Title: Gabriel’s Mate (Scanguards Vampires #3)
Author: Tina Folsom
Publisher: Createspace
Published: Dec 2010
Pages: 278
My Copy: Book Lovin’ Bitches eBook Tours
After Maya is turned into a vampire against her will, vampire and Scanguards bodyguard Gabriel is charged with protecting her and finding her attacker.
Gabriel has never guarded a body as perfect as Maya’s. But while the sexual tension between them rises and the rogue vampire closes in on them, Gabriel can’t allow himself to give into the desire he feels for Maya. He fears to fully show himself to her despite the intimacies they share – afraid she will react like all other women when she discovers the horror he hides.
Will she run from him when she discovers his secret, calling him a monster, a freak, a creature not worthy of her love?
I spent half of this book trying to figure out what was up with Gabriel’s manhood and the rest feeling scandalized once I found out. As a result, I made quick work of this novel! But be forewarned, there’s a reason why this one comes with a sexual content advisory! Gabriel’s Mate isn’t solely about toe curling action mind you, it’s also a great story.
I immediately developed a crush on Gabriel. He hasn’t had the easiest of existences. Add to that the fact that he’s a vampire ergo immortal. His torments follow him for all of eternity; you can’t help but feel sorry for him. Not only does he have a nasty scar across his face that repels women but there’s also something wonky going on in his pants that’s caused him to be celibate for years. I’ve never been so curious about a character’s man parts before! Light isn’t shed on his problem until half way through the book. Let me just say this: I think Gabriel is too much man for me! I bet you’re curious now too!
Gabriel’s Mate revolves around the growing romantic relationship between Gabriel and Maya. He holds her hand through her transformation into a vampire and immediately feels drawn to her. Maya doesn’t instantly feel the same way. I enjoyed spending time in both of the characters’ minds. Readers get to witness Maya and Gabriel’s internal arguments in which their brains don’t agree with their bodies. It’s no surprise that pleasure wins! There’s an interesting twist thrown in at the end that really brings the story full circle.
As far as the nookie content is concerned… it was abundant, hot and at times down right scandalous! If you were to judge this book by its cover you’d be almost dead on. Except it takes a while for Gabriel and Maya to jump each others’ bones because we don’t know what’s wrong with Gab’s junk. But when they do finally get it on, sparks fly! The r-rated action’s hotness increases until the end and culminates in an oh-my-god-is-it-hot-in-here finale. What used to be Gabriel’s curse is now a gift. Reminder: this book is not for the squeamish!
Don’t let the high sizzle factor lead you to believe that the story itself is flaky. Quite the contrary, it’s intriguing and the naked action doesn’t overshadow it. Gabriel’s Mate is a fun read that will have you feeling and thinking about all kinds of things! Yes, some of them will be naughty. For those of us looking to unthaw in the dead of winter, this book will make you hotter than any blanket!
About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
hi Carmel! what a thorough review! great job and i learned something new from you today – nookie! lol! c”,)
Manhood mystery??? Hmmm… Now I must read!!
Kristin
LOL, you got my interest peeked with that I just gazed a bit cause I hadn’t read the book yet- next on the tour = I imagined since I loved a Touch of Greek so well I would love this especially since it had my other fave thing Vamps in it lol Fantastic review!
Awesome review, Carmel! I loved this book and I’m finding that all of Tina’s writing is quite enjoyable and HOT! 😛
I think we’ve all loved this one. I loved Gabe!
Hi Carmel!
Lovedd your review and I KNEW you would love it too! I have read all 3 books in the Scanguard Vampire series and Tina say there will be 7 in total. YUMMY!
You have to check out her other series Venice Vampyr (Book 1) and Venice Vampyr: Final Affair. There are to be 6 in this one in total.
I AM HOOKED ON TINA!
Yes and it is true these books are HOT but also have GREAT storylines and you really develop a connection with the characters. 🙂
@aobibliophile You should totally name your Nook nookie as per our Twitter convo earlier! 😛
@Kristin You know it! That was my intention!
@BLHmistress I’ll look for your review and we can compare notes on Gab’s man parts. LOL
@Theressa Thanks! Her other books are definitely on my radar now.
@The Mistress of the Dark Yeah, we seem to be unanimous on this one. No surprise!
@DarkBloodyVamp I looked at signing up to review Venice Vampyr but thought it would be too scandalous for me. This one already pushed my limits!
I loved Gabriel’s Mate! I loved the long build up to them having sex. And yeah, Gabriel would be too much man for me too!!
New follower
@Marq Haha glad I’m not alone in not being able to handle Gabe! 😉
Awesome review! This sounds like a great and steamy read! Im curious about Gabriel’s secret now LOL
Thanks for the wonderful review, Carmel! Even for me, Gabriel is too hot to handle – and I created him. That’s why I gave him Maya, who is his perfect match and has no problem dealing with his added hotness.
@Larissa That was my intention! To get everyone curious and feel like they HAVE to read this book. Hehe
@Tina Folsom No problem! I love your answer. Maya is perfect for Gabe. For sure!