SheLove2Read
2,998 reviews195 followers
Too many gaps in the story, and missing words/misspellings, for me to finish this. At 60%, when they FINALLY commit to each other, it's a sappy letdown. DNF
- 2019
Becca
173 reviews2 followers
I like it! 4.5 stars! Storyline is good and kept me drawn in the whole time. Lucian and Dana are great together. Him the leader of the Shadows and her a detective with CPD going to make a great team together! My only complaints are that it’s short.... I wish it was longer! I love long books! And I wish there was more details about the bloodlines. We got a small glimpse at it, but whose to say there won’t be more about that in later series! A lot of love able characters and I can’t wait to see what the next one has in store! Happy reading🖤🖤
Coco.V
50k reviews73 followers
Want to read
June 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/27/2019)! 🎁
- freebie
Amy
1,226 reviews31 followers
I liked it, but yet it didn't hold my interest the entire time. I started to skim after 50%. It wasn't hard to figure out who the Monster of Chicago was. I say let the vamps run Chicago - maybe they can clean it up better than humans. Dana is a cop, she gets the drop on some vampire activity and needs to let the vamps know. Only the vamps and humans don't get along, unless the vamps are using the human's for blood. Sneaking in she looks for the Shadow who is going to get whacked. Once she relays the message, she follows the guy who took it and realizes that he's the Shadow. From there they go on a quest to find the Monster, save the vamps, and win over Chicago. I wasn't impressed with Lucian or Dana. Lucian fell flat for me as a vamp. He was moody, he hand fangs, and he drank blood. But there was nothing about him that made me what him to bite me and be his soulmate. Neal on the other hand. I can't wait to read his story and he only had a small blurb in this story!! Dana is your stereo typical cop. Lives at the station, has no friends but the people she works with. Always working. I've seen and read enough of these characters. Even her bond to Lucian seemed odd to me. Usually when there is a bond, the further away they get they hurt more and more. Dana hurt, but she was so focused on her case that her pain was secondary. To me that should have been the forefront of her problems.
Tracy Daniels
63 reviews
Huge plothole Dana was attacked by a vampire and the wound from his claws is so bad that she almost bleeds to death. Lucian rushes her to the sanctuary's medical center where the doctor gives her a blood transfusion. The plothole is that she is all better the next day and she attends a elite party in a fancy dress less then 12 hours later (the exact timeline is not clear thoughout the whole book.) Shouldn't she still be in a medical bed hooked up to a IV and monitored. Even if she is doing well enough to leave the medical center she should still be heavily bandaged for a few weeks. Also: Does Dana ever sleep? Shower? Eat? She is human after all.....
Kei
791 reviews14 followers
I almost thought this could be an interesting enough premise—detective working with vampire equivalent to catch a vampire serial killer-but...
1. Very, very bad writing. Heavy and dry, with a ridiculous amount of grammar mistakes and typos.
2. Insta-soulmates on steroids. With the 'denial angst' on top.
3. Character pov that are impossible to take seriously. Starting with the main character who sounded like a clueless teenager trying to pretend to be a 'cop' and ending with the 'serial killer' that was the worst example of catoon-ish villain you can imagine.
4. Did I mention the terrible writing?
- never-again 英語-english
Dena
4,231 reviews12 followers
A intense storyline This is a wonderful story. I liked that she was brave and conquered her fears. She made a great heroine and I admired her throughout the story. I wish the story itself was a little more detailed though. I felt that I didn’t really understand vampire hierarchy. It was a little frustrating to keep up with their politics and how they worked for a lack of a better term. Overall the characters are what made the story worked and I really liked it.
Esther
108 reviews1 follower
Wow! 😱 What did I just read? The action is fantastic, romance is wow! And the suspense around the villain is alluring. The mate bond between Lucian and Dana is so strong ah!, Great work L.J. Red👍👍👍 Next!!
ReadToBreathe
859 reviews29 followers
2.5 Stars
Unnecessary drama and lack of cooperation between the hero and heroine.
Melody Hillier
1,151 reviews5 followers
a vampire romance suspense story with a ton of great characters and a great plot that pulls you in right from the start, great action and emotion, as well as plenty of steam. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dana is a chicago police detective working on one of the worse serial killer cases of the decade, too bad the main suspect is a vampire. In the process of looking for clues she ends up sneaking into the Sanctuary where she ends up posing as one of the servants.
Theresa
3,492 reviews
For all of the sexual chemistry and anticipaion, the actual sex was a huge let down.
Kristy
1,280 reviews6 followers
First book in a brand new series about Vampires there no longer hiding in the night underground there a part of human society some people worship them others think there nothing but monsters Thats what Dana thinks too she's on the cass of a Vampire thats called the Chicago Monster as a detective she will do whatever she has too as long as she catches the killer. While looking for clues to the case her and her police partner Brigid end up at and abandoned warehouse will there Dana over hears two vamps plotting the assassination of another Vampire called the shadow Dana has to do the write thing and warn him but it wont be easy Sanctuary dosen't allow just anyone in. Lucien is the leader of the Shadows he is in charge of making sure that all vampire's stay in line he's been brought to the city by his friend Aaron there have been several murders by a rogue vampire he should have been told immediately about the murders but someone is trying to keep Lucien from the truth and the evidence there even willing to kill him to keep there plans secret then Dana enters the picture warning him. These to are drawn too each other the pull is undeniable there soul mates but there enemy is not done yet even if the killer is found there enemy wants a return to the old ways all bloodlines killing each other till only one remains can Dana and Lucien catch the killer and un mask there enemy. I am supper excited about this series so far its really well told lots of tension and drama lots of enemies. I will definitely check out the other books. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book by Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Brandy
22 reviews
The main character, Dana, is a Chicago police detective. The book takes place a couple years after vampires have gone public, and opens on a suspense/action scene while investigating a series of brutal murders, likely by vampire. I like that she actually pauses to think about her options like a rational person would, instead of mindlessly charging in. Dana overhears a plot to assassinate one of the Shadows (the vampire version of police). She hates vampires, but because the target is essentially police, she feels obliged to warn him. Bureaucratic red tape and inefficiencies force her to sneak into the vampire sanctuary to deliver her warning in person. Through a series of events, Dana and the Shadow (Lucien) wind up working together, with chemistry galore. I like how the author made them both strong; he may pull the protective alpha act, but she’s smart and capable, not the weak damsel in need of constant rescue (although she’s smart enough to recognize when she’s outclassed). There’s the usual plot device of one of them pushing the other away for Noble Reasons, and unlike many of these plots, she doesn’t fall to pieces. There’s a HEA, with plenty other interesting characters just begging for their own stories, and a solid hint at the next couple (although I want it to be Brigit & Talon...hopefully they’ll be the 3rd book).
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
SBee Reviews
2,463 reviews77 followers
★ Duty first then a change of heart ★ —>>> Chicago PD Dana Lewis is in the middle of chasing down a lead to the Monster of Chicago, responsible for a series of brutal murders, twelve in the last six months, and it points to vampires, a race of beings she is not in favor of ever since their existence was revealed to humans two years ago. Overhearing a plot to assassinate an unnamed shadow at the location instead, their elite-warrior vampire version of police, she heads to Sanctuary, a huge complex owned by vampires, to warn them because she was not going to let yet another die on her watch if she could help it, vampire or human. The leader of the Shadows, Lucian, feels a pull towards this resourceful woman and elects to keeps her safe at Sanctuary while he investigates the information, which has far-reaching implications in vampire society if it were true. Unraveling the identity of the killer as well as those behind trying to rid Lucian and his fellow Shadows’ role in vampire society will become on of their greatest challenges and will either pull them together and acknowledge their mate-bonding fate or push them apart forever. Dana’s bias against vampires being evil creatures slowly seeps away as does Lucian’s realization that the mate bond is not a myth, hopefully not too late. Enjoyed reading Neal and May’s first meeting as well, in this installment, as I had read their story first and was able to appreciate the atmosphere of the Conclave in their storyline.
Nina Campbell
756 reviews5 followers
Vampire Mate by L. J. Red is one of the best vampire books I’ve read. This book builds a picture of a contemporary society where vampires are no longer a myth but part of the world. This story focuses on a human detective named Dana as she is trying to solve a case involving a criminal vampire named the Monster of Chicago who is slaughtering innocent human women in the city of Chicago. Dana’s introduction into vampire society becomes intense when she attempts to save the shadows who are the vampire society’s police. This story has everything that I want in a great vampire book: mystery, intrigue, vampire and human politics, wonderful characters, a contemporary vampire society, and a love between a human and vampire that is hot enough to burn up the pages that ends with a happy ever after ending. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great vampire love story. Vampire Mate is a compelling saga full of intrigue, mystery, desire, and love.
Anne Harris
3,125 reviews22 followers
This is got to be one of the best vampire books I’ve ever read. Dana is a Chicago cop trying to find the killer that has taken so many lives. They know it’s a vampire but just have got no clues on to whoever years. she overhears two vampires talking about a trap that is set to kill the shadow. The shadow is a vampire who is at the sanctuary but that is all she knows and as a cop she feels it is her place to go and tell him The Shadows are the enforcers of vampire law they have no alliances with anyone other than the bloodline but they are not biased. When Lucien and meet Dana he doesn’t understand the feelings he has about her or the connection he feels but when she is in danger everything pales into significance Other than keeping her alive. But first he must find out who wants to kill him. And the killer that they are calling Monster of Chicago. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Caroline Doig
5,418 reviews47 followers
This is one of the best vampire stories I’ve read in a long time, L.J. Red is a new author to me and I will be looking out for more from this author. There is a serial killer on the loose in Chicago who has been named the Monster of Chicago. Dana is a detective who is on the case she knows that the killer is a vampire, she stumbles on to the knowledge that the vampire plans to assassinate a shadow called Lucien. Lucien is the has of the shadows in Chicago and when Dana tells him that there is going to be an attempt on his life Lucien knows that when his heart started beating it’s beating for his bloodmate Dana. Amazing story it’s a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
Laura
211 reviews2 followers
Definitely recommend!!! I really enjoyed this book! I have to admit, this is the first book I've read by L.J. Red and I'm definitely going to be reading the next book in this series. I loved the storyline, Lucian, Dana, the Shadows and May. I'm a HUGE fan of the paranormal genre and especially reading about vampires, which is why this book caught my attention. I liked Dana immediately because of her dedication to being a police officer/detective and just being a strong independent woman. I don't want to give away any spoilers for anyone who hasn't read this book yet so I'll just say that if you love vampires and a kick ass heroine, you're going to LOVE Vampire Mate:Bloodline Warriors: Shadow! I know I did!!
JodyL
1,644 reviews5 followers
CSI/Buffy lovers need to try this ! For all those people who like detective shows as well as shows like Buffy, you will adore this book.
Dana is a detective trying to track down a vampire who is killing humans. When she goes to warn one of the "Shadows" (the vampire police) about an ambush, she meets Lucian.
As they work together to find the killer, the whole political scene of the vampires is falling apart. When they figure out that Dana is Lucian's soul mate things start to heat up.
One of the clans is protecting the murderer. But which one is it and why?
I was so absorbed in this book that I pretty much read it non-stop. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!
Darcy
1,518 reviews8 followers
I love uncomplicated paranormal fantasy books. There are times when I want a simple to read book about shifters or vampires without a lot of world building. Vampire Mate is such a book. It does take the time to explain Bloodlines and Shadows, but it's pretty basic. I also loved the romance between Lucian, a Shadow, and Dana, a human cop, as they work together to find the fledgling serial killer vampire killing humans. Or is it a serial killer? There is suspense, plenty of fight scenes and the threat to their new, unusual relationship. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harlequin Madness
807 reviews19 followers
What a great start to a very interesting series. The overarching story is not only intriguing, it’s also suspenseful. I loved trying to figure out the culprit. I thoroughly enjoyed the building of the relationship between Lucien and Dana. While there was a bit of push/pull, it wasn’t annoying. There were some editing issues, but not enough to be distracting. And a few plot holes . . . Lucien ponders the fact that he hasn’t fed in a month, but he had just fed from Dana a few nights prior. Then another few chapters later he thinks about when he drank from her. The final chapter lays the foundation for the next book, and I can’t wait to read it.
- vampire
Helena#bookdreamer
1,203 reviews9 followers
Good beginning Pretty decent vampire romance novel. Dani is a cop determined to bring down the vampires that are plotting to kill other good vampires.with the help of Luciano they bring down this dangerous gang. I thought the author did a good job providing the premises for the next book and created a credible world where vampires ruled alongside humans.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the chemistry between Dani and Luciano.it was too practiced and easy .I prefer more angst and relationship building.
Debbie Caswell
6,407 reviews27 followers
A great easy to read story that kept me entertained it was a pleasure to read this book Dana is a detective and she needs to track down a serial killer who is terrorising Chicago Lucian is the leader of the Shadows and elite vampire force who track down rogue vampires Yes the serial killer is a vampire When Dana hears of a plan to assassinate Lucian she warns him As they worlds entwine she is drawn into his seductive world and he who has never believed in soulmates has finally realised that she is his and that he will do whatever he need to possess her.
Debra
6,577 reviews36 followers
Oh the excitement I felt when reading this book! It is FANTASTIC! It is fast pace, action packed, and very interesting; the plot is well developed and consistent. The chemistry between Lucian and Dana is off the charts. It is quite the page turner, easily read in one sitting, it will draw you in from the first page, and never let go until the end. I finished the story wanting more. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mary Burgess
1,193 reviews3 followers
This is book one in the Bloodline Warriors:Shadow Series and is an extremely good read. This author has introduced some different approaches to the clan and hierarchy organization. Dana, a policewomen, and Lucian, a Shadow who is the enforcer of vampire laws, certainly have a difficult journey through murder, attacks, poisonings, threats, deceit, and a truly wonderful and hot romance story to hopefully find their HEA. Very good story and extremely well defined and portrayed characters. Good read! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nadia Stephens
307 reviews
Vampire Mate by L. J. Red is a love-hate relationship between Dana and Lucian with a happily ever after. This would be a great read for anyone that loves to read mysteries full of action with some twists and turns. It is best to read the books in order of the series for a better understanding of what is going on but not necessary. I enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to reading the next book in the series again before I read the third book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
P
1,070 reviews
An enjoyable story/looking forward to more in this series! This is so good. The storyline has a fast pace, and the tension kept me glued to the story with murder/danger, mystery, soulmates, etc. I really liked Dana and Lucien, as well as the supporting characters. The flow is overall good, but it got a bit wooden a few times - it didn’t detract from the story, but it felt jarring. Dana and Lucien get their HEA, but there lots of trouble ahead in the vampire world. I look forward to reading more of this series!
Wolf_Jade
80 reviews
An enjoyable vampire read An enjoyable vampire read. The story, world and characters were well written. I liked Dana and Lucian. The romance was very fast, as usual for these types of books, and realising they were soul mates, breaking apart and changing. The book also written from at least seven different characters perspectives - Dana, Lucian, Brigit, May, Neal and the evil vampires. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Particularly looking forward to reading book two in the series about Neal and May and book four in the series about Rune and Brigit.
Mim Crenshaw
1,927 reviews4 followers
This was a really good book. It was kind simplistic; not a heavy emotional bogged down read. The characters were strong, confident, and well developed. And the storyline was exciting and well paced, and gave enough of a backstory that you could understand what was going on. I'll definitely be looking for more...hopefully theres a book 2. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Riley
549 reviews7 followers
I loved this book for so many reasons: It was well written, the plot was great, there were plenty action packed nail biting scenes as well as super steamy moments, the chemistry between Dana and Lucien was deliciously tangible, the women are strong and capable, etc., etc. This is going to be a terrific series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.