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The Vampire Guard #1
Code Name Jack Rabbit
Vampires and werewolves live long lives. The Sleepless City saga might have ended but the story continues…
Welcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.
Vampires make the best spies. Throw a smart-mouthed werewolf in with three vampires, mix well, and The Vampire Guard's newest team is bound to become one of their greatest assets. Super spies with a full range of skills. Warrior, hacker, thief, and scientist. They get in, do the job, and get out before the bad guys ever know what hit them.
Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas are thrust into the world of high-tech spies and top-secret espionage conspiracies. Recruited into the world’s most elite and secret organization with one singular mission. Protect those who can’t defend themselves from ruin.
Together they must thwart an assassination attempt on the open waters of Lake Superior while tracking a previously unknown biological weapon controlled by the Qiguan—a weapon which may very well mean death for one of them.
Welcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.
Vampires make the best spies. Throw a smart-mouthed werewolf in with three vampires, mix well, and The Vampire Guard's newest team is bound to become one of their greatest assets. Super spies with a full range of skills. Warrior, hacker, thief, and scientist. They get in, do the job, and get out before the bad guys ever know what hit them.
Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas are thrust into the world of high-tech spies and top-secret espionage conspiracies. Recruited into the world’s most elite and secret organization with one singular mission. Protect those who can’t defend themselves from ruin.
Together they must thwart an assassination attempt on the open waters of Lake Superior while tracking a previously unknown biological weapon controlled by the Qiguan—a weapon which may very well mean death for one of them.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 13, 2016
Although this is the start of a new paranormal/ urban fantasy series, I know these characters from The Sleepless City series. I liked them all then and I like them again here.
There's an interesting mystery, Scottish werewolves with wolfsbane and silver knives, scales and an odour to a lake that isn't right, to name just a few things happening. Blair is helping out because of who he looks like, his tech savvy, and his charming nature. He's as sweet as usual. It's hard to get enough of Blair. I'm also rather partial to Blair with Forge, even though they started out a bit rocky with the complicated past of Forge and Declan, and the whole soul mate bond.
Then there's the lives of these intertwined men/supes, some whom have been past lovers but aren't bonded mates. There's a new start and a new adventure coming for some of the primary characters - I felt a bit choked up when people departed Boggs Castle... but also interested in the new surrounds and possibilities for the series.
It does have the transition/first in a new series syndrome going on in this book. I wasn't too keen on the whole we're kidnapping you to get your attention and to get you to play on our team angle, but that was one part of an otherwise interesting, easy to read book. One that has good characters who should keep this series going strong.
Longer review will be up on the blog soon.
There's an interesting mystery, Scottish werewolves with wolfsbane and silver knives, scales and an odour to a lake that isn't right, to name just a few things happening. Blair is helping out because of who he looks like, his tech savvy, and his charming nature. He's as sweet as usual. It's hard to get enough of Blair. I'm also rather partial to Blair with Forge, even though they started out a bit rocky with the complicated past of Forge and Declan, and the whole soul mate bond.
Then there's the lives of these intertwined men/supes, some whom have been past lovers but aren't bonded mates. There's a new start and a new adventure coming for some of the primary characters - I felt a bit choked up when people departed Boggs Castle... but also interested in the new surrounds and possibilities for the series.
It does have the transition/first in a new series syndrome going on in this book. I wasn't too keen on the whole we're kidnapping you to get your attention and to get you to play on our team angle, but that was one part of an otherwise interesting, easy to read book. One that has good characters who should keep this series going strong.
Longer review will be up on the blog soon.
September 21, 2022
Great start for a new mystery series. The story is capturing, the approach towards vampires strikes me as unconventional and the dynamics between characters is set up nicely.
That so many characters were introduced at once wasn't a problem. I got a feeling for each of them rather fast and it's cool to have the focus on four MCs in one book instead of focusing on them separately in different books. Also I read in another review that the MCs have been featured in a different series before. So, even though I liked the way they were introduced to those of us, who met them for the first time, it might have been easier to get used to them, if you have read about them before. Why is that? The book starts in an already established environment and while we get tidbits of background information here and there, there's still a lot to learn about the characters.
I really enjoyed reading the book and I am looking forward to the next one, where the real adventure starts. This book had some action, but it felt mostly like "get everyone together and ready for a new experience".
That so many characters were introduced at once wasn't a problem. I got a feeling for each of them rather fast and it's cool to have the focus on four MCs in one book instead of focusing on them separately in different books. Also I read in another review that the MCs have been featured in a different series before. So, even though I liked the way they were introduced to those of us, who met them for the first time, it might have been easier to get used to them, if you have read about them before. Why is that? The book starts in an already established environment and while we get tidbits of background information here and there, there's still a lot to learn about the characters.
I really enjoyed reading the book and I am looking forward to the next one, where the real adventure starts. This book had some action, but it felt mostly like "get everyone together and ready for a new experience".
August 13, 2016
Code Name Jack Rabbit
(Book 1 of the Akhkharu Nasaru: The Vampire Guard)
By Elizabeth Noble
Dreamspinner Press, 2016
Cover by TL Bland
211 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-63476-894-8
Four stars
This is a first in my experience: a spin-off book series. Elizabeth Noble and Anne Barwell co-wrote (alternating authors?) the “Sleepless City” series, which teamed up werewolves and vampires working as much as normal guys as is possible in the human world. This start of a new series takes two couples—Lucas and Declan, Jonas and Blair—from the Lake Erie city of Flint, Ohio, and spins them a new future. We have to leave behind Ben and Simon at Boggs’ Castle, along with the ghost of Mr. Boggs to guard over them.
But, interestingly, there’s one last adventure on Lake Erie. Our merry men discover that they’re being head-hunted by a couple of eerie vampires with ties to the Secret Service. By unorthodox means that leaves them rattled and mistrustful, they learn about the Akhkharu Nasaru, an ancient order of Sumerian origins called the Vampire Guard. It’s a sort of Mission Impossible organization, but made of vampires and a few werewolves, for fun.
The plot revolves around a series of mysterious boat sinkings on the Great Lakes and other large bodies of fresh-water; sinkings that being to take on a sinister pattern as our boys start to recognize the common denominators. This adventure focuses a lot on the complex interrelationships between the two couples, and how that works with the much older relationship between Declan and Jonas. With Lucas and Blair being relative children, both their hard-ass do-gooding skills and their ability to deal with being part of bonded vampire couples is challenged.
I liked the “Sleepless City” books, but find that I had the to struggle to connect emotionally with the characters, even though I like them all. Perhaps it’s merely the awkward transition from one world to another, and the lingering sense that you’re missing stuff if you haven’t read the earlier series. I think this is a matter of style rather than content. In other words, it’s me not the author. But I very much appreciate the different take on supernatural creatures as potential superheroes, and the complex interweaving of plot and personal story in the narrative. Once Flint has been finally left behind, I suspect that a whole new kind of energy will drive this new series forward. I look forward to the next book…
(Book 1 of the Akhkharu Nasaru: The Vampire Guard)
By Elizabeth Noble
Dreamspinner Press, 2016
Cover by TL Bland
211 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-63476-894-8
Four stars
This is a first in my experience: a spin-off book series. Elizabeth Noble and Anne Barwell co-wrote (alternating authors?) the “Sleepless City” series, which teamed up werewolves and vampires working as much as normal guys as is possible in the human world. This start of a new series takes two couples—Lucas and Declan, Jonas and Blair—from the Lake Erie city of Flint, Ohio, and spins them a new future. We have to leave behind Ben and Simon at Boggs’ Castle, along with the ghost of Mr. Boggs to guard over them.
But, interestingly, there’s one last adventure on Lake Erie. Our merry men discover that they’re being head-hunted by a couple of eerie vampires with ties to the Secret Service. By unorthodox means that leaves them rattled and mistrustful, they learn about the Akhkharu Nasaru, an ancient order of Sumerian origins called the Vampire Guard. It’s a sort of Mission Impossible organization, but made of vampires and a few werewolves, for fun.
The plot revolves around a series of mysterious boat sinkings on the Great Lakes and other large bodies of fresh-water; sinkings that being to take on a sinister pattern as our boys start to recognize the common denominators. This adventure focuses a lot on the complex interrelationships between the two couples, and how that works with the much older relationship between Declan and Jonas. With Lucas and Blair being relative children, both their hard-ass do-gooding skills and their ability to deal with being part of bonded vampire couples is challenged.
I liked the “Sleepless City” books, but find that I had the to struggle to connect emotionally with the characters, even though I like them all. Perhaps it’s merely the awkward transition from one world to another, and the lingering sense that you’re missing stuff if you haven’t read the earlier series. I think this is a matter of style rather than content. In other words, it’s me not the author. But I very much appreciate the different take on supernatural creatures as potential superheroes, and the complex interweaving of plot and personal story in the narrative. Once Flint has been finally left behind, I suspect that a whole new kind of energy will drive this new series forward. I look forward to the next book…
July 14, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I’m going to start by saying this is a paranormal mystery suspense with romantic elements, not a traditional romance by any means. I knew what I was getting into with this book, and it’s clear from the blurb that the romance is not focus. Instead it’s about these four men being recruited and solving a deadly case. And because this isn’t a traditional romance, this review is going to deviate slightly from my norm.
Noble drops us into the world she’s created, one where the paranormal world is hidden from the contemporary one. I found this both worked and didn’t for me. There’s not a lot of background given about how and why and what paranormal creatures are. And I found, at times, that I felt like I was missing key information. However, I really liked that there were no big info dumps or awkward paragraphs or dialogue about the beings in the world. All we learned about vampires was from seeing we them in their everyday. I have to admit, I thought the vampires could use a little more development, as they basically seemed like men. Besides an occasional mention of blood or biting, and one scene where a character uses his abilities, they were portrayed as ordinary men. On the other hand, it worked in that these guys could fully integrate into the world without question. Werewolves were better explained, I think, in what their limitations and abilities were. The author also used comparison between the two species to a great advantage to explain things further. So I definitely enjoyed the unique world Noble created here, thought there were times I could have benefitted from more explanation.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I’m going to start by saying this is a paranormal mystery suspense with romantic elements, not a traditional romance by any means. I knew what I was getting into with this book, and it’s clear from the blurb that the romance is not focus. Instead it’s about these four men being recruited and solving a deadly case. And because this isn’t a traditional romance, this review is going to deviate slightly from my norm.
Noble drops us into the world she’s created, one where the paranormal world is hidden from the contemporary one. I found this both worked and didn’t for me. There’s not a lot of background given about how and why and what paranormal creatures are. And I found, at times, that I felt like I was missing key information. However, I really liked that there were no big info dumps or awkward paragraphs or dialogue about the beings in the world. All we learned about vampires was from seeing we them in their everyday. I have to admit, I thought the vampires could use a little more development, as they basically seemed like men. Besides an occasional mention of blood or biting, and one scene where a character uses his abilities, they were portrayed as ordinary men. On the other hand, it worked in that these guys could fully integrate into the world without question. Werewolves were better explained, I think, in what their limitations and abilities were. The author also used comparison between the two species to a great advantage to explain things further. So I definitely enjoyed the unique world Noble created here, thought there were times I could have benefitted from more explanation.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
December 8, 2021
There is just something about Elizabeth Noble's writing that's addicting. Code Name Jack Rabbit is the first book of her new Vampire Guard series. I've had the pleasure of reading her Pain and Pleasure series and new that anything she wrote, I would equally love. Who doesn't love werewolves, vampires, knives, Scotts and mystery all wrapped in an alluring, story? Blair is a sweetheart and filled with charm. It was so easy to fall in love with him.
January 12, 2021
Samuel Porter steps through the door and causes havoc for some of Boggslake residents: Jonas Forge, head detective; Blair Turner, professor; Lucas Coates, forensic examiner and Declan, thief extraordinaire.
Porter is the head of a unique special investigation unit, Akhkharu Nasaru: The Vampire Guard. Porter’s team consists of Sophia his wife, Kai Richter and Ori Bier. Porter claims he needs Forge and Lucas’ help which also gets Blair and Declan involved. The plot thickens as the four are helpless and caught in a scheme by none other than Porter, himself.
When they find out what’s really going on, Forge and Declan aren’t that trusting especially after the kidnap scheme. But with the idea of joining this unique organization comes curiosity for Lucas and Blair. Besides Forge’s feelings of trust, he get’s a bit jealous when Blair is asked to get close to Bronwen Martell a visiting professor at the university. Not only is this investigation dangerous but it opens up to myth and it could bring anyone of them close to death.
Forge, Blair, Lucas and Declan find out why they were chosen to join the guard. They have to make an important decision. Is the joining of the guard what they really want and how much would their lives change?
Elizabeth Noble does an outstanding job at revising and bringing “The Vampire Guard” series back to life. This starts off with a lot of mystery and action and continues on a wild ride for the foursome. There’s an abundance of background information about Forge, Blair, Lucas and Declan who first appeared in “The Sleeping City” series. And Lucas’ Uncle Jasper get’s caught up in the action too.
This is a fast paced story and a page-turner for me. It’s murder and myth, with danger, action, humor and a little romance squeezed in. It really opens up how all of these characters are special and all have something unique that they bring, not only to their working together but their relationships as close friends. I don’t want to give away the ending but it is just a tad sad.
It doesn’t end here! The sequel is “Quarry” and I’m excited to see what chaos Elizabeth Noble will come up with for Forge, Blair, Lucas and Declan!
I highly recommend, if interested in more about: Forge, Blair, Lucas, and Declan “The Sleeping City” series as it’s an excellent place to start. Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Noble teamed up to put this paranormal series together.
Porter is the head of a unique special investigation unit, Akhkharu Nasaru: The Vampire Guard. Porter’s team consists of Sophia his wife, Kai Richter and Ori Bier. Porter claims he needs Forge and Lucas’ help which also gets Blair and Declan involved. The plot thickens as the four are helpless and caught in a scheme by none other than Porter, himself.
When they find out what’s really going on, Forge and Declan aren’t that trusting especially after the kidnap scheme. But with the idea of joining this unique organization comes curiosity for Lucas and Blair. Besides Forge’s feelings of trust, he get’s a bit jealous when Blair is asked to get close to Bronwen Martell a visiting professor at the university. Not only is this investigation dangerous but it opens up to myth and it could bring anyone of them close to death.
Forge, Blair, Lucas and Declan find out why they were chosen to join the guard. They have to make an important decision. Is the joining of the guard what they really want and how much would their lives change?
Elizabeth Noble does an outstanding job at revising and bringing “The Vampire Guard” series back to life. This starts off with a lot of mystery and action and continues on a wild ride for the foursome. There’s an abundance of background information about Forge, Blair, Lucas and Declan who first appeared in “The Sleeping City” series. And Lucas’ Uncle Jasper get’s caught up in the action too.
This is a fast paced story and a page-turner for me. It’s murder and myth, with danger, action, humor and a little romance squeezed in. It really opens up how all of these characters are special and all have something unique that they bring, not only to their working together but their relationships as close friends. I don’t want to give away the ending but it is just a tad sad.
It doesn’t end here! The sequel is “Quarry” and I’m excited to see what chaos Elizabeth Noble will come up with for Forge, Blair, Lucas and Declan!
I highly recommend, if interested in more about: Forge, Blair, Lucas, and Declan “The Sleeping City” series as it’s an excellent place to start. Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Noble teamed up to put this paranormal series together.
September 23, 2021
This is a very exciting story. The main characters are Jonas Forge a vampire/detective in BoggsLake. Lucas a werewolf/medical examiner/scientist. Declan a vampire/con artist bonded with Lucas. Blair a vampire/computer guru/hacker bonded with Jonas Forge. Declan and Forge have known each other for centuries and worked together against several enemies. They are recruited by a secret global security agency to find out about several ships that have sunk with no survivors. That is where the adventure begins and you won’t want to put the book down until the mystery is solved.
April 26, 2022
Enjoyable introduction
I'll admit that I spent the first 20% confused - there were a lot of names thrown at me snd I couldn't make sense of it all. Both the pairings are established relationships and I assume there was a series before.
I liked the mystery with the creature and like that it is left open enough to return to at a later date.
All 4 mc's were given povs and that gave me the opportunity to get to know them better. There's a lot of history there.
Onto book 2
I'll admit that I spent the first 20% confused - there were a lot of names thrown at me snd I couldn't make sense of it all. Both the pairings are established relationships and I assume there was a series before.
I liked the mystery with the creature and like that it is left open enough to return to at a later date.
All 4 mc's were given povs and that gave me the opportunity to get to know them better. There's a lot of history there.
Onto book 2
May 13, 2022
This was an exciting intro into a new series. The story seriously hooked me and didn’t let go. Forge, Blair, Declan and Lucas are introduced into a new world that includes spies and espionage. They all have skills that will help them protect those that need protection. Forge, Declan and Blair are all vampires with Lucas being a werewolf. Overall, a fantastic read! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed so well that the story wouldn’t let me go, highly recommend.
April 24, 2022
Code Name Jack Rabbit is the first book in the Vampire Guard series. The book follows the story of Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas. The book is a paranormal mystery suspense and contains werewolves and vampires. The book was well written, had good worl-building and story. Overall it was an enjoyable read and kept me reading until the end to find out how the book ends. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2022
What a brilliant idea to write an espionage/action adventure series with vampires and werewolves as the heroes. The world building and character development here is superb and our quartet of spies and hackers have their work cut out for them here trying to stop the use of a biological weapon.
July 6, 2021
A great sequel
What a great next chapter to the sleepless city books I love these characters and all the suspense and drama they get into thoroughly enjoyed it
What a great next chapter to the sleepless city books I love these characters and all the suspense and drama they get into thoroughly enjoyed it
May 3, 2022
Love the twist of the characters in this story. they thought they could pass through life slowly. until things take a turn and life kick start. who doesn't love a twist of kidnapping with a secret group.
if you love your vampire and wolves with a little mystery mix it you will love this book cant wait for next book
if you love your vampire and wolves with a little mystery mix it you will love this book cant wait for next book
May 17, 2021
This is not my typical genre choice, but I love this author’s erotica, so I took a chance. And what can be bad about vampires and werewolves?! There is something about Noble’s writing style that just captivates me. There was an instant connection with the characters, and the world-building was fantastic. The hyper-critical editor in me would have axed the prologue and the epilogue (even if they weren’t called that), but everything in between was worth it.
December 3, 2017
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls
Before I got into my review, I feel the need to let readers know this is a spin-off series from The Sleepless City series with Anne Barwell. If you haven’t read that series first, be aware that you might struggle a bit with this book in the beginning because it deals heavily with Forge/Blair & Declan/Lucas, which had their backstories portrayed in The Sleepless City series.
With that said, this was a great spin off. I was hoping we would get more of these guys because they were my favorites so when I saw this coming out I was both intrigued and excited. I mean, I can’t see Forge as anything other than a police officer and I can’t see Lucas as anything other than a medical examiner but now I definitely can see these guys as more than they were in their original books! I won’t go into much detail because I feel like this story needs to be discovered as you read it. The blurb and the cover do a pretty good job of showing what the story will be about. But it also contains a ton of action and suspense and a good amount of mystery that kept me intrigued. Add to that, Ms. Noble created a very alluring world that deals with secret agencies, unique vampires/werewolves and mythical creatures.
I loved being able to see Forge and Blair again. It was great to see how far they’ve come as a couple and seeing that they still have a bit of things to work out such as Forge’s jealous and Blair’s fears. Lucas and Blair are definitely my favorite couple so getting to see how they are now was interesting. Specifically that Lucas and Declan still have things to learn about each other and their mission definitely opened up the paths to some areas of one another they didn’t necessarily know before.
My biggest problem with this one, though, is the timeline. There were certain parts that would end and then jump to days later that I was a little disappointed in. I wanted to see those days pass by such as when Declan and Lucas were on the island what happened right after that. Aside from that, there were a few questions I still had about the creature such as how it was even possible to get transmitters on them without them killing someone or what exactly the creatures are called (aside from being named after the lakes). But I’m hoping we’ll get to learn more about them as the series progresses.
Overall, this was an amazing spin-off. I loved where the author took these characters and where they will be going next. Getting to see the guys again was a total blast and I’m so glad there will be more of them! I can’t wait to see what type of missions they go on and how they get to save the world! Definitely give this a go if you’ve enjoyed The Sleepless City series and liked this author’s writing!!
Before I got into my review, I feel the need to let readers know this is a spin-off series from The Sleepless City series with Anne Barwell. If you haven’t read that series first, be aware that you might struggle a bit with this book in the beginning because it deals heavily with Forge/Blair & Declan/Lucas, which had their backstories portrayed in The Sleepless City series.
