A Bargain of Blood and Gold - Kristin Jacques (Review)

Date of Reading: 1/7/2021

Author: Kristin Jacques

Publisher: City Owl Press

Publication Date: June 15, 2021

Source: BookSirens

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

A novice hunter with a mission. A five-hundred-year-old vampire with a strong sense of irony. A town plagued by creatures in need of saving.

When Johnathan Newman arrives in Cress Haven, the last thing he expects is for his life to be irrevocably changed. Sent by a clandestine league of vampire hunters to investigate a string of murders, signs point to a vampire lurking amid the townsfolk. Johnathan’s attempt to enlist the locals leads him to an unlikely partnership with Vic, the town's most eligible, enigmatic bachelor.

As the pair work to solve the mystery, Vic’s secrets come back to bite him. Revealed, the vampire fights his attraction to a man trained to destroy him, while Johnathan’s emotions land him in the middle of forbidden desires. Even if Vic isn’t the murderer, how can Johnathan yearn for his natural enemy?

As Vic leads Johnathan into encounters with terrifying beings straight from children’s nightmares, Johnathan learns that not only is the world stranger than he knew but that those he once trusted have far darker intentions that will place hunter and vampire at the centre of a conflict between realms.

Cress Haven holds more sinister secrets than its resident vampire, a secret so great, it could unleash Hell itself.

For fans of Gail Carriger’s Supernatural Society, The Charm of Magpies series by KJ Charles, Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh, and The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee.

Review:

        I have been on the hunt for an mm paranormal romance and chanced upon this accidentally. I was sceptical at first since it is the first book in the 'Midnight Guardian' series. A cliffhanger is not something everyone is fond of. But rest assured, even though the story is not complete, it doesn't leave behind that much of a suspense . . . just the right amount so we can peacefully wait for the next one without going bonkers.

        From the very beginning, the story focuses on Jonathan and Vic's attempts to unravel the mystery surrounding the murders in Cress Haven. Sure, they get close with so many near death experiences, but romance takes a back seat most of the time. I can only hope that the author has reserved all the funny bits for the next book. What we witness here is the start of a very promising relationship and I can't wait to hear more.

     I should not be forgetting my favourite character though. She might be intended as Vic's sidekick, but she had outlived her role and I don't think she is planning to remain as a supporting cast. Brave, spirited, sharp tongued Alyse, let's see how the outside world treats you. Maybe you get to have your own story this time.

Meet the author:

Mother of two, caffeine addict, sleep deprived book eater, Kristin Jacques writes primarily speculative fiction, dabbling with dark adventures, monsters, mayhem, and the occasional sarcastic zombie. When not at her computer spinning tales she is generally herding cats or snuggling with her gremlins.