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Dark Ones
Just One Sip
From a Moravian Dark One to a sunbathing vamp in Vegas to a New Orleans Supernatural Task Force, three of the hottest authors in the paranormal genre deliver loads of laughs in this side-splitting anthology.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2006
14 people are currently reading
1643 people want to read
About the author
Katie MacAlister
122 books5,972 followersFor as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 29, 2010
I bought this book for the Katie Macalister story "Bring Out Your Dead" and that story is fun like all her Dark One stories and has a very cool zombie named William. I do think it's not a very good standalone novella though. You need to have read at least book two and three of her Dark Ones series to grasp all of this story.
Take note: "Bring Out Your Dead" has also been printed in another anthology called "My Zombie Valentine".
On to the other two stories:
"Viva Las Vampires" is quite an entertaining story. The action storyline is paper thin and it focuses more on some steamy romance and smut, but is quite enjoyable at that.
"Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" wasn't my kind of story. I do not like the 'old lovers who broke up meet again, fight and kiss and make up' kind of plots, so I didn't much like this novella.
Take note: "Bring Out Your Dead" has also been printed in another anthology called "My Zombie Valentine".
On to the other two stories:
"Viva Las Vampires" is quite an entertaining story. The action storyline is paper thin and it focuses more on some steamy romance and smut, but is quite enjoyable at that.
"Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" wasn't my kind of story. I do not like the 'old lovers who broke up meet again, fight and kiss and make up' kind of plots, so I didn't much like this novella.
January 16, 2010
Story 1: Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley
Merideth Black heads to Las Vegas to research her next book on Vampires and stays at Transylvania Castle Hotel - a hotel themed around Vampires and things that go bump (or is it Boom Boom Boom?) in the night. She is hoping to get an interview with the elusive hotel owner Stefan Erickson for her book - a request that has been denied about 20 times before she came to the hotel. Lucky for her Stefan spots her on a security camera when she walks in and is immediately intrigued with her. He calls the desk clerk and Merideth soon finds herself on her way to the penthouse to meet the mysterious owner.
This was a really fun story and I wanted more when it was done. It was by far the best story in the book for me and I will be looking up more Jennifer Ashley books now that I know about her.
Story 2: Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister
Ysabelle is a councelor for The Society for the Protection of Reverants (Zombie's) and part time tutor. Sebastian is a Dark One (vampire) with a grudge on his shoulder. While running to a tutoring job and being chased by a heard of imps Ysabelle runs smack into Sabastian and ends up laying on top of him in the middle of an alley in a nice steamy (but accidental) lip lock.
I picked up this book because of Katie MacAlister's name on it and because it was the 5th book in the Dark One Series. Sadly the story fell way short of my expectations. I thought the story felt chaotic and rushed and that choice bits were excluded. I also DETESTED the character Sally. She spent the whole story talking in a poor mix of French and English. Argh! Awful! She was the Jar Jar Binks of the story!
Story 3: Lucy and the Crypt Casanova by Minda Webber
Lucy Campbell is a talk show host who transplanted from Texas to New Orleans to interview Zombies, Trolls and Warlocks on her TV Show. She isn't exactly taken seriously - but decides that is all going to change when she hears about a mysterious incident from one of her guests and decides that blowing the story wide open would really up her career prospects. Unlucky for Lucy (but lucky for us readers) Lucy keeps running into her ex-love Valmont DuPonte who just happens to be a detective and none too happy for Lucy to be digging into things she has no business digging into.
The pacing of this story was a bit frantic. I felt like the author was trying too hard with the puns and alliteration - and the main character was pretty immature and sort of dense - but something about the story worked. Definetly a page turner despite the issues i had with it.
Merideth Black heads to Las Vegas to research her next book on Vampires and stays at Transylvania Castle Hotel - a hotel themed around Vampires and things that go bump (or is it Boom Boom Boom?) in the night. She is hoping to get an interview with the elusive hotel owner Stefan Erickson for her book - a request that has been denied about 20 times before she came to the hotel. Lucky for her Stefan spots her on a security camera when she walks in and is immediately intrigued with her. He calls the desk clerk and Merideth soon finds herself on her way to the penthouse to meet the mysterious owner.
This was a really fun story and I wanted more when it was done. It was by far the best story in the book for me and I will be looking up more Jennifer Ashley books now that I know about her.
Story 2: Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister
Ysabelle is a councelor for The Society for the Protection of Reverants (Zombie's) and part time tutor. Sebastian is a Dark One (vampire) with a grudge on his shoulder. While running to a tutoring job and being chased by a heard of imps Ysabelle runs smack into Sabastian and ends up laying on top of him in the middle of an alley in a nice steamy (but accidental) lip lock.
I picked up this book because of Katie MacAlister's name on it and because it was the 5th book in the Dark One Series. Sadly the story fell way short of my expectations. I thought the story felt chaotic and rushed and that choice bits were excluded. I also DETESTED the character Sally. She spent the whole story talking in a poor mix of French and English. Argh! Awful! She was the Jar Jar Binks of the story!
Story 3: Lucy and the Crypt Casanova by Minda Webber
Lucy Campbell is a talk show host who transplanted from Texas to New Orleans to interview Zombies, Trolls and Warlocks on her TV Show. She isn't exactly taken seriously - but decides that is all going to change when she hears about a mysterious incident from one of her guests and decides that blowing the story wide open would really up her career prospects. Unlucky for Lucy (but lucky for us readers) Lucy keeps running into her ex-love Valmont DuPonte who just happens to be a detective and none too happy for Lucy to be digging into things she has no business digging into.
The pacing of this story was a bit frantic. I felt like the author was trying too hard with the puns and alliteration - and the main character was pretty immature and sort of dense - but something about the story worked. Definetly a page turner despite the issues i had with it.
December 29, 2009
This was definitely a mixed bag...
1st story was by an author I have never read before (Jennifer Ashley) and was about an author visiting a vampire hotel in Vegas. I enjoyed the story and may go on to read other stories by the author.
The 2nd story was by one of my favorite authors, Katie MacAlister. I speak french fairly fluently, but I imagine that one of the characters in this story would become very annoying to a reader who didn't have any knowledge of french. Every sentence out of her mouth is a combination of french and english. The story gave me a couple chuckles, but it is definitely not my favorite story she's ever written. Still, if you have read the Dark Ones series, it's definitely worth checking this out from the library to read the story for the series completion's sake.
The 3rd story stunk to me. I haven't read the author before, and I will not go out of my way to read any more stories of hers. Perhaps it was the content, but I didn't like the story. It was about a girl that ran a talkshow called THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Most of the story she spent lambasting her former cheating vampire boyfriend or dealing with stupid talkshow guests. I don't know. It didn't work for me.
1st story was by an author I have never read before (Jennifer Ashley) and was about an author visiting a vampire hotel in Vegas. I enjoyed the story and may go on to read other stories by the author.
The 2nd story was by one of my favorite authors, Katie MacAlister. I speak french fairly fluently, but I imagine that one of the characters in this story would become very annoying to a reader who didn't have any knowledge of french. Every sentence out of her mouth is a combination of french and english. The story gave me a couple chuckles, but it is definitely not my favorite story she's ever written. Still, if you have read the Dark Ones series, it's definitely worth checking this out from the library to read the story for the series completion's sake.
The 3rd story stunk to me. I haven't read the author before, and I will not go out of my way to read any more stories of hers. Perhaps it was the content, but I didn't like the story. It was about a girl that ran a talkshow called THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Most of the story she spent lambasting her former cheating vampire boyfriend or dealing with stupid talkshow guests. I don't know. It didn't work for me.
October 20, 2025
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book contains three novellas. They are unrelated stories. I have included individual reviews for each. One of the authors was new to me. I usually try to give an anthology 5 stars because you can try different authors, but the quality of two of the 3 stories was poor so I downgraded it to 4 stars.
Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley
2 stars
Meredith, 29, is an author and she visits Las Vegas in order to try to get an interview with Stefan. She does not believe in vampires but has written a book on vampires in mythology and is now working on one about vampires in popular culture. Stefan, 1000, is a vampire master who knows when he sees Meredith that she is the one that can save him. He wants to use his vampire powers to mesmerize her to get her cooperation and, further, her complete and total submission. I was a put off by his ability to control her and his initial disregard for her autonomy.
As the story progresses, you find out that, in order to survive, Stefan needs a blood slave who is willing to die for him. If he does not find that person, he will die. Given that Meredith is ensorcelled with a limited power to resist and he is able to slip in and out of her thoughts, I thought their relationship was very one sided. It was not a fair choice. When the author writes that he falls in love with her, it seemed unlikely and there was no explanation for it. She was not able to express who she really is with him because he controls her. Later, there is a change in the relationship, but it did seem done for convenience.
The first time they have s*x, she wants to savor it, but he rushes, and she thinks “If I’m going to be seduced and discarded, at least let me enjoy it.” It did not seem very thoughtful of her wants and needs. The book was disproportionately about s*x rather than their relationship.
There is another vampire who wants Stefan to die or leave town. The author differentiates between vampires who are turned while living and those who are turned after they have died. This vampire is one of the latter. It leads to the moment where Meredith needs to choose. He has unexpected/ inconsistent behavior later in the story.
The story is told mostly from Meredith’s point of view but does have some moments told from Stefan’s.
The author incorrectly uses the word gopher for gofer.
I do not recommend this story. I have read the author before and would recommend trying her other writing.
Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister
5 stars
This is a fast paced novella with interesting characters. It is part of the author’s Dark Ones series. Characters from other books appear and I think it is easier to understand after at least Sex, Lies, and Vampires. Sebastian was cursed by another vampire and given to a demon. He is now free (which is not explained) and he wants revenge. This focus is sidetracked by meeting Ysabelle and he realizes that she is his Beloved (soul mate). She asks him to give up his vengeance which was a big ask as what he went through was torturous.
He and Ysabelle face a demon with a whole cast of characters including some revenants, a guardian, and a spirit guide. Despite the hectic nature of the events surrounding the demon, the author allows for time to develop the relationship. Given that it is a novella, it is not fully developed but there are some nice moments. For example, when Ysabelle has a flashback and Sebastian comforts her.
The story is told mostly from Ysabelle’s point of view and a little from Sebastian’s.
I read this series in the past and enjoyed it.
Lucy and the Crypt Casanova Minda Webber
2 stars
Lucy is a human who hosts a paranormal TV show. The TV show is not taken seriously and she wants to get into more serious subjects. When she overhears two warlocks who are discussing a paranormal problem, she decides to investigate it with the hopes it will give her more gravitas.
In doing so, she meets her ex again. Lucy believes that Val was unfaithful to her and had broken up with him. At the time, she was in her early 20s and he was well over 300. It seemed hard to believe that they were a good match. They were very different. Lucy tended to be very impulsive and lost her temper several times during the story. Val was cool and calm.
The villain of the story is a Ka incubus and quite dangerous. Lucy was brave in one scene where she assists in someone getting away from the incubus. However, she was foolish to go after the incubus in the first place as she had no training to do so and no back up.
I initially liked this book but felt it dropped a bit as the language choices were a little cute. The author seemed to reach for humor in places. It dropped again for the writing in general.
The story is mostly from Lucy’s point of view with a few scenes from Val’s and one from the incubus. The point of view would sometimes change from paragraph to paragraph.
At one point, it was implied that Val had s*x like a Casanova after the break up, but later his partner reveals that he had been alone since.
The author completely overdid Lucy’s clumsiness and was tiring to read. It just seemed to diminish her.
I do not plan to continue reading this author. I do not recommend this novella.
This book contains three novellas. They are unrelated stories. I have included individual reviews for each. One of the authors was new to me. I usually try to give an anthology 5 stars because you can try different authors, but the quality of two of the 3 stories was poor so I downgraded it to 4 stars.
Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley
2 stars
Meredith, 29, is an author and she visits Las Vegas in order to try to get an interview with Stefan. She does not believe in vampires but has written a book on vampires in mythology and is now working on one about vampires in popular culture. Stefan, 1000, is a vampire master who knows when he sees Meredith that she is the one that can save him. He wants to use his vampire powers to mesmerize her to get her cooperation and, further, her complete and total submission. I was a put off by his ability to control her and his initial disregard for her autonomy.
As the story progresses, you find out that, in order to survive, Stefan needs a blood slave who is willing to die for him. If he does not find that person, he will die. Given that Meredith is ensorcelled with a limited power to resist and he is able to slip in and out of her thoughts, I thought their relationship was very one sided. It was not a fair choice. When the author writes that he falls in love with her, it seemed unlikely and there was no explanation for it. She was not able to express who she really is with him because he controls her. Later, there is a change in the relationship, but it did seem done for convenience.
The first time they have s*x, she wants to savor it, but he rushes, and she thinks “If I’m going to be seduced and discarded, at least let me enjoy it.” It did not seem very thoughtful of her wants and needs. The book was disproportionately about s*x rather than their relationship.
There is another vampire who wants Stefan to die or leave town. The author differentiates between vampires who are turned while living and those who are turned after they have died. This vampire is one of the latter. It leads to the moment where Meredith needs to choose. He has unexpected/ inconsistent behavior later in the story.
The story is told mostly from Meredith’s point of view but does have some moments told from Stefan’s.
The author incorrectly uses the word gopher for gofer.
I do not recommend this story. I have read the author before and would recommend trying her other writing.
Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister
5 stars
This is a fast paced novella with interesting characters. It is part of the author’s Dark Ones series. Characters from other books appear and I think it is easier to understand after at least Sex, Lies, and Vampires. Sebastian was cursed by another vampire and given to a demon. He is now free (which is not explained) and he wants revenge. This focus is sidetracked by meeting Ysabelle and he realizes that she is his Beloved (soul mate). She asks him to give up his vengeance which was a big ask as what he went through was torturous.
He and Ysabelle face a demon with a whole cast of characters including some revenants, a guardian, and a spirit guide. Despite the hectic nature of the events surrounding the demon, the author allows for time to develop the relationship. Given that it is a novella, it is not fully developed but there are some nice moments. For example, when Ysabelle has a flashback and Sebastian comforts her.
The story is told mostly from Ysabelle’s point of view and a little from Sebastian’s.
I read this series in the past and enjoyed it.
Lucy and the Crypt Casanova Minda Webber
2 stars
Lucy is a human who hosts a paranormal TV show. The TV show is not taken seriously and she wants to get into more serious subjects. When she overhears two warlocks who are discussing a paranormal problem, she decides to investigate it with the hopes it will give her more gravitas.
In doing so, she meets her ex again. Lucy believes that Val was unfaithful to her and had broken up with him. At the time, she was in her early 20s and he was well over 300. It seemed hard to believe that they were a good match. They were very different. Lucy tended to be very impulsive and lost her temper several times during the story. Val was cool and calm.
The villain of the story is a Ka incubus and quite dangerous. Lucy was brave in one scene where she assists in someone getting away from the incubus. However, she was foolish to go after the incubus in the first place as she had no training to do so and no back up.
I initially liked this book but felt it dropped a bit as the language choices were a little cute. The author seemed to reach for humor in places. It dropped again for the writing in general.
The story is mostly from Lucy’s point of view with a few scenes from Val’s and one from the incubus. The point of view would sometimes change from paragraph to paragraph.
At one point, it was implied that Val had s*x like a Casanova after the break up, but later his partner reveals that he had been alone since.
The author completely overdid Lucy’s clumsiness and was tiring to read. It just seemed to diminish her.
I do not plan to continue reading this author. I do not recommend this novella.
September 8, 2018
I love Katie MacAlister and her humour. Reading her books I feel like I'm watching the Gilmore girls with the wit and effortless conversation of the characters. I enjoyed the other sorry stories in this collection as well, and will checkout Jennifer Ashley in the future.
February 7, 2019
Registered on Bookcrossing - https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
November 10, 2020
Collection of shorts based on vampires. Collected some new authors to read bcz it was good.
December 9, 2021
loved the 1st story
2nd not really
3rd was ok
2nd not really
3rd was ok
December 28, 2015
From Publishers Weekly
Quirky visions of vampire love animate this collection of three original novellas by paranormal romance authors MacAlister (author of the popular Dark Ones series), Ashley (Penelope and Prince Charming) and Webber (The Remarkable Miss Frankenstein). In Ashley's contribution, "Viva Las Vampires," journalist Meredith Black pursues an interview with sexy Vegas hotelier Stefan Erickson, owner of Transylvania Castle hotel. Little does she know he's a real vampire, with designs of his own for her. Webber's entry, "Lucy and the Crypt Casanova," cruises on the irascible charm of lead Lucy Campbell, a klutzy TV talk-show hostess who's forced to team up with her no-good ex, a sexy vampire detective, for the sake of a hot story: a murder investigation involving an incubus, a rare monster that feeds on youth like vamps feed on blood. The strongest of the three, for its over-the-top sexual antics and fully realized farcical world, is MacAlister's "Bring Out Your Dead," a story that unites an undead life coach for zombies (and part-time English tutor), Ysabelle Raleigh, with an anxious vampire who takes her for his long lost "Beloved." Despite a few missteps (MacAlister's French-mangling spirit guide, for instance, tends to irritate rather than amuse), this fast, funny and twisty collection proves good to the last drop. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Three romance novellas take a different look at vampire heroes. "Viva Las Vampires," by Jennifer Ashley, features a gorgeous, sun-bronzed Viking vampire who owns a vampire-themed hotel and casino in Las Vegas and sees his one true love striding through the lobby hot to interview him for her new book on vampire culture. In this world, there are warm vamps who are immortal and cold vamps who are undead. Katie MacAlister's "Bring Out Your Dead" is about Ysabelle, a counselor to newly made zombies, who meets Sebastian, a vampire who falls madly in love with her and must protect her from a demon. In Minda Webber's "Lucy and the Crypt Casanova," the host of a cheesy talk show who frequently gets into trouble because of her paranormal guests finds that the police detective investigating the same incubus case as she is the long-lost vampire love of her life. All three tales are entertaining and enjoyable, and it is a delight to see nongruesome takes on vampires. Diana Tixier Herald
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
October 30, 2014
This book was okay, but really I can only say that because of one story in it.
The first story, Viva Las Vampires, by Jennifer Ashley has some interesting points to it. Vampire Master has to find the one to fall in love with him or he will die. Also there are two kinds of vamps - one hot, one cold. The warm vamps are more human and can go out in the sun and are warm. They are willing to become vampires and are turned while still alive. The others are like the typical vampires were all know with no sunlight, more predatory, and cold to the touch. Other than that, the story was a little boring.
The second story, Bring Out Your Dead, by Katie MacAlister was the best story in the book, even if I have already read it in another short story compilation. Bring in the Dark Ones, vampires without a soul, and the Beloved, the one woman who can restore the Dark One's soul, and you have something interesting. Add in zombies and demons and the story gets even more involved. The only problem with this story is that is was too short. If the story had been drawn out like one of MacAlister's other Dark Ones novels then I believe it would be lots better and the whole story would have flowed better.
The final story, Lucy and the Crypt Casanova, by Minda Webber was different than other vampire stories I've read because the world knows and accepts paranormal creatures that live among them. In fact, the world caters to them with primetime being moved to later in the evening. The problem I had with the story is the characters. Lucy, the female lead, was a bit too needy and clingy for my tastes and Val, the male lead, was too arrogant. There seemed to be a lot of problems getting the two to meld together properly. In fact, it doesn't seem like they belong together at all and the story just forces them into each others' arms.
The three stories each had something interesting to offer, but most of the book was boring and seemed too forced. I probably won't read this book again for quite some time, if at all.
The first story, Viva Las Vampires, by Jennifer Ashley has some interesting points to it. Vampire Master has to find the one to fall in love with him or he will die. Also there are two kinds of vamps - one hot, one cold. The warm vamps are more human and can go out in the sun and are warm. They are willing to become vampires and are turned while still alive. The others are like the typical vampires were all know with no sunlight, more predatory, and cold to the touch. Other than that, the story was a little boring.
The second story, Bring Out Your Dead, by Katie MacAlister was the best story in the book, even if I have already read it in another short story compilation. Bring in the Dark Ones, vampires without a soul, and the Beloved, the one woman who can restore the Dark One's soul, and you have something interesting. Add in zombies and demons and the story gets even more involved. The only problem with this story is that is was too short. If the story had been drawn out like one of MacAlister's other Dark Ones novels then I believe it would be lots better and the whole story would have flowed better.
The final story, Lucy and the Crypt Casanova, by Minda Webber was different than other vampire stories I've read because the world knows and accepts paranormal creatures that live among them. In fact, the world caters to them with primetime being moved to later in the evening. The problem I had with the story is the characters. Lucy, the female lead, was a bit too needy and clingy for my tastes and Val, the male lead, was too arrogant. There seemed to be a lot of problems getting the two to meld together properly. In fact, it doesn't seem like they belong together at all and the story just forces them into each others' arms.
The three stories each had something interesting to offer, but most of the book was boring and seemed too forced. I probably won't read this book again for quite some time, if at all.
July 7, 2015
The reviews on this book aren't very good, but I went out and got the book anyway because I am reading the Dark Ones Series by Katie MacAlister and this is #4.5 in the series. I was hoping people were just being hard on the book, but sadly they were not.
This book contains three novellas. I am not a fan of books like this as I find the stories tend to be detailed up until the most important part, the ending. Then they ALWAYS seem to feel rushed. This still stood true for this book of novellas.
The best story for me is the one by Katie MacAlister, which is the second story. I enjoyed that is gave insight into another Dark One from the series. The ending felt rushed and there is a character who speaks a lot of french, which is really annoying to read when you don't speak French. I doubt it was of any importance, although I guess I wouldn't know since I can't read French, but all the same it was obnoxious to read.
The short of the first story, by Jennifer Ashley, is a woman who meets a vampire in Vegas. The story was interesting enough, although the least interesting of the three. I didn't care for the writing at all. I found it to be really juvenile, especially the love scenes.
The third story, by Minda Webber, was about a woman who is a talk show host of the paranormal, which is now out in the open. She has an ex-lover who is a vampire and detective and they collide trying to find a paranormal killer. I enjoyed this storyline and is written better than the first story. Lucy is the main character and I found her a bit obnoxious, particularly towards the end of the story. I didn't enjoy the writing of the one love scene though.
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this book. I get the impression most people reading it are reading it because they are reading the Dark Ones Series or because they enjoy Katie MacAlister books. If its the latter, skip it. If it's the former, I wouldn't say its paramount, but you get a little look into Sebastien. I don't know if his storyline comes up again in the series; I am still reading the series.
This book contains three novellas. I am not a fan of books like this as I find the stories tend to be detailed up until the most important part, the ending. Then they ALWAYS seem to feel rushed. This still stood true for this book of novellas.
The best story for me is the one by Katie MacAlister, which is the second story. I enjoyed that is gave insight into another Dark One from the series. The ending felt rushed and there is a character who speaks a lot of french, which is really annoying to read when you don't speak French. I doubt it was of any importance, although I guess I wouldn't know since I can't read French, but all the same it was obnoxious to read.
The short of the first story, by Jennifer Ashley, is a woman who meets a vampire in Vegas. The story was interesting enough, although the least interesting of the three. I didn't care for the writing at all. I found it to be really juvenile, especially the love scenes.
The third story, by Minda Webber, was about a woman who is a talk show host of the paranormal, which is now out in the open. She has an ex-lover who is a vampire and detective and they collide trying to find a paranormal killer. I enjoyed this storyline and is written better than the first story. Lucy is the main character and I found her a bit obnoxious, particularly towards the end of the story. I didn't enjoy the writing of the one love scene though.
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this book. I get the impression most people reading it are reading it because they are reading the Dark Ones Series or because they enjoy Katie MacAlister books. If its the latter, skip it. If it's the former, I wouldn't say its paramount, but you get a little look into Sebastien. I don't know if his storyline comes up again in the series; I am still reading the series.
June 28, 2009
the 1st story was: Viva las vampires-Jennifer Ashley. it was an excellent Vampire/romance story. From the very first page i was enthralled. all of the characters were all very well written. Meredith and stephan what a couple. i think i have read her stories before. But WOW definitely loved this one. she described 2 different breeds of vampires; the living dead and the dead vampires. and how they were different. very good story.
The 2nd story: bring out your dead-Katie Macalister. i really love all of her dark ones books. they are excellent. This was sebastian story. and he pops up in her other books from time to time. so reading his story was really cool. Sebastian and Ysabella make a very good couple. they had to fight a demon but everything worked out in the end. and Sebastian had to work on forgiveness. But that was cool. Another great one from Katie Macalister. I hope she keep the Dark ones books coming,because i will definitely get them and read them, that is for sure.
the 3rd story: Lucy and the crypt casanova-Minda Webber.Very excellent story. this is the first story i have read from her. and if they are all like this,i think i will be buying her books. Very creative and inventive. all of the creatures like vampires,werewolves, and witches and the like are all out for the world to see. and in this story she describes reality shows with such creatures. very cool. But at the heart of the story it is a love story;between Lucy and Val.they are estranged lovers that have to find their way back to each other. They do eventually. But their is a little mystery with a succabus creature. they get it though. and as they say happily ever after.
The 2nd story: bring out your dead-Katie Macalister. i really love all of her dark ones books. they are excellent. This was sebastian story. and he pops up in her other books from time to time. so reading his story was really cool. Sebastian and Ysabella make a very good couple. they had to fight a demon but everything worked out in the end. and Sebastian had to work on forgiveness. But that was cool. Another great one from Katie Macalister. I hope she keep the Dark ones books coming,because i will definitely get them and read them, that is for sure.
the 3rd story: Lucy and the crypt casanova-Minda Webber.Very excellent story. this is the first story i have read from her. and if they are all like this,i think i will be buying her books. Very creative and inventive. all of the creatures like vampires,werewolves, and witches and the like are all out for the world to see. and in this story she describes reality shows with such creatures. very cool. But at the heart of the story it is a love story;between Lucy and Val.they are estranged lovers that have to find their way back to each other. They do eventually. But their is a little mystery with a succabus creature. they get it though. and as they say happily ever after.
July 24, 2011
This is a 3 story novella by different authors:
"Viva Las Vampires" by Jennifer Ashely
Synopsis: A sunbathing vamp in Vegas? No way! Meredith Black is absolutely positive the tanned god with the gorgeous smile couldn't haven't possibly made her his for eternity with just one glance. But he'll sure have fun proving it.
Pretty entertaining and easy read.
"Bring Out Your Dead" by Katie MacAlister
Synopsis: Battling a demon lord is all in a day's work for the Dark One Sebastian. But now he must take on a horde of unhappy zombies and an obnoxious, know-it-all teen vampire if wants to win the hand of the one woman who can make him whole.
This Kate Mac story comes between Book 4 "Even Vampires Get the Blues" and Book 5 "The Last of the Red Hot Vampires" and actually picks up where Book 3 "Sex, Lies, and Vampires" left off. This short Dark Ones story contains a nice little love triangle. It brings together Sebastian, Ysabelle, and Noelle the Guardian. According the author's website, this started out being the book that brings Sebastian and Noelle together, but apparently Noelle was being difficult.
"Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" by Minda Webber
Synopsis: Talk show host Lucy Campbell has made a career of interviewing Druid witches, trolls, and an occasional goblin. But now she wants more. Only she wasn't expecting to get involved with a vampire detective who has a slight incubus problem.
A spirited story about 2 former lovers brought back together while both are hunting down an incubus loose in the city where they live.
Not bad stories really. I enjoyed them.
"Viva Las Vampires" by Jennifer Ashely
Synopsis: A sunbathing vamp in Vegas? No way! Meredith Black is absolutely positive the tanned god with the gorgeous smile couldn't haven't possibly made her his for eternity with just one glance. But he'll sure have fun proving it.
Pretty entertaining and easy read.
"Bring Out Your Dead" by Katie MacAlister
Synopsis: Battling a demon lord is all in a day's work for the Dark One Sebastian. But now he must take on a horde of unhappy zombies and an obnoxious, know-it-all teen vampire if wants to win the hand of the one woman who can make him whole.
This Kate Mac story comes between Book 4 "Even Vampires Get the Blues" and Book 5 "The Last of the Red Hot Vampires" and actually picks up where Book 3 "Sex, Lies, and Vampires" left off. This short Dark Ones story contains a nice little love triangle. It brings together Sebastian, Ysabelle, and Noelle the Guardian. According the author's website, this started out being the book that brings Sebastian and Noelle together, but apparently Noelle was being difficult.
"Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" by Minda Webber
Synopsis: Talk show host Lucy Campbell has made a career of interviewing Druid witches, trolls, and an occasional goblin. But now she wants more. Only she wasn't expecting to get involved with a vampire detective who has a slight incubus problem.
A spirited story about 2 former lovers brought back together while both are hunting down an incubus loose in the city where they live.
Not bad stories really. I enjoyed them.
October 27, 2009
This is a collection of three short stories about vampires. The reason I picked this book up was for the Katie MacAlister "bring out your dead" short story, but it turns out that is #5 in the Dark Ones series so I will only be reading the other two stories for now.
10/26/09 "Viva Las Vampires" by Jennifer Ashley - This was really good. It wonder if she has spun off books on any of the other vampires in this story. They were all such amazingly interesting characters. You really liked the good ones and really hated the bad ones, until the end when you start thinking maybe the bads one aren't so bad. Heehee. I always did like the bad boys. I am going to look for others by this author.
10/27/09 "Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" by Minda Webber - A little slow to start for a short story, but the accident prone, Lucy with her witty but ridiculous Texas humor holds the story. Set in a world were paranormal is normal on the streets, Lucy is a talk show host kind of not unlike Jerry Springer of the paranormal. My favorite show title was Voodoo preist who fall in-love with their dolls. What a crack up!
10/26/09 "Viva Las Vampires" by Jennifer Ashley - This was really good. It wonder if she has spun off books on any of the other vampires in this story. They were all such amazingly interesting characters. You really liked the good ones and really hated the bad ones, until the end when you start thinking maybe the bads one aren't so bad. Heehee. I always did like the bad boys. I am going to look for others by this author.
10/27/09 "Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" by Minda Webber - A little slow to start for a short story, but the accident prone, Lucy with her witty but ridiculous Texas humor holds the story. Set in a world were paranormal is normal on the streets, Lucy is a talk show host kind of not unlike Jerry Springer of the paranormal. My favorite show title was Voodoo preist who fall in-love with their dolls. What a crack up!
May 15, 2013
I enjoyed two of the short stories in this collection.
The 1st story in this book is Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley. Stephan is a vampire master who is declining and needs to find his life mate. Meredith's research for her 2nd non-fiction book on vampires has brought her to Stephan's hotel in Las Vegas, Transylvania Castle. We discover that there are two types of vamps; those who are turned while alive and those who are turned once they are dead. This was a cute story... I'd not hesitate to read more from this author.
The 2nd story is Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister. Katie is one of my fav authors... I love her Dark One series and this short story is one of those. This is the story of Sebastian and Ysabelle and also serves to set up a future story with Noelle who is a beloved but not Sebastian's beloved. There's a spirit guide who is aspiring to be French, zombies, imps and demons. As always, Katie had me laughing out loud during part of the book...
I tried to get into the 3rd story but couldn't. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
The 1st story in this book is Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley. Stephan is a vampire master who is declining and needs to find his life mate. Meredith's research for her 2nd non-fiction book on vampires has brought her to Stephan's hotel in Las Vegas, Transylvania Castle. We discover that there are two types of vamps; those who are turned while alive and those who are turned once they are dead. This was a cute story... I'd not hesitate to read more from this author.
The 2nd story is Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister. Katie is one of my fav authors... I love her Dark One series and this short story is one of those. This is the story of Sebastian and Ysabelle and also serves to set up a future story with Noelle who is a beloved but not Sebastian's beloved. There's a spirit guide who is aspiring to be French, zombies, imps and demons. As always, Katie had me laughing out loud during part of the book...
I tried to get into the 3rd story but couldn't. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
June 24, 2017
Dark Ones 4.5: Bring Out Your Dead
Ysabelle works part-time for the Society for the Protection of Revenants (also known as zombies), tutors English and history and acts as a medium for persons wishing to contact the deceased. She lives together with her spirit guide Sally and the guardian Noelle. But what really makes her unique are her two souls, which present a problem. Because of special cirumstances quite a lot of demons are around and her two souls are very attractive to them, making her a target.
On her way to a tutor job she gets saved from demons by a mysterious stranger, then arrives at her destination only to be told by the fleeing nanny of her new pupil Damian to leave while she can, calling the child a monster. And the day only gets worse with revenants, the brat Damian, the mysterious stranger, a demon lord and more to handle...
This story is really funny, I liked it a lot. Sebastian wasn't really likeable and he didn't even get the steps right, that's the reason for not giving five stars, but beside that it's great.
read: 08.03.15, 10.08.15
Ysabelle works part-time for the Society for the Protection of Revenants (also known as zombies), tutors English and history and acts as a medium for persons wishing to contact the deceased. She lives together with her spirit guide Sally and the guardian Noelle. But what really makes her unique are her two souls, which present a problem. Because of special cirumstances quite a lot of demons are around and her two souls are very attractive to them, making her a target.
On her way to a tutor job she gets saved from demons by a mysterious stranger, then arrives at her destination only to be told by the fleeing nanny of her new pupil Damian to leave while she can, calling the child a monster. And the day only gets worse with revenants, the brat Damian, the mysterious stranger, a demon lord and more to handle...
This story is really funny, I liked it a lot. Sebastian wasn't really likeable and he didn't even get the steps right, that's the reason for not giving five stars, but beside that it's great.
read: 08.03.15, 10.08.15
May 17, 2011
Three short stories that prove all it takes is Just One Sip to fall in love with a vampire.
I originally picked up this book because it featured a story by by Katie MacAlister and her "Dark Ones" called Bring Out Your Dead. I'm not a zombie fan,but I still enjoyed it, but I've most of the "Dark Ones" series, truth be told. This is Ysabelle and Sebastian's story - zany and fun! Worthwhile read - but I would recommend reading the "Dark One" series in order as knowing back story makes it more fun. The first story, Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley was really cute! I will be looking for her books in the future, however, the last one, Lucy and the Crypt Cassanova was as corny as the title makes it out to be. To be honest, it just was not my cup of tea. Ignoring the head hopping, which is hard to do, I just didn't connect with either the hero or heroine. I'm already a Katie fan, but I'll be looking for Jennifer Ashley too.
I originally picked up this book because it featured a story by by Katie MacAlister and her "Dark Ones" called Bring Out Your Dead. I'm not a zombie fan,but I still enjoyed it, but I've most of the "Dark Ones" series, truth be told. This is Ysabelle and Sebastian's story - zany and fun! Worthwhile read - but I would recommend reading the "Dark One" series in order as knowing back story makes it more fun. The first story, Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley was really cute! I will be looking for her books in the future, however, the last one, Lucy and the Crypt Cassanova was as corny as the title makes it out to be. To be honest, it just was not my cup of tea. Ignoring the head hopping, which is hard to do, I just didn't connect with either the hero or heroine. I'm already a Katie fan, but I'll be looking for Jennifer Ashley too.
February 23, 2016
Could not finish - well, the 2 and 3 really.
1. Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley. Boring, boring, boring. I don't know if it's because I'm over vampire stories or because the story wasn't good. 2 stars
2. Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister. I forgot about this series until there were supposedly two Beloved. That's the reason I stopped reading the series because the guys were thinking that any hot girl that walked by was a Beloved and then would go, "Oops, sorry, that hot blonde over there is my Beloved." I kept reading even while I was irritated and then just had to stop when a head was playing video games with his tongue and was rocking back and forth - um, you need a neck for that. Didn't finish.
So with that bad taste in my mouth, I read the title "Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" and I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm going to rate this book based only on the first story.
1. Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley. Boring, boring, boring. I don't know if it's because I'm over vampire stories or because the story wasn't good. 2 stars
2. Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister. I forgot about this series until there were supposedly two Beloved. That's the reason I stopped reading the series because the guys were thinking that any hot girl that walked by was a Beloved and then would go, "Oops, sorry, that hot blonde over there is my Beloved." I kept reading even while I was irritated and then just had to stop when a head was playing video games with his tongue and was rocking back and forth - um, you need a neck for that. Didn't finish.
So with that bad taste in my mouth, I read the title "Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" and I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm going to rate this book based only on the first story.
April 19, 2013
I think that these stories were written to be shorter than they are.
I only enjoyed the first story, Viva Las Vampires. It was the story of a vampire on the verge of "dying" and needed to find himself a blood slave to stay a warm blooded, living vampire. Nice love story, sexy even.
The other two...not so much. All three stories center around vampires but I kept forgetting that the Dark One was a vampire (Bring Out Your Dead). It spent a lot of time talking about zombies (reverants), I thought the Dark One was more of a devil.
The last one (Lucy & the Crypt Casanova) I didn't get further than the first chapter. It talked of too many mythical beings at one time: ogres, trolls, werebears (?). A bit too much for me to take in and believe.
I give the book three stars because I liked the first story and would be tempted to read it again.
I only enjoyed the first story, Viva Las Vampires. It was the story of a vampire on the verge of "dying" and needed to find himself a blood slave to stay a warm blooded, living vampire. Nice love story, sexy even.
The other two...not so much. All three stories center around vampires but I kept forgetting that the Dark One was a vampire (Bring Out Your Dead). It spent a lot of time talking about zombies (reverants), I thought the Dark One was more of a devil.
The last one (Lucy & the Crypt Casanova) I didn't get further than the first chapter. It talked of too many mythical beings at one time: ogres, trolls, werebears (?). A bit too much for me to take in and believe.
I give the book three stars because I liked the first story and would be tempted to read it again.
February 22, 2014
This book was okay. I have already read Katie MacAlister's "Bring Out Your Dead" in another anthology. While I have not read any of her other Dark Ones books I did find the story enjoyable and look forward to seeing some of the characters again.
Jennifer Ashley's "Viva Las Vampires" was probably my favorite read, although I think that it went a little heavy on the 'master' aspect. Overall the story was interesting and I feel like it could become a full novel with all of the different characters.
Minda Webber's "Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" was just too silly for me. It was not a very cohesively written story and Lucy's comments and behavior was just too ridiculous to even been funny. Definitely my least favorite story in the book.
Jennifer Ashley's "Viva Las Vampires" was probably my favorite read, although I think that it went a little heavy on the 'master' aspect. Overall the story was interesting and I feel like it could become a full novel with all of the different characters.
Minda Webber's "Lucy and the Crypt Casanova" was just too silly for me. It was not a very cohesively written story and Lucy's comments and behavior was just too ridiculous to even been funny. Definitely my least favorite story in the book.
July 27, 2015
This was ok. "Straight Up" was cute, but a little irritating. I could have used less complaining, but overall it was enjoyable. It was nice when Lucy and Val finally talked, worked things out and got together. "With a Twist" was a little rushed. I would have liked more of a relationship build instead of the 'this is the person who can save my power so I must have her'. Aside from the rushed relationship, it was fun. "On the Rocks" was ok. It's been a while since I've read a Dark Ones novel that I forgot who some of the characters were and I could not remember how I felt about them. That probably helped me like Sebastian. Again, this was rushed and I would have liked more build up, but I am looking forward to seeing more of him and Ysabelle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2016
Bring Out The Dead:
It hurts my heart to say this but I hated this story! I felt it rushed and kind of annoying. I love Katie but was very disappointed because I was expecting this one to be better or really I as just hoping. I hated reading anything about the stupid Zombies, which I feel was a complete waste of page because the story was so short to begin with. I mean yes I am glad that Sebastian got his Beloved, and I found a few things that I smiled at but only just. I don’t recommend this one, because truly you could just ask did Sebastian get his beloved yes he did and move the next book, which I am hoping with bring me back to happy land with the Dark One’s series.
It hurts my heart to say this but I hated this story! I felt it rushed and kind of annoying. I love Katie but was very disappointed because I was expecting this one to be better or really I as just hoping. I hated reading anything about the stupid Zombies, which I feel was a complete waste of page because the story was so short to begin with. I mean yes I am glad that Sebastian got his Beloved, and I found a few things that I smiled at but only just. I don’t recommend this one, because truly you could just ask did Sebastian get his beloved yes he did and move the next book, which I am hoping with bring me back to happy land with the Dark One’s series.
December 12, 2011
This is a book of pure paranormal fun you get three different stories. With a Twist is about a Vampire Hotel owner in Vegas? Meredith Black is a writer and she is writing a book about Vampires. On the Rocks The dark one named Sebastion must take on a horde of unhappy Zombies and an obnoxious know it all teen Vampire if Sebastion wants to win the hand of the one women who can make him whole. Straight up Lucy Campbell has made a career of interviewing Druid witches, trolls, and an occasional goblin . She wasn't expecting to get involved with a vampire detective who has a slight incubus problem. I t was an interesting read.
May 13, 2012
The first two stories in this anthology were okay.
I barely made it through the second one because the Franglias-speaking Spirit Guide was *extremely* annoying. And if I didn't know some French, it would have been even worse.
The third was better, but it still tried a little too hard to be funny. There were a few good lines in the third story, though.
"Campbell women didn't back away from danger... Campbell women embraced danger, they ran toward it. Of course, Campbell women often had short life spans."
"His comment 'Love is not enough' was pure blasphemy. Love was always enough, presuming one partner wasn't being pigheaded."
I barely made it through the second one because the Franglias-speaking Spirit Guide was *extremely* annoying. And if I didn't know some French, it would have been even worse.
The third was better, but it still tried a little too hard to be funny. There were a few good lines in the third story, though.
"Campbell women didn't back away from danger... Campbell women embraced danger, they ran toward it. Of course, Campbell women often had short life spans."
"His comment 'Love is not enough' was pure blasphemy. Love was always enough, presuming one partner wasn't being pigheaded."
April 19, 2010
My favorite was the first one, Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley. Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAlister was okay, but I'm not a zombie fan, still, I like spending time with her Dark Ones. As for the last one, well, nah, not my cup of tea. Ignoring the head hopping, which is hard to do, I just didn't connect with either the hero or heroine. I'm already a Katie fan, but I'll be looking for Jennifer Ashley too.
March 27, 2011
This Book is part of the series - it has 3 books in one and the middle story is by the author Katie MacAlister. I want to keep reading all the books in order so that I do not miss any of the history of each character or new comer to the plot.
I have finished this book and it does fill in the blank with Sebastian and his Beloved on the Katie MacAlister Chapter. I did find two other authors that I will find out what other books they have writen (Jennifer Ashley & Minda Webber)
I have finished this book and it does fill in the blank with Sebastian and his Beloved on the Katie MacAlister Chapter. I did find two other authors that I will find out what other books they have writen (Jennifer Ashley & Minda Webber)
September 7, 2011
3 short stories were nothing extraordinary and felt recycled. The first "Viva Las Vampires" was steamy and entertaining but felt rushed and lacking some points. It felt like a kernal to something that could be good.
"Bring Out Your Dead" I read three pages and skipped to the next story. It was sarcastically annoying and dumb.
"Lucy & the Crypt Casanova" lost my interest after the first chapter.
If you want a good read, this is not it.
"Bring Out Your Dead" I read three pages and skipped to the next story. It was sarcastically annoying and dumb.
"Lucy & the Crypt Casanova" lost my interest after the first chapter.
If you want a good read, this is not it.
September 21, 2013
Viva Las Vampires - a vampire "50 Shades of Grey" without the bdsm and with more love and life saving. Vampire hotel? Check me in! Become the owner's blood slave? Yes, please! Fall in love? Easily.
Bring Out Your Dead - a rushed, destiny based romance set in a colorful and hilarious world of vampires, zombies, demons, and magic.
Lucy and the Crypt Casanova - second chances are hard to earn, just like respect, but this story is about getting both.
Bring Out Your Dead - a rushed, destiny based romance set in a colorful and hilarious world of vampires, zombies, demons, and magic.
Lucy and the Crypt Casanova - second chances are hard to earn, just like respect, but this story is about getting both.
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