Take it Like a Vamp. Candace Havens

 

ARC supplied by Netgalley.

Sometimes you want a solid, in depth read, and then sometimes some humour and romance is what you need.That’s how I felt after finishing a fantasy trilogy recently, so Take it Like a Vamp was just perfect. Candace is an author new to me but the book description sounded fun and as I found out it was spot on. A cast of great characters, Aunt Teddy (formerly Uncle Teddy!) who lent Casey her apartment while she was abroad, Casey – who’s so much like most of us, always feeling a bit overshadowed by the “beautiful” people and worrying about our weight and appearance. Nick, ah delicious Nick, Casey’s friend and neighbour, and object of her inner crush. Casey thinks he’s one of the “beautiful” and wouldn’t look twice at her and is (reasonably) content to enjoy his friendship and dream about him in secret. Nick, he’s secretly in love with Casey, though he hasn’t realised yet its more than simple lust on his part. He promised Aunt Teddy he’d look after Casey and tries to keep his feelings back, not wanting to bring her into his dangerous and deadly world. The humour when Nick is faced with situations such as Casey’s towel drop, or when she’s sensually sucking on food! It’s just great and really brought out the smiles. He’s rushing back to hide his fangs and “other” obvious give-aways, and Casey thinks he’s rushing away as she’s embarrassed him for other reasons. That’s how the scene goes until the fateful evening Nick decides to take her to an evening event he has to attend. After his supernatural pals have finished primping and dressing Casey he feels the attraction more than ever – and feels incredibly jealous when its clear others feel that way too. Then Casey meets The Chipmunk – having grand-kids who adore Alvin this made me laugh straight away! Alvina can see Nick is very taken with Casey, and the green eyed monster creeps in. There follows tales of death threats, destruction, demon attacks, along with trips abroad to meet other people, and a most gorgeous Greek retreat….

A fabulous cast of characters as I’ve said, a story that flips from danger to humour very quickly, and a real romantic, sexual tension novel. There isn’t in-your-face sex, but lots of attraction that simmers and steams on the pages (well…epages anyway!) Who wouldn’t love Nick, the man looks like a god, has such a gentle loving nature along with an incredibly protective streak, able to pull out all the danger stops when necessary and rich too! And Casey just finds it so hard to believe that someone like this can fall in love with someone like her. She doesn’t see herself as Nick and many others do.

A great story, thoroughly enjoyed and just what I needed after a solid read, something romantic, humorous and light-hearted that didn’t need intense concentration. Its the sort of novel you can put down and pick up later – if you’re the sort of person who can do that of course, I’m not! and devoured this in one afternoon’s read.

Well edited and written, decent value at £2.36 for 174 pages, and one I’d happily read again when I want something light to entertain my brain.

Stars: not quite five but close, a solid four and a half.