review 1: Prince Quinn is distinctively unlike the vampire clan he was born into. Quinn’s scent, when mentally stimulated, could produce a sexual frenzy in all unmated vampires, as well as shifters within smelling range. Quinn discovered this when, as a young man, he barely escaped being gang raped. Now Quinn lives in fear of having a repeat of the horrible event. Shifters Ruler Manning recognized immediately that Quinn was his mate by the appealing scent, however, instead of an introduction, Quinn ran away leaving Manning desperately trying to track him.Crimson Mate is the first book in the Of Blood and Spirit series. The plot is an exceptionally fascinating mystery romance combination. The vampire clans live in France and are ruled by a power hungry king. The shifter clans live ... morein America. How the vampires and shifters became enemies is a secret known only by clan historians. Nevertheless, both the vampires and the shifters are compelled to surrender to the draw of the full moon or risk death.Quinn suffered abuse at the hands of his father most of his life. He assumed his ill-treatment was due to the fact of his being gay. It was not until Quinn moved to America that the mysteries of his twofold personality began to reveal themselves. Quinn has powers that could only be manifested after he bonds with his mate.Manning is on a mission to find his mother’s killers as well as to find a mate. Meeting Quinn, Manning recognized that their mating required fortitude on his part to gain Quinn’s trust. Manning had never been intimate with a man before Quinn, although he was not opposed to having a male mate nor was he concerned about Quinn’s species. Manning’s love for Quinn was unwavering. Nikki McCoy has created a superb thoroughly enjoyable saga. Crimson Mate illustrates emotional drama such as fear, cruelty, scenes of homicide, as well as sensual intimacy. I particularly enjoyed the different shifter species in the same blood related family. review 2: This is really well written story, with caring characters, good created storyline and slow developing emotions. I liked both main characters. Quinn is deeply mistrustful character. His past is revealed through the story. Manning knows only one fact he wants his mate and to get Quinn he will need to gain Quinn trust, which isn't so easy. But Manning can be patient when he needs to be. I liked Manning as a character, he was caring and kind. With Manning help Quinn starts to heal and accept who he is. The whole storyline is rather simple, but even so enjoyable enough and really romantic. The end of story is rushed. I didn't like it. It could be better. less
