#BookReview – “Gabriel’s Mate” by Tina Folsom

Blurb

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. Moreover, Maya's enticing blend of vulnerability and strength is difficult to resist. Yet resist he must. Even as the sexual tension between them rises and the rogue vampire closes in on them, Gabriel refuses to give into his desire. Despite the intimacies they share, Gabriel fears that if he ever reveals himself fully to her, Maya will react like other women have, running from him, and calling him a monster, a freak, a creature not worth her love.

Will Maya prove to be the one female who cherishes all that Gabriel is? 

Review

In the third book in the Scanguard Vampires, series, Gabriel is a powerful, wealthy vampire, but he struggles with personal demons because of a physical deformity he’s had since he was human. It’s affected his ability to meet women, have sex, and fall in love for years. He also has a rather nasty scar on his cheek that gives him a dangerous edge.

Maya is a human doctor turned into a vampire against her will, but two Scanguard bodyguards rescue her before the transformation is complete. Gabriel feels an instant connection with her and takes her under his wing.

The H/h are great characters. Gabriel, especially, is very easy to understand and relate to. Unfortunately, they didn’t communicate with each other well, so problems arose from their misunderstandings.

I really enjoyed the sex scenes even though they were long. I’ve never read a story with a part-Satyr hero before, so the weird, kinky sex was right up my alley.

Gabriel’s friends return from the previous books, and one of them turns out to be the villain and another one is murdered in this story. I found that frustrating because I really liked both of those characters and was expecting them to get a HEA in a future book.

Carl’s age was confusing. In the first two books, I got the feeling he was in his early 20s (his human age at death), but he turned out to be in his 50s in this book. That doesn’t really matter plot-wise, but it’s just something that surprised me.

As usual with this series, the story needs an edit. For instance, sometimes the author wrote “she” (meant “he”), wrote “talking” (meant “taking”), and wrote “heroin” (meant “heroine”). Other than that, the writing is strong and fluid. The descriptions are detailed and the characters’ dialogue is witty and fun.

Overall, I liked the plot, the hot sex, and most of the characters.

3 Stars

Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.