I am loving the Oak & Holly Cyle series and was excited to begin the Blood Type series. The Monster and the Last Blood Match by K. A. Linde narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker is the first in a paranormal romantasy where vampires rule from the shadows as humans attempt to survive. Listeners will love the slow-burn romance, political intrigue and spunky heroine.
by K.A. Linde
Series: Blood Type #1
Narrator: Stephanie Nemeth-Parker
Length: 9 hours and 17 minutes
Genres: Romantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
Before The Wren in the Holly Library , there was The Monster and the Last Blood Match —the enthralling beginning to a world of passion, power, and secrets. When a human ventures into the world of vampires, she discovers that not all is what it seems.
For Reyna Carpenter, giving up her body isn't a choice—it's survival.
In a world where humans are currency and vampires rule from the shadows, Reyna accepts a high-paying position among the wealthy and ruthless elite. Her new a live-in blood escort for the enigmatic and dangerously powerful Beckham Anderson. She expects cruelty. She expects hunger. She expects to become his next meal.
But Beckham won't drink from her.
He keeps his distance, his unreadable gaze shadowed by something far more dangerous than just desire. As the nights pass, Reyna begins to sense it—an invisible war being waged around her, secrets that twist through the corridors of Visage, and whispers of something far more valuable than power.
Because Reyna isn't just rare—she's the key to something bigger than she ever imagined. And the reason Beckham refuses to taste her blood?
It might not just change them—it might destroy everything.
I enjoy K.A. Linde’s writing style. Her stories are well paced, and the world’s fascinating, with memorable characters and addictive plots with plenty of twists. This is the first audiobook in the Blood Type series, and the author does a great job of introducing us to the world through the eyes of our protagonist, Reyna Carpenter.
Reyna lives with her two brothers in a run-down project building. Both her brothers’ work at the factory but are barely eking out a living for the three of them. Reyna signs up to be a blood donor for the vampire community, the wealthy and ruthless elite who control everything. When she goes to sign up and have her blood tested, she is offered a lucrative opportunity in their new pilot program. She will become the living blood escort of Beckham Anderson. In exchange, she’ll receive housing and a lucrative salary that will change not only her life, but that of her brothers.
Reyna finds herself whisked away to his penthouse apartment, where she fears the worst and finds something completely unexpected. The tale that unfolds hooked me as the author took us into the world of the elite and face to face with its scariest monsters.
The world-building was well done and felt like a fresh take on vampires, who have made feeding and blood donations a lucrative business. We explore the darker side of their world of privilege, from power grabs to twisted appetites. Reyna discovers secrets within the walls of Visage, the corporation run by the vampires, and unlocks secrets about her own blood type.
The romance was slow-burning between Reyna and Beckman. Their chemistry was off the charts, and even as Beckman plays hot and cold, it’s clear he has feelings for Reyna and wants to protect her. I am excited to see what happens next.
Stephanie Németh-Parker narrates and captures Reyna’s spunky, often fearless personality and Beckman’s power and restraint. The voice she gives to the villains and those in power will send shivers down your spine. The story lends itself perfectly to the audio format, and I highly recommend grabbing your earbuds for this one.
*kindleunlimited
About K.A. Linde
K.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library. She is prolific in both romance and fantasy and loves the blend of the two. She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time. She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.
About Stephanie Nemeth-Parker
Stephanie Nemeth Parker is an award-winning SAG-AFTRA audiobook narrator, voice-over artist, and actress with twenty-plus years of acting experience. She narrates books in a variety of genres, from romance to horror, sci-fi to thriller, and many in between, using a plethora of accents. She is a quirky mix of a second-generation Latina who speaks German and a little Spanish.
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Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Very pretty cover on this! I think I have a bunch of freebies by this author. I also have one I might have started but haven’t finished? It does sound good, so I might have to give this a try. Great review!
Livia
I’m intrigued and will have to add this one to my crazy huge WTR list. Thanks for the recommendation!
Mary Kirkland
I do love a good vampire romance story.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I’ve really enjoyed this author in her works in the romantasy type genre. I may read this one at some point.