Horror story writer/gardener/party girl Milagro De Los Santos thinks she's well on her way to becoming the sincere and serious person she knows she should be. She's in a serious relationship with a fabulous man, Oswald Grant, MD, and living at his wine country ranch with his career-fixated relatives. It's true that Oswald accidentally infected her with the rare family condition that makes them crave blood cocktails and need protection from the sun, but what family doesn't have it's quirks?
She thought they accepted her, so she's hurt when she's excluded from a midnight ceremony with special guests including a creepy family elder, Oswald's hostile parents, and Milagro's ex-lover, decadent and powerful Ian Ducharme.
When Milagro's life is threatened, she flees to the desert to hide and work on a screenplay. Instead of solitude, she encounters an egomaniacal actor, a partying socialite, a sly tabloid reporter, and a lavish spa full of dark secrets. It's all lots of fun until the bwaa-ha-ha laughter and the knives come out. Now all Milagro has to do is finish her screenplay, ambush a world domination movement, and overcome a terrible infection before she can make her way back to Casa Dracula.
Marta Acosta lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was a feral reader, roaming the stacks of the public library.
She received a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Stanford University and has written for the San Francisco Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, and Spaces Magazine.
Marta lives with her husband, spawn, and their crazy dogs. An avid gardener, she likes independent films, funny novels, loud music and lively conversations.
She’s always happy to hear from readers, even the ones who point out typos.
‘Midnight Brunch’ is the second book in Marta Acosta’s ‘Casa Dracula’ series. I loved first book ‘Happy Hour at Casa Dracula’ and ‘Midnight Brunch’ is a riotous follow-up.
‘Midnight Brunch’ picks up pretty much where ‘Happy Hour’ left off. Down-on-her-luck writer turned down-on-her-luck vampire, Milagro de los Santos, is living with her boyfriend, Oswald Grant on his sprawling family estate. For the most part Oswald and Milagro are blissfully happy. Their sex life is incredible; they have a hold on their red-coloured cravings and have an adopted child in dog Daisy. But there’s trouble in Casa Dracula... Milagro is feeling more and more like an outsider looking in at the Grant family’s many secrets and rituals. A certain dark lord vampire called Ian Ducharme is a thorn in Oswald’s jealousy and the Vampire Council are wary of Milagro’s miraculous recovery from vampire infection.
Ms. Acosta writes comedy of manners and errors. The storylines are sometimes non sequiturs that lead the character’s into random adventures of comedic brilliance. In ‘Midnight Brunch’ Milagro finds herself fixing a screenplay at a desert resort, playing maid to a B-grade heartthrob and chasing a chupa with a high school English teacher. The plot is a criss-crossing, beautiful mess of epic proportions – and as a reader you’ve just got to go with it and trust that Ms. Acosta will blow your mind and bust your gut.
Of course the stand-out of the ‘Casa Dracula’ series is Milagro de los Santos. What’s not to love about this feisty Latina vampire with a heart of gold? I loved her in ‘Happy Hour’, and the fictional girl-crush grows in ‘Midnight Brunch’. In this second book Milagro is recognizing the negatives of biting into an ancient family of secret-keeping vampires. As funny as Milagro is (and she really is hilarious) ‘Midnight Brunch’ is also an in-depth exploration into Milagro’s post-vampiric life... and it aint’ always pretty.
“I don’t know that I’m going back.” “Sure you’ll go back. I've seen sad endings and I've seen happy endings, and you’re a happy ending type.” “You’re talking about movies, not real life.” “Same difference,” he said.
‘Midnight Brunch’ sees Milagro thrown into the deep-end and struggling with life after ‘happily ever after’. She’s dealing with Oswald’s jealousy, feeling like an outcast in the Grant family, hunger pains and job woes.
Second only to Mialgro, my other favourite character in the ‘Casa Dracula’ series is Ian Ducharme. First introduced in ‘Happy Hour’ where he became enamoured of Milagro (despite her rebuffs) the dark lord returns in ‘Midnight Brunch’. I can’t get a handle on Ian, and I think that’s why I love him so much. He’s like dark chocolate – a little too much, but just enough at the same time, a sweetly-bitter deadly conundrum. Dare I say, I even like Ian more than Oswald? *gasp!*. Ian is clearly in love with Milagro and I can’t help but root for a romance between them, even when I know it’s impossible (and he is a little psycho). I blame Marta Acosta for writing such a darn good bad-boy!
I looooooove this series so, so much. Milagro is a hot and feisty Latina heroine with a razor-sharp wit and big bazoombas. And I worship at the writer-altar of Marta Acosta. I’m going into third book ‘The Bride of Casa Dracula’ with a giddy heart and a craving for more spicy-Milagro.
Midnight Brunch (Casa Dracula #2) by Marta Acosta just wasn't working for me. It sounded like it could be fun even though it's the second book in a series, but this reminded me too much of another series. I didn't know what to expect from the voice of the story, but for me it was trying too hard to be funny. Maybe if I was already familiar with the series and had already read book one I would feel differently, but it lost me pretty early on.
I'm seriously loving this series right now. Its fun. It's flirty. It's different. And it brings out the hispanic girl in me like no other. I loved it.
This is the second novel in the series in Casa Dracula. Secrets the family is holding from Milagro makes her run and hide. That would be all great and dandy but she ends up hiding in a lions den where only more trouble can find this amazing chica.
I'm noticing a trend and that is that Oswald always takes off when the going gets tough. It frustrated the hell out of me because if he would only just stick around there wouldn't be any drama for Milagro to get into (or the drama levels would be at an all time low for her). But he leaves (and I know its to help children but still... he needs to man up... or vampire up... or just UP). He's supposed to be considered an Alpha Male but for some reason I can't picture him in that kind of light. But I will have to say that I still like him (flaws and all). He's perfectly imperfect in the sense that when it comes to love and Milagro its all new to him and he handles it the only way he knows how.
Ian. I want to know more about Ian. He's the Dark Lord. He's enchanting. And he's sexy as hell.
New characters in this novel make this book beyond funny and interesting.
Chupacabra sitings. Blood letting ceremonies. Imminent Death. And a sexy naked guy swimming in a pool all await you in Midnight Brunch at Casa Dracula.
Book two in the Casa Dracula Series was not quite up to book one. Still an enjoyable read, but it wasn't until well over halfway that some of the wit and humour came crashing back in. It was all a little heavy and our heroine, Milagro, just seemed a little flat.
I also had difficulties with the story and plot, it just didn't grab this time around. Despite that, I am still intrigued. Ian Ducharme is delightful, exactly what a vampire should be. But unfortunately, he leaves Milagro's other love interest, Oswald, in his shadow. I can't tell yet if I want Milagro to be happily ensconced with Oswald or upgrade to the much flashier and livelier Ducharme.
I missed the humour. I missed the depth to the plot from book one. I also missed the romance. Oswald was AWOL and Ducharme hardly made an appearance at all.
I have hopes book three will remedy all of this. Fingers crossed.
This one gets a 5/10: "Finished the book and it was above average, but I won't be seeking this author out again," on the NBRS.
Why am I crying? Because now I'm done with the first two books and I have no way of getting my hands on book three until the book I bought off of eBay arrives. Sadly this book isn't available on any reader other than the Kindle, which I only have on my iPod.
I freaking love this series. Milagro really is the Hispanic Bridget Jones, only with a bit more chutzpah to her nature. I love Bridget, but sometimes you do want to kick her in the shins a little. Milagro is as clueless as Bridget when it comes to things you see coming a mile away, but like her British counterpart, she's just so freaking lovable that you really don't care.
I really wish that this series was a bit more well known than it is, as Acosta seems to have nearly perfected the type of escapism beach read where you might buy the first book by itself, but you'll buy the other books all together because you don't want to wait for the next one to arrive. Which, unfortunately, I didn't do.
This is the second in the Casa Dracula series and I loved it oh so much better than the first.
Even during the one slow point when Milagro was meandering aimlessly in life thinking she needed to be cured and not wanting anyone to touch her I still loved the way this story was shaping up.
Oswald and Milagro are such the oddly perfect couple. Although they are also the safe couple for those who root for her to hook up with Ian.
Edna made a much more pleasant appearance in this book as well. I grew to be quite find of her and I continued to be quite find of Gabriel.
One character I never understood and very much disliked was Thomas Cook, even if he did have hot chocolate breath.
In short I'm psyched for the next in the series and am sure I'll be just as entertained. I love when I can slip into a good book and lose myself for a wee bit.
Marta does it again with another amazing tale of Milagro de los Santos. This is book 2 in the Casa Dracula Series. As soon as I recieved this book I started to read it immediately and could not put it down! Nonstop hilarity and action will keep you up late reading this book because you just can't stop! I am torn between which 2 of the men I want Milagro to end up with but I think I want the naughty boy Ian to win her heart! Oswald is just to goody to shoes for her...oh how I yearn for book 3 and for book 4 which is currently being written to know what happens to my friend Milagro!! I highly recommend this series! Now go hop to the store and buy it! LOL
This book was such a surprise. When I first glanced at it, it seemed very chick lit-esque, which usually isn't my kind of thing. But, it was $3.00 in the sale pile at Borders and when I flipped through it, the dialogue seemed funny and snappy. I thought "oh what the hell" and went for it. I'm so glad I did.
Midnight Brunch is actually the sequel to Acosta's first book, Happy Hour at Castle Dracula (which I now want to get my hands on). Our heroine, Milagro de Los Santos is dating a vampire--except vampirism in this world is a genetic disorder that causes blood cravings, super healing abilities and sensitivity to sun. There are no sharp fangs and a judicious application of sunblock is all the vampires need to stay healthy and happy.
We learn that Milagro accidentally became infected with the disorder in the previous novel and not only has she survived the infection (which is a very rare occurrence) but she's gained some special abilities as well. Needless to say, these abilities attract the attention of the wrong kind of vampires and Milagro must fight to stay out of their clutches.
This was such a breezy enjoyable read. Milagro is a funny sassy protagonist and the plot is transparent but not thin. You can guess what's coming a mile off but it's the cast of characters and the humor that really fuel the novel. Sure Milagro falls into traps that might as well have danger signs written all over them, but she does so more out of her sense of adventure than actual ditziness. She never becomes a weepy heroine and so even if the bad guys are obvious, it's easy to forgive. You'll find yourself chuckling with her along the way even as you hope that she really does find true happiness.
Ohhh, Ms. Acosta, you've done it again! Midnight Brunch at Casa Dracula is the amazing sequel to the fabulous Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, and once again you will find yourself cracking up at the top notch wit and personality quirks of every single character you meet. Vampire bite survivor and the very human Milagro De Los Santos is pretty much being stalked by a bunch of fanatical vamps out for her very special blood, a dark lord ex-lover, a narcissistic actor who swims naked & moves into her hotel room, a tabloid reporter who wants her next to a spread on chupacabras & a screenwriter who lures her to a spa resort under the guise of editing a screenplay. All while her lover and vamp Dr. Oswald Grant is lending plastic surgery assistance in a 3rd world country.
Yes, it all sounds nutty and overdone, but somehow it just WORKS. Milagro is perfectly flawed and I can't get enough of her. Just try Midnight Brunch at Casa Dracula and tell me if you didn't find yourself laughing your way through the entire thing. Another excellent read Ms. Acosta! I'm off to start The Bride of Casa Dracula, book 3 in this brilliant series.
This begins where Happy Hour, book 1 in the series ends. Milagro has found love and is living with Oswald, her love, in his cottage on the ranch she was taken to after being infected with the virus she caught from him in the first book. Oswald's family is still hiding things, about the family, from her. She is kept from attending the naming ceremony of Sam and Winnie's infant daughter. No one shares anything with her and she does not take this exclusion willingly. Leaving her out of the loop, because the family is afraid of what might happens, makes many of the things that happen inevitable. Can't wait to get the next book and read the next episode in Milagro's life.
So funny and engaging, I want to read the whole series and anything else this talented woman has put into print. I think she could make a grocery list sound entertaining.
I read the first book in this series and then went and bought the other 3 from Amazon for my iPad. My review of the first book had me thinking the author was putting more into the characters than she was the plot (not a bad thing at all) and I thought/hoped she would rectify that in the second book. I'm happy to say, I was right. This book has a GREAT plot with more than a few surprises. All of the main cast are in this book though the spotlight is on Milagro (as it should be).
My one complaint with this book is that you would have thought having been kidnapped before, that Milagro would take a few precautions like quit talking to strangers, quit getting into cars of strangers, watch her back, think before does something but apparently she hasn't quite had enough kidnappings and crisis in her life yet. :)
I will say I was quite worried about the Vampire Gabriel but what he does, he does for a reason. Oswald, I'm pretty sure, is NOT the match for Milagro. He's a bit of a stick in the mud and quite boring while Milagro is fun, exciting, and unpredictable (but they do say opposites attract).
The plot of this book is someone trying to capture Milagro and use her blood for a "miracle cure" as she's the only person in the modern world that has successfully fought off the "vampire infection".
I was so glad to see Edna show up! Thomas the writer/movie star is a very weird human being and he starts off not very likeable but...he grows on you. Milagro's two girlfriends (Mercedes and Nanci) make appearances and help out and, as usual, Milagro makes new friends.
I am now on the 3rd book of the series and I sure hope Milagro starts taking some precautions for her safety. I don't need her to be paranoid, just stop doing things that any 6th grader knows not to do! :)
This book was more than I expected! I thought I was picking up a fluffy, silly read and while the story was silly, the writing was incredibly smart, quick witted, and engaging. No eye rolling from me on this one! The author even touched on larger themes of race, class, gender, sexuality, and the systems of oppression. Milagro, our main girl is not always likable. She almost seems to be the unreliable narrator. Like how does a smart, funny, sexy girl find herself in these situations and trusting in the wrong people? It reminds me of how individuals sometimes contribute to their own oppression. Could the old order of blood sucking vampires also represent our systems oppression? I think so, but if you think this story is just about vampires, then you may miss it. These themes are sophisticatedly woven into an entertaining story. Don’t just take it for face value, this author is really doing something here. I’ll keep thinking about this book!
After the seeming normality resuming after the events of the first book Milagro manages to get herself into trouble with Neo-Vampires get infected all over again and get a job working alongside for an Incubus named after a Travel Agent.
Its never easy is it?
Not to mention the fact that her relationship with Oswald could get a little bumpy as she doesn't let him know what's happening with all these men hanging round her. Oh and her Gay vampire friend is seemingly no longer gay.
Its a bit of a wild rollercoaster that doesn't let up but at least its entertaining. You wont be laughing out loud but its amusing and often sweet. A good second book of the series, hopefully the next ones will keep the madcap momentum going.
About the Book: If Milagro thought Grans the vampires are a tad strange and hostile, then her beloved’s parents need a whole new name to define. And even then, it’s but the tip of the iceberg. Dark cabal of evil greedy vampires are putting together a sticky web to capture the young woman with such magical blood…
My Opinion: Strange. First half of the book was very amusing and captivating. Then it lost the charm. Unusual for the second book in the series, and for second half of the book too. But I’ll definitely read another book, the warm humor really works for winter evenings.
Milargo attracts the crazies. Her life is full of colorful people and things never seem to go as planned. She takes off after Oswald's mother proves she is a stuck up. uptight woman. Before she leaves though she meets someone who offers to tech her about the history. This is the beginning of her troubles but she meets some interesting people along the way and her social circle expands. I am ready for more.
I love this author's voice! She has so much fun with word choice, character attitude, and with twists in the plot you wouldn't see coming. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It has suspense, but it's not a heavy read.
Stand alone HEA, but so much better if you've read the first book!
Contains no sex scenes, few swear words, and violence (mugging with knife, blood ceremonies).
This author, doesn't disappoint. I love the character descriptions, as she make them spring to life in your mind. I missed a nights sleep as I had to finish this book. The love triangle with Oswald and Ian, still exists. Both lovely but bad boy, Ian is my guilty pleasure.
is adding up in this story. Twisted in so many ways and then of course meeting the boyfriends’ parents wasn’t funny either. Then of course the snooty characters which are funny at times but can also be annoying. Milagros is definitely in for it but what a funny character she is and also the others too.
This is the second book in this series. I love the first book but I think I love this one even more it's funny has romance and it has mystery. What more could you ask for in a good book. I am so looking forward to reading the third book just started it today
Midnight Brunch at Casa Dracula is the second book in the Casa Dracula series and once again we are back in the life of Milagro de Los Santos and seeing what she is getting herself up to. This series is just great and absolutely hilarious. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This book was so good. I enjoyed reading it. That poor girl really has a hard life. She always seems to make the best of all her problems. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Book 2 is better that the first. Much more to the story. I love the sassiness of the main character and her strength. I will add that this book could have used some proofreading. There are several grammar and spelling errors. Continuing to book 3!
Milagro is always seeming to find trouble without looking for it. Went to a friend's wedding and gets stabs next to her friend's place. Ends up doing a screens writer job, in a resort excluded from everyone and family, with a middle age move star that seems to move in with her.