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Venom Valley #2
Bait
Dex Wells, former deputy of the prairie town of Belkin’s Pass, awakes to the sound of screaming. He is chained to the wall of a cave, prisoner of the powerful vampire Balthazar, who has turned many of the residents of Belkin’s Pass into vampires like him, and used most others as food. Balthazar keeps Dex as bait, hoping to lure Dex’s lover, Josh Stanton, into the caves and capture him. There is something different about Josh, Balthazar senses it, but what that difference is he can’t quite tell.
Josh Stanton can raise the dead. It’s a power he’s always had within him, and something he’s considered a curse. Now, however, he’s discovered that the risen dead can bite through vampire skin and bones. If he can just learn to control the power and, with it, the dead he’s resurrected, he might be able to save his lover, Dex, from Balthazar’s caves. But there’s still a bounty on Josh’s head for a murder he did not commit, and he ends up back in Belkin’s Pass with Glory, a half Indian, half white former saloon girl watched over by a Native American spirit. Together, they gather the few residents left alive and make a stand against the rampaging vampires and the wolves under their control.
The arrival of two members of the US Army, however, throws their careful plans into uncertainty as Josh is taken into custody. Can he convince the Army men the truth of their outrageous claims? And can Dex be saved before Balthazar turns him into a vampire as well?
Josh Stanton can raise the dead. It’s a power he’s always had within him, and something he’s considered a curse. Now, however, he’s discovered that the risen dead can bite through vampire skin and bones. If he can just learn to control the power and, with it, the dead he’s resurrected, he might be able to save his lover, Dex, from Balthazar’s caves. But there’s still a bounty on Josh’s head for a murder he did not commit, and he ends up back in Belkin’s Pass with Glory, a half Indian, half white former saloon girl watched over by a Native American spirit. Together, they gather the few residents left alive and make a stand against the rampaging vampires and the wolves under their control.
The arrival of two members of the US Army, however, throws their careful plans into uncertainty as Josh is taken into custody. Can he convince the Army men the truth of their outrageous claims? And can Dex be saved before Balthazar turns him into a vampire as well?
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2012
9 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Hank Edwards
82 books228 followersHank Edwards (he/him) has been writing gay fiction for more than twenty years. He has published over thirty novels and dozens of short stories. His books fall into many sub-genres, including romance, rom-com, contemporary, paranormal, suspense, mystery, and wacky comedy. He has written a number of series such as the suspenseful Up to Trouble, funny and spooky paranormal out for you gay romance Critter Catchers, Old West historical horror of Venom Valley, the erotic and funny Fluffers, Inc. series, and the funny and thrilling Lacetown Murder Mysteries series co-written with Deanna Wadsworth. Under the pen name R. G. Thomas, he’s published a young adult urban fantasy gay romance series called The Town of Superstition. No matter what genre he writes, Hank likes to keep things sweet, steamy, and fun.
Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.
Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 27, 2013
I have to admit, I was really worried...about a LOT of things!!!!!!
Was Dex gonna be saved or turned, was something going to happen between Dex and Balthazar, was something going to happen between Josh and Sgt. Walker, how could they possibly fight off legions of vampires and killer wolves? And now the Army too?
Well, some of these were answered, some are still on going, and yet again I'm left to wait breathlessly for the next book.
After Cowboys & Vampires, Dex was captured by Balthazar. Most of this story is about Josh and Glory, and a couple surviving townspeople, trying to survive AND find a way to save Dex.
Dex, in the meantime, is fast becoming a toy and a meal for Balthazar...how much more can he take before he ends up like the woman he finds locked up in the cave with him? Oooh and who may this woman be? Wouldn't Josh like to know...but of course that is for the next installment.
Definitely not your typical romance, but more horror and paranormal mixed up with the deep love and affection that Josh and Dex have for each other.
Highly recommend...for those looking for a little something different to sink their teeth into.
See review at http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Was Dex gonna be saved or turned, was something going to happen between Dex and Balthazar, was something going to happen between Josh and Sgt. Walker, how could they possibly fight off legions of vampires and killer wolves? And now the Army too?
Well, some of these were answered, some are still on going, and yet again I'm left to wait breathlessly for the next book.
After Cowboys & Vampires, Dex was captured by Balthazar. Most of this story is about Josh and Glory, and a couple surviving townspeople, trying to survive AND find a way to save Dex.
Dex, in the meantime, is fast becoming a toy and a meal for Balthazar...how much more can he take before he ends up like the woman he finds locked up in the cave with him? Oooh and who may this woman be? Wouldn't Josh like to know...but of course that is for the next installment.
Definitely not your typical romance, but more horror and paranormal mixed up with the deep love and affection that Josh and Dex have for each other.
Highly recommend...for those looking for a little something different to sink their teeth into.
See review at http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
August 6, 2014
Can't stop now, on to book 3 - I' pretty sure I know what's coming and it's going to be EPIC!
ETA - IT WAS EPIC!!!!!!
Reviewed at the end - couldn't stop until I was done!
ETA - IT WAS EPIC!!!!!!
Reviewed at the end - couldn't stop until I was done!
December 12, 2019
4.5 stars
Book Two starts right where Book One left off so please read the first to get the full effect of this Cowboy paranormal series.
Dex is being held and seduced by Balthazar while Josh and Glory are trying their hardest to stay alive to rescue Dex. The action is fasted paced and I love where the author is taking us!
Book Two starts right where Book One left off so please read the first to get the full effect of this Cowboy paranormal series.
Dex is being held and seduced by Balthazar while Josh and Glory are trying their hardest to stay alive to rescue Dex. The action is fasted paced and I love where the author is taking us!
April 24, 2015
It's not looking good for Josh, Glory and their small band of survivors.
October 20, 2013
Author Hank Edwards adds a second excellent installment to the Venom Valley series with Stakes & Spurs. Picking up where the first book left off, this is definitely a novel that needs to be read in order--and what a novel it is!
Dex has been captured by the vampire Balthazar and chained in his underground lair. In the meanwhile, Josh and Glory are in pursuit, hoping to get to Dex before he is either killed or worse, turned into a vampire as well. Josh's power to manipulate the dead by reanimating them and having them do his bidding is still beyond his reach to control but he fights back against the onslaught of turned townsfolk by discovering their bodies during the day and driving stakes into their hearts. When he and Glory discover that the local smithy is still alive, they devise a plan to melt silver down and make bullets--the only thing that will stop someone as powerful as Balthazar.
But as time ticks away, Dex falls further and further under the throes of the vampires powers and seeds of doubt as to whether Josh truly loves him are planted. The vampire Balthazar uses Dex in unspeakable ways, causing Dex to fear that Josh will ever want him again. Now Dex must find a way to escape before he is bitten a third time which will turn him into the very creature he hates. Along the way another person is discovered in Balthazar's lair and who they are will cause such a stir that by novel’s end, revenge is the only thing Josh and Dex have on their minds.
I could not put this book down--there were many times I wanted too, trust me. Not because it was disappointing or poorly written--no, not by a long shot, but because my heart was in my throat and I had to calm down in order to continue on in the story. It was a wild ride from beginning to end. The creepiness of the undead, the way in which poor Josh had to stake entire families, the insidiously evil Balthazar, all these elements added up to make Stakes & Spurs a real nail biter.
The tension that author Hank Edwards creates with this race against the enemy made this novel even better than its predecessor, Cowboys and Vampires. While that novel focused on setting the back-story and pulling off the cliffhanger, this one was all about the growing plot line and developing the characters. I really liked how author Hank Edwards gave both men serious competition for their affections. Yes, I admit that the vampire Balthazar was pure and simply evil and manipulated Dex but the soldier that Josh encounters, while so exhausted and hurting from not being able to save Dex, was an interesting twist in an already action-packed story.
Author Hank Edwards adds a second excellent installment to the Venom Valley series with Stakes & Spurs. Picking up where the first book left off, this is definitely a novel that needs to be read in order--and what a novel it is!
Dex has been captured by the vampire Balthazar and chained in his underground lair. In the meanwhile, Josh and Glory are in pursuit, hoping to get to Dex before he is either killed or worse, turned into a vampire as well. Josh's power to manipulate the dead by reanimating them and having them do his bidding is still beyond his reach to control but he fights back against the onslaught of turned townsfolk by discovering their bodies during the day and driving stakes into their hearts. When he and Glory discover that the local smithy is still alive, they devise a plan to melt silver down and make bullets--the only thing that will stop someone as powerful as Balthazar.
But as time ticks away, Dex falls further and further under the throes of the vampires powers and seeds of doubt as to whether Josh truly loves him are planted. The vampire Balthazar uses Dex in unspeakable ways, causing Dex to fear that Josh will ever want him again. Now Dex must find a way to escape before he is bitten a third time which will turn him into the very creature he hates. Along the way another person is discovered in Balthazar's lair and who they are will cause such a stir that by novel’s end, revenge is the only thing Josh and Dex have on their minds.
I could not put this book down--there were many times I wanted too, trust me. Not because it was disappointing or poorly written--no, not by a long shot, but because my heart was in my throat and I had to calm down in order to continue on in the story. It was a wild ride from beginning to end. The creepiness of the undead, the way in which poor Josh had to stake entire families, the insidiously evil Balthazar, all these elements added up to make Stakes & Spurs a real nail biter.
The tension that author Hank Edwards creates with this race against the enemy made this novel even better than its predecessor, Cowboys and Vampires. While that novel focused on setting the back-story and pulling off the cliffhanger, this one was all about the growing plot line and developing the characters. I really liked how author Hank Edwards gave both men serious competition for their affections. Yes, I admit that the vampire Balthazar was pure and simply evil and manipulated Dex but the soldier that Josh encounters, while so exhausted and hurting from not being able to save Dex, was an interesting twist in an already action-packed story.
Dex has been captured by the vampire Balthazar and chained in his underground lair. In the meanwhile, Josh and Glory are in pursuit, hoping to get to Dex before he is either killed or worse, turned into a vampire as well. Josh's power to manipulate the dead by reanimating them and having them do his bidding is still beyond his reach to control but he fights back against the onslaught of turned townsfolk by discovering their bodies during the day and driving stakes into their hearts. When he and Glory discover that the local smithy is still alive, they devise a plan to melt silver down and make bullets--the only thing that will stop someone as powerful as Balthazar.
But as time ticks away, Dex falls further and further under the throes of the vampires powers and seeds of doubt as to whether Josh truly loves him are planted. The vampire Balthazar uses Dex in unspeakable ways, causing Dex to fear that Josh will ever want him again. Now Dex must find a way to escape before he is bitten a third time which will turn him into the very creature he hates. Along the way another person is discovered in Balthazar's lair and who they are will cause such a stir that by novel’s end, revenge is the only thing Josh and Dex have on their minds.
I could not put this book down--there were many times I wanted too, trust me. Not because it was disappointing or poorly written--no, not by a long shot, but because my heart was in my throat and I had to calm down in order to continue on in the story. It was a wild ride from beginning to end. The creepiness of the undead, the way in which poor Josh had to stake entire families, the insidiously evil Balthazar, all these elements added up to make Stakes & Spurs a real nail biter.
The tension that author Hank Edwards creates with this race against the enemy made this novel even better than its predecessor, Cowboys and Vampires. While that novel focused on setting the back-story and pulling off the cliffhanger, this one was all about the growing plot line and developing the characters. I really liked how author Hank Edwards gave both men serious competition for their affections. Yes, I admit that the vampire Balthazar was pure and simply evil and manipulated Dex but the soldier that Josh encounters, while so exhausted and hurting from not being able to save Dex, was an interesting twist in an already action-packed story.
Author Hank Edwards adds a second excellent installment to the Venom Valley series with Stakes & Spurs. Picking up where the first book left off, this is definitely a novel that needs to be read in order--and what a novel it is!
Dex has been captured by the vampire Balthazar and chained in his underground lair. In the meanwhile, Josh and Glory are in pursuit, hoping to get to Dex before he is either killed or worse, turned into a vampire as well. Josh's power to manipulate the dead by reanimating them and having them do his bidding is still beyond his reach to control but he fights back against the onslaught of turned townsfolk by discovering their bodies during the day and driving stakes into their hearts. When he and Glory discover that the local smithy is still alive, they devise a plan to melt silver down and make bullets--the only thing that will stop someone as powerful as Balthazar.
But as time ticks away, Dex falls further and further under the throes of the vampires powers and seeds of doubt as to whether Josh truly loves him are planted. The vampire Balthazar uses Dex in unspeakable ways, causing Dex to fear that Josh will ever want him again. Now Dex must find a way to escape before he is bitten a third time which will turn him into the very creature he hates. Along the way another person is discovered in Balthazar's lair and who they are will cause such a stir that by novel’s end, revenge is the only thing Josh and Dex have on their minds.
I could not put this book down--there were many times I wanted too, trust me. Not because it was disappointing or poorly written--no, not by a long shot, but because my heart was in my throat and I had to calm down in order to continue on in the story. It was a wild ride from beginning to end. The creepiness of the undead, the way in which poor Josh had to stake entire families, the insidiously evil Balthazar, all these elements added up to make Stakes & Spurs a real nail biter.
The tension that author Hank Edwards creates with this race against the enemy made this novel even better than its predecessor, Cowboys and Vampires. While that novel focused on setting the back-story and pulling off the cliffhanger, this one was all about the growing plot line and developing the characters. I really liked how author Hank Edwards gave both men serious competition for their affections. Yes, I admit that the vampire Balthazar was pure and simply evil and manipulated Dex but the soldier that Josh encounters, while so exhausted and hurting from not being able to save Dex, was an interesting twist in an already action-packed story.
December 20, 2012
It has been a long time since I wanted to be a cowboy in the old west. Josh and Dex have reignited that desire. Great suspense, great characters and lustworthy muscles from the cowboys to the blacksmith. And let us not forget the cliff hanger ending that has me lusting for more. Thanks to Hank Edwards for another great read.
October 9, 2017
A much better story than the 1st. This one picks up right where the 1st left off but with much more of a depth of feel in the characters and story. Definitely a series that needs to be read in order.
October 31, 2017
Wonderfully atmospheric
In this next book in the Venom Valley series, all of the ground work has been laid and we get right into the meat of the story. And boy is that ever a good story; between the tense and fearful atmosphere, with the continual loses and challenges to the few remaining humans, this book leaves you on edge wondering who will make it out alive.
After the last encounter with Balthazar, Dex was kidnapped and Glory and Josh teamed together to save him. But Dex is hidden away and Glory and Josh run into troubles of their own.
Glory has such a complicated time at all of this. She still has a bit of hatred for the town; they killed her father, barely accept her, and as a saloon girl she hasn't exactly seen the best of people. Glory finds herself conflicted, as she now is in a position of power above that town, and yet it does not make her happy. Though Glory has never been the type to seek revenge, she is clearly living through the fact that it does not always help.
Josh has to spend this book dealing with his own issues with the town. Though he was brought in by Agnes and best friends with Dex, the rest of the town always kept him at a distance. Now, being blamed for the murders, they are willing to turn on him without a second thought. Even as the town is dismantled and turned by vampires, people look at him with distrust. As his powers over the dead grow it makes him a bit uncertain of himself, while also thrusting him into a position of authority despite the fact that people don't trust him. Josh has to find a way to be confident and lead these people, even as they seek to tear him down.
Dex is in the most compromised position of all in this book. Captured, chained, and kept at Balthazar's mercy, his mind is manipulated both by the torture and deprivation, and by the vampire's mind tricks. Dex has to work hard to hold to his beliefs and his love, but in the face of this ordeal it is a constant wonder if he can come away unscathed.
An excellent book that promises to lead to an exciting end in the last book in the trilogy!
In this next book in the Venom Valley series, all of the ground work has been laid and we get right into the meat of the story. And boy is that ever a good story; between the tense and fearful atmosphere, with the continual loses and challenges to the few remaining humans, this book leaves you on edge wondering who will make it out alive.
After the last encounter with Balthazar, Dex was kidnapped and Glory and Josh teamed together to save him. But Dex is hidden away and Glory and Josh run into troubles of their own.
Glory has such a complicated time at all of this. She still has a bit of hatred for the town; they killed her father, barely accept her, and as a saloon girl she hasn't exactly seen the best of people. Glory finds herself conflicted, as she now is in a position of power above that town, and yet it does not make her happy. Though Glory has never been the type to seek revenge, she is clearly living through the fact that it does not always help.
Josh has to spend this book dealing with his own issues with the town. Though he was brought in by Agnes and best friends with Dex, the rest of the town always kept him at a distance. Now, being blamed for the murders, they are willing to turn on him without a second thought. Even as the town is dismantled and turned by vampires, people look at him with distrust. As his powers over the dead grow it makes him a bit uncertain of himself, while also thrusting him into a position of authority despite the fact that people don't trust him. Josh has to find a way to be confident and lead these people, even as they seek to tear him down.
Dex is in the most compromised position of all in this book. Captured, chained, and kept at Balthazar's mercy, his mind is manipulated both by the torture and deprivation, and by the vampire's mind tricks. Dex has to work hard to hold to his beliefs and his love, but in the face of this ordeal it is a constant wonder if he can come away unscathed.
An excellent book that promises to lead to an exciting end in the last book in the trilogy!
January 19, 2021
The second book is a rough climb and not as action packed as the first book, nor I suspect the last book. It's fairly typical of the second book of a trilogy where most of the build up occurs and not much else. Rape/dubcon elements in this book might make you flinch as I did and silently long for Anne Rice's vampires that don't have sex because they don't have fluids. Introduction of a secondary romantic interest character feels a bit cliché and leaves me with hopes that it doesn't fall into a polyamory situation. There are some other troubling plot devices and "twists" that make the middle part seem more mundane and not at all as fantastical as the story line should demand. Details omitted for spoilers. Not a bad book, and still enjoyable.
April 17, 2021
Yowza!
This series just gets better and better! Such incredible writing. As I read the book, the suspense just got more and more intense. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Highly recommended
This series just gets better and better! Such incredible writing. As I read the book, the suspense just got more and more intense. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Highly recommended
October 5, 2017
Continuing adventures of Josh, Dex, and Glory.
March 23, 2018
Another great installment. Even darker than the first, which is impressive considering all the zombies and vampires running around.
November 13, 2020
Great read
Loving this series. Has me hook on every word and unable to put the book down! On to the next!
Loving this series. Has me hook on every word and unable to put the book down! On to the next!
November 17, 2021
This was amazing. It was book 2 and must be read in order to understand better what is happening. It was tense and action packed. It would seem they are without luck but they keep going.
August 28, 2023
Really enjoyable book. Great character development. Did not want to put it down. Looking forward to the next one.
September 17, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Dex awakens to find himself the prisoner of Balthazar, the powerful vampire, but he isn't alone. Somewhere in the depths of the cave he is chained in someone is screaming and Dex is determined to escape. Balthazar is using Dex as bait, he wants to know Josh's secrets and lure Josh into a trap, Dex has the answers but a stubborn will and Balthazar will use any means to wear down Dex's defenses. Josh wants to rescue Dex desperately but with the wolves and vampires chasing them Josh and Glory find themselves in the hands of the sheriff of Belkin's Pass unable to convince him of the danger that is coming. Trapped in a town where the residents are falling victim to the vampires and wolves and their hopes of rescuing Dex dwindling, Josh and Glory with the few remaining townspeople prepare to face the vampires.
Well, we left Cowboys & Vampires as Balthazar snatched Dex from the Indian's camp, now we rejoin Dex, Josh and Glory as they try to find a way to reunite while in the midst of vampires, wolves and a town that is being destroyed. Dex is left facing Balthazar as the vampire tries to break him, his hope of rescue dwindling as Balthazar tries to twist his mind against Josh and seduce him to Balthazar's needs. Josh is desperate to rescue Dex but he has many obstacles to face when the sheriff catches up with him and Glory and they are returned to Belkin's Pass, convincing people of the danger is hard to do until they are faced with the horror that has overtaken the town. Glory discovers from her spirit guide that she holds the means to help Josh with the dead, and she still longs for those moments when her spirit guide protects her.
This is a wonderful continuation of Venom Valley that leaves you guessing what will happen as you turn the pages, will Dex succumb to Balthazar? Will Balthazar take that last bite? Will Josh ever convince anyone of the truth? Will they survive through the night? What will happen with Josh's new found attraction to the army Sergeant? Will they be able to rescue Dex? And just how will they go up against so many vampires and wolves? This story is brilliantly woven, leaving you guessing and trying to figure out yourself how they will pull it off, has you murmuring 'resist Dex, resist Balthazar' and has you wondering what will happen next. The characters really make this story great, the difficulties they face bringing out the best and, in some cases, the worst in them and making you vested in their survival.
I have to recommend this to those who love western historicals, dark vampires, desperate men and women, pulling together in times of survival, desperate loving and hope, and an ending that prepares you for the adventure still to come.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Dex awakens to find himself the prisoner of Balthazar, the powerful vampire, but he isn't alone. Somewhere in the depths of the cave he is chained in someone is screaming and Dex is determined to escape. Balthazar is using Dex as bait, he wants to know Josh's secrets and lure Josh into a trap, Dex has the answers but a stubborn will and Balthazar will use any means to wear down Dex's defenses. Josh wants to rescue Dex desperately but with the wolves and vampires chasing them Josh and Glory find themselves in the hands of the sheriff of Belkin's Pass unable to convince him of the danger that is coming. Trapped in a town where the residents are falling victim to the vampires and wolves and their hopes of rescuing Dex dwindling, Josh and Glory with the few remaining townspeople prepare to face the vampires.
Well, we left Cowboys & Vampires as Balthazar snatched Dex from the Indian's camp, now we rejoin Dex, Josh and Glory as they try to find a way to reunite while in the midst of vampires, wolves and a town that is being destroyed. Dex is left facing Balthazar as the vampire tries to break him, his hope of rescue dwindling as Balthazar tries to twist his mind against Josh and seduce him to Balthazar's needs. Josh is desperate to rescue Dex but he has many obstacles to face when the sheriff catches up with him and Glory and they are returned to Belkin's Pass, convincing people of the danger is hard to do until they are faced with the horror that has overtaken the town. Glory discovers from her spirit guide that she holds the means to help Josh with the dead, and she still longs for those moments when her spirit guide protects her.
This is a wonderful continuation of Venom Valley that leaves you guessing what will happen as you turn the pages, will Dex succumb to Balthazar? Will Balthazar take that last bite? Will Josh ever convince anyone of the truth? Will they survive through the night? What will happen with Josh's new found attraction to the army Sergeant? Will they be able to rescue Dex? And just how will they go up against so many vampires and wolves? This story is brilliantly woven, leaving you guessing and trying to figure out yourself how they will pull it off, has you murmuring 'resist Dex, resist Balthazar' and has you wondering what will happen next. The characters really make this story great, the difficulties they face bringing out the best and, in some cases, the worst in them and making you vested in their survival.
I have to recommend this to those who love western historicals, dark vampires, desperate men and women, pulling together in times of survival, desperate loving and hope, and an ending that prepares you for the adventure still to come.
September 27, 2014
Stakes & Spurs is a direct continuation of Cowboys & Vampires. Due to circumstances following the end of book one, there actually isn't very much Josh-Dex interaction in this sequel. Dex and Josh are both separated by circumstances and distance, each having to overcome obstacles getting between them. As a fan of character interaction with the love interests, I had to say this was a disappointing (but necessary) development.
The cast of characters also broaden with the addition of Sergeant Walker Maxwell of the US Army, along with his soldiers. To be honest, everything felt like it went downhill from that moment on. Let me explain:
I felt like the introduction of Army soldiers, especially Walker, served no purpose except to make the story longer and throw conflict between Josh and Dex's relationship. The story, which was well paced, now stilled to a crawl filled with one event after the other. Sure, Josh worked towards the goal of getting back with Dex, but I literally felt like it would NEVER happen. A silly notion considering this is just a novella length story.
And let's not forget the thing between Josh and Walker, which just turned me off quicker than a bucket of ice cold water. Even after finishing book three (the final entry into the series), I still couldn't understand the purpose of creating this sexual tension between them.
I also wasn't too impressed with the way that Josh was able to control his necromancy. It felt like the author didn't want to go too in depth with the mechanics of his powers (which I really was interested in knowing) and found a cheap cop-out.
It's difficult to explain more of this sequel without spoiling the events. I was just disappointed with Stakes & Spurs, because it made the book more (more characters, more problems), but not necessarily better. I felt like the spotlight definitely was NOT on our love interests despite self proclamations of love for one another, since too many other things were happening to delay their reunion.
The cast of characters also broaden with the addition of Sergeant Walker Maxwell of the US Army, along with his soldiers. To be honest, everything felt like it went downhill from that moment on. Let me explain:
I felt like the introduction of Army soldiers, especially Walker, served no purpose except to make the story longer and throw conflict between Josh and Dex's relationship. The story, which was well paced, now stilled to a crawl filled with one event after the other. Sure, Josh worked towards the goal of getting back with Dex, but I literally felt like it would NEVER happen. A silly notion considering this is just a novella length story.
And let's not forget the thing between Josh and Walker, which just turned me off quicker than a bucket of ice cold water. Even after finishing book three (the final entry into the series), I still couldn't understand the purpose of creating this sexual tension between them.
I also wasn't too impressed with the way that Josh was able to control his necromancy. It felt like the author didn't want to go too in depth with the mechanics of his powers (which I really was interested in knowing) and found a cheap cop-out.
It's difficult to explain more of this sequel without spoiling the events. I was just disappointed with Stakes & Spurs, because it made the book more (more characters, more problems), but not necessarily better. I felt like the spotlight definitely was NOT on our love interests despite self proclamations of love for one another, since too many other things were happening to delay their reunion.
April 27, 2014
What a fantastic book! I loved this one, and the first Venom Valley book too.... They are different, paranormal westerns, but it works so well. On one hand they are old school, western serial tv show style stories, each ending with a cliffhanger. Then there is the paranormal side, vampires, wolves, and raising of the dead. Plus a bit of romance and sex thrown in. Sounds like it could be a mess of cheesiness, and they are a bit cheesy I suppose, but so good!
Stakes & Spurs picks up where Cowboys and Vampires left off. Dex has been kidnapped by the Evil Balthasar, most of the townsfolk are dead or vampires, Josh and Glory are trying to get a plan of action together. The book jumps back and forth between Dex, and Josh, as they struggle to survive and get back together. Each has their own issues and temptations, questioning their relationship. Glory and her Indian protector are around, plus Sally and Doc from the first book. We meet new characters, Walker the Army Soldier, and a few of the surviving townsfolk. There is a great episode around robbing the local bank, right out of a western movie.... and some drama killing sleeping vampires. Then there is poor Dex. Stuck in a cave with a creepy vampire and a crazy woman. I won't say much about his story and give anything away, but he struggles. It's got a great ending, or not really an ending exactly, but leaves us set up nicely for the next book.
Overall a fantastic story, great addition to the series, and I can't wait for the next one! If you haven't read the first book, you need to.
Stakes & Spurs picks up where Cowboys and Vampires left off. Dex has been kidnapped by the Evil Balthasar, most of the townsfolk are dead or vampires, Josh and Glory are trying to get a plan of action together. The book jumps back and forth between Dex, and Josh, as they struggle to survive and get back together. Each has their own issues and temptations, questioning their relationship. Glory and her Indian protector are around, plus Sally and Doc from the first book. We meet new characters, Walker the Army Soldier, and a few of the surviving townsfolk. There is a great episode around robbing the local bank, right out of a western movie.... and some drama killing sleeping vampires. Then there is poor Dex. Stuck in a cave with a creepy vampire and a crazy woman. I won't say much about his story and give anything away, but he struggles. It's got a great ending, or not really an ending exactly, but leaves us set up nicely for the next book.
Overall a fantastic story, great addition to the series, and I can't wait for the next one! If you haven't read the first book, you need to.
March 6, 2013
Bait is the follow up to Hank Edward’s vampire/zombie/gay western musical: Bounty (just kidding - but with a description like that doesn’t it seem ripe for a Julie Taymor/Bono adaptation? I’m just sayin’).
Edwards turns up the burner on the small western town of Belkin’s Pass as his band of heroes realize that most of their neighbors have been turned into vampires. Or an aperitif.
Though the characters are tried and true staples, Edwards breathes fresh life into them. He focuses his lens through his sturdy romantic leads, Josh and Dex, as well as a half indian saloon girl named Glory who has a very twisted desire to find herself in dangerous situations. He pits them against Balthazar, an ostracized European vampire exuding his own brand of sexy monstrousness. Edwards provides enough answers while asking a dozen new questions at the same time - the perfect blend to keep the reader wanting more. Not sure how many more of these Edwards has planned, but I’m along for the ride.
Edwards turns up the burner on the small western town of Belkin’s Pass as his band of heroes realize that most of their neighbors have been turned into vampires. Or an aperitif.
Though the characters are tried and true staples, Edwards breathes fresh life into them. He focuses his lens through his sturdy romantic leads, Josh and Dex, as well as a half indian saloon girl named Glory who has a very twisted desire to find herself in dangerous situations. He pits them against Balthazar, an ostracized European vampire exuding his own brand of sexy monstrousness. Edwards provides enough answers while asking a dozen new questions at the same time - the perfect blend to keep the reader wanting more. Not sure how many more of these Edwards has planned, but I’m along for the ride.
September 16, 2013
OMG This one was just as great as book one. Dex was a naughty boy letting Balthazar lure him into doing something bad. But he is back with Josh now and Sgt. Maxwell is back, hmmm wondering what will happen there. Its very obvious that Maxwell has a thing for Josh, but how will he feel when he realized that Josh and Dex are an item? Will Josh still put Dex above all others? He freaking better!!! Poor Donegan dying, I was hoping him and Beatrice would be together, they seemed so sweet for one another. Oh well. Can't wait for book 3!
September 21, 2013
4.5 Stars
The Venom Valley serial is the best sort of Old West episodic adventure, if you like books that crisscross realism and fantasy and history. It blends the sway in the saddle, gun-slinging charm of the time with the heaping helping of spooks and chills and things that suck blood in the night suspense of a paranormal thriller.
You can read the rest of this review at The Novel Approach
The Venom Valley serial is the best sort of Old West episodic adventure, if you like books that crisscross realism and fantasy and history. It blends the sway in the saddle, gun-slinging charm of the time with the heaping helping of spooks and chills and things that suck blood in the night suspense of a paranormal thriller.
You can read the rest of this review at The Novel Approach
May 7, 2020
VENOM VALLEY series:
Zombies, vampires, and romance in the Old West! I loved this series. Original, atmospheric, with deftly drawn, likeable characters. Well written and edited. Highly recommended.
Now if only Mr. Edwards would be these produced on audio! 💚
Zombies, vampires, and romance in the Old West! I loved this series. Original, atmospheric, with deftly drawn, likeable characters. Well written and edited. Highly recommended.
Now if only Mr. Edwards would be these produced on audio! 💚
June 18, 2025
Well, it’s down to only a small group of survivors. Dex was captured by Balthazar, and I was wondering how he’d get rescued. Josh was trying to stay alive to rescue him. Looking forward to the next book!
January 12, 2013
Excellent follow up to Bounty but now because of the "cliff hanger" ending am left desperately waiting for the next in this series.
February 15, 2013
Yes! They're not a zombie or vampire!! At least not yet... *shiver* I have no idea what will happen in the next book...
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