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Human Vampire #1
La Luxure: Discover Your Blood Lust
Deep in the heart of the French Quarter, where the Bourbon Street revelry is nothing more than a far off whisper, underground blood-bar La Luxure beckons those with darker tastes through its narrow archway...
Level headed and practical, Julia Brown isn't normally the type of woman that runs around believing in vampires. But when she travels to New Orleans for a week long work conference and stumbles unwittingly into La Luxure, she begins to question that assumption. After a patron is found dead on the street, drained of blood and covered in bites and marks, Julia quickly becomes convinced the city is filled with actual, supernatural vampires.
And at the center of it all is Armand Laroque, who awakens a lust she never knew existed, and a temptation impossible to resist.
Warning: This book is adult romance and not suitable for readers under 18.
Books in the Human Vampire Series:
La Luxure (Book One)
de Sang (Book Two)
Eveillez (Book Three)
Expiez (Book Four)
Level headed and practical, Julia Brown isn't normally the type of woman that runs around believing in vampires. But when she travels to New Orleans for a week long work conference and stumbles unwittingly into La Luxure, she begins to question that assumption. After a patron is found dead on the street, drained of blood and covered in bites and marks, Julia quickly becomes convinced the city is filled with actual, supernatural vampires.
And at the center of it all is Armand Laroque, who awakens a lust she never knew existed, and a temptation impossible to resist.
Warning: This book is adult romance and not suitable for readers under 18.
Books in the Human Vampire Series:
La Luxure (Book One)
de Sang (Book Two)
Eveillez (Book Three)
Expiez (Book Four)
312 pages, ebook
First published April 13, 2011
About the author
C.D. Hussey
8 books81 followersWhen not writing, C.D. Hussey enjoys a career as a professional engineer. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, teenage son, and two cats.
Besides exploring the world of Human Vampires, C.D. also enjoys writing fantasy romance.
Besides exploring the world of Human Vampires, C.D. also enjoys writing fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 17, 2012
Who knew a simple business trip to New Orleans would change her life?
Once Julia steps out of her comfort zone and steps in the bar, La Luxure, she discovers a world completely outside her boring "vanilla" lifestyle. Intrigued and maybe a little frightened, she explores it's inhabitants, one being the very handsome, very mysterious owner, Armand. His presence alone captures her attention immediately and she finds that immediate interest not only strangely intimate, but arousing...so NOT what she's used to! Armand is clever, alluring and exciting and once he gets a "taste" of Julia, she has no idea the mysteries that await her...
This is the first book in Ms. Hussey's "Blood Lust" triolgy. It was a facinating and extremely sexy read, full of surprises, yet uniquely it's own. That element alone is one thing I strive for when looking for new books to read. I thoroughly enjoyed Hussey's great and realistic writing - which made it believeable and complicated for all the right reasons. Julia and Armand's attraction towards one another was well timed and felt organic and oh yeah...did I mention steamy, too?!
I had a blast with this book, and am really looking forward to more from this author!
Once Julia steps out of her comfort zone and steps in the bar, La Luxure, she discovers a world completely outside her boring "vanilla" lifestyle. Intrigued and maybe a little frightened, she explores it's inhabitants, one being the very handsome, very mysterious owner, Armand. His presence alone captures her attention immediately and she finds that immediate interest not only strangely intimate, but arousing...so NOT what she's used to! Armand is clever, alluring and exciting and once he gets a "taste" of Julia, she has no idea the mysteries that await her...
This is the first book in Ms. Hussey's "Blood Lust" triolgy. It was a facinating and extremely sexy read, full of surprises, yet uniquely it's own. That element alone is one thing I strive for when looking for new books to read. I thoroughly enjoyed Hussey's great and realistic writing - which made it believeable and complicated for all the right reasons. Julia and Armand's attraction towards one another was well timed and felt organic and oh yeah...did I mention steamy, too?!
I had a blast with this book, and am really looking forward to more from this author!
June 18, 2011
Please note that this book was provided to me by the author. However, that has in no way affected this review, which expresses my true and impartial opinion.
I don’t know C.D. Hussey. I have never met her (we live in different continents) and most probably I never will. I hadn’t heard of her prior to reading her debut novel La Luxure: Discover Your Blood Lust. I don’t think many people have. But something tells me that this is about to change because she is success in the making. She is clearly “NY Times best-selling author” material. I daresay some of the actual NY Times best-selling romance novels couldn’t hold a candle to La Luxure.
I should note that I am a long-time fan and heavy reader of paranormal romance and especially of the vampire genre. I’ve read my share of Anne Rice, J. R. Ward, Charlene Harris, Laurell K. Hamilton, L. J. Smith, Lara Adrian and, yes, Stephenie Meyer, to name only a few. It’s been some time since I was that positively surprised by a novel of this genre. Or, better said, of a subgenre, since I can’t say it’s purely “vampire” or “paranormal”. But it’s a compelling read nonetheless!
The book is set in the heart of the French Quarter, New Orleans, where La Luxure, a bar catering for the needs of a special clientele, is found. La Luxure holds a strange attraction for our heroine, Julia Brown, a single city engineer in her late twenties traveling from the Midwest to post-Katrina New Orleans on business. That’s where she meets Armand (very Anne Rice, right?) Laroque, the proprietor of La Luxure. Even though Julia is smart (she has always been good at math) she finds she’s the girl-next-door type, far from the “90-60-90” standard of beauty with her medium length brown hair and her brown eyes and her medium height. Now, mysterious, sexy Armand, with his gorgeous dark hair, intense hazel eyes, pale skin, his 6'2'' height and his muscular body, which is decorated with various tattoos and piercings, not to speak of his delicious purr of a voice and his impeccable manners, fascinates her; she is drawn to him in the “my heart just skipped a few beats” and “my stomach is making pirouettes” kind of way. It’s the first time any guy has made her feel that way and, since she is determined to step out of her comfort zone during her stay in New Orleans, she decides not to resist temptation, act upon her feelings and see where it gets her. The bad thing is Armand is apparently the leader of some underground obscure New Orleans Community and, on top of that, it is very possible he is responsible for the death of a La Luxure female patron who is found exsanguinated in some back French Quarter alley. Julia finds herself torn between her intense attraction to Armand and common sense which dictates her to flee.
Both main characters of the story were aptly portrayed and highly engaging. I felt for them, I understood their ways, shared some of their views. They made me laugh and they got me emotional at all the right points. Above all, the best thing about them was that they felt REAL and that was what I enjoyed the most about them.
Notwithstanding, I feel I should note that many of the other characters, apart from the central ones, were also interesting enough: Dave, the “frat boy” type who hasn’t really grown up and has a thing for Julia; Clare, Julia’s all too different but loving and caring sister; Slade, the hugely muscled, hostile but committed La Luxure bartender and long-time friend of Armand’s; Cindi, the tan, 50-something hotel bartender with the over processed, bleached blond 80s hair.
The portrayal of the city was also very vivid but not at all boring. I particularly liked the Mardi Gras parade and the storm parts. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans but now, thanks to C.D. Hussey, it’s among my priority destinations.
The sex parts (well, it is more of a single but really long and highly gratifying sex scene!) were steamy hot and made me want go through them again and again. If anything, they were where Armand was at his absolutely, incredibly, scorchingly hottest, and that should say something about them, right?
And, since I’m a devoted J.R. Ward fan, I can’t help but provide one reference I really loved: Normally, Julia liked her romance novels to be a little edgier, with leather-clad, tattooed vampires that had drug problems or were once sex slaves. Go Phury and Zsadist!
C.D. Hussey’s La Luxure is a must-read for everyone who enjoys romance novels with a twist. It is written in a vivid, fresh style that makes you keep reading even though it’s past midnight and you’re working tomorrow (that’s what happened to me, anyway). The author surely knows how to build her story to maximise interest and she seems to genuinely care for her characters (what more proof does the reader need than the fact that she sees herself as Julia -being an engineer from the Midwest, with her belly dancing and hula hoop lessons.)
My only note to the author is that the text can benefit from a closer proofreading for the occasional typo. All the same, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
I don’t know C.D. Hussey. I have never met her (we live in different continents) and most probably I never will. I hadn’t heard of her prior to reading her debut novel La Luxure: Discover Your Blood Lust. I don’t think many people have. But something tells me that this is about to change because she is success in the making. She is clearly “NY Times best-selling author” material. I daresay some of the actual NY Times best-selling romance novels couldn’t hold a candle to La Luxure.
I should note that I am a long-time fan and heavy reader of paranormal romance and especially of the vampire genre. I’ve read my share of Anne Rice, J. R. Ward, Charlene Harris, Laurell K. Hamilton, L. J. Smith, Lara Adrian and, yes, Stephenie Meyer, to name only a few. It’s been some time since I was that positively surprised by a novel of this genre. Or, better said, of a subgenre, since I can’t say it’s purely “vampire” or “paranormal”. But it’s a compelling read nonetheless!
The book is set in the heart of the French Quarter, New Orleans, where La Luxure, a bar catering for the needs of a special clientele, is found. La Luxure holds a strange attraction for our heroine, Julia Brown, a single city engineer in her late twenties traveling from the Midwest to post-Katrina New Orleans on business. That’s where she meets Armand (very Anne Rice, right?) Laroque, the proprietor of La Luxure. Even though Julia is smart (she has always been good at math) she finds she’s the girl-next-door type, far from the “90-60-90” standard of beauty with her medium length brown hair and her brown eyes and her medium height. Now, mysterious, sexy Armand, with his gorgeous dark hair, intense hazel eyes, pale skin, his 6'2'' height and his muscular body, which is decorated with various tattoos and piercings, not to speak of his delicious purr of a voice and his impeccable manners, fascinates her; she is drawn to him in the “my heart just skipped a few beats” and “my stomach is making pirouettes” kind of way. It’s the first time any guy has made her feel that way and, since she is determined to step out of her comfort zone during her stay in New Orleans, she decides not to resist temptation, act upon her feelings and see where it gets her. The bad thing is Armand is apparently the leader of some underground obscure New Orleans Community and, on top of that, it is very possible he is responsible for the death of a La Luxure female patron who is found exsanguinated in some back French Quarter alley. Julia finds herself torn between her intense attraction to Armand and common sense which dictates her to flee.
Both main characters of the story were aptly portrayed and highly engaging. I felt for them, I understood their ways, shared some of their views. They made me laugh and they got me emotional at all the right points. Above all, the best thing about them was that they felt REAL and that was what I enjoyed the most about them.
Notwithstanding, I feel I should note that many of the other characters, apart from the central ones, were also interesting enough: Dave, the “frat boy” type who hasn’t really grown up and has a thing for Julia; Clare, Julia’s all too different but loving and caring sister; Slade, the hugely muscled, hostile but committed La Luxure bartender and long-time friend of Armand’s; Cindi, the tan, 50-something hotel bartender with the over processed, bleached blond 80s hair.
The portrayal of the city was also very vivid but not at all boring. I particularly liked the Mardi Gras parade and the storm parts. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans but now, thanks to C.D. Hussey, it’s among my priority destinations.
The sex parts (well, it is more of a single but really long and highly gratifying sex scene!) were steamy hot and made me want go through them again and again. If anything, they were where Armand was at his absolutely, incredibly, scorchingly hottest, and that should say something about them, right?
And, since I’m a devoted J.R. Ward fan, I can’t help but provide one reference I really loved: Normally, Julia liked her romance novels to be a little edgier, with leather-clad, tattooed vampires that had drug problems or were once sex slaves. Go Phury and Zsadist!
C.D. Hussey’s La Luxure is a must-read for everyone who enjoys romance novels with a twist. It is written in a vivid, fresh style that makes you keep reading even though it’s past midnight and you’re working tomorrow (that’s what happened to me, anyway). The author surely knows how to build her story to maximise interest and she seems to genuinely care for her characters (what more proof does the reader need than the fact that she sees herself as Julia -being an engineer from the Midwest, with her belly dancing and hula hoop lessons.)
My only note to the author is that the text can benefit from a closer proofreading for the occasional typo. All the same, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
June 13, 2011
OK, lets try this again ... my whole review was deleted :(
Wow! Just, wow! I cannot say enough good things about this "different" kind of vampire book. I was in need ... I was bored ... I was ready to give up. Paranormal romance just wasn't doing it for me any more. C.D. Hussey took care of all my needs with La Luxure,which is more than a love story and probably not really a paranormal. This is a damned hard review to write because I can't tell you much about the book or I'll ruin it for you; and you really should download this book yourself. Its cheap at $2.99, more than worth the price.
Armand is our vampire, and boy, is he scrumptious! He wears frock coats sometimes and black silk slacks others. He's got a 6-day a week workout body and beautiful hazel eyes that make your head spin. He's got shoulder-length dark hair and white skin and lots of tats. He's also the owner of La Luxure, a Goth "underground" club that caters to New Orleans ... Community. Julia is our "normal" girl, and she's just that: normal. She's an engineer (and don't we all know what engineers are like, right?), owns a cat and leads a boring life that is ... boring. Her sister (Clare) is the wild one; even tho they are wholey different, they are the wonderfully close kind of sisters that talk every day and tell the other everything. But Clare doesn't really know that Julia is dissatisfied with her boring life, her boring dates and non-existant sex life (you thought I was going to say "Boring", right? Snicker) and when she heads to sexy New Orleans for a convention ("Emergency Utility Management During Manmade or Natural Catastrophes"), Julia decides to make some changes. She wants to BE that character in a romance novel for once! Clare pushes her to have a NOLA fling with ANYBODY. Of course she meets the bad boy vampire and is intrigued. Surprisingly, Armand is too. Julia finds she can talk to him, in fact, her mouth can't seem to stop when she's around him. They get into a conversation at the bar and this most incredible story takes off from there.
Julia may be the boring girl (her words, not mine) but IMO she's the Teacher. She unknowingly gets into a pretty profound conversation with Armand the first night, one that tells us a bit about who she is underneath Boring Julia:
"This bar plays the best music," she admitted, like it was some excuse {she was chair-dancing :)]. Once again his expression was slightly perplexed. "I know, I know. I don't look the type." "I try not to base my conclusions of a person on appearance alone," he told her. "Oh, but you'd be right. It's my sister that keeps me interesting. If Clare wasn't forever breaking me out of my comfort zone I'd be completely boring, listening to Top 40 and wondering why I didn't like it." "You're here though. And I don't think I see your sister." She smiled. "I suppose so. But trust me, I'm still boring." "I doubt that." His eyes lifted and she followed his line of sight. The couple was just emerging from the locked room. The woman's perfect pin curls were slightly tousled, her pencil skirt a little askew. She wore the most satisfied expression and her movements were smooth and languid. The man had the same, "I just had the best sex," or "I'm completely faded," expression and Julia would have written it off as either or both until she noticed two perfect puncture wounds on his neck. A teardrop of blood seeped from one and when the woman turned and saw it, she used a finger to wipe it off, and then, very suggestively, licked the blood from her finger. Catching Julia's startled gaze, the woman flashed a slightly blood-smeared grin at her and winked. Holy. Shit. Julia turned back to Armand, who was watching her carefully. She tried to play it off like what she'd seen was the most normal thing, to be as nonchalant as possible. "Well, I wouldn't feel bad for judging people based on appearance from time to time," she said quickly. "I mean, I do think that people to tend dress to be judged. If they're able, of course. The guy wearing a football jersey usually wants you to know he likes football." She was talking way too fast, she could tell by the way the words seemed to blend together. Armand probably thought she was the biggest kook at this point, but Julia couldn't stop herself. "But as long as we remember to use our brains and not just our eyes," she continued on in spite of her brain trying to will her mouth to stop moving. "And we recognize that there might be more than what's presented on the surface, we should forgive ourselves for judging 'a book by its cover' from time to time." She really needed to just shut up. This prattling nonsense was annoying.
So much of the time we judge by a person's looks. Julia and Armand show us why we need to be careful of making "snap judgements". That's the serious side to LL. As for the fun side, this book is SEXY. Of course NOLA is sexy and vampires are sexy but in this case, the sex is sexy! Altho there is not really that much of it,when Julia and Armand have it, they show how to make love. I've gotten so jaded lately that I find myself skimming over sex scenes more often than not. Thank you, C.D., for getting me right-ways again!
So its like this, just read the book. I was so very impressed that I found myself getting depressed around 3/4 through. Luckily there is a blurb at the end letting me know to expect another LL book *thank heavens*!
Wow! Just, wow! I cannot say enough good things about this "different" kind of vampire book. I was in need ... I was bored ... I was ready to give up. Paranormal romance just wasn't doing it for me any more. C.D. Hussey took care of all my needs with La Luxure,which is more than a love story and probably not really a paranormal. This is a damned hard review to write because I can't tell you much about the book or I'll ruin it for you; and you really should download this book yourself. Its cheap at $2.99, more than worth the price.
Armand is our vampire, and boy, is he scrumptious! He wears frock coats sometimes and black silk slacks others. He's got a 6-day a week workout body and beautiful hazel eyes that make your head spin. He's got shoulder-length dark hair and white skin and lots of tats. He's also the owner of La Luxure, a Goth "underground" club that caters to New Orleans ... Community. Julia is our "normal" girl, and she's just that: normal. She's an engineer (and don't we all know what engineers are like, right?), owns a cat and leads a boring life that is ... boring. Her sister (Clare) is the wild one; even tho they are wholey different, they are the wonderfully close kind of sisters that talk every day and tell the other everything. But Clare doesn't really know that Julia is dissatisfied with her boring life, her boring dates and non-existant sex life (you thought I was going to say "Boring", right? Snicker) and when she heads to sexy New Orleans for a convention ("Emergency Utility Management During Manmade or Natural Catastrophes"), Julia decides to make some changes. She wants to BE that character in a romance novel for once! Clare pushes her to have a NOLA fling with ANYBODY. Of course she meets the bad boy vampire and is intrigued. Surprisingly, Armand is too. Julia finds she can talk to him, in fact, her mouth can't seem to stop when she's around him. They get into a conversation at the bar and this most incredible story takes off from there.
Julia may be the boring girl (her words, not mine) but IMO she's the Teacher. She unknowingly gets into a pretty profound conversation with Armand the first night, one that tells us a bit about who she is underneath Boring Julia:
"This bar plays the best music," she admitted, like it was some excuse {she was chair-dancing :)]. Once again his expression was slightly perplexed. "I know, I know. I don't look the type." "I try not to base my conclusions of a person on appearance alone," he told her. "Oh, but you'd be right. It's my sister that keeps me interesting. If Clare wasn't forever breaking me out of my comfort zone I'd be completely boring, listening to Top 40 and wondering why I didn't like it." "You're here though. And I don't think I see your sister." She smiled. "I suppose so. But trust me, I'm still boring." "I doubt that." His eyes lifted and she followed his line of sight. The couple was just emerging from the locked room. The woman's perfect pin curls were slightly tousled, her pencil skirt a little askew. She wore the most satisfied expression and her movements were smooth and languid. The man had the same, "I just had the best sex," or "I'm completely faded," expression and Julia would have written it off as either or both until she noticed two perfect puncture wounds on his neck. A teardrop of blood seeped from one and when the woman turned and saw it, she used a finger to wipe it off, and then, very suggestively, licked the blood from her finger. Catching Julia's startled gaze, the woman flashed a slightly blood-smeared grin at her and winked. Holy. Shit. Julia turned back to Armand, who was watching her carefully. She tried to play it off like what she'd seen was the most normal thing, to be as nonchalant as possible. "Well, I wouldn't feel bad for judging people based on appearance from time to time," she said quickly. "I mean, I do think that people to tend dress to be judged. If they're able, of course. The guy wearing a football jersey usually wants you to know he likes football." She was talking way too fast, she could tell by the way the words seemed to blend together. Armand probably thought she was the biggest kook at this point, but Julia couldn't stop herself. "But as long as we remember to use our brains and not just our eyes," she continued on in spite of her brain trying to will her mouth to stop moving. "And we recognize that there might be more than what's presented on the surface, we should forgive ourselves for judging 'a book by its cover' from time to time." She really needed to just shut up. This prattling nonsense was annoying.
So much of the time we judge by a person's looks. Julia and Armand show us why we need to be careful of making "snap judgements". That's the serious side to LL. As for the fun side, this book is SEXY. Of course NOLA is sexy and vampires are sexy but in this case, the sex is sexy! Altho there is not really that much of it,when Julia and Armand have it, they show how to make love. I've gotten so jaded lately that I find myself skimming over sex scenes more often than not. Thank you, C.D., for getting me right-ways again!
So its like this, just read the book. I was so very impressed that I found myself getting depressed around 3/4 through. Luckily there is a blurb at the end letting me know to expect another LL book *thank heavens*!
June 12, 2011
Please note that the author provided me with this book to read and review. That being said, the fact that I got it for free, has nothing to do with the fact that I absolutely LOVED this book.
La Luxure takes place in modern day New Orleans. The author did an amazing job of painting the city and providing the reader with rich detail and the spirit that is The French Quarters.
Julia is a smart, single woman in N.O. on business. She is an engineer and post Katrina N.O. just makes sense, to hold a conference for those in her field. Jane has a quirky, radical sister and furry friend at home and that's about it. She's had no luck at love and spends most of her free time reading PNR novels. There was a nod to the Black Dagger Brotherhood that had me unleashing my fan girl squeal.
Julia sees this business trip as an opportunity to let her hair down, reinvent herself and live a little. While out sight seeing, Julia's visit becomes much more intersting....and questionable. From an odd card reading to stumbling into a Goth bar named La Luxure, Julia finds herself drawn to the dark, mysterious Armand. She knows she should run, but in which direction? Towards him or as far into the other direction as her feet can take her.
Armand is pure, raw, sex in motion. That much is obvious. What's not so obvious is who and what is he exactly? Aside from being the owner of Luxure, Julia soons finds out he is also an important figure head in a "Community" that she knows nothing about. After on of Luxure's regulars is found dead and drained, Julia becomes fearful of what she's gotten herself into and even more fearful that she can't seem to just walk away.
This book was nothing short of fascinating. Loved Julia as the female lead. She's well written and you can't help but to pull for her. Armand of course is just Dee. Lish. Us. The sex scenes are scorching hot, I mean FILTHY hot. But at the same time, the banter between the two leads, no matter the what emotion happens to be between them at the moment, it's just so charming end endeearing. Even the supporting cast is memorable. I loved Cindi the bartender, Mike the ass and even Dave. The scene where Julia's two "worlds" collided at the parade was priceless!
I was pleasently thrown against the wall as the main "twist" of this book unveiled itself in the last few chapters. Completely blindsided and thrilled at the same time. I simply cannot wait for de Sang to come out. C.D. Hussey is an author to watch. Spectacular.
La Luxure takes place in modern day New Orleans. The author did an amazing job of painting the city and providing the reader with rich detail and the spirit that is The French Quarters.
Julia is a smart, single woman in N.O. on business. She is an engineer and post Katrina N.O. just makes sense, to hold a conference for those in her field. Jane has a quirky, radical sister and furry friend at home and that's about it. She's had no luck at love and spends most of her free time reading PNR novels. There was a nod to the Black Dagger Brotherhood that had me unleashing my fan girl squeal.
Julia sees this business trip as an opportunity to let her hair down, reinvent herself and live a little. While out sight seeing, Julia's visit becomes much more intersting....and questionable. From an odd card reading to stumbling into a Goth bar named La Luxure, Julia finds herself drawn to the dark, mysterious Armand. She knows she should run, but in which direction? Towards him or as far into the other direction as her feet can take her.
Armand is pure, raw, sex in motion. That much is obvious. What's not so obvious is who and what is he exactly? Aside from being the owner of Luxure, Julia soons finds out he is also an important figure head in a "Community" that she knows nothing about. After on of Luxure's regulars is found dead and drained, Julia becomes fearful of what she's gotten herself into and even more fearful that she can't seem to just walk away.
This book was nothing short of fascinating. Loved Julia as the female lead. She's well written and you can't help but to pull for her. Armand of course is just Dee. Lish. Us. The sex scenes are scorching hot, I mean FILTHY hot. But at the same time, the banter between the two leads, no matter the what emotion happens to be between them at the moment, it's just so charming end endeearing. Even the supporting cast is memorable. I loved Cindi the bartender, Mike the ass and even Dave. The scene where Julia's two "worlds" collided at the parade was priceless!
I was pleasently thrown against the wall as the main "twist" of this book unveiled itself in the last few chapters. Completely blindsided and thrilled at the same time. I simply cannot wait for de Sang to come out. C.D. Hussey is an author to watch. Spectacular.
April 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this very much. It was set in the city of New Orleans, which I would love to visit. Julia and the fascinating Armand, who she suspects may be a vampire, scorch up the pages. Meanwhile, there is what appears to be a murder of one of the patrons of Armand's bar, La Luxure. As Julia is drawn further into Armand's world, she and the reader, are drawn into a sensual and mysterious world.
This is book one in the series and I plan on reading the rest. A very fun,sexy,mysterious read any fan of vampire romance will enjoy.
This is book one in the series and I plan on reading the rest. A very fun,sexy,mysterious read any fan of vampire romance will enjoy.
July 3, 2011
This is the first in Hussey's Human Vampire series. The setting is New Orleans for a brutal murder, a Goth-like bar and vampire sub-culture in this steamy romance. Hussey's characters are so genuine and authentic it is almost like watching a live performance.
Julia, the female lead, is a witty 29 year old civil engineer and "token vagina" in the male dominated field attending a conference in New Orleans. She likes "her romance novels to be a little edgier, with leather clad, tattooed vampires that had drug problems, or were once sex slaves. The occasional werewolf was nice, or angst-y warlock, especially a tormented, sorcerer werewolf. She'd put away the historical novels years ago in favor of darker, rawer, urban fantasies." (Hmm, sounds like someone you know? {smile}.) Julia thinks she is a "boring, nerdy engineer" and Armand is a "super sexy vampire".
Armand, the male lead, is owner of La Luxure ("Lust" for those who don't know French), a Gothy vampire sub-culture bar, and one of the leaders in the Sang Community in New Orleans. He is inexplicably drawn to Julia the minute she comes in his bar. After he talks with her for a while, he actually finds himself falling for her.
This is a great story with a twist many won't see coming and a hot, hot, hot dream sequence, a shower scene which is well... steamy {grin} and the scene on the couch — ooh, la la!
Paranormal romance and vampire romance genre fans should put this on their wish list.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This does have a HEA ending. While this is a paranormal romance, it is not supernatural. Confused? That's ok, read it and you'll see what I mean.
Julia, the female lead, is a witty 29 year old civil engineer and "token vagina" in the male dominated field attending a conference in New Orleans. She likes "her romance novels to be a little edgier, with leather clad, tattooed vampires that had drug problems, or were once sex slaves. The occasional werewolf was nice, or angst-y warlock, especially a tormented, sorcerer werewolf. She'd put away the historical novels years ago in favor of darker, rawer, urban fantasies." (Hmm, sounds like someone you know? {smile}.) Julia thinks she is a "boring, nerdy engineer" and Armand is a "super sexy vampire".
Armand, the male lead, is owner of La Luxure ("Lust" for those who don't know French), a Gothy vampire sub-culture bar, and one of the leaders in the Sang Community in New Orleans. He is inexplicably drawn to Julia the minute she comes in his bar. After he talks with her for a while, he actually finds himself falling for her.
This is a great story with a twist many won't see coming and a hot, hot, hot dream sequence, a shower scene which is well... steamy {grin} and the scene on the couch — ooh, la la!
Paranormal romance and vampire romance genre fans should put this on their wish list.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This does have a HEA ending. While this is a paranormal romance, it is not supernatural. Confused? That's ok, read it and you'll see what I mean.
June 17, 2011
La Luxure is about Julia, a conservative engineer who is never quite satisfied in her life, her romance, or her job. She is rather envious of her sister's "freedom" to live more on the edge. On a business trip to New Orleans, Julia is immersed in the culture and ambience of the city's darker side, and feels an inexplicable pull to give in to her dark impulses. The end result surprises not only Julia, but is a treat for the reader as well.
La Luxure's steamier sex scenes is a no-no for young readers, but adults will easily be seduced and pulled along for the "ride". There is a major twist at the end, and I didn't know whether to be disappointed that everything wasn't as it seemed, mad that I'd been fooled, or confused (I mean, I got the ending, but I kept turning the pages waiting for that "ha ha! fooled you again!" moment). In the end, I could only applaud, because there is nothing I like more than thinking I know how a book's going to end and being totally wrong.
This author's writing style is fluid and a pleasure to read. The author depicted the visuals of the city well enough that there is no question of the setting. This one goes in the "recommend" column.
La Luxure's steamier sex scenes is a no-no for young readers, but adults will easily be seduced and pulled along for the "ride". There is a major twist at the end, and I didn't know whether to be disappointed that everything wasn't as it seemed, mad that I'd been fooled, or confused (I mean, I got the ending, but I kept turning the pages waiting for that "ha ha! fooled you again!" moment). In the end, I could only applaud, because there is nothing I like more than thinking I know how a book's going to end and being totally wrong.
This author's writing style is fluid and a pleasure to read. The author depicted the visuals of the city well enough that there is no question of the setting. This one goes in the "recommend" column.
December 9, 2011
*Note: I can't thank Texxie enough for turning me to this series!
I LOVED this book! I could not put it down....heavily medicated and exhausted could not make me put it down! haha
I loved how Armand was just as vulnerable as Julia. He was unsure of himself, unsure if she wanted him as much as he wanted her (at first ;P).....and definitely a twist I NEVER saw comin! LOL
I had a few quotes I liked but I think my fav has to be
"Sometimes it's frightening to let people see who we really are. It's easier to let them see what they will. The people who matter will take the effort to look a little harder."
I'm starting book 2 as soon as I'm done with this review!!
I LOVED this book! I could not put it down....heavily medicated and exhausted could not make me put it down! haha
I loved how Armand was just as vulnerable as Julia. He was unsure of himself, unsure if she wanted him as much as he wanted her (at first ;P).....and definitely a twist I NEVER saw comin! LOL
I had a few quotes I liked but I think my fav has to be
"Sometimes it's frightening to let people see who we really are. It's easier to let them see what they will. The people who matter will take the effort to look a little harder."
I'm starting book 2 as soon as I'm done with this review!!
November 29, 2011
Bleh it was good until the big reveal, was a bit dissapointed :(
June 22, 2011
This book is actually a solid 3.7 but I can't curve to 4. It's just not quite there. For example, the writing had a great economy of scale providing a comprehensive info in a novella. I feel Ms. Hussey has done a good job of introducing us to her characters strengths and weaknesses. I found she weaved the dark elements well with the light humorous banter. The sex was barely R rated but it was tasteful and realistic.
I like Armand and Julia from the start. The supporting cast was not as fleshed out so I did not feel drawn to them or even curious about their stories. With that said, I’m glad I read this book. It was engaging enough that I wanted to know what would happen to Armand and Julia. Their vulnerabilities and passion was beautifully done. They felt very real. That alone tells me Ms. Hussey has some legit skills. Although she does not go erotica in this book, I feel that it was restraint not lack of ability. She could have made this one a scorcher if she wanted to go all in with erotica. In a weird way, I am glad she didn't take it all the way because I don't think it would have been right for Julia and Armand. It was the walking along the river, sharing a meal, and exploring the French Quarter of New Orleans that made the book so romantic. I am usually not very patient but I allowed Ms. Hussey to tell why Julia and Armand where not in lust but had truly found love in a few days time.
I recommend this book to people who still know how to enjoy a love story for the sake of the love alone. Meaning, it is a good choice for readers who have a very, very broad definition of paranormal. I don’t -- so I am not in for the next book especially after getting to the end of this one and seeing the name of the series as of book 2 -- an oxymoron at the least. There is a plus side; I like Ms. Hussey’s writing so I am open to reading anything she writes outside of this series.
I like Armand and Julia from the start. The supporting cast was not as fleshed out so I did not feel drawn to them or even curious about their stories. With that said, I’m glad I read this book. It was engaging enough that I wanted to know what would happen to Armand and Julia. Their vulnerabilities and passion was beautifully done. They felt very real. That alone tells me Ms. Hussey has some legit skills. Although she does not go erotica in this book, I feel that it was restraint not lack of ability. She could have made this one a scorcher if she wanted to go all in with erotica. In a weird way, I am glad she didn't take it all the way because I don't think it would have been right for Julia and Armand. It was the walking along the river, sharing a meal, and exploring the French Quarter of New Orleans that made the book so romantic. I am usually not very patient but I allowed Ms. Hussey to tell why Julia and Armand where not in lust but had truly found love in a few days time.
I recommend this book to people who still know how to enjoy a love story for the sake of the love alone. Meaning, it is a good choice for readers who have a very, very broad definition of paranormal. I don’t -- so I am not in for the next book especially after getting to the end of this one and seeing the name of the series as of book 2 -- an oxymoron at the least. There is a plus side; I like Ms. Hussey’s writing so I am open to reading anything she writes outside of this series.
April 4, 2013
I read this the other day and it has been in the back of my mind ever since. I, intially, was a bit disappointed in the ending and then after I thought about it a little while I realized that this is quite possibly one of the most original vampire tales that I have read in a really long time. I'm a big sucker for just about any book with a New Orleans back drop. I've never visited the city but the first time I read a book about it I was mesmerized. I think the first few books I read were historical romances but then I read Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins and I was like a big eyed kid. There is just sort of a seductive feel to the place.
Back to the story, I have to say that when they intially introduced Armand> I rolled my eyes and thought immediately of Anne Rice and I stiffened my back in preparation for a similar story that would leave me feeling like I had eaten this book soup before. I quickly became a fan of him and I found his charm to be somewhat irrestible. The book is pretty well played out and up until the end I was just as caught up in everything as Julia.
The sex scenes are STEAMY, and I have read so many reviews lately about people who find more graphic love scenes as a bit off putting but I have to say that for me, a hot guy and bone melting sex are a great combination. I think any guy that can moan, suck and thrust is a guy I want to know better. I really enjoyed this book and went and downloaded the little extra that was on her website before going to Amazon and downloading all the others in the series. I just am sucked up in this vampire world. (Get it? Sucked up?)
I think this a great series for people who like their vampires to be seductive and beautiful. I think the unconventional lifestyle is really intriguing and that for the brave, you won't be disappointed.
Back to the story, I have to say that when they intially introduced Armand> I rolled my eyes and thought immediately of Anne Rice and I stiffened my back in preparation for a similar story that would leave me feeling like I had eaten this book soup before. I quickly became a fan of him and I found his charm to be somewhat irrestible. The book is pretty well played out and up until the end I was just as caught up in everything as Julia.
The sex scenes are STEAMY, and I have read so many reviews lately about people who find more graphic love scenes as a bit off putting but I have to say that for me, a hot guy and bone melting sex are a great combination. I think any guy that can moan, suck and thrust is a guy I want to know better. I really enjoyed this book and went and downloaded the little extra that was on her website before going to Amazon and downloading all the others in the series. I just am sucked up in this vampire world. (Get it? Sucked up?)
I think this a great series for people who like their vampires to be seductive and beautiful. I think the unconventional lifestyle is really intriguing and that for the brave, you won't be disappointed.
June 28, 2011
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this awesome book!!!!
Ok....so Julia's an engineer on her way to New Orleans for a comference. She's not really happy with her love life. She's always been with men that are great on paper but too dull for her tastes. Now she's determined to let her hair down and be more spontaneous. One night she stumbles into La Luxure a goth club thats looks like just what she needs. When she meets Armand she decides that he's the perfect candidate for a NOLA affair. But after spending time with him she starts falling for him and he with her. I don't want to give anything away since there's a big bomb dropped at the end. But I will say that this was definitely unlike any vampire/paranormal book Iv read and what a breath of fresh air it was. I thought it was a great love story and I would definitely read more books in this world C.D. Hussey has created...awesome story!!!
Ok....so Julia's an engineer on her way to New Orleans for a comference. She's not really happy with her love life. She's always been with men that are great on paper but too dull for her tastes. Now she's determined to let her hair down and be more spontaneous. One night she stumbles into La Luxure a goth club thats looks like just what she needs. When she meets Armand she decides that he's the perfect candidate for a NOLA affair. But after spending time with him she starts falling for him and he with her. I don't want to give anything away since there's a big bomb dropped at the end. But I will say that this was definitely unlike any vampire/paranormal book Iv read and what a breath of fresh air it was. I thought it was a great love story and I would definitely read more books in this world C.D. Hussey has created...awesome story!!!
June 16, 2011
Well don't you just love it when a book smacks you upside the head! La Luxure is not your typical vampire romance story but i cant say much without giving it away. Set in the beautifully described New Orleans you will get to know and love the main characters. I think most will relate to the "normal" Julia bored with her "normal" life. And I mean who doesn't want to live on the wild side just a little bite...oh I mean bit. And the hot, flirty, male lead Armand.....well I just suggest you read for yourself. It is a great read that I just had to finish in one sitting, sleeping be damned. I suggest not starting it in the evening if you need to go to work the next day as you most likely will not be able to put it down.
June 18, 2011
This book was good, but not one of my favorites. I was disappointed of the true identity of Armond. It had me anticipating what a relationship with a vampire would be like, then let me down at the end when we find out who Armond truly is. It had a little mystery, but it would have been even better with even more mystery and danger. I enjoyed reading this book, but it will not be on my re-read list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were believable and the setting was modern and rich. The relationship grew naturally. The heroine came to all the same conclusions about her hero as a normal woman would. I immediately went out and bought the next in the Human Vampire Series. I was not disappointed. You won't be either.
August 11, 2011
This was such a fun and sexy read! I enjoyed it immensely!
Read
December 26, 2012DNF. Yuck! What a waste of the 23% I did put into the book. When I was hoping it would get better, it just got worse.
July 8, 2018
Not For Me
To tell the truth, I had exactly the same reaction that Julia initially had at Armond's big reveal. In other words, I was disappointed, felt ripped off, and not a little annoyed to find this was not a tale of vampires, but rather one of "posers". Being led to believe all the way to the 3\4 mark in the book that this was a story bout vampires, only to find out they were playing a role, didn't make me think, "Wow, how interesting", but rather, "what the he##!!" .
To tell the truth, I had exactly the same reaction that Julia initially had at Armond's big reveal. In other words, I was disappointed, felt ripped off, and not a little annoyed to find this was not a tale of vampires, but rather one of "posers". Being led to believe all the way to the 3\4 mark in the book that this was a story bout vampires, only to find out they were playing a role, didn't make me think, "Wow, how interesting", but rather, "what the he##!!" .
January 30, 2019
Good
Jule needs to step out her comfort zone while on a confrence trip in New Orleans she meets Armand but he is different and so is his club . While they are two opposites in appearance but maybe these two are similar. Shocking ending and twist good book
Jule needs to step out her comfort zone while on a confrence trip in New Orleans she meets Armand but he is different and so is his club . While they are two opposites in appearance but maybe these two are similar. Shocking ending and twist good book
July 23, 2016
Quick disclaimer - you'll find hidden spoilers below that, as you know, you can choose to view or pass by. They won't be blatant spoilers but they'll give some good hints to certain people.
I really struggled to stay with this book. Really, if it weren't for one mighty twist I would have rated the book lower and not written a review at all.
I am currently infused with a delicious measure of Jack Daniels so, I am feeling cheerful enough to start with the good stuff.
The scenes are described abnormally well. I was really impressed. The Louisiana atmosphere and every scene is delivered with carefully constructed detail so that you can see Bourbon St., feel the wind and smell the man. If you know anything about N'Orleans you too will appreciate the authenticity of its portrayal in this story. If you don't know N'Orleans, take comfort knowing you'll learn a thing or two.
THE TWIST. <---- See what I did there? It deserves to be it's own title.
Really, this book could have been called, "The Twist". THE TWIST is the only thing that makes the story interesting. That's okay though because THE TWIST is unique, and infuriating, and funny, and creative, and thought provoking. It's like when life pulls the rug out from under you and your first thought is to give life the bird and curse the powers that be...and then you calm down, realize the signs were staring you in the face, see the door that opened when the last was slammed in your face and you begin to appreciate the bitter sweetness of it all. Read this spoiler only after you read the book (again, it's not blatant but you could probably figure it out if you thought hard enough)--->
Okay, the bad stuff:
A total of two Louisiana natives in the story have a southern drawl. I'm southern. Are you southern? When we moved to California my daddy forced me to get rid of my drawl because, "people in California think you're slow and dumb" when you have a drawl. It comes out when I'm intoxicated though. Certain words always give me away though. I say y'all. "Tired" is "tard". "Fire" is "far". You get the picture.
Anyway, I had serious problems with the vernacular and dialogue. The hero is supposed to have a southern drawl. Not only is he a Louisiana native, the author tells us he has a drawl. You know what though? He talks like an ancient damn vampire from an English colony. Ugh.
The heroine is definitely not the highlight of this story.
1) You thought spitters were quitters? Wait til you meet this girl. If I were her dude I'd have dumped her ass . She's that woman you give fine and rare chocolate to and she loves it so much she wants to return the favor (cuz you know, she's so sweet and all), only her pretentious ass actually thinks you'll LOVE it when she dangles that same chocolate in your face and....that's it. Yeah, that's it. MOOD KILL! YOU SHOULD BE HUNG. That's just wrong.
2) You're trapped in a fortress. There are zombies outside waiting to rip your throat out. Your love is waiting for you - too bad the zombies appeared. Do you: A) Brave the zombies and head to your lover's house on foot; or, B) Pick up the still working land line and call your lover from the safety of the damn fortress???? FYI - there are NO zombies in this book, it was just a good way to make my point. She is a dumbass and the author was either striving for a dumbass heroine or the author was too lazy to come up with something better to bring drama to the story.
The sex is like gridlock during rush hour traffic. Do you know what I mean? You're sitting there in your car picturing the sweet relief of reaching home but the miles between it and you seem to stretch farther and farther. Suddenly everybody starts moving and you step on the gas with glee and fervor...then BAM! BREAK CHECK!! You went five feet only to be more disappointed than before you moved at all. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. By the time you hit home the blissful relief is more a fleeting tingle that you'll forget in 5...4...3...2...forgotten.
Did you know you're not allowed to use contractions in academic writing? Furthermore, only certain projects allow the use of colloquial language, slang and so forth. This is all perfectly acceptable when at University. However, I would like to take this opportunity to BEG our authors to stop making their writing so damn formal! This is a story. I know how hard it is to step away when professors beat these things into you but, please do try.
One last thing before I go refill my glass:
If subjects such as prana, psychic vampires, blood sharing (subsequently dark magic users) and such are foreign to you, you may find yourself a little lost in some parts. I really can't say if that would be detrimental to the impact of the story though. I recommend being prepared to Google these things AS THEY COME UP IN THE STORY.
That is all.
I really struggled to stay with this book. Really, if it weren't for one mighty twist I would have rated the book lower and not written a review at all.
I am currently infused with a delicious measure of Jack Daniels so, I am feeling cheerful enough to start with the good stuff.
The scenes are described abnormally well. I was really impressed. The Louisiana atmosphere and every scene is delivered with carefully constructed detail so that you can see Bourbon St., feel the wind and smell the man. If you know anything about N'Orleans you too will appreciate the authenticity of its portrayal in this story. If you don't know N'Orleans, take comfort knowing you'll learn a thing or two.
THE TWIST. <---- See what I did there? It deserves to be it's own title.
Really, this book could have been called, "The Twist". THE TWIST is the only thing that makes the story interesting. That's okay though because THE TWIST is unique, and infuriating, and funny, and creative, and thought provoking. It's like when life pulls the rug out from under you and your first thought is to give life the bird and curse the powers that be...and then you calm down, realize the signs were staring you in the face, see the door that opened when the last was slammed in your face and you begin to appreciate the bitter sweetness of it all. Read this spoiler only after you read the book (again, it's not blatant but you could probably figure it out if you thought hard enough)--->
Okay, the bad stuff:
A total of two Louisiana natives in the story have a southern drawl. I'm southern. Are you southern? When we moved to California my daddy forced me to get rid of my drawl because, "people in California think you're slow and dumb" when you have a drawl. It comes out when I'm intoxicated though. Certain words always give me away though. I say y'all. "Tired" is "tard". "Fire" is "far". You get the picture.
Anyway, I had serious problems with the vernacular and dialogue. The hero is supposed to have a southern drawl. Not only is he a Louisiana native, the author tells us he has a drawl. You know what though? He talks like an ancient damn vampire from an English colony. Ugh.
The heroine is definitely not the highlight of this story.
1) You thought spitters were quitters? Wait til you meet this girl. If I were her dude I'd have dumped her ass . She's that woman you give fine and rare chocolate to and she loves it so much she wants to return the favor (cuz you know, she's so sweet and all), only her pretentious ass actually thinks you'll LOVE it when she dangles that same chocolate in your face and....that's it. Yeah, that's it. MOOD KILL! YOU SHOULD BE HUNG. That's just wrong.
2) You're trapped in a fortress. There are zombies outside waiting to rip your throat out. Your love is waiting for you - too bad the zombies appeared. Do you: A) Brave the zombies and head to your lover's house on foot; or, B) Pick up the still working land line and call your lover from the safety of the damn fortress???? FYI - there are NO zombies in this book, it was just a good way to make my point. She is a dumbass and the author was either striving for a dumbass heroine or the author was too lazy to come up with something better to bring drama to the story.
The sex is like gridlock during rush hour traffic. Do you know what I mean? You're sitting there in your car picturing the sweet relief of reaching home but the miles between it and you seem to stretch farther and farther. Suddenly everybody starts moving and you step on the gas with glee and fervor...then BAM! BREAK CHECK!! You went five feet only to be more disappointed than before you moved at all. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. By the time you hit home the blissful relief is more a fleeting tingle that you'll forget in 5...4...3...2...forgotten.
Did you know you're not allowed to use contractions in academic writing? Furthermore, only certain projects allow the use of colloquial language, slang and so forth. This is all perfectly acceptable when at University. However, I would like to take this opportunity to BEG our authors to stop making their writing so damn formal! This is a story. I know how hard it is to step away when professors beat these things into you but, please do try.
One last thing before I go refill my glass:
If subjects such as prana, psychic vampires, blood sharing (subsequently dark magic users) and such are foreign to you, you may find yourself a little lost in some parts. I really can't say if that would be detrimental to the impact of the story though. I recommend being prepared to Google these things AS THEY COME UP IN THE STORY.
That is all.
March 15, 2018
"They say "all good boys go to heaven"But bad boys bring heaven to you"
December 11, 2018
Just waste my time reading this hoping its may change somewhere in the book.
January 3, 2015
This was a good book. A decent plot with good writing kept me entertained. And the twist. Oh the twist. My mind was boggled.
Spoilers are bound to happen in this review. I'm warning you now. Turn back if you don't want me to ruin this book.
No? Ok. I've warned you...
So there I was minding my own business skimming my Kindle recommendations and BAM this amazingly sexy cover catches my eye (Yes, I am a judgmental book cover snob. Don't hate.). I skim read the details and say to myself "Sold! For .99¢!" like a crazed auctioneer. It looks to have everything a girl like myself could ask for in a book in the form of a temptingly delicious book cover that I only lightly skim read the details to. Well well well...
Julia is an engineer who lives a semi boring life that her quirky sister, Clare, tries to broaden.
Armand is pure sex intense emotions and a bit of mystery.
Julia heads to New Orleans for a week long work conference. She is determined to go somewhat out of her comfort zone and ends up at Luxure. But poor Julia, who reads ungodly amounts of paranormal romance novels about vampires (ahem ahem *looks around at the ceiling* dododo), starts assuming they are the real deal. The owner of Luxure, Armand, is quite intrigued that someone like Julia (who is into more trendy clothes than goth) wound up in his bar so he introduces himself and becomes infatuated with her, and vice versa.
Armand is big into the "community" (kind of like the head honcho for them I suppose) and takes Julia on a whirlwind ride of emotions, mystery and self discovery. She dreams of Armand (oh so sexy dreams) and can't get him out of her head. The death of a "victim" puts Armand on edge and he tries to find the killer. While he spends more time with Julia they become closer their feelings for each other explode.
And that is the most mind f*&(@d book twist I have ever had in my entire life. Good going C.D. Hussey. Mad props.
Spoilers are bound to happen in this review. I'm warning you now. Turn back if you don't want me to ruin this book.
No? Ok. I've warned you...
So there I was minding my own business skimming my Kindle recommendations and BAM this amazingly sexy cover catches my eye (Yes, I am a judgmental book cover snob. Don't hate.). I skim read the details and say to myself "Sold! For .99¢!" like a crazed auctioneer. It looks to have everything a girl like myself could ask for in a book in the form of a temptingly delicious book cover that I only lightly skim read the details to. Well well well...
Julia is an engineer who lives a semi boring life that her quirky sister, Clare, tries to broaden.
Armand is pure sex intense emotions and a bit of mystery.
Julia heads to New Orleans for a week long work conference. She is determined to go somewhat out of her comfort zone and ends up at Luxure. But poor Julia, who reads ungodly amounts of paranormal romance novels about vampires (ahem ahem *looks around at the ceiling* dododo), starts assuming they are the real deal. The owner of Luxure, Armand, is quite intrigued that someone like Julia (who is into more trendy clothes than goth) wound up in his bar so he introduces himself and becomes infatuated with her, and vice versa.
Armand is big into the "community" (kind of like the head honcho for them I suppose) and takes Julia on a whirlwind ride of emotions, mystery and self discovery. She dreams of Armand (oh so sexy dreams) and can't get him out of her head. The death of a "victim" puts Armand on edge and he tries to find the killer. While he spends more time with Julia they become closer their feelings for each other explode.
And that is the most mind f*&(@d book twist I have ever had in my entire life. Good going C.D. Hussey. Mad props.
September 7, 2013
I wasn’t sure what a human vampire was and now I have been well educated! I am new to this author’s work and I found it very enjoyable. It also helped that it was based in New Orleans and I’ve always felt the city holds a mystery all of its own. I was expecting a paranormal romantic suspense but the suspense I was expecting ended half way through the book leaving me wondering where the storyline would go. As my expected ending happened early, my interest was piqued enough for me to carry on reading. And I am so glad I did.
Julia is in New Orleans for a week for a conference and whilst exploring the city, chances upon a somewhat secretive club called La Luxure. The following night, she returns to the club and ventures inside where she is served by the belligerent red-eyed bartender named Slade. She also meets the owner Armand who has the palest skin and exceptionally long canines. These factors together with watching a customer drink what she believes to be a shot glass of blood, leads her to form the opinion that she is in a vampire bar. After a short while, there is a disturbance when a woman arrives and Armand tells her she’s not welcome. He then quickly leaves with the woman leaving Julia alone. When she gets back to her hotel room, she decides that her consumption of alcohol together with her penchant for romantic vampire novels is what led to her over-active imagination.
That is until the woman turns up dead the next day! Julia tries to convince herself that the murder had nothing to do with Armand and after the conference, visits a museum where she sees a photo of Armand that was taken 100 years before! There are twists and turns aplenty and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Julia is in New Orleans for a week for a conference and whilst exploring the city, chances upon a somewhat secretive club called La Luxure. The following night, she returns to the club and ventures inside where she is served by the belligerent red-eyed bartender named Slade. She also meets the owner Armand who has the palest skin and exceptionally long canines. These factors together with watching a customer drink what she believes to be a shot glass of blood, leads her to form the opinion that she is in a vampire bar. After a short while, there is a disturbance when a woman arrives and Armand tells her she’s not welcome. He then quickly leaves with the woman leaving Julia alone. When she gets back to her hotel room, she decides that her consumption of alcohol together with her penchant for romantic vampire novels is what led to her over-active imagination.
That is until the woman turns up dead the next day! Julia tries to convince herself that the murder had nothing to do with Armand and after the conference, visits a museum where she sees a photo of Armand that was taken 100 years before! There are twists and turns aplenty and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
January 28, 2013
Lots and lots of buildup in this story. Included are rich descriptions of New Orleans lore, buildings, people and fashion. I did feel like the story was lacking based on the Gypsy Tarot reader's reaction to reading Julia's cards.
Julia is a civil engineer in New Orleans for a week long convention. She has a mundane, predictable life and never strays from her norms. Her sister, Clare, encourages her to let loose and live for a change; do something wild, crazy and out of her safe cocoon she has built for herself. Julia is going to do just that.
Armand is the owner of La Luxure, a small bare nestled in the streets of New Orleans. He is enigmatic, is mysterious and has eyes that can see into your deepest secrets.
This story is one of lust, social norms, unnatural norms, and alternative lifestyles. There is murder, passion and heartbreak included. This is more a story of self discovery for both main characters. Their relationship is engaging, passionate and at some point, volatile.
Will these two be able to get past their sense of self and self imposed barriers to finally see that they were meant for each other?
This is a stand alone book and is number one in a series. There are sexually graphic situations and therefore is intended for mature readers.
Julia is a civil engineer in New Orleans for a week long convention. She has a mundane, predictable life and never strays from her norms. Her sister, Clare, encourages her to let loose and live for a change; do something wild, crazy and out of her safe cocoon she has built for herself. Julia is going to do just that.
Armand is the owner of La Luxure, a small bare nestled in the streets of New Orleans. He is enigmatic, is mysterious and has eyes that can see into your deepest secrets.
This story is one of lust, social norms, unnatural norms, and alternative lifestyles. There is murder, passion and heartbreak included. This is more a story of self discovery for both main characters. Their relationship is engaging, passionate and at some point, volatile.
Will these two be able to get past their sense of self and self imposed barriers to finally see that they were meant for each other?
This is a stand alone book and is number one in a series. There are sexually graphic situations and therefore is intended for mature readers.
August 22, 2011
As the first book in the Human Vampire series, it will help to educate you in the ways of live human vampires. When you first meet Julia Brown, you meet an understated engineer who is in desperate need to change her life, make it exciting or at least something to make her humdrum less humdrum. After a fortune teller and a bad "date", she goes to a La Luxure, a underground bar that seems to serve goths. There she meets Armand Laroque, and there is an instant connection. Then a death occurs and she feels that he is somehow connected to it. Through it all, you wonder will they be able to be together, or will their differences keep them apart?
When I first started reading this book, I was pretty sure I knew who was what and what was who. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised through this book as I learned about Live Human Vampires, some blood fetishes, and the beauty of New Orleans. There are some great twists, and you learn to love the characters quickly -- Julia's sister Claire reminds me too much of a friend I had in college!--
I can't wait to read the next book, and am looking forward to more from Ms. Hussey.
When I first started reading this book, I was pretty sure I knew who was what and what was who. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised through this book as I learned about Live Human Vampires, some blood fetishes, and the beauty of New Orleans. There are some great twists, and you learn to love the characters quickly -- Julia's sister Claire reminds me too much of a friend I had in college!--
I can't wait to read the next book, and am looking forward to more from Ms. Hussey.
May 10, 2012
ooowwww this book was CLEVER ...c.l.e.v.e.r.!!!!
ok so u would totally be forgiven thinking this is a classic vamp rom book ....especially with the cover right ............???
omg it is SSSOOOOO NOT wat u think !!!
it had the best twist in the plot & i totally loved the direction this book went in .
this was refreshing !!!
dont get me wrong i luv a good pimped out vamp romance ...u know big , hot sexy vamp + innocent naive beautiful girl blah blah blah .
big bad vamp bites girl she cracks a total moisty & they have this awesome luv affair & hot sex....coz all vamps r rock ur socks off awesome in the sack as we all know lol
well this starts off looking a bit like the afore mentioned but........ahhhaa it is not wat it seems oowwww i wish i could tell u but i cant lol
a kick up the ass of reality come into play & this is where i went all "giiiirl that was CLEVER"
so my advice on this ....give it a go . its a great read & i luv a good twist so hopefully u will too
peace out & ROCK ON BITCHES
ok so u would totally be forgiven thinking this is a classic vamp rom book ....especially with the cover right ............???
omg it is SSSOOOOO NOT wat u think !!!
it had the best twist in the plot & i totally loved the direction this book went in .
this was refreshing !!!
dont get me wrong i luv a good pimped out vamp romance ...u know big , hot sexy vamp + innocent naive beautiful girl blah blah blah .
big bad vamp bites girl she cracks a total moisty & they have this awesome luv affair & hot sex....coz all vamps r rock ur socks off awesome in the sack as we all know lol
well this starts off looking a bit like the afore mentioned but........ahhhaa it is not wat it seems oowwww i wish i could tell u but i cant lol
a kick up the ass of reality come into play & this is where i went all "giiiirl that was CLEVER"
so my advice on this ....give it a go . its a great read & i luv a good twist so hopefully u will too
peace out & ROCK ON BITCHES
November 27, 2014
Okay, I finished the book. To the stories credit I liked the twist near the end , giving a grad total of 1 star from me. I'm not a fan of this book, but the next one maybe better..?
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rating 2 stars
I am having a difficult time finishing this book. The story is a very typical female vampire fantasy. Plane Jane girl meets alluring boy, heart patter heart patter, confused about boy......
The cover had me thinking weird, exotic, and sexy! :'(
Little things that irked me:
When Armand and Julia wander in to an oyster restaurant and the Jock from Idiots-R-Us comes over, Armand flies out like a sullen child for NO REASON! This killed his character for me. What's even more silly is when he's talking to Julia about knowing how to read people, because he owns a bar..... Well he completely missed her lack of interest in jock boy.
The book is okay, just not what I am looking for.
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rating 2 stars
I am having a difficult time finishing this book. The story is a very typical female vampire fantasy. Plane Jane girl meets alluring boy, heart patter heart patter, confused about boy......
The cover had me thinking weird, exotic, and sexy! :'(
Little things that irked me:
When Armand and Julia wander in to an oyster restaurant and the Jock from Idiots-R-Us comes over, Armand flies out like a sullen child for NO REASON! This killed his character for me. What's even more silly is when he's talking to Julia about knowing how to read people, because he owns a bar..... Well he completely missed her lack of interest in jock boy.
The book is okay, just not what I am looking for.
August 30, 2013
This is an interesting take on vampirism. I mean humans who drink blood and how this is an underground movement or lifestyle. I was intrigued are there really people who do these things. Well anyways the story kept me interested and the characters drew me in because it made me want to read more.
Julia is going to New Orleans for a conference and she is a civil engineer. She is missing something from her life and she is hoping to find it in New Orleans. Well of course that is when she meets Armand who is the owner of La Luxure. Armand is tiring of his lifestyle and of seeing the same old same old. He wants something more but he just doesn't know what to do.
As Armand and Julia go along with their attraction. They discover that there is more than meets the eye. I think they were so in lust with each other that they missed on the commonalities that they truly had.
Overall this is a wonderful story and it shoulod be said that for being free I really enjoyed it and it was worth my time.
Julia is going to New Orleans for a conference and she is a civil engineer. She is missing something from her life and she is hoping to find it in New Orleans. Well of course that is when she meets Armand who is the owner of La Luxure. Armand is tiring of his lifestyle and of seeing the same old same old. He wants something more but he just doesn't know what to do.
As Armand and Julia go along with their attraction. They discover that there is more than meets the eye. I think they were so in lust with each other that they missed on the commonalities that they truly had.
Overall this is a wonderful story and it shoulod be said that for being free I really enjoyed it and it was worth my time.
January 26, 2013
This book really fooled me, with it's cover and blurb. I thought I was in for a paranormal read with vampires and stuff since it was a long time ago I read this kind of books, BUT NO, it was not what I've expected.
It WAS a good read but Julia got on my nerves sometimes, but I was as clueless as her about Armand LOL I should have guessed it by reading the series name: "Human Vampire". The description of New Orleans really captured the beauty and the spirit of the city which was great to us readers. It felt like we were there along with Julia and discovering the french quaters and La Luxure. The romance scenes were off the chart hot but I wanted a little more on that apartment. Just a tiny little more then it will be perfect.
Overall, a great book and I don't mind reading the next one in this series after I've read that short snippet at the end. It's featuring Slade, the bartender at La Luxure.
It WAS a good read but Julia got on my nerves sometimes, but I was as clueless as her about Armand LOL I should have guessed it by reading the series name: "Human Vampire". The description of New Orleans really captured the beauty and the spirit of the city which was great to us readers. It felt like we were there along with Julia and discovering the french quaters and La Luxure. The romance scenes were off the chart hot but I wanted a little more on that apartment. Just a tiny little more then it will be perfect.
Overall, a great book and I don't mind reading the next one in this series after I've read that short snippet at the end. It's featuring Slade, the bartender at La Luxure.
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