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Cora's Choice #3
Bad Blood
Eternity comes at a very high price....
Cora Shaw was blood-bonded to the billionaire vampire Dorian Thorne to save her life, giving him control over her mind and body. But now she’s in more danger than ever. Dorian has enemies as powerful as he is, and they want Cora dead.
Cora finds herself thrust into the midst of a terrifying new world. But the greatest danger of all may still be Dorian, for she learns that role as his consort will be more terrible than she ever imagined....
Cora Shaw was blood-bonded to the billionaire vampire Dorian Thorne to save her life, giving him control over her mind and body. But now she’s in more danger than ever. Dorian has enemies as powerful as he is, and they want Cora dead.
Cora finds herself thrust into the midst of a terrifying new world. But the greatest danger of all may still be Dorian, for she learns that role as his consort will be more terrible than she ever imagined....
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2014
37 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
V.M. Black
52 books410 followersI write steamy paranormal romance, particularly vampire and shifter/werewolf right now. Check out my two free series starters, Life Blood and Taken. :)
I most often compare my work to Twilight meets 50 Shades (my vampires in Cora's Choice are more dark and angsty, and the S/M elements grow more and more pronounced as the series progresses), but the names that readers most often mention are Anne Rice and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
In Cora's Choice, Cora's Bond, and the following series, I wanted to show a heroine's journey from ordinary girl to someone super tough. This is a journey of months--years, even. So many stories start with an Anita Blake-type, able to kick ass and take names from the first we meet her. I thought it would be awesome and really interesting to show someone becoming that person through tiny changes that build on each other.
My world puts a different twist on everything from vampires (they're alive) to elves (aliens) and demons (interdimensional djinn). The Alpha's Captive series features a kickass heroine out of the gate, while Cora's Choice series--followed my Cora's Bond and others--has my "big" character story line.
Yes, there's an HEA. :) But the story keeps going on!
I most often compare my work to Twilight meets 50 Shades (my vampires in Cora's Choice are more dark and angsty, and the S/M elements grow more and more pronounced as the series progresses), but the names that readers most often mention are Anne Rice and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
In Cora's Choice, Cora's Bond, and the following series, I wanted to show a heroine's journey from ordinary girl to someone super tough. This is a journey of months--years, even. So many stories start with an Anita Blake-type, able to kick ass and take names from the first we meet her. I thought it would be awesome and really interesting to show someone becoming that person through tiny changes that build on each other.
My world puts a different twist on everything from vampires (they're alive) to elves (aliens) and demons (interdimensional djinn). The Alpha's Captive series features a kickass heroine out of the gate, while Cora's Choice series--followed my Cora's Bond and others--has my "big" character story line.
Yes, there's an HEA. :) But the story keeps going on!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 25, 2015
I have to admit. I really thought that I would really want to dive into the next book in this series because it ends in a 'cliff-hanger', but I need a break. V. M. Black is taking my soul on an emotional roller coaster that I have a book hang-over with and I haven't even reached the end of this serial series. They are all out, all available but after Dorian's last move I am left in tears, pain, and feeling so much for Cora emphatically. I don't know how to feel at the end of this and I really wouldn't blame Cora for running for the hills.
At this point, I have to give Black a huge amount of credit as an author because I'm really feeling the characters and the story. But for me, I feel like Dorian should 'know better', because of his age and experience around humans. If he doesn't know, I really hope that the very large amount of human that Cora still is, will wake him up. She's already said, "I don't love you. But I need you." And Dorian didn't flinch at that. If you are going to bond and mate to someone, if human's are the only way that you can even breed I feel like we should be the higher commodity, if you will. Human's should be the golden calf. I'm so hurt by what Dorian has done at this point I need to walk away for a few days, read a few other books then go back to this series and end and and HOPE under the literary gods that this all ends up for the best. I really wish this was written in a dual POV. I feel like its in the disservice a bit to not get his introspect and see where he his coming from. I do believe with how well Black writes it would be a bit overwhelming for the reader, but his expressions of regret and almost pain at what he's done to Cora at the end of this installment isn't enough for the more simple reader. You know, the ones that want all the answers in book one and don't want to wait for the story to unfold? I can see his motivations at this point. I am just hoping that he ends up loving Cora enough to understand her as well, or he runs a really big risk of losing her.
*I read a copy via Oyster Books*
At this point, I have to give Black a huge amount of credit as an author because I'm really feeling the characters and the story. But for me, I feel like Dorian should 'know better', because of his age and experience around humans. If he doesn't know, I really hope that the very large amount of human that Cora still is, will wake him up. She's already said, "I don't love you. But I need you." And Dorian didn't flinch at that. If you are going to bond and mate to someone, if human's are the only way that you can even breed I feel like we should be the higher commodity, if you will. Human's should be the golden calf. I'm so hurt by what Dorian has done at this point I need to walk away for a few days, read a few other books then go back to this series and end and and HOPE under the literary gods that this all ends up for the best. I really wish this was written in a dual POV. I feel like its in the disservice a bit to not get his introspect and see where he his coming from. I do believe with how well Black writes it would be a bit overwhelming for the reader, but his expressions of regret and almost pain at what he's done to Cora at the end of this installment isn't enough for the more simple reader. You know, the ones that want all the answers in book one and don't want to wait for the story to unfold? I can see his motivations at this point. I am just hoping that he ends up loving Cora enough to understand her as well, or he runs a really big risk of losing her.
*I read a copy via Oyster Books*
February 13, 2015
Another great installment. Cora is finding out more about her bond with Dorian and she doesn't like it at all. She is trying to find a way to break the bond but honestly it's aggravating. I just feel like Dorian loves her more than Cora loves him or should I say cares about him because she openly admits not loving him. She's really an ungrateful little tramp. She doesn't even think about Geoff or what she's going to tell Dorian once he finds out she has a boyfriend outside of their relationship. I could just throttle Cora. Still a great story and I love Dorian. The mindless doll Isabella puts fear in me too so I can sympathize with Cora on that subject.
December 29, 2014
This book starts out right where the last one stopped, I was pretty sure of who was in those SUVs and I was right. I liked how strong Cora was even when she thought she was done for. I love how Dorian lifts her up and holds her, and comforts her, and clearly he was scared to lose her. I like the action in this book, it breaks up the story so it is not all about the sex. The sex scenes are great though and I love how he makes her feel. I love when he says "The world falling down around our ears, and what I want most is...you". He lowered his face to mine. "To take you". I actually like how the author gets the reader interested in Dorian's research, how it is explained makes it sound feasible in a world where there would be vampires, and I like how he is watching out for the human race, not just his race. I thought the information about their bond was interesting and how he was even trying to make that a better process for her. I like how we learn about what they do to make sure any human that works with them has not been put under another vampires thrall. We learned alot in this book, we also learned about how salt can be used against a Djinn, for that matter we learned what a Djinn was lol I wonder what is going to happen with Geoff now, with all of her friends? Then she is getting ready for her "Introduction" which sounds like it could be interesting but a big bomb is dropped on her first, she finally finds out how vampires are born.
January 9, 2015
Cora Shaw doesn’t have long left to live and she’ll have to choose whether to take part in an experimental procedure by the strange, compelling Mr. Thorne. A steady to fast paced plot with well written scenes and details that capture the imagination and well orchestrated suspense and emotional drama that draws the reader and doesn’t let go.
4 ½ STARS
To see my full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4 ½ STARS
To see my full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 3, 2014
i was given this arc by the author for an honest review.
Wow this just keeps getting better and better...
At what lengths will Dorian go to keep her?
At what lengths will she fight him?
I just read this book and the two previous ones in one day and i just need more!
an amazing work by V.M Black.
Wow this just keeps getting better and better...
At what lengths will Dorian go to keep her?
At what lengths will she fight him?
I just read this book and the two previous ones in one day and i just need more!
an amazing work by V.M Black.
February 26, 2024
I'm unsure why I keep going as Coras immaturity has only gotten worse. I also no longer like Doriens half-truths and manipulative manners. It started out OK but Black seems to be overly focused on letting Cora be a brat and its making the story drag in places there are also holes and gaps that seems to never quite be answered, maybe that's the point because I keep reading but my ratings also keep getting lower. Finally let's discuss the children she will be having in 10yrs can you say control freak, and I'm not saying this is a good way, since I do like dominant male leads Doriens nature is staring to border on psyco...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2017
It is really difficult to decipher the reading order/series distinction.
Want to read
March 5, 2020Where can i read full series for free
September 28, 2015
This review was given based on the first four serial! No spoilers.
Cora is a college senior, same as any, with hopes and dreams for a bright future: grad school, career, husband, kids. Only that is all threatened when she is diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia and her last chance treatment does not work. She is armed with two choices thanks to her oncologist: a referral to hospice or an ominous business card for a last ditch non-medically sanctioned chance. Of course she calls the number on the business card.
Dorian Thorne, attractive, compelling, and ridiculously wealthy business man informs Cora that his "experiment" has a 1 in 100 success rate and if it does not work she will die immediately rather than the 5 months her doctor said she may have. Hoping to be the success she jumps at the chance, but understands that this "business man" is odd and her feelings around him can't be trusted. Dorian seems to know this so he makes her wait two weeks to decide.
The "treatment" is not at all what she expected, more of a transplant via mouth and fangs. Now she is awake and alive, cancer free, but at a very steep cost she had no idea about. Cora must navigate this new world and her new feelings and responsibilities toward Dorian, all the while knowing she would do it again in a heartbeat for a chance at life. But again, at what cost? Her self, her identity? And why is Dorian being so evasive.
This is a serial. I didn't know when I first started it, but should have noticed the multitude of books on the Amazon page, I guess. Anyways, now I am sucked into it! It is a very unique take on a tried and true subject: billionaire vamp and plain human. However, I like the differences in the vampire this author brings about. The first book is free so try without obligation, subsequent serials seem to be about $3. So it will get pricey.
My biggest problem with the book is the pacing. I know it's a serial, but it feels drawn out and I am getting tired of Cora's inner questions. I do like the added action and have written this review after reading the first four serials.
However, the author does a great job of keeping me buying the next one to see what happens!
Cora is a college senior, same as any, with hopes and dreams for a bright future: grad school, career, husband, kids. Only that is all threatened when she is diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia and her last chance treatment does not work. She is armed with two choices thanks to her oncologist: a referral to hospice or an ominous business card for a last ditch non-medically sanctioned chance. Of course she calls the number on the business card.
Dorian Thorne, attractive, compelling, and ridiculously wealthy business man informs Cora that his "experiment" has a 1 in 100 success rate and if it does not work she will die immediately rather than the 5 months her doctor said she may have. Hoping to be the success she jumps at the chance, but understands that this "business man" is odd and her feelings around him can't be trusted. Dorian seems to know this so he makes her wait two weeks to decide.
The "treatment" is not at all what she expected, more of a transplant via mouth and fangs. Now she is awake and alive, cancer free, but at a very steep cost she had no idea about. Cora must navigate this new world and her new feelings and responsibilities toward Dorian, all the while knowing she would do it again in a heartbeat for a chance at life. But again, at what cost? Her self, her identity? And why is Dorian being so evasive.
This is a serial. I didn't know when I first started it, but should have noticed the multitude of books on the Amazon page, I guess. Anyways, now I am sucked into it! It is a very unique take on a tried and true subject: billionaire vamp and plain human. However, I like the differences in the vampire this author brings about. The first book is free so try without obligation, subsequent serials seem to be about $3. So it will get pricey.
My biggest problem with the book is the pacing. I know it's a serial, but it feels drawn out and I am getting tired of Cora's inner questions. I do like the added action and have written this review after reading the first four serials.
However, the author does a great job of keeping me buying the next one to see what happens!
May 31, 2015
It's something about this series - I really don't like Cora, and I haven't got to know Dorian really good either -but I just have to keep reading the books. I guess that's what makes Black such a good author.
As said earlier - I don't like Cora. Not ONE bit! She is a whining, ungrateful brat. She made her goddamn choice and now she is just whining about being trapped. Dorian cured her of her cancer, he warned her that it would not be the end of it, but she didn't look into the whole picture, she just dived in and now when she has gotten her cure she just keep yapping about how she didn't sign up for this and she just want to live her old life.
Well guess what sweetie? Nothing in this life is free! And it's not like she have to sleep with her sleazeball boss i order to keep her job - she actually want Dorian. But since it's not her calling the shots she decide that it's not real. That's just "I want to eat the cookie but still have it" - syndrom.
I hope she gets a grip and come to her senses before this part of the series is over
As said earlier - I don't like Cora. Not ONE bit! She is a whining, ungrateful brat. She made her goddamn choice and now she is just whining about being trapped. Dorian cured her of her cancer, he warned her that it would not be the end of it, but she didn't look into the whole picture, she just dived in and now when she has gotten her cure she just keep yapping about how she didn't sign up for this and she just want to live her old life.
Well guess what sweetie? Nothing in this life is free! And it's not like she have to sleep with her sleazeball boss i order to keep her job - she actually want Dorian. But since it's not her calling the shots she decide that it's not real. That's just "I want to eat the cookie but still have it" - syndrom.
I hope she gets a grip and come to her senses before this part of the series is over
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2014
I'm a big fan of this series so far; each book keeps getting better.
With book 3, we still have Cora and Dorian and that pesky little thing called a bond. Well, it's only bothersome to Cora, but it seems she's getting a little more acclimated to her new life. I really like that Black had introduced us to a different facet of vampire literature. I like the titles agnates and cognate...it switches things up a bit.
Black has done an exceptional job of packing a whole lot of punch into very few pages. A lot of times novellas lack substance, an actual story. This is not the case with this series. Each book adds dimension to the premise.
The endings are great, too. She leaves just enough of a cliffhanger to keep you wanting more without evoking a ton of frustration.
I'm really looking forward to the fourth book. I'm excited to see what the introduction will be like.
With book 3, we still have Cora and Dorian and that pesky little thing called a bond. Well, it's only bothersome to Cora, but it seems she's getting a little more acclimated to her new life. I really like that Black had introduced us to a different facet of vampire literature. I like the titles agnates and cognate...it switches things up a bit.
Black has done an exceptional job of packing a whole lot of punch into very few pages. A lot of times novellas lack substance, an actual story. This is not the case with this series. Each book adds dimension to the premise.
The endings are great, too. She leaves just enough of a cliffhanger to keep you wanting more without evoking a ton of frustration.
I'm really looking forward to the fourth book. I'm excited to see what the introduction will be like.
November 16, 2014
The first 3 short stories in a series, Life Blood, Blood Born and Bad Blood, are (for the heroine) a bewildering series of twists and turns into a world we all view as fantasy. V.M. Black brings the world of vampires to light in another twist of imagination that completely blew my mind. Without giving away the entire story, there are two factions, more often at odds with each other than not. (think vampire mafia) The vampires call themselves agnates and while they need to feed on human blood, do not need to kill if they can find a compatible consort - a cognate. A human who does not die when bitten. And one agnate has found a way to locate cognates without playing "Russian Roulette".
A romance with mystery, intrigue, murder, mayhem, steamy sex and lots of snarky commentary. Well written. believable characters which left me wanting to continue on into the next set.
A romance with mystery, intrigue, murder, mayhem, steamy sex and lots of snarky commentary. Well written. believable characters which left me wanting to continue on into the next set.
July 20, 2014
I am giving an honest review for author V.M.Black. This is book 3 of the series from the author.
Now that Cora Shaw is cured she has to learn about what she is now but someone does not want her to find out anything, they want her dead. Dorian does what he can to protect Cora until he can present her to the other vampires but it almost isn't enough.
I loved the interaction of the 2 main characters because it gets down to a more emotional level for both of them. The flow of the story is great in this 3rd book. There is more action and drama in this then the first 2 books.
This is another great addition to the series by the author and because it is getting some sexual content it is for mature paranormal romance book readers.
Now that Cora Shaw is cured she has to learn about what she is now but someone does not want her to find out anything, they want her dead. Dorian does what he can to protect Cora until he can present her to the other vampires but it almost isn't enough.
I loved the interaction of the 2 main characters because it gets down to a more emotional level for both of them. The flow of the story is great in this 3rd book. There is more action and drama in this then the first 2 books.
This is another great addition to the series by the author and because it is getting some sexual content it is for mature paranormal romance book readers.
June 14, 2015
This book was, again, marginally better than the one before. But I have a real problem with Cora. The more I read of her, the more I get angry with her.
She was given this great gift, that most people would jump at, in her condition. Dorian is kind, considerate and gentle with her, when he doesn't have to be, yet she continues to think of herself as some kind of victim. SHE chose this and she forgets that.
Honestly, the whole thing makes me too angry to enjoy the story. Cora's a selfish complainer, but I'm going to keep reading, in the hopes that she improves. Only because I really like Dorian's character, though we don't get to know much about him. Which is a down-side.
She was given this great gift, that most people would jump at, in her condition. Dorian is kind, considerate and gentle with her, when he doesn't have to be, yet she continues to think of herself as some kind of victim. SHE chose this and she forgets that.
Honestly, the whole thing makes me too angry to enjoy the story. Cora's a selfish complainer, but I'm going to keep reading, in the hopes that she improves. Only because I really like Dorian's character, though we don't get to know much about him. Which is a down-side.
November 8, 2014
Prior to reading this series, I had only read Out of the Darkness: Taken by the Panther by V.M. Black. I enjoyed reading that book so it was a no-brainer to read the Cora's Choice Vampire Series.
This series is skillfully written, intriguing, mysterious, and had me captivated from the very beginning. Gripping from the start, it has a good mix of tension, regret, anger, fear, drama, angst, unadulterated lust, swoon worthy moments, and a great plot. The only thing missing is the love and HEA, which I'm hoping will come at the end of this series.
This series is skillfully written, intriguing, mysterious, and had me captivated from the very beginning. Gripping from the start, it has a good mix of tension, regret, anger, fear, drama, angst, unadulterated lust, swoon worthy moments, and a great plot. The only thing missing is the love and HEA, which I'm hoping will come at the end of this series.
November 6, 2014
Cora see headlight coming down the road and she decided to face the trouble head on. When she see Dorian step out of the car she is so happy that it was him. Cora is upset with him cause he brought trouble to her and all she waited to do was live. Now Dorian is informing her of what it means to be a cognate and she's not happy with it. Cora doesn't want anything to do with what Dorian has planned for the future of the agnates that no more humans will die unnecessarly.
November 19, 2014
Emotional rollercoaster
To be saved from cancer and given life back only to find your life is no longer your own. Cora is discovering what it means to be Dorian’s Cognate. The question is, had she known the whole truth, would she have still chosen this life? Enemies attaching her as well as all that Dorian expects of her. Well written and very entertaining to read. Even shed a few tears in the end.
To be saved from cancer and given life back only to find your life is no longer your own. Cora is discovering what it means to be Dorian’s Cognate. The question is, had she known the whole truth, would she have still chosen this life? Enemies attaching her as well as all that Dorian expects of her. Well written and very entertaining to read. Even shed a few tears in the end.
September 4, 2014
This series is amazing. Take almost everything you thought you knew about vampires and throw it out the window. Now don't worry these are sparkling vampires. But the world they live in is divided and like humans some are good and some are bad. Only trouble is Cora is lost trying to figure out which is which and if she can live with what she has become.
November 1, 2015
Cora wanted to live and her cancer was killing her. So she opted for help from Dorian. Little did she know that her life would no longer be normal. She is now his and he is trying to give her space but there are others who want her dead. She wants out but there is no way out. Must read the next book to find out what happens.
February 20, 2015
Wow another great installment! Have to digest this before moving on to the next! So very interesting. I can't wait to see how it plays out. It will be interesting to see what happens with Geoff? I mean he's not her boyfriend or anything but she had said they would "see each other" after the break. HMMMM, I have a feeling that won't go over well with Dorian. Just sayin'!
March 7, 2016
Bad Blood, by VM black is the third book from the series. Each book seam to have a different story, but they are all connected in one package.
This book chronicles Cora as she struggles to deal with her new life as Dorian's mate and what exactly that means. What are the real repercussions with your boyfriend can control your will?
I do not want to give away to much, so i will stop now. :)
This book chronicles Cora as she struggles to deal with her new life as Dorian's mate and what exactly that means. What are the real repercussions with your boyfriend can control your will?
I do not want to give away to much, so i will stop now. :)
October 19, 2016
Yuck
I really tried to like this series but yuck. Way too much manipulation by the vampire master. He is not likeable at all. There is nothing romantic about being someone's food supply and having no free will.
I really tried to like this series but yuck. Way too much manipulation by the vampire master. He is not likeable at all. There is nothing romantic about being someone's food supply and having no free will.
September 22, 2014
The story line has gone differently than I thought the 1st book was going, which is great because the 1st book was soo predictable, which I LOVED. Lots of twists and turns, and of course a steamy romance!
December 2, 2014
So far I am not for sure how I feel with these books. I am not a fan of the fact that she has no free will. She is his prisoner and he is making her bend to his will. I will have to read the other 3 before I make a decision.
December 15, 2014
Continued with this 3rd book in this series and I was not let down. Again it starts where the 2nd book ends and again it sucks you in from the beginning to the end. I am now moving on to book for of this series and I can't get enough of it.
February 7, 2015
Another short installment, albeit a good one. I'm really starting to enjoy this story. Can't say as I'm enjoying the serial-type presentation, however. At $2.99 for each 100 +/- pages, this is getting to be a pricey read.
May 29, 2014
I love the story. Hate the ending
December 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this series!
January 9, 2015
I just can't put into words how much I love this series, It's so raw and emotional ... It's a must read.. Whole series. You must...
April 10, 2015
2 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews