This was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really d the characters and what was shown of the fantasy crime world, but how the trauma was handled made this read really drag on.. When Zeno and Raquel meet they are both struggling to deal with issues in their lives, despite the strong comfort they feel in each other's presence. Despite the obvious connection, Zeno goes back to his life and the story picks up five years later when they are once again thrown into each other's lives and have to finally confront their connection as fated mates (and finally deal with their trauma).

I was really hoping for more, the book is 312 pages, but it felt not much happened. There needed to be more depth, both in the characters and in the plot. I'm curious to see how the characters and world develop in the next one as I suspect it will follow Zeno's brother and we might see more of the fantasy criminal underground.

Thank you to Hazel Jonas and Book Sirens for the ARC. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.adult arc booksirens ...more1 Arya Dhaigude22

Hazel Jonas takes readers on a thrilling and tumultuous journey through the shadowy realms of vampires and forbidden connections in "Bloody, Broken Fate." This dark vampire romance, the first installment in the Fated by Honor series, weaves a tale of passion, deception, and sinister secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The protagonist, haunted by a tumultuous past and an unexpected connection forged in blood, finds herself entangled with Zeno, a vampire who has transformed into a villainous figure. The narrative kicks off with a gripping introduction to the complex dynamics between the human and vampire worlds, setting the stage for a tumultuous and emotional rollercoaster.

The strength of Jonas's storytelling lies in her ability to create multifaceted characters with conflicting emotions. The protagonist's initial reluctance and rejection of Zeno, despite their inexplicable connection, add layers of tension to the plot. The author deftly explores themes of possessiveness, deception, and the darker side of supernatural bonds, adding a unique flavor to the conventional vampire romance genre.

Zeno's transformation from a seemingly frail vampire to a lethal and seductive figure is portrayed with nuance, and readers will find themselves torn between despising the monster he has become and empathizing with the vulnerable man he once was. The tension escalates when the revelation of hidden connections leads to a violent confrontation, thrusting the characters into a world of danger and intrigue.

The writing is evocative, immersing readers in a world where the boundaries between good and evil blur, and the consequences of choices echo through the narrative. The pacing is well-executed, balancing intense moments of action with quieter, reflective scenes that deepen the emotional impact of the story.

While the concept of a "fated mate" might not resonate with everyone, Jonas manages to infuse it with a fresh and compelling twist, elevating it beyond the clichés often associated with paranormal romance. The dark undertones of the vampire underworld and the secrets that shroud the characters contribute to a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

"Bloody, Broken Fate" is a promising start to the Fated by Honor series, offering a dark and enthralling escape into a world where love is entangled with danger, and secrets have the power to shatter lives. Hazel Jonas delivers a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue, leaving readers eager for the next installment in this spellbinding saga. Lulu [at] Reckless Reading270 11

I’ve been reading so much holiday romance, that I was desperately in need for something darker. Cue me picking up Bloody Broken Fate by Hazel Jonas, a vampire dark romance. I don’t really do fated mates, but I love vampires so I figured it would be a good way to tip toe into that subgenre. I was SO pleasantly surprised!

This is absolutely a book that grows on you. I was hesitant at first, but that’s more to do with how unbelievable the initial scenario was. Why is a social worker going inside a crime scene alone without a police escort? Even victim advocates that work with local law enforcement will be within sight. So, I was absolutely worried that the rest of the book would be disappointing. I was wrong! I devoured this so quickly; absolutely could not put it down after getting over the first handful of pages!

Raquel and Zeno are interesting characters. Both are patient and understanding with one another to the point of being self-sacrificing. It is endearing and such a refreshing change of pace compared to a lot of alpha MMC in other dark romances. Zeno absolutely is insistent on anything that happens between he and Raquel be on her terms, at her pace. He doesn’t want to force this bond on her, knowing how unfair it is, and the brilliant thing that Jonas does to highlight just how much Zeno respects Raquel is give us time jumps. Raquel lives her own life apart from Zeno completely (to her knowledge at least) and it adds to their eventual romance – makes it feel earned.

Worldbuilding is very interesting! I actually want to dive in and continue with this series. Vampire mafiosos and witches/wizards at potential odds with them. Greek gods, literally not just hunk wise, walking amongst the paranormal community. I want to know it all. I want to experience it all. Especially Zeno’s brother Odin who seems a mess and as anyone who knows me knows, I can’t say no to a disaster.

Plot was interesting. The romance seemed to make up the bulk of the book, but there is absolutely a “main” plot which leaves off on a cliffhanger. I can’t fault it because this is a book one in a series, so it is definitely looking to set up bigger things and a bigger world. Technicals were I think the weakest part of the book. Now, I know this was an advanced copy I read, so I’m hoping the errors were corrected. If not, it wasn’t something that detracted from the story, just a little annoying.

Bloody Broken Fate by Hazel Jonas was a really pleasant vampire/fated mates romance! I enjoyed the slow burn romance and getting to know all of the characters and world in this new series. Definitely recommended for dark paranormal fans.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.arc-provided reviewed-2023 Moonburst227 4

Raquel is a social worker responding to a call where she encounters a gruesome scene. Surprisingly, what she initially suspects is a corpse is not only still alive, but is a severely abused vampire. Despite his attack on her ex-husband, Raquel decides to continue to aide Zeno until he can get back to his undead life. After delivering him to his brother Odin, she expects to never see Zeno again.

After decades of captivity, Zeno is happy to return to his vampiric life of organized crime. In spite of his hatred for the fates, he knows Raquel is his fated mate. Determined to not trap Raquel in his twisted life, he keeps his distance from her for years, until a job brings him to a party she's attending. He can't hide his reaction to her, leading Odin to kidnapping Raquel for Zeno. Can their relationship blossom from such bloody roots? Can Raquel handle Zeno's violence side in spite of her ex-husbands abuse? Can Zeno heal from the trauma from his captivity?

Hazel Jonas writes an excellent paranormal vampire romance with Greco-Roman mythology flavoring and an interesting mafia twist. Zeno and Raquel are complete, well developed characters that make you root for them as they navigate the choppy waters of emotional trauma. And exciting, enjoyable read that thoroughly explores the healing process.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.book-sirens Alyson Morales38 1 follower

I decided to review this book on my own, however I was gifted a copy of it, these are my honest thoughts.

I am a romantasy girl through and through and this just didn’t have enough meat on its bones for me. I was often confused on what was happening due to lack of world-building exploration and I feel there was a lot of things left up to the imagination that readers were just supposed to know. There was both not enough fantasy and not enough romance- was mostly just talk of vampires and that’s basically as deep as the fantasy got, and the romance wasn’t romance, mostly just kissing/pleasuring scenes. I wanted to feel them fall in love and I just didn’t feel it. I did how this story was told with everyone’s consent in mind, I can appreciate that when a lot of books do not even care remotely about those things a lot of the time in darker romances. Characters needed more depth all around even though I did appreciate the storyline. It was good enough that I read it all the way through and will most ly read the second book on Odin- I would love to learn more about his character and whatever else he’s hiding (I can tell there’s so much more to his story that will hopefully be revealed in the next book). All in all it was a good book, don’t get me wrong, I just wanted it to be deeper to connect with easier. If you’re not super in to the fantasy stories, this would be a great read for you! Kristy1,216 7

Raquel has been called to a crime scene as a social worker she assumes it must very bad what she finds is a badly abused man on first sight appears dead until she feels him move then everything goes sideways her soon to be ex husband a cop is upset she wants a divorce. Zeno has know pain and grief and only assumes his death is next until he sees his mate being abused. Raquel is scared, confused but thankful she sees Zeno as a rescuer and also someone in need of help even if he is a Vampire one she wants to reunight with his brother Oden.

Zeno made a decision to never tell Raquel she was his mate but a party full of danger changes things especially when Oden finds out his brother has been keeping things from him. This book had a slow burn quality with plenty of spice it also showed how both Zeno and Raquel were able deal with there own individual trauma and find love this is a intriguing look at Vampire lore surrounded by both Greek and Roman Mythology with a dark Mafia twist. There is some gore some dark themes.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review. Cait Ireen379 14

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