Review of “Blood Mate” by Kitty Thomas

Today I’m reviewing an erotica novel with paranormal elements.  This one has some serious psychological twists, so don’t expect it to be your run-of-the-mill story.  I really enjoyed it and think most fans of the genre will too.

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BLURB:

Blood Mate, a dark fairy tale…

Nicole has been happily married to big shot attorney, Dominic Rose for ten years, but soon after their anniversary he grows cold–as if she doesn’t exist. Meanwhile, another man has been pursuing her far too intently for comfort.

August Corinth is a six-hundred-year-old vampire, cursed to kill and suffer the pain of his victims each night until he can find the one woman who can resist his thrall, his blood mate. Once he’s found her, there are no lines he won’t cross to claim the promised salvation even if it means taking away everything and everyone she loves.

Warning: Blood Mate is a story about love, betrayal, redemption, sacrifice, and sanity. This is a dark emotional/psychological journey. This is not a vampire romance or vampire erotica. It is a dark fairy tale. This work steps a little outside what the author typically writes, but still contains many of the psychological and mindf**k elements her readers have come to enjoy.

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MY REVIEW:

I’ve read several other books by Kitty Thomas, so when the opportunity came to review this one I jumped on it.  Her writing isn’t for everyone and that should be understood from the beginning.  There’s a very strong psychological element that will leave you thinking of the story long after you’ve finished.  They don’t follow the rules and characters will make decisions readers won’t necessarily agree with, but that’s what I love about them.  The “what if” factor and wondering what I’d do if I was in a similar situation.

Much like most of her books, the so called hero(s) in Blood Mate are not what most would consider ideal.  This is particularly true of August, the vampire of the story.  August is driven to ease the curse that has been on him for more than six centuries.  He’ll do anything to get what he wants.  In this case, it would be Nicole.  She is the first woman he’s ever met who has the potential to make his quality of life better.  Though he has moments of violence and cruelty, I actually ended up liking him the most by the end of the book.  I understood him and felt for his situation.

Nicole was relatable in her own way, but also rather selfish.  For much of the book she is looking out for herself more than anyone else.  If innocent people die because of her choices, so be it.  She feels bad, but not enough to sacrifice herself.  Despite this, I found her to be realistic.  A lot of people will put their own well-being and happiness ahead of others.  There has to be a good reason to sacrifice themselves and not many will do it for strangers or anyone they don’t care about.  Her character stayed pretty consistent throughout the story, but I really got into seeing her thought processes as she tried to figure out what she really wanted out of her future.

The overall story is one that keeps you guessing.  You’re never quite sure how things are going to turn out and I honestly didn’t predict the ending.  Kitty Thomas isn’t one to do nice, happy endings with everything tied up in a neat bow.  If that is what you’re looking for, this novel is not for you.  Blood Mate isn’t really a romance.  It’s more of a psychological journey exploring romantic possibilities that go well outside of normal boundaries, if that makes sense.  You do get a sense of closure, though, and she leaves a little room for you to decide how things might go from there.

To sum it up, I really enjoyed this novel.  It had plenty of twists and turns, pulled at a range of my emotions, and felt realistic to how a woman might really react under such circumstances.  I’d definitely recommend it to erotica readers who enjoy a little more depth in books they pick up.  Five whips for Blood Mate!
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Note- I was provided a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

 

~ by Suzie on March 21, 2014.