The Calling

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!

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.