Latina Ivy League grad Milagro de Los Santos can't find her place in the world or a man to go with it. Then one night, at a book party for her pre...
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reviews
Sep 01, 2011
Blodeuedd
rated it: 
This was a fun book, it was like paranormal chic-lit in a way. Just because the funny way it was written and it didn't take everything so serious and tried to explain that it's so real.A reason why I ended up choosing this cover for my review cos it more says fun than the other one that says paranormal.
I do expect a smile on my face when the main character is a graduate from F.U. Lol, yes. It might not have been laughing out loud. But it was a sweet book that made you smile and More...
I do expect a smile on my face when the main character is a graduate from F.U. Lol, yes. It might not have been laughing out loud. But it was a sweet book that made you smile and More...
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Feb 19, 2011
Autumn
rated it:
Man... let me tell you! this book had me laughing the whole way thru! But be aware, because this is very cynic/sarcastic kind of humor..so it might not be everyone`s cup of tea.
The story itself is quite creative. it has the vampire theme in it, but it cleverly throws the cliches out the window!
Surprisingly enough this book manages to deliver an underlined msg throughout its hilarious plot. This a story of misfits.. from the paranormal stand pt, to a reality of differences More...
The story itself is quite creative. it has the vampire theme in it, but it cleverly throws the cliches out the window!
Surprisingly enough this book manages to deliver an underlined msg throughout its hilarious plot. This a story of misfits.. from the paranormal stand pt, to a reality of differences More...
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Nov 27, 2011
Sarah
rated it: 
This was a fast and funny read. Published in 2006, it's the first in a series, and I can't believe it's taken me this long to read my first Marta Acosta book. Written in a chatty, witty, first-person narrative, Happy Hour at Casa Dracula is a refreshingly different take on vampires. In this book the main vampire characters consider themselves to be afflicted with a rare genetic disorder, and while they do not consider themselves to be vampires, they do enjoy drinking carefully harvested anima
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Aug 01, 2011
Mlle.
rated it: 
The first 50 pages of HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA were fantastic, wonderful, off-the-charts. Full of witty little literary references, really funny, featuring a smart Latina heroine - Miraglo de los Santos - who leads a charmingly ramshackle life while she tries to find some direction for herself now that college is over. I read the first few chapters and thought, "Wow! I am so sorry I didn't pick this book up the second it was released!"
And then...well, and then. A series of More...
And then...well, and then. A series of More...
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Feb 11, 2011
Jess
rated it: 
Oh, Marta, where have you been all my life?!
This book was fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. I have been following Marta Acosta’s blog for quite a while, but for some reason kept putting off buying her books. Let me be the first to say, “Bad Jess! BAD! No cookies for you!”
Well, I have seen the error of my ways. HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA was light, funny, and fabulous. Marta has given a fresh take on the vampire trope (but don’t call them vampires, they hate that) which had me at More...
This book was fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. I have been following Marta Acosta’s blog for quite a while, but for some reason kept putting off buying her books. Let me be the first to say, “Bad Jess! BAD! No cookies for you!”
Well, I have seen the error of my ways. HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA was light, funny, and fabulous. Marta has given a fresh take on the vampire trope (but don’t call them vampires, they hate that) which had me at More...
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Sep 25, 2010
ALPHAreader
rated it:
‘Happy Hour at Casa Dracula’ is the first book in Marta Acosta’s ‘Casa Dracula’ series... and it is fabulous!
Milagro is a writer down on her luck. Nothing has really gone Milagro ‘Mil’s’ way since becoming a graduate literati from F.U. university. And to highlight Mil’s string of failed jobs and failed boyfriends is her ex, Sebastian Beckett-Witherspoon. The man she loved and who abandoned her is launching his first novel and Mil has to endure his dazzling success and well-aged looks More...
Milagro is a writer down on her luck. Nothing has really gone Milagro ‘Mil’s’ way since becoming a graduate literati from F.U. university. And to highlight Mil’s string of failed jobs and failed boyfriends is her ex, Sebastian Beckett-Witherspoon. The man she loved and who abandoned her is launching his first novel and Mil has to endure his dazzling success and well-aged looks More...
Jul 18, 2010
Natalie (Mindful Musings)
rated it:
In a Sentence
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula is a fun and witty mix of comedy and romance.
I came across a copy of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula when I won a contest at the author's blog, Vampire Wire (which you should DEFINITELY check out if you haven't already). Marta Acosta kindly offered to send me a copy of her first book for review along with the contest prize.
The description of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula sounded interesting, but I have to admit: I didn't e More...
