What do you think?
Rate this book
End Street Detective Agency #1
The Case Of The Cupid Curse
The End Street Agency introduces a world where Sam Enderson, a human Private Investigator with a brand new license, is pulled into cases for paranormal clients. This is despite his resolve to only work human cases. Vampires, werewolves, fairies, sirens, an annoying ghost and a grumbling gargoyle make Sam's life anything but normal.
The Case of the Cupid Curse by Amber Kell | RJ Scott |
Book one in the End Street Detective Agency Series
If you enjoyed Marry Me by G. A. Hauser, Stacey Rhodes, Dennis Dean and The Family Man by Elinor Lipman then this is absolutely perfect for you!
The very thought of paranormals is enough to drive Private Investigator Sam Enderson mad, but add in his attraction to a vampire, and his world is turned upside down.
Sam Enderson is a human detective who finds himself working for paranormal creatures, despite his resolve to stick with humans only.
Bob is a vampire and turns up on Sam's doorstep to rent a room. Sparks fly, and Sam is attracted to the vampire in spite of himself.
Soon after Sam is cursed by a witch, two cases land on his desk. Dealing with werewolves, annoying ghosts and a grumpy gargoyle is bad enough. But somehow, in amongst all of this chaos, he has to find a lost fae and a missing shifter child.
The Case of the Cupid Curse by Amber Kell | RJ Scott |
Book one in the End Street Detective Agency Series
If you enjoyed Marry Me by G. A. Hauser, Stacey Rhodes, Dennis Dean and The Family Man by Elinor Lipman then this is absolutely perfect for you!
The very thought of paranormals is enough to drive Private Investigator Sam Enderson mad, but add in his attraction to a vampire, and his world is turned upside down.
Sam Enderson is a human detective who finds himself working for paranormal creatures, despite his resolve to stick with humans only.
Bob is a vampire and turns up on Sam's doorstep to rent a room. Sparks fly, and Sam is attracted to the vampire in spite of himself.
Soon after Sam is cursed by a witch, two cases land on his desk. Dealing with werewolves, annoying ghosts and a grumpy gargoyle is bad enough. But somehow, in amongst all of this chaos, he has to find a lost fae and a missing shifter child.
93 pages, ebook
First published February 25, 2013
9 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kell
179 books1,281 followersAmber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 30, 2013
2.5 stars
Other reviewers have written the "goods". For me, it could've been a so-so 3 stars read, until in the middle when I got annoyed after I realized that EVERBODY loved Sam, everybody wanted a piece of him (yeah, sure, you could say that it's part of the Cupid Curse -- but I beg to differ, the curse didn't start until the bar scene).
This was also seemed to be one of those Mary Calmes-type of character, where one man became a magnet of all things loooove).
And well, the only female present in the story, was the witch in the beginning (and that girl giving Sam the curse). I'm bored by half-way, skimming through the end, aaaand DONE *shrugs* ...
Yes, I'm being cranky. So don't mind me *grin*
Other reviewers have written the "goods". For me, it could've been a so-so 3 stars read, until in the middle when I got annoyed after I realized that EVERBODY loved Sam, everybody wanted a piece of him (yeah, sure, you could say that it's part of the Cupid Curse -- but I beg to differ, the curse didn't start until the bar scene).
This was also seemed to be one of those Mary Calmes-type of character, where one man became a magnet of all things loooove).
And well, the only female present in the story, was the witch in the beginning (and that girl giving Sam the curse). I'm bored by half-way, skimming through the end, aaaand DONE *shrugs* ...
Yes, I'm being cranky. So don't mind me *grin*
September 24, 2019
I liked it but I’m disappointed at the same time.
The thing is I’m not a big fan of short stories and I started this one anyway. And while I enjoyed it, all my fears and prejudices against the short stories came true. First, I feel a huge hunger. The hunger for the plot, the hunger for character’s building and the hunger for action. Here everything is too simple and too fast. I prefer more complications, twists and turns, more complex characters.
The love part is so fast that I couldn't even start to like the characters separately because they immediately formed a pair. I don't quite understand the mechanics of this relationship either. Is there an idea of star-crossed lovers or is it just love at first sight? It is not clear to me. I don't know if it's intentional. Will we discover it in the next book? I'm confused. Either way, romance is a rather weak point in this story.
Suspense is certainly better and more interesting. I admit that this part of the story definitely interested me and kept my attention. Although I wouldn't be offended if it were much more developed. The solution of the first case seems a bit accidental.
