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MacNachton Vampires #2
Highland Vampire
Let these seductive tales of everlasting romance transport you to a world where the most dangerous desires awaken after dark. . .
"Kiss of the Vampire," Hannah Howell
Seeking the truth of his tortured heritage at court, Jankyn McNachton finds something he never expected--true desire. Efrica Callan is beautiful, innocent, and possessed of a courageous heart. She spurns the men who court her dowry, but all Jankyn can offer this lovely creature of light is life in the darkness--and in his arms. . .
"His Eternal Bride," Adrienne Basso
Suspecting her of murdering her husband, Callum, on their wedding night, Maev McCloskey's clan has banished her to a remote tower. There, she dreams of her dead love--and the passion they never knew in life. But soon she wonders if the seductive, mysterious Callum of her sleeping mind is real--and, if he is, whether joining him in his world would be an act of courage. . .or of madness. . .
"To Tame the Beast," Deborah Raleigh
In revenge for the curse that has forever banished him to the shadows, the creature called the Beast of MacDonnell demands the firstborn female child of each generation. Isobella's sister is soon to suffer this fate--unless Isobella can save her. Unafraid, she intends to confront the monster when she finds a strange man instead: a warrior with the face of an angel and mesmerizing silver eyes who tempts her like no other. . .
"Kiss of the Vampire," Hannah Howell
Seeking the truth of his tortured heritage at court, Jankyn McNachton finds something he never expected--true desire. Efrica Callan is beautiful, innocent, and possessed of a courageous heart. She spurns the men who court her dowry, but all Jankyn can offer this lovely creature of light is life in the darkness--and in his arms. . .
"His Eternal Bride," Adrienne Basso
Suspecting her of murdering her husband, Callum, on their wedding night, Maev McCloskey's clan has banished her to a remote tower. There, she dreams of her dead love--and the passion they never knew in life. But soon she wonders if the seductive, mysterious Callum of her sleeping mind is real--and, if he is, whether joining him in his world would be an act of courage. . .or of madness. . .
"To Tame the Beast," Deborah Raleigh
In revenge for the curse that has forever banished him to the shadows, the creature called the Beast of MacDonnell demands the firstborn female child of each generation. Isobella's sister is soon to suffer this fate--unless Isobella can save her. Unafraid, she intends to confront the monster when she finds a strange man instead: a warrior with the face of an angel and mesmerizing silver eyes who tempts her like no other. . .
335 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
114 people are currently reading
1561 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,642 followersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 5, 2010
"His Eternal Bride"-4 stars
awesome story about a Highland warrior who unwittingly attracts the attention of a female vampire-she takes him from his new wife on their wedding night, and turns him, but his wife gets blamed and banished for his murder, and subsequent rising from the grave.
Callum then searches for his beloved until he finds her in exile, and turns her.
"To Tame the Beast"-4 stars
great short about a vengeance obsessed vampire who takes the eldest daughter of the clan that wronged him from every generation (and has for 200 years) and that is his revenge against the cowardly Foster clan for killing him.
The younger daughter of the Foster laird gets pissed that none of the so-called warriors of the clan will even attempt to save her big sis. Super cute story-loved it!
Kiss of the Vampire by Hannah Howell-3.5
It was better than the "Nightriders" but still only good-not great.
I really don't like how the entire series is done in short stories and anthologies.
This review is for the whole series:
I think the world built is cool-Hello?! Highland Vampires? fantastic!!!
But I think the writing is merely good, and the plot is good, but nothing so great I want to buy the whole series-as it is I have 4 anthologies to read through now that I'm done with the Hannah Howell stories. ugh, anthologies are not my favorites.
I would call these stories fun, and easy reads where you know there won't be a huge plot twist or really intricate plot or villain. The longest I've seen is only about 150 pages!
So, short, sweet, not always to the point, and I'd say they are for when you need a quick read that you know will have a HEA.
awesome story about a Highland warrior who unwittingly attracts the attention of a female vampire-she takes him from his new wife on their wedding night, and turns him, but his wife gets blamed and banished for his murder, and subsequent rising from the grave.
Callum then searches for his beloved until he finds her in exile, and turns her.
"To Tame the Beast"-4 stars
great short about a vengeance obsessed vampire who takes the eldest daughter of the clan that wronged him from every generation (and has for 200 years) and that is his revenge against the cowardly Foster clan for killing him.
The younger daughter of the Foster laird gets pissed that none of the so-called warriors of the clan will even attempt to save her big sis. Super cute story-loved it!
Kiss of the Vampire by Hannah Howell-3.5
It was better than the "Nightriders" but still only good-not great.
I really don't like how the entire series is done in short stories and anthologies.
This review is for the whole series:
I think the world built is cool-Hello?! Highland Vampires? fantastic!!!
But I think the writing is merely good, and the plot is good, but nothing so great I want to buy the whole series-as it is I have 4 anthologies to read through now that I'm done with the Hannah Howell stories. ugh, anthologies are not my favorites.
I would call these stories fun, and easy reads where you know there won't be a huge plot twist or really intricate plot or villain. The longest I've seen is only about 150 pages!
So, short, sweet, not always to the point, and I'd say they are for when you need a quick read that you know will have a HEA.
August 17, 2010
Highlanders AND vampires?
I thought this would have been an automatic win for me based on the title alone. Unfortanately, that just wasn't the case.
The first story, Kiss of the Vampire was dreadful.
The Scottish burr in the first story was one of the most awkward things I've read in a long time. The most uncomfortable example was use of the word "mon" for "man."
What is this, Jamaica? Ugh. Total fail.
The third story, To Tame the Beast was also pretty lame.
However, the second story, His Eternal Bride was my favorite of the three and the only one worth reading, in my opinion.
******spoiler*******
When the groom is murdered on their wedding night, how does this young couple find their happily ever after?
Why, vampirism, of course!
But not before she is blamed for the murder and banished from her clan. Forced to flee, she lives in a remote, rustic tower with her mom for three years.
He'd been told by the jealous, female vampire that had chosen him for a mate that his lovely wife had died that night. However, once he finally realizes she is still alive, he goes to her in the night and pretends to be a ghost so they can fool around.
When he breaks the news to her that he's not a ghost, he's actually undead, she is horrified but gets over it pretty quickly and decides that she'll take him any which way she can.
The two of them abandon the remote tower she's been squatting in over the past several years and take up residence in an abandoned castle that he has had renovated.
In the end he bites and turns her and they presumably live happily ever after.
I know it sounds super ooky but it was actually quite good. I might actually seek something out by the author of the second story in the future. But I'd probably pass on the other two without a strong recommendation from someone who also shares my love of highlanders AND vampires. :)~
I thought this would have been an automatic win for me based on the title alone. Unfortanately, that just wasn't the case.
The first story, Kiss of the Vampire was dreadful.
The Scottish burr in the first story was one of the most awkward things I've read in a long time. The most uncomfortable example was use of the word "mon" for "man."
What is this, Jamaica? Ugh. Total fail.
The third story, To Tame the Beast was also pretty lame.
However, the second story, His Eternal Bride was my favorite of the three and the only one worth reading, in my opinion.
******spoiler*******
When the groom is murdered on their wedding night, how does this young couple find their happily ever after?
Why, vampirism, of course!
But not before she is blamed for the murder and banished from her clan. Forced to flee, she lives in a remote, rustic tower with her mom for three years.
He'd been told by the jealous, female vampire that had chosen him for a mate that his lovely wife had died that night. However, once he finally realizes she is still alive, he goes to her in the night and pretends to be a ghost so they can fool around.
When he breaks the news to her that he's not a ghost, he's actually undead, she is horrified but gets over it pretty quickly and decides that she'll take him any which way she can.
The two of them abandon the remote tower she's been squatting in over the past several years and take up residence in an abandoned castle that he has had renovated.
In the end he bites and turns her and they presumably live happily ever after.
I know it sounds super ooky but it was actually quite good. I might actually seek something out by the author of the second story in the future. But I'd probably pass on the other two without a strong recommendation from someone who also shares my love of highlanders AND vampires. :)~
July 25, 2010
"Kiss of the Vampire," by Hannah Howell is a 2-star read. Highly disappointed in it, actually, especially since this author is headlining the anthology. The characters were flat, the idea of the vampire clan of McNaughtons living in caves ludicrous, the feline ancestry of the female lead, the horrible in-your-face Scottish accents. I was glad when it ended.
"His Eternal Bride" by Adrienne Basso is well worth 5-stars, particularly when I had to pull the tissues out at a particularly poignant scene. It is very few stories that make me tear up, and this one did. Lovely, lovely, lovely. (And I didn't cry over the guy.)
"To Tame the Beast" by Deborah Raleigh is a 4-star vampire ghost story about an ages-old curse of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. The ghost story element gave it a fairy tale feel that was unique and unexpected. Solid ending to a nice set of stories.
"His Eternal Bride" by Adrienne Basso is well worth 5-stars, particularly when I had to pull the tissues out at a particularly poignant scene. It is very few stories that make me tear up, and this one did. Lovely, lovely, lovely. (And I didn't cry over the guy.)
"To Tame the Beast" by Deborah Raleigh is a 4-star vampire ghost story about an ages-old curse of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. The ghost story element gave it a fairy tale feel that was unique and unexpected. Solid ending to a nice set of stories.
November 3, 2016
Kiss of the Vampire – Hannah Howell
Setting: Scotland – 1478 – Cambrun castle – where court hanging out; flower garden, his room, her room, hallways, library; Macnaughton’ s castle and caves;
Theme: love and sacrifice;
Characters:
Jankyn MacNaughton: vampire – though not quite Pureblood; takes blood (animal?) in his wine; honorable; at court to find his son a bride; we catch him looking at the flower garden from the safety of the window – because he likes flowers; attracted lots of female attention, and in the beginning he didn’t say no – but got tired of the the meaningless encountgers.
Efrica Callan: clan that is conscientiously breeding out their shapeshifting abilities; she is at court to find a husband; preternaturally fast, nails lengthen, strong; she attracts the attention of the wrong men – but also attracts Jankyn’s regard;
David / Mistress Fiona: David woes Fiona – hoping she can accept what he is… and she does; he sees the love between Efrica and Jankyn, and pushes each to the other…
Sir Lachlan Armstrong / Thomas Oliphant: impoverished nobility – decide to rape Efrica so she is forced to marry one of them… and the married one to share her dowry; and attack Jankyn… and spread rumors.
Lady Eleanor MacBean: ‘did not like it when some other woman drew men’s interest away from her’; her ‘less than subtle invitation to indulge in a night of lechery.’ Unhappy that Jankyn won’t fall to her charms any more, she sets out to make trouble… encouraging the other two to attack Efrica –
Cathal MacNachton and wife: have their 2nd set of twins, and the Purebloods more supportive of him;
Summary: Efrica, knowing of the MacNaughtons, knows logically that he is not for her – she wants the sunlight, she wants children, she doesn’t want to grow old while he doesn’t… but she is drawn to him … she helps him gain access to geneology/history via her uncle… and he helps her out against the gruesome twosome… and they agree to be lovers… and they fall in love… but he nobly leaves her, when the rumors of his differentness are spreading (not out during day, does not eat, etc)… and she follows him – having just determined she is pregnant.
His Eternal Bride – Adrienne Basso
Setting: 1321 / Scottish Highlands;
Theme: overcoming huge obstacles to live lotheir love;
Characters:
Callum McGinnis: nephew of the clan leader; powerful warrior; honorable; loves gentle Maev whom he has known since childhood;
Maev McClosky: gentle but strong spirit; abandoned as an infant, unknown who her parents are; raised by a widow, but other viewed suspiciously by others; engaged to Callum, whom she loves dearly; she enjoys making out with Callum, but wants to be a virgin for their marriage;
Anaxandra / Randulf: vampires; she is strong and curious and knows no boundaries;
Summary:
Anaxandra wants to know if the Scottish are as fierce warriors as she’s heard, so she checks out a skirmish, and is fascinated by Callum and his prowess… she follows him to the hall… he is drinking a bit too much because of victory… he leaves hall to go to the bathroom, and she intercepts him… using her wiles, and her mind control, she tries to seduce him… he is a passive participant, a bit befuddled, but pulls back when he hears Maev’s voice… Maev can tell something was going on, but he smooths things over, and is genuine in his love for Maev; they get married 6 weeks later… but when he takes her to his room, too late he senses the threat… and two days later they break down to door, and find lots of blood – and Callum dead, and Efrica almost dead…
And when Callum’s body is missing before being buried – they blame Efrica as a sorceress – and they banish her to a run down, abandoned house in the mountains – her mother going with her… for 3 years they barely survive, isolated… and then she starts to have dreams of Callum…
Anaxandra had turned Callum vampire (and apparently had sex?)… he did other things he was not proud of, but has learned to control his need for human blood… he thought Efrica dead…he has been restoring a small, abandoned castle in a remote area of other castoffs… he accidently runs across Efrica, just as her mother is dying; at first he allows her to think he is a ghost… then they touch… and when they start to make love, he knows he must tell her the truth… she accepts him… they go to his castle… and after a bit, she wants to be fully with him… and asks that he turn her…
They need a couple of pounds of her native soil… she finds her strength on English soil… they are attacked by Anaxandra… Callum is stunned, Efrica is left to fight her, and somehow pushes her into the sunlight and she burns to death…
To Tame the Beast – DeborahRaleigh:
Setting:
Castle; forest; misted forest and his home; cottage he grew up in;
Theme: vengeance; betrayal; power of love; forgiveness;
Characters:
Bane, scourge of MacDonnell, Beast of MacDonnell: 200 years earlier, a bard who loved a woman, who ended up preferring the Foster laird, who had money and power; the laird of the lord; and the woman sent him a note to meet him in the woods, and the Lord sent his men to kill him… and they did a thorough job… and perhaps with the aid of a witch, perhaps a genetic disposition, perhaps his great anger, was raised as a vampire who took the oldest Foster daughter for his own, each generation; he lives in the forest, where the witch keeps in mist so he can move around day or night; he mesmerizes those he takes blood from and they don’t remember what happened… he mesmerizes the Foster daughters when the time comes, so they feel no fear… but apparently he does kill them… the Fosters are not honorable, even 200 years later – and are willing to sacrifice their daughters…
Isobella Foster: 2nd daughter; runs the castle; fearless and strong; expects to be a spinster; cannot stand that her father and his men are going to meekly let her sister sacrifice herself… and she decides to go after the beast herself; she has the honor and honesty that her family does not;
Katherine Foster: oldest sister; raised knowing what was expected of her and has accepted it; she wants Isobelle to stay out of things; she is attracted to the town blacksmith…
Foster laird : weak willed, for generations;
Summary: Bane is fascinated by Isobella; she assumes he is a companion to the Beast as he is soooo handsome; he wipes her memory of him the first night (where they shared a kiss), returning her to her bed… but he is fixated on her, and feels her… she pieces together most of what happened the night before… and seeks him out again… after a few meanings, she figures out he is the Beast… and his story of betrayed love… and after a conversation at the cottage with the witch, believes she can free the curse of the Beast by her sacrifice… he comes to her at the cottage as soon as he can… they make glorious love all night long… she returns to say goodby to her sister, and takes herself into the woods to kill herself and free Bane… not knowing he is already freed by her love/// she stabs herself… he comes to her… they exchange words of love… he asks if he can turn her and save her life… and she says yes, she wants to be with him always.
Setting: Scotland – 1478 – Cambrun castle – where court hanging out; flower garden, his room, her room, hallways, library; Macnaughton’ s castle and caves;
Theme: love and sacrifice;
Characters:
Jankyn MacNaughton: vampire – though not quite Pureblood; takes blood (animal?) in his wine; honorable; at court to find his son a bride; we catch him looking at the flower garden from the safety of the window – because he likes flowers; attracted lots of female attention, and in the beginning he didn’t say no – but got tired of the the meaningless encountgers.
Efrica Callan: clan that is conscientiously breeding out their shapeshifting abilities; she is at court to find a husband; preternaturally fast, nails lengthen, strong; she attracts the attention of the wrong men – but also attracts Jankyn’s regard;
David / Mistress Fiona: David woes Fiona – hoping she can accept what he is… and she does; he sees the love between Efrica and Jankyn, and pushes each to the other…
Sir Lachlan Armstrong / Thomas Oliphant: impoverished nobility – decide to rape Efrica so she is forced to marry one of them… and the married one to share her dowry; and attack Jankyn… and spread rumors.
Lady Eleanor MacBean: ‘did not like it when some other woman drew men’s interest away from her’; her ‘less than subtle invitation to indulge in a night of lechery.’ Unhappy that Jankyn won’t fall to her charms any more, she sets out to make trouble… encouraging the other two to attack Efrica –
Cathal MacNachton and wife: have their 2nd set of twins, and the Purebloods more supportive of him;
Summary: Efrica, knowing of the MacNaughtons, knows logically that he is not for her – she wants the sunlight, she wants children, she doesn’t want to grow old while he doesn’t… but she is drawn to him … she helps him gain access to geneology/history via her uncle… and he helps her out against the gruesome twosome… and they agree to be lovers… and they fall in love… but he nobly leaves her, when the rumors of his differentness are spreading (not out during day, does not eat, etc)… and she follows him – having just determined she is pregnant.
His Eternal Bride – Adrienne Basso
Setting: 1321 / Scottish Highlands;
Theme: overcoming huge obstacles to live lotheir love;
Characters:
Callum McGinnis: nephew of the clan leader; powerful warrior; honorable; loves gentle Maev whom he has known since childhood;
Maev McClosky: gentle but strong spirit; abandoned as an infant, unknown who her parents are; raised by a widow, but other viewed suspiciously by others; engaged to Callum, whom she loves dearly; she enjoys making out with Callum, but wants to be a virgin for their marriage;
Anaxandra / Randulf: vampires; she is strong and curious and knows no boundaries;
Summary:
Anaxandra wants to know if the Scottish are as fierce warriors as she’s heard, so she checks out a skirmish, and is fascinated by Callum and his prowess… she follows him to the hall… he is drinking a bit too much because of victory… he leaves hall to go to the bathroom, and she intercepts him… using her wiles, and her mind control, she tries to seduce him… he is a passive participant, a bit befuddled, but pulls back when he hears Maev’s voice… Maev can tell something was going on, but he smooths things over, and is genuine in his love for Maev; they get married 6 weeks later… but when he takes her to his room, too late he senses the threat… and two days later they break down to door, and find lots of blood – and Callum dead, and Efrica almost dead…
And when Callum’s body is missing before being buried – they blame Efrica as a sorceress – and they banish her to a run down, abandoned house in the mountains – her mother going with her… for 3 years they barely survive, isolated… and then she starts to have dreams of Callum…
Anaxandra had turned Callum vampire (and apparently had sex?)… he did other things he was not proud of, but has learned to control his need for human blood… he thought Efrica dead…he has been restoring a small, abandoned castle in a remote area of other castoffs… he accidently runs across Efrica, just as her mother is dying; at first he allows her to think he is a ghost… then they touch… and when they start to make love, he knows he must tell her the truth… she accepts him… they go to his castle… and after a bit, she wants to be fully with him… and asks that he turn her…
They need a couple of pounds of her native soil… she finds her strength on English soil… they are attacked by Anaxandra… Callum is stunned, Efrica is left to fight her, and somehow pushes her into the sunlight and she burns to death…
To Tame the Beast – DeborahRaleigh:
Setting:
Castle; forest; misted forest and his home; cottage he grew up in;
Theme: vengeance; betrayal; power of love; forgiveness;
Characters:
Bane, scourge of MacDonnell, Beast of MacDonnell: 200 years earlier, a bard who loved a woman, who ended up preferring the Foster laird, who had money and power; the laird of the lord; and the woman sent him a note to meet him in the woods, and the Lord sent his men to kill him… and they did a thorough job… and perhaps with the aid of a witch, perhaps a genetic disposition, perhaps his great anger, was raised as a vampire who took the oldest Foster daughter for his own, each generation; he lives in the forest, where the witch keeps in mist so he can move around day or night; he mesmerizes those he takes blood from and they don’t remember what happened… he mesmerizes the Foster daughters when the time comes, so they feel no fear… but apparently he does kill them… the Fosters are not honorable, even 200 years later – and are willing to sacrifice their daughters…
Isobella Foster: 2nd daughter; runs the castle; fearless and strong; expects to be a spinster; cannot stand that her father and his men are going to meekly let her sister sacrifice herself… and she decides to go after the beast herself; she has the honor and honesty that her family does not;
Katherine Foster: oldest sister; raised knowing what was expected of her and has accepted it; she wants Isobelle to stay out of things; she is attracted to the town blacksmith…
Foster laird : weak willed, for generations;
Summary: Bane is fascinated by Isobella; she assumes he is a companion to the Beast as he is soooo handsome; he wipes her memory of him the first night (where they shared a kiss), returning her to her bed… but he is fixated on her, and feels her… she pieces together most of what happened the night before… and seeks him out again… after a few meanings, she figures out he is the Beast… and his story of betrayed love… and after a conversation at the cottage with the witch, believes she can free the curse of the Beast by her sacrifice… he comes to her at the cottage as soon as he can… they make glorious love all night long… she returns to say goodby to her sister, and takes herself into the woods to kill herself and free Bane… not knowing he is already freed by her love/// she stabs herself… he comes to her… they exchange words of love… he asks if he can turn her and save her life… and she says yes, she wants to be with him always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2021
This book consists of three paranormal romance stories, all set in medieval Scotland. I don’t normally read paranormal fiction, so I don’t have much to compare this to. However, it was an enjoyable escape from today’s political turmoil and social upheaval. I like that the authors made a point of using multiple types of settings to show what Scotland was like back then.
February 5, 2011
Adrienne's story was very origial and that is always a plus in my book. I do wish she would have extracted some revenge on the idiotic villagers that condemed her and her mother to live shunned in such a dismal hut. It certainly was not her fault that her husband had died on their wedding night by a jealous vampire. I did like how she was happy to spend time with him later even though she though he was just a fragment of her imagination. soo good and a happy ending to boot :) I kind of wonder why he didn't get a daoctor for her mother though. With all of his resourses it seems like he could have at least tried to keep her from dying.
Deborah's story was cute, but a little rushed. I like the sacrafice she made at the end, but up until that point I was more than a little fuzzy about the curse, and what exactly it entailed. Did he kill the women? Was he forced to, and how? still pretty decent story.
Hannah's story was up to her standards which makes it a solid sizzling read. It always takes me a bit to get used to the irish brogue, but then I was entranced. I like the whole concept of the vampire gene weakening through each generation and how she had to track him down to tell him she was pregnant. loved it :)
Deborah's story was cute, but a little rushed. I like the sacrafice she made at the end, but up until that point I was more than a little fuzzy about the curse, and what exactly it entailed. Did he kill the women? Was he forced to, and how? still pretty decent story.
Hannah's story was up to her standards which makes it a solid sizzling read. It always takes me a bit to get used to the irish brogue, but then I was entranced. I like the whole concept of the vampire gene weakening through each generation and how she had to track him down to tell him she was pregnant. loved it :)
September 7, 2011
I purchased this book because I was interested in reading a story by Hannah Howell. Anthologies are a good way to get an idea of the author and their writing. Sadly, I was not impressed. The story by Hannah Howell was just okay. I did enjoy the story by Adrienne Bass "The Eternal Bride". I think one of the big problems for me was the dialogue in Hannah's story. I know that she was trying to represent the language of the day, but it just kept interfering with my enjoyment of the novel. The second story made reading the novel well worth it.
May 25, 2015
3rd story tho
July 2, 2025
Kiss of the Vampire by Hannah Howell 3.5 Stars!This was cute! I liked seeing more Jankyn and Efrica after meeting them in The Eternal Highlander . I did laugh because everyone was like "you do realize we have eyes and can see you love each other, right?" And Effie and Jankyn were just "Oh no, that's not what this is, I promise!" I did wish this had been a bit longer because there was clearly stuff going on with Eleanor thinking she was more than she was and that kind of got glossed over after Jankyn and David took care of the 4 assassins. I also would have liked more on Jankyn's history since he clearly found stuff out.
His Eternal Bride by Adrienne Basso 4 Stars!This definitely needed to be longer! Anaxandra was clearly a no-good lying witch who took everything she wanted without regard to anyone else, including Randulf who was apparently the only one who may have truly cared for her. But it would have been interesting to see more of her story but also how Callum handled things in the time before he went back for Maeve. I did think it was sad that rather than comforting Maeve, who'd basically lost everything when Callum "died", they're just like "well we never liked you anyway, so begone!" Granted, the situation made things a little difficult but still. Bright(?) side is that it meant when she made her choice to be with Callum, there wasn't really anything to hold her back. I liked that once she got over the shock of Callum's return/what he was, she was set on making sure she didn't have to lose him again all that easily.
To Tame the Beast by Deborah Raleigh 4 Stars!I think this might have been my favorite of these stories. I liked the threads of Beauty and the Beast that were there and the fact Isobella wanted to save her sister. I wanted this to be longer because I wanted more on Bane's past and the woman who betrayed him, his connection to the witch, his "power" and everything. I wanted more on Isobella and the reasons her father so clearly didn't care for her beyond his being a drunk. Really, I just wanted more! I did kind of laugh at the end when Isobella made her decision because yes, she was trying to be a martyr because she didn't stop to think what things meant, but also the conversation between she and Bane when he was looking for her consent/permission was kind of hilarious (I probably shouldn't be laughing at the scene, but it was kind of funny because Bane was calling her an idiot and she's like "oh I never thought about it like that").
April 6, 2020
Bought this pb years ago and only read the last story in the the set. It’s great. Romantic and sweet. I picked it up again because I’m reading the McNaughton vampires series which is the first story. I then decided to read the whole book. The 1st story and last are definitely worth the read, but Adrienne Basso’s story was a zero for me. If you read, read it knowing the hero is a cheating douche.
Callum and his wife Maev are attacked on their wedding day by a vampiress, Alexandra, and her male vampire assistant/companion. (This is a few weeks after Maev catches Callum kissing the vampiress.) Maev is left for dead. Callum is dead. His body goes missing after he is buried...Maev is blamed for both his murder and stealing his corpse and is banished along with her mom. Meanwhile, Callum apparently awakens as a vampire and immediately becomes the lover of vampiress he thinks killed his wife. The reader learns this how? Maev asks him if he was faithful and he doesn’t even sugarcoat it. He admits that yes he’d been Alexandras lover but they were no longer together 😳. Yes, he just baldly admits his cheating to his wife who he claimed to love who was beaten, left for dead, falsely accused, banished and whose only relative and person who loved/loyal to her is dying...Wow! What a guy. He notes he thought Maev dead but he admits it was only after he learns she didn’t die that he went looking for her. The author brushes past his history but really....I didn’t feel a connection there. He obviously doesn’t care about Maev. He finds her in the woods (3 years later !), starving, freezing and emotionally broken. Her mother is dying. She has no one. Oh and her mother wanted a priest...he offers to go get one but when Maev says she’ll do it, he quickly agreed that Maev should go, knowing if seen she would be killed. She couldn’t get the priest to come so she holds her mother, alone, while she dies. Callum doesn’t show until after Maev has buried her mother. 🤬 she agrees to stay with him. But really what choice does she have? This was not an HEA but Maev’s desperation to not be alone. My heart broke for her. While Callum constants swears his love, he never once showed even basic caring toward Maev.
Callum and his wife Maev are attacked on their wedding day by a vampiress, Alexandra, and her male vampire assistant/companion. (This is a few weeks after Maev catches Callum kissing the vampiress.) Maev is left for dead. Callum is dead. His body goes missing after he is buried...Maev is blamed for both his murder and stealing his corpse and is banished along with her mom. Meanwhile, Callum apparently awakens as a vampire and immediately becomes the lover of vampiress he thinks killed his wife. The reader learns this how? Maev asks him if he was faithful and he doesn’t even sugarcoat it. He admits that yes he’d been Alexandras lover but they were no longer together 😳. Yes, he just baldly admits his cheating to his wife who he claimed to love who was beaten, left for dead, falsely accused, banished and whose only relative and person who loved/loyal to her is dying...Wow! What a guy. He notes he thought Maev dead but he admits it was only after he learns she didn’t die that he went looking for her. The author brushes past his history but really....I didn’t feel a connection there. He obviously doesn’t care about Maev. He finds her in the woods (3 years later !), starving, freezing and emotionally broken. Her mother is dying. She has no one. Oh and her mother wanted a priest...he offers to go get one but when Maev says she’ll do it, he quickly agreed that Maev should go, knowing if seen she would be killed. She couldn’t get the priest to come so she holds her mother, alone, while she dies. Callum doesn’t show until after Maev has buried her mother. 🤬 she agrees to stay with him. But really what choice does she have? This was not an HEA but Maev’s desperation to not be alone. My heart broke for her. While Callum constants swears his love, he never once showed even basic caring toward Maev.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
What an interesting down time to get transported away to the Highlands with romance and forbidden sex and descriptively not hidden by these three authors in their novellas about vampires particularly rugged and handsome males and their heroic, not whimpering, but beautiful female conquests! Efrica & Jankyn; Maev & Callum; and Isobella & Bane - oh the trials of being a vampire and after eons of loneliness finally finding their one true mate that is willing to make the sacrifice for eternal love .... anyone reading this might think 'too purile' .. but I found it a quick distraction from our reality that actually did make you want to read till the end to find out what happens !! And all the thick Scottish dialect really got you in the mood for a tumble in the heather or running through the misty woods !!!
December 21, 2021
Giving 3 out of 5 because of the one story I didn't care for...
1.) Hannah Howell never disappoints with a MacNachton story! Loved it!
2.) Adrienne Basso was a new author for me. I deeply disliked the story. It was heartbreaking and I didn't like the way the heroine was so "abused". Not a fan at all!
3. Deborah Raleigh was another new author, and on this one I was very pleasantly surprised! A very poignant read! Loved it!
1.) Hannah Howell never disappoints with a MacNachton story! Loved it!
2.) Adrienne Basso was a new author for me. I deeply disliked the story. It was heartbreaking and I didn't like the way the heroine was so "abused". Not a fan at all!
3. Deborah Raleigh was another new author, and on this one I was very pleasantly surprised! A very poignant read! Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2017
I loved Hannah Howell's Wherlocke series so I decided to try another one of her series. I discovered that I am not so much of a fan of the "creatures of the night" series. I liked each of the stories that were included in this book. But I am not dying to read the next book in the series as I was with the Wherlocke series.
June 9, 2020
I loved Jankyn and Efrica story. All the other stories in this book were good too. The fact that in His Eternal Bride a jealous vampire woman destroyed Maev life for a bit by taking her man away on their wedding night which was messed up but everything worked out at the end! I heard all of these story on the Hoopla app.
February 18, 2018
Ms Basso writes Vampires so well I want more . Like the MacNachtons a lot will be looking up their books as stand a lone for sure .I want to know the rest of the Clan now. Debra Raleigh beauty and the beast story was good it was told with a touch of Brave .
March 18, 2025
This is a collection of three stories:
Kiss of the Vampire by Hannah Howell - 3 stars
His Eternal Bride by Adrienne Basso - 4 stars
To Tame the Beast by Deborah Raleigh - 5 stars: This story was swoon-worthy! I loved it!!!
Kiss of the Vampire by Hannah Howell - 3 stars
His Eternal Bride by Adrienne Basso - 4 stars
To Tame the Beast by Deborah Raleigh - 5 stars: This story was swoon-worthy! I loved it!!!
July 8, 2017
I won a copy of this in a Giveaway! I read this years ago, but I love Hannah Howell's books so much I always enjoy rereading them!
September 4, 2017
Three stories about traditional vampires. First story a 5. Quick, easy read which I have pasted on to another person who likes these stories.
February 25, 2019
Once more Hannah Howell create a good paranormal fiction with lots of action, adventure, hot sex love forever... and a great author anthology collaboration
November 11, 2019
Great!
October 13, 2020
Enjoying
I am enjoying reading the McNaughton series although they are a bit of a tear jerker and a softy like me needed tissues
I am enjoying reading the McNaughton series although they are a bit of a tear jerker and a softy like me needed tissues
March 27, 2021
I'm only giving this book 2 stars for the Hannah Howard story. The second was ridiculous, and the third was just depressing remix of Beauty and the Beast.
April 4, 2021
The first and third novellas in this book were solid 3 stars. But the second one, His Eternal Bride, was my favorite 4 stars!
July 10, 2021
Book 2 in the series. Three really good stories. Just wish they bad been connected to the original story as I had come to expect after the first book. Definitely worth a read.
October 24, 2022
Only read/listened to the 1st book
May 9, 2023
I enjoyed it. It took a minute to adapt my thinking to the way it was written, but once I did, I enjoyed the stories.
May 22, 2023
1 star for substance. 5 stars for snarkability.
April 14, 2024
Short vampire stories, no bad.
May 19, 2021
AUDIOBOOK: Read 17 &18 May 2021
8hrs 27min
HAVE RETURNED IT
Narrator: Ruth Urquhart does a good job.
Very disapointing stories was expecting a lot more after 2 other books in the series.
8hrs 27min
HAVE RETURNED IT
Narrator: Ruth Urquhart does a good job.
Very disapointing stories was expecting a lot more after 2 other books in the series.
May 19, 2013
This book as you may guess comes in three stories. The first one is by Hannah Howell and its called Kiss of the Vampire. As you may guess these stories do consist of vampire, which i didnt know. Joking, of course, the title does give it an way.
Ive only read the first title, and already im being a critic. Nothing never changes! hha.
I do, I do love Hannah Howells books they are amazing, but its the names. where do you get these names from?
Main characters names in this book are Efrica Callan and Jankyn. Slightly strange wouldnt you say? because i do.
Anyways, its only the beginning so im not expecting too muc at the start. It seems to be a good book so far. Obviously i have to keep in mind its only going to be a short story.
I will be interesting to know if anyone is actually aware of the fact that Jankyn is a vampire or not.
--
Everyone has there own style when it comes to writing. Some its very imaginative, some its simple, some continues to be a mystery.
I do like, well i don’t know whether its because ive know read such a variety of books, that were as before i hadnt that i love Hannah Howell books. I couldnt get enough.
Her stories are amazing, they are definitely unique, its just he fact that this one seems a little mellow. Maybe i was right in saying before that i no longer find vampire books interesting. Im starting to realise that im more interested in reading in the shape shifting, the whole animal thing. Maybe ive just had my full of vampires that i can no longer enjoy them.
I do like this story, but there seems to be no spark.
Maybe im just losing my spark
--
Im still reading it, but its just going a wee slow, as im not currently feeling the vampires.
Suck my blood. OOOHOHHOHO YES PLEASE!!
he maybe a hunk and she maybe a sweet but im kinda already know where this story is going to lead, but i guess i could be wrong.
Will she follow him into the shadows, or will she decide to live a lonely life in the bright sunshine?
--
I have managed to finally finish the first story from this book. Two more to go!
Kiss of the Vampire is a good book. Good for just a little distraction, but not a book i would really recommend, due to the fact that i felt like i could have been better. It felt like to me it lacked something, but im not quite sure what it was lacking.
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that i already kind of knew how the story was going to end by just reading the first chapter.
The irresistible, cannot have guy, ends up being the guy she wants and needs.
The little scenes where you see into his struggles and how he feels about what he is, is interesting but like i said above it lacked something.
Ive only read the first title, and already im being a critic. Nothing never changes! hha.
I do, I do love Hannah Howells books they are amazing, but its the names. where do you get these names from?
Main characters names in this book are Efrica Callan and Jankyn. Slightly strange wouldnt you say? because i do.
Anyways, its only the beginning so im not expecting too muc at the start. It seems to be a good book so far. Obviously i have to keep in mind its only going to be a short story.
I will be interesting to know if anyone is actually aware of the fact that Jankyn is a vampire or not.
--
Everyone has there own style when it comes to writing. Some its very imaginative, some its simple, some continues to be a mystery.
I do like, well i don’t know whether its because ive know read such a variety of books, that were as before i hadnt that i love Hannah Howell books. I couldnt get enough.
Her stories are amazing, they are definitely unique, its just he fact that this one seems a little mellow. Maybe i was right in saying before that i no longer find vampire books interesting. Im starting to realise that im more interested in reading in the shape shifting, the whole animal thing. Maybe ive just had my full of vampires that i can no longer enjoy them.
I do like this story, but there seems to be no spark.
Maybe im just losing my spark
--
Im still reading it, but its just going a wee slow, as im not currently feeling the vampires.
Suck my blood. OOOHOHHOHO YES PLEASE!!
he maybe a hunk and she maybe a sweet but im kinda already know where this story is going to lead, but i guess i could be wrong.
Will she follow him into the shadows, or will she decide to live a lonely life in the bright sunshine?
--
I have managed to finally finish the first story from this book. Two more to go!
Kiss of the Vampire is a good book. Good for just a little distraction, but not a book i would really recommend, due to the fact that i felt like i could have been better. It felt like to me it lacked something, but im not quite sure what it was lacking.
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that i already kind of knew how the story was going to end by just reading the first chapter.
The irresistible, cannot have guy, ends up being the guy she wants and needs.
The little scenes where you see into his struggles and how he feels about what he is, is interesting but like i said above it lacked something.
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