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Dark Wine
Catherine has left her career and friends to accompany her artist husband to Egypt, but his work engrosses him, leaving her rootless and lonely in the mystifying city of Cairo. A chance encounter with a stranger plunges her into a dangerous affair. Passion wars with terror when the man who loves her intensely and tenderly claims his love will kill her.
282 pages, Hardcover
First published February 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 7, 2015
"To glimpse eternity is ecstasy. To inhabit it is hell."
This was a slow kind of vampire novel. It was very character-driven, and yet I didn't feel anything for the characters. I was able to recognize traits or behaviors I liked here and there, but nothing about them moved me.
A lot of the strength comes from the writing. There were a few typos, but also many lovely descriptions. It was obvious the author had been to Egypt. There were several Arabic phrases thrown into the writing, which added to the atmosphere.
However, sometimes the writing was too much. I dig flowery descriptions, but from time to time the author got a little carried away, using too many fragments in a way that didn't jibe or describing something too much and another thing not enough.
I liked that Catherine and Geoffrey had conversations that didn't revolve around each other's interests or hotness. They talked about art and worldly things. Obviously this got boring after a while. But then descriptions of the pyramids popped up, and all was temporarily well. I only wish Geoffrey had been Egyptian, but he was English.
I might recommend this for a mature reader (obviously I am not that mature), one who doesn't require her vampire love to sizzle (I do). There was sex here, but since I didn't care for the characters, it was rather ho-hum. I felt bad for Catherine's husband. She certainly didn't try all that hard not to have an affair.
All in all this was all right, but not particularly exciting. I'm glad I got to read some beautiful writing, though.
"With careful treatment, things remain. Despite all care, people wither and vanish. Oblivion swallows them as if time, not I, were the vampire."
This was a slow kind of vampire novel. It was very character-driven, and yet I didn't feel anything for the characters. I was able to recognize traits or behaviors I liked here and there, but nothing about them moved me.
A lot of the strength comes from the writing. There were a few typos, but also many lovely descriptions. It was obvious the author had been to Egypt. There were several Arabic phrases thrown into the writing, which added to the atmosphere.
However, sometimes the writing was too much. I dig flowery descriptions, but from time to time the author got a little carried away, using too many fragments in a way that didn't jibe or describing something too much and another thing not enough.
I liked that Catherine and Geoffrey had conversations that didn't revolve around each other's interests or hotness. They talked about art and worldly things. Obviously this got boring after a while. But then descriptions of the pyramids popped up, and all was temporarily well. I only wish Geoffrey had been Egyptian, but he was English.
I might recommend this for a mature reader (obviously I am not that mature), one who doesn't require her vampire love to sizzle (I do). There was sex here, but since I didn't care for the characters, it was rather ho-hum. I felt bad for Catherine's husband. She certainly didn't try all that hard not to have an affair.
All in all this was all right, but not particularly exciting. I'm glad I got to read some beautiful writing, though.
"With careful treatment, things remain. Despite all care, people wither and vanish. Oblivion swallows them as if time, not I, were the vampire."
June 16, 2017
*** 2.5 Stars ***
This just went too slow for me. I almost didn't finish the book.
Catherine is in a marriage that's gradually falling apart. She feels alone and isolated in Egypt while her husband is busy with work. She runs into Geoffrey and they both fall in love with each other. But Geoffrey tries to push her away because he is a vampire (ergg argg~ I want to suck your blood).
The only interesting thing was that it took place in Egypt. The ending was also unique. I love vampire books, but this was not a win for me.
This just went too slow for me. I almost didn't finish the book.
Catherine is in a marriage that's gradually falling apart. She feels alone and isolated in Egypt while her husband is busy with work. She runs into Geoffrey and they both fall in love with each other. But Geoffrey tries to push her away because he is a vampire (ergg argg~ I want to suck your blood).
The only interesting thing was that it took place in Egypt. The ending was also unique. I love vampire books, but this was not a win for me.
March 18, 2015
In the mid 1980s, Catherine accompanies her husband Terry to Egypt when he receives a commission to create a mural for a luxury hotel being built there. At first, although she has given up her work, Catherine is excited about the adventure. She looks forward to exploring the pyramids and immersing herself in the culture of Egypt. But Terry is engrossed in his work, and their marriage suffers. A chance encounter with a mysterious man in a museum leads Cat into an affair with someone she finds dangerously appealing. Geoffrey is an enigma, but the more she tries to resist him, the stronger his pull seems to be. Ms. Shannon's descriptions of Egypt are lovely, and she writes about both the passion and the anguish of Geoffrey's existence equally convincingly. A good novel!
March 17, 2015
Dark Wine, Beth Tashery Shannon
Genre: Literature/Fiction (Adult), Women's Fiction
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
A step away from my usual HEA romances. Lured in by the Vampire tag – I do love those – it turned out to be very different to what I expected, and yet a deliciously satisfying read.
I felt for Catherine, given up ( temporarily at least ) her career and dreams to help husband Terry follow his. They have an “open” marriage, a concept I know people have, but which I just can’t see as working well....don’t see how you keep emotions like jealousy out, that’s just a personal view of course. Neither have had another partner for years, but when she sees Geoffrey there’s something that sparks between them and she’s tempted. Terry seems to be always busy at work, their plans to do so much, visit the ruins and the Pyramids have fallen to nothing, he simply doesn’t have time. If they hadn’t a open marriage I’d see her giving in to her attraction to Geoffrey in a different light, but its happened before for them both so.... This time though she keeps it to herself. Why? Maybe she just doesn’t want to share it – I get the feeling she’s a bit disappointed in, resentful of Terry for giving up all their plans so easily, even though she understands the stresses he’s under. Maybe its the warnings from different sources about Geoffrey, nothing tangible, but a kind of air of mystery, of being involved in illegal or immoral dealings – no-one can really come up with any proof, but it seems few people actually like him. Catherine gets drawn in though, he tries to turn her away, but the pull between them is too much.
When we learn more about him its a really sad issue, and although he’s needed to do what he’s done I couldn’t help feeling really sorry for him. He didn’t choose it, has no way out, faces a dire future, and though he loves Catherine he knows what will happen if she stays.
Its a real pull at the emotions story, no HEA, one that really saddened me for both of them. There’s a lot of questions posed, a lot of moral and ethical dilemmas...I loved the setting too, I felt right there with them, hearing the muezzins calling people to prayer, the bustle and vivacity of the markets, the quiet solitude of the pyramids. Perfect setting for the air of mystery that pervades the whole book. Of course I love my HEA, but for Catherine and Geoffrey it simply isn’t possible.
Stars: Stars: Five, a great read, incredibly sad and moving.
ARC provided by Netgalley and publishers
May 11, 2015
Book Review: Dark Wine by Beth Tashery Shannon
I grew up reading vampire novels. Bram Stoker and Anne Rice were my companions through my formative years. I do however, like my vampires dark, as opposed to the sparkly variety. So, when I ran across this ARC of Dark Wine by Beth Tashery Shannon, I requested immediately.
Catherine is an US expatriate, settling in on a new adventure in Egypt with her husband. She is used to being the breadwinner for her artist husband so this is the first time she isn’t working and left at home. Understanding the culture, language and exploring the city, she is left to her own devices.
The story takes place in the mid-80’s, Egypt, which I found curious. Why the 80’s? Based on the descriptions, I would guess this was the time frame the author visited and she wanted to use her memory of the exotic land, since Egypt has gone through some major upheaval since then.
That being said, I loved the setting of the book. The mystique of ancient Egypt. A stranger in a strange land. The prose were rich and flowery, which added to the dark sensuousness of the story.
A random encounter at a Museum brings Catherine face to face with Geoffrey. Their chemistry is instantly crackling, but this insta-lust didn’t worked for me. I wanted something more dire or compelling forcing them together. Even the way they arrange to meet seemed a little underwhelming. Who goes to the movies with a hot vampire? There is no tension about the husband either since they have an open relationship.
The vampire lore was original and I enjoyed the explanation of how vampires came to be. The story was satisfying, although I’m not pleased about the ending. My personal preference. All in all, rich storytelling, lush setting, and characters I could feel for.
I grew up reading vampire novels. Bram Stoker and Anne Rice were my companions through my formative years. I do however, like my vampires dark, as opposed to the sparkly variety. So, when I ran across this ARC of Dark Wine by Beth Tashery Shannon, I requested immediately.
Catherine is an US expatriate, settling in on a new adventure in Egypt with her husband. She is used to being the breadwinner for her artist husband so this is the first time she isn’t working and left at home. Understanding the culture, language and exploring the city, she is left to her own devices.
The story takes place in the mid-80’s, Egypt, which I found curious. Why the 80’s? Based on the descriptions, I would guess this was the time frame the author visited and she wanted to use her memory of the exotic land, since Egypt has gone through some major upheaval since then.
That being said, I loved the setting of the book. The mystique of ancient Egypt. A stranger in a strange land. The prose were rich and flowery, which added to the dark sensuousness of the story.
A random encounter at a Museum brings Catherine face to face with Geoffrey. Their chemistry is instantly crackling, but this insta-lust didn’t worked for me. I wanted something more dire or compelling forcing them together. Even the way they arrange to meet seemed a little underwhelming. Who goes to the movies with a hot vampire? There is no tension about the husband either since they have an open relationship.
The vampire lore was original and I enjoyed the explanation of how vampires came to be. The story was satisfying, although I’m not pleased about the ending. My personal preference. All in all, rich storytelling, lush setting, and characters I could feel for.
May 2, 2015
I initially was attracted to this book because I love vampire books. However, this vampire book was very different from any I’ve read thus far. It takes place in the 1980’s in Egypt… and the author’s descriptions of the country and all related details painted a VERY vivid picture for me, as if I were there experiencing it for myself. The dynamic between Catherine and Geoffrey was interesting from the get go. And the story is very unique and different from the usual vampire books out there that are more magical and mystical. This one, could be “believable” and a good explanation of how vampires might really act and behave in the real world, if they did indeed exist. It doesn’t have a typical HEA ending… but at the same time, the ending was satisfying.
April 29, 2015
I don't normally enjoy paranormal fare, and the heavy descriptiveness of the first few chapters was a little hard to take. But then I found myself being slowly drawn in, until I was fully ensnared by the web of this book and could not put it down. The book seemed to have an almost sinuous rhythm, both compelling and disturbing, and the accounts of the sights, sounds and smells of Egypt helped keep me under the spell of this story. This is a book I will probably re-read to more fully understand the choices of some of the characters. It was one of those books you finish and say, "Wow." Then think about it for a few days.
May 8, 2015
**ARC was generously given by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This was a captivating tale of lust, love, and sacrifice that draws the reader in and won't let go until the very end. Because not only was it highly inventive, giving the reader a new take on the Vampire/Nosferatu legend, but is also ethereal and poetic. My only issue with this book is that that the heroine at times, acted like she is TSTL. Other than that, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to get their their PNR fix with a twist.
Giving this one: 4 stars
This was a captivating tale of lust, love, and sacrifice that draws the reader in and won't let go until the very end. Because not only was it highly inventive, giving the reader a new take on the Vampire/Nosferatu legend, but is also ethereal and poetic. My only issue with this book is that that the heroine at times, acted like she is TSTL. Other than that, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to get their their PNR fix with a twist.
Giving this one: 4 stars
March 15, 2017
Something I like very much in a book is when the location is depicted so vividly it functions as another character. Cairo is so depicted. There is such a feeling of verisimilitude that I believe the author may actually have been there. I hope that is the case.
This is a complicated plot. Catherine and her husband seem genuinely to care for each other but they also seem to take each other very much for granted in their open marriage. They travel to Cairo because Terry, the husband has been selected to paint a mural on the side of a brand new hotel. He is readily sucked into the social whirl of the corporation which bores Catherine. He leaves her on her own, she explores Cairo and meets a fascinating man.
The chemistry between them is vivid but there is this air of despair that hangs over them. Murder is committed. Excellent character and plot development of the main two characters, enough so of the minor characters to make them real.
Not a book for the faint of heart.
This is a complicated plot. Catherine and her husband seem genuinely to care for each other but they also seem to take each other very much for granted in their open marriage. They travel to Cairo because Terry, the husband has been selected to paint a mural on the side of a brand new hotel. He is readily sucked into the social whirl of the corporation which bores Catherine. He leaves her on her own, she explores Cairo and meets a fascinating man.
The chemistry between them is vivid but there is this air of despair that hangs over them. Murder is committed. Excellent character and plot development of the main two characters, enough so of the minor characters to make them real.
Not a book for the faint of heart.
July 1, 2015
Dark Wine
By Beth Tashery Shannon
If you are tired of the urban "heroic" personas of the vampire and want to get back to the "dark" side, this might be the book for you. Set in Cairo, Egypt, Ms Shannon gives a great tour of the sites and culture of the country. From the descriptions of the Nile River to the towering pyramids she incorporates visual pictures to rival a travel brochure!
Catherine and Terry, a married couple, travel from the United States to Egypt for Terry to construct a "mural" within the city of Cairo depicting it's culture and progress. Catherine gave up her budding career to follow him and live for the time it takes to paint his vision on the landscape of the city. At first excited for the chance to explore the landscape and history of this complicated country, she soon becomes disillusioned with her solitude because of Terry's busy schedule. With an "open" marriage, Catherine is free to explore a bit of personal attraction to a man that shows interest in her.
Enter Geoffrey Harrow, Suffering from a "fever" many centuries ago, he survived his "death" and became a blood lusting "non-dead". The cause of his vampirism is a new one for me. Showing many of the characteristics of the "classic" vampires and a few new ones, he is a frightening and interesting character.
There are many passionate (and graphic) love scenes but also a frightening convoluted relationship that develops between Catherine and Geoffrey. As he pulls her in, he also tries to push her away in hopes of saving her from the same fate as his other love interests....death.
This book is a dark tale and I found myself wanting to put the book down but wouldn't because I was hoping for some redemption for this parasitic vampire. Not a light read or my favorite storylines (I am more of a "hunky" supernatural with feel good "they all lived happily ever after" reader) but I am sure it would appeal to readers that don't always want the main characters to fit a cookie cutter mold.
Just a piece of advice for the general population......attraction to a smooth stranger might be deadly!
Jeanie G
.
By Beth Tashery Shannon
If you are tired of the urban "heroic" personas of the vampire and want to get back to the "dark" side, this might be the book for you. Set in Cairo, Egypt, Ms Shannon gives a great tour of the sites and culture of the country. From the descriptions of the Nile River to the towering pyramids she incorporates visual pictures to rival a travel brochure!
Catherine and Terry, a married couple, travel from the United States to Egypt for Terry to construct a "mural" within the city of Cairo depicting it's culture and progress. Catherine gave up her budding career to follow him and live for the time it takes to paint his vision on the landscape of the city. At first excited for the chance to explore the landscape and history of this complicated country, she soon becomes disillusioned with her solitude because of Terry's busy schedule. With an "open" marriage, Catherine is free to explore a bit of personal attraction to a man that shows interest in her.
Enter Geoffrey Harrow, Suffering from a "fever" many centuries ago, he survived his "death" and became a blood lusting "non-dead". The cause of his vampirism is a new one for me. Showing many of the characteristics of the "classic" vampires and a few new ones, he is a frightening and interesting character.
There are many passionate (and graphic) love scenes but also a frightening convoluted relationship that develops between Catherine and Geoffrey. As he pulls her in, he also tries to push her away in hopes of saving her from the same fate as his other love interests....death.
This book is a dark tale and I found myself wanting to put the book down but wouldn't because I was hoping for some redemption for this parasitic vampire. Not a light read or my favorite storylines (I am more of a "hunky" supernatural with feel good "they all lived happily ever after" reader) but I am sure it would appeal to readers that don't always want the main characters to fit a cookie cutter mold.
Just a piece of advice for the general population......attraction to a smooth stranger might be deadly!
Jeanie G
.
June 21, 2015
DARK WINE, a well-deserving title, for truly a uniquely written masterpiece. Beth Tashery Shannon, sculpted and shaped, not only the wonderful and from time to time dangerous characters that seemed to jump right out of the pages and into the reader’s mind, but she also crafted a work of art that focused and filled with delight, all the way to the brim, the reader’s fascination into the paranormal world. A love that goes beyond all rational or logical thought. A selfish love. A love so filled with possessiveness that it goes beyond death or the grave.
Catherine and her husband Terry had moved to Egypt. Terry was busy looking into how well his mural was going to be instead of really thinking about Catherine and how she might be feeling right now.
Meanwhile Catherine wanted to see the Pyramids, so striking off on her own, she met a dark mysterious stranger and the two of them had a dangerous love or lust affair. Will Catherine be able to tell the difference? Will she find out in time to walk away without any regrets? If so, will she be able to break the blood love-line that binds? Will she be able to survive without him? The consequences could be greater than she realizes.
Things started to go down hill fast once Catherine and Terry moved to Egypt, because Terry had his friends he could turn to and people that were willing to help him. Catherine had left her friends, family, and even her career to follow Terry and try to help him to succeed. But once Terry finds out about the love affair between Catherine and this total stranger, will he fight for her and get her back? If so, will his love be strong enough to hold her? Will Catherine make a reasonable choice and stick by her marriage? Or will she make the biggest blunder of her life? This dark romance had a non-stop plot that kept me
guessing who is going to do what to whom, and how will he/she get out of it? Well worth reading.
Catherine and her husband Terry had moved to Egypt. Terry was busy looking into how well his mural was going to be instead of really thinking about Catherine and how she might be feeling right now.
Meanwhile Catherine wanted to see the Pyramids, so striking off on her own, she met a dark mysterious stranger and the two of them had a dangerous love or lust affair. Will Catherine be able to tell the difference? Will she find out in time to walk away without any regrets? If so, will she be able to break the blood love-line that binds? Will she be able to survive without him? The consequences could be greater than she realizes.
Things started to go down hill fast once Catherine and Terry moved to Egypt, because Terry had his friends he could turn to and people that were willing to help him. Catherine had left her friends, family, and even her career to follow Terry and try to help him to succeed. But once Terry finds out about the love affair between Catherine and this total stranger, will he fight for her and get her back? If so, will his love be strong enough to hold her? Will Catherine make a reasonable choice and stick by her marriage? Or will she make the biggest blunder of her life? This dark romance had a non-stop plot that kept me
guessing who is going to do what to whom, and how will he/she get out of it? Well worth reading.
December 14, 2019
4.5/5 Stars
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley. I know this sounds terrible, but I didn’t expect much going into it. The cover and the title weren’t great. But, it was a vampire love story and as you have all gathered by now my year goal is to read ALL the vampire books. Well anyway, I LOVED it. Here’s why:
This book was well written. The author, Beth Tashery Shannon, has clearly traveled to Egypt and done her research. There was Arabic language and nuances of culture thrown in. Most notably I was intrigued by the tension between the old vs. new generation, sociopolitical issues dealing with imperialism and the Western influence in Egypt. Lastly, her language is very poetic, I’ve read that Shannon has published some poetry and it shows. On the other side of that coin I will say that sometimes it was a little bit over the top.
I also liked her little characterizations within the details of their language and actions. It was obvious that she really loved creating Geoffrey. I often found myself rereading his dialogue, it was intelligent and usually held a double meaning. I was certainly envious of her skill here. However, I felt that Terry got a little less love (literally and figuratively…). In terms of character, he was a bit flat and just seemed like a background piece, something to create tension. Even if they technically had an open relationship.
This book was an exciting, wild ride until the end. It builds like a mystery and I loved it for that. I had to force myself to put it down some nights to go to bed. It’s a good exploration of passion and giving in to it and what possess you. Emotionally and physically. I also had a blast watching these two characters fall in love and the lust that held between them from the beginning. That’s always my favorite part. I definitely recommend!
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley. I know this sounds terrible, but I didn’t expect much going into it. The cover and the title weren’t great. But, it was a vampire love story and as you have all gathered by now my year goal is to read ALL the vampire books. Well anyway, I LOVED it. Here’s why:
This book was well written. The author, Beth Tashery Shannon, has clearly traveled to Egypt and done her research. There was Arabic language and nuances of culture thrown in. Most notably I was intrigued by the tension between the old vs. new generation, sociopolitical issues dealing with imperialism and the Western influence in Egypt. Lastly, her language is very poetic, I’ve read that Shannon has published some poetry and it shows. On the other side of that coin I will say that sometimes it was a little bit over the top.
I also liked her little characterizations within the details of their language and actions. It was obvious that she really loved creating Geoffrey. I often found myself rereading his dialogue, it was intelligent and usually held a double meaning. I was certainly envious of her skill here. However, I felt that Terry got a little less love (literally and figuratively…). In terms of character, he was a bit flat and just seemed like a background piece, something to create tension. Even if they technically had an open relationship.
This book was an exciting, wild ride until the end. It builds like a mystery and I loved it for that. I had to force myself to put it down some nights to go to bed. It’s a good exploration of passion and giving in to it and what possess you. Emotionally and physically. I also had a blast watching these two characters fall in love and the lust that held between them from the beginning. That’s always my favorite part. I definitely recommend!
June 3, 2015
'Dark Wine' was unlike any other vampire novel that I've read, mainly in the genre of the Twilight Saga (sorry! But comparisons are bound to be made!), or tried to read. 'Dark Wine' was refreshingly different; a bit like comparing a hormonal teenager (Twilight saga) to a mature and sensuous adult (Dark Wine).
Catherine, married to Terry, gives everything up back home in America to support her husband in following his artistic dream in Egypt. While her husband finalises contracts and details for his great work of art, Catherine finds herself alone and lonely in her sightseeing exploration of Cairo.
We are introduced to the handsome, but very mysterious Geoffrey Harrow, Catherine finds herself drawn to Geoffrey, falling rapidly under his spell, and deeply in love with him, and he with her.
Initially, the move, the introduction to Geoffrey, and the 'will they, won't they plot', after its initial excitement does drag on for just a little too long - however, just as I was beginning to lose interest, the couple give into to their suppressed feelings and begin a passionate and obsessive love affair. The story takes a more sinister turn. as Geoffrey is revealed as a vampire, and Catherine as the prey he beomes obsessed with, an obsession matched by hers for him.
The second half of the book certainly stepped up its pace and became a real page turner to find out what was to become of the pair.
The vicious twist in the final few pages is as heart rending as it is unexpected.
Well worth a read, I rate Dark Wine 4 out of 5 stars.
Catherine, married to Terry, gives everything up back home in America to support her husband in following his artistic dream in Egypt. While her husband finalises contracts and details for his great work of art, Catherine finds herself alone and lonely in her sightseeing exploration of Cairo.
We are introduced to the handsome, but very mysterious Geoffrey Harrow, Catherine finds herself drawn to Geoffrey, falling rapidly under his spell, and deeply in love with him, and he with her.
Initially, the move, the introduction to Geoffrey, and the 'will they, won't they plot', after its initial excitement does drag on for just a little too long - however, just as I was beginning to lose interest, the couple give into to their suppressed feelings and begin a passionate and obsessive love affair. The story takes a more sinister turn. as Geoffrey is revealed as a vampire, and Catherine as the prey he beomes obsessed with, an obsession matched by hers for him.
The second half of the book certainly stepped up its pace and became a real page turner to find out what was to become of the pair.
The vicious twist in the final few pages is as heart rending as it is unexpected.
Well worth a read, I rate Dark Wine 4 out of 5 stars.
June 25, 2015
I received a copy through Net Galley for my unbiased review.
Catherine accompanies her husband to Egypt for a once in a lifetime job for him. She follows him in hopes to put a spark back in their marriage which has become on the side of tedious and monotonous. She finds her new life in Egypt about the same and longs to return home but she stays and begins to sightsee on her own. The spark she was in need of comes but unfortunately not with her husband. A stranger approaches her at a museum, Geoffrey, and they become acquaintances, friends, and eventually lovers. Catherine is captivated by him and although he is secretive and withdrawn she can’t seem to get enough. Geoffrey it turns out is a vampire and desperately wants Catherine but he loves her and he knows it will only end one way so he avoids her but she keeps coming back to him. The story began very slowly, by the middle when murders start to happen and Geoffrey confesses his vampire ways it began to pick up. Catherine was portrayed as a strong character but when it came to Geoffrey she folded and became a kept fragile woman perhaps due to the vampire charm. Geoffrey of course is not the typical vampire, there were new ideas introduced but I tend to stick more to the classic vampire. Ultimately it is a basic love story of wanting what you can’t have and destroying yourself to get it. There were several sexual scenes for those who may not wish to encounter such descriptions.
Catherine accompanies her husband to Egypt for a once in a lifetime job for him. She follows him in hopes to put a spark back in their marriage which has become on the side of tedious and monotonous. She finds her new life in Egypt about the same and longs to return home but she stays and begins to sightsee on her own. The spark she was in need of comes but unfortunately not with her husband. A stranger approaches her at a museum, Geoffrey, and they become acquaintances, friends, and eventually lovers. Catherine is captivated by him and although he is secretive and withdrawn she can’t seem to get enough. Geoffrey it turns out is a vampire and desperately wants Catherine but he loves her and he knows it will only end one way so he avoids her but she keeps coming back to him. The story began very slowly, by the middle when murders start to happen and Geoffrey confesses his vampire ways it began to pick up. Catherine was portrayed as a strong character but when it came to Geoffrey she folded and became a kept fragile woman perhaps due to the vampire charm. Geoffrey of course is not the typical vampire, there were new ideas introduced but I tend to stick more to the classic vampire. Ultimately it is a basic love story of wanting what you can’t have and destroying yourself to get it. There were several sexual scenes for those who may not wish to encounter such descriptions.
May 3, 2020
NOTE: I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley for reviewing purposes! All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way!
"Dark Wine" is a hard review for me. It's well written in terms of prose, dialogue and characterization, but still, after finishing it, I was left with a sense of malaise.
It could be that the subject matter, and the overall dark, brooding tone of the novel is the cause. Geoffrey is a tragic figure, so you want him to have a HEA - finally, after four centuries of existence. But, it was not to be. Catherine too, is a well realized character, and reads as fully formed. She's not a Mary Sue, or one-note, or a TSTL type of person. You also want her to find happiness. But, there was a sadness, a melancholy underlying the whole novel, and it came to a denouement with what is likely the deaths of the main protagonists. I suppose it could not have ended in any other way, given what Geoffrey has stated about his past, and his past relationships, but I'm still left feeling a tinge of melancholy.
Beth Tashery Shannon excels in the descriptions of Egypt - its people, landscape, treasures and customs. The time she spent living there shows through and through. One can almost see and smell the sights and sounds of the Land of the Pharaohs, so vivid was her writing. In fact, those passages were my favorite parts of the novel.
Overall, I'm glad I read this book, but just wish a HEA could have been devised in some way.
"Dark Wine" is a hard review for me. It's well written in terms of prose, dialogue and characterization, but still, after finishing it, I was left with a sense of malaise.
It could be that the subject matter, and the overall dark, brooding tone of the novel is the cause. Geoffrey is a tragic figure, so you want him to have a HEA - finally, after four centuries of existence. But, it was not to be. Catherine too, is a well realized character, and reads as fully formed. She's not a Mary Sue, or one-note, or a TSTL type of person. You also want her to find happiness. But, there was a sadness, a melancholy underlying the whole novel, and it came to a denouement with what is likely the deaths of the main protagonists. I suppose it could not have ended in any other way, given what Geoffrey has stated about his past, and his past relationships, but I'm still left feeling a tinge of melancholy.
Beth Tashery Shannon excels in the descriptions of Egypt - its people, landscape, treasures and customs. The time she spent living there shows through and through. One can almost see and smell the sights and sounds of the Land of the Pharaohs, so vivid was her writing. In fact, those passages were my favorite parts of the novel.
Overall, I'm glad I read this book, but just wish a HEA could have been devised in some way.
September 22, 2015
Dark Wine is a great love story.. It starts off with Catherine and her Husband Terry moving to Egypt for his work, he paints murals on large walls. She stays home, as she has given up her work to be there with and for him, but he starts to get busy and not around her much and they dont get to go sight seeing as he promised they would. While out she runs into a man named Geoffrey, and there is something about him that's different from other men. While out with a friend that works with her husband Terry she runs into him again, then it starts from there, them getting together and falling in love. She cant stay away from him no matter what.
What I enjoyed most about this book is reading about other places in the world, and visiting those places through a story, Seeing Geoffrey and Catherine building a lasting bond between them, them going to these places together! They have great chemistry between them that you can see that they dont want to part even tho it is needed to save her own life.
This book is great if you love supernatural stories about vampires. Adventures, Sex, and a will to survive but not wanting to leave what isnt healthy for you, but cant leave no matter how far you go to try!! if you love these types of stories then this one is a must. get your copy now!!!
What I enjoyed most about this book is reading about other places in the world, and visiting those places through a story, Seeing Geoffrey and Catherine building a lasting bond between them, them going to these places together! They have great chemistry between them that you can see that they dont want to part even tho it is needed to save her own life.
This book is great if you love supernatural stories about vampires. Adventures, Sex, and a will to survive but not wanting to leave what isnt healthy for you, but cant leave no matter how far you go to try!! if you love these types of stories then this one is a must. get your copy now!!!
September 23, 2015
This was a unique paranormal ‘vampire’ novel that takes you across the world to Egypt where Catherine has left her career and friends behind in support of her husband’s career as an artist. While touring around the city of Cairo, she crosses paths with a mysterious stranger, Geoffrey. Catherine is left alone more often than not, while Terry, her husband is off working on his next big project. Geoffrey and Catherine find themselves drawn further and further into a web a passion and dark desires. Each encounter brings them closer to the edge of no return and control is last thing on their minds.
I have read many books/series in the paranormal genre but would have to say this was the most mature and unique stories I have come across. The description of the country and scenery pulled me into the story and helped embed the characters into my imagination. I am glad I was given the opportunity to read Catherine, Terry and Geoffrey’s story, and will not soon forget.
I have read many books/series in the paranormal genre but would have to say this was the most mature and unique stories I have come across. The description of the country and scenery pulled me into the story and helped embed the characters into my imagination. I am glad I was given the opportunity to read Catherine, Terry and Geoffrey’s story, and will not soon forget.
May 16, 2015
Well I got this book as a free bee for a review. I must say that this is a surprisingly different vampire story from any I have read. I would have given this a higher rating but it seemed too long and drawn out. There were a few typos but not to many. This very developed scenery makes you feel that you now know a little about Cairo and the character development was extensive.
Geoffrey, a vampire that is so melancholy it hurts to read about him and Catherine, the enigmatic mortal that catches his attention, are falling into a dark love with nowhere out for the two of them. Geoffrey is a pained and troubled vampire that he is afraid that his love will kill her. She just doesn't care and doesn't believe he would. A great read if you want very detailed explanations but I was left with a feeling myself of despondency.
Geoffrey, a vampire that is so melancholy it hurts to read about him and Catherine, the enigmatic mortal that catches his attention, are falling into a dark love with nowhere out for the two of them. Geoffrey is a pained and troubled vampire that he is afraid that his love will kill her. She just doesn't care and doesn't believe he would. A great read if you want very detailed explanations but I was left with a feeling myself of despondency.
May 18, 2015
Geoffrey, a vampire that is so melancholy it hurts to read about him and Catherine, the enigmatic mortal that catches his attention, are falling into a dark love with nowhere out for the two of them. Geoffrey is a pained and troubled vampire that he is afraid that his love will kill her. She just doesn't care and doesn't believe he would.
July 7, 2015
I was gifted an ARC copy by the publisher. I enjoyed this as a quality vampire read (think Anne Rice, and Darkish Vampires more than twilight). I think the strongest elements of this book are the authors descriptions of place, especially Egypt. I fell far more into the location and the mood than any of the characters.
April 16, 2015
Not my normal choice of reading material these days. Glad I did - loved it!
Provided by Netgalley.
Provided by Netgalley.
May 1, 2015
An incredibly surprising vampire love story that did a complete 180 in the last 16 pages. Also a good picture of Egypt in the 80's from the perspective of a foreigner.
October 11, 2015
Wow what a great book. I recommend that you go out an buy this book right away. It starts off running and does not stop until the very last word.
Well worth the stars :)
Well worth the stars :)
October 11, 2015
Wow what a great read I am not one for giving the plot away you will have to read the story but it is well worth the money my advice would be to go out and by it right away!!
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