Helpful Score: 10
Stupid. So far, I've read only a couple of books by this author and they are just "ok" - some better than others, but the real downfall of the series is that its basically the same story over and over again. Really silly trying-too-hard-to-be-funny dialogue...but hey, that's just my opinion.
Want to see the funny vampire novel done decently? Try Mary Janice Davidson's Undead and Unwed series (just the first few, they get weaker as they go) or Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Series.
Want to see the funny vampire novel done decently? Try Mary Janice Davidson's Undead and Unwed series (just the first few, they get weaker as they go) or Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Series.
Suzanne S. (latteelover) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I really enjoy Katie Macalister's books. If you are looking for a vampire romance, this is not it. There are plenty of steamy scenes and a great romance... it's just not with the vampire. It's more a mistery of trying to figure out who is a vampire.
Helpful Score: 3
Not LOVING it! Sort of inconsistant. The charcters are a bit boring! Rapheal does sound pretty dang hot though! Having a hard time getting through it, and it is pretty predictable, but it MUST have something because I don't quite want to give up on it yet!!!
Certainly no Twighlight, but it has it's moments.
Certainly no Twighlight, but it has it's moments.
Helpful Score: 2
it started out slow, but by the middle you are hooked. it's a good book.
Helpful Score: 2
A very good book. Took me a few pages to get into it but it caught my attention after that.
Muriel D. (taekwonmo) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Good book, very chick-lit in a vampire sort of way, with a mystery involved. I read all 374 pages in two days because I couldn't put it down. The two main female characters have very entertaining dialogue.
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first book Ive read by this author. A little slow to start but it did pick up. At times I didn't like Joy. She was too stubborn for her own good. Her friend Roxy got to be annoying too. But overall the book was good. Lots of steamy love scenes. Will read the next book by this author.
Jennifer D. (JimberGiggles) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love this book! It is well written and had me laughing out loud at the lead characters in the story. I couldn't put it down, and it keeps you guessing until the last 3 or 4 pages, and even then you aren't sure you know how it will end!
Helpful Score: 1
My favorite of the whole series. This one is the only one that has a twist that made it more enjoyible to me. All the rest of the series fall back to the standard vampire romance genre.
Carla G. (readragon) -
Helpful Score: 1
Found a new favorite author with this book. Funny, sexy, mystery everything good.
Great book!!
Great book!!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is about a women and her friend traveling to a foreign country in search of the soul mates their witch friend predicted they would find. MacAlister's writing is smooth, witty, and freaking hilarious. I laughed out loud on so much of the dialogue and especially some of the monologue of the main character. The plot was strong, the romance was extra steamy, and the characters were wonderful. There is a reference to Christine Feehan's Carpathians in it as well which also made me laugh out loud. This book is definitely worth the read, as most likely the second one will be also. She will have you laughing and sighing through the book, I certainly was.
Also posted: http://nexttimesaymyname.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-review-girls-guide-to-vampires-by.html
Also posted: http://nexttimesaymyname.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-review-girls-guide-to-vampires-by.html
Marna C. (feritgrrl) -
Helpful Score: 1
Humerous take on the "romantic vampire genre." Sometimes comes across as a bit forced in that main character sometimes seems shrewish rather than assertive and it is difficult to see why the main character would hang out with her "best friend" who seems vapid, annoying and unlikeable at times. A little too heavy handed with the misdirection around the hero- is he a vampire? is he the killer? is he a spy? etc. and in order for the sexual tension triangle to fully develop, the heroine's choice should have been held off longer. However, I really enjoyed this book- and love Katie Macalister's work in general. i will be looking for the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
A decent book if you love more Romance than darkness. SOme of the writing was a bit cheesy, but if you are a true romance lover, this should be right up your alley.
Helpful Score: 1
Just before their trip to the Czech Republic to attend Goth-Fest, best friends Joy & Roxy decide to ask "The Goddess" for a little help in finding their true loves. Unfortunately for Joy, what she winds up with is a creepy premonition about a dark & dangerous stranger. At first she doesn't believe in the premonitions or in vampires at all, but as the visions get stronger and more detailed she becomes convinced there might be something to them. Who's making her see these visions? Is it the sexy and strong Raphael? The gorgeous but reserved, Christian? Or someone else all together?
The first thing I have to point out is that the back of the book has basically nothing to do with the book, so don't use it in your judgment to read it or not. Despite that fact that the book wasn't quite what I expected, I really enjoyed the read. It was some light, mindless fun with sexy, sizzling romance thrown in for good measure. I found the main character (Joy) likable and very funny. I would have liked to see a little more character development, however. I do definitely intend to continue with the rest of the series.
The first thing I have to point out is that the back of the book has basically nothing to do with the book, so don't use it in your judgment to read it or not. Despite that fact that the book wasn't quite what I expected, I really enjoyed the read. It was some light, mindless fun with sexy, sizzling romance thrown in for good measure. I found the main character (Joy) likable and very funny. I would have liked to see a little more character development, however. I do definitely intend to continue with the rest of the series.
Carrie G. (tapiocapdding) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I could not get past the first few pages of this book. The writing is just dreadful. I felt like I was coming into the middle of an ongoing conversation; the dialogue is abysmal.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the best vampire book I've read yet. Made me laugh at loud :)
Helpful Score: 1
Knowing this is a series, definitely expected more from this first one. It's a book that I almost want to describe as a bit pathetic.
There are many cheesy romances (yes, I have read a few, sometimes it's necessary...) where I know I am reading it for pure entertainment because it is so far fetched: girl meets guys, instant connection, they profess their love for each other within a day, yada, yada. But when you add in a little paranormal to that romance, it makes it easier to read the unbelievable. Well, not this one.
VERY LITTLE paranormal going on in this story. Mostly it's all in the main characters head. No fun.
There are many cheesy romances (yes, I have read a few, sometimes it's necessary...) where I know I am reading it for pure entertainment because it is so far fetched: girl meets guys, instant connection, they profess their love for each other within a day, yada, yada. But when you add in a little paranormal to that romance, it makes it easier to read the unbelievable. Well, not this one.
VERY LITTLE paranormal going on in this story. Mostly it's all in the main characters head. No fun.
KATHERINE W. (wylchild) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Okay, so it wasn't anything even remotely close to what I was expecting. That's not to say it was bad. However, I had myself all psyched up for a fictional roadmap to obtaining my very own hot and sexy vampire. Instead, I got an international murder mystery. Sure there was a vampire in it...well, sort of...but he really didn't vamp out until...well, read it and find out for yourself.
Helpful Score: 1
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure if it was going to be something that i could get into. But then I kept reading and wow and got very interesting. The book took many twists and turns. I loved it. Great Book Awsome Author.
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 1479 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
MacAlister walks a very thin line here between sassy chick-lit and uberdramatic vampire erotica. Most of the time, she does a good job with this tale of two Oregon librarians looking for love in all the fanged places
Helpful Score: 1
Cute, fun read
Helpful Score: 1
This is a good book but it is a little slow. It takes about 5 chapters to really get into but after that it is hard to put down. By the end you get upset that it ended.
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Was ok,not very memorable
Cynthia (escapist) -
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't finish it. Didn't like it.
Letty G. (bookfairymom) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Great book light read and funny!
Steamy!!! I did not expect it to be as graphic, but I loved it! Typical romance with a slight mystery. Entertaining read.
Dolly B. (Irishgirl8) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 85 more book reviews
I love books about vampires....and while this is not your usual vampire story it was quite entertaining!!!!
Diane P. (pranaprincess) - , reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 52 more book reviews
I am so glad I read this series out of order, because if I'd started with this book there is NO WAY I would've read the second and third installments. If you aren't totally off put by the silly dialogue and the characters that often times border on the ridiculous, there is a marked improvment in Ms. McAlister's Dark Ones, Bk 2 & Dark Ones, Bk 3. However, as one reviewer pointed out, they seem to be the same story told over and over again.
Stacie P. (froot) -
Disappointing
Not a good Vampire story.
Joy and Roxy are two young American women tourists in the Czech Republic looking for love. Their trip takes them to a Carnival/festival for Gothics where the bulk of the story takes place. Obsessed with the belief that Joy is destined to belong to a "Dark One" due to a mind meld of visions, the girls seek advice from C.J. Dante famed author of the popular vampire series books. Raphael, the festival's head of security becomes the driving passion of Joy.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Joy and Raphael, but the rest of the book was a blur of bad story. Joy and Roxy were so annoying as characters I found myself more interested in the men of this book. There is too much bad comic relief. The vampire in this story was an after thought. The title should have been "A Girl's Guide to Screwing up your Relationships and Running your Mouth off Inappropriately in a Gypsy Camp".
