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Venom Valley #1
Cowboys & Vampires
In the frontier town of Belkin’s Pass, as a vampire quietly feeds on the local saloon girls and their customers, a tragedy teaches resident Josh Stanton he has the ability to raise the dead. Knowing he is now a wanted man, Josh flees into the arid plains of Venom Valley. Pursued by Dex, the town deputy and Josh’s best friend, the two realize their friendship is truly something deeper, and Dex has to decide if he’s a man of the law, or a man in love. The vampire, drawn by Josh’s power, circles ever closer, gathering his forces against them.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2011
33 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Hank Edwards
82 books228 followersHank Edwards (he/him) has been writing gay fiction for more than twenty years. He has published over thirty novels and dozens of short stories. His books fall into many sub-genres, including romance, rom-com, contemporary, paranormal, suspense, mystery, and wacky comedy. He has written a number of series such as the suspenseful Up to Trouble, funny and spooky paranormal out for you gay romance Critter Catchers, Old West historical horror of Venom Valley, the erotic and funny Fluffers, Inc. series, and the funny and thrilling Lacetown Murder Mysteries series co-written with Deanna Wadsworth. Under the pen name R. G. Thomas, he’s published a young adult urban fantasy gay romance series called The Town of Superstition. No matter what genre he writes, Hank likes to keep things sweet, steamy, and fun.
Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.
Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
October 7, 2014
*3.5 stars*
Great writing, interesting plot, TOTALLY not my style.
This is horror, baby, no two ways about it, and I am not a fan of horror! This is the darker side of paranormal, so if you are into flesh eating and gore, this book might just be for you.
Content aside, Hank Edwards did an excellent job setting up his story. I was immediately sucked in, and powered through this in just a couple of hours. I was really impressed by the writing.
At first, I was a little confused and worried about the amount of time the book devoted to Glory, a side character. However, she ended up being both interesting and important to the plot of the story, and I grew to look forward to her POV.
This was going to be a solid 4 stars, despite my hate-on for horror, but the sex scenes knocked it down a peg. There is no way in hell that two virgins would be so slick and practiced with each other. There wasn't nearly enough tension and fumbling for my taste. I like my virgins to act like virgins! These guys also got it on at some pretty inappropriate time. I think impending doom would be a mood killer but what do I know?
Lastly, readers should know that this ends on a cliffy. If you want to see what happens to our guys you need to buy the next in the series. Be forewarned.
**Read for project GRL 2014- My quest to read authors that I've never tried before**
Great writing, interesting plot, TOTALLY not my style.
This is horror, baby, no two ways about it, and I am not a fan of horror! This is the darker side of paranormal, so if you are into flesh eating and gore, this book might just be for you.
Content aside, Hank Edwards did an excellent job setting up his story. I was immediately sucked in, and powered through this in just a couple of hours. I was really impressed by the writing.
At first, I was a little confused and worried about the amount of time the book devoted to Glory, a side character. However, she ended up being both interesting and important to the plot of the story, and I grew to look forward to her POV.
This was going to be a solid 4 stars, despite my hate-on for horror, but the sex scenes knocked it down a peg. There is no way in hell that two virgins would be so slick and practiced with each other. There wasn't nearly enough tension and fumbling for my taste. I like my virgins to act like virgins! These guys also got it on at some pretty inappropriate time. I think impending doom would be a mood killer but what do I know?
Lastly, readers should know that this ends on a cliffy. If you want to see what happens to our guys you need to buy the next in the series. Be forewarned.
**Read for project GRL 2014- My quest to read authors that I've never tried before**
March 25, 2012
Josh Stanton is not having a good week. Besides never fitting into the town of Belkin's Pass since his mother disappeared when he was a child, he's had the very upsetting experience of seeing dead people...come back to life. The latest one is the wonderful woman who took him in and raised him when no one else would. And now he's had to put her back to rest.
Which, when discovered, puts him on the wrong side of the law. That means against his best friend, Deputy Dexter Wells. When Dex is put in the position of having to find Josh and perhaps arrest him for murder, it might just the only way to save him from a lynch mob.
Add into this whole mess the fact that something, or someone, is making the girls working the towns' house of ill repute sick. A strange man named Balthazar is draining blood from some of the whores, and now, some of them are developing the taste for it themselves. One of the girls, Glory, is able to resist and tries to save the other girls.
When Dex finally catches up to Josh, he learns some of what happened, but it only adds to the questions, not solve the problems. But what does happen is the spilling over of the attraction the two men have fought for years into passion.
Will Dex be able to save Josh, and prove he isn't guilty of the crimes he's accused of? And will the town be safe from the night time evil attacking it? How are the two problems linked?
Hank Edwards has written a fantastically original, rousing story of vampires, romance and the Old West. It's funny, tender, hot and exciting, and a fantastic read.
Josh is a wonderful character, abandoned in his youth and, but for the grace of God, he would have been thrown away. The fact he grew into a caring, kind man makes his story all the more sweet. And his relationship with Dex was wonderfully imagined. Friends all their lives, both fighting an attraction that is forbidden but strong.
The overreaching story lines are fascinating. Vampires attacking a town in the Old West. Josh' uncanny ability to raise the dead from their graves. Balthazar and what he wants.
All compelling. Original. Exciting and damn it, it left me wanting so much more.
This is the beginning of a series, and I for one cannot wait for the next installment.
Great job, Mr. Edwards. Keep them coming!
Tom
Which, when discovered, puts him on the wrong side of the law. That means against his best friend, Deputy Dexter Wells. When Dex is put in the position of having to find Josh and perhaps arrest him for murder, it might just the only way to save him from a lynch mob.
Add into this whole mess the fact that something, or someone, is making the girls working the towns' house of ill repute sick. A strange man named Balthazar is draining blood from some of the whores, and now, some of them are developing the taste for it themselves. One of the girls, Glory, is able to resist and tries to save the other girls.
When Dex finally catches up to Josh, he learns some of what happened, but it only adds to the questions, not solve the problems. But what does happen is the spilling over of the attraction the two men have fought for years into passion.
Will Dex be able to save Josh, and prove he isn't guilty of the crimes he's accused of? And will the town be safe from the night time evil attacking it? How are the two problems linked?
Hank Edwards has written a fantastically original, rousing story of vampires, romance and the Old West. It's funny, tender, hot and exciting, and a fantastic read.
Josh is a wonderful character, abandoned in his youth and, but for the grace of God, he would have been thrown away. The fact he grew into a caring, kind man makes his story all the more sweet. And his relationship with Dex was wonderfully imagined. Friends all their lives, both fighting an attraction that is forbidden but strong.
The overreaching story lines are fascinating. Vampires attacking a town in the Old West. Josh' uncanny ability to raise the dead from their graves. Balthazar and what he wants.
All compelling. Original. Exciting and damn it, it left me wanting so much more.
This is the beginning of a series, and I for one cannot wait for the next installment.
Great job, Mr. Edwards. Keep them coming!
Tom
April 22, 2015
Holy crap - this is awesome. Review later onacounta I have to dive right into book 2.
Cliffhanger city for cripes sake!
Reviewed at the end - couldn't stop until I was done!
Cliffhanger city for cripes sake!
Reviewed at the end - couldn't stop until I was done!
May 11, 2013
Whoa...I am foreseeing a nightmare or two in my future. This is not your typical sparkly vampire story, NO WAY, NO HOW.
And there's more than just vamps...there is also a paranormal aspect to this one that makes it that much more scarier. What is it with Josh that dead people just reanimate when he gets near them? That would be the worst thing ever for me...corpses scare me anyway. And poor Dex...such a good man and such a good friend. He did not deserve what happened and I can't wait for Josh to save him.
This story takes place sometime after the civil war. There are saloons and cowboys and Indians. The law is whatever the sheriff and/or town sees fit. And unfortunately the town thinks Josh is a murderer. Who would believe that he is not killing anyone....because they are ALREADY DEAD.!!!!
So. if you are looking for more story and less romance, then read this. If you prefer your vampires to be more monster and less Edward, then read this. If you don't mind a cliffy at the end and have to read the next book to find out how Dex is saved, then read this. But prepare yourself for a couple scary moments and a couple girlie bits (not between the MC's and females) but because when you have a saloon you usually have saloon girls.
Merged review:
Whoa...I am foreseeing a nightmare or two in my future. This is not your typical sparkly vampire story, NO WAY, NO HOW.
And there's more than just vamps...there is also a paranormal aspect to this one that makes it that much more scarier. What is it with Josh that dead people just reanimate when he gets near them? That would be the worst thing ever for me...corpses scare me anyway. And poor Dex...such a good man and such a good friend. He did not deserve what happened and I can't wait for Josh to save him.
This story takes place sometime after the civil war. There are saloons and cowboys and Indians. The law is whatever the sheriff and/or town sees fit. And unfortunately the town thinks Josh is a murderer. Who would believe that he is not killing anyone....because they are ALREADY DEAD.!!!!
So. if you are looking for more story and less romance, then read this. If you prefer your vampires to be more monster and less Edward, then read this. If you don't mind a cliffy at the end and have to read the next book to find out how Dex is saved, then read this. But prepare yourself for a couple scary moments and a couple girlie bits (not between the MC's and females) but because when you have a saloon you usually have saloon girls.(
And there's more than just vamps...there is also a paranormal aspect to this one that makes it that much more scarier. What is it with Josh that dead people just reanimate when he gets near them? That would be the worst thing ever for me...corpses scare me anyway. And poor Dex...such a good man and such a good friend. He did not deserve what happened and I can't wait for Josh to save him.
This story takes place sometime after the civil war. There are saloons and cowboys and Indians. The law is whatever the sheriff and/or town sees fit. And unfortunately the town thinks Josh is a murderer. Who would believe that he is not killing anyone....because they are ALREADY DEAD.!!!!
So. if you are looking for more story and less romance, then read this. If you prefer your vampires to be more monster and less Edward, then read this. If you don't mind a cliffy at the end and have to read the next book to find out how Dex is saved, then read this. But prepare yourself for a couple scary moments and a couple girlie bits (not between the MC's and females) but because when you have a saloon you usually have saloon girls.
Merged review:
Whoa...I am foreseeing a nightmare or two in my future. This is not your typical sparkly vampire story, NO WAY, NO HOW.
And there's more than just vamps...there is also a paranormal aspect to this one that makes it that much more scarier. What is it with Josh that dead people just reanimate when he gets near them? That would be the worst thing ever for me...corpses scare me anyway. And poor Dex...such a good man and such a good friend. He did not deserve what happened and I can't wait for Josh to save him.
This story takes place sometime after the civil war. There are saloons and cowboys and Indians. The law is whatever the sheriff and/or town sees fit. And unfortunately the town thinks Josh is a murderer. Who would believe that he is not killing anyone....because they are ALREADY DEAD.!!!!
So. if you are looking for more story and less romance, then read this. If you prefer your vampires to be more monster and less Edward, then read this. If you don't mind a cliffy at the end and have to read the next book to find out how Dex is saved, then read this. But prepare yourself for a couple scary moments and a couple girlie bits (not between the MC's and females) but because when you have a saloon you usually have saloon girls.(
March 16, 2014
Ever read a book with vampires and they say they traveled or were exiled from their home country. Ever wonder the history to how that vampire survived in a young America? This book was "real" for me from the description of the racism and ignorance towards the Native Indians to the unjust treatment in the law. It was like reading one of the western movies that I watched growing up with a paranormal twist. I want to thank my LGBT Fantasy Fiction group for recommending this book.
September 13, 2011
Let me make a couple of things clear:
1. I love books written by Hank Edwards
2. I hate westerns,
So, I downloaded this book and I wasn't sure if would enjoy it or not - even it it was written by Hank. But, the characters were immediately engaging, the plot twisty and turny in a great way, and the ending a real cliffhanger (hurry up and publish the next one Hank!).
The setting, the characters, amazing premise of vampires and zombies in the old west was a fresh twist on old ideas. The characters of Dex and Josh were well-rounded and immediately likeable - you care about them and what happens to them (so - publish the second one Hank!)
I highly recommend this book.
1. I love books written by Hank Edwards
2. I hate westerns,
So, I downloaded this book and I wasn't sure if would enjoy it or not - even it it was written by Hank. But, the characters were immediately engaging, the plot twisty and turny in a great way, and the ending a real cliffhanger (hurry up and publish the next one Hank!).
The setting, the characters, amazing premise of vampires and zombies in the old west was a fresh twist on old ideas. The characters of Dex and Josh were well-rounded and immediately likeable - you care about them and what happens to them (so - publish the second one Hank!)
I highly recommend this book.
May 9, 2013
A different read - the wild west, vampires/undead, friends to lovers. One man on the run with abilities that haven't been fully realised. One man, a lawman, having to make a choice - the man he has known since they were young, who he secretly loves, or the law. Full review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews - http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
freebie-to-read
July 31, 2017
March 22, 2018
Oh, man, this was great! There was kind of a lot of action packed into not-very-many pages, so I might have preferred a slower pace, and that cliffhanger ending was pretty upsetting, but I'm totally hooked. On to the next!
September 18, 2014
Josh, a 29 year old man, walks home one day to his dead adoptive mother. It isn’t long before circumstances gives little choice for Josh as he runs for his life from the people of Belkin’s Pass – the very same people who sneer at his existence after the disappearance of his birth mother, who’s believed to be a witch.
Dex is a deputy for the frontier town of Belkin’s Pass. He’s also the authoritative figure while the sheriff’s away. Nothing’s amiss until a witness comes bearing news that his best friend, Josh, is a murderer. Unable to take this news, Dex plans to confront the now missing Josh before the sheriff comes back. Because Dex knows Josh, and one thing he’s not is a murderer.
Glory, a mix of Native American and Caucasian, is struggling to etch a life in Belkin’s Pass as a entertainer at the One-Eyed Rooster. She serves drinks, flirtations and her bed with the customers who want to do more than lose themselves in a good drink. Protected by the spirit of her lover, she will do much to feel that protective presence around her – including putting herself in dangerous situations. However, not even her protector will be enough to save her from an evil presence that makes himself known one fateful evening.
Cowboys & Vampires is a paranormal, post-Civil War story. Told in third person POV from three main characters. It begins with three different plot lines: one for each character, which slowly twine into something engaging for readers of the paranormal genre.
The ambiance of the story was very befitting for a paranormal Western historical, with a background tension that hums to the cadence of suspense that builds throughout the book. Furthermore, all three characters were engaging to read: Josh, the man who lost everything; Dex, the protector and guiding presence; Glory, the woman not afraid to fight.
The romance between Josh and Dex isn’t about falling in love. They both got an extensive history with one another. They already love one another, but never voiced the sentiment. Instead, the romance is more about making it work – both in the reality of Belkin’s Pass, but also in the presence of the walking dead and a threatening evil force. Some may see the romance playing secondary to the plot, but I see it as a glue that ties all three characters together (I hope I didn’t make this sound like MMF story, but it’s not!). It’s also a driving force that pushes Josh from the bleak, dark past and into the here-and-now (or begins to anyway). So to me, this is a romance story. Just not the kind that begins from the beginning (i.e. characters developing feelings for one another), but in the middle (i.e. characters are already in love).
I’m always nervous when it comes to vampire stories, or ones that involve zombies. Most of the time, I feel like I’m watching some cheap B-rated movie with groaning zombies, or vampires (“I vant your blooood”) that are way too cliché. Don’t get me wrong: the zombies in this book do make sounds, and the vampires are pretty much by-the-book. But the dark ambiance of the story helps to quell the cheesiness of it all, making it work well in this Western historical.
My biggest complaint was the head hopping that occurs in the beginning. The blurb never mentioned about a third character, Glory, who ends up taking a good chunk of word count in the first half of the book. I kept getting annoyed, since Glory’s story is separate (at first) from Dex and Josh, which meant less time with my boys. However, I was also captivated by this strong, female character who’s blessed and cursed by the presence of her lover – never to feel his presence until her life’s in danger. Yet despite the odds against her, Glory continued to surprise me with her strong spirit and to do what she feels is right. Towards the later half of the story, Glory got less book-time as the story shifted more between Dex and Josh.
So over all, I very much enjoyed Cowboys & Vampires. It was suspenseful, interesting and sexy – a story that matches the era with a befitting paranormal twist. Just expect some head hopping and slow development before our characters come together.
Dex is a deputy for the frontier town of Belkin’s Pass. He’s also the authoritative figure while the sheriff’s away. Nothing’s amiss until a witness comes bearing news that his best friend, Josh, is a murderer. Unable to take this news, Dex plans to confront the now missing Josh before the sheriff comes back. Because Dex knows Josh, and one thing he’s not is a murderer.
Glory, a mix of Native American and Caucasian, is struggling to etch a life in Belkin’s Pass as a entertainer at the One-Eyed Rooster. She serves drinks, flirtations and her bed with the customers who want to do more than lose themselves in a good drink. Protected by the spirit of her lover, she will do much to feel that protective presence around her – including putting herself in dangerous situations. However, not even her protector will be enough to save her from an evil presence that makes himself known one fateful evening.
Cowboys & Vampires is a paranormal, post-Civil War story. Told in third person POV from three main characters. It begins with three different plot lines: one for each character, which slowly twine into something engaging for readers of the paranormal genre.
The ambiance of the story was very befitting for a paranormal Western historical, with a background tension that hums to the cadence of suspense that builds throughout the book. Furthermore, all three characters were engaging to read: Josh, the man who lost everything; Dex, the protector and guiding presence; Glory, the woman not afraid to fight.
The romance between Josh and Dex isn’t about falling in love. They both got an extensive history with one another. They already love one another, but never voiced the sentiment. Instead, the romance is more about making it work – both in the reality of Belkin’s Pass, but also in the presence of the walking dead and a threatening evil force. Some may see the romance playing secondary to the plot, but I see it as a glue that ties all three characters together (I hope I didn’t make this sound like MMF story, but it’s not!). It’s also a driving force that pushes Josh from the bleak, dark past and into the here-and-now (or begins to anyway). So to me, this is a romance story. Just not the kind that begins from the beginning (i.e. characters developing feelings for one another), but in the middle (i.e. characters are already in love).
I’m always nervous when it comes to vampire stories, or ones that involve zombies. Most of the time, I feel like I’m watching some cheap B-rated movie with groaning zombies, or vampires (“I vant your blooood”) that are way too cliché. Don’t get me wrong: the zombies in this book do make sounds, and the vampires are pretty much by-the-book. But the dark ambiance of the story helps to quell the cheesiness of it all, making it work well in this Western historical.
My biggest complaint was the head hopping that occurs in the beginning. The blurb never mentioned about a third character, Glory, who ends up taking a good chunk of word count in the first half of the book. I kept getting annoyed, since Glory’s story is separate (at first) from Dex and Josh, which meant less time with my boys. However, I was also captivated by this strong, female character who’s blessed and cursed by the presence of her lover – never to feel his presence until her life’s in danger. Yet despite the odds against her, Glory continued to surprise me with her strong spirit and to do what she feels is right. Towards the later half of the story, Glory got less book-time as the story shifted more between Dex and Josh.
So over all, I very much enjoyed Cowboys & Vampires. It was suspenseful, interesting and sexy – a story that matches the era with a befitting paranormal twist. Just expect some head hopping and slow development before our characters come together.
July 24, 2013
I flew through this story, could not put it down. Hank Edwards is a consummate storyteller. This novel embraces a bygone era where small towns sat in the middle of nowhere or wherever there was a gold rush and the law was the sheriff and his men. No judge or jury—you were either guilty and hanged or innocent and lived to see another day. So when Dex falls in love with the very person he should be hauling into jail, all hell breaks loose—including a vampire and his minions.
This novel had me by the throat in more ways than one. Hank Edwards writes some scary, heart pounding stuff and then infuses it with such humanity and yes, a love story to boot. I was hooked and nearly died when I got to that ending…oh Mr. Edwards—you naughty, author you!
This was an incredibly fast-paced, action-packed and bite your nails kind of book and I cannot wait for the sequel—yes, it was that good!! I highly recommend Cowboys and Vampires by Hank Edwards to you. Just remember to keep the lights on…all of them.
This novel had me by the throat in more ways than one. Hank Edwards writes some scary, heart pounding stuff and then infuses it with such humanity and yes, a love story to boot. I was hooked and nearly died when I got to that ending…oh Mr. Edwards—you naughty, author you!
This was an incredibly fast-paced, action-packed and bite your nails kind of book and I cannot wait for the sequel—yes, it was that good!! I highly recommend Cowboys and Vampires by Hank Edwards to you. Just remember to keep the lights on…all of them.
September 5, 2011
Okay - it's quite simple ... Hank Edwards is one of my auto-buy must read authors. Once again he didn't disappoint. His vividness is outstanding and he has such a way with words it makes me literally squirm in my seat! Not to mention a man that can make me laugh ... oh yes he's a keeper!
Now - when does the second one come out? Hmmmmmm ..........
Now - when does the second one come out? Hmmmmmm ..........
April 23, 2015
A fast paced fun read that doesn't take itself too seriously. Don't go looking for Anne Rice vampires or any impressive literature, sorry Mr. Edwards. Just toss away reality and dive into this sexy series but have the other two books handy because these are like eating potato chips.
August 20, 2017
**3.5 stars**
This took me a bit to get into. It's not what I usually read. Not a big historical/western fan but the vampire/zombie element...definitely intriguing.
The story was well written, world building great. I could really picture myself actually in the book.
The main characters, Dex the Deputy (ha) and Josh, were friends growing up. The love build up, evidently, took place prior to the beginning of the story, because the I LOVE YOUs came fairly quickly. Which was ok, because this was a paranormal/suspense book first and foremost.
I liked the MCs together, the antagonist was interesting and I believe there's a whole lot more to the story to come.
This took me a bit to get into. It's not what I usually read. Not a big historical/western fan but the vampire/zombie element...definitely intriguing.
The story was well written, world building great. I could really picture myself actually in the book.
The main characters, Dex the Deputy (ha) and Josh, were friends growing up. The love build up, evidently, took place prior to the beginning of the story, because the I LOVE YOUs came fairly quickly. Which was ok, because this was a paranormal/suspense book first and foremost.
I liked the MCs together, the antagonist was interesting and I believe there's a whole lot more to the story to come.
May 10, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Josh knows he has to run, nobody would ever believe the real reason why he put bullets in two people… they came back from the dead. Dex investigates when a young girl says she saw a murder, what he finds disturbs him and he doesn’t want to believe that Josh would ever do such a thing. Meanwhile strange things begin to happen in town at the saloon and Dex begins to wonder if there is a connection. Dex has to find Josh before anyone else in town does, leading Dex and Josh to admit their feelings are more than friendship but danger lurks as a town wants justice and a mysterious vampire wants Josh.
This is a great start to what looks to be an action filled series with a dark vampire and a mysterious power. Josh has a strange power, one that scares him to death, when he is near a dead body he begins to heat up and the body will begin to move. Shooting the dead is a problem when you can’t tell the truth and justice in a wild west town can be swift and brutal, the only thing now that Josh can regret is losing his best friend Dex, the man he has secret longings for. Dex wants to protect his friend, Josh, but there is no way that the town will listen to reason so Dex has a choice to make between duty and love. Dex and Josh face a greater threat though when a mysterious man who calls himself a vampire decides that he wants Josh.
I really enjoyed this story with its paranormal aspects, it starts with a hint of danger that twists into a mysterious power, and next we have secret forbidden longings and a danger that lurks in the shadows. Josh and Dex have a heart to heart where Josh shares the astounding truth and they share a magical night together, before reality comes calling and they are both hunted in the night. The story has shifting perspectives and Josh, Dex and Glory are the ones who give us clear insight into what is happening, Josh and Dex are to be expected but it is Glory who first gave us a glimpse of the vampire and Glory has a secret of her own as well, one that I think we will see more of as the series continues.
This story is really well written, the scenes are described brilliantly, the images of dead people shambling towards you with wolves just waiting to pounce was vivid. Josh and Dex’s relationship beginning was really hot and quite sweet, the action and danger is great and the storyline is really intriguing as we discover that there is a lot more to Venom Valley than just a few rattlers and wolves, I have to admit the ending left me wanting more.
I have to recommend this to those who love deputy’s, cowboys, mysterious goings on, discovering love with your best friend, hot sex, a vampire with dark deeds on his mind and an ending that makes you want the next book now.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Josh knows he has to run, nobody would ever believe the real reason why he put bullets in two people… they came back from the dead. Dex investigates when a young girl says she saw a murder, what he finds disturbs him and he doesn’t want to believe that Josh would ever do such a thing. Meanwhile strange things begin to happen in town at the saloon and Dex begins to wonder if there is a connection. Dex has to find Josh before anyone else in town does, leading Dex and Josh to admit their feelings are more than friendship but danger lurks as a town wants justice and a mysterious vampire wants Josh.
This is a great start to what looks to be an action filled series with a dark vampire and a mysterious power. Josh has a strange power, one that scares him to death, when he is near a dead body he begins to heat up and the body will begin to move. Shooting the dead is a problem when you can’t tell the truth and justice in a wild west town can be swift and brutal, the only thing now that Josh can regret is losing his best friend Dex, the man he has secret longings for. Dex wants to protect his friend, Josh, but there is no way that the town will listen to reason so Dex has a choice to make between duty and love. Dex and Josh face a greater threat though when a mysterious man who calls himself a vampire decides that he wants Josh.
I really enjoyed this story with its paranormal aspects, it starts with a hint of danger that twists into a mysterious power, and next we have secret forbidden longings and a danger that lurks in the shadows. Josh and Dex have a heart to heart where Josh shares the astounding truth and they share a magical night together, before reality comes calling and they are both hunted in the night. The story has shifting perspectives and Josh, Dex and Glory are the ones who give us clear insight into what is happening, Josh and Dex are to be expected but it is Glory who first gave us a glimpse of the vampire and Glory has a secret of her own as well, one that I think we will see more of as the series continues.
This story is really well written, the scenes are described brilliantly, the images of dead people shambling towards you with wolves just waiting to pounce was vivid. Josh and Dex’s relationship beginning was really hot and quite sweet, the action and danger is great and the storyline is really intriguing as we discover that there is a lot more to Venom Valley than just a few rattlers and wolves, I have to admit the ending left me wanting more.
I have to recommend this to those who love deputy’s, cowboys, mysterious goings on, discovering love with your best friend, hot sex, a vampire with dark deeds on his mind and an ending that makes you want the next book now.
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March 24, 2014What is probably the first you notice in Cowboys & Vampires, the first adventure in the Venom Valley series, is the horror: a living dead zombie, a man who is forced to "kill again" the woman he has always considered his mother, the difficult of trying to scind the memories of the good time past and the present horror. Sincerely I'm not a fan of horror stories, so the first instinct should have been to not continue with the reading, but there was something in Josh, an innocence and naivete that was a stark contrast with the horror.
And as soon as Dex enters the scene, I was bought. Josh's secret, the hidden force that linked me to him, was now clear, it was Dex. The boys growing old together, both of them having feeling for each other, both of them not having the courage to say it. But the horrific events, instead of tearing them apart, is the reason to finally come true. The sweetness of their love was the right counterbalance for the horror and the main reason why I wanted to go on and see what happened.
A small warning, Cowboys & Vampires more than a first novel in the series, is a first part of the story, to fully enjoy it you have probably to read it together with the second installment, Stakes and Spurs.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQDY7OO/?...
And as soon as Dex enters the scene, I was bought. Josh's secret, the hidden force that linked me to him, was now clear, it was Dex. The boys growing old together, both of them having feeling for each other, both of them not having the courage to say it. But the horrific events, instead of tearing them apart, is the reason to finally come true. The sweetness of their love was the right counterbalance for the horror and the main reason why I wanted to go on and see what happened.
A small warning, Cowboys & Vampires more than a first novel in the series, is a first part of the story, to fully enjoy it you have probably to read it together with the second installment, Stakes and Spurs.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQDY7OO/?...
May 21, 2013
First if all, I'm not a fan of zombies and have grown tired of Vampires. I read this because of the author, Hank Edwards. I love his Up to Trouble series, so wanted to read more by him.
Josh is an orphaned, raised by Agnes a beloved resident of Belkin's Pass. Dex is the deputy sheriff who has been Josh's friend since they were young. They are both hiding the fact that they have been in love with each other since they first met. Creepy events are set in motion, when a mysterious stranger appears before Josh, and Glory a half breed saloon girl. Both Josh and Glory refuse the stranger's invitation to let him in, but others are not so lucky. When Josh is accused of the murder of Agnes, Dex must go after his long time love, hoping to prove his innocence. They are able to confess their love in the mists of all the strange, frightening events that surround them. This is a creepy, fun read. Every time I tried to put it down, I found myself saying "one more page, just one more page."
I give this a valley full of stars. Be warned this is a cliff hanger, but it is so worth reading. Don't let a cliff hanger ending keep you from reading this. Par 2 comes out in July, I believe.
Josh is an orphaned, raised by Agnes a beloved resident of Belkin's Pass. Dex is the deputy sheriff who has been Josh's friend since they were young. They are both hiding the fact that they have been in love with each other since they first met. Creepy events are set in motion, when a mysterious stranger appears before Josh, and Glory a half breed saloon girl. Both Josh and Glory refuse the stranger's invitation to let him in, but others are not so lucky. When Josh is accused of the murder of Agnes, Dex must go after his long time love, hoping to prove his innocence. They are able to confess their love in the mists of all the strange, frightening events that surround them. This is a creepy, fun read. Every time I tried to put it down, I found myself saying "one more page, just one more page."
I give this a valley full of stars. Be warned this is a cliff hanger, but it is so worth reading. Don't let a cliff hanger ending keep you from reading this. Par 2 comes out in July, I believe.
December 12, 2015
Not sure really what I expected from the book. Vampires and cowboys sounded good but sadly I didnt really enjoy it. For the first half or so of the book the main male MCs played very little part. There was alot around the townswomen of the brothel and some descriptive lady sex ( not for me in my MM book).
It wasn't until around 70% that Dex and Josh got together.
Im not invested enough in their relationship to read further books in the series.
It wasn't until around 70% that Dex and Josh got together.
Im not invested enough in their relationship to read further books in the series.
October 6, 2014
I'm not so sure about this one. The writing is good, and I'm interested in the characters, but I'm not fully invested in the story. Cowboys, zombies, and vampires together in one book may be too much for me to find believable. There is a cliff-hanger ending and I wasn't at all dying to know what would happen next. I've got the next book but I'm not rushing to read it. I might read it, I might not, I'll leave it on the kindle for now.
September 23, 2017
I thought this was gonna be a good story. I mean vampires, cowboys and Indians how could it not be? Well all though the story was well written we spent more time with the bordello ladies than we did with the main Mcs. I could get why so much of the story was about them. Not sure I'm gonna go any further with this series.
July 23, 2018
This was a book that just hit me wrong. It is pretty much a straight up horror book that doesn't take itself too seriously. It could have been fun but I went into it with a thought of it being m/m. Towards the end we get some sexy m/m but by that time we've spent sooooo much time with a secondary character name Glory I'm confused and out of sorts with the book overall. There just isn't enough time spent with Josh and Dex that I could care about them. Josh has some interesting things going on but we are hooked up with a prostitute in a saloon during the beginning of the book that set up the feel for the story. Glory ends up an important part of the story but I really felt it was a mistake not to get me connected to Josh and Dex before running off with her part of the story.
June 6, 2018
WARNING: Cliffhanger.
Vampires, zombies and cowboys, oh, my! Once the book really focused on our two main heroes, Dex and Josh, I started to really get into this first book. And I liked the historical accuracy portrayed in some of the details. Nicely done. The first part of the storyline had a large portion on a third character. And I can understand the focus on Glory as part of the plot, but her detailed sex scene could have been cut. Her emotional attachment to Onhanzee was clearly established without it. And I can understand where she becomes a critical part in this team of heroes. Overall, I’m interested to see what happens with Dex and Josh!
Vampires, zombies and cowboys, oh, my! Once the book really focused on our two main heroes, Dex and Josh, I started to really get into this first book. And I liked the historical accuracy portrayed in some of the details. Nicely done. The first part of the storyline had a large portion on a third character. And I can understand the focus on Glory as part of the plot, but her detailed sex scene could have been cut. Her emotional attachment to Onhanzee was clearly established without it. And I can understand where she becomes a critical part in this team of heroes. Overall, I’m interested to see what happens with Dex and Josh!
March 17, 2018
Super quick read. Some definite horror moments and the writing was good. Unfortunately, for me, there a few too many comments like “Others believed his father had been a demon or, perhaps worse, an Indian” and it made me not want to to root for the protagonists. I get racism was part of the time but I found it hard caring about anyone because of the things they said. Also I don’t care who you are but no one is using spit as a sub for lube. I can buy vampire but I can’t buy that. No. Ends on a cliffhanger but I’m not sure if I’m gonna make the leap for the next book.
December 10, 2019
4.25 stars
Very solid beginning to this new series and first timed author. I for one am not a fan of old cowboy books but this one mixed with the supernatural undertones I really, really enjoyed.
Dex and Josh were close friends who held a torch for one another but couldn't do anything about it due to the time and era. But with the weird things going on, it pulls them closer together. We also have a mixed breed girl named Glory who is kicking ass and taken names. Are three main characters are fighting for their lives and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Very solid beginning to this new series and first timed author. I for one am not a fan of old cowboy books but this one mixed with the supernatural undertones I really, really enjoyed.
Dex and Josh were close friends who held a torch for one another but couldn't do anything about it due to the time and era. But with the weird things going on, it pulls them closer together. We also have a mixed breed girl named Glory who is kicking ass and taken names. Are three main characters are fighting for their lives and I can't wait to see what happens next!
April 21, 2020
I can’t believe I’m going to say this.
Those of you who know me know I rarely ever say this.
I think I would enjoy this book much better on audible. *yup, I’m stunned too*
So I’m going to give it three stars and say nothing else and hope with fingers crossed that it will one day become available in that format.
Those of you who know me know I rarely ever say this.
I think I would enjoy this book much better on audible. *yup, I’m stunned too*
So I’m going to give it three stars and say nothing else and hope with fingers crossed that it will one day become available in that format.
June 27, 2018
Read this while walking on the treadmill - one hour and it was finished! Like others wasn't struck with the emphasis on Glory and her spiritual guide - her sex scene definitely wasn't required or wanted. There was plenty of action but somehow the story didn't grab me. I detest cliffhangers and unless I really, really love a book will I allow this device tempt me into carrying a series on. Suffice to say I won't.
December 18, 2019
This started off well, but I lost interest in it fairly quickly. There's a lot packed in here, vampires, zombies, spirit guardians. I think I would've enjoyed it more if the story had focused on just one thing. It ends on a cliffhanger but I really didn't care what happens next.
December 4, 2013
4.5 Stars
Review can also be found at Under the Covers Book Blog
Cowboys & Vampires is like no other book I have ever read. It is an old time Western – the first I’ve ever read – but it incorporates so many elements of books I do love to read: paranormal/fantasy, suspense, male/male romance, and a new but solid love.
Josh Stanton lives in Belkin’s Pass, an old western town, where his adoptive mother, Agnes, took him in and cared for him since he was a small child. But strange things have been happening to him recently, and he can’t explain what it is or why. After finding Agnes’ dead body, Josh realizes he’ll be implicated in her death, so he decides to flee the town. As the Sheriff’s Deputy, his best friend, Dex Wells, needs to decide what to do: should he go after Josh and take him into custody, or should he let his friendship prevail and help Josh get away safely?
Meanwhile, other mysterious occurrences are taking place in town. Prostitutes at the local saloon are behaving oddly and the only one to see that something is very wrong is one of their own, Glory. She quickly discovers that an evil vampire, Balthazar, is the cause of everything taking place at the brothel and that he is turning the others into vampires as well. Very soon, all of the strange occurrences begin to intersect and so begins the fight for justice, life, and love.
Edwards gets the reader wrapped into this story right out of the gate: Josh arrives at his house to find Agnes’ dead body and the action quickly ensues. From that point on I was hooked, and it was difficult to put the book down. Edwards writes extremely well - his descriptions and details were enticing to me as a reader, and I loved all of the suspense and paranormal elements he kept introducing into Cowboys & Vampires. More so, Edwards wove the tale in such a way to keep the explanation of it all mysterious and taunting – but in a very good way. Without any answers neatly provided up front, I continued to ask myself questions throughout the book. For instance, Balthazar - where did he come from, and why is he drawn to Josh? He is definitely not the type of vampire we have come to know and love in our books these days; he is pure evil. Some of these are answered for the reader by the end of this book; however, since this is a series there are some that linger, which I am absolutely fine with so long as they are answered eventually.
Edwards also writes characters that grew on me quickly - both the good and the bad. Balthazar is an awesomely evil bad guy, and he had me biting my nails in just about every scene in which he appeared; I never knew what might happen. On the other hand, Josh, Dex, and Glory had me rooting for them from the beginning. I was drawn to their uniqueness but also their will to live and to fight evil head on.
And, of course the relationship between Josh and Dex is one of my favorites – friends turned to lovers. In the midst of everything taking place, these best friends decide to take a chance on a love to which neither was willing to previously admit because being gay back then was never accepted. But when the odds aren’t looking great, and there isn’t much else for which to fight, throwing caution to the wind and letting love prevail seems like a wonderful idea. And it is. The relationship between Josh and Dex is so sweet and beautiful, and their time together is full of tenderness and heartwarming love.
While Cowboys & Vampires provides the reader with a plethora of characters, paranormal elements, and events, the primary intersecting plot never faltered. It was all woven together in a very enticing and engaging manner. True to the style of the book, Edwards also left the reader with one hell of a cliffhanger. It’s definitely one to bring me back for more, not only because of the cliffhanger but because of all the reasons leading up to it – an excellent story, a creative world, great characters, suspense, and a beautiful love story that has me wanting more. Cowboys & Vampires is my first book from Hank Edwards, but it surely will not be my last!
*Review copy provided by publisher
Review can also be found at Under the Covers Book Blog
Cowboys & Vampires is like no other book I have ever read. It is an old time Western – the first I’ve ever read – but it incorporates so many elements of books I do love to read: paranormal/fantasy, suspense, male/male romance, and a new but solid love.
Josh Stanton lives in Belkin’s Pass, an old western town, where his adoptive mother, Agnes, took him in and cared for him since he was a small child. But strange things have been happening to him recently, and he can’t explain what it is or why. After finding Agnes’ dead body, Josh realizes he’ll be implicated in her death, so he decides to flee the town. As the Sheriff’s Deputy, his best friend, Dex Wells, needs to decide what to do: should he go after Josh and take him into custody, or should he let his friendship prevail and help Josh get away safely?
Meanwhile, other mysterious occurrences are taking place in town. Prostitutes at the local saloon are behaving oddly and the only one to see that something is very wrong is one of their own, Glory. She quickly discovers that an evil vampire, Balthazar, is the cause of everything taking place at the brothel and that he is turning the others into vampires as well. Very soon, all of the strange occurrences begin to intersect and so begins the fight for justice, life, and love.
Edwards gets the reader wrapped into this story right out of the gate: Josh arrives at his house to find Agnes’ dead body and the action quickly ensues. From that point on I was hooked, and it was difficult to put the book down. Edwards writes extremely well - his descriptions and details were enticing to me as a reader, and I loved all of the suspense and paranormal elements he kept introducing into Cowboys & Vampires. More so, Edwards wove the tale in such a way to keep the explanation of it all mysterious and taunting – but in a very good way. Without any answers neatly provided up front, I continued to ask myself questions throughout the book. For instance, Balthazar - where did he come from, and why is he drawn to Josh? He is definitely not the type of vampire we have come to know and love in our books these days; he is pure evil. Some of these are answered for the reader by the end of this book; however, since this is a series there are some that linger, which I am absolutely fine with so long as they are answered eventually.
Edwards also writes characters that grew on me quickly - both the good and the bad. Balthazar is an awesomely evil bad guy, and he had me biting my nails in just about every scene in which he appeared; I never knew what might happen. On the other hand, Josh, Dex, and Glory had me rooting for them from the beginning. I was drawn to their uniqueness but also their will to live and to fight evil head on.
And, of course the relationship between Josh and Dex is one of my favorites – friends turned to lovers. In the midst of everything taking place, these best friends decide to take a chance on a love to which neither was willing to previously admit because being gay back then was never accepted. But when the odds aren’t looking great, and there isn’t much else for which to fight, throwing caution to the wind and letting love prevail seems like a wonderful idea. And it is. The relationship between Josh and Dex is so sweet and beautiful, and their time together is full of tenderness and heartwarming love.
While Cowboys & Vampires provides the reader with a plethora of characters, paranormal elements, and events, the primary intersecting plot never faltered. It was all woven together in a very enticing and engaging manner. True to the style of the book, Edwards also left the reader with one hell of a cliffhanger. It’s definitely one to bring me back for more, not only because of the cliffhanger but because of all the reasons leading up to it – an excellent story, a creative world, great characters, suspense, and a beautiful love story that has me wanting more. Cowboys & Vampires is my first book from Hank Edwards, but it surely will not be my last!
*Review copy provided by publisher
October 11, 2013
I wanted to like this, I really did because I love westerns. Especially after the beginning where Josh finds Agnes. That section was written so well, with amazing emotion. But after we meet Dex, the book begins to fizzle.
Lots of things didn’t work. The pacing for one. The scenes had too many words and dragged going nowhere. We are also introduced to Glory, a half breed prostitute with a spirit protector but I could never warm up to her or really understand what she was there for at least until the end and by then I didn’t care. Outside of the incredible beginning with Josh, he spends the rest of the time running, feeling guilty, and whining.
I couldn’t warm up to Dex either. Outside of being Josh’s friend and a deputy, we don’t learn much about him.
Dex and Josh choose to have sex at inconvenient times and something bad always follows right after. Maybe they should take that as a sign. Really.
What worked for me the best were the vampires. Though they are nothing new, I initially enjoyed the premise. They’re scary and spreading at an alarming rate. But even that line was a bit odd. The speed that vampires can be made is stunning yet no one seems all that concerned that the whole town is being changed; they just write it off.
The ending is a bit of cliffhanger as this is a series, you only need to read the blurb to the next book to see how it ends.
So, not a bad read I guess, but not a series I have any interest in continuing.
Lots of things didn’t work. The pacing for one. The scenes had too many words and dragged going nowhere. We are also introduced to Glory, a half breed prostitute with a spirit protector but I could never warm up to her or really understand what she was there for at least until the end and by then I didn’t care. Outside of the incredible beginning with Josh, he spends the rest of the time running, feeling guilty, and whining.
I couldn’t warm up to Dex either. Outside of being Josh’s friend and a deputy, we don’t learn much about him.
Dex and Josh choose to have sex at inconvenient times and something bad always follows right after. Maybe they should take that as a sign. Really.
What worked for me the best were the vampires. Though they are nothing new, I initially enjoyed the premise. They’re scary and spreading at an alarming rate. But even that line was a bit odd. The speed that vampires can be made is stunning yet no one seems all that concerned that the whole town is being changed; they just write it off.
The ending is a bit of cliffhanger as this is a series, you only need to read the blurb to the next book to see how it ends.
So, not a bad read I guess, but not a series I have any interest in continuing.
March 6, 2013
Bounty is a western teeming with vampires, zombies, and the occasional gay cowboy. I readily admit that I am no authority on westerns. To be honest my knowledge of the genre may be limited to Frisco Kid with Gene Wilder & Harrison Ford and that Star Trek episode where Kirk, Spock and Bones end up at the OK Corral. That being said, there was a sincerity to the sparse yet telling description that brought the old west to life for me. Edwards has introduced some great twists to the zombie genre that seem thoroughly his own. And his two gay cowboys Josh & Dex have enough keeping them apart to make watching them get together fun. For those that thought Cowboys and Aliens could have done with some vampires, zombies and a few gay cowboys or if you think Scott Snyder’s American Vampire might be better served if Skinner Sweet enjoyed sucking on something other than candy canes, give Bounty a try.
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