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Blood Bond Saga #1
Blood Bond: 1
Vampire Dante Gabriel is starving. What he craves is red gold—human blood. After being held captive as a blood slave to a female vampire for years, he has finally escaped. Unchained at last, he follows his nose to the nearest blood bank to sate his hunger.
ER nurse Erin Hamilton expects just another busy night shift…until she finds a gorgeous stranger vandalizing the hospital blood bank. Though her logic tells her to turn him in, she’s pulled by stronger and unfamiliar emotions to protect the man who seems oddly infatuated with her scent. Chemistry sizzles between them, but Dante, plagued by nightmares of his time in captivity, fears he won’t be able to control himself…especially when he discovers a secret she doesn’t even know she’s hiding.
ER nurse Erin Hamilton expects just another busy night shift…until she finds a gorgeous stranger vandalizing the hospital blood bank. Though her logic tells her to turn him in, she’s pulled by stronger and unfamiliar emotions to protect the man who seems oddly infatuated with her scent. Chemistry sizzles between them, but Dante, plagued by nightmares of his time in captivity, fears he won’t be able to control himself…especially when he discovers a secret she doesn’t even know she’s hiding.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2018
4102 people are currently reading
5299 people want to read
About the author
Helen Hardt
202 books8,332 followers#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.
Join my official street team on Facebook, Hardt & Soul, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hardt...
Unchained (Blood Bond Saga: One) is FREE!! Get it here:
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Breathless (Steel Brothers Saga Book 10) is AVAILABLE! Get it here👇
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Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GR_Breathless
Join my official street team on Facebook, Hardt & Soul, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hardt...
Unchained (Blood Bond Saga: One) is FREE!! Get it here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/2OccbIv
Nook: http://bit.ly/2u5tFOc
iBooks: https://apple.co/2KZpwSi
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2N0srL2
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2u7bHe0
Breathless (Steel Brothers Saga Book 10) is AVAILABLE! Get it here👇
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NV9oa5
Nook: http://bit.ly/2zEclDb
iBooks: https://apple.co/2xWg393
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2xYJ70H
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2xKZGwJ
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GR_Breathless
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 540 reviews
August 31, 2018
read my reviews at http://jenchaosreviews.com
By Helen Hardt
Waterhouse Press, August 21, 2018
117 Pages, Kindle Edition
From the Blood Bond Chronicles, this is book 1 of the Blood Bond Saga. Dante Gabriel is starving. After suffering in captivity for years a slave to a female vampire, he finally escapes, unchained. He follows the scent to the nearest blood bank to sate his hunger and need for blood.
ER nurse Erin Hamilton is working the night shift at the hospital when she is sent to the blood bank to retrieve some blood when she notices a handsome stranger vandalizing the room. Though Erin knows she has to turn him in, Erin feels she must save and protect him at all cost because of unfamiliar and string emotions she has never felt before.
Chemistry simmers between them, yet Dante feels the presence of the woman who captured him and continues to have nightmares of his time in captivity. Keeping to himself, he fears he won't be able to control his urges, especially when he discovers a secret that she doesn't know about herself.
RATING:
5 Stars
Review:
Okay, I'm on a roll here. I am reading genres that I usually don't. Blood Bond is a romance. More specifically, a paranormal romance. Blood Bond is an excellent paranormal romance. It came recommended via Book Riot email. I usually trash those. They always send me romance suggestions, to which I say, no way. But this time I said, okay I'll try it this time. So, for $2.99 on Amazon, I got this book. I was engrossed in the story of Dante and Erin. Blood Bond talked about so much more than romance. It spoke of trauma from captivity for so long, and it spoke of being a vampire that didn't know what he was doing because he was never taught. I don't want to spoil this because this is a good book and you should read it.
I am sure it is a good series, though I can get book 2, I have to wait until October 2nd to get books 3-5 and October 30 to get number 6. Such is life.
I would like to say, that I liked seeing the action, though there wasn't much and this did not have so much romance that it was sickening. That's what I don't like about erotic fantasy books.
WRITING:
The writing was smooth and straightforward enough that, really, anyone could read this book. It is a fast read. It wasn't long. I read it in two hours. The author, Helen Hardt, has written many series and has become very well known. Because I don't usually read romance at all, I have no idea who she is. I will try to read some of her other books and see what the writing is like in other series.
Plot:
Blood Bond has a single plot with some subplots. First is escaping captivity and living without being caught by his nemesis. Then there's reuniting with his family and finding out his family history. Erin Hamilton presents another subject that is the essential part of his life that he cannot stay away from her. These all tie in together very nicely. She does an excellent job of keeping these together.
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the speed at which the story went and that Dante and Erin were able to find each other and form a bond pretty quickly. Additionally, I loved that he was able to see other people he knew as well. I do like vampires a lot, I do like her representation of vampires in this story because they are different than I am used to in other stories I have read.
What I DIDN'T LIKE:
This story was short. I don't particularly like serials. I have read them before, and I get impatient waiting for the next book in the series. So I am anxious for the books to be released in the series so I can find out what happens between Dante and Erin. The cliffhanger was just a drop in the book. It just suddenly ended and that was a huge disappointment. I dislike endings like that and was glad that I had book two ready in my Kindle, though I know that it won't be any different than before. I would have to wait until October for book 3.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Blood Bond is a good book. The writing is smooth on the eyes and not complicated. The plot is simple yet not heavily saturated with romance and stuff that you want to throw this book in a fire.
Homepage
By Helen Hardt
Waterhouse Press, August 21, 2018
117 Pages, Kindle Edition
From the Blood Bond Chronicles, this is book 1 of the Blood Bond Saga. Dante Gabriel is starving. After suffering in captivity for years a slave to a female vampire, he finally escapes, unchained. He follows the scent to the nearest blood bank to sate his hunger and need for blood.
ER nurse Erin Hamilton is working the night shift at the hospital when she is sent to the blood bank to retrieve some blood when she notices a handsome stranger vandalizing the room. Though Erin knows she has to turn him in, Erin feels she must save and protect him at all cost because of unfamiliar and string emotions she has never felt before.
Chemistry simmers between them, yet Dante feels the presence of the woman who captured him and continues to have nightmares of his time in captivity. Keeping to himself, he fears he won't be able to control his urges, especially when he discovers a secret that she doesn't know about herself.
RATING:
5 Stars
Review:
Okay, I'm on a roll here. I am reading genres that I usually don't. Blood Bond is a romance. More specifically, a paranormal romance. Blood Bond is an excellent paranormal romance. It came recommended via Book Riot email. I usually trash those. They always send me romance suggestions, to which I say, no way. But this time I said, okay I'll try it this time. So, for $2.99 on Amazon, I got this book. I was engrossed in the story of Dante and Erin. Blood Bond talked about so much more than romance. It spoke of trauma from captivity for so long, and it spoke of being a vampire that didn't know what he was doing because he was never taught. I don't want to spoil this because this is a good book and you should read it.
I am sure it is a good series, though I can get book 2, I have to wait until October 2nd to get books 3-5 and October 30 to get number 6. Such is life.
I would like to say, that I liked seeing the action, though there wasn't much and this did not have so much romance that it was sickening. That's what I don't like about erotic fantasy books.
WRITING:
The writing was smooth and straightforward enough that, really, anyone could read this book. It is a fast read. It wasn't long. I read it in two hours. The author, Helen Hardt, has written many series and has become very well known. Because I don't usually read romance at all, I have no idea who she is. I will try to read some of her other books and see what the writing is like in other series.
Plot:
Blood Bond has a single plot with some subplots. First is escaping captivity and living without being caught by his nemesis. Then there's reuniting with his family and finding out his family history. Erin Hamilton presents another subject that is the essential part of his life that he cannot stay away from her. These all tie in together very nicely. She does an excellent job of keeping these together.
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the speed at which the story went and that Dante and Erin were able to find each other and form a bond pretty quickly. Additionally, I loved that he was able to see other people he knew as well. I do like vampires a lot, I do like her representation of vampires in this story because they are different than I am used to in other stories I have read.
What I DIDN'T LIKE:
This story was short. I don't particularly like serials. I have read them before, and I get impatient waiting for the next book in the series. So I am anxious for the books to be released in the series so I can find out what happens between Dante and Erin. The cliffhanger was just a drop in the book. It just suddenly ended and that was a huge disappointment. I dislike endings like that and was glad that I had book two ready in my Kindle, though I know that it won't be any different than before. I would have to wait until October for book 3.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Blood Bond is a good book. The writing is smooth on the eyes and not complicated. The plot is simple yet not heavily saturated with romance and stuff that you want to throw this book in a fire.
Homepage
October 19, 2018
5 Vampire Stars
I got the audio version of this book and in the audio version it’s the first three parts in one. I just finished the first part and here are my thoughts.
The male narrator is a new narrator for me and he has a SUPER deep voice. Deep voices are pretty hard because you never know how you will react to them but I have to say his personality fit the character. If I am picturing an animalist Hero Vampire, then yeah he will have a deep voice. I like his acting and voice transitions as well.
The female narrator is pretty good too. She’s not my favorite only because I feel like her acting is a tiny bit forced, but she reads well and her sound is pleasant. Her voice didn’t hinder my listening experience what so ever.
I just finished the first part and I started the second part. The second part isn’t as great as the first part, but I will have to give the first part five stars.
The thing that really wins in this book is the pace. It’s a really fast pace book (for the first part at least, I think the second part not so much). A lot happens and you are just going from one thing to the next and I really like it.
The second thing I like is the character dynamics. I really like the tension between the two characters and I find myself staying up late or waking up early to listen to the book just to get to the steamy scene!
I have read another Helen Hardt book before and it was pretty steamy so to my surprise this one isn’t, but the author knows how to build up tension.
It’s about an ER nurse, Erin running into Vampire Dante, who has been kidnapped for ten years! I know, crazy right? It’s not usually the Hero that has a tortured and abused past, but goodness, you feel for the guy. I like Erin, I find her very normal and very sweet and just PERFECT for Dante. She doesn’t know he is a vampire.
I think Dante’s complex behavior adds something to the story and I really like the story building. I’m not sure how I feel about vampires being almost like human (I mean they eat and drink blood and age?!) yeah, I wanted it to be a little more paranormal than what the author gave me, but I take what I can get.
Overall, this book was the perfect read for the season. I wanted a bloody book for Halloween and now that I am getting it, I have no regrets.
I got the audio version of this book and in the audio version it’s the first three parts in one. I just finished the first part and here are my thoughts.
The male narrator is a new narrator for me and he has a SUPER deep voice. Deep voices are pretty hard because you never know how you will react to them but I have to say his personality fit the character. If I am picturing an animalist Hero Vampire, then yeah he will have a deep voice. I like his acting and voice transitions as well.
The female narrator is pretty good too. She’s not my favorite only because I feel like her acting is a tiny bit forced, but she reads well and her sound is pleasant. Her voice didn’t hinder my listening experience what so ever.
I just finished the first part and I started the second part. The second part isn’t as great as the first part, but I will have to give the first part five stars.
The thing that really wins in this book is the pace. It’s a really fast pace book (for the first part at least, I think the second part not so much). A lot happens and you are just going from one thing to the next and I really like it.
The second thing I like is the character dynamics. I really like the tension between the two characters and I find myself staying up late or waking up early to listen to the book just to get to the steamy scene!
I have read another Helen Hardt book before and it was pretty steamy so to my surprise this one isn’t, but the author knows how to build up tension.
It’s about an ER nurse, Erin running into Vampire Dante, who has been kidnapped for ten years! I know, crazy right? It’s not usually the Hero that has a tortured and abused past, but goodness, you feel for the guy. I like Erin, I find her very normal and very sweet and just PERFECT for Dante. She doesn’t know he is a vampire.
I think Dante’s complex behavior adds something to the story and I really like the story building. I’m not sure how I feel about vampires being almost like human (I mean they eat and drink blood and age?!) yeah, I wanted it to be a little more paranormal than what the author gave me, but I take what I can get.
Overall, this book was the perfect read for the season. I wanted a bloody book for Halloween and now that I am getting it, I have no regrets.
August 26, 2018
Blood Bond Saga 1 by Helen Hardt
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
NARRATION: Dual POV
BOOK DETAILS: 6 part series although all 6 books a short reads
AUDIO AVAILABLE? No
THE STORY:
Dante Gabriel has just escaped being held captive for ten years by another vampire. He was tortured and made a blood slave. He is lost, hungry and trying to find his family.
Erin Hamilton is an ER Nurse and discovers Dante in the blood bank of the hospital. Erin has an unexplained pull towards this strange man.
Dante has a powerful need to protect Erin, he can only smell her scent, feel her presence around him and has a blood lust so strong he fears he will not be able to control himself around her and hurt her.
There is a secret behind Erin though that even she herself doesn't know about. Perhaps Dante should be the one who needs protection.
MY THOUGHTS:
There are 6 parts to the saga but all are quick reads, each one will have you anxiously grabbing the next one to quench your thirst for answers. There is something about instant connections in story’s that captures my attention. Don’t we all like the idea of having one true love/soul mate?
Helen has added her own take on Vampires and twisted some of the superstition that surrounds them. Dante is dark and mysterious, gorgeous and ragged but vulnerable and damaged.
Erin has a nurturing quality that makes her immediately likeable. She has a lot of mystery that surrounds her and that intrigued me wanting to know more about her.
This first instalment is full of secrets and suspense and a delicious sexy slow burn push and pull, I just ate this one up, pardon the pun.
I am straight onto the second book now!
MY RATINGS: (All ratings are out of 5)
HERO RATING: 4
HEROINE RATING: 4
BLUSH RATING: 3
DARK RATING: 3
PLOT RATING: 4
OVERALL: 4 Blushing Stars
I kindly received and ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review
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July 3, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
June 8, 2018
After the magnificent Steel Brothers Saga, Helen Hardt has taken a daring turn, trading Colorado for New Orleans, and diving into a favorite romance subgenre: the vampire romance. I have to admit that I opened this book with a double whammy of high standards. Not only am I a huge fan of the Steels; vampires have been a favorite of mine as a genre, and I wondered what was going to make this series stand out for me.
Well, Ms. Hardt didn't leave me disappointed by one delicious drop. With a bold and direct writing voice containing all the edge you'd expect from a NOLA-set book, she sets the stage for a vampire world that's completely different than the same-old-same-old of the subgenre, meaning I simply couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Throw out everything you know about vampires--except for that blood thirst we all love and lust after in these stunning heroes--and expect to be swept up in a sensual story that twists and turns in so many wonderfully jaw-dropping ways, especially with one giant twist that'll have you gasping and seriously needing more of gorgeous Dante and his ladylove, ER nurse Erin.
And about that Dante...what can I say but WOW! Here's where Hardt sticks to what she is most amazing at, and that is creating a man who is, of course, visually stunning, but more than that, has an inner life stemming from a back story that simply moves your soul and takes your breath away. Here's where the emotional center of the story was located for me. I just felt every ounce of this man's pain as he struggled to put himself back together after losing ten years of his life--such a unique twist, almost making parts of the story feel more like a cool time travel rather than a straight-up vamp story, and lending the story some of its most heart-warming segments.(Ever try to explain to someone how to use a Keurig? Ha.)
I also really loved Erin, who is the perfect heroine to handle a PNR hero like Dante. Their chemistry and connection is beautiful to read--and best of all, a completely new experience than what was featured in the Steel Brothers books. What a dynamic new concept from a truly versatile writer, making this yet another epic victory for Helen Hardt. Bravo!
Well, Ms. Hardt didn't leave me disappointed by one delicious drop. With a bold and direct writing voice containing all the edge you'd expect from a NOLA-set book, she sets the stage for a vampire world that's completely different than the same-old-same-old of the subgenre, meaning I simply couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Throw out everything you know about vampires--except for that blood thirst we all love and lust after in these stunning heroes--and expect to be swept up in a sensual story that twists and turns in so many wonderfully jaw-dropping ways, especially with one giant twist that'll have you gasping and seriously needing more of gorgeous Dante and his ladylove, ER nurse Erin.
And about that Dante...what can I say but WOW! Here's where Hardt sticks to what she is most amazing at, and that is creating a man who is, of course, visually stunning, but more than that, has an inner life stemming from a back story that simply moves your soul and takes your breath away. Here's where the emotional center of the story was located for me. I just felt every ounce of this man's pain as he struggled to put himself back together after losing ten years of his life--such a unique twist, almost making parts of the story feel more like a cool time travel rather than a straight-up vamp story, and lending the story some of its most heart-warming segments.(Ever try to explain to someone how to use a Keurig? Ha.)
