Needing the Vampire's Aggression

Wolves of Stone Ridge #35

by Charlie Richards

Vampire Nikolai Kuznetsov enjoys his life of blood drinking and torture. The first he must do to continue living, and the second he does to keep his family safe. Plus, it gives him a chance to play with his knives. He loves his blades, wielding them with elegant precision. At his brothers’ urgings, Nikolai attends poker night…just to do something that they deem as normal. Finding himself drawn to the blood of a mild-mannered, somewhat reclusive wolf shifter is the last thing Nikolai expects. Except, Parker Jones walks away without giving the slightest indication that he feels the same pull…other than his aroused scent, of course. Nikolai studies Parker, trying to figure out why the shifter would ignore the pull between them. He discovers the wolf shifter is still mourning his long deceased human lover. Tenderness and understanding aren’t in Nikolai’s nature. Can Nikolai find another way to connect with his beloved?

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Romance, BDSM, Paranormal Romance

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2016

Reviews

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think she's finally done it. I think Charlie Richards has finally convinced me to stop reading her books.

This was shite. Her books don't even have real endings anymore.

Richards...either start taking your stories somewhat seriously again (I say somewhat because, face it, girl, you're kind of a shitty writer)...or just stop.

[Hc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so bad. I just didn't quite get the whole human lover thing. All paranormals know that once they find their mate, even if they are with someone, that they won't be able to resist the pull. So for Parker to get attached and even marry a human, not his mate, who ends up dying of sickness.. just doesn't feel like a good way to go.

Besides that bit of setback for me personally... the bdsm elements are pretty mild. Tie up and some blood play.. but Vampire, hello..

Once there's an injury.. another bit of huh for me. Declan and others arrive to inform Parker of Nik's injuries and that he needs blood, from the vein. Needs... But then they tell him that its not life threatening. Okaaaay.. that means he doesn't actually NEED for survival, blood... simply that he would heal much faster with blood. Contradiction to me but whatever.

[Mrs. Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. I have been waiting for Nikolai's book and it was okay. I loved his character he did not disappoint. He was still the same knife wielding vampire from the previous books. What I didn't like was his mate Parker. Ugh, he was a jerk and I get the problems he was having but really it was like 30 years ago and you have a mate your hurting, get over it already. Other than my supreme dislike for Parker I loved it.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I know I should just stop reading Charlie Richard's new books. They are hit or miss with me but I couldn't resist this one because of the vampires and BDSM. I did so love the knife play. Nikolai was a really nice change. Parker was a real wanker though and Ms. Richards never explained why he acted more human than shifter. As usual, her stories have so many plot holes and abrupt endings these days. But Nikolai's character was enjoyable.

[Melanie~~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like the resolution—non-resolution really—of Parker's grief. That needed a lot more attention than it was given.

[Jude · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a major re-re-read of the Stone Ridge world. I usually enjoy Charlies' short stories and novellas (the occasional one is a clunkier) but I have found that the best way to read them is to series binge and read them in the recommended reading order for the 'world' instead of by series. This gives a much more satisfying read with a more consistent plot line and world. Even the clunkers become acceptable as a small part of the whole. The characters are still good, and as usual Charlie uses stereo types with skill and develops characters indirectly. The only characters that develop depth are those who appear and then reappear frequently.
As individual reads? 2 or 3 - though 3 is more common.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fierce and passionate romance between Parker, who was a wolf shifter, and Nikolai, who was a very aggressive vampire. Since Parker was having such a difficult time trying to get over his deceased husband of thirty years, Nikolai had to work harder at gaining his trust. The story was interesting and the BDSM portion of the story was fascinating. The romance was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I really love this vampire family (the Kuznetsovs).=)

[MyzanM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm about to give up on this series. It has just declined.
Plot is thin and only serves as a means to get in as many sexscenes as possible.

I might give the following books a try, but I won't get my hopes up. It might be time to let it go...

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author Parker and Second Nikolai

[Sadonna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review and lots more can be found at The Novel Approach

While this is book number thirty-five in this series, it can be read as a standalone; although, I have really enjoyed the vampires in this series and would at least want you to read the other books that cover this coven and their mates before reading this one.

Nikolai Kuznetsov is the second in his coven, and an enforcer. At a poker night attended by his cover and the local shifters, he scents what he thinks might be his beloved. After he is challenged by Jared and discovers that there might be a mission he needs to assist with to help bring down the bad guys who are experimenting on shifters, he confirms that Parker Jones is indeed his beloved. However, Parker had been married to a human who died of cancer and he can’t seem to move on—even though he knows that Nikolai is his mate.

Leopold, Parker’s best friend, helps Nikolai understand why Parker is resistant. With Declan’s help as well, Nikolai is able to put together why Parker doesn’t seem to want him. When Parker’s friends set up a little surprise for his birthday, it seems that Nikolai and Parker might really be a perfect match, as it seems they have some of the same “interests,” shall we say? ;-)

While they enjoy the birthday celebration, Parker still isn’t ready to pursue his mate, but when Nikolai has problems on his mission—which I hope will set up something big in the next installment—Parker rushes to his side fearful that he’s held out for too long. Nikolai is grateful to Parker for coming to him, and things start to move forward.

This was a fun episode of this series. I really like these vampires. I find them really entertaining for some reason. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, because there were some big surprises on the mission that have got to lead to something substantial. I would have liked more Jared (still my favorite character), but I think he and Nikolai will be good friends, and we will see more of them, hopefully, in the future. For fans of this series, you won’t be disappointed.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is book number thirty-five in this series, it can be read as a standalone; although, I have really enjoyed the vampires in this series and would at least want you to read the other books that cover this coven and their mates before reading this one.

Nikolai Kuznetsov is the second in his coven, and an enforcer. At a poker night attended by his cover and the local shifters, he scents what he thinks might be his beloved. After he is challenged by Jared and discovers that there might be a mission he needs to assist with to help bring down the bad guys who are experimenting on shifters, he confirms that Parker Jones is indeed his beloved. However, Parker had been married to a human who died of cancer and he can’t seem to move on—even though he knows that Nikolai is his mate.

Leopold, Parker’s best friend, helps Nikolai understand why Parker is resistant. With Declan’s help as well, Nikolai is able to put together why Parker doesn’t seem to want him. When Parker’s friends set up a little surprise for his birthday, it seems that Nikolai and Parker might really be a perfect match, as it seems they have some of the same “interests,” shall we say?

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

For some reason the blurb for this story didn't grab me like most of the others in this series have. I actually debated whether to read this one or just skip it. Glad I didn't skip it because some of the events in the second half help set up for the next story in this series.

But I gave this story one less star than the rest in this series/world because of a lack of a warning.

I may like reading some BDSM stuff but blood play, there are two different instances of it in this book, is not one of the things I like reading about. And the first scene bugged me also because the dominant partner didn't ask if it was something the submissive partner would like. He just went ahead and started it. The dominant one also didn't ask about safe words, which was a stupid omission considering the scene was taking place in a BDSM club's playroom.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knife and blood play

This one wasn't really my thing. The usual fated mates leads to immediate intimate relations but I really didn't get any sense of character development at all. Nikolai likes knives and blood and Parker is happy to donate. That was pretty much all you learned about them.

[Julie scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needing a Vampire's Aggression (Wolves of Stone Ridge Book 35)

Loved it it was good and can't wait to read the next one in this series and any book from Charlie Richards I hope it's soon...

[Mae Hanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy this series.

Niko is the perfect Dom/mate for Parker's sub/wolf. He doesn't get all of Parker's hesitance but he accepts them and works through them without forcing the issue and driving his wolf away.

[Smurphette_Jelly_Bean Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Charlie Richards is one of my go to authors. I only have to know she has a new book out and I buy it. Like all of her books I've read I very much enjoyed this one. I can't wait for another book from this author.

[Ananko-san · Rating 2 out of 5]

1,5 stars
No communication
No safe word for BDSM
The trauma that is the starting point of this novel is not addressed in any other way but to make one of the main characters shy away from the relationship. It is in no way resolved at the end of the book but that isn't even a problem.

[Michelle Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

I strongly recommend any of Charlie Richards books, she is a fantastic author. Always has a good story line, and thinks to include past characters from other books! Love her writing style!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liest sich soweit gut. Ich mag das durch die Gefährten Vampir / Wandler irgendwie auch ein, zwei Kinks eingebaut sind. Ich glaube außerhalb von Fantasy würde ich einen defintiv nicht lesen wollen. Hier hats mir gefallen 😁

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one! Great continuation of the series.

[Aly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read it was great can't wait til next one.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the last 2. Not sure why, but does it really matter?

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Gerald Sessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pain and pleasure

Nikolai found his mate in a wolf shifter that was still morning the death of his human lover. It turned out the key to their relationship was knives.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐺👬😍💖👍🔪

[Yuri Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Change of pace

I loved the fond approach to addressing a small part of the BDSM scene. It was done a lot better than I have seen in other books! Loved the couple.

[Kath · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honk this one news to be reviewed by the author a bit more..... the fact that he says "keys are under the floorboard...." of a car sound be enough to tell you...