Audio Book Review: The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren

This is an engaging, fun cozy paranormal mystery.
The Vampire Knitting Club
By Nancy Warren
Narrated By: Sarah Zimmerman

Series: Vampire Knitting Club, Book 1
Duration: 6 h 7 min
Published 2019 by Tantor Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Vampires, Witches
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4. 5; Narration 4. 5.

Summary:
At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past (Todd the Toad) and an uncertain future (she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she's going to do.
Except it turns out that Gran is the undying. Or at least, the undead. But there's a death certificate. And a will, leaving the knitting shop to Lucy. And a lot of people going in and out who never use the door-including Gran, who is just as loving as ever, and prone to knitting sweaters at warp speed, late at night. What exactly is going on?
When Lucy discovers that Gran did not die peacefully in her sleep, but was murdered, she has to bring the killer to justice without tipping off the law that there's no body in the grave. Between a hot 500-year-old vampire and a dishy detective inspector, both of whom always seem to be there for her, Lucy finds her life getting more complicated than a triple cable cardigan. The only one who seems to know what's going on is her cat . . . or is it . . . her familiar?

Review:
Lucy Swift is a young woman about to make a life change. She lost her job and left her cheating boyfriend to return home to visit with her loving, supportive grandmother. Lucy figures that some ‘down-time’ helping out in Gran’s knitting shop, the Cardinal Woolsey, will give her a chance to regroup. Lucy arrives to find the shop locked and neighbors tell her that her grandmother is dead. Lucy is surprised when she inherits the shop, even though she is all thumbs when it comes to knitting.

As Lucy starts to clean up the shop, she finds Gran’s glasses on the floor with what looks like blood on them. Then a strange, enticing man appears in the shop claiming to be looking for his friend, Lucy’s Gran. As Lucy tries to find out more about her grandmother’s death, she discovers that her Gran is dead, but not gone as she is now part of the undead. Also, Gran’s death wasn’t accidental, but Lucy can’t give those details to the handsome detective inspector who has come to her aid.

Lucy learns that someone wants to buy her shop, even with the help of threats. Although the idea of selling is initially tempting, Lucy realizes that might not be a good idea once she knows that a clan of vampires, including her grandmother, live below the shop. To complicate matters further, Lucy suddenly finds her fingers giving off sparks, while the cat that has adopted her seems to be getting in the way at inappropriate, or maybe appropriate, times.

This is a fun story with very likeable characters. Lucy is a sweet, caring woman who isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life. She now finds herself with a business to run and two handsome men hovering around her. The story moves at a good pace, with the mystery leading to more murders before the villain is caught. This is the first in a series and I am interested in reading/listening to more in the series. I recommend this to fans of cozy mystery with the added twist of vampires and witches.

Audio Notes: Sarah Zimmerman does a fine job with the narration. She provides distinct voices, fitting energy and carries the lighter tone of the story that deals with murder and vampires. I will look forward to listening more in the series.

Source: November 2020 VIP pick from Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Alphabet, and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Dead Rising (The Templar Book 1) by Debra Dunbar

This is a knight story with vampires, necromancy and a twist.

Dead Rising
The Templar, Volume 1
By: Debra Dunbar
Narrated by: Elizabeth Phillips

Format: Digital Audiobook
Run Time: 8h 50min Release
Date: August 22, 2016
Publisher: Debra Dunbar
Genre: Necromancy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampires
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Solaria Ainsworth was born a Templar, destined to take up the mantle of responsibility and duty as her family's Order had done for hundreds of years. Except she refuses to take her Oath of Knighthood.
Barely making ends meet in Baltimore, Aria finds it difficult to obtain gainful employment with no work experience and skills in jousting and swordsmanship. Just before she's served an eviction notice, the Mistress of the local vampire family offers her a job - to research a magical symbol. It's an easy task for a woman who has spent every moment of her life either in armor, or with her nose in ancient manuscripts. The money's good, and the seven day deadlines should be no problem. But when her research reveals a sordid connection between the vampires and a mass murder, Aria needs to decide who is in the right and worthy of her protection. Modern Templars believe only God should judge, but Aria must do exactly that, or watch the Baltimore streets run red with blood.
©2016 Debra Dunbar (P)2016 Debra Dunbar

Review:
Solaria, known as Aria, is a daughter of the Templars who are trained to protect others. But Aria has resisted her parent’s expectations to take the Oath of Knighthood and begin her duties. Her jousting and swordsmanship skills don’t help in finding work so Aria struggles to make ends meet as a waitress. She is surprised but pleased when the Mistress of the local vampire family offers her a specialized job researching a magical symbol. Aria doesn’t realize that when she accepts the assignment it comes with an ‘escort’, handsome vampire Dario, and the threat of death if she fails.

