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Love Eternal #1
The Gentle Man
Ana Trent is having a change of life -- and it ain’t menopause. Just when she had resigned herself to a life of drudgery and angst in her downhill years, Ana is accosted by a mysterious man running for his life. Naturally, she tries to help. Naturally, things don’t go well...
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 16, 2015
I received a copy of the ePub from the author in exchange for an honest review.
It is refreshing to read an original paranormal romance about a middle-aged woman.
Is Anastasia (Ana) Trent experiencing a mid life crisis? She is in a dark hole—struggling financially to save her home, her marriage, her systems analyst job. She is supplementing her income by working at a bar in order to barely make her monthly mortgage payments. Truly unlike any other paranormal—she is a wife, a mother and a grandmother.
The Gentle Man is written from Ana’s point of view. Her voice is direct and honest. The author revels Ana’s sense of humour throughout this read. When she encounters Domm after a late shift at the bar she instinctively knows that he is different. Her journey quickly takes on many unexpected twists and turns as she is forced to reflect on her life’s challenges.
The ending will catch the reader off guard and it is totally unexpected. Will Ana welcome the world of suflet nocturn or night souls? “Will she have an extraordinary existence?”
It is refreshing to read an original paranormal romance about a middle-aged woman.
Is Anastasia (Ana) Trent experiencing a mid life crisis? She is in a dark hole—struggling financially to save her home, her marriage, her systems analyst job. She is supplementing her income by working at a bar in order to barely make her monthly mortgage payments. Truly unlike any other paranormal—she is a wife, a mother and a grandmother.
The Gentle Man is written from Ana’s point of view. Her voice is direct and honest. The author revels Ana’s sense of humour throughout this read. When she encounters Domm after a late shift at the bar she instinctively knows that he is different. Her journey quickly takes on many unexpected twists and turns as she is forced to reflect on her life’s challenges.
The ending will catch the reader off guard and it is totally unexpected. Will Ana welcome the world of suflet nocturn or night souls? “Will she have an extraordinary existence?”
January 27, 2013
THE GENTLE MAN is a first novel by baby boomer-generation author, Michelle Montague Mogil, who has come to the craft of writing fairly recently. The book is vampire genre, but has some delightful twists that make it worth the read.
Main character Anastasia “Annie” Trent has spent her post-middle age years searching for love, looking for a way to fit in, and trying to climb out of the financial mire that plagues a lot of middle class women these days. As the book opens, Annie and her husband face foreclosure, job layoff, health issues, and a myriad of other challenges. Annie is tired and about to give up and let her life overwhelm her. She works full time a day job she hates and is about to lose anyway. She tends bar at a local wateringhole by night. She and her husband profess to love each other, but they don’t hear each other or share much besides almost constant bickering. As Annie is closing up the bar one night, out of the darkness comes a slightly intimidating, but rather strangely appealing gentleman seeking Annie’s help to escape from someone or something pursuing him. Against her better judgment, she takes him home and finds herself becoming caught up in his issues.
As she struggles with her own common sense vs his otherworldly magnetism, Annie finds out some things about herself and learns a lot about whether fitting in is the way to go. Annie also learns some things about Murphy’s Law and the nature of true love.
The novel is short, almost a novella, and I wondered why Mogil didn’t expand her project a bit to offer a little more satisfaction. I yearned to know how Annie came to where she is in her life at the beginning of the book. I needed to see more of why her vampire attracted her so. It happens quickly, and truly needs a little more narrative. It's not enough to figure everyone knows why vampires are like they are.
While readers, especially women, and especially women of, as they say, a certain age, will find Annie an interesting and wryly humorous character, we’re left wondering a lot about her motivation. I enjoyed the wry humor, but wished it to be more finished. I was interested in Annie and her world, but needed more carefully written dialog and less information dumping in long speeches explaining where the story needed to go. I'm looking forward to more from this author, because I'm pretty sure she has a lot to say and will benefit by experience.
Though the characters that people Annie’s life could be more three dimensional, and the story arc could be fleshed out to provide a more succulent experience, the sense of place and the vivid portrayal of a very “today” grandmother is fun and evocative. For a quick read, and a nice spot of entertainment for vampire enthusiasts, this little book works. As a first novel, THE GENTLE MAN gives a glimpse of what Mogil may be able to do for readers as she hones her craft.
A word about the mechanics of the text - THE GENTLE MAN, as a digital book, could benefit by reformatting to create a better looking, better-reading text. The spacing is erratic and a little bit blown out, which detracts, I think from the reading of the story. Then, too, it’s terribly important for authors, especially in today’s publishing competition, to have a professional edit and polishing done before taking a work to the public. It’s so normal to want to rush to press and share our work, but the experience benefits from fine-tooth combing. Mogil’s book is no exception.
Main character Anastasia “Annie” Trent has spent her post-middle age years searching for love, looking for a way to fit in, and trying to climb out of the financial mire that plagues a lot of middle class women these days. As the book opens, Annie and her husband face foreclosure, job layoff, health issues, and a myriad of other challenges. Annie is tired and about to give up and let her life overwhelm her. She works full time a day job she hates and is about to lose anyway. She tends bar at a local wateringhole by night. She and her husband profess to love each other, but they don’t hear each other or share much besides almost constant bickering. As Annie is closing up the bar one night, out of the darkness comes a slightly intimidating, but rather strangely appealing gentleman seeking Annie’s help to escape from someone or something pursuing him. Against her better judgment, she takes him home and finds herself becoming caught up in his issues.
As she struggles with her own common sense vs his otherworldly magnetism, Annie finds out some things about herself and learns a lot about whether fitting in is the way to go. Annie also learns some things about Murphy’s Law and the nature of true love.
The novel is short, almost a novella, and I wondered why Mogil didn’t expand her project a bit to offer a little more satisfaction. I yearned to know how Annie came to where she is in her life at the beginning of the book. I needed to see more of why her vampire attracted her so. It happens quickly, and truly needs a little more narrative. It's not enough to figure everyone knows why vampires are like they are.
While readers, especially women, and especially women of, as they say, a certain age, will find Annie an interesting and wryly humorous character, we’re left wondering a lot about her motivation. I enjoyed the wry humor, but wished it to be more finished. I was interested in Annie and her world, but needed more carefully written dialog and less information dumping in long speeches explaining where the story needed to go. I'm looking forward to more from this author, because I'm pretty sure she has a lot to say and will benefit by experience.
Though the characters that people Annie’s life could be more three dimensional, and the story arc could be fleshed out to provide a more succulent experience, the sense of place and the vivid portrayal of a very “today” grandmother is fun and evocative. For a quick read, and a nice spot of entertainment for vampire enthusiasts, this little book works. As a first novel, THE GENTLE MAN gives a glimpse of what Mogil may be able to do for readers as she hones her craft.
A word about the mechanics of the text - THE GENTLE MAN, as a digital book, could benefit by reformatting to create a better looking, better-reading text. The spacing is erratic and a little bit blown out, which detracts, I think from the reading of the story. Then, too, it’s terribly important for authors, especially in today’s publishing competition, to have a professional edit and polishing done before taking a work to the public. It’s so normal to want to rush to press and share our work, but the experience benefits from fine-tooth combing. Mogil’s book is no exception.
February 5, 2015
*NO SPOILERS*
A SOLID 3.5 STARS FOR ME
When I sat down to read this book, I asked myself... Is this going to be just another vampire story? After finishing it, I would have to say yes and no. The author does offer us a slightly different take of the cliched creatures. The story is told from the POV of the protagonist, Anastasia Trent; a jaded, 50-something, married woman that works in IT and moonlights as a bartender. Faced with losing her day job, among other struggles of the human condition, Annie picks up all the shifts she can at the bar called The Exchange, where she meets our night-loving gentle man, Domn. This unexpected meeting sparks a series of changes that has Annie's life apart at the seams.
First of all, I need to say that I love vampire stories. It really doesn't matter what aspects of the myths are changed, I'm game. To me, the stories that humanize vamps are as interesting as the ones vilify or heroize. I liked the the overall concept that the authors gives us, not only the vampire side but the smothered mood of Annie's quiet desperation.
With that being said, I didn't really fall for the characters as much as I wanted to. The leading lady is older than I am, and while normally I can empathize with the characters that are very different from myself, I found it hard to do with Annie. I don't fault the author for that really, I just found it hard to keep up the fluctuating logic and emotion she takes us through.
Then, there's Domn. He is our 800-year-old 'gentle man.' In the beginning, I saw potential in his soft-spoken, antiquated manner and had hoped that he would develop into something swoon-worthy (even though his physical description didn't do much for me...but hey, different strokes, right? I just imagined Johnny Depp and kept reading), but for me it just didn't pan out.
The best parts of this book for me were in the fun and snarky tone the writer set throughout the story. I found myself chuckling at some of the quips and sarcasm Annie throws down. The worst part for me was the romance between Annie and Dom. It was hard for me to follow, since I didn't feel the connection between the two. It was almost like Annie didn't feel anything at all for him...but she kept letting him bite her? Didn't quite add up for me. I kind of have the feeling that the age gap between myself and Annie has something to do with my feelings on the love connection here, it's hard to say.
Despite my slight lack of swoonage, I really did enjoy this read. The author definitely has a gift for the written word and an awesome imagination. So send me a “Will Brake For Montague-Mogil” bumper sticker because I'm a fan.
A SOLID 3.5 STARS FOR ME
When I sat down to read this book, I asked myself... Is this going to be just another vampire story? After finishing it, I would have to say yes and no. The author does offer us a slightly different take of the cliched creatures. The story is told from the POV of the protagonist, Anastasia Trent; a jaded, 50-something, married woman that works in IT and moonlights as a bartender. Faced with losing her day job, among other struggles of the human condition, Annie picks up all the shifts she can at the bar called The Exchange, where she meets our night-loving gentle man, Domn. This unexpected meeting sparks a series of changes that has Annie's life apart at the seams.
First of all, I need to say that I love vampire stories. It really doesn't matter what aspects of the myths are changed, I'm game. To me, the stories that humanize vamps are as interesting as the ones vilify or heroize. I liked the the overall concept that the authors gives us, not only the vampire side but the smothered mood of Annie's quiet desperation.
With that being said, I didn't really fall for the characters as much as I wanted to. The leading lady is older than I am, and while normally I can empathize with the characters that are very different from myself, I found it hard to do with Annie. I don't fault the author for that really, I just found it hard to keep up the fluctuating logic and emotion she takes us through.
Then, there's Domn. He is our 800-year-old 'gentle man.' In the beginning, I saw potential in his soft-spoken, antiquated manner and had hoped that he would develop into something swoon-worthy (even though his physical description didn't do much for me...but hey, different strokes, right? I just imagined Johnny Depp and kept reading), but for me it just didn't pan out.
The best parts of this book for me were in the fun and snarky tone the writer set throughout the story. I found myself chuckling at some of the quips and sarcasm Annie throws down. The worst part for me was the romance between Annie and Dom. It was hard for me to follow, since I didn't feel the connection between the two. It was almost like Annie didn't feel anything at all for him...but she kept letting him bite her? Didn't quite add up for me. I kind of have the feeling that the age gap between myself and Annie has something to do with my feelings on the love connection here, it's hard to say.
Despite my slight lack of swoonage, I really did enjoy this read. The author definitely has a gift for the written word and an awesome imagination. So send me a “Will Brake For Montague-Mogil” bumper sticker because I'm a fan.
February 5, 2015
Anastasia Trent is a woman of a certain age, about to be downsized from her tech job, and getting by on her part-time bartending gig and her husband's sporadic home sales commissions. One day, a mysterious, gentle man known only as Lord Domn comes into her life, seducing her to a life she never knew existed.
First, the good stuff. I am such a fan of a romance that has an older woman as a main character, exploring her needs and desires, which are often overlooked in our society that focuses on youth and, barring youth, Viagra. This book goes into the details of Ana's rocky marriage, the twists and turns, and the things that satisfy and that, after 30 years, may not be enough. Those were the details that kept me reading through.
There were a few things that did not ring true. (Some spoilers ahead.) First, this book is categorized as paranormal romance. In the romance genre, a main character (male or female) who commits adultery cannot be seen as sympathetic, according to genre tropes. So readers coming to the books with the expectations that it will be a typical example of its genre will be disappointed. Also, Ana falls in love with Domn not because he's really interesting or anything, but because he says he loves her, bites her and turns her into a vampire. In fact, he spends most of the book locked up in the psych ward - where she put him - and so he's not even around when she realizes she loves him. I can buy the supernatural enhancement of her attraction, but to leave her husband and fall in love with someone who wasn't even there, I just wanted more of Domn's development. Then, at the end, her husband forgives her everything and they are right back together. That is one superhumanly forgiving spouse. (End spoilers.)
I enjoyed very much the author's treatment of the vampire mythology, especially how she positions the real world around the transition. Even as the main character embraces her change, she has to face annual physicals, bar shifts, finding a job she can work at night, and an extended family who keeps calling her cell phone. All of these added up to an interesting read; and I found myself intrigued all the way to the end.
***I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
First, the good stuff. I am such a fan of a romance that has an older woman as a main character, exploring her needs and desires, which are often overlooked in our society that focuses on youth and, barring youth, Viagra. This book goes into the details of Ana's rocky marriage, the twists and turns, and the things that satisfy and that, after 30 years, may not be enough. Those were the details that kept me reading through.
There were a few things that did not ring true. (Some spoilers ahead.) First, this book is categorized as paranormal romance. In the romance genre, a main character (male or female) who commits adultery cannot be seen as sympathetic, according to genre tropes. So readers coming to the books with the expectations that it will be a typical example of its genre will be disappointed. Also, Ana falls in love with Domn not because he's really interesting or anything, but because he says he loves her, bites her and turns her into a vampire. In fact, he spends most of the book locked up in the psych ward - where she put him - and so he's not even around when she realizes she loves him. I can buy the supernatural enhancement of her attraction, but to leave her husband and fall in love with someone who wasn't even there, I just wanted more of Domn's development. Then, at the end, her husband forgives her everything and they are right back together. That is one superhumanly forgiving spouse. (End spoilers.)
I enjoyed very much the author's treatment of the vampire mythology, especially how she positions the real world around the transition. Even as the main character embraces her change, she has to face annual physicals, bar shifts, finding a job she can work at night, and an extended family who keeps calling her cell phone. All of these added up to an interesting read; and I found myself intrigued all the way to the end.
***I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Michelle Montague Mogil’s The Gentle Man is a different and refreshing take on the ‘modern vampires among us,’ theme. Domn is soft-spoken, gentle, over 800 years old and sucks blood. He is not fabulously wealthy or an uber-alpha male. Quietly compelling, he seduces Ana from a life of disappointment that she is more than happy to abandon. The story drags a bit in the middle as Ana slowly comes to terms with what Domn really is and what she is becoming. The extended time it takes Ana to accept the basic premise of vampires is jarring particularly when other ‘normals’ in the story accept it pretty quickly. Within minutes in a few cases.
Other than that, it is a fun, enjoyable read. Be warned, it does not have a typical happily ever after ending. I found it a little disappointing although true to the story and the characters.
3.5 stars.
Michelle Montague Mogil’s The Gentle Man is a different and refreshing take on the ‘modern vampires among us,’ theme. Domn is soft-spoken, gentle, over 800 years old and sucks blood. He is not fabulously wealthy or an uber-alpha male. Quietly compelling, he seduces Ana from a life of disappointment that she is more than happy to abandon. The story drags a bit in the middle as Ana slowly comes to terms with what Domn really is and what she is becoming. The extended time it takes Ana to accept the basic premise of vampires is jarring particularly when other ‘normals’ in the story accept it pretty quickly. Within minutes in a few cases.
Other than that, it is a fun, enjoyable read. Be warned, it does not have a typical happily ever after ending. I found it a little disappointing although true to the story and the characters.
3.5 stars.
