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The Sleepless City #1
Shades of Sepia
A serial killer stalks the streets of Flint, Ohio. The victims are always found in pairs, one human and one vampire.
Simon Hawthorne has been a vampire for nearly a hundred years, and he has never seen anything like it. Neither have the other supernaturals he works with to keep the streets safe for both their kind and the humans.
One meeting with Simon finds Ben Leyton falling for a man he knows is keeping secrets, but he can't ignore the growing attraction between them. A recent arrival in Flint, Ben finds it very different from his native New Zealand, but something about Simon makes Ben feel as though he's found a new home.
After a close friend falls victim to the killer, Simon is torn between revealing his true nature to Ben, and walking away to avoid the reaction he fears. But with the body count rising and the murders becoming more frequent, either, or both of them, could be the killer's next target.
Simon Hawthorne has been a vampire for nearly a hundred years, and he has never seen anything like it. Neither have the other supernaturals he works with to keep the streets safe for both their kind and the humans.
One meeting with Simon finds Ben Leyton falling for a man he knows is keeping secrets, but he can't ignore the growing attraction between them. A recent arrival in Flint, Ben finds it very different from his native New Zealand, but something about Simon makes Ben feel as though he's found a new home.
After a close friend falls victim to the killer, Simon is torn between revealing his true nature to Ben, and walking away to avoid the reaction he fears. But with the body count rising and the murders becoming more frequent, either, or both of them, could be the killer's next target.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2014
41 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Anne Barwell
23 books108 followersAnne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with two cats who are convinced that the house is run to suit them; this is an ongoing "discussion," and to date it appears as though the cats may be winning.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as "too many." These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of "spare time" is really just a myth.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as "too many." These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of "spare time" is really just a myth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 11, 2014
All right, we all know that when it comes to reviewing, there will always be a subjectivity factor, right? It could be as nitpicky as, oh, you know, my hatred towards excessive endearments, especially “baby”. But, I will try to be as fair as I can when it comes to explaining my rating.
I had likes and dislikes … and interestingly few of these likes and dislikes cancelled each other out, which made it rather difficult for me to think whether it was good or bad. Let’s see:
1) This story has a soul-bond element. Yep, soul-bond … which becomes a basis of insta-attraction and insta-love (as in Simon and Ben hadn’t even “sealed the deal” yet but already the words “I love you” were mentioned by both – only around halfway through the story). That should go to my negative column. But at the same time, Simon and Ben didn’t immediately have sex with each other, which was definitely a plus point.
2) This story had multiple dead bodies in it – wait, that sounded wrong, didn’t it? But yeah, it had multiple murders. I love my murder mysteries. In fact, the more gruesome it is, the more exciting it should be for me. Unfortunately, the story was rather light in the mystery, and I did feel that the investigation took a back seat several times, to make way for Simon and Ben and their relationship. So yes, I did wish it was ‘darker’ and focused on the mystery rather than the romance – but that’s how I roll.
3) The villain was well described and seemed like a worthy opponent that threatens the lives of our main characters. However, the resolution for this was rushed and rather anti-climactic in my opinion.
4) The romance became way too sappy for my taste with the constant “I love you”s and a bit too much waterworks. Fortunately, I liked the idea of Flint as a city where human and supernatural creatures actually had a treaty of sorts, which enabled them to live peacefully side by side. I liked that Simon worked as a professor with his friends Forge and Lucas worked at Flint Police Department – and these two characters (Forge and Lucas) had an easy going attitude around them, which helped balancing the rather sappy romance.
So with all these elements, I’ve decided to settle with the ‘okay’ rating.
I had likes and dislikes … and interestingly few of these likes and dislikes cancelled each other out, which made it rather difficult for me to think whether it was good or bad. Let’s see:
1) This story has a soul-bond element. Yep, soul-bond … which becomes a basis of insta-attraction and insta-love (as in Simon and Ben hadn’t even “sealed the deal” yet but already the words “I love you” were mentioned by both – only around halfway through the story). That should go to my negative column. But at the same time, Simon and Ben didn’t immediately have sex with each other, which was definitely a plus point.
2) This story had multiple dead bodies in it – wait, that sounded wrong, didn’t it? But yeah, it had multiple murders. I love my murder mysteries. In fact, the more gruesome it is, the more exciting it should be for me. Unfortunately, the story was rather light in the mystery, and I did feel that the investigation took a back seat several times, to make way for Simon and Ben and their relationship. So yes, I did wish it was ‘darker’ and focused on the mystery rather than the romance – but that’s how I roll.
3) The villain was well described and seemed like a worthy opponent that threatens the lives of our main characters. However, the resolution for this was rushed and rather anti-climactic in my opinion.
4) The romance became way too sappy for my taste with the constant “I love you”s and a bit too much waterworks. Fortunately, I liked the idea of Flint as a city where human and supernatural creatures actually had a treaty of sorts, which enabled them to live peacefully side by side. I liked that Simon worked as a professor with his friends Forge and Lucas worked at Flint Police Department – and these two characters (Forge and Lucas) had an easy going attitude around them, which helped balancing the rather sappy romance.
So with all these elements, I’ve decided to settle with the ‘okay’ rating.
May 1, 2017
2 Stars
In that first scene there was no chemistry. It was awkward.
Flint isn't at one end of the country--it's in the middle. Why would a photographer go to Flint unless he wanted to photograph despair and poverty?
If there have been three murders so far, why hasn't there been anything said about half the victims not showing up in the photos (vampires don't photograph we're told later on)?
Still no chemistry at all, up to page 52, when Ben has only seen Simon twice, he's already in love. I can tolerate instalove if there's a very good reason for it, but this is ridiculous.
Example where the lack of chemistry and stilted dialog meet:
I'm having trouble buying this intense love between them which is over the top. They're getting a little too sappy even for me. They cry way too easily. Both even cried during great sex once. Odd because it was boring and not at all hot.
The dialog in the final confrontation was so bad it sounded like a TV cartoon. It was all way too easy, too. The explanation was pathetic.
I don't get why being a vampire is bad in this world that the author has created. It sounds wonderful. They can go out in sunlight, they can eat, they live as long as they want to free from disease and illness. Where's the bad? Sure a stake through the heart would kill them but that would kill anyone. Silver is poisonous but no more than acid is to a human and about as likely a problem unless someone is trying to kill you.
This just wasn't very good.
In that first scene there was no chemistry. It was awkward.
Flint isn't at one end of the country--it's in the middle. Why would a photographer go to Flint unless he wanted to photograph despair and poverty?
If there have been three murders so far, why hasn't there been anything said about half the victims not showing up in the photos (vampires don't photograph we're told later on)?
Still no chemistry at all, up to page 52, when Ben has only seen Simon twice, he's already in love. I can tolerate instalove if there's a very good reason for it, but this is ridiculous.
Example where the lack of chemistry and stilted dialog meet:
“I… um….” Simon cleared his throat. “I’m not interested in her, Ben, or anyone else. I’m interested in you. That’s what I meant when I said I was already taken. By you. Is that all right?”The fact that a vampire's or other immortal's soul mate has a human life span has always bothered me. It's cruel and lonely for the vampire. It's weird that the subject never came up in regards to them. It's been mentioned a couple of times but without any worry or angst. Weird.
“Oh.”
“So is that a yes?” Lucas glanced between them. “Put me out of my misery, here.”
“That’s a yes,” Ben said. At least for now, while they figured out whether this relationship had the potential to be something more long-term.
I'm having trouble buying this intense love between them which is over the top. They're getting a little too sappy even for me. They cry way too easily. Both even cried during great sex once. Odd because it was boring and not at all hot.
The dialog in the final confrontation was so bad it sounded like a TV cartoon. It was all way too easy, too. The explanation was pathetic.
I don't get why being a vampire is bad in this world that the author has created. It sounds wonderful. They can go out in sunlight, they can eat, they live as long as they want to free from disease and illness. Where's the bad? Sure a stake through the heart would kill them but that would kill anyone. Silver is poisonous but no more than acid is to a human and about as likely a problem unless someone is trying to kill you.
This just wasn't very good.
February 2, 2014
This was a nice start to a paranormal series. I liked the MC's a great deal. It was sweet, romantic, and not terribly dark. There was the obligatory romantic-paranormal use of "mine" that I like so much, yes, I am a sucker for that word. And the soul-mate-bond insta-love I also need. They are mandatory for me in romantic paranormals. It was sexy, although there was not a lot of sex - and there was one VERY inventive scene involving a mirror, mmm mmm. Review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
January 31, 2014
5 unrestrained sexy stars for Shades of Sepia! Anne Barwell’s vampires, werewolves, and yes, even humans live vividly in the pages of this novel, and on the streets of a thoroughly reimagined Flint, Ohio. Bonded souls, bloodlust, and murder wreak havoc on the lives of Ben Leyton—a rather happy-go-lucky guy transplanted from New Zealand—and serious, soulful vampire Simon Hawthorne. Attraction is too soft a word for what happens between them when they meet, but little does either of them know that the more they court each other, the more they court danger.
In a world where not all vampires are cold, loveless creatures of the night, it might still be challenging for a human to accept the love he needs from a man who fears his own capacity for violence—even if he vows to use it for your protection. On the other hand, oh-my-god sex might make that a little easier. Author Anne Barwell has written some sexy nuggets before, but she’s given us over the top heat here, both of the slow burn variety and the kind of sex that explodes off the page. In the mix: a park bench, a mirror, some fangs, and a little dominance. That’s all I’m going to say; if you want more—and believe me, you do—read the book.
But sex isn’t the whole story, by far. The romance between these two souls is about as haunting—and haunted—as it gets, and though it’s “sweet as” (read the book to interpret that phrase), barriers arise out of both past and present that may never be overcome. As for the suspense? Well, to illustrate, at one point I got so anxious that I slapped my e-reader down and shouted, “Oh my god, Ben! Forget the (expletive) tea!” So yeah, edge of my seat, really. I can’t say much more without venturing into spoiler territory, but here’s my recommendation for readers. If you enjoy characters that come alive, paranormal M/M romance that’s hot and sexy, emotional, a little angsty, a little funny, and full of suspense, you will certainly love this book. I did, and I plan to love it again, soon.
(Note: Authors Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Noble have imagined this world, called The Sleepless City together, and plan to write alternating novels set here. I’m looking forward to the next!)
In a world where not all vampires are cold, loveless creatures of the night, it might still be challenging for a human to accept the love he needs from a man who fears his own capacity for violence—even if he vows to use it for your protection. On the other hand, oh-my-god sex might make that a little easier. Author Anne Barwell has written some sexy nuggets before, but she’s given us over the top heat here, both of the slow burn variety and the kind of sex that explodes off the page. In the mix: a park bench, a mirror, some fangs, and a little dominance. That’s all I’m going to say; if you want more—and believe me, you do—read the book.
But sex isn’t the whole story, by far. The romance between these two souls is about as haunting—and haunted—as it gets, and though it’s “sweet as” (read the book to interpret that phrase), barriers arise out of both past and present that may never be overcome. As for the suspense? Well, to illustrate, at one point I got so anxious that I slapped my e-reader down and shouted, “Oh my god, Ben! Forget the (expletive) tea!” So yeah, edge of my seat, really. I can’t say much more without venturing into spoiler territory, but here’s my recommendation for readers. If you enjoy characters that come alive, paranormal M/M romance that’s hot and sexy, emotional, a little angsty, a little funny, and full of suspense, you will certainly love this book. I did, and I plan to love it again, soon.
(Note: Authors Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Noble have imagined this world, called The Sleepless City together, and plan to write alternating novels set here. I’m looking forward to the next!)
April 17, 2014
I ADORED the vampire in the book... because it's not as the "usual" vampire. There were some interesting original ideas about vampires behave and what their are. I LIKED IT.
I was in the mood for a paranormal-romance and that's exactly what I got! Yes, romance , and I will stress it. It's VERY romantic. A lot of "I love you", "I can't live without you" in their speech, and I appreciated it a lot.
I got this book, and now MUST read also the sequel Electric Candle...because I have to know more about other characters! This book (obviously) put under the spotlight just two, Simon and Ben, but I WANT to know more also about the secondary characters: Lucas, Forge and even Blair!
I was in the mood for a paranormal-romance and that's exactly what I got! Yes, romance , and I will stress it. It's VERY romantic. A lot of "I love you", "I can't live without you" in their speech, and I appreciated it a lot.
I got this book, and now MUST read also the sequel Electric Candle...because I have to know more about other characters! This book (obviously) put under the spotlight just two, Simon and Ben, but I WANT to know more also about the secondary characters: Lucas, Forge and even Blair!
July 19, 2019
I wanted to like it
3.25 ⭐️
I wanted to like this more than I did.
The bones of the story was good and the idea had merit it was just that all of the characters were too nice, and I just wanted more in some way. Both Simon and Ben bordered on cheesy at times, but I still kind of want to continue on and read the next one to see if it’s the same.
3.25 ⭐️
I wanted to like this more than I did.
The bones of the story was good and the idea had merit it was just that all of the characters were too nice, and I just wanted more in some way. Both Simon and Ben bordered on cheesy at times, but I still kind of want to continue on and read the next one to see if it’s the same.
August 7, 2021
This is a good book. I really enjoyed. The characters are authentic and very passionate. Simon is a vampire and Ben is human. Simon follows Ben around a park to get up the nerve to meet him. As it turns out, they are fated mates. So happily ever after right? No, not quite, there is a killer in the town who kills victims in pairs, one human and one vampire. Simon is part of a group who works to keep paranormals in check and humans safe. Before he and Ben can explore what they have, the killer must be stopped.
March 3, 2014
This was an okay story. I don't remember too many problems with grammar and such, but it has been a couple of days and I usually only really remember extremely bad problems or things that bug me more than others, like "I'd just assume as". Ugh.
The problem here is that I went into this story with some slightly preconceived notions and definite preferences and this book didn't meet them.
- I was expecting a more of a mystery, some danger and excitement, or at least some detective work. It was there, if I squinted, really hard.
- There are vampires here but they are basically the emasculated version and totally turned me off. These are the angsty, gnashing and wailing "OMG I've drunk human blood..I shall NEVER do such a horrid thing again!!!!!!!!" type of vampires. (only they didn't even bother to angst much) I find those a terrible turn off. Why even bother to write about a vampire that isn't a vampire? He takes his blood ice cubes in his milk...I just don't even have words for how lame I find this. Besides, milk, yuck. Then we are supposed to believe that he is basically the equivalent of an addict and can't be around blood or he will fang out, or something. But we are only told this. I can handle the angsty, gnashing vampires if you actually show them struggling with the need to drink blood from a person throughout the story. That didn't happen here, so I wasn't feeling it.
Those two things really messed up the story for me. Then there were little thoughts, like why is almost everyone in this story (that is set in the U.S.) from some other country? I don't have a problem with people from other countries, I just thought it was a weird little thing that kept nagging at me. Didn't affect my rating or anything, it was just different.
There is insta-love here, due to a soul bond, which wasn't too bad as there wasn't also insta-sex. But on the whole, I was really expecting something a little darker, a little meatier and a lot more mysterious. Instead I got fluff. *shrug* That will teach me to assume. I really should know better by now, but hope springs eternal and all that.
The problem here is that I went into this story with some slightly preconceived notions and definite preferences and this book didn't meet them.
- I was expecting a more of a mystery, some danger and excitement, or at least some detective work. It was there, if I squinted, really hard.
- There are vampires here but they are basically the emasculated version and totally turned me off. These are the angsty, gnashing and wailing "OMG I've drunk human blood..I shall NEVER do such a horrid thing again!!!!!!!!" type of vampires. (only they didn't even bother to angst much) I find those a terrible turn off. Why even bother to write about a vampire that isn't a vampire? He takes his blood ice cubes in his milk...I just don't even have words for how lame I find this. Besides, milk, yuck. Then we are supposed to believe that he is basically the equivalent of an addict and can't be around blood or he will fang out, or something. But we are only told this. I can handle the angsty, gnashing vampires if you actually show them struggling with the need to drink blood from a person throughout the story. That didn't happen here, so I wasn't feeling it.
Those two things really messed up the story for me. Then there were little thoughts, like why is almost everyone in this story (that is set in the U.S.) from some other country? I don't have a problem with people from other countries, I just thought it was a weird little thing that kept nagging at me. Didn't affect my rating or anything, it was just different.
There is insta-love here, due to a soul bond, which wasn't too bad as there wasn't also insta-sex. But on the whole, I was really expecting something a little darker, a little meatier and a lot more mysterious. Instead I got fluff. *shrug* That will teach me to assume. I really should know better by now, but hope springs eternal and all that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2016
I started this book knowing some of the characters already from reading Code Name: Jack Rabbit by Elizabeth Noble, so some of the characters I'm already endeared to and may be a little biased :)
reading CNJR, I just knew there was some sort of underlying story that I was missing, so Elizabeth led me here. I have to say I am not disappointed.
We're some of the things predictable? yeah, maybe, But not everything.
The book had a "calmness" to it, I can't really explain. Maybe because Simon seemed so old fashioned and demure? I loved his and Ben's meeting and the secret behind how it was even possible. The mirror scene? Ho boy, that was pretty hot, in a very supernatural way.
My favorite character is Lucas though, and I reaaaallly can't wait to get to his story. I also need to see more of this ghost, Mr. Boggs, he seems like an awesome bloke.
reading CNJR, I just knew there was some sort of underlying story that I was missing, so Elizabeth led me here. I have to say I am not disappointed.
We're some of the things predictable? yeah, maybe, But not everything.
The book had a "calmness" to it, I can't really explain. Maybe because Simon seemed so old fashioned and demure? I loved his and Ben's meeting and the secret behind how it was even possible. The mirror scene? Ho boy, that was pretty hot, in a very supernatural way.
My favorite character is Lucas though, and I reaaaallly can't wait to get to his story. I also need to see more of this ghost, Mr. Boggs, he seems like an awesome bloke.
June 19, 2022
Thin plot, the characters are interesting, but I would have liked more time spent on developing the relationship between the MCs and more time spent on explaining the mystery.
3.5 stars [ETA 2019] The more I listen, the more I like this story. It helps that the later stories add to the overall plot and character development.
[ETA 2022] Just finished the updated version of this story. A much smoother read and, while it's still a bit thin, I still enjoy this story.
3.5 stars [ETA 2019] The more I listen, the more I like this story. It helps that the later stories add to the overall plot and character development.
[ETA 2022] Just finished the updated version of this story. A much smoother read and, while it's still a bit thin, I still enjoy this story.
May 15, 2014
While I didn't find either of these books (the sequel to this, "Electric Candle," by Elizabeth Noble) compelling in their writing, I love the premise and the paranormal-as-normal world these two women create for their "Sleepless City" series. "Shades of Sepia" is nicely written and well plotted---don't feel that I'm complaining. I just wasn't as caught up in the narrative as I would have liked to have been. It is a very creative and interesting world Barwell has made.
My personal fondness for paranormals coping in the modern world with all their baggage, historical and emotional, was most gratified by this novel. In particular, Simon Hawthorne, the gentle, courtly college professor right out of a victorian novel--is charmingly out of place in small-city middle America. His flirtatious house-mate and city coroner Lucas Coate, is the archetypal American party boy--except that he's gay and a werewolf. Jonas Forge, who gets a fuller treatment in the second book, is the hard-bitten detective--except that he's been in America since the 18th century and has a gentle heart that he hides under his gruff vampire cop exterior.
And then there's Boggs, ghostly retainer, who shares in the lives of these marginalized men and in them has found a family suitable to his personality and the eccentric mansion he built. I do hope Boggs gets more page time in future books--but I'm not sure what sort of romance a ghost can have!
Finally, the wild card, there's Ben, innocent and very much human. He's the New Zealander on his OE (overseas experience, which is a thing, I've met many young folk from NZ and Australia on their year away)...who finds himself on the shores of Lake Erie rather than in the usual hangouts for young Kiwis abroad (NY, LA, San Francisco). What at first seems like coincidence turns out to be something rather more, making for one of my favorite points in the carefully spun tale of love and murder.
This series, to me, would make such a fun television series along the lines of "Being Human," but for the fact that the characters succeed in blending in without killing people, and of course, they're all gay. That would never do in mainstream TV, alas. So we'll have to rely on Barwell and Noble to keep our fantasies going.
My personal fondness for paranormals coping in the modern world with all their baggage, historical and emotional, was most gratified by this novel. In particular, Simon Hawthorne, the gentle, courtly college professor right out of a victorian novel--is charmingly out of place in small-city middle America. His flirtatious house-mate and city coroner Lucas Coate, is the archetypal American party boy--except that he's gay and a werewolf. Jonas Forge, who gets a fuller treatment in the second book, is the hard-bitten detective--except that he's been in America since the 18th century and has a gentle heart that he hides under his gruff vampire cop exterior.
And then there's Boggs, ghostly retainer, who shares in the lives of these marginalized men and in them has found a family suitable to his personality and the eccentric mansion he built. I do hope Boggs gets more page time in future books--but I'm not sure what sort of romance a ghost can have!
Finally, the wild card, there's Ben, innocent and very much human. He's the New Zealander on his OE (overseas experience, which is a thing, I've met many young folk from NZ and Australia on their year away)...who finds himself on the shores of Lake Erie rather than in the usual hangouts for young Kiwis abroad (NY, LA, San Francisco). What at first seems like coincidence turns out to be something rather more, making for one of my favorite points in the carefully spun tale of love and murder.
This series, to me, would make such a fun television series along the lines of "Being Human," but for the fact that the characters succeed in blending in without killing people, and of course, they're all gay. That would never do in mainstream TV, alas. So we'll have to rely on Barwell and Noble to keep our fantasies going.
September 15, 2020
I did enjoy this but I had one little niggle which is a fault of my own job. Ben is from New Zealand and is taking a year off to explore the world. He ends up in a small town recommended by his Grandfather and starts working at a coffee shop. Okay. He probably has one of those working youth visas. Then he meets Simon and obviously they will be together forever and i kept thinking "He can't just move to the US, what about a green card? visa? Permanent residency?" Okay, so if the vamps can get driver's licenses which make them perpetually young I suppose they can get him fake id to stay but even though it's not discussed I just kept thinking that. LOL Like I said, my issue.
Also I was kind of put off by the best friend. It's always the overprotective female trope. OMG, you went for coffee with someone you don't know? He's moved to a new country. Is he never allowed to make friends? He doesn't know ANYONE. Everyone is a stranger. OMG, you slept with him? Um. While he says he's not a fall into bed kind of guy, he's a 23 year old gay man. She sounded like she was his Grandma. I just don't want you to get hurt. Jesus. Do people REALLY want to wrap their friends up in bubble wrap like that? To me it's creepy and I'd be telling her to back off. He was an adult.
Okay, so that was two niggles. LOL But I liked Simon's roommate/friends. And I knew what was coming with the bad guy (I've read a few with that theme lately) but despite the annoying friend (who mostly had a small part) and my fretting about his visa situation, I enjoyed it and will check out the other stories I think.
Also I was kind of put off by the best friend. It's always the overprotective female trope. OMG, you went for coffee with someone you don't know? He's moved to a new country. Is he never allowed to make friends? He doesn't know ANYONE. Everyone is a stranger. OMG, you slept with him? Um. While he says he's not a fall into bed kind of guy, he's a 23 year old gay man. She sounded like she was his Grandma. I just don't want you to get hurt. Jesus. Do people REALLY want to wrap their friends up in bubble wrap like that? To me it's creepy and I'd be telling her to back off. He was an adult.
Okay, so that was two niggles. LOL But I liked Simon's roommate/friends. And I knew what was coming with the bad guy (I've read a few with that theme lately) but despite the annoying friend (who mostly had a small part) and my fretting about his visa situation, I enjoyed it and will check out the other stories I think.
April 30, 2016
I'm a big fan of a setup where paranormals mingle with human society, may it secretly or openly. Reading about how totally different cultures have to deal with each other is something I like to enjoy. So Shades of Sepia seemed to be exactly what I like to read but unfortunately there were some points that kept my "enjoyment" a minimum.
I didn't always understand why the characters did what they did. There was always an explanation for their behaviour afterwards somehow, though, but it was more telling not showing. Can't say that the character development was a good one either and I still don't know anything about how the different species are able to live together. There's a council mentioned and it seems like humans, werewolfs and vampires are part of it but how it works or if there are other paranormals that are just not represented (like the one ghost) we don't get to know. So also the world building is lacking. And the romance part? Oh, the guys are cute somehow but also here it's more telling than showing and the insta-love aspect of the soul bond isn't helping much. Maybe in the end I have to downgrade to 2 stars eventually.
I didn't always understand why the characters did what they did. There was always an explanation for their behaviour afterwards somehow, though, but it was more telling not showing. Can't say that the character development was a good one either and I still don't know anything about how the different species are able to live together. There's a council mentioned and it seems like humans, werewolfs and vampires are part of it but how it works or if there are other paranormals that are just not represented (like the one ghost) we don't get to know. So also the world building is lacking. And the romance part? Oh, the guys are cute somehow but also here it's more telling than showing and the insta-love aspect of the soul bond isn't helping much. Maybe in the end I have to downgrade to 2 stars eventually.
September 29, 2014
I'm not a great reader of crime/mystery type stories so I wasn't sure what to expect. To me the book was strongly about the Simon and Ben's relationship with the murders intruding on their getting to know each other.
The book started off slow whilst establishing the backgrounds of Ben and Simon. It was fun to read phrases I considered normal then have them explained because the people of Flint didn't understand. That alternate point of view it what probably kept me reading. Ben was from New Zealand.
I also felt like this was not book one of a series but more like book 3. We were dropped into the middle of a group of characters that I felt like we should have met before. After a fair bit of background development that problem was solved.
Overall, I liked the book and want to find out more about the characters who live at Bogg's Castle. A rather negative feature was, unfortunatley, Simon's character. What a wuss! I only recall once instance of him showing any strength, and that was inner strength. I was up to Boggs, Forge and Lucas to tell us Simon is much stronger than that. Hopefully he will get the chance to show us in book 2.
The book started off slow whilst establishing the backgrounds of Ben and Simon. It was fun to read phrases I considered normal then have them explained because the people of Flint didn't understand. That alternate point of view it what probably kept me reading. Ben was from New Zealand.
I also felt like this was not book one of a series but more like book 3. We were dropped into the middle of a group of characters that I felt like we should have met before. After a fair bit of background development that problem was solved.
Overall, I liked the book and want to find out more about the characters who live at Bogg's Castle. A rather negative feature was, unfortunatley, Simon's character. What a wuss! I only recall once instance of him showing any strength, and that was inner strength. I was up to Boggs, Forge and Lucas to tell us Simon is much stronger than that. Hopefully he will get the chance to show us in book 2.
March 14, 2014
I have read more supernatural books than any other genre. There are the shifters that come in all shapes, sizes, and attitudes. Then there are the vampires; they come in many various types also. In some books they all live happily in harmony with one another, and in some books they are mortal enemies. This book has a little of both. Plus, we have the added dimension of the humans in the story. Some of the humans know about the supes, some don’t. More than that, though, some humans seem as if they don’t want to know what is right in front of their faces. These humans accept the fact that a man has been a professor at the local college for going on sixty years and hasn’t aged a day. That man would be Simon Hawthorne, and this book is his story, as well as his soulmate’s, Ben Leyton.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
August 12, 2020
Ben sees a vampire in the park he likes to photograph in the twilight hours to catch a certain light. He catches the light, but not a picture of the man he lusts after. Simon knows Ben is his mate, but hides out as he Hu...hum watches the young man. Finally with enough nerve, Simon introduces himself, but obviously not that he is a vampire. Ben has been drawn to Simon and his New Zealand colloquialisms throw Simon off. Simon is more than a professor, he is also one of the supernatural enforcers to keep the humans safe. Murders are happening and they are on the verge of exposing vampires. Somehow Simon and Ben are caught up in the center and soon their lives are at threat. Murder, kidnapping, revenge, delusions of a mate bond, torture, mind control and lots of other stuff is happening in this book. The vampires have the classic look and many of the original attributes. A good murder mystery for us who likes vampire stories.
February 5, 2014
2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
The first thought I had about this book once I started reading was “oh my, another Twilight wannabe”. I haven’t been disabused of that notion. The characters might as well been named Edward-wannabe and Bella-wannabe. Harsh? Don’t think so.
So you might have gathered that I didn’t like this book. That’d be right, but not because it tried so hard to resemble another book, it was also the fact that for me, this was badly written...
Read the entire review here.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
The first thought I had about this book once I started reading was “oh my, another Twilight wannabe”. I haven’t been disabused of that notion. The characters might as well been named Edward-wannabe and Bella-wannabe. Harsh? Don’t think so.
So you might have gathered that I didn’t like this book. That’d be right, but not because it tried so hard to resemble another book, it was also the fact that for me, this was badly written...
Read the entire review here.
Thommie
January 26, 2015
Argh! This got great reviews so I am wondering what everyone saw in it that I could not find. I was annoyed by both of the main characters, the dialogue, and plot(?) were clique as hell. I listened to this as an audiobook, and skipped through all the sex scenes, it is hard to listen to pointless sex when one dislikes the couple. Also, sometimes I would say the lines out loud because they were expectedly uncreative; "I've never felt like this for anyone before" "you make me feel again" "I love you no matter what happens". *choked barfing noises*
February 25, 2018
Story: 8
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 6
Mystery: 5
Sexual tension: 5
Humor: 5
Hotness: 6
Product placement: 5
Ridiculousness: 4
Annoying: 2
Audio: 8
To re-read: 6
interesting. Could've been better, something was missing but I'm not sure what. Still I want to read next book
twink vampires, horny werewolf, ex-lover stalker, and photography.
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 6
Mystery: 5
Sexual tension: 5
Humor: 5
Hotness: 6
Product placement: 5
Ridiculousness: 4
Annoying: 2
Audio: 8
To re-read: 6
interesting. Could've been better, something was missing but I'm not sure what. Still I want to read next book
twink vampires, horny werewolf, ex-lover stalker, and photography.
September 22, 2015
2nd read 9/15
This was definitely a different type of vampire story and I loved it. The writing, plot and characters were all great – definitely a reread in the future. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series.
This was definitely a different type of vampire story and I loved it. The writing, plot and characters were all great – definitely a reread in the future. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series.
January 26, 2017
Disappointing
This is some sappy, sugary writing that made my teeth ache. And my eyes roll. The story and most of the characters lacked depth and breadth. Our protagonists acted like a couple of high schoolers. Not impressed with this introduction to the series.
This is some sappy, sugary writing that made my teeth ache. And my eyes roll. The story and most of the characters lacked depth and breadth. Our protagonists acted like a couple of high schoolers. Not impressed with this introduction to the series.
not-for-me
March 1, 2018I just wasn't feeling it--too slow and no chemistry between the mc's at the 30% mark - I'm giving up.
July 13, 2020
Anne Barwell delivers the re-edited version of “Shades of Sepia” of “The Sleepless City” series that was first introduced in 2014. This is an interesting type of murder mystery with an abundance of supernatural characters that are sure to peak the interest of paranormal readers. This first novel gives the reader an in-depth look at Ben Leyton and Simon Hawthorne and the team of Supernatural Investigators.
Ben Leyton, has completed his college degree and is drawn to do something new. He’s from New Zealand and has taken an overseas trip to Ohio. He’s taken with photography and spends some of his time working and looking for unique pictures to photograph. Ben has a best friend Ange Duncan, who he skype’s with often. Ange is like a mother hen and quite the investigator when it concerns Ben.
Simon Hawthorne is a professor of history. He’s seeking out his soulmate who just happens to be Ben. But Simon has been dealt a very rough hand, he’s lost two lovers and made a mistake and his confidence level has severely diminished. When he finally meets Ben he’s more than nervous and he knowns he has to be completely honest with Ben or walk away. Simon also knows his past keeps hanging over his head and he can’t forget the evilness that encompassed it.
Simon along with the Supernatural Investigators find themselves connected to the strange murders going on in Boggslake. Six murders and each time there is an unusual pairing. The investigation leads them to others cases that are similar. When the case blows wide open it becomes dangerous and deadly to both Ben and Simon.
Anne Barwell creates a very eclectic group of residents and Supernatural Investigators that reside at Boggs Castle. Jonas Forge is a Detective for Boggslake Police Department. He’s very much like an older brother to Simon. He always seems to give solid advice to anyone who needs a helping hand. He also seems to have something from his past that haunts him. Lucas Coate is the coroner and works in the field for Boggslake Police Department. He’s brilliant at what he does but he’s also a jokester. Just not sure when to take him seriously. But he’s loyal to his friends. Mr. Boggs is the original owner of Boggs Castle and you never know where he’ll show up. And of course, Moose! There’s also Blair who insists to be called Alucard but it’s not working. He’s the young and gifted computer hacker, son of a former FBI contact of Forges. He’s into comics. But he doesn’t live at Boggs Castle and does he even have a clue who he’s exactly working with.
Along with the fascinating character building Anne Barwell does some interesting world building. She gives us a break down of how the Supernatural Investigators work within the different cities and the human population. There’s also the relationship of werewolf vs. vampires and how the struggle exists for them to live in the same world.
I highly recommend “The Sleepless City” series for those that crave variety in the supernatural. There’s humor, action, emotional moments, with suspense and terror. For me, I had fun re-visiting all the characters along with an amazing tale. Anne Barwell is re-editing and will be releasing the other installments in “The “Sleepless City” series and I’ll be watching for their release!
Ben Leyton, has completed his college degree and is drawn to do something new. He’s from New Zealand and has taken an overseas trip to Ohio. He’s taken with photography and spends some of his time working and looking for unique pictures to photograph. Ben has a best friend Ange Duncan, who he skype’s with often. Ange is like a mother hen and quite the investigator when it concerns Ben.
Simon Hawthorne is a professor of history. He’s seeking out his soulmate who just happens to be Ben. But Simon has been dealt a very rough hand, he’s lost two lovers and made a mistake and his confidence level has severely diminished. When he finally meets Ben he’s more than nervous and he knowns he has to be completely honest with Ben or walk away. Simon also knows his past keeps hanging over his head and he can’t forget the evilness that encompassed it.
Simon along with the Supernatural Investigators find themselves connected to the strange murders going on in Boggslake. Six murders and each time there is an unusual pairing. The investigation leads them to others cases that are similar. When the case blows wide open it becomes dangerous and deadly to both Ben and Simon.
Anne Barwell creates a very eclectic group of residents and Supernatural Investigators that reside at Boggs Castle. Jonas Forge is a Detective for Boggslake Police Department. He’s very much like an older brother to Simon. He always seems to give solid advice to anyone who needs a helping hand. He also seems to have something from his past that haunts him. Lucas Coate is the coroner and works in the field for Boggslake Police Department. He’s brilliant at what he does but he’s also a jokester. Just not sure when to take him seriously. But he’s loyal to his friends. Mr. Boggs is the original owner of Boggs Castle and you never know where he’ll show up. And of course, Moose! There’s also Blair who insists to be called Alucard but it’s not working. He’s the young and gifted computer hacker, son of a former FBI contact of Forges. He’s into comics. But he doesn’t live at Boggs Castle and does he even have a clue who he’s exactly working with.
Along with the fascinating character building Anne Barwell does some interesting world building. She gives us a break down of how the Supernatural Investigators work within the different cities and the human population. There’s also the relationship of werewolf vs. vampires and how the struggle exists for them to live in the same world.
I highly recommend “The Sleepless City” series for those that crave variety in the supernatural. There’s humor, action, emotional moments, with suspense and terror. For me, I had fun re-visiting all the characters along with an amazing tale. Anne Barwell is re-editing and will be releasing the other installments in “The “Sleepless City” series and I’ll be watching for their release!
January 26, 2024
good characters, soulmates, instant love
Rating: 3.5🌈
I’ve read this series out of order and this probably has hurt the way in which I have viewed the first story, Shades of Sepia.
I’m already familiar with the couple and characters here. Also how the events of this story unfolded and were resolved. I read it basically to complete the series and grab up any new information or missing details before heading into the series finale.
I liked getting to know Ben Leyton, a New Zealand human drawn to Boggslake, Ohio because of an old photograph from his grandfather. He’s a wonderful, relatable character. Simon Hawthorne, vampire with a terrifying past, is a quiet presence here against the vibrancy that’s Ben.
I liked them but my main quibble here is the rushed relationship. There’s no foundation, no chemistry at the beginning. Yes a feel for a realistic dynamic comes later in the book, but at the beginning, it’s all soulmate, insta-love ‘oh, I love you’ type of relationship and I just think it comes across as flawed and flat.
Especially when viewed against the funny, partly antagonistic tone of the one that emerges from Electric Candle with Blair and Forge. That is one that’s slowly grown and, even with a soulmate bond, definitely not an instant love connection. As I said, series should be read in order.
I thought the second half of the story and plot was better constructed. But again, I had the advantage of reading books 2 and 3 . For me, I enjoyed it but got frustrated that the investigation into the murders was simply too slow to see what was going on around the main characters. And major plot points weren’t followed through on, another issue which bothered me.
For me , there’s a large amount of sex to the exclusion of character and relationship development. Instead of giving the reader information about what exactly happened to certain characters, what did the investigation reveal, and some more vampire bonding details, we get sex.
It’s not as satisfying as it sounds.
So while there are some good things about this book. The characters themselves are lovely, some really nice moments individually, the whole story doesn’t come across as strongly as the book that follow.
It’s still a rec for me. It a good lead in to a terrific series. Read them in the order they are written.
The Sleepless City:
- [x] Shades of Sepia #1 by Elizabeth Noble
- [x] Electric Candle #2 by Elizabeth Noble
- [x] Family and Reflection #3 by Anne Barwell
- [ ] Shifting Chaos #4 by Anne Barwell
Sequel Series:
The Vampire Guard by Elizabeth Noble:
- [ ] Code Name: Jack Rabbit #1
- [ ] Quarry #2
- [ ] Endosymbiont #3
Rating: 3.5🌈
I’ve read this series out of order and this probably has hurt the way in which I have viewed the first story, Shades of Sepia.
I’m already familiar with the couple and characters here. Also how the events of this story unfolded and were resolved. I read it basically to complete the series and grab up any new information or missing details before heading into the series finale.
I liked getting to know Ben Leyton, a New Zealand human drawn to Boggslake, Ohio because of an old photograph from his grandfather. He’s a wonderful, relatable character. Simon Hawthorne, vampire with a terrifying past, is a quiet presence here against the vibrancy that’s Ben.
I liked them but my main quibble here is the rushed relationship. There’s no foundation, no chemistry at the beginning. Yes a feel for a realistic dynamic comes later in the book, but at the beginning, it’s all soulmate, insta-love ‘oh, I love you’ type of relationship and I just think it comes across as flawed and flat.
Especially when viewed against the funny, partly antagonistic tone of the one that emerges from Electric Candle with Blair and Forge. That is one that’s slowly grown and, even with a soulmate bond, definitely not an instant love connection. As I said, series should be read in order.
I thought the second half of the story and plot was better constructed. But again, I had the advantage of reading books 2 and 3 . For me, I enjoyed it but got frustrated that the investigation into the murders was simply too slow to see what was going on around the main characters. And major plot points weren’t followed through on, another issue which bothered me.
For me , there’s a large amount of sex to the exclusion of character and relationship development. Instead of giving the reader information about what exactly happened to certain characters, what did the investigation reveal, and some more vampire bonding details, we get sex.
It’s not as satisfying as it sounds.
So while there are some good things about this book. The characters themselves are lovely, some really nice moments individually, the whole story doesn’t come across as strongly as the book that follow.
It’s still a rec for me. It a good lead in to a terrific series. Read them in the order they are written.
The Sleepless City:
- [x] Shades of Sepia #1 by Elizabeth Noble
- [x] Electric Candle #2 by Elizabeth Noble
- [x] Family and Reflection #3 by Anne Barwell
- [ ] Shifting Chaos #4 by Anne Barwell
Sequel Series:
The Vampire Guard by Elizabeth Noble:
- [ ] Code Name: Jack Rabbit #1
- [ ] Quarry #2
- [ ] Endosymbiont #3
January 8, 2024
Enjoyed this different take on vampires
It’s always jarring when an author world builds outside the generally accepted vampire mythology. No there’s no sparkly vampires here but some widely accepted myths are here while others (like going out in sunlight) are disregarded. It takes some getting used to. Also in this modern day setting this small town in Ohio seems to have a “we’re just ignoring what is unbelievable and in return we are protected from things we don’t believe in to begin with” agreement. For example the professor at the college who looks 22 but has been teaching there for fifty years!
In this book Ben, a human from New Zealand, is traveling and ends up in this small Ohio town because his grandfather had been there years earlier. Ben has a love of photography passed down from his grandfather and wants to recreate a photo his grandfather took. He ends up meeting Simon (the aforementioned college professor) and they are immediately attracted to each other. Simon knows why but it’s going to be a big shock when he clues Ben in.
The relationship is sweet. There is a low level of angst, really only present in a relationship scene and the climactic moments of the crime story. There book was a very engaging read which I read in one late night sitting. Very enjoyable and I eagerly looked for book two in the series.
Be advised it is written by a different author (I didn’t get that far into the book’s end notes as the kindle app pops up this review page so I had stopped here) named Elizabeth Noble. I’m going to be interested to see how the collaboration transitions.
It’s always jarring when an author world builds outside the generally accepted vampire mythology. No there’s no sparkly vampires here but some widely accepted myths are here while others (like going out in sunlight) are disregarded. It takes some getting used to. Also in this modern day setting this small town in Ohio seems to have a “we’re just ignoring what is unbelievable and in return we are protected from things we don’t believe in to begin with” agreement. For example the professor at the college who looks 22 but has been teaching there for fifty years!
In this book Ben, a human from New Zealand, is traveling and ends up in this small Ohio town because his grandfather had been there years earlier. Ben has a love of photography passed down from his grandfather and wants to recreate a photo his grandfather took. He ends up meeting Simon (the aforementioned college professor) and they are immediately attracted to each other. Simon knows why but it’s going to be a big shock when he clues Ben in.
The relationship is sweet. There is a low level of angst, really only present in a relationship scene and the climactic moments of the crime story. There book was a very engaging read which I read in one late night sitting. Very enjoyable and I eagerly looked for book two in the series.
Be advised it is written by a different author (I didn’t get that far into the book’s end notes as the kindle app pops up this review page so I had stopped here) named Elizabeth Noble. I’m going to be interested to see how the collaboration transitions.
September 30, 2018
Simon has been a vampire for almost 100 years, he has never seen another murder like the ones taking place in his hometown. A serial killer is at working, killing one human and one vampire. He and the other supernaturals are doing their best to try and find the killer, but they can tell its one of their own. Simon meets Ben in the park, sparks fly between the two almost immediately, but after a close friend of Simons is a victim to the killer, he almost walks away from Ben thinking it would be better.
Ben has come to Ohio at the urging of his grandfather, who had visited many years ago. A shared passion for photography drove both Ben and his grandfather to take pictures in the local park.
This was a great book, both Ben and Simon were interesting characters and they really drove the story. The identity of the serial killer was pretty easy to figure out but I found myself doubting my knowledge since Simon and his friends were so adamant it couldn't be the one person I thought it was.
Ben has come to Ohio at the urging of his grandfather, who had visited many years ago. A shared passion for photography drove both Ben and his grandfather to take pictures in the local park.
This was a great book, both Ben and Simon were interesting characters and they really drove the story. The identity of the serial killer was pretty easy to figure out but I found myself doubting my knowledge since Simon and his friends were so adamant it couldn't be the one person I thought it was.
September 22, 2022
Worth the read
I put off reading this book because, ill be honest, I made the mistake of judging it by the cover. It turned out a lot better then I had assumed it was going to be and I'm glad I finally gave it a try.
It reminded me of those old black and white detective movies, just with a more modern take on it, and with quite a bit more steam. I really enjoy those movies, so it kept me interested through the whole book, especially with the vampire trope added in, which I totally am a sucker for.
If I had to pick something, the only dislike I had with the book was Ben staying human, but thats more of just a personal preference really. It always draws me out of the romance when I have to except that eventually of one of the MCs growing old and the other not. In that since the book kind of felt like more of a HFN instead of HEA because eventually ones going to have to watch the other die which is just a bit to real for me when I'm trying to "escape" by reading fantasy.
Still even with that, it's still very much worth the read, a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
I put off reading this book because, ill be honest, I made the mistake of judging it by the cover. It turned out a lot better then I had assumed it was going to be and I'm glad I finally gave it a try.
It reminded me of those old black and white detective movies, just with a more modern take on it, and with quite a bit more steam. I really enjoy those movies, so it kept me interested through the whole book, especially with the vampire trope added in, which I totally am a sucker for.
If I had to pick something, the only dislike I had with the book was Ben staying human, but thats more of just a personal preference really. It always draws me out of the romance when I have to except that eventually of one of the MCs growing old and the other not. In that since the book kind of felt like more of a HFN instead of HEA because eventually ones going to have to watch the other die which is just a bit to real for me when I'm trying to "escape" by reading fantasy.
Still even with that, it's still very much worth the read, a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
December 13, 2017
UPDATE: I lied. it got worse.
2.5, really.
I haven't finished the story yet but I do not have long to go but I didn't want to forget this review. Although, I am interested in the mystery part of this supernatural story. I would like to know who the serial vampire killer is … no spoilers yet but I have no clue … I have to admit that the writing for the romance part of this book is quite pedestrian. I wish I felt the longing and the pining that is being shoved down my throat and it's so much "tell" and not enough "show" that it's making me sick. I am going to finish this book because I really really want the mystery solved otherwise, I give zero fucks about all the characters in this book.
Luke/Lucas is probably my fav. (and obviously he's not that memorable b/c IDEK his character's actual name).
As far as insta!love / vampire/creature - bonding stories go / this one is rather lukewarm at best.
2.5, really.
I haven't finished the story yet but I do not have long to go but I didn't want to forget this review. Although, I am interested in the mystery part of this supernatural story. I would like to know who the serial vampire killer is … no spoilers yet but I have no clue … I have to admit that the writing for the romance part of this book is quite pedestrian. I wish I felt the longing and the pining that is being shoved down my throat and it's so much "tell" and not enough "show" that it's making me sick. I am going to finish this book because I really really want the mystery solved otherwise, I give zero fucks about all the characters in this book.
Luke/Lucas is probably my fav. (and obviously he's not that memorable b/c IDEK his character's actual name).
As far as insta!love / vampire/creature - bonding stories go / this one is rather lukewarm at best.
May 19, 2021
I like paranormal, but I love a well written, very likeable vampire even more. Out of the two MCs, Simon was my favourite. I found Ben a bit incredible at times and have seen the impulse of wanting to go into battle with physically stronger characters in too many books. Let's face it, a human, no matter how many darts, knives, steaks, etc. he might have, will not be able to take the upper hand of a vampire, especially one as pissed off as John was. But, even though that scene was simply incredible to me, the story overall was quite entertaining and kept me interested in wanting to know what happened next.
I've read other books by Anne Barwell and she'd never let me down. Would I recommend this book? Hell, yeah! If you like vampires who fall in love with humans, go ahead and pick this one up.
I've read other books by Anne Barwell and she'd never let me down. Would I recommend this book? Hell, yeah! If you like vampires who fall in love with humans, go ahead and pick this one up.
September 27, 2023
I loved this book. It has passion, tension, and a beautiful soul-bond. The way Simon and Ben fall for each other and grow close is incredibly sweet, especially given Simon's heart-rending past. There are so many little details and moments in this story that add to the richness of their connection and to the story in general. The tension as they get close to the killer is palpable - I couldn't put the book down - but the story wasn’t heavy with detective work. It forms part of the story but the emphasis is really on the beautiful relationship Simon and Ben build with their soul bond. The story resolves with a very satisfactory HEA. Really glad I read it and would like to read more from this author, and more in this series.
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