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The Briarberry Estate #1

Fanged and Confused

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To humans, the Brairberry Estate is nothing more than Folklore. It’s a legend of a place that existed, then suddenly, didn’t exist any longer. To the paranormal community, the Briarberry Estate is as real as they are and promises hope and sanctuary. It’s a place for new beginnings or abrupt endings, but that outcome depended solely on the person making the choice. Kedah never knew the Estate existed until her life became something more than a merely human. Fangs and confusion clouded her life and when she fell into the Brairberry Estate doors, her entire world seemed to flip. Doran, a resident of the Estate and immortal of some kind, added to the confusing mess, causing Kedah to question just about everything of her new life. When Kedah’s sire suddenly makes a surprise reappearance, complicating her already complicated life, she finds herself quickly drowning in a sea of bad decisions and mistakes. With the uninvited, but much needed, help of Doran and a few volunteers of the Briarberry Estate, Kedah makes her grand entrance into the world of the paranormal where she’ll either survive with the help of a whole lot of luck and wits, or die, for good this time.

297 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2017

12 people are currently reading
383 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Humphrey

32 books659 followers
Hey everyone! My name is Carrie and I write paranormal and contemporary romance novels! I live in an ever growing town in North Carolina with my husband of nearly 20 years, 3 children, 1 spoiled dog, a cranky cat, and am fostering a momma cat and her 4 kittens! I love to write but when I am not writing, I love to read, cruise, be in nature, and volunteer. Please feel free to reach out and ask me all the questions! I look forwards to virtually, and maybe in person, some day!

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5 stars
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33 (39%)
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7 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Segilola Salami.
Author 7 books115 followers
October 16, 2017
Fanged and Confused is a cute little book and I enjoyed reading it. That said, I found myself a bit confused by some parts of the story.

5% in, the book caught my interest but raised a few questions very early on. Kedah is a newly turned vampire and her sire had abandoned her. the book starts off with her stealing blood from an office. I get that vampires have heightened senses and all but I would have loved to know how she knew exactly where the fridge with the blood was that no one saw her the very first time. also, how do you book an uber w/o a destination?

I do have to say that I find Carrie Humphrey to be a very talented author. There were parts of the book that had me laughing out loud. It was not meant to be comedic to reading her description of a jealous god was just too funny.

The only negative for me was that there were a few typos that broke my reading flow, leaving me to re-read sentences. Regardless, I still recommend that you give the book a go
Profile Image for Missy Taylor.
20 reviews
August 22, 2017
What a great book! The characters were engaging, the story was well thought out and interesting. I read a lot of YA and NA paranormal and this is one of the best I have read recently. The story line was not tired or used, it was a fresh take on the paranormal. Its a must read!
Profile Image for Alex Avrio.
Author 3 books28 followers
October 15, 2017
Fanged and Confused is a little rough around the edges, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying the read.

The plot centres around a woman in her mid-twenties who has recently been bitten and become a vampire, and her attempts to make sense of the new world of paranormals that she now finds herself in. She gets taken in by the local paranormal refuge, where she is given tantalising glimpses of what it means to be a paranormal, and the moral code she should now live by. Naturally, no one is keen to tell her everything and ruin the fun of watching her make a mess of things as she stumbles through on her own.

The crux of the plot revolves around her struggle against the evil vampire who turned her, and now has some control of her and wants to use her in his dastardly plan to take over the world. I found myself completely drawn into the world and involved in the lead character's plight, and I was soon invested in the plot. There are some great characters and world-building in this book, which made the whole thing engaging and allowed me to enjoy the ride. The back stories of the god characters were particular highlights, and the evolutions of the relationships between the characters was also convincing.

I guess I should mention some of the bumps, so you can decide whether these might interrupt your enjoyment. The dialogue throughout is incorrectly punctuated, and there are extra words that aren't needed such as even, actual (for example: I have no idea how to even be a damn vampire/she wasn't sure she had the actual strength). For me, the repeated use of the word 'anyways' grated on me, but maybe that's just me. I also felt the expected climactic battle fizzled out into a relatively simple win for the heroes, although this is clearly set up for bigger battles to come in the next books in the series.

All in all, I felt that most of the more difficult things (world-building, characterisation, emotional depth, tension-building, plot development) were done well, but some of the easier things to fix (dialogue formatting, word use) would have benefited from a little polish. I expect these will be sorted out in future editions, and I give it 4 stars as the positives outweighed the negatives.
Profile Image for Lisa Marie Barrera.
425 reviews27 followers
May 28, 2018
Most Intriguing Story I ever Read!! Carrie Humphrey is a First time AUTHOR for me and She BLEW ME AWAY WITH FANGED AND CONFUSED!! From the Very beginning I was Hooked and wanted to know what is going to happen Next!!
Kedah is a newly- turned vampire (4 months old) and was abandoned by her Sire. She struggles to understand her New World lifestyle and her immortality. Then meets Jensen, a charismatic older vampire which catches her stealing blood from his blood bank since that is only her Food Source now. And is very interested in her story as to Why she was going about the wrong way instead of just asking for blood. So Jansen invites her to The Den (The Briarberry Estate) which she is Not quite sure it still exist. But Jensen asure her that its there and only to the Paranormal World. But he makes sure to send her off with a cooler with some "supplies" she needs to take home. Of course Jensen really couldn't care that she was stealing blood. It was better than murdering people but he cared that she seems to alone & absolutely clueless about her nature.
Kedah still lives with her Human Best Friend Sadie which she saved her Now vampire life and knows she is Not human anymore. Also she works Nights at a Diner- Greasy Spoon within walking distance of their house and a Mysterious boss aka Cook. So getting to and from at late hours was not much challenge until one Night going home...All Hell Broke Lose!
Kedah was approached by two ugly big men but was not interested in robbing her but to do "other" damage. That's when she see Red and her vampire instinct take over which she has no Control Over plus not sure what she is capable of doing. The Cook was able to talk her out her rage to calm her down and realized the damaged she did by all the blood. Jensen was called to "clean up" the mess and warn her that she Cannot do that again...so she needed to go the the Den.
After much debate, Kedah decided to checkout the The Den where she meets Doran which gives her the rundown of the Rules of the house. Where The Den is for the supernatural & caters to Their every needs so that they are not lonely or lost.
Doran was so intrigued by Kedah that he couldn't understand why there was a magnetic connection but knew she was freshly turned & under six months old as far as he could tell. But all could think about was her emerald green eyes and chestnut brown hair that had slight waves to it. And her cheeks flushed with annoyance and frustrations because he kept baiting her which he found it was a Sexy look for her.
Kedah is clumsy but FIGURES out along the way what she can Do and Not Do. Plus she is Drawn to Doran like a Moth To A Flame but knows he is NOT of Her Kind. Has alot of Action, Laugh out Humor and Emotional Compassion between the two characters. THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE FROM CARRIE HUMPHREY!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for ✧ jay ✧.
83 reviews6 followers
dnf
December 2, 2024
DNF; no rating.

The premise of the story and the writing are not bad, this just was not for me.
Profile Image for Donna Till.
231 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2017
This is a book that I found quick and easy to read, I was able to put it down and easily go back to it. The characters are Kedah who has recently been turned into a vampire and abandoned by her Sire. Dorian who is a god, Jenson is a vampire and Aiden the werewolf. Kedah has to learn how to be a vampire as well as dealing with all the trouble she seems to attract!!! I am looking forward to reading book 2!
Profile Image for Nicole.
12 reviews
August 6, 2017
This book.... what can I say but I want sooo much more. I found it a great escape from real life, and connected on some level with the characters I met. Kedah is whitty, and Jensen is charismatic, and Aiden, is a whole lot of give me more! Getting thrown head first into the world of the paranormal with out a float isn't easy for Kedah, but she doesn't let that get in her way, and she figures it out as she goes! I cannot wait for the second installment in this series, it just isn't getting here fast enough!
Profile Image for Petra Weiser.
Author 2 books6 followers
April 14, 2020
This book is like a blood bank for vampires. Once you're in, you want to devour it all, then simmer on it by reliving every moment… and then you're going to want MORE.
I'm not your typical fantasy genre reader, so this was new territory for me. But having read a few of Carrie Humphrey's short stories, I have come to admire and love her witty style of writing. Not to mention her ability to pull at your heartstrings with her detailed descriptive emotional storytelling. Gets me every time. The author writes in a style that makes the story flow along, and it's such an easy read that you'll be at the end before you want it to be. I loved Fanged and Confused because it's weirdly relatable thanks to the vivid emotional imagery and feelings that somehow seem to be stuck in all of our hearts and thoughts. That's a gift.
The only reasons why this is not a 5-star rating: 1. While emotions are described brilliantly, I could not visualize the characters well enough when it came to their looks. There are too few details on physical attributes, clothing, hair color, facial features, etc. (and places visited), to easily ascertain a mental image. 2. There were a few formatting and grammatical issues, which did NOT take away from the overall enjoyment of the story, but which did distract me at times.
To sum it up: I'm on to the next book in the Briarberry series because book #1 was an extreme fun read with incredible emotional connections. Oh yeah, and action, humor, and romance. Pure entertainment.
Author 1 book51 followers
October 30, 2017
Fanged and Confused relates the story Kedah – a newly-turned vampire- and her struggle to understand the new world she lives in, its rules, and her immortality.
The book opens with her attempt to steal blood, and Jensen catches her. Their interaction is quite misleading because it’s not Jensen but Doran who’s the love interest. Jensen invites her to a refuge where she learns about the paranormal world, and, as such, makes a lot of mistakes.
The gist of the book is also about Kedah’s struggle with her ‘sire’, Max –the vampire who turned her. He’s vicious and ruthless. Vampires are vulnerable to silver here –which defies the norm (silver affects werewolves). Kedah is a well-developed character, and when, tortured by Max, she suffers from the silver cuffs, we empathize with her.
Doran’s intensity, the concept of soulmates (Anam Cara), newborn’s lack of control (Kedah), and mind control (Max’s) remind me much of Twilight –Bella, like Kedah, talks in her sleep though Edward is no Celtic God. As in Twilight, the rogue vampire (Max) is building an army. The ending was somewhat predictable.
Even though the book feels familiar, I like the fact there’s no swooning or you’re-my-savior reaction from Kedah. She’s a strong heroine and tells Doran that she can’t be committed to a long-term relationship. Such a commitment deserves some thought after all, given they’re immortals.
The prose is well-written, though, at times, I feel it languishes as there are too much description and inner thoughts. Things, of course, pick up when Max enters the scene, which is past the halfway mark.
It was an enjoyable read and an excellent debut for YA paranormal/vampire romance. I look forward to more of Kedah’s adventures.
Profile Image for Mary Woldering.
Author 27 books176 followers
March 25, 2018
What if you just realized you're a vampire....
Kedah of Fanged and Confused didn't know much but the hype about vampires when she was turned and abandoned. Starving, but unwilling to go out and take a victim, she steals blood and meets Jensen and later Doran. Together they offer her refuge in a vast alternative safe house where she can come to terms with immortality and feeding herself. They have a "no kill" policy. Her sire "Max" is a standard nasty vamp who controls and tortures his victims. The story moves from one of her learning her survival and her vampire skills as she discovers herself, to love, and to ultimately battling her own sire. There's drama, tension, humor and danger on every page...really no slow moments. Usually I don't like YA books because many are thin on characterization. This one was well developed and the visuals of Kedah's surroundings were skillfully detailed. I was captivated and will be waiting for Briarberry Estate #2 whenever this talented author brings it forth.
210 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2018
Truly Excellent

Excellent, convoluted, multilayered, intriguing plot. Excellent world building as to how paranormal folk fit into today's world. Excellent character development: they are realistic, imperfect, interact realistically, have faults and strengths, and grow forward with all that happens. Excellent pacing. Excellent editing.

::Content::
There is no instalove and no one is virtually controlled by their sexuality. Mate recognition is gradual. There is almost no swearing. There is no graphic sex (awesome that!) and while the feelings are there, they are tied to a deepening relationship and not described in detail. There is violence: also not graphic, not detailed out, and not frequent. There's some scattered swearing, far less than you'll hear in public.

I much appreciate finding a paranormal series focused on excellent storytelling rather than erotica. Erotica may sell well, but a true storyteller doesn't need it to keep a reader engaged in their story. I'll be buying the whole series. Bravo, Carrie Humphrey!
Profile Image for Paula Sayre humphrey.
2 reviews
September 27, 2017
Very engrossing, once you open the book you can not put it down. You instantly become invested in each character, their lives and story.
The farther along their story you go the more you NEED to keep going.
You close the book when it is over and get depressed because you can't stay with your new friends any longer and just want the next book to be there
So I will be here waiting for book 2 Hurry please
Profile Image for a collective of books.
1,521 reviews4 followers
June 22, 2018
This was a pretty good paranormal read. Kedah really is a confused vampire who was turned and left to fend for herself. Her survival and control has surprised many older paranormal creatures who have come to adore her clumsy and innocent antics. Doran is an ass and doesn't have a filter, so their interations area really funny and entertaining. Fun, clean paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Katie Jones.
184 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2018
I was able to meet Carrie in Huntsville and I decided to take a chance on her book even though paranormal isn't something I usually read. I finished this book in 2 days and am already wanting to start it over again. Kedah being the clumsy vamp that she is makes me laugh, but I feel for her with situations she falls into. Jensen is such a dad figure towards her I find it endearing. Aiden is a smelly dog, but I wouldn't mind having him on my side. And Doran...oh my lord what can I say about him. He is compassionate, fearless, and a downright bad ass when it comes to something/someone he's protective over. I truly hope that there is more to this story because I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end.
Profile Image for Danielle.
43 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2017
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway for a honest review.
First let me start by saying I LOVED IT!!
I really enjoyed the characters and hope each character receives their own story. The story was fast paced and had me not wanting to put it down!
Profile Image for Ashley Sledge( UnderCoversBookBlog).
481 reviews11 followers
May 15, 2018
4½ stars

I'm not big on Paranormal books, it takes a lot for me to like anything paranormal, with that said this book was really good!
A little rough around the edges but very interesting.
I was hooked around the first chapter.
I loved the characters.
I liked that there was action and love in this story and the female lead turned into a very strong person, well vampire.
I can't wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Shelley Schott.
73 reviews
May 18, 2018
I thought this was such a fun and interesting book to read. I loved that you got to know each character I connected to them on another level. I can’t wait to see what happens to each of the characters but really aiden! =] I want the next book already
Profile Image for Katy Rose.
Author 13 books127 followers
September 25, 2020
OMG I NEEDED THESE LAUGHS!!!! I absolutely love Carrie's sense of humor and story line! A newly turned vampire,a god and a werewolf? Oh my! If the fur doesn't fly because of the excitement I don't know what to tell you!
Kedah is a cheeky and fun female lead and her life is a crazy soap opera! I couldn't stop laughing out loud at all the antics! If you need a light and almost cozy read I would really recommend giving this book a chance!
Profile Image for Sarah Jernigan.
74 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2021
I did not want this book to end! Fanged and Confused was such a great read. I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters and falling in love with each one. I can't wait to get started on Scratched and Scared, I am hoping for a long series!
Profile Image for Tristana Hamilton.
28 reviews10 followers
October 27, 2017
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway and I really wanted to like it more than I actually did. Conversations felt forced, it just felt a little rough in general. But it was light and fun..
Profile Image for Kate.
2 reviews
February 18, 2018
I am a big reader and this book is absolutely amazing! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend!!
305 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2018
I have to say I love books that have vampires and werewolf and witches and etc. I love how they have so many twists and turns that can happen. This book I really enjoyed because it was a start of a vampires journey and the people that helped her get to a place where she could deal with what had happen to her. But what is also great about this book is the twists and turns it made that made you finish the book to see where it was going to take you. Making you crave for more and that is just want it did to me. I want more and I hope the author is going to give us more with the same characters.
246 reviews16 followers
June 17, 2018
this book can easily hook you! enjoyable characters, supporting characters and interesting plot lines will keep your reading. it would have been 5 stars if the ending was more action packed in some way or another... this one ends in an almost cliff like fashion. still worth the read- book one of a series.
Profile Image for ✨✨ Claire✨✨.
1,132 reviews60 followers
December 17, 2018
Ok

Got better as it went along but a little let down by the ending...hoping for a more satisfying ending but looking back i think this is aimed at a YA audience and I was expecting adult hence the expecting different!
Profile Image for Carly.
47 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2018
Cute read

Really excited to see where Miss Carrie will go with her writing. Creating a world is difficult to do and I think she is on a good track forward :)
Profile Image for Tamara.
136 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this book so much that I want to learn all about the other characters. I did love Kedah and how she found her strength and Doran was perfect. I can't wait to read the next book. I'm hoping for a long series.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,070 reviews51 followers
June 17, 2018
I quite liked this book. It was a little different and there were some really funny moments. It’s very quirky and I liked that about the book.
Profile Image for Talis Jones.
Author 29 books49 followers
July 15, 2022
Somehow paranormal stories full of vampires, shifters, witches, and the like have become my "comfort food" and this book did not disappoint. Fanged and Confused is only the beginning and it carries the reader through a story full of fresh twists that excite and familiar tropes that keep them returning for more. Whether you've read a few or a thousand vampire stories before, you're going to want to visit Briarberry Estate.
Profile Image for Andrew Cairns.
Author 10 books30 followers
May 9, 2018
I liked the writing style - chatty / down-to-earth, fairly fast paced, flowing prose with credible dialogue. I didn't really find the story or the characters that interesting though. I was expecting something a bit more humorous from the title, but the main character, Kedah, just comes across as rather bland and clueless. Hard-core vampire fans might find something entertaining here, but for me, while the original idea is good, the story isn't very inspiring.
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