Between a Vamp and a Hard Place (spotlight and review) ADULT title

This is an ADULT title

Between a Vamp and a Hard Place (Pocket Books; December 29, 2015; $7.99) by Jessica Sims, a sexy paranormal romance in the wickedly funny spirit of bestselling authors Kerrelyn Sparks and Molly Harper which features an estate broker and a 600-year-old vampire out for revenge…

 

Lindsey Hughes loves antiques and couldn’t be happier to make a living in the estate sale business. Hughes loves antiques and couldn’t be happier to make a living in the estate sale business. But when her assistant accidentally buys an entire estate without her approval, Lindsey is forced to clean up the mess herself.

Lindsey travels to the newly purchased, age-old house in Venice, Italy, and soon discovers more than she (never) bargained for. While digging through the hoarder’s trove that fills every floor, she finds a secret staircase behind a wall that leads to a strange coffin…with an even stranger inhabitant.

Vampire Rand FitzWulf has been in his coffin for 600 years. But now that he’s awake, he’s ravenous, and there’s a delicious-smelling woman with a rare blood type in his basement. Luckily, Lindsey has more to offer than blood: she agrees to travel throughout Europe with Rand to help him get revenge on the one who turned him. But as the unlikely pair grows closer, will the billionaire vampire be overtaken by his thirst for blood—or his thirst for love?

 

(note from ELF:  There are a few inconsistencies in the blurb, and I read a note from the author that said she had tried to correct it, to no avail...so, Rand is not a billionaire vampire, the estate is in an apartment...but there is indeed a basement, lol)



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My review:

4.25 out of 5 stars

Between a Vamp and a Hard Place by Jessica Sims (aka Jessica Clare/Jill Myles) is a paranormal romance that spotlights the adventures of Lindsey Hughes, a struggling antique dealer whose partner gambles their future on an estate of hoarded material in…Venice!  There are plenty of unexpected obstacles encountered, not least of which is a vampire named Sir Rand FitzWulf, who is not only fascinated by Lindsey’s very rare blood, but also expects her to aid him in his quest to find his comrades-in-arms, despite her protests.  Unfortunately, the search is not without its dangers and Lindsey may wind up losing not only her heart but her life.

This imaginative story combines intriguing facts with a fun tweak on traditional lore about vampires.  The exotic locale, unexpected discoveries, and comfortable and snarky relationship between Lindsey and her BFF Gemma all combine in an entertaining read that sneaks in a few history lessons along the way.  The sensual connection between Lindsey and Rand provides plenty of sizzle while the danger that escalates over the course of the tale provides highs and lows for Lindsey’s professional and personal future.  I love the combination of humor and paranormal elements, and, even though I typically don’t like time-travel complications, I was fascinated by the glimpse of history through Rand’s eyes.  The quirky way Gemma redeems herself is a perfect twist and I hope to see her have her own time in the spotlight.  This was a fun tongue-in-cheek story and I look forward to many more!

A copy of this title was provided to me for review.