Reviewed by Jen
TITLE: Taste of Blood
SERIES: Cord & Asher
AUTHOR: A.J. Church
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 352 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 13, 2025
BLURB:
Forever is a long time for a vampire.
I always thought Asher Winston was my forever.
That’s why cutting him out of my life was like cutting off a limb.
But it had to be done.
If I’d stayed, we would have killed each other.
For ten years I avoided him.
Going through the motions.
Empty and alone.
And then that chance meeting on the street.
Now I’m caught in his web again.
I know where this will lead, but I don’t have the strength to end it.
Because as much as I hate it, the only time I can breathe is when he’s near me.
REVIEW:
This is an interesting world. Vampires here live by certain rules and standards and are governed by certain Clans. Some humans are aware, but not all and some are donors, although it is basically illegal for vampires to actually bite humans to feed. In this book, there are two storylines. One is the relationship or rekindling of the relationship between Cord and Asher. The other is the mystery of who is trying to take over the Clan territory and is wreaking havoc in an attempt to do so.
Cord and Asher have been friends since they were kids, before either transitioned into vampires. They were best friends to lovers, but they were on separate tracks. Cord led a more violent life and was taken in by the leader of the Clan, Dante (basically a vampire mafia). He is the muscle/enforcer for Dante. Asher, on the other hand, was mentored by Carlyle, a successful business vamp who led Asher down a very successful business road. Ten years later, Asher is determined to right his wrongs and put Cord first.
Before they can really get on the same page, things heat up with the mysterious happenings that send Dante and his men, including Cord, on a wild chase to solve the mystery before they lose the City altogether. Asher is determined to use his resources to help and to keep Cord safe in the process. Just when things really heat up, and Asher and Cord seem to have a plan for their future, things take a turn and we are left hanging.
I really enjoyed this story. Cord and Asher have undeniable chemistry and it becomes clear that, try as they might, they are unable to deny it, especially Cord who is the big holdout at this point. I have a feeling that will change as the next story unfolds and they will each be forced to face their true feelings for each other (again, Cord is the likely target here), but regardless, I can’t wait to see it all unfold and hope we don’t have to wait too long to see it happen. This isn’t the typical fluffy vamp romance, so if that’s not your thing, be sure to give this one a try.
RATING: 
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