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Deadly Angels #6
Even Vampires Get the Blues
New York Times bestselling author Sandra Hill delivers a sizzling new entry in her Deadly Angels series, as a Viking vangel's otherworldly mission teams him with a Navy SEAL who's more than his match— she's his predestined mate . . .
The fact that vampire angel Harek Sigurdsson was a Norseman in his mortal life doesn't make thawing out after exile in Siberia any easier. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camille Dumaine, a human who thrums with sensual energy that can mean only one thing: she's the mate Harek's been seeking for centuries . . .
The SEALs call her "Camo" for her ability to blend into a crowd—yet Harek's intense blue gaze singles Camille out like a white-hot spotlight. The security wiz was hired to help bring down a ruthless band of international kidnappers, but Camille senses an unspoken agenda—besides Harek's bold declaration that she's his "destiny." Just Camille's luck that the sexiest man she's ever met may also be . . . a vampire!
The fact that vampire angel Harek Sigurdsson was a Norseman in his mortal life doesn't make thawing out after exile in Siberia any easier. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camille Dumaine, a human who thrums with sensual energy that can mean only one thing: she's the mate Harek's been seeking for centuries . . .
The SEALs call her "Camo" for her ability to blend into a crowd—yet Harek's intense blue gaze singles Camille out like a white-hot spotlight. The security wiz was hired to help bring down a ruthless band of international kidnappers, but Camille senses an unspoken agenda—besides Harek's bold declaration that she's his "destiny." Just Camille's luck that the sexiest man she's ever met may also be . . . a vampire!
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2015
119 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Hill
92 books1,313 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 20, 2015
3.5 stars
Lot’s of witty dialog and silly, tongue-in-cheek humor make Sandra Hill’s Deadly Angels series thoroughly entertaining. Even Vampires Get the Blues is the 6th in the series and another fun, super sexy installment.
Blurb…
The fact that vampire angel Harek Sigurdsson was a Norseman in his mortal life doesn't make thawing out after exile in Siberia any easier. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camille Dumaine, a human who thrums with sensual energy that can mean only one thing: she's the mate Harek's been seeking for centuries . . .
The SEALs call her "Camo" for her ability to blend into a crowd—yet Harek's intense blue gaze singles Camille out like a white-hot spotlight. The security wiz was hired to help bring down a ruthless band of international kidnappers, but Camille senses an unspoken agenda—besides Harek's bold declaration that she's his "destiny." Just Camille's luck that the sexiest man she's ever met may also be . . . a vampire!
My quickie thoughts...
Even though this isn't my favorite Vampire series, I do enjoy these crazy Viking Angels who are "serving time" until their boss, Mike - AKA Michael, the Archangel - feels that they've made restitution for the sins of their very ancient pasts. These stories are easy reads, perfect for those times you want something fun to take your mind off life while you chill with a sexy man sure to become your newest book-boyfriend.
An ARC was provided by Avon Books.
January 3, 2017
3* greed is (not)good STARS!
Harek Sigurdsson carried GREED as his biggest sin when he was human. Saved by Michael the Archangel, he redeemed himself as a Vangels. He's one of my fave Vangels. Who doesn't love geek? He's rarely involved in combat and battlefield. Harek is a behind-the-scene kind of man (beside Sig, the Doctor). I was really anticipated this book, but the reality sucks.
✔ Harek seems to has hidden potential. He could be a rich business-man? But his story/mission was involved with SEAL, again like Trond's story. As the main hero, I want him to more involved with his skills but it didn't enough make me impressed.
✔ I didn't found any problem with the heroine, Camille aka Camo who is a WEALs(?). She's like ordinary woman. She's independent and strong-willed. However, her family drama really annoyed me.
✔ Again, the story was too long with no action. I was hope Harek has bigger portion with his ability, moroever with Greed as his sin. I think the story line didn't fit with him. This is the most romantic story among other Vangels. I couldn't feel the chemistry between Harek and Camille. Too much drama.
✔ As always, they have their own jokes. I found their dry jokes isn't that funny but beside how plain was Harek with his 'hidden treasure', nothing interest me so far. I'm glad the other Vangels made appearance with their sarcastic mouth. Even Michael!
Although I hardly found their chemistry, The sex scenes was okay enough. I still liked the writing. The flow was rather difficult to process; not really excited. Overall, I enjoyed it even with some minor problems and didn't fit my expectation. Such a waste for that gorgeous cover. =/
Harek Sigurdsson carried GREED as his biggest sin when he was human. Saved by Michael the Archangel, he redeemed himself as a Vangels. He's one of my fave Vangels. Who doesn't love geek? He's rarely involved in combat and battlefield. Harek is a behind-the-scene kind of man (beside Sig, the Doctor). I was really anticipated this book, but the reality sucks.
✔ Harek seems to has hidden potential. He could be a rich business-man? But his story/mission was involved with SEAL, again like Trond's story. As the main hero, I want him to more involved with his skills but it didn't enough make me impressed.
✔ I didn't found any problem with the heroine, Camille aka Camo who is a WEALs(?). She's like ordinary woman. She's independent and strong-willed. However, her family drama really annoyed me.
✔ Again, the story was too long with no action. I was hope Harek has bigger portion with his ability, moroever with Greed as his sin. I think the story line didn't fit with him. This is the most romantic story among other Vangels. I couldn't feel the chemistry between Harek and Camille. Too much drama.
✔ As always, they have their own jokes. I found their dry jokes isn't that funny but beside how plain was Harek with his 'hidden treasure', nothing interest me so far. I'm glad the other Vangels made appearance with their sarcastic mouth. Even Michael!
Although I hardly found their chemistry, The sex scenes was okay enough. I still liked the writing. The flow was rather difficult to process; not really excited. Overall, I enjoyed it even with some minor problems and didn't fit my expectation. Such a waste for that gorgeous cover. =/
August 20, 2015
I went into Even Vampires Get the Blues (Deadly Angels #6) by Sandra Hill totally blind. I hadn’t heard of this series before so, obviously, I hadn’t read any of the other books in the Deadly Angels series. Let me just say that vampire angel Vikings are a thing. Not only are they a thing…they are sexy, hot things!
Harek Sigurdsson was born a Viking, and back in the day, he was known for his great skills in making money. And one of the last things that he was in the business of selling to make a profit was people. Slaves to be more precise. And it’s because of his greed to make money that he was sentenced to a life as a Vangel…a vampire angel who answers to Michael the Archangel (aka Mike). For over a thousand years, Harek has been wandering the earth battling evil Lucipires (demon vampires), and spending most of his immortal life in Siberia in “exile”.
But “Mike” has a plan for Harek. He’s been assigned to assist in a mission in Nigeria to help the SEALs hunt down and end a group of kidnappers who are hell bent on kidnapping girls and selling them off into a life of slavery. And it’s because of this mission that Harek meets Camille (aka Camo), a kickass WEAL chick who has a true hatred for slavery, and is not at all looking to start any sort of relationship.
But Harek can be very…very convincing. Who can resist the charms of a Norseman vampire angel? Heck, even though he knows he’s breaking the rules, Harek can’t seem to resist Camille! But will they even have a chance? Or will everything that has been building up between them come crashing down, when Harek’s past comes to light in the present.
I will admit, there were points in Even Vampires Get the Blues by Sandra Hill that were cute. Yes, cute. Like the terms of endearment (i.e. sweetling, dearling) and the early encounters where Harek talks about stuff from his past and Camille has a WTF are you talking about face (or so I was picturing). And yes, there were parts that made me chuckle, like the times where Harek talks about stuff from his past, and Camille has a WTF are you talking about face (again, so I was picturing), or when Harek and Camille are fighting whatever is happening between them. And yes, the cheese factor is strong…but put it all together, and Even Vampires Get the Blues by Sandra Hill as quite enjoyable.
The characters had chemistry, which was one of the things that kept my attention. The writing style reminded me of the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris, which was another reason that I enjoyed reading this book. And even though I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series, I had no difficulty in following along with the storyline, and the back stories. I also enjoyed meeting Harek’s other brothers and seeing the various personalities.
If you’re looking for a read where you don’t really need to concentrate but are looking for something that will transport your imagination to another place, Even Vampires Get the Blues by Sandra Hill is the one for you. It’s got everything you need for a quick read…humor, romance, steamy scenes (though I wish they were longer and more descriptive), sexy Viking vampire angels, and a kickass heroine!
Harek Sigurdsson was born a Viking, and back in the day, he was known for his great skills in making money. And one of the last things that he was in the business of selling to make a profit was people. Slaves to be more precise. And it’s because of his greed to make money that he was sentenced to a life as a Vangel…a vampire angel who answers to Michael the Archangel (aka Mike). For over a thousand years, Harek has been wandering the earth battling evil Lucipires (demon vampires), and spending most of his immortal life in Siberia in “exile”.
But “Mike” has a plan for Harek. He’s been assigned to assist in a mission in Nigeria to help the SEALs hunt down and end a group of kidnappers who are hell bent on kidnapping girls and selling them off into a life of slavery. And it’s because of this mission that Harek meets Camille (aka Camo), a kickass WEAL chick who has a true hatred for slavery, and is not at all looking to start any sort of relationship.
But Harek can be very…very convincing. Who can resist the charms of a Norseman vampire angel? Heck, even though he knows he’s breaking the rules, Harek can’t seem to resist Camille! But will they even have a chance? Or will everything that has been building up between them come crashing down, when Harek’s past comes to light in the present.
I will admit, there were points in Even Vampires Get the Blues by Sandra Hill that were cute. Yes, cute. Like the terms of endearment (i.e. sweetling, dearling) and the early encounters where Harek talks about stuff from his past and Camille has a WTF are you talking about face (or so I was picturing). And yes, there were parts that made me chuckle, like the times where Harek talks about stuff from his past, and Camille has a WTF are you talking about face (again, so I was picturing), or when Harek and Camille are fighting whatever is happening between them. And yes, the cheese factor is strong…but put it all together, and Even Vampires Get the Blues by Sandra Hill as quite enjoyable.
The characters had chemistry, which was one of the things that kept my attention. The writing style reminded me of the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris, which was another reason that I enjoyed reading this book. And even though I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series, I had no difficulty in following along with the storyline, and the back stories. I also enjoyed meeting Harek’s other brothers and seeing the various personalities.
If you’re looking for a read where you don’t really need to concentrate but are looking for something that will transport your imagination to another place, Even Vampires Get the Blues by Sandra Hill is the one for you. It’s got everything you need for a quick read…humor, romance, steamy scenes (though I wish they were longer and more descriptive), sexy Viking vampire angels, and a kickass heroine!
August 15, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Harek Sigurdsson, is a Vangel, and due to certain acts that were against the rules for being a Vangel, he is to work on an online website to help promote goodness and faith in a very chilly location in Siberia. Not his first choice, but then Michael, the Archangel doesn't really give him a choice when it comes to punishment. Then unexpectedly he is summoned and instructed to help with a mission to help save some young innocent girls from nasty terrorists and in league with them are evil Lucipires. Harek doesn't mind killing these evil beings at all. So he joins up with the strike team, and he meets a WEAL, a young woman that is nicknamed "Camo". At first he smells a garden of roses whenever he gets near her, but she doesn't seem his type at all. But when he is warned she may be his "mate", he refuses to let her in. Until he volunteers to go to her brothers wedding with her. Harek has no idea why he would choose to go to a wedding with her...he despises weddings. But he can't back out now, and he soon sees the real woman beneath all the camouflage. Camille is devoted to the military and serving in the WEAL's, and she is very good at what she does. She will do anything to save young girls from torture and rape, even if its to work with a man that smells like the most decadent chocolate, talks strange but is sexy as sin...not that she would ever let him know that. Soon these two will have fight to survive and also believe in their mating and letting go of the past so they can have a future together.
The Hero
Harek is a Viking...was born and raised and loved his life. He loved the drinking and the women and had an obsession with money and gold, and had a "Midas" touch when it came to achieving and accumulating wealth, even had slaves. Then Michael came to him, with a deal, and he was forced to become a Vangel. He has spent hundreds of years, doing good, slaying evil and protecting innocents but breaking plenty of "godly" rules in the process. He never can seem to get on Mike's good side. Harek is amusing and sexy and quite redeemable. He loves his gadgets and computers, is quite obsessed with them. What was most fun about his character, was his bluntness and he is true to himself. Doesn't hide who he is, and I loved that about Harek. Even though he tends to break so many rules all the time, he also admits when he is wrong and takes his punishment.
The Heroine
Camille grew up with a family that was wealthy but a bit dysfunctional. Both of her parents have successful careers, but not the healthiest of a marriage. Her father has a whole mistress along with the family he already has. Her parents may have once cared for each other, but now they merely tolerate each other. She is close to her brother, who is a rocket scientist. Unlike her family, she wanted to serve in the military and became A WEAL...which was pretty difficult and challenging. I loved Camille as the heroine because she is the best for Harek, she tends to make him think and balance him out a bit. Camille is dedicated and loyal, and has a weakness for anything chocolate. She is quite spirited and is quite the match for our hero in every way.
Plot and Story Line
So Even Vampires Get The Blues is the sixth addition to this wild and hilarious series. Now for those of you who have never had the chance to read Sandra Hill...she is different. So different from any other author. I don't even know if I can explain it, even though I have been reading for years. Many books that she has written, just like this most latest release, may seem a bit serious but in all honesty--its not. It has a basic serious plot. We have some nasty terrorists dealing sexual slavery of young girls, then we mix in our Vangels, SEAL's and WEAL's....and even some other agents from the FBI, you don't have your typical paranormal type romance.
This book we see characters from Sandra Hill's other series. Which was fun, but honestly I realize I do need to get on her Cajun series since those are the only books from this author I have yet to read. But what this series is about a group of men, brothers who were born in the Viking times, and each committed one of the "deadly sins" and so the archangel Michael, offered them a choice and they all made the choice to work on redeeming themselves. They are Vikings, who are angels and vampires. Its a unique mix that is for sure. Now I will say that the writing is something you have to get used to. I would recommend to new readers to give the whole book a shot because when I first started reading Hill it took time for me to adjust to her writing style, since its so wildly different from any other author. Its one of the main reasons I keep reading her. Even though it doesn't engage me fully 100%...she always offers a wild and sensational story. In this book we have the Geeky Vangel, he is the one that loves his computers and his unique gadgets. But he is tough, a fighter, battles evil and protects innocents and loves sex (even though that is against the rules....but he and his brothers do it anyway) He is very rebellious, in fact, he tends to get sent to Siberia way too often for his rebellious nature.
What I found most endearing about this story was that both characters don't really like each other too much at first. Its not a full angst romance, but it could come close. However unlike those, they can't resist spending time together, even volunteering without meaning to. And it's partly due to the fact that they are mates. I quite loved the way they deny it, and its not until the get some alone time with each other that they start to accept what they have together. There are some stumbling blocks along the way, but we see how much they care for one another and really have a strong bond. Quite interesting seeing how this story turned out, and even though its not my favorite book of the series, quite entertaining and humorous.
The Cover
HOT!! That is all I have to say because I just love it. All the covers in this series are pretty dang sexy. But what I love about this cover, is the half shirt open, with the muscled abs, and the dark background....adds an edge to it.
Overall View
Even Vampires Get The Blue is a story to give you barrels of laughs put you at the edge of your seat with tense action and plenty of steamy scenes to keep you interested.
Summary
Harek Sigurdsson, is a Vangel, and due to certain acts that were against the rules for being a Vangel, he is to work on an online website to help promote goodness and faith in a very chilly location in Siberia. Not his first choice, but then Michael, the Archangel doesn't really give him a choice when it comes to punishment. Then unexpectedly he is summoned and instructed to help with a mission to help save some young innocent girls from nasty terrorists and in league with them are evil Lucipires. Harek doesn't mind killing these evil beings at all. So he joins up with the strike team, and he meets a WEAL, a young woman that is nicknamed "Camo". At first he smells a garden of roses whenever he gets near her, but she doesn't seem his type at all. But when he is warned she may be his "mate", he refuses to let her in. Until he volunteers to go to her brothers wedding with her. Harek has no idea why he would choose to go to a wedding with her...he despises weddings. But he can't back out now, and he soon sees the real woman beneath all the camouflage. Camille is devoted to the military and serving in the WEAL's, and she is very good at what she does. She will do anything to save young girls from torture and rape, even if its to work with a man that smells like the most decadent chocolate, talks strange but is sexy as sin...not that she would ever let him know that. Soon these two will have fight to survive and also believe in their mating and letting go of the past so they can have a future together.
The Hero
Harek is a Viking...was born and raised and loved his life. He loved the drinking and the women and had an obsession with money and gold, and had a "Midas" touch when it came to achieving and accumulating wealth, even had slaves. Then Michael came to him, with a deal, and he was forced to become a Vangel. He has spent hundreds of years, doing good, slaying evil and protecting innocents but breaking plenty of "godly" rules in the process. He never can seem to get on Mike's good side. Harek is amusing and sexy and quite redeemable. He loves his gadgets and computers, is quite obsessed with them. What was most fun about his character, was his bluntness and he is true to himself. Doesn't hide who he is, and I loved that about Harek. Even though he tends to break so many rules all the time, he also admits when he is wrong and takes his punishment.
The Heroine
Camille grew up with a family that was wealthy but a bit dysfunctional. Both of her parents have successful careers, but not the healthiest of a marriage. Her father has a whole mistress along with the family he already has. Her parents may have once cared for each other, but now they merely tolerate each other. She is close to her brother, who is a rocket scientist. Unlike her family, she wanted to serve in the military and became A WEAL...which was pretty difficult and challenging. I loved Camille as the heroine because she is the best for Harek, she tends to make him think and balance him out a bit. Camille is dedicated and loyal, and has a weakness for anything chocolate. She is quite spirited and is quite the match for our hero in every way.
Plot and Story Line
So Even Vampires Get The Blues is the sixth addition to this wild and hilarious series. Now for those of you who have never had the chance to read Sandra Hill...she is different. So different from any other author. I don't even know if I can explain it, even though I have been reading for years. Many books that she has written, just like this most latest release, may seem a bit serious but in all honesty--its not. It has a basic serious plot. We have some nasty terrorists dealing sexual slavery of young girls, then we mix in our Vangels, SEAL's and WEAL's....and even some other agents from the FBI, you don't have your typical paranormal type romance.
This book we see characters from Sandra Hill's other series. Which was fun, but honestly I realize I do need to get on her Cajun series since those are the only books from this author I have yet to read. But what this series is about a group of men, brothers who were born in the Viking times, and each committed one of the "deadly sins" and so the archangel Michael, offered them a choice and they all made the choice to work on redeeming themselves. They are Vikings, who are angels and vampires. Its a unique mix that is for sure. Now I will say that the writing is something you have to get used to. I would recommend to new readers to give the whole book a shot because when I first started reading Hill it took time for me to adjust to her writing style, since its so wildly different from any other author. Its one of the main reasons I keep reading her. Even though it doesn't engage me fully 100%...she always offers a wild and sensational story. In this book we have the Geeky Vangel, he is the one that loves his computers and his unique gadgets. But he is tough, a fighter, battles evil and protects innocents and loves sex (even though that is against the rules....but he and his brothers do it anyway) He is very rebellious, in fact, he tends to get sent to Siberia way too often for his rebellious nature.
What I found most endearing about this story was that both characters don't really like each other too much at first. Its not a full angst romance, but it could come close. However unlike those, they can't resist spending time together, even volunteering without meaning to. And it's partly due to the fact that they are mates. I quite loved the way they deny it, and its not until the get some alone time with each other that they start to accept what they have together. There are some stumbling blocks along the way, but we see how much they care for one another and really have a strong bond. Quite interesting seeing how this story turned out, and even though its not my favorite book of the series, quite entertaining and humorous.
The Cover
HOT!! That is all I have to say because I just love it. All the covers in this series are pretty dang sexy. But what I love about this cover, is the half shirt open, with the muscled abs, and the dark background....adds an edge to it.
Overall View
Even Vampires Get The Blue is a story to give you barrels of laughs put you at the edge of your seat with tense action and plenty of steamy scenes to keep you interested.
Kiss of Pride (1)
Kiss of Surrender (2)
Kiss Of Temptation (3)
Kiss of Wrath (4)
Christmas in
Transylvania
(4.5)
Vampire in Paradise (5)
Even Vampires Get The Blues (6)
July 28, 2015
People tend to laugh when you tell them you are reading a book about viking vampire angels because it is funny. The basic premise is a bit "eye-rolling" but the stories are hugely entertaining.
This time around we are faced with Harek and Camille, who are a bit mismatched it seems. The plot covers really about 3 subplots which I enjoyed all of them, the main thing of the two main characters denying they felt for each other was starting to wear thin by the time they decided to come clean, add in some tender moments, a bit too much sex/conversation ratio and a couple of life threatening moments and you have a good if not great story.
This is the 3rd book in this series I have read and I would not waste my time if it was as cheesy as the premise might make you think. These are entertaining books, they are silly at times and funny usually with a more serious plot overarching through the book. 4 Stars and highly entertaining if you can suspend your belief system to really enjoy them . I did!
This time around we are faced with Harek and Camille, who are a bit mismatched it seems. The plot covers really about 3 subplots which I enjoyed all of them, the main thing of the two main characters denying they felt for each other was starting to wear thin by the time they decided to come clean, add in some tender moments, a bit too much sex/conversation ratio and a couple of life threatening moments and you have a good if not great story.
This is the 3rd book in this series I have read and I would not waste my time if it was as cheesy as the premise might make you think. These are entertaining books, they are silly at times and funny usually with a more serious plot overarching through the book. 4 Stars and highly entertaining if you can suspend your belief system to really enjoy them . I did!
August 7, 2019
Sandra Hill is at the top of her game in this book about those sexy Viking Vangels. Harek and Camille's attraction is off the charts throughout the book. Harek and his brothers have been sent by Michael to help with a SEAL mission into Nigeria to stop Boko Haram from another horrendous attack. The topic of the mission is series and horrific but as usual Ms. Hill brings laughter and sexy times to help lighten the story. I really enjoy this series.
August 30, 2015
See this review and more on my blog, After Hours at Lilybloombooks
It's been a long time since I have immersed myself in a paranormal romance. It use to be my go-to genre and I have been looking for a series to get into. Granted, I jumped into this series at book 6, but I'm happy I did! Even Vampires Get the Blues was an interesting take on demon/angel lore (with Vampires!) and it's hilarious!
Harek Sigurdsson, a Viking Vangel (vampire angel) made this book for me. He's so funny! And charming. He has this arrogant persona that I normally find irritating but he works it. He has been assigned a mission in Nigeria to assist in a hunt for local kidnappers, selling young girls off to the highest bidder. This is where he meets Camille, a WEAL operative known for her camouflage skills.
Here is where there is some irony thrown in. Harek's sin is greed; and became a vangel after his first bout of slave trading over 1,000 years ago. Add in Camille's personal hatred for slavery, things are intense.
For such an intense, horrific topic, this book was on the lighter side. Both characters had their own personal demons to fight (haha, punny) and while neither one of them wanted anything serious, they couldn't deny their attraction. There are many sweet moments in the book and while part of me feels like their declarations came too soon, Sandra Hill did an amazing job at selling the romance!
The writing style is quite unique and takes a little bit to get into. Once I got a good grasp on it, I was hooked. I also want to mention that even though that Even Vampires Get the Blues is toward the end of the series, I never felt like I was missing anything. She does a great job explaining the world, the characters and it's easy to follow. I loved getting to know Harek's brothers, and I am tempted to go back and start the series over to get their stories!
Overall - I enjoyed Even Vampire Get the Blues. It's a quick, fun read with a sweet romance, hilarious characters and an interesting world to boot. Fans of all paranormal romance will get a kick out of this one.
*I received a copy of this book from The Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
It's been a long time since I have immersed myself in a paranormal romance. It use to be my go-to genre and I have been looking for a series to get into. Granted, I jumped into this series at book 6, but I'm happy I did! Even Vampires Get the Blues was an interesting take on demon/angel lore (with Vampires!) and it's hilarious!
Harek Sigurdsson, a Viking Vangel (vampire angel) made this book for me. He's so funny! And charming. He has this arrogant persona that I normally find irritating but he works it. He has been assigned a mission in Nigeria to assist in a hunt for local kidnappers, selling young girls off to the highest bidder. This is where he meets Camille, a WEAL operative known for her camouflage skills.
Here is where there is some irony thrown in. Harek's sin is greed; and became a vangel after his first bout of slave trading over 1,000 years ago. Add in Camille's personal hatred for slavery, things are intense.
For such an intense, horrific topic, this book was on the lighter side. Both characters had their own personal demons to fight (haha, punny) and while neither one of them wanted anything serious, they couldn't deny their attraction. There are many sweet moments in the book and while part of me feels like their declarations came too soon, Sandra Hill did an amazing job at selling the romance!
The writing style is quite unique and takes a little bit to get into. Once I got a good grasp on it, I was hooked. I also want to mention that even though that Even Vampires Get the Blues is toward the end of the series, I never felt like I was missing anything. She does a great job explaining the world, the characters and it's easy to follow. I loved getting to know Harek's brothers, and I am tempted to go back and start the series over to get their stories!
Overall - I enjoyed Even Vampire Get the Blues. It's a quick, fun read with a sweet romance, hilarious characters and an interesting world to boot. Fans of all paranormal romance will get a kick out of this one.
*I received a copy of this book from The Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
August 30, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
In EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES, the sixth book in the Deadly Angels series, Vangel Harek finds his life mate in tough as hell WEAL, Camille. The barbs between the ancient Viking and his lady love were interesting and kept this first time Deadly Angels reader turning the page.
This is the sixth book in this series about seven ancient Viking brothers who work for the Archangel Michael in helping rid the world of demon vampires and saving souls still worth saving. Despite coming into this series almost at the last brother, it was easy to follow the story and the author gave just enough backstory for me to understand what was going on.
I liked Harek. I liked how he struggled against his sin, greed, making him more human and down to earth than sometimes his blustery Viking way would lead you to believe. After a thousand years, he knew why he was being punished and he was trying to do what he was supposed to...even if that meant he strayed once in a while. And that was never more apparent than when he met Camille. She tested him. She pushed him. She didn't let him get away with things. Which is something Harek would need in a life mate. Even if he didn't want to admit it.
Camille was a tough woman, but I think this was more because of past hurts than anything else. We may not have been able to see her heart on her sleeve, but we knew it was there. She was also someone who could hold a grudge...even if that grudge wasn't truly hers. That was very clear when she pushed Harek away after discovering his sin. She eventually worked out her feelings towards Harek and forgave him for his sin, but that made her a little less likable to me because she was so quick to judge.
For fans of paranormal romances with a little laughter sprinkled throughout, this will be a book that you want to pick up. This couple may not have burned the pages up, but they had laughter and wit, which made me want to see their HEA.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
In EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES, the sixth book in the Deadly Angels series, Vangel Harek finds his life mate in tough as hell WEAL, Camille. The barbs between the ancient Viking and his lady love were interesting and kept this first time Deadly Angels reader turning the page.
This is the sixth book in this series about seven ancient Viking brothers who work for the Archangel Michael in helping rid the world of demon vampires and saving souls still worth saving. Despite coming into this series almost at the last brother, it was easy to follow the story and the author gave just enough backstory for me to understand what was going on.
I liked Harek. I liked how he struggled against his sin, greed, making him more human and down to earth than sometimes his blustery Viking way would lead you to believe. After a thousand years, he knew why he was being punished and he was trying to do what he was supposed to...even if that meant he strayed once in a while. And that was never more apparent than when he met Camille. She tested him. She pushed him. She didn't let him get away with things. Which is something Harek would need in a life mate. Even if he didn't want to admit it.
Camille was a tough woman, but I think this was more because of past hurts than anything else. We may not have been able to see her heart on her sleeve, but we knew it was there. She was also someone who could hold a grudge...even if that grudge wasn't truly hers. That was very clear when she pushed Harek away after discovering his sin. She eventually worked out her feelings towards Harek and forgave him for his sin, but that made her a little less likable to me because she was so quick to judge.
For fans of paranormal romances with a little laughter sprinkled throughout, this will be a book that you want to pick up. This couple may not have burned the pages up, but they had laughter and wit, which made me want to see their HEA.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
September 9, 2015
Angels, Vikings and vampires never were so sexy...
I fell in love with Sandra Hill’s Viking series years ago so I was definitely intrigued to see a new series about Vikings with a vampire slant. Intrigued and a bit skeptical, I must admit. I’m only now getting used to fusion stories–stepbrother shifters, cowboy bikers, billionaire aliens–but I should be ready for vampire angels, vangels. As it turns out, I definitely am!
Introduced to Harek Sigurddson in 850 AD, the story quickly moves to present day. Harek was a leader, a warrior and a rich man in in the first century and not much has changed now other than the computers he loves to tinker with. It was all about the money for him and, even though he tries to hide it, that mind-set is still the same.
“He shrugged. “I am a Viking. Even after all these centuries, a Viking is a Viking.”
And so he is, deliciously so. Harek meets his female match in Camille Dumaine. They are both physically fit (for a computer geek he holds his own), extremely intelligent and yet completely ill-prepared to meet their “match” as they work together on a cross-agency mission. SEAL or WEAL, human or vangel, would love be more dangerous than the opponent they are after?
As always, the first thing that strikes me is the wonderful humor that colors the conversations and inner monologues of all the characters. Self-deprecating, slap-stick or sarcastic, I laughed out loud often at the things these characters came up and out with. And the poetry is so lyrical…
“Roses are red, violets are blue, she stunk, all right, pee-you!...”
It may not be Browning but it fits right in this rollicking romp of angels, sexy vampires/Vikings and, as always, love and family. Camo and Harek make for a lively couple as they come together despite objections all around. Hard to argue with an archangel but they do a great job even as they aren’t entirely convinced they can make a go of it given their differing, um, circumstances.
Sweet, sexy and fun, I will definitely be catching up on all the Sigurddson brother’s stories! ~ Diane, 4 stars
I fell in love with Sandra Hill’s Viking series years ago so I was definitely intrigued to see a new series about Vikings with a vampire slant. Intrigued and a bit skeptical, I must admit. I’m only now getting used to fusion stories–stepbrother shifters, cowboy bikers, billionaire aliens–but I should be ready for vampire angels, vangels. As it turns out, I definitely am!
Introduced to Harek Sigurddson in 850 AD, the story quickly moves to present day. Harek was a leader, a warrior and a rich man in in the first century and not much has changed now other than the computers he loves to tinker with. It was all about the money for him and, even though he tries to hide it, that mind-set is still the same.
“He shrugged. “I am a Viking. Even after all these centuries, a Viking is a Viking.”
And so he is, deliciously so. Harek meets his female match in Camille Dumaine. They are both physically fit (for a computer geek he holds his own), extremely intelligent and yet completely ill-prepared to meet their “match” as they work together on a cross-agency mission. SEAL or WEAL, human or vangel, would love be more dangerous than the opponent they are after?
As always, the first thing that strikes me is the wonderful humor that colors the conversations and inner monologues of all the characters. Self-deprecating, slap-stick or sarcastic, I laughed out loud often at the things these characters came up and out with. And the poetry is so lyrical…
“Roses are red, violets are blue, she stunk, all right, pee-you!...”
It may not be Browning but it fits right in this rollicking romp of angels, sexy vampires/Vikings and, as always, love and family. Camo and Harek make for a lively couple as they come together despite objections all around. Hard to argue with an archangel but they do a great job even as they aren’t entirely convinced they can make a go of it given their differing, um, circumstances.
Sweet, sexy and fun, I will definitely be catching up on all the Sigurddson brother’s stories! ~ Diane, 4 stars
November 7, 2015
This was my first book by Hill and although I jumped in at book six, I had no trouble reading it out of order. Hill worked in the necessary series info without dumping it on us. I had no trouble understanding what was happening. I did have some reservations before starting about vampire angels and demon angels; I still find it odd but it's a different twist on the mythologies.
Hill has a sense of humor that appealed to me, a little silly, slightly raunchy, occasionally snarky. Both Harek and Cami had a sense of humor, which helped them deal with each other even when they annoyed each other. Harek respected Cami and her abilities even as he wanted to take care of her and keep her safe while she understood his need to protect her but also recognized that he respected her.
The story is divided up into several parts which though they do tie together nevertheless felt disjointed to me. The first 30-40% kept me interested and reading but then the pace slowed down and the story dragged; I got semi-invested again around 80-85% in . I had to force myself to keep reading that huge middle chunk. Several bloggers whose opinion I trust raved about the book but I find myself disagreeing. I kept reading, hoping it would finish. It's hard for me to pin down exactly why besides the pacing. While I liked Harek and Cami and there was some heat between them, I didn't believe in their fiery attraction or love. I did root for them somewhat but the obstacles in their way felt so manufactured and obvious that I never had any real doubt about their ending.
Although I initially had reservations about the premise of vangels (vampire angels) and lucipers (vampire demons), Hill was able to convince me of their potential. Where she lost me was in the actual story; it was stuffed full - terrorism! sex slavery! American slavery! marital dysfunction! family dysfunction!- and so on. And yet, things moved slowly, draaaaagging on and on. I did like the characters and the humor but I was bored for a large part of the book.
One of my favorite quotes:
"I'm moving closer to certainty," he told her.
"Something else is moving," she pointed out.
His damn c*** was twitching again. This was embarrassing. "Sorry. It has a mind of its own."
"It's actually kind of cute."
"My c*** is not cute, and, no, I am not going to engage in an argument over the cuteness of my male part."
Hill has a sense of humor that appealed to me, a little silly, slightly raunchy, occasionally snarky. Both Harek and Cami had a sense of humor, which helped them deal with each other even when they annoyed each other. Harek respected Cami and her abilities even as he wanted to take care of her and keep her safe while she understood his need to protect her but also recognized that he respected her.
The story is divided up into several parts which though they do tie together nevertheless felt disjointed to me. The first 30-40% kept me interested and reading but then the pace slowed down and the story dragged; I got semi-invested again around 80-85% in . I had to force myself to keep reading that huge middle chunk. Several bloggers whose opinion I trust raved about the book but I find myself disagreeing. I kept reading, hoping it would finish. It's hard for me to pin down exactly why besides the pacing. While I liked Harek and Cami and there was some heat between them, I didn't believe in their fiery attraction or love. I did root for them somewhat but the obstacles in their way felt so manufactured and obvious that I never had any real doubt about their ending.
Although I initially had reservations about the premise of vangels (vampire angels) and lucipers (vampire demons), Hill was able to convince me of their potential. Where she lost me was in the actual story; it was stuffed full - terrorism! sex slavery! American slavery! marital dysfunction! family dysfunction!- and so on. And yet, things moved slowly, draaaaagging on and on. I did like the characters and the humor but I was bored for a large part of the book.
One of my favorite quotes:
"I'm moving closer to certainty," he told her.
"Something else is moving," she pointed out.
His damn c*** was twitching again. This was embarrassing. "Sorry. It has a mind of its own."
"It's actually kind of cute."
"My c*** is not cute, and, no, I am not going to engage in an argument over the cuteness of my male part."
August 3, 2017
A fun addition to the series. It opens with Harek in his own time of 850 AD. One of seven Viking brothers, Harek is the merchant of the family, whose greatest pleasure is accumulating wealth in any way that he can. It doesn't matter how much he has, it is never enough. He has just dipped his toes in the business of buying and selling people when he gets a visit from Archangel Michael who lets him know that he's finally crossed the line. All is not lost when he is given the option of repenting and going to work for Michael as a Viking vampire angel, or vangel.
I liked Harek. He's super-smart, confident, with a bit of rebel that remains a part of him. He has adapted pretty well to modern day and is quite the wiz with computers. He still likes the better things in life, which regularly gets him into trouble with Michael, and banished to Siberia while he contemplates his mistakes. He is called out of his banishment when his talents are needed in a joint mission to stop terrorists and Lucipires (Satan's vampires) from kidnapping young girls into slavery. He is sent to work with a joint force, including a female SEAL named Camille.
Camille is a young woman from a prominent New Orleans family. She has chosen to take a different path than her parents and brother, who are highly regarded academics, instead devoting her life to her military career. She has made her place in the teams with her ability to go undercover. She's tough and scrappy on the outside but has a well-hidden center that would like to be loved.
The initial meeting between Harek and Camille doesn't go particularly well. He thinks she's unattractive and pushy, she thinks he's vain and over-moussed. But there is also an unexpected and unwanted zing of attraction that hits them both as soon as they shake hands. It's the kind of zing that tells Harek that Camille is his life-mate, something that completely freaks him out. It also messes with his mind, and he finds himself offering to go with her to her brother's wedding in New Orleans. It was great fun to see the two of them trying so hard to resist each other and failing miserably. The chemistry between them was explosive when they finally gave in to it. It's not an easy relationship, as Camille has a couple issues that could bring everything to a screeching halt. First, she has some trust issues thanks to a cheating ex-fiancé. Second, because of her heritage, she has some very strong opinions on slavery. Harek knows that if she finds out about his past it could mean trouble.
I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. Once they got past the first impressions stage, their chemistry took over. It was fun to see the push and pull as they got to know each other. I laughed out loud when Camille changed her clothes before they got to the rehearsal dinner and totally blew Harak's mind. Harek could be very charming when he wanted to be and he used that charm to get closer to Camille. When his past comes back to bite him, it takes all the charm and determination he can muster to get past her fury. Harek is still reluctant to fully commit to his feelings and it takes some forced contemplation and some unexpected interference from Michael for him to see the light.
The mission that brought the vangels and the SEALs together was taken right out of the headlines. Their job was to stop a band of terrorists from kidnapping a school full of young girls. These terrorists are aided and abetted by lucipires, which is what brings the vangels into the mission. Things get really intense when Camille goes undercover as one of the schoolgirls. The rescue scene had me on the edge of my seat as Harek went charging off to save Camille. I loved the battle scenes, both between the vangels and the lucipires and then the SEALs and the terrorists. I liked that they didn't have a fairytale ending, in that there were injuries and not a 100% success rate. In spite of the fantasy aspect of the book, it lent a note of realism.
I also enjoyed seeing characters from other books, not just the Deadly Angels series, but also the Viking series and Cajun series. Even Tante Lulu made an appearance and a prediction. I love the way that the seven brothers tease each other but are also there when one of them needs the support. I also enjoy the relationships with Michael. Though he frequently displays disappointment in them, I get the feeling that he really has quite a soft spot for them. I also suspect that he has had a hand in the finding of their mates. One of the most fascinating of the secondary characters is Zeb, the lucipire double agent. I am really looking forward to his story.
I liked Harek. He's super-smart, confident, with a bit of rebel that remains a part of him. He has adapted pretty well to modern day and is quite the wiz with computers. He still likes the better things in life, which regularly gets him into trouble with Michael, and banished to Siberia while he contemplates his mistakes. He is called out of his banishment when his talents are needed in a joint mission to stop terrorists and Lucipires (Satan's vampires) from kidnapping young girls into slavery. He is sent to work with a joint force, including a female SEAL named Camille.
Camille is a young woman from a prominent New Orleans family. She has chosen to take a different path than her parents and brother, who are highly regarded academics, instead devoting her life to her military career. She has made her place in the teams with her ability to go undercover. She's tough and scrappy on the outside but has a well-hidden center that would like to be loved.
The initial meeting between Harek and Camille doesn't go particularly well. He thinks she's unattractive and pushy, she thinks he's vain and over-moussed. But there is also an unexpected and unwanted zing of attraction that hits them both as soon as they shake hands. It's the kind of zing that tells Harek that Camille is his life-mate, something that completely freaks him out. It also messes with his mind, and he finds himself offering to go with her to her brother's wedding in New Orleans. It was great fun to see the two of them trying so hard to resist each other and failing miserably. The chemistry between them was explosive when they finally gave in to it. It's not an easy relationship, as Camille has a couple issues that could bring everything to a screeching halt. First, she has some trust issues thanks to a cheating ex-fiancé. Second, because of her heritage, she has some very strong opinions on slavery. Harek knows that if she finds out about his past it could mean trouble.
I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. Once they got past the first impressions stage, their chemistry took over. It was fun to see the push and pull as they got to know each other. I laughed out loud when Camille changed her clothes before they got to the rehearsal dinner and totally blew Harak's mind. Harek could be very charming when he wanted to be and he used that charm to get closer to Camille. When his past comes back to bite him, it takes all the charm and determination he can muster to get past her fury. Harek is still reluctant to fully commit to his feelings and it takes some forced contemplation and some unexpected interference from Michael for him to see the light.
The mission that brought the vangels and the SEALs together was taken right out of the headlines. Their job was to stop a band of terrorists from kidnapping a school full of young girls. These terrorists are aided and abetted by lucipires, which is what brings the vangels into the mission. Things get really intense when Camille goes undercover as one of the schoolgirls. The rescue scene had me on the edge of my seat as Harek went charging off to save Camille. I loved the battle scenes, both between the vangels and the lucipires and then the SEALs and the terrorists. I liked that they didn't have a fairytale ending, in that there were injuries and not a 100% success rate. In spite of the fantasy aspect of the book, it lent a note of realism.
I also enjoyed seeing characters from other books, not just the Deadly Angels series, but also the Viking series and Cajun series. Even Tante Lulu made an appearance and a prediction. I love the way that the seven brothers tease each other but are also there when one of them needs the support. I also enjoy the relationships with Michael. Though he frequently displays disappointment in them, I get the feeling that he really has quite a soft spot for them. I also suspect that he has had a hand in the finding of their mates. One of the most fascinating of the secondary characters is Zeb, the lucipire double agent. I am really looking forward to his story.
October 16, 2020
* You need to read the previous books to fully understand the story in this series.
Harek Sigurdson, thrown into vangeldom for his sin of greed, is known for his intelligence and his hacking skills. But then st Michael tasks him to go after the violent terrorist group called Boko Haram, with the help of the Navy Seals and Weals. When he meets Navy Weal Camille Dumaine he knows one thing for sure, she is his life mate. But Camille has more than one scar regarding men and since she is not afraid to throw herself into danger, Harek has to give everything he has winning her over.
Pro's:
+ Another witty, snarky entry in the series. The fight against the Lucipires continues, this time involving the terrorist group Boko Haram. You need some knowledge about the group, but most of the info about them is nicely woven into the story, which is really helpful. The mission itself is quite actionpacked, which was also very nice.
+ The romance between Harek and Camilla is nice, they're not quite sure about each other from the start, but find each other very attractive so that is quite a nice start. The wedding visit and all the other romantic bits make this one of the sweeter romances in this series.
Con's:
- There was not much going on in the Lucipire front, I hoped there would have been a bit more attention for them. I hope there will be more in the future, the series is going to an end and I do really hope for a massive bang going out.
Light read, with enough snark to keep you entertained throughout. The ending does have a lot of action, which balances everything out quite nicely. Harek and Camilla are one of the more relatable couples for me, their hesitation around each other makes the whole story feel a bit more 'soft'. Also, Michaels bit in the ending was hilarious, nice to make such a supreme character more down to earth ( literally).
Harek Sigurdson, thrown into vangeldom for his sin of greed, is known for his intelligence and his hacking skills. But then st Michael tasks him to go after the violent terrorist group called Boko Haram, with the help of the Navy Seals and Weals. When he meets Navy Weal Camille Dumaine he knows one thing for sure, she is his life mate. But Camille has more than one scar regarding men and since she is not afraid to throw herself into danger, Harek has to give everything he has winning her over.
Pro's:
+ Another witty, snarky entry in the series. The fight against the Lucipires continues, this time involving the terrorist group Boko Haram. You need some knowledge about the group, but most of the info about them is nicely woven into the story, which is really helpful. The mission itself is quite actionpacked, which was also very nice.
+ The romance between Harek and Camilla is nice, they're not quite sure about each other from the start, but find each other very attractive so that is quite a nice start. The wedding visit and all the other romantic bits make this one of the sweeter romances in this series.
Con's:
- There was not much going on in the Lucipire front, I hoped there would have been a bit more attention for them. I hope there will be more in the future, the series is going to an end and I do really hope for a massive bang going out.
Light read, with enough snark to keep you entertained throughout. The ending does have a lot of action, which balances everything out quite nicely. Harek and Camilla are one of the more relatable couples for me, their hesitation around each other makes the whole story feel a bit more 'soft'. Also, Michaels bit in the ending was hilarious, nice to make such a supreme character more down to earth ( literally).
February 18, 2018
One book is as great as the last one can't put these books down
October 6, 2022
Diantara semua jenis hero novel, aku punya ketertarikan khusus pada hero tipe geek yang smart. Ini membuat Harek Sigurdsson sudah menjadi love interestku sejak membaca buku para Vangels (Vampire Viking Angels) ini. Dengan stylenya yang cuek dan muka lempeng, kelakuan tak kenal takut dan akal bulus penuh kejutan, bisa dibilang aku rela menunggu 8 bulan sampai bukunya diterbitkan. Aku berharap banyak dari Harek setelah buku Sigurd cukup mengecewakan.
Buku ini ditulis dengan style khas Sandra Hill yang kental dengan latar belakang viking, joke-joke mesum dan nakal, aura militer yang kental. Aura kontemporer drama juga sangat terasa di 75 persen storyline dibanding sisi paranomnya. Jujur aku memiliki beberapa issue dari kisah ini.
1. Secara storyline, kisah ini memberikan ramuan yang serupa dan pengulangan dari beberapa topik di 5 buku sebelumnya. Topik penyusupan ke sarang musuh mengingatkanku pada buku Trond. Hot wet dream dari buku Ivak. Dan menyamar menjadi " teman dekat" mengingatkanku pada Sigurd.
2. Scene dan alurnya cenderung flat dan tidak bergejolak. Tidak ada twist penuh kejutan dan konflik yang bisa membuatku sport jantung. Aku bermasalah dengan pengulangan deskripsi di beberapa bab seperti model rambut baru Cnut dan FSOG.
3. Karakter Harek di luar dugaan tidak muncul secar total di buku ini. Dia nyaris tidak menampilkan skill IT nya yang yahud, modus-modus penuh kejutan dan ide-ide briliannya. Nama Harek bisa saja di rename dengan Trond atau Cnut dan kamu tetap tidak akan bisa membedakan siapa hero buku ini.
Karakter Camille juga bisa dibilang serupa dan setipe dengan heroine lain di buku ini. Sepanjang buku melakukan penyangkalan demi penyangkalan tapi tak kuasa menghindari pesona si hero.
4. Chemistry mereka terbangun instan lengkap dengan percikan listrik dan saling mencium aroma unik life mate. Memang ini buku paranom tapi please.. ini terasa disodorkan paksa dan aku tidak bisa mempercayai ikatan diantara mereka berdua. Lupakan tentang teaser lebih panas dari FSOG, aku merasa diberi harapan palsu.
5. Buku ini banyak memberikan nama-nama asing dari sisi militer yang jujur aku tidak kenal satupun. Sandra Hill suka menyilangkan karakter dari beberapa seri, mungkin ini untuk memberi sensasi nostalgia pada pecinta seri yang lainnya itu. Aku rindu dengan interaksi dan joke-joke kocak para Sigurdsson bersaudara. Suasana terima raport yang menegangkan dengan Michael (malaikat yang satu ini selalu bikin ngikik) juga tidak ada. Dan Zeb serta Jasper si bos para Lucipires yang jayus juga muncul dalam porsi minimalis.
So far, buku ini lebih ditujukan untuk para fans Sandra Hill yang bisa menerima tulisan beliau apa adanya. Aku masih akan menunggu 2 buku lagi dari seri ini. Aku berharap pada buku Zeb, pleaseeeee dia sudah mengalami banyak hal dalam hidup setidaknya dia berhak mendapatkan kisah yang paling cetar.
My rating:
star 3/5
bikini 2/5
Fave Quote/Scene:
"A man cannot have an excess of gold. All the sagas say ’tis best to save for rainy days.”
“Pfff! It could rain for forty days and forty nights, like it did for that Noah character the Christians babble on about, and you would still stay afloat. On the other hand, you would probably fill your Ark—rather, longship—with gold, and it would sink from its very weight. Then where would you be? Sunk by your own greed.”
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August 24, 2015
3.5 Stars
I have been rabidly trying new authors this year. A lot of it has to do with trying new genres. Mostly its due to working at the library and being bombarded with books I would never have known had existed before. For instance, I had no idea that paranormal romance had so many authors writing it! Just a few years ago, I had a hard time finding PNR books. Now they’re as easy to find in a supermarket as a highlander book.
Sandra Hill is an author my library keeps on the shelves (21 books enough proof?) With so many books “under her belt”, I was curious about Ms. Hill. When the cover to Even Vampires Get the Blues caught my eye (hello Mr. Abs!), I pounced on the chance to read and review the latest in her Deadly Angels series.
Despite the seriousness of some of the issues dealt with in this story, Ms. Hill managed to keep the story light-hearted and fast paced.
Harek Sigurdsson is one of seven Viking brothers who have sinned, extensively, during their lives in 850 a.d. Because The Boss upstairs couldn’t stand to watch the Vikings continue their rampaging and sinning, he had Archangel Michael approach each brother and offer redemption in the form of becoming a “Vangel” – a vampire angel that battles and rids the world of Lucipires (Hell’s equivalent of a Vangel). Both sides are always fighting over mortal man.
This is the sixth book in the series but it was real easy to pick up and read on it’s own. The world is extremely well explained throughout the story. And whenever one of the other brothers came into a scene or was referred to, Ms. Hill made sure to quickly and succinctly explain their backstory and sin. You see, each brother had a specific sin. Harek’s sin is greed, for back in the 850’s he could not stop himself from coming up with more ways to make money. He even went briefly into the slavery business.
So leave it to Archangel Michael to pair Harek up with the very plain, wealthy, female SEAL Camille who happens to be a direct descendant of a woman of Plaçage in New Orleans during the 1700’s. Plaçage and the Quadroon Balls are tied into slavery (PLEASE don’t hold me to a history lesson here! I’m completely summarizing the “gist” I got from the book!!!) So we have an opposites attract trope with the added twist of, “Oh crap, I hope she doesn’t find out about my past” trope. How will this ever end well? With lots of hair gel…
This story was surprisingly funny in between stupid ex-fiances and missions to capture terrorists groups who kidnap young girls for sex slavery. It’s hard to imagine it works but it does, very sweetly I might add.
My only issue with the writing, and it may have been because I read an ARC, is that I was confused at times with the changes in narrator voices. I was caught off guard by slips into first person. I usually go for books done in the first person so this might not bother you as much as it did me.
Otherwise, I enjoyed this lighter take on PNR that still managed to contain a satisfying and interesting plot. There’s one more brother left but I’m actually looking forward to Zeb’s book. Zeb is a side character who is one of the Lucipires but he is working for the vangels. His presence looking in on the scenes from the sidelines made me sad and wanting to know more about him.
Yep, definitely some pretty good world building here!
Review appears on
I have been rabidly trying new authors this year. A lot of it has to do with trying new genres. Mostly its due to working at the library and being bombarded with books I would never have known had existed before. For instance, I had no idea that paranormal romance had so many authors writing it! Just a few years ago, I had a hard time finding PNR books. Now they’re as easy to find in a supermarket as a highlander book.
Sandra Hill is an author my library keeps on the shelves (21 books enough proof?) With so many books “under her belt”, I was curious about Ms. Hill. When the cover to Even Vampires Get the Blues caught my eye (hello Mr. Abs!), I pounced on the chance to read and review the latest in her Deadly Angels series.
Despite the seriousness of some of the issues dealt with in this story, Ms. Hill managed to keep the story light-hearted and fast paced.
Harek Sigurdsson is one of seven Viking brothers who have sinned, extensively, during their lives in 850 a.d. Because The Boss upstairs couldn’t stand to watch the Vikings continue their rampaging and sinning, he had Archangel Michael approach each brother and offer redemption in the form of becoming a “Vangel” – a vampire angel that battles and rids the world of Lucipires (Hell’s equivalent of a Vangel). Both sides are always fighting over mortal man.
This is the sixth book in the series but it was real easy to pick up and read on it’s own. The world is extremely well explained throughout the story. And whenever one of the other brothers came into a scene or was referred to, Ms. Hill made sure to quickly and succinctly explain their backstory and sin. You see, each brother had a specific sin. Harek’s sin is greed, for back in the 850’s he could not stop himself from coming up with more ways to make money. He even went briefly into the slavery business.
So leave it to Archangel Michael to pair Harek up with the very plain, wealthy, female SEAL Camille who happens to be a direct descendant of a woman of Plaçage in New Orleans during the 1700’s. Plaçage and the Quadroon Balls are tied into slavery (PLEASE don’t hold me to a history lesson here! I’m completely summarizing the “gist” I got from the book!!!) So we have an opposites attract trope with the added twist of, “Oh crap, I hope she doesn’t find out about my past” trope. How will this ever end well? With lots of hair gel…
This story was surprisingly funny in between stupid ex-fiances and missions to capture terrorists groups who kidnap young girls for sex slavery. It’s hard to imagine it works but it does, very sweetly I might add.
My only issue with the writing, and it may have been because I read an ARC, is that I was confused at times with the changes in narrator voices. I was caught off guard by slips into first person. I usually go for books done in the first person so this might not bother you as much as it did me.
Otherwise, I enjoyed this lighter take on PNR that still managed to contain a satisfying and interesting plot. There’s one more brother left but I’m actually looking forward to Zeb’s book. Zeb is a side character who is one of the Lucipires but he is working for the vangels. His presence looking in on the scenes from the sidelines made me sad and wanting to know more about him.
Yep, definitely some pretty good world building here!
Review appears on
September 12, 2015
This is the second book in the Deadly Angels series that I have had the pleasure to read. As such I have prior experience with the concept of Viking Vampire Angels, Vangels for short. This is the sixth book in the series; however, it can be read as a stand-alone. It does not matter where in the series you begin as the author provides sufficient back story making it easy for readers to follow.
I know the concept of Viking vampire angels may sound a bit weird to some, however, don’t let it fool you as I have found the stories so far to very entertaining. The issues on which the story is based are serious, but somehow Ms. Hill is able to keep the story quite witty.
This installment tells the story of Harek and Camille. Harek was sentenced to life as a vangel because of his sin of greed. Becoming an angel meant Harek would have a second chance; however, it was not all fun and games as he was forced for most of the time to live in exile in Siberia. This, however, would change when he was summoned to assist in a mission to Nigeria. The mission involved helping the Navy Seals hunt down a band of terrorists who were involved in human trafficking. It was here he would meet his life mate Camille a WEAL which is the female version of the Navy Seals.
The interaction between them was very entertaining. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I found their banter to be witty. At first Harek was adverse to the idea of Camille being his life mate, but once he accepted what was a known fact he was determined to win her over. Camille on the other hand was not interested in any relationship based on past experiences. What I found amusing about this scenario was that Harek represented everything Camille resented. Will Harek be able to break down her barriers? Will she be able to resist his charms?
Not only was this story funny, it was fast paced, action packed, engaging and steamy. It was easy to connect with the characters. There was sufficient information about the characters that makes it easy for readers to know their hopes and dreams. It was evident why they behaved the way they did.
Overall, I enjoyed this installment and I will be looking to read the other books in the series. If you are a fan of action-packed paranormal romance and you like stories that are sprinkled with humour, then this would be a great addition to reading list.
April 21, 2016
I don't know how I got behind on one of my favorite authors...but I did. My only excuse is that I have a ton of books to read and I'm only one person.
But as you can see I'm trying my best to catch up!
If you haven't yet read any of the Deadly Angel series you don't know what you're missing. Sandra Hill has the ability to mix tons of humor with a complex story. She gives you great characters that make you want to come back time after time.
Up this time is Harek who suffers from "greed" he wants everything! On his way to a vast fortune he did some crappy things. To pay for his sins he becomes a vampire-angel.
Cool, right!!!! The vampire-angel part, not the sins.
What a great twist to a tired genre. I'm not saying that all vampire romances are a thing of the past because I still enjoy some great series, I just feel its something very played out. For me that is. Because I'm a little tired of it I love the idea of the vampire-angels.
But since Harek sins are many, it will take someone special to deal with him, (he's only reformed so much) and I think he found the perfect person in Camille. She's tough and takes no shit from anyone, but she's also soft enough to want love. Okay, maybe she wasn't sure about that in the beginning but Harek grew on her.
I think you'll love their story. Hill packs so much into Even Vampires Get The Blues. I will tell you that it would be better for you to start at the beginning of this series and work you way to this book. I think you'll like them much better that way.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
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But as you can see I'm trying my best to catch up!
If you haven't yet read any of the Deadly Angel series you don't know what you're missing. Sandra Hill has the ability to mix tons of humor with a complex story. She gives you great characters that make you want to come back time after time.
Up this time is Harek who suffers from "greed" he wants everything! On his way to a vast fortune he did some crappy things. To pay for his sins he becomes a vampire-angel.
Cool, right!!!! The vampire-angel part, not the sins.
What a great twist to a tired genre. I'm not saying that all vampire romances are a thing of the past because I still enjoy some great series, I just feel its something very played out. For me that is. Because I'm a little tired of it I love the idea of the vampire-angels.
But since Harek sins are many, it will take someone special to deal with him, (he's only reformed so much) and I think he found the perfect person in Camille. She's tough and takes no shit from anyone, but she's also soft enough to want love. Okay, maybe she wasn't sure about that in the beginning but Harek grew on her.
I think you'll love their story. Hill packs so much into Even Vampires Get The Blues. I will tell you that it would be better for you to start at the beginning of this series and work you way to this book. I think you'll like them much better that way.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
August 25, 2015
Review: Even Vampires Get the Blues (Deadly Angels Series) by Sandra Hill http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2UE
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
REVIEW:
Another fun Vangel installment full of the Viking camaraderie I’ve grown to love with Michael joining in (in an angelic way of course). Even the evil Lucipires have the group dynamic that makes you hate and enjoy them at the same time. I didn’t warm up to Harek right away but that stands to reason due to his sin but boy did I warm up later. Camille was the perfect match for him – of course – and her WEAL training made her more than capable when facing the dangers to come. It was sexy hot and fun with the terrorist/demon angle making it exciting. Another winner for me and I cannot wait for the next book. The last of the VIK’s and it should be a good one.
*Review copy provided by Avon Books in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
REVIEW:
Another fun Vangel installment full of the Viking camaraderie I’ve grown to love with Michael joining in (in an angelic way of course). Even the evil Lucipires have the group dynamic that makes you hate and enjoy them at the same time. I didn’t warm up to Harek right away but that stands to reason due to his sin but boy did I warm up later. Camille was the perfect match for him – of course – and her WEAL training made her more than capable when facing the dangers to come. It was sexy hot and fun with the terrorist/demon angle making it exciting. Another winner for me and I cannot wait for the next book. The last of the VIK’s and it should be a good one.
*Review copy provided by Avon Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2016
4 cupcakes
Harek was exiled to Siberia. Not for normal reasons. You see harek is a vampire angel and a Viking. You read that right. Yep. Immortal, serving out his eternal damnation on earth, and raking up more and more time to his sentence. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camilla, a human, who turns up his sensual energy, which can only mean one thing......his mate. Will Camilla and Harek get they're happily ever after or will they end up in hell....literally.
I have to say this is a unique read. I love paranormal, but never have i read this combination. I had trouble keeping interest at the beginning but dove in further and enjoyed it. Camo made me laugh and her and Harek are an interesting combo.
Harek was exiled to Siberia. Not for normal reasons. You see harek is a vampire angel and a Viking. You read that right. Yep. Immortal, serving out his eternal damnation on earth, and raking up more and more time to his sentence. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camilla, a human, who turns up his sensual energy, which can only mean one thing......his mate. Will Camilla and Harek get they're happily ever after or will they end up in hell....literally.
I have to say this is a unique read. I love paranormal, but never have i read this combination. I had trouble keeping interest at the beginning but dove in further and enjoyed it. Camo made me laugh and her and Harek are an interesting combo.
April 11, 2018
Can we just take a minute to bask in the hot manly goodness that is the cover of this book?!?!?! Seriously!?!?!?!
Even Vampires Get The Blues
This was my first time reading this series and I feel a little stupid for being so late to the game! I had heard of the Deadly Angels books, but I had never indulged. What a frikkin mistake!
This book is the sixth installment in the Deadly Angels series. I will say it took a little bit of head scratching here and there to keep everyone straight as I am totally new to this world, but it didn’t take long to catch on. I wouldn’t say it works 100% as a standalone, but the author does a good enough job with rehashing past story without actually saying “last time on Deadly Angels….” that you don’t find yourself bogged down with desperately trying to get the story straight.
The main character, Harek, is HOT. Hot, hot, hot. I’m not sure how big of a player he is in other books, but I have my fingers crossed that I get to see more of him.
Now, I have a confession to make. When I agreed to take this book on, I accepted the review copy on faith alone. I am an Avon Addict Alum and one of the Avon Books publicists reached out to me to see if I would review. For my preferred genres, paranormal romance and urban fantasy, Avon Books never disappoints me. That being said, I didn’t read the synopsis.
Like, not at all.
I’ve even done promo in the past for this series, and I have never really paid close attention to what the characters are.
Ready? You’re going to laugh at me for this.
Viking vampire angels.
…
… … …
You’re rolling your eyes at me right now, aren’t you? I thought so. I would have done the same thing if I had known ahead of time. At the end of the day, I am soooooo glad I didn’t read the blurb ahead of time because I am now hooked and preparing to go into a six-book binge read of the series, the first four as audio books (already got them in my Audible shopping cart) and the last two as physical reads. Or rather a re-read of Even Vampires Get the Blues).
My only actual complaint may not be a complaint at all. I found the opening to be a bit slow, but as I stated, this is my first time jumping into this series, six books in, so it may just be that it seemed slow to ME as I caught up. So, please, don’t take that as a negative mark in my review.
The action is fast-paced and the writing is tight. Even the guys you’re supposed to dislike, you kind of end up having a little soft spot for simply because regardless of which way your turn, every one seems to have this brotherhood about them. In their respective groups, of course. Additionally, the humor keeps the pace moving in EVGTB very well. Snark everywhere! I loved it.
Overall, this was an excellent read and I am super excited about having a new series to read! If I were to try to compare based on first impressions, I would say that the Deadly Angels series is kind of a cross between the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost, the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward, and the movie SWAT. lol Have fun working that one out in your head.
Oh!!!! If you liked the Wanderer series by Jocelyn Stover, Deadly Angels is right up your alley!
I highly recommend Even Vampires Get the Blues and cant wait to backtrack and dive into book one!
Even Vampires Get The Blues
This was my first time reading this series and I feel a little stupid for being so late to the game! I had heard of the Deadly Angels books, but I had never indulged. What a frikkin mistake!
This book is the sixth installment in the Deadly Angels series. I will say it took a little bit of head scratching here and there to keep everyone straight as I am totally new to this world, but it didn’t take long to catch on. I wouldn’t say it works 100% as a standalone, but the author does a good enough job with rehashing past story without actually saying “last time on Deadly Angels….” that you don’t find yourself bogged down with desperately trying to get the story straight.
The main character, Harek, is HOT. Hot, hot, hot. I’m not sure how big of a player he is in other books, but I have my fingers crossed that I get to see more of him.
Now, I have a confession to make. When I agreed to take this book on, I accepted the review copy on faith alone. I am an Avon Addict Alum and one of the Avon Books publicists reached out to me to see if I would review. For my preferred genres, paranormal romance and urban fantasy, Avon Books never disappoints me. That being said, I didn’t read the synopsis.
Like, not at all.
I’ve even done promo in the past for this series, and I have never really paid close attention to what the characters are.
Ready? You’re going to laugh at me for this.
Viking vampire angels.
…
… … …
You’re rolling your eyes at me right now, aren’t you? I thought so. I would have done the same thing if I had known ahead of time. At the end of the day, I am soooooo glad I didn’t read the blurb ahead of time because I am now hooked and preparing to go into a six-book binge read of the series, the first four as audio books (already got them in my Audible shopping cart) and the last two as physical reads. Or rather a re-read of Even Vampires Get the Blues).
My only actual complaint may not be a complaint at all. I found the opening to be a bit slow, but as I stated, this is my first time jumping into this series, six books in, so it may just be that it seemed slow to ME as I caught up. So, please, don’t take that as a negative mark in my review.
The action is fast-paced and the writing is tight. Even the guys you’re supposed to dislike, you kind of end up having a little soft spot for simply because regardless of which way your turn, every one seems to have this brotherhood about them. In their respective groups, of course. Additionally, the humor keeps the pace moving in EVGTB very well. Snark everywhere! I loved it.
Overall, this was an excellent read and I am super excited about having a new series to read! If I were to try to compare based on first impressions, I would say that the Deadly Angels series is kind of a cross between the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost, the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward, and the movie SWAT. lol Have fun working that one out in your head.
Oh!!!! If you liked the Wanderer series by Jocelyn Stover, Deadly Angels is right up your alley!
I highly recommend Even Vampires Get the Blues and cant wait to backtrack and dive into book one!
December 3, 2018
Another humorous adventure with the Sigurdsson brothers. This book is about Harek, whose sin was greed and in present times he has become a Geek and been assigned the task of building an angel website in exile in Siberia. He is called back to America to participate in a joint effort of the SEALS, Rangers, Delta Force, AFSOP and the Vangels' own Wings International Security to help rid Nigeria of Boko Haram. At the Coronado Navy SEAL training compound, where his bother Tronde is station, he meets his lifemate, Camille Dumaine, when he starts smelling roses and she chocolate. They have a deadly mission and neither is looking for a relationship, but the heart knows. Like the others in the series, it can be read as a standalone, since the author inserts into the narrative all one needs to know about the history of Vangels, but why would you want to skip the others. Amusing dialogue, engaging characters and action packed too.
August 15, 2019
Not to be missed
This author is probably the best imagination of anyone I’ve read. I normally Do not retell the story. I tell you the emotions that this book brings forth. Villains this book is filled with villains that you would like to conquer. Heroes To drool over to wish you knew. Romance oh my gosh to die for. Sex. Sex scenes to drool over. Sex scenes wish they were real and you could be part of
Such a fabulous book.
This author is probably the best imagination of anyone I’ve read. I normally Do not retell the story. I tell you the emotions that this book brings forth. Villains this book is filled with villains that you would like to conquer. Heroes To drool over to wish you knew. Romance oh my gosh to die for. Sex. Sex scenes to drool over. Sex scenes wish they were real and you could be part of
Such a fabulous book.
October 17, 2019
Even Vampires Get the Blues: A Deadly Angels Book
This was a very different vampire book! You will just have to read it yourself to discover what I mean.
There is lots of humor in it plus lots of fighting making it a very interesting read you just don’t know what is going to happen next.
I recommend this book to anyone to read. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
This was a very different vampire book! You will just have to read it yourself to discover what I mean.
There is lots of humor in it plus lots of fighting making it a very interesting read you just don’t know what is going to happen next.
I recommend this book to anyone to read. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
January 31, 2019
A fabulous book once again. My favorite parts were of our favorite angel. Bless Sandra Hil for her sense of humor and a little line with heaven ;)
If you loved the first 5 books, this one will make you happy once again.
If you loved the first 5 books, this one will make you happy once again.
December 2, 2019
I enjoyed this Vangel story of Harek Sigurdsson, whose sin was greed and who in this modern age is a compuster geek, and Camille Dumaine, who is a Weal whose nickname is Camo because she is like a chameleon in her ability to blend into any situation.
June 4, 2017
I didn't like the fighting between the 2.
August 5, 2019
Even Vampires Get the Blues
Always enjoy the Viking brothers a their interacts with Michael. The conflict with the Bks and Jasper's army was well wri.
Always enjoy the Viking brothers a their interacts with Michael. The conflict with the Bks and Jasper's army was well wri.
August 14, 2019
A Viking we will go
Wow, another great book by an author who can make you laugh, cry and cheer! Characters that you fall in love with and miss when finished.
Wow, another great book by an author who can make you laugh, cry and cheer! Characters that you fall in love with and miss when finished.
August 19, 2019
Well earned
I love every book Sandra Hill has done. The Angel books are right at the top. I can t wait to read the Next one.
I love every book Sandra Hill has done. The Angel books are right at the top. I can t wait to read the Next one.
August 21, 2019
DNF. I think I blanked out how this series irritates but reading this book reminded me. Trying to hard to inject coolness into the writing. I really didn’t like the hero or the heroine.
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