Tegan's Blood

<b> 3.5 stars </b><br /><br />Nightfall is a revamped (heh, see what I did there?) version of LH Cosway’s earlier books originally called Tegan’s Blood. It follows a young cashier who meets two vampires while working in a grocery shop and her life takes a dramatic turn just from that one encounter. <br /><br />I am conflicted. LH Cosway is one of my favorite authors and while I liked this book, I am not sure if I want to read the rest of the series. Cosway always creates characters that are amazing, but the plot and worldbuilding in this book were seriously lacking for me. That coupled with a weak romance, is it even worth it to continue? Hmm.

Nightfall is now live on Kindle Unlimited for just 99c!<br><br><a href="https://ibb.co/khzGxNk" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1615288953i/30984846._SX540_.png" alt="Nightfall-L-H-Cosway-Live-Teaser1" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br>Kindle US: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/3bukv3L">https://amzn.to/3bukv3L</a><br>Kindle UK: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/3t7wnyR">https://amzn.to/3t7wnyR</a><br>Kindle DE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08YB8M2VN">https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08YB8M2VN</a><br>Kindle CA: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08YB8M2VN">https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08YB8M2VN</a><br>Kindle AU: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08YB8M2VN">https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08YB8M2VN</a><br><br><br>Read on for sneak peek of chapter one!<br>***<br><br>1.<br> <br>“I’m the one who eats actual food here, so I know what I’m talking about.”<br><br>“Well, I might not eat, but I know for a fact that you don’t put chorizo in paella. I was once invited to dinner at Salvador Dali’s house in Figueres. Paella was served, and I remember a distinct lack of the spiced sausage.”<br><br>I might not eat?<br><br>Salvador Dali?<br><br>Who the hell were these oddballs?<br><br>I was at work, mindlessly sticking price tags on tins of baked beans, when I overheard the oddest conversation. It wasn’t way out of the ordinary for me to see or hear weird shit when working the night shift at Hagan’s 24-hour grocery. I was kind of desensitised after witnessing one woman crack open a box of tampons before pulling down her pants in the middle of the aisle and, well, you know the rest.<br><br>People could be really fucking disgusting sometimes.<br><br>I leaned closer to the shelves and strained my ears to listen.<br><br>“Hey, if she wants to put chorizo in the dish, then let her,” another voice said. This one male. “What difference does it make? I’d like to get out of here sometime in the next century.”<br><br>“Ugh, fine,” the woman groaned. “I’ll pass on the chorizo. I can’t believe I gave Ethan the opportunity to name drop. I’ll never learn.”<br><br>“When you’ve been alive as long as I have, you meet a few historical figures along the way,” the first man, Ethan, said casually.<br><br>I furrowed my brow. These three were definitely on drugs. The Yellowbranch Forest, just outside the city limits, was famous for its psilocybin. I shook my head, chuckling to myself, as I refocused on pricing tins. Head down, I continued to listen to their bizarre conversation when I heard them come my way.<br><br>“Did you ever cross paths with Da Vinci?” the second man asked. “I heard he was partial to handsome young gentlemen like you.”<br><br>“He was sadly before my time, but unlike some, dear Lucas, I’ve never felt myself swayed by the same sex.” A pause. “Actually, I tell a lie. I did once consider letting Bosie go down on me. He was terribly pretty and very persuasive.”<br><br>I arched an eyebrow. Maybe they were role-playing, or practicing lines for a TV show. Chancing a quick peek, I spotted a red-haired woman, a tall, blond man, and a dark-haired guy idling by the jarred sauces. Hmm, they were definitely attractive enough to be actors.<br><br>“I’m sure you only considered it,” the dark-haired man scoffed. “I’ve never known you to turn down oral pleasure.”<br><br>“I do have some restraint,” the blond man shot back before going markedly silent. His nostrils flared like he was sampling the air. It reminded me of my dad’s pitbull, Bruiser, and how he used to stand by the back door, sniffing the air before he decided to go outside.<br><br>A moment later the blond man’s eyes met mine, and I gasped, dropping the tin of beans I’d been holding. Were his eyes gold? Acting on instinct, I bent to pick up the tin but found he’d gotten there before me. He was fast. He lifted the tin and handed it to me. “Here you go.” His eyes drifted down to the name tag on my uniform. “Tegan.”<br><br>“Thanks,” I whispered, blinking rapidly. Up close he was even more attractive. I’d go as far as to say he was beautiful.<br><br>“She smells unusual, doesn’t she?” the red-haired woman commented, tilting her head as she took me in.<br><br>“Yes, rather unusual indeed,” the blond man agreed. I noticed a slightly Eastern European lilt in his accent.<br><br>His curious eyes wandered over me, and for a second, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. The tiny hairs on my arms stood on end and some weird part of my brain yelled that I should get away from him fast.<br><br>Then, the glass sliding doors at the entrance of the store opened and a voice shouted, “I have a weapon. Come out here and open the till NOW!”<br><br>The blond man raised an eyebrow, muttering blandly, “That is quite the threat.”<br><br>“Quite,” I agreed as my stomach turned over in fear. It was just my luck that someone decided to rob the place when I was the only one on shift. Again. This was why I hated working at night. The dark brought out all the crazies. I’d also left my phone in my locker at the back of the store.<br><br>“Excuse me,” I said to Mr. Blond and Beautiful as I stood and went to confront the piece of shit who just threatened me. The first time this happened, I froze and the thief got away with all the money from the register, as well as what was in the safe. Mr. Hagen said he’d fire me if I let the store get robbed again, and I couldn’t afford to lose this job right now.<br><br>A greasy looking guy in a sweat-stained T-shirt and torn jeans stood by the counter, knife in hand. He wore a balaclava, but I was fairly certain I recognised him as the same scumbag who’d robbed us the last time.<br><br>“You again. I see the Tribane Police Department is doing a stellar job keeping the city safe.”<br><br>“Shut up and open the till, bitch,” he hissed, thrusting the knife towards me in an unwieldy manner. I quickly sidestepped out of the way.<br><br>“As you can see, I’m on my way to open it right now,” I said, keeping my voice neutral as I passed by him and went behind the counter. The thief shoved a plastic bag at me. “Put it all in there.”<br><br>Over his shoulder, I saw the blond man appear. He placed his finger to his lips, and I furrowed my brow. I thought he might’ve done me a solid by calling the police. Instead it looked like he was going to try and take this guy on directly. Well, better him than me.<br><br>I tried to act normal as I opened the till and shoved cash inside the bag. “I didn’t realise thieves were so environmentally friendly these days.”<br><br>“What are you talking about?” the robber asked impatiently.<br><br>“You brought your own reusable bag,” I said. “Very forward-thinking. It’s nice to know there are people out there making an effort to tackle global warming.”<br><br>Behind him, Blondie smirked in amusement.<br><br>“Just put the money in the bag and shut your mouth,” he snapped.<br><br>“Sure thing,” I said with false politeness. As I spoke, Blondie reached out and swiped the knife from the thief’s grip. He moved fast, just like he did when he picked up the tin of beans. Maybe I was extra-tired, but his speed didn’t seem natural …<br><br>“Hey!” the thief exclaimed, grasping for his knife. Blondie was tall enough that he could easily hold it out of reach. Looking the thief dead in the eye, he said, “You’re going to leave now and never come back.”<br><br>The thief stilled, a strange look coming over him almost like he was in a trance. Then to my shock, he quietly turned and left the store.<br><br>Confused, I placed my hands on my hips and looked back at Blondie. “Eh, what the hell? How did you do that?”<br><br>Taking his time, Blondie pocketed the knife before turning his attention to me. I was vaguely aware of the red-haired woman and the other man standing a few feet behind him. Blondie pulled a fifty from his wallet and placed it on the counter. “For the food.” I glanced at the woman, who was holding a basket full of items. “I’m sorry to have to do this, Tegan, especially since you smell so very interesting, but I must insist you forget this ever happened.”<br><br>I stared at him blankly, intending to sound sarcastic, but my suppressed nerves from the attempted robbery made the word come out stilted. “Ooo—kay.”<br><br>“Until next we meet.”<br><br>With that, he left, the other two following behind him.<br><br>“Just take the basket with you then,” I muttered, shaking my head. Bunch of weirdos. I glanced down at the bag of cash and swore loudly. I was going to have to reorganise it and put it all back in the register.<br><br>“Fantastic. Just bloody fantastic.”<br>***<br>Add Nightfall to your reading list: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55891420-nightfall">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...</a>

SERIES: Blood Magic #1 <br>GENRE: paranormal romance<br>TROPES/THEMES: insta-love, vampires/witches<br>CLIFFHANGER: yes<br>TRIGGER WARNINGS: mention of suicide ( off page.. heroine ex boyfriend) <br>RATING: 4⭐<br>SONGS: Eurythmics - Sweet dreams<br> Abba - SOS<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1614443757i/30934229._SY540_.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>One night while working a night shift in a grocery store our heroine, Tegan encounters three interesting strangers. After one of them helps her fend off an armed robber Tegan doesn't give it much attention. However, after meeting a mystery man Ethan again, she suddenly learns about these creatures that are living among people- vampires. Not only that, Tegan is no ordinary human either. <br><br>Reveling secrets about the world and herself Tegan takes us on a supernatural journey of fighting evil, new romance, and self-discovery. <br><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1614447626i/30934488.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1614447625i/30934487.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br><br>This series is edited and rewritten from a previously published series <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/13449624.Tegan_s_Blood__The_Ultimate_Power___1_" title="Tegan's Blood (The Ultimate Power, #1) by L.H. Cosway" rel="noopener">Tegan's Blood</a> by this author. I haven't read that series so I can't say much about improvement. <br><br><br>This book is a great introduction to a supernatural series. It has many intriguing characters and I am curious how will the story unfold. <br><br>A perfect read for the fans of Vampire Dairies, Originals, or Legacy.

<b>3.5 STARS</b><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1620104943i/31278424._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b> <blockquote>“Do you know what it feels like when I’m near you?” he asked in a seductive, entrancing voice. It made me instantly forget why I was wary of him or why I should be leaving. “What does it feel like?” I whispered. <br>He lowered his mouth so that it was hair’s breadth from mine. <br>“It feels like my entire body is vibrating with the undiscovered mystery that lies inside of you.” “There’s no mystery in me.” <br>“I beg to differ.”</blockquote> </b><br>I have to admit it's been a while since I've read a vampire/witchcraft fantasy, so it took some time for me to settle into this story. I also want to say that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed many of Cosway's books in the past. And I did really enjoy this one as well, however, I don't think it was the best example of her work. The story was creative and once I got into it, entertaining. However, I felt like it was a little bit, Idk, corny at times. Maybe juvenile, for lack of a better term. It reminds me of something written by a much younger author. I hate to say that though, because it sounds like I'm being overly critical. But I also can't leave it left unsaid. I know, I'm making no sense at all. <br><br>In short, I enjoyed the book. I will be reading on in the series. I must know what happens next. <br><br>If you like paranormal/fantasy and you like Cosway's romances, you'll love this. Do I think she could have improved this... absolutely.<br>Enough said.

The plot of <i>Tegan's Blood</i> was a predictable mishmash of other vampire stories and episodes of <i>Buffy</i>, but that still could have been enjoyable if it weren't for the character of Tegan herself.<br /> <br />I can't remember the last time I read such a spineless, defeated, and annoying main character. She spouts antagonistic tough talk and then backs it up by letting every stranger in the vicinity walk all over her and her common sense past the point of a death wish.<br /><br />In the very first chapter, Tegan is cornered by three creepy people in an alley behind a club. They intimidate and threaten her and demand to know her name and address. She promptly cries and asks them if she's allowed to go now. (Oh yeah, that'll work.) They demand her name and she goes through her tough routine of "No way, I'll never tell you!" Then they ask her nicely and... she tells them. Next, one of the creepsters insists he will drive her home so he can learn her address. Once again she's all, "That will never happen! I'd die first! Blah blah blah!" (I'm paraphrasing.) Of course two minutes later she's given in because they just seem so insistent, and well it would just be easiest this way, and she really does want to get home, and besides Mr. Creepy is hawt. So she gets in his car alone, lets him drive her home, and then invites him inside!! This girl is a danger to herself and others. And my psyche. <br /><br />Here's a real quote from later on in the story that nicely illustrates her character. This is of course right after she's told the vampires that she doesn't need them because she's Super Duper Tough Girl, and then a riot breaks out:<br /><br />"I try to get up but the pain in the left side of my ribs is a killer, and I was never one to handle pain well. The slightest twinge and I’m out for the count. I need help, even one of the vampires would do. Hell, I’d even accept Marcel at this point. I hadn’t realized it until this moment, but as I peer down at my hands I notice that they are shaking. A human riot is frightening enough, but a supernatural one? Well that’s just a little past my capability level."<br /><br />I'm afraid most things are past her capability level. She relies on her inherent "specialness" instead of any skill or intelligence of her own. And the few times in the story where events actually call for her to be diplomatic and conciliatory, those are the times, for some reason, that she chooses to stick to her guns and be rude and histrionic and demanding! I just couldn't connect with any manifestation of her bipolar character. <br /><br />And on a writing mechanics note, the run-on sentences were pervasive to the point of being majorly distracting.

<br><a href="https://imgur.com/226UrXk" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1617321912i/31119113._SX540_.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br><b>"4- Knights in shining armor don't exist. There's always a catch, Stars!"</b><br><br>L.H. Cosway is one of my favorite authors, and she's one of my 1-click automatic buys. <br>So, when I heard she was releasing this series, I was really excited. <br><br><br><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/55891420.Nightfall__Blood_Magic___1_" title="Nightfall (Blood Magic, #1) by L.H. Cosway" rel="noopener">Nightfall</a> is the first book in the <i>"Blood Magic"</i> tetrology.<br><br>Once again L.H. has created very interesting, and unique characters. <br>In this paranormal series, she's created a world where Vampires, Warlocks, Witches, and shapeshifters exist but are unknown to the common folk.<br><br>This is a story of an average girl being at the wrong place at the wrong time and having the world as she knows it immediately being turned upside down.<br><br>I really enjoyed Ian and Tegan's characters. <br>They are likable and engaging.<br>The attraction and chemistry between the two is wonderful, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.<br><br>This is a good start to the series.<br><br><br><i>"I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the author.</i><br><br><br><a href="https://imgur.com/Sb2z3Kw" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1614462111i/30935364._SX540_.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

I love that this author has decided to update this series giving me an opportunity to read them. I have looked at them in the past but always passed them by. Perhaps the cover, the blurb, or reviews? Not sure really. But I’ve found that when books are updated they are usually very well done and so I jumped on this as soon as I had the chance.<br><br><br><img alt="Mass. Store Clerk Shoots Robber Who Held Knife to Woman's Throat – Personal Defense World" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1614553837i/30942125._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br>Teagan was a heroine that is just struggling to get by. She’s got a job that leaves a lot to be desired but it has put her exactly where she needs to be to meet Ethan. When she meets him again, things get really interesting. She quickly showed herself to be strong and fierce, protective of those who are without someone to stand up for them. It didn’t take me long to love her.<br><br><br><img alt="12 Common Couple Sleeping Positions And What They Mean" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1614553837i/30942126._SX540_.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br>I don’t want to spoiler anything here, although I personally didn’t find anything to be a shock or surprise as the story unfolds. This is a fast read that captured my attention from the earliest pages. It’s a low steam story with the romance taking the back burner but always flickering in and out throughout the plotline. Everything was very well developed and described to the point I felt like it was a movie playing in my mind. <br><br><br><img alt="" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1614553837i/30942127._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br>This ends with a cliffhanger, but not the kind that makes you shout out in agony. Nevertheless, I really want to know what Teagan will be doing next and fortunately the second book has already been reedited and I’ve got a copy queued up and ready to go. <br><br>Heroine POV<br>Safe <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="43cc1b2a-78ee-4a48-9e5f-552239ca439f" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="43cc1b2a-78ee-4a48-9e5f-552239ca439f">no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; nothing suggested whether H is a manwhore</label><br>Triggers <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="c96174d6-abb3-48a6-b803-a24e4b87c964" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="c96174d6-abb3-48a6-b803-a24e4b87c964">suicide - off page, happened prior to story </label><br></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]>

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Tegan is just working her nightshift minimart job when it’s robbed, again. This time someone appears to help her, a good looking blond man. Him and his companions move fast and act weird, telling her she will not remember them. She thinks it weird but hey she’s okay and they lost no money. Later when she goes out with friends to a nightclub she meets the blondie again and he’s shocked she remembers him. This is where it all starts to unravel. What is it about her that is different ?<br />This world all new to her, is a very dangerous place. She learns of vampires, witches and that she is not who she thought she was. Lust, love, greed, betrayal and lies fill her life now.<br />A great start to a series. The world is filled with possibilities. I can’t wait to see where this spunky girl goes and what she learns. Beware you’ll need book two as soon as you finish this one. Trust me you need to know what happens<br />L.H. Cosway is one of my favorite authors she writes the best characters.<br />

I received an ARC copy from the author today.<br />I loved this book. It had both suspense and a slow burn romance. I look forward to reading the next book in this series by this author.