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Dulcie O'Neil #3

Great Hexpectations

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I know I'm at fault for failing to arrest a wanted criminal but when my partner gets pinned for the crime, I'll stop at nothing to ensure his innocence.What I'm not planning on is a trip to the infamous Netherworld where chaos rules.Between battling the affections of a mysterious vampire, protecting myself from monsters and ensuring the innocence of the one man who would die for me, my trip to the Netherworld isn't sunshine and strawberry daiquiris.GREAT HEXPECTATIONS is the third book in the bestselling Dulcie O'Neil series of fairy fantasy/ paranormal romance.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2011

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1551 people want to read

About the author

H.P. Mallory

369 books2,808 followers
I’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.

My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.

Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!

H.P.

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5 stars
2,104 (40%)
4 stars
1,909 (37%)
3 stars
939 (18%)
2 stars
155 (3%)
1 star
29 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
Profile Image for April.
37 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2012
I had high hopes for Dulcie. Really I did. But...

This book was the very last straw. I've put up with her bitter, emotionally stunted attitude for two books, and then suddenly she's hit by a bolt of lightning that causes her to give in and accept a man that's been doing nothing but trying to gain her trust? Not that she noticed. Come on, Dulcie.

More to the point...Come on H.P.!

Duclie wasn't ever really a believeable--or even really likable--character, but I stuck with her because she was a strong woman. But this is where we part ways, hon. And I'll tell you why:

1. Dulcie has issues, which make her flawed but not necessarily interesting because she has very few redeeming qualities.
2. Side characters seem interesting, but because of a first-person perspective, they're little more than set dressing for the narrator's internal waffling and absolutely NEEDLESS angst.
3. Underneath it all, Dulcie O'Neil has about the emotional depth of a teaspoon, and loves to play the victim so that men can swoop in and rescue her, only to snap at them for the attempt.

That is not to mention some of the more ham-fisted elements of the book, namely Dulcie's role once they get to the "Netherworld", as well as the most predictable twist I saw coming midway through book 2, right at the end of this one. The more I read, the less I like, because the more she becomes like another of H.P.'s heroines. Indecisive, self-contradicting, and infuriatingly angsty about the wrong things!
Profile Image for Amanda.
797 reviews38 followers
October 31, 2011
WTh.... Damn you H.P. Mallory!! Damn you for making me cry, for the emotional roller coaster you just took me on and damn you for what happens next?! Any book that can actually bring real tears to this ice princesses eyes deserves a 5 star rating from me. At the end of this book I threw my Kindle in the air and said What The.. Whens the next book, because I need it now!?! Were there some issues with the book, probably, but ask me if I can remember what any of them are... that would be a big fat no, I was to caught up in the story. I heart heart heart Knight! He is one of my favorite book boyfriends. Who could resist that roguish charm, and his willingness to protect with his life. Dulcie is likable to me, she has real issues, ones that seem a lot more real of the everyday woman then some other issues that other lead characters, so its more relate-able. Hell any female that has had her heart broken and walked in on her man cheating would feel the same way as Dulcie. But I have to say I feel bad for Dulcie's girl Sam. The poor girl needs some love too! Come in H.P. Mallory can Sam get some love too, this were is suspect. I dont know that I approve. LOL! Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book. It was too short and now I'm ready for the next book in the Dulcie saga.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,828 reviews125 followers
May 23, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧

Do not let these covers fool you. This series is excellent!
Heck, yesssss, Knight and Dulcie let it happen!
I loved how this unfolded. At first, I was like, come on, Dulcie!!
But then when Knight does what he does, I was like, dang, he loves her!

Bram wants Dulcie, but I don't know if it's real or if it's because he can't have her. But the fact that he is willing to help her even for a price I was like damn you're a good vamp.
The Netherworld is weird, and I am kinda glad we get a little humour with it.

The courtroom was odd but oddly entertaining.
Then Bram again comes to the rescue I was shocked.
The ending thought… BOOM—makes you want to jump into book four, but I will restrain you for a day or so.

Again, Therese is the BOMB, and the woman kills it. More please.
Profile Image for Emme .
122 reviews9 followers
November 3, 2011
I adore H.P. and have been on board with Dulcie series since the beginning. But this entry in the series doesn't meet my "great hexpectations." I guess I was expecting a bit more action. There was some action, though, between Dulcie and Knight (hubbahubba). They finally had a "date" and that was certainly juicy. I guess I just wanted a little bit more than this book offered. I'm still onboard for the continuation (some cliffhanger, eh?) I hope there will be more action then.

So, this book will appeal to Dulcie fans that have been keeping up with the series. It's a good read-- but was expecting more.
Profile Image for Kristen.
248 reviews11 followers
February 2, 2015
I've said it before and I will say it again, books are like food in a lot of ways. The creator can possess all the requisite technical skills that would, in theory, make for a great creation but there is always room for failure because the creator is still human and can make mistakes. Or, the execution might also be flawless, and the consumer hates it because we each have our own personal tastes. This is true with food, music, art and yes, books. I sometimes gander at reviews by others when deciding what to read next. While I tend to take suggestions from friends or folks I know share my tastes more seriously, I sometimes just need some third-party sources. I knew I was going to read Great Hexpectations but when, and if I read something else first, was totally influenced by reading a few reviews of the books on the top of my "to-be-read" stacks (since I have a number of them). I realized when looking through the goodreads reviews that there is such a huge disparity out there when it came to this book and its quality. It has happened plenty of times: I totally fall for a book (or series) and others think it is less appetizing than Hilly finds Minnie's chocolate pie (if you've seen the movie, you know which pie I am talking about...). And it happens with books in all sorts of genres and those written by a range of authors - both established and new - critically acclaimed and not. Although critically acclaimed is also relative since critics too are people whose views are subjective and influenced by all sorts of things - so I don't put too much stock in "critically acclaimed" as a result. This book, of this series, struck me as a particularly good example of this duality - tons of 5 stars and tons of 1 stars. It was such a love-it-or-hate-it response.

For me, it was a solid 4 stars (remember, goodreads 4 means "really liked it"). Sure, it has some issues. But I am not reading F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was entertaining, fun, cute, a little steamy and filled with lots of the things I like when reading. Not to mention, it did the job. It was an escape from the day-to-day of reality. As a lawyer by day, mother by day and night, martial artist/instructor by hobby, there is so much seriousness in my life already. I often find my colleagues look down at my reading choices because they aren't haughty enough. You know, I am not reading the so-and-so non-fiction NY Times #1 book about the most depressing human rights whatever.... zzzzzzzzzzzz....... I read enough big words in my day job. I handle enough serious issues every day at work that when I read, I want to escape reality and laugh and smile and not have to think too hard or much about what I have just read. Great Hexpectations, like the first two Dulcie books, squarely fit that purpose. And I am enormously grateful for that.

This installment was "more serious" (relatively speaking) since there wasn't really much of a mystery to solve but we find Dulcie off to rescue Knight after he has disappeared. But it was still a cute little escape. I mean how serious can it really be when we are talking about a drunk goblin, a fairy who doesn't know how to use her wings, and a vampire that tries to get sex through a contract? It was nice to see Dulcie and Knight consummate their relationship - and admit to loving each other. And, it had a funny little twist at the end, with a hell of a cliffhanger. I am just glad that the next installments (books 5 and 6 anyway) are already published so I can pick them right up and I don't need to wait for what happens next. Yes, the twist/cliffhanger didn't require a CIA analyst to figure it out or predict it. But, it didn't feel like a sure thing either. Marvin's failure to blow up Earth with his Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator was a guaranteed. Everyone knows that Bugs will spoil his plans - we know that from the moment we first see Marvin. But the only thing I felt was as inevitable as Bug's saving of Earth was that Knight would someone end up freed. So, it was enough suspense for me to keep things interesting.
My biggest issue with this one is the name. I followed and go the references in the first two installments. Here, "Great Hexpectations".... not so much. Anyone who knows the genesis of the title (besides what appears to be the author's attempt to use "Literature" titles and twist them for this series) or the explanation/relation to the story, please feel free to let me know. And that's a tiny issue. Regardless, me and my tastes are looking forward to Wuthering Frights.

Not a review - but a note. There was a little sex in this story. Wouldn't you know it - right after I go and declare that it fits more with a cozy since innuendo and threats is as much action as we actually see... the author goes and gives us two pretty good hook-up scenes. First is steamier than the second, but they are definitely there. And the mirror is definitely foggy after them. I may re-classify, I may not. We'll see after I finish the next one.
Profile Image for Liane Manso.
145 reviews8 followers
November 27, 2017
It didn't have the quick paced action of the first two books and I found the inner dialogue a bit long winded. I like the series and hope the next book goes back to the action packed expectation.
Profile Image for Franci.
26 reviews
August 16, 2012
I have read books one and two and am now about 40% through this one and I note that the author has decided that a lamia is a shapeshifter that turns into a lion. REALLY? Thank you SO much, H. P. Mallory for attempting to insult my intelligence. I don't give a rat's hairy booty what you choose to name the creatures in your books, but taking the name of an easily googled one and making it completely NOT what the legends say either makes you look like you don't care, or that you were too stupid to research. I am betting on the latter since all of these books are so derivative of so many other, better written paranormal series.

I am not going to lie, I have bought 3 of the books because yes, they are entertaining, but they still all feel so rehashy that I can't help but think this is what the appeal is. That they feel so familiar because the author hasn't really come up with her own ideas so much as stolen from a variety of other sources. Had the kindle books I did buy of this series (after the first, which was free) been more than $4 each I wouldn't have bothered.

And I will admit that I wasn't expecting great literature, but the author IS a NY Times bestseller and I had at least hoped for something almost as good as Kim Harrison's, The Hollows series or Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series. I guess it's the whole 'Paranormal-ROMANCE' part that I am not used to since those other two series don't fall into that genre so much. I hadn't actually realized it was listed as Paranormal-Romance, and now I want to hork a bit. ugh.
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,268 reviews58 followers
December 18, 2011
Dulcie finally decides to drop her guard and take a chance on a relationship with Knight (It's about time, right?!). It was a relationship 2 books in the making and made me grin when Dulcie finally removed the stick from her backside. Of course, the book would have been pretty short if Dulcie and Knight rode off happily into the sunset.

After an argument divides Dulcie and Knight, Dulcie decides to man up and apologize.....But Knight has suddenly disappeared!

An error on the part of Dulcie in a previous book resurfaces, and she discovers that Knight, in order to protect Dulcie, has fully accepted the blame. He is facing full trial and the outlook is grim. Dulcie then decides to enlist the help of everyone's favorite randy vamp, Bram. When the trial is in full swing, Knight receives the sentence and punishment that will change his life forever and Dulcie steps up to stop the madness. After escaping custody (for her involvement in the trial) Dulcie plans to save the Netherworld from corruption and save herself and Knight....but what she discovers changes the course of her life.

Another GREAT book in the Dulcie O'Neil series. There wasn't as much action in this installment as there was in Book #1 & #2 but it made up for it with the twists and turns and romantic elements. I was completely captivated with this story and read it all in one sitting....I do have a life...Seriously!

A Must Read Series!!!
Profile Image for Julia Thorn.
13 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2015
Dulcie O'Neil has one goal: get her amazingly hot awesome and nice boyfriend, Knight, out of trouble for something she did. Knight has been taken to the Netherworld, the place where all of the creatures in the world originate from, for trial because he confessed to letting a criminal escape, something Dulcie had actually done. So, Dulcie goes to the Netherworld, with the dashingly handsome vampire, Bram, as her escort, to get him back and probably end up taking the punishment herself. That's the right thing to do, isn't it? Dulcie hopes so. But when she finally arrives in this strange and dangerous place, will she be able to rescue Knight and get them both back to the safety of Earth? Or will she find out about a more sinister plot in higher places? To be honest, this wasn't my favorite book in the series. I suppose it gets harder to find entertaining plots once you get into the second prequel of an already fabulous series, but this book mostly seemed like it was a bridge to the next book and the next plot. All in all, it was pretty good, though. This series is great so far! Can't wait to read the next!
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,676 reviews
September 25, 2012
Wow! What a great book! What a good storyline, I couldn't put this book down & needed the next one right away!! What a great twist at the end & am wondering where the characters & their relationships are going next.....
Profile Image for Misty.
191 reviews
November 12, 2011
I cant belive that ending. Omg, when is the next book. I never thay would be the way this would end. I love it cant get enough.
Profile Image for Shannon.
77 reviews
January 3, 2012
It took me a while to get this read because I kept getting side tracked, but I am so glad that I finished it. I laughed, I cried, and I thoroughly enjoyed! Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Danielle.
17 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2012


I absolutely love this author and both the Jolie Wilkins series and this dulcie oneil series! The books are fun and easy to read! Love them!
689 reviews
August 29, 2020
Plot is starting to stretch thin... and too much “noble sacrifice” bs with the main characters... pretty skippable.... everything just seems dragged out by now
Profile Image for Jenetta.
66 reviews
July 17, 2012
Two thumbs way up! I can't wait for the next book!!
644 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2023
OH MY GOD. THIS BOOK! Right when I had written this series off as fluff- fun, enjoyable fluff that I planned to continue reading, but fluff nonetheless- THIS HAPPENED!
First of all, Knight and Dulcie… holy shit, their relationship is just about the best thing, period. I swear I had hearts popping out of my eyes like a damn emoji reading about them together. SO glad Dulcie finally got her shit together and got with him! Of course, that lasts all of two seconds before everyone finds themselves in hot water, but that brings me to my next point…
Hot damn, I am an absolute SUCKER for the whole “damsel-in-distress,” “we’re both imprisoned by our enemies,” “don’t you touch her” trope, and BOY does this book deliver on that one! And don’t even get me started about Knight sacrificing himself to save Dulcie. I was pretty much flopping around on the floor.
And I won’t spoil anything, but the ending of the book… well, we get to see a Dulcie who has nothing to lose, plus a couple of insane plot twists thrown in there to boot. I CANT WAIT TO START THE NEXT ONE!!!
Profile Image for Tamara Hull.
100 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2017
"Oh look at me, I'm so capable... oh wait, please Mr sexy man, save me!" Gosh the whole damsel in distress thing is getting pretty old with Dulcie, she's so thoroughly damaged and the fact that the author damaged her because her boyfriend cheated on her? Um no, just no, nobody in their 20's gets THIS cut up years later from a douche boyfriend.

This whole 'every man just wants to have sex with me' is getting bloody old as well, I am starting to suspect the reason it keeps being brought up is because Dulcie is such an utter bitch that if she didn't string along all these horny morons she'd be completely alone.

I was so angry about all the rubbish in this story, my god, am I in Twilight? I thought the synopsis said 'this isn't suitable for teens' and angsty BS like this drives me insane! As to what the storyline was about, I don't recall, it was completely unmemorable.
1,325 reviews4 followers
November 25, 2025
Back in the first book, Dulcie let her old boss go free so she could save Knight. Unfortunately, that has caused problems. Knight has been arrested for not apprehending Quillan (he said that he was to blame) and been taken back to Netherworld.
Determined to clear Knight, Dulcie obtains Brams help to go rescue him. Of course, that plan doesn’t work.
This book has a bit of action, some humour, interesting characters, secrets all over the place, surprises and suspense.
This is more about what the Netherworld is like, with a bit of a mystery – who is out to get Knight.
This is a fast, easy read, again it has a couple of parts that could be classed as a bit dark. It also ends on a big surprise.
Off to the next book.
187 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2019
Hmm ...drinking required

The story, editing, writing, and characters are entertaining and fabulous..... Except the main character. Can't tell you how much she irritates me. She is not likeable with constant self doubt and repetitive negative behaviors. She is almost on the verge of being stupid so I don't find her all that successful at her investigations. She seems to jump to the wrong conclusions constantly.
What drives me insane is that I like the world building and depth of supporting characters. So I keep reading this series and feed my frustrations with Pina Colodas.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,379 reviews
June 20, 2022
Can't say I didn't see that coming

Hmm, always trust your gut. I figured that what happened would happen and now get to see what will happen next. Don't like it cause this is not going to end well. Poor Knight.

After all the good they tried to do, one bad decision after another lands Knight in prison and Dulcie trying to save him. Aside from putting herself in danger, she is now even more involved with criminals and that gray area keeps expanding.
Profile Image for Melanie.
415 reviews14 followers
October 12, 2017
She is very disagreeable and it was slightly predictable. I bought the next book already, so I’ll read it but I don’t want to.
220 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2017
This is another hit from my favorite author. I loved it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Amy.
940 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2019
Wait, what??

She's done it again! Cliffhanger extraordinaire! Such a good read! This one was a little heart wrenching...they were both set to die....nooooooo...what will happen?
Profile Image for Suzy Ostapower.
522 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2022
Fairy Dust can come in handy.

The third outing for Dulcie and company comes with a few twists. The characters are progressing well and the storyline ends with a cliffhanger.
48 reviews
May 4, 2022
it

Just keeps on getting more interesting. 14 more words words words words words words words words words words words words
Profile Image for Ryla.
133 reviews
March 5, 2023
Wasn't my favorite Dulcie book but I did enjoy it. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
1,880 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2020
Locked

XXX! Adult content, reader discretion advised. Dulce is no stranger to trouble. In fact she is a magnet for trouble. Knight is not much better. Together they find themselves locked in a situation that could mean their death. The bomb at the very end is most entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews

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