The assignment turns out to be not so simple, especially when the research reveals a connection between a vengeful necromancer and the vampires over a mass murder many years before. Templars are taught that only God should judge, and the Templars protect those who need protection. But Aria has to decide who needs the protection as dead spirits brutally attack the vampires.

Aria is a 26 year old woman still trying to find her place in life. I wasn’t particularly pulled in by her character who often acted like a self-absorbed teen. I liked Dario’s loyalty to his family and enjoyed his bantering friendship with Aria which is a cautious relationship as there is a taboo between the vampires and Templars. In addition to Aria finding herself, the plot involves an interesting mystery, danger and action. I may not be rushing out to get the full series (although I’d snag them on sale), but I enjoyed the overall story. I recommend this to fans of urban fantasy, vampires, knights and mysteries.

Audio Notes: Elizabeth Phillips does a good job with the narration. She brings distinct voices and good energy. I enjoyed the audio presentation of the story.

Source: 7/28/2019 Chirp Deal $.99. (Hard to resist an audiobook for $.99.) This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goal.

Tour Book Review and Giveaway Link: Midnight Kiss: Touched by Midnight, Book 1 by Nancy Gideon

I enjoyed this engaging, sensual vampiric experience.

Midnight Kiss: Touched by Midnight, Book 1

by Nancy Gideon

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published by: Imajinn Books

Release Date: July 12, 2015

Length: 262 Pages

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

“Dark and compelling, Gideon's novel will appeal to those who enjoy the vampire novels of Anne Rice.” —Library Journal

“A colorful and hauntingly beautiful tale of otherworldly love . . . destined to become a classic!”—Affaire de Coeur

“Incredible, spellbinding reading!” —Rendezvous

Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.

A DARK CURSE

Miss Arabella Howland is content to forgo the London marriage mill to assist her father in his research, especially when it comes to his intriguing patient, Louis Radman. But it’s not long before Bella’s curiosity alerts her to the danger of her father’s work . . . and to the fact that Louis is not who or what he seems.

A BRIGHT PROMISE

After centuries struggling with his vile existence, Louis Radman will soon be free of his affliction, thanks to his very capable physician. Unfortunately, his heart is less secure around the man’s tempting daughter. His yearning to walk in the light once more is complicated by his desire for the delightful Bella, who is as intelligent as she is fearless. But if history has taught him anything, it’s not to tempt fate.

AN UNFORGIVING PAST

Still, happiness has a price and Louis is soon reminded that mortality comes with unfortunate limitations. To protect his new bride, he must face the demons from his past who wish to pull him back into their vampiric fold.

Yet, if he’s forced to return to his midnight world, will he lose his beloved Bella forever?

Review:
Arabella isn’t interested in the marriage mart but loves aiding her physician father with his medical research. She is particularly interested in his mysterious patient, Louis Radman. Radman is a handsome, reclusive, dark nobleman. Dr. Howland refuses to tell Arabella any details about his treatment for Radman. Arabella is startled one night when she greets Radman in her father’s absence. He is gaunt and pale and she doesn’t know how to help him. But even with her innocence, she is strangely drawn to Radman in a sensual fog.

Louis Radman is sick of his dark life with its evil compulsions. He has sought the help of Dr Howland seeking medical treatment to return him to a human state, including mortality. Louis is surprised by his attraction to Arabella. He knows he should stay away until the treatment is successful but he finds it hard to resist her. He also isn’t willing to let the Dr.’s ambitious assistant put Arabella into a compromising position.

Just as Louis appears to be on the verge of success some old ‘friends’ appear seeking revenge for past hurts. Louis knows he will have to face his fiercest enemies in order to protect Arabella.

I enjoyed the different perspective of this story with its initial hopeful tone. I appreciated the action and danger and when things turned dark I was fully engaged wanting to know what would happen. Having just read a more erotic vampire story, I was glad to choose this title as it appeared to be less raw. There is wonderful chemistry between Arabella and Radman and their relationship heats up in sensuality but never becomes truly graphic. This story wraps with a few surprises and the other two books look like they would be engaging as well.

I received this title for Series Tour through Novel Book Tours.

ABOUT NANCY GIDEON

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Nancy Gideon is the author of over 55 novels ranging from Regencies, historicals and contemporary suspense to dark paranormal romance, with a couple of horror screenplays thrown into the mix.

​When not at the keyboard or working full time as a legal assistant in Southwest Michigan, she can be found feeding her addictions for Netflix and all things fur, feather and fin, enjoying Grammy time (usually watching The Avengers), and meeting new friends and readers through her GoodReads “Nancy Gideon by Moonlight” group. Her books can also be found under the pen names Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West and Lauren Giddings.

Midnight Kiss - Excerpt

Midnight Temptation (Touched by Midnight - Book 2)

Midnight Temptation (Touched by Midnight - Book 2)

by Nancy Gideon
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: Imajinn Books
Release Date: August 14, 2015
Length: 256 Pages

Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.

A WICKED LEGACY

Terrified by her unusual strength and frightening urges, Nicole Radouix’s sheltered country life is shattered when she discovers her family’s secret— she’s the daughter of a mortal mother and vampire father. Stricken, she flees to the seductive lure of the city to discover the truth about who and what she is. But the turmoil of post-revolution Paris is no place for an innocent.

A WILD DESIRE 

Finding herself under the protection of noble ex-patriot Marchand La Valois, Nicole is pulled into deadly underworld struggles, both political and vampiric. As their passions ignite, Marchand soon realizes the lovely Nicole is more predator than prey and may be more of a threat than the unruly streets outside.

AN UNTHINKABLE DILEMMA 

Desperate to control her dark desires, Nicole accepts an offer of guidance from a hypnotic enemy, ensnaring both her and Marchand in a dangerous web of centuries’ old revenge. To escape their deadly nighttime games, Nicole must embrace her immortality. But will it cost her Marchand’s eternal love?

“A treasure trove of unearthly delights! Readers will want to induct Ms. Gideon into the vampire storyteller’s Hall of Fame!”— Romantic Times

“An extraordinary, moving and sensual tale of supernatural love powerful enough to defy death. Nancy Gideon is a bright artistic star of epic proportion in the supernatural galaxy. Five Star!”— Affaire de Coeur

A fast-paced, surprisingly believable look into a dark and mysterious world where only the greatest of loves can flourish!”— The Literary Times

Midnight Temptation - Excerpt

Midnight Surrender (Touched by Midnight - Book 3)

Midnight Surrender (Touched by Midnight - Book 3)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: Imajinn Books
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Length: 266 Pages

Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries-old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.

A RECKLESS QUEST 

A savage killer stalks the dark streets of turn-of-the-century New York. To keep her father’s newspaper afloat, publisher Cassie Alexander chases the story. But what she catches is a madman’s attention.

A DARK DECEPTION

When her reclusive neighbor Louis Radcliffe rescues her from an attack, Cassie finds her vow of independence shaken by the strong attraction between them. It’s an attraction Louis denies, even as the invalid grandmother he cares for pushes to bring them together—for reasons that will break both their hearts.

AN INEVITABLE SACRIFICE

Determined to hide his secrets from her, Louis soon becomes the cornerstone of Cassie’s investigation. He can’t allow her stubbornness to place her life—and his immortal soul—in danger. But as much as he tries to keep her safe in his arms, it soon becomes evident that Cassie’s become a target. And Louis has no choice but to find out if their love is strong enough to withstand the truth . . .

“Gripping! Readers are pulled into a whirlwind while surrendering their souls!”— Gothic Journal

“Darkly sensual and suspenseful Midnight Surrender is nothing short of special! Lovers of vampire romances take notice!”— The Literary Times

“Gideon mesmerizes with this chilling tale. You’ll read it and read it again. Superb!”— Rendezvous

Midnight Surrender - Excerpt

THE GIVEAWAY

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Book Review: Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight BreedSeries Book 1) by Lara Adrian

This has crisp writing, compelling characters and a good plot with intrigue and danger. There is just a bit too much sex for my tastes.
Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed Series Book 1)
by Lara Adrian

File Size: 969 KB
Print Length: 434 pages
Publisher: Dell (May 1, 2007)
Sold by: Random House LLC
ASIN: B000QCQ8XK
Genre:Paranormal Romance, Vampires
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

Review:
Gabrielle is a photographer who is drawn to the lonely, abandoned and shadowy images of buildings and other aspects of life. One night she reluctantly goes to a club with friends where she shares glances across the room with a dark, brooding man. As she leaves the club she witnesses a savage murder. She manages to get a few pictures on her cell phone as she flees the alley. The police only mock her when they find no evidence of the gruesome scene. But someone heard her and believed her and now she is a target of those dark forces.

Lucas Thorne is a man of darkness and violence himself. But unlike the Rogue killers of his kind he is a Breed Warrior – one of a few specially chosen vampires who are committed to protecting their race by keeping the evil element under control and hidden from public exposure. A few of his closest brethren have Breed mates, the specially marked human females who become bonded with their vampire mate and produce children. Lucas has never been interested in finding a mate as his duties as a warrior protector has been his driving force for hundreds of years.

Lucas saw Gabrielle escape from the Rogues he was hunting. He needs the images on her phone and he suspects the Rogues will come after her too. He is drawn to her sensual beauty and then is alarmed to discover secrets even she is unaware of. Now there are multiple reasons to protect her and bring her to his compound even though he is facing a Rogue uprising and her nearness causes him confusion that brings him near the edge of his own control.

Gabrielle and Lucas are both conflicted characters and I found their struggle and story compelling. They sense they shouldn’t be drawn to each other but the pull is irresistible. I loved the background story with danger, action, tension and the intrigue of betrayal. There are some different vampire aspects that added interest. However, I was a little wary of this title as I suspected it might be pretty graphic sexually. My suspicions were right as it is full of sexual scenes that were just a bit too many and too erotic for my tastes. The writing is crisp and fast moving and if it wasn't so edgy I might have continued with the series. Those paranormal romance readers who enjoy fast-paced tension and a steamy, sexual ride should enjoy this book and the series.

This is from my free Kindle Library as a free book downloaded in 2009. It is part of my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge list and "K" for the Alphabet Soup Challenge.

I owe a copy of this ebook or a $5.00 GC to LILLY based on my Giveaway back in December 2014. Sorry it took so long for me to get around to reading this one! I had to laugh at myself when I went back and found the giveaway post. I don't think I even got beyond posting that first group of 23 books although I plenty more to go! I may host a few more "help me pick" giveaways over the next three months as I prepare title for next year's TBR pile list.

Audible Book Review: I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas by Molly Harper

This is a quick, fun and sassy listen that is a lovely free audio!

Free: I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas

Written by: Molly Harper

Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi

Length: 3 hrs and 43 mins 

Series: Half-Moon Hollow, Book 2.5

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:12-05-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
It's Christmas in Half-Moon Hollow and newly turned vampire Iris Scanlon-Calix wants to make Gigi's first visit home from college as normal and special as possible. It's taken months for Iris to work up the nerve to spend time around her baby sister after her vampire transition, so she enlists help from Jane Jameson and Company to keep her blood-thirst under control and assure Gigi's safety. Gigi, on the other hand, has problems of her own, including the demise of her relationship with high school sweetheart, Ben, and a looming job interview with Ophelia Lambert, the scariest potential employer in the Hollow. And then there's the small matter of the handsome, frustrating vampire who keeps appearing in Gigi's peripheral vision, then disappearing before she can talk to him. Can the Scanlon sisters negotiate romantic problems, vampire politics, and Christmas cookie disasters and enjoy a relatively normal holiday?
©2013 Molly Harper (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Gigi comes home from college to spend Christmas Holidays with her sister, Iris, a newly turned vampire. Iris has been afraid to be around Gigi so she gathers many family friends to help out. Most of the friends at home are supernatural, either vampire or werewolf. They all - well mostly all - care for both Iris and Gigi and are glad to support the reunion. The one awkward situation might be with Ophilia, the icy, leader of the vampires and possibly Gigi’s soon to be boss. Gigi’s computer skills would be a great asset to the vampires but Iris will be furious if Gigi takes the job that will not only require a ‘till death’ type of commitment but will also expose Gigi to danger...even more than she is now.

While home Gigi hopes to figure out how break up with her long time boyfriend, Ben, whom she cares for but “not in that way.” Between cooking accidents, juggling new and old family traditions and coping with the emotional issues of her relationships, Gigi keeps getting glimpses of a vampire with golden, flashing eyes. She thinks he may be a phantom even after an up close and personal kissing encounter.

I have not read this Half-Moon Hollow series but I find that Molly Harper stories have a wonderful underlying humor with pleasing, and sometimes wacky, characters. This short audio fits the formula and makes for a really fun Christmas visit with these characters. Although short, the story has a little bit of intrigue, a hint of danger and plenty of warm camaraderie. I will keep the series in mind when I am looking for some light, fun action and warm romance. This is a quick, fun listen that is a lovely free gift.

Audio Notes: Amanda Ronconi does a great job narrating. She picks up different accents and conveys the proper sense of the situations, including the snark and affection. It seems to me that certain narrators fit well with certain stories or authors and Ronconi seems to be an excellent fit with Harper. Her narration makes the reading/listening more fun for me.

I had selected this at NetGalley but then, to my delight, found it as a free audio at Audible.