Lord of the Vampires

Quickie Review-May Contain Spoilers-Read at Your Own Risk

Lord of the Vampires is the first book of the series. When I read Nalini Singh's installment of the series I was really intrigued and wanted to read the siblings books and I picked this one up and it was utterly delightful. I had so much fun with Nicolai and Jane's book and it was completely different from what I expected it to be. Seeing how this story actually ends for the siblings (very happily) I was definitely eager to read this one. It does end with a bit of a teaser, probably so the reader will read the series to see the finale that is in Micah's book.

I really enjoyed how this book progressed and it was so unique and fun. I loved how these two work together and find their show more way as a team. It had a very much feel of couple against the world type of vibe and the level of trust that these two have for each other was so brilliant. I also enjoyed the heroine being brought into the fantastical reality of sorts. I found the premise of the story intrigued and it does have a mind of Wonderland vibes in this one. Not a strict retellings, just some loose connections that I think readers will enjoy.

If you are a fan of this author, or just want a great paranormal fantasy like story to read that is a good palette cleanser, I highly recommend this one here. Its packed with adventure, romance, kick ass fighting and delicious spice that balances out the story so well. show less

My god this was so cheesy and clichéed, I have difficulty believing anyone genuinely, unironically wrote this.
I have the itch to go down on this hard and rip it apart going through the huge number of problems of this book. But I am quite certain this would be a vain effort because the target audience of this won't give a single shit about any of it.
If you are here for dirty talk and declarations of love so cheesy it will make your toenails curl, over-the-top pining, and caveman smut you found the right book.

Lord of the Vampires (Royal House of Shadows #1)
By: Gena Showalter
ISBN: 9780373618668
Published August 23, 2011 by Harlequin
Available Format: Hardcover, Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Caution: This book contains adult themes, violence, and a little gore. For mature readers only!

When the Blood Sorcerer ravages the kingdom of Elden, the dying king and queen cast final spells for their children—the queen scatters them for safety while the king plants a need for vengeance in each heart. The siblings are connected only by a magical timepiece, and the time for vengeance is upon them.

Nicolai is a strong, capable, extremely sexy vampire who somehow becomes a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina. The queen and her bratty witch show more daughters use and abuse Nicolai in unimaginable ways. In his attempt to finally gain freedom and recover his memory, he lures Jane Parker into his world. Summoned by Nicolai, Jane must obey, and she quickly finds herself mesmerized by Nicolai’s dark power. There is more to the story of Jane and Nicolai than even they realize, and as the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, Jane realizes she might still lose the man she desires and loves above all others.

Wow, this book is sizzling! I received Lord of the Vampires from NetGalley, and this is my first dive into Gena Showalter’s writing (I have several of her books on my to-read list). She most certainly can write—deep, edgy characters, heart-thumping action, and lots of steamy sex scenes; it’s enough to get a girl all hot and bothered! What I really loved about this book, however, is that while there is a lot of passion involved, there is a solid underlying story as well. All the layers of the plot work perfectly together to accentuate rather than distract from the storyline.

There are fairy tale undertones to the story which I enjoyed very much. Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella… It was very interesting to discover those little bits and pieces as we moved along, but this book is very much its own story. Nicolai is one of the most interesting male characters I have read about, and I loved that Jane had this history with the supernatural even in the real world. Of course, we’re left with some unanswered questions and a dose of suspense, so I am anxious to see the next installment of the series to see where these two lovers go from here! show less

Requested from NetGalley by me
Overall Rating 3.25
Story Rating 3.00
Character Rating 3.50

NOTE: I love Gena Showalter's writing style and her books. To quote a friend of mine, "they can't all be your favorites".

What I Loved: Whatever disconnect I felt from the story, that was not missing in the couple of Nicolai and "his" Jane. In fact, I think I melted a little every time he called her "mine". There was some sizzling hot chemistry between them. As their love story unfolded, I never felt like it was rushed or forced. Gena Showalter knows how to write couples!

What I Liked: I liked when we learned about Nicolai's family. I can't say much more about that because of spoilers. However, I can't wait to read his sibling's stories.

Complaints: I show more don't have a specific complaint about the story, it was ok. I just never felt that "punch" that makes you fall in love. I did feel the pacing was excellent and all plot questions were answered. I wish I knew what just wasn't there for me but I don't have a clue.

Why I gave it a 3.25: The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts and I enjoyed reading their story. I will be continuing this series. show less

The Blood Sorcerer on his quest to rule Elden slaughter’s the ruling family but what he didn’t count on was the power of a parents love. Using his last breath, the king filled his children with an unbreakable need for vengeance and the queen uses her power to send them all away to different kingdoms with one link to the Royal House of Elden, a timepiece.

In the first installment of the Royal House of Shadows we are introduced to Nicolai, the Dark Seducer and crown prince. He has been kept in a cage and has been the toy for the witches Princess Odette and Princess Laila and used as much magic as possible to try to bring his salvation over. Nicolai has no idea who he is, only that he will have his vengeance on his tormentors.

Jane show more Parker has just recently learned to walk after a horrific car accident that claimed her parents and ruined her life. Jane hasn’t felt arousal in over eleven months and worries that she never will. She discovers a leather-bound book resting on her doorstep and her inquisitive nature leads her to opening the mysterious book. After reading aloud from the text she is transported into Nicolai’s world. A world that isn’t foreign to her. Jane knows all about vampires and other realms. She has worked in the fringe science area and has studied these creatures of “myth” and “legend.” She will also find out that this isn’t the first time she has been here.

Together Jane and Nicolai are unstoppable; working together to figure out the puzzle of who they both are and whether they can co-exist in the same realm. Jane’s character is strong and intellectual. She may not have magic like Nicolai but she does have heart. The mere fact that she feels something when she is around Nicolai proves that she is not dead. Nicolai is all about the vengeance but something about Jane leads him to claim her as “his” and protect her.

Lord of the Vampires is a sexy thrilling read leaving you breathless at times. There were moments that I was confused because of Nicolai’s teleporting abilities. We are also introduced to a few other members of the family as Nicolai’s memory returns and he flashes back to his childhood. Fantastic read for paranormal romance readers. show less

I need a new Kindle. Why you ask. Because Gena Showalter scorched mine with Lord of the Vampires! This steamy romance is filled with drama and heart pounding action. This book is HOT! Gena Showalter has written a superbly intoxicating novel that will have you either not daring to breathe or unable to breathe. Prepare properly for reading this book. Disconnected the phone, put a do not disturb sign on the door; grab your favorite decadent food and a bottle of chilled favorite beverage. You will be drawn into Delfina, you will become Jane Parker and you will be romanced by Nicolai. Come and let Harlequin Nocturne seduce you with a new series!

281 pages of addicting action! Be it action or action, if you catch my drift. Yes, I'm saying this book has some serious sexual tension and which makes for hot scenes later on, not for prudes trust me. So, let's get into the story!

Nicolai has been held captive in the castle of Queen of Hearts, used as a slave by the queen's daughters, he has no memory but a sense of vengeance like no other, he has to kill someone but who? What little he knows is he's a vampire and someone is blocking him from using magic to free himself. But as he finds himself able to tap into little magic he summons help.

In the normal world Jane is recovering from a car accident, just having learned to walk again her life is constructed of mourning the loss of her show more family and keeping up the sad routine of her life when a book waits on the footsteps of her cabin as she comes home one day, unable to stop reading it she dreams of the man in the book, Nicolai. Falling asleep in her bed, she wakes up in a castle being called a princess.

Luckily Jane isn't a dumb girl, when she used to work, before the accident, she studies fringe science, quantum physics, so teleportation and dimensional travel aren't foreign concepts - but that said experiencing it is different! Having a cool analytical head on her shoulders saves her from panic and a hissy fit, and soon she discovers that the book she read before falling asleep is now her reality, and coming face-to-face with Nicolai awakes desires she never knew existed before this. And having Nicolai practically hunt and stalk her makes her knees wobble. But then again there is the trouble of a different dimension and the fact that Nicolai is chained and held captive with no memory of who he is. What can Jane do?

Oh I loved this book! I'm fully addicted and must immediately get my paws on the following 3 books!

Nicolai is wonderful, just the kind of hero you want, an insanely powerful vampire bound from his magic, tall, strong and deeply obsessed with having his heroine no matter what. That type of lust and graving is just Delicious to read! Jane is damaged and doesn't think too highly of herself until Nicolai shows her just how much there is still to appreciate even if you have a scarred body and your just too thin after your hospital stay.
You want these two to make it through their trouble and be together forever... you root for them from the first chapter on.

There were parts that had me giggling, little embarrassed but somehow it worked - Nicolai when his scary temper flares turns to a beast, not civilized at all, and the way he speak become very clipped - almost as if he doesn't realize what comes out of his mouth and his thoughts are just blurted out. It's almost like his emotions become too much to handle and he looses his ability to be eloguent. Heh! It's actually fun to read! (see the quote above and below)

[quote] He snarled a sound of pure menace, his scary animal nature racing back to the forefront. "Mine." He stopped just in front of them, daring them to act.

This was so good I want to go and read it again even though I just finished it! ;)

From: http://niinas-reading-and-reviewing.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-lord-of-vampires... show less