Tag Archives: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2

The Scotsman and the Vamp by Jennifer Ashley

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Overview
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Title: The Scotsman and the Vamp
Author: Jennifer Ashley
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 12th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Promised to him since his birth.

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Synopsis

The Roaring Twenties and the movie scene of LA make a beautiful backdrop to a short story about the turn of the century. A woman is running from her past, and her fiance, but when he finally catches up to her, will she realise that the scotsman might be her perfect forever partner?

Thoughts

There is something that has always seemed kind of fun about the Roaring Twenties. Maybe it’s just the clothes. I’m not really sure. But a short story based in this time period, in LA, with a woman who is just starting to embrace the new reality of feminism… well, I was sucked completely in from the first fun scene with a party and dancing, and a vampire bride on the run…

I liked the idea that the vampire in this was the woman. So many of the paranormal romances I read involve a male vampire, with a chosen female bride and then they ride off into their happily ever after. Most of this did happen, just with that nice little gender reversal that was really quite refreshing. Especially since she is running away from a man who would seem for all intents and purposes kind of dreamy – and incredibly sexy. All so that she can live her own life and have a modicum of freedom in her daily life.

I’m not big into stories which feature a damsel in distress who needs rescuing. It’s a little too cliché and not something that immediately tends to draw me in. However, this story does not fit that niche. Actually, that is the biggest hurdle in the relationship – that she doesn’t need him, and so why should he hang around? Rather, in the end, they both rescue each other. Which, for me, is just how it should be.

 <- Trust Me ReviewI Need More You Review ->
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Trust Me by Stacia Kane

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Overview
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Title: Trust Me
Author: Stacia Kane
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Another brick shattered a windowpane and clattered on the wood floor.

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Synopsis

She’s supposed to be spying on a man she believes could be Jack the Ripper. But fate has other ideas, and she quickly finds herself falling in love. Has she fallen in love with a monster? Or will she get her happily ever after after all?

Thoughts

While I’ve been reading The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2, I’ve also been reading The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories. And I never expected any kind of overlap between the two. At all. After all, they’re two entirely different genres with no overlap whatsoever in authors. Which meant that it was incredibly surprising, although a little fun to read a story which is a vampire paranormal romance, featuring Jack the Ripper and the times in Whitechapel surrounding these killings.

Sometimes I think that paranormal fantasy stories (be they romance or just run of the mill fantasy) take a few too many things from our history and twist them into really weird storylines. And if you had have told me that there was a vampire romance featuring Jack the Ripper, I would have put this in the “I don’t think so” basket. Luckily, I didn’t know that this was such a story, and for that I am exceedingly glad. This was just such a great spin on an old mystery, and almost felt entirely plausible.

Although this romance short was set in the 1800s, I wouldn’t classify it as a historical fiction. The lead female was a little too strong willed and independent. Which, I have read similar stories, but that very independence and strength of will is what continuously gets them into trouble. It got her into absolutely no spot of strife throughout the story… which isn’t to say that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it. but this read a little bit like a modern story, just moving the location in which it was set…

 <- Vampsploitation ReviewThe Scotsman and the Vamp Review ->
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Vampsploitation by Jaye Wells

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Overview
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Title: Vampsploitation
Author: Jaye Wells
Series: Sabina Kane #0.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Anger because I was sick and tired of being underestimated.

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Synopsis

Sabina just wants to work on her own, but a trick of birth and politics means she’s stuck with an opinionated macho man. Could he be her ticket out and something more? Or is he just a dunce?

Thoughts

I bought the first book in this series ages ago. With no idea what it was going to be about and what it would be like. It just had a cool name and was on sale. Which meant that reading this short story certainly made me think that I made the right decision. Now I just have to exercise some self-control and not open it again straight away.

For such a short story, there are two themes explored incredibly well within this tale. For starters there’s the one about prejudice and “othering”. Then there’s also the issue of trust. Not only are they great methods to keep me involved in the story, they also set up the beginning of the series perfectly. Which makes sense, since this is the prequel…

I’ve always had some trust issues. I think that many people do, so it’s always a little too easy to relate to these in a story. Add to that the fact that Sabina is an assassin, and you can see how these trust issues are going to lead to a very messed up and complex heroine. After all, this is just the beginning of her problems. I’m sure there are about to be much more.

