Laney

By Joann I. Martin Sowles

Laney: The Brookehaven Vampires, Book 1

In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life, that is until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he?

As Laney’s sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure, including a love she didn’t know she longed for. She quickly learns that Oliver is not ordinary, nor is the rest of his family, including a sister who openly hates her and a brother who will stop at nothing to get revenge.

As she fights for her life, and Oliver’s love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn’t so fictional after all. Nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver’s most important priority, and he will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk, and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn...

*Mature Content Warning* 18+
The Brookehaven Vampires series contains mature themes, including sexual content, violence, strong language, and alcohol use. It is intended for a mature audience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joann I. Martin Sowles
• Release date: Oct 29, 2010
• ISBN: 9780984486724

Joann I. Martin Sowles

Joann I. Martin Sowles is the self-published author of The Brookehaven Vampires series. She prefers fantasy to reality, loves anything purple, and is a devoted Mickey Mouse fan.She can spend hours talking about her favorite books, music, movies, and TV shows with anyone willing to listen.When she’s not consumed by her writing, Joann is busy spending time with her family or avoiding housework.To find out more about Joann and the Brookehaven Vampires, visit her website at:www.brookehavenvampires.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

Laney, wake up.

My eyes snapped open to find Kiera, my cute little roommate, leaning over me. Startled, I stared up at her while her gold-flecked blue eyes stared down at me for a long moment. She had a perky smile plastered on her pale, pixie-like face. It was a bit unnerving.

Knowing she wouldn’t leave until she knew I’d stay awake, I tossed the covers aside. I hate mornings, I groaned, my heart still thumping frantically from being startled awake.

I know, but it’s time to get up, she said cheerfully, her baby soft, straight blonde hair brushing her shoulders as she just about skipped out of my room.

With another groan, I rolled out of bed to get ready for the day.

It was mid-September and the first day of our second year of college at the university in our small, Northern Californian town. For unknown reasons, the school year was starting later than usual, which was fine by me. Kiera was probably the only person disappointed by this, the rest of us were happy with those extra days of summer. But Kiera loved school and was irritated by the later-than-usual start, which explained her happiness on this particular morning. For me, it was just something to pass the time.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved to learn, but there were so many other things I would rather be doing, and sitting in a stuffy classroom, listening to a grouchy professor ramble on and on wasn’t at the top of my list. But I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future, so I was killing time until I figured it out, or until something better came along, even if it was seriously boring doing so.

While grabbing a bowl for my Lucky Charms, Kiera informed me, You have twenty minutes before we need to leave. Go get ready. She shooed me out of the kitchen toward the bathroom. We have English in thirty minutes and parking is going to be a nightmare.

Ugh, I groaned, leaving my bowl on the counter. No time for breakfast this morning. English? I whined, only somewhat playfully. Why can’t we start our day with something more interesting? I already know how to speak English. I flashed a teasing smile before closing the bathroom door.

She rolled her eyes at me over her morning bowl of oatmeal. I honestly didn’t know how she could eat that nasty stuff.

Twenty minutes later, I met Kiera downstairs in the apartment parking lot. She was leaning against my car, sunning herself in the early sunshine. The warm morning was a reminder that the carefree days of summer vacation were gone. With a deep sigh, I tossed my backpack onto the back seat and reluctantly slid into the driver’s seat.

As we pulled out onto the street, Kiera said, Here. She tossed a plastic sandwich bag full of Lucky Charms in my lap.

Sweet! You just made my day. My spirits brightened as I shoved a handful of cereal in my mouth.

Whatever, she said, the hint of a smile appearing as she turned away and gazed out the passenger window.

Kiera was my closest friend, next to my aunt Lilly. I met Kiera six years earlier in a dance class, and we’d been inseparable ever since. The dance class, on the other hand, didn’t make it longer than two months.

Laney, she said quietly, still staring out the window, How do you do it?

Do what? I asked, clumsily shoving another handful of cereal into my mouth with my free hand.

She turned her attention to me. How do you get out of bed twenty minutes before we have to leave and look so put together and beautiful? She tugged my ponytail.

Ow! Stop that! I smacked her hand away and she laughed. Thanks for the compliment, I said sarcastically, shooting her a quick and playful dirty look. Now stop it. You’re just nervous about starting school and seeing Carter. You look fantastic, as always. I glanced her way and gave her an encouraging smile. There’s nothing to worry about.

She smiled back, but the look in her eyes made it obvious she was still nervous.

Every year since high school, it had been the same thing with Kiera. She loved school, but she was a what-ifer. She was always worrying: What if I forget the answer when I’m called on? What if I panic on a test and fail? What if I get so nervous in front of the class I pass out? She’d never done any of these things in all the time I had known her, and I was sure not even before that. I was also positive she would never do any of these things.

Then there were the Carter worries. Carter was one of our close friends. They met in kindergarten and Kiera had been in love with him since then. He lived in the same apartment complex as us, and we saw him often, but he’d been away most of the summer, so we hadn’t seen him in a while.

Carter hung out with us a lot, and my guess was that he liked her too, but they were both too shy to ask the other one out. It was a shame, really. All that time they were wasting because they were both too nervous to ask the other one out when they could be enjoying each other. My guess was that they both feared rejection, or maybe the unknown. Honestly, who really knew, other than them? But they weren’t spilling.

Anyway, Kiera got nervous and started playing the How can you be so calm and put together? card on the first day of school every year, so I was used to it, and I knew how to deal with it. Plus, it wasn’t like I hadn’t put in any effort. I’d brushed my hair and teeth, and my flip-flops matched, which was a bonus since I’d left home many times when they didn’t. It made Kiera crazy, but I always found it amusing. I giggled at the memory of her irritation as I shoved another handful of Lucky Charms into my mouth. Kiera shot me a questioning look. I ignored it.

Two blocks from our apartment, I pulled into a student parking lot at the university and was surprised to find a spot up front. I parked my silver Honda Civic next to a large, black car with jet-black tinted windows and Nevada plates. The windows were so dark, I couldn’t even tell if anyone was inside, which really piqued my curiosity.

After getting out of the car and grabbing our bags from the back seat, I tried peering through the dark windows of the neighboring car, but all I could see was my own reflection. I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear and gave up.

Walking away, I shoved the last handful of cereal in my mouth and savored those last few marshmallows and their sugary goodness, while at the same time glancing back for one more look at that mysterious black car.

What I saw startled me and I choked on my cereal for a second.

Standing behind the now open driver’s door was a guy, and he was looking in our direction. But that wasn’t all. An odd feeling stirred inside me, and I just couldn’t grasp or even begin to figure it out. Grabbing Kiera’s arm, I came to an abrupt stop. She stumbled but quickly righted herself as she spun on me.

What are you doing? We’re going to be late! she snapped, overly irritated.

I stayed silent, trying hard to figure out the strange sensation writhing around inside me, while my eyes stayed fixed on the guy from the black car.

That feeling was strong . . . It was as if something deep down was shouting at me, wanting me to . . . remember. But I couldn’t put my finger on anything. It was as if memories were trying to resurface, like something in the back of my mind was telling me I should know something . . . or someone. . . .

What are you . . . ? Kiera followed my gaze. Oh!

Swallowing the last of my cereal, I whispered, Tell me you see him too. I was afraid, mostly because of the weird feeling tugging at me, that I was imagining him.

I do, she breathed.

I was relieved but also confused, not only by the strange feeling, but by the foggy images fighting to break through.

He leaned against the open car door, folding his arms over the top while he continued looking in our direction.

He was gorgeous.

Kiera and I just stood there, speechless, our mouths hanging open like idiots, for what seemed like forever, but was probably only seconds. And while we stood there, my hand still gripping my friend’s arm, he removed his super dark sunglasses and his eyes met mine. That strange feeling swimming inside me got stronger, as if it were beating on an imaginary door inside my subconscious, desperate for me to answer.

