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Wardman Chronicles #1
The Past That Haunts
Lilith Wardman was six when her parents died. Since then, she’s gone through the motions of life, dreaming of what might have been had her world not been ripped apart.
Yet at the age of twenty-three, she finds herself thrust into a fresh nightmare.
Two sides are pitted against each other in a brewing vampire war, and Lilith is caught in between them. One wants her dead. The other will put their lives on the line to save her.
When Dominic Rosini kidnaps Lilith, he claims he accepted his boss’s offer to protect her. Little does she know, Dominic is driven by motives of his own. His boss made a promise Dominic intends to keep, despite his growing attraction to the frightened mortal.
Trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse, can Lilith trust the feelings she’s developing for Dominic? Or will the delicate life she built be left in shambles once more?
The Past That Haunts is an adult paranormal mafia romance that explores topics such as mental health and trauma. Expect profanity, mature themes, sexual situations, and general violence.
Yet at the age of twenty-three, she finds herself thrust into a fresh nightmare.
Two sides are pitted against each other in a brewing vampire war, and Lilith is caught in between them. One wants her dead. The other will put their lives on the line to save her.
When Dominic Rosini kidnaps Lilith, he claims he accepted his boss’s offer to protect her. Little does she know, Dominic is driven by motives of his own. His boss made a promise Dominic intends to keep, despite his growing attraction to the frightened mortal.
Trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse, can Lilith trust the feelings she’s developing for Dominic? Or will the delicate life she built be left in shambles once more?
The Past That Haunts is an adult paranormal mafia romance that explores topics such as mental health and trauma. Expect profanity, mature themes, sexual situations, and general violence.
- GenresParanormalRomance
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2022
3 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Porter
5 books71 followersJennifer Porter is an author of mafia romance. She resides in the state of Maine.
While in elementary school, she was told she had the potential to write her own book, and as she grew older, that’s exactly what she did as she discovered her passion. Before penning her novel, she wrote opinion pieces for her local newspaper. Coffee and her supportive husband and sister keep her going.
If she’s not getting lost in her favorite television shows, new reads, or her creative worlds, she spends her spare time with her husband and family.
The Past That Haunts - Wardman Chronicles (Book One) is her debut novel.
For more details on upcoming works & projects, visit her website at https://www.jenniferporterbooks.com
While in elementary school, she was told she had the potential to write her own book, and as she grew older, that’s exactly what she did as she discovered her passion. Before penning her novel, she wrote opinion pieces for her local newspaper. Coffee and her supportive husband and sister keep her going.
If she’s not getting lost in her favorite television shows, new reads, or her creative worlds, she spends her spare time with her husband and family.
The Past That Haunts - Wardman Chronicles (Book One) is her debut novel.
For more details on upcoming works & projects, visit her website at https://www.jenniferporterbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 11, 2023
I am a big fan of mafia romance but I mostly enjoy reading paranormal romance. When I read the blurb for The Past That Haunts and saw it is a mix of mafia and paranormal I had to read it right away.
I loved Lilith and Dom <3 They are total opposites in the beginning and I was eager to see how the author was going to "match" them together. It worked out beautifully 💗 The way Dom was trying to resist the pull had me biting my nails for the first half of the book. I had the urge to grab him and shake him up lol, but I like that their relationship developed gradually. They were so perfect for each other.
There was intrigue, romance, action - the perfect blend to keep you on your toes from start to finish. Can't wait for the the next book!!!
I loved Lilith and Dom <3 They are total opposites in the beginning and I was eager to see how the author was going to "match" them together. It worked out beautifully 💗 The way Dom was trying to resist the pull had me biting my nails for the first half of the book. I had the urge to grab him and shake him up lol, but I like that their relationship developed gradually. They were so perfect for each other.
There was intrigue, romance, action - the perfect blend to keep you on your toes from start to finish. Can't wait for the the next book!!!
August 8, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would highly recommend this book! What’s not to love hot mafia vampires check, action packed check, great FMC check!!
The past that haunts is gripping from the first chapter I was hooked! It’s fast paced, there is action, I loved all the characters but especially Dino and Dominic. I loved how Lilith and Dominic relationship changes throughout the book. What a great story! It’s an epic debut novel. I can’t wait to see what Jennifer Porter does next!
I would highly recommend this book! What’s not to love hot mafia vampires check, action packed check, great FMC check!!
The past that haunts is gripping from the first chapter I was hooked! It’s fast paced, there is action, I loved all the characters but especially Dino and Dominic. I loved how Lilith and Dominic relationship changes throughout the book. What a great story! It’s an epic debut novel. I can’t wait to see what Jennifer Porter does next!
August 28, 2022
Was a fun book to read a dark mafia romance with vampires.
And the plot of the book kept me on the edge of my seat.
I would recomant this book. and im defently intressed in book 2
And the plot of the book kept me on the edge of my seat.
I would recomant this book. and im defently intressed in book 2
July 26, 2022
Ok I would of never put Mafia and Vampires in the same sentence before I even read this book but OH MY GOD IT FITS SO SO WELL😩. Then again mafia men are bloody thirsty and dedicated to protecting their women so why not make them vampire🤷🏻♀️.
Strong FMC ✔️
Scarred MMC ✔️
I’m here to protect you trope ✔️
Mafia romance ✔️
Vampire/Human romance ✔️
Overall I loved this book. The plot kept me on the edge the entire time and the tension/spice between Lilith & Dominic. God this couple really has my heart🥺
ARC received in exchange for an honest review!
Strong FMC ✔️
Scarred MMC ✔️
I’m here to protect you trope ✔️
Mafia romance ✔️
Vampire/Human romance ✔️
Overall I loved this book. The plot kept me on the edge the entire time and the tension/spice between Lilith & Dominic. God this couple really has my heart🥺
ARC received in exchange for an honest review!
August 13, 2022
This was a free ARC that I had received and this is my review voluntarily on the book.
This is an adult paranormal romance - vampire meets Mafia. I have read many Mafia books and many different types of vampire books but never have I read a book that contained both together and this was a phenomenal book I truly enjoyed reading this. I would hundred percent recommend this book to anyone.
In this book there is a virus that was created during the 1960s Vietnam war called HVV which stands for Human Vampire Virus. In this world vampires are known among the human race they live among the human just like a regular human. They can feed and eat like a human but they also can consume blood, when you're infected with HVV
unfortunately it doesn't stop you from aging. Your senses are hightened And that animal instinct as well. There are also types of vampires called rejects which are described as monsters.
Vampires also have the ability to mate with the human race creating hybrids. Now when a hybrid is first born there is an option to get a vaccine called Dianidina, which pretty much Attacks the vampire gene and making the hybrid completely human.
The story focuses is on a girl name Lilith, who was orphaned as a child. On her way home from work as she was walking up to her building, she sees a strange man in a suite reading a newspaper sitting on a bench. All the sudden the strange man Drugs and kidnaps her. She wakes up in a strange place she has never been before, Still drugged she tries to escape, once she manages to get out the room heading toward the staircase she comes face to face at the barrel of a gun. Dino who holding the gun is told to stand down. Lilith is then taken back to the room she was in.
As the story processes Lilith learns the reason as to why she is there, that another rival vampire Mafia family is after her and it's stems back to her past With what her father was dealing in. She also finds out what really happened when her parents died in the car crash that she was in as a child. She learn that her father was a vampire who was turned when he was 19. And that she had been born a hybrid. She also starts to get close to the man who kidnapped her Dominic. He to has a strong pull to her but feels he doesn't deserve her for he feels he's nothing but a monster. As the two get close day by day Their feelings for each other grows more to the point that Polity know she's in love with him. Even giving herself completely to him.
There was a moment in the story where Dino is going through a very hard time because it's the anniversary of his wife's death. Lilith is there comforting him in any way she could. Between Dino and Lilith they be too get pretty close but it's more platonic on her side. We can see that Dino does have some type of feelings towards Lilith since She is the only 1 he's let it close to him. Even going as far as letting her know that if Dominic rejects her or breaks her heart, that his door is open for her.
This was truly a great read the character development was really good, the flow of the story was really good. Again overall an amazing story combining 2 different genres into 1 and creating something out of it. Now I would really liked there to be a little bit more depth on as to why the bad guy Fabio who is the leader of the rival Mafia family was going after Lilith. I get it was because of her father but since her father was dead, Why was he going after her when she was just a child at the time of the events.
One thing I'm curious about is will there be a second book? and would it continue with Lilith and Domnic's story? Or will it focus on the other characters in the book.
This is an adult paranormal romance - vampire meets Mafia. I have read many Mafia books and many different types of vampire books but never have I read a book that contained both together and this was a phenomenal book I truly enjoyed reading this. I would hundred percent recommend this book to anyone.
In this book there is a virus that was created during the 1960s Vietnam war called HVV which stands for Human Vampire Virus. In this world vampires are known among the human race they live among the human just like a regular human. They can feed and eat like a human but they also can consume blood, when you're infected with HVV
unfortunately it doesn't stop you from aging. Your senses are hightened And that animal instinct as well. There are also types of vampires called rejects which are described as monsters.
Vampires also have the ability to mate with the human race creating hybrids. Now when a hybrid is first born there is an option to get a vaccine called Dianidina, which pretty much Attacks the vampire gene and making the hybrid completely human.
The story focuses is on a girl name Lilith, who was orphaned as a child. On her way home from work as she was walking up to her building, she sees a strange man in a suite reading a newspaper sitting on a bench. All the sudden the strange man Drugs and kidnaps her. She wakes up in a strange place she has never been before, Still drugged she tries to escape, once she manages to get out the room heading toward the staircase she comes face to face at the barrel of a gun. Dino who holding the gun is told to stand down. Lilith is then taken back to the room she was in.
As the story processes Lilith learns the reason as to why she is there, that another rival vampire Mafia family is after her and it's stems back to her past With what her father was dealing in. She also finds out what really happened when her parents died in the car crash that she was in as a child. She learn that her father was a vampire who was turned when he was 19. And that she had been born a hybrid. She also starts to get close to the man who kidnapped her Dominic. He to has a strong pull to her but feels he doesn't deserve her for he feels he's nothing but a monster. As the two get close day by day Their feelings for each other grows more to the point that Polity know she's in love with him. Even giving herself completely to him.
There was a moment in the story where Dino is going through a very hard time because it's the anniversary of his wife's death. Lilith is there comforting him in any way she could. Between Dino and Lilith they be too get pretty close but it's more platonic on her side. We can see that Dino does have some type of feelings towards Lilith since She is the only 1 he's let it close to him. Even going as far as letting her know that if Dominic rejects her or breaks her heart, that his door is open for her.
This was truly a great read the character development was really good, the flow of the story was really good. Again overall an amazing story combining 2 different genres into 1 and creating something out of it. Now I would really liked there to be a little bit more depth on as to why the bad guy Fabio who is the leader of the rival Mafia family was going after Lilith. I get it was because of her father but since her father was dead, Why was he going after her when she was just a child at the time of the events.
One thing I'm curious about is will there be a second book? and would it continue with Lilith and Domnic's story? Or will it focus on the other characters in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I absolutely devoured this book! I was in a bit of a reading slump and this pulled me straight out of it. When reading what it was about and I saw the words vampire and the mafia I suddenly realised it was something I knew I needed. I wouldn’t of thought of putting them together but IT WORKED SO WELL.
I loved Lilith as a character. I loved that some of her vulnerability really came through as it made you really connect with her and understand the trauma she clearly has sustained in the past and present. But you can also see clearly how strong she is, that she has pushed through and always picked herself up. I also loved her internal monologue, not a lot of books have this but I think it’s a great way to add to the characters personality.
Dominic is everything you want when you hear the words vampire mafia. He is dangerous, mysterious, handsome and dark. But he has clearly got a soft spot (especially for Lilith). The things he says to her and when he calls her Bellissima (beautiful in Italian) had my little heart bursting. I love that he slowly lets Lilith in and breaks down his walls despite also having trauma. It really shows their trusting relationship.
The story itself was written very well. The story really hooked me and left me wanting more but also had my heart breaking for the characters and what certain ones had to go through. I thought this was Jennifer’s maybe 5th or 6th book not her debut! It is written as if she has had years of publicised books which makes this even more impressive in terms of the way it’s written and structured.
I think the only thing that I thought would make it 5 stars is that I wished it was just a bit longer and a couple parts were explained a bit more as it felt a tiny bit rushed but it was so very close to being 5 stars and I cant wait to read future ones as I will definitely be reading them!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I absolutely devoured this book! I was in a bit of a reading slump and this pulled me straight out of it. When reading what it was about and I saw the words vampire and the mafia I suddenly realised it was something I knew I needed. I wouldn’t of thought of putting them together but IT WORKED SO WELL.
I loved Lilith as a character. I loved that some of her vulnerability really came through as it made you really connect with her and understand the trauma she clearly has sustained in the past and present. But you can also see clearly how strong she is, that she has pushed through and always picked herself up. I also loved her internal monologue, not a lot of books have this but I think it’s a great way to add to the characters personality.
Dominic is everything you want when you hear the words vampire mafia. He is dangerous, mysterious, handsome and dark. But he has clearly got a soft spot (especially for Lilith). The things he says to her and when he calls her Bellissima (beautiful in Italian) had my little heart bursting. I love that he slowly lets Lilith in and breaks down his walls despite also having trauma. It really shows their trusting relationship.
The story itself was written very well. The story really hooked me and left me wanting more but also had my heart breaking for the characters and what certain ones had to go through. I thought this was Jennifer’s maybe 5th or 6th book not her debut! It is written as if she has had years of publicised books which makes this even more impressive in terms of the way it’s written and structured.
I think the only thing that I thought would make it 5 stars is that I wished it was just a bit longer and a couple parts were explained a bit more as it felt a tiny bit rushed but it was so very close to being 5 stars and I cant wait to read future ones as I will definitely be reading them!
September 1, 2022
*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily***
Rating: 3.8
Tropes:
-Strong Female Lead
-Scarred Male lead with a traumatic past
-Bodyguard Romance
-Vampire/human
-I will destroy everyone if it means protecting you
This was a quick and easy read where I felt hooked from the start! What I liked mostly was how the author was able to combine both the paranormal genre with the mafia genre. Dominic is the vampire mafia who both dark and dangerous. In contrast, Lilith is a human girl who experienced some great losses in her life. However, Lilith does not let her grief define her. She chooses to fight each day and refuses to give up. Dominic also has had a tough childhood growing up causing him to build up many walls but, he learns to let Lilith in and lets her break them down. I just loved the soft spot Dominic had for Lilith and calling her beautiful in Italian made my heart swoon. The ways these characters were written was nicely done and I loved how you were able to see character development from both.
My issues with the book was the pacing felt rushed at times. The romance was sweet but, I felt that the way it was developed seemed a bit too quick. The sexual tension was apparent but, the emotional connection seemed to go from 0 to 100 real fast. I can see how that was possible but, by explaining the build up the relationship between the two a bit further would have made the romance phenomenal.
I do have to say that I am beyond excited for the sequel and will be reading that too! I still can't believe this was Jennifer's debut novel because of how well written this book was. Overall, I definitely will recommend this book to friends once it out!
Rating: 3.8
Tropes:
-Strong Female Lead
-Scarred Male lead with a traumatic past
-Bodyguard Romance
-Vampire/human
-I will destroy everyone if it means protecting you
This was a quick and easy read where I felt hooked from the start! What I liked mostly was how the author was able to combine both the paranormal genre with the mafia genre. Dominic is the vampire mafia who both dark and dangerous. In contrast, Lilith is a human girl who experienced some great losses in her life. However, Lilith does not let her grief define her. She chooses to fight each day and refuses to give up. Dominic also has had a tough childhood growing up causing him to build up many walls but, he learns to let Lilith in and lets her break them down. I just loved the soft spot Dominic had for Lilith and calling her beautiful in Italian made my heart swoon. The ways these characters were written was nicely done and I loved how you were able to see character development from both.
My issues with the book was the pacing felt rushed at times. The romance was sweet but, I felt that the way it was developed seemed a bit too quick. The sexual tension was apparent but, the emotional connection seemed to go from 0 to 100 real fast. I can see how that was possible but, by explaining the build up the relationship between the two a bit further would have made the romance phenomenal.
I do have to say that I am beyond excited for the sequel and will be reading that too! I still can't believe this was Jennifer's debut novel because of how well written this book was. Overall, I definitely will recommend this book to friends once it out!
September 14, 2022
The Past That Haunts is a strong debut from Jennifer Porter, and I give it 5/5 for thoroughly entertaining me. It’s written and edited well, full of different personalities, possesses a deep history of mafia families, takes you along on some twists and turns, brings you to a strong climax, and makes you cry at the end.
This book is a mafia vampire romance, with an emphasis on the mafia. So if you love mafias with some vampire influence, you’ll love this. I really bought the mafia warfare and sunk right into the backstory with ease.
Lilith falls for her captor, but I’m here for it. He’s taken her for her protection as a part of his orders, and takes his job seriously at preventing her from leaving the building.
The chemistry and heat was exciting, and the romance develops fairly quickly once present. It will be interesting to see how this new couple fares in the rest of the series.
It’s an easy read, in the sense that everything is *just* complex enough to make the plot move at a great pace, but not overly convoluted. It love a book where I can take it anywhere, and I really enjoyed how I was able to keep up with the pace and the mysteries.
I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for something to be entertained by, always wanted your mafia men to have a pair of fangs, and want to wrap that all up in a spicy romance 🌶🖤🔥 it’s a great way to pass the time and I find myself really eager for the sequel
This book is a mafia vampire romance, with an emphasis on the mafia. So if you love mafias with some vampire influence, you’ll love this. I really bought the mafia warfare and sunk right into the backstory with ease.
Lilith falls for her captor, but I’m here for it. He’s taken her for her protection as a part of his orders, and takes his job seriously at preventing her from leaving the building.
The chemistry and heat was exciting, and the romance develops fairly quickly once present. It will be interesting to see how this new couple fares in the rest of the series.
It’s an easy read, in the sense that everything is *just* complex enough to make the plot move at a great pace, but not overly convoluted. It love a book where I can take it anywhere, and I really enjoyed how I was able to keep up with the pace and the mysteries.
I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for something to be entertained by, always wanted your mafia men to have a pair of fangs, and want to wrap that all up in a spicy romance 🌶🖤🔥 it’s a great way to pass the time and I find myself really eager for the sequel
September 15, 2022
"You're risking your life to save mine, and I think that's where part of my feelings come from. I can't really answer you because I don't even know how to properly explain the extent of my feelings for you. I just feel it. And I know it's real, not that Stockholm Syndrome crap you talk about." "When my decisions revolved around you, I knew something was different. I knew it was real."
This paranormal mafia romance started out promising. I mean vampires and the mafia?! Sounds like an awesome mix. The world building is fantastic and I like her take on vampires. Really cool! I just struggled with Lilith our FMC. She's a damsel in distress that wants to be a bada$$ without doing the physical and mental work to there. Instead she whines and dives headfirst into dangerous situations then gets upset when someone has to save her. She seems naïve for someone that's 23 and spent time on the streets of NY.
I really enjoyed the mafia vampire parts! These are well written and entertaining! I didn't enjoy the insta-love between Lilith and Dominic but the tension between them is good! If done right I don't mind the insta-love trope but this felt a little cringy. She felt a little immature. Dino was by far my favorite!!! He's funny and broken and I just loved reading scenes that included him!
Overall I give it a 3.25 stars. Read this if you like damsels in distress, insta-love, or vampires and mafias!
This paranormal mafia romance started out promising. I mean vampires and the mafia?! Sounds like an awesome mix. The world building is fantastic and I like her take on vampires. Really cool! I just struggled with Lilith our FMC. She's a damsel in distress that wants to be a bada$$ without doing the physical and mental work to there. Instead she whines and dives headfirst into dangerous situations then gets upset when someone has to save her. She seems naïve for someone that's 23 and spent time on the streets of NY.
I really enjoyed the mafia vampire parts! These are well written and entertaining! I didn't enjoy the insta-love between Lilith and Dominic but the tension between them is good! If done right I don't mind the insta-love trope but this felt a little cringy. She felt a little immature. Dino was by far my favorite!!! He's funny and broken and I just loved reading scenes that included him!
Overall I give it a 3.25 stars. Read this if you like damsels in distress, insta-love, or vampires and mafias!
July 24, 2022
This was an enticing read.
Lilith lost her family when she was a young girl and became an orphan, who works to build herself a life of good and happiness. But dark forces are working to derail her perfect plans by means of murdering her.
Dominic a vampire who holds a long term promise, he is working with his family to keep her safe from afar until the threat becomes too severe to be able to maintain a distance and protect her to the fullest.
Lilith gets kidnapped by Dominic and taken to his family's home qhete she remains to be protected by him and his family. While she feels safe she becomes involved in a life of crime stealing from a church. Learning skills to protect herself sh becomes more engraved into Dominic heart and soon they fall in love.
After many revelations she learns of truths hidden about her family and herself. Lots of danger ensues and she fights for her life and the life of her new family with Dominic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lilith lost her family when she was a young girl and became an orphan, who works to build herself a life of good and happiness. But dark forces are working to derail her perfect plans by means of murdering her.
Dominic a vampire who holds a long term promise, he is working with his family to keep her safe from afar until the threat becomes too severe to be able to maintain a distance and protect her to the fullest.
Lilith gets kidnapped by Dominic and taken to his family's home qhete she remains to be protected by him and his family. While she feels safe she becomes involved in a life of crime stealing from a church. Learning skills to protect herself sh becomes more engraved into Dominic heart and soon they fall in love.
After many revelations she learns of truths hidden about her family and herself. Lots of danger ensues and she fights for her life and the life of her new family with Dominic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2022
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't move past the naivete of the main character. I'm all for an innocent MC, but she's described as though she's meant to be tough and independent, yet just goes along with what the people who kidnapped her say. That does not line up with someone who is tough and has supposedly been taking care of herself and living alone. Also, the events are supposed to occur over the span of a few weeks and that made the insta love romance feel very unrealistic. The vampire storyline also feels like it was added in as an afterthought... the fact that there are vampires has no relevance to the story at all. I think that was part of what bothered me most. If the vampires weren't mentioned nothing about the story would change and it would just be a mafia romance.
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an ARC from the author. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own.
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an ARC from the author. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own.
September 13, 2022
This was an interesting mafia romance with a supernatural twist - vampires. For it being a vampire mafia - I have to admit I forgot they WERE vampires sometimes. I think it could have leaned a little more to that side for my particular taste. But the story itself was very intriguing. The romance was a slow burn and there was some spice towards the end but I don’t think that was meant to be a focus. The story centered around the MMC’s feeling of being an unlovable monster and the FMC, an innocent, sexually inexperienced and self conscious FMC being exactly what the other person needed to have both characters grow and change together. There were some gruesome and sad scenes where I may have had an emotional moment. (You’re crying, I’m not crying.) Other than that and the satisfaction when the two main characters had their HEA, I was just happy with the book. Did it blow me out of the water? No. But was it good? Yes. I would say I really enjoyed this and would recommend this.
July 27, 2022
This was a quick and easy read! Lilith is very juvenile despite her age, but it’s understandable considering the lack of parental figures following the tragedy she experienced at such a young age. Dominic is almost stoic to me, we don’t get much of a description of his feelings or his expressions. They seem like a fair match, but honestly I like Dino a little bit more…sorry! I know they’re friends….but who knows! He opens up regardless of his past, where’s all we’ve earned from Dominic is his history with his birth mother and father. There were a good amount of times where I felt like I was missing key information, but I’m hoping that information will come in the next books. With more descriptiveness in the character’s emotions, it would have made a huge difference to me!
August 16, 2022
wow.
I received this book as a advanced reader copy and was unable to put this book down, so I have chosen to leave this review! Jennifer Porter, you have amazed me, when I read the description I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect. I have read dozens of mafia stories (growing up with Wattpad) but never have I experienced mafia vampires.
I read this book in one night. ONE night.
This book has everything you would expect and want from a vampire/mafia story:
-strong MC
-a bad boy that has you clinging to the other edge of your seat
-a little bit of mystery to keep you guessing throughout the book
I cannot wait to see where the rest of the story goes and what else Porter blesses us with.
September 13, 2022
The Past That Haunts was a book that had a main character who wasn’t perfect, like really wasn’t perfect, and that was really comforting to see because other books show such strong, badass women who can be hard to relate to, but not this one. Lilith was so resilient and soft at the same time, and it made me appreciate the book so much! Dominic was cold but loving (whether or not he’d admit it), and he and Lilith’s overall relationship was endearing! The action was great and melded well with the backstories. It felt a bit alike some other books in the industry though and I felt like it didn’t entirely break the mould so that’s why it’s 3 stars (no fault on the author’s part). Slightly dark, it may not be for everyone but I have no regrets reading this!
July 9, 2022
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fantastic paranormal book, the author has done a remarkable job with Vampire's and Mafia in the story was exciting it sucked you in straight away. When Lilith was drugged and kidnapped by a Vampire she had thought she was going to die. Dominic had kidnapping her to protect her from a bad Vampire Fabio, Hector is the one that organised for Dominic to collect her to protect her. There were secrets, twist, Hector promised protection, lust and plenty more emotions throughout. I absolutely loved this book it was amazing.
This was a fantastic paranormal book, the author has done a remarkable job with Vampire's and Mafia in the story was exciting it sucked you in straight away. When Lilith was drugged and kidnapped by a Vampire she had thought she was going to die. Dominic had kidnapping her to protect her from a bad Vampire Fabio, Hector is the one that organised for Dominic to collect her to protect her. There were secrets, twist, Hector promised protection, lust and plenty more emotions throughout. I absolutely loved this book it was amazing.
September 16, 2022
While the blurb certainly sounds attractive, unfortunately the book fell a little short for me. Told from a single POV, it was therefore hard to warm to Dominic since we never fully appreciated his perspective. I also wasn’t overly fond of Lilith’s narrative for much of the story. Upon reflection, I much preferred the company of Dino and Nadia (and actually think Dino and Lilith had better chemistry). There was a lull around the middle of the book and I found myself not overly invested in the outcome.
I’d say this is best suited to those who enjoy a mafia romance with a helping of instalust and slight spice. As for my enjoyment, I rate it 💛💛💛
I’d say this is best suited to those who enjoy a mafia romance with a helping of instalust and slight spice. As for my enjoyment, I rate it 💛💛💛
September 20, 2022
This book had me hooked from start to finish. I mean.. Come on who doesn’t love hot mafia vampires?!
Jennifer Porter did an amazing job writing this book, the plot was excellent, I loved the information/history given about the vampires. It was a new take and was great!
The book had dynamic and loveable characters, the complexity of each character and the descriptions written was remarkable. I loved the MC’s but I definitely adored other side characters like Nadia and Dino.
It was an epic adventure and a great debut novel. I’ll definitely be looking out for more books by Jennifer.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Arc received in exchange for an honest review
Jennifer Porter did an amazing job writing this book, the plot was excellent, I loved the information/history given about the vampires. It was a new take and was great!
The book had dynamic and loveable characters, the complexity of each character and the descriptions written was remarkable. I loved the MC’s but I definitely adored other side characters like Nadia and Dino.
It was an epic adventure and a great debut novel. I’ll definitely be looking out for more books by Jennifer.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Arc received in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2022
This book had me hooked the min I started it. The characters in this story are so real and raw and they have different levels of pain and it’s so awesome to read how they all deal with it !!! Definitely am hoping for more in this series!! I’m super sad I finished already. I wanted more !!! The action and the visuals also were written so amazing and I could picture all of the scenes unfolding in my head as I read !!!
September 16, 2022
This was an action-packed, fast-paced, mafia, vampire romance that had my attention from the first page. I loved the strong, yet vulnerable FMC, the scarred, dangerous, mysterious MMC, and his willingness to protect her no matter what. Lilith and Dominic were something else. The plot was on point and the tension/spice between the two was *chef’s kiss*. I’m looking forward to reading more of Jennifer Porter’s books.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 8, 2022
OMG!!! Not at all what I expected because it was better than I expected. Romance and some violence (which I didn’t expect but was written great) had me on the edge of my seat. Definitely can’t wait for the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2023
Book was good a little slow paced in taking off, this lead to good character development however made some parts feel slow. I was hoping about 60% in that it would go RH (there is only one spicy scene and it took a hot minute to get there) I may read book two but at this moment I don’t think I am right away.
August 5, 2022
This definitely had some unique elements about it. I liked it but it just didn’t pull me in, I probably wouldn’t read it again because of that but if it sounds like something you’d enjoy def give it a try!🖤
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2022
I really liked the premise for this book it has alot of promise but I felt that there was no chemistry between the two main characters, it really needed to be built up more and the storyline itself felt rushed, everything happens so quickly and it's just accepted.
September 17, 2022
A great blend of mafia and vampires. I happen to love both, but I haven't found many stories like this. The characters didn't resonate with me, the mafia part did and the fact they were vampires. It did get intense and gritty at times. Overall, it is an enjoyable read.
August 4, 2022
Wow, what an amazing book this is and I am so glad to have read this. It was fast paced, original, smart, funny, and dramatic. it's everything I could wish for in a book. I love Porters writing style, and like the characters she has developed. Lilith is just an ordinary girl until one day she's not and she learns the truth about her heritage. But with the truth comes the danger. Can she survive? And what about this brooding vampire that seems so hot and cold toward her?
Read
May 5, 2023i tried
but the plot was soooo slow
dnf at 13%
but the plot was soooo slow
dnf at 13%
August 17, 2023
I think the book had some potential. I mean, c'mon a vampire mafia romance?! But the dialogue was clumsily written. I cringed from one scene to the next. I couldn't emotionally connect with the h. She was pretentious and always trying to talk about her and other people's feelings. I felt like the author hit me over the head relentlessly, as in "I feel so scared, why am I scared? You make me feel safe. Let me push you into a corner and crash on your sofa. Let me touch your face. I'm so into you, but I shouldn't..." and the H likewise along the lines "I'm broken. I'm scary. I'm brooding. This happened to me. Thanks for letting me talk feels. You healed me. Before you there was only darkness. Now there is light. You. But I'm bad and you should run. But I want you. " At the 60% mark, I gave up and skipped to the last few pages.
September 12, 2022
Unfortunately, this one just hasn't been for me. I love the cover and had high expectations of an intriguing and thrilling vampire romance.
I couldn't warm up to the main character at all and the romance just went on way too quick for my taste.
The story idea had great potential but in my opinion the potential hasn't been used.
However, this is only my opinion so please don't let me stop you from giving this book a chance.
I couldn't warm up to the main character at all and the romance just went on way too quick for my taste.
The story idea had great potential but in my opinion the potential hasn't been used.
However, this is only my opinion so please don't let me stop you from giving this book a chance.
July 10, 2023
This book is amazing. Had me captivated from the beginning and did not disappoint all the way to the end. Not many trigger warnings, but there are some so please check them. This is a love story like I have never read before. The attraction and love of two broken souls who believe they are unlovable gives hope to the rest of us out there. Give this book a read, I promise you wont be disappointed.
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