Once Burned

Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost weaves a tale that fuses romance and adventure with a dash of Gothic splendor. The shadows part, and through the mist, we meet Leila, a young woman cursed—or blessed, depending on one’s perspective—with the ability to glean the deepest secrets with a single touch. Leila’s existence, draped in isolation, takes an unprecedented turn as she crosses paths with the enigmatic Vlad Tepesh, more famously known as Dracula.

As you surrender yourself to the winds of this beguiling tale, Leila’s powers do more than unveil secrets; they ensnare her in a clandestine world she never fathomed existed. Tavia Gilbert’s deft narration paints this supernatural realm in vivid hues, transporting listeners into the depths of Leila’s trials and triumphs. Her voice dances through the shadowy halls, mirroring the flicker of ancient torches.

Now, Vlad – a formidable figure who is both charismatic and domineering – is no mere caricature of the ancient vampire myth; he is a being forged in fire and darkness, with power enough to shake the very foundations of their world. The smoldering embers of passion, too volatile to be contained, ignite between Leila and Vlad as they navigate treacherous waters teeming with both enemies and allies.

The tale doesn’t just meander along the paths of romance; it whisks you along torrential currents of action and suspense. Marty, a beloved friend, and father-figure to Leila, serves as her anchor in this tumultuous world. His own spectral gifts lend an aura of mystique, but it’s his unwavering loyalty that binds the story’s threads.

Maximus, a valiant vampire sworn to Vlad, plays a pivotal role in the plot. His loyalties, torn asunder, are woven into the complexities of this tale as he fights his inner demons, tipping the scales in an already precarious balance.

As Leila and Vlad venture through the labyrinth of their entangled destinies, characters like Gretchen, Leila’s sister, add depth and substance. She becomes more than a mere counterpoint to Leila’s journey; she is a testament to the bonds that transcend the natural and the supernatural.

This audacious tale reaches its zenith as Leila and Vlad are put to the test. Will their fiery union be the beacon that guides them through the darkness, or will it consume them? The ending leaves an indelible mark, as striking as the flashes of lightning that often accompany our fiery Lord of the Night.

In Once Burned, Tavia Gilbert isn’t just the narrator, she is the wind beneath the characters’ wings, guiding them through the twilight of their world with an artistry that enchants the soul. Her voice, resplendent with emotion, reflects the shifting sands of a plot that refuses to be tamed. This may remind the regular fans of The Beautiful Ashes and the famous The Sweetest Burn.