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Soul Mates #1
Bound by Blood
Peter doesn't do vampires.
Lucien is determined to change his mind.
When a mysterious stranger sweeps Peter off his feet at Houston's hottest gay nightclub, the sparks are instant--and dangerous. Lucien is more than just seductive. He's a vampire. And Peter has a strict rule: no fangs.
But Lucien plays the long game. As their connection deepens, Peter is pulled into a hidden world of supernatural politics, hidden enemies, and forbidden desire.
The only thing deadlier than loving a vampire... is being loved by one.
Lucien is determined to change his mind.
When a mysterious stranger sweeps Peter off his feet at Houston's hottest gay nightclub, the sparks are instant--and dangerous. Lucien is more than just seductive. He's a vampire. And Peter has a strict rule: no fangs.
But Lucien plays the long game. As their connection deepens, Peter is pulled into a hidden world of supernatural politics, hidden enemies, and forbidden desire.
The only thing deadlier than loving a vampire... is being loved by one.
356 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
134 people are currently reading
2895 people want to read
About the author
Jourdan Lane
24 books317 followersJourdan Lane is a full-time author from Central Texas. She drinks too much coffee and is contemplating changing her permanent address to that of the local coffee shop. She likes her fiction like she likes her chocolate—Dark and Spicy. To stay updated about upcoming releases, please sign up for Jourdan's newsletter or follow along on Patreon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
November 5, 2011
Well... I came in to this expecting a paranormal gay romance, but -despite the author's efforts to add a story line and paranormal elements to the book- it pretty much was just porn with plot.
It seems that the only parts the author took great care with were the sex scenes. And there were a lot of them. Sex in the bedroom, sex in public, sex after just having escaped death, sex between the main couple, sex with everyone else. At a certain point the main character reflected the following: “I'm starting to think that fucking is a like a handshake around here.”. And didn't that just perfectly sum up the book?
Safe to say: sex (not even romance) is the focus of this story. Solid world building, character development and common sense all took the backseat.
The plot -if we can call it that- was all over the place, with events occurring, people showing up and definitions (hunters!- what the hell were they?) being mentioned seemingly at random.
I couldn't relate to the main character at all, and not only because Peter was an egocentric, slow on the uptake nymphomaniac, but also because the thoughts and emotions weren't relatable or described well. There was a total lack of tension and an abundance of stilted or corny dialogues with everything just seeming to happen haphazardly.
If you're looking for a hot read and you're willing to overlook everything else, this is a good book for you.
Otherwise save yourself the eye rolling and skip this.
(2 stars)
It seems that the only parts the author took great care with were the sex scenes. And there were a lot of them. Sex in the bedroom, sex in public, sex after just having escaped death, sex between the main couple, sex with everyone else. At a certain point the main character reflected the following: “I'm starting to think that fucking is a like a handshake around here.”. And didn't that just perfectly sum up the book?
Safe to say: sex (not even romance) is the focus of this story. Solid world building, character development and common sense all took the backseat.
The plot -if we can call it that- was all over the place, with events occurring, people showing up and definitions (hunters!- what the hell were they?) being mentioned seemingly at random.
I couldn't relate to the main character at all, and not only because Peter was an egocentric, slow on the uptake nymphomaniac, but also because the thoughts and emotions weren't relatable or described well. There was a total lack of tension and an abundance of stilted or corny dialogues with everything just seeming to happen haphazardly.
If you're looking for a hot read and you're willing to overlook everything else, this is a good book for you.
Otherwise save yourself the eye rolling and skip this.
(2 stars)
February 23, 2012
Apparently being a vampire means having a lot of sex. Also apparently if a vampire feeds from you enough your body chemistry is realigned so you also have a lot of sex (I'm pretty sure that's a cultural construct though, not a physiological one). I could barely keep track of the coupling, recoupling, tripling, re-tripling...
What I liked is that this is joyful, happy, caring sex. These guys use sex to express liking each other, caring for each other, being someone's boss, being someone's subordinate, saying hello, saying welcome back, and just being happy that they're in the same room together. It's always consensual, always pleasureable. Plus it's well-written sex. I believe in this sex.
Even though it's 2% plot, 98% sex, I'll be checking out the sequels when I want a read that requires no thought whatsoever.
I liked the point the evil vampire made; where are all the women?
What I liked is that this is joyful, happy, caring sex. These guys use sex to express liking each other, caring for each other, being someone's boss, being someone's subordinate, saying hello, saying welcome back, and just being happy that they're in the same room together. It's always consensual, always pleasureable. Plus it's well-written sex. I believe in this sex.
Even though it's 2% plot, 98% sex, I'll be checking out the sequels when I want a read that requires no thought whatsoever.
I liked the point the evil vampire made; where are all the women?
April 11, 2009
If you like a great gay-paranormal (vampires, werewolfs...)ROMANCE and don't mind hot sex with multiples partners and LOTS of blood, this book is for you.
The bond between Peter and Lucien is strong right at the beginning: i liked both of them a lot but i was really glad that Peter wasn't a pet in this story. He is strong-minded and a real human-alpha that matches Lucien in every part of their relationship. He is a real equal to the vampire.
Lucien is what i would call an "adorable" master vampire (lol) with all the darkness around him: he is stubborn, overbearing, masterful but so much in love and insecure. Can't help but fall for him...
The pace of the story was really good and it is really well written.
We discover lots of things (about Lucien, vampires and their world) all through the story. Nothing was rushed.
I was so in to it that i did not felt the 240 pages!
The bond between Peter and Lucien is strong right at the beginning: i liked both of them a lot but i was really glad that Peter wasn't a pet in this story. He is strong-minded and a real human-alpha that matches Lucien in every part of their relationship. He is a real equal to the vampire.
Lucien is what i would call an "adorable" master vampire (lol) with all the darkness around him: he is stubborn, overbearing, masterful but so much in love and insecure. Can't help but fall for him...
The pace of the story was really good and it is really well written.
We discover lots of things (about Lucien, vampires and their world) all through the story. Nothing was rushed.
I was so in to it that i did not felt the 240 pages!
August 15, 2010
It's impossible to give less than 5 stars to this book!
Peter, a HOT bartender of a night club, fall in love with a hot guy he see dancing, Lucien, a master vampire.
Ok, yeah, I know what you are thinking: "So what? It's a old theme".
Noooooooooooooo.... wait, I didn't finish my summary...
Without spoiling this incredible erotic M/M novel I must add some particulars...
We are talking about a hot master vampire that is always on tight leather pants, and all creatures of his coven (vampires, werewolves and shifters) are hot guys on tight leather pants... hot and horny guys on tight leather pants... get my point?
I take the risk of saying a cliché but leather pants are hot! So, imagine Peter going to live with Lucien and a bunch of horny fantastic creatures.
In my mind while Peter talk about that house (only Peter narrate the book) I imagine Lucien as Hugh Hefner (a young and hot Hugh...) but instead of girls of playboy magazines we are talking of hot gays creatures whiling to serve Peter and Lucien... so yeah... ménages à trois, voyeurism, BDSM... you name it and I will say: "yeah, happen on this book".
Another thing. It's a erotic book, so obviously it's incredible hot, but it's also a sweet love story! Lucien and Peter love is so beautiful! They are equals, and this means how much they love each other! Lucien don't try to command Peter, but to show his love, so what Peter describe is so wonderful! It's truly (sorry, cliché again) two soul mates together!
I recommend this also to who never read a M/M novel. It's a marvelous experience that you should try it! And this book is perfect! The book will show you M/M love scenes, but it's not only that! This book is about LOVE! Simple as that... what matter if it's a M/M book or not? Love is the important message this book explore, so do it! Read about true love!
Enjoy this book, and don't forget a cold drink to cool your mood... this book is really HOT!
Peter, a HOT bartender of a night club, fall in love with a hot guy he see dancing, Lucien, a master vampire.
Ok, yeah, I know what you are thinking: "So what? It's a old theme".
Noooooooooooooo.... wait, I didn't finish my summary...
Without spoiling this incredible erotic M/M novel I must add some particulars...
We are talking about a hot master vampire that is always on tight leather pants, and all creatures of his coven (vampires, werewolves and shifters) are hot guys on tight leather pants... hot and horny guys on tight leather pants... get my point?
I take the risk of saying a cliché but leather pants are hot! So, imagine Peter going to live with Lucien and a bunch of horny fantastic creatures.
In my mind while Peter talk about that house (only Peter narrate the book) I imagine Lucien as Hugh Hefner (a young and hot Hugh...) but instead of girls of playboy magazines we are talking of hot gays creatures whiling to serve Peter and Lucien... so yeah... ménages à trois, voyeurism, BDSM... you name it and I will say: "yeah, happen on this book".
Another thing. It's a erotic book, so obviously it's incredible hot, but it's also a sweet love story! Lucien and Peter love is so beautiful! They are equals, and this means how much they love each other! Lucien don't try to command Peter, but to show his love, so what Peter describe is so wonderful! It's truly (sorry, cliché again) two soul mates together!
I recommend this also to who never read a M/M novel. It's a marvelous experience that you should try it! And this book is perfect! The book will show you M/M love scenes, but it's not only that! This book is about LOVE! Simple as that... what matter if it's a M/M book or not? Love is the important message this book explore, so do it! Read about true love!
Enjoy this book, and don't forget a cold drink to cool your mood... this book is really HOT!
December 11, 2013
4.5 stars!
I just finished this book and wanted to share my opinion with you guys, even as I'm sure the book will not be for everyone! ;)
See all my coming reviews at: http://brandilynreviewsbooks.com/
The facts: The 300 page kindle edition of the book was published on June 14th, 2006 by Torquere Press. Soul Mates: Bound by Blood is book one out of 4 main books in the Soul Mates series, book 5 "Ascension" is currently in limbo, due to family issues, but will hopefully be finished in the near future.
The cover: I must sadly say that even though I know full well not to judge a book by it's cover, they do influence me. This book has been highly recommended by a few friends a few months ago, but as I didn't find the cover very appealing it has taken me longer to get around to reading it. However, since I was told it was the best vampire M/M on the market and had werewolves, it didn't stop me from reading it either :) Though I must mention that I love every other cover of the series. The others are very different, but this just wasn't my style.
The title: Wow, I really wonder how many M/M novel titles start with Bound By. I mean really, "Bound By Honor", "Bound By Nature", "Bound By Desire", "Bound By Deception", "Bound by the Enemy", ... I could go on. But then again if the title fits like it does here, I guess there's no harm done *g*
The story: So, I'm sure you have heard of PWP books. Porn without plot. I would love to rate this book PWP for porn with plot, but that would probably get confusing. Just know this: "Bound by Blood" is a very dark, very sexual and kinky book. Don't go in expecting unicorns pooping rainbows and butterflies. There are menages, different partners, pain play, blood play, edging, nipple and cock piercings, sex in public, dubious consent, bondage, ... anything the devious mind desires. Yet even though it may sound like it, it's not just sex in this book. As the main protagonist Peter says in one scene, sex is like a handshake in the book. All the darkness and sex somehow work for this book though.
I mean, it's about vampires. Since they have first been written about, vampires have been manifestations of the seductiveness of danger and death. I think the way this book handles the topic is much more appropriate than glittering, vegetarian vampires. Even if the sex seems overwhelming at times, there is a reason why it plays such an important role in Lucien Delacroix' vampire coven (which I won't give away).
While the sex is hot, kinky and boundaries-pushing, however, there is also amazing world building that creates it's own interesting vampire mythology for this series. Jourdan Lane describes a cruel, brutal world, making the love that blossoms up between the main characters all the more precious.
There is a bond between them from the beginning, a bond neither of them can deny. Even as Peter's vampire-phobia acts up after learning that the mysterious man he desires is what he fears most after a visit to the vampire bar "The Den". Even as he struggles against it, the bartender can't help to be drawn to the man, but has to learn to accept the monster in him, before he can immerse himself in the new dark and dangerous world of his lover.
The characters and dynamics are interesting and even though some parts of the story were hard to read for me, I wasn't able to put the book out of my hands, because I wanted to know what would happen next. The story was clever and exciting and it felt like whenever I stumbled over a plot hole, an emergency crew came to fill the hole and explain why there really wasn't a hole to begin with. I didn't have a problem following the story and it never left me bored or uninterested, the sex was plenteous but always different and exciting. Overall, one of the best vampire stories I've read and highly recommendable, if the previous paragraphs didn't scare you off the book. Excited to continue the journey. Join me!
I just finished this book and wanted to share my opinion with you guys, even as I'm sure the book will not be for everyone! ;)
See all my coming reviews at: http://brandilynreviewsbooks.com/
The facts: The 300 page kindle edition of the book was published on June 14th, 2006 by Torquere Press. Soul Mates: Bound by Blood is book one out of 4 main books in the Soul Mates series, book 5 "Ascension" is currently in limbo, due to family issues, but will hopefully be finished in the near future.
The cover: I must sadly say that even though I know full well not to judge a book by it's cover, they do influence me. This book has been highly recommended by a few friends a few months ago, but as I didn't find the cover very appealing it has taken me longer to get around to reading it. However, since I was told it was the best vampire M/M on the market and had werewolves, it didn't stop me from reading it either :) Though I must mention that I love every other cover of the series. The others are very different, but this just wasn't my style.
The title: Wow, I really wonder how many M/M novel titles start with Bound By. I mean really, "Bound By Honor", "Bound By Nature", "Bound By Desire", "Bound By Deception", "Bound by the Enemy", ... I could go on. But then again if the title fits like it does here, I guess there's no harm done *g*
The story: So, I'm sure you have heard of PWP books. Porn without plot. I would love to rate this book PWP for porn with plot, but that would probably get confusing. Just know this: "Bound by Blood" is a very dark, very sexual and kinky book. Don't go in expecting unicorns pooping rainbows and butterflies. There are menages, different partners, pain play, blood play, edging, nipple and cock piercings, sex in public, dubious consent, bondage, ... anything the devious mind desires. Yet even though it may sound like it, it's not just sex in this book. As the main protagonist Peter says in one scene, sex is like a handshake in the book. All the darkness and sex somehow work for this book though.
I mean, it's about vampires. Since they have first been written about, vampires have been manifestations of the seductiveness of danger and death. I think the way this book handles the topic is much more appropriate than glittering, vegetarian vampires. Even if the sex seems overwhelming at times, there is a reason why it plays such an important role in Lucien Delacroix' vampire coven (which I won't give away).
While the sex is hot, kinky and boundaries-pushing, however, there is also amazing world building that creates it's own interesting vampire mythology for this series. Jourdan Lane describes a cruel, brutal world, making the love that blossoms up between the main characters all the more precious.
There is a bond between them from the beginning, a bond neither of them can deny. Even as Peter's vampire-phobia acts up after learning that the mysterious man he desires is what he fears most after a visit to the vampire bar "The Den". Even as he struggles against it, the bartender can't help to be drawn to the man, but has to learn to accept the monster in him, before he can immerse himself in the new dark and dangerous world of his lover.
The characters and dynamics are interesting and even though some parts of the story were hard to read for me, I wasn't able to put the book out of my hands, because I wanted to know what would happen next. The story was clever and exciting and it felt like whenever I stumbled over a plot hole, an emergency crew came to fill the hole and explain why there really wasn't a hole to begin with. I didn't have a problem following the story and it never left me bored or uninterested, the sex was plenteous but always different and exciting. Overall, one of the best vampire stories I've read and highly recommendable, if the previous paragraphs didn't scare you off the book. Excited to continue the journey. Join me!
December 12, 2017
This first book in the Soul Mates series is a fabulous introduction to a dark and dangerous world populated by Vampires and Werewolves and other supernatural beings. This is much more than a romance book, it's filled with action, violence, dark and sometimes uncontrollable desires, seriously hot sex and two men, one human and the other vampire, who will come together to form a bond for the ages.
When Peter Hayes first sees Lucien Delacroix he thinks he's just another gorgeous guy dancing at club Rave, he has no idea the sexy man is a Master Vampire. Peter is not comfortable with vampires, in fact he fears and mistrusts them, so how he could possibly be so attracted to one is a question that will plague him for a while. But over time his attraction to Lucien, and Lucien's obvious attraction and caring for him, will allow him to overcome his fears. As the weeks go by their mutual attraction will turn into friendship and love. Once the issue of Peter's fears are dealt with they will come together with a fire that could literally burn you as you read their story. They are HOT together.
Peter also has to deal with finding his place in Lucien's world and he will learn that there is so much more to Lucien than he ever dreamed of. This is a world of danger, intrigue, betrayal, blood and sex and Peter will never again be the same. There are situations that must be dealt with such as rogues, hunters and murders and the action is at times very bloody and gory.
While Peter and Lucien are most definitely in love with each other this is not a story of boy meets boy, they fall in love and live happily ever after in a totally monogamous relationship. Yes they are in love and committed to each other but they also, both together and separately, share themselves with others. These are not normal everyday men, even Peter will eventually become something more, not quite a vampire but no longer totally human, and normal behavior just doesn't apply in this world that Ms Lane has created. That is part of what makes this story so different from other vampire books yet so very good also. I for one am very glad she's brought these great characters to life just as they are, at times violent, highly sexual and very loving.
When Peter Hayes first sees Lucien Delacroix he thinks he's just another gorgeous guy dancing at club Rave, he has no idea the sexy man is a Master Vampire. Peter is not comfortable with vampires, in fact he fears and mistrusts them, so how he could possibly be so attracted to one is a question that will plague him for a while. But over time his attraction to Lucien, and Lucien's obvious attraction and caring for him, will allow him to overcome his fears. As the weeks go by their mutual attraction will turn into friendship and love. Once the issue of Peter's fears are dealt with they will come together with a fire that could literally burn you as you read their story. They are HOT together.
Peter also has to deal with finding his place in Lucien's world and he will learn that there is so much more to Lucien than he ever dreamed of. This is a world of danger, intrigue, betrayal, blood and sex and Peter will never again be the same. There are situations that must be dealt with such as rogues, hunters and murders and the action is at times very bloody and gory.
While Peter and Lucien are most definitely in love with each other this is not a story of boy meets boy, they fall in love and live happily ever after in a totally monogamous relationship. Yes they are in love and committed to each other but they also, both together and separately, share themselves with others. These are not normal everyday men, even Peter will eventually become something more, not quite a vampire but no longer totally human, and normal behavior just doesn't apply in this world that Ms Lane has created. That is part of what makes this story so different from other vampire books yet so very good also. I for one am very glad she's brought these great characters to life just as they are, at times violent, highly sexual and very loving.
October 15, 2017
Sadly, this is another reread that doesn't stand the test of time. The writing is still solid, and there's a great plot in the second half of the book. However, I wasn't as sold on the relationship developement. We see Peter and Lucien meet at the bar, share a dance, we see Peter looking for Lucien, some weird astral projection thing, and then we are told that Lucien's been coming ot the bar every night, but we aren't actually shown any of the details.
I've said before, and I'll say it again- this series reads like an Anita Blake slash AU fic. Lucien is just like Jean Claude, a sexy French master vampire, with werewolves as servants and guards, and there is LOTS of sex. Super good, hot, sexy sex, but lots of it. My rating would still be a solid 4, if only the relationship developement had been shown on page, but it's only 3.5 for me now.
I've said before, and I'll say it again- this series reads like an Anita Blake slash AU fic. Lucien is just like Jean Claude, a sexy French master vampire, with werewolves as servants and guards, and there is LOTS of sex. Super good, hot, sexy sex, but lots of it. My rating would still be a solid 4, if only the relationship developement had been shown on page, but it's only 3.5 for me now.
no
June 12, 2021Barely into chapter 2 and the vampire MC already shows creepy rapist tendencies. So thanks but no thanks. I realize this is just fantasy, but it's definitely not my cup of tea.
And thank fuck I read the sample before buying this.
ETA: After thinking it over, I realized I don't really mind the whole "don't touch me please fuck me" trope that a lot of fated mates stories have, it just seems awfully rapey and creepy in this particular scene, enough that I don't want to bother with reading the book.
And thank fuck I read the sample before buying this.
ETA: After thinking it over, I realized I don't really mind the whole "don't touch me please fuck me" trope that a lot of fated mates stories have, it just seems awfully rapey and creepy in this particular scene, enough that I don't want to bother with reading the book.
October 14, 2014
September 28- ??, 2013
I picked up this series for the second time because... well, mostly because I kept thinking about it for some reason and couldn't remember the details, so I decided to revisit it. I'll see how I feel about it when I'm finished. I'm not reading it constantly. It's got to much sex to be a read at work on my break book. I'm sort of picking it up no and again between books or as I'm falling asleep because I already know what happens and I don't have that obsessive need to read just one more paragraph/page/chapter before going to bed.
Jun 23-24, 2010
Probably more of a solid 3.5 stars. This book was not what I was expecting, but I liked it.
Bound by Blood is the first in the Soul Mates series. In the world of this series, Vampires are just common knowledge and a mostly accepted species although it seems that the other creatures in the world (Weres, demons etc..) exist but are not necessarily common knowledge. Peter is a bartender at a gay bar in Houston. He has set some strict rules for himself about how life is... no one night stands with anyone he might have to see again and avoid vampires at all cost. Lucien is the Master Vampire of the local vampire coven and has his sites set on Peter.
That's about all I can really say about the general plot because as a whole the story is a little all over the place. They meet and there is obviously resistance and really it's a romance story so it's no surprise that they get together... it's just that the best part of the story is always the how they get together and the struggles to get there. In this story, it just seems to happen. As does everything else in the book. We're meeting people and they are happy, then jealous, then horny, then in love, then angry, then in love... it's a real roller coaster and not always in a good way.
It seems to me that there were a bunch of short stories that got threaded together in an attempt to make a cohesive book, but didn't quite make it. There is the story of Lucien & Peter and their beginning, and that is resolved pretty quickly. Then we are dealing with Peter & Lucien taking their relationship to a more serious level. Then we're onto the Coven politics and the ranking in the coven. This leads to Peter finding his place in the Coven and the really intense amount of sex with Peter, Lucien and other coven members. Next people and vamps are turning up dead and we have to figure out who is doing it and why. Finally mystery solved and one random story line that I suspect was to set up the next book in some small way.
This book is not for the faint of heart, as Peter & Lucien, can barely contain themselves (not that I am complaining about that), and they also as often as not are having sex with other members of the coven as well problem is you just don't always know why.
The thing that was missing for me, was some really important information about how the whole vampire thing works in this universe. I mean it gets hinted at, but never really fully explained. I know that Peter is human and bound by blood to Lucien and that Lucien has made him part of the coven and his partner which will lead to a longer life for Peter. But Peter has started to take blood during sexual play and now it sounds like his longer life will not last as long because of it, maybe, but I'm not certain because it never quite gets explained.
I know, my review is a little all over the place as well, but believe me, there is some really mushy sweet sentimental loving moments and a lot of hot m/m and m/m/m sex, and a little bit of action as well, so it's not bad at all. And I'm absolutely going to read the next book. I have checked the author's website and there is an update from about a week ago that said the 5th book in this series is coming out, but she's not sure when because it has been put on hold for the moment. So maybe I'll take my time reading these...
I picked up this series for the second time because... well, mostly because I kept thinking about it for some reason and couldn't remember the details, so I decided to revisit it. I'll see how I feel about it when I'm finished. I'm not reading it constantly. It's got to much sex to be a read at work on my break book. I'm sort of picking it up no and again between books or as I'm falling asleep because I already know what happens and I don't have that obsessive need to read just one more paragraph/page/chapter before going to bed.
Jun 23-24, 2010
Probably more of a solid 3.5 stars. This book was not what I was expecting, but I liked it.
Bound by Blood is the first in the Soul Mates series. In the world of this series, Vampires are just common knowledge and a mostly accepted species although it seems that the other creatures in the world (Weres, demons etc..) exist but are not necessarily common knowledge. Peter is a bartender at a gay bar in Houston. He has set some strict rules for himself about how life is... no one night stands with anyone he might have to see again and avoid vampires at all cost. Lucien is the Master Vampire of the local vampire coven and has his sites set on Peter.
That's about all I can really say about the general plot because as a whole the story is a little all over the place. They meet and there is obviously resistance and really it's a romance story so it's no surprise that they get together... it's just that the best part of the story is always the how they get together and the struggles to get there. In this story, it just seems to happen. As does everything else in the book. We're meeting people and they are happy, then jealous, then horny, then in love, then angry, then in love... it's a real roller coaster and not always in a good way.
It seems to me that there were a bunch of short stories that got threaded together in an attempt to make a cohesive book, but didn't quite make it. There is the story of Lucien & Peter and their beginning, and that is resolved pretty quickly. Then we are dealing with Peter & Lucien taking their relationship to a more serious level. Then we're onto the Coven politics and the ranking in the coven. This leads to Peter finding his place in the Coven and the really intense amount of sex with Peter, Lucien and other coven members. Next people and vamps are turning up dead and we have to figure out who is doing it and why. Finally mystery solved and one random story line that I suspect was to set up the next book in some small way.
This book is not for the faint of heart, as Peter & Lucien, can barely contain themselves (not that I am complaining about that), and they also as often as not are having sex with other members of the coven as well problem is you just don't always know why.
The thing that was missing for me, was some really important information about how the whole vampire thing works in this universe. I mean it gets hinted at, but never really fully explained. I know that Peter is human and bound by blood to Lucien and that Lucien has made him part of the coven and his partner which will lead to a longer life for Peter. But Peter has started to take blood during sexual play and now it sounds like his longer life will not last as long because of it, maybe, but I'm not certain because it never quite gets explained.
I know, my review is a little all over the place as well, but believe me, there is some really mushy sweet sentimental loving moments and a lot of hot m/m and m/m/m sex, and a little bit of action as well, so it's not bad at all. And I'm absolutely going to read the next book. I have checked the author's website and there is an update from about a week ago that said the 5th book in this series is coming out, but she's not sure when because it has been put on hold for the moment. So maybe I'll take my time reading these...
September 25, 2011
^^SEX, BLOOD, VAMPIRES, WOLVES AND ALL THAT IS IN-BETWEEN!^^
Check out my reviews and all other things M/M at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
Warning: This book contains multiple partners, the best uses of blood. Some awesome human/vamp loving mixed in with a wolf. Nipple piercing, a Prince Albert, and the best use of leather.
This book was a trip, never expected it to be this awesmazing; but it was. Over 300 pages of vamp sex goodness and all that is in-between. It was action packed, sweet, and incredibly take your pants off sexy. The epidemy of what is vampire, the blood, the sultriness. Just a freaking enjoyable read that I had to gobble it up.
We meet Peter a bartender at a club. Has a best friend by the name of Jack who he occasionally gets naked with, but the friendship is strong people, cus sex between them is just sex. It seems that vampires exist in Peter’s world and he terrified of them, due to an incident at a club he once visited. Therefore, he is very wary of them. There is man who comes dancing at the club that he works at, and he cant take his eyes off him. To say he’s attracted is an understatement, but life has ways of fucking with you, and the guy Peter wants like nobody’s business is a vampire.
Lucien is a master vampire, with his own coven to run, but he see’s and wants Peter. Peter is scared of vampires, and Lucien is unable to change who he is. The attraction is mutual but there can be no relationship until Peter lets go and accepts that they aren’t the monsters he thinks they are, he just happened to witness that one bad thing. Lucien pursues him, and with a series of lows, he finally lands Peter.
Peter is thrown into a world of vampires, wolves, and sex. As Lucien’s chosen mate, he is instantly upped on the status bar. Seems that when you are up, something is always trying to pull you down. Peter has to prove he is able to stand by Lucien and all that his power entails. Also means he has to have sex with everyone who lives in Lucien’s home, and I aint complaining not one damn bit.
This book is sex with plot, or should I sayporn (nope), that offers up great little twist and turns. And Lucien and Peter are quite entertaining with all their bed partners, and the way they constantly bicker at each other. Lucien is the uber scary but sweet master vampire, and Peter is his feisty little bonded mate. Together they just fit and it makes the book work. It’s the perfect gay vampire novel.
The use of sex and blood was just done perfectly, and never felt like too much. It’s like a throw back to what vampires use to be about, sex, lust and violence. It reminds me of Interview With the Vampire, if Lestat had bent that other guy over and all his other vamp friends(the dreams). I really enjoyed it and look forward to rest in the series. Something about all that blood (used in hawt ways) and sex, I am just really feeling right now. Enjoyed every page, and every man that was in Peter and Lucien’s bed and I was kinda hoping the author would have added a few more, there was teasing but it wasn’t delivered. Book 2 will hopefully create the awesome five, Peter, Lucien, Caleb, Xander, Christopher, awe bloody hell I could go on all day.
Check out my reviews and all other things M/M at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
Warning: This book contains multiple partners, the best uses of blood. Some awesome human/vamp loving mixed in with a wolf. Nipple piercing, a Prince Albert, and the best use of leather.
This book was a trip, never expected it to be this awesmazing; but it was. Over 300 pages of vamp sex goodness and all that is in-between. It was action packed, sweet, and incredibly take your pants off sexy. The epidemy of what is vampire, the blood, the sultriness. Just a freaking enjoyable read that I had to gobble it up.
We meet Peter a bartender at a club. Has a best friend by the name of Jack who he occasionally gets naked with, but the friendship is strong people, cus sex between them is just sex. It seems that vampires exist in Peter’s world and he terrified of them, due to an incident at a club he once visited. Therefore, he is very wary of them. There is man who comes dancing at the club that he works at, and he cant take his eyes off him. To say he’s attracted is an understatement, but life has ways of fucking with you, and the guy Peter wants like nobody’s business is a vampire.
Lucien is a master vampire, with his own coven to run, but he see’s and wants Peter. Peter is scared of vampires, and Lucien is unable to change who he is. The attraction is mutual but there can be no relationship until Peter lets go and accepts that they aren’t the monsters he thinks they are, he just happened to witness that one bad thing. Lucien pursues him, and with a series of lows, he finally lands Peter.
Peter is thrown into a world of vampires, wolves, and sex. As Lucien’s chosen mate, he is instantly upped on the status bar. Seems that when you are up, something is always trying to pull you down. Peter has to prove he is able to stand by Lucien and all that his power entails. Also means he has to have sex with everyone who lives in Lucien’s home, and I aint complaining not one damn bit.
This book is sex with plot, or should I say
The use of sex and blood was just done perfectly, and never felt like too much. It’s like a throw back to what vampires use to be about, sex, lust and violence. It reminds me of Interview With the Vampire, if Lestat had bent that other guy over and all his other vamp friends(the dreams). I really enjoyed it and look forward to rest in the series. Something about all that blood (used in hawt ways) and sex, I am just really feeling right now. Enjoyed every page, and every man that was in Peter and Lucien’s bed and I was kinda hoping the author would have added a few more, there was teasing but it wasn’t delivered. Book 2 will hopefully create the awesome five, Peter, Lucien, Caleb, Xander, Christopher, awe bloody hell I could go on all day.
April 18, 2009
3.5 stars
I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. It was certainly an enjoyable read, but it was a little hard to follow.
Both the plot and the emotions of the characters seemed to be all over the map. One minute we're happy, the next we're sad, the next we're mad, then we're happy again, and then we're horny, and then we're sappy, then we're mad again, then we're scared, and then we're happy. All exactly that abrupt, and with little explanation why. It was worse than my old bipolar roommate.
The plot was less cohesive story than it was a series of vignettes loosely tied together in order to support a LOT of sex. Sex between the two main characters, sure, but also with pretty much everyone else in the coven as well. Which I have no problem with, really, but like everything else in the book, it just seemed really random most of the time. I kind of wish she had picked one or two secondary characters, and one or two storylines and stuck with them instead of cramming so many stories in there. Nothing in it was really all that satisfying. It seemed like she would bring up some interesting aspect of a character or a relationship, or some intriguing piece of backstory, and then two paragraphs later it was all okay and we're on to the next.
And everyone was just a little too accepting of Peter, and too lovey dovey mushy with each other. We're all this one big happy family full of love and caring... a nice sentiment, but kind of boring in a vampire novel. Peter and Lucien's relationship felt too rushed, as well.
So despite my complaints, I did like the book and I will definitely read the next one. I just hope she can make the plot a little tighter in the next one, and allow herself to really explore the conflict instead of introducing one, resolving it, then introducing another every few pages.
I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. It was certainly an enjoyable read, but it was a little hard to follow.
Both the plot and the emotions of the characters seemed to be all over the map. One minute we're happy, the next we're sad, the next we're mad, then we're happy again, and then we're horny, and then we're sappy, then we're mad again, then we're scared, and then we're happy. All exactly that abrupt, and with little explanation why. It was worse than my old bipolar roommate.
The plot was less cohesive story than it was a series of vignettes loosely tied together in order to support a LOT of sex. Sex between the two main characters, sure, but also with pretty much everyone else in the coven as well. Which I have no problem with, really, but like everything else in the book, it just seemed really random most of the time. I kind of wish she had picked one or two secondary characters, and one or two storylines and stuck with them instead of cramming so many stories in there. Nothing in it was really all that satisfying. It seemed like she would bring up some interesting aspect of a character or a relationship, or some intriguing piece of backstory, and then two paragraphs later it was all okay and we're on to the next.
And everyone was just a little too accepting of Peter, and too lovey dovey mushy with each other. We're all this one big happy family full of love and caring... a nice sentiment, but kind of boring in a vampire novel. Peter and Lucien's relationship felt too rushed, as well.
So despite my complaints, I did like the book and I will definitely read the next one. I just hope she can make the plot a little tighter in the next one, and allow herself to really explore the conflict instead of introducing one, resolving it, then introducing another every few pages.
Want to read
July 31, 2014Free at ARe until 8/2/14!!
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September 11, 2016
This book is basically the Anita Blake series with a male lead. And this is not a good thing.
French, nightclub-owning incubus vampire? Check
Werewolves that serve vampires? Check
Protagonist who starts off hating vampires? Check
A long series of sex scenes vaguely strung together by plot? Check
Seriously, it started out so well. I liked Peter and his initial introduction to Lucien. But then it started to go horribly wrong.
Peter went from fearing vampires to being in love with one far too fast. ‘Three months later’ just doesn’t cut it. Don’t tell me they fell in love, show me. He goes from someone freaked out by the supernatural to someone who doesn’t blink an eye at blood ceremonies.
There is a huge lack of world-building here. Vampires are out of the coffin but we are never told how that happened or what the repercussions were. The author mentions ‘Hunters’ a couple of times but that’s it. There are almost no women mentioned at all. Anywhere.
Lucien astral-projects into Peter’s bedroom twice. It’s never really explained and the author never really goes anywhere with it.
At one point Peter is attacked by a group of (I can't remember what they were called). They were never mentioned again. Not what they were, where the came from or why they were hunting Peter.
Towards the end of the book Peter, Lucien and co. go after some other vampires and Peter says ‘Isn’t it a good thing I got all that weapons training.’ (I’m paraphrasing). When did this happen? Because I saw Peter doing was having lots and lots and lots of sex followed by the occasional dinner of steak.
In the end it felt like the author started writing a boy meets vampire book, got bored and skipped all the falling in love, the world-building, the plot and jumped straight into the mansion filled with pretty gay human/vampire/werewolves.
-----------
Slash review
There’s a lot of sex in this book. And I mean a lot. I think almost every character in the book is gay and happily involved with someone. There are threesome’s, bondage, blood-play, Sex in public, blokes strolling around naked... it's porn without plot. If that's your bag, you're going to love it.
French, nightclub-owning incubus vampire? Check
Werewolves that serve vampires? Check
Protagonist who starts off hating vampires? Check
A long series of sex scenes vaguely strung together by plot? Check
Seriously, it started out so well. I liked Peter and his initial introduction to Lucien. But then it started to go horribly wrong.
Peter went from fearing vampires to being in love with one far too fast. ‘Three months later’ just doesn’t cut it. Don’t tell me they fell in love, show me. He goes from someone freaked out by the supernatural to someone who doesn’t blink an eye at blood ceremonies.
There is a huge lack of world-building here. Vampires are out of the coffin but we are never told how that happened or what the repercussions were. The author mentions ‘Hunters’ a couple of times but that’s it. There are almost no women mentioned at all. Anywhere.
Lucien astral-projects into Peter’s bedroom twice. It’s never really explained and the author never really goes anywhere with it.
At one point Peter is attacked by a group of (I can't remember what they were called). They were never mentioned again. Not what they were, where the came from or why they were hunting Peter.
Towards the end of the book Peter, Lucien and co. go after some other vampires and Peter says ‘Isn’t it a good thing I got all that weapons training.’ (I’m paraphrasing). When did this happen? Because I saw Peter doing was having lots and lots and lots of sex followed by the occasional dinner of steak.
In the end it felt like the author started writing a boy meets vampire book, got bored and skipped all the falling in love, the world-building, the plot and jumped straight into the mansion filled with pretty gay human/vampire/werewolves.
-----------
Slash review
There’s a lot of sex in this book. And I mean a lot. I think almost every character in the book is gay and happily involved with someone. There are threesome’s, bondage, blood-play, Sex in public, blokes strolling around naked... it's porn without plot. If that's your bag, you're going to love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2010
Holy fucking hell................I don't even know where to start w/ this book. Did I love it? HELL YEAH! Was it completely insane, erotic AND................had a good storyline? OH YEAH!!
First off, this was my very FIRST in this m/m genre. Not a woman in sight! lol This was the most erotic book that I've ever read. I felt the connection jumping out of the pages between Lucien and Peter, between Peter and Xander, between Peter and Caleb, between Lucien, Peter AND Caleb.....lol The connections were ALL OVER THIS book. I found myself trying to visualize the scene after the bonding ceremony between, Peter, Lucien and Caleb (wondering how it was physically possible,lol). It's dirty and raw BUT..........at the same time, sweet and tender and very loving. Hard to believe but it was.
Now.......with all this sex going on, you'd probably think that the story was lacking. NOT!!!!!!!! I was intrigued and can't wait to find out what "trouble" is coming, if Peter is going to make the decision to turn etc........
I have a pretty open mind and now that I've "discovered" this genre I'm going to search out MORE of these books............that's AFTER I take a cold shower and climb off my husband................GOOD GOD THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ONLY thing this book could have had were illustrations to go w/ the visuals I had going on in my head.........lol
First off, this was my very FIRST in this m/m genre. Not a woman in sight! lol This was the most erotic book that I've ever read. I felt the connection jumping out of the pages between Lucien and Peter, between Peter and Xander, between Peter and Caleb, between Lucien, Peter AND Caleb.....lol The connections were ALL OVER THIS book. I found myself trying to visualize the scene after the bonding ceremony between, Peter, Lucien and Caleb (wondering how it was physically possible,lol). It's dirty and raw BUT..........at the same time, sweet and tender and very loving. Hard to believe but it was.
Now.......with all this sex going on, you'd probably think that the story was lacking. NOT!!!!!!!! I was intrigued and can't wait to find out what "trouble" is coming, if Peter is going to make the decision to turn etc........
I have a pretty open mind and now that I've "discovered" this genre I'm going to search out MORE of these books............that's AFTER I take a cold shower and climb off my husband................GOOD GOD THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ONLY thing this book could have had were illustrations to go w/ the visuals I had going on in my head.........lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2010
EXCELLENT !!!! The Best M/M EROTICA Read I have ever read - It was HOT!!!!!
Not only was the sex hot but the vampire/were-wolf story was excellent and I can't wait to read the next books in this series. I loved all the characters, so dam sexy and full of passion. The sex scenes were so hot that I couldn't help but go attack my husband several times with in a 24 hour period (laughing out loud).
Lucien and Peter are awesome and have the perfect connection. The sex scenes are dirty and raw, but at the same time, sweet and tender and very loving. The bedroom talk was so sexy and sweetly touching and at times even funny to the point I found myself laughing out loud.
I love this quote from Peter; it’s so romantic and shows how much love there is between them.
"My body, my blood, and my heart... It's all yours, Lucien."
I look forward to reading the next book in the series “Deceptions”
Not only was the sex hot but the vampire/were-wolf story was excellent and I can't wait to read the next books in this series. I loved all the characters, so dam sexy and full of passion. The sex scenes were so hot that I couldn't help but go attack my husband several times with in a 24 hour period (laughing out loud).
Lucien and Peter are awesome and have the perfect connection. The sex scenes are dirty and raw, but at the same time, sweet and tender and very loving. The bedroom talk was so sexy and sweetly touching and at times even funny to the point I found myself laughing out loud.
I love this quote from Peter; it’s so romantic and shows how much love there is between them.
"My body, my blood, and my heart... It's all yours, Lucien."
I look forward to reading the next book in the series “Deceptions”
March 11, 2014
I liked this book, but....this was a sex fest from beginning to end. The corniness was so that the MC felt like a female heroine. The plot was all over the place, and the shifts in the characters' attitudes from one sentence to the next was driving me nuts. There were many loose ends, and many things were left unexplained, but this is a series, so maybe everything will be clearer after reading the following books.
If you're looking for a HOT book and don't mind the plot or the characterization too much, give this a try.
If you're looking for a HOT book and don't mind the plot or the characterization too much, give this a try.
July 21, 2022
This book contains graphic non-consensual sex between main characters.
It's advertised as a romance. The description doesn't mention this being a dark romance, and there are no content warnings for this book.
Unexpected non-con is the absolute worst.
It's advertised as a romance. The description doesn't mention this being a dark romance, and there are no content warnings for this book.
Unexpected non-con is the absolute worst.
September 2, 2014
Sinfully good!
I don't give out 5 stars easily, but I had to join the chorus of rave reviews about this book. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. First off, it's a healthy 360+ pages, a welcome find in this genre. I won't go into too much detail plotwise, as others have done a great job on that. I will say that the author does a wonderful job slowly and sensually building this story up from a 'first encounter' to an intense and loving mating. No 'MINE' or 'MATE' five seconds after meeting for Lucien and Peter. No, no, no, that has been done to death. :-) Peter is at first afraid of, and disgusted by, vampires but Lucien slowly earns his trust, even as they deal with their mutual attraction. This book will leave a warm, fuzzy feeling in your gut as you read it. You will cheer Lucien and Peter on and gently nudge them towards each other. Major kudos to the author for taking the time to realistically build a romance and storyline that work.
Sex - there is ALOT of it. ALOT! Many, many instances, with numerous partners, sometimes at the same time. Lucien and Peter are not monogamous, but somehow the scenes are saved from being tacky or 'sex just for sex's sake'. I was never inclined to skip them as I am with other authors. The scenes are always different and there is almost always something else going on (an exchange of trust, a resolution to a situation) etc. More importantly, they are scorching! Peter and Lucien are wonderful together, and Peter's transition into the 'underworld' is realistically paced and shows him as a strong person, without turning him into an annoying brat. I agree with the other reviewer who says the author kept both men 'male', something that was quite refreshing. The secondary characters - Xander, Caleb (yum), Jack and Mike are all extremely complementary to the main plot and I fell in love with them.
One of the main things I liked about this book is that everything was centralized around Lucien and Peter. There was no breaking away from them to go to some secondary or tertiary plot (a murder etc etc) that I could care less about. Even though vampires are being murdered, Lucien and Peter are front and center so you never feel like you're getting either one storyline or the other. The only thing I'll say is that I wish the author had let us know that Peter had done some weapons training before he actually threw him into a fight where he was rolling on his back and shooting vampires. For all of two pages, I was like, 'Wow, didn't know watching a few videos could turn a bartender into an arms expert.' LOL. Once it was mentioned the Lucien had had him practicing I felt better.
I will definitely read this book again and I'm going now to order Book 2! I want to read some Caleb/Xander. They deserve their own pairing.
I don't give out 5 stars easily, but I had to join the chorus of rave reviews about this book. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. First off, it's a healthy 360+ pages, a welcome find in this genre. I won't go into too much detail plotwise, as others have done a great job on that. I will say that the author does a wonderful job slowly and sensually building this story up from a 'first encounter' to an intense and loving mating. No 'MINE' or 'MATE' five seconds after meeting for Lucien and Peter. No, no, no, that has been done to death. :-) Peter is at first afraid of, and disgusted by, vampires but Lucien slowly earns his trust, even as they deal with their mutual attraction. This book will leave a warm, fuzzy feeling in your gut as you read it. You will cheer Lucien and Peter on and gently nudge them towards each other. Major kudos to the author for taking the time to realistically build a romance and storyline that work.
Sex - there is ALOT of it. ALOT! Many, many instances, with numerous partners, sometimes at the same time. Lucien and Peter are not monogamous, but somehow the scenes are saved from being tacky or 'sex just for sex's sake'. I was never inclined to skip them as I am with other authors. The scenes are always different and there is almost always something else going on (an exchange of trust, a resolution to a situation) etc. More importantly, they are scorching! Peter and Lucien are wonderful together, and Peter's transition into the 'underworld' is realistically paced and shows him as a strong person, without turning him into an annoying brat. I agree with the other reviewer who says the author kept both men 'male', something that was quite refreshing. The secondary characters - Xander, Caleb (yum), Jack and Mike are all extremely complementary to the main plot and I fell in love with them.
One of the main things I liked about this book is that everything was centralized around Lucien and Peter. There was no breaking away from them to go to some secondary or tertiary plot (a murder etc etc) that I could care less about. Even though vampires are being murdered, Lucien and Peter are front and center so you never feel like you're getting either one storyline or the other. The only thing I'll say is that I wish the author had let us know that Peter had done some weapons training before he actually threw him into a fight where he was rolling on his back and shooting vampires. For all of two pages, I was like, 'Wow, didn't know watching a few videos could turn a bartender into an arms expert.' LOL. Once it was mentioned the Lucien had had him practicing I felt better.
I will definitely read this book again and I'm going now to order Book 2! I want to read some Caleb/Xander. They deserve their own pairing.
December 15, 2008
Wow! This was a fantastic book. It has a very in-depth plot and its such a fantastic romance!
Peter is a bartender at Rave... he enjoys his job but has no one in particular to share it with. One evening he sees the most beautiful man dancing by himself on the dance floor. He leaves the bar to dance one song, then the man is gone. A few weeks later then man introduces himself as Lucien. He is not only gorgeous, but also the Master Vampire of the city. Peter is extremely scared of Vampires and almost loses Lucien to his own insecurities before they are finally able to make things work.
Once Peter is involved in Lucien's life, he realizes that there is a lot of trouble that comes with being involved with a master vampire. Rogue vampires, werewolves and other scary things threaten the relationship that Peter and Lucien have just begun to create. Things are going to get a lot worse, before they get better.
The chemistry between Lucien and Peter is outstanding. The sex is so hot and yet so emotional at the same time. There was never a doubt in my mind while I was reading this that they cared more for each other than they ever had for anyone else. Did I say the sex was hot? Whew!
The story was very engrossing and I loved all the secondary characters. I know this is the beginning of a series that I am going to be totally hooked on and wont be able to quit until I've read every. last. book.
If you like vampires, werewolves, hot m/m sex and lots of action, this book is definitely for you!
Peter is a bartender at Rave... he enjoys his job but has no one in particular to share it with. One evening he sees the most beautiful man dancing by himself on the dance floor. He leaves the bar to dance one song, then the man is gone. A few weeks later then man introduces himself as Lucien. He is not only gorgeous, but also the Master Vampire of the city. Peter is extremely scared of Vampires and almost loses Lucien to his own insecurities before they are finally able to make things work.
Once Peter is involved in Lucien's life, he realizes that there is a lot of trouble that comes with being involved with a master vampire. Rogue vampires, werewolves and other scary things threaten the relationship that Peter and Lucien have just begun to create. Things are going to get a lot worse, before they get better.
The chemistry between Lucien and Peter is outstanding. The sex is so hot and yet so emotional at the same time. There was never a doubt in my mind while I was reading this that they cared more for each other than they ever had for anyone else. Did I say the sex was hot? Whew!
The story was very engrossing and I loved all the secondary characters. I know this is the beginning of a series that I am going to be totally hooked on and wont be able to quit until I've read every. last. book.
If you like vampires, werewolves, hot m/m sex and lots of action, this book is definitely for you!
August 21, 2019
This story was not quite what I was expecting, and I'm still a bit conflicted as to my feelings about it as a whole because while I did rather enjoy it, there were also some aspects about it that I found lacking and ultimately a bit disappointing. For one, it was very light on plot. Also, it seemed to weave back and forth over that line between erotic romance and erotica, which didn't really work for me. Yet despite that, I still found myself unable to put it down.
I thought the writing was very good, and the relationship between Lucien and Peter was exciting and intriguing in the beginning, but my emotional connection to the main characters and their developing relationship instantly evaporated once the random sex scenes with other characters began. Normally I would put a book down at that point, but the sex scenes were just too damn hot. And I think that's pretty much the only thing that kept me turning the pages...once I accepted the fact that I didn't really care about the relationship anymore and just continued solely for the stroke factor.
This was my first book by this author, and even though I only gave it 3 stars, the writing style was so good (and the sex scenes so hot) that I'll definitely give her work another try in the future. I just need to be more careful of content next time, because I'm not a fan of casual sex and multiple partners in a romance story...with the exception of menage, if done right and where all parties involved are faithful to each other.
I thought the writing was very good, and the relationship between Lucien and Peter was exciting and intriguing in the beginning, but my emotional connection to the main characters and their developing relationship instantly evaporated once the random sex scenes with other characters began. Normally I would put a book down at that point, but the sex scenes were just too damn hot. And I think that's pretty much the only thing that kept me turning the pages...once I accepted the fact that I didn't really care about the relationship anymore and just continued solely for the stroke factor.
This was my first book by this author, and even though I only gave it 3 stars, the writing style was so good (and the sex scenes so hot) that I'll definitely give her work another try in the future. I just need to be more careful of content next time, because I'm not a fan of casual sex and multiple partners in a romance story...with the exception of menage, if done right and where all parties involved are faithful to each other.
February 12, 2011
I've read all kinds of vampires and all kinds of M/M, yet the books I've read that combine those things... maybe two books total? Yeah, not my usual genre for some reason.
I picked up this one just because it was liked by so many of my friends, I wanted to read vampires for a change and it was a beginning of a series. Also, the length of the book was a plus, I like long books.
Now, I know some people might claim this is a bit PWP-ish. Yes, I said it. There's plenty of sex. BUT, I also liked that it's all justified by the hedonistic, more carnal ways of the vampires (well the world beyond human world, as it may be). So yes, it drips sex but there's a reason for it, a reason which, for me personally, was enough. That's not the case in all books with plenty of sex, mind you.
The vampires were enjoyable. I liked that they weren't explained to bits, most things we find out about them come from the main character's thoughts and actions, not listed as in they are in so many vampire fiction sources. For example, we learn that sunlight burns them via the blinds-episode, learn about silver via the chains and the bullets etc.
The plot, and there is a plot even though it's merely setting the scene for the series, is a good one. Maybe some things are too easy and there wasn't a 'wow'-factor for me, but it's a very good book and I'm more than interested in the rest of the series!
If you like M/M, vampires and shifters, this is a must read.
November 3, 2011
Re-read: 11/1/2011: 4 stars
I started re-reading these because I loved them when I first read them but they were my first foray into m/m, so my standards as well as my critical ability to read has changed. I still loved the book; whether a natural by-product of Jourdan Lane's writing or my memories of this being a special story from my beginnings in m/m romance, it still has a special something that keeps me tuned into the story. Maybe it's the way the vampires (and various other beings) orchestrate their society in a sexual way that really translates well, or maybe I just like the fact that it is so deliciously smutty and fun, but I still love this one. There were a few times in the story where I thought there were some world-building and pacing issues, but on the whole, my excitement for the story meant that the enjoyability of reading wasn't denied to me. Now I just have to finish the series (again!)... and so does Jourdan Lane!
I started re-reading these because I loved them when I first read them but they were my first foray into m/m, so my standards as well as my critical ability to read has changed. I still loved the book; whether a natural by-product of Jourdan Lane's writing or my memories of this being a special story from my beginnings in m/m romance, it still has a special something that keeps me tuned into the story. Maybe it's the way the vampires (and various other beings) orchestrate their society in a sexual way that really translates well, or maybe I just like the fact that it is so deliciously smutty and fun, but I still love this one. There were a few times in the story where I thought there were some world-building and pacing issues, but on the whole, my excitement for the story meant that the enjoyability of reading wasn't denied to me. Now I just have to finish the series (again!)... and so does Jourdan Lane!
March 11, 2009
This is book one of four books in the series so far. The books are so entwined together in my head that I can't review just this book, but the series as a whole is fascinating. Each player brings a new complication. That along with some serious communication issues between men, be they vampire, werewolf, succubus, angel or something yet to be revealed creates a layered and fullfilling story that feeds my imagination even now, months after I have read all four books.
If every paranormal book (gay or straight) was as well written as this one, it would be impossible to pull myself away to other genres.
If every paranormal book (gay or straight) was as well written as this one, it would be impossible to pull myself away to other genres.
October 22, 2017
I loved this unique read. Of course more naked hot men, vamps and werewolves did not hurt at all! I’m looking forward to the series continuing. And still waiting for the hook up details the the vamp and werewolf, it’s bound to be smoking hot!
October 25, 2010
Peter is a bartender at Rave, a gay night club in an AR Houston where vampires, werewolves and any other kind of paranormal creatures are a quite common thing. Peter's been working there for over ten years, or so it seems, having an on-off fuck-buddy relationship with his fellow bartender Jack, Jack's boyfriend Mike and a number of one-night stands, mostly strangers passing through. One night, though, just another stranger catches Peter's eye and soon Peter can't get the beautiful, mysterious Lucien out of his head anymore. In the beginning, Peter freaks a little over Lucien being a vampire, but the hot sex and the pleasures of being with a vampire soon help him come around. Finally, Lucien's very existence is threatened, and Peter throws all inhibitions overboard as his beloved needs him so desperately.
This book was like a train wreck: twisted, flooded with blood, outright horrible, but unable to look away from. Geez, the bucketfuls of semen and the gallons of blood those characters spill! In Lucien's and Peter's world, sex is the answer to just about everything. We need to talk about this? let's have sex. Your're pissed at me/ someone else/the world in general? Let's have sex, preferably with those you're pissed at, too. We're in mortal danger? Let's have sex first. Oh, and don't forget, if sex doesn't help, there's always the blood, which can answer teh otehr half of the questions.
Don't get me wrong, I liked this book. Although there was so much sex I lost track of who put his what in whose what first, or last, or sometimes in between, those sex scenes were still hot, and a lot of emotion was transported through them. The relationship between Peter and Lucien was very good, and the author even managed to add their respective pets (Caleb and Xander)and exes (Antoine, Christopher and Jack) into the mix and make the way those are all bonded together in love, lust and mating believable. But outside of sex, blood and action, there was quite a lot left to want.
The worldbuilding, for example. Vampires, werewolves, incubi and whatnot are mixed up and thrown together like in a funny shaker. Okay, it's fiction, and its this author's world, but still - lore is lore, and if you're about to break familiar patterns, you better make sure you're really consistent about it.
Another major issue was why Peter was so important to Lucien in the first place. Peter was nothing special, he even came across as a bitchy queen at times. So this Lucien has waited four hundred years and won his position as Master Vampire in a bloody fight, and for what? A quite ordinary Joe who happens to be pretty and who needs to be convinced he loves Lucien in the first place? Well, love isn't partial, I guess. Still, once Peter has been convinced he actually loves Lucien, the relationship is, as I said above, beautiful and deeply empotional.
All in all, a story for those who like lots of (HOT) sex with multiple partners, overwhelming emotions in a very skillfully written story and don't mind slight inconsistency, a few convenient solutions and lots and lots of blood.
This book was like a train wreck: twisted, flooded with blood, outright horrible, but unable to look away from. Geez, the bucketfuls of semen and the gallons of blood those characters spill! In Lucien's and Peter's world, sex is the answer to just about everything. We need to talk about this? let's have sex. Your're pissed at me/ someone else/the world in general? Let's have sex, preferably with those you're pissed at, too. We're in mortal danger? Let's have sex first. Oh, and don't forget, if sex doesn't help, there's always the blood, which can answer teh otehr half of the questions.
Don't get me wrong, I liked this book. Although there was so much sex I lost track of who put his what in whose what first, or last, or sometimes in between, those sex scenes were still hot, and a lot of emotion was transported through them. The relationship between Peter and Lucien was very good, and the author even managed to add their respective pets (Caleb and Xander)and exes (Antoine, Christopher and Jack) into the mix and make the way those are all bonded together in love, lust and mating believable. But outside of sex, blood and action, there was quite a lot left to want.
The worldbuilding, for example. Vampires, werewolves, incubi and whatnot are mixed up and thrown together like in a funny shaker. Okay, it's fiction, and its this author's world, but still - lore is lore, and if you're about to break familiar patterns, you better make sure you're really consistent about it.
Another major issue was why Peter was so important to Lucien in the first place. Peter was nothing special, he even came across as a bitchy queen at times. So this Lucien has waited four hundred years and won his position as Master Vampire in a bloody fight, and for what? A quite ordinary Joe who happens to be pretty and who needs to be convinced he loves Lucien in the first place? Well, love isn't partial, I guess. Still, once Peter has been convinced he actually loves Lucien, the relationship is, as I said above, beautiful and deeply empotional.
All in all, a story for those who like lots of (HOT) sex with multiple partners, overwhelming emotions in a very skillfully written story and don't mind slight inconsistency, a few convenient solutions and lots and lots of blood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2011
I've now read all four of the Soul Mates series. Deep? Not really. Sexy? Oh, yeah. Yes, the series has its flaws, but it was a lot of fun to read. Am I looking forward to the next installment, Ascension? You betcha.
The entire series centers around Peter, who is the first person narrator. Peter is a far stronger person than we realize to begin with, and his growth as a man begins when he meets Lucien. Lucien, too, changes as the relationship progresses and, over the entire series, there is a great deal of back and forth and angst between the men. Sexy scenes are plentiful, including (in later books) multiple partners in the form of werewolves and demons.
The story is a bit more original than some others I've read recently, namely Rachmaninoff. That said, the dialogue (Peter, especially) is a bit stiff. It's hard for me to imagine, for example, that a bartender who grew up in foster homes would speak without the use of contractions. I'd see that with 400 year old Lucien much more easily. In contrast, there are some grammatical problems with the narrative, and I wasn't really sure if that was because it's written in Peter's "voice" or whether the author just couldn't get it right.
But if you're looking for fun, sexy, gay vamps, this is an entertaining series. And, one mild warning - the author leaves lots of loose ends from one book to another, so if you read one and like it, you'll be hooked on the rest (trust me!).
The entire series centers around Peter, who is the first person narrator. Peter is a far stronger person than we realize to begin with, and his growth as a man begins when he meets Lucien. Lucien, too, changes as the relationship progresses and, over the entire series, there is a great deal of back and forth and angst between the men. Sexy scenes are plentiful, including (in later books) multiple partners in the form of werewolves and demons.
The story is a bit more original than some others I've read recently, namely Rachmaninoff. That said, the dialogue (Peter, especially) is a bit stiff. It's hard for me to imagine, for example, that a bartender who grew up in foster homes would speak without the use of contractions. I'd see that with 400 year old Lucien much more easily. In contrast, there are some grammatical problems with the narrative, and I wasn't really sure if that was because it's written in Peter's "voice" or whether the author just couldn't get it right.
But if you're looking for fun, sexy, gay vamps, this is an entertaining series. And, one mild warning - the author leaves lots of loose ends from one book to another, so if you read one and like it, you'll be hooked on the rest (trust me!).
October 3, 2014
2.5ish
The first thing anyone needs to know about this book is that it's porn with plot. It's a weak plot to be fair, but there is a little plotting. There is also lots and lots and lots and lots of sex. There is so much sex that about half way through this book, even suspending as much disbelief as one has to to read vampire/werewolf themed erotica, I started to cringe on behalf of the characters. Seriously, there couldn't have had any skin left between them. I had sympathy friction burns and could only see them as rubbed absolutely raw. Raw, I tell you!
It's fun sex though. It's all consensual. It's all of the 'let me show you how much I love you' sort, even when it's not monogamous. And it's not. The end of this book is essentially a series of orgies, with no indication that these men mean this situation to change. But it is sweet in its own way.
I did find the first third or so of the book clunky. Characters had complete 180° attitude shifts with no indication of an impetus of change. At one point, a man went from terrified of all things vampire to unafraid and half in love/lust with one in the course of a paragraph and I still have no idea why (other than he had to for the plot to progress). Meanwhile, his best friend went from encouraging him to get over his vampire-phobia to adamantly insisting he have nothing to do with the vampire, with no apparent reason to change his mind
The events of the story also moved from one to another, covering months at a time and glossing over the actual falling in love aspect of the romance with no transitions. It was jarring and I started to fear the book was heading toward a DNF. But once the characters accepted each-other things smoothed out. However, as they accepted each-other and Peter moved farther and farther into Lucien's world their personalities changed drastically. They felt inconsistent.
Despite all that, the writing is really good and if you're looking for some basic fap matter (or whatever the female equivalent is, schlick I think) this will do the trick.
The first thing anyone needs to know about this book is that it's porn with plot. It's a weak plot to be fair, but there is a little plotting. There is also lots and lots and lots and lots of sex. There is so much sex that about half way through this book, even suspending as much disbelief as one has to to read vampire/werewolf themed erotica, I started to cringe on behalf of the characters. Seriously, there couldn't have had any skin left between them. I had sympathy friction burns and could only see them as rubbed absolutely raw. Raw, I tell you!
It's fun sex though. It's all consensual. It's all of the 'let me show you how much I love you' sort, even when it's not monogamous. And it's not. The end of this book is essentially a series of orgies, with no indication that these men mean this situation to change. But it is sweet in its own way.
I did find the first third or so of the book clunky. Characters had complete 180° attitude shifts with no indication of an impetus of change. At one point, a man went from terrified of all things vampire to unafraid and half in love/lust with one in the course of a paragraph and I still have no idea why (other than he had to for the plot to progress). Meanwhile, his best friend went from encouraging him to get over his vampire-phobia to adamantly insisting he have nothing to do with the vampire, with no apparent reason to change his mind
The events of the story also moved from one to another, covering months at a time and glossing over the actual falling in love aspect of the romance with no transitions. It was jarring and I started to fear the book was heading toward a DNF. But once the characters accepted each-other things smoothed out. However, as they accepted each-other and Peter moved farther and farther into Lucien's world their personalities changed drastically. They felt inconsistent.
Despite all that, the writing is really good and if you're looking for some basic fap matter (or whatever the female equivalent is, schlick I think) this will do the trick.
May 21, 2011
I liked this book. It was a great start to the series. Peter was nice sweet and I have to say sexy. Lucian sounded very forbidden and that just ramped up his appeal in my book! I loved the sex scenes and there were many of them!!
I though at times though Peter should have been more.. I don't have the word. But at times I feel Peter lacked something that would have made him seem all the more real. Fear, maybe? He seemed to take everything very well without too much freaking out after the beginning of the book, so maybe it was that.
In the end I do feel there are things that was left unresolved but hope that was just for the opening of the next book. All in all I liked the book and I look forward to starting the next one: Deceptions
I think I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a very sex filled, m/m paranormal romance.
I won these books in a giveaway from the author and Ronda at: Queentutt's World of Escapism Ronda, the owner of the blog, has a set of Interviews/Giveaways coming soon; head on over and follow her to keep updated!!
I though at times though Peter should have been more.. I don't have the word. But at times I feel Peter lacked something that would have made him seem all the more real. Fear, maybe? He seemed to take everything very well without too much freaking out after the beginning of the book, so maybe it was that.
In the end I do feel there are things that was left unresolved but hope that was just for the opening of the next book. All in all I liked the book and I look forward to starting the next one: Deceptions
I think I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a very sex filled, m/m paranormal romance.
I won these books in a giveaway from the author and Ronda at: Queentutt's World of Escapism Ronda, the owner of the blog, has a set of Interviews/Giveaways coming soon; head on over and follow her to keep updated!!
December 27, 2010
What an awesome start to a series! This book was just what I like, vampires and lots of erotic and m/m/m scenes. It seems that there is a whole lot more to Lucien's world that we don't know yet, but since we are seeing the story mainly through Peter's eyes, and he only knew about vampires, we don't know about the other stuff yet. The story flowed well, if at a fast pace, with a good plot. Lucien and Peter are fabulous together and the other characters are mostly pretty loveable. There is a decent bit of violence and blood, but then this is vampires and werewolves so it's to be expected. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series and learning more about Lucien and now Peter's world.
July 31, 2014
Lucien's been watching Peter for a long time and finally has his chance for more. This was a hot, sexy vampire tale (no sparkly vamps with fade-to-black sexing). As the relationship grows, Peter and Lucien are not monogamous but they are true in the hearts and it's not insta-love. Will be reading more of this series.
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