He smiled. Right at me. It was the most stunning smile I’d ever seen, and suddenly every fleeting memory was gone.

The heat of nervousness and embarrassment rushed up my neck to my face. I quickly turned away. Let’s go, I said in a rush. Still gripping Kiera’s arm, I felt dazed as I tugged her along behind me. She seemed reluctant to walk away, but she was soon by my side.

I glanced back once more to catch another glimpse of him and found his eyes following me. That feeling tugged at me again. There was something about him . . . in that smile. . . .

Wow, Kiera said under her breath.

No kidding, I mumbled as we hurried down the hall to class.

We made it with only seconds to spare and slipped into two seats near the top back of the stadium-seating classroom. Before we could even pull our books out of our bags, the professor started speaking. I couldn’t concentrate. All I could think about was that gorgeous guy and his wavy brown hair and amazing smile.

And those feelings. . . .

That desperate need to remember was gone, but I was left with an overwhelming feeling of wanting more, and wanting to get closer to him. Something in me needed to know him.

I felt shallow. Looks weren’t supposed to matter. . . . But they sure do help. Oh, his face . . . who knew someone could be so beautiful and perfect . . . and why had he been staring at me? He was probably wondering why I looked like I’d just rolled out of bed.

I vaguely heard my name being called in attendance and I raised my hand, still daydreaming.

Laney, Kiera whispered, the sound bringing me back to reality.

What? I snapped quietly. I shot her a dirty look. I was annoyed she’d interrupted my fantasizing.

I don’t feel well. I feel really lightheaded, like I forgot to eat, she said, keeping her voice low.

You ate. I saw you with your nasty oatmeal, I whispered, raising my lip out of disgust at the thought of the stuff.

I know, but I feel like I might pass out.

I took a good look at her. She was definitely pale, paler than usual anyway. Kiera, take a deep breath. I’ll tell the professor that I need to take you to the nurse.

No! she squeaked just loud enough to draw attention our way. How embarrassing! she whispered fiercely. The possibility of passing out in class was one of her nightmares.

"It’ll be more embarrassing if I have to have the professor or one of these jocks carry you out of here after you pass out."

Good point, she whispered as she rested her elbows on the desk and cradled her head in her hands.

I surveyed the situation, checking the distance to the exit. Okay, how about this? I whispered. We’re sitting close enough to the door that we can probably sneak out and no one will notice.

She glanced my way and smiled, seemingly pleased with this plan. She still looked rather pale, but not as bad.

I scanned the room, making sure we hadn’t drawn too much attention so we could sneak out unnoticed, and that’s when I saw him, that beautiful guy from the black car. He was sitting just two rows down on the right-hand side of the aisle.

How did I miss him coming in? He had to have gone right by me. Man, I really must’ve been in my own world!

Kiera, that guy is in our class, I frantically whispered, leaning close to her but not taking my eyes off the mysterious guy.

Where? Her head snapped up to search the room. She obviously felt better.

Over there, I whispered, nodding in his direction.

We were both staring at him when he glanced back at us. He smiled at me. Okay, he might’ve been smiling at both of us, but I wanted to believe it was just at me. My cheeks warmed and I quickly turned away. Then I heard a thud, like the sound of a heavy book being dropped on a table. I turned to find Kiera passed out and that thud I’d heard was her head hitting the desktop.

Holy Crap! Kiera just passed out! What do I do?

I don’t know why, but my head snapped in the new guy’s direction. He turned toward us, sitting on the edge of his seat, his feet in the aisle, and he was eyeing me, concerned.

The professor called my name, but I didn’t respond. Miss Alexander, he said again. Do you need something?

How does he know?

As I turned my attention to the professor, I realized I was standing. I must’ve jumped up when I realized Kiera had passed out. Crap! Kiera!

Kiera, I muttered hesitantly and pointed at her.

Yes, I can see that Miss Blake appears to have had a long night, he said smugly, insinuating something.

What? I asked, confused and not understanding what he meant.

