BOOK REVIEW ~ TAKE IT LIKE A VAMP BY CANDACE HAVENS

Title: Take It Like A Vamp

Author: Candace Havens

Release Date: May 20, 2013

Originally published: July 21, 2012

ARC provided by NetGalley

Vampire Nick Christos might’ve been born in the Middle Ages, but the good old days seem tame compared to the last eight years he’s spent ruling the Supernatural Council. His only respite is with his cute neighbor Casey Meyers, a woman he wants more than any undead man should. Sure, he's forced to take a cold shower after every encounter, but there’s no way he’ll test his own strength by getting too close to a human, and he’s not willing to risk her life--not with bloodthirsty family on the prowl out to ruin Nick’s life.

When said Nick’s kin shows up, the innocent Casey is caught in the middle of a centuries old fight, and Nick’s biggest fear is realized. Now, instead of keeping his hands off his neighbor, he’ll risk everything to save the human he’s come to love.




Book Review 

First off, when I requested this book from NetGalley, I had no idea that I had already read it back in Aug '12. The cover threw me. It was updated. 

This was the original cover:

Hmm...not sure which one is better. 

Anyhoo--

This story is very similar to one I just read.  Nick Christos and Casey Meyers are neighbors and best friends. Both are attracted to the other, but keeping their feelings hidden from each other. 

Casey is human and Nick is afraid to risk putting her in any type of danger a relationship with him may cause. But things change when Nick is forced to marry by the Vampire Council--or else lose his seat on the Council. 

Casey is the insecure wallflower with huge self image issues. She is attracted to her best friend, but suffers from "there is no way 'he could be attracted to me" syndrome. 

Take It Like A Vamp has a very humorous side with a few laugh-out-loud quotes. You also have a raving lunatic ex-girlfriend, Alvinia who is determined to get Nick back, wrecking havoc between the lovebirds.With all that said, the overabundance of cheesy dialogue deflated some of my enjoyment for this promising and steamy read. 

Casey's insecurities made her such a weak heroine and I ended up losing sympathy near the climax of the story. Nick came across as whiny and that turned me off as well in some parts of the book. 

All in all these two characters could have been a bit stronger, a bit more likable. A sweet romance that borders on annoying with chintzy dialogue that lacked depth and a grittiness I hoped for but never seemed to get.