Anchorage, Alaska
The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. Th... read full description
reviews
Feb 19, 2012
Catherine
rated it: 
Reading this story was quite a departure for me. I am not a fan of short stories, so it’s rare that you’ll see me reading novellas or anthologies. But I was browsing through some of the books offered for review and found my attention caught by this. It was set in Alaska. There. That’s my whole reason for choosing it. LOL. I found the rest of the blurb intriguing too, but the Alaska thing is what really convinced me. I am quite familiar with Alaska, especially Anchorage, so I am always su
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Feb 20, 2012
Jenn
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Don't Bite the Messenger is a fun novella with lots of energy and explosions. I wanted to read it because I thought Regan Summers' concept was great: vampires can't use technology so they have to rely on human runners to deliver messages, documents, etc. I also loved the idea of a book set in Alaska. It doesn't happen all that often (though I can think of a couple stories that do use this setting, like Kelley Armstrong's Frostbitten or Marcus Peligrimas' Blood Blade) and I love it when an author
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Feb 08, 2012
Marie
rated it:
Regan Summers' Don't Bite the Messenger does a great job of opening a fun new paranormal romance series. This action-packed, sometimes steamy novella introduces protagonist Sydney (I can never find last names when I want them), who makes a living running messages between vampire gang lords. The Alaskan setting is unique, as is the nature of Summers' brand of vampire. Protagonist Sydney is a tough yet likable character, written in a strong, sometimes wry voice. Summers drops enough hints of Sydne
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Feb 02, 2012
Aimee
rated it:
I'm a follower of Regan Summers' and her alter-ego on Twitter and Facebook and love the humor she infuses in her daily life spotlights. I expected/hoped I would see the same in Don't Bite the Messenger and there, I did!
The story follows one very unique character, "Mary" aka Sydney Kildaire, as she goes from manic vampire courier in Alaska to retiree in sunny Hawaii. Of course, her plans and what actually happens are 100% different than she expects them to be.
Syd More...
The story follows one very unique character, "Mary" aka Sydney Kildaire, as she goes from manic vampire courier in Alaska to retiree in sunny Hawaii. Of course, her plans and what actually happens are 100% different than she expects them to be.
Syd More...
Feb 01, 2012
Lisa
rated it:
A great start to a new series.
Sydney, a human courier for the vampires of Alaska, has stayed alive in the business because she does her job with professionlism. Never anger the vamps is her motto. Never get into a situation you cannot get out of, and never let them bite you. Syndney tires of her job with the undead, and always looking over her shoulder. She dreams of moving to Hawaii and letting go of her past life to start anew.
Sydney meets a mysterious man, Malcom. Malcom, More...
Sydney, a human courier for the vampires of Alaska, has stayed alive in the business because she does her job with professionlism. Never anger the vamps is her motto. Never get into a situation you cannot get out of, and never let them bite you. Syndney tires of her job with the undead, and always looking over her shoulder. She dreams of moving to Hawaii and letting go of her past life to start anew.
Sydney meets a mysterious man, Malcom. Malcom, More...
Jan 19, 2012
Marlene
rated it:
Read all my reviews at http://www.readingreality.net
Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers was every bit as intriguing an idea as it sounded when I read the description. And every bit as much fun to read.
Vampires would love Alaska in the winter. The nights are close to endless. But the summers would have to suck. And not in a good way.
The idea that vampire powers would also fry electronic technology made for an interesting start to this story. There are already people More...
Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers was every bit as intriguing an idea as it sounded when I read the description. And every bit as much fun to read.
Vampires would love Alaska in the winter. The nights are close to endless. But the summers would have to suck. And not in a good way.
The idea that vampire powers would also fry electronic technology made for an interesting start to this story. There are already people More...
Jan 12, 2012
Teresa
rated it: 
Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers
Pub date January 16, 2012
This review is a somewhat different kettle of fish. It’s a review and article all in one. Why am I writing this review this way, because I’m not sure how I feel about this story? I mean don’t get me wrong I enjoyed it but I wanted more. Don’t Bite the Messenger is only 32000 words and only six chapters long. It was more of a novella instead of a novel, which I’m okay with but at the end of chapter six there could ha More...
Pub date January 16, 2012
This review is a somewhat different kettle of fish. It’s a review and article all in one. Why am I writing this review this way, because I’m not sure how I feel about this story? I mean don’t get me wrong I enjoyed it but I wanted more. Don’t Bite the Messenger is only 32000 words and only six chapters long. It was more of a novella instead of a novel, which I’m okay with but at the end of chapter six there could ha More...
Jan 10, 2012
Lexie
rated it:
Prelim Review: I received an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
To be fair, even though I'd put this in my romance category for organizing purposes, this isn't a romance first and foremost. There is a romance, and it becomes important, but the larger emphasis is on Sydney's unique talent of staying alive in a profession that almost requires its employees to die horribly. That profession is being a 'Runner' for vampires. Sydney does have an advantage most others don' More...
To be fair, even though I'd put this in my romance category for organizing purposes, this isn't a romance first and foremost. There is a romance, and it becomes important, but the larger emphasis is on Sydney's unique talent of staying alive in a profession that almost requires its employees to die horribly. That profession is being a 'Runner' for vampires. Sydney does have an advantage most others don' More...
Jan 07, 2012
Critique de
rated it: 
Title: Don't Bite the Messenger
Author: Regan Summers
Genre: Paranormal (Vampire) Romance [novella]
Publisher: Carina Press (January 16, 2011)
Available: $3.19 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Lauri
Plot summary: Syd - "Mary" - works as a messenger. For vamps. In the Anchorage, Alaska darkness. And she takes her life into her hands every time she does. To avoid being bespelled, tracked, trapped, and claimed, Syd must change her appearance and mask More...
Author: Regan Summers
Genre: Paranormal (Vampire) Romance [novella]
Publisher: Carina Press (January 16, 2011)
Available: $3.19 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Lauri
Plot summary: Syd - "Mary" - works as a messenger. For vamps. In the Anchorage, Alaska darkness. And she takes her life into her hands every time she does. To avoid being bespelled, tracked, trapped, and claimed, Syd must change her appearance and mask More...
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Jan 03, 2012
Mlle.
rated it:
Short but sweet (i.e., AWESOME) novella.
Summers sets the scene really well. Sydney Kildare, our heroine, is working as a courier in Alaska. Vampires exist and they're most active in parts of the world with limited daylight; they're powerful and wealthy but fry technology like cell phones and computers, so they need couriers to carry messages. These human couriers are paid a lot for their services, but they've got a dangerous job. Scheming vampires often try to intercept or steal More...
Summers sets the scene really well. Sydney Kildare, our heroine, is working as a courier in Alaska. Vampires exist and they're most active in parts of the world with limited daylight; they're powerful and wealthy but fry technology like cell phones and computers, so they need couriers to carry messages. These human couriers are paid a lot for their services, but they've got a dangerous job. Scheming vampires often try to intercept or steal More...
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Jan 16, 2012
Kristin
rated it:
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/01/rel...
Sydney Kildare is a vampire courier in Alaska, and it’s not a job for the faint of heart. Navigating the powerful world of vamp politics and wheeling and dealing, while keeping not only her wits about her, but her blood in her body, isn’t easy, and she’s one of the best in the biz. However, the stress is taking its toll, and she’s ready to pack it in and retire to a beach house on the shores of Oahu. Then she More...
Sydney Kildare is a vampire courier in Alaska, and it’s not a job for the faint of heart. Navigating the powerful world of vamp politics and wheeling and dealing, while keeping not only her wits about her, but her blood in her body, isn’t easy, and she’s one of the best in the biz. However, the stress is taking its toll, and she’s ready to pack it in and retire to a beach house on the shores of Oahu. Then she More...
Dec 15, 2011
Nicki
rated it:
This is a 90 page novella/short novel that I read in one go over the space of an hour. I have been unsure quite how to rate this one but have opted for a three stars in the end. Let me start with the good aspects of the book and the reason for the three star rating.
What I loved about this book was the brilliant and original premise. It is what caught my interest when I first requested the book and is the reason I read to the end. A world of vampire businessmen and human couriers is a g More...
What I loved about this book was the brilliant and original premise. It is what caught my interest when I first requested the book and is the reason I read to the end. A world of vampire businessmen and human couriers is a g More...
Jan 03, 2012
Anna
rated it:
Sydney Kildare is just trying to save up enough money so she can move to Hawaii. She just wants out of the courier business, to be able to go to a place where the vampires won't follow. It's why she uses an alias when she delivers and no one even knows her real name. It looks like that might not happen though, when a package she's delivering blows up almost taking her with it. Turns out that because of her imperviousness to vampire influence, certain businessmen are trying to get rid of her.
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Jan 29, 2012
Sara
rated it:
This novella is a prequel to a promising new series taking place in Anchorage, Alaska.
Vampires are not only real but humans are aware of their existence and are accepting due in large part to their ability to help out in a failing economy but their altered energy field fries most technology. So they are forced to rely on old fashion human messenger couriers like Sidney Kildare.
Being a messenger for vampires is a dangerous job. Hazardous road conditions, creepy clients, compet More...
Vampires are not only real but humans are aware of their existence and are accepting due in large part to their ability to help out in a failing economy but their altered energy field fries most technology. So they are forced to rely on old fashion human messenger couriers like Sidney Kildare.
Being a messenger for vampires is a dangerous job. Hazardous road conditions, creepy clients, compet More...
Jan 13, 2012
Jen
rated it:
Sidney earns her living as a messenger, delivering mostly to the vampires of her little corner of Alaska. It's dangerous work, with a short life expectancy. The excitement and the money satisfy her --and Sidney is good at her job. But she knows she can't do it forever. It's not only the danger, but the lonely life she must lead to keep her identity safe from the vampire population.
She has few friends and no romantic life to speak of, until she comes across a sexy man in a bar, while t More...
She has few friends and no romantic life to speak of, until she comes across a sexy man in a bar, while t More...
Dec 31, 2011
Nazish
rated it:
I just reviewed this on my blog a few hours ago (yesterday).
To view the full review, click here Don’t Bite the Messenger By Regan Summers
This is going to be a shorter review than my previous ones because this is a really short novel.
I don’t know if this is the start of a series or if this is a standalone novella, from reading it, it seems like a good start to a great series.
A few of the things that I loved about this book was the original idea. It’s More...
To view the full review, click here Don’t Bite the Messenger By Regan Summers
This is going to be a shorter review than my previous ones because this is a really short novel.
I don’t know if this is the start of a series or if this is a standalone novella, from reading it, it seems like a good start to a great series.
A few of the things that I loved about this book was the original idea. It’s More...
Jan 28, 2012
Lori {Romancing the Darkside}
rated it:
An outstanding, original vampire novella you'll read in one sitting!
Sydney Kildare, known as Mary to the world, lives a life of constant change. As a vampire courier, she is constantly on the move and has remained alive due to her discretion and chameleon ways. Even a night out can be dangerous in her line of work, needless to say, Sydney's social life is near non-existent. While having some drinks with her fellow couriers, Sydney is spotted by vampires and soon is caught in a life More...
Sydney Kildare, known as Mary to the world, lives a life of constant change. As a vampire courier, she is constantly on the move and has remained alive due to her discretion and chameleon ways. Even a night out can be dangerous in her line of work, needless to say, Sydney's social life is near non-existent. While having some drinks with her fellow couriers, Sydney is spotted by vampires and soon is caught in a life More...
Jan 19, 2012
Jess the Romanceaholic
rated it:
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.com.
Expected Release Date: January 16, 2012 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://regansummers.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Vampire Messengers
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Vampires are real, and are even productive members of society. However, vampires More...
Expected Release Date: January 16, 2012 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://regansummers.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Vampire Messengers
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Vampires are real, and are even productive members of society. However, vampires More...
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Jan 04, 2012
Sharon
rated it:
Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers is an urban fantasy novel scheduled for release on January 16 2012. This quick read is not short on action. Sydney Kildare, or is that Mary Pike, is a courier in Alaska. She spends her nights making deliveries for vampires. It is not exactly the safest profession and she has planned and saved enough to get out of the business. However, there is no way to retire instead you need to run. Before she can put her escape plan into action Sydney lands in the mi
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Feb 22, 2012
E_bookpushers
rated it:
Review originally posted at The Bookpushers: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/02/03/rev...
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: Purchased
Anchorage, Alaska
The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done…couriers like Sydney Kildare. Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six More...
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: Purchased
Anchorage, Alaska
The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done…couriers like Sydney Kildare. Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six More...
Jan 21, 2012
Donna
rated it:
Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers
Alaska is where vampires rule. They don’t mind the cold and it’s dark a lot. Technology screws up around vampires so phones and computers fry when they are around. (hmmm may need to check husband for fangs) To get around this unfortunate fact there are couriers. Sydney Kildare is a courier. She has lasted longer than most by being smart and honest. Working around vampires can seriously shorten your life expectancy.
This story was way too More...
Alaska is where vampires rule. They don’t mind the cold and it’s dark a lot. Technology screws up around vampires so phones and computers fry when they are around. (hmmm may need to check husband for fangs) To get around this unfortunate fact there are couriers. Sydney Kildare is a courier. She has lasted longer than most by being smart and honest. Working around vampires can seriously shorten your life expectancy.
This story was way too More...
Feb 02, 2012
Paperback Dolls
rated it:
Reviewed at Paperback Dolls.com
When I started reading I had a solid connection with the characters and the different take on vampires. Plus I got into the whole courier aspect since I’ve seen so many while working at the courthouse. It worked well and I could picture everything, especially when Sydney moves to Maui. It remind me of my three trips over to the island from Oahu and how much faint had. But this cliffhanger for me didn’t work and that’s a first.
(Full review) More...
When I started reading I had a solid connection with the characters and the different take on vampires. Plus I got into the whole courier aspect since I’ve seen so many while working at the courthouse. It worked well and I could picture everything, especially when Sydney moves to Maui. It remind me of my three trips over to the island from Oahu and how much faint had. But this cliffhanger for me didn’t work and that’s a first.
(Full review) More...
Jan 17, 2012
Jenny
rated it:
I'm not a fan of vampire novels - always excepting the vampires in Patricia Briggs' werewolf stories! But I'm glad I made an exception and read "Don't Bite the Messenger".
In wandering around the net I've heard grumbles about the passivity or even victim status of women in vampire novels. They are "rescued" by abusive men aka the vampires.
"Don't Bite the Messenger" kicks that trope over and stomps on it. The heroine has suffered abuse ... and su More...
In wandering around the net I've heard grumbles about the passivity or even victim status of women in vampire novels. They are "rescued" by abusive men aka the vampires.
"Don't Bite the Messenger" kicks that trope over and stomps on it. The heroine has suffered abuse ... and su More...
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Jan 21, 2012
Ann
rated it:
Very much enjoyed this fast-paced novella. It's well-written and set somewhere very different from your average Urban Fantasy: Alaska. And in the mythology of the world, it makes sense--if you're a vampire and you can't be in sunlight, spend time in places where there are long stretches of darkness!
My only complaint is that I want more. While the story arc wrapped up (that is, I don't think it had a cliff-hanger ending), it's plain that the character arcs aren't done.
I'm More...
My only complaint is that I want more. While the story arc wrapped up (that is, I don't think it had a cliff-hanger ending), it's plain that the character arcs aren't done.
I'm More...
Feb 15, 2012
Alisha
rated it:
Rating: 3.5
(Originally posted at Book Lovers Inc)
I must say, this story has a fantastic premise. In Don’t Bite the Messenger, Vampires are physically averse to most modern technological conveniences, and must thus rely on human “runners” to transport messages, money, and whatever else. It makes room for much more nuance in the power structure amongst vampires and toward humans—the dynamic is not just that of hunter and prey. There are also a number of smaller details about the More...
(Originally posted at Book Lovers Inc)
I must say, this story has a fantastic premise. In Don’t Bite the Messenger, Vampires are physically averse to most modern technological conveniences, and must thus rely on human “runners” to transport messages, money, and whatever else. It makes room for much more nuance in the power structure amongst vampires and toward humans—the dynamic is not just that of hunter and prey. There are also a number of smaller details about the More...
Jan 10, 2012
Seleste
rated it:
Creating a twist on vampires is an interesting proposition these days. Sometimes they work really well. Sometimes they don’t. And what works for one person might not work for someone else. So, when I saw the premise of Don’t Bite the Messenger with the whole tech-issue, I was more than a little intrigued.
The messengers was really effective for me, the way they evaded vamps and had to work to stay alive in a business where they’re considered chess pieces (and likely to get in horrible a More...
The messengers was really effective for me, the way they evaded vamps and had to work to stay alive in a business where they’re considered chess pieces (and likely to get in horrible a More...
Feb 07, 2012
Mersadies
rated it:
I loved the characters, the beginning was a little slow, but once Sydney (female lead) met Malcolm (male lead) it was a can't put down after that. The chemistry and banter between Sydney and Malcolm is amazing, and funny. At one point I didn't like Malcolm for a little while but he redeemed himself. I was frustrated with the end because it left me wanting...I wish it had been longer to develop the characters some more!
Jan 25, 2012
Mlpmom
rated it:
This was a good prequel to what promises to be a really action packed series. It reminds me a little bit of the Night Huntress series.
Looking forward to what the first book will be like.
Warning, this is not a YA book, there is a sex scene in this novella.
Looking forward to what the first book will be like.
Warning, this is not a YA book, there is a sex scene in this novella.
Jan 20, 2012
Bettielee
rated it:
If this was a movie, the voice over would say it is a rattle-trap bang thrillride. :) A very exciting UF with sexy vampires, good worldbuilding, explosions, sexy vampires... A lot of fun. My only complaint is that it's too short. I hope there's a follow up novel.
Feb 10, 2012
Ally
rated it:
Really great short story! Would recommend. Was different and interesting and kept my attention all the way through the novella.
