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The V V Inn #0.1
Death's Servant
Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too.
As their relationship progresses, Jon’s embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf’s problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine—even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.
Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.
As their relationship progresses, Jon’s embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf’s problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine—even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.
Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2013
188 people are currently reading
2455 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Ellisson
41 books895 followersC.J. Ellisson is the USA Today Bestselling author of the NYT Bestselling book, Vanilla on Top, the bestselling V V Inn series, and several erotica shorts. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, three dogs and two cats. She's battled severe chronic illness for years and is thrilled to report she’s finally approaching the end of treatment. She turned to writing when she could no longer work outside the home and claims the escape of penning contemporary erotic romance, urban fantasy, and erotica has helped save her sanity.
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Join C.J. Ellisson's Monthly Newsletter to Receive Notice of:
~ Contests
~ Free Reads & Sneak Peeks
~ Book Signing & Appearances
~ Online Reader Events
~ Upcoming Sales
~ New Releases
To sign up, copy and paste this site address into your browser's address bar: smarturl.it/cjenews
MORE places to connect with C.J.:
Website: www.cjellisson.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJEllisson
Street Team: www.facebook.com/groups/cjeseethe
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
April 15, 2013
Loyalty- the Pack or a Deadly Vampire, that is the Question!
A long time ago, in a land far away from the frozen north, a young werewolf found himself on a journey fleeing the pack that took him in and sheltered him as he learned about his transformation from ordinary mortal to alpha werewolf. This is the story about one of the favorite characters of the Vampire Vacation series. Vivian’s servant, Jon and how he came to be a part of Dria and Rafe’s life.
After leaving Romeo’s pack Jon met a beauty and fell head over heels in love. But treachery lurked, and Raine’s own trials and tribulations with her own pack pulled Jon into a situation where his youth and his budding alpha didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t go back to his old pack. He’d burned those bridges. He had to find someone that could help Raine and her pack.
C. J. Ellisson has woven a story that answers the questions that I’ve wondered about. How did a young southern werewolf end up being a servant to a vivacious, death dealing vampire that owns a resort in Alaska? What could a very happily married vampire do to earn an alpha werewolf’s supreme loyalty?
I honestly couldn’t put the book down. Death’s Servant was a quick read that works well as a stand-alone book. If you haven’t read Vampire Vacation, The Hunt, or The Big Game I’ll bet you’ll want to pick them up to see what happens next to Dria, Rafe and her loyal were, Jon.
A long time ago, in a land far away from the frozen north, a young werewolf found himself on a journey fleeing the pack that took him in and sheltered him as he learned about his transformation from ordinary mortal to alpha werewolf. This is the story about one of the favorite characters of the Vampire Vacation series. Vivian’s servant, Jon and how he came to be a part of Dria and Rafe’s life.
After leaving Romeo’s pack Jon met a beauty and fell head over heels in love. But treachery lurked, and Raine’s own trials and tribulations with her own pack pulled Jon into a situation where his youth and his budding alpha didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t go back to his old pack. He’d burned those bridges. He had to find someone that could help Raine and her pack.
C. J. Ellisson has woven a story that answers the questions that I’ve wondered about. How did a young southern werewolf end up being a servant to a vivacious, death dealing vampire that owns a resort in Alaska? What could a very happily married vampire do to earn an alpha werewolf’s supreme loyalty?
I honestly couldn’t put the book down. Death’s Servant was a quick read that works well as a stand-alone book. If you haven’t read Vampire Vacation, The Hunt, or The Big Game I’ll bet you’ll want to pick them up to see what happens next to Dria, Rafe and her loyal were, Jon.
April 16, 2013
I was so excited to find that C.j. Ellisson had written another Vampire Vacation book and had hoped it would be a strong addition to the series. Death's Servant will not disappoint her readers! The main character, Jon, has always been an integral character in the series but how he, a werewolf, came to become a servant with Dria, a vampire, and her human husband, Rafe has never been told. Death's Servant will answer this question in striking detail. An added bonus for me was having more of an idea of the type vampire or person Dria and Rafe were. I loved this book and will be reading it many times--just like the original books.
If you've read Vampire Vacation Inn, The Hunt, and Big Game you will want to read this book but this is also a great way to start the series. I highly recommend Death's Servant.
If you've read Vampire Vacation Inn, The Hunt, and Big Game you will want to read this book but this is also a great way to start the series. I highly recommend Death's Servant.
April 17, 2013
I could tell this was a good book because I didn't want it to end. The story answered many of the questions I've had about the history of how Jon met Vivian and Rafe and why he's with them. It also answered the question I had regarding the underlying tension between the men that I've seen in the chronologically later books (Vampire Vacation, The Hunt, and Big Game). Also, if you want to learn more about "were blood addiction" you need to read this book. It is all spelled out.
C.J. Ellisson paints a vivid image of the world in which all of the V V Inn characters live in this book as well as the others of the series. You really care about the characters and like them as people. Reading this prequel made me like Jon even more and sad for the loneliness he has suffered during the years covered in the other books. To me that is the sign of a worthwhile series. This book can stand on its own, but it will be appreciated much more when read in the context of the series.
Seeing how Vivian (aka Dria aka Alexandria McAndrews) is portrayed in this book is interesting after having seen her in the others. In this book she is much more "harsh" and less empathetic but that's because of the timeline ie, before she had the humanizing affect of a blood servant. Her portrayal is enlightening as to the progress she has made to becoming more human. I've enjoyed this series since the first page of the first book and this one did not disappoint either.
C.J. Ellisson paints a vivid image of the world in which all of the V V Inn characters live in this book as well as the others of the series. You really care about the characters and like them as people. Reading this prequel made me like Jon even more and sad for the loneliness he has suffered during the years covered in the other books. To me that is the sign of a worthwhile series. This book can stand on its own, but it will be appreciated much more when read in the context of the series.
Seeing how Vivian (aka Dria aka Alexandria McAndrews) is portrayed in this book is interesting after having seen her in the others. In this book she is much more "harsh" and less empathetic but that's because of the timeline ie, before she had the humanizing affect of a blood servant. Her portrayal is enlightening as to the progress she has made to becoming more human. I've enjoyed this series since the first page of the first book and this one did not disappoint either.
April 16, 2013
C.J. Ellisson never ever ceases to amaze me. I was first turned on to her books by a friend of mine who had read her VV Inn series. She kept swearing I would fall in love with the books. I won't lie, I was skeptical at first (we rarely see eye to eye on books), but I began reading just to appease her. From the very first page of The VV Inn I was completely hooked. C.J. has a finesse to her writing that is unprecedented. She brings the reader into the book with the characters and takes you on a wild ride.
With Death's Servant she tells the unique, but lovable story of Jon - a young werewolf that decides to leave his pack due to differences of opinions with his pack leader. Over the course of his journey Jon runs into issues that he must deal with, but learns that he can't do it on his own.
This is a prequel to the VV Inn series and it very eloquently leads into The VV Inn (the first book). This series is an awesome read and it is impossible to not be sucked in from the get go. Great job yet again C.J.! I look forward to more to come :)
With Death's Servant she tells the unique, but lovable story of Jon - a young werewolf that decides to leave his pack due to differences of opinions with his pack leader. Over the course of his journey Jon runs into issues that he must deal with, but learns that he can't do it on his own.
This is a prequel to the VV Inn series and it very eloquently leads into The VV Inn (the first book). This series is an awesome read and it is impossible to not be sucked in from the get go. Great job yet again C.J.! I look forward to more to come :)
May 16, 2013
Wow this book had me hooked from the very first page . Love this series. This is Jon' s book . When things go wrong for him and his werewolf pack in Manitoba . Jon takes off and ends up back in Virginia. At a diner he meets Raine, another lone wolf. This woman brings out the alpha in Jon. When he finds out that her pack is trouble . He tries and figures out a way to help them . So with the help of a sexy red headed vampire, DRia and her mate Rafe. They set out to help the pack . With the help of Dria, Jon learns to be an alpha and helps the pack .
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great read , with great characters . So check it out you won't be disappointed . Sexy vampires and sexy werewolves who could ask for more
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great read , with great characters . So check it out you won't be disappointed . Sexy vampires and sexy werewolves who could ask for more
August 20, 2014
(I read this book as part of the Nine By Night set, which I got on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Since I'm not going to read all nine books in one go, I'm posting short reviews separately.)
I haven't read the V V Inn series, so I feel like I'm missing something here—kind of as if some things weren't developed, character-wise, because readers are supposed to already know Jon, Dria and Rafe from the actual series? This prequel will likely be of more interest to those who want to know more about Jon before V V Inn, since it seems to answer some questions, but maybe not so much otherwise.
I haven't read the V V Inn series, so I feel like I'm missing something here—kind of as if some things weren't developed, character-wise, because readers are supposed to already know Jon, Dria and Rafe from the actual series? This prequel will likely be of more interest to those who want to know more about Jon before V V Inn, since it seems to answer some questions, but maybe not so much otherwise.
April 15, 2013
Death's Servant by C.J. EllissonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well let me get one thing out of the way, I tend to dislike prequels since a lot of the mystery is lost and you kind of know the ultimate outcome so it is hard to get excited about them .... usually.
This prequel for the VV Inn series (insert link) is a bit different since we never really had much of a back story on the characters and the plot here is much more interesting than almost any prequel I can think of that I have read in the past.
Jon is pretty much the most important person in the VV Inn books after Dria and Rafe and this is his story and how he comes to become the "right-hand man" of the VV Inn.
The story grabs your attention from page one, the action and hurt are almost immediate and the story proceeds from there to a bit slower pace for a few pages but the groundwork for the mystery part is being laid.
The story proceeds to a quest for Jon to save werewolves and a female in particular that he has found are being captured and tortured and he can't do it himself and other of his kind have been reluctant to assist.
So what do you do? You go looking for the biggest, baddest, vampire you can find and into the story steps Dria and Rafe mostly by fate and chance.
The story of rescue, tragedy and bonding is done exceptionally well, so well in fact that a time or two you actually get worried about Jon (even though you know he is in the later books DUH). That tends to speak of good writing in my book.
Bottom Line: Great story, great writing and if you have not read the VV Inn books, maybe this would be a great place to start and if you have it was still great. Win-win it appears and 5 Stars from me.
If you want more info on the series go here:
http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance....
View all my reviews
April 16, 2013
Today's review is on Death's Servant by C.J. Ellisson
After reading each of Ellisson's V V Inn books, I would find myself wondering about a character or two. Where they came from, how they became a supernatural, and what their life was like before joining Dria and Rafe. One character in particular has always stood out from all of the rest though. Jonathan (Jon) Winchester.
It's no secret to me, or anyone else that has read this series, that Jon had many issues while in the Manitoba pack. After all, two Alpha's cannot live together without problems arising. It's just not the nature of a pack. And After yet another argument with the pack Alpha Jon just wants to pack his things, grab his girlfriend, and head out of town for good.
Heading to his bedroom to pack his things though, he finds his girlfriend having sex with a pack mate and looses his temper. Pissed off and broken hearted, Jon hops into his car and leaves for good.
Once he returns to his home state of Virginia, Jon meets Raine who he finds is like him. A Werewolf. But while he pursues her he finds that she is basically a slave and blood source for a real jerk of a Vampire, and she's not the only one. Her whole pack is in the same predicament.
Jon's Alpha instincts drive him to protect Raine and to save her. The question is, can he save himself first? And can he convince Dria to help him save Raine and her pack?
Jon is actually my favorite character in this series so I'm really glad that most, if not all, of my questions about him are now answered. I want to find out more about Rafe now C.J. :)
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
After reading each of Ellisson's V V Inn books, I would find myself wondering about a character or two. Where they came from, how they became a supernatural, and what their life was like before joining Dria and Rafe. One character in particular has always stood out from all of the rest though. Jonathan (Jon) Winchester.
It's no secret to me, or anyone else that has read this series, that Jon had many issues while in the Manitoba pack. After all, two Alpha's cannot live together without problems arising. It's just not the nature of a pack. And After yet another argument with the pack Alpha Jon just wants to pack his things, grab his girlfriend, and head out of town for good.
Heading to his bedroom to pack his things though, he finds his girlfriend having sex with a pack mate and looses his temper. Pissed off and broken hearted, Jon hops into his car and leaves for good.
Once he returns to his home state of Virginia, Jon meets Raine who he finds is like him. A Werewolf. But while he pursues her he finds that she is basically a slave and blood source for a real jerk of a Vampire, and she's not the only one. Her whole pack is in the same predicament.
Jon's Alpha instincts drive him to protect Raine and to save her. The question is, can he save himself first? And can he convince Dria to help him save Raine and her pack?
Jon is actually my favorite character in this series so I'm really glad that most, if not all, of my questions about him are now answered. I want to find out more about Rafe now C.J. :)
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
December 30, 2013
I’ve read the other three books in The V V Inn series by Ellisson and have enjoyed them. So I was excited to see that we get a prequel story about Jon and how he meet Dria and Rafe.
Jon was attacked in college by a werewolf, his introduction into the supernatural world. He joined a pack in Canada that helped him with the change and what it means to be a werewolf. But he quickly became an alpha so instead of challenging is pack leader, Romeo he decides to leave. And finding his girlfriend in bed with another pack member, Jon leaves alone and soon finds himself close to his home town in Virginia. But he can’t go home since his family and friends believes he died in an accident.
Jon runs into a cute waitress and learns she is a werewolf too. Could he have found his next girlfriend?
If only it was that easy. Jon has wandered into a supernatural mess and needs help saving said waitress and her pack. That’s when he meets Dria, a sexy vamp and her human husband, Rafe.
C.J. Ellisson did a great job of showing us a younger Jon and I loved seeing how Jon joined Dria and Rafe in this series prequel, Death’s Servant. I highly recommend Death’s Servant to werewolf fans.
Jon was attacked in college by a werewolf, his introduction into the supernatural world. He joined a pack in Canada that helped him with the change and what it means to be a werewolf. But he quickly became an alpha so instead of challenging is pack leader, Romeo he decides to leave. And finding his girlfriend in bed with another pack member, Jon leaves alone and soon finds himself close to his home town in Virginia. But he can’t go home since his family and friends believes he died in an accident.
Jon runs into a cute waitress and learns she is a werewolf too. Could he have found his next girlfriend?
If only it was that easy. Jon has wandered into a supernatural mess and needs help saving said waitress and her pack. That’s when he meets Dria, a sexy vamp and her human husband, Rafe.
C.J. Ellisson did a great job of showing us a younger Jon and I loved seeing how Jon joined Dria and Rafe in this series prequel, Death’s Servant. I highly recommend Death’s Servant to werewolf fans.
April 16, 2013
I really couldn't wait to read this book when I heard that it was going to be written.
I have always wanted to know how Jon came to be with Dria and Rafe and finally we get to find out how it all came to be.
Jon just couldn't be in his pack anymore. He is an alpha and he just can't take orders from anyone else. In this book we get to get into Jon's head and see how much he cared about another wolf pack and would do whatever he could to get them out of the clutches of vampires. What we watch unfold will be forever in our brains. We are taken on an adventure and one that will leave us begging for more.
When I read this book I was left asking myself if this had been me would I do the same thing that Jon did or would I have done them differently? I guess I will never know. All I do know is that Jon, Dria, and Rafe make a great team and I wouldn't want to be on their bad side.
I have always wanted to know how Jon came to be with Dria and Rafe and finally we get to find out how it all came to be.
Jon just couldn't be in his pack anymore. He is an alpha and he just can't take orders from anyone else. In this book we get to get into Jon's head and see how much he cared about another wolf pack and would do whatever he could to get them out of the clutches of vampires. What we watch unfold will be forever in our brains. We are taken on an adventure and one that will leave us begging for more.
When I read this book I was left asking myself if this had been me would I do the same thing that Jon did or would I have done them differently? I guess I will never know. All I do know is that Jon, Dria, and Rafe make a great team and I wouldn't want to be on their bad side.
April 16, 2013
The greatly anticipated prequel to CJ. Ellisson's Vampire Vacation series of how the Hunky Jon entered into the lives of Vivian and Rafe. With this novel, I got to see more into Jon's emotional transformation of becoming a Werewolf, his journey and struggle to modernize the Werewolf community, and the suspenseful meeting of his future Vampire master. CJ Ellisson once again fills a novel with passion, suspense, thrills, and humor that had me squirming and laughing with the same emotions. Add a surprise twist in the end, and I have a novel that I could not put down and will read many times again.
April 21, 2013
Finished this book and have to say was exited to find a prequel that stood on it's own! CJ scored another victory with the story of Jon the werewolf character from her VV Inn series. While this book provides an exciting background and insight into the Were it is not a must that you have read the series to enjoy this book! I highly recommend this book to any who has a fascination with the paranormal! You will not be sorry!
April 17, 2013
You didn't have to read the V V books to understand what is happening (as its a prequel) but it doesn't hurt either. Its written from a males POV but was easy to follow and get involved in.
If you love the supernatural world then you will enjoy this book, it has everything one could need and more. And if you do enjoy it make sure to check out the V V Inn books you are in for a wild ride
If you love the supernatural world then you will enjoy this book, it has everything one could need and more. And if you do enjoy it make sure to check out the V V Inn books you are in for a wild ride
April 17, 2013
I'm already a huge fan, and Jon has always been my favorite character. This story just made admiration a million times more. He is so loveable. This book was so, so special! It lived up to all expectations, as ever its cleverly written, really witty and put together to perfection. It's making me want to re-read the first V V Inn. Just loved it! x
April 14, 2013
Loved this book. Paranormal fiction with a touch of erotica mixed in. It's a prequel to the V.V. series, and helps you understand how and why Jon is with Dria and Rafe.
April 17, 2013
Short and sweet! I loved getting to know Jon better and taking a peek into his past! Thank You C.J, it was a very enjoyable read:)
April 22, 2013
What a wonderful idea Ms Ellisson! I have been an avid reader of your stories of the VV Inn, your characters have become family to me. I love Vivian aka Dria and her bonded mate Rafe along with the vamps, and weres living at the VV Inn located in the cold north country of Alaska. We have met Jon in the three novels already written, Book #1 Vampire Vacation, Book #2 The Hunt and Book #3 Big Game. We have seen Jon in the intricate web you have spun for his relationship with Vivian and Rafe. But we have never have been told how Jon came to be Dria’s blood servant. This is their story.
Jonathan Winchester is a werewolf living with his pack in Manitoba. In his third year of college in Virginia, he was attacked by a werewolf and taken in by a couple who were the Alphas of a pack. Now the Alpha wolf in him is coming out, bringing issues between he and the same Alpha pack leader, butting heads. He had ideas that would be beneficial to his pack and was trying to bring the Alpha into the 20th century to no avail. This day, the fight was the last straw, hearing his Alpha saying, “If you walk out of here don’t come back!” Jon was gone. Having given up his family in Virginia with them thinking he died in the attack, where would he go?
Jon drives south and realizes he is in Northern Virginia. It area is comforting to him, and he stops at a place to eat and meets Raine, a waitress there. He is interested in her, feeling her wolf within, and as their feelings grow she disappears. The only one he can turn to ask for the help is from his alpha pack leader and is refused. He is desperate to find someone anyone to help. As luck would have it he stumbles upon Dria and Rafe. Finding out Dria is a vampire and watching the loving couple together, he learns of many things he is not aware of, one thing being that vampires love having a were blood servant because such blood makes them stronger. In his quest to get help for Raine, he begs Dria giving her himself as her blood servant.
This story is wonderful. We already know where Jon fits with Dria and Rafe, so it is a interesting for Ms Ellisson to give her readers the pre-quel to how they all began. I have always loved Jon and now that I know more about his beginnings, I love him even more. I can see now this relationship of trust between the three of them and how it would certainly grow which I know it has. Jon is utterly and unequivocally bound to Vivian. I wait to see more of him in the next novel...Will Rafe share??? has been the question.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
Jonathan Winchester is a werewolf living with his pack in Manitoba. In his third year of college in Virginia, he was attacked by a werewolf and taken in by a couple who were the Alphas of a pack. Now the Alpha wolf in him is coming out, bringing issues between he and the same Alpha pack leader, butting heads. He had ideas that would be beneficial to his pack and was trying to bring the Alpha into the 20th century to no avail. This day, the fight was the last straw, hearing his Alpha saying, “If you walk out of here don’t come back!” Jon was gone. Having given up his family in Virginia with them thinking he died in the attack, where would he go?
Jon drives south and realizes he is in Northern Virginia. It area is comforting to him, and he stops at a place to eat and meets Raine, a waitress there. He is interested in her, feeling her wolf within, and as their feelings grow she disappears. The only one he can turn to ask for the help is from his alpha pack leader and is refused. He is desperate to find someone anyone to help. As luck would have it he stumbles upon Dria and Rafe. Finding out Dria is a vampire and watching the loving couple together, he learns of many things he is not aware of, one thing being that vampires love having a were blood servant because such blood makes them stronger. In his quest to get help for Raine, he begs Dria giving her himself as her blood servant.
This story is wonderful. We already know where Jon fits with Dria and Rafe, so it is a interesting for Ms Ellisson to give her readers the pre-quel to how they all began. I have always loved Jon and now that I know more about his beginnings, I love him even more. I can see now this relationship of trust between the three of them and how it would certainly grow which I know it has. Jon is utterly and unequivocally bound to Vivian. I wait to see more of him in the next novel...Will Rafe share??? has been the question.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
April 18, 2013
I have to be honest here. I’m kind of behind on the VV Inn series. It’s one of those cases of too many books, too little time. I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about, right? The other thing is, I just recently re-discovered C.J. Ellison. I was first introduced to her writing and Vampire Vacation on a writing workshop website. I knew then that she was in the process of publishing the series, but I eventually stopped frequenting the site and lost track of the people I was following. I was so excited to catch up with her again and was even more excited to see that some of my other blogging friends had discovered her as well. When I was asked if I wanted to review Death’s Servant I jumped at the chance. The great part about this novella is that you don’t have to be familiar with the series to jump right in. For those of us who have already been introduced to the characters, it’s a nice little bonus and a great back story for characters we already know.
So now that I’ve read Death’s Servant, what do I think? It’s the perfect addition to the VV Inn series. Seeing where Jon came from and some of the events that shaped him into the character we first meet in Vampire Vacation gives us a whole new perspective. For readers who haven’t met the characters yet, I can see how it would give you a taste of what is to come and who these characters are. There was also much more to Vivian (Dria) and Rafe’s presence in this novella than I expected and it was welcome.
For being a novella, this story is packed full of action and even a fair amount of heartbreak, and just the right amount of heat. I also liked seeing these characters out of their normal surroundings. What made it even better for me was that I was familiar with where this story took place. That’s always an added bonus when you read a story that you enjoyed. It also stayed true to the series in that the action pulled you in from the beginning and pretty much didn’t let go until the last page. It also made me want to go back and re-read Vampire Vacation (not that I need a lot of reasons.) Mainly because I think I’m going to have a whole new perspective on the relationship between Jon and Rafe.
There are several more books planned in a series of prequels for the VV Inn series. I can’t wait to find out who’s next on the list.
Check out my author interview with C.J. Ellisson here: http://creativedeeds.wordpress.com/20...
So now that I’ve read Death’s Servant, what do I think? It’s the perfect addition to the VV Inn series. Seeing where Jon came from and some of the events that shaped him into the character we first meet in Vampire Vacation gives us a whole new perspective. For readers who haven’t met the characters yet, I can see how it would give you a taste of what is to come and who these characters are. There was also much more to Vivian (Dria) and Rafe’s presence in this novella than I expected and it was welcome.
For being a novella, this story is packed full of action and even a fair amount of heartbreak, and just the right amount of heat. I also liked seeing these characters out of their normal surroundings. What made it even better for me was that I was familiar with where this story took place. That’s always an added bonus when you read a story that you enjoyed. It also stayed true to the series in that the action pulled you in from the beginning and pretty much didn’t let go until the last page. It also made me want to go back and re-read Vampire Vacation (not that I need a lot of reasons.) Mainly because I think I’m going to have a whole new perspective on the relationship between Jon and Rafe.
There are several more books planned in a series of prequels for the VV Inn series. I can’t wait to find out who’s next on the list.
Check out my author interview with C.J. Ellisson here: http://creativedeeds.wordpress.com/20...
July 8, 2015
Published by: Red Hot Publishing (22nd March 2015)
ISBN: 978 -1938601354
Source: copy provided by author
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too. As their relationship progresses, Jon’s embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf’s problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine—even if his efforts may lead him straight to death
My Review:
This novella was a free download for subscribing to the author's newsletter. Despite not being convinced by the whole werewolves and vampires combined thing, I was pleasantly surprised - it's actually much much better than I'd anticipated. The characters are well developed and intriguing and the story held my interest throughout. It's exciting and suspenseful with just the right amount of romance/sex.
After reading this prequel, I'm looking forward to getting to know more about the V V Inn and the characters.
*Special thanks to C. J. Ellisson for the free digital copy*
ISBN: 978 -1938601354
Source: copy provided by author
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too. As their relationship progresses, Jon’s embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf’s problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine—even if his efforts may lead him straight to death
My Review:
This novella was a free download for subscribing to the author's newsletter. Despite not being convinced by the whole werewolves and vampires combined thing, I was pleasantly surprised - it's actually much much better than I'd anticipated. The characters are well developed and intriguing and the story held my interest throughout. It's exciting and suspenseful with just the right amount of romance/sex.
After reading this prequel, I'm looking forward to getting to know more about the V V Inn and the characters.
*Special thanks to C. J. Ellisson for the free digital copy*
September 12, 2014
As one of several prequels, I thought this would be a good entry point into the VV Inn series, but it didn't have as much meat as I thought it would. It's a very basic story that helps set-up and give background. Fans of the series probably love it, but for someone new to the story, it's tough to engage.
I don't give up on books very quickly, though, and eventually was rewarded. At first, I didn't like the main character, Jon, a werewolf. In fact, it wasn't until he met up with the vampire, Dria, and her husband that the story finally got interesting for me. Now, I'm curious about the rest of the series and will probably buy them.
As for the other prequels, I know what to expect the next time.
I don't give up on books very quickly, though, and eventually was rewarded. At first, I didn't like the main character, Jon, a werewolf. In fact, it wasn't until he met up with the vampire, Dria, and her husband that the story finally got interesting for me. Now, I'm curious about the rest of the series and will probably buy them.
As for the other prequels, I know what to expect the next time.
April 17, 2013
We all loved the V V Inn series, this is a look at the start of the relationship between Jon & Dria.We wondered and CJ has answered!
A lone Alpha Were meets the powerful and beautiful Vamp and her husband.
From the very first page to the last, this does not dissapoint! It has romance,adventure along with vamps & weres.
Once you start this book, you will not put it down until its finished.
Thank you CJ for another winner!
A lone Alpha Were meets the powerful and beautiful Vamp and her husband.
From the very first page to the last, this does not dissapoint! It has romance,adventure along with vamps & weres.
Once you start this book, you will not put it down until its finished.
Thank you CJ for another winner!
January 5, 2015
Amazing Introduction to a Great Series
This series was introduced by a friend and I am so glad she did!! It was a quick, fun read that had me wanting more from this series. I do recommend this book because three characters of Dria and Rafe are addicting and I want to know more about them! I also want to see what happens with the Jon/Dria/Rafe dynamic and how they work out the Vamp/Mate/Servant situation. C.J. Allison's now on my top favorite author list!
This series was introduced by a friend and I am so glad she did!! It was a quick, fun read that had me wanting more from this series. I do recommend this book because three characters of Dria and Rafe are addicting and I want to know more about them! I also want to see what happens with the Jon/Dria/Rafe dynamic and how they work out the Vamp/Mate/Servant situation. C.J. Allison's now on my top favorite author list!
June 7, 2015
I am always up for a new vampire series and while going through my tbr pile, I found this one I bought two years ago. This is another one of those that was written at reader request. Evidently the main character Jon, is a beloved member of this series.
Jon is a young werewolf that hasn’t been changed long. He is part of a Canadian wolf pack. At least at the beginning he is. After finding his girlfriend cheating with another pack member, he leaves-and not very quietly. He finds himself in a small town in Virginia, and meets a werewolf waitress named Raine. She blows hot and then cold with him so he follows her to see why she is being so weird. It doesn’t take long before he realizes the mess she is in. And pretty soon he finds himself in the same mess.
This is a prequel to the V V Inn Series. I say a instead of the, because according to an author note, there is four planned prequels. Instead of a werewolf series, this is actually a vampire series, although this one focus’s on werewolves. There is one vampire in this book, and she’s the strongest vampire of them all, or just about. Her name is Dria and Jon finds her when he needs help of the vampire kind. Since I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, I am not sure about that much about her except that she is very old and the owner of the V V Inn. I actually came away from the read really liking her character. And while we are talking characters, I really wasn’t that much of a fan of Raine, even before she became cold to Jon. But to be fair, she was in the aforementioned mess so that could be the reason. Jon, I liked. He is a young alpha, and now he has no pack. He’s extremely passionate, headstrong, and when he needed to be, very loyal.
In the end, this book became a thriller of sorts, which I did enjoy. It’s very violent, but not as graphic as some books I have read. It’s not what I would consider a romance, unless we are talking about Dria and her human husband Rafe-they have the steamiest moments in this read for sure. I have every intention of continuing on with the series as I really want to know what’s next for all the characters. Enjoyable read!
FYI Originally released in 2013 (RabidReads.com)
Jon is a young werewolf that hasn’t been changed long. He is part of a Canadian wolf pack. At least at the beginning he is. After finding his girlfriend cheating with another pack member, he leaves-and not very quietly. He finds himself in a small town in Virginia, and meets a werewolf waitress named Raine. She blows hot and then cold with him so he follows her to see why she is being so weird. It doesn’t take long before he realizes the mess she is in. And pretty soon he finds himself in the same mess.
This is a prequel to the V V Inn Series. I say a instead of the, because according to an author note, there is four planned prequels. Instead of a werewolf series, this is actually a vampire series, although this one focus’s on werewolves. There is one vampire in this book, and she’s the strongest vampire of them all, or just about. Her name is Dria and Jon finds her when he needs help of the vampire kind. Since I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, I am not sure about that much about her except that she is very old and the owner of the V V Inn. I actually came away from the read really liking her character. And while we are talking characters, I really wasn’t that much of a fan of Raine, even before she became cold to Jon. But to be fair, she was in the aforementioned mess so that could be the reason. Jon, I liked. He is a young alpha, and now he has no pack. He’s extremely passionate, headstrong, and when he needed to be, very loyal.
In the end, this book became a thriller of sorts, which I did enjoy. It’s very violent, but not as graphic as some books I have read. It’s not what I would consider a romance, unless we are talking about Dria and her human husband Rafe-they have the steamiest moments in this read for sure. I have every intention of continuing on with the series as I really want to know what’s next for all the characters. Enjoyable read!
FYI Originally released in 2013 (RabidReads.com)
August 10, 2015
Jonathan Winchester knew he was leaving his pack and had hoped his girlfriend would go with him only to be met with betrayal. As Jon begins his journey to find a place to call home he meets Raine and knows there is a mutual interest. Problem is when Jon asks her out again he uncovers something he is not sure on how to handle. Seeking help he ends up meeting vampire Dria and her husband Rafe. Little does he know this will change his path and he will finally find a place where he belongs.
This is the prequel to Vampire Vacation. I really enjoyed this one, was anxious to learn Jon's back story and it was everything I hoped it would be. Exciting series, each book I have read is fantastic.
This is the prequel to Vampire Vacation. I really enjoyed this one, was anxious to learn Jon's back story and it was everything I hoped it would be. Exciting series, each book I have read is fantastic.
April 19, 2013
For those that have read CJ Ellissons VV Inn series, this is a great compliment to the story. For those who haven’t, one what are you waiting for and two, pick this up now and read it! This is a great introduction to the series and it will make you want to read more about the characters that you meet! CJ Ellissons story telling is fabulous, her characters are truly engaging and the sex is always hot!
August 5, 2015
I read this book after Vampire Vacation, and it was fun to get to know Jonathan more deeply. I would have liked to see a little more of the pack dynamic before he left his alpha, but I get that this was a novella so it had to be kept short. Overall, I found him to be a likeable character and this story had an interesting plot with characters who leave me wanting more. I look forward to continuing this series!
April 22, 2013
I am so please by this book. It gave me everything I was hoping for in a prequel. I wanted to know the exact moment when Jon met Dria(Vivian) and Rafe and boy was that just the way it should have been HOT! The characters became one and still have their own life. Now I want more! This series is great and this was a great addition. Keep them coming!
April 20, 2015
This is the prequel that tells us all how Jon( the vampire servant and Alpha Werewolf comes to be in the Seethe( vampire family) run by Vivian/Dria. When you have to hunt down a vampire to help save your fellow werewolves from blood addicted vampires, you need to watch out what you wish for. Especially if the new vampire was one of the deadliest in have the last 500 years.
June 21, 2015
I love this author and was excited to read this prequel. The story has a great plot and great characters. The writing flows making the pages fly by. There are a few places that made me laugh. Basically, this story has it all.
July 12, 2015
This was an easy read with an interesting plot. I liked this story but not sure if I will be purchasing the sequel. This is the first novel I have read by this author.
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