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Sweetblood #1.5
Hidden by Blood
Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy--Guardians who safeguard humanity and Darkbloods, rogues who will stop at nothing to satisfy their craving for the sweetest of human blood.Now, former Army Ranger Finn McKentry finds himself imprisoned as a blood slave, forced to submit to an enemy more powerful than any he's encountered before. Only Brenna Stewart, the woman he'd loved and lost, can set him free--but the secret she harbors might lead them down the most dangerous path of all...
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Laurie London
19 books614 followersThanks for finding me on Goodreads!
Running with the Werewolf, coming November 17, kicks off my brand new Darkaway Island series. It's a destination resort for monsters!
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Running with the Werewolf, coming November 17, kicks off my brand new Darkaway Island series. It's a destination resort for monsters!
Check out my website for more book info:
www.LaurieLondonBooks.com
Sign up for my new release newsletter and I'll send you a free book.
http://eepurl.com/rNTBL
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 30, 2018
3 stars.
Just catching up on a short novella between books 1 & 2 of the series. Interesting in that the Sweetblood in this case is a veteran soldier who has fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and survived only to be taken captive back home. I liked that Finn is still an alpha male even though he knew he's not a match to the vampires.
Just catching up on a short novella between books 1 & 2 of the series. Interesting in that the Sweetblood in this case is a veteran soldier who has fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and survived only to be taken captive back home. I liked that Finn is still an alpha male even though he knew he's not a match to the vampires.
June 3, 2011
This is a free download right now!!!
http://www.ebooks.eharlequin.com/BC60...
Hidden by Blood is a novella set right in between Bonded by Blood and Embraced by Blood.
With short stories it can be hard as a reader to find the love story believable and one of the things I liked best about Hidden by Blood is that it featured a couple who had split up. With them having a history, it not only made the relationship more believable, it gave a depth to the feelings.
Brenna had broken up with Finn because she was a vampire and he was a rare Sweetblood. She wasn't sure she could control herself around him. And for once, the woman felt she was protecting the man by breaking up with him for his own safety.
The Darkbloods who deal Sweet capture humans with that Sweet blood and drain them dry. If they’re smart, they might hold the humans hostage for a while, only taking a few vials every couple weeks or so. Unfortunately that’s what happened with Finn. For a few months.
Brenna was at a scholarship ceremony that was being held in a remote location. While wandering about looking for a spot where her phone would get service, she smelled Sweet. Following the scent, she found her ex, Finn, chained to a cot and half starved and beaten.
Saving him from the Darkbloods was just the beginning. He figured out she was a vampire pretty quickly (thank goodness he wasn’t completely oblivious!), but they still had a few more obstacles to overcome.
I liked seeing Dom again, and Lily is in here too. I love seeing a great human hero when we have a female vampire. Sometimes it’s too hard to make a good human male when the heroine is the stronger of the two. But Laurie’s hero was great (and Scottish! I’d take him in a heartbeat! Yum!)
My only complaint is that it was too short. Luckily Laurie has said we might be seeing more of this couple in future books! Here’s hoping!
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
Merged review:
This is a free download right now!!! go to eharlequin or barnes and noble
Hidden by Blood is a novella set right in between Bonded by Blood and Embraced by Blood.
With short stories it can be hard as a reader to find the love story believable and one of the things I liked best about Hidden by Blood is that it featured a couple who had split up. With them having a history, it not only made the relationship more believable, it gave a depth to the feelings.
Brenna had broken up with Finn because she was a vampire and he was a rare Sweetblood. She wasn't sure she could control herself around him. And for once, the woman felt she was protecting the man by breaking up with him for his own safety.
The Darkbloods who deal Sweet capture humans with that Sweet blood and drain them dry. If they’re smart, they might hold the humans hostage for a while, only taking a few vials every couple weeks or so. Unfortunately that’s what happened with Finn. For a few months.
Brenna was at a scholarship ceremony that was being held in a remote location. While wandering about looking for a spot where her phone would get service, she smelled Sweet. Following the scent, she found her ex, Finn, chained to a cot and half starved and beaten.
Saving him from the Darkbloods was just the beginning. He figured out she was a vampire pretty quickly (thank goodness he wasn’t completely oblivious!), but they still had a few more obstacles to overcome.
I liked seeing Dom again, and Lily is in here too. I love seeing a great human hero when we have a female vampire. Sometimes it’s too hard to make a good human male when the heroine is the stronger of the two. But Laurie’s hero was great (and Scottish! I’d take him in a heartbeat! Yum!)
My only complaint is that it was too short. Luckily Laurie has said we might be seeing more of this couple in future books! Here’s hoping!
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
http://www.ebooks.eharlequin.com/BC60...
Hidden by Blood is a novella set right in between Bonded by Blood and Embraced by Blood.
With short stories it can be hard as a reader to find the love story believable and one of the things I liked best about Hidden by Blood is that it featured a couple who had split up. With them having a history, it not only made the relationship more believable, it gave a depth to the feelings.
Brenna had broken up with Finn because she was a vampire and he was a rare Sweetblood. She wasn't sure she could control herself around him. And for once, the woman felt she was protecting the man by breaking up with him for his own safety.
The Darkbloods who deal Sweet capture humans with that Sweet blood and drain them dry. If they’re smart, they might hold the humans hostage for a while, only taking a few vials every couple weeks or so. Unfortunately that’s what happened with Finn. For a few months.
Brenna was at a scholarship ceremony that was being held in a remote location. While wandering about looking for a spot where her phone would get service, she smelled Sweet. Following the scent, she found her ex, Finn, chained to a cot and half starved and beaten.
Saving him from the Darkbloods was just the beginning. He figured out she was a vampire pretty quickly (thank goodness he wasn’t completely oblivious!), but they still had a few more obstacles to overcome.
I liked seeing Dom again, and Lily is in here too. I love seeing a great human hero when we have a female vampire. Sometimes it’s too hard to make a good human male when the heroine is the stronger of the two. But Laurie’s hero was great (and Scottish! I’d take him in a heartbeat! Yum!)
My only complaint is that it was too short. Luckily Laurie has said we might be seeing more of this couple in future books! Here’s hoping!
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
Merged review:
This is a free download right now!!! go to eharlequin or barnes and noble
Hidden by Blood is a novella set right in between Bonded by Blood and Embraced by Blood.
With short stories it can be hard as a reader to find the love story believable and one of the things I liked best about Hidden by Blood is that it featured a couple who had split up. With them having a history, it not only made the relationship more believable, it gave a depth to the feelings.
Brenna had broken up with Finn because she was a vampire and he was a rare Sweetblood. She wasn't sure she could control herself around him. And for once, the woman felt she was protecting the man by breaking up with him for his own safety.
The Darkbloods who deal Sweet capture humans with that Sweet blood and drain them dry. If they’re smart, they might hold the humans hostage for a while, only taking a few vials every couple weeks or so. Unfortunately that’s what happened with Finn. For a few months.
Brenna was at a scholarship ceremony that was being held in a remote location. While wandering about looking for a spot where her phone would get service, she smelled Sweet. Following the scent, she found her ex, Finn, chained to a cot and half starved and beaten.
Saving him from the Darkbloods was just the beginning. He figured out she was a vampire pretty quickly (thank goodness he wasn’t completely oblivious!), but they still had a few more obstacles to overcome.
I liked seeing Dom again, and Lily is in here too. I love seeing a great human hero when we have a female vampire. Sometimes it’s too hard to make a good human male when the heroine is the stronger of the two. But Laurie’s hero was great (and Scottish! I’d take him in a heartbeat! Yum!)
My only complaint is that it was too short. Luckily Laurie has said we might be seeing more of this couple in future books! Here’s hoping!
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
June 3, 2011
Finn is a Sweetblood... a human whose blood is intoxicating to vampires. He has been kidnapped and is being used as a blood slave, when his ex-girlfriend Brenna accidentally finds him, hidden in an old hunting cabin. Finn never knew it, but Brenna is a vampire and the entire reason she broke up with him is because she feared that she would one day hurt him. Now that he knows the truth, Finn is determined to make a future with her, despite the risk.
I can't say I loved this one. First of all, what are the chances that Finn's ex-girlfriend would accidentally stumble across his hidden little prison? Even if you could get past that, this is a guy who's been kidnapped, chained, and milked for blood. And he is instantly ok with Brenna being a vampire. He has no suspicions or fear; he just wants to jump her bones. And while I appreciate the fact there's a little nookie, it's not even super-steamy. Dom comes across as kind of douchy and Finn makes him change his mind in a nano-second. I know it's a short story, but it's all too easy. It just fell flat. 2 1/2 stars.
P.S. We were told 4 times that Brenna has flaxen hair. Would it kill you to just say blonde?
I can't say I loved this one. First of all, what are the chances that Finn's ex-girlfriend would accidentally stumble across his hidden little prison? Even if you could get past that, this is a guy who's been kidnapped, chained, and milked for blood. And he is instantly ok with Brenna being a vampire. He has no suspicions or fear; he just wants to jump her bones. And while I appreciate the fact there's a little nookie, it's not even super-steamy. Dom comes across as kind of douchy and Finn makes him change his mind in a nano-second. I know it's a short story, but it's all too easy. It just fell flat. 2 1/2 stars.
P.S. We were told 4 times that Brenna has flaxen hair. Would it kill you to just say blonde?
June 12, 2011
One thing about novella's I don't like is they are so short and the greedy person I am wants to know more about the characters than in just 50 or so pages. Like I said in my previous review of Laurie's debut book, Bonded by Blood I really enjoy her style of writing as well I hopelessly fell in love with the characters.
And Finn and Brenna was no exception though it was explained why they broke up wish we could have divulged more into their past. That being said Laurie did well in incorporating as much as she could in such short time. I only hope we can see more of these two in upcoming books.
The hot steamy scenes weren't disappointing and left me wanting more - see told you I was greedy. Overall this was a fast paced hot steamy read and if you are in need for a quick fix of some Sweetblood action before Embraced by Blood comes out June 21st(print and July 1st) this will tide you over until then.
And Finn and Brenna was no exception though it was explained why they broke up wish we could have divulged more into their past. That being said Laurie did well in incorporating as much as she could in such short time. I only hope we can see more of these two in upcoming books.
The hot steamy scenes weren't disappointing and left me wanting more - see told you I was greedy. Overall this was a fast paced hot steamy read and if you are in need for a quick fix of some Sweetblood action before Embraced by Blood comes out June 21st(print and July 1st) this will tide you over until then.
September 9, 2011
3.5 Stars
This was a fun little jaunt into the Sweetblood world. I enjoyed seeing some familiar characters and Laurie London is always smooth and vivid in her writing. Being only 50 some pages I wasn't able to connect with the main characters as much as I would of liked, though their relationship was heartfelt and made believable with them already having history together. I liked this novella quite a bit and hope to see more of this couple in future Sweetblood novels!
This was a fun little jaunt into the Sweetblood world. I enjoyed seeing some familiar characters and Laurie London is always smooth and vivid in her writing. Being only 50 some pages I wasn't able to connect with the main characters as much as I would of liked, though their relationship was heartfelt and made believable with them already having history together. I liked this novella quite a bit and hope to see more of this couple in future Sweetblood novels!
December 29, 2011
ara kitap için oldukça güzeldi. beklendiği gibi yüzeyseldi ama don ve lily'ninde katılımıyla sonu özellikle eğlenceliydi :=) seriin sevenlerinin okumasını tavsiye ederim.
April 8, 2024
3.75 stars
March 16, 2012
2012 reread 3/5 hotness rating
Brenna Stewart and Finn McKentry had been together for a while. As the relationship between them grew and Brenna realized she was falling for him, she knew that she needed to break it off. He was a Sweetblood and she knew that she probably couldn't trust herself around him forever. She had almost slipped already and she didn't want to put herself in a position to hurt Finn ever again. After she broke things off with him she thought that she had seen the last of him. She never dreamed that she would run into him again. Certainly not after a measly six months.
After returning from active duty as an Army Ranger, Finn had decided to start his own helicopter sightseeing business. Unfortunately, the business never really took flight *giggle* due to the fact that one of his first customers turned out to be a vampire. Once the vampire got a whiff of Finn's sweet blood it was all over him. Though he was one tough SOB at 6'5" and 240 pounds, he was no match for a vampire. Especially one that wanted him his blood slave.
Hidden by Blood is a pretty nifty addition to the Sweetblood series. I thought it was a great little novella to tide us Laurie London fans over till the next full length novel in the series is released. Watching Finn and Brenna reunite was wonderful. Their bond easily shown through despite the danger that they were in. One could feel the sparks between them almost from the moment that we see them together again. I thought it was awesome how Brenna came to Finn's rescue and he didn't feel emasculated by it. There was no he-man BS from him and that says a lot about his character.
Though Hidden by Blood is just a shorty - around 60 pages - I encourage you to give a try. It gives you a little peak into the Sweetblood world that will leave you wanting more!
Random Facts
This can be read as a stand alone.
There were cameo appearances from both Lily and Dom from book 1, Bonded by Blood in this.
Dom, who I really liked in his book, acted like an a$$ for the majority of the time that we see him in this.
Hidden takes place almost a year after Bonded.
Finn's reaction to the fact that condoms weren't needed was typical and hilarious!
This is the first book that I've ever read that mentioned e-readers. Way to keep up with the times Laurie!
Brenna Stewart and Finn McKentry had been together for a while. As the relationship between them grew and Brenna realized she was falling for him, she knew that she needed to break it off. He was a Sweetblood and she knew that she probably couldn't trust herself around him forever. She had almost slipped already and she didn't want to put herself in a position to hurt Finn ever again. After she broke things off with him she thought that she had seen the last of him. She never dreamed that she would run into him again. Certainly not after a measly six months.
After returning from active duty as an Army Ranger, Finn had decided to start his own helicopter sightseeing business. Unfortunately, the business never really took flight *giggle* due to the fact that one of his first customers turned out to be a vampire. Once the vampire got a whiff of Finn's sweet blood it was all over him. Though he was one tough SOB at 6'5" and 240 pounds, he was no match for a vampire. Especially one that wanted him his blood slave.
Hidden by Blood is a pretty nifty addition to the Sweetblood series. I thought it was a great little novella to tide us Laurie London fans over till the next full length novel in the series is released. Watching Finn and Brenna reunite was wonderful. Their bond easily shown through despite the danger that they were in. One could feel the sparks between them almost from the moment that we see them together again. I thought it was awesome how Brenna came to Finn's rescue and he didn't feel emasculated by it. There was no he-man BS from him and that says a lot about his character.
Though Hidden by Blood is just a shorty - around 60 pages - I encourage you to give a try. It gives you a little peak into the Sweetblood world that will leave you wanting more!
Random Facts
This can be read as a stand alone.
There were cameo appearances from both Lily and Dom from book 1, Bonded by Blood in this.
Dom, who I really liked in his book, acted like an a$$ for the majority of the time that we see him in this.
Hidden takes place almost a year after Bonded.
Finn's reaction to the fact that condoms weren't needed was typical and hilarious!
This is the first book that I've ever read that mentioned e-readers. Way to keep up with the times Laurie!
March 3, 2013
Posted At: N/A
Rating: 3 out of 5 *
Romance Rating: 3 out of 5 <3
I really liked Finn. He was a strong character without being overly superior had a personality to match. He found himself in a rather unbelievable situation, but rather than freak out over it, he fell back on his military training to survive— if you could call being a blood slave surviving. But when Brenda randomly shows up and sees his life, a determination he never shown before comes to the forefront. He would never let someone else get hurt if he could prevent it, even at the cost of his own life. And when he figures out Brennan’s little secret, not only does he handle it incredibly well for someone who was just a blood slave moments before; he accepts it like it’s nothing. That kind of bothered me. If I had been held captive as a blood slave and I discovered a particular secret--I’d be freaking the hell out. But his dedication and loyalty to her was beautiful. He lost her once. He was about this her again.
Brennan was a really good heroine, but I just didn’t connect to her. I like how she handled finding Finn as a blood slave and getting him to safety. She knew how dangerous it was, but she never once panicked, even at the risk of her secret getting out. She also knew the complications of a relationship between her and Finn, yet she never pushed him away. She accepted what she could have, knowing that they both be hurt in the end. She never liked him about that fact either. I guess I just found her a bit too accepting. It was like nothing between them really bothered her—except for the fact that she thought she would kill him. It seems like she almost didn’t even try to fight for him in the end. She knew it couldn’t work, so she didn’t bother to fight it. Personally, if you want something, you better be prepared to move heaven and earth to get it or you don’t deserve it.
This is a nice little snippet in between books. Enough to keep me coming back for more.
Rating: 3 out of 5 *
Romance Rating: 3 out of 5 <3
I really liked Finn. He was a strong character without being overly superior had a personality to match. He found himself in a rather unbelievable situation, but rather than freak out over it, he fell back on his military training to survive— if you could call being a blood slave surviving. But when Brenda randomly shows up and sees his life, a determination he never shown before comes to the forefront. He would never let someone else get hurt if he could prevent it, even at the cost of his own life. And when he figures out Brennan’s little secret, not only does he handle it incredibly well for someone who was just a blood slave moments before; he accepts it like it’s nothing. That kind of bothered me. If I had been held captive as a blood slave and I discovered a particular secret--I’d be freaking the hell out. But his dedication and loyalty to her was beautiful. He lost her once. He was about this her again.
Brennan was a really good heroine, but I just didn’t connect to her. I like how she handled finding Finn as a blood slave and getting him to safety. She knew how dangerous it was, but she never once panicked, even at the risk of her secret getting out. She also knew the complications of a relationship between her and Finn, yet she never pushed him away. She accepted what she could have, knowing that they both be hurt in the end. She never liked him about that fact either. I guess I just found her a bit too accepting. It was like nothing between them really bothered her—except for the fact that she thought she would kill him. It seems like she almost didn’t even try to fight for him in the end. She knew it couldn’t work, so she didn’t bother to fight it. Personally, if you want something, you better be prepared to move heaven and earth to get it or you don’t deserve it.
This is a nice little snippet in between books. Enough to keep me coming back for more.
June 5, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
What’s better than a free read? A free read that happens to be part of a series I called ‘supernatural sex on a stick.’ For a limited time, courtesy of publisher Harlequin, that’s exactly what you get from Laurie London’s Sweetblood novella HIDDEN BY BLOOD.
The basic premise of this series is that a fraction of the population has an irresistibly addictive blood type that vampires crave. One such sweetblood, Finn is captured and then rescued by his ex Brenna. We learn about their whirlwind romance (he picked her up in the produce section of the supermarket) through occasional well timed flashbacks that quickly invest the reader in their romance. After only the first few pages, I was already rooting for them. While this is a totally standalone read, I enjoyed a couple of cameos from my favorite characters from the first book.
A couple things keep me from enjoying this start as much as the debut, BONDED BY BLOOD. Some of the writing feels a bit stilted as London is trying to cram enough information about her very appealing Sweetblood world into a 60+ page novella. Occasionally a character would state a piece of information that would never naturally come up in conversation solely for the benefit of the reader and it pulled me out of the story every time. Also, a number of details were simply too convenient, but I chalk that up more to length limitations than anything else.
Overall, I loved revisiting this world and the super hot romance that I’m beginning to expect from London. HIDDEN BY BLOOD has more than whetted my appetite for more Sweetblood books, fortunately I won’t have to wait long since the next book in the series, EMBRACED BY BLOOD, will be published on June 21, 2011.
Sexual Content:
A semi graphic sex scene
What’s better than a free read? A free read that happens to be part of a series I called ‘supernatural sex on a stick.’ For a limited time, courtesy of publisher Harlequin, that’s exactly what you get from Laurie London’s Sweetblood novella HIDDEN BY BLOOD.
The basic premise of this series is that a fraction of the population has an irresistibly addictive blood type that vampires crave. One such sweetblood, Finn is captured and then rescued by his ex Brenna. We learn about their whirlwind romance (he picked her up in the produce section of the supermarket) through occasional well timed flashbacks that quickly invest the reader in their romance. After only the first few pages, I was already rooting for them. While this is a totally standalone read, I enjoyed a couple of cameos from my favorite characters from the first book.
A couple things keep me from enjoying this start as much as the debut, BONDED BY BLOOD. Some of the writing feels a bit stilted as London is trying to cram enough information about her very appealing Sweetblood world into a 60+ page novella. Occasionally a character would state a piece of information that would never naturally come up in conversation solely for the benefit of the reader and it pulled me out of the story every time. Also, a number of details were simply too convenient, but I chalk that up more to length limitations than anything else.
Overall, I loved revisiting this world and the super hot romance that I’m beginning to expect from London. HIDDEN BY BLOOD has more than whetted my appetite for more Sweetblood books, fortunately I won’t have to wait long since the next book in the series, EMBRACED BY BLOOD, will be published on June 21, 2011.
Sexual Content:
A semi graphic sex scene
June 8, 2011
This review was originally published on Vampire Book Club.
Hidden by Blood gives you a quick taste (har har) of the Sweetblood series. In the world crafted by Laurie London, some humans have blood vampires find remarkably irresistible. As you may have guessed, these people are called sweetbloods. There’s a faction of vampires who corral these types using them as blood slaves, and another faction out to protect humanity and, in general, stop those jerks.
That’s the world we step into with Hidden by Blood. We meet Finn, a former army ranger, who doesn’t know why he’s being held captive or where, but it’s damn painful. A creepy man comes in every few days to take his blood. He’s been trained for torturous situations, but this is different.
When Brenna discovers the guy she used to date has been taken captive as a blood slave, she hurries to free him. He doesn’t know about vampires, much less that she is one. And his sweetblood calls to her almost as much as his damn good looks.
Brenna will need to finally reveal who she is to Finn. This may result in a light love scene that’s totally sweet and a nice taste for the tone of the series. And, we promise, the end of this novella comes too quickly.
You may enjoy Hidden by Blood more if you’re already read Bonded by Blood (Sweetblood #1) and are already immersed in the world, but either way it’s a good taste of London’s stellar writing and a little something to sate your thirst while waiting on the next full-length Sweetblood novel Embraced by Blood.
Sexual content: Sex scene
Hidden by Blood gives you a quick taste (har har) of the Sweetblood series. In the world crafted by Laurie London, some humans have blood vampires find remarkably irresistible. As you may have guessed, these people are called sweetbloods. There’s a faction of vampires who corral these types using them as blood slaves, and another faction out to protect humanity and, in general, stop those jerks.
That’s the world we step into with Hidden by Blood. We meet Finn, a former army ranger, who doesn’t know why he’s being held captive or where, but it’s damn painful. A creepy man comes in every few days to take his blood. He’s been trained for torturous situations, but this is different.
When Brenna discovers the guy she used to date has been taken captive as a blood slave, she hurries to free him. He doesn’t know about vampires, much less that she is one. And his sweetblood calls to her almost as much as his damn good looks.
Brenna will need to finally reveal who she is to Finn. This may result in a light love scene that’s totally sweet and a nice taste for the tone of the series. And, we promise, the end of this novella comes too quickly.
You may enjoy Hidden by Blood more if you’re already read Bonded by Blood (Sweetblood #1) and are already immersed in the world, but either way it’s a good taste of London’s stellar writing and a little something to sate your thirst while waiting on the next full-length Sweetblood novel Embraced by Blood.
Sexual content: Sex scene
June 25, 2011
This wasn't a bad read, the book had potential but with more tweaks to the story it would have been a very good book. Even though it's a novella you still got what the story was about, but when I started reading, it grabbed my attention half way through the second chapter, after that it got my attention a bit and stayed till the end.
Finn was captured by a vampire and held captive, he was then rescued by Brenna who dated Finn a while back and who Finn didn't know was a vampire while they were dating. While rescuing Finn, he discovered that Bren is a vampire, Finn wasn't really upset, you would think after being kidnapped for blood by a vampire. After all that Finn and Bren figured out there relationship as human and vampire and moved on from there, that's basically it the sex was juicy though. As I said it's not bad but it isn't great, it was still an ok read and it's free for now on amazon.
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Finn was captured by a vampire and held captive, he was then rescued by Brenna who dated Finn a while back and who Finn didn't know was a vampire while they were dating. While rescuing Finn, he discovered that Bren is a vampire, Finn wasn't really upset, you would think after being kidnapped for blood by a vampire. After all that Finn and Bren figured out there relationship as human and vampire and moved on from there, that's basically it the sex was juicy though. As I said it's not bad but it isn't great, it was still an ok read and it's free for now on amazon.
*****************
Feel free to join my book group on Facebook (Romance Novel Junkies) and fan page ( Romance Novel Junkies Book Reviews). We have over 500 members, which includes well known and indie authors and avid readers as members who are apart of this group. We would love to hear about new books and thoughts. Also check out our kindle and ebook lending library. Twitter @romanceJUNKIES.
September 9, 2012
Setting: Seattle – a Westfallen estate, and the Guardian base of operation
Theme: love, good vs evil
Character:
Finn McKentry – ex special forces, helicopter pilot, own business to take people in his helicopter… has sweet blood, and has been kidnapped and restrained in a solitary room and is bled every 5-7 days for the two months.
Brenna Stewart – paramedic, wants to study to be a full doctor, a born vampire. Loved Finn for 6 months, but when she almost lost control (due to his sweet blood), she walked away rather than confide the truth. She is at the estate for a scholarship to go back to school.
Lilly McGraff – Guardian – next book?
Summary:
Brenna goes for fresh air… passes the horse barn, and catches Finn’s smell. She tracks him, and helps him to freedom. He is very weak, and they were attacked by one vampire… so she gives him some of his blood to strengthen him… Lilly picks them up and takes them to headquarters. Finn figures things out mostly for himself, though Lilly fills in the blanks. The plan is to take his memories… but Finn meets other humans at the complex, and he wants to be with Lilly – so he makes a stand, telling Lilly he loves her and wants to join and help them out… the Seattle Guardian head also has a sweetblood human wife, and gives Lily tips on how to handle it, after finally giving approval to take blood.
Memorable scenes:
Theme: love, good vs evil
Character:
Finn McKentry – ex special forces, helicopter pilot, own business to take people in his helicopter… has sweet blood, and has been kidnapped and restrained in a solitary room and is bled every 5-7 days for the two months.
Brenna Stewart – paramedic, wants to study to be a full doctor, a born vampire. Loved Finn for 6 months, but when she almost lost control (due to his sweet blood), she walked away rather than confide the truth. She is at the estate for a scholarship to go back to school.
Lilly McGraff – Guardian – next book?
Summary:
Brenna goes for fresh air… passes the horse barn, and catches Finn’s smell. She tracks him, and helps him to freedom. He is very weak, and they were attacked by one vampire… so she gives him some of his blood to strengthen him… Lilly picks them up and takes them to headquarters. Finn figures things out mostly for himself, though Lilly fills in the blanks. The plan is to take his memories… but Finn meets other humans at the complex, and he wants to be with Lilly – so he makes a stand, telling Lilly he loves her and wants to join and help them out… the Seattle Guardian head also has a sweetblood human wife, and gives Lily tips on how to handle it, after finally giving approval to take blood.
Memorable scenes:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2011
This review was posted at Under The Covers
Short and sweet. You HAVE to read this short story before moving on to book 2, even though is kind of unrelated, as it is the story of Finn and Brenna, Lily is Brenna's friend and this book gives you an idea of Lily's mental state prior to Embraced by Blood.
Now that being said... Brenna is a vampire. She has just received a scholarship to further her studies, only to realize that "someone" in her benefactors camp had kidnapped a very special person to her. Finn is a human, a sweetblood, and for a while Brenna was in a relationship with him until she was too scared she would take his blood and drain him. Except now she has to save him or the DarkBloods will kill him.
But what happens now that Finn's eyes have been opened to the world of vampires and the importance of his blood to them? Now that he knows he is, quite literally, a drug to them. He won't let Brenna keep him away any longer. He wants her back. She is the one for him. And he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to be with her.
Short and sweet. You HAVE to read this short story before moving on to book 2, even though is kind of unrelated, as it is the story of Finn and Brenna, Lily is Brenna's friend and this book gives you an idea of Lily's mental state prior to Embraced by Blood.
Now that being said... Brenna is a vampire. She has just received a scholarship to further her studies, only to realize that "someone" in her benefactors camp had kidnapped a very special person to her. Finn is a human, a sweetblood, and for a while Brenna was in a relationship with him until she was too scared she would take his blood and drain him. Except now she has to save him or the DarkBloods will kill him.
But what happens now that Finn's eyes have been opened to the world of vampires and the importance of his blood to them? Now that he knows he is, quite literally, a drug to them. He won't let Brenna keep him away any longer. He wants her back. She is the one for him. And he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to be with her.
December 28, 2011
This was an interesting vampire book. I am not a really into reading vampire book but this one was actually very good. It is not the average vampire book in my opinion. Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers. This book is 1.5 in a series of books. The series is Sweetblood.
This book starts out with Finn McKentry who has been kidnapped because he is a sweetblood. There are certain normal humans who have a blood that is sweet and addictive to vampires. Finn happens to be one of those people
Brenna Stewart is a vampire. She is at a formal banquet where she is being honored with an award to finish her medical degree to become a doctor. She is with her best friend Lily DeGraff. Lily is there to give Brenna courage and just support her.
After accepting the award Brenna starts walking around outside. She stumbles upon Finn. At one time Brenna and Finn were a couple before Brenna broke up with Finn.
While this is not the average vampire book it was very interesting. I hope to read this series in the future. The bunnies and I give this book 4-carrots.
This book starts out with Finn McKentry who has been kidnapped because he is a sweetblood. There are certain normal humans who have a blood that is sweet and addictive to vampires. Finn happens to be one of those people
Brenna Stewart is a vampire. She is at a formal banquet where she is being honored with an award to finish her medical degree to become a doctor. She is with her best friend Lily DeGraff. Lily is there to give Brenna courage and just support her.
After accepting the award Brenna starts walking around outside. She stumbles upon Finn. At one time Brenna and Finn were a couple before Brenna broke up with Finn.
While this is not the average vampire book it was very interesting. I hope to read this series in the future. The bunnies and I give this book 4-carrots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2016
The story takes place in the Northwest. There are two vampire coalitions, the Guardians protect humanity, and the Darkbloods prey on humans. Finn McKentry is imprisoned as a blood slave. Brenna Stewart is a woman he is in love with.
Brenna has been working as a vampire medic. Apparently the Guardians type of vampires had learned to live with very little human blood but took energy from sexual activities, letting them and humans live together fairly peacefully. Her father seems to have been a vampire. She had also been Finn's lover. He's what is called a 'sweetblood,' though. His blood is very attractive and special to vampires, so she broke off her relationship with him, afraid she would lose control around him some day.
She finds him where he's being held. Then the end up getting attacked and he finds out just how powerful silver is against vampires. He finds out Brenna is also a vampire. She's still in love with him, but being with her is dangerous due to his blood and its attraction to any vampire.
There's a good bit more that goes on. This is really a good vampire romance type of book and is the middle book in a trilogy.
Brenna has been working as a vampire medic. Apparently the Guardians type of vampires had learned to live with very little human blood but took energy from sexual activities, letting them and humans live together fairly peacefully. Her father seems to have been a vampire. She had also been Finn's lover. He's what is called a 'sweetblood,' though. His blood is very attractive and special to vampires, so she broke off her relationship with him, afraid she would lose control around him some day.
She finds him where he's being held. Then the end up getting attacked and he finds out just how powerful silver is against vampires. He finds out Brenna is also a vampire. She's still in love with him, but being with her is dangerous due to his blood and its attraction to any vampire.
There's a good bit more that goes on. This is really a good vampire romance type of book and is the middle book in a trilogy.
August 5, 2016
Intriguing, but short (almost the whole story takes place in an evening and a morning). There’s just enough plot and action to fill out the story with a nice romantic ending.
I did think it was a bit odd that Brenna was just allowed to wander around the estate without security checking her out. Especially because of secrets on the estate. And it’s amazing how whenever there’s a crisis the cell phone doesn’t work.
We see in the prologue that Finn, Brenna’s old boyfriend, is being held somewhere as a sweetblood slave.
Then two weeks later, the first two chapters take place at the Westfalen estate where Brenna Steward is receiving an award and scholarship towards her Medico training. Lily DeGraff is with her as moral support.
Then in chapter three and four, Brenna and Finn are on the run. There’s a nice fight scene.
Chapter’s five through seven are at Guardian headquarters as Finn is indoctrinated into the world of vampires
Fave scenes: the ax, apples and oranges and Finn standing up to Serrano.
I did think it was a bit odd that Brenna was just allowed to wander around the estate without security checking her out. Especially because of secrets on the estate. And it’s amazing how whenever there’s a crisis the cell phone doesn’t work.
We see in the prologue that Finn, Brenna’s old boyfriend, is being held somewhere as a sweetblood slave.
Then two weeks later, the first two chapters take place at the Westfalen estate where Brenna Steward is receiving an award and scholarship towards her Medico training. Lily DeGraff is with her as moral support.
Then in chapter three and four, Brenna and Finn are on the run. There’s a nice fight scene.
Chapter’s five through seven are at Guardian headquarters as Finn is indoctrinated into the world of vampires
Fave scenes: the ax, apples and oranges and Finn standing up to Serrano.
February 6, 2012
For a short story, this was pretty decent. In fact, I give it a better rating (3 1/2 stars) and liked it better than the first book (just barely 3 stars) of the series. In this short, we get strong characters with a history that is clearly explained and a situation that makes for a tense and quick moving plot line. We meet two new characters (they were not in the first book) and these two do meet up and interact with the characters we saw in book one so the tie in was nice as well. Oddly enough, the rules and myhtos of the story seemed to be better laid out in this short story than they were in book one - of course, since I have read book one maybe I just knew them better so wasn't as aware of the general lack of infromation I found in book one. I'm still not sold on the series as a whole though. I have several other books "calling" me at the moment so I think I'll set this series aside to try again at a future time.
February 27, 2023
This is a short story in the Sweetblood series about Brenna, who's a vampire, and Finn, who's a sweetblood. Although Finn and Brenna used to date, he's never known she was a vampire. But now he's being sucked into her world completely when he's capture for his blood.
I actually really liked this. I was surprised because I thought Bonded by Blood was just okay. But, it's been awhile since I've read that one.
I loved both Brenna and Finn, but especially Finn. He's sexy and strong and such a smartass. lol But he's fun. It was also kind of different to have the female as the vampire and the male as the human.
We also got some glimpses of Lily, who we met in Bonded by Blood and who's book is next. Her and Brenna are friends so she was in this a little bit.
Overall, this was good. I liked it better than Bonded by Blood and it's made me look forward to Embraced by Blood a little more.
I actually really liked this. I was surprised because I thought Bonded by Blood was just okay. But, it's been awhile since I've read that one.
I loved both Brenna and Finn, but especially Finn. He's sexy and strong and such a smartass. lol But he's fun. It was also kind of different to have the female as the vampire and the male as the human.
We also got some glimpses of Lily, who we met in Bonded by Blood and who's book is next. Her and Brenna are friends so she was in this a little bit.
Overall, this was good. I liked it better than Bonded by Blood and it's made me look forward to Embraced by Blood a little more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2011
Finn, a human, has been taken prisoner by a vampire; chained in a shack he is having his blood siphoned off every couple of days. Finn is a "sweetblood," a human whose blood is highly addictive to vampires. Mmm...a walking DQ...
Brenna, Finn's ex-girlfriend (and a vampire, unbeknown to him) is out at an estate receiving a scholarship for med school when she takes a breather outside and stumbles upon the shack where Finn is being held. Shocked (because blood slaves are highly illegal now), she helps free him and then saves his life when they are attacked.
From there on it is pretty much Finn and Brenna reconciling their differences and how they can be together when humans aren't supposed to be let into the vampire world.
Brenna, Finn's ex-girlfriend (and a vampire, unbeknown to him) is out at an estate receiving a scholarship for med school when she takes a breather outside and stumbles upon the shack where Finn is being held. Shocked (because blood slaves are highly illegal now), she helps free him and then saves his life when they are attacked.
From there on it is pretty much Finn and Brenna reconciling their differences and how they can be together when humans aren't supposed to be let into the vampire world.
July 13, 2012
The follow up novella to the first SweetBlood novel was not as interesting as the first. Typically, I think of novellas as seperate but they should add information to the series or expand on a character's development. Now I know Lily's book is next but it was already established at the end of the first book that she and Alonso weren't seeing each other anymore based on his refusal and she was heartbroken so I don't think the novella was necessary to restate that. While I liked Finn and Brenna I found their story somewhat lacking. Now if they end up becoming integral characters in the upcoming novel then maybe I'll change my rating but their story as a standalone solely didn't do much for me.
December 28, 2011
What it is about: ”Former Army Ranger Finn McKentry finds himself imprisoned as a blood slave, forced to submit to an enemy more powerful than any he's encountered before. Only Brenna Stewart, the woman he'd loved and lost, can set him free--but the secret she harbors might lead them down the most dangerous path of all.”
My thoughts: The book was interesting and steamy. It takes from several vampires known factors and added some new facts. This novella is part of a series and gives you an idea of what to wait for in the next group of books. It is a quick read for those vampire adult lovers since it is an erotic romance book.
* Synopsis taken from Amazon
My thoughts: The book was interesting and steamy. It takes from several vampires known factors and added some new facts. This novella is part of a series and gives you an idea of what to wait for in the next group of books. It is a quick read for those vampire adult lovers since it is an erotic romance book.
* Synopsis taken from Amazon
June 2, 2011
I quick little novella that dropped us back into the Sweetblood world- complete with blood slaves and unrequited love. Or formerly unrequited love. Or "Brenna left Finn because she was afraid she'd hurt him in the throes of passion" love. Yeah, that sums it up nicely.
I liked seeing the characters from book 1 again (Dominic's such the sexy beast!) and getting back into their heads. A nice follow-up and a fun way to get reaquainted with the Guardians and the Sweetbloods they protect.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
I liked seeing the characters from book 1 again (Dominic's such the sexy beast!) and getting back into their heads. A nice follow-up and a fun way to get reaquainted with the Guardians and the Sweetbloods they protect.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 17, 2011
I downloaded this for free—and you can never go wrong with free!
I found this to be a very good short read. I read it in less than an hour. It was interesting introduction into the vampire world. A lot was explained about vampire history/culture and it wasn’t cumbersome to follow. The story is sexy and made me wish Bren and Finn’s story was longer; because of the length, it felt a bit rushed—especially the end. I look forward to reading more books from Laurie London. I definitely will read Lily’s story.
I found this to be a very good short read. I read it in less than an hour. It was interesting introduction into the vampire world. A lot was explained about vampire history/culture and it wasn’t cumbersome to follow. The story is sexy and made me wish Bren and Finn’s story was longer; because of the length, it felt a bit rushed—especially the end. I look forward to reading more books from Laurie London. I definitely will read Lily’s story.
October 24, 2011
Still liking this series in a big way. While not a fan of most novella's this one is a keeper. The story kept my interest and moved so fast - WHAM, it was over and I was left wanting more. Great author. Brenna and Finn's story, while short was still good, jumping in quick with the action and had them rekindling a prior relationship. Nice to have something to tide me over and that ties in with the next bk Embraced by Blood. Loved Irish Finn. Even though he's human he's still alpha enough to stand up to vamp Dom and hold is own. What a guy!
July 24, 2011
Just a short 57 page story. It seems there are some other full books about the Sweetbloods, humans with a sweet blood that is addictive to vampires.
Finn is held prisoner by a vampire who takes takes his blood through his arm and into viles.
Brenna use to date Finn until one night she almost bites him and she broke up with him.
She finds him in the cabin chained up and rescues him and he refuses to let her go this time, even after he finds out the truth that she is also a vampire.
Finn is held prisoner by a vampire who takes takes his blood through his arm and into viles.
Brenna use to date Finn until one night she almost bites him and she broke up with him.
She finds him in the cabin chained up and rescues him and he refuses to let her go this time, even after he finds out the truth that she is also a vampire.
August 12, 2011
Even though this is a Novella, Laurie got everything packed in here. At only 57 pages, I didn't feel rushed. I thought it went at a even pace.
I thought this was a good addition to the Sweetblood Series. You get to see a little further into the lives of other vampires in the community and how they struggle to stay away from the Sweet, even though it may be tempting.
This was a very good short story. I think anyone who likes the Sweetblood Series will like this novella.
I thought this was a good addition to the Sweetblood Series. You get to see a little further into the lives of other vampires in the community and how they struggle to stay away from the Sweet, even though it may be tempting.
This was a very good short story. I think anyone who likes the Sweetblood Series will like this novella.
June 14, 2011
Really short & sweet story that, for me, helped solidify this series as a fav new read. Not only did we get to learn about Brenna & Finn, who were so cute together, but we also get a glimpse of Lily, whom I loved in the first book. Dom also makes an appearance towards the end. This is a definite must read for the series!
July 13, 2011
Short story - Free download
A nice enjoyable distraction on a rainy afternoon.
Finn is an interesting character. Handsome, hunky, ex-military. Loved how he absolutely adored Brenna.
The vampire lore in this series is also intriguing.
I think I'll be looking at other books in this series.
A nice enjoyable distraction on a rainy afternoon.
Finn is an interesting character. Handsome, hunky, ex-military. Loved how he absolutely adored Brenna.
The vampire lore in this series is also intriguing.
I think I'll be looking at other books in this series.
August 17, 2011
I grabbed this novella as a free kindle download after seeing a tweet about it.
Despite the terrible cover (it's really bad!) I really enjoyed the story. The world building was quickly established without an info dump and I liked the relationship between the two main characters.
I will definitely be checking out more books by this author!
Despite the terrible cover (it's really bad!) I really enjoyed the story. The world building was quickly established without an info dump and I liked the relationship between the two main characters.
I will definitely be checking out more books by this author!
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