Not a good Vampire story.
Joy and Roxy are two young American women tourists in the Czech Republic looking for love. Their trip takes them to a Carnival/festival for Gothics where the bulk of the story takes place. Obsessed with the belief that Joy is destined to belong to a "Dark One" due to a mind meld of visions, the girls seek advice from C.J. Dante famed author of the popular vampire series books. Raphael, the festival's head of security becomes the driving passion of Joy.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Joy and Raphael, but the rest of the book was a blur of bad story. Joy and Roxy were so annoying as characters I found myself more interested in the men of this book. There is too much bad comic relief. The vampire in this story was an after thought. The title should have been "A Girl's Guide to Screwing up your Relationships and Running your Mouth off Inappropriately in a Gypsy Camp".
The description of this book is misleading, but it is a good book. It's definately not what I expected, but I'd say it's similar to Sherrilyn Kenyon's Fantasy Lover ~ it's apart of the Dark Hunter series as a prequel, but not really. This book gives a great starter to the Dark One's series. There is a lot of info about the Dark One's and I'm sure that it is best to read this series in order. But don't expect a true paranormal vamp romance out of this one. There is romance, but not what you would expect from the description. I did like Joy and Raphael ~ I liked that there wasn't alot of hemming and hawing about their feelings for each other, they accepted it and went with it, and who wouldn't want a man like Raphael. I must admit that I wanted to strangle Roxy alot and that Joy did get on my nerves, but I looked at it as the author creating great well developed characters. I admit that there were many times when I rolled my eyes, laughed out loud or wished i was in Joy's place, and for me that's a good sign of a series that I want to continue to read.
Michelle P. (plattfamily) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
After reading both her Ashling Grey and Silver Dragons Novels, I find myself a little disappointed in this series since the others were more fluid and engaging. Though it does occur in the same "world" as those series but you don't find that out until book 2 which really takes off into the vampires side of the story.
Hmmm...I'm not sure why this is called A Girl's Guide to Vampires when there is only one real vampire in this book and he's barely in it at all! I did like the character of Joy and found her to be strong, funny and believable. Some of the things she says when she's with Raphael just had me smiling and shaking my head. Gave it 2.5 stars as I read Book 2 first (by accident), and it was much better. Glad I read this though just to get Joy's story.
Chelsea S. (PengQueen) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 114 more book reviews
Could not capture my interest. Starts out with Joy and her friends performing some ritual to find their soul mates. Comes off as hokey and rediculous, and not really in a funny way. I couldn't take the dialogue--too much forced comedy.
I do like this author and most of her books in the series. I read these out of order, but I would have probably enjoyed Book 2 a little more had I read this one first. This is not one of my favorites of hers, but I would still recommend it both as an introduction to the mythology, and to provide a bit more background to some of the characters in Sex and the Single Vampire.
In my opinion, it wasn't a very bad book. I enjoyed it. I was a little disappointed about the ending, but I won't spoil it, not much of a "vampire" romance. witty banter, a few cliche' characters, but all in all a good read. I'd recommend it to others.
It was just plain fun! It was light, sexy, it had enough characters in it to keep it interesting but not so many you have to keep remember who they are. I hope the other Dark Ones to follow are as much fun & sexy.
KATIE STORIES IS ALWAYS A FUN INTERSTING READ!
I enjoyed this book. It was a little too murder mystery for me, though. Plus add in a little hot steamy.....
Prudence D. (PrueD) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 153 more book reviews
Good storyline, likeable characters. I enjoyed this one.
It's nice if you like a bit of the supernatural in with your fluff.
Valerie F. (canoegirl) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 167 more book reviews
A good read. Vampires? Are they real? Read on.
Jeff L. (Fatheroffour) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 69 more book reviews
pretty funny
Mary M. C. (MartieKr) -
This was an average read. Rather funny vampire tale involving two friends who become involved with them while on a trip to Europe.
Hayley M. (Zachaustlily) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 227 more book reviews
One of my favorite authors. Haven't read a book of hers that I haven't loved.
Karen R. (karendawn) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 287 more book reviews
A fun romp.
ShawnMarie M. (ShawnMarie) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 78 more book reviews
A pretty good read if you like vampire romance. Gets a little long and drawn out though.
It was pretty good. Her other books are much better.
Heather Y. (Heathery) - , reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 81 more book reviews
I loved this book! I laughed the entire way thru it...
Susan B. (TwoLittleMonkeys) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 103 more book reviews
Katie MacAlister is one of my favorite authors! Her books are witty, sexy, quirky, and a lot of fun.
Strong minded heroine & alpha make = witty dialogue & interesting story line. Highly recommended.
Angela C. (rolltide1al) -
Another fabulous book by MacAlister! What more is to say? Read this book!
Angela :o)
Angela :o)
Christine S. (momx3) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 73 more book reviews
First in the vampire series.
Pamela G. (pamegiles) - , reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 75 more book reviews
I loved this book, this got me hooked on Katie MacAlister. If you like vampires and love to laugh, you need this book.
Karen A. (greendragon) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 71 more book reviews
a funny, witty book i enjoyed it
Teresa G. (tagray41) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
Excellent Book.
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 768 more book reviews
Excellent! From the back: Trust your eyes. You know the handsome, annoyingly arrogant, self-assured man in the shadows with the long hair and the cleft in his chin? He's your vampire.
Cindy B. (cinithea) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 223 more book reviews
It was ok, I liked the secondary characters better than the main ones, but not the first person point of view.
Michelle C. (vampirelover) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Another wonderful book from Katie Macalister
This is a very interesting twist on the usual vampire story. I really enjoyed it!
Quite amusing
Collette (vwbernie) -
Very funny and sexy. The first of her vampire books.
Kimberley S. (Kimberley) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
First book in her Dark Ones Series. I enjoyed it because it was funny but I prefer her Aisling Grey series over this one. The next books are better but you have to read this one to understand the second book.
I really enjoyed this one, after the initial confusion in the 1st 2 chapters, they were a little hard to follow. Looking forward to the next book in this series
very goog
Janie T. (FriscoOBX) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 601 more book reviews
great book. very funny and worth the read!
Kristen S. (ChicagoCubs) -
Great book. I have enjoyed all of Katie MacAlister's vampire books.
Semia M. (avidvamplover) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
After Joy got over her problem in believing in other beings, I found that it was a very good book. I just wish that they mention more about Roxy finding her mate. I thought she would have mad a good beloved for Christian. Also, I wanted her to mention that Rapheal was also another worldly being. Say maybe a werewolf. :)
It took a bit of reading to get into the book, but when I did, it was really enjoyable! It has fun enjoyable characters, a bit of paranormal, hot sex, and a somewhat interesting mystery. The main character, Joy, is quite likeable and readers will want her to be happy at the end of the book.
Kate T. (katiebratt) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 105 more book reviews
This book made me laugh out loud. Steamy in the right places and had great characterizations and plot.
Fun all the way around.
Fun all the way around.
Lisa G. (wndrngrl) -
All Joy Randall wants is a little old-fashioned romance, but when she participates in a "Goddess evoking" ceremony with her friend, Roxy, Joy finds out her future true love is a man with the potential to put her immortal soul in danger. At first the ever-practical Joy is ready to dismiss her vision as a product of too much gin and too many vampire romances, but while traveling through the Czech Republic with Roxy, Joy begins to have some second thoughts about her mystery lover because she is suddenly plagued by visions of a lethally handsome stranger. Then, when she and Roxy attend a local GothFaire, Joy meets Raphael Griffin St. John, head of security, and she becomes even more bewildered because the dark and dangerous Raphael seems too close to her dreams for comfort. Readers will gladly give in to the wickedly sharp bite of MacAlister's wit in this temptingly toothsome romance. With its superb characterization and writing that manages to be both sexy and humorous, this contemporary paranormal love story is an absolute delight
Maurene G. (HayabusaLvr) reviewed A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Bk 1) on + 90 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book. The writing style is a bit cutesy, but I enjoyed the storyline.
A fun romp. A little overwritten (too many cliches), but fun none-the-less. Great sex scenes.
