What do you think?
Rate this book
Nocturne Falls Universe
The Inspector Claims The Vampiress
A distant London relative to the Ellinghams, vampiress crossbreed Veronica Hadleigh, hates black, loves pink, and drives a sexy car. She’s come to Nocturne Falls for a fresh start and maybe even to find Mr. Right. Which she reluctantly discovers could be human Fire Inspector, Lance Grims. But humans and vampires are a tricky combination. And when he realizes Veronica’s true nature, will he stick around or run for the Georgia hills where he was raised?
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2018
144 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Larissa Emerald
37 books41 followersLarissa writes paranormal, futuristic and contemporary romances. She is a Romance Writers of America® 2013 Golden Heart Finalist for her romantic suspense, PERFECTION which will be available now.
A combination of her love of reading and her vivid imagination―plus a strong desire to rewrite the endings of movies that just didn't end right―led Larissa into the world of writing.
She's lived in the same small Florida coastal town for her entire life. In her spare time she enjoys teaching baton twirling and dance, traveling, baking and cooking―usually altering the recipe―and, of course, reading awesome books.
Sign up for Larissa's newsletter to keep up with the latest news, get in on special prizes and behind the scenes secrets https://www.larissaemerald.com/newsle...
You can connect with Larissa on Twitter @LarissaEmBooks and Facebook www.facebook.com/larissaemerald. Her website is www.larissaemerald.com
A combination of her love of reading and her vivid imagination―plus a strong desire to rewrite the endings of movies that just didn't end right―led Larissa into the world of writing.
She's lived in the same small Florida coastal town for her entire life. In her spare time she enjoys teaching baton twirling and dance, traveling, baking and cooking―usually altering the recipe―and, of course, reading awesome books.
Sign up for Larissa's newsletter to keep up with the latest news, get in on special prizes and behind the scenes secrets https://www.larissaemerald.com/newsle...
You can connect with Larissa on Twitter @LarissaEmBooks and Facebook www.facebook.com/larissaemerald. Her website is www.larissaemerald.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 19, 2018
The Inspector Claims the Vampiress by Larissa Emerald
Welcome to Nocturne Falls. Where everyday is Halloween so the paranormal residents can live openly. From the kindle world of Kristen Painter.
A human fire inspector spends considerable time in Nocturne Falls. He drinks the spelled water so everything appears normal to him. After meeting Veronica, he wants to spend more time with her. Veronica doesn’t want to like the human, but can’t seem to resist him.
A short novella overcoming racial differences. Of a paranormal kind.
It was fun seeing through Lance’s eyes the changes in the town and people as the spelled water impact wore off.
Welcome to Nocturne Falls. Where everyday is Halloween so the paranormal residents can live openly. From the kindle world of Kristen Painter.
A human fire inspector spends considerable time in Nocturne Falls. He drinks the spelled water so everything appears normal to him. After meeting Veronica, he wants to spend more time with her. Veronica doesn’t want to like the human, but can’t seem to resist him.
A short novella overcoming racial differences. Of a paranormal kind.
It was fun seeing through Lance’s eyes the changes in the town and people as the spelled water impact wore off.
July 29, 2018
Well, well. I am very critical to Nocturne Falls Universe books. Maybe because I love NF series so much, I wanted all the books to be in par with those. However, I found myself love this book so much. Veronica was a great character. I love her immediately. Lance was a human who drank the spelled water. As these two grown close together, Lance needed to know what he was facing. It was fun to read how he reacted when the spell wore off. A very interesting read, and one of the best within NFU books.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
November 16, 2020
2020 bk 379. In the Nocturne Universe, but not written by Kristen Painter. Larissa is a very good writer - almost as good as Kristen Painter. I enjoyed the two characters who stand alone from the rest of the community, but do interact with the citizens of Nocturne Falls, and blend in just about the best of any of the NFU books do. Where I find fault was the end - it was too rushed, more could have been written about the developing relationships rather than suddenly having them living together (sorry a spoiler).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2018
The initial story was cute. Unfortunately for me, the MCs didn't really mesh well. The characters would talk about something, and then it never came back up. The story ended way too soon and felt unresolved in the end. The book had a lot of potential, unfortunately, all I can say is that the book was okay in the end.
August 21, 2018
Three and an half stars.
This is the fifth story by this author in the Nocturne Falls Universe, following The Vampire Bounty Hunter’s Unexpected Catch, The Shaman Charms the Shifter, The Witch’s Snow Globe Wish in Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe), and The Dragon Falls For The Fairy Godmother. As with the previous stories, the reading order is not of essence because these are mostly standalone stories and do not follow the same characters.
I have mixed feelings about this book, maybe because of high expectations, but this story seemed a bit rushed and I would have liked more. The author did make a good use of Nocturne Falls locations and characters, so in that sense, the feeling was there.
It is a story of Veronica, a vampire fae hybrid and an interior designer, and Lance, a human and a fire inspector. The romance is a bit rushed and i am missing some of the buildup, however, some of the parts were nice. I didn't particularly warm up to the characters, but I am guessing that has something to do with story being rushed and lack of time and opportunity to get to know the characters properly. Regardless, the author has made some great stories in the past and I am sure that more great stories are coming in future.
The Nocturne Falls is a great series and the reading order is: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls #1), The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls #2), The Gargoyle Gets His Girl (Nocturne Falls, #3), The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls, #4), and The Witch’s Halloween Hero (Nocturne Falls #4.5) in Spell of the Ball Anthology, The Werewolf's Christmas Wish (Nocturne Falls #4.6) in Hex the Halls Anthology, The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls #5), A Vampire's Valentine Surprise (Nocturne Falls #5.5), Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #1), The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls #6), Miss Frost Ices The Imp: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #2), The Vampire’s True Love Trials (Nocturne Falls #6.5) in Taming the Vampire collection, Miss Frost Saves The Sandman: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #3), The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls #7), The Vampire's Accidental Wife (Nocturne Falls #8), Miss Frost Cracks A Caper: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #4), Miss Frost Braves The Blizzard: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #5), The Reaper Rescues The Genie (Nocturne Falls #9), The Detective Wins The Witch (Nocturne Falls Book 10) and ever growing series of Nocturne Universe Novels, which surpassed 40 by now. Great world to get yourself immersed in.
This is the fifth story by this author in the Nocturne Falls Universe, following The Vampire Bounty Hunter’s Unexpected Catch, The Shaman Charms the Shifter, The Witch’s Snow Globe Wish in Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe), and The Dragon Falls For The Fairy Godmother. As with the previous stories, the reading order is not of essence because these are mostly standalone stories and do not follow the same characters.
I have mixed feelings about this book, maybe because of high expectations, but this story seemed a bit rushed and I would have liked more. The author did make a good use of Nocturne Falls locations and characters, so in that sense, the feeling was there.
It is a story of Veronica, a vampire fae hybrid and an interior designer, and Lance, a human and a fire inspector. The romance is a bit rushed and i am missing some of the buildup, however, some of the parts were nice. I didn't particularly warm up to the characters, but I am guessing that has something to do with story being rushed and lack of time and opportunity to get to know the characters properly. Regardless, the author has made some great stories in the past and I am sure that more great stories are coming in future.
The Nocturne Falls is a great series and the reading order is: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls #1), The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls #2), The Gargoyle Gets His Girl (Nocturne Falls, #3), The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls, #4), and The Witch’s Halloween Hero (Nocturne Falls #4.5) in Spell of the Ball Anthology, The Werewolf's Christmas Wish (Nocturne Falls #4.6) in Hex the Halls Anthology, The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls #5), A Vampire's Valentine Surprise (Nocturne Falls #5.5), Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #1), The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls #6), Miss Frost Ices The Imp: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #2), The Vampire’s True Love Trials (Nocturne Falls #6.5) in Taming the Vampire collection, Miss Frost Saves The Sandman: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #3), The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls #7), The Vampire's Accidental Wife (Nocturne Falls #8), Miss Frost Cracks A Caper: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #4), Miss Frost Braves The Blizzard: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #5), The Reaper Rescues The Genie (Nocturne Falls #9), The Detective Wins The Witch (Nocturne Falls Book 10) and ever growing series of Nocturne Universe Novels, which surpassed 40 by now. Great world to get yourself immersed in.
February 25, 2019
Not very good
Yeah this author is defiantly not Kristen Painter. The story may be set in Nocturne Falls but it doesn’t feel like it. This is a short novel, and boy does it feel rushed! The worse part of the story is that the guy forces the woman to deal with her extreme fear of dogs at every encounter they have. It takes three encounters of seeing her terrified of dogs before he asks about it. He doesn’t ask why she is scared. He just asks that she’s trying to get over it, right? So his assumption is assumed in his inquiry. There is this really bad line where he says that he’s fallen in love with her but wants to take things slow - even though they’ve known each other for like 48 hours, had 1 date, and on his second time kissing the girl he feels her up under her shirt. In detail. Which I won’t repeat. I know this is a romance. And I know characters are gonna fall for each other fast but it works so much better when they are nice to each other and develop their back stories and form actual bonds. This guy comes off as Rapey. And the girl, the vampire who is half fairy - which would be so amazing to explore! But no it’s just there to explain why she can say walk, she comes off as the most unassertive and under developed woman ever. So much wasted potential. We get the barest of explanations for why she is terrified of dogs and why she doesn’t get along with other vampires very well. But she never explains any of that to him. Heck she doesn’t even explain that she’s a vampire he figures that all out on his own in the worse dialogue ever after she uses her powers one time to save him. I could go on, and on, about the tiny infuriating details and disappointment but the bottom line is that this book feels to me, in my opinion, like such a wasted opportunity because it is rushed and under developed.
Now if there are people who like this book and this author then cool. More power to you. But I’m gonna stick to Kristen Painter, she’s a lot more fun and better character development.
But I will give points for the author keeping the trade mark skinny jeans on the female character which is kind of a staple for all the novels set in Nocturne Falls.
Yeah this author is defiantly not Kristen Painter. The story may be set in Nocturne Falls but it doesn’t feel like it. This is a short novel, and boy does it feel rushed! The worse part of the story is that the guy forces the woman to deal with her extreme fear of dogs at every encounter they have. It takes three encounters of seeing her terrified of dogs before he asks about it. He doesn’t ask why she is scared. He just asks that she’s trying to get over it, right? So his assumption is assumed in his inquiry. There is this really bad line where he says that he’s fallen in love with her but wants to take things slow - even though they’ve known each other for like 48 hours, had 1 date, and on his second time kissing the girl he feels her up under her shirt. In detail. Which I won’t repeat. I know this is a romance. And I know characters are gonna fall for each other fast but it works so much better when they are nice to each other and develop their back stories and form actual bonds. This guy comes off as Rapey. And the girl, the vampire who is half fairy - which would be so amazing to explore! But no it’s just there to explain why she can say walk, she comes off as the most unassertive and under developed woman ever. So much wasted potential. We get the barest of explanations for why she is terrified of dogs and why she doesn’t get along with other vampires very well. But she never explains any of that to him. Heck she doesn’t even explain that she’s a vampire he figures that all out on his own in the worse dialogue ever after she uses her powers one time to save him. I could go on, and on, about the tiny infuriating details and disappointment but the bottom line is that this book feels to me, in my opinion, like such a wasted opportunity because it is rushed and under developed.
Now if there are people who like this book and this author then cool. More power to you. But I’m gonna stick to Kristen Painter, she’s a lot more fun and better character development.
But I will give points for the author keeping the trade mark skinny jeans on the female character which is kind of a staple for all the novels set in Nocturne Falls.
July 24, 2018
This is a great book; this book is part of the Nocturne Falls Universe and is written by Larissa Emerald. The Nocturne Falls series is written by Kristen Painter and I was so happy that these new books by new authors were asked to write a story in the town. Nocturne Falls is a town that celebrates Halloween every day of the year and also a place that paranormal’s can live and not have to hide what they really are. A distant London relative to the Ellinghams, vampiress crossbreed Veronica Hadleigh, hates black, loves pink, and drives a sexy car. She’s come to Nocturne Falls for a fresh start and maybe even to find Mr. Right. Which she reluctantly discovers could be human Fire Inspector, Lance Grims. But humans and vampires are a tricky combination. And when he realizes Veronica’s true nature, will he stick around or run for the Georgia hills. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
January 11, 2019
Just okay for me..
So, this was simply a quick love story about a Fire Inspector who falls in love with a “half breed.” Half vampire and half Fea. However, you’d never know she was a half breed since she never did anything vampire-ish or Fea-ish, except the one time near the end of the story where she moved fast to keep Lance from getting hit by a van. That was it! Needless to say, it was very disappointing.
No sex, no swearing, no nothing. Definitely insta-love.
As to the narration: B.J. Harrison is the only thing that made the novella worthwhile.
So, this was simply a quick love story about a Fire Inspector who falls in love with a “half breed.” Half vampire and half Fea. However, you’d never know she was a half breed since she never did anything vampire-ish or Fea-ish, except the one time near the end of the story where she moved fast to keep Lance from getting hit by a van. That was it! Needless to say, it was very disappointing.
No sex, no swearing, no nothing. Definitely insta-love.
As to the narration: B.J. Harrison is the only thing that made the novella worthwhile.
December 31, 2020
Paranormal fun
I love the fantasy romantic world of Nocturne Falls. If you're interested in escaping to a fictional place, this is it. If beasts and bad guys excite you, get your fix without being terrorized. This is romance and humor among magical characters. In this tale, a woman learns to trust dogs again after a bad experience and finds love along the way. My only criticism is that the stories all seem to be so short. You just get involved with the characters and the book is over.
I love the fantasy romantic world of Nocturne Falls. If you're interested in escaping to a fictional place, this is it. If beasts and bad guys excite you, get your fix without being terrorized. This is romance and humor among magical characters. In this tale, a woman learns to trust dogs again after a bad experience and finds love along the way. My only criticism is that the stories all seem to be so short. You just get involved with the characters and the book is over.
July 22, 2018
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Veronica is in Nocturne Falls to start over.
When fire inspector Lance saves Veronica from a fire, sparks fly.
However, can a vampire and a human be a couple ?
Veronica is willing to give it a go.
Now she just have to convince Lance.
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Veronica is in Nocturne Falls to start over.
When fire inspector Lance saves Veronica from a fire, sparks fly.
However, can a vampire and a human be a couple ?
Veronica is willing to give it a go.
Now she just have to convince Lance.
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
July 25, 2018
This is a lovely little story about a human fire inspector and a vampiress new to Nocturne Falls. It’s got great build up to their relationship. I got a little frustrated with him when he brushed her fears aside and didn’t acknowledge or take them into consideration. And the ending just seemed to tie itself into too neat of a bow. It sort of felt to me like the ending didn’t flow at beautifully as the rest of the story.
November 19, 2018
Way short
I know the universe stories were short. This one indicated 155 pages. Decent size read.
The story ended abruptly at the 66% mark. 5hen previews of the authors other books.
Very unhappy. Not worth the 2.99 for about 90 pages
The story was decent, but ended very abruptly. Went from hey I’m a vampire to we are living together and I now have a puppy. Not worth the $$ or the time.
I know the universe stories were short. This one indicated 155 pages. Decent size read.
The story ended abruptly at the 66% mark. 5hen previews of the authors other books.
Very unhappy. Not worth the 2.99 for about 90 pages
The story was decent, but ended very abruptly. Went from hey I’m a vampire to we are living together and I now have a puppy. Not worth the $$ or the time.
May 23, 2022
Too short needed more backstory!
Not my favourite of the collection into nocturne falls universe. I loved seeing another side of Elanora Ellingham however I found Lance and Veronica rather forgettable. There was so much focus on their want to be together but from two different worlds that they weren’t fleshed out. I wish there had been more to it as father dogs were sadly more memorable to me than the main characters.
Not my favourite of the collection into nocturne falls universe. I loved seeing another side of Elanora Ellingham however I found Lance and Veronica rather forgettable. There was so much focus on their want to be together but from two different worlds that they weren’t fleshed out. I wish there had been more to it as father dogs were sadly more memorable to me than the main characters.
January 26, 2024
Veronica has moved to Nocturn falls. She loves the town but comes with a fear of fire and dogs. This is unfortunate when her cottage catches fire in a thunderstorm. Lance comes to help put out the fire and brings his fire dog. Not the best start for a romance! Lance is drawn to Veronica and extends his stay in Nocturn Falls to get to know Veronica. A very nice story! I’d love to live or at least visit Nocturn Falls!
August 18, 2024
European half vampire comes to Nocturne Falls, Georgia for a change of scenery. She meets a human arson inspector who grew up on a rural Georgia farm. The inspector has a dog, which she's deathly afraid of. Somehow, they make a relationship work.
Typos: Every possible spelling, punctuation, and grammar error is represented here. The funniest was "half to admit" for "have to admit." This is an obvious dictation error that no one bothered to catch or correct. I resent authors who are so sloppy with their writing, do not hire anyone competent for proofing, yet expect readers to pay for their work.
Typos: Every possible spelling, punctuation, and grammar error is represented here. The funniest was "half to admit" for "have to admit." This is an obvious dictation error that no one bothered to catch or correct. I resent authors who are so sloppy with their writing, do not hire anyone competent for proofing, yet expect readers to pay for their work.
July 19, 2018
Vanessa is a mixed breed - vampire and fae. She comes to Nocturne Falls to start over and build her interior decorating business. Lance is a fire inspector and comes to Nocturne Falls to do training with the local fire department. This story is a cute one, but seems rushed toward the end. I would have liked to read more about the development of their relationship.
January 8, 2025
Just so so
It's ok, but it does have chapters that closely resemble scenes from another vampire story, where the vampires sparkle. The cross breed vampire could have been played up more, and there's a few holes in the story, but the characters are likeable. However, it's just ok.
It's ok, but it does have chapters that closely resemble scenes from another vampire story, where the vampires sparkle. The cross breed vampire could have been played up more, and there's a few holes in the story, but the characters are likeable. However, it's just ok.
July 24, 2018
Truly enjoyed
I really liked this book. It is the first book I have read by a different author (other than Kristen Painter) in the Nocturne Falls universe and I'm glad I have branched out. I look forward to reading more books by Larissa.
I really liked this book. It is the first book I have read by a different author (other than Kristen Painter) in the Nocturne Falls universe and I'm glad I have branched out. I look forward to reading more books by Larissa.
August 9, 2018
It’s a cute story, and ties in neatly with others in the NFU. The characters were interesting, and it had a great build up for their relationship, however, it just suddenly ended with everything worked out. It really needed more fluffy filler to round the story out better. A bit disappointing.
May 11, 2022
Kristen Painter realized that so man people loved the town of Nocturne Falls that she created a great place where lots of different authors could write short romantic stories about people in Nocturne Falls called A Nocturne Falls Universe. This is one of those books that I was happy to read.
February 9, 2024
A sweet little romance between two very different people. Veronica isn’t sure at first and there are some problems along the way. Lance has decide what he really feels. But this short story delivers a HEA #CMCon24
October 27, 2025
Wonderful
Another great Nocturne Falls Universe story. The NFU stories are a great way to experience new authors and new series that have connected to the Nocturne Falls world we love.
Another great Nocturne Falls Universe story. The NFU stories are a great way to experience new authors and new series that have connected to the Nocturne Falls world we love.
July 15, 2018
I enjoyed this short story. I thought Lance and Veronica were a good match. I glad he's helped her to somewhat get over her fear of dogs!
July 26, 2018
Good book, but everything gets settled a bit too fast for me.
August 23, 2018
This is a cute story. I love the Universe, but I would have enjoyed the story more if it had been better edited. Sighs.
January 20, 2019
A fun read!
April 30, 2020
This was cute but not much going on. Rare one with a human main character.
January 26, 2023
Inspector Claims Vampiress
Story only covers 60% of book, rest covers other books by author. Was a good story until the end. Ending too sudden/too abrupt.
Story only covers 60% of book, rest covers other books by author. Was a good story until the end. Ending too sudden/too abrupt.
October 13, 2025
Meh, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good.
October 23, 2025
A good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews