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Cold Blood: Billionaire Vampire's Choice #2
Dorian Thorne’s thousand-year wait is over. The ageless billionaire vampire has finally found his consort in the form of a dying young woman named Cora Shaw. His blood kiss heals Cora’s broken body and unites them in an eternal bond. With her, Dorian is finally complete. But far from enjoying a blissful union, he discovers that the demons inside himself are not as easily laid to rest as he had believed, and his enemies have deadly plans for his consort.
A new title in the stunning serial by New York Times bestselling author V. M. Black, Cold Blood includes a complete bonus copy of Taken (The Alpha's Captive #1)
Start the series with Blood Lust.
A new title in the stunning serial by New York Times bestselling author V. M. Black, Cold Blood includes a complete bonus copy of Taken (The Alpha's Captive #1)
Start the series with Blood Lust.
- GenresParanormal
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2015
4 people are currently reading
56 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 25, 2015
A DREAM BURNS BRIGHT !!!
Jackpot! V.M. Black has delivered yet another winner with Cold Blood, Book Two in her compelling new series, Billionaire Vampire's Choice. This series is a follow up to her two blockbuster hits, Cora's Choice and Cora's Bond which consisted of six books each so hopefully, we'll also have six books of Vampire's Choice to love and enjoy. I do not believe it's necessary to read the other two series first in order to understand or enjoy this one but this is a series folks, so be forewarned. There will be multiple installments and dare I say it, cliffhangers. Yikes! But truthfully, there is absolutely nothing I enjoy more than a good serial with nail biting, white knuckle, oh my glory, what's going to happen next, can't wait for the next book endings! And Black delivers in spades! She never fails to tease, tantalize and entertain her readers with her amazing skill, astounding imagination and perfect prose. After reading all twelve books of Cora's Choice and Cora's Bond, I was eager to start reading this series because we finally get to hear the events as told from Dorian's point of view. I can't even begin to count the number of times I remarked to myself during Cora's story, "I wish I knew what Dorian is thinking" or "what I wouldn't give to know what's going on in Dorian's brain" or "I wonder how Dorian really feels". Well folks, now we do because this is Dorian's story, his past and his present, in his own words. And it is brilliant! After I read the last page, I just sat there for what seemed like an eternity - I was completely blown away. When I read Cora's story, I had no earthly idea that Dorian was in such tortuous psychological and physical pain. I never suspected that he had such a visceral and primal reaction to Cora Shaw after seeing her photograph and especially after meeting her for the first time but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's talk some basics about the story. It is well developed, well executed, dark, exciting, powerful, thrilling, riveting, soul searching, introspective, romantic, arousing, seductive and sensual. These are only a few of the words that come to mind after reading this story. The dialogue is intelligent, exceptionally well written and flows beautifully. Ah, the characters, they are the heart and soul of this story. They are captivating, fascinating, engaging, raw and sexy as sin. Black skillfully combines these elements into a wonderfully entertaining paranormal chronicle filled to the brim with intrigue, suspense, romance and hope.
The premise of the story:
In the world of vampires, there are agnates who are the vampires, and cognates who are the blood source for their Agnate. Vampires must have the blood of humans to survive but in this story, very few survive the blood kiss of a vampire. Most humans die but when one does survive, that human becomes a cognate and the sole source of food for that vampire. There are certain benefits gained by surviving a vampire's deadly kiss. A cognate receives enhanced strength, perfect health and a much longer life span. There have always been two rough divisions of vampires. The Kyrioi who believed that humans should be under the power and direction of agnates with agnates being their masters, and the Adelphoi who believed that humans should be free to forge their own destiny with agnates only as observers rather than masters although none were so idealistic to believe that agnates should live without a cognate or personal human thralls, those individuals under the direct blood influence of a vampire to insure their loyalty.
Now for the plot of the story as covered by Books One and Two:
Billionaire Dorian Thorne is an ancient vampire and a member of the Adelphoi. This story is written from his point of view reverting back and forth between his present and past life, or more accurately past lives and past identities. For centuries Dorian has refused to take a side in this heated debate between factions. It was only after meeting an agnate named Etienne that Alys, a female agnate, is finally able to sway his beliefs and convince him to join her efforts in trying to create a better future for their race. He is now fighting the darkness in his soul and the ever present feeling of hopelessness by striving to bring the Adelphoi into the future through medical research and the use of technology. He is also working to fulfill the dream of his dear agnatic friend, Alys who saved him so many times but finally lost all hope and her will to live 15 years ago. It was her belief that all human life held value and humans should enjoy the freedom to create and their resulting creations would lead to revolutionizing the lives of agnates. And it is now her dream that he fights to bring to fruition but in order to accomplish his goal, he must survive and in order to survive, he desperately needs a cognate. What does hope look like to agnate Dorian Thorne? It looks like the beautiful twenty one year old college student, Cora Shaw who is dying of cancer and has only a few weeks left to live. Through years of medical research, Dorian and the Adelphoi have developed a test that will narrow the odds of death from a vampire's blood kiss. With modern testing, they can now tentatively predict that the odds of survival will be one out of hundred, still unacceptable but undeniable progress. The groundwork for the screening process had been established years ago. A network of doctors treating progressive and fatal diseases had been cultivated and is intact to provide human candidates for their trials because they only accept the terminally ill. But the most important requirement is consent from the patient. Above all else, it's important that only those in full possession of their faculties can give their permissions. So, it is through cancer and the looming certainty of death that has brought Cora Shaw into Dorian's world of blood lust and darkness but she instantly became a beacon of light for this soul weary, warrior of death. There are moments in a person's life that are pivotal and worthy of remembrance, and the moment Dorian Thorne met beautiful grad student, Cora Shaw, is one of the most pivotal and memorable of his entire existence. It's a resurgence of life, a rebirth of hope yet it's a door once entered, offers no return and unfortunately, is as final as death. There could be no return. Vampires can not feel love without a bond and there can be no bond without an exchange of blood - always blood, and the blood creates desire, the insatiable lust and the resulting need for sex. Always the same - blood, bond, love, desire, lust, sex - until her. Without ever having a single drop of her blood, how is it possible that he already feels all those things, dare I say emotions, for this strange, ordinary girl, Cora Shaw? She has passed the initial screening process but she must give her consent and agree to the procedure but she faces the unlikely odds of being only one out of a hundred to survive his deadly blood kiss. He wants her more than his next breath and can now settle for no other - he wants only her. There is no denying the attraction between Dorian and Cora but will she consent? Yes, we learn in Book One that Cora does indeed consent to the procedure, which as it turns out, is Dorian's Blood Kiss. But Cora had no idea to what she was agreeing. Now in Book Two, miraculously against all odds, one hundred to one to be exact, Cora Shaw lives, the first success among hundreds of carefully cataloged failures, the result of millions of dollars invested in research. Cora Shaw has survived, her cancer is cured and she now belongs to him! Whoa! She belongs to him??? Dorian has a chance for a new life with his Cora, a glorious rebirth, a new beginning for a new age, a new future not only for him, but also the Adelphoi and possibly the world! Yes, Cora has played the odds and won; she has survived but for how long? She survived the deadly Blood Kiss but can she survive the darkness of his soul and his very nature? Will she accept him? Will she now become a target for his enemies??? Will Dorian be able to protect his new love and his dream??? He must - because Cora Shaw is somehow unique and his need for her goes far beyond simply possessing her. Dorian suddenly realizes in order for him to survive his darkness and preserve his sanity, she must love him; he desperately needs for her to love him of her own volition, without his thrall or persuasion. Can she??? Will she??? But it seems the worst is yet to come. No spoilers from me but if you have already read Cora's Choice, then you know the eventual outcome but oh my glory, what we didn't know then! I won't give anything away but I will say this....Handsome, charismatic, ancient vampire with a very darkened soul-check! Beautiful innocent heroine who must navigate a world of darkness to survive-check! Large, wonderful cast of characters-check! Danger, death, drama, intrigue, suspense, supernatural creatures, heinous enemies and evil machinations-check! Heated attraction, fiery passion, sweet romance, steamy, dreamy sex and an undying blood bond-you bet! That and a whole lot more! This is only the beginning of the story! Hot! Hot! Hot! Fabulous Entertainment and an awesome read!
Complimentary Copy Received In Exchange For An Honest Review.
My final verdict on the execution of the story: 5 Very Compelling Stars *****
Simply Brilliant! Deliciously dark, seriously sexy, completely captivating, thoroughly compelling and definitely entertaining! I was totally spellbound from beginning to end. Hands down, one of the best vampire romances I have ever read and I've read too many to even count! Congratulations Ms Black, you've outdone yourself again! I can hardly wait for Book Three
Jackpot! V.M. Black has delivered yet another winner with Cold Blood, Book Two in her compelling new series, Billionaire Vampire's Choice. This series is a follow up to her two blockbuster hits, Cora's Choice and Cora's Bond which consisted of six books each so hopefully, we'll also have six books of Vampire's Choice to love and enjoy. I do not believe it's necessary to read the other two series first in order to understand or enjoy this one but this is a series folks, so be forewarned. There will be multiple installments and dare I say it, cliffhangers. Yikes! But truthfully, there is absolutely nothing I enjoy more than a good serial with nail biting, white knuckle, oh my glory, what's going to happen next, can't wait for the next book endings! And Black delivers in spades! She never fails to tease, tantalize and entertain her readers with her amazing skill, astounding imagination and perfect prose. After reading all twelve books of Cora's Choice and Cora's Bond, I was eager to start reading this series because we finally get to hear the events as told from Dorian's point of view. I can't even begin to count the number of times I remarked to myself during Cora's story, "I wish I knew what Dorian is thinking" or "what I wouldn't give to know what's going on in Dorian's brain" or "I wonder how Dorian really feels". Well folks, now we do because this is Dorian's story, his past and his present, in his own words. And it is brilliant! After I read the last page, I just sat there for what seemed like an eternity - I was completely blown away. When I read Cora's story, I had no earthly idea that Dorian was in such tortuous psychological and physical pain. I never suspected that he had such a visceral and primal reaction to Cora Shaw after seeing her photograph and especially after meeting her for the first time but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's talk some basics about the story. It is well developed, well executed, dark, exciting, powerful, thrilling, riveting, soul searching, introspective, romantic, arousing, seductive and sensual. These are only a few of the words that come to mind after reading this story. The dialogue is intelligent, exceptionally well written and flows beautifully. Ah, the characters, they are the heart and soul of this story. They are captivating, fascinating, engaging, raw and sexy as sin. Black skillfully combines these elements into a wonderfully entertaining paranormal chronicle filled to the brim with intrigue, suspense, romance and hope.
The premise of the story:
In the world of vampires, there are agnates who are the vampires, and cognates who are the blood source for their Agnate. Vampires must have the blood of humans to survive but in this story, very few survive the blood kiss of a vampire. Most humans die but when one does survive, that human becomes a cognate and the sole source of food for that vampire. There are certain benefits gained by surviving a vampire's deadly kiss. A cognate receives enhanced strength, perfect health and a much longer life span. There have always been two rough divisions of vampires. The Kyrioi who believed that humans should be under the power and direction of agnates with agnates being their masters, and the Adelphoi who believed that humans should be free to forge their own destiny with agnates only as observers rather than masters although none were so idealistic to believe that agnates should live without a cognate or personal human thralls, those individuals under the direct blood influence of a vampire to insure their loyalty.
Now for the plot of the story as covered by Books One and Two:
Billionaire Dorian Thorne is an ancient vampire and a member of the Adelphoi. This story is written from his point of view reverting back and forth between his present and past life, or more accurately past lives and past identities. For centuries Dorian has refused to take a side in this heated debate between factions. It was only after meeting an agnate named Etienne that Alys, a female agnate, is finally able to sway his beliefs and convince him to join her efforts in trying to create a better future for their race. He is now fighting the darkness in his soul and the ever present feeling of hopelessness by striving to bring the Adelphoi into the future through medical research and the use of technology. He is also working to fulfill the dream of his dear agnatic friend, Alys who saved him so many times but finally lost all hope and her will to live 15 years ago. It was her belief that all human life held value and humans should enjoy the freedom to create and their resulting creations would lead to revolutionizing the lives of agnates. And it is now her dream that he fights to bring to fruition but in order to accomplish his goal, he must survive and in order to survive, he desperately needs a cognate. What does hope look like to agnate Dorian Thorne? It looks like the beautiful twenty one year old college student, Cora Shaw who is dying of cancer and has only a few weeks left to live. Through years of medical research, Dorian and the Adelphoi have developed a test that will narrow the odds of death from a vampire's blood kiss. With modern testing, they can now tentatively predict that the odds of survival will be one out of hundred, still unacceptable but undeniable progress. The groundwork for the screening process had been established years ago. A network of doctors treating progressive and fatal diseases had been cultivated and is intact to provide human candidates for their trials because they only accept the terminally ill. But the most important requirement is consent from the patient. Above all else, it's important that only those in full possession of their faculties can give their permissions. So, it is through cancer and the looming certainty of death that has brought Cora Shaw into Dorian's world of blood lust and darkness but she instantly became a beacon of light for this soul weary, warrior of death. There are moments in a person's life that are pivotal and worthy of remembrance, and the moment Dorian Thorne met beautiful grad student, Cora Shaw, is one of the most pivotal and memorable of his entire existence. It's a resurgence of life, a rebirth of hope yet it's a door once entered, offers no return and unfortunately, is as final as death. There could be no return. Vampires can not feel love without a bond and there can be no bond without an exchange of blood - always blood, and the blood creates desire, the insatiable lust and the resulting need for sex. Always the same - blood, bond, love, desire, lust, sex - until her. Without ever having a single drop of her blood, how is it possible that he already feels all those things, dare I say emotions, for this strange, ordinary girl, Cora Shaw? She has passed the initial screening process but she must give her consent and agree to the procedure but she faces the unlikely odds of being only one out of a hundred to survive his deadly blood kiss. He wants her more than his next breath and can now settle for no other - he wants only her. There is no denying the attraction between Dorian and Cora but will she consent? Yes, we learn in Book One that Cora does indeed consent to the procedure, which as it turns out, is Dorian's Blood Kiss. But Cora had no idea to what she was agreeing. Now in Book Two, miraculously against all odds, one hundred to one to be exact, Cora Shaw lives, the first success among hundreds of carefully cataloged failures, the result of millions of dollars invested in research. Cora Shaw has survived, her cancer is cured and she now belongs to him! Whoa! She belongs to him??? Dorian has a chance for a new life with his Cora, a glorious rebirth, a new beginning for a new age, a new future not only for him, but also the Adelphoi and possibly the world! Yes, Cora has played the odds and won; she has survived but for how long? She survived the deadly Blood Kiss but can she survive the darkness of his soul and his very nature? Will she accept him? Will she now become a target for his enemies??? Will Dorian be able to protect his new love and his dream??? He must - because Cora Shaw is somehow unique and his need for her goes far beyond simply possessing her. Dorian suddenly realizes in order for him to survive his darkness and preserve his sanity, she must love him; he desperately needs for her to love him of her own volition, without his thrall or persuasion. Can she??? Will she??? But it seems the worst is yet to come. No spoilers from me but if you have already read Cora's Choice, then you know the eventual outcome but oh my glory, what we didn't know then! I won't give anything away but I will say this....Handsome, charismatic, ancient vampire with a very darkened soul-check! Beautiful innocent heroine who must navigate a world of darkness to survive-check! Large, wonderful cast of characters-check! Danger, death, drama, intrigue, suspense, supernatural creatures, heinous enemies and evil machinations-check! Heated attraction, fiery passion, sweet romance, steamy, dreamy sex and an undying blood bond-you bet! That and a whole lot more! This is only the beginning of the story! Hot! Hot! Hot! Fabulous Entertainment and an awesome read!
Complimentary Copy Received In Exchange For An Honest Review.
My final verdict on the execution of the story: 5 Very Compelling Stars *****
Simply Brilliant! Deliciously dark, seriously sexy, completely captivating, thoroughly compelling and definitely entertaining! I was totally spellbound from beginning to end. Hands down, one of the best vampire romances I have ever read and I've read too many to even count! Congratulations Ms Black, you've outdone yourself again! I can hardly wait for Book Three
July 5, 2015
A fascinating look through Dorian's eyes as he realizes his dream with Cora's survival. Most times we only see one side of the story and Ms. Black has provided us with another look at the characters we have come to love. Dorian always came off so cold and unfeeling in the first part of this series and I often wondered if he truly was happy being with Cora. Having the opportunity to see how he struggled with his emotions, wants and needs as they came slamming back was a real eye opening experience. I was worried this might just show us the reverse of the coin so to speak and almost be a retelling of the tale we encountered when it was Cora's time to speak. I was pleasantly surprised that it has read as a new and exciting storyline even thought it does in fact mirror the previous series. Reading about what has made Dorian the man or Agnate he is added a whole new depth to his character and added to the enjoyment of this unique tale. This is a great addition to her wonderful series and I look forward to finding more about Dorian Thorne.
June 12, 2015
If you've read the Cora's choice and Cora's bond series and you're thinking this is just a re-hash of the same story , then think again, yes it is a re telling from Dorians pov, but you get a far deeper insight and understanding of this Agnate, that was only really hinted at in Cora's stories.
V M Black's ability to convey the depth and intensity of Dorian's feelings just steals your breath away. This is a quick read (you also get 'Taken' The Alpha's captive pt 1) which was probably just as well because once I started reading, everything else faded to the background and got put on hold, NOTHING distracted me from this book until I'd read the last word.
I cannot get enough of the hot,sexy, intense vampire that is Dorian Thorne.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
V M Black's ability to convey the depth and intensity of Dorian's feelings just steals your breath away. This is a quick read (you also get 'Taken' The Alpha's captive pt 1) which was probably just as well because once I started reading, everything else faded to the background and got put on hold, NOTHING distracted me from this book until I'd read the last word.
I cannot get enough of the hot,sexy, intense vampire that is Dorian Thorne.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2015
Dorian has been called back home, Cora has awakened. He explains briefly about the change she has gone through and the mating bond and what it means. Needless to say Cora is not happy with the situation. Dorian agrees to let Cora return to her apartment and continue her life to a certain extent. When he goes to work he is meeting with a group of agnates when he receives a frantic call from Cora, she is being followed, and from her description they are not human. Fascinating look into Dorian's past, and his friendship with Alys. Loved this book!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
June 11, 2015
Awesome! V.M Black out did herself with another winner. I loved it, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Dorian went 1,000 years without a mate,he discovers Cora Shaw who is dying is his mate. His blood kiss heals Coras broken and dying body. His sexual desires for her continually grows stronger and don't know how much he can go on without giving in. This book reveals his history with Clarissa and her mom. Shows the friendship of Alys. Will Cora give in her feelings toward the man who saved her?
You won't be disappointed on this read or any that V.M Black writes. It is very well written by a amazing writer! Great job V.M Black!
You won't be disappointed on this read or any that V.M Black writes. It is very well written by a amazing writer! Great job V.M Black!
June 11, 2015
This fascinating tale continues and it picks up right after Cora's procedure. I enjoy probing through the thoughts of Dorian. I get to understand his thoughts and motivations. And here in this volume, you get to see the inner workings of his mind and what really makes him tick. And of course, his developing feelings for Cora through their bonding. You also get to journey through the minds of some of the others as well. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely looking forward to continuing this series.
June 8, 2015
I have been reading this series since book 1 of Cora's Choice. This is at the heart the same story, but told from Dorian's POV it seems like a completely different story. I am finding that I am enjoying reading this sequence of events far better as told from Dorian's POV than I did from Cora's .... and I enjoyed it immensely when I read this story from her POV. I can't wait to see what secrets will be revealed in the next chapter by Dorian and all of the other vampires!
June 6, 2015
When you start reading a book by V.M.Black you need to make sure that you have enough uninterrupted reading time to finish it in one read. Because you can't put it down or stop reading it until it is finished. Her books are so well written. They are hard to beat. Dorian makes you want a man in your life like him. His purpose in life is to make sure Cora is happy in any way he can.
June 15, 2015
Really loving Dorian's perspective in this series. Ms. Black is really showing us the "human" side of Dorian that we didn't get to see in Cora's Bond and Cora's Choice. The passion, the fear, the uncertainty and the love he feels once Cora is changed. Can't wait to see want Ms. Black has to show us in the next book!!!
June 10, 2015
So interesting
The difference in perspective is incredible. So much background and hindsight that explains so much more. Can't wait till the next installment
The difference in perspective is incredible. So much background and hindsight that explains so much more. Can't wait till the next installment
July 7, 2015
Excellent writing!
This was a great installment to the series. I enjoyed reading it from Dorian's perspective, and learning more about his past!
This was a great installment to the series. I enjoyed reading it from Dorian's perspective, and learning more about his past!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews