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May Freighter

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Russian Roulette (Helena Hawthorn Series) (Volume 1) Paperback – October 1, 2016

by May Freighter (Author)

4.1 359 ratings

Book 1 of 7: Helena Hawthorn Series

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Who could guess that one brush of a fingertip over a shimmering soul-string could flip your world upside down and inside out?

Nineteen-year-old Helena’s life changes when her spirit enters the Angel Realm in search of her father. But, things don’t go as planned. Against her guardian angel’s warnings, she binds her soul to a vampire—a creature she thought only existed in horror movies.

Lucious has spent his immortality looking for the monsters who killed his sire. The last thing he needs is to be vulnerable because of a bond with a reckless girl. Yet, he sees how he can turn this to his advantage. Believing that Helena possesses great power, he plans to use her against the Council as a bargaining chip.

When Helena meets the gorgeous and also terrifying vampire with whom she’s now stuck sharing an emotional bond, she realises that her life will never be the same. Despite fighting against Lucious’s manipulative ways, she can’t deny their attraction.

As their desire for each other intensifies, she needs to know if she can trust him. After all, her life and soul are on the line.

For readers who enjoyed The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith, Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer, or A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest.

Book 1 of 7

Helena Hawthorn Series
Print length

416 pages
Language

English
Publication date

October 1, 2016
Reading age

15 - 18 years
Dimensions

5.5 x 1.04 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

1536827134
ISBN-13

978-1536827132
See all details

From the Publisher

urban fantasy, helena hawthorn series, angels, demons, magic, supernatural, paranormal romance

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I couldn't put it down! Every chapter left me wanting more!" - Readers' Favourite review. "If you are needing something adventurous, paranormal, fun alongside of something to laugh at here and there, andnot to forget vampiric romance, then this book is for you." - Elicia (Goodreads reviewer)

"As you take this journey with Helena you become emotionally invested in all the characters. Mays unique take on the supernatural is refreshing and addicting." - Michelle (Goodreads reviewer)

"I have read a lot of paranormal vampire stories and in each of them the story remained same. But this is the one with a lot of magic and thrills." - Niharika Madaan (Goodreads reviewer)

"I could not tear my eyes away from this book! It's an amazing read!" - Charlene Pope (Goodreads reviewer)

"May skillfully added adventure, a sense of danger (That had me biting my nails in anticipation!) and a wee bit of romance to top it all off!The vivid imagination and graphic details transported me to the dark and I felt as if I was Helena battling those demons!" - Roxana (Goodreads reviewer)

About the Author

"Lover of cake, life, and writing."

Since you have come this far and wish to get to know the writer. Welcome!Please take a seat and join the tea party. We have cake. Always.

May was born in the little Eastern country called Ukraine where winters are harsh and summers are too sunny. Having moved to Ireland at the age oftwelve, she learned to appreciate the temperate climate.

In herspare time, aside from writing, she likes to daydream of charactermurder (hopefully, it is the bad guys), plotting the next mystery,watching new TV series, or simply diving into books.

May is a fan of fantastical, horror, and a sucker for romance.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st edition (October 1, 2016)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1536827134
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536827132
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 15 - 18 years
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.24 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.04 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #8,740,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #117,638 in Paranormal & Urban Fantasy (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.1 359 ratings

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May Freighter

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May Freighter is an award-winning, internationally bestselling author from Ireland. She writes Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Sci-Fi Mysteries that will keep you entertained, mystified, and hopefully craving more. Currently, she's attempting to parent two little monsters and hasn't slept in over 4 years.

Who needs sleep these days, anyway?

On days when May can join her fictional characters on an adventure, stars must align in the sky and meteors will probably rain down. So keep an eye out.

Her hobbies are photography, drawing, plotting different ways of characters' demise, and picking up toys after her kids. Not exactly in that order.

*****

EMPIRE OF SHATTERED CROWNS

- Queen of Deception

- Queen of Ashes

- Queen of Hope

- Queen of Hearts

- tba

****

HELENA HAWTHORN SERIES:

- Alexander: Memoirs (Prequel & A Vampire In Love Book 1)

- Russian Roulette

- Demon Gates

- Crumbling Control

- Desired (Spin-off Novella)

- Monochrome Interview (A Vampire In Love Book 2)

- Fated Origins

- Cherished (Spin-off Novella)

- Dark Affiliations

- Blood Witch

-Twisted Truths

*****

ANNALISE STORM CHRONICLES:

- Case: 0

- Case: 1

- Case: 2

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5

359 global ratings

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Jeanne Richardson

Great Book

Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2019

Verified Purchase

I've read several books written by May Freighter; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Helpful

Trudie Collins

A different take on a vampire love story.

Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2018

Verified Purchase

This book did not grip me and it took me a long time to work out why. But first the good points. It is not your usual vampire love story (thank goodness); this one actually has a decent storyline and isn’t your typical ‘the vampire is really a selfless hero and the heroine saves him from damnation’ rubbish. There is a lot of mystery to this book and only some of the questions are answered, leaving most readers wanting to read more. It is a good length and well- paced. It starts off with a small glossary, which is great. Being at the start, it makes you more likely to read it than if it was as the end, which means that you understand the terms when you come across them instead of having to keep pausing in your reading to flick through to the glossary at the end. The prologue sets the tone of the book well.
The only problem I found with this book is that I don’t like any of the characters. I don’t hate any either. I am not saying they are not well-written, because they are. Each one is unique and well-rounded with individual personalities. I just don’t like any of them enough to care about what happens to them. This is just a personal opinion and other readers should make up their own minds on this matter. Overall I am glad I read the book.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Nikki

As amazing and dark PNR you don't want to miss!!

Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2018

Verified Purchase

I'm a huge vampire fan so to find a new and fresh take on that world plus excellent writing and a great plot is a win for me. I was immediately drawn into Helena's story and the unfortunate series of events that tie her to one sexy as hell vampire named Lucious. From the start their banter, push and pull, and increasingly romantic connection kept me riveted. Secondary characters will also steal your heart.

This is a dark PNR with some absolutley FANTASTIC world building and DEEP WELL CRAFTED characters. I was surprised time and again and worried for Helena on multiple occasions. Her bond with Lucious was both interesting and unique, the imagery used held me spellbound for most of the book. There's so many layers and twists and turns that I was in awe almost every chapter.

An amazing PNR that you must read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5

Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5

Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2023

Verified Purchase

The premise of this story is very intriguing and I loved how the concept was played out. However, I really struggled with the character development and the interactions between characters; most interactions felt lacking, like there was a missing element, that unfortunately continued through the rest of the book. There are 6 more books in the series to continue the story, but I'm not quite ready to dive into that. Overall, it was an enjoyable, quick read with a lot of promise.

Helpful

Destiny Bridwell

Supernturally wow!!!!

Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2017

Verified Purchase

This is another new author that is new to me. I found this as a free read on Amazon. Something draw me in to the story. I could not get enough of Helena's story. I know this is just the first book in the Helena Hawthorn Series. It lays a good foundation for a series. There are a lot of twists and turns. Helena is no ordinary girl she is supernatural and has a guardian angel named Michael. Who does have a little trouble keeping up with her. There are a lot of supernatural beings in this series which I find amazing. There are vampires, demons and angels. It was my kind of book. There is Lucious who the vampire in which Helena shares and emotion bond with. There is the demon called Alexander. Just so much I want to say about this, but trying to not spoil anything. You have to read it. GO get it.

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2018

Verified Purchase

Wow! This book totally blew me away. It’s no secret that vampires are my thing. Even so, this is so much more than just another vampire story. From the beginning you know there is something under the surface you are not being told. Why does Helena have a guardian angel? Is she more than just human? As you keep reading, things get even deeper. Vampires and demons come into play. Complex relationships form and things that you will never see coming all work to pull Helena into a darker world when all she wants is to be back home with her family.

The plot is really intricate and the situations our heroine faces are intense. Each time I think it can’t get worse for her, it does. It is edge of your seat reading in places. I’ll admit in addition to loving Helena, I instantly adored Lucious.

What excites me the most is that there are more parts. I love this rich word and its fascinating characters. Fantastic reading!

Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2017

Verified Purchase

I downloaded Russian Roulette as a free book from Amazon. This book had an interesting blurb, but I found the book to alternate between questionable punctuation and odd phrasing (either the author's first language is not English, or she uses her thesaurus without quite understanding the nuances of some of the words). Also, some of the situations were plain strange-- like, an office with a king-size bed? Michael was an immaterial angel, yet he caught his sleeve of his shirt on something. Then, there are her apparently sentient feet that "forgot how to move." I also got frustrated with the delay tool "It's too soon to explain" or "It's too early for you to understand." I could go on (I took a lot of side notes about this read), but suffice to say, I won't continue with the series. Too many plot holes and inconsistencies for me.

6 people found this helpful

Helpful

HB

A Great Fantasy Book

Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2023

Verified Purchase

May Freighter is an author to watch out for and I really enjoyed this novel! Captured my attention from the very beginning and look forward to continuing this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Kristen Lewendon

I had no idea what I was getting into with this book

Reviewed in Canada on May 20, 2019

Verified Purchase

I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. It's familiar in that it's witches and vampires, but that's where the similarities stop. This story has a unique perspective on magic and the supernatural creatures that populate this world that feels very different from just about anything else I’ve read. The story kept me glued to the pages to the point where I had to finish it in a single sitting. I love that even though our leading characters are facing off against awesomely powerful foes, they themselves don’t have access to similar powers. Helena, Lucious, and Alexander have to rely on their wit, charm, and ability to create alliances in order to survive. There are still lots of unknowns here that make me eager to dig in to the next book in the series.

Kindle Customer

Full characters in a compelling tale

Reviewed in Australia on July 9, 2019

Verified Purchase

Long but beautifully paced, no flat spots here.
The universe offers a new twist to the paranormal but it is consistent and believable. The characterisation is deep, we know these people, we feel their pain and joy.
First in a series but the story concludes, with a sizable hook to further instalments which I will probably be visiting.

Nino

Blown Away at how Amazing this Book was!!!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2017

Verified Purchase

Wow what a book!!! This is the first book that i have read by this author and i am super impressed by this authors style of writing, her imagination and the vitality of thee descriptions within this book. I am now a super fan of this author's work and i am determined to read all her books, that's how impressed i am by her work.

I was hooked to this story from the first page and one of the things that i enjoyed the most is the fact that you get the story from different points of view and i think that shows you more into the different characters personalities, into who they are and what has made them who they are.There is a lot that happens in this book, it is a thrilling journey filled with so much tension and action that you are on the edge of your seat literally to the last sentence in this book, i can't wait to read more in this series to find out what is going to happen next. It is a truly amazing storyline that makes you obsessively turn the pages to find out what surprise is around the next corner.

You can tell that so much love and attention has been put into the characters creation and that definitely comes through within the pages. They are amazing characters and i usually have a distinctive favourite but i don't in this book, i adore them all.I would love to know more about the vampires pasts and i would adore to see more of Andrew and his potential. After the way the book ended i can only imagine what will happen next and what more the characters can bring to the world that this author has created.

This is most definitely a must read book, it is simply amazing and i can't recommend it highly enough, it is definitely deserving of a 5* rating!!!

Joey

I loved the synopsis of this book and so picked it ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2017

Verified Purchase

I loved the synopsis of this book and so picked it up hoping for a good read, and it was very much a good read. Helena's life changes when she ends up joining her soul to a vampire. From there she finds her life changing rapidly from that of a normal teenager at college to someone mixed up in the supernatural world of vampires, and demons. The story is engaging and well written. I loved the way it was told and my only criticism is sometimes Helena came off as more annoying than likeable. Having said that she was going through hell so that's understandable. The story moves rapidly from point to point and ends on a note that will leave you desperate for the next in the series. I'm not a vampire book lover, but I know i'll be reading book two. Recommended.

Damian Southam

Fast paced and multiple viewpoints!

Reviewed in Australia on April 28, 2017

Verified Purchase

The panic of awakening from the cloud of darkness following unconsciousness tends to be heightened when you feel the coldness of the concrete wall against your back and the metal cuffs keeping you from escaping. Seeing the sharp extended canines of the approaching attacker, or the reflection of light off his blade, exacerbates Helena's fear and confusion, and the pounding in her head. One look at Alexander and Lucious and you knew they weren't the type to get mixed up with, but who'd have thought going to a job interview would lead to abduction? As always, and hence her nickname, Thorn, she could rely on her bitter tongue to make matters worse. She really needs to practice installing a filter between brain and mouth. If that is, she gets the chance to do so, which continues to look less likely as time goes on. Even the appearance of her guardian angel did nothing for her predicament as he's restricted to an incorporeal form in her realm. The only one who could help is the last one she wants to see.

Following an ominous beginning, Russian Roulette flashes back to five days before the aforementioned opening. Due to begin college, Helena leaves home to move into a city apartment she shares with her two best friends, Laura and Andrew. Living in Dublin will make finding a job and getting to college much easier. Her friends and her mother and step-father are prepared to support her, but Helena would feel better knowing she didn't have to rely on anyone. In preparation for the move she finds an old family journal, last written in by her grandmother; the same relative her mother would have believe was insane. The echoes of forgotten words spoken and the endless entries by predecessors of a far different world that nearly all humans are unaware of, elicits memories and events long forgotten in her life. Helena's perseverance in questioning her guardian angel Michael, leads to an internal journey to a place no human should be. This place within her mind leads to an interaction that should never have been. Once again fate has been manipulated after hundreds of years whence the gods had stopped it from it's meddling.

For a century he's chased down lead after lead, starting at the inner circle and sweeping out to faceless names in envelopes, looking for the one who'd killed his maker. Lucious would make sure that Anna would achieve her peace. Finding out the Hounds of the Council were closing in on his location, was no more troubling than the discovery he was even on their list. It would become another in a long line of distractions meant to keep him from his goal. The discovery of a presumed witch with a connection forged to his life-string is expected to be just the latest distraction; he could only assume the Council hired her to find him. But at nineteen years of age he couldn't understand how she'd have the power to trace him, especially from another country away. The call from Alexander telling him needed to hole-up and let him handle the latest lead just happens to be the place he'll find this witch. It looks like he'd be taking an extended break at Russian Roulette, the converted mansion night club his oldest friend (Alexander) owned.

Quiet resilience, fortitude and a longing for answers would be one way to describe Helena, whilst her best friends contrast considerably. Andrew is a young man of intelligence and hidden devotion flavoured by desire. Laura is the outwardly extroverted sister (by choice), daring and flamboyant, she'd give her constant best to see Helena taste the flavours of living a full life. Lucious is the loyal servant who'd be the mascot of what is right and achievable in a world filled with death and carnal fulfillment. And Alexander is the devoted and loyal friend, a man capable of savagery but nonetheless the man through friendship you'd have in your corner if ever there were a need. Michael, in his coincidental naming, is the loyal and obedient lieutenant seeking to fulfill his duties; a desire which overrides any potential humanity, his advice and help will always be tainted by the role he fulfills. Together these characters complete the broad spectrum of traits that offer a wide range of potential necessary for the formation of entertaining plots.

Russian Roulette is very much a novella and in many ways is like a prequel. Its shorter length establishes a fast pace, increased further by the alternating points of view. The stage is set for a world where what is human and what is supernatural are separated by a thin veil protected by cold and callous enforcers. Hidden in plain sight, the supernatural has the strength whilst the human has the numbers. There's a darkness coming, one that's been known of for some time. Somewhere in Helena's forgotten memories I suspect lies some answers. Her family knows of what's been hidden and it in some way relates to her missing father. A very enjoyable read, but as intimated its still early days yet. I'd be pretty sure that having read volume one, I'll be on the lookout for volume two..

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Russian Roulette (Helena Hawthorn Series) (Volume 1) Paperback – October 1, 2016

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