| Title | : | Blacque/Bleu (Arcada #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781607378662 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 220 |
| Publication | : | First published October 1, 2010 |
On the day that Blacque makes an important commitment to his family and pack, he also succumbs to temptation and agrees to a passionate weekend with the alluring vampire. At sunset on Friday, it's all about urgent lust and the drive to lose his virginity. When the sun rises on Monday, lust has shifted to love and devotion. He's not sure he can walk away, even for the commitment he's made. He's even less sure Bleu will let him go.
In Blacque's world, vampires and werewolves make uneasy bedfellows, and a gay werewolf is an impossibility. In Bleu's world, all living creatures are little more than vessels for food and sex. But in the mysterious and magical town of Arcada, the unexpected is always waiting right around the corner. Now Blacque and Bleu just need to survive long enough for Arcada's magic to work for them.
Publisher's Note: Blacque/Bleu is related to Chrysalis and Mad at the Moon, which were published by Changeling Press. This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Bondage, domination, male/male sexual practices, violence.
Blacque/Bleu (Arcada #3) Reviews
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Fabulous… had it all including a hot Werewolf and a sexy Vampire… not forgetting the tattoos, piercing's and a Harley!!
I haven’t read a paranormal romance in quite some time, so with the release of Silver/Steel in December, I thought I had best get a wriggle on and I am so glad I did! This was actually a teat and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it totally ticked all my boxes, great character development the story was well paced, world building was excellent, I loved the magical town of Arcadia and the fact it was a haven and sanctuary to all that lived there… I just didn’t want to put it down, half way in and the pages were turning at an alarming rate. Our two main characters were just delicious, I mean a hot blooded Wolf, tattooed and pierced… Holy Cow! and a sinfully sexy, cool as you like Vampire, who rides a Harley! Hell yes!! …What’s not to love!?!
Lukas Blacque and Oliver Bleu are neighbours, (got to love those names) they work next door to each other and have done for years, Blacque is a mechanic who restores old cars and Bleu restores car interiors. They are also both gay and that is where the similarities end, because Blacque is a Shifter and Bleu is a Vampire both aware of the others true nature and also aware of each other physically but neither overstepping the mark, I mean a Werewolf and Vampire… impossible!
Dane Blacque is the pack Alpha and he wants his children to procreate, bring some new blood into the pack, only Blacque has never been close to his father, and if anything harbours some resentment towards him for abandoning their Mother when he and his sister Dru were babies. When she died, they had no other option but to join their Father on pack lands and fell into an uneasy truce with their Father. Only now Dane wants Blacque to eventually become Alpha and with Blacque being gay and in the closet with the door firmly locked he resigns himself to a life of duty, knowing how manipulative his father can be.
Blacque is almost a lone Wolf with little or no contact with the pack, wolves need companionship, they thrive on touch yet Blacque lives more in fear of his sexuality and deprives himself of his baser instincts as he knows it is a mans touch he wants and more specifically Bleu’s.
Bleu has a past, one that he is afraid will eventually catch up with him, but he has found sanctuary in Arcadia a place where he no longer lives in fear… yet the magical elements of the town also prevent him from feeding without permission. That, combined with the tortured dreams recurring nightly from his time in the trenches, the mustard gas and the horrors of the first world war our Vampire is slowly dying and the one thing that can keep him alive is the blood of a Wolf.
Both men are incredibly lonely and I had such a feeling of profound sadness from them, together for the first time they both seemed to have found comfort, kindred spirits recognising the soul deep loneliness and need for honesty and compassion and finally for someone to understand who and what they really were.
Blacque is honourable and wants to do what's right, become alpha and perform his duty, but his heart… no, that belonged to Bleu. His one and only experience and the first time in his life where he was just able to be him. Only they both know what is expected and agree on a weekend together. Blue is defeated and respects Blacque’s decision, his calm stoicism and deep understanding, but most of all his love, just broke my heart as he knew the wolf was his only chance at survival.
Belinda McBride did a great job of endearing both characters to my heart, there was depth to them, they endured but found the strength and courage in each other to overcome even the most stubborn of obstacles. The plot was at times riveting with Bleu’s past catching up with him, there was deception and betrayal amongst the pack, a fight for dominance as well as the unfolding revelations of our two MS’s and some very hot man loving, I mean if you think you only have two days together you sure as hell are going to make it count! We also had some great secondary characters of which I am sure we will be getting to know better as the series progresses. This is a great start and I will most definitely be cracking on with book 2 Silver/Steel.
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^^MY NEW FAVE COLOURS!^^
THE COVER: I just love it, it’s all mysterious and sexy, and the back shot of the guy in front is just very sexy. The guy at the back with the tats, he is also looking very yummy. The moon and mist makes it all very mysterious, and adds a bit of danger. It goes quite well with the story; the moon and the dark are after all apart of the lead characters.
Hands down, this has to be the best PNR I have read including a werewolf and vampire. This is the first one I have read including a vamp/werewolf who fall in love. I was utterly captivated by the first few pages. The author manages to tap into these men emotions so perfectly, and their suffering became my suffering. Even though the tone of the story was somewhat sad, at most times I had a big goofy smile plastered to my face.
Lukas who goes by Blacque is werewolf, a car mechanic, and he is also gay. He knows this because he has never been attracted to a woman and his vampire neighbour turns him on. Blacque has never been with a man either, so he is a virgin in everyway. His appearance scares most people he comes in contact with; he has the tattoos, piercing, and the face to make people think twice about messing with him. Yet, he fears embracing his sexuality because it could lead to his downfall. When a night out; leads to him hooking up with the vampire of his dreams. It seems like his whole world has found balance, he doesn’t need to wonder anymore, a man in his life is the one thing that will make things complete, a woman sure wont do.
Oliver Bleu is a vampire and he is slowly dying. He cannot sleep through the day and he is slowly losing the will to live. His sexy werewolf neighbour is giving him something to think about though, but Bleu knows a relationship with the shifter will eventually lead to him breaking his heart. A night together with Blacque is hot and the wolf makes him want things he never thought possible, but a life together is farfetched because in wolf culture homosexuality is frowned upon.
Things become interesting after their night together, it seems Blacque’s father wants grandchildren, and for him to become Alpha of the pack. All the things Lukas doesn’t want. The one person he needs he can’t have, and his life seems out of place. These characters become two sad individuals, too very sexy sad individuals. I laughed when they did, I cried when they did, and I was a little hot under the collar when they would hook up.
This book has a beautiful story, and what happens when two people from different worlds collide. There are really only two sex scenes, and they are very good, it really is character driven story and every character introduced stand out, yet they fail to take the spotlight of Blacque/Bleu. I was transfixed by the detailed writing, the beautiful complexity of the story, and the fact that this is no quick “wolf meets man they are mates, they live happily ever after”.
As I said best M/M PNR I have ever read, and I hope to read other just like this. I hope everyone will fall in love with Blacque/Bleu the way I did. I hope this is not the last I see of these characters; they make my head spin and want more of them.
Oh man did I forget to mention "cock ring' how dare I. I think its my new fave thing. These characters are absolutely YUMMY! -
Welcome to the town of Arcada it's a magical and mysterious place, once you arrive you may have to stay because the town it's self may not let you leave. It's full of all types of wonderful creatures...vampires, shifters, fae and many more.
In this town is where we meet Blaque and Bleu.
Blaque is a werewolf and he's also very fond of men but has suppressed his sexual urges for 34 years because he's scared of admitting the truth to his pack.
Bleu is an old Vampire struggling with an illness and needs the blood of a werewolf, just so happens his neighbor, Blaque, is one and Bleu is quite fond of the shy werewolf and has been for years.
This my friends is where the story begins!!!!
What a beautiful story it was...two strong men who have lusted from a far for many years....all I can say is WOW it was beautiful, intense, hot as hell...I guess you get picture!
They both decided that they would have one weekend together, get each out of their systems. However, sometimes emotions and feelings get in the way and you simply can't help yourself. The pull of that other person is so strong that no matter the reason you've chosen to give them up you CAN'T!
My Thoughts
This book flowed beautifully...it was intense but mellow but at the same time. I absolutely loved it!!! The chemistry between these two characters had me glued to the pages. The drama that revolved around the pack was also very interesting. I loved all the characters that were introduced and I HOPE that Dane and April will have a book of their own!!!!
Honestly I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was, however sometimes we find gems when we least expect too!!! I'm so very happy I read this book on a whim!!!
Give it a try I'm sure you'll love it!!!!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review -
Oliver Bleu is a vampire...
...living in a "sanctuary city called Arcada. It's a place where no violence is allowed (the strange supernatural city don't allow it) so it's a place of peace, to all creatures... it's perfect to Bleu. He just want to be invisible in someplace, and live in peace. But he is persecuted by dreams during his day rest and that is slowing killing him. He can't sleep, can't feed properly, and has poor alternatives... he is dying... and he accepted that.
Lukas Blacque...
... is a hell of a werewolf. Full of tattoo and piercings (also in very HOT places) he leave in Arcada not for his choice, but because it's his pack city... and that pack is also his father pack... he has poor choices, so his only "rebel" act is live by himself, away from all the pack. But he choose to stay alone, out of the pack, also to avoid all the questions his behave could provoke... he is lonely to don't show up his true nature... he is lonely being the only gay werewolf of Arcada.
So, as you may notice both men has a desperate need of each other. Both being neighbors are familiar with each other, and the mutual attraction is irresistible... BUT only a weekend together... that's their mutual agreement... only that...
Heartbreaking story, and certainly nothing will be that easy to them.
Will Blacque and Bleu find a way to be a couple is the most important topic of the story, but there is also plenty of suspense, amazing secondary characters and unpredictable revelations.
5 stars and YES in my mind there were exactly like that... Bleu like Brad Pitt and Blacque similar to Vin Diesel.
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"Blacque/Bleu" seems to be a total hit with most of my Goodreads friends. Alas, I'm in the minority here. This book really didn't do it for me, which is odd because I have a thing for werewolves AND M/M romances. I thought this one would be a favorite of mine.
Blacque is a closed werewolf. My favorite part about him? He is covered in tattoos and piercings. Can we say sexy bad boy?! However, he is a sweetheart underneath his gruff exterior and is terrified of the feelings he has for his vampire neighbor, Oliver Bleu.
What did I like? I enjoyed the chemistry between the two MCs and the idea of a smoking hot vampire and werewolf getting it on. They were a sweet, sexy couple, if a bit predictable. I'm not much for putting lots of pictures in my reviews but here is what I pictured when I thought of them:
Blacque
Bleu
What I didn't love about this book was the world-building. It felt haphazard and not well thought out. I had so many questions. Why was Bleu so sick? Because he didn't get enough blood? Why didn't they explain that? What was the deal with the breeding rules? I just didn't get into the world Belinda McBride created. I also didn't really care that much about Blacque and Bleu as a couple, I'm sorry to say. I just felt like... meh... about them. Oh! My biggest pet peeve? When Bleu called Blacque "pup" all of the time. I know he is a werewolf but that just wasn't a nickname that I found to be attractive.
Overall, I felt a bit let down by this one. It was perfectly alright but it expected something more.
**This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review** -
If I were to divide this book in three parts, it would be as such:
First comes the hotter-that-the-pits-of-hell, sizzling, all-consuming 2-day affair.
I mean let's face it, we're talking about a MALE WEREWOLF and a MALE VAMPIRE here.
Then, Blacque, the werewolf is expected to assume his responsibilities as heir to the alpha, and eventually find a mate and reproduce.
You know what this means right??
So after fruitlessly trying to stay away from each other, surviving pack conspiracies and vampire obsessions you get what you've bargained for, lustfully and lovefully ever after.That’s when the realization hit Bleu. His need wasn’t for blood or sex or even companionship. His need was for his soul mate—the person who justified his very long existence.
Lukas Blacque.
He might not ever have the big wolf again, but he’d never be able to leave him either.
[image error] -
No world building and a flat relationship make for a boring book. The "cuteness" of the matching names was distracting. I kept getting the two MCs mixed up, even though one was a wolf shifter and the other a vamp, which speaks to the lack of character development. Extra star for Lucas' various piercings.
