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Everafter #1
everafter
How far would you go to save your lover’s soul? When medical student Valentine Darrow is bitten by a Vampire on her way home to propose to her lover, Alexa Newland, her life becomes a nightmare. She is consumed—both by a craving for human blood, and by an obsession to find her attacker and bring him to justice. Alexa is determined to be everything that Valentine needs, but when Val's appetite outstrips Alexa's ability to nourish her, Alexa risks her life to save her lover. Will Valentine be able to control her thirst—for blood and for vengeance? And can Valentine and Alexa's relationship endure against seemingly impossible odds?
230 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
36 people are currently reading
1761 people want to read
About the author
Nell Stark
22 books290 followersAuthor of the following lesbian romance novels:
1) Running With the Wind (Bold Strokes Books, 2007)
2) Homecoming (Bold Strokes Books, 2008)
Co-author (with Trinity Tam) of the EVERAFTER paranormal romance series:
1) everafter (2009)
2) nevermore (2010)
3) nightrise (2011)
1) Running With the Wind (Bold Strokes Books, 2007)
2) Homecoming (Bold Strokes Books, 2008)
Co-author (with Trinity Tam) of the EVERAFTER paranormal romance series:
1) everafter (2009)
2) nevermore (2010)
3) nightrise (2011)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 14, 2017
4.5 So yeah, I freakin’ loved this book. In fact,I’m about to start reading the fourth book in the series. Because I’m obsessed! In addition to vampires and various were shifters (lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!) there is a fantastic love of a lifetime romance. Major page turner for me.
April 18, 2021
3.5 star ratings
I feel slightly satiated by this book. Of late i have been craving vampire or werelike kind of novel and this came on my radar.
It isn't unique in anyway, for readers of this ilk, nothing here came about as revolutionary or new knowledge. So it's pretty much recycled information but despite this, it holds well. Centered more on the romantic connection of the primary characters though.
I feel slightly satiated by this book. Of late i have been craving vampire or werelike kind of novel and this came on my radar.
It isn't unique in anyway, for readers of this ilk, nothing here came about as revolutionary or new knowledge. So it's pretty much recycled information but despite this, it holds well. Centered more on the romantic connection of the primary characters though.
November 16, 2011
My Rating: 3 stars: Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Full review at my blog: http://www.twimom227.com/2011/11/revi...
I will admit I had a tough time getting into this book at first. The story line was interesting - I loved the analytical view of the vampirism - breaking it down into medical terms and biological processes. But I wasn’t emotionally bonding with Val and Alexa.
As Val grew into her new lifestyle as a vampire, her constant concerns over harming Alexa, her never-ending nightmares over her attacker and the drive to identify this elusive vampire began to grow old and repetitive. But right at that point when it began to bother me, there was a significant change in the book.
In the very center of the book, the story shifted from Val’s point-of-view to Alexa’s POV. It was introduced following a dramatic scene in the storyline. I enjoyed the dynamics, however, all to often I would get confused thinking Val was speaking, when it was truly Alexa.
All gimmicks aside, there is a very good reason for the change in POV, and after this point, the book really picked up steam. I enjoyed looking at the world from Alexa’s POV, especially as she makes a daring attempt to create an ideal situation in which she will be able to safely satisfy Val’s need for blood.
The book ended with a satisfying conclusion in the mystery of “whodunit,” however, unanswered questions remain - namely WHY? and who is ultimately responsible for the attacks? everafter is a solid introduction to Ms. Stark and Ms. Tam’s everafter world. There was a lot of information to convey to the reader, and even with the bumps I encountered in the beginning, I find that I couldn’t put down the story after a while.
Full review at my blog: http://www.twimom227.com/2011/11/revi...
I will admit I had a tough time getting into this book at first. The story line was interesting - I loved the analytical view of the vampirism - breaking it down into medical terms and biological processes. But I wasn’t emotionally bonding with Val and Alexa.
As Val grew into her new lifestyle as a vampire, her constant concerns over harming Alexa, her never-ending nightmares over her attacker and the drive to identify this elusive vampire began to grow old and repetitive. But right at that point when it began to bother me, there was a significant change in the book.
In the very center of the book, the story shifted from Val’s point-of-view to Alexa’s POV. It was introduced following a dramatic scene in the storyline. I enjoyed the dynamics, however, all to often I would get confused thinking Val was speaking, when it was truly Alexa.
All gimmicks aside, there is a very good reason for the change in POV, and after this point, the book really picked up steam. I enjoyed looking at the world from Alexa’s POV, especially as she makes a daring attempt to create an ideal situation in which she will be able to safely satisfy Val’s need for blood.
The book ended with a satisfying conclusion in the mystery of “whodunit,” however, unanswered questions remain - namely WHY? and who is ultimately responsible for the attacks? everafter is a solid introduction to Ms. Stark and Ms. Tam’s everafter world. There was a lot of information to convey to the reader, and even with the bumps I encountered in the beginning, I find that I couldn’t put down the story after a while.
May 21, 2013
The two main characters are Alexa Newland and Valentine Darrow, and the novel is split in two, the first half narrated by Valentine, the second half narrated by Alexa. The story begins with Valentine preparing to propose to Alexa, but she is assaulted by a vampire who infects her, and she undergoes a gradual transformation. The only way for her to prevent the final step of transformation is to drink the blood of the woman she loves. Since Valentine is studying medicine, her narration is full of interesting biological details; vampirism is explained as a parasite, while were-creatures are a result of a virus.
Alexa decides that the only way she and Valentine can be together properly is to become a were-creature, and so we see her undergo a transformation to werepanther. So, two transformation stories for the price of one, wrapped up in a sweet lesbian love story. That much at least is worthy of four stars, because it's well-written and often poetic.
However, it's not enough that one becomes a vampire and the other a were, the strength of their love is such that they are exceptional in their transformation. (It reminds me a bit of Killashandra Ree's adaptation to the symbiont in Crystal Singer.) It feels like a plot device for setting up a series, and the end of the novel drops a major clue to events in a greater series arc.
So, okay, it's a series, not a standalone, but the ending of everafter feels very clumsy to me - I always hate when protagonists are blind to what seems obvious to the reader - and I finished the book feeling irritated rather than intrigued.
Alexa decides that the only way she and Valentine can be together properly is to become a were-creature, and so we see her undergo a transformation to werepanther. So, two transformation stories for the price of one, wrapped up in a sweet lesbian love story. That much at least is worthy of four stars, because it's well-written and often poetic.
However, it's not enough that one becomes a vampire and the other a were, the strength of their love is such that they are exceptional in their transformation. (It reminds me a bit of Killashandra Ree's adaptation to the symbiont in Crystal Singer.) It feels like a plot device for setting up a series, and the end of the novel drops a major clue to events in a greater series arc.
So, okay, it's a series, not a standalone, but the ending of everafter feels very clumsy to me - I always hate when protagonists are blind to what seems obvious to the reader - and I finished the book feeling irritated rather than intrigued.
April 8, 2015
Oh paranormal romance. So. There were actually some interesting things going on here. The problem was that the romance part kind of obliterated everything else. Which, it is a romance book. But I still was hoping the plot part would get a bit more attention. Basically Val gets mugged and changed right at the beginning and then angst, romance, romance, angst, romance, and then in like the last ten pages or so the plot manages to resurface. There was a lot of politics hinted at between the vampires and the weres but really pretty much none of it actually gets to be seen. Most of the events that take place are pretty obvious/predictable. From the moment the were's ability to regenerate were mentioned it became obvious that as well as it being fairly obvious that the mugger from the beginning . SO yeah, it just barely scrapes out a third star. It was kind of entertaining, but I'm not sure if I'll seek out the next book.
April 20, 2021
Okay so, Valentine Darrow gets bitten and becomes a vampire. How will her girlfriend cope?? How will she cope?? How will the vampire community cope?? How??
This book had so many twists in it that I think I might've gotten whiplash. It felt like the author was just improvising the plot; something new was constantly introduced and then made into an essential part of the plot.
What I thought could've been a novel about how the couple might have drifted away due to the new need of blood sucking from one of them or even, become closer and eventually both became vampires to last forever together, actually was a long and drawn out inner monologue of Valentine feeling guilty about drinking blood and then some lengthy chapters about her tracking the guy who bit her.
On the positive side, the idea was great. I mean how many lesbian vampire novels are there?? So if, for that reason, you come by this book, I say read it. But dont expect too much.
This book had so many twists in it that I think I might've gotten whiplash. It felt like the author was just improvising the plot; something new was constantly introduced and then made into an essential part of the plot.
What I thought could've been a novel about how the couple might have drifted away due to the new need of blood sucking from one of them or even, become closer and eventually both became vampires to last forever together, actually was a long and drawn out inner monologue of Valentine feeling guilty about drinking blood and then some lengthy chapters about her tracking the guy who bit her.
On the positive side, the idea was great. I mean how many lesbian vampire novels are there?? So if, for that reason, you come by this book, I say read it. But dont expect too much.
April 14, 2025
Finally, a good supernatural (vampires-werewolves) book.
Loved this take on vampires and werewolves and it's worth reading and it's just getting started.
This book contains outstanding world building and a lot of it because it's the first book of the series, it only made sense and I have a lot of questions.
Has an original storyline with vampirism and werewolves depicted with scientific approach as well as supernatural slant.
It also invested so much on romance; Valentine and Alexa, their relationship was so sweet and so very sapphic.
Alexa was so sweet but also so very strong and the backbone of them together.
I initially thought that Valentine was going to be tough one in their relationship but it's vice-versa.
Alexa character development for so good and I loved her more and admired her more throughout her transformation and growth.
The romance and story during the middle I found it going monotone and as I read more I realized why that was because the authors were expanding the world and it was building up to something grand and it did not disappoint.
I usually don't read sequels because they rarely turn out to be good but i'm getting a feeling that this book series is going to be something magnificent and I have high expectations for the sequels.
Ended on a cliff hanger, can't wait to read the sequels.
Loved this take on vampires and werewolves and it's worth reading and it's just getting started.
This book contains outstanding world building and a lot of it because it's the first book of the series, it only made sense and I have a lot of questions.
Has an original storyline with vampirism and werewolves depicted with scientific approach as well as supernatural slant.
It also invested so much on romance; Valentine and Alexa, their relationship was so sweet and so very sapphic.
Alexa was so sweet but also so very strong and the backbone of them together.
I initially thought that Valentine was going to be tough one in their relationship but it's vice-versa.
Alexa character development for so good and I loved her more and admired her more throughout her transformation and growth.
The romance and story during the middle I found it going monotone and as I read more I realized why that was because the authors were expanding the world and it was building up to something grand and it did not disappoint.
I usually don't read sequels because they rarely turn out to be good but i'm getting a feeling that this book series is going to be something magnificent and I have high expectations for the sequels.
Ended on a cliff hanger, can't wait to read the sequels.
March 28, 2020
What to say.... It was and it wasn’t my story. The wasn’t part topped the was, that’s why 2 stars. I didn’t care at all for the technical/biological (for me boring) stuff of the parasite which was turning Val. There was actually a lot of information that wasn’t interesting for me. I didn’t care about the flashbacks or the dreams that were in cursive. The sex scenes could have been hotter.
But....still I want to finish the series. Because I did love the chemistry, love and sexual tension between Val and Alexa. I want to know what happens. So even though I skipped a lot(!) of pages in this one and give it 2 stars, I am going to read book 2 next. 😁Makes sense?
But....still I want to finish the series. Because I did love the chemistry, love and sexual tension between Val and Alexa. I want to know what happens. So even though I skipped a lot(!) of pages in this one and give it 2 stars, I am going to read book 2 next. 😁Makes sense?
November 15, 2023
➬➱➫➩➪【4.75 Stars】
This was my introduction to Nell Stark’s writing. I’ve reread this quite a few times and love it especially during Halloween. I enjoyed the storytelling and details about how paranormals came to be. I saw others talk about how “nothing new” is introduced in terms of vampires and weres, but I think the research and details about the virus and specific physiology needs credit.
I love the pair Valentine and Alexa. It’s definitely a couple that sticks with me because of their dedication to one another. I truly was able to believe in their romance and special bond because of how caring they were. They’d give up anything for each other :)!
This story felt unique enough and the writing was great. Recommended for anyone who wants to begin a paranormal series.
➢Happy reading!
This was my introduction to Nell Stark’s writing. I’ve reread this quite a few times and love it especially during Halloween. I enjoyed the storytelling and details about how paranormals came to be. I saw others talk about how “nothing new” is introduced in terms of vampires and weres, but I think the research and details about the virus and specific physiology needs credit.
I love the pair Valentine and Alexa. It’s definitely a couple that sticks with me because of their dedication to one another. I truly was able to believe in their romance and special bond because of how caring they were. They’d give up anything for each other :)!
This story felt unique enough and the writing was great. Recommended for anyone who wants to begin a paranormal series.
➢Happy reading!
October 2, 2013
I enjoyed Everafter much more than I thought I would. It was better than Twilight for a vampire novel, which certainly impressed me. The romance was sweet, and also steamy. Nell Stark's writing is hauntingly poetic, but concise enough to be accessible to readers. I find that in more romance novels than I would like it's either all erotica, or all fluffy, and sometimes plot and characters are sacrificed to feature the love/sex. Everafter manages to have an engaging plot and have a wonderful romance. It was a perfect summer read; I'm on to Nevermore now!
August 19, 2014
This book can be summed up in two words: Lesbian Twilight. It mirrors that series almost to a T: incredibly creepy romance, even creepier if you stop to think about it power plays disguised as love, easily suicidal characters, actual plot only as bookends to the "story", page after page after page after page of descriptions about how hot/amazing/perfect the other person is, etc.
October 15, 2015
This book drove me crazy! Although it is a good option in the queer fantasy genre (there aren't really that many options), I found it rather annoying how all personal issues can be resolved with a hug and a kiss. I'll read the second book in the series if I find the time.
August 15, 2011
Poorly written + paper thin plotting = DNF. Too many Dire Warnings from the Suspicious Character Who is Obviously Up To Something.
couldn-t-finish
January 10, 2021Couldn't connect with the characters at all, their relationship from how they met to their current relationship felt very much like an obsession with a touch of stalker-y and not of love.
December 23, 2022
Not for lesbians. 😭
April 26, 2023
Not a lot of plot, took a long time to get through all the sex. Sexi
August 27, 2016
My first book with this duo, and 3rd book overall with Stark at the controls (and zeroth with Tam as a solo author).
Hmm. I came here to write about something that I was going to take a certain issue with. But I can’t now. As the issue involved pre-knowledge I thought gleaned from the book description. I guess I got the information from the reviews? No matter – the point I was going to make is that I learned a certain something before beginning the book and this ‘certain something’ distracted me for a certain length of the book. I knew going in several things. (1) the book was split in half, with one main character taking half, and the other taking over the second half of the book; and – don’t read this one unless you’ve read the book (at least from personal experience having this information prior to reading was a distraction) - (2) .
Okay then – this book goes a certain direction I’ve seen several times, though it is, in its way, a less populated path. This is more science fantasy than out and out fantasy; and, to a certain extent, if the creatures involved didn’t reside so deeply in horror or fantasy, I’d probably just call this science fiction. Because, while fantasy creatures are involved, there is a very science-fiction-y explanation for the critters.
I’ve forgotten now what exactly was said, but one is a virus (shifters), while the other is a . . . bacteria? I’ve forgotten now. Ah yes, bacteria (vampires). The explanation for what’s occurring with shifters isn’t as detailed, I absorbed the information that a virus was involved; while the explanation for vampires was quite medical jargon-y. See, there’s this bacteria that invades the body – it attacks a person’s red blood cells, goes inside of them, and explodes them – feeding off the blood. If the infected person gets blood from others, then they can continue to live – potentially forever, though they’ll become more and more similar in nature to the pop culture version of vampires (well, the kind that gets annoyed at the sun, because of the exploding and stuff); while if they ‘feed’ off of a ‘true love’ (not sure ‘true’ was actually there) then they’ll ‘keep their soul’ (see, this whole ‘soul’, ‘true love’, etc. is all magically bullshit, so, fantasy, so not science fiction) – therefore they can continue going outside in sunlight – though the impact of the sun’s rays is still stronger on them than on ‘regular’ humans. (note: I didn’t really think about it until I wrote this paragraph, but, technically, they could be getting this ‘outside blood’ through transfusions of one kind or another – but that’s never even mentioned – probably because of the discussion that occurred when a glass of blood was offered – it would sustain, but isn’t as ‘good’ as getting it directly from the source (more magic-y bullshit).
All of this to say (not really, but it was one of the points): no, this isn’t science fiction, and so a person is left with ‘horror’, ‘fantasy’, ‘science fantasy’ (and then which subgenre it falls into below that). There is a horror element – something of a ‘boogy-man’ ‘rogue’ vampire is going viciously attacking people and turning them into vampires; both of the lead characters have horrifying nightmares, etc. This has some of the elements of horror, but I would not necessarily put it in horror. There are ‘paranormal creatures’ so fantasy, right? But then there’s all that medical jargon, and explanations and . . . stuff . . .. Let’s just go with Science Fantasy and move on, eh?
So, picture this – it’s a Tuesday, there’s this young woman with a very special night planned. The apartment is decorated just so. Preparations for a lovely meal are in the works. A very special ring has been secured. And the love of that young woman’s life will show up in about 15 to 30 minutes. But! Champagne! Valentine ‘Val’ Darrow hurries out to acquire some. She’s distracted by happy thoughts. She vaguely spots a creepy looking dude smoking nearby as she’s heading into a liquor store. She dumps a pile of coins and paper onto the store counter and informs them that she wishes the best champagne that pile of money will secure her. She exits. Still distracted. Walks down the street. All aglow with what the night will bring. Thoughts of this and that and . . . are those footsteps behind her? Are they getting closer? Val moves quicker. The footsteps behind her move quicker. She spots a well lighted area ahead of her – that’s her goal. Running now. Almost there. Pushed into an alley and savagely beaten, knifed, then loaded into a car and driven to Canal Street and dumped (by the way, this takes place in New York; did I not mention that yet?). And so the book begins – seemingly starting with two becoming one, but diverted by a creature out of horror.
The book then proceeds to follow Val as she attempts to figure out what happened to her, and what this means to her. She learns a few things, dodges a few things, and spends an inordinate amount of time hunting her killer. See, there’s this mystery angle going on in this book as well. Meanwhile her girlfriend/lover/almost fiancée follows along for the ride.
Until roughly the mid-point when the story shifts and it’s now Alexa Newland in control of things (or, in other words, things shift to her point of view). It’s difficult to go much into her territory as it’d probably all be spoiler-y. I’ll just leave it as I liked Alexa’s point of view more than Val’s, though I also needed Val’s because if I had just had Alexa’s – Val’s whimpery/depressing/etc. attitude was easier to take, somewhat, with the further knowledge gleaned from being in Val’s head.
Long and short of it – good enjoyable book. I’ve seen at least one review indicating that the next book is even better than this one, and I was interested in reading that one any way; but I think it might be a little while before I tackle it. So – I recommend this book. Especially to those who like fantasy, and science basis’s for fantasy creatures (like might be found in Mira Grants Parasitology series).
March 17 2016
Hmm. I came here to write about something that I was going to take a certain issue with. But I can’t now. As the issue involved pre-knowledge I thought gleaned from the book description. I guess I got the information from the reviews? No matter – the point I was going to make is that I learned a certain something before beginning the book and this ‘certain something’ distracted me for a certain length of the book. I knew going in several things. (1) the book was split in half, with one main character taking half, and the other taking over the second half of the book; and – don’t read this one unless you’ve read the book (at least from personal experience having this information prior to reading was a distraction) - (2) .
Okay then – this book goes a certain direction I’ve seen several times, though it is, in its way, a less populated path. This is more science fantasy than out and out fantasy; and, to a certain extent, if the creatures involved didn’t reside so deeply in horror or fantasy, I’d probably just call this science fiction. Because, while fantasy creatures are involved, there is a very science-fiction-y explanation for the critters.
I’ve forgotten now what exactly was said, but one is a virus (shifters), while the other is a . . . bacteria? I’ve forgotten now. Ah yes, bacteria (vampires). The explanation for what’s occurring with shifters isn’t as detailed, I absorbed the information that a virus was involved; while the explanation for vampires was quite medical jargon-y. See, there’s this bacteria that invades the body – it attacks a person’s red blood cells, goes inside of them, and explodes them – feeding off the blood. If the infected person gets blood from others, then they can continue to live – potentially forever, though they’ll become more and more similar in nature to the pop culture version of vampires (well, the kind that gets annoyed at the sun, because of the exploding and stuff); while if they ‘feed’ off of a ‘true love’ (not sure ‘true’ was actually there) then they’ll ‘keep their soul’ (see, this whole ‘soul’, ‘true love’, etc. is all magically bullshit, so, fantasy, so not science fiction) – therefore they can continue going outside in sunlight – though the impact of the sun’s rays is still stronger on them than on ‘regular’ humans. (note: I didn’t really think about it until I wrote this paragraph, but, technically, they could be getting this ‘outside blood’ through transfusions of one kind or another – but that’s never even mentioned – probably because of the discussion that occurred when a glass of blood was offered – it would sustain, but isn’t as ‘good’ as getting it directly from the source (more magic-y bullshit).
All of this to say (not really, but it was one of the points): no, this isn’t science fiction, and so a person is left with ‘horror’, ‘fantasy’, ‘science fantasy’ (and then which subgenre it falls into below that). There is a horror element – something of a ‘boogy-man’ ‘rogue’ vampire is going viciously attacking people and turning them into vampires; both of the lead characters have horrifying nightmares, etc. This has some of the elements of horror, but I would not necessarily put it in horror. There are ‘paranormal creatures’ so fantasy, right? But then there’s all that medical jargon, and explanations and . . . stuff . . .. Let’s just go with Science Fantasy and move on, eh?
So, picture this – it’s a Tuesday, there’s this young woman with a very special night planned. The apartment is decorated just so. Preparations for a lovely meal are in the works. A very special ring has been secured. And the love of that young woman’s life will show up in about 15 to 30 minutes. But! Champagne! Valentine ‘Val’ Darrow hurries out to acquire some. She’s distracted by happy thoughts. She vaguely spots a creepy looking dude smoking nearby as she’s heading into a liquor store. She dumps a pile of coins and paper onto the store counter and informs them that she wishes the best champagne that pile of money will secure her. She exits. Still distracted. Walks down the street. All aglow with what the night will bring. Thoughts of this and that and . . . are those footsteps behind her? Are they getting closer? Val moves quicker. The footsteps behind her move quicker. She spots a well lighted area ahead of her – that’s her goal. Running now. Almost there. Pushed into an alley and savagely beaten, knifed, then loaded into a car and driven to Canal Street and dumped (by the way, this takes place in New York; did I not mention that yet?). And so the book begins – seemingly starting with two becoming one, but diverted by a creature out of horror.
The book then proceeds to follow Val as she attempts to figure out what happened to her, and what this means to her. She learns a few things, dodges a few things, and spends an inordinate amount of time hunting her killer. See, there’s this mystery angle going on in this book as well. Meanwhile her girlfriend/lover/almost fiancée follows along for the ride.
Until roughly the mid-point when the story shifts and it’s now Alexa Newland in control of things (or, in other words, things shift to her point of view). It’s difficult to go much into her territory as it’d probably all be spoiler-y. I’ll just leave it as I liked Alexa’s point of view more than Val’s, though I also needed Val’s because if I had just had Alexa’s – Val’s whimpery/depressing/etc. attitude was easier to take, somewhat, with the further knowledge gleaned from being in Val’s head.
Long and short of it – good enjoyable book. I’ve seen at least one review indicating that the next book is even better than this one, and I was interested in reading that one any way; but I think it might be a little while before I tackle it. So – I recommend this book. Especially to those who like fantasy, and science basis’s for fantasy creatures (like might be found in Mira Grants Parasitology series).
March 17 2016
January 18, 2025
I quite enjoyed this book, it reminded me a lot of a series I read as a teenager by Kelley Armstrong (Women of The Otherworld) except this time it was the sapphic version. I love a good spicy sapphic series with an enjoyable plot that leaves you asking questions and wanting more. I’m definitely going to be reading the rest of the series now as I’m quite intrigued by the world building the authors have laid the groundwork for. This book has some fun vampire sapphic spice mixed in which was delightful and the characters are incredibly horny which I enjoyed. I did wish the spice was a bit more explicit however that’s a personal preference for sure!
October 28, 2023
4.5 stars
I’ve read very few books featuring established relationships that didn’t fall apart by the end of said book (or series) and even fewer that were also romance books. And what I did find I usually didn’t like all that much. So “everafter” was a nice change of pace. I liked Valentine and Alexa and how committed they were to one another, I liked the plot, which was gripping and had a few good twists, and I especially liked the world; the way vampirism was explained was quite imaginative and fascinating. I am really glad that I found this series.
I’ve read very few books featuring established relationships that didn’t fall apart by the end of said book (or series) and even fewer that were also romance books. And what I did find I usually didn’t like all that much. So “everafter” was a nice change of pace. I liked Valentine and Alexa and how committed they were to one another, I liked the plot, which was gripping and had a few good twists, and I especially liked the world; the way vampirism was explained was quite imaginative and fascinating. I am really glad that I found this series.
August 5, 2024
Very mediocre.
There aren't that many sapphic vampire romances and this one is perfectly fine. There's a good bit of hurt/comfort going on and it's fun to see Valentine and Alexis being absolutely devoted to each other. The story besides their romance is just serviceable sadly. If you need a quick sapphic and vampiric fix, go for it. Regrettably the rest of the series gets worse not better.
There aren't that many sapphic vampire romances and this one is perfectly fine. There's a good bit of hurt/comfort going on and it's fun to see Valentine and Alexis being absolutely devoted to each other. The story besides their romance is just serviceable sadly. If you need a quick sapphic and vampiric fix, go for it. Regrettably the rest of the series gets worse not better.
April 27, 2018
Man they REALLY had me in the first half of this book, but totally lost me in the second half.
July 16, 2018
I really like the chemistry between Val and Alexa. They are perfect together.
September 6, 2020
3.5 stars
February 28, 2023
interesting take on werewolves…
February 23, 2024
I love this series. Murder, Supernatural, Suspense and Romance makes a great combination. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
July 22, 2012
A little more than 3, actually, maybe 3.25. I enjoyed this and will definitely grab the next one. There were some really wonderful elements in it--my favorite of which was the way the shifter-voice was written*, which I adored. I very much enjoyed following along with Alexa as she made her choice and then gained control of her inner panther. It was difficult reading about Val's experience, which came first, because of course hers was forced and horrifying--but I liked it for that, and that there was an honest and unflinching exploration of that part of the vampire thing. Both with Val's violent changing and with Val herself later.
While the midway switch between PoVs was difficult for a chapter or two, since Val's is so tight in the beginning, I thought it was used effectively. Apart from being necessary for the plot, in order to communicate Alexa's experience, the structure itself balanced things out in the relationship. The latter is even more important in a romance novel, I think, so I liked the choice and execution. I also really liked the reactions of the longtime vamps and shifters within the community to them and their arrangement. The best being Malcolm when he tells Alexa she has to stop basing her "progress as a Were on your ability to feed your lover. I find that absolutely revolting." The Were/Vampire power struggle is always fun, and I like what Tam and Stark did with it in their world--and how it's obviously going to screw with our heroes.
Established couples are oftentimes difficult at the start because there's a tendency to keep telling the reader how in love they are. "I need her, I love her, she's mine..." It would be more convincing to just show me them in a situation that proves it, but it's not always that easy when the couple's already together and the book starts with an event that threatens to tear them apart. The romance did suffer for me because of this, though--it goes RIGHT to a point where Alexa's meant to be willing to sacrifice a lot for Val, and it would've eased me in to believe in their love more than just going on what Val keeps telling me (over and over). But by the end, I was totally convinced and loving the way they worked together--though I couldn't help feeling a bit like Malcolm when it came to Alexa. I think she might be my favorite of the two, though :D
Though the story has a satisfying arc, there are loads of unanswered questions, as with any good series. Definitely looking forward to more answers.
*My one complaint with this is that at one point she said it was "schizophrenic" because it was about being torn between the human and the animal. That's not schizophrenia, man. That's more like DID. That common misapprehension bugs me because, although innocent, it gives a false impression. It's hard enough for people with mental illness--spreading misunderstandings just makes it worse. :/
While the midway switch between PoVs was difficult for a chapter or two, since Val's is so tight in the beginning, I thought it was used effectively. Apart from being necessary for the plot, in order to communicate Alexa's experience, the structure itself balanced things out in the relationship. The latter is even more important in a romance novel, I think, so I liked the choice and execution. I also really liked the reactions of the longtime vamps and shifters within the community to them and their arrangement. The best being Malcolm when he tells Alexa she has to stop basing her "progress as a Were on your ability to feed your lover. I find that absolutely revolting." The Were/Vampire power struggle is always fun, and I like what Tam and Stark did with it in their world--and how it's obviously going to screw with our heroes.
Established couples are oftentimes difficult at the start because there's a tendency to keep telling the reader how in love they are. "I need her, I love her, she's mine..." It would be more convincing to just show me them in a situation that proves it, but it's not always that easy when the couple's already together and the book starts with an event that threatens to tear them apart. The romance did suffer for me because of this, though--it goes RIGHT to a point where Alexa's meant to be willing to sacrifice a lot for Val, and it would've eased me in to believe in their love more than just going on what Val keeps telling me (over and over). But by the end, I was totally convinced and loving the way they worked together--though I couldn't help feeling a bit like Malcolm when it came to Alexa. I think she might be my favorite of the two, though :D
Though the story has a satisfying arc, there are loads of unanswered questions, as with any good series. Definitely looking forward to more answers.
*My one complaint with this is that at one point she said it was "schizophrenic" because it was about being torn between the human and the animal. That's not schizophrenia, man. That's more like DID. That common misapprehension bugs me because, although innocent, it gives a false impression. It's hard enough for people with mental illness--spreading misunderstandings just makes it worse. :/
April 8, 2015
Everafter is the first book in the series by the same name, written by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam. It begins by introducing Valentine Darrow, a medical student and Alexa Newland, a law student as soulmate lovers. Valentine wants to marry her lover and is all consumed with how to propose to Alexa when she is attacked by a vampire and nearly killed. Valentine survives but now she is consumed with a craving for blood and an obsession to find her attacker. Alexa’s love for Valentine runs so deep that all she wants is to give Valentine everything she needs to stay alive. But, Valentine’s appetite is too much for Alexa, as a human. So, Alexa risks everything for Valentine. Valentine and Alexa’s relationship is stretched but endures impossible odds.
The authors chose to make half this book Valentine’s point of view and the other Alexa’s point of view. It was written well enough that I wasn’t bothered by this shift. I felt the authors used it effectively.
Throughout the book, you see Valentine’s struggle to learn about her new life all the while doing so with her one true love. I was touched by the great love that Alexa has for Valentine. The sacrifice she made to support her true love is amazing!
Definitely a great read! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
The authors chose to make half this book Valentine’s point of view and the other Alexa’s point of view. It was written well enough that I wasn’t bothered by this shift. I felt the authors used it effectively.
Throughout the book, you see Valentine’s struggle to learn about her new life all the while doing so with her one true love. I was touched by the great love that Alexa has for Valentine. The sacrifice she made to support her true love is amazing!
Definitely a great read! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 9, 2013
Started out pretty good, kept my interest for the most part but started dragging about 2/3rds in. I hate not finishing a book, so I trudged on. Not sure I want to read the next book I. The continuation. If I do, it can wait :)
The following synopsis was borrowed (not my words).
How far would you go to save your lover’s soul? When medical student Valentine Darrow is bitten by a Vampire on her way home to propose to her lover, Alexa Newland, her life becomes a nightmare. She is consumed—both by a craving for human blood, and by an obsession to find her attacker and bring him to justice. Alexa is determined to be everything that Valentine needs, but when Val's appetite outstrips Alexa's ability to nourish her, Alexa risks her life to save her lover. Will Valentine be able to control her thirst—for blood and for vengeance? And can Valentine and Alexa's relationship endure against seemingly impossible odds?
The following synopsis was borrowed (not my words).
How far would you go to save your lover’s soul? When medical student Valentine Darrow is bitten by a Vampire on her way home to propose to her lover, Alexa Newland, her life becomes a nightmare. She is consumed—both by a craving for human blood, and by an obsession to find her attacker and bring him to justice. Alexa is determined to be everything that Valentine needs, but when Val's appetite outstrips Alexa's ability to nourish her, Alexa risks her life to save her lover. Will Valentine be able to control her thirst—for blood and for vengeance? And can Valentine and Alexa's relationship endure against seemingly impossible odds?
December 10, 2019
I can't say I loved this book. I liked the whole premise and the main characters' wit, but I found the story a little too slow-paced for my liking. 🐌
The stakes weren't high enough, or if they are it will only be developed later on in the series. The political dynamics held a great potential for development and complexities, but they were mainly cast aside.
The romance was great and powerful, though a little cheesy at times. I was kinda annoyed with Val's character most of the time. I know that most reviewers preferred the book half narrated in her point of view, but she is just so self-centered, and protective to the point where she tends to think she knows better than Alexa what she needs or wants.
The stakes weren't high enough, or if they are it will only be developed later on in the series. The political dynamics held a great potential for development and complexities, but they were mainly cast aside.
The romance was great and powerful, though a little cheesy at times. I was kinda annoyed with Val's character most of the time. I know that most reviewers preferred the book half narrated in her point of view, but she is just so self-centered, and protective to the point where she tends to think she knows better than Alexa what she needs or wants.
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