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Cassandra Bick Chronicles #2
Wolf Night
After narrowly averting a supernatural war in London, Cassandra Bick just wants life to get back to normal. Or as normal as life can be when you run a dating agency for vampires, your best friend is a witch and the oldest, strongest and sexiest vampire in town is taking a very personal interest in your business. But when a vicious new supernatural enemy threatens her friends, Cass finds herself once again fighting for the fate of her city – and having to face some demons of her own.
Snarky, sexy and fast paced, Wolf Night will leave you breathless.
Wolf Night is Book 2 in the Dark Dates series, the Chronicles of Cassandra Bick.
Snarky, sexy and fast paced, Wolf Night will leave you breathless.
Wolf Night is Book 2 in the Dark Dates series, the Chronicles of Cassandra Bick.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2013
45 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Sinclair
15 books91 followersTracey Sinclair is a freelance writer and editor. Her first novel and collection of short stories (Doll and No Love Is This, respectively) were published by independent publisher Kennedy & Boyd. Other books include the romantic comedy Bridesmaid Blues and the paranormal series Dark Dates/The Cassandra Bick Chronicles.
Her work has appeared in magazines as diverse as Sky, Printer’s Devil, Yours and Woman’s Weekly, as well as having been performed on the radio and included in a number of anthologies. Her first play, Bystanders, was premiered as part of the New Writing Season at Baron’s Court Theatre and has been performed at both the White Bear Theatre and the Tristan Bates (both in London). With Zoe Cunningham and Peta Lily she co-wrote Cunningham's one-woman show 'An Evening with Dark Dates' which was performed at the Tristan Bates and in the Brighton Fringe.
She also a regular contributor to a number of legal and business magazines, as well as to theatre website Exeunt and the magazine The Stage.
Her work has appeared in magazines as diverse as Sky, Printer’s Devil, Yours and Woman’s Weekly, as well as having been performed on the radio and included in a number of anthologies. Her first play, Bystanders, was premiered as part of the New Writing Season at Baron’s Court Theatre and has been performed at both the White Bear Theatre and the Tristan Bates (both in London). With Zoe Cunningham and Peta Lily she co-wrote Cunningham's one-woman show 'An Evening with Dark Dates' which was performed at the Tristan Bates and in the Brighton Fringe.
She also a regular contributor to a number of legal and business magazines, as well as to theatre website Exeunt and the magazine The Stage.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 19, 2013
4.5/5
Well, it definitely left me breathless because I was laughing too hard through most of the book.
Wolf Night was wonderful and it satisfied a craving for a popular vampire culture pisstake. I remember liking book #1, Dark Dates, but since then Tracey settled into the genre comfortably and her writing got considerably better.
The thing is, the plot is good and it's pure urban fantasy, but it's the banter between the characters which really gets you.
Laclos for example who is a spitting image of Jean-Claude from Anita Blake's series and a 2000-year old vampire ruling London doesn't take himself seriously and plays on cultural cliches.
“I have tried to be romantic, have I not? I have flirted, I have charmed – and I am well aware of just how charming I can be – and I have been attentive. I have sent you some of the finest wines money can buy…”
“Oh. So, I probably shouldn’t be drinking them like cheap plonk, should I?” I frowned, guiltily, and he flashed me a brief, appalled glance. I think it was the first time I’d properly shocked him.
“Once I get to the stage of bringing you actual furniture, I am afraid I am running out of ideas, beyond swooping through your bedroom windows in a velvet cloak and watching you while you sleep – which not only has been done to death by my predecessors, but is, I think you’ll agree, actually slightly creepy. So, no, this is not romantic. But I was rather under the impression that you were tired of hollow romantic gestures, when they come from a basis of untruth.”
I frowned at him. He had me there. I really wasn’t doing that well in this argument. As usual, I tried to mask my confusion with humour.
“You totally have a velvet cape, don’t you?”
He allowed himself a small smile, then turned the full force of that dark gaze on me.
“Would it help if I put it on?”
Also Cass herself is full of witty comebacks, but as an owner of dating agency which helps to bring vampires and wannabies together she's seen it all and treats vamps who are entirely self-absorbed for their own good with a great measure of sarcasm.
“Did it ever occur to you, Laclos, that your bodyguards wouldn’t keep turning on you if you weren’t such a twat to them?”
But this is just a tip of he iceberg. There is wonderful Medea, a witch, who is getting married to her partner shifter Katie, and of course there is delicious Cain, a supernatural monster killer, whom Cass has been attracted to all her life.
The drawback of Dark Dates which I've mentioned before, weak characterization of the main heroes of the book, disappears in Wolf Night. The reader has no problem seeing Cass, Laclos, Cain, Medea and Katie and understanding their motivation which really makes book #2 so much stronger and so much more pleasurable.
If the big bad of Dark Dates was a vampire, this time Cass and Co. have to fight a nasty bunch of Scottish werewolves, causing chaos in their beloved city. Wolf Night is dark, snarkalicious and explores what it's like to be a supernatural in modern world, crazy on Twilight, True Blood and Winchester brothers.
Highly recommended.
Well, it definitely left me breathless because I was laughing too hard through most of the book.
Wolf Night was wonderful and it satisfied a craving for a popular vampire culture pisstake. I remember liking book #1, Dark Dates, but since then Tracey settled into the genre comfortably and her writing got considerably better.
The thing is, the plot is good and it's pure urban fantasy, but it's the banter between the characters which really gets you.
Laclos for example who is a spitting image of Jean-Claude from Anita Blake's series and a 2000-year old vampire ruling London doesn't take himself seriously and plays on cultural cliches.
“I have tried to be romantic, have I not? I have flirted, I have charmed – and I am well aware of just how charming I can be – and I have been attentive. I have sent you some of the finest wines money can buy…”
“Oh. So, I probably shouldn’t be drinking them like cheap plonk, should I?” I frowned, guiltily, and he flashed me a brief, appalled glance. I think it was the first time I’d properly shocked him.
“Once I get to the stage of bringing you actual furniture, I am afraid I am running out of ideas, beyond swooping through your bedroom windows in a velvet cloak and watching you while you sleep – which not only has been done to death by my predecessors, but is, I think you’ll agree, actually slightly creepy. So, no, this is not romantic. But I was rather under the impression that you were tired of hollow romantic gestures, when they come from a basis of untruth.”
I frowned at him. He had me there. I really wasn’t doing that well in this argument. As usual, I tried to mask my confusion with humour.
“You totally have a velvet cape, don’t you?”
He allowed himself a small smile, then turned the full force of that dark gaze on me.
“Would it help if I put it on?”
Also Cass herself is full of witty comebacks, but as an owner of dating agency which helps to bring vampires and wannabies together she's seen it all and treats vamps who are entirely self-absorbed for their own good with a great measure of sarcasm.
“Did it ever occur to you, Laclos, that your bodyguards wouldn’t keep turning on you if you weren’t such a twat to them?”
But this is just a tip of he iceberg. There is wonderful Medea, a witch, who is getting married to her partner shifter Katie, and of course there is delicious Cain, a supernatural monster killer, whom Cass has been attracted to all her life.
The drawback of Dark Dates which I've mentioned before, weak characterization of the main heroes of the book, disappears in Wolf Night. The reader has no problem seeing Cass, Laclos, Cain, Medea and Katie and understanding their motivation which really makes book #2 so much stronger and so much more pleasurable.
If the big bad of Dark Dates was a vampire, this time Cass and Co. have to fight a nasty bunch of Scottish werewolves, causing chaos in their beloved city. Wolf Night is dark, snarkalicious and explores what it's like to be a supernatural in modern world, crazy on Twilight, True Blood and Winchester brothers.
Highly recommended.
August 31, 2013
There are, in general, two things that don't work for me in fiction. 1) Love triangles involving vampires; 2) Chest-thumping, gun-toting alpha males. I've grown older (and hopefully wiser); the alpha male thing just doesn't stir me anymore, and the vampire love triangles have been done to death.
Tracey Sinclair utilizes BOTH in her Cassandra Bick Chronicles, and I forgive her for it, because she's done an awesome job in Wolf Night. The first novel, Dark Dates, was spectacular for its dazzling surprises and insights into a host of outstanding characters: "Medea is a what?! Katie is a what?! Cain is a what?!" How do you top that?
Fortunately, Ms. Sinclair did.
Wolf Night started out a little slow for me. A werewolf pack appears in London, and Cass's ex-boyfriend comes knocking on her door. The chess pieces moved into place. I didn't always know how they connected, but I picked out the villain the moment he showed up. (Of course, he proved me right.) At about the 60% mark in my Kindle, the story took off like a rocket and kept me turning page after breathless page to the end.
Cass, the token human, is one of my favorite protagonists. I can't actually tell you what she looks like, but it doesn't matter. She has one of the key requisites for a memorable heroine: she attracts trouble (and on a slow day, she'll go out of her way to create trouble.) Her matter-of-fact approach to all manner of supernatural things, her human approach to solving problems (who needs supernatural strength or fangs for that matter...just grab a heavy candlestick and hit the attacking monster in the face...), and her ironic humor carry the day.
Cain, the earthbound angel, is hands down the most awesome alpha male I've come across (and this is from someone who has read Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kresley Cole, etc.) Cain has an inappropriate sense of how to woo women (he gives Cass weapon upgrades instead of flowers), is still married (to a sword-wielding goddess, no less), but he treats Cass with a subtle sensitivity that anchors his love for, and appreciation of, her. It is subtle--one mustn't tarnish the alpha male image too much--but it is there, and I applaud Ms. Sinclair for bringing Cain vividly to life.
Finally, the love triangle involving the vampire...It's not just two guys after the one girl. It's much more complex--it's actually hard to tell who the vampire wants more...the heroine, or the alpha male. :-) Yummy!
Anyway, I heartily recommend Wolf Night, and strongly suggest reading it after Dark Dates. Yes, Wolf Night can stand alone as a novel, but the characters and nuances of relationships are established in Dark Dates, and your reading experience will be much enriched by the background. Besides, Dark Dates is a solid 5-star read too. You won't be wasting your time.
My only gripe with Wolf Night is the cover. It fails to do the book justice. So, ignore the cover and just read the book.
Tracey Sinclair utilizes BOTH in her Cassandra Bick Chronicles, and I forgive her for it, because she's done an awesome job in Wolf Night. The first novel, Dark Dates, was spectacular for its dazzling surprises and insights into a host of outstanding characters: "Medea is a what?! Katie is a what?! Cain is a what?!" How do you top that?
Fortunately, Ms. Sinclair did.
Wolf Night started out a little slow for me. A werewolf pack appears in London, and Cass's ex-boyfriend comes knocking on her door. The chess pieces moved into place. I didn't always know how they connected, but I picked out the villain the moment he showed up. (Of course, he proved me right.) At about the 60% mark in my Kindle, the story took off like a rocket and kept me turning page after breathless page to the end.
Cass, the token human, is one of my favorite protagonists. I can't actually tell you what she looks like, but it doesn't matter. She has one of the key requisites for a memorable heroine: she attracts trouble (and on a slow day, she'll go out of her way to create trouble.) Her matter-of-fact approach to all manner of supernatural things, her human approach to solving problems (who needs supernatural strength or fangs for that matter...just grab a heavy candlestick and hit the attacking monster in the face...), and her ironic humor carry the day.
Cain, the earthbound angel, is hands down the most awesome alpha male I've come across (and this is from someone who has read Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kresley Cole, etc.) Cain has an inappropriate sense of how to woo women (he gives Cass weapon upgrades instead of flowers), is still married (to a sword-wielding goddess, no less), but he treats Cass with a subtle sensitivity that anchors his love for, and appreciation of, her. It is subtle--one mustn't tarnish the alpha male image too much--but it is there, and I applaud Ms. Sinclair for bringing Cain vividly to life.
Finally, the love triangle involving the vampire...It's not just two guys after the one girl. It's much more complex--it's actually hard to tell who the vampire wants more...the heroine, or the alpha male. :-) Yummy!
Anyway, I heartily recommend Wolf Night, and strongly suggest reading it after Dark Dates. Yes, Wolf Night can stand alone as a novel, but the characters and nuances of relationships are established in Dark Dates, and your reading experience will be much enriched by the background. Besides, Dark Dates is a solid 5-star read too. You won't be wasting your time.
My only gripe with Wolf Night is the cover. It fails to do the book justice. So, ignore the cover and just read the book.
March 23, 2017
Get ready to laugh your tush off because Cassandra is back! After surviving a near supernatural war, Cassandra's company took a bit of a hit but now she has a new partner, who just doesn't want to be a silent one. Then there's Medea who announces she's getting married, only there are those who may not be so happy about it. How can things get any worse? How about a couple of exes and a not so quite ex-wife. Cassandra just wants to get back to business...life has other plans.
On the outside chance you didn’t read the first book in the series, which I think you’re crazy if you haven’t, I’ll continue to keep Cain’s secret of what he is. However, we already know Medea is a witch and Katie is a shifter so those two are easy to discuss. Notice I said Katie is a shifter, as in she can shift into whatever creature she wants. Which makes her a hot commodity, especially for a Scottish werewolf…who also happens to be homophobic. Why do I mention that? Well because Medea and Katie are getting married. WooHoo! And, Cassandra wants to do something special for them. Sounds good, except for Cass wants to make it a surprise. Which gets them into all sorts of trouble starting with said werewolf and from old acquaintances of Medea. Throw in flirty Laclos and Cain’s wife (Yes, wife!) things just get all kinds of crazy.
Cass of course is in rare form and handles it with her usual human flair. That’s a nice way of saying, she manages to screw the pooch a few times. Well-intended surprise party, bedding Laclos, endless curious questions aimed at Cain (although not the right ones when you realize he’s married) kept this laughing roller coaster flying along. There’s lots of sass and humor mixed in with all the fun. New characters in the way of Laclos' bodyguards which has Cass speculating and me laughing about. There’s of course a nice epic battle followed up with an ‘OMG! what’s going to happen next’ ending that had me scrambling to start the next book.
I’m not sure why I haven’t discovered Tracey Sinclair before but I’m certainly glad I did. Her flair for storytelling is quite engaging and has me laughing with all the antics she puts Cass and friends through. I originally wanted to read Cassandra Bick Chronicles because, having read previous series involving dating series for the paranormals, I wanted to see how they measured up. There. Is. No. Comparison. Hands down this is the winner. Now excuse me, it's 2am and I must get some sleep...but not until I get lost in the next book.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 5, Flames - 2.5
On the outside chance you didn’t read the first book in the series, which I think you’re crazy if you haven’t, I’ll continue to keep Cain’s secret of what he is. However, we already know Medea is a witch and Katie is a shifter so those two are easy to discuss. Notice I said Katie is a shifter, as in she can shift into whatever creature she wants. Which makes her a hot commodity, especially for a Scottish werewolf…who also happens to be homophobic. Why do I mention that? Well because Medea and Katie are getting married. WooHoo! And, Cassandra wants to do something special for them. Sounds good, except for Cass wants to make it a surprise. Which gets them into all sorts of trouble starting with said werewolf and from old acquaintances of Medea. Throw in flirty Laclos and Cain’s wife (Yes, wife!) things just get all kinds of crazy.
Cass of course is in rare form and handles it with her usual human flair. That’s a nice way of saying, she manages to screw the pooch a few times. Well-intended surprise party, bedding Laclos, endless curious questions aimed at Cain (although not the right ones when you realize he’s married) kept this laughing roller coaster flying along. There’s lots of sass and humor mixed in with all the fun. New characters in the way of Laclos' bodyguards which has Cass speculating and me laughing about. There’s of course a nice epic battle followed up with an ‘OMG! what’s going to happen next’ ending that had me scrambling to start the next book.
I’m not sure why I haven’t discovered Tracey Sinclair before but I’m certainly glad I did. Her flair for storytelling is quite engaging and has me laughing with all the antics she puts Cass and friends through. I originally wanted to read Cassandra Bick Chronicles because, having read previous series involving dating series for the paranormals, I wanted to see how they measured up. There. Is. No. Comparison. Hands down this is the winner. Now excuse me, it's 2am and I must get some sleep...but not until I get lost in the next book.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 5, Flames - 2.5
April 6, 2013
This is a laugh-out-loud story with some utterly ridiculous moments in the midst of dangerous and even deadly happenings. Cass is kick- ass in all small letters, but her sense of the absurd and what is fair, and a streak of loyalty a mile long is endearing and entertaining. Rarely will I quote from a book in a review – but here is Cassandra in a simple quote:
“There are some women who would – quite understandably – scream if they woke up to find a man standing at the foot of their bed. Honestly though, these days I could barely even muster surprise.”
I actually have come to enjoy the combination of satire / serious happenings that Sinclair has managed to weave into this series. While the immortals are super hot, or super not: the banter with the characters is worth the read alone. In this book, Cass has managed to maintain her business, Dark Dates, an agency that caters to vampires and other supernatural creatures who want to find a good night out, friendship, or even love. Unfortunately, her assistant Medea is getting married to her girlfriend Katie, a shifter, and Cass in her unknowing but well-meaning exuberance, brings the pack of werewolves that Katie was hiding from right into London.
Now, who else would craft a homophobic, sexist, racist Scottish alpha werewolf who despises all other supernaturals just because? And talk endlessly about the fashion sense of Laclos’ two new bodyguards? Or one who questions her first lover / protector fallen angel Cain with a game of 20 questions as to which parts of the bible are “real”? These moments just drop in unexpectedly and keep you laughing even as the action and danger are becoming more extreme.
Of course, there is steamy sex – and tons of sexual innuendo. But if you want a series that takes you on a 180 degree turn from sparkles and doom and gloom all the time- this is the series to read. And the sequel has only served to sharpen Tracey Sinclair’s style and polish the edges smooth; this was a better book than the first: and the first was still darn good.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
“There are some women who would – quite understandably – scream if they woke up to find a man standing at the foot of their bed. Honestly though, these days I could barely even muster surprise.”
I actually have come to enjoy the combination of satire / serious happenings that Sinclair has managed to weave into this series. While the immortals are super hot, or super not: the banter with the characters is worth the read alone. In this book, Cass has managed to maintain her business, Dark Dates, an agency that caters to vampires and other supernatural creatures who want to find a good night out, friendship, or even love. Unfortunately, her assistant Medea is getting married to her girlfriend Katie, a shifter, and Cass in her unknowing but well-meaning exuberance, brings the pack of werewolves that Katie was hiding from right into London.
Now, who else would craft a homophobic, sexist, racist Scottish alpha werewolf who despises all other supernaturals just because? And talk endlessly about the fashion sense of Laclos’ two new bodyguards? Or one who questions her first lover / protector fallen angel Cain with a game of 20 questions as to which parts of the bible are “real”? These moments just drop in unexpectedly and keep you laughing even as the action and danger are becoming more extreme.
Of course, there is steamy sex – and tons of sexual innuendo. But if you want a series that takes you on a 180 degree turn from sparkles and doom and gloom all the time- this is the series to read. And the sequel has only served to sharpen Tracey Sinclair’s style and polish the edges smooth; this was a better book than the first: and the first was still darn good.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
June 19, 2015
Having just had a thoroughly enjoyable re-read of Wolf Night, I realised how how many wonderful moments there are in the book which had completely slipped my mind (nothing to do with the book, just with my own poor memory!). Tracey Sinclair can certainly write a wonderful scene, with the ideal balance of action, thrills and humour - so much excellent humour, Cass sounds like just the sort of person you would want to hang out with. I enjoyed seeing a bit further into the characters' lives, particularly seeing a bit more of Katie and Medea, and after a fairly leisurely start to the book once the action really got going, it kept up the excitement right to the end of the book. Thoroughly enjoyable, I will definitely be recommending this to anyone who will listen to me!
June 4, 2013
Poor Cass is facing even more trouble than last time: shapeshifters, weres, vampires and hunters all determined to mash up London.
Cass is in the centre of it all and faces each event with wit and often a handy candlestick. Laugh out loud, hugely enjoyable.
And I know I'm in the minority here, but Vampire Laclos (with all his languishing and draping and inappropriate innuendo) has me hugely entertained and a little bit hot under the collar :) Recommended. More please!
Cass is in the centre of it all and faces each event with wit and often a handy candlestick. Laugh out loud, hugely enjoyable.
And I know I'm in the minority here, but Vampire Laclos (with all his languishing and draping and inappropriate innuendo) has me hugely entertained and a little bit hot under the collar :) Recommended. More please!
July 18, 2013
I'm absolutely loving these books - love the characters, loving the story and I like the whole concept. It's also nice having a book based in London for a change. Lived over the for a couple of years and go back fairly regularly. Can't wait for the next one.
December 30, 2023
Paranormal fantasy/romance with really great female characters is a win for me
The series is based on a fun premise - paranormal dating agency - with some darker turns - a great continuation!
The series is based on a fun premise - paranormal dating agency - with some darker turns - a great continuation!
March 23, 2015
*SPOILERS* I would give this book 2.5 stars just because I couldn't get through it. I can't relate to Cass and I keep forgetting that she is an adult with her own business. I don't understand her thought processes or the decisions she makes and she often comes across as a naive teenager/ high schooler going on an adventure. Don't get me wrong, she has her moments where I feel her pain and can understand where she's coming from but it's too few and far between. I hoped for some growth from the last book, but I'm not really seeing it. Too many repetitive thoughts, lines, and she pretty much stays jealous of someone for something. Oh and please don't let her see any piece of a man she will immediately get distracted. I actually thought it was kind of funny when she mentioned that Laclos distracted her with his flirting, but he doesn't really have to flirt for her to be distractled. O_O like no one does...lol
Anyway, I guess the last straw was when Cass and Cain were on a stakeout and she had a light bulb moment (one of many by the way): 'Hey, I have an idea. Lets fool around while we're on a stakeout! You know the one where we are supposed to be on guard for blood thirsty dangerous werewolves who have no problem killing children....and my friends for that matter, but....leeeeets get it ooooooonnn, sugaaaaaa!!! lol She had no problem distracting the one person standing between her and possible death.
At that point, I was like, 'Wow really?....ok I'm done." I'm just saying I would want the person that could actually fight and kill them to be paying attention, but then again maybe that's just me. Sex pretty much seems to be her priority imo.
I just couldn't get into it any more. That this was a world of real danger, drama, angst and it just started seeming staged and forced to me. However I did enjoy "A Vampire Christmas" and "A Vampire Walks into a Bar".
Love the idea of a dating service and wished I saw more of that and actual matchmaking besides the random party being thrown. Would love to know more about the other characters to be honest just because they seem to be more mature and have more interesting backgrounds: Val, Mey, Katie, Cain (I really think he took advantage of her by the way, you're how old messing with a teenager in a vulnerable position? yea, he knew what he was doing) and Laclos (he's suspect too, I did not forget about him. that whole, 'i can smell it on you so you must want it' thing...no sir. just no. i can think of similar folks who have that same train of thought to justify their actions, no)
Maybe I'll pick it up again and see if things get better down the road, *shrugs* but for now I have to walk away.
Anyway, I guess the last straw was when Cass and Cain were on a stakeout and she had a light bulb moment (one of many by the way): 'Hey, I have an idea. Lets fool around while we're on a stakeout! You know the one where we are supposed to be on guard for blood thirsty dangerous werewolves who have no problem killing children....and my friends for that matter, but....leeeeets get it ooooooonnn, sugaaaaaa!!! lol She had no problem distracting the one person standing between her and possible death.
At that point, I was like, 'Wow really?....ok I'm done." I'm just saying I would want the person that could actually fight and kill them to be paying attention, but then again maybe that's just me. Sex pretty much seems to be her priority imo.
I just couldn't get into it any more. That this was a world of real danger, drama, angst and it just started seeming staged and forced to me. However I did enjoy "A Vampire Christmas" and "A Vampire Walks into a Bar".
Love the idea of a dating service and wished I saw more of that and actual matchmaking besides the random party being thrown. Would love to know more about the other characters to be honest just because they seem to be more mature and have more interesting backgrounds: Val, Mey, Katie, Cain (I really think he took advantage of her by the way, you're how old messing with a teenager in a vulnerable position? yea, he knew what he was doing) and Laclos (he's suspect too, I did not forget about him. that whole, 'i can smell it on you so you must want it' thing...no sir. just no. i can think of similar folks who have that same train of thought to justify their actions, no)
Maybe I'll pick it up again and see if things get better down the road, *shrugs* but for now I have to walk away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2013
I have been dying for the next instalment of the Cassandra Bick Chronicles ever since I finished Dark Dates, and Wolf Night did not disappoint! This is another brilliant book from Tracey Sinclair full of wit, humour, violence, sex and great writing.
There’s a new baddie in town, and once again Cass finds herself caught up trying to save London alongside the delicious Cain and fabulously arrogant Laclos. There’s some great twists in this book and plenty of dry humour even in the tensest moments, with the repartee between Cain and Laclos being particularly clever. One of the things I love about the Dark Dates series is that, unlike many fantasy books, the supernatural happens alongside normal life - Cain queuing in Tesco, vampires drinking in pubs etc. London is almost a character of its own and I love that Sinclair has steered clear of setting the action around the city’s more famous sights and landmarks and instead used lesser-known areas, like Smithfield. I really enjoyed finding out more about the characters’ histories and seeing their relationships with each other evolve too. Wolf Night is much darker in tone than Dark Dates, and the ending suggests the next story is going to be even more so.
I really want to read book 3 now!
There’s a new baddie in town, and once again Cass finds herself caught up trying to save London alongside the delicious Cain and fabulously arrogant Laclos. There’s some great twists in this book and plenty of dry humour even in the tensest moments, with the repartee between Cain and Laclos being particularly clever. One of the things I love about the Dark Dates series is that, unlike many fantasy books, the supernatural happens alongside normal life - Cain queuing in Tesco, vampires drinking in pubs etc. London is almost a character of its own and I love that Sinclair has steered clear of setting the action around the city’s more famous sights and landmarks and instead used lesser-known areas, like Smithfield. I really enjoyed finding out more about the characters’ histories and seeing their relationships with each other evolve too. Wolf Night is much darker in tone than Dark Dates, and the ending suggests the next story is going to be even more so.
I really want to read book 3 now!
April 14, 2013
Having been introduced to Cassandra Bick in Dark Dates, I couldn’t wait to meet up with her again in the second of her adventures. I found Wolf Night to be an altogether darker story with some truly nasty characters, who from the outset seek to cause as much damage as they can. Yet throughout the darkness of the story, there is a wonderful thread of humour, which is a delight to read and adds some necessary contrast.
Those who are familiar with Dark Dates will rejoice that their favourite characters have returned stronger than ever. There is just as much passion on the pages as before, but this time round the characters are well established, their supernatural skills are well honed, and whilst Cassandra, Medea and Katie remain the heart and soul of the story; it is in the interaction between the supernatural alpha males, Laclos and Cain, where the story really starts to zing off the scale, as love, hate, jealousy, and overwhelming lust, all spiral out of control.
I am sure that the author is onto a real winner with this series. The urban fantasy world in which these characters roam has the potential to run and run and run.....
Those who are familiar with Dark Dates will rejoice that their favourite characters have returned stronger than ever. There is just as much passion on the pages as before, but this time round the characters are well established, their supernatural skills are well honed, and whilst Cassandra, Medea and Katie remain the heart and soul of the story; it is in the interaction between the supernatural alpha males, Laclos and Cain, where the story really starts to zing off the scale, as love, hate, jealousy, and overwhelming lust, all spiral out of control.
I am sure that the author is onto a real winner with this series. The urban fantasy world in which these characters roam has the potential to run and run and run.....
March 24, 2013
It's rare that I like a sequel better than the first book in a series, but it happens as evidenced with Wolf Night! I had forgotten how much I loved these characters! Snarkiness at it's best. I was full out laughing at some parts!
Cassandra seems to attract trouble. But don't feel too bad for her, she also seems to attract sexy as sin immortals too! Cain and Laclos........while very different and in opposing corners, they both can elicit unladylike behavior from Cassandra. And I don't blame her! They are the epitome of sex. While the book does have this sexy triangle, it also has LOTS of action. It felt like something new was happening every other page. From page one, I remembered why I enjoyed book one, Dark Dates, so much. I can't wait for more from these characters. If you like action with some steamy goodness, you'll love this series!
Cassandra seems to attract trouble. But don't feel too bad for her, she also seems to attract sexy as sin immortals too! Cain and Laclos........while very different and in opposing corners, they both can elicit unladylike behavior from Cassandra. And I don't blame her! They are the epitome of sex. While the book does have this sexy triangle, it also has LOTS of action. It felt like something new was happening every other page. From page one, I remembered why I enjoyed book one, Dark Dates, so much. I can't wait for more from these characters. If you like action with some steamy goodness, you'll love this series!
April 13, 2016
I loved this sequel to Dark Dates. All of the characters are now fully formed and the action flows so much better than the first book. I especially liked the stake out scene... I can't wait to find out what happens next.
March 10, 2013
More supernatural high-jinks from Cass and co. Great fast paced story that makes it a real page turner/ button clicker and some great new characters too. Lets hope for more novels and short stories soon. I already miss Cain.
April 1, 2013
A solid second novel following an equally good first novel. We continue on the adventures of Cassandra Bick and her friends. The stakes are real, there are actual consequences, and everything is just captivating.
Thoroughly fun read. I loved it.
Thoroughly fun read. I loved it.
April 2, 2013
A really good second instalment - in genre fiction, many authors struggle to conjure up convincing yet clear action scenes but Tracey Sinclair is really skilled at creating kinetic and lucid action. Looking forward to the next one!
April 2, 2013
Page turner, I preferred it to the first one (& I gave that five stars).
March 31, 2013
I loved this and enjoyed it even more than the first - even cried at one point! Couldn't believe the book ended when it did - far too soon.
August 29, 2013
I laughed out loud so many times when reading this. I also devoured it in a day. Great characters, great story and the added bonus of pop culture references I understand!
August 25, 2018
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 256
Publisher - self
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
After narrowly averting a supernatural war in London, Cassandra Bick just wants life to get back to normal. Or as normal as life can be when you run a dating agency for vampires, your best friend is a witch and the oldest, strongest and sexiest vampire in town is taking a very personal interest in your business. But when a vicious new supernatural enemy threatens her friends, Cass finds herself once again fighting for the fate of her city – and having to face some demons of her own.
Snarky, sexy and fast paced, Wolf Night will leave you breathless.
Wolf Night is Book 2 in the Dark Dates series, the Chronicles of Cassandra Bick.
My Review
Just when Cassandra thought things were settling down (post book 1) another problem rears it's head. In true book form it can never be just one issue though can it :D Laclos, her now business partner continues with his in your face sexual vibrancy, reminding Cassandra just what she is missing. When a new threat has come to town Cassandra has no idea how much it is about to turn her world upside down and threaten everything and everyone close to her.
Ooooh dramas, death, destruction, sexual tension, friendship, sex, violence, homosexuality, racism, witchcraft, fighting, humour, drinking blood and that is just for starters. It is a busy wee book, if you have read the first book you will be familiar with Cassandra's love "triangle" and her small group of friends. We have a more intimate knowledge of their relationships in this book along with the new threat, action, fighting and love.
I love the banter, there is one particular scene, typical of that individuals heritage, that I actually fist pumped and shouted yaaaaas! Cassandra refers to her gift a lot, her sense that helps her detect danger, picks up Cain, vibes and it comes up a lot but as she is surrounded by so much supernaturals it isn't to be unexpected.
The book has a lot of everything but it is crafted together well, the characters, the narration, it has a variety of content and I personally laughed more than a few times. I have the next in the series on my gigantor tbrm, I cannot wait to read the next and see what is in store for the characters, 4/5 for me.
Pages - 256
Publisher - self
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
After narrowly averting a supernatural war in London, Cassandra Bick just wants life to get back to normal. Or as normal as life can be when you run a dating agency for vampires, your best friend is a witch and the oldest, strongest and sexiest vampire in town is taking a very personal interest in your business. But when a vicious new supernatural enemy threatens her friends, Cass finds herself once again fighting for the fate of her city – and having to face some demons of her own.
Snarky, sexy and fast paced, Wolf Night will leave you breathless.
Wolf Night is Book 2 in the Dark Dates series, the Chronicles of Cassandra Bick.
My Review
Just when Cassandra thought things were settling down (post book 1) another problem rears it's head. In true book form it can never be just one issue though can it :D Laclos, her now business partner continues with his in your face sexual vibrancy, reminding Cassandra just what she is missing. When a new threat has come to town Cassandra has no idea how much it is about to turn her world upside down and threaten everything and everyone close to her.
Ooooh dramas, death, destruction, sexual tension, friendship, sex, violence, homosexuality, racism, witchcraft, fighting, humour, drinking blood and that is just for starters. It is a busy wee book, if you have read the first book you will be familiar with Cassandra's love "triangle" and her small group of friends. We have a more intimate knowledge of their relationships in this book along with the new threat, action, fighting and love.
I love the banter, there is one particular scene, typical of that individuals heritage, that I actually fist pumped and shouted yaaaaas! Cassandra refers to her gift a lot, her sense that helps her detect danger, picks up Cain, vibes and it comes up a lot but as she is surrounded by so much supernaturals it isn't to be unexpected.
The book has a lot of everything but it is crafted together well, the characters, the narration, it has a variety of content and I personally laughed more than a few times. I have the next in the series on my gigantor tbrm, I cannot wait to read the next and see what is in store for the characters, 4/5 for me.
April 11, 2013
Things have sort of briefly stabilized for Cassandra. Though she is sad that Cain has once again taken off, Laclos' investment in her business has allowed her to keep running Dark Dates and arranging parties for humans and vampires to meet. Then Medea her assistant and Wiccan friend breaks some very exciting news - she's proposed to her girlfriend Kate and they are going to get married. Having no friends and her parents long dead, Kate and Medea have become defacto family. Though Medea insists on wanting a small ceremony, Cassie decides that they must simply have a hen night, which leads to her inadvertently breaking a very important spell cast by Medea. It's not long before Cassandra is fending off, werewolves and wiccans. If that were not bad enough, Cane returns to town the same day that Cassandra finally sleeps with Lacolos, the two thousand year old vampire. Then, proving that bad things happens in threes, her ex boyfriend Sebastian shows up.
Though there was a lot going on in Wolf Night, it got off to a really slow start. This surprised me but by the middle of the book, it really took off. It further didn't help that the ending was all tell and not show. I thought having the bad guy explain his motivation and confess his misdeeds went out with Perry Mason. It's not an artful approach and reads like and info dump because of an inability to wrap up loose ends.
The protagonist Cassandra, who is still terribly insecure became a major issue for me in terms of enjoying Wolf Night and I found myself reading for the ancillary characters, rather than her. Women essentially exist to be competition and remind Cassandra that she is not good enough and this even includes her best friend Medea.
OK, so it wasn’t just the vampires who could make me feel frumpy. If she wasn’t great at her job, really very nice, pretty much my only friend and one of the people who helped me save a city less than a year ago, I might’ve had to hate her. Medea’s magical mojo aside, the rest of the humans were pure vanilla (pg3)
Tall and blonde, she looked like the term ‘ethereal’ had been coined for her: think Cate Blanchett in Lord of the Rings, without the pointy ears. Her outfit was very Wicca-chic – a long, loose skirt that flowed around her slender frame, and a floaty, scoop necked top revealing clavicles you could slice your hands on. Was it my fate to be surrounded by women who made me feel like a dishevelled hag? Maybe all Wiccans used the same spell. Clearly she was used to the effect she had on people, because she didn’t look remotely discombobulated by the fact it took me a good couple of minutes to stop staring and pull myself together enough to speak. (pg 34)
The second quote is in reference to a former lover of Madea's. As you might imagine, this gets tiresome quickly. There has to be something in between the protagonist who is drop dead gorgeous, and doesn't even try and the one (in this case Cassandra) who has such low self esteem that she is in the shadow of every single woman she meets. In this case, this sort of self loathing is particularly unrealistic, as Cassandra is actively being pursued by an angel and a two thousand year old vampire. I can only hope that by the time the third book in this series comes out that Cassandra will leave this annoying tendency behind.
The one thing Cassandra is certain about is what she will and will not accept in a relationship. The infamous handbag makes it appearance when Laclos decides to bite Cassandra without her permission. She makes it absolutely clear that he is never ever to bite her without asking. Laclos believed that because she had said yes once that it gave him tacit permission to feed from her at will. He pulled out the typical vampire line of being able to sense her arousal but Cassandra was absolutely adamant that consent is something that needs to be sought each and every time. I think that this is an extremely important message because enthusiastic consent is something that is so necessary to push because of the pervasiveness of rape culture.
One of the things I love about this series is its great diversity. There are a few characters of color and several bisexual and lesbian characters. I absolutely adore the loving relationship between Medea and Kate and it it is worth noting that their relationship this is the only committed, significant relationship in the series to date. My one issue is that while Medea explains that homophobia is something they have had to deal with, people seem to be more upset that she is Wiccan and Kate is a shifter. This displaces the problems that Medea and Kate would have had to face as an interracial lesbian couple. No fake oppression should every override the lived oppression which historically marginalized people have to negotiate.
Though Cassandra clearly has a lot of respect for Kate and Medea, the idea that she herself might be perceived of as gay bothers her.
And would it be… you that she is marrying?” I wasn’t sure whether to be insulted that she assumed I was gay, or flattered she thought I could bag a woman as hot as Medea. “No, no. Not me. We just work together. I’m organising…. Planning a surprise.” “Well, that’s very nice of you,” she said. (pg 36)
If Cassandra really had left her heterosexual privilege behind, being thought of as gay would not have been conceived of as an insult. It can only be insulting, if someone thinks that there is something wrong with being gay. It further did not help that she continually corrected herself and said Medea and Kate were getting "civil partnered." While civil partnership is allowed in the U.K. and not marriage, it is clear that Medea sees her impending nuptials as marriage and it is therefore problematic that Cassandra would refer to it differently. It's a way of inferring agreement of the limitations enforced by the law and implies that Cassandra views their relationship as secondary to her heterosexual entanglements.
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Though there was a lot going on in Wolf Night, it got off to a really slow start. This surprised me but by the middle of the book, it really took off. It further didn't help that the ending was all tell and not show. I thought having the bad guy explain his motivation and confess his misdeeds went out with Perry Mason. It's not an artful approach and reads like and info dump because of an inability to wrap up loose ends.
The protagonist Cassandra, who is still terribly insecure became a major issue for me in terms of enjoying Wolf Night and I found myself reading for the ancillary characters, rather than her. Women essentially exist to be competition and remind Cassandra that she is not good enough and this even includes her best friend Medea.
OK, so it wasn’t just the vampires who could make me feel frumpy. If she wasn’t great at her job, really very nice, pretty much my only friend and one of the people who helped me save a city less than a year ago, I might’ve had to hate her. Medea’s magical mojo aside, the rest of the humans were pure vanilla (pg3)
Tall and blonde, she looked like the term ‘ethereal’ had been coined for her: think Cate Blanchett in Lord of the Rings, without the pointy ears. Her outfit was very Wicca-chic – a long, loose skirt that flowed around her slender frame, and a floaty, scoop necked top revealing clavicles you could slice your hands on. Was it my fate to be surrounded by women who made me feel like a dishevelled hag? Maybe all Wiccans used the same spell. Clearly she was used to the effect she had on people, because she didn’t look remotely discombobulated by the fact it took me a good couple of minutes to stop staring and pull myself together enough to speak. (pg 34)
The second quote is in reference to a former lover of Madea's. As you might imagine, this gets tiresome quickly. There has to be something in between the protagonist who is drop dead gorgeous, and doesn't even try and the one (in this case Cassandra) who has such low self esteem that she is in the shadow of every single woman she meets. In this case, this sort of self loathing is particularly unrealistic, as Cassandra is actively being pursued by an angel and a two thousand year old vampire. I can only hope that by the time the third book in this series comes out that Cassandra will leave this annoying tendency behind.
The one thing Cassandra is certain about is what she will and will not accept in a relationship. The infamous handbag makes it appearance when Laclos decides to bite Cassandra without her permission. She makes it absolutely clear that he is never ever to bite her without asking. Laclos believed that because she had said yes once that it gave him tacit permission to feed from her at will. He pulled out the typical vampire line of being able to sense her arousal but Cassandra was absolutely adamant that consent is something that needs to be sought each and every time. I think that this is an extremely important message because enthusiastic consent is something that is so necessary to push because of the pervasiveness of rape culture.
One of the things I love about this series is its great diversity. There are a few characters of color and several bisexual and lesbian characters. I absolutely adore the loving relationship between Medea and Kate and it it is worth noting that their relationship this is the only committed, significant relationship in the series to date. My one issue is that while Medea explains that homophobia is something they have had to deal with, people seem to be more upset that she is Wiccan and Kate is a shifter. This displaces the problems that Medea and Kate would have had to face as an interracial lesbian couple. No fake oppression should every override the lived oppression which historically marginalized people have to negotiate.
Though Cassandra clearly has a lot of respect for Kate and Medea, the idea that she herself might be perceived of as gay bothers her.
And would it be… you that she is marrying?” I wasn’t sure whether to be insulted that she assumed I was gay, or flattered she thought I could bag a woman as hot as Medea. “No, no. Not me. We just work together. I’m organising…. Planning a surprise.” “Well, that’s very nice of you,” she said. (pg 36)
If Cassandra really had left her heterosexual privilege behind, being thought of as gay would not have been conceived of as an insult. It can only be insulting, if someone thinks that there is something wrong with being gay. It further did not help that she continually corrected herself and said Medea and Kate were getting "civil partnered." While civil partnership is allowed in the U.K. and not marriage, it is clear that Medea sees her impending nuptials as marriage and it is therefore problematic that Cassandra would refer to it differently. It's a way of inferring agreement of the limitations enforced by the law and implies that Cassandra views their relationship as secondary to her heterosexual entanglements.
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February 13, 2022
Not sure how I feel about this book. I don't love it but I don't entirely hate it.
I came to it late and I am sure if I had read it shortly after it came out, it would not feel so dated. Pop references are a tricky thing.
It's not a romance because frankly NEITHER of the men in the triangle are keepers. On one side we have a bisexual vampire who will give up other women for the h but not other men. On the other we have a earthbound angel who's still married to a Valkyrie and can't commit. I don't really think the h is that great a prize either.
I'm still reading it out of morbid curiosity to see if this crap situation ever gets resolved and mild amusement of the banter. We will see what the next book looks like.
I came to it late and I am sure if I had read it shortly after it came out, it would not feel so dated. Pop references are a tricky thing.
It's not a romance because frankly NEITHER of the men in the triangle are keepers. On one side we have a bisexual vampire who will give up other women for the h but not other men. On the other we have a earthbound angel who's still married to a Valkyrie and can't commit. I don't really think the h is that great a prize either.
I'm still reading it out of morbid curiosity to see if this crap situation ever gets resolved and mild amusement of the banter. We will see what the next book looks like.
March 30, 2024
Shockingly, I love this. Since I wrote it. But I also do love it. And I'm glad I kept it in that, ahem, parked car scene... 😉
September 5, 2013
This book was as good, if not better, than the first one. I read the two novelettes that came between them and do recommend readers check those out. One of them gives a really good perspective to Laclos and Cain that is helpful in understanding those guys better and it was fun to watch them work together to protect Cass. Both stories are referenced in this second full-length novel.
Anyway, this installment was definitely action-packed with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Not to mention the awesome dry humor running throughout it! Cass hasn't improved as a fighter much, but I still appreciate her bravery and effort to do the best she can despite a lack of training and experience. She had to face some things that even her powerful protectors didn't handle so well.
It wasn't just the plot and action that kept me going. The romantic elements were rather intense as well because poor Cass gets really torn between the two men in her life. Despite love triangles getting old, this one is so different than any others I've read before. You'd have to read the book to understand, but I don't fault the heroine for her choices (even if I do secretly wish she could just have both guys). Honestly, I want the next book right now and hope the author will be getting it out soon. This is a series UF readers should be checking out!
Anyway, this installment was definitely action-packed with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Not to mention the awesome dry humor running throughout it! Cass hasn't improved as a fighter much, but I still appreciate her bravery and effort to do the best she can despite a lack of training and experience. She had to face some things that even her powerful protectors didn't handle so well.
It wasn't just the plot and action that kept me going. The romantic elements were rather intense as well because poor Cass gets really torn between the two men in her life. Despite love triangles getting old, this one is so different than any others I've read before. You'd have to read the book to understand, but I don't fault the heroine for her choices (even if I do secretly wish she could just have both guys). Honestly, I want the next book right now and hope the author will be getting it out soon. This is a series UF readers should be checking out!
April 23, 2013
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Oh, Cassandra, how do you managed to get in the middle of so much chaos? This is the second novel in the Cassandra Bick Chronicles by Tracey Sinclair. The first book, Dark Dates, was a favorite of mine and the sequel Wolf Night was just as fabulous. Cassandra is in the middle of two sexy men, evil two timing witches and hungry Shifters, oh my!
Sinclair’s characters are so vivid. They work so well, I feel like I’m watching a movie or television show. I love the triangle going on between Cassandra, the fallen angel Cain and the sexy vampire Laclos. There’s a long list of reasons to pick each one and I’m so excited to see whom Cassandra picks. Oh, and can I have the man she doesn’t pick? Both Cain and Laclos are super sexy with beautifully flawed personalities. There was a great sex scene that was more sensual, it was tastefully written and a blowjob scene that had me all sorts of hot. Add in moments where I literally laughed aloud, Cass has some awesome one-liners.
Oh, Cassandra, how do you managed to get in the middle of so much chaos? This is the second novel in the Cassandra Bick Chronicles by Tracey Sinclair. The first book, Dark Dates, was a favorite of mine and the sequel Wolf Night was just as fabulous. Cassandra is in the middle of two sexy men, evil two timing witches and hungry Shifters, oh my!
Sinclair’s characters are so vivid. They work so well, I feel like I’m watching a movie or television show. I love the triangle going on between Cassandra, the fallen angel Cain and the sexy vampire Laclos. There’s a long list of reasons to pick each one and I’m so excited to see whom Cassandra picks. Oh, and can I have the man she doesn’t pick? Both Cain and Laclos are super sexy with beautifully flawed personalities. There was a great sex scene that was more sensual, it was tastefully written and a blowjob scene that had me all sorts of hot. Add in moments where I literally laughed aloud, Cass has some awesome one-liners.
July 25, 2023
A mess
A somewhat interesting, convoluted mess. I don't like lead characters to stay so stupid. Everyone steps up here but Cass, who is sliding downhill fast. Don't know if I will continue. Almost wish this was mainly a story about he humor of a quirky dating service.
A somewhat interesting, convoluted mess. I don't like lead characters to stay so stupid. Everyone steps up here but Cass, who is sliding downhill fast. Don't know if I will continue. Almost wish this was mainly a story about he humor of a quirky dating service.
December 20, 2015
Vampires, angels, witches & now werewolves, what on earth (?) will Cass come across next! In another authors hand this could be so cheesy - or even just plain ridiculous - but its so well-written I believe each & every event could happen!
I love the banter between the main characters & the snarky humour & let's face it, who wouldn't like to have two sexy supernatural men in their lives? Oh well, a girl can dream....
I love the banter between the main characters & the snarky humour & let's face it, who wouldn't like to have two sexy supernatural men in their lives? Oh well, a girl can dream....
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews