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Fanged Mistakes #1
Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes
Julian
This week hasn’t gone the best for me unless you count Casimir, the sexy ancient vampire, bringing me back from the brink of death (and tying my fate to his in the process). Not that it matters if the werewolves and vampires don’t stop their ridiculous feud, because someone is targeting them and widening the divide between our communities with each body they leave in their wake.
But as the alpha’s son, I have a plan to fix everything. I’m going to convince Casimir to fake date me to show the others that we can work together.
I mean… what could go wrong?
Casimir
Everything.
Literally everything could go wrong. Who is actually going to believe that I want this joke-cracking, cute werewolf tagging alongside me?
Honestly, do I even care if people get along? I really think I have much more important things to do than going on hardware store dates, learning the torturous art of holding hands, and attending awkward family dinners, like… staring at my dog… and… I’m sure there’s something else.
Okay, fine, maybe this whole fake dating scheme isn’t the worst idea that I’ve come across in the past five hundred years, but it’s definitely in the running. The two of us are just going to have a bit of fun while I stop whoever’s hunting down the vampires and werewolves… right?
Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes has a sunshiny yet stubborn werewolf who just wants everyone to get along, dang it; a bored vampire who isn't nearly as aloof as he wants to appear; paper napkins trying (and failing) to stand in for clothes; some awesome swordsmanship; and the last thing you’d expect to find in a secret cupboard.
This week hasn’t gone the best for me unless you count Casimir, the sexy ancient vampire, bringing me back from the brink of death (and tying my fate to his in the process). Not that it matters if the werewolves and vampires don’t stop their ridiculous feud, because someone is targeting them and widening the divide between our communities with each body they leave in their wake.
But as the alpha’s son, I have a plan to fix everything. I’m going to convince Casimir to fake date me to show the others that we can work together.
I mean… what could go wrong?
Casimir
Everything.
Literally everything could go wrong. Who is actually going to believe that I want this joke-cracking, cute werewolf tagging alongside me?
Honestly, do I even care if people get along? I really think I have much more important things to do than going on hardware store dates, learning the torturous art of holding hands, and attending awkward family dinners, like… staring at my dog… and… I’m sure there’s something else.
Okay, fine, maybe this whole fake dating scheme isn’t the worst idea that I’ve come across in the past five hundred years, but it’s definitely in the running. The two of us are just going to have a bit of fun while I stop whoever’s hunting down the vampires and werewolves… right?
Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes has a sunshiny yet stubborn werewolf who just wants everyone to get along, dang it; a bored vampire who isn't nearly as aloof as he wants to appear; paper napkins trying (and failing) to stand in for clothes; some awesome swordsmanship; and the last thing you’d expect to find in a secret cupboard.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2024
521 people are currently reading
1109 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
60 books2,691 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 413 reviews
October 10, 2024
✅ Hilarious banter
✅ Some M/M smut
✅ Fake dating
✅ Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
✅ Vampires and werewolves
✅ Pace
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Intrigue/investigation
✅(🆗) Resolution of the intrigue
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: deaths and blood
When murders occur, and the tensions between the vampires and werewolves living in Casimir’s territory get higher than ever before, Julian, the son of the werewolves’s alpha gets a wonderful idea: fake date Casimir to show both vampires and werewolves that it is possible to coexist and be happy together. What started as a desperate plan to get everyone to work together to stop the killer ended up being a breath of fresh air in Casimir’s life, and just what Julian needed to become more confident and stop letting people be mean to him simply because he didn’t want to argue or fight with them.
After Casimir gave his blood to Julian in a desperate attempt to save his life, not because he cared, but because letting him die would have caused too many problems for him to deal with, Julian not only survived, but he also became a little addicted to Casimir’s blood, creating a weird bond between them from the start. Casimir would have been happy to walk away and never speak to Julian again, but Julian was very persistent in his plans to get the vampires and werewolves to work together.
There is the usual grumpy x sunshine dynamic between Julian and Casimir, where Casimir is the grumpy old vampire, trying to get rid of Julian and to deal with his territory the way he wants to (meaning: killing anyone who does not listen to him and let his subordinates kill each other instead of having to deal with their whining). Julian is the sunshine character, clinging to Casimir and trying to rub off some of his happy self on him.
There is also a mystery regarding Julian’s abnormal birth since no werewolf was ever born that way, besides him. Usually, they are bitten and changed, but Julian was just born a werewolf, and we still have no idea how it’s possible, and how it affects him and makes him different than the other werewolves. There is also the mystery of what’s inside Casmir’s chest that he hates so much but can’t seem to get rid of. It was hinted that he has a dark past, but there is so much we still don’t know about him and how his past might affect his relationship with Julian.
Casimir is a dictator. He rules over his territory as the supreme master, and while he is not unfair or cruel, he does not really care about the individuals. As long as things are working well, he doesn’t give a shit about who you are. The fewer interactions he needs to have with his subordinate, the happier he is, but this means that he sorely lacks basic human interaction skills, and it was hilarious to see him try to fake date Julian at first, having no idea of what he was expected to do as his “boyfriend”.
Julian is the usual bubbly, smiley, kind, and impossible-not-to-love main character, and while I do love him, I can’t say that he is that different from the other main characters in Alice Winters’s series. What I’m saying is that if you love Finn and Quinn, or even Hiro, you will love Julian for sure.
While I love Alice Winters’s series because they never fail to make me laugh out loud, and I fall in love with the characters every time, I also can't read too many of her series in a row because, in the end, the recipe remains pretty much the same: sunshine/grumpy romance, over the top and sassy character, and hilarious, but ridiculous situations. Still, her series are always a win with me, as long as I read a few different books in between.
There is not much sexual tension between Julian and Casimir since they fool around even though their relationship is fake, so they can scratch that itch, but the amazing banter makes up for it. Casimir’s dry humor and Julian’s sarcasm are just delicious, but again, similar to her other characters. Casimir reminded me of Marcus from her VRC series, and Julian reminded me of Quinn from her Winsford Shifters series. Overall though, I think I would have enjoyed the romance more if they didn’t fall into bed together as soon as sexual tension started building between them, and if Casimir had been a tad more reluctant in the end. I feel that Julian “tamed” him too easily.
On a side note, I am curious about Cyrus’ identity. I suspect he is more than a simple human, he seems to have a dash of supernatural to himself…
This book has the trademark Alice Winters’s hilarious banter, sassy sunshine character and grumpy love interest, and funny secondary characters that we can’t help but love, and while it’s not my favorite of hers, I will definitely read the next book soon, because it still made me smile and laugh, and it was a light and very entertaining read.
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✅ Some M/M smut
✅ Fake dating
✅ Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
✅ Vampires and werewolves
✅ Pace
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Intrigue/investigation
✅(🆗) Resolution of the intrigue
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: deaths and blood
When murders occur, and the tensions between the vampires and werewolves living in Casimir’s territory get higher than ever before, Julian, the son of the werewolves’s alpha gets a wonderful idea: fake date Casimir to show both vampires and werewolves that it is possible to coexist and be happy together. What started as a desperate plan to get everyone to work together to stop the killer ended up being a breath of fresh air in Casimir’s life, and just what Julian needed to become more confident and stop letting people be mean to him simply because he didn’t want to argue or fight with them.
“Excuse me, what? You bit a vampire?”
“No! He gave me his blood willingly! He even put it in a little Dixie cup for me. It’s no big deal.”
“It’s… please, Julian, please explain which part of any of that isn’t a big deal?” Mom asks.
“You’re right, it really wasn’t eco-conscious to use a Dixie cup. I should have used a reusable cup,” I say before rushing toward the bathroom.
After Casimir gave his blood to Julian in a desperate attempt to save his life, not because he cared, but because letting him die would have caused too many problems for him to deal with, Julian not only survived, but he also became a little addicted to Casimir’s blood, creating a weird bond between them from the start. Casimir would have been happy to walk away and never speak to Julian again, but Julian was very persistent in his plans to get the vampires and werewolves to work together.
There is the usual grumpy x sunshine dynamic between Julian and Casimir, where Casimir is the grumpy old vampire, trying to get rid of Julian and to deal with his territory the way he wants to (meaning: killing anyone who does not listen to him and let his subordinates kill each other instead of having to deal with their whining). Julian is the sunshine character, clinging to Casimir and trying to rub off some of his happy self on him.
There is also a mystery regarding Julian’s abnormal birth since no werewolf was ever born that way, besides him. Usually, they are bitten and changed, but Julian was just born a werewolf, and we still have no idea how it’s possible, and how it affects him and makes him different than the other werewolves. There is also the mystery of what’s inside Casmir’s chest that he hates so much but can’t seem to get rid of. It was hinted that he has a dark past, but there is so much we still don’t know about him and how his past might affect his relationship with Julian.
“I’m thinking something fun to bring them together instead of like… murdering them all. What about a festival? Wolves love festivals.”
“Sounds traumatic,” he says.
“What, having fun?” Casimir shudders. “I’d prefer to go with my idea of locking them in a room together battle royale style.”
“Wait, now you’re anticipating the slaughter?” I ask.
“I should probably have a cleanup crew on standby.”
Casimir is a dictator. He rules over his territory as the supreme master, and while he is not unfair or cruel, he does not really care about the individuals. As long as things are working well, he doesn’t give a shit about who you are. The fewer interactions he needs to have with his subordinate, the happier he is, but this means that he sorely lacks basic human interaction skills, and it was hilarious to see him try to fake date Julian at first, having no idea of what he was expected to do as his “boyfriend”.
Julian is the usual bubbly, smiley, kind, and impossible-not-to-love main character, and while I do love him, I can’t say that he is that different from the other main characters in Alice Winters’s series. What I’m saying is that if you love Finn and Quinn, or even Hiro, you will love Julian for sure.
“So… out of your goodwill, you guys looked at me and were like ‘I bet we should wash him and make sure he’s okay,’ then proceeded to waterboard me, throw me into a doorway, and needed a human to save me.”
Casimir’s quiet as I continue to sit on his lap. “So about that kiss?” he asks.
“No, no, I want to verify that I have all of the events in order.”
He’s silent. There’s something else that I probably don’t even want to know about. “Let’s just say we had to wash you twice.”
“What the fuck happened?” I ask.
“Cyrus saw me drop you and he went to catch you as I was also grabbing for you. It’s how I managed to not catch you as he threw his bowl of… salsa on you.”
While I love Alice Winters’s series because they never fail to make me laugh out loud, and I fall in love with the characters every time, I also can't read too many of her series in a row because, in the end, the recipe remains pretty much the same: sunshine/grumpy romance, over the top and sassy character, and hilarious, but ridiculous situations. Still, her series are always a win with me, as long as I read a few different books in between.
There is not much sexual tension between Julian and Casimir since they fool around even though their relationship is fake, so they can scratch that itch, but the amazing banter makes up for it. Casimir’s dry humor and Julian’s sarcasm are just delicious, but again, similar to her other characters. Casimir reminded me of Marcus from her VRC series, and Julian reminded me of Quinn from her Winsford Shifters series. Overall though, I think I would have enjoyed the romance more if they didn’t fall into bed together as soon as sexual tension started building between them, and if Casimir had been a tad more reluctant in the end. I feel that Julian “tamed” him too easily.
On a side note, I am curious about Cyrus’ identity. I suspect he is more than a simple human, he seems to have a dash of supernatural to himself…
This book has the trademark Alice Winters’s hilarious banter, sassy sunshine character and grumpy love interest, and funny secondary characters that we can’t help but love, and while it’s not my favorite of hers, I will definitely read the next book soon, because it still made me smile and laugh, and it was a light and very entertaining read.
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January 25, 2024
Everyone talked the same. Everyone.
January 23, 2024
I haven't laughed this much for a while!
Cas and Julian make the best heart bros. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
Cas and Julian make the best heart bros. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
April 4, 2024
Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes has that zany humour that I've come to expect from Alice Winters. I feel like you either love it or hate it, and thankfully I love it. These characters and the scenarios they find themselves in never failed to make me laugh.
This is an urban fantasy focusing on vampires and werewolves, in a world where humans are unaware of the existence of the supernatural. Let's just say Vampires and werewolves aren't typically besties, but as they're living in the same town they have to put up with each other; if begrudgingly. However, tensions are rising and if they keep going the way they're going the feud between the vampires and werewolves is going to get bloody.
Julian, a werewolf and the alpha's son, comes up with the idea for Casimir (vampire) and him to fake date. To show everyone that a werewolf and a vampire can get along.
Chaos ensues and along the way the fake in fake-dating starts to feel... well fake.
This is an urban fantasy focusing on vampires and werewolves, in a world where humans are unaware of the existence of the supernatural. Let's just say Vampires and werewolves aren't typically besties, but as they're living in the same town they have to put up with each other; if begrudgingly. However, tensions are rising and if they keep going the way they're going the feud between the vampires and werewolves is going to get bloody.
Julian, a werewolf and the alpha's son, comes up with the idea for Casimir (vampire) and him to fake date. To show everyone that a werewolf and a vampire can get along.
Chaos ensues and along the way the fake in fake-dating starts to feel... well fake.
March 11, 2024
Alice Winters is very hit-or-miss for me and sadly this was a miss. I thought it would be a good vacation read, but I never found myself wanting to sneak off and read. It took me a week to get through it but I did, barely, finish.
It started off well. I enjoyed the animosity between Julian and his father. I liked Casimir's dictatorial attitude towards his vamps. I expected the usual Alice Winters and that's pretty much what is there, but it just fell flat for me after about a quarter of the book. The banter was the same-old-same-old and after a while just wasn't funny. Every character sounded the same other than the one human detective, though he did have his moments. I also didn't feel the relationship between Julian and Casimir and I just didn't care about the mystery. I do want to see what Julian is really made of and I do think there is something up with the detective so I'll probably give the next book a go, but if it follows the same trend I'll be quick to move along.
It started off well. I enjoyed the animosity between Julian and his father. I liked Casimir's dictatorial attitude towards his vamps. I expected the usual Alice Winters and that's pretty much what is there, but it just fell flat for me after about a quarter of the book. The banter was the same-old-same-old and after a while just wasn't funny. Every character sounded the same other than the one human detective, though he did have his moments. I also didn't feel the relationship between Julian and Casimir and I just didn't care about the mystery. I do want to see what Julian is really made of and I do think there is something up with the detective so I'll probably give the next book a go, but if it follows the same trend I'll be quick to move along.
March 5, 2024
This was fun!
I feel like I can't read much Alice Winters books in a row because they all start to look like each other but if you do a 2-3books pause between her books you'll appreciate it so much more.
The humor os good, I was laughing out loud, the dog jokes it the point too, the mystery was pretty good (some aren't solved yet)
It's an enjoyable book!
I feel like I can't read much Alice Winters books in a row because they all start to look like each other but if you do a 2-3books pause between her books you'll appreciate it so much more.
The humor os good, I was laughing out loud, the dog jokes it the point too, the mystery was pretty good (some aren't solved yet)
It's an enjoyable book!
Read
June 21, 2024Dnf around 15%. Not my kind of humour, not my kind of author. I smh forgot that I don’t get Alice Winters.
November 26, 2024
“I like how you keep me alive.” “Wonderful. I like how you give hea—I mean… paint my dog.”
This was a super fun, super easy, funny werewolf x vampire book. Julian is loveable and I like how Casimir is just a broody man who likes violence and doesnt know how to interact normally with people. Anyways, I liked this a lot, and I really do want to read the next one. I think there is only 2 in the series which is too bad because I feel like I could read about these two, plus the great side characters, on wacky adventures.
This was a super fun, super easy, funny werewolf x vampire book. Julian is loveable and I like how Casimir is just a broody man who likes violence and doesnt know how to interact normally with people. Anyways, I liked this a lot, and I really do want to read the next one. I think there is only 2 in the series which is too bad because I feel like I could read about these two, plus the great side characters, on wacky adventures.
June 19, 2025
I've just listened to it and I'd happily re-start it. I enjoyed it that much. With audio, it's easier to pick up on things I might have missed the first time around. There is no way Cyrus is just a human - I'm thinking some sort of witch, or psychic.
This was so much fun! I laughed so much while reading it and have highlighted a few passages that just made me snort.
Julian and Casmir are an interesting pairing, and I loved the fake dating trope and how their relationship came together. They really were the missing pieces of the other.
Full of the trademark Alice humor, fab side characters like Ezio, the only other vampire that Casmir seems to sort of like, and Cyrus, the human cop that clearly has a tragic backstory.
One of the things I noticed right away was Julian's parents. They are divorced and the way that they co-parent and rag on Terrance was just so well done.
I had such a good time reading this book and can't wait for more of the series.
This was so much fun! I laughed so much while reading it and have highlighted a few passages that just made me snort.
Julian and Casmir are an interesting pairing, and I loved the fake dating trope and how their relationship came together. They really were the missing pieces of the other.
Full of the trademark Alice humor, fab side characters like Ezio, the only other vampire that Casmir seems to sort of like, and Cyrus, the human cop that clearly has a tragic backstory.
One of the things I noticed right away was Julian's parents. They are divorced and the way that they co-parent and rag on Terrance was just so well done.
I had such a good time reading this book and can't wait for more of the series.
October 14, 2025
I loved every secomd of this.
Alice Winters never ceases to amaze me with how much I end up on the floor laughing and with how much I end up adoring the characters of every book she writes. No wonder I reread them all the time. I can't help it.
Julian and Casimir are both hilarious in their own way. And the dog, omg the dog. The portraits of said dog. Alice Winters just writes the best pet-pals.
Fake dating between a werewolf and a vampire who knows nothing about dating; first date? Hardware store to buy a robot vacuum. So romantic. I do love shopping/errand dates, they're fun, so Casimir unknowingly did something cute.
The fake boyfriends, alongside the vampires (including freaking Steve who we all hate, okay?) and the werewolf pack of Julian's dad who they all love to harrass, will need to join forces because someone is killing both weres and vampires. The story was action filled, humour filled, with so many amazing moments and a lot of great side characters like Ezio, the vampire who wants to woo the human detective who wants absolutely nothing to do with him. I might need one of ten short side stories. I need more!
Alice Winters never ceases to amaze me with how much I end up on the floor laughing and with how much I end up adoring the characters of every book she writes. No wonder I reread them all the time. I can't help it.
Julian and Casimir are both hilarious in their own way. And the dog, omg the dog. The portraits of said dog. Alice Winters just writes the best pet-pals.
Fake dating between a werewolf and a vampire who knows nothing about dating; first date? Hardware store to buy a robot vacuum. So romantic. I do love shopping/errand dates, they're fun, so Casimir unknowingly did something cute.
The fake boyfriends, alongside the vampires (including freaking Steve who we all hate, okay?) and the werewolf pack of Julian's dad who they all love to harrass, will need to join forces because someone is killing both weres and vampires. The story was action filled, humour filled, with so many amazing moments and a lot of great side characters like Ezio, the vampire who wants to woo the human detective who wants absolutely nothing to do with him. I might need one of ten short side stories. I need more!
October 11, 2025
Another re-read done! Just as lovely as every other time I’ve read it!
———
Re-read almost a year later and my original review still holds true. I've done partial re-reads over the year, and this book still holds a special place in my heart.
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Original review: Julian and Casimir will forever hold a special place in my heart. This book was soooo funny, I had to warn my partner that I was going to be laughing to myself throughout the day. And I was. I absolutely love the chemistry between the two MMCs, absolute TOP TIER banter and the whit. The side characters were fun, the mystery was compelling, and the jokes hit just right.
I half listened to the audiobook, and half read this on kindle and I’m so sad the 2nd book isn’t available in audiobook yet, but that just means I’ll be up all night reading it.
———
Re-read almost a year later and my original review still holds true. I've done partial re-reads over the year, and this book still holds a special place in my heart.
------
Original review: Julian and Casimir will forever hold a special place in my heart. This book was soooo funny, I had to warn my partner that I was going to be laughing to myself throughout the day. And I was. I absolutely love the chemistry between the two MMCs, absolute TOP TIER banter and the whit. The side characters were fun, the mystery was compelling, and the jokes hit just right.
I half listened to the audiobook, and half read this on kindle and I’m so sad the 2nd book isn’t available in audiobook yet, but that just means I’ll be up all night reading it.
February 7, 2024
Za każdym razem, gdy ktoś pyta się o książki zabawne, z dużą dozą dobrego humoru, to Alice Winters jest na pierwszym miejscu poleceń. W końcu postanowiłam po nią sięgnąć i no cóż... Nie było najgorzej?
Uczciwie to miałam dość tego humoru. Nie cierpię jak jakiś motyw powtarzany jest w kółko, bo po drugim razie robi się to dla mnie nudne. Tutaj takim "gagiem" był Gustov i Ezio po części. Ale jak tylko widziałam imię na G., to chciałam uciekać.
Plus, czasami miałam wrażenie, że autorka za bardzo siliła się na bycie zabawną, przez co niektóre dialogi brzmiały na bardzo wymuszone. I czasami chciałam, aby bohaterowie, w końcu ze sobą porozmawiali normalnie. Choć muszę przyznać uczciwie, że parę razy się zaśmiałam.
Ogólnie nie było źle, ale raczej za szybko nie wrócę do tej autorki.
Uczciwie to miałam dość tego humoru. Nie cierpię jak jakiś motyw powtarzany jest w kółko, bo po drugim razie robi się to dla mnie nudne. Tutaj takim "gagiem" był Gustov i Ezio po części. Ale jak tylko widziałam imię na G., to chciałam uciekać.
Plus, czasami miałam wrażenie, że autorka za bardzo siliła się na bycie zabawną, przez co niektóre dialogi brzmiały na bardzo wymuszone. I czasami chciałam, aby bohaterowie, w końcu ze sobą porozmawiali normalnie. Choć muszę przyznać uczciwie, że parę razy się zaśmiałam.
Ogólnie nie było źle, ale raczej za szybko nie wrócę do tej autorki.
January 31, 2024
A hit. Funny, yet sweet, yet exciting, all rolled into one. I can always count on Alice to deliver a good one
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March 4, 2024
DNF
Amazon did me so dirty recommending me this
“similar to other things you’ve read” my ass
Idk wtf ya’ll (whoever gave this 4.43 star overall) were reading but it wasn’t the same book I got
Fake dating between a grumpy vamp and a silly werewolf should have been CUTE AND FUNNY but it was just delivered sooooooo poorly. The writing 😭😭😭 it was so monotone and boring and poorly written and repetitive and BORING. So help me, I skimmed multiple pages just trying to get through the word vomit until something of interest actually happened.
The worst part is that the characters banter actually had potential but everything else around it just sucked the life right out of this
Omg sorry but no
Amazon did me so dirty recommending me this
“similar to other things you’ve read” my ass
Idk wtf ya’ll (whoever gave this 4.43 star overall) were reading but it wasn’t the same book I got
Fake dating between a grumpy vamp and a silly werewolf should have been CUTE AND FUNNY but it was just delivered sooooooo poorly. The writing 😭😭😭 it was so monotone and boring and poorly written and repetitive and BORING. So help me, I skimmed multiple pages just trying to get through the word vomit until something of interest actually happened.
The worst part is that the characters banter actually had potential but everything else around it just sucked the life right out of this
Omg sorry but no
March 28, 2024
So cool how assassins and grumpy cops can be remixed into wolves and vampires. In a world where humans know some of the supernatural beings that go bump in the night.
I bet she found a witch to help put her wrong to rights. I still can't get over how her marry band just got started. Then ended in a cold trip. Cause that's how you know they are the bad guys. Always doing too much.
I have an idea about what's in the box. The foreshadowing may have been thick. Yet abundant! Book 2 will be fun.
I bet she found a witch to help put her wrong to rights. I still can't get over how her marry band just got started. Then ended in a cold trip. Cause that's how you know they are the bad guys. Always doing too much.
I have an idea about what's in the box. The foreshadowing may have been thick. Yet abundant! Book 2 will be fun.
April 13, 2024
2.25/5 stars! I feel like I am the only one that hated this book and I am so confused. I WANTED to like this book. The premise sounded adorable: wolves, vampires, and a cutie pie dog? Sign me up. But every single character had the same personality: quirky, silly, sarcastic, but caring underneath it all. That's great for one or two characters but it was EVERY SINGLE ONE. There were pages where I had to pause and go back to make sure I knew who was talking because it could have been any of the 5-7 main cast of characters. That made for very dull reading. You can tell that the author has talent. The world-building was interesting and the storyline behind the characters was captivating. But I couldn't stay engaged or really care what happened. Additionally, the MMC's sex scenes made no sense. They had zero chemistry throughout the entire book and so their intimate scenes felt like nothing was happening. Where were the sparks!?!
Ugh! I am going to read another book by this author because maybe it was a one-off, but woof.
Ugh! I am going to read another book by this author because maybe it was a one-off, but woof.
January 25, 2024
Epic opener for the new series
Alice Winters is one of the few authors who can write characters that are so deeply flawed that, in any other book, they'd likely be on the villainous side!
Here it's Casimir, a 503-year-old vampire with a smart mouth, a sarcastic answer for everything and a complete distain for anything that isn't his poodle Gustov.
I was alternatively howling with laughter or shaking my head at the things coming out of his mouth, especially once he got embroiled in the machinations of werewolf Julian's plans to try bring the two communities together.
The plot, and the baddies, are just as crazy as you'd expect from this author, and there's a whole host of brilliant secondary characters who add the necessary depth to the narrative.
I can't wait for book two and there's already three other characters at the very least that I want stories about!
Alice Winters is one of the few authors who can write characters that are so deeply flawed that, in any other book, they'd likely be on the villainous side!
Here it's Casimir, a 503-year-old vampire with a smart mouth, a sarcastic answer for everything and a complete distain for anything that isn't his poodle Gustov.
I was alternatively howling with laughter or shaking my head at the things coming out of his mouth, especially once he got embroiled in the machinations of werewolf Julian's plans to try bring the two communities together.
The plot, and the baddies, are just as crazy as you'd expect from this author, and there's a whole host of brilliant secondary characters who add the necessary depth to the narrative.
I can't wait for book two and there's already three other characters at the very least that I want stories about!
March 13, 2025
Reread March 2025: Casimir remains amazing!! I love him and Julian
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This was so much fun!
The book's grumpy/sunshine in the form Casimir, a super rich and powerful vampire, and Julian, a delightful art teacher werewolf. Vampires and werewolves generally hate each other but they have to work together to solve a few mysterious murders, so Julian decides they should fake date to show everyone that the two species actually can get along, and Casimir very reluctantly agrees.
Casimir was so grumpy and fully delighted in being slightly evil. His way of dealing with humans (throwing money at them) cracked me up every time, and his devotion to his ugly little dog was so cute!
Julian, on the other hand, was a ray of sunshine who never stopped talking or being charming af. I'm so glad he wore Casimir down, the two of them were great together and had wonderful chemistry.
I can't wait to read more of this series!
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This was so much fun!
The book's grumpy/sunshine in the form Casimir, a super rich and powerful vampire, and Julian, a delightful art teacher werewolf. Vampires and werewolves generally hate each other but they have to work together to solve a few mysterious murders, so Julian decides they should fake date to show everyone that the two species actually can get along, and Casimir very reluctantly agrees.
Casimir was so grumpy and fully delighted in being slightly evil. His way of dealing with humans (throwing money at them) cracked me up every time, and his devotion to his ugly little dog was so cute!
Julian, on the other hand, was a ray of sunshine who never stopped talking or being charming af. I'm so glad he wore Casimir down, the two of them were great together and had wonderful chemistry.
I can't wait to read more of this series!
April 1, 2024
If this was my first book by Alice Winters, I would’ve probably enjoyed it. But… after reading almost all of her catalog… this is just another recycled set of characters from her previous books. The immaturity and toddler level humor just didn’t hit the mark for me this time. Maybe if the plot was more intriguing? I don’t know. I think I may just need a break from this author’s writing.
March 14, 2024
this was exhausting #dnf
This book started out well and was cute and had a good plot and humor. However there was zero chemistry. The plot kept falling and the humor felt forced and foolish after the 1st 20 pages.
This book started out well and was cute and had a good plot and humor. However there was zero chemistry. The plot kept falling and the humor felt forced and foolish after the 1st 20 pages.
February 6, 2024
quintessential Alice Winters!
Absolutely hilarious wacky fun! I always adore an Alice Winters read as they are the perfect escape from real life for a few hours and will literally have you laughing out loud each and every time. Read in public at your own risk!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Absolutely hilarious wacky fun! I always adore an Alice Winters read as they are the perfect escape from real life for a few hours and will literally have you laughing out loud each and every time. Read in public at your own risk!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 30, 2024
Someone on here said Alice Winters writes the same characters every time and they were absolutely right. But I eat it up every time because if it works, it works.
My only complaint is that these books are too long🙈especially given the fact that we've agreed that it's always the same characters. Only the setting changes.
Honestly. Tell me how different this book is from the VRC series. Grumpy vamp x sunshine nuisance human-well, werewolf in this case but still. Big bad trying to cause trouble. Human's family being wary of their relationship. Vamp thinking human deserves better. Delaying to get together for no sensible reason other than plot.
That said, as always, I liked this one. Her books are always incredibly funny. If I feel like laughing, I choose an Alice Winters romance.
A lot of scenes I enjoyed.
The cop scene OH MY GOD 💀💀💀
Y'all are covered in blood/naked and wearing a napkin. And the explanation given to the police officer who pulls you over is....
Julian: It's for a Halloween party.
Police Officer: In May?
Casimir: We're in a cult.
🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️I don't know what I expected but this wasn't it. In a surprising twist of events, Casimir is very incompetent in 'situations'
Also. Casimir being jealous of a donut.
"You should only moan for me."
Julian thinking he'll just not remind Casimir that they're fake dating until hopefully it's 20 years in😂😂😂😂😂😂WHAT?!
Imagining Cas saying 'It's been 20 years, we might as well tell people it's not real' and himself saying 'Eh, we might as well just keep going'. Yeah, Julian. This sounds likely to work.
As always, Michael Ferraiuolo is exceptional on the narration.
My only complaint is that these books are too long🙈especially given the fact that we've agreed that it's always the same characters. Only the setting changes.
Honestly. Tell me how different this book is from the VRC series. Grumpy vamp x sunshine nuisance human-well, werewolf in this case but still. Big bad trying to cause trouble. Human's family being wary of their relationship. Vamp thinking human deserves better. Delaying to get together for no sensible reason other than plot.
That said, as always, I liked this one. Her books are always incredibly funny. If I feel like laughing, I choose an Alice Winters romance.
A lot of scenes I enjoyed.
The cop scene OH MY GOD 💀💀💀
Y'all are covered in blood/naked and wearing a napkin. And the explanation given to the police officer who pulls you over is....
Julian: It's for a Halloween party.
Police Officer: In May?
Casimir: We're in a cult.
🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️I don't know what I expected but this wasn't it. In a surprising twist of events, Casimir is very incompetent in 'situations'
Also. Casimir being jealous of a donut.
"You should only moan for me."
Julian thinking he'll just not remind Casimir that they're fake dating until hopefully it's 20 years in😂😂😂😂😂😂WHAT?!
Imagining Cas saying 'It's been 20 years, we might as well tell people it's not real' and himself saying 'Eh, we might as well just keep going'. Yeah, Julian. This sounds likely to work.
As always, Michael Ferraiuolo is exceptional on the narration.
January 26, 2024
January 2024
Kindle edition
Kindle unlimited
I was home sick yesterday so got through a couple of books. Fell asleep listening to Murderbot so that one doesn't count. This one was a one sitting read that started around 3 and ended half 11. I have no regrets. There was a draggy feeling where I should've taken a break but was so close to the end I wanted to get the last 80 pages done. Then there was only 40 etc etc. In short, I couldn't put it down.
It was fun. Out there in the same way as Miles and Leland but not so awkward or annoying. Except Ezio. You'd think he was the werewolf. I was all in the moment Julian conned the big boss vampire for chocolate money. I liked that there daddy issues were lighthearted and they gave as good as they got antagonizing. Bullying Terrance seemed to be the running gag.
A supernatural murder mystery with a brash leader that wants to do everything on his own and a pup who cares nothing for the divide. Essentially Romeo and Juliet without the dying. The silver poisoning was interesting and quite the defense mechanism against the wolves. The doggy was adorable and there was a continued theme of adorableness throughout. I felt sorry for Cyrus as for the bad guy not so bad guy, I kept thinking alas poor Yorick...Looking forward to the next one and who is out to get Cas.
Kindle edition
Kindle unlimited
I was home sick yesterday so got through a couple of books. Fell asleep listening to Murderbot so that one doesn't count. This one was a one sitting read that started around 3 and ended half 11. I have no regrets. There was a draggy feeling where I should've taken a break but was so close to the end I wanted to get the last 80 pages done. Then there was only 40 etc etc. In short, I couldn't put it down.
It was fun. Out there in the same way as Miles and Leland but not so awkward or annoying. Except Ezio. You'd think he was the werewolf. I was all in the moment Julian conned the big boss vampire for chocolate money. I liked that there daddy issues were lighthearted and they gave as good as they got antagonizing. Bullying Terrance seemed to be the running gag.
A supernatural murder mystery with a brash leader that wants to do everything on his own and a pup who cares nothing for the divide. Essentially Romeo and Juliet without the dying. The silver poisoning was interesting and quite the defense mechanism against the wolves. The doggy was adorable and there was a continued theme of adorableness throughout. I felt sorry for Cyrus as for the bad guy not so bad guy, I kept thinking alas poor Yorick...Looking forward to the next one and who is out to get Cas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
So I usually find Alice Winter’s work both fun and enjoyable. But it’s like she took that sarcastic, funny character personality we’ve seen in other books and dials it up to 11. And gave that personality to every single character in the book. Literally EVERY CHARACTER. Not one of them can take any situation remotely seriously, they all act like sassy 6 year olds.
So I found it really hard to take them seriously, or feel any tension with the plot (not like the characters cared people were getting murdered, why should I?), or any romance/relationship building. Because they were all the same person. I was hardcore skimming by 30% in. Eventually just gave up, because trying to spot the plot amongst the never-ending sarcastic jabs was getting too challenging.
So I found it really hard to take them seriously, or feel any tension with the plot (not like the characters cared people were getting murdered, why should I?), or any romance/relationship building. Because they were all the same person. I was hardcore skimming by 30% in. Eventually just gave up, because trying to spot the plot amongst the never-ending sarcastic jabs was getting too challenging.
February 10, 2024
Laugh out loud funny!
If you're a fan of Alice Winters' humor and writing style you'll utterly enjoy this. Full of banter, snark, and witty repartee 'Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes' was a delight to read. If you like werewolves and vampires fantasy, with action, romance, plenty of humor, and a happy ending check this out. Recommended.
If you're a fan of Alice Winters' humor and writing style you'll utterly enjoy this. Full of banter, snark, and witty repartee 'Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes' was a delight to read. If you like werewolves and vampires fantasy, with action, romance, plenty of humor, and a happy ending check this out. Recommended.
February 15, 2024
Yall...
I am actually unsure of how to review this one.
On the one hand, Alice Winters is back to writing funny stuff again.
On the other hand, I think it really needed someone to keep the story straight.
On the third hand (don't judge), it was like getting a Leland/Leland pairing, which I kind of liked but did not love.
Spoilers ahead
So in the one we have Julian, the feisty natural born wolf shifter and Casimir, head vampire of the area.
They decide to work together after attacks happen to both vamps and wolves. The story is confusing, to be honest. These two pretend to date (as Julian's dad was head wolf until vamp daddy took over).
Usually, you get the sassy and strong bottom who falls for an emotionally unavailable until he meets the sass - straight top (see the assassins guide and the vrc series) but in here, the vamp daddy was not all that tough and had a lot of emotional baggage and Julian was not really sassy or tough.
There was also a distinct lack of sexytimes in here. There was literally one oral scene near the beginning, one kiss at page 330, then a short sexytimes scene near the end that was a blink and you could miss it kind of scene. I prefer my stories to have physical touch, but if you give me a strong emotional connection, then I can live without it, but that was not the case here. And there was a statement by Julian about how this kiss was different than anything they did before because of emotions but there literally wasn't anything happening before then.
Its like maybe chunks of story were missing.
Which is why this only got 4 stars. It did make me laugh, but it could have been five had these two actually been portrayed as falling in love.
I will say that I can't wait til the audio, some of the scenes definitely will be better spoken aloud.
I am actually unsure of how to review this one.
On the one hand, Alice Winters is back to writing funny stuff again.
On the other hand, I think it really needed someone to keep the story straight.
On the third hand (don't judge), it was like getting a Leland/Leland pairing, which I kind of liked but did not love.
Spoilers ahead
So in the one we have Julian, the feisty natural born wolf shifter and Casimir, head vampire of the area.
They decide to work together after attacks happen to both vamps and wolves. The story is confusing, to be honest. These two pretend to date (as Julian's dad was head wolf until vamp daddy took over).
Usually, you get the sassy and strong bottom who falls for an emotionally unavailable until he meets the sass - straight top (see the assassins guide and the vrc series) but in here, the vamp daddy was not all that tough and had a lot of emotional baggage and Julian was not really sassy or tough.
There was also a distinct lack of sexytimes in here. There was literally one oral scene near the beginning, one kiss at page 330, then a short sexytimes scene near the end that was a blink and you could miss it kind of scene. I prefer my stories to have physical touch, but if you give me a strong emotional connection, then I can live without it, but that was not the case here. And there was a statement by Julian about how this kiss was different than anything they did before because of emotions but there literally wasn't anything happening before then.
Its like maybe chunks of story were missing.
Which is why this only got 4 stars. It did make me laugh, but it could have been five had these two actually been portrayed as falling in love.
I will say that I can't wait til the audio, some of the scenes definitely will be better spoken aloud.
February 27, 2025
What can I say that hasn't already been said a hundred times about a typical Alice Winters novel? You always know what to expect, and there is a certain comfort in that. When you're in the mood for them, they're perfect, but no one is walking away from them claiming to have read a masterpiece.
We have the same sunshine/grump duo. In this case, the "sunshine" is a werewolf, and the "grump" is a centuries old vampire.
There is the ever-present banter, though it wasn't as over the top in this story as it has been in some of her other stories.
There is a mystery to solve - who is trying to cause a rift between the vampires and wolves?
Aaand the two MCs are in each other's space so much that they can't help but fall in love with each other. There is zero angst, barely any spice, and the side characters add to the charm.
This author is an acquired taste, and if you like her stories in general, you'll like this one as well.
** I haven't read all of her series, but of those that I have, my top three are Medium Trouble, Shadow's Lure, and The Hitman's Guide. They are all equally good, but be aware that The Hitman's Guide has several (in some cases, horrifyingly) cringe moments. **
We have the same sunshine/grump duo. In this case, the "sunshine" is a werewolf, and the "grump" is a centuries old vampire.
There is the ever-present banter, though it wasn't as over the top in this story as it has been in some of her other stories.
There is a mystery to solve - who is trying to cause a rift between the vampires and wolves?
Aaand the two MCs are in each other's space so much that they can't help but fall in love with each other. There is zero angst, barely any spice, and the side characters add to the charm.
This author is an acquired taste, and if you like her stories in general, you'll like this one as well.
** I haven't read all of her series, but of those that I have, my top three are Medium Trouble, Shadow's Lure, and The Hitman's Guide. They are all equally good, but be aware that The Hitman's Guide has several (in some cases, horrifyingly) cringe moments. **
July 28, 2024
This was a classic Alice Winters story, so you either love it or hate it I think 😅
I happen to enjoy her humour a LOT and had to laugh out loud multiple times listening to the audiobook while riding my bike to work - oh the stares I got 🙈
The narrator does a great job, the urban fantasy setting is a cool twist to the fake-dating trope, the MCs are ridiculous but lovable, the banter as always on point. I enjoyed myself, 3,5-4⭐️
I happen to enjoy her humour a LOT and had to laugh out loud multiple times listening to the audiobook while riding my bike to work - oh the stares I got 🙈
The narrator does a great job, the urban fantasy setting is a cool twist to the fake-dating trope, the MCs are ridiculous but lovable, the banter as always on point. I enjoyed myself, 3,5-4⭐️
December 18, 2024
I. Fucking. Loved. This. Book.
I never laugh while reading books and I was laughing out loud at the banter in this story. It was such a freaking good time.
Not super romance heavy but the plot is great and you really can feel that they very organically fall in love.
Also the side characters? Fucking chefs kiss.
What a fun time.
I never laugh while reading books and I was laughing out loud at the banter in this story. It was such a freaking good time.
Not super romance heavy but the plot is great and you really can feel that they very organically fall in love.
Also the side characters? Fucking chefs kiss.
What a fun time.
February 14, 2024
I like this author a lot, but after 5 days of trying to get through this book I can't do it anymore. DNF at 40%. Every single character talked the same. I appreciate the author's other stories, where there is one outlandish "fun" character, and the rest are voices of reason. Also, it was pretty boring, and I just wasn't invested in any of the drama. I am not sure if it was because the plot is uninteresting, or if I was just so turned off by every single person speaking sarcastically to one another.
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