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Dark River Days #1
Newly Undead in Dark River
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07WQJZFF2
Welcome to Dark River. Population 0.
When Mika McKellen woke up in a stormwater drain while backpacking around Canada, she knew that her mother was right. If you made bad choices, you would end up dead in a ditch. But when she stumbled into Dark River, even her mother could never have dreamed up the residents of this small town in the middle of nowhere, Alberta.
Oh, it had all the usual suspects. Quirky diner owners, untrustworthy outcasts and a Sheriff so hot he’d make any red-blooded woman with a heartbeat beg to be in cuffs in the back of his patrol vehicle. No, the really unusual thing about Dark River was that it was entirely populated by the Undead. Vampires to be specific. And so was Mika.
As Mika adjusts to the life of a Vampire, a dark presence stalks her from the shadows. One of the residents of Dark River was her maker and her murderer.
And they were determined to ensure that Mika never rested in peace.
Welcome to Dark River. Population 0.
When Mika McKellen woke up in a stormwater drain while backpacking around Canada, she knew that her mother was right. If you made bad choices, you would end up dead in a ditch. But when she stumbled into Dark River, even her mother could never have dreamed up the residents of this small town in the middle of nowhere, Alberta.
Oh, it had all the usual suspects. Quirky diner owners, untrustworthy outcasts and a Sheriff so hot he’d make any red-blooded woman with a heartbeat beg to be in cuffs in the back of his patrol vehicle. No, the really unusual thing about Dark River was that it was entirely populated by the Undead. Vampires to be specific. And so was Mika.
As Mika adjusts to the life of a Vampire, a dark presence stalks her from the shadows. One of the residents of Dark River was her maker and her murderer.
And they were determined to ensure that Mika never rested in peace.
256 pages, ebook
First published September 13, 2019
1423 people are currently reading
4395 people want to read
About the author
Grace McGinty
64 books2,081 followersWhen I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 551 reviews
August 3, 2022
I can see why some readers enjoyed this one but it really didn't work for me. Juvenile, silly humor, superficial. YA/NA feeling and insta-lust without emotional attachment. RH with mm interaction.
The premise: Young woman hitchhiking is mysteriously turned into vampire, and dropped off on the outskirts of this town.
Night one she gives herself a new 'vampire name,' has a brief one night stand with sexy drifter, all the men in town want her, all the women are super friendly, she can eat all the cake and cupcakes she wants and not get fat. She instantly gets a job working at a bookstore/bakery and a super cute furnished apartment above the store.
Night two she gets a full make-over (including an entire new wardrobe, hair, & makeup) to fit her new vampire persona. Is super horny, can't look directly at the sun, more talk of all the food she can consume without getting fat. Meets more sexy men.
Decent emotionless smut and I didn't figure out who the bad guy was so that's a plus! Definitely on the lighter, fun, campy side of storytelling.
The premise: Young woman hitchhiking is mysteriously turned into vampire, and dropped off on the outskirts of this town.
Night one she gives herself a new 'vampire name,' has a brief one night stand with sexy drifter, all the men in town want her, all the women are super friendly, she can eat all the cake and cupcakes she wants and not get fat. She instantly gets a job working at a bookstore/bakery and a super cute furnished apartment above the store.
Night two she gets a full make-over (including an entire new wardrobe, hair, & makeup) to fit her new vampire persona. Is super horny, can't look directly at the sun, more talk of all the food she can consume without getting fat. Meets more sexy men.
"Just remember, you have the same vagina for all eternity—don’t wear it out in the first year."There's little worry about what her family must be going through thinking her dead, or what a huge change this will mean for her future.
Decent emotionless smut and I didn't figure out who the bad guy was so that's a plus! Definitely on the lighter, fun, campy side of storytelling.
November 25, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Your mama always said she was scared you’d end up in a ditch. What she didn’t expect was for you to wake up. But that’s what happened to Mika.
It turns out she did die, problem is she came back to life as a vampire. She woke up right on the outskirts of a town that just happens to be solely populated by the blood suckers.
Dark River runs the gamut of every type of vampire and it makes for an entertaining setting to say the least.
Now she had to choose between staying in this town and staying safe and out of trouble. The catch is she needs to disappear from everyone she knows. Or risk certain death of either her or people she loves if she sets out on her own.
I already adored Brody, he’s not only my favorite in this, he’s my fave in any McGinty book. But then when shifted into my cat. Best of both worlds.
Ugh, considered what he did for her thanks to the bad blood perhaps we shouldn’t call Judge selfish. Alright there Sheriff? I mean seriously, when is this dude gonna pull the stick out?
I love the crap out of Brody but Judge is a close second. His territorial reaction to Miranda is priceless, especially when he healed Walker’s wound.
This is totally reminiscent of The Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine. So many amusing characters populated that town and Dark River. I freaking love it!
Overall a super fun ride both on the streets and in between the sheets with all her hot men. The mystery was stellar and I never saw it coming.
Your mama always said she was scared you’d end up in a ditch. What she didn’t expect was for you to wake up. But that’s what happened to Mika.
It turns out she did die, problem is she came back to life as a vampire. She woke up right on the outskirts of a town that just happens to be solely populated by the blood suckers.
Dark River runs the gamut of every type of vampire and it makes for an entertaining setting to say the least.
Now she had to choose between staying in this town and staying safe and out of trouble. The catch is she needs to disappear from everyone she knows. Or risk certain death of either her or people she loves if she sets out on her own.
I already adored Brody, he’s not only my favorite in this, he’s my fave in any McGinty book. But then when shifted into my cat. Best of both worlds.
Ugh, considered what he did for her thanks to the bad blood perhaps we shouldn’t call Judge selfish. Alright there Sheriff? I mean seriously, when is this dude gonna pull the stick out?
I love the crap out of Brody but Judge is a close second. His territorial reaction to Miranda is priceless, especially when he healed Walker’s wound.
This is totally reminiscent of The Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine. So many amusing characters populated that town and Dark River. I freaking love it!
Overall a super fun ride both on the streets and in between the sheets with all her hot men. The mystery was stellar and I never saw it coming.
April 22, 2020
Another sizzling RH from Grace mcginty
Our MC is brave, irreverent, emotional , Indearing. It’s Gilmore girls meets hart of Dixie cross paranormal RH fast burn
It was lovely, with a mystery “who dun it” plot . No triggers, no dark themes. It is a series with the next expected to be just as good. M/M scenes
I recommend this 100%
Our MC is brave, irreverent, emotional , Indearing. It’s Gilmore girls meets hart of Dixie cross paranormal RH fast burn
It was lovely, with a mystery “who dun it” plot . No triggers, no dark themes. It is a series with the next expected to be just as good. M/M scenes
I recommend this 100%
October 5, 2019
DNF @60%
Don't like the heroine and not seeing any 'romance', just lust.
Don't like the heroine and not seeing any 'romance', just lust.
September 15, 2019
I almost DNFed it, but i'm glad I didn't. It picked up and held my interest from 50% onward.
This is like slice of life RH with loads of sticky sweet cute romancey shit and a little bit of True Blood.
There is also MM, which I like honestly, it feels weird to me in RH when the dudes just sorta tolerate each other and just sort of exist. The relationships felt natural and I appreciated the "why not" attitude the different love interests had, I needed it after all the testosterone, dominating angst in the previous books I've read.
Looking forward to the next one.
This is like slice of life RH with loads of sticky sweet cute romancey shit and a little bit of True Blood.
There is also MM, which I like honestly, it feels weird to me in RH when the dudes just sorta tolerate each other and just sort of exist. The relationships felt natural and I appreciated the "why not" attitude the different love interests had, I needed it after all the testosterone, dominating angst in the previous books I've read.
Looking forward to the next one.
August 5, 2021
Rating: 3.5 star
High enjoyment factor albeit a tiny bit draggy at some point.
What Mika never expected when she went backpacking in Canada was to end up dead and with a new addiction for blood. She did not expect to stumble across a full town of vampires not start her own harem either. But life -or death- can be unexpected, right?
Newly Undead in Dark River was an entertaining read. It gave me intense True Blood feelings featuring tons of cupcakes. It also represented disabilities, which is still pretty rare in the RH world.
I enjoyed the book bu I never really connected with Raine -Mika. As a baby vamp, she knows nothing of her new world and we follow her as she learns about it. But as a person, I just found her bland and very mainstream.
I decided I did not have a good opinion of her during her makeover when among all the possible clothing styles she went for the leather jacket and the skinny jeans. It might have been less sexy, but had she gone Renaissance style or Hippie relaxed and not chose the overly classic "badass outfit', I would have appreciated it a lot more.
Fortunately, I liked all love interests: the warm and fuzzy shifter, the stuck-up sheriff, and the very complicated drifter. They were all very different and in a way completing each other. The fourth love interest, however, has just one thing going on at the moment and I cannot help to wonder what will happen to his storyline.
A good read perfect for Halloween!
> MM later
> No FF
High enjoyment factor albeit a tiny bit draggy at some point.
What Mika never expected when she went backpacking in Canada was to end up dead and with a new addiction for blood. She did not expect to stumble across a full town of vampires not start her own harem either. But life -or death- can be unexpected, right?
Newly Undead in Dark River was an entertaining read. It gave me intense True Blood feelings featuring tons of cupcakes. It also represented disabilities, which is still pretty rare in the RH world.
I enjoyed the book bu I never really connected with Raine -Mika. As a baby vamp, she knows nothing of her new world and we follow her as she learns about it. But as a person, I just found her bland and very mainstream.
I decided I did not have a good opinion of her during her makeover when among all the possible clothing styles she went for the leather jacket and the skinny jeans. It might have been less sexy, but had she gone Renaissance style or Hippie relaxed and not chose the overly classic "badass outfit', I would have appreciated it a lot more.
Fortunately, I liked all love interests: the warm and fuzzy shifter, the stuck-up sheriff, and the very complicated drifter. They were all very different and in a way completing each other. The fourth love interest, however, has just one thing going on at the moment and I cannot help to wonder what will happen to his storyline.
A good read perfect for Halloween!
> MM later
> No FF
April 18, 2020
This book should come with a warning
It really was so easy to read. Effortless, and gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings. We’re talking Robin & Zylas levels of warm fuzzies here.
Which begs the question of all my so called “friends” ... why the hell have you not told me to read this before now?!
It’s everything I love in one funny, sweet and sexy vampire package!
Well thank goodness the rest of you have me cos I’m here to tell you... if you love vampires and sexy times with a funny and loveable newly turned vamp ... then just read it right now. I swear you won’t be disappointed. I loved everything from the newly turned vampire makeover to the creator murder mystery. The harem came together so naturally and Mika’s attitude to her second life is the kind of attitude I wish we all could have now
“I sloughed off who I was, and settled into my new life and my new persona. I was now everything that I wished I could be, and it felt liberating. I made friends but didn't agree with everything they said just to ensure their friendship. I said what I thought, ate what I liked, and put myself first every time. There were no strings on me. I was free.“
If Grace McKinstrys aim here was to make me go and check out every other book she’s ever written then
This was just prefect for right when you need something light and fun that takes zero mental input.
Book two is already burning and hole in my kindle so I shall say no more but leave you with my favourite line
” “Raine! I thought you’d died of dehydration up there. Just remember, you have the same vagina for all eternity, don’t wear it out in the first year,”
Did I forget to mention the overactive vampire sex drive... well there’s that too. And MM for those who need a warning and for those who look for it!
It really was so easy to read. Effortless, and gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings. We’re talking Robin & Zylas levels of warm fuzzies here.
Which begs the question of all my so called “friends” ... why the hell have you not told me to read this before now?!
It’s everything I love in one funny, sweet and sexy vampire package!
Well thank goodness the rest of you have me cos I’m here to tell you... if you love vampires and sexy times with a funny and loveable newly turned vamp ... then just read it right now. I swear you won’t be disappointed. I loved everything from the newly turned vampire makeover to the creator murder mystery. The harem came together so naturally and Mika’s attitude to her second life is the kind of attitude I wish we all could have now
“I sloughed off who I was, and settled into my new life and my new persona. I was now everything that I wished I could be, and it felt liberating. I made friends but didn't agree with everything they said just to ensure their friendship. I said what I thought, ate what I liked, and put myself first every time. There were no strings on me. I was free.“
If Grace McKinstrys aim here was to make me go and check out every other book she’s ever written then
This was just prefect for right when you need something light and fun that takes zero mental input.
Book two is already burning and hole in my kindle so I shall say no more but leave you with my favourite line
” “Raine! I thought you’d died of dehydration up there. Just remember, you have the same vagina for all eternity, don’t wear it out in the first year,”
Did I forget to mention the overactive vampire sex drive... well there’s that too. And MM for those who need a warning and for those who look for it!
July 3, 2023
The story just felt immature to me. Raine is 21 and the guys are all much older but they acted like sixteen year olds most of the time. The writing style also just felt too young for me.
I didn’t feel any tension or even a little bit of an emotional connection between Raine and the guys. Every relationship was insta-lust with nothing but smut involved. I also didn’t like the over sexualization of the mm scene. It came out of no where and seemed to only be there so Raine could get off watching them.
I also didn’t like how much of a doormat she was when it came to Judge. He just did whatever he wanted and Raine would be pissed at him but would magically forget all about it and have sex with him again. I can’t stand when the characters can’t just be adults and communicate. Until those issues are resolved, I don’t care about any nice or romantic thing he does. He started as my favourite but ended up being my least.
This just wasn’t my type of story.
I didn’t feel any tension or even a little bit of an emotional connection between Raine and the guys. Every relationship was insta-lust with nothing but smut involved. I also didn’t like the over sexualization of the mm scene. It came out of no where and seemed to only be there so Raine could get off watching them.
I also didn’t like how much of a doormat she was when it came to Judge. He just did whatever he wanted and Raine would be pissed at him but would magically forget all about it and have sex with him again. I can’t stand when the characters can’t just be adults and communicate. Until those issues are resolved, I don’t care about any nice or romantic thing he does. He started as my favourite but ended up being my least.
This just wasn’t my type of story.
April 2, 2023
3.75
Yes. This.
"I was going to drown in all this machismo one day. Everyone dreams about how amazing a harem would be, but in all honesty, that's a fuck tonne of testosterone all day, every day."
Yes. This.
April 3, 2021
Pages: 256
My rating: 3.5
MC and SC: New they are in the section called the Character. (Thanks to Sionna and Gaby who gave me the idea, so we can just look the characters up in my review for the next book in the series.)
I liked the book but it took 50% for me to get on board. But then I was hooked. I liked that the characters all have their big or little flaws and that Raine tires to accept them the way they are. I like the new girl friends, because they tried to do nice thing for Raine to help her get used to the new life.
And the guys are hot and sweet. They care for the new girl so much that they want to protect her and keep her safe. Sheriff even suggests to consult a witch and he does not like that person.
At the end it came together nicely and I think the harem is not fully formed. I think that other members will be added. There are already applicants.
The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons
Summery: I am trying for a detailed summary so I do not have to reread a book, if there is no time
My rating: 3.5
MC and SC: New they are in the section called the Character. (Thanks to Sionna and Gaby who gave me the idea, so we can just look the characters up in my review for the next book in the series.)
I liked the book but it took 50% for me to get on board. But then I was hooked. I liked that the characters all have their big or little flaws and that Raine tires to accept them the way they are. I like the new girl friends, because they tried to do nice thing for Raine to help her get used to the new life.
And the guys are hot and sweet. They care for the new girl so much that they want to protect her and keep her safe. Sheriff even suggests to consult a witch and he does not like that person.
At the end it came together nicely and I think the harem is not fully formed. I think that other members will be added. There are already applicants.
The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons
Summery: I am trying for a detailed summary so I do not have to reread a book, if there is no time
April 19, 2020
This is more like a 3.5 for me. I’m intrigued enough to want to move on with the series, especially when the author brought in Tex and mixed him up with the guys.
I still have a “muddy” mental picture of Raine...I don’t feel like we learned enough about her past apart from some listed facts about who she was before she woke up as a vamp. Her past felt very “rear view mirror” and was info dumped at times. Honestly, it was pretty boring.
The new Raine was a bit of a record scratch, as she just seemed to suddenly decide to change her appearance and attitude about life on a whim and never look back. Who does that? No one. Yeah... I know it’s a paranormal novel, but the emotions and character development still has to “feel” true, or else the reader won’t connect. Love, loss, changes in one’s sense of self, those are universal whether you’re a vamp or an alien or faerie.
Like most RH, the girl has a magic vag or something bc all the guys love her. Which is FINE. But again, I didn’t really get what set Raine apart. We keep reading how amazing she is and funny and sassy, but we aren’t seeing it in action. “Show don’t tell” was very much lacking. We read about a lot of cupcake eating and chili-fries and “OMG how great I will never get fat as a vampire!!” And orgasms. There were lots of those.
But all these issues aside, I am intrigued by X and what might happen next enough to read on. I’m hoping that Tex gets more page time and maybe some shifter abilities. This is a fun and fluffy novel with some mystery and lots of sexy times thrown in, so It won’t require you to think too hard. There’s very little drama, no jealousy, even the alphas are basically “alright alright alright” about sharing.
I still have a “muddy” mental picture of Raine...I don’t feel like we learned enough about her past apart from some listed facts about who she was before she woke up as a vamp. Her past felt very “rear view mirror” and was info dumped at times. Honestly, it was pretty boring.
The new Raine was a bit of a record scratch, as she just seemed to suddenly decide to change her appearance and attitude about life on a whim and never look back. Who does that? No one. Yeah... I know it’s a paranormal novel, but the emotions and character development still has to “feel” true, or else the reader won’t connect. Love, loss, changes in one’s sense of self, those are universal whether you’re a vamp or an alien or faerie.
Like most RH, the girl has a magic vag or something bc all the guys love her. Which is FINE. But again, I didn’t really get what set Raine apart. We keep reading how amazing she is and funny and sassy, but we aren’t seeing it in action. “Show don’t tell” was very much lacking. We read about a lot of cupcake eating and chili-fries and “OMG how great I will never get fat as a vampire!!” And orgasms. There were lots of those.
But all these issues aside, I am intrigued by X and what might happen next enough to read on. I’m hoping that Tex gets more page time and maybe some shifter abilities. This is a fun and fluffy novel with some mystery and lots of sexy times thrown in, so It won’t require you to think too hard. There’s very little drama, no jealousy, even the alphas are basically “alright alright alright” about sharing.
did-not-finish
September 26, 2020The cover looks so pretty.
The blurb sounds so campy.
50% in, I decide to just give up. Even if I did pull through this and finished it, at best it'll be a kind 3 star that I don't want to revisit.
The blurb sounds so campy.
50% in, I decide to just give up. Even if I did pull through this and finished it, at best it'll be a kind 3 star that I don't want to revisit.
October 4, 2021
This is my first RH where men keep being added to the harem as the story evolves. I thought I wouldn’t be into that but apparently it’s addictive?? Lol
February 11, 2022
*3.75 Stars*
*Romance, Reverse Harem w/ MM, Paranormal- shifters/vampires, small town vibes, mystery, contemporary, High Heat*
Ah, this was a treat, quite decadent. The fast pace and insta-lust kept my attention. Solid writing, interesting characters, decent world-building, scorching sex scenes with all the combos from MMF, MF, to MM.
There is also a mystery element. I was seriously surprised with the outcome of the "criminal investigation."
I do have one niggle, the investigation/mystery element takes place off-page for the most part. Which is a shame. The focus was more on protecting the MC, her building her Harem, and acclimating to her new reality.
Overall, Newly undead in Dark River met most of my expectations, I'm a content woman.
*Romance, Reverse Harem w/ MM, Paranormal- shifters/vampires, small town vibes, mystery, contemporary, High Heat*
Ah, this was a treat, quite decadent. The fast pace and insta-lust kept my attention. Solid writing, interesting characters, decent world-building, scorching sex scenes with all the combos from MMF, MF, to MM.
There is also a mystery element. I was seriously surprised with the outcome of the "criminal investigation."
I do have one niggle, the investigation/mystery element takes place off-page for the most part. Which is a shame. The focus was more on protecting the MC, her building her Harem, and acclimating to her new reality.
Overall, Newly undead in Dark River met most of my expectations, I'm a content woman.
September 23, 2022
OH YES !!
Absolutely awesome! This book was everything I was looking for ! I can’t wait to continue with this series !!
Absolutely awesome! This book was everything I was looking for ! I can’t wait to continue with this series !!
October 8, 2023
Phew. Talk about a fun time mixed with angst and turmoil.
It took me a second to see where the story was going because I was very confused about how we’d end up with a vampire RH. Then I entered Dark River alongside Mika, newly reborn as Raine, and began to see the beautiful picture blooming.
I’m highly intrigued by Sheriff Walker and cannot wait for him to succumb to his desires. Nico was another one. His office was hilarious, as was his love of sweets, but it’s his carefree ancient demeanor that drew me in. I can tell he cares for Raine but as a town council member he’s abstained from making his affections known.
Watching Raine come to terms with her new reality was quite entertaining. She’s gone from a moderately conservative 19yo college student to a pure vixen who owns her sexuality and speaks her mind. She feels liberated and empowered; it’s a type of self confidence we all strive to achieve.
The underlying angst associated with Raine’s secret Maker kept me on my toes. I never suspected the actual culprit and was heartbroken at the reveal. I wholeheartedly agree with the choice the council made to rectify the egregious actions of a rogue vampire, I only wish we’d been given a few last parting words from the perpetrator.
The soft cliffhanger had me immediately downloading the next book and staring the first few chapter… before I even thought about stopping to write this review.
⚰️ Judge - it’s a nickname. Vampire, lives in the now not the past, old world charm
🐯 Brody - Alpha of Canadian Shapeshifters, best tracker in Canada
🐍 Tex Flanaghan - half shifter, Mika’s childhood crush and next door neighbor
⚰️ Sheriff Walker Walton - vampire, protector, future mate
⚰️ Nico Flett- council member, ancient vamp, eclectic collection of decade memorabilia
⚰️ X - Vamp Nation Enforcer
🏠 Bert and Beatrice's Old Fashioned Diner
🏠 The Immortal Cupcake
🏠 Baroque, the town’s boutique
🏠 Cresta's Beauty Solutions
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
It took me a second to see where the story was going because I was very confused about how we’d end up with a vampire RH. Then I entered Dark River alongside Mika, newly reborn as Raine, and began to see the beautiful picture blooming.
I’m highly intrigued by Sheriff Walker and cannot wait for him to succumb to his desires. Nico was another one. His office was hilarious, as was his love of sweets, but it’s his carefree ancient demeanor that drew me in. I can tell he cares for Raine but as a town council member he’s abstained from making his affections known.
Watching Raine come to terms with her new reality was quite entertaining. She’s gone from a moderately conservative 19yo college student to a pure vixen who owns her sexuality and speaks her mind. She feels liberated and empowered; it’s a type of self confidence we all strive to achieve.
The underlying angst associated with Raine’s secret Maker kept me on my toes. I never suspected the actual culprit and was heartbroken at the reveal. I wholeheartedly agree with the choice the council made to rectify the egregious actions of a rogue vampire, I only wish we’d been given a few last parting words from the perpetrator.
The soft cliffhanger had me immediately downloading the next book and staring the first few chapter… before I even thought about stopping to write this review.
⚰️ Judge - it’s a nickname. Vampire, lives in the now not the past, old world charm
🐯 Brody - Alpha of Canadian Shapeshifters, best tracker in Canada
🐍 Tex Flanaghan - half shifter, Mika’s childhood crush and next door neighbor
⚰️ Sheriff Walker Walton - vampire, protector, future mate
⚰️ Nico Flett- council member, ancient vamp, eclectic collection of decade memorabilia
⚰️ X - Vamp Nation Enforcer
🏠 Bert and Beatrice's Old Fashioned Diner
🏠 The Immortal Cupcake
🏠 Baroque, the town’s boutique
🏠 Cresta's Beauty Solutions
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
February 19, 2020
2.5 stars rating
Pleasantly surprised by this book, it was more like a right-book-right-time read. It's fun and not that deep into the vampy stuff but still held my attention.
The plot develops from the premise of Mika's turning into a vamp. It's not crazy mysterious or anything when it's a basic who-did-it theme but it's not overtly predictable that you could guess in the first few pages itself. The utopian style vamp town was a simplistic concept and maybe some may find that rather tame and boring, I think it wasn't annoying.. maybe a little draggy but with the steady introductions of the harem characters to occupy most of the attention, I wasn't bored.
Mika/Raine was a typical but not too irritating FMC. The harem members have a distinctive feel with the way their individual relationship with Mika moves. They don't have much details beyond the obvious needed ones but their interactions with Mika always flowed well. Their dialogues and even scenes with other dudes aren't awkward or stifling. The M/M does click pretty quickly especially for characters that have just met, a little unexpected but not that bothersome.
The theme does get wrapped in this book itself so the who-did-it mystery won't be a cliffhanger and frankly that worked better rather than dragging it out for the next book. It's a fairly uncomplicated vampy book but still interesting enough to continue on the second book.
Pleasantly surprised by this book, it was more like a right-book-right-time read. It's fun and not that deep into the vampy stuff but still held my attention.
The plot develops from the premise of Mika's turning into a vamp. It's not crazy mysterious or anything when it's a basic who-did-it theme but it's not overtly predictable that you could guess in the first few pages itself. The utopian style vamp town was a simplistic concept and maybe some may find that rather tame and boring, I think it wasn't annoying.. maybe a little draggy but with the steady introductions of the harem characters to occupy most of the attention, I wasn't bored.
Mika/Raine was a typical but not too irritating FMC. The harem members have a distinctive feel with the way their individual relationship with Mika moves. They don't have much details beyond the obvious needed ones but their interactions with Mika always flowed well. Their dialogues and even scenes with other dudes aren't awkward or stifling. The M/M does click pretty quickly especially for characters that have just met, a little unexpected but not that bothersome.
The theme does get wrapped in this book itself so the who-did-it mystery won't be a cliffhanger and frankly that worked better rather than dragging it out for the next book. It's a fairly uncomplicated vampy book but still interesting enough to continue on the second book.
November 25, 2022
Excuse me while I laugh myself off the couch because NEWLY UNDEAD IN DARK RIVER was a hoot! This book doesn't take itself too seriously but that's fine, because you get a highly entertaining read with spice for days and a ton of humor.
Raine was snarky and hilarious and her inner commentary was great. Add in Judge the broody vampire, Walker the loyal Sheriff, Brody the charming shifter, and Tex the childhood friend and you had some very sexy moments as Raine embraces her inner hedonist.
Are Raine's circumstances a bit out there? Yeah. Are the guys all enamored with Raine for no real reason other than lust? Sure. But I was enjoying the book so much that I didn't really care.
Content Warning: Raine makes several internal comments about being glad she can't get fat now that she's a vampire
Raine was snarky and hilarious and her inner commentary was great. Add in Judge the broody vampire, Walker the loyal Sheriff, Brody the charming shifter, and Tex the childhood friend and you had some very sexy moments as Raine embraces her inner hedonist.
Are Raine's circumstances a bit out there? Yeah. Are the guys all enamored with Raine for no real reason other than lust? Sure. But I was enjoying the book so much that I didn't really care.
Content Warning: Raine makes several internal comments about being glad she can't get fat now that she's a vampire
September 20, 2019
3.75.
This was an enjoyable a read, which surprised me a bit, as I'm not usually a fan of fast burn, but the author made it work for me here.
Mika aka Raine was a bit cutesy, but I liked her a lot, and the Harem was pretty damn good, too.
This was a fluffy read, but I like dot and will drifnitely pick up the next.
This was an enjoyable a read, which surprised me a bit, as I'm not usually a fan of fast burn, but the author made it work for me here.
Mika aka Raine was a bit cutesy, but I liked her a lot, and the Harem was pretty damn good, too.
This was a fluffy read, but I like dot and will drifnitely pick up the next.
May 11, 2024
That was cute, and I'm invested enough to check out the next books.
I have to wonder why the website why-choose makes it seem like Raine is going to get knocked up....she's a vampire. A turned one so...what's up with that? Anyway. Off to read book two.
I have to wonder why the website why-choose makes it seem like Raine is going to get knocked up....she's a vampire. A turned one so...what's up with that? Anyway. Off to read book two.
September 15, 2019
DNF 40%
April 19, 2020
Take a feisty chick and drop her in the town from Gilmore Girls (minus the mother daughter drama thank you Jesus) filled with vampire townies. Team her up with hot as fuck vampires and a couple shifters. Oh and the best part....crossing sword action. Yes please!!!! Adorable. And scorching HOT.
August 30, 2020
Now I don't want to give the impression I didn't like this one because I did but I just wish everything hadn't been so ''perfect'' !!!
You get turned into a vampire against your will and wake up in a strange town populated by supernatural being ??? No biggie because:
- Everybody loves you and accepts you;
- You immediately find new girlfriends;
- 3 hot guys immediately lust after you and even love you;
- You're offered a job you love;
- You get a free makeover;
- You find great clothes that turn you into a sexy badass;
- You're offered a great appartment you love;
- You can eat all the pastries you want without gaining weight;
Wait, it still feels like something is missing ??? Oh no problem: your first love suddenly turns up and it so happens he's a half shifter so he CAN actually stay with you ....
Everybody has great sex... THE END.
What is this a YA's wet dream ??? A mastercard commercial ??? The perfect twilight zone ???
I get that this is fiction but still...
Not so much my cup of tea....Just to sweet and perfect....
You get turned into a vampire against your will and wake up in a strange town populated by supernatural being ??? No biggie because:
- Everybody loves you and accepts you;
- You immediately find new girlfriends;
- 3 hot guys immediately lust after you and even love you;
- You're offered a job you love;
- You get a free makeover;
- You find great clothes that turn you into a sexy badass;
- You're offered a great appartment you love;
- You can eat all the pastries you want without gaining weight;
Wait, it still feels like something is missing ??? Oh no problem: your first love suddenly turns up and it so happens he's a half shifter so he CAN actually stay with you ....
Everybody has great sex... THE END.
What is this a YA's wet dream ??? A mastercard commercial ??? The perfect twilight zone ???
I get that this is fiction but still...
Not so much my cup of tea....Just to sweet and perfect....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2022
4.4 stars.
I’m really enjoying this so far.
All the characters are super cool and I can’t wait to see how they evolve and develop deeper connections.
Also. I’m really hoping this four man harem becomes a six man harem because fuck yeah. The more the merrier.
I also really enjoy the bickering and the banter between them all.
The guys are protective and possessive and really hot and all that testosterone leads to some fun little squabbles.
I’m excited to see where this goes.
Thank you TikTok for another win in the rec department.
I’m really enjoying this so far.
All the characters are super cool and I can’t wait to see how they evolve and develop deeper connections.
Also. I’m really hoping this four man harem becomes a six man harem because fuck yeah. The more the merrier.
I also really enjoy the bickering and the banter between them all.
The guys are protective and possessive and really hot and all that testosterone leads to some fun little squabbles.
I’m excited to see where this goes.
Thank you TikTok for another win in the rec department.
September 25, 2019
My first but definitely not my last book by this talented Author!!
I stumbled across this Author when she took over one of the Reader's groups I'm in. She made me laugh with her sense of humor and I was intrigued when I saw the Blurb for this book. Downloaded right then and just finished wanting more! Can't wait for book two!! I love these characters and NEED to know what's next for this group. I love when an Author can make me laugh!! This is a great read!
I stumbled across this Author when she took over one of the Reader's groups I'm in. She made me laugh with her sense of humor and I was intrigued when I saw the Blurb for this book. Downloaded right then and just finished wanting more! Can't wait for book two!! I love these characters and NEED to know what's next for this group. I love when an Author can make me laugh!! This is a great read!
June 16, 2022
Different!!
This was a fun ride - a vampire tale of a different sort. With a high degree of heat, the narrative twists and turns around a young woman finding her new undead feet in a world she never expected. It's hot, oddly Stratford and rather unique amongst a sea of Vampire Paranormal novels.
I really enjoyed the 'accepting' aspect of this story. She’s a new vamp, a baby vamp, but there is little “oh you’re so young and we are so wise” - a trope used in many other vampire tales. While there is a touch of that, it is not portrayed the way you may see elsewhere.
There are a few editing errors that caught me, but nothing too major, and nothing that affects plot or flow.
Pros:
~ Unique characters, including shifters that are not limited to JUST one animal.
~ I like Raine... a lot.
~ Actually, I like all the main characters, even the Boy Scout'esque Sheriff, Walker.
~ I generally like slower burn novels, but the sexual content here seemed to work with the plot.
Cons:
~ Minor Editing Issues.
~ Some of the explanations were too vague.
~ This could have served well with Multiple POV.
Perspective:
First Person, Single POV
Rating:
Very Adult (XXX)
Ending Type:
Cliffhanger - though the major crux of this story line is resolved.
Romantic Dynamic:
MMFMM with potential for more (M/M present)
Character Age Range:
19+
My Final Verdict on Newly Undead In The River:
There is something about Vampire Reverse Harems that just get to me. I love them - and this one is one of the better offerings, featuring a subtle build up in plot, high heat and a unique approach to an oversaturated genre.
This was a fun ride - a vampire tale of a different sort. With a high degree of heat, the narrative twists and turns around a young woman finding her new undead feet in a world she never expected. It's hot, oddly Stratford and rather unique amongst a sea of Vampire Paranormal novels.
I really enjoyed the 'accepting' aspect of this story. She’s a new vamp, a baby vamp, but there is little “oh you’re so young and we are so wise” - a trope used in many other vampire tales. While there is a touch of that, it is not portrayed the way you may see elsewhere.
There are a few editing errors that caught me, but nothing too major, and nothing that affects plot or flow.
Pros:
~ Unique characters, including shifters that are not limited to JUST one animal.
~ I like Raine... a lot.
~ Actually, I like all the main characters, even the Boy Scout'esque Sheriff, Walker.
~ I generally like slower burn novels, but the sexual content here seemed to work with the plot.
Cons:
~ Minor Editing Issues.
~ Some of the explanations were too vague.
~ This could have served well with Multiple POV.
Perspective:
First Person, Single POV
Rating:
Very Adult (XXX)
Ending Type:
Cliffhanger - though the major crux of this story line is resolved.
Romantic Dynamic:
MMFMM with potential for more (M/M present)
Character Age Range:
19+
My Final Verdict on Newly Undead In The River:
There is something about Vampire Reverse Harems that just get to me. I love them - and this one is one of the better offerings, featuring a subtle build up in plot, high heat and a unique approach to an oversaturated genre.
January 2, 2020
I am in love with this first book in a new paranormal reverse harem series by Grace McGinty Newly Undead in Dark River.
Grace was the first reverse harem author I ever read so maybe I'm a bit biased, but I think she does such a good job seemlessly developing the female protagonist and then all the male lover/potential lover characters. This book also has an element of mystery as the protagonist and her potential lovers try and figure out who turned her into a vampire. I appreciate that there is a tiniest of cliffhangers at the end of the book but mostly it is all wrapped up and can be read as a standalone novel. But I am absolutely desperate for the next in the series. I give this book a solid 4.5 stars. ☆☆☆☆▪︎5
Grace was the first reverse harem author I ever read so maybe I'm a bit biased, but I think she does such a good job seemlessly developing the female protagonist and then all the male lover/potential lover characters. This book also has an element of mystery as the protagonist and her potential lovers try and figure out who turned her into a vampire. I appreciate that there is a tiniest of cliffhangers at the end of the book but mostly it is all wrapped up and can be read as a standalone novel. But I am absolutely desperate for the next in the series. I give this book a solid 4.5 stars. ☆☆☆☆▪︎5
October 11, 2020
Not again
I was digging this book. It was quirky and sassy. Mystery was afoot! Who left newly minted, vampire Mika in the drain?!
There's a brief introduction to the tucked away town full of vampires and development with sexy drifter. I loved that she works in a bakery.
And then it hits... The tired cliche. New vamp nails everything that moves and breathes. Best friend and old crush from old life shows up. Surprise!! (NOT) he's a shifter and bonded to her. Just throw another penis on the pile why not? I'm not even done and I feel like this is going to have a quick now wrap up or a tag along to the next book to talk about how much more sex she can have with who knows how many people?! Ugh.
I was digging this book. It was quirky and sassy. Mystery was afoot! Who left newly minted, vampire Mika in the drain?!
There's a brief introduction to the tucked away town full of vampires and development with sexy drifter. I loved that she works in a bakery.
And then it hits... The tired cliche. New vamp nails everything that moves and breathes. Best friend and old crush from old life shows up. Surprise!! (NOT) he's a shifter and bonded to her. Just throw another penis on the pile why not? I'm not even done and I feel like this is going to have a quick now wrap up or a tag along to the next book to talk about how much more sex she can have with who knows how many people?! Ugh.
May 31, 2020
Loved this intro, which I read in one sitting. It's a new author for me and I really liked the writing style. Well developed setting, good pace and the plot like the characters are shown not told. It's one of the best RH books I've read because it's an adult setting, not high school or college, sadly there were cupcakes. Best of all, no Aussie jingoism - I loathe some of the OTT Aussie language in some books. What we get is a great murder-mystery, a surprising reveal, and I really liked the very real heroine. With relationships still forming, I am ready for the next book.
November 12, 2022
There was something about this one, it should have hit all the good things I liked, yet from the start I was meh...about it. Slightly bored while reading, not interested to see who "killed" Mika, the town slightly more interesting, but not enough to keep reading. In the end this one wasn't for me.
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