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Blood #4
Blood Wicked
Dangerous Pleasure
Vivienne knows the dark secrets of London's desires. She fulfills them, twisting men's lust for her into the power and status of a courtesan. But she understands little about her own pleasure and the mysteries it commands. Until, that is, she meets Heath, a vampire capable of giving her profound ecstasy--but sworn to let her taste its release only once. . .
Heath's cravings for Vivienne sharpen into sweet torture as he guides her through erotic lessons, watching her abandon herself to ever-higher peaks of pleasure. As temptation melts away the bonds of his control, how long can either hope to survive?
WARNING! THIS IS A REALLY HOT BOOK (Sexually Explicit)
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
13 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Page
54 books433 followersSharon Page is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous novels of historical and erotic romance. She is a two-time, consecutive winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, winner of the Golden Quill and the Colorado Award of Excellence, and a multiple finalist for the Daphne Du Maurier Award. She has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and is a four-time finalist.
Married with two children, Sharon Page holds an industrial design degree and has worked for many years for a structural engineering firm. When not writing, she enjoys reading with her children, downhill skiing, and mountain biking. Writing romance has long been her dream and she is thrilled to share her stories.
Married with two children, Sharon Page holds an industrial design degree and has worked for many years for a structural engineering firm. When not writing, she enjoys reading with her children, downhill skiing, and mountain biking. Writing romance has long been her dream and she is thrilled to share her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 18, 2011
This review was originally posted as a guest review over at Smexy Books.
Blood Wicked is a dirty, dirty historical paranormal romance. It’s also remarkably engaging with characters worth caring about.
It’s also a book I kept close to my chest lest my husband catch a paragraph or two over my shoulder and I’d be forced to explain why I was engrossed in a passage featuring Regency-era sex toys. (OK, the heat level is so intense there’d be no question as to why I was wrapped up, then spent after that detailed scene.)
A former courtesan, Vivienne just wants to take care of her sick daughter. Only one apothecary will make her the medicine for her teen, but the owner makes her pay by seducing men. Not long afterward those men die. Heath is sent by the vampire council to find the succubus killing his kind. Though, he’s dividing his time searching for his brother.
Heath has an instant attraction to Vivienne, but a curse keeps him from being able to make love to the same woman more than once. She doesn’t know she’s a succubus or that she’s been stealing the life force of these men, but as Heath provokes her into needing he has to give in to sating her.
Vivienne, while a strong woman, feels inadequate. She worries her daughter’s chances for finding a good husband are hindered simply because she’s a courtesan’s daughter. Heath does everything he can think of to show Vivienne he sees her as a beautiful woman of worth with more class than most noblewomen. She’s never thought about sex as something that could be about her enjoyment, and he uses that as the gateway to illustrating his intentions to put her first.
As the two fall for one another, Heath’s goal to improve Vivienne’s view of herself is the plot vehicle for Blood Wicked’s more inventive sex scenes. (Remember, these two can’t have sex more than once in a conventional manner, and her succubus requirements have her clawing at the walls.)
Heath isn’t the only one interested in Vivienne. As one vampire after another comes at her to steal power, another darker player works to provoke Heath into unleashing the curse.
In addition to toe-curling sex scenes, Blood Wicked has strong character development and a good life-or-death mystery subplot.
Plus, you know, sexy vampires.
Blood Wicked is a dirty, dirty historical paranormal romance. It’s also remarkably engaging with characters worth caring about.
It’s also a book I kept close to my chest lest my husband catch a paragraph or two over my shoulder and I’d be forced to explain why I was engrossed in a passage featuring Regency-era sex toys. (OK, the heat level is so intense there’d be no question as to why I was wrapped up, then spent after that detailed scene.)
A former courtesan, Vivienne just wants to take care of her sick daughter. Only one apothecary will make her the medicine for her teen, but the owner makes her pay by seducing men. Not long afterward those men die. Heath is sent by the vampire council to find the succubus killing his kind. Though, he’s dividing his time searching for his brother.
Heath has an instant attraction to Vivienne, but a curse keeps him from being able to make love to the same woman more than once. She doesn’t know she’s a succubus or that she’s been stealing the life force of these men, but as Heath provokes her into needing he has to give in to sating her.
Vivienne, while a strong woman, feels inadequate. She worries her daughter’s chances for finding a good husband are hindered simply because she’s a courtesan’s daughter. Heath does everything he can think of to show Vivienne he sees her as a beautiful woman of worth with more class than most noblewomen. She’s never thought about sex as something that could be about her enjoyment, and he uses that as the gateway to illustrating his intentions to put her first.
As the two fall for one another, Heath’s goal to improve Vivienne’s view of herself is the plot vehicle for Blood Wicked’s more inventive sex scenes. (Remember, these two can’t have sex more than once in a conventional manner, and her succubus requirements have her clawing at the walls.)
Heath isn’t the only one interested in Vivienne. As one vampire after another comes at her to steal power, another darker player works to provoke Heath into unleashing the curse.
In addition to toe-curling sex scenes, Blood Wicked has strong character development and a good life-or-death mystery subplot.
Plus, you know, sexy vampires.
November 7, 2016
Blood Wicked is #4 of the Blood series. Unlike Books 1-3, there is no mention to the previous books in the series. It reads like a complete stand alone book. The only mention to the only 3 books is that a Royal Society of Vampire Slayers exist. So a lot of sexual tension that was similar to what I read in Book 2; in this book, the main hero is a vampire who can't make love to a woman twice. If he does, he will turn into a demon that will end the world. The main heroine is a succubus who doesn't know she even has powers and is then compelled to sleep with (which in succubus language means drain the life force from him) the main hero. Because the main hero can't have sex 2x, the two become creative and explore other kinds of sex which is kinky & hot. Lotsa of sexual tension. A compelling story. Lovable hero and heroine. Everything we come to expect from Sharon Page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2022
I have so much to say and it's... Not good.
First, I want to address the plot. Erotica and mystery! That was an interesting genre combination to me, and it had me reading more in the first few chapters. But it went down hill so fast. It became clear the vampire aspect was a prop to speed along the issues in the story. One of the most prominent examples was whenever Heath fought someone, he'd always one up them, and even he would act somewhat surprised in his internal thoughts over what happened. Another example is when they were running to get to Nikolai, he was somehow conveniently waiting at the end of the tunnel they happened to be running down?
Next, Vivienne. She's introduced to us as someone who knows and understands the desires of men. So, you would expect someone experienced with sex, right? No. So wrong. The woman acted shy about anal, and was confused anyone would ever do that! I'm sorry, but if she knows about the desires of all the men in London, then I refuse to believe she never once had this come up with the men she slept with. She even got flustered over the thought of a threesome. The summary for this book is a complete lie.
The curse? The one where Heath can't have sex with a woman twice? That was a lie. These two had sex in every single way possible just without PIV sex twice. Being fucked up the ass is still sex! I refuse to believe a demon would give the green light to all these sexual activities. None of this was believable in a narrative sense.
And this leads me to the topic of sex in this novel. Okay, he's a vampire, It's off-putting, but I'll accept him 'roaring' and 'screaming' when he cums. But I cannot by any means believe this man has a self lubricating asshole. You cannot just sit down hard on a dildo and be okay! The thought alone had me cringing in pain, but Vivienne found it hot? Speaking of Vivienne, she needs to get tested for some STDs, ASAP. Bubbling 'cunnies' (this book is British, so it uses British sex slang) is NOT healthy or normal. It is NOT healthy or normal to have a creamy discharge when all you're doing is pleasuring yourself with a dildo.
The author has also used so many odd phrases and wordings when describing sex. Some highlights: "Her nipples adored him." Heath got an erection so fast it "slapped him in the gut." Referring to dildos almost exlcusively as a "gewgaw." When Vivienne gives Heath a blowjob, she "gobbles him up," but not before teasing his "little eye" (aka the pee hole). Assholes do not "blossom open" for anyone.
In online writing spaces, we often have a term that adequately sums up this type of novel and that is PWP - porn without plot/plot? What plot. But, even still. I expected the characters to act like genuine people and not sex addicts. A man about to die is NOT going to think about sexual fantasies; he's more than likely going to reflect over his life and plea for some form of salvation. But it's treated as what any man does. Any man in a near death experience is going to delve into sexual fantasies.
I could go on and on, but... I'm going to stop now.
First, I want to address the plot. Erotica and mystery! That was an interesting genre combination to me, and it had me reading more in the first few chapters. But it went down hill so fast. It became clear the vampire aspect was a prop to speed along the issues in the story. One of the most prominent examples was whenever Heath fought someone, he'd always one up them, and even he would act somewhat surprised in his internal thoughts over what happened. Another example is when they were running to get to Nikolai, he was somehow conveniently waiting at the end of the tunnel they happened to be running down?
Next, Vivienne. She's introduced to us as someone who knows and understands the desires of men. So, you would expect someone experienced with sex, right? No. So wrong. The woman acted shy about anal, and was confused anyone would ever do that! I'm sorry, but if she knows about the desires of all the men in London, then I refuse to believe she never once had this come up with the men she slept with. She even got flustered over the thought of a threesome. The summary for this book is a complete lie.
The curse? The one where Heath can't have sex with a woman twice? That was a lie. These two had sex in every single way possible just without PIV sex twice. Being fucked up the ass is still sex! I refuse to believe a demon would give the green light to all these sexual activities. None of this was believable in a narrative sense.
And this leads me to the topic of sex in this novel. Okay, he's a vampire, It's off-putting, but I'll accept him 'roaring' and 'screaming' when he cums. But I cannot by any means believe this man has a self lubricating asshole. You cannot just sit down hard on a dildo and be okay! The thought alone had me cringing in pain, but Vivienne found it hot? Speaking of Vivienne, she needs to get tested for some STDs, ASAP. Bubbling 'cunnies' (this book is British, so it uses British sex slang) is NOT healthy or normal. It is NOT healthy or normal to have a creamy discharge when all you're doing is pleasuring yourself with a dildo.
The author has also used so many odd phrases and wordings when describing sex. Some highlights: "Her nipples adored him." Heath got an erection so fast it "slapped him in the gut." Referring to dildos almost exlcusively as a "gewgaw." When Vivienne gives Heath a blowjob, she "gobbles him up," but not before teasing his "little eye" (aka the pee hole). Assholes do not "blossom open" for anyone.
In online writing spaces, we often have a term that adequately sums up this type of novel and that is PWP - porn without plot/plot? What plot. But, even still. I expected the characters to act like genuine people and not sex addicts. A man about to die is NOT going to think about sexual fantasies; he's more than likely going to reflect over his life and plea for some form of salvation. But it's treated as what any man does. Any man in a near death experience is going to delve into sexual fantasies.
I could go on and on, but... I'm going to stop now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2011
To read a Sharon Page book is to enjoy a world full of spice, adventure, love, and a fantastic tale that will overwhelm your senses. Blood Wicked contained all of the aforementioned items as well as so much more. I could feel the struggle Vivienne went through as she fought her desires, for not only Heath but also the feelings of inadequacy when she realizes she cannot help her daughter fight her illness. The emotional helplessness she continues to fight throughout the novel came through crystal clear, allowing us, as the readers, to get a real feeling for how Vivienne is as a person as well as a paranormal being. Add in the brutal battle Heath wages against the demon trying to break free and you have an exceptional book that will have you celebrating each triumph, aching at every poignant moment, raging during the heated exchanges, and rejoicing as Vivienne and Heath finally realize how much they love each other.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
September 6, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Had a hard time putting it down. Started reading it on a Friday night and finished it on Monday morning. Very hot...sexy...erotic story with all the actions of vampires and some magic. Loved the plot. Going to read Sharon Pages Blood Deep next.
Read
April 19, 2011Oh wow this is terrible! Not sure I can finish it...
March 14, 2011
Vivienne, a naive succubus joins Heath, a cursed vampire – in a breathtaking adventure with sizzling sex scenes
Sharon Page brilliantly blended a few sub-genres. If I were to define Blood Wicked, I would say it is an erotic paranormal urban fantasy suspense romance set in London at the end of the Regency period.
Vivienne is a retired courtesan devoted to look after Sarah, her sick adolescent daughter. All the wealth Vivienne accumulated as a courtesan is useless to restore Sarah’s health. And Vivienne would do anything to protect her daughter. Because of this, Vivienne is blackmailed by an apothecary into having intercourse with noblemen in exchange for the elixir that would heal Sarah, who is getting dangerously weaker. The night Vivienne meets Heath, she’s picking up the potion.
Heath has been assigned by the evil vampire council to hunt the succubus who’d decimated five men. However, Heath’s priority is to find his missing brother, Raine. While searching for him, he encounters Vivienne, the woman whose reflection he foresaw at an oracle pond together with Raine’s image. Heath rescues her from death and even though he suspects she’s the succubus he’s looking for, he finds it almost as hard to believe it as an incredulous Vivienne does. She ignores what a succubus is, dismayed to realize the five men she slept with are dead and doesn’t believe Heath is a vampire either.
Due to the harsh experiences endured during her youth Vivienne distrusts all males thus her reluctance to accept Heath’s offer to cure Sarah without asking anything in return. At first they both try to resist the mutual attraction unaware that in their union rest the solutions for the many ordeals both confront. There is a strong emotional connection between Heath and Vivienne, and it’s a pleasure to see how they trail the path toward true love. He is cursed to have a lover only once, and she has never known what being really loved and care for is. I enjoyed the tender and protecting way Heath treats Vivienne. In spite of his wickedness and his detachment, he comes across as a very caring person – hunted by the guilty feelings and memories of his family tragic end. As his feelings for Vivienne evolve, he resolves that besides searching for his bother he must protect Vivienne and Sarah while fighting enemies.
Being erotic romance the sex is extremely explicit and there are scenes that might make some uncomfortable, but the romance in this book is so well done that the raw erotism is justified. The secondary characters are also well developed. I like the most Sarah’s coming of age, Julian, a young vampire sent by the council to supervise Heath’s investigation, and Guidon, the historian of vampires – a really interesting and unexpected character. The well-woven plot is suspenseful, fast-paced, full of surprises and interesting twists.
Sharon Page brilliantly blended a few sub-genres. If I were to define Blood Wicked, I would say it is an erotic paranormal urban fantasy suspense romance set in London at the end of the Regency period.
Vivienne is a retired courtesan devoted to look after Sarah, her sick adolescent daughter. All the wealth Vivienne accumulated as a courtesan is useless to restore Sarah’s health. And Vivienne would do anything to protect her daughter. Because of this, Vivienne is blackmailed by an apothecary into having intercourse with noblemen in exchange for the elixir that would heal Sarah, who is getting dangerously weaker. The night Vivienne meets Heath, she’s picking up the potion.
Heath has been assigned by the evil vampire council to hunt the succubus who’d decimated five men. However, Heath’s priority is to find his missing brother, Raine. While searching for him, he encounters Vivienne, the woman whose reflection he foresaw at an oracle pond together with Raine’s image. Heath rescues her from death and even though he suspects she’s the succubus he’s looking for, he finds it almost as hard to believe it as an incredulous Vivienne does. She ignores what a succubus is, dismayed to realize the five men she slept with are dead and doesn’t believe Heath is a vampire either.
Due to the harsh experiences endured during her youth Vivienne distrusts all males thus her reluctance to accept Heath’s offer to cure Sarah without asking anything in return. At first they both try to resist the mutual attraction unaware that in their union rest the solutions for the many ordeals both confront. There is a strong emotional connection between Heath and Vivienne, and it’s a pleasure to see how they trail the path toward true love. He is cursed to have a lover only once, and she has never known what being really loved and care for is. I enjoyed the tender and protecting way Heath treats Vivienne. In spite of his wickedness and his detachment, he comes across as a very caring person – hunted by the guilty feelings and memories of his family tragic end. As his feelings for Vivienne evolve, he resolves that besides searching for his bother he must protect Vivienne and Sarah while fighting enemies.
Being erotic romance the sex is extremely explicit and there are scenes that might make some uncomfortable, but the romance in this book is so well done that the raw erotism is justified. The secondary characters are also well developed. I like the most Sarah’s coming of age, Julian, a young vampire sent by the council to supervise Heath’s investigation, and Guidon, the historian of vampires – a really interesting and unexpected character. The well-woven plot is suspenseful, fast-paced, full of surprises and interesting twists.
May 1, 2011
Sharon Page is one of my favorite authors for her ability to really spin a fabulously hot historical, my favorite genre. I have found, though, that her historical paranormal Blood series is not nearly as good as her regency historical Silk series. Blood Wicked is the best so far in the Blood series, but it still misses the mark.
I loved that finally, unlike the previous three books in the series, Blood Wicked does not contain a permanent menage. I also really liked the secondary romance in the book, between the heroine's daughter and a young vampire, although it really should've been developed more. But this story concerning a tortured vampire on the search for his missing brother and a succubus heroine trying to discover who exactly she is, is just too busy with not enough direction. Heath and Vivienne cross paths when their missions align - he believes she knows the truth behind what's happened to his brother and she is searching for a way to save her ill daughter. There's animosity between them at first, but when they soon discover they can each help the other one, they join together.
It doesn't take long for the sexual attraction to begin, but as a succubus, she has been known to steal men's souls through sex and as a vampire with a demon curse, he can only have sex one time with a woman to keep the curse from activating. It's right in here that the story begins getting really convoluted. The events keep readers on their toes, but I felt like there wasn't enough conflict between the hero and heroine to keep us invested. You'd think wanting to give in to a sexual relationship and not being able to would be conflict enough, but the story gets too busy and loses focus.
There also aren't as many love scenes as Sharon Page is famous for, although the ones the book does have are to her usual level of heat. There should have been more connection between the two leads and less mythology that wasn't fully fleshed out to make this a great book. I look forward to Page's return to the strictly historical without trying to muddy the waters with paranormal.
I loved that finally, unlike the previous three books in the series, Blood Wicked does not contain a permanent menage. I also really liked the secondary romance in the book, between the heroine's daughter and a young vampire, although it really should've been developed more. But this story concerning a tortured vampire on the search for his missing brother and a succubus heroine trying to discover who exactly she is, is just too busy with not enough direction. Heath and Vivienne cross paths when their missions align - he believes she knows the truth behind what's happened to his brother and she is searching for a way to save her ill daughter. There's animosity between them at first, but when they soon discover they can each help the other one, they join together.
It doesn't take long for the sexual attraction to begin, but as a succubus, she has been known to steal men's souls through sex and as a vampire with a demon curse, he can only have sex one time with a woman to keep the curse from activating. It's right in here that the story begins getting really convoluted. The events keep readers on their toes, but I felt like there wasn't enough conflict between the hero and heroine to keep us invested. You'd think wanting to give in to a sexual relationship and not being able to would be conflict enough, but the story gets too busy and loses focus.
There also aren't as many love scenes as Sharon Page is famous for, although the ones the book does have are to her usual level of heat. There should have been more connection between the two leads and less mythology that wasn't fully fleshed out to make this a great book. I look forward to Page's return to the strictly historical without trying to muddy the waters with paranormal.
April 12, 2011
As a fan of Sharon's previous books I was really excited to read this one. She certainly has a way with really hot sex scenes. While it started out okay, I quickly became detached from the book. I know in romance novels the characters fall in love seemingly in a matter of moments, the man who never wants love meets this plain Jane girl and BAM he wants to change his life and be with her forever, but this book was really crazy. It was certainly long enough to prolong the proclamation of love to make it just a little bit less cheesy, but, this book wasn't based on romance it was supposed to be full of "sexually explicit" sex scenes (seriously, theres a warning on the back). While the scenes are as they claim to be there's something I did not like, and that is the mixing of sweet words with explicit ones. There's something about "his giant c*** snapped up and landed on his belly" that doesn't resonate with me. Belly seems like such an innocent word for such a sexually charged sentence. I guess the only downfall I had with this book was the vocabulary used, and that goes for talking about body parts and the way the characters communicated. I'm not sure if it was supposed to reflect the time period, or if that's just how she wanted it, but, I wasn't a fan. I probably would not recommend this book...but I still would recommend reading Page's other books.
October 16, 2013
Heath Winthrope, Earl of Blackmoor, and a vampire has been send by the council of vampires around London to look for succibus that has recently killed six titled people. He is also looking for his missing brother Raine. He stumles on a woman being attacked by a drunk and rescues her to find that she is the woman he has been looking for.
Vivienne Dare was born in a brothel and was recently a much sort after London Courtesan but now she has enough money she has given up that life to look after her daughter Sarah, who is ill. She has been coming to an apothecary for medicine and instead of payment the woman who sells it to her has asked that she bed certain men and Vivienne has but after a month with her they die mysteriously.
Vivienne has no idea she is a succibus and when Heath rescues her and lets her know what he is and what she is, she does not believe him but when she finds he can help Sarah she allows him into her home and when they are attacked by bats that the council has sent to them she goes with him.
The storyline could have been better but the sex is as good as any of Sharon's other books - my favourite Sharon Page books is the series about the Hamilton sisters.
Vivienne Dare was born in a brothel and was recently a much sort after London Courtesan but now she has enough money she has given up that life to look after her daughter Sarah, who is ill. She has been coming to an apothecary for medicine and instead of payment the woman who sells it to her has asked that she bed certain men and Vivienne has but after a month with her they die mysteriously.
Vivienne has no idea she is a succibus and when Heath rescues her and lets her know what he is and what she is, she does not believe him but when she finds he can help Sarah she allows him into her home and when they are attacked by bats that the council has sent to them she goes with him.
The storyline could have been better but the sex is as good as any of Sharon's other books - my favourite Sharon Page books is the series about the Hamilton sisters.
November 13, 2011
As with the previous three books of this series it was fluffy endings and inappropriate times for sex but like the others I enjoyed it! Each book seems to try and throw in a scene that will be a little different and shocking and once again I enjoyed the attempt. It is a loving cliche involving read but it is sweet and also sexual satisfying as well. I look forward to more. I believe Raine will be the next lead and if so that sounds just fine with me.
June 20, 2016
As a hobbyist writer, I still suck at writing erotica and sex scenes. Occasionally, I force myself to read something full of sex hoping another author's style will help me overcome the shortcomings of my writing. There is plenty of sex in various forms in this book including some lesbian encounters, but the rest is rather ordinary for the lusty vampire, over-sexed genre. A quick read, thankfully, and one that I will not subject myself to again.
October 31, 2011
I like the book. It's really hot book, very sexually explicit! The stories it's okay, I felt like the story can be done or reach the end of the story sooner, but hey I'm just a reader, I might be wrong with my opinion, so anybody wants to read this book, you should find out by yourself. I gave 4 stars because I love hot steamy books :))
Want to read
April 18, 2011erotic paranormal romance
August 17, 2011
Oh this was a yummy story! Lots of creative sexual scenes woven around a nice, fast paced plot! I will have to keep an eye on this author. Loved this book.
March 4, 2012
Blood Wicked by Sharon Page
I've enjoyed Ms. Page's other books in the Blood series but this one lacked something including my interest.
I've enjoyed Ms. Page's other books in the Blood series but this one lacked something including my interest.
October 21, 2021
I'll make this pretty short, I didn't like it but I didn't hate it.
September 17, 2011
Not my favorite of Sharon's Blood series, but still a worthy addition to the series!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews