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The Others #14
You're So Vein
Just like new! only read once then kept on bookshelf. No wear.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2009
44 people are currently reading
1850 people want to read
About the author
Christine Warren
42 books1,830 followersBorn and raised in coastal New England, Christine Warren lived in the South and the Mid-Atlantic before hopping to the other side of the country to take up the life of a transplant in the Pacific Northwest. She completely bypassed those states in the middle due to her landlocking phobia. Hmm, need to research a scientific term for that...
When not scrambling frantically to complete her latest writing project, Christine spends most of her time as a crazy animal lady, hanging out with her dog Levi (he’s the one with the hair) and pretending to train him to have some manners. She also hangs out with her horse, Cal—a thoroughbred with a craving for strawberry licorice twists—her goddog, Merlin; and her best friend, fellow author Hannah Murray. In addition to playing with her pets, Christine’s hobbies include identifying dog breeds from photos of their underbellies, appreciating fine and not-so-fine wines, shopping for the perfect pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, and most of all reading things someone else had to agonize over.
She enjoys hearing from readers and can be reached via email sent to Christine@christinewarren.net or by postal mail to Christine Warren, PO Box 871900, Vancouver, WA 98687-1900.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/christ...
When not scrambling frantically to complete her latest writing project, Christine spends most of her time as a crazy animal lady, hanging out with her dog Levi (he’s the one with the hair) and pretending to train him to have some manners. She also hangs out with her horse, Cal—a thoroughbred with a craving for strawberry licorice twists—her goddog, Merlin; and her best friend, fellow author Hannah Murray. In addition to playing with her pets, Christine’s hobbies include identifying dog breeds from photos of their underbellies, appreciating fine and not-so-fine wines, shopping for the perfect pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, and most of all reading things someone else had to agonize over.
She enjoys hearing from readers and can be reached via email sent to Christine@christinewarren.net or by postal mail to Christine Warren, PO Box 871900, Vancouver, WA 98687-1900.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/christ...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
July 20, 2010
^^ THIS ONE PUTS THE ITCH IN BITCH! ^^
The 7th book in the Others series was actually quite good, with Ava not being my fave character on the grounds that she was always a bitch, drinking too much hatearade. Finally she gets her own book and she was exceptionally funny and quite ironic that the things she has hated she become one. IN THE FACE!!!!!!!
I am not gonna go into details about others, they are supernatural beings our vamps, wolves, witches blah blah blah. Humans know about their existence and after a few books of crazies I must say humans are now quite accepting apart from the few who are still crazy and hate them. So Ava has watched some of her best-friends fall in love with Others and she is quite resentful, they know it and she doesn’t try to hide it. Makes for some uncomfortable girl nights, when your best friend is a vampire who you love and hate at the same time. Well, Ava is the Queen B and she will not let a little thing like hating her friends stop her from hanging out.
While walking home one night late at night, Ava is attacked and turned into the very thing she hates a vampire. An unsuspecting stranger comes in and rescues her but the damage is done she will need blood and he will have to become her sire. When Ava wakes up from her change she believes she is still human, and there is a sexy stranger standing above her, oh did I mention she was tied to bed. This doesn’t go over too well, but she cannot deny her attraction to this sexy vamp who goes by the name of Vlad. Well thus begins her education in Vampire 101 and Ava is not exactly a willing student.
Hear this, I liked this book cus all my fave characters from previous books are very present in this one. Plus we know boys will be boys, and these boys can play. Ava is hilarious all that bitchitude made her a memorable character. The action was mediocre at best, but then again the villain is this crazy little girl (by little I mean in size). The steam factor was hot, cus Ava is chick who knows what she wants and Vlad is a man who knows how to deliver. Together they set the sheets on fire and turned them red.
Interested in the series, start from the first book and move on, lots of old characters make appearances. I will tell you some books are better than others but that is to be expected in every series. This one was very good for me.
The 7th book in the Others series was actually quite good, with Ava not being my fave character on the grounds that she was always a bitch, drinking too much hatearade. Finally she gets her own book and she was exceptionally funny and quite ironic that the things she has hated she become one. IN THE FACE!!!!!!!
I am not gonna go into details about others, they are supernatural beings our vamps, wolves, witches blah blah blah. Humans know about their existence and after a few books of crazies I must say humans are now quite accepting apart from the few who are still crazy and hate them. So Ava has watched some of her best-friends fall in love with Others and she is quite resentful, they know it and she doesn’t try to hide it. Makes for some uncomfortable girl nights, when your best friend is a vampire who you love and hate at the same time. Well, Ava is the Queen B and she will not let a little thing like hating her friends stop her from hanging out.
While walking home one night late at night, Ava is attacked and turned into the very thing she hates a vampire. An unsuspecting stranger comes in and rescues her but the damage is done she will need blood and he will have to become her sire. When Ava wakes up from her change she believes she is still human, and there is a sexy stranger standing above her, oh did I mention she was tied to bed. This doesn’t go over too well, but she cannot deny her attraction to this sexy vamp who goes by the name of Vlad. Well thus begins her education in Vampire 101 and Ava is not exactly a willing student.
Hear this, I liked this book cus all my fave characters from previous books are very present in this one. Plus we know boys will be boys, and these boys can play. Ava is hilarious all that bitchitude made her a memorable character. The action was mediocre at best, but then again the villain is this crazy little girl (by little I mean in size). The steam factor was hot, cus Ava is chick who knows what she wants and Vlad is a man who knows how to deliver. Together they set the sheets on fire and turned them red.
Interested in the series, start from the first book and move on, lots of old characters make appearances. I will tell you some books are better than others but that is to be expected in every series. This one was very good for me.
September 27, 2010
No stranger to the supernatural world, Ava Markham is prejudice against it none the less… until one fateful night when she gets attacked by a vampire.
Chancing upon Ava who had been left for dead, Vladimir "Dima" Rurikovich finishes the job of bringing her to the other side- and falls for the strong, ice queen who melts his heart like none before her.
Dima, sent from the old world to control and apprehend a rogue Vampiress, soon discovers that said Vamp is the one responsible for the attack on Ava thus making his woman the only one to help him complete his mission. After just finding her, the last thing Dima wants to do is send her into the fire, but Ava's as determined as ever to help him out and when Ava sets her mind to something she gets the job done.
I liked most of Warren’s Fixed series, (The name of the ebook series before it was sent to print publishing and changed to "The Others"), however, I have one major issue with her heroines. The more she attempts to make them appear strong and independent, the more I dislike them. Coming off as plain old bitchy, they srsly get on my nerves and Ava is the epitome of this type of Warren’s heroines. She SO got on my nerves I couldn’t empathize with her one iota, even when she revealed the underlying pain behind her bitchy facade.
So yeah, 1 out of 5 from me. MAYBE I would have liked the story if it had been any other character, but who knows? Unfortunately the story and and otherwise sexy and kind hero were far overridden by my loathing of the heroine.
Chancing upon Ava who had been left for dead, Vladimir "Dima" Rurikovich finishes the job of bringing her to the other side- and falls for the strong, ice queen who melts his heart like none before her.
Dima, sent from the old world to control and apprehend a rogue Vampiress, soon discovers that said Vamp is the one responsible for the attack on Ava thus making his woman the only one to help him complete his mission. After just finding her, the last thing Dima wants to do is send her into the fire, but Ava's as determined as ever to help him out and when Ava sets her mind to something she gets the job done.
I liked most of Warren’s Fixed series, (The name of the ebook series before it was sent to print publishing and changed to "The Others"), however, I have one major issue with her heroines. The more she attempts to make them appear strong and independent, the more I dislike them. Coming off as plain old bitchy, they srsly get on my nerves and Ava is the epitome of this type of Warren’s heroines. She SO got on my nerves I couldn’t empathize with her one iota, even when she revealed the underlying pain behind her bitchy facade.
So yeah, 1 out of 5 from me. MAYBE I would have liked the story if it had been any other character, but who knows? Unfortunately the story and and otherwise sexy and kind hero were far overridden by my loathing of the heroine.
March 29, 2009
Another hot read from Christine Warren. In "You're So Vein" she finally gives us the story of Ava--the most high-maintenance diva of all the original 'fantasy fix' girls. Ava has an issue with Others, so imagine what happens when she's attacked by a vampire, saved by another vampire, and then finds herself falling in love with her savior? Let's just say, "It ain't pretty."
Warren writes with a lot of humor and much of it is also bitingly sarcastic (which I adore). The verbal daggers thrown and exchanged between Ava and her friends' husbands will surely keep a grin on your face. There is a problem with "You're So Vein" though. I think if you haven't read the other Other books, you may be a little confused at the cast of characters. We have vampires, werewolves, fae, and a few other assorted paranormal races on at least three different continents in this series; so if you haven't been keeping up, it might impact your enjoyment in this latest story.
As for me? I ate this sucker up. Ava and her vamp are hot, hot, hot. Yet it never crosses the line into erotica or gets too kinky for the mainstream romance market. This one is set in New York City and Ava, being a former model, name drops designers with the best. But it never got overbearing and that's saying a lot for me. I also liked that there's no true mortal danger in this book. There's a 'bad guy' that's very bad true, but no 'good guy' paranormals were harmed in the writing of this book. So just sit back, enjoy, and fan yourself occasionally.
Warren writes with a lot of humor and much of it is also bitingly sarcastic (which I adore). The verbal daggers thrown and exchanged between Ava and her friends' husbands will surely keep a grin on your face. There is a problem with "You're So Vein" though. I think if you haven't read the other Other books, you may be a little confused at the cast of characters. We have vampires, werewolves, fae, and a few other assorted paranormal races on at least three different continents in this series; so if you haven't been keeping up, it might impact your enjoyment in this latest story.
As for me? I ate this sucker up. Ava and her vamp are hot, hot, hot. Yet it never crosses the line into erotica or gets too kinky for the mainstream romance market. This one is set in New York City and Ava, being a former model, name drops designers with the best. But it never got overbearing and that's saying a lot for me. I also liked that there's no true mortal danger in this book. There's a 'bad guy' that's very bad true, but no 'good guy' paranormals were harmed in the writing of this book. So just sit back, enjoy, and fan yourself occasionally.
April 11, 2025
You're So Vein
4 Stars
Ava Markham is annoyed. Her friends have all become different people (and, in some cases, different species) since becoming involved with the Others. Her annoyance and inattention have disastrous consequences when she is attacked by a vampire and accidentally turned. Vladimir Rurikovich, an enforcer for the European Council of Others, is chasing a rogue and comes to Ava's aid. The only problem is that Dima's target has plans of their own for Ava, Dima, and the Others in New York as well...
Series note: Due to references to previous characters and events, the series should be read in order. That said, I skipped over book #12 and do not plan to read the final book, #16, as these focus on completely new characters in new settings rather than on the familiar group of Others in New York.
Minor nitpick: The Russian diminutive for Vladimir is Vova or Vlad while the diminutive for Dmitri is Dima. Unfortunately, Warren uses Dima for Vladimir and Sasha (short for Alexander) for Regina's husband, Dimitri. This creates some confusion as to who is speaking, and the problem is compounded when listening to the audiobook.
Nevertheless, You're So Vein is a huge improvement on the last couple of books in the series, which were disappointing, to say the least. In this book, Warren returns to the core group of heroines of which Ava is the final member to receive her long-awaited HEA. Ava is a classic prickly heroine whose snarky bitchiness (yes, I used the B word) conceals a deep-seated loneliness and vulnerability.
Dima is a delight whose obvious befuddlement at his sudden and intense attraction to a woman who would rather eat nails than be in a relationship with an Other is hilarious. It is so sweet to see him win her over with care and attention to detail. They have great chemistry and their banter is wonderful.
The plot is also one of the better developed in the series with a truly nasty villain with nefarious plans. The final showdown is exciting, and Ava, thankfully avoids the TSTL trap that so many paranormal and romantic suspense heroines fall into.
In sum, this is the penultimate book in the series, but I am ending it on a high note.
4 Stars
Ava Markham is annoyed. Her friends have all become different people (and, in some cases, different species) since becoming involved with the Others. Her annoyance and inattention have disastrous consequences when she is attacked by a vampire and accidentally turned. Vladimir Rurikovich, an enforcer for the European Council of Others, is chasing a rogue and comes to Ava's aid. The only problem is that Dima's target has plans of their own for Ava, Dima, and the Others in New York as well...
Series note: Due to references to previous characters and events, the series should be read in order. That said, I skipped over book #12 and do not plan to read the final book, #16, as these focus on completely new characters in new settings rather than on the familiar group of Others in New York.
Minor nitpick: The Russian diminutive for Vladimir is Vova or Vlad while the diminutive for Dmitri is Dima. Unfortunately, Warren uses Dima for Vladimir and Sasha (short for Alexander) for Regina's husband, Dimitri. This creates some confusion as to who is speaking, and the problem is compounded when listening to the audiobook.
Nevertheless, You're So Vein is a huge improvement on the last couple of books in the series, which were disappointing, to say the least. In this book, Warren returns to the core group of heroines of which Ava is the final member to receive her long-awaited HEA. Ava is a classic prickly heroine whose snarky bitchiness (yes, I used the B word) conceals a deep-seated loneliness and vulnerability.
Dima is a delight whose obvious befuddlement at his sudden and intense attraction to a woman who would rather eat nails than be in a relationship with an Other is hilarious. It is so sweet to see him win her over with care and attention to detail. They have great chemistry and their banter is wonderful.
The plot is also one of the better developed in the series with a truly nasty villain with nefarious plans. The final showdown is exciting, and Ava, thankfully avoids the TSTL trap that so many paranormal and romantic suspense heroines fall into.
In sum, this is the penultimate book in the series, but I am ending it on a high note.
April 5, 2009
Good read. For those of us who started with the world of the Others back in the Fantasy Fix ebook days [fyi: Fantasy Fix was rewritten as One Bite With a Stranger] it's good to finally see Ava fall. Her sarcastic 'Queen Bitch' attitude is alive and well - even though it takes a hit when she is violently turned from human to vampire. Her teeth-grinding suppression of her prejudices and fears of the Others community, even and perhaps especially her dearest friends, makes becoming a vampire herself even more terrifying...
Of course there's Dima - her not-quite-in-time rescuer who eases her conversion and wants to teach her how to be a successful [and happy:] vampire. But Ava doesn't want to be a vampire and she doesn't want to be happy - she just wants her old life back. So maybe if she just ignores everything it will all go away...
Complications abound - there's a connection between Dima and Reggie's Dmitri, there's political maneuvering between the European Vampire Council and the American Others, and then there's the insane female vampire who plans to take over the world...one body at a time.
Fixed
1. Fantasy Fix (2003)
2. Fur Factor (2003)
3. Faer Fetched (2004)
4. Fighting Faer (2004)
5. Fur For All (2004)
6. Fur Play (2003)
Fantasy Fix
Novels of the Others
1. Wolf at the Door (2006)
2. She's No Faerie Princess (2006)
3. The Demon You Know (2007)
4. Howl At the Moon (2007)
5. Walk On the Wild Side (2008)
6. One Bite with a Stranger (2008)
7. You're So Vein (2009)
Of course there's Dima - her not-quite-in-time rescuer who eases her conversion and wants to teach her how to be a successful [and happy:] vampire. But Ava doesn't want to be a vampire and she doesn't want to be happy - she just wants her old life back. So maybe if she just ignores everything it will all go away...
Complications abound - there's a connection between Dima and Reggie's Dmitri, there's political maneuvering between the European Vampire Council and the American Others, and then there's the insane female vampire who plans to take over the world...one body at a time.
Fixed
1. Fantasy Fix (2003)
2. Fur Factor (2003)
3. Faer Fetched (2004)
4. Fighting Faer (2004)
5. Fur For All (2004)
6. Fur Play (2003)
Fantasy Fix
Novels of the Others
1. Wolf at the Door (2006)
2. She's No Faerie Princess (2006)
3. The Demon You Know (2007)
4. Howl At the Moon (2007)
5. Walk On the Wild Side (2008)
6. One Bite with a Stranger (2008)
7. You're So Vein (2009)
January 10, 2016
I hated Ava in all the other books in this series and I hate her still, even after hearing all the reasoning behind her behavior and attitude. Simply put, she's an arrogant bitch. She throws nonstop tantrums, her rude diatribes never end, and she's endlessly inconsiderate. She still holds a grudge that her friends didn't listen to her and follow her plans for the fantasy fix dates she set up for them and instead met their soul mates instead of going on the blind dates she'd arranged. That's how self centered she is. This book can tell me all it wants about how much she cares for her friends, but her brand of caring is a verbal abuse kind.
So the plot is Ava is turned into a vampire against her will & saved by Dima, a vampire Special Ops guy. Ava thinks all supernatural creatures are monsters, so instead of being glad to be alive in any capacity, she throws nonstop tantrums and makes everyone miserable. Dima somehow doesn't re-murder her. I liked his character & he's the only reason this is getting a 2 star rating instead of 1. He's solid, calm, efficient, and stoic. Which is like a breath of fresh, sane air compared to Ava. It makes no sense that he or her friends like her. Really, it's like saying the girl from The Ring is a great friend, when she's not coming out of the tv to kill you. Makes no sense.
I skimmed a lot due to way too many inner monologues from both characters. That slowed down the story and would've been better without it. Still like Dima, slow and steady Dima wins the race. Let's drop Ava into the well with The Ring girl.
So the plot is Ava is turned into a vampire against her will & saved by Dima, a vampire Special Ops guy. Ava thinks all supernatural creatures are monsters, so instead of being glad to be alive in any capacity, she throws nonstop tantrums and makes everyone miserable. Dima somehow doesn't re-murder her. I liked his character & he's the only reason this is getting a 2 star rating instead of 1. He's solid, calm, efficient, and stoic. Which is like a breath of fresh, sane air compared to Ava. It makes no sense that he or her friends like her. Really, it's like saying the girl from The Ring is a great friend, when she's not coming out of the tv to kill you. Makes no sense.
I skimmed a lot due to way too many inner monologues from both characters. That slowed down the story and would've been better without it. Still like Dima, slow and steady Dima wins the race. Let's drop Ava into the well with The Ring girl.
April 25, 2016
I hate Ava. I've always hated her. She's always been a judgmental bitch. In this book we get to see exactly how bitchy she is. Seriously so judgmental. She hates all "others" but certain things happen and she had to get over it. Even though she wakes up after her attack and she's still terrible. She acts like a 12 year old and like all stupid heroines she runs away without getting all the facts.
They fall in love in 2 days. I don't mind insta-love but it has to be written a certain way and the characters need to have I don't know at least some good qualities. Dima seemed like an okay guy but I don't understand what was so appealing about Ava. She was horrible to him. I don't understand that kind of instal-love. Who knows, we really don't get to know Dima at all. So maybe he's not all the great. The whole book takes the span of 3-4 days.. I can't remember exactly now but I know it isn't long. Maybe 5 days. My point is that there wasn't enough time to get to know him. We know Ava from past books.
I was extremely disappointed by this book. I know I'm getting to the end of the series and you would think that the books would get better but this one is one of the worst of the series.
They fall in love in 2 days. I don't mind insta-love but it has to be written a certain way and the characters need to have I don't know at least some good qualities. Dima seemed like an okay guy but I don't understand what was so appealing about Ava. She was horrible to him. I don't understand that kind of instal-love. Who knows, we really don't get to know Dima at all. So maybe he's not all the great. The whole book takes the span of 3-4 days.. I can't remember exactly now but I know it isn't long. Maybe 5 days. My point is that there wasn't enough time to get to know him. We know Ava from past books.
I was extremely disappointed by this book. I know I'm getting to the end of the series and you would think that the books would get better but this one is one of the worst of the series.
October 15, 2009
I think it's really hard to like a book when I don't really like the main character. I know we're supposed to grow to like her, but I didn't, and the attraction between Dima and Ava is there, but there is no love. It's like they just are attracted to each other and then they're in love, the back story got more attention than their story, which is unusual. Idid like the "others" who were in the background (Missy and Graham, Tess and Rafe, Noah got a guest spot, and even Reggie and Misha from One Bite With a Stranger), but Ava wasn't a fun character to read about. however I did love Dima.
August 28, 2010
I'm really not reading this series in order, I keep missing books and I'm not sure why.
Ava Markham is beautiful, savvy, chic, and more at home with Kate Spade than with the idea of fangs and fur. She can’t get quite used to the fact that some of closest friends have crossed over to the Other side. Then one night she is attacked by a rogue vampire, and her deepest fears are realized when her body begins a dangerous transformation from human to immortal—a change she cannot survive without the help of an alluring stranger who comes to her rescue. Vladimir Rurikovich, an elite member of the European Council of Vampires, is on the prowl for a murderous vampire fugitive on the night he saves Ava from the clutches of death. It takes just one look for Dima to know he cannot live another eight centuries without the stunning and seductive Ava until he discovers a secret about her bloodline that could change everything.
I've not really liked Ava during this series and wasn't very excited when I realised she had her own book. I enjoyed reading more about the previous characters than I did about Ava.
I just found her to be too much and really disliked her attitude to her friends and to her life in general.
I quite liked Dima (Vladimir) he talked sense to Ava about her changes since been turning into a vampire, where Ava decided she knew best and would be fine on her own without any guidence which she proved she couldn't do.
I really liked the overall story, about the badass vampire on the loose from Europe, and the council are determined to re-capture her and stop her rampaging ways of turning unsuspecting humans into vampires for her coven to take over New York.
Ava Markham is beautiful, savvy, chic, and more at home with Kate Spade than with the idea of fangs and fur. She can’t get quite used to the fact that some of closest friends have crossed over to the Other side. Then one night she is attacked by a rogue vampire, and her deepest fears are realized when her body begins a dangerous transformation from human to immortal—a change she cannot survive without the help of an alluring stranger who comes to her rescue. Vladimir Rurikovich, an elite member of the European Council of Vampires, is on the prowl for a murderous vampire fugitive on the night he saves Ava from the clutches of death. It takes just one look for Dima to know he cannot live another eight centuries without the stunning and seductive Ava until he discovers a secret about her bloodline that could change everything.
I've not really liked Ava during this series and wasn't very excited when I realised she had her own book. I enjoyed reading more about the previous characters than I did about Ava.
I just found her to be too much and really disliked her attitude to her friends and to her life in general.
I quite liked Dima (Vladimir) he talked sense to Ava about her changes since been turning into a vampire, where Ava decided she knew best and would be fine on her own without any guidence which she proved she couldn't do.
I really liked the overall story, about the badass vampire on the loose from Europe, and the council are determined to re-capture her and stop her rampaging ways of turning unsuspecting humans into vampires for her coven to take over New York.
April 9, 2009
This book had promise but went nowhere. It had good bones for the characters but really didn't flesh them out. The big bad vampire woman could have been really evil and crazy but unfortunately we didn't get to meet her until way at the end of the book. Way to much time was taken up with ava and dima in bed. Also the conflict with ava becoming a vamp against her will could have been developed more. Also her friend attitudes about her becoming a vamp, they knew she didn't like the others and yet they had no sympathy for her at all. I couldn't figure out why these people were friends at all. Also when she wants to go home they all make such a big deal about it, Dima was staying in a rental place, whats the big problem just stay at her place and teach her what she needs to know about being a vampire, let ava have her own things around her maybe it will calm her down some. In my opinon this book was phoned in, it had no depth to it like her other books do, well all except ONE BITE WITH A STRANGER. If you have to get this book do so from the local library it is not a keeper.
November 6, 2010
I aaaah ..don't know for some reason I couldnt get my head in this one but bravooooooooo to others that thought it was great! The heroine/ Ava Markham stood out for me when I read(ooooh I love this book it's my babee) BIG BAD WOLF/Christine Warren..I was soooo excited couldnt wait to see Ava Markham in ur own book(she was somewhat of a complex creature..she's a strong minded woman but good goodness some of the things she did was a bit senseless but then again her character was true to life..There R women like her.I guess I have to chock-it-up as Apples & Oranges..everyone's taste & preference is totally different. I wanted to see more of her ,but when I read portions of:YOU'RE SO VEIN I lost my why somehow..the flow wasnt my flow...This book would be better suited for someone else.In the mean time Perhaps a discussion on Alpha -like women..(somebody..plezzzzee.:O(would highly be recommend agenda list;O)!
October 29, 2011
Ava Markham, one of the girls in the "in" group, is a sarcastic bitch, who only the other girls love. All their husbands tolerate her because they don't want to upset their wives. She has deep seated reasons for her obnoxiousness - dysfunctional childhood, international model when she was 13, so everyone wanted a piece of her, etc etc.
Dima, an 800 yr old vamp over from old country on a special mission to bring down a criminal insane vamp meets Ava just as she is turned against her will by a rogue vamp. He kills the rogue and decides to sire Ava and he has his work cut out for him.
Ava really is an obnoxious character and I think we all sympathise with Dima when he realizes he loves Ava.
Dima, an 800 yr old vamp over from old country on a special mission to bring down a criminal insane vamp meets Ava just as she is turned against her will by a rogue vamp. He kills the rogue and decides to sire Ava and he has his work cut out for him.
Ava really is an obnoxious character and I think we all sympathise with Dima when he realizes he loves Ava.
November 12, 2011
I really did like this book. I love the series and I have not had any problems with any other character as much as I did with Ava. She irritated me so bad in the last book with Reggie, that the second I found out this book was about her, I brought it back to the library. I forced myself to start reading it again after about a month without it. I loved Dima, but Ava really irritated me through the book until she realized she was being a spoiled rotten brat and making everyone around her miserable. I absolutely love this series and am glad I can now read Big Bad Wolf. These can be read separately, but I hate skipping books that are numbered.
July 16, 2013
I didn't like Ava going into this book and I didn't like her after. She really is a hateful b*tch. I just can't find any endearing qualities to her. I don't know how I got through this story, really. I mostly wanted to reach through the book and choke her. Vladimir (Dima) is a saint. He is far to patient, and apparently brain damaged, because he loves Ava. The story was pretty good though. Considering I hate the female lead this is pretty darn shocking. The plot was more than romance and had plenty of other characters make appearances. So for the plot I give 3.5 stars, for the romance, I was not as happy.
January 25, 2018
Re read on 01/52/2018
A very meh experience. It does not read well a second time. Skipped a lot, there isn't much plot, like at all, outside the fakish romance.
Three stars
I wanted a fun and light read and this book delivered. I can't say it's a great read, but I like it and enjoyed Ava's bitchiness. :) She remained true to her former appearances in the previous books, which isn't that common when a "bad" character is made the leading one in his/her own story. On the other side, Dima was kind of bland, but - as I said - I was looking for a relaxing experience.
A very meh experience. It does not read well a second time. Skipped a lot, there isn't much plot, like at all, outside the fakish romance.
Three stars
I wanted a fun and light read and this book delivered. I can't say it's a great read, but I like it and enjoyed Ava's bitchiness. :) She remained true to her former appearances in the previous books, which isn't that common when a "bad" character is made the leading one in his/her own story. On the other side, Dima was kind of bland, but - as I said - I was looking for a relaxing experience.
November 11, 2013
3.5 stars really, at least. I have been working my way through this series partly to get to this book. Though have been very much enjoying the trip, was eager to get to Ava's story, as her other 4 best friends' stories were dealt with way earlier in the series. Ava is a difficult character to like, and there were many moments in this book that I still didn't like her. I bet this was a fun one to write though.
August 15, 2012
Ava was a cold, prejudiced and not very likeable heroine. But she's also fiercely loyal, fearless and that's why she can still bag herself a yummy vampire.
Not a bad read, the jumping timeline when reading in publication order is a bit all over the place though. Probably would have been much better off reading in chronological order instead.
Not a bad read, the jumping timeline when reading in publication order is a bit all over the place though. Probably would have been much better off reading in chronological order instead.
July 31, 2011
It was pretty good, except Ava got on my nerves basically constantly; her 'I'm better than everyone else and all the Others are evil and stupid' attitude that she had for almost the whole book annoyed me to no end.
August 17, 2014
it's best, with a romance novel, that I'm not rooting for the female lead to die.
November 18, 2017
Exciting!
From the very beginning I was hooked as I’ve been waiting to re-read hoe Ava meets her match.
Ava Markham the last of the 5 friends in the Fantasy Fix gang who hasn’t liked The Others since she 1st met one; becomes one when she was attacked by a rogue vampire & she bit him back.
Vladimir “Dima” Rurikovich saw what happened to Ava & decides to help her in her turn & as he does he discovers that he’s also attracted to her. Dima is in NY on a mission from the European Council of Vampires to apprehend a known vampire criminal who escaped prison (we met her daughter in book 1).
That is the beginning of this exciting story. This books contains scarasm & snarkiness, sex scenes, lots of vampires & werewolves, etc., a reunion between long lost 1/2 brothers & a fight scene that Ava misses as a werewolf was sitting on her.
But, you should really read the book yourself to find out how good it is.
From the very beginning I was hooked as I’ve been waiting to re-read hoe Ava meets her match.
Ava Markham the last of the 5 friends in the Fantasy Fix gang who hasn’t liked The Others since she 1st met one; becomes one when she was attacked by a rogue vampire & she bit him back.
Vladimir “Dima” Rurikovich saw what happened to Ava & decides to help her in her turn & as he does he discovers that he’s also attracted to her. Dima is in NY on a mission from the European Council of Vampires to apprehend a known vampire criminal who escaped prison (we met her daughter in book 1).
That is the beginning of this exciting story. This books contains scarasm & snarkiness, sex scenes, lots of vampires & werewolves, etc., a reunion between long lost 1/2 brothers & a fight scene that Ava misses as a werewolf was sitting on her.
But, you should really read the book yourself to find out how good it is.
April 28, 2018
I had been waiting for Ava's story since she was first introduced in the first book. I was a little dissappointed that we didn't find out why she was resistant to vampire mind tricks in the first place and why she was developing as a vampire so much faster than others... but the rest of the story was great. the banter between her and Dima was hillarious and having the other characters that we all have come to love throughout the series re-appear was also pretty awesome. Ava is a very haughty and arrogant person but she hides real pain behind that and it takes a "monster" to see that. she hates Others even when she becomes one but Dima shows her that she really can just be her arrogant self and he still fell in love with her. I definitely recommend this one but I very much recommend that people read from the beginning because previous knowledge of this character makes the story much better.
February 11, 2021
I picked this up from the Little Library at Melbourne Central, drawn primarily by the pun title. Yikes, it was very badly written – which I realised from the very first, floridly overwritten sentence, but I pushed through the whole book, which was a very quick and easy read. It didn't improve, and indeed it ended on an annoying cliffhanger that left me feeling I'd wasted my time.
I've only just learned it's number 14 in a series and that the character of Ava has appeared in previous novels. Perhaps this accounts for the way she was so aggressively unpleasant and irrational here – the reader is assumed to have some residual goodwill for the character that excuses how awful she is. Ava is not just smug but stupid as well. I thought less of the hero, Russian vampire Dima, for falling in love with her.
I've only just learned it's number 14 in a series and that the character of Ava has appeared in previous novels. Perhaps this accounts for the way she was so aggressively unpleasant and irrational here – the reader is assumed to have some residual goodwill for the character that excuses how awful she is. Ava is not just smug but stupid as well. I thought less of the hero, Russian vampire Dima, for falling in love with her.
January 25, 2024
DNF pg 126
I couldn't stand another page of the main character. She's the epitome of the stereotypical stuck-up bitch female character. Not in a BA way, in the endless "I'm so pretty worship me I'm perfect" way. I was rolling my eyes from the beginning. But some characters change over time so I figured I'd give this a chance. Almost halfway through and the only interesting thing about it is the MMC, Dima. There was literally NO reason for him to fall for her, body or personality. It happened so hard and fast that I tossed it to the side and groaned when I picked it up again, determined to finish it. Couldn't do it. If you have to dig for a reason to finish a book then you probably shouldn't bother.
I couldn't stand another page of the main character. She's the epitome of the stereotypical stuck-up bitch female character. Not in a BA way, in the endless "I'm so pretty worship me I'm perfect" way. I was rolling my eyes from the beginning. But some characters change over time so I figured I'd give this a chance. Almost halfway through and the only interesting thing about it is the MMC, Dima. There was literally NO reason for him to fall for her, body or personality. It happened so hard and fast that I tossed it to the side and groaned when I picked it up again, determined to finish it. Couldn't do it. If you have to dig for a reason to finish a book then you probably shouldn't bother.
May 18, 2019
Ava Markman can't stand Vampires, Werewolves and especially the ones married to her best friends.
She has a caustic mouth that just won't quit. At their "girl's night out" she has had enough domestic bliss and leaves. On her walk home she is attacked by a rogue vampire and she fights with him and even bites him hoping to get away but all she gets is a mouth full of his blood and left for dead. When Dima finds her she has already started to turn and since he killed her "sire" he decides to help her make it through the transformation. Now Ava is a vampire. Karma can be a bitch.
This book was fun and exciting and sad and I loved it.
She has a caustic mouth that just won't quit. At their "girl's night out" she has had enough domestic bliss and leaves. On her walk home she is attacked by a rogue vampire and she fights with him and even bites him hoping to get away but all she gets is a mouth full of his blood and left for dead. When Dima finds her she has already started to turn and since he killed her "sire" he decides to help her make it through the transformation. Now Ava is a vampire. Karma can be a bitch.
This book was fun and exciting and sad and I loved it.
April 22, 2019
Just did not like the story line behind this book about Dima, sent from the old world to control and apprehend rogue Vampires. Did not like AVA, the woman who was supposed to help him complete his mission, after she was "changed" into a vampire, and he has to save her.
i have to note, that i did not read any of "The Others" series, and I realize this is book 14, but I bought it at a thrift store, and often like books about vamps, so decided to give it a try.
Just did not like the characters, and the story did not have any interesting "new take" on the genre. (in my opinion).
i have to note, that i did not read any of "The Others" series, and I realize this is book 14, but I bought it at a thrift store, and often like books about vamps, so decided to give it a try.
Just did not like the characters, and the story did not have any interesting "new take" on the genre. (in my opinion).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2018
Pretty much an average Others book, I think. I couldn't put it down. I loved how it felt like a reunion between all of the characters at this point. Kind of bummed Noah and Sam are just married now and the story of that happening was never its own novel. I really wanted to read that.
As far as this book went, it's a solid 4 of 5. It's a little bit cheesy, the antagonist is a little bit wack, and Ava's bullishness gets a little grating after a while, but it's still a good read if you're a fan of the genre. The characters are fun and the writing is beautifully fast-paced. Would recommend.
As far as this book went, it's a solid 4 of 5. It's a little bit cheesy, the antagonist is a little bit wack, and Ava's bullishness gets a little grating after a while, but it's still a good read if you're a fan of the genre. The characters are fun and the writing is beautifully fast-paced. Would recommend.
October 22, 2020
A solid PNR.
I liked the fact that our heroine was simply against all paranormals. It created some conflict when she was forced to become a vampire. I would have liked to see her have more psychological development. She was an interesting character.
The rlmance and rest of the plot was good, but not earth shattering. Still worth a read
I liked the fact that our heroine was simply against all paranormals. It created some conflict when she was forced to become a vampire. I would have liked to see her have more psychological development. She was an interesting character.
The rlmance and rest of the plot was good, but not earth shattering. Still worth a read
January 17, 2021
An on fire garbage can of a book. Somehow it managed to blame suicide victims for being cruel, slut shamed a 15 year old girl for having sex with a 30 year old man, and repeatedly called the main character an arrogant bitch for being upset the day after she was assaulted in an alleyway. Once again I shake my first at Christine Warren and ask, why are you allowed to write?
May 4, 2025
Great addition to the series
Loved how this one lined back up with the overall series. Plenty of surprises, action heart and some heat to keep your attention from the beginning to the end.
Loved how this one lined back up with the overall series. Plenty of surprises, action heart and some heat to keep your attention from the beginning to the end.
November 29, 2017
Ava is such an unlikeable character that I barely wanted to read this book.
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