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Of Blood & Dreams #1
Seduction in Blood
A thief. A vamp. And a walk on the wild side.
Cressa Langtry worked hard to become the best cat burglar and safecracker on the West Coast. But now she’s hounded by bounty hunters. One successful job would go a long way in clearing what she owes.
In an unfortunate twist of fate, Cressa’s debt is turned over to the city’s most notorious and ancient vampire – Devon Trelane.
Devon has lived a long life—many of them excommunicated from the Vampire Council. Yet, he can’t forgive the one vampire that cost him his council seat and damaged his family’s reputation.
Unrest builds within the Council—a discontent that could be avoided if the Council would see reason. One vampire stokes the fires of division. The one who forced Devon from the Council through lies and deception.
Luckily, a thief has fallen into Devon’s lap. A woman with the skills he requires to take down his greatest enemy.
But their simple business arrangement becomes complicated when their dreams collide.
Cressa Langtry worked hard to become the best cat burglar and safecracker on the West Coast. But now she’s hounded by bounty hunters. One successful job would go a long way in clearing what she owes.
In an unfortunate twist of fate, Cressa’s debt is turned over to the city’s most notorious and ancient vampire – Devon Trelane.
Devon has lived a long life—many of them excommunicated from the Vampire Council. Yet, he can’t forgive the one vampire that cost him his council seat and damaged his family’s reputation.
Unrest builds within the Council—a discontent that could be avoided if the Council would see reason. One vampire stokes the fires of division. The one who forced Devon from the Council through lies and deception.
Luckily, a thief has fallen into Devon’s lap. A woman with the skills he requires to take down his greatest enemy.
But their simple business arrangement becomes complicated when their dreams collide.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2021
408 people are currently reading
2012 people want to read
About the author
Kim Allred
32 books75 followersKim Allred is a fantasy writer across multiple subgenres. When not living in her characters' worlds, she's busy with alpacas, llamas, and way too many free-range chickens, along with her pack of dogs, cats, and a parrot, who rules the house.
You can check out where to keep in touch as well as pick up a couple free novellas at linktr.ee/kimallred
Her current series include Mórdha Stone Chronicles (a time travel romance adventure) and Of Blood and Dreams (an urban fantasy). Two new series are underway and will premiere in 2024.
She loves to hear from readers!
You can check out where to keep in touch as well as pick up a couple free novellas at linktr.ee/kimallred
Her current series include Mórdha Stone Chronicles (a time travel romance adventure) and Of Blood and Dreams (an urban fantasy). Two new series are underway and will premiere in 2024.
She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 24, 2022
This was a awesome vampire romance! I really loved cressa our main female lead she was spunky,smart and fast on her feet and a very talented thief who is known to her clients only as Pandora. She's borrowed some money from some very dangerous underworld characters and is now being used as trade to one of the most dangerous vampires as a way of settling a debt. Devon Trelane is a sexy dark and dangerous vampire who can be very charming one minute and in the next a dangerous predator who seems to be just barely in control of himself and it doesn't help that he feels a attraction to cressa . He is so close to getting his revenge for something that was done to him and falling for a human can bring all his careful planning down around him. The chemistry was very good between cressa and Devon and theirs a connection and moments of steamy moments in and out of cressa's dreams. The storyline is original and while some people might say slow I would say steady. Theirs a couple of mysteries from what happened to cause the house wars to who is the mysterious woman who visits the graves at night and who is the person who lives on the third floor? All Devon will say is the third floor is off limits. A lyric was mentioned but only briefly. I'm very intrigued with not only the main characters but a few of the secondary ones like Sergi a vamp and the right hand man to Devon and also Lucas another interesting vampire and Simone a beautiful vampiress who is a just as dangerous as the boys. And their are many dangerous and deadly vamps like Lorenzo who Is the driving force behind devon's need for revenge.Also cressa shady stepfather is another part in this fucked up tale. This is a continuing story with book 2 Visions In Blood coming out in October! Can't wait!! This is my first book by Kim Allred and I really enjoyed it! She's a great storyteller. Until next time Luv's💞💋
November 11, 2022
I was expecting the classic paranormal romance in which the main narrative thread is the love story instead it takes a back seat.
𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚 is a very skilled thief and burglar who finds herself persecuted by bounty hunters for an unpaid debt.
Due to this inconvenience, she will find herself in the hands of Devon Trelane, the oldest and most well-known vampire in the city. For him she will have to steal a precious object in exchange for her freedom. But will she be able to complete the task?
𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐧 has lived a very long life and has made a family, but despite the past years he cannot forget that vampire who ruined his reputation and caused the loss of his place on the Vampire Council. Fortunately a thief fell into his hands.
Cressa's skills will allow Devon to defeat his worst enemy. But their simple job will get complicated when strange dreams start to interfere with the mission...
"𝓗𝓮 𝓶𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓶𝓮. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓱𝓸𝔀, 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓶𝓼."
I did not give 4 stars because too many things remained pending. I like suspense but you have to know how to balance the information so as not to leave too many arguments pending.
Another negative point is the fact that some movements from one place to another are very confusing.
The positive points are:
- the double-pov
- the very strong female character (she is a bad-ass)
- the plot different from the usual.
"𝓦𝓮'𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝔀𝓸 𝓸𝓯 𝓾𝓼."
The sequel, Visions in Blood, has just come out, I can't wait to read it to see if the mysteries will be revealed.
Trovate la recensione in italiano qui: https://vittoriasreadings.blogspot.co...
𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚 is a very skilled thief and burglar who finds herself persecuted by bounty hunters for an unpaid debt.
Due to this inconvenience, she will find herself in the hands of Devon Trelane, the oldest and most well-known vampire in the city. For him she will have to steal a precious object in exchange for her freedom. But will she be able to complete the task?
𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐧 has lived a very long life and has made a family, but despite the past years he cannot forget that vampire who ruined his reputation and caused the loss of his place on the Vampire Council. Fortunately a thief fell into his hands.
Cressa's skills will allow Devon to defeat his worst enemy. But their simple job will get complicated when strange dreams start to interfere with the mission...
"𝓗𝓮 𝓶𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓶𝓮. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓱𝓸𝔀, 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓶𝓼."
I did not give 4 stars because too many things remained pending. I like suspense but you have to know how to balance the information so as not to leave too many arguments pending.
Another negative point is the fact that some movements from one place to another are very confusing.
The positive points are:
- the double-pov
- the very strong female character (she is a bad-ass)
- the plot different from the usual.
"𝓦𝓮'𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝔀𝓸 𝓸𝓯 𝓾𝓼."
The sequel, Visions in Blood, has just come out, I can't wait to read it to see if the mysteries will be revealed.
Trovate la recensione in italiano qui: https://vittoriasreadings.blogspot.co...
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December 5, 2022Hello!
This is Kim, the author. I thought I'd share a bit about my first Paranormal Romance (and supernatural suspense) series.
This story is currently available on Kindle Vella and all chapters have been published if you'd like a sneak peek. The last chapter in the final published novel will be a touch different than the Vella version based on input I received from a few readers.
More to come in the next few months including excerpts, an introduction to the characters, Goodreads Giveaways, and more! And I promise - no spoilers.
Follow me on Goodreads to get the latest updates!
This is Kim, the author. I thought I'd share a bit about my first Paranormal Romance (and supernatural suspense) series.
This story is currently available on Kindle Vella and all chapters have been published if you'd like a sneak peek. The last chapter in the final published novel will be a touch different than the Vella version based on input I received from a few readers.
More to come in the next few months including excerpts, an introduction to the characters, Goodreads Giveaways, and more! And I promise - no spoilers.
Follow me on Goodreads to get the latest updates!
January 6, 2024
Nothing really happened.
The fmc was a bit meek, and the whole thing was somewhat disappointing.
I will not continue this series.
The fmc was a bit meek, and the whole thing was somewhat disappointing.
I will not continue this series.
October 1, 2023
Is this book something to write home about? No.
It's just your typical vampire romance.
It's average. It's decently written, well-paced, and chock-full of all the common tropes and clichées.
There are a few measly attempts at being original in some way but none of them go anywhere and are not even mentioned ever again.
I felt their attraction to each other was too explicit and too specific from the start. The slow building of heat and sexual attraction is missing entirely and they immediately start at a point where in other books it takes weeks or months to get to. There is some going on so maybe that is the justification? But it still feels strange. I am not describing Instalove or even Instalust here. It's quick, but not that quick. It should work. But it doesn't and I can not put into words why.
The world around the story is compelling but spotty and I dare not look too closely out of fear that I might find a flat facade with nothing beyond it.
The story was engaging enough to keep me from looking too closely which is probably the main reason this got 3 stars from me instead of 2.
An average 4.2-star paranormal romance probably gets an average 2.5-star rating from me.
So I guess this means this one is decent?
But an average to decent book in this genre typically has around 1000-2000 ratings. Not <100.
This book isn't amazing but it deserves a lot more attention than it has gotten since its release even as mediocre as I might paint it.
I am honestly baffled by this.
It's just your typical vampire romance.
It's average. It's decently written, well-paced, and chock-full of all the common tropes and clichées.
There are a few measly attempts at being original in some way but none of them go anywhere and are not even mentioned ever again.
I felt their attraction to each other was too explicit and too specific from the start. The slow building of heat and sexual attraction is missing entirely and they immediately start at a point where in other books it takes weeks or months to get to. There is some going on so maybe that is the justification? But it still feels strange. I am not describing Instalove or even Instalust here. It's quick, but not that quick. It should work. But it doesn't and I can not put into words why.
The world around the story is compelling but spotty and I dare not look too closely out of fear that I might find a flat facade with nothing beyond it.
The story was engaging enough to keep me from looking too closely which is probably the main reason this got 3 stars from me instead of 2.
An average 4.2-star paranormal romance probably gets an average 2.5-star rating from me.
So I guess this means this one is decent?
But an average to decent book in this genre typically has around 1000-2000 ratings. Not <100.
This book isn't amazing but it deserves a lot more attention than it has gotten since its release even as mediocre as I might paint it.
I am honestly baffled by this.
March 23, 2022
Good start to the series
When I started the bookI didn't think I would like it as much as I do. I was worried about Cressas character development. I thought she would either be bad ass until she met the love interest or be perfect at everything immediately because she's so special. But that didn't happen. Her growth and the development of the friendships between characters is a good pace and made sense. There is enough mystery without being annoying. Its honestly the goldilocks of books. Everything seems to be just right.
There were some spots towards the end of the book where I was confused about where she was. Like she woke up in this house but without mentioning she moves has lunch is another house. Just little stuff like that.
Overall good book. Looking forward to the next one.
When I started the bookI didn't think I would like it as much as I do. I was worried about Cressas character development. I thought she would either be bad ass until she met the love interest or be perfect at everything immediately because she's so special. But that didn't happen. Her growth and the development of the friendships between characters is a good pace and made sense. There is enough mystery without being annoying. Its honestly the goldilocks of books. Everything seems to be just right.
There were some spots towards the end of the book where I was confused about where she was. Like she woke up in this house but without mentioning she moves has lunch is another house. Just little stuff like that.
Overall good book. Looking forward to the next one.
July 7, 2022
I did not expect to love this book as I'm pretty much over my vampire/shifter phase. But Seduction in Blood was exceptional and different in several ways. I read it all the way through in a day. I really liked the world the author built and the side characters were interesting. I liked Devon and Cressa and as you read, you realize both have mysteries and some secrets in their past even with their paranormal ties. It was so much fun to read and you ended up rooting for the couple to find their HEA. Because of how much I enjoyed this read, I did something I rarely do and pre-ordered Book 2. This is a really good vampire romance with bits of Gothic tones and other paranormal events. Add the kickass heroine and dashing vampire and it's like Jane Eyre meets a kinder Leo Pellissier (from the Jane Yellowrock series). I loved the read!
April 28, 2022
I’m not sure where to start with this one. I was absolutely blindsided by it. I was hoping for a good paranormal romance. What I got was so much more. The characters are so intriguing and the world the author has created is just amazing. I was completely drawn into the story and enjoyed every word. The two main characters, Cressa and Devon, are a force to be reckoned with. Cressa is such a badass, but she also has a softer side. There is so much about her that was hinted at, but so much more remains a mystery. And speaking of mysteries, there is Devon. We get bits and pieces of his life and legend and it just made me hungry for more. If I have any complaints it is that this is the first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger, which isn’t stated in the description. I would have liked a heads up on that, especially since we have to wait until Fall for the next installment. But that speaks to how much I loved this book and want to know what happens with the characters, so I’m not going to complain too much. I cannot recommend this book enough. Just be ready for major withdrawal when you finish the last chapter.
January 31, 2024
Book: Seduction In Blood
Read By: Ebook
Author: Kim Allred
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommend: Yes
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
The vampire romance was enthralling and I was captivated by the alluring female lead, Cressa. She's a bold and skilled thief known as Pandora, with a dangerous reputation in the underworld.
Luckily, there was only one safe in the second-floor master
When she becomes caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vampire named Devon Trelane, she is traded to him as payment for her crimes. The tension between them is palpable and their chemistry sizzles with intensity. As they navigate through their dangerous world, there are numerous mysteries that unravel before them.
I swayed with the motion. I cleared my head of every thought, pushing away the fear
The supporting characters, like the suave Sergi, charming Lucas, and cunning Simone, add intricate layers to the plot. The author, Kim Allred, masterfully weaves a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Read By: Ebook
Author: Kim Allred
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommend: Yes
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
The vampire romance was enthralling and I was captivated by the alluring female lead, Cressa. She's a bold and skilled thief known as Pandora, with a dangerous reputation in the underworld.
Luckily, there was only one safe in the second-floor master
When she becomes caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vampire named Devon Trelane, she is traded to him as payment for her crimes. The tension between them is palpable and their chemistry sizzles with intensity. As they navigate through their dangerous world, there are numerous mysteries that unravel before them.
I swayed with the motion. I cleared my head of every thought, pushing away the fear
The supporting characters, like the suave Sergi, charming Lucas, and cunning Simone, add intricate layers to the plot. The author, Kim Allred, masterfully weaves a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2022
When I read the blurb, I was in. A cat burglar and a vampire? Sounds awesome. And Cressa is an exceptional cat burglar with disturbing dreams. She’s also a wonderful character who I wouldn’t call kick-ass, but strong in her own way, and I really liked her. She’s a heroine readers will relate to. I couldn’t help but admire her profession and how good she was at it. But not excellent, because she does get caught stealing in the first chapter. I must say there is nothing I adore better than an imperfect heroine.
As for Devon, I liked that he wasn’t all-out alpha. Is he strong? Yes. Determined? Yes. But there is an underlying tenderness and care he has for others that I really admired.
Read more here: https://t.co/QrJe4gJK6n
As for Devon, I liked that he wasn’t all-out alpha. Is he strong? Yes. Determined? Yes. But there is an underlying tenderness and care he has for others that I really admired.
Read more here: https://t.co/QrJe4gJK6n
February 12, 2024
I really want to give this 4 stars but it felt a little unpolished/unfinished. I think the author set up for a really great storyline here but didn't quite finish it. The "climax" was anticlimactic and really left me craving more from the story (and not quite in a good way). I love the moody characters and the history and background into their tumultuous pasts but really wanted to see more of their connection.
This book had a ton of potential and I really hope the author can harness this and sculpt it into something wonderful for later books.
Overall an easy and fairly good read that had me intrigued. Just wish there was more to the big heist than what we were given. I did enjoy the ending and look forward to the potential of book 2.
This book had a ton of potential and I really hope the author can harness this and sculpt it into something wonderful for later books.
Overall an easy and fairly good read that had me intrigued. Just wish there was more to the big heist than what we were given. I did enjoy the ending and look forward to the potential of book 2.
April 13, 2022
Let me start by saying the cover is a bit deceptive, this book is pg13, and barely that. There is no actually sensuality except in a couple side thoughts, everything is a tease having feel like something juicy is just on the next page. I truly did enjoy the characters the storyline is a constant bait, catch, release…. In honesty this is more like a 4 star for me but then I’m kinda hooked on what’s going to happen next. Definitely intrigued in every page, maybe I was just looking for steamy pages (due to the cover) where there is none. I am hooked enough that I will be on the lookout for book 2.
March 22, 2022
This book was fabulous. Each character was fleshed out perfectly, and they both have delicious secrets that have yet to be probed--it was a little annoying at times as it would have been nice to know what they're both hiding, but that's what follow-up books are for. The story was easy to follow, was intriguing and kept the reader wanting to know what was going to happen next. I absolutely will read the next book in the series.
January 27, 2024
I got this book on stuff your kindle day and I didn’t have any expectations of loving it but I was so wrong. I absolutely devoured it and then purchased the rest of the series. These books are the perfect balance of thrilling, heart warming, and grounded in a well rounded plot. It is well written and a very comfortable read - just enough pressure but doesn’t give you a full blown book hangover. Thank you Kim Allred! Can’t wait to read more of your work.
June 19, 2025
please explain
The writing was good but the characters were too flat. Not developed enough for my taste. And what was the plot? Accomplish the mission. What was the mission? Steal something. It was never really explained why until the very end and then only vaguely. Lots of loose ends. I know there is a next book, but I really don’t have much of a desire to read it. This book was like a rough outline of what the author wanted the story to be about.
The writing was good but the characters were too flat. Not developed enough for my taste. And what was the plot? Accomplish the mission. What was the mission? Steal something. It was never really explained why until the very end and then only vaguely. Lots of loose ends. I know there is a next book, but I really don’t have much of a desire to read it. This book was like a rough outline of what the author wanted the story to be about.
February 23, 2024
I read this book on a whim after getting it on stuff your kindle day and I was not disappointed! The storyline was super interesting, the hierarchies complex, and the characters interesting on their own. I would’ve liked to have seen more info on the vampire social structure, but the open ended questions definitely have me ready to read book 2!
June 19, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I love the originality of this story and the characters. It leaves you wanting more and Kim is a very good writer. I’m split if I want to read more because the story is compelling and well written, but I’m a mood reader and I struggled to stay invested at times (it’s me, not Kim’s story). I would recommend this book for those who enjoy vampires and other supernatural characters.
June 26, 2024
This book was a great start to the series. I fell in love with Cressa and was hooked on her story, and couldn't way to find out what happened next. The complex love story between Cressa and Devon just brings a more complex view as to their relationship, and how it could potentially blossom into something even more amazing. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
April 5, 2022
Just right
Women who are strong and can handle themselves are awesome! What's even better is being shown they are powerful not told. Loved the writing style, the action and the dreams haha I wanted a little more friendship development with a few people but I couldn't put this down
Women who are strong and can handle themselves are awesome! What's even better is being shown they are powerful not told. Loved the writing style, the action and the dreams haha I wanted a little more friendship development with a few people but I couldn't put this down
April 5, 2023
It was a great start to a vampire story. There was a slow burn possible romance with a human thief. Cressa was smart talented and has some special skills if you need her to break in and get your prize with out anyone knowing.
June 29, 2023
Slow burn
I hate slow burn because it burns so slow. This book held a great plot and ended with enough mysteries that I'm still trying to put together. The author does a great job, though, because I still can't put any pieces together.
I hate slow burn because it burns so slow. This book held a great plot and ended with enough mysteries that I'm still trying to put together. The author does a great job, though, because I still can't put any pieces together.
July 5, 2023
This is one of the best Vampire books I have read. Complex characters and a great story. A mystery a romance family story all in one. You just keep reading because you need the answer.Highly recommend
January 23, 2024
really good
I really enjoyed this book. It was different than a lot of what I have been reading lately and full of twists and turns. The book keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. 5.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was different than a lot of what I have been reading lately and full of twists and turns. The book keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. 5.0
May 1, 2024
Intriguing
I liked the pacing of this story and how the details were revealed drip by drip. The character are and development was well done, and I would recommend this story to those looking for a paranormal romance with a slow burn.
I liked the pacing of this story and how the details were revealed drip by drip. The character are and development was well done, and I would recommend this story to those looking for a paranormal romance with a slow burn.
May 16, 2024
Neutral
I didn't love it but didn't hate it. I'll more than likely read the next book because the plot is damn good. I feel as though something is missing. I'm just not able to put my finger on it.
I would recommend for someone that wants some light reading with minimal steam.
I didn't love it but didn't hate it. I'll more than likely read the next book because the plot is damn good. I feel as though something is missing. I'm just not able to put my finger on it.
I would recommend for someone that wants some light reading with minimal steam.
January 12, 2025
Great writing just a very slow story, there could have been more action/romance added. Towards the end I found myself skimming to get to the “good stuff”. I won’t be continuing the series, but do believe she is a talented writer.
September 2, 2025
This was so good. The FMC is a thief, and during one of her heists, she gets caught by someone who ends up taking her and paying off his debt by giving her to a vampire. Definitely check it out if you want to find out what happens after she ends up with the vampire.
added-it
June 21, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/21/2023)! 🎁
June 24, 2023
Seduction in Blood
Holy shiznet!!! What a gr8 story. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next book. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Holy shiznet!!! What a gr8 story. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next book. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
September 30, 2023
4 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews