Being a nobody isn’t Duncan Alexander’s life goal, but it’s worked for him. He has a nondescript job, a few good friends, and overall he’s content. That’s until one fateful trip to San Jose, California, where he is “Called” to meet the mysterious Juliet de Exter. Juliet is a beautiful, wealthy, powerful Immortal who is undertaking The Calling—a search for a human to join her world of Immortals. Inexplicably, Duncan’s calling is more dangerous than any of the Immortals, even Juliet, ever thought it would be. There is more to this nobody, this only child of long-deceased parents, than anyone thought. When Duncan experiences uncontrollable dreams of people he doesn’t know and places he hasn’t been, Juliet and the other Immortals worry. Soon, his visions point to a coven of long-dead witches. The dreams also lead Duncan to his one true love. How will Duncan navigate a forbidden romance with an outcast Immortal? How will he and the others keep the balance between the Light and Dark, survive vicious attacks, and keep the humans from learning who they truly are? More importantly, who is this implacable foe Duncan keeps seeing in his dreams?
This was a decent story. It flowed well and was an easy read. It loosely reminded me of a movie called The Tourist. An ordinary man who feels he’s just a basic man, finds out that he is so much more (in The Tourist it’s the audience that thinks he’s just an ordinary man). Anyways, it’s knowing he’s so much more that kept me reading. This book could’ve been a drag or it could’ve been so much more. Instead, it’s a steady read about a man who is so much more. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

The story at the heart of the book is relatively straightforward, however the author provides rich and detailed progression throughout. This gives some credibility to the story and the reader is drawn along with little difficulty. That does not mean however that the writing is exemplary. The use of English is satisfactory but is flawed on occasion, which can be a distraction. Sadly, the major problem with the book is in characterisation. Each of the characters, primary and secondary are sketched quite thoroughly with backstories that are developed throughout. However, the central characters lack emotional depth. Histories are explained and reasons for thoughts and actions described but everything seems to be at a distance even though it is written in the first person. Ultimately there is nothing to like or dislike about the hero or those around him because the writing lacks anything with which to empathise. Having said that, the story and the writing style keep the reader involved in the plot and it was an easy read without significant tension.

As for the interaction between characters, there seems to be some richness and dynamic that allows relationships to grow. The lead character takes the moral high ground on occasion, but generally goes with the flow. The reader only finds out he is gay through mischance. It seems that this side of his character is not important to him, so it is not important to the reader. Consequently, when there is ultimately some sexual feeling it is once again dealt with somewhat dispassionately, even the sex seems distanced.

What saves the book is the story. This is interesting and well developed. The pace is steady and provides time for the reader to assimilate facts as they are provided. As noted, there is only limited tension, with those scenes similarly being described rather than experienced.

By the end of the book the reader is satisfied that where plotlines need to be resolved they have been, However, this is clearly the first in a series as there are a number of themes that are left in a state that requires further actions from the central characters. Given the above, would I read another book? Actually yes, as the story is interesting and holds the attention. There will always be frustration that the characters are hollow, but one can only hope that the author can fill in the gaps and give the reader something to like or hate.

This is a paranormal book with witches and vampires. The story really caught my attention from the very beginning. It has an interesting take on the vampire world, and I found it interesting. It has a sweet MM romance in it, but it is a very small part of the story. It also has a little of a mystery to it that made it very intriguing. The characters are well developed and the story is well paced.

I received and ARC copy of The calling in exchange of an honest review.
3.75/5
We follow our main character Duncan Alexander, who felt drawn to San Jose. Not knowing why, but couldn’t do otherwise. Shortly after being in this city he met Juliet De Exter. As soon as he met her he knows that is life is about to change and can’t let himself leave. He’s her called. She will open his eyes on a much bigger world than he already knows.

I need to say that I felt drawn to the story as much as Duncan felt drawn to Juliet. I was really excited to read that story. It was fast paced and an easy read. I loved the majority of the characters and I could relate to them. Duncan felt authentic, his emotions and reactions felt realistic. The only time it fell flat was the reaction of being surrounded by immortals and learning how life could be. I was expecting him to make a scene, and be afraid, even with the help of Juliet.

Overall, it was a good story, and I find myself always wondering what was coming. But, sometimes it also felt predictable, and I would have loved it even more if it was darker. I have the impression that Duncan journey was too easy for an inexperienced immortal. I enjoyed the fact that for once we didn’t have the «you need self-control since you’re a new born vampire» kind of story. It was different.

The relationship with is true love felt a bit instant love for my liking, but even there, I understand why the author did it. When we learn everything about Duncan it felt better. In the same way that I think the story should be darker, I think Juliet should be more strict and firm with Duncan.

I will definitely read more from that author.

Arc provided by NineStar Press, LLC. Many Thanks to Netgalley and NineStar Press.

Arc provided by NineStar Press, LLC for an honest review!

I was hooked right from the start! I easily finished this book in one sitting and it did not disappoint! The storyline was witty and funny having a great pace that was laid back and easy to settle into- like a cozy Settee by the fireplace.
Duncan is a less than average Joe who has half of a handful of friends and even fewer family members. When he finds himself compelled to take a vacation in San Jose California, Duncan discovers that being a lonely, unremarkable orphan from Reno is the least of his worries.
I did like the introduction of the small secondary characters at the first meeting with the secretive Juliet de Exter. The Rocky Horror Picture show dork inside me kept singing my newly thought up parody “Dammit Janis” every time she was mentioned. Honestly, it might be the only reason I remember her name! If Duncan has had a rough life, then poor Janis has won the award for the “Most Sour Non-Socialite in The Bay Area” and her dreadful attitude shows through. The rest of the poor saps that responded to The Calling are even more forgettable than Duncan has made himself believe, and once they left I forgot their name and where they came from.
My favorite secondary character is Mr. Fredrick Bisset, the French wardrobe designer on Ms. De Exter’s payroll. I found him comical in a good way and adored his love for making the perfect fitting outfit for everyone else on the payroll.
“Mr. Bisset, I don’t think I’ll need you” I ran my hand over the material. This was a nice suit. “Everything seems to fit good.”
Fredrick turned and studied the clothes. Then he clucked his tongue. “You’re not a tailor,” Mr. Bisset said “Please if you do not mind coming over here, I’ll start the markups.”
But my favorite quote is this one!
“the length will be fine, but I’m not happy with the crotch or your bum.”
For some reason this part of chapter 4 made me laugh out loud. Poor Duncan was already feeling a certain way about being out of place, but then it seems that the tailor insults his manhood and assets! Humorous writing like this is pretty much standard for this book and Duncan likes to make jokes about himself throughout.
For me, the biggest issue with the overall story was the ending. It was a bit predictable and clear from a very early state what was going to happen and who “The Big Baddie” was going to be. *Le sigh*
This version of vampires was refreshing and new, but the book does not live up to the hype at the front of the book from the publisher. They gave an ominous warning about “graphic sex scenes and graphic violence” so I was expecting along the lines of Fifty or Gidden Cross. I got neither and only a single romantic scene that pretty standard in a fiction novel. Not that I am only a BDSM fan, but hey if you are going to warn me about impending dangerous prose, then you best deliver for my reading pleasure! I signed up for Erotic so that is what I expected. Something dark and dangerous, a bloodthirsty predator that likes to dominate prey, or even some old-fashioned kink?
Now Victor, on the other hand, was dark and dreamy like I picture a Dark Vampire to be. Compared to him Duncan is more like a puppy that has been repeatedly kicked and would most certainly be in Book Boyfriend Friend Zone. He is adorably broken, and he seems to want to come out of his shell but never really reaches his full potential.
I am a huge fan of new authors and I wish M.D. Neu lots of fame in the future. I believe the series will grow into something much more than its current state so I will read the next book to see where the journey goes!

3.5*


I’m one of those people that judges a book by its cover, a lot of times I’ll read a book based on the cover alone and this one worked well for me, it also helped that the blurb was intriguing.

Several pages in and I was happy, the writing style was relaxed and comfortable. I know that’s probably not the right way to describe it but that’s how it felt to me.

*I had someplace to be and what appeared to be no choice in the matter. Before you go crazy, understand this wasn’t like one of those stupid movies that you watch, shaking your head, yelling at the screen for them not to go into the dark forest or spooky house or whatever. It wasn’t like that.
I’d like to hope I’m explaining this well enough so you don’t sit there and think, “Oh this is stupid. I’d never do anything that dumb.” It wasn’t like I had a choice. I had to go—something compelled me to her. I had to meet this woman, calling me. It was hard-wired into me, no matter how much I tried to slow down or stall, I moved forward. I moved toward her.*

I settled down quickly to enjoy this read, there was no adjustment period it had me straight away.

Duncan is an orphan and he leads a quiet life but he finds himself suddenly drawn to San Jose. He’s being called by an immortal, Juliet de Exter and a whole new world is about to open up for him.
A world with Dark and Light vampires and so much more.

I liked the writing, the characters and the story so why only 3*?

It wasn’t quite what I expected, after reading the note from the publisher

*This book has explicit sex scenes and graphic violence.*

I’d expected a much hotter, darker read. There’s only really one sex scene and while it’s beautifully done it’s more sweet than hot.

I had a mixed relationship with Duncan at times I really liked him, his reactions and feelings seemed real but then at times he seemed just a little too wet.
I like a strong alpha male (like Victor) and while I realise this isn’t necessarily or even remotely realistic it’s a fantasy and it’s what I like.
I also wanted the instant reaction when he meets the love of his life, I wanted the connection between them to be so strong and while it was for Duncan it wasn’t for the love of his life.

Duncan annoyed me at times and one paragraph in particular stood out. The scene with Ben and Juliet, while I understand why this is in there and why it’s important it felt wrong. Duncan’s rant and Juliet’s lack of concern didn’t fit with what we’d previously read and know about these characters and while it’s explained later it just felt wrong.

I liked the easy relaxed style early on but after a while I wanted a darker deeper read, while this was entertaining it never really gripped me. I felt I could have put it down at any stage and walked away.
I worked out who the villain was fairly early on and felt frustrated that there was an obvious option no one seemed to consider.

This series has so much potential and while this is a promising book which I enjoyed I won’t be continuing on. While I love vampires I have mixed feeling on witches, the spells and the power they have over people doesn’t work for me I’m the same with books including the Fae as well

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and NineStar Press.