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Half-Moon Hollow #1
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
9 hrs 10 mins
Iris Scanlon, Half-Moon Hollow’s only daytime vampire concierge, knows more about the undead than she’d like. Running all their daylight errands—from letting in the plumber to picking up some chilled O neg—gives her a look at the not-so-glamorous side of vampire life. Her rules are strict; relationships with vamps are strictly business, not friendship—and certainly not anything else. But then she finds her newest client, Cal, poisoned on his kitchen floor, and only Iris can help.
Cal - who would be devastatingly sexy, if Iris allowed herself to think that way - offers Iris a hefty fee for hiding him at her place until he figures out who wants him permanently dead. Even though he’s imperious, unfriendly and doesn't seem to understand the difference between "employee" and "servant," Iris agrees, and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules to help him - particularly those concerning nudity.
Turns out what her quiet little life needed was some intrigue & romance—in the form of her very own stray vampire.
Iris Scanlon, Half-Moon Hollow’s only daytime vampire concierge, knows more about the undead than she’d like. Running all their daylight errands—from letting in the plumber to picking up some chilled O neg—gives her a look at the not-so-glamorous side of vampire life. Her rules are strict; relationships with vamps are strictly business, not friendship—and certainly not anything else. But then she finds her newest client, Cal, poisoned on his kitchen floor, and only Iris can help.
Cal - who would be devastatingly sexy, if Iris allowed herself to think that way - offers Iris a hefty fee for hiding him at her place until he figures out who wants him permanently dead. Even though he’s imperious, unfriendly and doesn't seem to understand the difference between "employee" and "servant," Iris agrees, and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules to help him - particularly those concerning nudity.
Turns out what her quiet little life needed was some intrigue & romance—in the form of her very own stray vampire.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 31, 2012
403 people are currently reading
10008 people want to read
About the author
Molly Harper
61 books8,138 followersMolly Harper is the author of more than 40 romance titles including the Half-Moon Hollow series, the Mystic Bayou, the Starfall Point series, and her first murder mystery, A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR. She lives in Michigan with her family. For more information, go to www.mollyharper.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 941 reviews
July 13, 2015
Word on the mean streets (that's goodreads, just so you know) is that this book was funny, so I thought, "Okay, I'll bite."("I'll bite" <- see what I did there? It's a vampire book. I'm clever like that..)
This book is about a candy-addicted lady named Iris who runs daytime errands for creepy vampires. She is also raising her 17 year old sister, Gigi, after their parents died in a car accident. Not an easy task! Raising teenagers is not for the weak. I should know - I've raised three and barely made it out with my sanity. YES, I am still sane! The idea of a 29 year old being able to handle the conniving monstrosity that is a 17 year old girl is hilarious. Teenagers eat weakness for breakfast! But, Iris is no slacker.
I was going to have to pull some sort of Machiavellian parenting maneuver that kept her guessing about my next move and questioning my motivations. My last effort had involved a dummy Twitter account and a rented pickup truck.
Only one dummy Twitter account??? Amateur! I'm catfishing the hell out of my kids! *Evil laugh* Well, at least she's trying. That's cute.
So, upon showing up at a new client's house, Iris finds him sprawled on the floor, poisoned. He is in town investigating some tainted blood and now someone is trying to kill him. He pays Iris to let him stay with her and to hide him out. Of course, this starts up a romance and danger. Obviously!
This book is cute, light, and funny. Iris is neurotic, snarky, and smart. Cal is not as multi-dimensional as Iris, but better than some of the male love interests in these kind of books. We get to learn his backstory - that he was alive in the Trojan War. That was fun. Gigi, the sister, was a great side character. She was probably my favorite because she felt like a real person to me. She made wise cracking jokes, but also showed her vulnerable kid side. She tried to get away with things, but needed boundaries. She would be a teenager that I could like.
This book is about a candy-addicted lady named Iris who runs daytime errands for creepy vampires. She is also raising her 17 year old sister, Gigi, after their parents died in a car accident. Not an easy task! Raising teenagers is not for the weak. I should know - I've raised three and barely made it out with my sanity. YES, I am still sane! The idea of a 29 year old being able to handle the conniving monstrosity that is a 17 year old girl is hilarious. Teenagers eat weakness for breakfast! But, Iris is no slacker.
I was going to have to pull some sort of Machiavellian parenting maneuver that kept her guessing about my next move and questioning my motivations. My last effort had involved a dummy Twitter account and a rented pickup truck.
Only one dummy Twitter account??? Amateur! I'm catfishing the hell out of my kids! *Evil laugh* Well, at least she's trying. That's cute.
So, upon showing up at a new client's house, Iris finds him sprawled on the floor, poisoned. He is in town investigating some tainted blood and now someone is trying to kill him. He pays Iris to let him stay with her and to hide him out. Of course, this starts up a romance and danger. Obviously!
This book is cute, light, and funny. Iris is neurotic, snarky, and smart. Cal is not as multi-dimensional as Iris, but better than some of the male love interests in these kind of books. We get to learn his backstory - that he was alive in the Trojan War. That was fun. Gigi, the sister, was a great side character. She was probably my favorite because she felt like a real person to me. She made wise cracking jokes, but also showed her vulnerable kid side. She tried to get away with things, but needed boundaries. She would be a teenager that I could like.
September 21, 2013
My interest in a series tends to wane after the second or third book. It's not often that I'll get past the fifth book in a series, but here I am returning to Half Moon Hollow, KY for the sixth time and I'm still feeling the love.
I don't know how Molly Harper does it. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires follows the same basic pattern of all the Jane Jameson / Half Moon Hollow books and, some of her characters - particularly her male characters are cookie cutter similar.
But she writes women really well, and her particular brand of snarky, intelligent humor sucks me in every time, and I find I can forgive everything else.
I don't know how Molly Harper does it. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires follows the same basic pattern of all the Jane Jameson / Half Moon Hollow books and, some of her characters - particularly her male characters are cookie cutter similar.
But she writes women really well, and her particular brand of snarky, intelligent humor sucks me in every time, and I find I can forgive everything else.
June 9, 2022
In this cute return to Half Moon Hollow, Iris, friend of Jane Jameson, is a vampire assistant who takes care of personal tasks for the undead during the day. She comes across Cal after a murder attempt and winds up taking him home while he recuperates. I always enjoy Molly Harper’s blend of paranormal and humor. Cal and Iris have a cute romance as they work to figure out who’s behind the murder attempt and I enjoyed the family and friends relationships in this one, too. Go sisters!
August 4, 2015
If you're looking for a trope-free human & vampire PNR-
This is not it.
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is about vampire liaison/day-walker/botanist/single parent/small business owner Iris Scanlon. She has a rigid business only policy in dealing with her clients until she signs on new client, Cletus Calix. They get entangled in Vampire Council business, insert (convoluted plot to harm mankind) and (unconvincing villain).
2.5 rounded up stars for my enjoyment of the banter between the characters. Molly Harper is one funny lady and her writing is not bad at all. She writes witty dialogues and internal monologues that had me in stitches. The woman though has terrible taste in covers, assuming she had something to do with it. Just look at the trashy cover, enlarge it if you have to.
The story itself is prosaic, there are plotholes the size of my thighs and the following worn-out PNR tropes are present:
1. Contrived conflict between MC and love interest
2. I-am-no-good-for-you speech
3. A whole lot of nothing happening just lots of almost making out and sexual innuendo cha-cha-cha
I don't recommend this book to jaded PNR/UF readers.
This is not it.
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is about vampire liaison/day-walker/botanist/single parent/small business owner Iris Scanlon. She has a rigid business only policy in dealing with her clients until she signs on new client, Cletus Calix. They get entangled in Vampire Council business, insert (convoluted plot to harm mankind) and (unconvincing villain).
2.5 rounded up stars for my enjoyment of the banter between the characters. Molly Harper is one funny lady and her writing is not bad at all. She writes witty dialogues and internal monologues that had me in stitches. The woman though has terrible taste in covers, assuming she had something to do with it. Just look at the trashy cover, enlarge it if you have to.
The story itself is prosaic, there are plotholes the size of my thighs and the following worn-out PNR tropes are present:
1. Contrived conflict between MC and love interest
2. I-am-no-good-for-you speech
3. A whole lot of nothing happening just lots of almost making out and sexual innuendo cha-cha-cha
I don't recommend this book to jaded PNR/UF readers.
January 25, 2019
Fun, typical Molly Harper read. I got this in paperback, and I enjoyed reading it that way because it went with the "older romance" vibe, though I'm not sure if this book is as dated as it felt. I don't love, love Molly Harper, but I enjoyed this one as much as I ever do. Cute, vampire blood-sucking fun with a little mystery on the side.
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goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
March 25, 2017
An entertaining PNR.
I found the world this author created very interesting. Ten years ago vampires were outed to society because one vampire, who also happened to be an accounted, wanted to keep his job but HR at his office refused to have him work at night. So he had no other choice but to sue them, telling the court as a vampire he had no choice but to work at night, and so vampires were revealed to the world. I found that very funny ;-D
The heroine Iris Scanlon is a daytime vampire concierge, running all their errands in the light of day that vampires can’t do themselves. Her business isn’t thriving yet, but it’s going well. She has her rules which keeps her safe from the vampires who likes to snack on humans. Until she finds her newest client poisoned on his kitchen floor and suddenly her life is turned upside down. I liked Iris, she’s smart and sassy and her loyalty to her sister, how she takes care of her, was great.
Then there’s the hero, Cal. Who is a very old vampire, used to seeing humans as less. He hires Iris for a lot of money, to hide him in her house until he can find out who poisoned him and get answers on the case he was working on for the Council. I had a hard time figuring Cal out because we never got his POV, and it was difficult to see how he really felt about Iris.
I liked the traded insults and sarcastic banter between them, the fact that Iris stood up to Cal, especially when he was being so rude and demeaning to her. Their romance was definitely a slow burn, and I don’t know why but I just couldn’t feel the connection between them. The romance definitely fell a little flat for me.
While I didn’t love this book it was entertaining and I really enjoyed the world-building.
March 29, 2017
4 stars
This book nearly had potential of me loving it. This author is seriously talented. Her writing was amazing, the characters quirky and the plot was interesting. Me being the romantic that i am, wished there was more romance and heat between the characters. There was only a low sizzle in my opinion and there was so much potential of these two being my favourite couple. I loved them separately- Iris the human heroine was snarky, independent and i loved that she took care of her 17 year old sister like a mum would do. Cal(or Cletus *snigger snigger) is a century old vampire hero who is grumpy, rude and been alone all his life. They are thrown into a situation needing investigation and are forced to live with each other and accept their misgivings. Together they need to solve a near- murder and slowly fall in love. I just wished there was more heat although the author made it up with so much humour and suspense.
Overall, a definite recommendation if you're after a light paranormal mystery romance.
This book nearly had potential of me loving it. This author is seriously talented. Her writing was amazing, the characters quirky and the plot was interesting. Me being the romantic that i am, wished there was more romance and heat between the characters. There was only a low sizzle in my opinion and there was so much potential of these two being my favourite couple. I loved them separately- Iris the human heroine was snarky, independent and i loved that she took care of her 17 year old sister like a mum would do. Cal(or Cletus *snigger snigger) is a century old vampire hero who is grumpy, rude and been alone all his life. They are thrown into a situation needing investigation and are forced to live with each other and accept their misgivings. Together they need to solve a near- murder and slowly fall in love. I just wished there was more heat although the author made it up with so much humour and suspense.
Overall, a definite recommendation if you're after a light paranormal mystery romance.
October 4, 2013
I can't resist Molly Harper's books. Her humor so exactly fits my own and I like her quirky characters. This book isn't my favorite, but I enjoyed it very much.
In this book, Harper branches away from Jane and friends (though they do the occasional bit parts). In this case, we meet Iris Scanlon who is working as something of a concierge for vampires in town--something the older, less-couth vampires call a daywalker. Mostly, she runs errands and shepherds paperwork. She's careful to keep to just the daylight hours and doesn't really like having actual face-to-face contact with her clients and that works out, for the most part.
Until she runs into Cal, a new inhabitant and client. Trips over him, actually, as he lies poisoned on his own kitchen floor. The plot develops from there. I think what made this a less-than-favorite is that Cal is kind of weirdly awkward emotionally, even as he's clearly drawn towards Iris (and even her sister Gigi). I was never sure if he became attached to Iris, personally, or if it was more a factor of finding himself a reluctant member of the family dynamic.
The plot also had a few weaknesses. The bad guys faded in and out of the story a bit and some of the motivations were telegraphed a touch too patly.
All that said, the book still had all the things I love about Harper's work: humor, wit, dialogue, characters, family dynamics, dating hijinks, etc. So I enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of the lighter side of Urban Fantasy.
A note about Steamy: There isn't much steam in the book. Two explicit scenes that are reasonably short. There's some playing around, but it's brief.
In this book, Harper branches away from Jane and friends (though they do the occasional bit parts). In this case, we meet Iris Scanlon who is working as something of a concierge for vampires in town--something the older, less-couth vampires call a daywalker. Mostly, she runs errands and shepherds paperwork. She's careful to keep to just the daylight hours and doesn't really like having actual face-to-face contact with her clients and that works out, for the most part.
Until she runs into Cal, a new inhabitant and client. Trips over him, actually, as he lies poisoned on his own kitchen floor. The plot develops from there. I think what made this a less-than-favorite is that Cal is kind of weirdly awkward emotionally, even as he's clearly drawn towards Iris (and even her sister Gigi). I was never sure if he became attached to Iris, personally, or if it was more a factor of finding himself a reluctant member of the family dynamic.
The plot also had a few weaknesses. The bad guys faded in and out of the story a bit and some of the motivations were telegraphed a touch too patly.
All that said, the book still had all the things I love about Harper's work: humor, wit, dialogue, characters, family dynamics, dating hijinks, etc. So I enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of the lighter side of Urban Fantasy.
A note about Steamy: There isn't much steam in the book. Two explicit scenes that are reasonably short. There's some playing around, but it's brief.
February 8, 2017
5 Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires Stars
If you are a Molly Harper Virgin.. WHAT are you WAITING for?????
I am here to tell you she can right the poo out of a book.. .I mean seriously you will LAUGH OUT LOUD people!
She takes Vampires to a new level, this was the second time I have read this book.. And I will read her books again and again.
Iris is a “day walker” human. Who works for Vampires, her business name is Beeline, she does the mundane tasks that Vampires can’t. Stuff that can’t be done in the day time whether that is picking up dry cleaning. Dropping off bagged blood, to getting hired to plan parties. I like to call her the “gofer service.”
Vampires are out of the coffin so to speak, they call it .. The Great Coming out of 1999. They have jobs and a council just like the humans. But there are still a huge number of Vampires who prefer to stay in the coffin.
Cal is an old vampire from Greece, he was poisoned and Iris is coming to welcome him to the neighborhood and get the lay of the land so to speak because he is her newest client, she literally trips over him.
Once he is lucid, he offers Iris a great deal of money to hide him for a week to see if he can find out who wants him dead. Or deader.. ;) haha
Not only does Iris have her own business but she is taking care of her 17 yr old sister Gigi.. the dynamics between these two will have you in stitches! Gigi calls Iris’s Yellow van she uses for Beeline, the dork mobile.. Haha.
Iris has been looking after her sister since Gigi was 12 so she doesn’t swear around her she comes up with creative words instead..
I have a favorite quote -
“I offer her the world, she calls me a dork.” - Cal
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
If you are a Molly Harper Virgin.. WHAT are you WAITING for?????
I am here to tell you she can right the poo out of a book.. .I mean seriously you will LAUGH OUT LOUD people!
She takes Vampires to a new level, this was the second time I have read this book.. And I will read her books again and again.
Iris is a “day walker” human. Who works for Vampires, her business name is Beeline, she does the mundane tasks that Vampires can’t. Stuff that can’t be done in the day time whether that is picking up dry cleaning. Dropping off bagged blood, to getting hired to plan parties. I like to call her the “gofer service.”
Vampires are out of the coffin so to speak, they call it .. The Great Coming out of 1999. They have jobs and a council just like the humans. But there are still a huge number of Vampires who prefer to stay in the coffin.
Cal is an old vampire from Greece, he was poisoned and Iris is coming to welcome him to the neighborhood and get the lay of the land so to speak because he is her newest client, she literally trips over him.
Once he is lucid, he offers Iris a great deal of money to hide him for a week to see if he can find out who wants him dead. Or deader.. ;) haha
Not only does Iris have her own business but she is taking care of her 17 yr old sister Gigi.. the dynamics between these two will have you in stitches! Gigi calls Iris’s Yellow van she uses for Beeline, the dork mobile.. Haha.
Iris has been looking after her sister since Gigi was 12 so she doesn’t swear around her she comes up with creative words instead..
I have a favorite quote -
“I offer her the world, she calls me a dork.” - Cal
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
October 25, 2016
I know I'm on an island with this review because I could have skipped this one. Not her best. I felt like I should read it because it is the first in this series but I did not like these characters as well as the others in this series. It lacked her regular lol humor. It seemed like just when the story started to ramp up, an unnecessary sex scene would pop up out of nowhere and drag it back into sillyville. Amanda Ronconi did her usual good job.
April 4, 2021
Before starting this I was expecting it to be over the top, cheesy and just silly.
Clearly it wasn't as I've rated it 4 stars.
Apart from a little bit in the middle that dragged, I loved it. There was just the right amount of humour (mostly between the sisters), the resentful sexual chemistry between the pair was hot and it had enough of a plot to plump the whole thing out.
Clearly it wasn't as I've rated it 4 stars.
Apart from a little bit in the middle that dragged, I loved it. There was just the right amount of humour (mostly between the sisters), the resentful sexual chemistry between the pair was hot and it had enough of a plot to plump the whole thing out.
September 2, 2024
Molly Harper is a trusted author if I need a little fix for light, paranormal romance: she almost always delivers on likeable characters & a plot besides the love story.
Enjoyable & good narration by Amanda Ronconi.
Enjoyable & good narration by Amanda Ronconi.
January 20, 2015
"The man was just unsettling; there was no other way to put it. I couldn't seem to get my conversational bearings around him. And clearly, he had a negative impact on my decision-making skills, because I'd agreed to cohabitate with someone who was cranky, condescending, and prone to bouts of staggering insensitivity. If I'd wanted that, I'd get a cat."
❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖
Meet Iris Scanlon, daytime assistant to the undead. Iris owns and operates the only vampire concierge service in town. She's more than happy to earn a living running their errands as long as they stay on their side of the business contract.
Meet "Cal" Calix, Iris' arrogant yet undeniably sexy vampire client. When an attempt is made on Cal's life, he realizes he'll need more from his human assistant than just picking up dry cleaning. He needs Iris to keep him safe until he can figure out who wants him dead dead.
After a little cajoling, and an additional fee, Iris agrees to give Cal sanctuary. With a mortgage to pay and a 17-year-old to feed, she could use the extra money. And it's only for a few days. What could possibly wrong?
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is a fun, quirky paranormal romance that I enjoyed immensely. I had great fun watching Cal and Iris navigate through their love/hate relationship. There was great banter between these two, and some very funny scenes. I loved Cal's arrogant, grumpy ways, and I loved Iris' independent and witty spirit. Loved watching their relationship grow slowly. I also enjoyed the interaction between Cal and Iris' 17-year-old sister, Gigi. One scene in which he meets one of Gigi's suitors is priceless.
I really liked the world they inhabited. It was very similar to the Sookie Stackhouse book series, a.k.a True Blood for those who watched the show on HBO, where vampires have "come out" to society and live among humans. Actually, it was so similar that this story could have taken place in a town in the exact same universe of SS.
The mystery was fun, though a bit predictable. I knew very early on who the villain would turn out to be. And some of what transpires during a pivotal scene at the end was a bit implausible. The Heroine also has a little bit of a TSTL moment that felt included just to make a plot point work. But, honestly, these things didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the novel since I don't think it was trying to be anything other than good 'ol fashioned fun. And for me, The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper hit that particular sweet spot.
Note: This is a standalone. Book 2 features a new couple.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖❖ ❖ ❖
Meet Iris Scanlon, daytime assistant to the undead. Iris owns and operates the only vampire concierge service in town. She's more than happy to earn a living running their errands as long as they stay on their side of the business contract.
Meet "Cal" Calix, Iris' arrogant yet undeniably sexy vampire client. When an attempt is made on Cal's life, he realizes he'll need more from his human assistant than just picking up dry cleaning. He needs Iris to keep him safe until he can figure out who wants him dead dead.
After a little cajoling, and an additional fee, Iris agrees to give Cal sanctuary. With a mortgage to pay and a 17-year-old to feed, she could use the extra money. And it's only for a few days. What could possibly wrong?
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is a fun, quirky paranormal romance that I enjoyed immensely. I had great fun watching Cal and Iris navigate through their love/hate relationship. There was great banter between these two, and some very funny scenes. I loved Cal's arrogant, grumpy ways, and I loved Iris' independent and witty spirit. Loved watching their relationship grow slowly. I also enjoyed the interaction between Cal and Iris' 17-year-old sister, Gigi. One scene in which he meets one of Gigi's suitors is priceless.
I really liked the world they inhabited. It was very similar to the Sookie Stackhouse book series, a.k.a True Blood for those who watched the show on HBO, where vampires have "come out" to society and live among humans. Actually, it was so similar that this story could have taken place in a town in the exact same universe of SS.
The mystery was fun, though a bit predictable. I knew very early on who the villain would turn out to be. And some of what transpires during a pivotal scene at the end was a bit implausible. The Heroine also has a little bit of a TSTL moment that felt included just to make a plot point work. But, honestly, these things didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the novel since I don't think it was trying to be anything other than good 'ol fashioned fun. And for me, The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper hit that particular sweet spot.
Note: This is a standalone. Book 2 features a new couple.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
July 14, 2015
I rarely read PNR books so if you are a jaded PNR reader, check out Tash's review. This review is more beneficial for those people who doesn't read much PNR books :)
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is just like those typical PNR books where the vampire is being massive aloof jerk who salivates for the heroine's warm pulsing body. We usually read about Vampire Kings, Vampire assassin,Vampires who's a part of the council, Vampires who have gone rogue and Vampires who sparkle.*eye roll*
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is just pure brain candy. You wouldn't go gaga with the Vampire hero in this book. Trust me, he's no Edward Cullen and whoever vampires ladies go gaga with.
Here are the frequently asked questions if you want to read a vampire book:
Is the hero is this book hot? This is a vampire we're talking about. Instant hotness is given.Always expect a hot fictional vampire with washboard abs when reading a PNR book.
Is he memorable? No. Unless this is your first PNR Vampire book then I guess, yeah.
Is he funny? The banter between him and the heroine and the heroine's sister is good.
Can he make our panties melt with his sexual prowess?
Nope. The sex scene is just okay...and isn't the word OKAY terrible when you used it to describe someone's sex moves?The scenes here wouldn't blow your mind (if you've read dirtier books before), but if you're a sheltered person who had never seen a dick before and how it is used, then maybe the sex scenes in this book will burn your eyes.
Is the heroine annoying? She's not exactly on my bff list but she's also not annoying. She's just an unmemorable heroine.
Is it safe to read this book or should I read some other books by the same author to avoid spoilers? Well, there's a part in this book where I was a bit confused about some secondary characters. They're the main characters to a previous series and I think it would be better if you read it first before reading this one. In that case, you wouldn't get confused as to who married whom, how did their story go and blah blah blah.
Over all, this book is enjoyable but not that memorable. I'll probably forget what I've read in this book after a week or two..
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is just like those typical PNR books where the vampire is being massive aloof jerk who salivates for the heroine's warm pulsing body. We usually read about Vampire Kings, Vampire assassin,Vampires who's a part of the council, Vampires who have gone rogue and Vampires who sparkle.*eye roll*
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is just pure brain candy. You wouldn't go gaga with the Vampire hero in this book. Trust me, he's no Edward Cullen and whoever vampires ladies go gaga with.
Here are the frequently asked questions if you want to read a vampire book:
Is the hero is this book hot? This is a vampire we're talking about. Instant hotness is given.Always expect a hot fictional vampire with washboard abs when reading a PNR book.
Is he memorable? No. Unless this is your first PNR Vampire book then I guess, yeah.
Is he funny? The banter between him and the heroine and the heroine's sister is good.
Can he make our panties melt with his sexual prowess?
Nope. The sex scene is just okay...and isn't the word OKAY terrible when you used it to describe someone's sex moves?The scenes here wouldn't blow your mind (if you've read dirtier books before), but if you're a sheltered person who had never seen a dick before and how it is used, then maybe the sex scenes in this book will burn your eyes.
Is the heroine annoying? She's not exactly on my bff list but she's also not annoying. She's just an unmemorable heroine.
Is it safe to read this book or should I read some other books by the same author to avoid spoilers? Well, there's a part in this book where I was a bit confused about some secondary characters. They're the main characters to a previous series and I think it would be better if you read it first before reading this one. In that case, you wouldn't get confused as to who married whom, how did their story go and blah blah blah.
Over all, this book is enjoyable but not that memorable. I'll probably forget what I've read in this book after a week or two..
March 23, 2019
First Read on 19 April, 2017
Reread on 23 March, 2019
Original rating: 3.5 Stars
Reread this book after finishing the Jane Jameson Series and enjoyed it more than the first time. So I've rounded it to 4 stars.
"The first rule of caring for a stray vampire:
Don't tell anyone, you're taking care of a Stray Vampire."
Iris Scanlon is the only day time vampire concierge of Half Moon Hollows. She is also raising her sister Gigi, who is quite an obnoxious teenager. She finds her new client Cletus Calix, sprawled on his kitchen floor, poisoned. Cal is a grumpy vampire, who thinks less about humans. And he is ancient. He fought in the Trojan War!! Together they investigate the mystery behind Cal's poisoning.
This was a light, funny read, with lots of hilarious moments and witty dialogues. Especially the scenes that involved Gigi were really hilarious. She is a great side character.
Reread on 23 March, 2019
Original rating: 3.5 Stars
Reread this book after finishing the Jane Jameson Series and enjoyed it more than the first time. So I've rounded it to 4 stars.
"The first rule of caring for a stray vampire:
Don't tell anyone, you're taking care of a Stray Vampire."
Iris Scanlon is the only day time vampire concierge of Half Moon Hollows. She is also raising her sister Gigi, who is quite an obnoxious teenager. She finds her new client Cletus Calix, sprawled on his kitchen floor, poisoned. Cal is a grumpy vampire, who thinks less about humans. And he is ancient. He fought in the Trojan War!! Together they investigate the mystery behind Cal's poisoning.
This was a light, funny read, with lots of hilarious moments and witty dialogues. Especially the scenes that involved Gigi were really hilarious. She is a great side character.
August 14, 2013
Quick review:
Cover: Nice
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess HOT
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: This was laugh out loud funny
Characters: Well Written
Plot: What do you do when you find a stray vampire
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Cal
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Just was I needed when I chose this book? Sometimes you want something light, not light on plot, but as in not heavy material. And this author always delivers a good laugh. This book let me laugh and I needed that. You haven’t read this one, DO.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Audio Review
Amanda Ronconi always delivers these books with easy. She knows how to deliver a punch line and give the right amount of snark. I love it.
Cover: Nice
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess HOT
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: This was laugh out loud funny
Characters: Well Written
Plot: What do you do when you find a stray vampire
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Cal
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Just was I needed when I chose this book? Sometimes you want something light, not light on plot, but as in not heavy material. And this author always delivers a good laugh. This book let me laugh and I needed that. You haven’t read this one, DO.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Audio Review
Amanda Ronconi always delivers these books with easy. She knows how to deliver a punch line and give the right amount of snark. I love it.
September 10, 2020
I feel as if I outlasted my appreciation for the author's work. Since the naked werewolf trilogy, which I've liked, everything else has became less appealing, with one or two exceptions.
This story was very plain, clichéd, not funny to me as it states although that wouldn't be such a negative factor had the overall plot been additive but no.. it just wasn't for me anymore.
This story was very plain, clichéd, not funny to me as it states although that wouldn't be such a negative factor had the overall plot been additive but no.. it just wasn't for me anymore.
March 27, 2020
I recommend this as a fun, light hearted read if you're having trouble sleeping, if you're lonely, and if you just want a short read. Just make sure you're okay with tropes! Fun, eye-rolling, but you will get some smiles (or almost-smiles).
February 10, 2016
A fun, snarky LOL read. Iris is working hard at getting her Vampire concierge business off the ground. She stops to drop of a contract to a new client and instead trips over his body in the kitchen. He has been poisoned but alive. Iris brings Cletus to her house and for an ungodly sum of money takes care of him. She refuses to call him Cletus, because she can't say it with a straight face so she calls him Cam instead. The feelings that he is stirring up in her are free of charge. Cam for his part is a bit harder to read. He comes in being very condescending of Iris, being a lowly human and all. But Iris and her teenage sister, Gigi start to warm something locked away in his cold heart and pretty soon, Cam feels he won't be able to live without either one of them. MH again delivers on my kind of humor and there were a lot of laugh out load moments. I thought that Gigi was a great funnyman to Iris's straight man and they worked really well for me. I am also glad that we haven't totally left Grace behind, she just isn't the main character. The decision Iris made about being made, I thought was heartwarming and sweet and the fact that Cam totally got her reasoning. Olivia and all the Council crew is as creepy as always. For our next book, A Witch, a Lion and a Wardrobe? Not sure, but the preview sounds pretty interesting.
February 8, 2022
I have to say that I really love Molly Harper and the world that she has created here. I loved the Nice Girl series and the characters that were introduced there which made me more than willing to continue. The fact that they are to be found here in this new series is perfect because it is the same world and makes sense that they would be aware of who they are. The new characters were on the sidelines of the story all along and are now taking center stage. While I have never lived in a small town, this one is everything I ever expected to find with a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone.
Iris Scanlon runs the only daytime vampire concierge service in Half-Moon Hollow and has gained more knowledge about the undead than she ever wanted to. She handles their daytime needs like letting in the plumber or picking up specialty items from shops open during regular business hours. Her rules are strict, no relationships with the clients. Then she meets her newest client, Cal, who she finds poisoned on his kitchen floor.
Cal is devastatingly sexy, though Iris will not allow herself to see it. For her help, he offers her a hefty amount of money to hide him as he tries to figure out who tried to kill him. He is imperious, unfriendly, and doesn't seem to be able to tell the difference between employee and servant but Iris agrees and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules.
This is a series that I find myself laughing out to almost the entire length. It has serious moments but some serious humor is utilized throughout. I love these characters and their way of going about their day-to-day lives. The narrator Amanda Ronconi really makes these books pop with the way she makes all the characters have a life of their own. Also very nice to have the characters from the previous series make appearances which help to solidify the world-building even more.
Iris Scanlon runs the only daytime vampire concierge service in Half-Moon Hollow and has gained more knowledge about the undead than she ever wanted to. She handles their daytime needs like letting in the plumber or picking up specialty items from shops open during regular business hours. Her rules are strict, no relationships with the clients. Then she meets her newest client, Cal, who she finds poisoned on his kitchen floor.
Cal is devastatingly sexy, though Iris will not allow herself to see it. For her help, he offers her a hefty amount of money to hide him as he tries to figure out who tried to kill him. He is imperious, unfriendly, and doesn't seem to be able to tell the difference between employee and servant but Iris agrees and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules.
This is a series that I find myself laughing out to almost the entire length. It has serious moments but some serious humor is utilized throughout. I love these characters and their way of going about their day-to-day lives. The narrator Amanda Ronconi really makes these books pop with the way she makes all the characters have a life of their own. Also very nice to have the characters from the previous series make appearances which help to solidify the world-building even more.
September 5, 2012
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
This is the 4th Molly Harper title that I have read and it's official, I'm a fan! I will definitely be checking out her Nice Girls series sooner than later. That being said, The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is a feel-good-read that's sure to put a smile on your face. Amanda Ronconi's narration is cheerful and bouncy, the how-to tips at the beginning of each chapter are giggle-worthy and Harper's writing is injected with some good ol' fashion Southern charm. If you're in need of a pick-me up or just a good laugh then try The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires.
The main plot is pretty straight forward, which is one of the many reasons why I love Molly's books so much. The story is detailed enough to keep readers entertained but still simple enough to allow other literary elements to shine through, such as her phenomenal characters and top notch wit. Several peeps from her Nice Girls series make cameo appearances which I'm sure only adds to the overall experience for long time fans. For my part, I have no clue who these characters are but can't wait to make their acquaintance when I tackle her Jane Jameson books.
When I first started listening to this audiobook I was mildly confused on a few things that I feel are worth bringing up. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is the first full length installment in the Half Moon Hollow series. Driving Mr. Dead is a novella, which explains why it's only 160 pages and why the main characters are different. I struggled with Miranda vs. Iris' points of view. Plus, the fact that these two heroines have similar personalities and are read by the same narrator made it all the more confusing. Once I had all of my ducks in a row the story made a lot more sense. Unfortunately, I didn't realize my mistake until the end. That'll teach me to rely on GoodReads' accuracy!
I really enjoyed Amanda Ronconi's narration; she's perfectly suited for the voice of Iris. You can hear the smile in her tone as she reads the story and she delivers Harper's jokes with ease. The combination of Ronconi's narration and Molly's writing transforms this audio book into pure bliss.
It's nice to take a walk on the lighter side of Paranormal fiction from time to time. Molly Harper is a seasoned pro at writing chick lit with fangs. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is full of silly characters, slapstick humour and sex. What's not to love? I challenge you to read this book without cracking a smile!
This is the 4th Molly Harper title that I have read and it's official, I'm a fan! I will definitely be checking out her Nice Girls series sooner than later. That being said, The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is a feel-good-read that's sure to put a smile on your face. Amanda Ronconi's narration is cheerful and bouncy, the how-to tips at the beginning of each chapter are giggle-worthy and Harper's writing is injected with some good ol' fashion Southern charm. If you're in need of a pick-me up or just a good laugh then try The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires.
The main plot is pretty straight forward, which is one of the many reasons why I love Molly's books so much. The story is detailed enough to keep readers entertained but still simple enough to allow other literary elements to shine through, such as her phenomenal characters and top notch wit. Several peeps from her Nice Girls series make cameo appearances which I'm sure only adds to the overall experience for long time fans. For my part, I have no clue who these characters are but can't wait to make their acquaintance when I tackle her Jane Jameson books.
When I first started listening to this audiobook I was mildly confused on a few things that I feel are worth bringing up. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is the first full length installment in the Half Moon Hollow series. Driving Mr. Dead is a novella, which explains why it's only 160 pages and why the main characters are different. I struggled with Miranda vs. Iris' points of view. Plus, the fact that these two heroines have similar personalities and are read by the same narrator made it all the more confusing. Once I had all of my ducks in a row the story made a lot more sense. Unfortunately, I didn't realize my mistake until the end. That'll teach me to rely on GoodReads' accuracy!
I really enjoyed Amanda Ronconi's narration; she's perfectly suited for the voice of Iris. You can hear the smile in her tone as she reads the story and she delivers Harper's jokes with ease. The combination of Ronconi's narration and Molly's writing transforms this audio book into pure bliss.
It's nice to take a walk on the lighter side of Paranormal fiction from time to time. Molly Harper is a seasoned pro at writing chick lit with fangs. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is full of silly characters, slapstick humour and sex. What's not to love? I challenge you to read this book without cracking a smile!
August 9, 2012
My Rating: ★★★★★
Book Description:
Iris Scanlon, Half-Moon Hollow’s only daytime vampire concierge, knows more about the undead than she’d like. Running all their daylight errands—from letting in the plumber to picking up some chilled O neg—gives her a look at the not-so-glamorous side of vampire life. Her rules are strict; relationships with vamps are strictly business, not friendship—and certainly not anything else. But then she finds her newest client, Cal, poisoned on his kitchen floor, and only Iris can help.
Cal - who would be devastatingly sexy, if Iris allowed herself to think that way - offers Iris a hefty fee for hiding him at her place until he figures out who wants him permanently dead. Even though he’s imperious, unfriendly and doesn't seem to understand the difference between "employee" and "servant," Iris agrees, and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules to help him - particularly those concerning nudity.
Turns out what her quiet little life needed was some intrigue & romance—in the form of her very own stray vampire.
My Thoughts:
I loved this story. As usual, Molly Harper does an excellent job infusing laughter into her interesting vampire tales making for a fun-filled read.
Iris and Cal embark upon very tempestuous relationship after she saves his life from a near fatal poisoning from tainted blood. Iris doesn't really trust vampires and Cal sees humans as little more than servants. However, throughout their journey to uncover the orchestrator behind the poisoning, they find that they tolerate each other....maybe even like each other....and a little more.
The story was witty, interesting, and funny from page one to "the end". Well done!
Reading Time: approximate: 7 Hours
Book Description:
Iris Scanlon, Half-Moon Hollow’s only daytime vampire concierge, knows more about the undead than she’d like. Running all their daylight errands—from letting in the plumber to picking up some chilled O neg—gives her a look at the not-so-glamorous side of vampire life. Her rules are strict; relationships with vamps are strictly business, not friendship—and certainly not anything else. But then she finds her newest client, Cal, poisoned on his kitchen floor, and only Iris can help.
Cal - who would be devastatingly sexy, if Iris allowed herself to think that way - offers Iris a hefty fee for hiding him at her place until he figures out who wants him permanently dead. Even though he’s imperious, unfriendly and doesn't seem to understand the difference between "employee" and "servant," Iris agrees, and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules to help him - particularly those concerning nudity.
Turns out what her quiet little life needed was some intrigue & romance—in the form of her very own stray vampire.
My Thoughts:
I loved this story. As usual, Molly Harper does an excellent job infusing laughter into her interesting vampire tales making for a fun-filled read.
Iris and Cal embark upon very tempestuous relationship after she saves his life from a near fatal poisoning from tainted blood. Iris doesn't really trust vampires and Cal sees humans as little more than servants. However, throughout their journey to uncover the orchestrator behind the poisoning, they find that they tolerate each other....maybe even like each other....and a little more.
The story was witty, interesting, and funny from page one to "the end". Well done!
Reading Time: approximate: 7 Hours
September 30, 2012
Iris Scanlon runs a daylight help service for vampires, their every fickle, bizarre and obscure demand she patiently fulfills and asks no questions. It isn't very glamourous but she fills a niche in the business of making money from vampires, and she sticks to a few very strict rules, like never meeting her vampire clients, never being in the vampire neighbourhood when the sun goes down and never inviting them to her home. Of course, after dripping over a poisoned (but very sexy) vampire named Cal who then demands she help him, she seems to be breaking all her own rules.
What I love about a Molly Harper book is that when I snuggle down and start turning pages I know I am going to laughing my socks off before long. This book was no different, the mixture of hilarious situations, witty banter, bossy vampire, feisty female, annoying teenagers and mindreading best friends had me laughing like a loon in some very public places, for which I still get weird looks!
But as well as being funny it had a little action in it as well which upped the pace of the book and made it more exciting. Then their is the love story between Cal and Iris, which was pretty cute from their arguing and her giving him sass to their quieter moments and their hot sex-against-the-wall moments. Although it wasn't the most deep and emotional connection I have ever read, it was fun and easy to read.
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is a funny, romantic and well written book that I would definitely recommend, it is a perfect holiday read and works well with a cocktail (or two...or five)!
*ARC provided by publisher
What I love about a Molly Harper book is that when I snuggle down and start turning pages I know I am going to laughing my socks off before long. This book was no different, the mixture of hilarious situations, witty banter, bossy vampire, feisty female, annoying teenagers and mindreading best friends had me laughing like a loon in some very public places, for which I still get weird looks!
But as well as being funny it had a little action in it as well which upped the pace of the book and made it more exciting. Then their is the love story between Cal and Iris, which was pretty cute from their arguing and her giving him sass to their quieter moments and their hot sex-against-the-wall moments. Although it wasn't the most deep and emotional connection I have ever read, it was fun and easy to read.
The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is a funny, romantic and well written book that I would definitely recommend, it is a perfect holiday read and works well with a cocktail (or two...or five)!
*ARC provided by publisher
June 15, 2024
4 Neurotic Vampire Stars!!
Another fantastic Molly Harper read!! I absolutely love this series. Iris and Cal are a fun, delightful, and engaging.
Another fantastic Molly Harper read!! I absolutely love this series. Iris and Cal are a fun, delightful, and engaging.
April 2, 2016
This was so entertaining! Just the right mix of cheesy romance and UF action. I really loved the characters - Iris was smart and funny, Cal was adorably grumpy and Gigi was the perfect mix of teenage snark and loving sister. Sure it was predictable as hell - you can figure out the main plot points just from the summary but that doesn't mean it wasn't an enjoyable read. If you're looking for a light, funny read to make you feel better (and if you like PNR) this is the book for you.
August 3, 2012
Wasn't really moved by this story. I think the suburban-soccer-mom type heroine is not so appealing to me. The humour was lacking compared to other stories I've read by this author and the relationship between 'Vampire Concierge' owner Iris and vampire investigator Cal lacked chemistry.
January 14, 2020
I've liked everything I've read by Molly Harper so far. This story was light, fun, and a little bit sexy.
Narration: Good preferred at normal speed.
Narration: Good preferred at normal speed.
October 24, 2012
4 FUN STARS!! My second book by Molly Harper and it was as enjoyable as the first one!
Review to come...
Review to come...
December 25, 2017
A lot less funny then I had hoped for but enjoyable just the same.
Sorry. Seems I'm saving words for my exams.
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