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Valorian Chronicles #1
Blood Doesn't Lie
It starts with a murder…
Caine Valorian and his Otherworld Crime Unit crack all the unusual cases before any humans take notice. When a young woman is found ritualistically murdered in the Otherworlder city of Necropolis, it's his team of professionals with paranormal gifts who must stop the nameless evil stalking the streets.
As the team sinks deeper into the workings of the case, Caine's attraction to the alluring human investigator, Eve, is causing his blood to boil and he battles urges he hasn’t dealt with in decades. And with war brewing between species, the all-consuming passion between a human and a vampire won't be the only thing to spill on the city's mean streets…
**Previously published as "Blood Secrets" by Vivi Anna.**
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2007
126 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Vivi Anna
92 books328 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author, Vivi Anna likes to burn up the pages with her original unique brand of fantasy fiction. Whether it's in ancient Egypt, or in an apocalyptic future, Vivi always writes fast paced action-adventure with strong independent women that can kick some butt, and dark delicious heroes to kill for.
When Vivi isn't writing, you can find her causing a ruckus at downtown bistros, flea markets, or playgrounds. Oh and on twitter at @authorViviAnna.
When Vivi isn't writing, you can find her causing a ruckus at downtown bistros, flea markets, or playgrounds. Oh and on twitter at @authorViviAnna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 1, 2017
When a human is murdered in the otherworldly city of Necropolis, vampire Caine Valorian and his Otherworld Crime Unit (which also includes a lycan and a witch) are on the case. Joining them from San Antonio is human crime scene investigator Eve Grant who is sent to Necropolis to help the investigation. While working together, a forbidden attraction develops between Caine and Eve.
The premise of the book sounded interesting, but this book didn't work for me at all mainly due to the heroine. Eve was so naïve and totally ill-prepared for the job and the otherworldly city she was working in. She didn't seem to get that Necropolis had a different set of rules and that she needed to exercise caution since she was a human. She was a hindrance to the team because she constantly needed to be looked after, was always getting herself into trouble because she didn't use common sense, and then she always ended up in tears. Eve seemed more like a child that needed to be coddled instead of a grown-up woman. I also found it ridiculous how at the drop of a hat she wanted Caine to turn her into a vampire and how she wanted to stay with him in Necropolis without sparing any time to think about the consequences that go with it.
The premise of the book sounded interesting, but this book didn't work for me at all mainly due to the heroine. Eve was so naïve and totally ill-prepared for the job and the otherworldly city she was working in. She didn't seem to get that Necropolis had a different set of rules and that she needed to exercise caution since she was a human. She was a hindrance to the team because she constantly needed to be looked after, was always getting herself into trouble because she didn't use common sense, and then she always ended up in tears. Eve seemed more like a child that needed to be coddled instead of a grown-up woman. I also found it ridiculous how at the drop of a hat she wanted Caine to turn her into a vampire and how she wanted to stay with him in Necropolis without sparing any time to think about the consequences that go with it.
May 21, 2015
Think CSI with vampires, werewolves, etc.
The whole giving the Otherworlders their own [closely guarded] city smacks of apartheid but get past that and the story is a good one. It’s a fairly fast read.
I loved the characters, especially our hero, Valorian, who spends a lot of willpower trying to resist his attraction to Eve – after all, she’s new, she’s his subordinate, and she’s human. All these put her firmly on the ‘Do Not Touch’ list. Of course, we all know how well that’s going to work…
The plot has the same scientific nitty-gritty feel as the CSI shows, and the same blurring of the details so the non-science-oriented readers don’t fall asleep in their chairs. The crime is grim, the possible repercussions are dire for all concerned, especially the paranormal community, and the need for answers is urgent. This was my first read by this author and it won’t be the last
Valorian Chronicles
1 Blood Secrets
2 Dark Lies
2.5 Mahina's Storm #
3 Veiled Truth
4 The Vampire's Quest
4.5 The Bewitching Hour
5 The Vampire's Kiss
5.5 Her Dark Heart
6 A Wolf's Heart
The whole giving the Otherworlders their own [closely guarded] city smacks of apartheid but get past that and the story is a good one. It’s a fairly fast read.
I loved the characters, especially our hero, Valorian, who spends a lot of willpower trying to resist his attraction to Eve – after all, she’s new, she’s his subordinate, and she’s human. All these put her firmly on the ‘Do Not Touch’ list. Of course, we all know how well that’s going to work…
The plot has the same scientific nitty-gritty feel as the CSI shows, and the same blurring of the details so the non-science-oriented readers don’t fall asleep in their chairs. The crime is grim, the possible repercussions are dire for all concerned, especially the paranormal community, and the need for answers is urgent. This was my first read by this author and it won’t be the last
Valorian Chronicles
1 Blood Secrets
2 Dark Lies
2.5 Mahina's Storm #
3 Veiled Truth
4 The Vampire's Quest
4.5 The Bewitching Hour
5 The Vampire's Kiss
5.5 Her Dark Heart
6 A Wolf's Heart
April 30, 2013
I loved this book! It shows the United States living in a different way with the supernaturals known as the others living in their own cities with their own rules. Caine Valorian who is chief of Otherworld Crime Unit and the rest of the team are working to solve the ritualistic murders before human become aware of them. Eve is the newest recruit to the team and human. The tension and chemistry between Caine and Eve is electrical. I really devoured this book and have read it several times!
May 17, 2013
This is definitely the best book I've read from this author thus far - I look forward to more of this kind of work. Definitely recommended. Great storyline
October 31, 2017
I am loving this new series. This is the perfect mix of crime drama, paranormal and romance. This starts with the team working a homicide of a human girl in Necropolis. The team consists of vampires, witches and lycans. However, when they learn they have to work with a human lab tech, it is not a happy place. Caine Valorin is the vampire team leader and Eve Grant is the human lab tech. Working together is a new experience for them both and they both are fighting an intense desire for the other. I loved it when Caine shared his dream. Team member Lyra's grandmother is a hoot also. This was such a great story and I laughed so hard in some spots. I finished it last night, dreamed about it and still woke up thinking and laughing about it. If you like crime drama, paranormal romance, with humor sprinkled throughout, this is for you.
May 13, 2011
Blood Secrets is one of those books that, when searching for something memorable in a used bookstore, might drop from a rack high above and strike you upon your head. This book is rather thin but perhaps it could cause you enough brain damage to want to take it home and read about vampires and sex and vampires and sex and then some crime with vampires and sex. Forgetable, blah, nanana! I don’t remember much of this at all and I think I was drawn entirely by the title which isn’t always a good way to go when choosing a book. I bet others would enjoy it (others have judging by the ratings) and I respect it as a work of art, even though vampire books in general are starting to seriously offend me. This book just made me hate vampires a little more but it was still a nice little time waster and I give it some stars for that.
May 29, 2018
This one was actually really good. It was like an amazing double episode of CSI meets Dexter meets The Vampire Diaries. The characters are engaging and the world of Necropolis seems well-built. The underlying omniscient villain plot was engaging and really makes me want to read the rest of the series to find out who it is, and also to dive into the other members of the OCU backstories.
If you are a fan of paranormal romance/mysteries, then I definitely suggest this one.. There's something for everyone!
If you are a fan of paranormal romance/mysteries, then I definitely suggest this one.. There's something for everyone!
April 10, 2018
Loved it
I couldn't put this book down absolutely love the characters can't wait to read the next book in the series
I couldn't put this book down absolutely love the characters can't wait to read the next book in the series
Want to read
May 14, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/29/2020)! 🎁
April 26, 2019
An actual ending
A decent stand-alone story. The female cries a lot and whines a little about nobody taking her seriously, as she gets attacked and is rescued repeatedly by the vampire she's crushing on. It's not her fault she's a helpless human surrounded by paranormal beings, but it's a little bit stupid to complain that she can take care of herself. But aside from her being a normal woman with delusions of toughness she's likeable. Her vampire crush is a little annoying in the beginning, as he hates all humans and acts like humans are the bad guys and paranormals are innocent victims. Meanwhile every paranormal Eve meets is hostile and some try to kill her outright, just because they can. They're just misunderstood. So, it's not the deepest read with the most well crafted characters. It's a quick, mostly fun paranormal romance. And though there are other books in this series there is no cliff hanger, hallelujah. The story has an ending.
A decent stand-alone story. The female cries a lot and whines a little about nobody taking her seriously, as she gets attacked and is rescued repeatedly by the vampire she's crushing on. It's not her fault she's a helpless human surrounded by paranormal beings, but it's a little bit stupid to complain that she can take care of herself. But aside from her being a normal woman with delusions of toughness she's likeable. Her vampire crush is a little annoying in the beginning, as he hates all humans and acts like humans are the bad guys and paranormals are innocent victims. Meanwhile every paranormal Eve meets is hostile and some try to kill her outright, just because they can. They're just misunderstood. So, it's not the deepest read with the most well crafted characters. It's a quick, mostly fun paranormal romance. And though there are other books in this series there is no cliff hanger, hallelujah. The story has an ending.
October 6, 2019
J'avais déjà lu ce livre il y a quelques années maintenant, et ce n'est clairement pas le meilleure de cette saga. Après en avoir lu plusieurs qui étaient assez sympa, je remarque que celui-ci est vraiment très expéditif. Tout se passe vite, trop vite, et ça ne rend pas la chose très crédible malheureusement. L'autrice aurait pu rallonger l'histoire, ajouter du suspens ! Ici on a pas le temps de se faire des théories que les réponses tombent déjà. C'est dommage, car l'histoire de base est vraiment intéressante.
December 6, 2017
This is my first book from this author. I really enjoyed this story and I’m not even big on crime books. There’s some romance toward the end of the book because the characters are constantly fighting their feelings. I wish the books would continue with the Cain and Eve though....because of this case that happened...the author just made it sound like the next book would continue what happened to eve...But the next book is Jace’s turn so that should be interesting..
December 17, 2023
A meaty book with intrigue. I hated the cliche insta-love shit (a lot!!) And there was plenty room for improvements, but was a good read and I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next... I just read the blurbs for the other books ... Looking like a LOT of stuff was left unresolved.. loose ends that should not have been forgotten, so not sure if bk 2concludes it, but not looking like it. Feel like a star should be removed for blatant loose ends, but again, maybe in next book
March 5, 2020
Good read
Interesting premise, human, vampire, witch and werewolf making a team to solve crimes in a city parallel to San Antonio. Romance is balanced with police procedural. Hero and heroine are perhaps a little less interesting than the supporting characters. Look forward to future books featuring the witch in greater depth.
Interesting premise, human, vampire, witch and werewolf making a team to solve crimes in a city parallel to San Antonio. Romance is balanced with police procedural. Hero and heroine are perhaps a little less interesting than the supporting characters. Look forward to future books featuring the witch in greater depth.
May 1, 2025
This was a solid read. Very erotic, mainly multiple sex scenes/longing lust. Eve and Caine aren't well fleshed out as characters but have a decent dynamic. The murder crime is decent, and has a predicable ending, but it works well. Eve is actually a forensic computer analysis which is refreshing and rare female occupation in romance novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2018
Supernaturally Sexy CSI
Fun read with fantastic world building. If you have a taste for police procedural tales that focus on forensics and old fashioned detective work.... pLus a taste for paranormal adventure, you'll enjoy Blood Doesn't Lie.
Fun read with fantastic world building. If you have a taste for police procedural tales that focus on forensics and old fashioned detective work.... pLus a taste for paranormal adventure, you'll enjoy Blood Doesn't Lie.
February 4, 2019
Really enjoyed reading and looking forward to reading the other books about the ocu. Only small niggle was feel the main heroine had to be rescued one to many times. But still a good read. Now for Jace's story☺
December 4, 2022
Avid reader
I really enjoyed this book. From start to finish I didn't want to put it down. I like the idea of another city with other world beings. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I would recommend this to my friends.
I really enjoyed this book. From start to finish I didn't want to put it down. I like the idea of another city with other world beings. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I would recommend this to my friends.
December 19, 2018
I loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the books!
March 16, 2019
NCT #11
November 26, 2019
Brilliant start to the series 😍
November 30, 2023
The end of this book seems like it's leading into a series...but I can't find a series with these characters.
July 20, 2024
Wonderful
This book has everything! The characters are wonderful and the story was wonderful! It made me laugh and cry! I loved it!!
This book has everything! The characters are wonderful and the story was wonderful! It made me laugh and cry! I loved it!!
June 8, 2015
A young human woman is found ritualistically murdered in a downtown Necropolis hotel. It is up to Caine Valorian, a 200-year-old vampire, and his Otherworld Crime Unit to solve the unusual crime, and quickly before the human press can jump onto the story and cause a panic. To add to their already tough case, a new member, Eve Grant, transfers to their lab at the request of the mayor. Not only is she green and eager to impress the boss, but she's human. The first human ever to work in an Otherworld unit. The mayor thought it would be great press especially now with the strange human murder.
Caine has his work cut out for him, especially with his unruly team who don't appreciate any help from a human. Not only is this the toughest case of his career, but he's unusually attracted to the new girl, which can only cause trouble for them all. However, as they sink deeper and deeper into the workings of the case, Caine and Eve become closer and closer. So close that neither of them can see past each other and at the real happenings behind the scenes. The more they poke and prod at the case, the more they realize that something is going on, that this murder is only one step toward a greater purpose. Someone in the Otherworld community is calling on dark forces, in a plot to wipe out the entire human population.
I bought this as an ebook ages ago because I found the idea of CSI crossing over with vampires to be an intriguing idea. It then sat on my PDA while I read other things. I found that I wanted something short and hopefully relatively simple to help me come down after the high of Kage Baker's Company series and remembered this. It fit the bill perfectly.
It's a Silhouette Nocture book, meaning it's a little shorter than your average single title, but Anna packs a full story into her word count. I did find the forensics aspect of the case to be rather on the light side - this is a story about the characters, and mainly Caine and Eve at that, not the science. So if you're looking for a crime thriller, you'll need to find another book.
All the same, it was the pleasant and easy read I was wanting. The world set up is interesting - I find that idea of a whole, fortified city of supernatural creatures - which at this point means vampires, werewolves and witches - that the world doesn't know about to be a little hard to swallow, but I'm willing to suspend my disbelief on that aspect.
I found Caine to be a more realised character than Eve (often the case in romances it seems, as if the author spends all their creative energy on the hero and doesn't have a lot left for the heroine). He had a past, a history and a solid personality, whereas she seemed to spend a lot of time rushing in to volunteer for things unwisely in order to prove herself. All the same, she wasn't annoying and her actions might have occasionally been reckless but they didn't go as far as being all out stupid.
The presence of a shadowy villain whom the reader knows exists, while the characters are not so sure, suggests this is the first in a series. And indeed, Dark Lies comes out in October. I'm still deciding if I'll buy it. If I want another "pleasant and easy read" I'm sure it will qualify. It will just depend on my budget.
Blood Secrets
Vivi Anna
7/10
[Copied from LibraryThing.]
Caine has his work cut out for him, especially with his unruly team who don't appreciate any help from a human. Not only is this the toughest case of his career, but he's unusually attracted to the new girl, which can only cause trouble for them all. However, as they sink deeper and deeper into the workings of the case, Caine and Eve become closer and closer. So close that neither of them can see past each other and at the real happenings behind the scenes. The more they poke and prod at the case, the more they realize that something is going on, that this murder is only one step toward a greater purpose. Someone in the Otherworld community is calling on dark forces, in a plot to wipe out the entire human population.
I bought this as an ebook ages ago because I found the idea of CSI crossing over with vampires to be an intriguing idea. It then sat on my PDA while I read other things. I found that I wanted something short and hopefully relatively simple to help me come down after the high of Kage Baker's Company series and remembered this. It fit the bill perfectly.
It's a Silhouette Nocture book, meaning it's a little shorter than your average single title, but Anna packs a full story into her word count. I did find the forensics aspect of the case to be rather on the light side - this is a story about the characters, and mainly Caine and Eve at that, not the science. So if you're looking for a crime thriller, you'll need to find another book.
All the same, it was the pleasant and easy read I was wanting. The world set up is interesting - I find that idea of a whole, fortified city of supernatural creatures - which at this point means vampires, werewolves and witches - that the world doesn't know about to be a little hard to swallow, but I'm willing to suspend my disbelief on that aspect.
I found Caine to be a more realised character than Eve (often the case in romances it seems, as if the author spends all their creative energy on the hero and doesn't have a lot left for the heroine). He had a past, a history and a solid personality, whereas she seemed to spend a lot of time rushing in to volunteer for things unwisely in order to prove herself. All the same, she wasn't annoying and her actions might have occasionally been reckless but they didn't go as far as being all out stupid.
The presence of a shadowy villain whom the reader knows exists, while the characters are not so sure, suggests this is the first in a series. And indeed, Dark Lies comes out in October. I'm still deciding if I'll buy it. If I want another "pleasant and easy read" I'm sure it will qualify. It will just depend on my budget.
Blood Secrets
Vivi Anna
7/10
[Copied from LibraryThing.]
October 22, 2009
In the Black Heart Hotel, downtown in Necropolis a dead body was found, a young woman Lillian Crawford with her throat sliced open, but the strangely there is almost no blood at the crime scene. The otherworld Crime Unit is called in to investigate the murder, the team consisting chief the vampire Caine Valorian, werewolf Jace Jericho, witch Lyra Magic and vampire Kellen Falcon. They soon discover the killer has to be a vampire because the found some bite marks on the body, but the amount of blood missing is inexplicable, no vampire can take that much of blood.
Because the victim is human and found in an otherworld city, the human police insist on bringing in their own investigator to help them catch the killer. So Eve Grant volunteers for the job, not knowing what she get her into. The crime team isn’t happy to add a human investigator to their team; they all have bad experience with humans. But Eve proves to be a fabulous investigator with some great contacts.
Caine has another problem, he is attracted to Eve and he knows a relationship between the two species is never going to work. But when the killer sets his eyes on Eve, Caine is determined to keep Eve safe.
Blood secrets by Vivi Anna is the first novel in her Valorian Chronicles and I have to say it was definitely a surprise how I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline is a mix of vampires, werewolves and witches and one of the best TV series of all times CSI, well what more could a girl ask for.
The captain of the Crime unit is the vampire Caine Valorian. When his team is called in by department captain Mahina Garner, a werewolf herself, they didn’t have a clue what to expect. Not only will the find out that the victim is human, but they will have to work with a human investigator to catch the killer. Well none of the team members were looking forward to that, but Eve Grant turns out to be a fabulous investigator with some great hacker’s skills. The moment Caine and Eve meet, there is a vibration between them. But they both know the relationship cannot work, the human world isn’t happy living with paranormal creatures. Eve is determined to convince Caine otherwise and let him see they belong together, no matter what species they are.
Because CSI is one of my favorite TV series, I know now why I loved this book. Caine Valorian is exactly the Grissom of his unit, calm but determined to get the job done. I cannot wait to read Dark Lies and see what will happen with Jace Jericho.
Because the victim is human and found in an otherworld city, the human police insist on bringing in their own investigator to help them catch the killer. So Eve Grant volunteers for the job, not knowing what she get her into. The crime team isn’t happy to add a human investigator to their team; they all have bad experience with humans. But Eve proves to be a fabulous investigator with some great contacts.
Caine has another problem, he is attracted to Eve and he knows a relationship between the two species is never going to work. But when the killer sets his eyes on Eve, Caine is determined to keep Eve safe.
Blood secrets by Vivi Anna is the first novel in her Valorian Chronicles and I have to say it was definitely a surprise how I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline is a mix of vampires, werewolves and witches and one of the best TV series of all times CSI, well what more could a girl ask for.
The captain of the Crime unit is the vampire Caine Valorian. When his team is called in by department captain Mahina Garner, a werewolf herself, they didn’t have a clue what to expect. Not only will the find out that the victim is human, but they will have to work with a human investigator to catch the killer. Well none of the team members were looking forward to that, but Eve Grant turns out to be a fabulous investigator with some great hacker’s skills. The moment Caine and Eve meet, there is a vibration between them. But they both know the relationship cannot work, the human world isn’t happy living with paranormal creatures. Eve is determined to convince Caine otherwise and let him see they belong together, no matter what species they are.
Because CSI is one of my favorite TV series, I know now why I loved this book. Caine Valorian is exactly the Grissom of his unit, calm but determined to get the job done. I cannot wait to read Dark Lies and see what will happen with Jace Jericho.
June 16, 2009
The Otherworld CSI team consists of two vampires (Caine and Kellen), a werewolf (Jace), a witch (Lyra) and a human liason (Eve Grant). The sparks fly immediately when Eve is introduced to Caine and boy do they fly. The romance between these two almost eclipses the murder they are investigating. Though, of course, the team does solve the mystery and rescue Eve from the bad guy.
This is the first book in the Valorian Chronicles and what a terrific start to the series. I really like Valorian, Jace, Lyra and even Kellen (though he's a bit of a prick).
#1 The Vampire's Quest
#2 Blood Secrets
#3 Dark Lies
#4 Veiled Truth
This is the first book in the Valorian Chronicles and what a terrific start to the series. I really like Valorian, Jace, Lyra and even Kellen (though he's a bit of a prick).
#1 The Vampire's Quest
#2 Blood Secrets
#3 Dark Lies
#4 Veiled Truth
August 30, 2009
Blood Secrets is the start of a paranormal series about crime scene investigators in Necropolis, a modern-day city of vampires, werewolves, and witches, closed off to the rest of humanity and situated smack-dab in the middle o' Texas. The closed-off city, the mutual mistrust and prejudices of the humans and the paranormals reminded me of the television series about those aliens with spotted heads with names like San Francisco. I liked this book more than I expected myself to, and look forward to reading more in the series.
July 22, 2012
This book was pretty good. I liked the mystery aspect, the emotions, a little suspense, a good steamy scene thrown in, and the cast of characters. All of the characters were interesting and would be great to read about, hopefully in the rest of the series. I would enjoy reading this again, but it wouldn't be a go-to book. More for passing the time in a more exciting way. Some parts were page-turning, the ending was great. HEA, *sigh*. Hope the former-boyfriend jerkwad gets whats coming to him, bad vibes man, bad vibes. Enjoy!
July 19, 2022
The Vampire Who Loved Me
Wow!!! What a gr8 story. I truly enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading the next book in this series. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Wow!!! What a gr8 story. I truly enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading the next book in this series. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Read
April 16, 2007It was okay for a quick read. The focus was mostly on the crime and solving the crime. It is about a human assigned to work with a crime team made up of non humun characters. The human females falls for the vampire in the group. I just wish that they would have went a little further into the story and show whether she was turned or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews