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Love at Stake #13.5
Vampires Gone Wild
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
Pamela decides to shed her prim and proper ways for spandex and a mask to help fight the Malcontents. Now if only she weren't so distracted by the sexy vampire fighting by her side...
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
Trapped in Vamp City, Lukas has been unable to return to the beauty who stole his heart. But now that she's stumbled into his world, it will take every ounce of cunning he possesses to keep her alive.
First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
Valiance's first date in a hundred years is going great... until they're attacked in the parking lot and quiet, unassuming Esme turns out to be way more than she appears.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
Beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay lives a vampire race that wants nothing to do with the "landers" except to feed on them. But when Stellan sets eyes on Angelina, everything changes.
Pamela decides to shed her prim and proper ways for spandex and a mask to help fight the Malcontents. Now if only she weren't so distracted by the sexy vampire fighting by her side...
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
Trapped in Vamp City, Lukas has been unable to return to the beauty who stole his heart. But now that she's stumbled into his world, it will take every ounce of cunning he possesses to keep her alive.
First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
Valiance's first date in a hundred years is going great... until they're attacked in the parking lot and quiet, unassuming Esme turns out to be way more than she appears.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
Beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay lives a vampire race that wants nothing to do with the "landers" except to feed on them. But when Stellan sets eyes on Angelina, everything changes.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2013
84 people are currently reading
2527 people want to read
About the author
Kerrelyn Sparks
37 books5,780 followersKerrelyn Sparks apparently has issues with reality. After writing more than a dozen books about vampires, she has now completely gone off the deep end and wound up on another planet. But how thrilling that she can share this magical new world with her readers! Although she is best known (so far) for the Love at Stake series, which has hit as high as number 5 on the New York Times list and 22 on the USA Today list, she hopes her readers will love The Embraced as much as they did her merry band of vamps and shifters. To learn more about her paranormal, historical, and upcoming out-of-this-world fantasy romances, please visit Kerrelyn on Facebook, Twitter, or her website at www.kerrelynsparks.com.
Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. If you would like bookmarks and signed bookplates, please mail a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to her P.O. Box, and she will send those items to you.
Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. If you would like bookmarks and signed bookplates, please mail a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to her P.O. Box, and she will send those items to you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
May 25, 2017
I only read V is for Vampwoman so the rating is for that book alone!
Read
January 17, 2013October 14: I've just about nailed my contribution to this anthology, which is good as it's due on the 22nd! lol Super fun to write. So thrilled to be published with these wonderful authors. Can't wait to read them all! Out Feb 12, 2013.
September 9, 2025
Read: October, 2019
Reread: September, 2025
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks - 3 Stars
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer - 2.5 Stars
A short story about Lukas and Lizzy, trapped in VC. I've already read the Vamp City trilogy and this was a nice addition to it.
Reread: September, 2025
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks - 3 Stars
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer - 2.5 Stars
A short story about Lukas and Lizzy, trapped in VC. I've already read the Vamp City trilogy and this was a nice addition to it.
October 25, 2013
--Posted 10/24/2013--
Now finished with Blood and Water by Kim Falconer. It was a pleasant read, taking place in San Francisco in the early 1900s. Anyone who reads it needs to know some basic history, as it discusses the massive earthquake and how it's destroyed the town, which gives way to the iconic structuring of the Golden Gate Bridge. At the same time, any potential reader must keep in mind that there is a reason for every segment being written with a time and date stamp--but you won't find out until the very end.
This is a vampire story, and yet, it is not. I did my best not to read the blurb on the back cover that tells you what each story is about. Since all four stories were not long, I didn't want to spoil the surprise. I mean, heck, the stories were all 100 pages or less; why bother? Well, in a time like this, it might have been worthwhile. Vampires, in Kim's world, are not night-walking land dwellers. So leave caution to the wind, forgo everything you know about vampires, drop everything you've discovered about sparkly fangless vamps with sloppy hair, and dive into the water.
Literally.
It was a nice story though. There was one sex scene, though it wasn't written very detailed. Short, to be honest. The story built up nicely, but near the end, it rushed to be done with. Up until that part, the writing was nicely penned; however, it seems, as most limited wordcount-stories go, that the author hastened to finish it with the necessary number, and it showed. She didn't skimp out on the detailing, but she rushed through the story. Nothing was left out, however, and as I mentioned above, if you know some of the history of San Francisco, then the rest falls right into play.
It was a great end to this anthology.
--Posted 10/24/2013--
Now completed First Dates are Hell by Amanda Arista. It was extremely short; 72 pages in this book to be exact, yet still a very entertaining read.
Yes, it seems in every review I state how the writing style is, and I will do so again in this one. It's a decent style. Clearly used good description to tell the scene, and phrases I wouldn't have otherwise thought of. Nothing like flowery descriptions and adjectives; the phrases were more like, "She giggled like a schoolgirl, even though she never giggled when she was in school."--that type. Little tidbit phrases that pass in the describing test and make you laugh.
Now as I mentioned before, some of the best stories I've ever read are missing a few words here and there. This is one of them. Don't be alarmed when you read this story and see that a word missing (see, I did it just now, too!). And aside from a few missing words the writer may have forgotten to include, I'd say I found a lot of segments where punctuation would have been nice--but again, the story was nicely written, I didn't find any loopholes (unless you REALLY want me to go looking), and it was mostly just commas and stuff.
The heroine's main job was working on the floor of housewares in some store, though all I could really see was a store like Bed Bath and Beyond. I don't know; something about how the store seemed laid out as the character passed through made me think that. The hero's main job is a soldier for a local pack of werewolves; yes, he's a vampire, but he'd dissed being a soldier in the vampire world when his "family" abandoned him. This is about him having to "get a life", as per the request of the pack's leader insisting he do something other than stare at a wall all year. Hence a first date that winds up "in Hell".
This story seems like a combination of Twilight and True Blood (I know it's not the real name but it's better than saying "those Sookie Stackhouse books that I haven't read but watch"). Now I say this because heroine's name is Esme, she's brown hair and brown eyed (like Esme in Twilight), but she's a fairy (like Sookie in True Blood). I don't think the writer purposely merged the two ideas to form hers, but that's the first thing I thought of. Throw in a couple of spells, and you've got a new world.
Don't let my opinion in this story make you think it's not worth reading. The mild bits of humor take you a long way. Oh yeah, and there's no sex. The most intimate the story gets is a brief kiss.
--Posted 10/23/2013--
Just completed A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer. While the story is good, the writing seemed a tad questionable to me. It wasn't horrible, so any interested reader can be safe knowing that it's still a good story. I just found the writing style a little lacking.
There seemed a minimum amount of description. The detailing was okay, but there wasn't enough. It wasn't a "show don't tell" error; there was very little telling involved. The writer just lacked enough description. In fact, she missed a few key parts that would have helped tie in all the descriptions. Nothing overly eye-popping; just a few things that would have better helped tie all the details together.
It was a very nice take on the vampire myth. They are still night-walkers and blood drinkers, but they were energy vampires. One vampire fed primarily on fear, another pain, and the hero fed on pleasure (everyone's favorite).
Again, this wasn't a bad story. The writer definitely formed a fantastic world, wonderful characters, and she set up the story in an amazing way. True, the ending sort of just cut you off with a "what happens now?!" feeling, but that's to be expected coming from an anthology book of four different stories by four different authors. The story ended sweet. I'm sure that if I really wanted to find out what happened, I'd just go find her next book that carried the story on.
Despite my opinion on the lacks of the writing, this is still a pretty nice story. No dirty talking for smut; as I said before, the writer skimped out on the detailing, which includes describing the sex with accurate words. She made it "tasteful" and clean.
--Posted 10/18/2013--
Still in the process of reading this, but at the moment, I just wanted to read V is for VampWoman so I can continue with Kerrelyn Sparks's Love at Stake series.
Short, but sweet. This story got straight to the point and didn't leave anything behind. No questions, no concerns. It showed a stronger side of Lady Pamela, and the expected sexy side to Mikhail. It touched my heart and made me feel all sappy inside during the romantic scenes. Though, if you want a quickie, don't read it. There's no sex involved. Just some hot touching, lovely kisses, and passionate words.
Now if you're a stickler for grammar and formatting, there are a few typos I ran across. No biggie. It wasn't like I had to reread a sentence a million times to try and figure out what it was trying to say. Just a word that was missing here and there.
Kerrelyn did a fantastic job writing a short little blip to her series to tie in a few older characters without getting into too much. Just enough to give us a happy ending for them so they aren't forgotten.
Now finished with Blood and Water by Kim Falconer. It was a pleasant read, taking place in San Francisco in the early 1900s. Anyone who reads it needs to know some basic history, as it discusses the massive earthquake and how it's destroyed the town, which gives way to the iconic structuring of the Golden Gate Bridge. At the same time, any potential reader must keep in mind that there is a reason for every segment being written with a time and date stamp--but you won't find out until the very end.
This is a vampire story, and yet, it is not. I did my best not to read the blurb on the back cover that tells you what each story is about. Since all four stories were not long, I didn't want to spoil the surprise. I mean, heck, the stories were all 100 pages or less; why bother? Well, in a time like this, it might have been worthwhile. Vampires, in Kim's world, are not night-walking land dwellers. So leave caution to the wind, forgo everything you know about vampires, drop everything you've discovered about sparkly fangless vamps with sloppy hair, and dive into the water.
Literally.
It was a nice story though. There was one sex scene, though it wasn't written very detailed. Short, to be honest. The story built up nicely, but near the end, it rushed to be done with. Up until that part, the writing was nicely penned; however, it seems, as most limited wordcount-stories go, that the author hastened to finish it with the necessary number, and it showed. She didn't skimp out on the detailing, but she rushed through the story. Nothing was left out, however, and as I mentioned above, if you know some of the history of San Francisco, then the rest falls right into play.
It was a great end to this anthology.
--Posted 10/24/2013--
Now completed First Dates are Hell by Amanda Arista. It was extremely short; 72 pages in this book to be exact, yet still a very entertaining read.
Yes, it seems in every review I state how the writing style is, and I will do so again in this one. It's a decent style. Clearly used good description to tell the scene, and phrases I wouldn't have otherwise thought of. Nothing like flowery descriptions and adjectives; the phrases were more like, "She giggled like a schoolgirl, even though she never giggled when she was in school."--that type. Little tidbit phrases that pass in the describing test and make you laugh.
Now as I mentioned before, some of the best stories I've ever read are missing a few words here and there. This is one of them. Don't be alarmed when you read this story and see that a word missing (see, I did it just now, too!). And aside from a few missing words the writer may have forgotten to include, I'd say I found a lot of segments where punctuation would have been nice--but again, the story was nicely written, I didn't find any loopholes (unless you REALLY want me to go looking), and it was mostly just commas and stuff.
The heroine's main job was working on the floor of housewares in some store, though all I could really see was a store like Bed Bath and Beyond. I don't know; something about how the store seemed laid out as the character passed through made me think that. The hero's main job is a soldier for a local pack of werewolves; yes, he's a vampire, but he'd dissed being a soldier in the vampire world when his "family" abandoned him. This is about him having to "get a life", as per the request of the pack's leader insisting he do something other than stare at a wall all year. Hence a first date that winds up "in Hell".
This story seems like a combination of Twilight and True Blood (I know it's not the real name but it's better than saying "those Sookie Stackhouse books that I haven't read but watch"). Now I say this because heroine's name is Esme, she's brown hair and brown eyed (like Esme in Twilight), but she's a fairy (like Sookie in True Blood). I don't think the writer purposely merged the two ideas to form hers, but that's the first thing I thought of. Throw in a couple of spells, and you've got a new world.
Don't let my opinion in this story make you think it's not worth reading. The mild bits of humor take you a long way. Oh yeah, and there's no sex. The most intimate the story gets is a brief kiss.
--Posted 10/23/2013--
Just completed A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer. While the story is good, the writing seemed a tad questionable to me. It wasn't horrible, so any interested reader can be safe knowing that it's still a good story. I just found the writing style a little lacking.
There seemed a minimum amount of description. The detailing was okay, but there wasn't enough. It wasn't a "show don't tell" error; there was very little telling involved. The writer just lacked enough description. In fact, she missed a few key parts that would have helped tie in all the descriptions. Nothing overly eye-popping; just a few things that would have better helped tie all the details together.
It was a very nice take on the vampire myth. They are still night-walkers and blood drinkers, but they were energy vampires. One vampire fed primarily on fear, another pain, and the hero fed on pleasure (everyone's favorite).
Again, this wasn't a bad story. The writer definitely formed a fantastic world, wonderful characters, and she set up the story in an amazing way. True, the ending sort of just cut you off with a "what happens now?!" feeling, but that's to be expected coming from an anthology book of four different stories by four different authors. The story ended sweet. I'm sure that if I really wanted to find out what happened, I'd just go find her next book that carried the story on.
Despite my opinion on the lacks of the writing, this is still a pretty nice story. No dirty talking for smut; as I said before, the writer skimped out on the detailing, which includes describing the sex with accurate words. She made it "tasteful" and clean.
--Posted 10/18/2013--
Still in the process of reading this, but at the moment, I just wanted to read V is for VampWoman so I can continue with Kerrelyn Sparks's Love at Stake series.
Short, but sweet. This story got straight to the point and didn't leave anything behind. No questions, no concerns. It showed a stronger side of Lady Pamela, and the expected sexy side to Mikhail. It touched my heart and made me feel all sappy inside during the romantic scenes. Though, if you want a quickie, don't read it. There's no sex involved. Just some hot touching, lovely kisses, and passionate words.
Now if you're a stickler for grammar and formatting, there are a few typos I ran across. No biggie. It wasn't like I had to reread a sentence a million times to try and figure out what it was trying to say. Just a word that was missing here and there.
Kerrelyn did a fantastic job writing a short little blip to her series to tie in a few older characters without getting into too much. Just enough to give us a happy ending for them so they aren't forgotten.
July 11, 2017
V is for VampWoman 2*
Pam wants to try and help fight the Malcontents. In the past, she has been afraid and cowardly.
Now she wants to change that. Mikhail has secretly admired Pam from afar (but thought she was vain/selfish, etc).
I used to really like this series. But as it has gone on (and on), I've just lost interest. This series was one of the first paranormals I read, so it will always have a special place in my heart. There are other series that I've liked more. I found myself not really caring.
A Forever Love 3*
Elizabeth meet Lucas and they dated. Always seeing him at night, waking up in the morning and he would be gone. Then he just disappears. Fast forward 2 years. She has dated, but no one (of course!!!!) can compare to Lucas. There are people disappearing randomly in the DC area. Elizabeth becomes one of them.
This was interesting with the alternative DC that parallels the real one. It turns out, this was made for vampires and the magic is failing. This has lead to the vampires who where there being trapped there; when the magic failed, which included Lucas. This is also why random people are disappearing. Not much of the plot is spent elaborating on this. What the fuck is up with that ending?! I deducted for that ending.
First Dates Are Hell 3.5*
Could tell this one was part of a series (I've read book 1 and decided to not read the other 2). There was definitely a history between Val (Valiance) and Violet. Val meets Esme while buying sheets. It turns out Esme is fae and most people don't see her/overlook her. She doesn't know she is fae and handled it well. Interesting first date, well paced, lots of action.
Blood and Water 3*
This started out very interesting. Interesting concept- mermen/mermaids, but need blood to be able to walk on land. Takes place in San Francisco, right before the earthquake in 1906. Decent build-up and pacing, but I would have liked more information (Stellan is very interested in the Golden Gate Bridge). It started out well, but I thought it was rushed and thus fizzled at the end.
Pam wants to try and help fight the Malcontents. In the past, she has been afraid and cowardly.
Now she wants to change that. Mikhail has secretly admired Pam from afar (but thought she was vain/selfish, etc).
I used to really like this series. But as it has gone on (and on), I've just lost interest. This series was one of the first paranormals I read, so it will always have a special place in my heart. There are other series that I've liked more. I found myself not really caring.
A Forever Love 3*
Elizabeth meet Lucas and they dated. Always seeing him at night, waking up in the morning and he would be gone. Then he just disappears. Fast forward 2 years. She has dated, but no one (of course!!!!) can compare to Lucas. There are people disappearing randomly in the DC area. Elizabeth becomes one of them.
This was interesting with the alternative DC that parallels the real one. It turns out, this was made for vampires and the magic is failing. This has lead to the vampires who where there being trapped there; when the magic failed, which included Lucas. This is also why random people are disappearing. Not much of the plot is spent elaborating on this. What the fuck is up with that ending?! I deducted for that ending.
First Dates Are Hell 3.5*
Could tell this one was part of a series (I've read book 1 and decided to not read the other 2). There was definitely a history between Val (Valiance) and Violet. Val meets Esme while buying sheets. It turns out Esme is fae and most people don't see her/overlook her. She doesn't know she is fae and handled it well. Interesting first date, well paced, lots of action.
Blood and Water 3*
This started out very interesting. Interesting concept- mermen/mermaids, but need blood to be able to walk on land. Takes place in San Francisco, right before the earthquake in 1906. Decent build-up and pacing, but I would have liked more information (Stellan is very interested in the Golden Gate Bridge). It started out well, but I thought it was rushed and thus fizzled at the end.
February 13, 2013
Four supernatural story, four vampire tales that make sure you will go wild in the night...
V is for Vampwoman
Mikhail Korollov had loved Lady Pamela Smythe-Worthing for 200 years, but afraid to court her since he think she's just woman full of vain and selfish. As for Lady Pam herself, she's done with being coward and go to Albania to help Mikhail and his comrade to battle Malcontent, the bad vampire. Who knows that Mikhail, this big bad brute and Viking all the way can make her dead heart beating again? But Mikhail doesn't want risk Pamela's life since now he have chance to prove his love to her.
Thought :
I'm a fan of Love at Stake series by Kerrelyn Sparks, and because of that I requested this title on Edelweiss. Alas, this story much like appetizer in any banquet. Light, fun but not enough to satisfy your hunger (pardon my pun). I actually like the pairing, since it's so rare for Ms Sparks to feature vampire couple. But, Mikhail and Pamela's relationship feel flat to me. Even their romance is sizzling, it feel rushed. The story is also too short, like Ms Sparks can't develop it into something more. Which make me a little bit dissapointed. Add it with just foreplay scene and no actual sex scene. Make me a sad kitten here :(.
Rating : 3 stars
A Forever Love
Elizabeth Bryant can't forget her old flame that left her two years ago. All relationship she try to manage always make her remember Lukas Olsson. Then, one day she is transported to a mysterious realm and doesn't have a clue about her whereabout. Turn that she's in Washington V.C. V.C. stand for Vamp City, a realm for vampire that supposed to be their utopia but some times ago the spell was waning and they all trapped in the realm. That when Elizabeth meet Lukas, who is a vampire. Lukas will do anything to make sure Elizabeth come back safely to her world. Also that actually he loves her so deeply and his disappearance because he is also trapped in Vamp City . But, is Elizabeth want to comeback and live separate from the man she loved for forever?
Thought :
Pamela Palmer is one of my favorite authors, and her Feral Warriors series is a must read for me. I'm not read her vampire series yet, so I'm afraid I will not understand this novella, which is happened after book #1. The story itself can be read as stand alone and despite the short amount of words and chapters still make me enjoy it. Love Lukas who is so alpha, and also, ehm, Viking. The ending will make reader scream. Yes, beware of the cliffhanger! Some readers might not be satisfied since there's no resolution for Elizabeth and Lucas's relationship. Their sex scene is steamy, tho. This novella makes me want to read the full-length novel. And I hope Ms Palmer will write more about Lucas and Elizabeth in the future.
Rating : 4 stars
First Dates are Hell
Valiance, a vampire protector for Prima Violet Jordan's pack, meet a girl and want to date her. But when he finally can make Esme -the girl that make him smitten- accept his invitation, Valiance's brothers attack him. Seems they want Valiance to comeback to their Master. Valiance doesn't want Esme to be involved. But Mondrian, Valiance's brother can't see her. That's when Valiance discover Esme's heritage as fairy. Her magic is so strong, it make her can't be seen by ordinary people and also supernatural beings with evil intentions. Mondrian then take Esme's grandmother as hostage, so Valiance with Esme's help try to save her. Is this first date between Valiance and Esme is doomed to hell and no chance for them to get... intimate?
Thought :
I never read Amanda Arista's works before, and seems like this novella is connected to her "Diaries of an Urban Panther" where Viola Jordan is the main heroine. Being new with her book, I can enjoy the novella even still don't know some of the recurring characters. The story is good, fast paced and full action packed. I enjoy Esme's quirkiness and there are some awesome quotes as well. Definitely make me want to read the main series. Oh, and of course beside vampire, Valiance is a Viking...
Rating : 4 stars
Blood and Water
Set in America, 1900. Stellan is a Mar, or Merfolk. But not an ordinary merfolk, he needed blood to make him can live and walk in the land. One day he met Angelina Ralston when that girl was on a ferry and Stellan watched her from water. Then the ferry was drown and Stellan save her. Angelina didn't have a clue about her savior and met Stellan who introduced himself as Stellan Fletcher. Feel grateful, Angelina invited him to go to her home. Angelina was a photographer even her mother was disagree and want Angelina to behave as a woman that era should be. As for Stellan, he agreed to go to Ralston's house to discover Angelina's father plan about a bridge that would be built above Mar's tomb in the depth of the sea. But soon Stellan was drowned to Angelina. There's a bond between Stellan and Angelina that made them could do telephaty and things got worse when Salila, Stellan's sister wanted him to go back to the sea and left Angelina behind. When Angelina finally knew who Stellan is, could she let him go?
Thought :
Save the best for the last. For me, Blood and Water is the most unique vampire tale. There's no mention of a vampire here, but Ms Falconer already give hints for reader. Stellan that must drink blood and when his image can't be captured by Angelina's camera. As for the story, it's so beautiful and Ms Falconer have way with words. The timeline that set in 1900's era make the story feel richer. I want Ms Falconer to write more about Angelina and Stellan's story. Since the ending leaving some things that can be developed into a full novel. Maybe she can write more about Mar and their unique world. And Stellan.. no information about his heritage. But Stellan is Sweden name, so.. you know what I mean.
Rating : 5 stars
Vampire Gone Wild is an anthology that make vampire fans will be happy and squeal. The connection of the four novellas beside the heroes are vampire, all of them are Viking! Yep, prepare to be philandered and ravished, those Viking vampires will make your heart beat so wild. For vampire (and viking) fans, this anthology is a must read.
Thanks for Edelweiss to provide a copy
V is for Vampwoman
Mikhail Korollov had loved Lady Pamela Smythe-Worthing for 200 years, but afraid to court her since he think she's just woman full of vain and selfish. As for Lady Pam herself, she's done with being coward and go to Albania to help Mikhail and his comrade to battle Malcontent, the bad vampire. Who knows that Mikhail, this big bad brute and Viking all the way can make her dead heart beating again? But Mikhail doesn't want risk Pamela's life since now he have chance to prove his love to her.
Thought :
I'm a fan of Love at Stake series by Kerrelyn Sparks, and because of that I requested this title on Edelweiss. Alas, this story much like appetizer in any banquet. Light, fun but not enough to satisfy your hunger (pardon my pun). I actually like the pairing, since it's so rare for Ms Sparks to feature vampire couple. But, Mikhail and Pamela's relationship feel flat to me. Even their romance is sizzling, it feel rushed. The story is also too short, like Ms Sparks can't develop it into something more. Which make me a little bit dissapointed. Add it with just foreplay scene and no actual sex scene. Make me a sad kitten here :(.
Rating : 3 stars
A Forever Love
Elizabeth Bryant can't forget her old flame that left her two years ago. All relationship she try to manage always make her remember Lukas Olsson. Then, one day she is transported to a mysterious realm and doesn't have a clue about her whereabout. Turn that she's in Washington V.C. V.C. stand for Vamp City, a realm for vampire that supposed to be their utopia but some times ago the spell was waning and they all trapped in the realm. That when Elizabeth meet Lukas, who is a vampire. Lukas will do anything to make sure Elizabeth come back safely to her world. Also that actually he loves her so deeply and his disappearance because he is also trapped in Vamp City . But, is Elizabeth want to comeback and live separate from the man she loved for forever?
Thought :
Pamela Palmer is one of my favorite authors, and her Feral Warriors series is a must read for me. I'm not read her vampire series yet, so I'm afraid I will not understand this novella, which is happened after book #1. The story itself can be read as stand alone and despite the short amount of words and chapters still make me enjoy it. Love Lukas who is so alpha, and also, ehm, Viking. The ending will make reader scream. Yes, beware of the cliffhanger! Some readers might not be satisfied since there's no resolution for Elizabeth and Lucas's relationship. Their sex scene is steamy, tho. This novella makes me want to read the full-length novel. And I hope Ms Palmer will write more about Lucas and Elizabeth in the future.
Rating : 4 stars
First Dates are Hell
Valiance, a vampire protector for Prima Violet Jordan's pack, meet a girl and want to date her. But when he finally can make Esme -the girl that make him smitten- accept his invitation, Valiance's brothers attack him. Seems they want Valiance to comeback to their Master. Valiance doesn't want Esme to be involved. But Mondrian, Valiance's brother can't see her. That's when Valiance discover Esme's heritage as fairy. Her magic is so strong, it make her can't be seen by ordinary people and also supernatural beings with evil intentions. Mondrian then take Esme's grandmother as hostage, so Valiance with Esme's help try to save her. Is this first date between Valiance and Esme is doomed to hell and no chance for them to get... intimate?
Thought :
I never read Amanda Arista's works before, and seems like this novella is connected to her "Diaries of an Urban Panther" where Viola Jordan is the main heroine. Being new with her book, I can enjoy the novella even still don't know some of the recurring characters. The story is good, fast paced and full action packed. I enjoy Esme's quirkiness and there are some awesome quotes as well. Definitely make me want to read the main series. Oh, and of course beside vampire, Valiance is a Viking...
Rating : 4 stars
Blood and Water
Set in America, 1900. Stellan is a Mar, or Merfolk. But not an ordinary merfolk, he needed blood to make him can live and walk in the land. One day he met Angelina Ralston when that girl was on a ferry and Stellan watched her from water. Then the ferry was drown and Stellan save her. Angelina didn't have a clue about her savior and met Stellan who introduced himself as Stellan Fletcher. Feel grateful, Angelina invited him to go to her home. Angelina was a photographer even her mother was disagree and want Angelina to behave as a woman that era should be. As for Stellan, he agreed to go to Ralston's house to discover Angelina's father plan about a bridge that would be built above Mar's tomb in the depth of the sea. But soon Stellan was drowned to Angelina. There's a bond between Stellan and Angelina that made them could do telephaty and things got worse when Salila, Stellan's sister wanted him to go back to the sea and left Angelina behind. When Angelina finally knew who Stellan is, could she let him go?
Thought :
Save the best for the last. For me, Blood and Water is the most unique vampire tale. There's no mention of a vampire here, but Ms Falconer already give hints for reader. Stellan that must drink blood and when his image can't be captured by Angelina's camera. As for the story, it's so beautiful and Ms Falconer have way with words. The timeline that set in 1900's era make the story feel richer. I want Ms Falconer to write more about Angelina and Stellan's story. Since the ending leaving some things that can be developed into a full novel. Maybe she can write more about Mar and their unique world. And Stellan.. no information about his heritage. But Stellan is Sweden name, so.. you know what I mean.
Rating : 5 stars
Vampire Gone Wild is an anthology that make vampire fans will be happy and squeal. The connection of the four novellas beside the heroes are vampire, all of them are Viking! Yep, prepare to be philandered and ravished, those Viking vampires will make your heart beat so wild. For vampire (and viking) fans, this anthology is a must read.
Thanks for Edelweiss to provide a copy
January 20, 2013
A definite 4 and 1/2 stars grouping! Was even introduced to a new writer, Kim Falconer, whom I'm going to be reading more books by. : )
V IS FOR VAMPWOMAN by Kerrelyn Sparks
The novella, V IS FOR VAMPWOMAN by Kerrelyn Sparks is a great addition to the Love At Stakes series and a sheer delight to see Mikhail getting his story. I do wish this had been a full-length because I would have loved watching them fight, spar, tease, and fall in love with each other. Pam is a delight - shades of Lucy Arnaz dressed in spandex and fighting evil vampires.
Kerrelyn Sparks writes with humor and detail so wonderfully that a reader can pick up any of her books from the Love At Stake series and be immediately sucked in. This action-packed, sexy novella is no different. Pam is wacky quirky and endearing. She pulls at our heartstrings when she inadvertantly admits why she wants to much to be useful and Mikhail, well ... what can I say? We've met him in the past and knew he was someone we wanted to fall in love with and now is our chance. As I said earlier, I only wish this had been a full-length but then again, maybe Kerrelyn will take us on a journey with them in Moscow.
A FOREVER LOVE by Pamela Palmer
Pamela Palmer never ceases to amaze me with her Vamp City world. Perhaps it's because I grew up around the area where this story takes place. I know the streets, the atmosphere, and am able to place myself in the environment but her Vamp City stories affect me so greatly that I end up dreaming about them once I've read them. At least this one allowed me to sleep. *wink* Yet, I still ended up pulled into it so intensely that my dreams consisted of Vamp City, only this time without too much of the horrors.
A FOREVER LOVE, a Vamp City novella by Pamela Palmer is gritty and dark, yet reinforces the belief that love transcends even the toughest barriers. Lukas and Elizabeth have a love that survives their differences in being, in time, and in space. Lukas, who has live a thousand years loves Elizabeth more than she can believe. Lukas tells her: "With you, it's different. It's as if I've always known you. It's as if you were made just for me." "Without you, my heart stops singing. My soul goes silent." I rarely quote the books I review but when I do, it's because the words themselves touched me as greatly as the story.
I highly recommend A FOREVER LOVE to anyone who has read A BLOOD SEDUCTION, a Vamp City novel, or anyone who hasn't been brave enough to read it but wants to know what it's all about. A FOREVER LOVE by Pamela Palmer is an intricate installment in the Vamp City series for it gives us glimpses into the camaraderie amidst those of Vamp City trying so desperately to save the city and their lives. It gives us an additional insight into Arturo who is beginning to prove himself to be less and less a bad guy and one who surely has a heart beating beneath that tough exterior. This series is one for the true lovers of paranormal romance!
FIRST DATES ARE HELL by Amanda Arista
First dates are filled with enough angst, throw in attacking vampires and you've got the recipe for a date from hell but I love how Esme keeps thinking such things as her ever first date was officially the worst best date ever. Or as Val considered it when Violet asked him how his date was going - Maybe all first dates were like this, minus the kidnapping and bloodletting. Amanda Arista is skilled at bringing life to her characters and with FIRST DATES ARE HELL, she's turned the corner and used third person point of view so that we can experience this hellish first date from both Esme and Valiance's points of view.
If you haven't taken a walk on the shifter wild side with Amanda Arista before, FIRST DATES ARE HELL is an excellent way to venture into the world of Wanderers without risking too much. If you're already a fan of the Urban Panther series - you're going to really enjoy this novella.
BLOOD AND WATER by Kim Falconer
BLOOD AND WATER by Kim Falconer is a magnificent combination of mermaid/merman myths and vampire myth. It also takes a factual event out of history and uses it as a means to an end for Teeren, the ruler of the Mar, to keep the humans from building a bridge that might destroy their underwater temples and world. It's a paranormal smörgåsbord and I delighted in every minute of it. We experience the ferry disaster and then Angelina's unknown rescue by a handsome stranger whom she only knows as Stellan Fletcher. We watch her as she fights her intense attraction to him even as she is engaged to be married to a stuffy man named Mason Blackwell. We learn the truth of what Stellan needs to walk the earth while Angelina sleeps and dreams.
In the end, we see the power these underwater dwellers can throw at the "landers" walking precariously on soil. I'm not going to say anything more because I don't want to give away any spoilers. You'll just have to read this one to experience its bold creativeness.
I sincerely hope you will read BLOOD AND WATER by Kim Falconer for this is one that I think many, even those who aren't into vampires, will thoroughly enjoy with its sci-fi fantasy paranormal theme. History buffs might get pretty excited about it, too!
I highly recommend VAMPIRES GONE WILD, an anthology, to everyone who loves good stories, exciting themes, creative worlds, and intriguing characters that will make you laugh, make you cringe, make you cheer when they succeed, and make you reach for a tissue when you think things might fall apart. In the end, there are HEAs to be had, to be sought out, and to be worked toward with patience and possibly that second worst best date.
***eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
V IS FOR VAMPWOMAN by Kerrelyn Sparks
The novella, V IS FOR VAMPWOMAN by Kerrelyn Sparks is a great addition to the Love At Stakes series and a sheer delight to see Mikhail getting his story. I do wish this had been a full-length because I would have loved watching them fight, spar, tease, and fall in love with each other. Pam is a delight - shades of Lucy Arnaz dressed in spandex and fighting evil vampires.
Kerrelyn Sparks writes with humor and detail so wonderfully that a reader can pick up any of her books from the Love At Stake series and be immediately sucked in. This action-packed, sexy novella is no different. Pam is wacky quirky and endearing. She pulls at our heartstrings when she inadvertantly admits why she wants to much to be useful and Mikhail, well ... what can I say? We've met him in the past and knew he was someone we wanted to fall in love with and now is our chance. As I said earlier, I only wish this had been a full-length but then again, maybe Kerrelyn will take us on a journey with them in Moscow.
A FOREVER LOVE by Pamela Palmer
Pamela Palmer never ceases to amaze me with her Vamp City world. Perhaps it's because I grew up around the area where this story takes place. I know the streets, the atmosphere, and am able to place myself in the environment but her Vamp City stories affect me so greatly that I end up dreaming about them once I've read them. At least this one allowed me to sleep. *wink* Yet, I still ended up pulled into it so intensely that my dreams consisted of Vamp City, only this time without too much of the horrors.
A FOREVER LOVE, a Vamp City novella by Pamela Palmer is gritty and dark, yet reinforces the belief that love transcends even the toughest barriers. Lukas and Elizabeth have a love that survives their differences in being, in time, and in space. Lukas, who has live a thousand years loves Elizabeth more than she can believe. Lukas tells her: "With you, it's different. It's as if I've always known you. It's as if you were made just for me." "Without you, my heart stops singing. My soul goes silent." I rarely quote the books I review but when I do, it's because the words themselves touched me as greatly as the story.
I highly recommend A FOREVER LOVE to anyone who has read A BLOOD SEDUCTION, a Vamp City novel, or anyone who hasn't been brave enough to read it but wants to know what it's all about. A FOREVER LOVE by Pamela Palmer is an intricate installment in the Vamp City series for it gives us glimpses into the camaraderie amidst those of Vamp City trying so desperately to save the city and their lives. It gives us an additional insight into Arturo who is beginning to prove himself to be less and less a bad guy and one who surely has a heart beating beneath that tough exterior. This series is one for the true lovers of paranormal romance!
FIRST DATES ARE HELL by Amanda Arista
First dates are filled with enough angst, throw in attacking vampires and you've got the recipe for a date from hell but I love how Esme keeps thinking such things as her ever first date was officially the worst best date ever. Or as Val considered it when Violet asked him how his date was going - Maybe all first dates were like this, minus the kidnapping and bloodletting. Amanda Arista is skilled at bringing life to her characters and with FIRST DATES ARE HELL, she's turned the corner and used third person point of view so that we can experience this hellish first date from both Esme and Valiance's points of view.
If you haven't taken a walk on the shifter wild side with Amanda Arista before, FIRST DATES ARE HELL is an excellent way to venture into the world of Wanderers without risking too much. If you're already a fan of the Urban Panther series - you're going to really enjoy this novella.
BLOOD AND WATER by Kim Falconer
BLOOD AND WATER by Kim Falconer is a magnificent combination of mermaid/merman myths and vampire myth. It also takes a factual event out of history and uses it as a means to an end for Teeren, the ruler of the Mar, to keep the humans from building a bridge that might destroy their underwater temples and world. It's a paranormal smörgåsbord and I delighted in every minute of it. We experience the ferry disaster and then Angelina's unknown rescue by a handsome stranger whom she only knows as Stellan Fletcher. We watch her as she fights her intense attraction to him even as she is engaged to be married to a stuffy man named Mason Blackwell. We learn the truth of what Stellan needs to walk the earth while Angelina sleeps and dreams.
In the end, we see the power these underwater dwellers can throw at the "landers" walking precariously on soil. I'm not going to say anything more because I don't want to give away any spoilers. You'll just have to read this one to experience its bold creativeness.
I sincerely hope you will read BLOOD AND WATER by Kim Falconer for this is one that I think many, even those who aren't into vampires, will thoroughly enjoy with its sci-fi fantasy paranormal theme. History buffs might get pretty excited about it, too!
I highly recommend VAMPIRES GONE WILD, an anthology, to everyone who loves good stories, exciting themes, creative worlds, and intriguing characters that will make you laugh, make you cringe, make you cheer when they succeed, and make you reach for a tissue when you think things might fall apart. In the end, there are HEAs to be had, to be sought out, and to be worked toward with patience and possibly that second worst best date.
***eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
January 27, 2013
Vampires Gone Wild is an anthology, with works from Kerrelyn Sparks, Amanda Arista, Pamela Palmer and Kim Falconer.
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
This is a novella from the Love at Stakes Series. Pam, one of the original vamp harem members, has decided that she is no longer taking the cowards way out and will be battling the malcontents as VampWoman. Showing up in the middle of a battle in a spandex costume, Pam finally grabs Mikhail’s full attention.
A wonderful combination of humor with emotional depth, the only complaint I have for this story…I wish it was a full length novel. I was immediately sucked in and definitely wanted more.
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
A Vamp City based novella, Elizabeth has been missing Lukas for 2 years. He has disappeared from her life without a trace and no man can even come close to comparing to the love she shared with Lukas. Sucked into Vamp City while walking to work, Elizabeth finds herself in a dark and dreary world. Shocked to be saved from eminent attack from fanged men on horse back, Elizabeth is face to face with the man she loves once again, Lukas. She quickly discovers that Lukas is one of the vampires stuck in Vamp City and that her only chance of survival is to leave her true love behind and return to the real world.
A Forever Love is a moving story of love that lasts even beyond unthinkable odds, when separation is your only hope for survival.
First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
A lonely vampire meets a practically invisible linen sales clerk and romantic interest sparks. Val has been left to his own after standing up against the will of his vampire leader. Lonely surrounded by other super naturals (Wanderers), he is encouraged by the Prima to ask out Esme, a mousy sales clerk he found interesting. From the moment their date at a coffee shop starts all Hell breaks loose. Revelations abound and Esme is not all she believed herself to be.
This was my first trip into the Wanderers’ world and I really loved it. Esme quickly comes into her own. This is definitely a world and author I will be exploring more.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
This story was a perfect combination of historical fiction with a paranormal twist. Mar, mermaids and mermen, are trying to keep the humans from building a bridge over Golden Gate Bay. They are concerned with the destruction of their underwater temple. A ferry disaster brings Angelina, the bridge architects’ daughter, and Stellan Fletcher, a mar, together. Angelina is extremely attracted to Stellan while her father has arranged an engaged to another bridge engineer Mason Blackwell.
Blood and Water is a unique combination of Mer and Vampire legends making an incredibly new and interesting story. I loved how historical facts and myths were joined to create such an original tale. I look forward to more from Kim Falconer.
This was one of the best collections of short novellas I’ve read. The stories perfectly complemented each other without any repetition. Truly a fabulous teasers, making you want more!
This ARC copy of Vampires Gone Wild was given to me by Avon Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date February 12, 2013.
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
This is a novella from the Love at Stakes Series. Pam, one of the original vamp harem members, has decided that she is no longer taking the cowards way out and will be battling the malcontents as VampWoman. Showing up in the middle of a battle in a spandex costume, Pam finally grabs Mikhail’s full attention.
A wonderful combination of humor with emotional depth, the only complaint I have for this story…I wish it was a full length novel. I was immediately sucked in and definitely wanted more.
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
A Vamp City based novella, Elizabeth has been missing Lukas for 2 years. He has disappeared from her life without a trace and no man can even come close to comparing to the love she shared with Lukas. Sucked into Vamp City while walking to work, Elizabeth finds herself in a dark and dreary world. Shocked to be saved from eminent attack from fanged men on horse back, Elizabeth is face to face with the man she loves once again, Lukas. She quickly discovers that Lukas is one of the vampires stuck in Vamp City and that her only chance of survival is to leave her true love behind and return to the real world.
A Forever Love is a moving story of love that lasts even beyond unthinkable odds, when separation is your only hope for survival.
First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
A lonely vampire meets a practically invisible linen sales clerk and romantic interest sparks. Val has been left to his own after standing up against the will of his vampire leader. Lonely surrounded by other super naturals (Wanderers), he is encouraged by the Prima to ask out Esme, a mousy sales clerk he found interesting. From the moment their date at a coffee shop starts all Hell breaks loose. Revelations abound and Esme is not all she believed herself to be.
This was my first trip into the Wanderers’ world and I really loved it. Esme quickly comes into her own. This is definitely a world and author I will be exploring more.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
This story was a perfect combination of historical fiction with a paranormal twist. Mar, mermaids and mermen, are trying to keep the humans from building a bridge over Golden Gate Bay. They are concerned with the destruction of their underwater temple. A ferry disaster brings Angelina, the bridge architects’ daughter, and Stellan Fletcher, a mar, together. Angelina is extremely attracted to Stellan while her father has arranged an engaged to another bridge engineer Mason Blackwell.
Blood and Water is a unique combination of Mer and Vampire legends making an incredibly new and interesting story. I loved how historical facts and myths were joined to create such an original tale. I look forward to more from Kim Falconer.
This was one of the best collections of short novellas I’ve read. The stories perfectly complemented each other without any repetition. Truly a fabulous teasers, making you want more!
This ARC copy of Vampires Gone Wild was given to me by Avon Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date February 12, 2013.
September 12, 2015
Solo lei la historia escrita por Kerrelyn Sparks.
Vampires Gone Wild contiene la segunda novela de la serie Love At Stake que narra la historia de Pamela ( personaje secundario y ex integrante del harem ) y Mikhail, un miembro del equipo de Zoltan ( amo del aquelarre ).
Esta novela se me hizo muy corta, me hubiera gustado que tuviera mas paginas para que la historia fuera mas profunda, ademas me dejo con ganas de mas, sobre todo porque el romance empieza casi finalizando el libro.
Espero que en el proximo libro sepamos un poco mas de la pareja formada por Mikhail y Pamela.
2.5 Estrellas!
March 12, 2015
I have loved Mikhail in every little scene he's ever been in and I was so excited that he was getting his own story. I actually checked twice to make sure that something wasn't wrong with my iBooks after I saw the next story come up. That was it? I know it was a novella but I really wanted more about Mikhail. And he's been in love with her for two hundred years (apparently based solely on looks) but thinks she's vain and selfish just like his previous wife? Seems like this was rushed just to get something out between novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2013
Had to download it for the Kerrelyn Sparks novella! Mikhail and Pam were so sexy and cute together. The best part about anthologies is that I get a chance to try out new authors. I liked the writing style of the other three authors so I will have to pick up some new books... oh darn ;)
August 24, 2023
Relato corto q sin embargo q me ha resultado un gran desperdicio, no xq la trama no fuera buena sino xq creo q se perdió la oportunidad de hacer algo más divertido y entretenido.
A Lady Pamela la conocimos en el libro 1 como miembro del haren de Roman. Luego la hemos visto como personaje recurrente, como protagonista del primer reality show vampírico, dueña de un club de streapers vampíricos y finalmente ahora viviendo en Londres con las demás ex miembros del Haren, a excepción de Vanda, Maggie y Darcy q ya han tomado otro rumbo.
En una suerte de cruzada personal, Lady Pamela se inventa un personaje q pretende luchar contra los Malcontent. Realmente no ha salido muy bien parada con eso xq la verdad VampWoman parece más una mala réplica de Batichica o al menos, la autora no ha sabido dibujarla del todo bien. Cuestión q nuestra heroína termina involucrada en una redada con algunos guerreros vampiros de McKay S&I y liada con Mikhail, el guerrero ruso q también ya ha aparecido en varias otras tramas como refuerzo de los chicos McKay pero del q realmente no sabemos gran cosa. Y no es q sepamos gran cosa tampoco aquí, salvo algunos pequeños detalles de ambos - Pamela&Mikhail.
En general es entretenido pero sumamente telegráfico y mi mayor objeción es q se ha perdido una gran oportunidad no solo para saber más de los protagonistas sino para hacer algo así como un emparejamiento comunitario de todas las ex de Roman. Q Cora Lee y las demás bien se merecen un poco de acción y todavía más romance.
A Lady Pamela la conocimos en el libro 1 como miembro del haren de Roman. Luego la hemos visto como personaje recurrente, como protagonista del primer reality show vampírico, dueña de un club de streapers vampíricos y finalmente ahora viviendo en Londres con las demás ex miembros del Haren, a excepción de Vanda, Maggie y Darcy q ya han tomado otro rumbo.
En una suerte de cruzada personal, Lady Pamela se inventa un personaje q pretende luchar contra los Malcontent. Realmente no ha salido muy bien parada con eso xq la verdad VampWoman parece más una mala réplica de Batichica o al menos, la autora no ha sabido dibujarla del todo bien. Cuestión q nuestra heroína termina involucrada en una redada con algunos guerreros vampiros de McKay S&I y liada con Mikhail, el guerrero ruso q también ya ha aparecido en varias otras tramas como refuerzo de los chicos McKay pero del q realmente no sabemos gran cosa. Y no es q sepamos gran cosa tampoco aquí, salvo algunos pequeños detalles de ambos - Pamela&Mikhail.
En general es entretenido pero sumamente telegráfico y mi mayor objeción es q se ha perdido una gran oportunidad no solo para saber más de los protagonistas sino para hacer algo así como un emparejamiento comunitario de todas las ex de Roman. Q Cora Lee y las demás bien se merecen un poco de acción y todavía más romance.
January 10, 2018
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks was quite nice - I enjoyed listening about Mikhail and Pam. A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer was also very entertaining, but after reading the blurb for the next book in the series I saw that it goes a different route. First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista was hard to get into for me. Didn't care about any of them. Blood and Water by Kim Falconer was unexpected and also entertaining.
January 31, 2013
Originally posted at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
VAMPIRES GONE WILD — So Much Better Than Spring Break!
VAMPIRES GONE WILD
Anthology
Kerrelyn Sparks, Pamela Palmer, Amanda Arista, Kim Falconer
February 12, 2013
Print Length: 100 pages
Avon Impulse /HarperCollins Publishers
MY TAKE
Sometimes anthologies are rather uneven, but I can say I enjoyed each of the stories in this anthology. It has a good blend of silly and serious. Sparks' offering, V is for Vampwoman, reminded me of the wprld of the Dragonesti style vampires. It was somewhat silly but very fun. The female vampires released from the Sparksian Vampire harem are so vapid, so Saturday-Morning-Cartoon-like they provide an amusing respite from the often serious paranormal world. It made me want to go catch up on Sparks series.
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer is one of those more serious Vampire tales. Set in her fairly new Vamp City Series, the story took me back to that space. I am amused by the idea that Washington VC underlies our own Washington DC. Maybe that's where all that scary stuff comes from, the bad juju seeping in!
It takes true love to allow a woman to look past a lover's terrible secrets and that's what Elizabeth has to do. But she also has to make a really tough choice. It is such a spooky setting, and Palmer writes complex characters who are not typical or easy to figure out. Her world of vampires isn't cut and dried either. This is a good reminder of that world.
I loved Amanda Arista's First Dates are Hell, even though it started off a little obtusely. I really didn't get at first that Val was a vampire and what kind of world the supernaturals were living in. There may be a bit of Sookie Stackhouse legacy in the story when we learn about how strong fairy blood is. But, it's also fun to watch a girl, Esme, who thinks herself invisible come into her own. An Val really is a Prince Charming. But is may be Esme who saves the day!
Blood and Water started off a bit over the top. There's an odd mix of Vampire and Mer-People here. They are rather vicious. The young woman Stellan falls for, Angelina, is ahead of her time. And, while she is a bit artsy-head in the clouds, her family predicament is frustrating in its unfairness. What she and Stellan have is very passionate. I ended up enjoying it although Mer-people are not my favorite supernatural creatures.
At $2.99 this is a great value with a lot of bang for the buck. If you wonder whether you would like these authors' styles this is a great opportunity and if you already like them, the stories are previously unpublished so you will get something new!
Highly Recommended.
VAMPIRES GONE WILD — So Much Better Than Spring Break!
VAMPIRES GONE WILD
Anthology
Kerrelyn Sparks, Pamela Palmer, Amanda Arista, Kim Falconer
February 12, 2013
Print Length: 100 pages
Avon Impulse /HarperCollins Publishers
Vampires Gone Wild brings together four paranormal romance novellas by Kerrelyn Sparks, Pamela Palmer, Amanda Arista, and Kim Falconer, authors and bloggers at Supernatural Underground.
Kerrelyn Sparks’s demure Pamela and sexy vampire sidekick battle the Malcontents in “V is for Vampwoman.” Kim Falconer’s aqueous San Francisco vampires in “Blood and Water” want nothing from “landers” — unless it’s dinner, but that’s until Stellan meets Angelina. Pamela Palmer carries readers to Vamp City in “A Forever Love” where trapped Lukas pines for his lost love. When she appears, Lukas will fight to keep her alive. It’s been a hundred years since Valiance has dated; all is great until they’re attacked, but quiet Esme will shock Valiance in Amanda Arista’s “First Dates Are from Hell.”
The vampires have gone wild in this collection of never-before-published stories by bestselling authors Kerrelyn Sparks and Pamela Palmer, and two rising stars of paranormal romance!
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
Pamela decides to shed her prim and proper ways for spandex and a mask to help fight the Malcontents. Now if only she weren't so distracted by the sexy vampire fighting by her side . . .
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
Trapped in Vamp City, Lukas has been unable to return to the beauty who stole his heart. But now that she's stumbled into his world, it will take every ounce of cunning he possesses to keep her alive.
First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
Valiance's first date in a hundred years is going great . . . until they're attacked in the parking lot and quiet, unassuming Esme turns out to be way more than she appears.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
Beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay lives a vampire race that wants nothing to do with the "landers" except to feed on them. But when Stellan sets eyes on Angelina, everything changes.
HarperCollins
MY TAKE
Sometimes anthologies are rather uneven, but I can say I enjoyed each of the stories in this anthology. It has a good blend of silly and serious. Sparks' offering, V is for Vampwoman, reminded me of the wprld of the Dragonesti style vampires. It was somewhat silly but very fun. The female vampires released from the Sparksian Vampire harem are so vapid, so Saturday-Morning-Cartoon-like they provide an amusing respite from the often serious paranormal world. It made me want to go catch up on Sparks series.
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer is one of those more serious Vampire tales. Set in her fairly new Vamp City Series, the story took me back to that space. I am amused by the idea that Washington VC underlies our own Washington DC. Maybe that's where all that scary stuff comes from, the bad juju seeping in!
It takes true love to allow a woman to look past a lover's terrible secrets and that's what Elizabeth has to do. But she also has to make a really tough choice. It is such a spooky setting, and Palmer writes complex characters who are not typical or easy to figure out. Her world of vampires isn't cut and dried either. This is a good reminder of that world.
I loved Amanda Arista's First Dates are Hell, even though it started off a little obtusely. I really didn't get at first that Val was a vampire and what kind of world the supernaturals were living in. There may be a bit of Sookie Stackhouse legacy in the story when we learn about how strong fairy blood is. But, it's also fun to watch a girl, Esme, who thinks herself invisible come into her own. An Val really is a Prince Charming. But is may be Esme who saves the day!
Blood and Water started off a bit over the top. There's an odd mix of Vampire and Mer-People here. They are rather vicious. The young woman Stellan falls for, Angelina, is ahead of her time. And, while she is a bit artsy-head in the clouds, her family predicament is frustrating in its unfairness. What she and Stellan have is very passionate. I ended up enjoying it although Mer-people are not my favorite supernatural creatures.
At $2.99 this is a great value with a lot of bang for the buck. If you wonder whether you would like these authors' styles this is a great opportunity and if you already like them, the stories are previously unpublished so you will get something new!
Highly Recommended.
March 4, 2013
Vampires Gone Wild is an anthology made up of 4 vampire romances written by different authors. Generally it was an ok collection, I enjoyed every story but there was only one that I truly loved and that was First Dates are Hell by Amanda Arista.
Vampires Gone Wild by Kerrelyn Sparks:
This novella was alright; to be honest I think you need to have read more books from the Love at Stake series to truly get this one. It was written well but I couldn’t get into it. I felt like the characters had a back history that I should have known about but didn’t.
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
I thought the idea behind this one was a really good one. The plot was interesting and felt fresh, I really liked the characters, they were easy to like and the romance was believable. What irritated me was the terms of endearments that were frequently used. If I heard ‘my warrior’ or ‘Lizzy mine’ ago I would have screamed.
First Dates are Hell by Amanda Arista
This was by far the best story of the lot, it really impressed me. There was nothing I disliked about it, the storyline was great, the characters loveable and the romance adorable. It was really, really cute and it completely charmed me. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
This was my least favourite of the bunch. I found it bizarre and half the time I didn’t know what was going on. It failed to grab my interest and I skimmed quite a lot of it.
Vampires Gone Wild is an ok anthology but I was expecting more.
Vampires Gone Wild by Kerrelyn Sparks:
This novella was alright; to be honest I think you need to have read more books from the Love at Stake series to truly get this one. It was written well but I couldn’t get into it. I felt like the characters had a back history that I should have known about but didn’t.
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
I thought the idea behind this one was a really good one. The plot was interesting and felt fresh, I really liked the characters, they were easy to like and the romance was believable. What irritated me was the terms of endearments that were frequently used. If I heard ‘my warrior’ or ‘Lizzy mine’ ago I would have screamed.
First Dates are Hell by Amanda Arista
This was by far the best story of the lot, it really impressed me. There was nothing I disliked about it, the storyline was great, the characters loveable and the romance adorable. It was really, really cute and it completely charmed me. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
This was my least favourite of the bunch. I found it bizarre and half the time I didn’t know what was going on. It failed to grab my interest and I skimmed quite a lot of it.
Vampires Gone Wild is an ok anthology but I was expecting more.
March 23, 2013
My comment is for Kerrelyn's story only. English is not my first language and it's hard for me to be interested in new series when I dont't read the books in order. I tried to read the stories from the other authors in the anthology, but I lost interest and couldn't finish them. Sorry...
That being said, I read the whole Love at Stake series (in order!) and it's the best paranormal romance series I've read. I loved every character in every book... well except Lady Pam. I could'nt stand her wannabe hero attitude. If you want to be a hero, get some training don't just wear spandex!
Michael's character was great though and his devotion to Lady Pam was very sweet. He saved the story in my opinion.
That being said, I read the whole Love at Stake series (in order!) and it's the best paranormal romance series I've read. I loved every character in every book... well except Lady Pam. I could'nt stand her wannabe hero attitude. If you want to be a hero, get some training don't just wear spandex!
Michael's character was great though and his devotion to Lady Pam was very sweet. He saved the story in my opinion.
November 14, 2013
This review is only for the Love at Stake part of the anthology at this time.
I have to admit that Lady Pamela was never one of my favorite characters. I always found her rather annoying. I was happy with this little novella though, it let us see into the Lady Pamela that we never got to know before. Her story, like so many of the vamps, is rather heartbreaking. I love how she chose to overcome her feelings of inadequacy, and I love how she found her true love. Short of course, but oh so sweet!
I have to admit that Lady Pamela was never one of my favorite characters. I always found her rather annoying. I was happy with this little novella though, it let us see into the Lady Pamela that we never got to know before. Her story, like so many of the vamps, is rather heartbreaking. I love how she chose to overcome her feelings of inadequacy, and I love how she found her true love. Short of course, but oh so sweet!
February 8, 2013
I chose this anthology because of the first novella by Ms. Sparks. I have read all of the Love at Stake series and I have had such fun laughing and crying with her characters. It was a no-brainer for me to read this installment! The others included however, were all new to me, so here are my thoughts about them!
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
July 23, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised that I like all of the stories in this anthology. Sparks was her usual witty self, and I found two new to me authors, Arista and Falconer, giving some new twists to the vampire genre. My favorite was Palmer's novella, which goes with the Vamps in the City series. and yes, I ran right out and bought A Kiss of Blood which is book #2 in an excellent darker and edgier tales.
February 24, 2013
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks was Lady Pamela and Mikhail's! What a funny, great sweet book. I totally adored and loved it. I can't wait for the next one. This book was short, wanted more :( but I'll wait for Dougal's. Love your world you create Kerrelyn!
February 13, 2013
I only read the sparks one
Basically it's cheesy and I feel Mikhail was left out of a bigger novel he deserved. You know nothing about him other than a cursory overview of his character. And vampwoman?? Really?! God awful
Basically it's cheesy and I feel Mikhail was left out of a bigger novel he deserved. You know nothing about him other than a cursory overview of his character. And vampwoman?? Really?! God awful
March 16, 2013
I bought this anthology cuz l ADORE Pamela Palmer. I had never read the other three authors in the book, but l very much enjoyed all four stories. Enough to hunt down the series that the other stories showcased! Was some good stuff! Check it out. You won't be disappointed!
February 25, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Readers are in for major fun and entertainment when they dive into this compilation of awesome stories by four very talented and creative authors. I expected to find at least one story that was hit or miss but every one showcased why these authors are at the top of their game.
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
In the first few paragraphs there is this one sentence about the hero, Mikhail. “…one thing Mikhail valued, it was a life free from limitations.” That is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. What is the worst case scenario of a bona fide bachelor? The scary limits of being “in a relationship”, that’s what.
Wait until readers get a gander at just how long the hapless hero avoided a certain potential “limitation”. I have to give him credit for will power. Part of the ease of his resistance came from a mistaken belief about the heroine, Vamp Woman, a/ka/ Lady Pamela. Her entrance is a hoot but the hero’s response to her was the tip of the iceberg. What comes after is a courtship mixed with action and a bit of soul searching.
In this short story, I was able to immerse myself in the fun world that Ms. Sparks has built while getting to see another terrific happily ever after come together in a fast but believable rate. It was completely entertaining. Lest a fan lament that the author wouldn’t be able to get in a few of her famous quips, she skillfully wove in a little gem. I enjoy Monty Python and this reference was cute in the movie but I loved how Ms. Sparks used the Holy Grenade of Antioch because it cracked me up on a whole new level. I never know when this author is going to pull a funny, and she’s so good at it too!!
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
This was a bittersweet happy sort of paranormal story with hope and tears. The author plunks a reader down into a most heartfelt and sad moment in the heroine’s life. She’s alone, lonely and missing the one man who makes her complete. Except, all is not as it appears. It’s only when she disappears that all becomes clear, sort of. Elizabeth, the heroine, finds out that Lukas, her beloved, has a violent side to him. Her initial shock was only the first of many reactions the heroine had to navigate as she discovered how very different her man, and her world, is from what she knew. She had to make some decisions, some emotional, very fast because this wasn’t a slow moving short story. It was over before I was ready for it to be done but the ground it covered was fascinating. Some anthologies manage to introduce readers to a new world they didn’t know was out there. That’s what happened to me with reading A Forever Love. It ends with a happy for now with the high potential to be so much more and I believe I’m going to have to buy the next story that picks up where this one leaves off. Elizabeth and Lukas’s story was engrossing and I know there is tons more that has to go on before they get their full happy ever after. As it was, for what I was given, this one was a very good read.
First Dates Are Hell (A Those Who Wander Story) by Amanda Arista
This story was cool. It has action, it was exciting, different, and is a crazy way to start an HEA.
Valiance is a man who gave up all he knew to back Violet, the new Prima. I love the Wanderers series so this was a treat for me to read. Valiance was a mystery to me before now. I almost wish his story could have been longer but he certainly was a character that deserved something good to happen to him. Odd that it took an invisible girl to make the hero see his true worth and make him believe that he had the right to be happy too. I mean, seriously, the most exciting action in his life at this current juncture was his shopping trip to buy sheets. Sounds so ordinary, right? Why is a man of action, a hero and wiz with swords doing something so boring? Love comes to those who aren’t looking, sometimes in the oddest of places – think Bed, Bath and Beyond. I think this story comes under the heading of ‘beyond’.
Even though this story is solidly focused on Valiance and Esme, the unlikely heroine, it was nice to be reminded why I liked Violet, the Prima, in the first place. It was her story that got the series rolling and it’s been a wonderful trip so far. This story is barely an appetizer of the whole scope of richness that Ms. Arista plays with in her bigger books. But, a reader catches a good glimpse of the kind of story telling this author is capable of. I wasn’t disappointed. I totally enjoyed this short and I recommend it highly.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
I have a whole new view of Mar-people (read: mermaid type folk) after reading this story. In fact, it’s almost as though the author mixed up two favorite genres and morphed them into one. It’s sort of freaky and unique. The Mar came across as inherently violent and callous. Stellan, the hero, obviously isn’t like his sister, Salila, and for that I was thankful. The sister made an effective villainess but the author also threw in a teaser that maybe she wasn’t always so twisted, and maybe in some future book, could be saved. At this point, I didn’t care for her, which was a great asset to the plot conflict.
Angelina is the human who has captured Stellan’s heart but dating a human comes with pitfalls as this story reveals. She’s a sweet lady but a bit of a rebel. Her openness and willingness to trust made their fast and furious courtship believable. The reason for the natural catastrophe that occurred was a nice paranormal twist to history. That impressed me.
What I found the most unique were the steps that had to be taken to make a human change into a water breather. That was a first for me and I applaud the originality of it. The duration made me sad because I understood the enormity of what Angelina was giving up but the hope for a happy ever after was worth the cost.
Blood and Water wasn’t a comfortable read for me because of what seems to be the inherent nature of the Mar but I cannot deny that this was a well told story with fascinating undercurrents. Excuse the pun. I just might look into more of this world that Ms. Falconer has created, it has the potential to be a new favorite series.
On the whole, Vampires Gone Wild is a wonderful montage of paranormal treats for old and new fans of these authors. All four stories are well written with tightly woven little plot conflicts that kept the reading pace intense and entertaining. These authors have infused these tasty niblets with the very essence that obviously makes their bigger novels such successes. I highly recommend this book to all paranormal romance fans. It’s a winner.
Readers are in for major fun and entertainment when they dive into this compilation of awesome stories by four very talented and creative authors. I expected to find at least one story that was hit or miss but every one showcased why these authors are at the top of their game.
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
In the first few paragraphs there is this one sentence about the hero, Mikhail. “…one thing Mikhail valued, it was a life free from limitations.” That is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. What is the worst case scenario of a bona fide bachelor? The scary limits of being “in a relationship”, that’s what.
Wait until readers get a gander at just how long the hapless hero avoided a certain potential “limitation”. I have to give him credit for will power. Part of the ease of his resistance came from a mistaken belief about the heroine, Vamp Woman, a/ka/ Lady Pamela. Her entrance is a hoot but the hero’s response to her was the tip of the iceberg. What comes after is a courtship mixed with action and a bit of soul searching.
In this short story, I was able to immerse myself in the fun world that Ms. Sparks has built while getting to see another terrific happily ever after come together in a fast but believable rate. It was completely entertaining. Lest a fan lament that the author wouldn’t be able to get in a few of her famous quips, she skillfully wove in a little gem. I enjoy Monty Python and this reference was cute in the movie but I loved how Ms. Sparks used the Holy Grenade of Antioch because it cracked me up on a whole new level. I never know when this author is going to pull a funny, and she’s so good at it too!!
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
This was a bittersweet happy sort of paranormal story with hope and tears. The author plunks a reader down into a most heartfelt and sad moment in the heroine’s life. She’s alone, lonely and missing the one man who makes her complete. Except, all is not as it appears. It’s only when she disappears that all becomes clear, sort of. Elizabeth, the heroine, finds out that Lukas, her beloved, has a violent side to him. Her initial shock was only the first of many reactions the heroine had to navigate as she discovered how very different her man, and her world, is from what she knew. She had to make some decisions, some emotional, very fast because this wasn’t a slow moving short story. It was over before I was ready for it to be done but the ground it covered was fascinating. Some anthologies manage to introduce readers to a new world they didn’t know was out there. That’s what happened to me with reading A Forever Love. It ends with a happy for now with the high potential to be so much more and I believe I’m going to have to buy the next story that picks up where this one leaves off. Elizabeth and Lukas’s story was engrossing and I know there is tons more that has to go on before they get their full happy ever after. As it was, for what I was given, this one was a very good read.
First Dates Are Hell (A Those Who Wander Story) by Amanda Arista
This story was cool. It has action, it was exciting, different, and is a crazy way to start an HEA.
Valiance is a man who gave up all he knew to back Violet, the new Prima. I love the Wanderers series so this was a treat for me to read. Valiance was a mystery to me before now. I almost wish his story could have been longer but he certainly was a character that deserved something good to happen to him. Odd that it took an invisible girl to make the hero see his true worth and make him believe that he had the right to be happy too. I mean, seriously, the most exciting action in his life at this current juncture was his shopping trip to buy sheets. Sounds so ordinary, right? Why is a man of action, a hero and wiz with swords doing something so boring? Love comes to those who aren’t looking, sometimes in the oddest of places – think Bed, Bath and Beyond. I think this story comes under the heading of ‘beyond’.
Even though this story is solidly focused on Valiance and Esme, the unlikely heroine, it was nice to be reminded why I liked Violet, the Prima, in the first place. It was her story that got the series rolling and it’s been a wonderful trip so far. This story is barely an appetizer of the whole scope of richness that Ms. Arista plays with in her bigger books. But, a reader catches a good glimpse of the kind of story telling this author is capable of. I wasn’t disappointed. I totally enjoyed this short and I recommend it highly.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
I have a whole new view of Mar-people (read: mermaid type folk) after reading this story. In fact, it’s almost as though the author mixed up two favorite genres and morphed them into one. It’s sort of freaky and unique. The Mar came across as inherently violent and callous. Stellan, the hero, obviously isn’t like his sister, Salila, and for that I was thankful. The sister made an effective villainess but the author also threw in a teaser that maybe she wasn’t always so twisted, and maybe in some future book, could be saved. At this point, I didn’t care for her, which was a great asset to the plot conflict.
Angelina is the human who has captured Stellan’s heart but dating a human comes with pitfalls as this story reveals. She’s a sweet lady but a bit of a rebel. Her openness and willingness to trust made their fast and furious courtship believable. The reason for the natural catastrophe that occurred was a nice paranormal twist to history. That impressed me.
What I found the most unique were the steps that had to be taken to make a human change into a water breather. That was a first for me and I applaud the originality of it. The duration made me sad because I understood the enormity of what Angelina was giving up but the hope for a happy ever after was worth the cost.
Blood and Water wasn’t a comfortable read for me because of what seems to be the inherent nature of the Mar but I cannot deny that this was a well told story with fascinating undercurrents. Excuse the pun. I just might look into more of this world that Ms. Falconer has created, it has the potential to be a new favorite series.
On the whole, Vampires Gone Wild is a wonderful montage of paranormal treats for old and new fans of these authors. All four stories are well written with tightly woven little plot conflicts that kept the reading pace intense and entertaining. These authors have infused these tasty niblets with the very essence that obviously makes their bigger novels such successes. I highly recommend this book to all paranormal romance fans. It’s a winner.
June 7, 2018
4 short stories about vampires. I always hesitate slightly with anthologies. I look forward to the story that brought me to it, but I’m not sure whether the rest will be worth reading or not. Sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised, sometimes not.
1) ‘V is for Vamp Woman’ by Kerrelyn Sparks. 13.5 of the ‘Love is at Stake’ series. 4 stars. Features Mikhail Kirillov, one of Zoltan’s men, coven master of E. Europe and Lady Pamela Smythe-Worthing. A sweet, corny story as Pamela tries to find the courage to change her life and finds love along with it.
2) ‘A Forever Love’ by Pamela Palmer. 1.5 of the ‘Vamp City’ series. 4 Stars. Haven’t read this series so came in with a fresh mind. Elizabeth Bryan accidently goes through a sunbeam into a hidden vampire city and finds her lost love, Lukas. Bittersweet love lost, found and temporally lost again story.
3) ‘First Dates Are Hell’ by Amanda Arista. #1 of the ‘Those that Wander ‘series and 3.5 of the ‘Diaries of An Urban Panther’ series. 4 Stars. Interesting but without having read the rest of the series I can’t tell it fits in. But it’s a good teaser. I’d like to see more, so probably will add this series to my ‘to read’ list
4) ‘Blood and Water’ by Kim Falconer. Stand-Alone about vampires that live under the sea. 3 Stars. Wow. That was different. Having vampires living underwater felt kind of odd. Takes place in 1906 San Francisco. Interesting take on the SF earthquake. The ‘vampires’ remind me of the killer mermaids in the 'Pirates/Caribbean' movie: ‘On Stranger Tides’.
1) ‘V is for Vamp Woman’ by Kerrelyn Sparks. 13.5 of the ‘Love is at Stake’ series. 4 stars. Features Mikhail Kirillov, one of Zoltan’s men, coven master of E. Europe and Lady Pamela Smythe-Worthing. A sweet, corny story as Pamela tries to find the courage to change her life and finds love along with it.
2) ‘A Forever Love’ by Pamela Palmer. 1.5 of the ‘Vamp City’ series. 4 Stars. Haven’t read this series so came in with a fresh mind. Elizabeth Bryan accidently goes through a sunbeam into a hidden vampire city and finds her lost love, Lukas. Bittersweet love lost, found and temporally lost again story.
3) ‘First Dates Are Hell’ by Amanda Arista. #1 of the ‘Those that Wander ‘series and 3.5 of the ‘Diaries of An Urban Panther’ series. 4 Stars. Interesting but without having read the rest of the series I can’t tell it fits in. But it’s a good teaser. I’d like to see more, so probably will add this series to my ‘to read’ list
4) ‘Blood and Water’ by Kim Falconer. Stand-Alone about vampires that live under the sea. 3 Stars. Wow. That was different. Having vampires living underwater felt kind of odd. Takes place in 1906 San Francisco. Interesting take on the SF earthquake. The ‘vampires’ remind me of the killer mermaids in the 'Pirates/Caribbean' movie: ‘On Stranger Tides’.
February 13, 2013
Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 STARS
“V is for Vampwoman” by Kerrelyn Sparks.
I always know that when I open a book and see the word “malcontents” I am being thrust back into the world of the Dragonisti’s and what a fun time I am going to have. Even though “V” was a short story, I wasn’t disappointed in the least.
It was wonderful to see Mikhail Kirillov face the love of his life and finally conquer her. He’s been in love with Pamela since the first time he saw her on the Digital Vampire Network and now he has his chance.
Pamela has lived a life of fear and is trying desperately to overcome it. In her attempt, she has decided to become “Vampwoman” and go out in the field and fight the malcontents along with the men. She’s taken self-defense classes, fencing classes, learned how to use shooting stars and has the spandex suit and cape to complete her disguise.
Mikhail and Pamela are a riot together. He doesn’t want her in the field, she does not want to back down since she has something to prove. He has to convince her that the only one she has to prove anything to is herself and that he loves her. When he finally convinces her of his intentions and they are ready to have sex …. well, her idea of sex and his are two different things, especially since he wants to be in the same bed and she wants him in the room upstairs.
Yes, another winner in the continuing saga of the Dragonesti Vampires.
“A Forever Love” by Pamela Palmer
Yes, I was hoping for one of my Feral Warriors. No, I didn’t get him but I got a really interesting story about Elizabeth and Lukas. A mortal and a vampire.
Elizabeth and Lukas dated for months. Yes, it was an unusual relationship. She only saw him at night, he was very vague about his whereabouts and was always gone come morning. But, she loved him and couldn’t understand how and why he just vanished one day. No good-bye, no explanations.
Lukas is a Vampire and her refuses to let Elizabeth know about his life. He feeds from her without her knowing it and then wipes her mind of the experience. He’s also a Pleasure Emora. He not only needs blood to live, put other people’s pleasure. Who better to get it from but the one woman who he has grown to love.
People are mysteriously disappearing from Georgetown and no one know how or why they are disappearing. Elizabeth finds out the hard way and also find’s Lukas, much to her dismay.
Pamela Palmer again enthralls you with her story telling and brings you to a world unlike any other. She has left this story so open with so many unanswered questions that you are waiting and wanting more. How does this story end? Will there be an HEA for Elizabeth and Lukas? Will the sorceress be found and will the gate between both worlds be open again. Well, this whet my appetite and I could only hope that she continues this story and answers all my questions.
“First Dates Are Hell” by Amanda Arista
This is a new author for me but she has me curious. If a short story was written as well as this, what would a full novel be like. I think I may really have to find out.
Valiance is the only Vampire in a pack of wolves. He has sworn his allegiance to her after his Clade abandoned him. Violet is determined to get Valiance living a life again. She pushes and prods until he finally tells her about a girl that he met and Violet pushes him until he finally asks her out.
Esme is invisible to everyone. No one ever notices her. She’s just some no name, no face person that works in a department store. Until Valiance. He sees her and comes looking for her and finally asks her out on a date. But, what would he see in her? He’s gorgeous and can have any woman he wants. Yes, Esme is just a little insecure – with good reason.
Well, the “Date From Hell” starts off just fine having coffee in Violets coffee shop but heads downhill from there. His former Clade shows up and they want him back. Esme finds out that he’s a Vampire and all hell breaks out. Esme escapes only to find out that her Abuelita has some surprising stories of her own to tell. Including the fact that Esme is a Fairy.
I adored Ms. Arista’s first foray into Vampires. Her previous books are the “Diaries of an Urban Panther” series (which I may just have to read) and are centered around shape-shifters. This short-story was action-packed, fun and intriguing. Esme was wonderful and Valiance finally found love after centuries of being without.
“Blood and Water” by Kim Falconer
Wow, a different kind of Vampire – one that lives beneath the sea and could only walk on land with blood. How imaginative!
Stellan meets Angelina in the most peculiar way. She’s drowning and he can’t allow her to die. There is just something about her, something about the way she looks and acts that has him desiring her and wanting her to become his. But, this can’t be. He’s Vampire, needs blood to walk on land and lives in caves far below the Pacific Ocean. But, he saves her the only way he knows how – he brings her to the caves, revives her and then returns to land with orders from Teern – learn about the “bridge”.
Angelina is ahead of her times. Shes ambitious and head-strong. She loves taking pictues and loves to swim. Her parents have arranged a marriage to a man that is just like her father – see’s right through her and pays her no heed. She has to call a stop to this arrangement but doesn’t know how. A day on board the The Bay City Ferry, taking pictures with her future mother-in-law changes her life forever. Especially when she is thrown over-board and wakes on the shore with a strange man helping her. She trusts him, feels she knows him and he takes an interest in everything that she has to say, unlike Mason Blackwell, her fiancee.
This short-story also has a few twists and turns and Ms. Faulkner keeps you guessing until the end. As I said, an interesting kind of Vampire but one with a heart and an HEA that leaves you smiling.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
5 STARS
“V is for Vampwoman” by Kerrelyn Sparks.
I always know that when I open a book and see the word “malcontents” I am being thrust back into the world of the Dragonisti’s and what a fun time I am going to have. Even though “V” was a short story, I wasn’t disappointed in the least.
It was wonderful to see Mikhail Kirillov face the love of his life and finally conquer her. He’s been in love with Pamela since the first time he saw her on the Digital Vampire Network and now he has his chance.
Pamela has lived a life of fear and is trying desperately to overcome it. In her attempt, she has decided to become “Vampwoman” and go out in the field and fight the malcontents along with the men. She’s taken self-defense classes, fencing classes, learned how to use shooting stars and has the spandex suit and cape to complete her disguise.
Mikhail and Pamela are a riot together. He doesn’t want her in the field, she does not want to back down since she has something to prove. He has to convince her that the only one she has to prove anything to is herself and that he loves her. When he finally convinces her of his intentions and they are ready to have sex …. well, her idea of sex and his are two different things, especially since he wants to be in the same bed and she wants him in the room upstairs.
Yes, another winner in the continuing saga of the Dragonesti Vampires.
“A Forever Love” by Pamela Palmer
Yes, I was hoping for one of my Feral Warriors. No, I didn’t get him but I got a really interesting story about Elizabeth and Lukas. A mortal and a vampire.
Elizabeth and Lukas dated for months. Yes, it was an unusual relationship. She only saw him at night, he was very vague about his whereabouts and was always gone come morning. But, she loved him and couldn’t understand how and why he just vanished one day. No good-bye, no explanations.
Lukas is a Vampire and her refuses to let Elizabeth know about his life. He feeds from her without her knowing it and then wipes her mind of the experience. He’s also a Pleasure Emora. He not only needs blood to live, put other people’s pleasure. Who better to get it from but the one woman who he has grown to love.
People are mysteriously disappearing from Georgetown and no one know how or why they are disappearing. Elizabeth finds out the hard way and also find’s Lukas, much to her dismay.
Pamela Palmer again enthralls you with her story telling and brings you to a world unlike any other. She has left this story so open with so many unanswered questions that you are waiting and wanting more. How does this story end? Will there be an HEA for Elizabeth and Lukas? Will the sorceress be found and will the gate between both worlds be open again. Well, this whet my appetite and I could only hope that she continues this story and answers all my questions.
“First Dates Are Hell” by Amanda Arista
This is a new author for me but she has me curious. If a short story was written as well as this, what would a full novel be like. I think I may really have to find out.
Valiance is the only Vampire in a pack of wolves. He has sworn his allegiance to her after his Clade abandoned him. Violet is determined to get Valiance living a life again. She pushes and prods until he finally tells her about a girl that he met and Violet pushes him until he finally asks her out.
Esme is invisible to everyone. No one ever notices her. She’s just some no name, no face person that works in a department store. Until Valiance. He sees her and comes looking for her and finally asks her out on a date. But, what would he see in her? He’s gorgeous and can have any woman he wants. Yes, Esme is just a little insecure – with good reason.
Well, the “Date From Hell” starts off just fine having coffee in Violets coffee shop but heads downhill from there. His former Clade shows up and they want him back. Esme finds out that he’s a Vampire and all hell breaks out. Esme escapes only to find out that her Abuelita has some surprising stories of her own to tell. Including the fact that Esme is a Fairy.
I adored Ms. Arista’s first foray into Vampires. Her previous books are the “Diaries of an Urban Panther” series (which I may just have to read) and are centered around shape-shifters. This short-story was action-packed, fun and intriguing. Esme was wonderful and Valiance finally found love after centuries of being without.
“Blood and Water” by Kim Falconer
Wow, a different kind of Vampire – one that lives beneath the sea and could only walk on land with blood. How imaginative!
Stellan meets Angelina in the most peculiar way. She’s drowning and he can’t allow her to die. There is just something about her, something about the way she looks and acts that has him desiring her and wanting her to become his. But, this can’t be. He’s Vampire, needs blood to walk on land and lives in caves far below the Pacific Ocean. But, he saves her the only way he knows how – he brings her to the caves, revives her and then returns to land with orders from Teern – learn about the “bridge”.
Angelina is ahead of her times. Shes ambitious and head-strong. She loves taking pictues and loves to swim. Her parents have arranged a marriage to a man that is just like her father – see’s right through her and pays her no heed. She has to call a stop to this arrangement but doesn’t know how. A day on board the The Bay City Ferry, taking pictures with her future mother-in-law changes her life forever. Especially when she is thrown over-board and wakes on the shore with a strange man helping her. She trusts him, feels she knows him and he takes an interest in everything that she has to say, unlike Mason Blackwell, her fiancee.
This short-story also has a few twists and turns and Ms. Faulkner keeps you guessing until the end. As I said, an interesting kind of Vampire but one with a heart and an HEA that leaves you smiling.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
July 31, 2020
The first story is Viking vampire police falling for the blondest blonde vampire reporter. It was a good concept in the fighting and the teleporting. The love story was like poof love. But the sexy bits were steamy.
Second story was VampCity. I’d forgotten that I liked the first book or two of VampCity. Idk if I read a dud or what happened but I want to read another.
The third story was sweet first date story and I liked the magic element. They were a bit to hesitant to bite but I want to read more from the author. This is the first CNN date story.
The last story is some kind of vampire mermaid thing. Vampires live underwater and the girl seems cool with leaving her whole family. I need a longer story to understand the choices made but I’m not going to seek it out. Quite frankly mermaids need tails.
Second story was VampCity. I’d forgotten that I liked the first book or two of VampCity. Idk if I read a dud or what happened but I want to read another.
The third story was sweet first date story and I liked the magic element. They were a bit to hesitant to bite but I want to read more from the author. This is the first CNN date story.
The last story is some kind of vampire mermaid thing. Vampires live underwater and the girl seems cool with leaving her whole family. I need a longer story to understand the choices made but I’m not going to seek it out. Quite frankly mermaids need tails.
July 15, 2019
There're other short stories in this book by different authors, but I was more into reading V wie VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks, another success love story for the employee of MacKay Security and Investigation. I was glad that the author picked this two as a couple because I never really know these two, Lady Pamela Smythe-Worthing and Mikhail Kirillov. I admired the courage Lady Pamela possessed to change her life, and Mikhail for his bravery to pursue what he wanted, although it took him over 200 years to finally fulfilled his desire. Overall, a tale that's straight to the point without much drama, because after all, it's a short story, but it never failed to leave me wanting for more!
February 6, 2023
2* --- V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
This was kind of nonsensical... I never read the Vamp City series, but this book made little sense to me... i wasn't there for the world-building, so it all fell very flat to me.
3.5*--- A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
Loved the world building in this one! Parallel to Washington - Vampire City where some vampires are stuck! But - no happy ending :( Is there an ending to it somewhere else ?!?!?!?!
3.5*--- First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
Weirdos and loners meet in this romance. He is a socially awkward vampire , and she is a socially invisible (turns out also really invisible) fairy. Their date goes wrong when they get attacked... I wish their story was longer.
3.5*--- Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
Cute story about underwater vampires ... I would like to know more about this world...
This was kind of nonsensical... I never read the Vamp City series, but this book made little sense to me... i wasn't there for the world-building, so it all fell very flat to me.
3.5*--- A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
Loved the world building in this one! Parallel to Washington - Vampire City where some vampires are stuck! But - no happy ending :( Is there an ending to it somewhere else ?!?!?!?!
3.5*--- First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
Weirdos and loners meet in this romance. He is a socially awkward vampire , and she is a socially invisible (turns out also really invisible) fairy. Their date goes wrong when they get attacked... I wish their story was longer.
3.5*--- Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
Cute story about underwater vampires ... I would like to know more about this world...
December 17, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~~
With this collection you will love Vampires even more. Great collection of short stories that will leave you wanting more from Authors Kerrelyn Sparks, Pamela Palmer, Amanda Arista and Kim Falconer. I loved this series and all the stories within it. This is a must have for any paranormal fan.
~~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~~
With this collection you will love Vampires even more. Great collection of short stories that will leave you wanting more from Authors Kerrelyn Sparks, Pamela Palmer, Amanda Arista and Kim Falconer. I loved this series and all the stories within it. This is a must have for any paranormal fan.
June 18, 2023
I actually only read, "First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista." It was a cute short story and I enjoyed the world building and the characters in it. So much so that I was hopping there was more to it for the characters themselves in other books but it seems that the other books focus on other characters. If I have the time I do believe I will be exploring them as a reading option.
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