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Candle Bay
Shrouded in fog on a hillside high above an isolated California coastal town, The Candle Bay Hotel and Spa has been restored to its former glory after decades of neglect. Thanks to its new owners, the Darlings, the opulent inn is once again filled with prosperous guests. But its seemingly all-American hosts hide a chilling, age-old family secret.
Lured to the picturesque spot, assistant concierge Amanda Pearce is mesmerized by her surroundings—and her seductive new boss, Stephen Darling. But her employers’ eccentric ways and suspicious blood splatters in the hotel fill her with trepidation. Little does Amanda know that not only are the Darlings vampires, but that a murderous vampire vendetta is about to begin—and she will be caught in the middle. For as the feud unfolds and her feelings for Stephen deepen, Amanda must face the greatest decision of her life: to die, or join the forever undead.
Lured to the picturesque spot, assistant concierge Amanda Pearce is mesmerized by her surroundings—and her seductive new boss, Stephen Darling. But her employers’ eccentric ways and suspicious blood splatters in the hotel fill her with trepidation. Little does Amanda know that not only are the Darlings vampires, but that a murderous vampire vendetta is about to begin—and she will be caught in the middle. For as the feud unfolds and her feelings for Stephen deepen, Amanda must face the greatest decision of her life: to die, or join the forever undead.
470 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
14 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Tamara Thorne
75 books291 followersTamara Thorne has collected ghost stories, true and fictional, since she saw her first Twilight Zone as a tot, and continues to this day. In addition to writing novels and stories of the paranormal, she also writes non-fiction and is an active ghost hunter. She makes her home in southern California with her husband and their feline family and when she’s not writing, can be found haunting ghost towns, phantom-filled hotel rooms, and other spooky places. Tamara loves to hear from her readers. Whether you have questions or comments or would like to share your own ghostly experience,come visit her at her website www.tamarathorne.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 22, 2019
Late to the party as always..... half drunk and blurry eyed....
Buddy-reading, of a sort, with the Queens of Trash and Awkwardness. (You read this way before me because I am, as they say, THE.WORST.)
2 Stars
For reasons that elude me, this book claims to be “Twilight for adults”. Now for one thing, plenty of adults have read TWILIGHT and for another, barring the fact that this book has a family of vampires there is very little the two titles have in common.
This book was a CLUSTERFUCK. There is so much going on in it that it is hard to see which side is up and what side is down for most of it. When I got to about the 25% mark it became hard to put down, like a train wreck or a woman who failed to carry her makeup down her neck, I COULD NOT stop staring. It was about this point that I checked to see if this was actually a series rather than a standalone novel. It isn’t, but there is easily enough shenanigans going on in the plot to carry another book (maybe in this one the leads could get some - or rather, actually no, not if you write it like the sex scenes in this book….. Dear Lord! This book has some of the weirdest descriptions of body parts I’ve ever read.)
And reading what I have said thus far in my review, it is I who am a bit of a clusterfuck methinks. Anywho.
While everyone gets their own POV (I’m not kidding EVERY. FUCKING. ONE., including several characters who do not survive the length of the book) in CANDLE BAY, our main character is clearly the new assistant concierge, Amanda. Amanda is a horror junkie, which I love, and she’s obsessed with monsters but especially vampires. I was really hoping that Thorne was going to make it into a full blown horror kink like in CORRUPT by Penelope Douglas (whose characters I abhor but also which has some of the most indecently lusty sex scenes EVER) but it never goes that far, unfortunately for me and also for Stephen and Amanda.
The Candle Bay Hotel - built above catacombs rumoured to contain a Treasure of unknown orgins - is currently playing host to Julian Valentyn, a trueborn vampire in possession of a “healing” elixir which every vampire seems to covet. He’s gratiously deigned to share this elixir with his host family, made up of a motley assortment of characters from the Godfather-loving Orion to the Psycho-twins, Ivy and Lucy. Like I said, there is A LOT going on in here.
Too much. Too many voices. Too many weird side stories that never get their own time to shine and were, seemingly, just added for shock factor. Which I’m fine with… the shock factor, that is, of things like extremely incestuous twins who are blood-thirsty little heathens who always seem to cause chaos even when they are trying to be helpful. However, the weird side story of reincarnation that never amounts to much other than a flaccid love triangle surrounding the main character, came off as redundant. As did the entirety of the character Aardvark; the rat-chomping homeless murderer whose point of view barely bisected the main story for a minute but was carried on for well over half of the book.
I’m going to stop this review. I could go on for ages with the whys and the what the fucks but I will simply end with this: CANDLE BAY was weird, in a bad way.
Buddy-reading, of a sort, with the Queens of Trash and Awkwardness. (You read this way before me because I am, as they say, THE.WORST.)
