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In the Company of Vampires #3
Beyond the Moon
Like most immortal witches, Verity Van Velde knows how to look after herself—and she knows better than to trust any man. But then, a vampire with a grudge roughs her up and steals her precious talisman. Before long, Verity is swept up in a terrifying intrigue—and into the strong arms of a devastatingly sexy vampire hunter.
For the past four centuries, Rook has devoted himself to avenging a terrible loss. But something about this pretty witch calls to him, and it's not just her long legs…or her pouty lips…or her fiery magic. Something deep inside Rook knows that Verity may be his only chance to find his soul mate—and his soul.
For the past four centuries, Rook has devoted himself to avenging a terrible loss. But something about this pretty witch calls to him, and it's not just her long legs…or her pouty lips…or her fiery magic. Something deep inside Rook knows that Verity may be his only chance to find his soul mate—and his soul.
296 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2014
1 person is currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Michele Hauf
202 books938 followersMichele has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over twenty years. Her first published novel was DARK RAPTURE.
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 19, 2014
Characters from other books In the Company of Vampires series are featured in this enthralling story, and I was very glad these individuals are not going through the terrible problems that the current hero and heroine have to face. Michele Hauf skillfully gives the couple one challenge after another to overcome with limited satisfactory solutions. BEYOND THE MOON is a spellbinding romance with fascinating paranormal elements.
The mother of Verity Van Velde told her to never have faith in any man, and she has followed this advice for many years. Though she is a witch, she only uses her special abilities to entertain others in Paris or help herself, never harming anyone unless provoked. So when a vengeful vampire causes a group from his tribe to attack her, Verity does try to save herself. If not for a vampire hunter who just happened to be in the area, she would have experienced even more than getting bitten and having her necklace taken.
Working for the Order of the Stake lets Rook keep European vampires in line while making certain mortals do not learn about the existence of supernatural creatures. Many years ago, these beings caused him much personal suffering, and he never wants anyone else to lose a part of themself like he did. When Rook comes upon vampires threatening a witch, he steps in to assist. There seems to be a very powerful link between him and Verity, but doubts about the other may keep them from ever really connecting.
An endearing couple and imaginatively created scenes make BEYOND THE MOON unforgettable. Rook and Verity are extremely original in a number of ways, from capabilities to behavior. Ms. Hauf frequently makes her characters one-of-a-kind, and this couple is definitely unique. Their passionate natures are quite well-matched, thus leading to lots of intimacy expressed with lusty desire. I will certainly long remember the emotionally heartbreaking dilemmas plus the overwhelming joy at other times. Humor is sometimes rather subtle or can induce a big laugh. The author cleverly constructs unforeseen twists to keep scenes intriguing plus constantly mesmerizing. By the end of the novel, I was in total amazement as to how everything played out. Michele Hauf captivates with realistic situations and countless surprises all throughout BEYOND THE MOON, making it a story I never wanted to end.
CataRomance review
The mother of Verity Van Velde told her to never have faith in any man, and she has followed this advice for many years. Though she is a witch, she only uses her special abilities to entertain others in Paris or help herself, never harming anyone unless provoked. So when a vengeful vampire causes a group from his tribe to attack her, Verity does try to save herself. If not for a vampire hunter who just happened to be in the area, she would have experienced even more than getting bitten and having her necklace taken.
Working for the Order of the Stake lets Rook keep European vampires in line while making certain mortals do not learn about the existence of supernatural creatures. Many years ago, these beings caused him much personal suffering, and he never wants anyone else to lose a part of themself like he did. When Rook comes upon vampires threatening a witch, he steps in to assist. There seems to be a very powerful link between him and Verity, but doubts about the other may keep them from ever really connecting.
An endearing couple and imaginatively created scenes make BEYOND THE MOON unforgettable. Rook and Verity are extremely original in a number of ways, from capabilities to behavior. Ms. Hauf frequently makes her characters one-of-a-kind, and this couple is definitely unique. Their passionate natures are quite well-matched, thus leading to lots of intimacy expressed with lusty desire. I will certainly long remember the emotionally heartbreaking dilemmas plus the overwhelming joy at other times. Humor is sometimes rather subtle or can induce a big laugh. The author cleverly constructs unforeseen twists to keep scenes intriguing plus constantly mesmerizing. By the end of the novel, I was in total amazement as to how everything played out. Michele Hauf captivates with realistic situations and countless surprises all throughout BEYOND THE MOON, making it a story I never wanted to end.
CataRomance review
September 1, 2014
I liked this book so much. I started reading it this morning and couldn't put it down until I finished it. This is the third book of Hauf's I've read, all three books being part of the Company of Vampires series. I love these stories and these characters. Vampires, witches, shifters, werewolves and vampire hunters, all living in Paris.
The characters are interesting, the stories are full of danger and romance. Just the right blend of supernatural, violence and sex.
In this book, Verity, a witch is attacked by vampires and saved by Rook, a vampire hunter. The two feel an instant connection, which baffles both of them. Also, this connection they feel seems to be linked to the pendant worn around Verity's neck. Years ago, acting on some inexplicable compulsion, Verity sensed a soul within a tree, and she carved it out and felt obligated to protect it until she found its owner. Just so happens, many years ago, Rook made a deal with the devil that involved his soul being taken from him and buried in the ground.
But on the night of the attack, shortly after their initial meeting, the pendant is lost, and Verity is bitten by a vampire. She has until the full moon to figure out a cure (her attempts at spells aren't working) or hope Rook can stake the vamp who bit her before she transforms.
So this is the story of Rook trying to reclaim his soul, and Verity trying to save hers, all while trying to handle the intense attraction they feel for each other. Verity has a three date rule, but she figures out fairly quickly she wants more than three dates with Rook. And discovering Verity is a fire witch, and seeing her perform with fire brings back some terrible memories Rook would rather not revisit.
I don't want to give too much away in this review, because part of what makes the story interesting is the way the backstory is gradually revealed.
Overall, this is a really great book. Lots of action, plenty of magic and some very hot sex. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys steamy paranormal romances.
The characters are interesting, the stories are full of danger and romance. Just the right blend of supernatural, violence and sex.
In this book, Verity, a witch is attacked by vampires and saved by Rook, a vampire hunter. The two feel an instant connection, which baffles both of them. Also, this connection they feel seems to be linked to the pendant worn around Verity's neck. Years ago, acting on some inexplicable compulsion, Verity sensed a soul within a tree, and she carved it out and felt obligated to protect it until she found its owner. Just so happens, many years ago, Rook made a deal with the devil that involved his soul being taken from him and buried in the ground.
But on the night of the attack, shortly after their initial meeting, the pendant is lost, and Verity is bitten by a vampire. She has until the full moon to figure out a cure (her attempts at spells aren't working) or hope Rook can stake the vamp who bit her before she transforms.
So this is the story of Rook trying to reclaim his soul, and Verity trying to save hers, all while trying to handle the intense attraction they feel for each other. Verity has a three date rule, but she figures out fairly quickly she wants more than three dates with Rook. And discovering Verity is a fire witch, and seeing her perform with fire brings back some terrible memories Rook would rather not revisit.
I don't want to give too much away in this review, because part of what makes the story interesting is the way the backstory is gradually revealed.
Overall, this is a really great book. Lots of action, plenty of magic and some very hot sex. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys steamy paranormal romances.
September 12, 2014
When Verity is roughed up by a vampire with a grudge, she is rescued by Rook a vampire hunter and together they are swept up into a dangerous intrigue that has both of their souls at stake in this riveting paranormal romance.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps chills spreading down the reader’s spine with suspense, drama and romance. The author describes the story with well written words and scenes that capture the imagination and the well orchestrated drama and suspense draw the reader deeper into the world of beautiful creatures while the strong compelling characters grab the reader’s attention and ensure that the readers want to know more.
The attraction between Verity and Rook is strong and burns hot from the time he rescues her and of course leads them to some red hot sex scenes but the romance is hampered by their past issues and lack of trust. The reader can’t help but get caught up in their very intriguing story as their pasts come to light which adds lots of spice and depth to the story.
The author has created a fascinating and intriguing world with lots of interesting elements that stand out and lots of bewitching characters to tantalize the reader. Spine tingling tension builds throughout the story as Rook hunts the rogue vampires and Verity’s time grows short – sorry, I’m not going to explain why – and the danger, excitement and surprising twists keeps readers on their toes. I was completely engrossed in the book from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and of course this series is part of her world of Beautiful Creatures.
- Eva
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps chills spreading down the reader’s spine with suspense, drama and romance. The author describes the story with well written words and scenes that capture the imagination and the well orchestrated drama and suspense draw the reader deeper into the world of beautiful creatures while the strong compelling characters grab the reader’s attention and ensure that the readers want to know more.
The attraction between Verity and Rook is strong and burns hot from the time he rescues her and of course leads them to some red hot sex scenes but the romance is hampered by their past issues and lack of trust. The reader can’t help but get caught up in their very intriguing story as their pasts come to light which adds lots of spice and depth to the story.
The author has created a fascinating and intriguing world with lots of interesting elements that stand out and lots of bewitching characters to tantalize the reader. Spine tingling tension builds throughout the story as Rook hunts the rogue vampires and Verity’s time grows short – sorry, I’m not going to explain why – and the danger, excitement and surprising twists keeps readers on their toes. I was completely engrossed in the book from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and of course this series is part of her world of Beautiful Creatures.
- Eva
September 4, 2014
BEYOND THE MOON is a quick yet captivating read. You'll love strong, sexy Rook, his demon Oz, and playful Verity. The meaning of the title is touching, and the love story is tender and fulfilling.
As a bonus, we get to see Lyric and Vail from one of my favorite Hauf books, FOREVER VAMPIRE.
I hope that King gets his own book--soon.
As a bonus, we get to see Lyric and Vail from one of my favorite Hauf books, FOREVER VAMPIRE.
I hope that King gets his own book--soon.
Read
January 12, 2016"This is chock-full of action and excitement from start to finish. The story is well written and the quirky characters are a perfect match for one another" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
Miniseries: In the Company of Vampires
Miniseries: In the Company of Vampires
April 14, 2016
Setting:
Paris – now and 100 years ago… vampire headquarters with lounge, kitchen, offices; adult/supernatural circus tent;
Theme:
Characters:
Verity Von Velde: 100+ year old witch; alone mostly; her mother burned in a fire set by her hunter lover; powerful; controls fire (learned after mother’s death, to master her fear); gift to ‘see’ and is drawn to things; she had been drawn to a tree stump, and to dig out the stump, and found a soul – and she shaped the wood into jewelry and wore it around her neck ever since, hoping someday to run across its owner; has a 3 date rule; attempts to stay neutral;
Rook / Asatru aka Oz: King’s right-hand man & figurehead in control of the Order / incorporeal demon – trapped in Rook’s body for 400 years; vampire / vampire hunter & demon who can truth tell; they share Rook’s body (once a month Oz takes over body, and visits his fairy wife, who is now pregnant); His soul buried in a field (payment for vengeance); doesn’t trust;
Order of the Stake: policing vampires across Europe;
Frederick Slater: bad vampire – making a strike to take over Paris; he was Verity’s boyfriend (lover?) but she left when she disagreed with his lack of morality; he sends three out to kill her, and when they return with her necklace he drops it in a drawer;
Summary:
Rook saves Verity who is attacked by vampires on her way home from practice (a fire/gymnastic/circus-like show) late at night, losing her necklace with a soul – for a moment Rook felt his soul, but chased after vampires, and when returned, sensation is gone. He saves her life, stopping the bleeding… and the connection is made… she casts a spell to prevent vampirism, but it isn’t taking – and she and Rook join forces to rid Paris of Slater… and on the last night before the full moon, kill her attacker (thus she is saved from vampirism), defeat Slater, and retrieve Rook’s soul – making him mortal and able to love Verity… and freeing Oz so he can be with his wife and child.
Memorable scenes:
“And she raced up the stairs to the bedroom where she grabbed her great-grandmother’s quilt, wrapped it around her shoulders and pressed a palm to the window to watch the hunter’s retreat into the night. The quilt hugged her, but she took no comfort in the memory of the women who had come before her tonight. She was alone in this world. And she didn’t want to be alone anymore.”
Paris – now and 100 years ago… vampire headquarters with lounge, kitchen, offices; adult/supernatural circus tent;
Theme:
Characters:
Verity Von Velde: 100+ year old witch; alone mostly; her mother burned in a fire set by her hunter lover; powerful; controls fire (learned after mother’s death, to master her fear); gift to ‘see’ and is drawn to things; she had been drawn to a tree stump, and to dig out the stump, and found a soul – and she shaped the wood into jewelry and wore it around her neck ever since, hoping someday to run across its owner; has a 3 date rule; attempts to stay neutral;
Rook / Asatru aka Oz: King’s right-hand man & figurehead in control of the Order / incorporeal demon – trapped in Rook’s body for 400 years; vampire / vampire hunter & demon who can truth tell; they share Rook’s body (once a month Oz takes over body, and visits his fairy wife, who is now pregnant); His soul buried in a field (payment for vengeance); doesn’t trust;
Order of the Stake: policing vampires across Europe;
Frederick Slater: bad vampire – making a strike to take over Paris; he was Verity’s boyfriend (lover?) but she left when she disagreed with his lack of morality; he sends three out to kill her, and when they return with her necklace he drops it in a drawer;
Summary:
Rook saves Verity who is attacked by vampires on her way home from practice (a fire/gymnastic/circus-like show) late at night, losing her necklace with a soul – for a moment Rook felt his soul, but chased after vampires, and when returned, sensation is gone. He saves her life, stopping the bleeding… and the connection is made… she casts a spell to prevent vampirism, but it isn’t taking – and she and Rook join forces to rid Paris of Slater… and on the last night before the full moon, kill her attacker (thus she is saved from vampirism), defeat Slater, and retrieve Rook’s soul – making him mortal and able to love Verity… and freeing Oz so he can be with his wife and child.
Memorable scenes:
“And she raced up the stairs to the bedroom where she grabbed her great-grandmother’s quilt, wrapped it around her shoulders and pressed a palm to the window to watch the hunter’s retreat into the night. The quilt hugged her, but she took no comfort in the memory of the women who had come before her tonight. She was alone in this world. And she didn’t want to be alone anymore.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2014
Great to have a ‘Beautiful World’ book again. This one is book 3 of ‘In the Company of Vampires. The series that takes place in Paris with the Vampire Hunters.
Just to get you back up to speed, Verity is a witch who used to date Slater, the leader of the werewolf tribe Zmaj. He’s not a good guy and wants Verity’s fire witch blood. Rook is 2d in command of the ‘Order of the Stake’ vampire hunters. He’s been ordered to take out the Zmaj tribe who have been killing a lot of people. We have cameos by Val & Lyric LaMorrette, Kas Rothstein, Vika St. Charles and our favorite warlock Ian Grimm.
Verity is attacked by some of the tribe and Rook rescues her and finds out she’s been protecting his soul all these decades. Needless to say they end up drawn together as soulmates and fall in love. There’s a lot of cool mix ups, some interesting sex scenes, a great final battle and not so hidden hints to possible future storylines.
Such as. Oz the demon has a fairy wife who’s pregnant. Verity claims that Rook is a father, which he denies, but his first wife was a beautiful witch who had a ‘stillborn’ child. Hmmmm. Lots of potential there. I also like Familiar Thomas the cat. He has some very interesting scenes. I’d like to find out more about him.
I kind of felt the connection between Rook and Verity. They’re both interesting characters. They do have a lot of interesting stuff happening to them and cool personal histories. But the chemistry between them is a little rough.
I don’t understand this thing about the box of macarons. He said she could have the box if she promised to look at the photos, which she did. But he kept it from her until they got there, then made her feel like she could only eat them while she was there. What a selfish, mean tease. She fulfilled her part of the bargain, so the box is hers. I would have just picked it up with my purse and claimed it.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Verity and the cat shifter Thomas remind me of the dog shifter Valdez in the Glory St. Claire series.
2)Question: How did Verity know what ingredients to gather for Grimm when she didn’t know what spell he’d use?
Fave scenes: Verity’s fire act at the Demon Arts show, playing strip twenty questions, Rook’s story about his wife Marianne and, of course, the final battle with Slater.
Just to get you back up to speed, Verity is a witch who used to date Slater, the leader of the werewolf tribe Zmaj. He’s not a good guy and wants Verity’s fire witch blood. Rook is 2d in command of the ‘Order of the Stake’ vampire hunters. He’s been ordered to take out the Zmaj tribe who have been killing a lot of people. We have cameos by Val & Lyric LaMorrette, Kas Rothstein, Vika St. Charles and our favorite warlock Ian Grimm.
Verity is attacked by some of the tribe and Rook rescues her and finds out she’s been protecting his soul all these decades. Needless to say they end up drawn together as soulmates and fall in love. There’s a lot of cool mix ups, some interesting sex scenes, a great final battle and not so hidden hints to possible future storylines.
Such as. Oz the demon has a fairy wife who’s pregnant. Verity claims that Rook is a father, which he denies, but his first wife was a beautiful witch who had a ‘stillborn’ child. Hmmmm. Lots of potential there. I also like Familiar Thomas the cat. He has some very interesting scenes. I’d like to find out more about him.
I kind of felt the connection between Rook and Verity. They’re both interesting characters. They do have a lot of interesting stuff happening to them and cool personal histories. But the chemistry between them is a little rough.
I don’t understand this thing about the box of macarons. He said she could have the box if she promised to look at the photos, which she did. But he kept it from her until they got there, then made her feel like she could only eat them while she was there. What a selfish, mean tease. She fulfilled her part of the bargain, so the box is hers. I would have just picked it up with my purse and claimed it.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Verity and the cat shifter Thomas remind me of the dog shifter Valdez in the Glory St. Claire series.
2)Question: How did Verity know what ingredients to gather for Grimm when she didn’t know what spell he’d use?
Fave scenes: Verity’s fire act at the Demon Arts show, playing strip twenty questions, Rook’s story about his wife Marianne and, of course, the final battle with Slater.
January 17, 2015
DNF!
First posted on Swept Away Again
"Like most immortal witches, Verity Van Velde knows how to look after herself—and she knows better than to trust any man. But then, a vampire with a grudge roughs her up and steals her precious talisman. Before long, Verity is swept up in a terrifying intrigue—and into the strong arms of a devastatingly sexy vampire hunter. For the past four centuries, Rook has devoted himself to avenging a terrible loss. But something about this pretty witch calls to him, and it's not just her long legs…or her pouty lips…or her fiery magic. Something deep inside Rook knows that Verity may be his only chance to find his soul mate—and his soul."
I really liked Michele Hauf's Her Vampire Husband which I read years ago so when I read the blurb on netgalley I thought Beyond the Moon sounded great and I was in for a treat. Sadly I couldn't get into the characters lone monologues to themselves and how they would chat to themselves when no one else was around and it was all in quotation marks so they weren't just monologuing they were talking out loud and that just annoyed me that I was unable to finish the book. I didn't dislike the actual storyline nor the characters and normally I would have stuck with this and tried to finish it but there's so many other books out at the moment that are calling my attention that I just decided to DNF it at 36%.
First posted on Swept Away Again
"Like most immortal witches, Verity Van Velde knows how to look after herself—and she knows better than to trust any man. But then, a vampire with a grudge roughs her up and steals her precious talisman. Before long, Verity is swept up in a terrifying intrigue—and into the strong arms of a devastatingly sexy vampire hunter. For the past four centuries, Rook has devoted himself to avenging a terrible loss. But something about this pretty witch calls to him, and it's not just her long legs…or her pouty lips…or her fiery magic. Something deep inside Rook knows that Verity may be his only chance to find his soul mate—and his soul."
I really liked Michele Hauf's Her Vampire Husband which I read years ago so when I read the blurb on netgalley I thought Beyond the Moon sounded great and I was in for a treat. Sadly I couldn't get into the characters lone monologues to themselves and how they would chat to themselves when no one else was around and it was all in quotation marks so they weren't just monologuing they were talking out loud and that just annoyed me that I was unable to finish the book. I didn't dislike the actual storyline nor the characters and normally I would have stuck with this and tried to finish it but there's so many other books out at the moment that are calling my attention that I just decided to DNF it at 36%.
September 19, 2014
When Verity is roughed up by a vampire with a grudge, she is rescued by Rook a vampire hunter and together they are swept up into a dangerous intrigue that has both of their souls at stake in this riveting paranormal romance. The author has created a fascinating and intriguing world with lots of interesting elements that stand out and lots of bewitching characters to tantalize the reader. Spine tingling tension builds throughout the story as Rook hunts the rogue vampires and Verity’s time grows short – sorry, I’m not going to explain why – and the danger, excitement and surprising twists keeps readers on their toes. I was completely engrossed in the book from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and of course this series is part of her world of Beautiful Creatures.
See my full review at:
http://paranormalhaven.com/2014/09/bo...
See my full review at:
http://paranormalhaven.com/2014/09/bo...
July 11, 2016
Could we finally found Ian Grim's father? Can one man watch his wife, a witch, die two times by his doing? Kings guard to King Henri IX to King Louis XIII to being bff, formal lover and co founder with King 'King Charles, son of King Henri II & Catherine de Medici' The Knight of the Order of the Stake. There is so much going on with Verity, her reincarnated soul, finding a lost soul in a tree and being hunted by formal lover turn stalker. Her bff's are Lyric and Vail and Zoe (Kaz). Rook has had a lot happen to him, seen many centuries of killing and keeping peace between the paranormals, harboring a truth demon that his wife put into him to show that she was a witch. Just never stops with the action in and out of the bedroom.
April 3, 2015
*received for free through Goodreads First Reads
As a fan of paranormal romances, I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. I like when there are multiple races of paranormal folks and there were some good plot points, but overall the characters fell flat for me and I didn't care enough about them to invest in their issues.
As a fan of paranormal romances, I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. I like when there are multiple races of paranormal folks and there were some good plot points, but overall the characters fell flat for me and I didn't care enough about them to invest in their issues.
September 22, 2014
I love this book.Rook is a very sexy vampire hunter.I loved the romance in the story.It was hot and steamy.I think this book is well written and I recommend this book to anyone.If you like vampires this is a book you're going to love.
February 5, 2015
Review to come :)
January 25, 2017
It was interesting to read about Rook. I realise I am reading the first books last so it makes for a weird story line. lol
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews