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Vampire Kisses #7
Love Bites
As a mortal girl dating a vampire, Raven knows that love isn't always easy. Now that Alexander's parents have returned to Romania, Raven and her dreamy vampire boyfriend are happy to resume their cryptic romance. But soon another visitor comes Sebastian, Alexander's best friend, arrives for a stay at the mansion. At first Raven is wary, then thrilled—this is the perfect chance to learn more about her darkly handsome boyfriend and his past. Raven has been wondering whether Alexander will ever bite her and make their love immortal, and Sebastian could be her guide to the love habits of Alexander and his kind. But when Sebastian falls for a particular Dullsvillian, will another mortal beat Raven to the bite? With suspense, danger, and a fabulous vampire party, this seventh book in the bestselling Vampire Kisses series continues the exciting nocturnal romance of Raven and Alexander.
179 pages, Hardcover
First published May 18, 2010
139 people are currently reading
11588 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Schreiber
53 books4,207 followersBefore I took pen to paper, I was an actress. I attended a local university majoring in theatre and spent a summer in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts where I learned about the “Old Bard” from amazingly talented teachers.
When I returned from London, I relocated to Chicago where I lived for five years. There, I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakespeare, comedies and dramas--I even sang and danced on a cruise boat--without falling in Lake Michigan! A classmate of mine from Second City and I created and performed a two woman show for a year before I braved it alone doing stand-up comedy. It was during this time I began to write an adult novel about a rock star--I had always enjoyed writing...
Fast forward a couple of years along with a move home where I was performing “stand-up” at comedy clubs in the area. On a plane to LA to decide my fate-- “to move to LA or not to move to LA” that is the question, my big bro, Mark, coincidentally with the same last name as mine (author of PRINCES IN EXILE, DREAMS OF THE SOLO TRAPEZE and STARCROSSED) handed me a young adult book he found at the library he thought I’d like to read during the flight.
As I read the book, I thought, ‘I can do this!’
I returned from LA, and instead of moving there, I wrote my story about the rock star as a young adult novel and called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING.
Mark, my writing mentor, edited JL for me. He was kind enough to send the manuscript to his publisher in Belgium--Facet--and they published it! In Dutch!
I was now on a new life path!
In 2001 HarperCollins made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! Not only was HarperCollins going to publish TEENAGE MERMAID, but it was in a language I could read and book stores I could walk into! HarperCollins also bought VAMPIRE KISSES and COMEDY GIRL.
It was a dream come true!
Since beginning my new life path, VAMPIRE KISSES, TEENAGE MERMAID, and MY MOTHER, THE CLOWN have been published by Facet in Belgium and JOHNNY LIGHTNING has been published in Germany by Ravensburger.
Then my fabulous editor at HarperCollins asked me for a sequel to VAMPIRE KISSES!
HarperCollins published VAMPIRE KISSES 2--KISSING COFFINS and now the soon to be released VAMPIRE KISSES 3--VAMPIREVILLE. I am currently writing VAMPIRE KISSES 4!
When I'm not writing about the love affair between vampire obsessed, goth girl Raven and my favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, Alexander Sterling, I enjoy working on my other novels, shopping for Hello Kitty items, and attempting to gain control of the remote from my boyfriend.
When I returned from London, I relocated to Chicago where I lived for five years. There, I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakespeare, comedies and dramas--I even sang and danced on a cruise boat--without falling in Lake Michigan! A classmate of mine from Second City and I created and performed a two woman show for a year before I braved it alone doing stand-up comedy. It was during this time I began to write an adult novel about a rock star--I had always enjoyed writing...
Fast forward a couple of years along with a move home where I was performing “stand-up” at comedy clubs in the area. On a plane to LA to decide my fate-- “to move to LA or not to move to LA” that is the question, my big bro, Mark, coincidentally with the same last name as mine (author of PRINCES IN EXILE, DREAMS OF THE SOLO TRAPEZE and STARCROSSED) handed me a young adult book he found at the library he thought I’d like to read during the flight.
As I read the book, I thought, ‘I can do this!’
I returned from LA, and instead of moving there, I wrote my story about the rock star as a young adult novel and called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING.
Mark, my writing mentor, edited JL for me. He was kind enough to send the manuscript to his publisher in Belgium--Facet--and they published it! In Dutch!
I was now on a new life path!
In 2001 HarperCollins made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! Not only was HarperCollins going to publish TEENAGE MERMAID, but it was in a language I could read and book stores I could walk into! HarperCollins also bought VAMPIRE KISSES and COMEDY GIRL.
It was a dream come true!
Since beginning my new life path, VAMPIRE KISSES, TEENAGE MERMAID, and MY MOTHER, THE CLOWN have been published by Facet in Belgium and JOHNNY LIGHTNING has been published in Germany by Ravensburger.
Then my fabulous editor at HarperCollins asked me for a sequel to VAMPIRE KISSES!
HarperCollins published VAMPIRE KISSES 2--KISSING COFFINS and now the soon to be released VAMPIRE KISSES 3--VAMPIREVILLE. I am currently writing VAMPIRE KISSES 4!
When I'm not writing about the love affair between vampire obsessed, goth girl Raven and my favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, Alexander Sterling, I enjoy working on my other novels, shopping for Hello Kitty items, and attempting to gain control of the remote from my boyfriend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
February 6, 2011
Alexander's parents went back to Romania so Raven and Alexander have the whole creepy mansion to their selves except for the butler. Any hoo....in this particular book Sebastian comes to visit Alexander. Sebastian is Alexander's best friend and Raven had no clue that Alexander even had a best friend. At first, Raven doesn't like that he arrived, thinking it would cut into "couple time" but actually Raven grows to really like Sebastian (as a friend) and loves having him around - the only problem is that Sebastian falls for Becky (Raven's best friend) and Raven is not happy about that. She likes her best friend mortal. So here our book begins.
We still have some of the same issues going on. Alexander doesn't really talk about his life or past with Raven (which I don't understand - you would think Raven would just demand some answers). We also still have the issue of will Alexander turn Raven into a vampire. There are other things that bother me about the series that are not ever brought up. Alexander was born a vampire - will he continue to age and if so, to what. His parents are vamps but they are the age of Raven's parents - will they stop ageing? If Alexander keeps aging as a vampire, if he turns Raven now will she stop aging and remain a teenager while Alexander gets older? Will Alexander's hormones ever kick in and want a little more from Raven than just kissing (come on - he's eighteen years old)?
Raven and Alexander are making out in the "blood cellar" when someone arrives at the mansion -- it's Alexander's best friend from Romania, Sebastian. First, Raven gets jealous because Alexander is spending time with a guy friend instead of her, and then she's alarmed because Sebastian seems to be getting the hots for her friend Becky.
And while Raven angsts about the fact that Alexander hasn't vampirized her yet, she does whatever she can to keep Sebastian from pursuing Becky. But after Sebastian tastes Becky's blood, it fractures the friendship between him and Alexander -- and the best idea Raven has is to pair him up with somebody else. At the end sebastian falls in love with luna!
We still have some of the same issues going on. Alexander doesn't really talk about his life or past with Raven (which I don't understand - you would think Raven would just demand some answers). We also still have the issue of will Alexander turn Raven into a vampire. There are other things that bother me about the series that are not ever brought up. Alexander was born a vampire - will he continue to age and if so, to what. His parents are vamps but they are the age of Raven's parents - will they stop ageing? If Alexander keeps aging as a vampire, if he turns Raven now will she stop aging and remain a teenager while Alexander gets older? Will Alexander's hormones ever kick in and want a little more from Raven than just kissing (come on - he's eighteen years old)?
Raven and Alexander are making out in the "blood cellar" when someone arrives at the mansion -- it's Alexander's best friend from Romania, Sebastian. First, Raven gets jealous because Alexander is spending time with a guy friend instead of her, and then she's alarmed because Sebastian seems to be getting the hots for her friend Becky.
And while Raven angsts about the fact that Alexander hasn't vampirized her yet, she does whatever she can to keep Sebastian from pursuing Becky. But after Sebastian tastes Becky's blood, it fractures the friendship between him and Alexander -- and the best idea Raven has is to pair him up with somebody else. At the end sebastian falls in love with luna!
July 2, 2010
I have to say that I'm not impressed with this series at all. Raven acts like she's 12 years old, not 16. She's spoiled, manipulative, and impulsive. She never shuts up, and her actions cause more trouble than ever. I guess that's kind of the point. But, has anyone noticed that the girl's a theif? She found Ruby's compact back in book one, she knew who it belonged to, but 6 books and almost a year later, she still hasn't returned it. I only read this series because I'm the type who has to know how a story ends, but she just irks me!
May 23, 2017
UGHHHHHHHHHH, just when I think it can't get any worse it does.
This installment seems to do a lot with Becky, whom I thought was incredibly annoying to begin with. She and Matt are doing great, but he's never actually told her he loves her. In walks Sebastian. Seriously, how many vampire friends can just randomly show up like this!? & of course, he "falls in love" with Becky. That sure was fast.
This entire book is basically Raven trying to protect Becky from Sebastian and then things get really weird towards the end with the party. FINALLY someone gets turned into a vampire, but not Raven. It makes me wonder whether it will ever happen? I doubt it. But, Alexander seems to be closer to the idea than he was in past books.
This installment seems to do a lot with Becky, whom I thought was incredibly annoying to begin with. She and Matt are doing great, but he's never actually told her he loves her. In walks Sebastian. Seriously, how many vampire friends can just randomly show up like this!? & of course, he "falls in love" with Becky. That sure was fast.
This entire book is basically Raven trying to protect Becky from Sebastian and then things get really weird towards the end with the party. FINALLY someone gets turned into a vampire, but not Raven. It makes me wonder whether it will ever happen? I doubt it. But, Alexander seems to be closer to the idea than he was in past books.
March 15, 2024
3 stars
Well, that was a bit sloppy, wasn't it? I was really hoping for a stronger plot. And those texts? Super creepy! I was totally convinced they were from Trevor.
Well, that was a bit sloppy, wasn't it? I was really hoping for a stronger plot. And those texts? Super creepy! I was totally convinced they were from Trevor.
September 15, 2012
It's about a girl Raven and her vampire Boyfriend alexander. Alexander's parents have just recently returned to Romania, and now Alexander's best friend Sebastian has arrived. Raven at first worries that this will take away from her time with alexander. But when she finds out that he may be her insite on Alexander's mysterious past, she begins to enjoy this new visitor. It all goes sour though, when Sebastian gets smitten with Raven's best friend Becky. Soon raven begins to worry that becky may beat her to being immortal with a vampire bite.
I give the book a 5, because i have been following this series, and i absolutly love Raven's attitude, and Alexander's mystery. Love Bites
"Sebastian inched awkwardly onto the bench next to becky. The seemingly self-assured guy appeared suddenly shy and smitten." (pg. 37, chapter 4: Vampire Love, Love Bites -a vampire kisses novel- Ellen Schreiber)
Raven uses a lot of witt and sarcasm. Her Character is a very sarcastic and sassy teen, espically when it comes to her enemy Trever.
Any girls that enjoy a mysterious character, a relateable girl, and vampires.
I give the book a 5, because i have been following this series, and i absolutly love Raven's attitude, and Alexander's mystery. Love Bites
"Sebastian inched awkwardly onto the bench next to becky. The seemingly self-assured guy appeared suddenly shy and smitten." (pg. 37, chapter 4: Vampire Love, Love Bites -a vampire kisses novel- Ellen Schreiber)
Raven uses a lot of witt and sarcasm. Her Character is a very sarcastic and sassy teen, espically when it comes to her enemy Trever.
Any girls that enjoy a mysterious character, a relateable girl, and vampires.
April 9, 2016
Ah!!! Still waiting! These book titles are starting to be teasers.
So, once again, what I was expecting to happen still did not. There are only 2 books left in the series and I'm starting to wonder if this will play out a completely different way than I imagine.
In this book, Alexander's best friend Sebastian come to town and the ruckus revolves around him. Raven is still cute and still Trevor's frenemy. They are the most cute nemesis pairing of all time.
I doubt book 8 will give me what I'm waiting for but I'm going to give kit a try anyways.
So, once again, what I was expecting to happen still did not. There are only 2 books left in the series and I'm starting to wonder if this will play out a completely different way than I imagine.
In this book, Alexander's best friend Sebastian come to town and the ruckus revolves around him. Raven is still cute and still Trevor's frenemy. They are the most cute nemesis pairing of all time.
I doubt book 8 will give me what I'm waiting for but I'm going to give kit a try anyways.
November 6, 2009
I can't wate to read this book
September 25, 2023
It was a solid installment, but it wasn't omg can't stop reading on this one. It introduced some new characters that presented more challenges that hadn't been on the table before. This could be the set up for bigger and better books coming forward. Good but not wow for me.
November 18, 2010
It's the 7th book in the Vampire Kisses series by Ellen Schreiber that follows the romance between Raven and Alexander; cliche'd Goth teenager in love with anything Vampire since she was a little girl finds and falls head over heels in love with Alexander, a Romanian born vampire who moved to Dullsville suburbia into his great aunt's dilapidated mansion.
In this series, Alexander's best friend Sebastian comes to visit and falls for Raven's best friend Becky who is already dating the nice and athletic, Matt. Raven keeps herself busy trying to come up with ways to dissuade Sebastian from pursuing Becky and to find other women he could become interested in. Nothing special happens to Raven in this book. She has never been my favorite character in this series and she continues to be a cliche and whiny. I don't know how Alexander put up with her.
Alexander on the other hand is the only redeeming character and most likable person in this book. I admire his kindness and his selflessness and how he could put up with Raven's whining and immaturity. He is reclusive and artistic, which just adds to his mysteriousness. He's probably the only reason why I continue on with this series.
I like that this book is clean and teenage-friendly. It's a fun and a very light read but nothing more. I'll probably keep reading just to find out if Alexander will turn Raven into a vampire in the end.
In this series, Alexander's best friend Sebastian comes to visit and falls for Raven's best friend Becky who is already dating the nice and athletic, Matt. Raven keeps herself busy trying to come up with ways to dissuade Sebastian from pursuing Becky and to find other women he could become interested in. Nothing special happens to Raven in this book. She has never been my favorite character in this series and she continues to be a cliche and whiny. I don't know how Alexander put up with her.
Alexander on the other hand is the only redeeming character and most likable person in this book. I admire his kindness and his selflessness and how he could put up with Raven's whining and immaturity. He is reclusive and artistic, which just adds to his mysteriousness. He's probably the only reason why I continue on with this series.
I like that this book is clean and teenage-friendly. It's a fun and a very light read but nothing more. I'll probably keep reading just to find out if Alexander will turn Raven into a vampire in the end.
July 9, 2010
Impulsive Raven may have to be the mediating force when her vampire boyfriend's immortal best friend visits--and falls for her mortal best friend. Can she keep her best friend Becky from being bitten when it is the one thing Raven longs for the most? Love Bites is the seventh book in the Vampire Kisses series but reads easily as a stand alone book though the ending leaves you wanting the next installment. Goth girl Raven and her handsome vampire boyfriend Alexander play to many teen vampire romance cliches and yet this story remains a quick enjoyable read. Love Bites may not be the most original vampire series on the block but if you are looking for a young adult paranormal romance with a simple storyline and easy to identify characters then you'll enjoy Vampire Kisses.
I recommend Love Bites to readers of paranormal romance, young adult, vampire fiction, and especially to fans of the Vampire Kisses series.
** This review originally posted on my blog: www.FromTheShadows.info **
I recommend Love Bites to readers of paranormal romance, young adult, vampire fiction, and especially to fans of the Vampire Kisses series.
** This review originally posted on my blog: www.FromTheShadows.info **
September 7, 2011
I used to love reading this series, but I didn't really like this book. I felt like nothing happen, nothing change. It was a useless plot and it I felt that Ellen was trying to stretch the series as far as she can.
In this book, it is about Alexander's best friend, Sebastian visiting Alex and like Alex, he is too a vampire. Raven was really excited to meet Sebastian because she wants to know more about Alexander through Sebastian. But when Sebastian starts falling for Raven's best friend, Becky, Raven wants Sebastian out. Becky already has a boyfriend named Matt but she seems that he doesn't really like her. Becky is thrilled to find out that Sebastian has interest in her, but Raven said he is dangerous. Raven doesn't want Becky dating a vampire, even though she is. Weird.
I don't really like Raven's character in this book. I think she was a bit whiny and selfish. It seems like she was thinking about herself when Sebastian was interested in Becky. I mean like, HELLO RAVEN? you are also dating a vampire, so why can't Becky. I felt she was like a 10 year old.
In this book, it is about Alexander's best friend, Sebastian visiting Alex and like Alex, he is too a vampire. Raven was really excited to meet Sebastian because she wants to know more about Alexander through Sebastian. But when Sebastian starts falling for Raven's best friend, Becky, Raven wants Sebastian out. Becky already has a boyfriend named Matt but she seems that he doesn't really like her. Becky is thrilled to find out that Sebastian has interest in her, but Raven said he is dangerous. Raven doesn't want Becky dating a vampire, even though she is. Weird.
I don't really like Raven's character in this book. I think she was a bit whiny and selfish. It seems like she was thinking about herself when Sebastian was interested in Becky. I mean like, HELLO RAVEN? you are also dating a vampire, so why can't Becky. I felt she was like a 10 year old.
May 22, 2010
This was a cute story. Raven and Alexander are in love even more than before. Sebastian, Alexander's best friend, comes for a visit. He falls in love with Raven's best friend, Becky. Raven and Alexander try to keep them separated especially since Becky has matt as her boyfriend. They decide to through a party inviting Scarlet and Onyx from the Coffin Club. The party grows from the whole town showing up, as well as Jaggar and Luna. Alexander is so happy to have people around him, but this soon ends when he finds Sebastian sucking on Luna's neck and saying that he now loves her. That's where the story ends which confounds me. The book was 103 pages. Really? That is not a book, it's a short story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2010
ok this wasn't a good book at all, it was dull and boring, for a short read it took me forever to read it. I do like sebastian, and I love Alexander. Raven quite annoyed me throughout this book, she needed to relax a little bit.
June 3, 2019
Again, like the last book, I feel like the writing has continuously improved. I feel it's because Raven and Alexander's age is somewhat mentioned, along with both being kinda pressured by others on turning Raven into a vampire.
This book we're introduced to Sebastian, whom is Alexander's best friend from Romania and is also a vampire. I actually liked the contrast in personalities between these two. And just like Alexander, Sebastian wants to be able to find love and both his friend and Raven want to help him find it.
I'd also like to add that Alexander Sterling is in the ride or die category of fictional boyfriends. He's always looking out for Raven and protecting her, even when it comes to his impulses as a vampire and we, the audience, get to see more of his struggle dating a mortal.
This book we're introduced to Sebastian, whom is Alexander's best friend from Romania and is also a vampire. I actually liked the contrast in personalities between these two. And just like Alexander, Sebastian wants to be able to find love and both his friend and Raven want to help him find it.
I'd also like to add that Alexander Sterling is in the ride or die category of fictional boyfriends. He's always looking out for Raven and protecting her, even when it comes to his impulses as a vampire and we, the audience, get to see more of his struggle dating a mortal.
March 16, 2018
This is the 7th book in the Vampire Kisses series. Alexander's best friend, Sabastian, comes to visit and yet again Raven ruins the story. She gets upset because Sabastian falls for her friend Becky and can't stand the thought that he could change Becky to be a vampire and not her. Also Raven makes odd comments about him not falling for her. All the guys in this series have to tell Raven how beautiful and perfect she is ... Alexander, Trevor and now Sabastian. It is kinda icky. This is not how a 16 yr old acts. I will finish the series because there is only 2 books left and hope they get better. The series started out so fun to read but this is a major down slide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2020
I really liked Sebastian. I got to be honest though, Raven is starting to get on my nerves. Why did she feel so territorial about keeping Becky away from him. Why does she need every boy to be in love with her. Her actions seem very hypocritical. But these are just fun light reads so I shouldn't get too bugged about shallow characters.
May 9, 2019
The fly room and Jameson are the only things in this book that hold any interest. Jameson sadly did not have as large of a role in this book which of course made it all the more terrible of a read.
September 18, 2023
Cliff hanger ending but the background plot is definately starting to pick up.
June 12, 2010
Final Verdict First:
If I had to pick one YA paranormal romance series as my all-time favorite, it would probably be Vampire Kisses. Each book is gut-busting-ly funny, narrated by a heroine that is MADE OF AWESOME, with a vampire love interest that is the epitome of sexy WITHOUT BEING A CHEESY EMO STALKER. I am telling you, if you are a fan of paranormal romance and want an alternative to the typical PNR story line, then YOU MUST READ Vampire Kisses.
Love Bites is just as funny, adorable, and page-flipping as it’s predecessors. Love it!
The Full Review:
If I was fifteen and could travel to the world in a book, I’d want to hit up Dullsville in Vampire Kisses and be best friends with Raven, Alexander, and Becky. I’d want to make fun of Trevor with Raven (the hottest, most popular guy in school and Raven’s nemesis), hang out at the mansion after sunset under the watchful eye of Creepy Man, and join the gang at Hatsy’s for hamburgers and shakes.
I’ve never been the morbid Goth type. Cemeteries, ripped dresses and black lipstick, or anything remotely scary is not my thing. But in Vampire Kisses, all that is stereotypically associated with paranormal romance and gothic culture is turned on its head. VK, though, is not a parody. Unlike some funny paranormal romance books that poke fun at the genre, Vampire Kisses has fun with the genre.
Who says vampires have to be brooding hundred+ year olds who prey on the blood and hearts of young, impressionable, weak girls? Alexander is as chivalrous as they come (he always takes Raven on the most swoon-worthy dates!), and Raven, although a hopeless romantic, is also smart and tough. Raven is the only Goth in Dullsville and therefore an outsider, but she is quite okay with being different. She doesn’t wallow in self-pity, nor does she deal with her less-than-stellar social standing by lashing out and being super angsty or aggressive. She will stand up for herself (she has the funniest comebacks when Trevor or others try to make fun of her), but she is also as sweet as can be and incredibly loyal to those she loves.
With Raven and Alexander, it was pretty much love at first sight. There wasn’t too much “should we be together, should we not” in their relationship. The problems they face emerge from new characters that are introduced in each book, the inherent differences between their separate lifestyles (mortal and vampiric), and the issue of Raven’s turning (it’s connections to virginity and sex, btw, are not lost on me).
Each book in the Vampire Kisses series sees the introduction a new vampire character. The plot of each book is based on what happens when that character comes to Dullsville. Each new character has a distinct personality and causes their own kind of trouble. The trouble they cause may be intentional, or just a consequence of being a vampire. In Love Bites, the new character is Alexander’s best friend from Romania, Sebastian Camden. Sebastian has traveled the world looking for true love, but can’t seem to find it — until he visits Alexander in Dullsville, and is immediately captivated by a human girl. This is majorly problematic for a couple of reasons. First, the girl already has a boyfriend and doesn’t know vampires exist. Also, Sebastian is impulsive and doesn’t have nearly as strong of willpower around human blood as Alexander does. Uh oh.
At the beginning of each VK book is a quote from the new character. It is always funny and a play on vampirism. In Love Bites, the love-sick Sebastian confesses: “I hope I find her soon, too, Raven. I’m starved to death.” Lol!
There are a few other plot points in addition to Sebastian’s love problems that arise in Love Bites. Alexander worries about not fitting in with the rest of Dullsville, which he is afraid might lead someone to discovering his secret. Raven has to contend with keeping Sebastian’s true identity a secret from the human girl he likes. She also has to juggle being a good friend to Becky with keeping her best friend safe from the vampires that visit Dullsville. There’s also maintaining the safety of the humans at a vampire party that Trevor and the whole school unwittingly crash. (Btw, Trevor doesn’t get as much time in Love Bites as other VK books, but his interactions with Raven are as hilarious as always.) Then, of course, there’s the constant issue of turning Raven into a vampire — which she wants more than ever.
Love Bites delivers what I expect from a Vampire Kisses novel: hilarity, campy plotting and characterization, sweet romance, mystery, and adventure. I heart this series like you can’t even believe. Thank you, Ellen!!
You can read more of my reviews at www.rebloco.com
If I had to pick one YA paranormal romance series as my all-time favorite, it would probably be Vampire Kisses. Each book is gut-busting-ly funny, narrated by a heroine that is MADE OF AWESOME, with a vampire love interest that is the epitome of sexy WITHOUT BEING A CHEESY EMO STALKER. I am telling you, if you are a fan of paranormal romance and want an alternative to the typical PNR story line, then YOU MUST READ Vampire Kisses.
Love Bites is just as funny, adorable, and page-flipping as it’s predecessors. Love it!
The Full Review:
If I was fifteen and could travel to the world in a book, I’d want to hit up Dullsville in Vampire Kisses and be best friends with Raven, Alexander, and Becky. I’d want to make fun of Trevor with Raven (the hottest, most popular guy in school and Raven’s nemesis), hang out at the mansion after sunset under the watchful eye of Creepy Man, and join the gang at Hatsy’s for hamburgers and shakes.
I’ve never been the morbid Goth type. Cemeteries, ripped dresses and black lipstick, or anything remotely scary is not my thing. But in Vampire Kisses, all that is stereotypically associated with paranormal romance and gothic culture is turned on its head. VK, though, is not a parody. Unlike some funny paranormal romance books that poke fun at the genre, Vampire Kisses has fun with the genre.
Who says vampires have to be brooding hundred+ year olds who prey on the blood and hearts of young, impressionable, weak girls? Alexander is as chivalrous as they come (he always takes Raven on the most swoon-worthy dates!), and Raven, although a hopeless romantic, is also smart and tough. Raven is the only Goth in Dullsville and therefore an outsider, but she is quite okay with being different. She doesn’t wallow in self-pity, nor does she deal with her less-than-stellar social standing by lashing out and being super angsty or aggressive. She will stand up for herself (she has the funniest comebacks when Trevor or others try to make fun of her), but she is also as sweet as can be and incredibly loyal to those she loves.
With Raven and Alexander, it was pretty much love at first sight. There wasn’t too much “should we be together, should we not” in their relationship. The problems they face emerge from new characters that are introduced in each book, the inherent differences between their separate lifestyles (mortal and vampiric), and the issue of Raven’s turning (it’s connections to virginity and sex, btw, are not lost on me).
Each book in the Vampire Kisses series sees the introduction a new vampire character. The plot of each book is based on what happens when that character comes to Dullsville. Each new character has a distinct personality and causes their own kind of trouble. The trouble they cause may be intentional, or just a consequence of being a vampire. In Love Bites, the new character is Alexander’s best friend from Romania, Sebastian Camden. Sebastian has traveled the world looking for true love, but can’t seem to find it — until he visits Alexander in Dullsville, and is immediately captivated by a human girl. This is majorly problematic for a couple of reasons. First, the girl already has a boyfriend and doesn’t know vampires exist. Also, Sebastian is impulsive and doesn’t have nearly as strong of willpower around human blood as Alexander does. Uh oh.
At the beginning of each VK book is a quote from the new character. It is always funny and a play on vampirism. In Love Bites, the love-sick Sebastian confesses: “I hope I find her soon, too, Raven. I’m starved to death.” Lol!
There are a few other plot points in addition to Sebastian’s love problems that arise in Love Bites. Alexander worries about not fitting in with the rest of Dullsville, which he is afraid might lead someone to discovering his secret. Raven has to contend with keeping Sebastian’s true identity a secret from the human girl he likes. She also has to juggle being a good friend to Becky with keeping her best friend safe from the vampires that visit Dullsville. There’s also maintaining the safety of the humans at a vampire party that Trevor and the whole school unwittingly crash. (Btw, Trevor doesn’t get as much time in Love Bites as other VK books, but his interactions with Raven are as hilarious as always.) Then, of course, there’s the constant issue of turning Raven into a vampire — which she wants more than ever.
Love Bites delivers what I expect from a Vampire Kisses novel: hilarity, campy plotting and characterization, sweet romance, mystery, and adventure. I heart this series like you can’t even believe. Thank you, Ellen!!
You can read more of my reviews at www.rebloco.com
September 8, 2011
This seventh installment of Ellen Schreiber's Vampire Kisses was great. Some series' have a tendency to go off on weird tangents or lose their steam but Schreiber continues to craft a great story.
Alexander's best friend Sebastian arrives to stay a few days with Alexander. Raven didn't even know he had a best friend since Alexander talks so little about himself. She sees this as an opportunity to learn more about her boyfriend but things go array when Sebastian falls in love with Raven's best friend Becky. Becky has a boyfriend and doesn't know that Raven is dating a vampire. Things can go horribly wrong if Raven doesn't do something cleaver.
The thing I love about Raven is she is so true to herself. She refuses to compromise her values and she is loyal to a fault. She is honestly torn between wanting to protect Becky and to protect Alexander. She really likes Sebastian and he can't help who he is.
Another beautiful part of this story is Raven's desire to become a vampire and Alexander's reluctance to change her. Raven learns more about why he doesn't want to make her a vampire and begins to understand the consequences of that choice (for her).
There is some backstory that comes into play with this book but not enough that if one picked this volume up first that they wouldn't be able to follow the story. There's still a ton of character growth between Raven and Alexander.
I love this series and really think it's the best of it's kind. The stories are not so filled with drama that they become bogged down and Schreiber's writing is light and enjoyable. This is a real teen with an unusual situation but there's so much more.
I like the lack of love triangles, even though Schreiber has toyed with them Raven has remained completely faithful to Alexander. They have real world problems (some with supernatural twists but pretty believable).
This series is more geared towards girls but I think there's enough action and "manliness" that a young man would enjoy them. The characters are in high school and approaching 18 fast but the writing is simple enough for a younger reader. The books are short, especially compared to similar series. (There's even a manga series based on these books that my son is devouring).
Alexander's best friend Sebastian arrives to stay a few days with Alexander. Raven didn't even know he had a best friend since Alexander talks so little about himself. She sees this as an opportunity to learn more about her boyfriend but things go array when Sebastian falls in love with Raven's best friend Becky. Becky has a boyfriend and doesn't know that Raven is dating a vampire. Things can go horribly wrong if Raven doesn't do something cleaver.
The thing I love about Raven is she is so true to herself. She refuses to compromise her values and she is loyal to a fault. She is honestly torn between wanting to protect Becky and to protect Alexander. She really likes Sebastian and he can't help who he is.
Another beautiful part of this story is Raven's desire to become a vampire and Alexander's reluctance to change her. Raven learns more about why he doesn't want to make her a vampire and begins to understand the consequences of that choice (for her).
There is some backstory that comes into play with this book but not enough that if one picked this volume up first that they wouldn't be able to follow the story. There's still a ton of character growth between Raven and Alexander.
I love this series and really think it's the best of it's kind. The stories are not so filled with drama that they become bogged down and Schreiber's writing is light and enjoyable. This is a real teen with an unusual situation but there's so much more.
I like the lack of love triangles, even though Schreiber has toyed with them Raven has remained completely faithful to Alexander. They have real world problems (some with supernatural twists but pretty believable).
This series is more geared towards girls but I think there's enough action and "manliness" that a young man would enjoy them. The characters are in high school and approaching 18 fast but the writing is simple enough for a younger reader. The books are short, especially compared to similar series. (There's even a manga series based on these books that my son is devouring).
June 30, 2010
A quirky little story that ends with a bang
This is the seventh book in the Vampire Kisses series. In this one we have Raven our gothic beauty and Alexander, her handsome and charming vampire boyfriend, madly in love. Now that Alexander’s parents have gone back to Romania they have the mansion all to themselves, for now.
Out of the blue Alexander’s best friend Sebastian shows up and stays with Alexander. Raven is weary of why Sebastian is staying, I mean she just got Alexander all to herself. Though she starts seeing the brighter side of this, she can get more information about Alexander through Sebastian. So the three of them go out at nighttime and hang out in different places. Raven is just in her glory with two vampires, which she wants to become one herself. Though all of it goes down the drain when Sebastian starts falling for Raven’s best friend Becky. Raven is furious, Becky has a boyfriend named Matt and she doesn’t want them broken up.
Sebastian is relentless on his pursuit for Becky, though both Raven and Alexander both tell him to stay away. One night when they are out Becky falls down and skins her knee. Sebastian can’t help himself and wipes Becky’s blood onto her finger and licks it up. This is the last straw, he’s gone too far now. Raven and Alexander have to find a way to make him find someone else he’d love and leave Becky alone, but who?
This is a short story and I mean short, like 175 pages long. This story pretty much has the same following of the others though this one ended pretty dramatically and it wasn’t so fluffy as the other ones were. We find out more about Alex ( a little bit) and why he hasn’t changed Raven yet. A cute little weird story. A three!
This is the seventh book in the Vampire Kisses series. In this one we have Raven our gothic beauty and Alexander, her handsome and charming vampire boyfriend, madly in love. Now that Alexander’s parents have gone back to Romania they have the mansion all to themselves, for now.
Out of the blue Alexander’s best friend Sebastian shows up and stays with Alexander. Raven is weary of why Sebastian is staying, I mean she just got Alexander all to herself. Though she starts seeing the brighter side of this, she can get more information about Alexander through Sebastian. So the three of them go out at nighttime and hang out in different places. Raven is just in her glory with two vampires, which she wants to become one herself. Though all of it goes down the drain when Sebastian starts falling for Raven’s best friend Becky. Raven is furious, Becky has a boyfriend named Matt and she doesn’t want them broken up.
Sebastian is relentless on his pursuit for Becky, though both Raven and Alexander both tell him to stay away. One night when they are out Becky falls down and skins her knee. Sebastian can’t help himself and wipes Becky’s blood onto her finger and licks it up. This is the last straw, he’s gone too far now. Raven and Alexander have to find a way to make him find someone else he’d love and leave Becky alone, but who?
This is a short story and I mean short, like 175 pages long. This story pretty much has the same following of the others though this one ended pretty dramatically and it wasn’t so fluffy as the other ones were. We find out more about Alex ( a little bit) and why he hasn’t changed Raven yet. A cute little weird story. A three!
February 7, 2012
One of my all-time and original Vampire/Mortal love stories and series happens to be the Vampire Kisses series by Ellen Schrieber. Before Twilight, the re-ignition of Vampire Diaries , True Blood became a TV Show and Vampire Academy, there once lived a series called Vampire Kisses , it was all about this Vampire named Alexander Stirling who had moved into a mansion in Dullsville and fell in love with a Gothic like mortal girl named Raven. Raven has had to keep the secret of Vampire's existence from her friends and family , she has met other Vampires and found herself in the middle of Vampire business and feuding vampire boys.
In Book#7 Love Bites , Raven and Alexander finally have the mansion to themselves minus the company of Jameson the butler. However, things in Dullsville never quite go to plan as Alexander's childhood friend Sebastian arrives and falls hopelessly in love with Raven's friend Becca who has no idea Vampires exist and also she has a boyfriend Matt. When Sebastian starts to leave goodies in Becca's locker, they come up with the story that they were for Raven but of course this gets back to Alexander quicker than usual via the annoying and irritating Trevor who wants nothing but to have Raven all to himself, he lives by the philosophy that if he can't have her no-one can . So when Raven decides to hold a party for Sebastian and her Coffin Club Vampire friends Onyx and Scarlet, she hopes to get his mind off Becca but things get a bit out of hand when Vampires Jagger and his twin Luna appear. Though of course, the sexy Luna may be Sebastian's type.
Find out in Love Bites Book #7 Vampire Kisses Series and stay tuned for Book#8 Cryptic Cravings to hear more adventures of Alexander and Raven.
In Book#7 Love Bites , Raven and Alexander finally have the mansion to themselves minus the company of Jameson the butler. However, things in Dullsville never quite go to plan as Alexander's childhood friend Sebastian arrives and falls hopelessly in love with Raven's friend Becca who has no idea Vampires exist and also she has a boyfriend Matt. When Sebastian starts to leave goodies in Becca's locker, they come up with the story that they were for Raven but of course this gets back to Alexander quicker than usual via the annoying and irritating Trevor who wants nothing but to have Raven all to himself, he lives by the philosophy that if he can't have her no-one can . So when Raven decides to hold a party for Sebastian and her Coffin Club Vampire friends Onyx and Scarlet, she hopes to get his mind off Becca but things get a bit out of hand when Vampires Jagger and his twin Luna appear. Though of course, the sexy Luna may be Sebastian's type.
Find out in Love Bites Book #7 Vampire Kisses Series and stay tuned for Book#8 Cryptic Cravings to hear more adventures of Alexander and Raven.
May 27, 2010
Imagine sitting with your hot vampire boyfriend making out in his Mansion, when all of a sudden there are three loud knocks on the door. Well, that is exactly what happened to Raven- the local goth girl, while in Alexander's Mansion. It's Sebastian, Alexander's best friend from Romania, and he has come for a visit. Well Raven thought what a great way to get more insight on her boyfriend's past than to talk to his best friend and learn everything that she can. Well, Sebastian ends up falling for Becky, which is Raven's mortal BFF who also has a boyfriend. So when it goes as far as Sebastian tasting Becky's blood after she falls and skins her knee, Raven and Alexander are now set out to find a soul mate for him to get him away from Becky. Will Becky be able to resist Sebastian and will Sebastian be able to move on with a girl of his own kind?
I absolutely love this series!! Raven and Alexander have the best relationship. She wants to be a vampire like him so they can be together for eternity and he tries no to give in to the temptation to go ahead and change her. This series makes me want to go out and look for my own vampire boyfriend, but then I remember that I am married. The characters really draw you in and I can't wait to see what happens next in Dullsville!!
I absolutely love this series!! Raven and Alexander have the best relationship. She wants to be a vampire like him so they can be together for eternity and he tries no to give in to the temptation to go ahead and change her. This series makes me want to go out and look for my own vampire boyfriend, but then I remember that I am married. The characters really draw you in and I can't wait to see what happens next in Dullsville!!
January 4, 2011
LOVE BITES is just like all of the other books in the VAMPIRE KISSES series. If you read the first one, you pretty much read them all. The plot is the same; mortal teenager Raven is in love with vampire Alexander and nobody can know his secret. Same old, same old.
In this book, Alexander's parents returned to Romania leaving him and the housekeeper, Jameson, alone in their mansion. Alexander's best friend from Romania, Sebastian, comes for a visit unexpectedly. Raven, Alexander, and Sebastian hang out around Dullsville and that's when Sebastian lays eyes on Raven's best friend, Becky. Even though Becky has Matt as her boyfriend, she's awestruck by the feeling of having two guys liking her. Sebastian swears he loves Becky and begins to stalk her. Raven, being such a good friend, tried to pry Becky away from Sebastian and Alexander does the same for his friend. Raven hosts a party, inviting just two female vampires, with hopes of getting Sebastian to like a vampire instead of a human.
The whole book is just about Raven's love to Alexander and Sebastian's quick crush on Becky. Nothing really exciting happened like in the preceding books.
In this book, Alexander's parents returned to Romania leaving him and the housekeeper, Jameson, alone in their mansion. Alexander's best friend from Romania, Sebastian, comes for a visit unexpectedly. Raven, Alexander, and Sebastian hang out around Dullsville and that's when Sebastian lays eyes on Raven's best friend, Becky. Even though Becky has Matt as her boyfriend, she's awestruck by the feeling of having two guys liking her. Sebastian swears he loves Becky and begins to stalk her. Raven, being such a good friend, tried to pry Becky away from Sebastian and Alexander does the same for his friend. Raven hosts a party, inviting just two female vampires, with hopes of getting Sebastian to like a vampire instead of a human.
The whole book is just about Raven's love to Alexander and Sebastian's quick crush on Becky. Nothing really exciting happened like in the preceding books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2014
AWESOME, that is seven letters for you ladies and gentlemen. I really liked this book. I waited for it in all my classes just to get this book on the date it said to be released and even finished my homework early enough to read it. My dad suprised me when i got into the car and there it was on my seat! I quickly devoured this book in about 4 hours. Or less. When I got home.
SpIoLeR: I had know idea that Becky was going to be Sebastion's crushie and the part that JAGGER AND LUNA are back!!!! Alexander in the town's newspaper!!!!!!!!! Those were probably the biggest surprises for me oh and theres a BIG cliffhanger at the end, it left my mouth hanging. For all of you vampire lovers who love Ellen Schreiber's work please support the author and just read the book!!!! IT IS REALLY A GOOD BOOK!!! ( sorry if there are any spelling errors or mistakes )
-Kailtin
SpIoLeR: I had know idea that Becky was going to be Sebastion's crushie and the part that JAGGER AND LUNA are back!!!! Alexander in the town's newspaper!!!!!!!!! Those were probably the biggest surprises for me oh and theres a BIG cliffhanger at the end, it left my mouth hanging. For all of you vampire lovers who love Ellen Schreiber's work please support the author and just read the book!!!! IT IS REALLY A GOOD BOOK!!! ( sorry if there are any spelling errors or mistakes )
-Kailtin
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2010
Another great addition to the series. The book focuses on the arrival of Alexander's best friend, Sebastian. The trouble is he falls for Raven's best friend, Becky, who is already taken and mortal. So it is up to Raven and Alexander to distract him and for him to leave Becky alone. Alexander is also recognized for his artistic talent in the newspaper with a feature article on him, where he claims to sleep in a coffin. In order to distract Sebastian, Raven thinks up a marvelous plan for a party to invite Onyx and Scarlet so Sebastian can be introduced to girls of the vampire nature...however, it doesn't go as planned as Matt finds out that Sebastian has been hitting on Becky and brings the whole soccer team to kick butt, I presume, but it ends in a bigger party than they expected with V's and mortals partying together, until Jagger and Luna arrive... argh!
October 23, 2010
I'm still loving Schreiber's series, even at seven. Here's why: they're short and easy to get through, usually within an hour or two, they're minimalistic, each with one driving issue to be resolved by the end yet enough excitement to lead to the next book, Alexander and Raven's romance is too cute, especially since she is so smitten and punk vampire. The cheese does not go over my head, I know it is, but it's just so darn cute.
In Love Bites, Alexander's best friend, Sebastian arrives. Never having known that Alexander had a best friend, Raven is eager to befriend him and learn about Alexander's closed-off past. Yet, when Sebastian falls head over heels for Becky, Raven's best friend, quick action must be made to find him a suitable (read: vampire) girlfriend instead of a mortal one.
Can't wait for number eight!
In Love Bites, Alexander's best friend, Sebastian arrives. Never having known that Alexander had a best friend, Raven is eager to befriend him and learn about Alexander's closed-off past. Yet, when Sebastian falls head over heels for Becky, Raven's best friend, quick action must be made to find him a suitable (read: vampire) girlfriend instead of a mortal one.
Can't wait for number eight!
February 11, 2015
So here goes the 7th book in the series! Wee! Introducing a new sexy vampire, Sebastian! Sebastian is Alexander's bestfriend.. Oh how I envy Raven for being with two sexy vamps... I pity Sebastian since I can feel that his feelings were real; and that tiny blood incident with Becky? I guess he just can't control himself yet, and that he really doesn't want it to happen. I'm hoping for another love triangle in the story including Sebastian, Becky and Matt! But I know it might spoil the series because it should only be Raven having a love affair with a vampire. But sometimes, I don't know if I'm team Alexander or Team Trevor.. I like bad guys in series, but this time, the bad guy is a mortal so I'd still be more of team Alex! Hihi. Looking forward for the next two books! :>
March 31, 2016
at first i didn't ;ike or trust sebastian but he started to grow on me. i was really worried about the whole sebastian/becky/matt thing but it all got sorted out so yay. i thought it was trevor sending raventhe texts so i was really exited when i found out it was alexander. i just assumed sebastian would end up with onyx or scarlet so i was majorly surprised when he basically ended up with luna. if theres only one more book in the series i hope it'll be about raven and alexander and the whole vampire/human relationship and not about jaggeer wanting to make another club in dullsville. so yeah i really hope alexander and ravens relationship works out coz i'll cry if it doesn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2010
So Alex has a best friend name Sebastian. Polar opposite as to what he is like but none the less, still best friends. He's warm and caring and thoughtful. He is however, careless with his actions and thusly, the consequences can impact Alexander. Raven does her best to assauge the situation and always be there for both of them and her best friend. THe very end did surprise me with the delightful characters of Luna, Jagger, Onyx and S. Who Sebasitian falls in love with and wants to open up a club with is even more surprising. There is a cliff hanger which makes you want Ms Schreiber to hurry up and write #8, already.
Easy and fast read. Fun and light hearted.
Easy and fast read. Fun and light hearted.
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