TEST
Gloriana St. Clair is a girl after my own heart; strong, funny, and not afraid to let her sexuality shine through. Perhaps the fact that she is a 400 year old vampire makes all the difference. She is not a brooding character who wallows in self-pity because of what she has become. Instead she refreshingly embraces her immortality and hopes to have another 400 years to live life on her own terms. Glory is different from any other female vampire I’ve ever read about. If she were a normal human woman, she would have the same hang ups we all do. She worries if she will ever have time to date, run her own business affectively, and as a forever size twelve, how to fit into a worl of size sixes. These are everyday issues on top of even bigger problems, such as vampire hunters who want to kill her, along with a vampire sex cult group that wants her powers for their own. 
Real Vampires Live Large is the second book about Glory, who became a vampire during Shakespeare’s time. Now she’s moved from Las Vegas to Austin, Texas to run her own vintage clothing store. The main reason for the move was to get out from under the thumb of her on-again, off-again maker and mate, Jeremy Blade. Talk about a long term relationship! Even though Glory wants her freedom and hates how Blade dictates to her, she always seems to go back to him. There is a true bond and love between these two along with some very hot and intense love scenes. But being the modern girl Glory is, she wants to branch out. I couldn’t blame her either. And the fact that there are a multitude of eligible vampire males out there, well, Glory is in heaven. Glory moans quite a bit about her weight, but Blade and the other men in her life adore her body and the person that she is. They love curves on a woman and have no qualms about showing their appreciation.
Because of the various scrapes she finds herself in time and time again, Glory also has Valdez, a fun-loving talking guard dog. And she lives with Florence da Vinci, another vampire who gives Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City a run for her money. Florence loves shoes and clothes to the point it is beyond an obsession. These two girls have an incredible relationship as roomies and best friends. Florence has broken it off with Richard, who was once a priest; now he’s a vampire himself, with designs on Glory.
Given that she’s got two men to choose from – as well as a business to run – you’d think Glory would have enough on her plate. But she must always watch her back because uber-billionaire and vampire hunter Brent Westword, who almost killed Glory in the first book in this series, Real Vampires Have Curves, is still on the loose. While Blade goes undercover half way around the world to stake him out, Glory finds herself involved in even more drama. A new cult called the Energy Vampires have created a so-called Viagra blood drink that turns its drinkers into sex addicts. Simon, who leads the cult, believes Glory has some untapped power that can make the blood drug even more deadly. If his nefarious plan succeeds, he thinks the goddess he worships will make him the true king of the vampires. He also has Florence under his spell and it is up to Glory and Richard to save her and stop his insane plan from going forth.
The cast of characters Bartlett has created are a real hoot, and though vampires and shapeshifters are a dime a dozen these days, they read as fresh and vital here. From past horror stories about old lovers, to trying to find the time to watch late night movies, Glory and her friends are there for each other, regardless of the trouble. As you watch the action unfold through her eyes, you will see a truly remarkable woman who – even though she doesn’t feel the most secure at times – has a wonderful support system surrounding her. They make her to believe in herself.
Glory gives “Girl Power” a whole new meaning, especially in the undead way. What a fun read!
Grade: B+
Book Type: Chick Lit|Vampire Romance
Sensuality: Hot
Review Date: 19/06/07
Publication Date: 2007/07
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.