I used to think vampires were the stuff of fiction. Now my brother has a baby with fangs and there’s bottles of blood in our fridge, so obviously, I was wrong about that. It’s not the only thing I was wrong about, either. I’m a nerd, I’m supposed to be smart, but honestly? I’m starting to realize I can be pretty darn clueless.
For one, I never realized that my best friend was in love with me. … with me. Not until after he died in a vampire attack. To protect me.
His death shattered my whole world. Seeing him again is like a miracle.
Even if he has fangs now.
Even if he doesn’t remember his own past–or me.
His new name is Crimson, and he’s not who he used to be. I know that, really, I do. But I have to believe that I can remind him of all the memories we shared, all the years we spent together, geeking out over our favorite games and TV-shows.
Because when he kisses me, I feel whole again.
I don’t get it. I’ve been straight my entire life.
But maybe that’s just one more thing I was wrong about?
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This book made me buzz with excitement. They were just so many factors into play, so many unknowns, questions and uncertainties. So many of the people around Luke, his family and Damien (Crimson) seemed to have their own shady agendas, that I doubted all of their actions and words. It kept me on pins and needles, wondering who was friend and which were the foes.
And amid the fear and trepidation, there was the sweetness of Luke and Damian together, the cuteness of one fanged baby Nix, family interactions and shenanigans.
was a continuous thrill, from beginning to finish. The ending was awesome: happiness with a dash of intrigue… with more questions than ever. I loved it and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.
In Love Bleeds we pick up a little while after the events of book one take place. The dust is still settling after Zenon was destroyed to break Talon free from his control, and life is carrying on for everyone except Lucas. While his brother Collin is busy focusing on his boyfriend and their new baby, Phoenix, Lucas is mourning. He’s grieving the loss of his best friend Damian, the friend who sacrificed himself to save Lucas in Love Bites, and has no idea that Damian has been reborn as a vampire named Crimson.
It’s very important to me that I’m able to connect emotionally with the characters of a novel. The more the author can draw me in, the better my reading experience is and the higher my opinion is on the overall story. Unfortunately, much like the first book of this series, I didn’t feel much of a connection with any of the characters. This is highly unusual for me when it comes to AKB novels. Her Mercy Hills books are probably one of my favorites mpreg series with characters that are beyond developed. So, the characters falling flat is a surprise to me.
There was so much going on with Lucas that I found him a little difficult to wrap my head around. He was this nerdy straight guy who loved to geek out with his friends. Then, once he crosses paths with Crimson, he completely flips the script. I understand that there is some sort of bond between dhampirs and vampires, but the change to their relationship is so sudden it gave me whiplash. First Lucas was squicked out by vampires in general, even his adorable blood-drinking nephew. And then, Damian comes along all vamped out as Crimson, kisses Lucas, and Lucas gets the feels for his long time friend? It’s too sudden for me.
Crimson, aka vampire Damian, is a little more likable. He doesn’t remember his life before he’s a vampire and he wouldn’t even know anything about Lucas had his sire, Nicolai, not made them cross paths. While he was human he harbored an unrequited love for Lucas which Lucas was oblivious to. As a vampire, he’s drawn to Lucas which makes him break away from Nicolai. He starts to remember parts of his human-self including his feelings for his friend. Collin is meddling while Talon is trying to keep everyone safe. Then, once Crimson has to leave with Aldrich to protect everyone from Nicolai, Lucas decides to recklessly take matters into his own hands. There was so much going on and the only part I connected with was Crimson/Damian’s struggles with his feelings about killing one of their friends.
I just―I don’t even know. I really wanted to like this series. It’s been so many years since I’ve read another vampire series aside from this one. But, I just don’t love it. A couple of plot points seem to be recycled from book one. Talon needed to be free of Zenon and Crimson needed to be free of Nicolai. Collin has to awaken his dhampir powers to save Talon and Lucas has to do the same for Crimson. It would have been nice to see a different spin on things plot-wise.
To me, this book was just okay. Since I wasn’t in love with the characters I had a hard time falling into it. I’d say it was a decent read, but nothing spectacular or original, unfortunately. I’ve found that the first book in a new series might not be the best because the author is still trying to get their footing in this new world they’re creating, and because of that I always give the next book a read just to give the author a chance to establish themselves. With Love Bleeds it had the same feel as Love Bites. If the rest of the series is similar to the first two books they’ll be okay reads as well, but nothing more than that for me, sadly.
Ann-Katrin Byrd is an amazing author, so having to say this wasn’t her best work was hard for me. I’m beyond in love with her Mercy Hills series and I’ve enjoyed the Oceanport Omegas as well. I also adore John Solo, the narrator for this series. Together they make a wonderful team that produces amazing, quality work. The Thicker Than Water novels just haven’t hit the spot for me. Though, I have to admit I’m curious about what’s going on with Remy and Aldrich.
I’ll leave off here much as I did with book one. I’d say if enjoyed Love Bites, you’ll more then likely enjoy Love Bleeds. I’d suggest this book to my friends that are into gay vampire romance with the warning that, though this is an enjoyable read, it has a pedestrian plot. Those familiar with AKB might not be as impressed if they go into this book expecting an earth-shattering story like that of her Mercy Hills series. I would advise anyone reading this book to go into it with an open mind.
I keep falling more and more in love with this series and I really wish book three was already out! Love Bleeds is the second book in the Thicker Than Water series. I highly suggest reading Love Bites, the first book in the series, before you start this one. Love Bites provides a lot of world building and introduces a lot of important reoccurring characters. Just a heads up, this series contains mpreg (although not explicitly in every book), so if that isn’t something you enjoy this probably isn’t the book for you.
Poor Luke. Not only has his entire world turned upside down with the revelation that vampires are real, but his best friend was murdered while protecting him during a vampire attack. Life is pretty bleak, and Luke is struggling with his survivor’s guilt and grief. While Luke struggles with his sorrow, Crimson struggles with his new life as a vampire. With no memories of his previous life and a master who cruelly controls his every move, Crimson has to figure out how to navigate this harrowing situation. Both men are at the lowest points of their lives until they are finally brought together – and then everything changes.
This book has a solid plot, but it’s the character development and relationships that really drive the story. Luke and Crimson have to learn how to deal with their new normal and come to terms with their current state of affairs. Their relationship is strong, but the romance is definitely a slow, and steady burn that strengthens gradually into a full out blaze. The last part of the book is incredibly thrilling and had me cheering on Luke and his geeky, superpower ways.
I highly recommend this book, and I adored the audiobook production as well. John Solo is an extraordinary narrator who really embodies his characters and brings them to life. I thought his voice choices for each character was perfect and consistent – I had no trouble keeping track of each character while I was listening. Overall this was a wonderful book that left me salivating for book three.
i want to read the book
Luke is still mourning the loss of his best friend Damian, who sacrificed himself to save Luke in book one. He’s just started going back to college and getting out of the house. He’s still a little uncomfortable around his brother’s boyfriend Talon and his nephew Nix but he’s making an effort.
Crimson is the newest turned vampire of Nicolai. He’s reluctantly under Nicolai’s control and has regrets when he takes a life, which irritates Nicolai. He’s given an assignment to bring in the man in the picture Nicolai shows him but when he meets him, he knows he can’t hand him over to Nicolai. During this meeting Crimson learns he’s actually Damian, Luke’s best friend.
Luke has help getting Crimson away from Nicolai by an unlikely source. Luke’s family goes to Puck to get help hiding Crimson but the potion only last a short while. When Crimson has to leave to protect Luke and his family, Luke makes stupid decisions in a rash moment to help Crimson. With help from a long cast of supporting characters Crimson is finally freed from Nicolai. During the great escape Luke and Aldrich save a helpful bird.
As with the first book Luke (like Collin) makes a stupid decision that lands him in harms way. It seems that the trope is going to be that the whole family didn’t learn a thing from what their dad was trying to teach them. This book also has a lot of grammar, punctuation and spelling errors. Sentences where words like: the, at, is, etc… are just left out, making the sentences improper. Also the double spaced paragraphs and double spaced sentences continue in this book as well. I liked this story a little better than book 1 but it was hard to continue reading with all the errors. Not sure I will continue with this series.
OMG! What did I just read! I half held my breath reading this and waiting for more evil to befall the good guys, while on the edge of my seat! So much drama and action I’m still reeling and processing it all! One heck of a world building story with characters I’m invested in and want more of in the future! I’m starting to dislike Puck more and more. He tricked Luke for Vlad’s phone number, and then in the end a possible bigger fall out to come!!! I can’t! Ominous ending!