Finn
When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life, and decide that Marcus and I will move on. We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, … they’d better learn to love it, because I’m not going anywhere even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires. But Marcus loves me for who I am, even if he’s not crazy about the cute pet names I call him like McBitey. Being with him is more than I could have dreamed, and even with the trials thrown in our way, he never fails to make me smile.
Marcus
When Finn joined the VRC, I never expected how everything would change. Now that he’s the brightest part of my days, I’m unsure of how I existed without him. Before Finn and I can settle into our new life together, we’re called in as lead detectives when a body is found in the river, and the case soon hits closer to home than we anticipated. I want to be by Finn’s side to keep him safe, but at the same time, Finn’s fighting for the freedom he’s always wanted after being forced to live a life of fear. What I do know is that my future is with Finn, no matter what happens.
How to Elude a Vampire is the second in the VRC series and contains a display of manly prowess that doesn’t go as desired, reluctant bonding with a new pet, interfering with a snarky Russian’s love life, misuse of office supplies, a vampire with a killer fashion sense but very little game, a total lack of ancient kung fu powers, a feisty human who almost always gets his way and the possessive vampire who adores him.
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Arrr matey
Finn and his family have the BEST dinners together. I wish I could attend just one and that I was raised along with that family. They are hilarious as is this book and series. I’m not sure I can fully explain and share all the ways I love Finn, Marcus, Orin, Aria and Karsyn, who I really hope gets his own book. They make me laugh; cringe (from the jokes and from what they put others through); smile (my cheeks seriously hurt); jump up and down with joy and fall in love.
“The couple that roller skates together stays together.” I only wish there was a video as that would make my year. Finn and Marcus are two of my most treasured people and I can’t wait to dive back into this amazing and fantastic world. I don’t know where Alice Winters gets inspiration from but I hope it never stops. Her books are the highlight of my day and I’m only sad when they end. Beware though once you start reading you won’t be able to stop and you may find yourself craving sarcasm and danger.
Fin and Marcus were at their sweetest through the story, with their particular brand of shenanigans and way of showing love. Their family also increased in numbers, with the adoption of a cute doggie and the surprise arrival of Marcus’s brother, both adding their own to the entertainment.
For the WOW effect, Finn’s evil tormentor finally gets a name and a face, and I absolutely did not see it coming. I’m still in shock over his identity!
Until the reveal, though, he still did his worse to put Finn, Marcus and their friends in a state of fear and helplessness. But, considering this is Alice Winters, the tension was brilliantly broken by humor, snark, sarcasm and banter, in such a way I kept laughing while also afraid for their lives.
It was awesome and I loved it!
bookshelves: awesome-saga, lgbt
Wow!! I was so not expecting that. It totally surprised me.I absolutely loved it! This is the second book in the series and cannot be read as standalone.
There are a lot of hilarious moments and a lot of serious moments too. We finally get some backstory on the unknown vampire from previous book. Fuck, that plot twist totally got me! Marcus and Finn are amazing together! I love them so much, especially Marcus’s grumpy arse.
We have a new character. Everything time I come across Claude, I think of Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler). But his behaviour reminds me of Grell from the anime. Anyway he is a fascinating character. He is annoying but also a genius. And Karsyn is so fed up, it’s hilarious. And I cannot wait for the next book.
I highly recommend this series to everyone!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
The direct sequel to How to Vex a Vampire, How to Elude a Vampire picks up where book 1 ends. This is not a standalone book, and reading the first book is important to understand the plot of the second book. Finn and Marcus are an established couple, but things are not all sunshine and roses. Mysteries abound as well as danger and betrayal. I really enjoyed the mystery and the twist (which I did not see coming), and thought the humor was spot on and fantastic. The audiobook was well done and I loved it.
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book. I still thought Marcus and Finn were great together. I liked that this book was written in dual POV but at some stages it was hard to tell whose thoughts and feelings I was reading so I had to refer to the name at the start of the section as they sounded a lot like each other but still a really good book. I’m glad that we finally found out who took Finn’s arm and leg when he was a teenager. I just would’ve loved to find out how he first met Finn as we only found out that he’d been obsessed with him for years and that Finn was his but I’m glad we did get his back story of how he was created as well as the origins of True Vampires. I liked getting more of Karsyn and Claude and I’m really looking forward too reading their story and getting Karsyn’s backstory and why he hates humans or basically anyone getting close to him at all, well that was before Finn wormed himself under his walls. I love how much Marcus and Finn like to annoy the sh*t out of Karsyn by trying to force him to spend time with Claude. Oh Artie and wee Hela were totally adorable and I can totally see Marcus loving Hela even if she’s the size of a rat. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
the only thing wrong with this book is that this is the end of Marcus and Finn being the main characters and that makes me sad!
I sat down to read this the day after reading book 1 and I was not disappointed. The romance between Finn and Marcus is funny as well as intense. The doll maker finally came to light and I had a crap didn’t see that coming moment. It’s as great as the first book and everyone should read them both!
“How to Elude a Vampire” was a wonderful sequel in Marcus and Finn’s story. It was lovely and funny and, as with the previous one, Alice Winters manages to weave humor and playfulness with action-packed and heartstopping moments.
I loved seeing Finn and Marcus’ relationship progress, their love and respect for one another, with their own brand of protectiveness. Their banter is very sweet (if a bit repetitive after a while) and I loved how each one of them fought tooth and nail to get the other to smile. The story isn’t all humor though, and it has so pretty scary moments (and a shocking betrayal that I thought I had figured out, but alas, NO).
The whole cast of characters are the best thing of this series though, not only the two MCs, but also the side characters: I adored every single one of them, Karsyn and Claude, Aria and Orin. I have the BIGGEST crush on Orin: he’s the best father and he’s so protective.
I cannot wait to read about this series newest to-be couple. I’m so excited.
What a heart-stopper! Yes, the fun and the giggles and the laughs are all there but the darkness that resulted in Finn’s amputations grow. Trust Alice Winters to make you laugh hysterically and scare the living crap out of you in the very same book! With Michael Ferraiuolo’s awesome narration, the story comes to life with the dichotomy sharply etched. Pairing Marcus ‘Fangy McFangFace’ with the most adorable and brave amputee (Finn), Winter kept me turning the page! Marcus’s anger at not being able to defeat a much stronger enemy. Finn’s loss of freedom while being stalked by the evil that’s responsible for his loss of limbs. Alice Winters wrote the heck out of this book and Mr. Ferraiuolo narrated the heck out of it! This was another one of those pace-while-listening books. The resolution is so explosively shocking, folks! I needed a rather large brandy to come down from it! Waiting for the third audiobook was absolute misery! What a terrific time!
This series is just plain fun. The characters are wonderful. I laughed so often on my walks that the neighbors are probably questioning my sanity.
This book wraps up a few unresolved issues from the first, but there are a few more to go.
If you are looking for a dash of humor and a grumpy vampire who is under the spell of a human with a few mental and physical issues, read/listen to this book.
I loved this series!! Marcus and Finn are back with more adventures, full intrigue, danger and betrayal, while they kept growing as a couple, we met more family members, and an old foe came back. Of course, as in book 1, Ms Winters ensured that even the most hopeless, frightful and dire situation involved the witty humor of Finn and the love and protectiveness of Marcus. I can’t wait to read more books in this series… Simply WOW!!
Yeah, so, I feel like spouting that cliche verse of “How do I love Thee, let me count the ways…” or something. Seriously. How, I mean really, how in the world can you have someone as completely adorable, badA, honest, utterly ridiculous, charming, and strong as Finn and not fall head over feels for him? Marcus can’t resist either. No matter what gets thrown at them, their commitment, intelligence, and hearts won’t let them quit or fail. They’ve got an utterly fabulous cast surrounding them that I can’t get enough of their world.
I think the only negative I have about this book were the number of shady moments with so many characters that felt like trying too hard to throw off the scent for who some of us predicted might be the big, bad villain. Though, to be honest, it worked. I had an idea, then thought it might be someone else, and then someone else that may not have been the bad guy but likely played a big role in cahoots with the bad guy, only to have it turn out to be my first suspicion. So those moments seemed heavy handed, but they were effective enough that the revealing moment was enough of a surprise that I was pleased to have been taken on a little ride.
But there’s just no accounting for Finn’s level of awesome. He was incredibly vulnerable here, but the way he used his brain to make connections, plans, and to carry out the shenanigans we’ve come to expect was made of win. I really liked his reactions to confinement, chafing at the restrictions placed by those whom he knows love him endlessly, but still giving in to his frustrations enough to be a believable human moment.
And then there’s Marcus. It’s like the person we met in How to Vex a Vampire never existed, and watching him “avoid” those not-so-subtle reminders of his treatment of Finn in the beginning was hilarious. Seeing him come to Finn’s “rescue” and giving him exactly what he needed when things became too much was a great example of what their relationship has evolved to, a true partnership.
So then we get to all the moments of rescue. The emotional one, the mortal one, the puppy rescue…just how many times am I going to be forced to laugh, crow, sigh, and smile in real life? Even adding all the fun of familial relations, Karsyn’s “adoration”, and a semi-surprising betrayal didn’t do anything to detract from the logical, believable, and anticipatory plot progression. The investigation flowed even with all the stops and starts, lending an air of credibility to the law enforcement aspect of the whole story. Not even the monologuing disappointed, and I have to say that was the one true ridiculously big surprise that I didn’t even think to expect at all.
I never want to leave their world honestly, and I’ve even re-read this story in the last week since it’s been published despite my super long list of reading commitments. Reading the associated short stories from the author’s FB page is helping to feed my addiction until we come back to more full-length awesomeness. If you like snarky, vulnerable, hilarious, and sweet MC’s with a heavy touch of vampires, detectives doing detective things, and a cast of chosen family that tortures, annoys, and loves the MC’s to distraction, then this is absolutely a series I suggest you dive into headfirst.
5 stars
Heat Level: 3.75
I just love Finn!
Alice has a way of creating dynamic yet complex characters, silly yet serious, funny yet pensive. I love Finn and all his complexities! He faces a lot in this book and I like the way Alice approached this and found the perfect balance between her wit and humor and the seriousness of panic attacks and constant stalking.
I love the evolution of Finn and Marcus’ relationship and the sweet softening of Marcus’ gruff exterior, into a sweet, love-drunk sap, no one can really ‘fear’ anymore, thanks to Hela (and Finn).
While book one ended on a cliffhanger this book picks up 3 months later and life has returned to normal…I expected a more gripping and climatic opener given how to book one ended but this book is not without its twists. The reveal of the big bad, was both, O.M.G. and noooooooo and damn it! I know that seems opposite but once I knew who it was it was a little disappointing for reasons I can’t say as it would be a spoiler lol.
I loved the explanation of where and how vampires were made and liked that this was original and unique! Great creative mind at work.
If you love Alice’s wit and humor with a little more seriousness then this series is for you! I have loved all Alice’s works, so might be a little bias but this was another great one. She’s truly one of my fav authors!!
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This was an awesome follow-up to How to Vex a Vampire. It has all of the hilarious banter and harassment, yet brings things even closer to home. The original cast of characters are in fine form, with the addition of at least one comically sure of himself vampire relation.
This story begins with a case for the VRC, so Marcus and Finn take the case. But, things are strange with the victim, which leads to the connection to other victims.
It has been a while since Finn has felt the presence of his stalker, but he knows the monster is still watching. When one of the detectives innocently gives the newest murderer a nickname, it hits a little too close to home.
There has already been a failed attempt to capture Finn, but Claude, a mysterious and very forward, stranger lends a hand. The attackers mentioned the VRC, so initially it was believed the squad was the target.
Eventually, Finn’s family… well, Orin, get their way, and he and Marcus move in with his dad for security reasons. It’s not extremely effective, but it makes Orin feel better.
We do learn a lot of history in this book. Some about Marcus, and some about the origins of vampires and the monster himself. It comes after the betrayal of trust from a comrade, but it was a great backstory.
When the truth is finally revealed, I have to admit that I was surprised by the identity of the bogeyman. It was devastating to Finn in some ways, but made a macabre sense in others.
Of course, there is also a furry addition to Marcus and Finn’s family, which Marcus must try to hate so hard. And, the underlying story arc from HTVAV is brought front and center and brought to a very satisfying conclusion. There are a couple of changes in affections, and I am so looking forward to seeing what happens in Karson’s love life! Overall, a little more serious, yet still laugh out loud funny, continuation to the series.
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review.
First, I have to say that I love these characters and this is another great world that Winters is building. Her books just consistently deliver great storytelling, crisp writing, humor, quirkiness and lovable characters that you just want to root for.
In book two of this series Marcus and Finn are an established couple and are working in the VRC while waiting to see what the vampire stalking Finn is going to do after leaving Finn a note in book one.
The storyline is tense and suspenseful, and will have you holding your breath in several places. There is a new character introduced who fits right in with Winters’ pantheon of of characters on Team Quirky (as opposed to Team Stoic and Patient.) We also get a lot more of Karsyn which is a huge treat.
The crisis moment is huge but I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers. Suffice to say it is an awesome read. Highly recommend!
Another well-deserved 5 stars! Because more Finn and Marcus, what else could we need beyond that. Add in a lot of torturing Karsyn and it was simply superb. Uh, I mean… poor Karsyn. If Finn or Marcus weren’t harassing or threatening him, then it was the introduction of the annoying Claude who wouldn’t stop flirting (I will admit, I did ship Karsyn and DeGray in book 1 but if he ends up with Claude, well then they did have some wonderful chemistry – I can certainly live with that). Anyway, back on to Finn and Marcus. They get into a lot more trouble, adopt a cute, new pet, and Finn keeps finding ways to test Marcus’s patience – or to brighten his life depending on what way you look at it. Their relationship is perfectly sweet and they’re utterly hilarious together. It’s especially funny anytime Finn does something that makes the big, bad grumpy vampire pout. Finn can honestly get away with absolutely anything and much like Marcus, I will never get tired of it.
As always, the plot was well-paced and the mystery of the vampire stalking Finn that was introduced in book 1 was gripping. I had no idea what to expect and I really enjoyed all the twists and turns. Another wonderful ending that leaves it open for more adventures to come, and I cannot wait until they do!
How to Elude a Vampire is the second book in the VRC: Vampire Related Crimes series by Alice Winters. Crime investigation, suspense, action, paranormal elements, humor and steam makes this a must read series. This second installment is even better than the first. I love the interactions between Finn and Marcus. I laughed out loud and smiled at the antics. The story is fascinating and had me hooked. I want more.
How to Elude a Vampire is everything I could have wanted in the VRC sequel and so much more! I will never say no to more Marcus and Finn, and the rest of the gang! The dynamics and chemistry between Marcus and Finn is so on point. The humor and snark that they share is amazing. It’s like watching a well played tennis match. But wait, there’s more! Alice has given us yet another amazing character in Claude! He is larger than life and oh so much fun. He sprinkles in just the right amount of chaos, confusion and comedy with just a touch of vulnerability.
The mystery component of this story is so well written that I was totally convinced I knew who the bad guy was….until I was proven wrong.
The world building in this story is top notch. You will turn page after page until the very end and then want to start all over again. I am such a huge fan of the extremely talented Alice Winters. Her writing truly captures the readers imagination and heart.
I’m so happy to be back in Finn and Marcus’s world! Even though it’s barely been 2 months since we first met them in How to Vex a Vampire, it feels like it’s been forever. Okay, that might just be because of the state of the world right now, but more of these guys was definitely needed!
While HtVaV left me wanting more, HtEaV gave me just what I was hoping for, and then some! I was happy that we got to delve deeper into Finn’s past and learn more about what happened with his stalker, even though it made me sad. That monster is never far from Finn’s thoughts, even as he’s doing his best to move on. But just when Finn and Marcus start to settle down, their world in thrown into an upheaval, as Finn’s worst nightmare rears its ugly head once again.
Ms. Winters sure knows how to keep me guessing- I have to say my mind was blown when all was revealed. There were some twists and turns that I did not see coming, at all.
Everything I loved about Finn and Marcus in the first book is back, and even better than before. The teasing, the banter, the back and forth. It was wonderful seeing them fall deeper in love and leaning on each other. I loved that Finn was still his crazy, zany, over the top self, but I really enjoyed seeing the more vulnerable side of him, too- although don’t let him hear me say that! I appreciate that Marcus sees the vulnerability and lets Finn “lead” when it comes to how much help he’ll accept. And I love the way sometimes Marcus just has to put his foot down and “make” Finn understand, even though he’s helping, he doesn’t see Finn as less than.
I’m excited to learn there’s more to come from this group of characters, that we haven’t seen the last of the VRC!