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Half-Moon Hollow #2.5 included
The Undead In My Bed
Under the covers, these lovers come alive! Katie MacAlister conjures supernatural sparks in Shades of Gray A TV crew is filming a paranormal reality show on the grounds of an imposing old Czech Republic estate. But the electric passion behind the camera is what’s out of this world. When Noelle, a Guardian, meets vampire Grayson, who has roamed for three centuries, she awakens an aching hunger in him that only her touch can relieve. . . . Molly Harper cooks up laughter and thrills in Undead Sublet After overworked Chicago chef Tess flips out (can everyone hear that arugula talking, or is it just me?), she rents a quiet house in Half-Moon Hollow for a month of R & R. But when she finds the place occupied by a drop-dead gorgeous vampire, Tess’s tastes—for comfort food, for small Kentucky towns, and for her irresistible lover—become nearly insatiable! Jessica Sims excites the senses in Out with a Fang When lonely were-jaguar Ruby consults a paranormal matchmaker, she hopes to finally move on from a heart-wrenching breakup with her one true love, a forbidden human. Nervously agreeing to a blindfolded first date with a vampire, she finds the spicy scent of him intoxicating, his voice low, sexy, and so very familiar. . . .
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2012
174 people are currently reading
2759 people want to read
About the author
Katie MacAlister
121 books5,975 followersFor as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
November 21, 2020
These 3 paranormal romance stories were an amusing way to spend a Friday evening.
Katie MacAlister manages to write a fun romance while seeming to make a bit of fun of the PNR tropes that often get taken just a little too seriously by authors of this sort of fiction. At least her female main character in this one is a smart, talented woman. I read her first Dark Ones novel for Halloween Bingo this year and found the two female main characters to be ditzy, and although it worked in the context of that book, it's not my preference. I like my heroines to be intelligent and competent.
Molly Harper's sense of humour always appeals to me and any story that involves her Jane Jameson character will always get a thumbs up from me. Having worked in libraries myself, I have a soft spot for this children's librarian turned vampire bookstore owner. Now that Jane is successfully paired off, Harper can use her as an accomplice to other women who are trying to sort out their romantic lives. (I also loved that Dick wanted to stick around for Tess and Sam's reunion to see if Tess would be throwing her chef's knives!)
The third author, Jessica Sims, was new to me. Strange isn't it that a story so similar to the first two didn't appeal to me quite so much? Maybe it's lack of familiarity, maybe it's a slightly different emphasis, maybe it's the whole giving the romance a second chance plot line. I haven't quite put my finger on it yet, but I think it might be the second chance angle, it's not a plot that I favour.
That was fun and fast. I stayed up too late to finish it up and may have difficulty getting up in a timely fashion tomorrow to get to the grocery store before the weekend crush. Oh well, it was worth it.
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...
Katie MacAlister manages to write a fun romance while seeming to make a bit of fun of the PNR tropes that often get taken just a little too seriously by authors of this sort of fiction. At least her female main character in this one is a smart, talented woman. I read her first Dark Ones novel for Halloween Bingo this year and found the two female main characters to be ditzy, and although it worked in the context of that book, it's not my preference. I like my heroines to be intelligent and competent.
Molly Harper's sense of humour always appeals to me and any story that involves her Jane Jameson character will always get a thumbs up from me. Having worked in libraries myself, I have a soft spot for this children's librarian turned vampire bookstore owner. Now that Jane is successfully paired off, Harper can use her as an accomplice to other women who are trying to sort out their romantic lives. (I also loved that Dick wanted to stick around for Tess and Sam's reunion to see if Tess would be throwing her chef's knives!)
The third author, Jessica Sims, was new to me. Strange isn't it that a story so similar to the first two didn't appeal to me quite so much? Maybe it's lack of familiarity, maybe it's a slightly different emphasis, maybe it's the whole giving the romance a second chance plot line. I haven't quite put my finger on it yet, but I think it might be the second chance angle, it's not a plot that I favour.
That was fun and fast. I stayed up too late to finish it up and may have difficulty getting up in a timely fashion tomorrow to get to the grocery store before the weekend crush. Oh well, it was worth it.
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...
April 6, 2018
Great stories! Lots of fun. I especially liked Undead Sublet by Molly Harper. Anything that gets me back to Half-Moon Hollow. Of course you know any story that starts with arugula telling knock-knock jokes has to be good. I never knew arugula was funny. I thought carrots were the cut-ups of the vegetable world. 🤔
January 21, 2019
Jessica Sims -> Out With a Fang.
Pensé que no habría historias acerca de Vampiros ya que los ponían más como villanos.
Esta es la historia sobre un Vampiro y una cambiante jaguar, también es un second chance ya que fueron novios años atrás cuando él era humano pero como estaba prohibida la relación ella terminó con él.
Es una historia corta pero fue muy linda y tierna me gustó.
2.5 estrellas
Pensé que no habría historias acerca de Vampiros ya que los ponían más como villanos.
Esta es la historia sobre un Vampiro y una cambiante jaguar, también es un second chance ya que fueron novios años atrás cuando él era humano pero como estaba prohibida la relación ella terminó con él.
Es una historia corta pero fue muy linda y tierna me gustó.
2.5 estrellas
January 20, 2016
3.75 Stars for the Molly Harper entry only, Undead Sublet. Tess, as a chef, has been working a bit too hard, as the veggies start tellher her jokes. So she decides rather than be carried off in a white coat with buckles, she will take her off for a long vacation. So she rents a house in Half-Moon Hollow, but she keeps hearing bumps in the night. When she finally catches one of the bumps, she realizes that she has an undead roomie on her hands....a sexy, undead roomie that is. Sam was turned completely against his will. When he came into his vampire self, his whole life had been blown a part. Now he was fighting to stay in his house before his ex-wife sold his house right from under him. Tess fights her attraction to Sam, as she doesn't want to be his rebound girl. Can Sam convince her that he isn't looking for rebound love, he is ready for the real thing. Cute story and I loved seeing Jane again with her crew.
December 30, 2016
Out with a fang.
No suelo poner más de 3 estrellas en las historias cortas y este estuvo entretenido sin más. Sigo con los demás MUAJAJAJA
No suelo poner más de 3 estrellas en las historias cortas y este estuvo entretenido sin más. Sigo con los demás MUAJAJAJA
October 16, 2024
I enjoyed these three novellas featuring the Dark Ones, Half-Moon Hollow, & Midnight Liaisons series. I read these novellas a long time ago way before I started reviewing and I remembered a little of what was going on. It was nice to re-read them. It made me want to re-read the Dark Ones series and to read more of the Half-Moon Hollow series. The Midnight Liaisons novella in this anthology was a new to me author/series. It didn’t impress me enough to want to read more in the series.
Shades of Gray (Dark Ones #10.5) by Katie MacAlister - Rated: 3.5 Stars
It’s been awhile since I read the Dark Ones series. This novella was fun and I’m thinking I might go back and re-read the series.
From what I remember in the series Noelle had a Dark One and is a Beloved, but it turned out she wasn’t that Dark One’s Beloved and her X feel for her roommate instead. In this novella she feels rejected and when she gets another chance at finding love in Grayson she’ll do what she can to protect and keep him.
Even if you haven’t read the series the author does a good job of explaining what a Drak One is and all the steps in the joining process for Beloveds.
Shades of Gray was a sweet and fun read.
Undead Sublet (Half-Moon Hollow #2.5) by Molly Harper - Rated: 4 Stars
I’ve just started to get back into the Half-Moon Hollow series. It’s light humor, fun, and enjoyable. I like Ms. Harper’s humor.
In the Undead Sublet we have Tess a human and a chef. She’s overworked herself and other areas of her life aren't going so well, so she ends up taking a vacation to Half-Moon Hollow. Then there's Sam her unexpected roommate in the home she rents. These two don’t hit it off, but eventually they both find healing and what they need in each other. I love how Tess ends up falling in love with the town and starts to build an exciting future there, when she didn’t have plans to stay. Sam I loved him. He was sweet and kept Tess on her toes.
Undead Sublet was a humorous, sweet, fun and enjoyable read.
Out with a Fang (Midnight Liaisons #2.2) by Jessica Sims - Rated: 3 Stars
This was a new to me author and series. We get a second chance love story.
Well Ruby is a shifter and hasn't been able to find a date since she broke up with her X. Deep down she still loves him, but humans and supernaturals can’t date, one nights sure, but no permanent relationships allowed. What does she do, but turn to a dating agency and go on a blind date. Things get weird and unusual at the get go.
This was a fast-paced story. The second chance at love comes quickly and they fall into bed fast. The vampires featured in this novella aren’t new. They are the dead ones with no beating hearts and can’t be out in the sun. All that typical vampire lore.
Out with a Fang was just ok.
Shades of Gray (Dark Ones #10.5) by Katie MacAlister - Rated: 3.5 Stars
It’s been awhile since I read the Dark Ones series. This novella was fun and I’m thinking I might go back and re-read the series.
From what I remember in the series Noelle had a Dark One and is a Beloved, but it turned out she wasn’t that Dark One’s Beloved and her X feel for her roommate instead. In this novella she feels rejected and when she gets another chance at finding love in Grayson she’ll do what she can to protect and keep him.
Even if you haven’t read the series the author does a good job of explaining what a Drak One is and all the steps in the joining process for Beloveds.
Shades of Gray was a sweet and fun read.
Undead Sublet (Half-Moon Hollow #2.5) by Molly Harper - Rated: 4 Stars
I’ve just started to get back into the Half-Moon Hollow series. It’s light humor, fun, and enjoyable. I like Ms. Harper’s humor.
In the Undead Sublet we have Tess a human and a chef. She’s overworked herself and other areas of her life aren't going so well, so she ends up taking a vacation to Half-Moon Hollow. Then there's Sam her unexpected roommate in the home she rents. These two don’t hit it off, but eventually they both find healing and what they need in each other. I love how Tess ends up falling in love with the town and starts to build an exciting future there, when she didn’t have plans to stay. Sam I loved him. He was sweet and kept Tess on her toes.
Undead Sublet was a humorous, sweet, fun and enjoyable read.
Out with a Fang (Midnight Liaisons #2.2) by Jessica Sims - Rated: 3 Stars
This was a new to me author and series. We get a second chance love story.
Well Ruby is a shifter and hasn't been able to find a date since she broke up with her X. Deep down she still loves him, but humans and supernaturals can’t date, one nights sure, but no permanent relationships allowed. What does she do, but turn to a dating agency and go on a blind date. Things get weird and unusual at the get go.
This was a fast-paced story. The second chance at love comes quickly and they fall into bed fast. The vampires featured in this novella aren’t new. They are the dead ones with no beating hearts and can’t be out in the sun. All that typical vampire lore.
Out with a Fang was just ok.
December 12, 2015
Love Molly Harper!! Laugh out loud funny!!!
October 18, 2015
Overall this was a pretty good group of stories. I listened to the audiobook version of this and all 3 narrators did well.
Shades of Gray by Katie MacAlister
Time: 0:00 - 2:55
3 stars
I haven't read anything by this author before. This was a nice story but I had a little bit of an issue getting in to it. It would probably have been better if I understood the backgroup of the world the story is in. Noelle is a Guardian (some sort of demon hunter) and meets a Vampire, Gray. Through some sort of connection between Guardians and "Dark Ones" (aka Vampires) she decides they're meant to be together but he denies it. He has some demon problems and doesn't want to involve her (even though it's what she does). Things work out in the end. It's a nice story but with it being so short I don't think I got enough background to make all the elements work for me. It would probably be fine for someone already familiar with the series and world this was set in.
Undead Sublet by Molly Harper
Time: 2:55 - 7:24
4.5 stars
4-4.5 stars
This was a really enjoyable story. I wasn't too sure what to expect but I've enjoyed other Half Moon Hollow books and figured I've give it a try (esp since Audible.com gave to members for free on Valentines day).
Tess is a chef from Chicago. SHe worked way too many hours and got burned out and had to go on a forced "sabbatical". She ends up in Half Moon Hollow because her mentor is now living there and he's the closest thing she has to family. She's only planning to stay for a month so she's happy when she finds a short term rental of a house that works well for her needs.
Sam is a Vampire and also a construction worker. He and his (now Ex) wife had moved to Half Moon Hollow to try to work out their failing marriage. Sam loves the town but his wife...not so much. When a construction job ends up with Sam getting forcibly turned into a Vampire, his wife decides to declare him dead and divorce him while trying to take all their stuff for herself.
Tess and Sam are great together although at first it's kind of hard to tell because they initially meet under awkward circumstances. Tess is rented the house by Sam's ex but it was a rather underhanded move because Tess wasn't told that Sam is still living there (his lair being in the basement). Neither of them are willing to give in and leave the house so they end up bashing heads with each other throughout the first part of the story. Their efforts against each other (in a rather fun/brutal prank war...think War of the Roses) in the beginning are just hilarious. I've always loved Molly Harper's sense of humor in her books and this one hits the humor mark as normal. I also liked the fact that along with the story about Sam and Tess there's also interaction with other Half Moon Hollow folk from the other books which adds to the fun.
Eventually, Tess and Sam ended up making friends and then working together. It works well and I really enjoyed seeing them grow their relationship and find something more together, ending the story headed towards a HEA together. I wish it had been a longer story but that's really my only complaint. I enjoyed the story and really liked how it ended but I wouldn't have minded a little more development at the end of the story when they're finally getting together. Overall, I really liked the story and would highly recommend it, esp for Half Moon Hollow/Molly Harper fans. :D
Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims
Time: 7:24 - 10:26
4-4.5 stars
This was a really good story! I've never read anything by this author but I enjoyed this story enough that I'll definitely have to try out more from her.
Ruby is a were-jaguar. She's lonely and still pining for an old love (he was human and she was forced to break it off with him). Her sister convinces her to try a dating service for the supernatural and Ruby ends up on a blind date. It ends up being a very blind date when she actually is asked to wear a blindfold. During the date she ends up ripping it off in annoyance and finds herself face to face with the man she's been pining for over the last 4 years.
Michael is a Vampire. He has been for the last 4 years. He was turned shortly after his and Ruby's relationship ended. He wanted to reconnect with Ruby but ends up doing it the wrong way and their "blind date" goes bad. Things get worse when, after the date, Michael gets attacked by a bounty hunter. Ruby helps him and keeps him safe. Being on the run forces them to be together and to reconnect.
Ruby is strong and her and Michael and able to survive against the bounty hunter chasing them but there's the issue of Michael needing to feed. Ruby is forced to help him with this issue and things get a hot between them but they have trouble opening up about their feelings for each other. They struggle to get through and things go south at the end. Michael is forced to drastic measures to save Ruby but he does save her and the story has a very sweet and satisfying ending. I really liked this story and will have to try more by this author. I'd recommend it. :D
Shades of Gray by Katie MacAlister
Time: 0:00 - 2:55
3 stars
I haven't read anything by this author before. This was a nice story but I had a little bit of an issue getting in to it. It would probably have been better if I understood the backgroup of the world the story is in. Noelle is a Guardian (some sort of demon hunter) and meets a Vampire, Gray. Through some sort of connection between Guardians and "Dark Ones" (aka Vampires) she decides they're meant to be together but he denies it. He has some demon problems and doesn't want to involve her (even though it's what she does). Things work out in the end. It's a nice story but with it being so short I don't think I got enough background to make all the elements work for me. It would probably be fine for someone already familiar with the series and world this was set in.
Undead Sublet by Molly Harper
Time: 2:55 - 7:24
4.5 stars
4-4.5 stars
This was a really enjoyable story. I wasn't too sure what to expect but I've enjoyed other Half Moon Hollow books and figured I've give it a try (esp since Audible.com gave to members for free on Valentines day).
Tess is a chef from Chicago. SHe worked way too many hours and got burned out and had to go on a forced "sabbatical". She ends up in Half Moon Hollow because her mentor is now living there and he's the closest thing she has to family. She's only planning to stay for a month so she's happy when she finds a short term rental of a house that works well for her needs.
Sam is a Vampire and also a construction worker. He and his (now Ex) wife had moved to Half Moon Hollow to try to work out their failing marriage. Sam loves the town but his wife...not so much. When a construction job ends up with Sam getting forcibly turned into a Vampire, his wife decides to declare him dead and divorce him while trying to take all their stuff for herself.
Tess and Sam are great together although at first it's kind of hard to tell because they initially meet under awkward circumstances. Tess is rented the house by Sam's ex but it was a rather underhanded move because Tess wasn't told that Sam is still living there (his lair being in the basement). Neither of them are willing to give in and leave the house so they end up bashing heads with each other throughout the first part of the story. Their efforts against each other (in a rather fun/brutal prank war...think War of the Roses) in the beginning are just hilarious. I've always loved Molly Harper's sense of humor in her books and this one hits the humor mark as normal. I also liked the fact that along with the story about Sam and Tess there's also interaction with other Half Moon Hollow folk from the other books which adds to the fun.
Eventually, Tess and Sam ended up making friends and then working together. It works well and I really enjoyed seeing them grow their relationship and find something more together, ending the story headed towards a HEA together. I wish it had been a longer story but that's really my only complaint. I enjoyed the story and really liked how it ended but I wouldn't have minded a little more development at the end of the story when they're finally getting together. Overall, I really liked the story and would highly recommend it, esp for Half Moon Hollow/Molly Harper fans. :D
Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims
Time: 7:24 - 10:26
4-4.5 stars
This was a really good story! I've never read anything by this author but I enjoyed this story enough that I'll definitely have to try out more from her.
Ruby is a were-jaguar. She's lonely and still pining for an old love (he was human and she was forced to break it off with him). Her sister convinces her to try a dating service for the supernatural and Ruby ends up on a blind date. It ends up being a very blind date when she actually is asked to wear a blindfold. During the date she ends up ripping it off in annoyance and finds herself face to face with the man she's been pining for over the last 4 years.
Michael is a Vampire. He has been for the last 4 years. He was turned shortly after his and Ruby's relationship ended. He wanted to reconnect with Ruby but ends up doing it the wrong way and their "blind date" goes bad. Things get worse when, after the date, Michael gets attacked by a bounty hunter. Ruby helps him and keeps him safe. Being on the run forces them to be together and to reconnect.
Ruby is strong and her and Michael and able to survive against the bounty hunter chasing them but there's the issue of Michael needing to feed. Ruby is forced to help him with this issue and things get a hot between them but they have trouble opening up about their feelings for each other. They struggle to get through and things go south at the end. Michael is forced to drastic measures to save Ruby but he does save her and the story has a very sweet and satisfying ending. I really liked this story and will have to try more by this author. I'd recommend it. :D
March 15, 2019
3.5 stars
1- 4 stars
2- 3 stars
3- 3 stars
See review in progress notes
1- 4 stars
2- 3 stars
3- 3 stars
See review in progress notes
July 17, 2019
“Out With a Fang” - Jessica Sims
A short story about Ruby, a were-jaguar, and Michael, her human ex that she never got over, and their second chance at love.
Ruby and Michael were very much in love when they were in college, but long-term relationships between shifters and humans are not allowed, so she intentionally broke his heart and disappeared from his life.
Years later, she is trying to move on with her life and meet someone new, and reluctantly agrees to go on a blind date that starts out weird and ends up in a huge revelation. Turns out that .
A short and fun story with a satisfying happily ever after.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Speed Mating (Midnight Liaisons, #2.3) ~ ★★★ (06/10/2017)
✦ Vixen (Midnight Liaisons, #2.1) ~ ★★★ (29/03/2016)
✦ Desperately Seeking Shapeshifter (Midnight Liaisons, #2) ~ ★★★ (13/07/2015)
✦ Beauty Dates the Beast (Midnight Liaisons, #1) ~ ★★★ (22/09/2013)
A short story about Ruby, a were-jaguar, and Michael, her human ex that she never got over, and their second chance at love.
Ruby and Michael were very much in love when they were in college, but long-term relationships between shifters and humans are not allowed, so she intentionally broke his heart and disappeared from his life.
Years later, she is trying to move on with her life and meet someone new, and reluctantly agrees to go on a blind date that starts out weird and ends up in a huge revelation. Turns out that .
A short and fun story with a satisfying happily ever after.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Speed Mating (Midnight Liaisons, #2.3) ~ ★★★ (06/10/2017)
✦ Vixen (Midnight Liaisons, #2.1) ~ ★★★ (29/03/2016)
✦ Desperately Seeking Shapeshifter (Midnight Liaisons, #2) ~ ★★★ (13/07/2015)
✦ Beauty Dates the Beast (Midnight Liaisons, #1) ~ ★★★ (22/09/2013)
May 4, 2025
The Undead In My Bed was an enjoyable collection of novellas from three paranormal romance series.
Overall average rating — 3 Stars
Shades of Gray by Katie MacAlister — 1 Star
When Noelle meets vampire Grayson, she knows she's finally found the one and is ready to be his Beloved. But Gray is determined to resist her and it will take all of her skills to break through his walls. I was unfamiliar with the Dark Ones series going into this story and I have to say, I didn't really enjoy it at all. There's no build-up in Noelle and Gray's romance, she just goes from zero to one hundred immediately once she figures out she's his Beloved. And her determination to keep him after her last romance went wrong just made her come across as desperate. Add in the fact that Gray treated her like this breakable flower and kept trying to tell her what to do and this story ultimately wasn't for me.
Undead Sublet by Molly Harper — 4 Stars
After chef Tess Maitland starts hearing her ingredients talk, it's time for a break from her job. But when she arrives in Half-Moon Hollow, she quickly learns the house she's renting comes with a vampire roommate. This story was the reason I picked up this collection as I've been making my way through the Half-Moon Hollow series. The novella ended up being a ton of fun and I really enjoyed the prank war Tess and Sam get into while they're trying to get each other to move out. Their relationship builds nicely over the course of the story and I liked that the author didn't rush things between them. Overall this one was a great read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for a fun paranormal romance series.
Out with a Fang by Jessica Sims — 4 Stars
Jaguar shift Ruby Sommers is hoping to finally move on from her breakup four years ago, a relationship doomed from the start as shifters aren't supposed to date humans. But when Ruby finds herself on a blind date with a vampire, there's something about him that seems all too familiar. Like the first novella in this collection, I was unfamiliar with the Midnight Liaisons series going into this. Ruby's character was fantastic and I loved her confidence in her abilities as a shifter and that she was at the top of the food chain. The romance in this one was nice, I typically enjoy second-chance romances so I liked that aspect. The story is pretty fast-paced and I was happy with how everything wrapped up. Overall I enjoyed this one and I may check out more of the series in the future.
Overall average rating — 3 Stars
Shades of Gray by Katie MacAlister — 1 Star
When Noelle meets vampire Grayson, she knows she's finally found the one and is ready to be his Beloved. But Gray is determined to resist her and it will take all of her skills to break through his walls. I was unfamiliar with the Dark Ones series going into this story and I have to say, I didn't really enjoy it at all. There's no build-up in Noelle and Gray's romance, she just goes from zero to one hundred immediately once she figures out she's his Beloved. And her determination to keep him after her last romance went wrong just made her come across as desperate. Add in the fact that Gray treated her like this breakable flower and kept trying to tell her what to do and this story ultimately wasn't for me.
Undead Sublet by Molly Harper — 4 Stars
After chef Tess Maitland starts hearing her ingredients talk, it's time for a break from her job. But when she arrives in Half-Moon Hollow, she quickly learns the house she's renting comes with a vampire roommate. This story was the reason I picked up this collection as I've been making my way through the Half-Moon Hollow series. The novella ended up being a ton of fun and I really enjoyed the prank war Tess and Sam get into while they're trying to get each other to move out. Their relationship builds nicely over the course of the story and I liked that the author didn't rush things between them. Overall this one was a great read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for a fun paranormal romance series.
Out with a Fang by Jessica Sims — 4 Stars
Jaguar shift Ruby Sommers is hoping to finally move on from her breakup four years ago, a relationship doomed from the start as shifters aren't supposed to date humans. But when Ruby finds herself on a blind date with a vampire, there's something about him that seems all too familiar. Like the first novella in this collection, I was unfamiliar with the Midnight Liaisons series going into this. Ruby's character was fantastic and I loved her confidence in her abilities as a shifter and that she was at the top of the food chain. The romance in this one was nice, I typically enjoy second-chance romances so I liked that aspect. The story is pretty fast-paced and I was happy with how everything wrapped up. Overall I enjoyed this one and I may check out more of the series in the future.
October 7, 2019
I love short stories, largely because I get so wrapped up in full-length books that I often stay up too late. They are often a nice way to introduce a series to a new reader, too. This was enjoyable in that way, but the Molly Harper story was the reason to read it.
#Shades of gray: Story #1 by Katie MacAlister was from the Guardians/Dark Ones series. I haven't read anything by her before, but it was pretty self-explanatory: Dark Ones are vampires, guardians are, well, guardians. This was a cute concept, but I didn't care enough about any of the characters to do more than skim. 2.5 stars.
#Undead sublet: This was a 5-star installment in the Half-Moon Hollows series. It starts with our heroine, Tess Maitland, delirious with fatigue and joining the arugula in singing a show tune. The story continued to be this delightful, and I really enjoyed Tess.
#Out with a Fang: Ruby is a were-panther embarking on a blind date via matchmaker agency, a fun concept that did not quite hit home. It is hard to build characters that I care about in a short story, and that was my issue here again. It felt like jumping into a relationship 4/5 of the way through. I would try Jessica Sims again though! 3 stars.
#Shades of gray: Story #1 by Katie MacAlister was from the Guardians/Dark Ones series. I haven't read anything by her before, but it was pretty self-explanatory: Dark Ones are vampires, guardians are, well, guardians. This was a cute concept, but I didn't care enough about any of the characters to do more than skim. 2.5 stars.
#Undead sublet: This was a 5-star installment in the Half-Moon Hollows series. It starts with our heroine, Tess Maitland, delirious with fatigue and joining the arugula in singing a show tune. The story continued to be this delightful, and I really enjoyed Tess.
#Out with a Fang: Ruby is a were-panther embarking on a blind date via matchmaker agency, a fun concept that did not quite hit home. It is hard to build characters that I care about in a short story, and that was my issue here again. It felt like jumping into a relationship 4/5 of the way through. I would try Jessica Sims again though! 3 stars.
April 14, 2020
Leído OUT WITH A FANG.
Ruby es una jaguar que se enamoró de un humano algo totalmente prohibido por las reglas de la alianza. Así que hace cuatro años tuvo que fingir que engañaba a su amor y dejarlo con el corazón roto. Ahora, intenta encontrar a alguien en citas cuando su supuesta cita a ciegas empieza a hacer peticiones extrañas...
Estoy muy confundida con el orden de este libro, porque aquí pone que es el 1.5 pero entras y pone que es el 2.2 NO ENTIENDO NADA. Me lo he leído como 2.2 así que da igual.
Al asunto, es una historia cortita y me ha gustado mucho. Michael es muy dulce y me encantaba lo dura que es Ruby. Sólo que me he quedado con una duda, en el libro anterior hablando de estas cosas se comentó el tema de si se podía ser dos cambiantes a la vez y se dijo que no así que me podéis explicar cómo es posible ser jaguar y vampiro a la vez? Me hizo quedar un poco dudosa en este tema...
Por lo demás ha sido una historia bonita, voy a continuar con los libros cortos para poder leerme por fin a Marie y a Joshua
Ruby es una jaguar que se enamoró de un humano algo totalmente prohibido por las reglas de la alianza. Así que hace cuatro años tuvo que fingir que engañaba a su amor y dejarlo con el corazón roto. Ahora, intenta encontrar a alguien en citas cuando su supuesta cita a ciegas empieza a hacer peticiones extrañas...
Estoy muy confundida con el orden de este libro, porque aquí pone que es el 1.5 pero entras y pone que es el 2.2 NO ENTIENDO NADA. Me lo he leído como 2.2 así que da igual.
Al asunto, es una historia cortita y me ha gustado mucho. Michael es muy dulce y me encantaba lo dura que es Ruby. Sólo que me he quedado con una duda, en el libro anterior hablando de estas cosas se comentó el tema de si se podía ser dos cambiantes a la vez y se dijo que no así que me podéis explicar cómo es posible ser jaguar y vampiro a la vez? Me hizo quedar un poco dudosa en este tema...
Por lo demás ha sido una historia bonita, voy a continuar con los libros cortos para poder leerme por fin a Marie y a Joshua
May 24, 2019
Last two stories were pretty good. The first was pretty not good.
December 4, 2019
I only read the Molly Harper story and that one alone was worth 5 stars! I've been listening to all of Molly's stories on audible, so I was curious about how it would be to actually read one without a narrator doing the voices. But this was great! Well written, funny, sweet, and another awesome entry into the world that is Half-Moon Hollow. Definitely recommend!
November 8, 2012
With these 3 authors what could I do but give it 5 stars? Outstanding ladies, just too, too cool! It alll starts with Katie MacAlister's Shades of Gray! While Helping her friend, the producer of a Ghost Hunting television show, plucky Paranormal Guardian Noelle, meets the owner of the Abby they're filming at, and immediately knows that he is a Moravian Dark One(they don't like the name vampire, go figure) and that she is his Beloved. The one person on the planet that can break his curse and give him back his soul. What stands in her way? Oh, everybody! Grayson is under threat from a high placed demon who thinks Gray has an amulet and he wants it back. The person who has it is Gray's dad, who was turned into a cat, so he's not talking. Gray's mothers ghost, who he cannot see, and fortune hunting actor Miles with an enlarged ego, the ghost of a murdered monk who was killed by an angry husband for doing what a monk should never do! So the hunt to free /grays soul and unite him with his beloved is on, just don't trim over horny monks floating underfoot!
Molly Harper's Undead Sublet is the next tale: and thus becomes the fight between vampire and human that shakes the pillars themselves. When overworked Chef Tess Maitland is sent of for a mandatory vacation, she rents a country farm house in Half Moon Hollow where her chef mentor has retired. She has free run of the house, except the basement. After paying her rent she finds out the lady she rents the house from has her ex-husband the "Vampire" living in the basement. So our vampire and chef prove your never too old to prank the other, to try and get them to leave. Sam has dastardly removed all the knobs from every door and faucet, rearranged her foods and spices, saws all night...she, Tess, has put crickets in the basement(because you know he'll never find them all), greases the stairs up from the basement, puts ghost chili oil in his blood supply and glues his car keys to the counter.These two decide to collaborate on a cooking contest for blood recipes that could earn @25,000.00! Can they learn to work together without killing each other? Time will tell!
Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims: Oh yeah! A blind date through a dating agency finds Ruby Sommers reluctantly agreeing to wear a blindfold for her first meeting with the mysterious Vampire Valjean. While sitting and being enraged over the topics Valjean keeps poking at, Ruby says enough and rips off her blindfold, and there sits her ex-boyfriend Michael. The one man Ruby had adored (still does). But because she was a shifter and he was human her father said" break it off or I will kill him", so she broke up with him and it broke her heart. Some one has put a hit out on Michael's life, and if Ruby wants to protect him, it's time to let her shifter out to play: a very LARGE Leopard. Heaven help the person who tries to harm the vampire she CAN legally love now!
Molly Harper's Undead Sublet is the next tale: and thus becomes the fight between vampire and human that shakes the pillars themselves. When overworked Chef Tess Maitland is sent of for a mandatory vacation, she rents a country farm house in Half Moon Hollow where her chef mentor has retired. She has free run of the house, except the basement. After paying her rent she finds out the lady she rents the house from has her ex-husband the "Vampire" living in the basement. So our vampire and chef prove your never too old to prank the other, to try and get them to leave. Sam has dastardly removed all the knobs from every door and faucet, rearranged her foods and spices, saws all night...she, Tess, has put crickets in the basement(because you know he'll never find them all), greases the stairs up from the basement, puts ghost chili oil in his blood supply and glues his car keys to the counter.These two decide to collaborate on a cooking contest for blood recipes that could earn @25,000.00! Can they learn to work together without killing each other? Time will tell!
Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims: Oh yeah! A blind date through a dating agency finds Ruby Sommers reluctantly agreeing to wear a blindfold for her first meeting with the mysterious Vampire Valjean. While sitting and being enraged over the topics Valjean keeps poking at, Ruby says enough and rips off her blindfold, and there sits her ex-boyfriend Michael. The one man Ruby had adored (still does). But because she was a shifter and he was human her father said" break it off or I will kill him", so she broke up with him and it broke her heart. Some one has put a hit out on Michael's life, and if Ruby wants to protect him, it's time to let her shifter out to play: a very LARGE Leopard. Heaven help the person who tries to harm the vampire she CAN legally love now!
May 29, 2015
I only read Molly Harper's story. I'm familiar with Katie MacAlister and do like some of her stories when I'm in the mood for light paranormal romance. I don't know Jessica Sims. But I really got the book from the library just because I realized I'd missed a Half-Moon Hollow story. This was a very cute story. The prank war was amusing. And it meant that it wasn't an insta-love story, and I always like it better when couples have time to get to know each other before falling for each other. Especially in a case like this where Tess was new to town. Sure, she still loves the town and all of her new friends very quickly and the love story still happens very fast, but at least she didn't know she loved him at first sight. And there was a lot of Harper's great humor to help things along. "Do you want to go back to cricket warfare again? Because I'm feeling a trip to the bait shop coming on." "Please, ma'am, don't unleash your biblical plagues of bitchery upon my household." The actual romance part that happened after the war got rushed because the wind up took so long and Harper only had a third of s book to play with and not a full novel, but I'd rather have the fun getting to know you banter and humor stuff over the later parts of the story anyway. And Harper did get some of the community that's so important to a Half-Moon Hollow story in, including some nice scenes with Jolene, Zeb and the twins. I was kind of wondering why I hadn't seen them much in the books, so now I know that they got a bunch of their page time here, especially Jolene. Though Tess still doesn't know why her new pal has such a big appetite despite her tiny frame, a good inside joke for fans.
July 7, 2015
"Out With a Fang" was a quick novella that left me wanting more. I've read a few of the novellas and the first book in this series, all were pretty good and this one was no exception!
I really liked Ruby as our heroine because she was lil an feisty with a big heart and a steel backbone, which is very admirable. Even though her physical appearance wasn't intimidating or threatening she didn't let people push her around, she pretty much pulsed confidence due to her dual nature. Rubys story focuses on her lack of love life which has been directly affected by the Alliance and their rules. She was once in love with a human but that ended badly, unfortunately, Ruby can't get past it. She can't move on from her past human love, which has caused a lot of problems in her life.
Rubys love interest is of course an interesting sexy man with no pulse! I'm not gonna tell you his name or anything else about him but he is a curveball. On one hand, I did like said mystery man but on the other, I wanted him to be more secure with himself. He didn't seem to be able to just say what he wanted until Ruby took charge. He was though smart and very tender so he gets points for that.
Altogether, this was a fun action filled novella that moved swiftly. I enjoyed the romance aspect to this story but also the underlying things that were happening. I did think the end was a bit rushed but it's a novella so a ribbon wrapped happily ever after worked.
I really liked Ruby as our heroine because she was lil an feisty with a big heart and a steel backbone, which is very admirable. Even though her physical appearance wasn't intimidating or threatening she didn't let people push her around, she pretty much pulsed confidence due to her dual nature. Rubys story focuses on her lack of love life which has been directly affected by the Alliance and their rules. She was once in love with a human but that ended badly, unfortunately, Ruby can't get past it. She can't move on from her past human love, which has caused a lot of problems in her life.
Rubys love interest is of course an interesting sexy man with no pulse! I'm not gonna tell you his name or anything else about him but he is a curveball. On one hand, I did like said mystery man but on the other, I wanted him to be more secure with himself. He didn't seem to be able to just say what he wanted until Ruby took charge. He was though smart and very tender so he gets points for that.
Altogether, this was a fun action filled novella that moved swiftly. I enjoyed the romance aspect to this story but also the underlying things that were happening. I did think the end was a bit rushed but it's a novella so a ribbon wrapped happily ever after worked.
February 28, 2018
Got this for the Molly Harper book, in which we learn about Tess and Sam, and how they met. This is a good story, the usual Molly-Harper snark and snerk. Need more Half-Moon Hollow books!!
Feb 2018 - I may have skipped Katie MacAllister's "Shades of Gray" and Jessica Sims' "Out with a Fang" stories when I read this book before. I rather wish I'd done so this time; I felt that there was more steamy sexy-bits than plot in both of them. Fans of those authors, you may be more in-tune with those stories than I am.
Feb 2018 - I may have skipped Katie MacAllister's "Shades of Gray" and Jessica Sims' "Out with a Fang" stories when I read this book before. I rather wish I'd done so this time; I felt that there was more steamy sexy-bits than plot in both of them. Fans of those authors, you may be more in-tune with those stories than I am.
December 15, 2015
Solo lei la novela de Jessica Sims, Out With a Fang.
Esta novela no consiguio atraparme tanto como lo hizo el primer libro, quizas porque le falto mas desarrollo o porque senti que toda la trama avanzaba muy rapido.
Esta bien para pasar el rato pero no esperes ninguna maravilla.
2.5 Estrellas!
November 9, 2020
Shades of Gray- 3 stars
New to the Dark Ones world and Katie MacAlister, I had no idea what was in store for me. Shades of Gray is entertaining with it's quirky characters and intriguing world. I definitely felt like a beginner trying get the lingo down but it in no way detracts from the storyline. Fun and flirty with a side of weird, Noelle is a complete surprise to the Dark One lurking in The Abbey. And I find myself surprisingly fond of the little nun...
Undead Sublet- 3 stars
Just when you think you have it all figured out, your prodhce starts talking and you find yourself on a "vacation." Chef Tess isn't able to find the humor in Vaudeville veggies but I'm sure you can. This delightful little appetizer, Undead Sublet, is the kind of introduction to Half-Moon Hollow that doesn't require a five course commitment.
Vampires and paranormal delights abound. A bake off that in no way has bakery items. A fued that would impress any mischievous child, any quite a few who claim to be adulfs too. UNDEAD SUBLET is a fun diversion, a sexy distraction, and a great way to make newbies new neighbors in Half-Moon Hollow.
Out With a Fang-4 stars
Though Im a Half-Moon Hollow fan, I found Out With a Fang even more entertaining. This second chance romance is full of fun. The unusual circumstances and history make it all kinds of awkward. It also makes it sexy, sweet, and worth a second licking. (Yes. Licking!)
New to the Dark Ones world and Katie MacAlister, I had no idea what was in store for me. Shades of Gray is entertaining with it's quirky characters and intriguing world. I definitely felt like a beginner trying get the lingo down but it in no way detracts from the storyline. Fun and flirty with a side of weird, Noelle is a complete surprise to the Dark One lurking in The Abbey. And I find myself surprisingly fond of the little nun...
Undead Sublet- 3 stars
Just when you think you have it all figured out, your prodhce starts talking and you find yourself on a "vacation." Chef Tess isn't able to find the humor in Vaudeville veggies but I'm sure you can. This delightful little appetizer, Undead Sublet, is the kind of introduction to Half-Moon Hollow that doesn't require a five course commitment.
Vampires and paranormal delights abound. A bake off that in no way has bakery items. A fued that would impress any mischievous child, any quite a few who claim to be adulfs too. UNDEAD SUBLET is a fun diversion, a sexy distraction, and a great way to make newbies new neighbors in Half-Moon Hollow.
Out With a Fang-4 stars
Though Im a Half-Moon Hollow fan, I found Out With a Fang even more entertaining. This second chance romance is full of fun. The unusual circumstances and history make it all kinds of awkward. It also makes it sexy, sweet, and worth a second licking. (Yes. Licking!)
February 16, 2018
Shades of Gray, Katie MacAlister - I skipped this one as I have found I don't like this author.
Undead Sublet, Molly Harper - I've read one other book by this author and enjoyed it, so I wanted to try this. The premise is a bit hard to swallow, but if you let yourself get into it the story is fun. Tess rents a house for a month, not knowing that Sam the vampire is living in the basement. They meet, disliking each other but neither is able to leave, so they begin to play pranks trying to get the other to move out. The pranks are cute, but what really made me smile was when Chicago chef Tess gets introduced to red-neck Southern cooking. (Pimento cheese, anyone?) After Tess learns Sam's background she begins to see him differently. A pretty successful story that can stand alone.
"Out with a Fang", Jessica Simms - New-to-me author. The writing is a little clumsy - how can a blind-folded person tell by sound that a fork was dropped? Why not a spoon or knife? And the plot is predictable. I saw the "twist" coming from the beginning. Still there was some charm to the story, too. Unfortunately not enough to make me finish. It really needed a plot.
Undead Sublet, Molly Harper - I've read one other book by this author and enjoyed it, so I wanted to try this. The premise is a bit hard to swallow, but if you let yourself get into it the story is fun. Tess rents a house for a month, not knowing that Sam the vampire is living in the basement. They meet, disliking each other but neither is able to leave, so they begin to play pranks trying to get the other to move out. The pranks are cute, but what really made me smile was when Chicago chef Tess gets introduced to red-neck Southern cooking. (Pimento cheese, anyone?) After Tess learns Sam's background she begins to see him differently. A pretty successful story that can stand alone.
"Out with a Fang", Jessica Simms - New-to-me author. The writing is a little clumsy - how can a blind-folded person tell by sound that a fork was dropped? Why not a spoon or knife? And the plot is predictable. I saw the "twist" coming from the beginning. Still there was some charm to the story, too. Unfortunately not enough to make me finish. It really needed a plot.
