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The Ruthin Trilogy #1
Devon Ruthin and A Vampire in Love
From the author, Oct 4 2012
This book is now only available on Amazon and is a second edition. It is available Amazon UK and USA.
A contemporary paranormal romance.
When a girl looking for love meets a lonely, but strange man she has her suspicions about him, especially since he doesn’t seem to eat.
He’s not what he used to be, he’s totally reformed and lives amongst a group of ancient magical beings. Just what is he besides, gorgeous, sexy, intelligent and totally in love with her?
He’s a dress designer, a dot com businessman, a good friend, courageous, and he’s four hundred and some years old.
Fate has some weird twists in store for this couple but above all else it has a delicious love story.
Devon Ruthin finally hears from his very dangerous brother after twenty years. It’s not the reunion he would hope for, when Drew takes a liking to the girl Devon loves.
It’s not the reunion Drew might have hoped for either, because he discovers the woman he’s always loved lives in the same town as Devon and begins a quest to win her back.
Drew is still a dangerous being but his love interest Elise has some tricks up her sleeve.
This is the first book in the paranormal romance The Ruthin Trilogy.
Follow what happens to Drew in the second book now out on kindle Drew Ruthin and the Blood of Changes. (Contains explicit love scenes).
This book is now only available on Amazon and is a second edition. It is available Amazon UK and USA.
A contemporary paranormal romance.
When a girl looking for love meets a lonely, but strange man she has her suspicions about him, especially since he doesn’t seem to eat.
He’s not what he used to be, he’s totally reformed and lives amongst a group of ancient magical beings. Just what is he besides, gorgeous, sexy, intelligent and totally in love with her?
He’s a dress designer, a dot com businessman, a good friend, courageous, and he’s four hundred and some years old.
Fate has some weird twists in store for this couple but above all else it has a delicious love story.
Devon Ruthin finally hears from his very dangerous brother after twenty years. It’s not the reunion he would hope for, when Drew takes a liking to the girl Devon loves.
It’s not the reunion Drew might have hoped for either, because he discovers the woman he’s always loved lives in the same town as Devon and begins a quest to win her back.
Drew is still a dangerous being but his love interest Elise has some tricks up her sleeve.
This is the first book in the paranormal romance The Ruthin Trilogy.
Follow what happens to Drew in the second book now out on kindle Drew Ruthin and the Blood of Changes. (Contains explicit love scenes).
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2012
5 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Stokes
19 books29 followersI am an author writing paranormal romance and urban fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 17, 2012
One of the fun things about vampire books is that every author sets up new rules to govern their vampires. The vampires in Tessa Stokes’ Devin Ruthin, A Vampire in Love, exist under rules that keep the suspense at a high pitch, and the reader turning pages. I cared about what was happening to the hero and heroine and stayed up late to read “just one more chapter” when they were in danger.
The hero, vampire Devin Ruthin, and his fellow vampires don’t completely understand all of their powers and weaknesses themselves and that can prove to be an error that kills them permanently. Suspense grows as the characters put the pieces together--but several times during the book when characters are in danger, the reader knows just enough to fear for the worst.
The book begins with an unnamed vampire on the prowl through a modern nightclub. He meets women who fall under his hypnotic charm, entices them outside to secluded places with the promise of romance, drains them of blood and discards their bodies like used food containers. This guy is even worse than the bad boys our mothers warned us about.
Within a few pages we meet the heroine, Bliss, a young teacher who cannot resist the lure of romantic fiction and who longs for a love of her own and a more interesting life. She can’t really believe love will come to her, but when she takes a vacation she meets the gorgeously handsome Devin Ruthin and falls in love with him very quickly.
When Bliss first meets Devon, despite his being the title character, I was suspicious of him--particularly after the opening scene where the un-named vampire is going through the ladies and tossing their bodies in dumpsters. But the reader eavesdrops on Devon’s thoughts and finds that he’s a vampire who has managed to overcome the blood lust after over 400 years as a ruthless vamp. Devon is trying to regain his humanity and he doesn’t know if it is totally possible, but the stakes are suddenly very high because he has fallen in love with the very human Bliss.
Bliss doesn’t realize that the man she loves is a vampire and her innocence comjures up more suspense when an old enemy from Devon’s days in the vampire world begins stalking her as a meal and for revenge on his old rival. Bliss can’t protect herself from something she doesn’t even know exists. Watching her wandering into the path of a homicidal vampire with no way to comprehend the danger was a real nail-biter.
I started to worry about Bliss immediately in a way that I never worried about Bella in the Twilight books. Maybe it was because Bliss was such an appealing character. After years of being a mild mannered teacher and dutiful daughter and sister, she wants to find happiness in love, but she never complains. She’s shy enough that she is tremendously vulnerable, yet she has a strong stubborn streak and will fight for her man, even when it seems she’s hopelessly overmatched. It seems that Devon will be able to overcome his blood thirst, particularly with love as an incentive but can he protect Bliss as well?
Devin Ruthin is a fun, tremendously suspenseful read and I could not have guessed the twists and turns that it took along the way to a satisfying ending--with hints of future conflicts in Book 2 of the series!
January 24, 2012
For a fan of paranormal romance, especially vampires with a unique twist, this book is indeed a good read. I'm a bit outside that audience, but beyond that there were a few concerns I had.
The writing style employed is one that I found hard to follow at times. Character transitions often happen with no warning, chapters run long with no clear reasons for when they end, and I often found myself wondering if there was too much telling happening and not enough showing.
The plot itself feels a bit thin as well. This is clearly more than just a love story, but the focus seems intended to be on Bliss and Devon's relationship. As the title suggests, this is a trilogy about the Ruthin family and this first book is focused on Devon Ruthin. Yet a lot of the story is devoted to the many side characters, the vampire lore as developed by the author and the back story and the relationships of the vampires in the the neighboring cities where most of the story takes place.
Even acknowledging those issues I personally had with the novel, I have to say that if you are a fan of paranormal romance, vampire romance specifically, there is a lot in this book to love. Each character feels real, and you can sense a lot of the author's efforts went into realizing separate yet believable personalities, motivations and idiosyncrasies. Bliss's journey of self-discovery is easily compelling for anyone who's ever felt like life isn't quite what you want it to be, like if you could just pack up and go in search of your dreams, even if you don't know exactly what your dreams are, that things may end up being dangerous and difficult but in the end far more satisfying. Devon is easily a very appealing, likable character, one that you can feel his struggles and desires. And that devotion to side characters that makes the plot seem thin is actually one of the strongest points of the book, as with so many different people to learn about and interacting with one another the story becomes a far more character driven affair than plot driven, and the amount of interesting characters is what kept me from being overwhelmed by the strong romance elements of the writing.
One other thing of note - Tessa Stokes has created some very unique lore for the world of her story. Her take on vampires as well as the other supernatural beings in the novel I found to be very interesting and, along with the character development, the most compelling part of her work.
Behind the structural concerns of the overall style of the writing I do believe there is something very worthwhile in Devon Ruthin and A Vampire in Love. Anyone who enjoys paranormal romance, especially such stories with vampires, could very much enjoy this novel. In the end the positives definitely do outweigh the negatives and I believe this to be a good story for the right audience.
The writing style employed is one that I found hard to follow at times. Character transitions often happen with no warning, chapters run long with no clear reasons for when they end, and I often found myself wondering if there was too much telling happening and not enough showing.
The plot itself feels a bit thin as well. This is clearly more than just a love story, but the focus seems intended to be on Bliss and Devon's relationship. As the title suggests, this is a trilogy about the Ruthin family and this first book is focused on Devon Ruthin. Yet a lot of the story is devoted to the many side characters, the vampire lore as developed by the author and the back story and the relationships of the vampires in the the neighboring cities where most of the story takes place.
Even acknowledging those issues I personally had with the novel, I have to say that if you are a fan of paranormal romance, vampire romance specifically, there is a lot in this book to love. Each character feels real, and you can sense a lot of the author's efforts went into realizing separate yet believable personalities, motivations and idiosyncrasies. Bliss's journey of self-discovery is easily compelling for anyone who's ever felt like life isn't quite what you want it to be, like if you could just pack up and go in search of your dreams, even if you don't know exactly what your dreams are, that things may end up being dangerous and difficult but in the end far more satisfying. Devon is easily a very appealing, likable character, one that you can feel his struggles and desires. And that devotion to side characters that makes the plot seem thin is actually one of the strongest points of the book, as with so many different people to learn about and interacting with one another the story becomes a far more character driven affair than plot driven, and the amount of interesting characters is what kept me from being overwhelmed by the strong romance elements of the writing.
One other thing of note - Tessa Stokes has created some very unique lore for the world of her story. Her take on vampires as well as the other supernatural beings in the novel I found to be very interesting and, along with the character development, the most compelling part of her work.
Behind the structural concerns of the overall style of the writing I do believe there is something very worthwhile in Devon Ruthin and A Vampire in Love. Anyone who enjoys paranormal romance, especially such stories with vampires, could very much enjoy this novel. In the end the positives definitely do outweigh the negatives and I believe this to be a good story for the right audience.
December 5, 2011
LOVED this book! Full review to follow! :)
Review of Devon Ruthin A Vampire in Love
Devon Ruthin is strikingly handsome at 424 years old; of course he would be—he is a vampire. He has spent his life in England, not far from his inherited wealth and power. As a member of the aristocracy, Devon wanted for nothing and spent his carefree youth romancing countless women with his attractive presence and charming ways. It was during one of these encounters with a random girl after a play that he found himself victim to a vampires.
For centuries, Devon walked the night, using his extreme speed and strength to satiate his thirst for blood. Just as he had a love for women in his years as a human, his thirst for female companionship and the sweet, red blood they provided was insatiable. As was his station and temperament, Devon became widely revered and acknowledged as the leader of a large group of vampires.
And this is how he lived until twenty years ago when an event in a barn on the edge of his estate changed his life forever. That fateful night, he found himself standing between eight vampires lead by one who hated Devon and looked to take over his leadership and a group of five “beings” with magical powers of their own.
His decision that night changed the course of not only his life but the lives of countless others setting in motion the venomous hunger for both revenge and absolution.
Present day, we meet a school teacher named Bliss full of restlessness and optimism as she sets off on holiday by herself searching for adventure and romance—the kind of which she has only experienced vicariously through characters in books.
Tessa Stokes writes so fluidly. Her imagination and description pulled me completely into the story as though I was dreaming it and moving right along the stream of consciousness without realizing how many hours slipped past. Several times I had to remind myself to stop to eat or drink, her writing is so hypnotic! I am anxiously awaiting the release of book number two in her trilogy! Five stars!!!
Review of Devon Ruthin A Vampire in Love
Devon Ruthin is strikingly handsome at 424 years old; of course he would be—he is a vampire. He has spent his life in England, not far from his inherited wealth and power. As a member of the aristocracy, Devon wanted for nothing and spent his carefree youth romancing countless women with his attractive presence and charming ways. It was during one of these encounters with a random girl after a play that he found himself victim to a vampires.
For centuries, Devon walked the night, using his extreme speed and strength to satiate his thirst for blood. Just as he had a love for women in his years as a human, his thirst for female companionship and the sweet, red blood they provided was insatiable. As was his station and temperament, Devon became widely revered and acknowledged as the leader of a large group of vampires.
And this is how he lived until twenty years ago when an event in a barn on the edge of his estate changed his life forever. That fateful night, he found himself standing between eight vampires lead by one who hated Devon and looked to take over his leadership and a group of five “beings” with magical powers of their own.
His decision that night changed the course of not only his life but the lives of countless others setting in motion the venomous hunger for both revenge and absolution.
Present day, we meet a school teacher named Bliss full of restlessness and optimism as she sets off on holiday by herself searching for adventure and romance—the kind of which she has only experienced vicariously through characters in books.
Tessa Stokes writes so fluidly. Her imagination and description pulled me completely into the story as though I was dreaming it and moving right along the stream of consciousness without realizing how many hours slipped past. Several times I had to remind myself to stop to eat or drink, her writing is so hypnotic! I am anxiously awaiting the release of book number two in her trilogy! Five stars!!!
July 19, 2016
Devon Ruthin has grown weary of the vampire life and lost his blood lust. He has learnt to lead an almost human existence, but eternity is lonely and he craves love and companionship.
Enter Bliss, a school teacher whose previous relationships have left her emotionally bruised. Stuck in a rut she goes on holiday, where she meets two gorgeous men - Devon, and then Drew. She is immediately attracted to Devon but when he leaves without taking her number she assumes she'll never see him again and accepts Drew's dinner invitation.
Devon however is smitten, and tracks Bliss down - on a date with Drew. Bliss makes it clear she wants to be with Devon, but unfortunately Drew's jealousy has been aroused -with deadly consequences.
This is a story of love, relationships and vampires that is full of twists and turns, such as, how Bliss reacts when she accidentally learns of Devon's vampire past. Then (spoiler alert) she finds out Drew is Devon's brother and events spiral out of control as the unstable Drew abducts Bliss…
The opening paragraph with Drew in the nightclub and his casual disregard for life had me hooked straight away. Contrast that with Devon's strength and masculinity, and his personal struggle to stay off blood and you have two brothers on a collision course.
There is something hypnotic about Ms Stokes work. She has a writing voice that, for me, resonated with echoes of Steig Larson. I love the detailed descriptions that immerse the reader in the time, place and character and kept me turning the pages.
What stood out for me was the Devon / Bliss storyline. It was tender and touching and had me rooting for the characters from the beginning.
I wonder if Ms Stokes has thought of writing romance since the emotional connection between Bliss and Devon was so strong that it almost hurt when Bliss was abducted.
Bravo, Ms Stokes, I look forward to reading more of your books.
Enter Bliss, a school teacher whose previous relationships have left her emotionally bruised. Stuck in a rut she goes on holiday, where she meets two gorgeous men - Devon, and then Drew. She is immediately attracted to Devon but when he leaves without taking her number she assumes she'll never see him again and accepts Drew's dinner invitation.
Devon however is smitten, and tracks Bliss down - on a date with Drew. Bliss makes it clear she wants to be with Devon, but unfortunately Drew's jealousy has been aroused -with deadly consequences.
This is a story of love, relationships and vampires that is full of twists and turns, such as, how Bliss reacts when she accidentally learns of Devon's vampire past. Then (spoiler alert) she finds out Drew is Devon's brother and events spiral out of control as the unstable Drew abducts Bliss…
The opening paragraph with Drew in the nightclub and his casual disregard for life had me hooked straight away. Contrast that with Devon's strength and masculinity, and his personal struggle to stay off blood and you have two brothers on a collision course.
There is something hypnotic about Ms Stokes work. She has a writing voice that, for me, resonated with echoes of Steig Larson. I love the detailed descriptions that immerse the reader in the time, place and character and kept me turning the pages.
What stood out for me was the Devon / Bliss storyline. It was tender and touching and had me rooting for the characters from the beginning.
I wonder if Ms Stokes has thought of writing romance since the emotional connection between Bliss and Devon was so strong that it almost hurt when Bliss was abducted.
Bravo, Ms Stokes, I look forward to reading more of your books.
April 29, 2012
I'm not normally a great fan of vampire romance, but the opening passages of this book caught my eye. What I loved best about Devon Ruthin is that the author creates realistic, believable characters that stay true to the vampire traditions. I always thought that vampires were supposed to have voracious sexual appetites. I thought the same went for teenage boys. I never quite got the young adult "teenage vampire boy in love but keeping it respectable" genre. Tessa Stokes builds a sizzling story with just the right amount of steamy romance, predatory vampires that hold true to form, and reformed vampires with plausible explanations as to how they achieved it. If you love vampires but want something a lot more believable than Twilight and its ilk, you will devour this book with relish.
May 16, 2012
Reviewed by C. Whetzel
Ms. Stokes creates an interesting world, where the possibility exists to be “cured” from vampirism...I felt very turned off by the writing style...
Read the entire review at ParaYourNormal
Ms. Stokes creates an interesting world, where the possibility exists to be “cured” from vampirism...I felt very turned off by the writing style...
Read the entire review at ParaYourNormal
February 23, 2015
Got to chapter 9 at a struggle. Didn't like the style of writing. Really boring and very strange. Sorry
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews