Review by Sadonna
TITLE: How to Vex a Vampire
SERIES: Vampire Related Crimes
AUTHOR: Alice Winters
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 10 hours and 2 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2020
BLURB:
Finn
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part. What’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner – an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it. Marcus – or, as I like to call him: Fangy McFangface – would really prefer to keep it that way.
He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words, and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not. But what he doesn’t know is that I didn’t join the unit because I was tired of being a homicide detective. I joined because there is someone after me.
They’ve already taken enough from me, and I’m afraid they’re going to take all of me if I don’t find someone to help. That’s all Marcus was supposed to be, but now, he’s so much more, and I can’t imagine my life without him.
Marcus
The moment the pesky human walked through that door, I knew I had to get rid of him. He’s charming, and almost everyone else instantly loves him, but he doesn’t understand how risky it is being part of this unit as a human.
But as I get to know the stubborn man, I learn that, perhaps, he’s not as naive as I once thought. And, maybe, he’s what I needed to realize there is more to life than just work and my dog.
A group arises that is threatening to disrupt the alliance between the humans and the vampires, but Finn is the one who shows me how strong that alliance can be and reminds me why it’s worth protecting.
When threats hit closer to home, I realize I would do anything for Finn because he’s brought so much joy to my life…and because he’s mine.
Note: This book features a creative use for undergarments, unintentional splits, a wolfhound who just wants to be a part of things, a vertically challenged human who still manages to wrap every vampire he meets around his little finger, the best date ever, possessiveness, really awkward dancing, some workplace revenge, and just a bite or two. Or three.
REVIEW:
Finn is a human homicide detective with the human PD. But he wants to be with the vampire unit. His reasons are his own – and he knows if he shares the true reason, he’ll have even less of a chance to get on board. He’s friendly with Brooks, the commander of the VRC unit and he knows there is an opening, so he just shows up 🙂 The young vampire that has been brought in as the replacement for the opening doesn’t know what he’s up against when Finn wants something. Finn’s most noticeable personality trait is his stubbornness 😛
Marcus is a very old vampire. He doesn’t want a new partner at all really and he CERTAINLY doesn’t want a human. He does his best to keep Finn at arm’s length and argues with Brooks that a human will be a liability for the VRC. However, Brooks and Finn have a personal history as family friends (he’s know Finn since he was a kid) and while he agrees that it can be temporary for the current case involving what seems to be a human/vampire murder, it’s all the opening Finn needs.
The rest of the VRC isn’t thrilled with Finn either. But he is relentless in his pursuit in the case and also to win over Marcus. Marcus keeps needling Finn about this puny human size and strength and lifespan, etc. But Finn is the eternal optimist and he also dishes it right back to Marcus and the other vampires who dismiss him because of his nature. However, as the case they are working on expands into a troubling conspiracy, Finn proves his worth over and over.
Finn has been raised by a true vampire and his half sister is half vampire 😉 This family dynamic is quite entertaining and there are some secrets there that Finn shares with Marcus as well. It takes some time for the all of Finn’s secrets to come out and for Marcus to figure out just how extraordinary Finn really is. But as the case moves forward, the stakes get higher and Finn finds him self in more dangerous situations – but he generally can handle himself and the team begrudgingly comes to accept him and his abilities. Also he’s very entertaining 🙂
For Marcus’s part, he cannot understand why he feels so protective of Finn. He’s never in his very long life felt this way and he’s confused and not only a little annoyed. But any time that Finn is threatened, Marcus sees red and will do anything to protect him. He truly sees Finn as his. When the ominous presence that has been following Finn makes himself known, Marcus is deeply troubled. But he vows to keep Finn safe. As they pursue the bad guys who are trying to cause a war between the humans and the vampires, he does his best, although Finn proves to be much more capable than any other puny human Marcus has come across 😉 While some aspects of the larger conspiracy are resolved, there is still a lot of work to be done to find the ringleaders. And of course there is the little matter of Finn’s stalker too.
This is another delightful read from Alice Winters. The snark and the banter between Marcus and Finn is hilarious 😀 I loved Finn so much. He’s overcome a lot in his short life time. He’s a tough cookie, but he’s also incredibly optimistic! I’m not even sure how he continues to be. Marcus is his opposite. Marcus is old and jaded and he really doesn’t want to be paired with the crazy, stubborn human. Yes, Finn is cute and funny and a little bit of a pain in the ass, but if Marcus is honest with himself, he will admit that Finn does make his days better. I loved how Finn just continued to bait Marcus and Marcus took it and gave it right back to him. I also loved how protective Marcus was of Finn. Yes, he can rag on Finn and tease him all he wants, but whenever somebody else does it, watch out! I liked the supporting characters a lot too – particularly Brooks and Carson and Aria. I can’t wait to see what happens with all of them in the next story. Once again Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration is brilliant. I swear I could listen to him read the phone book. His accents, his voices, his acting of the story will spot on! Love love love his talent. Highly recommended, particularly for those who love snark, banter and a well told story of very different characters 😀
RATING: 
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