Biss in alle Ewigkeit

Garnet Lacey #4

by Tate Hallaway

Sexy, frech und unglaublich komisch: Ein Muss für alle Romantic-Fantasy-Fans!
Die Garnet-Lacey-Reihe geht in die nächste Runde:

Garnet Lacey und der Vampir ihrer Träume, der gut aussehende Sebastian, stehen kurz davor, einander das Ja-Wort zu geben. Garnet könnte nicht glücklicher sein. Doch dann geht mal wieder alles schief. Die Band, die sie für den Hochzeitsempfang engagiert hat, entpuppt sich als Alleinunterhalter mit Akkordeon und Lederhosen. Die Kleider ihrer Brautjungfern wurden vom Schneider versehentlich aus lachsrosa Taft gefertigt. Und zu allem Übel hat es auch noch Sebastians Ex-Geliebte, die Mutter seines untoten Sohns, auf Garnets Leben abgesehen ...

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Witches, Fantasy

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2009

About the author

A Scorpio with a Leo Rising, Tate Hallaway is an amateur astrologer and practicing Witch. Tate has been a fan of vampire fiction since she first read Poppy Z. Brite in high school. Her first short fiction acceptance was to a vampire ‘zine called Nocturnal Ecstasy Vampire Coven. Tate lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota with three black cats.

This author also writes science fiction under the name Lyda Morehouse.

Reviews

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. Fun series!!

[Cherise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garnet Lacey is a Wiccan who just happens to share her body with the Goddess, Lilith. After running from a massacre orchestrated by a group of Vatican witch hunters, Garnet has been living her life and practicing her craft in Madison, Wisconsin.

Garnet is all consumed with her upcoming wedding nuptials to her Vampire boyfriend, Sebastian. After a disastrous introduction to her parents, the wedding plans slowly begin to fall apart. Soon it becomes clear that the crumbling plans are more than mere coincidence, Garnet is convinced that her wedding is cursed.

With the wedding date nearing, and the actual event looking impossible to pull off, Garnet and Sebastian are forced to deal with their pasts before they can start their future together.

Just when you think things can’t possibly get worse, they do. Garnet is put to the test time and time again and she is able to harnesses and use the strength that her inner Lilith gives her, all the while trying to make sure Lilith doesn’t unleash fully. We learn a little more about Sebastian and some of it isn’t pretty.

Magic and hilarity abound in this latest story. Garnet is no Bridezilla but Lilith would love her to be. There isn’t a sedentary moment in this tale; each page is filled with action, magic, or a little vampire/witch lovin’. Tate Hallway continues her trend of conjuring a fantastic read filled with colorful characters, giggles and just enough hocus pocus to make it impossible to set down. I am already looking forward to the next one.

Cherise Everhard, May 2009

[aCupcakeBlonde · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably my least favorite book out of the series. I think because I have had enough of everything horrible happening to Garnet all the time. The girl deserves a litle bit of a break. But what disturbed me the most was Sebastian's actions in this book. I understand he has a connection with Tereza but how he treated Garnet was deplorable, and right before their wedding! I spent most of this book hating him and thinking him all wrong for Garnet. Also, the sudden interoduction of her parents was off putting. There was not much action in this book either. Seemed like there was a lot of build up for nothing. It was a lot more toned down than the pervious books. I hope the next books in this series are better.

[Julie (jjmachshev) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dead If I Do" is book four in Tate Hallaway's series about a witch who's finally found her perfect man, uh vampire. In this latest tale, Garnet and Sebastian are ready to tie the knot but it appears someone may have put a curse on their wedding since everything from cakes to dresses seems to be going wrong! And when Sebastian's ex-lover, mother of his son, apparently now a zombie shows up...well Garnet's pretty sure her life is NOT going well.

This series is chicklit meets the paranormal with occasional steamy sex thrown in for good measure. I've kept up with the series since I picked up the first book, "Tall, Dark & Dead". I like the laughter and sheer zaniness it provides and Hallaway's writing and pacing only sweeten the deal for me. You won't cry or sniffle or chew your nails reading this series--instead you'll likely laugh til you're red in the face. It's written in first person, but I haven't had any problems keeping characters or thoughts straight and I think the first person voice has even helped Sebastian and his son keep their 'mystique'. I DO recommend not reading the series in public though...unless you don't mind people staring at you while you snort and laugh.

[Berls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun one! This was the Meet The Parents episode of Garnet's story, complete with beginning with Sebastián meeting her parents and his once dead, now vampire / zombie (Vambie?) coming into the restaurant, making a huge scene, and cursing Garnet.

From that great start - for the book, not Garnet and Sébastien - Everything that could go wrong leading up to a wedding, especially a supernatural one, goes wrong. And it was so fun to watch Garnet try to handle it! I laughed, got pretty angry, and laughed some more. Loved meeting Garnet's parents - they are a hoot! One development disappointed me at first, but it worked out fairly well and I think it will be a great development long term. Looking forward to reading the next one - I will continue to listen since it's the amazing Amanda Ronconi.

[Kieraanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay...the storyline seemed to fall a little flat for me. No really bad stuff happening, no convincing fights for their lives or anything, just a bunch of pre-wedding complications. I have trouble remembering why I liked Sebastian in the first place which didn't help move the story along for me.

[Catt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I inhaled this book in two evenings, which was much better than book #3.

High points:

- Garnet's parents are hysterical. Despite the paranormal circus that is their daughter's life, they maintain their priorities. Dad is concerned it's some kind of death fraud to marry an undead guy, and Mom wants to know how grandchildren are going to work. Whatever they think of Garnet's life choices, however, they will not suffer anyone to disrespect (or kill) their darling only child. They also get super extra bonus parental points when their stoned, horny antics make even a vampire take the stairs two at a time.

- Mátyás and his backstory. That boy got such a raw deal in life, it's a miracle he turned out as okay as he did.

- I was actually quite proud of Garnet when she left Sebastian out to dry after catching him with Teréza. Their relationship so far has been fun but far too convenient, so I was glad to see some real conflict for a change.

- William is that friend we should all have.

Low points

- Parrish. Talk about being used. If I'd been him, I wouldn't have come back after dumping Garnet out of the car. Also, putting him with Teréza—his rival's ex-lover and mother of his son? Really??—was just too contrived and felt wrong.

- The ditzy Bridezilla moments were annoying and really weren't necessary. Who answers their phone when facing their fiancé's murderous jealous zombie ex? Arg.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a 4.5

I'm glad I stuck with this series. As the characters are fleshing out I'm enjoying them even more.

Garnet's parents are an entertaining addition to the series and, again, I'm finding Màtyàs an intriguing character. Also, the addition of Athena is fun.

Sebastian continues to be the least interesting character which is problematic as he's the main guy. I think I liked book three so much because he was largely missing from the story.

Complaints: The sexy parts are not well written. Ick. Also, when did Garnet start feeling ok about giving blood? I thought that was a line she didn't want to cross?

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally here for the wedding drama! I love this resolution. It seems a little too nice and tidy though. Can’t wait to hear the supernatural problems in the last one.

Also, I love the idea of a simple chill back yard wedding. Now to convince my fiancé….haha!

[Jessica Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK! LOVE IT!

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quick, easy read.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished it for the same week and i really enjoyed it. I loved how at first the story lines didn't seem to have anything to do with each other but slowly details were revealed to show how they are all connected.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some entertaining moments, but mostly I just wasn't feeling it, especially the romance. And the author is just not good at adding in details to set the scene. In more than one scene we were treated to every song that was playing on the radio. Quotes like:
"I couldn't make out any individuals words over 'Santa Baby,' which played on the speakers."
"David Bowie and Bing Crosby softly sang 'Little Drummer Boy' as we waited to see what Matyas would say."
"The lights above the bar blinked in tune to George Michael's 'Last Christmas'.
This was all in one scene, and it happened more than once in the book.

But the absolute worst was "The kitchen filled with the sounds of my noisy mastication." Are you kidding me with this? This author sure knows how to take the reader out of the story when she's trying to set the scene. It all just felt so forced. It's been a long time since I read the earlier books in this series. They could have all been like this, but I just wasn't as annoyed by it. I see there's one more in the series, but I don't think I'll be reading it.

[Brandi ;) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really, reaaallllyyyyy wanted to love this book. I am a huge fan of this series but I just couldn't get into the book as well as I have been able to get into the previous 3. It was interesting to meet Garnet's parents and for Tereza to finally wake up, but I can't say I was all into the whole wedding thing.
Spoilers are coming, I can't review this without them cause I've got questions on stuff I didn't quite get so if you haven't read it yet and don't want the details, stop now.
So, did Tereza put a curse on the wedding? It was guessed by Garnet that she did, but never really confirmed. I know things went wrong, but shit happens. That's one of the first lessons you learn in life. Also, did Matayas (sp?- we'll go with Matty) just go find some random vampire and have them bite then turn his zombie/dead mom? How did they get her to drink if she is unresponsive? And how the hell did she know who Matty is if she had him when she was in a coma/suspended state? She's never been responsive that I can remember but she takes one look at an adult Matty and knows he's her dear boy?
Parrish and Tereza? Really? Is this a fairy tale? All dreams come true in the end and everyone finds someone? Ehhh.....
I was ready for the book to be over way before it was done. When Garnet approached Tezzy in the barn I was ready for the story to end, but alas, one look at the book and i could see it wasn't going to happen.
I didn't hate this book. It might not seem like it, but I did enjoy a lot of the banter. I like Garnet and her charm as well as Sebastians. Their love is sweet and quite sexy. Vambie or Zompire, loved Parrish's words for Tezzy. And the actual wedding/handfast at the end was perfect. Simple and elegant, the way all weddings should be (in my opinion).
I'm hoping the next and last installment of Garnet's life will hit me better than this one did. Maybe it was just the mood I'm in or the fact that I've got a poop load of books waiting to be read and I'm really not so interested in reading about characters getting married. Having hot fabulous sex, yes. Finding wonderful romantic men to play with, yes. Making snarky witty comments that make me laugh so hard I almost pee on myself, yes. Getting married, yawn, no thanks.
BUT, that's just me.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate it when authors put characters in a relationship just to make sure there are no loose ends. To me it makes no sense that Izzy and Matyas would be dating because dating your best friend's fiancé's son is exponentially worse than dating your best friend's ex and not only weird but crossing a line that I thought was obvious enough that no one should have to say it out loud. I think Hallaway definitely messed up with the Izzy character because in the first book she was supportive and awesome, in the second book she turned into a jerk (the whole cousin situation was random and weird), the third book I accidently skipped and haven't read yet but I'm sure Izzy did something not so "friend-like", and the fourth she's dating Matyas now aka Matt. Izzy really doesn't seem like a good friend anymore and Garnet and Izzy barely talk anymore. I think it is clear they've grown apart and for good reason.

There's also another surprise relationship at the end of the book but I won't ruin it for anyone, I'll just say it is equally as random and forced. Hopefully in the next book Hallaway clarifies why all of these people are dating because now it just seems like a group inbreed situation. Just because all of these people spend time together does not mean they have to date. Also, Hallaway needs to decide when Parrish was born because in this one book Parrish was supposedly 100-years-old, 200, and 400 depending on the chapter. It makes me feel that no one took the time to proofread this book before publishing, which is unfortunate.

Besides for that the book was good. It had the romance the first book was lacking and the action the second book was lacking. It had a plot that made sense, unlike the second one with Izzy's cousin, Maureen, randomly appearing. This installment definitely kept me glued to the book more than the others, which makes me happy.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garnet and Sebastian are finally planning their wedding but, as you can probably guess if you've read any of the previous books in this series, nothing ever goes quite to plan. When Garnet introduces Sebastian to her estranged parents the evening doesn't get off to a good start when they discover Sebastian is a vampire. It only gets worse when Matayas' mother (& Sebastian's ex) Tereza appears and curses them.

Having spent centuries in suspended animation Tereza has finally come back to life - well sort of! With Tereza back on the scene and the wedding plans falling down around their ears it isn't certain that there will even be a wedding. As if life wasn't complicated enough Parish is also back on the scene and he wants Garnet back.

If you're a fan of the Garnet Lacey series then you will probably enjoy reading Dead If I Do. Although I felt there was less action than in some of the previous books I do think that this was probably the funniest book so far. I was a bit disappointed that the plot was so predictable though - it didn't have any of the plot twists that I would expect after reading the earlier books.

This series has always had a chick-lit feel to it but I thougth that Dead If I Do took this one step further - still an enjoyable read but not quite what I was expecting or hoping for. I've always had a soft spot for Parish & think I prefer him to Sebastian but I felt that way even more with this book & was routing for Parish to win Garnet back. I will still be reading the next book & I'm looking forward to finding out what trouble Garnet can get herself into next.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked:

1. Things aren't so easily happy even if you happen to have magic and other paranormal goodies on your side. In this story life in the real world is just as easily swayed and changed as life among the paranormal.

2. Even though there are paranormal beings, and magic actually does exist in this world, it isn't everywhere. Most characters in this story don't know that vampires exist or that a Goddess can easily take shelter in someone's body.

3. The Wiccan rituals and discussions that occur are an interesting mix between very realistic and complete fantasy. It is easy to believe that the author may be writing Wicca because she knows it.

What I didn't like:

1. At times the paranormal community is too small - i.e. there are only two vampires in the whole area. While at other times it is crazy large - seriously the Vatican is sending witch hunters after you? There doesn't seem to be any easy middle.

2. The cover art just doesn't work for me. I understand it's highly stylized, but the rail thin, angular girl just doesn't mesh with the image of the character presented in the books. But then this is just a peeve of mine.

Overall, it was a fun read. I'm glad I gave this series another chance.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I figured I'd go ahead and work my way through the series this week.

This one had a lot of promise--and it was good--but it had a few flaws that kept nagging at me. One was that I noticed--probably because I've been reading these back-to-back--that there were some discrepancies with the overall narrative. Nothing too major, but I still hate to see changes made in later books of a series, whether it's intentional to change the trajectory of the plot or simply because the writer lost some of the details along the way.

The other problem I had, and this was more troublesome to me, was that this book saw the anticipated return of a well-liked character who, literally, went down in a blaze of glory in book 2. I had been awaiting his return and, when it happened in this book, I was very disappointed. The main character was very blase with his return (sort of like, "Hey, what's up?") when I expected an emotional and explosive reunion. Also there was nothing said of his time away. While it didn't need to be too extensive, I was looking for some bit of additional character development for him since he's a favorite.

Overall, I enjoyed this as I did the others, but the above issues were a little distracting.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book of the Garnet Lacey series brings us to Garnet’s wedding to Sebastian.

Everything is set for Garnet’s wedding, well, everything except acceptance from Sebastian’s son, Matayas. Then everything starts to go wrong – caters cancel, the wrong dresses are shipped, the band cancels and, to top it off, Sebastian’s former love (and Matayas’ mother), Tereza show up to fight for her man.

And, Garnet’s parents arrive to help her with the wedding. Of course, the introductions didn’t go that well – especially since Garnet blurted that Sebastian was a vampire during the introductions and then Tereza appeared to reclaim Sebastian at dinner.

Now, Garnet has to re-do all her wedding plans – which is less than two weeks away and find a way to help Tereza. And, she finds herself questioning whether or not she really knows Sebastian well enough to marry him.

I really enjoy this series – a lot of fun little twists and turns on the way to a wedding.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews

Another really interesting read in the series. Loads going on with the Wedding and the Ex. Not sure why this did not connect for me, just one of those books.

The whole Bridzilla wedding gone awry was entertaining. It was rather amusing to keep up with all the disasters that struck the nuptials.

A little bit of smexy time mixed in makes for a happy romance reader. Yummy steam that is just this side of too hot.

I have the audio-book, what a happy surprise to find one of my favorite narrators, Amanda Ronconi. Fabulous as always!!! I adore how she brings a story to life and lends movement to the story with her energetic reads. Total fangirl on her!!

I am definitely hooked on the series and eager to see what comes next.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last of the garnet Lacey series (so far).

I much preferred this book because there was little or nor whining or stupidity on Garnet's part....she has matured, Finally and is standing up for herself!

She is getting married to Sebastian, but of course there are problems: Mattyas (Sebastian's son) is aiding & abetting his mother, Tereza; Tereza (formerly life-suspended ) is now animated and disoriented as a semi-zombie-vampire-witch, all of the wedding plans are being mysteriously canceled or going awry, Lilith is growing stronger more a part of Garnet, and to make matters worse Garnet's parents (leftover pot-smoking hippies) are staying with Garnet, Sebastian, Mattyas in the same house!

I really liked the book, it held my interest, I wasn't put off by the characters, and I finished it in a few hours time.

[Conny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not very eloquent in expressing my opinions, but I will try. I am a fan of the quirky and always getting into trouble Garnet Lacey and her vampire boyfriend Sebastian. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was because I thought the plot line was a bit flimsy. I did enjoy meeting her parents in this book and it made sense to me since they were planning on getting married that they might make an appearance. As usual a lot of things go wrong until they make it to the altar. I do enjoy the entire series and would recommend you read it. I already ordered the next book and can't wait to read it.

[Lori Whitwam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it... I really enjoy the Garnet Lacey series. Something about this one just sort of left me thinking there should have been more. The recurring character that "resurfaces" in this book seemed to lack complete definition, and the conflict there popped up at regular intervals with little escalation. Same with the wedding disasters... one after another, but no sense of building tension or impending trauma. The Vatican assassins, once so formidable, seemed almost laughable. It had all the elements of earlier books in the series, but seemed toned down.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best in the series so far. Garnet and Sebastion are engaged, and the wedding is in two weeks. What happens? Teresa(Sebastion's ex) comes back with a vengence, that's what, and Garnet's hippy parents are there to witness the whole thing. There were some great laugh-out-loud moments, intense moments, and yes, even passionate ones too. A wonderfully fun and exciting book that I must add to my wish list. Garnet Lacey is just so much fun getting to know, and I can't wait for more great books by Tate Hallaway.

[crayolaab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this latest installment in Tate Hallaway's Garnet Lacey series just as enjoyable as I expected. Garnet and Sebastian are very interesting characters, and it was nice to get to know their families a bit more. The contrast between Garnet's down-to-earth Minnesota farmer parents and Sebastian's (un)dead son and babymama was great! I was pleased by the eventual outcome of the book, and am looking forward to see where things end up - especially with Parrish and Teresa.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garnet and Sebastian are getting married, but when cursed by Sebastian's exgirlfriend Tereza - and everything starts to go wrong...

Tereza, Matyas' mother - tried to turn her vampire but failed - she has been more dead than alive - Matyas did something (exorcism by vatican? rebite by real vampire?), and she's back and crazy...

So Garnet & Sebastian have to navigate their responsibility, feelings, etc. as they strive to do what's right....

and ultimately, they have a lovely wedding...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book series is fun and light with a little bit of romance thrown in. Sebastian and Garnet are always getting themselves into trouble, and there is no exception here. Garnet is planning their wedding in two weeks when Sebastian's ex shows up and curses the wedding. All kinds of madness starts and on top of everything else Garnet's parents are in town. You just have to read, there is too much to describe here!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hippies of the past can be stoners of the present but I never thought of that until I was introduced to Garnet’s parents. As they would say in WI/MN, “What a hoot.” I laughed A LOT!!! This book just added to the quirky life of Garnet and Sebastian.

This is definitely a chick book in which paranormal meets steamy sex while causing the reader to laugh out loud. Love the series and the characters and they are characters.

[Catherine Crook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to wait almost 2 weeks for this book to arrive, and man- I could not put it down. There was so much excitement and drama. This book would allow for many books after. I am kind of sad to know the next one is the last one. I am sure she will end the series with a bang!