REVIEWED by Jen B. and True
TITLE: Blood Winter
AUTHOR: S.J. Coles
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 266 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2020
BLURB:
Vampires are attempting to integrate into human society. When Alec MacCarthy first meets a ‘haemophile’ in the flesh, it’s not the obvious dangers that frighten him.
Alec MacCarthy, Lord of Aviemore and largely-forgotten descendent of a once-proud family line, keeps the wolf from the door of the crumbling family mansion by restoring classic cars.
He leaves the real world alone and wishes nothing more than for it to return the favor. But in a reality where haemophiles—still colloquially known as vampires, despite the publicity campaigns—have come out of hiding and are attempting to integrate into human society, the real world is rapidly becoming a disrupted and conflicted mess that threatens to trouble even Alec in his remote Scottish hideaway.
When he unwittingly attends a Blood Party to please a friend, he has his first meeting with one of these mysterious and dangerous beings. Terje is like nothing he has ever encountered before…literally. His reactions are as troublesome as they are undeniable.
Alec’s snap decision to help the haemophile rather than sample his sense-heightening and addictive blood sets them both on a path that will lead them into a tangled web of intrigue with consequences that will change their lives—and the world—forever.
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, murder, kidnapping, blood stealing, drug use, addiction and blood drinking.
JEN B.’S REVIEW:
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a paranormal/vampire story with unique aspects. This debut story brings us that with the story of heamophiles (vampires) who, after having been outed to the public, are mostly trying to integrate with society. Due to the difficulties involved and the various sides not wanting to co-exist, many find it easier to remain on their own. Terj goes against this when he leaves the safety of his home to venture out where he is captured/kidnapped and kept as a prisoner for underground blood parties.
Alec is also a loner who prefers to fix cars on his inherited estate. When his friend, Meg, drags him along to a party, he learns about the illegal acts of blood drinking when the party favor turns out to be a heavily sedated abused heamophile (Terj). He and Meg are only a few who don’t partake but things end up taking a bad turn where the captured ends up being the kidnapper.
As they hide out and heal, Alec learns that there is a lot more to Terj than just an inhuman being without feelings, etc. They must navigate a few stumbling blocks before they get on the same page, and when they finally do, things are taken out of their hands. I won’t say more to give anything else away, but, suffice to say, there are a lot of ups and downs. Terj forces Alec to take a closer look at his own life and his feelings on the Estate, his father, etc. I loved watching this story all play out.
It does start out a little slow as we get to know the characters and the ways of this world. Before long, I was quickly turning pages to see where things would go and was very satisfied at the end. Great job by a debut author who I will definitely be looking out for in the future.
RATING: 
TRUE’S REVIEW:
That was one adventurous journey, with moments of silence but more of strong noise and feelings with weight.
Alec MacCarthy, Lord of Aviemore, is restoring classic cars. He is a quiet, melancholic man. He lives withdrawn from society in his Scottish hideaway and rarely interacts with others. A glimpse of his life will immediately intrigue you. He seems to be a prisoner of his past, and he has vivid dreams, frightening ones. His friend, Meg, begs him to join her at a party. Attending this party will change his life forever.
They are living in an age where humans and haemophiles, aka vampires, live in disharmony. Humans want to overpower the haemophiles, while they, in return, want to integrate and live a legal life. The humans here are cruel and greedy. The blood of a haemophile brings you to extreme heights of ecstasy. Alec doesn’t want anything to do with it.
Alec is the one who sets Terje free, with enormous consequences!
What follows, dang it was so much! I’m not gonna spoil but believe me, it’s endearing, suspenseful, intriguing, bloody, steamy, sensual, and all strongly captivatingly put together. The whole story was clearly described. I walked with Alec and saw everything he saw. I smell the wood, wine, snow, and linen, and I could hear the crackling fireplace and footsteps in the snow. I could feel his loss, yearning, longing, and hot need. The suspense was palpable, at times killing. There are moments of complete chaos and despair, it was overwhelming.
The author describes everything in a mesmerizing way, the attention to detail, such an engaging way of showing all that’s to see, smell, hear, or feel. All those sensations affected me deeply. The perspective on vampires was well done. I loved Terje and Alec’s attraction and dynamic! Whatever the circumstances are, who or what you are, love is what keeps someone going. It can be simple or complicated, accepted or not, in the end, it’s still that one thing that counts.
Overall a fantastic, entertaining, paranormal story, masterly written, with an original plot. I enjoyed it all immensely! ALL five stars for this story!
BUY LINKS:
[…] Read More » […]