Bella Notte

Bella Vampires #1

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

Vampires? Check. Werewolves? Check. Death prophecy to hang over your head? Double check. Seventeen year old Emma Hutchinson struggles to find her place in the world she has been born to as she tries to decide whether she should be with Michael, the boy she has been dreaming about since she was three or if she belongs with Dominic, her betrothed.

Genres: Young Adult, Vampires, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

424 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2011

About the author

Jesse has studied anthropology and used her “education” as an excuse to hang out with vampires- her masters' thesis was going to be modern vampire culture. They really do exist. Vampires have been her obsession since she was about five years old when she swears she was bitten by one.

She enjoys reading and writing. But most importantly being a crazy mom to her son, new daughter, and ever growing pet family. Singing silly songs at the top of her lungs and embarrassing her son is one of her favorite activities. She considers herself to be an odd duck.

Reviews

[Cynthia Woolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great novel from first time author Jesse Kimmel-Freeman. Her characters are well drawn and you root for each of them. Michael, Emma and Dom, each make you care for them and their problems. Jesse keeps the suspense high. If you like the Twilight books you'll like this one. Keep them coming Jesse

[Lorell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book at first...I thought maybe it would be a cheap knock off of the Twilight Saga. There are some similarities - vampires, werewolves, a love triangle, and the story is set in a small town that is cloudy and overcast most of the time. But, all those things set aside, Bella Notte is a fun read. This author's vampires are different from those found int the Twilight books, and are quite cultured, as well as leaders in their communities. They aren't undead creatures who spring back to life, but rather more highly evolved than humans.

A large chunk of the story also takes part in Italy, at Dom's (one of Emma's love interests) family castle, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also thought Emma was a strong heroine...she didn't bather on about not being able to live without her boyfriends, and told them off when she was mad at them. The book was also clean and I found no objectionable content to disturb my conservative sensibilities.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderfully written story. It captivated and enthralled me to the very end. I absolutely could not stop reading and I can't wait to read more. Anyone who loves to read different takes on vampire stories will love to read this one as it has so many different elements though still being a vampire and werewolf story in itself will absolutely love this book.

[Kirsty Bicknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start this review properly I want to rant a little - Bella Notte is a story with a love triangle, it has vampires, it has werewolves . . . this does not mean that it is trying to be THAT book!! I don't understand why Twilight has become the touchstone for YA paranormal books for our generation as so many better books have been written, but there were vampire and werewolf stories before Twilight, and there will be plenty now it has been published; it does not mean that everyone is trying to copy Stephanie Meyer! Bella Notte is in fact one of those books that I feel is better than THAT book (and if Jesse Kimmel-Freeman tells me now that she was thinking of Twilight when she wrote Bella Notte I will cry!)
I am not going to spend this whole review comparing the two books but if anyone is looking for a HUGE difference, lets starts with our heroine. Bella is weak, pathetic and indecisive. Emma is independent, feisty and adventurous. Unfortunately, Emma's family have chosen to keep her destiny a secret, so, apart from her dreams, she has no idea who she really is and when she falls in love with Mike she makes her life difficult. Jesse Kimmel-Freeman constantly hints at the changes to come for the both of them, and as the reader I felt like shouting 'how can you not know?' but I think Emma is denial.
The romance between Emma and Mike is innocent but intense, and despite the appearances of Acacia and Dominic the feelings between them still linger. However during Emma's stay in Italy and the time she spends with Dominic the reader sees her developing, becoming more confident and carefree. The emotion between them grows slowly and possibly begins with lust on Emma's part, but their relationship is much more honest.
Yes, Bella Notte is a YA para-romance but it is distinguishable from its counterparts because this story is intense, complicated, beautiful and clever. Jesse Kimmel-Freeman does not concentrate upon trying to scare her reader with a vampire horror story, but she focuses upon building her characters and her plot so that the reader wants to continue Emma's story on into the sequel, which exactly what I intend to do as I start Bella Vita!

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Generally boring with irritating characters. Emma family was horrible for not telling her what was going on with no good reason I could see. I was also extremely irritated by the "romance"element. Mike & Emma have a connection, Mike & Emma are in love, Dom is a mega jerk. Emma says she wants nothing to do with Dom then in basically the next breath she all friendly and developing feeling for Dom. Then she comes home and suddenly she nothing in common with Mike any more but heaps in common with Dom. Its like Mike & Dom both had complete personaility transplants - very irritating. And Emma's blind obedience to her suddenly archaic family rules (like a betrothal she had never heard of)and couldn't figure out what was going on made and all her internal angst about the 2 stupid boys made her appear less than intelligent & irritating.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book to review, and I did really enjoy it, although the book itself does need a good edit and has some formatting issues. The book is in the YA Twilight vein, with a girl, vampires and wolves, star crossed lovers etc but this book does have a meaty twist to it, which I hope to see expanded throughout the series. The plot was just a little bit overdone and predictable for me, despite the twist.

The author can obviously write, and definitely knows her vampire cultures and histories, which is refreshing, but this book did not quite hit the spot for me. Any Twilight loving YA fan however, should definitely check this out. I await the second in the series, to see where the characters take us.

Rachel Dove
The Kindle Book Review

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book...i really wanted Emma to be with Mike, but in the end I think Dom is the perfect person for her to be with, I can even overlook his "mistake" at her birthday party.

I did think some of the parts of the book were drawn out but it did remind of me being a teenager and how the school days would drag, especially if it was something you werent interested in.

I am definatly going to have to read a "Bella Notte Christmas" and would really like to see perhaps a spin off showing what happens to Kelly :)

[Sharon Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from the author in exchange for my honest opinion!
Very impressed with this book! I, like others, was worried it would be just another "Twilight" copy but it really wasn't at all. It had a different story line and twists of its own that I really liked. I loved how the definition of vampires was different from any other book I have read but at the same time, it wasn't this watered down sparkly side that so many laugh at from that other series. I loved the characters and the ending left me salivating for more...literally....I can't wait for the next! :)

[Valerie Zambito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires, werewolves, long-buried family secrets! What’s not to love? This story captured my interest from the very beginning with likeable characters and a fun storyline. The main character, Emma, finds herself embroiled in the middle of a love triangle and a life-changing alteration.
This story will appeal to a large audience as it is a great mix of paranormal and young romance. Overall, I really enjoyed Bella Notte and am looking forward to continuing Emma’s journey in Bella Vita.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, read it a couple times. Very good, the book just needs a little more editing. I found the characters were a little underdeveloped and emotions and plot could have been described a little more as to provide more pictures in the mind. But altogether a very good book. Hope there is a second one there was a cliffhanger.

[Janin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking forward to reading the next book(s) in the series (: Great descriptions-- I could see the crystal caves and practically feel the variety of fabrics. I look forward to seeing how the characters develop.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am on the fence with this one. Part of me really wants to like it, but the other part is telling me it just isn't so.

[Norma Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. I really like the story line and all the twists and romance that are included in it. Absolutely amazing author, can not wait to read more from her!

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got into this book so easy, loved the characters an the suspense. Can't wait to read more by this author

[Marley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book it was a fun read and getting Bella vita

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked up a freebie ebook a while back.


This one started out promising. I was curious about this dream and the guy and her family. (Even though our heroine is the queen of obliviousness. I mean seriously does someone have to bit her for her to realize she is surrounded by vampires? ... Oh wait... still oblivious.)


But then it kind of loss me over the romance triangle. We had a promising boy, and an old family friend. Then #2 has selfish, domineering moment and we go 'OMG, root for number #1.' But then we get to "know" number two and realize there is a bit more to his character, though he still wants and expects to get what he desires, though he knows he can be patient about it. Meanwhile boy number one becomes a total bleeping *insert bad word that starts with a 'd' here.* and is focused on his new "I want but I don't REALLY want" girl.


So, there I am staring at my e-reader, completely unsure who to root for.


And what's worse? We lost that promising plot and became focused on that love triangle. Maybe is something else exciting happened, then maybe I would have enjoyed it more. But the book was too long for me to care about characters that annoyed me.

[Teresa Caldwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

WARNING TO ALL READERS OF JESSE FREEDMANS BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!
MY HOUSE BURNT DOWN BECAUSE OF HER BRADY AND THE SPOOKY PIRATES BOOK NUMBER ONE AND NOW JEREMY IS DEAD AND GONE AND I HAVE TO PAY HIS FUNERAL COSTS THAT I CANNOT AFFORD ON MY MIN WAGE JOB!!!! THIS IS UNFAIR AND UMAERICAN!!!
ALL OF HER BOOKS ARE HAUNTED!!! FACT!!!!!!! AFTER MY HOUSE BURNT DOWN AND THE ONLY THING REMAINING WAS HER BRODIE AND THE SPACE PIRATES BOOK SERIES THAT I HAD PRINTED OFF AT KINKYS FEDEX, I KNEW THAT THEY WERE HAUNTED!!
i threw them out at the motel i am staying at with my four little blessed angles charlie, sarah, daniel, and lily (my children), the BOOK CAME BACK TO MY ROOM WITHOUT ME BRINGING IT BACK!!! IT IS VERY HAUNTED!!!
please save the lives of your family members by not purcahssing her books!! they are not good things to come into your life!!

love, terry

[Elexis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can Honestly say that I am In Love with this book. The BVS (Bella Vampire Series) are mind blowing books that I will never forget. I don't really read a lot of books, mostly because I am very picky when it comes to the books I read. But the BVS is a book that will forever be on my list of favorites. These books in my eyes beats The Twilight Series. I am thankful to have came across a series like this. I also would like to give a special thanks to the author Jesse Kimmel-Freeman for writing it, because without her I wouldn't be as motivated to start books of my own. The Bella Vampire Series is truly one of a kind. I encourage other readers to read Bella Vampire Series, you won't regret it.

[Marla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am absolutely repulsed by the content of this book. I initially decided to read it because of my interest in romantic novels, however what I read here was anything but. The characters are abysmal, one dimensional cookie-cutter characters very blatantly copied off of novels such as Twilight and The Sookie Stackhouse series. While the storyline was completely bland and run of the mill, nothing could have prepared me for the explicit sex scenes involving children which was grotesque and uncalled for. I recommend no one reads this book, especially for the triggering subject matter that is included.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished the book. It was a bit humdrum for me but I needed to keep going until the end. I did wish for more of an explanation on the dreams. It just kind of dropped off.

And what conversations did they have that led to her falling in love with Mike or was it just the dream connection? But it was a brief segment of the book-them spending time together. Because suddenly Mike dropped off the face of the earth and she was mad about Dominic.

Also too many editorial errors...I wasn't sure where the paragraph ended or began.

[Fatima Shamaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this series since it began on Wattpad and almost a decade later still find myself reading the entire series from start to end. Coming out in the era of Twilight, one might open this book and expect the star crossed lovers to be the central theme BUT I’ve found that this story is so much more. Filled with transition, growth, self-exploration, and challenges this series provides an arced slice of these characters lives. The writing style grows with the characters and the story development is beautiful. I highly recommend this book for a fun, adventure-filled read.

[Kim Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all camps, werewolves and witches. Emma and Mike suck you in and u fall for their relationship and then it all hits the fan with their change and when they both find out they are betrothed to another. Love it.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella Notte

This is a y/a novel. I didn't find it particularly exciting, but then, I am a mature adult, and may have expected more from this story I did finish reading it, knowing there are more novels in this series. I may pick up the next part to this story one day.

[Rhiannon Lord Illsley]

loved it!!

[Makenzie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was absolutely amazing. There is nothing that I don't love about it. I cant wait to read the next book c:

[Shelley]

Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2014/01/...