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I absolutely loved this book. Belinda McBride is definitely now one of my favorite authors. She sucks me in with her writing. I loved the relationship between Blacque and Bleu. Their love for each other but their willingness to put their responsibilities before each other. I have to admit, it's one of my favorites predicaments when it comes to books. Loving someone and then knowing you're going to lose them to do your duty or save someone else from having to go through something awful *sigh* Never gets old to me. :D
Still, I loved the differences between Blacque and his sister, Dru. The manipulation Blacque's father played to get them both to do what he wanted. It pulled my heartstrings with what Blacque went through when he thought it'd be dangerous to let anyone know of his love for men. Of purposely becoming an outcast to his pack so no one would find out and his self-mutilation through tattoos and piercings.
Bleu was my favorite. At first, I didn't much like him because I thought he was purposely killing himself slowly but when I realized it wasn't him but his maker doing it, I instantly loved him and felt bad for him. When he tried to use Blacque's possessive nature to get Blacque to love him and never leave him, I wanted to give him a hug and then when that whole plan backfired, I wanted to cry. *sniffle* But then it worked out and all I did was smile.
Blacque has his own attributes, too. When he finally understood he couldn't live a life always living a secret and manning up to admit to the pack his was gay and publicly claiming Bleu as his, made it a difficult choice which was my favorite character but I think the fact Bleu dominates Blacque, the big scary wolf, made me like Bleu more, but Blacque is a very close second.
Overall, I like how Belinda creates her characters. How she makes the stereotypical sub actually the dominate. I love the way she describes these big bad wolves as scary and intimating but then makes them into lonely subs just looking for some lovin'. She has a way of writing how the closeted submissive feels that doesn't make it too depressing or annoying. This was a great book with a great writing style. Definitely recommended! -
2.5 Stars
This was just an ok read. There was nothing really new to the same old Were/Vamp story. Blacque is a closeted werewolf wanting nothing more to be himself and Bleu is an ailing vampire whose slowly dying. They are both lonely and when they come together sparks fly. There is definitely chemistry between these two. Blacque's not only a gay werewolf but also likes being submissive. It was a interesting combination. I liked Blacque's character and the pack politics. What threw me was
Bleu didn't do anything for me. I thought he was boring. I just couldn't get in to his character. Although, the nightmares were an interesting touch.
I loved the idea of the paranormal draw to the town. There were not only vamps and werewolves living there but also witches, ghosts, fairies, and gremlins. I wanted to know more about the pull and what had these para's settling in Arcadia. It's too bad this concept wasn't explored more.
The book had a ton of potential. It was a nice love story and I almost rounded this one up to a three but the epilogue killed it. -
This book grew on me page after page. At the beginning we are focused on Bleu, the fading vampire, and Blacque, the closeted werewolf. They are neighbors in the same industrial zone of the city of Arcada and they've been attracted to each other for a long time, but they've never acted on their attraction. One night Bleu seduces Blacque and Blacque lets himself be seduced by Bleu. Their encounter is like the last wish of a dying man, because the vampire is slowly dying and he needs the blood of the werewolf to be able to sustain himself a while longer. On the other hand Blacque has been called to attend the pack business by his father, who is the pack's Alpha, and he knows he'll never be able to indulge his desire for a man again. There's a lot of desperation in their encounter, but some kind of tenderness too. They are both lonely and they held traits that are not typical for their kinds: Bleu is a vampire with a killer instinct tampered by second thoughts and pity; Blacque is a werewolf with a peculiar submissive streak. They agree on parting after a few nights, because Blacque, the lonesome wolf, wants to heed his father's call, even if it means to quench his nature.
From this moment on, the beauty of the book flares. There isn't only Blacque/Bleu, there's a whole pack, whose laws we learn page after page, a demanding father, a supportive sister and a new vampire arriving in a magical city. There are betrayals and surprising alliances. The world building is awesome and we are immersed in it slowly, learning about his inhabitants together with the protagonists' wanderings. The story takes a wider breath and it encompasses and reconciles Bleu's past and Blacque's present, promising a future together. They both have to take decisions and face their worst fears and they both have to fight to gain their happiness.
It's a beautiful story, highly recommended to readers who love paranormal romance. -
I loved this book, absolutely everything about it. I'd been hankering for a shifter read and was so fortunate to find this one - didn't only get my were fix, but a bonus vamp, too.
Blacque is such a multi-dimensional character, not your typical shifter though he is strong and loyal and proud, he is also emotional and loving and compassionate. He hooked me from the start and then I met Bleu and he tore at my heartstrings right away, such a broken, yearning shell of a man. I could just feel his pain right from the beginning. The two of them together make a romantic, sexy, passionate pair - the sex is hot but also the way they have both cared for each another for so long, neither one sure about making the first move, both wanting more than just sex from their first moment together. The first time they had actual sex was so emotional and realistic - the so-called blood-sucking monster guiding the powerful, so-called sexually-promiscuous through the process with gentleness and care. It was a beautiful scene for me, and sealed the fate of the characters and for me.
I loved the town that Belinda created, all the magic and mystery. The supporting characters were interesting and caring and annoying all at the same time. I loved the pack dynamics, the whole need fresh blood thing that fueled Blacque's angst when it came to Bleu. He was so strong in his commitment to a pack he really didn't have much to do with in the first place, such a loyal son whether his father and the pack deserved it or not. Bleu's circumstances were no better, succumbing to harsh and torturous memories in such a way he just wished for eternal release. The pain he went through broke my heart, the freezing and inability to snap himself from the nightmares. Obviously, I'm an angst junkie and his fueled my fire.
One of my fave parts is after the big were challenge, Blacque showed everyone his strength and power but at the same time, he showed his compassion and love for Bleu in claiming him. It was a great moment and it kind of took my breath away for a minute. I was so proud of him, so proud of them both. I won't keep going on and on, but will just say, yeah, loved this book, and I'm really hoping this isn't the last we'll see of Blacque and Bleu. *begs a little* -
OK, seriously, the premise for this is awesome. A werewolf and a vampire, a town that acts as some kind of magical haven for paranormals, a batshit crazy master vampire, a manipulative-as-shit alpha wolf, and two hot guys gettin' their fuck on.
Sounds awesome, right?
Well, there's no world building, the relationship between the main characters is dissatisfying, the supporting characters are worthless, and everything is rushed.
So how do you fuck up a premise that awesome? I don't know, ask Belinda McBride. -
Enjoyable, engaging m/m paranormal romance between closeted virgin Werewolf Lukas Blacque and fading Vampire Oliver Bleu.
"I do know that from now on - after tonight - I can't be gay. I might be odd or eccentric, but it's time to step up and do what I promised to do."
Bleu gave a little laugh. "Saying it does not make it so Lukas." -
4.5 stars
I loved this story! The characters were so well developed and complex. The struggles and twists and turns kept me reading and fighting right along with the characters.
There has to be more about these guys!!! I want to read about Dane and April too! They make a great couple, plus Dane is all Alpha and grumpy. -
4 Stars - for a sweet and steamy about two paranormal males falling in love in each other. Lovely done with an enjoyable suspense part.
You know that excitement feeling that always comes when you near the end of a really great book. It have been such a good reading and you love it all. It creeps all over the body of enjoyment and you do not want it to end. Blacque/Blue made me feel that way and it's a very good sign for me.
Lukas Blacque is mostly satisfied with his own lives. He has his own business - a garage, a house in the country and a sister he loves. He has also managed to distance himself just enough from his father, the alpha-leader, and the werewolf-pack. But there is a big concern - the realization that he probably is gay, something that wolves "can't" be and a sex preference the pack will not accept.
The neighbor, Oliver Bleu, is a vampire who looks more tired and sicker every day. Blue can't sleep enough and feel bad by the horrible nightmares from the olden times. He suffers from insomnia. He is hungry and weak.
Blacque has long yearned and dreamed of touching and being with Bleu, but he is too afraid of them sentiments to take the first step. One evening the two meet at a bar and a love story begins. Strong desire and big emotions, sex and heat. They get a weekend but then must Blacque choose; the love for Bleu or the responsibilities and duties of the pack's future and security?
Blacque/Bleu is a tender story about love between two "suffering" men, which is, I think, very nicely described. It's also a wonderful story about how these two men will find room for each other in their lives, feer for prejudices etc. The suspense part, the power struggle in the wolf pack and enemies from the past, is also well written and makes this an overall very lovely and entertaining novel to read.
I think the story becomes a little weaker in the second half, but the first half was a very big pleasure to read. The author's ability to write about the emotions between the large male tattooed, but virgin, werewolf and the stylish och more experienced, but pale and hungry, vampire, were unusually well and emotionally described.
I loved this story and I want to read more books by the author.
I LIKE - will read the next book in the series.
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I received this book for free in exchange to write a few lines of my thoughts about the book. -
I really really enjoyed this story!
Blacque & Bleu seem to be your average run of the mill average joe....but oh no! These two guys are big bad alphas on the outside but are selfless, loving & totally loyal down where it counts.
Belinda McBride gave a new spin (at least to me) on the whole vampire thing and it was definitely working for this story. There were some twists, secondary characters that you want to learn more about & HOTT mixed species sexin'. All of those things make one awesome story!
I just found out there is another book after this one & I can't wait to read it! -
3.5 stars (I rounded up)
Blacque/Bleu is a cute play on words with Oliver Bleu as a near century old vampire and Lukas Blacque as a closeted werewolf mechanic. The sexual chemistry is hot and the sex scenes are just plain fun to read. There is some tension since Lukas is closeted and Oliver has an obsessive maker wanting to put Oliver on his crazy shelf, but these issues are mostly handled in the blink of an eye. That’s the only downfall to the story, since the driving tension is so weakly resolved. Otherwise the characters are entertaining and well crafted, if a bit cutesy.
The story is character driven as Lukas and Oliver dance around each other than finally get together. There’s a good supporting cast with the manipulative alpha and Lukas’ father Dane, Lukas’ sister, and eventually Oliver’s family that play into the mix. These appearances are almost always associated with manipulation and a way to advance the tension between Lukas and Oliver but they work well in those respects. The secondary cast feels fully formed and important. They could easily exist on their own and not simply as extensions of the main characters.
Oliver and Lukas are well matched and nicely complex. Oliver has some guilt and angst over his death and the family he left behind while Lukas is pretty angst filled over being a gay werewolf. He gives in extremely easy to the obvious manipulations of his father Dane, which definitely weakens Lukas as a character. This capitulation supposedly sets up the main tension in that Lukas and Oliver can’t be together with Lukas the heir to the alpha. Yet that entire issue just disappears later on. Lukas says they can’t be together for numerous reasons, which all make sense. Later in the story none of those reasons have actually changed or disappeared yet Lukas just ignores them and the happy couple is together again. This definitely makes the ending weaker than it would otherwise be since it’s more of a hand waving; don’t look at the problems anymore than resolving any issues.
I did like that the characters felt genuine without a lot of over the top actions, even considering their supernatural abilities. I especially liked the twist with Oliver’s vampirism and scarring. It’s not the first time I’ve encountered this concept but it’s not the usual vampire clichés so I definitely appreciated the creativity. The town backdrop is also quite entertaining and wonderful. The latent magic in the idea and the various fascinating residents make for a really great touch to the story. It’s one that offers so many possibilities and also makes you want to read more about the town. This would be the perfect backdrop for a series.
The chemistry between Lukas and Oliver is pretty hot and their sex has a very mild D/s component to it. This is extremely mild though so don’t let it turn you away if D/s isn’t your thing. Instead their interaction feels natural and honest and the slight D/s plays into that. Their sex scenes are great though and very steamy with just the right amount of spice, teasing, and satisfaction. The writing is pretty engaging and the 200 pages kind of flew by without noticing. This isn’t a story I’d necessarily read again but I liked reading the story and enjoy the characters a lot. -
If I could give it more stars I would! I was up past 3 am wanting to know what would happen next. It kept me glued to my Kindle. An EXCELLENT read for me. Would recommend it to all.
Oliver Bleu, eternally 21, is a vampire with chronic insomnia, trapped in dreams of undying torment that physically change him while having them. What a way to be undead, yeah? He's gotta 'thing' for Lukas Blacque. He knows that Blacque has just the right lustful libation for him. A man needs to eat you know. He also knows that this is one dangerous move to be making. But it's only for three days, right?
Bleu is working on his demons and trying to stay under the radar of the evil sunnigun that turned him. But in time, his desires become evident and a distant fluttering begins to stir in his dormant heart. How long has it been?
Lukas Blacque is 34, closeted, a lone werewolf with tattoos, wickedly delicious piercings, and a thing for Southern rock music. He's also a submissive with a noble soul. A rare breed, indeed. He owns old man Fosters' garage and fixes cars. His real passion is to indulge in restoring vintage cars and trucks to new life. The perfect place. Bleu lives and works in the same building as the garage.
Ooh, but he's got it bad for Bleu too. He's got no clue that he's rockin' Bleu's world...yet. Blacque becomes torn with his hidden desires for Bleu. Finding love for himself is what he wants. But a vampire? Huh, he certainly has no plans for becoming Pack Alpha I tell ya that. That is an obligation that he definitely doesn't want. Ahh, but papa Dane Blacque, head Alpha, has other plans for his son.
But fate has something else in store for Blacque/Bleu and the town of Arcada. There's something about this small town that just pulls you in and protects you. The town is filled with a mixture of diverse magic and surprises.
The best line:
"Sucks when the spider falls for the fly." -
What a fabulous novel by Ms. Belinda :) It truly is a book that is perfect for Coming Out Day, because it portrayed not only a man's struggle to accept himself as who he was, but also how that same man defined himself as a man to others, and still be gay, and live his life with no regrets. The burgeoning love story between Blacque & Bleu was sensual, hot, nail-biting, and did portray a D/s relationship that portrayed trust and love in your partner. Even though Bleu (the vampire) was one of the undead, the depth of his emotions, his caring, and his conscience was wonderful to read. The secondary characters were strong, the angst was balanced perfectly with the sex scenes, and Bleu was. . . SIGH!! Those eyes of his? I could honestly drown in them. . .
Without planning to do this, Blacque went from sacrificing himself for the sake of his sister and the pack, to realizing his true role as alpha to his pack, and a sub to Bleu's Dom characteristics. Now there's a balance for you!!! Priceless :D Brava, Ms. Belinda!!! I can't wait to read more from you :) -
4.5 stars
Somehow Belinda McBride got into my mind and wrote the perfect book for me. I have always enjoyed well-written paranormal romance and m/m has quickly become an obsession. To have these two genres mixed so well together made reading this story a pure joy to me.
The world building was well done without bogging down the story. It moved along so well that I hated putting it down.
Blacque and Bleu were wonderful characters. I truly can't pick a favourite. I would happily have either of them for my own. The way they came together and fought for the chance to be together was heart felt and beautiful.
There was no part of this book that I didn't enjoy, and I am so very glad that there is another of this series already published, so I don't have to wait to read more of this fascinating series.
The only reason it didn't get a full five stars was that there was parts of the story that I wanted more from, but they may be continued in the next book so I will just have to wait and see. -
So, this book has been in my library for a while, and I haven't been able to get into the story, but I gave it one more try and made it through.
This is not a bad book as such, BUT the names; lord the names! Total french-cheese-fest... I could not get my brain to ignore the associations to french/danish cheese and that sort of ruined the sexy-ness factor for me.
I haven't read the other books in the series, and I can't decide if that's why this book didn't suck me in...
I liked Lucas and Oliver well enough (thankfully their first names were used sometimes, to get away from the pictures of cheese) BUT the reason for Oliver's insomnia and Lukas' sudden rise to Alpha, came out of the blue (Bleu HEH)!
The world-building was sparse (again I can't be sure if it's because I haven't read the other books) and I had some issues with Dane, (randy old werewolf with spawn EVERYWHERE) he made it kind of hard to sympathize with Lukas, because Lukas let him manipulate him.
Yeah I don't know, not a bad book, but not a great book either, I can't really put my finger on it. -
I loved this book. Its about an ailing vampire and a depressed werewolf who come together and find that they are perfect soul mates. I was expecting Bleu to be weird and creepy and Blacque to be harsh and scary with his many tattoos and piercings. But they were so sweet and kind to each other. The two complimented each so well they were just...perfect.
Oh, man, were Blacque and Bleu hot together?!? I will never look at another heavy bag the same way again! It was definately interesting reading a story about a sexually submissive alpha.
Even the secondary characters were great. Drusilla, Dane, and April. I even ended up respecting Michella in the end.
I love this world that McBride has created with the vamps, weres, witches, fae, gremlins and who knows what else.
I am impatiently waiting for the sequel!! -
At 1/5 in the story: "oh, no! I'm sure I'm never gonna finish it"
At 1/4: "yeah, ok interesting"
At 1/3: "this is so waouh..."
Halfway in the story: "Blacque is so... and Bleu is...! *sighs*" (I'm at loss for words)
Then I couldn't put it down.
I had hard time understanding the characters in the beginning. But they grow on you slowly, stealthily. A captivating and well written story with beautiful characters!
Great read. 4.5 stars -
A very enjoyable story with very likeable characters. Lukas and Oliver are great together and make quite the match (big alpha type werewolf and sexy, mysterious vamp) and were totally hot together. I found myself longing for more details of their time together and really hope there is a sequal in the works.
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Amazing this was such an awesome read!!
I didn't want it to end!! I loved everything about it, and still want more!!!
I can't wait to read more of belindas work this has to be one of my fave paranormal books:D -
I may have read this one to many times now.
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*Review to come*
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3.5 stars – A pretty enjoyable shifter romance about Lucas Blacque, a very closeted werewolf who struggles with balancing increased responsibilities for his pack just as he’s starting an illicit affair with his hot vampire neighbor Oliver Bleu. Blacque doesn’t think he can have both worlds, and expects to spend a long lonely life as his pack’s future alpha, but his want for Bleu can’t stay buried, especially when outside threats come calling.
What I liked: The MCs were interesting and sympathetic. Even though he’s a big muscly martyr, I liked Blacque a lot, and appreciated his slow crumble under Bleu’s determined seduction. I also liked Bleu, and how he struggled to survive against the nightmares that drained him, and how both he and Blacque took on the roles of caring for each other.
What was hard for me: I wasn’t so much a fan of the angst separating our heroes for a good 30% of the book as Blacque stayed clear because he thought he had to sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of the pack. This kind of slowed the pace down overall for me and made the book more of a slog. I’m glad things worked out in the end and everyone got their very much earned HEA, but by that time, I didn’t feel super connected to the characters and didn’t have that deep feeling of catharsis or relief after a hard battle was won.
It was a nice read, and I liked the town of Arcada and how it serves as a haven for different kinds of beings though. If you like shifter stories, you may dig this one a lot, but in the end, it was just an okay read for me. I hear good things about the
next in the series though, so am interested in checking that out. -
The first few pages of this story were a bit frustrating, and I was starting to wonder if this was going to be another run-of-the-mill paranormal. In fact, this book carries many of the common werewolf/vampire themes and runs the risk of being another "me too" story. However, the story is quickly redeemed by fantastic character development of both main characters and secondary characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed even the barely introduced tertiary characters in this story. Bleu's nigh time tour of the town was a nice way to bring this paranormal world to life. (The elementals sounded really cool!) Secondary characters such as the vampire April and Blaque's sister Dru are intriguing and clearly expected to have their own stories in future books. The relationship between characters, particularly Blacque and his father, Blacque and Dru and even the relationship between Bleu and April are carefully crafted and add depth to the story.
What ultimately drew me into the story and kept me turning pages was the author's exploration of the D/s dynamic between the main characters. Blacque is an unlikely submissive. Yet he can not deny his nature. Bleu is somewhat of an unlikely dominant, definitely not your typical uber alpha vamp. His need to dominate is greatly tempered by his inherently good nature, making him a very gentle, loving dominant. It is this gentle dominance and its emotional impact that truly made a difference for me and made Blacque/Bleu a satisfying read.
PS: If like me, you enjoy reading about characters with piercings and tattoos, you will love Blacque!