I also really loved Erin, who is the perfect heroine to handle a PNR hero like Dante. Their chemistry and connection is beautiful to read--and best of all, a completely new experience than what was featured in the Steel Brothers books. What a dynamic new concept from a truly versatile writer, making this yet another epic victory for Helen Hardt. Bravo!
October 8, 2018
I picked this up after seeing it as a promotion on Facebook. $2.99 for 117 page "book." Part 1 of a (currently) 9 book serial series.
This is my own personal opinion and personal take on this "book" realizing everyone has their own opinion to decide on purchasing a book (as I did myself) and that gives the purchaser the ability to share their thoughts.
I guess I did not realize this was a serial series "book" when I started reading it (after reading the sample option first). Typical of a serial, the story starts out exciting and mysterious and full of potential with some really good mystery-suspense elements before reaching the cliffhanger ending.
Normally this is ok but in typical serial fashion, the "book" ends with no real intro/body/conclusion. My opinion is this was the equivalent of a prologue. To know more you need to purchase the next installment Blood Bond: 2 for another $2.99 for 120 pages. Repeat. Repeat. etc.
Open disclosure: I did purchase the 2nd installment and can basically copy/paste this review to that "book" too.
I am not a fan of serial series "books" as the reader gets little more than a vague open ended story line that never ends.
ps. there is no adult content in this (nor the 2nd installment) "book"
This is my own personal opinion and personal take on this "book" realizing everyone has their own opinion to decide on purchasing a book (as I did myself) and that gives the purchaser the ability to share their thoughts.
I guess I did not realize this was a serial series "book" when I started reading it (after reading the sample option first). Typical of a serial, the story starts out exciting and mysterious and full of potential with some really good mystery-suspense elements before reaching the cliffhanger ending.
Normally this is ok but in typical serial fashion, the "book" ends with no real intro/body/conclusion. My opinion is this was the equivalent of a prologue. To know more you need to purchase the next installment Blood Bond: 2 for another $2.99 for 120 pages. Repeat. Repeat. etc.
Open disclosure: I did purchase the 2nd installment and can basically copy/paste this review to that "book" too.
I am not a fan of serial series "books" as the reader gets little more than a vague open ended story line that never ends.
ps. there is no adult content in this (nor the 2nd installment) "book"
September 18, 2018
Another instance of the lying 5 star reviews. The book was ok. It wasn’t bad but it really wasn’t good either. Way too unrealistic, even for a vampire book. Dante was not a strong character. He was actually frustrating. Erin made absolutely no sense. I don’t know this blood covered man but let’s make out with him. And the numerous attempts at “suspense” were overdone. There was “something suspenseful” about every freaking character but Steve the orderly. But that wasn’t the worse part. This is a way overpriced serial. At roughly 120 pages per book...I’m sorry but I’m not spending $29.16 for 9 separate books. I won’t be finishing this series. I wish I could get my money back for the one book I did buy. I didn’t do my research and was duped. Upon further research it seems this author does the serial thing often. I understand how much writers put into their work, and I agree they should be paid, but in this instance the caliber of writing isn’t worth that much. I’ve read more developed characters in fan fiction. I’m still kicking myself in the butt for spending $3.24 for a 120 page book. I’m not above spending money when it’s worth it. Hell, I buy both the kindle and hardcover versions of JR Wards BDB series every time one is released.
September 16, 2018
I love Helen Hardts writing, she is a wonderful storyteller, and this book is no exception.
Totally captivating .
I would have loved it to have been longer, but it was great for a taster of what's to come .
It's impossible to put any of Helens books down once you start, so this was read in one sitting . Looking forward to starting part 2 tonight!
Totally captivating .
I would have loved it to have been longer, but it was great for a taster of what's to come .
It's impossible to put any of Helens books down once you start, so this was read in one sitting . Looking forward to starting part 2 tonight!
December 11, 2021
🆗 Pace
🆗❌ Characters
❌ Plot
❌ Romance
DNF at 75%
First of all, a vampire named Dante is too cliché. From what I read, Dante is not a really strong character... He is frustrating and boring. Actually, the same thing can be said for Erin.
Then there is the story. Erin is a nurse who stumbled upon a vampire in the blood bank (but she does not know that he is a vampire). Dante just escaped from a mysterious Queen that tortured him for 10 years and went to the hospital to find blood. There is a lot of mystery around the last 10 years that he spent being imprisoned, but from what I read, nothing is being done to discover who this Queen is or where Dante was being held. He is just traumatized and does not want to talk about it, he hides and hopes that she will not find him.
He tries to be nice, not to compel Erin, but somehow she agrees to let him come to her place after she just met him.
Well, either Dante lied and decided to compel Erin, or she is quite stupid, or this is some kind of mystical attraction between them, maybe all of the above...
From that point in the story, it is a mix of sexual tension between the two of them (she was ready to sleep with him 2 hours after meeting him) and hints that something strange is going on with Erin's boss, but still no development in the relationships and no moving forward, only strange and quick encounters where Dante tries to control himself around Erin while she tries to understand what is going on with him.
I get that the author wanted to break a bit of the vampire stereotype: in this book, the vampires eat, sleep, and are not immortal, but when I look at Dante I find that they are also weak and not that impressive at all. The plot also lacked some action, details, intrigue... It was just about the boring life of Dante and Erin and their completely unrealistic and too fast feelings for each other.
🆗❌ Characters
❌ Plot
❌ Romance
DNF at 75%
First of all, a vampire named Dante is too cliché. From what I read, Dante is not a really strong character... He is frustrating and boring. Actually, the same thing can be said for Erin.
Then there is the story. Erin is a nurse who stumbled upon a vampire in the blood bank (but she does not know that he is a vampire). Dante just escaped from a mysterious Queen that tortured him for 10 years and went to the hospital to find blood. There is a lot of mystery around the last 10 years that he spent being imprisoned, but from what I read, nothing is being done to discover who this Queen is or where Dante was being held. He is just traumatized and does not want to talk about it, he hides and hopes that she will not find him.
He tries to be nice, not to compel Erin, but somehow she agrees to let him come to her place after she just met him.
“My place. I’m not sure what happened. I know you said my place, but I didn’t intend to bring you here. Yet here we are.”
“I promise you I won’t hurt you, but I need you to take me inside. Please.”
Erin pulled up her emergency brake. “I must be crazy as a loon. I hope if you were going to harm me, you would have done it by now. Come on.” She opened her car door.
Well, either Dante lied and decided to compel Erin, or she is quite stupid, or this is some kind of mystical attraction between them, maybe all of the above...
From that point in the story, it is a mix of sexual tension between the two of them (she was ready to sleep with him 2 hours after meeting him) and hints that something strange is going on with Erin's boss, but still no development in the relationships and no moving forward, only strange and quick encounters where Dante tries to control himself around Erin while she tries to understand what is going on with him.
I get that the author wanted to break a bit of the vampire stereotype: in this book, the vampires eat, sleep, and are not immortal, but when I look at Dante I find that they are also weak and not that impressive at all. The plot also lacked some action, details, intrigue... It was just about the boring life of Dante and Erin and their completely unrealistic and too fast feelings for each other.
March 4, 2019
The first part of a serial about Dante a born Vampire. Dante was kidnapped at age eighteen and held prisoner but somehow after ten years he escapes. Desperate for blood he raids a hospital blood bank and there he meets Erin who tempts him like no other. Trouble is Dante doesn't really know what it means to be a free Vampire and his family clearly have secrets.
This was free but obviously as its a serial it's not a complete story.
This was free but obviously as its a serial it's not a complete story.
October 5, 2019
This was ridiculous
I don’t even know why I read it. I don’t even know why I’m giving it 2 stars 😂
It was full of dumb vampire tropes and old twilighty possessiveness but I kept reading it anyway.
I hate that the ending was like that though. It literally ends with “what is that?!”
WHAT IS WHAT YOU GUY WERE ABOUT TO BANG!!
I’m so confused lol.
I don’t even know why I read it. I don’t even know why I’m giving it 2 stars 😂
It was full of dumb vampire tropes and old twilighty possessiveness but I kept reading it anyway.
I hate that the ending was like that though. It literally ends with “what is that?!”
WHAT IS WHAT YOU GUY WERE ABOUT TO BANG!!
I’m so confused lol.
September 2, 2019
This is the story of Dante and Erin. Erin is a RN in a hospital where Dante goes and ends up stealing blood; however, when he eyes Erin he just has to have her.
I liked the book and story line okay, but I didn't find a lot of it believable, even in the paranormal world. When they first meet, he needs a place to stay and he hasn't seen his family in years due to his situation, so he needs to do some internet research. He somehow manages to get Erin to take him home, let him use her computer, and even stay there. While there her brother shows up and he's a cop. While he does question things, I don't feel like he was as inquisitive as he should've been given that Erin is his sister with a stranger in her home.
The backdrop is that Dante was taken, tortured, and made to call his kidnapper "QUEEN" so obviously a female took him about 10 years previously. The ending is a total cliff hanger, BUT it definitely makes you want to read the next book!
I liked the book and story line okay, but I didn't find a lot of it believable, even in the paranormal world. When they first meet, he needs a place to stay and he hasn't seen his family in years due to his situation, so he needs to do some internet research. He somehow manages to get Erin to take him home, let him use her computer, and even stay there. While there her brother shows up and he's a cop. While he does question things, I don't feel like he was as inquisitive as he should've been given that Erin is his sister with a stranger in her home.
The backdrop is that Dante was taken, tortured, and made to call his kidnapper "QUEEN" so obviously a female took him about 10 years previously. The ending is a total cliff hanger, BUT it definitely makes you want to read the next book!
February 25, 2019
OMG..... thrilling
January 22, 2019
This is a story of a vampire who escapes a ten year long enslavement. When he finds his way to sustenance inside a hospital, he also finds a woman whose description matches humans who are long descended from vampires, but is unaware. Instantly the two are pulled to each other.
This was a quick and fun vampire read. I would like to see how much more of the vampire history will be involved in the story line. This is definitely a teaser for the ongoing saga.
Not for those who do not enjoy romance or bonded stories.
This was a quick and fun vampire read. I would like to see how much more of the vampire history will be involved in the story line. This is definitely a teaser for the ongoing saga.
Not for those who do not enjoy romance or bonded stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2018
I loved how Helen came out of her comfort zone and has given her readers what is the start of another amazing saga.
Erin Hamilton who is the ER Nurse is drawn to Dante in a way that she can't even believe. She feels the need to protect him when she could have turn him over to the police. Her chemistry with Dante is something to be reckoned with. She doesn't know why she keeps going back to him to there is something that keeps her going back for more.
Oh My Lanta Dante. Helen has painted such an vivid picture of him. His dark and troubled past will leave you devastated and wanting to help him after he missed so many years from his life.
This is a total MUST READ and I can't wait to read where Helen takes Erin and Dante
Erin Hamilton who is the ER Nurse is drawn to Dante in a way that she can't even believe. She feels the need to protect him when she could have turn him over to the police. Her chemistry with Dante is something to be reckoned with. She doesn't know why she keeps going back to him to there is something that keeps her going back for more.
Oh My Lanta Dante. Helen has painted such an vivid picture of him. His dark and troubled past will leave you devastated and wanting to help him after he missed so many years from his life.
This is a total MUST READ and I can't wait to read where Helen takes Erin and Dante
July 29, 2018
5-Blood-Sucking-Intense-Stars!
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Helen is truly one of the most incredible, amazing authors I’ve ever had the pleasure of discovering and obsessing over. Yet again, she delivered an amazing start to what seems like its going to be an intense, incredible and addictive series! I’ve read my fair share of paranormal romances, and this right here just tops them all! She put a different kind of twist on things and it’s not the same old vampire love story and it’s exactly what I needed! I’d started to stray from paranormal romances and anything vampire related because after a while it all seems to sound the same. But as Helen does, she throws all the typical expectations of any romance and throws you into something that’ll have you craving more and more of. Hands down the best vampire romance I’ve ever read and I’ve only just started what promises to be an amazing series of books! This is beyond fantastic! From page one I was hooked! Part 1 in the Blood Bond series is flawless! This book will have you on an emotional roller coaster, it’ll have your pulse thumping and squirming in your seat. Helen is known for her suspense and saucy, kinky and down right dirty plot line and this book delivers that and more!
Dante? Well damn, I’ve just found my next book boyfriend and obsession. Helen has done what she’s known best for and pulled you in to what’s going to be an emotional, heart wrenching, completely and utterly mind blowing ride of your life with this characters story.
Erin? She’s strong, independent and looks after herself, and doesn’t depend on anyone else. Which is refreshing, because all too often I find some main female characters in romances tend to be the helpless young girls, but Erin takes on a heroine role and it’s just perfect!
The chemistry between Dante and Erin is intense and hot as hell and it was amazing to read the way it progress, and I can’t wait to continue that!
I
Need
More
Now
I honestly don’t know if I can wait for part 2! This story has me hook, line and sinker.
Well done, Helen! When I heard she was doing a paranormal romance, I’ll admit I questioned it.. but of course she proved that she can write about anything and it’ll be amazing! She’s a breath of fresh hair into the paranormal romances sub-genre. Nailed it!
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Helen is truly one of the most incredible, amazing authors I’ve ever had the pleasure of discovering and obsessing over. Yet again, she delivered an amazing start to what seems like its going to be an intense, incredible and addictive series! I’ve read my fair share of paranormal romances, and this right here just tops them all! She put a different kind of twist on things and it’s not the same old vampire love story and it’s exactly what I needed! I’d started to stray from paranormal romances and anything vampire related because after a while it all seems to sound the same. But as Helen does, she throws all the typical expectations of any romance and throws you into something that’ll have you craving more and more of. Hands down the best vampire romance I’ve ever read and I’ve only just started what promises to be an amazing series of books! This is beyond fantastic! From page one I was hooked! Part 1 in the Blood Bond series is flawless! This book will have you on an emotional roller coaster, it’ll have your pulse thumping and squirming in your seat. Helen is known for her suspense and saucy, kinky and down right dirty plot line and this book delivers that and more!
Dante? Well damn, I’ve just found my next book boyfriend and obsession. Helen has done what she’s known best for and pulled you in to what’s going to be an emotional, heart wrenching, completely and utterly mind blowing ride of your life with this characters story.
Erin? She’s strong, independent and looks after herself, and doesn’t depend on anyone else. Which is refreshing, because all too often I find some main female characters in romances tend to be the helpless young girls, but Erin takes on a heroine role and it’s just perfect!
The chemistry between Dante and Erin is intense and hot as hell and it was amazing to read the way it progress, and I can’t wait to continue that!
I
Need
More
Now
I honestly don’t know if I can wait for part 2! This story has me hook, line and sinker.
Well done, Helen! When I heard she was doing a paranormal romance, I’ll admit I questioned it.. but of course she proved that she can write about anything and it’ll be amazing! She’s a breath of fresh hair into the paranormal romances sub-genre. Nailed it!
July 12, 2018
Wow! Helen Hardt has done it again... It is so amazing when an Author gets out of their comfort zone and wows you with their abilities. This is a MUST READ!!!
Tell me.. Who does not love a story with twists and turns, vampires and a setting in New Orleans? If any of that sounds appealing to you... READ THIS SAGA!!!
From the moment I met Erin Hamilton (ER NURSE) there was an instant connection. She is very easy to relate to. Dante instantly peaks her curiosity and interests her from the moment they meet... She puts her job on the line to help him and initially does not understand the pull to do so.. Deep down she knows that there is more to this man than meets the eye... After all, he is mesmerizing....
Dante... OH MY Dante! Helen paints a vivid picture of the get go of Dante... Just like in Helen fashion she creates this beautiful and damaged character... What is there not to love? His backstory will leave you heartbroken and wanting more.. You can NEVER get enough of him! Can you imagine trying to put yourself back together after many years? Be ready for some amazing twists and turns as you go on this journey.
I CANNOT wait to continue with this story!!! All I have to say is Helen Hardt has done it again and did not disappoint.
Tell me.. Who does not love a story with twists and turns, vampires and a setting in New Orleans? If any of that sounds appealing to you... READ THIS SAGA!!!
From the moment I met Erin Hamilton (ER NURSE) there was an instant connection. She is very easy to relate to. Dante instantly peaks her curiosity and interests her from the moment they meet... She puts her job on the line to help him and initially does not understand the pull to do so.. Deep down she knows that there is more to this man than meets the eye... After all, he is mesmerizing....
Dante... OH MY Dante! Helen paints a vivid picture of the get go of Dante... Just like in Helen fashion she creates this beautiful and damaged character... What is there not to love? His backstory will leave you heartbroken and wanting more.. You can NEVER get enough of him! Can you imagine trying to put yourself back together after many years? Be ready for some amazing twists and turns as you go on this journey.
I CANNOT wait to continue with this story!!! All I have to say is Helen Hardt has done it again and did not disappoint.
November 3, 2018
Don’t waste your money
The vibe that I got reading this book was that the Arthur took a book of three and decided to extend it and make it into 10 books. Within an hour I was done reading the book.
Spoiler alert:
To summarize Book one.
Dante is the vampire that is being held captive as a sex slave and then escapes. Then he needs Erin in the hospital she is an RN.He cannot control himself around Erin and then the queen comes back looking for him practically that’s the end of book one. There was really nothing to keep me in thralled with This book to want to even purchase the second one.
The vibe that I got reading this book was that the Arthur took a book of three and decided to extend it and make it into 10 books. Within an hour I was done reading the book.
Spoiler alert:
To summarize Book one.
Dante is the vampire that is being held captive as a sex slave and then escapes. Then he needs Erin in the hospital she is an RN.He cannot control himself around Erin and then the queen comes back looking for him practically that’s the end of book one. There was really nothing to keep me in thralled with This book to want to even purchase the second one.
August 9, 2018
Blood Bond Saga 1 is a very intriguing and captivating story. Helen Hardt continues her usual style of sensual storytelling as she taps into the genre of paranormal romance.
Blood Bond is a sage told through multiple novella style releases with this being the first and I was immediately transported to the streets of New Orleans in a world where vampires roam and live among humans. With a slightly different physiology and their need for blood to truly sustain them, the vampires of this world work, love and live without humans being the wiser. Vampires are a mere myth in the current timeline.
For Dante Gabriel, his life as a vampire took a drastic turn when he was on the cusp of just learning his heritage and now he has years of education and experience to make up for. And with the help of his family, they try to piece together his past and help him find answers that have begun to pose more questions than they expected. Among the biggest for them to address is his intensely strong craving and need to protect young nurse, Erin Hamilton.
Dante and Erin share a combustible connection from the moment they meet and throughout this story, Dante is torn between wanting to satiate his hunger and give in to his craving with his need to protect her...even from himself.
Sexy and sexual, Blood Bond Sage, part 1 is an incredible start to a decadent vampire romance. I’ve only read a select few of this type, before now, and this is strongly working its way up to the top of my list for this genre.
Blood Bond is a sage told through multiple novella style releases with this being the first and I was immediately transported to the streets of New Orleans in a world where vampires roam and live among humans. With a slightly different physiology and their need for blood to truly sustain them, the vampires of this world work, love and live without humans being the wiser. Vampires are a mere myth in the current timeline.
For Dante Gabriel, his life as a vampire took a drastic turn when he was on the cusp of just learning his heritage and now he has years of education and experience to make up for. And with the help of his family, they try to piece together his past and help him find answers that have begun to pose more questions than they expected. Among the biggest for them to address is his intensely strong craving and need to protect young nurse, Erin Hamilton.
Dante and Erin share a combustible connection from the moment they meet and throughout this story, Dante is torn between wanting to satiate his hunger and give in to his craving with his need to protect her...even from himself.
Sexy and sexual, Blood Bond Sage, part 1 is an incredible start to a decadent vampire romance. I’ve only read a select few of this type, before now, and this is strongly working its way up to the top of my list for this genre.
August 22, 2018
Paranormal romance is my catnip and I was over the moon when I heard that Helen was writing a new series in this genre. Once again, Helen captivates my heart and attention in this tale of a sexy vampire, Dante, who meets ER nurse Erin. Their chance meeting strikes a chord in both and little to they know their lives will never be the same.
Dante is haunted by recent events that caused him to be estranged from his family. He has been reunited with them all, but his transition back into his daily life will be anything but routine. He feels cheated and wants answers on why he was subjected to the awful things he doesn’t want to talk about. Erin’s life will never be the same once Dante enters her life. She doesn’t know why she feels this incredible pull and connection to him, but it’s clear she needs to figure it out.
This a quintessential romance by Helen with twists, turns and secrets that need to be uncovered. We get the connection, heat, mystery and that I’ve become accustomed to. I will sit back and anxiously wait for the next chapter the journey between Dante and Erin!
Dante is haunted by recent events that caused him to be estranged from his family. He has been reunited with them all, but his transition back into his daily life will be anything but routine. He feels cheated and wants answers on why he was subjected to the awful things he doesn’t want to talk about. Erin’s life will never be the same once Dante enters her life. She doesn’t know why she feels this incredible pull and connection to him, but it’s clear she needs to figure it out.
This a quintessential romance by Helen with twists, turns and secrets that need to be uncovered. We get the connection, heat, mystery and that I’ve become accustomed to. I will sit back and anxiously wait for the next chapter the journey between Dante and Erin!
August 21, 2018
Full review can be found HERE --> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
August 23, 2018
Wow!!!! I swear Helen Hardt is truly amazing in all of her books I have read and this one was amazing as well!! I have read a few paranormal romances but I was never big in paranormal but I'll tell you this book really opened my eyes!!! I can't wait for part 2!!!! Wow I can't wait for more of Dante and Erin's story!!!!!!
January 9, 2019
DO NOT READ! If you like books that make you think and keep you going til the end, this is NOT the book for you. By the time I reached the quarter mark in the book I started skipping just to see what would happen. I eventually returned this book, which I never do. This book is a poor attempt at a crossover between Twilight and Fifty Shades. The lead characters are over the top with their dramatics. It reads like a fan-fiction story written by a high schooler who loves Soap Operas. I occasionally like to read books that don’t require too much thinking but when I’m sitting there thinking about how annoyed I am with the characters and how stupid this book is I know to call it quits. This author needs to go back to the drawing board and edit her work. The plot is different but poorly executed and the editors should have done a better job at developing the tone of the book. I haven’t been a teenager in a while and I certainly don’t want to read a book that reads like it was written by one. If you look at all the great reviews and want to give the book a chance then look at what those people have previously read. Then, if you find they read the same stuff you do then go for it, if not...move on, there are books better worth your time and money.
