Two mini #reviews of books you should read! Lore & Lust by Karla Nikole , Don’t Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross

Synopsis

Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls. Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late.

Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn — a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows — has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in — literally — with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans. Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case.

Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

Mini Review

Just a few words about that amazing audiobook!

I read the first book in that series of interconnected standalones after a dear friend gushed about it and…it was a winner!

Don’t Hex and Drive gave me the same vibe of light, funny and sexy!

I chose to listen to these books and I must add that the narrators do an outstanding job impersonating these heroes!

What you’ll find in this story:

-a mix of “enemies to lovers” and “slow burn” tropes;

-a socially awkward and introvert witch. Isadora prefers hiding in her garden than being front and center in the family business. But I truly connected with her as Juliette Cross gave her substance with her giving personality, fear of driving and love for animals.

-a very hot, charming and bollywood golden son Stygorn! Devraj Kumar was all deep smooth voice, dazzling smile and rippling muscles on a deep bronze skin! Skilled tracker he is like a super cop in the supernatural world. Lover of fancy cars and pricey suits, that will earn him some jabs from Isadora!

-an amazing witch family. I love all the sides characters in that series. Not only Isadora’s sisters but the workers at The Cauldron and … They do make me want to be part of the family!

-a mystery to solve as girls are abducted and their kidnappers have to be found!

-good banter and sizzling chemistry! Devraj is determined to make Isadora fall for him or at least, to have sex with her. And she is very determined to deflect and avoid his interest! But from the start you feel that there is a lot of chemistry between these two!

That story seriously reads itself! If you are in a reading slump, this is a light, low angst and smart read to cleanse your palate and have a very enjoyable time!

Synopsis

The slow burn vampire romance you didn’t know you needed…

Haruka Hirano is alive, but not quite living. Surviving but not thriving. As an elite purebred vampire in the twenty-first century, he is broken. Content in his subpar existence.

He is done with life. But life is not finished with him.

When he receives a formal request to oversee an antiquated vampire ritual at Hertsmonceux Castle, Haruka grudgingly leaves his home to meet another purebred. The vampire is not what he expects. Truly, he is unlike any vampire Haruka has ever encountered: cautious, innocent and with the warmth and gravitational pull of the sun.

Lore and Lust is an exploration of cultures, contemporary society and romance. It puts a whimsical spin on traditional vampire lore, while also creating a vivid new world where love is love. No questions asked.

Mature sexual content.

Mini Review

What a delicious find!

Lore & Lust is a MM contemporary vampire story that puts a new spin on the genre.

Forget the overbearing vampires or very alpha males overpowering everyone!

Karla Nikole has written two charming characters, powerful yet delicate too.

She als portrayed very well the cultural nuances of Japanese and Italian people.

Haruka is a purebred vampire descending from a very long line of Japanese vampires with powerful blood. Character wise, he is very polite, contained has an extreme sense of duty. He has manners that vampire. And even if he is immensely powerful, he’ll always come across as humble.
Historian he is decidedlt against modern gadgets like smartphones and has a limited pop culture.

Nino is also a purebred vampire from an ancient Italian family. What’s astonishing for a vampire of that lineage, he is shy and delicate. He has a solar personality, more outgoing and teasing than Hakura when he feels at ease. Something happened in his past to make him into a recluse among his kind.

Both vampires have gone through traumatic events in their past and chose to live as hermits if possible.

When an official work will have Haruka contact Nino for his help, they will get to know each other. Slowly, cautiously yet tenderly.

I loved witnessing their relationship bloom into something beautiful, tender then..spicy!

That story had a dream like quality. A softness to its tone. It was all round edges, friendship and tenderness. So far from he usual vampire stories!

I read it in one sitting and immediately ordered the sequel!

Thanks for reading!

Sophie