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula is a fun and witty mix of comedy and romance.
I came across a copy of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula when I won a contest at the author's blog, Vampire Wire (which you should DEFINITELY check out if you haven't already). Marta Acosta kindly offered to send me a copy of her first book for review along with the contest prize.
The description of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula sounded interesting, but I have to admit: I didn't e More...
Jan 16, 2011
James
rated it:
The book is written by a San Francisco local, Marta Acosta, who also contributes to the San Francisco Chronicle and The Contra Costa Times. She's also Latina, which coincidentally is her main character!
You already know the story: A girl is invited to a book party when she meets her ex, Sebastian. She is led to a hotel room by one Oswald who accidentally infects her with a virus. A virus that leads the victim to desire blood, have very allergic reactions to the sun, and long-lived. Alth More...
You already know the story: A girl is invited to a book party when she meets her ex, Sebastian. She is led to a hotel room by one Oswald who accidentally infects her with a virus. A virus that leads the victim to desire blood, have very allergic reactions to the sun, and long-lived. Alth More...
Feb 24, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
Wonderfully charming and decidedly original take on the Vampire genre. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go into details, but I really thought the explanation for vapirism and how they live was very unique.
Outrageously Snappy, witty dialogue. Here are just some of my favorites:
"The road to hell is paved with fabulous men"
"When she bothered to look at me, an expression of dismay almost came over her immaculately made-up face. "Almos More...
Outrageously Snappy, witty dialogue. Here are just some of my favorites:
"The road to hell is paved with fabulous men"
"When she bothered to look at me, an expression of dismay almost came over her immaculately made-up face. "Almos More...
Jul 07, 2011
Merredith
rated it:
This is the first in a series, and while i'm giving a 3 stars liked it, i would not read any more from the series, because it was pretty ridiculous. I read it fairly fast because i was having IT issues at work and needed to hang on the line but not do anything for the better part of two days...so i read. i found out one of my bosses read this same book and thought it was cute but nothing special. the main character became a vampire by accident when she was in her 60s, already widowed and her dau
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Jan 05, 2011
Darcy
rated it: 
Never made it very far in this one, not interesting, just not for me. I did love one of the main characters jobs. She read books for people, as in their monthly book club. She would read it and then tell people what to say when they met. Where can I find a job like that and people that are so self absorbed to pay me for it????
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Sep 21, 2010
Vanessa
rated it:
I got annoyed at this book. I considered myself an intelligent woman until I picked up this book. Do not read this book without quick and easy access to a dictionary and Google. I had to consult Google & a dictionary at least a hundred times while reading this book. I felt like an uneducated country buffoon who did not even make it past Jr. High. The author even takes time to mention a drink that Google does not even know about. I believe the words used in the book were supposed to make our Mil
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May 20, 2011
Wendy
rated it:
Okay, the first chapter or two was a lot of yapping, but once you got past that part...all the excitement finally begins. Definitely a funny book, with just enough spice to keep it hot. Milagro and her love triangle...or is quad-angle?...keeps us entertain and lusting for more, while she tries to adapt to her new way of life. This is more a romance/drama type book...you can tell from the cover that it's not a serious, hardcore, action book.
Acosta gives us a different take of vampi More...
Acosta gives us a different take of vampi More...
Oct 16, 2011
Sara
rated it:
WARNING: VAGUE SPOILERS.
Here's the thing: I read the third book in this series first, not knowing it was part of a series. It was good enough that I immediately got the first and second books in the series. But while this book -- the first -- was just as witty as the third, a lot of the allure disappeared in knowing that everything that's leading towards a happy ending here becomes totally ruined by the end of the third book. And because I really like all these characters, I found that this More...
Here's the thing: I read the third book in this series first, not knowing it was part of a series. It was good enough that I immediately got the first and second books in the series. But while this book -- the first -- was just as witty as the third, a lot of the allure disappeared in knowing that everything that's leading towards a happy ending here becomes totally ruined by the end of the third book. And because I really like all these characters, I found that this More...
Nov 10, 2010
Jessica(Spinecracker)
rated it:
Originally posted at http://thespinecracker.blogspot.com/
I don't use the word "snark" or it's colorful cousin "snarky" often, but I'm breaking that fast right now. Milagro is the definition of "snark". Open up your Webster and you'll find a curvy latino woman staring back at you by its description. Snark is not about being a smart alick, it's about always being on, about always having an answer. And that can only come from someone with a multi-faceted b More...
I don't use the word "snark" or it's colorful cousin "snarky" often, but I'm breaking that fast right now. Milagro is the definition of "snark". Open up your Webster and you'll find a curvy latino woman staring back at you by its description. Snark is not about being a smart alick, it's about always being on, about always having an answer. And that can only come from someone with a multi-faceted b More...
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Aug 31, 2010
Roswita
rated it:
Milagro impulsively kisses a handsome stranger. During the embrace his lip gets cut and she accidentally ingests some of his blood. Oswald, our handsome stranger, is NOT a vampire, but he does have a rare genetic disorder that makes him crave blood and causes a photo sensitivity, which sounds suspiciously like vampirism.
What follows is a hilarious comedy of errors and a look into a fascinating world where not-vampires exist and are being hunted by corporate baddies. Marta Acosta has wr More...
What follows is a hilarious comedy of errors and a look into a fascinating world where not-vampires exist and are being hunted by corporate baddies. Marta Acosta has wr More...
Aug 29, 2011
Carien
rated it:
To be honest: I was disappointed by this book.
Maybe my expectations were too high as lots of people told me it was both funny and fun, but I found it entertaining at best. The romance storyline didn't work for me: I really couldn't understand the attraction between Milagro and Oswald at all. The rest of the story was entertaining enough to finish the book, but didn't have me cheering Milagro on to see her succeed. I felt myself shaking my head over her actions in annoyance instead. More...
Maybe my expectations were too high as lots of people told me it was both funny and fun, but I found it entertaining at best. The romance storyline didn't work for me: I really couldn't understand the attraction between Milagro and Oswald at all. The rest of the story was entertaining enough to finish the book, but didn't have me cheering Milagro on to see her succeed. I felt myself shaking my head over her actions in annoyance instead. More...
Jun 16, 2011
Erin
rated it:
Thoroughly enjoyable. In this witty novel, Acosta creates a wonderful heroine in Milagro de los Santos. Mil, as she is known to friends, wants what every girl wants: to be taken seriously as a writer, live in rat-free apartment, and maybe find a fabulous guy she can get serious with. That guy is definitely not her ex, Sebastian, the hot writer du jour (del dia?) who is sitting on top of a pile of dark secrets. Along comes Oswald, who may be a vampire, and whose secrets may or may not be of the d
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Dec 23, 2011
Maria
rated it:
It is hilarious. I like the way it mixes really strong social criticism with silly humor. The fact that the main character is always on the verge, questioning what is "proper", palying with her sexuality and making us wonder how much is female body, how much is ethnicity and how much is her attitude in the way others perceive her. OK, I'm not making much sense, I need to think more about it, but there is something really interesting going on. Of course, as usual, the mother figure is v
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Oct 20, 2009
Froggarita
rated it:
I had read this book when it first came out but recently won a signed copy and re-read it. I am so glad I did, I thoughly enjoyed the book. Milagro de los Santos is a well rounded character who I could easily see myself being friends with. The book made me laugh out loud several times gaining me some pretty funny looks from my family! You can just feel the chemistry between Milagro and Oswald and are thirsty for more! I know I am and I can't wait to read book 2 which is Midnight Brunch at Casa D
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Nov 22, 2011
Leah
rated it:
The first half of this story reads like great chick-lit. The main character, Milagro, has a wonderful sarcastic wit. It's been done before but it's still pretty entertaining. By the half-way mark the story has become a bit clichéd and predictable but it's easy to forgive that because you like Milagro so much. I should add that I wasn't crazy about her love interest, Oswald. He just seemed to let things happen to him. I suppose I prefer a more take charge kind of vampire. Nonetheless, it w
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Oct 09, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
(originally reviewed on starmetal oak book blog)
For Valentine's Day I thought it would be appropriate to read and review a romance book, and after seeing the good reviews Happy Hour at Casa Dracula has gotten from places like Dreams and Speculation and Dirty Sexy Books, I thought it would be a perfect pick.
There are many things I appreciate about this novel. Normally I don't like these flirty, light romantic reads because the contents usually don't appeal to me (characte More...
For Valentine's Day I thought it would be appropriate to read and review a romance book, and after seeing the good reviews Happy Hour at Casa Dracula has gotten from places like Dreams and Speculation and Dirty Sexy Books, I thought it would be a perfect pick.
There are many things I appreciate about this novel. Normally I don't like these flirty, light romantic reads because the contents usually don't appeal to me (characte More...
Feb 03, 2012
Prangon
rated it:
I relate to Milagro in so many levels that it was scary. Yes, I do think men are fabulous...hell I do check out men once in awhile. ;p
I really enjoyed this book. The progress between Milagro and Oswald and then there was Sebastian, Ian and of course Sam, all Milagro's love interest. From the get go I hated Sebastian's snootiness. He was attracted to her and he has issues admitting it because of their family backgrounds. He could have been a ideal choice for Milagro if he had stayed t More...
I really enjoyed this book. The progress between Milagro and Oswald and then there was Sebastian, Ian and of course Sam, all Milagro's love interest. From the get go I hated Sebastian's snootiness. He was attracted to her and he has issues admitting it because of their family backgrounds. He could have been a ideal choice for Milagro if he had stayed t More...
Aug 12, 2010
All Things Urban Fantasy
rated it:
Review courtesy of AllThingsUrbanFantasy.blogspot.com
Funny and urban fantasy are not words that often go together, at least not intentionally, but HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA is the rare exception combining cool characters, witty dialogue, and laugh out loud moments in this Jane Austen channeled vampire romp.
Milangro had a strong voice and her outlook on life was hilarious in a Bridget Jones meets Charo kind of way, and there were several bitable vampires who pursued her, More...
Funny and urban fantasy are not words that often go together, at least not intentionally, but HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA is the rare exception combining cool characters, witty dialogue, and laugh out loud moments in this Jane Austen channeled vampire romp.
Milangro had a strong voice and her outlook on life was hilarious in a Bridget Jones meets Charo kind of way, and there were several bitable vampires who pursued her, More...
Dec 22, 2010
Larissa
rated it:
Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
Series Review:
*SPOILER FREE
I LOVE this series! There I said it and I will say it as many times as I need to. Marta Acosta does the impossible and brings something new to the Vampire table with the Casa Dracula series and the result is a hilarious, fun and amazing series that I am sad is over.
Milagros is an aspiring writer who has been burned by her pretentions ex-boyfriend. One nigh More...
Series Review:
*SPOILER FREE
I LOVE this series! There I said it and I will say it as many times as I need to. Marta Acosta does the impossible and brings something new to the Vampire table with the Casa Dracula series and the result is a hilarious, fun and amazing series that I am sad is over.
Milagros is an aspiring writer who has been burned by her pretentions ex-boyfriend. One nigh More...
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Feb 05, 2012
Anna
rated it:
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula is kind of the literary equivalent to cotton candy: fun, fluffy, light, and kind of pink. It was lacking in substance, but I very much doubt anyone picking it up would expect to find profound thoughts. For what it is, it's not too bad.
I was disappointed by the vampires, though. I know, it's at least partially my fault for approaching the book with set expectations, but there was really nothing paranormal here. The characters spent so much time demystifying va More...
I was disappointed by the vampires, though. I know, it's at least partially my fault for approaching the book with set expectations, but there was really nothing paranormal here. The characters spent so much time demystifying va More...
Jan 12, 2008
Lori
rated it:
Yes, I know, total silly fluff... but it is looking to be very funny fluff. After just reading the second Jen Lancaster memoir (HILARIOUS), you'd think I'd want something more substantial, but there's nothing in my book bag right this second that is substantial and appealing. So, one more round of fluff before I venture to the library on Saturday.
Review:
Good... not spectacular, but good enough that I've requested the second title (Midnight Brunch) from the library. Milagro i More...
Review:
Good... not spectacular, but good enough that I've requested the second title (Midnight Brunch) from the library. Milagro i More...
Jan 19, 2011
JazzRizz
rated it:
I'm always up for a new paranormal romance book, and this was a pretty decent contribution to the genre.
This was a unique take on the whole vampire condition. While the romance drama was very easy to figure out from the get-go, it was a fun read watching the characters sort it all out. Milagro seems like she's going to be a pretty strong character to hold the series together. I really like Oswald's character, and Edna was a hoot!
I liked it enough to read the next book. It More...
This was a unique take on the whole vampire condition. While the romance drama was very easy to figure out from the get-go, it was a fun read watching the characters sort it all out. Milagro seems like she's going to be a pretty strong character to hold the series together. I really like Oswald's character, and Edna was a hoot!
I liked it enough to read the next book. It More...
Aug 04, 2009
Frith
rated it:
I met Marta Acosta at the 2009 Berkeley Women Authors Festival, and she is super cool! A local gal, she gave a really great lecture about the process of writing and how her books have come together. I went up to speak to her afterwards, and found out that we both love Christopher Moore, Battlestar Galactica, etc. So I had to buy her book. And it was fun - breezy and a different style than I had read before. Liked it so much I went out and bought the next two in the series!
