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Vampire Council of Ethics #1
Carinian's Seeker
She’s his target…and his mate. Aw, hell! Book One in the Vampire Council of Ethics series. Beautiful genius, Carinian Derrickson, wants to live long enough to date a man from the future generations of spacemen, complete with ray guns and starships. She’s not crazy, she’s just afraid of dying young of some dreaded disease, like all the rest of her family. Her research into gene therapy has shown her the way to extend her life is by emulating traits only before seen in fiction. Vampire fiction. Only the beings that shouldn’t exist are very real indeed. Unknown to her, there’s a bad boy vampire in the lab next door with a goal quite the opposite of hers. If he has his way, he’ll bring the Vampire Council of Ethics (V.C.O.E.) to its knees. Jon Bixler is a Seeker for the Council—an assassin and undercover operative in a world of humans. Bix must get close enough to this rogue to find out exactly how he plans to dismantle the Council. And Carinian is just the ticket. But when he meets her, all his vampire common sense flies out the window as his libido leaps off the charts. What’s he going to do now that the woman is in danger and secretly trying to do the impossible? Bix and Carin can’t deny the combustion of love and lust between them. They accept their mating. But can they stay alive long enough to enjoy it? Warning, this title contains the explicit sex, graphic language, and violence.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2007
39 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Michaels
40 books190 followersTJ is a USA Today and NY Times bestseller, as well as a award-winning author of several romance genres, including paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi and urban fantasy romance.
No matter the genre TJ is penning, her favorite thing to do is build worlds. To take you somewhere extraordinary. To transport you to a place where you can close your eyes and slip into your fantasy...
No matter the genre TJ is penning, her favorite thing to do is build worlds. To take you somewhere extraordinary. To transport you to a place where you can close your eyes and slip into your fantasy...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 13, 2011
I have the same complaint with almost all 'erotica' books; the language. I'm not talking about explicit language, I'm talking about the words used in the sex scenes. You would think that the authors who write these type of books could write better sex scenes. I get tired of 'painfully erect,' 'creaming slit,' 'purple, pulsing head,' 'big hot rod.' Big, hot rod? Really? Are we talking about a car here or a penis? (I don't like the word penis either, by the way, or dick, my preferred term is cock, but that's just me). Of course the vampire has to be redonkulously endowed, so much so that he's not sure he'll fit in his mate's, tight, hot creaming slit. This was one of those books where the sex scenes made me roll my eyes and skip pages.
Now, onto the characters. Bix was actually a pretty good character. Even though he's an alpha guy (a prime male) he keeps his He-Man complex pretty well under control. Carin on the other hand...I wanted to smack the shit out of her for the better part of the book. She was always pissed off, about anything and everything or nothing at all. And then, of course, it goes back to her painful past and she just can't live through that and blah, blah, blah. I also feel that Michaels made her a stereotypical black character too; big hips and butt, kinky hair, the hands on hips, foot tapping pissed of black woman. Please notice I said stereotypical.
The story was pretty good. Vampires and genes and blood and genetics. If you can get past the big, hot rod forcing it's way into the perpetually pissed off lady's tight, creaming slit; you've got a good story on your hands. (Just fyi, I think the second book, Serati's Flame is much better)
Now, onto the characters. Bix was actually a pretty good character. Even though he's an alpha guy (a prime male) he keeps his He-Man complex pretty well under control. Carin on the other hand...I wanted to smack the shit out of her for the better part of the book. She was always pissed off, about anything and everything or nothing at all. And then, of course, it goes back to her painful past and she just can't live through that and blah, blah, blah. I also feel that Michaels made her a stereotypical black character too; big hips and butt, kinky hair, the hands on hips, foot tapping pissed of black woman. Please notice I said stereotypical.
The story was pretty good. Vampires and genes and blood and genetics. If you can get past the big, hot rod forcing it's way into the perpetually pissed off lady's tight, creaming slit; you've got a good story on your hands. (Just fyi, I think the second book, Serati's Flame is much better)
November 8, 2011
I just finished reading Carinian's Seeker and I loved every minute of it. Carin is a smart, funny type of woman who knows what and who she wants. Bix is a a handsome, strong man who wants to claim her. Their meeting and mating is nothing short of molten lava. The story is fast paced and has plenty of action and of course lots of spice and heat. I am eager to learn more about the Vampire clans that Michaels has introduced in the story.
February 18, 2012
Couldnt put it down this book was fantastic .I loved it
December 31, 2015
This book was just ok with more draw backs than positives.
The positives? The story was alright. Then men were the hunks you come to expect in a vampire book. It was interesting enough to keep me reading. I liked that the couple was interracial, which is the reason I picked up the book in the first place.
The draw backs... well now that I think about it they were rather major draw backs for me. For one Carin, the main character was a doctor, who we're supposed to believe is top of her field. It was hard to reconcile her education with her language. She didn't talk like someone who would have the education she was supposed to have. Now I understand some of us talk one way at work and another way when we're relaxed with friends. Carin however had one pattern of speech, and I struggled with how stereotypical it sounded. She's a beautiful, educated, brilliant black woman... why couldn't she sound like it?
The writing also had holes in it that became very annoying. There were points when the characters would respond to something and we the readers were not immediately clued into. I'm guessing the writer thought this a suspenseful writing technique, personally it was just annoying, causing me to re-read a section several times to figure out what I missed.
My other problem with the writing was the run on paragraphs. (Is there such a thing as run on paragraphs? Well there is now, this author single handedly invented them.) Some natural paragraph breaks that would add to flow and ease of reading were missing. An example would be a point in the story where they were at a party. The paragraph starts out with Carin's feeling about the conversations around her, moves on to a description of the room they're in, and THEN it moves back to the conversations around her. Really the writing style was so distracting it detracted from the book for me.
The characters were mediocre and one dimensional. There was nothing very interesting about any of there characters which was nothing more poor writing and even worse story development. What I mean is, this book is the fist in a series right? And some of the characters we met in the book would be expected to show up in other books right? Perhaps even as main characters? So why not do more to make us interested in the other characters? Give us a real glimpse of what lays beneath the surface. There were several characters far more interesting than Bix and Carin, who's surface we didn't even scratch. We didn't find out anything of Bix's history, his family, or his Clan. We didn't even find out until well into the book that he was the leader of the Seekers.
This book was just interesting enough to finish, but not interesting enough to continue the series.
STATS:
Ebook pages: 504
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Steam Factor: Hot Hot
Re-Readability: None
The positives? The story was alright. Then men were the hunks you come to expect in a vampire book. It was interesting enough to keep me reading. I liked that the couple was interracial, which is the reason I picked up the book in the first place.
The draw backs... well now that I think about it they were rather major draw backs for me. For one Carin, the main character was a doctor, who we're supposed to believe is top of her field. It was hard to reconcile her education with her language. She didn't talk like someone who would have the education she was supposed to have. Now I understand some of us talk one way at work and another way when we're relaxed with friends. Carin however had one pattern of speech, and I struggled with how stereotypical it sounded. She's a beautiful, educated, brilliant black woman... why couldn't she sound like it?
The writing also had holes in it that became very annoying. There were points when the characters would respond to something and we the readers were not immediately clued into. I'm guessing the writer thought this a suspenseful writing technique, personally it was just annoying, causing me to re-read a section several times to figure out what I missed.
My other problem with the writing was the run on paragraphs. (Is there such a thing as run on paragraphs? Well there is now, this author single handedly invented them.) Some natural paragraph breaks that would add to flow and ease of reading were missing. An example would be a point in the story where they were at a party. The paragraph starts out with Carin's feeling about the conversations around her, moves on to a description of the room they're in, and THEN it moves back to the conversations around her. Really the writing style was so distracting it detracted from the book for me.
The characters were mediocre and one dimensional. There was nothing very interesting about any of there characters which was nothing more poor writing and even worse story development. What I mean is, this book is the fist in a series right? And some of the characters we met in the book would be expected to show up in other books right? Perhaps even as main characters? So why not do more to make us interested in the other characters? Give us a real glimpse of what lays beneath the surface. There were several characters far more interesting than Bix and Carin, who's surface we didn't even scratch. We didn't find out anything of Bix's history, his family, or his Clan. We didn't even find out until well into the book that he was the leader of the Seekers.
This book was just interesting enough to finish, but not interesting enough to continue the series.
STATS:
Ebook pages: 504
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Steam Factor: Hot Hot
Re-Readability: None
July 30, 2012
This review is from an original post at www.bookedandloaded.com
Carinian’s Seeker took me for a wild ride and was one hell of a sexy book! The chemistry between Bix and Carin was smokin’ hot and they are such a wonderful match. Carin was strong, intelligent, and beautiful. Bix was fierce, brave, and loyal. It was a such a breath of fresh air to have Bix love her for her strong characteristics and believe in her thoroughly. Sometimes I feel that strong characters come off as too cold and (at times) a little assholish, but not with Bix or Carin. Bix was definitely a super alpha but never an asshole. I couldn’t help but be enthralled when he got bossy during – um – well – certain times and even that came off as drool worthy!!! *melts*
Every character seemed to just come alive in my mind and I stayed up WAY too late many times just to read another page. The world building was flawless and the rules are very well defined. T.J. Michaels set this first book up wonderfully with a wide array of other characters with unique personalitys I am dying to know more about! I cannot wait to get my hands on Book 2 (Serati’s Flame). In the end this book left me with a sigh of total happiness. If you enjoy vampire alpha’s and a wonderful story I would advise you to pick up Carinian’s Seeker and don’t forget clear you calendar.
I rate Carinian’s Seeker (Book 1 of the Vampire Counsel of Ethics) 5 out of 5 Bullets!!!
Carinian’s Seeker took me for a wild ride and was one hell of a sexy book! The chemistry between Bix and Carin was smokin’ hot and they are such a wonderful match. Carin was strong, intelligent, and beautiful. Bix was fierce, brave, and loyal. It was a such a breath of fresh air to have Bix love her for her strong characteristics and believe in her thoroughly. Sometimes I feel that strong characters come off as too cold and (at times) a little assholish, but not with Bix or Carin. Bix was definitely a super alpha but never an asshole. I couldn’t help but be enthralled when he got bossy during – um – well – certain times and even that came off as drool worthy!!! *melts*
Every character seemed to just come alive in my mind and I stayed up WAY too late many times just to read another page. The world building was flawless and the rules are very well defined. T.J. Michaels set this first book up wonderfully with a wide array of other characters with unique personalitys I am dying to know more about! I cannot wait to get my hands on Book 2 (Serati’s Flame). In the end this book left me with a sigh of total happiness. If you enjoy vampire alpha’s and a wonderful story I would advise you to pick up Carinian’s Seeker and don’t forget clear you calendar.
I rate Carinian’s Seeker (Book 1 of the Vampire Counsel of Ethics) 5 out of 5 Bullets!!!
August 19, 2017
Yes! I enjoyed this book, with all the funny and intense moments. The relationship between Bix and Carin was very push and pull at first and every bit entertaining. Carin is a scientist at the top of her field, as she is developing a new method of a cure for cancer. Of course she's doing a bit more experimentation on the side, in the hopes of finding a solution to lengthening the human lifespan. And this is where Bix comes in, as she is made his target as an in to finding a rouge vampire who happens to work at her same facility. Upon meeting, Bix finds out the sassy and emotionally stingy woman is his mate. On the hunt for a rouge, and softening the heart of the woman he knows to be his, Bix certainly has his work cut out for him. I loved Carin, she was super smart and all around feisty but at times vulnerable and in need of Bix's emotional and physical support. She was a great heroin who not only wanted to maintain her independent nature, but was able to rely on Bix and his super alpha male-ness. And her vernacular made her all the more likable and relatable, as her very comfortable world is suddenly turned upside down. Overall it was pretty good, and left you wanting more with such a great cast of supporting characters, it set the stage for any more possibilities for the next book.
March 18, 2012
This was a very enjoyable paranormal story though I must stress it is strictly for the adult crowd thanks to frequent and steamy lovemaking sessions featured throughout the book.
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised as I didn't know what I was getting into when I began this book but between the stunning chemistry between the two main characters (Bix and Carin), great supporting characters and the perfect villian (Sidheon), I couldn't wait to crack this one open to see what happened next.
The only issue which threw me off a bit was the explanation of vampirism though it was quite interesting. I must admit the whole sun thing doesn't bother me but the eating part did (I returned a book when a vampire started chomping into a po-boy sandwich as it seemed highly irregular to me). The author did get around these issues very well and she explained how the vampires came to be and her explanation was enough to keep me glued to the story.
If you are looking for an extra steamy paranormal romance, I would definitely recommend this to you and congrats, Ms. Michaels, you have officially made me a stalker and a fan! ;-)
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised as I didn't know what I was getting into when I began this book but between the stunning chemistry between the two main characters (Bix and Carin), great supporting characters and the perfect villian (Sidheon), I couldn't wait to crack this one open to see what happened next.
The only issue which threw me off a bit was the explanation of vampirism though it was quite interesting. I must admit the whole sun thing doesn't bother me but the eating part did (I returned a book when a vampire started chomping into a po-boy sandwich as it seemed highly irregular to me). The author did get around these issues very well and she explained how the vampires came to be and her explanation was enough to keep me glued to the story.
If you are looking for an extra steamy paranormal romance, I would definitely recommend this to you and congrats, Ms. Michaels, you have officially made me a stalker and a fan! ;-)
September 3, 2011
Bix is the ultimate vampire hunk. He's handsome, charming, and a warrior. Dr. Carinian Derrickson has brains, beauty, a killer body, and a smart mouth. They're a perfect match, except Bix isn't being completely honest about his job and the reason why he keeps popping up in Carin's life. Despite all of this, they manage to have many steamy encounters, become bonded mates, get kidnapped, almost murdered and live happily ever after. This series is a must read for any paranormal fan.
Well written interracial paranormal novels are rather difficult to come by. When I am able to find one that manages to make me fall in love with the characters and actually completely read it, I become the author's fan for life. T.J. Michaels is no different.
Well written interracial paranormal novels are rather difficult to come by. When I am able to find one that manages to make me fall in love with the characters and actually completely read it, I become the author's fan for life. T.J. Michaels is no different.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2013
It was okay. I didn't feel really close to either the hero or heroine. But the pacing was good and the premise was good. So I'm not really complaining. And the author has created an interesting 'world'.
July 10, 2011
3.5 STARS.
January 2, 2012
I'm sorry to say that while this book had an interesting idea, the author just wasn't able to pull it off. They kept getting distracted by subplots. Too bad really.
January 12, 2012
This book was fun and fun to read. Very sexy and a good read. Plus I can never turn down a free book and there are many times like this one when the payout is great.
August 25, 2017
This is my review and how I see it. This is my first book by this author, and I am looking forward to reading more of her work. Loved Jon Bixler...he did not know that his target was his mate at first, but he did know that he was attracted to her. Carinian's is by no means a pushover.
In my opinion, this is a well-written book with fully developed characters. The author develops the relationship at a natural level that a book can develop a relationship. Definitely will get five stars from me.
This is my review and how I see it.
In my opinion, this is a well-written book with fully developed characters. The author develops the relationship at a natural level that a book can develop a relationship. Definitely will get five stars from me.
This is my review and how I see it.
July 17, 2022
Fun Vampire Story.
This was fun. When Bix is sent to get to know Dr. Carin as a means to get closer to his true target little does he know he’s also going to find his mate.
I liked the overall story, both Bix and Carin are likable enough, although I wish they were a little more developed.
The author tries to keep you guessing about the identity of the mole initially, but it was obvious who it was.
Overall a enjoyable read.
This was fun. When Bix is sent to get to know Dr. Carin as a means to get closer to his true target little does he know he’s also going to find his mate.
I liked the overall story, both Bix and Carin are likable enough, although I wish they were a little more developed.
The author tries to keep you guessing about the identity of the mole initially, but it was obvious who it was.
Overall a enjoyable read.
August 14, 2017
Pretty good story
This book had a really good story line that kept you guessing until the end. The main characters are something, in a good way. Only drawback is too much sex.
This book had a really good story line that kept you guessing until the end. The main characters are something, in a good way. Only drawback is too much sex.
July 18, 2017
It was ok, dragged on a bit. Didn't like the way Carin spoke - didn't match her intelligence. Would've been good to find out more about the vampires.
July 20, 2017
Not bad but
A pretty good story as a short story/novella, filled out to novel length by the addition of lots of explicit sex. Not bad but could have been better.
A pretty good story as a short story/novella, filled out to novel length by the addition of lots of explicit sex. Not bad but could have been better.
September 8, 2017
Good Read
It is hard to find a great paranormal read and when you do, you can't help but enjoy it. I loved this. It was very entertaining and fun.
It is hard to find a great paranormal read and when you do, you can't help but enjoy it. I loved this. It was very entertaining and fun.
April 22, 2012
I love vampires and it's hard to find a sexy, paranormal romance with a kickass heroine. So if you’re like me and are a vamp lover that wants to see some serious action—both outta bed and in bed—this is a great choice!
Ms. T.J. Michaels has created a fabulously interesting world that is appealing, action-packed, and arousing. Very strong characters, great plot, and it leaves you wanting more.
Jon Bixler or Bix is a VCO Seeker, and has been assigned to infiltrate a lab to find out what a rogue vamp is up to. To gain access Bix uses Dr. Carinian Derrickson, a woman he has recently become very familiar with, but Bix isn't just using her…she is his mate. When things for Carin turn dangerous, the Alpha Prime Male in Bix comes out and he will stop at nothing to protect his woman, his council and his friends.
What is the rogue vampire up to? Why is Carin in danger? What is the VCO and who does it consist of? You have to read the 254 pages to find out. I very much enjoyed this series and will be picking up books 2 & 3.
Ms. T.J. Michaels has created a fabulously interesting world that is appealing, action-packed, and arousing. Very strong characters, great plot, and it leaves you wanting more.
Jon Bixler or Bix is a VCO Seeker, and has been assigned to infiltrate a lab to find out what a rogue vamp is up to. To gain access Bix uses Dr. Carinian Derrickson, a woman he has recently become very familiar with, but Bix isn't just using her…she is his mate. When things for Carin turn dangerous, the Alpha Prime Male in Bix comes out and he will stop at nothing to protect his woman, his council and his friends.
What is the rogue vampire up to? Why is Carin in danger? What is the VCO and who does it consist of? You have to read the 254 pages to find out. I very much enjoyed this series and will be picking up books 2 & 3.
April 13, 2012
Ah yes! This was a story that treads on a romance that very few can pull off. I was intrigued with the relationship dynamic between Bix and Carin. The chemistry was explosive almost from the beginning. Who would not want all of that Prime male hotness going alpha on them.
The plot was original but not as memorable as the love scenes and the banter between the couple. This novel read really well and there was never a dull moment. There were other Seekers in the story that were as lovable as the main characters and even the badguy is hot!!
Although, I am very comfortable with the subject of interracial romance...there is a point in the book when you forget all of that and get immersed in the story.
Would I recommend this? YES!!!
The plot was original but not as memorable as the love scenes and the banter between the couple. This novel read really well and there was never a dull moment. There were other Seekers in the story that were as lovable as the main characters and even the badguy is hot!!
Although, I am very comfortable with the subject of interracial romance...there is a point in the book when you forget all of that and get immersed in the story.
Would I recommend this? YES!!!
November 2, 2011
The interracial couple had me dreaming for a while :D. Honestly, tough, I did not "notice" Carinian's ethnic group (outside skin color). We are talking of a minority woman who never is "tagged" as such, nor she "suffers" for it. It seems to me that this is the real paranormal in the story, not the vamp!
The language was forced, again I'm no expert but I doubt a very educated woman talks that way. But then again I found all the book weirdly written and the characters difficult to believe. (An antidote given before the poison shouldn't be a vaccine?)
The language was forced, again I'm no expert but I doubt a very educated woman talks that way. But then again I found all the book weirdly written and the characters difficult to believe. (An antidote given before the poison shouldn't be a vaccine?)
December 11, 2012
It took me a while to get started and in to this series but once I got rolling I loved it! Nothing like a strong female lead and and equally strong male counter-part. This series is shaping up to be both sexy and mysterious while also being action packed start to finish. Great twists and turns with a great ending...can't wait to start the next one.
January 27, 2013
I liked the book. However, I felt it was a little disjointed at times, especially towards the end. I also felt like it wrapped up to quickly. I did like the relationship between Carin and Bix. It was cool having a AA female lead who was strong, smart and sexy. I was able to connect to this character.
Want to read
November 1, 2011Free Kindle book 11/1/11
August 1, 2013
This book was alright, but Iowno, it was just alright I guess. I am interested in the next book, though.
Read
February 27, 2015Enjoyable
If you enjoy the interracial paranormal romance genre, this book won't disappoint. Will check out the other titles in the series as well as other reads from TJ.
If you enjoy the interracial paranormal romance genre, this book won't disappoint. Will check out the other titles in the series as well as other reads from TJ.
October 16, 2017
Scientist all the way
Our heroine has one fear, dying, so she became a scientist to discover a way not to. Our hero has been sent to find a rogue vampire and to use her as a cover. What they didn't count on was the mate bond. What no one knows is the traitor among them helping the rogue stay one step ahead. Our heroine is smarter than the rogue gives her credit for and our hero plays for keeps when his mate is threatened.
Our heroine has one fear, dying, so she became a scientist to discover a way not to. Our hero has been sent to find a rogue vampire and to use her as a cover. What they didn't count on was the mate bond. What no one knows is the traitor among them helping the rogue stay one step ahead. Our heroine is smarter than the rogue gives her credit for and our hero plays for keeps when his mate is threatened.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews