Winning Virgin Blood [Winning Virgin 1] [Paperback]

Destiny Blaine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2008

WINNING VIRGIN BLOOD [Winning Virgin 1] [Erotic Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Vampire Romance] Las Vegas lures in those with a taste for temptation. If the allure of easy money is craved, there's no better place to be than Sin City. Orlando Spenser discovers in the desert all that glitters is not gold when he loses a substantial amount of his family's fortune. He returns home with a broken spirit, only to discover his kinsmen have decided to send him back to the very place where he almost lost everything. He will return with one goal—to find a suitable mate. When Orlando returns to the desert and locates his ideal life partner, he must convince her to return to his family estate in Scotland. The task won’t be a simple one for the vampire who knows better than anyone that Las Vegas wasn’t built on winners and even when Lady Luck falls in his lap, he quickly discovers she is anything but agreeable. *** "The Winning Virgin series will lead you through several generations of Spensers. You'll visit Las Vegas, Scotland, and many other compelling places. You'll sink into the lap of luxury with the Spenser clan and find wherever the family visits, they enjoy the best of all worlds—the one they live in now and the past they'll never be able to leave behind." ~ Destiny *** 5.5 Kisses: Recommended Read: "In Winning Virgin Blood, the first book of her new Winning Virgin series, author Destiny Blaine introduces us to the rowdy, willful and 'sexy as sin' Spencer clan. Although Orlando starts out more the love 'em and leave 'em type, fate has other plans for him. When he reluctantly returns to Las Vegas and meets the redheaded Natasha, he hits the jackpot when their chemistry is off the charts. I felt the sizzle just reading it! The lovely Natasha however, is no easily won prize. She requires some major convincing so the very determined Orlando pulls out all the stops when it comes to his personal brand of 'persuasion'. I think you'll find Winning Virgin Blood a very enjoyable and steamy read, with a highly likeable cast of characters. I personally cannot wait for the next installment of this series. Winning Virgin Blood is a 'must read' and one for the keeper pile." --Tina, Two Lips Reviews *** 5 Pixies: Recommended Read: "Winning Virgin Blood is spectacular! This is Destiny Blaine's first attempt at a paranormal novel, and I am completely astounded. Readers expect an author's first foray into a different genre to pose a few issues in the storyline. However, I couldn't find a single thing to detract from this amazing story! Filled with a wickedly dynamic storyline, very engaging characters, and a romance that will blow your mind, Winning Virgin Blood is at the top of my favorite paranormal list this year. I was totally swept away by this story and the complexity of this vampire family's lives. I genuinely feel like I've gotten to know everyone involved in this story, and I wasn't left with feelings of boredom or repetition anywhere. If you're looking for a phenomenal paranormal romance, look no further. Winning Virgin Blood is the book for you!" --Amanda Haffery, Dark Angel Reviews *** 5 Hearts: "Winning Virgin Blood by Destiny Blaine is hopefully the first in a series of vampire brothers on the search for virgin brides. Ms. Blaine's compelling, erotic novel is a masterpiece. It was hot, sexy, and sinfully exotic. Hooked from the first words, Ms. Blaine truly delivers an amazing tale of feisty red hot love!" --Crystal Adkins, Book Reviews by Crystal *** 4.5 Blue Ribbons: "Winning Virgin Blood is a book that pulls you in and totally keeps you hooked. Once you start this book you won't be able to put it down. This is the first book in the Winning Virgin series and it proves to be a wonderful start. I can hardly wait to see what the next book in the series will bring. Destiny Blaine has done an excellent job of creating a tale that readers won't soon forget." --Angel, Romance Junkies

Editorial Reviews

Review

5.5 Kisses: Recommended Read: "In Winning Virgin Blood, Destiny Blaine introduces us to the rowdy, willful and 'sexy as sin' Spencer clan. I felt the sizzle just reading it! I personally cannot wait for the next installment of this series. Winning Virgin Blood is a 'must read' and one for the keeper pile." --Tina, Two Lips Reviews

5 Pixies: Recommended Read: "Winning Virgin Blood is spectacular! Filled with a wickedly dynamic storyline, very engaging characters, and a romance that will blow your mind, Winning Virgin Blood is at the top of my favorite paranormal list this year. If you're looking for a phenomenal paranormal romance, look no further." --Amanda Haffery, Dark Angel Reviews

5 Hearts: "Winning Virgin Blood by Destiny Blaine is hopefully the first in a series of vampire brothers on the search for virgin brides. Ms. Blaine's compelling, erotic novel is a masterpiece. It was hot, sexy, and sinfully exotic. Hooked from the first words, Ms. Blaine truly delivers an amazing tale of feisty red hot love!" --Crystal Adkins, Book Reviews by Crystal

4.5 Blue Ribbons: "I can hardly wait to see what the next book in the series will bring. Destiny Blaine has done an excellent job of creating a tale that readers won't soon forget." --Angel, Romance Junkies

4 Stars: "I am not usually a fan of vampire novels. Vampires give me nightmares. However, Winning Virgin Blood has a biting appeal to it. Destiny Blaine has added just the right amount of wit to give readers a large, toothy grin." --Debra Gaynor, Review Your Book

4 Tombstones: "Winning Virgin Blood is definitely a testament of wills between the sexes. Ms. Blaine heats up the intensity of the story right out of the gate on this book." --Rachel, Bitten by Books

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc. (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606012959
• ISBN-13: 978-1606012956
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,882,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Destiny Blaine is an award-winning, best selling e-book and paperback author. She writes under several pseudonyms in various genres. Destiny lives in East Tennessee with her daughter and husband. Her son is serving in the military.

When Destiny isn't writing, she enjoys spending time in Mississippi and South Carolina. She loves NFL and college football, college basketball, volleyball, poker, casino craps, and attending outdoor concerts. Her favorite pastime is sitting on the beach reading about intelligent ALPHA males who know how to take the lead in all situations.

One of the first romance authors to explore sports romances and a founding author of gambling-related romances, Destiny has several new series slated to begin later this year. Watch for her books at Amazon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended Read by twolipsreviews.com, January 24, 2010

By 

Tina (Maine) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Winning Virgin Blood [Winning Virgin 1] (Paperback)

Scotsman Orlando Spencer loses big in Vegas. Slinking home ashamed and remorseful, he finds his disappointed kinsmen have a surprise for him. To redeem himself, they actually want him to go back to Sin City and this time, win himself the ultimate prize - a virgin bride. This virgin, they sternly specify, must be a winner, willing to marry Orlando and relocate to the family's castle in Scotland. There is just one catch: she must be informed that Orlando and his family are vampires. Can the loser Orlando turn his luck around and win a virginal soul mate in Las Vegas, someone willing to love him for what he is?

In Winning Virgin Blood, the first book of her new Winning Virgin series, author Destiny Blaine introduces us to the rowdy, willful and `sexy as sin' Spencer clan. Although Orlando starts out more the love `em and leave `em type, fate has other plans for him. When he reluctantly returns to Las Vegas and meets the redheaded Natasha, he hits the jackpot when their chemistry is off the charts. I felt the sizzle just reading it! The lovely Natasha however, is no easily won prize. She requires some major convincing so the very determined Orlando pulls out all the stops when it comes to his personal brand of 'persuasion'. I think you'll find Winning Virgin Blood a very enjoyable and steamy read, with a highly likeable cast of characters. I personally cannot wait for the next installment of this series. Winning Virgin Blood is a `must read' and one for the keeper pile.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The story was well written, February 3, 2009

By 

Rachel P. Smith "BittenbyBooks.com" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Winning Virgin Blood [Winning Virgin 1] (Paperback)

Winning Virgin Blood is definitely a testament of wills between the sexes. Ms. Blaine heats up the intensity of the story right out of the gate on this book. Orlando Spenser wayward son of an exclusive vampire dynasty has messed up big time by blowing a significant portion of the family fortune. As his "punishment" he is being forced to go back to the scene of his crime Las Vegas, and find his intended mate, with a few caveats of course. At first he was furious, but once the hunt began, there was no turning back from the driving force of destiny.

Almost immediately he meets Natasha the girl of his dreams. Unfortunately for him after she finds out he's a vampire and what his intentions are she digs in her heals in an effort to thwart his every attempt to win her heart.

What I enjoyed about this book is that Natasha didn't give in immediately to the demands of the arrogant Orlando. The lengths they both go through to get their way with one another is humorous, I found myself laughing out load at several points in the story. The story was well written, fast paced and a must read for anybody who wants a different spin on vampire romance this summer. I am really looking forward to the next books in the series.

Reviewed at Bitten by Books Paranormal Fiction Review Site by Rachel

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Winning Virgin Blood, December 30, 2008

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Winning Virgin Blood [Winning Virgin 1] (Paperback)

Natasha is in Vegas for a wedding when she first meets magnificent, arrogant Orlando Spenser, vampire, gambler, and womanizer extraordinaire. Orlando is on a mission to find his life mate, courtesy of the Elders. There are stipulations and criteria to choosing the right woman, and Natasha meets them all. Time is short. He needs to convince her that they're meant to be but with a woman like Natasha, it won't be that easy.

Anticipation is the best part of finding a new series to read. This story lived up to a few of my expectations. But first, I want to point out what didn't work. The biggest problem I had with it was awkward narrative and stilted, dated dialogue. Words should flow and conversations should ring true to the ear. Sometimes the phrasing was off and too wordy.

The character development was weak. Another factor was the lack of plot twists and surprises as the plot progressed. The vampires appeared more human than preternatural. Orlando and his brother are rakes, and aside from being rich pretty boys from a close knit family, there's little else. Natasha came off as obnoxious and annoying when I'm certain that the author meant for her to be spirited, independent, and assertive. I thought she was a foul mouthed spoiled brat, and there wasn't enough substance to help me empathize.

Winning Virgin Blood wasn't all negative, there were some positives. The kick off begins with a really good upheaval for Orlando and the consequences of his actions place him at the mercy of the vampire Elders. The idea of how the vampires choose their mates is intriguing and the Spenser family history is fascinating. Orlando's quest is an effective plot motivator. There was so much potential, and room to flesh out the characters. This story had all the hallmarks of transition and personal growth for Orlando and Natasha. It does happen but again, it's not smooth and there are too many holes and gaps to make it all work. Finally, there's a nice build up for the next installment featuring Almonzo, Orlando's brother.

After underlying the pros and cons of Winning Virgin Blood, I feel it's only fair that I read Winning Virgin Love, Book 2. The next round may produce a KO, and because this author put her heart into her work, I feel like giving it another go.

Patrice F.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed