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Hot Encounters #1
Frankie's Vamp
The second Frankie Reynold’s boyfriend takes a hand to him, he is out of there. Frankie isn’t hanging around to see if the man will do it again. Now, if only his ex-boyfriend will take the hint and disappear from his life. Needing a night out to forget his troubles, Frankie heads to Hot Encounters nightclub...only to come face-to-face with a master vampire who wants Frankie for his very own.
Merrick Winters is a five-hundred-year-old vampire bored with life and the monotony of the same men throwing themselves at him day after day. He needs a challenge, and the sexy little man dancing in his club turns out to be just that.
The mate-bond makes the strong attraction between Frankie and Merrick inevitable, but will outside forces tear them apart before they can really get started in a relationship?
Merrick Winters is a five-hundred-year-old vampire bored with life and the monotony of the same men throwing themselves at him day after day. He needs a challenge, and the sexy little man dancing in his club turns out to be just that.
The mate-bond makes the strong attraction between Frankie and Merrick inevitable, but will outside forces tear them apart before they can really get started in a relationship?
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2012
7 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Toni Griffin
47 books512 followersToni Griffin lives in Darwin, the smallest of Australia’s capital cities. Born and raised in the state she’s a Territorian through and through. Growing up Toni hated English with a passion (as her editors can probably attest to) and found her strength lies with numbers.
Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She’s a single mother of one and works full time. When she’s not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.
Feel free to drop her a line at info@tonigriffin.net anytime.
Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She’s a single mother of one and works full time. When she’s not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.
Feel free to drop her a line at info@tonigriffin.net anytime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 5, 2015
Relatively short, fun, and very hot, this is the story of 500-year-old vampire coven leader Merrick who finally finds his mate. Only – Frankie hasn’t had a single successful relationship in his life and isn’t willing to risk being kicked aside or abused again. I enjoyed their banter, watching Merrick fight for every inch of ground between them as they look for a way to live together. While the topic of ‘fated mates’ is definitely prominent in this story, Toni Griffin lets her main characters struggle, fight, and battle it out before they finally manage to find their way. Not that this means Frankie falls totally under Merrick’s spell by any means, and that was part of the fun for me in this short novella.
Frankie is an architect, knows what he wants (not another abusive relationship, or being cheated), and has just decided never to have another man dictate what he does with his life when he runs into Merrick. The physical attraction is almost overwhelming and I admired Frankie for even trying to resist. I was as torn as he was: I wanted him to be able to be in control of his life, and yet, I also wanted him to be able to give in. My trust in Merrick not being an idiot, however, was higher than Frankie’s, so I didn’t ‘blame’ Frankie – well, not much. Who wouldn’t want a dedicated lover like Merrick?
Merrick could have easily been a domineering macho who bulldozes his way into Frankie’s life and dictates what his human lover does or doesn’t do for the rest of his life. It was interesting to see him be all strong and macho on one hand, on the other, never losing sight of what Frankie needed and wanted. It is a difficult balance to create, but I found Merrick to be one of the most successfully drawn characters in the group of ‘overpowering paranormal heroes’. It makes him likeable and drool-worthy at the same time. A winning combination just as much as Frankie’s courage to stand up for himself and what he wanted.
If you like your vampire stories with all the traditional ingredients (lust, hot sex, and strong wills clashing), but you don’t want a story filled with too many clichés, give this one a try. I thought it was cute and just different enough to be really enjoyable.
NOTE: This book was provided by Amber Allure for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Frankie is an architect, knows what he wants (not another abusive relationship, or being cheated), and has just decided never to have another man dictate what he does with his life when he runs into Merrick. The physical attraction is almost overwhelming and I admired Frankie for even trying to resist. I was as torn as he was: I wanted him to be able to be in control of his life, and yet, I also wanted him to be able to give in. My trust in Merrick not being an idiot, however, was higher than Frankie’s, so I didn’t ‘blame’ Frankie – well, not much. Who wouldn’t want a dedicated lover like Merrick?
Merrick could have easily been a domineering macho who bulldozes his way into Frankie’s life and dictates what his human lover does or doesn’t do for the rest of his life. It was interesting to see him be all strong and macho on one hand, on the other, never losing sight of what Frankie needed and wanted. It is a difficult balance to create, but I found Merrick to be one of the most successfully drawn characters in the group of ‘overpowering paranormal heroes’. It makes him likeable and drool-worthy at the same time. A winning combination just as much as Frankie’s courage to stand up for himself and what he wanted.
If you like your vampire stories with all the traditional ingredients (lust, hot sex, and strong wills clashing), but you don’t want a story filled with too many clichés, give this one a try. I thought it was cute and just different enough to be really enjoyable.
NOTE: This book was provided by Amber Allure for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 4, 2013
This was a brilliant start to the series. I am really starting to love books with Vampires in them, and this was one of those great ones. Granted, the story wasn't unique exactly. But I did enjoy reading it. I know some are put off my books that have no real unique twist to them, but you should give this one a go anyway.
Merrick has been alive for centuries. And in that time never found his mate. So, when he does meet him he'll be willing to wait for the man to come to terms with everything. Frankie being human meant he had reservations about mating with a vampire. Especially after an abusive ex boyfriend, an ex who didn't want to give up. But when he meets Merrick, things fee right.
I loved Merrick and Frankie's connection. I loved the possessiveness of both characters. It wasn't just about sex or power. These two really had chemistry. There wasn't a lot of waiting, it was mostly just spaced out a tiny bit so we got more than sex scenes, I did appreciate that. I'm not a huge fan of sex, sex, and more sex with very little to no plot in a book.
The secondary characters were introduced well. The only character I didn't like was Peter, the ex. That was the drama of the book, which wasn't the biggest drama, but sometimes it's nice to have an easy read. I think people should give it a shot, just don't expect a highly unique book.
Merrick has been alive for centuries. And in that time never found his mate. So, when he does meet him he'll be willing to wait for the man to come to terms with everything. Frankie being human meant he had reservations about mating with a vampire. Especially after an abusive ex boyfriend, an ex who didn't want to give up. But when he meets Merrick, things fee right.
I loved Merrick and Frankie's connection. I loved the possessiveness of both characters. It wasn't just about sex or power. These two really had chemistry. There wasn't a lot of waiting, it was mostly just spaced out a tiny bit so we got more than sex scenes, I did appreciate that. I'm not a huge fan of sex, sex, and more sex with very little to no plot in a book.
The secondary characters were introduced well. The only character I didn't like was Peter, the ex. That was the drama of the book, which wasn't the biggest drama, but sometimes it's nice to have an easy read. I think people should give it a shot, just don't expect a highly unique book.
January 16, 2015
I felt like I waited forever for this to be re-released. When I first came across the book it wasn't available anymore and I waited impatiently. When I was at GRL I asked Miss Griffin when this series was going to be available for us again and she gave me good news :) SOON!
Now, the wait is over and well...it was good. I liked it, but it wasn't the best. I wanted more vampire-ness from Merrick. I didn't like the time jumps either, but then again I never like those. I really liked that Frankie wasn't going to be a pushover, but his hot and cold thing was annoying. If you need time, you need time and that's okay. Don't be a tease.
I'll be reading on in this series. Bryce's Cop comes out on the 8th of Feb!!!
Now, the wait is over and well...it was good. I liked it, but it wasn't the best. I wanted more vampire-ness from Merrick. I didn't like the time jumps either, but then again I never like those. I really liked that Frankie wasn't going to be a pushover, but his hot and cold thing was annoying. If you need time, you need time and that's okay. Don't be a tease.
I'll be reading on in this series. Bryce's Cop comes out on the 8th of Feb!!!
August 18, 2015
For a Vamp book, this story was actually light and fun... but has a lot to do with the MCs.
May 13, 2012
4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Merrick is slightly bored with the same old same old. After all, there is only so much a vamp can do in five hundred years. But, that all changes when he spots Frankie on the dance floor of his club and he has a feeling that he will be forever kept on his toes. Frankie is just letting loose on the dance floor when he spots the most gorgeous man ever, but after coming out of a relationship where his ex-boyfriend hit him, he is cautious.
Toni Griffin has written a nice easy read that is uncomplicated and low on angst. Merrick is thrilled when he meets his mate and his mate isn’t a walkover. Frankie stands up to him and doesn’t let him get away with anything… now if only he can get him to agree to be his mate. Frankie has had enough of loser boyfriends and isn’t sure if he can trust himself to choose a decent man. So, when the Master vampire declares he’s his mate, he is very wary of jumping in feet first.
Frankie is quite a strong-willed man and knows how to take care of himself; he is determined to take his time getting to know Merrick before committing to a mating that will last for eternity. This I found to be brilliantly done, because although they both felt sparks flying between them, they both still held off until Frankie was really ready. The problem of the ex-boyfriend was handled well, but I would have liked to know more about the rogue vampires. Both characters were well suited and I would have liked to get to know them better; some more background on them, but I liked them all the same. I found this storyline flowed well and the story easy to read and get into.
I will recommend this to those who like strong characters, hot sex, vampires and paranormals, a bit of conflict, instant attraction and a happy ending.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Merrick is slightly bored with the same old same old. After all, there is only so much a vamp can do in five hundred years. But, that all changes when he spots Frankie on the dance floor of his club and he has a feeling that he will be forever kept on his toes. Frankie is just letting loose on the dance floor when he spots the most gorgeous man ever, but after coming out of a relationship where his ex-boyfriend hit him, he is cautious.
Toni Griffin has written a nice easy read that is uncomplicated and low on angst. Merrick is thrilled when he meets his mate and his mate isn’t a walkover. Frankie stands up to him and doesn’t let him get away with anything… now if only he can get him to agree to be his mate. Frankie has had enough of loser boyfriends and isn’t sure if he can trust himself to choose a decent man. So, when the Master vampire declares he’s his mate, he is very wary of jumping in feet first.
Frankie is quite a strong-willed man and knows how to take care of himself; he is determined to take his time getting to know Merrick before committing to a mating that will last for eternity. This I found to be brilliantly done, because although they both felt sparks flying between them, they both still held off until Frankie was really ready. The problem of the ex-boyfriend was handled well, but I would have liked to know more about the rogue vampires. Both characters were well suited and I would have liked to get to know them better; some more background on them, but I liked them all the same. I found this storyline flowed well and the story easy to read and get into.
I will recommend this to those who like strong characters, hot sex, vampires and paranormals, a bit of conflict, instant attraction and a happy ending.
March 17, 2018
Really, really enjoyed this one!
I immediately fell for Merrick Winters. He is a 500 year old Vampire who is pretty stereotypical. Tall, dark and handsome, can move at the speed of light and although feared he is the respected leader of his coven. He owns a nightclub and seems for all intents and purpose to lead a pretty good life but he comes across as a bit tired of his routine – 500 years is a long time to survive and to have never found your soul mate. He dreams of having more…….
Frankie Reynolds just can’t seem to get the relationship thing right. Every boyfriend he has turns bad, the latest one hit him and that put an end to him. His first night out as a single man sees him in dancing in Hot Encounters and attracting the attention of Merrick. For Frankie it’s a bit of fun teasing the Vampire with his sexy dancing but for Merrick it’s a revelation as he has finally found his mate!
Their getting together and their romancing is fun. This book really had me smiling. Merrick is used to people saying ‘yes sir’ and obeying his requests. When he wants Frankie to do something – well, yeah this doesn’t happen so much. Instead of getting pissed off Merrick loves that his mate is challenging and enjoys his argumentative little spitfire.
Humans know about Vampires so that’s not a sticking point for Frankie but he is worried about tying himself to another man for the rest of his life when he has such a poor history with relationships. Merrick is gracious about giving him time to get used to the idea but with stalking ex boyfriends, rogues and a ton of sexual attraction you have to wonder how long he will be able to hold out before he gives the old Vampire everything he wants.
This is fast, fun and full of great characters and a superb first book in the series.
I immediately fell for Merrick Winters. He is a 500 year old Vampire who is pretty stereotypical. Tall, dark and handsome, can move at the speed of light and although feared he is the respected leader of his coven. He owns a nightclub and seems for all intents and purpose to lead a pretty good life but he comes across as a bit tired of his routine – 500 years is a long time to survive and to have never found your soul mate. He dreams of having more…….
Frankie Reynolds just can’t seem to get the relationship thing right. Every boyfriend he has turns bad, the latest one hit him and that put an end to him. His first night out as a single man sees him in dancing in Hot Encounters and attracting the attention of Merrick. For Frankie it’s a bit of fun teasing the Vampire with his sexy dancing but for Merrick it’s a revelation as he has finally found his mate!
Their getting together and their romancing is fun. This book really had me smiling. Merrick is used to people saying ‘yes sir’ and obeying his requests. When he wants Frankie to do something – well, yeah this doesn’t happen so much. Instead of getting pissed off Merrick loves that his mate is challenging and enjoys his argumentative little spitfire.
Humans know about Vampires so that’s not a sticking point for Frankie but he is worried about tying himself to another man for the rest of his life when he has such a poor history with relationships. Merrick is gracious about giving him time to get used to the idea but with stalking ex boyfriends, rogues and a ton of sexual attraction you have to wonder how long he will be able to hold out before he gives the old Vampire everything he wants.
This is fast, fun and full of great characters and a superb first book in the series.
May 22, 2013
2012 Review:
This was a stupid book. I mean, I kinda knew the likelihood of this when going in, but damn.
It just felt naïve, like a personal fantasy. As though the author is projecting her opinions, likes and dislikes, using the chars as a soap box. Oh and wish fulfilment. Be it some fancy car or the detailed menu in some amazing restaurant.
Character motivations made little sense either, especially with Frankie who came off as a stereotypical and outdated, mercurial heroine, jerking the hero around with no rhyme or reason, teasing and pushing him away in the same breath, &c. Altogether, this was simply very immature and amateurish.
The plot itself did not fare any better than the execution. It’s full of aborted ideas and opportunities. Also, why even have vampires? They were not at all, well, vampiry. Just for longevity, dietary needs and some enhanced physical abilities? Well and the destined mate thing, I guess. I am sure that sounds like a lot, but in this case it really wasn’t.
Man, this was bad. I just hope it’s not supposed to be the start to a series. There are side characters who’d no doubt work well as future protagonists but with this writing? I hope not.
I’ve been willing to give this author some leeway since she has that “just starting out” feel to her and I know perfectly well that some authors need to burn through their first ten or even more books before they start delivering decent quality, but for now I am all out of patience with this one. It’s just not enjoyable.
This was a stupid book. I mean, I kinda knew the likelihood of this when going in, but damn.
It just felt naïve, like a personal fantasy. As though the author is projecting her opinions, likes and dislikes, using the chars as a soap box. Oh and wish fulfilment. Be it some fancy car or the detailed menu in some amazing restaurant.
Character motivations made little sense either, especially with Frankie who came off as a stereotypical and outdated, mercurial heroine, jerking the hero around with no rhyme or reason, teasing and pushing him away in the same breath, &c. Altogether, this was simply very immature and amateurish.
The plot itself did not fare any better than the execution. It’s full of aborted ideas and opportunities. Also, why even have vampires? They were not at all, well, vampiry. Just for longevity, dietary needs and some enhanced physical abilities? Well and the destined mate thing, I guess. I am sure that sounds like a lot, but in this case it really wasn’t.
Man, this was bad. I just hope it’s not supposed to be the start to a series. There are side characters who’d no doubt work well as future protagonists but with this writing? I hope not.
I’ve been willing to give this author some leeway since she has that “just starting out” feel to her and I know perfectly well that some authors need to burn through their first ten or even more books before they start delivering decent quality, but for now I am all out of patience with this one. It’s just not enjoyable.
July 2, 2014
The book was okay to read. I just feel like it is similar to a lot of the other vampire books that I have read where you have a vampire that finds his destined mate. Then you have a boyfriend that won’t take no for an answer. Finally, you throw in some rogues. I still enjoyed the book though mainly due to Frankie. I liked that he was sassy. He didn’t take crap from anyone. He was definitely the high point in the book.
Overall, I don’t know if this would be a reread or not. It may be down the road some.
Overall, I don’t know if this would be a reread or not. It may be down the road some.
May 20, 2012
This is a light "getting together" or finding a soul mate story. Maybe it's to easily plotted story with no fresh touch from this writer. Everything was the same as in other stories with same theme.
July 13, 2012
Total guilty pleasure read.
I found Frankie's decision to mate a bit anticlimactic and the resolution with Peter and the rogues, but all in all a typical 'my mate' insta lust short that I enjoyed.
I found Frankie's decision to mate a bit anticlimactic and the resolution with Peter and the rogues, but all in all a typical 'my mate' insta lust short that I enjoyed.
March 13, 2018
Enjoyed reading. Was hot and sweet. A good light read, just what I wanted.
April 27, 2012
Frankie’s Vamp by Toni Griffin
2.5 Stars
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com
Merrick Withers is a lonely vampire who is sexy as sin, Master of the city, over five hundred years old and he is bored half to death. He owns a popular and upscale nightclub where people come to drink, feed and hook up. He has lost interest in even sitting at his booth, like he normally would, watching everyone enjoy themselves around him until one night a sweet scent and a vision of a shirtless, strawberry blonde man dancing in the middle of the dance floor catches his attention. Merrick realizes that he has finally found his destined mate.
Frankie Reynolds is human and had just had an awful break up with a boyfriend who once hit him. He is out dancing his cares away when his ex, Peter, starts harassing him on the dance floor. In swoops our hero vamp to save the day but Frankie doesn’t need saving from anyone. He is cocky and tough and can take care of himself. After having Peter removed from the club, Merrick and Frankie kiss and then, much to Merrick’s delight, Frankie declines offer of dinner and leaves the club. It is now a game of cat and mouse that Merrick is thrilled with and Frankie continues to try to resist, despite his perpetual erection.
This isn’t a bad book, it is just not anything that is unique. The only minor conflict is the ex boyfriend Peter and his hooking up briefly with some rogue vampires in an attempt to get Frankie back. I feel like I read this book many times in the past just with different names for the MC’s. It is a quick read with likable MC’s and very little angst. It would be a good read in between more intense books.
2.5 Stars
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com
Merrick Withers is a lonely vampire who is sexy as sin, Master of the city, over five hundred years old and he is bored half to death. He owns a popular and upscale nightclub where people come to drink, feed and hook up. He has lost interest in even sitting at his booth, like he normally would, watching everyone enjoy themselves around him until one night a sweet scent and a vision of a shirtless, strawberry blonde man dancing in the middle of the dance floor catches his attention. Merrick realizes that he has finally found his destined mate.
Frankie Reynolds is human and had just had an awful break up with a boyfriend who once hit him. He is out dancing his cares away when his ex, Peter, starts harassing him on the dance floor. In swoops our hero vamp to save the day but Frankie doesn’t need saving from anyone. He is cocky and tough and can take care of himself. After having Peter removed from the club, Merrick and Frankie kiss and then, much to Merrick’s delight, Frankie declines offer of dinner and leaves the club. It is now a game of cat and mouse that Merrick is thrilled with and Frankie continues to try to resist, despite his perpetual erection.
This isn’t a bad book, it is just not anything that is unique. The only minor conflict is the ex boyfriend Peter and his hooking up briefly with some rogue vampires in an attempt to get Frankie back. I feel like I read this book many times in the past just with different names for the MC’s. It is a quick read with likable MC’s and very little angst. It would be a good read in between more intense books.
September 17, 2016
Too much telling in the beginning. Too much stereotyped stuff. Too annoying calling the smaller man short when he's 5'9" which is only an inch below average in most countries. BUT I love how Frankie reacted to their first encounter. I never would have thought of that.
Four weeks is way too long for a club to be closed for a remodel. They would do the other space first. When it was done, They'd set up a temporary bar in the new half of the facility while the original was being worked on. They would do the the work during the day during the day. When they broke down the wall between, they could hide most of it behind screens or close for just a few days for that and other finishing work. Four weeks is going to lose a lot of revenue and gives people time to find a new trendy bar to go to.
If a man has his legs wrapped around another man's waist, their cocks are not going to be aligned.
It doesn't feel right having a 500 year vampire saying "Impatient much?" I feel odd sometimes using modern slang and I'm a baby by his standards.
He already told Peter he would kill him if he touched Frankie again. Why would he give him a third chance? Why did they kill the vamps and not even call the police on Peter?
If Someone is knocked out, always wake them up to be sure they don't have a concussion or worse and maybe go into a coma.
Weak peril. Same old same old and totally predictable.
Four weeks is way too long for a club to be closed for a remodel. They would do the other space first. When it was done, They'd set up a temporary bar in the new half of the facility while the original was being worked on. They would do the the work during the day during the day. When they broke down the wall between, they could hide most of it behind screens or close for just a few days for that and other finishing work. Four weeks is going to lose a lot of revenue and gives people time to find a new trendy bar to go to.
If a man has his legs wrapped around another man's waist, their cocks are not going to be aligned.
It doesn't feel right having a 500 year vampire saying "Impatient much?" I feel odd sometimes using modern slang and I'm a baby by his standards.
He already told Peter he would kill him if he touched Frankie again. Why would he give him a third chance? Why did they kill the vamps and not even call the police on Peter?
If Someone is knocked out, always wake them up to be sure they don't have a concussion or worse and maybe go into a coma.
Weak peril. Same old same old and totally predictable.
January 28, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Griffin created a unique vampire mythology, incorporating the traditional concepts along with some modern ideas and one particular difference that I have never encountered in any of the numerous vampire stories I have read.
Both Frankie and Merrick were sufficiently well developed to keep my interest and one of the best characters in Frankie’s Vamp was in fact Merrick’s second-in-command, Bryce. Since Merrick is the big bad master vampire, I can’t help but like any secondary character who can bring out Merrick’s fun, softer side.
In addition to good world building, where we are made to feel familiar with Merrick’s club, his home and even, for the brief time we are there, Frankie’s office, there are several threads of conflict, both major and minor which leave us wondering what is next.
I am a fan of Griffin’s writing and although I am not really into vampire novels anymore, I could not resist picking this story for review and I am glad that I did. I heartily recommend Frankie’s Vamp.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Griffin created a unique vampire mythology, incorporating the traditional concepts along with some modern ideas and one particular difference that I have never encountered in any of the numerous vampire stories I have read.
Both Frankie and Merrick were sufficiently well developed to keep my interest and one of the best characters in Frankie’s Vamp was in fact Merrick’s second-in-command, Bryce. Since Merrick is the big bad master vampire, I can’t help but like any secondary character who can bring out Merrick’s fun, softer side.
In addition to good world building, where we are made to feel familiar with Merrick’s club, his home and even, for the brief time we are there, Frankie’s office, there are several threads of conflict, both major and minor which leave us wondering what is next.
I am a fan of Griffin’s writing and although I am not really into vampire novels anymore, I could not resist picking this story for review and I am glad that I did. I heartily recommend Frankie’s Vamp.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
September 6, 2016
I enjoyed the overall look of this story. I liked how Frankie didn't immediately bed or accept Merrick. How he tried to get to know him better. How he tried to have a relationship with him . How he tried to wait until he trusted him.
Did you notice how I said tried and not achieved? That's because he tried but never really made it work. While he did manage to wait a couple days, I still think it was too rushed. I understand the appeal of mates, of having someone destined to be all you ever hoped to, someone who'll never leave you or betray you. I do get it. It's all very perfect and neat. But it's also full of rules and expectations and you always get these types of fast "relationships" where no work is needed. Every single thing just fits right and you don't get to adjust or fight or be scared and that...just feels fake and plastic.
So...while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. Wasn't believable. Wasn't even exciting because I already knew how it ended. Same thing with the sex. Been there, done that. Not impressed.
And Merrick was quite dull for a master vampire too.
Rating: 2.5 ★
Did you notice how I said tried and not achieved? That's because he tried but never really made it work. While he did manage to wait a couple days, I still think it was too rushed. I understand the appeal of mates, of having someone destined to be all you ever hoped to, someone who'll never leave you or betray you. I do get it. It's all very perfect and neat. But it's also full of rules and expectations and you always get these types of fast "relationships" where no work is needed. Every single thing just fits right and you don't get to adjust or fight or be scared and that...just feels fake and plastic.
So...while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. Wasn't believable. Wasn't even exciting because I already knew how it ended. Same thing with the sex. Been there, done that. Not impressed.
And Merrick was quite dull for a master vampire too.
Rating: 2.5 ★
January 27, 2013
What a sweet, easy read! I really enjoyed this story and read it without stopping. Frankie is dancing his heart out at Hot Encounters, the club owned by Merrick. Merrick is a 500 year old vampire coven leader. Merrick and Frankie feel the mutual attraction, but Frankie isn’t comfortable with a new relationship. He just dumped his jerk of a boyfriend (his 9th bad choice), and Frankie isn’t real confident he can attract a good man. Merrick finally gets Frankie to agree to dinner and tells Frankie during that they’re mates. So, the majority of the story is the developing relationship between Merrick and Frankie.
There is a little drama with Frankie’s ex, which ends up making Frankie the damsel in distress Merrick has to rescue. I get that Frankie isn’t super strong, but after all his protesting to Merrick that he can take care of himself, it would have been nice if he could have “rescued” himself. This is a nice bit of fluff, which according to Toni Griffin’s website is the beginning of a series.
There is a little drama with Frankie’s ex, which ends up making Frankie the damsel in distress Merrick has to rescue. I get that Frankie isn’t super strong, but after all his protesting to Merrick that he can take care of himself, it would have been nice if he could have “rescued” himself. This is a nice bit of fluff, which according to Toni Griffin’s website is the beginning of a series.
May 13, 2012
Loved it. Another winner from Ms Griffin as far as I'm concerned.
If you are looking for a deep plot you won't find it here but rather than detracting from the book I found that only made it remarkably easy to read.
It is fast paced and seems a little rushed at times and there were a few spots where I would have liked to see the story more developed (for instance the rouge vampires)but I'm wondering if that will happen in a future book. The characters were quite well written and I loved that even though this story is of the insta-love/lust variety Frankie's character retained some backbone.
I am actually hoping this book is the first in a series as there are 2 or 3 characters I would love to see a story for.
All in all an enjoyable light read and I look foward to reading Ms Griffin's next book.
If you are looking for a deep plot you won't find it here but rather than detracting from the book I found that only made it remarkably easy to read.
It is fast paced and seems a little rushed at times and there were a few spots where I would have liked to see the story more developed (for instance the rouge vampires)but I'm wondering if that will happen in a future book. The characters were quite well written and I loved that even though this story is of the insta-love/lust variety Frankie's character retained some backbone.
I am actually hoping this book is the first in a series as there are 2 or 3 characters I would love to see a story for.
All in all an enjoyable light read and I look foward to reading Ms Griffin's next book.
September 9, 2013
This book is at best - a decent read. It's not that Griffin can't write, but the style of writing seemed so simple and naive and cliched that I am literally forcing myself to finish this book.
It is a very short story, with a plot that has little to no depth. If you're a fan of this genre, without even trying you would be able to guess what will happen next. Everything is so predictable and cheesy, it's like reading a well written piece of fanfiction.
While the characters are cute and this wasn't exactly a waste of time, I would not read it again. I don't even know if I will manage to finish this book. Simply not worth the money for those who are looking for something great.
It is a very short story, with a plot that has little to no depth. If you're a fan of this genre, without even trying you would be able to guess what will happen next. Everything is so predictable and cheesy, it's like reading a well written piece of fanfiction.
While the characters are cute and this wasn't exactly a waste of time, I would not read it again. I don't even know if I will manage to finish this book. Simply not worth the money for those who are looking for something great.
May 20, 2012
I thought this was a nice read, not a lot of depth, but I suppose for me it had a little more because I am in Perth and I know the streets and buildings so that made me more aware of the setting, where as 99.9999% you just have to guess or you may have heard the main ones from big cities.
I liked this, it was a good Sunday afternoon read.
I liked this, it was a good Sunday afternoon read.
May 17, 2012
Another winner from Toni Griffin. Frankie is a refreshing challenge for vampire coven leader Merrick. Merrick's pursuit of the sexy Frankie is a hoot to read about. Throw in a bit of drama and some very hot loving and it's a definite must read.
September 10, 2013
hmm.. The sex scenes were ok-ish.. character development thou seemed lacking and almost teenager-like at times for me. Did like Frankie and attitude of not being pushed around.. Merrirk was too arrogant for me
I may still read the next book anyways.. haven't decided yet
I may still read the next book anyways.. haven't decided yet
November 18, 2014
What a sweet read! Total guilty pleasure read.
Merrick is a vampire over five hundred years old. He owns a popular and upscale night club where he meets Frankie (a human). The typical story (fighting the attraction, …) but really sweet story.
Merrick is a vampire over five hundred years old. He owns a popular and upscale night club where he meets Frankie (a human). The typical story (fighting the attraction, …) but really sweet story.
May 16, 2012
Very cute story.
May 15, 2012
A very nice read.. I love it...
April 21, 2012
***3.5***
August 6, 2016
3.5 star
Not really much to say about this one, pretty predictable, but it had vampires so I was happy.
Not really much to say about this one, pretty predictable, but it had vampires so I was happy.
June 6, 2012
It was sweet but I would have liked to get to know the charters better.
July 2, 2012
Cute story...reminded me a lot of Amber Kell's vampire stories. Will look forward to reading more.
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