2 Stars
For reasons that elude me, this book claims to be “Twilight for adults”. Now for one thing, plenty of adults have read TWILIGHT and for another, barring the fact that this book has a family of vampires there is very little the two titles have in common.
This book was a CLUSTERFUCK. There is so much going on in it that it is hard to see which side is up and what side is down for most of it. When I got to about the 25% mark it became hard to put down, like a train wreck or a woman who failed to carry her makeup down her neck, I COULD NOT stop staring. It was about this point that I checked to see if this was actually a series rather than a standalone novel. It isn’t, but there is easily enough shenanigans going on in the plot to carry another book (maybe in this one the leads could get some - or rather, actually no, not if you write it like the sex scenes in this book….. Dear Lord! This book has some of the weirdest descriptions of body parts I’ve ever read.)
And reading what I have said thus far in my review, it is I who am a bit of a clusterfuck methinks. Anywho.
While everyone gets their own POV (I’m not kidding EVERY. FUCKING. ONE., including several characters who do not survive the length of the book) in CANDLE BAY, our main character is clearly the new assistant concierge, Amanda. Amanda is a horror junkie, which I love, and she’s obsessed with monsters but especially vampires. I was really hoping that Thorne was going to make it into a full blown horror kink like in CORRUPT by Penelope Douglas (whose characters I abhor but also which has some of the most indecently lusty sex scenes EVER) but it never goes that far, unfortunately for me and also for Stephen and Amanda.
The Candle Bay Hotel - built above catacombs rumoured to contain a Treasure of unknown orgins - is currently playing host to Julian Valentyn, a trueborn vampire in possession of a “healing” elixir which every vampire seems to covet. He’s gratiously deigned to share this elixir with his host family, made up of a motley assortment of characters from the Godfather-loving Orion to the Psycho-twins, Ivy and Lucy. Like I said, there is A LOT going on in here.
Too much. Too many voices. Too many weird side stories that never get their own time to shine and were, seemingly, just added for shock factor. Which I’m fine with… the shock factor, that is, of things like extremely incestuous twins who are blood-thirsty little heathens who always seem to cause chaos even when they are trying to be helpful. However, the weird side story of reincarnation that never amounts to much other than a flaccid love triangle surrounding the main character, came off as redundant. As did the entirety of the character Aardvark; the rat-chomping homeless murderer whose point of view barely bisected the main story for a minute but was carried on for well over half of the book.
I’m going to stop this review. I could go on for ages with the whys and the what the fucks but I will simply end with this: CANDLE BAY was weird, in a bad way.
May 8, 2018
The book synopsis says that it's "Twilight for adults." I don't entirely agree with that. One, this was way weirder and bloodier, hence the adult part. (Also, there were some frightening things happened with penises.) Two, Twilight was nearly all romance, and this was... not.
Although every single character in the book gets a POV, Amanda was the main character. Yet she is eclipsed by more exciting and fucked up POVs, such as Lucy and Ivy. The psycho vampire twins just bicker and play pranks and fuck things up even when they're trying to help. They had so many POVs I was sooooo tired of them, even though I thought they were somewhat interesting at first.
I was really looking forward to Amanda's romance with Stephen, and later, the sort-of love triangle with Julian. Both vampires sneak into her room at night to bite her and accidentally scare her, and even though she's asleep she's kind of into it. But that's about as far as that goes, except for a couple of kisses with Stephen. In fact, Natasha's romance with Douglas (I thought his name was David, but I went and checked the book and that's actually the name she gave to his massive penis) was more involved. I was actually rooting for Natasha and Douglas, whereas Amanda/Stephen/Julian offered me nothing but frustration.
There was an odd little character named Aardvark who had nothing to do with anything, and gave cute little aardvarks a bad name, but I noticed this line from one of his POVs: preying on liberals wherever he found them. Another vampire book I read also had a strange vendetta against liberals, in that they were the only acceptable prey, along with people who watch porn. I am baffled. What does the vampire world have against liberals and porn?!?!?
This book was both fast-paced and a slow read—like quicksand, as my buddy-reading partner Nenia put it. I really wanted it to step back from the plot and focus on the characters. I thought the setting was nicely done, however, and there were some fun quotes.
Ah, Julian. Your psychotic tendencies were so promising in the beginning. But I still rooted for you even though you turned out to to be kind of soft and a bad schemer.
Burn!!!!
And last, my personal favorite:
And on that note, thanks for the BR, Nens! (And Karly, who is late getting started! PSA: Don't start it.)
Although every single character in the book gets a POV, Amanda was the main character. Yet she is eclipsed by more exciting and fucked up POVs, such as Lucy and Ivy. The psycho vampire twins just bicker and play pranks and fuck things up even when they're trying to help. They had so many POVs I was sooooo tired of them, even though I thought they were somewhat interesting at first.
I was really looking forward to Amanda's romance with Stephen, and later, the sort-of love triangle with Julian. Both vampires sneak into her room at night to bite her and accidentally scare her, and even though she's asleep she's kind of into it. But that's about as far as that goes, except for a couple of kisses with Stephen. In fact, Natasha's romance with Douglas (I thought his name was David, but I went and checked the book and that's actually the name she gave to his massive penis) was more involved. I was actually rooting for Natasha and Douglas, whereas Amanda/Stephen/Julian offered me nothing but frustration.
There was an odd little character named Aardvark who had nothing to do with anything, and gave cute little aardvarks a bad name, but I noticed this line from one of his POVs: preying on liberals wherever he found them. Another vampire book I read also had a strange vendetta against liberals, in that they were the only acceptable prey, along with people who watch porn. I am baffled. What does the vampire world have against liberals and porn?!?!?
This book was both fast-paced and a slow read—like quicksand, as my buddy-reading partner Nenia put it. I really wanted it to step back from the plot and focus on the characters. I thought the setting was nicely done, however, and there were some fun quotes.
As imperfect as humans were, they made excellent fertilizer.
Ah, Julian. Your psychotic tendencies were so promising in the beginning. But I still rooted for you even though you turned out to to be kind of soft and a bad schemer.
"Why do you hate us?" Natasha's voice was strong.
"You will address me as 'Father.'"
"Why? Your own son won't do it."
Burn!!!!
And last, my personal favorite:
The Father emerged from the darkness and stepped into a toilet bowl.
And on that note, thanks for the BR, Nens! (And Karly, who is late getting started! PSA: Don't start it.)
October 11, 2022
I have read most of Thorne's work now and her novels never seem to fail, even though she publishes under the Zebra label. Candle Bay is a fun vampire tale, one with lots of intrigue, vivid characters, and a paced very well. Our lead, Amanda, is a young woman starting a new job working the desk at the old, restored Candle Bay Hotel and Spa set somewhere on the California coast. Little does she know when she arrives at work that the family that owns the hotel are vampires. The family, the Darlings, are not a true family, but have been working together for 100s of years in the hotel business.
Alongside this, Julian, another vampire, but a 'true born', has arrived at the hotel for an extended stay. True born vampires are the original vampires, although they can turn a human, making 'halflings' if you will. Julian is 1000s of years old, and has a deep connection to the hotel, or at least in the catacombs underneath it; he also has a plan for the Darlings. The 'head' Darling Ori is a Mafia aficionado, his latest phase, and makes for a fun character. There is also his 'wife', and few 'brothers' and the evil, terrible twins, stuck at age 16. We have all kinds of things going on at the hotel, and Julian is working his own plan. We also have a rival vampire 'family' that is after the 'treasure' buried under the hotel. What is this treasure? It has long been rumored that something lies underneath the hotel, but what?
Thorne writes with a plucky prose, often with explicit sexual overtones. Julian has 'gifted' the family with an 'tonic' he concocted that allows the bites on humans to heal rapidly; it also has strange effects on vampires, like an increase in libido. This story rocks and rolls right to the end. I was hoping for a little more at the end, so I will not round this up, but 4.5 toothy stars!!!
Alongside this, Julian, another vampire, but a 'true born', has arrived at the hotel for an extended stay. True born vampires are the original vampires, although they can turn a human, making 'halflings' if you will. Julian is 1000s of years old, and has a deep connection to the hotel, or at least in the catacombs underneath it; he also has a plan for the Darlings. The 'head' Darling Ori is a Mafia aficionado, his latest phase, and makes for a fun character. There is also his 'wife', and few 'brothers' and the evil, terrible twins, stuck at age 16. We have all kinds of things going on at the hotel, and Julian is working his own plan. We also have a rival vampire 'family' that is after the 'treasure' buried under the hotel. What is this treasure? It has long been rumored that something lies underneath the hotel, but what?
Thorne writes with a plucky prose, often with explicit sexual overtones. Julian has 'gifted' the family with an 'tonic' he concocted that allows the bites on humans to heal rapidly; it also has strange effects on vampires, like an increase in libido. This story rocks and rolls right to the end. I was hoping for a little more at the end, so I will not round this up, but 4.5 toothy stars!!!
March 24, 2025
What Really Lies Hidden Within Candle Bay Hotel and Spa?
Small backstory:
Amanda Pearce starts a new job working the desk at the Candle Bay Hotel and Spa and as she settles into her new job she is stunned by the owners as they seem dark and mysterious. The hotel and spa are run by the Darlings who seem to keep to themselves. Amanda begins to wonder what secrets lie within the hotel as the Darlings seem to hover around the edge of her consciousness as possibly being vampires but that cannot be right, can it?
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This story is steeped in mystery and suspense with quite a few vampire characters that lie within the pages of this book. I loved all the characters within the story and there were some different happenings that took place which set the tone for this book as I would stay up late some nights reading it and I would be flipping through my kindle pages wanting to see what was going to happen next!
There is a second book that follows this one - a sequel called Darling Girls. So I will be jumping into it soon as I want to see what else lies within the walls of the Candle Bay Hotel and Spa! Giving this book five "Sultry Saucy Vamp" stars!
Small backstory:
Amanda Pearce starts a new job working the desk at the Candle Bay Hotel and Spa and as she settles into her new job she is stunned by the owners as they seem dark and mysterious. The hotel and spa are run by the Darlings who seem to keep to themselves. Amanda begins to wonder what secrets lie within the hotel as the Darlings seem to hover around the edge of her consciousness as possibly being vampires but that cannot be right, can it?
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This story is steeped in mystery and suspense with quite a few vampire characters that lie within the pages of this book. I loved all the characters within the story and there were some different happenings that took place which set the tone for this book as I would stay up late some nights reading it and I would be flipping through my kindle pages wanting to see what was going to happen next!
There is a second book that follows this one - a sequel called Darling Girls. So I will be jumping into it soon as I want to see what else lies within the walls of the Candle Bay Hotel and Spa! Giving this book five "Sultry Saucy Vamp" stars!
October 31, 2013
Candle Bay is the third book I’ve read by Tamara Thorne. I almost feel suspect leaving another 5 star review, because I rated her books Haunted and Moonfall 5 stars. But, I have to rate Candle Bay 5 stars as well. I guess her style of writing is just my one of my favorites. Again she blends horror with subtle humor which is rare. Hell she could probably redesign my phone book at this point and it would be 5 stars. I’m sure it would have my neighbors all classified as “Freaks, Do-Gooders, Pompous Asses, Sex Maniacs, and Those That Must Be Avoided (at all costs). Anyway I’m off topic, Candle Bay is a vampire novel. I don’t really like vampire novels, so I didn’t think it would have the zing of the last two. And I will admit, it took me longer to get into than her other novels, but once I met the “twins” it was page after page of glee, interspersed with general creepiness. There are two classes of vampires in her world, Trueborns and human conversions. And there seems to be a class war among them, although Trueborns are extremely rare, maybe there is only one or two left. Julian Valentyn, a trueborn, shows up at the Candle Bay hotel after making a deal with the human vampires that own it. In return for protection, he gives them an elixir which, when rubbed on bite wounds, heals them. Makes it easier for them to snack you know, better logistics. But he isn’t telling them what his real plans are, or who he really is. The elixir has some side effects too, and that vampire family, given more time, would soon need a vampire Jerry Springer to help them sort out their issues that the elixir is the true cause of. So the twins… the twins were my favorite. Ivy and Lucy. They were out of control to begin with, and the craziness just gets crazier when the start on the elixir. It was great fun, Coast Eddie the Candle Bay DJ was great, and I could just hear his silky voice warning people about what lurks in the fog. Well, I’m rambling now, but this is a great book, it will make you laugh, cringe, and in a few places open your eyes wide in shock. I highly recommend it.
February 23, 2017
Another book I desperately wanted to read since it first came out, but managed to do so only 10 years later for several dumb reasons:
1. delayed purchase until it was out-of-print - aargh
2. couldn't find an affordable used copy - grmph
3. let it sit on my shelf for fear it might not meet my expections
Talk about missed opportunities...almost...
But back to the subject:
My expectations for Candle Bay have always been high in the sky, due to its summary which got me hooked immediately, mostly positive reviews all over the web and my appreciation of other books by its author. As you may already guess from the rating, the book indeed met my expectations! *wipes brow*
I simply loved the creepy atmosphere created by the ever-present fog surrounding the Candle Bay hotel, as well as the weird radio DJ's paranoid warnings of things that may lurk in the dark.
The characters are well drawn, each with is own little quirks and secrets, and keeping the vampires very human despite their vampiric nature. Like Uncle Ori, who deems himself the godfather of the Darling family but is not taken too seriously by his relatives, who humour him anyway. Or the mischievous twins, spoiled brats who just want to have fun and never think of the bloody consequences. Just your usual everyday family madness...
The story itself was well developed and I liked the open end, leaving enough room for a sequel, which unfortunately was never released, but fortunately is not required either. I enjoyed and smiled at the references to other books, movies and persons as well as the measured wit in deadly serious situations (pun intended). As the cover suggests, the novel also contains some romance, but fortunately it is only a further ingredient and not the main course.
I guess the book Highly recommended, and not only to vampire aficionados.
1. delayed purchase until it was out-of-print - aargh
2. couldn't find an affordable used copy - grmph
3. let it sit on my shelf for fear it might not meet my expections
Talk about missed opportunities...almost...
But back to the subject:
My expectations for Candle Bay have always been high in the sky, due to its summary which got me hooked immediately, mostly positive reviews all over the web and my appreciation of other books by its author. As you may already guess from the rating, the book indeed met my expectations! *wipes brow*
I simply loved the creepy atmosphere created by the ever-present fog surrounding the Candle Bay hotel, as well as the weird radio DJ's paranoid warnings of things that may lurk in the dark.
The characters are well drawn, each with is own little quirks and secrets, and keeping the vampires very human despite their vampiric nature. Like Uncle Ori, who deems himself the godfather of the Darling family but is not taken too seriously by his relatives, who humour him anyway. Or the mischievous twins, spoiled brats who just want to have fun and never think of the bloody consequences. Just your usual everyday family madness...
The story itself was well developed and I liked the open end, leaving enough room for a sequel, which unfortunately was never released, but fortunately is not required either. I enjoyed and smiled at the references to other books, movies and persons as well as the measured wit in deadly serious situations (pun intended). As the cover suggests, the novel also contains some romance, but fortunately it is only a further ingredient and not the main course.
I guess the book Highly recommended, and not only to vampire aficionados.
September 13, 2013
So many many years ago, I read two of Tamara Thorne's books, Haunted and Moonfall, they were incredible! They were creepy scary and just down right frightening in some sense. So I decided I wanted to give her vampire novel a try, Candle Bay. I was expecting the same sort of creepy scary story that scared teh beejezus out of me, but that's not exactly what I go unfortunately.
That's not to say Candle Bay was a bad read, it was quite good. Sort of like one of my usual Urban Fantasy reads, except a bit different. Amanda, our heroine, isn't the fighter chick kicking ass, she's normal. Blissfully normal. She decides to be an assistant concierge at the Candle Bay Hotel and Resort, as she was always fascinated by the hotel growing up. And naturally, she's given the late shift.
But what we know and Amanda doesn't know is that the hotel is run by vampires. The Darlings, a family, run the hotel. And even vampire families have their troubles.
There was a lot of vampire history to be understood in this story. One fact being the difference between human vampires and trueborns. Pretty simple, human vampires are humans that get turned into vampires--basically the vampire we all have come to know and love in some instances--and then the trueborns are ones that were never human. That they were just born vampires. You might wonder, so are they babies forever? The whole never aging process shitick. Well, that gets explained, rather simply too. It's different for all vampires and the aging just stops at a certain point. Usually in the height of life, mid-20s to early-mid thirties or so.
Julian, a trueborn vampire, is living it up in the hotel. It's clear early on, that he is no friend to the Darlings. He's looking for the famed Treasure that is said to be hidden in the tunnels below the hotel. And trying to find the entrance to said tunnels has been anything but easy. He's a tricky character to understand, he has a natural born hate for all human vampires, yet he gives the Darlings this special concoction that heals vampire bites. But it does a bit more than that too, not that he tells them that. The concoction soon becomes a drug to the Darlings, one that cannot get enough of. It plays on their base vampire instincts, and that of course is to drink blood. Which leads to some nasty results.
For a nearly 500 page read, this book was surprisingly fun to read and quite fast paced too. I just had a busy few days, otherwise I likely would've finished it in 2 days instead of 3. Two of the Darlings, Ivy and Lucy are teenagers, they were turned into vampires during their teenage years--sucky age to be stuck at forever--and they are quite the pair. They have definitely taken a liking to their vampireness. They are rather...eccentric, perhaps? I struggle with the word. Nothing fazes these girls. They like sex, no matter who the other person is. They like blood. They like power. They are just pretty freaking creepy if you ask me.
What becomes sort of a funny chapters long event is when the twins accidentally kill one of their hotel guests. They hide the body in a laundry cart, intent on getting rid of the body, yet the cart keeps getting moved...like all over the hotel! Then another guy is trying to show it to the Darlings thinking that it's from their enemy vampire clan the Dantes, but when he tries to show it the Boss, it's gone! Then Amanda, our heroine stumbles upon it and thinks its a prank, but she isn't too sure about it. It was quite funny, something that kind of reminds me of something you would see in an Abbot and Constello movie!
Anyway, as I am getting off track here, but again, the book was 28 pages short of 500, there's a lot to discuss! Amanda has caught the eye of two of our resident vampires. Stephen and Julian. But with Julian, there's something more to the attraction and that is Amanda reminds him of someone he once knew from very long ago in his early vampire years of life. But Amanda is a bit more drawn towards Stephen.
Oh and did I mention Amanda loves to read paranormal books?! Of course it isn't said like that, just that she enjoys all things ghost, werewolf, ghoul, whatever, and of course vampire! Be they movies or books! And she doesn't always share this fact else she has to endure endless teasing--hello my life! Yes, Amanda and I could have been the best of friends back in the day!
There's quite a bit of mystery surrounding the Treasure. That's what the story tends to focus on. Julian wants to find it, the Dantes want to find it. It's a pretty hot commodity! And we do get tales from Julian regarding his past and what eventually leads to what the Treasure is! It was all very exciting!
The ending...now here's where things get a tad upsetting. There's confirmation on the Treasure and that tale of the story ends nicely. But then there's the whole fate of Amanda that is up in the air. And for all the characters really. What will they do now? What's going to happen to them next? It's all unclear. For every single one of them. I usually don't like that kind of ending with my standalones. There's too many unknowns. I could be fine with not knowing what the secondary cast will do, but I am more curious about Amanda and her options. Although it's alluded to what he choices were, I just don't like knowing for sure, you know? Alluding is one thing, but knowing is another entirely.
And another thing that I didn't mention but feel like doing here is that there were quite a few deaths! These vampires are not always the kind hearted ones we see usually. They kill. Sometimes with intent and sometimes accidentally as well. Just a little something to throw out there!
Overall, it was a decent read. I enjoyed it all for the most part. The pacing was good, at times it was a mite slow, as it was told in third person from many characters' points of view. Which always lets you know what's happening and with whom. I was hoping for a little more terror, if not horror. The other two novels I read did scare me quite a bit while reading during those summer nights! Yeah, not recommending do that again, but I loved the thrill of the terror I got! Here, I didn't get that really. But it was still a decent read. Sort of another book that sets the course for Urban Fantasy reads...minus the kickbutt heroine and the ultra dreamy vampire man. He's dreamy, but he and the rest of them are still killers.
So would I recommend this one? Totally! If it sounds like one you might like to read, definitely give it a try! I was actually debating if I wanted to put this one in my Halloween giveaway next month, but I am not sure yet. What do you guys think? If you've lasted this long with my review--kudos to you and a virtual, imaginary cookie--would you consider reading this one if it was given to you?
verall Rating 4/5 stars
That's not to say Candle Bay was a bad read, it was quite good. Sort of like one of my usual Urban Fantasy reads, except a bit different. Amanda, our heroine, isn't the fighter chick kicking ass, she's normal. Blissfully normal. She decides to be an assistant concierge at the Candle Bay Hotel and Resort, as she was always fascinated by the hotel growing up. And naturally, she's given the late shift.
But what we know and Amanda doesn't know is that the hotel is run by vampires. The Darlings, a family, run the hotel. And even vampire families have their troubles.
There was a lot of vampire history to be understood in this story. One fact being the difference between human vampires and trueborns. Pretty simple, human vampires are humans that get turned into vampires--basically the vampire we all have come to know and love in some instances--and then the trueborns are ones that were never human. That they were just born vampires. You might wonder, so are they babies forever? The whole never aging process shitick. Well, that gets explained, rather simply too. It's different for all vampires and the aging just stops at a certain point. Usually in the height of life, mid-20s to early-mid thirties or so.
Julian, a trueborn vampire, is living it up in the hotel. It's clear early on, that he is no friend to the Darlings. He's looking for the famed Treasure that is said to be hidden in the tunnels below the hotel. And trying to find the entrance to said tunnels has been anything but easy. He's a tricky character to understand, he has a natural born hate for all human vampires, yet he gives the Darlings this special concoction that heals vampire bites. But it does a bit more than that too, not that he tells them that. The concoction soon becomes a drug to the Darlings, one that cannot get enough of. It plays on their base vampire instincts, and that of course is to drink blood. Which leads to some nasty results.
For a nearly 500 page read, this book was surprisingly fun to read and quite fast paced too. I just had a busy few days, otherwise I likely would've finished it in 2 days instead of 3. Two of the Darlings, Ivy and Lucy are teenagers, they were turned into vampires during their teenage years--sucky age to be stuck at forever--and they are quite the pair. They have definitely taken a liking to their vampireness. They are rather...eccentric, perhaps? I struggle with the word. Nothing fazes these girls. They like sex, no matter who the other person is. They like blood. They like power. They are just pretty freaking creepy if you ask me.
What becomes sort of a funny chapters long event is when the twins accidentally kill one of their hotel guests. They hide the body in a laundry cart, intent on getting rid of the body, yet the cart keeps getting moved...like all over the hotel! Then another guy is trying to show it to the Darlings thinking that it's from their enemy vampire clan the Dantes, but when he tries to show it the Boss, it's gone! Then Amanda, our heroine stumbles upon it and thinks its a prank, but she isn't too sure about it. It was quite funny, something that kind of reminds me of something you would see in an Abbot and Constello movie!
Anyway, as I am getting off track here, but again, the book was 28 pages short of 500, there's a lot to discuss! Amanda has caught the eye of two of our resident vampires. Stephen and Julian. But with Julian, there's something more to the attraction and that is Amanda reminds him of someone he once knew from very long ago in his early vampire years of life. But Amanda is a bit more drawn towards Stephen.
Oh and did I mention Amanda loves to read paranormal books?! Of course it isn't said like that, just that she enjoys all things ghost, werewolf, ghoul, whatever, and of course vampire! Be they movies or books! And she doesn't always share this fact else she has to endure endless teasing--hello my life! Yes, Amanda and I could have been the best of friends back in the day!
There's quite a bit of mystery surrounding the Treasure. That's what the story tends to focus on. Julian wants to find it, the Dantes want to find it. It's a pretty hot commodity! And we do get tales from Julian regarding his past and what eventually leads to what the Treasure is! It was all very exciting!
The ending...now here's where things get a tad upsetting. There's confirmation on the Treasure and that tale of the story ends nicely. But then there's the whole fate of Amanda that is up in the air. And for all the characters really. What will they do now? What's going to happen to them next? It's all unclear. For every single one of them. I usually don't like that kind of ending with my standalones. There's too many unknowns. I could be fine with not knowing what the secondary cast will do, but I am more curious about Amanda and her options. Although it's alluded to what he choices were, I just don't like knowing for sure, you know? Alluding is one thing, but knowing is another entirely.
And another thing that I didn't mention but feel like doing here is that there were quite a few deaths! These vampires are not always the kind hearted ones we see usually. They kill. Sometimes with intent and sometimes accidentally as well. Just a little something to throw out there!
Overall, it was a decent read. I enjoyed it all for the most part. The pacing was good, at times it was a mite slow, as it was told in third person from many characters' points of view. Which always lets you know what's happening and with whom. I was hoping for a little more terror, if not horror. The other two novels I read did scare me quite a bit while reading during those summer nights! Yeah, not recommending do that again, but I loved the thrill of the terror I got! Here, I didn't get that really. But it was still a decent read. Sort of another book that sets the course for Urban Fantasy reads...minus the kickbutt heroine and the ultra dreamy vampire man. He's dreamy, but he and the rest of them are still killers.
So would I recommend this one? Totally! If it sounds like one you might like to read, definitely give it a try! I was actually debating if I wanted to put this one in my Halloween giveaway next month, but I am not sure yet. What do you guys think? If you've lasted this long with my review--kudos to you and a virtual, imaginary cookie--would you consider reading this one if it was given to you?
verall Rating 4/5 stars
February 25, 2021
Candle Bay has the trappings of a bad 80s horror movie and a few of the characters are slightly over the top. It's a vampire romance, heavy on the vampire, and gory on the romance side. The Darlings manage a stately hotel and spa and they are all very good looking vampires. Stephen, Natasha, Orion, Lucy and Ivy all have a role to fulfill and they do it in a unique fashion. Julian Valentyn is the vampire who holds the secrets and who takes center stage in this story. He makes references to "the father" that become clear as the story goes on. Stephen Darling catches the eye of the new front desk clerk, Amanda, but so does Julian. The story is a good one, but there are too many secondary characters to keep track of and too many POV. Some of the storylines are gruesome, particularly those of the evil twin sisters, but Natasha the Feminazi had to have been the worst. When the secrets of the hotel start to emerge and other vampires want to claim them for themselves, the past is going to be revealed. The ending came a little too quickly and with little satisfaction. Perhaps there is more for Stephen and Amanda, after the kiss. Jamison Lee Walker does a good job as the narrator. You definitely know when he is speaking as a vampire!
dnf
April 17, 2025I think I would have finished this and liked it more if the story focused on only Natasha and Stephen.
Instead we get way too many characters, way too many different POVs and way too much throwing the word slut around to describe female characters that it all begins to become too much and not in a good or fun way.
Instead we get way too many characters, way too many different POVs and way too much throwing the word slut around to describe female characters that it all begins to become too much and not in a good or fun way.
January 1, 2020
3.9 stars!
I underestimate Tamara Thorne every time. I expect a cheesy romance masquerading itself as horror. No, Thorne is the real deal. Creepy vampire story. Radio station DJ interludes were priceless.
Welcome addition to any vampire horror collection.
I underestimate Tamara Thorne every time. I expect a cheesy romance masquerading itself as horror. No, Thorne is the real deal. Creepy vampire story. Radio station DJ interludes were priceless.
Welcome addition to any vampire horror collection.
July 29, 2025
I love the writing style, plot, and characters of this book, but the ending was quite disappointing, it felt like lighting a firework only for it to be a dud. Literally everything I enjoyed except the ending. I’m trying to find a sequel but I can’t.
August 17, 2025
very fun! loved the scooby doo aspects of the book like the body moving around. really enjoyed costal Eddie's bits and that we got to meet him as a character. actually liked that there wasn't much spice. it felt very real and enjoyable.
did-not-finish
September 28, 2020Got to page 312 and just could not force myself to keep going. Characters are all getting on my nerves, especially the twins. There are other books I would rather be reading.
October 12, 2020
Fun world building and characters. The climax was a bit quick and the romance and ending were a bit meh.
November 25, 2020
A fun ride
Really interesting vampire tale with great characters- some you really, really love to hate. Entertaining and well paced- definitely worth a read!
Really interesting vampire tale with great characters- some you really, really love to hate. Entertaining and well paced- definitely worth a read!
December 17, 2023
Didn't quite grab me until the end, but still fun
December 17, 2023
Took a minute to get there, but a nice solid climax
November 17, 2023
Very Anne Rice! I loved it
September 18, 2014
This book is about vampires. True born vampires and human vampires.
Julian, a true blood and maybe a bad guy, has this potion/elixir that heals humans, lets true blood vampires walk in the sunlight and kind of turns human vampires crazy. So, he trades some of it to the Darlings, a family of human vampires, so he can stay at their hotel. Because there's some treasure under their hotel that he needs. The Darlings all start going crazy, except for Ivor because he's paranoid. Yay for paranoia, apparently. Also, the hotel has a new concierge, Amanda. Julian thinks she is his lost love reincarnated, but she has the hots for Stephan Darling and thinks Julian is creepy.
I liked this book, up until the end. It didn't give me much closure. I know what happened to two characters after a big fight with a big baddie. What happened to everyone else? There were deaths, how were those handled?
Good book other than that.
Julian, a true blood and maybe a bad guy, has this potion/elixir that heals humans, lets true blood vampires walk in the sunlight and kind of turns human vampires crazy. So, he trades some of it to the Darlings, a family of human vampires, so he can stay at their hotel. Because there's some treasure under their hotel that he needs. The Darlings all start going crazy, except for Ivor because he's paranoid. Yay for paranoia, apparently. Also, the hotel has a new concierge, Amanda. Julian thinks she is his lost love reincarnated, but she has the hots for Stephan Darling and thinks Julian is creepy.
I liked this book, up until the end. It didn't give me much closure. I know what happened to two characters after a big fight with a big baddie. What happened to everyone else? There were deaths, how were those handled?
Good book other than that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2012
Well, I think the fact that it took me nearly 2 months to read this one should be an indication of how much I liked it. And if it wasn't, I was sur eto give it only 2 stars. I enjoyed most of the book, was ever sure I would finish it rather quickly, but by the midway point I found the story slacking off. I wasn't thrilled with it to say the least. I wish it had been better.
Maybe some time in the future I will try ot give another one Of Thorne's books a go, but at this time I am not wholly impressed with her style or wtiting. Maybe in the future, though.
Maybe some time in the future I will try ot give another one Of Thorne's books a go, but at this time I am not wholly impressed with her style or wtiting. Maybe in the future, though.
February 5, 2016
While I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it. It had some good elements, especially the mythology of vampires, which was the best plot element. The writing was decent and the story was good but it seemed too riddled with cliches and the characters all seemed flat and one dimensional. I would have loved to have had the characters be more complex, it would have made the story more engaging. overall, a decent read for those who like vampire fiction, but it needed a little more.
June 24, 2016
I'm not into the current vampire craze, but I enjoyed this horror story about vampire/human hybrids running a hotel in Candle Bay, CA. There's the typical Thorne sex and humor involved. Almost as good as Haunted.
June 29, 2016
I have never been interested in vampires. Then I read this gem by Tamara Thorne. I read it in about three sittings. A wonderful take on an old genre. The characters were delicious and the story addicting. Looking forward to the sequel that is currently in the works. Bring on more of the Darlings!
May 31, 2008
Great campy vampire fiction. Perfect for a day at the beach.
March 30, 2009
Got this saved for you too.This hotel is full of those pesky,sexy vampire`s & one wittle human...lol...*smack`s blood smeared lip`s* lmao
April 22, 2018
Great book
This is my second time reading this and it drew
Me in again. Great pacing and storytelling. Love Tamara Thorne books.
This is my second time reading this and it drew
Me in again. Great pacing and storytelling. Love Tamara Thorne books.
November 3, 2012
Vampires! What a scary and addictive escape. You put it down but keep going back.
February 19, 2013
Easy vampire read, fun! And I'm not usually a vampire fan.
August 16, 2013
book would have gotten 3 stars if ending wasnt so weak
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