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Bound by a Web of Wyrd #1
Blood Bound
Two lives entwined by fate.
He attacked her. Killed her. Turned her into a monster to save her.
Now, Eve’s life lies in Kjan’s hands, and if she doesn’t abide by his rules, he will make her next death permanent. But how can she trust him?
And what is this compelling connection they share?
He is her mentor. A terrifying yet tempting taboo. The mystery that shrouds him imbues every stolen glance, every lingering touch. Her skin buzzes under his attention, and she knows he feels it too.
Will breaking just one little rule really make him the death of her… again?
***
Two simple rules:
Don’t kill.
Don’t get attached.
And yet here he was, taking on a new charge after she interrupted his suicide and fell victim to his most primal instincts. Kjan’s failures with her predecessor still haunt him a century later. If Eve knew the truth about his past, she would never trust him. He saved her, but really, he put a target on her back. Now, she will be hunted for the powerful blood in her veins.
His blood.
He attacked her. Killed her. Turned her into a monster to save her.
Now, Eve’s life lies in Kjan’s hands, and if she doesn’t abide by his rules, he will make her next death permanent. But how can she trust him?
And what is this compelling connection they share?
He is her mentor. A terrifying yet tempting taboo. The mystery that shrouds him imbues every stolen glance, every lingering touch. Her skin buzzes under his attention, and she knows he feels it too.
Will breaking just one little rule really make him the death of her… again?
***
Two simple rules:
Don’t kill.
Don’t get attached.
And yet here he was, taking on a new charge after she interrupted his suicide and fell victim to his most primal instincts. Kjan’s failures with her predecessor still haunt him a century later. If Eve knew the truth about his past, she would never trust him. He saved her, but really, he put a target on her back. Now, she will be hunted for the powerful blood in her veins.
His blood.
- GenresParanormalFantasyEbooks
560 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2023
54 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 7, 2024
I was gifted a copy of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Your mental health is important. Please be advised of content warnings, and keep yourself aware and safe from any triggers you may have.
Blood Bound follows broody and ancient vampire Kjan, who has long struggled with the reality of what he is, and attempted to subtract himself from the equation of life multiple times, with little success—and Eve, the mortal girl turned unwitting protege for whom he finds himself suddenly responsible, and how their connection changes the whole world for each of them.
This particular rollercoasters twists and turns will steal your breath with a whole lot of fright, and then prove to be 100 percent a delight to read, from beginning to end.
I think the author said it best with “not your typical vampire romance”.
She is a THICK book, and if you’re like me that can sometimes be intimidating, but you’ll happily find yourself lost within the story. I would highly recommend this fast-paced and unique suspenseful vampire romance!
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for my gifted copy! I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for book two!
Your mental health is important. Please be advised of content warnings, and keep yourself aware and safe from any triggers you may have.
Blood Bound follows broody and ancient vampire Kjan, who has long struggled with the reality of what he is, and attempted to subtract himself from the equation of life multiple times, with little success—and Eve, the mortal girl turned unwitting protege for whom he finds himself suddenly responsible, and how their connection changes the whole world for each of them.
This particular rollercoasters twists and turns will steal your breath with a whole lot of fright, and then prove to be 100 percent a delight to read, from beginning to end.
I think the author said it best with “not your typical vampire romance”.
She is a THICK book, and if you’re like me that can sometimes be intimidating, but you’ll happily find yourself lost within the story. I would highly recommend this fast-paced and unique suspenseful vampire romance!
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for my gifted copy! I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for book two!
September 8, 2023
“In a way, he was only returning what he had taken from her.”
Rowland’s addition to the smutty vamp book genre broke ground for me. I’ve covertly avoided VPNR for some time now, unwilling to dedicate read time to yet another tired, overdone set of vampire tropes. But I jumped on the ARC team for this as a gap filler between beta reads. Rowland came in hot right off the bat! She beautifully manages to build a world with new abilities I’ve not seen in VPNR books before, depicts a strong, relatable FMC (that frankly needs to stop drinking anything offered by other men) and Kjan: yes your standard broody vamp with the emotional intelligence of a bug but, and here’s the hook for me: he owns it. Like truly owns it. He’s damaged as all hell, but is so poetically good at being good, like he’s pretending to be bad (well some of the time anyway!) And his car… 🥵 *faint*
Things of note:
> Blœd play
> Morally grey
> Age gap
> Slight allusion to cheating-ish behaviour
> Mentions and depicts attempts at yeeting oneself and others
> Slooooow burn, spice doesn’t kick in until about 45%
> 2.5 smutty stars and a solid 4 overall rating
Cannot wait for book 2 ❤️🌶️
Rowland’s addition to the smutty vamp book genre broke ground for me. I’ve covertly avoided VPNR for some time now, unwilling to dedicate read time to yet another tired, overdone set of vampire tropes. But I jumped on the ARC team for this as a gap filler between beta reads. Rowland came in hot right off the bat! She beautifully manages to build a world with new abilities I’ve not seen in VPNR books before, depicts a strong, relatable FMC (that frankly needs to stop drinking anything offered by other men) and Kjan: yes your standard broody vamp with the emotional intelligence of a bug but, and here’s the hook for me: he owns it. Like truly owns it. He’s damaged as all hell, but is so poetically good at being good, like he’s pretending to be bad (well some of the time anyway!) And his car… 🥵 *faint*
Things of note:
> Blœd play
> Morally grey
> Age gap
> Slight allusion to cheating-ish behaviour
> Mentions and depicts attempts at yeeting oneself and others
> Slooooow burn, spice doesn’t kick in until about 45%
> 2.5 smutty stars and a solid 4 overall rating
Cannot wait for book 2 ❤️🌶️
December 5, 2023
The book is described as a dark-themed retelling of vampire origin based on Norse Gods in a modern, post-Ragnarǫk setting.
I loveddd the slow burn romance that developed between our two vamps, and it was so cool to have the flashbacks (because he is legit 900+ years old) and to get that Norse mythology aspect. Khan turns Eve into a vampire and serves as her mentor. We get to see their electric chemistry while they realize the depth of their feelings throughout. Since she was turned, Eve has his very powerful blood within him which puts her into the crosshairs of others who are now hunting her. It’s a grumpy/sunshine situation as well as age gap, which, who doesn’t love both of those tropes?
I loved this book and will absolutely be reading Books 2 and 3 🩸
I loveddd the slow burn romance that developed between our two vamps, and it was so cool to have the flashbacks (because he is legit 900+ years old) and to get that Norse mythology aspect. Khan turns Eve into a vampire and serves as her mentor. We get to see their electric chemistry while they realize the depth of their feelings throughout. Since she was turned, Eve has his very powerful blood within him which puts her into the crosshairs of others who are now hunting her. It’s a grumpy/sunshine situation as well as age gap, which, who doesn’t love both of those tropes?
I loved this book and will absolutely be reading Books 2 and 3 🩸
September 1, 2023
I love this book it’s everything you would want to read in a vampire romance. It’s a slow burn but that would be normal when the one who has turned you, has his own demons he’s fighting. I couldn’t not put this book down and I was very invested in Eve and Kyan’s lives. I can’t wait for book two to come out!
Kyan has a tortured soul because of all the years he has lived and the things he had to do. But since Eve saves his life, she was turned by him. It wasn’t meant to happen and Kyan has no choice but to help her in her newly vampire life. From there, they have an unbreakable bound that they both try to deny. There’s this very relatable give and take when dealing with someone who is conflicted with their own emotions.
There is spice in this book but it’s not the main focus. There is a mix of both plot and spice. The spice scenes do go into detail but it’s not throughout the book. Because if that ill rate is a 3 spice level.
Kyan has a tortured soul because of all the years he has lived and the things he had to do. But since Eve saves his life, she was turned by him. It wasn’t meant to happen and Kyan has no choice but to help her in her newly vampire life. From there, they have an unbreakable bound that they both try to deny. There’s this very relatable give and take when dealing with someone who is conflicted with their own emotions.
There is spice in this book but it’s not the main focus. There is a mix of both plot and spice. The spice scenes do go into detail but it’s not throughout the book. Because if that ill rate is a 3 spice level.
January 1, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5/5🌶️🌶️
Norse gods and paranormal romance count me in! This book was great and a very refreshing read, I haven't read many Norse god imaginings but this was by far my favorite. A smutty vampire romance inspired by Norse mythology. I really enjoyed Rowland’s take on vampires! It was fun and interesting. The slow burn and miscommunication nearly killed me but so worth it in the end. 😆 Eve was a fun FMC, definitely can't say she’s like any other I have read before. I enjoyed her character, she could be naive but seeing as she was 20 and lived pretty sheltered it fit her. I'm excited to see if she matures more in the rest of the series. Kjan oh boy, I don't know if it was just me and my Sebastian Stan-obsessed brain but I could not picture him as anyone else but Seb. 🤭 Like full-on winter soldier vibes in my head. Anyways boy this man pissed me off and made me want him all in the same breath. 😤🫣 I really did love his story and complexity, hoping to find out more in the next book! 👀Overall this book had lots of ups and downs, conflicts minor and huge so if you like books that have multiple facets then definitely check Blood Bound out!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
2.5/5🌶️🌶️
Norse gods and paranormal romance count me in! This book was great and a very refreshing read, I haven't read many Norse god imaginings but this was by far my favorite. A smutty vampire romance inspired by Norse mythology. I really enjoyed Rowland’s take on vampires! It was fun and interesting. The slow burn and miscommunication nearly killed me but so worth it in the end. 😆 Eve was a fun FMC, definitely can't say she’s like any other I have read before. I enjoyed her character, she could be naive but seeing as she was 20 and lived pretty sheltered it fit her. I'm excited to see if she matures more in the rest of the series. Kjan oh boy, I don't know if it was just me and my Sebastian Stan-obsessed brain but I could not picture him as anyone else but Seb. 🤭 Like full-on winter soldier vibes in my head. Anyways boy this man pissed me off and made me want him all in the same breath. 😤🫣 I really did love his story and complexity, hoping to find out more in the next book! 👀Overall this book had lots of ups and downs, conflicts minor and huge so if you like books that have multiple facets then definitely check Blood Bound out!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
Wow… I absolutely devoured this book❤️ It has a great storyline, interesting characters and the perfect amount of spice!! I can not wait for the next book💋
September 18, 2023
This book is absolutely PHENOMENAL. I am not a usual VPNR reader, but let me tell you, this book had me HOOKED. For 3 straight days it was my drug I could not put it down. Renate wrote such an amazing story line, the FMC was badass and I love her. Definitely grumpy-sunshine. The tension and the slow burn was 🔥 and I could not get enough. An emotional roller coaster of plot twists, spice and just pure magnificence!
January 3, 2024
First and foremost, thank you to R&R Book Tours and the author for my gifted physical copy of Blood Bound! This book is absolutely gorgeous (also has amaaazing flop. Lemme tell you the serotonin I got from just holding this thicc beauty 🧑🏼🍳💋).
OVERALL: 3.5 🌟
STORY: 3🌟
WRITING: 5🌟
CHARACTERS: 5🌟
SPICE: 3🌶️
ENJOYMENT: 3🌟
Blood Bound is a Dark Vampire Romance with mystery abound. Rowland’s writing is delicious and decadent, perfect for telling the story of a tortured Vampiric soul and his freshly turned Eve. Her prose flows naturally and weaves a narrative that is descriptive and mysterious.
Rowland leads us on a slow journey, observing Kjrn and Eve’s days, post-Eve’s turning. Their dynamic is tense, full of push and pull as Eve struggles to get past Kjrn's walls and Kjrn struggles with his darkness. We follow them, day by day, through Eve's training, through their every fight, through every miscommunication. For me personally, this was dull and dragged on too much. Where was the plot outside of them bickering? Rowland would occasionally drop hints of some kind of overarching plot that pieced together only at the end, but it did make the story feel too long for me.
But outside of that, the characters themselves are incredibly well-written. There's not a moment that felt out of character or off. Eve is strong willed and a fantastic advocate for herself. Kjrn is a classically tortured soul with one hell of a mysterious background. Both characters have excellent push and pull between them, but Kjrn himself has a whole 'nother level of push and pull that I greatly enjoyed.
I absolutely enjoyed the bits of Norse mythology that was sprinkled thought this vampire tale. I definitely wish there was more, especially in regards to Kjrn's connection to the Nordic gods but I understand that will come later in the trilogy.