 <- Crimson Kisses ReviewTrust Me Review ->
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Crimson Kisses by Diane Whiteside

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Overview
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Title: Crimson Kisses
Author: Diane Whiteside
Series: Texas Vampires #3.25
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 7th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Oh no, no, no.

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Synopsis

She’s found the man that she wants to spend the rest of her life with. But her father has decided he wants to keep her under his thumb for a little bit longer. A daring escape, a failed rescue and a year spent apart has just helped to harden her reserve.

Thoughts

This was a little bit too short for me. It had the feel of a plot that could have extended out for an entire novel. Especially since the hapless couple try to escape, realise they can’t and then plan to rendezvous. Afterwards, they manage to mess that up, but eventually find a way back to each other again, just a little bit later than had been anticipated. All that in less than thirty pages? It made for a great, fast-paced read, but I really wanted much more background information.

With a title like Crimson Kisses, I was kind of expecting a lot more… well, kissing. There wasn’t as much lustful passion in this storyline as I’ve been gaining from some of the paranormal romance stories that I’ve been sticking my little literary nose into. But it did have a great feeling of sweetness and everlasting love. It certainly made me hope that the wonderful leads would be able to have a happily ever after…

 <- Butterfly Kiss ReviewVampsploitation Review ->
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Butterfly Kiss by Carole Nelson Douglas

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Overview
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Title: Butterfly Kiss
Author: Carole Nelson Douglas
Series: Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator #0.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 4th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: The only recognizable things about her are the telltale wooden platform shoes, currently sprouting sharp claws two inches long.

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Synopsis

A feline PI has found the victim of a murder. The only catch? He’s still alive, and the woman who is going to help him can’t talk to her feline assistant…

Thoughts

I both liked this short story and felt a bit “meh” about it. Nothing in particular, but I didn’t dive head first into this short story like I did with Snow Job. Maybe because I didn’t find the voice of narration as relatable. Probably because he was a he… and a cat.

One of the things I really enjoyed was the idea of finding a murder victim… who was still alive. A vampire, the undead who couldn’t quite explain who had attacked him and started the process of death upon his life. I also liked that he had seven women in his life who could all have a motive to save him… or be the cause of his demise. It was kind of cute and sweet how different each relationship was and how he managed to care for and act a different part for the different women.

I bought Dancing with Werewolves ages ago after reading Snow Job, after reading this short story, I feel that it could be necessary to pick this up and actually read it. instead of letting it decorate my shelves…

 <- The Murder King’s Woman ReviewCrimson Kisses Review ->
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The Murder King’s Woman by Jamie Leigh Hansen

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Overview
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Title: The Murder King’s Woman
Author: Jamie Leigh Hansen
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 27th June 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: She also needed to age.

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Synopsis

Sasha is at the Halloween Party of the vampires. But she isn’t just a pretty face. And tonight’s activities are going to take all of her talents and patience.

Thoughts

The whole time I was reading this I had ninety-nine bottles of beer stuck in my head. Ringing again and again. It was kind of annoying and distracting. But also incredibly fun. And it helped to mimic the fun and engaging story that followed. It did make it a little hard to read anything else when I turned the last page though.

Most of the vampire romances that I’ve been reading involve a male vampire rescuing the sweet female human. I loved that it was the total opposite. The vampire was completely prone and at a disadvantage, and the woman, although entirely human, was also competent, strong and independent. I also loved the fact that although Mary (or Sasha as we first meet her) knows that she loves the man, she still wants to find herself. This independence and need to prove herself in the world was completely admirable. And even when she finally gets everything that she wants, she still plans on spending the next five years on her own, growing into the woman that she can become.

 <- Flotsam ReviewButterfly Kiss Review ->
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Flotsam by Caitlin R. Kiernan

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Overview
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Title: Flotsam
Author: Caitlin R. Kiernan
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Oceans, Romance
Dates read: 5th May 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: But it’s all the same, really, as I am hers to do with as she will, no strings attached, no farthest limits to my devotion; I made that promise the first night and have not yet regretted it.

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Synopsis

Sometimes we make promises that are hard to keep. Other times, it’s the easiest decision we’ve ever made.

Thoughts

I found this tale a little hard to get through. Which was a little weird when I considered that so far, I have loved every Kiernan short story that I’ve read. And then I realised that this entire story was a single block of text. No paragraphs or breaks of any kind. Just a big wall of sentences and text that reflected the vastness and overwhelming sense that the ocean provides.

There are so many ways in which the ocean is idolised and picturesque. Yet this story doesn’t really highlight that aspect of the vast horizon, rather it shows the idea that the ocean likes to take. As well as give. But, in the case of this story and partnership, it takes and hurts, and in some, weird, roundabout way, manages to make the giver feel more alive and vibrant. Makes them feel that they’re vital in ways they weren’t before.

 <- Love Bites ReviewThe Murder King’s Woman Review ->
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Love Bites by Angie Fox

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Overview
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Title: Love Bites
Author: Angie Fox
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 27th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Would you like to tell me what’s going on here?

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Synopsis

Kat is just looking for a new adventure after she finally escapes from a loveless marriage. But a trap has been set for her, one that she’s not entirely sure she wants to escape from.

Thoughts

I don’t like reality tv shows. They’re contrived, annoying and highlight all of the worst aspects of humanity. Yet, I always seem to enjoy stories that take a paranormal spin on such things. A little like this. Alright, the majority of the story isn’t even a tv show, it’s about another matter entirely, but still… I loved the beginning.

The movement in this story from something incredibly modern (a TV dating show) to a more archaic outlook (marrying off the princess to whoever gave the most benefit) was kind of fun. It married two worlds together in a way that I really wasn’t expecting from the outset. I always enjoy a good joining of genres and this kind of worked in my favour. From a modern vampire, just out looking for some fun, to a princess who is forced into loveless marriage after loveless marriage, Kat manages to encompass a number of tropes all in the one short story.

 <- Blood Feud ReviewFlotsam Review ->
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Blood Feud by Patti O’Shea

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Overview
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Title: Blood Feud
Author: Patti O’Shea
Series: Blood Feud #1
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: No matter what, Isobel would remain safe tonight.

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Synopsis

Isobel was forced to walk away from her lover years ago. But, now, a twist of fate, or maybe something more has thrust them back together again as they rush to find a killer and save their races from war.

Thoughts

There are a few books in my shelves that deal with demons. But not many. So, finding a new series that features (I think) demons, vampires and a heavy dose of paranormal romance was really exciting. Especially since the writing and the characters were incredibly enjoyable, and they come to the storyline already laden with burdens of the past.

I thought that this was going to be a fairly typical paranormal romance story. Two individuals are investigating a series of deaths, meet, fall in love and live happily ever after. That was until I found out that there is a lot of history between the two leads. Which both upped the stakes and also meant that there was no certainty of a happily-ever-after. After all, it is incredibly difficult to get over the past when you’ve been hurt by it before…

Sometimes I love when a short story begins (or takes place in) a series. Sometimes, I kind of hate it. This is one of those kind of hate it moments… I absolutely adored this short story, but won’t have the chance to buy the next tale in this series for a little while. I’m currently on a book buying ban… so now I’m just frustratedly waiting until I am allowed to buy books again…

 <- Into the Mist For Ever ReviewLove Bites Review ->
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Into the Mist For Ever by Rosemary Laurey

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Overview
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Title: Into the Mist For Ever
Author: Rosemary Laurey
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical fiction, Vampires
Dates read: 17th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Seemed she was prepared to stare him down and fight over the kill.

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Synopsis

He’s a Roman, and she’s a Brit. Both are fighting on different sides, but unable to pull away from each other. When he’s struck down, will her secret be able to save them both for all eternity?

Thoughts

Although this short story is in a collection of vampire romance stories, I didn’t really find it all that romantic. Alright, the man and woman get together, she saves him, and then they run off into the mist together to live happily ever after. But it really just didn’t feel that… romancey. In that aspect it was quite bland. But, overall, I liked the take on historical fiction and the storyline.

I seem to be reading a lot of stories that involve a great deal of Roman, Greek and Celtic inspired mythologies. Or at least the local histories of this time. So reading a short story that features the Romans and the Britons as they fight to control their land fit perfectly into what seems to be my theme of reading lately. The added flavour of a bit of romance and the knowledge that at least one of these characters is immortal worked incredibly well. And thoroughly enjoyably.

This isn’t one of those tales that I think I’ll be remembering for years to come. But it is one that was an enjoyable, relaxing break from my daily life for a short time. One that I definitely recommend others sink their teeth into.

<- Blood and Thyme ReviewBlood Feud Review ->
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