Guilty Pleasures

An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Novel

By: Laurell K. Hamilton

Narrated by: Kimberly Alexis

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Published almost 10 years ago, Guilty Pleasures marked the debut of a writer who was destined to grow from cult favorite to a major best-selling author. Now, for long-time Anita Blake aficionados and newfound fans, Guilty Pleasures makes its debut in downloadable audio.

Listeners will learn how Anita Blake started raising the dead - and killing the undead. And how she met Jean Claude, the master vampire destined to become not only her biggest nemesis but her greatest lover.

Love in vein: listen to more tales of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter.

©2009 Laurell K. Hamilton (P)2009 Penguin

Critic reviews

“Hamilton remains one of the most inventive and exciting writers in the paranormal field.” (Number-one New York Times best-selling author Charlaine Harris)

“A sex-positive, kick-ass female protagonist." (Starburst)

“Number one New York Times best seller Hamilton is still thrilling fans...with her amazing multifaceted characters and intricate multilayered world, a mix of erotic romance, crime drama, and paranormal/fantasy fiction. Her descriptive prose is gritty and raw, with a mosaic of humor and horror to tell this complex, well-detailed story. But it’s her enigmatic stable of stars that continues to shine, managing their improbable interpersonal relationship dynamics." (Library Journal)

Not my favorite

The narrator is good, the story is okay. There was something I didn't care for, maybe because I like the vampire stories where the vampires aren't creatures from hell. I would read the second book, but I am not dying to download it, but will if I run out of others. I guess I was expecting more of a Sookie Stackhouse type novel, and it is not!

Pretty dang good

I enjoyed this book, but it is somewhat dated by beepers and answering machines. The story was a little predictable in my opinion but I nonetheless enjoyed it's telling.

very nice

very nice voice, I really love the story and the pace of the book, it's deep and rich. I highly recommand it, mix of detective and fantasy.

Strong Female Lead

I have read this book and I really like the character of Anita Blake. The moral do gooders looking for justice. She is not perfect nor is she too flawed to the point of weakness. I like meta based crime books so this was right up my alley.

The voice acting was very good. It was so seemless and the different voices, I almost forgot it was the same narrator. I am learning that the narrator can really make or break the audio listening experience.

Spell-binding Writing & Commendable Performance!!!

Brava, I say to Kimberly Alexis; whose performance was outstanding, captivating, and truly deserving of applause! If Oscars were given out for these types of performances (narrating and performing the roles of several different characters voices in the reading and recording of an audiobook) then Alexis would certainly win one for this, no doubt! Regardless of that, it is hands down an award-winning performance. Her portrayal of Edward, Valentine, and most of Jean-Claude are dazzling. However, her voicing of Nikolaos is my absolute favorite!
Now, the second thing that must be mentioned is the character of Anita Blake who I have fallen in love with. Her quick wit, razor sharp sarcasm, and tireless perseverance makes her an instantly beloved character. This was my first time reading a Laurel K. Hamilton masterpiece, but I was rapidly swept away, and addicted to the series!
As a fellow writer I instantly became not only a fan of Hamilton, but an admirer of her work, who respects the very core and every detail of the universe she's created. I can't get to the next book fast enough- although, I'm just as anxious to begin diving into the Meredith Gentry series, and her universe of Fae.
In conclusion, I'd tell anyone considering this that whether you're a long time fan of Hamilton who's curious about this new audio version, or a newbie as I, to the Anita Blake universe: you will both enjoy and become enthralled with this outstanding audio production of Hamiltons classic.

the narrator reignited my interest in this series

I have read every book in the Anita Blake series twice over the last decade and now listening to them on audiobook has really reignited my interest. The narrator does a great job with differentiating characters, picking up accents and adding drama to the story.

I enjoyed this book

I read this book because it was actually recommended to me by a friend. This book did not disappoint! I really enjoy reading vampire books and if you do as well, pick this one up! Anita Blake is a tough chick, great female lead, who actually does not like vampires. Great story line. I will definitely be starting the next book to see what else Anita gets into while trying to deal with coexisting with vampires.

Read the books.

I am really enjoying this audiobook so far. I am enjoying the way the narrator, Kimberly Alexis, is taking me on this journey through Anita's eyes.

Spellbinding

I’ve listened to this book 3 times in 5 years. Every time I listen it it Im spellbound and able to escape my reality of life.
I’ve finally purchased the second one in the series to continue my great “mind escape.
Well written, suspenseful, romantic, and unpredictable. It’s always a pleasure to escape to the life Anita Blake.

Loved but music is annoying...

I read this series in 2005 and couldn’t remember the story. I thought I’d hate the audible series but I was pleasantly surprised. The only part I really hated was the background music played during the high drama sections. It was distracting and extremely annoying. I am hoping that future audible Anita Blake recordings don’t have the music. Great narration!