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Vamps in the Vineyard #1
Here to Slay
What happens when Buffy hits menopause and her entire future is at stake?
It’s not easy being one of the few women in wine, but when Charlie, an award-winning winemaker, bought a vineyard and winery with a gorgeous view of the Cascade mountains, she thought her ship—or grapes—had come in.
Her luck continues when she convinces her friend Stephanie to join the staff as the queen of the kitchens and finds the iron-haired and iron-willed Sky to whip the business into shape. Discovering the tunnels running under the winery was just icing on the cake.
But when Estaca Corazón hosts its first wedding, the party crashers have fangs and Charlie’s staff are carrying stakes. Are Charlie’s winery dreams nothing more than dust in the wind? Or can she find a way to balance the supernatural, the middle-aged slayers whose presence seems too timely to be coincidence, and the business she built with blood, sweat, and tears?
Here to Slay is the first in the Vamps in the Vineyard series, a humorous paranormal women’s fiction series from USA Today Bestselling Author Amy Cissell, author of the Eden Valley, Oracle Bay, and Eleanor Morgan series.
It’s not easy being one of the few women in wine, but when Charlie, an award-winning winemaker, bought a vineyard and winery with a gorgeous view of the Cascade mountains, she thought her ship—or grapes—had come in.
Her luck continues when she convinces her friend Stephanie to join the staff as the queen of the kitchens and finds the iron-haired and iron-willed Sky to whip the business into shape. Discovering the tunnels running under the winery was just icing on the cake.
But when Estaca Corazón hosts its first wedding, the party crashers have fangs and Charlie’s staff are carrying stakes. Are Charlie’s winery dreams nothing more than dust in the wind? Or can she find a way to balance the supernatural, the middle-aged slayers whose presence seems too timely to be coincidence, and the business she built with blood, sweat, and tears?
Here to Slay is the first in the Vamps in the Vineyard series, a humorous paranormal women’s fiction series from USA Today Bestselling Author Amy Cissell, author of the Eden Valley, Oracle Bay, and Eleanor Morgan series.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cissell
41 books142 followersAmy Cissell is a USA Today Bestselling Author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, her haunted house-obsessed daughter, their two cats, and the murder of crows she's conspiring to turn into her vengeful army.
When she's not working or writing, she's sleeping because that's all she has time to do! There are few things Amy loves more than a well-timed pun, a good book, a glass of wine, and making calf eyes at Portugal when she thinks no one’s looking.
Although she reads anything and everything, her first love has always been fantasy. Eleven-year-old Amy discovered fantasy when she 'borrowed' her father's copy of The Hobbit and an enduring love affair (mostly with dragons) was born.
When she's not working or writing, she's sleeping because that's all she has time to do! There are few things Amy loves more than a well-timed pun, a good book, a glass of wine, and making calf eyes at Portugal when she thinks no one’s looking.
Although she reads anything and everything, her first love has always been fantasy. Eleven-year-old Amy discovered fantasy when she 'borrowed' her father's copy of The Hobbit and an enduring love affair (mostly with dragons) was born.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 8, 2022
Not quite fanfiction; full of references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer which bring a touch of humour. Well-plotted and very competent story; the author clearly did a lot of research into California winemaking, and the narrative races along. I just don't really find myself caring about the main characters, even the central POV, a Slayer trying to handle her calling and run her vineyard which she has invested all her funds into. I think the occasional disappearance of key characters makes it harder to sympathise with them, as we are suddenly told rather than shown trauma and emotional interactions. More than once the heroine fades to black and we wake up with her, some time later, and learn, with her, from a narrator, important things that have happened. The antagonists are built up quite effectively, but their inevitable endings just don't seem to matter to anyone much.
I was given an advance copy of this book; the views I express are entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy of this book; the views I express are entirely my own.
September 26, 2022
I really enjoyed meeting sassy charlie aka older Buffy. I loved all the twists and turns and getting to know new characters and a whole new world. This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed their style and interesting characters. I will certainly be reading more of their books!
October 6, 2022
Here to Slay
When it comes to vampires I am strictly a traditionalist. Anything not included in Van Helsing’s summary of vampire powers is just wrong. And if you chose to change the rules you should say so at the very beginning. Still in spite of these changes, I found a lot to like in Here to Slay.
The setting is interesting and I believe unique. I had no idea Washington had such a thriving and innovative wine culture. The scenes in the various rooms of the vineyard are vivid and at the same time cozy. The only thing missing is a schedule of tour times and tasting events.
The supporting characters are well made and fully fleshed with two noticeable exceptions. I found the supporting characters much easier to connect with than the central character.
The protagonist gets extra points for not being a teenager or even a twenty-something. Nice to see an adult, even if still working on the adult part, doing the important things in a story. Even the physical flaws in this character help build a better image of just who and what we have to follow. The flaw that drags a bit is the protagonist's inability to adjust to the changes of moderate aging. The stated age of the character should be the most active and physically adventurous stage in life, but this individual seems to think the halfway point is the end of the trail.
There are however two characters that leave much to be wanted. The principal warrior is so remote and frosty it is difficult to find any reason to empathize with them. This also affects the supernatural mentor, not so frosty but still cold and lacking in anything to grab onto.
It may simply be a lack of discrimination on my part but all of the core characters are so similar in style, appearance, and personality they do tend to be a blob in places. Could be they need a bit more differentiation to make each seem more an individual.
More attention could be given to the ending as there is no real conclusion. I get it, big doings and then blue skies for the future, but it seems a little pat. I would need a bit more letdown and resolution to be completely satisfied.
The net effect, in spite of my misgivings about revisionist vampire lore, (Just who said and when did silver become effective against vampires? There is no mention in Van Helsing), is a well-told tale with just enough spice to make it easy to forgive the deviation for tradition. Good faith effort and well worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When it comes to vampires I am strictly a traditionalist. Anything not included in Van Helsing’s summary of vampire powers is just wrong. And if you chose to change the rules you should say so at the very beginning. Still in spite of these changes, I found a lot to like in Here to Slay.
The setting is interesting and I believe unique. I had no idea Washington had such a thriving and innovative wine culture. The scenes in the various rooms of the vineyard are vivid and at the same time cozy. The only thing missing is a schedule of tour times and tasting events.
The supporting characters are well made and fully fleshed with two noticeable exceptions. I found the supporting characters much easier to connect with than the central character.
The protagonist gets extra points for not being a teenager or even a twenty-something. Nice to see an adult, even if still working on the adult part, doing the important things in a story. Even the physical flaws in this character help build a better image of just who and what we have to follow. The flaw that drags a bit is the protagonist's inability to adjust to the changes of moderate aging. The stated age of the character should be the most active and physically adventurous stage in life, but this individual seems to think the halfway point is the end of the trail.
There are however two characters that leave much to be wanted. The principal warrior is so remote and frosty it is difficult to find any reason to empathize with them. This also affects the supernatural mentor, not so frosty but still cold and lacking in anything to grab onto.
It may simply be a lack of discrimination on my part but all of the core characters are so similar in style, appearance, and personality they do tend to be a blob in places. Could be they need a bit more differentiation to make each seem more an individual.
More attention could be given to the ending as there is no real conclusion. I get it, big doings and then blue skies for the future, but it seems a little pat. I would need a bit more letdown and resolution to be completely satisfied.
The net effect, in spite of my misgivings about revisionist vampire lore, (Just who said and when did silver become effective against vampires? There is no mention in Van Helsing), is a well-told tale with just enough spice to make it easy to forgive the deviation for tradition. Good faith effort and well worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2022
Well, where to start. I'm not a big fan of vampire books but with that said I actually loved this one.
The first in a series that I hope we see more of and that the author keeps the goriness on the down low...it is goriness that I don't like but this story was well done.
The beginning of the story confused me with using they/them with Raven but I finally clued in what was going on...yes it takes me a while. I'm not sure what to make of Raven she is quite different. Another character, Paul, I clued right in on what was going on. Charlie, the main character, is on the annoying side all she cares about is the vineyard and I can understand that. Charlie doesn't want to believe that she is a slayer. I would really like to see more background on her family because she has to come from a long line of slayers.
The story is action packed and relatively fast paced. Well written and it flows flawlessly. It kept my attention and I really enjoyed it. I hope the next one sees more of backgrounds so that we can understand why Charlie is a slayer....you just don't become a slayer it has to come from somewhere.
The vineyard sounds wonderful except for the vampires that have decided to call it home. I found myself laughing with the snarky comments and I really like that Charlie is an older heroine going through menopause.
Some readers might get a little confused because there are mentions of characters from Eden Valley and Vamps in the Vineyard is a spinoff from Amy Cissell's Eden Valley series. If you haven't read it you may find yourself a little confused at first but you don't necessarily have to read the Eden Valley series but I highly recommend it. Vamps in the Vineyard looks to be the start of a great series. Can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Amy Cissell for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy of Here to Slay for an honest review. These are my words and my words alone...alas they are not eloquent but they are from the heart. SIDENOTE: If you subscribe to Amy's newsletter you will get a novella called Stakes & Stems which is about Vamps in the Vineyard...it was quite good but oh so short!
The first in a series that I hope we see more of and that the author keeps the goriness on the down low...it is goriness that I don't like but this story was well done.
The beginning of the story confused me with using they/them with Raven but I finally clued in what was going on...yes it takes me a while. I'm not sure what to make of Raven she is quite different. Another character, Paul, I clued right in on what was going on. Charlie, the main character, is on the annoying side all she cares about is the vineyard and I can understand that. Charlie doesn't want to believe that she is a slayer. I would really like to see more background on her family because she has to come from a long line of slayers.
The story is action packed and relatively fast paced. Well written and it flows flawlessly. It kept my attention and I really enjoyed it. I hope the next one sees more of backgrounds so that we can understand why Charlie is a slayer....you just don't become a slayer it has to come from somewhere.
The vineyard sounds wonderful except for the vampires that have decided to call it home. I found myself laughing with the snarky comments and I really like that Charlie is an older heroine going through menopause.
Some readers might get a little confused because there are mentions of characters from Eden Valley and Vamps in the Vineyard is a spinoff from Amy Cissell's Eden Valley series. If you haven't read it you may find yourself a little confused at first but you don't necessarily have to read the Eden Valley series but I highly recommend it. Vamps in the Vineyard looks to be the start of a great series. Can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Amy Cissell for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy of Here to Slay for an honest review. These are my words and my words alone...alas they are not eloquent but they are from the heart. SIDENOTE: If you subscribe to Amy's newsletter you will get a novella called Stakes & Stems which is about Vamps in the Vineyard...it was quite good but oh so short!
October 12, 2022
This was my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it. It was completely non-stop action throughout and there were many occasions were I thought the characters would not be able to pull through!
Charlie, a 50 year old wine maker, has just bought her own vineyard and winery, trying to fulfil her lifelong dreams. However, she has also awakened her powers as a slayer, as much as she tries to deny it, she eventually has no choice to accept them, learn how to use them and try to defeat the vampires that have invaded the caves under her vinery.
Along with her best friend Stephanie, another slayer and Sky, the third slayer of the group, they stand up to the vampires pretty well. Add in a few of the supernatural employees from Charlie's vineyard and they are definitely a force to be reckoned with. But it's not just that easy or simple, especially with the twists and turns thrown in, betrayals and surprises as well!
I really loved Charlie as a main character - she was witty, sarcastic, trying to deal with her new found powers at the same time as having hot flashes. All of which made for hilarious reading! I loved Raven the most though and am hoping to read more about her in the future - she was a very intriguing character and I would love to see them get their own book or series too.
I will definitely be reading more of this series and will go back and read the Eden Valley series as well which was linked to this one, although you didn't need to read it to thoroughly enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC, but this review is my own, honest one.
Charlie, a 50 year old wine maker, has just bought her own vineyard and winery, trying to fulfil her lifelong dreams. However, she has also awakened her powers as a slayer, as much as she tries to deny it, she eventually has no choice to accept them, learn how to use them and try to defeat the vampires that have invaded the caves under her vinery.
Along with her best friend Stephanie, another slayer and Sky, the third slayer of the group, they stand up to the vampires pretty well. Add in a few of the supernatural employees from Charlie's vineyard and they are definitely a force to be reckoned with. But it's not just that easy or simple, especially with the twists and turns thrown in, betrayals and surprises as well!
I really loved Charlie as a main character - she was witty, sarcastic, trying to deal with her new found powers at the same time as having hot flashes. All of which made for hilarious reading! I loved Raven the most though and am hoping to read more about her in the future - she was a very intriguing character and I would love to see them get their own book or series too.
I will definitely be reading more of this series and will go back and read the Eden Valley series as well which was linked to this one, although you didn't need to read it to thoroughly enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC, but this review is my own, honest one.
September 20, 2022
Here to Slay is the first in a new pwf series by Amy. The opening, several conversations, and a couple scenes may be a bit confusing to any who have not read the Eden Valley series before diving into this.
I was super excited to get Charlie's story after reading about a certain wedding. I enjoyed much of the story and really enjoyed getting to know the new characters. Sky and Paul set off my radar, Raven had me intrigued, Stephanie (and Marc) were instantly accepted, and then Charlie. She... irritated... me with her initial reactions even though I also relate to them.
I'm really intrigued by Charlie, her abilities, her family history, and what's to come. Raven and Paul realllllly have me intrigued for so many reasons, and even Rudy has me wanting to see more.
First books are almost always a little slow and that's what stopped me from upping my stars on this one. The characters are compelling, the story arc is fun and interesting, there's a good hook for a series while completing the story, and enough action, mystery, and reveals to keep me intrigued. Looking forward to reading the next one!
I was super excited to get Charlie's story after reading about a certain wedding. I enjoyed much of the story and really enjoyed getting to know the new characters. Sky and Paul set off my radar, Raven had me intrigued, Stephanie (and Marc) were instantly accepted, and then Charlie. She... irritated... me with her initial reactions even though I also relate to them.
I'm really intrigued by Charlie, her abilities, her family history, and what's to come. Raven and Paul realllllly have me intrigued for so many reasons, and even Rudy has me wanting to see more.
First books are almost always a little slow and that's what stopped me from upping my stars on this one. The characters are compelling, the story arc is fun and interesting, there's a good hook for a series while completing the story, and enough action, mystery, and reveals to keep me intrigued. Looking forward to reading the next one!
September 15, 2022
I’ve been reading this author for a while, and I jumped at the chance to read this new series. I love the new more mature main character-type genre, and this new one didn’t disappoint. We learn about Charlie and her dream vineyard that is unfortunately being stalked by vampires. This was a well-written book with Charlie learning and training to become the slayer she was destined to be, the interesting characters helping her to accomplish that, and a few action scenes to round it out. Charlie is someone introduced in another series, but you don’t need to have read the other one to read this one. I was a little confused at one point about a character and the motivations of the vampires, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I’m excited to see where we’re going next. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
November 1, 2022
This book about a slayer who finds out that 1. vampires are real, 2. they are in her dream vineyard and 3. She is a slayer with powers to stop them-- has great bones. As the first book in a new series, it does a great job of connecting to the old series while introducing a set of new friends and mysteries.
The writing was well paced, but the main delight of this story is in its characters. Well, with one exception. I can't stand it when people try to delay their destiny and 2. whine about their fate. However, the author balanced the main character with two slayers, a non-binary character who deserves their own book and a random assortment of legends, many of whom I have not heard of. Honestly, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing was well paced, but the main delight of this story is in its characters. Well, with one exception. I can't stand it when people try to delay their destiny and 2. whine about their fate. However, the author balanced the main character with two slayers, a non-binary character who deserves their own book and a random assortment of legends, many of whom I have not heard of. Honestly, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2022
It starts slowly but gets better about halfway through the book. I found it difficult to really care about any of the characters as they seemed to keep disappearing and randomly reappearing later in the book. It also felt like I was starting in the middle of the series and should’ve known more about what was going on before I started reading. I related to Charlie over her struggles as a business owner but that was about it. She seemed like a few characters that had been melded together to make a main character with way too much going on. I’ll be interested to see where the series goes with the next book.
Received from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
Received from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2022
I have to say the entire first half of this book confused me. For a book #1 in the series there is an awful lot of backstory not included.
I quite enjoyed the premise of an older slayer suddenly found to her calling. I love vampire stories. I found myself intrigued by the building mythology.
I found the pacing of the book to be a little slow, especially in the first 2/3s. I found myself unable to connect too strongly with any of the characters- be it due to all the loss of consciousness, or the side characters disappearing for no reason… I���m not sure.
Overall good idea, ok execution.
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
I quite enjoyed the premise of an older slayer suddenly found to her calling. I love vampire stories. I found myself intrigued by the building mythology.
I found the pacing of the book to be a little slow, especially in the first 2/3s. I found myself unable to connect too strongly with any of the characters- be it due to all the loss of consciousness, or the side characters disappearing for no reason… I���m not sure.
Overall good idea, ok execution.
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 24, 2022
Well when Buffy is mentioned in the blurb, I am going to give it a read. I loved this wonderfully written PWF story about Charlie giving her dream a try, only to find out what she truly is. The story made me laugh out loud and kept me wanting more all the way to the end. I want more of the characters and this great world! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and Enjoyed this Story!!!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and Enjoyed this Story!!!
September 29, 2022
This is the first book in a new PWF series but is also a spin-off of the Eden Valley series. If you read Eden Valley, you’ll remember Charlie, the owner of the out of town vineyard. This is her series. All new complex characters, some cameos from our Eden Valley pals and vampires, lots of vampires.
I really enjoyed this book and found the characters intriguing and complex. Can’t wait to dive into book 2 and unravel more of the secrets hidden in the caves.
I really enjoyed this book and found the characters intriguing and complex. Can’t wait to dive into book 2 and unravel more of the secrets hidden in the caves.
October 7, 2022
I had never read any of the series that resulted in this spin-off so I was a bit lost at first. Once I was able to see the relationships between the characters I was hooked. Mystery, mayhem, twists and turns with women who embraced who they were meant to be. I enjoyed it and can't wait to see what's in store for Charlie and friends and her winery.
September 21, 2022
The storytelling is exquisite and the characters are fascinating. The humour and the snark are on point and had me snorting and giggling to myself. There is so much happening and more than a couple of twists and turns to keep you guessing that it drew me in and kept me captivated.
October 8, 2022
Very different, nods to two previous books but won't detract from this one. Loved the characters - cat was hilarious!
Different types of vampires to my normal reading - but loved it!
Can't wait for more!
Different types of vampires to my normal reading - but loved it!
Can't wait for more!
December 16, 2022
A wonderful story as always. Buying a dream vineyard is the way to go. Unfortunately things aren’t always peaceful. Being bothered by vampires is something nobody wants. How will this turn out. Totally enjoyable.
April 7, 2023
There are many books where women discover in their 40s or 50s that they are witches. Charlie discovers that she is a vampire slayer - and, obviously, vampires are real.
The characters entertained.
The characters entertained.
November 3, 2022
I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Written well.
Interesting plot and characters.
Action packed.
Fast paced.
Contained unnecessary cuss words.
Read.
Written well.
Interesting plot and characters.
Action packed.
Fast paced.
Contained unnecessary cuss words.
Read.
July 4, 2023
Very good! Great start to the series!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews