A Vampire's Soul

Creature of Habit, Book 1

By: Angel Lawson

Narrated by: Charles Winfield

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

The summer after college, Amelia Chase lands a coveted position as the personal assistant for the brilliant yet reclusive Grant Palmer. Grant’s aloof nature and obsessive-compulsive behavior leads Amelia to rethink her position until Grant steps in to rescue her during a bizarre kidnapping attempt. She soon realizes Grant is a man of many secrets, all hidden behind an elaborate facade of self-discipline and control.

Grant Palmer spends his days in an expensive suit and tie, funding charitable works for his family’s foundation. His nights are reserved for patrolling the small city of Asheville and the bordering mountainside in an effort to protect residents from rogue vampires. Why? He has his own collection of kills to atone for from his own days as a rebellious, bloodthirsty killer.

Amelia and Grant’s professional relationship turns personal, distracting Grant from his duties. As the number of victims rise, it becomes apparent that a predator in the hills of North Carolina has a vendetta against Grant. Aware of Grant’s increasing interest, possessing Amelia is one way for this killer to enact his twisted revenge.  

©2015 Anna Benefield (P)2018 Anna Benefield

My first audio book

This was my first audio book, and while the story developed slowly, it kept my interest throughout. I hadn't researched the author or other books (as this was a gift), and didn't realize it was part of a trilogy- so spoiler, there's a cliffhanger. The listener won't have a resolution until all three books are read or listened to. The narration was well done; Charles did a fine job. I was slow to try audio books, but enjoyed listening while doing chores and driving.

Excellent Narration

I'm not usually one for listening to audio books. I usually prefer to have a book in my hand to read it myself. Charles' narration was amazing and it really drew me in. The story was great, but I probably would have switched to reading it myself if not for his talent.

Brilliant narration!

I’m just going to admit it now, I was seduced by the pretty man on the cover and the sample of the narrator’s voice on Audible so I didn’t actually read the synopsis before agreeing to review this title.

I’m a shallow creature.

And that’s how I find myself reviewing a published novel of Twilight/Batman fan fiction. It’s important to note here that though I don’t have a hate-on for Twilight but I’m not a massive fan, I like my vampire romances a little darker and more nocturnal.

The story features a lot of plot points pretty much identical to Twilight – a vampire family with special powers, a mysterious community of shifters and rogue vampires determined to ruin the fun for everyone.

Amelia Chase is hired as a personal assistant for the super-rich and idiosyncratic Grant Palmer, who just so happens to be a vampire.
He can barely resist taking a nibble due to her lovely lemony scent, so he tries to get her to quit by giving her the most ridiculous tasks at work – a plan which almost works before he saves her from an attack which brings them together.

After that it’s a slow journey towards friendship, some handholding and a lot of failed communication while he tries to keep the existence of vampires away from her. It’s very family-friendly in terms of romance, which is belied by the cover (or maybe I’m just dirty minded…).

The writing is actually really good and though the story moves slowly, I imagine it being a great read if you’re a fan of Twilight and looking to relive that feeling.

It was the narration that got me through to the end, especially given that his audio sample is the reason I picked the title in the first place – his reading is perfection and I feel that his voice is perfectly suited to the romance genre. It takes a particular talent to hold my attention from wandering and he nailed it!

Just discovered this author

Just finished this authors Raven Queen Harem series and was blown away. Very interesting and awesome narrators. So I usually stick with a author I like. I’m only on chapter 5 in a vampires soul and am finding the narration very..soulless. Monotone almost. The story may be good but bad pick for narrator. He does the same exact same slow and deep monotone voice for the male and female characters. Sounds like a creep. Disappointing. ☹️

Original Vampire Story

Amelia doesn’t know what’s going to happen when she accepts a job for the mysterious Grant Palmer. The rundown of the job is quite strange, but when she hears how much of a stickler for his routine Grant is, she shrugs it off, vowing to do her best. As the story amps up, their relationship turns personal and the stakes are high.

There were plenty of moments of romance, suspense, and just times when I forgot I was listening to a story because I was so involved. Angel’s writing style is very easy to follow along with. I have read/listened to a lot of vampire books, and I have to say, the angle that this author chose to pursue was very fresh. It isn’t often I can say a vampire book is original, so I am so glad to have come across this piece.

The narration was wonderfully done.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.