What do you think?
Rate this book
Ava Delaney #2
Taunt
Book one in the Ava Delaney series - Thirst - is now free. Ava needs to forget all about the vampires, but they won’t leave her alone. Between her failing business, angry landlord, disloyal friends, and vampire stalkers, life is starting to feel pretty stressful. When Ava finally deals with her biggest problem, she gets caught up in the chain of events it triggers and is dragged along a path she can’t escape from. Ava has to figure out exactly what her biggest threat the humans, the vampires, the Council—or her true heritage. Book 2 in a 6-book series, Taunt is approx. 57,000 words. 1. Thirst 2. Taunt 3. Tempt 4. Taken 5. Taste 6. Traitor
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2011
133 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 20, 2018
3.5 stars
This second book in the series is a huge improvement compared to the first one in terms of grammar/editing. This book was also really good in the last few chapters. However, it tended to do massive info dumps that were hard to follow and we kept learning about new characters before we even remembered the other ones' names. Still, this series is showing promise and improvement so I'll continue to the third one.
This second book in the series is a huge improvement compared to the first one in terms of grammar/editing. This book was also really good in the last few chapters. However, it tended to do massive info dumps that were hard to follow and we kept learning about new characters before we even remembered the other ones' names. Still, this series is showing promise and improvement so I'll continue to the third one.
May 27, 2012
Have you ever watch the made for T.V. movies on the Sci-Fi channel knowing that they are going to be truly awful but you watch them anyway? Well, that is how I felt after reading this book. The premise for this series had so much potential; but, due to a convuluted story line, it went off track so quickly that I almost had whiplash.
"Taunt" pick up immediately after the first book ended. Ava is reeling trying to forget about all of the things that had gone wrong in her world. She feels betrayed by those she trusted, vampires seems to be watching her at every turn, and she must work for Dainlin, one of the vampire rulers. With all of this craziness going on, her home business is going under, her rent is overdue, her landlord is not happy about it and "Grandma Dearest" wants Ava to move in with her.
Little does Ava know but she is being played like a pawn in a game of chess. Because of this events are being set into motion that may end up being her downfall with the Supernatural Council. Schemes are afoot, secrets will be revealed and plots may be realized. So, why did I give this book only two stars. Because Ava, a character I loved in the first book has become a whiney, self absorbed, weak and sniveling idiot. I wanted to yell into my Kindle, "Put on your big girl panties or jump out a window why don't cha!" I just really hated what she became. Most series gets better because the character grows. This one just didn't.
Truthfully speaking I am not at all sure that I will continue on with this series. I've given it two books and I am just not convinced that it is going to get any better. I will read a few reviews on the third book before I make that decision.
"Taunt" pick up immediately after the first book ended. Ava is reeling trying to forget about all of the things that had gone wrong in her world. She feels betrayed by those she trusted, vampires seems to be watching her at every turn, and she must work for Dainlin, one of the vampire rulers. With all of this craziness going on, her home business is going under, her rent is overdue, her landlord is not happy about it and "Grandma Dearest" wants Ava to move in with her.
Little does Ava know but she is being played like a pawn in a game of chess. Because of this events are being set into motion that may end up being her downfall with the Supernatural Council. Schemes are afoot, secrets will be revealed and plots may be realized. So, why did I give this book only two stars. Because Ava, a character I loved in the first book has become a whiney, self absorbed, weak and sniveling idiot. I wanted to yell into my Kindle, "Put on your big girl panties or jump out a window why don't cha!" I just really hated what she became. Most series gets better because the character grows. This one just didn't.
Truthfully speaking I am not at all sure that I will continue on with this series. I've given it two books and I am just not convinced that it is going to get any better. I will read a few reviews on the third book before I make that decision.
March 20, 2012
This book should be titled SULK, not Taunt. Because that's basically the main action of the main character. I’m not sure when having an always angry, illogical and suspicious heroine became the norm for books, but I'm seriously over it. This series is okay, I guess, and I appreciate that the author moves the story along a decent pace, but the constant anger and irrational thought process of Ava throughout is monotonous. Ava trusts no one, even when those around her are always helping her out, and is screaming about something stupid every other page. It's really hard to identify with her when the perspective of the other characters makes much more sense.
The story itself is interesting, though I think that these are books are written a little thin, with little depth to them. Each of the characters feel a little flat. Some solid editing with more fleshed out ideas and characterizations would do this series a world of good. Overall, these books aren't bad but they're not great, either. Instead, this series seems to ride that fine line of in-between and could easily go one way or the other.
The story itself is interesting, though I think that these are books are written a little thin, with little depth to them. Each of the characters feel a little flat. Some solid editing with more fleshed out ideas and characterizations would do this series a world of good. Overall, these books aren't bad but they're not great, either. Instead, this series seems to ride that fine line of in-between and could easily go one way or the other.
Want to read
May 11, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/11/2019)! 🎁
January 30, 2014
This sequel was good enough to get onto my awesome list. I loved the storyline and didn't want to put the book down once I started it. Pity we have to work as well - lol. It was well written and for those that haven't yet picked up the first book in this series, do it.
It seems that the story can only get better. Just enough action, drama etc. to keep one hooked till the end. A definite must read for all paranormal readers.
What next is in store for Ava, Carl, Peter and the supernatural world? Only time will tell and picking up the next in the series.
Well done Claire!
It seems that the story can only get better. Just enough action, drama etc. to keep one hooked till the end. A definite must read for all paranormal readers.
What next is in store for Ava, Carl, Peter and the supernatural world? Only time will tell and picking up the next in the series.
Well done Claire!
October 6, 2020
This second episode feels a little more assured, a little bit better edited, than the first. The story picks up where the previous episode ended, so that these two first parts of the series form a two-parter, especially as there’s a considerable departure at the end.
The first third of this episode makes for an engaging read, even though Ava is a bit sulky and a bit put upon by three men, Peter, Carl, and particularly Eddie. It’s the norm of female protagonists in paranormal adventures, although Ava is more mature than most I’ve read, and a lot less unnecessarily randy. The romance aspect is a very slow burn. Those three men, as well as the plethora of supernaturals revealed as running amuck in Ava’s Ireland, are indeed taunting her as per the title, testing her, trying to find out what she truly is and what she is capable of.
The rest of the book becomes mired in a poorly handled judicial process. Ava is up in front of the authorities on trumped up charges. But the apparent police state of the paranormal council is full of glaring procedural holes. Someone presumed to be so dangerous as her would not be released on bail, particularly not into the custody of her defence counsel, especially not under terms that allow her to tamper with the judge / jury or with the prosecution witnesses. This “let me clear my name” trope is very tired. Other than being silly, this part becomes very muddled with too many new characters, many of whom are supposedly court officials who could not be permitted to give Ava all the help they do. This really drops the plausibility of what was otherwise a rather believable and engaging story.
The trial is but a pretext for infodumps, big revelations about Ava’s identity. This is frustrating because people who knew the secrets were in a position to prevent matters from going to trial. This is a plot device to turn the tables on the baddies at the very last moment, as in the movies, but this trope has huge drawbacks. It’s dramatic but so contrived. One of the judges in particular is the one that drops the bombshell. I can understand Eddie and Ava’s granny keeping quiet as they are increasingly shown to be up to no good. But a judge who knows everything about Ava and yet allows this charade to go ahead? No. Further, the revelations are such that the vampires plotting against Ava really ought to have realised what they were dealing with, as her identity is a foundation of all the lore of this world. This makes the erstwhile clever plotters look like bumbling idiots. So as a plot device it backfires somewhat.
The revelations as to what Ava actually is (hint: she’s no daywalking vampire after all) lead to the huge departure. This is no longer a vampire hybrid trying to fit in kind of story, it’s now a hybrid fallen angel hunter of monsters kind of story. Which is really intriguing, hence I’ll read on.
It’s testament to the quality of the storytelling that such a confused and implausible trial episode is not a complete turn off. There’s a lot of decent ideas in this story and it is told sufficiently well with characters that a reader will want to spend time with. The next episode veers course, but the notion makes me want to tag along.
The first third of this episode makes for an engaging read, even though Ava is a bit sulky and a bit put upon by three men, Peter, Carl, and particularly Eddie. It’s the norm of female protagonists in paranormal adventures, although Ava is more mature than most I’ve read, and a lot less unnecessarily randy. The romance aspect is a very slow burn. Those three men, as well as the plethora of supernaturals revealed as running amuck in Ava’s Ireland, are indeed taunting her as per the title, testing her, trying to find out what she truly is and what she is capable of.
The rest of the book becomes mired in a poorly handled judicial process. Ava is up in front of the authorities on trumped up charges. But the apparent police state of the paranormal council is full of glaring procedural holes. Someone presumed to be so dangerous as her would not be released on bail, particularly not into the custody of her defence counsel, especially not under terms that allow her to tamper with the judge / jury or with the prosecution witnesses. This “let me clear my name” trope is very tired. Other than being silly, this part becomes very muddled with too many new characters, many of whom are supposedly court officials who could not be permitted to give Ava all the help they do. This really drops the plausibility of what was otherwise a rather believable and engaging story.
The trial is but a pretext for infodumps, big revelations about Ava’s identity. This is frustrating because people who knew the secrets were in a position to prevent matters from going to trial. This is a plot device to turn the tables on the baddies at the very last moment, as in the movies, but this trope has huge drawbacks. It’s dramatic but so contrived. One of the judges in particular is the one that drops the bombshell. I can understand Eddie and Ava’s granny keeping quiet as they are increasingly shown to be up to no good. But a judge who knows everything about Ava and yet allows this charade to go ahead? No. Further, the revelations are such that the vampires plotting against Ava really ought to have realised what they were dealing with, as her identity is a foundation of all the lore of this world. This makes the erstwhile clever plotters look like bumbling idiots. So as a plot device it backfires somewhat.
The revelations as to what Ava actually is (hint: she’s no daywalking vampire after all) lead to the huge departure. This is no longer a vampire hybrid trying to fit in kind of story, it’s now a hybrid fallen angel hunter of monsters kind of story. Which is really intriguing, hence I’ll read on.
It’s testament to the quality of the storytelling that such a confused and implausible trial episode is not a complete turn off. There’s a lot of decent ideas in this story and it is told sufficiently well with characters that a reader will want to spend time with. The next episode veers course, but the notion makes me want to tag along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2021
Yes! I've been waiting to read something like this for so long now. It's hitting many spots!
I love the characters in this series. They feel so real! I love the variety of personalities and creatures! I love the mixture of humor, action, romance (sort of for now - I can see it developing though! And I absolutely love the fact that it's not taking over the main story) and mystery.
Speaking of mystery. That ending completely caught me out! I'm usually good at guessing and figuring out what's going on and what might happen next. I made so many predictions and many of them were outsmarted!
There's so much still left to figure out though. Like, what is Eddie? Why does he have souls around him. We know that he's immortal. He feels hot and cold. He seems to have a dark side but he's acted with (maybe) good intentions so far.
Also, what's with the cold presence following Ava? Until the end of the story I was really sure that it was her mum. I knew that her mum was a supernatural being from the beginning and suspected that her grandma was too. For some reason I felt that her mum might have been some sort of empath and maybe her dad was a vampire or something. But that was proven wrong.
How did the shadow that was stuck to Peter get there? What happened to his son? Is he still alive? Also, they obviously like each other so will they get together already!
Why did the were-fox try to murder Esther?
Who was Leah? Why was she captured? Where did she go?
I really am so excited and can't wait to read on. I haven't felt this way about a book series since reading KMM's Fever series!
I love the characters in this series. They feel so real! I love the variety of personalities and creatures! I love the mixture of humor, action, romance (sort of for now - I can see it developing though! And I absolutely love the fact that it's not taking over the main story) and mystery.
Speaking of mystery. That ending completely caught me out! I'm usually good at guessing and figuring out what's going on and what might happen next. I made so many predictions and many of them were outsmarted!
There's so much still left to figure out though. Like, what is Eddie? Why does he have souls around him. We know that he's immortal. He feels hot and cold. He seems to have a dark side but he's acted with (maybe) good intentions so far.
Also, what's with the cold presence following Ava? Until the end of the story I was really sure that it was her mum. I knew that her mum was a supernatural being from the beginning and suspected that her grandma was too. For some reason I felt that her mum might have been some sort of empath and maybe her dad was a vampire or something. But that was proven wrong.
How did the shadow that was stuck to Peter get there? What happened to his son? Is he still alive? Also, they obviously like each other so will they get together already!
Why did the were-fox try to murder Esther?
Who was Leah? Why was she captured? Where did she go?
I really am so excited and can't wait to read on. I haven't felt this way about a book series since reading KMM's Fever series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2020
Wasn't a huge fan of the first book, and it didn't improve.
The way it's written just didn't pull me in.
I was also annoyed with how she suddenly got all these powers out of no where but somehow knew how to use them against someone who has had way more experience than her? She also knew that she could beat him and that there was no way he'd win that particular face off.
"The barrier held, but then, I hadn’t expected it to falter; I knew my strength was capable of withholding against whatever Eddie controlled." HOW? HOW DID YOU KNOW? When this is literally the first time it was even mentioned, let alone used.
"I reckon" was randomly said a lot in this book for some reason..
I didn't feel like much in this book happened, and I honestly would've given it 2 stars, but the ending helped it out. It once again made me interested in the next book and the potential that it could improve, but I'm not forcing myself through another one of these books that I can't get interested in.
They were also very forgetful books. I can barely even remember the little bit that did happen in this book.
The way it's written just didn't pull me in.
I was also annoyed with how she suddenly got all these powers out of no where but somehow knew how to use them against someone who has had way more experience than her? She also knew that she could beat him and that there was no way he'd win that particular face off.
"The barrier held, but then, I hadn’t expected it to falter; I knew my strength was capable of withholding against whatever Eddie controlled." HOW? HOW DID YOU KNOW? When this is literally the first time it was even mentioned, let alone used.
"I reckon" was randomly said a lot in this book for some reason..
I didn't feel like much in this book happened, and I honestly would've given it 2 stars, but the ending helped it out. It once again made me interested in the next book and the potential that it could improve, but I'm not forcing myself through another one of these books that I can't get interested in.
They were also very forgetful books. I can barely even remember the little bit that did happen in this book.
November 10, 2020
Grammar and errors much better than the first book but still needs a little work.
Reading other reviews from a couple years ago have me irritated. Ava doesn’t know what she is or why. Everybody around her has betrayed her at one point or another so it’s very understandable for her to trust NOONE even when they have helped her. As far as the other reviewers saying she whines, I didn’t get much of that. As a matter of fact, their reviews are more whiny and bitchy than Ava in this book.
Moving on to book 3
Reading other reviews from a couple years ago have me irritated. Ava doesn’t know what she is or why. Everybody around her has betrayed her at one point or another so it’s very understandable for her to trust NOONE even when they have helped her. As far as the other reviewers saying she whines, I didn’t get much of that. As a matter of fact, their reviews are more whiny and bitchy than Ava in this book.
Moving on to book 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2018
Ava find out what she is, finally. There's a new beast in town and it's her job to catch it.
Another exciting novella showing the life of Ava Delaney. This has action, intrigue and a little sass. I really love a good strong woman, even if she's slowly getting there. I love her passion and the way she's always looking out for her friends. I really love the way Ms. Farrell writes and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Another exciting novella showing the life of Ava Delaney. This has action, intrigue and a little sass. I really love a good strong woman, even if she's slowly getting there. I love her passion and the way she's always looking out for her friends. I really love the way Ms. Farrell writes and can't wait to read the next in the series.
December 31, 2017
Ok, we get it already. You think Carl should go back to his family. You think everyone should tell you everything right away. You are weak, then strong, then weak, then strong. I'm only continuing with these because I want to finish the series which I hate because I really want to like these more. Hopefully, they get better.
December 29, 2017
Finding Out Your Heritage
I gave this book a rating of 5 because I loved it. I loved the twist and turns about Ava's true heritage as it becomes revealed. I recommend this book to anyone that loves vampires, shifters and magic.
I gave this book a rating of 5 because I loved it. I loved the twist and turns about Ava's true heritage as it becomes revealed. I recommend this book to anyone that loves vampires, shifters and magic.
May 27, 2018
Interesting
This installment had vents unfolding in order to lean more about Ava and her friends. We are starting to see true character meet in each and Ava is beginning to get her answers
This installment had vents unfolding in order to lean more about Ava and her friends. We are starting to see true character meet in each and Ava is beginning to get her answers
January 4, 2019
I had the first book in the series and had forgotten about it. After reading it, I got the second, this one, and enjoyed it as well. The writing has improved and easier to get engaged with Ava. I am looking forward to the next book in the book and continuing on with the story.
May 5, 2017
Barely a 2 -- was extremely hard to follow. I skimmed most of it.
December 6, 2017
Great book
If you like mystery and fantasy, then you will love this book. Can't wait to read more, a fan. Catha Watkins Reese
If you like mystery and fantasy, then you will love this book. Can't wait to read more, a fan. Catha Watkins Reese
January 5, 2018
It is a great book to read
January 11, 2018
Well
That didn't go as planned. Quite an unexpected bombshell... Plenty of characters to continually hate and Plenty of mystery to keep going.
That didn't go as planned. Quite an unexpected bombshell... Plenty of characters to continually hate and Plenty of mystery to keep going.
January 15, 2018
Major developments and ends in a reveal.
Unexpected.
Recommended.
Unexpected.
Recommended.
March 20, 2018
4 Stars
Well now I know what exactly Ava is as this book explains it in detail! Everyone has an agenda and poor Ava is on everyone's list..
Well now I know what exactly Ava is as this book explains it in detail! Everyone has an agenda and poor Ava is on everyone's list..
May 26, 2018
Love it
Love the characters most Ava can't wait to see what happens next I hope Ava and Peter end up together
Love the characters most Ava can't wait to see what happens next I hope Ava and Peter end up together
October 17, 2018
Good story
I really enjoyed reading this book. The main character is respectable and lovable. The plot is not too dark. The book is fairly clean of profanity and sex.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The main character is respectable and lovable. The plot is not too dark. The book is fairly clean of profanity and sex.
December 11, 2018
Loving it
I'm loving this series. The characters are fun and the story is unique. There are such great twists and turns, can't wait to see what Available gets in to next
I'm loving this series. The characters are fun and the story is unique. There are such great twists and turns, can't wait to see what Available gets in to next
December 22, 2018
I'm not going to lie this book was hard for me to get into but in the end I still loved it and will continue with the series.
January 12, 2019
A good follow up!
This was an enjoyable second in the series - with loads of excitement and a little suspense. I’m enjoying the direction of the story arc so far!
This was an enjoyable second in the series - with loads of excitement and a little suspense. I’m enjoying the direction of the story arc so far!
May 11, 2019
I got free ebooks on this series. The first one was good.
This one is better!
The author got a good hand on this: there is a lot of action, and Ava is growing.
I will begin the next soon!
This one is better!
The author got a good hand on this: there is a lot of action, and Ava is growing.
I will begin the next soon!
June 15, 2019
Excellent growth from the 1st book. I have so many questions and wanna keep going!
July 8, 2019
Well it was better than the first book. I will most likely read the next one since again it is free. This might be a nitpick but the cover for this book is just terrible.
May 15, 2020
Continues great storyline
Again truly enjoyed this book. A little much angst but good mystery and interesting characters. Can’t wait to jump into the next one
Again truly enjoyed this book. A little much angst but good mystery and interesting characters. Can’t wait to jump into the next one
February 9, 2022
Just as boring as the first, but now the mc is even more unlikable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews