Book Review-The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper

The Care and Feeding Of Stray Vampires
Half Moon Hollow (1)
Molly Harper
Pocket Books
Paperback
Published August 2012
356 Pages
Vampire Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4516-4183-7
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Iris Scanlon, Half-Moon Hollow’s only daytime vampire concierge, knows more about the undead than she’d like. Running all their daylight errands—from letting in the plumber to picking up some chilled O neg—gives her a look at the not-so-glamorous side of vampire life. Her rules are strict; relationships with vamps are strictly business, not friendship—and certainly not anything else. But then she finds her newest client, Cal, poisoned on his kitchen floor, and only Iris can help.

Cal – who would be devastatingly sexy, if Iris allowed herself to think that way – offers Iris a hefty fee for hiding him at her place until he figures out who wants him permanently dead. Even though he’s imperious, unfriendly and doesn’t seem to understand the difference between “employee” and “servant,” Iris agrees, and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules to help him – particularly those concerning nudity.

Turns out what her quiet little life needed was some intrigue & romance—in the form of her very own stray vampire

My Review

Iris Scandlon, runs a company that runs errands for vampires, and even though Iris doesn’t care much for vampires, she doesn’t have to see them much, so as long as she can provide for herself and her teenage sister she is content. On a delivery to a vampire’s home, she stumbles across a vampire suffereing from being poisoned, and her content life goes down to the drain. Cal, is a vampire P.I., and while he is weakened he needs a place to stay, so he offers a high price for Iris’s silence and a place of safety. Iris desperate for anything to help with their financial needs, she takes in a vampire, that is dangerous but needs her help. As Cal gets closer to investigating the truth about who is the bad seed in the vampire council, and behind numerous deaths of humans at the hands of vampires, he finds himself drawn to Iris. Cal has never wanted a romantic relationship especially not with one that isn’t a vampire, but Iris is passionate and fierce in her protection of those she loves. Together they will have to work together to track down the vampire responsible, if they can survive the danger that is just on the horizon.

The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires is the first book in the series, but is related to the Nice Girls series. I have yet to read the Nice Girls series, but after reading this book, I know what the next book I want to read from this author is. We see quite a bit of Jane in this story, and I really loved seeing her small involvement in the story. I love a strong vampire romance, and most vampire romances have a more serious tone to the story, but with Molly Harper at the helm, there is always a fun twist to the story. The last thing I would do is refer to this title as “serious minded”. It didn’t portay that in any way, at least until it got pretty suspenseful toward the latter half, but even then there was a lighter tone to the story. After reading Harpers shifter series, I was in the mood for something more carefree and Molly Harper delivers!!

This story begins with Iris at the store shopping for all the little things that needy vampires are in want of. From the first few pages, rich humor is interlaced with the beginning’s of the storyline. One of my favorite things about this book was the building of the story that harper is famous for. Even though for the most part there is a carefree feeling to the story, there is quite a deep mystery, which draws you further in the story.  The plot is witty, charming, and totally original. When you read Molly Harper you never know what will happen next, and even when you think you know what is going to happen, Harper mixes in a sizzle and a twist and you feel like you are discovering a new world you just are itching to be a part of.

The characters in this story were such fun and definitely added a unique twist on the story. We have the two main characters: Cal and Iris. Cal is one sexy vampire, who is in need of aid–well I don’t know about you ladies, but I for one would be raising my hand to help this vampire. Brooding yet has a wit, bossy and at the same time has that sex appeal that makes you want to kiss him all over for days….who can resist? Well Iris is one stubborn woman. Iris has had to be the parent and guardian of her younger sister ever since their parents died, and I loved her sense of will and inner strength, and you can’t help but admire Iris, and boy was she a mean older sister–kinda like a way overprotective mama bear. I loved seeing the younger sister have a involvement in the story, and I just liked her from the first moment she enters the story. Then we have the close friend Jane, and even though its a small exposure from her into the story, makes me wish I had all the books from the Nice Girls series. Even Sophie (Iris’s boss) well I just loved her. She is bossy, in control of every situation, and I would mind seeing more of her. Even though she seems to take on bad ass vampires, she forms a soft spot for the reader.

Overall a fantastic paranormal romance with Molly Harper as the captain of a story to charm you from head to toe.  A spicy mix of sensuality, humor and a delightful page turner. A SENSUAL DELIGHT TO HAVE YOUR MOUTH WATERING!!

Favorite Quote

I jabbed my finger into his bare chest. “You know, I was completely happy before you showed up. My life wasn’t much, but it was mine. And when I’m no longer useful to you, you’re going to leave. And you’ll forget that I even existed.” He titled his forehead against mine. “That’s what you think?” Before I could answer, his tongue glided easily over my lips, teasing them open. His mouth was cool and surprisingly fresh, although there was a subtle undertone of copper in his kiss. His hands slipped into my hair, pulling my face higher and closer to his as he pressed me against the wall. Biting gently on my bottom lip, he nipped and nuzzled down the line of my chin to my ear. “So, are we still claiming that we’re just business acquaintances?” My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Driving Mr.Dead
A Witch’s Handbooks To Kisses and Curses

Book Review-The Art Of Seducing A Naked Werewolf

The Art Of Seducing A Naked Werewolf
Naked Werewolf (2)
Molly Harper
Pocket Books
Paperback
Published 2011
336 Pages
Shifter Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4391-9587-1
Authors Website

Synopsis
Baring It All Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can’t seem to convince Nick to leave . . . and even worse, she can’t convince “herself “to stay away from “him. “Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can’t afford to be distracted. Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous. . . .

My Review

Maggie is the Alpha of the pack, and has been for quite some time. Maggie is used to taking charge with no nonsense attitude. When a journalist researching werewolves comes into Grundy, all she wants to do is kick him out, until she first sees him and then she starts to rethink that idea. Maggie is instantly attracted to the sexy but geek of a man, Nick. At first Maggie wants to deny the attraction that she feels for Nick, because he is not good for her. She needs a strong alpha wolf, to keep the pack strong. The long that Nick is around though, and they keep bumping into each other, she starts to realize that Nick is just what she needs. But then tensions rise, when a neighbor pack is trying to move into their territory, and strange things start happening to Maggie, she needs to keep control. But will the love that they have built be enough to withstand the coming storm?

The Art of Seducing A Naked Werewolf is the second book in the series and I have finally managed to read Maggie’s story. I was able to obtain a copy through my local library, and so grateful too. Ever since I read the third book, I have been aching to read Maggie and Nick’s story. I knew that they would get their HEA but I had no idea how it happens. From the first page I was completely drawn into the story. Maggie is well, one tough cookie. She is not someone you ever mess with or say no to, however Nick does and isn’t afraid of her. He is human, not a wolf, and only feels a attraction and acts on it. I loved how from the beginning Maggie has liked Nick for his “geek and smart side”. In fact I think its the fact that he is smarter than she is, that gets her bothered. I love the connection between the two, and from the time that she bites his “booty” as a wolf, things escalate.

Nick is the type of hero, that we don’t see a whole big side of. We see more of Maggie’s story and her feelings on this story. However I really liked Nick as the hero and the mate for Maggie. I felt from the beginning, that he is what she needs. She doesn’t need a powerful wolf but she does need someone to stand up to her, who has his own opinions, and isn’t afraid of her wolf either, but finds her wolf side fascinating. Its pretty humorous at times seeing these two together. There was so many scenes that almost made me fall off my couch laughing. I swear it was never ending scenes that are guaranteed to make you smile, giggle, and burst out in laughs that others will think you are crazy!!

I really felt like this story was well developed and flowed quite smoothly. I never felt the need to put this down, and once I fully got into it, it didn’t take me very long to plow through the story. I always know when I pick up a book this author has written, I am going to have one hell of a ride, and this story tops every expectation I had for the book. And there was a few times that the plot twisted in a way that bowled me over topsy turvy!!  A paranormal romance with fun filled scenes,  characters that will captivate, and a tale to keep you fascinated. Never a dull moment. FANTASTIC!!!

My Grade
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Steamy

Other Books In Series
How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf
How To Run With A Naked Werewolf

Audio Book Review-How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf

How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf
Naked Werewolf (1)
Molly Harper
Pocket Books
Audiobook
Published February 2011
Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9781439195864
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Northern Exposure

Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham, who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska, has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.

For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.

If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . .

My Review
Mo Weinstein needs time and space away from her eccentric parents. So she decides to travel all the way up to Alaska, in a small town “Grundy” and establish a life there. Mo’s plan is to just relax and take time for herself. Many people in Grundy are apprehensive towards strangers and newcomers. Mo knows that she will have to prove herself. So while in town she makes friends with a woman named Evie. Mo through some unique set of circumstances gets enrolled as a cook for the only bar in town. Even though her plan wasn’t to have a job full time that smelled of grease and burgers, she knew it was what she needed. Then she meets Cooper, whose dislike for her is very clear. But there is something about Cooper that makes him memorable even if he makes her angrier than a hornet. But when Cooper shows up on her doorstep with a bear trap on his ankle, the last thing she wants to do is turn him away. She then learns of his secret, a secret she knows that she can’t breathe a word to anyone about. Before Mo realizes it, Cooper starts to become a vital person in her life, and she knows that despite the recent wolf attacks, she knows in her heart that Cooper is innocent. But will the love she has for Cooper be enough?

How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf is the first in the series. I recently discovered Molly Harper as a fantastic author. After receiving a ARC of her third book in the series, I was hooked. So I found a good deal on Audible for this story. I was really excited to read the first book. The first book is Cooper’s story. The Audio book is narrated by Amanda Ronconi, and a brilliant job she did. Most times when I am reading a Audio book I let it take some time. But I was so captivated by this story, that I had to listen to it every spare moment I had. So it only took a couple of days to listen to 9 hours. The story starts a bit slow, where you see the background of Mo, and boy did I not envy her childhood. The relationship between Cooper and Mo, isn’t instantaneous, its more gradual until they actually admit how much they desire each other and then things start to really heat up. There is quite a bit happening in this story. There is a bit of a mystery, and in the beginning Mo thinks it may be Cooper involved, but as their connection to each other deepens, she knows it isn’t in his nature to kill or harm, unless he is defending those he loves.

I loved the way their relationship deepens and progresses as the story goes on. There was quite a few moments especially in the Flirty stage they have going on, that just were so hilarious, witty and downright ridiculous its impossible not to laugh hysterically. I loved seeing the drama that plays out between Cooper and Mo, and it was fun seeing his pack, even though he doesn’t have direct involvement, due to past mistakes and misunderstandings. It was really fun getting into this story that was funny, intense, complex, and romantic. Overall a sweet love story with a mix of werewolf shifters, plot full of intrigue, and captivating characters that take your breath away!! SPLENDID!!!

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
The Art Of Seducing A Naked Werewolf
How To Run With A Naked Werewolf

ARC Book Review- How To Run With A Naked Werewolf

How To Run With A Naked Werewolf
Naked Werewolf (3)
Molly Harper
Pocket Books
E Book
Published December 31 2013
352 Pages
ISBN  B00BSBR0BC
Author Website 

Synopsis
Caleb Graham is a werewolf by nature, a tracker by profession. He uses his “extra gifts” to find people, and not always in the most legal or ethical manner. He doesn’t care what they’ve done, or who wants them found, as long as his considerable fee is paid. He likes his life simple and uncomplicated.

Anna Moder, former physician to Caleb’s pack, happens across Caleb during a particularly violent “negotiation” that has left him bloodied and unconscious. She helps him, despite the fact that he’s cost her a car, so he insists that she stay with him on the road for a while. As they grow closer, Anna looks past the gruff exterior and and the questionable job to thoroughly decent werewolf underneath.

Anna – who is careful to edit her involvement with Caleb’s pack from their conversations – doesn’t talk about why a nice girl wants to live in the middle of frozen nowhere, but she’s obviously on the run from something. When Anna’s past collides with Caleb’s current assignment from one of his sleazier contacts, Caleb finally has to make a choice—protect his job…or his potential mate?

My Review

Anna is cautious of making friends or hooking up with handsome strangers in need. Anna has been on the run and in hiding for quite some time, from her husband who tended to be controlling and abusive. She will do anything except return to him. While working in a non sequential town, working at a grocery store, on her way home, she finds a injured man who is unconscious and in need of help. So despite her misgivings, she knows that she can’t leave him to die. So she helps him, and realizes that he is a werewolf, when his injuries heal way faster than any injury should ever heal. Anna once works in a clinic among a werewolf pack, so she can see the signs, but keeps the knowledge to herself. In return for aiding him, Caleb offers her a ride in his truck for a while. Anna reluctantly accepts, and despite wanting to protect her heart, she finds herself melting under his gaze. Caleb is sexy and charming and despite his gruff manner, she is drawn to him in a way she doesn’t really understand. Caleb  is on a current job when he runs into Anna, and he can tell that she is on the run from something, but there is something inherently special about Anna and  there is a bond forming between each other, a bond that is more powerful than either of them have ever known.

How To Run With A Naked Werewolf is the third in the Naked Werewolf series by Molly Harper. This is the first time I have been able to read this author. I was given a copy of a ARC in return of a honest review through Edelweiss and Pocket Books. I have to say that after reading this, I am very impressed with this authors style of writing. It had such a flirtatious and light manner to it. Even though there is some big conflicts involved in the story, there was still a sense of playfulness and lightheartedness to the story that made it very entertaining from the beginning to the last pages. Most paranormals I have read usually have a more serious tone to the story, but in this one, I didn’t really get that vibe at all. It did have a sense of danger at times, and there is a secret that Anna is hiding. Despite that however, my impression of the story overall was pure enjoyment and fun.

The characters in this story were so endearing and addicting. I just wanted more and more of them. Caleb is a sexy werewolf, fun and playful and very touchy feely (who does like a wolf that loves to cuddle and touch more than anything else). I like how even though he has those dominant tendencies, it isn’t overkill. Its more of a gradual process as the relationship between Caleb and Anna develops more. Anna doesn’t keep her past a secret because she likes it, she doesn’t have a choice. She has suffered in the past, and has some underlying fears from her abusive husband that she is on the run from. I really liked Anna for the most part. It was quite comical seeing Anna interact with Caleb however. Anna’s first instinct is to run and flee and be solitary, but you see as the story progresses how her objectives start to slowly shift. Despite her fears, you see how Caleb makes Anna feel safe and slowly starts to trust again.

I just loved the chemistry between Caleb and Anna. It was more of a gradual sexual tension between them, but I loved the way these two are with each other. For the most part of the books it was a fun and flirting game with Caleb and Anna, and the trust is slow and the love story was sweet. This authors writing is addictive and full of life. I definitely will need to watch out for this author more. A sweet love story that is addicting and amusing, characters to endear you, and a plot to thrill you!!! FANTASTICALLY WELL DONE!!

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books  In Series 
How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf
The Art Of Seducing A Naked Werewolf