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Dark Crown Trials #1
Blood and Potions
An assassin who lives for the hunt. A vampire that loves the chase. A job that went wrong, and a bite that changes everything.
It was supposed to be a simple job. Steal an artifact from a top-secret location, and gain intel about my sister’s killer. Instead, one false move lands me in the hands of the renowned vampire overlord, Quillian Kingsley.
Quillian is cold, callous, and notoriously ruthless with his enemies, especially those he believes wronged him. I was prepared for my death...until he tasted my blood.
After days of interrogation, we come to a mutual agreement, and I agree to his terms by swearing a Blood Oath. I stay in Esneoh to help hunt down his enemies and play the role of his doting wife. And in kind, he will help me find my sister’s killer.
The job should have been easy; however, with every new kill and pursuit, I find myself drawn to the dark, dangerous, and sinfully gorgeous overlord.
There is just one problem - all roads point to him as one of the main suspects. And in this game of power, secrets, and lust, neither of us might come out alive when the truth unveils itself.
It was supposed to be a simple job. Steal an artifact from a top-secret location, and gain intel about my sister’s killer. Instead, one false move lands me in the hands of the renowned vampire overlord, Quillian Kingsley.
Quillian is cold, callous, and notoriously ruthless with his enemies, especially those he believes wronged him. I was prepared for my death...until he tasted my blood.
After days of interrogation, we come to a mutual agreement, and I agree to his terms by swearing a Blood Oath. I stay in Esneoh to help hunt down his enemies and play the role of his doting wife. And in kind, he will help me find my sister’s killer.
The job should have been easy; however, with every new kill and pursuit, I find myself drawn to the dark, dangerous, and sinfully gorgeous overlord.
There is just one problem - all roads point to him as one of the main suspects. And in this game of power, secrets, and lust, neither of us might come out alive when the truth unveils itself.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
10 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Maya Morrison
11 books24 followersMaya Morrison is a self-diagnosed bibliophile and logophile. She was raised in London but currently resides in Seoul, South Korea. Because of a lacuna in her previous life, she spends her days writing - hoping to one day account for the missing parts.
When she is not painting, reading, or obsessing over food, she spends most of her time with her husband, Coffee.
Keep up with Maya:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3d0KPCM
When she is not painting, reading, or obsessing over food, she spends most of her time with her husband, Coffee.
Keep up with Maya:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3d0KPCM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 23, 2022
I loved this book!
This a long book, but we'll worth investing the time into. The world building in Esneoh is something to behold. Morriston has built a world that is just fascinating and clever, and fantasy fans will devour this!
As for the characters- wow. Meraki and Quillian were wonderful characters. Meraki was a bada** who I loved, and Quillian was just this brooding, dark and handsome man oozing sex appeal!
While I'm on the subject, those steamy scenes were something else!
I think the only flaw was the length of the book, I think I would have preferred splitting it into a longer series to make it more manageable, as there is so much plot to unpick here. Being the start of a series, fantasy books are usually hefty though.
That ending?!?! When's the next book out?!?!
This a long book, but we'll worth investing the time into. The world building in Esneoh is something to behold. Morriston has built a world that is just fascinating and clever, and fantasy fans will devour this!
As for the characters- wow. Meraki and Quillian were wonderful characters. Meraki was a bada** who I loved, and Quillian was just this brooding, dark and handsome man oozing sex appeal!
While I'm on the subject, those steamy scenes were something else!
I think the only flaw was the length of the book, I think I would have preferred splitting it into a longer series to make it more manageable, as there is so much plot to unpick here. Being the start of a series, fantasy books are usually hefty though.
That ending?!?! When's the next book out?!?!
August 31, 2022
Three stars ⭐⭐⭐
If you like enemies to lovers, betrayal, and supernatural beings- you might like this book. It's about assassins, vampires, and blood oaths. I enjoyed it- but it was a little wordy and confusing in some places.
safety:
no virgins
no cheating/sharing
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you like enemies to lovers, betrayal, and supernatural beings- you might like this book. It's about assassins, vampires, and blood oaths. I enjoyed it- but it was a little wordy and confusing in some places.
safety:
no virgins
no cheating/sharing
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2022
This is a big book! but it is worth the read. It had me wanting to read more, some of the parts were very slow but others made up for it.
The characters are what really drew me in, I just want to know more about them. I do love a good vampire story.
You can find this book on Kindle Unlimited, and it does have some spicy parts.
I would recommend this book for anyone that likes examines to lovers, assassin doing a job, Vampire/ supernatural.
I can't wait for book 2 to see what happens next.
I received this book from booksirens for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
The characters are what really drew me in, I just want to know more about them. I do love a good vampire story.
You can find this book on Kindle Unlimited, and it does have some spicy parts.
I would recommend this book for anyone that likes examines to lovers, assassin doing a job, Vampire/ supernatural.
I can't wait for book 2 to see what happens next.
I received this book from booksirens for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 16, 2024
Wow, this book is in need of an editor, or at least a thorough proofread. I read this book in 2-3 sittings, and I find it nearly impossible to believe that the authors read the book front to back with the intention of editing. There were typos on nearly every page (especially at the end), confusing grammar (using “she” when the subject hadn’t been mentioned in literal paragraphs), and things that just didn’t flow together. For example, the book series is named the Dark Crown Trials - so when we learn of these trials, they comment that this year there will be two tournaments and two instead of three trials. Okay so two tournaments with two trials each is four trials, right? During the trial, someone comments on the *three* trials, even though there are supposed to be either two or four. Even later in the book, someone asks about how the first tournament went, but we only read about one trial?? In the later chapters especially, something would happen, I’d look forward to the response from Quillion, and then it’d be the next chapter, at least a day in the future, with no indication of what took place in the break. I found a lot of the second half of this book to be confusing and broken up despite that I can usually forgive a lot of editing errors. Lastly, I guess this book is considered a cliffhanger? Instead, it read as just being cut off in the middle of everything, leaving me with more questions than answers.
September 2, 2022
Blood and Potions
The Dark Crown Trials #1
Paranormal Romance
Maya Morrison, S.L.Kingsgate
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Although I haven’t received the physical copy of this book yet, I just had to read the e-book version and I'm so glad I did.
Finally a book with spice AND plot 😂. I haven't been having much luck when it comes to fantasy/paranormal books with spice lately and this was refreshing to read.
The characters are very well developed and the world building was great. I felt like I was transported there and became more curious with every page.
The plot twists and betrayals kept me engaged and I couldn't put the book down. The pacing made it very easy to read and I finished it in less than a day.
The building tension between Meraki and Quillian was incredible and wasn't the insta-lust that often happens in similar books, so that made the plot stand out even more. The ending was so good that I can't wait to read the next book!
Thank you to @mayamorrisonauthor , @slkingsgateauthor and @lovebookstours for including me in this tour and gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Dark Crown Trials #1
Paranormal Romance
Maya Morrison, S.L.Kingsgate
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Although I haven’t received the physical copy of this book yet, I just had to read the e-book version and I'm so glad I did.
Finally a book with spice AND plot 😂. I haven't been having much luck when it comes to fantasy/paranormal books with spice lately and this was refreshing to read.
The characters are very well developed and the world building was great. I felt like I was transported there and became more curious with every page.
The plot twists and betrayals kept me engaged and I couldn't put the book down. The pacing made it very easy to read and I finished it in less than a day.
The building tension between Meraki and Quillian was incredible and wasn't the insta-lust that often happens in similar books, so that made the plot stand out even more. The ending was so good that I can't wait to read the next book!
Thank you to @mayamorrisonauthor , @slkingsgateauthor and @lovebookstours for including me in this tour and gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2022
Sooo many typos
I liked the story and the characters, however, there were so many typos it took away from the story. I had to reread so many sentences due wrong names and other words because it didn't make sense sometimes. I'll read the next book because I did like the mystery and want to see what happens, I'm just hoping that there are less errors.
I liked the story and the characters, however, there were so many typos it took away from the story. I had to reread so many sentences due wrong names and other words because it didn't make sense sometimes. I'll read the next book because I did like the mystery and want to see what happens, I'm just hoping that there are less errors.
September 26, 2022
great series beginning by a new-to-me author
August 31, 2022
While I loved this I have to say this is a looooong read. If you are looking for something quick, this is not your book. If you are looking for a complicated, dark and dirty beginning to a new trilogy, this is the place to be!
Quillian - love him or hate him, he's hot! But then he plays mind games, but he also is having feelings he hasn't a clue how to deal with. Ahhh what a complicated leading male! God I love a vampire bad boy.
Raki - what a kick ass female lead. I love her no nonsense attitude, do not mess with her! I need to know more about her history with the Aloraki.
I'm really liking getting to know the Kingsley siblings, but I don't trust Enzo!
The ending - OMG!! What a cliffhanger, I need book 2 and I need it now!
Fast paced, fantasy and full of fire.
Quillian - love him or hate him, he's hot! But then he plays mind games, but he also is having feelings he hasn't a clue how to deal with. Ahhh what a complicated leading male! God I love a vampire bad boy.
Raki - what a kick ass female lead. I love her no nonsense attitude, do not mess with her! I need to know more about her history with the Aloraki.
I'm really liking getting to know the Kingsley siblings, but I don't trust Enzo!
The ending - OMG!! What a cliffhanger, I need book 2 and I need it now!
Fast paced, fantasy and full of fire.
September 5, 2023
This book was addicting! I couldn't stop reading although I genuinely really wanted to at quite a few points 🥶 We meet Meraki, an assassin who is trying to find her sister's killer from ten years prior, and Quillian (AKA Squilliam), the renowned vampire overlord who is known to be cold, callous and notoriously ruthless.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I quite enjoyed this one, which I didn’t expect. The plotlines were good, albeit a bit confusing at times, and the cliffhanger was amazing! Completely unexpectedly, but I am definitely hoping for a book 2 soon!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I gave it 3 stars (2.5 - rounded up) when I normally would give 2 because the storyline was really compelling, but the spelling and grammar errors made it a bit difficult to read.
Read my full review on my blog here.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I quite enjoyed this one, which I didn’t expect. The plotlines were good, albeit a bit confusing at times, and the cliffhanger was amazing! Completely unexpectedly, but I am definitely hoping for a book 2 soon!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I gave it 3 stars (2.5 - rounded up) when I normally would give 2 because the storyline was really compelling, but the spelling and grammar errors made it a bit difficult to read.
Read my full review on my blog here.
September 18, 2022
Meraki was a trained Assassin who has devoted her life to finding her sister's murderer. Quillian is a cold, callous and ruthless vampire who has been imprisoned with for over a millennium and seeks revenge against those who imprisoned him.
An assassin sent on a mission to retrieve artifact comes face to face with a ruthless vampire overlord who hates humans, what could possibly go wrong?
This was a dark enemies to lovers romance. Meraki and Quillian hated each other. Meraki was kidnapped by Quillian and tortured beyond anything a normal person could withstand and she still kept her secrets. After witnessing her strength Quillian decides to offer her a proposition that would be beneficial to them both. After agreeing to his terms swearing a binding and unbreakable blood oath Meraki agrees to stay in Esneoh to act as Quillian's wife in his quest to be King. In return Quillian will aide in her search for her sister.
The premise of this book was. There was good world building and character development. I like how the author gives a warning about the dark nature of the main characters and that they were not heroes. Quillian was a ruthless murderer but so was Meraki. Although she was an assassin hired to kill evil supernaturals she was driven by blood lust. She enjoyed spilling blood and didn't show any remorse for her actions. This the thing that caused the attraction between Meraki and Quillian to grow.
The author may want to consider using Alpha/Beta readers to review her work before final editing because there were so many typos and grammatical errors in this book. I honestly enjoyed the story and look forward to reading Book 2 but the author really need to consider getting herself a Alpha/Beta Team as well as releasing ARCS early enough to get feedback so that she can make the necessary corrections before releasing the book.
An assassin sent on a mission to retrieve artifact comes face to face with a ruthless vampire overlord who hates humans, what could possibly go wrong?
This was a dark enemies to lovers romance. Meraki and Quillian hated each other. Meraki was kidnapped by Quillian and tortured beyond anything a normal person could withstand and she still kept her secrets. After witnessing her strength Quillian decides to offer her a proposition that would be beneficial to them both. After agreeing to his terms swearing a binding and unbreakable blood oath Meraki agrees to stay in Esneoh to act as Quillian's wife in his quest to be King. In return Quillian will aide in her search for her sister.
The premise of this book was. There was good world building and character development. I like how the author gives a warning about the dark nature of the main characters and that they were not heroes. Quillian was a ruthless murderer but so was Meraki. Although she was an assassin hired to kill evil supernaturals she was driven by blood lust. She enjoyed spilling blood and didn't show any remorse for her actions. This the thing that caused the attraction between Meraki and Quillian to grow.
The author may want to consider using Alpha/Beta readers to review her work before final editing because there were so many typos and grammatical errors in this book. I honestly enjoyed the story and look forward to reading Book 2 but the author really need to consider getting herself a Alpha/Beta Team as well as releasing ARCS early enough to get feedback so that she can make the necessary corrections before releasing the book.
October 17, 2022
Review Blood and Potions by Maya Morrison and S.L. Kingsgate
✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The most important rule of all - kill or be killed”
🔴 Enemies to lovers
🟠 Vampires, demons, succubi, shape-shifters…
🟡 Betrayal
🟢 Magic / blood oaths
🔵 Steamy scenes
🟣 Assassins
“Those who seem the most unlovable are usually the ones that need love the most”
✨Personal Opinion:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily…
If you're looking for a quick read, this is not your book. But if you are looking for a dark fantasy book with assassins, supernatural creatures and steamy romance, plus amazing world building, then this is your book!!
The characters are amazing and very well developed, they left me wanting to know and discover more about them.
*Meraki* - a badass female lead, an assassin who seeks revenge for her sister's death. I love how independent and strong she is, she doesn't let anything get in her way.
"History has never favored women, but this has never stopped women from slitting the throats of their sleeping husbands. It has never stopped them from lacing the food and drinks of those who wielded power over them. Neither did it quench their thirst for more. We are fighters, and we never stop fighting."
*Quillian* - a ruthless vampire who hates humans and doesn't know how to deal with her feelings for Meraki.
"We may need her, but trust isn't just given. It is earned. And I don't trust her."
I love that the authors were able to combine spice and plot. It's not like those books you read that have spice but not plot, this one has an amazing story that keeps you intrigued wondering about what will happen to the characters in each chapter.
I looooooved it!!!!! I’m really looking forward to reading the next book.
For more reviews check out my bookstagram account: @mav.reads
✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The most important rule of all - kill or be killed”
🔴 Enemies to lovers
🟠 Vampires, demons, succubi, shape-shifters…
🟡 Betrayal
🟢 Magic / blood oaths
🔵 Steamy scenes
🟣 Assassins
“Those who seem the most unlovable are usually the ones that need love the most”
✨Personal Opinion:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily…
If you're looking for a quick read, this is not your book. But if you are looking for a dark fantasy book with assassins, supernatural creatures and steamy romance, plus amazing world building, then this is your book!!
The characters are amazing and very well developed, they left me wanting to know and discover more about them.
*Meraki* - a badass female lead, an assassin who seeks revenge for her sister's death. I love how independent and strong she is, she doesn't let anything get in her way.
"History has never favored women, but this has never stopped women from slitting the throats of their sleeping husbands. It has never stopped them from lacing the food and drinks of those who wielded power over them. Neither did it quench their thirst for more. We are fighters, and we never stop fighting."
*Quillian* - a ruthless vampire who hates humans and doesn't know how to deal with her feelings for Meraki.
"We may need her, but trust isn't just given. It is earned. And I don't trust her."
I love that the authors were able to combine spice and plot. It's not like those books you read that have spice but not plot, this one has an amazing story that keeps you intrigued wondering about what will happen to the characters in each chapter.
I looooooved it!!!!! I’m really looking forward to reading the next book.
For more reviews check out my bookstagram account: @mav.reads
August 25, 2022
The beginning of this book had me hooked. I really liked the excitement and fast pace that happened immediately. Meraki's initiation into the Alokari (an assassin group) had me thinking this would be an automatic 5-star read. However, after Meraki's initiation and finding out her sister was murdered it went downhill from there for me.
The first thing that threw me off a bit was the dialogue. It felt immature to me. When Meraki asked, "Who are you?" and Quillian continually answered, "I am your worst nightmare." And that was it, over and over it felt incomplete and redundant. Quillian wasn't the only one to use this line. Iris's dialogue as well about her tryst with the tech guy felt immature.
The other thing that bothered me was the few inconsistencies I found. The first was when Meraki came back to her apt. I thought that Iris knew she was there because Meraki was talking about and to the plants and Iris was jealous of Meraki's plant "bestie", then all of the sudden Iris wanted to know when she would be back? Maybe I missed something?
The spice also just wasn't there for me. I got to about 60% before I decided to call it. Aside from the initial meeting between Quillian and Meraki at the club, there wasn't much tension or angst between the two.
I really wanted to like this book and I am sad that I just couldn't relate to or attach to any of the characters or the story after the first chapter. This book might be for someone else, but unfortunately, this just wasn't for me.
You might like it if you like the following:
-Enemies to lovers
-Vampire/Supernatural assassins
-Supernatural Political Intrigue
-Betrayal
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first thing that threw me off a bit was the dialogue. It felt immature to me. When Meraki asked, "Who are you?" and Quillian continually answered, "I am your worst nightmare." And that was it, over and over it felt incomplete and redundant. Quillian wasn't the only one to use this line. Iris's dialogue as well about her tryst with the tech guy felt immature.
The other thing that bothered me was the few inconsistencies I found. The first was when Meraki came back to her apt. I thought that Iris knew she was there because Meraki was talking about and to the plants and Iris was jealous of Meraki's plant "bestie", then all of the sudden Iris wanted to know when she would be back? Maybe I missed something?
The spice also just wasn't there for me. I got to about 60% before I decided to call it. Aside from the initial meeting between Quillian and Meraki at the club, there wasn't much tension or angst between the two.
I really wanted to like this book and I am sad that I just couldn't relate to or attach to any of the characters or the story after the first chapter. This book might be for someone else, but unfortunately, this just wasn't for me.
You might like it if you like the following:
-Enemies to lovers
-Vampire/Supernatural assassins
-Supernatural Political Intrigue
-Betrayal
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2022
Mekari is nine when she begins training as an assassin. She’s sixteen when her sister is murdered, leaving her alone in the world. At twenty-six, she’s Red, a vengeful, deadly, and blood-thirsty boogey-woman to supernaturals of every kind. This chick is my favorite kind of female lead. She kicks but, takes names, and calmly ticks them off one by one. Lucky for us there are men who are really into hellions.
Quinlan, an ancient vampire who has been held hostage for a millennium, while he plotted his release and eventual revenge, is such a man. Things get super hot and complicated when these two cross paths. Mekari doesn’t play well with vampires, she kills them. Quillian holds an 1,000 year old grudge against the entire human race. Their meet-cute is tense and sweaty, but I am totally here for it. The unlikely pair are high powered magnets, obliterating everyone in their path with the force of their attraction.
This is my favorite vampire novel published this year. Since I am a sucker for vampire fiction, it doesn’t take much more than a anti-hero who bites to sell me. But Blood and Potions riveted me from page one. I started reading at lunch and, aside from mommy duties and meal times, I didn’t stop reading until bedtime. I was happily lost in Kinavara.
If you are into #blood-suckers, #dark romance, #morallygreycharacters, and #fierceheroines you do not want to miss out on reading this book. My advance copy is, however, flushed with errors that I presume will be cleaned up before it goes live. A drawback that would alter my rating significantly. Without the distracting mistakes, Maya Morrison peopled, painted and plotted this story beautifully.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Quinlan, an ancient vampire who has been held hostage for a millennium, while he plotted his release and eventual revenge, is such a man. Things get super hot and complicated when these two cross paths. Mekari doesn’t play well with vampires, she kills them. Quillian holds an 1,000 year old grudge against the entire human race. Their meet-cute is tense and sweaty, but I am totally here for it. The unlikely pair are high powered magnets, obliterating everyone in their path with the force of their attraction.
This is my favorite vampire novel published this year. Since I am a sucker for vampire fiction, it doesn’t take much more than a anti-hero who bites to sell me. But Blood and Potions riveted me from page one. I started reading at lunch and, aside from mommy duties and meal times, I didn’t stop reading until bedtime. I was happily lost in Kinavara.
If you are into #blood-suckers, #dark romance, #morallygreycharacters, and #fierceheroines you do not want to miss out on reading this book. My advance copy is, however, flushed with errors that I presume will be cleaned up before it goes live. A drawback that would alter my rating significantly. Without the distracting mistakes, Maya Morrison peopled, painted and plotted this story beautifully.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2022
Blood and Potions was I book that really surprised me.
The plot is intriguing and well structured. Over all a very well-paced story that kept me engaged the whole time. I really appreciated that we had the story told from two different point of views (the two main characters). For me this gave us a different side of each event and I managed to connect to more characters.
The world the author created is kind of something well known and at the same time something new fresh and intriguing. For me there is a balance between too much and too little information that was given to us at different times. The story itself isn’t just about a vampire falling in love with a human. There is a lot more storytelling and action.
I loved the secondary characters (especially Quillian’s siblings). They were funny and I kept smiling all the time they appeared in a scene.
This is a dark story that has a lot love scenes and adult language used. For me at times it was a lot to take in given I didn’t expect it to be at this level but I get why the author chose that. Meraki as a character has been through a lot and all the previous events shaped her to be what we see her in the story. But still the first encounter (love scene) between Meraki and Quillian made me feel a little uncomfortable.
And also for me the romance between these two was the weakest point in the book.
Most of the time while reading I didn’t feel that chemistry between them and it’s like something was missing. Almost every page they reminded us why they are in this predicament and even at the very end I still can’t say I believe real love bloomed between them. Quillian for most of the book had really indecisive actions towards Meraki and I couldn’t understand are his feeling real or not and the same goes for Meraki as well. That’s why I give 3,9 stars.
Over all I liked the book and I want to read the next one so I can see how will the story evolve and change.
I received review copy of the book for free and this review is completely honest and voluntary.
The plot is intriguing and well structured. Over all a very well-paced story that kept me engaged the whole time. I really appreciated that we had the story told from two different point of views (the two main characters). For me this gave us a different side of each event and I managed to connect to more characters.
The world the author created is kind of something well known and at the same time something new fresh and intriguing. For me there is a balance between too much and too little information that was given to us at different times. The story itself isn’t just about a vampire falling in love with a human. There is a lot more storytelling and action.
I loved the secondary characters (especially Quillian’s siblings). They were funny and I kept smiling all the time they appeared in a scene.
This is a dark story that has a lot love scenes and adult language used. For me at times it was a lot to take in given I didn’t expect it to be at this level but I get why the author chose that. Meraki as a character has been through a lot and all the previous events shaped her to be what we see her in the story. But still the first encounter (love scene) between Meraki and Quillian made me feel a little uncomfortable.
And also for me the romance between these two was the weakest point in the book.
Most of the time while reading I didn’t feel that chemistry between them and it’s like something was missing. Almost every page they reminded us why they are in this predicament and even at the very end I still can’t say I believe real love bloomed between them. Quillian for most of the book had really indecisive actions towards Meraki and I couldn’t understand are his feeling real or not and the same goes for Meraki as well. That’s why I give 3,9 stars.
Over all I liked the book and I want to read the next one so I can see how will the story evolve and change.
I received review copy of the book for free and this review is completely honest and voluntary.
August 22, 2022
Steamy ya'll!!
The book jumps right in, introducing Meraki as the strong resilient assassin that she is. The world is beautifully laid out with out the gross info dump. Meraki is independent and a well trained assassin and thief, living in a world that I can't possibly imagine. She feels she owes her life to the Alokari, the organization she works for. They have trained her for this life, and she is one of their best. Her sister early on failed the test, and she spends her life looking for clues to kill who ever killed her.
When she first meets Quillian in a club the attraction is immediate. She doesn't know his name, so he's Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome. On a job to finally get the necklace that should hold clues to her sister's murder, she runs into Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome again...they were both there to take the necklace. She later learns he's a vampire, and he's immune to most of the tricks she knows. He's able to subdue her, and he kidnaps her to learn about why she was there, what she knows and who she works for.
Fast forward we end up with a fake relationship trope, and it's done very well. The physical relationship felt easy, but the two of them slowly figure out if there is anything to their fake marriage beyond amazing sex...which there's a ton of. If you enjoy the fake relationship type trope, with a bit of an emotional slow burn with a side of alphamale possessiveness, you will like this book. Be warned, this book ends on a HUGE plot twist and a bit of a cliffhanger.
The book jumps right in, introducing Meraki as the strong resilient assassin that she is. The world is beautifully laid out with out the gross info dump. Meraki is independent and a well trained assassin and thief, living in a world that I can't possibly imagine. She feels she owes her life to the Alokari, the organization she works for. They have trained her for this life, and she is one of their best. Her sister early on failed the test, and she spends her life looking for clues to kill who ever killed her.
When she first meets Quillian in a club the attraction is immediate. She doesn't know his name, so he's Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome. On a job to finally get the necklace that should hold clues to her sister's murder, she runs into Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome again...they were both there to take the necklace. She later learns he's a vampire, and he's immune to most of the tricks she knows. He's able to subdue her, and he kidnaps her to learn about why she was there, what she knows and who she works for.
Fast forward we end up with a fake relationship trope, and it's done very well. The physical relationship felt easy, but the two of them slowly figure out if there is anything to their fake marriage beyond amazing sex...which there's a ton of. If you enjoy the fake relationship type trope, with a bit of an emotional slow burn with a side of alphamale possessiveness, you will like this book. Be warned, this book ends on a HUGE plot twist and a bit of a cliffhanger.
September 21, 2022
I absolutely loved this book, it was a good enemies to lovers with supernatural beings, dark romance, betrayal and spice and i honestly couldn't get enough. Now i don't read much dark romance or any often, this book has made an exception in being one i love.
The author does a good job with balancing out the spice and plot in this book and it not only makes the book enjoyable but also readable where you aren't cringing at the sex, and it's not often seen where authors can do this without making the book only about the sex and losing focus on the plot and this book balances that out well.
The world of Esneoh was such a fascinating one, especially with its creation and the ruling beings that reside here. The race for power wss very intriguing even more so on how the city runs off it and i do hope we get to see and learn more about its history and how it works in the next book.
Meraki and Quillians relationship was one that had me laughing and squealing, they honestly match each other and it's funny how they don't fully realize it yet. Broody vampire prince who's grumpy and protective, an independent women who is strong and the bonus is her being an assassin, i loved it.
The plot twists had me glued to every page of this book, the betrayals were shocking and honestly you yourself just by reading it don't know who you can and can't trust and i love that. After that ending i need book two as soon as possible.
The author does a good job with balancing out the spice and plot in this book and it not only makes the book enjoyable but also readable where you aren't cringing at the sex, and it's not often seen where authors can do this without making the book only about the sex and losing focus on the plot and this book balances that out well.
The world of Esneoh was such a fascinating one, especially with its creation and the ruling beings that reside here. The race for power wss very intriguing even more so on how the city runs off it and i do hope we get to see and learn more about its history and how it works in the next book.
Meraki and Quillians relationship was one that had me laughing and squealing, they honestly match each other and it's funny how they don't fully realize it yet. Broody vampire prince who's grumpy and protective, an independent women who is strong and the bonus is her being an assassin, i loved it.
The plot twists had me glued to every page of this book, the betrayals were shocking and honestly you yourself just by reading it don't know who you can and can't trust and i love that. After that ending i need book two as soon as possible.
October 13, 2022
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from BookSirens for giving my two cents. I wasn't too sure about the book when I read the blurb about it but once I started it I was hooked. We meet assassin Meraki who has been hunting for her sister's killer for the past 10 years with no avail. Her job as an assassin has given her skills she's needed and she is at the top of her game. Meraki needs to let loose with her friends before her next job. What shes doesnt anticipate is tall dark and handsome at the bar. Her boss gives her a job to recover a necklace from a gallery...easy peasy....not!! As she completes her task tall dark and handsome is there trying to steal the necklace as well...but what she didn't expect is that he's a vampire. Her world goew black and she ends up captured and taken to the underground city that she has been trying to get to for years...this could work to her advantage. Quillian...Mr tall dark and handsome has been imprisoned for a century along with his siblings but now that he back he is determined to find out who did this to his family. But what he didn't expect is some human to peak his interest and now with the rules of the dark trial changing...he may have use for her. Meraki has to survive and find answers....but at what cost? A great read that keeps you on the edge of your seat....when's the next book??
October 21, 2022
Idky but a few things really got under my skin with this one.
At one point it says something about 12 cameras. 8 upstairs and 8 downstairs.... That would be 16 cameras.
Quirked. The word is quirked. Corked is used far too often to be wrong. One quirks their eyebrow while one corked a wine bottle.
There are a ton of weird grammatical errors. Words used incorrectly like groan being used three times instead of groin.
I mean, at one point someone even yells "Duck you!". Which is a big ol' mistake and really does not help the scene at all.
The whole millennium thing doesn't make any sense. Maybe a century, but it seems like no time has passed in that millennium. It's really confusing. There are mentions of missing cars, having the same house, and going to the same establishments. How can none of that have changed in 1,000 years? It's like none of their relationships changed either. The leaders all appear to be the same after all that time. Idgi.
Entertainment wise this is actually pretty good. The book has potential. I would read the next one. This just seems really unpolished with a lot of mistakes.
There is cheating. Which is a big turn-off for some people. Plus, don't read this if you're looking for the lead male to be anything other than a huge ass. This is def. for the kind of mature audience that likes darker content.
September 2, 2022
I'm not even sure where to start we have a strong independent female assassin looking to avenge the death of her sister and an angry mistrustful vampire who is out to avenge his brother and find out who improsoned him and his siblings, what could possibly go wrong?
Nothing, absolutely nothing, that's what. The story is really well written has a great plot that moves pretty quickly considering its a trilogy and oh my word the twist at the end I did not see that coming I can't wait to read book 2 it's pretty easy to give Blood and Potions ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Now something else I really need to mention is this is a strictly over 18s, no children allowed read, infact I'm old (not that old) and even I blushed in several places. This book isn't just steamy it is boiling. Do not read it out in public as the first meeting between our assassin and vampire is not something you want someone reading over your shoulder.
Its one of those books where the relationship is 100% toxic and you know you shouldn't route for them but you kind of do.
Thank you Love Books Tours for my gifted copy for the purpose of the review
Nothing, absolutely nothing, that's what. The story is really well written has a great plot that moves pretty quickly considering its a trilogy and oh my word the twist at the end I did not see that coming I can't wait to read book 2 it's pretty easy to give Blood and Potions ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Now something else I really need to mention is this is a strictly over 18s, no children allowed read, infact I'm old (not that old) and even I blushed in several places. This book isn't just steamy it is boiling. Do not read it out in public as the first meeting between our assassin and vampire is not something you want someone reading over your shoulder.
Its one of those books where the relationship is 100% toxic and you know you shouldn't route for them but you kind of do.
Thank you Love Books Tours for my gifted copy for the purpose of the review
September 15, 2022
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
I received an advanced copy of this book from Book Sirens and the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
I loved the storyline of this book. Meraki was orphaned, lost her sister, and became a highly trained assassin all by the time she was 26. Killing supernatural beings is her job.
Quillian Kingsley, vampire overlord, is dark, twisted and utterly sexy. And he'll be Meraki's undoing. I absolutely loved their banter.
My two qualms with the book, some of the descriptions were a bit too redundant. The same term was sometimes used 3 times in one sentence. The other was the dialog, at times I found it difficult to follow. The conversation in one POV would be completely different in a different POV with only one or two key phrases remaining the same. The book is very long, which I knew going in, however I think it would have been better if it were condensed a bit.
Overall I liked the book, I would recommend it, and I'll likely read book two when it releases.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Book Sirens and the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
I loved the storyline of this book. Meraki was orphaned, lost her sister, and became a highly trained assassin all by the time she was 26. Killing supernatural beings is her job.
Quillian Kingsley, vampire overlord, is dark, twisted and utterly sexy. And he'll be Meraki's undoing. I absolutely loved their banter.
My two qualms with the book, some of the descriptions were a bit too redundant. The same term was sometimes used 3 times in one sentence. The other was the dialog, at times I found it difficult to follow. The conversation in one POV would be completely different in a different POV with only one or two key phrases remaining the same. The book is very long, which I knew going in, however I think it would have been better if it were condensed a bit.
Overall I liked the book, I would recommend it, and I'll likely read book two when it releases.
August 30, 2022
Oh she a steamy read🔥
We focus on Meraki who after her sister’s murder is drawn into being in the Alokari, an elite assassin’s guild. Her desire to solve her sister’s death brings her head to head with Quillian, a vampire who has been imprisoned for millennia and has debts to settle. Throw in some politics, his family and a trial to establish dominance in Esneoh and you’ve got a cracking start to a new fantasy series.
I loved the character of Meraki, she’s awesome. She’s fierce, strong and also the only human in a foreign world and I thought this came across really well. She doesn’t not suffer fools and more than holds her own surrounded by vampires, demons and witches. I loved the pace of this book, it’s packed with action and sexual tension, and a few very steamy scenes. Loved the trial section at the end, and with that twist ending I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Thank you to lovebooktours for my gifted copy.
We focus on Meraki who after her sister’s murder is drawn into being in the Alokari, an elite assassin’s guild. Her desire to solve her sister’s death brings her head to head with Quillian, a vampire who has been imprisoned for millennia and has debts to settle. Throw in some politics, his family and a trial to establish dominance in Esneoh and you’ve got a cracking start to a new fantasy series.
I loved the character of Meraki, she’s awesome. She’s fierce, strong and also the only human in a foreign world and I thought this came across really well. She doesn’t not suffer fools and more than holds her own surrounded by vampires, demons and witches. I loved the pace of this book, it’s packed with action and sexual tension, and a few very steamy scenes. Loved the trial section at the end, and with that twist ending I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Thank you to lovebooktours for my gifted copy.
August 30, 2022
“History has taught us that the world doesn't take too kindly to powerful women"
Romance and paranormal, my two fave genres in one, and this book definitely is the best of both. It's definitely NA with dark themes so keep that in mind if you're interested. I loved the political system in this book and the way the different groups/societies and characters were introduced. The two main characters are a badass assassin (Meraki) and a morally grey vampire (Quillian) who go between enemies and lovers both hiding important parts of their past. The book has tropes such as the "who did this to you" and "touch her and I'll end you" which just adds to the drama and intensity of the story leaving you wanting to read on. With major plot twists I just can't wait to read book two and find out if Meraki find the answers she is looking for.
This book was gifted as part of a tour by LoveBookTours but all thoughts and opinions are my own
#ad #gifted
Romance and paranormal, my two fave genres in one, and this book definitely is the best of both. It's definitely NA with dark themes so keep that in mind if you're interested. I loved the political system in this book and the way the different groups/societies and characters were introduced. The two main characters are a badass assassin (Meraki) and a morally grey vampire (Quillian) who go between enemies and lovers both hiding important parts of their past. The book has tropes such as the "who did this to you" and "touch her and I'll end you" which just adds to the drama and intensity of the story leaving you wanting to read on. With major plot twists I just can't wait to read book two and find out if Meraki find the answers she is looking for.
This book was gifted as part of a tour by LoveBookTours but all thoughts and opinions are my own
#ad #gifted
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2022
Meraki is a trained assassin, but her newest assignment isn't hunting down a person. Instead, she needs to steal an artifact from a secret location, and if successful she may get information leading to her sister's murderer. Unfortunately, one mistake and she is captured by the sinfully sexy vampire overlord Quillian Kingsley. After days of torture, Quillian offers her a deal. He needs a wife, and he will help her discover the identity of the killer she's hunting, but she has to swear a Blood Oath so she can't just kill him.
Unique, well written, and absolutely fascinating characters. The interactions between Meraki and Quillian were utterly engrossing, and I couldn't help but chuckle a few times. Exciting, action packed, suspenseful at times, steamy, and unexpected twists in the plot made it impossible to put this book down. I highly recommend this book to fans of dark paranormal romances.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Unique, well written, and absolutely fascinating characters. The interactions between Meraki and Quillian were utterly engrossing, and I couldn't help but chuckle a few times. Exciting, action packed, suspenseful at times, steamy, and unexpected twists in the plot made it impossible to put this book down. I highly recommend this book to fans of dark paranormal romances.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 3, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely adore the dynamic of a vampire and a vampire assassin in forced proximity. I also really liked how not all of my questions were answered in the book. This leaves something for the reader to look forward to in the series.
There were, however, several aspects of this book that led to my two-star review. The writing seemed very clunky and disorganized. Phrases were repeated on the same page quite often and it was difficult to follow the dialogue most of the time. The characters felt pretty stagnant as well. The movement of the story was mostly based on the actions with not much focus on the character development.
This is a really interesting concept for a book and I would love to see it a bit more polished and dynamic.
I absolutely adore the dynamic of a vampire and a vampire assassin in forced proximity. I also really liked how not all of my questions were answered in the book. This leaves something for the reader to look forward to in the series.
There were, however, several aspects of this book that led to my two-star review. The writing seemed very clunky and disorganized. Phrases were repeated on the same page quite often and it was difficult to follow the dialogue most of the time. The characters felt pretty stagnant as well. The movement of the story was mostly based on the actions with not much focus on the character development.
This is a really interesting concept for a book and I would love to see it a bit more polished and dynamic.
September 11, 2022
I have debated long and hard about how to review this book. I don't like giving 2 stars because I know writing is hard work.
With that said, this book had so much potential. The storyline is exciting - hot vampire and the sassy independent woman who brings him to his knees. Right down my alley. There was suspense and intrigue coupled with steamy times. I really wanted to see who imprisoned the Kingsleys and liked Alessia.
However, the writing style wasn't up to par for me. I thought it was all over the place. Some words were used in a context that made no sense and just didn't fit. It made it rather tedious to read. I hope the next installments are better, because this would have been a great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With that said, this book had so much potential. The storyline is exciting - hot vampire and the sassy independent woman who brings him to his knees. Right down my alley. There was suspense and intrigue coupled with steamy times. I really wanted to see who imprisoned the Kingsleys and liked Alessia.
However, the writing style wasn't up to par for me. I thought it was all over the place. Some words were used in a context that made no sense and just didn't fit. It made it rather tedious to read. I hope the next installments are better, because this would have been a great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blood and Potions
Dark Crown Trials Series
Maya Morrison, S.L Kingsgate
Tropes: Paranormal Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Fake Dating
Possible Triggers: violence, cheating, blood, gunplay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Forewarning this is a long book and not recommended if you're looking for a quick short read.
If you enjoy a spicy dark/supernatural romance with a bad*** assassin FMC, a ruthless but very hot Vampire MC, and funny easy-to-love side characters, this is the book for you.
Unlike some Romance books, Blood and Potions has both spice and an amazing plot. The story is told from 2 points of view, Meraki and Quillian. The world building is great. There's an actual backstory on the characters that tie into the plot.
I loved this book and can't wait for the second!
Blood and Potions
Dark Crown Trials Series
Maya Morrison, S.L Kingsgate
Tropes: Paranormal Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Fake Dating
Possible Triggers: violence, cheating, blood, gunplay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Forewarning this is a long book and not recommended if you're looking for a quick short read.
If you enjoy a spicy dark/supernatural romance with a bad*** assassin FMC, a ruthless but very hot Vampire MC, and funny easy-to-love side characters, this is the book for you.
Unlike some Romance books, Blood and Potions has both spice and an amazing plot. The story is told from 2 points of view, Meraki and Quillian. The world building is great. There's an actual backstory on the characters that tie into the plot.
I loved this book and can't wait for the second!
August 24, 2022
This is the first book of a trilogy and I need the next two now! I was hooked as soon as I started this one.
I love how the world runs alongside the world as we know it and how some of the characters move between but what it means once you’ve been to Esneoh.
I enjoyed reading about Meraki. She is a strong and fierce main character. She is clever and can well and truly hold her own. As an assassin and a woman she shouldn’t be messed with.
Quillian is a hot and brooding vampire. He is intoxicated by Meraki and yes the start of their relationship (and during) is a hot mess (and a bit violent) but the tension and chemistry between them is 🔥. I love seeing how they come together.
This is a well written world containing multiple supernatural beings. The main story is interesting and so are the sub plots. I can’t wait to see where the trial goes and what the future holds for Quillian and Meraki.
Thanks to @lovebookstours @mayamorrisonauthor and @slkingsgateauthor for a gifted copy for review. Also, roll on September (according to Amazon) for the next book! Also how gorgeous is the cover?!
I love how the world runs alongside the world as we know it and how some of the characters move between but what it means once you’ve been to Esneoh.
I enjoyed reading about Meraki. She is a strong and fierce main character. She is clever and can well and truly hold her own. As an assassin and a woman she shouldn’t be messed with.
Quillian is a hot and brooding vampire. He is intoxicated by Meraki and yes the start of their relationship (and during) is a hot mess (and a bit violent) but the tension and chemistry between them is 🔥. I love seeing how they come together.
This is a well written world containing multiple supernatural beings. The main story is interesting and so are the sub plots. I can’t wait to see where the trial goes and what the future holds for Quillian and Meraki.
Thanks to @lovebookstours @mayamorrisonauthor and @slkingsgateauthor for a gifted copy for review. Also, roll on September (according to Amazon) for the next book! Also how gorgeous is the cover?!
August 22, 2022
The premise of this book was so interesting. I love a good vampire romance and this one has all the right elements - enemies to lovers, forced proximity, badass female main character 😍
I was drawn in from the get go with this one. I think it was the club scene (iykyk 🥵). The story was great throughout and just continued to deliver and deliver. The ending was quite a twist and definitely makes you feel pulled to jump straight into the next book in the series!
The only thing that I didn’t love was that the writing quality didn’t feel the same throughout. The writing quality seemed great in the first half of the book but the second half jusy read a little differently 🤷🏼♀️ still a fantastic story though!
I was drawn in from the get go with this one. I think it was the club scene (iykyk 🥵). The story was great throughout and just continued to deliver and deliver. The ending was quite a twist and definitely makes you feel pulled to jump straight into the next book in the series!
The only thing that I didn’t love was that the writing quality didn’t feel the same throughout. The writing quality seemed great in the first half of the book but the second half jusy read a little differently 🤷🏼♀️ still a fantastic story though!
August 27, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
This book has the potential to be absolutely amazing! The enemies to lovers, vampires, witches, betrayal, mission impossible style heists and hot smut! There is so much there that leads it to being an amazing first book in a fantasy series.
I loved the characters and the plot. The relationship between Qullian and Raki is the right mix of hate you but need you. It keeps you drawn to them.
The only reason this book is not a higher rating is the editing. Some of the punctuation was off and it kept flipping from 1st to 3rd person. I think if this book was edited it has the potential to be 5 ⭐️
*so after receiving a physical version of this book that was edited my rating has gained a whole ⭐️. Can’t wait for book 2!
This book has the potential to be absolutely amazing! The enemies to lovers, vampires, witches, betrayal, mission impossible style heists and hot smut! There is so much there that leads it to being an amazing first book in a fantasy series.
I loved the characters and the plot. The relationship between Qullian and Raki is the right mix of hate you but need you. It keeps you drawn to them.
The only reason this book is not a higher rating is the editing. Some of the punctuation was off and it kept flipping from 1st to 3rd person. I think if this book was edited it has the potential to be 5 ⭐️
*so after receiving a physical version of this book that was edited my rating has gained a whole ⭐️. Can’t wait for book 2!
September 7, 2022
This is the first book in a trilogy – if you love dark romance, vampire’s, Witches, assassin’s demons all that fantasy style content this is the book for you. I just loved it. We follow Meraki who lost her sister to m****r, she becomes an elite assassin to try and solve her sister’s death and she will meet Quillian who is a vampire with debts to settle. This had me hooked – a proper 5 star for me. Has some spice and was long but well worth the time to read it – now waiting on my physical copy so I can re-read it and annotate 😊
Thank you to @mayamorrisonauthor, @slkingsgateauthor and @lovebookstours for including me in this tour and gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to @mayamorrisonauthor, @slkingsgateauthor and @lovebookstours for including me in this tour and gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.
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