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The Vampire's Protector
OUT OF THE GRAVE…AND INTO HER LIFE
For over a century, musician Nicolo Paganini had rested in peace. Until Summer Santiago's innocent touch raised him from the grave. Awake in a world suddenly so foreign, he needed Summer's help. Yet his protector was a vampire…with a deep desire for Nicolo's blood.
Despite the raving attraction between them, the pair had something more dangerous than bloodlust to contend with. The devil had a plan for Nicolo's eternal life. Should Nicolo play the cursed black violin, his fate would be sealed. But if he resisted Satan's call, he would lose the woman who had made his life worth living.
For over a century, musician Nicolo Paganini had rested in peace. Until Summer Santiago's innocent touch raised him from the grave. Awake in a world suddenly so foreign, he needed Summer's help. Yet his protector was a vampire…with a deep desire for Nicolo's blood.
Despite the raving attraction between them, the pair had something more dangerous than bloodlust to contend with. The devil had a plan for Nicolo's eternal life. Should Nicolo play the cursed black violin, his fate would be sealed. But if he resisted Satan's call, he would lose the woman who had made his life worth living.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Michele Hauf
209 books939 followersMichele has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over twenty years. Her first published novel was DARK RAPTURE.
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 22, 2016
Summer Santiago is a vampire, and a Retriever for Acquisitions in the division of the Greater Council for paranormal nations. Her job is to track down and bring magical objects that could be dangerous to humans. She’s in Italy to retrieve a violin that was once owned by virtuoso extraordinaire, the great Nicolo Paganini. Summer has strict orders not to touch the black violin as it will unleash the greatest evil imaginable; she does not, but fate has it that the bow touches ever so slightly the strings, and Paganini who has been dead for 175 years awakens.
I thought THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR had one of the greatest premises I had ever read: a paranormal romance featuring Paganini, and Michele Hauf definitely knew what she was doing! The author’s love and knowledge of her subject is obvious; the story is based upon historical facts as well as rumours regarding the violin virtuoso, which is a delight for classical music lovers as well as heavy metal fans. Summer also suffers from a very interesting affliction I had never encountered before in a vampire. Summer is a wonderful character: she’s a very modern woman, and I loved her from the moment we meet her. It was very entertaining to watch Paganini utterly befuddled at first by the twenty first century, while Summer tried to make him comfortable, and I thought it was extremely well done. That first part of the book is very light, and sunny, leading to very funny banter between Summer and Nicolo, the latter who is also quite the flirt. But events take a turn for the darker when a most undesirable character surfaces and literally threaten Nicolo and Summer’s very existences.
Michele Hauf’s writing is as usual flawless, smooth and lively; the pace is perfect all throughout the book, and the shift from light to dark is seamless. The author has, in my eyes, accomplished an extraordinary feat in introducing a famous historical character in a paranormal romance and making the whole thing totally convincing; I never flinched, and I think it was a first for me. The chemistry between Paganini and Summer is blistering and entirely believable; the sex scenes are beautifully done: loving, tender, and steamy; and the romance starts from a lively little romp to a tragic tale of timeless and unconditional love. THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR has many twists and turns, some that had me seriously worrying for the characters. THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR is a brilliant, innovative, and unforgettable book. Brava!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR had one of the greatest premises I had ever read: a paranormal romance featuring Paganini, and Michele Hauf definitely knew what she was doing! The author’s love and knowledge of her subject is obvious; the story is based upon historical facts as well as rumours regarding the violin virtuoso, which is a delight for classical music lovers as well as heavy metal fans. Summer also suffers from a very interesting affliction I had never encountered before in a vampire. Summer is a wonderful character: she’s a very modern woman, and I loved her from the moment we meet her. It was very entertaining to watch Paganini utterly befuddled at first by the twenty first century, while Summer tried to make him comfortable, and I thought it was extremely well done. That first part of the book is very light, and sunny, leading to very funny banter between Summer and Nicolo, the latter who is also quite the flirt. But events take a turn for the darker when a most undesirable character surfaces and literally threaten Nicolo and Summer’s very existences.
Michele Hauf’s writing is as usual flawless, smooth and lively; the pace is perfect all throughout the book, and the shift from light to dark is seamless. The author has, in my eyes, accomplished an extraordinary feat in introducing a famous historical character in a paranormal romance and making the whole thing totally convincing; I never flinched, and I think it was a first for me. The chemistry between Paganini and Summer is blistering and entirely believable; the sex scenes are beautifully done: loving, tender, and steamy; and the romance starts from a lively little romp to a tragic tale of timeless and unconditional love. THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR has many twists and turns, some that had me seriously worrying for the characters. THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR is a brilliant, innovative, and unforgettable book. Brava!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2016
I loved this book. It has all my favorite things in it - vampires, demons, musicians, Paris setting, complex characters battling personal demons (both figurative and literal) of their own, and a very steamy love story. I love this world Michele Hauf has created and the characters that inhabit it.
Perfect way to spend the rainy Memorial Day weekend.
Highly recommend to any fans of paranormal romance.
Will try to post a more elaborate review later. Have gotten so behind on book reviews lately.
Perfect way to spend the rainy Memorial Day weekend.
Highly recommend to any fans of paranormal romance.
Will try to post a more elaborate review later. Have gotten so behind on book reviews lately.
June 3, 2016
The stories by Michele Hauf that focus on the paranormal are always entertainingly unique, and THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR may be the most original creation yet. Actual historical facts are cleverly blended with the author’s inventive imagination to create scene after scene of captivating fascination. I am constantly amazed at the innovative storylines brought to life by this talented author, where characters are often remarkably special and grab my attention with their distinctive personalities. In the latest novel about the Beautiful Creatures world, the story is centered on two individuals who meet because of an ill-fated incident which could lead to disaster. The journey they must take together is frequently comical yet also heartfelt at times because of genuine emotion.
Various capabilities that come with being a vampire are often useful in the assignments Summer Santiago does for the Council which supervises the many paranormal species. She retrieves objects that are considered dangerous, and her present task is to locate a violin previously owned by Nicolo Paganini. The Italian violinist was reportedly linked with the devil, and the instrument might even be cursed. So Summer needs to take it back to the Council in Paris for safekeeping in case it really could be destructive. But upon finding the violin, an unplanned event causes a huge problem.
Because of the instrument’s magical powers, Summer ends up bringing Nicolo back to life when a few notes are inadvertently played. When she learns what has happened, she knows it is her responsibility to watch over the newly awakened violinist, especially since he knows nothing of the current world. There are many worries for him now that he is alive again, and a wrong decision could be catastrophic. As Nicolo and Summer try to discover what is actually going on and if there will be any repercussions, he finds himself desiring her along with the temptation to play the cursed violin.
There are so many compelling scenes written for THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR. The high regard and understanding Michele Hauf has for classical music made the story very interesting, while using truths and even some speculations about a renowned violinist doubled my reading enjoyment. I did look up information about Nicolo Paganini, and the way in which the author interweaves his factual life with her imaginings is truly ingenious. Since he died so long ago, reawakening in modern times where cars, phones and electricity are commonplace definitely caused plenty of complications for Nicolo. His reactions are often hilarious, while his comments are amusing because he is awestruck by all the changes from when he lived. I could easily visualize his expression when he saw his own photo so quickly.
Summer is a delight during the whole story. She is a dedicated employee, yet her concern for the confused Nicolo proves she is caring and cannot be swayed from what she feels is her duty. Whenever these two experience the sexual pull between them, it only takes a moment for the heated lust to ignite. A large number of their conversations are filled with wit plus lots of cunning retorts, causing me to smile countless times. Books by Ms. Hauf repeatedly encourage laughter, and there were certainly plenty of chuckle-inducing scenes in this enthralling story. But there are also several episodes where I was left breathless because of the heartfelt drama being played out. I never know what the concept of a story by Michele Hauf will end up being, but each one has been extremely original. THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR is a notable paranormal romance.
Copy received for Always Reviewing blog
Various capabilities that come with being a vampire are often useful in the assignments Summer Santiago does for the Council which supervises the many paranormal species. She retrieves objects that are considered dangerous, and her present task is to locate a violin previously owned by Nicolo Paganini. The Italian violinist was reportedly linked with the devil, and the instrument might even be cursed. So Summer needs to take it back to the Council in Paris for safekeeping in case it really could be destructive. But upon finding the violin, an unplanned event causes a huge problem.
Because of the instrument’s magical powers, Summer ends up bringing Nicolo back to life when a few notes are inadvertently played. When she learns what has happened, she knows it is her responsibility to watch over the newly awakened violinist, especially since he knows nothing of the current world. There are many worries for him now that he is alive again, and a wrong decision could be catastrophic. As Nicolo and Summer try to discover what is actually going on and if there will be any repercussions, he finds himself desiring her along with the temptation to play the cursed violin.
There are so many compelling scenes written for THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR. The high regard and understanding Michele Hauf has for classical music made the story very interesting, while using truths and even some speculations about a renowned violinist doubled my reading enjoyment. I did look up information about Nicolo Paganini, and the way in which the author interweaves his factual life with her imaginings is truly ingenious. Since he died so long ago, reawakening in modern times where cars, phones and electricity are commonplace definitely caused plenty of complications for Nicolo. His reactions are often hilarious, while his comments are amusing because he is awestruck by all the changes from when he lived. I could easily visualize his expression when he saw his own photo so quickly.
Summer is a delight during the whole story. She is a dedicated employee, yet her concern for the confused Nicolo proves she is caring and cannot be swayed from what she feels is her duty. Whenever these two experience the sexual pull between them, it only takes a moment for the heated lust to ignite. A large number of their conversations are filled with wit plus lots of cunning retorts, causing me to smile countless times. Books by Ms. Hauf repeatedly encourage laughter, and there were certainly plenty of chuckle-inducing scenes in this enthralling story. But there are also several episodes where I was left breathless because of the heartfelt drama being played out. I never know what the concept of a story by Michele Hauf will end up being, but each one has been extremely original. THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR is a notable paranormal romance.
Copy received for Always Reviewing blog
Read
June 27, 2016"An interesting storyline and a very well-drawn attraction between Summer and Nicolo make for a strong read. Hauf does an excellent job of weaving a bit of history into a paranormal tale" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
August 25, 2016
4.5 stars - NCT #233
December 8, 2016
Summer the vampire and Nicolo Paganini 'Himself'.
This would have been a 5 star for me, except the writing style is a wee bit too repetitive and slow at points. But the story is great! It is also much darker than I was expecting from a Harlequin book.
Summer's job is to 'rescue' magical objects and bring them to the council's safe storage. Today she goes to claim Paganini's Black violin, said to have been part of dark bargain between Paganini and the Devil Himself. Did Paganini make a deal with the devil for his awesome talent with the violin? Well she can ask him herself as she is about to accidentally raise him from the dead... Oops!
Now she has to keep an eye on him, maybe watch for decay and falling body parts? He doesn't look like a zombie, in fact, he's pretty HOT.
It's a well designed mystery of why Nicolo lives and what was his deal with the devil and what to do with the Black violin. The romance is slow to start, possible zombieness putting a damper on things for a while. I thought Summer waffled a wee bit too much, but I did like the honesty of both characters. There is attraction between them that's not OTT, but more real and leads to a devotion that lasts literally Eons.
The story goes places I didn't expect it too, crossing lines I did not expect it too either. Both MCs are flawed, in big ways, and yet I was rooting for them and their HEA! Not a story I will forget.
