Four (Rules Undying Book 1)

I really enjoyed reading this, the author took an old stereotype and made it into a really fun read. The main vampire is so pathetic you can see why she stays. Some of the description are hilarious and pretty creative. I have kept this book "borrowed" in my cloud library so I can come back to it! The story really develops the characters until you love them as much as the author did. The witty descriptions and the follow through on the details allow you to stay in the story's world. The author allowed the characters to follow logical thought to some ridiculous, dirty and bloody situations. There are definitely some very scary moments, which I won't share, but as an animal lover be prepared. Overall if you are looking for something vampiric without all that dark and brooding stuff look no further, this book is seriously entertaining.

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the goodreads group Lovers of Paranormal, or LOP.***

I'm not quite sure what to make of this book. I had to re-start it as I was a bit confused. The description makes it sound like it's about Gail, but the book is more focused on Georgia. Gail is really there so that Georgia can tell her story for us (think Christian Slater's character in Interview with the Vampire). This book is quite different from other vampire stories that I've read. I loved Mr. Lambley and just wanted to adopt him. My feelings on the other characters changed so much throughout the book. I loathed Steve, then I rooted for him, then it was right back to loathing. I enjoyed that. I had created this epic ending that would solve the Ren problem, but this book went in a whole other direction. I was confused again. Okay, it was two in the morning and I had to find out how it ended, so maybe my brain wasn't functioning at full capacity. But the whole twist thing didn't quite fit with some of Georgia's thoughts at the very beginning of the book when she first met Gail. I'm still not sure what was real and how everyone was involved. Enough was left unresolved at the end of this story to make way for a sequel.

How could you not love Georgia?!?! This was definitely one of those books where you thought you could predict what was going to happen next but you are totally wrong. Vampire blood smoothies, human butlers and personal blood banks. What more could you ask for in this suspenseful vampire book. This was not your regular run of the mill story either. (I want to post a spoiler so bad but I won't). If you're reading this review PICK THIS BOOK!!! I promise you won't regret reading it.

FOUR is a standalone paranormal vampire tale by R. E. Carr. I'll start with a brief run down of what the book is about. There are four rules that govern undead society, and if Gail wants the job as a PA that will leave her rich and retired after a year...well then she's going to have to learn them. Working nights, handling blood, planning meals, doing laundry.... Are all part of the job. Can Gail handle doing this for a boss who is centuries old? Written in the style of part memoir (of the pervious PA Georgia) and part present day, the story follows Georgia and Gail as they talk shop about the importance of rules when working with vampires.

The book is written in third person narrative following Gail and Georgia's stories within the book. It doesn't beat around the bush and vampires are mentioned within the first chapter. Although the synopsis reads like Gail is the main character, Georgia's memories/flashbacks are centre point for a good majority of the book. Not only that but they are very confusing. I feel like the flashbacks should be in italics or something to make it clear what's happening now and what's memories. I had a lot of difficulty working out what was going on and felt the narrative style just did not work at all. It is so hard to get along with and leaves the plot confusing and muddled. The characters are little dull and the only character with any real depth and development seems to be Georgia. She's sassy and independent and shows good growth within the story. I just wish the other characters would have been as well developed.
I really really wanted to love this book as the synopsis sounded so much like something I'd enjoy. The story has great potential and the author has very clear talent but the narrative choice just really kills the book which is so unfortunate. The flashbacks seem to be the main story of the book with the present time in small flashes, which would work great and be really interesting if the differences were made clear. As it is though, the writing just blends together and causes headache. I unfortunately only got to chapter seven before I had to call it a day. Though, I will sit down and try this book again at some point because like I said, it has such a great potential to be amazing if you can get past the unclear narrative. I just sadly couldn't get past it at this time.

Overall, I think the actual plot was brilliant and such a clever idea. Georgia's character was very interesting and the modern take on vampires was exciting. Sadly, the narrative didn't work in favour of the writing style, leaving the book a bit of hard work to understand. I would say probably try the book for yourself and see if you can get past it, because the actual plot if really interesting! I will definately give in another try sometime.

The story is original, the characters completely fleshed out, the world building fantastic....an ending you don't see coming!
However, the entire story short of the very end....is told as a retelling of the past. Not a flashback...but retelling history between all the characters...to a new character. I liked the story...it just isn't my thing the way it was told. I think the story with its written ending would have been fantastic if it had been told as it was happening, instead of retelling it.

Conceptually fun, Four is a vampire novel with some interesting and funny approaches to the trope that make it much different than other vampire novels. While I am not a genre-reader, I try to take advantage of the Kindle Scout novels and use them as an opportunity to broaden my reading experience with new genres and new indie writers. In this case, I found the way it was written to be its biggest downfall for me. There are a lot of continuity, grammar, and point of view errors that made it hard for me to get through. If anyone is a reader who can overlook these elements for the sake of a great new twist on vampire fiction, have at it. You won't be disappointed.

I liked the story. The story was full of suspense and romance. I thought the narration was good. This author did a good job with her character builds and plot. This was my first book by this author but definitely will not be my last. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series! I was given a free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

The entire plot is about a woman named Georgia that falls into the position of being an assistant to a Toothless Vampire who needs major help ( read to understand how bad the help is needed. The story flips back and forth as Georgia tells her past year as an assistant to her replacement since her contract is nearly up. The book took me longer to read then normal but if you stand firm and get through it really liked how it all came together. Basally she finds love in the confusing vampire world (twice) but if she finds her happy ever after is not stated for as usual only that happens usually in fairy tales. But I wouldn't mind seeing a 2nd part since I as left routing for team Georgia and her man.

A very fascinating and unpredictable story about vampires. I thought the writing was well done, and detailed just enough. The characters were memorable and intense, and the dialogue brought this reader right in the middle of the story. Wanna know how to be a vampire and what it's like, read this story. This story will definitely keep you guessing and glued to the pages. The downside of the story, you have to like vampires to enjoy it.

I'm probably showing my age, but the Calista Flockhart series from the 90's was pretty much the first thing that popped into my head as I got into the meat of this book. From it's quirky characters, romantic escapades, and witty dialogue it pretty much fits the bill.

That would have been fun in of itself, however, Four goes beyond that to establish a fascinating take on the nature of what a vampire actually is, their long history, and their various views on humanity. For me that's key. I love a fantasy world that makes me think past the words on the page, envisioning all the other untold tales that no doubt exist for its denizens. I, for one, will be interested to see what RE Carr does with this world in future tales.

This story is told mostly in flashbacks, as the two main characters converse over an extended job interview for a position as a vampire's assistant. This allows for some amusing discussion in hindsight over past events, as well as allows us to experience the growth of one as she enters the world of the supernatural and gradually becomes accustomed to its many pitfalls. It's a fairly light-hearted comedic tale, with a few darker elements thrown in (we are dealing with supernatural monsters after all), which overall works quite well together and serves to keep the story from straying too far into either extreme.

The only downside I could see is that the finale of the book ups the pace considerably from earlier chapters and does so over a fairly short span of space. In short, it goes from an easy 40 MPH drive for the majority, to a frantic car chase down a crowded highway for the very last few pages. While the payoff is ultimately worth it, this serves to slightly throw off the pace of the rest of the novel.

All in all, though, this is a minor nit in an otherwise very solid story.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not a fan of “vampire drama”. No sparkling angst for me! This story though, is the BEST! I can’t even describe the laugh out loud humor, clever twists and dialogue. Definitely a must-read!

Finally finished this, by successfully dodging work. A stunningly unique take on vamps & their culture.
Honestly haven't seen this different a take on them, since the necroscope series!!!! Well worth a read for any true lover of the genre!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review (via Lovers of Paranormal on Goodreads).

This book really surprised me. Not in a "this was way better/worse than I thought it would be" fashion, but more of a "I'm almost to the end and oh my gosh this book isn't about what I thought it was." I fully admit that I started reading expecting a naive young woman to fall into the supernatural world and discover deep feelings about her handsome undead boss, but I was thankfully wrong. There is nothing so cliche in Four, which focuses instead on the daily duties and trials of a vampire's servant, from blending frozen rats for dinner to providing motivational pep-talks.

Tip-toeing around a myriad of spoilers, the characters are funny and realistic (I still can't shake the image of a pasty, pudgy vampire butt). The majority of the story is told through a series of flashbacks, but they are pretty linear and easy to follow. It took me a while to get into the flow of the story, but I think that was all due to my hang up of what I was expecting the story to be.

I was completely entranced by the last few chapters, which didn't end in a cliffhanger, but did leave a few major plot points open ended for a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story, and would be interested in seeing what happens next.

The author managed to capture and hold my attention to the end. Although, I personally do not enjoy romance books, this had enough other things going on to keep me reading. A very different vampire story. The characters take on a life of their own. Definitely recommend. A few editing errors, but not enough to ruin the flow of the story.

Great book very interesting on the take of the vampire not as sickly sweet as some other books. The ending was my favorite did not even see that coming, was very heartbroken when I thought she had lost the love of her life. Look forward to reading the next box.

Story, writing an characters. superb!!! so many twist an turns in the story could not stop reading. Just when i though i knew what the book was about, shocker! covered all the emotions from hysterially funny to horrific. Definitely needs a follow up book!!!!!
This book needs a few more stars. 5 is not enough! a must read for an out of the ordindary Vampire story.

Really enjoyed the book. The world building and vampire protocols the author created were unique. I giggled through the humor in having a human woman take care of a helpless, filthy and toothless vampire. The romance was a slow build with an ending that has me waiting for the next book in the series. Hurry up RE Carr!

Not what I expected.
Great new look at Vampires. The dialog was first rate. Plot moved along very well. Characters were well fleshed out.
There was a nice twist in the story that I didn't expect, but it "fit" the story well.

This book was a funny but mysterious story. Great twist at the end and so many exciting moments. I would love to read more about Renting and Georgia. Geoffrey is such a sweetheart and so loveingly pitiful, you can't help but love. It was a very smooth, very flowing story line and grammar context was superb. Thank you for such a wonderful story.

If you enjoy vampires but are tired of the cliche of "Rawr! I want to suck your blood!" then you should definitely get this book. It has well developed and believable characters and a background that is fleshed out but leaves room for a lot of awesome intrigue later. I very much enjoyed the take on vampires still having emotions and continuing in a world that is increasingly changing for them. But don't get me wrong, it's not just a vampire flavored book. There are still ones out there with dark desires and let the power go to their head. Just pick it up and enjoy!

Freebies are always a gamble. When I take the time and effort to delve into a book, I want to be rewarded for it. I do not think I was given much by this experience. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't finish the book, which is why I gave it two stars. But it clearly has not had the benefit of any editing, and for that the book is just not ready to be published. There are many errors, which other reviewers have mentioned. I was left confused and unsatisfied at the conclusion of the book. I did not fall in love with any of the characters. The romance was not believable, and the action was stilted. Please find a good editor and republish!

I am an avid reader, though not necessarily of vampire novels. This book came highly recommended to me, and I am so thoroughly impressed. It's a page-turner for sure. The story line was intriguing and entertaining. The characters are unique and engaging. I did not want to put it down. It was one of those books that you finish, and wish you didn't. I did get a little confused at the end, but the author nicely pieced it all back together. Looking forward to her next novel!

This was an interesting book. I liked the author's writing style. You have to read the second book for this book to make sense. Sometimes I was so confused I considered not finishing it, but pushed on. I would recommend these two books and I will read more books by this author in the future.

I am an avid reader, though not necessarily of vampire novels. This book came highly recommended to me, and I am so thoroughly impressed. It's a page-turner for sure. The story line was intriguing and entertaining. The characters are unique and engaging. I did not want to put it down. It was one of those books that you finish, and wish you didn't. I did get a little confused at the end, but the author nicely pieced it all back together. Looking forward to her next novel!

I totally loved Georgia! Her character was very believable. She took me into her head and passed messages that made me feel what she felt and pass through her various stages of love, lust, anger, fear, etc. I loved the book!!

This was an interesting book. I liked the author's writing style. You have to read the second book for this book to make sense. Sometimes I was so confused I considered not finishing it, but pushed on. I would recommend these two books and I will read more books by this author in the future.

This is a great page turner! The author has done a superb job of story telling with this book. He has taken the tired genre of the vampire story and turned it on its head. For a vampire to be weak, funny looking and fangless is the basis for a lot of comedy. R.E. Carr has done a great job.

I loved the book cover and based on the synopsis, I hoping for a fun and unusual story. Unfortunately, I didn't feel Georgia's character was consistent from beginning to end and the plot moved very slowly in several spots. The end was a hot mess and unexpectedly dark and violent in the last few chapters. I was hoping for something funnier with a happy ending. Not for me. Other readers who enjoy a darker and twisted vampire story may enjoy this.

Four follows the story of a Gail, a human assistant to her vampire boss. Gail's job can be, needless to say, quite grisly at times, but she deals with it in a refreshingly matter-of-fact sort of way - and she has to really, if she wants to survive. The plot twists and turns like a vampire caught in daylight. It's a bit of a disorienting read sometimes, but the humour in it keeps it all interesting.

Lions and tigers and...vampires...oh my. This is a story with a twist. Just when you think you have it all figured out you find yourself with your mouth open and your eyes bugging out of your head. How refreshing to be amazed...

Picked up this book in KU after reading some recommendations on FB. Hands down one of the best vampire novels I've read in a very long time! It hooks you right from the beginning & does not disappoint, can't wait to read the next one!

This book is probably one of the best vampire books I've ever read. The main character has a great sense of humor and the romance wasn't as cheesy as I thought it would be. tHe ending really unsurprised me because it was very unexpected and I can't wait to read more of this series.

This book is really, really bad for multiple reasons. It is obviously one of those books that fulfills authors fantasies but really does not do much for the reader. The narration is poor, the characters are flat and stereotypical. The story itself is boring.The heroine is supposed to be super amazing but it's really nearly impossible to say why that is. Also, as much as I dislike Stephanie Meyer take on vampires I don't think it's ok to continuously write a bad vampire novel and repeatedly insert snide remarks like "at least you don't sparkle" or "at least you're not brooding". Are you making tons of money of these books, Miss Carr? Is ridiculing your competition the only way you could relate to your readers?