I'm on the fence with this...but definitely creative!
I'm currently reading this and some things said are not impressing me. The idea is awesome, but the material used...can I groan in exasperation? I'm going to lay it out here: I wasn't and will never ever be a fan of Twilight series. I did read 50's and was not impressed either. I read other really well written stories of this topic of alpha/billionaire etc type characters. I think, quite frankly, the thing that bothers me is something that has always bothered me when an idea is brought to the table and gets labeled as it was first. With Twilight and 50's this was never the case. Before these there was LJ Smith with vampires and other greats like Anne Rice if that was your thing. LJ Smith was my time's writer and I just couldn't get with Twilight. That said 50's was later than books like to name a few: Cherise Sinclair, Maya Banks, or Shayla Black or even Sherrilyn Kenyon to some extent (not so much BDSM element, but alpha males definitely). I have read other authors, that too, were written so much better than 50's. I think the words knockoff of 50's or the words flung out that books are cheap imitation of 50's was a far cry of what is truly a fact. The fact is it was a hype that was poorly written and was resorted to sparkle-pires and broody men with troublesome pasts and current woes that made him an alpha male by being dominant. This is why EL James books and Stephanie Meyers books never appealed to me whereas other books using elements of dominant characters was more appealing with my fave authors.
So, this is why I gave this 3 stars. The idea was pure genius though! The books used was rather blah to me (Twilight, 50's). And I just couldn't stop myself from constantly disagreeing (getting pissy more like it lol) with the author about the knockoff imitation wording. It was annoying. BUT ... the humor did ease up that annoyance. I will be adding more shortly as I finish this.
So I've finished it. Gotta say I had a feeling Vivian was going to be a complex character with a motive. Wow. She really takes jealousy and wanting someone's life to suck to a whole new level. The supernatural aspect of this was very creative! I adored Max and Holly was such a riot! But I loved the lesson she learned! So my final rating: 3.75 almost a 4. I still could have done without the Twilight/50's references. Like I mentioned, these stories came after other great stories which would mean that Twilight & 50's were knockoff's and cheap imitations of these great stories. If you haven't checked them out...do it! Sweet Series, Masters of Shadowlands, Wicked Series, and definitely Masters and Mercenaries series. TONS better and definitely written better. BUT do not misunderstand me, I'd read this again. It was fun, creative, and light on the angst! There were times I was going huh near the end, but I think that was intentional. I do recommend, but for those who are really against Twilight or 50's references be wary! OR just overlook the referencing of authors thoughts on this as her character Holly. I might get flamed for thinking otherwise against both book series...but I do have a strong opinion against 50's and to some extent Twilight. Aside from those references ENJOY it...it was a fun and creative book!