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Amaranthine #1
Shades of Gray
Hunted by a coven of vampires, Katelina has only one person she can trust: Jorick. But when her knight in shining armor turns out to be one of the monsters she has to examine her perceptions of good and evil to survive.
263 pages, Nook
First published September 29, 2009
37 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Joleene Naylor
96 books133 followersJoleene Naylor is the author of the glitter-less Amaranthine vampire series, a world where vampires aren't for children. As a compliment to the novel series, she has also written several short stories, including the Vampire Morsels collection.
In her spare time, Joleene is a freelance book cover designer and for-fun photographer . She maintains several blogs full of odd ramblings, and occasionally updates her website at JoleeneNaylor.com. In what little time is left she watches anime and pins recipes and DIY, all from a crooked Victorian house in Villisca, Iowa. Between her husband and her pets, she is never lonely, and should she ever disappear one might look for her on a beach in Tahiti, sipping a tropical drink and wearing a disguise.
She currently has several books available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple and Smashwords.
In her spare time, Joleene is a freelance book cover designer and for-fun photographer . She maintains several blogs full of odd ramblings, and occasionally updates her website at JoleeneNaylor.com. In what little time is left she watches anime and pins recipes and DIY, all from a crooked Victorian house in Villisca, Iowa. Between her husband and her pets, she is never lonely, and should she ever disappear one might look for her on a beach in Tahiti, sipping a tropical drink and wearing a disguise.
She currently has several books available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple and Smashwords.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 20, 2015
Not for the faint of heart, Shades of Gray moves at dizzy pace from threats of violence to actual violence as the heroine, Katelina, struggles to survive her sudden entrance into the world of vampires. Real vampires, as in the scary people eating ones. Exception: Katelina's hot protector, Jorick.
January 16, 2010
This is one of those books that starts off with a bang and keeps going. I couldn't think of one dull moment. Even parts that could have dragged on kept my interest because they advanced the romantic sub-plot between Katelina and Jorick, which led to the question, "How far will someone go to protect someone they love?"
The book starts when Katelina recalls finding Patrick (who is sort of a boyfriend but not really) dead in his apartment. Then she gets a phone call from someone telling her that he knows who killed Patrick. She debates on whether or not to go to an isolated spot to find out--and she finally decides to go. From there, her life drastically changes because all of the sudden she's thrown into a world filled with good and evil vampires, and some want to see her dead.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the author's sense of humor wonderful, but even with humor, there are some serious moments. The key is to blend the two, and I thought the author succeeded very well with that. I would recommend this for readers who prefer more mature themes. For me, this was a definite plus. Sometimes I get bored of light reads and need something with more substance. It tackled just how evil some vampires could get, and that made me appreciate Jorick even more. Parts of it were spooky, like the house Jorick took Katelina to that had very odd people in it. That was my favorite part, especially when he warned her not to leave her bedroom until he came for her. Of course, I wanted to know why, and the author didn't disappoint me.
The story did end with me wanting to read more, so I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
The book starts when Katelina recalls finding Patrick (who is sort of a boyfriend but not really) dead in his apartment. Then she gets a phone call from someone telling her that he knows who killed Patrick. She debates on whether or not to go to an isolated spot to find out--and she finally decides to go. From there, her life drastically changes because all of the sudden she's thrown into a world filled with good and evil vampires, and some want to see her dead.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the author's sense of humor wonderful, but even with humor, there are some serious moments. The key is to blend the two, and I thought the author succeeded very well with that. I would recommend this for readers who prefer more mature themes. For me, this was a definite plus. Sometimes I get bored of light reads and need something with more substance. It tackled just how evil some vampires could get, and that made me appreciate Jorick even more. Parts of it were spooky, like the house Jorick took Katelina to that had very odd people in it. That was my favorite part, especially when he warned her not to leave her bedroom until he came for her. Of course, I wanted to know why, and the author didn't disappoint me.
The story did end with me wanting to read more, so I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
May 3, 2013
So, i finished the first book last night.
I wont lie, it was quite a hard book to get into. But once you do get into it, its a good book! The author took alot of time to try to describe each situation, but to a point there was almost too many of the "this felt like this" rather than just saying "it felt like this". Thats probably the only niggly bit about the books.
It paints Vampires in a very different light than what most writers are doing at the moment. No Sparkling, No bagged blood, and therye still hiding from the Human race.
It shows a cruel streak that runs through the majority, but also showing that they ARE capable of friendships, relationships and families.
You were kind of thrown into the story after the first few pages. Not a bad thing. But it didnt give you a chance to get to know the main character Katerina, so you had mixed feelings about her. Alot of the time i was thinking "why?" but by the end of the book, i liked her and also the other main character Jorick.
I think theres alot we dont know, and they will be explored in later books.
if you have the concentration to get through the first few chapters then i think you would like it. There are moments that shock you, really shock you and make you sit with your jaw dropped.
The storyline was consistent, and like i say, it was a hard book to get into, but once you do and you grasp the basics, its much easier to read, and im looking forward to getting into the next one!
I wont lie, it was quite a hard book to get into. But once you do get into it, its a good book! The author took alot of time to try to describe each situation, but to a point there was almost too many of the "this felt like this" rather than just saying "it felt like this". Thats probably the only niggly bit about the books.
It paints Vampires in a very different light than what most writers are doing at the moment. No Sparkling, No bagged blood, and therye still hiding from the Human race.
It shows a cruel streak that runs through the majority, but also showing that they ARE capable of friendships, relationships and families.
You were kind of thrown into the story after the first few pages. Not a bad thing. But it didnt give you a chance to get to know the main character Katerina, so you had mixed feelings about her. Alot of the time i was thinking "why?" but by the end of the book, i liked her and also the other main character Jorick.
I think theres alot we dont know, and they will be explored in later books.
if you have the concentration to get through the first few chapters then i think you would like it. There are moments that shock you, really shock you and make you sit with your jaw dropped.
The storyline was consistent, and like i say, it was a hard book to get into, but once you do and you grasp the basics, its much easier to read, and im looking forward to getting into the next one!
July 4, 2013
I would have liked to give this book a 3.5 star rating. I did enjoy this book except, and there’s always an except, the one thing that truly irritated me was the durability of the main character to being bashed up. Although she is bashed in the face and her head repeatedly bashed into the ground, abysmally savaged, she keeps a stiff upper lip. Guess it was just character building.
She can still get up, she doesn’t have a headache, she can still see, she has no concussion, she doesn’t seem to suffer pain and the effects of blood loss like the rest of it. No concussion, no double vision or vomiting, no skull fractures (although we wouldn’t really know as apparently the hospital didn’t see fit to X-ray or give an MRI), no water on the brain or internal bleeding Just a few stitches and no internal ones at that.
I had a friend who fell over in the gutter, hit his head once: dead.
Well bugger me backwards, amazingly enough, she manages to get up and carry on. I’m just gobsmacked with how damn tough she is. I had a friend who had her head bashed against a hard surface a few times. The police followed the trail of blood down the street, it was all over her hall wall. The hospital said her head had been cracked like an eggshell. And yes, she was murdered. She certainly didn’t carry on in the face of adversity, it wasn’t character building and she didn’t get to tell about it.
She can still get up, she doesn’t have a headache, she can still see, she has no concussion, she doesn’t seem to suffer pain and the effects of blood loss like the rest of it. No concussion, no double vision or vomiting, no skull fractures (although we wouldn’t really know as apparently the hospital didn’t see fit to X-ray or give an MRI), no water on the brain or internal bleeding Just a few stitches and no internal ones at that.
I had a friend who fell over in the gutter, hit his head once: dead.
Well bugger me backwards, amazingly enough, she manages to get up and carry on. I’m just gobsmacked with how damn tough she is. I had a friend who had her head bashed against a hard surface a few times. The police followed the trail of blood down the street, it was all over her hall wall. The hospital said her head had been cracked like an eggshell. And yes, she was murdered. She certainly didn’t carry on in the face of adversity, it wasn’t character building and she didn’t get to tell about it.
February 2, 2014
Shades of Gray is an absolute must read for any adult. This was such a great read - a mystery, thriller, action, romance, paranormal book that I could not put down. Tired of books that take a while to get into? Then try reading this novel. It is difficult to set it down. The relationship between Jorick and Katelina develops quickly and is a sweet loving relationship that just makes you want to continue reading to see what happens to these two.
This is book one of a 3 part series, and I have already bought the other two. Book two 'Legacy of Ghosts' is just as hard to set down as 'Shades of Gray.'
This book will be the best read of the year - so give it a chance.
This is book one of a 3 part series, and I have already bought the other two. Book two 'Legacy of Ghosts' is just as hard to set down as 'Shades of Gray.'
This book will be the best read of the year - so give it a chance.
July 15, 2016
Absolutely loved this book. Once I picked it up I couldn't stop reading it. As soon as I was done I started on the next.
From the moment you meet Katerina you are part of her life and her struggle to overcome the death of her lover. Right away you are immersed in the world of vampires and are hooked! Such a great read, can't wait to get to the next part of the story.
From the moment you meet Katerina you are part of her life and her struggle to overcome the death of her lover. Right away you are immersed in the world of vampires and are hooked! Such a great read, can't wait to get to the next part of the story.
May 5, 2012
In my opinion, Joleene is soon to be a well known Author. Her imaginative writings are entertaining with well-built characters with personality. If you like non-stop action and fun -- you will enjoy this book! I hope to read her next book soon.
January 6, 2026
It took me almost 2 years to finish this book. I put it down because the female MC irritated me to no end. I decided to wrap up some open books for the new year & so I resumed reading this one.
I had read all the Amaranthine short stories about the other characters & I enjoyed them so I wanted to read the full books. This first book in the series is of course where I started.
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I’ll start by saying that the storyline is decent but some parts were not thought through. Katelina was portrayed as super weak & insecure. She literally uses no (or doesn’t have) common sense. She speaks when she shouldn’t & is quiet when she should speak. She starts off as any other human female MC in any vampire story by being annoying, fighting hard to put herself in danger, & makes bad choices thinking that she knows more than the hundreds year old vampires.
Although she’s whiny, she has some sort of ability to get beat up & slammed around by vampire strength & never suffers a broken bone. Only bruises, a black eye, and stitches? I would think at least a dislocated pink would be believable. Then she gets horribly & violently violated & Jorick flirts & makes sexual innuendos to her within 24 hours & continuously after. WTH?!!! In addition, the only clothes the author could muster up for her after being violated was some slinky dresses, lace panties, & no bra (in the cold weather). Katelina doesn’t ask anyone to swing by Walmart or anything for some jeans & a jacket. She just shivers in the cold with a spaghetti strap satin dress on, hungry.
Last but not least. Jorick is no hero. He allows Katelina to be talked down to, taunted, & his choices are worse than her’s (leaving her alone multiple times even though the first time proved stupid). He corrects no one but her when she’s being mistreated & she just shuts up. I don’t know if this plays into other books but I guess I won’t find out.
I had read all the Amaranthine short stories about the other characters & I enjoyed them so I wanted to read the full books. This first book in the series is of course where I started.
*******************SPOILERS***********
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I’ll start by saying that the storyline is decent but some parts were not thought through. Katelina was portrayed as super weak & insecure. She literally uses no (or doesn’t have) common sense. She speaks when she shouldn’t & is quiet when she should speak. She starts off as any other human female MC in any vampire story by being annoying, fighting hard to put herself in danger, & makes bad choices thinking that she knows more than the hundreds year old vampires.
Although she’s whiny, she has some sort of ability to get beat up & slammed around by vampire strength & never suffers a broken bone. Only bruises, a black eye, and stitches? I would think at least a dislocated pink would be believable. Then she gets horribly & violently violated & Jorick flirts & makes sexual innuendos to her within 24 hours & continuously after. WTH?!!! In addition, the only clothes the author could muster up for her after being violated was some slinky dresses, lace panties, & no bra (in the cold weather). Katelina doesn’t ask anyone to swing by Walmart or anything for some jeans & a jacket. She just shivers in the cold with a spaghetti strap satin dress on, hungry.
Last but not least. Jorick is no hero. He allows Katelina to be talked down to, taunted, & his choices are worse than her’s (leaving her alone multiple times even though the first time proved stupid). He corrects no one but her when she’s being mistreated & she just shuts up. I don’t know if this plays into other books but I guess I won’t find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2016
I have had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series (which is free!!) and it is pretty amazing! Her series is about vampires, but make no mistake, these vamps don't sparkle! The story is filled with terror, gruesome scenes of carnage and some pretty horrifying characters. It all starts with a bloody murder scene. Katelina is thinking back to when she found her boyfriend Patrick's body. Then a mysterious phone call that leads to a series of events that change her life forever. Now she is on the run with Jorrick who has sworn to protect her, but he may turn out to be more than human.
I won’t lie. I do enjoy reading about the sparkly vampires. But I also like reading about the scary ones. And in this world, the vamps are truly terrifying. I found myself getting so caught up in Katelina’s story that at times I found myself breathless. When your heart rate spikes in fear for a fictional character, I think that author has done their job well!
I give Shades of Gray 5 stars!
I won’t lie. I do enjoy reading about the sparkly vampires. But I also like reading about the scary ones. And in this world, the vamps are truly terrifying. I found myself getting so caught up in Katelina’s story that at times I found myself breathless. When your heart rate spikes in fear for a fictional character, I think that author has done their job well!
I give Shades of Gray 5 stars!
May 2, 2018
I thought this was an exceptional book! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
It sure keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next. There is lots of action going on in this book an really is a page turner. Now I can’t wait to start the next book.
This is a highly addictive series and I gladly recommend it.
It sure keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next. There is lots of action going on in this book an really is a page turner. Now I can’t wait to start the next book.
This is a highly addictive series and I gladly recommend it.
September 27, 2017
It is a grusum tale, and I liked it.
February 8, 2020
Very enjoyable read.
February 14, 2022
Very gory, interesting enough, though. Sometimes characters live past incredible beatings and injury. Most characters are unlikeable. I did finish it, though.
September 4, 2024
My mom and I received copies of this in 2010 and I need to reread it, but I remember enjoying it as my first ever book signed from an author.
My copy has different cover art as well.
My copy has different cover art as well.
May 5, 2014
Hello fellow members of The Book Marketing Network and welcome back to another edition of What I Am Reading!
I hope you all have been enjoying this action packed, short month known as February. So much going on and in such a brief duration of time :-)
Today I am reviewing Shades of Gray by Joleene Naylor. This is book 1 in her exciting Amaranthine series. I have included the images of the book covers of not only this first installment, but also all the subsequent books in Joleene's series.
You can find Ms. Naylor's page here on TBMN. Follow her link to her website and read up on her very fascinating underworld of vampire society.
Katelina is still in a surreal haze over recently discovering the grizzly corpse of her friend and sometimes lover, Patrick, when she receives a call from a mysterious stranger promising her answers that the cops and the detectives assigned to the murder investigation will never discover.
Despite her apprehension over meeting with her unknown caller alone, Katelina's need for answers and closure regarding Patick's brutal murder, lead her to agree to rendezvous with this mystery man at an abandoned house in a deserted locale outside of town.
But the answers Katelina seeks wind up throwing her headlong into a world she only thought existed in scary movies and horror stories. Jorick, the man whom she had agreed to meet with, tries his best to explain events to Katelina while becoming her personal bodyguard against this evil subculture that is responsible for Patrick's untimely and gruesome demise.
Shades of Gray is a heart pounding thrill ride of a read that will have its audience breathless with anticipation and white knuckled grasping their ebook reader with every turn of the page. I highly recommend this great vampire horror story: the characters are inspiring, the action never relents, and the underworld of the undead is so well thought out and detailed.
For every and all fans of anything vampire-Shades of Gray is a must read!
March 13, 2015
Review of Shades of Gray, Amaranthine Series, Book One by Author Joleene Naylor.
Katelina was a normal young woman who was in a on again off again relationship with Patrick. She comes home one day to find Patrick brutally murdered.
Unbeknownst to her, Patrick was in a world of vampires with ancient laws, cruelty and unspeakable terrors.
Katelina is suddenly drawn into the grips of danger when she is offered protection from Jorick. He wants to protect her. They travel to escape the danger from a powerful coven master who is wanting revenge for kidnapping his child bride.
However, forces in Jorick's own circle turn against him, and he has to fight to free Katelina from the monsters that has encased her.
My thoughts about Shades of Gray
When I started to read this book on my Kindle, I sort of had a preview into Ms. Naylor's Amaranthine Series from reading her book of short stories about the characters called, Amarnthine: Vampire Morsels.
That really didn't prepare me for the roller-coaster that was awaiting me. There were parts of the book that had me riveted. I can't even tell you how descriptive Ms. Naylor writes. It is fluent and elaborate. Nothing is over-looked. I sometimes felt uneasy reading how debased some of the vampires were.
jorickMy favorite part was reading about the sulking and hunky, Jorick. Different from most heros, Jorick has tons of skeletons in his closet... literally.
Katelina is suspicious and rightly so, but she is strangely enthralled by Jorick.
I didn't understand why she was so willing to go with Jorick. I didn't understand why Jorick is so protective of Katelina. Nevertheless, I'm reading on to the second book in the Amaranthine Series called Legacy of Ghosts. The more I read, the more I am enlightened. I intend to read the whole series.
I recommend Shades of Gray by Author Joleene Naylor. It is a MUST READ for any "Vampite" like myself.
Shades of Gray is a FIVE STAR read!
By the way, definitely an 18+ read.
Katelina was a normal young woman who was in a on again off again relationship with Patrick. She comes home one day to find Patrick brutally murdered.
Unbeknownst to her, Patrick was in a world of vampires with ancient laws, cruelty and unspeakable terrors.
Katelina is suddenly drawn into the grips of danger when she is offered protection from Jorick. He wants to protect her. They travel to escape the danger from a powerful coven master who is wanting revenge for kidnapping his child bride.
However, forces in Jorick's own circle turn against him, and he has to fight to free Katelina from the monsters that has encased her.
My thoughts about Shades of Gray
When I started to read this book on my Kindle, I sort of had a preview into Ms. Naylor's Amaranthine Series from reading her book of short stories about the characters called, Amarnthine: Vampire Morsels.
That really didn't prepare me for the roller-coaster that was awaiting me. There were parts of the book that had me riveted. I can't even tell you how descriptive Ms. Naylor writes. It is fluent and elaborate. Nothing is over-looked. I sometimes felt uneasy reading how debased some of the vampires were.
jorickMy favorite part was reading about the sulking and hunky, Jorick. Different from most heros, Jorick has tons of skeletons in his closet... literally.
Katelina is suspicious and rightly so, but she is strangely enthralled by Jorick.
I didn't understand why she was so willing to go with Jorick. I didn't understand why Jorick is so protective of Katelina. Nevertheless, I'm reading on to the second book in the Amaranthine Series called Legacy of Ghosts. The more I read, the more I am enlightened. I intend to read the whole series.
I recommend Shades of Gray by Author Joleene Naylor. It is a MUST READ for any "Vampite" like myself.
Shades of Gray is a FIVE STAR read!
By the way, definitely an 18+ read.
February 17, 2014
Katelina is struggling to come to grips with the death of her lover, Patrick. When a stranger calls her and asks her to meet him, she balks at the idea. But how can she resist his promise to tell her what really happened to Patrick? Against her better judgement, she meets the stranger (Jorick) and finds herself caught up in a world she never knew existed. Katelina's life is in danger, and only Jorick can protect her.
I loved, loved, loved this book. The story moves quickly, but the reader is still given ample opportunity to get to know the characters, the world they live in, and the rules that govern their culture. The vampires in this novel are complex and varied. Some, like Kateesha, Michael, and Claudius, are ruthless, power-hungry, and terrifying. Others, like Oren and Torina, are driven by revenge. And then we have Jorick. Jorick can be ruthless and violent when he must be, but for the most part, he just wants to exist free of covens and vampire-drama. He's also loyal, willing to help Oren and Torina even though he isn't invested in their battle. Katelina brings out a different side of him. With her, he's protective and passionate. This is the way vampires should be, folks. This is the type of vampire series I've been looking for and finally found. No one sparkles in the sun or attends high school. Did I mention I'm becoming a huge Joleene Naylor fan? Yep. I immediately bought book two and can't wait to get started on it. If you're a vampire fan, please check out this series.
I loved, loved, loved this book. The story moves quickly, but the reader is still given ample opportunity to get to know the characters, the world they live in, and the rules that govern their culture. The vampires in this novel are complex and varied. Some, like Kateesha, Michael, and Claudius, are ruthless, power-hungry, and terrifying. Others, like Oren and Torina, are driven by revenge. And then we have Jorick. Jorick can be ruthless and violent when he must be, but for the most part, he just wants to exist free of covens and vampire-drama. He's also loyal, willing to help Oren and Torina even though he isn't invested in their battle. Katelina brings out a different side of him. With her, he's protective and passionate. This is the way vampires should be, folks. This is the type of vampire series I've been looking for and finally found. No one sparkles in the sun or attends high school. Did I mention I'm becoming a huge Joleene Naylor fan? Yep. I immediately bought book two and can't wait to get started on it. If you're a vampire fan, please check out this series.
April 14, 2013
Awesome book! Joleene Naylor is a superb writer as she brings her characters to life threatening heights again and again. I love how every time you think the characters are safe something else shakes them up. it is a never ending battle of intrigue.
In this first Story In Joleene's Amaranthine Series Katelina and Jorick meet for the first time when her lover Patrick is brutally murdered and Jorick is the only one who seems to be willing to give Katelina any answers.
They are attacked by a band of men with fangs and abnormal strength. who are these people and what did they do to poor Patrick? and more importantly what do they now want with Katelina and Jorick?
Katelina is pulled into a supernatural world not of her choosing but she finds that underneath all the horror and chaos there is one who would do anything for her and stop at nothing to see to her well being and she likes that more then she wants to admit to herself.
Joleene is supernatural genius and I can't wait to devour the rest of the stories in the series! which I am about to do right now...lol...if you haven't read these books I suggest you hurry up and start!
In this first Story In Joleene's Amaranthine Series Katelina and Jorick meet for the first time when her lover Patrick is brutally murdered and Jorick is the only one who seems to be willing to give Katelina any answers.
They are attacked by a band of men with fangs and abnormal strength. who are these people and what did they do to poor Patrick? and more importantly what do they now want with Katelina and Jorick?
Katelina is pulled into a supernatural world not of her choosing but she finds that underneath all the horror and chaos there is one who would do anything for her and stop at nothing to see to her well being and she likes that more then she wants to admit to herself.
Joleene is supernatural genius and I can't wait to devour the rest of the stories in the series! which I am about to do right now...lol...if you haven't read these books I suggest you hurry up and start!
July 19, 2016
Joleene Naylor has created an out-of-this-world supernatural thriller, filled with all kinds of wondrous paranormal adventures, that I immediately fell in love with!! I enjoyed that the book had a True Blood feel to it and was more an adult rather than a teen vampire story. The characters are complex and well blended into the story. I have to say; there was not one thing that I didn't like in this book!
As for the characters, a few of my favorites are Katelina, who finds her lover murdered in their apartment and seems to find trouble every time she turns around. Jorick, who has many secrets, including the fact, that he is in love with Katelina and knows the identity of who killed her lover. Oren, who has an ongoing war with Claudius and his evil minions. Kateesha, she's just one of those characters that makes you respect her evil genius nature.
All in all, If you love adult paranormal/vampire stories then you will absolutely relish this book! For me, this was a very quick read, and I think that it is because I thoroughly enjoyed it. I definitely know that I WILL be getting the rest of this series!
As for the characters, a few of my favorites are Katelina, who finds her lover murdered in their apartment and seems to find trouble every time she turns around. Jorick, who has many secrets, including the fact, that he is in love with Katelina and knows the identity of who killed her lover. Oren, who has an ongoing war with Claudius and his evil minions. Kateesha, she's just one of those characters that makes you respect her evil genius nature.
All in all, If you love adult paranormal/vampire stories then you will absolutely relish this book! For me, this was a very quick read, and I think that it is because I thoroughly enjoyed it. I definitely know that I WILL be getting the rest of this series!
October 14, 2010
Katelina’s buddy-with-benefits is found murdered in his apartment. The result of a wild animal attack. But Katelina isn’t buying it. Of course she can’t explain what happened or why. Until she gets a call, “I know who killed your lover.”
Now she has a chance to get the answers, all she has to do is leave behind the life she lead to immerse herself into a world that turns reality on its head. She is about to learn that there are creatures in the dark, evil vampires that want her dead because of some perceived wrong. On the run and hiding from a coven of monsters, she finds passion in the arms of the vampire who saved her life, but can she trust Jorick. Or is he just using her.
I found Shades of Gray to be a refreshing change to other vampire novels. Katelina might immerse herself in the world of vampires, but she isn’t looking to join the ranks of the living dead anytime soon. And she doesn’t have any super powers that help her to fight vampires, but she does her best anyways. Can’t wait for the next book.
Now she has a chance to get the answers, all she has to do is leave behind the life she lead to immerse herself into a world that turns reality on its head. She is about to learn that there are creatures in the dark, evil vampires that want her dead because of some perceived wrong. On the run and hiding from a coven of monsters, she finds passion in the arms of the vampire who saved her life, but can she trust Jorick. Or is he just using her.
I found Shades of Gray to be a refreshing change to other vampire novels. Katelina might immerse herself in the world of vampires, but she isn’t looking to join the ranks of the living dead anytime soon. And she doesn’t have any super powers that help her to fight vampires, but she does her best anyways. Can’t wait for the next book.
March 27, 2014
After the murder of her friend/lover, Katelina's life seemed pretty bleak. One day, while at work, she received a phone call that changed everything. Katelina was quickly shoved in to the dark, macabre world of vampires. She has to change everything she knows about them in order to accept help from the tall, dark and handsome stranger that has come to her rescue.
I absolutely loved this book. If you don't know, I'm a sucker for GOOD vampire fiction and this was definitely GOOD vampire fiction. Joleene Naylor's ability to paint such a detailed and fantastic world was not unappreciated. She took such great care to make the Amaranthine world seem so real, and I couldn't have asked for better. I also really liked the fact that Naylor didn't shy away from intimate moments and she kept them tasteful.
To the author, I have to say, thank you for taking such pride in your book. While reading, I could really feel the love you have for them. I already have Legacy of Ghosts loaded and ready to go on my Kindle.
I absolutely loved this book. If you don't know, I'm a sucker for GOOD vampire fiction and this was definitely GOOD vampire fiction. Joleene Naylor's ability to paint such a detailed and fantastic world was not unappreciated. She took such great care to make the Amaranthine world seem so real, and I couldn't have asked for better. I also really liked the fact that Naylor didn't shy away from intimate moments and she kept them tasteful.
To the author, I have to say, thank you for taking such pride in your book. While reading, I could really feel the love you have for them. I already have Legacy of Ghosts loaded and ready to go on my Kindle.
July 20, 2011
This was the first book I have read by Joleene Naylor and I very much enjoyed it.
As Katelina deals with the death of someone close to her, she gets pulled into a world that she was not aware of. While she is being pulled into the world, she internally fights against what she believes to be real and pretend. It takes her a while to completely comprehend what vampires are and what that life is about.
I appreciated the fact that Katelina did not just jump in and embrace the fact that vampires existed. She fought against this within herself and till the end she had no wish to join the ranks of the night creatures.
Her relationship with Jorick was creative and intense at times. The way the author kept a sense of humor going throughout the book, even in the tenser of times was refreshing. I enjoyed seeing the almost sarcastic sense of humor coming from Katelina.
I look forward to seeing what book two brings about.
As Katelina deals with the death of someone close to her, she gets pulled into a world that she was not aware of. While she is being pulled into the world, she internally fights against what she believes to be real and pretend. It takes her a while to completely comprehend what vampires are and what that life is about.
I appreciated the fact that Katelina did not just jump in and embrace the fact that vampires existed. She fought against this within herself and till the end she had no wish to join the ranks of the night creatures.
Her relationship with Jorick was creative and intense at times. The way the author kept a sense of humor going throughout the book, even in the tenser of times was refreshing. I enjoyed seeing the almost sarcastic sense of humor coming from Katelina.
I look forward to seeing what book two brings about.
October 5, 2010
I am a big PNR and UF fan. I have read all the big names out there. I had never heard of Ms. Naylor, but I happened to be browsing my kindle and thought "what the hey, give it a try!" I was left with my mouth hanging open at how amazing this story was. And by amazing, I mean from the stand point of a girl who likes her smexy heroes and fast paced action. The action was non-stop and fun. Jorick is to die for. She gives just enough of his motivation and background to make me want more. I can't wait for the next book. I feel Ms. Naylor deserves to be on the shelves right next to Ms. Harris, Ms. Frost and Ms. Garey!
January 1, 2016
This is a new series for me, I stumbled into a book party and now I'm so happy I did!!! The party was for another book in the series so being me I had to go back and start form the first!
I love a new find and this one fit the bill! The writing style is no holds bared and fast paced so it hooks you right in, I could not put it down! This is not a sappy typical vampire story it has a more real life feel to it.
Katelina has a pretty normal life until it all falls apart for her, she is pulled into a world that she knows nothing about yet knows about her..... I cannot say more or I will say all!!!!
PICK THIS ONE UP!!!!!
I love a new find and this one fit the bill! The writing style is no holds bared and fast paced so it hooks you right in, I could not put it down! This is not a sappy typical vampire story it has a more real life feel to it.
Katelina has a pretty normal life until it all falls apart for her, she is pulled into a world that she knows nothing about yet knows about her..... I cannot say more or I will say all!!!!
PICK THIS ONE UP!!!!!
January 2, 2012
I almost did not read this book because of the cover ... I thought it was a youth book. Just goes to show that one should NOT judge a book by it's cover. I really really like this book. Katelina is a good character though a little slow on the uptake some times when it comes to the vampire world, but, you can't help but have hope for her. Jorick is great! He's so moody and shut down that you know there is some horrible secret he's hiding, you just want to shake his and hug his at the same time.
Very glad I read this book, I will read the rest of the series!
Very glad I read this book, I will read the rest of the series!
January 3, 2016
I wasn't fond of the first chapter lead in. It seemed disjointed. It left me with the feeling of being dumped in the middle of something. There is never any real attachment for Jorrick, no background to develop any feelings for him. Katelina is far to busy questioning herself and must be a bit daft not to leave after round one. Never got any strong feeling for her other than "you're kidding me right?". Gory. Some good writing and plot but just lacking the character development to keep me reading the second book.
April 29, 2016
omg! omg!! this book drew me in from the very beginning! kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it and I couldn't put it down!! literally read it in less than a day! I am so enthralled with the charecters Jorick and Katelina that I can't wait to see what the world has in store for them both now that things have changed!! so ready to start book 2 and will be doing that tonight!!!
August 28, 2016
Whoa, Nellie!
I really loved this book. I am definitely a romance lover, but this was more than that...it had more meat on its bones. It let me inside the characters' heads and helped me feel what they were feeling. It took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions; I found myself clenching my teeth, tensing up, and holding my breath while reading through it, and I wouldn't have it any other way. After this book, I binge-read the rest of the series. Trust me, you will, too!
I really loved this book. I am definitely a romance lover, but this was more than that...it had more meat on its bones. It let me inside the characters' heads and helped me feel what they were feeling. It took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions; I found myself clenching my teeth, tensing up, and holding my breath while reading through it, and I wouldn't have it any other way. After this book, I binge-read the rest of the series. Trust me, you will, too!
October 23, 2016
Could tell this was a first novel... A good editor would have snapped this thing in shape...
My biggest problem with it was that I felt like the peripheral characters were more interesting than the main characters, the story was good, the plot points moved it along at a decent pace. Some of the exposition felt forced and unnecessary as well...
I enjoyed it, but I am not sure I am going to chase down the next book in the series right away.
My biggest problem with it was that I felt like the peripheral characters were more interesting than the main characters, the story was good, the plot points moved it along at a decent pace. Some of the exposition felt forced and unnecessary as well...
I enjoyed it, but I am not sure I am going to chase down the next book in the series right away.
March 19, 2014
The storyline was very good However I felt very disconnected from Jorrick, for a master vamp, he seemed to lack alot of normal characteristics that are usually associated with that title, it made him difficult to like or dislike, I was indifferent. Something was missing overall but I can't put my finger on it. The author does write well though.
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