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Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses #8)

4.16 of 5 stars 4.16 · rating details · 5,353 ratings · 251 reviews

The morbidly monotonous Dullsville has finally become the most exciting place on earth now that Raven is madly in love with her hot vampire boyfriend Alexander, and a crew of vampires has taken residence in Dullsville's old mill. Raven discovers Jagger's plan to open a new club, The Crypt, right here in Dullsville. But is it her dream come true, or her worst nightmare? Rav...more

Hardcover, 211 pages

Published May 17th 2011 by Katherine Tegan Books

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Nov 27, 2010 Lisa marked it as to-read

OMG! OMG! OMG! I can't wait! I seriously can't wait! I just finished the seventh book! I LOVE Vampire Kisses! I HAVE TO READ IT NOW!

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Jun 14, 2011 Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars

I read all seven of the other Vampire Kisses books and, while I knew they were childish, I still was able to enjoy them. This book was beyond childish. It was completely ridiculous.

The whole storyline was just stupid. First Raven finds out about a club and she doesn't want the club in her town. Then she does. Then she doesn't. Then she does but with restrictions. And she's the one to give the restrictions to the vampire in charge...well, her and her boyfriend.

I just don't get it. Not only that,...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Merve Özcan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: funny, immortal, romance, shorty, teen, vampire

Bu kadın asla tarzından şaşmıyor. Kitap her zaman ki gibi vampir odaklıydı, Kızımız Raven vampir sevdalısı. Trevor'un en sonunda kendisine aşık olduğunu anladı. Alexander'ın bir kardeşi var.Kabul din bu çok sonradn sokuşturma olmuş.Stormy, namı diyar Athena. Kabul etmeliyim Trevor'a karşı bir zaafım var ve Raven'in onunla olması gerektiğini düşünüyorum.Bethy en sonunda Şehirde vampirlerin olduğunu öğrendi. Biraz geç kaldı. Farketmek istememiştir demek istiyorum.
Özlemişim bu kızı. Uzun zamandır k...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Silent Writer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I failed to see the problem with The Covenant. The concept worked perfectly in The Coffin Club, so what's the difference in the mill? Raven went on and on with lame excuses, but the bulk of the complaint was nothing really to worry about. She overreacted, and none of the other character corrected her, but agreed with her nonsense. Jagger is trying to run a club, not a slaughterhouse. I don't see how the vampires will be discovered unless they're careless. And the nefarious vampires will be in Th...more

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May 22, 2011 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

i loved it !!
kind of mad trevor didnt play a bigger part... love him!
but still amazing .. cant wait for the next!

11 likes · like · see review

Jul 11, 2011 Kendrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

can't wait for this book to come out also.

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Nov 13, 2011 Rosalia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, chicklit, paranormal-fiction, vampire-fiction, young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 18, 2011 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review brought to you by OBS staff member Dawn

Summary:

Uh oh, Jagger want to open a club for vampires in Dullsville, but Raven and Alexander realize the danger it would bring. Raven suggests the club be for mortals. She jumps in to help decorate and prepare, while keeping a close eye on everyone involved.

Sebastian and Luna have gotten together and who knows what they’re up to, besides scaring the teenagers of Dullsville when Sebastian bites Luna.

Meanwhile, Raven is just dying (pun intended) to be...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Sunny rated it 3 of 5 stars

5/23/2011

Rating: 3.5

I love this series. It is my guilty little pleasure...but now it's getting a bit old. The story is never going to progress the way I want it to. There have been 8 books for 1 year in the life of this couple. That means they probably won't have sex for about 24 more books. I think it is funny. The couple has been together a year, he is 18 and she is 17 and sex has never been discussed. Never!!! They only kiss but it never gets carried away. They don't even have the "I want t...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Margarita rated it 2 of 5 stars

I just have to say that i agree with a lot of people, this series is lacking. Its funny and cute but it can be annoying at times. I just feel like this series is a little bit childish and should be aimed at 10 to 13 year old girls.

...more

Even Twilight is better with word choices and the amount of action that goes on in the whole series. Sometimes I felt like I was reading the PG rated version of Twilight. At least Bella wasn't dating Edward just for the simple fact that he was a vampire, unlike Raven, who says she "loves" Alex and would love him even if he wasn't one. Bullshit. Don't get me wrong and all, I do believe that she might love him like she says she does but there's Trevor, her childhood nemesis, and which despite everything that's gone down between the both of them, there's no denying the sexual tension that exist in their messed up relationship.

I feel like punching Raven in the face whenever she gets jealous of Trevor being kissed by other chicks. Bitch if you like him so much, dump Alexander and get laid already! If I were Raven, i'd go for Trevor. Why? Just for the simple fact that Raven is annoying and doesn't know what she actually wants in life. I feel like she only wants Alexander because he's a vampire and she's always wanted to be one.

It leaves me wondering if she would have gone out with him even if he hadn't been a vampire. Why am I left asking myself those kinds of questions? There's a part in the book where Raven is thinking about why she feels jealous of Luna, because she was bitten by Sebastian and Alexander hasn't done that to her. And then in cryptic cravings she's all like, " that's the reason I like you guys, because you dress the way you do and are like me." Babe, you aren't like them and will never be even if you do turn. Your just an overly obsessive girl who's reckless and who can't think it through about what becoming a vamp would require her to do, one, having to lie to your parents and no choice but to move away from them and your best friend. Second, you wouldn't be able to walk out into the sunlight anymore. Third, no reflection! As much as vampires are cool and all, I rather be an ass-kickingSHADOWHUNTER!!!

And like someone in another review wrote,"Schreiber leaves to many problems unresolved and can't seem to make loose ends meet." That's the whole problem with this series, it's lacking, not enough action, unresolved problems, and having no point what-so-ever in the story. It just seems like a total disgrace and an insult to teen girls who love reading about gothic love stories. Like Ellen is mocking vampire stories and just making her story a cheesy parody of something that could have been more if more efforts had been made to make this story one of a kind. Even though I've just completely bitched about this series, I'm still gonna read the last book. I want to see this series through.

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Jun 01, 2012 Koorihime-sama rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: hardcover, checked-out-from-library

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Checked out from the library.

Review/Rating:

2 out of 5

Sebastian has ended up with someone very dangerous, Luna, and now Raven has something new to worry about. Now that Sebastian is under Jagger's and Luna's control, they are going to make a new club. Great, but it will be in Dullsville. Is it going for mortals only, or, will it be like the Coffin Club? How will they be able to keep the secret that vampires exist now? And if that's not enough, Raven is starting to wonder if Alexander will ever tu...more Checked out from the library.

Review/Rating:

2 out of 5

Sebastian has ended up with someone very dangerous, Luna, and now Raven has something new to worry about. Now that Sebastian is under Jagger's and Luna's control, they are going to make a new club. Great, but it will be in Dullsville. Is it going for mortals only, or, will it be like the Coffin Club? How will they be able to keep the secret that vampires exist now? And if that's not enough, Raven is starting to wonder if Alexander will ever turn her.

Oh, there may be spoilers in this review for this book and the other books, so beware.

Like all the other books in this series, not that much time has past in between this book and the previous one, only about a week or so. However, in terms of time, it has been one year since Alexander and Raven met. And let's just say that it doesn't feel like a year has past for them since there is still very little we know about Alexander. :|

In all honesty, I don't really know where to start, but I'll try my best. When this book first begins, it is kind of romantic with the kissing and Alexander finally tasting Raven's blood --- not biting though. I thought it was going to be great, but the book went downhill after the romantic scene. :(

After the yummy scene, we start getting into the club for Dullsville and their plans for it. One, Raven kept changing her mind so much that it wasn't even that enjoyable. Two, hasn't the author did the same thing where Jagger tries to invite more vampires into a town that didn't need anymore vampires? Three, while everyone (Alexander, Raven, Jagger, etc) think that they need a club for every teenager in the town, Raven mostly does the thinking that the club is another "place where she can truly belong". I understand wanting have a place to go, but when you mostly do it for yourself than for others, I consider that selfish. =___=

Anyways, speaking of Raven's personality in this book, I found it more childish than developed. Instead of the powerful message of being different is okay, I see more judging coming from her than anyone in the town. Yeah, everyone in the town judges her for being goth and wearing black all the time, but she does the same thing, especially towards Trevor.

You see the judgement personality throughout the book. One example is when her mom tries to get her to explore more life, rather than to declare Alexander her one and only. Raven continues by saying that Trevor would cheat on her, but it seems more judgement from her than anything else. How does she know if he would cheat or not? To me, it looks like Trevor goes through the girls because he can't have what he wants --- Raven --- than cheating. And even after knowing how he feels about her, she uses him just to open "her" club. ~___~

Then when Jagger makes a deal with Trevor, Raven gets all huffy and asks for vampire protection for just one single dance. With all the hostility Raven acts towards Trevor, it's no wonder Trevor acts the same way. She ignores him, he ignores her.

Raven's "developed" personality in this book made me want to throw the book away. With how she's acting now, I am starting to think that she just wants to be a vampire than Alexander's lover. Then she continues to try to hide the secret, even when she knows Becky found out. =___=

Grrrrr! Everything about the book pissed me off, especially Raven's personality, the reusing of things that happened in other books, and the childishness. The book also leaves off with the cliffhanger of Raven finding out another thing about Alexander. Why does he always how to use the "you didn't ask excuse"?

Anyways, I'm only going to read the next book because it is the last one in the series. (less)

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Jan 21, 2012 Kyla rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Vampire lovers (without the gore)

Recommended to Kyla by: Counselor

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I must say this is the best book of the series since the Coffin Club. Jagger's back and he's always the life of the party. Unfortunately, Luna has returned as well. Her relationship with Sebastian is continuing from the last book, and Sebastian thinks he is really in love with Luna. Although Luna still has her eye on alexander and I think she always will. Turns out Jagger is trying to make a club and Dullsville and Raven must convince him to make it only for humans.

Raven is finally taking her re...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Jessica Garcia rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Vampire (non twilight) Fans

Recommended to Jessica by: A friend

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. What do I think?

I absolutely loved it. I can not even start to explain all the emotions I got from seeing Raven and Alexander back in action.

Finding out that Jagger is still in town along with Sebastian, Luna, Onyx and Scarlet made things more exciting. And this time a club is in works which made me only wish I was in the book myself partying it up with vampires all night.

Sebastian still just as adorable as he was in the previews book. I really love his strong friendship with Alexander. Althou...more What do I think?

I absolutely loved it. I can not even start to explain all the emotions I got from seeing Raven and Alexander back in action.

Finding out that Jagger is still in town along with Sebastian, Luna, Onyx and Scarlet made things more exciting. And this time a club is in works which made me only wish I was in the book myself partying it up with vampires all night.

Sebastian still just as adorable as he was in the previews book. I really love his strong friendship with Alexander. Although he does have a little pesky creature stuck to him batting those long eyelashes and making him do what ever she wants. And by that I mean Luna of course. Along with Scarlet and Onyx's friendship with Raven and how accepting they were as to having Becky come over to help out. The only thing I do wish for these two girls is that they find true love. Scarlet's attraction to Trevor only worries me, like Raven, that she will get heart broken by a guy only want to date her because it would only be the closes thing to Raven he can possibly get. And Onyx as well. Her wonderful personality does not go well with Jagger who is constantly busy with getting more vampires into town and having money and attention from his club.

Oh and Phoenix is back!!! Ahhh I love him even though he is Alexander only with tighter cloths and purple hairs. Wait I am missing something Oh yeah, His British accent!! <3 Yes I am a sucker for a boy like this and a motorcycle. This all equaled to one happy reader here. The only down side was that Raven was caught kissing him by Sebastian and now he's lost respect for her. -insert tears- But soon enough Raven makes it up to him.

Luna, what can I say...I would gladly have poured a milkshake over her when ever she would talk. She constantly got on my nerves more then Jagger and Trevor combined. This girl really needs to know that she will not always get her way just when ever she bats her eyes. It got to the point that I thought she was the one up to stuff behind Jagger's back and just framing him. Of course I was wrong but still, I couldn't help my self. I think it was all the pink.

Although I didn't expect the ending, I loved how the romance of Trevor and Raven are leaked out in this book. How Raven finally sees that Trevor is in love with her and that she would be back if Alexander hadn't have come into the picture (which only made me even more glad he did) Since it is Raven's birthday in this book, he got her the most amazing gift which only made me wonder hoe nice he really is and how mush he is hiding it. (Slight love for Trevor here. Don't kill me)

Well back to the ending I guess it was alright it some way. Kinds introduces Alexanders sister a little. For some reason I imaged a little kid of 5 or 6 years only but I feel like I am going to be wrong. And her nickname is "Stormy" for a reason, so I guess I will have to wait and find out until the next book.(less)

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Jun 28, 2012 Julie Graves rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

Raven and the other teens in Dullsville are excited about a new club opening up in their town. Jagger has decided to open up The Crypt in Dullsville. It will be the happening place since Jagger knows how to market such projects with his ownership in The Coffin Club.

What Raven and Alexander are afraid of is that Jagger will open The Crypt up to other vampires. Alexander has managed to live in Dullsville without bringing too much attention to himself. If other vampires relocate to Dullsville then...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Gabby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-ya-books

*Warning: There may be spoilers, but big ones will be marked.*

I thought this was the last book in the Vampire Kisses series. I was VERY (and extremely) happy to find out I was wrong (It was only the last book that was out at the book-store!) I Love her series and i couldn't wait to read more!

Okay, back to the point. (If you have read some of my other reviews, you will know that occasionally i will go off subject and eventually steer back.). This book is about Jagger and some of his friends (I th...more *Warning: There may be spoilers, but big ones will be marked.*

I thought this was the last book in the Vampire Kisses series. I was VERY (and extremely) happy to find out I was wrong (It was only the last book that was out at the book-store!) I Love her series and i couldn't wait to read more!

Okay, back to the point. (If you have read some of my other reviews, you will know that occasionally i will go off subject and eventually steer back.). This book is about Jagger and some of his friends (I think, i read this a little while ago and can't remember much about it. I can remember the Books altogether, but have trouble remembering what happens in them Individually.) Camp out in the Dullsville mill. Jagger plans to build a vampire club, (Which in case you havn't read the previous book, Jagger's hobby is building clubs.) which Raven thinks is cool, until she dicovers what a risk this is going to be to the Dullsville residents. Can Both Raven and Alexander convince Jagger to make the club safe for everyone? Even the mortals?

Okay, i love how at the end of the book SPOILER!!!!
They convince him to make an excellent club for both Mortals and Vampires alike (Wouldn't want Trevor to get hurt, would we?)and how now we know that Alexander's sister (That we never even knew existed,) is coming to Dullsville, (The scene in which this happens is funny, considering Alexander receives a text from his sister that sounds like a girl that is flirting with him, like, "I miss you so much! etc. etc." (Well, we'd think the same thing if our boyfriend received a text like that) but then Alexander assures her that it is only his sister (And that he does have a younger sister that she never knew about) and she is coming to Dullsville!

Well, i couldn't wait to read the next one :) It was awesome, too. (But also very sad that the series is at an end.)

I recommend this book for (Like i said Before) People who like the previous instalments to the vampire kisses series, The Vladimir Tod series, series where the main character is goth, Vampires, and YA Teen fantasy fiction.(less)

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Jun 05, 2011 Alisha (Black Nailed Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: vampire fans, romance addicts

Shelves: read-in-2011, book-own

Plot: I love this series. Even though they are short, they are wonderful quick reads and they leave me wanting more. I loved Cryptic Cravings, but I was disappointed with a lack of romance. Each VK does not disappoint with the constant romantic dates in the cemetary and the bunches of black roses, but this time around, we barely got any of that. I will say that the rest of the book did fill in the romantic blanks with good mystery and drama. But, Jagger opening up a club in Dullsville? I love th...more Plot: I love this series. Even though they are short, they are wonderful quick reads and they leave me wanting more. I loved Cryptic Cravings, but I was disappointed with a lack of romance. Each VK does not disappoint with the constant romantic dates in the cemetary and the bunches of black roses, but this time around, we barely got any of that. I will say that the rest of the book did fill in the romantic blanks with good mystery and drama. But, Jagger opening up a club in Dullsville? I love the idea, but I wish we could have built up to the situation, not just having it pop out of nowhere. I wish the books were longer so we can not only see character progression, but plot progression as well.

Characters: Raven-She is a very reaslistic character. She wants to have her all-time dream come true, but isn't sure if she wants to leave everything behind for it. Raven is a great character because usually all the vampire's girlfriends want is the vampire and that's it, but Raven sees that she's leaving behind her family, friends, and human life. I did like when she was seeing that not only was she in love with Alexander, but maybe...just maybe, there was something there with Trevor too.

Alexander-If there was a swoon button, I'd just click it a thousand times for Alexander and move on. But, since there is none, I will say that Alexander makes my heartache. He's the perfect boyfriend. In here, you see not only his constant romantic side but his protective and superior side. I loved that side of him and hope to see more!

Cover: Love the cover! I do wish that we had a cover for Alexander or Jagger or another character. Don't get me wrong, I love the covers with Raven, but I think I can speak for a lot of VK fans when I say we want to see a little more Alexander. Maybe we will on the next installment!

Overall Rating: I have to give this book a three out of four. I wish it was longer and something big happened. In a way, it did, but nothing that blew my mind. I'm hoping something extrodinary happens in the next book. However, I will stand by the series and say that anyone who loves vampires or romance, read this series. Plus, if you read The Coffin Club, you'll be happy to hear that a very sexy and well-missed character will reappearing in this book!

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha(less)

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Mar 10, 2012 Anastasia & Demitra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Our latest read is part of the on-going series, "Vampire Kisses." Before sharing our thoughts, and feelings about "Cryptic Cravings," we would just like the clear the air about some things we've been reading on book reviews from the Vampire Kisses series.

Despite what some select book reviewers may think, Vampire Kisses isn't a series for only goths, or loners. Any reader can make a connection to this book, or Raven, the main character; if they're willing to. She's a bit impulsive, with a one tra...more Our latest read is part of the on-going series, "Vampire Kisses." Before sharing our thoughts, and feelings about "Cryptic Cravings," we would just like the clear the air about some things we've been reading on book reviews from the Vampire Kisses series.

Despite what some select book reviewers may think, Vampire Kisses isn't a series for only goths, or loners. Any reader can make a connection to this book, or Raven, the main character; if they're willing to. She's a bit impulsive, with a one track mind that wants what she wants, but in the end, everyone has a goal they want to reach, and whether they choose to let someone distract them from that goal, doesn't -- shouldn't determine whether they're seen as selfish, or "bratty." But what do we know, we're just two teenagers who LOVE this series, who have a social life, and don't constantly wear dark clothes, and make up. We're pretty sure we're an exception to this "belief," and if there's one excpetion, then imagine the the numerous amount of possibilities!

Okay, enough rambling, so... "Cryptic Cravings." The 8th book to the on-going series, Vampire Kisses. *...and the crowd goes wild* We absolutely ADORED this book! Ellen Schreiber as usual, teases us a bit with the plot, and leaves us with another painfully crippling cliffhanger. We're starting to get used to this pattern, not that we're complaining, but leaving readers constantly frustrated at the end of your books, only to release the next novel for next year? That's just cruel and unusual punishment.

The novel begins, with Raven admitting that her hometown, Dullsville, is no longer "dull." All the crazy stunts, and situations that Raven, and her vampire crew pulled, leaves Raven with this new-found respect for vampires, as well as, her town. Her vampire boyfriend, Alexander, struggles with the decision of turning Raven into a vampire. Him being the down-to-earth, think-before-you-act, responsible guy in the relationship, he tries to warn Raven of what she's getting herself into, while facing his never-ceasing temptation to drink her blood.Raven's deepest, and darkest desire is to run off all vampire-couple, married to Alexander, living her happily ever after. The end. However, over the span of the book, we find that Raven becomes more paranoid, insecure, and doubtful that Alexander still loves her the way he says he does. The longer Alexander takes to change Raven, the sooner Raven develops this needy-girlfriend alter ego -- which we soo aren't looking forward to.

Lucky for Alexander, there's a distraction/slide plot. Oh my, my will Luna and Jagger ever give up?! These two antagonists, build this idea that they just want to make "peace," and have a normal, good ol' vampire diet. But as Ellen Schreiber's long-devoted readers all know, there's something they're hiding. Their usual antics, somehow bring the whole town together for something big, while managing to put Raven, Alexander, and other people she cares about in harms way.

This novel is ESPECIALLY, a must-read! We think that Schreiber is in order to receive a congratulatory applause. She is one of the few writers, who has still managed to keep the readers interested, despite the on-going series' span. 8 books? And.. we're still reading? We usually get "iffy" around trilogies, but this? This series, and this novel is perfection in the making. Anyway, we'll be sure to keep our ears to the ground for when the next book, "Blood Promises," is released.
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Jan 09, 2012 Emma (BelleBooks) rated it 4 of 5 stars

(Review for Books 1-8)

I decided to review all eight of these books together, as I pretty much read them all back to back and I don't think I would be able to go back and review them all individually.

Firstly, this is a series that I had known about for a while, but wasn't really too sure what the books were about. Going from the titles it's obvious that they are about vampires, but apart from that I hadn't really looked into them too much. One day in December, bored I decided to give the first bo...more (Review for Books 1-8)

I decided to review all eight of these books together, as I pretty much read them all back to back and I don't think I would be able to go back and review them all individually.

Firstly, this is a series that I had known about for a while, but wasn't really too sure what the books were about. Going from the titles it's obvious that they are about vampires, but apart from that I hadn't really looked into them too much. One day in December, bored I decided to give the first book a go and see how I liked it.

All eight books are very short, not as short as a novella. But they are short, I'm pretty sure I averaged about 2 of these books a day while I was reading them. Although they are short they are enjoyable.
I would say they are aimed at a much younger audience than typical YA books. The writing in them is simple and straightforward making them that much easier to glide through one book to the next in the series, to me they all seemed to tie together which makes writing individual reviews on them too hard.

The main character Raven is likeable and funny. Although she does come across very young and immature for her age. I am used to reading YA novels where the female main character is usually much wiser and mature for her age. This is another reason why I feel these books are marketed to the tween market.

The plot itself is captivating and is full of twists and turns. There are quite a few laugh out loud moments as well which keeps the tone of the book rather light hearted. I did enjoy the different aspects of all the books, and the introducing of the new vampires to the town. I really liked the idea of the covenant ceremony to bond vampires for life, that was something I haven't really seen much of in other vampire books.

There isn't really anything negative to say about these books at all, they are fun, light and easy to read. I'm glad I read them all back to back as I don't think I would go back to them if I had only read one or two, they don't really have that captivating element some YA series's do, although they are enjoyable.

To me they were a nice break from some my heaver and thicker books that I need to get through, which was just what I needed at the time I read them. I am looking forward to the release of book 9 in the series, which I think is the last one.(less)

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Jun 13, 2011 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, gorgeous-covers, the-other-guy-is-better

Part of me is embarrassed to say I read these books, but I can't help it. There is just something about them that hooks me in.

Raven is a good heroine. She's a bit strange and obsessed, but it works for her. It was a little obnoxious to have these long paragraphs about the gothic clothes everyone wore. However, since this is the millionth book in the series I am used to it. I like Raven, but her relationship with Alexander bothers me. I'm not sure if she genuinely likes him or if she only hangs...more Part of me is embarrassed to say I read these books, but I can't help it. There is just something about them that hooks me in.

Raven is a good heroine. She's a bit strange and obsessed, but it works for her. It was a little obnoxious to have these long paragraphs about the gothic clothes everyone wore. However, since this is the millionth book in the series I am used to it. I like Raven, but her relationship with Alexander bothers me. I'm not sure if she genuinely likes him or if she only hangs onto him because he is a vampire.

Alexander is the main lead. He's a nice guy. He really is, but I can't help thinking he's a bit bland and boring. At least when he was Phoenix he had some personality. In real life he would be a great catch, but when reading a book I tend to like the more alpha, cocky guys.

I want more Trevor in this book and the next one! I think I love him. He's an annoying little douche, but there's something sweet about him. I liked how Raven and Trevor's relationship grew. They've come a long way from the first books where Raven beat him up in the woods. It was really cute how badly Trevor wanted her attention. Though Raven was a bit clueless. I can't believe it took her until just now to realize that Trevor might like her.

Sadly, there was no Raven and Jagger action. Other than Trevor, I like Jagger the best. I miss the other books where Jagger was always creeping on Raven and trying to catch her on sacred ground. The guy sounds gorgeous and he has a lot more umpf than Alexander.

I shouldn't have read the reviews before I read this one. Someone mentioned the overuse of the word 'nefarious' and I couldn't help noticing it throughout the book and mentally counting how many times it showed up. Overall though, I loved this book. A lot of people don't like this book, but I do. You just have to realize that this book is mainly fluff. It's not a literary masterpiece. It's a fun, light read— a book that you don't take too seriously.

Even though there are things I don't much care for in this book, I truly do like this series. I can't wait to find what happens next. I wonder what will happen between Jagger/Luna/Sebastian/etc now that the whole deceiption thing happened in the covenant. If I were Sebastian, I would be so angry if someone tried to trick me like that. Also, I wonder what will happen with Alexander's sister, Stormy. I got a bad vibe about her from what Alexander said, so maybe all hell will break loose. Lastly, I wonder if Sebastian will still be upset with Raven about her 'cheating' on Alexander with Phoenix. That is a very messed up situation and even I felt bad for Raven since Phoenix was just Alexander in a wig and leather pants.

And to Ellen Schreiber, please, please, please make Raven get together with Trevor or Jagger. They fit together better with Raven than poor Alexander!(less)

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Mar 06, 2013 L.M. Justus rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires, ya-paranormal

Although there's nothing earth-shattering about the plot-lines in this series, the author's writing style captivates me enough to finish reading each book in two days or less. I love how the main character, Raven, is so comfortable in her own skin: she's never afraid to dress and act however she likes despite the obvious disapproval of her peers. In my opinion, this series is on the borderline between middle-grade and YA (teen). The one thing I find a bit weird that keeps pulling me out of the s...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Diane rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, romance, vampires, washyarg, young-adult

In this 8th book in the Vampire Kisses series, Raven is now madly in love with the vampire Alexander and can’t wait to be turned. She has always wanted to be a vampire and now that she’s in love with Alexander, she wants him to be the one. Dullsville is still dull, but will soon liven up. Jagger (also a vampire) has purchased the abandoned factory and hopes to put in a hot new dance club. But will inviting more vampires to this small town endanger Alexander’s safety?
This is a pretty harmless,...more

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May 20, 2011 Brandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 15, 2013 Kayleigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the 8th book in the Vampire Kisses series and since i'm still reading them after 8 books you must know that they are good.
They are not my favorite books ever but they are still fun to read. They are all pretty small so they are easy to get through.
This one in particular has to deal with Jagger starting a club in Dullsville.
Raven is excited about it at first because it's going to be a new version of the Coffin Club.
However in typical Vampire Kisses fashion everything gets kinda crazy and...more

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Jun 05, 2011 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Jun 24, 2011 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids added it

Shelves: 2011-release, books-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews, 2011-100-book-challenge, signed-books-arcs

Being the 8th book in the series, and the first one I've read I feel like I've missed really getting to know the characters, but there's enough of a story line that I didn't feel lost as to was going on, or who was who. Raven, the story's main character seems like a very accepting, open minded, fearless character. I mean she hangs out with vampires and wants nothing more than her vampire boyfriend to turn her so she can be with him forever. The only thing that bothered me about her was how immat...more Being the 8th book in the series, and the first one I've read I feel like I've missed really getting to know the characters, but there's enough of a story line that I didn't feel lost as to was going on, or who was who. Raven, the story's main character seems like a very accepting, open minded, fearless character. I mean she hangs out with vampires and wants nothing more than her vampire boyfriend to turn her so she can be with him forever. The only thing that bothered me about her was how immature I felt her voice was for the story. I'm still trying to figure out her and Alexander's relationship. Alexander seems like a great character and someone who really loves Raven, but I can't figure out if Raven really loves him or loves him because he's a vampire. However, I liked the fact that both of them are very supportive of each other, and work through their misunderstandings.

I can't speak for the series, but Cryptic Cravings is a very character driven plot, which makes it a light, fun, read. Much of this story is centered on a new club being opened and the worries and fears about new vampires coming to town, because a club would be opened for humans and one for vampires. I'm the type of reader who feels engaged with a book when there's a bit of action or suspense, both of which this story doesn't have. I was also a little confused about Raven not being able to make up her mind about the club. She was against it, then was supportive of it, then changed her mind again before she and Alexander decided to support it. There are a few character twists and even an introduction of a new one for the next book. Even though I've not read the series to really get to know Trevor, I felt I got a pretty good idea about the type of character he is just from reading this book, and I like that twist Ellen throws in with him and Raven.

With everything that happens at the end at the book with the characters, I'm a bit curious as to what Alexander's sister will throw into the mix with the next book. My only guess is chaos will ensue with everyone. Over all Cryptic Cravings is clean cut, fast paced, light read.(less)

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Jun 07, 2011 Leigha Brandt rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: readers who like books that lack substance

Recommended to Leigha by: Vampire Kisses 7

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 06, 2011 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

When Alexander’s best friend Sebastian decides to stay in Dullsville after biting Jagger’s twin Luna, Alexander is suddenly not the town’s lone vampire. As Raven and Alexander’s relationship heats up, Raven uncovers Jagger’s plan to convert the abandoned factory into a dance club, the Crypt. Now that it seems all of Raven’s dreams are coming true, Jagger wants to open an underground vampire-only club called the Covenant underneath the Crypt. Can Raven figure out a way to make Jagger’s mortals-on...more

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May 27, 2011 Alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chicklit, magical, mystery, romance, series

Every time I finish one, it reinforces why I love the series. They're accessible, quick, easy, romantic bordering on cheesy, and so darn cute! Each book has a trite plot twist or uncovers a new mystery to be discovered for the next book which totally makes me want to continue. The sexual tension between Trevor and Raven is boiling over, as Alexander has many issues to deal with from vampire friends and enemies to truly deciding whether to bite Raven or not.

My only criticism is the overuse of th...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Catarina Alexandra rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-bit-much-drama, amazing-love-story, awesome, awesome-covers, bad-bad-boys, crazy-colored-hair, death, friends-to-say-the-least, good-series, hot-male-leads, impressive-bad-guys, lether, mind-blowing-cover, vampires

This book was kind of good. Why kind of? Well because it´s just so mushy, the relationship between Raven and Alexander is so unrealistic, i mean who the hell falls in love with the love of they´r life at sixteen. She loves him too much. In my opinion there should be more problems between them. And why the hell doesn't Alexander turns Raven and gets it done. She wants it, he wants it. Just get it over with! An this thing with Luna, seriously? Does everyone has to like Alexander? And why can´t the...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Avery Olive rated it 2 of 5 stars

I really loved this books, however, when I started them they were on the childish side. I was really hoping that as the stories progressed (as with Raven's age) they would become less so. Sadly with this one she hasn't seemed to grow up any. She's 17 now, I want her to act more like one and have to deal with more age appropriate issues.
The club was a good plot, but Raven's Yes, No, Yes, No, Maybe, Okay... attitude about it really got on my nerves.
I really need to see the characters grow up mor...more

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About Ellen Schreiber

Before I took pen to paper, I was an actress. I attended a local university majoring in theatre and spent a summer in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts where I learned about the “Old Bard” from amazingly talented teachers.

When I returned from London, I relocated to Chicago where I lived for five years. There, I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakes...more Before I took pen to paper, I was an actress. I attended a local university majoring in theatre and spent a summer in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts where I learned about the “Old Bard” from amazingly talented teachers.

When I returned from London, I relocated to Chicago where I lived for five years. There, I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakespeare, comedies and dramas--I even sang and danced on a cruise boat--without falling in Lake Michigan! A classmate of mine from Second City and I created and performed a two woman show for a year before I braved it alone doing stand-up comedy. It was during this time I began to write an adult novel about a rock star--I had always enjoyed writing...

Fast forward a couple of years along with a move home where I was performing “stand-up” at comedy clubs in the area. On a plane to LA to decide my fate-- “to move to LA or not to move to LA” that is the question, my big bro, Mark, coincidentally with the same last name as mine (author of PRINCES IN EXILE, DREAMS OF THE SOLO TRAPEZE and STARCROSSED) handed me a young adult book he found at the library he thought I’d like to read during the flight.

As I read the book, I thought, ‘I can do this!’

I returned from LA, and instead of moving there, I wrote my story about the rock star as a young adult novel and called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING.
Mark, my writing mentor, edited JL for me. He was kind enough to send the manuscript to his publisher in Belgium--Facet--and they published it! In Dutch!

I was now on a new life path!

In 2001 HarperCollins made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! Not only was HarperCollins going to publish TEENAGE MERMAID, but it was in a language I could read and book stores I could walk into! HarperCollins also bought VAMPIRE KISSES and COMEDY GIRL.

It was a dream come true!

Since beginning my new life path, VAMPIRE KISSES, TEENAGE MERMAID, and MY MOTHER, THE CLOWN have been published by Facet in Belgium and JOHNNY LIGHTNING has been published in Germany by Ravensburger.

Then my fabulous editor at HarperCollins asked me for a sequel to VAMPIRE KISSES!
HarperCollins published VAMPIRE KISSES 2--KISSING COFFINS and now the soon to be released VAMPIRE KISSES 3--VAMPIREVILLE. I am currently writing VAMPIRE KISSES 4!

When I'm not writing about the love affair between vampire obsessed, goth girl Raven and my favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, Alexander Sterling, I enjoy working on my other novels, shopping for Hello Kitty items, and attempting to gain control of the remote from my boyfriend.(less)

More about Ellen Schreiber...

Books by Ellen Schreiber

Dance with a Vampire (Vampire Kisses, #4)

Vampire Kisses: The Beginning (Vampire Kisses, #1-3)

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Quotes from Vampire Kisses 8: Cryp...

“If you really want me to be safe, maybe it's time."

"I'd just feel safer if you'd start sleeping in a coffin."

Just then my door creaked open.

Billy's expression turned to surprise.

"Get out!" I said, hopping off the bed. "Uh...we are making up lyrics to a song."

But that didn't keep Billy out. Instead he was totally interested.

"You're writing a song? That's so cool. I want to hear it."

"It goes, 'Safer in a coffin, and if your brother doesn't leave, he'll be in one too.” — 29 people liked it

“I bet it breaks your heart to have two of your friends pine for me the way they do," he said proudly. "Luna...and now Scarlet. They can't keep their hands off of me."

"It's just because you are foreign to them. It's like if they went to the zoo and stared at the monkeys. You are the monkey.” — 26 people liked it

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Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses #8)

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