Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
If you like mysterious vampires known as the Dark Ones, castles filled with treasure unlike any you can ever imagine, a heroine more content to translate obscure languages than work charms, and a supporting cast of imps, betrayers, and immortals, then SEX, LIES, AND VAMPIRES is definitely the book for you.
Nell Harris is the type of woman who delights in the old-namely, in ancient artifacts. A junior professor of medieval history in Seattle, she's been lured to the Czech Republic by Melissande Banacek to view the Holy Grail of her profession-the Graven Plate, a breastplate from a suit of armor made in the late 1300's at the castle of Churburg. A legend among medievalists, no one has ever laid eyes upon the interlocking plates that detail the history of a knight-errant. For Nell, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Unfortunately, upon her arrival at the home of Ms. Banacek, she gets a little more than she bargained for.
Nell is not one to believe in paranormal beings or things that go bump in the night. So, when she spots a common Central European Imp in Melissande's living room, she's a little unnerved. When Melissande goes on to inform Nell that she's a Dark One, a Moravian vampire, Nell decides that the lady must be insane. Next, this strange lady goes on to tell her that Nell herself is a Charmer. A demon lord by the name of Asmodeus has taken Melissande's brother and nephew hostage, and a fellow vampire by the name of Adrian, whose also known as The Betrayer, is responsible for it all. Bound to Asmodeus by a curse, Melissande's brother and nephew cannot escape. Hence the need for Nell, who as a Charmer has the power and ability to charm the curse.
All would be easy if not for the fact that Nell has forgotten that ten years ago she actually believed in charms, curses, and her abilities. After a charm gone wrong killed her best friend, Nell buried herself in the past-and tangible evidence. Now she's been tricked into helping a boy who can only survive with her help-and in return, she'll have sole possession of the Graven Plate.
Greed and the desire for tenure may be the motivating factors at the start of her journey, but joining forces with Adrian, who isn't what she first thought him to be, is what keeps her going. There's more at stake than the release of a vampire and his son, and it's up to Nell and Adrian to combine their powers to rescue a society on the verge of collapse.
SEX, LIES, AND VAMPIRES is full of fun characters, quirky dialogue, and the redeeming power of love. This isn't the first book I've read by Ms. MacAlister featuring the Dark Ones, and it most certainly won't be my last. I love Ms. MacAlister's world of vampires and supernatural beings, and once you pick up one of her books, I'm sure you'll feel the same.
Nell Harris is the type of woman who delights in the old-namely, in ancient artifacts. A junior professor of medieval history in Seattle, she's been lured to the Czech Republic by Melissande Banacek to view the Holy Grail of her profession-the Graven Plate, a breastplate from a suit of armor made in the late 1300's at the castle of Churburg. A legend among medievalists, no one has ever laid eyes upon the interlocking plates that detail the history of a knight-errant. For Nell, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Unfortunately, upon her arrival at the home of Ms. Banacek, she gets a little more than she bargained for.
Nell is not one to believe in paranormal beings or things that go bump in the night. So, when she spots a common Central European Imp in Melissande's living room, she's a little unnerved. When Melissande goes on to inform Nell that she's a Dark One, a Moravian vampire, Nell decides that the lady must be insane. Next, this strange lady goes on to tell her that Nell herself is a Charmer. A demon lord by the name of Asmodeus has taken Melissande's brother and nephew hostage, and a fellow vampire by the name of Adrian, whose also known as The Betrayer, is responsible for it all. Bound to Asmodeus by a curse, Melissande's brother and nephew cannot escape. Hence the need for Nell, who as a Charmer has the power and ability to charm the curse.
All would be easy if not for the fact that Nell has forgotten that ten years ago she actually believed in charms, curses, and her abilities. After a charm gone wrong killed her best friend, Nell buried herself in the past-and tangible evidence. Now she's been tricked into helping a boy who can only survive with her help-and in return, she'll have sole possession of the Graven Plate.
Greed and the desire for tenure may be the motivating factors at the start of her journey, but joining forces with Adrian, who isn't what she first thought him to be, is what keeps her going. There's more at stake than the release of a vampire and his son, and it's up to Nell and Adrian to combine their powers to rescue a society on the verge of collapse.
SEX, LIES, AND VAMPIRES is full of fun characters, quirky dialogue, and the redeeming power of love. This isn't the first book I've read by Ms. MacAlister featuring the Dark Ones, and it most certainly won't be my last. I love Ms. MacAlister's world of vampires and supernatural beings, and once you pick up one of her books, I'm sure you'll feel the same.
Helpful Score: 6
This is an enjoyable, quick romp. It's very similar to her other books, with the uppity American charming the brooding mysterious Dark One. It is repetitive, but it is a fun read so it doesn't really matter much.
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this book. I read everything in this genre that I can get my hands on. This book grabs you right from the start. It even made me chuckle out loud a couple times!
Kathy J
Kathy J
Helpful Score: 3
As always Katie MacAlister delivers laughter. Her sense of humor is to die for. I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 3
Too much fluff for my taste. The book was cute and a quick read, but I thought it could have been much, much better. The plot was good, but the characters were completely one-dimensional - I never connected with any of them. If the author had put in a little effort instead of just trying to go for the laughs, she might actually have written a substantial book, rather than just an "ohmygawd-i-found-my-true-love-in-only-ten-pages" story.
Helpful Score: 2
I had a great time reading this book. Witty and funny. Very enjoyable.
Hope R. (BookLovingMamma) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 24 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Another terrific book by Katie MacAlister! Her heroins are smart, sexy and laught-out-loud funny!
Helpful Score: 2
The weakest of Katie McAlisters books on vampires.
Helpful Score: 2
Nell is employed by Mellisande, Christian Dante's cousin ( he's our main reaccurring character in the 3 books of the series), to act as a Charmer & save Mellisande's nephew. Not told this when she was flown to the Czhech Republic, Nell refuses. She hasn't reversed a curse since a fatal college accident that left her with a stroke 10 years ago.
When Nell is persuaded to look around Christian's castle she runs into Adrian, a.k.a. THE BETRAYER. She's the only one in nearly 5 centuries who doesn't fear him though & Adrian quickly realizes she is the Beloved who can save his soul. He didn't believe she existed. Now Nell helps him to save Mellisandes nephew, (shocker>>>!! Adrian's son!!!) & destroy the baddy in a most abrupt fashion, so that they can share eternity together. Throw in a few mummies cheerfully folling Nell like puppies, cameo's by one of you favorite ghosts from a previouse book, & a few well loved reaccurring characters ( & one that goes bad!) & you get a great novel that will be hard to put down!
When Nell is persuaded to look around Christian's castle she runs into Adrian, a.k.a. THE BETRAYER. She's the only one in nearly 5 centuries who doesn't fear him though & Adrian quickly realizes she is the Beloved who can save his soul. He didn't believe she existed. Now Nell helps him to save Mellisandes nephew, (shocker>>>!! Adrian's son!!!) & destroy the baddy in a most abrupt fashion, so that they can share eternity together. Throw in a few mummies cheerfully folling Nell like puppies, cameo's by one of you favorite ghosts from a previouse book, & a few well loved reaccurring characters ( & one that goes bad!) & you get a great novel that will be hard to put down!
Pros This Dark Ones book 3, wasnt as good as the first 2, but it does have a stronger and still funny female lead.
On to the next one.
On to the next one.
Valesca L. (FitMommyOf2) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 85 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Funny vamp story which I enjoyed a lot. The only thing that annoyed me was the nick name 'Hasi' Adrian gave Nell. I'm from Germany and honestly, that word 'Hasi' does not fit for a character like Adrian to be saying it. It's as if you'd say something like 'Snugglebunny' or something alike. It's just out of character. But, that point aside, the book was indeed good, even if a bit predictable, which is why I'd only rate it with 3.5 stars.
Helpful Score: 1
I got this book as a gift and loved it. I have read it so much the book is extremely worn out. This book will make you laugh and never want to put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved the book. Katie MacAlister has a way to make the reader laugh out loud (gotten quite a few stares, let me tell you!). I plan on reading this series and going on to the next!
Helpful Score: 1
This was a quick read. Funny and steamy. In fact there as A LOT of sex in this book. I didn't realize this was the third book in a series. I enjoyed it enough that I will be reading the rest of the series.
Helpful Score: 1
As far as she can tell, Nell Harris is either going insane or she is in love. Nell thought she had been summoned to Prague to work on an inscription in a rare fourteenth-century breastplate. Instead, she is immersed in the world of the Moravian Dark Ones (think vampires) when she is swept up in the search for a boy held captive by the demon lord Asmodeus. Although Nell would like nothing better than to use her powers as a "Charmer" to help find the missing boy, the last time she dabbled in magic the consequences were dire. Then Nell meets Adrian Tomas. Bound to serve Asmodeus and forced to betray his fellow Dark Ones, Adrian desperately needs Nell to charm away his curse. One look into Adrian's haunted eyes, and Nell discovers she will do just about anything to save the soul of her new beloved. The third in Mac-Alister's wickedly sexy and wildly humorous Dark Ones series, this is another wonderfully original, practically perfect paranormal treat.
very funny! explains vampires in a whole new light! I want to read more by her.
This is the third book in the series. Funny! Very sexy!
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 724 more book reviews
Was a fun read.
its a good read
Really good fun book. I was laughing out loud in places.
Great read! I LOVE Katie MacAlister!
Much better than most of her books. Worth it just to "hear" the heroine call the big-bad vampire hero "my little love potato" and "my little spaetzl".
Cute - fun read!
It's a hilarious romance.
Diane P. (pranaprincess) - , reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 52 more book reviews
This is by far Ms. MacAlister's best Dark Ones book to date. Her writing seems to be a lot more polished in this book as opposed to the first 2 in the series--although the second book was leaps and bounds above the first. There were a few just plain silly scenes in this installment, but since it's meant to be a lighter read than, say, any of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter books (my personal favorites) I guess that's acceptable.
All in all, an enjoyable read. Good for a sunny summer afternoon at the beach.
All in all, an enjoyable read. Good for a sunny summer afternoon at the beach.
Captivating...Who should I trust?
Thank God, finally a good read in this series! Although repetitive story lines: Dark brooding evil vampire falls for witchy beloved with a big nasty bad guy waiting in the shadows to destroy them... yada, yada. This one in the Dark Ones series from Macalister is better written with a more interesting chase. Unfortunately this is not a stand alone novel. With all the inventive vocab, and captivating suggestive characters (who should I trust senarios), one can easily get lost with out reading the previous two novels. Fun read:)
Thank God, finally a good read in this series! Although repetitive story lines: Dark brooding evil vampire falls for witchy beloved with a big nasty bad guy waiting in the shadows to destroy them... yada, yada. This one in the Dark Ones series from Macalister is better written with a more interesting chase. Unfortunately this is not a stand alone novel. With all the inventive vocab, and captivating suggestive characters (who should I trust senarios), one can easily get lost with out reading the previous two novels. Fun read:)
Class Desc.: Are you responsible for lifting a centuries-old curse from the sexiest vampire you've ever seen? Does a demon lord want to destroy you? Have you somehow inadvertently bound several mummies to your soul? If you answered yes...well, you're in big trouble. let us show you how the power of love can salvage even the worst of situations...not to mention the most tormented of men.
Duration: A lifetime
Duration: A lifetime
Tries to be funny with the lovey nicknames, but author has used this story line before in other books. Lots of questions about HOW DID THAT HAPPEN??? never get answers, as story's plot jumps around. I'm tradding it because it's not worth a second read.
I agree with other reviewers that this story is similar to the other "Dark Ones" series of books, but doesn't make it any less enjoyable.
There is alittle too much mush for my likes but a pretty good read.
really good story! now to go find he rest of the edition... dont want to ruin he story for anyone but if you like this type of book.. the vampire romance... you will love this series.. well this one at least.. I haven't read the rest yet but do plan to.. fast moving book.. hard to put down.
Fun, fast read!
This was my first time reading Katie McAllister's Dark One series - and I was pleasantly surprised.
She has a very comedic voice, that carries through all the characters, even the ones that are supposed to be dark, grim types.
Very fast paced and realistic, all things considered.
But, as much as I enjoyed this, the books definitely need to be read in order. There were a couple moments when I was confused, since the background information is only revealed to the heroine (and reader) as the story progresses.
My rating - 4
She has a very comedic voice, that carries through all the characters, even the ones that are supposed to be dark, grim types.
Very fast paced and realistic, all things considered.
But, as much as I enjoyed this, the books definitely need to be read in order. There were a couple moments when I was confused, since the background information is only revealed to the heroine (and reader) as the story progresses.
My rating - 4
This is a funny and semi-hot book.
great book, sexy and funny
Not my cup of tea, but I know others who have loved it. I prefer Charlaine Harris. This is closer to a romance than anything
Irreverent American girl falls in love with big, bad vampire. Of course, she has to save his soul. This book is a hoot! Loved it!
From Booklist
As far as she can tell, Nell Harris is either going insane or she is in love. Nell thought she had been summoned to Prague to work on an inscription in a rare fourteenth-century breastplate. Instead, she is immersed in the world of the Moravian Dark Ones (think vampires) when she is swept up in the search for a boy held captive by the demon lord Asmodeus. Although Nell would like nothing better than to use her powers as a "Charmer" to help find the missing boy, the last time she dabbled in magic the consequences were dire. Then Nell meets Adrian Tomas. Bound to serve Asmodeus and forced to betray his fellow Dark Ones, Adrian desperately needs Nell to charm away his curse. One look into Adrian's haunted eyes, and Nell discovers she will do just about anything to save the soul of her new beloved. The third in Mac-Alister's wickedly sexy and wildly humorous Dark Ones series, this is another wonderfully original, practically perfect paranormal treat.
As far as she can tell, Nell Harris is either going insane or she is in love. Nell thought she had been summoned to Prague to work on an inscription in a rare fourteenth-century breastplate. Instead, she is immersed in the world of the Moravian Dark Ones (think vampires) when she is swept up in the search for a boy held captive by the demon lord Asmodeus. Although Nell would like nothing better than to use her powers as a "Charmer" to help find the missing boy, the last time she dabbled in magic the consequences were dire. Then Nell meets Adrian Tomas. Bound to serve Asmodeus and forced to betray his fellow Dark Ones, Adrian desperately needs Nell to charm away his curse. One look into Adrian's haunted eyes, and Nell discovers she will do just about anything to save the soul of her new beloved. The third in Mac-Alister's wickedly sexy and wildly humorous Dark Ones series, this is another wonderfully original, practically perfect paranormal treat.
Hayley M. (Zachaustlily) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 227 more book reviews
One of my favorite authors. Haven't read a book of hers that I haven't loved.
This was a fairly good read, though not quite as good as the previous book in the series, Sex and the Single Vampire. (This is the third book in the series and A Girl's Guide to Vampires the first.)
Thank Goddess we no longer see Joy and Roxy, main characters from the first book who reminded me of a couple of whiny teenagers, in this one. We do have Ally and Christian and a few other characters from the second book though and I was glad to see them return in this one.
In this installment, Nell Harris, a Professor of Medieval History at the University of Washington, is also a Charmer who can create and disarm magical charms and curses, a practice she gave up 10 years ago when she accidently killed her best friend while trying to disarm a curse. She's been asked to the Czech Republic by Melissande, a Dark One (sorta like a Vampire), on the premise of translating an inscription on a fourteenth-century breastplate. The real reason behind Melissande's asking Nell to come though is because she's aware of her background as a Charmer. Melissande wants Nell to use her Charming skills to help find her 10-year-old nephew Damian who's been taken by the demon lord Asmodeus.
Immediately, Nell runs into "The Betrayer", Melissande's brother Adrian, who has been bound to Asmodeus, while searching for clues to Asmodeus's whereabouts in Christian's castle. Adrian whisks Nell off against her will when he realizes what she can do for him. Despite Adrian's curse binding him to the demon lord by his father when he was only 2 years old, Nell immediately sees the good in him and they soon realize that Nell is Adrian's Beloved. (A Beloved is a Dark One's "other half" who is able to bring light into his soul, etc.)
Melissande, Christian, and the other Dark Ones including Melissande's other brother Saer are all against Adrian and would prefer to just do away with him. But Adrian also wants to save Damian as well as have Nell remove his curse. So Nell joins forces with Adrian and while working to get the information they need to free Damian, they must also avoid the other Dark Ones trying to slow them down.
Thoughout the story, Nell's character reminded me a little too much of Joy or Roxy from A Girl's Guide to Vampires—her comments and American colloquialisms were meant to be funny, but I found them annoying more often than not. Plus, she's a bit too mouthy for her own good and doesn't think how her actions will affect what she's trying to accomplish. Fortunately, there were a number of other funny parts in the story, the mummies for instance, which had me cracking up!
Thank Goddess we no longer see Joy and Roxy, main characters from the first book who reminded me of a couple of whiny teenagers, in this one. We do have Ally and Christian and a few other characters from the second book though and I was glad to see them return in this one.
In this installment, Nell Harris, a Professor of Medieval History at the University of Washington, is also a Charmer who can create and disarm magical charms and curses, a practice she gave up 10 years ago when she accidently killed her best friend while trying to disarm a curse. She's been asked to the Czech Republic by Melissande, a Dark One (sorta like a Vampire), on the premise of translating an inscription on a fourteenth-century breastplate. The real reason behind Melissande's asking Nell to come though is because she's aware of her background as a Charmer. Melissande wants Nell to use her Charming skills to help find her 10-year-old nephew Damian who's been taken by the demon lord Asmodeus.
Immediately, Nell runs into "The Betrayer", Melissande's brother Adrian, who has been bound to Asmodeus, while searching for clues to Asmodeus's whereabouts in Christian's castle. Adrian whisks Nell off against her will when he realizes what she can do for him. Despite Adrian's curse binding him to the demon lord by his father when he was only 2 years old, Nell immediately sees the good in him and they soon realize that Nell is Adrian's Beloved. (A Beloved is a Dark One's "other half" who is able to bring light into his soul, etc.)
Melissande, Christian, and the other Dark Ones including Melissande's other brother Saer are all against Adrian and would prefer to just do away with him. But Adrian also wants to save Damian as well as have Nell remove his curse. So Nell joins forces with Adrian and while working to get the information they need to free Damian, they must also avoid the other Dark Ones trying to slow them down.
Thoughout the story, Nell's character reminded me a little too much of Joy or Roxy from A Girl's Guide to Vampires—her comments and American colloquialisms were meant to be funny, but I found them annoying more often than not. Plus, she's a bit too mouthy for her own good and doesn't think how her actions will affect what she's trying to accomplish. Fortunately, there were a number of other funny parts in the story, the mummies for instance, which had me cracking up!
ShawnMarie M. (ShawnMarie) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 78 more book reviews
My favorite of Katie Mac's books, but still is only an average read. Very predictable.
great book! A heroine who still laugh even when everything seems to be going against her in addition to catching the eye of one of the sexiest guys around. worth the read!
Leslie Jane F. (LeslieJane) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 63 more book reviews
Nell can lift a curse form a vampire, but also has lifted some curses from mumies
Katie MacAlister is one of the best writers and storytellers around in any genre. This book doesn't disappoint with a wonderful heroine who is far from perfect, colorful ghosts who entertain, and a fun story that kept me turning the page. Still my favorite of her books.
Susan B. (TwoLittleMonkeys) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 103 more book reviews
Katie MacAlister is one of my favorite authors! Her books are witty, sexy, quirky, and a lot of fun.
AWESOME READ!!!!!
Really enjoyed this book and hated to see it end
Fun romance. Quick read
One of her better offerings. I really enjoyed this!
Good and funny!
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed Sex, Lies and Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 3) on + 768 more book reviews
Excellent!
Never met a vampire I didn't like....
Pretty sexy and cute
This was a better than your average romance novel... mainly because it's funny.
terrific book, I enjoy all of her books
Cute book
Are you responsible for lifting a centuries-old curse from the sexiest vampire you've ever seen? Does a demon lord want to destroy you? Have you somehow inadvertently bound several mummies to your soul? If you answered yes...well, you're in big trouble. Let us show you how the power of love can salvage even the worst of situations...not to mention the most tormented of men.
KATIE MACALISTER IS A GREAT WRITER. THIS WAS A SMART,SEXY AND FUNNY READ. I REALLY ENJOYED IT.
Not as strong as her other book, but entertaining nonetheless!
this is a fast pace book, awesome to read and one finding themselves within the pages.
CHARM SCHOOL 101
Instructors: Nell Harris, Charmer
Adriam Tomas, Dark One
Class Desc.: Are you responsible for lifting a centuries-old curse from the sexiest vampire you've ever seen? Does a demon lord want to destroy you? Have you somehow inadvertently bound several mummies to your soul? If you answered yes...well, you're in big trouble. Let us show you how the power of love can salvage even the worst of situations...not to mention the most tormented of men.
Duration: A lifetime.
Instructors: Nell Harris, Charmer
Adriam Tomas, Dark One
Class Desc.: Are you responsible for lifting a centuries-old curse from the sexiest vampire you've ever seen? Does a demon lord want to destroy you? Have you somehow inadvertently bound several mummies to your soul? If you answered yes...well, you're in big trouble. Let us show you how the power of love can salvage even the worst of situations...not to mention the most tormented of men.
Duration: A lifetime.
This is a very good read.
As far as she can tell, Nell Harris is either going insane or she is in love. Nell thought she had been summoned to Prague to work on an inscription in a rare fourteenth-century breastplate. Instead, she is immersed in the world of the Moravian Dark Ones (think vampires) when she is swept up in the search for a boy held captive by the demon lord Asmodeus. Although Nell would like nothing better than to use her powers as a "Charmer" to help find the missing boy, the last time she dabbled in magic the consequences were dire. Then Nell meets Adrian Tomas. Bound to serve Asmodeus and forced to betray his fellow Dark Ones, Adrian desperately needs Nell to charm away his curse. One look into Adrian's haunted eyes, and Nell discovers she will do just about anything to save the soul of her new beloved. The third in Mac-Alister's wickedly sexy and wildly humorous Dark Ones series, this is another wonderfully original, practically perfect paranormal treat. from amazon.com
I really, really enjoyed this book. So far there is not a Katie MacAlister book that I don't thoroughly enjoy.
