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Dark Eyes #1
Black Sunshine
All Lenore Warwick wants for her 21st birthday is to hang out with her friends, finish her second year at Berkeley with flying colors, and maybe catch the eye of a hot musician playing a show at a club that she can now (legally) get into.
Unfortunately, fate has other plans for her.
A week before her birthday, she’s kidnapped by the brooding and dangerous stranger with cold eyes and a lethal touch, who has been stalking her on San Francisco’s fog-shrouded streets. Absolon "Solon" Stavig isn’t your average criminal though. He’s a centuries-old vampire who’s caught between wanting to kill Lenore and wanting to save her.
You see Lenore, too, is a vampire.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
Taken by a pair of vampire slayers when she was just an infant, Lenore was raised never knowing her true nature. All Lenore knows is that she has (normal) parents who love her, that she’s exceptionally smart, and she’s squeamish around blood. But once she turns twenty-one, she’ll fully turn into a vampire, and Solon hopes he’ll be there to guide her, opening her eyes to her deepest hunger...both sexual and otherwise.
But this turning can’t be kept a secret. Soon both slayers and vampires are hunting Lenore, with only Solon and his unpredictable motley crew of vampires to save her.
If they don’t kill her first.
Black Sunshine is a dark adult romance with a paranormal twist, about sex, love, secrets, and revenge, set in contemporary San Francisco.
Unfortunately, fate has other plans for her.
A week before her birthday, she’s kidnapped by the brooding and dangerous stranger with cold eyes and a lethal touch, who has been stalking her on San Francisco’s fog-shrouded streets. Absolon "Solon" Stavig isn’t your average criminal though. He’s a centuries-old vampire who’s caught between wanting to kill Lenore and wanting to save her.
You see Lenore, too, is a vampire.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
Taken by a pair of vampire slayers when she was just an infant, Lenore was raised never knowing her true nature. All Lenore knows is that she has (normal) parents who love her, that she’s exceptionally smart, and she’s squeamish around blood. But once she turns twenty-one, she’ll fully turn into a vampire, and Solon hopes he’ll be there to guide her, opening her eyes to her deepest hunger...both sexual and otherwise.
But this turning can’t be kept a secret. Soon both slayers and vampires are hunting Lenore, with only Solon and his unpredictable motley crew of vampires to save her.
If they don’t kill her first.
Black Sunshine is a dark adult romance with a paranormal twist, about sex, love, secrets, and revenge, set in contemporary San Francisco.
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2021
About the author
Karina Halle
111 books17.2k followersKarina Halle is a screenwriter, a former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author of River of Shadows, The Royals Next Door, and Black Sunshine, as well as 70 other wild and romantic reads, ranging from light & sexy rom coms to horror/paranormal romance and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever genre you're into, she's probably written a romance for it.
When she's not traveling, she and her husband split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, their sailboat the Norfinn, and their condo in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.authorkarinahalle.com
When she's not traveling, she and her husband split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, their sailboat the Norfinn, and their condo in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.authorkarinahalle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,568 reviews
March 26, 2021
– 2.75 stars
SONG:
Billie Eilish – bad guy
Review is divided into two sections. For people who don't want to know anything about the book, ignore this review and go into Black Sunshine blind. The rest can read the first part which is going to be spoiler free and for the people who are extra curious and don't mind spoilers I'll explain in the second part what I didn't like more in detail.
━━━━━━━━━▲━━━━━━━━━
trigger warnings: blood, blood play, cutting, dub con, bondage
━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━
Spoiler Free Review:
Black Sunshine is about Lenore Warwick who is kidnapped by Absolon Stavig close to her 21st birthday. Lenora is a vampire, but she doesn't know that, because when she was two, she was stolen by two witches who are vampire slayers and who murdered her biological parents. Vampires go through a process called "Becoming" on their 21st birthday before they actually become a vampire. Absolon kidnapps Lenore, because she is no ordinary vampire and has special abilities he wants to exploit. With the discovery, Lenore has to adapt to her new life.
The book started really really well and I was hooked from the first page. Karina Halle does a great job giving Black Sunshine a old-school dark Dracula setting and vibes. The book is very atmospheric.
I was intrigued by the whole becoming a vampire process and how Lenore will go through it, the first half of the book is very slow in the sense that there is not much of a plot and action, but it still kept me interested, because of the history behind the vampires and I wanted to know what would happen to Lenore next.
While going through the Becoming something happens, in one chapter, that made me feel disconnected from these characters. I enjoyed Black Sunshine until that point and after that I just didn't care about the romance anymore, cause it put such a damper on my mood.
There were still some other things that I enjoyed. I liked that Lenore was someone who fought back. Even though she was kidnapped, she tried to escape a couple of times. Usually, the h makes a lukewarm escape plan which fails and then never tries again, but Lenore kept trying. Lenore's friendship with Elle and her solid relationship with her adopted parents despite their lies, were also bonus points that kept me engaged.
I didn't know how to rate Black Sunshine. The beginning was a 4 star-ish, after that one chapter it went down to 2 stars and everything that came after until the end was something in between. So I'm just going to go with 2.75 rounded up to 3.
Spoiler Review:
*
*
*
another warning
*
*
*
why are you still here
*
*
*
you know what is not safe? some of the scenes in this book, I mean one scene in particular
The two stages of the "Becoming" is "Lust" and "Blood Lust". When the vampire reaches the lust stage, they become horny af. When Lenore reaches that stage Absolon asked Wolf (let's just say he's like Absolon's right hand) to satisfy her needs. What happens? Well, there is a very explicit scene where Wolf eats Lenore out while Absolon is watching and then we jump to the next scene when Lenore wakes up and Absolon tells her that she needed a bath, because Wolf and her fucked for the last 2 days and the house smells of sex.
Lenore doesn't even remember anything, because when going through the Becoming there is sensory overload and the mind blacks out sometimes. That was the chapter that ruined the book for me. I hate it when the H/h has sex with other people after meeting their love interest. I really liked the book until that chapter, after that my excitement level went down 📉📉📉 so fast. And I felt disconnected to the romance between Solon and Lenore, knowing that she had sex with Wolf first. It's not like Lenore made a choice to fuck Wolf over Absolon, Absolon didn't want to touch her and offered Wolf as the next best thing and Lenore in the lust stage would have probably fucked anyone.
It didn't help that it kept coming up that Wolf and Lenore "found a rhythm quite easily". And then when Solon says things like
I'm sorry but I just couldn't take it seriously. If she has always been yours why let someone else touch her if you were right there and capable??? The BS excuse that Solon didn't want to have sex with her is because he was protecting her from himself, because he is part monster and doesn't want to loose control.
That made the whole romance for me pretty meeehh and I couldn't really enjoy Lenore and Absolon's couple scenes even tho they had some cute one towards the end.
SONG:
Billie Eilish – bad guy
Review is divided into two sections. For people who don't want to know anything about the book, ignore this review and go into Black Sunshine blind. The rest can read the first part which is going to be spoiler free and for the people who are extra curious and don't mind spoilers I'll explain in the second part what I didn't like more in detail.
━━━━━━━━━▲━━━━━━━━━
trigger warnings: blood, blood play, cutting, dub con, bondage
━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━
Spoiler Free Review:
tropes: vampire romance, enemies to lovers, captor-captive, age gap
Black Sunshine is about Lenore Warwick who is kidnapped by Absolon Stavig close to her 21st birthday. Lenora is a vampire, but she doesn't know that, because when she was two, she was stolen by two witches who are vampire slayers and who murdered her biological parents. Vampires go through a process called "Becoming" on their 21st birthday before they actually become a vampire. Absolon kidnapps Lenore, because she is no ordinary vampire and has special abilities he wants to exploit. With the discovery, Lenore has to adapt to her new life.
"If only you were there, my dear," he says to me, his voice ragged. "You are the balm to my monstrous heart."
The book started really really well and I was hooked from the first page. Karina Halle does a great job giving Black Sunshine a old-school dark Dracula setting and vibes. The book is very atmospheric.
I was intrigued by the whole becoming a vampire process and how Lenore will go through it, the first half of the book is very slow in the sense that there is not much of a plot and action, but it still kept me interested, because of the history behind the vampires and I wanted to know what would happen to Lenore next.
"You're my weakness, Lenore," he says quietly against my skin. "I never had one until now. Until you."
While going through the Becoming something happens, in one chapter, that made me feel disconnected from these characters. I enjoyed Black Sunshine until that point and after that I just didn't care about the romance anymore, cause it put such a damper on my mood.
There were still some other things that I enjoyed. I liked that Lenore was someone who fought back. Even though she was kidnapped, she tried to escape a couple of times. Usually, the h makes a lukewarm escape plan which fails and then never tries again, but Lenore kept trying. Lenore's friendship with Elle and her solid relationship with her adopted parents despite their lies, were also bonus points that kept me engaged.
I didn't know how to rate Black Sunshine. The beginning was a 4 star-ish, after that one chapter it went down to 2 stars and everything that came after until the end was something in between. So I'm just going to go with 2.75 rounded up to 3.
Spoiler Review:
*
*
*
another warning
*
*
*
why are you still here
*
*
*
I am his. And I am safe.
you know what is not safe? some of the scenes in this book, I mean one scene in particular
The two stages of the "Becoming" is "Lust" and "Blood Lust". When the vampire reaches the lust stage, they become horny af. When Lenore reaches that stage Absolon asked Wolf (let's just say he's like Absolon's right hand) to satisfy her needs. What happens? Well, there is a very explicit scene where Wolf eats Lenore out while Absolon is watching and then we jump to the next scene when Lenore wakes up and Absolon tells her that she needed a bath, because Wolf and her fucked for the last 2 days and the house smells of sex.
Lenore doesn't even remember anything, because when going through the Becoming there is sensory overload and the mind blacks out sometimes. That was the chapter that ruined the book for me. I hate it when the H/h has sex with other people after meeting their love interest. I really liked the book until that chapter, after that my excitement level went down 📉📉📉 so fast. And I felt disconnected to the romance between Solon and Lenore, knowing that she had sex with Wolf first. It's not like Lenore made a choice to fuck Wolf over Absolon, Absolon didn't want to touch her and offered Wolf as the next best thing and Lenore in the lust stage would have probably fucked anyone.
It didn't help that it kept coming up that Wolf and Lenore "found a rhythm quite easily". And then when Solon says things like
"You're mine, Lenore. You always have been. Mine and mine. Forever mine."
I'm sorry but I just couldn't take it seriously. If she has always been yours why let someone else touch her if you were right there and capable??? The BS excuse that Solon didn't want to have sex with her is because he was protecting her from himself, because he is part monster and doesn't want to loose control.
That made the whole romance for me pretty meeehh and I couldn't really enjoy Lenore and Absolon's couple scenes even tho they had some cute one towards the end.
October 24, 2022
"Play my game, Lenore," he says into my ear, his voice so low and quiet it feels like it's originating in my skull. "I'll let you win."
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to read a grown up version of Twilight, but instead of high school love triangles and anticlimactic finales you get blood play and decent world building? If so, you've come to the right place. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked up Black Sunshine, but I do know that the prologue was so gripping and exhilarating that I decided to trust Karina Halle to take me wherever she wanted to, and I'm glad I did. You think you know the typical paranormal romance that features creatures that go bump in the night, but I can guarantee you haven't read vampires like this before.
I know I keep saying this, but I was blown away by the plot here. I've come to find that most times I pick up a PNR, it tends to focus mostly on the romantic relationship at hand and the sequences that forward the plot tend to fall in the backseat. Not so here; the author has created a bountiful, complex world, complete with captivating vampire history, other types of supernatural aspects, and even diverse gender identity inclusion.
Please note, there are many content warnings here, including blood play, gore, dubious consent (which will make sense to the reader in context, but please note in case this is a hard pass), cutting, and bondage. If you're squeamish with blood, this book does not shy away from those depictions, and if you're looking for sparkling vampires, you won't find those here. Also, it appears this may not be the last we see of this world, which makes my heart so happy as I adored Solon and Lenore, but if you are wanting to read this as a standalone, the closure provided works well for those who want to end their journey with book one.
*Many thanks to Valentine PR for providing my review copy.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to read a grown up version of Twilight, but instead of high school love triangles and anticlimactic finales you get blood play and decent world building? If so, you've come to the right place. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked up Black Sunshine, but I do know that the prologue was so gripping and exhilarating that I decided to trust Karina Halle to take me wherever she wanted to, and I'm glad I did. You think you know the typical paranormal romance that features creatures that go bump in the night, but I can guarantee you haven't read vampires like this before.
I know I keep saying this, but I was blown away by the plot here. I've come to find that most times I pick up a PNR, it tends to focus mostly on the romantic relationship at hand and the sequences that forward the plot tend to fall in the backseat. Not so here; the author has created a bountiful, complex world, complete with captivating vampire history, other types of supernatural aspects, and even diverse gender identity inclusion.
Please note, there are many content warnings here, including blood play, gore, dubious consent (which will make sense to the reader in context, but please note in case this is a hard pass), cutting, and bondage. If you're squeamish with blood, this book does not shy away from those depictions, and if you're looking for sparkling vampires, you won't find those here. Also, it appears this may not be the last we see of this world, which makes my heart so happy as I adored Solon and Lenore, but if you are wanting to read this as a standalone, the closure provided works well for those who want to end their journey with book one.
*Many thanks to Valentine PR for providing my review copy.
March 30, 2021
3-3.5 stars
I love Karina Halle’s writing and I was so excited to see she was doing a paranormal romance. It’s been a while since I’ve read one and even though it’s not my typical genre, I enjoy it from time to time. This one grabbed me from the start. The middle had some slow spots for me, but it picked back up again at the end.
I enjoyed this story, but never truly connecting to Lenore and Absolon, along with the world building feeling all over the place… I just didn’t love it. I liked it, but I wanted to love it. One character I absolutely loved was Wolf. If he ever gets a book, I will be so here for it!
This story had an original twist when it came to Lenore’s heritage and I appreciated that. I liked the concept, but the execution just missed the mark a bit for me personally. Still, I do love this author and her writing so I would recommend giving it a go if you love PNR.
“You’re going to be my ruin, aren’t you?”
I love Karina Halle’s writing and I was so excited to see she was doing a paranormal romance. It’s been a while since I’ve read one and even though it’s not my typical genre, I enjoy it from time to time. This one grabbed me from the start. The middle had some slow spots for me, but it picked back up again at the end.
I enjoyed this story, but never truly connecting to Lenore and Absolon, along with the world building feeling all over the place… I just didn’t love it. I liked it, but I wanted to love it. One character I absolutely loved was Wolf. If he ever gets a book, I will be so here for it!
This story had an original twist when it came to Lenore’s heritage and I appreciated that. I liked the concept, but the execution just missed the mark a bit for me personally. Still, I do love this author and her writing so I would recommend giving it a go if you love PNR.
Shelved as 'wishlist'
March 22, 2021If it's about vampires, I must read it.
This is the rule
This is the rule
![Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1652024485i/125758944._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
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March 26, 2021this trend of “possessive heroes” willing to share their love interest with other men out of nowhere needs to stop 😩
February 22, 2022
I really loved the vampire lore in this and the fact that the main character was also a vampire. But the writing left a lot to be desired. Very info dumpy and I never felt immersed in the story but felt like I was just being told about things happening
I might still pick up the next book cause I was interested enough in the plot but this was disappointing
I might still pick up the next book cause I was interested enough in the plot but this was disappointing
April 10, 2021
2.5 Stars
I was really excited to start this book. I love vampires and dark romances, but there was something from the start of this one that just didn't click with me. I wasn't a fan of Lenore and how all we were doing was following her around to different parties. There was something weird about the writing style that things felt very info-dumpy, even if it was just about characters Lenore was friends with and not the world in general we were being introduced to. It was hard to get into the story with that kind of writing style. When vampires were introduced, I felt like Lenore accepted everything a little too quickly and there were just too many boring parts. So many moments dragged in this book, even though there were some more action scenes sprinkled throughout. Absolon was an okay hero, but it definitely felt insta-love and I have no idea why these two characters were so obsessed with each other. From the start this book just felt like something someone was putting up on Wattpad and didn't feel like everything else I've read from Karina. I probably won't read book two in the series, but I'm definitely interested in reading Wolf's story.
I was really excited to start this book. I love vampires and dark romances, but there was something from the start of this one that just didn't click with me. I wasn't a fan of Lenore and how all we were doing was following her around to different parties. There was something weird about the writing style that things felt very info-dumpy, even if it was just about characters Lenore was friends with and not the world in general we were being introduced to. It was hard to get into the story with that kind of writing style. When vampires were introduced, I felt like Lenore accepted everything a little too quickly and there were just too many boring parts. So many moments dragged in this book, even though there were some more action scenes sprinkled throughout. Absolon was an okay hero, but it definitely felt insta-love and I have no idea why these two characters were so obsessed with each other. From the start this book just felt like something someone was putting up on Wattpad and didn't feel like everything else I've read from Karina. I probably won't read book two in the series, but I'm definitely interested in reading Wolf's story.
April 4, 2021
3.5 stars
I wasn't planning on doing a review for this one but I just wanna say a few things and also warn my safety gang gals. If you don't have any issues/pet peeves please don't read the spoiler.
If there's one thing Karina Halle does best is setting the scene. Whether it's Hawaii, San Francisco, Italy or another dimension, she pulls you in so vividly that you feel as though you're there with her heroes walking alongside them. And this book is no exception. I loved the worldbuilding, the setting, the players, the vampires and the slayers. The problem for me was that I didn't understand one of them at all. Absolon, "Solon", I just didn't understand his reasoning at all. To the point that I felt his actions were just for the sake of calling the book "dark"..
The biggest issue for me (and I know it will be for some of the safety gang as well) was :
Overall, I liked the vampire lore, the slayers, their respective powers and I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Lenore and Solon.
I wasn't planning on doing a review for this one but I just wanna say a few things and also warn my safety gang gals. If you don't have any issues/pet peeves please don't read the spoiler.
If there's one thing Karina Halle does best is setting the scene. Whether it's Hawaii, San Francisco, Italy or another dimension, she pulls you in so vividly that you feel as though you're there with her heroes walking alongside them. And this book is no exception. I loved the worldbuilding, the setting, the players, the vampires and the slayers. The problem for me was that I didn't understand one of them at all. Absolon, "Solon", I just didn't understand his reasoning at all. To the point that I felt his actions were just for the sake of calling the book "dark"..
The biggest issue for me (and I know it will be for some of the safety gang as well) was :
Overall, I liked the vampire lore, the slayers, their respective powers and I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Lenore and Solon.
March 29, 2021
My expectations for this book were so high! I mean, Karina Halle (one of my top favorite writers) + PNR (my first love) coming together is what dreams are made of! Unfortunately, Black Sunshine didn't work for me. The first 50% of the story felt slow and tedious, and I struggled with my feelings for these characters. The hero (Absolon) and heroine (Lenore) were so unlikable. I typically ADORE a jerk. A dark, mean, emotionally detached hero steals my heart, but Absolon was just .... meh! He didn't do anything for me. On top of that, I expected this story to be dark and twisty. And in my personal opinion, it wasn't that dark, twisted, or intense. I expected more. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed. And I'm sad about that because I typically LOVE Karina's work. That said, this was just one book that didn’t do it for me.
**received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
**received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2021
Vampire romance!!! From karina halle! I’m here for it.
March 29, 2021
4.5 stars
I came into this expecting originality, unfortunately I got a lot of cliches. This book emanates everything from Bella Legosi to Anne Rice to the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Absolon is pretty much everything I hate in vampire form. What a pity. Maybe I’ll get over my aversion, probably about as well as garlic to a vampire. See? I can be cliche too.
I’m such a sucker for emotions that when they came into play in the second half I was a goner. I suppose I got over my aversion after all, but I’m highly gratified. I really wanted to love this book. Honestly he probably had me after he braided her hair near the beginning. It speaks to that daddy kink a little.
I like that only he feeds her, reminds me of Cat and Bones in The Night Huntress series.
“So if I feed on you, and you feed on me,” I ask him as I slash at my forearm, ignoring the pain of the cut, “does that mean all we need is each other to survive?” He gives me a weighted look. “That’s exactly what it means,” he says, his tone grave.” -But doesn’t that like defeat the purpose? 🤷♀️
The most useful purpose of mind to mind communication? All the dirty talk without having to stop. 🙌🔥
He was so closed off and shifty, it’s a relief for Solon to open up and to offer Lenore full disclosure. I always enjoy the different takes on vampire lore and this one doesn’t disappoint.
Even though this started out rough, the second half more than made up for it. Lenore is badass. All the sidekicks are awesome. And Solon? Definitely one of the best book boyfriends.
“So on the subject of Dracula, who is your favorite vampire?” His dark brows shoot up. “My favorite vampire?” “Besides yourself,” I quickly add. “Oh. Well, then I’d have to say The Count.” “…Count Dracula?” He grins at me. “No. Count Von Count,” he says. “From Sesame Street.” He twitches a finger at me. “One, ah-ha-ha,” he says in his best impression as he brings his hand to my neck, tickling me. “Two, ah-ha-ha.” 🖤💋🖤
I came into this expecting originality, unfortunately I got a lot of cliches. This book emanates everything from Bella Legosi to Anne Rice to the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Absolon is pretty much everything I hate in vampire form. What a pity. Maybe I’ll get over my aversion, probably about as well as garlic to a vampire. See? I can be cliche too.
I’m such a sucker for emotions that when they came into play in the second half I was a goner. I suppose I got over my aversion after all, but I’m highly gratified. I really wanted to love this book. Honestly he probably had me after he braided her hair near the beginning. It speaks to that daddy kink a little.
I like that only he feeds her, reminds me of Cat and Bones in The Night Huntress series.
“So if I feed on you, and you feed on me,” I ask him as I slash at my forearm, ignoring the pain of the cut, “does that mean all we need is each other to survive?” He gives me a weighted look. “That’s exactly what it means,” he says, his tone grave.” -But doesn’t that like defeat the purpose? 🤷♀️
The most useful purpose of mind to mind communication? All the dirty talk without having to stop. 🙌🔥
He was so closed off and shifty, it’s a relief for Solon to open up and to offer Lenore full disclosure. I always enjoy the different takes on vampire lore and this one doesn’t disappoint.
Even though this started out rough, the second half more than made up for it. Lenore is badass. All the sidekicks are awesome. And Solon? Definitely one of the best book boyfriends.
“So on the subject of Dracula, who is your favorite vampire?” His dark brows shoot up. “My favorite vampire?” “Besides yourself,” I quickly add. “Oh. Well, then I’d have to say The Count.” “…Count Dracula?” He grins at me. “No. Count Von Count,” he says. “From Sesame Street.” He twitches a finger at me. “One, ah-ha-ha,” he says in his best impression as he brings his hand to my neck, tickling me. “Two, ah-ha-ha.” 🖤💋🖤
March 22, 2021
5 STARS
The last book I read with vampires was Midnight Sub imagine when I learnt my favourite author was writing one!I freaking loved Black Sunshine, it's so refreshing and I devour it!
It's atmospheric and it gave me goosebumbs in a good way!Solon is dark,mysterious, possessive enigmatic and so sexy.I was so intrigued and when I saw who Karina has in mind omg I fall in love.Lenore is new to this world and she needs time to adjust what is happening!I really liked her and together omg they are like fire.There is tension , passion and intensity.I have to say that I also loved Wolf
Overall it was such a great read!
The last book I read with vampires was Midnight Sub imagine when I learnt my favourite author was writing one!I freaking loved Black Sunshine, it's so refreshing and I devour it!
It's atmospheric and it gave me goosebumbs in a good way!Solon is dark,mysterious, possessive enigmatic and so sexy.I was so intrigued and when I saw who Karina has in mind omg I fall in love.Lenore is new to this world and she needs time to adjust what is happening!I really liked her and together omg they are like fire.There is tension , passion and intensity.I have to say that I also loved Wolf
Overall it was such a great read!
March 30, 2021
"You're my weakness..."
Black Sunshine is a standalone vampire romance by Karina Halle. Although this can be read as a standalone, I would actually categorize it as an HFN as there are many unanswered questions. Lenore Warwick thought she was just your average ordinary young woman. However, when she has her 21st birthday, her entire world is changed forever. Lenore doesn't know the truth about her upbringing but she is about to find out. Absolon "Solon" Stavig is happy to kidnap Lenore and help her find out exactly who she is. Although the two could not be more different, somehow they are perfectly (and deliciously) matched.
"You were never alone."Told in Lenore's POV, Black Sunshine is an epic vampire read full of passion, dark magic, and copious amount of blood. Salon is rather damaged and yet, Lenore offers a balm to his soul. The passion between the two is off the charts and I enjoyed every moment of these two together.
"The blood is love."Overall, Black Sunshine will appeal to paranormal romance fans who enjoy a quick trip on the dark side. Karina Halle is an excellent storyteller and once again she has captivated me with a fantastical world full of complex characters. I do hope that she will explore more with these characters as I would be happy to jump back into this world again!
🖤◆ 🖤 This was an (F)BR with CC and WAR! 🖤◆ 🖤
Let's draw some blood! I will be the chick in the middle!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 26, 2021
⭐️-Vampire-Star.
I have decided to DNF this book at 63%.
I had a few problems with the writing style, and how some events were being written. I didn’t connect with the characters and wasn’t excited to know anything about them.
I feel like this one has fallen short. 🤷🏻♀️
With that said, this wasn’t a good read nor an exciting one.
I have decided to DNF this book at 63%.
I had a few problems with the writing style, and how some events were being written. I didn’t connect with the characters and wasn’t excited to know anything about them.
I feel like this one has fallen short. 🤷🏻♀️
With that said, this wasn’t a good read nor an exciting one.
April 23, 2021
2.25 Stars
DNF @80%
It had so much potential but was such a let down. While there were some certain aspects I did like, such as the dynamics between the hero and heroine, there were just too many unnecessary scenes that pretty much ruined their romance for me. The book also couldn't keep my attention that much, and while I did make it far in the book, I ended up stopping to read something else and just have no desire to finish this, so im out✌
Safety: (safe only after they are officially together, at least up until I DNFed)
Hero makes heroine have sex with another guy for 2 days straight, and consensual lines are blurred there
Heroine looks into a specific dark memory of the hero in which the beginning was him having sex with a woman he loved
Voyeurism and public sex
DNF @80%
It had so much potential but was such a let down. While there were some certain aspects I did like, such as the dynamics between the hero and heroine, there were just too many unnecessary scenes that pretty much ruined their romance for me. The book also couldn't keep my attention that much, and while I did make it far in the book, I ended up stopping to read something else and just have no desire to finish this, so im out✌
Safety: (safe only after they are officially together, at least up until I DNFed)
Hero makes heroine have sex with another guy for 2 days straight, and consensual lines are blurred there
Heroine looks into a specific dark memory of the hero in which the beginning was him having sex with a woman he loved
Voyeurism and public sex
October 19, 2023
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a really good five star vampire romance. And I found one!
We follow a seemingly fellow human, Lenore, who’s always felt like an outcast and isolated by society. But she just figured that she was weird and different. She ends up getting stalked and kidnapped pretty early on into the book which leads her to Solon, a very gorgeous and very tempting vampire.
What Lenore doesn’t yet understand is that she too is half vampire and he’s to help her make her change into her vampire self. It’s scary, confusing, losing time, and a bloody mess. She hates him and herself for aching for blood. She doesn’t understand all this.
Her entire world crashes when she realizes her parents aren’t who she thought they were, there’s paranormal and mystical beings and realms she never thought existed. And some of those beings?! They’re after her.
“I saw what you would do for me.“
“I will do so much more for you.”
He swallows, eyes shooting sparks.
“You’re mine, Lenoir. You always have been. Mine and only mine.”
His possessiveness of a vampire is truly something, but with Solon it’s on another level. “
This is an enemies to lovers.
Twisty romance set in a wonderful world of paranormal beings.
It’s dark and creepy and whimsical and bloody.
“Play my game, Lenore,” he says into my ear, his voice so low and quiet it feels likes it’s originating inside my skill.
“I’ll let you win.”
5/5
We follow a seemingly fellow human, Lenore, who’s always felt like an outcast and isolated by society. But she just figured that she was weird and different. She ends up getting stalked and kidnapped pretty early on into the book which leads her to Solon, a very gorgeous and very tempting vampire.
What Lenore doesn’t yet understand is that she too is half vampire and he’s to help her make her change into her vampire self. It’s scary, confusing, losing time, and a bloody mess. She hates him and herself for aching for blood. She doesn’t understand all this.
Her entire world crashes when she realizes her parents aren’t who she thought they were, there’s paranormal and mystical beings and realms she never thought existed. And some of those beings?! They’re after her.
“I saw what you would do for me.“
“I will do so much more for you.”
He swallows, eyes shooting sparks.
“You’re mine, Lenoir. You always have been. Mine and only mine.”
His possessiveness of a vampire is truly something, but with Solon it’s on another level. “
This is an enemies to lovers.
Twisty romance set in a wonderful world of paranormal beings.
It’s dark and creepy and whimsical and bloody.
“Play my game, Lenore,” he says into my ear, his voice so low and quiet it feels likes it’s originating inside my skill.
“I’ll let you win.”
5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
Bewitched. Completely and utterly gobsmacked. My body, senses, and emotions were overtaken by this story and these characters. It had been years since I read a vampire romance and I think the reason why I waited this long was because I was waiting for this book.
There are no words. I was swept away by Absolon. Mysterious, alluring, and oozing with intrigue and passion. I was enamored and completely under his intoxicating spell.
Lenore’s lived her life not knowing a huge part of what makes her who she is. And now she must come to terms with who, or more importantly what she is. She must navigate this new world with all its dark and exciting possibilities.
Lenore and Solon were absolute fire. Hot, intense, and deliciously mouthwatering. There was something about them that called to me and I was so wrapped up in them. I was addicted to everything Lenore and Solon and I couldn’t get enough.
Black Sunshine was a delectable treat that left me craving more. Captivating, sensual, addicting, and breathtaking. This vampire romance bulldozed it’s way to my heart, it had me salivating and in its alluring mist awakened the blood flowing through my veins making it ignite with pure bliss. I loved this world that Karina Halle created and if only I could live in it, but alas I can’t, but I’ll pretend I am every time I reread this book. Do yourselves a favor and sink your teeth into this amazing book.
*Thank you Valentine PR for this ARC*
There are no words. I was swept away by Absolon. Mysterious, alluring, and oozing with intrigue and passion. I was enamored and completely under his intoxicating spell.
Lenore’s lived her life not knowing a huge part of what makes her who she is. And now she must come to terms with who, or more importantly what she is. She must navigate this new world with all its dark and exciting possibilities.
Lenore and Solon were absolute fire. Hot, intense, and deliciously mouthwatering. There was something about them that called to me and I was so wrapped up in them. I was addicted to everything Lenore and Solon and I couldn’t get enough.
Black Sunshine was a delectable treat that left me craving more. Captivating, sensual, addicting, and breathtaking. This vampire romance bulldozed it’s way to my heart, it had me salivating and in its alluring mist awakened the blood flowing through my veins making it ignite with pure bliss. I loved this world that Karina Halle created and if only I could live in it, but alas I can’t, but I’ll pretend I am every time I reread this book. Do yourselves a favor and sink your teeth into this amazing book.
*Thank you Valentine PR for this ARC*
March 31, 2021
5 stars!
What an epic story! Combining vampires and contemporary San Francisco? Truly one of the best from Karina Halle!
Lenore is just a regular 21 year old student trying to party until she discovers a big secret - she’s a half vampire. Her “parents” are actually vampire slayers who killed her biological parents. And somehow, turning 21 is a huge milestone for vampires-to-be.
Absolon, a centuries old vampire, is here to officially introduce Lenore to her world. But of course, he has a motive in doing so.
Their attraction is so intense and wild. Questionable? Yes. But it’s so bloody good. Keyword being bloody. I don’t know how KH manages to make two characters feeding off each other as something so sensual. It’s dark for sure, but nothing OTT fitting into the plot nicely (well except for certain scenes, maybe). We get to know more about Lenore’s biological parents and Solon’s childhood where more secrets are revealed.
I enjoyed the plot and the slow build up of Lenore and Solon. Solon is a secretive and seductive vampire.. and i was bewitched by him. Lenore is no pushover either and i loved how she gave in to her vampire's needs. 👽 Everything just seems so vivid. The writing is excellent as well.
He leans forward and places his lips on mine. “You’re going to burn so bright, Lenore. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
5 stars!
What an epic story! Combining vampires and contemporary San Francisco? Truly one of the best from Karina Halle!
Lenore is just a regular 21 year old student trying to party until she discovers a big secret - she’s a half vampire. Her “parents” are actually vampire slayers who killed her biological parents. And somehow, turning 21 is a huge milestone for vampires-to-be.
Absolon, a centuries old vampire, is here to officially introduce Lenore to her world. But of course, he has a motive in doing so.
Their attraction is so intense and wild. Questionable? Yes. But it’s so bloody good. Keyword being bloody. I don’t know how KH manages to make two characters feeding off each other as something so sensual. It’s dark for sure, but nothing OTT fitting into the plot nicely (well except for certain scenes, maybe). We get to know more about Lenore’s biological parents and Solon’s childhood where more secrets are revealed.
I enjoyed the plot and the slow build up of Lenore and Solon. Solon is a secretive and seductive vampire.. and i was bewitched by him. Lenore is no pushover either and i loved how she gave in to her vampire's needs. 👽 Everything just seems so vivid. The writing is excellent as well.
He leans forward and places his lips on mine. “You’re going to burn so bright, Lenore. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
5 stars!
Shelved as 'maybe'
March 24, 2021I have tried a few paranormal romance books but I was never fully pleased with any of them but "Midnight Valentine", "Transcend" and "Between The Lives"; these books were exceptions and I loved them.
Now, I want to try a different kind of paranormal romance, one about vampires and this could be it. Still I need more reviews to see if this should be the one I try.
Any better recommendations of this kind???
Now, I want to try a different kind of paranormal romance, one about vampires and this could be it. Still I need more reviews to see if this should be the one I try.
Any better recommendations of this kind???
April 23, 2024
This one is just ok, in my opinion. I know lots of people love it though.
I read Blood Orange & Black Rose by this author before this and I thought it was so incredible that this just couldn’t compare.
I didn’t really care about the characters and the plot didn’t interest me either. It was ok.
I’d definitely recommend Blood Orange instead. The Dracula Duet had the best plot and spice that I’ve read in a vampire romance.
I read Blood Orange & Black Rose by this author before this and I thought it was so incredible that this just couldn’t compare.
I didn’t really care about the characters and the plot didn’t interest me either. It was ok.
I’d definitely recommend Blood Orange instead. The Dracula Duet had the best plot and spice that I’ve read in a vampire romance.
March 30, 2021
"I see a man caught between angel and beast, and maybe that's what a vampire is."
A sensuous adult vampire romance with sexy blood-play and emotional turmoil.
*4.75 stars rounded up*
REVIEW
I was hesitant going into this because it was a "dark" vampire romance, and I wasn't sure just how out-there it was going to get. But it isn't a dark romance other than the main character being kidnapped at the beginning and a dash dubious consent.
It took a second for me to get into the storyline because there were some modern references that felt a little stark to me, I don't know why but seeing Lenore reference TikTok or talk about reading smut on her Kindle took me out of the world a little. However, from the moment Lenore was kidnapped I was hooked.
"Does the lamb feel beautiful before it's led to the slaughter?"
The way that Lenore reacted to every situation she was in felt extremely realistic. What cemented my appreciation for Lenore was the fact that when she was kidnapped, she fought like hell to get free. She didn't sit there like some heroine waiting for someone to save her, but instead attacked back until she physically couldn't. Lenore also takes a while to accept that there are vampires and witches in this world, that she is not human. I would have been annoyed if she accepted this at face value, and was grateful for the progression.
Lenore is a spitfire, and I loved her as a main character. She had vulnerabilities, she had doubts, and she grieved the life that she lost in becoming a vampire. But at the same time, she joined a new found family and learnt that she no longer had to feel alone in the world. Lenore was an emotionally complex character, she was messy, she was impulsive, and she made some irrational choices-but that just made her all the more relatable.
The romance-swoon-I loved it. Absolon is an extremely old vampire, and he has a lot of trauma from his past that prevents him from opening up to Lenore. Watching his defenses slowly fall around her and his protective (and possessive) nature rise was wonderful. I loved that he saw her as his equal, that he was able to respect when she needed time to grieve but also knew when to interfere so that she didn't put herself in danger. Solon isn't a goodguyvampire, and he says that throughout the novel. He has a history that is steeped in death, and there is a beast lurking under his skin who wouldn't hesitate to kill every creature in sight. But despite that, he tries to do good by Lenore. He wants her to see him as something other than the monster he hates that he is, but also believes that he doesn't deserve her. I really loved getting know him as the book progressed and seeing all the secrets he kept come to light.
"You were never alone, moonshine."
The way in which Lenore slowly falls for Absolon was beautiful. She starts off hating him, but acknowledges that she is attracted to him. It is a slowburn, and I loved seeing that as she fell for Solon she was able to reconcile with the vampire side of her identity.
The sex is fantastic. There is a mixture of bondage, blood play, feeding, and roughness to their sex that made it hot as all hell. I will say that I did have to put aside my beliefs a little bit because of how easily Lenore orgasmed, but this was something she addressed herself and noted as strange. I chalked it up to the fact that they are vampires and she is essentially Solon's bloodmate.
I was tossing up between a 4.5 and 5 star rating because the ending did feel a little rushed. But the author's note at the end said that she hopes to write more books in this world, which led me to decide on a 5 star rating because the plot-holes I had issues with made sense if it was going to be a series.
Overall, I cannot wait to see what Karina Halle will do next. I have read one of her books in the past but will for sure be diving into her backlist now that I've read this novel.
Thank you Valentine PR for an ARC
Bonus Quote
"Vampires kill people."
"We have to in order to survive," he corrects me haughtily. "And we don't make a habit of it. Witches kill vampires, and sometimes they kill people too. Oh, and humans? Let me tell you about fucking human beings. They throw each other under the bus every single say, then have the nerve to say we're the soulless ones.
TRIGGERS Cutting (for blood drinking), blood, torture, dubious consent, death, grief
A sensuous adult vampire romance with sexy blood-play and emotional turmoil.
*4.75 stars rounded up*
REVIEW
I was hesitant going into this because it was a "dark" vampire romance, and I wasn't sure just how out-there it was going to get. But it isn't a dark romance other than the main character being kidnapped at the beginning and a dash dubious consent.
It took a second for me to get into the storyline because there were some modern references that felt a little stark to me, I don't know why but seeing Lenore reference TikTok or talk about reading smut on her Kindle took me out of the world a little. However, from the moment Lenore was kidnapped I was hooked.
"Does the lamb feel beautiful before it's led to the slaughter?"
The way that Lenore reacted to every situation she was in felt extremely realistic. What cemented my appreciation for Lenore was the fact that when she was kidnapped, she fought like hell to get free. She didn't sit there like some heroine waiting for someone to save her, but instead attacked back until she physically couldn't. Lenore also takes a while to accept that there are vampires and witches in this world, that she is not human. I would have been annoyed if she accepted this at face value, and was grateful for the progression.
Lenore is a spitfire, and I loved her as a main character. She had vulnerabilities, she had doubts, and she grieved the life that she lost in becoming a vampire. But at the same time, she joined a new found family and learnt that she no longer had to feel alone in the world. Lenore was an emotionally complex character, she was messy, she was impulsive, and she made some irrational choices-but that just made her all the more relatable.
The romance-swoon-I loved it. Absolon is an extremely old vampire, and he has a lot of trauma from his past that prevents him from opening up to Lenore. Watching his defenses slowly fall around her and his protective (and possessive) nature rise was wonderful. I loved that he saw her as his equal, that he was able to respect when she needed time to grieve but also knew when to interfere so that she didn't put herself in danger. Solon isn't a good
"You were never alone, moonshine."
The way in which Lenore slowly falls for Absolon was beautiful. She starts off hating him, but acknowledges that she is attracted to him. It is a slowburn, and I loved seeing that as she fell for Solon she was able to reconcile with the vampire side of her identity.
The sex is fantastic. There is a mixture of bondage, blood play, feeding, and roughness to their sex that made it hot as all hell. I will say that I did have to put aside my beliefs a little bit because of how easily Lenore orgasmed, but this was something she addressed herself and noted as strange. I chalked it up to the fact that they are vampires and she is essentially Solon's bloodmate.
I was tossing up between a 4.5 and 5 star rating because the ending did feel a little rushed. But the author's note at the end said that she hopes to write more books in this world, which led me to decide on a 5 star rating because the plot-holes I had issues with made sense if it was going to be a series.
Overall, I cannot wait to see what Karina Halle will do next. I have read one of her books in the past but will for sure be diving into her backlist now that I've read this novel.
Thank you Valentine PR for an ARC
Bonus Quote
"Vampires kill people."
"We have to in order to survive," he corrects me haughtily. "And we don't make a habit of it. Witches kill vampires, and sometimes they kill people too. Oh, and humans? Let me tell you about fucking human beings. They throw each other under the bus every single say, then have the nerve to say we're the soulless ones.
TRIGGERS Cutting (for blood drinking), blood, torture, dubious consent, death, grief
Shelved as 'hell-no'
March 26, 2021A possessive hero would never share his woman, I'm kinda sick of this trend , authors should warn readers about this . It's ruined the book and my mood .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
I'm giving this 4.5 stars.
Very unique. Very sexy. Great villian. Cool powers, great sexy times.
I want more in this world. More from these characters. Give me more!
Very unique. Very sexy. Great villian. Cool powers, great sexy times.
I want more in this world. More from these characters. Give me more!
March 27, 2021
city of bones + the vampire academy = black sunshine
Black Sunshine gave me mixed feelings and i'm not even really sure about how to rate this one. because there were certain things that i loved about this book mainly that certain thing being, Absolon Stavig. he was such a character that checks almost all the boxes on my favorite character type list, and at the same time, Lenore Warwick was also quite similar but not to him which is why their scenes worked really well together. i really liked them as individuals, and even as a couple later on mainly because their banter was quite good.
however, there were just certain things like a particular scene which was a big yikes from me and it was just un·nec·es·sar·y and unwanted. i mean i get it that the main characters were not a couple then yet, but still it kind of killed the romance and the vibe for me in a way. because i can't just wipe these kind of scenes from my brain as soon as there is a love confession like—
also, plot wise the range for me went through the highs and the lows because again sometimes it got really good, but then the other times i just skimmed past some of the pages. therefore, i was confused in how to rate this one because throughout the book i did convince myself to rate it at least 4 stars despite that certain scene, however towards the end, the big conflict was kind of anticlimactic. and, the way this book ended, it felt kind of rushed and i think that was because Karina Halle wanted to make this a standalone instead of a series so.
trigger warnings: blood + dub con + blood play + bondage
absolon stavig: emotionally cold + sarcastic + unbothered + uncaring yet caring + made of money + rich taste in fashion.
me:
Black Sunshine gave me mixed feelings and i'm not even really sure about how to rate this one. because there were certain things that i loved about this book mainly that certain thing being, Absolon Stavig. he was such a character that checks almost all the boxes on my favorite character type list, and at the same time, Lenore Warwick was also quite similar but not to him which is why their scenes worked really well together. i really liked them as individuals, and even as a couple later on mainly because their banter was quite good.
however, there were just certain things like a particular scene which was a big yikes from me and it was just un·nec·es·sar·y and unwanted. i mean i get it that the main characters were not a couple then yet, but still it kind of killed the romance and the vibe for me in a way. because i can't just wipe these kind of scenes from my brain as soon as there is a love confession like—
also, plot wise the range for me went through the highs and the lows because again sometimes it got really good, but then the other times i just skimmed past some of the pages. therefore, i was confused in how to rate this one because throughout the book i did convince myself to rate it at least 4 stars despite that certain scene, however towards the end, the big conflict was kind of anticlimactic. and, the way this book ended, it felt kind of rushed and i think that was because Karina Halle wanted to make this a standalone instead of a series so.
trigger warnings: blood + dub con + blood play + bondage
March 29, 2021
2.5 stars
No matter how many years that pass I will always be tempted to read my first love PNR. When I first read the description for Black Sunshine I immediately downloaded it. The beginning hooked me and I was so excited unfortunately that's where my excitement ended. The author decided to have Lenore intimate with Wolf first which really annoyed me and then were told it lasted for two days. After that the author tries to have us fall in love with Lenore and Solon which for me never happened. His so called possessiveness was lost on me and I didn't believe it nor did I believe in their great love. Unfortunately I found most of the second half boring and a mess. I even thought about dropping the book at around 78% but I stayed on till the end. I doubt I will continue this series if the author writes more.
No matter how many years that pass I will always be tempted to read my first love PNR. When I first read the description for Black Sunshine I immediately downloaded it. The beginning hooked me and I was so excited unfortunately that's where my excitement ended. The author decided to have Lenore intimate with Wolf first which really annoyed me and then were told it lasted for two days. After that the author tries to have us fall in love with Lenore and Solon which for me never happened. His so called possessiveness was lost on me and I didn't believe it nor did I believe in their great love. Unfortunately I found most of the second half boring and a mess. I even thought about dropping the book at around 78% but I stayed on till the end. I doubt I will continue this series if the author writes more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
2.5 Stars
Somewhere between eh and alright. Might review further later if something else comes to me but I have a feeling I'll prob never think about this book again. Love the cover tho!
Somewhere between eh and alright. Might review further later if something else comes to me but I have a feeling I'll prob never think about this book again. Love the cover tho!
March 28, 2021
3 Stars ⭐️
March 23, 2021
When I started Black Sunshine by Karina Halle, I expected it to be an amazing read because she is an amazing author. But I didn't expect this story to bind me with layers of emotions and plot like this! This dark adult vampire romance with sensational chemistry and heart pumping storyline was a top 2021 read without a doubt.
I am not going into the storyline as the blurb is very detailed. Lenore Warwick is kidnapped by Absolon Stavig, the gorgeous vampire on her twenty first birthday. And she comes to know that she is not human and her parents are witches aka vampire slayer who stole her and she is becoming a vampire now. Solon is her only guide through the process of The Becoming. She is confused, going crazy with blood lust and other kind of lusts. And Absolon is her only hope of survival. The monster. The beast.
So it was a fascinating and intoxicating mix of steam and suspense. Set in Sun Francisco and with a strong paranormal flavour. It is told from Lenore's POV and I actually loved it. The author captured the chaotic steps and process of Lenore's transformation perfectly. Her feelings were human mixed with violence and anger. She doesn't know herself anymore and she is fighting the battle everyday. She is so brave and fierce and fearless. She doesn't hesitate to know and try terrifying things.Her connection with Solon went through stages. Initially she was angry and full of hatred. And Absolon didn't look at her any better than a treasure to deal with. An experiment. But as the time passed, an unbreakable bond was forged in blood and love between them. Oh I haven't swooned and fallen so hard for a vampire for a long time. I have forgotten how utterly charismatic and hopelessly attractive they can be. Possesive. Protective. Aggressively alpha.The author showed his dark, vicious and beastly side too and that made me even more captivated by him. The chemistry is jaw droppingly phenomenal. Wow it was beyond hot and steamy. It was raw, animalistic and depraved. It was also otherworldly beautiful. My heart is aching and swooning.The story is volatile, changing course frequently and I was on this epic exhilarating ride. They have enemies and they are uncovering dangerous secrets. It was one breathtaking story.
Black Sunshine by Karina Halle was absolutely, impossibly and overwhelmingly perfect. This was dark, gritty and twisted. This was intense, mesmerising and sinful. It doesn't matter if you love paranormal romance or not. You won't be able to resist this one.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily.
I am not going into the storyline as the blurb is very detailed. Lenore Warwick is kidnapped by Absolon Stavig, the gorgeous vampire on her twenty first birthday. And she comes to know that she is not human and her parents are witches aka vampire slayer who stole her and she is becoming a vampire now. Solon is her only guide through the process of The Becoming. She is confused, going crazy with blood lust and other kind of lusts. And Absolon is her only hope of survival. The monster. The beast.
So it was a fascinating and intoxicating mix of steam and suspense. Set in Sun Francisco and with a strong paranormal flavour. It is told from Lenore's POV and I actually loved it. The author captured the chaotic steps and process of Lenore's transformation perfectly. Her feelings were human mixed with violence and anger. She doesn't know herself anymore and she is fighting the battle everyday. She is so brave and fierce and fearless. She doesn't hesitate to know and try terrifying things.Her connection with Solon went through stages. Initially she was angry and full of hatred. And Absolon didn't look at her any better than a treasure to deal with. An experiment. But as the time passed, an unbreakable bond was forged in blood and love between them. Oh I haven't swooned and fallen so hard for a vampire for a long time. I have forgotten how utterly charismatic and hopelessly attractive they can be. Possesive. Protective. Aggressively alpha.The author showed his dark, vicious and beastly side too and that made me even more captivated by him. The chemistry is jaw droppingly phenomenal. Wow it was beyond hot and steamy. It was raw, animalistic and depraved. It was also otherworldly beautiful. My heart is aching and swooning.The story is volatile, changing course frequently and I was on this epic exhilarating ride. They have enemies and they are uncovering dangerous secrets. It was one breathtaking story.
Black Sunshine by Karina Halle was absolutely, impossibly and overwhelmingly perfect. This was dark, gritty and twisted. This was intense, mesmerising and sinful. It doesn't matter if you love paranormal romance or not. You won't be able to resist this one.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily.
March 27, 2021
2.5 STARS
i love paranormal books so the blurb of this drew me in and i immediately got so excited for this. though reading this was a whole different experience.
i liked the completely unique world that karina halle was able to make. the stories, the elements, the characters. they’re amazing and i really liked them. solon and lenore had some really cute scenes which i absolutely loved.
now my issues.....
the main issue for me was at 27%. thank you to the author for not writing the scene but still, it really put me off and i wanted to throw my phone at a wall. i ended up not being able to appreciate some of the really soft and cute scenes between them because of what happened in the 27%.
it’s not just that, but there are constant time-skips. she keeps passing out and it's frustrating. someone please get this girl some of those smelling salts. the thing is she wouldn't pass out for a day, she would pass out for like two days or even longer and at this point i started to envy her. i'm in dire need of sleep and here's this girl falling asleep every week😭 not to mention that this book used the passing-out-time-skip thing a lot so that really just bothered me and made me feel so disconnected from the story.
i don't think i'll be reading any of the upcoming books in this series(if the author decides to write more). this book was interesting but it certainly lost my interest.
i love paranormal books so the blurb of this drew me in and i immediately got so excited for this. though reading this was a whole different experience.
i liked the completely unique world that karina halle was able to make. the stories, the elements, the characters. they’re amazing and i really liked them. solon and lenore had some really cute scenes which i absolutely loved.
now my issues.....
the main issue for me was at 27%. thank you to the author for not writing the scene but still, it really put me off and i wanted to throw my phone at a wall. i ended up not being able to appreciate some of the really soft and cute scenes between them because of what happened in the 27%.
it’s not just that, but there are constant time-skips. she keeps passing out and it's frustrating. someone please get this girl some of those smelling salts. the thing is she wouldn't pass out for a day, she would pass out for like two days or even longer and at this point i started to envy her. i'm in dire need of sleep and here's this girl falling asleep every week😭 not to mention that this book used the passing-out-time-skip thing a lot so that really just bothered me and made me feel so disconnected from the story.
i don't think i'll be reading any of the upcoming books in this series(if the author decides to write more). this book was interesting but it certainly lost my interest.
October 4, 2021
2.5
Let me tell you my story.
I was assured this would be dark. It was... dark-ish. For a minute.
Started off great; Lenore didn't annoy the bejesus out of me, Solon was actually a bastard. Things were going so well I just went ahead and downloaded the second one.
I had an excite.
Then... ugh. I think it's just me + KH = ☠️ Bad math, I tell ya.
Same thing happened during our last rendezvous together. Things are going well then they fall in love and it just becomes this sickeningly, cloying, disgustingly sweet 180 in the narrative that's just too much.
I know it's romance. I know it's supposed to sweep me away. I know I'm supposed to have perma-heart-eyes BUT GOD BLESS! Does everything have to be golden and epic and wildly OTT?
I need to call my dentist.
As always my opinions are my own. YMMV.
Let me tell you my story.
I was assured this would be dark. It was... dark-ish. For a minute.
Started off great; Lenore didn't annoy the bejesus out of me, Solon was actually a bastard. Things were going so well I just went ahead and downloaded the second one.
I had an excite.
Then... ugh. I think it's just me + KH = ☠️ Bad math, I tell ya.
Same thing happened during our last rendezvous together. Things are going well then they fall in love and it just becomes this sickeningly, cloying, disgustingly sweet 180 in the narrative that's just too much.
I know it's romance. I know it's supposed to sweep me away. I know I'm supposed to have perma-heart-eyes BUT GOD BLESS! Does everything have to be golden and epic and wildly OTT?
I need to call my dentist.
As always my opinions are my own. YMMV.
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