Charles O'Keefe

Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.

Joseph O’Reily has had a fantasy for years. He walks into his favorite hangout joint, a bar called Bitters Tavern, and there she is – a red-headed bombshell waiting just for him. When that fantasy actually comes true, Joe can’t believe his luck. Of course, there’s always a catch. He just hasn’t discovered it yet.

So, this wench turns Joe without his knowledge or permission and he forgives her immediately because reasons. He also figures out he’s becoming a vampire pretty easily because reasons. The villain is completely laughable and unrealistic, the plot is shaky, and the Uber Villains are looking pretty laughable, too. The editing is sloppy and there are timeline discrepancies which are irritating as fuck. This story is all around meh.

In a side note: This book contains song lyrics from eight different songs (Peter Gabriel, Rod Stewart, Alphaville, Crowded House {2 songs}, Blue Rodeo, Rolling Stones, & Ron Hynes). And I’d be really surprised if the author paid for the rights or got permission to use them. Huge NO-NO.

I’d also like to note that I received this book for review back in 2012. I notice it has since been repubbed a couple of times, the latest being January 2016. So, it may have gone through revisions that I’m unaware of.… (mer)

Joseph has always been a nerd but when Cassandra comes into his life, his nerdiness starts disappearing. Learning her history leaves Joseph doubting her sincerity but he is unable to resist her. I enjoyed this story. At times the story could have been tighter. Parts got bogged down with detail and repetition, such as Joseph being a vegetarian and not wanting to drink human blood or the practice sessions. The idea of the story and series is unique. When the details get out of the way the story is one of action and adventure and held my interest. There is romance here. Those scenes could be more detailed. I love the premise of the series and hope to follow it as I love series.… (mer)