And finally we come to what disappointed me the most and even angered me. The story ends abruptly, some cases remain unsolved. I know that they will find their solution in the next stories but I was very dissatisfied. It leaves the story unfinished, not a whole, complete work. Not only that everything is rather uncomplicated here, it's also unfinished. Very disappointing.
Will I read the next story in this series? Probably. But I'm afraid the next one may be just as dissatisfying.
The thing is I’m not a big fan of short stories and I started this one anyway. And while I enjoyed it, all my fears and prejudices against the short stories came true. First, I feel a huge hunger. The hunger for the plot, the hunger for character’s building and the hunger for action. Here everything is too simple and too fast. I prefer more complications, twists and turns, more complex characters.
The love part is so fast that I couldn't even start to like the characters separately because they immediately formed a pair. I don't quite understand the mechanics of this relationship either. Is there an idea of star-crossed lovers or is it just love at first sight? It is not clear to me. I don't know if it's intentional. Will we discover it in the next book? I'm confused. Either way, romance is a rather weak point in this story.
Suspense is certainly better and more interesting. I admit that this part of the story definitely interested me and kept my attention. Although I wouldn't be offended if it were much more developed. The solution of the first case seems a bit accidental.
And finally we come to what disappointed me the most and even angered me. The story ends abruptly, some cases remain unsolved. I know that they will find their solution in the next stories but I was very dissatisfied. It leaves the story unfinished, not a whole, complete work. Not only that everything is rather uncomplicated here, it's also unfinished. Very disappointing.
Will I read the next story in this series? Probably. But I'm afraid the next one may be just as dissatisfying.
October 3, 2015
It was mostly a 3- star book until near the end when it was 4 stars. But then it stopped. Just stopped. Seriously, I was completely shocked. Very little was explained and very little solved and more mysteries heaped on. This is not, in any way, a stand alone book. For that I am docking it back down to three. But I really was liking it a lot at the end. The sequel better be damn good.
Happy ending?
Happy ending?
March 31, 2013
Sam inherited a house and a PI agency from his uncle, so after taking a few classes he moves in and opens the agency.
Within minutes of arriving, he is cursed by a witch, has a not so secret admirer in his new tenant Bob, who happens to be a to sexy vampire, and discovers the gargoyle on his desk is actually a real gargoyle and that he also inherited Teddy the ghost.
So far his first day has not turned out like he expected.
This is a start to a series and you can tell, there are a lot of unanswered questions, at least for me at the end of this book, and at least one open case that still needs solving.
I don't know why Sam is so prejudice against paranormals, his family wasn't mentioned at all, except for the uncle, yet it's alluded to that Sam might not be 'only' human, what the fey kiss will mean for him is still open, the familiar is new, what does he 'owe' the witch and what's happening and why to little Shelby?
Now the romance between Sam and Bob is cute, at least Bob is, he is very dedicated and enamored, but as to why, that's still open for me. Why is he so taken with Sam? what I liked about Bob ( besides the name, cause really an old and powerful vamp named Bob? lol) was that although he was possessive and determined, he was also sort of insecure and sensitive.
A quick fun read, that I enjoyed, but with a lot of open endings that I could have done without, alas I guess that means I have to read the next one.
Within minutes of arriving, he is cursed by a witch, has a not so secret admirer in his new tenant Bob, who happens to be a to sexy vampire, and discovers the gargoyle on his desk is actually a real gargoyle and that he also inherited Teddy the ghost.
So far his first day has not turned out like he expected.
This is a start to a series and you can tell, there are a lot of unanswered questions, at least for me at the end of this book, and at least one open case that still needs solving.
I don't know why Sam is so prejudice against paranormals, his family wasn't mentioned at all, except for the uncle, yet it's alluded to that Sam might not be 'only' human, what the fey kiss will mean for him is still open, the familiar is new, what does he 'owe' the witch and what's happening and why to little Shelby?
Now the romance between Sam and Bob is cute, at least Bob is, he is very dedicated and enamored, but as to why, that's still open for me. Why is he so taken with Sam? what I liked about Bob ( besides the name, cause really an old and powerful vamp named Bob? lol) was that although he was possessive and determined, he was also sort of insecure and sensitive.
A quick fun read, that I enjoyed, but with a lot of open endings that I could have done without, alas I guess that means I have to read the next one.
March 2, 2013
This was a quick, fun read and I am really looking forward to the next installment.
February 24, 2013
This book can be purchased/read up to 4 weeks early with TEB VIP account
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Sam has just inherited a detective agency from his recently deceased uncle, Sam has a five year plan all laid out and there is no room in that plan for supernaturals’. Until a witch walks through his doors and a vampire wants to rent a room, and a fae triad (minus one) needs their third finding and a little werewolf girl is lost. Tossed in over his head he accepts (begrudgingly) the help of Bob the vampire, Teddy the ghost and Mikhail the vampire/siren.
Oh this is a delightful paranormal story of an everyday human *snort* being tossed into the supernatural world with a bang. Sam inherits a building that housed his beloved uncles’ detective agency, he decides to follow in his uncles footsteps and becomes a private investigator, but his first prospective client isn’t happy with his work ethic and he discovers that his uncle had dodgy dealings. When Bob walks through his door asking to rent a room it throws Sam in a tailspin as he fights his attraction to the supernatural, but he has cases to work which drag him further into the supernatural world and his plan of only dealing with humans goes out the window.
I really enjoyed this first story in the End Street Detective Agency and I am looking forward to more. We are introduced to an interesting array of characters and some very interesting cases that we delve into, we see as Sam struggles with his attraction to Bob and as they come together, with Sam still not really understanding the depth of Bob’s feelings. The storyline is cool, the cupid curse was very interestingly carried out and the various paranormal we come across are great, Sirens, Vampires, Werewolves, Gargoyles, Ghosts, Fae, Witches and a cat familiar, they all add that little spark of magic that makes this a great story.
I highly recommend this story to those that love supernatural and paranormal stories, hot vampires, a confused human in denial, great characters, a great case solved; hot sex and an ending that is left wide open and has you biting your lip against the urge to scream in frustration.
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Sam has just inherited a detective agency from his recently deceased uncle, Sam has a five year plan all laid out and there is no room in that plan for supernaturals’. Until a witch walks through his doors and a vampire wants to rent a room, and a fae triad (minus one) needs their third finding and a little werewolf girl is lost. Tossed in over his head he accepts (begrudgingly) the help of Bob the vampire, Teddy the ghost and Mikhail the vampire/siren.
Oh this is a delightful paranormal story of an everyday human *snort* being tossed into the supernatural world with a bang. Sam inherits a building that housed his beloved uncles’ detective agency, he decides to follow in his uncles footsteps and becomes a private investigator, but his first prospective client isn’t happy with his work ethic and he discovers that his uncle had dodgy dealings. When Bob walks through his door asking to rent a room it throws Sam in a tailspin as he fights his attraction to the supernatural, but he has cases to work which drag him further into the supernatural world and his plan of only dealing with humans goes out the window.
I really enjoyed this first story in the End Street Detective Agency and I am looking forward to more. We are introduced to an interesting array of characters and some very interesting cases that we delve into, we see as Sam struggles with his attraction to Bob and as they come together, with Sam still not really understanding the depth of Bob’s feelings. The storyline is cool, the cupid curse was very interestingly carried out and the various paranormal we come across are great, Sirens, Vampires, Werewolves, Gargoyles, Ghosts, Fae, Witches and a cat familiar, they all add that little spark of magic that makes this a great story.
I highly recommend this story to those that love supernatural and paranormal stories, hot vampires, a confused human in denial, great characters, a great case solved; hot sex and an ending that is left wide open and has you biting your lip against the urge to scream in frustration.
February 22, 2013
I received an advance copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
Wow, this was a FUN read. I am totally smitten with Bob the Vampire. He can suck me any time!
*cough*
The book was funny, caressing, loving, all the things that make for a very enjoyable read. The main character, Sam, has inherited his uncles private detective agency and decides to run it. Unfortunately it seems that Unc wasn't on the up and up, and Sam finds himself in over his head when dealing with the supernatural characters who are looking for his help.
Enter Bob, the Vampire. Bob wants to rent one of the rooms in the building. Sam didn't want to rent to supernaturals. The problem, as Bob explains it, Hollywood got it wrong. Vampires, it seems, really aren't turned off by the sun. When Sam starts to think about Bob as a 'creature', Bob informs him that Hollywood got it right that they can read minds. Whoops.
Sam and Bob are a great pair. Bob is protective of Sam (VERY protective) and the rest of the cast we meet (a gargoyle, a ghost, another vampire, a werewolf) just add to the fun of the story.
Wow, this was a FUN read. I am totally smitten with Bob the Vampire. He can suck me any time!
*cough*
The book was funny, caressing, loving, all the things that make for a very enjoyable read. The main character, Sam, has inherited his uncles private detective agency and decides to run it. Unfortunately it seems that Unc wasn't on the up and up, and Sam finds himself in over his head when dealing with the supernatural characters who are looking for his help.
Enter Bob, the Vampire. Bob wants to rent one of the rooms in the building. Sam didn't want to rent to supernaturals. The problem, as Bob explains it, Hollywood got it wrong. Vampires, it seems, really aren't turned off by the sun. When Sam starts to think about Bob as a 'creature', Bob informs him that Hollywood got it right that they can read minds. Whoops.
Sam and Bob are a great pair. Bob is protective of Sam (VERY protective) and the rest of the cast we meet (a gargoyle, a ghost, another vampire, a werewolf) just add to the fun of the story.
February 26, 2013
Quirky, cute and the great start to this new series.
Sam is brand new to the PI business and when you add him(a not so human but thinks he is)with a vampire, a ghost, and a gargoyle all living in the same house it makes for some fun times.
Then have Fae, and a Alpha werewolf come to him for his help finding missing relatives when he wanted nothing to do with the paranormal world to begin with. All while falling in love with a Vampire.
What is not to like?!
Sam is brand new to the PI business and when you add him(a not so human but thinks he is)with a vampire, a ghost, and a gargoyle all living in the same house it makes for some fun times.
Then have Fae, and a Alpha werewolf come to him for his help finding missing relatives when he wanted nothing to do with the paranormal world to begin with. All while falling in love with a Vampire.
What is not to like?!
February 26, 2013
A good read though a vampire called Bob threw me for a loop. It will be interesting to find out what Sams ancestry is, and eagerly wait for the next book in this series
December 23, 2025
Sam esta iniciando su negocio como investigador privado, ocupando el edificio que le dejo su tío y esperando solo atender casos de los humanos. Sin embargo, las cosas no van como esperaba. Ahora se encuentra con un vampiro como inquilino, una bruja que le echa una maldición, una fae de una tríada perdido y una niña-lobo secuestrada. Como se la ingeniara Sam para aprender de los sobrenaturales al mismo tiempo que resuelve sus casos?
La premisa de este libro es divertida, pero el desarrollo es demasiado apresurado para mi gusto. Vamos aprendiendo poco a poco de este universo, donde los hombres-lobo, vampiros, driádas, faes, brujas, sirenas y otros seres, viven a sus anchas de un lado de la ciudad, y cada uno con su cultura, costumbres y reglas. Pero en este primer libro, se sintió como una clase intensiva, había momentos en que no sabía que estaba pasando o porque pasaba.
En fin, No es uno de los mejores libros que conozco del autor (de uno de los autores), pero es un inicio de serie y fue corto, así que espero que el resto de la serie explique con mas detalle algunas de las cosas y resuelva otras, así que continuaré leyendo.
La premisa de este libro es divertida, pero el desarrollo es demasiado apresurado para mi gusto. Vamos aprendiendo poco a poco de este universo, donde los hombres-lobo, vampiros, driádas, faes, brujas, sirenas y otros seres, viven a sus anchas de un lado de la ciudad, y cada uno con su cultura, costumbres y reglas. Pero en este primer libro, se sintió como una clase intensiva, había momentos en que no sabía que estaba pasando o porque pasaba.
En fin, No es uno de los mejores libros que conozco del autor (de uno de los autores), pero es un inicio de serie y fue corto, así que espero que el resto de la serie explique con mas detalle algunas de las cosas y resuelva otras, así que continuaré leyendo.
March 9, 2013
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Sam Enderson has inherited a large building from his uncle and after three months of correspondence courses opens the End Street Detective Agency. The fairly naive human Sam plans to work for a strictly human clientele but soon finds himself surrounded by paranormal beings. Sam rents out rooms in the large building for extra money and soon finds Bob on his doorstep. Bob is a nice guy vampire and there is an instant attraction between the two. Sam's first two cases involve a missing were-child and a fae that has left his other two partners. Nothing goes easily for Sam though, he is cursed by a witch, while an annoying ghost and a grouchy gargoyle try to tell him how to run his office. Then there is Bob.
This was a fun and action packed read. There is something about Sam that attracts paranormal creatures but also nullifies the effects on their magic. Bob and Sam were a great couple and well developed characters. I enjoyed Bob's protectiveness toward Sam even if it was sometimes misplaced. The old witch and the Cupid Curse that she put on Bob made for some laughs until the half vampire, Mikhail comes up with a way to neutralize the spell. The story is jam packed with secondary characters that range from the fairly mundane twin fae to the dangerous and exotic siren with a whole slew of werewolves thrown in on the side. The result is a plate full of crazy for Sam and an interesting story for the reader. The writing combination or Ms Kell and Ms Scott read well and seamlessly as these two authors have never collaborated before. The only problem that I had with the story was what I saw as a very abrupt ending. There were many loose ends left dangling but with a second installment on the way I am hoping that there is some resolution. I definitely recommend the book but I would wait for book two to come out before starting this one.
Sam Enderson has inherited a large building from his uncle and after three months of correspondence courses opens the End Street Detective Agency. The fairly naive human Sam plans to work for a strictly human clientele but soon finds himself surrounded by paranormal beings. Sam rents out rooms in the large building for extra money and soon finds Bob on his doorstep. Bob is a nice guy vampire and there is an instant attraction between the two. Sam's first two cases involve a missing were-child and a fae that has left his other two partners. Nothing goes easily for Sam though, he is cursed by a witch, while an annoying ghost and a grouchy gargoyle try to tell him how to run his office. Then there is Bob.
This was a fun and action packed read. There is something about Sam that attracts paranormal creatures but also nullifies the effects on their magic. Bob and Sam were a great couple and well developed characters. I enjoyed Bob's protectiveness toward Sam even if it was sometimes misplaced. The old witch and the Cupid Curse that she put on Bob made for some laughs until the half vampire, Mikhail comes up with a way to neutralize the spell. The story is jam packed with secondary characters that range from the fairly mundane twin fae to the dangerous and exotic siren with a whole slew of werewolves thrown in on the side. The result is a plate full of crazy for Sam and an interesting story for the reader. The writing combination or Ms Kell and Ms Scott read well and seamlessly as these two authors have never collaborated before. The only problem that I had with the story was what I saw as a very abrupt ending. There were many loose ends left dangling but with a second installment on the way I am hoping that there is some resolution. I definitely recommend the book but I would wait for book two to come out before starting this one.
March 1, 2013
3.5 Stars
Great start for a new series! I liked the quirky characters and the cases were interesting. I'm intrigued about Sam's family tree. This would have been a higher rating if not for the big cliffhanger in the end.. Can't wait for the next book!
Great start for a new series! I liked the quirky characters and the cases were interesting. I'm intrigued about Sam's family tree. This would have been a higher rating if not for the big cliffhanger in the end.. Can't wait for the next book!
March 3, 2013
Excellent start to a new series! I was very intrigued by the characters and story line and definitely will follow the rest of the books! Can't wait!! I really like Sam getting involved with the clients and the new world that's knocking on his door...
February 27, 2013
It's a cliff hanger, folks! It reads to just over 80% on my Kindle. Sux! Disappointed.
February 27, 2013
I just loved it. So many paranormals. Nice story.
August 21, 2017
**grm**
Let me explain my rating. I don't rate many book 3 stars if they are going on 3.5 + but here it felt right. (Goodreads should add the half star....)
The story moves fast and from the first moment u meet Bob(Robert the vampire..really a scary name xD), u know that he and our P.I. are going to be a couple.
I liked Bob, but I didn't feel enough vampire vibes from him, idk how to explain...
The secondary chars, like Mikhail(the half vampire and half siren), Teddy the grumpy ghost and the sulky gargoyle, were charming and I wanted to know more about them, but Sam was another thing.
I didn't like the fact that he was a racist, bcs he was, at least at the start.
He doens't want to have any contact with paranormals, he doesn't like them and in more than one occasion he offends Bob with his words and gestures. I didn't like how he was with Teddy, bcs our sweet ghost didn't deserve to be thought as a thing, by a guy, Sam, that still didn't knew how to do his job and be a real P.I.
The ppl around Sam were too understanding and had too much patience, well minus the ex-boyfriend who banged his best friend in the first pages(off page) of the book.
In the end of the book we see that maybe Sam is starting to act like a grown man and leave behind that useless nonsense that made me want to slap him for half of the book. Btw Sam I think u are not fully human! Take this biiiiiiiiiiiiii**h!
Well Sam u don't like paranormals but u sure as hell loved to top Bob....
Bob man, that was your first time as a bottom and the next day Sam still had the balls to tell some other guys, that u and him were not a couple...after all that talk....and after the fact that Sam knew your feelings....That dude is lucky that u love him. (Love at first sight for Bob)
The book ends with a cliffhanger, one case was resolved, they got back the third fae, but the little wolf girl is still missing.....
The world building could have been better, but I still found the story interesting and it left me wanting to read more of it.
Next!
Let me explain my rating. I don't rate many book 3 stars if they are going on 3.5 + but here it felt right. (Goodreads should add the half star....)
The story moves fast and from the first moment u meet Bob(Robert the vampire..really a scary name xD), u know that he and our P.I. are going to be a couple.
I liked Bob, but I didn't feel enough vampire vibes from him, idk how to explain...
The secondary chars, like Mikhail(the half vampire and half siren), Teddy the grumpy ghost and the sulky gargoyle, were charming and I wanted to know more about them, but Sam was another thing.
I didn't like the fact that he was a racist, bcs he was, at least at the start.
He doens't want to have any contact with paranormals, he doesn't like them and in more than one occasion he offends Bob with his words and gestures. I didn't like how he was with Teddy, bcs our sweet ghost didn't deserve to be thought as a thing, by a guy, Sam, that still didn't knew how to do his job and be a real P.I.
The ppl around Sam were too understanding and had too much patience, well minus the ex-boyfriend who banged his best friend in the first pages(off page) of the book.
In the end of the book we see that maybe Sam is starting to act like a grown man and leave behind that useless nonsense that made me want to slap him for half of the book. Btw Sam I think u are not fully human! Take this biiiiiiiiiiiiii**h!
Well Sam u don't like paranormals but u sure as hell loved to top Bob....
Bob man, that was your first time as a bottom and the next day Sam still had the balls to tell some other guys, that u and him were not a couple...after all that talk....and after the fact that Sam knew your feelings....That dude is lucky that u love him. (Love at first sight for Bob)
The book ends with a cliffhanger, one case was resolved, they got back the third fae, but the little wolf girl is still missing.....
The world building could have been better, but I still found the story interesting and it left me wanting to read more of it.
Next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2024
Short and sweet. I ripped through this entire series in a weekend. The writing was seamless. I couldn't tell what RJ wrote from what Amber wrote. A 3.5 instead of a 4 due to length. A bit too short of a read. Almost novella length and I felt there was some lacking in depth if only they would have expanded a bit they could have really fleshed out the story.
Sam, is human. And a bit of a bigot. He readily admits he prefers to keep his distance from paranormals. Easier said then done when he inherits a detective agency and decides to embark on a new sleuthing career. It seems all the paranormals track him down for help.
Bob the vampire needs a place to stay. Sam is renting rooms above his detective agency. And Sam is H- O - T ! Bob can't resist agreeing to whatever price Sam want's to charge for the tiny abode to get close to this magnetic human.
And of course Bob and Sam go on to solve mysteries together. This blends my love of mystery and supernatural.
Sam, is human. And a bit of a bigot. He readily admits he prefers to keep his distance from paranormals. Easier said then done when he inherits a detective agency and decides to embark on a new sleuthing career. It seems all the paranormals track him down for help.
Bob the vampire needs a place to stay. Sam is renting rooms above his detective agency. And Sam is H- O - T ! Bob can't resist agreeing to whatever price Sam want's to charge for the tiny abode to get close to this magnetic human.
And of course Bob and Sam go on to solve mysteries together. This blends my love of mystery and supernatural.
April 5, 2017
2.8 Stars
Meh.
Which kind of irritates me because I want to know what happened to the shifter kid, damn it. I guess I'll have to read the next one anyway...
Meh.
Which kind of irritates me because I want to know what happened to the shifter kid, damn it. I guess I'll have to read the next one anyway...
April 18, 2013
I am a paranormal fiction fan. But I am picky and easily irritated. However, the only thing that really pissed me off about Amber Kell and RJ Scott's first collaboration, "The Case of the Cupid Curse," is the fact that it ended too abruptly and left me hanging until they get the damn sequel written. Arrrrgh. But, I guess that's a good sign, yes?
Having written vampire romances myself, I am always interested in ways people treat vampires. Bob, the vampire in this first novella, is a winner. And for some reason, Bob takes a shine to Sam, the main protagonist of the piece. Sam is a callow youth, and sort of a jerk. Bigoted against the paranormal (i.e. magical) folks with whom he is forced to share his city, Sam is startled to find out that the little detective agency he inherits from his sweet Uncle Hanson is oriented toward the paranormal world. Sam is not a happy camper.
Seems that in Sam's world, being gay is no big deal, but being a werewolf or a fae or a vampire gets you all SORTS of attitude. Clearly, Sam has some learning to do.
And Bob, the beautiful and patient vampire, will do what he can to help.
My only other complaint about this charming, interesting, and picturesque novella is that the Kell/Scott duo offer us a neatly crafted prose that nonetheless seems a bit rushed. They're good with language, and good at making their narrative amusing - but it feels like they were in a hurry to get to the all-too-soon ending. Or cliffhanger, as it were.
Slow down, ladies. You have a winner on your hands - but let your readers savor it. This could really go places.
Having written vampire romances myself, I am always interested in ways people treat vampires. Bob, the vampire in this first novella, is a winner. And for some reason, Bob takes a shine to Sam, the main protagonist of the piece. Sam is a callow youth, and sort of a jerk. Bigoted against the paranormal (i.e. magical) folks with whom he is forced to share his city, Sam is startled to find out that the little detective agency he inherits from his sweet Uncle Hanson is oriented toward the paranormal world. Sam is not a happy camper.
Seems that in Sam's world, being gay is no big deal, but being a werewolf or a fae or a vampire gets you all SORTS of attitude. Clearly, Sam has some learning to do.
And Bob, the beautiful and patient vampire, will do what he can to help.
My only other complaint about this charming, interesting, and picturesque novella is that the Kell/Scott duo offer us a neatly crafted prose that nonetheless seems a bit rushed. They're good with language, and good at making their narrative amusing - but it feels like they were in a hurry to get to the all-too-soon ending. Or cliffhanger, as it were.
Slow down, ladies. You have a winner on your hands - but let your readers savor it. This could really go places.
May 21, 2014
I’m having problems.
This is a funny book and it’s interesting enough. But it lacks sweetness. There’s actual plot and any romance develops almost under the radar – but I feel unsettled by the fact that Sam’s situation seems so hopeless and is becoming bleaker all the time. With some few (unreliable) exceptions, people clearly either wouldn’t go out of their way to help Sam in any way, or appear to be actively working against him. That he has no clue about anything makes for a good story, but it also intensifies that sense of isolation and vulnerability.
I guess what I am trying to say is that this does not read so much as a paranormal romance as it feels like straight-up urban fantasy with a tiny romantic subplot.
That’s not even remotely a bad thing. Except I kind of need something mushy-happy-reassuring right now. I don’t think this is that.
So I’ll probably continue the series at some other point. It’ll be worth it.
Admittedly it is also difficult to warm up to a bigoted protagonist. Sam’s prejudices towards paranormals read like racism and I derive about as much enjoyment from it.
Still, something I enjoy a lot is the type of pairing that Sam and Bob form. None of the usual sexual roles presetting the relationship roles and interaction. And it most certainly is not oversexed. I like it!
And then pure evil strikes! Cliffhanger ending! This when I was planning to take a break from this series. *huff*
To be honest, things picked up some towards the end. That familiar Amber Kell touch of secret superpowers helped a lot, even if it is not quite as extreme as usual. Yet.
I’m looking forward to continuing this after a small break.
This is a funny book and it’s interesting enough. But it lacks sweetness. There’s actual plot and any romance develops almost under the radar – but I feel unsettled by the fact that Sam’s situation seems so hopeless and is becoming bleaker all the time. With some few (unreliable) exceptions, people clearly either wouldn’t go out of their way to help Sam in any way, or appear to be actively working against him. That he has no clue about anything makes for a good story, but it also intensifies that sense of isolation and vulnerability.
I guess what I am trying to say is that this does not read so much as a paranormal romance as it feels like straight-up urban fantasy with a tiny romantic subplot.
That’s not even remotely a bad thing. Except I kind of need something mushy-happy-reassuring right now. I don’t think this is that.
So I’ll probably continue the series at some other point. It’ll be worth it.
Admittedly it is also difficult to warm up to a bigoted protagonist. Sam’s prejudices towards paranormals read like racism and I derive about as much enjoyment from it.
Still, something I enjoy a lot is the type of pairing that Sam and Bob form. None of the usual sexual roles presetting the relationship roles and interaction. And it most certainly is not oversexed. I like it!
And then pure evil strikes! Cliffhanger ending! This when I was planning to take a break from this series. *huff*
To be honest, things picked up some towards the end. That familiar Amber Kell touch of secret superpowers helped a lot, even if it is not quite as extreme as usual. Yet.
I’m looking forward to continuing this after a small break.
January 12, 2015
What can I say, this was not a book for me. I suppose I'm to blame, since I expected more of a detective story. Hovewer, as Sam stated himself somewhere around the middle of the book, he's a shitty detective who doesn't know what he's doing. I'm sure those weren't exactly his words and his vampire was quick to assure him that's not the case but... yes, he is one dumb guy and has absolutely no talent when it comes to solving cases. Give that guy a garden to work in, maybe he will be better at planting trees. At least that will be usefull.
Another thing that bothered me - everybody loves Sam. Why? I have no idea. He's self centered and prejudiced guy with a good heart I guess but no determination to follow it. His way of solving the issues was rather interesting: I have no idea what I'm doing so I will go to bed and maybe in the morning the solution will miraculously present itself.
Also, "The Case Of The Cupid Curse" is a part of the longer story so don't expect the solution of presented problems at the end of it. It's more like a chapter that's supposed to be continued and then... there's nothing. I'm not even interested enough to pursue the matter and learn how it ended.
Another thing that bothered me - everybody loves Sam. Why? I have no idea. He's self centered and prejudiced guy with a good heart I guess but no determination to follow it. His way of solving the issues was rather interesting: I have no idea what I'm doing so I will go to bed and maybe in the morning the solution will miraculously present itself.
Also, "The Case Of The Cupid Curse" is a part of the longer story so don't expect the solution of presented problems at the end of it. It's more like a chapter that's supposed to be continued and then... there's nothing. I'm not even interested enough to pursue the matter and learn how it ended.
Read
September 16, 2022This book was so not what I was expecting! I was expecting the vampires and the witches and a bit of mystery as Sam takes over the detective agency. What I didn't expect was the wonderful humour which was in bucketfuls!
Poor Sam, surrounded by talking gargoyles and mind-reading vampires, placed under love spells, taking jobs from werewolves and propositioned by other paranormals - things just weren't working out the way he intented them.
I adored Bob, the vampire (with a name like Bob, how could you not?) and his interactions with Sam were hysterical, especially when he read Sam's mind...
"Tall,skinny and blond, he ticked the boxes for Sam. Well, the old boxes. the one's he had before he'd met Bob...
Damn, Did I think that?
He chanced a glance at Bob, who nodded back at him. Yep. Clearly he had thought that very thing."
I was really surprised at the ending which seemed rather abrupt, probably compounded by the fact the ebook ended at 85%, but with so much unresolved it really encourages the reading of book 2.
3.5 stars
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Poor Sam, surrounded by talking gargoyles and mind-reading vampires, placed under love spells, taking jobs from werewolves and propositioned by other paranormals - things just weren't working out the way he intented them.
I adored Bob, the vampire (with a name like Bob, how could you not?) and his interactions with Sam were hysterical, especially when he read Sam's mind...
"Tall,skinny and blond, he ticked the boxes for Sam. Well, the old boxes. the one's he had before he'd met Bob...
Damn, Did I think that?
He chanced a glance at Bob, who nodded back at him. Yep. Clearly he had thought that very thing."
I was really surprised at the ending which seemed rather abrupt, probably compounded by the fact the ebook ended at 85%, but with so much unresolved it really encourages the reading of book 2.
3.5 stars
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
August 11, 2013
I am very picky about paranormal stories, I am not overly keen on vampires and werewolves have the ability to send me into rants that may evolve to Kindle abuse. This story had a lot of good ideas in it, and that was the problem, for a short story it was way too crowded. The insta-love between Sam and Bob the vampire didn’t work for me, nor did the alleged cupid curse put on him by the witch. I did like the side characters of the grumpy gargoyle and the familiar that turned up when the curse broke. And then there was the incredibly abrupt ending… seriously, at 86% it just stopped, with what I thought would be the main case completely unresolved. Now I am used to serious fantasies being broken into different books, but really at under 100 pages this just annoyed the hell out of me and didn’t leave me invested enough to read any further in the series.
November 17, 2013
2.5 stars - not terrible, but I was definitely disappointed considering how much I usually love these two authors. I skipped pages here and there, the plot wasn't as strong as I'd hoped, and I didn't really feel the connection between the two MCs. I loved Bob though. I will try the second book to see if it improves because I usually love RJ's work.
April 20, 2016
A little more effort can go a long way in getting this to become a much better book. More attention to story and plotline maybe.
I'm guessing this was meant to be a meaningless light read (and hence the effort towards naming him 'Bob' the Vampire) so maybe it met expectations?
I'm guessing this was meant to be a meaningless light read (and hence the effort towards naming him 'Bob' the Vampire) so maybe it met expectations?
March 5, 2013
“Vampires are supposed to be sexy. There’s nothing sexy about a Bob.”
LOL!
A great, fun read. I am looking forward to more from this series.
LOL!
A great, fun read. I am looking forward to more from this series.
April 6, 2013
A pleasant yet too short first instalment in this series. Hopefully, the next one will add more breadth and depth to the plot and characters.
March 7, 2013
Would've been 2.5 stars, but I hate when a book abruptly cuts off, making me wait for the story to continue in the next book. Will check out the sequel when it comes out.
March 2, 2013
Cliffhanger or not i am hooked
March 4, 2013
I really liked this! I liked the characters, especially Bob the vampire, and I liked all of the paranormal creatures around them. Looking forward to more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews