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Dulcie O'Neil #11

Vanity Scare

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An Urban Fantasy Romance from New York Times Bestselling Author, HP Mallory

“If you like Charlaine Harris, you’ll love HP Mallory!” ― Larissa Ione, New York Times Bestselling Author

VANITY SCARE:

Recently, Agent Dulcie O’Neil’s life has been anything but calm.

Even though she was ultimately able to defeat the evil that was Meg, Dulcie still bears scars that run deep: her body is at war with itself, owing to all the different races of creature that now war within her veins.

To make matters worse, things with her ex-boyfriend, Knight, aren’t exactly comfortable. In fact, they’re the opposite of comfortable. So when Dulcie finds herself working in close proximity with Knight yet again, sparks are going to fly. Not the good kind…

And Splendor’s resident demon, Dagan, has gone missing. As if Dulcie didn’t already have enough on her plate, she’ll be thrust into yet another risky situation when Dagan’s demon brother, Darion, suddenly shows up in Splendor, looking for his brother.

Darion is fuming because Dagan absconded with his wife years earlier and Darion wants to teach his younger brother a lesson about family loyalty. Unluckily for vampire Bram, he’s deeply involved in this family dispute, to the point that his life is on the line.

Can Dulcie protect Dagan and Bram while at the same time controlling the changes that are wreaking havoc within her body? Find out in the next installment of the Dulcie O’Neil series!

VANITY SCARE is book 11 in the Dulcie O'Neil series. Book 1 is TO KILL A WARLOCK and it's a FREE DOWNLOAD!

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2019

94 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

H.P. Mallory

370 books2,812 followers
I’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.

My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.

Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!

H.P.

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5 stars
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56 (33%)
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22 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for (NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio.
877 reviews50 followers
September 29, 2019
I’m usually a pretty big HP fam, but ugh! This one was not up to par, imho. Waaaaaay too many descriptive phrases ... you know, “lemon yellow and hot like the sun on a ninety degrees day” kinda things EVERY PARAGRAPH. JUST TOO MUCH. I guess it felt like a ton of filler, which did NOTHING for the story. I’m also growing beyond weary of the Dulcie-Bram-Knight-everybody have sex without or with consent triangle crap. It’s just been going on for too long. Maybe I’m outgrowing this series? Hmmm. Bummer.
Profile Image for Amy.
941 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2019
This is the 11th book in the series, and IMHO it was not the best one. This series has had me turning the pages so fast my kindle couldn't keep up. I've laughed, I've ugly cried with this series.

The good, H.P. wrote this book from a lot of characters points of view, not just Dulcie and Vanders. We got more background on some characters we haven't heard much about.

I really like Christina & Quillian's relationship. They seem like a great fit, and he is out of the Dulcie love zone. I hope they get to stay together

The bad, the love triangle thing was beat to death. Vander just seems best down by it all. Bram seems even more of an arrogant prick then he was before. Dulcie honestly needs to get over herself and tell everyone the truth.

Timothy kinda creeps me out. He's more Little Shop of Horrors, then cute greenery.

We didn't get much of an update about Harry, Casey or Sam. They had very little parts, I kinda missed them.I

The ending....that just sucked! Shame on Bram! FR
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
716 reviews14 followers
March 23, 2020
While I really hated to have to give this book a four, I felt that I had to because it just seemed to miss a real plot. It just left me feeling like I was missing something major in the story. While I love the characters in this series, I found that the book was a little disjointed. While this is supposed to be about Dulcie, who is the main character, the story is mostly seen through other’s eyes, mostly Quillian and Bram. I do like the fact that we are getting to see things through their eyes, I wanted more of Dulcie’s point of view. I was never a big fan of Bram and this book did nothing to change my mind. The book ended with a cliff hanger, as this author is very fond of doing, but I can only hope that the next book will be out quickly.
Profile Image for Iulia Vermesan .
2 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2020
So slooow and boring for more than half of it. The story is not about her anymore, is more about Christina and Quillan, at least for the most part of this book and then too much blabbering about the rape or non-rape part from 2 or 3 books ago. Also I'm disappointed it stopped in the middle of the action. This is not an episode in a series. The price should be slashed cause of this reason only. I am not even going to buy the next one. Too much time and money spent on something that leads nowhere. And to think that the series started so well, just to go on so disappointing...
25 reviews
May 29, 2022
Good Read

Story continued. Story drags on a bit. But still good to read. Just downloaded the next book, supposedly the final book. We will hopefully find out who Dulcie ends up with.
Profile Image for Jennibritt.
355 reviews12 followers
March 12, 2020
I’m so over Dulcie. I’m pretty sure I said this in my review for the last book but all the other characters pull me back in. I was glad that Quillen narrated much of this book. I want a book about his relationship with Christina. I have so many questions. About a tomato/strawberry plant.
I will probably read the next one. If only to see how crazy this can get.
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
1,895 reviews6 followers
January 28, 2020
What just happened?

XXX! Adult content, reader discretion advised! Giant vibrating strawberry plants with names, scarf investigations, and dungeons in the demon plane. Rape and consenting sex are two different things. Inappropriate partners and appropriate partners, even with consent, are also two very different topics.
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,272 reviews58 followers
October 3, 2019
Vanity Scare is the 11th book in H.P. Mallory’s Dulcie O’Neil series. We are post-death of Meg and learn that all is not well inside Dulcie. She has serious anger issues, blood issues, and other problems. She also can’t get away from her ex – Knight. They work together so getting any kind of closure is not going to happen. I used to work with an ex-husband and believe me, it is almost impossible to move forward when you see the person every.single.day. The mystery in the book surrounds the missing demon, Dagan. What unfolds is a curious tale involving a double-cross, escape from Dromir, evasion, discovery, and a…. magical scarf? To top off this whatever thing with Dulcie and Knight, Bram turns into a high schooler and starts spreading information about Knight and Dulcie around that really is not his, nor anyone else’s business.

Bram is totally on my “list” and I’m not at all happy with his character. Never does he really redeem himself either. I mean, it’s one thing to discuss the matter with the proper people. It is an entirely different matter to confront, harass, or embarrass others with the spread of the information. His actions are not endearing, loving, or on the up-and-up; they are disrespectful and purely selfish. I hope this is where the author was taking Bram – if so, she was spot-on. Now, what I’m talking about is a serious matter; however, Bram is not right in how he handled information to which he was privy. Please don’t misconstrue my Bram tirade as me not enjoying the book. On the contrary, I loved the book. My reaction to Bram’s antics means the author did a great job writing a character that invokes an emotional response in the reader.

I enjoyed the story, the characters, the world, and the content of Vanity Scare. I was completely captivated with this story, the characters, and the various locations in the book. I was able to visualize the story and felt, at times, like I was there in the scene with the characters. The mystery and tension throughout the book kept me engaged in the story from beginning to end. Despite the break-up and the way the ending was presented, I truly hope for a Knight and Dulcie reunion. Dulcie and Knight are both guilty of hurting each other and have baggage to unpack and deal with before they can move back into a relationship, but I think there is hope for them, eventually. We shall see where the author takes the characters in the next book.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,803 reviews46 followers
October 7, 2019
Welcome back to the world of Dulcie Oneil there is a war raging in her veins and now she has to find Dagan after his brother comes to Splendor to find Dagan . When she is around Quillian there are sparks a flying but not the kind of sparks she wants to be flying . Can Dulcie protect Dagan and Bram while trying to control all the changes that are going on . Will everyone survive to live another day .
Dulcie is having the worst time ever, she is trying to come to terms with the races of creatures running rampant in her blood . If that isn't bad enough she is working with her ex. You really just want to wrap her up in a blanket and tell her that she will get everything under control and her ex will just deal . Bram is back and he is really making everything difficult for Dulcie . He is well he is Bram kinda arrogant but also so sexy . You will want to have him for yourself . Dagan and Darion are strong brothers . You really just want to put them in a corner until they can act human . They put Dulcie through so much . I really like these characters they are well written and with each book they come out more and more complex .
I have been waiting for this book for awhile so I carved out a whole day to snuggle down and read . The author takes us on a laugh out loud fun filled ride . She takes her characters on the roller coaster . . There were a few things that had me thinking that there was something missing from this book , it seemed to be mostly Bram and Quinlan the two men in her life. They took up most of the book and the book did seem to drag a bit . Don't get me wrong I love these stories and characters but i felt like there wasn't enough Dulcie to balance out the men . Over all i enjoyed this story and can't wait to see where the author is going to take them in the future. If you are looking for a series that will have you laughing out loud check it out .
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews366 followers
September 24, 2019
There is so much going on in Dulcie’s life right now that keeps her struggling. Dulcie had defeated Meg’s evil, but she didn’t come out of it unscathed. There are races of creatures in her body that keep her distracted and on edge. She also has to deal with her break-up with Knight. It would be difficult enough just breaking up with a long-time boyfriend, but she can’t get any distance from him since she works in very close proximity with him now and has to run into him or see him around. The pain of losing him doesn’t get a chance to go away.

Bram also makes things difficult by revealing something he should not have said to others. And last but not least, Dulcie has an issue with the demon Dagen and his brother. Dagan has disappeared and Darion is suddenly searching for him, probably to do him harm or at the very least teach him a loyalty lesson since he ran off with his wife years before. Somehow Bram is involved with that mess and may be in danger. Dulcie has a full plate to deal with! With so much going on and her own internal distractions, can she save her friends from themselves?

This author is amazing and the reader will clearly see why! This is Book 11 and still as exciting and intriguing as the first book! I am seriously hoping Knight and Dulcie can somehow get back together, but we’ll see what Fate has in store for them. What Dulcie saw between Knight and Meg was impossible to un-see, the betrayal too deep to release from her soul right now. But it fills me with sadness that I don’t want to have when reading books by my favorite author! Grab your copy of this excellent book and see what’s going on with everyone! Once these characters touch your heart, you’ll never want to give them up!
1,190 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2019
This Book opens with Dulcie and Knight breaking up, they just could not get past what has happened.Now, Dulcie and Knight will be working together
same floor. Dulcie is going through alot with her body due to what has happened to her due to Meg. Her body and attitude seem to be changing.
Quillian and Christina had an unexpected vistor to there house that had them checking in on Dagan. They meet a mysterious bubble blowing demon, but no Dagan
They don't know what to think, so they make calls about Dagan might be missing.
Bram also had an unexpected vistor, someone that he dealt with in the past. She brings news that they did something to bring a demon looking for them. If that
is true, he realized his life will be in danger in himself.
Bram goes to Christina and tells her some of what he knows about the demon, how he it connected to Dagan. He also decides to get Christina information
about Knight did to Dulcie.
Dagan does something stupid, Dulcie and gang will go to get his love. But will Dulcies changes going to kill her, will she forgive Knight and speak to about
everything to ever has happened. Will she go after Bram for share details of her private life

This is a great read, I can't believe the way the story was weaved and the ending.This was so good, I really can't wait for the next book.

I received an ARC Copy of this book, this is my honest review and opinion.
Profile Image for Roseanna.
341 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2019
I’m not sure how I feel with most of the book in Quillian and Bram’s point of view. Dulcie had a few chapters in there, but not much, certainly not even half the book. I’m so used her being the main focal point, with others thrown in of course. I kind of really liked Quillians point of view. The parts with Timothy was a hoot. Knight and Dulcie are still on the outs, nothing gets settled on that front. Some subjects was brought up from the past, but I’m not all that sure it was relevant to turmoil between the two as that action happened years ago. But who knows maybe going back to where it went sideways is the key. Still a cliffhanger. I do wonder why every book, it seems, has to end with one. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers. Maybe a mild see what goes down next, or in the end of the story something happens after they solve the issue at hand and it leaves off for the next one to begin. But to always leave so much unfinished, I don’t care for it. Come to think of it, there were many unsolved issues. I could list them, but I don’t want to give too much away. It almost feels like the series is going to shift away from Dulcie. I’m not wanting that. I like her being the main focal point, her points of view, her life, her career, and day to day the drama. I say maybe wrap Dulcie up, shift over to Quillian and his road to redemption in a spin off.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,918 reviews16 followers
September 22, 2019
Dulcie O'Neil is still reeling from her run-in with Meg. Not to mention, she still hasn't gotten over Knight and his betrayal. Seeing him at the office is turning out to be a lot harder than she expected, made even worse, when she learns Bram spilled a secret to her closest friends/coworkers. Thank God for the interruption that is Dagan.

It seems Dagan has stolen something of value to his brother, Darion. Darion arrives to take back his wife, Osenna, and the magical scarf in Dagan's possession. Knowing the harm Osenna will face, Dulcie and her gang have no choice but to go after Osenna.

Author H.P. Mallory's DULCIE O'NEIL series has just kicked it up a notch with the latest installment, VANITY SCARE. It easily earns a 4.5 star rating from me. I was so engrossed. The characters have all changed and grown, especially Dulcie, Knight and Bram. I have to say, and maybe it's not popular opinion, that I am still rooting for Knight. He and Dulcie both hurt one another, but I still feel they are end game. I hope they find their way back to each other in the next book.
Profile Image for Jami Kehr.
1,100 reviews15 followers
September 24, 2019
Mallory has done it again!

This story is number 11 in the Dulcie O'Neil series and a lot of the time when you get this far into a series the characters become stale and theres no surprises or thrills left to the storyline.
This is not the case!

The story takes on a refreshing stance with multiple characters point of view. The pages seem to turn theirselves while you're getting all the background info and each characters reasoning. There are multiple instances that had me playing the guessing game and trying to figure out what was happening.

This author can come up with some killer endings that have you panting and begging for the next book. This one is no different. Your mouth will be hanging open and there's a good chance you will throw your kindle. Book 12 can't get here fast enough!
1,790 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2019
I enjoyed this well-written urban fantasy romance. Dulcie and Knight find they have to work in close proximity again, which is awkward, to say the least. The resident demon, Dagan, is missing, and his brother, Dario, shows up looking for him. Vampire Bram is involved, and things get really complicated for everyone! This was an entertaining book and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Profile Image for Jana Oglesby.
222 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2019
I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. It is more of a character building story about the other players in the book rather than being just about Dulcie. I love getting to know the other individuals and their backgrounds. I feel like it was leading up to something bigger coming & I love the ending! Really looking forward to seeing where the next story takes us!
Profile Image for Debra Schlesener.
357 reviews10 followers
September 28, 2019
Love it

This is another great book in the Dulcie O’Neil series. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I would definitely recommend this book.
16 reviews
November 6, 2019
Getting bored

When will this story line be over? It's getting very predictable at this point which is disappointing from one of my favorite authors.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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