Title: Bloodbane
Author: Sydney Winward
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampire Romance
Book Blurb:
Vampires mate for life. They marry for love.
Oriel Covaci has the worst luck. For years, he has searched for the right mate, only to meet with frustration and disappointment. Now, unable to trust himself with yet another courtship, he seeks out an arranged union—something almost unheard of in vampire culture.
All her life, Cosette Dragomir hid behind her books and her music, wanting to fade into the background while simultaneously longing for something more. When her father approaches her about an arranged union with the vampire she has fancied for a long time, she must brave her timidity and sacrifice her solitude for the future she has only dreamed of.
But as two very different people are thrown into the pits of danger, they could lose each other forever. Can their love overcome their trials or are they destined to fail?
My Review:
Can timid Cosette overcome her awkwardness and show Oriel how much she loves him before it’s too late? Vampires have trouble with love, just like humans. Cosette has spent her whole life living in the shadows, usually behind a book or playing music alone. She’s longed to be able to talk to others, especially handsome Oriel. She’s loved him from afar for centuries so imagine her surprise when her father offers her what her heart desires most. An arranged marriage between her and Oriel. But can it work? Will he regret marrying her after the ceremony? The adjustment is overwhelming to her, and she retreats to the shadows again. Oriel cares so much for her that he whisks her away to a secluded place. She loves him so much but doesn’t realize how much until he is captured by vampire slavers. Can she team up with her family to rescue her beloved in time? Or is it too late?
Bloodbane is an unforgettable paranormal romance. Sydney Winward tackles modern themes like social awkwardness, arranged marriage, slavery, family lies, adoption, and overcoming obstacles. I connected with Cosette right away. Never have I read about a timid vampire before, and it was such a relief to read about someone like me. For the longest time, I was painfully shy. It wasn’t until I met my beloved that I bloomed. The same thing happens to Cosette. Oriel is a relatable hero who cares deeply for Cosette. He moves mountains for her as well as his family. The brutality he goes through at the hands of the slavers made me sick but was detailed by the author expertly. The descriptive narration was immersive and plunged me into the story. Emotions span the spectrum while reading so please be prepared. The romance is tender and is very much slow-burn. The plot moves at a great pace. The characters leap from the page and will leave an impression on you. Sydney Winward has penned an unputdownable paranormal romance not to be missed. If you have triggers, please be aware there are a few here. If you love paranormal romance, you’ll want to read Bloodbane. If vampire romance is your reading jam, pick up Bloodbane. Hands down, Bloodbane is the best book Sydney Winward has ever written. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5++ stars
Buy it Now:
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloodbane-sydney-winward/1141502522?ean=2940185729519
Author Biography:
Sydney Winward is a fantasy and paranormal romance author who dabbles in the occasional historical fiction. She loves building complex worlds filled with magic, strong characters, and emotional stories that can make you laugh and cry.
Sydney is the author of The Bloodborn Series and the Sunlight and Shadows Series. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, thinking about stories, or going on adventures with her children. She lives in Utah with her husband and three amazing kids.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SydneyWinward
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sydneyewinward
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneywinward/
Website: https://sydneywinward.com/
Reviewed by: Mrs. N