Review: In the Service of the King by Laura Kaye - 4 Wine Glasses

In the Service of the King 
(Vampire Warrior Kings #1)
by Laura Kaye
ebook, 78 pages
Published February 1st 2012 by Harlequin Nocturne (first published January 1st 2012)
ASIN B006IIX0N2

Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires, loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn't enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate centuries ago. Kael doesn't want a new companion, yet his resolve is tested when he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon. He is drawn to Shayla's beauty and poise...and the submission she offers. She is eager to give him anything he wishes, including her innocence, to please him. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire—even if it means risking Shayla's life?

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Crystal’s Thoughts: 


Kael despises feeding from innocent human virgins though they offer themselves willingly and are trained for the practice, his other only alternative though is to feed from a mate which he lost long ago. Since then he has questioned his ability to protect those he loves and is terrified of history repeating itself if he was to find a mate again. But to keep him and his warriors strong, he follows tradition and forces himself through the ritual every three months. 
Shayla has prepared her whole life to be a proffered for the Vampire King, Kael. Advancing through school and studying under her mentor, hoping for a way to somehow help the vampires in their fight against the soul eaters, even if it is just through feeding. But when the reality doesn’t live up to the fantasy Shayla is at a loss, questioning both herself and her future. 

Laura Kaye entices with this unique twist on the classic vampire tale; where all vampires are male, vampire kingdoms and communities are set up across the world, each with their own monarchy, and vampires live along side humans but in secret with only a select few all the wiser. The setting had an old-world feel to it but is placed firmly in modern day times. The world that the author creates is captivating, with just enough details of the culture to easily slide the readers’ right into the heart of the story. 

In the Service of the King is all about two soul mates, the building sensuality between them and the coming connection. You won’t find any action here but you will find a true romance. However, I didn’t feel as connected with the characters as I usually do with Laura Kaye’s books; it took a bit for me to buy into their feelings for each other, but Laura  has a way with the written word that sucks you in no matter what. 
As Shayla works through insecurities and Kael overcomes the ghosts of his past in order to move forward into a future with Shayla, readers are treated to raw passion, blistering love scenes and an intriguing new world. A short and sexy paranormal romance/erotica novella that left me craving more, thankfully this is just the beginning of a series that promises to excite! 

Rating: 4 Wine Glasses - Loved It!