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Oldest City Vampire #3
Always the Vampire
It's not easy being a dutiful maid of honor when you're a vampire in the Sunshine State... Cesca Marinelli has been slacking on her duties as a vampire princess, but she will be the best maid of honor ever for Maggie's Victorian wedding. However, when her mostly-human honey, Saber, falls ill due to a magical construct called the Void, she knows she'll have to go beyond the call of bridesmaid duty... The Void is affecting every supernatural being in Cesca's afterlife, including her shapeshifter ex, Triton. To counter the Void's reign of terror, Cesca must fully summon her vampire powers-which may lead to her own doom.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2011
10 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Haddock
8 books419 followersNancy writes cozy mystery and mystery romance, and is published by Berkley (Penguin Random House).
The Silver Six Crafting Mysteries published with Berkley Prime Crime are BASKET CASE, PAINT THE TOWN DEAD, and A CRIME OF POISON.
Her previous Berkley titles are LA VIDA VAMPIRE, LAST VAMPIRE STANDING, and ALWAYS THE VAMPIRE. All are light mystery romances set in St. Augustine, FL featuring a heroine who's Gidget with fangs.
Nancy reads across genres but prefers stories with mystery, history, and romance. You can reach her at nancyhaddockbooks@gmail.com.
The Silver Six Crafting Mysteries published with Berkley Prime Crime are BASKET CASE, PAINT THE TOWN DEAD, and A CRIME OF POISON.
Her previous Berkley titles are LA VIDA VAMPIRE, LAST VAMPIRE STANDING, and ALWAYS THE VAMPIRE. All are light mystery romances set in St. Augustine, FL featuring a heroine who's Gidget with fangs.
Nancy reads across genres but prefers stories with mystery, history, and romance. You can reach her at nancyhaddockbooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 8, 2011
Can't wait for this one to be finally released... I would really have loved to have this one for this Christmas, but well, another book to look forward to having for next year.
Is it just me or the model has changed? I really loved the other books model, but it's only my opinion :)
I've missed this down-to-earth character who just makes you like her, want to be her friend and you can really connect with her. She has such a bubbly personality, that right off you can see that she's not trying to be this warrior princess or trying for world domination... no, she's just a normal woman, with a handsome, fiercely protective and loving boyfriend, a BFF who would do anything and everything for her, and a best friend (with a past) who can shift into a dolphin, give fantastic ghost-infested tours... and oh! Yes, she's also a vampire.
Between being the maid of honor for her best friend's wedding, having a hot steamy and solid relationship with Saber, recovering lost friendships... They are threatened by a mysterious Void created by a powerful wizard, that is affecting all those of the supernatural world and also the men of her life. While Cesca is noticebly unaffected, a lot of people are depending on her to solve this newest problem...
I also like the fact that the author makes as part of the story and gives very detailed information of the surroundings that gives you a feel of what it's like to be there in person. Very few authors can do that to me... Make me part of the environment through her descriptions and details, that I feel as if I've lived there for some time now.
I'm really happy with this book, where we get to see character evolution from all the main cast, they each contribute to the story in their own way, the details and descriptions are really awesome, there are a lot of funny and quirky moments that takes some of the heaviness in the story. Overall, I do recommend these books (all 3 of 'em). They're a fantastic read, the characters are easy to relate to, the story is nicely planned, and in the end, makes you want to know more of this world.
Is it just me or the model has changed? I really loved the other books model, but it's only my opinion :)
I've missed this down-to-earth character who just makes you like her, want to be her friend and you can really connect with her. She has such a bubbly personality, that right off you can see that she's not trying to be this warrior princess or trying for world domination... no, she's just a normal woman, with a handsome, fiercely protective and loving boyfriend, a BFF who would do anything and everything for her, and a best friend (with a past) who can shift into a dolphin, give fantastic ghost-infested tours... and oh! Yes, she's also a vampire.
Between being the maid of honor for her best friend's wedding, having a hot steamy and solid relationship with Saber, recovering lost friendships... They are threatened by a mysterious Void created by a powerful wizard, that is affecting all those of the supernatural world and also the men of her life. While Cesca is noticebly unaffected, a lot of people are depending on her to solve this newest problem...
I also like the fact that the author makes as part of the story and gives very detailed information of the surroundings that gives you a feel of what it's like to be there in person. Very few authors can do that to me... Make me part of the environment through her descriptions and details, that I feel as if I've lived there for some time now.
I'm really happy with this book, where we get to see character evolution from all the main cast, they each contribute to the story in their own way, the details and descriptions are really awesome, there are a lot of funny and quirky moments that takes some of the heaviness in the story. Overall, I do recommend these books (all 3 of 'em). They're a fantastic read, the characters are easy to relate to, the story is nicely planned, and in the end, makes you want to know more of this world.
June 2, 2011
Francesca Marinelli was turned into a vampire over two hundred years ago and then buried beneath her sire’s St. Augustine house as a punishment. The whole nest was then killed, and Cesca languished underground until the 21st century. Now she’s enjoying her second chance — and those handy modern conveniences. Nancy Haddock takes Charlaine Harris’s TruBlood idea one step further: Cesca drinks Starbloods, synthetic blood with flavors like caramel macchiato. It’s a good thing she has that option, too, because she is grossed out by blood (and can barely stand the synthetic stuff).
Always the Vampire is the third in Haddock’s Oldest City Vampire series. As the book begins, Cesca’s boyfriend Deke Saber is suffering from a potentially fatal illness brought on by the Void, an evil magical thoughtform. Later she learns that her ex, Triton, has it too. Now she and her friends have to figure out who created the Void and how to defeat it. And the last thing Cesca wants right now is supernatural drama; she already has her hands full with her friend Maggie’s wedding.
I think my experience with this book suffered for my not having read the first two installments. It’s not that I was confused; Haddock does a good job of bringing a new reader up to speed on what’s happened so far. But reading a recap of previous events is different from actually “experiencing” those events. It doesn’t inspire the same emotional investment in the characters or their relationships. Series faithful will, I’m sure, enjoy Always the Vampire more fully than I did.
Readers’ enjoyment will also depend upon expectations. This is a light, frothy novel. To go back to coffee drinks, if some urban fantasies and paranormal romances are black coffee, Always the Vampire is more like the aforementioned caramel macchiato — and make it skinny, half-caf, with lowfat whipped cream and sprinkles. Expect sweet romance, lots of clothing descriptions, and a fun beachy atmosphere. Haddock’s portrayal of St. Augustine is good, and making Cesca a ghost-tour guide is a nice touch.
What doesn’t work quite as well is the suspense. We see plenty of meetings and planning sessions and supernatural workouts as Cesca and friends prepare to take on the Void. No one seems to be in much of a hurry, though — including the disease, which only flares up intermittently. It turns out there’s a reason for this, but it doesn’t do much to raise tension in the meantime. Some other complications are solved easily and/or quickly. I just wasn’t all that worried for our heroes much of the time.
If, however, you’d be tickled to read about two cute couples getting together and two other cute couples moving their relationships forward, with a touch of spookiness along the way, Always the Vampire may be what you’re looking for — and readers who’ve enjoyed the previous two books are the ones most likely to (pardon the pun) have a stake in those outcomes.
Always the Vampire is the third in Haddock’s Oldest City Vampire series. As the book begins, Cesca’s boyfriend Deke Saber is suffering from a potentially fatal illness brought on by the Void, an evil magical thoughtform. Later she learns that her ex, Triton, has it too. Now she and her friends have to figure out who created the Void and how to defeat it. And the last thing Cesca wants right now is supernatural drama; she already has her hands full with her friend Maggie’s wedding.
I think my experience with this book suffered for my not having read the first two installments. It’s not that I was confused; Haddock does a good job of bringing a new reader up to speed on what’s happened so far. But reading a recap of previous events is different from actually “experiencing” those events. It doesn’t inspire the same emotional investment in the characters or their relationships. Series faithful will, I’m sure, enjoy Always the Vampire more fully than I did.
Readers’ enjoyment will also depend upon expectations. This is a light, frothy novel. To go back to coffee drinks, if some urban fantasies and paranormal romances are black coffee, Always the Vampire is more like the aforementioned caramel macchiato — and make it skinny, half-caf, with lowfat whipped cream and sprinkles. Expect sweet romance, lots of clothing descriptions, and a fun beachy atmosphere. Haddock’s portrayal of St. Augustine is good, and making Cesca a ghost-tour guide is a nice touch.
What doesn’t work quite as well is the suspense. We see plenty of meetings and planning sessions and supernatural workouts as Cesca and friends prepare to take on the Void. No one seems to be in much of a hurry, though — including the disease, which only flares up intermittently. It turns out there’s a reason for this, but it doesn’t do much to raise tension in the meantime. Some other complications are solved easily and/or quickly. I just wasn’t all that worried for our heroes much of the time.
If, however, you’d be tickled to read about two cute couples getting together and two other cute couples moving their relationships forward, with a touch of spookiness along the way, Always the Vampire may be what you’re looking for — and readers who’ve enjoyed the previous two books are the ones most likely to (pardon the pun) have a stake in those outcomes.
May 14, 2011
Always the Vampire is the third book in this series by Nancy Haddock. The first two are La Vida Vampire and Last Vampire Standing. I haven't read the first two books yet so I dove into this novel head first without the benefit of the background information you get when reading a series. I though that Nancy Haddock did a good job of giving you the twitter version of what had happened in the previous novels. I was glad she did that since I'm a newbie to her series. Cesca is a vampire. Not only a vampire but a vampire princess. She lives in Florida and is a ghost tour guide. Oh yeah, and she also doesn't like the taste of smell of blood. I thought that this element was very unusual. How can you be a vampire and not like blood? However instead of blood, Cesca drinks a synthetic substance called Starbloods. Despite her revulsion to blood, Cesca has many other vamp like qualities but she still hasn't come into her full powers yet. Cesca struggles with everyday life as well as some supernatural obstacles. There a a sort of disease going around and effecting the local vampires called the Void. It's a mysterious substance they call the void. Cesca has to find a way to stop it and be a maid of honor at her best friends wedding. I though the story line was good. I mentioned before that I haven't read the first two novels, so I didn't have all the back story leading up to this one. I was able to follow the story line without getting lost or confused. Cesca is a spunky character. She's got fight and attitude and humor in her. She works together with her hottie boyfriend, Saber to try to solve the mystery of the Void. He's got a unique genetic makeup. He also works for the VPA (Vampire Protection Agency), has a serious attitude and is also infected with the Void. Cesca would do anything to save him, including working with Triton, her lost love who is also infected with the Void. I liked the characters in this novel. There are many unique and interesting characters that made me laugh. Cesca is a fantastic Maid of Honor that I think most women would love to have.
Overall I though this book was good. I'm going to go back and read the first two books though. I think it would make the story more enjoyable for me. However I think you could read this book without reading the previous books too. Like I said before Nancy Haddock gives you a short synopsis of what went down in the first two novels. This is a fun read and it left off with a bit of a cliff hanger.
Overall I though this book was good. I'm going to go back and read the first two books though. I think it would make the story more enjoyable for me. However I think you could read this book without reading the previous books too. Like I said before Nancy Haddock gives you a short synopsis of what went down in the first two novels. This is a fun read and it left off with a bit of a cliff hanger.
August 28, 2012
Haddock writes with a talented hand, her style easy to follow and lose yourself in. The series lets off some of its steam in the third, and final, installment. The villain is a big-baddie and the ending showdown takes an entire book to prepare for...yet there's just not enough angst going on in Cesca's life to keep other areas as interesting. I missed the quirkiness and devout humor of the previous books. Here she's serious, a little moodier (guessing stress of this kind will do that to ya!), but it's too peachy keen between her and everyone else to keep things as fresh. There's still a few chuckling areas, but they sadly don't match the tone of the previous two. Still, it's a good ending to the series, everything is resolved well, there's a few new characters who provide ample charm, and the ending is deliciously happily ever after.
May 16, 2011
I like this series a lot. It cracks me up that Cesca is a vampire who hates the taste of blood, gags at the sight of it and refuses to ever bite anyone. This one wasn't as funny as the first 2. It was a lot more fighting and mystery. The characters are interesting and she left it open for another book at least.
September 5, 2023
3.8 ⭐️
June 9, 2011
Rating: 3.0
Genre: Paranormal Romance.
Always the Vampire, by Nancy Haddock, is the third book in the Oldest City Vampire series featuring Francesca Melisenda Alejandra Marinelli. Cesca is a 228 year old vampire who was unburied by her best friend and mentor Maggie O’Halloran 14 months ago. As the story opens, Cesca is Maggie’s maid of honor and somewhat of an Obsessive Compulsive with her planning and running around to make sure everything to done to perfection. She is also working to track down those responsible for the Void infection that is killing vampires.
Cesca is an unusual vampire in that she surfs with Neil, Maggie’s intended, as well as plays bridge once a week, takes courses online to be an interior designer, shops at Wal-Mart, and hates the taste of blood. Yes, you read me correctly. She actually has a very bad gag reflex when it comes to the smell of blood. She prefers Starbloods synthetic blood with flavors like caramel macchiato instead. Until this story, Cesca has actually not been a real vampire in that she had no obvious powers except for the ability to drain energy and now fly. That all changes in this book. She definitely has telepathic abilities with Triton and Saber. She is also a tour guide for Old Coast Ghost Tour where she has the ability to lure ghosts out for others to see and wears different costumes each time she works.
Cesca is in a relationship with Deke Saber who was once a slayer, and who now works for the Vampire Protection Agency (VPA) tracking down Rampants and unauthorized vampire nests. Deke also has the blood of both the vampires and werewolves in his body. It was the way his father introduced him to the world of slaying. Saber has been infected with the Void and both are trying to find a cure before it is too late. Saber even goes as far as asking for Cesca to turn him if he dies. The ending and what Saber does is truly not surprising, but it leaves questions as well. No worries, they are good questions.
We finally get to meet Triton, instead of just a peek here and again, who was Cesca’s best friend and one that she was supposed to marry until she was turned into a vampire 228 years ago. Triton, for those who haven’t read the series, is a dolphin shifter. It also seems as though he was responsible for maintaining Cesca’s holdings until she was unearthed by Maggie. He is also showing signs of being Void infected. Triton and Cesca are the only two able to use the amulet that can stop the Void and the threat behind it.
This story revolves around the fact that the Void is killing and infecting the Florida vampires, and Cesca seems to be the only one that is immune to it. Some have decided to flee to other places, while others have shriveled up and died painfully. We are introduced to several new characters this time around, both of whom play parts in the conclusion of events.
Ancelia (Lia) is a sorceress and a member of the Count of Ancients which also includes faeries, merfolk, werecreatures, vampires, and dragons. Werewolves, it seems, are only extinct in the US. Lia trains Cesca into coming into her powers that will be needed to stop an evil sorcerer responsible for creating the Void. Oh and she loves Moonpies.
Lynn Ann Heath appears with Triton and later it is learned that she is part of a group of royalty merfolk thus the same as Triton who was actually created from a magickal spell gone wrong. Lynn appears as being effected with the Void sickness that Cesca, Cosmil, Triton, Saber and Pandora try to stop from spreading.
This series takes place mainly in the oldest city in the US St. Augustine, but Haddock does actually visit the surrounding areas like Jacksonville, Amelia Island, Daytona Beach and Palatka to name several. I actually appreciate the fact that she actually took the time to speak with different representatives in the area to get a better feeling for her story. She has some fun characters like the Jag Queens, as well as a vampire stalker named Gorman, who may or may not be related to Cesca.
I do like Cesca as a character, except when she talks about all the clothes she wears. I mean, really do we need to know that? Of course, she has excellent taste in clothes except for the fact that she buys them mostly from Wal-Mart. Not hating folks! Just saying.
Genre: Paranormal Romance.
Always the Vampire, by Nancy Haddock, is the third book in the Oldest City Vampire series featuring Francesca Melisenda Alejandra Marinelli. Cesca is a 228 year old vampire who was unburied by her best friend and mentor Maggie O’Halloran 14 months ago. As the story opens, Cesca is Maggie’s maid of honor and somewhat of an Obsessive Compulsive with her planning and running around to make sure everything to done to perfection. She is also working to track down those responsible for the Void infection that is killing vampires.
Cesca is an unusual vampire in that she surfs with Neil, Maggie’s intended, as well as plays bridge once a week, takes courses online to be an interior designer, shops at Wal-Mart, and hates the taste of blood. Yes, you read me correctly. She actually has a very bad gag reflex when it comes to the smell of blood. She prefers Starbloods synthetic blood with flavors like caramel macchiato instead. Until this story, Cesca has actually not been a real vampire in that she had no obvious powers except for the ability to drain energy and now fly. That all changes in this book. She definitely has telepathic abilities with Triton and Saber. She is also a tour guide for Old Coast Ghost Tour where she has the ability to lure ghosts out for others to see and wears different costumes each time she works.
Cesca is in a relationship with Deke Saber who was once a slayer, and who now works for the Vampire Protection Agency (VPA) tracking down Rampants and unauthorized vampire nests. Deke also has the blood of both the vampires and werewolves in his body. It was the way his father introduced him to the world of slaying. Saber has been infected with the Void and both are trying to find a cure before it is too late. Saber even goes as far as asking for Cesca to turn him if he dies. The ending and what Saber does is truly not surprising, but it leaves questions as well. No worries, they are good questions.
We finally get to meet Triton, instead of just a peek here and again, who was Cesca’s best friend and one that she was supposed to marry until she was turned into a vampire 228 years ago. Triton, for those who haven’t read the series, is a dolphin shifter. It also seems as though he was responsible for maintaining Cesca’s holdings until she was unearthed by Maggie. He is also showing signs of being Void infected. Triton and Cesca are the only two able to use the amulet that can stop the Void and the threat behind it.
This story revolves around the fact that the Void is killing and infecting the Florida vampires, and Cesca seems to be the only one that is immune to it. Some have decided to flee to other places, while others have shriveled up and died painfully. We are introduced to several new characters this time around, both of whom play parts in the conclusion of events.
Ancelia (Lia) is a sorceress and a member of the Count of Ancients which also includes faeries, merfolk, werecreatures, vampires, and dragons. Werewolves, it seems, are only extinct in the US. Lia trains Cesca into coming into her powers that will be needed to stop an evil sorcerer responsible for creating the Void. Oh and she loves Moonpies.
Lynn Ann Heath appears with Triton and later it is learned that she is part of a group of royalty merfolk thus the same as Triton who was actually created from a magickal spell gone wrong. Lynn appears as being effected with the Void sickness that Cesca, Cosmil, Triton, Saber and Pandora try to stop from spreading.
This series takes place mainly in the oldest city in the US St. Augustine, but Haddock does actually visit the surrounding areas like Jacksonville, Amelia Island, Daytona Beach and Palatka to name several. I actually appreciate the fact that she actually took the time to speak with different representatives in the area to get a better feeling for her story. She has some fun characters like the Jag Queens, as well as a vampire stalker named Gorman, who may or may not be related to Cesca.
I do like Cesca as a character, except when she talks about all the clothes she wears. I mean, really do we need to know that? Of course, she has excellent taste in clothes except for the fact that she buys them mostly from Wal-Mart. Not hating folks! Just saying.
May 26, 2015
this is book 3 in a series. Make sure you read the others 1st, or you might feel a little lost.
Planning the perfect wedding, getting a GED, taking classes for inter design, working as a tour guide & hunting down an evil man ... and Cesca acts it like it's just a normal day. Well, for the most part she does.
Vampires are being killed off by this oily, tar-looking form (the Void). How & why will really (kinda) give you a startle. But that is always a good thing, predicting how a story will end pretty much spoils it. North American vampires are spreading out, not longer nesting. But many have been infected by the Void. This causes some of them to really go underground, to prevent the spread & save others. The Void makes them extremely violent, attacking anything or anyone.
This Void can also attack other supernaturals, sucking their lives & making them violent. The only person it does not hurt, is Cesca because she managed to make herself immune to it (that's covered in the 2nd book). This makes her the perfect weapon to fight the Void & it's creator.
But 1st, she must forgive Triton for his past actions. Triton must get forgiveness for what he feels are his failures where Cesca is concerned. Cosmil, the wizard & friend, must also re-earn Cesca's trust. Saber has only one request, one that scares Cesca & it's the one thing she isn't sure if she can do.
Oh, let's not forget planning the perfect Victorian Wedding for her best friend, Maggie. During all of this, Cesca is 19 days out from being the Made of Honor for Maggie's dream wedding. One that she has been helping Maggie plan. An event that she is determined to see happen, no matter what. Protecting the bride & groom plus the wedding party, sometimes she pushes that a bit too hard. But everyone accepts this, & does what they can to help.
The ending is one of the best I have read. Yes, it leaves it open for another book ... But it, also, has it's own unique quality of Ms. Haddock's writing. You have to read the entire story to understand why the ending fits this tale perfectly.
Now, a few minor spoilers ... Triton meets another dolphin shifter (his mate? Who knows). Lynn is introduced, but that tale is still waiting to be seen (hint, hint ... please write that story). Cosmil has Lia come to assist in tracking down the killer, but this is another story I would love to read about. A little bit about Pandora was given, wizard's and there blasted spells ;) Plus there is a prediction about the Vampire Princess, one I sincerely hope is written about ... soon.
Demanding, yes. Sorry, but Ms. Haddock has create a slightly unique world. One that I have enjoyed reading. I sincerely hope she keeps writing about the Vampire Princess, Saber, Triton, Cosmil, Lynn, Lia, Pandora, Gorman ... because she has created some great characters.
Planning the perfect wedding, getting a GED, taking classes for inter design, working as a tour guide & hunting down an evil man ... and Cesca acts it like it's just a normal day. Well, for the most part she does.
Vampires are being killed off by this oily, tar-looking form (the Void). How & why will really (kinda) give you a startle. But that is always a good thing, predicting how a story will end pretty much spoils it. North American vampires are spreading out, not longer nesting. But many have been infected by the Void. This causes some of them to really go underground, to prevent the spread & save others. The Void makes them extremely violent, attacking anything or anyone.
This Void can also attack other supernaturals, sucking their lives & making them violent. The only person it does not hurt, is Cesca because she managed to make herself immune to it (that's covered in the 2nd book). This makes her the perfect weapon to fight the Void & it's creator.
But 1st, she must forgive Triton for his past actions. Triton must get forgiveness for what he feels are his failures where Cesca is concerned. Cosmil, the wizard & friend, must also re-earn Cesca's trust. Saber has only one request, one that scares Cesca & it's the one thing she isn't sure if she can do.
Oh, let's not forget planning the perfect Victorian Wedding for her best friend, Maggie. During all of this, Cesca is 19 days out from being the Made of Honor for Maggie's dream wedding. One that she has been helping Maggie plan. An event that she is determined to see happen, no matter what. Protecting the bride & groom plus the wedding party, sometimes she pushes that a bit too hard. But everyone accepts this, & does what they can to help.
The ending is one of the best I have read. Yes, it leaves it open for another book ... But it, also, has it's own unique quality of Ms. Haddock's writing. You have to read the entire story to understand why the ending fits this tale perfectly.
Now, a few minor spoilers ... Triton meets another dolphin shifter (his mate? Who knows). Lynn is introduced, but that tale is still waiting to be seen (hint, hint ... please write that story). Cosmil has Lia come to assist in tracking down the killer, but this is another story I would love to read about. A little bit about Pandora was given, wizard's and there blasted spells ;) Plus there is a prediction about the Vampire Princess, one I sincerely hope is written about ... soon.
Demanding, yes. Sorry, but Ms. Haddock has create a slightly unique world. One that I have enjoyed reading. I sincerely hope she keeps writing about the Vampire Princess, Saber, Triton, Cosmil, Lynn, Lia, Pandora, Gorman ... because she has created some great characters.
August 8, 2011
Always the Vampire is the third book in this series by Nancy Haddock. The first two are La Vida Vampire and Last Vampire Standing. I haven't read the first two books yet so I dove into this novel head first without the benefit of the background information you get when reading a series. I though that Nancy Haddock did a good job of giving you the twitter version of what had happened in the previous novels. I was glad she did that since I'm a newbie to her series. Cesca is a vampire. Not only a vampire but a vampire princess. She lives in Florida and is a ghost tour guide. Oh yeah, and she also doesn't like the taste of smell of blood. I thought that this element was very unusual. How can you be a vampire and not like blood? However instead of blood, Cesca drinks a synthetic substance called Starbloods. Despite her revulsion to blood, Cesca has many other vamp like qualities but she still hasn't come into her full powers yet. Cesca struggles with everyday life as well as some supernatural obstacles. There a a sort of disease going around and effecting the local vampires called the Void. It's a mysterious substance they call the void. Cesca has to find a way to stop it and be a maid of honor at her best friends wedding. I though the story line was good. I mentioned before that I haven't read the first two novels, so I didn't have all the back story leading up to this one. I was able to follow the story line without getting lost or confused. Cesca is a spunky character. She's got fight and attitude and humor in her. She works together with her hottie boyfriend, Saber to try to solve the mystery of the Void. He's got a unique genetic makeup. He also works for the VPA (Vampire Protection Agency), has a serious attitude and is also infected with the Void. Cesca would do anything to save him, including working with Triton, her lost love who is also infected with the Void. I liked the characters in this novel. There are many unique and interesting characters that made me laugh. Cesca is a fantastic Maid of Honor that I think most women would love to have.
Overall I though this book was good. I'm going to go back and read the first two books though. I think it would make the story more enjoyable for me. However I think you could read this book without reading the previous books too. Like I said before Nancy Haddock gives you a short synopsis of what went down in the first two novels. This is a fun read and it left off with a bit of a cliff hanger.
Overall I though this book was good. I'm going to go back and read the first two books though. I think it would make the story more enjoyable for me. However I think you could read this book without reading the previous books too. Like I said before Nancy Haddock gives you a short synopsis of what went down in the first two novels. This is a fun read and it left off with a bit of a cliff hanger.
November 1, 2011
Reviewed By:Stephanie
Review Copy Provided By: Publisher
Though Always the Vampire is book three of the Oldest City Vampire series, it makes for a pretty entertaining stand-alone novel that both douses in the contemporary romance and urban fantasy genres.
Though it's technically "paranormal romance", I can't get myself to call it that because the actual paranormal elements are extremely minor, if at all, important. Cesca Marinelli is pushing 228, but she does not display any vampirely characteristics. Passersby recognize her on the streets as the town vampire, which is both unrealistically casual and hard to believe. Haddock creates an urban fantasy world that's so modern and chic, but just difficult to relate to.
As a whole, this novel is satisfying, though I must say it's very anticlimactic. The rising action is all of titillating, but the story peaks at a disappointment. Also, the moment I finished it, I couldn't help but wonder, How is this even a vampire story? It just isn't "magical" enough -- or engrossing enough, for that matter -- for me to really consider it paranormal.
The characters, however, particularly the two male protagonists, Saber (Cesca's hunky boyfriend) and Triton (Cesca's hunky ex), make me weak in the knees. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. Just yum. Saber and Cesca's undying (literally...) romance will sweep you off your feet.
Not anything marvelous overall, but it's a fair read for me. The "sexiness" of Cesca's humor and so-called wit (or lack thereof) falls flat, but the plot is suspenseful, and the characters determined, which should count for something.
Quote: "'In [Triton's] younger days, he was a bit of a player. Now? I don't think so, but he is a guy. Men can be too exasperating to be worth the trouble.'
'Or wonderful enough to wait a lifetime for,' Lia said from behind us.'
Review Copy Provided By: Publisher
Though Always the Vampire is book three of the Oldest City Vampire series, it makes for a pretty entertaining stand-alone novel that both douses in the contemporary romance and urban fantasy genres.
Though it's technically "paranormal romance", I can't get myself to call it that because the actual paranormal elements are extremely minor, if at all, important. Cesca Marinelli is pushing 228, but she does not display any vampirely characteristics. Passersby recognize her on the streets as the town vampire, which is both unrealistically casual and hard to believe. Haddock creates an urban fantasy world that's so modern and chic, but just difficult to relate to.
As a whole, this novel is satisfying, though I must say it's very anticlimactic. The rising action is all of titillating, but the story peaks at a disappointment. Also, the moment I finished it, I couldn't help but wonder, How is this even a vampire story? It just isn't "magical" enough -- or engrossing enough, for that matter -- for me to really consider it paranormal.
The characters, however, particularly the two male protagonists, Saber (Cesca's hunky boyfriend) and Triton (Cesca's hunky ex), make me weak in the knees. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. Just yum. Saber and Cesca's undying (literally...) romance will sweep you off your feet.
Not anything marvelous overall, but it's a fair read for me. The "sexiness" of Cesca's humor and so-called wit (or lack thereof) falls flat, but the plot is suspenseful, and the characters determined, which should count for something.
Quote: "'In [Triton's] younger days, he was a bit of a player. Now? I don't think so, but he is a guy. Men can be too exasperating to be worth the trouble.'
'Or wonderful enough to wait a lifetime for,' Lia said from behind us.'
June 12, 2015
I just found it all quite slow going, and Cesca seems to have decided that being a maid of honour seems to mean planning the whole wedding and pretty much taking over Maggie's day. Her obsession with Maggie's wedding also made her look pretty arrogant- the void is killing vamps all over the place, it's super dangerous but Cesca has more important things to do than worry about that- she's got to arrange cutlery and buy cute little pouches for the bridal party to put all their dinky little emergency supplies (matching thread for example). She just seems pretty arrogant the whole time, the void has killed experienced and powerful vamps but she's happy to run of and face it with a few days of training
I just couldn't believe in the book, the actions of the characters didn't seem consistant and I found it frustrating.
I just couldn't believe in the book, the actions of the characters didn't seem consistant and I found it frustrating.
April 27, 2011
Always the Vampire by Nancy Haddock
Paranormal Romance –May 3rd, 2011
4 stars
Always the Vampire is the third in a quirky vampire series full of charm and humor. This book can be read as stand alone but I would suggest reading at least one of the prior books to become familiar with the cast.
Francesca Marinelli is a vampire princess who doesn’t like blood. She is set on planning her friend’s upcoming marriage. Since being discovered, Francesca has settled into the modern world with her boyfriend and fierce protector Saber. But soon they are threatened by a mysterious Void created by a powerful wizard. The Void drains magical beings and is only getting stronger. Vampires in their area have gone into hiding and hope that Francesca and Saber can find a way to save them. But Saber may be affected by the Void, too. Although he is human, he has some powers and his constant contact with it has made him sick. Will Francesca be able to save Saber in time?
This book is full of colorful and inviting characters that reminded me of Candace Haven’s and Linda Wisdom’s books. Francesca is delightfully down to earth and easy to like. She is a light and cheery heroine. In contrast, Saber is dark and dangerous, but when it comes to Francesca I liked how he was able to ‘let go.’
This is was a fun and entertaining read full of warm and appealing characters.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance –May 3rd, 2011
4 stars
Always the Vampire is the third in a quirky vampire series full of charm and humor. This book can be read as stand alone but I would suggest reading at least one of the prior books to become familiar with the cast.
Francesca Marinelli is a vampire princess who doesn’t like blood. She is set on planning her friend’s upcoming marriage. Since being discovered, Francesca has settled into the modern world with her boyfriend and fierce protector Saber. But soon they are threatened by a mysterious Void created by a powerful wizard. The Void drains magical beings and is only getting stronger. Vampires in their area have gone into hiding and hope that Francesca and Saber can find a way to save them. But Saber may be affected by the Void, too. Although he is human, he has some powers and his constant contact with it has made him sick. Will Francesca be able to save Saber in time?
This book is full of colorful and inviting characters that reminded me of Candace Haven’s and Linda Wisdom’s books. Francesca is delightfully down to earth and easy to like. She is a light and cheery heroine. In contrast, Saber is dark and dangerous, but when it comes to Francesca I liked how he was able to ‘let go.’
This is was a fun and entertaining read full of warm and appealing characters.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
May 22, 2011
Maybe it's the large gap between each book (a year) or maybe there was a supplemental reading in between books two and three that I missed, but I found myself confused by this book a few times. They talked of events that happened that I did not recall happening in the last book. I thought maybe there was a significant amount of time passing in the book and these events were just added in to let us know what was happening in their lives, but it turns out that was not the case either. That was really the only problem I had with the book, I liked it otherwise. I'm a big fan of Cesca, and always enjoy reading where her life is taking her. I did miss her job as a ghostly tour guide because it was not as prevalent in this book. She's still a witty and kick ass vampire in which I love her for. Then there's Triton. I was really sad to find that he had a g.f! Although I like Saber well enough, I wanted Cesca to be with Triton since they have such an ancient past together. I'm hoping they break up and he admits to loving Cesca in the next book....though that's not likely. I would recommend this series for sure, and with the amount of time between publishing, you'd have enough time to catch up before the next one is out.
February 7, 2013
Not my favourite vampire trilogy but good enough. The plot is funny yet dramatic. There were some moments when some of the plot was a little ridiculous but I braved through it and was it paid off. The characters are all believable and interesting. In most books, there are annoying love triangles and I expected to see some of it when Triton showed up but was very happy that it didn't. They were all adults about the situation although I'm convinced it was mainly because Triton found Lynn quickly to occupy his mind.
The author preferred to keep Saber human and I can't say I didn't like it better than having him as a vampire. He has the longevity and Cesca can always turn him later. The marriage request at the end was a good surprise. I hoped she would accept her position on the council though. I know it's not part of who she is but she changed a lot during this book and it would be a chance to keep things among the vampire community more peaceful in the long run. I'll just pretend she'll accept it when she returns from the honeymoon.
In retrospect, it was a light read despite some rough parts in the story and easy enough to follow.
The author preferred to keep Saber human and I can't say I didn't like it better than having him as a vampire. He has the longevity and Cesca can always turn him later. The marriage request at the end was a good surprise. I hoped she would accept her position on the council though. I know it's not part of who she is but she changed a lot during this book and it would be a chance to keep things among the vampire community more peaceful in the long run. I'll just pretend she'll accept it when she returns from the honeymoon.
In retrospect, it was a light read despite some rough parts in the story and easy enough to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2011
As much as Cesca wants to lead a normal life she keeps getting pulled into crap and this book is no different. In the midst of maid of honor duties Cesca finds herself in the middle of a supernatural war. At times the wedding festivities drove me nuts, at others the lengths Cesca went to make sure they were safe had me laughing.
I found it interesting how Triton and Cesca were able to resolve their feelings of the past and the present, which was a good thing because along with Saber and a couple others they teamed up with, trained to find and get rid of the void. The training sessions were painful at the start, but got more interesting as they started to trust each other.
The final battle was like a circus, there was dancing, magically do dads, nasty words back and forth, and as always a surprise bad guy swooping in at the last minute.
There were a couple of revelations that came in this book, it will be interesting to see just what becomes of them.
I found it interesting how Triton and Cesca were able to resolve their feelings of the past and the present, which was a good thing because along with Saber and a couple others they teamed up with, trained to find and get rid of the void. The training sessions were painful at the start, but got more interesting as they started to trust each other.
The final battle was like a circus, there was dancing, magically do dads, nasty words back and forth, and as always a surprise bad guy swooping in at the last minute.
There were a couple of revelations that came in this book, it will be interesting to see just what becomes of them.
August 14, 2012
I loved this book; it had everything that a person could ask for, romance, drama and funny parts. Francesca “Cesca” is not only a vampire princess and a ghost tour guide. She’s also the bridesmaid for her best friend Maggie’s wedding but she, her boyfriend Saber and her best friend Triton have to work together to spot a craze wizard and the illness that he created called “The Void” from infecting and killing vampires.
There is a great cast of characters in the book from the Marine vampires, the elderly vampire couple all the way to the psychotic stalker of Cesca’s Gormand. All of them bring something to the book, they are not merely background characters, they bring their own flavor to the book. This author created a fun world in her writings and I can’t wait to check out the other two books by Ms. Haddock.
There is a great cast of characters in the book from the Marine vampires, the elderly vampire couple all the way to the psychotic stalker of Cesca’s Gormand. All of them bring something to the book, they are not merely background characters, they bring their own flavor to the book. This author created a fun world in her writings and I can’t wait to check out the other two books by Ms. Haddock.
March 26, 2015
Francesca Marinelli was turned into a vampire over two hundred years ago and then buried beneath her sire’s St. Augustine house as a punishment. The whole nest was then killed, and Cesca languished underground until the 21st century. Now she’s enjoying her second chance — and those handy modern conveniences. Nancy Haddock takes Charlaine Harris’s True Blood idea one step further: Cesca drinks Starbloods, synthetic blood with flavors like caramel macchiato. It’s a good thing she has that option, too, because she is grossed out by blood (and can barely stand the synthetic stuff).
Always the Vampire is the third in Haddock’s OLDEST CITY VAMPIRE series. As the book begins, Cesca’s boyfriend Deke Saber is ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Always the Vampire is the third in Haddock’s OLDEST CITY VAMPIRE series. As the book begins, Cesca’s boyfriend Deke Saber is ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
June 29, 2012
The third book in the saga of vampire Cesca Marinelli is more serious than the previous two. Something is devastating vampire communities, especially the strongest vampires, and Cesca's wizard friend says she must master her vampire abilities to combat this evil Void. Meanwhile, Cesca is helping her friend Maggie plan her ideal Victorian wedding; being maid of honor is a time-consuming task. Also, her job as ghost tour guide continues. I like this one mostly because Cesca comes into her own as a major vampire character, not just as somebody who's trying to still be human.
Her childhood friend Triton, a shape-shifting dolphin, finally makes an appearance and his abilities are as necessary as Cesca's in winning this battle.
Her childhood friend Triton, a shape-shifting dolphin, finally makes an appearance and his abilities are as necessary as Cesca's in winning this battle.
December 24, 2011
I started reading this series a few weeks ago and been unable to put it down since. This is the third book in the series and continues the story of Cesca amazingly. The book starts off shortly after the last book ended and deals with the main story arc of the series as the main plot. The story moves along and a perfect pace giving you plenty of time to enjoy what you're reading. The ending is nothing short of perfect as it makes you feel like everything that's happened so far has been for a reason and yet still leaves it open to future books which i really hope to see. If you enjoyed the first 2 books this is a must read and you'll love every minute of it, I know i did!
April 9, 2012
This is the third book in this series and it did not seem to grab me as the earlier books did. In this one Princess Francesca and her beau Deke Saber, along with the wizard Cosmil and dolphin shifter Triton (Cesca's childhood friend) are working together to rid the vampire world of an illness they are calling The Void. It turns out that Cosmil's brother is behind it.
Interesting enough but not as good as the earlier books.
Interesting enough but not as good as the earlier books.
January 8, 2015
Of the 3 books in this series, I think this was my least favorite. Triton, Cesca, & Saber had to do some magical training to prepare for the fight against the Void. It seemed pointless to me cause they got everything done right almost right away. And who wants Smell as a super power? Cesca takes her Maid-of-Honor duties very seriously for her best friend's wedding, and that was the whole side plot, but we didn't see too much of Maggie and Neil in this story.
June 26, 2011
Story continues along nicely from the book before. Funny series. The characters are really good, the story starts a little slow. I look forward to the next book. Great ending, funny & surprising. Cesca is a great character, funny & a smartass yet caring. Her & Saber are great together.
March 10, 2012
I found this such a hard book to read, very hard to get into. This was the first book in the series that I read and perhaps that is the reason I had to force myself to read it to the end. I'm in no real hurry to read the other books in this series.
August 10, 2011
I love this series, it sucks (no pun intended) you in. I highly recommend that you read all three books and not just this one. Although great in it's own right, I think the book has more impact if you know the history of the characters set up in the preceding books. Can't wait for the next one!!
May 1, 2012
Have loved the other books in this series, and good contender in the now very over populated vampire romance genre, this is a good follow-up, but not as strong as the first. Note to other readers, must read in order!
Read
April 23, 2011DNF
December 8, 2011
Great addition to the series. Can't wait for Saber and Cesca's next adventure.
December 5, 2011
Overall I liked it. I blame my lack of a reading mood for the length of time it took me to finish this book.
June 27, 2012
I wish there could be more to this one. This one was the best out of all three.
May 9, 2012
Definitely found another series I must follow. Great characters, wonderful charm and humor throughout. Can't wait to see how Cesca comes into her own.
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