Blood and Chocolate

I gave blood and chocolate three stars because like it's movie counterpart it failed to live up to the magic the movie managed to capture spoiler alert I loved viv she was fierce loyal and above all else innocent she cared and loved him and he couldn't see past her true self I have to say I disliked it very much i mean she showed you a part of her soul and you just rejected her I am glad she sort of ends up with Gabriel at the end for I had my doubts about him but at the end I can see he went through the same experience Vivian went through though the ending was less than pleasant to say the least I recommend this book to anyone who likes werewolves but don't get your hopes up if you saw the movie first like I did cause then you 'll see how differently they truly are

Blood and Chocolate
by Annette Curtis Klause

I read this years ago then saw the movie and did a quick re-read. The blurb sort of gives the basic story. Vivian Gandillion is a sixteen year old werewolf who doesn’t want her destiny. She wants love with a human boy Aiden but apparently she is destined to be the mate of the Gabriel, the werewolf alpha. There is much infighting and back stabbing along the way as every female except Vivian wants Gabriel.

Reading the other reviews it is obvious that this is a controversial book - I can see why. It is not for the faint of heart and though the heroine is only sixteen, it doesn’t seem appropriate as YA, I agree with some of the other reviewers on that.

Though the material is disturbing on many levels (the sexism, the age difference, anti-mixed marriage message, etc.), I have to applaud the originality. They are not your fluffy good werewolves you see today - they are more like mobsters or a gang and they are sometimes vicious. And this isn’t the urban fantasy that is so prevalent today either. There are just werewolves and humans.

The one thing I appreciated the most is the thing they changed the most in the movie version (which honestly wasn’t a very good movie). In the book, the author skipped the trite love conquers all human/werewolf happy ending. The world is more complicated than that and what sixteen year old boy can handle the fact that his girlfriend is a werewolf? Also, that sort first love is glorified far too much already.

I noticed that several reviewers thought that the 24/16 relationship between Gabriel and Vivian was a little creepy because the age different…never mind that the entire genre is full of ancient vampires/demons/angels who are in love with teenage girls. That didn’t start or end with Twilight.

Literal chills ran down my spine at the beginning of this book. I can't remember how long it's been since a novel gifted me with that! I felt as if I was watching the scenario in real life, cheering for the good guys, booing the unseen opponents, and hoping and praying for the good ones' success and rescue.

Vivian and her parents, Ivan and Esme, are members of a werewolf pack in West Virginia, descendants of loup-garoux who fled France centuries earlier, immigrating to Louisiana, and later moved to West Virginia, combining with a Pennsylvania pack of German descent. Their pack is skilled at hiding, until one young member, Alex, takes the life of a human girl, and while in jail awaiting trial, five other young wolves kill another girl, to prove his innocence. Alex is acquitted but executed by the Pack, but the other Five are left to live. However, townspeople set fire to the Pack's home and outbuildings, and Vivian's father dies in an attempt to rescue others. So the remaining pack members move to Maryland to stay with Vivian's Uncle Rudy.
Now Vivian can't fit in. Her art teacher is impressed with her talents; boys watch her but never approach; and the Five young male werewolves virtually stalk her. But the high school girls won't allow her anywhere near, and the boys act as if they're afraid. Finally she feels she's achieving some fame (or at least notice) when her sketch is published in the school literary magazine, and right alongside it is a poem, celebrating wolf-hood, by a human male!

"Blood and Chocolate" is riveting. I'm so glad it was recommended to me. This is a fine exemplifier of why, at my advanced age, I still read and enjoy YA fiction. The well-illustrated characters, tight plotting, subtle minuet of romance, and for me, especially the background, history, and sociology, of the Pack, made an exciting and enrapturing novel I am so happy to have read, and to be able to reread. A great pleasure!
 Blood and Chocolate

Girl meets boy. Girl loses boy after turning into ravenous wolf monster. Girl tries to get boy back. It's a fairly standard tune, right? At least, it is for poor Vivian. With the wilderness shrinking fast in the face of urban progress, disaster seems to follow the loup-garoux wherever they flee. Without a true home to call their own, these nomadic werewolves are forced to live among humans in secret. Befriending "meat-people" is strictly discouraged, an easy task for Vivian. She's never fit in among anyone at the human high school she attends. But then she meets Aidan, a sweet, sensitive (non-furry) boy who is deeply interested in the occult. Is he her ticket to true happiness? Or will an innocent misunderstanding compromise the pack's safety once again? Although the novel boasts to be a teen romance, this proves to be more of a subplot. The true story is about a young woman learning to tell the difference between love and lust. While this in itself is an admirable undertaking, Klause falls sadly short in terms of plot and character development. Vivian is the only character that truly comes into her own, while Aidan and the members of her pack seem two-dimensional. In terms of plot, what could have been a great story turns into a regrettably mediocre treatment of an otherwise fascinating fantasy creature. But Klause doesn't strike out completely. Vivian's journey from the innocence and luxury of teen rebellion into the sobering reality of adulthood dispels any unrealistic attitudes some teens might have about romance, and Vivian (despite being furry) has enough teen issues and rebellion to be an attractive heroine to readers. Recommended for Ages 15-up.

This is primarily a coming-of-age story. As werewolf Vivian's pack struggles with the loss of their leader, Vivian herself struggles to figure out who she and what she wants. Her confusion is only increased when she falls for a human who she desperately wants to accept her for who - and what - she is. When a murder puts both her pack and her human friends in danger, Vivian is stuck in the middle of the conflict between them.

This is definitely a book with some high school drama, as Vivian starts a new school, goes on dates, and tries to make friends. Through it all, Vivian has typical high school concerns, but also deals with the more challenging problems facing her pack plus her questions about her own identity as both a human and a wolf. Despite her teenage concerns, Vivian is never too angsty. She is ruled by her emotions and makes some extreme, sometimes even stupid decisions, but her heart is always in the right place.

Because of the werewolf element, there's a second dimension to this story that lifts it above and beyond the typical high school story. There is an element of sensuality, from Vivian's confident character to the rich descriptions of places and feelings, which makes the book both a little more adult and a lot more fun. Finally, there's a great twist at the end that just puts the finishing touch on this unusually sexy werewolf story. I loved this as a young adult and was extremely happy with how it held up to a re-read.

I have heard excellent things about this book and have been meaning to read it for quite some time. I really enjoyed The Silver Kiss by Klause. Finally I got around to reading it and it was a very good book.

Vivian is loup-garou, a werewolf of sorts. She lives with her mother and the rest of a pack who are struggling to survive. Vivian's father was the pack leader and when he was killed in an accident they were left leaderless. It also appears that someone is killing humans, and the wounds look suspiciously wolf-like. With all the tension over these issues the pack is a mess. Vivian just wants to fit in somewhere and finds solace in a boy at school named Adrian. But can he ever accept the real Vivian? In the end Vivian may have to choose, does she want to embrace her human side? Or stay true to her loup-garou roots? Which will she decide ultimately tastes better blood or chocolate?

This was a very well done book. As far as books done about werewolves it was one of the better young adult books out there. The description throughout is beautiful; although Vivian isn't the most likable heroine you end up really feeling her pain by the end of the book. Klause did an excellent job in having events unfold in a way that they really would.

I loved how Klause brings a lot of mythology around the moon into this story and how when Vivian runs as wolf you can really feel the beauty of the night that she feels.

The above being said I did have one big problem with this book. That problem is that almost all of the characters are complete jerks at one point or another. I actually started reading this book last year and had to set it aside because I just disliked all of the characters so much. I am glad I finally stuck with it though and read this book; in the end I did learn to sympathize with these characters, but I still didn't like them much.

Overall this was a very good young adult werewolf book. There are scenes of beauty and descriptions of the night that are very lyrical. While I didn't find the characters to be likable, there was a brutal honesty to them that was refreshing. If you enjoyed Nightshade: Book 1 you would probably enjoy this book; if you loved this book I would recommend reading Nightshade: Book 1.

Author: Annette Curtis Klause
Book Type: Paperback
Vivian Gandillon relishes the change, the sweet, fierce ache that carries her from girl to wolf. At sixteen, she is beautiful and strong, and all the young wolves are on her tail. But Vivian still grieves for her dead father; her pack remains leaderless and in disarray, and she feels lost in the suburbs of Maryland. She longs for a normal life. But what is normal for a werewolf? Then Vivian falls in love with a human, a meat-boy. Aiden is kind and gentle, a welcome relief from the squabbling pack. He's fascinated by magic, and Vivian longs to reveal herself to him. Surely he would understand her and delight in the wonder of her dual nature, not fear her as an ordinary human would. Vivian's divided loyalties are strained further when a brutal murder threatens to expose the pack. Moving between two worlds, she does not seem to belong in either. What is she really--human or beast? Which tastes sweeter--blood or chocolate?

I bought Blood and Chocolate ages ago, and only just picked it up last week. I'm very glad I did, because Blood and Chocolate has become one of my favorite werewolf books.

The big kicker with this book is that instead of the fragile human girl falling for the dangerous otherworldly boy, it's the exact opposite! Vivian is the femme fatal, beautiful and dangerous, who makes Aiden fall for her. I loved that Vivian was strong and willful, doing what she wanted even when it went against everyone in her pack. She followed her heart, even if the outcome didn't exactly go as she had planned.

It was interesting to read this book, because it was one of the more, erm, risqué ones I've read in a while. Nothing outrageous, but there are elements that definitely make this book anti-middle school student. But I enjoyed that Klause included these matters and didn't curb around them as if teenagers are too stupid to understand what they are.

The book was well written, and I could easily get into Vivian's head. Take away the fact she was a werewolf, and I could relate to her well. She went through normal teenage girl dilemas--boyfriend troubles, ex-boyfriend troubles, jealousy, heartbreak, and having all the boys ogling her... Okay, well maybe not normal teenage girl troubles, but it happens.

Title: Blood and Chocolate
Author: Annette Curtis Klause
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing Information: 264 pages; August 11th, 1997 by Laurel Leaf
Series: Stand alone

Where I got it: E-book from the library

One sentence: Werewolf Vivian Gandillon feels torn between her love for her wolf-body, and her desire to be normal; so when she falls in love with the human Aiden, she finds her loyalties tested to the limit.

Themes: Urban fantasy, romance, werewolves, mystery, murder, suspense,

Main character: 4.5/5
Vivian was such a different character than what I am used to in YA fiction. She came off initially as arrogant and brusque, simply because she was incredibly self-confident. I loved how passionate she was about who she was- it a refreshing change from the protagonists who based their self worth only on their love interest. Further, her manipulation and sexuality is so different from countless other main characters that I've read. I enjoyed how open Klause was about Vivian's downfalls, which made me enjoy her selfless and sweet moments even more.

Secondary characters: 3.5/5
I'm gonna be honest, I didn't particularly like any of the secondary characters, except maybe Aiden. Vivian's mom was ridiculous: over-the-top in her sexuality and attempts to be at the top. The Five were childish and rude. I was turned-off by Gabriel's ease at letting the women fight over him and at his lack of respect for his elders. Still, I found it realistic with the premise and I didn't find it distracting to the point where I couldn't read any more. Each of the characters had their own redeeming qualities which allowed me to see past some of their faults. Aiden himself was sweet and kind, but also a fully developed character with a background and faults that became obvious.

Writing style: 4/5
The pacing was perfect- the description was light but illustrative, the action was intense and spaced well, and the balance between the two was just right. Vivian's dialogue fit her character perfectly, and I never had that moment where I scoffed at something. I loved the separations based on the month and moon descriptions, and the wolf-colloquialisms that pointed to a werewolf-culture.

Plot: 4/5
While certainly nothing new, I found Klause's spin on the werewolf-novel fascinating. In particular, the plot wasn't necessarily human-centric. While Aiden was an important catalyst of change for Vivian, the novel focused on her and her struggles with being a werewolf. The world-building was also particularly outstanding, and I found that it added another, deeper level to the book that made it all the more enjoyable to read. The clash at the end was also stunning, especially this little character/plot twist, and the solution to the mystery was thrilling.

Ending: 3.5/5
I'm not sure how I felt, just because it was kind of out-of-the-blue. However, it didn't feel wrong in any way, and I enjoyed the romance.

Best scene: The final clash at the river

Positives: Original characters, writing style, plot

Negatives: Plot originality, unlikeable characters, out-of-the-blue ending

First Line: Flames shot high, turning the night lurid with carnival light.

Cover: Pretty! For the `90's. Fits the book particularly well- the moon phases, girl-wolf, chaotic colors.

Verdict: A fascinating and sexy read that predates many of our YA favorites, but is just as good.

Rating: 7.9 / 10

Yes, Blood and Chocolate doesn't sound like a good mix right? If you replace the "and" with "or" (blood or chocolate), the real question will be found right in the pages of this book. It's really hard to tell you just to read the book when you don't know somewhat it is about. So to sum some of up - it's about werewolves.

Vivian is the main character in the book; she is 16 and a werewolf. When she goes to school she finds a poem (about werewolves), she finds out the author's name is Aiden (he is a human). They then fall in love with each other. On the other hand though, there is Gabriel - a muscular member of the pack who ends up being leader after the ordeal. The other five (Rafe, Greg, Ulf, Finn, will) all want Vivian to be their mate.

Vivian makes a huge mistake of making herself queen!! What about Aiden? Does she want to somehow break off the ordeal so she can be with Aiden or will he be afraid of her for being a wolf? There are so many questions to be asked and answer.

I love this book because I like the style of Vivian. She has to be tough yet pretty because you know it's a girl thing. She always has to put up with the five and hide her secret with Aiden. Then there is her mom who wants her to be with one of the five or just to be with someone that Not human.

Blood and Chocolate is a very good book with an amazing ending. Once you start reading, you can't put it down.

Vivian is a werewolf. She's always known this, and has always accepted it. She knows she's a member of a pack, for good or for ill. What she also knows is that she's not sure that the future that's been chosen for her--to mate with one of the pack members--is the one she wants. When an opportunity presents itself for Vivian to flirt with an attractive boy at her school, she seizes the moment to be a normal teen with normal desires. Aidan is sweet and sexy, and Vivian finds herself falling for him. But what about her other self? Can she share this secret part of herself with the boy she loves, or should she, as the pack insists, stay with the wolf-kind? Complicating matters is Gabriel, the new pack leader; after involving herself in the process that named him, Vivian unwillingly finds herself Gabriel's chosen "queen"--a title and a position she vehemently does not want.

Had there not been supernatural beings involved, this might have been any young adult book. We have the star-crossed lovers, the dysfunctional family, a disapproving community, lots of sexual tension, betrayals, and discovering who you really are. The addition of the werewolf aspect is indeed a new twist, and probably keeps this novel from dissolving into emotional overdrive. Klause also mixes things up with murders that must be solved, and a truly disgusting mother (though she does try to make the mother at times sympathetic). Vivian is left to her own devices much of the time, and as a teen, she sometimes makes the wrong choices.

I wanted to like this novel more than I did. While it did have its moments, it was peopled with characters I just didn't care for. I liked Vivian, but she never really connected with me. The other characters were either overbearing, mean, or wimpy; Vivian's mother, though grieving, was a particular irritant, throwing herself at men and leaving Vivian alone to face her own demons. There were some exciting parts, but the gore factor was fairly high. The ending is satisfying, but I wasn't left wishing the book was longer. If you like supernatural tales, you'll probably enjoy this one, though I can recommend it only to those who already enjoy the genre.

Vivian is a 15-year-old werewolf living happily with her pack in the country when a horrible murder destroys the world she loves. In tragic disarray, her pack moves to the suburbs and tries to get reorganized. In the midst of this chaos, Vivian has an identity crisis and falls for a human "meat-boy." Her experiences trying to fit in with meat-people teaches her a lot about herself. Meanwhile, the grisly murders continue, and the pack must hunt down the killers before they, themselves, become hunted. This book was very engaging. It was interesting and suspenseful enough that I really wanted to know how it ended, despite the fact that I disliked all the characters. Vivian was manipulative and conceited. Her mother had little character other than expressing concern for her daughter and being obsessed with sex. Vivian's meat-boy boyfriend seemed likable enough at first (though not particularly alluring), but then his qualities took a nose-dive towards the end of the book. Honestly, I'm not sure why this book gets such good reviews, but I suppose it's simply because the narrative is so engaging.

Vivian is a teenaged werewolf. She has lived her entire life with the pack, including her parents and extended family. Vivian loves being a part of them and being able to change into a wonderful night creature at will. She has gotten a bit tired of her agemates recently, though, a group of boys who call themselves the Five. They are all trying hard to win her for their mate, but they are getting far too competitive.

To make matters worse, their pack is in turmoil. They are forbidden to harm humans but at their last home one of their members was hunting humans and was caught. The hunter was killed but rumors of what they were leaked out and the inn the family ran as their business was burned down. Vivian's father was killed in the fire, and she is still angry and unsure about the pack, especially the Five, with their impetuous ways. She just wants to find someone she can count on.

At school Vivian meets Aiden, a kind and gentle boy who seems open-minded about dark types of magic. The pack is against her dating him, as they think it's ridiculous to date someone she could never mate. But Vivian finds herself drawn to Aiden and his love for her.

But when Vivian accidentally wins a pack fight to earn the right to mate Gabriel, a powerful and intense wolf, her life becomes much more complex.

I liked the way the author was able to imagine the pack mentality, and what it would be like to be part wolf. These descriptions of mating and sex through the wolf mind were interesting. I liked seeing the relationships Vivian had with those around her, and it was interesting to see the ways in which her relationship with Aiden didn't match up with her relationships with the pack.

However, there was a distinct feel of a romance novel to this book, with the brooding, dark and dangerous character of Gabriel, the one the heroine hated but then would grow to love, of course. I thought that part was much overdone.

I have been meaning to read Blood and Chocolate for a while now. Honestly, I first heard about it after seeing the movie version of the book. I did enjoy the movie, so I decided I wanted to read the book to see how it compared. After reading even the first chapter of Blood and Chocolate, it was obvious that the movie was loosely based on the book. Since I saw the movie first, I was expecting certain things to happen that did not. The book was barely like the movie. I think the characters' names are about the only thing that is the same in both.

Movie aside, I definitely liked this book. It was a fun book. Vivian is such a strong girl that it was easy to enjoy the story. I loved the amazing romance with all of the complications along the way. The sensual scenes were wonderfully written and thrilling to read. Some people may not like the ending because it could be considered controversial, but I loved it. I think the way Annette Curtis Klause ended Blood and Chocolate book was amazing and perfect. In my opinion, it was the right choice.

I am glad I read Blood and Chocolate because I enjoyed it so much. There were many twists and turns that made the book exciting and a definite page turner. I most certainly like it more than the movie. If you like supernatural books, I think you will like this one.

**spoiler alert** This book was pretty much nothing like the movie, and I liked it a lot more. One thing that particularly impressed me was how well the author used voice to show the difference between the werewolf culture and human culture. In many books of this type, the "otherworldly" creature has a life just like a human aside from their extraordinary powers or abilities, but this was a good blend of "normal teen problems" and "problems with werewolf life." I got a really good sense of the pack's society and culture.

(Spoiler) Another thing I liked is how the inter-species romance didn't work out for a change. Most of the time in books like this, the human and the creature overcome their differences and end up together, but Vivian didn't end up with Aiden. In the end, Aiden just couldn't accept what she was. I think this was more realistic and original.

"Blood and Chocolate" is Annette Curtis Klause's third novel (following "The Silver Kiss" and "Alien Secrets"). Here, her writing darkens, and I loved every lightening-paced second of it.

Vivian Gandillon is a vivacious teen werewolf who doesn't know her place anymore. Stricken by and partly-responsible for her father's recent demise, she feels separated from her mother and other packmates and finds refuge in her artwork. Then she meets Aiden, a hippie poet who's intrigued by her raw and tenacious spirit. Vivian is torn between this human boy (who knows nothing of her true nature) and her pack (who hates humans altogether). A few late-night drinking binges cause Vivian some major black-outs, followed by gruesome murders. Vivian can't remember anything; is she a killer? With humans closing in all around and her beloved Aiden in the proverbial dark about her secret, Vivian is at a complete loss about what to do or whom she can trust.

Klause's descriptions are smooth and flawless with all subplots neatly stitched together. Particularly wonderful is Vivian's slow descent into madness and the way she tells off the people who get in her face. Everyone can understand Vivian being unable to connect with her mother and being courted by a guy who oversteps boundaries, and you can definitely understand Vivian going too far, herself. She's still very young and learning about balance, and this is reflected nicely in the physical imbalance in her nature: is she girl or beast?

Klause also refuses to engage in easy answers or sticky-sweet happy endings, preferring the harsh reality that adulthood offers. If werewolves exist, I could see this happening to them.

No matter what age - young person or adult - I think you'll enjoy BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE. In fact, I'm planning to give it as birthday gifts to my young cousins (ages 12 to 16) who like to read. I enjoyed it, and I'm almost 30. To summarize, BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE is the angst-filled story of a teenage werewolf (Vivian) who falls in love with a human boy, which is against the traditions of the pack. In the meanwhile, she must deal with real-life issues like the death of her father, moving, making new friends and fitting in, and dealing with the fact that her family (the pack) is growing apart. Among the werewolf parts of the story is a fascinating contest to see who will be the new alpha male leading the pack, and how he acquires his mate. I thought all of the characters were intriguing and the story to be well written, and I ended up reading the entire book in about two hours. I also couldn't help but root for the boy I wanted Vivian to end up with, and was so pleased when she did! Thoroughly engaging, BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE isn't just a romantic werewolf fantasy (this is not a horror novel); it is also a coming-of-age story. Parents please note that there is quite a bit of sexual tension in this book, as well as the use of some profanity (though most is in line with canine references).

I read this book because a friend suggested it, and since then I have read it twice. This book is incredible. The main character Vivian will make you think what it is like to be a teenager - even if you aren't a werewolf. This book is unusual in that Vivian can control her being a werewolf except during the full moon. The only other book that I have read about werewolves that has this is "Blood Trail" by Tanya Huff. Vivian's "pack" has moved to the suburbs after their farm was burnt down and their leader (Vivians father) died. In the suburbs there are constant fights for leadership, and Vivians mother must deal with the threat from a younger female. All that conflict is made worse when Vivian starts seeing a "meat boy". Vivian must decide whether or not to reveal her true nature to her new love - and she must also deal with the advances of the Five.
Vivian was a character that became like an old friend. You completely enter her world of scornful teenagers and pack-rules of her family. Gabriel makes you love him and hate him in turn as he becomes Vivians hunter and protector. At times I was frustrated with this book because it seems as if the author was keeping a secret from you - only to have the story engulf you.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone with a taste for the unusual. If you enjoy this book then you should also try "Blood Trail" - which has a vampire as well as werewolves.

Vivian is a typical teenager, rebelling against her mother and family, falling in love for the first time, and trying to understand her changing identity. Only, Vivian is a werewolf, loupgaroux. And she has fallen in love with a human boy, Aiden, who is a Romantic, a poet, a gentle soul. This is a dangerous time for her pack, her newly-widowed mother, and the Five boys she's grown up with. They have moved from the wilderness to the city and have become more savage and angry. Savagely murdered victims keep showing up, and Vivian can't keep her secret from Aiden much longer. Vivian is trapped between the two worlds, the human and the wolf, but soon she must find her place among her pack. The parallels between werewolf and teenager (both trapped in an ever-changing world of the threshold), between the packs of wolves and those of family and teenage cliques, the universal theme of discovering your identity and place, all make this an extraordinary teenage supernatural novel. Unfortunately, it is a book for teenagers, not for anyone younger, nor anyone older. Grade: B+

Vivianne is not a "normal" teenager. She is a sleek and powerful predator. She is a wereworlf. But one day at school she notices a poem describing the change into a wolf next to a picture she has drawn in the school newspaper. She immediately seeks the author out wanting to know how some human should dare know the change into wolf form. The author turns out to be a boy named Aiden, who with his bohemian looks and interest in magaick and all things weird intruiges Vivianne like no human ever has before. Aiden and Vivian start to fall in love even though she knows it's forbidden bcause he is a "meat boy" and only half a person for Moon's sake! Not to mention that she is now Queen B and belongs to the leader of the clan, Gabriel. Vivianne decides she no longer wants to hide herself from Aiden and decides to show him her true self. What will happen? Will Aiden still love her?
What a GREAT book. Man, I thought that Gabriel was awesome and Aiden was a real wimp. What is it with hott dangerous guys named Gabriel (see Dark Visions by: LJ Smith)? Anywayz buy this book. You wont regret it.

Three stars because I take into account a heroine, Vivian, that's not Mary Predictable Sue, the unique circumstances of the book, the understanding of wolves, and the decency of writing ability. I somewhat enjoyed the book.

Only somewhat enjoyable because Vivian is so far gone as a wolf, stuck on her instincts, that she couldn't converge into a realistic teenage lifestyle to deepen her character and the story.

Instead, forced by the constraints of too much wolf and not enough human, an unlikely romance forms between herself and Aiden, this romance is totally void of any substance and human emotions excluding lust. This relationship is a big part of the premise for the book. But it's a cracked foundation that lends a helping hand on knocking off the two stars in my rating.

Also it seemed to me that most of the characters were too extreme. There were no likable human qualities- only vices. It didn't feel like Vivian was a person. To add to that I felt the book was too methodical. Everything was planned to work out with the ending and so I lost the hint of a grip on the already bad characters. They became puppets.

Overall I think this book had a lot of potential but I didn't really enjoy reading it.

Vivian is a werewolf: young, attractive, just come of age, and proud to be a wolf. However, after the death of her father, her pack has been displaced and is in turmoil, making her feel estranged from the other wolves. When she meets a human boy named Aiden, romance sparks between them. He is a welcome change from the turmoil of her wolf life, but love between a human and a werewolf is forbidden and Vivian worries that Aiden will not be able to accept her completely. Blood and Chocolate is a very different coming of age story, in which Vivian must learn to completely accept herself as a wolf and learn the differences between the werewolf and the human. The plot is interesting, but the characters are exaggerated and idealized and the writing lacks skill, although improves during the course of the book. This is a text I would have preferred to keep on remembering fondly from my childhood; it does not make a very good reread for an adult audience. Ambivalently recommended.

There are some books from your childhood that you come back to, reread, and discover that they are as good as you remember or even better. There are other books from your childhood that turn out to be something of a disappointment, and this book is of that later category. Blood and Chocolate has a wonderful premise, but complications such as characterization and writing style drag the book down. The first half is bad, almost laughably so. The second half improves as characters become more complex and the writing matures, but all in all this is a book best left fondly remembered rather than reread.

For the first part of the text, the characters are cliché to a great degree; only with complications in the plot do they become more complex themselves. Vivian is devastatingly attractive with exceptionally long legs. She wears skin-tight dresses that "sheath" her form. She writes her phone number on Aiden's palm. Until the character falls into love and then begins to doubt her love, she is exceptionally limited, idealized, cliché, and laughably so for all qualities. The writing style also begins as limited and as cliché, rich with verbs like "sheath," cliff-hangers, thoughts in italics, and a brash neo-Gothic air. However, I suspect that the book was written linearly, because by the end the writing style has much matured and improved.

The improvement in both character and writing style makes the end of the book better, even satisfying, but it also makes the book as a whole feel disjointed. In fact, the end of the book is quite good, both in terms of the plot itself and Vivian's changes and challenges, and in terms of style and technique. On this account, I do somewhat recommend the book, as by the end it feels like a worthwhile read. However, the better the end of the book gets, the worse the beginning feels in comparison, making me wish that Klause and her editor had spent more time bring the whole of the book to a universal high standard. In the end, I recommend this text only ambivalently: it's not a bad one to read as young adult and the ending does help justify the time spend reading, but technically it is an inconsistent, sub par text. Read it if you want, or don't, but you may not want to come back to it if you had fond memories of it from your childhood.

If you like predictable books then this one is NOT for you. But if you like fast-paced, original and interesting books about the paranormal, especially werewolves, then--BINGO!--you're in luck.

This is the second Annette Curtis Klause book I have read. I didn't mind the first one too much, The Silver Kiss, but I wasn't really thrilled by it. However, this book is much better than that one was. Blood and Chocolate, written years later, proves that this writer has, like a good bottle of wine, really improved with time.

This isn't the perfect novel, but it's still pretty damned good. It's pretty damned sexy, too! There's a lot of sexual tension in the story. If you're looking for a straight love story, where two people meet, fall in love and have a predictably happy ending, then you might find this a little uncomfortable. I mean, there's still a happy ending, and a logical one too, with a lot of love and sensuality involved, but it's a little unconventional and unexpected. Personally, I really liked it. I liked the realism of the werewolves, too...no Hollywood cliches here. The author did her research well, and captured the real essence of wolves: their characteristics, their inter-relationships with one another, even their personal habits.

I suggest that you take this book for a ride...it's a fast one, and at the end, you'll probably want to go again!

If you like predictable books then this one is NOT for you. But if you like fast-paced, original and interesting books about the paranormal, especially werewolves, then--BINGO!--you're in luck.

This is the second Annette Curtis Klause book I have read. I didn't mind the first one too much, The Silver Kiss, but I wasn't really thrilled by it. However, this book is much better than that one was. Blood and Chocolate, written years later, proves that this writer has, like a good bottle of wine, really improved with time.

This isn't the perfect novel, but it's still pretty damned good. It's pretty damned sexy, too! There's a lot of sexual tension in the story. If you're looking for a straight love story, where two people meet, fall in love and have a predictably happy ending, then you might find this a little uncomfortable. I mean, there's still a happy ending, and a logical one too, with a lot of love and sensuality involved, but it's a little unconventional and unexpected. Personally, I really liked it. I liked the realism of the werewolves, too...no Hollywood cliches here. The author did her research well, and captured the real essence of wolves: their characteristics, their inter-relationships with one another, even their personal habits.

I suggest that you take this book for a ride...it's a fast one, and at the end, you'll probably want to go again!

Okay, it's a beautifully written book, Annette Curtis Klause writes great books. The main character, Vivian, is a werewolf, so obviously she'd have a different set of morals than a human (Not that I agree with her morals), but you know, when I'm reading the reviews and a bunch of people are saying: Oh, she never thinks about her father! Um, 'scuse me, but wolves and dogs have a different grieving process than we do. Stop thinking about it like a human and really get inside Vivian's head. Um, also, in my humble opinion, I think she's a little arrogant, but wolves that are naturally alphas or have alpha qualities are like that!
It wouldn't be something that I would suggest to anyone younger than 14, but over that age is probably fine. If I were a parent, I would read the book before the teenager reads it. :) I liked the book. It might not be on my shelf of favorite books of all time, but it's still very good!
Thanks for reading my review!
~Harpingonforever

Vivian loves being a werewolf but she doesn't like having to hide what she is from humans. She also isn't too happy with the boys her age in the pack so she begins dating a human. Aiden is respectful of her and he is interested in the occult. Vivian begins to hope that she can trust him with her secret. Meanwhile, the pack is in disarray while they battle it out over the position of leader. While this continues no wolf or human is safe, including Aiden.
This book was very different from a lot of YA books I've read. The author does a really good job of writing the animalistic side of Vivian's personality. It was also petty adult for a YA book as the sex and violence aren't too watered down. People who are looking for fluffy romance with supernatural bits thrown in are going to be disappointed. However, if you like good werewolf books this one shouldn't be missed.

I liked the idea that werewolves have their own religious beliefs and it's really interesting to know what werewolf thinks human are "incomplete" that's probably the best idea in this book.

a werewolf girl who falls in love with a human boy. How romantic... BUT WAIT more stuff is coming to reveal that the story is actually NOT that simple:

Vivian- even though she's obivously really in love with Aiden but I really believed that at first she goes for the human because she doesn't want to be controlled. because she's so beautiful and every werewolf guy wants her to be his mate.

Aiden- he may have liked Vivian but he never really loved her, not even when he doesn't know the truth. Aiden just wanted to own her, because Vivian is beautiful. But when he finds out how terrifying she can be, he dumps her and told lies about her. it's not the human frailty that ticks me, it's the fact that he told terrible lies, if it were me, I would juss ran and dissappear.

Gabriel- the coolest character in the book. so level-headed and calm about everything. he and Vivian is just perfect ( except for the age difference, but hey, they are werewolves)

overall, a very enjoyable book but I would recommand silver kiss over this book because silver kiss is more moving and emotional.

Vivian is a werewolf, loup garou, and she is bound to her pack. When she falls in love with a human, can she withstand her pack's law and live her life happily with the human? Or will sudden murders blamed on the pack bring her back to reality? Or is it she who is commiting the murders?
Annette Curtis Klause captures the distinct feel of a werewolf tale in Blood and Chocolate. Laced with suspense, action, and romance, Blood and Chocolate never failed to leave my attention. Klause introduced an all new werewolf lore and made the book feel cinematic. Her characters were all fleshed out, and you cared for them. Especially that of the main character, Vivian. The ending is one of minor surprise, but of great surprise.
Blood and Chocolate is by far one of the best novels I've read in a long time. And the cover of the book captures the feel of the book. Awesome cover. Blood and Chocolate is highly suggested for those who like horror, and for those who like a good thrill read.

This book was recommended to me by a lovely woman in a bookshop in Canada. I'd given her an idea of the sort of thing I do enjoy reading and so she reckoned I wouldn't be disappointed in this one.
It's quite a 'small' book so it didn't take too long to read it. Although the story was very good, I found that I just couldn't gel with the lead character, something usually very important to me. I hated the way she kept referring to people as boy or girl and I felt that she seemed much older than 16/17. It just bugged me a bit.
However, I am pleased that I persevered though as I found it to be an enjoyable read and well written by Klause. I would read others by the same author.

"Blood and Chocolate" by Annette Curtis Klause is about a werewolf named Vivian. When her pack is forced to move to West Virginia after a terrible fire kills her dad, trouble starts for the pack. First, they have to find a new home while maintaining their identity. And the situation gets worse when mysterious killings threaten to expose their secret. But when Vivian meets a human named Aiden, she starts to like him, and only wishes she could tell him her secret. She can't because she can't decide if she wants to or not because if she does it could put her pack in danger. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery or adventerous book,because there is always something exciting happening constantly. Like when they have to fight to find the new leader of the wolf pack, and when the killings start to happen. Fights are almost always happening in this book, which is another reason it is adventerous.

I really enjoyed the whole werewolf tribal thingy. I loved how involved you get in their werewolf culture and lifestyle. I loved the notion of a female werewolf trying to fit in at school and in "normal" adolescent social gatherings. I even loved the forbidden relationship that she started up with the "meat boy." I didn't too much care for HOW the relationship went sour, even though I knew it would. And I definitely didn't like who she ended up with in the end. There was nothing to really like about this guy. As a reader, I wish I had been given the chance to like SOMETHING about him first. That's all. Other than the ending that some may not like, I'd recommend this book. It's definitely puts a spin on things like relationships, female issues, being an outcast, etc.

Blood and Chocolate was a good and quick read, but the writing was not very good. Many of the characters seemed to have multiple personalities throughout the corse of the book. The story was good, but I think that it could have been better if it had had a sequel or had been the start of a trilogy or something. It is very fast paced, and won't take you long to read. If you enjoy werewolves I would recommend this book to you. If you get bothered easily about writing style, I would definitely surpass this book. After you finish it, you have a feeling of "well that was nice....now what should I read next" so if you have a long car ride or airplane trip, this is a good book to pass the time.

The topic of Werewolves has been an interest drifting throughout the world of literature for many years. Yet it has very rarely lost its luster that would allow the myth to fade away.

This is a result of different origins and aspects of the creatures being brought to life through the pen of the author.

Through the pages of "Blood and Chocolate", the legend continues to howl with the story being taken through a new twist. Giving the werewolves a new way of living in the world, their thoughts on how to view themselves, their world and those different from themselves.

For many of those who are a fan of the werewolf genre this will be a highly recommended book to pick up.