Genre: Paranormal, Vampires, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Book one in the Rhythm of His Blood series
When inspiration shows up in person, can it only end in blood, sweat and fear?
When British rock star Rayne Wylde visits San Francisco to promote his band Whipsnade’s latest release, there’s time for a little fun. During a visit to a strip club with a friend, he hears one of his songs being played, and he can’ t resist a chance to meet the sexy dancer performing on stage.
Exotic dancer Xavier Gavrilov is so much more than a pretty face and what starts off as a night of passion soon turns into something deeper as Xavier begins to fall for Rayne, and to care for his oddball bunch of ageing porn star friends.
But Rayne Wylde has a dangerous secret, a craving for blood, a need that Xavier is more than happy to fulfil. The singer must go home to England though, and things take a darker turn when he and Xavier come to the attention of Frisco’s vampire elite.
When Rayne departs for London, Xavier tries to return to his normal life but is snatched by vampires working for the Master of San Francisco and plunged into a violent world he never knew existed. Rayne must return to the city, but he will have to call in favors from old friends if they are to safely navigate the dangers of vampire politics and maintain the powerful bond that is growing between them.
The Review
Xavier Gavrilov, at twenty-two, has found himself the best job. He’s an exotic dancer at the El Molino in San Francisco. The building has been around since 1906, during the big earthquake and fire. Through the years, it has changed hands and was made into a warehouse at one point in the 90’s. Poor management, crime and a seedy neighborhood didn’t help business.
In the last two years with neighborhood improvement and under a new corporation – C.L. Entertainment – El Molino is the hottest spot in town. Xavier loves dancing at the club, and it certainly pays the rent. He resurrected an old 90’s song from Whipsnade, a British band that didn’t last. He watched Rayne Wylde perform “Dark Paths” on video, over and over again, and created his own provocative dance number that clubgoers are crazy about.
Barclay Johnson Francis, a former porn star and now director and agent, is taking his friend Rayne to the El Molino for a surprise. They have no problem getting into the club and getting the perfect seats for the performance. As Rayne takes it all in, he can’t believe he’s hearing his own song, “Dark Paths.” He’s also mesmerized by the young man on stage. Clay takes off for another club, but Rayne decides to stay at El Molino.
After his performance, Xavier makes his way out into the club to make his money. He’s caught off guard when he thinks he sees the Rayne Wylde in the audience, but when he turns back to look again, the man is gone.
A little later, he’s approached by his idol. Xavier and Rayne hook-up, and it starts to turn into something more. But Xavier isn’t stupid. He knows that Rayne is going to be heading home to London soon enough.
Before Rayne can leave for London, he’s called on the carpet by Cole Lagrado, a vampire Elder, for being in his territory without permission. The Elder Vampires have archaic rules, including one that involves humans. When Xavier is kidnapped, Rayne has to make decisions that will cause a blood bath. Can anyone survive the nasty, repugnant, secret world that they are about to face?
Bermingham and Quinn collaborate on Dark Paths, a very dark first novel in “The Rhythm of His Blood” series. This fast-paced epic story is filled with explosive excitement, and has many gruesome, gory horror scenes reflecting abuse in many forms. There are also some powerful and bloody battle scenes, and the fear jumps off the page, especially for Xavier.
I loved both Xavier and Rayne. Xavier hasn’t had an easy life, but he’s smart and figures things out for himself. He doesn’t want to be a burden, and he’s fun, snarky and speaks his mind. Rayne is easy going and lives his life without complications. What triggers Rayne is when something happens to his friends, and especially Xavier.
Along with Xavier and Rayne, theres a host of colorful characters: Sire, Jabez Everman; Mersen, mortal body guard; Wiccan Vampire Specialist Lord Warren Dominic; Film Director PJ Paddy McNamara; Mexican chef for PJ: Chavez; and Barclay Johnson Francis. There are also the diabolical elders.
This outstanding vampire tale delves into their dark and cruel world, but there’s also romance, vampire style – erotic, steamy and voyeuristic. I highly recommend Dark Paths – Bermingham and Quinn are an excellent collaborative team, and have delivered a terror-filled nightmare masterpiece. Hopefully the nightmare will continue.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.