Trading in Blood

Blood #5

by Brea Alepoú

Rheland is the king of vampires and in these trying times, he is reminded that ruling with fear alone isn’t good enough. People change and Rheland is the embodiment of that. He knows his past isn’t the cleanest but he wants to spend the rest of his eternity trying to clear off a spot.

Lynk needs housing for his pack and Rheland wants the man closer. A win-win. What's a little trade in order to get what he truly desires? Except it’s not just Lynk. There is also a beta that tests Rheland’s resolve, twins that are constantly hot and cold, and the last thing Rheland expected was a human that reminds him of his first love.

A vampire king who has everything but love, a werewolf alpha who never wanted to lead his own pack stuck in a fathering role, a bloodthirsty beta werewolf, brothers who need a strong hand, and a human who only wants to understand the supernatural.

Trading in Blood is book 5 in the Blood Series. Each duet is a new group set, but the overall story needs to be read in order. This is a multiple partner story Rheland will have more than one love interest and is considered a dark paranormal romance. There will be plenty of blood, carnage, screaming, tears, and love.

Genres: Vampires, M M M, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, M M Romance, Paranormal, Gay

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2023

About the author

Brea Alepoú realized her dream was to write and tell stories after spending five years in college getting a degree. She has since been writing and letting her imagination free. She thought she would only write contemporary at first but soon found her love for making worlds. So now she writes it all. With her wild imagination, expect lots of different stories, from fairies ruling to vampires killing everyone, to the sweet loving between two men, passion between two fierce women, or the love of multiple partners. She believes that everyone deserves love even if not all of her characters get it right away. Love is passionate, hot, needy, confusing, painful, fulfilling, and all-consuming.
(pnr, contemporary, fantasy, erotica, romance, shifter mpreg, & rh)
There will be a book for everyone.
Insanity is Contagious.
Brea Alepoú

Reviews

[Resch Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am low-key devastated that this the conclusion to a series I have truly enjoyed. But what an epic, enticing, sexy way to go. I have been dying for Rheland's story since the snarky, sassy twink appeared and was giddy to see he finally met his match(es).

I adore Brea's writing style and one of my favorite things is her ability to blend multiple POVs into a story without it ever seeming overwhelming and without sacrificing a character's integrity. We've been seeing glimpses of Rheland and Lynk for several books now, and I couldn't get enough of these teasers. But Rheland is a handful so we are going to add in a psycho werewolf, a set of twins, and a human with a death wish. They were all balanced so well and I loved seeing how they all brought out a different, more human side of Rheland. 

The sex scenes were sizzling hot and had me endlessly blushing. I liked how this story was less about the desire for power or secrecy and more about Rheland. After eons of living, his humanity is slipping and I really liked the focus being more about his internal struggle and how these romances help balance him. It left me time to get to not only know all of Rheland's men, but the children that came with Lynk. The little hybrid witches/vampires/werewolves added a nice break up to some of the heavier scenes, not to mention the c*ck blocking they did had me laughing-out-loud. 

It's always bittersweet when a well loved series ends. But this was truly the ending I hoped for. Rheland most certainly deserves his own little slice of happiness and I am overjoyed that he has found it with Lynk, Ace, Phexx, Sevyn, and Hayvn. 

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series! Tho I've only read the 1st & now the last book of it lol. The vampire prince gets his 4 werewolves & 1 human!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. Maybe it didn't have ad much impact on me because it was missing a bit of the individual background each character had in the past stories, but it was good nonetheless

[Addicted2M/M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really hate to see this series come to an end but Brea promises more wick times with her lovely characters!!

[Cali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing.
Felt very disconnected from the previous books, no background on the twins or Phexx, we don’t even know their age or what most of them look like.
He’s the freaking Vampire King but has no guards anymore, no entourage, does not seem to rule and just spend his time at home reading and having sex.
I’m all for smut but it feels like the scene with Sevyn comes out of nowhere and the « I love you » left and right even more so. I was like what the hell?!
At least there was Lynk and Ace. Was really rooting for this book but it was a real miss for me.
Finnely, Rome, Jacob and Cambridge will remain my favorites!!!

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this series has been a ride and I'm really sad to see it end

I'm always really conflicted when I get the last book in a series. I'm always happy to get more from a series I love but I hate knowing that this will be the last time I get something new from the series. No doubt, I'll enjoy rereading it in the future (because that's a definite) but knowing that wonderful feeling of surprise and excitement from these particular characters is coming to an end is bittersweet. That being said, there is also something truly wonderful about the final book of a series being everything you wanted it to be. Rheland has been one of those characters that I've been giddy with the desire to read his story, so I'm glad that the series ended with his character (there was definitely some delayed gratification in play there lol). As usual Brea manages to do poly romance so, so well. The characters are individuals, not just one or two personalities split over multiple people. Everyone has something different that they bring to the relationship and while on paper they may not seem like they'd fit, they work because their jagged edges fit in just the right way. You also get that wonderful mix of romance and softness with a full on psycho lean (and I mean that in the best possible way). I'm a big fan of darker romances in some ways but have always struggled with there not being enough actual romance or moments of softness/vulnerability/genuineness. I know I'm probably being unfair to a lot of dark romance authors (I mean, it is called dark romance for a reason) but it means that it's hard for me to get into the stories as much. Brea does it so, so well though. I get all the crazy with all the feels as well. It all combines to make a story that keeps you hooked and excited for what comes next, but best of all it makes reading it a full on experience. I have loved all of Brea's characters in this series (well, not just this series to be fair) but I think Rheland, Lynk, Phexx, Ace, Havyn and Sevyn are some of my absolute favourites. I wanted so much for Rheland to have the comfort and companionship (and filthiness hehe) that he deserved and seeing them all find their HEA was just the perfect way to this series (although I hear, maybe, there might be, a possible little extra in the future - that has me super excited!).

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start this off by saying I am NOT yucking on anyone's yum, or calling anyone gross for liking what they like. I like some pretty fucked up shit myself. This is not an attack on anyone, no judgment here, so don't start accusing me of that bs.

I don't like writing reviews, but like with her novella In Debt to the Devil, I'm going to because there are potentially triggering scenes that are not warned for: the DP scenes with the twins. Yes, there's a trigger warning for "group scenes" but being a group scene isn't what's wrong with them; the problem is it's twin brothers DPing someone. Their dicks are in the same hole at the same time. Touching each other. It's an incest-adjacent scene. It's not an ACTUAL incest scene, which is why it's not tagged with incest, because the twins aren't having sex with each other, but they're fucking Rheland in the same hole at the same time, so it feels very incest-y to me. I almost DNFed after the first one but kept going because I was already so invested in the Rheland/Lynk story and what was going on with Ace's brother. Kept hoping another twin-dp scene wouldn't happen but it did.

When I saw that there were twins in this book, I was instantly on alert for these scenes because I'd already read a similar scene in the book mentioned above. I read every review on here and on Amazon looking specifically for any mention of a DP scene involving the twins, but no one brought it up so I hoped there wouldn't be one. But there are 2. So that's why I'm writing this: so that anyone else who's thinking of reading this knows ahead of time and won't be blindsided by it.

I know most people will not be bothered by it, they make even like it and wish there was more, and good for them! As said above, no hate, no yucking on their yum, you like what you like. But I don't like what I don't like, and I don't like scenes where siblings genitals come in contact. Just as you're free to like what you like, I'm free to complain about what I don't like, especially when there's no warning for it. It's just too incest-y to me. It is just not my thing and made me sick to my stomach. And idk how they could have tagged for it since it's not ACTUAL incest, y'know? But damn I wish there was some kind of warning, so this is for anyone who feels the same as me and would rather avoid it. I'm starting to ramble now so...bye.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even without knowing a single thing about the rest of this series, I got hooked on Rheland's story. This elusive, lonely vampire intrigued me, and as his empty home started filling up with strays, I saw a slightly warmer side to him emerge. It all started with his accidental run-in with Ace, then Lynk and his werewolf pack needed a place to stay, and before I knew it Rheland had more family than he'd ever before. I loved seeing the ice around Rheland's heart thaw as he interacted with everyone, and the steamy sexual tension between him and his human and werewolf lovers was off-the-charts. Ace was the first to draw Rheland into something more than a blood exchange, but it didn't take long for Phexx to jump on the bandwagon, and Havyn and Sevyn were close to follow. Somehow each and every one of them had a completely unique dynamic with Rheland, all insanely hot, but the one I was waiting for most of all was Lynk. He held out longer than the rest, but with Rheland practically begging for his alpha energy, he eventually gave in, and it was soooo satisfying to see him take what he wanted at last. Despite very little happening outside the romantic developments, I still thought the overall storyline was highly entertaining. Waiting for those swoony love confessions and 6-way sexy times felt equally suspenseful as an action-packed plotline, and the six of them did have to deal with a surprise attack towards the end of the book. All in all, this book delivered on its promise of high-heat, and I loved the happy ending this author picked for Rheland and his lovers.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions. 

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rheland, the King of Vampires, gets his own gay harem story in this final book of the Blood series.

Stands-alone pretty well if you haven't read the previous books in the series, but would've liked a bit more explanation about Frode, or Ace wanting to know more about the person he supposedly resembled. Was it his reincarnation? Descendant? Coincidence that they just look alike?

Ace's backstory was tragic and I'm sad to see it had to end a certain way, but at least he's now able to be with Rheland with no other strings.

Loved that Rheland is such an insatiable bottom for all his tops (4 werewolves and 1 human). I think I would've liked more scenes with Rheland and the twins, Sevyn and Havyn, since it didn't seem like they had much on-page time to expand on their relationship so I didn't feel their love as deeply as Rehland with Lynk, Phexx, and Ace individually.

Loved all the different subplots running through the book, as well as the few cameos we got of the characters from previous books. Looking forward to the spinoff series, whenever that is.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood & Love

Squeeeee!!!!! I love this series so, so much. It’s raw, unfiltered, a little , ok a lot, chaotic, and overflowing with love, in all the ways. Karter will always be my fav so I was glad we got to see him again but I love how Rheland, the King of vampires, has turned his men’s worlds upside down and inside out. And I love how they all do the same for him but in such varied and scorching ways.

“Rheland is hot when he’s being destroyed, even better when it’s more than one of us doing it.”

Mmm, yes times six. I won’t share what these crazy, adorable, sexy men all get up to because you really need to experience, and revel in, all the glorious moments yourself. But, here’s a hint: It’s good that Rheland has vampiric recovery abilities, and any punishments are solely rewards for us. So to Lynk, Ace, Phexx, Sevyn, Hayvn, and Rheland, I raise a toast and share all my thanks for taking us on an unforgettable and wild ride.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a certain type of symmetry that a series that began with a werewolf with several vampire lovers ends with a vampire king and his werewolf (and a human) lovers.
I've enjoyed each of the Blood books and appreciated how this one was lighter in feel to the others. There was a real sense of closing a chapter on the story arc from the previous books, and moving ahead with the hybrid children.
It's necessary to read what's come before, this book cannot be read as a standalone. Even though Finney doesn't make an on page appearance, he is mentioned and events from his books are discussed.
I loved that the series that started with Karter has him weaving throughout. His visits to the pack were great, as was his evolving relationship with Rheland.
Watching Rheland evolve over the book was a joy and, like him, I can't wait for Karter's wedding to his vampires.

[Kimberley Spinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent end to a great series. However, I highly recommend reading all the books in the series to understand what is going on. Because at the very beginning, there was a bit of confusion as to what was happening, but at the same time, the story built very well. Honestly, this is the ending that I wanted not only for these characters, but also this series.
Is this book dark? Yes. But so is the entire series. The darkness comes more in the fact that blood play is a major part of the story, but it works. And it makes sense because of the paranormal nature of these characters. Is this a traditional romance? Absolutely not. And it doesn’t need to be. It works The way it needs to for these characters.

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in the series, and it's a bittersweet goodbye. I loved getting a behind the scene look at Rheland. Especially where the previous book left and then getting a better look at Lynk and his pack and how they fit into Rheland's life. This book is much lighter than the previous books, but it's really sweet reading how they thaw Rheland out.

I wish we got to see more about the hybrids and where they will be moving forward, but that wasn't the main element of this book. The boys keep Rheland on his toes, and it did have a good twist at the end I didn't see coming. Overall, a great read! I'm sad this series is ending, but I can't wait to read what Brea does next.

[Tonya Kloiber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love most of this author's works, but this one didn't hit the same as the rest. It wasn't a bad story, just not as much fun as the first bunch. I guess Karter will always hold the top spot in my heart. It's nice to see the kids developing into actual characters, and the way Lynk and his pack fall into Rheland's orbit is fun to read about. Who thought the King of Vampires would allow a pack of "dogs" to live in his house? As I said, it's not a bad story, it's quite good in fact, but it just didn't resonate with me the way the previous ones did.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rheland gets his

Considering how dark and bloody other books in this world have been, this one was almost sweet. Watching Rheland's frozen heart just melt for his men adorable, especially since for the longest time he didn't seem to know what was happening.
His men were unique and wonderful in their own ways. Phexx and Ace's relationship just made me laugh. They are both just nuts... certifiably so.
And I loved how all these harsh supernaturals were still loving with the kids.
I think some of the strangest moments were seeing how differently Rheland treated everyone who was not in his household.
I am looking forward to more in this world, even if this story arc is done.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much anticipated story in this series and Rheland and his men didn’t disappoint.
The building tension between Rheland and Lynk adds a good layer of spice to the mix and when you add in all of the other men the heat escalates.
An engaging read about the vampire king who allows men he never expected to into his home and thus changes his life forever.

There are aspects of pining, blood play, multiple pairing, a bit of violence and a unique HEA to keep on entertained throughout this story.

[Readingbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing conclusion to this wonderful series! Brea Alepou' has woven an amazing story with truly incredible characters that will make you laugh and cry! I am so happy that Rheland finally got his story and it's amazing. What a wild ride! I'm hoping for a boxed set because this series has been fire from book one! You must read this series you will not be disappointed! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!

[Jay Purse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good

Highly disappointed that I have been anticipating this book for sooo long!!! Just generic regurgitation of the previous relationships and interactions... There is no mind-blowing moments in my opinion... Just boring... I DNF 60% was where I stopped... I really wished to stop at 40%, but I was hopeful for a turnaround in the story that made it worthy of reading... NEGATIVE!!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I love this, I don’t want it to be the end! I need more, especially more of Rheland and his men, and the kids. I really also wanted to read about Weston’s wedding and everyone being there. Hope we get novellas with tidbits like the Halloween and Christmas ones of Karter and his vampires. Wouldn’t mind more of that either, along with some more of the firecracker and his men!!! I’m not ready to say goodbye to these guys, I love them!!!

[Jessica Vieira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint. It was such a sweet bloody ending to a very bloody, violent and amazing series. I knew Rheland and Lynk would be a battle of wills pair, but it was still more than I expected and I loved every second of it. I wish I could see more of this harem because I just fell for all of them.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trading in Blood

I’ve been looking forward to Rheland’s book since we first met him. I was always hoping he’d get his HEA. This book is a lot softer than the previous books and much more character driven that external plot and conflict. Very steamy, interesting quirky characters. A good end.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet ending

I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series.
I really loved seeing a somewhat softer side of Rheland because I've been waiting for his story and boy, was it absolutely worth the wait.
It was great to his change in opinion towards the "dogs" because of course Lynk is all about his pack.
The chemistry between them was so beautiful and steamy.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rheland finally gets his HEA. And it wouldn't be a Brea Alepou if it were only with Lynk. No, Rheland gets five, very sexy, men four werewolves and one human. Considering that the big bad was dealt with in book four, this could have been a bit boring. But no, the relationship and the sex kept it going. Best book in the series.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy wow!! I really hate to see this series end but Brea did a phenomenal job with this book and this whole series. I have been looking forward to this book and it did not let me know. I loved Rheland and his man; these six butt heads a lot but that is just them getting their motors running. There were a lot of feelings in this book and it was really hard to put down. This book is not for the faint of heart but man was a fantastic book. Ace was indeed my favorite with his sassy mouth but he was a perfect addition to this group of supernaturals. I can’t wait to see what Brea has in store for us next.

I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so GOOD

I love this book. Actually I love the whole series. Rheland is amazing and Ace is my favorite along with him. I like the other characters, especially Phexx but I love Rheland and Ace the most. Please read.

[Darkfairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa, Rheland! I was not expecting this book to go the way that it did. My goodness! I have to say, I absolutely LOVED how Rheland was portrayed in this book. That really took it to another level. To no one's surprise, Phexx was my absolute favorite. Team, love the psychos. LOL!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't Stop Reading

This is an amazing story that sucks you in and doesn't let you leave until way after you have finished! The range of emotions will leave you flying into the great beyond. A great addition to the series!

[JILL Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no...

Oh no the series is finished whatever am I gonna read now? Anyway this was a truly fitting end to the series and totally worth the wait and read. An indulgence you won't want to miss out on.

[Kaliegj · Rating 5 out of 5]

bloody goodness

oh my God, I loved every second of this book; if you love werewolves and vampires mixed with a little bit of poly, then this is the book for you. I highly recommend you give it a try