Draculaville by Lara Nance – a Review

Perspective.  When life kicks you, refuses you your golden opportunity to shine (because your glow would mirror that of a beacon!), the alternative…the “road less traveled”, could be more fulfilling than you ever dreamed.  Lara Nance shares just such perspective in DraculaVille.  Talia “the Tiger” rises to the occasion and begrudgingly accepts the less than glamorous Romania ad campaign project.  She might become the laughing stock of her industry, but after passing out in an alley, post-drunken pity party of one with a broken Louboutin heel and vomit stains on her “victory” jacket, bottom looks bad.  Nowhere to go, but up, right?

How about we start with her down and out partner (with amber eyes that squint in the light) sharing the gutter alongside her?  How did she sink so low?!  And yiiikes…is that blood on his white shirt?  No matter.

She couldn’t explain the strange sense of camaraderie she felt for this stranger who’d shared her garbage humiliation.  Even here in the car, she experienced the undeniable tug to be next to him, to protect him.  She could also catch a hint of his pain and weakness.  What sort of strange connection ran between them?

Turns out, Drake Edwards had just been turned into a vampire!  Perspective?  And then some, but more importantly:  INSPIRATION!  Talia literally takes the show on the road.  Research into Romania tells her the vampire myth isn’t being “utilized” (polite term for exploited) as in North America.  Wait till they get a load of Dracula!

I know what you’re thinking:  Cheesy.  How is that remotely possible?  Of course tourism is steady for the macabre history in that region.  The discussions and conclusions leading up to labeling Drake a vampire were so matter of fact, if not handled/written well, it would have been preposterous, if not laughable.  Kudos to Ms. Nance for making the characters come to life with interesting plots and delivered with worthy dialogue.  I couldn’t get enough!

A supporting cast of characters added thoughtfulness and a conscience; something Talia lacked when tackling the project with such ferocity (hence the nickname).  When Talia began to treat Drake like a “job” and not a person who was struggling to recall the events that led up to his transformation (he did have a life, Talia!), her assistant, Felix and BFF, Gerri, supplied her with reality and kept her in line.  

On a respite from learning about himself from Google, Drake agrees to the demands of the ad campaign and visits a bar to begin/gain exposure of Talia’s promotion.  Dressed to impress in all black — you know my vampires!!!  Swoon-worthy for sure.  Lo and behold…could it be?  Yes, of course:  Another vampire!  Drake is hurled into the middle of territorial vampire politics and he has to decide which faction to support — sooner than later.

The build-up of the romance was slow, but steady.  I was ready waaaay before Talia, but that won’t surprise anyone.  Talia had to move past her own walls to recognize Drake as a man and not simply a product.  Even though Talia was promoting his role of Dracula, she belittled his lack of knowledge and even hindered his vampire instincts.  When Drake took in a young vampire named Pip (a recovering pick-pocket, tee hee!) and insisted he could help guide him, Talia undermined his efforts:

“I’ll teach him.”  Drake met her gaze squarely.

She stepped closer.  “And who’s going to teach him about being a vampire?  You?  You’re like a child yourself in that matter”

Ouch (I literally wrote that in my Kindle notes).  I was also quite puzzled by the absence of Drake’s “maker”.  The issue is mentioned by the Matron of a vampire flock trying to recruit Drake; that leaving a new vampire to die went against old laws, but the reveal was never made.  

Talia and Drake shared three extremely pleasurable kisses (cannot wait to reach THE moment!), professed feelings and discovered the meaning behind their pull to each other:  Armantor.    When I was reaching the conclusion of the book, and Drake and Talia still hadn’t made love, I was near desperate – there BETTER be a sequel or I was going to write a strongly-worded email.  Much to my utter relief, there is in fact not only a sequel, but it’s a trilogy! 

Consider me a huge fan of Lara Nance!  I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and delve further into an interrupted love story that is begging to be consummated!  Everyone’s thinking it; I’m just saying it out loud.  All it takes is this one book and you’ll be reading alongside me for the duration…I promise! 😉

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO/ The Book Depository

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author