Never Before Noon

by Joanne McLaughlin

All Chloe Hart’s nightmares end like this: She is lured home to the seat of the Court of Cruelty, ruled by her parents, rock legends Sebastian and Emilie de la Coeur. But this is no dream. After 13 years away, Chloe learns they are vampires and have been since before she was born. She has his dark hair and brooding personality, her green eyes and artistic ways. Yet no fangs, no blood thirst, no trouble with the rays of the rising sun. Is that just for now, or forever? Is Chloe a vampire too?

322 pages, Trade paperback, ebook

First published March 4, 2016

About the author

Joanne McLaughlin writes sharp mysteries, sexy vampire novels, and sweeter short fiction. She is the author of "A Poetic Puzzle," a cozy mystery; "Chasing Ashes," a crime thriller; and the Vampires of the Court of Cruelty trilogy “Never Before Noon,” “Never Until Now,” and “Never More Human." Her recent short fiction appears in the anthologies "Behind the Revolving Door, Volume 1" and "Ruth and Ann's Guide to Time Travel, Volume 1." Her stories “Peppina’s Sweetheart” and “Grass and Granite” are available for Kindle. On her journalist side, Joanne is a longtime editor of prize-winning news and features for newspapers and public media. She lives in Philadelphia, where she indulges her love for home design and walks regularly at a nearby arboretum.

Reviews

[Cheryl Squadrito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is ambitious and clever first effort by a local (Philadelphia) author, Joanne McLaughlin.

I'm a fan of rock music and good storylines, so I couldn't put this book down. Sex, lust, rock and roll turns into a winning combination. Chloe Hart walked away from the privileged life that comes with having parents who are mega rock stars. Thirteen years later, she returns home to her parents' musical circus leaving behind her serious career and stability. She meets an irresistible journalist Jackson Fahey and things get even more interesting.

If you like compelling storylines, rock and roll music or vampires, read this book!

[Nathalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad, not amazing.

I won this book here on Goodreads about a month ago. I was really excited about it because it looked amazing and something about it reminded me of another book I love (As Twilight Falls).

Joanne is a GREAT writer and I LOVE her style, but sometimes it feels as if she tried too hard to pick the words (to the point it's unnecessarily complicated).

I liked the story, I liked the characters, but I feel like I've read too many thins like this before so I wasn´t impressed enough for the five stars.

If you like vampires, music, mysteries and eroticism, this is for you.

[Linda Loyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh debut novel about a young woman who, after 13 years estranged from her famous rock star parents, learns about her past. Chloe Hart returns home to find that her parents are planning their demise. A gripping story that takes you from Barcelona, to New York, to London, and beyond -- and weaves tapestries of intrigue, romance, lust -- and murder. I look forward to Joanne McLaughlin's next novel because the first was a page-turner.
Linda
Philadelphia, Pa.

[Rhonda Dickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to be a vampire-novel fan to get hooked on the story of "Never Before Noon." Joanne McLaughlin mixes together the gothic-rock scene, a young woman's alienation from her larger-than-life parents, a passionate love affair, and -- oh, yes -- the challenges of the undead. The results are a story with plenty of action, as well as a meditation on the very complicated business of family.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was giving the book for an honest review. A very action packed story. Rock n Roll and Vamps a perfect combination.

[Tom Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky, sexy, and mysterious, this is the rare vampire novel that will appeal equally to the jaded genre fan, and to readers who generally stay clear of literary blood-suckers. That's because at heart, it's a story about complex characters and genuine emotional stakes, rather than the collection of tropes that comprises too many contemporary vampire stories. Ms. McLaughlin pulls off the difficult trick of creating a vampire mythology that feels both classic and excitingly original. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Hans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of it, the mystery of it all. i guess maybe i could've done without all the smut, but i def want to read the next installments

[Linda Gwiazdowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting take on paranormal,story was ok,did't like the ending