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The Monstrum Vampire Series #1
Dead Beginnings
Innocent trainee estate agent Rosannah hasn't given any man so much as a sniff. But everything changes when she meets Raphael Monstrum, a gorgeous, hunky bachelor whose home and life are surrounded by curious rumours. What happens when Rosannah stumbles upon something that she wasn't meant to? With Raphael claiming he's a vampire, Rosannah is plunged into a dark and dangerous world that threatens to swallow her forever. Can she escape before it's too late? And is Raphael telling the truth, or is he just insane? All the answers lie with the mysterious Monstrum household.
Contains adult themes and explicit sexual content. Also contains cliffhangers.
Categories:
Adult Paranormal Vampire Captive Romance
Contains adult themes and explicit sexual content. Also contains cliffhangers.
Categories:
Adult Paranormal Vampire Captive Romance
210 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2015
88 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 20, 2015
I can not believe that she ended the book that way it was going so good nice details, wonderful storyline loved the excitement!! And then she leaves me with a cliffhanger! Ug!
Bravo my dear I was disappointed that I had reached the end.
Bravo my dear I was disappointed that I had reached the end.
December 2, 2016
I didn't see what everyone else saw in this book. Despite the sex scenes, it felt like it was written for young teens. The repeating dialogue between the two main characters annoyed me.
October 7, 2021
Eu gostei da história, mas… teve algumas coisas que eu não curti muito não, aff! Porém, a CURIOSIDADE me fez chegar no terceiro livro beeemmm rapidinho! rs...
"Para quem gosta de ler livros em inglês e/ou está querendo se aventurar nesse tipo de leitura, mas não sabe por onde poderia começar, Dead Beginnings é uma ótima dica. Claro, para quem gosta de ficção jovem adulto, romance, histórias de vampiros e cenas quentes. No Reino Unido a classificação da série é para maiores de 18 anos por conter linguajar impróprio, violência e cenas de sexo explícito.
Dead Beginnings é o volume I da obra literária The Monstrum Vampire Series (TMVS) da autora Taniquelle Tulipano. Assim como toda a série, tem a narrativa em primeira pessoa e um linguajar simples e contemporâneo deixando a leitura fácil e fluída e o enredo prende a atenção do leitor, dando-o uma prazerosa imersão à história.
O Leitor facilmente se apega aos personagens, sofrendo junto e querendo logo saber no que aquilo vai dar. No final ainda tem aquele choque por causa da sensação de que a história ficou pela metade, por causa do cliffhanger, o que dá aquele gostinho de quero mais e deixa qualquer leitor curioso para saber o que irá acontecer depois.
Antes de continuar com a minha opinião, conheça um pouco mais da história do livro:
A História:
Rosannah Morgan é uma jovem solitária. Ela vive no mesmo prédio que sua melhor amiga, no andar de cima pra ser mais exata. Seu apartamento foi um presente que recebeu da mãe para que, segundo ela, Rosannah tivesse mais privacidade para possíveis encontros amorosos. Ela desejava que a filha conquistasse um homem rico, tivesse filhos e depois pedisse o divórcio para assim ficar com uma boa pensão.
Entretanto, Rosannah não concordava com as ideias da mãe, jamais se envolveria com alguém só para dar um golpe. Ela acreditava no amor verdadeiro e estava se guardando para o homem certo. Porém, parecia que o homem certo não existia ou, se por um acaso, ele passou por sua vida, ela nem percebeu.
Sua rotina era inquebrável: de casa para o trabalho e do trabalho para casa. Sua única companhia era Marmelada, sua gatinha, e Brianna, sua única amiga, que às vezes não se contentava em apenas trabalhar numa empresa imobiliária junto com Rosannah ou morar no mesmo prédio e de vez em quando aparecia para bater papo e contar sobre seus casos românticos.
Em um dia típico de trabalho Rosannah foi requisitada para fazer a avaliação de uma casa antiga que ficava afastada do centro da cidade. Ao chegar na residência foi recebida pelo proprietário, Rafael Monstrum, um jovem mal educado, com ar de debochado, dono de uma beleza extraordinária, um sorriso lindo e um olhar… predatório. Do tipo capaz de encantar, seduzir, intimidar e dar calafrios assustadores na espinha, tudo ao mesmo tempo.
Incomodada com o misto de sensações e o ar de perigo que a ronda desde que entrou na propriedade de Rafael, Rosannah dá um jeito de acabar rapidamente com a visita para voltar logo ao escritório da imobiliária. Porém, ela não percebeu ou lembrou que Rafael não mostrou dois lugares da propriedade então foi obrigada a voltar lá no dia seguinte. Ela não queria voltar, mas estava determinada a reparar o erro que cometeu e concluir bem o seu trabalho e, por mais estranho que fosse, desejava ver Rafael mais uma vez.
O que Rosannah não imaginava era que ela não estava indo apenas para a casa de Rafael Monstrum coletar os dados que faltavam para que a avaliação da propriedade fosse feita, ela estava indo em direção a uma porta que a levaria para um outro mundo e para seu cativeiro onde descobrirá verdades surreais e assustadoras.
Rafael Monstrum seria realmente o monstro que seu sobrenome denuncia? Rosannah seria capaz de se apaixonar por seu captor? Ela sairia dessa viva ou pereceria como mais uma vítima de Rafael?
XX
Eu gostei da história, mas… teve algumas coisas que eu não curti muito. Eu gostei dos personagens, cada um tem uma personalidade muito própria, cada um é bem diferente do outro, mesmo os gêmeos idênticos. As partes cômicas são bem divertidas, as cenas dos protagonistas são sempre muito intensas e os momentos de tensão parecem nos fazer virar as páginas mais rapidamente. Como um todo a história é muito boa, traz elementos novos ao mundo vampiresco, mas certos pontos não a deixam ser excepcional.
O primeiro ponto é a capa, que te entrega uma história que não existe dentro do livro. Com a imagem e o título a primeira coisa que nos leva a pensar é, ao menos eu pensei: “Nossa, deve ser um puta livro de terror sobrenatural com algum suspense envolvendo fantasmas, tipo a série “The Haunting Hill House“, ou bruxas.” Aí, já viu, né? Meus olhos brilharam… rs… E foi decepcionante descobrir que não tem uma coisa, nem outra.
“Ah, mas o livro é sobre vampiros e dependendo da história eles podem possuir certas habilidades…” ok, mas até onde li (nos três primeiros livros) não há nenhum vampiro com habilidades de voar ou manipulação do tempo, nada parecido com a imagem da capa. E essa é a melhor capa. As capas dos outros dois volumes são bem ruins e também não têm nada a ver com a história.
A capa é o primeiro contato que o leitor tem com o livro, ela tem que ser bem sugestiva e agarrar a atenção do leitor para que ele tenha a curiosidade de olhar a sinopse e saber mais sobre o livro para, quem sabe, comprá-lo e lê-lo. Então, se você pretende fazer uma capa diferenciada, o mínimo é que tenha algo a ver com a história, mas sem entregá-la totalmente. É um princípio básico da linguagem visual. Aquilo que chama a atenção aos olhos do leitor, em um primeiro plano, é a capa do livro e não seu conteúdo.
O segundo ponto é o começo da relação entre Rafael e Rosannah, por ser muito polêmico. Ele tem atitudes possessivas e abusivas que jamais, em pleno século XXI, devem ser romantizadas e aceitas por qualquer mulher em sã consciência. E, pra mim, não foram bem desenvolvidas. Entendo que ele é de outra época, que é um vampiro, que viveu muito tempo dominado por seus hábitos predatórios, que tenha se perdido de sua humanidade, que tenha uma visão machista e tal e que há a possibilidade de mudança e redenção do personagem, mas, no mundo em que vivemos hoje, certas coisas são inadmissíveis.
Mesmo entendendo que Rosannah não teve muita oportunidade de escolha em certas ocasiões, ou ela aceitava ou poderia morrer, a autora poderia ter tido um pouco mais de cuidado no desenvolvimento de certas explicações e, principalmente, em relação a certos pensamentos e atitudes da protagonista. Por ser uma mulher inteligente, estudada, independente e certa do que quer e o que não quer, ela poderia ter lutado mais, poderia ter usado mais da sua inteligência e sabedoria, visto que inexperiência não é sinônimo de burrice ou estupidez. É muito chato quando a personagem é inteligente e o autor esquece disso.
A necessidade de fazer um romance épico, onde a protagonista, uma mulher ordinária (no sentido de comum, por favor, né…) conhece o homem da sua vida que a faz perceber o quão extraordinária ela é e que o amor que há entre eles é tão real e verdadeiro que se torna épico através da promessa da eternidade está prejudicando, e muito, os romances românticos. Ah, o amor eterno. Aquele que nunca morre e dura para sempre. É lindo, mas, por favor, né, vamos desenvolver direito? Senão fica mais do mesmo e os clássicos dos séculos passados continuarão sendo os melhores.
Embora a minha crítica tenha sido pesada, ainda acredito que a leitura vale a pena, pela história, pelos personagens, pela prática do inglês e até para saber por onde não se quer ir e o que você faria de diferente se estivesse no lugar dos personagens, ou da autora.
A expectativa de esperar para saber se certas explicações aconteceriam ou não me levou a ler os três primeiros livros muito rápido e um atrás do outro. Só parei porque não tinha mais disponíveis no wattpad. Até procurei na Amazon UK, mas parece que a autora ainda não lançou o quarto livro.
Na próxima resenha, o volume II de TMVS – (The Monstrum Vampire Séries), vou falar sobre as inovações que Taniquelle Tulipano trouxe ao seu próprio universo vampiresco. E, é claro, a história que o segundo livro aborda e seus pontos fortes e fracos."
Fiz essa resenha para o Portal Geeker.
"Para quem gosta de ler livros em inglês e/ou está querendo se aventurar nesse tipo de leitura, mas não sabe por onde poderia começar, Dead Beginnings é uma ótima dica. Claro, para quem gosta de ficção jovem adulto, romance, histórias de vampiros e cenas quentes. No Reino Unido a classificação da série é para maiores de 18 anos por conter linguajar impróprio, violência e cenas de sexo explícito.
Dead Beginnings é o volume I da obra literária The Monstrum Vampire Series (TMVS) da autora Taniquelle Tulipano. Assim como toda a série, tem a narrativa em primeira pessoa e um linguajar simples e contemporâneo deixando a leitura fácil e fluída e o enredo prende a atenção do leitor, dando-o uma prazerosa imersão à história.
O Leitor facilmente se apega aos personagens, sofrendo junto e querendo logo saber no que aquilo vai dar. No final ainda tem aquele choque por causa da sensação de que a história ficou pela metade, por causa do cliffhanger, o que dá aquele gostinho de quero mais e deixa qualquer leitor curioso para saber o que irá acontecer depois.
Antes de continuar com a minha opinião, conheça um pouco mais da história do livro:
A História:
Rosannah Morgan é uma jovem solitária. Ela vive no mesmo prédio que sua melhor amiga, no andar de cima pra ser mais exata. Seu apartamento foi um presente que recebeu da mãe para que, segundo ela, Rosannah tivesse mais privacidade para possíveis encontros amorosos. Ela desejava que a filha conquistasse um homem rico, tivesse filhos e depois pedisse o divórcio para assim ficar com uma boa pensão.
Entretanto, Rosannah não concordava com as ideias da mãe, jamais se envolveria com alguém só para dar um golpe. Ela acreditava no amor verdadeiro e estava se guardando para o homem certo. Porém, parecia que o homem certo não existia ou, se por um acaso, ele passou por sua vida, ela nem percebeu.
Sua rotina era inquebrável: de casa para o trabalho e do trabalho para casa. Sua única companhia era Marmelada, sua gatinha, e Brianna, sua única amiga, que às vezes não se contentava em apenas trabalhar numa empresa imobiliária junto com Rosannah ou morar no mesmo prédio e de vez em quando aparecia para bater papo e contar sobre seus casos românticos.
Em um dia típico de trabalho Rosannah foi requisitada para fazer a avaliação de uma casa antiga que ficava afastada do centro da cidade. Ao chegar na residência foi recebida pelo proprietário, Rafael Monstrum, um jovem mal educado, com ar de debochado, dono de uma beleza extraordinária, um sorriso lindo e um olhar… predatório. Do tipo capaz de encantar, seduzir, intimidar e dar calafrios assustadores na espinha, tudo ao mesmo tempo.
Incomodada com o misto de sensações e o ar de perigo que a ronda desde que entrou na propriedade de Rafael, Rosannah dá um jeito de acabar rapidamente com a visita para voltar logo ao escritório da imobiliária. Porém, ela não percebeu ou lembrou que Rafael não mostrou dois lugares da propriedade então foi obrigada a voltar lá no dia seguinte. Ela não queria voltar, mas estava determinada a reparar o erro que cometeu e concluir bem o seu trabalho e, por mais estranho que fosse, desejava ver Rafael mais uma vez.
O que Rosannah não imaginava era que ela não estava indo apenas para a casa de Rafael Monstrum coletar os dados que faltavam para que a avaliação da propriedade fosse feita, ela estava indo em direção a uma porta que a levaria para um outro mundo e para seu cativeiro onde descobrirá verdades surreais e assustadoras.
Rafael Monstrum seria realmente o monstro que seu sobrenome denuncia? Rosannah seria capaz de se apaixonar por seu captor? Ela sairia dessa viva ou pereceria como mais uma vítima de Rafael?
XX
Eu gostei da história, mas… teve algumas coisas que eu não curti muito. Eu gostei dos personagens, cada um tem uma personalidade muito própria, cada um é bem diferente do outro, mesmo os gêmeos idênticos. As partes cômicas são bem divertidas, as cenas dos protagonistas são sempre muito intensas e os momentos de tensão parecem nos fazer virar as páginas mais rapidamente. Como um todo a história é muito boa, traz elementos novos ao mundo vampiresco, mas certos pontos não a deixam ser excepcional.
O primeiro ponto é a capa, que te entrega uma história que não existe dentro do livro. Com a imagem e o título a primeira coisa que nos leva a pensar é, ao menos eu pensei: “Nossa, deve ser um puta livro de terror sobrenatural com algum suspense envolvendo fantasmas, tipo a série “The Haunting Hill House“, ou bruxas.” Aí, já viu, né? Meus olhos brilharam… rs… E foi decepcionante descobrir que não tem uma coisa, nem outra.
“Ah, mas o livro é sobre vampiros e dependendo da história eles podem possuir certas habilidades…” ok, mas até onde li (nos três primeiros livros) não há nenhum vampiro com habilidades de voar ou manipulação do tempo, nada parecido com a imagem da capa. E essa é a melhor capa. As capas dos outros dois volumes são bem ruins e também não têm nada a ver com a história.
A capa é o primeiro contato que o leitor tem com o livro, ela tem que ser bem sugestiva e agarrar a atenção do leitor para que ele tenha a curiosidade de olhar a sinopse e saber mais sobre o livro para, quem sabe, comprá-lo e lê-lo. Então, se você pretende fazer uma capa diferenciada, o mínimo é que tenha algo a ver com a história, mas sem entregá-la totalmente. É um princípio básico da linguagem visual. Aquilo que chama a atenção aos olhos do leitor, em um primeiro plano, é a capa do livro e não seu conteúdo.
O segundo ponto é o começo da relação entre Rafael e Rosannah, por ser muito polêmico. Ele tem atitudes possessivas e abusivas que jamais, em pleno século XXI, devem ser romantizadas e aceitas por qualquer mulher em sã consciência. E, pra mim, não foram bem desenvolvidas. Entendo que ele é de outra época, que é um vampiro, que viveu muito tempo dominado por seus hábitos predatórios, que tenha se perdido de sua humanidade, que tenha uma visão machista e tal e que há a possibilidade de mudança e redenção do personagem, mas, no mundo em que vivemos hoje, certas coisas são inadmissíveis.
Mesmo entendendo que Rosannah não teve muita oportunidade de escolha em certas ocasiões, ou ela aceitava ou poderia morrer, a autora poderia ter tido um pouco mais de cuidado no desenvolvimento de certas explicações e, principalmente, em relação a certos pensamentos e atitudes da protagonista. Por ser uma mulher inteligente, estudada, independente e certa do que quer e o que não quer, ela poderia ter lutado mais, poderia ter usado mais da sua inteligência e sabedoria, visto que inexperiência não é sinônimo de burrice ou estupidez. É muito chato quando a personagem é inteligente e o autor esquece disso.
A necessidade de fazer um romance épico, onde a protagonista, uma mulher ordinária (no sentido de comum, por favor, né…) conhece o homem da sua vida que a faz perceber o quão extraordinária ela é e que o amor que há entre eles é tão real e verdadeiro que se torna épico através da promessa da eternidade está prejudicando, e muito, os romances românticos. Ah, o amor eterno. Aquele que nunca morre e dura para sempre. É lindo, mas, por favor, né, vamos desenvolver direito? Senão fica mais do mesmo e os clássicos dos séculos passados continuarão sendo os melhores.
Embora a minha crítica tenha sido pesada, ainda acredito que a leitura vale a pena, pela história, pelos personagens, pela prática do inglês e até para saber por onde não se quer ir e o que você faria de diferente se estivesse no lugar dos personagens, ou da autora.
A expectativa de esperar para saber se certas explicações aconteceriam ou não me levou a ler os três primeiros livros muito rápido e um atrás do outro. Só parei porque não tinha mais disponíveis no wattpad. Até procurei na Amazon UK, mas parece que a autora ainda não lançou o quarto livro.
Na próxima resenha, o volume II de TMVS – (The Monstrum Vampire Séries), vou falar sobre as inovações que Taniquelle Tulipano trouxe ao seu próprio universo vampiresco. E, é claro, a história que o segundo livro aborda e seus pontos fortes e fracos."
Fiz essa resenha para o Portal Geeker.
June 7, 2017
Such a great story. I loved every minute of it and couldn't put it down. I have already downloaded the next books in the series and can't wait to read them,
October 24, 2017
Vampires oh my.
This book was interesting. At the beginning I hated the book. It was confusing but as it went it got better. A vampire read.
This book was interesting. At the beginning I hated the book. It was confusing but as it went it got better. A vampire read.
Currently reading
April 24, 2022I received an ARC from the author for an honest opinion.
dnf
December 13, 2024DNF - Raphael is coming off way too creepy and stalker-ish and not in the good way. I didn’t care to continue
January 14, 2017
You know the drill. I download a free e-book and expect miracles from the read despite knowing that good quality reads are hardly given for free because they don't need that. Good reviews and recommendations come naturally to them and hence the lack of good free stuff. So I am naturally wary of these books but keep reading them anyway.
This time, the book was 200 pages long so I assumed it wouldn't be too bad. Enough space to develop characters. Oh boy, was I wrong. Because there can be bad developing as well. You can actually make someone even worse than in a short story.
Don't get me wrong, the writing isn't bad. But it's the story development I'm not a fan of. See, at the beginning we are given a deranged vampire who likes to play with girls and then erase their minds when he is finished with them so that they never remember they were played with. He is a lunatic who makes them swoon and cringe in terror right after. That's the good part of the story, the potential.
But unfortunately this 300-year-old vampire falls for his latest victim and can't erase her memory (any flashbacks?!) and even though he is a part of some kind of holier-than-thou vampire police, he still gets to go on feeding sprees and use young ladies.
He is given three siblings who act unnaturally and instead of lightening the mood of the story as (probably) intended, they just make it more ridiculous. On the top of it all there is this whole Stockholm Syndrome girl who doesn't want to be let go even though she can see what a lunatic asylum she has gotten into.
The story disappointed me because mad vampires hold so much potential. Unfortunately the dialogue and motives of action got more and more ridiculous as the story progressed. And there is a cliffhanger. You know my opinion on those. I hate unfinished stories but unlike normally I'm not compelled to buy the next instalment because even though the cliffhanger shows potential (a new mysterious evil vampire comes to play) I doubt it will be better than this.
This time, the book was 200 pages long so I assumed it wouldn't be too bad. Enough space to develop characters. Oh boy, was I wrong. Because there can be bad developing as well. You can actually make someone even worse than in a short story.
Don't get me wrong, the writing isn't bad. But it's the story development I'm not a fan of. See, at the beginning we are given a deranged vampire who likes to play with girls and then erase their minds when he is finished with them so that they never remember they were played with. He is a lunatic who makes them swoon and cringe in terror right after. That's the good part of the story, the potential.
But unfortunately this 300-year-old vampire falls for his latest victim and can't erase her memory (any flashbacks?!) and even though he is a part of some kind of holier-than-thou vampire police, he still gets to go on feeding sprees and use young ladies.
He is given three siblings who act unnaturally and instead of lightening the mood of the story as (probably) intended, they just make it more ridiculous. On the top of it all there is this whole Stockholm Syndrome girl who doesn't want to be let go even though she can see what a lunatic asylum she has gotten into.
The story disappointed me because mad vampires hold so much potential. Unfortunately the dialogue and motives of action got more and more ridiculous as the story progressed. And there is a cliffhanger. You know my opinion on those. I hate unfinished stories but unlike normally I'm not compelled to buy the next instalment because even though the cliffhanger shows potential (a new mysterious evil vampire comes to play) I doubt it will be better than this.
July 5, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First off i enjoyed Dead Beginnings, the first in the Monstrum series from the author, Taniquelle Tulipano. A new and self published author. I also think the cover is beautiful and complements the beauty and the darkness of this book. Dead beginnings is in 1st person and present tense. I don't often read present tense 1st person often and I admit it took me a moment to get my head around it. I also liked how it
told the perspective of both characters, often the same scene but how that character sees it. Sometimes it seemed a little repetitive, but it allowed us to get to understand the characters better, particularly Raphael who I admit took me a while to like but when I got to read more of him I understood him better and understood why he was the way he was.
The only things that could have helped more with my understanding and enjoyment and with the flow of this story is some editing and helpful suggestions from the editors and beta readers who should have offered constructive criticism to the author. I think the story would have benefited from this. One suggestion would have been to put thought processes in italics, to differentiate between speaking and thoughts, so they wouldn't get confused. But as I don't read present tense 1st person often maybe this is how it is done.
But don't get me wrong I enjoyed this first installment to the Monstrum Series and I look forward to reading the next installments and reading more from this author I just wish that any editors and beta readers can help this series get a little more of a polish as it is a really good storyline, just a little more love and attention.
First off i enjoyed Dead Beginnings, the first in the Monstrum series from the author, Taniquelle Tulipano. A new and self published author. I also think the cover is beautiful and complements the beauty and the darkness of this book. Dead beginnings is in 1st person and present tense. I don't often read present tense 1st person often and I admit it took me a moment to get my head around it. I also liked how it
told the perspective of both characters, often the same scene but how that character sees it. Sometimes it seemed a little repetitive, but it allowed us to get to understand the characters better, particularly Raphael who I admit took me a while to like but when I got to read more of him I understood him better and understood why he was the way he was.
The only things that could have helped more with my understanding and enjoyment and with the flow of this story is some editing and helpful suggestions from the editors and beta readers who should have offered constructive criticism to the author. I think the story would have benefited from this. One suggestion would have been to put thought processes in italics, to differentiate between speaking and thoughts, so they wouldn't get confused. But as I don't read present tense 1st person often maybe this is how it is done.
But don't get me wrong I enjoyed this first installment to the Monstrum Series and I look forward to reading the next installments and reading more from this author I just wish that any editors and beta readers can help this series get a little more of a polish as it is a really good storyline, just a little more love and attention.
June 10, 2015
Incredible story, kept saying I’d just read to the next chapter but couldn’t stop! The characters were intriguing and likeable, mostly, (I must admit I have a bit of a love/hate thing going with Raphael) and the storyline was riveting. Rosannah leads a pretty simple, boring life until she is requested to interview Raphael Monstrum for a real estate valuation. The man she meets is not what she expects at all; young, incredibly handsome and VERY strange. He throws her completely off balance and she finds herself drawn to him and confused by him. She rabbits away from the interview and feels relief that she will never have to see the beautiful, strange man again, but that is short lived as the next day she is sent back to retrieve additional information on the house that she missed; unfortunately, things only get stranger as she realizes he has fangs! And just like that her whole world is turned upside down and she is not sure if she will ever be able to right it. Kidnapped and trapped in the Monstrum estate (can’t let the whole vampires are real thing get out) she endures Raphael’s constant mind games, fights her ever growing attraction to him, and tries, mostly in vain, to understand vampires in general since her life now consists of dealing with Raphael and his vampire friends and family. Just as things seem to be looking up and she and Raphael may be starting a real relationship trouble rears its ugly head and she is forced to run back to her old world that she no longer feels a part of, what will she do?
July 4, 2015
BLURB
Innocent trainee estate agent Rosannah hasn't given any man so much as a sniff. But everything changes when she meets Raphael Monstrum, a gorgeous, hunky bachelor whose home and life are surrounded by curious rumours. What happens when Rosannah stumbles upon something that she wasn't meant to? With Raphael claiming he's a vampire, Rosannah is plunged into a dark and dangerous world that threatens to swallow her forever. Can she escape before it's too late? And is Raphael telling the truth, or is he just insane? All the answers lie with the mysterious Monstrum household.
My Thoughts
Ok, I have to start off by saying, that I am totally captivated by Raphael.. I have never read a book and had such a variety of emotions against/for one single character. He got under my skin, amused me, annoyed me yet intrigued me to the point of insanity lol.
I absolutely love the twins. They bring the humour!.. and confusion..
This read is certainly a unique in its own way. I have read many books in this Genre but none have achieved what this book has. Even still, 2 days after finishing reading the book I want more.. So much so that I am tempted to re read already.
I cannot wait to read the next book.
I have rated this book 5/5 Stars...(Wish I could give more) A must read.
Innocent trainee estate agent Rosannah hasn't given any man so much as a sniff. But everything changes when she meets Raphael Monstrum, a gorgeous, hunky bachelor whose home and life are surrounded by curious rumours. What happens when Rosannah stumbles upon something that she wasn't meant to? With Raphael claiming he's a vampire, Rosannah is plunged into a dark and dangerous world that threatens to swallow her forever. Can she escape before it's too late? And is Raphael telling the truth, or is he just insane? All the answers lie with the mysterious Monstrum household.
My Thoughts
Ok, I have to start off by saying, that I am totally captivated by Raphael.. I have never read a book and had such a variety of emotions against/for one single character. He got under my skin, amused me, annoyed me yet intrigued me to the point of insanity lol.
I absolutely love the twins. They bring the humour!.. and confusion..
This read is certainly a unique in its own way. I have read many books in this Genre but none have achieved what this book has. Even still, 2 days after finishing reading the book I want more.. So much so that I am tempted to re read already.
I cannot wait to read the next book.
I have rated this book 5/5 Stars...(Wish I could give more) A must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2016
This is the first book in the Monstrum Saga and the first time reading this author. I really enjoyed reading this and can't wait to read the next book!
Rossanah catches the eye of Raphael Monstrum, and ends up going to his home to evaluate it. She is drawn to him and also confused by him. On her second visit to the house she finds Raphael in a compromising position and finds herself trapped in his home.
I honestly wasn't sure what to think of Raphael. He's kind of twisted and odd, but has this sex appeal and mystery about him as well. Rossanah thinks he's a loon until she realizes there's this whole other world out there she has no clue about. She tries to deny her attraction to him, and have his siblings distract her, more specifically the twins, but it's inevitable. I love his siblings. The twins are hilarious and Evangeline is a little strange, but she makes me laugh. The siblings seem to be more carefree then Raphael, but he's the eldest, so it makes sense. Raphael is definitely confusing as sometimes he seems so, animalistic, while other times you see a softer side.
Great storyline, and it was refreshing to read something different. The author did a nice job with details and imagery. The ending had me like...whaaat?!! So as soon as I finish writing, I'm reading the next book!
B2B Kristina M
Rossanah catches the eye of Raphael Monstrum, and ends up going to his home to evaluate it. She is drawn to him and also confused by him. On her second visit to the house she finds Raphael in a compromising position and finds herself trapped in his home.
I honestly wasn't sure what to think of Raphael. He's kind of twisted and odd, but has this sex appeal and mystery about him as well. Rossanah thinks he's a loon until she realizes there's this whole other world out there she has no clue about. She tries to deny her attraction to him, and have his siblings distract her, more specifically the twins, but it's inevitable. I love his siblings. The twins are hilarious and Evangeline is a little strange, but she makes me laugh. The siblings seem to be more carefree then Raphael, but he's the eldest, so it makes sense. Raphael is definitely confusing as sometimes he seems so, animalistic, while other times you see a softer side.
Great storyline, and it was refreshing to read something different. The author did a nice job with details and imagery. The ending had me like...whaaat?!! So as soon as I finish writing, I'm reading the next book!
B2B Kristina M
February 1, 2016
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Taniquelle Tulipuno.
what originally caught my eye was the cover. I thought it was breathtaking and would be a door I enjoy. I normally go by covers no matter the story line.
At first I didn't know what to expect especially from Raphael. He is dark mysterious and in my minds eye sexy as sin. Rasannah is the girl next door but so realistic she is afraid Raphael and his siblings are crazy. I felt at some points it just had a few filler pages to extend the book but I loved that it went back and forth between pov. I loved that it gave back story on how they lost there family, became these vampires, and started the Synod. The plot is definitely not one I have read before. I like how she threw in the group of people who saved humans from vampires or that these vampires have no problem walking in the daylight. that's always a refreshing twist on vampires. I won't give away anything but the second to the last chapter was a doosie. she threw me for a loop then the last chapter. how could you end it like that. I'm so like awe man in left hanging in my book coma wondering what is going on.
what originally caught my eye was the cover. I thought it was breathtaking and would be a door I enjoy. I normally go by covers no matter the story line.
At first I didn't know what to expect especially from Raphael. He is dark mysterious and in my minds eye sexy as sin. Rasannah is the girl next door but so realistic she is afraid Raphael and his siblings are crazy. I felt at some points it just had a few filler pages to extend the book but I loved that it went back and forth between pov. I loved that it gave back story on how they lost there family, became these vampires, and started the Synod. The plot is definitely not one I have read before. I like how she threw in the group of people who saved humans from vampires or that these vampires have no problem walking in the daylight. that's always a refreshing twist on vampires. I won't give away anything but the second to the last chapter was a doosie. she threw me for a loop then the last chapter. how could you end it like that. I'm so like awe man in left hanging in my book coma wondering what is going on.
March 28, 2016
Innocent trainee estate agent Rosannah hasn't given any man so much as a sniff. But everything changes when she meets Raphael Monstrum, a gorgeous, hunky bachelor whose home and life are surrounded by curious rumours. What happens when Rosannah stumbles upon something that she wasn't meant to? With Raphael claiming he's a vampire, Rosannah is plunged into a dark and dangerous world that threatens to swallow her forever. Can she escape before it's too late? And is Raphael telling the truth, or is he just insane? All the answers lie with the mysterious Monstrum household.
This is the first book in this series and its my first time reading a book by this author and will won’t be my last one. Dead Beginnings is a tale that as an unique twist on human and vampire love story. From the moment I opened it I was so invovled and quickly liked the Rosannah and her hedonistic vampire captor. The twins are so funny that I laughed at them so hard I had tears coming out. How could you not love them. With Dead Beginnings you will get sucked into it and trust me you will not want to put it down. I can’t wait to see if there is a 2nd book and if there is I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2.
This is the first book in this series and its my first time reading a book by this author and will won’t be my last one. Dead Beginnings is a tale that as an unique twist on human and vampire love story. From the moment I opened it I was so invovled and quickly liked the Rosannah and her hedonistic vampire captor. The twins are so funny that I laughed at them so hard I had tears coming out. How could you not love them. With Dead Beginnings you will get sucked into it and trust me you will not want to put it down. I can’t wait to see if there is a 2nd book and if there is I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2.
June 29, 2015
copy recieved from taniquelle in exchange for an honest review.
Innocent trainee estate agent Rosannah hasn't given any man so much as a sniff. But everything changes when she meets Raphael monstrum, a gorgeous, hunky bachelor whose home and life are surrounded by curious rumours. What happens when Rosannah stumbles upon something that she wasn't meant to? With Raphael claiming he's a vampire, Rosannah is plunged into a dark and dangerous world that threatens to swallow her forever. Can she escape before it's too late? And is Raphael telling the truth, or is he just insane? All the answers lie with the mysterious monstrum household.
Fabulous debut from taniquelle.
Evangeline is great.
The twins Nicholas and Lawrence are really funny. I absolutely love them.
Raphael i hate him but i love him too.
Rosannah i love her.
the story is fantastic and it feels like i am there with them.
And what an ending....cannot wait for the nextcinstallment.
This is definetly a must read if you likecvampire books.
Innocent trainee estate agent Rosannah hasn't given any man so much as a sniff. But everything changes when she meets Raphael monstrum, a gorgeous, hunky bachelor whose home and life are surrounded by curious rumours. What happens when Rosannah stumbles upon something that she wasn't meant to? With Raphael claiming he's a vampire, Rosannah is plunged into a dark and dangerous world that threatens to swallow her forever. Can she escape before it's too late? And is Raphael telling the truth, or is he just insane? All the answers lie with the mysterious monstrum household.
Fabulous debut from taniquelle.
Evangeline is great.
The twins Nicholas and Lawrence are really funny. I absolutely love them.
Raphael i hate him but i love him too.
Rosannah i love her.
the story is fantastic and it feels like i am there with them.
And what an ending....cannot wait for the nextcinstallment.
This is definetly a must read if you likecvampire books.
August 5, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows the main character Rosannah a trainee estate agent, who lives a pretty normal life. One day her boss sends her to do an evaluation for Raphael Monstrum's house, before she goes her friend fills her head with lots of things like Raphael is a vampire and no-one has ever been to the house before. So when Rosannah turns up at the house she's a little bit nervous and curious to find out if it's true. When she finally meets Raphael it's quite funny how she reacts. Raphael is very good looking vampire with an evil streak as he loves to make people scared it's what drives him, well that's until he meets Rosannah it starts off with him playing a game at trying to scare her but things don't turn out as planned and that's as far as i'm going to go as i don't want to give to much away.
All i will say is that i loved this story, i couldn't put it down from start to finish i was hooked, and i can't wait for the next one.
The story follows the main character Rosannah a trainee estate agent, who lives a pretty normal life. One day her boss sends her to do an evaluation for Raphael Monstrum's house, before she goes her friend fills her head with lots of things like Raphael is a vampire and no-one has ever been to the house before. So when Rosannah turns up at the house she's a little bit nervous and curious to find out if it's true. When she finally meets Raphael it's quite funny how she reacts. Raphael is very good looking vampire with an evil streak as he loves to make people scared it's what drives him, well that's until he meets Rosannah it starts off with him playing a game at trying to scare her but things don't turn out as planned and that's as far as i'm going to go as i don't want to give to much away.
All i will say is that i loved this story, i couldn't put it down from start to finish i was hooked, and i can't wait for the next one.
March 13, 2016
This book was odd. For almost half the book I felt frustrated. Like WTF? Grrrr!
The writing style was uncomfortable - sentence structures are certainly not traditional, and more akin to screenwriting. The constant switching of perspective was unsettling. Oh, and the story-line was 99% unbelievable.
What happens to the lead character is not quiet enough to make me suspend disbelief and all her friends, family and workmates are oblivious. Or maybe just plain dumb, or easily brainwashed, or whatever. This seems, to put it nicely, a little too incredible.
However, this is a paranormal romance novel. We must therefore accept that the envelope of credibility is shifted to the nethersphere.
From the halfway point the book picks-up speed and changes. I shall omit the details, but I found myself literally unable to put the book down. It made for a rather tired and bleary-eyed shadow of myself!
I recommend this book. There are adult scenes of sexual nature, and there is some violence.
Overall a pretty interesting read. Recommended.
The writing style was uncomfortable - sentence structures are certainly not traditional, and more akin to screenwriting. The constant switching of perspective was unsettling. Oh, and the story-line was 99% unbelievable.
What happens to the lead character is not quiet enough to make me suspend disbelief and all her friends, family and workmates are oblivious. Or maybe just plain dumb, or easily brainwashed, or whatever. This seems, to put it nicely, a little too incredible.
However, this is a paranormal romance novel. We must therefore accept that the envelope of credibility is shifted to the nethersphere.
From the halfway point the book picks-up speed and changes. I shall omit the details, but I found myself literally unable to put the book down. It made for a rather tired and bleary-eyed shadow of myself!
I recommend this book. There are adult scenes of sexual nature, and there is some violence.
Overall a pretty interesting read. Recommended.
June 26, 2015
Title : Dead Beginnings
Author : Taniquelle Tulipano
Reviewed by : Stephanie Jordan
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
At first I thought it was a little slow, but than I kept reading. I became very interested in the story line. Rosannah Morgan was a trainee for a Real Estate Company called Tliberty Sales. Being a trainee Rosannah was a little surprised when her boss told her to go to the Rapheal Monstrum property to evaluate his house. His big Purple house.Rosannah thought that Raphael had to be the most handsome man she'd had ever seen.
Raphael Monstrum was going to a house as fast as he possibly could when he hears this magical voice, he knew right then and there he had to have her. And so began the their story. He brings his twin brothers and sister to meet Rosannah. But something is not right, they all have Fangs, OMG Fangs that means Vampires are real RIGHT? I was gifted this ARC for a honest and truthful review.
Author : Taniquelle Tulipano
Reviewed by : Stephanie Jordan
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
At first I thought it was a little slow, but than I kept reading. I became very interested in the story line. Rosannah Morgan was a trainee for a Real Estate Company called Tliberty Sales. Being a trainee Rosannah was a little surprised when her boss told her to go to the Rapheal Monstrum property to evaluate his house. His big Purple house.Rosannah thought that Raphael had to be the most handsome man she'd had ever seen.
Raphael Monstrum was going to a house as fast as he possibly could when he hears this magical voice, he knew right then and there he had to have her. And so began the their story. He brings his twin brothers and sister to meet Rosannah. But something is not right, they all have Fangs, OMG Fangs that means Vampires are real RIGHT? I was gifted this ARC for a honest and truthful review.
June 27, 2015
This is a great paranormal romance debut novel. The majority of the novel takes place in the historic Monstrum's home. It is interesting how Taniquelle is able to weave the story into this one setting. It is the beginning of a series. It took awhile for me to get into the story. However once Rosannah (a human) is connected to Raphael (a vampire), the story picks up pace. The storyline has twists and turns which are not fully disclosed. At the end of this story, I was left wanting more of the series. I want to know more of what happens to Rosannah and Raphael. There are also secondary characters of Raphael's family that are intriguing. Overall a great debut novel. Thank you, Taniquelle. I look forward to more in this series.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
*There were some minor editing errors. I did not base my review on that. I reviewed based on the imagination and creativity of the story.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
*There were some minor editing errors. I did not base my review on that. I reviewed based on the imagination and creativity of the story.
January 20, 2016
I love how this story unfolds!!!
This book will have you laughing out loud, guessing what will happen next, and losing sleep.
Rosannah is your average young woman. She loves her job at a local realtor, everything is fine, well except for her overbearing mother, that wants grandkids. That is, until she was sent to check out a property rumored to belong to vampires. Vampires aren't real. She meets Raphael, the owner. A very sexy man, even though he's a little pale and a little strange.
When Rosannah is told she has to go back to see more of the grounds, she's excited and nervous. Little does she know her life is about to change. She catches Raphael in vampire mode, and what worse??? He can't make her forget. Now she's a prisoner. Dealing with each other is hard but toss in his sister and twin brothers, Rosannah is likely to go insane. Little do they realize there is more at stake...Someone is out to get them all!
This book will have you laughing out loud, guessing what will happen next, and losing sleep.
Rosannah is your average young woman. She loves her job at a local realtor, everything is fine, well except for her overbearing mother, that wants grandkids. That is, until she was sent to check out a property rumored to belong to vampires. Vampires aren't real. She meets Raphael, the owner. A very sexy man, even though he's a little pale and a little strange.
When Rosannah is told she has to go back to see more of the grounds, she's excited and nervous. Little does she know her life is about to change. She catches Raphael in vampire mode, and what worse??? He can't make her forget. Now she's a prisoner. Dealing with each other is hard but toss in his sister and twin brothers, Rosannah is likely to go insane. Little do they realize there is more at stake...Someone is out to get them all!
January 24, 2016
Dead Beginnings by Taniquelle Tulipano follows a woman named Rosannah who finds out Vampires really do exist. Raphael has spent hundreds of years alone and becomes fixated on Rosannah. He takes Rosannah and keeps her captive in his home. Raphael is determined to break and control her while Rosannah is not having any of it. Honestly who kidnaps a person and thinks it’s ok? Raphael that’s who. Even though they both fight it, there is something there.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author. The story was pretty good. A little slow going but once it got going I couldn’t put it down. This story was choppy at times but the idea was there and it didn’t take away from the story. At least for me it didn’t. Rosannah is a feisty and sassy woman and Raphael is arrogant, rude, and handsome. Blame it on his vampire attitude. Ha! I know there is a second book and I can’t wait to read it! I give this 4 stars
This was the first book I’ve read by this author. The story was pretty good. A little slow going but once it got going I couldn’t put it down. This story was choppy at times but the idea was there and it didn’t take away from the story. At least for me it didn’t. Rosannah is a feisty and sassy woman and Raphael is arrogant, rude, and handsome. Blame it on his vampire attitude. Ha! I know there is a second book and I can’t wait to read it! I give this 4 stars
January 24, 2016
Dead Beginnings by Taniquelle Tulipano follows a woman named Rosannah who finds out Vampires really do exist. Raphael has spent hundreds of years alone and becomes fixated on Rosannah. He takes Rosannah and keeps her captive in his home. Raphael is determined to break and control her while Rosannah is not having any of it. Honestly who kidnaps a person and thinks it’s ok? Raphael that’s who. Even though they both fight it, there is something there.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author. The story was pretty good. A little slow going but once it got going I couldn’t put it down. This story was choppy at times but the idea was there and it didn’t take away from the story. At least for me it didn’t. Rosannah is a feisty and sassy woman and Raphael is arrogant, rude, and handsome. Blame it on his vampire attitude. Ha! I know there is a second book and I can’t wait to read it! I give this 4 stars
This was the first book I’ve read by this author. The story was pretty good. A little slow going but once it got going I couldn’t put it down. This story was choppy at times but the idea was there and it didn’t take away from the story. At least for me it didn’t. Rosannah is a feisty and sassy woman and Raphael is arrogant, rude, and handsome. Blame it on his vampire attitude. Ha! I know there is a second book and I can’t wait to read it! I give this 4 stars
March 13, 2016
Finally a vampire series where the vampire is not nice. Indeed throughout the whole book there are only a handful of moments where Raphael is nice to Rosannah.
I love Raphael’s family. Their interactions are amusing to say the least. However I'm now stuck as to what to put in the rest of my review. Beyond telling you that the heroine caught the vampires eye there isn't much I can say without giving away a lot of the storyline.
It is written in dual POVs. Each chapter is from either Rosannah or Raphael's perspective which helps give you a better idea of what is actually being felt of both sides. The ending of this one however had me growling due to it ending very much up in the air (yes a dreaded cliffhanger), I was thankful book 2 was already out and I could find out straight away what happened next.
Please note I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love Raphael’s family. Their interactions are amusing to say the least. However I'm now stuck as to what to put in the rest of my review. Beyond telling you that the heroine caught the vampires eye there isn't much I can say without giving away a lot of the storyline.
It is written in dual POVs. Each chapter is from either Rosannah or Raphael's perspective which helps give you a better idea of what is actually being felt of both sides. The ending of this one however had me growling due to it ending very much up in the air (yes a dreaded cliffhanger), I was thankful book 2 was already out and I could find out straight away what happened next.
Please note I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2016
Excellent read
I received the book Dead Beginnings, as a free introduction, it is the first I've read of author Taniquelle Tulipano's work, and will certainly not be the last. The tale is a unique twist on human / vampire love story. From the first chapter, I was engrossed and rapidly liked the human girl and her hedonistic vampire captor. The dialog among the sibling characters was very well done. I could picture my brothers acting similarly, so it was a nice addition to add some laughs. I will not add spoilers to this review, but please, for everyone that loves a good vampire story, this is great for older teens and adults. I will certainly be looking for more from this author.
I received the book Dead Beginnings, as a free introduction, it is the first I've read of author Taniquelle Tulipano's work, and will certainly not be the last. The tale is a unique twist on human / vampire love story. From the first chapter, I was engrossed and rapidly liked the human girl and her hedonistic vampire captor. The dialog among the sibling characters was very well done. I could picture my brothers acting similarly, so it was a nice addition to add some laughs. I will not add spoilers to this review, but please, for everyone that loves a good vampire story, this is great for older teens and adults. I will certainly be looking for more from this author.
March 7, 2016
wasn't sure if i liked or really liked this book to start with but the more i read of it the more i loved it . a vampire story with a difference ,raphael monstrum decides to have his mansion valued by an estate agent & trainee estate agent rosannah is sent to take the details . raphael likes to play the big bad vampire but when someone doesnt believe in vampires its an effect thats hard to achieve . rosannah gives as good as she gets & both feel a strong attraction to the other . he ends up holding her prisoner to keep her from letting the world know what him , his twin brothers & sister are , rosannah gets under his skin & drives him from anger to desire in a heartbeat . nice little twist at the end . can't wait for more
June 18, 2015
I haven't really read a paranormal romance since The Twilight Saga. I was offered a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. I loved it. The only reason I'm giving it four and not five stars is because I couldn't find a strong connection to Raphael and Rosannah. I needed just a bit more. Also, at the end of the book, she throws in a plot twist, which was good, don't get me wrong! I just didn't feel that between the two characters at all so it didn't make sense to me. I am, however, very excited for book two! I want to see how this pans out because I know some shit is really about to go down in the next book. So with that being said, I'm giving this four sexy bite marks.
June 28, 2015
Where o where to start with this one, just WOW comes to mind. The more I read the more I was drawn into the book, into the lives of the characters. I loved the twins first off, they are just the funniest, Rosannah was good, she didn't let it get to her, she was strong and a fighter , there was times I didn't know if I wanted to hit, or kiss Raphael. I think in the end I still didn't know, but I can't wait to read the next book to see if it will help in my decision . Congrats Taniquelle Tulipano you got yourself a winner ...
Reviewed by:
Dana
JustaBooklovinjunkie
** I was gifted a copy of this by Ms Tulipano herself for an honest review**
Reviewed by:
Dana
JustaBooklovinjunkie
** I was gifted a copy of this by Ms Tulipano herself for an honest review**
July 2, 2015
I enjoyed Dead Beginnings. It started off a little slow, but caught my attention, and I didn't want to put the book down. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Raphael and Rosannah. Oh, Raphael; he is so BAD sometimes. One minute I'm thinking he's insensitive and cruel, then he does something to make me think maybe he's ok. Raphael's siblings, Evangeline, Nicholas and Lawrence had me laughing. The story is well written. I like the characters, and feel they are fairly well developed. I like that Dead Beginnings is a bit different from the other vampire novels that I have read. The book does end on a cliff-hanger, gah! Looking forward to the next book.
July 5, 2015
I do not read a lot of paranormal books anymore, i think i kinda became saturated with them. So for one to pull me in it has to have a little something different. This book did that, it was the cover and blurb that totally made me want to read this book and i am so glad i did. It is eery and sweeping and keeps you hooked. The ending was a total cliff-hanger i have to warn you but getting to that cliff hanger was superb and i could not put the book down. Rosannah and Raphael are well rounded characters that you begin to really connect with when they are together in the mansion and become connected.Cannot wait to read more from this series its caught my attention.
dnf
April 14, 2016I was kindly asked to read this book for an honest review and because of that I feel obliged to inform the author after reading at least one quarter of the book if it's not my thing and my rating would probably end up not being favorable.
Unfortunately for Dead Beginnings this is the case. The premise of this story is quite intriguing, but as you can take from my updates the narration and writing style are absolutely not my taste. Also, this book has been shelved as "dark" several times but it was not dark for me. Thus DNF at 29%.
Unfortunately for Dead Beginnings this is the case. The premise of this story is quite intriguing, but as you can take from my updates the narration and writing style are absolutely not my taste. Also, this book has been shelved as "dark" several times but it was not dark for me. Thus DNF at 29%.
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