Following my heart, one book at a time...
Dead End Dating: A Novel of Vampire Love
I just finished this one yesterday, and it was “cute”. It did not capture me to the point that I couldn’t put it down, but I did enjoy it for the most part.
It was an easy “fluffy” read, with some silliness, a quick bit of adventure and a tidbit of “romantic tension”. Well actually, the romantic tension was nice and had great potential, but in this novel, there was just not enough exploration of it, for my taste. Hopefully, further into the series, we will get abit more raw emotion, but I think this series will concentrate mostly on it’s comedic value.
This story is about a “born” female vampire, from a wealthy family who is highly indulgent. She is quite a fashionista (she’s a total “girly girl” and LOVES designer labels), so I could relate! She is trying to find her place in the real world, and not following the traditions of her vampire heritage (ie: somewhat arranged marriages, based on breeding potential, not on love). In this series, vampires can be born, or made. The “made” vampires are lower on the totem pole in vampire society. Born vampires are from a bourgeois upbringing, are very old and come from European lineage. The males (and females) are essentially perfect in looks, smell decadent (like desserts), and have extremely high self esteem.
Made vampires are simply that – humans, that are now vampires (flaws and all, will follow them into their transition).
The main character “Lil”, is trying to live the everyday life (shopping, friends, starting her own business, and looking for true love). Unfortunately, due to her circumstances, her choices cause her problems (albeit, in my opinion, light and fluffy – not too much to worry over).
Still a cute read (I’m sure this would be great on a plane trip), and although I am not dying to get right into the next installment, I will be happy to pick up the next book, once I come across it (just to read more about “Ty” the sexy “made” vampire that has captured her eye).
P.S. – I found this picture online – it is of another book that Kimberly Raye wrote – doesn’t the cover model LOOK just like what “Ty” should look like (as he is described in Dead End Dating)?
3 stars.
Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
It’s time to delve into reviewing the wonderful world of the Twilight Saga. This series was my initiation to the Vampire Paranormal Romance world, and my most memorable reading experience in ages. I indulged in this series, escaping the real world for almost 3 weeks straight. Everyday, I’d recount the latest “Twilight” escapades I had read from the night before, to my colleagues (and thankfully, they humored me by seeming interested).
I remember how my curiosity was only slightly peaked, when the commercials for the movie were playing on TV, and my husband would groan and roll his eyes each time a trailer aired. I asked him what the big deal was, and he said it was the latest fad that everyone was obsessing over. I shrugged it off (as I was not into Vampire movies), and continued on with my life.
One day, my mom called me to tell me about a sad novel she had just read, that she couldn’t stop thinking about. She felt the only way she could get over her book, was to pull out her “Twilight” series and re-read it to put her back in a good mood. “What?” I said…”You are into the whole Twilight thing too?”
I think that helped get her out of her funk, as she immediately started to recount what the story entailed, and told me that I absolutely HAD to read the series. She promptly decided that the books would be a part of my Christmas present, and my December was a blur of Vampires and Christmas lights!
While I’m certain that most of you have already read the main book, or even the entire series, recounting the story is fun, so I will!
The book is set in Forks, Washington (considered the most cloudy area in the U.S.). It is about a teen girl named Bella, who moves into her father’s home in Washington, and is about to be the “new girl” in high school. Bella is a solitary soul, shy yet pretty, and seemingly uninterested in becoming a part of the “in-crowd”. Despite being uncoordinated and slightly clumsy (in sports and in life in general), she still manages to become popular pretty much on her first day, as most of the boys in school are intrigued by her, and most of the girls seem to welcome her.
One particular group of students peaks her interest, however. A beautiful, highly fashionable group of five, that she notices in the cafeteria. Her new friends let her know that they are a “family” (foster kids that live with their uncle, a renowned surgeon in town). She is told that they do not mix with the other students at all, and is given the impression that this particular group is impenetrable (which in essence, has been true).
She notices that the one out of that group that she is drawn to (Edward – who is also the one that ALL the girls are 
drawn to), stares at her intently, yet somewhat unkindly. That day, she discovers that she is in the same science class as “Edward”, and of course the only seat available in class, is the one next to him. Despite the fact that she is quite self conscious, and already nervous around him (as is everyone), she takes her seat next to him. To her dismay, she notices that he reacts with horror at her proximity. His eyes seem cold and black, glaring at her with pure disdain. He moves to the furthest edge of their table, to be as far away from her as possible. He appears to hold his breath and his hands clench the table as if he is struggling. His body language personifies disgust, and she is humiliated. By the end of class, he runs out of the room like a bat out of hell, and her new friends comment on his strange reaction to her.
As the day progresses, she has another unpleasant encounter with Edward, and by the next day, he is completelymissing in action (and also missing for an entire week). Now she is certain she is the cause of his reactions, and is highly insulted and hurt, but accepts this as part of his group’s “weirdness” and goes on with her new routine.
A week later, Edward is back, and her heart stops when she sees him again. As she approaches her seat next to his, she is startled when he kindly acknowledges her. His demeanor is completely different, and their friendship begins.
The friendship goes through that shy crush stage, where the two characters watch each other from afar, and then eventually seek each other’s company any way they can have it. Despite Edward’s attempt at keeping his feelings for Bella in control (for her own good), he finds that he is falling in love with her, and she does not make it any easier for him, when she gladly accepts and returns his love.
“It would be more …prudent for you not to be my friend,” he explained. “But I’m tired of trying to stay away from you, Bella.”
As they get to know each other on a deeper level, she discovers his (and his family’s secret), the dangerous urges he fights when he is with her, and the struggles they have to face to stay a couple (along with the danger she faces when she enters his world. Not all of his people are nice).
“I’ll figure it out eventually,” I warned him.
“I wish you wouldn’t try.” he was serious again.
“Because…?”
“What if I’m not a superhero? What if I’m the bad guy?”
There are so many beautiful points about this book, that the best way to present them is via direct quotes. The words that make up the emotional closeness that the two experience as they get to know each other, is so much deeper than I could actually put into words myself. The book is so carefully detailed, so lovingly described that you actually feel like you are there. I think, the reason this book touches us so deeply, is that we can all relate. This book is about the kind of “first love” or “true love” that everyone has experienced or wishes to experience at some point in their life. You know the kind of love, when a new couple can simply not get enough of each other. There are no faults, simply complete acceptance, and unconditional love.
Some of my favorite moments in the book:
When Bella and Edward have that first conversation, driving home at night, regarding his secret.
He was suddenly resigned. “What are you curious about?”
“How old are you?”
“Seventeen,” he answered promptly.
“And how long have you been seventeen?”
His lips twitched as he stared at the road. “A while,” he admitted at last.
Here are some more quotes from my favorite parts (you know, where I *swooned* tee hee!)
Their first *real* conversation in the cafeteria, the next day:
“Do you truly believe that you care more for me than I do for you?” he murmured, leaning closer to me as he spoke, his dark golden eyes piercing.
When Edward brought Bella to the beautiful meadow and tried to explain to her, how alluring her scent was to him, and how dangerous that was to her (well actually that whole section was very enlightening and romantic):
“It’s not only your company I crave! Never forget that. Never forget I am more dangerous to you than I am to anyone else.”
Finally my absolute favorite part was when Edward spent the night with Bella. Considering he doesn’t sleep, and could slip in and out of her room without her father noticing (every parents worst nightmare, but a somewhat romantic notion, nonetheless), the fact that he could simply sneak into her room, and watch over her while she falls asleep in his arms *sigh*…
It seemed like a miracle that he was there, his arms still waiting for me. he reached out to me, and my heart thumped unsteadily.
“Welcome back,” he murmured, taking me into his arms.
He rocked me for awhile in silence, until I noticed that his clothes were changed, his hair smooth.
“You left?” I accused, touching the collar of his fresh shirt.
“I could hardly leave in the clothes I came in – what would the neighbors think?”
I pouted.
“You were very deeply asleep; I didn’t miss anything.”
His eyes gleamed. “The talking came earlier.”
I groaned. “What did you hear?”
His eyes grew very soft. “You said you loved me.”
“You knew that already,” I reminded him, ducking my head.
“It was nice to hear just the same.”
I hid my face against his shoulder.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“You are my life now,” he answered simply.
*SWOON*
Okay, well the book simply needs to be read for full impact. For those of you who are here and haven’t read this yet – what are you waiting for? Hop to it!! There’s action, adventure but mostly *LOVE* – For those of you who have groaned and rolled your eyes throughout this review – if you read it, and if you let it, this book will warm your heart!
5 stars!!!!
The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall
I finished this one a couple of days ago, and while I loved the first half, the 2nd half left me somewhat bewildered (I couldn’t always tell if I was actually following the story correctly). I often found myself having to re-read sections just to understand the current situation that i was reading about.
Quick synopsis: Elena is back in what we expected to be “human” form, however she has actually regressed into “new spirit baby”. She is purely angelic, emanating a wholesome radiance. She is frustrated however, as she can think adult thoughts, but is unable to read, write, has forgotten how to speak, is obliged to communicate through basic sign language, and telepathy of images and feelings. She also has to rely on her basic “good vs. evil” instincts to understand her surroundings.
Stefan is her caretaker (after all, her family thinks she’s dead, and the town would simply not understand her paranormal circumstances), and although Stefan and Elena still share a deep loving bond, he feels it necessary to keep a distance when it comes to their love, as he fears he will be taking advantage of her. Of course Elena evolves as the story goes on, but just to give you an idea…
Throughout the book, we come to understand why such paranormal activity frequently takes hold in what should be, a quiet little town. We encounter new villains who throw the town (and our favorite characters) into a deluge of confusion, and danger.
L.J. Smith has a vivid imagination! She succeeded in scaring me “Exorcist” style a few times throughout this installment. Her imagery is detailed, and her “scary scenes” have some terrific shock value.
Here’s an example (beginning of chapter 8): Meredith and Bonnie are having a sleepover and Meredith suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night to this:
Now Bonnie was bending over her, but with her face inverted and her eyes shut. She was kneeling at the head of Meredith’s pillow and her upside-down nose almost touched Meredith’s. Add to that an odd pallor on Bonnie’s cheeks and rapid warm breath that tickled Meredith’s forehead, and anyone-anyone, Meredith insisted to herself-would be entitled to a half-scream.
She waited for Bonnie to speak, staring in the gloom at those eerily closed eyes.
But instead, Bonnie sat up, walked backward flawlessly to Meredith’s desk, where Meredith’s mobile lay charging, and picked it up. She must have turned it on for a video recording for she opened her mouth and began to gesture and speak.
It was terrifying. The sounds that came out of Bonnie’s mouth were all too identifiable: backward speech.
All I can say is “EeeeeeeeeeK!!!” That was some creepy stuff (and there are more scenes like that, throughout the book). Loved that stuff!
My favorite part of the book, of course was Damon, Damon and more Damon – specifically his witty internal dialogue (all of Chapter 12). We are treated to a whole section of his internal musings, (ie: his contemplation of Matt’s name and what MATT must stand for – very funny) and I just had to bookmark this part for other Damon fans out there. Here is an example:
Bonnie is wounded and Damon has taken it upon himself to help her:
Damon changed position slightly to be more comfortable and turned the hot water up again, all while holding Bonnie, feeding her, all-he knew-gracefully and without a wasted movement. This was fun. It appealed to his sense of ridiculous. Here, right now, a vampire was not supping from a human, but was trying to save it from certain death by feeding it vampire blood.
There is so much more to this section, but I will allow you the opportunity to experience it in full. While I was tempted to copy out the whole chapter right here (it is that good, in my opinion, and is the heart of where the story is going with future installments), instead, I will try not to ruin your own pleasure of reading it as it was meant to be read.
Of course, I wanted more like that chapter (it’s a nice breather!), and on occasion, we get it, but the remainder of the book revolves around fighting evil, and more “scary” scenes.
While the book is a lot of fun (and I am anxious for the next installment), it is not one that I was able to read late into the night. This book requires a bit more concentration than my sleepy mind could muster!
After reading my novels, I often visit the author’s website and have been pleasantly surprised to discover that they’ve released their own “short stories” that follow the series I am reading. Here are links to their webpages, with some examples that I’m sure you’ll enjoy!
FREE READS from Sara Reinke (lots of great paranormal stuff here) – she’s even giving away the first book (e-book) in her Brethren series (vampires) if you sign up for her newletter.
“Deleted Scenes” from the Night Huntress books (Cat and Bones! by Jeaniene Frost)
“Tax Not the Zombie” A free Broken Heart, Oklahoma short story by Michele Bardsley
Books that have to do with the Vampire Diaries:
FROM L.J. Smith: The Full Access site for Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle can be viewed read in full! (this is the ENTIRE FIRST BOOK (not a short story)!! – I was hooked once I read it online) – quick synopsis – high school love, with a VAMPIRE student!! How can you go wrong with that? – Only available for free online until April 14th!
Matt & Elena: First date (a prequel to the Vampire Diaries)
Bonnie & Damon: First Kiss (I hear this may be sort of a “spoiler” if you haven’t read the actual Vampire Diaries volumes yet)
Some goodies involving the “Nightworld” series characters (these next stories are associated with “Strange Fate”):
An Apocalypse Night Story called “Thicker than Water”
Brionwy’s Lullaby (as per L.J. Smith : “There will be much more about Brionwy in Strange Fate, but this story is meant to stand alone”)
Those Who Favor Fire (a short story involving my favorite Nightworld characters – Ash & Mary-Lynette. I loved it, despite being slightly confused about their environment – I have only read the first Nightworld volume so far.)
Jez and Morgead’s Night Out (I am unfamiliar with this one also, but I’m sure once I go deeper into Nightworld, I will enjoy this story too!)
Twilight Saga – a link to Stephenie Meyer’s webpage containing “Midnight Sun: Edward’s Version of Twilight”:
My absolute FAVORITE read called “Midnight Sun“. Here is a link to Stephenie’s webpage that allows you access to the story, and includes an explanation as to why she is allowing us to read the unfinished book. Although the story was a great read (she had a ton of chapters already written) the enjoyment is bittersweet due to the disheartening circumstances that she describes. I’m hoping that Stephenie will finish this book as it is the PERFECT story to appease our “Twilight fix”. If she finishes and publishes this book, I will buy it and add it to my prized collection of the Twilight Saga.
From Sherrilyn Kenyon – Fear the Darkness (as part of the Dark-Hunter series) (sign up to get access to the free e-book!)
From Sherrilyn Kenyon – “Winter Born” (sign up to get access to the free e-book)
A plethora of free short stories by Rachel Caine! From Weather Warden stories to Morganville Vampires, you can read to your heart’s content directly on her website 🙂
Free Stories from Anya Bast!
Here is a link to Kelley Armstrong’s webpage containing Free Online Stories or “Novellas” that compliment her “Otherworld” series such as
Free stories from Larissa Ione:
and deleted scenes from her Demonica series
Caridad Piñeiro provides these free short stories:
The Wolf Within (a part of “The Calling” series)
