Forbidden Drink

Kindred #3

by Nicola Claire

I watched as he comprehended what it was that he saw on my face, in my eyes. And I watched as a part of him shut down, locked away from me forever. And I hid the fact that my heart was breaking even as I lied to him, even as I broke his. And I swore I would never let him know otherwise, or I would truly be lost and the war would be over.

Surviving Paris and the Iunctio has left a jagged mark on Lucinda's soul. Now she must stay under their radar and out of their sights. But, that's not all she has to worry about. Lucinda's life is spiralling out of her control. There are those who want to shackle her under the guise of protection and love. If she is to have a chance at fulfilling the Prophesy, she must break free. But, to do that is to cross a line. One she had never thought she would.

With her personal world becoming more complicated and her powers growing by the day, Lucinda has to take on even more responsibility. Helping out the Master of Wellington City with an increasingly alarming human vigilante problem. Split between Wellington and Auckland, her kindred and her pull toward the vampire who wears her mark, Lucinda has to dig deep to stay true to the Light within and not give in to the seduction of the Dark.

And then, there are the shape shifters and her best-friend Rick. Things are changing, relationships twisting and Lucinda has to face it all while battling to stay in control. Control that she feels is slipping through her fingers as surely as blood drips from an open vein.

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

ebook

First published May 31, 2012

About the author

Nicola Claire lives in beautiful Taupo, New Zealand with her husband, two teenage boys and a Miniature Schnauzer named Rudy.

A bit of a romance junkie, she can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing sexy, romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.

So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! Forbidden Drink is now my favorite book of the series..There is lots of action fight scenes, tons of sex (and I mean, really hot steamy sex!!), and even moments that will make you cry. This book has it all. It is going on my keeper shelf for sure.
It continues from the last book and there is some tension between Michel and Lucinda; but that doesen't go on for very long. There are also new characters introduced in this story. Michel call to one of his "made" vampires named Erika to come and train Lucinda with a sword. Erika ends up more her bodyguard though and she made a nice addition to Luce's friend list. She also gains another "sidekick", Amisi who is another Nosferatin from Cairo. Nero brings her to Lucinda to visit and I loved the dynamics between Luce, Erika,and Amisi. There is just so much that goes on in this installment, but I prefer not to write spoilers in my reviews. This book is a must read; but I strongly recommend to read the first two books before you read this one. These books really are best read all together. It is a top of the line series that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Anyone who loves a good vampire series should read this one for sure. I look forward to the next book and what adventures will come about during the story as it unfolds.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Love/Hate continues.

This is a book of two halves and I'm writing this incase anyone out there feels the same as me, if you do don't give up on it.
I thought long and hard before starting this book because while I love the idea and the characters Lucinda was spoiling the books for me, I love Michel, I can't help it he's a hot, sexy powerful vampire who's not afraid to admit his feelings and I can't for the life of me understand why she's like a dog in heat for nearly every other man and won't fully give herself to him.
I can admit that after the last book I really didn't want to continue with this but my friend who'd recommended this series convinced me to continue, assuring me I'd love it once I got into it.
The first half gets 1 star it was dreadful, Lucinda continues to do as she wishes, ignoring advice and going from one mistake to the next, then she makes a huge mistake and I put the book down, putting myself through this was ridiculous, I think at that point it wouldn't have bothered me if she'd been killed off, except of course Michel would have died. I emailed my friend and ranted about Lucinda she convinced me to continue and I can admit by the time I was into the second half I was hooked, I was falling asleep in the early hours but still couldn't put it down it appears my friend was right this was turning out to be a really good read and the second part gets 5 stars, now I can't wait to start the next book 'Giver of Light'
So if Lucinda is driving you nuts my advice is stick with it, I'm really glad I did the only other problem is the repetition, so many parts are recapped and it gets annoying after a while and I found myself switching off.

[Runningrabbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sex quotient: if you're planning to read this one on public transport you better bring a penlight to read it in your handbag and stock up with a couple of pairs of spare knickers.
Soundtrack: Sweet Dreams are Made of This https://youtu.be/Ema-2SxtxEI

This one is certainly better than the first book complete with the requisite sexy vampire archetype and plenty of hot and steamy sex. That doesn't stop this novel from some great arse kicking action with a good strong heroine.

[Ute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this series is getting better and better.

The characters are getting deeper and more and more defined. The story is fast pacing and very intriguing . You definetly don't want to put this book down until you are done.

The author again added new characters , who not dilute the story line, but add to it. Turns and outcomes appear the reader is not expecting.

Nicola Claire is in my eyes an author, who deserves more attention by every fan of PR novels.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should have written this review right when I finished this book instead of when I am already halfway through the next. I am having trouble remembering where the one ended and the other began. From what I remember, the biok ended with Lucinda finding yet another power. Which is the same way the others have ended so far, and what I believe is a great way to end it because it shows a new "chapter" beginning in her life.

I have been getting a huge Fifty Shades vibe while reading these books and in each book it has just gotten stronger. The possessiveness, the need to protect, lavish gifts, and the sex. I'm not complaining though. . I am head over heals for everything that Michel is and everything he does. Sometimes I actually forget he is supposed to be a vampire.

I wasn't a huge fan of Gregors actions in this book but where he lacked Michel didn't which only made Lucinda's choice to belong to Michel that much easier. The added characters were nice. I fully enjoy Erika and her attitude, along with Amisi. The three of them are well together. I also enjoyed Jett becoming a bigger part in the story, though not the reason why.

There were a few losses in this book, some of which broke my heart but managed to make the story still thrive despite that. There are always so many things going on in these books which makes every second exciting and expecting.

I couldn't ask for better characters and story lines. I must say though, that if and when Lucinda gives Michel her mark I will be elated and probably cry, lol.

[JadeShea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Drink begins a little bit after the last book ended. Things between Michael and Lucinda aren't going so well. And things between Lucinda and others aren't going as well either. Rick, her one time best friend, now is trying to kill her, and other vampires.
Then Lucinda is so angry with Michael she ends up making a horrible mistake that hurts them both. But she must figure out how to balance the light and dark before it is too late.

This book was actually good. I was really worried because of a lot of things that happened in the previous book, and WHAT actually happened in this one!!! Lucinda had me hating her a for a while in this one. But for some reason, I just couldn't let her go and couldn't give up the book. I really loved how Lucinda in Michael came together after they had the falling out. It almost seemed to strengthen their relationship, odd I know, but it happened. And now these two are freaking awesome. I can not wait to read more about them.
And even though this one had lots of hard times, some great losses, we got some new friends to read about, and I'm super freaking excited about it!

[Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I really wanted to read this book but I wanted to know what happened next. As with the first I didn't love nor hate this book. It reminded me of Anita Blake just softer and set in New Zealand. Luce is a fun character and the world is interesting with a mix of different cultures and myth. I'm not a fan of cheating no matter if its physical or emotional so I had issues with this series. Ms. Claire does a good job of retelling information without overload. Although the book feels like it's just the SSDD. Michel's one chapter at the end was this book/series saving grace.

Luce has a rough go of it in this book. She loses friends hurts the people close to her and makes some very bad decisions. As her personal life goes down in flames the prophecy continues to expand leading her into more danger.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are times that my heart turned to stone, times that I just want to throw my book (kindle) across the room, times that I just sighed in bliss and also times that my heart weep with losses.

I'm on a roller coaster ride.
Eventful and tiring.
I can only pray for Lucinda's well being. Physically and emotionally.

[Kyra Dunst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best vampire series I have ever read. The characters are deep and you can't help but either love or hate them. Gregor and Michel and Nero are all worthy of Lucinda's affection, and as she struggles with each of them, she begins to find herself. I would recommend this author to others.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fast becoming one of my favorite paranormal series!

[Grazzit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series so far. Its most of the good things i like about the Anita blake series, Without most of the bad. It is a romance series, and has graphic sex, but its not overpowering.

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definite page turner!

Yet another fantastic book!!! This series has had me hooked from the very start! Can't wait to read the next one!

[Epicbookaddict · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was thinking as this book ended that this series feels a lot like L. Hamilton's 'Anita Blake Vampire Hunter' series. It started off pretty good at least I had hope in the premise and the development of Lucinda's character. This book was mostly sex between Michel and Luce. I mean good grief how many bondings can Michel go through?? First there was the joining, then the marking, then the bonding, now the claiming (in which it seems Luce has no choice other than to spread or not spread her legs). Now, don't take this the wrong way, I'm not opposed to sex in a book but somewhere between the sheets...er..pages there has to be a storyline that keeps my attention. Several loose ends are tied up in this book and hold onto your hanky some death occurs.
The story line was meh.
The character development....well didn't happen, if anything some of the characters were very out of character, so..... To read or not to read the next one? I think I'll take a break and maybe pick them up again later.
-disappointed :( but the lovers of Laurell K. Hamilton's later work will be ticked pink.

[rabbit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another DNF for me...

I enjoyed the first book, thought the second book was ok, but this one is dragging on. I think the main problem is that Lucinda is a very annoying character. Her "I'm so tough! I can do it on my own!" Bad ass personality is really getting on my nerves. Unfortunately it's in first person POV so you are stuck with her for the ride. Michel gets a rough deal in this, I just want him to get away from Lucinda, they don't seem good together.

I agree with many reviewers that this is very similar to Anita Blake, I read the second book hoping that it would move away from this comparison. However, I can see Lucinda having a polyamorous relationship and saving the day with Deus Sex Magica in future books.

Two stars, I didn't hate it just got bored reading it.

[Antoinette Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as Lucinda's power keeps growing. But I was sad as couple of my favourite people is no longer here.

[D.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just rip out my heart why don’t you Nicola!!!! 😭😭

[Chantell Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can get past the minor errors and language translation, it’s amazing. I’ve read and re-read this series numerous times.

As the prophecy unfolds, Lucinda is met with more challenges.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of Kindred Book Bundle (Books 1-3) which is FREE on Amazon today (4/13/2023)! 🎁

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Such an emotional roller coaster for me. I absolutely love this series. Nicola gives it all to us. Let’s start off by getting rid of the characters that I actually didn’t care for. I am so glad Rick is out of the equations. He was crazy on all levels. I mean how do you go from being my best friend, to trying to actually kill me? I’m so glad he is out of this series. But it will be interesting to see if anything else arises with the pack.

I am very sad to see some of my favorite characters die. I’m not going to spoil anything, but this one particular mentor was one of my favorites. He brought calm, peace, trust and love to the series. I really fell in Love with him. But I guess things happen for a reason. And Bruno, he was one of my favorites as well.

Now the prophecy is getting more and more interesting. Every time you turn around there is a new prophecy and it seems like Lucinda is the one that has to carry everything. I don’t know how that’s going to work out, because a person can only carry so much. And of course it’s another power!

Now I was very disappointed in Lucinda. She made a big mistake with Gregor and I wish they would have never done it. Even though Michel was expecting her to not go through with it, she did. And Michel still understood and forgave her. And with her and Gregor sharing their mark, they will always want some type of chemistry between them two.

And I still can’t understand what’s holding her back from truly being with Michel. She loves him and he loves her, but she is still holding back. And Michel just says, he will wait for her. Maybe she is holding back because she is tied with Gregor in some way. I guess we shall find out in the upcoming installments.

There was so much action pack in this installment; there never a dull moment.

Until Next Time, Happy Reading!
http://www.fantasyparanormalbooks.com

[Stacy Gallina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job again

The study is getting more intense, more losses and more friendship.

*************SPOILER**********

Oh Lucinda you drive me crazy!! Honesty I almost did not continue this series after the last two books because of the character Lucinda. She is so selfish, particularly to Michael. She complains about him all the time and honestly I have never seen him do anything but love her. He is an alpha mans that wants to protect the woman he loves, but she despises it. She still blames him for sleeping with the other woman when she was all set to sleep with gregor outside the restaurant, and if she did not get pulled, she would have. But how easy it is to there rocks at glass houses. She did something she regrets and Michael is like that is okay. Any other man would have taken the heartbreak and broken up with her. She claims she was seduced, manipulated to be marked by Gregor, but she doesn't really fight it. She complains about how she does but trust her feelings are real with Michael because of the joining and bond. She thinks that is causing her feelings toward him. Yet, she is hopped up on hormones from her mark and Gregor in general, but she does not push Gregor away, she always gives in, and does not blame the mark for her feelings toward him. She seems to have made a decision, and as normal she says she loves Michael. However, she does not show it unless she needs a shoulder to cry on, or if she needs something else. Yet, she still will not mark Michael, which is the only thing he wants to validate that she really wants to spend her life with him. She had changed some toward the end of the book, but not enough. If the story premise itself was not so intriguing I would have stopped reading the series because her character is just so awful. Yet, like I said the storyline is great, so I will read the next book and hope her character gets better. Again sorry for the rant, but as you can tell I am very aggravated with her.

[Mary Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting better I guess

It seems to be getting better, but the first third of this story was just bad. SPOILERS ahead: Lucinda and Gregor having sex was just yucky and I skimmed it actually feeling nauseous, so congrats on invoking emotion. But then later we are supposed to be okay with Amise and Gregory. Now if the first third had not happened, I would have loved that, but nope, it's now just even more icky. Amise knows he forced the mark and they slept together and that he has been trying to seduce her away from her kindred. Yeah, what a catch. This whole story could have been written in a way that didn't have us hating Lucinda for being a spiteful tramp and had us rooting for Amise and Gregory, but this garbage wasn't it.

Then she gives us an ending in Michel pov that just says Michel is an idiot too and it's his fault Bruno is dead. Seriously I could have done without knowing that he went to meet them on their land and without setting any rules for the meeting and when seeing they were being betrayed refused to call for his vamps because Lucinda might find out. Pretty sure he could have called them without her knowledge and in fact a smart master would have had them on standbys close by in case of betrayal. I get he wants to save Lucinda pain, but what he did was beyond stupid in every way. I'm not a 500 yr old vamp, but even I know you set up confrontational meetings in a neutral spot with Rules as to how many and even rules as to the cost of betrayal. This was a mistake a novice wouldn't have made despite trying to sell us on it him not thinking clearly. And going in weak was the most stupid mistake of all.

This series has the potential to be so good if the author would really think more about the decisions she is making her characters make that are so far out of character for the way she wrote them originally. Makes no sense at all.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

*'I watched as he comprehended what it was that he saw on my face, in my eyes. And I watched as a part of him shut down, locked away from me forever. And I hid the fact that my heart was breaking even as I lied to him, even as I broke his. And I swore I would never let him know otherwise, or I would truly be lost and the war would be over.'*

Surviving Paris and the *Iunctio *has left a jagged mark on Lucinda's soul. Now she must stay under their radar and out of their sights. But, that's not all she has to worry about. Lucinda's life is spiralling out of her control. There are those who want to shackle her under the guise of protection and love. If she is to have a chance at fulfilling the Prophesy, she must break free. But, to do that is to cross a line. One she had never thought she would.

With her personal world becoming more complicated and her powers growing by the day, Lucinda has to take on even more responsibility. Helping out the Master of Wellington City with an increasingly alarming human vigilante problem. Split between Wellington and Auckland, her kindred and her pull toward the vampire who wears her mark, Lucinda has to dig deep to stay true to the Light within and not give in to the seduction of the Dark.

And then, there are the shape shifters and her best-friend Rick. Things are changing, relationships twisting and Lucinda has to face it all while battling to stay in control. Control that she feels is slipping through her fingers as surely as blood drips from an open vein.

**

[Cazy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so pissed off and frustrated for the whole first half of this book. I have never written b**** so many times in my notes when commenting on the actions of the heroine. I understand that flaws in a personality endears you to a character and makes you invest emotionally in their personal growth, but I just hate the main character. She could get run over by a train and I'd dance on her grave. For example. She's supposed to be this powerful being, always talking up her strength through her own words and other characters' descriptions, but everytime she faces real power she freezes up, pisses herself, or starts to shake uncontrollably. This time, her nonsense got a character that I really liked killed and it has soured me on the series. I doubt that I'll continue on to the next installment.

A month or two later....
Now that I've had time to calm down. I can't get this series out of my mind. And mainly because of Michel. So I guess I'll be reading on.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tiresome

Self-inflicted drama by Lucinda is tiresome. The headstrong, stubborn, selfish, self-righteous, and emotionally immature Lucinda is tiresome. I started this series loving it. The characters were compelling. The concept was actually unique. By the second book I began to feel like Lucinda was more than annoying...and I wanted her to be injured severely. That’s a sure sign that the author’s intent ISN’T quite where ya want it to be. The scene with Michel that kicked off this new dramatic self-inflicted BS for not good reason...was hollow. Unneeded. Foolish. Hurtful. Toxic. Lucinda is a tease. A toxic one at that. Quite frankly, they would be better off without her and I, for one, don’t even care whether she’s redeemed or not. I couldn’t get through more than 50 pages before I said enough. This author has so much promise - how about writing compelling female characters that AREN’T petulant 2-year old toxic feminists?

[Willow Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have serious issues with the heroine in this book, but the story is freaking awesome. On certain parts I wanted to cry and turn around and kick the heroine for every tear. She is sooo dumb in ways that just don't add up. I almost can't stand her, but her side kicks are amazing and I love them. I actually love the sub characters in this story.

I've already started the fourth book in the series and because of what happened right from the beginning, I don't think I'm going to finish it. I'll try but doubt I can.

Anyone who love vampires and paranormal, will love this series. The rules and everything surrounding this story is intriguing. I love all the politics and policy & procedure of it.

[Salmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 Stars

Love this title and the idea that Lucinda, the main character, is a siren to bad vampires. They are drawn to her Light/blood like a siren's call, but to partake of it is forbidden. Hence, Forbidden Drink. Love it. This one is fast paced, full of adventure and intrigue, sexy characters and tempting choices. I like that Lucinda makes mistakes, but is still an ass-kicking heroine. These books just keep getting better and better. Can't wait for book four!

[Emma K Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmm. Excellent!

I am in awe of how and where this author comes up with this story. Gotta say I'm living vicariously through Lucindas sex life . Whoa! Also the emotions evoked during the story via the characters I now feel I know at book 3 are incredible.
To the author: if your sex life is like Lucinda I'm one VERY jealous person. The love behind it is incredible. Once in a lifetime yes? On to the next book. Looking forward to it!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked

Norman by book 3 I'm starting to lose interest but this one can't get enough, I even love the story from the vamps view( was a sample at the end of the book). Yet again I've seen other authors do this but there wasn't enough 'new story" to tell with this it fills in beautifully what happened when lucendia was away. wonderful I'm ready for the next

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Painful

Luce’s journey is getting not only complicated, but heart wrenching. This book is about loss... deep losses that pull at the emotions and leave both Luce, and the reader, reeling. To move the narrative forward, it has to happen, but one has to wonder: how much can one woman take?

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn. Damn. Damn.

So much death in this one, and the good ones at that. *Sigh* I didn't expect especially the last one he was my favorite in the series, his character had so much more potential. *Sigh*

On with the next one..