Bleeding Hearts

Demimonde, Book 1

By: Ash Krafton

Narrated by: Kelly Pruner

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Sophie Galen is an advice columnist whose work leaves her neck-deep in other people's problems. Thanks to her compassion, her gut instinct, and her magnetic charm, Sophie really knows how to attract little black clouds.

Marek Thurzo is no little black cloud; he's a maelstrom. Marek is Demivampire, a race with the potential to evolve into vampire. A warrior who's taken his share of spiritual damage, he hovers dangerously close to destruction.

He seeks salvation. She's driven to save him. But what if he can't be saved?

Sympathy for his plight becomes true empathy as Sophie's hidden nature is revealed. Marek suspects she may be one of the Sophia, oracle and redemption of the damned Demivampire. She alone can turn back the evolutionary clock.

All she needs is the courage to face her fears. Can she save him from falling?

©2012 Ash Krafton (P)2015 Ash Krafton

Demimonde

I have to say that this book about Sophie Galen, an advice columnist for a newspaper and her meeting and subsequent relationship with Marek Thurzo, a high ranking member of the Demimonde was, in my opinion, slow to get going but once it did it held my attention because I just had to find out what was going to happen.

For the uninitiated, as I was, into the world of the Demimonde I'll give you some basics - Demivamipres exist in our world, the can live amongst us without our knowledge, they can walk in the sun, they have superhuman strength and do the things we associate with Vampires - but they have not fallen or evolved into Vampire, they are not for want of a better word evil.

When Sophie meets Marek she is drawn to him and his world, she has always been able to feel empathy for people, hence her occupation as an advice columnist but with Marek she can feel/sense so much more. Marek believes her to be a "Sophia" an oracle and giver of salvation to the Demimonde. As their relationship evolves they become lovers and Marek introduces her to his world and all it entails but will they be able to stay together?

Overall it was an interesting book, but it did end on a huge cliffhanger which left me wanting more. The narration by Kelly Pruner was excellent and the characters were well defined and the chemistry between Sophie and Marek sizzled. The world created here was very good. This story has a unique take on vampire's and their world.

I was given this book as a gift and am voluntarily writing this review.

I love Vampires

This was a different twist on the everyday vampire stories. Love Ash's unique and powerful way that Sophia and Marek are drawn to each other. I also like the concept of a DV just like a DG, and makes this vampire story different from the rest. Can't wait to see what is next for these two in "Blood Rush." Worth the credit and time to listen.

Roller coaster ride

OMG, it took me a moment to get into this book. But I can seriously say that I loved it. Sophie and Merrick had me swooning over them. She is the sweetest person and will give you the business when and if she has too. Merrick is so protective. A true love story. I hated the way it ended and can’t wait for the next chapter in this series. Sophie go get your man.....Ash Krafton you have done the thing can’t wait for the next book.

Fantastic listen!

Great story and characters. Fantastic narrator who put plenty of emotion into her performance. I received a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

A very entertaining listen

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This was an entertaining, if slow starting, story with some action and good dialog. I liked the main character, she was strong and snarky. The author does a good job of world building and the narrator brings this book to life in your imagination. I felt the balance between the romance aspects of the story and the paranormal were well done. I'd definitely be open to more in this series.

Advice columnist turned supernatural helper

Sophia is an advice columnist that’s great at giving others advice but not great at love even with being best friends with an ex boyfriend of her childhood that turned into a priest. Suddenly she’s thrown into a world she never knew existed with a power she never fully knew. The only downfalls of this book there are times she’s made to look probably a little too weak and the guy she meets is a bit too much especially being jealous of her past. Overall an interesting story.

Norco can I blame the author for not sleeping?

wow freaking wow I loved this book so much it was so well-written the characters were amazing profound and beautiful every second of this book was absolutely incredible I loved it I haven't slept to finish and listen this book it was just amazing I'm so glad I had this book
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

My Heart is Bleeding....

Why haven't I discovered this audiobook sooner? I am so glad I got the opportunity to listen to this. It was not about what I thought it was going to be about and that was a nice surprise. The story is extremely unique even though it does include vampires, it's not your typical vampire story. It started a little slow, but once it got going I couldn't stop listening.

Sophie and Marek make an unusual couple. The type of couple you keep rooting for to get together and stay together. Romance is placed throughout the story without graphic sex. There is a slow build to their relationship and it creates a stronger bond for our main characters to hold on to. Even the bond Sophie had with Marek's brother made the story even better and I hope to hear more about him in the next book.

It's hidden gem audiobooks like these that make me appreciate good narrators. Kelly Pruner did a great job and definitely added to the experience of listening.

I love a good 'Fang' book, so I must give this audiobook 5 'fangs' up! 👍👍👍👍👍

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review"

Slow Burn, Brooding, and Gritty Vampire Romance

Would you consider the audio edition of Bleeding Hearts to be better than the print version?

Probably not better as I did find the areas explaining the world of the Demimonde and the connection to Egyptian Mythology tougher to follow, but definitely equal in good storytelling.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bleeding Hearts?

That's tough. The ending blew my mind and left me sobbing and heartbroken while eager for more. But I found the car chase exciting and loved the times with Marick's brother and Sophie.

Which scene was your favorite?

That would be the last scene of the book. and I can't say more or I'll spoil it. But yeah, the best and will stick with me.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Okay, I just laughed because yes, I had an extreme reaction. I've reread certain scenes over for the way they grabbed my emotions.Yes, I laughed a little and later, cried a lot. More than one tissue if you get into your books like I do.

Any additional comments?

This is part of a trilogy and it is best that the reader go in knowing that this book ends with the knowledge that it will pick up in book two and this isn't a standalone.The worldbuilding is fresh and the paranormal side is darker and gritty. The romance is sweet and slow burning though very sensual. There is a hint of competition for the hero.Definitely recommend this to Urban Fantasy lovers.

I received my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

wow and then some

I'll be the first to say I love a heroine with spunk, and this girl has it in spades! I was listening to this book at home and even my 13 yr old daughter got wrapped up in sophie's sassy ways. She goes through hell and still has her spirit. I love the way she stands up for herself and doesn't let anyone run over her. I was so wrapped up in this story I fell asleep listening to it. Sass, love, heartbreak, this one has it all without raunchy details which works for the story as you can focus on the characters and all that happens to them.