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Blood in the Stars
After Daria Mathew's handsome blind date rescues her from a fire, she realizes she doesn't want to die without ever finding love. When monsters come for her life, her date turned protector reveals her flesh and blood can grant untold powers. Warm and caring, he saves her countless times and wins her heart. But his motivations are shrouded in a dark past and Daria must fight for his love and for her life. Jason Angel's failure to kill led to the death of the last woman he protected and loved. He vows to keep Daria safe no matter the price. As they grow closer, he fears he will repeat his past mistakes and fail to protect her. He is faced with a hard choice―embrace the dark powers of his family to protect Daria, or keep his hands clean and have a chance to claim her love. But Jason's family is hiding a horrifying secret about Daria's powers, one they will do anything to keep safe. For this secret will not only change the balance of power in the realm but also destroy their chances to be together.
274 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2013
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442 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 17, 2013
Blood In The Stars is the story of Daria Mathew's, estate lawyer & workaholic who is using a dating service to find the "one" and Jason Angel, (note the last name!) hot, sexy blind date who has spent the last 27 years secretly protecting Daria. A series of accidents opens Daria's eyes to the fact that something is going on especially since Jason seems to always be there to rescue her. He finally has to tell her the truth - there are monster's coming for her in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Daria is coming of age and will gain powers yet unknown, and they are coming for her blood. The first one to claim her will gain her powers. Jason can either do something he has sworn never to do and save Daria or let her die. I wasn't at all sure what to expect with this book but it is a captivating read and drew me into the paranormal world that the author has carefully built. The action is fast and the romance building between Jason and Daria is heartwarming. This book is different than many paranormal books and well written, especially for a first novel. I will say that I wavered back and forth between a rating of 3 or 4 stars. There are certainly some scenes that felt a bit forced and rushed but I decided that it deserves 4 stars as it kept me turning pages until I finished it! Good book! Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book for a honest review.
August 7, 2013
Story:
Daria Mathews is an estate law attorney who realizes after a near-death experience that she has been too busy working to find love. Jason Angel begins as Daria's blind date through a matchmaking service and quickly turns into her guardian as supernatural creatures prey on Daria. Her blood gives power, her flesh gives immortality, and marrying her confers the right to rule.
Overall:
The beginning reads as a damsel in distress scene where an unknown hero (Jason) rescues Daria. It quickly darkens into what could be too gruesome for a regular romance novel. The fight scenes and authentic Chicago backdrop veer into urban fantasy though this story is still a romance where the arc between the hero and heroine are the main focus.
There are moments of levity from the secondary characters and the smattering provides color and depth into what could be a simple story. There are also hints of blossoming love and opportunities for another book, though there is no indication this is part of a series.
The twist on revisionist religion and the entry of behind-the-scenes political struggles add a new dimension to the story. I would have liked to see more on this versus the explanation at the end. It came a little late in the book as did the resolution with the antagonist. The last third of the book felt like a build up to another.
It's a solid paranormal romance and I'll be interested in reading more from Ms. Shea in the future.
Heat Level: 2 of 5
Romance: 4 of 5
Overall: 4 of 5
Daria Mathews is an estate law attorney who realizes after a near-death experience that she has been too busy working to find love. Jason Angel begins as Daria's blind date through a matchmaking service and quickly turns into her guardian as supernatural creatures prey on Daria. Her blood gives power, her flesh gives immortality, and marrying her confers the right to rule.
Overall:
The beginning reads as a damsel in distress scene where an unknown hero (Jason) rescues Daria. It quickly darkens into what could be too gruesome for a regular romance novel. The fight scenes and authentic Chicago backdrop veer into urban fantasy though this story is still a romance where the arc between the hero and heroine are the main focus.
There are moments of levity from the secondary characters and the smattering provides color and depth into what could be a simple story. There are also hints of blossoming love and opportunities for another book, though there is no indication this is part of a series.
The twist on revisionist religion and the entry of behind-the-scenes political struggles add a new dimension to the story. I would have liked to see more on this versus the explanation at the end. It came a little late in the book as did the resolution with the antagonist. The last third of the book felt like a build up to another.
It's a solid paranormal romance and I'll be interested in reading more from Ms. Shea in the future.
Heat Level: 2 of 5
Romance: 4 of 5
Overall: 4 of 5
August 9, 2013
After strange accidents happen around her, Daria (heroine) begins to think maybe the world is out to get her. And it is. Her blood grants powers and if monsters eat her, they get to become immortal. Whoever marries her (if you are in the right birth order) gets to rule. Enter the hot blind date Jason (hero) who rescues her and has loved her for years.
Ms. Shea’s paranormal romance is filled with creatures that readers are familiar with and many that are not seen in the average book creating unique story. Daria is the driven attorney which speaks to the modern working woman as she balances dating and work. Jason would make any romance reader salivate and balances alpha protective tendencies with giving the heroine her space. Interesting supporting characters also help to keeping the dialogue and plot twists interesting.
Within the story, there seems to be an underlying theme of acceptance, not only of one’s choices, but of yourself. Daria realizes what she wants to prioritize in her life while Jason finally understands what he is willing to sacrifice for his love. And everyone loves a story where love can conquer all.
The ending surprised me and the story left a few unanswered questions that I hope will be addressed in a sequel. There are already hints at another pairing and Ms. Shea has left a few loose ends that will serve for an action-packed sequel.
5 of 5 for unique paranormal romance that breaks away from the typical vamp/were/kick-butt heroines.
**ARC received for an honest review and I had to buy it for my iPad**
Ms. Shea’s paranormal romance is filled with creatures that readers are familiar with and many that are not seen in the average book creating unique story. Daria is the driven attorney which speaks to the modern working woman as she balances dating and work. Jason would make any romance reader salivate and balances alpha protective tendencies with giving the heroine her space. Interesting supporting characters also help to keeping the dialogue and plot twists interesting.
Within the story, there seems to be an underlying theme of acceptance, not only of one’s choices, but of yourself. Daria realizes what she wants to prioritize in her life while Jason finally understands what he is willing to sacrifice for his love. And everyone loves a story where love can conquer all.
The ending surprised me and the story left a few unanswered questions that I hope will be addressed in a sequel. There are already hints at another pairing and Ms. Shea has left a few loose ends that will serve for an action-packed sequel.
5 of 5 for unique paranormal romance that breaks away from the typical vamp/were/kick-butt heroines.
**ARC received for an honest review and I had to buy it for my iPad**
August 8, 2013
I am generally a fast reader, but this story sucked me in completely! I actually couldn't put it down (to the point where I was reading it while at my desk at work....whoops). The reader is totally pulled in by the mystery surrounding Daria and all the strange (and frightening) things that keep happening to her. I loved that the story was the perfect mix of mystery, action and humorous moments as well as characters. I can't wait for Ms. Shea's next book and to find out the stories behind some of her other characters!
August 15, 2013
This book drew me in from the very beginning! It immediately starts off with action and sucks you in. Really, the whole book had a great pace and a fantastic plot.
The only thing that put me off was the romance. I felt it was a bit forced. Daria is always one minute contemplating her life and the next acting as if she was always meant to be with Jason, no questions asked. Maybe the heroine was a little wishy-washy, but everything else was interesting!
When's the next one come out?!
The only thing that put me off was the romance. I felt it was a bit forced. Daria is always one minute contemplating her life and the next acting as if she was always meant to be with Jason, no questions asked. Maybe the heroine was a little wishy-washy, but everything else was interesting!
When's the next one come out?!
December 18, 2018
Loved the book and would LOVE to read the next book to find out what happens!!
August 19, 2013
BLOOD IN THE STARS starts out with a bang when career-driven attorney, Daria Mathews, is involved in a series of strange accidents, and her hot and handsome blind date rescues her from a fire. What she doesn’t know is that he’s her secret protector, protecting her from the monsters who are coming for her life... as her blood could grant them untold powers. Neither does Daria know her blood can give her and these monsters the powers they seek. Blind date & protector, Jason Angel, has kept this secret from her and is now facing the greatest challenge of his life: either he sides with the dark powers of his family or has a chance to be with the love of his life, Daria.
Ms. Shea’s debut paranormal romance captivates from the first page and takes the reader on a whirlwind ride of fast-paced action, adventure, with old and unique paranormal creatures, and an organic romance between two characters fated for one another. One of the things I loved about this book is that it had unique elements that squarely put it outside the typical vampire, shifter, same old, same old. Ms. Shea does an excellent job in characterization, showing Daria and Jason growing with the choices they make and accepting how their sacrifices will affect them and others. I loved some of the secondary characters too and would love to see a couple in a sequel with their own love story (hint, hint)! Ms. Shea knows how to inject the right amount of humor in her novel which also helps make her characters distinctive, interesting, and liked.
BLOOD IN THE STARS catapults the reader through a well-written story of nail-biting tension, mystery, expert characterization, and fantastic story telling. The sparks and passion flying between Daria and Jason was just as heart-pounding and leaves the reader rooting for their happily ever after to the surprise ending. I highly recommend BLOOD IN THE STARS to all fans of paranormal romance, and can’t wait to see what Ms. Shea serves us next!
Ms. Shea’s debut paranormal romance captivates from the first page and takes the reader on a whirlwind ride of fast-paced action, adventure, with old and unique paranormal creatures, and an organic romance between two characters fated for one another. One of the things I loved about this book is that it had unique elements that squarely put it outside the typical vampire, shifter, same old, same old. Ms. Shea does an excellent job in characterization, showing Daria and Jason growing with the choices they make and accepting how their sacrifices will affect them and others. I loved some of the secondary characters too and would love to see a couple in a sequel with their own love story (hint, hint)! Ms. Shea knows how to inject the right amount of humor in her novel which also helps make her characters distinctive, interesting, and liked.
BLOOD IN THE STARS catapults the reader through a well-written story of nail-biting tension, mystery, expert characterization, and fantastic story telling. The sparks and passion flying between Daria and Jason was just as heart-pounding and leaves the reader rooting for their happily ever after to the surprise ending. I highly recommend BLOOD IN THE STARS to all fans of paranormal romance, and can’t wait to see what Ms. Shea serves us next!
November 4, 2013
Jennifer Shea has crafted a unique, exciting and fascinating tale of urban fantasy romance. The drama and suspense starts in the first pages and never lets up. You can’t put the book down as you feel like you are going to miss what happens next.
Daria Mathews, a career-driven attorney, is looking for a husband, but ends up in a fight for her life. You see, she is special and it seems all the powers of the universe want her; want to kill her or drink her blood or eat her body for the power that they will then obtain. If not for her protector, Jason, she could not live past the birthday when she receives her powers.
Jason, for all his powers, must work carefully so he will not become like his father. At least that is his stated reason for not killing to protect his love 500 years ago. With Daria, he now wrestles with his conscious, his past, and his desires for her. A hero who has flaws but is aware of them and trying to improve.
While there are a few slow places that make you wonder why they are present, overall the story keeps your interest, with the reader wondering who else, literally, will come out of the air. Daria at times seems to be a little preoccupied with her career when she should be more worried about living. The ending has that unique twist the reader is not expecting and provides a thought provoking twist on the world of religion and evil.
Daria Mathews, a career-driven attorney, is looking for a husband, but ends up in a fight for her life. You see, she is special and it seems all the powers of the universe want her; want to kill her or drink her blood or eat her body for the power that they will then obtain. If not for her protector, Jason, she could not live past the birthday when she receives her powers.
Jason, for all his powers, must work carefully so he will not become like his father. At least that is his stated reason for not killing to protect his love 500 years ago. With Daria, he now wrestles with his conscious, his past, and his desires for her. A hero who has flaws but is aware of them and trying to improve.
While there are a few slow places that make you wonder why they are present, overall the story keeps your interest, with the reader wondering who else, literally, will come out of the air. Daria at times seems to be a little preoccupied with her career when she should be more worried about living. The ending has that unique twist the reader is not expecting and provides a thought provoking twist on the world of religion and evil.
August 22, 2013
I loved the romance in this story! Our heroine, Daria, finally meets her guardian angel of sorts, Jason, who's been protecting her since she was born. She's a special human called the auspicious one, and because of this a lot of bad guys and demons are trying to kill her, drink her blood and eat her flesh (ew??). Jason finally reveals himself after protecting and loving her in secret for the entire 27 years of her life. Daria almost immediately falls in love with him, and they have some really cute times together before all sorts of demons descend on her.
Action-packed and nicely written, Blood in the Stars is a great read for NA angel lovers :)
Action-packed and nicely written, Blood in the Stars is a great read for NA angel lovers :)
September 20, 2013
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Overall, I really liked this book. I truly loved the world-building that Ms. Shea uses. She has quite a different take on the idea of Lucifer’s reason for falling, and the truth about a lot of the angels that fell with him. Daria is a strong character, unwilling to just sit back and cower, despite being brand-new to the idea of the supernatural.
Overall, I really liked this book. I truly loved the world-building that Ms. Shea uses. She has quite a different take on the idea of Lucifer’s reason for falling, and the truth about a lot of the angels that fell with him. Daria is a strong character, unwilling to just sit back and cower, despite being brand-new to the idea of the supernatural.
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December 11, 2013Currently reading an ARC graciously provided by the author. Review to come...
June 28, 2015
This was an awesome book. It had a great story and wonderful characters. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a great paranormal. I won this book on good reads.
September 18, 2013
Pretty doggone good. :)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews