Bonded by Blood (Sweetblood, #1)

Mar 20, 2013 Sans marked it as dnf · review of another edition

Shelves: 1st-in-series, vamps

I have no right to review this book (considering I got maybe 50 pages into it), but I'm going to anyway. "WTF?" just about sums up my mercifully short experience with this book.

One of my main grumps is the excessively silly verbs. The heroine yanked off her helmet. (Wouldn't that hurt? They're not exactly loose-fitting.) She sprang to the injured dude's side. (Does she have rabbit genes?) He clamped his eyes shut. (Is he using vice grips?) She jumped on her motorcycle. (Was the seat too damn hi...more I have no right to review this book (considering I got maybe 50 pages into it), but I'm going to anyway. "WTF?" just about sums up my mercifully short experience with this book.

One of my main grumps is the excessively silly verbs. The heroine yanked off her helmet. (Wouldn't that hurt? They're not exactly loose-fitting.) She sprang to the injured dude's side. (Does she have rabbit genes?) He clamped his eyes shut. (Is he using vice grips?) She jumped on her motorcycle. (Was the seat too damn high for her?). Her spine prickled. (Spines don't prickle. Ever. Your vertebrae are not capable of prickling, goddammit.)

Another grump is a seeming continuity fail. The chick's hair is clipped up one second, but magically flowing around her shoulders when the dude gets a boner for her two seconds later. When she was checking out her face in the bathroom mirror, I thought she was still on the phone with her boss and started to wonder if she was going to shower with him on the line too. And she keeps her candy in the bathroom? WTF? Won't it melt or get soggy or something?

Some notes I made on certain lines while struggling through this:

It took a man and a body capable of carrying a child." p.30
Would this be the giant foreshadowing sign that normal human jizz can't stick to her womb but super-strength vampy jizz can get her preggers? I sincerely hope not. I made my feelings quite clear on that score when I reviewed Wolf Tales 1.

"Sure you didn't prong her with the sharps and the blunt?" p. 41
Dude, that's just skeevy. You should be ashamed for that vamp-frat comment.

There was something on page 40 (can't remember what exactly it was) that felt like a bitch-slap of back story that had absolutely nothing to do with what was currently going on in the book. Shouldn't back story at least have a vague connection or context within present events?

Skeey line on page 41 was my breaking point. I'm glad some people liked this book. I'm also glad I didn't have to finish it. Good luck with this one.(less)

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Jan 07, 2011 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received this as an ARC from www.netgalley.com

Woot! to Alexis Morgan for pimping this book...it was great! Laurie London’s debut novel Bonded by Blood was fantastic! I loved our main characters, and I really enjoyed the plot and writing. I’d like to thank Alexis Morgan for mentioning Laurie’s book to me, as I probably would have ended up reading it at some point, but Alexis’ comments bumped it up to my “read now” pile.
This book releases Jan. 18, 2011 but I was lucky enough to read it at the b...more

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Dec 08, 2011 Mrs.Norman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Mrs.Norman by: Ollie

Shelves: vampires, erotic-romance, paranormal-romance

Dominic Serrano....vampire and member of the Agency, sorta like vampire feds so to speak. They're constantly at war with The Darkblood Alliance, Rogue vampires that treat humans like cattle. The alliance's main focus at the moment is capturing humans that have a rare blood type known as "Sweetblood" and its up to The Agency to stop them. One night after chasing down the aforementioned Darkbloods, Dom gets shot by silver. Mackenzie, while at a cemetery stumbles across an injured Dominic and tries...more

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Jul 31, 2012 D.G. rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, paranormal, reviewed

**2.5 stars**

Lately I only feel like listening to romance in audio and that's the only reason why I didn't dnf this puppy.

Bonded by Blood was a below average read. The characters were cookie cutter and nothing to talk about but the biggest problem in the book were the technical aspects, which needed a lot of work to make a cohesive book. The world building was an anemic mishmash of the usual vampire myths and some of the new themes we've seen in popular series like the BDB but with no explanati...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Maria Panteli rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, urban-fantasy, series, romance, paranormal

I’m not sure what I think of this book. I would have given it 3.d stars if I could. There were things I really did like about this book. The initial meeting/meetings between the two characters where new and exciting. Unfortunately, the hotter moments between them didn’t wow me like I had thought, at least not when I consider all the buildup to it.
I really liked the concept of sweet blood and the fact that vampires find it addicting. It added to the already saturated world of vampire lore. Howeve...more

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May 28, 2011 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: laurie-london

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 12, 2013 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-in-series, on-my-nook, paranormal, romantical, urban-fantasy, vampy, paranormal-romance-challenge

A slightly different concept of vampires in a vampire-saturated market. I felt it worked, even with the struggle of introducing a whole-new world and characters. Laurie London is a talented writer, especially for this being her debut novel.

This world is just like ours but includes two factions of vampires. The Darkblood Rogues kill like their ancestors, and the Guardians who protect mankind. Vampires are not immortal and they only need a little bit of blood to survive. So onto the story...

Meet...more

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Sep 29, 2012 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a tough road to hoe, but glad I did. I don't know if it was the book or I just wasn't in the mood. You know how you can read a book and think its fantastic and then later read it again and go, hmmm ok, it was good but it wasn't as awesome as I thought.... well in this case I read this book based on a review by Chelesa from the Vampire Book Club, of a recent release in this same series.

This book took me days to read, and it shouldn't have, I was plodding through forcing myself to read i...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Original Review on Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust URL: http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...

This book was an enjoyable read. I found certain events in the plot unlikely given the natures of the characters involved. The love scenes are well written and very sexy.

MacKenzie, artist, film location scout, art teacher, family caretaker of a stoner-brother since her mother’s diagnosis, Mackenzie has sacrificed a lot for her mother’s care and her brother’s education and living expenses. She is a proud...more Original Review on Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust URL: http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...

This book was an enjoyable read. I found certain events in the plot unlikely given the natures of the characters involved. The love scenes are well written and very sexy.

MacKenzie, artist, film location scout, art teacher, family caretaker of a stoner-brother since her mother’s diagnosis, Mackenzie has sacrificed a lot for her mother’s care and her brother’s education and living expenses. She is a proud and stubborn woman who jumps to conclusions and rushes to judgment. MacKenzie is also a woman with a strange familial blood trait called Sweet Blood. She is a lot like Bella that way, smells and tastes yummy and has the ability to give vampires super vampire abilities.

Dom is a Euro-Vampire with a heavy-duty guilt complex and a dangerous job in vampire law enforcement at the “Agency.” Within the first few pages the two are bonded and can feel and hear each other. He is obsessed with her and she is pissed at him, until of course she falls into bed with him. Neither character is really looking for anything long term and they almost, on several occasions, lose the chance to discover where their relationship could go. But they go a lot of places intimately, and they go there a lot.

There are several colorful characters, lecherous fellow vampire agents, pretty female agents, an old retired agent and his human wife. On MacKenzie’s side there is her boss, friend and mentor, her slacker brother and her occasionally lucid mother, her massage therapist roommate also has a part to play.

And the author has included some very nasty villains, of the worst kind, cruel and sadistic vampires, lead by the cruelest, most sadistic and evil vampire, and apparently he has really bad “blood-breath.”

I can’t reveal the events that seem totally out of character. I can say the world is fairly tight. I didn’t see much inconsistency. There are some unusual twists in the vampire physiology. I always find a writer’s decisions there really interesting.

While there are some typical romance novel devices: Both characters are perfect physical specimens, independent female requires strong male to save her and strong male considers the female redemption personified, the relationship between the Mackenzie and Dom is exciting.

So, do they all live happily ever after? You’ll have to read this first in London’s Sweet Blood series to find out.(less)

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Oct 30, 2011 Jasmyn9 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, urban-fantasy, romance, vampires

Sweetbloods are a rare type of human whose blood is delicious...more than delicious, it can be addicting. Few vampires can resist drainging a sweetblood dry. Mackenzie Foster-Shaw is a sweetblood. It's a trait that runs in her family and would explain the mysterious disappearances over the years. Dominic is a wounded vampire. Mackenzie quite literally stumbles across him and he cant resist the lure of her blood to heal him, but somehow he manages not to kill her. But he does come close and to sa...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Pamela rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reviewed for NetGalley
Rated 3.5 stars

Dominic has but one purpose... to hunt down a killer, Pavlos. Pavlos killed his parents and now he wants revenge. Meanwhile he works for the Agency, killing Darkbloods or just keeping them from doing business with other vamps. When Dom gets hurt on one of his missions, he runs into Mackenzie. She is a sweetblood; she has blood that no vamp can resist and one taste could lead to addiction.

Mackenzie has tried to live a quiet life. She believes her family is cur...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Refreshing new idea in vampires - hot, sexy romance - this one has a little bit of everything!

The author takes the reader on an adventure filled with mystery, danger, romance, need, and desire. What stands out for me are the characters! She has created her vampires to be sexy, strong, honorable and driven. She has given her vampires the ability to not only exist in the human world but thrive there. Mackenzie is a rare sweet blood, both appealing and addicting to all vampires, and Dom is a vampir...more

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Mar 16, 2011 Lady Rogue rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Mackenzie Foster-Shaw grew up believing her family was cursed. Through the years, so many of her family members went missing at a young age and know one knew why. Because she felt that she could be next, she tried to live each day as if it were her last. Meaning she was unavailable for a committed relationship. That being said, she was loyal to those who were already in her life and loved, like her ailing mother who was in a clinic for Alzheimer's, normally stoned and carefree brother, and her b...more Mackenzie Foster-Shaw grew up believing her family was cursed. Through the years, so many of her family members went missing at a young age and know one knew why. Because she felt that she could be next, she tried to live each day as if it were her last. Meaning she was unavailable for a committed relationship. That being said, she was loyal to those who were already in her life and loved, like her ailing mother who was in a clinic for Alzheimer's, normally stoned and carefree brother, and her best friend and mentor Martin. I have to say, I respected her character, which I don't find myself saying often. She worked hard. Not only did she scout for movie locations, she was an art teacher, professional photographer, and occasionally posed nude for Martian. The money from the nude paintings were donated to the Alzheimer's Foundation. I also loved that she was caring and generous to a fault, bad ass enough to ride a motorcycle and confident with a sense of humor with her Hello Kitty memorabilia.

Dominic Serrano, hunky vampire and Guardian, protected humanity by tracking the evil Darkbloods and enforcing the vampire law. Basically, he was a vampire cop policing other vampires. There were two factions of vampires. The Darkbloods who embrace the old ways and want to rule over and feed off of humanity. And those who helped protect them and co-existed with them. Unfortunately, being a Guardian was dangerous. On his last mission he was shot and left for dead in a cemetery. Fortunately for him, it happened to be the very same cemetery that Mackenzie was shooting. After hearing him moan in pain, she tried to help him. Unable to stop himself, he took her blood. He soon discovered that Sangra Dulce ran through her veins. Her sweetblood was addictive to vampires. It took much effort on Dom's part to stop. When he realized he was too late, she was dying. Feeling guilty, he gave her some of his blood. Not enough that it would turn her, but enough to heal her and in doing so unknowingly formed a blood bond between them. They were now telepathically linked. I have to say, I really liked Dom's character. He was a prime example of not always having the be the top alpha male, to be a good and strong man. It was refreshing that he was a flawed male, often doubting himself and he feared of loosing control, especially where Mackenzie was concerned.

I loved the chemistry between Dominic and Mackenzie. It was apparent they were well suited for each other. Not only was the banter between them witty, it was realistic. I enjoyed the telepathic cat and mouse they play with charm and innuendos. I also was intrigued with the whole concept of shared emotions and thoughts. Although I confess, I wouldn't wish anyone to share my thoughts. Talk about embarrassing! It was fun to watch as their romance sizzle and their determination grow. While Dominic was determine to not only protect Mackenzie, he was also determined to stop the darkbloods from kidnapping those rare humans with Sangra Dulce in their veins and to stop them from trafficking their sweetblood like drug dealers in the dark alleys of vampire society. In the meantime, as the Big Bad focused on Mackenzie, she began to learn the truth about what was behind her family's curse and how they related to the vampires.

I thought the supporting characters were entertaining. Especially Lily. That one has some HUGE lady balls. I about died with jealousy on Mackenzie behalf when Lily asked her, if she knew about her and Dom sleeping together. Huge Lady Balls! Fortunately, Mackenzie was better woman than I would have been. I will say this, the author pissed me off what she did to Martin. But, I guess it was necessary for the story to move forward. But, I don't have to like it. I hope to see more of Alfonso in future books, along with Chuck, Lily, and Corey. I wasn't too impressed with Palvos as a villain. I would have liked him to be more invincible and more diabolical. He was not a big bad, but just another bad guy with influence. Hopefully, in the next book, the villain will be more villain like.

Overall, Bonded by Blood was an entertaining read, a respectable debut, and a nice start to a promising series. I thought the plot was interesting and compelling, but I wish there had been a little more intrigue and conflict. Other than that, tt had just the right amount of action, the romance was sensual and sizzling, and the characters engaging and credible. Bonded by Blood was a fast paced and run read, that once it sank its teeth into you, you wouldn't want it to let go.

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Jan 05, 2011 AlbertaJenn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, netgalley

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Thank you to HQN and NetGalley for the chance to read this great novel!

In the world London has created, vampires live among us humans, but their society is secret. Like every society, there are the good guys and the bad guys. The bad guys are known Darkbloods, and gather and sell human blood on the black market to others of their kind. Especially potent is the very rare blood from very few humans called Sweetblood. It is the drug of the vampire world, causing great strength and abilities to thos...more Thank you to HQN and NetGalley for the chance to read this great novel!

In the world London has created, vampires live among us humans, but their society is secret. Like every society, there are the good guys and the bad guys. The bad guys are known Darkbloods, and gather and sell human blood on the black market to others of their kind. Especially potent is the very rare blood from very few humans called Sweetblood. It is the drug of the vampire world, causing great strength and abilities to those who drink it. Any human who is a Sweetblood is in danger.

Those vampires who seek out the Darkbloods and try to stop their operation are the Guardians. They alone try to protect humans from the murderous tendencies of the Darkbloods. Dominic Serrano is one such Guardian. While breaking into a Darkblood safe house, he is ambushed and shot with a silver bullet. Hiding out (ironically) in a cemetery, he stumbles across a woman who will change his (very long) life. A Sweetblood, her blood tempts him, even as he is instantly attracted to her.

Mackenzie Foster-Shaw works hard to provide for her ailing mother and younger brother. Employed as both a film location scout and a teacher at an art school, she does what she can to do the best for her family with the time she has left. Members of her family have mysteriously disappeared for generations; no trace is ever found of them. Mackenzie believes that she is next. With the clock counting down the time that Mackenzie has left, she refuses to think about having a future for herself. The more people she is close to, the more people who will be hurt when she leaves them.

Finding a man buried under some leaves while she investigating a potential spot to shoot a horror film is not what she expects. Dominic is weak and bleeding, and quickly takes advantage of Mackenzie’s special blood, barely forcing himself to stop just short of killing her. Alarmed, he takes her back to her place, where she spends the next day nursing her back to health before he wipes her memory and leaves. But to ensure that she is well, he has done the forbidden: given her some of his blood to speed alone her healing.

Although Mackenzie doesn’t remember her interaction with Dominic, she is haunted by the closeness of someone mysterious. And Dominic, in going about his duties as a Guardian, tries to forget about her, but she is constantly on his mind. Finally, they meet up (officially) at an auction, and the chemistry is immediate and intense, even if Mackenzie tries to fight it.

Now Dominic and Mackenzie are teaming up to figure out who is behind the selling of the Sweetblood in the city, and to try and stop them from making her the next victim. But the expanse of the plot that they uncover really does boggle the mind.

The one downside I found in this novel was that London waited until almost a quarter of the way through the book to bring the characters together. I wanted to get to the actual meeting and see the interaction between the two.

Set in Seattle, London does a great job of working the city into the story. She is obviously someone who loves the area, and it shows. Locations and buildings are wonderfully described and woven into the plot of the novel.

The supporting characters are great. Lily, Dominic’s co-worker, is a fabulous, kiss-butt female character. I can’t wait to get to know more about her in the next book. Chuck and Shirley, the vampire motel owners, were a sweet old couple that added charm to the story. And even Pavlos, the super villain of the story, was deliciously creepy.

The descriptions of the bond that these two have are wonderful. This is one hot read that does not disappoint. If you are a lover of the vampire romance genre, than this book is for you!(less)

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Feb 20, 2011 Lisa Richards rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was such an easy story to get sucked in to. When I started it, I was totally captivated. I loved the world that London built and was tickled to hear that this was a series. Dominic and Mackenzie were great characters and I can't wait to visit with them again in "Embraced by Blood" due out in June this year, London's next book that follows Dom's brother, Alfonso.
Mac has always known that her family was cursed. She doesn't know why, but members of her family have been disappearing for genera...more

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Jan 30, 2011 Fiendishly Bookish rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, vamp-a-licious, ultimate-book-hottness-breakouts, paranormalromance

For countless centuries, a war has been waged beyond the limits of human notice between the DarkBloods and the Agency. But this time, the conflict spilling on the streets of Seattle pales in comparison to the ultimate master plan the DarkBloods are moving towards: Sweetbloods.

Her entire life, MacKenzie Shaw has had something to fear-The Shaw family curse. It was always something whispered out…something that has always held her back-cut short any plans she might have made. Unbeknownst to her, her...more For countless centuries, a war has been waged beyond the limits of human notice between the DarkBloods and the Agency. But this time, the conflict spilling on the streets of Seattle pales in comparison to the ultimate master plan the DarkBloods are moving towards: Sweetbloods.

Her entire life, MacKenzie Shaw has had something to fear-The Shaw family curse. It was always something whispered out…something that has always held her back-cut short any plans she might have made. Unbeknownst to her, her family has been hunted for generations by a very, very, specific predator. To her, family members have periodically gone missing, have inexplicably disappeared. And one day she is scared it will happen to her as well.

When a chance encounter puts her in the sights and mind of Agency operative Dominic Serrano, their worlds collide and the unbearable truth becomes a reality. MacKenzie is a Sweetblood, the most coveted of all bloods, and craved after like a drug. And Dominic can’t help himself. But he must protect her from the DarkBloods, and from his own desires.

Similar to J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series and more recently, Elle Jasper’s Dark Ink Chronicles (which incidentally has a similar blood plot), I was immediately drawn into this new series, mesmerized by the incredible cover, and once inside London’s world, became absolutely seduced. Bonded by Blood is told very, very, well. Each exquisite word, nuance, each critical piece of action and intercourse between the characters has been exploited for every drop of sensuality that London can wring out. She already has an identifiable writing style and from what I have read so far, this debut is amazing. Is this really a debut? London writes like a seasoned pro, excels at characterization, plot building and visuals, such important traits when writing paranormal romance.

In this sexy feast, London takes simple gestures, a glance, a movement, all the non-verbal cues and repartee, and magnifies them to an almost aching state of want. The attraction between Dominic and MacKenzie simmers with promise, not reaching fruition until mid-way through the novel, and then their heat cascades even more so from the pages.

This is what romance is all about and paired with the strong paranormal plot, and edgy excitement, made Bonded with Blood a stunning feast of sensuality. It literally kept me at the edge of my seat, curled my toes, and made me want more. Um yeah, nitroglycerine. That’s all I can think of when I finished it….and I’d though the cover was smokin’ hot!

Now I’m looking forward to Alphonso’s story in Embraced by Blood…I’m very very interested in finding out how he became the Overlord’s minion and betrayed his family.

A Fiendishly Bookish Review (and one grumpy cat)
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Jan 25, 2011 Jessica (Taking It One Book at a Time) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Amazing, yes, amazing. Laurie has managed to create a vampire world that stands out from others I've read. Each author can put their twists and spins on certain things, tweaking them to make them their own, but it's whether they truly make that world stand out in the readers mind that matters.

Dom & Mackenzie's relationship seemed to truly capture me. Their passion for each other, and how it consumes them, melted my heart. Though there are secrets, as with any great book, I particularly like...more

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Jan 23, 2011 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, paranormal-romance, read-in-2011

My run of fun and exciting books continues! From the first few chapters of this book right on through to the bloody ending, I was hooked. I really liked the worldbuilding and the characters, from our mains right on down to the nasty bad guys, were interesting and dynamic.

Dom's reluctance to put Mackenzie's life in danger by drinking from her was noble and heroic. He's big, sexy as hell and powerful and he has a soft spot for a human whose blood is addictive. *swoon* Have I mentioned yet that I t...more

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Jan 05, 2011 Kristin - *Nocturnal Bites* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Vampire Book Lovers

Shelves: paranormal-romance-urban-fantasy, vampire-reading-challenge-2011, favorites

First things first.... Check out the Fangs on this hottie!! {Yowsers!} Bonded by Blood is Laurie London's debut novel in her totally awesome Sweetblood series. From the first chapter, I was glued to my Nook, anxiously awaiting the turn of each page. That is how much I enjoyed this book.

The heroine of this story, Mackenzie Foster-Shaw is awesome. She's kick-arse, sexy, strong-willed, and compassionate. Despite the fact that Mackenzie is marked for death, she lives each day to the fullest. London...more First things first.... Check out the Fangs on this hottie!! {Yowsers!} Bonded by Blood is Laurie London's debut novel in her totally awesome Sweetblood series. From the first chapter, I was glued to my Nook, anxiously awaiting the turn of each page. That is how much I enjoyed this book.

The heroine of this story, Mackenzie Foster-Shaw is awesome. She's kick-arse, sexy, strong-willed, and compassionate. Despite the fact that Mackenzie is marked for death, she lives each day to the fullest. London does an amazing job of developing Mackenzie's character and providing just enough back-story without disrupting the main plot of the story.

Dominic is my type of vampire. Tall, dark, and fangtastically handsome without the typical vampire brooding and cheesy leather duster! Dominic is a vampire on a mission, one that does not include the sweet-blooded Mackenzie. Fate has different plans for Dominic and after just one glimpse of Mackenzie, it becomes evident that she is his saviour. Dom's journey with Mackenzie begins with a little game of Cat & Mouse and very quickly develops into an intimate relationship. P.S... The romance scenes, and yes, there are plenty, are HAWT! {blushes}

My favorite part of Bonded by Blood is the side characters... mainly Dominic's fellow team guardians, who also provide most of the comic relief in this story. A note at the end of the book reveals that book # 2 in London's Sweetblood series, Embraced by Blood, (TBR 07/2011') will feature two of my favorite characters... Dominic's estranged brother, Alfonso and fellow guardian teammate, Lily. This should be a good one, especially because both Alfonso and Lily come with some "soon to be revealed" baggage! Bring on the Drama.

Calling all Vampire and PNR romance fans out there: This book is a must read. Lara Adrian's Midnight breed and Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress World fans will appreciate Bonded by Blood!!

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review Posted here: Nocturnal Bites

**Book provided by Harlequin via NetGalley for review purposes** (less)

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Jan 24, 2011 Paranormal Haven rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie

3.5 Stars

Vampire Dominic Serrano has been shot while on his latest mission to retrieve information from the evil Darkbloods. While hiding in a cemetery until nightfall, he is found by a beautiful woman who's blood type is very rare and addicting. Dominic is able to take some of her blood without killing her but a bond is formed that goes beyond anything he has ever felt.

Artist and movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has lost many family members. All of which have gone missing at a young...more 3.5 Stars

Vampire Dominic Serrano has been shot while on his latest mission to retrieve information from the evil Darkbloods. While hiding in a cemetery until nightfall, he is found by a beautiful woman who's blood type is very rare and addicting. Dominic is able to take some of her blood without killing her but a bond is formed that goes beyond anything he has ever felt.

Artist and movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has lost many family members. All of which have gone missing at a young age and no one knows why. She has convinced herself she doesn't have a future because she believes this will happen to her as well. That's until she meets Dominic and learns that vampires exist and there are those who kill to get her sweet and addictive blood. When the leader of the Darkbloods sets his sights on Mackenzie, Dominic will have to choose between getting revenge on the man who murdered his family or save the woman he loves.

I liked Dominic and Mackenzie but I didn't love them. Dom is your typical alpha male out for revenge and doesn't have room in his life for love. Even though I've read characters like him plenty of times before, I still couldn't help but like him. Mackenzie gave up going to college in order to work to pay for her younger brother to go and has a mother with Alzheimer's. I admired how dedicated she was to her family but I just couldn't connect with her character. There were some hot moments between Dom and Mackenzie but outside of the bedroom their relationship really didn't wow me.

The vampires in Bonded by Blood have their own uniqueness to them that I enjoyed. They can eat food and and don't need to take blood every day. They also absorb people's energy and this is all without killing their human host. But there are those who see humans as cattle and take energy and blood not caring they died. These vampires are the Darkbloods and the Agency, organization that Dominic is a part of, is trying to stop them. What the Darkbloods want most is sangre dulce or sweetblood. Humans with this special blood type are rare and once a Darkblood finds them, they are never seen again. This part of the story really pulled me in and I think they the Darkbloods make great villains.

Bonded by Blood started out exciting with Mackenzie in a cemetery and Dom holding back the urge to drink every last drop of her blood but then things slow down. They didn't really pick back up till almost the end when Dom has a confrontation with the leader of the Darkbloods and his own brother Alfonso who betrayed him and his family. The next book in the series will feature Alfonso and the mouthy Agency agent Lily. I want to learn more about Alfonso and why he did what he did so I look forward to reading Embraced by Blood.

-Stephanie(less)

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Jan 16, 2011 Larissa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, to-review, arc

Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life

Rating: 3.5/5

*SPOILER FREE

I was pleasantly surprised by Bonded by Blood, I wasn’t blown away or anything, but this was a very nice Paranormal Romance read and the beginning of a series that has a lot of potential.

Dominic is a vampire bent on revenging the death of his parents and the betrayal of his own brother. He has been hunting the leader of the Darkbloods for over a century and now he is closer than ever.

Mackenzie is an artis...more Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life

Rating: 3.5/5

*SPOILER FREE

I was pleasantly surprised by Bonded by Blood, I wasn’t blown away or anything, but this was a very nice Paranormal Romance read and the beginning of a series that has a lot of potential.

Dominic is a vampire bent on revenging the death of his parents and the betrayal of his own brother. He has been hunting the leader of the Darkbloods for over a century and now he is closer than ever.

Mackenzie is an artist and movie location scout photographer. While working she stumbles into a wounded and crazed Dominic, who drinks from her Sweetblood and wipes her mind so she won’t remember anything.

However Dominic can’t just let her go, he feels the need to protect her from the Darkbloods, Vampires addicted to Sweetblood and that want to only feed directly from humans. While protecting her he realizes that he and Kenzie are actually Bounded and that he even though he wants her for himself, he doesn’t want to chance killing her, since her blood calls to him more than any other.

Ok, so I’ll just put it out there… Vampire is drawn by the smell of the woman’s blood and then wants to leave her because he is too dangerous for her, does this remind you of anyone? I immediately thought of Twilight, oh yes I am going there. The relationship between Dominic and Mackenzie for me was basically one between an older Bella and Edward. It all felt like a mix of Twilight, BDB and Midnight Breed, in a good way.

I loved the world built for this series and I am looking forward to more. I totally guessed a big mystery regarding this novel and I’m very glad that the object of this mystery will be the hero of the second book. Bonded by Blood had a lot of Hot Smex, but it was also full of action, I actually read this one in almost one sitting, but definitely in one day.

Bonded by Blood is not trying to invent the PNR wheel, but it does have all the elements I love so much in this genre. If you enjoy Paranormal Romance, I definitely recommend you check this new series out!(less)

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Feb 17, 2011 Sara Horney rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book.
From what I understand it's the premier novel of Ms London's Sweetblood series.
The vampire mythology is new and the book handles issues like addiction, familial strife and complicated romances well.

I am a little tired of the "we're bonded we HAVE to be together forever or we can't function" storyline, but Bonded by Blood had a fresh take on it so it wasn't stale or too painful.
The sex scenes were good and smutty, but didn't take away from the story line.

The ending wra...more

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Dec 28, 2010 Mad Scientist rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mad-love

Bonded by Blood

First Line: Mackenzie Foster – Shaw spotted the cemetery sign at the last minute and squeezed the brakes, spinning out her white Triumph motorcycle in a spray of dirt and gravel.

Why the Mad Scientist read this book:
I needed a adult fix and this book was it. Thanks the the lovely people at NetGalley and Harlequin I was able to get this fix early. With this in mind it had no effect on my already effected brain.

Concotion of a review:
Bonded by Blood was a wonderful debut novel & s...more Bonded by Blood

First Line: Mackenzie Foster – Shaw spotted the cemetery sign at the last minute and squeezed the brakes, spinning out her white Triumph motorcycle in a spray of dirt and gravel.

Why the Mad Scientist read this book:
I needed a adult fix and this book was it. Thanks the the lovely people at NetGalley and Harlequin I was able to get this fix early. With this in mind it had no effect on my already effected brain.

Concotion of a review:
Bonded by Blood was a wonderful debut novel & scrumptious beginning of the Sweetblood series by Laurie London. It starts off with dear Mackenzie taking pictures in various cemetaries. (I right then this book was for me, vampires & morbid cemetary.) But what will her wondering eyes find? Well, one simply to die for delicious hunk of a vampire who has been injuried by a silver bullet. She is drawn to him in a cautious way but he is drawn to her by her overpowering rare and extremely addictive sweetblood. You can’t help your sweet tooth & neither could he.

From that point she felt odd, especially when she was missing a day of her life. Where did it go? Then she found herself oddly attracted to a stranger. The connection she feels for him is overpowering her stubborn rational self. Which may be a good thing for her. She quickly learns about a world that she never knew about & possibly were she belongs in it.

Bonded by Blood was crazy mad hot when it came to the wonderful chemistry between Dom and Mackenzie. These two pulled and pushed into each other in and tenseful passoinate way. I loved it! Laurie London builds their intense relationship slowly and explosive at the same time. Seems to be hypercrytical? It is hard to explain but too true.

The love scences were hot and steamy, just the way I like them. Nothing was over done, over the top, or reused when it came to Dom and Mackenzie’s body twisting scences.
The world Laurie London created was also very believable. Behind a paranormal book there is a lore and this one was well thought out and developed nicely explaining everything that needed to be layed out so the reader, or the Mad Scientist, would not be too confused or left in the dark. We also learn of the world along with Mackenzie so the shock and wonder goes hand and hand.

Dislikes? Not really. If I had to pick something I would have to say that I wish Mackenzie kept more of the hardcore attitude as the story went on but I didn’t think about it until after the story was over. We will see about book two.
Overall, Bonded by Blood was a story with a new twist of a vampire/human romance that had me flipping through pages faster then I could read them. I was recommending the book and now I’m stuck waiting for more Sweetblood action even longer then noraml since this book isn’t even out yet!!!

4.5 Blasts
Hunky vampire & intense steamy scenes
will be had!(less)

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Nov 20, 2012 Chantilly White rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who loves vampire romances, and even people who think they don't.

Shelves: writers-i-know-and-love

5 stars, despite this confession: I really hate vampire books. I really hate vampires. They are not my thing, and I don't want them in my books as anything other than the unquestioned villain who must be destroyed as part of my personal HEA. So why 5 stars on this vampire romance? Because Laurie London managed to (temporarily and most likely only for her books) change my mind. This book is well-written, emotional and satisfying. Her writing and her characters kept me going despite my aversion to...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr

Mackenzie Foster-Shaw enjoys spending her time taking photographs to scout for movie locations. On this particular day she has found herself in a cemetery taking pictures, which is creepy enough – until she hears a man moaning. Cautious, she sees a man slightly buried beneath leaves and sticks and he is injured. This will be the last memory she has of him.

Dominic Serrano, or Dom is a vampire – but he is one of the good guys, although when he catches Mackenzie’s scent, his baser instincts take ov...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Christina Madison rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-2012, vampires-dhampirs

Full review here: http://zodiacbookreviews.blogspot.com...

Dominic Serrano is shot while infiltrating the Darkblood camp in search of information. Having escaped and dragged himself into the woods of a nearby cemetery he stumbles upon a beautiful blonde woman taking photographs of the old burial ground. Thinking that he could take a little blood to regain his strength, Dominic gains the woman's attention and as she comes closer he quickly realizes his mistake. It turns out that this woman has a r...more Full review here: http://zodiacbookreviews.blogspot.com...

Dominic Serrano is shot while infiltrating the Darkblood camp in search of information. Having escaped and dragged himself into the woods of a nearby cemetery he stumbles upon a beautiful blonde woman taking photographs of the old burial ground. Thinking that he could take a little blood to regain his strength, Dominic gains the woman's attention and as she comes closer he quickly realizes his mistake. It turns out that this woman has a rare blood and addictive blood type that's almost impossible for his kind to resist. Through sheer willpower Dominic is able to stop before killing the woman, but a bond like he's never felt before forms between them.

Mackenzie Foster-Shaw was looking for the perfect cemetery for a movie location and found it at the Bear Creek Pioneer Cemetery. That's not all she found when she was taking photos of the location. In the woods of the cemetery Mackenzie discovers the gorgeous and very injured Dominic. She approaches him to see how she can help and wakes up the next morning with a monster headache and no memory of the events of the day before. Along with her missing memory is a strange voice in her head and a connection to someone or something she can't understand or explain.

As Dominic and Mackenzie meet, get to know each other, and their bond deepens, both will have to make a choice. Can Dominic give up his revenge to save the woman he loves? And can Mackenzie let down her defenses and open her heart for a chance at forever?

Dominic is one of the Guardians of the Agency that protect humans from their Darkblood brethren. But he's also a man driven by revenge. His parents were murdered by Pavlos, the Darkblood Overlord, with his brother Alfonso's aide. Dominic's priorities change when he meets and bonds to Mackenzie. Mackenzie's blood gives Dominic strength and powers he didn't know he had. But with this new strength Dominic has to decide how he'll use it. Is his revenge worth Mackenzie's life?

Mackenzie is an amazingly talented artist and view the world with an artist's eye. But she's a haunted and hunted woman. Because of her family's rare blood type they have been hunted by the Darkbloods for generations. After her father and cousin go missing Mackenzie believes that she's next, and because everything seems hopeless she refuses to make any kind of long term commitment. But Dominic makes her want to believe in forever.

The Sweetblood world has two vampire coalitions warring against each other. The Guardians of the Agency are sworn to protect humanity from the Darkbloods. The Darkblood Alliance wants to go back to how things were when their ancestors ruled; killing indiscriminately. The vampires of this world aren't like your typical vampire. They can eat regular food, only need blood every once in a while, some can even go out in the sun. But they all, good and bad, have a weakness for Sange Dulce. Sweetblood is highly addictive and very rare. And the Darkbloods are in the business of harvesting and dealing Sweetblood to other vampires. For a price. They are like the vampire equivalent of the mob. And they are led by Pavlos, the Darkblood Overlord, and the man responsible for murdering Mackenzie's father and Dominic's parents.

I thought that the romance in Bonded by Blood was pretty strong, but other parts were kind of weak. All in all, I really enjoyed this unique world and the likable characters.

The next book, Embraced by Blood, is from Alfonso and Lily's point of view. It'll be great to learn more about Alfonso and why he made the choices he did.(less)

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Mar 01, 2011 Danielle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Laurie London's debut novel Bonded by Blood was more then excellent! I loved it!

McKenzie Foster -Shaw enjoys taking pictures of new movie locations. As it just so happens today she finds herself in a very creepy cemetery. While there she comes across an injured man she wants to help. Little does she know she wont remember seeing him once this encounter is over.

Dominic Serrano is a good vampire. Now that he has caught McKenzie's scent, he has to taste her. He does in fact find the strength to sto...more Laurie London's debut novel Bonded by Blood was more then excellent! I loved it!

McKenzie Foster -Shaw enjoys taking pictures of new movie locations. As it just so happens today she finds herself in a very creepy cemetery. While there she comes across an injured man she wants to help. Little does she know she wont remember seeing him once this encounter is over.

Dominic Serrano is a good vampire. Now that he has caught McKenzie's scent, he has to taste her. He does in fact find the strength to stop drinking from her but only barely. He ends up giving her just a few drops of his blood to make sure she survives. Dom drops her off at her house, but will he be able to stay away?

McKenzie and Dom end up encountering each other several times and each time just gets more explosive. Not only are they attracted to each other, but come to find out they are Bonded by Blood.

Not only was this story easy to get into, but the world that London built is so hard to resist. The building of the sexual tension keeps you on your toes and plays out perfectly. The characters stand out just liked I hoped they would. Dom is not the classic male. He is more on the emotional, yet understanding side so I grew a soft spot for him fast. McKenzie is feisty and is ready to get all the answers to her questions. Although I liked McKenzie, I didn't really connect with her, but that was okay. I wasn't disappointed at all.

I absolutely loved Dom! He had a traumatic past but came out triumphant and I loved every single minute of it. I also loved him and McKenzie as a couple and how close they became. They started out slow in the whole getting to know each other and wow Dom was so good at that. Taking his sweet time....perfect. The side characters interested me more and more as it progressed. So now I really cant wait for the next release.

The plot was very well written. It all flowed so nicely. Of course their are questions you will ask yourself but of course as in any good series you have to wait for the answers. I have a feeling the bigger picture will be more then extraordinary. I honestly cant wait to see where Laurie London will take us with the second book in this phenomenal series, Embraced by Blood, which is set to release July 2011.

The journey that London takes you on is fantastic. This is a nice addition to all the vamp novels out there. She has earned her place up their with the best and I will continue on this ride. If you love vampires, romance, fun, and adventure this is the book for you. Happy Reading :)(less)

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Jan 21, 2011 Dahlia (yadkny) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Vampire Lovers

Shelves: favorites

Dominic (Dom) is a man possessed. He’s a vampire with a major vendetta to settle from a century long past. The betrayals are still fresh to him even after all this time and no one has been able to convince him to let it go before it consumes him. He’s not about to be swayed from his efforts in tracking the person responsible for a horrific crime against his family and a brother who is somehow involved. His life as a Guardian, vampires who fight against the Darkbloods, has taken him all across th...more Dominic (Dom) is a man possessed. He’s a vampire with a major vendetta to settle from a century long past. The betrayals are still fresh to him even after all this time and no one has been able to convince him to let it go before it consumes him. He’s not about to be swayed from his efforts in tracking the person responsible for a horrific crime against his family and a brother who is somehow involved. His life as a Guardian, vampires who fight against the Darkbloods, has taken him all across the world in his search and it feels like he’s getting closer. Fate leads him to the Pacific Northwest where instead of finding clues that will lead to the capture of his prey, he finds himself blood bonded through a series of unforeseen events. A Sweetblood has captured his attention and there’s no mistaking her desire for him as well. He try’s to fight it, but now he feels like he’s losing focus on his overall goal as his heart and body are trying to lead him back toward the woman who means more to him than he’s willing to admit, even to himself. He’s our incredibly hot, tortured hero who may be a little rough around the edges, but once you meet him, you won’t be able to resist.

Mackenzie (Kenz) is a talented artist, art schoolteacher, and a movie location scout. She’s also modeled nude for her best friend and mentor, Martin, set up a website to sell her own paintings and offer commissioned piece services, and continues to be a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Foundation since the illness has claimed her mother. Among her many personal and professional accomplishments, she knows at the heart of it all lies a fate that will one day come to claim her as it has claimed many in her family for generations. There has been no explanation, no evidence, and no stopping it. She accepts this and has decided to live with the sacrifice and consequence of being alone for the rest of her life since she refuses to create family only for them to suffer when she disappears. She’s quite brave in that regard and makes her presence known in the world through other outlets of expression in the hopes of creating an everlasting proof of existence. I really admired her characters strength in acceptance and to try to make the best out of an unthinkable situation.

There are many risks to consider for these two to be together, but the benefits far outweigh them. Dom and Mackenzie’s loneliness is among them. They no longer need to feel that the only way to keep going in life is to go it alone. They could be either each other’s greatest strength or greatest weakness.

Living in the Pacific Northwest myself, has given me a slight advantage in better capturing the scenery visuals. Ms. London really does a wonderful job in taking readers on a journey with words that would inspire anyone to want to visit the locations set in the story. She points out some of the best parts of the Pacific Northwest and you don’t have to live here to know how beautiful it is.

The pacing can seem a little jumpy sometimes from one chapter to the next. Before you know it days have passed in the story, which might shake your reading flow just a bit, but it’s quite easy to get back into character and scene modes. The last third of the book is pulse pounding and rounds out very nicely in the end with much to look forward to in the next installment to the series. The introduction of the spotlighted character for the next story weaves effortlessly into this one, which leads to many questions that I’m very much looking forward to finding the answers to. If the cover alone doesn’t grab you, then the story definitely will. I encourage readers who like a taste of blood mixed in with their romance to check out this new author and series.

Reviewed for Harlequin (HQN Books) via NetGalley:
http://www.netgalley.com/(less)

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Mar 21, 2012 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Sweetblood Starts Strong
After a battle with rogue Darkbloods leaves him close to death and hiding from the sun in a shaded cemetery, vampire and Guardian enforcer Dominic Serrano catches the scent of both his salvation and his doom. A Sangre Dulce, a human with a rare type of blood craved by his kind, is close to where he's gone to ground and the intoxicating scent is stirring the predator in him into a frenzy. Feeding on a Sangre Dulce is forbidden - the threat to the human's life too great to...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Esra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Güzel bir seri , karakterler tam benim istediğim gibiler. Espirili ve heyecanlı. Diğer vampirlerden ayrılan değişik özelliklere sahipler. Bu yüzden klişe olmaktan kurtuluyor. Akıcı bir dile ve hikaye örgüsüne sahip. Durmadan okumak istiyorsunuz. Benim çok hoşuma gitti. Aşırı korumacı vampir tipinden hoşlanmıyorsanız sizi sinir edebilir. Karen chance'in romanlarında Mircea nasıl cassie'nin üzerine titriyorsa burdada dominic kenzie için aynını yapıyor. Tamam hayatı tehlikede diye eve kapanacak değ...more

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Bonded by Blood (Sweetblood #1)

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