Seducing the Vampire

May 17, 2011 jD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1_library-yes, fantasy_romance, romance_vamps, romance_shifters, 2011-read

This is an impressive story that is told by a talented writer whose work has been on my TBR pile for quite some time.

The story is set in Marie Antoinette's Paris so we are dealing with historical timelines, period clothing, and linguistics. The story centers around three characters that seem cursed before they fell into one another’s lives but find they are far worse off once they do. Vampriess Viviane is beautiful, independent, and a born vampire. Because women can’t work and earn their own wa...more This is an impressive story that is told by a talented writer whose work has been on my TBR pile for quite some time.

The story is set in Marie Antoinette's Paris so we are dealing with historical timelines, period clothing, and linguistics. The story centers around three characters that seem cursed before they fell into one another’s lives but find they are far worse off once they do. Vampriess Viviane is beautiful, independent, and a born vampire. Because women can’t work and earn their own way, she is dependent on a patron to supply her needs including blood. She is being relentlessly courted by a vampire clan leader named Constantine. She is not interested but feels the pressure to take his offer when her current patron is murdered. Going against vampire culture, Henry, her patron did not mix the process of sharing blood with sex which is a natural part of the way females existed along with a death sentence without the blood bond. The sex seems to be pretty much without choice since no self-respecting vampire is going to be a patron and not collect on all the benefits. Viviane is accustomed to her freedom. It is not something she is willing to consider parting with but she knows she is in trouble. She needs the financial security and protection Constantine offers but she is not interested in being one of his many women or in having his babies. Enter stage left, Rhys. For some reason that name is real popular for werewolves. I know I have seen it before more than once. I digress. Rhys sees Viviane and is smitten. He is even more interested when he finds out his brother Constantine also seeks the rare beauty. The two brothers have never gotten along and Viviane quickly becomes the next focus of their ongoing battle to one-up the other. Rhys is not only a born vampire but he is also a born werewolf. Werewolves are hated by the vampires and visa versa. Being duel natured he is not accepted in either world fully.

This is a dark tale with evil deeds, violence, and suffering. Constantine was clearly the bad guy but I have a feeling that he may have a story. I felt that he was driven by something and that perhaps he does not want to be as he was. I hope I am right because I really felt sorry for him by the time all was said and done despite his abominable actions. Viviane was a challenge for Constantine and Rhys from page one. I wanted to slap her a couple of times myself which is a testament to Ms. Huff’s skills. I respected her desire to be independent but I thought she brought some of her problems on herself. She is the type to play with matches and then wonder why the house is burning down. I did not gain a full understanding of the vampire limitations and strengths. So that annoyed me. They could not go out in the sun but could be awake during the day. They had no magic. They could be born or made with born being the rarest and most coveted. There are other supernatural beings living on the down-low alongside the vamps and weres such as the fae, witches, etc. The story pulls the reader into the lives of these three characters and reminds us of the power we all have to hurt and be hurt. I don’t recall a single funny scene but there were a few ‘ahhhh’ moments. Ms. Huff broke my heart, put it back together, and then broke it again before she was done. I loved the way she weaved back and forth from past to present day. She also made Viviane to be an Urban Legend that Rhys stumbles on after being unsure of her fate for 200 years.

Ms. Huff has won me over as a fan. I am especially glad my library carries her books because they are not cheap for Kindle. Although this book does not appear to be part of a series, I understand there is at least one that follows -- Forever Vampire, which is a relatively new release. I have it on reserve.

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Oct 20, 2011 Jasmyn9 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, fiction, romance, historical-fiction, vampires, harlequin

69. Seducing the Vampire by Michelle Hauf
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Acquired: 09/30/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: NetGalley
Series: No

Think Snow White meets vampires, werewolves, and France. Three of my favorite things and one of my favorite fairy tales growing up (I went through 3 copies of the Disney movie). Our fair princess is played by the blood born vampiress, Viviane LaMourette. Now blood born vampires are rare, and females even more so. So enter the evil queen...more

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Sep 17, 2011 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars

I totally wish I'd gotten to this book a lot sooner because it has all kinds of elements that are right up my alley. A retelling of a great fairytale (Snow White, in this case.) Spicy paranormal romance. Vampires and werewolves. A great fusion of historical and contemporary elements.

The enmity between vampires and werewolves in the story is deeply rooted, so a romance between a beautiful lady vampire in pre-Revolution Paris and a half vampire, half werewolf would seem like a really bad idea, but...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was looking for something different from the normal vampire/werewolf series that I have been reading. When I stumbled upon this book I was like seriously "SNOW WHITE VAMPIRE?" This could be either really good or really bad. Michele Hauf's writing has intrigued me to the point I'm going to the library today to pick up some more of her books.

At first I was confused and seriously felt like there should have been a bit more background, but once I got further along I really appreciated the flashin...more

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Feb 23, 2011 Lillie Roberts rated it 5 of 5 stars

Viviane LaMourette is an independent young vampiress, barely two centuries old, bloodborn, and patroned to Henri Chevalier. He took her under his patronage with the death of her parents, but has allowed her independence, demanding nothing of the young vampiress. When Constantine de Salignac proposes taking her patronage, possibly a match and marriage to create a line of bloodborn vampires, pure blood, creating a tribe of vampires to rival all of Paris, she balks, she will answer to no man, nor b...more Viviane LaMourette is an independent young vampiress, barely two centuries old, bloodborn, and patroned to Henri Chevalier. He took her under his patronage with the death of her parents, but has allowed her independence, demanding nothing of the young vampiress. When Constantine de Salignac proposes taking her patronage, possibly a match and marriage to create a line of bloodborn vampires, pure blood, creating a tribe of vampires to rival all of Paris, she balks, she will answer to no man, nor bow down, vampire or not.

Rhys Hawkes spies the young vampiress in the salons of Paris. He's been sent to investigate the murder of a vampire couple, Henri and Blanche Chevalier, the very same patron of Viviane. Was this deed committed by a crazed werewolf? Rhys has more secrets, he is a half breed, born half vampire half werewolf. When he scents Viviane, he realizes he has to have her as his own. Will she be able to accept his wolf? Will his vampire allow him to love the vampiress?

When Lord Salignac discovers the half breed's intentions, he reveals the well kept secret, and that Rhys Hawkes is his own half brother. Though, Viviane has been tempted by Rhys, she rejects the truths he has hidden. Can he win her back? Will Constantine de Salignac allow his brother to have what he demands as his own?

Seducing the Vampire by Michele Hauf tells the story of what happens to an independent woman, before her time. It's a time when vampires and werewolves shared the title as the Dark Ones. Women were subservient to men, even vampiresses. The male vampire was not demanded to seek out a female vampire for life, but the female of the species was depended upon the male for survival, forced to partake blood from the male or die. It is the same for Viviane, but her patron demands nothing more, Salignac demands submission, sex, and bloodborn children. She will be nothing more than a brood mare. She rails against his demands, refuses him. Then, suddenly Henri is gone, as will be her life if she does not take another patron. Salignac wants to fill that role. But Rhys discovers an awful secret, one that will bring Salignac to his knees, if he can nail the bastard down, how could his own brother commit such a dastardly deed? Viviane can see no one other than Rhys, even with his half blood, he is more of a man than Salignac can ever hope to be. When Salignac sees he is going to lose to the half blood abomination, he acts quickly and horrifically. While Rhys is sating his wolf, Salignac is committing a horrible crime.

Seducing the Vampire is historical paranormal romance, a story told in two different times, jumping from the past to the present to render a heart wrenching story of loss and hope. It is the retelling of the Snow White story with the vampiress as the poor maiden thrown into an aware paralyzed sleep by an evil Lord and his warlock underling for more than two centuries. When Snow White is awaken, she is near crazed with a bloodlust, lost to herself. It is only through love that she is able to find her way again. Michele Hauf was written wonderful retelling of the Snow White story, but it's not the Disney version, it's much more frightening and evil. It does take the handsome prince to bring his beauty back to life, to live once again within the society of humanity. If you're a fan of historical romances, this is an unique story with all the elements of a good historical. For all paranormal romance lovers, this one fills the bill, a love story to stand the test of the times. And urban fantasy fans will find this as a vivid imagining of the Snow White story where a dark world is created with the beginning of a light world to reveal witches, warlocks, familiars, faeries, vampires, and weres as well as the mortals who wander among them. Ms. Hauf mentions some favorite characters from other stories to tie the series together. If you enjoy Michele Hauf storytelling, this is one not to be missed, she combines the past and present to create a excellently told tale, it was a page turner to the end. I very much enjoyed it as I have most of Ms. Hauf's books, and I'll be waiting for the next, Forever Vampire, May 2011. For more information about Ms. Hauf or her books, please visit her website.

I received this ebook from Net Galley and Harlequin for review. All opinions expressed are my own. (less)

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Dec 27, 2010 Becca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, netgalley, vampires, arc-s

ARC provided by NetGalley

Viviane is an independent vampiress who lives in the 18th century where Marie Antoniette is currently ruling. Female vampires are believed to be weaker and need a patron to feed from frequently so they do not die. Viviane's patron was recently killed and she is now forced to face society and what to do with this unknown future. She knows she needs a new patron but the most powerful vampire in the area has laid claimed to her so no one else would ever approach her. She wa...more

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Nov 21, 2010 Caitlin rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was set both in 18th Century and 21st Century Paris, France. I really like how the story unraveled side by side in both times so you don’t know the complete back story as you learn what is going on in the present. In the old days it was believed female vampires needed a male vampire to patron them so they could get blood from them once in a while in order to live. They might have believe this or it was just another way to keep females under control. Viviane finds herself without a patr...more

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Dec 02, 2010 Jennifer Monzon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010

The part that I loved most about this captivating book is how the author managed to tell the story in between the past and the present. It begins with the past, in 1785 in Paris, France. The future is in Paris, France as well but it’s the 21 century. All the questions that are raised throughout the present are answered with the past and vice-versa. The historical aspect and love story are exhilarating. I read this entire book in one day as I could not put it down. I was glued from the moment I s...more

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Dec 03, 2010 Once Upon rated it 5 of 5 stars

The part that I loved most about this captivating book is how the author managed to tell the story in between the past and the present. It begins with the past in 1785 in Paris, France. The future is in Paris, France as well but it’s the 21 century. All the questions that are raised throughout the present are answered with the past and vice-versa. The historical aspect and love story are exhilarating. I read this entire book in one day as I could not put it down. I was glued from the moment I st...more

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Dec 29, 2010 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Confession time, I have never been into Romance books. I was a military cop, trained on weapons that make some other girls cry. Seriously, they fire them once and burst into tears, I have seen it more than once. I have thrown live hand grenades, I have been to Saudi Arabia not as a tourist, and I don’t like pink anything. So I am just not a romance kinda girl. Also, I do not think I have ever read an actual romance book. So why did I read one this time? I was TRICKED!

Its like when my son says th...more Confession time, I have never been into Romance books. I was a military cop, trained on weapons that make some other girls cry. Seriously, they fire them once and burst into tears, I have seen it more than once. I have thrown live hand grenades, I have been to Saudi Arabia not as a tourist, and I don’t like pink anything. So I am just not a romance kinda girl. Also, I do not think I have ever read an actual romance book. So why did I read one this time? I was TRICKED!

Its like when my son says there is no way he will like broccoli, then I cover it in cheese or ranch dressing and suddenly he is eating so much of the little green veggie that I have to make him stop for fear he will have a stomach ache. Same thing happened to me, I saw the word vampire and I was blinded. I know that the word “seducing” was in there too, but I can not be bothered to read all the words of the title once I see Vampire.

Viviane was a heroine who didn’t make me want to gag every time she opened her mouth like I thought I would, in fact I liked her. She was independent and bold and I admired her for it. Rhys was dangerous but sweet in his love for her. They both were fully fleshed characters to me and I cared about their romance and about what happened to them in general. I actually believed in this romance and I didn’t want to put the book down. There was a depth to this story that I really enjoyed, there was murder and mystery and sweetness and danger and all sorts of other characters to add to the drama of their story. Of course the rival for her affections was devilish and a nasty mean guy but there was more going on than just the typical “who she will chose” storyline.

Another positive for me is that this one is not for children. I have been reading a lot of Young Adult titles lately and I will admit I have enjoyed them. This was a welcome back to adulthood and I appreciated every delicious paragraph of steaminess. That is another departure for me, generally I do not like to read about “quivering members” or “heaving breasts” or whatever. This book is not like that and I was surprised. There was steaminess but it was actually steamy and didn’t make me roll me eyes and skim till it was over as I am sometimes inclined to do in non-romance books.

I am going to have to rethink my whole opinion of myself after loving this book this much. I might even start wearing pink and crying at movies. Ummmm….. Nah. Now excuse me while I go play Black Ops and kill some people. (less)

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Dec 31, 2010 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie

Unlike the other female vampires in 1785 Paris, Viviane LaMourette has freedom to do as she pleases. That freedom is threaten when her male patron is murdered and she must find another to survive. Constantine de Salignac is a vampire tribe leader and wants Viviane for his own so that she will produce male children to make his tribe stronger. Viviane is aware of this but sees it as her only option until Constantine's dark and handsome brother Rhys Hawkes approaches her and steals her heart. She c...more Unlike the other female vampires in 1785 Paris, Viviane LaMourette has freedom to do as she pleases. That freedom is threaten when her male patron is murdered and she must find another to survive. Constantine de Salignac is a vampire tribe leader and wants Viviane for his own so that she will produce male children to make his tribe stronger. Viviane is aware of this but sees it as her only option until Constantine's dark and handsome brother Rhys Hawkes approaches her and steals her heart. She cares for Rhys but can't help feel that there is something not right about him. A fight between brothers ensues and before Rhys and Viviane can be together, Constantine takes his final blow imprisoning Viviane away from her lover for eternity. Over two centuries later, Rhys has learned of a legend that says there is a vampiress in a glass box under the streets of Paris. Is his love still alive? What will he find, the love he thought long dead or a crazed shell of a woman who will be his end?

I loved how independent Viviane is in a time where that should not have been possible for a woman. She won't be a push over and simply bow to Constantine because has what she will ultimately need. When she notices Rhys she sees he is not as well dressed or manured as his brother and there is something....off about him that both makes her wary and wanting of him. What I didn't care for was her attitude towards Rhys once she found out his secret. She acts a bit snobby towards him but soon his actions start to appeal not appall her.

Rhys first wants Viviane because he knows how much she means to his brother and their past is dark and painful. He seeks Viviane out to ruin any chance his brother has but soon falls for the headstrong woman. Rhys is very rugged and sweet but has a secret he is not forthcoming with to Viviane because he knows what her reaction will be. As they get to know one another, Rhys brings out a less uptight side of Viviane and Viviane gives Rhys another chance at love. It's cat and mouse between these two and I liked that they switched between roles. But again, Viviane was a bit harsh to Rhys for a lot of the book. I would never want her to give in willingly because that is not who she is but sometimes it was too hot and cold with her.

The feud between Constantine and Rhys has been bloody over the years and things come to a head during the battle for Viviane's heart. Constantine sees his brother as being beneath him and can't tolerate the thought of losing Viviane and her ability to give him a bloodborn child to his halfbreed brother. He defiles her and with the help of a witch, traps Viviane under the streets of Paris leaving Rhys to think she perished in a fire. Constantine plays the depraved bad brother to the T.

Seducing the Vampire strikes all your emotional cords and is the kind of dark, forbidden love story you can't get enough of. The book jumps from 1785 to the present day to tell how Viviane and Rhys first came together and how Rhys will do anything to get his vampiress back. There was a steady pace (not too much action but then not too much sappy time either) to the story and the only other issue I had with it was that towards the end everything felt rushed when it came to finding Viviane. The very last few pages were some of the most emotional and the book ends with you wanting the next book. I really liked this one and I think fans of paranormal romance will like it as well.

Stephanie G(less)

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Mar 12, 2013 Bonny Bon Bon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: loved, hot-sex, romance, historical-romance, fantasy

Firstly i must say if you havent read any of Michele Hauf's work you must go out right now and purchase one of her books hehe. this was my first of her books but i already have 2 more on order.

what was not to love about this book it had everything a girl could want. Strong independent hero and heroine, love, paris, 1785, mystery, sex and of course a villian with which u hate no if buts or maybe you hate them!

Throught out the whole book i was intrigued and loved the way it kept reverting back to...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh my dear life! I cannot believe the ending to this. I frigging knew that was going to happen, just knew it, once Constantine raped her and mentioned his "seed" inside her I just flipping knew she would become pregnant! But I have to say it disappointed me. Viviane and Rhys are so in love and they can't even have a proper child, it has to be the bad bastards child! So in the end he still got what he wanted! Like other books of Michelles, it was dirty but I mean if it bothers you then don't read...more

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Jan 20, 2011 Christine rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: galley, adult

Thank God that's over with.

Not my kind of story at all. I usually don't read books set before the 1800s or in France, so I never really got into the historical part of it. Plus I didn't click with Viviane. I liked that she was independent, but the girl wasn't very smart, common sense wise. I liked Rhys, but only so much. The constant back and forth of what will happen should he bite Viviane or vice versa and 'she should accept Constantine as her patron/'wait, no she shouldn't' seemed endless. Ho...more

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Jan 05, 2011 Kelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

Hauf takes us between the eighteenth century to present day in this book. Rhys Hawkes is half vampire and half werewolf. He falls in love with a bloodborn vampire named Viviane LaMourette who has lost her patron Henrie Chevalier who was murdered. Viviane has to now find a new patron (because at that time it was believed that bloodborn vampiress must feed from a familiar bloodborn source to maintain their life essence) but she doesn't want to lose the freedom she had with Henri. Enter Rhys' half...more Hauf takes us between the eighteenth century to present day in this book. Rhys Hawkes is half vampire and half werewolf. He falls in love with a bloodborn vampire named Viviane LaMourette who has lost her patron Henrie Chevalier who was murdered. Viviane has to now find a new patron (because at that time it was believed that bloodborn vampiress must feed from a familiar bloodborn source to maintain their life essence) but she doesn't want to lose the freedom she had with Henri. Enter Rhys' half brother Constantine de Salignac, leader of the tribe Nava, who has been looking for a bloodborn vampire to sire his children. Viviane knows that if she accepts his proposal that she will just become part of his harem. Constantine and Rhys have had bad blood ever since he let Rhys' first love Emeline die. And so ensues the fight for Viviane's love. Eventually she chooses to be with Rhys even knowing that if they were to ever have children the first born must be handed over to a faery to pay Rhys' boon. This infuriates Constantine so he sets it up to have Viviane's house on fire with her in it.

Rhys in present day is the founder of Hawkes Associates which is a bank for the paranormal nations. They store treasures, house volatile objects of a magical nature and offer them a safe and lasting place to keep and exchange, for new currency, their money and valuables as they pass through the centuries. He has mourned the loss of Viviane for over 200 years but now has learned that she might still be alive. After overhearing an urban legend about the Vampire Snow White he figures out that she might have been spelled by a witch and placed in a glass coffin by Constantine instead of dying in the fire. Rhys hires a cat shifter to take him through the tunnels under Paris to look for his beloved.

Hauf has weaved a great story here! I was able to follow the transitions between past and present with no problem. This is a dark paranormal romance and it kept me turning the pages wanting to know more. The epilogue will definitely leave you hanging!! In this book you will find tons of fun characters from faeries, witches, vampires, werewolves and cat shifters! This book I would recommend to readers who love both the paranormal and historical books. (less)

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Nov 10, 2010 Ronda Tutt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Absolutely wonderful!

Viviane LaMourette (Vampire) is courted by two feuding brothers Rhys Hawkes (Vampire/were-wolf) and Constantine (full blooded Vampire). Both brother’s constantly wanting vengeance against each other and this time around it is Rhys turn for vengeance by stealing Constantine’s one love Viviane and tainting her with his blood. However, plans don’t work out as Rhys finds himself falling in love with this beautiful pure blood Vampire.

Viviane is a free spirit and doesn’t want to b...more Absolutely wonderful!

Viviane LaMourette (Vampire) is courted by two feuding brothers Rhys Hawkes (Vampire/were-wolf) and Constantine (full blooded Vampire). Both brother’s constantly wanting vengeance against each other and this time around it is Rhys turn for vengeance by stealing Constantine’s one love Viviane and tainting her with his blood. However, plans don’t work out as Rhys finds himself falling in love with this beautiful pure blood Vampire.

Viviane is a free spirit and doesn’t want to be controlled by anyone but her patron that she is bonded to along with his wife is killed and now she finds herself needing a new patron. Constantine believes he is the perfect Vampire for her but not just because he desires her but because of her pure blood tribal blood that will maintain his status within his tribe and position on the council.

The story heats up when Rhys and Viviane finally give in to their love for each other and Constantine’s jealousy drives him mad and does the most unthinkable thing imaginable. For revenge against his brother Rhys and against Vivian for her disloyalty, he has a warlock (Grim) cast a spell on her to condemn her to a living death inside a glass coffin where she can see and hear everything but her body remains frozen with no movement.

The story absolutely captivated me and I found myself addicted wanting to find out if Rhys finds his lover Vivian and if he retaliates against his brother or if Vivian somehow escapes and comes back to kill Constantine or Grim the warlock.

This is a must read story, so many things happen and I loved the ending with the twin baby boys (Vaillant & Trystan) and the Fairy Cressida. I have to say that I enjoyed this deep read paranormal romance and was happy it had were-wolves, Fairy, and that the time period started out in the 18th century and ended in the 21st century - it is not a fast page turner because you don’t want to miss anything that happens between each paragraph.

I look forward to read the next book in the series “Forever Vampire” in May 2011.
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Nov 09, 2011 Jenny Gearheart rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really give this 2.5 stars. I enjoyed the layout of the book where she went back and forth between the past and the present and tied them together in the end, but I thought it dragged on a bit too much. The vampire everyone is trying to seduce doesn't seem like much of a catch to me. I don't enjoy books where the men are fighting over a woman who is just beautiful. Granted, one of the persuers did only want her to breed,but the man she ultimately chose only wanted her for revenge and then beau...more

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Nov 17, 2010 Miranda Hardy rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: vampire lovers

I have had a morbid fascination with vampires since I was a little girl (who hasn't?). I enjoy reading various vampire authors and I look forward to seeing how they develop their characters. I enjoyed reading about Rhys and Viviane. I enjoyed the story and how it flipped back and forth between 1785 and present day. Michele Hauf weaved the old tale of Viviane, Rhys and Constantine slowly throughout the book, answering a lot of questions along the way. I didn't expect the book to end as it did (I...more

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Jan 07, 2011 Natalia rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE!!!

Shelves: first-reads, own, signed, favorites, 5-stars, vampire, read-in-2011, pnr

I must say that I found this book A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! It is probably going to end up as one of my favourites.

Now I really don't like to give away a lot of the plot or spoilers in my reviews, so if that is what you are looking for, it ain't here!!!

So where do I start??? I don't really know what to say. If I love a book, I love its entirety, from the plot, to the characters. I really feel that this book had a lot of emotion put into it. I wasn't just reading the words, I was feeling the emotion behin...more I must say that I found this book A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! It is probably going to end up as one of my favourites.

Now I really don't like to give away a lot of the plot or spoilers in my reviews, so if that is what you are looking for, it ain't here!!!

So where do I start??? I don't really know what to say. If I love a book, I love its entirety, from the plot, to the characters. I really feel that this book had a lot of emotion put into it. I wasn't just reading the words, I was feeling the emotion behind them. I know that sounds corny, but that is what happened.

I must say that I really enjoyed this world with paranormal characters better than a lot of other books. Other books will try and complicate the paranormal world too much, when it becomes a point of re-reading paragraphs to try and understand. Then re-reading again just to make sure you have understood it correctly. This wasn't the case in this book. Don't get me wrong, don't think that I am saying this book is simple, no way. It is complex, but easily understood, make sense??? Also I wasn't reading it thinking to myself that I knew what would happen next, so that was enjoyable.

Not sure what else to say, everything about it was good. Well better than good, but you get the point. Actually I really enjoyed how all supernatural beings interacted, well at least in Paris. They might not get along but not many chose to be isolated.

When I started reading and I saw one chapter said 'Modern Day, Paris' I screamed a little inside because in most books changing between time periods isn't done well, and predominantly in this book is set in 'Paris, 1785'. But instead with this book I was screaming because every time I changed time periods I wouldn't want to because I would want to stay where I was, but then when I changed back to the other time period I so loved I would not want to change from the time period I was on. Did that make sense??? Oh well...

Anyway, such an enjoyable read you'll be hooked, if not, you're not well. Go see a doctor. Go on, go get it now...

Whoops forgot to mention I won this book off Goodreads off Michele Hauf, though believe me that didn't change my perception. Okay now that is all, go buy, go buy.(less)

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Aug 12, 2011 Jenn rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm conflicted about this book. I couldn't put it down and yet there's a lot I didn't like about it. I found the hero a little meh, the heroine a little meh and the villain fangtastic. The historical aspect of the book was rich and yet the contemporary felt rushed. I loved the Snow White aspect and yet felt a little cheated at the end when the heroine found herself in the 21st century and not the 18th. I get the feeling the word count was up because I'd have love to see her struggle more than fo...more

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Mar 27, 2011 Monique rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars
I really liked how the story went back and forth between 1785 and modern day. We got a lot of the back story and kept up with Rhys' hunt for Viviane at the same time. My heart broke for Rhys as he got his hopes up for finding Viviane alive after two centuries of being buried underneath the streets of Paris. There were lots of secrets involving other vampires, were wolves, faeries and withches and I loved how Viviane and Rhys dealt with them. Rhys was a pretty complex hero. I did get a l...more

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Apr 09, 2011 Monica rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I could not get into this book. I wanted to love it. I love all of the other Michele Hauf books I have had the pleasure of reading but this one I just couldn't get into. I read about 3/4s of the way and just stopped having no desire to finish. I think the story is pretty neat, like the idea and the way she told it. I love the cover as well, it is gorgeous, like all her others. As I said, I wanted to love it, but this one wasn't for me. Give it a try for yourself though, it is a very interesting...more

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Dec 12, 2010 Alisha rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of sweeping love stories; with the para element

Shelves: ac-g

Quick Take:
I was quite mesmerized by this book. There were uneven segments, but overall I am so glad I read this. Part historical, part contemporary, all paranormal-romance goodness. ^_^

Have you ever watched the Quentin Tarantino film, Pulp Fiction? You know how it jumbles up the story's timeline, beginning the film with the "end?" Well, that's this book. In the very prologue, we find out the result of some as-yet untold story. We're treated to the mental and physical torture of a female vampire...more Quick Take:
I was quite mesmerized by this book. There were uneven segments, but overall I am so glad I read this. Part historical, part contemporary, all paranormal-romance goodness. ^_^

Have you ever watched the Quentin Tarantino film, Pulp Fiction? You know how it jumbles up the story's timeline, beginning the film with the "end?" Well, that's this book. In the very prologue, we find out the result of some as-yet untold story. We're treated to the mental and physical torture of a female vampire powerless to change her fate (don't worry: there's nothing too hard to read through). From there, we go a bit back in time (same Paris, same 1785) to follow the life of one Viviane LaMourette. It doesn't take much to realize you're being made to watch the circumstances under which a sweet and unassuming woman finds herself in the unfortunate situation.

That timeline is interspersed with cuts to "present day" Paris. You'd think a story might be less exciting, going in knowing so much about certain major occurrences. One knows early on who will fall in love, who will survive, and who will meet a gruesome fate. But the progression--of both timelines--is very arresting. The transitions between temporal settings are seamless, even as they create tremendous tension.

From the get-go, the dynamic between the three main characters--Viviane, Rhys, and Constantine--was addictive. All three are seductive and powerful creatures, yet ultimately bound by societal expectations and limitations...some human, some paranormal. The love story's emergence and progression is no surprise, but I was pleased to see it well-weaved into an intricate game of posturing and scheming. Rather like "Dangerous Liasons," in a way.

There was a section of the book--what I'd liken to the third or fourth of a five act story--dragged on a bit and was bogged down by a great deal of angst and lengthy character indecision. (Think, "I should buy a Snickers. But no, it'll make me fat. But yes, I'm hungry. But no, it costs a whole dollar. But yes,....") I wouldn't have minded if that particular chunk was cut down, and the subsequent "act" filled out some more. But that's just me..."grain of salt" and all that. And at any rate, the story eventually picked back up and remained extremely engaging through the end.

Indeed, this book should have been called "Seducing the Reader," because that's certainly what it did to me. I absolutely cannot wait for the release of Forever Vampire, a book that takes place after the events of this one.(less)

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Jan 22, 2011 Teresa Kleeman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Out of all my books I've read by Michele Hauf this is my favorite. The story about Rhys and Viviene is a very rocky and stormy romance. When Rhys first see's Viviene he is instantly attracted to her. Rhys has a secret most don't know about him. He's half wolf and half vampire. Rhys is not bloodborn vampire like Viviene nor his brother.

Viviene is a bloodborn vampire. She was a pureblood. In the day of the early seventeen hundreds, most woman needed a patron for them to survive. Viviene didn't wan...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Sarah Iles rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ironico il modo in cui ho scelto questo libro, praticamente al supermercato ne ho preso uno a caso ed era questo. Ammetto la mia ignoranza su "harlequin mondadori", ma comunque qualcosa nella mi testa mi diceva che sapeva di un Harmony, già dalla copertina.

Parte della collana Bluenocturne di settembre 2012, La bara di cristallo si rivela un erotico tra creature fantasy, lupi e vampiri.

La storia per certi versi prende e tiene ma non vi dico quando sono incappata nella parte erotica ed ero in tre...more Ironico il modo in cui ho scelto questo libro, praticamente al supermercato ne ho preso uno a caso ed era questo. Ammetto la mia ignoranza su "harlequin mondadori", ma comunque qualcosa nella mi testa mi diceva che sapeva di un Harmony, già dalla copertina.

Parte della collana Bluenocturne di settembre 2012, La bara di cristallo si rivela un erotico tra creature fantasy, lupi e vampiri.

La storia per certi versi prende e tiene ma non vi dico quando sono incappata nella parte erotica ed ero in treno!!!Pensavo che potevano leggere nella mia testa quello che stavo a mia volta leggendo. Comunque il libro va bene per una lettura "frugale", per chi ha necessità, come me in quel momento, di leggere qualcosa. Non so dare un giudizio, andrà bene per gli/le amanti del genere, io non ne ricomprerei uno simile!! E' vero comunque che l'autrice ha un modo scorrevole di scrivere e che riesce a fare un parallelo tra il presente e il passato senza far perdere il filo al lettore. Mi è piaciuta molto l'idea della bara di cristallo legata a un vampiro rinchiuso da secoli in un sonno magico; una biancaneve dei vampiri. Non credevo inoltre che potesse reggere una storia erotica tra creature "non umane" invece l'autrice coglie nel segno, crea inoltre delle chicche di diversità rispetto a quanto fino ad ora ho letto sui vampiri.

Vi posto dunque la trama, direttamente dalla pagina Harmony: Nella Parigi di Maria Antonietta, la bellissima vampira Viviane cerca un protettore che la lasci libera di vivere come preferisce, cosa che di certo non accadrebbe se accettasse la proposta di matrimonio del potente Constantin de Salignac. L'unico ad accenderle il sangue è Rhys Hawkes, il bellissimo, affascinante, enigmatico fratello di Constantin. Ma proprio quando la passione travolgente che li unisce sta per trasformarsi in qualcosa di più, l'odio secolare che divide i due uomini condanna Viviane a un destino terribile: trascorrere l'eternità nelle viscere di Parigi, sepolta viva in una bara di vetro. Due secoli dopo Rhys, che non l'ha mai dimenticata, sente raccontare la curiosa leggenda della Biancaneve dei vampiri, e la speranza si riaccende nel suo cuore. Che sia la sua splendida principessa svanita nel nulla, l'altra metà della sua anima immortale?

Sarah

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Jun 06, 2012 Tara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, chick-lit, paranormal-romance, vampires, shifters

I should start this by saying that this is not a book for young teens – I’d recommend this only for a mature audience, as there are strong sexual themes and some violence throughout the book.

Admittedly, this one pretty much followed the basic formula of paranormal romance – vampire + werewolf = romance! And yet, it’s all set in Eighteenth century Paris.

Now, given this is a Mills and Boone nocturne, you expect most of the book to be fairly explicit. I’ve read previous titles and more of Michele...more I should start this by saying that this is not a book for young teens – I’d recommend this only for a mature audience, as there are strong sexual themes and some violence throughout the book.

Admittedly, this one pretty much followed the basic formula of paranormal romance – vampire + werewolf = romance! And yet, it’s all set in Eighteenth century Paris.

Now, given this is a Mills and Boone nocturne, you expect most of the book to be fairly explicit. I’ve read previous titles and more of Michele Hauf’s previous work, and yeah, it pretty much fitted with that convention. However, this one was much more romantic in nature than previous titles.

Viviane, a newly patron-less (think a sponsor… a male vampire who gives the female blood to survive) vampiress, is a bloodborn vampire rather than a turned vampire, and therefore lusted over by other males. Amongst said suitors is Constantine de Salignac, the head of the powerful vampire tribe, Nava, who wants to cement his position of power by producing blondborn offspring. He wants Viviane due to the rarity that is the female bloodborn vampire. Unfortunately, his half-brother and half-breed vampire/werewolf crossbreed, Rhys Hawkes, stands between him and his goal.

Rhys intends to extract vengeance from a longstanding grudge match with his brother, and the best way he can see of managing that is to steal the object of his brother’s affections. Unfortunately, that goes wrong, when Rhys finds himself falling for Viviane in a way he never expected.

Throughout the novel, the story is told between the perspectives of both Viviane and Rhys, and some of the story is set in Eighteenth century Paris, and some in the present day – all I’ll really say is think Vampires combined with Snow White and smut.

Overall, the story was fairly good, but there were a few things that bothered me. One was the to-ing and fro-ing between Rhys and Viviane, with deciding whether he could viably be her patron, and should she go for Constantine instead, and no, she shouldn’t, yes she should… and yeah, so it goes on. Secondly, the way that things were sorted out at the end.

However, overall, this book does deliver what it says on the tin, and this was a fairly enjoyable read, even if it isn’t particularly original, and does, to a degree, simply follow the ‘normal’ paranormal romance novel parameters. I enjoyed the book – it isn’t one for the younger audience – but it was a perfect holiday easy read, and yeah, there are hot and steamy bits if you’re into that sort of thing!
(less)

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Feb 08, 2011 Heather rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, vampires, i-hate, could-not-finish

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm a bit hesitant to begin bashing this book since it has so many good reviews, but I'm going to anyway. Reading it, I was reminded why my interest in romance novels peaked in high school. I have had enough of stories that do nothing but expound on the irresistible beauty of the heroine and the overwhelming maleness of the hero. Have we not moved beyond such characterizations? The story is not very well-developed, nor are the characters. They are not even interesting. AT ALL. And yes, I get tha...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire, fantasy-romance, fantasy, werewolf-shapeshifter

Rhys, half vampire half werewolf - a confusing mix... and because of a pact with a faery, he is in control for all but one day... but he promised his first born to the faery in exchange... his werewolf is in control of the vampire 29 days, but on the full moon the vampire takes control of the were and wants blood - he must lock himself away to keep others safe.... he is young, making his way... he is kindhearted, strong... he is the opposite of his half brother Constantine, a cruel vampire... he...more Rhys, half vampire half werewolf - a confusing mix... and because of a pact with a faery, he is in control for all but one day... but he promised his first born to the faery in exchange... his werewolf is in control of the vampire 29 days, but on the full moon the vampire takes control of the were and wants blood - he must lock himself away to keep others safe.... he is young, making his way... he is kindhearted, strong... he is the opposite of his half brother Constantine, a cruel vampire... he loved a were, but she died at the hands of vampires, and Rhys suspected Constantine coordinated it...

Viviane, 200 year old vampire... a bloodborn, and valued - 2 bloodborns mated would have a powerful vampire child... her patron, Henri, for 200 years - she would take his blood 2 to 4 times a year - and yet he never asked for more intimacies - in fact married 20 years earlier... he granted her great freedom... but Constantine orchestrates Henri's death, employing a witch to help, and she needs another patron (or so they thought in the 1700's)... Constantine is trying to woo Viviane, because he wants a child with her to strengthen his clan - and at his house at a party, Viviane meets Rhys - who is investigating the death of a werewolf...

Rhys and Viviane have an interesting courtship - mostly he comes to her, teases her both with words and kisses - until they finally fall to bed together... but he cannot be her patron because if they exchange blood, he fears his vampire would go on a rampage... his werewolf does not hurt Viviane though... hmmmm... and they love...

and a jealous Constantine engages the witch to spell Viviane, to freeze her (like snow white), and he encloses her in a glass coffin and buries her in the catacombs... and he makes a vampiress of a woman roughly looking like Viviane, kills her and burns her in Viviane's house... and Rhys (coming home after the full moon) finds her ashes, and believes that Viviane is dead...

200 years later, Rhys hears of a legend of a glass coffin ... and he knows it must be Viviane... he returnes to France to search for her... and on the 2nd day, 2 dead bodies (still unclear who killed them, probably Viviane) and a broken glass coffin...

he traces her upside - and we connect with Viviane first... she is confused, disjointed thoughts, hungry, but she isn't killing now, only taking enough blood - she comes across Steve, who helps her, washes her, makes friends and tries to understand what she is saying... she is more coherent after she takes blood... but she gets scared and runs, just as Rhys gets to their block... Steve & Rhys join forces to find her...

and they find her within 30 minutes of the full moon... making it back to Rhys' place, where he apologises and leaves her to be locked up... she remembers that Rhys is her lover, and that she had thought about his need, and she believed that they needed to exchange blood to tame his vampire... so she staggers to him, forces his assistant to open his cage... and they exchange blood...

and she is herself, and the embryo she was carrying, that was frozen with her starts to grow... and 9 months later she delivers twins... and the faery comes for one... the one she thought was a hybrid were/vamp... but in his adolescence, he does not change and thirsts, though he will not take blood... and a doctor examines him and he is full vamp / bloodborn - no value to the faery... and the story ends in her screams... i hope that means that he gets to go home to his parents...

i wonder if there will be a part 2, and if so, will I ever know about it?(less)

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Dec 22, 2010 Rebecca Rogers rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, for-review, historical-romance, paranormal-romance, romance, paranormal, historical, vampires

**ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

First of all, let me say that I'm not a vampire fan. Never have been, really. But the idea of an adult romance with paranormal elements appealed to me, and I wanted to read something different. I am so glad I read this book.

Told in third person omniscient, this may be hard to follow for some readers, but wasn't a problem for me. The story switches between the 18th century and present day, mostly in Paris. Vampires used "patrons" for blood. Once someone is marked with...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Cyna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Cyna reads a romance novel. SHOCK OF THE CENTURY: she is ambivalent about it.

Seducing the Vampire is yet another romance title I'm seriously "eh" about. It wasn't great, but it wasn't badly-written, nor was it terribly offensive. I can't really rant and bitch about it, but I can't sing its praises, either. All I'm left with after finishing it are a few small complaints and compliments, and the sincere wish that this book had tried to be a little more.

Let's start with the good: Seducing the Vampi...more

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