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Early Review: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (Royal House of Shadows #1)

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Lord of the Vampires by Gena ShowalterLord of the Vampires (Royal House of Shadows #1)
Gena Showalter
Published: Aug. 23, 2011 (Harlequin)
Purchase at: Book Depository, B&N or Amazon

Rating (out of 5): 3 stars

If there is one reason to read Lord of the Vampires, it is Nicolai. Luckily, there is more than one good reason to dig into this one, but really, I need to emphasize: You. Will. Want. This. Vampire.

Lord of the Vampires is the first in a new Royal House of Shadows series Harlequin Nocturne has assembled — with four different authors each tackling a book set in the same world and a different sibling from a lost royal family. Gena Showalter brings us the first title focusing on the crown prince Nicolai. Long ago, his family’s castle was attacked. His parents, before being murder, sent out conflicting magical spells to protect their children; one called for vengance and the other to get the children safely away. This made for much confusion as Nicolai was in his bed with a naked maiden one minute and chained to wall in a dungeon another. His memory was gone and he was being held as a sex slave for nasty, nasty witch princesses in the ageless kingdom of Delfina.

Then there’s Jane, a human from the mortal world. She used to perform paranormal research, but after a horrid car accident, she stays home. Her days have become monotonous, but at night she dreams of a gorgeous man. A vampire, bound in chains. And she wants to save him. This is when a handwritten book arrives on her doorstep, and reading it transports her to Delfina. Everyone sees her as a princess thought killed. Everyone except Nicolai, who sent for her. She can save him.

Sound a bit like a fairy tale? That’s exactly how this one goes — and is the reason it’s a 3-star review. The plot isn’t all that original, but it’s immensely fun to read. Seeing Nicolai realize he can’t live without Jane, refusing to accept any obstacle, makes a girl giddy. He was the player and had intended to use her just to gain freedom before beginning his siege on the usurper of his lands. But he just can’t. Jane does some things I would consider a bit reckless, but overall she’s a strong woman. And, really, Nicolai needs someone to challenge him.

Despite the predictable plot, Showalter’s toe-curling sex scenes and even those sensual vampire bites would be enough to make this one a fun weekend read for any vampire paranormal romance fan.

It may not be breaking the mold, but it’s nicely done vampire romance. If you like the boys that bite and beating down the oppressors, you’ll enjoy Lord of the Vampires. I most certainly had fun reading it, and am looking forward to seeing what the other Harlequin Nocturne authors can cook up to continue the tale.

Sexual content: Graphic sex scenes, attempted rape

4 Responses to “Early Review: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (Royal House of Shadows #1)”

  1. Mandi says:

    Kind of skimmed the review because I have this one coming up. I’ve seen lots of ho hum ratings for this one, but still excited for the series as a whole.

  2. Viki S. says:

    I love Gena! Thanks for the review.

  3. @Mandi – I’m curious for more from the series. I like the idea, and Gena’s sex scenes were excellent (of course), but it doesn’t do anything new.

    @Viki – It brings the sexy. Promise.

  4. I have heard some mediocre buzz concerning this book, but I loved it. You are absolutely correct in saying Nicholai makes the book. I made my peace with always having issues with heroines, so I can get over that rather quickly. Good, solid review. Can’t wait to see what you think of the next book.

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