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Dark Lords of London #1
Vampire's Modern Bride
Blackmailed by her father into marrying a ruthless vampire mob boss, Yesenia Vale somehow makes it down the aisle to the male who only wants to use her as a broodmare. After all, she's a fae witch without magic, an outcast, and marrying the bastard is the only way to ensure her brother and sister remain safe from his clutches. However, as soon as the groom slides his ring on her finger, she wishes she could be anywhere else, to have a future of her choosing. In the next moment, the world blacks out. And when she wakes up, she's no longer in twenty-first century Boston but rather in late-nineteenth-century London, blooding a vampire she's never seen before.
Leopold Yates is one of the three Dark Lords of London, ruling over the vampires in the city and doing his best to keep his alliance with the fae witches and shifters to avoid a repeat of their bloody past. Part of how he does it is by remaining in his stronger frozen state, never wanting to find his fated bride. But when a mysterious, half-dressed fae witch shows up in his gaming hell, unconscious, he goes to help her, but touching her skin instantly makes his heart beat again. Even if he hates her for making him weak, he needs to keep her close until he claims her with his fangs and cock. If not, he'll eventually lose his mind and go mad.
Both have something the other needs, and so they strike a bargain. Leo will help Yesenia find a way to contact her family in the future, and she will let him claim her once to stave off madness. But what starts as a business deal ends up morphing into something more. Will they find a way to be together in the past? Or will Leo have to let Yesenia go back to the future to protect her family and lose her forever?
Note: This is a spicy/steamy time-travel romance complete with a grumpy vampire leader, an outcast fae witch with a secret, plenty of heat, and a clash of past versus future views. This story is most definitely not fade to black (ahem, you'll learn what touching a fae witch's pointed ears will do...).Warning: you may end up laughing, fanning yourself, and shouting at your ereader/Kindle.
Leopold Yates is one of the three Dark Lords of London, ruling over the vampires in the city and doing his best to keep his alliance with the fae witches and shifters to avoid a repeat of their bloody past. Part of how he does it is by remaining in his stronger frozen state, never wanting to find his fated bride. But when a mysterious, half-dressed fae witch shows up in his gaming hell, unconscious, he goes to help her, but touching her skin instantly makes his heart beat again. Even if he hates her for making him weak, he needs to keep her close until he claims her with his fangs and cock. If not, he'll eventually lose his mind and go mad.
Both have something the other needs, and so they strike a bargain. Leo will help Yesenia find a way to contact her family in the future, and she will let him claim her once to stave off madness. But what starts as a business deal ends up morphing into something more. Will they find a way to be together in the past? Or will Leo have to let Yesenia go back to the future to protect her family and lose her forever?
Note: This is a spicy/steamy time-travel romance complete with a grumpy vampire leader, an outcast fae witch with a secret, plenty of heat, and a clash of past versus future views. This story is most definitely not fade to black (ahem, you'll learn what touching a fae witch's pointed ears will do...).Warning: you may end up laughing, fanning yourself, and shouting at your ereader/Kindle.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2022
133 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Donovan
96 books1,254 followersJessie Donovan has sold over half a million books, has given away hundreds of thousands more to readers for free, and has even hit the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists. She is best known for her dragon-shifter series, but also writes about magic users, aliens, and even has a crazy romantic comedy series set in Scotland. When not reading a book, attempting to tame her yard, or traipsing around some foreign country on a shoestring, she can often be found interacting with her readers on Facebook. She lives near Seattle, where, yes, it rains a lot but it also makes everything green.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 29, 2022
This started out as an intriguing paranormal, time travel romance with a sassy h and an arrogant (but protective) H. The world building was interesting with multiple supernatural species including vampires, Fae witches, and shifters. Yesenia (h) a Fae witch who’s been told she has no powers and is being forced into marriage with an evil vampire in the present day. At the wedding, she’s instead thrown back in time to 1890 and a vampire lord’s gambling hell. Leo (H) is also a vampire whose heart begins to beat again because she’s his fated mate. Written in third person, multi-POV including side characters. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (H had been celibate for decades because he reached his maturity and froze until meeting his mate).
I enjoyed the back and forth between the H and h as they dealt with the unexpected changes of time travel, mating instincts, and learning Yesenia actually was quite powerful with a rare time wielding magic. She’s also desperate to save her younger sister and brother, afraid they’d be at risk in the future from the evil vampire. While Leo is balancing a truce with the other races and an unknown threat of a new gaming hell near his territory. These two had some fun exchanges sparking off each other and Leo was so lost with Yesenia’s modern behaviors and phrases at times.
The lust is immediate between them and the steam factor was high, but I wished the romance had been developed more strongly. Love felt rushed to me considering there was a fair amount of avoidance between them to prevent deeper feelings at first because each felt responsibilities in other places. I still liked them together, I just wanted more scenes of them building their relationship on page before the “I love yous”. I did enjoy how they worked together as a team and the supportive nature of each towards the other.
Side characters were esp important in the world building throughout with the other lords of the area representing other species, Leo’s family and people, and the Fae witches who help Yesenia develop her powers. The villains are unknown at first but are appropriately dangerous, it seems that the full extent of that danger will be explored throughout the series. Dark times had preceded this time period, though I wasn’t expecting some of the darker moments in this book. There was an opportunity to delve more into the processing for some characters considering what they went through.
The story does end in a HFN for the main characters but with a cliffhanger leading into book 2 for the next couple. This world has lots of possibilities, always a good thing. I don’t know if I’ll continue reading the series due to the spots of darkness.
Trigger warning:
I enjoyed the back and forth between the H and h as they dealt with the unexpected changes of time travel, mating instincts, and learning Yesenia actually was quite powerful with a rare time wielding magic. She’s also desperate to save her younger sister and brother, afraid they’d be at risk in the future from the evil vampire. While Leo is balancing a truce with the other races and an unknown threat of a new gaming hell near his territory. These two had some fun exchanges sparking off each other and Leo was so lost with Yesenia’s modern behaviors and phrases at times.
The lust is immediate between them and the steam factor was high, but I wished the romance had been developed more strongly. Love felt rushed to me considering there was a fair amount of avoidance between them to prevent deeper feelings at first because each felt responsibilities in other places. I still liked them together, I just wanted more scenes of them building their relationship on page before the “I love yous”. I did enjoy how they worked together as a team and the supportive nature of each towards the other.
Side characters were esp important in the world building throughout with the other lords of the area representing other species, Leo’s family and people, and the Fae witches who help Yesenia develop her powers. The villains are unknown at first but are appropriately dangerous, it seems that the full extent of that danger will be explored throughout the series. Dark times had preceded this time period, though I wasn’t expecting some of the darker moments in this book. There was an opportunity to delve more into the processing for some characters considering what they went through.
The story does end in a HFN for the main characters but with a cliffhanger leading into book 2 for the next couple. This world has lots of possibilities, always a good thing. I don’t know if I’ll continue reading the series due to the spots of darkness.
Trigger warning:
July 23, 2022
3.5 Stars
I have two complaints about this book. Firstly, the repetitive description throughout the novel which became a source of annoyance pretty fast. Secondly, it needed to be shorter.
I love time travel books so I enjoyed the book to certain extent. I was invested in the characters and what will happen between them. I have to admit that I struggled with the writing style, but I pushed through it bc I liked the story. I'm invested in this series so I will definitely read the future books.
I have two complaints about this book. Firstly, the repetitive description throughout the novel which became a source of annoyance pretty fast. Secondly, it needed to be shorter.
I love time travel books so I enjoyed the book to certain extent. I was invested in the characters and what will happen between them. I have to admit that I struggled with the writing style, but I pushed through it bc I liked the story. I'm invested in this series so I will definitely read the future books.
June 30, 2022
Another amazing story by Jessie Donovan. The world and characters she creates makes the book hard to put down. Having modern American Yesenia travel back to 19th Century London and with her modern language and ways upset the life/plans Leo had was comical and endearing. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
June 30, 2022
Simply wonderful read, great characters and a wonderful scenario
Yesenia Vale has been blackmailed into marrying a vampire so that she can continue to keep her two younger siblings River and Meadow safe from her father who would also sell them for their abilities. Just as she was about to say “I Do” to Derek Yates, she suddenly found herself coming round in the middle of London in a completely different time period.
Leopold Yates is one of the Dark Lords of London and he is a ruling vampire in the city who cannot believe that the female that has just appeared before him is his fated bride, his heart has just started to beat again along with a multitude of other human attributes he had not felt since the Fae female arrived in his establishment.
Leo and his siter Nora and her son Ambrose who are both in their frozen state are all loyal to each other as a family and Nora has also ensured that even though her son is mute has ensured that he has always been treated normally apart from signing when required to communicate. As Leo agreed to help Yesenia to learn how to use the magic abilities, she never knew she had access to, the fact that being a time wielder is one of the most powerful abilities and extremely rare in the Fae witches.
Leo and his fated Bride know that she has to allow him to mate with her to prevent him going mad, he will do everything he can to help her rescue her siblings and if possible, bring them to the same time period as her, they will be safe her away from her father and she is already attracted to Leo his sister and his nephew they are good people.
When the family are suddenly made aware that Ambrose has been taken as a prisoner and if they fail to turn over the time wielder, he will have his head removed, this is the only way to kill a vampire. Leo and Nora are not simply going to sit and wait and Yesenia is surprised when Leo comes to her for her ideas and any possible help, she might be able to give.
This is a wonderful read, the introduction to the characters and their family members have made this an extremely interesting read and the interaction between the vampires and fae and other worldly beings make this a simply amazing read.
I cannot wait for the next book to arrive in this series, it looks as though it is going to be a great addition to the series.
I do not want to spoil the plot so will say no more about the three of them, I assure you that you will enjoy every single moment of this book.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Yesenia Vale has been blackmailed into marrying a vampire so that she can continue to keep her two younger siblings River and Meadow safe from her father who would also sell them for their abilities. Just as she was about to say “I Do” to Derek Yates, she suddenly found herself coming round in the middle of London in a completely different time period.
Leopold Yates is one of the Dark Lords of London and he is a ruling vampire in the city who cannot believe that the female that has just appeared before him is his fated bride, his heart has just started to beat again along with a multitude of other human attributes he had not felt since the Fae female arrived in his establishment.
Leo and his siter Nora and her son Ambrose who are both in their frozen state are all loyal to each other as a family and Nora has also ensured that even though her son is mute has ensured that he has always been treated normally apart from signing when required to communicate. As Leo agreed to help Yesenia to learn how to use the magic abilities, she never knew she had access to, the fact that being a time wielder is one of the most powerful abilities and extremely rare in the Fae witches.
Leo and his fated Bride know that she has to allow him to mate with her to prevent him going mad, he will do everything he can to help her rescue her siblings and if possible, bring them to the same time period as her, they will be safe her away from her father and she is already attracted to Leo his sister and his nephew they are good people.
When the family are suddenly made aware that Ambrose has been taken as a prisoner and if they fail to turn over the time wielder, he will have his head removed, this is the only way to kill a vampire. Leo and Nora are not simply going to sit and wait and Yesenia is surprised when Leo comes to her for her ideas and any possible help, she might be able to give.
This is a wonderful read, the introduction to the characters and their family members have made this an extremely interesting read and the interaction between the vampires and fae and other worldly beings make this a simply amazing read.
I cannot wait for the next book to arrive in this series, it looks as though it is going to be a great addition to the series.
I do not want to spoil the plot so will say no more about the three of them, I assure you that you will enjoy every single moment of this book.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
July 17, 2022
A Feisty Fae Witch with a lot of Bite
The Vampire's Modern Bride
Author: Jessie Donovan
Release date: 14th July 2022
Yesenia Vale - part Fae part witch - is sold into an arranged marriage in modern day Boston to vampire lord Derek Yates, who holds her father's debts.
She isn't quite human enough or much of a paranormal, so this is her unwanted destiny.
Shunned by her friends ten years ago, unable to attend college because of her lack of powers, and Derek just wants her as a broodmare.
All she wants, is to protect her siblings in hiding so her betrothed doesn't use them.
Unfortunately at the wedding, she begs and prays for a solution, to not have to marry the awful man.
Like an internalised fairy godmother, she accidentally whisks herself away to London, 1890, and a vampire's 'gaming hell' owned by Leo who lives with his reclusive sister Nora and her mute son Ambrose.
Only time-wielders can send objects or people through time, so obviously she's been duped.
And unfortunately it appears she's the fated mate of a very grumpy Leo, so they strike a deal; he'll find help to get her siblings to safety and a tutor for her powers, if she lets him claim her then leaves him be, so he doesn't fall to madness.
The world building is fascinating for the Nineteenth Century stuff. London has three Dark Lords who rule their own territory; Everett Black, the annoying and cheeky werewolf, Dark Lord Khan, Wielder of Nightmares, fae witch leader and Leo Yates, Vampire. For vampires, if they break a vow or promise, or lie to someone, it results in agony and unconsciousness. I loved the paranormal universe and like with her dragons, she'd added something unique please hidden enemies for tension.
I loved the fact there's more than one or two people of colour in this - and a couple of them have quite a lot of power. Add to this that paranormal creatures in this world are 'walled off' from a lot of the humans, you have some great analogies; particularly the use of them in the Napoleonic war as soldier fodder.
The only issue I have is with cover; we know Yesenia's mom is from Mexico, she is a light brown as a result, but looks as palw as the vampire on the cover.
Otherwise, I thoroughly adored this book. The brewing war, the great characters, the world building, drama, romance and humour.
And a superb hook at the end for the next book.
I can't wait to read it on its release.
The Vampire's Modern Bride
Author: Jessie Donovan
Release date: 14th July 2022
Yesenia Vale - part Fae part witch - is sold into an arranged marriage in modern day Boston to vampire lord Derek Yates, who holds her father's debts.
She isn't quite human enough or much of a paranormal, so this is her unwanted destiny.
Shunned by her friends ten years ago, unable to attend college because of her lack of powers, and Derek just wants her as a broodmare.
All she wants, is to protect her siblings in hiding so her betrothed doesn't use them.
Unfortunately at the wedding, she begs and prays for a solution, to not have to marry the awful man.
Like an internalised fairy godmother, she accidentally whisks herself away to London, 1890, and a vampire's 'gaming hell' owned by Leo who lives with his reclusive sister Nora and her mute son Ambrose.
Only time-wielders can send objects or people through time, so obviously she's been duped.
And unfortunately it appears she's the fated mate of a very grumpy Leo, so they strike a deal; he'll find help to get her siblings to safety and a tutor for her powers, if she lets him claim her then leaves him be, so he doesn't fall to madness.
The world building is fascinating for the Nineteenth Century stuff. London has three Dark Lords who rule their own territory; Everett Black, the annoying and cheeky werewolf, Dark Lord Khan, Wielder of Nightmares, fae witch leader and Leo Yates, Vampire. For vampires, if they break a vow or promise, or lie to someone, it results in agony and unconsciousness. I loved the paranormal universe and like with her dragons, she'd added something unique please hidden enemies for tension.
I loved the fact there's more than one or two people of colour in this - and a couple of them have quite a lot of power. Add to this that paranormal creatures in this world are 'walled off' from a lot of the humans, you have some great analogies; particularly the use of them in the Napoleonic war as soldier fodder.
The only issue I have is with cover; we know Yesenia's mom is from Mexico, she is a light brown as a result, but looks as palw as the vampire on the cover.
Otherwise, I thoroughly adored this book. The brewing war, the great characters, the world building, drama, romance and humour.
And a superb hook at the end for the next book.
I can't wait to read it on its release.
July 1, 2022
This is a new series with Vampires, Fae Witches, Shifters, and Time Travel. What’s not to love? The main characters are Fae Witch Yesenia Vale and Dark Lord of London Vampire Leopoldo “Leo” Yates. Yesenia appears in his time, 1890 London, as an escape from being forced to marry a mob boss vampire in her own time by her evil father. The chemistry between Yesenia and Leo is instantaneous, even though Yesenia is unconscious when she arrives.
As the steamy story unfolds, Leo and Yesenia fall in love and find a way to stay together. The road is a little rough when you add in enemies trying to take down Leo and the other shifters, but with the help of the other Dark Lords, they are a force not to be underestimated. Jessie has introduced us to her take on vampire abilities, and they are very sexy! Can’t wait to see what she does with the shifters!
Added to the characters are Leo’s sister Nora and her son, Ambrose. Both of them have faced, and survived, terrible challenges in their past, and you can’t help but want to see them succeed in the future with their own fated mates. The other Dark Lords are shifter Everett Black and fae witch William Khan. Jessie gives you hints of their personalities through their interactions with Leo and Yesenia, and I really want to know more! I hope we get to see them find their own fated mates in future books!
Overall, this was a wonderful introduction to this new world full of great world building, very steamy moments, characters to love, moments to cry over and laugh with, and it leaves you anxious to know more! Thankfully, we won’t have to wait very long as the next book in the series will be released in a month! Yay! This series is going to be so much fun to read!!
As the steamy story unfolds, Leo and Yesenia fall in love and find a way to stay together. The road is a little rough when you add in enemies trying to take down Leo and the other shifters, but with the help of the other Dark Lords, they are a force not to be underestimated. Jessie has introduced us to her take on vampire abilities, and they are very sexy! Can’t wait to see what she does with the shifters!
Added to the characters are Leo’s sister Nora and her son, Ambrose. Both of them have faced, and survived, terrible challenges in their past, and you can’t help but want to see them succeed in the future with their own fated mates. The other Dark Lords are shifter Everett Black and fae witch William Khan. Jessie gives you hints of their personalities through their interactions with Leo and Yesenia, and I really want to know more! I hope we get to see them find their own fated mates in future books!
Overall, this was a wonderful introduction to this new world full of great world building, very steamy moments, characters to love, moments to cry over and laugh with, and it leaves you anxious to know more! Thankfully, we won’t have to wait very long as the next book in the series will be released in a month! Yay! This series is going to be so much fun to read!!
July 14, 2022
Vampire’s Modern Bride
Yesinia Vale is a half-fae witch in Boston 2022. She has no magic and this makes her an outcast in the Paranormal society. Her father, terribly in debt, decides to blackmail her into marrying a vampire for use as a breeder. She will do anything to help her younger brother and sister, she has hidden them away. Determined to keep her siblings safe she agrees to be married to Derek Yates.
As the ring begins to slide on her finger, she wishes with everything she has to be somewhere else, anywhere else. Then blackness. When Yesinia comes to, she is not in Boston, she is somewhere she has never been before. She has been transported to London in the 19th century. She appears out of nowhere in the residence of Leopold Yates, the ruling vampire of London, one of the Dark Lords. As Leo reaches out to help Yesinia, one touch triggers the blooding of the vampire. When they find their fated mate, their heart starts beats, their lungs inflate and they breath, after being in a frozen state.
What happens when a very modern, intelligent woman meets her fated mate that is from a different time? Yesinia must make adjustments to this new reality. She discovers that she does have magic, a rare time-wielding magic They make a business deal but can they keep their end of the bargain?
So much is going on, this was a real page-turner. You will learn about the Fae, Witches, Shifters, and vampires as Yesinia learns about herself and Leo. This book was a delight. I want more, much more. If you have read Jessie Donavan’s’ other books you will be delighted with this one. It is very different. There are great characters and amazing world building. (I love the name, Yesinia, just rolls right off the tongue).
Yesinia Vale is a half-fae witch in Boston 2022. She has no magic and this makes her an outcast in the Paranormal society. Her father, terribly in debt, decides to blackmail her into marrying a vampire for use as a breeder. She will do anything to help her younger brother and sister, she has hidden them away. Determined to keep her siblings safe she agrees to be married to Derek Yates.
As the ring begins to slide on her finger, she wishes with everything she has to be somewhere else, anywhere else. Then blackness. When Yesinia comes to, she is not in Boston, she is somewhere she has never been before. She has been transported to London in the 19th century. She appears out of nowhere in the residence of Leopold Yates, the ruling vampire of London, one of the Dark Lords. As Leo reaches out to help Yesinia, one touch triggers the blooding of the vampire. When they find their fated mate, their heart starts beats, their lungs inflate and they breath, after being in a frozen state.
What happens when a very modern, intelligent woman meets her fated mate that is from a different time? Yesinia must make adjustments to this new reality. She discovers that she does have magic, a rare time-wielding magic They make a business deal but can they keep their end of the bargain?
So much is going on, this was a real page-turner. You will learn about the Fae, Witches, Shifters, and vampires as Yesinia learns about herself and Leo. This book was a delight. I want more, much more. If you have read Jessie Donavan’s’ other books you will be delighted with this one. It is very different. There are great characters and amazing world building. (I love the name, Yesinia, just rolls right off the tongue).
January 6, 2024
A new world from Jessie Donovan and it is so neat! She has created a world of paranormals that is so different from anything I have read. We have vampires, shifters, and fae witches. Each with different and unique traits that are not typical to what you may be used to in other stories. It was such a fun and different approach to a paranormal world and I loved it. I'm so excited to see where this world goes. So the first book follows Yesenia and Leo. Yesenia is a fae witch without magic. And when her father basically sells her to a vampire to marry to pay off his debts, she has no choice but to comply or else risking the lives of her two siblings who she has in hiding. But she can't guarantee their safety forever. So she goes complies. But in the middle of the ceremony she finds herself passing out... and waking up in 1890. Turns out she may just have some magic and it involves time travel. When Leo sees a woman appear out of nowhere in his work establishment, he wonders if his enemies have sent her there. But the moment he touches her, she realizes that she is his bride. Vampires in this world reach a point where their heart stops beating and they stop aging until basically their soulmate comes into their lives. And with Yesenia now being his, he is a little miffed because he is the current leader for vampires in this part of London. And the alliance between other paranormals is still new enough and keeping the peace is important. He fears losing time to ensure the peace stays permanent. Two worlds colliding and despite the complications, Yesenia and Leo feel a pull toward one another. It's only a matter of time until they fight for it. So much setting up in this world. I don't want to give spoilers away, but definitely worth checking out! There are a lot of interesting characters who I hope all get a book. I can't wait to explore this world more.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2022
Vampires Modern Bride (Dark Lords of London Book 1)
Jessie Donovan
Usually the paranormals Jessie writes about are dragons. She has taken a new path this time veering off into the magical realm of Vampires, Fae Witches, Shifters and Time travel. Starting off in modern day Boston, Yesenia Vale, a Fae Witch is slated to marry her fathers debt bearer to help him get out debt free!. Yesenia and her siblings, are nothing to her father, who sees Yesenia only as a way out. Not having any power of her own to stop the marriage, it happens, but as Derek Yates her new spouse says his vows….. Yesenia blacks out!
Waking up 130 years earlier in East End London in a gaming parlor was traumatic enough! Waking up in the arms of your fated mate, well isn’t that just dandy! Leopold Yates just accidentally found his fated bride! Why now? Why here?
Leo and Yesenia each have their own troubles, neither of which include being strangely attracted to and drawn to the other. Both fight the romance, but realize quickly they need each other in the predicament they are in. Yesenia has to learn all about 1890’s London and Leo needs to learn about women in general. Fate has thrown them a mighty curve! Yesenia finds she does have Fae magic after all while Leo learns Fae witches are not all bad! This steamy romance begins a series of books, all laced with intrigue, mystery, banter and magic. Jessie does a great job of keeping the reader enthralled while spinning a great story!
Jessie Donovan
Usually the paranormals Jessie writes about are dragons. She has taken a new path this time veering off into the magical realm of Vampires, Fae Witches, Shifters and Time travel. Starting off in modern day Boston, Yesenia Vale, a Fae Witch is slated to marry her fathers debt bearer to help him get out debt free!. Yesenia and her siblings, are nothing to her father, who sees Yesenia only as a way out. Not having any power of her own to stop the marriage, it happens, but as Derek Yates her new spouse says his vows….. Yesenia blacks out!
Waking up 130 years earlier in East End London in a gaming parlor was traumatic enough! Waking up in the arms of your fated mate, well isn’t that just dandy! Leopold Yates just accidentally found his fated bride! Why now? Why here?
Leo and Yesenia each have their own troubles, neither of which include being strangely attracted to and drawn to the other. Both fight the romance, but realize quickly they need each other in the predicament they are in. Yesenia has to learn all about 1890’s London and Leo needs to learn about women in general. Fate has thrown them a mighty curve! Yesenia finds she does have Fae magic after all while Leo learns Fae witches are not all bad! This steamy romance begins a series of books, all laced with intrigue, mystery, banter and magic. Jessie does a great job of keeping the reader enthralled while spinning a great story!
July 20, 2022
This new series is a rich, vibrant take on what one would term time travel with a paranormal twist; think of Outlander where Claire travels back in time but add in vampires and some otherworldly groups and it brings readers an enchanting new world that they will just want to stay immersed in for the long haul. Yesenia is on the cusp of an unwanted marriage to a vampire in order to protect her siblings when at the last moment, she is swept away to London and the year is 1890. Leopold is the leader of a group of vampires, and one of the three Dark Lords of London, who is looking to repair what past generations have wrought when he is transfixed by this new beauty that has suddenly come into his life. As they each have their needs, can they broker a deal that they can both live with? For those that have read books by Ms. Donovan, this is somewhat of a departure from those but one thing that remains constant is her attention to detail and creating characters that envelope the plot and suck readers down the rabbit hole because you cannot get enough. Overall, this storyline has drama, steam, and unforgettable moments. I am looking forward to the next book and more with this wonderful world. I recommend this book.
August 12, 2022
Yesenia is a fae-witch without magic and is being forced to marry a vampire to be used as a breeder in order to keep her brother and sister safe. The day of her wedding comes and as the ring slides on her finger, she wishes she could be anywhere else. She blacks out and wakes up in 19th century London, not 21st century Boston and in the home of Leo, one of the Dark Lords and vampire ruling London. Now they are learning they are mates, and despite Leo not wanting a mate, they strike a bargain: she gets a message to her family in the future and she agrees to let him claim her once. But their business deal may turn out to be more than either bargained for.
I greatly enjoyed Leo and Yesenia's interactions with each other. She's got a little snark, and he has the ability to put her in her place when he needs to. Their chemistry is intense and they share some steamy scenes that make you melt.
The plot was a little iffy for me, but it ended up working better than I first thought it would (it was just a little too convenient that she could time travel the moment she needed to). The author was pretty repetitive throughout the story and it became a little annoying to reread information we already knew.
Overall rating:
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶
I greatly enjoyed Leo and Yesenia's interactions with each other. She's got a little snark, and he has the ability to put her in her place when he needs to. Their chemistry is intense and they share some steamy scenes that make you melt.
The plot was a little iffy for me, but it ended up working better than I first thought it would (it was just a little too convenient that she could time travel the moment she needed to). The author was pretty repetitive throughout the story and it became a little annoying to reread information we already knew.
Overall rating:
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶
July 1, 2022
Yesenia Vale is a modern but magic-less fae witch, blackmailed by her father to marry a ruthless vampire to protect her siblings. As vows and rings are being exchanged, Yesenia wishes she could choose her own future with someone she has a chance of happiness with and then blacks out…
She wakes up 130 years ago, no longer in Boston but in the East End of London. Leopold Yates, Victorian vampire leader and one of the three dark lords of London, sees her drop unconscious onto the floor of his gaming hell and is drawn to to and help her but as soon as he touches her, his frozen heart beats that he has found his fated mate. He fears finding his fated mate will make him weak: she only wants to protect her siblings. They make a deal to help each other, but as time passes their businesslike deal morphs into something else.
Love the touches of realisation as Yesenia realises she has time travelled and her determination to learn and hone her skills to save her siblings. Leo wasn’t as chauvinistic as he could have been and some of the dialogue was challenging but overall a quick quirky read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She wakes up 130 years ago, no longer in Boston but in the East End of London. Leopold Yates, Victorian vampire leader and one of the three dark lords of London, sees her drop unconscious onto the floor of his gaming hell and is drawn to to and help her but as soon as he touches her, his frozen heart beats that he has found his fated mate. He fears finding his fated mate will make him weak: she only wants to protect her siblings. They make a deal to help each other, but as time passes their businesslike deal morphs into something else.
Love the touches of realisation as Yesenia realises she has time travelled and her determination to learn and hone her skills to save her siblings. Leo wasn’t as chauvinistic as he could have been and some of the dialogue was challenging but overall a quick quirky read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 8, 2022
An amazing story by Jessie Donovan. As a fan of her dragon shifter series, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this story since traditional vampire stories don't usually hold my interest. The world-building and characters she creates makes this book hard to put down. Modern American Yesenia is willing to marry a horrible mobster vampire to protect her siblings and ends up traveling back to 19th Century London. All her life she believes she is devoid of magic, but this is not the case. She end up being a fated bride to the vampire Leo, and all sorts of twists and roasts ensue between the two of them.
Will she be able to master her magic in time to save her siblings? Will she end up back in the 21st century? SO many details to set up this world, I'm sure a reread is in order before the next book in the series comes out. I loved the character of Leo. Yesenia was a little harder to like for a while. There were other characters in the story I'm dying to find out more about, which is the mark of a great, new series!
Will she be able to master her magic in time to save her siblings? Will she end up back in the 21st century? SO many details to set up this world, I'm sure a reread is in order before the next book in the series comes out. I loved the character of Leo. Yesenia was a little harder to like for a while. There were other characters in the story I'm dying to find out more about, which is the mark of a great, new series!
Read
July 1, 2022Again Jessie Donovan surprises us as readers with her great writing skills and suspense.
Leo and Yesenia, the head characters of this book, have an unusual love story in an unusual time (1890) for Yesenia. After finding out she has more in her than she thought so, she is strong minded to reach het goals and save het family.
And yes, did I forget tot mention, paranormals are 'normal' in the world and yes you sure are reading some steamy sexy times even in 1890. 🥰💋❤️
Just a minor remark, in the beginning it was a bit difficult tot understand the paranormals and their paranormal powers. Every author gives new 'powers and live spans' to them. So if you read a lot of paranormal romances like me, you Often expect things like all are expected to have a long live span. But of course it is appreciated to fill in as it fits in the mind of the author!
So thanks Jessie for another great read!
Leo and Yesenia, the head characters of this book, have an unusual love story in an unusual time (1890) for Yesenia. After finding out she has more in her than she thought so, she is strong minded to reach het goals and save het family.
And yes, did I forget tot mention, paranormals are 'normal' in the world and yes you sure are reading some steamy sexy times even in 1890. 🥰💋❤️
Just a minor remark, in the beginning it was a bit difficult tot understand the paranormals and their paranormal powers. Every author gives new 'powers and live spans' to them. So if you read a lot of paranormal romances like me, you Often expect things like all are expected to have a long live span. But of course it is appreciated to fill in as it fits in the mind of the author!
So thanks Jessie for another great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
Slow burn with the overall pacing on the slower side to world build. Time travel meets paranormal romance. Loved the characters and the storyline. I’m so interested to see what happens with the side characters as the series continues. The series will feature different couples with each book.
Yesenia is our FMC. She’s no damsel. Yesenia has had to have a backbone of steel to combat her father who would use her siblings as pawns. He sells her into marriage to a vampire mob boss (not the good kind).
She’s been told her whole life that she’s useless and unwanted. A fae witch with no powers.
As she’s being wed to the evil vampire she’s transported to the past and starts to learn not everything she thought about her powers is correct.
Leo, our MC, doesn’t want his fated bride yet. He has plans. Yesenia shows up and all hell breaks loose.
Slow burn with payoff ✅
Stubborn FMC ✅
Equally as stubborn MC ✅
Yesenia is our FMC. She’s no damsel. Yesenia has had to have a backbone of steel to combat her father who would use her siblings as pawns. He sells her into marriage to a vampire mob boss (not the good kind).
She’s been told her whole life that she’s useless and unwanted. A fae witch with no powers.
As she’s being wed to the evil vampire she’s transported to the past and starts to learn not everything she thought about her powers is correct.
Leo, our MC, doesn’t want his fated bride yet. He has plans. Yesenia shows up and all hell breaks loose.
Slow burn with payoff ✅
Stubborn FMC ✅
Equally as stubborn MC ✅
July 13, 2022
New Series!
This is the first book in a new series by Jessie Donovan. Set here in our time briefly, it moves back in time to 1890s London. Vampires, shifters, and fae are common in both times, and our heroine, Yesenia Vale, is a Time Bender, but she is unaware that she holds magic at all. Thrust back in time, she meets a Dark Lord of London (there are several) Leopold Yates. Leo is a vampire. This is their story. It is well written with good characters. Jessie Donovan gives us quite a bit of backstory, and the history of this different timeline from what we know. This book also sets up the second book. I enjoyed reading this ARC and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I was given an ARC of this book by the author through BookFunnel, and this is my honest opinion.
This is the first book in a new series by Jessie Donovan. Set here in our time briefly, it moves back in time to 1890s London. Vampires, shifters, and fae are common in both times, and our heroine, Yesenia Vale, is a Time Bender, but she is unaware that she holds magic at all. Thrust back in time, she meets a Dark Lord of London (there are several) Leopold Yates. Leo is a vampire. This is their story. It is well written with good characters. Jessie Donovan gives us quite a bit of backstory, and the history of this different timeline from what we know. This book also sets up the second book. I enjoyed reading this ARC and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I was given an ARC of this book by the author through BookFunnel, and this is my honest opinion.
June 29, 2022
Yesenia and Leopold (Leo) story brings us a universe were present day combines with the past for love to take place and to unite a vampire with his fated fae witch.
The action and danger are beautifully sewn with love, happiness and lots of teasing and banter.
I loved the way they connected and how their relationship bloomed in learning to help and trust in each other as well as learning that what they first perceived as weakness resulted in strength.
I loved the characters development and dynamics, the world building and the key points that kept you on edge, the fact that the mystery and danger still persist and will find more alongside the next couple in their way to happiness.
I really loved the story and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
The action and danger are beautifully sewn with love, happiness and lots of teasing and banter.
I loved the way they connected and how their relationship bloomed in learning to help and trust in each other as well as learning that what they first perceived as weakness resulted in strength.
I loved the characters development and dynamics, the world building and the key points that kept you on edge, the fact that the mystery and danger still persist and will find more alongside the next couple in their way to happiness.
I really loved the story and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
July 7, 2022
Yesenia & Leopold
She'll do anything to protect her siblings. Unfortunately, her father uses her to his advantage promising her to use as a baby maker with a vicious PNR. As he places his ring on her finger she passes out--actually, she is sent back in time to London. This time another Vampire needs her to continue! She doesn't have to provide an offspring just ... well, I'll let you read on.
The author's new series is unlike what fans are accustomed to. Plenty of steam, great characters, amazing world-building, and much more. Will she return to the present? What about the gorgeous man in the past? Will they form a union and if so now or then? Enjoy finding the answers. This is book one with book two coming soon.
She'll do anything to protect her siblings. Unfortunately, her father uses her to his advantage promising her to use as a baby maker with a vicious PNR. As he places his ring on her finger she passes out--actually, she is sent back in time to London. This time another Vampire needs her to continue! She doesn't have to provide an offspring just ... well, I'll let you read on.
The author's new series is unlike what fans are accustomed to. Plenty of steam, great characters, amazing world-building, and much more. Will she return to the present? What about the gorgeous man in the past? Will they form a union and if so now or then? Enjoy finding the answers. This is book one with book two coming soon.
July 10, 2022
ARC of a new series I'm really looking forward to read more of!
Proper review to come, but for now I'm rating this 4.5, rounded up to 5 because a) the author manages to mix tropes (paranormal, time travel & historical romance) and makes it work in her own unique way, b) the world building is good and wants me to explore more and c) the series is promising and I feel Jessie Donovan should be rewarded for going into a direction that might not be 'trendy' but is more her own in both setting and voice. It really shines through in the writing, flow and the banter between characters on the pages.
Very low angst, still spicy and with characters that speak their mind - good stuff :)
(I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily decided to leave a review)
Proper review to come, but for now I'm rating this 4.5, rounded up to 5 because a) the author manages to mix tropes (paranormal, time travel & historical romance) and makes it work in her own unique way, b) the world building is good and wants me to explore more and c) the series is promising and I feel Jessie Donovan should be rewarded for going into a direction that might not be 'trendy' but is more her own in both setting and voice. It really shines through in the writing, flow and the banter between characters on the pages.
Very low angst, still spicy and with characters that speak their mind - good stuff :)
(I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily decided to leave a review)
July 13, 2022
I loved this book it was such a great read. I don’t know what I was expecting from the title of the book but it was so much better then I could of imagined. As I was reading the book I didn’t know what was going to happen. It was so easy to relate to the characters and made you feel like you were actually there and going through the journey with them. I can’t wait to see what is going to develop between Nora and River plus I can’t wait to see if Yesenia is able to get Meadow back in time to her and River. My only suggestion to make it clearer for the reader is to say who’s point it is that you are reading at the time as you have different view points however it doesn’t change what a great read it is.
I’m writing this honest review in exchange for a Advance Review Copy (ARC)
I’m writing this honest review in exchange for a Advance Review Copy (ARC)
July 14, 2022
The start to a fabulous new series! Loved this story of time travel, destiny and the past vs the present. Yesenia as a fae witch is about to marry a vampire to save her family while wishing things could be different. Then in a flash everything changes and she finds herself transported back to 1890. The Vampire Lord of London, Leo, can't believe the mysterious beauty that has landed in his gambling hall is the one destined to start his heart beating once more. It is now a rush against time to help Yesenia's family in the present and for Yesenia and Leo to come to terms with their future together. There is love, humor and plenty of steam between these two. Can't wait to see what happens in Book 2 which comes out soon too. I received an ARC for an honest review.
July 16, 2022
So I have read all of the dragon shifter books but this author cause they are incredible so when I heard about this new branch she was taking venturing into the world of fae and vampires I said yell yes sign me up now and let me tell you it is awesome! A time travel romance, a grumpy vampire and a fae witch with no powers makes this and intriguing story that I just had to read. The world building is amazing, the storyline is exciting, gripping and very entertaining and the characters are simply put, great! There’s twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat and there’s plenty of steam to make you swoon and all in all this is a fantastic start to this new series and I cannot wait to read more.
September 13, 2022
They r both very stubborn but it will all work 4 the better at xs lol she had 2 marry a asshole cause of her dad's stupidity but toward the end of the wedding she disappeared and woke up at a whole different time frame but b4 she knew what exactly happened and where she was could she have found a couple of blessings in disguise? It was really good 2 find out more about herself especially with everything she went through and lies she was told all her life. I sooooo can't wait 2 read more asap!! It's worth it!!
Jessie tried this new series out about vampires and it's as interesting and awesome as the dragon books r. I love these so far. I hope she really does this series long as the dragons and also include the fae's and the shifters with it 2 as they r in this 1st one.
Jessie tried this new series out about vampires and it's as interesting and awesome as the dragon books r. I love these so far. I hope she really does this series long as the dragons and also include the fae's and the shifters with it 2 as they r in this 1st one.
July 2, 2022
A great read and a whole new series to look forward to, This book was very easy to get into and hooked. Jessie has a way with words that keeps the story flowing and the reader captured by the story.
This is a paranormal time travel book that matches a modern day fae witch , Yesenia, and an 1890 vampire Dark Lord, Leo. Jessie Donavan’ imagination has brought this new world and characters to life. As a reader, I fell right into the story and couldn’t stop reading. I can’t wait to read book 2 in this series.
This is a paranormal time travel book that matches a modern day fae witch , Yesenia, and an 1890 vampire Dark Lord, Leo. Jessie Donavan’ imagination has brought this new world and characters to life. As a reader, I fell right into the story and couldn’t stop reading. I can’t wait to read book 2 in this series.
July 5, 2022
An extraordinary 19th century London is created in Vampire's Modern Bride (Dark Lords of London Book 1) by Jesse Donovan. The reader is brought into a tenuous and sensual world that is filled with vampires, witches and shapeshifters who are striving to repair the damaged relationships created by earlier Dark Lords. They must overcome the lack of trust that exists to defeat a common enemy.
Jessie Donovan develops a intriguing fantasy world using suspense, love and mystery.
A new exciting series.
Jessie Donovan develops a intriguing fantasy world using suspense, love and mystery.
A new exciting series.
July 14, 2022
Its a great start to a new series. It had me glued to my kindle until I finished reading it. It also made me want to read the next book but it looks like I have to wait for it for a bit.
This story had a mixed of fae witch, a shifter and of course a vampire. We have a twice a reluctant bride and an equally reluctant groom, a conspiracy, danger, action, friendship, family, love and so much more.
It has been a week since I read this story and the story is still clear in my mind. I am excited for the next book in the series.
This story had a mixed of fae witch, a shifter and of course a vampire. We have a twice a reluctant bride and an equally reluctant groom, a conspiracy, danger, action, friendship, family, love and so much more.
It has been a week since I read this story and the story is still clear in my mind. I am excited for the next book in the series.
July 1, 2022
As someone who loves period set stories as well as science fiction/ fantasy novels the concept of this book intrigued me, i have loved Jessie Donovans dragon shifter books I thought I'd give this a chance and I'm so glad I did I was gripped very early in the book and found the book very addicting I had to know what happened next, I have loved every page of this book and am eagerly awaiting the second in the series to be released
July 2, 2022
Didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book but let me tell you that you will definitely be taking on a amazing adventure. I loved everything about this book from the characters to the mystery and danger. Can't wait for the next book in this great series. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are completely my own.
July 14, 2022
Onto a new adventure! This is the first book to a new series.
Time travel, vampires, shifters, fae witches, steam, and more.
Follow Yesenia as she gets catapulted back in time- 1890 to be precise. She needs to figure out how she ended up going from 2022 to 1890- and fast since her siblings lives depend on it.
Wonderful characters and chemistry, twists and turns throughout and a HEA(FN)
Time travel, vampires, shifters, fae witches, steam, and more.
Follow Yesenia as she gets catapulted back in time- 1890 to be precise. She needs to figure out how she ended up going from 2022 to 1890- and fast since her siblings lives depend on it.
Wonderful characters and chemistry, twists and turns throughout and a HEA(FN)
July 18, 2022
Brilliant
By golly this story is totally captivating. Awesome characters, mixed with different species, a bit of magic and a fated mate, what more could you ask for?? Oh yeah a bit of spicy sex (lol)! Highly recommend that you read this wonderful story. Looking forward to the next book.💜💜
By golly this story is totally captivating. Awesome characters, mixed with different species, a bit of magic and a fated mate, what more could you ask for?? Oh yeah a bit of spicy sex (lol)! Highly recommend that you read this wonderful story. Looking forward to the next book.💜💜
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