3.87 AVERAGE

amarajlynn's profile picture

amarajlynn's review

5.0

In this world, vampirism comes in the form of a highly contagious virus, "Human Hemovore Virus" or "HHV", so contagious that "V-Positives" wear gloves when they go out, and people who are around them frequently, such as the the protagonist, Mark, also wear them. Mark even goes as far as to wipe and sanitize everything constantly. I found the idea of it being so contagious very interesting, and there were a couple other quirks about the virus that made it unique as well. The book also plays to a few little stereotypes of vampires in an amusing way, like Jonathan's accent.

An unfortunate turn of events leads to Mark and Jonathan being on the run, and the resulting up and down roller coaster of their fight to survive, while still having to protect Mark from being infected and keep up with the demanding needs from Jonathan's HHV had me eagerly reading to find out what happens next. More than once, it felt like they were somewhat safe, only for the suspense to pick up again, even more intense than before.

Hemovore satisfies when it comes to suspense and jaw-dropping, "omigod" moments and also has its share of tender, sugary sweet moments to satisfy too (especially in the new short for the second edition, aptly named "Sweet").

I read pretty much everything by Jordan, it's really hard to pick a favorite because I love so many of them dearly, and this one is no exception.

anitalouise's review

4.0

Usually vampire reads make me gag. Something about that whole blood sucking thing just grosses me out. Though there were times that I felt that gag coming on :), I really enjoyed the unique yet slow moving paranormal that combines mystery, adventure and a thriller with a fascinating world of vampires and human. These aren't the vampires of old. Vampirism, in this world, is caused by a virus, HHV that is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids. I work in health care so of course one thinks of similarities to HIV. But the people of this world are divided into v-positives and v-negatives and accommodations are made for each. Stellar writing from the author. Engaging characters in Mark and Jonathan. Got a little confused there at the end but caught up. Really have to pay attention to the detail or you'll be lost.

samanatha's review

4.0


This is my first [a: Jordan Castillo Price|268722|Jordan Castillo Price|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1325364144p2/268722.jpg] book, but it will not be my last. 
This was fantastic. Funny and witty and imaginative and engaging. I loved it. I enjoyed the book from the start, and did not find it slow in the beginning, but rather enjoyed seeing how the relationship between the MCs grew and changed through their honesty and experiences. 

I highly recommend the novelette that is attached to this book and the associated author’s post script, ‘About This Story’. 

Life is too short to go without love, or touch, or companionship. Take advantage of each opportunity to be with loved ones. I think this story does a great job of jeeping the reader laughing and entertained while remarking those lessons along with how short life can be , how unfulfilling when one is cut off from ‘why’ we live. The novelette simple confirms this. 

I truly liked Jonathan and Mark and I like them as a couple. In a remarkable display of adulting, I have to say that I liked the messages of this book even more. While I found all the characters were great and interesting, the what’s and why’s were what kept me invested. That and the snarky laughs. 

This book is not to be overlooked due to a creepy cover. I’m told by fellow reviewers that the audiobook is quite good and I may have to seek it out for a re-read. However you choose to approach this, I simple hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
rhodered's profile picture

rhodered's review

3.0

A mixture of 2.5 and 3.5 for me. Boiled down, much of the plot is either a belabored metaphor for the world of early 1990s AIDS or a tired suspense formula, in particular the big scene at the funeral home. An angry wacko framing someone else for murders. Whatev.

And, the romantic story arc is foreshortened because the leads start their relationship years before the book begins. We also only see the romance from one character's side. So, we don't know why the other one falls for him, just that he mysteriously does.

That said, there were some moments of brilliance. Such as vampire foods, the cat lady, and the final scene of the book.

Also, no matter what, this author can WRITE. It's a pleasure.

lauraadriana78's review

5.0

Jordan Castillo Price NEVER EVER disappoints...She is just that good.

Well this is not your everyday vampire story. In this world Mark Hansen is the assistant of artist Jonathan Varga. Jonathan is V-positive he has the Hemovore virus, which is very contagious and turns the infected into a vampire. This virus is an issue of contention in this Chicago, there are haters, supporters, groupies and in the midst of this Mark is just trying to figure out the easiest way to get some contraband cat blood for Jonathan.

Mark's POV was fantastic, original, and just so deliciously caustic. He was bitchy and smart. As for Jonathan, we saw him through Mark's eyes, and even if those eyes refused to see how much he felt for Jonathan, we know it from the first.

A lot happens in this story. There is the look at the illness itself how it affects the ones infected and their loved ones. The stigma surrounding it and how society reacts to it with hatred, disdain, on one side of the spectrum, and with morbid fascination and almost naivety on the other.

One of my favorite things about JCPs stories is the world we get to read about. What I love is that her world is my world, except smokier, edgier, grittier and hell of a lot more interesting.

This story had it all action, intrigue, mystery, a bit of angst, a whole lot of sexual tension, and fantastic twists and turns.

JCP is an original...Her writing to me is always something to savor.

If you read M/M (or if you don't) and have not read her, finish whatever you are reading and give her a try.

Fair warning you may not be able to stop once you start.

Highly Recommend.