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The Death Trials
Forget what you’ve been told about fairytales. The only truth to them are the monsters.
When I was sixteen years old, a monster took my best friend. I told everyone. No one believed me.
Fifteen years later, the boy I thought I would never see again is here. In the flesh. And he is no longer the boy I once loved.
He is a monster.
His eyes shimmer in the moonlight. His fingernails scrape over my skin. His fangs pierce my flesh.
And I do not fear him.
The vampires abide by a specific decree, created long before my existence. Vampires and humans cannot mate. It dilutes the pure bloodlines. All half breeds are destroyed.
But there is one exception to that decree. One way for us to be together.
The Death Trials.
**This is a Paranormal Romance story. It is a standalone with HEA. It contains adult content, adult language, violence, gore, and sexual situations. It is intended for mature readers only.**
When I was sixteen years old, a monster took my best friend. I told everyone. No one believed me.
Fifteen years later, the boy I thought I would never see again is here. In the flesh. And he is no longer the boy I once loved.
He is a monster.
His eyes shimmer in the moonlight. His fingernails scrape over my skin. His fangs pierce my flesh.
And I do not fear him.
The vampires abide by a specific decree, created long before my existence. Vampires and humans cannot mate. It dilutes the pure bloodlines. All half breeds are destroyed.
But there is one exception to that decree. One way for us to be together.
The Death Trials.
**This is a Paranormal Romance story. It is a standalone with HEA. It contains adult content, adult language, violence, gore, and sexual situations. It is intended for mature readers only.**
Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
9 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Leslie
60 books689 followersI am a happily married mother of three (two boys and one girl). I live in a very small town in Alabama. Never lived anywhere else. I’ve been writing since my early twenties, but I couldn’t seem to finish a book. I’ve started self-publishing with the encouragement from my mom. Without her encouragement, I don’t think I would’ve done it. She always supported me and writing is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. As long as I enjoy it, I’ll continue to do it. I’ve learned already that I can’t please everyone. Not all reviews will be good, not all reviews will be bad. I’m the one that has to be happy with my work.
I get my inspiration from life experiences, movies, television, other authors, and music. Music is definitely a big influence on my writing. I can hear a song and it can inspire an entire book for me. I listen to it while I’m driving or before I start writing and it keeps me inspired. I like to put music in my books, even if it’s just one song the characters listen to or hear at some point. Sometimes music has gotten me through the really tough times in my life and that’s why it inspires me.
I like to write fast-paced, steamy romance reads. I like for my males to be alpha-males and my heroines to be strong, but both need to have one weakness- each other. I am an avid reader. I absolutely love romance books!
I get my inspiration from life experiences, movies, television, other authors, and music. Music is definitely a big influence on my writing. I can hear a song and it can inspire an entire book for me. I listen to it while I’m driving or before I start writing and it keeps me inspired. I like to put music in my books, even if it’s just one song the characters listen to or hear at some point. Sometimes music has gotten me through the really tough times in my life and that’s why it inspires me.
I like to write fast-paced, steamy romance reads. I like for my males to be alpha-males and my heroines to be strong, but both need to have one weakness- each other. I am an avid reader. I absolutely love romance books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 2, 2022
To be J.L.'s first paranormal romance I think she did a fantastic job. It's original and not something that's been done 100 times over.
She gets to the point and doesn't over describe just to be adding words as a filler.
I absolutely adored Ripsy and Aria.
I hope J.l. does more with this world or just paranormal writing.
She gets to the point and doesn't over describe just to be adding words as a filler.
I absolutely adored Ripsy and Aria.
I hope J.l. does more with this world or just paranormal writing.
August 25, 2023
Whoa!!!
What did I just read!?!?!
From this author I am used to normal human love stories… not paranormal stories. So I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if she would be able to pull it off. However, I should have never doubted her.
I absolutely loved this one!
Aria is a human who has always been in love with Ripsy who she didn’t know is a vampire. It all makes sense when he disappears. Too bad no one believed her.
But that’s okay - he’s back!
What did I just read!?!?!
From this author I am used to normal human love stories… not paranormal stories. So I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if she would be able to pull it off. However, I should have never doubted her.
I absolutely loved this one!
Aria is a human who has always been in love with Ripsy who she didn’t know is a vampire. It all makes sense when he disappears. Too bad no one believed her.
But that’s okay - he’s back!
February 22, 2022
This was a 4.5⭐️ read
For JL Leslie’s first PNR I really enjoyed this book.
I found it original and a different twist on the normal vampire read.
Loved Ripsy and Aria.
Childhood friends to lovers only to be torn apart because she is a human.
Aria does what it takes to ensure a future with Ripsy..
Lots of action to keep those pages turning.
Hoping we see more from this world.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
For JL Leslie’s first PNR I really enjoyed this book.
I found it original and a different twist on the normal vampire read.
Loved Ripsy and Aria.
Childhood friends to lovers only to be torn apart because she is a human.
Aria does what it takes to ensure a future with Ripsy..
Lots of action to keep those pages turning.
Hoping we see more from this world.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
February 18, 2022
What amazing read that is true amazing.. This is a Vampire read that is so page turning that will have you pulled in from the beginning tell the very ending.
February 10, 2022
This book is something completely different from what J.L. Normally writes.
But I loved it all the same. The love the fight these two have for each other. If you love vampires this is definitely the read your looking for.
But I loved it all the same. The love the fight these two have for each other. If you love vampires this is definitely the read your looking for.
February 23, 2022
If you are a fan of the paranormal then The Death Trials by J.L. Leslie is a must read as you enter the dark world about a sexy strong vampire and a sassy, strong willed human woman. This story is full of mystery, intrigue, passion, violence and betrayal as you follow the journey of Ripsy and Aria. Ripsy and Aria where young lovers torn apart as Ripsy is a vampire and because of the love he had for human Aria he is taken by his Grandfather to another realm called Dysteria to fulfill his destiny. As Aria rushed to save him her hand is burned by the portal which left her scared and tormented. 15 years later she still loves Ripsy but her family and friends don't believe her story but this spunky, sassy young woman starts to unravel the puzzle of who and what Ripsy is even naming her bookstore Dysteria a name she doesn't realize is Ripsy's home.
Once Ripsy returns to Seattle on a task for the Council, the first person he seeks is Aria, the witty banter between them is full of anger and passion. Wanting nothing to do with him, Aria is having a hard time avoiding him as he is everywhere as he is now funding her father's political career. Aria sees that the boy is no more but this dark, handsome young man before her with shimmering eyes is a monster before her. Can she make him see what he did to her by leaving? Can she goad him to tell her the truth of who he really truly is? Their reunion is full of mystery, forgiveness, love and passion as Ripsy does the one thing that is forbidden, he makes love to Aria as his fangs descend, Aria embraces Ripsy without fear or repulsion. Now these two will embrace the love they have for each other as the time apart only made their love stronger and now Ripsy is faced with the fact that he will never let Aria go.
Ripsy on orders from his Grandfather has to find and bring back the halflings to the council by a decree that was set long ago that Vampires and Humans can not mate, half bloods must be destroyed to ensure the Vampire bloodline remains pure. As Ripsy is finding more and more halflings, when he returns to Dysteria he sees that one of the halflings seems to know his Grandfather. Returning to Seattle, his fiancé Lara arrives to help him and they learn that someone is turning these halflings, someone with power. Now Ripsy believes everything he was told is a lie. When Aria learns about Lara at first she is hurt until Ripsy explains their unconventional relationship between him and Lara. Aria then informs Ripsy that Lara is the one that left a letter for her at the bookstore about The Death Trials, could this be a way for them to be together but Ripsy tells her that the trials will only lead to death. Ripsy and Lara will try to present their findings to the council when they return to Dysteria but his Grandfather will not listen and now has decreed all humans must be destroyed. Knowing this decree is wrong, Ripsy and Lara have to try and get some of the council members see what they are doing is wrong and that his Grandfather maybe the one creating halflings to eradicate the human population. When they return to Seattle, Lara tells Ripsy he must claim Aria and prepare her for the Death Trials if they want a chance to be together.
As they are training Aria for the four tasks of the trials, will she be able to survive the four elements or will the trials take her life? With all the love they have for each other, Ripsy claims Aria and hopes to get help from his parents, but will soon be betrayed. Once the truth comes out that Ripsy has been with Aria his Grandfather takes Aria to the other realm and is told she will have to complete the Death Trials if she wants to be with Ripsy. Once Ripsy arrives he tries to intervene but his Grandfather threatens him and separates him from Aria as his Grandfather has his own plans for Aria. When he tells his parents they betrayed him, they tell him not everything is what is seems and to believe in Aria. As the trials begin, each task that Aria has to face is life threatening, with her strong willpower and the love she has for Ripsy she moves forward will she come out the victor? As the Death Trials come to an end, with the proof that Ripsy has on his Grandfather and with Aria by his side, will the council members believe that they have been lied to all along? When Ripsy makes Aria his mate, you will be on edge with an ending that will have you holding your breath as Aria does the unthinkable. Will the decree that was created long ago be broken so Vampires and Humans can co-exist? Jessica, you have outdone yourself with your first dark paranormal story, hoping this won't be your last. The Death Trials is a sexy, dark, suspenseful love story that I highly recommend.... this is a must read!
Once Ripsy returns to Seattle on a task for the Council, the first person he seeks is Aria, the witty banter between them is full of anger and passion. Wanting nothing to do with him, Aria is having a hard time avoiding him as he is everywhere as he is now funding her father's political career. Aria sees that the boy is no more but this dark, handsome young man before her with shimmering eyes is a monster before her. Can she make him see what he did to her by leaving? Can she goad him to tell her the truth of who he really truly is? Their reunion is full of mystery, forgiveness, love and passion as Ripsy does the one thing that is forbidden, he makes love to Aria as his fangs descend, Aria embraces Ripsy without fear or repulsion. Now these two will embrace the love they have for each other as the time apart only made their love stronger and now Ripsy is faced with the fact that he will never let Aria go.
Ripsy on orders from his Grandfather has to find and bring back the halflings to the council by a decree that was set long ago that Vampires and Humans can not mate, half bloods must be destroyed to ensure the Vampire bloodline remains pure. As Ripsy is finding more and more halflings, when he returns to Dysteria he sees that one of the halflings seems to know his Grandfather. Returning to Seattle, his fiancé Lara arrives to help him and they learn that someone is turning these halflings, someone with power. Now Ripsy believes everything he was told is a lie. When Aria learns about Lara at first she is hurt until Ripsy explains their unconventional relationship between him and Lara. Aria then informs Ripsy that Lara is the one that left a letter for her at the bookstore about The Death Trials, could this be a way for them to be together but Ripsy tells her that the trials will only lead to death. Ripsy and Lara will try to present their findings to the council when they return to Dysteria but his Grandfather will not listen and now has decreed all humans must be destroyed. Knowing this decree is wrong, Ripsy and Lara have to try and get some of the council members see what they are doing is wrong and that his Grandfather maybe the one creating halflings to eradicate the human population. When they return to Seattle, Lara tells Ripsy he must claim Aria and prepare her for the Death Trials if they want a chance to be together.
As they are training Aria for the four tasks of the trials, will she be able to survive the four elements or will the trials take her life? With all the love they have for each other, Ripsy claims Aria and hopes to get help from his parents, but will soon be betrayed. Once the truth comes out that Ripsy has been with Aria his Grandfather takes Aria to the other realm and is told she will have to complete the Death Trials if she wants to be with Ripsy. Once Ripsy arrives he tries to intervene but his Grandfather threatens him and separates him from Aria as his Grandfather has his own plans for Aria. When he tells his parents they betrayed him, they tell him not everything is what is seems and to believe in Aria. As the trials begin, each task that Aria has to face is life threatening, with her strong willpower and the love she has for Ripsy she moves forward will she come out the victor? As the Death Trials come to an end, with the proof that Ripsy has on his Grandfather and with Aria by his side, will the council members believe that they have been lied to all along? When Ripsy makes Aria his mate, you will be on edge with an ending that will have you holding your breath as Aria does the unthinkable. Will the decree that was created long ago be broken so Vampires and Humans can co-exist? Jessica, you have outdone yourself with your first dark paranormal story, hoping this won't be your last. The Death Trials is a sexy, dark, suspenseful love story that I highly recommend.... this is a must read!
February 21, 2022
This is a whole new genre from J L Leslie, now normally on the PNR front I only read Shifters and the only Vampires stories are Argeneau's but this, this I couldn’t put down, I loved Ripsy and Aria, the story was gripping as it flowed from the first page, how they were childhood sweethearts until Ripsy was snatched away from Aria's life and now suddenly returned twelve years later.
There is a reason but I won't go into it as I don't do spoilers, but I do recommend getting this, J. L. has done a fabulous job in this first delve into PNR, did I say, I couldn't put it down.
There is a reason but I won't go into it as I don't do spoilers, but I do recommend getting this, J. L. has done a fabulous job in this first delve into PNR, did I say, I couldn't put it down.
February 6, 2022
I love this authors work so when she said she was writting something different I was a bit dubious. But Wow. J.l leslie has outdone herself with this book. With this being her first pnr she deffo did a great job.
The characters are believable, the story is original. It keeps you gripped.
Aria Daniels and Ripsy Pendretti are childhood sweethearts, but after they sleep together for the very first time he gets sent away, leaving Aria heartbroken and telling all that will listen what she saw. Years later he returns and the pull they had then is still there. But under no circumstances can they be together. Unless she does and passes The Death Trials.
Fantastic read. Hoping to read a lot more about them and the side characters.
The characters are believable, the story is original. It keeps you gripped.
Aria Daniels and Ripsy Pendretti are childhood sweethearts, but after they sleep together for the very first time he gets sent away, leaving Aria heartbroken and telling all that will listen what she saw. Years later he returns and the pull they had then is still there. But under no circumstances can they be together. Unless she does and passes The Death Trials.
Fantastic read. Hoping to read a lot more about them and the side characters.
February 28, 2022
First of all, I had NO idea that this is the first for JL Leslie writing PNR genre! It was SO good it seemed like J.L. Leslie has been writing in this genre forever! Well written and wonderfully developed characters. I love the childhood friends to lovers' dynamic between Ripsy and Aria.
An absolutely fun and exciting read! I would definitely recommend this one.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review.
An absolutely fun and exciting read! I would definitely recommend this one.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review.
February 22, 2022
This book was ah-freaking-mazing!!! Ripsy and Aria were childhood friends, then he “left” and now he’s back. They have to overcome obstacles together, just to be together. Is there a world where the vampires coexist with humans? I love how this author left room in this world for a series to develop.
March 1, 2022
This is not the genre J.L. Leslie normally writes but when I hear she was writing a PNR I was thrilled. I had no doubt that she would give it everything it deserved and boy she definitely did that. I really enjoyed reading about Ripsy and Aria. This book was hard to put down and just extremely good. I definitely recommend it to those that love this genre
February 16, 2022
This is a new style of book for J.L. Leslie. It is very well written and definitely draws attention. Vampires and the human race, coexisting or vampires taking over? The Death trials definitely Has work involved for the person having to do them.
February 13, 2022
I'm not much into PNR but when a fave author writes one for the 1st time, you read it! And wow!!! I was so happy I did. It gripped me from the beginning! This is about childhood friends, love, sacrifice and so much more. There's room for more stories in this particular world even if this is a standalone. The secondary characters are great! The main characters are simply unforgettable and genuine. This was a great read and now it's all I want this author to write!!!
February 17, 2022
Paranormal romance at its best!! Aria and Ripsy knew each other when they were younger, and when Ripsy leaves her behind she never got over him. Ripsey, had no other choice than to leave Aria behind, and he’s never gotten over her. Now he’s back, and he’s wanting her even more, but there are rules…and big decisions to be made. Aria and Ripsy’s story was a delectable treat from the first page until the last and left me craving more. I’m hoping to read more books from this world!
February 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book by JL. It was quite an interesting story with the main characters being friends growing up. It’s a love story that will keep you reading, and turning the page till the end. There’s passion, romance, and a feisty female who goes after what she wants.
Ripsy is trying to follow rules but when he says Aria, their chemistry is off the charts. Only he’s having a hard time controlling himself. He wants Aria but those are rules. She is human, and he isn’t. They have to decide what they want to do, before it’s too late.
Ripsy is trying to follow rules but when he says Aria, their chemistry is off the charts. Only he’s having a hard time controlling himself. He wants Aria but those are rules. She is human, and he isn’t. They have to decide what they want to do, before it’s too late.
February 15, 2022
This book is amazing. The first of its kind for the author. She sucks you in from page one to the last page. I also love the support of all the family and friends of the main Characters.
February 22, 2022
I have read most of J.L.'s books and have lived them all. But I think that this one has to be my favorite. She totally gave us what we needed with the descriptions of humans and vampires. The feeling of their love brought me to tears from beginning to end. But what really got me was the last part of the story, how she had to do the death Trials and when the finally come together as one. Simply outdone. I hope we get more stories like this one. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
February 24, 2022
It starts off with a gorgeous cover! And follows with the typical beginning that all Paranormal stories start off with...made me think of a combination of the mortal instruments meet Twilight...All in all I enjoyed the read, it was full of action and a few anticipated events, but who doesn't love a typical PNR with a HEA? Well done to the author for her first ever PNR!
February 25, 2022
Let me say what a story, l dont read books like this but l am hooked now. JL Leslie has done it again, l w as hooked from the beginning till the end and love these two characters. Just shows there is true love out there.
If you want to read a great book grad this one you won't regret it
If you want to read a great book grad this one you won't regret it
February 21, 2022
This a different read from J.L. Leslie, but it was SO GOOD! It's been a while since I've sunk my teeth into a good vampire read. I loved the concept of how the vamps came to be and the two realms. Aria is a total bada$$ who stands by what she believes and her man. Ripsy has loved Aria since he was a boy, but knew he could never have her. I can't say anymore because I don't want to give anything away, but this was a great read!
February 22, 2022
The Death Trials is JL Leslie's first PNR and I have to say that I was blown away. This book is my diary PNR of the year and I will not be the last. This book has everything you could possibly want. From Forbidden Love to vampires to secret worlds. I'm excited to see what JL Leslie has in store this year.
February 17, 2022
A first paranormal romance from J. L. Leslie. Now normally I have a hard time getting pulled into these types of books but I was instantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading about Aria and Rispy. These two had a crush on each other that turned to more and Rispy was taken away and no one would believe what Aria said she witnessed as a teenager. Years pasted and Aria never have on on what she saw happen to Rispy. Can they over come the obstacles thrown their way from Rafe? Will they get the eternity or die trying?
February 22, 2022
I love paranormal romance and this being the first one from JL Leslie it was so good.. I love Ripsy and Aria there story has everything you want to read in a book. Hope she writes more just like this one.
February 11, 2022
I picked this up and did not put it down. I was not sure what to expect with a first time paranormal book from J. L. Leslie. I was not disappointed. The story has a some very creative world building, as well as interesting plot, a bit of enticing action, steam and angst that kept me from doing anything else until I finished the story. I do love the chemistry between the main characters.
While the story is a standalone, the author has left a lot of room for more stories from this world. She's got some interesting side characters, and this entire separate but similar vampire world she could explore in more depth if she so chooses. Overall fun and enjoyable read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While the story is a standalone, the author has left a lot of room for more stories from this world. She's got some interesting side characters, and this entire separate but similar vampire world she could explore in more depth if she so chooses. Overall fun and enjoyable read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2022
ETERNALLY THEIRS, A VAMPIRE LOVE STORY 🖤🌹
Well, well, well. I love the vampire genre above all others. This book did not disappoint. I was glued from beginning to end. Aria & Ripsy's tale has everything we love. The world build is perfect, drama, action, suspense, intense chemistry, the feels and a great plot to boot! Ooh and Vampires! I think this well written page-turner by this incredible author is worth recommending to all vampire genre aficionados! Order on 2/22/22 or pre-order now, you'll be happy you did!
Well, well, well. I love the vampire genre above all others. This book did not disappoint. I was glued from beginning to end. Aria & Ripsy's tale has everything we love. The world build is perfect, drama, action, suspense, intense chemistry, the feels and a great plot to boot! Ooh and Vampires! I think this well written page-turner by this incredible author is worth recommending to all vampire genre aficionados! Order on 2/22/22 or pre-order now, you'll be happy you did!
February 15, 2022
This is definitely not my genre of books to read at all. That being said, I could not put this one down, it was a really great read. Ripsy and Aria seem to have a forbidden love, one that will last then thru everything and anything. He is a vampire, she is a human, they will have so much to conquer in order to be together.
February 10, 2022
Aria Daniels and Ripsy Pandretti's story has proven to be very intriguing. I'm not normally a reader of pnr BUT, when one of your favorite authors does something new naturally you check it out and see what it's all about. I'm so glad that I did. This is not your everyday vampire read. Knowing each other when they were younger, Aria never got over Ripsy leaving her. Ripsey, who is a Pure Blood Vampire, never got over Aria either. He had no choice but to leave her then, but now he's back, and these two have decisions to make. I think J.L. Leslie knocked it out of the park with The Death Trials and hopefully we'll see more of this world.
February 13, 2022
I absolutely LOVE Ripsy and Aria. J.L. Leslie did an awesome job writing a new genre. Lots of action and adventure! Hopefully J.L. Writes a another one!
February 13, 2022
JL Leslie's first pnr was a happy surprise. I wouldn't consider myself a fan of pnr but I went into it with an open mind. It was believable and very well done. I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews