Along Came a Spider by Kate SeRine

August 20th, 2013 Kimberly Review 56 Comments

20th Aug
Along Came a Spider by Kate SeRine
Along Came A Spider
by Kate SeRine
Series: Transplanted Tales #3
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

When Trish Muffet is attacked at a grisly crime scene, the last person she expects to come to her rescue is Nicky “Little Boy” Blue. But since walking away from everything two years before, Nicky’s been doling out vigilante justice as “The Spider,” taking on the vicious predators of the night in hopes it’ll lead him to his ultimate target – Vlad Dracula. And he needs Trish’s help. Although Nicky’s renegade style goes against everything Trish stands for, she’ll do what she must to bring Dracula down. With danger stalking her, Trish knows the only person she can count on is the one man who has the power to leave her breathless. There’s no way she’s letting this spider frighten her away…

Today I am happy to be a part of the tour for Along Came A Spider and have the lovely Kate SeRine author extraordinaire here to talk about  “what sexy is.” She has a little giveaway for you as well. So grab your coffee, check out my review and enjoy Kate’s post! Don’t forget to enter to win the set of Transplanted Tales.

I have been enjoying Kate SeRine’s Transplant Tale series and was excited to finally read Along Came A Spider featuring the tale characters Trish Muffet and Nicky “Little Boy” Blue. This is the third book in the series and I recommend reading them in order since you will lose some of the story and charm. When a spell went wrong some of our favorite fairy tales, characters etc were pulled from their books and ended up in the Here and Now. They live secretly among us; have their own government, rules and task force. Once again SeRine gave me an entertaining, action-packed, sweet ride and I consumed this in a single sitting. Three-word review: unique, captivating and fun.

Trish Muffet, yes that’s right “Little Miss Muffet” complete with cork-screw blood hair is a member of the Chicago branch of the Fairytale Management Authority. (FMA) when she is attacked at a crime scene she is both surprised and elated when Nicky “Little Boy” Blue comes to her rescue. She hasn’t laid eyes on him since he left two years ago. She is surprised to discover he is the vigilante known as “The Spider” who has been taking out predators in search of Vlad Dracula. Nicky needs Trish’s help and the tale that unfolds is action-packed, laced with a romance straight from one of those black and white noir movies.

Trish Muffet is one tough little cookie wrapped in cuteness. Since she crossed over she has had a thing for Nicky and it was delightful seeing their feelings come to the surface. She is a little snarky, and brave despite some serious fear issues. I loved how she would step in front of her friends to protect them. Nicky is smexy, cocky and I just envisioned him as Neal Caffrey from the hit TV series White Collar. He has ties to the criminal world and it seems everyone owes him a favor. I loved how he called Trish, “Doll” it fit his whole persona. He also carries around a lot of guilt and doesn’t feel he is worth making him incredibly irresistible. Nate and Red make an appearance as do the rest of the gang. I adored some of the secondary characters such as Gideon with his arching eyebrow. Many story characters make appearances throughout the novel and seeing what they were doing in the Here and Now was cool. The Agency (human enforcement team that knows about Tales) and its men are heavily involved and I wanted to smack a few of them in the head making for some intense scenes.

SeRine weaved a fascinating tale surrounding Vlad Dracula, the Agency, and our couple. It was filled with intense action scenes and creepy mental games. The tender moments between the tales had me sighing. I love that all of the characters are unique and while we recognize them and their tales they have developed in the Here and Now. SeRine’s interpretation of them had me giggling one moment and dropping my jaw the next, it was fantastic!  Nicky and Trish have a history and I loved the back-story. Watching feelings emerge and experiencing the sexual tension and heat had me searching for my happily-ever-after. They are two strong, slightly damaged characters that draw on each other making the other one better. They made a terrific team investigating the mystery and I quite enjoyed it. There is an epilogue and it wraps things up nicely but I was sad to see this plot ARC come to an end.

Fans of fairy tales, suspense, mystery, and humor wrapped with a side dish of romance will enjoy Along Came A Spider and the entire Transplanted Tales series.

Defining Sexy by Kate SeRine

Defining Sexy

One of the best things about being a romance novelist is the chance to create sexy men for my readers. I love coming up with new, swoon-worthy alpha males who can make even the strongest, most independent women go weak in the knees. And, for me, there are certain characteristics that define sexy, not only in real life but also in the novels I write. And I guarantee that you’ll find all of these traits in the leading men of my Transplanted Tales. Here are the things I looooove to see in my super sexy men (in no particular order):

1) Rockin’ bod – Okay, this one’s a gimme. What kind of romance writer would I be if my heroes weren’t sporting a serious six-pack and some killer guns? And those smoldering eyes… Must haves.

2) Intelligence— Whether it’s book smarts or street smarts, there’s got to be something going on upstairs to go along with the sultry bedroom eyes.

3) Sense of humor – The hero either has to be a wise-ass or be able to appreciate one. Let’s face it—my gals are snarky and need a good audience for their one-liners.

4) Tenderness – He can be the biggest, baddest, mo-fo around, but when it comes down to it, he needs to know how to be tender and loving to the people he cares about, especially toward the woman he loves.

5) Vulnerability – Hey, I love an alpha male as much as the next gal, but unless there’s some vulnerability somewhere that makes him human, all that machismo rings hollow. Just sayin’.

6) Kindness – I have very little use for heroes who are a**holes, especially when it’s toward the women they love.

7) Humility – When he is an a**hole, my hero need to recognize it and admit his fault. He doesn’t just get all pouty and sulky and take it out on the woman he loves. No room for Mr. Moody.

8) Awkwardness – Okay, this one might seem an odd choice, but I seriously LOVE it when a hero gets befuddled, especially if it’s the result of something his lady love has done. And I love to see heroes get all clumsy and such, especially while trying to impress a love interest. It’s just too dang cute.

9) Selflessness – I know I’m not alone in this one. A hero needs to bleed—whether it’s literal or figurative. That ability to sacrifice for a greater good is sexy as hell.

10) Badass – Aw, come on! Like I could leave this one out? There’s something seriously sexy about a guy who knows how to kick some boo-tay. Bring. It. On.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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56 Responses to “Along Came a Spider by Kate SeRine”

  1. Lauren

    I really need to read this series, this isn’t the first time I’ve been tempted by one of your blog posts. Definitely getting this one for my e-reader. Awesome review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is a fun series, I love the cases and the characters are wonderful.

  2. Diamond

    Awesome post!!
    I’m not a romance reader, but I love paranormal. Anyway, I have The Better to See You on my kindle (I won a copy awhile ago)…*runs to check your review of better to see you* I’m waiting until I’m in the perfect mood to read it 🙂
    I love the premise of these books, it’s so creative and fun.
    Great Review, Guest Post, and giveaway! 😉

  4. Michele

    Awesome review and author post! I love the cover of this one, and it definitely sounds like a book I would enjoy! Thank you so much for sharing and for the great giveaway! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      These are such fun books and the characters stand out 🙂 thanks Michele 🙂

  5. Maida

    Excuse me while I drool over that cover! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this series yet! I love the sound of the concept and its totally adorable the nursery rhyme addition. lol ;p I really like the sound of the characters and am excited to see how their relationship grows. Plus, I really enjoy and appreciate an author that can well balance suspense, mystery and humour together, so I am very excited to start this series asap! I’m glad you enjoyed this, Kim! Fab review! 😀

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Maida, these are so much fun and I love the fairy tale twist, and romantic suspense in any genre is always a fav for me 🙂

  6. Diana Leigh

    Yep, I completely agree with her list of sexy, especially #5. Strong on the outside, vulnerable on the inside. *faints*

  7. Andrea

    I’ve never heard of this author or series, but along came a spider looks like a fun read. I’m so glad you enjoyed, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is a fun series, a little suspense, a little romance, and our favorite fairy tales living in the “Here and Now”

  8. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Sounds like a fun book. I really like the way you talk about how the fairy tales are woven into the story. So need to check out this series.

    Oh and love that list. I agree! Especially with tenderness and kindness! Total WINs!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      this series is such fun Melissa and I think you would enjoy it!

  9. Kristin

    I’ve been waiting for this post!!! I have got to start this series before it kills me! Yes, I’m with Blod and Geeky, too….

    I loved Kate’s “What is Sexy” post, too. Well, duh on all of them! I was surprised to see Bad boy at the end. That comes to my mind first for some unknown reason :S

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Loved your tweet pic, you rock and I like the bad boys too 🙂

  10. Kim { Book Swoon }

    The Transplanted series sound pretty amazing, and near perfect for me. I love the fact that the “Make Believe” characters are now stranded in the ordinary world due a spell gone wrong.I take it they should be read in order to get the full effect? Thanks for sharing. 🙂
    *Adding to Goodreads*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hi Kim, Yes I would totally recommend reading them in order, as key players make appearances in all of the books. Enjoy they are a lot of fun 🙂

  11. Heidi

    AHH! I still want to try this series and it is running away from me. How can it already be on book three! Dang that TBR!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh I feel ya..it seems if I am not reviewing them, they slip away from me. These are quick reads, I usually consumed them in a one or two sittings max.

  13. Candace

    This sounds great! And yes, I agree, it’s nice when they have touch of awkwardness once in awhile, makes them more real. This list is spot on!

  14. Braine

    So love this world! For this particular book my faces are the mafia like Piggs and the flamboyant Rumpelstiltskin. And Red is still a scene stealer, I don’t know how she does it but I feel shes even more intimidating pregnant.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      OMG..I agree about Red. Oh yes I loved all of the secondary characters, Kate is so creative with them!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      These are fun Debbie, and I love the mix of fairy tales in the Here and Now.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *giggles* I will faithfully remind you *drags nails across chalk-board reminds you…evil grin* Bwahahaha!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Kate, of course you know I have mad love for you and this series. Thanks for the fantastic guest post and awesome giveaway 🙂

  18. novareylin

    I have to admit, this title totally got a smile out of me! I haven’t heard of this series before and it’s on my gotta read super soon list now! Love the sound of this one. The cover isn’t all that bad either 😉

    Nova @ My Seryniti

    • kimbacaffeinate

      These are such fun with great characters, a little romance and some great cases! 🙂

      • novareylin

        Ha… I should say, they are on my TO READ if I ever catch up with my NetGalley obsession… 😉

  19. Dani C

    I have this one added to my Goodreads list! Thanks so much for the review as well as the giveaway! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you do Felicia, these are fun, quick reads 🙂

  21. Nick

    I have to agree with the author on what sexiness is. I always fall for book love interests who have the qualities she’s mentioned.

    This sounds like a really interesting and unique book, Kim. I’m glad that the series is going strongly for you. The characters, especially, sound like they are well-fleshed out!
    I’m happy that you enjoyed it, Kim! 🙂
    Lovely review as always and thanks for sharing the guest post!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is a really fun series Nick and the characters are all wonderful! 🙂

  22. Vilia

    I loved this one too. The bit where Trish shared why she was scared of spiders was downright creepy though [shudder].

  23. Jenea

    This does sounds like a good series, and I enjoyed the guest post too. Wonderful review.

  24. Jennifer Bielman

    Reminds me a little of the Elemental Assassin series. Happy this series is going good for you. And a sense for humor, for me, is the sexiest thing ever.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      These are lighter, but fun and yes humor is very sexy! 🙂

  25. Tanja

    Where can I buy one of her characters! They seem to have it all. All the things the author listed there are everything one might need 🙂 So I really wouldn’t mind seeing Nicky and other boys on Earth, they’re more than welcome. Great review 🙂

  26. kindlemom1

    I bought the first two books based on your recommendation Kim, looks like I will be picking up the third one as well. 😉