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Cassandra Bick Chronicles #1.5
A Vampire Walks Into a Bar
The hunter just wanted to be left alone - one last drink before leaving London forever. Then the vampire Laclos walked into the bar, and suddenly his night wasn't looking so quiet after all...
There's a new hunter in the city and he'd targeting Dark Dates - the vampire/human dating agency run by Cassandra Bick, who also happens to be the woman that both Cain and Laclos love. These two fierce rivals must work together to stop him before he drags London’s vampires into the spotlight and destroys Cassandra’s life – that’s if they don’t kill each other first.
Explore a darker side of London with this exciting short story from author, Tracey Sinclair. The first novel in "The Cassandra Bick Chronicles", "Dark Dates" is out now
There's a new hunter in the city and he'd targeting Dark Dates - the vampire/human dating agency run by Cassandra Bick, who also happens to be the woman that both Cain and Laclos love. These two fierce rivals must work together to stop him before he drags London’s vampires into the spotlight and destroys Cassandra’s life – that’s if they don’t kill each other first.
Explore a darker side of London with this exciting short story from author, Tracey Sinclair. The first novel in "The Cassandra Bick Chronicles", "Dark Dates" is out now
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2012
1 person is currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Sinclair
15 books91 followersTracey Sinclair is a freelance writer and editor. Her first novel and collection of short stories (Doll and No Love Is This, respectively) were published by independent publisher Kennedy & Boyd. Other books include the romantic comedy Bridesmaid Blues and the paranormal series Dark Dates/The Cassandra Bick Chronicles.
Her work has appeared in magazines as diverse as Sky, Printer’s Devil, Yours and Woman’s Weekly, as well as having been performed on the radio and included in a number of anthologies. Her first play, Bystanders, was premiered as part of the New Writing Season at Baron’s Court Theatre and has been performed at both the White Bear Theatre and the Tristan Bates (both in London). With Zoe Cunningham and Peta Lily she co-wrote Cunningham's one-woman show 'An Evening with Dark Dates' which was performed at the Tristan Bates and in the Brighton Fringe.
She also a regular contributor to a number of legal and business magazines, as well as to theatre website Exeunt and the magazine The Stage.
Her work has appeared in magazines as diverse as Sky, Printer’s Devil, Yours and Woman’s Weekly, as well as having been performed on the radio and included in a number of anthologies. Her first play, Bystanders, was premiered as part of the New Writing Season at Baron’s Court Theatre and has been performed at both the White Bear Theatre and the Tristan Bates (both in London). With Zoe Cunningham and Peta Lily she co-wrote Cunningham's one-woman show 'An Evening with Dark Dates' which was performed at the Tristan Bates and in the Brighton Fringe.
She also a regular contributor to a number of legal and business magazines, as well as to theatre website Exeunt and the magazine The Stage.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 23, 2017
A Vampire Walks Into a Bar was a great quickie read that filled my Cassandra Bick fix quite nicely. It takes place right after the completion of book 1 and having read the second title as well, it answers my lingering question of what happened to Cain after he got dumped.
Cain is drinking away his pain from his recent break-up (not his choice!) with Cassandra when in walks the last person he wants to see - Laclos. There is humor but not of the zinger variety I have come to expect. This time around it was more of the sigh and eye rolling situation the guys find themselves in. Two would-be hunters out to kill vamps...vamps that they think but don't have proof exist. Two bumbling idiots and Cain and Laclos are having to deal with. They, of course the real deal, trying to convince the the two fools that there are no such things as vamps. There's all sorts of poking fun at the want-a-be's using references to current pop-culture that, surprisingly, Laclos is up-to-date on. Cain...not so much.
What a treat to get to experience Cain and Laclos without any of the other characters. Nothing new with Laclos but Cain on the other hand, yes a completely different side and insight to him. We get to learn a bit of his background which just endears me to him more. I was left smiling and yet just a little sad for Cain. Laclos is is typical flirtatious self to the unwilling Cain. His flirting is going to get him into trouble one day!
This was the perfect follow-up and teaser of what is yet to come. Perfect for Cassandra fans needing a little extra between titles.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 5
Cain is drinking away his pain from his recent break-up (not his choice!) with Cassandra when in walks the last person he wants to see - Laclos. There is humor but not of the zinger variety I have come to expect. This time around it was more of the sigh and eye rolling situation the guys find themselves in. Two would-be hunters out to kill vamps...vamps that they think but don't have proof exist. Two bumbling idiots and Cain and Laclos are having to deal with. They, of course the real deal, trying to convince the the two fools that there are no such things as vamps. There's all sorts of poking fun at the want-a-be's using references to current pop-culture that, surprisingly, Laclos is up-to-date on. Cain...not so much.
What a treat to get to experience Cain and Laclos without any of the other characters. Nothing new with Laclos but Cain on the other hand, yes a completely different side and insight to him. We get to learn a bit of his background which just endears me to him more. I was left smiling and yet just a little sad for Cain. Laclos is is typical flirtatious self to the unwilling Cain. His flirting is going to get him into trouble one day!
This was the perfect follow-up and teaser of what is yet to come. Perfect for Cassandra fans needing a little extra between titles.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 5
December 20, 2012
A Vampire Walks Into A Bar, takes place after the end of Dark Dates. Unlike Dark Dates, this short story essentially focuses on an interaction between Laclos the vampire and Cain the earthbound angel. Cain is sitting in a bar trying to drown his sorrows after having been given the boot by Cassandra when Laclos walks in with a problem. It seems that there is a new hunter in London and of course, he is fixated on Cassandra. Can these two men get along enough to ascertain whether there is a real threat and, if so, deal with it?
We got to learn a little bit more about Cain's background in this short story. Learning that he was once crucified does much to explain exactly how painful his past is. Sinclair also explained why it is that Cain remains so out of touch with modern times unlike Laclos. It makes sense that changing human morality, conventions and names would have little effect on him and it helps to make him an even more fascinating character.
Despite strong references as to why homophobia is wrong, I felt that there was a lot of homophobia in this book. Laclos is bisexual and is well aware that Cain is not in the least bit interested in him, yet he touches him inappropriately and Lacolos' speech is constantly littered with inappropriate sexual innuendos.
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We got to learn a little bit more about Cain's background in this short story. Learning that he was once crucified does much to explain exactly how painful his past is. Sinclair also explained why it is that Cain remains so out of touch with modern times unlike Laclos. It makes sense that changing human morality, conventions and names would have little effect on him and it helps to make him an even more fascinating character.
Despite strong references as to why homophobia is wrong, I felt that there was a lot of homophobia in this book. Laclos is bisexual and is well aware that Cain is not in the least bit interested in him, yet he touches him inappropriately and Lacolos' speech is constantly littered with inappropriate sexual innuendos.
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December 30, 2012
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, and this is a perfect short follow up as I wait for the next book in the series. The writing contains humor that is very British and will have you laughing out loud with one-liners like: “Nothing too cruel, I simply left him with the insatiable urge to fellate bicycle handlebars whenever he sees them.”
In this book, the story focuses on Cain and Laclos in their combined efforts to protect Cassandra from the new and unknown vampire hunter in London. With a mix of humor, Cain and Laclos are forced into close quarters to deal with this new thread to Cassandra’s business. This short contains spoilers from the first book, although it does have a complete beginning, middle and end that works on its own with both characters clearly defined and voiced with personalities that will have you wanting the first book. Now I can wait rather impatiently for the next installment.
I had previously purchased a copy of the book before the opportunity to review for the Jeep Diva arose. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
In this book, the story focuses on Cain and Laclos in their combined efforts to protect Cassandra from the new and unknown vampire hunter in London. With a mix of humor, Cain and Laclos are forced into close quarters to deal with this new thread to Cassandra’s business. This short contains spoilers from the first book, although it does have a complete beginning, middle and end that works on its own with both characters clearly defined and voiced with personalities that will have you wanting the first book. Now I can wait rather impatiently for the next installment.
I had previously purchased a copy of the book before the opportunity to review for the Jeep Diva arose. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
November 10, 2012
I read this on a train journey...and it made that journey go so fast! I quickly became absorbed by the story since I have a thing about these two characters Cain and Laclos (fancy them both like mad!!). OH my....the author explores their relationship so well, and the almost electric atmosphere between them. I'm just going to have to read this again - I'm not a huge fan of short stories normally but this one is different. If you read Dark Dates (and if not why not!!!!) then you'll love this. I do recommend reading Dark Dates first so not to spoil some of the surprises!
December 1, 2012
Fun all the way! It took me a few awkward sentences to get back into Tracey's quirky writing style, but once I did I really enjoyed it, snickering and snorting all the way through her short novella.
I am also warming up to Laclos, he is becoming more and more humanized and cheeky. He actually came up with the best one-liners in this read especially at the end.
Again Tracey made fun of vampire cultural cliches, Buffy, Twilight and Supernatural, and it turned this novella into a lighthearted, lightning-fast read. Really recommended. Especially because it's currently free on Amazon. :)
I am also warming up to Laclos, he is becoming more and more humanized and cheeky. He actually came up with the best one-liners in this read especially at the end.
Again Tracey made fun of vampire cultural cliches, Buffy, Twilight and Supernatural, and it turned this novella into a lighthearted, lightning-fast read. Really recommended. Especially because it's currently free on Amazon. :)
December 16, 2012
I read this really quickly as I was enjoying it so much. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the relationship between Cain and Laclos unfold and can’t wait to see how this will develop in future Dark Dates stories. I love the light-hearted references to other well-known vampire fiction too.
November 13, 2012
Very much enjoyed this wee slice of sexy action. Made me want Dark Dates follow up even more.
December 23, 2012
This is why I don't normally read short stories. I wasn't ready for it to finish so soon. It was bitter sweet tease. And probably one of my favourite opening lines to a book.
May 15, 2013
I enjoyed this short story, I like that it focuses on the two men. I also thoroughly enjoyed the pop culture references in there :0)
August 5, 2016
Brilliant short story. Read it all in one go. Great to see the return of my two favourite male Dark Dates characters. Quite steamy at times too! Top marks.
March 24, 2013
Funny and sexy. And no sparkling! Definitely recommend this.
March 30, 2024
My first foray onto Dark Dates short stories. Was super fun to write.
April 8, 2013
http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
I absolutely loved the full-length novel. These two short stories are after Dark Dates. They are a sort of snippet into the world of Cassandra and the chaos around here. They both have good plots and a very well written. However, the length makes them very rushed and there are certain parts that are just dumps of information. I guess that was in case a reader didn’t read the full-length novel.
Overall, these stories were entertaining.
I absolutely loved the full-length novel. These two short stories are after Dark Dates. They are a sort of snippet into the world of Cassandra and the chaos around here. They both have good plots and a very well written. However, the length makes them very rushed and there are certain parts that are just dumps of information. I guess that was in case a reader didn’t read the full-length novel.
Overall, these stories were entertaining.
January 22, 2013
Fine vampire shenanigans, now let's be having Dark Dates 2.
November 5, 2016
Doesn't stand alone and did not entice me to follow up with more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews