Bite of Betrayal

Blood Oath #2

by R.L. Caulder

What do you do when the flickering flame guiding you through the dark goes out?

You become the fire and lead your own way.

Dark Imaginarium Academy has become my sanctuary, until it becomes my hell when the man I swore to kill stalks the grounds.

He claims I’m his…but the only thing I’m claiming is the title of his worst nightmare.

He might have knocked me down–but he hasn’t knocked me out.

I will have my vengeance.

***
Bite of Betrayal is book two in the Blood Oath series, which is set within the shared universe of Dark Imaginarium Academy. All series can be read independently, but characters have crossovers and it is highly encouraged to read all within the universe to understand the world in its entirety. This book has graphic violence and is intended for mature adults.

DARK IMAGINARIUM ACADEMY FEATURES CHARACTERS THAT ARE ALL 18+. THIS IS NOT A HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY SETTING AND THE CONTENTS ARE INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES.

SERIES WITHIN THE UNIVERSE:
Monarchs of Hell (Complete Series) by R.L. Caulder and M. Sinclair

Dark Imaginarium Academy:
The Creatures We Crave by R.L. Caulder
Phases of the Moon by M. Sinclair
Blood Oath by R.L. Caulder
The Storm Dragons’ Mate by M. Sinclair

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Why Choose, Romance, Paranormal, Enemies To Lovers, Paranormal Romance

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2022

About the author

R.L. Caulder is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistants, MeowMeow and Winrey. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told.

If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group

Reviews

[SK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun read, way more spicier than the first book 👀

✔️ Fated mates
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Vampire reverse harem

Although this one fell a tad short compared to the last book in the series, I still had a great time with it. The characters have such great chemistry with each other. Lincoln and Draka aka Dracula have me swooning. I find it interesting that there are clear power struggles between the mates, instead of them all accepting each other. The plot is finally setting up.

Alina and Andrei's dynamic tho had me a bit worried as I found things to take place between them too quick. Lincoln and Drake got plenty of time with her comparatively. It is a very fast paced and bingeable series, so I guess to a certain extent it's excusable but still... Also, found there to be a few moments where Alina kinda pissed me off in the second half. She does plenty of big talk but have hardly seen her act on it 😅

Anyway, the cliffhanger made me understand why the title had "Betrayal" in it 🥲🥲 Can't wait to binge the next one soon.


~•~•~
I just have to find out what happens next after that damn cliffhanger in book 1 😩 Got high hopes for it🤞

[Rae (semi-hiatus)]

DNF@20% I wasn’t impressed with the first book, even less so with this one. I just don’t wanna invest more of my time since these characters aren’t investing theirs (into anything).

[Emma Skapetis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.
I really liked this one. Alina is such a strong woman and I really like Lincoln, Dracula and Andrei and how they respect and understand her wishes. However that ending was absolutely heartbreaking and my heart is breaking for two of these characters. RTC.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am flying through this! This is such a quick paced romantasy series and although it's not the most literary piece I've ever read.. I am still having so much fun reading it. I do think the ending is quite predictable but I am still finding myself wanting to move on & complete this series!

I have a thing for vampires, ok? 🥵🤣

The why choose and spice in this is so fun too 😏

3.5⭐
-vampires
-fated mates / bonds
-enemies to lovers
-why choose / RH
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[Jackie ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bite of Betrayal wasn’t as fun as the first book. Now that Alina’s met her mates, come to terms with being a vampire, and seen the vampire world for the first time, there’s not a lot left. Just some iffy dialogue and cliché characters.

This was the fall-in-love-with Dracula book, but I don’t get him at all. He’s stayed the supreme overlord of the vampires for hundreds of years while being this oblivious and altruistic? Nope. Don’t buy it.

[Cat H · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 stars.
These books are moving at a very fast pace.
I already started the 3rd one without tellin y’all because I finished this one really quick and the ending was so cliffhanger-y I needed to see things through, immediately. Just like the first book.
So.
I’m liking them.
Obviously.😂

Also, there’s other storylines in the background happening with other (how many times can I say ‘other’? Lol) characters from the other series’ she has unfinished so far that keep popping up. Which is fun. Dragons, witches, Demons…all fun.

🎶Ba dop bah ba baa…🎶

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I've embraced all kinds of supernatural love interests, werewolves, witches, gargoyles, sirens, monsters and so on, the vampires will always be my first love. It's hard to explain what makes vampires so special for me. Maybe it's the immortality, most likely it's the lethal combination of charm and danger. However, the first book in this series was perfect and exactly what I had hoped it would be. I was therefore glad I also got an arc for this second book in the series.

This book is exactly what a vampire romance should be. It's a great mix of tension, danger, fighting, love and seduction. The chemistry between the characters, even when they are not ready yet to admit what they're feeling or are not in the position to show what they're feeling, is amazing. It's sizzles and it's almost impossible not to scream and yell for these characters to see that the other is their actual soul mate!

I also love the politics in this series and especially the politics we're getting to see more of in this installment. Where the first book was mostly focussed on the age old feud between the slayers and the vampire, this book is making the politics much more complicated. It's quite clear that not all Dracula's vampires are willing to step in line and follow their leader. I can't wait to find out how that game will play out!

The characters are however by far my favorite part of this novel. All those characters are complicated. They can't just be themselves, they can't show weaknesses and feelings and they're all living with so much pressure. However, it's amazing to see these characters grow and learn. I especially loved how our heroine is visibly learning that not all vampires are bad people and that maybe not all slayers are good people. It's not that black and white.

I'm already really looking forward to the next book in the series!

[rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series! Alina is a fun fmc, and the love interests are everything I need from a spicy paranormal why-choose book. There are emotional twists and turns, and I can sense the incoming revelations.

[evelynn kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
Vibes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Multi 1st person POV - mostly from our FMC though

Alright I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Blood Oath Series much more than book 1! While Alina and Lincoln accidently completed their bond in book 1 and he took off right after, he's since seen the error in his ways and is all in. I love that. Alina is also still feeling drawn to 2 other men, one of which is Andrei. I LOVE Andrei. He is such a sweetie and I love how protective he is of her, even when he believes that they will only be friends. Since this is advertised as a why-choose, I am rooting HARD for him. As for Drake... am I sensing a Rhysand redemption arc? I think so... While Drake is a little presumptuous, I think his heart is in the right place and I'm looking forward to seeing them explore their bond more. The plot in this book is still fast-paced like in book 1 and ends on a mild cliffy again so I am super excited for book 3! It's not out until January but I will be counting down the days.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

After how book 1 ended I was dying to get my hands on this book to see how things would turn out in this one. It kinda threw me for a loop though and it went in a different direction to how I thought it would go. The dynamic between Alina (FMC) and the guys - Lincoln and Andrei progressed slowly but with the new complication of Drake/Dracula who brings his own problems. I loved Lo. Can we have more of her?? Great plot twists and that cliffhanger ending made me want to drop kick my kindle!! I'm looking forward to see where the next book will go now. I'm enjoying reading this series

[Angela Paton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 is here and I could wait to jump back into Alinas story. The FMC has finally started to settle in at the academy but is still as witty and stronger than ever. With Dracula now being at the academy now Alina wants to get her revenge for her family, but that takes a twist as he has said he is Alinas mate, but time will only tell what happens between these 2. With everything happening this book has some good twists that I just can’t stop reading it. The steam factor in book 2 just jumps to a completely other level. This book is also done in MPOVs getting a look in to what happens with the guys is fantastic. I also the the fact that FMC from the other series are mentioned in these books it also helps that Alina is friends with one of them. Yip I definitely wasn’t expecting that to happen near the end of the book. I love the cliffhanger as well. Wasn’t to much of one but just enough of one to keep you hooked. Can’t wait for book 3.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite of Betrayal is the second book in the Blood Oath series. I'm seriously loving this series! We pick up where that epic cliffhanger ended. Alina is dealing with so much right now. Her strength is so admirable. In this book, you see Alina's more vulnerable yet she handles things like a BAMF! The chemistry and tension between her guys is so perfect! The Blood Oath series has EVERYTHING you want in a vampire RH! I definitely can't wait for the next book!

[hea booktubes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The timeline in these books doesn’t make a ton of sense but what the hell, I still enjoy it. CW one of the men has an abusive father and there’s a domestic violence scene.

[Kenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same as book 1, except we get a new boy & a hint of where the plot may go

[Chrys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh, I don’t know. I have a lot of frustration right now lol. This is definitely a good book. You get more arguments and male posturing with the MMC’s lol. Loved that. But I like the way each character opened up for the other, even while struggling to accept the other love interests.
Alina is a contradictory person, stubborn and willful but veeerry soft and vulnerable emotionally. I started to get a little annoyed with her almost childish reactions in the beginning, but that eased up once she decided to give things a chance instead of closing herself off.
It must be noted: For as stubborn and blunt as Alina is, she sure does shove her head in the sand and hope the problem goes away on its own, ALOT.
Like; that’s not going to fix the issue!

(Small Spoilers!!)

I am not sure how I feel about Andrei at this point in time, though I am leaning more a certain way. I did like him in the first book (even with his mouth) and even in this 2nd one, but throughout this book I’ve noticed that when it came to anyone that has some kind of age/power, Andrei doesn’t stand up for himself, doesn’t want to chance… things. Sooo… he seems strong but… kinda weak. And due to the fact he doesn’t stand up for himself, he’s actually not choosing Alina. At. All.
That part with Andrei toward the end… I get it but I won’t lie. My frustrations with him are high because… ask. For. Help. And again; it could have been played a certain way and done discreetly but he went with the easier option instead, and decided to hurt Alina. That’s all I’m gonna say on that so as not to give anymore away. But I am upset and pissed, and there better be some damn groveling.

Definitely the work of a good author to pull out a readers emotions like that toward their characters lol. I am both upset and happy to learn that this went from 3 books to 4… simply because I struggle to deal with cliffhangers, and it just means that much longer of a wait to know how things will end, but at the same time, it allows for a more in-depth storyline

[Shannai · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

If anything, this is quite predictable in terms of the plot; I had a feeling that the betrayal was going to come from one of the three guys that Alina is mated to.

Alina, lol, she’s something else. She can’t make her mind what as to what she wants, and how quickly she feels for her mates, as she explores the different relationships with them. I think if it wasn’t as fast paced and she explored them a little more, it would probably add to the story; at least for me anyway.

I’m such a softie for Andrei and Drake though. I just loved how Andrei was so loyal and fiercely protective of Alina; I mean they all are, obviously because their bond is alleged to be intense, but I feel like Alina is most herself when she is with him. And what I liked about Drake, was that is this feared vampire that’s lived for centuries; yet, he was so respectful towards her and her boundaries, like he genuinely just wanted to be a safe haven for Alina. As for Lincoln, lmao, he’s alright, bit of a grump.

The pacing of this is still off, and I cannot stress that enough. The writing is subpar at best, but I am entertained nonetheless.

Tropes

Fated mates
(light) Enemies to lovers
Paranormal romance (vampires)

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite of Betrayal, the second book in the Blood Oath series by R.L. Caulder is a fabukous continuation of one of my favorite shared worlds ever and I can’t wait for more of this fabukous world that Caulder has created!!!

This story picks up right where the last book left us with Alina trying desperately to stab Dracula through the heart, believing he’s the one responsible for the attack and death of her family, however she soon finds she’s totally unable to because once again fate had other plans for her—and he’s yet again another fated mate. Even though they have a rough start at first, Alina slowly starts to see past her previous beliefs that he was guilty and is in fact innocent and their connection slowly grows. Now for the hard part of getting her three very hot sexy and Uber protective men, Andrei, Lincoln, and Drake to all get along…

However in true Caulder fashion, just when things seem to finally start to fall together another bombshell occurs leaving our fierce heroine in pain once again. Can she use her anger and strength to find the answers she needs or is it too late?

Grab this one today to see for yourself!

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina VanHelsing, kick butt Slayer and now a vampire. She's the first of her kind (slayer turned vamp) and she's still trying to find her feet in this new world, where things she grew up being told might not be exactly true. That and now Dracula himself is claiming she's his mate. Well, that's not happening. Not considering he's the one who is meant to have slaughtered her family before having her turned.

I do love this story, I'm a huge fan of all things vampires and slayers and this is the perfect mixture of both those things. Alina's relationships are growing steadily, whether it's with her men or the friends she is slowly making at the Dark Imaginarium Academy. There are definitely a few twists and turns along the way in this story and there really is one character I want to give a smack upside the head for how he acts later in the book but I'm intrigued to see how that pans out in book three.

I loved reading little bits with characters from the other series whether they were present or just mentioned. I'm so hooked on this whole world and can't wait for the next books to come out.

[AC_BadDecisionsBookClub · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I really enjoyed this book for what it was! I was definitely expecting it to last longer and for more to be accomplished within this first book, but that isn't even affecting my rating because I did love everything that happened in it! I loved the characters. I loved the premise. I loved the sweet side characters who I'm hoping to learn more about. I love the intrigue in this book and the fact that the campus is under attack from what seems to be multiple sides. I also love the chess analogies and how Sanguis is the "board" and each member of the council is a player/piece on the board! I do wish that these were maybe combined because the books feel too short and almost like they are just part 1 and part 2 of a single novel. I can't wait for Andrei's father to die a horrible death, preferably by Lo's hand because she is amazing and I want to see her kill someone. I can't wait to see more of Bex (hopefully) and Alexandra before I read their stories! And I'm immediately jumping into the next one!

Rating: 3.5⭐

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s a quote in the book that I think sums it up perfectly: “Fuck, that feels like a lifetime ago, despite only being about a week now.”

One week and there’s already I love you’s. Already found 3 mates even though it’s super hard to find mates In this world. Already the queen. I understand it’s probably fast moving to get to the point maybe but in my opinion, I didn’t really find it exciting plot wise. Even when there suddenly was the threat against students, that was after 250+ pages of im not even sure what.

I usually really enjoy a ‘why choose’ book but it’s usually with the guys interacting, I’m not a fan of her running from one guy to the next whilst they all hate each other. Also again, it’s been a week and she’s top in the class? Girl you’re badass but it just is so much so quickly.

I really wanted to like drake, but he was just mid tier to me. I still continued to find Andrei cringe even though he was supposed to be “cinnamon roll boy” he went from breathtaking words for affirmation to yeah I’m the main fuck boy around here. Lincoln I enjoyed. I probably won’t continue the series as I’m just struggling to vibe with it, it’s too fast paced and the troupes I love aren’t really doing it for me.

[Neliel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨Diğer kitapta kaldığımız yerden olaylar devam ediyor. Alina’nın tek amacı başına gelen her şeyin intikamını almak. Ancak düşmanı sandığı ve intikamı için öldürmek istediği kişiyle mate bağı olduğunu öğreniyor. Bu zamana kadar doğru sandığı yanlışları kabullenmek zor olsa da bağın da yardımıyla gerçekleri görmeye başlıyor. Bu sırada diğer bağları Linc ve Andrei ve yeni bağı Drake arasındaki denge de çok yeni. Onlar da birbirlerini nasıl kabulleneceklerini öğrenmeye çalışıyor. Ayrıca olayların ardında kim var ve düşmanları kim bunu öğrenmeye çalışıyorlar. Yine çok hızlı gelişen bir kitaptı okurken elimden bırakamadım ve çok keyif aldım. Kitabın sonu yine aşırı heyecanlı bir olayla bitti devamında neler olacak merak ediyorum

[Jenn Acidera · Rating 4 out of 5]

She did it again! I couldn’t put Bite of Betrayal down. This book picks up right where Bite of Loyalty left off with Alina trying to figure out her life at DIA with not one, not two, but three possible vampire fated mates while still plotting her revenge against the vampires who killed her family.

I’m loving every character, every twist, and every turn. The friendship blossoming between Alina and Lo is heartwarming, and I’m so here for her opening up to (and trusting) Drake. And although I’m loving Andrei and Drake—I’m completely smitten with grumpy professor Lincoln. And of course, that cliffhanger has me running to grab the next book. So good!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this whole extended universe, and I've been looking forward to this continuation of this storyline!

Most of the book is involved in dealing with the impact and aftermath of *that* cliffhanger, and with Alina coming to terms with her new life as a vampire. She grows and develops a lot, right up until the titular betrayal.

I'm glad this is now going to be a series of 4 books, rather than 3, because I love these characters, and I want to spend more time with them. I also hope Lo gets her own story at some point, too!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this thinking it would be a fun, spicy vampire why choose and BOY. OH, BOY - I’m loving the plot.

Honestly the way the author writes Alina and her struggles is so freaking realistic. I can see how she won’t be for everyone but I respect the way she tries to balance her desire for vengeance with everything that’s getting in her way.

Alina is also freaking hilarious.

I’m still loving the broody vampire professor but there is a third male entering the why choose who I’m majorly eyeballing.

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the DIA World and so far none of the books have been a dissapointment and this is possibly one of my fav's series so far.
Alina is growing strong and becoming an amazing leading lady with the support f her men but also of Lo (Dracular's Sister) who i am adoring so much and this adds another layer of depth to the relationship dynamics in this storey as does the emergence of her sarcastic & sassy soul swords personality which is just the cherry on top of a great read
Ends on an amazing cliffhanger that has you not so patiently waiting for the last book.

[Ash (BooksToAshes) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one but I think this just kind of built up a little more of the relationship between Alina and Drake, along with a bit of the plot.
These books are really fast to get through and I can't wait for the 3 guys to get along and accept the relationship they share with Alina. Also, it's nice to see the ending turning out the way it did. Most characters don't catch on so I appreciate that she did.

Hopefully the next book will have a bit more romance than this one, it's what really pushes me forward to continue.

[Mom Reads Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fmc is an utter fuck. So. Yeah.

Insta love is ridiculous. And I normally love that trope esp w fated mates. But it doesn’t work.

None of the characters or story feel fleshed out STILL in book 2!!!

Tons of extraneous details to fill the book so the author can make this a four book series. 😩I know the hustle is real but if that isn’t in your wheel house to write filler then maybe DON’T.

MFM but looking to be an RH ✅

Spice is meh🌶️✅

Dom type mc✅

Dracula all powerful dude mc✅

Kindle Unlimited ✅

Finished series✅

[Elizabeth Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re both individuals with your own histories full of moments that shaped you into who you are, for better or worse. It will take time for you to learn what’s true to each of your hearts and to establish trust on top of it.”

Between my giggles, my laughs, and my legs kicking in the air, no notes. So freaking much fun. I love Alina and her men, Lincoln, Andrei, & Drake aka Dracula. Andreis my fav so far. But fuck his home life is so fucked. I’m glad we are finally getting more insight into who all these characters are. I can’t wait to discover more about them
Book 3 in my hands now 😁
🌶️🌶️

[Jenn (loves_a_good_book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Book 2 starts off with a bang. This series is quickly becoming my favourite in the DIA world. It’s highly entertaining and I love the banter. We’re introduced to Lo and I freaking love her, she’s hilarious. Alina’s relationships are growing while dealing with twists and turns as the story progresses. I’m all team Drake now, still like Lincoln of course, Andrei pissed me off and needs to grow a set. He needs to really make amends in the next book for what happened. With the way this ended I’m glad this is a completed series so I can jump in right away.

[Vakaris the Nosferatu · Rating 3 out of 5]

all reviews in one place: night mode reading ; skaitom nakties rezimu

Funny, whilst the first book’s problems are still present in Bite of Betrayal by R.L. Caulder, this second book in the Blood Oath series is far better. Story slightly picked up, there’s clearly more effort in providing a plot too.

My Opinion: Alina gets to spend more time with Dracula, which suggests a precedent I wouldn’t really want – that each of her men will get a book that’s more about them, then about the others. Because it’d mean the good part is already over. The plot was pretty fun, offering some cozy moments, and some stupid moments equally. Characters are okay, flawed, but that’s not a flaw, the flaw is solely with those that remain two-dimensional. Overall, more readable than I expected it to be, we’ll see, maybe by the last book I’ll even enjoy them.

A solid 3 out of 5, getting better.