Absolution: A Vampire Romance

by Stella Del Mar

Cursed to see all I love turn to dust. Cursed to a craving I can’t deny. Cursed to conceal a secret that’s not mine.
I may be a monster, but for centuries, I’ve protected the secret concealed in my blood. But then he came into my life.
Father James Cyr. The one man who sees through my carefully constructed lies. He wants me to confess everything—yes, even that .
James is a bad priest. He won’t rest until I’m on my knees and in his bed. But in his arms, I’m confronted with a craving more dangerous than blood. A craving I don’t want to resist.
Absolution is a dark vampire romance that includes mature themes, violence, and intense sexual situations. This is not a tale for the easily offended or religiously devout. The ending is dark, but the characters get what they want.

Genres: Fantasy

196 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2020

About the author

Stella Del Mar lives with two children and two Chihuahuas.

Her Hogwarts house is Slytherclaw, but if forced to choose, you'll find her in the dungeon with Professor Snape.

Dreamer, writer, editor, introvert, Virgo. Believer in fairy tales, happy endings, and the supernatural. Trying her best not to become Anaïs Nin.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/8/2021)! 🎁

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, but it may not be for everyone as it has a very dark vibe. This book was very interesting and I was intrigued from the beginning. This is a book for those who have a strong connection to faith and is a story of a love that is never-ending.

It a lovely read that was quite different from anything else I've read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mel Hart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read around 40% and I kept putting the book down and I'm struggling to continue.

The story isn't really what I expected from the book description or its title: "vampire romance". So far, I don't really see the romance.

There are too many monologues. The characters keep droning on and on in their minds.
I've read several priest romance stories and thought I'd like this one, but I can't really connect with the characters. (The hero is an alcholic Catholic priest)

I don't feel the connection during the sex scenes.

I'm also not a fan of how the heroine (who's a vampire, I'm suppose. She isn't really likeable) kisses a random female stranger, gots hot and heavy with her before feeding from her. I guess I don't like reading about the heroine or hero getting hot and heavy with other characters in a romance.

I'm not religious and I think that's one of the reasons why my enjoyment and understanding of the story is subpar. (I thought it'd be okay because I watched the Da Vinci Code movie...)

I might finish the book someday, but for now, I don't feel the urge to finish it soon.

[THall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the vampire twist on a very old story

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, however I will say it is possibly not for everyone. The writing is very clever and the author draws on legend and mythology to weave this story which is closely connected to the Gospel of Mary. The pace is a slow burn so don't expect to be rocketed into action an adventure, this is an intellectual novel that may go against the grain for any devout Catholic or possibly anyone that is religiously inclined, I loved it!
I don't want to say too much about the plot or for that matter the characters, the book is however expertly written in the first person with each chapter being from either Mary or Josh's perspective. I really felt the emotions of Mary and the frustration of Josh with each passing chapter and became more and more invested in our two MCs.
This is a well crafted novel but please do not expect a Mills and Boon romance or erotic novel and as I have said if you are easily offended by blasphemy (in the eyes of the church) then this may not be for you. If like me you enjoy a slightly different take on the average vampire romance do give this book a go.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and all comments and opinions are my own.

[Little Blue Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review

This was a fantastic book!! It was very well written by author, Stella Del Mar!! This book has themes of religion, but the author put her own spin on it, so you have to have an open mind ♥️ It’s a different type of story, but in a good way, very unique. Not like any other book!! This author has her own style and her own personality 😊 The Priest and The Vampire, Josh and Mary, have amazing chemistry!! It’s sizzling 🔥🔥🔥 They have a strong connection, and a timeless, beautiful, dark love story ♥️🖤 I love that the author told the story via dual POV, so you have both Mary and Josh’s side!! This book was a real page turner, very hard to put down!! I was very intrigued through the whole story!! I kept wanting to know more and more!! Right from the start, it’s very mysterious!! Beautiful job on this book, Stella ♥️

[Ursula Schutte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly if you are a wholehearted Christian who gets offended easily do not read. If you are opened minded then you are in for a good read.

This is a love story going through centuries of time. The story is about Mary a vampire and Josh a Priest. Josh has been fascinated and following Mary for years. Who is she and why is he so drawn to her. As we follow their journey you realise their past is entwined. As they get to know each other the love they shared many centuries ago awakens as Josh realises who he really is.

This story is very well written and keeps you glued to the book. I loved the storyline and would love to read more of this author books.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for those strong of faith. Those who cannot be swayed to anger when faced with contradictions that we cannot even begin to fathom.

This is a love story. Not a romance but an actual love story. The type of love that surpasses time. It's infinite while we remain finite.

We have a priest and a vampire. The blessed and the damned. How much more deliciously taboo can it get?

I loved this. It was nothing like I expected but everything I needes it to be. It's beautiful but dark.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start by saying I loved this book but I will also give a warning if you are sensitive to religion being fictionalized and turned dark do not read this book but if you have a more open mind and can look past that to the creative and wonderful story in this book than definitely read this! I personally loved the original idea the author wrote about here and she did an amazing job of keeping me hooked the entire book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, gritty vibe.

I particularly liked the beginning of this book. Everything isn’t clearly laid out and described. You don’t really know who Mary and Josh are or what their motivations are, or really who they are to one another. All they know is that their pasts are entwined, then something changed. The suspense is delicious! Not to mention, Josh’s angst-laid crisis of faith and how it builds the tension. This book was meticulously researched and far different than anything I’ve read before - I definitely recommend it!

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book like this and it may not be everyone’s choice of read. They will be disappointed if they don’t read it. It is well written and the story has you wondering what will happen to Mary and Josh next. What other sins is Mary going to reveal and also what Josh learns about himself this is not your normal romance as it is forbidden love. I enjoyed reading it as it is a well written book I received an ARC copy for an honest review which I have given.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and intriguing, this story held my interest from the beginning. It was filled with intrigue and drama. The characters were well crafted and immensely entertaining. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Debs · Rating 2 out of 5]

A strange story about a priest and a vampire. He has been trying to find out if Mary Magdolin really exists and she is wants to tell him her truth. A hot read but I think the story is confusing due to lots of religious references which I couldn't follow.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Okay, this is a new author for me and wow so this book was so good! Not for a person that would take offense to mixed religious writing. I totally loved it, it was a great mix of sex, vamps and religion. I could not put it down.

[Cinnia Literary Raccoon]

Wait, this is based on the blasphemous Gospel of Mary? Oho, you don't say??? 👀

[Cheryl addie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry just couldn't hold my interest too much back and forth with no interaction