Rating: 4🌈
Another new author and a new paranormal law enforcement vampire romance. A excellent find in both writer and story.
Several things that Drewek created here for her universe that I absolutely found fascinating and wanted more exploration into was the vampire society and creation lore. That its territories are women ruled/dominated definitely needs further development within the story than the fabulous juicy bits offered up by scenes the author gave us here. I was definitely invested.
That feeds in so well into the fact that Chicago PD Det Eric Collins, 250 year old vampire is a solitary male, working his department’s night shift. His heavy caseloads as well as his memories and routines are what mark his days. The author lets Eric’s past stories and losses be revealed only once his solo existence starts to change. However, Eric the detective is a fully formed character as is his place within his department.
Drewek also does a great job in creating the other characters, including Chase Turner, a complicated person with a multitude of issues. He’s a cop who’s the son of cops. His mother is deceased, and his father a bullying alcoholic officer, now retired who’s either revered or hated because of his former position as the head of IA. Chase is also suffering from PTSD, from his tour of duty in the Army. Plus he’s got ex issues too.All that and a tragic case brings him into the same mess as Eric when both are on the scene at the same time.
Drewek has written so many terrific storylines, all ongoing that involve vampires, other investigators, and fully formed characters that interact with each other to keep the reader invested in their relationship and the storylines that emerge.
One element of relationships that I find problematic in a story is where one person will , for whatever reason, takes actions or makes important decisions that affect their relationship without discussing it with their partner, purposely. Effectively it relegates their partner or mate to a lesser or unequal status because they are making decisions for them without their knowledge or permission. Doesn’t matter the trope. This is a familiar element in some couples.
And this aspect of Eric and Chase’s dynamic was an issue that I struggled with throughout the book while enjoying the characters, their interactions and terrific histories created for them by the author. It was minutely addressed towards the end of the novel and I appreciated that but I wish it had been dealt with differently.
As a standalone story, Drewek has developed such a rich environment and cast that I keep thinking that it would make a great series. Aubrey, Eric’s werewolf friend from his past who lives in New Orleans, definitely deserves a sequel.
It’s a terrific universe that needs further exploration and I hope this author will return to it sometime soon.
In the meantime, I’ll be looking into Drewek’s other works and series. If they are as interesting and well written as this, I can’t wait to read them.
This is a great find! And I love the cover.
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Blurb
Vampires don’t get a happily ever after. Eric Collins learned that the hard way, which is why he swore off the whole idea and prefers to throw himself into his job as a Chicago PD detective. His plan for a peaceful, solitary existence, however, is disrupted the night he saves Chase Turner—a human and a fellow cop—from being brutally murdered.
With vindictive vampires after them and Chase’s meddling ex around every corner, it’s time for Eric to leave Chicago. But first he has to make a choice—convince Chase to give up everything and come with him, or say goodbye to the love of his life?
PER SANGUINEM is a slow-burn MM paranormal romance with a lot of suspense, police procedures, and sexual tension between two cops on the DL. It features an overprotective vampire, two insanely loyal partners, and a forbidden love story set against a complicated backdrop of murder and vampire politics. It is intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list of triggers can be found in the front matter of the book and at my website under Tropes & Triggers.
• Publisher: Fox Hollow Books (October 24, 2022)
• Publication date: October 24, 2022
• Language: English
• Print length: 494 pages
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 