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Necking: A Novel
He Always Knew She Was Exactly His Type B Positive
Gia Felice has a Rolodex full of vampires, werewolves, witches, and aliens not to mention the livestock suppliers, undead-friendly hotels, and sleazy bars that cater to her clients' more carnal needs. Sometimes being the premier book publicist to the underworld can suck literally. Especially if you're human. Especially if you've got the hots for irresistible Johnny and his sly half smile that shows just a little fang.
Her best friend, Lola, a werewolf, can't talk any sense into her, and now Gia's agreed to help Belladonna Nightshade, a New York Times bestselling vampire author, find the supernatural killing machine who changed Bella centuries ago...if he doesn't find Gia first. Yesterday, Gia's biggest problem was how to get an alien with a metal skeleton through airport security. Today she's got a bloodthirsty boyfriend dying to get into her pants, and an evil, centuries-old vampire on the hunt for her. Who knew publicity was such a deadly business?
279 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2008
About the author
Chris Salvatore
2 books10 followersAuthor Chris Salvatore has worked as is former publicist in the book publishing and communications industries for years. Sadly, she hasn't met any dashing vampires yet, but she frequently believes some of her clients may be from another planet. Necking is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 7, 2009
I give up. This book just isn't worth the time when I have so many books I'm eager to get to. I like the concept for far. I was enjoying the main character's role in book publishing/publicity; it's interesting to see how that works, especially knowing that the author did that professionally for many years. But that makes the problems with this book even more annoying. First of all, I'm only 72 pages in and there are many editing errors with punctuation and spacing. There are often odd paragraph breaks, or lack of breaks, during conversations that make it really unclear who is speaking.
Story-wise, the most frustrating thing is that the main character is a human who is interacting with the hidden supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, etc. OK, that's the norm for this genre. But her vamps kill people, a lot, and she totally doesn't seem to care, and is in fact quite flip about it. There is talk of disposing bodies, there is a red-head who's being preyed upon by one of her "friends" and will probably die within days, and she's totally fine with that. Huh? Then there's stupid throw-away lines in an attempt to be funny and have the witty chick-lit style, like mentioning that some of her clients are aliens. Really, aliens come to Earth to write romance novels? Too silly and out of place.
Finally, on page 72 she totally offended me personally. Her assistant hasn't shown up to work for the 14th time in 4 months, ok, seriously bad, I understand why she'd be mad. But this line is not appropriate, "...my assistant was home sick with Lyme disease or chronic fatigue or SAD, or some other condition she couldn't really prove she had." As a person with a condition that is difficult to diagnose (fibromyalgia) and totally destructive to live with, and who's worked with people with Lyme disease, and done quite a bit of research about chronic fatigue, SAD and depressive disorders, this was too much. I've been fighting against the stereotype that people with these serious conditions are just complainers and fakers for too long to have any sympathy with an author who thinks it's ok for make fun of them and promote this stereotype. I like her romantic lead a lot, there was one small fun idea of him being turned on because he smelled the blood from the cut on her ankle that she got shaving that morning, but I just don't care enough to continue with the haphazardly written, edited and thought-out book. End of rant.
Story-wise, the most frustrating thing is that the main character is a human who is interacting with the hidden supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, etc. OK, that's the norm for this genre. But her vamps kill people, a lot, and she totally doesn't seem to care, and is in fact quite flip about it. There is talk of disposing bodies, there is a red-head who's being preyed upon by one of her "friends" and will probably die within days, and she's totally fine with that. Huh? Then there's stupid throw-away lines in an attempt to be funny and have the witty chick-lit style, like mentioning that some of her clients are aliens. Really, aliens come to Earth to write romance novels? Too silly and out of place.
Finally, on page 72 she totally offended me personally. Her assistant hasn't shown up to work for the 14th time in 4 months, ok, seriously bad, I understand why she'd be mad. But this line is not appropriate, "...my assistant was home sick with Lyme disease or chronic fatigue or SAD, or some other condition she couldn't really prove she had." As a person with a condition that is difficult to diagnose (fibromyalgia) and totally destructive to live with, and who's worked with people with Lyme disease, and done quite a bit of research about chronic fatigue, SAD and depressive disorders, this was too much. I've been fighting against the stereotype that people with these serious conditions are just complainers and fakers for too long to have any sympathy with an author who thinks it's ok for make fun of them and promote this stereotype. I like her romantic lead a lot, there was one small fun idea of him being turned on because he smelled the blood from the cut on her ankle that she got shaving that morning, but I just don't care enough to continue with the haphazardly written, edited and thought-out book. End of rant.
January 11, 2023
Who am I kidding? This is the vampire book of my high school selfs dreams! Great book and exactly what I expected it to be.
May 8, 2010
Why I read: Received from publisher for review.
Favorite Quote: “I’m part of the gallon club at the New York Blood Center.”
”Yeah, baby, talk dirty to me.”
Gia Felice is a publicist for Speculation, taking care of authors needs in the fantasy and horror genres. The quirk to her job is that many of her authors are vampires or werewolves, although their readership has no idea. To say Gia keeps late hours is an understatement. She really loves her job though and has quite a knack for keeping her supernatural clients happy.
One of her biggest authors, Belladonna Nightshade is a best selling vampire author. Her assistant Johnny is an over two hundred year old vampire, who Gia has been attracted to since they first met. They have a very flirty, wise-ass relationship on both sides. Because Johnny is a vampire with supernatural strength, they both have stayed on the safe flirty side, but things are starting to change. Innocent brushes of the arm, or bumps up against each other are starting to happen more frequently. Gia can’t get Johnny out of her mind, her heart races every times he sees him. He is feeling the same way – but knows a relationship with a human is impossible.
On top of her feelings for Johnny, Bella asks for Gia’s help to find the vampire that changed her hundreds of years ago. Her turn was very violent as she watched her lover die before her eyes. Bella escaped her maker after a year in his service, but still wants revenge. Gia, having lots of contacts in this supernatural world agrees to see what she can do.
Soon, Johnny’s feelings become so intense, that he starts bringing Gia’s blood to the surface, her cuts won’t heal, and she is bruising easily. His love is literally making her bleed. He is also having trouble controlling his instincts, and Gia’s safety becomes an issue. The decision of her life has come to the forefront – part ways with this dangerous vampire, or leave her mortal existence behind.
Necking starts off so light hearted and airy – almost the same tone as Molly Harper’s Nice Girls Book. We find Gia and Johnny in a very humorous, cute friendship – but that friendship soon starts to push boundaries. Gia knows she is in love with him and starts to push Johnny for more. Their flirty style soon becomes a bit heartbreaking – they are so desperate to be with each other, but as long as Gia remains a human, she really can’t safely be in a romantic relationship with him. I wasn’t expecting such a tug on my emotions as I read about these two and was very pleasantly surprised. Johnny and Gia are both mature, good natured people, and it is fun to be immersed in Gia’s publicity world. I also enjoyed the fact that Johnny is very laid back for a vampire, but when Gia is threatened, Johnny acts not human. He kills, to revenge and doesn’t give a care that he murders. His carnal side comes out, and he expects Gia to be fine with it. I liked the fact that Gia doesn’t freak out. She works and ahs a best friend that is a supernatural, so I like the fact she accepts who they really are.
However, by the last third of the book, things start to fall flat. The side story of Bella and her mission for Gia to find the vampire that turned her felt oddly placed at times, and when the big conflict comes at the end, it is a major let down. This book could have easily gone without this story, and just focused on Gia and Johnny’s relationship with a little bit of Lola thrown in. The ramifications of Gia actually turning seemed to be glossed over too. Her regard for what it means for her family is barely touched on and a supposedly dangerous transition does not seem quite so dangerous after all.
Necking has a cute start, and a touching romance that would have benefitted with a more substantial ending.
Favorite Quote: “I’m part of the gallon club at the New York Blood Center.”
”Yeah, baby, talk dirty to me.”
Gia Felice is a publicist for Speculation, taking care of authors needs in the fantasy and horror genres. The quirk to her job is that many of her authors are vampires or werewolves, although their readership has no idea. To say Gia keeps late hours is an understatement. She really loves her job though and has quite a knack for keeping her supernatural clients happy.
One of her biggest authors, Belladonna Nightshade is a best selling vampire author. Her assistant Johnny is an over two hundred year old vampire, who Gia has been attracted to since they first met. They have a very flirty, wise-ass relationship on both sides. Because Johnny is a vampire with supernatural strength, they both have stayed on the safe flirty side, but things are starting to change. Innocent brushes of the arm, or bumps up against each other are starting to happen more frequently. Gia can’t get Johnny out of her mind, her heart races every times he sees him. He is feeling the same way – but knows a relationship with a human is impossible.
On top of her feelings for Johnny, Bella asks for Gia’s help to find the vampire that changed her hundreds of years ago. Her turn was very violent as she watched her lover die before her eyes. Bella escaped her maker after a year in his service, but still wants revenge. Gia, having lots of contacts in this supernatural world agrees to see what she can do.
Soon, Johnny’s feelings become so intense, that he starts bringing Gia’s blood to the surface, her cuts won’t heal, and she is bruising easily. His love is literally making her bleed. He is also having trouble controlling his instincts, and Gia’s safety becomes an issue. The decision of her life has come to the forefront – part ways with this dangerous vampire, or leave her mortal existence behind.
Necking starts off so light hearted and airy – almost the same tone as Molly Harper’s Nice Girls Book. We find Gia and Johnny in a very humorous, cute friendship – but that friendship soon starts to push boundaries. Gia knows she is in love with him and starts to push Johnny for more. Their flirty style soon becomes a bit heartbreaking – they are so desperate to be with each other, but as long as Gia remains a human, she really can’t safely be in a romantic relationship with him. I wasn’t expecting such a tug on my emotions as I read about these two and was very pleasantly surprised. Johnny and Gia are both mature, good natured people, and it is fun to be immersed in Gia’s publicity world. I also enjoyed the fact that Johnny is very laid back for a vampire, but when Gia is threatened, Johnny acts not human. He kills, to revenge and doesn’t give a care that he murders. His carnal side comes out, and he expects Gia to be fine with it. I liked the fact that Gia doesn’t freak out. She works and ahs a best friend that is a supernatural, so I like the fact she accepts who they really are.
However, by the last third of the book, things start to fall flat. The side story of Bella and her mission for Gia to find the vampire that turned her felt oddly placed at times, and when the big conflict comes at the end, it is a major let down. This book could have easily gone without this story, and just focused on Gia and Johnny’s relationship with a little bit of Lola thrown in. The ramifications of Gia actually turning seemed to be glossed over too. Her regard for what it means for her family is barely touched on and a supposedly dangerous transition does not seem quite so dangerous after all.
Necking has a cute start, and a touching romance that would have benefitted with a more substantial ending.
April 8, 2011
One of the worst books I've read in a long while. The character development is incredibly superficial and nearly every chapter has some reference to how horny the protagonist is or how much sex she wants to have. The antagonist and real conflict isn't introduced until later in the story (almost as an afterthought) and the resolution to the conflict is once again superficial and poorly executed. I would not recommend this book at all.
September 22, 2018
You guys are as stupid at criticizing as this book.
August 16, 2008
This is a fun sort of chick lit/paranormal romance hybrid that reminds me of Twilight meets Bridget Jones. However, I don't have it in me to accept a grown woman who enjoys her life wanting to give it all up (particularly her family and career) for the love of a sexy vampire, so the book fell a little flat for me. Gia, the heroine, is a book publicist for Speculation, a publisher specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and horror whose authors include actual vampires, werewolves, and aliens. Johnny is the manager of the best-selling author Belladonna Nightshade, a real vampire masquerading as a human who writes vampire books; he is a vampire as well. Gia knows Johnny is trouble, but the chemistry between them is irresistible, and against her better judgment she gets involved with him. The chemistry works---and Johnny sounds quite delicious---but I never really believed these characters were in love. And if they aren't in love, then for Gia to even consider becoming a vampire seems downright foolhardy, particularly for somebody who knows so well everything it involves. Having said all that, I'd like to see Salvatore play around more with this world; her writing is witty, the vampire politics beg for deeper exploration, and the notion of a publisher catering to otherworldly authors has definite appeal.
August 15, 2010
I would've rated this book higher. It was interesting premise, a quick read that twisted romance, paranormal, and book industry into one nice package. However, that package was slightly broken. It was a fight to read this when my eyes kept noticing editorial problems. How can I tell the difference between the narrator's thoughts and the dialogue if they keep dropping quotation marks and throwing them in odd places? I kept having to reread paragraphs to make sure that "cold" really meant "could". Someone was spacing out. Did it do what it intended to? Not totally, because you kept getting distracted from the story by stupid, easily fixable errors. Having said that, the epilogue was hilarious, especially when she kept describing how certain groups. "Celebrities taste like silicone"! Priceless, and certainly almost worth the time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2008
I'm going to finish this book, but I don't know why. It happens to be one of the worst books I've ever read. The dialog, which is supposed to be flirtatious and funny, is stiffer than a petrified tree, the word bitch is used far too often (and spicing it up with beyotch doesn't count),and the love affair is boring and inexplicable.
**************************************************************
And now I'm done. This book was Craptastic.
Seriously. There's a love story with no love, witty repartee with no wit, and a firecracker publicity agent with no personality. Some character development would have been super.
Don't waste your time.
**************************************************************
And now I'm done. This book was Craptastic.
Seriously. There's a love story with no love, witty repartee with no wit, and a firecracker publicity agent with no personality. Some character development would have been super.
Don't waste your time.
November 14, 2009
Amazingly funny and very fast paced. A very unique story of a publicist for a company that works with those of the supernatural society. Giovanna finds that she is attracted to one particular clients manager, after tremendous effort to avoid this manager she finds that it is not just herself that can no longer look the other way. Gia will need to make a decision that will cost her everything, and will she be able to make that sacrifice? [return][return]This is the first book I read by Chris Salvatore, she is a breath of fresh air and I expect greatness from the display of this book. I will be looking for her next book.
October 12, 2014
This was a cute little book, fun to read, but one that will be forgotten. The premise was cute, a publicist working at a PR company that has "real" paranormal clients. The whole tongue in check part is what really worked for the book. Gia and Lola's friendship was so much fun, those 2 girls really knew how to let loose. Johnny was different, I liked him, then hated him, then liked him, sort of like Gia. The group of people that they all had in their circle of friends were fun too.
If you are looking for a fun cute book, check this one out.
If you are looking for a fun cute book, check this one out.
March 7, 2009
This is 1st book from this author & I think she did an ok job. It is very modern, even name dropping the Olsen twins & Paris. It is pretty funny & witty making it a fun read. The language can be very raw, but the way the main character talks to her friends is believable for our time. Her take on the supernatural world is not that creative though. I think the plot is missing a huge chunk at the end of her 'change' and after.
February 1, 2010
I was looking forward to reading this - a fun premise I figured it would be a easy read. I liked the characters and it was entertaining , it just missed the mark somehow. I am not sure if it was the pacing or some clumsy editing that detracted from the humor of the entire thing. I could definately see the potential with tighter editing, it would be interesting to see a second book with the same charcters.
April 18, 2010
I am amazed that this is Ms. SSalvatore's first novel. She did a WONDERFUL job with every character and the plot.
It's about a publicity agent for books. The main character gets to work with all types of authors, humans, aliens, werewolves, and vampires. Silly woman even ends up in love with a vampire. There is a bit of an issue since his love is killing her slowly...making her bleed from across the room. Such things are unheard of but I suppose love really does bite in the end.
It's about a publicity agent for books. The main character gets to work with all types of authors, humans, aliens, werewolves, and vampires. Silly woman even ends up in love with a vampire. There is a bit of an issue since his love is killing her slowly...making her bleed from across the room. Such things are unheard of but I suppose love really does bite in the end.
August 25, 2010
Just. Terrible. I wanted to take a red pen to the thing. I mean, seriously, the amount of typos and grammatical errors were practically insulting. And what's with everyone, EVERYONE liking this girl? Is it because it's explicitly commented on time and time again that she has double Ds and sleeps around? I only wish I had stopped reading it…but unfortunately made it all the way through, and then was disgusted with myself for the time I wasted.
October 27, 2010
I couldn't get past the first half of the book. The mystery and intrigue that's supposed to be in the book wasn't there - it kept focusing on the love story. Which is fine, but it was a pale imitation of a lot of the love stories in this genre. If you want fluff and a predictable ending (yeah, I flipped to the end and the last chapter was exactly as expected), read this. If you want something fairly decent in the urban fantasy genre, don't waste your time.
April 5, 2012
OK... This book was over the top, not well written, anti-climatic and VERY predictable. There were a few chapters that were very good, as far as story line... But if I weren't the type that commits to finishing a book once I've started, I would of stopped after the second chapter.
I'm not slamming Chris Salvatore as a writer because she has potential. But this book was definitely lacking. Wouldn't really recommend.
I'm not slamming Chris Salvatore as a writer because she has potential. But this book was definitely lacking. Wouldn't really recommend.
October 6, 2012
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Was it one I just couldn't put down... no. Was it a book that really made me think...no. But it was good enough to keep my attention, and it was good enough for me to recommend it to anyone wanting a book to snuggle up with on a cold winters evening, or read on a sunny beach. This book will not change your life but it will help you while away a few enjoyable hours.
September 3, 2008
This book was ok. It was the first book I've ever read about vampires and other supernatural beings and I can now see why paranormal romances are so popular. Truthfully, I have to say it did take awhile for me to get into the book and some of the lines were kind of corny. It did get better toward the end and I think the author's writing will be stronger with future novels.
June 2, 2009
I managed to read a few chapters into this book. It may have ended up being a good book, however, I have read so many paranormal romances it felt like I was re-reading the same stuff. It would have been a quick simple read but it bored me. I may come back later and try to re-read it when I am more in the mood for a predictable paranormal romance.
August 31, 2009
I had low expectations, and was still stunned by how bad this was. By far, one of the worst books I have ever read. Pathetic, cliche, and just oh so bad. I had to keep reading just to laugh out loud at the dialog, descriptions, and absurd plot. I knew it wasn't going to be great, but it was so horrible that I just can't stop laughing at it!
March 11, 2017
I don’t get why a lot of people didn't like this book I thought the book was superb.
I love the characters and the plot it was different. This book was funny, dark& sexy
I’m in love with and Jonathan character. Jonathan was witty, sarcastic.& Funny
He reminds me of Eric Northman… but the black hair version.
I love the characters and the plot it was different. This book was funny, dark& sexy
I’m in love with and Jonathan character. Jonathan was witty, sarcastic.& Funny
He reminds me of Eric Northman… but the black hair version.
May 19, 2010
Officially went from an almost 3 to a 2 when this line came up:
"I wondered if a love story between a saucy publicist and a dashing vampire would sell."
The author is a book publisher who is writing about a vampire and a publicist who is thinking about writing about a vampire and a publicist.
"I wondered if a love story between a saucy publicist and a dashing vampire would sell."
The author is a book publisher who is writing about a vampire and a publicist who is thinking about writing about a vampire and a publicist.
March 8, 2009
Silly chick-lit romance about a publicist in New York that gives up her life to join her vampire boyfriend as a vampire. Her best friend is a werewolf. Silly surface steamy fun, as long as you don't ask for anything more from the book.
September 28, 2009
This title was fun, easy reading. I liked the premise however, I kept hoping that the heroine would change her mind and find another way to solve her love dilemma.
The characters were likable and I enjoyed the friendly interaction between vamps, humans, and werewolves.
The characters were likable and I enjoyed the friendly interaction between vamps, humans, and werewolves.
January 24, 2010
i love this Gia's and Jonathans love was so great i love how she is very upfront about thingz but also alitte scared about something. Jonathan is the ideal vampire boyfriend next to Edward Cullen. Who doesn't want flowers and stuff deleivered to them? and somebody willing to do a number of thingz?
September 3, 2010
this book was like a train wreck, You see it happening and you cant look away >.< Nothing in this book made a lick of sense, But i loved Gia. She was so ridiculousness inappropriate that i loved her alot. If Gia wasn't such a likable character i wouldn't even have finished this book.
January 22, 2011
Very cute and funny vampire love story. Gia, New York book publicist who works for the company that specializes in representing undead, weres, witches and aliens authors falls in love with the very sexy vampire manager of her new bestselling vampire author. The book is fast and pretty enjoyable.
February 20, 2011
Interesting, funny, not original but yet a different view point about a romance between a human and a vampire. The scary scenes happen quickly and over just as fast but I guess the main plot these two finally being together.
Read
August 3, 2011I loved all of the characters in this book, the sarcasm in the writing, wit and character development were really humurous. It was a sexy vampire novel with a lot of modern elements in the book to make me want more...! Can't wait for the next one!
August 6, 2011
Not too shabby for a first novel. I thought it was a fun read and entertaining. Granted, I almost quit reading after the first 2 chapters because I was bored, but I stuck it out. I'm glad I did too because how often do you find a book where an English major is the heroine? :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews