Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until... Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it. Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unraveling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
With the majestic Rocky Mountains just outside the window, I sit at my computer with vampires,demons, witches, faeries, and a variety of paranormal creatures gathered around telling me their stories! That makes me an author of paranormal romance novels and cozy mysteries with magic spark. The everyday world is mundane, but sprinkle a little magic and you have fantastic!
Colorado is home. I share my life with a wonderful husband of many moons, our brilliant Chow Chow, a terribly spoiled companion parrot, and a forty-year-old box turtle. We enjoy hiking, biking, and camping, also love water sports including kayaking and whitewater rafting, especially on the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge.
Another passion of mine is reading a good novel. You can find me any winter evening curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate, and a big bowl of popcorn. While growing up, if I didn’t like the ending of a book, I’d rewrite it, which led to writing my own books.
Reluctantly, I discovered that in real life it’s tough to rewrite an ending.
Three and a half I thought this sounded completely different to other vampire stories I have read with a vampire who is a Native American and not only that but he works as a disc jockey which really had me intrigued. Now add in that he meets Brandy a woman that surprises and indeed challenges him and this vampire who is existing on bagged blood is about to find hs life suddenly moving in a new direction. Stefan might have been existing on the fringes of life but Brandy and the connection they share will awaken things he just might not be looking for. Plus Brandy isn't exactly what she seems but to say more would ruin the surprises in store. I kind of feel this is part of a series and as it's a new to me author this review is hard to write. Plenty of secrets to be shared but if you enjoy paranormal romance then perhaps you will give this author a chance This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Stefan loves to run the trails at night and it’s here that he meets Brandy. He bumps into her while running, which is quite a feat consider he’s a vampire. He warns her he’s dangerous and she shrugs while showing no fear. Instantly, Stefan is attracted to her but has to take it slow. He senses she’s more than human but doesn’t know exactly what. They start dating and one thing leads to another… is it lust or could it be destined love?
Brandy fled Ireland for America because she didn’t want to be mated to her own kind. When she meets Stefan, she feels the attraction immediately, but she also senses his pain and mistrust. Her kind mates for life and while she loves kissing Stefan and snuggling, it can’t be more than that until Stefan is ready to commit.
A huge fight takes place and Brandy flees to Ireland to heal. She realizes she loves Stefan and comes back. They start again and when the opportunity rises, they head to Ireland to meet her folks. When dark forces try to destroy them, will they survive and more importantly, will Stefan commit to being Brandy’s mate or will he walk away?
I’m a big paranormal romance fan and was instantly intrigued by the premise. I kept asking myself as I started reading, “Is Brandy a witch, demon, some kind of shifter?” When it was revealed to me (and I’m not going to tell you so go read it), my mouth dropped open. All I’ll say is that it’s a shifter not commonly used in paranormal romance.
The romance between Stefan and Brandy is slow-burning yet realistic. Like most new love, there’s plenty of misunderstandings and drama. Reactions are fairly accurate and well-drawn out. Both have been deeply hurt by past loves yet in order for this relationship to work, both partners need to fully trust the other.
While the story is a good length, I found the middle section to be overly long. There were times when I couldn’t connect with the characters and the plot slowed to a crawl. The cover, as well, didn’t seem to fit with the story.
This is my first book by Tena Stetler and I didn’t realize it was part of a series until halfway through the book. The good thing is that I was able to piece together what was going on thanks to hints dropped by the author. It reads like a standalone but also as part of a series. Her ability to world-build is aces and I look forward to reading more from her. She nails the brooding vampire in her characterization which I applaud. I look forward to reading more from her.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it.
Favorite Character/Quote: Stefan. While he’s not your typical vampire, he’s got the brooding down pat. He must rectify his past hurts and shame if he’s going to make things work with Brandy. He’s a soulful creature and loves to play the guitar. His character grows quite a bit and I liked the character arc. Reminded me of Angel from Buffy.
What does it take to let a former vampire assassin enjoy a quiet and peaceful life? Stefan is one of the very few, less than a handful who retired from the Vampire Council with his head intact. He is living a quiet unassuming life in Montana working the night shift at a radio station. He's sort of lost his way and not sure what he wants to do. He is just relieved he no longer needs to kill. Still, he struggles with his blood lust and mourns the separation from his people, especially his grandfather.
When he trips over a gorgeous feisty red head (are there any other kind?) he falls for her. The romance between Stefan and Brandy is best described as YA. There is drama and and a severe lack of maturity on Brandy's part. Both characters are likeable, Brandy just comes across as a bit immature and overly emotional. Take this with a grain of salt because I'm a jaded old woman who goes by facts and logic, not my "feelings". Brandy's drama aside, Stefan is the stereotypical guy who was burned before and now he can't ever want to be with a woman without getting some kind of emotional PTSD.
Fortunately, the plot of this story is more interesting than their romance. I liked the concept of the demon gates and what is needed to close them. I did not read the first two books and was able to easily pick up what happened previously. Ms. Stetler does a nice job of recapping previous events with the right amount of detail. She doesn't overshare; she highlights and moves on. I appreciated this writing style and it makes me want to read the first two books to see more of this world she's built.
The world building is nicely done with the weaving of warlocks, demons, shifters and vampires. I am a big fan of gryphons which is why I picked up the book. I liked how Ms. Stetler used an uncommon shifter and blended it with Irish background and a wee bit of fae mythology. Clever. One of the secondary characters nearly stole the show for me in this book. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for mischievous fae with a twinkle in their eye.
The pace of this story is a bit slow and the build up to the climax takes a while. When the big event happens, the story moves fast and concludes quickly. Just when I think it's the end, there is a little hook for the next book in the series. I like series which take secondary characters and make them the protagonist in a latter book. Looking forward to seeing what is in store for Brandy's sibling. This paranormal romance is recommended for readers who enjoy Irish lore with a mix of deadly warlocks, hair dressing demons and DJ vampires.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley for an honest review.
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!! ***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is okay, but compared to the story it comes up short.
This is the 3rd book in the series, but it is my first time reading Tena’s work. This book is for adults only due to the violence and steamy content. This book is about 400 pages, and it can be read out of order though I suspect that it would be even more fantastic reading the series in order.
Tena does a fantastic job pulling you into her story. I couldn’t put the book down, and I found myself loving the world, characters, and how it all fits together. Her writing style made it easy to connect with the world and love it.
Stefan is a broody loner of a vampire with a past like all vamps, but everyone sees his heart and the good in him but himself. Brandy is a spitfire, and I loved her spirit and that she goes after what she wants. They definitely had some drama both caused by others and of their own making. They do get their acts together. I loved getting to know Brandy’s family, but I did wish that we would meet Stefan’s grandpa. Tons going on, but I don’t want to give it away! You will find a great adventure in this story!
I highly recommend to all paranormal fans who love mixed worlds with shifters, vampires, demons, witchs/warlocks, fae, and magic all coming together to defend mankind! I can’t wait to read more of Tena’s work!!
A hot DJ vampire. A gorgeous Park Ranger shapeshifter. What could they possibly have in common? More than you’d think, and that’s the basis for Tena Stetler’s newest paranormal book from The Wild Rose Press, A VAMPIRE’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE.
Stefan Talltree has been living and working amongst humans since he was released from his position as an assassin for the famed Vampire Council years ago. It’s been a lonely existence, but one he feels he deserves. When chance has him meeting a gorgeous Park ranger on a midnight run in Glacier National Park, something bubbles up from deep down within him. Brandy Shaughnessy is more than gorgeous, with the hint of Ireland in her voice, and the sense that she’s more than she appears. They are drawn to one another, but both have secrets they are fearful of admitting just yet.
When Stefan realizes Brandy knows what he is and isn’t fearful or disgusted by his vampirism, he lets little pieces of his emotional guard down. When he finds out just what that little something is that makes Brandy so special, his mounting feelings for her move faster than lightning. But Brandy has another secret in addition to her special…powers.
I hate spoilers so I’ll leave it there, but just know if you are a fan of Ms. Stetler’s DEMON WITCH SERIES, you will be completely satisfied with this newest book. Her simple turn of a phrase and descriptions of things that shouldn’t be thought real – like vampires and demons and even mythical gryphons – make these characters and the events in her story come alive on the page, so much so you will find yourself actually believing in them.
One side note. Brandy is the sister of Hannah, the mysterious cyber-specialist we met in A WARLOCK’S SECRET. It was nice catching up with her and Tristan in this book, and learning more about the sister’s family history.
A thoroughly entertaining addition to the DEMON WITCH SERIES. 5 stars.
Brandy runs across a vampire one night out jogging. She works as a ranger and him as a DJ. They go weeks without seeing one another and are in each other’s minds on a continual basis. She knows he is a vamp and is intrigued by him. She is also going to check up on her sister who secretly married someone. That man has a past connection with Stefan, the vamp. There will be lots of connecting the dots that will make sense by the end of the book. The romance between Stefan and Brandy is somewhat different, but works. I did enjoy most of the story but felt at times it lagged. Plus, some background information would have been good in several places instead of jumping from one scenario into another too quickly. I loved the characters, their chosen species, the males were not OTT Alphas, and there were a few good chuckles as well. I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
Not what you’ve come to expect from a Vampire Tale! Join Stefan and Brandy on an exciting Romantic Fantasy that begins in Glacier National Park, winds through Australia. What happens in between their travels will keep you turning pages. Will they make it to Ireland for Christmas? Will an Irish folk tale control their destiny? Pick up a copy today and find out.
A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance by Tena Stetler is a wonderful story to read. This is book number three in this wonderful series that I fell in love with. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about vampires.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A vampire had been an assassin but now he is a DJ at a radio when he meets her. They seemed to be pulled together as if fate took a hand in it. Will they be a team? Will they find love? Can they solve some secrets? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance Tena Stetler This author is new to me, and I am super impressed by her! The storyline flowed, and I loved the characters!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well written storyline and superb characters. Gripping and thrilling throughout. This book will captivate you. I recieved a copy via Booksprout and this is my honest review
I received a copy of A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance by Tena Stetler from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the summary and really wanted to like this novel, but the storyline could have been more succinct. The overdone descriptions and predictable plot lessened the impact of the writing or my enjoyment of it.
Merged review:
I received a copy of A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance by Tena Stetler from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the summary and really wanted to like this novel, but the storyline could have been more succinct. The overdone descriptions and predictable plot lessened the impact of the writing or my enjoyment of it.
When Ms. Stetler’s paranormal world comes together to fight evil, you’d better be prepared to run! What an epic adventure and love story in “A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.” I enjoyed how the story built, beginning with Stefan (aka Vampire hunk), and Brandy (a unique lady and will not spoil what she is here. You will have to read the book to find out.). The chemistry sparks from the first few pages, yet, builds throughout the story. As always, I love when characters from previous books emerge, and Ms. Stetler did not disappoint. It’s like revisiting with family. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the Demon Witch Series. Until then, I may have to reread the entire series. Well done, Ms. Stetler!
The core of this story is romance, and the book also offers a look into a fascinating fantasy world crafted by author Tena Stetler, filled with warlocks, demons, witches, vampires, you name it.
He is lonely and has been living among humans since he was released from his position at the vampire council. He meets her at a park where she is a Ranger. They hit it off but both have secrets and other things to work out. No spoilers from there. It is exciting, hot, fun, suspenseful and so much more. I recommend it. I was given a review copy by reading alley and voluntarily review it.
The third book in this series and I found it to be a well-written story that kept my interest throughout the book. This is Stefan and Brandy's story, Stefan Talltree is a Native American vampire and an ex-assassin for the Vampire Council and Brandy Shaughnessy is a Park Ranger. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Wow! This one is fantastic. It has the previous two couples, as well as Stefan and Brandy. Very good climax to these three couples.... A witch, a warlock, a vampire, a demon , and two gryphons have to save mankind and the good creatures of the world. Some humor, some sex, and loads of danger. Highly recommend.
Stefan is a vampire who works as a DJ at a radio station in Whitefish, Montana. On a late night run, he literally runs into Brandy, a park ranger from Ireland. Sparks fly between them, making it impossible to resist. The description of this book made it one I wanted to try. It started out promising, however, it really just didn’t work for me once the story was in Brandy’s head. The first chapters made me think more was really at play and then to find it was really just an insta-attraction/love had me a bit disappointed and soured the rest of the book for me. **I voluntarily read and reviewed this book