Vanilla Blood: A Novella

By: S.L. Baron

Narrated by: Jill Cotu, Punch Audio

Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

One night changes everything...

Livia Hart is a woman gutted by tragedy. Craving escape from her grief and guilt, she travels to Europe for the vacation she's dreamt about for years. In a London pub, she meets a handsome stranger, Lucian Llewellyn. Lucian promises her an unforgettable night of bliss...and more: The gift of immortality, to be reborn as a vampire.

Livia embraces her new role as a powerful predator, hiding in plain sight and preying on the dregs of human society - rapists, murderers, abusers. She’s welcomed into a world where vampires refuse to mourn their existence.

But secrets from Lucian’s past threaten Livia’s newfound happiness. Can she survive in her new life knowing the truth? Or will the revelations condemn her to an eternity of regret?

©2018 S.L. Baron (P)2020 S. L. Baron

Real Vampires!!

Note: I was given a free audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.This, this is what a vampire novel, or, in this case, novella, is supposed to be like. The storyline is like, the best parts of dark and gothic, Ane Rice, sweet and romantic, and just a little creepy, like the old classic tales. I really enjoyed this one. Jill Kotu's narration here too, added a depth and flare to the book that helped drive it. I seriously couldn't put it down. The world both SL Barren created, and Kotu's narration to flesh it out, held me captive all the way through. What a way to spend a Sunday. Great job. I can't wait for more.

Wish there had been more to the story

I was really enjoying the story unfortunately I felt like there was just a quick ending that left me feeling unsatisfied. Hopefully the author will decide on more of this story. Other than that I really liked this audiobook.

I was provided a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback.

An Emotional Audiobook. I Highly Recommend.

I had loved this book when it came out and so I was excited to experience it again as an audiobook. What makes this a great story is the depth in which S.L. Baron explores the relationships between her characters. They are not simplified, but instead complex and, as a result, the characters have conflicting emotions about even those they love. There is always a certain charm when being immersed in a world of vampires, but the character development here enriches the story so much that it becomes much more than an ordinary vampire book.

As an audiobook, the story gained strength with the emotions brought forth by narrator Jill Cotu, who does an excellent job of breathing life into the characters while preserving the beauty of S.L. Baron’s writing. I especially loved how she voiced Bridget.

good

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

it was very interesting read. different than other books. it was a little sad. but i liked the realness of that sadness and no romance is perfect. i was drawn in the book. i just wish it had more romance. overall it was a good listen.

Dark & Alluring

Vanilla Blood is a well-written, well-plotted paranormal vampire romance with intriguing characters. S.L. Baron has done a brilliant job of injecting the dark and gothic air into the storyline. The romance component is fascinating, and the connection between the characters is complex, further engrossing me.

Excellent narration by Jill Cotu, she captured the characters' personalities and the emotions very nicely. Overall, this was a highly enjoyable listen, one I'll recommend. I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Lucian and Livia

This was a really good flowing story. I am on a paranormal kick lately and this fit the bill for me. I enjoyed learning about the characters and the depths of their pasts. My heart went out to Livia and Lucian both at different times in the book. I went on to download the next book about Bridget on my kindle. Jill does a good job narrating.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
AudiobookObsession
AudiobooksUnleashed

Okay for people who like vampire novels. I think.

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

The "corners" of mouths "lifted" or "turned up" quite often, a handful of times in the first 30 minutes, in fact. Prose was weird in some places; people don't talk that way, the descriptive words were too flagrant for simple speech at times. Plot took a confusing turn after the initial love story and I got lost in what the actual plot of the book was. Probably needs a trigger warning for anyone who self-harms. I can't think of who this would be appropriate for; I'm assuming the older/maturer end of young adult as there are slightly descriptive sex scenes and vulgar language. However, there's a large amount of eye-rolling moments.

Narration: I didn't understand why certain voices were chosen for each character. A few character voices faded in and out between two or three different accents.