With that said, this was a great spin off. I was hoping we would get more of these guys because they were my favorites so when I saw this coming out I was both intrigued and excited. I mean, I can’t see Forge as anything other than a police officer and I can’t see Lucas as anything other than a medical examiner but now I definitely can see these guys as more than they were in their original books! I won’t go into much detail because I feel like this story needs to be discovered as you read it. The blurb and the cover do a pretty good job of showing what the story will be about. But it also contains a ton of action and suspense and a good amount of mystery that kept me intrigued. Add to that, Ms. Noble created a very alluring world that deals with secret agencies, unique vampires/werewolves and mythical creatures.
I loved being able to see Forge and Blair again. It was great to see how far they’ve come as a couple and seeing that they still have a bit of things to work out such as Forge’s jealous and Blair’s fears. Lucas and Blair are definitely my favorite couple so getting to see how they are now was interesting. Specifically that Lucas and Declan still have things to learn about each other and their mission definitely opened up the paths to some areas of one another they didn’t necessarily know before.
My biggest problem with this one, though, is the timeline. There were certain parts that would end and then jump to days later that I was a little disappointed in. I wanted to see those days pass by such as when Declan and Lucas were on the island what happened right after that. Aside from that, there were a few questions I still had about the creature such as how it was even possible to get transmitters on them without them killing someone or what exactly the creatures are called (aside from being named after the lakes). But I’m hoping we’ll get to learn more about them as the series progresses.
Overall, this was an amazing spin-off. I loved where the author took these characters and where they will be going next. Getting to see the guys again was a total blast and I’m so glad there will be more of them! I can’t wait to see what type of missions they go on and how they get to save the world! Definitely give this a go if you’ve enjoyed The Sleepless City series and liked this author’s writing!!
July 5, 2016
Code Name Jack Rabbit is the first in The Vampire Guard series by author Elizabeth Noble. I liked this mystery/ thriller/ paranormal book. There is a ton of great story inside. I loved meeting all the couples. I will say there are a lot of people to keep track of in this story, that is not a bad thing but you just have to keep who is who straight in your head when reading this one.
I liked Jonas he is a vampire, used to be a spy and solider, now he is a detective. He loves life, and really loves his soul mate Blair. Now Blair is a vampire but he has a PhD. He is also a computer hacker ( very sexy computer hacker might I add) He is sweet, and the heart of the Jonas if you ask me. He had my heart at hello in this book.
Declan now this relationship is a little more complex. He used to be Jonas Forge's lover back in the day. But now he has his very own bond mate Lucas, Lucas is a werewolf. Now Declan he is a vampire, used to be a pirate, ex fur trapper, thief, down right scoundrel. Time and love have changed that for him. He is life bonded to Lucas now and only has eyes for his wolf.
Lucas the only non vampire of the four. He is a medical examiner. He is also best friend to Jonas.
See what I mean tons of keeping track of who is with who. I will say Ms. Noble did a great job of keeping me interested and not confused. I loved that. I also love this new and sometimes scary world she is introducing to us. I really loved the pace and the connection I had to all the characters in this book. This is a well written mystery book. I cannot wait for more in The Vampire Guard series!! I want to see what is in store for everyone next.
Five Shooting Stars
I liked Jonas he is a vampire, used to be a spy and solider, now he is a detective. He loves life, and really loves his soul mate Blair. Now Blair is a vampire but he has a PhD. He is also a computer hacker ( very sexy computer hacker might I add) He is sweet, and the heart of the Jonas if you ask me. He had my heart at hello in this book.
Declan now this relationship is a little more complex. He used to be Jonas Forge's lover back in the day. But now he has his very own bond mate Lucas, Lucas is a werewolf. Now Declan he is a vampire, used to be a pirate, ex fur trapper, thief, down right scoundrel. Time and love have changed that for him. He is life bonded to Lucas now and only has eyes for his wolf.
Lucas the only non vampire of the four. He is a medical examiner. He is also best friend to Jonas.
See what I mean tons of keeping track of who is with who. I will say Ms. Noble did a great job of keeping me interested and not confused. I loved that. I also love this new and sometimes scary world she is introducing to us. I really loved the pace and the connection I had to all the characters in this book. This is a well written mystery book. I cannot wait for more in The Vampire Guard series!! I want to see what is in store for everyone next.
Five Shooting Stars
April 12, 2016
This story is a good start to a series, once you get a hold of who everyone is ( I made a list so I could keep them straight until I became familiar)
I think this could really go somewhere as a series. 4 guys (3 Vamps & a Werewolf, and no that's not the start to a joke) recruited into a secret agency that protects humans as well as Supernatural beings (Vampires, werewolves, and the like). The beginning reminded me of something out of Get Smart.
The story is filled with a lot of action and adventure and keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. On top of which, the 4 guys are completely lovable and unique, as a group and individually.
One of my problems was sometimes I was confused. Mainly at their banter. I feel like I'm missing a book, even though this is book one. There's a lot of backstory that would be interesting as heck to read, especially about Blair. I would love to see how he came to be and when Forge found him. It sounds like it would be funny as hell. Also, there were a few moments I was confused about the timeline. Days all of a sudden passed when I thought they were still on the same day.
Regardless of all that though, there really is something here and Elizabeth has a great imagination. I can't wait to see where this goes.
3.5*
***given as an ARC for my honest review***
I think this could really go somewhere as a series. 4 guys (3 Vamps & a Werewolf, and no that's not the start to a joke) recruited into a secret agency that protects humans as well as Supernatural beings (Vampires, werewolves, and the like). The beginning reminded me of something out of Get Smart.
The story is filled with a lot of action and adventure and keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. On top of which, the 4 guys are completely lovable and unique, as a group and individually.
One of my problems was sometimes I was confused. Mainly at their banter. I feel like I'm missing a book, even though this is book one. There's a lot of backstory that would be interesting as heck to read, especially about Blair. I would love to see how he came to be and when Forge found him. It sounds like it would be funny as hell. Also, there were a few moments I was confused about the timeline. Days all of a sudden passed when I thought they were still on the same day.
Regardless of all that though, there really is something here and Elizabeth has a great imagination. I can't wait to see where this goes.
3.5*
***given as an ARC for my honest review***
July 13, 2016
When I wrote this review, I didn't realize that this book was a spinoff from a series Noble and Anne Barwell wrote together, called The Sleepless City. Because I was curious, I just picked up The Electric Candle, which is actually number two in the series, written by Noble, but I really loved Forge from Code Name: Jack Rabbit, and I wanted more of that. His point of view is fun because he's older, so he's not completely young and silly--he sort of reminds of me of a character who could be played by Martin Freeman--but he gets caught up easily in the chaos around him. He also has a rich and interesting history with Declan, another vampire.
My review for The Novel Approach:
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
My review for The Novel Approach:
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
October 19, 2016
This sounded like an exciting read but I read a few chapters but just couldn't seem to connect to the book. The beginning of the book was like a spectacular explosion of information diarrhoea with so many characters and their partners I was lost. I may be judging a little harshly but I think I would need to read the previous books to get up to par with all the goings on as this is a spin off even if this is the 1st book in this series. I felt lost and that I'd missed something, obviously you would need to read the sleepless city series first. At the moment 2 stars, I might review again once I've read the previous books but for now it was a DNF.
September 27, 2021
Jonas, Blair, Declan, and Lucas are recruited to the Vampire Guard, tested by a werewolf terrorist organization. Together they must stop a murder attempt while also learning more about an unknown biological weapon.
This was an exciting book, and it started pretty slow as you learned about all the characters. At the start of the book, I felt like the book had just dropped me into a story that had already started in a previous book. It was confusing at times, but after a bit, I was able to keep all the characters straight and who was in a relationship with who. I'll probably read the second book at a later date. Overall, a good book with a great cast of characters.
This was an exciting book, and it started pretty slow as you learned about all the characters. At the start of the book, I felt like the book had just dropped me into a story that had already started in a previous book. It was confusing at times, but after a bit, I was able to keep all the characters straight and who was in a relationship with who. I'll probably read the second book at a later date. Overall, a good book with a great cast of characters.
June 1, 2022
Mystery at Boggs Lake
The vampires and werewolves are the exciting advantages on the lake near Lake Superior. Deep within the caves of Lake Superior has a large animal that is a prey on smaller fish and animals. The story covers a unique vampire clan attacks by werewolves. The characters bonding with vampires and werewolves in pairs. The characters and bonding act in danger to work with a human researcher to study the large animal deep in the lakes and rivers of the Great Lakes. Within the actions are sensual lovers of the bonding of the paranormal people. The story is entertaining and exciting, and very unusual.
The vampires and werewolves are the exciting advantages on the lake near Lake Superior. Deep within the caves of Lake Superior has a large animal that is a prey on smaller fish and animals. The story covers a unique vampire clan attacks by werewolves. The characters bonding with vampires and werewolves in pairs. The characters and bonding act in danger to work with a human researcher to study the large animal deep in the lakes and rivers of the Great Lakes. Within the actions are sensual lovers of the bonding of the paranormal people. The story is entertaining and exciting, and very unusual.
November 13, 2019
It's great to see these characters again and look forward to the next book.
However, I was disappointed that Simon and Ben were mainly background characters in this story and that they're being left behind in this new series, though I really hope that's not the case!
However, I was disappointed that Simon and Ben were mainly background characters in this story and that they're being left behind in this new series, though I really hope that's not the case!
October 10, 2018
So fun! This series takes off right from the Sleepless City Series (4 books). Love it and so happy to see these guys keep going!!
April 30, 2022
Reading this book is an immersive experience, and I liked, more than I didn’t, the way the author drops readers into the world and characters’ experiences to sink or swim as the narrative progresses. Some of those characters might be familiar to readers of the “Sleepless City” series, but it’s not strictly necessary to have that context: as the mystery unfolds and various plot lines develop you do get a good sense of who the characters are and how the world they live in, in which the paranormal is decidedly present but hidden from the non-supernatural mainstream. For me, the plot and the suspense it invokes was decidedly the high point of the reading experience: it’s easy to get caught up in events, and to not miss, as much as I otherwise might have, more character development or fleshing out of the story’s paranormal aspects.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
May 26, 2023
Not bad
July 29, 2023
A new to me author.
Glad I took a chance on this not so usual paranormal series. This book is truly a great start to it. Lots of interesting characters
Glad I took a chance on this not so usual paranormal series. This book is truly a great start to it. Lots of interesting characters
August 4, 2024
I absolutely loved this take on suspense with an o so delicious supernatural twist! Fantastic character development! This book hooked me from the jump and I read it in one sitting because I could.not.put.it.down!
September 4, 2016
Title: Code Name Jack Rabbit
Author: Elizabeth Noble
Series:Vampire Guards series, book 1
Publisher: DSP Publications
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date:July 12th, 2016
Genre(s): LGTB, Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 211 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
It's so incredibly rare to find four main characters in a novel that when I picked up Elizabeth Nobel's Code Name Jack Rabbit, I couldn't have been any more surprised had you told me there was a pink elephant in the room. I have to come out and say it right away that as amazing a feat it was to accomplish, there was also so much information to retain about all four that I had a feeling that I missed a little of the 'charm' that makes a novel a story since I was trying to situate myself. Paranormal with vampires and werewolves are some of my favourite genres to read and Code Name Jack Rabbit follows four 'men', vampires Jonas, Blair and Declan, and werewolf Lucas, the newest recruits of the Vampire Guard. Mated partners Jonas and Blaire, as well as Declan and Lucas' relationship are put to the test as the Akhkharu Nasaru want to prepare them for the worst that is yet to come, uncovering a terrorist nest made out of werewolves.
This novel had so many details about the background of the Vampire Guard, the four men and what is about to happen with the terrorist group, Qiguan. I struggled to keep up with all of it: the plot, the twists, the storyline and the numerous information, and at the end I wondered if I should read the novel once again in the hopes it would help. Knowing that there is an entire series before the Vampire Guards series that would actually enhance the experience absolutely change my opinion for the best. In the end, I never did read the book a second time but I did take a few days to reflect before writing my review - I appreciated the first instalment of the series. I can only imagine how amazing it'll be simply by the details Elizabeth Noble has added. These four men are intriguing and 'manly' - the type of men that I've come to expect from vampires and werewolves, fast, strong, ruthless and protective of what belongs to them. Even though there isn't much romance throughout the book, I could still see the connection that existed between the couples and the friendship between the four men. Knowing that another series exists before this one and explains the history behind Code name Jack Rabbit, I personally recommend starting from that point, which is what I'll be doing as well, but i still believe that he storyline was amazing.
Review Copy of Code Name Jack Rabbit provided by the Publisher, DSP Publications for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
Author: Elizabeth Noble
Series:Vampire Guards series, book 1
Publisher: DSP Publications
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date:July 12th, 2016
Genre(s): LGTB, Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 211 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Meet the newest members of the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.
Jonas Forge, vampire. Once a spy and soldier, now a cop, Forge enjoys the life he’s built with his friends in Flint, Ohio.
Blair Turner, PhD. Blair, a vampire and computer hacker with exceptional skills, shares a powerful empathic bond with Forge, his soul mate.
Declan, vampire, ex-pirate, ex-fur trapper, thief, and con man. Declan is Forge’s former lover and soul mate to Lucas Coate.
Lucas Coate, MD, Flint’s medical examiner. A werewolf living among vampires, Lucas is also one of Forge’s best friends.
Their lives become complicated when an impending presidential visit throws them headlong into a world of high-tech vampire spies and espionage. Recruited into the Vampire Guard by the secret society of the Akhkharu Nasaru, they uncover a werewolf terrorist organization known as the Qiguan.
Together they must thwart a murder attempt on the open waters of Lake Superior while tracking a previously unknown biological weapon controlled by the Qiguan—a weapon that may very well mean death for one of them.
Review:
It's so incredibly rare to find four main characters in a novel that when I picked up Elizabeth Nobel's Code Name Jack Rabbit, I couldn't have been any more surprised had you told me there was a pink elephant in the room. I have to come out and say it right away that as amazing a feat it was to accomplish, there was also so much information to retain about all four that I had a feeling that I missed a little of the 'charm' that makes a novel a story since I was trying to situate myself. Paranormal with vampires and werewolves are some of my favourite genres to read and Code Name Jack Rabbit follows four 'men', vampires Jonas, Blair and Declan, and werewolf Lucas, the newest recruits of the Vampire Guard. Mated partners Jonas and Blaire, as well as Declan and Lucas' relationship are put to the test as the Akhkharu Nasaru want to prepare them for the worst that is yet to come, uncovering a terrorist nest made out of werewolves.
This novel had so many details about the background of the Vampire Guard, the four men and what is about to happen with the terrorist group, Qiguan. I struggled to keep up with all of it: the plot, the twists, the storyline and the numerous information, and at the end I wondered if I should read the novel once again in the hopes it would help. Knowing that there is an entire series before the Vampire Guards series that would actually enhance the experience absolutely change my opinion for the best. In the end, I never did read the book a second time but I did take a few days to reflect before writing my review - I appreciated the first instalment of the series. I can only imagine how amazing it'll be simply by the details Elizabeth Noble has added. These four men are intriguing and 'manly' - the type of men that I've come to expect from vampires and werewolves, fast, strong, ruthless and protective of what belongs to them. Even though there isn't much romance throughout the book, I could still see the connection that existed between the couples and the friendship between the four men. Knowing that another series exists before this one and explains the history behind Code name Jack Rabbit, I personally recommend starting from that point, which is what I'll be doing as well, but i still believe that he storyline was amazing.
Review Copy of Code Name Jack Rabbit provided by the Publisher, DSP Publications for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
July 13, 2016
This story was a great setup to a series. We have four intriguing men—three vampires and one werewolf—living together (with other roommates), who are asked by a secret organization to save the world. They all, of course, have a unique knowledge base and different skills in infiltration, information gathering, and physical prowess, but what makes them invaluable is their relationships with each other. The four men are composed of two bonded pairs, a sort of special connection exclusive to the paranormal, and the secret organization who hired them wouldn’t even consider them as potential partners until they had bonded. Interesting….
Most of the novel was spent setting up backstory and the relationships between the characters, with some nifty puzzles for them to solve to show how well they work together. Quite a few are characters introduced, with complicated dynamics, but I was supremely impressed with how Noble made me feel as if each one was important. In order to make it easier to digest, she did limit the point of view characters to two, Forge and Lucas, which helped immensely. As I was reading, I wondered if she could have limited the POV to just Forge, but that was more of a thought experiment than an actual critique.
Declan, a centuries old vampire, was probably one of my favorite characters. He’s a fussy sort, kinda naughty, and very scary when the mood suits him. Of the four, he lives most outside the box. His relationship with Forge, who actually isn’t his bonded partner, was supremely interesting to me, and did cause some jealousy among their mates. However, if anyone had spent as much time with each other as those two had, they would also have an irreplaceable relationship with that person, no matter their past (in this case, tensions could have been a bit higher than expected because Forge and Declan did have a sexual history with one another—wowza).
As for the bonding itself, there was a lot of referencing to it, but I’m not certain I could tell you what said bond actually entails. A bite is involved, for sure, because these bonds happen between werewolves and vampires (and whoever they choose as a mate, human or paranormal), but other than that? No idea. How do they know they’ve found “the one”? Chemical signaling? Love at first sight? Noble mentions vampires used to be human before turned, but werewolves are a separate species, neither human nor canid, so whatever the bond is, it’s complicated and not necessarily “magical”. I have more questions after reading than answers—I love it. I’ll definitely be waiting for the next book.
There were quite a few pop culture references which alluded to the genre of this story. It’s very akin to the X-Files, and there are some superhero vibes to it, a la League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. It’s clear that although we’ve seen the origin story for this dynamic group, we haven’t seen the origin stories for our four heroes, which may be even more intriguing. I’m looking forward to them.
On a heat scale, it’s pretty low, but this is a DSP Publications release, so I wasn’t expecting sexy times when I went into it. These characters are also in established relationships, so despite some drama here and there, there isn’t a romance hook, which I really liked about the story.
If you enjoy urban paranormal or spy novels, superheroes, or the X-Files, I’d check this book out.
Reviewed by Brock for The Novel Approach Reviews
Most of the novel was spent setting up backstory and the relationships between the characters, with some nifty puzzles for them to solve to show how well they work together. Quite a few are characters introduced, with complicated dynamics, but I was supremely impressed with how Noble made me feel as if each one was important. In order to make it easier to digest, she did limit the point of view characters to two, Forge and Lucas, which helped immensely. As I was reading, I wondered if she could have limited the POV to just Forge, but that was more of a thought experiment than an actual critique.
Declan, a centuries old vampire, was probably one of my favorite characters. He’s a fussy sort, kinda naughty, and very scary when the mood suits him. Of the four, he lives most outside the box. His relationship with Forge, who actually isn’t his bonded partner, was supremely interesting to me, and did cause some jealousy among their mates. However, if anyone had spent as much time with each other as those two had, they would also have an irreplaceable relationship with that person, no matter their past (in this case, tensions could have been a bit higher than expected because Forge and Declan did have a sexual history with one another—wowza).
As for the bonding itself, there was a lot of referencing to it, but I’m not certain I could tell you what said bond actually entails. A bite is involved, for sure, because these bonds happen between werewolves and vampires (and whoever they choose as a mate, human or paranormal), but other than that? No idea. How do they know they’ve found “the one”? Chemical signaling? Love at first sight? Noble mentions vampires used to be human before turned, but werewolves are a separate species, neither human nor canid, so whatever the bond is, it’s complicated and not necessarily “magical”. I have more questions after reading than answers—I love it. I’ll definitely be waiting for the next book.
There were quite a few pop culture references which alluded to the genre of this story. It’s very akin to the X-Files, and there are some superhero vibes to it, a la League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. It’s clear that although we’ve seen the origin story for this dynamic group, we haven’t seen the origin stories for our four heroes, which may be even more intriguing. I’m looking forward to them.
On a heat scale, it’s pretty low, but this is a DSP Publications release, so I wasn’t expecting sexy times when I went into it. These characters are also in established relationships, so despite some drama here and there, there isn’t a romance hook, which I really liked about the story.
If you enjoy urban paranormal or spy novels, superheroes, or the X-Files, I’d check this book out.
Reviewed by Brock for The Novel Approach Reviews
March 4, 2017
I have to agree with Caroline's review of this book. Until I looked here I didn't realized I was already missing so much information from another book and it was just too much information thrown at me in the first few chapters. It made it confusing and not enjoyable. Please read the other series these people apparently are a part of so you know what is going on.
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