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Nocturne Falls #14
The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.
Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.
Sunday Wells comes from a long line of powerful witches, but that doesn’t explain why she’s plagued by dark shadows everywhere she looks. It’s not a great way to live, especially for a preschool teacher with young impressionable minds to watch over. Desperate to get control of her questionable powers, she gets help from the only reliable source she can think of. Her very powerful great aunt, Alice Bishop. But what Sunni finds out about herself will change everything.
Vampire Lorenzo Robillard has dedicated his life to rescuing kidnapped children. It’s dangerous work with high stakes, and Ren ends up with a lot of enemies. Like the European crime boss who’s currently after him. With a target on his back, Ren runs to the safest haven he knows, his distant great aunt, Elenora Ellingham. But his troubles are far from over, and not just because there’s a woman in his aunt’s house he wasn’t counting on.
Sunny and Ren clash like night and day. They’re so very different. And yet, so much alike. Love isn’t something either of them wanted, but the heart wields a magic neither of them can control…
Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.
Sunday Wells comes from a long line of powerful witches, but that doesn’t explain why she’s plagued by dark shadows everywhere she looks. It’s not a great way to live, especially for a preschool teacher with young impressionable minds to watch over. Desperate to get control of her questionable powers, she gets help from the only reliable source she can think of. Her very powerful great aunt, Alice Bishop. But what Sunni finds out about herself will change everything.
Vampire Lorenzo Robillard has dedicated his life to rescuing kidnapped children. It’s dangerous work with high stakes, and Ren ends up with a lot of enemies. Like the European crime boss who’s currently after him. With a target on his back, Ren runs to the safest haven he knows, his distant great aunt, Elenora Ellingham. But his troubles are far from over, and not just because there’s a woman in his aunt’s house he wasn’t counting on.
Sunny and Ren clash like night and day. They’re so very different. And yet, so much alike. Love isn’t something either of them wanted, but the heart wields a magic neither of them can control…
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2022
276 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
179 books3,412 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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June 14, 2022
The Vampire’s Sunny Sweetheart by Kristen Painter
Book 14 of the Nocturne Falls paranormal romance series. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if you’ve read at least the first few. Each book has a different couple and there are some recurring characters and family throughout the series.
A town that celebrates Halloween all year so the paranormal residents can live openly.
Sunni travels to her Aunt Alice for training where she discovers she’s not a witch at all, and she can control the shadows that she always hated in the past. She knows getting involved with Ren will likely break her heart in the end but he’s irresistible.
Ren is visiting family in Nocturne Falls hoping to keep a low profile but his past has some dangerous aspects he can’t outrun.
Loved the attraction between Sunni and Ren. And Sunni is impressively willing to learn and control that which she’s been hiding from for ten years. Sunni is sunny and bright and a joy to read.
A new attraction, a bit of danger, some unknowing, and a town of powerful helpers and family equals love and an HEA.
I want to visit this funky town even if I forget all about it after leaving because of the magic spell on the local water. It’s certainly a grand adventure reading about Nocturne Falls with all the romances and the just escaped danger. A wonderful ride I can take over and over again.
Book 14 of the Nocturne Falls paranormal romance series. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if you’ve read at least the first few. Each book has a different couple and there are some recurring characters and family throughout the series.
A town that celebrates Halloween all year so the paranormal residents can live openly.
Sunni travels to her Aunt Alice for training where she discovers she’s not a witch at all, and she can control the shadows that she always hated in the past. She knows getting involved with Ren will likely break her heart in the end but he’s irresistible.
Ren is visiting family in Nocturne Falls hoping to keep a low profile but his past has some dangerous aspects he can’t outrun.
Loved the attraction between Sunni and Ren. And Sunni is impressively willing to learn and control that which she’s been hiding from for ten years. Sunni is sunny and bright and a joy to read.
A new attraction, a bit of danger, some unknowing, and a town of powerful helpers and family equals love and an HEA.
I want to visit this funky town even if I forget all about it after leaving because of the magic spell on the local water. It’s certainly a grand adventure reading about Nocturne Falls with all the romances and the just escaped danger. A wonderful ride I can take over and over again.
June 16, 2022
***2.5***
I wanted to like this a whole lot more than I actually did. I'm hoping this isn't becoming a theme with this series as the Nocturne Falls books have always been like brain candy for me when I've had a rough day or week. But I really haven't loved the last two novels in the series. I just couldn't stop rolling my eyes while reading.
My main issue was with the two main characters, Sunni and Ren. Sunni felt like a Texan stereotype made into a character. A "Texan Barbie" as one character called her with cowboy boots, country music, a love for and the knowledge to use guns, and a thick southern accent… She also has shadow magic and of course because her personality, clothing and scent are all rainbows and sunshine, she automatically believes she's less than and that the shadows are her inner evil-ness manifesting. Sunni got control of her abilities too quickly to be realistic, especially when she was supposed to have been having such a tough time with it before she came to train with Alice.
Ren was mostly just annoying and kind of mean and judgmental specifically towards Sunni at the beginning of the book for absolutely no reason. It was hard to root for them as a romantic couple. Their entire "relationship" felt rushed and a little hollow. There was no true transition from them not liking each other to being infatuated with each other. And I just wasn't invested in them or their story.
And then the plot twist happened....
I wanted to like this a whole lot more than I actually did. I'm hoping this isn't becoming a theme with this series as the Nocturne Falls books have always been like brain candy for me when I've had a rough day or week. But I really haven't loved the last two novels in the series. I just couldn't stop rolling my eyes while reading.
My main issue was with the two main characters, Sunni and Ren. Sunni felt like a Texan stereotype made into a character. A "Texan Barbie" as one character called her with cowboy boots, country music, a love for and the knowledge to use guns, and a thick southern accent… She also has shadow magic and of course because her personality, clothing and scent are all rainbows and sunshine, she automatically believes she's less than and that the shadows are her inner evil-ness manifesting. Sunni got control of her abilities too quickly to be realistic, especially when she was supposed to have been having such a tough time with it before she came to train with Alice.
Ren was mostly just annoying and kind of mean and judgmental specifically towards Sunni at the beginning of the book for absolutely no reason. It was hard to root for them as a romantic couple. Their entire "relationship" felt rushed and a little hollow. There was no true transition from them not liking each other to being infatuated with each other. And I just wasn't invested in them or their story.
And then the plot twist happened....
July 17, 2022
The Vampire’s Sunny Sweetheart is book 14 in the Nocturne Falls series. Every time I read a new Nocturne Falls book or a spin off series book, it feels like going home again. I love this series and the Jayne Frost series so much.
This book introduced some new characters. Our main characters are Elenora Ellingham’s nephew, Lorenzo (Ren), and Alice Bishop’s niece, Sunday (Sunny). For different reasons, they both end up at Elenora’s home (where Alice also lives) at the same time for an extended visit. At first they don’t hit it off, but then sparks fly. Of course, as with all Nocturne Falls books, there is a bit of a mystery where someone is out to get one of them and the town and family bands together to find out who and why, and handle the problem.
We got some wonderful catch ups for other characters and see some new babies in the mix. This book was excellent. I didn’t want to put it down and listened to it all in one day. The narration was excellent as always. BJ does such a great job with the Nocturne Falls characters.
The only thing that I wish would have been different is the ending. I really crave an epilogue with these books. I need more. I am never ready to say goodbye and I would like to see a little of what is next for them.
Now I am back to waiting for the next book to release. I’ll be counting the months. Someone needs to turn this series into a television series so I can watch and rewatch.
This book introduced some new characters. Our main characters are Elenora Ellingham’s nephew, Lorenzo (Ren), and Alice Bishop’s niece, Sunday (Sunny). For different reasons, they both end up at Elenora’s home (where Alice also lives) at the same time for an extended visit. At first they don’t hit it off, but then sparks fly. Of course, as with all Nocturne Falls books, there is a bit of a mystery where someone is out to get one of them and the town and family bands together to find out who and why, and handle the problem.
We got some wonderful catch ups for other characters and see some new babies in the mix. This book was excellent. I didn’t want to put it down and listened to it all in one day. The narration was excellent as always. BJ does such a great job with the Nocturne Falls characters.
The only thing that I wish would have been different is the ending. I really crave an epilogue with these books. I need more. I am never ready to say goodbye and I would like to see a little of what is next for them.
Now I am back to waiting for the next book to release. I’ll be counting the months. Someone needs to turn this series into a television series so I can watch and rewatch.
November 13, 2024
Fourteenth in the Nocturne Falls magical realism series and revolving around a special town that celebrates Halloween all year long. The couple focus is on Sunni Wells and Ren Robillard.
My Take
Cute. Sunni likes to smell like happiness, and she sure doesn't have a problem spending money with all the lotions and shampoos as well as those cute outfits. So, it doesn't ring particularly true when she starts to cry poor mouth. As for Ren's aliases . . . What was the point? They're never used.
Painter uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Sunni's and Ren's perspectives, which tips us off to how they're thinking, feeling, and what they're each experiencing.
While I do like Sunni, I have to wonder why she never even tried to explore those shadows she sees. They never seemed to do anything, just be there, so why she's been so frightened is beyond me. Then there's her initial "interview" with Alice where she's holding back. Why? It's why Sunni's here.
I do like Elenora's support for Ren, and it's indicative of the family warmth and closeness that she and her grandsons favor helping him.
It was a nice switch, having Ren assess Sunni as a harmless woman who probably needs his help. Then he discovers differently. However, it was too easy. It's another switch when we read of Aunt Alice's assessment of Sunni. Bad news that leaves Sunni wondering how she could possibly fit into her witchy family.
It is kismet when this child rescuer discovers a preschool teacher who loves kids, lol. And very convenient. Painter is also setting us up for Elenora's and Alice's stories. I'm looking forward to those.
The main events are all pretty obvious, although it takes the characters awhile to figure it out, and yet it's sweet, cozy, and an everyday life (taking into account vampires and supernatural events) of family and friends.
The Story
It was a tricky retrieval, and Ren realizes he needs to hide out until the heat cools down. He's got a little extra "help" most vampires don't have, but Wilhelm Schuss is a particularly nasty enemy.
Nocturne Falls seems to be his best choice as a place to lie low, and it's been some time since he visited his Aunt Elenora.
As for Sunni, her powers are finally emerging but no one can make any sense of them, and a few weeks with Aunt Alice are necessary for her to learn control.
The Characters
Sunday "Sunni" Wells is a preschool teacher at the exclusive Parkhurst Preschool in Comfort, Texas, haunted by a shadowy problem. She has two brothers, twins, Tim and John. Her dad died when she was young. Aunt Marie Jean is a green witch; her mother, Rachel, and grandmother are general practitioners. Great-aunt Alice Bishop is a powerful witch who lives with Elenora.
Lorenzo "Ren" Ellingham Robillard, Elenora's vampire great-nephew, rescues paranormal children. Some of his aliases include Peter Morgan and Nickolas Hudson. Johanna, Elenora's sister, is Ren's many times removed grandmother. Clara is Ren's half-sister and the inspiration for his career.
Nocturne Falls is . . .
. . . the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.
The town was founded by Elenora Ellingham, a former duchess and a vampire, as a safe haven for supernaturals. Wentworth is her butler. Frauke is her amazing cook. Her grandsons (Ren's cousins) include Hugh, Sebastian, and Julian. Allard Desmarais is Elenora's sire.
Hugh is married to Delaney, who owns the scrumptious Delaney's Delectables, and they have a son, six-year-old George ( The Vampire's Mail Order Bride , 1). Sebastian is married to Tessa, a Valkyrie ( Kettlingr is her sword; The Vampire's Fake Fiancée , 5), and they're adopting a two-year-old dhampir, Ellie. Greaves, a rook, is Sebastian's valet and butler. Duncan is Tessa's cat who is spoiled thoroughly. Evangeline had been Sebastian's first wife. Julian, the playboy of the family, is happily married to a pregnant Desdemona, a former Las Vegas headliner ( The Vampire's Accidental Wife , 8). They plan to name him Lucas.
Stanhill, Hugh's rook and former valet, and Corette, a witch ("The Witch's Halloween Hero", 4.1), are out of town.
Sheriff Hank Merrow (he's married to Ivy whose son, Charlie, he's adopted; their own Hannah Rose is two now; The Werewolf Meets His Match , 2), Bridget's brother, and Aunt Birdie Caruthers ("When Birdie Babysat Spider", 4.5), who works as a dispatcher/secretary in the sheriff's department, are both wolf shifters. Titus Merrow, another brother, is the fire chief ( The Werewolf Dates the Deputy , 12). Remy Lafitte is one of his vampire deputies. Judge Minton comes in handy.
Dexter "the Wrecking Machine" Guildman runs Guildman's, a menswear shop. He certainly knows what he's doing! Bridget Merrow ("The Werewolf's Christmas Wish", 4.6), a wolf shifter, owns Howler's Bar and Grill where Jolie is a server. Misty Connors owns Misty's Boo-tique which has some great clothes. Guillermo's is a nice Italian restaurant where Luke is their server. I Scream is an ice cream shoppe. Illusions is a jewelry shop run by a fae ( The Gargoyle Gets His Girl ); she's married to Nick Hardwin, one of their gargoyles. The Basement is to Nocturne Falls what Disney's underground complex is for the park. Insomnia is a supernaturals-only nightclub. Dr Shawn Deegan, a werewolf, works at the hospital. Salvatore's is a pizza place. Harmswood is a local private school where Tessa is the Dean of Library Studies. The Sunny Day Preschool is a new project.
Sunni's students include Freddie Nelson, who barks; Charlotte Mae Johnson, who likes to point her finger; and, Tucker Pierson, who claims his dad turns into a dinosaur. Sunni lives in a small apartment over Mrs Needlemeyer's garage. Scotty was Sunni's last date.
Velvet Vanders, a.k.a. Valentine, a vampire, owned a nightclub in Manhattan and dated Ren for awhile.
Madeline Schuss, alias Michelle Chastain, is divorced from Wilhelm Schuss, a powerful vampire who runs criminal enterprises in Europe. The six-year-old Lizbeth Schuss is her daughter and is, was, part of a shared custody agreement. Kazimir Dvorak is one of Wilhelm's people.
The Cover and Title
The graphic cover is a rainbow of color with its wavy sunset sky of deep blue to royal blue to purple to violet to pink to fuchsia to orange to red to yellow forming the background. A silhouette profile of Sunni and Ren standing palm to palm is a metaphyiscal shadow of the two of them facing us, hand-in-hand. The blonde-haired Sunni is in her blue gingham dress and cowboy boots while Ren, on the right, is casual in a black T-shirt and khakis. It's their walk in the garden, a lion statue on the left, evergreens on the right, and the trademark pumpkin above a brown sign with the series information in yellow between them. The title is at the top in white with a black shadow. An info blurb is at their ankles with the author's name below that; both are in white with a black shadow.
The title is too true in two ways, for Sunni is Ren's, The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart.
My Take
Cute. Sunni likes to smell like happiness, and she sure doesn't have a problem spending money with all the lotions and shampoos as well as those cute outfits. So, it doesn't ring particularly true when she starts to cry poor mouth. As for Ren's aliases . . . What was the point? They're never used.
Painter uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Sunni's and Ren's perspectives, which tips us off to how they're thinking, feeling, and what they're each experiencing.
While I do like Sunni, I have to wonder why she never even tried to explore those shadows she sees. They never seemed to do anything, just be there, so why she's been so frightened is beyond me. Then there's her initial "interview" with Alice where she's holding back. Why? It's why Sunni's here.
I do like Elenora's support for Ren, and it's indicative of the family warmth and closeness that she and her grandsons favor helping him.
It was a nice switch, having Ren assess Sunni as a harmless woman who probably needs his help. Then he discovers differently. However, it was too easy. It's another switch when we read of Aunt Alice's assessment of Sunni. Bad news that leaves Sunni wondering how she could possibly fit into her witchy family.
It is kismet when this child rescuer discovers a preschool teacher who loves kids, lol. And very convenient. Painter is also setting us up for Elenora's and Alice's stories. I'm looking forward to those.
The main events are all pretty obvious, although it takes the characters awhile to figure it out, and yet it's sweet, cozy, and an everyday life (taking into account vampires and supernatural events) of family and friends.
The Story
It was a tricky retrieval, and Ren realizes he needs to hide out until the heat cools down. He's got a little extra "help" most vampires don't have, but Wilhelm Schuss is a particularly nasty enemy.
Nocturne Falls seems to be his best choice as a place to lie low, and it's been some time since he visited his Aunt Elenora.
As for Sunni, her powers are finally emerging but no one can make any sense of them, and a few weeks with Aunt Alice are necessary for her to learn control.
The Characters
Sunday "Sunni" Wells is a preschool teacher at the exclusive Parkhurst Preschool in Comfort, Texas, haunted by a shadowy problem. She has two brothers, twins, Tim and John. Her dad died when she was young. Aunt Marie Jean is a green witch; her mother, Rachel, and grandmother are general practitioners. Great-aunt Alice Bishop is a powerful witch who lives with Elenora.
Lorenzo "Ren" Ellingham Robillard, Elenora's vampire great-nephew, rescues paranormal children. Some of his aliases include Peter Morgan and Nickolas Hudson. Johanna, Elenora's sister, is Ren's many times removed grandmother. Clara is Ren's half-sister and the inspiration for his career.
Nocturne Falls is . . .
. . . the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.
The town was founded by Elenora Ellingham, a former duchess and a vampire, as a safe haven for supernaturals. Wentworth is her butler. Frauke is her amazing cook. Her grandsons (Ren's cousins) include Hugh, Sebastian, and Julian. Allard Desmarais is Elenora's sire.
Hugh is married to Delaney, who owns the scrumptious Delaney's Delectables, and they have a son, six-year-old George ( The Vampire's Mail Order Bride , 1). Sebastian is married to Tessa, a Valkyrie ( Kettlingr is her sword; The Vampire's Fake Fiancée , 5), and they're adopting a two-year-old dhampir, Ellie. Greaves, a rook, is Sebastian's valet and butler. Duncan is Tessa's cat who is spoiled thoroughly. Evangeline had been Sebastian's first wife. Julian, the playboy of the family, is happily married to a pregnant Desdemona, a former Las Vegas headliner ( The Vampire's Accidental Wife , 8). They plan to name him Lucas.
Stanhill, Hugh's rook and former valet, and Corette, a witch ("The Witch's Halloween Hero", 4.1), are out of town.
Sheriff Hank Merrow (he's married to Ivy whose son, Charlie, he's adopted; their own Hannah Rose is two now; The Werewolf Meets His Match , 2), Bridget's brother, and Aunt Birdie Caruthers ("When Birdie Babysat Spider", 4.5), who works as a dispatcher/secretary in the sheriff's department, are both wolf shifters. Titus Merrow, another brother, is the fire chief ( The Werewolf Dates the Deputy , 12). Remy Lafitte is one of his vampire deputies. Judge Minton comes in handy.
Dexter "the Wrecking Machine" Guildman runs Guildman's, a menswear shop. He certainly knows what he's doing! Bridget Merrow ("The Werewolf's Christmas Wish", 4.6), a wolf shifter, owns Howler's Bar and Grill where Jolie is a server. Misty Connors owns Misty's Boo-tique which has some great clothes. Guillermo's is a nice Italian restaurant where Luke is their server. I Scream is an ice cream shoppe. Illusions is a jewelry shop run by a fae ( The Gargoyle Gets His Girl ); she's married to Nick Hardwin, one of their gargoyles. The Basement is to Nocturne Falls what Disney's underground complex is for the park. Insomnia is a supernaturals-only nightclub. Dr Shawn Deegan, a werewolf, works at the hospital. Salvatore's is a pizza place. Harmswood is a local private school where Tessa is the Dean of Library Studies. The Sunny Day Preschool is a new project.
Sunni's students include Freddie Nelson, who barks; Charlotte Mae Johnson, who likes to point her finger; and, Tucker Pierson, who claims his dad turns into a dinosaur. Sunni lives in a small apartment over Mrs Needlemeyer's garage. Scotty was Sunni's last date.
Velvet Vanders, a.k.a. Valentine, a vampire, owned a nightclub in Manhattan and dated Ren for awhile.
Madeline Schuss, alias Michelle Chastain, is divorced from Wilhelm Schuss, a powerful vampire who runs criminal enterprises in Europe. The six-year-old Lizbeth Schuss is her daughter and is, was, part of a shared custody agreement. Kazimir Dvorak is one of Wilhelm's people.
The Cover and Title
The graphic cover is a rainbow of color with its wavy sunset sky of deep blue to royal blue to purple to violet to pink to fuchsia to orange to red to yellow forming the background. A silhouette profile of Sunni and Ren standing palm to palm is a metaphyiscal shadow of the two of them facing us, hand-in-hand. The blonde-haired Sunni is in her blue gingham dress and cowboy boots while Ren, on the right, is casual in a black T-shirt and khakis. It's their walk in the garden, a lion statue on the left, evergreens on the right, and the trademark pumpkin above a brown sign with the series information in yellow between them. The title is at the top in white with a black shadow. An info blurb is at their ankles with the author's name below that; both are in white with a black shadow.
The title is too true in two ways, for Sunni is Ren's, The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart.
June 28, 2022
2022 bk 192. A fun story about another member of the Ellingham family, Elnora's nephew, Lorenzo is the featured hero of this adventure paranormal romance. Mistaking the initials on a note, Lorenzo flees to his aunt's home of Nocturne Falls in order to find safety and re-group. Unbeknowst to him, Sunday "Sunni", the many times great niece of Alice is arriving at the same home to learn how to control the shadows that surround her. The two, well, don't instantly hit it off. The ups and downs of their romance, along with the story of the previous Ellingham romance successes is a delightful entry into the Nocturne Falls series.
February 14, 2025
I like this series overall, but like some reviewers, I’m also finding that these later stories feel kind of flat and rushed. Also, the heteronormativity of this series doesn’t always bug me but in this one it did. Everyone being constantly dazzled by the female MC not being the naive, brainless but beautiful, country bumpkin they stereotyped her as felt super gross to me.
August 22, 2022
I love the series so much! I always love catching up with the residents of doctor and Falls Georgia and learning about new characters and reading their love stories is always fun.
Lorenzo and Sunday's love story was so sweet! I like learning more about Alice's extended family!
Lorenzo and Sunday's love story was so sweet! I like learning more about Alice's extended family!
June 14, 2022
This is a terrific addition to the Nocturne Fall’s series. I enjoy each new story, getting to revisit old friends, and meeting new ones. Sunni and Ren are intriguing characters I enjoyed getting to know. I would love to visit Nocturn Falks to interact with all the characters if it were a real place.
May 1, 2023
Book 14 Was Worth the wait!
I've enjoyed all 14 of Nocturne Falls stories by Kristen Painter!
The books are lighthearted, clean,
and fun. I've shared many of these books with my young greatnieces, without the worry of vulgar graphic writing. I'm nearly 70, and these books never fail to make me smile and oftentimes laugh out loud.
Well Done Kristen!
Another book please?
Alice REALLLY needs her own book. With just the right kind of person to make her smile... She has earned it! Perhaps with a Native American shamanic background? A wind dancer... Or a green earth wizard... Fun
I've enjoyed all 14 of Nocturne Falls stories by Kristen Painter!
The books are lighthearted, clean,
and fun. I've shared many of these books with my young greatnieces, without the worry of vulgar graphic writing. I'm nearly 70, and these books never fail to make me smile and oftentimes laugh out loud.
Well Done Kristen!
Another book please?
Alice REALLLY needs her own book. With just the right kind of person to make her smile... She has earned it! Perhaps with a Native American shamanic background? A wind dancer... Or a green earth wizard... Fun
June 14, 2022
okay, where do i have to sign to get my own Place in Nocturne Falls?
The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart was just what i needed right now.
A perfectly sweet Lovestory, just enough Suspense, a LOT of Eleanore and Alice (and the other Ellinghams), all my beloved Places around Nocturne Falls - and, of course, Birdie.
And another Ellingham-Vampire to fall in Love with - right after i lost my Heart to Sunni.
Loved this Story soooo much, Kristen Painter.
Hope you'll never stop writing more Nocturne Falls!
The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart was just what i needed right now.
A perfectly sweet Lovestory, just enough Suspense, a LOT of Eleanore and Alice (and the other Ellinghams), all my beloved Places around Nocturne Falls - and, of course, Birdie.
And another Ellingham-Vampire to fall in Love with - right after i lost my Heart to Sunni.
Loved this Story soooo much, Kristen Painter.
Hope you'll never stop writing more Nocturne Falls!
January 21, 2025
Super cute
I just love returning to Nocturne Falls. The characters are always well developed and the story pulls me in. They are always very entertaining and leave me happily satisfied. Clean paranormal story.
I just love returning to Nocturne Falls. The characters are always well developed and the story pulls me in. They are always very entertaining and leave me happily satisfied. Clean paranormal story.
June 9, 2024
Adventure, romance, mystery, this one has it all! Another great read from this author and this series.
January 17, 2023
Very nice read. I didn't realize until the end of the book, that's its a "clean" story. Which is refreshing.
July 4, 2022
Series: Nocturne Falls #14
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Sunday Wells is from a long line of witches but her abilities are unpredictable. That is why she is headed to Nocturne Falls to train under her great aunt, Alice Bishop. What she doesn’t expect is for the house to be run by a vampire, or that she would be attracted to Elenora’s nephew.
It’s so nice to be back in Nocturne Falls! Sunny and Ren both are both new characters to this series. Sunny is seeking a teacher in her Aunt Alice Bishop and Ren is looking for a place to hide for a while. These two get off on the wrong foot at first but they quickly overcome it and the sparks start to fly.
Sunny was a sweet woman who has had to keep everyone at distance because of her abilities. Once she starts to understand what her abilities are she stops fearing it so much, and realizes how useful it can be. Sunny was just a smart, sassy, and fun heroine. She was always putting Ren in his place. She also was very courageous, even when she was terrified. I liked that she didn’t hide from danger and went out of her way to try and help Ren.
Ren was an arrogant vampire but also extremely sweet. He has a very dangerous job rescuing kidnapped children and it makes him a lot of enemies. He also keeps everyone at a distance because he doesn’t want to endanger anyone. Around Sunny though, he starts to open up and realize how lonely he has been.
I really enjoyed these two and their relationship. My only issue with this story was that I was expecting a bit more discussion about Sunny’s abilities and why she was different. There is some discussion but I felt like it kind of got pushed aside with all the other danger that was going on. But, I am loving all the different types of abilities and creatures that are being introduced with each new Nocturne Falls story. It's just a fascinating town filled with some unique paranormals.
Trigger warnings: child kidnapping; brief discussion about death of parent in car accident; brief discussion to the death of mother in childbirth; kidnapping;
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Sunday Wells is from a long line of witches but her abilities are unpredictable. That is why she is headed to Nocturne Falls to train under her great aunt, Alice Bishop. What she doesn’t expect is for the house to be run by a vampire, or that she would be attracted to Elenora’s nephew.
It’s so nice to be back in Nocturne Falls! Sunny and Ren both are both new characters to this series. Sunny is seeking a teacher in her Aunt Alice Bishop and Ren is looking for a place to hide for a while. These two get off on the wrong foot at first but they quickly overcome it and the sparks start to fly.
Sunny was a sweet woman who has had to keep everyone at distance because of her abilities. Once she starts to understand what her abilities are she stops fearing it so much, and realizes how useful it can be. Sunny was just a smart, sassy, and fun heroine. She was always putting Ren in his place. She also was very courageous, even when she was terrified. I liked that she didn’t hide from danger and went out of her way to try and help Ren.
Ren was an arrogant vampire but also extremely sweet. He has a very dangerous job rescuing kidnapped children and it makes him a lot of enemies. He also keeps everyone at a distance because he doesn’t want to endanger anyone. Around Sunny though, he starts to open up and realize how lonely he has been.
I really enjoyed these two and their relationship. My only issue with this story was that I was expecting a bit more discussion about Sunny’s abilities and why she was different. There is some discussion but I felt like it kind of got pushed aside with all the other danger that was going on. But, I am loving all the different types of abilities and creatures that are being introduced with each new Nocturne Falls story. It's just a fascinating town filled with some unique paranormals.
Trigger warnings: child kidnapping; brief discussion about death of parent in car accident; brief discussion to the death of mother in childbirth; kidnapping;
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
October 4, 2022
It never fails when I read this author’s books I always think she will never top the one I just finished , yet she always writes another just as good if not better. This one is now my favorite. Sunni is a preschool teach from Texas who has lovely manners and looks sweet and innocent. She has some abilities that she just can’t get a handle on. They are getting out of control. Her great aunt Alice is the best witch there is so she’s off to visit her in Nocturne Falls. Surely Alice can teach her how to be a proper witch. Although, what she learns about herself will be a little more scary than what she thinks.
It just so happens that Elenora also has a family member arriving the same time. For those who don’t know, Elenora is a very powerful vampire that pretty much runs the town with her grandsons. Alice is Elenora’s dear friend who resides in the giant house with her. They are very old. Anyway, the two guests meet and really clash. Neither can stand the other right off the bat. Ren just knows Sunni is all soft and cheerleader quality. She can’t even look him in the eyes when speaking! Sunni thinks Ren is just stuck on himself and a little arrogant. The reason she can’t look at him is she sees shadows all on and around him. This is her gift, or problem. She has no idea what it is or why she is out of control. She’s not making a very good witch so far. Ren rescues children and just came off a dangerous mission. He also has a note left for him and believes someone is following him. The note is very threatening. The couple has no choice but to get to know each other during their stay. Alice isn’t happy about Ren. I want to say more but it would spoil it. There’s quite a bit of Alice and Elenora in this one and I loved that so much.
The narration is to die for. Is there any book out there that BJ Harrison couldn’t do?! He is amazing at any voice male or female. He always sounds perfect whatever the accent or sex. I highly recommend this.
It just so happens that Elenora also has a family member arriving the same time. For those who don’t know, Elenora is a very powerful vampire that pretty much runs the town with her grandsons. Alice is Elenora’s dear friend who resides in the giant house with her. They are very old. Anyway, the two guests meet and really clash. Neither can stand the other right off the bat. Ren just knows Sunni is all soft and cheerleader quality. She can’t even look him in the eyes when speaking! Sunni thinks Ren is just stuck on himself and a little arrogant. The reason she can’t look at him is she sees shadows all on and around him. This is her gift, or problem. She has no idea what it is or why she is out of control. She’s not making a very good witch so far. Ren rescues children and just came off a dangerous mission. He also has a note left for him and believes someone is following him. The note is very threatening. The couple has no choice but to get to know each other during their stay. Alice isn’t happy about Ren. I want to say more but it would spoil it. There’s quite a bit of Alice and Elenora in this one and I loved that so much.
The narration is to die for. Is there any book out there that BJ Harrison couldn’t do?! He is amazing at any voice male or female. He always sounds perfect whatever the accent or sex. I highly recommend this.
September 27, 2025
Serendipity for Sunday
Sunday or Sunni as she is typically known, can’t figure out her magic. In fact she runs from the shadows she see around herself or others, she is so afraid. So she finally goes to her aunt in hopes of help. While most would not consider her rather serious aunt Alice much support, Sunni’s aunt Alice is atop the magical mountain of power in Nocturne Falls.
Sunni has an awkward first encounter with Ren, nephew to Ms. Eleanora, who is her aunt’s boss. Ren also has an initial mistaken impression about Sunnis a naive young women, while quite lovely, so there is hilarity and confusion for them both.
They get to know each other and realize they actually like each other and their feelings deepen, but that sput them in danger as well since Ren, a day walking vampire, who rescues paranormal children in often desperate situations, has some of his past show up and has to handle those after him or he, his family members and possibly Sunni are in danger.
In the midst of all the chaos and drama, Sunni has to figure out her strange magic with the help of her incredibly talented magicial aunt. As with most of the incredibly well written Noctirne Falls novels, the action is snappy and action movie fast fast fast, the dialogue interesting, the characters warm and of course the heroes are swoon worthy and villains are despicable ! As it should be, and the end of the stories surprisingly satisfying and an absolutely worthwhile read
Sunday or Sunni as she is typically known, can’t figure out her magic. In fact she runs from the shadows she see around herself or others, she is so afraid. So she finally goes to her aunt in hopes of help. While most would not consider her rather serious aunt Alice much support, Sunni’s aunt Alice is atop the magical mountain of power in Nocturne Falls.
Sunni has an awkward first encounter with Ren, nephew to Ms. Eleanora, who is her aunt’s boss. Ren also has an initial mistaken impression about Sunnis a naive young women, while quite lovely, so there is hilarity and confusion for them both.
They get to know each other and realize they actually like each other and their feelings deepen, but that sput them in danger as well since Ren, a day walking vampire, who rescues paranormal children in often desperate situations, has some of his past show up and has to handle those after him or he, his family members and possibly Sunni are in danger.
In the midst of all the chaos and drama, Sunni has to figure out her strange magic with the help of her incredibly talented magicial aunt. As with most of the incredibly well written Noctirne Falls novels, the action is snappy and action movie fast fast fast, the dialogue interesting, the characters warm and of course the heroes are swoon worthy and villains are despicable ! As it should be, and the end of the stories surprisingly satisfying and an absolutely worthwhile read
July 7, 2022
We're back in Nocturne Falls with a distant member of the Ellingham family and he's met his match in Sunny. First off, Ren completely pegs Sunny wrong and that sort of throws him off his game. The fact she won't look at him directly sort of miffs him, too. Once they sit down and hash a few things out, he finds himself enjoying being in her presence. BUT...his work doesn't leave a lot of room for relationships (romantic or otherwise) and with a crime boss on his heels he doesn't see how things could ever work out between them.
Meanwhile, Sunny is dealing with a few things. Namely, that her ability to see shadows leaves her high and dry when it comes to relationships. Of course, that might be because she doesn't know a lot of supernaturals and the thought of explaining to a human what's going on just doesn't appeal to her. Honestly, once she opened up about what she can see with Ren things started moving in the right direction.
Beyond that, getting a handle on her abilities gives her (and Ren) a secret weapon when things turn sour with Ren's issues.
No lie, I like spending time in Nocturne Falls with these supernaturals. They're quirky and fun and they know how to celebrate the spooky season like no other!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Meanwhile, Sunny is dealing with a few things. Namely, that her ability to see shadows leaves her high and dry when it comes to relationships. Of course, that might be because she doesn't know a lot of supernaturals and the thought of explaining to a human what's going on just doesn't appeal to her. Honestly, once she opened up about what she can see with Ren things started moving in the right direction.
Beyond that, getting a handle on her abilities gives her (and Ren) a secret weapon when things turn sour with Ren's issues.
No lie, I like spending time in Nocturne Falls with these supernaturals. They're quirky and fun and they know how to celebrate the spooky season like no other!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 19, 2022
I've always been a fan of the Nocturne Falls books. This time Ren, a vampire who retrieves stolen children and is a nephew to the town's founder, has come to Nocturne Falls to hide out from an angry parent. His love interest is Sunni- who has come to spend time with her aunt Alice Bishop to find out what's up with her witchcraft. Turns out Sunni has shadow magic. What starts as a rocky relationship, becomes steamy because Ren has never dated someone like Sunni, and she has been dateless for years because of her unpredictable magic. As the book progresses, Sunni is actually able to use her magic to save Ren from the people hunting him. These books are feel-good reads. The romances happen a bit quickly and things are generally resolved with some items being undisclosed, but it's still a fun ride to go to the town that celebrates Halloween every day of the year. This installment also brings in a lot more of the members of the Ellingham family and hints at secret histories for both Ellinora and Alice. If only all humans could have the metabolisms of these supernatural beings. A great portion of every book is just describing all the food the characters eat!!
July 30, 2022
We get to meet two characters who both are bound for Nocturne Falls, if not for different reasons. Lorenzo is Elenora's sister's descendent. When one of his jobs goes awry, he heads to her place for a refuge to hide. Sunday or Sunny is a descendent of Alice's and has untamed powers. She is on her way to Alice to spend 8 weeks working on figuring out how to manage them. She lives in fear of shadows all around her.
These two characters are thrust together like oil in water. Lorenzo is judgmental and a bit haughty while Sunny is sweet and kind and often underestimated. Yet they each find they begin to rely on each other, Ren helps Sunny deal with her powers and Ren begins to change his views on her.
There's something about crazy ex-girlfriends that really gets a man lol, especially one that's the daughter of the last man you executed a dangerous operation against.
Overall, Sunny is able to utilize her powers super quick and well to help Ren out of a pickle and manage to get offered a job for all the littles that our other Nocturne Falls characters have been having. This story was fun.
These two characters are thrust together like oil in water. Lorenzo is judgmental and a bit haughty while Sunny is sweet and kind and often underestimated. Yet they each find they begin to rely on each other, Ren helps Sunny deal with her powers and Ren begins to change his views on her.
There's something about crazy ex-girlfriends that really gets a man lol, especially one that's the daughter of the last man you executed a dangerous operation against.
Overall, Sunny is able to utilize her powers super quick and well to help Ren out of a pickle and manage to get offered a job for all the littles that our other Nocturne Falls characters have been having. This story was fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2022
Great Book!
This is a great book; this is the fourteenth book in the Nocturne Falls Series written by Kristen Painter. This book can be read as a stand alone, however, you will definitely want to read the other books. Nocturne Falls is a town that celebrates Halloween 365 days of the year. The town is a place where supernaturals can live with the humans and not have to hide what they truly are. This is Sunday and Lorenzo’s story and it is great. Sunday Wells is a witch from a powerful witch family and Lorenzo Robillard is a vampire. Sunday is plagued by dark shadows and can’t seem to get control of her powers and Lorenzo is running from an enemy who is after him. He runs to the safest place he knows to Nocturne Falls with his great aunt. What he isn’t expecting is meeting Sunday. I can’t wait to read the next books in this great series!
This is a great book; this is the fourteenth book in the Nocturne Falls Series written by Kristen Painter. This book can be read as a stand alone, however, you will definitely want to read the other books. Nocturne Falls is a town that celebrates Halloween 365 days of the year. The town is a place where supernaturals can live with the humans and not have to hide what they truly are. This is Sunday and Lorenzo’s story and it is great. Sunday Wells is a witch from a powerful witch family and Lorenzo Robillard is a vampire. Sunday is plagued by dark shadows and can’t seem to get control of her powers and Lorenzo is running from an enemy who is after him. He runs to the safest place he knows to Nocturne Falls with his great aunt. What he isn’t expecting is meeting Sunday. I can’t wait to read the next books in this great series!
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September 12, 2022This was my least favorite book of the series, mostly because I could not stand Ren. He was a judgmental ass, with a good dash of misogyny. All the assumptions he makes about Sunny in the beginning made me so angry. All his internal thoughts were painful to listen to.
Velvet seemed unhinged for no reason, except for Ren to be justified when he talked about his "crazy ex". Those very stereotypical lines about how crazy his ex was, and that he was just with her "for a good time". Ugh, he was such an ass. I don't care that he rescued kids.
Sunny was fine. I feel like her powers and *what* she was were very under explored. Too much time was spent with Ren's story, that Sunny's powers and storyline with Alice felt bland and underdeveloped. Learning more about Alice was interesting, but it would have been nice to see a resolution with Alice & Elenora.
Velvet seemed unhinged for no reason, except for Ren to be justified when he talked about his "crazy ex". Those very stereotypical lines about how crazy his ex was, and that he was just with her "for a good time". Ugh, he was such an ass. I don't care that he rescued kids.
Sunny was fine. I feel like her powers and *what* she was were very under explored. Too much time was spent with Ren's story, that Sunny's powers and storyline with Alice felt bland and underdeveloped. Learning more about Alice was interesting, but it would have been nice to see a resolution with Alice & Elenora.
June 3, 2023
I love this series. So light-hearted with a different way to present supernaturals.
Sunday ‘Sunni’ Wells has a strange dark power. Her mother, a green witch sends her to Nocturne Falls to study under her aunt, the powerful witch Alice Bishop. But it turns out Sunni is not what she thinks she is.
After completing a child rescue, Ren discovers his identity has been compromised. When decides to hide-out at his Aunt Elenora Ellingham’s estate, the danger follows him. But Elenora is even more dangerous, especially defending her family. Even though Ren has a kind heart for children, he’s clueless and his ability to perceive first impressions is non-existent. At least he’s generous.
Fave scenes: Ren’s thoughts on salaries, Delaney’s new truffle idea, Sunni dealing with Velvet and Sunni’s idea about the shadow combining.
Sunday ‘Sunni’ Wells has a strange dark power. Her mother, a green witch sends her to Nocturne Falls to study under her aunt, the powerful witch Alice Bishop. But it turns out Sunni is not what she thinks she is.
After completing a child rescue, Ren discovers his identity has been compromised. When decides to hide-out at his Aunt Elenora Ellingham’s estate, the danger follows him. But Elenora is even more dangerous, especially defending her family. Even though Ren has a kind heart for children, he’s clueless and his ability to perceive first impressions is non-existent. At least he’s generous.
Fave scenes: Ren’s thoughts on salaries, Delaney’s new truffle idea, Sunni dealing with Velvet and Sunni’s idea about the shadow combining.
June 13, 2022
I serious love visiting Nocturne Falls it is one of my favorite places to be! Lorenzo (Ren) Ellingham Robillard needs to hide out for a little while and what better place than with his aunt, Elenora Ellingham. While he is staying with her he meets Sunday Wells, a witch that has issues with her magic. I absoultely love this book, we get to see all the Ellinghams again which I am so happy for its nice to see where they are in their lives! I cannot wait to be able to come back and visit this wonderful town!!!
June 14, 2022
More Alice & Eleanor!
What a great story! This is the latest book in the amazing Nocturne Falls series. This story centers around town founder Eleanor Ellingham’s nephew Ren and the towns most powerful witch Alice Bishop’s niece Sunni. A great story with lots of twists and turns and unexpected powers to keep you guessing all through. My only wish is more Alice closure at the end but oh my goodness it was so great catching up with my favorite NF characters and locations! A must read!!!
What a great story! This is the latest book in the amazing Nocturne Falls series. This story centers around town founder Eleanor Ellingham’s nephew Ren and the towns most powerful witch Alice Bishop’s niece Sunni. A great story with lots of twists and turns and unexpected powers to keep you guessing all through. My only wish is more Alice closure at the end but oh my goodness it was so great catching up with my favorite NF characters and locations! A must read!!!
June 15, 2022
Always Sunni in Nocturne Falls
Lorenzo (Ren) Eleanora's great nephew, finds himself on the run to Nocturne Falls after a job rescuing a child from a criminal underworld vampire parent, goes wrong.
He turns up in the Halloween town full of supernaturals, to find Sunni, Alice's niece is there training for 8 weeks to control her powers.
They make assumptions about each other but soon become friends.
There's a lot more going on, but we have criminals, magic, family reunions, love, humour and romance.
Another great instalment.
Lorenzo (Ren) Eleanora's great nephew, finds himself on the run to Nocturne Falls after a job rescuing a child from a criminal underworld vampire parent, goes wrong.
He turns up in the Halloween town full of supernaturals, to find Sunni, Alice's niece is there training for 8 weeks to control her powers.
They make assumptions about each other but soon become friends.
There's a lot more going on, but we have criminals, magic, family reunions, love, humour and romance.
Another great instalment.
June 18, 2022
I love Nocturne Falls
I really do love this series it’s light hearted , sweet and a fun mystery. My only gripe is that the endings lately feel very abrupt and unsatisfying. I would have like to know what had happened to the villains and that they got there comeuppance. Instead of a very brief explanation. But other than that gripe the story was everything I love about this town. I also love that we got see more of Elenor’s and Alice and getting a little more of there mysterious back story.
I really do love this series it’s light hearted , sweet and a fun mystery. My only gripe is that the endings lately feel very abrupt and unsatisfying. I would have like to know what had happened to the villains and that they got there comeuppance. Instead of a very brief explanation. But other than that gripe the story was everything I love about this town. I also love that we got see more of Elenor’s and Alice and getting a little more of there mysterious back story.
June 19, 2022
Surprisingly fun.
Well this one caught me be surprised. I was dubious how it would turn out with two strangers to nocturne Falls connected to two such powerhouses. I was very pleasantly surprised. Sunni and Ren are interesting characters with much behind them. Fears and hopes, the shadows is an amazing magical experience. I loved seeing the growth in the Ellingham family. Very overwhelmingly frustrating with all the chaos going on. I really hope this allows Alice to have her own story!!
Well this one caught me be surprised. I was dubious how it would turn out with two strangers to nocturne Falls connected to two such powerhouses. I was very pleasantly surprised. Sunni and Ren are interesting characters with much behind them. Fears and hopes, the shadows is an amazing magical experience. I loved seeing the growth in the Ellingham family. Very overwhelmingly frustrating with all the chaos going on. I really hope this allows Alice to have her own story!!
July 10, 2022
Loved reading Sunny and Ren's story. It was fun to dive into Alice a bit more and I always enjoy Elenora. Sunny is studying under her Aunt Alice to figure out why she sees dark shadows everywhere. Ren is hiding out from his last job with Elenora and his family. The 2 butt heads right from the start, can they give the other a chance to see where it goes.
This was fun that the author added some completely new supernaturals to the town. Nocturne Falls sounds like such a fun place I want to visit. Ren is so patient with Sunny he was easy to fall for. More laughs and a few surprises.
This was fun that the author added some completely new supernaturals to the town. Nocturne Falls sounds like such a fun place I want to visit. Ren is so patient with Sunny he was easy to fall for. More laughs and a few surprises.
August 16, 2022
Unbelievable! Unbelievably good, that is!
Ok, Kristen Painter has done it again. Moreover, she’s done it a bit differently than in previous books.
I’ve been very fond, in these reviews, of stating that she DOESN’T write romances, rather that she simply writes excellent novels in which romance is but one of many themes. However, this particular book is romance through and through and I have to tell you I still love it!
Kudos, kudos and more kudos to you, Ms. Painter. Well and truly well done!
Ok, Kristen Painter has done it again. Moreover, she’s done it a bit differently than in previous books.
I’ve been very fond, in these reviews, of stating that she DOESN’T write romances, rather that she simply writes excellent novels in which romance is but one of many themes. However, this particular book is romance through and through and I have to tell you I still love it!
Kudos, kudos and more kudos to you, Ms. Painter. Well and truly well done!
January 21, 2023
A fun series that connects characters from book to book which brings cohesion to the story as the characters move through the years and mature in their lives. It doesn't matter what type of genre I read, I am always happy when a series is delightful to read and holds my interest throughout. For this series, I chose Audible books and enjoyed the narration of B.J. Harrison. He does a great job of narrating with feeling and voices/inflections that make it easy to keep track of the characters as the dialogue progresses.
Read this series and you will be delighted too.
Read this series and you will be delighted too.
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