Necking by Chris Salvatore
Paranormal Romance
April 2010 (mass market release)
372 Pages
Pocket


Why I read: Received from publisher for review.


Favorite Quote: “I’m part of the gallon club at the New York Blood Center.”
”Yeah, baby, talk dirty to me.”

Gia Felice is a publicist for Speculation, taking care of authors needs in the fantasy and horror genres. The quirk to her job is that many of her authors are vampires or werewolves, although their readership has no idea. To say Gia keeps late hours is an understatement. She really loves her job though and has quite a knack for keeping her supernatural clients happy.

One of her biggest authors, Belladonna Nightshade is a best selling vampire author. Her assistant Johnny is an over two hundred year old vampire, who Gia has been attracted to since they first met. They have a very flirty, wise-ass relationship on both sides. Because Johnny is a vampire with supernatural strength, they both have stayed on the safe flirty side, but things are starting to change. Innocent brushes of the arm, or bumps up against each other are starting to happen more frequently. Gia can’t get Johnny out of her mind, her heart races every times he sees him. He is feeling the same way – but knows a relationship with a human is impossible.

On top of her feelings for Johnny, Bella asks for Gia’s help to find the vampire that changed her hundreds of years ago. Her turn was very violent as she watched her lover die before her eyes. Bella escaped her maker after a year in his service, but still wants revenge. Gia, having lots of contacts in this supernatural world agrees to see what she can do.

Soon, Johnny’s feelings become so intense, that he starts bringing Gia’s blood to the surface, her cuts won’t heal, and she is bruising easily. His love is literally making her bleed. He is also having trouble controlling his instincts, and Gia’s safety becomes an issue. The decision of her life has come to the forefront – part ways with this dangerous vampire, or leave her mortal existence behind.


Necking starts off so light hearted and airy – almost the same tone as Molly Harper’s Nice Girls Book. We find Gia and Johnny in a very humorous, cute friendship – but that friendship soon starts to push boundaries. Gia knows she is in love with him and starts to push Johnny for more. Their flirty style soon becomes a bit heartbreaking – they are so desperate to be with each other, but as long as Gia remains a human, she really can’t safely be in a romantic relationship with him. I wasn’t expecting such a tug on my emotions as I read about these two and was very pleasantly surprised. Johnny and Gia are both mature, good natured people, and it is fun to be immersed in Gia’s publicity world. I also enjoyed the fact that Johnny is very laid back for a vampire, but when Gia is threatened, Johnny acts not human. He kills, to revenge and doesn’t give a care that he murders. His carnal side comes out, and he expects Gia to be fine with it. I liked the fact that Gia doesn’t freak out. She works and ahs a best friend that is a supernatural, so I like the fact she accepts who they really are.

However, by the last third of the book, things start to fall flat. The side story of Bella and her mission for Gia to find the vampire that turned felt oddly placed at times, and when the big conflict comes at the end, it is a major let down. This book could have easily gone without this story, and just focused on Gia and Johnny’s relationship with a little bit of Lola thrown in. The ramifications of Gia actually turning seemed to be glossed over too. Her regard for what it means for her family is barely touched on and a supposedly dangerous transition does not seem quite so dangerous after all.


Necking has a cute start, and a touching romance that would have benefitted with a more substantial ending.


Rating: 3/5

Recent Reviews:
Parajunkee’s View – 2.5/5
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