March 7, 2018
The first story didn’t do much for me, but I loved the second and flat-out adored the third. A charming read!
February 9, 2022
Three different vampire fantasy romance stories
May 22, 2017
Meh. 2.5
October 8, 2017
??????
April 24, 2014
It's always difficult to rate a book that has multiple authors.
Katie MacAlister - Shades of Gray: I am a serial, addicted reader of KM's stuff. Loved that Noelle finally got her Dark One! I'm a huge fan of all of the characters and it was heartbreaking to see Noelle get pushed on to each new novel without her story being resolved. Can't be upset about it though, the muse is there when the muse is there. One hilarious scene with the 'ghost whisperer' had me reading it over and over, giggling like crazy! Stars: 5
Molly Harper - Undead Sublet: Oh MH, how you crack me up in the most inappropriate manner! Even though this was a short story, MH really makes the reader feel that the characters are fleshed out and provides enough environmental detail without being overdone. The prank war is hilarious and makes me think of my own husband's ongoing prank war with his brother. Plus, always a bonus when an author provides a recipe at the end! It followed a somewhat predictable formula, but had so much heart that the reader is completely engaged from beginning to end! (Especially the easter eggs of the diner patrons' romantic encounters carved into tabletops, could it be one patron is Molly Harper?) Wish I could move to Half-Moon Hollow! Stars = 5
Jessica Sims - Out With a Fang: [EDIT] I've now read everything Jessica Sims has written (as with the above two authors as well), so I'm re-doing this review. This story was a fun read, and brought a new twist on vampire lore. (Garlic oil injections, anyone?) Pros: Lots of action in the book. Cons: I love Jessica Sims' full novels, but her short stories really get stunted. For some reason, in this short story the description of vampire fangs provided an image along the lines of walrus-length tusks, creating a comical image rather than seductive one and takes me a bit out of the story. Her other descriptions of vampires in her other works didn't do this, I don't have a reason why this phenomenon occurs. Unfortunately I couldn't keep the walrus-people out of my head, even during the midway point when the teeth were described as being only 2 inches in length. I still have thoughts of the were-jaguar being a were-jaguar/walrus. Eep! Also, I don't understand why the vampires feel the need to legally change their name. The concept just seems odd. Some of Jessica Sims' novels are amazing and I've given them 5 stars, but... for this short story I'm afraid I have to give it a lesser rating. Stars = 2.5
Katie MacAlister - Shades of Gray: I am a serial, addicted reader of KM's stuff. Loved that Noelle finally got her Dark One! I'm a huge fan of all of the characters and it was heartbreaking to see Noelle get pushed on to each new novel without her story being resolved. Can't be upset about it though, the muse is there when the muse is there. One hilarious scene with the 'ghost whisperer' had me reading it over and over, giggling like crazy! Stars: 5
Molly Harper - Undead Sublet: Oh MH, how you crack me up in the most inappropriate manner! Even though this was a short story, MH really makes the reader feel that the characters are fleshed out and provides enough environmental detail without being overdone. The prank war is hilarious and makes me think of my own husband's ongoing prank war with his brother. Plus, always a bonus when an author provides a recipe at the end! It followed a somewhat predictable formula, but had so much heart that the reader is completely engaged from beginning to end! (Especially the easter eggs of the diner patrons' romantic encounters carved into tabletops, could it be one patron is Molly Harper?) Wish I could move to Half-Moon Hollow! Stars = 5
Jessica Sims - Out With a Fang: [EDIT] I've now read everything Jessica Sims has written (as with the above two authors as well), so I'm re-doing this review. This story was a fun read, and brought a new twist on vampire lore. (Garlic oil injections, anyone?) Pros: Lots of action in the book. Cons: I love Jessica Sims' full novels, but her short stories really get stunted. For some reason, in this short story the description of vampire fangs provided an image along the lines of walrus-length tusks, creating a comical image rather than seductive one and takes me a bit out of the story. Her other descriptions of vampires in her other works didn't do this, I don't have a reason why this phenomenon occurs. Unfortunately I couldn't keep the walrus-people out of my head, even during the midway point when the teeth were described as being only 2 inches in length. I still have thoughts of the were-jaguar being a were-jaguar/walrus. Eep! Also, I don't understand why the vampires feel the need to legally change their name. The concept just seems odd. Some of Jessica Sims' novels are amazing and I've given them 5 stars, but... for this short story I'm afraid I have to give it a lesser rating. Stars = 2.5
December 10, 2012
I absolutely loved the "Shades of Gray" by Katie MacAlister and "Undead Sublet" by Molly Harper but "Out with a Fang" by Jessica Sims left me wanting. In other words, while I did enjoyed "out with a Fang" it didn't leave me with the overwhelming desire to go out and read everything that Jessica Sims has ever written. This might be because I haven't read any of her other books while I've read most, if not everything, written by Katie MacAlister (LOVE) and Molly Harper(LOVE) so I'm already familiar with the settings and back stories of those two stories.
"Shades of Gray" was very funny and I loved how stubborn Grayson was, but at the same time I loved that he wasn't so stubborn he couldn't see a good thing when it was right in front of him. However, the story was made by Noelle who would NOT let Grayson just walk away from her, his Beloved, just because he thought he was doomed because of a demon mark. She looked at him and basically said "here I am, and you are NOT getting rid of me, no matter how hard you try". I love stories like that.
"Undead Sublet" by Molly Harper had me laughing so hard at points that I had tears running down my face. Tess goes to Half-Moon Hollow to re cooperate after working herself to the point of hallucinations only to find out that the house she rented came with her very own hunky vampire in the basement. Neither one of them is happy about the situation and resort to high school like pranks that are HILARIOUS (as long as they aren't happening to you) until Tess realizes she wants to stay in Half-Moon Hollow and that means she needs to win a contest. However when her attempts don't go well Sam steps in like a knight-in-shining armor to help her win the prize. While we all know how the story is going to end (it is a romance), the journey to get there is funny enough that you might want to keep a box of tissues close by.
"Out with a Fang" by Jessica Sims was my least favorite of the three. I did like that it was a chance for redemption for Michael and Ruby but I hated the reason they had to have that chance. I just didn't love the story line in this story, which is why the anthology is a 4 star instead of a 5 star. I had no issues putting the book down while I was reading "Out with a Fang".
However, 2 out of 3 being amazing is completely acceptable to me!
"Shades of Gray" was very funny and I loved how stubborn Grayson was, but at the same time I loved that he wasn't so stubborn he couldn't see a good thing when it was right in front of him. However, the story was made by Noelle who would NOT let Grayson just walk away from her, his Beloved, just because he thought he was doomed because of a demon mark. She looked at him and basically said "here I am, and you are NOT getting rid of me, no matter how hard you try". I love stories like that.
"Undead Sublet" by Molly Harper had me laughing so hard at points that I had tears running down my face. Tess goes to Half-Moon Hollow to re cooperate after working herself to the point of hallucinations only to find out that the house she rented came with her very own hunky vampire in the basement. Neither one of them is happy about the situation and resort to high school like pranks that are HILARIOUS (as long as they aren't happening to you) until Tess realizes she wants to stay in Half-Moon Hollow and that means she needs to win a contest. However when her attempts don't go well Sam steps in like a knight-in-shining armor to help her win the prize. While we all know how the story is going to end (it is a romance), the journey to get there is funny enough that you might want to keep a box of tissues close by.
"Out with a Fang" by Jessica Sims was my least favorite of the three. I did like that it was a chance for redemption for Michael and Ruby but I hated the reason they had to have that chance. I just didn't love the story line in this story, which is why the anthology is a 4 star instead of a 5 star. I had no issues putting the book down while I was reading "Out with a Fang".
However, 2 out of 3 being amazing is completely acceptable to me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2012
I finally finished! I don't think it's ever taken me this long to read a book by any of these authors.
The book is actually a 3 1/2 for me. Usually I round up in that case but I just couldn't give it 4 stars.
Shades of Gray by Katie MacAlister - I usually really like Katie's Dark Ones books. I think I may have liked this one more but it was just too short. With the small amount of space the story was reduced to the repetitive Dark Ones formula: Dark One finds Beloved, resists Beloved, has sex with Beloved, gives in & completes steps of joining, Beloved makes sacrifice, HEA, the end. The story was just too rushed to feel any real chemistry between the mc's. It's a shame that we didn't get to see more of the development of Noelle's story. She's been waiting for her Dark One - she deserves more.
Undead Sublet by Molly Harper - This was the most dissapointing story of the anthology. I always look forward to Molly Harper's books. My problem with this story is that while both mc's were very likable characters I just didn't feel they had any chemistry. They made great enemies to friends but didn't have the passion for enemies to lovers. What keeps this book from getting fewer stars is that it does have Molly Harper's trademark humor and wit. Also the characters from Molly's Jane Jameson books are involved throughout the story so if you're a fan of that series you'll enjoy getting to visit with Jane and the gang.
Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims - This was my favorite story in the anthology. I liked the story set-up of a were being forced to break up with her human lover and then reconnecting with the lover years later to find he had been turned into a vamp. I felt this couple had the best chemistry of the trio. Again I wish the story was longer so we could see more development in the relationship. The ending seemed a bit rushed to me.
All in all this book is worth a read if you tbr isn't too long. It is worth the time to get to visit with 3 fun series even if the stories aren't the strongest.
The book is actually a 3 1/2 for me. Usually I round up in that case but I just couldn't give it 4 stars.
Shades of Gray by Katie MacAlister - I usually really like Katie's Dark Ones books. I think I may have liked this one more but it was just too short. With the small amount of space the story was reduced to the repetitive Dark Ones formula: Dark One finds Beloved, resists Beloved, has sex with Beloved, gives in & completes steps of joining, Beloved makes sacrifice, HEA, the end. The story was just too rushed to feel any real chemistry between the mc's. It's a shame that we didn't get to see more of the development of Noelle's story. She's been waiting for her Dark One - she deserves more.
Undead Sublet by Molly Harper - This was the most dissapointing story of the anthology. I always look forward to Molly Harper's books. My problem with this story is that while both mc's were very likable characters I just didn't feel they had any chemistry. They made great enemies to friends but didn't have the passion for enemies to lovers. What keeps this book from getting fewer stars is that it does have Molly Harper's trademark humor and wit. Also the characters from Molly's Jane Jameson books are involved throughout the story so if you're a fan of that series you'll enjoy getting to visit with Jane and the gang.
Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims - This was my favorite story in the anthology. I liked the story set-up of a were being forced to break up with her human lover and then reconnecting with the lover years later to find he had been turned into a vamp. I felt this couple had the best chemistry of the trio. Again I wish the story was longer so we could see more development in the relationship. The ending seemed a bit rushed to me.
All in all this book is worth a read if you tbr isn't too long. It is worth the time to get to visit with 3 fun series even if the stories aren't the strongest.
February 20, 2015
3.5 stars - 3.5 stars - Undead in My Bed was a cute little, at times humorous, series sampler that gave me a chance to get a little taste of Sims' new to me supernatural dating series while paying return visits to Harper's Halfmoon Hollows and MacAllister's long running Dark Ones.
In the order that I read them :
Undead Sublet - My favorite was Molly Harper's short - when overworked chef Tess has a psychotic episode involving leafy vegetables, she takes a Leave and gets away from it all to Halfmoon Hollows where she sublets a house only to discover a house mate who goes bump in the Night - The story, like the others in Harper's new spin off series, was another grumpy fangy dead guy x human pairing but they play pranks on each other, so I thought it was fun and the female contingent of my favorite characters from Harper's Jane Jameson series are well represented. (I liked it)
Out with a Fang - Sims' story was connected to her Midnight Liaisons series (Beauty Dates the Beast) - When jaguar shifter Ruby turns up for her blind date, it is going to be literally a 'blind' date complete with blindfold - this story was good but not terribly memorable but still I liked seeing Ruby get a chance at the forbidden guy of her dreams. (pretty good)
Shades of Gray - Guardian Noelle is a Beloved who was rejected by her Dark One, but when she finds another Dark One - one who is cursed and determined to never bond with a Beloved - Noelle is going to have her Dark One this time no matter what - MacAlister's was a typical Dark One short and short was just about the right length for it. The right length because I don't think that I could have taken much more of the gabby heroine - but Noelle is the Guardian who appears in several books in the series, so if you are a fan you'll probably want to see her HEA. For optimal enjoyment though it helps to have read the prequel short, Lifestyles of the Rich and Undead (yes a short story that has an even shorter story prequel), otherwise the Dark One leading man is pretty generic.(pretty good)
In the order that I read them :
Undead Sublet - My favorite was Molly Harper's short - when overworked chef Tess has a psychotic episode involving leafy vegetables, she takes a Leave and gets away from it all to Halfmoon Hollows where she sublets a house only to discover a house mate who goes bump in the Night - The story, like the others in Harper's new spin off series, was another grumpy fangy dead guy x human pairing but they play pranks on each other, so I thought it was fun and the female contingent of my favorite characters from Harper's Jane Jameson series are well represented. (I liked it)
Out with a Fang - Sims' story was connected to her Midnight Liaisons series (Beauty Dates the Beast) - When jaguar shifter Ruby turns up for her blind date, it is going to be literally a 'blind' date complete with blindfold - this story was good but not terribly memorable but still I liked seeing Ruby get a chance at the forbidden guy of her dreams. (pretty good)
Shades of Gray - Guardian Noelle is a Beloved who was rejected by her Dark One, but when she finds another Dark One - one who is cursed and determined to never bond with a Beloved - Noelle is going to have her Dark One this time no matter what - MacAlister's was a typical Dark One short and short was just about the right length for it. The right length because I don't think that I could have taken much more of the gabby heroine - but Noelle is the Guardian who appears in several books in the series, so if you are a fan you'll probably want to see her HEA. For optimal enjoyment though it helps to have read the prequel short, Lifestyles of the Rich and Undead (yes a short story that has an even shorter story prequel), otherwise the Dark One leading man is pretty generic.(pretty good)
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