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Trueblood #1
The Consolation Prize
Trueblood
Next Falling for You
Vampire Paranormal
Novel
'You are invited to spend four days at Sunset Spa, Washburn Hall. Accommodation and nourishment provided. All spa treatments included.'
It should have been a big thrill--an all expenses paid trip, but it was actually the topping on Chloe's really bad night. She'd lost her promotion, destroyed a pair of designer pumps, and turned in her notice. Washburn Hall, where her family died, was the last place she wanted to go. But Chloe's pulled towards the spa by forces beyond her control.
Luka is handsome, rich, and gay. That's what he'd like everyone to think. Luka's really a Trueblood, a fertile vampire. Not a bad thing, unless being staked out in the sun and fried to a crisp is appealing. But his secret gets out. Instead of staked, he gets shanghaied--straight into stud service and chained up in a basement of Washburn Hall.
Chloe wonders if the gorgeous naked man in chains is part of the all-inclusive package. Somehow she doesn't think so, but you know what? She's taking a consolation free him and run. It should be simple enough. After all, the only thing between Chloe and the man of her dreams is a few horny vamps, a decent set of bolt cutters, and a step-grandmother from hell.
Who said the trip to the spa wouldn't be fun?
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Same-sex interaction (male/male, female/female), and violence.
Next Falling for You
Vampire Paranormal
Novel
'You are invited to spend four days at Sunset Spa, Washburn Hall. Accommodation and nourishment provided. All spa treatments included.'
It should have been a big thrill--an all expenses paid trip, but it was actually the topping on Chloe's really bad night. She'd lost her promotion, destroyed a pair of designer pumps, and turned in her notice. Washburn Hall, where her family died, was the last place she wanted to go. But Chloe's pulled towards the spa by forces beyond her control.
Luka is handsome, rich, and gay. That's what he'd like everyone to think. Luka's really a Trueblood, a fertile vampire. Not a bad thing, unless being staked out in the sun and fried to a crisp is appealing. But his secret gets out. Instead of staked, he gets shanghaied--straight into stud service and chained up in a basement of Washburn Hall.
Chloe wonders if the gorgeous naked man in chains is part of the all-inclusive package. Somehow she doesn't think so, but you know what? She's taking a consolation free him and run. It should be simple enough. After all, the only thing between Chloe and the man of her dreams is a few horny vamps, a decent set of bolt cutters, and a step-grandmother from hell.
Who said the trip to the spa wouldn't be fun?
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Same-sex interaction (male/male, female/female), and violence.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2008
14 people are currently reading
1039 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
101 books1,681 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 20, 2016
DNF'ed this absolute piece of crap for something actually readable.
So much bad.
So much bad.
February 18, 2016
Were my expectations just too high 2.5 to 3 stars.
Chloe finds herself betrayed, unemployed and to make matters worse she's on her way to a spa break at her former family home which had been should have been hers.
The betrayal comes in the form of former boyfriend Pete who's stolen her ideas and taken credit for her work and ended up gaining the promotion she'd worked night and day for since she can no longer continue to work for him she resigns and then gets the spa break as a consolation prize.
Another thing about Chloe is she hears voices and they're very insistent little voices as well.
Luka is a two hundred and sixty seven year old vampire who owns and runs a gay club despite the fact that he's not gay he's also hiding a huge secret which means he can't trust anyone which makes for a lonely rather boring life especially for a vampire.
Considering the author ('With or Without Him' and the incredible 'Crossing the Line') and the subject matter (Vampires) and location (West Yorkshire) I was so disappointed with this book, maybe I'd got my hopes too high. One of the problems was I didn't really like either of the main characters especially Luka and I know what you're thinking he's a hot handsome male vampire how can I not like him?
The main issue I had was his rapid moods swings I just couldn't keep up and yes I know he has trust issues which under the circumstances is understandable but seriously..the scene where he calls her a wh*** was unbelievable.
I liked the idea and the setting, I live in Leeds so it was nice to have a book set up here for a change but as for the rest....
I know this is a light read but I still like things to make sense to me and while I understand why Chloe went into care I can't understand why she didn't chase up any inheritance she might be entitled to.
August 7, 2012
This is Book 1 in the Trueblood series and my fifth Elsborg novel (all of which I’ve given 5 star ratings). Her polished writing has a grace and ease in its delivery of unfettered sensuality and laugh-out-loud wit. This vampire series is no different. I love the squabbling and flirtation between the H/h. I love the heroine’s inventive forward thinking, which–to my delight–poises her to save her own autonomous ass. The only thing that didn’t work for me was the possessed dolls (though my quirky pediophobia might be blamed for this). The toy-embodied voices weren’t essential to the plot and their origin wasn’t explained. But this didn’t cause me to put the book down nor deter me from Book 2 (which I liked even better). The dynamics between the Vampire High Counsel, the Enforcers, and the Truebloods paved the way for a solid and enjoyable series.
December 27, 2022
I haven't read a vampire romance in ages, so this was fun! Barbara Elsborg always puts her unique spin on everything she writes, and I'm enjoying the world she's created for the Trueblood series.
I've already downloaded Falling for You.
I've already downloaded Falling for You.
February 10, 2011
Book one of the Trueblood trilogy, The Consolation Prize introduces the reader to the Trueblood vampires, an ancient bloodline with the ability to tolerate small amounts of sunlight at dawn and dusk. This ability makes them the envy of their peers. The fact that they are fertile and able to sire children is even more enticing to those who seek power, so Truebloods have gone underground, keeping their identity secret.
Chloe is human, blissfully unaware that vampires exist outside of myth, and she's just had one of the worst days of her life. She lost her big promotion to a jerk that ripped off her ideas and earns a consolation prize instead. "You are invited to spend four days at Sunset Spa, Washburn Hall. Accommodation and nourishment provided. All spa treatments included."
Returning to Washburn Hall is the last thing Chloe wants to do. She lived there as a child and lost her entire family in a tragic accident in that house. But the voices in her head won't let her rest until she makes her reservation.
Luka is a Trueblood vampire, but it's a secret closely held. He runs a nightclub, and being rich and handsome makes him a magnet for women, so he leads everyone to believe he is gay with a hidden lover. He too has a bad night when he is abducted by unknown assailants who want to use him for breeding stock.
When Chloe explores the hidden passages of Washburn Hall, places she played in as a child, she discovers a naked man in chains held in a basement room. At first she believes he is part of the menu of club services and is intrigued, then realizes he is being held against his will and determines to free him. All she needs is a really big pair of bolt cutters. Or so she thought.
Things go awry when Chloe discovers her grandmother, a woman she hoped never to see again, is running the spa.
The plot is finely woven and the characters well developed. Add to that Elsborg's humor and ability to craft erotic love scenes that always feel fresh and different, and you have a story that will keep you turning pages well into the night. I highly recommend this book.
Chloe is human, blissfully unaware that vampires exist outside of myth, and she's just had one of the worst days of her life. She lost her big promotion to a jerk that ripped off her ideas and earns a consolation prize instead. "You are invited to spend four days at Sunset Spa, Washburn Hall. Accommodation and nourishment provided. All spa treatments included."
Returning to Washburn Hall is the last thing Chloe wants to do. She lived there as a child and lost her entire family in a tragic accident in that house. But the voices in her head won't let her rest until she makes her reservation.
Luka is a Trueblood vampire, but it's a secret closely held. He runs a nightclub, and being rich and handsome makes him a magnet for women, so he leads everyone to believe he is gay with a hidden lover. He too has a bad night when he is abducted by unknown assailants who want to use him for breeding stock.
When Chloe explores the hidden passages of Washburn Hall, places she played in as a child, she discovers a naked man in chains held in a basement room. At first she believes he is part of the menu of club services and is intrigued, then realizes he is being held against his will and determines to free him. All she needs is a really big pair of bolt cutters. Or so she thought.
Things go awry when Chloe discovers her grandmother, a woman she hoped never to see again, is running the spa.
The plot is finely woven and the characters well developed. Add to that Elsborg's humor and ability to craft erotic love scenes that always feel fresh and different, and you have a story that will keep you turning pages well into the night. I highly recommend this book.
November 17, 2011
Chloe is betrayed by the guy she is dating by him acting as if her ideas as his own at work. Of course that leads to him getting a raise and promotion and the accolades, and she gets the consolation prize. Which happens to be 4 days at a health spa, that is located within the mansion that used to be her childhood home before her family's tragic death. Chloe tenders her resignation and heads off to the spa. Upon arrival the receptionist is surprised to have a guest arrive during the day and is even flummoxed when Chloe requests food. Chloe would leave but she has these 3 voices that she calls her 6 and a half sense that tell her what to do and not to do when it is life threatening or truly life changing. Every time she tries to leave the spa she is guided to stay. So she stays and discovers that the hidden pathways still exist in her old home and of course has to look around and see how far they still extend. Many of the peep holes are covered but one that isn't reveals a man chained to a wall, bloody and unconscious. Unable to unchain him she doesn't alert authorities because the voices don't let her, but they do let her go to a hardware store to get bolt cutters. The cutters don't work but she keeps trying to help and then watches as his captures abuse him when he tells her to leave quickly.
Ok, so I get the whole distrust deal. I understand that is a major issue in general but especially in plots of lots of books. I get that his character had lots of reasons not to trust. But come on! He treated her so poorly that it just pissed me off, I didn't feel like he deserved her and would have to do a lot more to make it up to her than he did by the end of this book.
Ok, so I get the whole distrust deal. I understand that is a major issue in general but especially in plots of lots of books. I get that his character had lots of reasons not to trust. But come on! He treated her so poorly that it just pissed me off, I didn't feel like he deserved her and would have to do a lot more to make it up to her than he did by the end of this book.
October 8, 2013
2.75
This is kind of a weird one, not really sure if I liked it or not. The love scenes were pretty steamy and the vampire take was a little different than your normal vampire book. That being said I didn't connect with the characters and what should of been a relatively fast read wasn't. Luka would be all I love you your my life mate one second then the next time you turned around he'd accuse Chloe of being in bed with the bad guys. I think that is what turned me off of this book. I know that his trust issues were a part of the story but the rapid mood swings ruined the book some for me.
This is kind of a weird one, not really sure if I liked it or not. The love scenes were pretty steamy and the vampire take was a little different than your normal vampire book. That being said I didn't connect with the characters and what should of been a relatively fast read wasn't. Luka would be all I love you your my life mate one second then the next time you turned around he'd accuse Chloe of being in bed with the bad guys. I think that is what turned me off of this book. I know that his trust issues were a part of the story but the rapid mood swings ruined the book some for me.
May 4, 2017
Sometimes interesting but often corny/simple and sometimes eye-rolling "plot" developments that seem to primarily set-up semi-kinky explicit scenes -- but those scenes seem to sizzle very nicely for my tastes
3.5 stars
Recommended for: those who appreciate's the author's sizzling scenes, and willing to read "plot" that mostly sets-up the heat)
There were some aspects of the setting, character and plot that were rather novel and piqued my interest (a mystical connection to childhood trauma, a "sixth and a half sense," a special type of vampire). However, many of the plot development and character dialog scenes read as overly simplistic, sometimes almost to "bad-porn-plot" levels , seemingly just there to set up the next sex scene. Even so, overall this combination of enough interesting ideas, a few eye-rolling transitions, and plenty of explicit heat worked pretty well for me. (Apparently, I appreciate this author's way around an explicit encounter.)
Even though a fair amount of the heat involved coercion, from lightish "teased while kidnappedand restrained" to a full on "tied down and taken without consent" , it doesn't read to me as overly traumatic or out of place in this story (so this non-con didn't ruin the story experience for me). The over-abundance of sex, including non-consensual, fits with the storyline (o.k., which sometimes seems to be primarily there to set-up sex scenes) and generally reads well for me. (Like I said, I seem to respond to this author's fairly direct approach to sizzle.)
While there are predominatly male/female encounters, there are brief multiple-people-present and same-sex encounters (an f/f and even a very brief m/m scene, which I appreciated). The f/f scene initially struck me as gratuitous titilation, but the more I read the more I decided it fit with the story, the specific characters, and the generally erotic, tittilating focus of this read.
3.5 stars
Recommended for: those who appreciate's the author's sizzling scenes, and willing to read "plot" that mostly sets-up the heat)
There were some aspects of the setting, character and plot that were rather novel and piqued my interest (a mystical connection to childhood trauma, a "sixth and a half sense," a special type of vampire). However, many of the plot development and character dialog scenes read as overly simplistic, sometimes almost to "bad-porn-plot" levels , seemingly just there to set up the next sex scene. Even so, overall this combination of enough interesting ideas, a few eye-rolling transitions, and plenty of explicit heat worked pretty well for me. (Apparently, I appreciate this author's way around an explicit encounter.)
Even though a fair amount of the heat involved coercion, from lightish "teased while kidnappedand restrained" to a full on "tied down and taken without consent" , it doesn't read to me as overly traumatic or out of place in this story (so this non-con didn't ruin the story experience for me). The over-abundance of sex, including non-consensual, fits with the storyline (o.k., which sometimes seems to be primarily there to set-up sex scenes) and generally reads well for me. (Like I said, I seem to respond to this author's fairly direct approach to sizzle.)
While there are predominatly male/female encounters, there are brief multiple-people-present and same-sex encounters (an f/f and even a very brief m/m scene, which I appreciated). The f/f scene initially struck me as gratuitous titilation, but the more I read the more I decided it fit with the story, the specific characters, and the generally erotic, tittilating focus of this read.
April 16, 2011
The Consolation Prize by Barbara Elsborg
Chloe is not your typical girl. She hears voices in her head. The voices are like a "sixth sense" telling her what's right, and what's wrong. Chloe had always closely followed the protective advise of the voices. Well, one day when she wins a consolation prize from her boss to enjoy a nice weekend at a spa, the voices tell her not go. She decides that the spa weekend is just to hard to refuse, and ignores the voices. Oh, how Chloe should have listened to those darn voices! She has no idea of what awaits her at the spa. When Chloe checks into the spa she starts to notice that there is no other spa visitors around, and starts questioning what type of spa this is. This spa weekend is going to be a weekend that she will never forget.
This is a novel full of sultry sex, along with a healthy fill of romance, love and sacrifice. Babara knows how to write a novel full of seduction with a dash of humor. The sConsolation Prize will have thinking twice about your next visit to your local spa. * wink *
3 Bats out of 5
Reviewed by Raven Kelly- Webmistress of VampireBooks.ca and Book Reviewer
Click Here to Visit VampireBooks.ca
Chloe is not your typical girl. She hears voices in her head. The voices are like a "sixth sense" telling her what's right, and what's wrong. Chloe had always closely followed the protective advise of the voices. Well, one day when she wins a consolation prize from her boss to enjoy a nice weekend at a spa, the voices tell her not go. She decides that the spa weekend is just to hard to refuse, and ignores the voices. Oh, how Chloe should have listened to those darn voices! She has no idea of what awaits her at the spa. When Chloe checks into the spa she starts to notice that there is no other spa visitors around, and starts questioning what type of spa this is. This spa weekend is going to be a weekend that she will never forget.
This is a novel full of sultry sex, along with a healthy fill of romance, love and sacrifice. Babara knows how to write a novel full of seduction with a dash of humor. The sConsolation Prize will have thinking twice about your next visit to your local spa. * wink *
3 Bats out of 5
Reviewed by Raven Kelly- Webmistress of VampireBooks.ca and Book Reviewer
Click Here to Visit VampireBooks.ca
November 28, 2012
"My heart's dancing a jig in my chest," she whispered.
"It's dancing with mine."
in terms of plot, this is wayyy better than the second book in the series...
I love Chloe and her sense of humor and her ability not to give up hope..I just hate that she forgives Luka easily...its just so unfair.
I love and hate Luka, sheesh his trust issues is out of scale I hate it, it hurts my heart TOO MUCH than the rape and violence that occurred to him...seriously after she saved him from the clutches of the vampire B***hes and go lovey dovey to her then after he heard from Selena(grandmother of Chloe) and thought Chloe was conniving with them (which is not 'cause she doesn't know her granny was a vampire)then he goes berserk all over her saying things to her...that is NoT Cool and it took a lot of that in the story and my heart went numb.*sniff:_(
I love the three stuffed toys of Chloe: Rufus the dragon, Angel the unicorn and Phoebe the princess...'the six and a half senses' hahaha
sometimes they're a pain in the head but still so cute when they are bickering to each other and keep on changing their positions on the shelves and how they work on putting the hero and the heroine together:)
so yeah I love the story,enjoyed the banter of the H and h and lots and lots of love scenes hah but the plot overshadowed it phew that was close.
"It's dancing with mine."
in terms of plot, this is wayyy better than the second book in the series...
I love Chloe and her sense of humor and her ability not to give up hope..I just hate that she forgives Luka easily...its just so unfair.
I love and hate Luka, sheesh his trust issues is out of scale I hate it, it hurts my heart TOO MUCH than the rape and violence that occurred to him...seriously after she saved him from the clutches of the vampire B***hes and go lovey dovey to her then after he heard from Selena(grandmother of Chloe) and thought Chloe was conniving with them (which is not 'cause she doesn't know her granny was a vampire)then he goes berserk all over her saying things to her...that is NoT Cool and it took a lot of that in the story and my heart went numb.*sniff:_(
I love the three stuffed toys of Chloe: Rufus the dragon, Angel the unicorn and Phoebe the princess...'the six and a half senses' hahaha
sometimes they're a pain in the head but still so cute when they are bickering to each other and keep on changing their positions on the shelves and how they work on putting the hero and the heroine together:)
so yeah I love the story,enjoyed the banter of the H and h and lots and lots of love scenes hah but the plot overshadowed it phew that was close.
April 12, 2011
I'm not a huge fan of paranormal erotic romance - especially not werewolves and not really vampires either. But I've read lots of Barbara Elsborg's other books and really enjoyed them, so I decided to trust her on this -- the first in her Trueblood series. It was a wise decision. Full of her usual humour, a quirky heroine and hunky hero, and sizzling love scenes, I really enjoyed this read. And even though I knew it was the first of a series when I began reading, unlike some "series" books, I didn't feel like this first book was laden with backstory and world-building in order to set up the future stories.
If you're fond of vamps, and of fun stories with a bit of spicy sex, I highly recommend this one.
If you're fond of vamps, and of fun stories with a bit of spicy sex, I highly recommend this one.
January 6, 2017
I liked this story. It was different, had some unique elements. The sex was pretty hot.
I will admit there were times when I laughed, rolled my eyes, wanted to strangle Luka, almost cried...
There were definitely some parts I loved, and then there were some that made me go "Really?" But even with all of that I had fun reading this one.
I do think Chloe was too quick to forgive. Even with a bond, I would think there would have been a little more resistance. Or maybe even a sexy punishment? =P
Definitely got me hot for vamps again...
I will admit there were times when I laughed, rolled my eyes, wanted to strangle Luka, almost cried...
There were definitely some parts I loved, and then there were some that made me go "Really?" But even with all of that I had fun reading this one.
I do think Chloe was too quick to forgive. Even with a bond, I would think there would have been a little more resistance. Or maybe even a sexy punishment? =P
Definitely got me hot for vamps again...
May 6, 2011
I found this book between 2 and 3 stars. It was an ok vampire story with the requisite evil bitches, sweet innocent heroine and such. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great. I don't think I'll read any more in this series but I would check out anther Barbara Elsborg book if I saw one. My favorite part of this story was the stuffed animals who were obviously three enchanted beings (dragon, unicorn, and some kind of princess).
June 3, 2012
It was good could have been better. He acted like a jerk 85% of the time and then she forgave him like it was nothing. It got real old after the first few times. Then as much as we read read about no babies allowed he makes one and all that is said is oops? I can't decide if the stuffed animals are funny or terribly disturbing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2019
I just wish more people would read this series. It's nonsensical and damn smutty.
Oh and, did you know how I ended up reading this book? I thought this book was the Sookie Stackhouse's series because of the name of this series is Trueblood. In the end, I love this series more than the Sookie's series.
Oh and, did you know how I ended up reading this book? I thought this book was the Sookie Stackhouse's series because of the name of this series is Trueblood. In the end, I love this series more than the Sookie's series.
August 8, 2014
It was *okay* - not as funny as the other two. Didn't like A LOT of things in this book, so hope the next books in the series are a lot better.
Also, hurricane coming so if I don't post in the next bit, it's cuz the power's out. I'm probably alive. And even if I come back later IT COULD STILL BE MY GHOST!!!
Also, hurricane coming so if I don't post in the next bit, it's cuz the power's out. I'm probably alive. And even if I come back later IT COULD STILL BE MY GHOST!!!
May 12, 2015
“Chloe lay down again. In spite of everything, she still fancied him. If she could get him to act like a normal guy, she wouldn’t mind going out with him”
Excerpt From: aaa. “Trueblood 01-The-Consolation-Prize.”
This material may be protected by copyright.
Ok this right here is why I keep flipping between 3 and 4 stars. I feel like we should start a #thingsthatmakeyou goHUH!
Excerpt From: aaa. “Trueblood 01-The-Consolation-Prize.”
This material may be protected by copyright.
Ok this right here is why I keep flipping between 3 and 4 stars. I feel like we should start a #thingsthatmakeyou goHUH!
July 7, 2012
Book 1 in Barbara's Trueblood Series is FANTASTIC bu then I have found all her books are. The Consolation Prize has a wonderful plot with humor and the chemistry between Chloe and Luka is electrifying making it a definite must read!!!!!!!!
September 17, 2012
Started off funny, almost frothy, and then segued into kidnapping, torture and rape, with a Big Misunderstanding, and one of the MCs almost dying -- and still with the occasional discordant lighthearted note. This author has some skill, but I'm probably done.
July 20, 2017
A young woman who hears voices she can't explain, her former family home being run as a very strange spa, corridors in the walls, a chained up vampire, and a wicked stepmother all combine to make this the kind of crazy romp through the paranormal that Barbara Elsborg seems to do so well.
I'm a total sucker for a hot vamp (pardon the pun) and Luka hit the spot, so to speak. He did need a good reality check in the learning to trust department, but apart from my wanting to yell at him repeatedly, and I'll let him off because being undead for so long and then having your freedom taken from you is likely to unhinge even the sanest vampire, I loved this.
I'm a total sucker for a hot vamp (pardon the pun) and Luka hit the spot, so to speak. He did need a good reality check in the learning to trust department, but apart from my wanting to yell at him repeatedly, and I'll let him off because being undead for so long and then having your freedom taken from you is likely to unhinge even the sanest vampire, I loved this.
March 5, 2014
3.5 stars, but I rounded up. The plot is very interesting and entertaining. I wish there had been a little more to it though. It is definitely an erotic novel that has as much focus on the sensual scenes as it does the story line. If there had been more to the story, I would have definitely rated it higher, because what there was of it, was really well written and engaging. I read it straight through without putting it down once. The story is about vampires, of course. They can be born, and made. That's unusual for a book, as generally an author will use one or the other, but rarely makes a vampire capable of both. However, it is only the Truebloods (the ones that are born naturally) that have the ability to reproduce, and they are rare, and have gone into hiding. They are more powerful than the ones that are made, as well. Naturally, someone seeking power would want to have lots of little vampire babies that will grow into an army one day. To that purpose, the hero is abducted and the group seeking power try to get him to impregnate several female vampires ( which he resists) and failing that, try to collect his, umm... DNA, to create their own vampire children. The heroine rescues him, which puts her life in danger as well. So there is a lot of suspense and action in the book, as well. I did find the heroine's "six and a half sense" a little odd, and thought the story could have done without that bit of nonsense. But overall, it was entertaining.
Now, a note regarding the disclaimer about m/m and f/f scenes. This is very brief, and just a blip in the story line. Because the hero is resisting their advances, two females are together in front of him because what guy doesn't like to see two girls kiss, right? When that also fails, they assume he is gay and bring in a male to try and "perk him up". lol. The guy very quickly realizes that the hero isn't gay and stops before anything really happens. So, unless you are truly homophobic, this issue isn't really a big concern. It is not central to the plot, and is just a very brief scene while the hero is being held prisoner.
Now, a note regarding the disclaimer about m/m and f/f scenes. This is very brief, and just a blip in the story line. Because the hero is resisting their advances, two females are together in front of him because what guy doesn't like to see two girls kiss, right? When that also fails, they assume he is gay and bring in a male to try and "perk him up". lol. The guy very quickly realizes that the hero isn't gay and stops before anything really happens. So, unless you are truly homophobic, this issue isn't really a big concern. It is not central to the plot, and is just a very brief scene while the hero is being held prisoner.
December 20, 2013
I love Ms. Elsborg's quirky characters. I wish we'd figured out how the people got "stuck" in the toys, but maybe that'll come later.
Chloe is sort of guided to her childhood home -- the one where her entire family perished when she was younger. It has been turned into a sort of spa, and she's "won" a stay there as a consolation prize for NOT getting a promotion at work. That promotion went to the hot guy she was dating who stole all her ideas and presented them as his own. Nice guy.
So now she's at this spa, and things seem a bit off. She decides to check out the secret passageways she used when she was a child, and she comes across a naked man chained to a wall named Luka. WTF? She tries to free him, but can't, and she wants to get help, but the voices in her head keep telling her no. So, she must find another way.
In the meantime, she realizes that vampires are real, her step-grandmother is one, and she figures out why her arm has been itching for years.
So it was ultimately a sweet story of mates finding each other with some trademark angst along the way.
Chloe is sort of guided to her childhood home -- the one where her entire family perished when she was younger. It has been turned into a sort of spa, and she's "won" a stay there as a consolation prize for NOT getting a promotion at work. That promotion went to the hot guy she was dating who stole all her ideas and presented them as his own. Nice guy.
So now she's at this spa, and things seem a bit off. She decides to check out the secret passageways she used when she was a child, and she comes across a naked man chained to a wall named Luka. WTF? She tries to free him, but can't, and she wants to get help, but the voices in her head keep telling her no. So, she must find another way.
In the meantime, she realizes that vampires are real, her step-grandmother is one, and she figures out why her arm has been itching for years.
So it was ultimately a sweet story of mates finding each other with some trademark angst along the way.
May 28, 2016
Vampires yet again !
Why all these _ _ ___ vampire books ???
Sorry, but this is a problem for me.
A vampire health spa, where the meals are blood bags.
Selections include all human blood types.
No mention if animal blood is available.
I wonder if they can add spices to it.
Might make a god story, "The Vampire Chef".
One would guess garlic is off the list.
Still, it's a plot that could work well.
No !!!
I did not just ask for another _ _ ___ vampire book.
Anyway, this is a book mostly about a gay vampire nightclub, and yes, a vampire health spa, with hidden passageways, and a male vampire who has been chained up, and needs saving...
Enter one really good, kind, sweet, human woman with a heart of gold.
I did wonder about the title of this book though.
Why was it titled "The Consolation Prize"?
Considering the plot it seems, to me, a weird choice.
I'm guessing it sounded provocative, and so, was chosen as likely to sell more copies.
It's all about how many books get sold.
Why all these _ _ ___ vampire books ???
Sorry, but this is a problem for me.
A vampire health spa, where the meals are blood bags.
Selections include all human blood types.
No mention if animal blood is available.
I wonder if they can add spices to it.
Might make a god story, "The Vampire Chef".
One would guess garlic is off the list.
Still, it's a plot that could work well.
No !!!
I did not just ask for another _ _ ___ vampire book.
Anyway, this is a book mostly about a gay vampire nightclub, and yes, a vampire health spa, with hidden passageways, and a male vampire who has been chained up, and needs saving...
Enter one really good, kind, sweet, human woman with a heart of gold.
I did wonder about the title of this book though.
Why was it titled "The Consolation Prize"?
Considering the plot it seems, to me, a weird choice.
I'm guessing it sounded provocative, and so, was chosen as likely to sell more copies.
It's all about how many books get sold.
January 25, 2026
(2019)
𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫.
(including Strangers)
𝐁.𝐄. 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 '𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫-𝐧𝐨𝐭-𝐟𝐨𝐫-𝐦𝐞' 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟.
I dislike her writing, stories and characters.
𝐇υꭑⱺ𝗋, 𝐑ⱺꭑα𐓣𝖼𝖾, 𝐒𝖾𝗑υαᥣ 𝐀𝗌𝗌αυᥣ𝗍, α𐓣ᑯ 𝐓ⱺ𝗋𝗍υ𝗋𝖾.
