Archive for funny vampire books
Imagine the enjoyment that an avid vampire novel reader feels when they find a vampire romance book that is not only a a good, fun read but also one of a series. Well, this is what I found when I read Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta. The story centers around Milagro De Los Santos, a highly educated but ‘out of steady work’ literature major. She’s been working as a literary consultant for rich families but she’s unhappy that she’s not writing the types of things that she wants to write and, even though her life is fine, she feels like something is missing. When one of her clients invites her to a book signing party – which would normally not be a problem – she arrives to find that the author is the man who deserted her so many years before in college, Sebastian Beckett-Witherspoon.
Of course, Sebastian will not leave her alone and he proceeds to belittle her until running away is her only option. I am sure I would have done the same thing, the only difference being - if it happened to me, there would not be an incredibly handsome man wanting to whisk me away just outside the door. It’s a jilted girl’s dream come true. Milagro cannot explain why she goes with this strange man, Oswald Krakatoa, but he is undoubtedly the most handsome man she has ever seen. And, for some reason, when she is with him, she forgets all about her humiliating moments with Sebastian. Apparently, Oswald feels the same way about her, because as soon as they are alone, they cannot get enough of each other. Their first kiss rekindles feelings she has not felt for years – but, just as the going gets good, Sebastian runs into the room to stop them. This ill timed interruption turns their passionate kiss into a fall to the floor for both of them with cut lips. Her humiliation complete, Milagro runs off to lick her wounds and spends the next few days feeling sicker than a dog. And craving raw meat.
This story has one twist after another. Thankfully Oswald realizes what has happened and saves her in the nick of time from her ex to take her away to his secluded country ranch where the rest of his family awaits. It seems Milagro is going through a transformation that takes time; sweet Oswald is determined to make sure she is alright.
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula is a fun, upbeat novel and Milagro is an incredible character that reminded me of youthful wishes I used to have. She’s beautiful, but insecure enough to make her sympathetic without being too irritating. She’s witty, strong, and vulnerable all at the same time. There are sexy scenes in this fantasy book but they are handled well and the dialogue is really funny. And since it’s a series, I’m eagerly waiting to go buy the next installment - there are two more now available in the series!
Here are all of the books in the Casa Dracula series:
#1: Happy Hour at Casa Dracula
#2: Midnight Brunch
Librarian Jane Jameson is having a lousy day. Her boss, in a fit of nepotism, just gave her job away to a family member. To add insult to injury, her severance pay is a gift certificate to the local bar. So Jane does what any self-respecting, recently fired, unlucky in love 30-something female would do: she bellies up to the local bar to drink away her sorrows.
A sexy and sympathetic vampire named Gabriel happens to be hanging out nearby and after listening to her story, gets her sober and helps her to her car. Unfortunately for Jane, her car quits halfway home; to top off a really crappy day, she gets accidentally shot by a drunk hunter who mistakes her for a potential wall trophy. Gabriel, following her to make sure she gets home safely, sees the accident and comes to her aid. Since Jane is near death he gives her a choice: she can either die now or be “turned” and come back as the undead. She chooses Door Number Two.
Suddenly, the loss of her job is the least of her problems. She now has to learn what it means to be a vampire. Fortunately, vampires are completely “out” and there’s a synthetic blood product available that doesn’t taste too bad. But while trying to deal with her new condition, her newly dead aunt appears as her roommate. She has to forget about her favorite Southern-fried cooking and settle for cold bags of blood. She has to struggle through the daylight hours and pretend to actually still be breathing. And her mother won’t stop asking annoyingly pointed questions.
Jane’s also being framed for a vamp murder, and she better locate the real killer quick before she’s targeted by the entire vampire community. Her on-again, off-again relationship with Gabriel is one most girls can relate to, and provides heat and chemistry that smolders throughout the book.
Jane, isn’t just another one-dimensional character, though. She’s portrayed as a normal, nice girl, not overly neurotic, who loves to read, is kind to babies and small animals, and puts up with her bad-mannered family with aplomb.
Harper fleshes out other likable characters with a tongue-in-cheek approach , including Jane’s best friend Zeb, who’s in love with a werewolf named Jolene, and Dick Cheney, a bad-boy vamp with a crush on Jane. The tale is told in Jane’s sarcastically witty voice.
If you have any sense of humor, you will enjoy this read, and will no doubt want to read Harper’s next installments, Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men and Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever. But first, start by getting Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs!
Don’t you love free books? Especially this time of the year when we’re all a bit strapped for cash. Therefore I’m happy to announce that we’re giving away 1 free copy of the following hilarious vampire book:
“Vampire Taxonomy: Identifying And Interacting With The Modern-Day Bloodsucker”
Here’s a summary of the book:
From bestselling books to hit TV shows, there’s no denying that vampires have come a long way from the infamous monster created by Bram Stoker more than a century ago.
Our culture today is inundated with beloved blood-thirsty creatures of the night. With so many different species of vampire roaming the streets it’s important to know how to identify the different types.
For example, in matters of the heart, is Twilight’s Edward Cullen:
- obsessed and compulsive?
- in love with love?
- devoted or disorderly?
- the real thing?
or the rarest of all,
Author Meredith Woerner provides detailed information about the different types of vampires now roaming the earth, classifying them by their reaction to sun exposure, physiology, attire, and preferred diet.
Read Vampire Taxonomy and develop the skills needed to answer the question: “Should I hand him my heart or stake him before he makes me his next meal?”
It’s Easy to Enter The Contest!
1. Leave a comment at the bottom of this post. That’s it, you’re in!
Only one comment entry per person please. Open to U.S. residents only. The contest ends next Sunday, December 13th at 12:00 midnight (EST). The lucky winner will be randomly chosen Monday, December 14th using the Random Integer Generator software program. The winner must respond via email within 24 hours of notification.
Good luck!
Cesca, known as the Vampire Princess, is pretty happy these days. She’s no longer encased in a coffin wrapped in silver chains (think, ouch) and she’s pretty darn happy living the easy life in Florida. That is, until an old vampire buddy shows up on her doorstep. You see Jo-Jo is on the run from his master, who has a stake with his name on it. It seems as if Jo-Jo, a comedian by profession, told one bad joke too many and his master is out to get him. He’s traveled to Cesca’s home hoping she’ll provide sanctuary and protection.
Unfortunately, Jo-Jo brings his troubles with him. Turns out he’s being followed by an insane, murderous vampire intent on killing not only Jo-Jo, but anyone willing to help him. Cesca already has enough enemies amongst the vampire so she’s wary of helping Jo-Jo at first. However she soon agrees to provide aid, primarily because she’s got a good heart, but also because she’s curious to find out how Jo-Jo knows her real name. Could Jo-Jo lead her to the person that turned her into a vampire?
Last Vampire Standing is an entertaining and funny read. Since Cesca was last “alive” in the 1800’s she’s still adjusting to 21st century life. It’s a lot of fun reading about her reactions to modern technology.
Nancy Haddock does a great job blending humor with more serious issues like murder and torture and her writing style keeps the story moving along quite nicely. This is the second book in the “Oldest City Vampire” series. Book 1 is called “La Vida Vampire” and it’s also a great read. If you’re looking for a vampire book that’s funny, exciting, and a bit suspenseful, you can’t go wrong with Last Vampire Standing.
Update: I just received a really nice email message from the author Nancy Haddock herself! Here’s what she says:
I’m embarrassed to tell you that I didn’t know about you or your site before this evening, but I love it. Your slogan, “On duty until the sun rises,” is great!
That said, I thank you for your recent review of Last Vampire Standing! The review itself is wonderfully written, and I’m delighted that you could give the book your recommendation!
It takes time and energy to read as many books as you must read, and extra time to write and post reviews. I know all authors appreciate your dedication - I certainly do!
Have a terrific week, and thank you again!
Light,
Nancy
Wasn’t that nice of her?
Cheers.