Overall this was an average read for me. The slice-of-life chapters would often get too much for me and I would end up skimming the pages till something started to happen again. But I enjoy Rowland's writer's voice and her characters, so I'll absolutely be picking up the next book. I'm incredibly intrigued to know more about Kjrn. Correction: I need to know more about him!
If you enjoy spicy slice-of-life romances with a mysterious vampiric twist, then you absolutely need to pick up this book!
OVERALL: 3.5 🌟
STORY: 3🌟
WRITING: 5🌟
CHARACTERS: 5🌟
SPICE: 3🌶️
ENJOYMENT: 3🌟
Blood Bound is a Dark Vampire Romance with mystery abound. Rowland’s writing is delicious and decadent, perfect for telling the story of a tortured Vampiric soul and his freshly turned Eve. Her prose flows naturally and weaves a narrative that is descriptive and mysterious.
Rowland leads us on a slow journey, observing Kjrn and Eve’s days, post-Eve’s turning. Their dynamic is tense, full of push and pull as Eve struggles to get past Kjrn's walls and Kjrn struggles with his darkness. We follow them, day by day, through Eve's training, through their every fight, through every miscommunication. For me personally, this was dull and dragged on too much. Where was the plot outside of them bickering? Rowland would occasionally drop hints of some kind of overarching plot that pieced together only at the end, but it did make the story feel too long for me.
But outside of that, the characters themselves are incredibly well-written. There's not a moment that felt out of character or off. Eve is strong willed and a fantastic advocate for herself. Kjrn is a classically tortured soul with one hell of a mysterious background. Both characters have excellent push and pull between them, but Kjrn himself has a whole 'nother level of push and pull that I greatly enjoyed.
I absolutely enjoyed the bits of Norse mythology that was sprinkled thought this vampire tale. I definitely wish there was more, especially in regards to Kjrn's connection to the Nordic gods but I understand that will come later in the trilogy.
Overall this was an average read for me. The slice-of-life chapters would often get too much for me and I would end up skimming the pages till something started to happen again. But I enjoy Rowland's writer's voice and her characters, so I'll absolutely be picking up the next book. I'm incredibly intrigued to know more about Kjrn. Correction: I need to know more about him!
If you enjoy spicy slice-of-life romances with a mysterious vampiric twist, then you absolutely need to pick up this book!
January 5, 2024
Book Review: Blood Bound by Renate Rowland
I just finished this book and I was really surprised by it. At first I thought it would be similar to other vampire stories I’ve read but this one was really different and interesting! I loved the spiritual and metaphysical notes sewn through out the story. The story and plot were unique and intriguing. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and their chemistry/ separate internal battles. They kept misunderstanding each other’s motives and assumptions led them to believe they weren’t meant to be. I felt for both of the characters and their continued bad luck ugh it was heartbreaking. But the bond and love between them even when they hated one another was so sweet. It was a little difficult with the back and forth so many times it was frustrating for me but if you think about real life it is often that way there isn’t ever really and quick fix there are slow layers that are removed and reveals more to pick apart. The underlying mystery was great and even though it ends on a cliffhanger it’s a so far HEA hanger with a bigger world plot in the mix. I look forward to reading book 2 and 3. Definitely 💯 suggest reading this one!
Genre: Vampire Romance/ Suspense/ Norse Mythology
🩸Slow Burn 🩸Dual POV 🩸Morally Gray MC 🩸Sunny vs Grumpy 🩸Mentor/Pupil 🩸Age Gap 🩸Forced Proximity 🩸Dark Past/Secrets 🩸Broken, Unworthy of Her 🩸Redemption 🩸Open Door Spice
I just finished this book and I was really surprised by it. At first I thought it would be similar to other vampire stories I’ve read but this one was really different and interesting! I loved the spiritual and metaphysical notes sewn through out the story. The story and plot were unique and intriguing. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and their chemistry/ separate internal battles. They kept misunderstanding each other’s motives and assumptions led them to believe they weren’t meant to be. I felt for both of the characters and their continued bad luck ugh it was heartbreaking. But the bond and love between them even when they hated one another was so sweet. It was a little difficult with the back and forth so many times it was frustrating for me but if you think about real life it is often that way there isn’t ever really and quick fix there are slow layers that are removed and reveals more to pick apart. The underlying mystery was great and even though it ends on a cliffhanger it’s a so far HEA hanger with a bigger world plot in the mix. I look forward to reading book 2 and 3. Definitely 💯 suggest reading this one!
Genre: Vampire Romance/ Suspense/ Norse Mythology
🩸Slow Burn 🩸Dual POV 🩸Morally Gray MC 🩸Sunny vs Grumpy 🩸Mentor/Pupil 🩸Age Gap 🩸Forced Proximity 🩸Dark Past/Secrets 🩸Broken, Unworthy of Her 🩸Redemption 🩸Open Door Spice
November 6, 2023
You know I will eat up any book that has morally grey characters in it and I did just that with this read.
Renate floored me with this PNR vampire romance! I am a big PNR fan but don't find myself gravitating towards vampires that much, however my mind is now changed for the better! Right off the bat I was immersed in the amazing characters that you get in this read. I immediately gravitated towards Eve; she's such a strong fmc that you can connect too quite easily. Kyan is every bit the morally grey vamp that I needed, these Mcs are so well described and fleshed out that I truly felt like I was along for the journey with these two.
Plot wise this felt original and fresh, I enjoyed how the fmc was turned by the mmc and has to stick with him to learn how to control her new vamp tendencies. The forced proximity trope was so well implemented and the tension that you read really builds through out the book leaving you with the most perfect slow burn that really has you rooting for these two to get together. Along with these amazing tropes we also get age gap and grumpy x sunshine which in my view are some of the most superior tropes out there. Rowland has not only sold me on these charters, this story but also the vampire PNR genre as a whole. I can't wait to get my hands on book two and devour more of this series.
Renate floored me with this PNR vampire romance! I am a big PNR fan but don't find myself gravitating towards vampires that much, however my mind is now changed for the better! Right off the bat I was immersed in the amazing characters that you get in this read. I immediately gravitated towards Eve; she's such a strong fmc that you can connect too quite easily. Kyan is every bit the morally grey vamp that I needed, these Mcs are so well described and fleshed out that I truly felt like I was along for the journey with these two.
Plot wise this felt original and fresh, I enjoyed how the fmc was turned by the mmc and has to stick with him to learn how to control her new vamp tendencies. The forced proximity trope was so well implemented and the tension that you read really builds through out the book leaving you with the most perfect slow burn that really has you rooting for these two to get together. Along with these amazing tropes we also get age gap and grumpy x sunshine which in my view are some of the most superior tropes out there. Rowland has not only sold me on these charters, this story but also the vampire PNR genre as a whole. I can't wait to get my hands on book two and devour more of this series.
October 1, 2023
Blood Bound by Renate Rowland is book one in A Web of Wyrd Trilogy. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but after finishing reading it, I must say I’m a fan. I enjoyed the worldbuilding that was done in this book. I really enjoyed the author’s take on vampires and everything that went into it. I really enjoyed the characters of Kjan and Eve; I thought they both were thought out and described well. I was able to connect with both them and with the story emotionally. I felt like everything was deceived well and I was able to picture what I was reading. This book also contained some of my favorite tropes such as age gap, forced proximity and grumpy sunshine. (To name a few) I enjoyed the suspense and the slow burn of the romance, at times I was on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
January 1, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Blood bound is a modern day vampire romantasy with a slow burn. I enjoyed reading this story so much! The tension between the two MC’s was amazing.
I enjoyed the fact that the chapters were shorter, which because of girl math made me fly through the book that much faster… just one more chapter because its short right?!😅
The story had dual pov, which helped gain perspective of both characters. I especially loved Kjan’s chapters because he is so broody it was nice to see what he was thinking. Kjan is not just a grumpy, broody, morally grey MMC but also 🥵
If you like a book with:
✨Vampires
💜Dual POV
✨ Short Chapters
💜Morally Grey MC
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
💜Slow Burn
Then read Blood Bound!
* please read authors note at the beginning of the book for warnings! There are darker parts of the book involving mental health and explicit 🌶️
2.5/5🌶️
Blood bound is a modern day vampire romantasy with a slow burn. I enjoyed reading this story so much! The tension between the two MC’s was amazing.
I enjoyed the fact that the chapters were shorter, which because of girl math made me fly through the book that much faster… just one more chapter because its short right?!😅
The story had dual pov, which helped gain perspective of both characters. I especially loved Kjan’s chapters because he is so broody it was nice to see what he was thinking. Kjan is not just a grumpy, broody, morally grey MMC but also 🥵
If you like a book with:
✨Vampires
💜Dual POV
✨ Short Chapters
💜Morally Grey MC
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
💜Slow Burn
Then read Blood Bound!
* please read authors note at the beginning of the book for warnings! There are darker parts of the book involving mental health and explicit 🌶️
October 9, 2023
Wow! I’m not sure what to say about this book. It is stunningly and beautifully written. The world building is out of this world. The emotions are off the charts, and I can promise you, you will feel them ALL! The book was captivating from the very first page. Yes, it’s a very slow burn, but honestly, it’s not even important how slow or fast it is, it just IS raw and emotional need! A breathtaking book to read 🥰
September 30, 2023
I’m usually pretty good at predicting what’s coming in a story but this one kept me on my toes. I was a little confused at the beginning of the book but it all tied together nicely a few chapters in. After that I couldn’t put it down, I lost sleep trying to figure out what would happen next. Great book, I can’t say enough good things about it and I’m really looking forward to the next book!
October 2, 2023
This was a one sitting read for me, it sucked me in immediately. It is an interesting mix of Norse mythology and vampires. Kean and Eve have a grumpy/sunshine dynamic. It is a slower burn romance with amazing tension and emotion. I am very much looking forward to reading book 2.
July 11, 2025
Wow!! Vampire meets Norse Mythology and I loved it!
Whoa! Instant 6 stars!! I’ve never read anything by this author before and I am so glad I did!! I loved Kjan and Eve’s story so much and I cannot wait to read more of this trilogy soon!!
Whoa! Instant 6 stars!! I’ve never read anything by this author before and I am so glad I did!! I loved Kjan and Eve’s story so much and I cannot wait to read more of this trilogy soon!!
August 16, 2023
Blood Bound by Renate Rowland was amazing! The tension between the characters was off the charts and the storyline was so much more than I ever could’ve expected it to be. I was unable to put this book down until I finished and was just enveloped in the story! Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ can’t wait for the second book! A must read!
September 12, 2023
I absolutely LOVED the story line. Only reason I gave a 3 star was being I struggle getting into a story when it isn’t like first person writing. It’s just not my cup of tea. Other than that it’s Fantastic!
September 28, 2023
Loved this new twist on Norse mythology and vampire love story. I can't wait to see what is up her sleeve for the next book.
October 2, 2023
I loved this book and how it works out and the plot was awesome and the storyline awesome can't wait to read more of your work.
October 2, 2023
My full review can be found here: https://thereadingwife.com/blood-bound/
August 1, 2024
Review will be added
January 4, 2024
The slow burn in this book is so good and so worth the wait. I have loved vampire books forever and this is definitely a great one to add to your collection.
December 29, 2023
I’d love the slow burn, vampire romance! When Eve saves Khan‘s life, she is accidentally turned into a vampire. He serves as her mentor and they try to fight the attraction between them. I love the Norse mythology that was given in Khans flashbacks! Since he is over 900 years old, this worked well and made for a very interesting, read . The grumpy sunshine is one of my favorites. The tension and storyline kept me engaged from beginning to end.
January 3, 2024
This novel sounded right up my alley when I picked it up: vampires with Norse Mythology - sign me up!
Rowland didn’t disappoint me, she actually blew me out of the water. A dual point of view through the two main characters, Kjan and Eve, are the perfect pairing for this story. Eve is the optimist and Kjan is the one who is done with everything.
The willingness for change from Eve and the dark backstory with so many complex, hidden details from Kjan gives the perfect recipe to yield some very angsty moments but shows a realness in a relationship that isn’t always portrayed in books. The banter and struggles both characters have with their lives is a perfect mix between entertaining and heartbreaking.
The relationship that grows between Kjan and Eve solidifies the bond they share and the spicy scenes had me on the edge of my seat 🥵🥵. The slow burn made me almost screaming at the page for them to share their first truly intimate moment.
Though there are some awesome spicy scenes, they add to the storyline but do not detract from the main plot. Rowland also gave a unique spin on how vampire bites affect others if the vampires wishes it and how mating bonds between a vampire and another affect the initiator of the bond.
I’m desperate for the second book in the series to find out more about Kjan’s backstory because I have some theories but I feel like I won’t be able to unravel the true plot twists that will come for us in book 2.
Rowland didn’t disappoint me, she actually blew me out of the water. A dual point of view through the two main characters, Kjan and Eve, are the perfect pairing for this story. Eve is the optimist and Kjan is the one who is done with everything.
The willingness for change from Eve and the dark backstory with so many complex, hidden details from Kjan gives the perfect recipe to yield some very angsty moments but shows a realness in a relationship that isn’t always portrayed in books. The banter and struggles both characters have with their lives is a perfect mix between entertaining and heartbreaking.
The relationship that grows between Kjan and Eve solidifies the bond they share and the spicy scenes had me on the edge of my seat 🥵🥵. The slow burn made me almost screaming at the page for them to share their first truly intimate moment.
Though there are some awesome spicy scenes, they add to the storyline but do not detract from the main plot. Rowland also gave a unique spin on how vampire bites affect others if the vampires wishes it and how mating bonds between a vampire and another affect the initiator of the bond.
I’m desperate for the second book in the series to find out more about Kjan’s backstory because I have some theories but I feel like I won’t be able to unravel the true plot twists that will come for us in book 2.
January 23, 2024
I have read dozens of vampire books and I really think this has to be one of the most unique ones. Instead of the typical recycled vampire lore, this book breathed new life into it and peaked my interest. I couldn't stop thinking about it when I had to put it down for eat and sleep, and I literally had no clue what was going to happen next. After reading a lot of books that are predictable, it was very refreshing to read a book that was surprising.
Kjan doesn't seem to like explaining things too well to Eve (lol), but when he was talking about the heart magnetic field and the electrical activity in the body, I was blown away. This is woven throughout the story in an important way and made this fantasy seem so realistic. It's hard for me to describe the emotional pull this book had on me. I'm not good with words, but it gave me the same feeling as when I watched Constantine. Loss, dejection, boredom, heavy, and hopeful. As much as this was a slow burn romance and redemption and atoning for mistakes, Kjan is searching for meaning in his life that is never ending. Even for the short life span for humans, life seems too long if we don't have a purpose to keep going. Throughout my reading, I couldn't stop thinking about all of this and it made me feel very connected to these characters. Everything tied together wonderfully and is leading into more. With the ties to the old Norse gods and the various hints throughout the book about Kjan's "special" abilities, his past, and his creator, there's tons more to be explored in this trilogy. Even though not everything was explained in book one, it didn't feel like anything was missing because it wasn't the right time to tell it if that makes sense.
I loved the dual POV, the flashbacks of Kjan's life, the slow burn romance, the growth of Eve, and some bad guys getting their comeuppance. I really disliked both of Eve's love interests that weren't Kjan. Not just because they weren't Kjan, but they were just truly terrible men. They made me so mad, omg! I really like Joe and I hope Eve can somehow find a way to stay in contact with him.
This was just an amazing book and I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings!
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kjan doesn't seem to like explaining things too well to Eve (lol), but when he was talking about the heart magnetic field and the electrical activity in the body, I was blown away. This is woven throughout the story in an important way and made this fantasy seem so realistic. It's hard for me to describe the emotional pull this book had on me. I'm not good with words, but it gave me the same feeling as when I watched Constantine. Loss, dejection, boredom, heavy, and hopeful. As much as this was a slow burn romance and redemption and atoning for mistakes, Kjan is searching for meaning in his life that is never ending. Even for the short life span for humans, life seems too long if we don't have a purpose to keep going. Throughout my reading, I couldn't stop thinking about all of this and it made me feel very connected to these characters. Everything tied together wonderfully and is leading into more. With the ties to the old Norse gods and the various hints throughout the book about Kjan's "special" abilities, his past, and his creator, there's tons more to be explored in this trilogy. Even though not everything was explained in book one, it didn't feel like anything was missing because it wasn't the right time to tell it if that makes sense.
I loved the dual POV, the flashbacks of Kjan's life, the slow burn romance, the growth of Eve, and some bad guys getting their comeuppance. I really disliked both of Eve's love interests that weren't Kjan. Not just because they weren't Kjan, but they were just truly terrible men. They made me so mad, omg! I really like Joe and I hope Eve can somehow find a way to stay in contact with him.
This was just an amazing book and I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings!
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2023
𝒯𝓌𝑜 𝐿𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝐸𝓃𝓉𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝒷𝓎 𝐹𝒶𝓉𝑒
Eve and Kjan
Protective MMC • Suspense • Slow Burn • Morally Gray MC • Sunny vs Grumpy • Mentor/Pupil • Age Gap • Forced Proximity • Dark Pasts/Secrets • Vampires
The world building in this book is great! The flashbacks I love. The explanation of everything helps out a lot and was easy to follow. Love the story overall and the characters! I absolutely loved Kjan. A gray MC is my weakness.
The back and forth between these characters was great. I was really hooked on this story and it was very fast paced. I loved it!
First time read from this author and I will read more!
If you like slow burn, vampires and all the drama you will love this book!! Definitely recommend! 🖤
Eve and Kjan
Protective MMC • Suspense • Slow Burn • Morally Gray MC • Sunny vs Grumpy • Mentor/Pupil • Age Gap • Forced Proximity • Dark Pasts/Secrets • Vampires
The world building in this book is great! The flashbacks I love. The explanation of everything helps out a lot and was easy to follow. Love the story overall and the characters! I absolutely loved Kjan. A gray MC is my weakness.
The back and forth between these characters was great. I was really hooked on this story and it was very fast paced. I loved it!
First time read from this author and I will read more!
If you like slow burn, vampires and all the drama you will love this book!! Definitely recommend! 🖤
September 25, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. I love the world building and descriptions. I love how the FMC is not your typical and is smart and opinionated. The MMC is dark and mysterious as well as humorous with his internal conflicts. Absolutely loved it.
August 9, 2024
Liked ✅
- Trigger Warnings
- Eve’s strength
- Kjan moody/gloomy personality
- Complexity of character views
- Perfect amount of crumbs for wanting more
Thoughts 💭
I loved having a trigger warning notice, especially after having read a book with a horrifically detailed scene and no trigger warnings.
You become heavily attached to Eve. She shows true strength and resilience in so many ways. Kjan is definitely the moody, gloomy type. He's mysterious and has a complexity about him. Being alive for so long will do that. His crappy decision making skills, upped my frustration level, but a book is only good if it makes you feel many ways!
Being the first in a series it was expectantly slow for a good chunk of it. Overall, I enjoyed the read, it was a different perspective on vampire fantasy and definitely an interesting cliffhanger!
- Trigger Warnings
- Eve’s strength
- Kjan moody/gloomy personality
- Complexity of character views
- Perfect amount of crumbs for wanting more
Thoughts 💭
I loved having a trigger warning notice, especially after having read a book with a horrifically detailed scene and no trigger warnings.
You become heavily attached to Eve. She shows true strength and resilience in so many ways. Kjan is definitely the moody, gloomy type. He's mysterious and has a complexity about him. Being alive for so long will do that. His crappy decision making skills, upped my frustration level, but a book is only good if it makes you feel many ways!
Being the first in a series it was expectantly slow for a good chunk of it. Overall, I enjoyed the read, it was a different perspective on vampire fantasy and definitely an interesting cliffhanger!
March 12, 2024
Kjan is the nerdy, morally grey mentor you didn’t know you needed. Eve is so enchanting, spirited and emotional (in a realistic and natural way). You will get wrapped up and experience her highs and lows alongside her. The banter between the two will keep you hooked in this innovative take on vampire lore that is based on Norse Mythology instead of redundant regurgitated lore that has been used and abused. I found it difficult to put this down, and when I did, I found myself constantly thinking about this story.
Check your trigger warnings prior to indulging in this book to ensure it is for you because the spice is amazing! This story had a good mix of spice and plot, which I enjoyed.
🖤 "Touch her and die"
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Bite kinks
🖤 Grumpy x Sunshine vibes.
🖤 Unique Vampires + vampire magic
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Slow burn
🖤Dual POV
🖤Flashbacks
Check your trigger warnings prior to indulging in this book to ensure it is for you because the spice is amazing! This story had a good mix of spice and plot, which I enjoyed.
🖤 "Touch her and die"
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Bite kinks
🖤 Grumpy x Sunshine vibes.
🖤 Unique Vampires + vampire magic
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Slow burn
🖤Dual POV
🖤Flashbacks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews