Blood Flame

Flame #1

by Caris Roane

Do you love hunky vampire warrior types? Then this book is for you! Connor, a powerful vampire serving as a Border Patrol officer for his corrupt world, falls for a gifted witch who has the ability to kill him with a single touch…

New York Times bestselling author, Caris Roane, presents BLOOD FLAME, the first book in the Flame Series. In this book, vampire Officer Connor of the Crescent Border Patrol tries to suppress his desire for the powerful witch, Iris Meldeere. Because the woman possesses the ability to kill him with the tips of her fingers, how can he possibly fall in love with her? When a double homicide throws them together, he soon finds his deepest fantasies fulfilled as Iris succumbs to his seductions. But as they battle together to stay alive, and love begins to consume them both, will the witch be able to forgive the dark secrets of his past …

BLOOD FLAME is a standalone story with no cliffhangers. It’s a passionate, hot, paranormal romance, featuring a vampire and a witch set in the urban world of Five Bridges. Caris Roane is the author of eighty-one published works, thirty-one of which are paranormal romances featuring tortured warrior vampires in desperate need of worthy women.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Fiction, Adult

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2015

About the author

I confess I've had a love affaire with vampires for several years now, especially warrior vampires, the kind found in the books of Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lara Adrian and JR Ward. Though I've been published in Regency Romance under the pseudonym Valerie King--and yes one of my Regency Novellas features a vampire--one day I woke up knowing I had to create my own contemporary world of the warrior vampire.

For some mystical, magical reason, early in the process, my vampires appeared with enormous beautiful wings and it has been the most amazing experience to include flight in my novels, in both battle scenes and scenes involving spectacle. My special vampire world, published by St. Martin's Press, is introduced in the first book called, ASCENSION (12-28-2010). The second book, BURNING SKIES (May of 2011), opens up the world a little bit more. And even as I write this, I'm on the final draft of my third novel, WINGS OF FIRE (September of 2011). What a thrill it has been to live with my ascended vampires through the creation of this extraordinary, multi-dimensional world!

For more information about my unique take on the vampire mythos, check out my website at carisroane.com and my book release video on YouTube by putting in the search phrase, Caris Roane Ascension.

With every hope you'll enjoy reading my books set in the World of Ascension, All my best, Caris Roane

Reviews

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series from Ms Roane and yet again she has come up with a wholly unique idea for a vampire story. It's such an interesting idea to have drugs affecting humans in such a way that they can become altered in the most fundamental ways. Five species can be created due to an illegal substance added to Flame but when this happens they have to leave their human lives behind and embrace their new destiny. Vampires, witches, shifters, wizards and Fae now battle it out in what appears to be a truly violent and unpleasent land known as Five Bridges. It's a turbulent place where the species don't mix but as this story shows blind hatred can be overcome.
Connor is a vampire and he helps guard the boundaries trying to prevent the drug runners getting through. He cannot seem to get the witch Iris out of his mind and even though their species hate each other constantly finds himself watching Iris. Now some might take exception here as it does kind of feel like he is a bit of a stalker but Iris is not unaware of his presence and as a witch is perfectly capable of casting a spell on him but chooses not to. One night they are both called to two separate crime scenes, the first a pregnant woman acting as a drugs mule and then later a couple murdered. Iris senses something is wrong and they narrowly escape bring blown up when the bridge they stand on explodes. What follows is a chance for Connor to re-evaluate just why they have been clearly thrown together. As they dig deeper it's apparent both their pasts have something to do with this dangerous situation they find themselves in and their two separate worlds collide in more ways than one!
So in many ways this story had me thinking about forbidden love but it's not really that straight forward. Both our lead characters have sadness in their pasts but I just wanted to learn a little more. Their passion ignites perhaps too quickly but then again they have been kind of circling each other for a while . I'm still a little confused by the substance Alter that when added to Flame has the capacity to transform people. Also there are rather a lot of pregnant women in this story that really just didn't sit well with me. What stands out is Connor though as he is written as a good and honourable character ( ignoring his stalker tendencies !) but Iris for me was the one who really saved the day but to find out how you will need to read the story . So five species who hate each other, a world so vile it's a cesspit, drugs that never really get explained and of course a lot of truly sad back stories. Hmm I'm still not sure about this story but note it's the first so perhaps as the series progresses the world building will as well.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a double homicide throws them together, Vampire officer Connor tries to resist the witch Iris Meldeere but he soon finds his deepest fantasies fulfilled while they fight to stay alive in this spectacular paranormal romance.

Witches can kill vampires with the tips of the their fingers and there is no love lost between the species and the reader can’t help but get caught up in all the thrills as love begins to consume Conner and Iris. The attraction between them even from afar has flames soaring and the sex scenes are even hotter but the relationship balances on a razor’s edge as they fight their growing attraction believing it impossible due outside influences and emotional issues from the past. These strong dynamic characters demand your attention from the very beginning and the fast paced, smooth flowing plot excites readers with lots of suspense, action and romance.

Expectation and excitement builds throughout the story as Connor and Iris find themselves caught up in a conspiracy where the unknown enemy wants them both dead. The well written scenes and details paint vivid images of all the thrills, magical battles, and passionate encounters while the intriguing events and the building suspense draws the reader in and refuses to let go until the reader knows every last detail. And to top it all off, there is something about Connor and Iris’s growing desire for each other that adds some extra spice and mystique to the story.

Caris Roane has done it again! She always creates the best vampires with their own special distinctiveness that separates them from all the rest and this fascinating world has lots of intriguing and different elements and other fascinating characters with their own special uniqueness as well. I was enthralled with the story from the very beginning as it starts off hot and only gets hotter as there is never a dull moment and I can’t wait to visit Five Bridges again.

[Angela (Angel's Guilty Pleasures) · Rating 3 out of 5]

** Read as part of the Dark and Damaged: Eight Tortured Heroes of Paranormal Romance **

~ 2.5 Blood Flame Stars ~

Blood Flame is book one in the Flame series by Caris Roane.

This one started out good, but the more I read the more some things just did not work for me. It is an interesting concept and world that these characters live in. There are five alter species, which are genetic mutations of some drug that runs free/un-checked, so the people are not changed by there choosing. We never find out how this drug got started and all these creatures vampires, witches, shifters, wizards, and fae got put into this world. There is a little world building and what we do learn is not nice. This world is dark and corruption runs deep in all five areas of the zones the supernaturals now live in. Many of the species do not play nice together. As for the storyline things move fast with the plot and the relationship between Connor, Vampire and Iris, Witch. These two have a strong attraction/pull to each other and they never full understand why they do. As relationships go this was fast-paced and not less then 48hrs into being together to solve who wants them dead, they are in love and a marriage proposal happens (a little farfetched for me). Also we get a lot of pinning over dead spouses and a life lost when they where changed into supernatural creatures.

Overall, Blood Flame was an ok read. It was not fully for me, but if you find the blurb intriguing you should give it a try.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say I loved this book. It wasn't terrible. I just never really connected with the characters. And I saw the "twist" coming from a mile away. Which is sad because I'm the worst guesser in the history of guessers. So either the clues were very blatant as to what was coming or I can follow the author's thought process like a champ and extrapolate out to the nth degree based on that. Which kinda freaks me out, to be honest.

But let's talk about Connor and Iris. Connor's upstanding. Iris is upstanding. Because of their different species (or whatever you want to call it), they're at odds. But they both simply handwave their inherent hatred of each other to get jiggy. Okay, there was more to it than that. They both had moments where they had to restrain themselves from giving into their killing urges but... I don't know. There wasn't a lot of tension between them on that score.

I liked the world. I liked the idea that the different species were turned from an outside force. There was plenty I liked, but I never really connected with the main plot or the characters. Also, the pregnant women being used in the sex trade made me have a sour lemon face. I didn't like that.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blood Flame was probably closer to a 2.5 for me. Parts of it I really liked and parts were just okay. It had a lot of potential but there was just too much happening way too quickly. I really liked the concept, it was original and interesting. There are five alter species (although we really only learn about vampires and witches with a reference to shifters thrown in). They are genetic mutations caused by a drug (although not only do you have to have the drug but an alter serum has to be in the drug - I think). I'm not sure if you have a genetic disposition for one of the alter races or if there are five different serums. So some people willing took the drug but didn't know the serum was in it and some people were forced to take the drug. I really liked the concept but I wanted to understand a bit more about the world. Are all the alters people who have taken/been drugged? The book tells us that their world is filled with corruption but doesn't explain how the officials are elected (is it based on power?). So while I found the world building interesting I wanted more information about it.

The races apparently hate each other and have been killing each other for years (although we don't know why or what started it). So the fact that Connor a vampire and Iris a witch are attracted to each other is supposed to be shocking (except their were 2 other vampire/witch couples in the story and we didn't meet that many characters). Connor and Iris go from attraction/obsession to love with a marriage proposal at light speed. It happened way to fast for me to find it believable especially given the fact that their races hate each other. They just seemed to be willing to overlook that. Both characters have tragic backstories that they get over in a matter of 48 hours as well.

So while I found the world intriguing I didn't love the story. The character's relationship to each other wasn't believable. Still I'll read the next one and hope we get more in depth information about the world and a relationship that doesn't happen at the speed of light.

This book was given to me in exchange for a fair review

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book..

This was an unusual story, and I like it so I’ll probably go on to the next. I loved the description of Iris’s garden. How the lattice of purple flowers swayed in her direction and “ it was like seeing music take a physical shape.” And when they got back to her house and Connor sat against the tree with Iris in his lap and he thought “the sissoo tree felt like life to him.” I sure would like to have that garden, if that’s how it acts and makes you feel.

There’s one thing I hated about this book and because of it I’m not sure I’ll read any more of this series. I’ll really have to think about. Here it is: “He’d pulled the top half of his hair back in a leather strap, the rest of his dark wavy hair touching his shoulders.” Ewww! Pull all his hair back in a queue or let it all hang down around his shoulders. The way he wears it sounds too girlie for someone so big and manly. Ain’t nothin’ manly about that hair-do. Moving on, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system.

This is really dark and murderous book so if that’s not what you’re looking for then keep looking. Sooo many bad guys and corrupt cops. In a town where there’s vampires, witches, wolf shifters and Fae I felt like the only good guys were Connor and Iris, and the bad guys and corrupt cops wanted them dead.

LOL.. I did like the reasoning behind Big Nuts’ name. And just in case you’d like to know the F-bomb was released 18 times so if you hate swearing this book is not for you. I don’t mind it but I know a lot of you do.

Yeah, I said I was going to go on to the next one but I’m not. Nathan Vaughn’s story is next and his hair was described as shaved on the sides with tattoos running up his scalp. I’ve read a LOT of vampire but none of them had hair that funky. I like nice hair on my heroes so after this one I’m done with this author. LMAO.. The next hero after Vaughn might have a mohawk. Oh, well, some like that sort of hair I just don't happen to be one of them.

Overall, this was an exciting vampire/witch love story. Good sexual attraction and good sex scenes.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Caris Roane; I love when I get the opportunity to read something by authors new to me, it's like opening a whole new world of possibilities.

This book was a good read but there were a few things that I had a hard time with. It seems like the people that have been affected by the "alter" are banished to the five bridges area, this is what happened with Connor and Iris, and they have to leave their life and loved ones behind and act as if that life never happened. Well of course that is easier said then done. Iris left behind her husband and lost her baby when she went through the "change" and Connor went through his change after his wife died and he took the Blood Fire drug that had a vampire alter in it. Now here they both are about ten years after their "Changes" and both are still mourning their lost loved ones. Iris went through the change with her sister but shortly after her sister was raped, tortured and killed by vampires.
Connor is a border patrol officer (and a vampire) and Iris works for the Tribunal (she's a witch) normally witches and vampires do not mingle, they are in separate areas of five bridges but since they have both been to crime scenes for an investigation there has been a pull or an attraction between the two. One that neither of them wants to admit but it's there. Now they have been each specifically been called to a crime scene and it's a set up...someone wants them both dead!
While figuring out who wants them both dead they grow closer and their attraction builds...it's like a moth being drawn to the flame, you know you should but you can't help it. I have to say that the sex scenes were HOT!

If you like sexy witches and hunky alpha vampires I would recommend this book to you. I do plan on continuing the series but it isn't a series that I will be 1-clicking, I can wait a bit but I will be back.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was leery that this was just going to be another Blood Rose series, especially when the vampire ended up having longish hair, wore leather, was part of a guard force, and flew his girl all over the place with her feet resting on his boots. As the story progressed, details that started to surface within the plot and conflict that allowed it to stand on its own and not be another Blood Rose series.  
 
I like the setting. It is a post-apocalyptic-esk world set in Phoenix, Arizona. A new drug has shown up in society called Blood Flame, due to its side effect of a flame like pattern showing up on the person's neck. Sometimes there is a serum that is laced into the drug that causes people to become "altered" and they became either a witch, vampire, dead-talker, or shifter; all depending on which serum is laced into the drug. The altered person then has to leave their old life (regardless of whether they are married, have children, or successful lives) and move to a fenced off part of Phoenix that has been war-torn and sectioned off into quadrants.  Each new species has their own quadrant and they hate the other altered-races. 
 
As the story progresses, I began to enjoy it more. It was refreshing, even with the similarities to the Blood Rose series. The characters were strong and the love story was beautiful. It had highs and lows and moved smoothly without any lulls in plot and conflict. The two main characters are entertaining and interesting. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and strengthen. I will definitely read more of this new series.
 
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

[France · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life is rough in Five Bridges, a supernatural closed-in town in the outskirt of Phoenix. All its inhabitants have been changed by the "alter", a serum slipped in some doses of the flame drug distributed in the human world by the local drug mobs. In the five species created by the different kind of alter, none seems to trust the others, and few are more opposed than the vampires and the witches, each of them seemingly engineered to destroy the other.

Iris is a witch. Connor is a vampire. Circumstances planned by an evil force bring them together and, against all odds, fate has them falling in love despite the pain and horror of their respective past.

"Blood Flame" is a classical and engaging supernatural romance, setting a "love against all odds" interspecies story in a brand new, violent world where all supernatural creatures are the result of a chemically-induced change. Still I wouldn't call the story science-fiction, as the codes are clearly the ones from urban fantasy settings. Fans of the genre will find the usual elements of vampire romances, i.e. leather-bound vampire "police" officer, nurturing woman, manpain, insane villains, etc. Without being innovative, "Blood Flame" is a reliable and enjoyable read. You'll spend a few hours immersed in the world, playing at guessing who the villain is, and how everything ties in together. My only regret is that the mystery/thriller intrigue felt rushed compared to the romance. But hey, that's ok, it's still a pretty cool read. Or rather, a hot and steamy one.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has created a totally intriguing world in Blood Flame, which hooked me very fast. A world where thousands upon thousands of humans were altered by the blood flame drug, and it's special additives; thus creating the need to separate the human world from the unruly and violent five territories. Vampires and witches are enemies. They actively hunt each other with the intent to kill. James Connor is a Border Patrol officer of the Crescent (vampire) Territory. He is a man haunted by his past and trying to do the right thing. Having his path cross with Tribunal Public Safety officer Iris Meldeere, his attraction to her is insane. She's a witch and could kill him with a touch. Of course, Iris has no intention of doing that at all and indeed the attraction is mutual. Manipulated into being in a few places at the same time by persons unknown, it becomes clear that someone is out for blood; both of theirs. As the past collides with the present and passion heats up off the charts, the battle against evil is ruthless. As the start of a new series, Blood Flame was an enjoyable, enticing story. The world building was well-done and descriptive, stretching your imagination to keep up. The characters...well, I loved Connor and Iris as much as I hated the bad "guys". Special note here about BN...loved the imagination used for his character. Yes, you all who have read it known who I mean...lol. Caris Roane has written a story filled with imagination and action that I resented having to put down.
(Gifted a copy for independent review)

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

HOT!!! I loved the "forbidden" but drawn together in this story. Caris Roane has become one of my favorite authors, I love that if you take the sex out it's an awesome story being told. The worlds and characters are so believable and easy to relate to. I feel like I'm always rooting for the couple to make it (even though I know they will) but something happens and then I'm left wondering "will it happen?".

Take a witch and a vampire, mortal enemies, and have them drawn together like a moth to the flame. This is exactly what keeps you reading. Throw in some conspiracy, twists, turns and I couldn't put it down until it was finished.

[wanda flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review .Blood Flame is the first book in the Flame series and is a great read .This is the story of Iris a witch and Public Safety officer and James Conner a vampire and police officer .Neither don't trust each other's species as a whole they come to rely and love one another .The journey to a hea is filled with action, danger, suspense, and passion that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next. Caris Roane has crafted another fantastic story you won't be able to put down. I highly recommend this book to other paranormal readers out there looking for that next great read.

[Denise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Flame by Caris Roane...
Connor the Vampire, and Iris the Witch are destined souls. The world is a dangerous mess and they find solace in each other. They each meet at the murder scenes they are investigating. Drawn together, they end up at her place after an encounter that drained her power. Connor and Iris get to know each other a bit, and their sex scene is erotic, sensual, enticing and amazing. Wow !! Loved it !! Vampire and Witch energies move between them and it's transforming them. It's so right. highly recommend. Enjoy !!!

[Mhollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is on to something...I wish it could have been novel length as opposed to novella length and the author delved much deeper into this new world she has created. This new world seems really cool and I believe some really great stories could be generated from this world of witches, vampires, Wizards, Fae, shifters and dead-talkers. I believe the H/H got together way too soon, so there was a loss of tension between them. It was a solid read, if a bit rushed. ***I received this as a gift from the author for an honest review.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action-packed thrill ride that kept me spellbound till the very end. I loved this new and intriguing world that the author introduced. There was so much that hasn't been explored yet and I can't wait to discover more and dive deeper into this supernatural world.
The characters were good. I loved how they had some depth and experienced growth throughout the story. Their journey was easy to root for and enjoyable to read.
The story was fast paced and full of tension. It was easy to get lost in and read in one sitting. (Which I did).

[Samie Kauchis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright, not as good as I was expecting from this author... Plus I knew who the 'bad guy' was long before they showed up on the page.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Kept me up late because I couldn’t put it down until I finished. It flowed well, with a good world building. It had a good twisting plot with some surprises. I liked the main characters, they were a good fit for each other too. It also ends with an HEA for this couple. Enough of a lead in to this world to want to see what the next book in the series will bring for the next character.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in Five Bridges is not easy. The three races of were, witch and vampire are sequestered here, but there is no rule but survival. Witches kill vampires. Vampires kill witches. But when a vampire and a witch are set up to die, they will only live if they trust each other long enough to find their attacker and fall in love.
Romance, wonderful world building, and lots of suspense make it a well crafted page turner

[Rebecca Stigers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witches and Vampires....

This book was awesome...the author has a way with her word's...she created a very good storyline with some very interesting characters...and made me want to really know these characters. Conner the vampire and Iris the witch were enemy's...or were they? Great read...enjoyed it a lot.

[Adria's Musings]

Originally posted on Adria's Musings and Reviews Review to come soon. (Blog post MAY have additional content such as playlists, interviews, giveaways, etc).
* A copy of this book was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, love the characters. Connor is a vampire who falls in love with a witch named Iris. She may share the same feelings, that is until she learns of a secret he's been keeping, but even Connor isn't sure of the truth.

[Velvet Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new twist on Vampires.

An interesting change inn the vampire Legend. I've must started this series, and can't help but wonder if there will bee an explanation in one of the books about how this altar additives and the Flame drugs came into being.

[Monikat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable book. But still I'd rather the heroes were more of the bad asses they should have been. Caris Roane has a tendancy to over humanise them and they always end up in a pink laced baby fest, or on the way there. I prefer my HEA darker.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this authors writing

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how Connor and Iris were so connected and that they could see the goodness in each other, despite their 'species' being enemies.

[Princess Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Flame

Blood Flame was a really good paranormal story. I really enjoyed it to the point of buying the next book in the series.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Skimmed 27%. Stalking, no plot, no characters, nothing.

[Myra Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.

[Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very obvious that this was written by a man...it reminds me of the episode of "Family Guy". Just imagine Peter as a Romance Writer.

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampire

Vampire and witches battle in a friend to lover book. A great setting for a new supernatural book series featuring vamp, witches,shifter and fae.