The Dangerous Ones is a gripping YA fantasy that explores themes of power, trust, and survival. The book is set in a world where magic is both revered and feared. This book expertly blends action, romance, and mystery, creating a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The tension between Zora and Kieran (our main characters) adds an emotional depth to the story. Fans of magical realism and intense character-driven plots will find the story both captivating and thought-provoking.

Did you love Twilight, but wish Bella was way more capable? Meet Jerusalem, a badass Saint with a bone to pick against the vampires that ruined her life and destroyed her family. Enter Alexei, an annoyingly good vampire, and a white boy at that. Her every instinct tells her not to trust this boy, but her heart doesn’t listen. We follow their journey, trying to turn the tide of the civil war and vanquish their enemies once and for all. You can’t help but fall for this pair of starcrossed lovers. What are you waiting for, start reading! 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the e-galley of The Dangerous Ones.

When ever there’s a black vampire you can sign me up. I like the world building and how well thought out the characters were. Would definitely recommend this book to others.

The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood is an absolutely captivating read. Her writing style and world-building are phenomenal—they draw you in completely, making you feel like you’re part of the story. From the very beginning, I felt immersed in the world alongside the main characters, Alexei and Jerusalem, and I couldn't help but get lost in the tension between them.

Initially, I thought for sure Alexei wouldn't make it, given how brutal their relationship seemed. There was so much back and forth between them that I kept expecting something tragic to happen. But as the story unfolded, it became clear that there was more to their dynamic than I first realized. The character development, especially for Jerusalem, was exceptional. I loved watching both of them evolve throughout the book.

Odessa also stood out to me. I adored her for so many reasons, and she added such depth to the story. There were countless moments that had me on the edge of my seat, and more than once, I found myself getting teary-eyed. The emotional weight of this story is real, and I was completely invested in every moment.

Overall, this book kept me hooked from start to finish, and I loved every single page of it. Blackwood has a way of making you feel deeply for the characters, and I can’t wait to see where she takes this world next.

Book Review: A Riveting Tale of Revenge and Redemption
In " The dangerous ones," readers are introduced to the fierce and fearless Jerusalem, a Saint with demigod-like reflexes, endurance, and strength. Her journey is fueled by a singular goal: revenge against the vampires who wreaked havoc on her family. This gripping narrative masterfully intertwines themes of love, justice, and the quest for equality.
Jerusalem's unexpected partnership with the captivating and confident Alexei, an Ancient Vampire, adds a compelling layer to the story. Despite her deep-seated hatred for vampires due to her family's tragic past, Jerusalem finds herself fighting alongside Alexei against the Confederate Army and the vampires who profited from slavery. Over the year of their alliance, Alexei consistently proves his loyalty to the Union and to Jerusalem, challenging her perceptions of what it means to be an enemy.
The novel brilliantly explores the complexities of vengeance, as Jerusalem navigates her feelings and the larger fight for freedom and equality for Black people. Her determination to achieve justice without the need for personal sacrifice makes her character relatable and inspiring.
As they embark on a mission to alter the war's trajectory and confront the vampire responsible for devastating her life, Jerusalem and Alexei's relationship deepens. This tale goes beyond mere romance; it is a powerful commentary on love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice.
With its rich narrative and dynamic characters, "One Vampire to Kill. Another to Love" is a captivating read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a story that resonates with themes of empowerment and resilience, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of action, historical context, and heartfelt emotion. This book is not just about love and vengeance; it’s a profound exploration of what it means to challenge a god. #netgalley

A very interesting read. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book. It wasn't really for me, but I am sure that it will be loved by the right audience.

I didn't think I would like this one but I enjoyed this alternative history of the civil war in which it becomes a case of humans against vampires.

Page 14: I held my breath anyway as she passed so the scent of her blood wouldn’t drive me absolutely feral. I swallowed quickly to keep myself from drooling.

Page 15: I snatched her up and threw her legs over my shoulder, my arm around her waist. A laugh burst out of her as the back of her head hit my stomach, and I reveled in her joy.

🤦🏾‍♀️ That's a wild inconsistency. It's not been even a page to separate these actions to excuse it as plausible forgetfulness on Alexei's part.

The vernacular used in this time period by Jerusalem isn't matching. It's as if she was transported from the early nineties to 1863. Why have these phrases been used?

Page 34: “Listen, Tiny Saint. Listen.” Alexei shook his head, approaching me casually, like he had the right. “I know I’m the first friend you’ve ever had—”

“Touch me, and you die,” I growled, my killing instinct rising within me as his hand reached toward my chin.


More inconsistencies. Their relationship is very weird.

This is reading very much like a fanfic, or something one (usually in their early to mid teens) roleplays between friends or in a rp game. I'm 9% of the way in, and I may call it quits.

Page 49 (14%): I came back to reading after a day, to figure out what it is about this book that I'm not liking, and I think I've figured it out. There's a lot of telling, but not showing. We're told, directly, how Alexei or Jerusalem feel about the other, and especially for Alexei, his "situation". But, personally, I'm used to allusions and metaphors at the most. At the least, I like being shown why these characters like or dislike a person or situation through their actions. We don't get much of a glean into their past interactions to help justify the point readers are at now.

So this book isn't for me, and I won't be continuing at 14%. The premise is giving BuffyxCivil War vibes, but these contradictions put me off. Perhaps others will find the premise very promising and want to read until the end.

I am very thankful to have been gifted a copy of this book; however, at this point this book will be moving to my DNF shelf. It sounds like something I would have really enjoyed, and will happily come back and re-review once I am in a better mindset for the book.

'The Dangerous Ones' by Lauren Blackwood is an interesting alternative history inserting vampires and other supernatural beasts in to the landscape of the American Civil War. However, the execution falls flat with modern language choices disrupting the historical flow and the romance feeling forced and one-sided.

The Dangerous Ones
Lauren Blackwood

Her family murdered, enslaved by vampires, She knows and hates the enemy more than anyone else. But an unforeseen truce with a handsome vampire who is on her side, can they take down the vampire who has taken everything that Jerusalem loves.

The premise, right up my alley, historical romantasy with vampires, along with Gods? Yes please! I liked the characters well enough.
The cover, we have to give props to whoever created it, it is beautiful. - Mwah! 😘 chef’s kiss-

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this early review copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book had a very interesting concept of vampires and demigod like humans. I enjoyed how the lovers were star crossed and would do anything for each other. I wish there would have been more explanation about the demigod humans and where their powers come from and if there is more they could do in this universe. I enjoyed that Jerusalem was able to save one of her family members in the end and how everything she did was for her family.

The premise of this novel was interesting: an historical fantasy with superhumans and vampires set during the Civil War. Unfortunately, this book fell a little flat. I thought there needed to be more character development for Jerusalem after she discovered her superhuman ability. I found her to be hateful and rude and I struggled to find something to like about her. I also kept getting lost in the plot as it seemed to meander for much of the story.

Also, Alexei was a 300 year old vampire but acted like he was the same age as 18 year old Jerusalem. His
romantic interest in her felt forced. I assumed that he would have been a little bit more mature than how he was written.

I enjoyed the world building and wish the plot could have been more fleshed out overall. Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books. The Dangerous Ones is out now.

Great read and great author! Really have enoyed her books and meeting her at Imaginarium. She is so sweet ❤️

My personal issue with this book is that I wish the story had focused on Black vampires. That aside, I very strongly disliked the “romance.” It was very cringey and toxic. There was so much potential with the plot. Unfortunately, it fell short for me.

This was such a fun story! Loved the take this book had on vampires and the historical elements in this story! I did find the book to be a bit on the long side compared to what was actually happening in the story for over I really enjoyed this one! Great read that I definitely recommend checking out!

Weirdly long chapters with random point of view changes, and random flashbacks. Jerusalem was on a hero's journey but was weirdly unlikable, with Alexi the instalove vampire.

I wanted to like this book so bad!
The description to this had me wanting to read it because it sounded right up my alley but I will always have problems with language/slang fitting the time and theme of books.

So while I am leaving this review, please know I didn't finish it. I couldn't get passed that issue.

leaving this at 3 stars because my issue doesn't mean it's your issue.

What an original, page-turning, romantic take on the vampire story! I love Blackwood's takes on old stories and mythology, and this one did not disappoint!

I was hoping this would be something I could get in to and it just wasn't. The concept was intriguing but the writing and language did not work for the time period it was trying to be placed in. The FMC was just annoying and rude and had zero to none development throughout the story. I think if we would have bumped up the ages a bit and developed the language to the time period this easily could have been a 4 star. I have hopes for other writing from Laren.