Review: Laney: The Brookehaven Vampires by Joann I. Martin Sowles

Hardcover, 296 pages

Published October 30th 2010 by Brookehaven Publishing 

What would you give to be with the one you love?

Would you give it all, including your life?


In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life–that is, until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he?

As ...moreWhat would you give to be with the one you love?

Would you give it all, including your life?


In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life–that is, until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he?

As Laney’s sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure–including a love she didn’t know she longed for. She soon learns that Oliver is not ordinary, nor is the rest of his family, including a sister who openly hates her and a brother who will stop at nothing for revenge. As she fights for her life, and Oliver’s love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn’t so fictional after all. Nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver’s most important priority, and he will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk, and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn…

I am such a sucker when it comes to a Vampire story. I would never turn down a book based on Vampires. When Joann reached out to Good Choice Reading asking for a review, there was absolutely no way I was going to turn her down. I've read great things about Laney and had my eye on this book for a while now.

Laney has a slow start, but eventually picks up and once it does it is just a non-stop ride from page to page. There were a lot of similarities to other vampire books out today, but what I liked the most was that Joann explained a lot of things that other authors didn't feel the need to add to their books. For example: menstrual cycle for a woman. How can a Vampire be around at that time of the month? Yes, LOL she explained this in the book and I was laughing out loud when I read this. Though, there were lots of similarities to other books, there were also lots of things that were different. I would go into details, but then I would be giving away some spoilers.

Laney is the main character and I love her! I wish she were real and MY best friend. I was laughing so hard at some of the things she would say or think to herself. She is very blunt and daring. She reminded me of myself in lots of ways. Once she set her eyes on Oliver, she knew immediately that he needed to be hers. Things do move a little slow between the two, but I liked that. I thought it gave us more time to get to know them both and fall in love with their relationship. Of course, once they started to take things to the next level, fighting to not eat each other was very hard LOL. 

Another thing I really liked was reading about Carter and Keira's relationship. I thought they were really sweet and fun to get to know. Everything in the book is explained really well and very easy to picture. There are lots of secrets and tons of shocking things you learn about characters you wouldn't have even thought twice about. Every single person you are introduced too in the book, plays some kind of part in the story. 

I am happy Joann gave me the chance to read and review her book. I am looking forward to the second one in the series and cannot wait. Laney is an easy and fast read. Not to long, not to short, just the perfect size. I recommend this book, especially to Vampire lovers like myself. 


4 out 5 Stars