February 10, 2015
the Gentle Man by Michelle Montague Mogil was a quick easy read.
I enjoyed the storyline and quite liked Anastasia but found myself wishing that I knew more about Domn.
3 1/2 stars
I enjoyed the storyline and quite liked Anastasia but found myself wishing that I knew more about Domn.
3 1/2 stars
August 5, 2013
Warning: Slight Spoilers
“Four scant weeks ago, I was given the choice between an extraordinary existence and a life of mediocrity…As a consequence, I am now attempting to justify that decision, explaining to myself and to a number of other people, how I managed to get where I am now.”
Those lines in Chapter One made me want to learn more.
The author did a wonderful job of ensuring a level of excitement in practically every chapter. This made you want to turn the pages and find out what happens next. One of the parts that stood out the most was towards the end: the final confrontation between Rachel (the obsessed with immortality caretaker), Domm (the vampire), and Anastasia. I thought the ending was going to go one way, but it took quite a turn that was very shocking, yet sets up the scenario for the next installment.
I’m a fan of Anastasia’s sense of humor. There were things she did which made me chuckle yet I know people around me who have done some of the same things. She is a part-time bartender on the side, and every once in a while when things get rough, she sneaks in a drink. Sure, one isn’t supposed to be doing it on the clock, but it is understandable why it can be a bit tempting. Also, her primary job is about to lay her off, so her attitude towards them is less than stellar, which seemed very real to me.
I’m very pleased with the presentation of the print material—it had very little wrong with it in terms of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
There are a lot of great things about this book but there were certain aspects that kept me from reaching maximum enjoyment.
Despite Anastasia’s situation and her sense of humor, I found her to be annoying as the chapters progressed. I was willing to excuse the initial naivety concerning Domm the Vampire, but as more evidence surfaced, I feel like her struggling to come to grips with it was a bit dragged out. It also stunned me how quickly she was willing to turn her back on her husband and her children to give into Domm the Vampire. I was hoping maybe she was hypnotized into being with him so quickly but when I discovered he didn’t really do that to her, it made me question if she really loved her husband as much as she claimed. I found myself feeling Ethan’s pain and wanting to know how he was struggling, knowing that he was losing his wife, wishing that the writer would have expounded more on his struggles as well as Anastasia’s.
Considering I’m a fan of vampire literature, I really wanted a great visual of how Domm looked, yet besides the description of his skin and his eyes, I couldn’t really get a good gauge on how he looked.
Overall, I recommend this:
1. For someone who wants to see an atypical main character—in the form of an older lady heroine.
2. For non-stop action
3. For vampire literature with huge dosage of comedy as opposed to romance
Extended review can be found on ChickLit Pad as well as The Review Board.
Book Review: The Gentle Man
http://chicklitpad.blogspot.com/2013/...
The Review Board on The Gentle Man
http://theunleashedreviewboard.wordpr...
Side Note: Technically, it's 3.5 stars out of 5, but since I see no half star option, this is closer to a 4 than a 3.
“Four scant weeks ago, I was given the choice between an extraordinary existence and a life of mediocrity…As a consequence, I am now attempting to justify that decision, explaining to myself and to a number of other people, how I managed to get where I am now.”
Those lines in Chapter One made me want to learn more.
The author did a wonderful job of ensuring a level of excitement in practically every chapter. This made you want to turn the pages and find out what happens next. One of the parts that stood out the most was towards the end: the final confrontation between Rachel (the obsessed with immortality caretaker), Domm (the vampire), and Anastasia. I thought the ending was going to go one way, but it took quite a turn that was very shocking, yet sets up the scenario for the next installment.
I’m a fan of Anastasia’s sense of humor. There were things she did which made me chuckle yet I know people around me who have done some of the same things. She is a part-time bartender on the side, and every once in a while when things get rough, she sneaks in a drink. Sure, one isn’t supposed to be doing it on the clock, but it is understandable why it can be a bit tempting. Also, her primary job is about to lay her off, so her attitude towards them is less than stellar, which seemed very real to me.
I’m very pleased with the presentation of the print material—it had very little wrong with it in terms of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
There are a lot of great things about this book but there were certain aspects that kept me from reaching maximum enjoyment.
Despite Anastasia’s situation and her sense of humor, I found her to be annoying as the chapters progressed. I was willing to excuse the initial naivety concerning Domm the Vampire, but as more evidence surfaced, I feel like her struggling to come to grips with it was a bit dragged out. It also stunned me how quickly she was willing to turn her back on her husband and her children to give into Domm the Vampire. I was hoping maybe she was hypnotized into being with him so quickly but when I discovered he didn’t really do that to her, it made me question if she really loved her husband as much as she claimed. I found myself feeling Ethan’s pain and wanting to know how he was struggling, knowing that he was losing his wife, wishing that the writer would have expounded more on his struggles as well as Anastasia’s.
Considering I’m a fan of vampire literature, I really wanted a great visual of how Domm looked, yet besides the description of his skin and his eyes, I couldn’t really get a good gauge on how he looked.
Overall, I recommend this:
1. For someone who wants to see an atypical main character—in the form of an older lady heroine.
2. For non-stop action
3. For vampire literature with huge dosage of comedy as opposed to romance
Extended review can be found on ChickLit Pad as well as The Review Board.
Book Review: The Gentle Man
http://chicklitpad.blogspot.com/2013/...
The Review Board on The Gentle Man
http://theunleashedreviewboard.wordpr...
Side Note: Technically, it's 3.5 stars out of 5, but since I see no half star option, this is closer to a 4 than a 3.
July 22, 2013
I want me one of those! *Huge smile, batting eye and loosely flapping hand*
Alright, I have GOT TO SAY, this story is addictive. In a good way. Once I picked it up, I could barely let it go. Had it not been for the constant needs of my 10-year-old, I may not have.
It can easily be considered one of those “all nighter books” A day and a half! THAT'S how long it took me to read it—including interruptions. Solely because I was seized by it. Lol
It's an entirely different take on Vampires and (the all too familiar) Mid-Life Crisis.
A woman in her fifties that has had about all she can take with her life, then unwillingly crosses paths this 'a mysterious stranger'... Yeah, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, “You mean, just like EVERY OTHER vampire story?!” Well, no. Not really.
It's one of those stories that, once you think things are about to settle down and regulate themselves, something else happens. Quite ensnaring. Loved it.
Hands down, my favorite character was Annie (Anastasia, the heroine). She was funny, quick witted and with an attitude to match BUT with a heart of gold. Fun, fun character!
I need to constantly remind myself... NO SPOILERS! That being said, I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good Chick-lit, intertwined with the highly coveted Vampires. Give it a shot. You won't regret it. Seriously, read it yourself and find out.
Alright, I have GOT TO SAY, this story is addictive. In a good way. Once I picked it up, I could barely let it go. Had it not been for the constant needs of my 10-year-old, I may not have.
It can easily be considered one of those “all nighter books” A day and a half! THAT'S how long it took me to read it—including interruptions. Solely because I was seized by it. Lol
It's an entirely different take on Vampires and (the all too familiar) Mid-Life Crisis.
A woman in her fifties that has had about all she can take with her life, then unwillingly crosses paths this 'a mysterious stranger'... Yeah, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, “You mean, just like EVERY OTHER vampire story?!” Well, no. Not really.
It's one of those stories that, once you think things are about to settle down and regulate themselves, something else happens. Quite ensnaring. Loved it.
Hands down, my favorite character was Annie (Anastasia, the heroine). She was funny, quick witted and with an attitude to match BUT with a heart of gold. Fun, fun character!
I need to constantly remind myself... NO SPOILERS! That being said, I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good Chick-lit, intertwined with the highly coveted Vampires. Give it a shot. You won't regret it. Seriously, read it yourself and find out.
January 19, 2013
The Gentle Man is a clever twist on the typical mid-life crisis.
Turning more and more frequently to her good friend alcohol for solace, Annie Trent tries to cope with an evergrowing burden of problems: a looming layoff, an indifferent husband (at least when they aren't arguing), and working a second job. It wouldn't be surprising that an intriguing stranger's arduous advances would meet little resistence from her battle-weary psyche.
But not all is as it seems. Even as Annie tries to remain true to her life's responsibilities and her husband, such as they are, she finds the dark stranger irresistable on a very basic level. Strangely, however, she keeps blacking out, unable to remember their encounters, finding the only evidence of such her bloodshot eyes, a banging hangover and a tiny re-occuring wound just behind her collarbone.
Coming to realize she has a problem, Annie turns to AA, but Alcoholics Anonymous doesn't have a cure for her newest addiction, the thirst for human blood.
What I like most about this story is the main character. It's not often a story features a firecracker of a grandmother with a colorful vocabulary and a taste for Jim Beam as the heroine in a romantic vampire love story.
I found the story amusing and well-written.
Turning more and more frequently to her good friend alcohol for solace, Annie Trent tries to cope with an evergrowing burden of problems: a looming layoff, an indifferent husband (at least when they aren't arguing), and working a second job. It wouldn't be surprising that an intriguing stranger's arduous advances would meet little resistence from her battle-weary psyche.
But not all is as it seems. Even as Annie tries to remain true to her life's responsibilities and her husband, such as they are, she finds the dark stranger irresistable on a very basic level. Strangely, however, she keeps blacking out, unable to remember their encounters, finding the only evidence of such her bloodshot eyes, a banging hangover and a tiny re-occuring wound just behind her collarbone.
Coming to realize she has a problem, Annie turns to AA, but Alcoholics Anonymous doesn't have a cure for her newest addiction, the thirst for human blood.
What I like most about this story is the main character. It's not often a story features a firecracker of a grandmother with a colorful vocabulary and a taste for Jim Beam as the heroine in a romantic vampire love story.
I found the story amusing and well-written.
February 13, 2015
I guess I am in the minority on my opinion of this book. I won't go into detail on what the story line is because it is stated in the blurb. I did the Read-to-review because it was a good premise, Middle aged women/unhappy marriage/ losses office job working as bartender late at night meets in need vampire.
I wouldn't have gotten past page two if it wasn't for my obligation it read this and post review. I'm not an expert but there was something wrong with the formatting. all the paragraph seemed to run together and it was a difficult and awkward read.
I kept reading waiting to feel something for the characters, like/love/hate/sadness, nothing. I didn't care about them their story or what was happening next. I just was happy when it was over.
I'm Sorry Ms. Mogil I did not like your book.
I wouldn't have gotten past page two if it wasn't for my obligation it read this and post review. I'm not an expert but there was something wrong with the formatting. all the paragraph seemed to run together and it was a difficult and awkward read.
I kept reading waiting to feel something for the characters, like/love/hate/sadness, nothing. I didn't care about them their story or what was happening next. I just was happy when it was over.
I'm Sorry Ms. Mogil I did not like your book.
August 20, 2013
First and foremost let me begin by stating that I received a free copy of the book from the author. Thank you.
I’m glad someone remember that people live to be older than 20. It seems that every book I have read in the dystopian or fantasy section is about a 16 or at most 20 year old protagonist. This was not a book about the war against vampires, or they struggle to survive. This was simply a love story, whose main characters were vampires. My only dislike with the story was the ending… really you are going to take her back to the beginning… I guess it was a better to have love and lost then never to have love at all kind of plot.
I’m glad someone remember that people live to be older than 20. It seems that every book I have read in the dystopian or fantasy section is about a 16 or at most 20 year old protagonist. This was not a book about the war against vampires, or they struggle to survive. This was simply a love story, whose main characters were vampires. My only dislike with the story was the ending… really you are going to take her back to the beginning… I guess it was a better to have love and lost then never to have love at all kind of plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 10, 2016184pgs, Ana drinks too much... liquor, that is. She's trying to numb the pain of too many life-changing events at once: lay-off status, a neglectful husband, and the onset of middle-age and her own mortality. A chance meeting with an odd little man one night at the pub where she works will change all that...
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March 29, 2013Wonderful story!
March 3, 2014
I'm not normally one for vampire romances but this one caught and kept me entranced.
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