February 3, 2019
Wow, I wish I could get my time back. But at least the book had been free on Amazon. I read this in about an hour, 117 page of meandering meaningless story. This has the feel of another series of empty promises. I didn’t really get a feel for the characters either, which really made me not care about them. The writing is ok, but 117 pages of nothing important. Some authors can pack so much into a novella, others need to write a 450 page book to get the same affect. Those types of books should never be split up & sold as a series, as that’s the type of thing that pisses readers off. This author fell into that second description, then did chop that book up into novella size pieces to sell. I barely learned anything of the characters or the world. There is no enlightenment or progression that leads you down a path learning more. The cliff-hanger ending is the kind that pisses me off & I absolutely refuse to pay $2.99 per novella or to even read book 2 if it were free. At this point, I’ll avoid reading anything else by this author.
I honestly don’t understand where the 4 & 5 star reviews are coming from for this novella.
I honestly don’t understand where the 4 & 5 star reviews are coming from for this novella.
January 18, 2019
DNF 31%
I really hate to give bad reviews but I honestly just can't understand why this book got so many 4 and 5 star reviews. Maybe my standards are just too high but I was expecting more. This reads like bad fanfiction, in my opinion. And, please God, let me never have to read the words "milky estrogen" ever again.
I really hate to give bad reviews but I honestly just can't understand why this book got so many 4 and 5 star reviews. Maybe my standards are just too high but I was expecting more. This reads like bad fanfiction, in my opinion. And, please God, let me never have to read the words "milky estrogen" ever again.
February 5, 2019
Ugh I really hate cliffhangers. until the next one I guess.
August 21, 2018
I have read books by this author but she keeps on blowing me away. I absolutely love Paranormal romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book to a new series. I was hooked on this book right from the beginning. These characters will pull you in immediately. I read this book in only one sitting.
Dante Gabriel is not your ordinary guy. He is a vampire but he is not your average vampire that we all grew up thinking about. Dante was held against his will for years and finally he makes his escape. He finds himself wanting to feed but everything is different. Dante finds himself in a hospital craving blood. He finds what he is looking for but he doesn’t except her to walk in.
Erin Hamilton loves taking care of people that is why she is an emergency room nurse. She loves her job. Erin is told to get blood for a patient that is bleeding out. When she gets to the blood bank she sees that someone has destroyed it. She is startled when she sees someone’s shadow hiding in the corner. When this stranger comes out he is beautiful to her. Erin knows she should report this but she feels like she needs to protect Dante but why?
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance, mystery, and paranormal. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. Dante is a beautiful vampire that has had a hard few years. He knows that things changed when he was gone but he still feels lost. Erin is a beautiful woman that has a heart of gold. She is very independent. I love a strong female character and she is one of my favorites so far. The chemistry between these characters will make your temperature rise. This talented author will keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending will make you crave more. This is the perfect way to start another incredible series.
Dante Gabriel is not your ordinary guy. He is a vampire but he is not your average vampire that we all grew up thinking about. Dante was held against his will for years and finally he makes his escape. He finds himself wanting to feed but everything is different. Dante finds himself in a hospital craving blood. He finds what he is looking for but he doesn’t except her to walk in.
Erin Hamilton loves taking care of people that is why she is an emergency room nurse. She loves her job. Erin is told to get blood for a patient that is bleeding out. When she gets to the blood bank she sees that someone has destroyed it. She is startled when she sees someone’s shadow hiding in the corner. When this stranger comes out he is beautiful to her. Erin knows she should report this but she feels like she needs to protect Dante but why?
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance, mystery, and paranormal. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. Dante is a beautiful vampire that has had a hard few years. He knows that things changed when he was gone but he still feels lost. Erin is a beautiful woman that has a heart of gold. She is very independent. I love a strong female character and she is one of my favorites so far. The chemistry between these characters will make your temperature rise. This talented author will keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending will make you crave more. This is the perfect way to start another incredible series.
August 14, 2018
Dante is finally free from his captivity. Being alone and confused he finds the one thing he needs to survive, blood.
Erin is a nurse working the night shift when she happens upon a disaster that has been created by this strange man who is clearly lost.
So begins an interesting tale that is far from over. Dante has lost years of his life and he just wants to get them back, but he wants to do it his way. His way may or may not be the best choice. Erin just wants to keep on with status quo and then this mysterious man barrels his way into her life causing her to do things that she wouldn't normally do.
Hardt has a different take on the vampire which I can always get into a different spin on things. She is creating a world that is full of mystery and darkness. It feels like we have only just barely scratched the surface of what is to unfold. Being a huge paranormal fan I was super excited to start something new. There were pieces of this story that I really enjoyed and pieces that I didn't. I had a hard time with some of Dante's choices and there are things about Erin that are still a mystery. There surely felt like a lot of story left to tell and it will be interesting to see where it goes.
January 14, 2019
RATING: 3.5 STARS
March 27, 2025
This paranormal romance draws you in with all its delicious darkness.
I am re-reading this again and it is just as good as the first time.
What is hiding behind in the darkness? Vampires. This one has broken free of the rule of one who imprisions.
Getting his life back on track is easier said than done but with her by his side will he do it.
A great read.
I am re-reading this again and it is just as good as the first time.
What is hiding behind in the darkness? Vampires. This one has broken free of the rule of one who imprisions.
Getting his life back on track is easier said than done but with her by his side will he do it.
A great read.
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