This book is really bad. The h is quirky, and her story is written in a humorous way, which feels odd given what’s happening to the vampire. She has three voices in her head guiding her and keeping her safe. I might’ve enjoyed this if it had stayed lighthearted.
But the main plot about the vampire is horrible. He's chained up by female vampires, and they’re raping and torturing him. How does that fit with the attempts at humor?! The on-page scene made me feel sick. 🤢
🇳🇴 🚫 🇹🇭🇦🇳🇰🇸❗
𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫.
(including Strangers)
𝐁.𝐄. 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 '𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫-𝐧𝐨𝐭-𝐟𝐨𝐫-𝐦𝐞' 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟.
I dislike her writing, stories and characters.
𝐇υꭑⱺ𝗋, 𝐑ⱺꭑα𐓣𝖼𝖾, 𝐒𝖾𝗑υαᥣ 𝐀𝗌𝗌αυᥣ𝗍, α𐓣ᑯ 𝐓ⱺ𝗋𝗍υ𝗋𝖾.
This book is really bad. The h is quirky, and her story is written in a humorous way, which feels odd given what’s happening to the vampire. She has three voices in her head guiding her and keeping her safe. I might’ve enjoyed this if it had stayed lighthearted.
But the main plot about the vampire is horrible. He's chained up by female vampires, and they’re raping and torturing him. How does that fit with the attempts at humor?! The on-page scene made me feel sick. 🤢
🇳🇴 🚫 🇹🇭🇦🇳🇰🇸❗
October 4, 2012
Chloe's love life and career tumbles into the abyss in one swoop, but she does get a consolation prize, a four day stay at a very unusual Spa. She doesn't want to go, but the voices in her head won't let up. Continuing with her "lucky streak", she finds a man chained up in one of the rooms.
Hiding his true identity; Luka runs a gay bar for vampires, weres and mortals. If anyone was to find out what he truly was, it would be a death sentence...a final death.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I found myself unable to put it down. Elsborg has a great way of locking a reader in their seat and not letting them go.
Hiding his true identity; Luka runs a gay bar for vampires, weres and mortals. If anyone was to find out what he truly was, it would be a death sentence...a final death.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I found myself unable to put it down. Elsborg has a great way of locking a reader in their seat and not letting them go.
February 27, 2013
Arranging some of my books, I stumbled on to this one.I read Trueblood and I thought maybe it was a book about the series. And yes I know the series comes from the Sookie Stackhouse novels, but I thought hey, lets have a looksie. 3 hours later and here I am, done with the book.
It sucks you in (pun intended) and I liked the story. I was a little ticked off at how fast she forgives him, but that's just me :P
I would recommend :)
It sucks you in (pun intended) and I liked the story. I was a little ticked off at how fast she forgives him, but that's just me :P
I would recommend :)
November 1, 2013
wasn't too sure this was the book to get me to start reading again but it was surprisingly funny I found myself giggling a lot, one bad thing I have to say about the book and I believe other people have also commented on it, was how quickly chloe forgave luka for all the wrong doings he accused her of. both other than that I have no complaints was quite interesting with the toys ect, cant wait to read book two :)
September 24, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I have to say it kinda WOWed me.
Pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me intrigued until the very end.
Great romance. It was hot, steamy and sexy. It was serious at times and funny at times.
Overall it was a great story. I can't to read more from this Author!
* I received a free copy from the Author through the PaC Romance group
Pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me intrigued until the very end.
Great romance. It was hot, steamy and sexy. It was serious at times and funny at times.
Overall it was a great story. I can't to read more from this Author!
* I received a free copy from the Author through the PaC Romance group
August 3, 2014
I quite enjoyed this one, though I'm really not into vampire books, I get really queasy when blood sucking happens...ewww, and there was a lot of it in this book, so my stomach made a bit of flipping, but other than that an enjoyable read, I'll definitely check out the other books in the series
March 13, 2015
Awesome book. funny and witty and sexy. everything happens for a reason the good the bad and the ugly can lead to somewhere amazing. this book is a prime example of how bad stuff can have great consequences
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