REVIEW: Between a Vamp and a Hard Place by Jessica Sims

In Between a Vamp and a Hard Place by Jessica Sims, Antiques dealer Lindsey Hughes and her best friend and business partner Gemma find themselves headed to Italy after getting a deal on an estate sale. But they get even more than they bargained for when they uncover a coffin with a six hundred year old vampire in it.

‘His pose was one of such casual sexiness that I wondered if the utter sensuality of every movement he made was part of the vampire package, or if Rand had just been sex on a stick before becoming a vampire.’

Rand FitzWulf is a devilishly handsome, enigmatic former warlord who wishes to enlist Lindsey’s help in finding out who staked and then trapped him hundreds of years ago. Their instant connection and attraction complicates matters with Lindsey fearing for her safety around the vamp but still wanting to help Rand in his search. As the dangers mount and their time together cements their feelings, Lindsey and Rand will have some tough decisions to make about their possible future together.

“You are a gift to me, you know that, Lindsey? I thought this new world I’d awakened in was full of nothing but cruelty, but I find that with you here, it has so much potential.”

Between a Vamp and a Hard Place was a rollicking adventure that took us from the U.S. to Italy where our heroine met her handsome ‘fish out of water’ hero–a centuries old vampire. Cue their instant attraction and the ensuing dangerous search for his enemies.

I am new to Jessica Sims’ paranormals, so this was a wonderful way to begin. I completely fell for both Lindsey and Rand. And Lindsey’s foulmouthed BFF Gemma. What a riot she was! There was a bit of snark to the writing which I love, especially in paranormals. It just seems to fit the genre quite well. But there was also a lot heart to this story. Watching poor Rand try to fit into the modern world was, yes, at times amusing, but it made me empathize with how difficult it would be in his situation. Plus with Lindsey knowing she may not get to hang on to her newfound love for long, there were some bittersweet moments, too.

I loved the connection and the friendships between the characters. It made the snappy dialogue that much more fun and meaningful as well. There was a great sisterhood bond between Gemma and Lindsey that you don’t always see in this genre, so that added a little something special to the storyline for me. But I think what I enjoyed most was getting all of the character’s backgrounds and seeing how a six hundred year old vamp could relate to twenty-something year olds. They had all been through tough times, so getting that history and seeing them connect was wonderful

This rather lighthearted paranormal romance had charming characters, fight scenes, deception, and genuine love all set in a European background. How good does that sound? Whether you’re already a fan of Jessica Sims or not, I think this standalone novel will turn you into one, just like it did me.

Book Info:

Publication: Published December 29th 2015 | Pocket Books |

In the wickedly funny spirit of bestselling authors Kerrelyn Sparks and Molly Harper, this sexy paranormal romance features an estate broker and a 600-year-old vampire out for revenge.

Lindsey Hughes loves antiques and couldn’t be happier to make a living in the estate sale business. But when her assistant accidentally buys an entire estate without her approval, Lindsey is forced to clean up the mess herself.

Lindsey travels to the newly purchased, age-old house in Venice, Italy, and soon discovers more than she (never) bargained for. While digging through the hoarder’s trove that fills every floor, she finds a secret staircase behind a wall that leads to a strange coffin…with an even stranger inhabitant.

Vampire Rand FitzWulf has been in his coffin for 600 years. But now that he’s awake, he’s ravenous, and there’s a delicious-smelling woman with a rare blood type in his basement. Luckily, Lindsey has more to offer than blood: she agrees to travel throughout Europe with Rand to help him get revenge on the one who turned him. But as the unlikely pair grows closer, will the billionaire vampire be overtaken by his thirst for blood—or his thirst for love?