Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: How to Save a Human

AUTHOR: Alice Winters

SERIES: VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #4

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 332 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2020

BLURB:

River

When I meet Bentley DeGray, I’m at the lowest point in my life because no matter how much I fight, my past won’t let me escape. Bentley makes me laugh and care and love, but what does any of that mean when I’m living a lie?

Things get complicated when I find out he’s with the Vampire Related Crimes Unit, the organization looking for answers about the abductions of prominent vampires.

The same organization that stands in my way.

My time is ticking down while I’m wound up in this role I’ve been forced to play, but I know that I would be drowning without Bentley by my side.

Bentley

We’re facing something that runs so deep that we don’t know who we can trust besides each other, even within the VRC. River makes me feel like every day is worth living and enjoying—like I’m not so alone. I can’t imagine life without him. But I know that if I want to keep him by my side, I will need to do everything I can to help him so our love doesn’t get cut short before it can truly grow.

REVIEW:

Naked vampire streaking, unicorn porn, and a cat named Banshee. Welcome to How to Save a Human, the fourth installment in the Alice Winters’ VRC: Vampire Related Crimes series. It’s just as fantastic as the previous three titles. First let me say, THANK YOU! I’ve been waiting for a cat and one has finally arrived into the VRC universe! I’m not sure why, but this series has been crying out for a cat. I think it’s the humorous juxtaposition of the Big Scary Vampire versus the Cute Fluffy Kitty (with razor sharp claws) that I’ve conjured up in my mind. We all know who will be the victor. 

This time around, the plot is vastly different that the other books, but the abundant humor and the best cast of characters around remain the same. The story is fast paced and intriguing. This is a more emotional story, with the theme of death and loneliness playing a role. We also see more tenderness between Bentley and River than we’ve seen in the other couples.  

On the job, Bentley DeGray is working on the case du jour with VRC to track down the identity of someone abducting high-ranking vampires and streaming live feed of them being held at gunpoint. They are being ordered to read a warning to other vampires. I don’t want to spoil the plot so that’s all I’ll say about the case. During his off hours, Bentley’s quiet life includes visits with his only living blood relative (he was turned), his ninety-six-year-old great niece, who is not long for this world. One evening, Bentley meets twenty-eight-year-old human, River Garza, in a bookstore and their banter is off and running that day and on subsequent dates. They seem to have an affinity borne of the pain they each have buried just below the surface. Once River confides his problems, Bentley is able to carry some of the emotional weight for him. But once River learns where Bentley works, let’s just say it’s an inconvenient truth.  

Sometimes I wonder how we keep from getting kicked out off law enforcement. Our entire group is filled with people who are rarely law-abiding or normal. 

It’s not saying much to call Bentley the normal member of the Vampire Related Crimes crew. After all, he works with Marcus, the imposing, ancient vampire who has created an art form out of brooding and glaring, and over-protecting Finn. Finn is the tiny, brave human who has no filters. None whatsoever. For anything. Then there’s the grumpy Russian, Alexei, with his abysmal peopling skills. And Claude. Everyone, literally everyone, is normal next to Claude, the most outlandish, over-the-top, taste-challenged vampire around. While Claude’s not a member of VRC, he’s often around helping.  

There’s lots to love in this installment, including the crazy coworkers. Finn gets lots of page time and continues to be so lovable, but is, dare I say, calmer than usual. Claude works with the VRC unit for most of the book, and his sartorial choices are delightfully questionable. There’s a scene in which he dons his gaudiest suit yet and drags Finn and River along in their own outrageous get-ups. As always, Ms. Winters does a masterful job of blending a gripping storyline, laugh-out-loud humor, and multi-dimensional characters we really care about. How to Save a Human is a great choice if you’re seeking a comedic, paranormal mystery. 

RATING: 

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon