Reviews

Cherry Stem by Sotia Lazu

ladysmoke's review against another edition

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4.0

Sexy and fun

lilyelement's review against another edition

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4.0

I have to admit, Cherry Stem was even better than I expected. I entered the book thinking the main character was going to be a flashy woman I wouldn't be able to connect with. She's a model turned adult movie star that was turned into a vampire. I figured the book would focus on that, but it didn't really. It opens with those details and Cherry going out and hitting the bar scene so she can get her next meal. Little did she know that her undead life would be changed that night. She meets a hunky police officer, Alex Marsden, and they wind up going back to his house. Things were going great, until the morning rolled around and all of a sudden we're getting BBQ'ed Cherry. Talk about not a pleasant way to wake up. That pretty much sealed the deal that Alex finds out about Cherry being a vampire.

This is where it gets interesting. The duo continues with their relationship and a vampire winds up threatening Alex to stop looking into a case. Forced to enlist Cherry's old flame for help, they all have to figure out who is behind girls going missing and some other nasty deeds before it's too late. The mystery element was nice, I wasn't able to figure out the whodunit before that part of the story unfolded. That's always a plus in my book, especially when it's not a person out of left field. The characters were solid, I enjoyed Cherry's character the most. She has a bit of spunk that kept me entertained. I really enjoyed Cherry Stem and can't wait to read book two. I suggest this if you're looking for an Urban Fantasy vampire book.

The Narrator:
Wendy Tremont King, the narrator, was enjoyable to listen to. I feel like I've heard her voice before, but can't place it. She brought the story to life well, and held my attention. I'm glad I was able to experience a new to me narrator, and I can't wait to get book two on audiobook.

mardr216's review against another edition

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4.0

A vampire book with a mystery to solve, sexy ex vampire boyfriend and promising new conquest well I must say that doesn't sound bad at all. The book had its romantic moments and its action packed moments also. Cherry is a witty character with a no nonsense attitude yet she's good at not showing her softer vulnerable side. I thought that Alex the good guy that's lovable by all accounts seems to take everything rather easily. I did expect more of a freak out instead of him falling in love so fast and dealing rather well with the vampire thing. The moments between Alex and Cherry are great with lots of spice. The sexual tension between them and the denial on her part on falling love was sweet and endearing.

It was nice to see that the book is more practical when it comes to the vampires. The way that they have a support system for new vampires and the fact that they survive better on another vampires blood instead of that of humans was a good twist. You still have your flying vampires and memory wiping tricks. I did find it funny that they have vampire sponsors and manuals on how to live now that they're vampires.

The mystery was good and I completely thought it was someone else who was behind it all. The twist in the end was good and I felt so bad for Cherry. Yes the ending was predictable but the hopeless romantic in me was happy with it all. I would like to read about what happens with the council and with Constantine. There's also the fact that we didn't get the reasons behind Cherry's turning which I would also like to read about. Overall it was a good book and would read further installments.

thebooksuccubus's review

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5.0

Very action packed story with so many twists you wont know who to trust. Oh and did I forget to mention steam!!! You be on the edge wanting to find out who is causing all this trouble and why in Cherry's unlife. Has it all been a coincident or a bigger plan.

kgrhoads's review

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4.0

Good solid story.

Recommended.

petra_reads's review

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5.0

Cherry Stem is the first book by Greek author Sotia Lazu in her Vampire Cherry series.
Cherry was turned into a vampire just before she could become famous in the adult film industry. Still in her mid-twenties, she's really just your average girl who needs to pay rent and get through the nights. Told in first person narrative from Cherry's point of view, following her inner monologues was priceless. "My mom always told me not to play with my food … She never told me not to let my food play with me." Cherry is a vampire with self-doubt, normal "human" issues and quirky humor, which I really appreciated. She is just adorable.
Detective Alex Marsden is a real alpha male with a lovely emotional side to him, "I sound like a chick". He was only meant to be Cherry's hook-up and meal for the night, but they end up investigating the strange disappearance of several young women. At the same time, they are trying to fight their growing feelings for each other. In need of some vampire help to aid their investigation, Cherry is forced to consult with her ex-boyfriend Constantine, who is an ancient vampire and still very much in love with Cherry.
This was my first ever (audio) book about vampires, and I truly loved it. In fact, I could not stop listening and finished it in one setting in a single day.
Cherry Stem is a light hearted vampire romance with some steamy sex scenes as well as good old-fashioned vampire fighting and conniving. The chemistry and attraction between Cherry and Alex were palpable.
The narration by Wendy Tremont King was exceptional. I actually checked out what other audio books she narrates, as I definitely want to hear more of her.
Her pacing and intonation were great. It really felt as if she was telling you her story there and then. She sounded completely natural and managed to express the emotions perfectly. All the voices were clear and distinct. She truly made all the characters come to life. I have rarely listened to a female narrator who pulls off sexy male voices quite this convincingly.
Huge recommendation for anybody interested in paranormal romance / vampire fantasy.
Audiobookreviewer.com provided me with a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

klfair's review against another edition

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5.0

My lovely friend Sotia wrote this book! I can highly recommend this read if you like vampires, you like good stories, and you like a bit of naughtiness.

izabrekilien's review

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5.0

Loved, loved, loved, loved it !
I'm cleaning out my e-reader, so I deleted several novels I couldn't get into, but when it came to Sotia Lazu, I hoped she wouldn't disappoint. And she didn't.
I'm so glad I discovered this author through a freebie and have been following her ever since. Half-way through this book, I looked up to see if it was a series and yes, it is ! I squeed. I never squee.
What did I like in here ? Oh well, everything, but mostly the characters.
The story is good, the pacing is right, the sex is hot, the characters are endearing. Cherry is fun and fragile at the same time, though she's really strong. Every woman would like an Alex in their life. And they surely wouldn't mind a Constantine, faithful or not ^^
I fell asleep on this book - it was very late. I woke up in the middle of the night and kept reading. I woke up this morning and kept reading. I ate and kept reading. And now that I've finished it, I'm so happy and want to read some more !
I'm torn between continuing to clean out my e-reader or buying the next novel now. We'll see how long I last. Anyway, highly recommended, have fun with Cherry and her men !

PS : I just noticed the prequel is free and bought it !!!

avoraciousreader68's review

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4.0

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Cherry Stem is a vampire, but she was a model and an upcoming porn star before the whole undead thing derailed her not quite career. When she meets hot detective Alex Marsden at a bar, she hopes for a quick meal and some not so quick sex before she erases herself from his memory. As many things have gone before in her life, that isn’t quite what happens. Instead Alex discovers she’s a vampire and then they work together to find some missing girls who seem to have a connection to Cherry. The more they find the more confused Cherry gets about her turning. What on Earth is going on?

This is a funny and hot vampire story that has a bit of a mystery going on. I love Alex, but Cherry…well, there were times when I wanted to smack her upside the head. She’s funny and plucky, but she has ex-boyfriend issues even though she has hot Alex to take care of all her needs. Cherry’s head, meet my hand. Multiple times. The story ends, but not everything is resolved, so I hope we’ll see more of hot Alex and funny Cherry. Plus, you know, Constantine sounds quite yummy and he’s not in a relationship. Just sayin’.
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