The Vampire
Queen's Servant
Erotic Romance/BDSM
Winner of
Love Romances Cafe's Best of 2007 Awards – for
Best Erotica Book and for
Best Book All Around
A Romantic Advances
July Feature book.
http://romanticadvances.com
Whipped Cream Blogspot
Reviewed by Chamomile
http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com
April 2008
Rating: 4 ½ cherries
I don't normally choose dominatrix-driven BDSM stories but I had
heard good things about this author and wanted to give it a try. I'm
glad I did. The Vampire Queen's Servant is an extremely intense
story that delves into activities that will most likely offend some,
but for those with an adventurous spirit, it will have you gasping.
The relationship between Lady Lyssa, the vampire queen, and
Jacob, her human servant in training, is simple yet exceptionally
complex at the same time. I've read other reviews of this book and
though most are glowing, a few cite gratuitous brutality and
violence occurring, but I disagree with this assessment. As I
listened to Lyssa's inner thoughts and how she illustrates the
vampire psyche, it was very clear to me her motivations for the
cruelty she bestows on Jacob. I didn't like some of the things that
she did, but I understood why she did them and I felt her actions
were appropriate, based on her view of the world and her ultimate
intentions toward Jacob.
Lady Lyssa is complicated and dangerous and merciless. But I also
see her as vulnerable. Sometimes, I didn't like her very much, and
others, my heart wept for her. With everything she's been through
and is now facing, it was difficult for me not to be sympathetic,
even as she punishes Jacob for a slight infraction of her rules. She
is not all viciousness, however, and frequently treats Jacob with
loving tenderness. I think these were some of my favorite scenes
because Lyssa's brittle emotions are laid bare on the page and I
could feel the turmoil of her inner conflict and her fight to ignore
it as she revels in him. But, I never forgot that she is a vampire,
and even though petite in stature, Lyssa has kick-butt, super-human
strength, which I loved. That additional threat kept me holding on
to the edge of my seat because I never knew when she would erupt
next, or what Jacob would do to provoke her.
Jacob's nature is to dominate, so watching him struggle with the
role reversal is riveting and I think this is one of the reasons why
I was able to open my mind to the idea of a female dominant and be
affected by the story. His blind devotion to Lyssa is rousing in its
intensity, and his unrelenting care for her — both in the bedroom
and out — had me flipping on the A/C to cool me down. His physique
is the embodiment of virility and every time he takes his clothes
off, which is often, I had to place a cold compress on my forehead.
Are you getting that the man is hot?! Even when being forced to do
things he doesn't want to, and particularly when he's doing things
he does want to do, he performs with such sensuality that I swear,
if he held classes for men, there would be a lot of happy women out
there!
Lyssa's and Jacob's story is powerfully intense and not for the
sensitive or faint-of-heart. The sex scenes are explicit and
unconventional. But the writing is exceptional and I was moved by
the artistry of the author's pen. The fiery characters are enticing
and their journey to discover what they may have with one another is
exhilarating. Their story continues in a second book entitled The
Mark of the Vampire Queen and I can't wait to read it.
Long Time Fan’s Comment:
January 2008
I have to say that it was one of her best books so far. That is
saying something, since Natural Law and Ice Queen and Mirror of My
Soul are in there as well. I can't wait for February when the second
book comes out. I love the way she weaves such a complicated plot
with the complex emotions of two people that are meant to be
together. I love Lyssa and Jacob and hope that there will be a HEA
in their future.
Two
Lips Reviews
Reviewed by Barb
http://www.twolipsreviews.com
August 2007
Rating: 5 Lips and a Recommended Read recipient
This is not just a lot of hot, kinky, sweating sex with a story
thrown around it. But there is, however, no lack of hot, kinky,
sweating, hard pounding,
oh-my-god-is-it-hot-in-here-or-is-it-just-me sex! The Vampire
Queen's Servant by Joey W. Hill is an emotionally charged story
revolving around the enigmatic world of BDSM and the effect it will
have on the tentative balance between Lyssa and Jacob. Every aspect
about this type of lifestyle is here, along with the added
complexity of vampires thrown in the mix with their incredible
appetite for rough sex and blood. This is not soft erotica; it is
hard and at times will seem cruel as you are taken into the extreme
world of BDSM. The Vampire Queen's Servant is not a quick read; its
intensity should not be rushed, for every detail is needed to better
understand the driving force that bonds Jacob and Lyssa together. I
absolutely became lost while reading this story. At times so
absorbed that it was all I could think about. I cannot truly
describe how affected by this story I was. Even if you aren’t a
particular fan of BDSM the story is so compelling it just grabs you
deep inside. If you yet can keep an open mind you will be treated to
a love story that will tug at your heart strings.
Coffee Time Romance
Reviewed by Jenn
August 2007
Rating : 5 cups
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com
The book is a fine example of Ms. Hill’s work. She takes you
places you never thought to go and makes you wish you never had to
leave. This story is fully loaded with sexual tension, mixing blood,
bondage, sex, and magic with a deft hand. I for one cannot wait
until the sequel to see how Lyssa and Jacob’s story is resolved.
With Ms. Hill you know you are going to be satisfied, but you will
squirm all the way to the end, in the best way possible. The Vampire
Queen’s Servant is a dark erotic tale with a sensual bite to wake
even the coldest heart. Do not miss this one!
Sensual Reads
Reviewed By: Deb
http://www.sensualreads.net
August 2007
5 Roses
Vampire Queen’s Servant was an incredible read; the power in this
book will stroke your senses with the unknown world of the vampire.
Joey Hill is astounding! A true pleasure to read. She pulls at you,
and has you wanting more. I for one did not put this book down.
Romance
Junkies
Reviewed by Ann
July 2007
Rating: 5 - Blue Ribbon Review
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com
THE VAMPIRE QUEEN’S SERVANT is an emotionally charged novel of
two people who seem so different but are more alike than they
realize. Even though there are many characters in the novel, I feel
like this is about Jacob and Lyssa. Both of them have their
preconceived ideas about each other but I really liked how Ms. Hill
chose to portray the characters. Even though Jacob is human, he has
an inner strength and resolve that would not break even in the
direst of circumstances. Lyssa may be a vampire but she still has
feelings. She is afraid of showing them because she thinks it’s a
sign of weakness. However, Jacob provides her a safe haven to help
her be herself. I felt like Jacob and Lyssa experience an emotional
breakdown and eventual rebuilding of their souls. The book is filled
with a lot of erotic emotions and acts but somehow, I thought the
simple things were the most erotic. The slide of a hand across the
spine, or dancing to make someone happy, was just as erotic as the
sex. THE VAMPIRE QUEEN’S SERVANT is more than a paranormal love
story; it’s an emotional and all encompassing journey towards love.
I can’t wait for the next book.
CK2’s Kwips and Kritiques
Reviewed by Jennifer
July 2007
Rating: 4 ½
http://www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
Having read and loved several of author Joey W. Hill’s digital
books previously, I thought I knew what to expect with her new print
release, The Vampire Queen’s Servant, at least regarding the general
tone and feel of the story. Hill managed to surprise me in more ways
than one with this new story, and I am in no way disappointed – far
from it! With her previous releases, she proved herself as an
entertaining writer of erotic romance, with a flair for the slightly
wicked side of the sensual. In this book, she takes her writing to a
whole new level, penning a tome that impressed me by the complexity
of both the story and the characters.
I normally prefer the hero of a story to be dominant in the
bedroom, but the idea of a man with strong alpha tendencies forced
to submit willingly to the woman he loves, a woman who can normally
protect herself better than he from her enemies, intrigued me on
several levels. This story taught me that there is as much strength
of will in the act of submission as there is in domination – perhaps
more so for those with naturally dominant predilections. For that is
what Lady Lyssa requires in her servant – willing submission. And
Jacob soon learns that this concept is much more difficult than it
seemed.
The Vampire Queen’s Servant is laden with vampire politics.
Indeed, it is these very politics that make Jacob’s submission to
Lyssa so vital if he is to exist in her world and not undermine her
power, inviting attack by enemy vampires in the process. I will be
frank – Jacob’s training seems harsh at times, but it is the way of
the vampire world, and necessary to both his and Lyssa’s survival.
The story is rife with darkness, and some readers may find it hard
to fathom certain aspects of the vampire/servant relationship if
they apply the rules of the real world to this story. However, Ms.
Hill engenders total acceptance of these practices for those readers
who allow themselves to immerse their imaginations in the harsh
world of this vampire society.
This book will be continued in a forthcoming sequel, titled The
Mark of the Vampire Queen. Note that I say the book will be
continued, for this story is very much a ‘part one’ to an ongoing
story, rather than a typical edition in a series. I would compare
this to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books, which are one story split
into three separate books. The Vampire Queen’s Servant is merely the
beginning to Lyssa and Jacob’s story, and while some of the story is
wrapped up in the end, readers will be very conscious that there are
storylines to be continued and more fully explored in the next book.
For those who enjoy a great paranormal tale with strong BDSM
content, Joey W. Hill’s newest release is one you won’t want to
miss!
Night Owl Romance Reviews
Reviewed by Zollyanna
July 2007
Score: 5 / 5
http://www.nightowlromance.com
Joey W. Hill takes us into a whole new world with The Vampire
Queen’s Servant, showing us the love between a Mistress and her
servant can be give and take, and can also be beautiful. The story
was written in great detail, so that if you closed your eyes to
imagine what was going on you could see the room or what was going
on. Hill takes the passion between Lyssa and Jacob to a
rollercoaster ride that you will love. I will definitely be looking
forward to the next book in line and anything else that Joey W. Hill
writes.
Dear Author Recommended List for July
http://dearauthor.com
This is the erotic novel that Laurell K Hamilton wishes she could
write, but doesn’t. The story of a Vampire Queen and her new servant
is dark, erotic, and feral with characters were so vibrant they
nearly jumped off the page. This book is not for the faint of heart,
but challenge yourself and it might be your book of the year.
Quote by Author Jaci Burton…
(Comment Posted at Dear Author June 25, 2007)
I can’t wait to read Joey Hill’s Berkley debut. Everything she
writes just rocks my world.
Vampire Romance Books
Reviewed by Dawn
July 2007
http://www.vampireromancebooks.com/
Erotica is most often described as a tastefully written story
with strong sexual content. It differs from pornography in that
there is an actual story involved and a motive beyond just exciting
the reader, and generally differs from average romance books in the
amount (and sometimes graphic description) of copulation that
occupies the text. That definition fits The Vampire Queen's
Servant by Joey Hill to a tee — and then some. It takes a
special author, I imagine, to write a story with such incredible
eroticism without descending into pornography, particularly when
BDSM elements are involved. But Ms. Hill does an admirable job of
it, telling in fact a love story amidst all the hot-and-heavy
action. It is a serious and adult tale that successfully tugs the
heartstrings — and there's more to come in 2008 with Mark of the
Vampire Queen.
The sexual and emotional tension between them is palpable and
incredibly intense, and this book is so hot it should carry a
cold-shower warning label. Despite that, however, there is love at
its core and, yes, even romance, as elegant and remarkably innocent
as an ideal first love.
Fresh Fiction Reviews
Reviewed by Lory Martin
June 2007
http://freshfiction.com
This was an intense, hot ride into Vampire Sex Central. Erotic,
adventurous and sizzling are almost too tame, but I don't want to
scare you off. I thoroughly enjoyed THE VAMPIRE QUEEN'S SERVANT and
can't wait to read more Joey W. Hill novels. The characters are so
real, you'd know them if you saw them on the street, and the story
is wonderful. This saga is rich and full-bodied and absolutely has
to continue, no doubt about it. The sequel to Lyssa and Jacob's
story is coming in February 2008 -- THE MARK OF THE VAMPIRE QUEEN.
Don't miss THE VAMPIRE QUEEN'S SERVANT, it's a keeper -- an
excellent read.
Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewer: Mireya Orsini
June 2007
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justeroticromancereviewsnewsletter/join
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Heat level: O
The Vampire Queen’s Servant is the sort of book that
definitely has an impact on the reader … be it negative or positive.
It certainly is an intriguing story. The two main characters are
well written and developed and thanks to the author’s mastery, the
reader fully understands their motivations, even if she can’t fully
relate to them. Jacob, even though an Alpha by nature, has to learn
to obey his Mistress, if he wants to be fully accepted into her
world. Lyssa, due to her status in Vampire society, has to exert her
dominance; however, she enjoys Jacob’s “alphaness” and thrives in
allowing him to sexually take control at times. As a result, their
interaction is always intense and extremely emotionally and sexually
charged. The vampire world Ms. Hill has created is complex, giving
the book an extra layer of depth. The Vampire Queen’s Servant’s
tone is very dark, matching the story well. The plot flows
seamlessly and sexually speaking, it is explosive and highly
arousing. I was very glad to see that the sex scenes are all I have
come to expect from a well written erotic romance. In short, The
Vampire Queen’s Servant is an intense, emotionally complex
story, with equally intense and highly arousing sex. Though I would
definitely recommend this book, this is not a story for the faint of
heart.
ReviewCentre
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
June 2007
http://www.reviewcentre.com
Rating : 10
This vampire romance is hot, exciting, and grips the audience,
who will wonder which of the two alphas will be on top by the
climax. If, that is, he survives that long. The story line is
fast-paced as readers follow the antics of Lyssa and Jacob, who have
been together twice before; a third time will prove the charm or his
demise. Readers who appreciate a sensual fresh romantic fantasy will
want to follow the relationship between THE VAMPIRE QUEEN’S SERVANT
and his mistress.
Romantic Times Magazine
Reviewed by Kristi Ahlers
July 2007
Rating: 4 ½ stars
This book should come with a warning: intensely sexy, sensual
story that will hold you hostage until the final word is read.
Elyssa and Jacob’s relationship is not easy, and both are
strong-willed – needing to dominate, but somehow allowing the other
moments to be strong. The storyline is fresh and unique, complete
with a twist.
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Pre-Order Now! at Amazon.com in trade paperback. Available
in stores by July 3.
