What do you think?
Rate this book
Anaboris Clan #1
To Hate and To Hold
Enemies to lovers is all fun and games…until you find yourself eternally bound to a vampire prince that you loathe.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve detested Ethan Connor. And to be fair, he hates me right back. We do our best to avoid each other at all costs, except when we feel the overwhelming urge to kick each other’s asses.
Which is exactly what happened one clichéd dark and stormy night. Fists flying, thunder rumbling, and lightening flashing was apparently the magic combination to set off a bonding curse someone had set on us.
Now we’re stuck in closer proximity than either of us have ever wanted. The fighting is getting worse, but the bond is eager for that energy to change to something way hotter and a lot more dangerous.
I don’t want to be anywhere near Ethan, and I don’t want to sleep with him, and I certainly don’t want to be married to him for the rest of eternity…do I?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve detested Ethan Connor. And to be fair, he hates me right back. We do our best to avoid each other at all costs, except when we feel the overwhelming urge to kick each other’s asses.
Which is exactly what happened one clichéd dark and stormy night. Fists flying, thunder rumbling, and lightening flashing was apparently the magic combination to set off a bonding curse someone had set on us.
Now we’re stuck in closer proximity than either of us have ever wanted. The fighting is getting worse, but the bond is eager for that energy to change to something way hotter and a lot more dangerous.
I don’t want to be anywhere near Ethan, and I don’t want to sleep with him, and I certainly don’t want to be married to him for the rest of eternity…do I?
140 pages, ebook
First published February 16, 2009
44 people are currently reading
915 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Rebel
178 books251 followersI believe that love is love and it happens in a flash.
Whether it starts with action and adventure and adrenaline...or with just a glance across a crowded room. Happily ever after is never far away.
Head over to my website to get your hands on two totally free romance books, see what other cool stuff I’ve written, and fall down the rabbit hole of any (and every) social media site I hang out on.
www.dakotarebel.net
Whether it starts with action and adventure and adrenaline...or with just a glance across a crowded room. Happily ever after is never far away.
Head over to my website to get your hands on two totally free romance books, see what other cool stuff I’ve written, and fall down the rabbit hole of any (and every) social media site I hang out on.
www.dakotarebel.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 25, 2009
This book started out pretty strong and then got pretty boring pretty fast. All the repetition got annoying: from the repetition of how much they hate each other, to the repetition of how much the bonding was making them do, to the agonizing over the love they felt, to the sex scenes that played out exactly the same way every time (reach for the nightstand for lube and condom, prep, maybe spill some lube, insert, scream a bit, splurt onto chest and/or belly, be happy, shower). And if they weren't having sex, they were falling asleep or waking up. I was falling asleep a lot, too, so I don't blame them.
I have a pet-peeve about vampires in name only, and these vamps were as sterile and weak as anything I've seen. I'm not even sure why they were called vampires. Take away their fangs and the occasional sip of tame blood and they aren't vampiric at all. I mean, why on earth did they wear condoms? Are they not un-dead? What disease are they fearful of?
Every plot device was used for convenience only and seemingly with no real thought. Need to have a reason to hate: kill some parents (their inexplicable deaths will come in handy later, too). Need a reason to force them together: out-of-the-blue bonding. Need a reason for them to have sex: bonding made them do it. Need a scene that looks sexy and evil: random blood lust or maybe crazed jealousy. Don't have enough material to fill out the month-long wait period necessary to the plot: have the POV character unconscious for a week and then have two weeks disappear because the characters aren't talking to each other. And if something didn't makes sense, it was just ignored.
On a good note, it had a very nice cover.
I have a pet-peeve about vampires in name only, and these vamps were as sterile and weak as anything I've seen. I'm not even sure why they were called vampires. Take away their fangs and the occasional sip of tame blood and they aren't vampiric at all. I mean, why on earth did they wear condoms? Are they not un-dead? What disease are they fearful of?
Every plot device was used for convenience only and seemingly with no real thought. Need to have a reason to hate: kill some parents (their inexplicable deaths will come in handy later, too). Need a reason to force them together: out-of-the-blue bonding. Need a reason for them to have sex: bonding made them do it. Need a scene that looks sexy and evil: random blood lust or maybe crazed jealousy. Don't have enough material to fill out the month-long wait period necessary to the plot: have the POV character unconscious for a week and then have two weeks disappear because the characters aren't talking to each other. And if something didn't makes sense, it was just ignored.
On a good note, it had a very nice cover.
March 23, 2009
My first gay-vampire story and it won't be the last.
I've discovered Dakota Rebel and i think that she wrote an amazing story: i really liked the love/hate relationship between Jamie and Ethan.
Both are extremely "male", stubborn, arrogant but fragile at the same time.It is written at the first person(Jamie),but i could glimpse some of Ethan's feelings.
The sex was hot and beautiful but not shallow.
I did not want it to end...grrr.
I've discovered Dakota Rebel and i think that she wrote an amazing story: i really liked the love/hate relationship between Jamie and Ethan.
Both are extremely "male", stubborn, arrogant but fragile at the same time.It is written at the first person(Jamie),but i could glimpse some of Ethan's feelings.
The sex was hot and beautiful but not shallow.
I did not want it to end...grrr.
January 14, 2010
Vampires Jamie and Ethan have never gotten along. For over 15 years they've fought and tried to outdo each other and that hasn't changed even now that they're adults. When Ethan comes back to town after being away for a while things get heated between them quickly.
This time however the fight ends with Jamie and Ethan bonded as mates by a magic spell. Now they are forced to stay close, very close, for at least a month before their bond can be severed. Without a choice these two hotheaded men finally spend some quality time together and the results are explosive.
This was a fun story told in Jamie's POV. The book flows along pretty well and I liked both main characters although at times I was ready to smack them. Stubborn, quick to take offense and throw a punch and totally closed-mouthed about their feelings they are still a couple of likable guys.
Jamie and Ethan's relationship is of course the central theme of the book but aside from that there is also the mystery of who killed Jamie's parents. Add in a former friend/lover of Ethan's who is more than he appears at first, Jamie's sister and Gran as well as Ethan's parents and the story has an interesting and nicely written cast of characters.
The guys truly have a love/hate relationship and are quite physical, whether they're fighting each other or having sex. At times it was humorous but after a while it did get a bit tiring to read about Jamie's constant punching or kicking instead of taking time to listen and react in a more adult fashion. Despite Jamie's constant fight first, listen later I liked him and I enjoyed reading about the ups and downs of his relationship with Ethan.
Overall this was a fun, sexy story featuring a couple of guys who just happened to be Vampires. That part was not overly emphasized rather it was just who they were. I liked the flow of this 140 page book and was quite happy to have read it.
This time however the fight ends with Jamie and Ethan bonded as mates by a magic spell. Now they are forced to stay close, very close, for at least a month before their bond can be severed. Without a choice these two hotheaded men finally spend some quality time together and the results are explosive.
This was a fun story told in Jamie's POV. The book flows along pretty well and I liked both main characters although at times I was ready to smack them. Stubborn, quick to take offense and throw a punch and totally closed-mouthed about their feelings they are still a couple of likable guys.
Jamie and Ethan's relationship is of course the central theme of the book but aside from that there is also the mystery of who killed Jamie's parents. Add in a former friend/lover of Ethan's who is more than he appears at first, Jamie's sister and Gran as well as Ethan's parents and the story has an interesting and nicely written cast of characters.
The guys truly have a love/hate relationship and are quite physical, whether they're fighting each other or having sex. At times it was humorous but after a while it did get a bit tiring to read about Jamie's constant punching or kicking instead of taking time to listen and react in a more adult fashion. Despite Jamie's constant fight first, listen later I liked him and I enjoyed reading about the ups and downs of his relationship with Ethan.
Overall this was a fun, sexy story featuring a couple of guys who just happened to be Vampires. That part was not overly emphasized rather it was just who they were. I liked the flow of this 140 page book and was quite happy to have read it.
June 11, 2012
Ok, I had to put the 'disability' tag on this story, just for those two stubborn idiots! :)
They love each other or are at least attracted to each other so much that they do what any guy would do, beat the crap out of each other on a regular basis!
I got Jamie's issues with his parents and all, and once I decided not to think about all the stuff that didn't make sense and just go with it, I thought it was fun and cute.
But I did have to have a talk with myself to ignore all logical thoughts.
I enjoyed this one, but have to say the fact that they are vampires is sort of strange, it could easily have been 'normal' mortals without changing the story much at all!
They bleed, get black eyes..don't seem to have any special powers that I could tell.
February 23, 2018
2.7 Stars
Mainly that rating is for the sex scenes because they were hot, and I kind of liked the reasoning for the forced bonding. But the constant fighting (literal fighting, like punching each other) was ridiculously abusive, which made me uncomfortable; and I don't care how much you hate being attracted to someone, that kind of thing is NOT okay. Given they acted like spoiled children most of the time and couldn't see why they acted the way they did does not excuse their actions, either.
Plus, OMG I'm so over miscommunication & lack of discussion in budding relationships.
Mainly that rating is for the sex scenes because they were hot, and I kind of liked the reasoning for the forced bonding. But the constant fighting (literal fighting, like punching each other) was ridiculously abusive, which made me uncomfortable; and I don't care how much you hate being attracted to someone, that kind of thing is NOT okay. Given they acted like spoiled children most of the time and couldn't see why they acted the way they did does not excuse their actions, either.
Plus, OMG I'm so over miscommunication & lack of discussion in budding relationships.
March 10, 2012
This light story is quite amusing. Jamie (the narrator) and Ethan have been enemies and couldn't seem to stop fighting. Until one stormy night, after being struck by lightning, their are cursed to be bonded. So they couldn't exactly leave each other, it will give them pain if they do, and better yet, they need to have SEX to ease the discomfort. Let's start the smut :p
There are sex in almost every chapter, I skim most of it. But the characters are actually quite likable. It's so clear to readers that Ethan actually loves Jamie, but Jamie is being too stubborn to see that. It's an easy quickie, that's for sure.
There are sex in almost every chapter, I skim most of it. But the characters are actually quite likable. It's so clear to readers that Ethan actually loves Jamie, but Jamie is being too stubborn to see that. It's an easy quickie, that's for sure.
March 13, 2015
Vampires....yum
Hate sex...yum
enemies to lovers...yum
Fluffy sugary goodnes...ummmm, okay, I guess I can handle that.
Fun story. I liked the whole, forced to be close part.
Wish there was a little more depth with Jamie's parents deaths. Maybe a little more about how there are kings, and how that all works. But I still enjoyed the story without these things. Quick and fun.
Hate sex...yum
enemies to lovers...yum
Fluffy sugary goodnes...ummmm, okay, I guess I can handle that.
Fun story. I liked the whole, forced to be close part.
Wish there was a little more depth with Jamie's parents deaths. Maybe a little more about how there are kings, and how that all works. But I still enjoyed the story without these things. Quick and fun.
September 10, 2012
This was a much sweeter book that I thought it was going to be. Sure, they "hated" eachother, so much that they couldn't keep their hands off eachother(literally). The sex, while pretty good, could have been so much hotter had there been more details and foreplay. The chemistry was definately there, just not the steamy deets.*sigh* Overall a good read and super entertaining.
March 27, 2013
Review posted on World of Diversity Fiction
Ahhh! A vampire story, I love them, I’ve missed them and this one was fun to read.
Jamie and Ethan could be so damn frustrating, I just wanted to smack them.....a lot! How did they not see the love between them, did no one ever tell them when all you want to do is lash out at the person you think you hate it usually means you have feelings for them. Jeez!
I thought To Hate and To Hold was great, a light easy read that had me from start to finish. It made me laugh and cry and brought out the violent side of me every time these two didn’t TALK! GAH! There’s nothing complicated about the story, it has a tiny little mystery that didn’t seem important except to Jamie and Ethan, author Dakota Rebel didn’t focus on that, it’s just there, the focus of this story is love between two guys who think neither loves the other. I think the absolutely perfect thing happens to them, they are cursed, during one of their many fights they are struck by lightning or they think that’s what’s happened to them, this is when the curse begins, a bonding curse. They want to have an un-bonding ceremony but that can’t be done until they have been together for one month and one day or they may not survive it. Jamie and Ethan are forced to stay together and whenever they try to separate they are in extreme pain, so staying together and always touching is a must.
There’s plenty of sex and a lot of love, even if they won’t tell each other, but what got me with this story was all the sweet tender moments they shared. I didn’t want this story to end, I wasn’t ready to give up the good feeling it left me with but all good things must come to an end and when that end is an HEA I just have to be happy for them and for me.
June 27, 2010
Good m/m paranormal romance about two vampires who hate each other and get bonded together as part of a mysterious curse. Their cursed bond forces them to get very, very familiar with each other...
April 10, 2012
"Ethan Connor, Vampire Prince and total douche bag, had been back in Royal Oak for less than an hour, and already he was pissing me off."
The premise of this story -- two gay male vampires who hate each other mysteriously find themselves bonded as mates -- sounded really fun, and it was. The story is narrated by Jamie, who had been the Vampire Prince before his parents were murdered. He and Ethan have been at each other's throats -- figuratively and literally -- for years. But suddenly they find themselves caught up in a spell that binds them together, causing intense pain whenever they're not touching. The spell can be undone, but not until some time has passed, and not until their marriage has been "consummated."
The story starts off amusing, as the two find themselves uncomfortably falling under the spell of the bond: "'I don't want to have feelings for him,' Ethan whispered, the effect of his words probably ruined by the fact that he was running his fingers through my hair as he said them." For a while they continue to bash each other, but then tenderness starts to develop, as well as lots of hot sexxing. And Jamie begins to think maybe the spell shouldn't be undone. "Violence and anger were things we'd always been comfortable feeling around each other. It made me wonder for the first time if the bond was really a curse or just a means to an end we hadn't realized would have come eventually."
To Hate and to Hold is better as romance than as a paranormal. There's virtually no world-building; I assumed at first that it seemed so sparse because I'd missed other books in a series, but it turned out to be book one. I was left wondering, what's the history of these vampires? How do they have children? How does their society work so that everyone is so completely mellow about them being gay -- and since they're royal, what will they do about heirs? And why the heck do they need to use condoms? And the mystery of Jamie's parents' death, which seemed significant, completely fizzles out by the end. I guess the many, many sex scenes didn't leave room for much else; I'm not sure why there needed to be so many, since they're kind of samey -- lots and lots of anal.
So basically, if you like the premise, this is an enjoyable read -- because the premise is pretty much all there is to it.
The premise of this story -- two gay male vampires who hate each other mysteriously find themselves bonded as mates -- sounded really fun, and it was. The story is narrated by Jamie, who had been the Vampire Prince before his parents were murdered. He and Ethan have been at each other's throats -- figuratively and literally -- for years. But suddenly they find themselves caught up in a spell that binds them together, causing intense pain whenever they're not touching. The spell can be undone, but not until some time has passed, and not until their marriage has been "consummated."
The story starts off amusing, as the two find themselves uncomfortably falling under the spell of the bond: "'I don't want to have feelings for him,' Ethan whispered, the effect of his words probably ruined by the fact that he was running his fingers through my hair as he said them." For a while they continue to bash each other, but then tenderness starts to develop, as well as lots of hot sexxing. And Jamie begins to think maybe the spell shouldn't be undone. "Violence and anger were things we'd always been comfortable feeling around each other. It made me wonder for the first time if the bond was really a curse or just a means to an end we hadn't realized would have come eventually."
To Hate and to Hold is better as romance than as a paranormal. There's virtually no world-building; I assumed at first that it seemed so sparse because I'd missed other books in a series, but it turned out to be book one. I was left wondering, what's the history of these vampires? How do they have children? How does their society work so that everyone is so completely mellow about them being gay -- and since they're royal, what will they do about heirs? And why the heck do they need to use condoms? And the mystery of Jamie's parents' death, which seemed significant, completely fizzles out by the end. I guess the many, many sex scenes didn't leave room for much else; I'm not sure why there needed to be so many, since they're kind of samey -- lots and lots of anal.
So basically, if you like the premise, this is an enjoyable read -- because the premise is pretty much all there is to it.
September 25, 2012
I loved the beginning. But they they ha sex too quickly for my tastes. And then it was like all they did was have sex and fight. Round and round. Got very tiring. And they never communicate at all. The awesome beginning really just sizzled as it dragged on. IMO about thirty of the sex scenes could have been cut. Just way too many if them.
Parts were still good between the sex and fist fights but they were so rare and brief it was disappointing for me
June 27, 2016
FIRST RE-READ 25 June 2016
I remember totally loving this the first time. Granted, it's been four years since then, but I found it much more juvenile this time. Still entertaining, but I'm lowering my rating. I gave it five stars the first time, would have given it three this time, so I'll settle on four.
Some Favorite Quotes:
a means to an end we hadn't realized would have come eventually anyway.
But I supposed if it was that important to him, I could try to eat a little someone.
Being with Ethan really was being home.
ORIGINAL REVIEW 1 March 2012
Okay, so I know I shouldn't have liked this book as much as I did. I just loved it! I would've never thought I would have a thing for the enemies to lovers theme, but with these two it just worked so well. It was obvious how they each felt about the other--even when they both did their best to deny it and to be oblivious. Their journey to admitting that how they felt was really not just the spell was sweet and beautiful and sexy and so much fun to read.
I'll definitely be reading this one again and again.
I remember totally loving this the first time. Granted, it's been four years since then, but I found it much more juvenile this time. Still entertaining, but I'm lowering my rating. I gave it five stars the first time, would have given it three this time, so I'll settle on four.
Some Favorite Quotes:
a means to an end we hadn't realized would have come eventually anyway.
But I supposed if it was that important to him, I could try to eat a little someone.
Being with Ethan really was being home.
ORIGINAL REVIEW 1 March 2012
Okay, so I know I shouldn't have liked this book as much as I did. I just loved it! I would've never thought I would have a thing for the enemies to lovers theme, but with these two it just worked so well. It was obvious how they each felt about the other--even when they both did their best to deny it and to be oblivious. Their journey to admitting that how they felt was really not just the spell was sweet and beautiful and sexy and so much fun to read.
I'll definitely be reading this one again and again.
February 19, 2010
Jamie & Ethan were endearing. Would have given 5 stars except...Vampires using condoms -- what on earth for? If this story world's vampires don't stick to the traditional undead mythology (in which spreading disease isn't an issue), I feel like that merited an explanation to the reader, which never happened.
Jamie and Ethan also frequently take a swing at each other. They're angry. Okay. I get it. No need to belabor it by burying a fist in a face (or a shoed foot in a calf) this much. Plus, pardon me for saying so, but as far as I'm concerned, real men grow out of the hit-first/ask-questions-later stage by the end of high school or they get nowhere with me. This kind of wanton fighting does not appeal.
Stil, gave this 4 stars on the strength of the characters & the 2 things that annoyed me didn't wreck the book for me, at all. I'll look for more from this author.
Jamie and Ethan also frequently take a swing at each other. They're angry. Okay. I get it. No need to belabor it by burying a fist in a face (or a shoed foot in a calf) this much. Plus, pardon me for saying so, but as far as I'm concerned, real men grow out of the hit-first/ask-questions-later stage by the end of high school or they get nowhere with me. This kind of wanton fighting does not appeal.
Stil, gave this 4 stars on the strength of the characters & the 2 things that annoyed me didn't wreck the book for me, at all. I'll look for more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2014
I really have to admit, I quite enjoyed this one. The sex is hot and I'm a sucker for forced marriage or union. But, that's a big BUT,
I kind of find the plot of this book lacking though it's has nice premise. It's just execution of the story what I have a problem with. It became really repetitive. They will fight, then kiss and make up, then fight again and kiss and make up again. Like I said, the sex is hot but that's what they pretty much had been doing. FIGHT. SEX. WAKE UP. FEED. SLEEP. If not for the angst in the last 25% of the book I probably left this one in my currently-reading pile.
But I did enjoy this.
p.s Really? They have to use condom even though they swallow? WHAT FOR?
I kind of find the plot of this book lacking though it's has nice premise. It's just execution of the story what I have a problem with. It became really repetitive. They will fight, then kiss and make up, then fight again and kiss and make up again. Like I said, the sex is hot but that's what they pretty much had been doing. FIGHT. SEX. WAKE UP. FEED. SLEEP. If not for the angst in the last 25% of the book I probably left this one in my currently-reading pile.
But I did enjoy this.
p.s Really? They have to use condom even though they swallow? WHAT FOR?
May 24, 2012
Jamie McHale and Ethan Connor are sworn enemies. When Ethan returns after 2 years away, their fighting picks up right where it left off. As soon as their fighting turns physical however, the bonds of a vampire marriage snap into place due to an untimely curse. Now they are forced to stay together as any physical distance causes excruciating pain.
While this wasn't the most original plot, I love the enemies to lovers genre and I thought this was well done. I really liked Ethan and Jamie by the end of the book even though they were pigheaded and immature at the outset.
I will definitely read the next book in this series when it comes out.
While this wasn't the most original plot, I love the enemies to lovers genre and I thought this was well done. I really liked Ethan and Jamie by the end of the book even though they were pigheaded and immature at the outset.
I will definitely read the next book in this series when it comes out.
November 26, 2010
While the knee-jerk reactions of lashing out did get a little annoying, I loved the story of two vampires who have hated each other for years, constantly fighting, who are bonded by accident and must remain together for a month. Hate and love are so closely aligned and I thought it showcased this well. The back story of Jamie's parents' murder and Ethan's parents added to the side story. The lack of communication made me want to scream at them, but they were so tangled and sweet.
September 17, 2012
It is your ordinary romance. MCs (a.k.a. the author) create a lot of ado about nothing. It is just their stupidity that gets on the way. But I guess love does make fools from the best of us.
I couldn't be very sympathetic with MCs. There wasn't anything wrong with them :-) The only obstacles are themselves.
Plenty of sex scenes. But rather boring. Do vampires use condoms? Or was the author afraid to advertise unsafe sex?
Anyway, read and forget. Wouldn't waste your money on it.
I couldn't be very sympathetic with MCs. There wasn't anything wrong with them :-) The only obstacles are themselves.
Plenty of sex scenes. But rather boring. Do vampires use condoms? Or was the author afraid to advertise unsafe sex?
Anyway, read and forget. Wouldn't waste your money on it.
March 12, 2009
An awesome, awesome book. There's nothing I love more than hot, stubborn men in love. Highly recommended.
June 29, 2018
Jamie McHale finds Ethan Connor very annoying. He just cannot seem to pass up on a chance to annoy him as well. After all, with the murder of Jamie's parents, Ethan took Jamie's place as Vampire Prince when his parents took over the clan. The latest encounter had them fighting and win the midst of their altercation, the two find themselves bonded. This presents a big issue as they will need to work out something for their hatred. The Vampire marriage bond requires touch and so much more. The more time they spend together, the more they wonder about their hatred for each other.
To Hate and To Hold is so much more than just an enemies to lover story. There is a cold case to solve, a contentious marriage to consummate and their life to work out. The two men are incredible heroes that will touch your emotions and leave you wanting more. Watching them work out their differences made for some great reading. And there is more on these two.
To Hate and To Hold is so much more than just an enemies to lover story. There is a cold case to solve, a contentious marriage to consummate and their life to work out. The two men are incredible heroes that will touch your emotions and leave you wanting more. Watching them work out their differences made for some great reading. And there is more on these two.
March 5, 2020
Didn’t work for me for two reasons
1) the hate wasn’t believable
2) the love wasn’t believable.
And in a hate to love romance those two points not being believable for me personally isn’t great :(
It’s not a badly written book at all - I’m sure plenty of readers will love this sweet hate-love romance, just not me sadly!
1) the hate wasn’t believable
2) the love wasn’t believable.
And in a hate to love romance those two points not being believable for me personally isn’t great :(
It’s not a badly written book at all - I’m sure plenty of readers will love this sweet hate-love romance, just not me sadly!
June 13, 2017
Loved it.
Whoa, this was a hot read from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this paranormal world that felt so natural and not over-explained. Every scene left me wanting more.
Sexy and sweet!
Whoa, this was a hot read from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this paranormal world that felt so natural and not over-explained. Every scene left me wanting more.
Sexy and sweet!
March 7, 2014
Que pourrait il arriver de pire à deux hommes se haïssant depuis une vingtaine d'années ? Eh bien se retrouver enchaînés par la magie avec un lien du mariage et se retrouver obligés de se toucher en permanence et de consommer sinon ils risquent de perdre la vie. C'est sur cette idée originale que Dakota Rebel nous offre une lecture légère et très sexy, avec deux hommes virils et têtus qui vont devoir faire des concessions s'ils veulent survivre.
C'est une lecture très légère et l'intrigue est un peu "ultra light" mais Jamie et Ethan sont sympathiques, alors n'allons pas chercher midi à quatorze heure. Je ne sais pas trop pourquoi l'auteure en a fait des vampires car à part quelques morsures dans le feu de la passion et le fait qu'ils boivent du sang, rien ne les distingue des humains. L'intrigue est cousue de fil blanc mais à partir du moment ou vous prenez cette lecture pour ce qu'elle est, vous profitez juste de la détente qu'elle vous apporte. Au vue du résumé vous vous doutez bien qu'ils vont passer les trois quart de leur temps au lit ce qui impliquent beaucoup de scènes sensuelles. Par contre, celles-ci manquent un peu de chaleur et de sensualité, le vocabulaire est explicite mais l'utilisation est assez clinique, on a un peu de mal à ressentir quelque chose, c'est un peu dommage. Heureusement, les dialogues ( enfin quand il y en a ) sont vifs, avec beaucoup d'humour ce qui donne un peu de consistance à l'ensemble.
C'est une lecture très légère et l'intrigue est un peu "ultra light" mais Jamie et Ethan sont sympathiques, alors n'allons pas chercher midi à quatorze heure. Je ne sais pas trop pourquoi l'auteure en a fait des vampires car à part quelques morsures dans le feu de la passion et le fait qu'ils boivent du sang, rien ne les distingue des humains. L'intrigue est cousue de fil blanc mais à partir du moment ou vous prenez cette lecture pour ce qu'elle est, vous profitez juste de la détente qu'elle vous apporte. Au vue du résumé vous vous doutez bien qu'ils vont passer les trois quart de leur temps au lit ce qui impliquent beaucoup de scènes sensuelles. Par contre, celles-ci manquent un peu de chaleur et de sensualité, le vocabulaire est explicite mais l'utilisation est assez clinique, on a un peu de mal à ressentir quelque chose, c'est un peu dommage. Heureusement, les dialogues ( enfin quand il y en a ) sont vifs, avec beaucoup d'humour ce qui donne un peu de consistance à l'ensemble.
March 28, 2012
3.5 stars.
Dakota Rebel’s To Hate and to Hold takes that delicious trope of enemies turned lovers and utilizes it to the fullest. Jamie and Ethan have been enemies since their teens, when Ethan “stole” his first boyfriend. Add in the fact that Jamie’s family used to be the ruling monarchy for vampires in their town, only to be dethroned when they were murdered; then Ethan’s parents became King and Queen and Jamie feels highly resentful of Ethan and his slutty, stealing ways.
After the two men brawl for the umpteenth time, this time in a public square, a curse is set upon them. They are bonded (married) until the next moon when the curse can be broken. However, vampire bondings are quite intense and the more Ethan and Jamie try and fight the pull for one another, the more they want one another. Cue some angry, furniture breaking sex that scorched the pages of my Kindle!
Between the hot sex scenes, the unique paranormal universe Ms. Rebel has created and the underlying mystery of what happened to Jamie’s parents, To Hate and to Hold is a fun, exciting read that I was engrossed in from beginning to end.
Dark Divas Reviews
Dakota Rebel’s To Hate and to Hold takes that delicious trope of enemies turned lovers and utilizes it to the fullest. Jamie and Ethan have been enemies since their teens, when Ethan “stole” his first boyfriend. Add in the fact that Jamie’s family used to be the ruling monarchy for vampires in their town, only to be dethroned when they were murdered; then Ethan’s parents became King and Queen and Jamie feels highly resentful of Ethan and his slutty, stealing ways.
After the two men brawl for the umpteenth time, this time in a public square, a curse is set upon them. They are bonded (married) until the next moon when the curse can be broken. However, vampire bondings are quite intense and the more Ethan and Jamie try and fight the pull for one another, the more they want one another. Cue some angry, furniture breaking sex that scorched the pages of my Kindle!
Between the hot sex scenes, the unique paranormal universe Ms. Rebel has created and the underlying mystery of what happened to Jamie’s parents, To Hate and to Hold is a fun, exciting read that I was engrossed in from beginning to end.
Dark Divas Reviews
December 18, 2010
Okay, so I am a huge lover of anything vampire. That said, I love anything from Dracula to the sparkling fairi...erm..vampires in Twilight.
I read this book the other day and picked it up because it was about vampires. I thought why not, I haven't read any vampire m/m yet so...
Now it's okay, the sex is hot, the vampires aren't explained too much and even though it's quite original, I wasn't that impressed. Basically it was vampire-themed PWP. Sure there was enough plot to make it into a book but just...meh.
What I liked about the general idea was being bound to someone you 'hate'. It made an interesting story, but there was so much more to be told than what this book did. I was considering giving it 2 stars, but the writing was good enough for 3.
April 18, 2012
This was cute, in an agry sort of way. Jamie and Ethan are constantly fighting and being mean to each other. Then, they find themselves bonded together by a curse that they cannot undo for a month. Side effects of the bond are that they cannot spend any time apart without touching or they are in a lot of pain, their energy drains, and they can die. And, they have to have sex to help ease the side effects. There is also mystery surrounding the death of Jamie's parents, who actually put the bonding curse on them, etc.
Jamie and Ethan have hated and fought each other for years. Over the month, they realize they might actually love each other instead, but they fight it and each other right up until the end.
Jamie and Ethan have hated and fought each other for years. Over the month, they realize they might actually love each other instead, but they fight it and each other right up until the end.
February 1, 2010
Normally I'm a fan of unrequited love that eventually turns into something that's, well, um, not-unrequited.
But, when I'm reading something like that, it's usually unrequited on the protagonists side.
Not to spoil it all, but this time, it wasn't quite what I was used to, and it made the ending all the sweeter.
That's not to say that the book was drop down amazing. Things got settled a little too neatly. I would really have rather had some more plot, and a smidgen less porn.
Still, it pulled at the heartstrings and all that fluffy stuff.
It did make me happy to read it, and it did end up firmly on my keeper shelf.
But, when I'm reading something like that, it's usually unrequited on the protagonists side.
Not to spoil it all, but this time, it wasn't quite what I was used to, and it made the ending all the sweeter.
That's not to say that the book was drop down amazing. Things got settled a little too neatly. I would really have rather had some more plot, and a smidgen less porn.
Still, it pulled at the heartstrings and all that fluffy stuff.
It did make me happy to read it, and it did end up firmly on my keeper shelf.
July 3, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Ethan Connor and Jamie McHale have been enemies for years and one night in the midst of a knock down drag out fight the two are having, magic intervenes binding them together in a vampire marriage that can't be broken for a month and a day. In this vampire marriage, they are unable to be separated for long without becoming ill.
I found To Hate and To Hold to be an endearing read and was amused as the two young vamps struggled with their inner turmoil and conflicting emotions about one another, while slowly figuring out that sometimes hate and love go hand in hand.
I found To Hate and To Hold to be an endearing read and was amused as the two young vamps struggled with their inner turmoil and conflicting emotions about one another, while slowly figuring out that sometimes hate and love go hand in hand.
April 11, 2012
Loved! First, I *love* the enemy to lovers theme-its one of my favorites and this was just that. Jaime and Ethan together were both hilarious and frustrating! I loved watching them move together from tolerating each other (barely) to loving each other! I will say that Jeremy and his role was a bit of a head scratcher and I thought his bit at the end was a little quickly resolved when there had been such mystery about him from the beginning. *shrug*
A really sweet and fun read, with a bit of mystery thrown in! If this book is any indication of the authors writing I will be looking at her other books. With that being said, I hope hope hope she writes a sequel!
A really sweet and fun read, with a bit of mystery thrown in! If this book is any indication of the authors writing I will be looking at her other books. With that being said, I hope hope hope she writes a sequel!
September 16, 2012
this was an ok read for me.
i like a bit more plot to my erotic reads. i know that sounds contradicting but it's what i prefer.
it was written well and the plot had potential but it was overshadowed by constant sex. the mc's supposedly hate each other and beat the crap out of each other all the time. then bam! bonding occurs and all is right with the world, lets fornicate forever.
i found myself skipping the sex scenes to get to the meat of the story and then found myself at the end, at which point one conversation of "misunderstanding" cleared up their entire history and then HEA.
i like a bit more plot to my erotic reads. i know that sounds contradicting but it's what i prefer.
it was written well and the plot had potential but it was overshadowed by constant sex. the mc's supposedly hate each other and beat the crap out of each other all the time. then bam! bonding occurs and all is right with the world, lets fornicate forever.
i found myself skipping the sex scenes to get to the meat of the story and then found myself at the end, at which point one conversation of "misunderstanding" cleared up their entire history and then HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews