Blood and Roses

by Aislinn Kerry

In this world, love can put you on the wrong end of a stake…

The last thing Arjen wants is a vampire in his bed. The rest of the world may be enamored of the creatures, but he doesn’t share the obsession. When local vampire Maikel van Triet pays a visit to the brothel, Arjen tries to slip away—drawing the one thing he doesn’t want: Maikel’s attention. Arjen’s too pragmatic to refuse a paying customer, but Maikel doesn’t want his services. All he asks for is a bed, shelter, and a meal before bedtime.

Arjen’s reticence and open dislike intrigue Maikel, who’s delighted by the jaded young prostitute’s attitude, so different from the adoration he’s accustomed to. He’s never been a regular patron at any brothel, but now he can’t keep himself away. He still refuses Arjen’s services though, instead demanding Arjen tuck him in with tales of the daytime Amsterdam he hasn’t known for nearly two centuries. But when Arjen tries to seduce him into leaving, he realizes they’re forging something completely unfamiliar to him: emotional bonds.

It’s equally obvious to Arjen that their arrangement is becoming more than either of them expected, and the thought terrifies him. Vampires are shallow, fickle creatures, and Maikel could never truly love another—could he?

Genres: M M Romance, Vampires, Paranormal, Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Erotica

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it's the first story I've read by this author. It was interesting.

Maikel is not the ordinary vampire in the sense that he's not all powerful. He has a reputation, he is coveted, but in a very superficial way. Arjen works in a brothel and is not seduced in the least, proving himself a challenge for the vampire. Their encounters are not really sexual at the beginning, Maikel asks to be fed and Arjen agrees for a fee. The vampire bite is also painful and not enthralling at all.

Slowly their relationship becomes different. It's as if they're not able to tell what they really need to the other. The frustration leads do a deep dissatisfaction for them both, but it's the ground to make their relationship evolve.

I liked that the author tried to avoid a few clichés, but I felt that Maikel remained a mystery and the narrator's feelings weren't analyzed enough. The romanticism was satisfying, but the introspection not to much. It's a beautiful story though.

Samhain: what's with those ads? The books ends at the 80% mark of my Kindle locations.

[AngelFire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this short story due to the author promising to subvert a lot of the common human-vampire romance tropes and I did enjoy that aspect a lot. Unfortunately, the majority of the conflict came from miscommunication, a lack of communication and Arjen being overly dramatic, which I didn't enjoy.

There were a lot of positives and I highly recommend this for people who enjoy human-vampire couples because it put a fresh spin on a lot of the usual tropes. These are some of the things I really enjoyed:

+ Beautiful, lyrical writing

+ Setting is Amsterdam which is a nice change from the many Victorian-era fantasies that usually take place in England

+ Arjen being the human and a prostitute but being more dominant (verbally, physically, sexually) and snarky than Maikel, which is a nice role reversal from what usually happens

+ Arjen not being impressed by Maikel being a vampire and getting annoyed at how everybody else gets overcome by their presence

+ Arjen staying unimpressed with Maikel being a vampire throughout the story (I thought this would change but it didn't, which was again a fresh take on the usual trope progression)

I also liked the way the author approached the usual vampire lore and changed certain things to make the story stand out from the norm. In particular, I liked how the whole feeding process was dealt with. Maikel could use magic to overwhelm Arjen's senses to make him enjoy the feeding more but because Arjen wouldn't tolerate such manipulation, the feeding process is portrayed realistically: it's painful, it's scary and the wounds take several days to properly heal. In addition, because Maikel respected Arjen's dislike of vampire magical powers, Maikel didn't heal the wounds and they had to work together to keep the bite marks clean, properly bandaged and alternate which wrist Maikel feeds on so Arjen wouldn't scar or suffer long term problems.

Maikel being a much older, powerful vampire compared to Arjen being a young human was also handled really well because the author flipped the script on the usual dynamics between them. It was great having Arjen being more dominant and snarky, with Maikel being more submissive. Arjen was a perfect example of a grumpy, closed off man with a heart of gold. My favorite scenes included him berating Maikel for 'daring' to get staked by somebody and acting very put-out as he's shoving Maikel onto his bed and dressing his wound, or when Arjen finds a depressed Maikel at a pub, sitting in a corner and surrounded by evidence of the many admirers who had fawned over him for hours and Arjen's first response is to scold Maikel for looking like a disheveled drunkard.

Another small choice I liked is that Maikel might be 200 years old and everybody else views him as a powerful, mystical creature but Maikel seems to hate everything about his existence. He misses having a normal life and doing normal things like spending time in the sun and chit-chatting with friends about normal daytime activities. He also seemed to dislike his immortality, which was beautifully illustrated when he got upset by Arjen choosing to keep and dry a rose Maikel had given him. To Arjen, preserving the rose wasn't a big deal but Maikel got upset that Arjen had dried the rose and essentially made it immortal by drying it. It wasn't hard to see the parallels between what happened to the rose and the way Maikel had been turned into a vampire, which was really neat.

Unfortunately, the rose/immortality aspect is one example where the story's execution disappointed me. After Maikel states his dislike of what Arjen had done to the rose, it's never mentioned again. Arjen does the same with other flowers later and there's no discussion about it. This felt like a missed opportunity to further explore another aspect of vampire lore that the author had a different take on.

Despite enjoying the many small aspects of this, the actual story execution was a disappointment. All of the conflict between them comes from a lack of communication, Arjen constantly jumping to the wrong conclusions and/or Arjen being overly dramatic. He's always gasping, gaping, storming off and over analyzing everything Maikel does or says. There were many times when I was confused because Arjen would go on long internal monologues about how Maikel is awful and difficult etc etc etc but I couldn't figure out what Maikel had done that caused Arjen to go on his lengthy tirade. His woe-is-me attitude was annoying and it overwhelmed the entire story. Unfortunately, the short length and compact narrative meant there was nothing else happening to balance Arjen's annoying behavior.

Overall, this didn't work for me because of the way Arjen was portrayed but I highly recommend this for people who enjoy vampire romances and are looking for something a bit different from the norm.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arjen is a prostitute in Amsterdam. Not sure of the time period. Vampires are a given in this society. Maikel is a vampire who comes to the brothel and selects Arjen, but all he wants is to feed and have a safe place to sleep for the night. Arjen isn’t happy about it but agrees. This becomes a weekly event. Until their personalities get in the way - Arjen thinks he doesn’t want the vampire, even though Maikel makes his affection clear. Maikel accededs to Arjen’s wishes that he go away. This is beautifully written, emotionally stirring. Even though it’s first person pov (Arjen) there is much to discover as he doesn’t quite know his own feelings. And you aren’t ever sure about Maikel, tho’ you can surmise. Not terribly long (there are 85 pages of story, 20 pages of other books’ excerpts), the story focuses on their meetings in the brothel, so it’s very tightly written that way. No extraneous detail, intensely focused. Loved it.

[Karen K · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5 upped to 5**
This was one of the most sensually beautiful stories I can ever remember reading. Everything about it was just passionate; the characters, the setting, the writing style so calm but at the same time, keeping me on edge for what would happen next. Even the indifference shown from one character to the other at various parts of the book was moving and emotional.

Arjen is a sensuous man without even having to try; sensuous and beautiful and so needy in ways he doesn't even realize until Maikel walks into his life. He worked himself into my heart very quickly, and I yearned and worried right along with him.

Maikel is quirky and fun and passionate right from the beginning, baiting Arjen just to get a rise out of him, but in reality, he was just as needy and for need of the same thing. I appreciated that the attraction wasn't instant or even spontaneous, but grew over time and even continued to grow when the characters were apart.

The only fault I have with the story is the length. I would have loved to have seen how things transpired through Maikel's eyes and also, what will become of the lovely vampire and his beautiful lover. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

[Janna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable, touching and somewhat different vampire story which is set in historical Amsterdam. The setting was the reason why I wanted to read it after I learned about it from Jenre’s review over at Well Read. And I’m glad I did, it was a very good story. It's not a full-length novel but more like a longer short story (47 pdf pages) and as such it's hardly a fully plotted tale with well-rounded characters, but for its length the heroes are very engaging and the plot is really entertaining.

[Maygirl7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing creates a sense of distance from the characters which normally is a bad thing. In this instance it worked quite well for me. The distance I felt from the characters, I think, underlined Arjen's desire to distance himself from Maikel. It wasn't completely clear why Maikel felt the need to disappear from Amsterdam, and the resolution between Arjen and Maikel was a bit too quick to be completely believable. Otherwise, a good, solid read.

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story about a male whore prossi, who gets bought by a male vampire.

The story is about their relationship, and how it starts from the whore's prossi's hate for the vamp, to them being in love..

Yeah, I guess, that's really whats its about.. It's a sweet story, but its not erotica. It's just a cute short story, plain and simple.

[Bookwatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but cute love story

[Kasia Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the style of writing. Sexy and emotional. Plus a vamp. Shame it was so short.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I complain about books that are this short, but I think the length here worked to its advantage. It's set over several months with weeks between Arjen and Mikail's encounters which made the book feel more complete.

[dumbells]

Another lost review by goodreads

[Nina Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, short story with a really good plot. I like that Arjen was different than the rest, that he stood out that way. A reread for me.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in one sitting. I would have gladly read 100 more pages.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh this was interesting!
A few aspects in this I've not read in a vampire story before. I enjoyed it

[Elisa Rolle]

Blood and Roses is a novella that I think will appeal to the most romantic readers. It’s fantasy, without doubt, but it’s not so clearly bounded by this genre. The world where Arjen, male whore, lives, is an Amsterdam lost in time; from some small details, the use of specific words, the absence of machines, the presence of carriages and other “old-fashioned” elements, all let you think that this is a fantasy world that takes inspiration from a not long ago past, maybe nineteen or eighteen century. Probably if not for the presence of a vampire, the novella could have been an historical romance, and even if there is the paranormal elements, truth be told, it tends to be more historical than other.

Maikel, the vampire, is like a lord among the other men. Again, there is a good reason for him to be a vampire, the author needed probably all the gothic feelings that derives from that fact, but other than that, he behaves more like an aristocrat than an otherworldly being. Him and also the other vampires in the novella, they live among the other people, worshipped and feared, but seldom loved. They are seen like a breed among the others, the lure to be a vampire, and the possibility to gain immortality with them, make this people favourite among the whores who all want to be the chosen one for the night.

All other than Arjen. But I don’t think that for him is really a question of moral or other, I think Arjen is a very proud man, with still a lot of dreams despite his job. He doesn’t want to be with a vampire probably since, if in the end all the legends weren’t true, it would be another disappointed in his life. Arjen has built a thick shell around himself, a shell that protects him from feelings and pains: he doesn’t feel when he is working, he doesn’t feel and so he doesn’t suffer. Having the chance to taste a bit of “paradise” with Maikel, and then being forced to be back to his everyday work as a whore, would be probably create an irreparable break in that shield.

At the beginning probably Arjen doesn’t love Maikel for who he is more than for who he represents. And so, truth be told, Arjen is not so much different from the other people. Instead I think that Maikel is open and loving from the first moment. He is clear in his desires even if he doesn’t speak them aloud. Maikel is probably as much romantic as Arjen, but he is more open to this side of him.

Blood and Roses is a retelling of the One Thousand and One Nights, with Maikel that night after night asks to Arjen to talk to him into sleep, delaying night after night the consummation of their agreement, till the moment I arrived to think that probably Maikel is not really interested in having sex with Arjen, sex is something he can have with everyone, what instead he has with Arjen is something special. And in the end, sex will cause them trouble, since it will level their relationship with all the previous one they had, letting Arjen doubt of Maikel’s words, and destroying Maikel’s image of Arjen. In a way, when Maikel sees Arjen, he doesn’t see a whore, he sees a man with a royal behaviour, he sees the simple things of life, the things he can’t no more appreciate. Being with Arjen, without sex with them, allows to Maikel to think that he isn’t different from all the other men.

Anyway, even when the sex arrives, it’s always almost ethereal, I liked very much the use of words of the author during that moment, she is able to convey completely the moment, and the eroticism, without being too explicit.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VFPS54/?...

[Kassa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a novella from a new to me author but one that is rather addictive. As a fan of anything urban fantasy, I love any well done vampire book even if it’s just rehashing common themes. In this offering the themes are classic and well used with a slight twist but the dialogue and writing is engaging. The characters have tremendous potential and the world building is evocative. Unfortunately, likely due to the short length, this novella is empty and forgettable but still enjoyable and fun to read. The author clearly has potential and hopefully in a longer setting, that promise can be fulfilled in a suitable book.

Here a prostitute, Arjen, is the lone whore in the establishment that doesn’t fawn all over vampires. So of course, Arjen is the one chosen when Maikel the vampire picks a companion. The promise of money on a slow night convinces Arjen to put aside his feelings but he is surprised when Maikel only wants blood and a bed for the night. This starts a pattern for the two that eventually leads to an argument, leaving both men unhappy. They must put aside pride and deception to find if their feelings for each other are real or just a figment of their imagination.

The plot is a tried and true theme with the classic disinterested hero in a sea of worshipers. Most of the action that happens is told rather than shown so the developing emotional connection is mostly empty. The reader is told the story through Arjen’s first person, past tense perspective and so Maikel's characterization is very limited. Their main interactions revolve around sexual tension which turns into sex but the tension is weak and diffuse since most of it occurs off page. The reader instead follows Arjen through this emotional days and nights, struggling with his growing attachment to the vampire. However, this developing emotion is also not demonstrated very well. Instead the reader is told how Arjen snaps at others and mopes, looking out the window. We don’t see Arjen doing this or that, so the connection and deeper angst is absent.

Furthermore the reason the vampire Maikel is attracted to Arjen doesn’t make much sense. There is nothing especially different about Arjen and Maikel’s insistence on wanting a night of peace is ridiculous. If he is so rich and wants to be left alone, why not buy a house and sleep alone? Going to a whore house is not exactly the most logical excuse to have an undisturbed night of peace. Additionally there is no particular detail or depth to differentiate this story as M/M versus M/F. If Arjen had been female, the exact same story and characterization could have occurred, well minus the second dick of course. Not to say this is necessarily bad, but it creates a somewhat bland story lacking a spark.

What did save this book are the hints of evocative prose and world building. The writing is somewhat decent, even if the characterization needs help, and the detail afforded the setting is rich in texture. The scenes where Arjen is explaining the bridge during the day or how the sun warmed his skin and left freckles, leap off the page and show the real strength of the author’s writing. The lyrical nature to these scenes is addictive and engaging. I was left wanting more of this description rather than a recitation of Arjen’s daily activities. Overall the brief glimpses I saw were enough to keep me interested in the story. The final offering is good with some parts bland and others engaging. I’d definitely give the author another try though and those who like vampire stories may enjoy this one.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd even stretch my rating to 4.5 stars. It really was a very good, short story.

Pacing was well-done, so the relationship that develops over the course of the story does so believably. The author's version of Amsterdam was fetching, and as the tale mainly takes place within the prostitute Arjen's brothel of residence, I loved how the rumor-mill between the whores played such a large part in the story. This made time-hops of days/weeks/months keep continuity with the story instead of just skipping around to speed matters up, which was good for characterization as well as setting. Even the minor characters were enjoyable, for however rarely the reader sees or interacts with them, because of this and how they are discussed in passing narration (done here by Arjen in the first person).

I loved how bewildered the protagonists were with each other; seeing two rather jaded characters, each for their own reasons, confounded by how the other treats or speaks to them was both amusing and endearing. The defiance of expectation was a welcome change for Arjen & Maikel, and for me as a reader--for once, it isn't your typical churned out vampire romance.

And the writing? Truly lovely. I liked the rhythm of it, and how Arjen's descriptions of people and places becomes more detailed and poetic as the story goes on this being attributed largely to Maikel, as Arjen himself notes, simply because he wants to bring the waking world to life for a man who hasn't seen daylight in well over a century--that, in and of itself, lends a sweetness to their budding romance.

Considering that one of the main characters is a prostitute and that the main setting is a brothel there is, somewhat surprisingly, little sex. Note that I say little relative to the circumstances: there are sex scenes, and these too are well-written, they just don't come close to overtaking the story. I was glad that a good part of the intimacy was not inherently sexual. Visceral and poignant, it was a lovely piece of writing. I'm sure I'll be reading it again.

[xbmbgrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood and Roses is a relatively short story that has love blossoming between a bored vampire and a realistic male prostitute. Mikhail is used to the masses of humans fawning all over him and vying for his attention. When he stumbles upon Arjen, a male prostitute who ignores him, his interest is peaked.

Arjen’s unique response to Mikhail is enough to keep his interest. He returns time and again to feed from Arjen, and to pass the time he asks Arjen to talk. As their interesting relationship grows, Mikhail becomes increasingly uneasy about his attraction to Arjen and seeks to put an end to his fascination. The rumors and speculation that arise are a surprise to Arjen as he realizes that his emotions are now engaged as well.

Mikhail and Arjen must decide what is important for the present as much as for any eternity. It’s interesting to watch these two grow closer even as they push further away. I felt the connection grow between them into something tangible and lasting. The sex comes late in the story and is well done but not pivotal to the relationship. Despite Arjen’s status as a prostitute, there are no gratuitous sex scenes. The biting scenes between Mikhail and Arjen are almost hotter than the sex.

I enjoyed this story. It was well written and the characters were very detailed, and even though it was a short story, it spanned many months of relationship building that was engrossing to read about. And it doesn't hurt that I thought the cover models were smokin’ hot too.

[Adrienne -kocham czytać- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different from the norm, from what I expected. It was not the most amazing and engaging story, in all honesty, I actually did not connect with the characters as much as I wanted to...but it was such a different and better story that I had been expecting, that I really liked it.

I liked how Arjen was contrary and disdainful, and did not suddenly change his behavior and fawn all over Maikel. I liked learning about what Maikel was doing returning week after week, and how they forged a special and different relationship in the midst of their ongoing lives.

It was just different, with moments of pain and moments of pleasure, kind of dark and melancholy at some parts (I'm listening to Complainte De La Butte by Rufus Wainwright right now, and it fits the tone of the middle section of the book, at least for me and my morbid imaginings), and tender happiness at the end. I would have liked Maikel to turn Arjen at the end or mention it again, but I assume that happened later because Arjen had considered it before.

I recommend it because although it's short, it's very good and unique among an often cliched sub-genre. I originally was excited because of the setting and characters of this book (just look at my status update), but then I was intrigued with the story and the solemn nature of it, and really went beyond my earlier excitement to a deeper level of appreciation.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arjen might be the only person in the world not enamored with vampires. So when Maikel van Triet walks through the doors of the brothel Arjen works at, the last thing the young prostitute wants is Maikel for a client. Yet Arjen’s dislike of Maikel is exactly the thing that attracts the vampire to him, though not for his usual services. Week after week, Maikel comes to Arjen wanting blood, a bed, and stories of the daytime world he has not seen for centuries. Their arrangement becomes complicated when both men realize there’s more between them than business. But what kind of future could there be for a prostitute and an immortal?

Subtle sexual tension winds itself around the reader in the enthralling Blood and Roses. Aislinn Kerry drew me into this story like a vampire lures the object of their desires. I enjoyed watching Arjen’s feelings for Maikel develop; first dislike, then a confused love/hate, to finally something more indefinable and sweet. Maikel is the far more open of the two, which was a plus for me as a reader, as the story is told in the first person from Arjen’s point of view. Nothing in Blood and Roses is simple, and I am sure many readers will enjoy the twists, turns, and unexpected tenderness of Arjen and Maikel’s relationship as much as I did. Simply enchanting!

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.

[Charly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little read

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The story accomplishes a convincing “enemies to lovers” plotline in a fairly short amount of time.
- I was amused by how long it takes Arjen to realize that he’s fallen for Maikel. He dislikes the vampire passionately but is inexplicably hurt when Maikel avoids him.

CONS:
- Maikel says some insulting things to Arjen that Arjen hardly even reacts to. This irritated me.
- The whole story is told from Arjen’s perspective, and I wanted to see some scenes from the vampire’s point of view. I wanted to know the specifics of what makes Maikel fall for Arjen so quickly and so hard.

Overall comments: Vampire stories are typical in this genre, as are stories about prostitutes working in brothels. But the setting is unique here; and the narrator’s cynicism, paired with moments of raw feeling, makes for a nice little read.

[Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy" Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a quickie, it was amazing. I tend to rate things based on what they are; meaning I rate a quickie as a quickie. You can't expect the same things in comparison to a longer story. That said, the author did amazingly well with the setting, the characters, and the story. The ending did feel a little abrupt but not so much as to feel cheated. The scene with the BJ was extremely hot. There was a nice balance between sex and story. In comparison to most stories of this size, it is definitely 5 stars in my book especially if you like vampires or the idea of a male "Pretty Woman". He was a male not a chick with dick.

[Terry Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I love this story? Hell yes! I have re-read it a dozen times. I read the excerpt and was so interested I could not wait to get a review copy, so I bought it. I PAID MONEY FOR THIS BOOK. I have not bought a book in almost a year. So yes I read the excerpt and I was desperate.

READ MY REVIEW
http://www.naughtyinthebackseat.com/b...

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story about a prostitute who doesn't like vampires and a vampire that is intrigued with him. This is written in Arjun's pov so we don't get to see Maikel's perspective. It is a pretty simple love story that is light on sex. We really don't get alot of background on the world or characters. I also didn't get a very good feel for either one of the characters' motives so I didn't really connect with them very well.

[Emeziel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oe of the most stunningly, sensuously beautiful books I have read. It was so beautifully written I cried my eyes out. Maybe because it became more angsty or maybe it resonated with me. But loved it.

[Betryal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although what I would call a short story, I actually enjoyed this one, but and yeah there is one...I would have liked to have read Maikel's point of view in here and not just Arjen's. It still deserved the rating I gave it, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that there'll be a continuation to appease my appetite.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story of a vampire, Maikel and a male prostitute,Arjen who meet when Maikel buys him for the night just for a meal and sleep. Arjen's distaste for Maikel stop him from taking the fare. This continues for weeks until you guessed it big fight, Maikel leaves and Arjen finds he can't live without him.
This was a little to predictable for me to really like very well.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful story with a lot of passion, the characters, writing style and setting keep you on edge to see what happens next. Although for me personally when the characters indifferent to each other I just want to slap them.

Although I will not go into detail about the story line I will say this, this is a book well worth reading.

[Alaska · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice read with not too much emotional drama and likeable characters. Yes, it was a little predictable but it didn't bother me and I liked the stop and go relationship between Maikel and Arjen.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 stars

It was a beautiful and fairy tale like story. I very much enjoyed it.
Short, yes. But i can't imagine it longer than it is. I think the length of the story is perfect, any longer than this would have been a drag.