What do you think?
Rate this book
Vampire's Promise #1
A Vampire's Promise
Trust Your Instincts
Rowan Harper is nothing but a smart-mouthed bookstore clerk with a crappy love life on the night she walks into Rosie's Bar. Most of the drama in her life is borrowed from her best friend's adventures. But when she meets Gabriel--tall and movie star gorgeous--everything changes. Never mind that she turns down the drink he offers, or that he brims with secrets she can't begin to guess at. He ignites a desire in her she never suspected--and shows a fascination with her she can't explain.
He has no family, no job, no bank account;he knows where she lives and her favorite flower. An aura of mystery cloaks him, even as Rowan grasps for facts, even as she fears an answer that could destroy her happiness. Gabriel can guide her through a wonderland of new sensations. But only if Rowan trusts him enough to follow. . .
94,350 Words
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
132 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
About the author
Carla Susan Smith
10 books101 followersBorn in England a very long time ago, I now call South Carolina home where I live with my wonderfully supportive family, who have come to learn that meeting deadlines translates to pizza for dinner! When not writing, I’m just like everyone else, trolling the internet looking for recipes (I love rhubarb) checking out cute animal videos (who knew baby owls were so adorable?) and trying to get through my never shrinking stack of to-be-read books!
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me through my website: carlasmithauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
nevermind
January 28, 2017Well, I tried. I don't like the tone of this book. I didn't like lines like this:
Or this:
So... you grudgingly accept your generous breasts and long legs? WOW. Must be hard. Nobody likes a woman with nice boobs and long legs. /sarcasm
I also didn't like the oddly but sneakily judgy tone against other women. So tired.
I did find this line amusing:
I made it to 12 or 14%, and all that had happened was the characters met, arranged a date, and then were about the go on the date. This is shaping up to be romance-heavy in a way that ignores any semblance of plot other than getting the two main characters together. I've read too many vampire books to be entertained by that.
This was a car, for God's sake! Talk about being ridiculous. But it was nice to know the Viking had a "she" in his life that weighed a hell of a lot more than I did.
Or this:
I'm sensible enough to see myself for what I am, which means I'm not that bad to look at. A C-cup may be a little on the generous side, and I wish my legs weren't quite so long, but thankfully, I've never relied on my looks to keep a guy interested.
So... you grudgingly accept your generous breasts and long legs? WOW. Must be hard. Nobody likes a woman with nice boobs and long legs. /sarcasm
I also didn't like the oddly but sneakily judgy tone against other women. So tired.
I did find this line amusing:
He might be a deranged serial killer. Yeah, but he did have a nice smile. Of course, so did most serial killers. I think it's some sort of prerequisite.
I made it to 12 or 14%, and all that had happened was the characters met, arranged a date, and then were about the go on the date. This is shaping up to be romance-heavy in a way that ignores any semblance of plot other than getting the two main characters together. I've read too many vampire books to be entertained by that.
August 13, 2016
This is a joint review for A Vampire's Promise and A Vampire's Soul, as the two books are actually part one and part two of the same story.
So my first thought is a warning: be aware that you need both books if you want a complete story, as neither is a stand alone one. I say it first as many reviews might end on the negative side when the reader is taken by surprise at the lack of ending of A Vampire's Promise.
This reviewer isn't a happy camper with this trend in publishing, but I knew it since the beginning and I decided to ask for a copy anyway. It seemed to me a good way to try something that otherwise I would have missed.
Unfortunately, this isn't the only problem A Vampire's P and S have. The biggest is that there is no plot to sustain all those pages. If the editor had cut a lot of inane dialogues (some of it was soo cheesy to be unbelievable) and some totally unnecessary scenes we would have one single half-decent PNR. Well, maybe not. There seems to be no real storyline here except sex. And this is the second biggest problem.
This is the kind of PNR that stands in the "mated/fated/all that jazz" field, and in the lower end of it. To me it means that the author takes the easy way out and doesn't make the couple fall in love. They see each other and bam, wham they start to have sex and declare themselves in love. Moreover, in some of these books, these included, the excuse of fate gives us the most idiotic heroines. The ones that declare "if someone else told me this, I would have say run. But he told me this and he's different". So, we have an heroine that accept the offer of a stranger, then later on in the story has unprotected sex (repeatedly) with him, accept his word that he can't get her pregnant or pass diseases, all of it without knowing absolutely nothing of him until almost the end of the first book. Smart, she's not. Why do we need to make our heroines look stupid and suffering of a split personality (see inner monologues) is beyond my comprehension.
I never felt any connection between the leading couple and could not understand how she accepted him (both in the first book , and in the second . But then there were so many of the usual cliché to be unbelievable. Virgin heroine, check, Fated couple, check, Jealous other vampire, check. Vampire as sons of the fallen, check. The only thing missing was the compound.
Honestly I kept skipping the inane sex scenes (inane as they were in the way of the threadbare story, she became wet and aroused every page, also when the story clearly necessitated a completely different reaction), so I kept skipping a lot. But above all I kept looking at the % to see how long to the end. I forced myself to read them as I had requested them both, and it seemed really wrong of me to DNF (even when I kept wanting to do it, even in the second half of book two.)
If Book One was completely centred on the couple, Book two threw us a few bones and tried at a plot. Why tried? Because it moved from giving us nothing to throwing everything and the kitchen sink. But it didn't get any more interesting (or asexual...).
Pity, as there was a hint of an intriguing world.
For all the verbal jigs at Twilight this book set was very Twilight-esque including some details.
These were Arcs, and there were a few editing glitches along (wrong punctuation, wrong verbs)
Arcs courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
So my first thought is a warning: be aware that you need both books if you want a complete story, as neither is a stand alone one. I say it first as many reviews might end on the negative side when the reader is taken by surprise at the lack of ending of A Vampire's Promise.
This reviewer isn't a happy camper with this trend in publishing, but I knew it since the beginning and I decided to ask for a copy anyway. It seemed to me a good way to try something that otherwise I would have missed.
Unfortunately, this isn't the only problem A Vampire's P and S have. The biggest is that there is no plot to sustain all those pages. If the editor had cut a lot of inane dialogues (some of it was soo cheesy to be unbelievable) and some totally unnecessary scenes we would have one single half-decent PNR. Well, maybe not. There seems to be no real storyline here except sex. And this is the second biggest problem.
This is the kind of PNR that stands in the "mated/fated/all that jazz" field, and in the lower end of it. To me it means that the author takes the easy way out and doesn't make the couple fall in love. They see each other and bam, wham they start to have sex and declare themselves in love. Moreover, in some of these books, these included, the excuse of fate gives us the most idiotic heroines. The ones that declare "if someone else told me this, I would have say run. But he told me this and he's different". So, we have an heroine that accept the offer of a stranger, then later on in the story has unprotected sex (repeatedly) with him, accept his word that he can't get her pregnant or pass diseases, all of it without knowing absolutely nothing of him until almost the end of the first book. Smart, she's not. Why do we need to make our heroines look stupid and suffering of a split personality (see inner monologues) is beyond my comprehension.
I never felt any connection between the leading couple and could not understand how she accepted him (both in the first book , and in the second . But then there were so many of the usual cliché to be unbelievable. Virgin heroine, check, Fated couple, check, Jealous other vampire, check. Vampire as sons of the fallen, check. The only thing missing was the compound.
Honestly I kept skipping the inane sex scenes (inane as they were in the way of the threadbare story, she became wet and aroused every page, also when the story clearly necessitated a completely different reaction), so I kept skipping a lot. But above all I kept looking at the % to see how long to the end. I forced myself to read them as I had requested them both, and it seemed really wrong of me to DNF (even when I kept wanting to do it, even in the second half of book two.)
If Book One was completely centred on the couple, Book two threw us a few bones and tried at a plot. Why tried? Because it moved from giving us nothing to throwing everything and the kitchen sink. But it didn't get any more interesting (or asexual...).
Pity, as there was a hint of an intriguing world.
For all the verbal jigs at Twilight this book set was very Twilight-esque including some details.
These were Arcs, and there were a few editing glitches along (wrong punctuation, wrong verbs)
Arcs courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
May 6, 2014
Rowan lives a super boring life, living in a secluded spot all alone. She works in a bookstore, read lots of books, is still a virgin and she so wants to change that BADLY, has no family and are living vicariously thru her recklessly and outgoing BFF Lacee. Who are having an affair with the married chef of police, and that is how Rowan gets into this new adventure in her life.
Gabriel tall blond hair super star looking Viking I was sold, when he was from Norway too I went to heaven. He is the poster boy for my type, I think the author has been on a little trip in my brain and made he from my dreams. Yummy!!! He stays mysterious and a little brooding thru the book with a huge revelation at the end. From the title we know he is a vamp, but OMG!! He is a new edition to my supernatural harem. I hope to really get to know this hunk of a vamp in the next books in this series and I cannot wait for it.
I really like this book, the writing style was to my taste and I got into it pretty quickly. I like the flow in the writing and that we only got the story from Rowan POV. I absolutely loved Rowans character, she was witty with a quick comment and great sarcasm. I laughed and giggled my way thru the snarky comments from first to last page. She is down to earth, smart and she is not your typical virgin so that worked for me. Rowan is a fighter and with little experience in relationships in general I get why she did not ask to many question of Gabriel even if I found that a little annoying. The heat was real good in it too, there was some fine scenes I would classify this as a UF with PNR heat level.
The last 20% took me by surprise and what a good surprise it was. It got real dark, we are not talking vamps with glitter here that’s for sure. I love dark paranormal so I was real happy with it. There is a cliffhanger end and I want to get my hands on the next book in this series like yesterday.
Over all I loved this book and I have found a new UF series to follow, I need to see where this is going. I think this is an awesome debut novel from a new author. I am going to keep an eye on her and her future work.
I give this book 4,5 stars rounding up to 5 star.
Book provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Gabriel tall blond hair super star looking Viking I was sold, when he was from Norway too I went to heaven. He is the poster boy for my type, I think the author has been on a little trip in my brain and made he from my dreams. Yummy!!! He stays mysterious and a little brooding thru the book with a huge revelation at the end. From the title we know he is a vamp, but OMG!! He is a new edition to my supernatural harem. I hope to really get to know this hunk of a vamp in the next books in this series and I cannot wait for it.
I really like this book, the writing style was to my taste and I got into it pretty quickly. I like the flow in the writing and that we only got the story from Rowan POV. I absolutely loved Rowans character, she was witty with a quick comment and great sarcasm. I laughed and giggled my way thru the snarky comments from first to last page. She is down to earth, smart and she is not your typical virgin so that worked for me. Rowan is a fighter and with little experience in relationships in general I get why she did not ask to many question of Gabriel even if I found that a little annoying. The heat was real good in it too, there was some fine scenes I would classify this as a UF with PNR heat level.
The last 20% took me by surprise and what a good surprise it was. It got real dark, we are not talking vamps with glitter here that’s for sure. I love dark paranormal so I was real happy with it. There is a cliffhanger end and I want to get my hands on the next book in this series like yesterday.
Over all I loved this book and I have found a new UF series to follow, I need to see where this is going. I think this is an awesome debut novel from a new author. I am going to keep an eye on her and her future work.
I give this book 4,5 stars rounding up to 5 star.
Book provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
April 15, 2014
Absolutely loved it! Amazing new Paranormal Romance.
Don't let the cover scare you off! This is an amazing book and great introduction of an page-turning paranormal series. Cant wait to read the second book.
5 star with a FAT PLUS!
Don't let the cover scare you off! This is an amazing book and great introduction of an page-turning paranormal series. Cant wait to read the second book.
5 star with a FAT PLUS!
September 9, 2015
First off, don't be swayed by the cover. It isn't really indicative of the actual story. The cover makes the book seem like it's going to be a sex-fest; heroine gets swept away by half-naked hulkster, where they while their time away making endless love. Not so, my friends. At least not all the time.
If I may be honest, I put this book off for quite some time because of the cover. I know that's shallow and completely unfair, but there you have it. So you can imagine my surprise when I started reading it and almost from the first page, I was chuckling.
Rowan Harper was quite an endearing lead. She works in a bookstore, doesn't have very many friends (she has some close ones, many are just acquaintances). She's normal to look at, nothing stands out - except her attitude and wit. She's quite the mouth and has a habit of talking internally to something she calls her "inner bitch". She and her "inner bitch" often have debates, sometimes arguments, and the voice of reason doesn't always win out. Which is actually a good thing, because then she wouldn't have met Gabriel.
Gabriel. The Viking god. Well, not really, but that's how Rowan sees him. And he is of Norwegian ancestry and kind of looks like a god. Somehow, someway, out of all the women in the world, he sets his sights on normal, average Rowan. And this is how the story begins...
I was quite surprised by this book, not only because of the cover vs story as I stated above, but because I actually liked both of the main characters for a change. I couldn't find a darn thing wrong with either one, which makes me think this series will become one of my favorites. Sure, Rowan came off as naive and skittish at times, certainly she didn't make the smartest of choices by accepting advances so soon after meeting Gabriel, but it made for good storytelling.
The only thing that didn't strike my fancy was the setting and the world building, or lack thereof. Rowan had stated several times about how life works in a small town, but I didn't get that and I wanted to. Small towns are one of my favorite types of settings, when done right. Not only does the reader get a stronger grasp of the town/community/area in general since there's less to focus on, but having the setting richly drawn also enhances the characters to a certain extent. The reader gets a much deeper connection because most of the characters interact more when the town is only so big. That's my only criticism.
Yes, there are vampires as indicated by the title, but they aren't in the forefront. In fact, the vamps don't come out to play until after the first half. Although it's not hard for the reader to figure out who is and isn't one, it was certain characters' reactions to the news that was the good part. I fought several times not to roll my eyes, and that small bit of frustration made me like some of the characters (and their idiocy) even more.
3.5 rounded up to 4 because I found myself making time to come back and read this. And reader beware - this falls into the "new thing" of series books where each one has to end on a cliffhanger. Annoying, yes, but I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
If I may be honest, I put this book off for quite some time because of the cover. I know that's shallow and completely unfair, but there you have it. So you can imagine my surprise when I started reading it and almost from the first page, I was chuckling.
Rowan Harper was quite an endearing lead. She works in a bookstore, doesn't have very many friends (she has some close ones, many are just acquaintances). She's normal to look at, nothing stands out - except her attitude and wit. She's quite the mouth and has a habit of talking internally to something she calls her "inner bitch". She and her "inner bitch" often have debates, sometimes arguments, and the voice of reason doesn't always win out. Which is actually a good thing, because then she wouldn't have met Gabriel.
Gabriel. The Viking god. Well, not really, but that's how Rowan sees him. And he is of Norwegian ancestry and kind of looks like a god. Somehow, someway, out of all the women in the world, he sets his sights on normal, average Rowan. And this is how the story begins...
I was quite surprised by this book, not only because of the cover vs story as I stated above, but because I actually liked both of the main characters for a change. I couldn't find a darn thing wrong with either one, which makes me think this series will become one of my favorites. Sure, Rowan came off as naive and skittish at times, certainly she didn't make the smartest of choices by accepting advances so soon after meeting Gabriel, but it made for good storytelling.
The only thing that didn't strike my fancy was the setting and the world building, or lack thereof. Rowan had stated several times about how life works in a small town, but I didn't get that and I wanted to. Small towns are one of my favorite types of settings, when done right. Not only does the reader get a stronger grasp of the town/community/area in general since there's less to focus on, but having the setting richly drawn also enhances the characters to a certain extent. The reader gets a much deeper connection because most of the characters interact more when the town is only so big. That's my only criticism.
Yes, there are vampires as indicated by the title, but they aren't in the forefront. In fact, the vamps don't come out to play until after the first half. Although it's not hard for the reader to figure out who is and isn't one, it was certain characters' reactions to the news that was the good part. I fought several times not to roll my eyes, and that small bit of frustration made me like some of the characters (and their idiocy) even more.
3.5 rounded up to 4 because I found myself making time to come back and read this. And reader beware - this falls into the "new thing" of series books where each one has to end on a cliffhanger. Annoying, yes, but I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 21, 2014
I received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
Rowan, works in a local bookstore, and unlike her best friend, who draws men like bees to honey, she hasn't had much luck in the men department. Rowan is still a virgin, and not because she wouldn't love to have a lover or two, but she has never met anyone that she wanted to share that part of herself with. When she comes to the local bar, to satisfy her friend, she meets a man that tilts her world with just one look. Rowan is blown away with "Gabriel" who is a sexy viking type, and looks at her as if she is the only woman on earth and he thirst for her blood. What shocks her is that he wants her, especially when there is so many other beautiful women that she knows she can't even compare herself too. But Gabriel is persistent, seductive, and charming, and even though she doesn't want to risk her heart, she can't help but find herself sharing her life with him, and knowing he is full of secrets, she knows that he is her destiny...
A Vampire's Promise is the first book that I know of that this author has written....and all I can say is SUPERBLY DONE!!! Impossible for me to put this one down. I don't read too many vampire romances, but this one was so delicious and lick your lips worthy, and I will warn you though it has one kicker of a cliffhanger, so much so that I knew I had to get the second book in NG. Gabriel and Rowan are quite a team, and Gabriel is quite the hero of the story. Gabriel is a vampire, but is quite the gentleman around Rowan. I loved seeing how old world he is, believes in courting a girl, and not just wanting sex the first night. As the story progresses, you see these two slowly kindle a flame that blossoms into a beautiful and tender love story. You know that Gabriel's secret is bound to come out soon, but you also don't want to put the special relationship they have created together on hold. I could barely get through this book fast enough, I was soaking this story 100%, and I could barely contain my excitement of this story and how much it revved my energy up. I almost felt like I was being the one seduced and slowly courted. The emotional display is so vividly displayed, that you can't help but immerse yourself completely in the story. It is addicting and almost magically pulls you in.
Overall a whopper of a romance. A tale full of zest, sensuality, and the seducting power of two souls truly coming together. A story to captivate you both body and soul!! A ENTICING ROMANTIC TALE TO TUG AT THOSE HEARTSTRINGS!!!
Rowan, works in a local bookstore, and unlike her best friend, who draws men like bees to honey, she hasn't had much luck in the men department. Rowan is still a virgin, and not because she wouldn't love to have a lover or two, but she has never met anyone that she wanted to share that part of herself with. When she comes to the local bar, to satisfy her friend, she meets a man that tilts her world with just one look. Rowan is blown away with "Gabriel" who is a sexy viking type, and looks at her as if she is the only woman on earth and he thirst for her blood. What shocks her is that he wants her, especially when there is so many other beautiful women that she knows she can't even compare herself too. But Gabriel is persistent, seductive, and charming, and even though she doesn't want to risk her heart, she can't help but find herself sharing her life with him, and knowing he is full of secrets, she knows that he is her destiny...
A Vampire's Promise is the first book that I know of that this author has written....and all I can say is SUPERBLY DONE!!! Impossible for me to put this one down. I don't read too many vampire romances, but this one was so delicious and lick your lips worthy, and I will warn you though it has one kicker of a cliffhanger, so much so that I knew I had to get the second book in NG. Gabriel and Rowan are quite a team, and Gabriel is quite the hero of the story. Gabriel is a vampire, but is quite the gentleman around Rowan. I loved seeing how old world he is, believes in courting a girl, and not just wanting sex the first night. As the story progresses, you see these two slowly kindle a flame that blossoms into a beautiful and tender love story. You know that Gabriel's secret is bound to come out soon, but you also don't want to put the special relationship they have created together on hold. I could barely get through this book fast enough, I was soaking this story 100%, and I could barely contain my excitement of this story and how much it revved my energy up. I almost felt like I was being the one seduced and slowly courted. The emotional display is so vividly displayed, that you can't help but immerse yourself completely in the story. It is addicting and almost magically pulls you in.
Overall a whopper of a romance. A tale full of zest, sensuality, and the seducting power of two souls truly coming together. A story to captivate you both body and soul!! A ENTICING ROMANTIC TALE TO TUG AT THOSE HEARTSTRINGS!!!
April 18, 2014
A page-turning paranormal romance with a sprinkling of enchanting mystery
This rather visually bland book is a misleading reflection of the surprisingly wonderful content within, and so I would in this instance not pre-judge this! Any assumptions I had regarding this story were dissolved, as C S Smith’s well-crafted narrative {that’s beautifully woven} took me completely by surprise. It is such a rare event when I encounter something such as this; an undeniably gripping story of inspired ideas and searing vision within a hugely popular genre. “Trust your instincts” has never been more ironically accurate, and so I cannot state how delighted I am to have had the chance to read such an addictive book.
A Vampire’s Promise is a seductively sizzling tale of intense passion that’s darkly delicious and as sinful as chocolate! The mystery shrouding Gabriel (aka. The Viking) and the magnetism between him and Rowan is so electrifying, you are instantly drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He is a multi-layered enigma of physical attraction, who ignites a strong desire and fascination of overwhelming power and ambiguity. I was unable to tear my eyes from the pages, drawn into such a tantalizingly tempting underworld of shocking secrets and erotic Vampirism.
3.5 stars!
Carla Susan Smith’s deeply beguiling, haunting novel is simply stunning! I would highly recommend this to fans of Charlaine Harris, J Frost, Kerri Arthur etc. and lovers of paranormal romance containing colourful characters. *I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy of her book to read & review*
This rather visually bland book is a misleading reflection of the surprisingly wonderful content within, and so I would in this instance not pre-judge this! Any assumptions I had regarding this story were dissolved, as C S Smith’s well-crafted narrative {that’s beautifully woven} took me completely by surprise. It is such a rare event when I encounter something such as this; an undeniably gripping story of inspired ideas and searing vision within a hugely popular genre. “Trust your instincts” has never been more ironically accurate, and so I cannot state how delighted I am to have had the chance to read such an addictive book.
A Vampire’s Promise is a seductively sizzling tale of intense passion that’s darkly delicious and as sinful as chocolate! The mystery shrouding Gabriel (aka. The Viking) and the magnetism between him and Rowan is so electrifying, you are instantly drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He is a multi-layered enigma of physical attraction, who ignites a strong desire and fascination of overwhelming power and ambiguity. I was unable to tear my eyes from the pages, drawn into such a tantalizingly tempting underworld of shocking secrets and erotic Vampirism.
3.5 stars!
Carla Susan Smith’s deeply beguiling, haunting novel is simply stunning! I would highly recommend this to fans of Charlaine Harris, J Frost, Kerri Arthur etc. and lovers of paranormal romance containing colourful characters. *I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy of her book to read & review*
November 5, 2019
Book source ~ NetGalley
Rowan Harper is a human who works in a bookstore. No, this does not redeem her for being so damn stupid. I want to fire her. She shouldn’t be allowed around books. That’s a pleasure and a privilege she doesn’t deserve. What a fucking twat.
Gabriel is a mysterious guy who rolls into Rowan’s life and she lets him. He knows things. He’s hot. He has money. He’s hot. He only comes out only at night. He’s gorgeous. His body has every woman slobbering and dripping from between the thighs. No, seriously. Half the book is about describing how hot Gabriel is and how Rowan just can’t resist him even though he’s a stranger and she knows literally nothing about him. Even after they have sex. Lots and lots of monkey sex. Then he dumps her with no explanation and after three months waltzes right back into her pussy. And THEN…it ends in a massive cliffhanger. Omfg. I hate everything about this book. Needless to say I will not be reading book 2.
Rowan Harper is a human who works in a bookstore. No, this does not redeem her for being so damn stupid. I want to fire her. She shouldn’t be allowed around books. That’s a pleasure and a privilege she doesn’t deserve. What a fucking twat.
Gabriel is a mysterious guy who rolls into Rowan’s life and she lets him. He knows things. He’s hot. He has money. He’s hot. He only comes out only at night. He’s gorgeous. His body has every woman slobbering and dripping from between the thighs. No, seriously. Half the book is about describing how hot Gabriel is and how Rowan just can’t resist him even though he’s a stranger and she knows literally nothing about him. Even after they have sex. Lots and lots of monkey sex. Then he dumps her with no explanation and after three months waltzes right back into her pussy. And THEN…it ends in a massive cliffhanger. Omfg. I hate everything about this book. Needless to say I will not be reading book 2.
March 10, 2017
"The world as I knew it came to a screeching halt and tumbled off its axis. And I knew, no matter whatever else happened to me in the rest of my life, something had just changed. It was one of those pivotal moments that happen once in a lifetime. One that said nothing was ever going to be the same."
FINAL DECISION: A first book that takes too long to get to the big reveal -- that unfortunately is not a secret because of the title of the book -- but has promise for the series. I want to know what is happening now that Gabriel's secret has been revealed to Rowan.
THE STORY: Rowan Harper is a spunky woman who works in a bookstore, reads romances and has never been able to get her sex life right. One night at a bar, she meets a sexy, mysterious man. Gabriel is amazing in every way, but there is so much she doesn't know about him. What Rowan does know is that she feels like she has met Gabriel before even though that is impossible. He seems to know so much about her while she can't find out anything about him.
OPINION: I picked up this book because I got the third book from Netgalley in order to provide a review. Once I saw that this book was merely a series, but truthfully a serial, I knew I needed to start at the beginning.
This book begins with a introduction of Rowan who doesn't seem to have a lot of strong connections in her life. Her mother abandoned her; her father is dead; the only friend we meet in involved with another man; she has been unsuccessful in her sex life. When she meets Gabriel in a bar, she is wary because she seems too handsome, too sexy and doesn't seem the type of man who would be interested in her.
Rowan seems so normal and plain that it was difficult for me to get attached to her in this book. Clearly there are secrets that we haven't learned, but I needed to feel more connection with Rowan earlier.
Gabriel is sexy and mysterious and oh, he's a vampire. That would be a spoiler, but the "secret" is too obvious because of the title of the book.
What I really liked in this book is the Gothic and strange feel. Rowan is stumbling through revelations. I liked that there are a lot of secrets in this book that will be developed in the series.
The biggest weakness of this book is that too much is kept back here and that made the book a bit slow at times. As a reader, I knew almost immediately that Gabriel was a vampire and I got tired of waiting for Rowan to find out. Despite the title, this book is almost a pure contemporary until the end when Rowan discovers Gabriel's secret.
I do think the setup for the rest of the series has promise and hopefully as we delve into the vampire world the action will increase.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book begins a series that follows the same characters. The story is not completed in this one book. Reader beware.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A VAMPIRE'S PROMISE is the first book in the Vampire's Promise series.
STAR RATING: I give this book just a smidgen under three stars -- but lets round up to 3.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: A first book that takes too long to get to the big reveal -- that unfortunately is not a secret because of the title of the book -- but has promise for the series. I want to know what is happening now that Gabriel's secret has been revealed to Rowan.
THE STORY: Rowan Harper is a spunky woman who works in a bookstore, reads romances and has never been able to get her sex life right. One night at a bar, she meets a sexy, mysterious man. Gabriel is amazing in every way, but there is so much she doesn't know about him. What Rowan does know is that she feels like she has met Gabriel before even though that is impossible. He seems to know so much about her while she can't find out anything about him.
OPINION: I picked up this book because I got the third book from Netgalley in order to provide a review. Once I saw that this book was merely a series, but truthfully a serial, I knew I needed to start at the beginning.
This book begins with a introduction of Rowan who doesn't seem to have a lot of strong connections in her life. Her mother abandoned her; her father is dead; the only friend we meet in involved with another man; she has been unsuccessful in her sex life. When she meets Gabriel in a bar, she is wary because she seems too handsome, too sexy and doesn't seem the type of man who would be interested in her.
Rowan seems so normal and plain that it was difficult for me to get attached to her in this book. Clearly there are secrets that we haven't learned, but I needed to feel more connection with Rowan earlier.
Gabriel is sexy and mysterious and oh, he's a vampire. That would be a spoiler, but the "secret" is too obvious because of the title of the book.
What I really liked in this book is the Gothic and strange feel. Rowan is stumbling through revelations. I liked that there are a lot of secrets in this book that will be developed in the series.
The biggest weakness of this book is that too much is kept back here and that made the book a bit slow at times. As a reader, I knew almost immediately that Gabriel was a vampire and I got tired of waiting for Rowan to find out. Despite the title, this book is almost a pure contemporary until the end when Rowan discovers Gabriel's secret.
I do think the setup for the rest of the series has promise and hopefully as we delve into the vampire world the action will increase.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book begins a series that follows the same characters. The story is not completed in this one book. Reader beware.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A VAMPIRE'S PROMISE is the first book in the Vampire's Promise series.
STAR RATING: I give this book just a smidgen under three stars -- but lets round up to 3.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
December 22, 2014
*Kensington Books via NetGalley provided me with a complimentary review copy of this book.
---Review contains spoilers---
Rowan has a boring love life and vicariously lives through her best friend, everything changes when she goes to pick up said friend from a bar and meets Gabriel. He's gorgeous and he wants her, can Rowan be with a man she only has at night and has so many secrets?
The beginning of this book was great, you have a woman meeting a mysterious man at a bar who is unbelievably hot, they go on a few dates and things start getting very interesting in a good way.
Then all the sudden Gabriel leaves and Rowan is left floundering trying to figure out how to deal with him not being there. He comes back a few months later with no real firm explanation for why he was gone and they pick up where they left off.
Rowan doesn't tell her friends that she is back with Gabriel, she doesn't ask him where he spends his day or what he does for a living. At seventy percent there seems to be no real storyline, it's all about them having sex and Rowans inane inner monologue.
There seemed to be no real plot in this book, the title of the book is A Vampire's Promise but we don't find out what that is, we get an infinitesimal hint at what it could be but the cliffhanger at the end keeps you from finding out anything important. I may have not liked this book because I thought the Rowan was weak and naive, I can't stand a female lead who ignores things and is weak. While the first few chapters caught my interest, the rest of the book just wasn't for me.
---Review contains spoilers---
Rowan has a boring love life and vicariously lives through her best friend, everything changes when she goes to pick up said friend from a bar and meets Gabriel. He's gorgeous and he wants her, can Rowan be with a man she only has at night and has so many secrets?
The beginning of this book was great, you have a woman meeting a mysterious man at a bar who is unbelievably hot, they go on a few dates and things start getting very interesting in a good way.
Then all the sudden Gabriel leaves and Rowan is left floundering trying to figure out how to deal with him not being there. He comes back a few months later with no real firm explanation for why he was gone and they pick up where they left off.
Rowan doesn't tell her friends that she is back with Gabriel, she doesn't ask him where he spends his day or what he does for a living. At seventy percent there seems to be no real storyline, it's all about them having sex and Rowans inane inner monologue.
There seemed to be no real plot in this book, the title of the book is A Vampire's Promise but we don't find out what that is, we get an infinitesimal hint at what it could be but the cliffhanger at the end keeps you from finding out anything important. I may have not liked this book because I thought the Rowan was weak and naive, I can't stand a female lead who ignores things and is weak. While the first few chapters caught my interest, the rest of the book just wasn't for me.
August 9, 2017
I really enjoyed Rowan and Gabriel's story. It was a satisfying read: Funny (Rowan's first-person narrative is sometimes hilarious), mysterious, and also horrifying at the end. I like the author's writing style. The ending stumped me somewhat, however (I would have preferred one, stand-alone book, to its conclusion, instead of a cliff-hanger).
But...I'll admit that I'm sucked into the story, and will be purchasing book 2. (I got the first book as a Kindle freebie).
I bumped this from four stars to five stars! You know how you'll re-read something that you really like? I've read this THREE FRICKIN' TIMES ALREADY!
And now...I've finally started reading A Vampire's Soul...lol
But...I'll admit that I'm sucked into the story, and will be purchasing book 2. (I got the first book as a Kindle freebie).
I bumped this from four stars to five stars! You know how you'll re-read something that you really like? I've read this THREE FRICKIN' TIMES ALREADY!
And now...I've finally started reading A Vampire's Soul...lol
October 30, 2015
I have a digital mountain of books on my kindle. Often I have no idea what the book is about because I don’t see the cover or don’t remember the title. This was one of those cases.
I liked several things about a Vampire’s Promise. The first was the fact I was under the impression I was reading a contemporary romance book. The heroine remains unsuspecting of the supernatural nature of the hero until the end. It was a welcome change from the other Paranormal Romance books where the heroine knows almost from the beginning that the guy she likes is an alpha-furry-or-fanged-something. (Just out of curiosity… How about a book with a beta-something as a hero? No? Wait till my SF romance comes out and we’ll discuss it then.) In this book, she thinks the hero is human. Mind you, probably a criminal, but still human.
The writing style is quite funny and interesting. It’s smart and quirky; it often made me smile. I would have preferred it to be a little less wordy, but it was not irritating. An example of said quirkiness: “I watched both of them as my passport got stamped and I crossed over from Clueless Land into the Continent of the Totally Lost. What did that mean?”
The first half of the book, where the meeting, flirting, and fleshing out of the two protagonists takes place, is very engaging. It’s funny, it’s cute, and although we have the typical insta-love going on, I didn’t feel cheated. She falls head over heels for him, okay, I get it. It has happened to me too. It’s the second part that disappointed me and made me lower my rating. Here are my reasons.
One: she is a virgin. That is not a problem in itself. I do understand that someone may choose not to have sex for any reason; personal, religious, being asexual and so on, and I have the deepest respect for other people’s choices. But when the male protagonist says to the heroine, “You were worried about telling me you were pure?” I want to slap someone silly. A personal plea to all (Paranormal) Romance writers out there. PLEASE stop glamourising the whole virginity thing. It’s not nice. Having sex is not something that makes you dirty, because if that’s the case, all male protagonists of (Paranormal) Romance books are as dirty as a sewer clogged with cholera corpses. If your idea of purity is lack of sexual experience, then make both protagonists virgins. Fair is fair. No double standards. You can make your heroines virgins or non virgins, or you can make them three-eyed aliens with curly fluorescent ears from planet Rodriguez for all I care, but PLEASE stop boosting and perpetuating misogynistic and slut shaming stereotypes. Last time I checked, we were in 2015. Dirty is someone who doesn’t bathe, and purity is used to describe precious metals. Period.
Two: you’ve met this super hot guy. And you want him. And he’s polite and everything, so you start dating. Problem being, you know next to nothing about him and he evades your questions. He also keeps appearing with outrageously expensive cars and you suspect he might be involved in criminal activities. So when you have sex with him, you decide it’s absolutely fine he wears no condom, although he ejaculates in you repeatedly and you are not on contraception. Hey, it doesn’t matter that you are smart, well read and sarcastic, and you know a pitfall when you see one. Unprotected sex with this man will not get you in trouble because… (ready for it?) he said so. Yes, that’s right, he said he can’t get you pregnant or give you any disease while for all you know, he may be running a prostitution and drug cartel. And of course you believe him. Do you? I mean, step in her shoes and tell me, would you? Unless your heroine temporarily misplaces 80 IQ points whenever she sees him naked and that’s why she doesn’t care, no woman in her right mind would do this. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves with (paranormal) romance. Just because it is fiction, it does not mean it has to be unrealistic. On the contrary, realism makes it so much better.
Three: so this amazing guy leaves you without an excuse, (*hero in dramatic voice: I can’t ask this of you… not now.”) disappears and disconnects his phone. When he reappears, although you spent three months of misery, bitching, moaning, drinking and snapping at people, you fall in his arms and this is when hot unprotected sex ensues. After that point, the book pretty much moves from one sex scene to another sex scene, plot vanishes, and we all wonder when the heroine will stop being over the moon and a semblance of logic/plot will return. (Hint: it does not happen.) This just goes on until the last five chapters, in which a jealous rival appears. I am not going to say more on this because I know people hate spoilers, so moving on to…
Four: this is not a complete book. To know what happened, you need to buy book number two, a Vampire’s Soul. Personally, I don’t like this. Other people might not mind, but I do.
All in all, two and a half stars with a heavy heart because this could be so much better. :(
I liked several things about a Vampire’s Promise. The first was the fact I was under the impression I was reading a contemporary romance book. The heroine remains unsuspecting of the supernatural nature of the hero until the end. It was a welcome change from the other Paranormal Romance books where the heroine knows almost from the beginning that the guy she likes is an alpha-furry-or-fanged-something. (Just out of curiosity… How about a book with a beta-something as a hero? No? Wait till my SF romance comes out and we’ll discuss it then.) In this book, she thinks the hero is human. Mind you, probably a criminal, but still human.
The writing style is quite funny and interesting. It’s smart and quirky; it often made me smile. I would have preferred it to be a little less wordy, but it was not irritating. An example of said quirkiness: “I watched both of them as my passport got stamped and I crossed over from Clueless Land into the Continent of the Totally Lost. What did that mean?”
The first half of the book, where the meeting, flirting, and fleshing out of the two protagonists takes place, is very engaging. It’s funny, it’s cute, and although we have the typical insta-love going on, I didn’t feel cheated. She falls head over heels for him, okay, I get it. It has happened to me too. It’s the second part that disappointed me and made me lower my rating. Here are my reasons.
One: she is a virgin. That is not a problem in itself. I do understand that someone may choose not to have sex for any reason; personal, religious, being asexual and so on, and I have the deepest respect for other people’s choices. But when the male protagonist says to the heroine, “You were worried about telling me you were pure?” I want to slap someone silly. A personal plea to all (Paranormal) Romance writers out there. PLEASE stop glamourising the whole virginity thing. It’s not nice. Having sex is not something that makes you dirty, because if that’s the case, all male protagonists of (Paranormal) Romance books are as dirty as a sewer clogged with cholera corpses. If your idea of purity is lack of sexual experience, then make both protagonists virgins. Fair is fair. No double standards. You can make your heroines virgins or non virgins, or you can make them three-eyed aliens with curly fluorescent ears from planet Rodriguez for all I care, but PLEASE stop boosting and perpetuating misogynistic and slut shaming stereotypes. Last time I checked, we were in 2015. Dirty is someone who doesn’t bathe, and purity is used to describe precious metals. Period.
Two: you’ve met this super hot guy. And you want him. And he’s polite and everything, so you start dating. Problem being, you know next to nothing about him and he evades your questions. He also keeps appearing with outrageously expensive cars and you suspect he might be involved in criminal activities. So when you have sex with him, you decide it’s absolutely fine he wears no condom, although he ejaculates in you repeatedly and you are not on contraception. Hey, it doesn’t matter that you are smart, well read and sarcastic, and you know a pitfall when you see one. Unprotected sex with this man will not get you in trouble because… (ready for it?) he said so. Yes, that’s right, he said he can’t get you pregnant or give you any disease while for all you know, he may be running a prostitution and drug cartel. And of course you believe him. Do you? I mean, step in her shoes and tell me, would you? Unless your heroine temporarily misplaces 80 IQ points whenever she sees him naked and that’s why she doesn’t care, no woman in her right mind would do this. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves with (paranormal) romance. Just because it is fiction, it does not mean it has to be unrealistic. On the contrary, realism makes it so much better.
Three: so this amazing guy leaves you without an excuse, (*hero in dramatic voice: I can’t ask this of you… not now.”) disappears and disconnects his phone. When he reappears, although you spent three months of misery, bitching, moaning, drinking and snapping at people, you fall in his arms and this is when hot unprotected sex ensues. After that point, the book pretty much moves from one sex scene to another sex scene, plot vanishes, and we all wonder when the heroine will stop being over the moon and a semblance of logic/plot will return. (Hint: it does not happen.) This just goes on until the last five chapters, in which a jealous rival appears. I am not going to say more on this because I know people hate spoilers, so moving on to…
Four: this is not a complete book. To know what happened, you need to buy book number two, a Vampire’s Soul. Personally, I don’t like this. Other people might not mind, but I do.
All in all, two and a half stars with a heavy heart because this could be so much better. :(
September 10, 2016
4.5 rounded up to 5
Can you say book hangover? That’s exactly what I have right now after reading this book. After finishing another book at 4 a.m. today, I decided to start this book with every intention of reading just a few pages before bed. Two hours later I made myself go to bed. I was able to finish it this evening. I could not put it down. I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Rowan is a single bookstore clerk, whose idea of a fun Friday night is watching re-runs of CSI. Her best friend, Laycee, calls her to come meet her at a dive bar since she had been left there by her boyfriend. While there, the best looking guy in the place is watching Rowan and not her knockout best friend. New experience for Rowan and she refuses the drink he sends to her table. When she goes to leave, she runs smack into the guy and he manages to convince her to meet him the next night. Thus starts a wonderful courtship between the two. What she doesn’t know is that Gabriel is a vampire. Due to the name of the book, the reader is in on the secret from the start.
What I liked about this book:
I loved the main characters of Rowan and Gabriel. Rowan has finally found the man she has been waiting for her whole life and Gabriel has found Rowan. The question here seems to be, has he met her before? Rowan has a lot of deja vu moments. And she has even more questions. Why doesn’t he ever stay the whole night, why is there a voice in her head at times, why does Gabriel answer questions that she only thinks and doesn’t ask out loud? It’s told from Rowan’s point of view and that was pretty funny at times. Certain phrases like “I crossed over from Clueless Land into the Continent of the Totally Lost”were used and kept the story lighter at times when it should have been horrific. That’s just one that jumped out at me.
The romance was ridiculously good. The lust on Rowan’s part especially,was off the charts. And no they don’t immediately fall into bed, and it actually takes awhile. Refreshing for a book of this type, I thought.
Over and above the romance, I really enjoyed Rowans relationship with her best friend Laycee. Although Laycee is described as looking like gorgeous trailer park trash, she’s the best friend everyone wants, although Laycee has a married (separated) boyfriend and that was a whole other part of the story.
At first I was thinking this story was kind of a Twilight for adults, if that makes sense. I am a big Twilight fan(don’t judge!) so this is not a disparaging comment. Young woman meets gorgeous vampire and they fall in love. Pretty simple. Not even close. And no he doesn’t glitter in the sun! Actually now that I think of it, he might glitter because he is never in the book unless it is at night. The fact that at 39% of the way in, I was wondering if there were other books out by this author is really telling. I was enjoying the read that much. That was a first for me to start wanting other books by the author before I was even done with the first book. And by the way, this was a first novel by this author which is just really surprising. If she can write this well on her first try, I can just imagine how she will be writing a few years down the road.
What didn’t I like about this book:
The only thing that comes to mind is the cover. The description of Gabriel just doesn’t fit the cover at all. In fact, if the blurb hadn’t drawn me in, I might not have even tried the book.
Who would I recommend this book to:
Any paranormal romance fan will love this book-I can almost guarantee it!
So now the wait begins for the second book in the series. I might have to start stalking the author to find out when that’s going to happen!(PureTextuality.com)
Can you say book hangover? That’s exactly what I have right now after reading this book. After finishing another book at 4 a.m. today, I decided to start this book with every intention of reading just a few pages before bed. Two hours later I made myself go to bed. I was able to finish it this evening. I could not put it down. I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Rowan is a single bookstore clerk, whose idea of a fun Friday night is watching re-runs of CSI. Her best friend, Laycee, calls her to come meet her at a dive bar since she had been left there by her boyfriend. While there, the best looking guy in the place is watching Rowan and not her knockout best friend. New experience for Rowan and she refuses the drink he sends to her table. When she goes to leave, she runs smack into the guy and he manages to convince her to meet him the next night. Thus starts a wonderful courtship between the two. What she doesn’t know is that Gabriel is a vampire. Due to the name of the book, the reader is in on the secret from the start.
What I liked about this book:
I loved the main characters of Rowan and Gabriel. Rowan has finally found the man she has been waiting for her whole life and Gabriel has found Rowan. The question here seems to be, has he met her before? Rowan has a lot of deja vu moments. And she has even more questions. Why doesn’t he ever stay the whole night, why is there a voice in her head at times, why does Gabriel answer questions that she only thinks and doesn’t ask out loud? It’s told from Rowan’s point of view and that was pretty funny at times. Certain phrases like “I crossed over from Clueless Land into the Continent of the Totally Lost”were used and kept the story lighter at times when it should have been horrific. That’s just one that jumped out at me.
The romance was ridiculously good. The lust on Rowan’s part especially,was off the charts. And no they don’t immediately fall into bed, and it actually takes awhile. Refreshing for a book of this type, I thought.
Over and above the romance, I really enjoyed Rowans relationship with her best friend Laycee. Although Laycee is described as looking like gorgeous trailer park trash, she’s the best friend everyone wants, although Laycee has a married (separated) boyfriend and that was a whole other part of the story.
At first I was thinking this story was kind of a Twilight for adults, if that makes sense. I am a big Twilight fan(don’t judge!) so this is not a disparaging comment. Young woman meets gorgeous vampire and they fall in love. Pretty simple. Not even close. And no he doesn’t glitter in the sun! Actually now that I think of it, he might glitter because he is never in the book unless it is at night. The fact that at 39% of the way in, I was wondering if there were other books out by this author is really telling. I was enjoying the read that much. That was a first for me to start wanting other books by the author before I was even done with the first book. And by the way, this was a first novel by this author which is just really surprising. If she can write this well on her first try, I can just imagine how she will be writing a few years down the road.
What didn’t I like about this book:
The only thing that comes to mind is the cover. The description of Gabriel just doesn’t fit the cover at all. In fact, if the blurb hadn’t drawn me in, I might not have even tried the book.
Who would I recommend this book to:
Any paranormal romance fan will love this book-I can almost guarantee it!
So now the wait begins for the second book in the series. I might have to start stalking the author to find out when that’s going to happen!(PureTextuality.com)
August 14, 2016
What did I just read?
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a long time since I've read a vampire novel. I received a copy of this book and thought, oh well, time to get back to the PNR world. Boy, was that the worst choice.
I admit, this book could be intriguing and it certainly is hot. But to a girl who knows TWILIGHT, NEW MOON, ECLIPSE AND BREAKING DAWN like the back of her hand... man, this was a riot. The resemblance of some scenes, the familiarity of their feelings... I thought.. okay, here's one book which is like.... in a more ADULT, rated PG way.
Oh yeah... totally not my style.
Would I read the next book? Yes, if someone promises that there wouldn't be any hint of a resemblance with a certain series and if someone promises that there would be no cliffhanger.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a long time since I've read a vampire novel. I received a copy of this book and thought, oh well, time to get back to the PNR world. Boy, was that the worst choice.
I admit, this book could be intriguing and it certainly is hot. But to a girl who knows TWILIGHT, NEW MOON, ECLIPSE AND BREAKING DAWN like the back of her hand... man, this was a riot. The resemblance of some scenes, the familiarity of their feelings... I thought.. okay, here's one book which is like.... in a more ADULT, rated PG way.
Oh yeah... totally not my style.
Would I read the next book? Yes, if someone promises that there wouldn't be any hint of a resemblance with a certain series and if someone promises that there would be no cliffhanger.
June 26, 2014
WARNING!! Written in 'First Person' & First book in continuing series with dead stop cliff hangers!
I will complain in a minute about what bugged me, but this author was so good in her writing & this book, that I was totally torn.
Rowan meets Gabriel at a bar... He asks her on a date & during that later date she meets his "friends". Not until the end of the book does she realize he is a vampire, but it is hinted to, as it is written in first person, so you already know by the blurb that he is, but she doesn't.
Ha! She's a virgin too... Working to fix that. He knows things about her she never told. Favorite shake at an place she hasn't been for years etc. She can't figure that out... He says they are good guesses.
This book had the eerie vibe that 'Twilight' (not the rest of the series) before she knew what Edward was & the "Say it!" line... But this one was darker & more provocative. He even has a cool car!
I wish books would warn you when they are written in first person! I have a hard time with so much inner dialog that the story is almost lost when it's written that way. I actually think it makes the book a whole lot longer too. Sometimes it works & sometimes it doesn't.
My problem with the writing in first person started right away for this book. The character description of Rowan was through herself & she described her friend as an eye catcher, skinny & about 5'5'. Rowan says she's about 4 inches taller & "Not" (her words) skinny. And when she said the "not" I start picturing a 200lb nerd girl & it won't go away... sorry.
The writing & the actual story were excellent! I was a bit ticked off at the end & finding out it was one of a few in this series. I think there should be a warning there too! Some of us can't handle without the next book already being written.
I will complain in a minute about what bugged me, but this author was so good in her writing & this book, that I was totally torn.
Rowan meets Gabriel at a bar... He asks her on a date & during that later date she meets his "friends". Not until the end of the book does she realize he is a vampire, but it is hinted to, as it is written in first person, so you already know by the blurb that he is, but she doesn't.
Ha! She's a virgin too... Working to fix that. He knows things about her she never told. Favorite shake at an place she hasn't been for years etc. She can't figure that out... He says they are good guesses.
This book had the eerie vibe that 'Twilight' (not the rest of the series) before she knew what Edward was & the "Say it!" line... But this one was darker & more provocative. He even has a cool car!
I wish books would warn you when they are written in first person! I have a hard time with so much inner dialog that the story is almost lost when it's written that way. I actually think it makes the book a whole lot longer too. Sometimes it works & sometimes it doesn't.
My problem with the writing in first person started right away for this book. The character description of Rowan was through herself & she described her friend as an eye catcher, skinny & about 5'5'. Rowan says she's about 4 inches taller & "Not" (her words) skinny. And when she said the "not" I start picturing a 200lb nerd girl & it won't go away... sorry.
The writing & the actual story were excellent! I was a bit ticked off at the end & finding out it was one of a few in this series. I think there should be a warning there too! Some of us can't handle without the next book already being written.
January 24, 2017
Don't buy unless you like 50 Shades of Gray or secretly have fantasies about cheating your husband. Super cheesy, badly written. I shoul've known from the cover.
I will hide the spoilers. (But read it anyway since it shows how bad this book is.)
So here are my goodreads status updates while I was reading this.
23.0% "I don't like the writing style where they write like they are texting. For example "Honestly. Shit." or "Okaaay." Feels like I'm reading a Wattpad story."
15.0% "WHY isn't there any marriages that lasts in this book?"
44.0% "They say man are simple but woman are simpler. Just be handsome and big, have an expensive care (or two) and don't be too pushy. (Just a little) That's all. Easy."
45.0% "Said she was would kick my ass" Amazing grammar. Well done."
56.0% "Can you please stop with this "like a romance novel" bullshit? IT IS A ROMANCE NOVEL!" At least the writer think it is.
58.0% "Am I reading New Moon? Because
77.0% "Well, what does an erection and a PhD has in common? Let me tell you, not a single thing."
80.0% "Gabrial is just like a mix of Edward and Dimitri."
86.0% "Katja is just like a mix of Rosalie and Katherine."
90.0% "OMG. Promise? Really? How much more cheesy this book can be?"
Here you go. All my thoughts about this book.
I will hide the spoilers. (But read it anyway since it shows how bad this book is.)
So here are my goodreads status updates while I was reading this.
23.0% "I don't like the writing style where they write like they are texting. For example "Honestly. Shit." or "Okaaay." Feels like I'm reading a Wattpad story."
15.0% "WHY isn't there any marriages that lasts in this book?"
44.0% "They say man are simple but woman are simpler. Just be handsome and big, have an expensive care (or two) and don't be too pushy. (Just a little) That's all. Easy."
45.0% "Said she was would kick my ass" Amazing grammar. Well done."
56.0% "Can you please stop with this "like a romance novel" bullshit? IT IS A ROMANCE NOVEL!" At least the writer think it is.
58.0% "Am I reading New Moon? Because
77.0% "Well, what does an erection and a PhD has in common? Let me tell you, not a single thing."
80.0% "Gabrial is just like a mix of Edward and Dimitri."
86.0% "Katja is just like a mix of Rosalie and Katherine."
90.0% "OMG. Promise? Really? How much more cheesy this book can be?"
Here you go. All my thoughts about this book.
June 7, 2014
Let us start with the characters of Rowan and Gabriel, the author drags out the slow burn romance for the whole book, never allows Gabriel to share what he will and she never questions what he won't.
Obviously from the title we all know what he is but this story was so full of tiny details and pages upon pages of sexual activity (sex used as filler) that everything we really wanted to know got pushed onto the last few pages and a teaser for the next book. I should say this is NOT a technique I would advise authors to use since it might make me buy the next book or it might make me never pick up another of her books.
So to make this an actual review, the story was good but it written more like almost a 250 page teaser. We got a lot of the history of Rowan and almost zero of Gabriel, by the end of the book I probably knew as much about her best friend Laycee as I did about Gabriel.
The story of the romance between these two lovers is long and drawn out, filled with pages of sex and day-in-the-life type situations. You keep reading because the real story seems to be just around the next page or two but never actually comes to fruition and the big reveal at the end of the book tells you almost nothing.
3 Stars for the story it should have been, I will get the next book so I can get the story I should have gotten with this book but I may be wary of another book by this author.
Obviously from the title we all know what he is but this story was so full of tiny details and pages upon pages of sexual activity (sex used as filler) that everything we really wanted to know got pushed onto the last few pages and a teaser for the next book. I should say this is NOT a technique I would advise authors to use since it might make me buy the next book or it might make me never pick up another of her books.
So to make this an actual review, the story was good but it written more like almost a 250 page teaser. We got a lot of the history of Rowan and almost zero of Gabriel, by the end of the book I probably knew as much about her best friend Laycee as I did about Gabriel.
The story of the romance between these two lovers is long and drawn out, filled with pages of sex and day-in-the-life type situations. You keep reading because the real story seems to be just around the next page or two but never actually comes to fruition and the big reveal at the end of the book tells you almost nothing.
3 Stars for the story it should have been, I will get the next book so I can get the story I should have gotten with this book but I may be wary of another book by this author.
May 11, 2014
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com
2.5 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. First the writing is off. Not sure exactly how but it is written in first person which is odd for this kind of book but the conversations are not the way anyone would really talk and there is so much commentary that the story is over done.
Also there is no connection between Gabriel and Rowan. Gabriel seems set in old times even though he is so many years old wouldn’t he have kept current? And Rowan is clueless in almost everything she does. She seems like a push over to me and I really didn’t connect with her at all. And while obvious to the reader, I mean heck it is in the name of the book, Rowan doesn’t know Gabriel is a vampire until the last few paragraphs.
The story is continuing in the next part but not sure that I can enough about either character to want to read it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. First the writing is off. Not sure exactly how but it is written in first person which is odd for this kind of book but the conversations are not the way anyone would really talk and there is so much commentary that the story is over done.
Also there is no connection between Gabriel and Rowan. Gabriel seems set in old times even though he is so many years old wouldn’t he have kept current? And Rowan is clueless in almost everything she does. She seems like a push over to me and I really didn’t connect with her at all. And while obvious to the reader, I mean heck it is in the name of the book, Rowan doesn’t know Gabriel is a vampire until the last few paragraphs.
The story is continuing in the next part but not sure that I can enough about either character to want to read it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2014
A Vampire's Promise is a fun and enticing read with a twist. Rowan Harper is sweet and sassy charming character who has few friends and very routine life. The most snarky fun is when she debates with her "inner bitch". Her wild and crazy friend Laycee tries to bring Rowan out of the mundane. Until one night, Rowan is meets Laycee at Rosie's bar because her friend needs a ride and Rowan encounters Gabriel WhatsHisName. All the woman in the bar are bewitched by Gabriel, but Gabriel WithNoLastName only has eyes for Rowan. The whole tale is Gabriel trying to get know Rowan better, especially with all her insecurities. Gabriel is so freaking gorgeous, and downright possessive of his beautiful promise. There is a mystery about the whole Vampire's promise puzzle. Warning, this story ends with a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
This was an enjoyable read very reminiscent of Life Blood from the Cora's Choice series by V.M. Black. Although predictable plot devices, the set up is a bit different. Rowan is funny and sarcastic and reactionary. Although given how long it takes her to pick up on some things, I wonder how well read she's really supposed to be!
It's a minor annoyance and Rowan fully admits on more than one occasion that she operates with her head in the proverbial sand. One disappointment is that Smith relies on some of the more pedestrian vampire lore that's a bit cliched (not being able to cross a threshold, etc.)
Nevertheless, Gabriel is quite the romantic hero and anyone who is familiar with angel mythology in the fantasy realm will quickly see how it all intertwines.
An entertaining read with a lot of promise (no pun intended)!
It's a minor annoyance and Rowan fully admits on more than one occasion that she operates with her head in the proverbial sand. One disappointment is that Smith relies on some of the more pedestrian vampire lore that's a bit cliched (not being able to cross a threshold, etc.)
Nevertheless, Gabriel is quite the romantic hero and anyone who is familiar with angel mythology in the fantasy realm will quickly see how it all intertwines.
An entertaining read with a lot of promise (no pun intended)!
April 17, 2014
OK first off I am one of those people who is more apt to read a book based on the cover. In the past it has totally bitten me in the ass more then once. I thought the cover on this was a little cheesy, but couldn't pass up a vampire romance, and per the author she didn't have a say in the matter. With that being said I totally loved this book. Nothing better then a good vampire romance to get your panties in a twist. The chemistry between Rowan and Gabriel was crazy. I liked Rowans sharp witted tongue when she got nervous. I enjoyed that the story moved right along and wasn't filled with a lot of insignificant crap nobody cares about just to make the book bigger. I cant wait to read the second book to find out how this whole scenario is going to play out. Kudos to the author on a great story!
February 28, 2016
Well....it is really good at the ending and leaves you hanging. I like the story so far but A Vampire Promise does what I hate most in books just set you up for the next one, as it is it isn't a novel alone, it is just the opener book for what is to come in the next one. When I get into a book I want to go for a ride from the middle to the end, but this book has no end. You got to know about the characters and start to care about them and the story starts getting good and then drops you, umm no thanks. But I fell in to what the author or publishers hoped I would do I bought the next book because I want to know what happens. So this book is getting low star rating from me, I hope the next one doesn't drop me like a bag of rocks.
June 10, 2014
3.5 stars
very good story, very concise world building, entertaining twist but honestly the cliffhanger did me in - I realized there would have to be a big one around the 90% mark and I was so enthralled in the story I didn't realized how little time I had left in the book - definitely read this one, but have part two at the ready so you don't miss a beat.
very good story, very concise world building, entertaining twist but honestly the cliffhanger did me in - I realized there would have to be a big one around the 90% mark and I was so enthralled in the story I didn't realized how little time I had left in the book - definitely read this one, but have part two at the ready so you don't miss a beat.
March 3, 2016
This story started out well, but Rowan was clueless about Gabriel until the end! Author dragged the story out too long for me to enjoy! Cliffhanger ending!
July 4, 2014
Trust Your Instincts
Rowan Harper is nothing but a smart-mouthed bookstore clerk with a crappy love life on the night she walks into Rosie's Bar. Most of the drama in her life is borrowed from her best friend's adventures. But when she meets Gabriel--tall and movie star gorgeous--everything changes. Never mind that she turns down the drink he offers, or that he brims with secrets she can't begin to guess at. He ignites a desire in her she never suspected--and shows a fascination with her she can't explain.
He has no family, no job, no bank account;he knows where she lives and her favorite flower. An aura of mystery cloaks him, even as Rowan grasps for facts, even as she fears an answer that could destroy her happiness. Gabriel can guide her through a wonderland of new sensations. But only if Rowan trusts him enough to follow. . .
I loved this book so much that I went a bit against my distaste for the finals with cliff hanger so big.
I admit, I'm pathetic but one of the things that I usually prefer are the happy ending and then I have a little with ma issues with the ones left pending.
In this case I made an exception because I liked a lot the story, not so much for its originality, I can't say this, for those who read several paranormal romance some things were already understood before the final revelation. I liked the way in which it was written, and for its characters Gabriel and Rowan and the aura of mystery surrounding their story.
Rowan is a young woman with a certain spirifanone speaks her mind and she's determined in her choices, until she meets Gabriel and his charme and good looking puts her definitely in trouble and slowly ne wins her. Against this man who woos her and acts in a very special way, Rowan feels special sensations, over an immediate physical attraction that sends her literally on fire. The impression of living deja vu as if they had already met in the past, as if she knew him, but she fails to go deeper than her perceptions.
Gabriel is everything you could want in a man, beautiful, sexy, protective and so terribly romantic. He always says the right thing at the right time and in the right way, as Rowan is the most important thing in the world for him and gradually wins her distrust.
Though also he has a lot of secrets, Rowan is aware of that, but she's afraid to confront them and unfortunately, sooner or later, the nodes are in the comb and as always happens in the worst ways.
I found this author has a great ability to get me involved and she was be able to fully capture my attention while I was reading the book.
Really well written in its real part romance and in the sex scenes between the two characters, that are explicit and hot, but never vulgar.
The well-defined minor characters have their importance in plot, as the lovely friend of Rowan, Laycee and the people linked to Gabriel, very mysterious people, with a certain aura of danger, very particular their attitudes toward Rowan, but so is Gabriel.
Now I just have to read the book, A Vampire's Soul, because this saint woman which is the author Carla Susan Smith, thankfully within a month has already published her second book, a relief.
I forgot to point out that this author is an emerging one and I must say that this book is very promising.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the book.
Fidati del tuo istinto.
Rowan Harper è solo una semplice commessa di una libreria dalla risposta sempre pronta, con una vita sentimentale disastrosa, quando una sera si reca al Rosie's Bar. Molti dei drammi Presenti nella sua vita li prende in prestito dalle avventure della sua migliore amica. Ma quando incontra Gabriel - alto e bello come una star del cinema - tutto cambia. Non importa se ha rifiutato il drink che le ha offerto o che di segreti con lei non vuole affrontare. Accende in lei una passione che non avrebbe mai sospettato di poter provare e mostra di subire il fascino di Rowan in un modo che lei non sa spiegarsi.
Lui non ha famiglia, nessun lavoro o conto in banca; Sto arrivando! Dove lei vive e il suo fiore preferito. Un aura di mistero lo avvolge, e anche se Rowan desidererebbe conoscere i fatti, al tempo stesso teme che le risposte possano distruggere la sua felicità. Gabriel può condurla in un mondo favoloso di nuove sensazioni. Ma solo se Rowan crederà abbastanza in lui da seguirlo.
Questo libro mi è piaciuto così tanto da farmi andare un po' contro la mia avversione per i finali con cliff hanger da paura.
Lo ammetto, sarò patetica ma una delle cose che di solito preferisco sono i lieto fine e quindi "cozzo" un po' con il finale lasciato in sospeso.
In questo caso faccio la dovuta eccezione perché la storia mi è piaciuta, non tanto per la sua originalità, questo no, per chi legge parecchi paranormal romance alcune cose si erano già capite prima della rivelazione finale. Mi è piaciuto per il modo nel quale è stato scritto e per i suoi personaggi Rowan, Gabriel e l'alone di mistero che circonda la loro storia.
Rowan è una giovane donna con un certo spirito, dalla risposta abbastanza pronta e decisa nelle sue scelte, fino a quando non incontra Gabriel che col suo fascino la mette decisamente in difficoltà e piano piano la conquista. Nei confronti di quest'uomo che la corteggia e tratta in modo molto speciale, Rowan prova delle sensazioni particolari, oltre di un'attrazione fisica immediata che la manda letteralmente in fiamme. Ha l'impressione di vivere dei deja vu come se lo avesse già incontrato in passato, come se lo conoscesse, ma non riesce ad andare più a fondo di queste sue percezioni.
Gabriel rappresenta tutto quello che si può desiderare in un uomo, bellissimo, sexy, protettivo e anche terribilmente romantico. Dice sempre la cosa giusta al momento e nel modo giusto, tratta Rowan come se fosse la cosa più importante per lui al mondo e pian piano vince la sua diffidenza e la conquista.
Però nasconde anche un mare di segreti, Rowan ne è consapevole, ma ha paura di affrontarli e purtroppo prima o poi i nodi vengono al pettine e come sempre accade nel peggiore dei modi.
Ho trovato in quest'autrice una grande capacità di coinvolgermi e catturare completamente la mia attenzione mentre leggevo il libro.
Veramente ben scritto sia nella sua parte romance vera e propria che nelle scene di sesso tra i due protagonisti che sono esplicite e incandescenti, ma mai volgari.
Ben delineati anche i personaggi secondari che hanno la loro importanza nella storia, come la simpaticissima amica di Rowan, Laycee e le persone legate a Gabriel, anche loro misteriose, con fanno percepire una certa aura di pericolo, ma Particolari nei loro atteggiamenti verso Rowan così come lo è Gabriel.
Ora non mi resta che leggere il seguito del libro, A Vampire's Soul, perché questa Santa donna che è l'autrice Carla Susan Smith, per fortuna nel giro di un mese ha già pubblicato il secondo libro, un sollievo.
Dimenticavo di far presente che questa autrice è un'emergente e devo dire che questo suo primo libro è molto promettente.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Kensington Books per il libro.
February 29, 2024
Exstatic
SPOILER ALERT:: I've been looking for a new series to get me invested in the world it contained. I've read a few books after finishing an amazing trilogy, but none of them had me wanting to continue on in the series.
This one has spiked my interest. Start with MC, Rowan is an absolute fireball. Her self talk is relatable and she gives herself so much attitude when she knows she is being self depreciating. She is her own mouthy best friend and I am all here for that.
If that isn't enough, bring in Laycee, the real life mouthy best friend we all have had to sensor infrint of our mothers if we ever wanted to go to that matinee on a Saturday afternoon back in high school. Laycee is by far one of my favorite characters. I wish she would have shown up a little more but hopefully see her in the next.
Gabriel is what's to be expected in the a gorgeous vikin'esk vampire. Admittedly I find all the talk about how rich he must be and all his cars to be a little on the cheesy side. I think I'd have rather him be awed by Rowan getting her hands dirty trying to fix her SOP and he happens to help than oogling all the fancy cars he has collected.
I am finding myself super interest in what happened to the Country accent Kansas man. But of a mystery there that is enticing.
I could go on and on. Looking forward to reading the next book and finding out more about our "Russian Mafia" friends. Lol : )))
SPOILER ALERT:: I've been looking for a new series to get me invested in the world it contained. I've read a few books after finishing an amazing trilogy, but none of them had me wanting to continue on in the series.
This one has spiked my interest. Start with MC, Rowan is an absolute fireball. Her self talk is relatable and she gives herself so much attitude when she knows she is being self depreciating. She is her own mouthy best friend and I am all here for that.
If that isn't enough, bring in Laycee, the real life mouthy best friend we all have had to sensor infrint of our mothers if we ever wanted to go to that matinee on a Saturday afternoon back in high school. Laycee is by far one of my favorite characters. I wish she would have shown up a little more but hopefully see her in the next.
Gabriel is what's to be expected in the a gorgeous vikin'esk vampire. Admittedly I find all the talk about how rich he must be and all his cars to be a little on the cheesy side. I think I'd have rather him be awed by Rowan getting her hands dirty trying to fix her SOP and he happens to help than oogling all the fancy cars he has collected.
I am finding myself super interest in what happened to the Country accent Kansas man. But of a mystery there that is enticing.
I could go on and on. Looking forward to reading the next book and finding out more about our "Russian Mafia" friends. Lol : )))
September 29, 2024
Different take
Rowan was destined to be a virgin. Her dates always end!ended up going nowhere until she met her best friend at Rosie's. Laycee. Town's best friend, pointed out a handsome hunk staring at Rowan. As Rowan gets ready to get in her car Gabriel catches her eye and a budding romance gradually forms and Rowan finally loses her virginity to the love of her life. As time goes on Rowan finds out very little about Gabriel but she can't deny that he is the epitome of the male species. Katja is a friend of Gabriel's who can't understand how he can have feelings for Rowan and not her. She finally goes after Rowan to drag her to where she can intimidate her. Rowan always somewhat naive has a great sense of humor picked up throughout the book that is so refreshing. Can't wait for the next chapter in Rowan and Gabriel's life
Rowan was destined to be a virgin. Her dates always end!ended up going nowhere until she met her best friend at Rosie's. Laycee. Town's best friend, pointed out a handsome hunk staring at Rowan. As Rowan gets ready to get in her car Gabriel catches her eye and a budding romance gradually forms and Rowan finally loses her virginity to the love of her life. As time goes on Rowan finds out very little about Gabriel but she can't deny that he is the epitome of the male species. Katja is a friend of Gabriel's who can't understand how he can have feelings for Rowan and not her. She finally goes after Rowan to drag her to where she can intimidate her. Rowan always somewhat naive has a great sense of humor picked up throughout the book that is so refreshing. Can't wait for the next chapter in Rowan and Gabriel's life
January 11, 2019
This was a fantastic book! I couldn't put it down. The characters were well thought out. The story flowed easily. There was suspense, love, lust all rolled into one. I'm currently reading the next book because I just had to see what happens next.
January 21, 2019
59% of the book was some teenage like angst of an unknown guy while she at 25 hasn't lost her virginity...They spent time together but no details on the convos...very shallow characters...very frustrating to say the least
June 8, 2017
Very good
I really enjoyed this book very much, I can not wait to read the rest of the series, vampire excitement.
I really enjoyed this book very much, I can not wait to read the rest of the series, vampire excitement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews