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Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #2.5
Stakeout
Noel Harper got a second chance at life when the government recruited her as an undercover vampire informant. Since the day they brought her back from the good-as-dead, she has wanted to prove herself worthy.When a member of her investigative unit is murdered, Noel is paired up with a vampire hunter named Dante to spy on a suspect in Fairbanks. The problem? They're not the only ones on stakeout. Taking down murderous vampires is one thing. Dealing with the past is another. But this time, Noel isn't letting fear win. She's calling in help from the other side and discovers a shocking secret along the way.Don't miss this must-read book in the Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter series. Get your copy today!
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
104 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Jefford
60 books1,054 followersReality is overrated ... which is why I write!
Vampire hunters, wolf shifters, witches, elves and Fae with humor, romance, snark and steam. I love bad boys with hearts of gold and heroines who kick ass.
To get in on the fun and adventure, visit my website for release alerts, updates, exclusive giveaways, and a free story when you become a VIP newsletter subscriber: http://nikkijefford.com/
Vampire hunters, wolf shifters, witches, elves and Fae with humor, romance, snark and steam. I love bad boys with hearts of gold and heroines who kick ass.
To get in on the fun and adventure, visit my website for release alerts, updates, exclusive giveaways, and a free story when you become a VIP newsletter subscriber: http://nikkijefford.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 10, 2018
Going strong
Series is still going as strong as book 1, perhaps even stronger. So far this series is kick a$$. Really getting to know the characters (which r awesome) watching their relationships evolve, their characters grow is amazing. Still absolutely loving the series.
Series is still going as strong as book 1, perhaps even stronger. So far this series is kick a$$. Really getting to know the characters (which r awesome) watching their relationships evolve, their characters grow is amazing. Still absolutely loving the series.
February 3, 2014
Holy schamazeballs, what a great novella! No fluff or filler here, no sir! This was a fully developed story in its own right, complete with some truly awesome revelations that are sure to shake up the Aurora Sky world. The writing was crisp, and there was a perfect balance of snark, character development, and action to keep the story going. Well done, Nikki Jefford! You knocked another one outta the park!
Full review will be posted on the blog in March 2014 as part of the Stakeout tour, but for now, I'll settle for a few words about the characters.
Noel...I liked you before, but damn, girl! I so want to be you when I grow up.
Dante...Oh, Dante. You're a kick in the pants, dude, and undeniably good at your job, but can we stop with the anti-vampire speeches? Please?
Fane...Yep, I'm still totally madly in love with you. I hope that's not a problem ;)
Full review will be posted on the blog in March 2014 as part of the Stakeout tour, but for now, I'll settle for a few words about the characters.
Noel...I liked you before, but damn, girl! I so want to be you when I grow up.
Dante...Oh, Dante. You're a kick in the pants, dude, and undeniably good at your job, but can we stop with the anti-vampire speeches? Please?
Fane...Yep, I'm still totally madly in love with you. I hope that's not a problem ;)
March 5, 2014
Read some teasers at my blog if you want, just click the tour banner, and enter the giveaway too.
This book was really interesting for me. Its told from the point of view of Noel, during Northern Bites, so we see the other side of things and all that happened in that book, but from Noels side, who was with Dante part of that time, so that was super cool for me. I love Dante. We get to see some Fane too, and see the other side of something that happened in Northern Bites. We learn a bit more about Dante, and a lot more about Noel. She really is a good character, and I liked her a lot .
I read this short book pretty fast and since it’s so short I can’t say a whole lot without spoiling something for you. Let’s just say, it gives you a more in depth view of Northern Bites, which I recommend you reading before this one.
I love this series and the environment it takes place in (Alaska) and can’t wait for Bad Blood, book 3 (I read the other short novella, Evil Red 2.6 and will get a review up for it as well.)
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
I highly recommend it. If you like the paranormal world, and vampires, especially different kind of vampires, then this is for you.
April 30, 2015
Great background information about Noel & Dante :)
August 17, 2014
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters
Stakeout is a perfect companion and halfway book to Northern Bites as it explains what exactly happened when Noel was paired with the big kid Dante for a mission in Fairbanks, whilst Val and Aurora are fighting for survival and lugging unconscious vamps in Sitka.
You see a different, much softer side to Noel. You learn how she came to work for the organization and to some extent it didn't surprise me. She committed suicide and was resuscitated, and offered a job to work -save the world *smirk*- by Agent Melcher. He's like a father figure to her, though due to the events in Northern Bites from Aurora's perspective, you know he ain't all he seems. Which just makes you feel for Noel even more.
And the reason for wishing death to take her? Her father. He makes several unpleasant appearances at Noel's place turning it into Stalkerville. He does some horrible things and you understand why in Northern Bites she was evasive and distracted. Aurora had a lot of shit going on, but that was nothing compared to what Noel goes through.
Noel forms a tight-knit friendship with Dante, who apparently has the hots for Aurora, which is uncovered and encouraged even more by Val in Northern Bites. In this book, you get to see his side of things when Aurora was having text convos with him. You got a glimpse of his interaction with her from his perspective. I liked being privy to the two perspectives. It was very entertaining.
I was desperate to know what happened after Northern Bites when..... * SPOILER ALERT * Aurora discovers Fane sucking on Noel, Val does a runner after the mission goes tits up and they discover Jared is actually a serial killer vampire, which Melcher, the guy who runs the show, must know about so it's making everything very suspicious and unnerving. At the end of Northern Bites Aurora also requests to go to bootcamp to get away from Fane and Noel but also to improve her skills and get to work. So despite all the drama in the previous book, this addition was worth reading in the wait of book three.
In this book you learn why Noel did the dirty with Fane. Well actually, she didn't. It was completely unromantic, far from sensual. More like an experiment because Fane suspected that Noel, Aurora and the others working for Melcher (though he doesn't know about Val until Noel tells him) are turning into vampires. That the monthly shot that is supposed to keep them from turning, isn't working. And it just adds to the whole 'we've been screwed by the government' again. And again.
So things are left hanging in both Northern Bites and Stakeout but a lot of things are left out in the former novel that are explained in this book. That's why to truly understand how deep the lies and secrets run, you need to read this. And you'll love Noel. She's bad ass but in a subtle, strong-willed sort of way. She's shy, self-conscious but a straight shooter. You'll like her maybe even more than Aurora. Read it. Don't overlook it.
Five out of five!
Stakeout is a perfect companion and halfway book to Northern Bites as it explains what exactly happened when Noel was paired with the big kid Dante for a mission in Fairbanks, whilst Val and Aurora are fighting for survival and lugging unconscious vamps in Sitka.
You see a different, much softer side to Noel. You learn how she came to work for the organization and to some extent it didn't surprise me. She committed suicide and was resuscitated, and offered a job to work -save the world *smirk*- by Agent Melcher. He's like a father figure to her, though due to the events in Northern Bites from Aurora's perspective, you know he ain't all he seems. Which just makes you feel for Noel even more.
And the reason for wishing death to take her? Her father. He makes several unpleasant appearances at Noel's place turning it into Stalkerville. He does some horrible things and you understand why in Northern Bites she was evasive and distracted. Aurora had a lot of shit going on, but that was nothing compared to what Noel goes through.
Noel forms a tight-knit friendship with Dante, who apparently has the hots for Aurora, which is uncovered and encouraged even more by Val in Northern Bites. In this book, you get to see his side of things when Aurora was having text convos with him. You got a glimpse of his interaction with her from his perspective. I liked being privy to the two perspectives. It was very entertaining.
I was desperate to know what happened after Northern Bites when..... * SPOILER ALERT * Aurora discovers Fane sucking on Noel, Val does a runner after the mission goes tits up and they discover Jared is actually a serial killer vampire, which Melcher, the guy who runs the show, must know about so it's making everything very suspicious and unnerving. At the end of Northern Bites Aurora also requests to go to bootcamp to get away from Fane and Noel but also to improve her skills and get to work. So despite all the drama in the previous book, this addition was worth reading in the wait of book three.
In this book you learn why Noel did the dirty with Fane. Well actually, she didn't. It was completely unromantic, far from sensual. More like an experiment because Fane suspected that Noel, Aurora and the others working for Melcher (though he doesn't know about Val until Noel tells him) are turning into vampires. That the monthly shot that is supposed to keep them from turning, isn't working. And it just adds to the whole 'we've been screwed by the government' again. And again.
So things are left hanging in both Northern Bites and Stakeout but a lot of things are left out in the former novel that are explained in this book. That's why to truly understand how deep the lies and secrets run, you need to read this. And you'll love Noel. She's bad ass but in a subtle, strong-willed sort of way. She's shy, self-conscious but a straight shooter. You'll like her maybe even more than Aurora. Read it. Don't overlook it.
Five out of five!
February 8, 2014
I receive Stakeout in return for an honest review from the author. The book is from the perspective of Noel Harper a fellow informant who works with Aurora. The story is Noels side of what happened in Northern Bites through her eyes. We get to know a little more about Dante, and an insight into who Noel really is and how she ended up an informant. As an informant it’s her job to know who all the vampires are in town, and if they pose a threat. Noel has been hanging out with two vampires Henry and Gavin at school as well as the palace.
When a pizza boy is found murdered by vampires Melcher splits the teams up sending Aurora and Valerie to half the houses and Noel with Dante to the other houses on the list. Noel is glad to not be partnered with Valerie but Dante’s desire to kill vampires is a little overwhelming. Their day ends up being a bust no vampires for Dante to kill. As Noel returns home she finds out that her father the man she ran away from has found her and he’s intent on her returning home. Unfortunately after the death of a fellow agent by vampires Noel gets sent off to Fairbanks with Dante. Will they find out who really killed the agent? Will Noel be able to avoid her father? What about her relationship with Gavin.
I really didn't know Noel very well till Stakeout but I fell in love with her in the book. She’s had such a rough life, but she’s learned and grown from her mistakes. She’s one of those characters that steals you heart with her tragic story and you can't help cheering her on as she progresses through her story. I still don’t like Valerie and this book just confirmed she’s a mean girl. I still like Dante but Fane stepped up in this book making it harder for me to dislike the vampire.
First off let me say "Wow!!! I love these covers they never disappoint absolutely stunning. I really enjoyed Stakeout the chance to catch a glimpse into the supporting characters in Aurora Sky’s world was intriguing. I liked learning more about Noel, why she is the way she is, and I like the taste of what’s to come for Noel in the future. I didn't care for Fane in the prior books but the way he was there for Noel made me appreciate him a lot more. He’s not the bad guy he’s just not the right guy for Aurora. What can I say I love Dante. The characters are great in this novella, easy to connect with and memorable. Stakeout is a captivating installment in the Aurora Sky series, and it’s my favorite Vampire slayer series. I feel like the author has done a brilliant job creating a story that was hard to put down. I gobbled it up in just a few hours. A fast paced read that has action, romance, suspense and blood sucking. I loved the story can't wait for the next book in the series.
When a pizza boy is found murdered by vampires Melcher splits the teams up sending Aurora and Valerie to half the houses and Noel with Dante to the other houses on the list. Noel is glad to not be partnered with Valerie but Dante’s desire to kill vampires is a little overwhelming. Their day ends up being a bust no vampires for Dante to kill. As Noel returns home she finds out that her father the man she ran away from has found her and he’s intent on her returning home. Unfortunately after the death of a fellow agent by vampires Noel gets sent off to Fairbanks with Dante. Will they find out who really killed the agent? Will Noel be able to avoid her father? What about her relationship with Gavin.
I really didn't know Noel very well till Stakeout but I fell in love with her in the book. She’s had such a rough life, but she’s learned and grown from her mistakes. She’s one of those characters that steals you heart with her tragic story and you can't help cheering her on as she progresses through her story. I still don’t like Valerie and this book just confirmed she’s a mean girl. I still like Dante but Fane stepped up in this book making it harder for me to dislike the vampire.
First off let me say "Wow!!! I love these covers they never disappoint absolutely stunning. I really enjoyed Stakeout the chance to catch a glimpse into the supporting characters in Aurora Sky’s world was intriguing. I liked learning more about Noel, why she is the way she is, and I like the taste of what’s to come for Noel in the future. I didn't care for Fane in the prior books but the way he was there for Noel made me appreciate him a lot more. He’s not the bad guy he’s just not the right guy for Aurora. What can I say I love Dante. The characters are great in this novella, easy to connect with and memorable. Stakeout is a captivating installment in the Aurora Sky series, and it’s my favorite Vampire slayer series. I feel like the author has done a brilliant job creating a story that was hard to put down. I gobbled it up in just a few hours. A fast paced read that has action, romance, suspense and blood sucking. I loved the story can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 7, 2015
What I liked: Stakeout is Noel's version of what was going on during Northern Bites and helped shed some light on what Noel was doing during the book and helped the reader understand what she did during Northern Bites. This book helped me get to know Noel better than I had been able to during Northern Bites not to mention I understood more about all the situations going on with Fane, Noel, and Dante in that book. Noel turned out to be quite different from what I was expecting the girl to be, and her past isn't what I was expecting from her although to be honest I should have guessed in a way that some of those things were there with what very few clues we were given about Noel in the second book. Moreover, Stakeout is a really insightful to what happened in Northern Bites that I really wanted to know and helped me understand what was really happening that Aurora wasn't aware of. Plus, Noel finds out things about the organization they work at that, well, she shouldn't have dug up. Things she learned through her own methods that a certain someone surely wouldn't want her to know that most of the others don't know. I'm curious how that will affect everything going into the third book, Bad Blood.
What I didn't like: I sometimes felt like Noel was a bit whiny about how she went on about all the guys preferred Aurora to her. I mean seriously, some rather serious stuff happens and she's concerned about these guys preferring Aurora when Noel has better things to do! It a little disconcerting quite frankly.
Overall Review: This book was a great way to get in the head of Noel and find things out about the behind the scenes things that happened in Northern Bites and makes itself an important part to the series despite being a novella since it holds some key information that we likely would have never learned had this novella not been written. It's a great addition and makes you question some of the things that will likely come into play either in the next book, Bad Blood, or later on down the series.
Recommend?: If you read Northern Lights and really need an explanation about what happened with Noel and Fane, do give this a read so that you know!
What I didn't like: I sometimes felt like Noel was a bit whiny about how she went on about all the guys preferred Aurora to her. I mean seriously, some rather serious stuff happens and she's concerned about these guys preferring Aurora when Noel has better things to do! It a little disconcerting quite frankly.
Overall Review: This book was a great way to get in the head of Noel and find things out about the behind the scenes things that happened in Northern Bites and makes itself an important part to the series despite being a novella since it holds some key information that we likely would have never learned had this novella not been written. It's a great addition and makes you question some of the things that will likely come into play either in the next book, Bad Blood, or later on down the series.
Recommend?: If you read Northern Lights and really need an explanation about what happened with Noel and Fane, do give this a read so that you know!
May 5, 2015
Stakeout happens at the same time as book 2, Northern Bites, but is told Noel Harper’s point of view. Which was great, especially considering how Northern Bites ended. Plus, we found out details about the mission Dante and her were on.
I enjoyed getting to know Noel. She is portrayed as a quiet and secretive character. I liked finding out why she comes across that way and about her history. Noel is a complex and interesting character. Unlike Aurora, her experience working undercover for the government is a good one. It gave her a better life and purpose.
I love how Fane helped out Noel when she had nowhere else to turn. He is a good friend to her and a noble vampire.
Stakeout is another wonderful addition to the Aurora Sky Series. It has an interesting plot that is fast moving.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed getting to know Noel. She is portrayed as a quiet and secretive character. I liked finding out why she comes across that way and about her history. Noel is a complex and interesting character. Unlike Aurora, her experience working undercover for the government is a good one. It gave her a better life and purpose.
I love how Fane helped out Noel when she had nowhere else to turn. He is a good friend to her and a noble vampire.
Stakeout is another wonderful addition to the Aurora Sky Series. It has an interesting plot that is fast moving.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2015
Short and sweet, with a little sass.
In this novella we get to know Noel, Fane and Dante a little better.
After reading Stakeout I find that I like Noel more. Just based on her character in the books I found her a bit sketchy at times, and I wasn't sure Aurora should trust her. This book clears up a lot of the issues I had with her and the pieces are starting to come together for the bigger picture!
We spend a little more time with Dante and see a different side to him. (One that is not trying to seduce Aurora) I liked him more that way, but that has a lot to do with me being on team Fane. ;)
Speaking of Fane, I love him even more. He gives off this bad boy stereotype, but it turns out he's super sweet and willing to do anything for a friend! Even if that means hurting them for their own protection!
I love this series and I can't wait to read more!
In this novella we get to know Noel, Fane and Dante a little better.
After reading Stakeout I find that I like Noel more. Just based on her character in the books I found her a bit sketchy at times, and I wasn't sure Aurora should trust her. This book clears up a lot of the issues I had with her and the pieces are starting to come together for the bigger picture!
We spend a little more time with Dante and see a different side to him. (One that is not trying to seduce Aurora) I liked him more that way, but that has a lot to do with me being on team Fane. ;)
Speaking of Fane, I love him even more. He gives off this bad boy stereotype, but it turns out he's super sweet and willing to do anything for a friend! Even if that means hurting them for their own protection!
I love this series and I can't wait to read more!
October 10, 2015
I loved getting to know Noel more in “Stakeout”, book 2.5 in the Aurora Sky Series by Nikki Jefford. It was great to have another side of the story of some scenes that occurred in the previous A.S. books; especially that famous scene with Fane and Noel and her out of town mission with Dante. This book helped me gain a further understanding of the character Noel. Noel grew so much more to me as the reader through this book. She stood out in personality and became a stronger character than the one I had read in the first two Aurora Sky books. It was truly great to get inside Noel’s head.
October 7, 2015
I loved learning about Noel and the things she went through, how she became a vampire. Her stakeout with Dante was hilarious, I love his personality. I finally got to learn the truth of what happened between her and Fane when Aurora walked in on them and also the reason why she changed. A great addition to the Vampire Hunter series.
February 4, 2014
I Loved this book it answered questions that I had from the second book and gave me insight into the characters. I really Love this series and cannot wait till the next book. I am excited about 2.6 Evil Red as well as Aurora Sky number three. It is a series that I am really enjoying reading.
Want to read
December 25, 2013Expected publication: January 14th 2014 by Acorn Valley Press
December 28, 2017
Nikki Jefford is such a great author. The Aurora Sky Series is so cute. I have read these in 2017 but not really sure of the dates so I am guessing at the months on these. But in the first book Aurora was sent off to pretty much be an assassin but she has to keep to taking the cure so she will not become a Vampire. This book series follows Aurora along in her journey. I have the audio books on these so I listen to them in 1.75 speed to speed to process of reading up. These are so great, you just want the next book.
May 21, 2021
The vampire saga continues
I had a harder time getting into this mini book. Even though it's written about the same people, the style, like the main character focused on, was a bit different. I still like the characters, I just couldn't seem to immerse myself fully in it. The author is still great at the character details and setting, and I read book 3, and luvd it, so I think it's just the point of view.
I had a harder time getting into this mini book. Even though it's written about the same people, the style, like the main character focused on, was a bit different. I still like the characters, I just couldn't seem to immerse myself fully in it. The author is still great at the character details and setting, and I read book 3, and luvd it, so I think it's just the point of view.
May 31, 2018
Not as good as the Aurora books in the series, but it did give me a different perpective of the incidences in the last book. Noel, a vampire informant, is an interesting character on her own, battling a history with an abusive father. She also has a different take on her job in the secretive agency than Aurora does.
May 19, 2017
Entertaining
Excellent tale told from Noel Harper's point of view. Fills in details not known from the previous book. I would recommend this novella.
Excellent tale told from Noel Harper's point of view. Fills in details not known from the previous book. I would recommend this novella.
May 21, 2017
I liked some elements of this but skimmed through most
July 12, 2017
This is Noel's story of what happened during Northern Bites. I just don't really care for Noel or Valerie or Dante so I didn't really enjoy this one.
June 9, 2019
This one blew me away! I understand Noel so much better! I completely judged her as the "mouse" she is a ball of fire. And between her and Fabe, they uncover a major secret!
November 5, 2019
Friends don't bite friends
I like Noel and I like Fane, but I'm not sure how to feel about this story. I'm very interested to see what happens next though!
I like Noel and I like Fane, but I'm not sure how to feel about this story. I'm very interested to see what happens next though!
May 19, 2020
I'm not a Noel fan. I only really liked this one because of the conversation Fane and Noel had towards the end of the book
December 29, 2022
I love this look at Nicole's life. It also clears up what Aurora walks into at the Palace.
March 31, 2017
This novella will completely change your view of Noel Harper in the series. While not essential reading, I definitely recommend it if you're running through the series. This one ended up being one of my favorites!
Note: While somewhat YA lit- this series is aimed at the older crowd. The characters are senior age but the stories aren't recommended for younger crowds. I believe the author recommends 18+
Note: While somewhat YA lit- this series is aimed at the older crowd. The characters are senior age but the stories aren't recommended for younger crowds. I believe the author recommends 18+
May 15, 2015
The Author does a phenomenal job in coming back and creating multi-faceted layers and depths to her supporting cast. Valeria is an interesting footnote in the Aurora Sky series, but she is not necessarily what I would refer to as integral to the series; with the 2.5 and 2.6 additions, Miss Jefford joins the ranks of great epic novelists like Dana Fuller Rossof the Wagons West! series and Dana Clayton Porter of the White Indian series
Harper (Noel Harper), is brought to life in an intimate and revealing peek into her past, also adding a great many shades of depth to other characters in the series; but she is also given an element of fragility and at the same time seen as a pillar of strength that shows what is going on behind the cheerful and upbeat façade that gives the reader empathy for her.
Pay attention at this point folks, I am mentioning something important here. There are many, such as MYSELF, that do not usually purchase FILLER releases, meaning anything that is a .5, .6, .7 etc. and if you follow your usual practice in this case you will be extremely sorry. Nikki Jefford did not pen these as the usual afterthought "filler" material to rob your pocketbooks, as many author's do. I do not know the woman myself, so I cannot speak of her intentions or her writing style, but it is MY humble opinion that she created this series as she did for the same reason that I have struggles so to come up with anything "publishable," most of today's audience simply does not have the attention span to sit down and read a book that is 4" thick and flips through chapters where one covers character A, the next character B and the next character G, then the next back to A and the next is C and etc. etc. Those were phenomenal books! I grew up on them, I idolized them and they are what created the bibliophile that I am; but authors face a different reality today and must dip there quill in a well and pen something for a different breed or reader. The chaos we call life today, does not allow many people the luxury of reading novels like Shogun anymore, they require quick, concise novels that offer the fulfillment and satisfaction of larger novels compacted into a much shorter read. Miss Jefford has Mastered this craft and I bow in humble admiration.
She creates a unique breed of vampire that I find appealing and as an author myself, J.L. Day http://darkquill.jlday.net I have never really discovered written or cinematic vampire characters to my liking, other than my own. Miss Jefford, however; has managed to completely entice and captivate my attention and I have found myself smitten with her characters and this entire series.
I breathlessly anticipate her next release and cannot WAIT to see what her next offering is after she finishes the Aurora Sky series. I am thinking that as much as I have enjoyed my tryst with this series, I should go back to Amazon and purchase her Spellbound trilogy. I really am enchanted with this author and have great hopes that we finally have another Great One to add to the ranks, it has been too long since we had someone that was truly synonymous with the genre.
Harper (Noel Harper), is brought to life in an intimate and revealing peek into her past, also adding a great many shades of depth to other characters in the series; but she is also given an element of fragility and at the same time seen as a pillar of strength that shows what is going on behind the cheerful and upbeat façade that gives the reader empathy for her.
Pay attention at this point folks, I am mentioning something important here. There are many, such as MYSELF, that do not usually purchase FILLER releases, meaning anything that is a .5, .6, .7 etc. and if you follow your usual practice in this case you will be extremely sorry. Nikki Jefford did not pen these as the usual afterthought "filler" material to rob your pocketbooks, as many author's do. I do not know the woman myself, so I cannot speak of her intentions or her writing style, but it is MY humble opinion that she created this series as she did for the same reason that I have struggles so to come up with anything "publishable," most of today's audience simply does not have the attention span to sit down and read a book that is 4" thick and flips through chapters where one covers character A, the next character B and the next character G, then the next back to A and the next is C and etc. etc. Those were phenomenal books! I grew up on them, I idolized them and they are what created the bibliophile that I am; but authors face a different reality today and must dip there quill in a well and pen something for a different breed or reader. The chaos we call life today, does not allow many people the luxury of reading novels like Shogun anymore, they require quick, concise novels that offer the fulfillment and satisfaction of larger novels compacted into a much shorter read. Miss Jefford has Mastered this craft and I bow in humble admiration.
She creates a unique breed of vampire that I find appealing and as an author myself, J.L. Day http://darkquill.jlday.net I have never really discovered written or cinematic vampire characters to my liking, other than my own. Miss Jefford, however; has managed to completely entice and captivate my attention and I have found myself smitten with her characters and this entire series.
I breathlessly anticipate her next release and cannot WAIT to see what her next offering is after she finishes the Aurora Sky series. I am thinking that as much as I have enjoyed my tryst with this series, I should go back to Amazon and purchase her Spellbound trilogy. I really am enchanted with this author and have great hopes that we finally have another Great One to add to the ranks, it has been too long since we had someone that was truly synonymous with the genre.
May 9, 2015
The Author does a phenomenal job in coming back and creating multi-faceted layers and depths to her supporting cast. Noel Harper is an interesting footnote in the Aurora Sky series, but she is not necessarily what I would refer to as integral to the series; with the 2.5 and 2.6 additions, Miss Jefford joins the ranks of great epic novelists like Dana Fuller Rossof the Wagons West! series and Dana Clayton Porter of the White Indian series.
"Harper" as one of my highly thought of members of Aurora's circle of cohorts refers to her, is brought to life in a most appealing and endearing way, also adding a great many shades of depth to other characters in the series. Pay attention at this point folks, I am mentioning something important here. There are many, such as MYSELF, that do not usually purchase FILLER releases, meaning anything that is a .5, .6, .7 etc. and if you follow your usual practice in this case you will be extremely sorry. Nikki Jefford did not pen these as the usual afterthought "filler" material to rob your pocketbooks, as many author's do. I do not know the woman myself, so I cannot speak of her intentions or her writing style, but it is MY humble opinion that she created this series as she did for the same reason that I have struggles so to come up with anything "publishable," most of today's audience simply does not have the attention span to sit down and read a book that is 4" thick and flips through chapters where one covers character A, the next character B and the next character G, then the next back to A and the next is C and etc. etc. Those were phenomenal books! I grew up on them, I idolized them and they are what created the bibliophile that I am; but authors face a different reality today and must dip there quill in a well and pen something for a different breed or reader. The chaos we call life today, does not allow many people the luxury of reading novels like Shogun anymore, they require quick, concise novels that offer the fulfillment and satisfaction of larger novels compacted into a much shorter read. Miss Jefford has Mastered this craft and I bow in humble admiration.
She creates a unique breed of vampire that I find appealing and as an author myself, J.L. Day http://darkquill.jlday.net I have never really discovered written or cinematic vampire characters to my liking, other than my own. Miss Jefford, however; has managed to completely entice and captivate my attention and I have found myself smitten with her characters and this entire series.
I breathlessly anticipate her next release and cannot WAIT to see what her next offering is after she finishes the Aurora Sky series. I am thinking that as much as I have enjoyed my tryst with this series, I should go back to Amazon and purchase her Spellbound trilogy. I really am enchanted with this author and have great hopes that we finally have another Great One to add to the ranks, it has been too long since we had someone that was truly synonymous with the genre.
"Harper" as one of my highly thought of members of Aurora's circle of cohorts refers to her, is brought to life in a most appealing and endearing way, also adding a great many shades of depth to other characters in the series. Pay attention at this point folks, I am mentioning something important here. There are many, such as MYSELF, that do not usually purchase FILLER releases, meaning anything that is a .5, .6, .7 etc. and if you follow your usual practice in this case you will be extremely sorry. Nikki Jefford did not pen these as the usual afterthought "filler" material to rob your pocketbooks, as many author's do. I do not know the woman myself, so I cannot speak of her intentions or her writing style, but it is MY humble opinion that she created this series as she did for the same reason that I have struggles so to come up with anything "publishable," most of today's audience simply does not have the attention span to sit down and read a book that is 4" thick and flips through chapters where one covers character A, the next character B and the next character G, then the next back to A and the next is C and etc. etc. Those were phenomenal books! I grew up on them, I idolized them and they are what created the bibliophile that I am; but authors face a different reality today and must dip there quill in a well and pen something for a different breed or reader. The chaos we call life today, does not allow many people the luxury of reading novels like Shogun anymore, they require quick, concise novels that offer the fulfillment and satisfaction of larger novels compacted into a much shorter read. Miss Jefford has Mastered this craft and I bow in humble admiration.
She creates a unique breed of vampire that I find appealing and as an author myself, J.L. Day http://darkquill.jlday.net I have never really discovered written or cinematic vampire characters to my liking, other than my own. Miss Jefford, however; has managed to completely entice and captivate my attention and I have found myself smitten with her characters and this entire series.
I breathlessly anticipate her next release and cannot WAIT to see what her next offering is after she finishes the Aurora Sky series. I am thinking that as much as I have enjoyed my tryst with this series, I should go back to Amazon and purchase her Spellbound trilogy. I really am enchanted with this author and have great hopes that we finally have another Great One to add to the ranks, it has been too long since we had someone that was truly synonymous with the genre.
March 1, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This did not affect my review in any way, shape, or form. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and in no way influenced by any outside sources.
It’s no secret that I loved the other books in the Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter series. I had some sort of funky issues with the first one, but despite the problems I had I still loved the story and ideas underneath.
Stakeout focuses on the story of Noel. It runs concurrently with some of what is going on in the 2nd book, Northern Lights. We get glimpses into what else is going on, but not so many details that it overtakes this book. We learn more about Noel and more details about her past and how she ended up being an informant. She really has a tragic past that makes you want to just hug her. She is easy to identify with and your heart really goes out to her for what she has been through.
Some of our favorite characters make appearances in this novella as well, such as Fane, Dante, Henry, Graham, and Marcus. Even our favorite evil redhead that we love to hate is there. Valerie is still up to her usual nasty tricks. God I hate her!
Jefford takes the reader on a little bit of a joyride with Noel and Dante while they go on assignment. We are given some insight into why Noel and Dante acted the way they did at the end of Northern Lights.
There really wasn’t a whole lot to this novella in my opinion. I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. We get what we have come to expect from the author in the way that there is great writing, witty comebacks, sarcasm, mystery, and a bit of angst. It really does carry its own even as a novella instead of a full length book. I’m not a huge fan of books that tell the same story from a different character’s POV, but that’s not what this was. It’s a different character in the same story with a different POV because she is experiencing different scenarios, so I don’t see it the same way.
We see more of Dante and his anti-Vamp tirades, which in my opinion is old and annoying but not because it’s talked about a lot. It’s more because it reminds me a lot of people who are anti-gay or racist or whatever bigotry you prefer. I want to slap him, to shut the hell up and quit being such an opinionated jerk; to quit judging people without knowing them and all that.
Overall, I loved this story just as I have loved Jefford’s other books. It had a nice flow, realistic characters that were easy to identify with (except for a few obviously who are jerks), the writing was witty and fun and we are given new perspectives to consider. There was excitement and intrigue.
I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because for me, I felt like I wanted more of something. I’m not entirely sure what that something is, but I wanted more of it. I can definitely understand why others would give it a 5 though, and I do believe Jefford deserves every one of those stars!
I would recommend this whole series to anyone who would like a different concept of vampires and vampire hunters, where they come from, what their potential is, and want to experience a whole new world.
If you would like to see more of my reviews, please see my blog at http://fangfreakintasticreviews.com
It’s no secret that I loved the other books in the Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter series. I had some sort of funky issues with the first one, but despite the problems I had I still loved the story and ideas underneath.
Stakeout focuses on the story of Noel. It runs concurrently with some of what is going on in the 2nd book, Northern Lights. We get glimpses into what else is going on, but not so many details that it overtakes this book. We learn more about Noel and more details about her past and how she ended up being an informant. She really has a tragic past that makes you want to just hug her. She is easy to identify with and your heart really goes out to her for what she has been through.
Some of our favorite characters make appearances in this novella as well, such as Fane, Dante, Henry, Graham, and Marcus. Even our favorite evil redhead that we love to hate is there. Valerie is still up to her usual nasty tricks. God I hate her!
Jefford takes the reader on a little bit of a joyride with Noel and Dante while they go on assignment. We are given some insight into why Noel and Dante acted the way they did at the end of Northern Lights.
There really wasn’t a whole lot to this novella in my opinion. I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. We get what we have come to expect from the author in the way that there is great writing, witty comebacks, sarcasm, mystery, and a bit of angst. It really does carry its own even as a novella instead of a full length book. I’m not a huge fan of books that tell the same story from a different character’s POV, but that’s not what this was. It’s a different character in the same story with a different POV because she is experiencing different scenarios, so I don’t see it the same way.
We see more of Dante and his anti-Vamp tirades, which in my opinion is old and annoying but not because it’s talked about a lot. It’s more because it reminds me a lot of people who are anti-gay or racist or whatever bigotry you prefer. I want to slap him, to shut the hell up and quit being such an opinionated jerk; to quit judging people without knowing them and all that.
Overall, I loved this story just as I have loved Jefford’s other books. It had a nice flow, realistic characters that were easy to identify with (except for a few obviously who are jerks), the writing was witty and fun and we are given new perspectives to consider. There was excitement and intrigue.
I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because for me, I felt like I wanted more of something. I’m not entirely sure what that something is, but I wanted more of it. I can definitely understand why others would give it a 5 though, and I do believe Jefford deserves every one of those stars!
I would recommend this whole series to anyone who would like a different concept of vampires and vampire hunters, where they come from, what their potential is, and want to experience a whole new world.
If you would like to see more of my reviews, please see my blog at http://fangfreakintasticreviews.com
March 7, 2014
Originally posted at City of Books
Stakeout is a novella in the Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series, and it's told from Noel's point of view instead of Aurora's. I think this novella is a great idea, because we really get to know the ever-elusive Noel in this, and we find out more about what happened on her side of things in Northern Bites, the second book of this series.
At the end of Northern Bites, I was pretty pissed at both Noel and Fane. But after reading this? I love them again! It just goes to show that everything isn't as it seems and misunderstandings happen pretty often. We get Noel's backstory in this novella and I found myself liking her more and more as I read on. Although, it frustrated me that several scenes in Stakeout are exactly the same as in Northern Bites, just in Noel's POV rather than Aurora's. Since I had to re-read Northern Bites to remind myself of the story, these scenes felt very repetitive to me.
This is a pretty long novella, which I liked because there's a lot of substance in it. We get to see Noel and Dante's stakeout mission, and also find out a lot about Noel's feelings about Gavin, the vampire. I never knew if she really liked him or was just putting on a show, but we explore her feelings in this. And I loved seeing Dante and Fane again, since I really missed them. Dante is as you would expect, goofy and charming. But we get to see a glimpse of the fact that he really does care for Aurora a lot, despite his funny antics.
What surprised me the most, though, is Fane. He was quite aloof in Northern Bites, and I had felt sorry for Aurora because it seemed like he was brushing her off. But I take back the bad stuff I thought about him, because Fane is kind and caring, and he would never do anything that would put Aurora in danger. In fact, everything he's done is to keep her safe. I really hope they get to talk things out in the next book, because they both need each other.
Noel finds out some dark secrets about the organization she works for, and this will play a big part in the next book. So Stakeout is actually quite vital to read before Bad Blood - it's not just some filler novella. Noel has pretty big family issues, and I felt so sorry for her throughout. I really got to know her, and I know that in future books I'll definitely be more understanding of her.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions, as well as new ones popping up, so I'm really hoping to get some answers in the next book. Stakeout is definitely interesting, though at times a little redundant. I like Noel a lot more now, and I'm really looking forward to reading Bad Blood.
*Thank you to Giselle at Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with an eARC for review*
Stakeout is a novella in the Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series, and it's told from Noel's point of view instead of Aurora's. I think this novella is a great idea, because we really get to know the ever-elusive Noel in this, and we find out more about what happened on her side of things in Northern Bites, the second book of this series.
At the end of Northern Bites, I was pretty pissed at both Noel and Fane. But after reading this? I love them again! It just goes to show that everything isn't as it seems and misunderstandings happen pretty often. We get Noel's backstory in this novella and I found myself liking her more and more as I read on. Although, it frustrated me that several scenes in Stakeout are exactly the same as in Northern Bites, just in Noel's POV rather than Aurora's. Since I had to re-read Northern Bites to remind myself of the story, these scenes felt very repetitive to me.
This is a pretty long novella, which I liked because there's a lot of substance in it. We get to see Noel and Dante's stakeout mission, and also find out a lot about Noel's feelings about Gavin, the vampire. I never knew if she really liked him or was just putting on a show, but we explore her feelings in this. And I loved seeing Dante and Fane again, since I really missed them. Dante is as you would expect, goofy and charming. But we get to see a glimpse of the fact that he really does care for Aurora a lot, despite his funny antics.
What surprised me the most, though, is Fane. He was quite aloof in Northern Bites, and I had felt sorry for Aurora because it seemed like he was brushing her off. But I take back the bad stuff I thought about him, because Fane is kind and caring, and he would never do anything that would put Aurora in danger. In fact, everything he's done is to keep her safe. I really hope they get to talk things out in the next book, because they both need each other.
Noel finds out some dark secrets about the organization she works for, and this will play a big part in the next book. So Stakeout is actually quite vital to read before Bad Blood - it's not just some filler novella. Noel has pretty big family issues, and I felt so sorry for her throughout. I really got to know her, and I know that in future books I'll definitely be more understanding of her.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions, as well as new ones popping up, so I'm really hoping to get some answers in the next book. Stakeout is definitely interesting, though at times a little redundant. I like Noel a lot more now, and I'm really looking forward to reading Bad Blood.
*Thank you to Giselle at Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with an eARC for review*
July 11, 2014
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
Stakeout is a novella told in Noel's POV, and if you were like me when you read the end of Northern Bites (pissed off and shocked at what happened between Fane and Noel), well this is a must-read for you!
I was so surprised when I read the ending of Northern Bites... I just couldn't understand it! But oh my gods did I get what I wanted in this little short story! Through Noel's eyes, we get to see what was really happening when Aurora saw Fane and Noel at one of Marcus's parties. I had my suspicions, and they were confirmed... Guys, you will never believe it! It's a total plot twist! This revelation just changes everything for Aurora and the gang.
We also get see what Dante and Noel's assignment is all about, which actually sets everything for Bad Blood, while Valerie and Aurora nearly die and deal with the jerk-face Jared. Nothing this exciting happens to Noel and Dante, but it was a lot of fun to follow them around, nonetheless.
I really loved getting a peek into Noel's head and getting to know her better. In this novella I just felt so sympathetic towards her with all the crap that was going on in her life. She is such a deep character, and I was so happy we got to know more about her.
Another character that I surprisingly liked as well? Fane. In the past, I thought he was just an "okay" character (dont kill me!). He didn't wow me and I didn't fall head-over-heels in love with the guy, but you know what, I'm actually really starting to like this him! He was just a very sweet guy and such a great friend, despite what we all saw in Northern Bites. But deep down I think I will always be a Team Dante sort of girl ;)
Speaking of Dante, I LOVED him, of course! He's so fun and lovable and you can't help but like him, even if it is in the big brother sort of way.
Overall, I really liked the novella. I mean, we finally got some answers (and then some!). Some of the scenes overlapped with Northern Bites, which I loved. Getting Noel's perception on the events that transpired in book two was one of my favorite things about the novella! As I said, i definite MUST-read if you're dying to know what happened that night at the party!
Stakeout is a novella told in Noel's POV, and if you were like me when you read the end of Northern Bites (pissed off and shocked at what happened between Fane and Noel), well this is a must-read for you!
I was so surprised when I read the ending of Northern Bites... I just couldn't understand it! But oh my gods did I get what I wanted in this little short story! Through Noel's eyes, we get to see what was really happening when Aurora saw Fane and Noel at one of Marcus's parties. I had my suspicions, and they were confirmed... Guys, you will never believe it! It's a total plot twist! This revelation just changes everything for Aurora and the gang.
We also get see what Dante and Noel's assignment is all about, which actually sets everything for Bad Blood, while Valerie and Aurora nearly die and deal with the jerk-face Jared. Nothing this exciting happens to Noel and Dante, but it was a lot of fun to follow them around, nonetheless.
I really loved getting a peek into Noel's head and getting to know her better. In this novella I just felt so sympathetic towards her with all the crap that was going on in her life. She is such a deep character, and I was so happy we got to know more about her.
Another character that I surprisingly liked as well? Fane. In the past, I thought he was just an "okay" character (dont kill me!). He didn't wow me and I didn't fall head-over-heels in love with the guy, but you know what, I'm actually really starting to like this him! He was just a very sweet guy and such a great friend, despite what we all saw in Northern Bites. But deep down I think I will always be a Team Dante sort of girl ;)
Speaking of Dante, I LOVED him, of course! He's so fun and lovable and you can't help but like him, even if it is in the big brother sort of way.
Overall, I really liked the novella. I mean, we finally got some answers (and then some!). Some of the scenes overlapped with Northern Bites, which I loved. Getting Noel's perception on the events that transpired in book two was one of my favorite things about the novella! As I said, i definite MUST-read if you're dying to know what happened that night at the party!
March 10, 2014
I lost much of my enthusiasm for vampires several years back and then two authors got my attention with their vampiric tales. One of those authors was, and still is, Nikki Jefford. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve read by her and the Aurora Sky series has never let me down.
High school student Aurora Sky is the titular star of the series, having been recruited by a government agency to be a vampire hunter but not of the usual sort. Rather than going in with stakes and other paraphernalia, Aurora just offers her neck and her “special” blood . She doesn’t operate on her own, though, and is part of a group of teens who all have particular strengths. One of those teens is an informant named Noel Harper and Stakeout is her story.
These teens are so well-developed that I feel as though I know them all (although I don’t think I went to high school with a bunch of vampires and those who hunt them).Even some of the vampires are very likeable…but there’s not a sparkle in sight. Noel is a girl who is conflicted, not sure what she’s doing or why, and she has some serious personal baggage. By the time Stakeout came to an end, I was totally connected to her and can’t wait to meet her again.
So, why do I like these books so much? Well, first of all, Ms. Jefford is such a good writer from a construction standpoint and the grammatical flaws and typos are few enough to be of no real consequence. Most of all, I love this series because it’s so much fun, with humor and action and mystery and all sorts of good things. I’m quite sure the next book, Bad Blood, will be every bit as entertaining and I’m very glad we only have to wait till May for that one.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, March 2014.
High school student Aurora Sky is the titular star of the series, having been recruited by a government agency to be a vampire hunter but not of the usual sort. Rather than going in with stakes and other paraphernalia, Aurora just offers her neck and her “special” blood . She doesn’t operate on her own, though, and is part of a group of teens who all have particular strengths. One of those teens is an informant named Noel Harper and Stakeout is her story.
These teens are so well-developed that I feel as though I know them all (although I don’t think I went to high school with a bunch of vampires and those who hunt them).Even some of the vampires are very likeable…but there’s not a sparkle in sight. Noel is a girl who is conflicted, not sure what she’s doing or why, and she has some serious personal baggage. By the time Stakeout came to an end, I was totally connected to her and can’t wait to meet her again.
So, why do I like these books so much? Well, first of all, Ms. Jefford is such a good writer from a construction standpoint and the grammatical flaws and typos are few enough to be of no real consequence. Most of all, I love this series because it’s so much fun, with humor and action and mystery and all sorts of good things. I’m quite sure the next book, Bad Blood, will be every bit as entertaining and I’m very glad we only have to wait till May for that one.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, March 2014.
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