This would have been a 5 star for me, except the writing style is a wee bit too repetitive and slow at points. But the story is great! It is also much darker than I was expecting from a Harlequin book.
Summer's job is to 'rescue' magical objects and bring them to the council's safe storage. Today she goes to claim Paganini's Black violin, said to have been part of dark bargain between Paganini and the Devil Himself. Did Paganini make a deal with the devil for his awesome talent with the violin? Well she can ask him herself as she is about to accidentally raise him from the dead... Oops!
Now she has to keep an eye on him, maybe watch for decay and falling body parts? He doesn't look like a zombie, in fact, he's pretty HOT.
It's a well designed mystery of why Nicolo lives and what was his deal with the devil and what to do with the Black violin. The romance is slow to start, possible zombieness putting a damper on things for a while. I thought Summer waffled a wee bit too much, but I did like the honesty of both characters. There is attraction between them that's not OTT, but more real and leads to a devotion that lasts literally Eons.
The story goes places I didn't expect it too, crossing lines I did not expect it too either. Both MCs are flawed, in big ways, and yet I was rooting for them and their HEA! Not a story I will forget.
September 15, 2017
Summer Santiago granddaughter of Viviane LaMourette and Rhys Hawkes, daughter of Lyric and Vail Santiago is working her her grandfather-ish business but as a Retriever. Her new mission finding the famous black violin owned by Niccolo Paganini, BTW real 19th century violinist and had his real facts into this story. But when she found the violin an accident happened, the bow slid on the string accidental and played a few notes.
Dead for 175 years Nicolo is alive and crawling out of his monument tombstone. He died at the age of 57, toothless hairless voiceless and died of many diseases. Now he's alive in his 30s and fit as a fiddle or violin. He hears sweet musical notes and need to find it and also a chance and a second chance of life.
Summer will he like a mother hen to Nicolo until he understands modern-day technology but she will feel things she never has felt but scared to feel if Nicolo plays the black violin and be reborn into his legacy. Btw the black violin was made by the Dark One or the devil his self and he needs Nicolo to play that violin so he can have the Prince by his side. But neither Nikolo or Summer will be able to see what will actually happened until she witnessed Nicolos punishment.
Dead for 175 years Nicolo is alive and crawling out of his monument tombstone. He died at the age of 57, toothless hairless voiceless and died of many diseases. Now he's alive in his 30s and fit as a fiddle or violin. He hears sweet musical notes and need to find it and also a chance and a second chance of life.
Summer will he like a mother hen to Nicolo until he understands modern-day technology but she will feel things she never has felt but scared to feel if Nicolo plays the black violin and be reborn into his legacy. Btw the black violin was made by the Dark One or the devil his self and he needs Nicolo to play that violin so he can have the Prince by his side. But neither Nikolo or Summer will be able to see what will actually happened until she witnessed Nicolos punishment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2020
Summer is a vampire tasked with retrieving a violin that once belonged to Nicolo Paganini, famed 19th century violinist who died almost 175 years ago. Its said that the violin is the one the devil used to tempt nicolo with to make a bargain with him when he was alive.
The bow accidentally crossed the strings when she tried to retrieve it and that alone raised Nicolo from his grave. Now nicolo is a man who has been flung into the future and summer is the only one he can depend on.
Nicolo heard the tunes of the violin and woke up from his grave but he is determined that the devil will not make him play that violin this time either.
This book really intrigued me. Now I've taken an interest in Panganini. You have to be in a certain mind space to read and enjoy a story like this. It's not your typical paranormal romance. There's so much more happening. Nicolo raising from his grave into summers life, his legacy, his father being the devil and wanting him to take up the throne, he sacrificing himself and turning into the dark devil prince to save summers life. This one kept me up way past my bedtime unable to stop reading and turning the pages. The plot is unique and I enjoyed it immensely. Definitely a keeper! 👹👹👹
The bow accidentally crossed the strings when she tried to retrieve it and that alone raised Nicolo from his grave. Now nicolo is a man who has been flung into the future and summer is the only one he can depend on.
Nicolo heard the tunes of the violin and woke up from his grave but he is determined that the devil will not make him play that violin this time either.
This book really intrigued me. Now I've taken an interest in Panganini. You have to be in a certain mind space to read and enjoy a story like this. It's not your typical paranormal romance. There's so much more happening. Nicolo raising from his grave into summers life, his legacy, his father being the devil and wanting him to take up the throne, he sacrificing himself and turning into the dark devil prince to save summers life. This one kept me up way past my bedtime unable to stop reading and turning the pages. The plot is unique and I enjoyed it immensely. Definitely a keeper! 👹👹👹
June 19, 2017
A little meh for me. I liked the writing - Michelle Hauf can do that very well. However, the characters sometimes behaved inconsistently and sometimes were just plain stupid. So much so that I almost DNF this book twice because the heroine had suddenly stopped making sense and I could not bear it. After some deep breathing and reminding myself that no one is perfect, I was able to continue but the magic was gone. I will definitely give Ms Hauf another go as she can definitely write and tell a good story.
July 26, 2017
an okay book between romance, paranormal and mystery. But I must say I got bored quite quickly. It was meh and the story felt forced. Summers is not the kind of vampire I like and the story itself was meh. It is hard to put exactly what it is/was that didnt really fit in or maybe it was everything in a strange mix. I dont really know but I just didnt really enjoy reading it as much as I hoped.
March 25, 2019
I read this as a joke because I consider myself a music historian. And it was just so bad. I could predict all the surprise twists,,,, and it was just,,,, so bad,,,,, I have no words to describe it I'm so sorry.
January 5, 2018
Nic turns out to be the devils son and then it gets tiresome from there and then there are some WTH moments and then I was just glad it was over. Not quite understanding the 4 & 5 stars. But...ok.
September 30, 2025
loved it
Nicolo and Summer
Nicolo and Summer
January 19, 2017
This was a surprising story about Himself's legacy. I really enjoyed it.
March 17, 2017
Nicolo Paganini! Wow!!
I have enjoyed the storyline with Summer the Vampire and the famous Nicolo. What a great read!! The only thing I didn't like was the end it felt rushed to the happy ending. I would have loved that Nicolo had met more of her family, with a bit more insight with the development of their unborn baby......But I see you can't get it all lol still worth the money to read the book!!
I have enjoyed the storyline with Summer the Vampire and the famous Nicolo. What a great read!! The only thing I didn't like was the end it felt rushed to the happy ending. I would have loved that Nicolo had met more of her family, with a bit more insight with the development of their unborn baby......But I see you can't get it all lol still worth the money to read the book!!
March 10, 2017
The story was good till it started to get too detailed in the love scenes. Don't get me wrong I love a story with a good love scene... when it is needed, here there was to much of it and the whole story became about sex. If you like that stuff - all yours.
July 4, 2016
While I like the idea of a famous musician coming back to life, all the soul stuff got me confused and just didn't feel right. And while some of the ‘getting used to the future’ parts were interesting, there could have been a little more.
I’ve loved this series through the years but the stories seem to be getting a little cliche. Like how you can go to the book store and all the romances have almost the same cover and story, just change the names. I was looking forward to Summer’s story, but feel she deserved better.
Fave scenes: CJs bodywork, visit to Ian’s house, the Genoa museum and Summer’s views on children and electronics.
I’ve loved this series through the years but the stories seem to be getting a little cliche. Like how you can go to the book store and all the romances have almost the same cover and story, just change the names. I was looking forward to Summer’s story, but feel she deserved better.
Fave scenes: CJs bodywork, visit to Ian’s house, the Genoa museum and Summer’s views on children and electronics.
April 15, 2017
The audiobook was interesting. The characters were fully developed over the course of the book.
Another take on vampires, and other preternatural creatures. It's a good read, not great.
Another take on vampires, and other preternatural creatures. It's a good read, not great.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews