn’t bad enough, the 150-year-old half-vampire has powerful enemies - including her father. Entering Jo's dangerous world, Libby is drawn into a web of secrets and danger. Can she overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds and survive?
338 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2021
117 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 9, 2023
This was an uncomfortable read for me. Not what I had expected from the title and cover and I've never much liked vampire stories. But the control Jo displays protecting Libby did not sit well with me at all. There were moments of suspense and some good side characters, but I just never warmed to Jo and the power she had over everyone, especially Libby.
3 stars
3 stars
September 18, 2021
Liked it, didn't love it. Reminded me a lot of the JJ Arias series Dusk Queen, which is also on Kindle Unlimited as this one is, too. Only a fair bit more emotional angst here, and lot more controlling elements that didn't sit right with me. The relationship never did come off equal, or healthy, really.
Mysterious vibes ensue when our MC Libby meets a breathtaking woman called Jo, at a time when she had given up on love and a lot of life, due to a degenerative medical condition. Strangely her pain and symptoms seem to alleviate when around the handsome rich woman, Jo.
We come to suspect she isn't all she seems, and Libby struggles with the truth once it finally comes out - and also the danger that now lurks because of Jo and her presence in her life. Not to mention her lack of control and autonomy in this relationship. However it was never as fully fleshed out as I wanted it to be, with Libby going along rather easily with the richer woman's desires, even if she protested rather lazily, making excuses for Jo. So it made for an uncomfortable relationship in my view.
We had the typical threats targeting the newly acquainted Libby, who are ultimately after the enigmatic Jo. But it felt fairly stereotypical with the villainy, and lacked direction or point - so it was not as entertaining as I hoped.
I also felt it became too long and drawn out at times. A LOT of details on the minutiae of every day things. There was also a constant narrative that Libby is so perfect and exquisite in the way she is and deals with life - despite being entirely normal, and Jo being attracted to that, and wanting to take care of her, but a lot of the time Libby felt like a doormat and Jo was just interested in being the hero. But as always, others will like this more than I! So check it out yourself!
Mysterious vibes ensue when our MC Libby meets a breathtaking woman called Jo, at a time when she had given up on love and a lot of life, due to a degenerative medical condition. Strangely her pain and symptoms seem to alleviate when around the handsome rich woman, Jo.
We come to suspect she isn't all she seems, and Libby struggles with the truth once it finally comes out - and also the danger that now lurks because of Jo and her presence in her life. Not to mention her lack of control and autonomy in this relationship. However it was never as fully fleshed out as I wanted it to be, with Libby going along rather easily with the richer woman's desires, even if she protested rather lazily, making excuses for Jo. So it made for an uncomfortable relationship in my view.
We had the typical threats targeting the newly acquainted Libby, who are ultimately after the enigmatic Jo. But it felt fairly stereotypical with the villainy, and lacked direction or point - so it was not as entertaining as I hoped.
I also felt it became too long and drawn out at times. A LOT of details on the minutiae of every day things. There was also a constant narrative that Libby is so perfect and exquisite in the way she is and deals with life - despite being entirely normal, and Jo being attracted to that, and wanting to take care of her, but a lot of the time Libby felt like a doormat and Jo was just interested in being the hero. But as always, others will like this more than I! So check it out yourself!
December 18, 2021
Butch Vampire & Sweet Mortals
I had picked up this book for free a while ago and I completely forgot what it was about when I got around to reading it. Being a lover for Vampires, you could say I was more than pleased to be reminded of that fact when I began reading.
The very, very beginning, like the first chapter, had me scratching my head trying to decipher the protagonist, Libby, and had me slightly annoyed. The opening scene took place in a nightclub (not a fan of that atmosphere in literature or life, especially with drunk giggly girls) so the opener was soaring rapidly toward an inferno of disaster. Then the "thing" happened (no spoilers) and my interest took a full one-eighty.
Initially, Libby was introduced to us as a casual chick who like to comfortably dress down, but it's then revealed to us that she not only suffers from low self-esteem, but a debilitating form of arthritis that forces her to use a cane. Hence the baggy, casual clothes. Since the story was told in first person, present tense, I felt a closer connection to Libby. All-in-all, I really did like her, but her painful disease paired with her "I am Woman, Hear me Roar, I don't need help" grew increasingly irritating the more I read the book. She was independent and never relied on anyone, until she meets tall, dark, and fangy who wanted to do nothing but care for Libby, and there was a constant battle between Libby and Jo the Vamp. I kept wanting to scream, "You can't have it both ways!"
Jo. HO-LY F***! It's not fair that Vampires are so f***ing gorgeous, even the men. I have a list of gorgeous butches and at the top of that list is another Vampire from another book. Jo, however, made a close second on that list. She was a wet dream come true. Tall, flawless skin, short, curly hair, French... oh, the French that rolled off her filthy tongue was exquisite, and oh-so charming and chivalrous. I did understand Libby's hesitance and leeriness toward Jo (before finding out she was immortal) for wanting someone like Libby. She described herself as having a 50's pin-up type body, all curves and more curves, and next to Jo who was a marbled God, well, I get it. Having known this, though, it still drove me banana-sandwich crazy that Jo had to constantly reassure Libby that Jo wanted her and Libby constantly resisting. Maddening, and it kinda ruined the whole eroticism for me a bit.
The story was fast paced and there was something always happening. A chase. A hunt. Slow, titillating build-up of sexual tension. Sex. I was going to rate this five stars, but I saw a theme running in this story that totally p*ssed me off. Libby kept getting taken by enemies of the Vamp clan. And the clan were always one, two, several steps behind to rescue her. Humans, yes, I would expect this. Vampires, who have heightened senses, can mind read, and can travel at breakneck speeds on foot, had me slumping in disappointment. The climax was thrilling because of all the gore, the suspense, but at the same time, I was like, "What?" I get why the author did what they did, it just ruined my fantasy of Vampires, is all.
Excellent read. My personal feelings toward certain aspects of the story shouldn't deter you. Give it a chance, if not for the Vampires, then for the sexy tension between Libby and Jo. 4.5 stars.
I had picked up this book for free a while ago and I completely forgot what it was about when I got around to reading it. Being a lover for Vampires, you could say I was more than pleased to be reminded of that fact when I began reading.
The very, very beginning, like the first chapter, had me scratching my head trying to decipher the protagonist, Libby, and had me slightly annoyed. The opening scene took place in a nightclub (not a fan of that atmosphere in literature or life, especially with drunk giggly girls) so the opener was soaring rapidly toward an inferno of disaster. Then the "thing" happened (no spoilers) and my interest took a full one-eighty.
Initially, Libby was introduced to us as a casual chick who like to comfortably dress down, but it's then revealed to us that she not only suffers from low self-esteem, but a debilitating form of arthritis that forces her to use a cane. Hence the baggy, casual clothes. Since the story was told in first person, present tense, I felt a closer connection to Libby. All-in-all, I really did like her, but her painful disease paired with her "I am Woman, Hear me Roar, I don't need help" grew increasingly irritating the more I read the book. She was independent and never relied on anyone, until she meets tall, dark, and fangy who wanted to do nothing but care for Libby, and there was a constant battle between Libby and Jo the Vamp. I kept wanting to scream, "You can't have it both ways!"
Jo. HO-LY F***! It's not fair that Vampires are so f***ing gorgeous, even the men. I have a list of gorgeous butches and at the top of that list is another Vampire from another book. Jo, however, made a close second on that list. She was a wet dream come true. Tall, flawless skin, short, curly hair, French... oh, the French that rolled off her filthy tongue was exquisite, and oh-so charming and chivalrous. I did understand Libby's hesitance and leeriness toward Jo (before finding out she was immortal) for wanting someone like Libby. She described herself as having a 50's pin-up type body, all curves and more curves, and next to Jo who was a marbled God, well, I get it. Having known this, though, it still drove me banana-sandwich crazy that Jo had to constantly reassure Libby that Jo wanted her and Libby constantly resisting. Maddening, and it kinda ruined the whole eroticism for me a bit.
The story was fast paced and there was something always happening. A chase. A hunt. Slow, titillating build-up of sexual tension. Sex. I was going to rate this five stars, but I saw a theme running in this story that totally p*ssed me off. Libby kept getting taken by enemies of the Vamp clan. And the clan were always one, two, several steps behind to rescue her. Humans, yes, I would expect this. Vampires, who have heightened senses, can mind read, and can travel at breakneck speeds on foot, had me slumping in disappointment. The climax was thrilling because of all the gore, the suspense, but at the same time, I was like, "What?" I get why the author did what they did, it just ruined my fantasy of Vampires, is all.
Excellent read. My personal feelings toward certain aspects of the story shouldn't deter you. Give it a chance, if not for the Vampires, then for the sexy tension between Libby and Jo. 4.5 stars.
September 15, 2022
I had never heard of this series before, I picked it out of a list for a reading challenge, it being about vampires sounded right up my alley. This sort of reminds me loosely of a sapphic version of Twilight, but if they were adults. Libby sort of got on my nerves at times I thought her back and forth with Jo was a little bit much. Brooke Campbell can clearly really write action, and storyline well because I got really sucked in to this series. I kept forgetting this book takes place within a 3 week period and every time I was reminded it threw me off a little bit because way too much happens for such a short time period in my opinion. I really wished it were more spaced out timeline wise to better match everything that happened.
August 20, 2023
Libby has a debilitating auto immune disease, and to hide herself she wears unflattering clothes. One night she goes out with coworkers as their designated driver. There she sees the woman of her dreams, who actually comes over to her and talks to her, Jo. After Jo speaks with Libby's coworkers she drops her home.
That is how they meet and Jo continues making contact. But, after Jo reluctantly tells Libby her secret, will they continue their relationship.?
I was so invested in this story, I couldn't put it down! Definitely worthy of 5 stars!!
That is how they meet and Jo continues making contact. But, after Jo reluctantly tells Libby her secret, will they continue their relationship.?
I was so invested in this story, I couldn't put it down! Definitely worthy of 5 stars!!
January 14, 2022
This was an ummm... interesting read. I gave it the 2nd star because it's a supernatural and I love those. I really really really REALLY really wanted to like this more but...meh.
It was hard to believe in the "love" between Jo and Libby. It felt forced that the two would end up together. Libby had more of a relationship with the secondary characters around her. Emma, her dad and Sarah... obviously, but then from Jo's end, she seemed closer to Beatrice and Louis.
It was hard to believe in the "love" between Jo and Libby. It felt forced that the two would end up together. Libby had more of a relationship with the secondary characters around her. Emma, her dad and Sarah... obviously, but then from Jo's end, she seemed closer to Beatrice and Louis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
A Fantastic Story of Love and Strength
The Warrior Within is a fantastic story of romance, love and strength. Libby finds her own strength through the friendship and love of Jo and the other characters. She is amazing but doesn’t recognize her own worth. Jo is a fabulous foil, very old fashioned and a bit controlling but truly doing what is best for Libby. I loved the blend and contrast of danger and normal, vampire and human. This is one of the best books I’ve read, I can’t believe it’s a debut novel!!!
The Warrior Within is a fantastic story of romance, love and strength. Libby finds her own strength through the friendship and love of Jo and the other characters. She is amazing but doesn’t recognize her own worth. Jo is a fabulous foil, very old fashioned and a bit controlling but truly doing what is best for Libby. I loved the blend and contrast of danger and normal, vampire and human. This is one of the best books I’ve read, I can’t believe it’s a debut novel!!!
August 21, 2024
Good story, strong characters, interesting world building, new twists on urban fantasy.
July 21, 2025
plot? no. vibes? yes
October 2, 2021
Great, but feels unfinished
I love the protagonist, and the theme that a debilitating disease is not the end of your life. Plus, I like that it’s a romance with a vampire. However, the ending still leaves a lot of loose ends and is begging for a sequel or even a series! It’s still worth the read though!
I love the protagonist, and the theme that a debilitating disease is not the end of your life. Plus, I like that it’s a romance with a vampire. However, the ending still leaves a lot of loose ends and is begging for a sequel or even a series! It’s still worth the read though!
August 30, 2021
Good book
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat I love the character ,so good of a stroy need to be read
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat I love the character ,so good of a stroy need to be read
August 30, 2021
Fabulous book! I want more. I can't wait for the next in this series!
August 29, 2021
Really needs a sequel
so the book just...ends kind of abruptly. Dont get me wrong, it's a really good book but it definitely needs a follow up.
so the book just...ends kind of abruptly. Dont get me wrong, it's a really good book but it definitely needs a follow up.
November 5, 2021
Very entertaining
I really liked this book. I loved the main characters and the story. I highly recommend this book and this author.
I really liked this book. I loved the main characters and the story. I highly recommend this book and this author.
October 12, 2021
One of the better vampire stories
This was such a great read! Libby falls for a hot butch she meets at a club but she doesn’t think the woman will be interested in her because of Libby’s health issues. Slow burn romance blended with a vampire story and action mixed in for a well balanced story. The ending left it wide open for a sequel so here’s hoping.
This was such a great read! Libby falls for a hot butch she meets at a club but she doesn’t think the woman will be interested in her because of Libby’s health issues. Slow burn romance blended with a vampire story and action mixed in for a well balanced story. The ending left it wide open for a sequel so here’s hoping.
October 7, 2021
Libby really made this story for me. Jo felt undeveloped and the story itself had so much unmet potential.
February 25, 2022
Warning: Spoilers...
This is a good one, folks. A romance novel that breaks all the tropes. The main character has chronic pain that she has to live with, a kind of disease that's related to arthritis. She actually has to struggle with it throughout the novel, which is actually kind of nice. So many protagonists are shown as perfect that it's nice to see somebody actually human. She has a part time job because she can't sit in one place too long without causing pain, which means that she's kind of broke. She struggles financially, having to compromise between buying clothes and getting good food.
On top of that, her relationship with the vampire lead is rather realistic. The vampire spikes her drinks with vampire blood to ease her pain, and when the protagonist finds out she feels hurt and betrayed, and it actually takes a while for trust to be restored. She's independent and prideful, and has a hard time accepting charity and gifts from her vampire lover. I identify with that so hard. It's like... you need the money, but you don't want to be a burden to others. I've been there.
The truly great thing about this book is that the protagonist is put through traumatic events, due to the villain kidnapping her a couple of times and torturing her. She friggin' gets PTSD from these things and has to deal with that. I've never read a book where the protagonist has to deal with PTSD before. It's displayed realistically, and the protagonist actually goes to therapy to help deal with it. This is amazing, folks. Also, after she was kidnapped and tortured the second time, the vampires offer her blood to heal all her wounds and she refuses! She'd rather live with her scars. I fully expected them to turn her by the end of the book, and that never happened.
This is the author's first book, and if this is a sample of the quality of her writing, I look forward to what she has to publish in the future.
This is a good one, folks. A romance novel that breaks all the tropes. The main character has chronic pain that she has to live with, a kind of disease that's related to arthritis. She actually has to struggle with it throughout the novel, which is actually kind of nice. So many protagonists are shown as perfect that it's nice to see somebody actually human. She has a part time job because she can't sit in one place too long without causing pain, which means that she's kind of broke. She struggles financially, having to compromise between buying clothes and getting good food.
On top of that, her relationship with the vampire lead is rather realistic. The vampire spikes her drinks with vampire blood to ease her pain, and when the protagonist finds out she feels hurt and betrayed, and it actually takes a while for trust to be restored. She's independent and prideful, and has a hard time accepting charity and gifts from her vampire lover. I identify with that so hard. It's like... you need the money, but you don't want to be a burden to others. I've been there.
The truly great thing about this book is that the protagonist is put through traumatic events, due to the villain kidnapping her a couple of times and torturing her. She friggin' gets PTSD from these things and has to deal with that. I've never read a book where the protagonist has to deal with PTSD before. It's displayed realistically, and the protagonist actually goes to therapy to help deal with it. This is amazing, folks. Also, after she was kidnapped and tortured the second time, the vampires offer her blood to heal all her wounds and she refuses! She'd rather live with her scars. I fully expected them to turn her by the end of the book, and that never happened.
This is the author's first book, and if this is a sample of the quality of her writing, I look forward to what she has to publish in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
TLDR: A vampire becomes enthralled with a human and loses sight of her own needs.
The Warrior Within starts off strong but slowly descends into repetitive scenes that lack plausibility. Libby suffers from a chronic form of arthritis that will cripple her over the course of her lifetime. When she meets the tall, beautiful, and enigmatic Jo at a nightclub she can’t help feeling butterflies. Though Libby is convinced her disability makes her undeserving of Jo’s attention, she can’t stop thinking about her red eyes or the air of danger which hangs over her. And why is Libby’s pain easing when she spends time with Jo?
I’m a sucker for vampire fiction - pun intended. So, I’m always searching for something in the lesbian fiction category that will sate my lust for the paranormal. I enjoyed the beginning of this book far more than others I’ve attempted to read recently. The author has done a decent job with the technical aspects of writing, and at least there is a hint of mystery even if it’s obvious why Libby is suddenly feeling better than ever.
Unfortunately, Libby is the type of character who always needs saving, thinks she is unworthy of everyone and turns away help despite wanting others to care. So, she is a damsel in distress that keeps kicking the ladder to her tower window down. In theory, I don’t object to the need to be cared for because healthy relationships result from two people taking care of each other. However, where this story is concerned, Jo is doing all the caring and very little of the taking. Thus, scene after scene is dedicated to ensuring Libby’s safety. And these scenes are usually about what car she’ll drive and where she’s going or who will accompany her, interspersed with debates about her ability to take care of herself.
So, because Jo is apathetic about getting anything from Libby, even orgasms, the relationship feels disingenuous. This book isn’t bad, but it’s mediocre at best.
The Warrior Within starts off strong but slowly descends into repetitive scenes that lack plausibility. Libby suffers from a chronic form of arthritis that will cripple her over the course of her lifetime. When she meets the tall, beautiful, and enigmatic Jo at a nightclub she can’t help feeling butterflies. Though Libby is convinced her disability makes her undeserving of Jo’s attention, she can’t stop thinking about her red eyes or the air of danger which hangs over her. And why is Libby’s pain easing when she spends time with Jo?
I’m a sucker for vampire fiction - pun intended. So, I’m always searching for something in the lesbian fiction category that will sate my lust for the paranormal. I enjoyed the beginning of this book far more than others I’ve attempted to read recently. The author has done a decent job with the technical aspects of writing, and at least there is a hint of mystery even if it’s obvious why Libby is suddenly feeling better than ever.
Unfortunately, Libby is the type of character who always needs saving, thinks she is unworthy of everyone and turns away help despite wanting others to care. So, she is a damsel in distress that keeps kicking the ladder to her tower window down. In theory, I don’t object to the need to be cared for because healthy relationships result from two people taking care of each other. However, where this story is concerned, Jo is doing all the caring and very little of the taking. Thus, scene after scene is dedicated to ensuring Libby’s safety. And these scenes are usually about what car she’ll drive and where she’s going or who will accompany her, interspersed with debates about her ability to take care of herself.
So, because Jo is apathetic about getting anything from Libby, even orgasms, the relationship feels disingenuous. This book isn’t bad, but it’s mediocre at best.
June 20, 2025
So lovely…
Libby makes this story very lovely. She is a selfless wonder in every imaginable way. You can’t help but love her. This story is told from her perspective. And Jo is just marvelous. Once she met Libby, she only had eyes for her. However, they hit many rough patches because Libby doesn’t believe that love can travel the distance from the aristocratic Jo to the everyday American struggle that Libby represents. Jo wants to save her from it all…her destitution to her health condition. And Libby fights her every step of the way in true American pride style.
Libby endures a lot of pain and turmoil once she enters Jo’s life and world. And Jo vows to protect and keep her safe. Libby makes friends and admirers everywhere she goes.
However, Libby and Jo never seem to talk about on a deeper level what really matters. Like who is Jo’s father really. Why is he like this? Why did he target Libby? And what was his end plan? Who is Jo? Why did she choose Libby? Why was she in a bar/club? What are all those meetings about? I see her and Libby getting closer but I don’t see a lot of intimate talk. Just the admiration physically. We know why Libby falls for Jo, but we do not fully understand Jo. I can understand the first kidnapping, but the second one makes no sense.
I don’t necessarily see Libby as brave more like a person that would do anything to survive. These preternatural creatures aren’t all that unique. Nothing new under the sun there. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed them. They just didn’t expand the genre when it came to their special abilities and gifts. Perhaps that was the point.
I can’t wait to read the next installment. I hope more is revealed and a more deeper connection is experienced.
Libby makes this story very lovely. She is a selfless wonder in every imaginable way. You can’t help but love her. This story is told from her perspective. And Jo is just marvelous. Once she met Libby, she only had eyes for her. However, they hit many rough patches because Libby doesn’t believe that love can travel the distance from the aristocratic Jo to the everyday American struggle that Libby represents. Jo wants to save her from it all…her destitution to her health condition. And Libby fights her every step of the way in true American pride style.
Libby endures a lot of pain and turmoil once she enters Jo’s life and world. And Jo vows to protect and keep her safe. Libby makes friends and admirers everywhere she goes.
However, Libby and Jo never seem to talk about on a deeper level what really matters. Like who is Jo’s father really. Why is he like this? Why did he target Libby? And what was his end plan? Who is Jo? Why did she choose Libby? Why was she in a bar/club? What are all those meetings about? I see her and Libby getting closer but I don’t see a lot of intimate talk. Just the admiration physically. We know why Libby falls for Jo, but we do not fully understand Jo. I can understand the first kidnapping, but the second one makes no sense.
I don’t necessarily see Libby as brave more like a person that would do anything to survive. These preternatural creatures aren’t all that unique. Nothing new under the sun there. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed them. They just didn’t expand the genre when it came to their special abilities and gifts. Perhaps that was the point.
I can’t wait to read the next installment. I hope more is revealed and a more deeper connection is experienced.
April 12, 2025
📚The Warrior Within
✍️Brooke Campbell
1⭐️
Lesbian vampires - what more can you ask for? The book follows Libby, who suffers from a type of arthritis (classic self-depreciating, given up on life main character trope). On a night out with coworkers, another woman catches her eye and then quite literally catches Libby when she is knocked over in the club. I did not like Jo from the moment we were introduced to her. Forward, inappropriate, arrogant, controlling, commandeering. I definitely got lesbian Christian Grey vibes, but not as well written - which is saying something because the 50 Shades books weren’t overly well written themselves. From what I could tell, this is the author’s first published novel and this did show. The dialogue was used as a very rudimentary way of the author differentiating between Libby and Jo - Libby’s dialogue was chatty and casual, written how a regular person would talk, whereas Jo’s was formal, no colloquialisms, no slang, but was stilted and didn’t ring remotely true at the same time. The text messages between Libby and her friend Emma were also cringey - I don’t know of any self respecting 27 year olds who still text in that awful broken English. Jo did also text like this, using “u” instead of “you”, which was at complete odds with her dialogue and directly challenged character consistency. There were hints at suspense, every interaction between Libby and Jo was left on a cliffhanger, but again this was a rudimentary attempt at building suspense. Jo’s constant use of random French words also really bothered me, and felt contrived rather than authentic.
✍️Brooke Campbell
1⭐️
Lesbian vampires - what more can you ask for? The book follows Libby, who suffers from a type of arthritis (classic self-depreciating, given up on life main character trope). On a night out with coworkers, another woman catches her eye and then quite literally catches Libby when she is knocked over in the club. I did not like Jo from the moment we were introduced to her. Forward, inappropriate, arrogant, controlling, commandeering. I definitely got lesbian Christian Grey vibes, but not as well written - which is saying something because the 50 Shades books weren’t overly well written themselves. From what I could tell, this is the author’s first published novel and this did show. The dialogue was used as a very rudimentary way of the author differentiating between Libby and Jo - Libby’s dialogue was chatty and casual, written how a regular person would talk, whereas Jo’s was formal, no colloquialisms, no slang, but was stilted and didn’t ring remotely true at the same time. The text messages between Libby and her friend Emma were also cringey - I don’t know of any self respecting 27 year olds who still text in that awful broken English. Jo did also text like this, using “u” instead of “you”, which was at complete odds with her dialogue and directly challenged character consistency. There were hints at suspense, every interaction between Libby and Jo was left on a cliffhanger, but again this was a rudimentary attempt at building suspense. Jo’s constant use of random French words also really bothered me, and felt contrived rather than authentic.
April 25, 2025
it’s good, could be better
It’s a good book but it could be better. The story is fun, characters easy to get behind, and the danger and pain builds in a very nice way. However, and this s not an indictment on sex scenes, the sex takes up a between half and a third of the book, meaning there could have been double the story building and character development to fill in the blanks. This means the antagonist is a vaguely described cookie cutter villain, how he plans to capture the mc is unexplained and seems random and easy when it wouldn’t be, and the auxiliary characters are dropped from the story with no explanation as to why long periods out of contact doesn’t cause more consequences. Cut the sex in half or double the book and all these plot holes have room to be filled and the book goes from average to very good. It’s a niche story due to the sexuality of the MC and the holes means that the book will not translate to transcend the genre and open up to a bigger readership, which is a shame as the author has great potential. Thus the 3 stars.
It’s a good book but it could be better. The story is fun, characters easy to get behind, and the danger and pain builds in a very nice way. However, and this s not an indictment on sex scenes, the sex takes up a between half and a third of the book, meaning there could have been double the story building and character development to fill in the blanks. This means the antagonist is a vaguely described cookie cutter villain, how he plans to capture the mc is unexplained and seems random and easy when it wouldn’t be, and the auxiliary characters are dropped from the story with no explanation as to why long periods out of contact doesn’t cause more consequences. Cut the sex in half or double the book and all these plot holes have room to be filled and the book goes from average to very good. It’s a niche story due to the sexuality of the MC and the holes means that the book will not translate to transcend the genre and open up to a bigger readership, which is a shame as the author has great potential. Thus the 3 stars.
July 19, 2025
Libby has a genetic lifelong chronic illness. Now in her 20s, she's already using a cane and struggling to make ends meet. She doesn't expect anyone to really ever take an interest in her. But when acting as designated driver on a night out with her friends, she meets Jo, a tall, strikingly beautiful woman whose pale skin makes her seem like a marble statue at times to Libby. And strangely enough, this goddess of a woman seems interested in Libby!
Thus begins a Sapphic romance that is also part adventure story as Libby slowly figures out who and what Jo is, then learns that she is in terrible danger, not from Jo but from others.
I enjoyed this book and have already begun the next one.
Thus begins a Sapphic romance that is also part adventure story as Libby slowly figures out who and what Jo is, then learns that she is in terrible danger, not from Jo but from others.
I enjoyed this book and have already begun the next one.
November 19, 2022
Sometimes you don't realize your own strength!
Libby is independent, always has been and then she meets Jo. Jo is a vampire who is gentle but hard. Being around Jo and or Libby takes time and patience and Jo has enemies. Libby herself has back and leg problems is determined to control things her way, until someone threatens her and Jo. She becomes a warrior. A tiny puny human. And a little help from some special friends. Enjoy!
Libby is independent, always has been and then she meets Jo. Jo is a vampire who is gentle but hard. Being around Jo and or Libby takes time and patience and Jo has enemies. Libby herself has back and leg problems is determined to control things her way, until someone threatens her and Jo. She becomes a warrior. A tiny puny human. And a little help from some special friends. Enjoy!
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October 3, 2025had the same issues as other readers with J being controlling, difficult to see things from her pov as it's all in L's pov. comes with the vamp territory i'd say. 2ndary chars stronger than J in many ways. liked L living with her disease and fighting for independence. agreed with her own feeling of insta! not exactly a cliffhanger at the end but frustrated to find this book tails off to lead to #2. the ust was strongly written but the actual sex scenes felt coy.
November 23, 2021
This book is an awesome debut novel.
And there are more coming -- Brooke Campbell's website calls The Warrior Within the first in the Warrior series.
I enjoy character development. There's plenty of that in this first Warrior book.
I look forward to learning more about these characters in the next one!
And there are more coming -- Brooke Campbell's website calls The Warrior Within the first in the Warrior series.
I enjoy character development. There's plenty of that in this first Warrior book.
I look forward to learning more about these characters in the next one!
January 6, 2022
When is the next book.
I'm already in love with the characters. More please!!!! Action, compassion acceptance...perfect mix. Liked the slow development...it made the plot more believable.
I'm already in love with the characters. More please!!!! Action, compassion acceptance...perfect mix. Liked the slow development...it made the plot more believable.
November 28, 2022
I love this book!
For those who love hot butches and independent femmes with supernatural mixed in. It moves fast but that is part of the reason I couldn't put it down.I was swept away.
For those who love hot butches and independent femmes with supernatural mixed in. It moves fast but that is part of the reason I couldn't put it down.I was swept away.
October 13, 2024
Not My Style
I was captivated enough to finish but I found it an uncomfortable style to read. I’m not big on reading in first person and the story was mainly propelled by dialogue. If these styles are to you liking, it will most likely be an enjoyable read.
I was captivated enough to finish but I found it an uncomfortable style to read. I’m not big on reading in first person and the story was mainly propelled by dialogue. If these styles are to you liking, it will most likely be an enjoyable read.
January 6, 2022
Wow
What a great find! The storyline is filled with emotional, sensual and action moments. The struggles and victories of characters and their evolution. Truly a great book.
What a great find! The storyline is filled with emotional, sensual and action moments. The struggles and victories of characters and their evolution. Truly a great book.
June 6, 2022
Well I couldn't put that book down. Really pulled me in. Now I have to get the next one.
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