Some of the students snickered and I realized he was suggesting she’d been partying. What a jerk! This dude just totally lost points in my book! If he knew anything about Kiera, he would’ve known that would never happen. Especially on a school night!

No! I defended. She passed out! She told me she wasn’t feeling well and then she fainted, I said with more attitude than was necessary. Stupid Baldy Head!

Oh my! Professor McBaldy Bald exclaimed frantically, his bird face and balding head making him look even more ridiculous. I need someone to take her to the student health center. Quickly! He put his hands on his hips, which only added to his bird-like stance.

Focus, Laney. I took a deep breath, trying to pull my attention back to Kiera, but Professor McBaldy’s behavior was distracting me.

Abruptly, Gorgeous Guy stood, pulling my attention to him. He headed up the steps toward us.

You have got to be kidding me!

Oh, thank you, Mr. Knight, Professor McBaldy Bald said, looking flustered while pushing his round thin-rimmed glasses back into place with his index finger.

Like an idiot, I just stared at Gorgeous Guy, amazed by his beauty as he effortlessly scooped Kiera up in his arms and headed out of the room. I came back to myself as they disappeared out the door. I hurried after them.

I followed Kiera’s rescuer through the arched hallways to the nurse’s area, curious eyes following him as he hurried through the campus. He walked so fast, I had to jog from time to time to keep him in sight. He slowed just before reaching the student health center and waited for me to open the door so he could carry Kiera inside. She was still out as we hurried down a quiet hallway.

Once at the nurse’s station, we checked Kiera in, and I eyed Gorgeous Guy as he laid her on one of the beds. I was having a terrible time keeping my eyes off his broad shoulders and strong arms. Oh, how I wanted that to be me. Not the passing out part, just the being in his arms part. . . .

He stepped away from Kiera and stood just behind me while I explained to the nurse what had happened. The nurse began attending to Kiera and I watched. Well, I tried to. I also tried to turn just enough so it looked like I was watching the nurse, when in actuality, I was trying to look at him. Then I remembered that I’d left our bags back in class.

Are you okay? he asked. Even his voice was amazing, all manly and silky at the same time. Perfect, like him. . . .

Umm . . . yeah, I’m fine, I said, almost incomprehensibly while making eye contact with him.

Oh . . . My . . . God! He was even better up close! His wavy brown hair, which wasn’t too short or too long, covered the tops of his ears and was a bit out of control, but somehow it was absolutely perfect. His skin was flawless, his nose was precisely sculpted, his lips were full and extremely kissable, and long dark lashes framed his stunning green eyes. I got lost in them. His eyes, not his lashes.

Hey, are you sure you’re okay? he asked again, smiling faintly.

What is wrong with me? I blinked at him. I seriously needed to pull it together! What was I doing . . . ? Oh, yeah! My best friend just passed out and our stuff is back in class.

Actually, no, I finally said. I left our bags back in class, and I’m really worried about Kiera. I couldn’t take my eyes off his. They were so green and bright, like emeralds. Those have to be contacts!

I can get them for you, he said, bringing me back from the depths of his emerald eyes.

I tore my eyes away from his. Umm, actually . . . Okay, I can either have this gorgeous stranger go back for our stuff and risk something embarrassing, like a girly product, falling out of one of our bags, or my other option is to leave Kiera here, supervised by the nurse. I’m going with the latter. Less chance of something embarrassing happening.

Actually, what? he asked in his silky-smooth voice.

I could feel his eyes on me. Oh. I took a deep breath and met his gaze. I’ll just go back and get our bags, but thank you. I turned to the nurse and let her know what I was doing and that I’d be back in a few minutes. I smiled shyly at drop-dead-gorgeous guy and then I headed out of the nurse’s office.

I heard him tell the nurse goodbye as the door closed behind me, but a moment later, he called after me, Hey, wait up.

My stomach dropped and my feet stopped. I froze in place as he strolled over to me.

I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself. I’m Oliver Knight. He reached his hand out to shake mine. He had the most amazing smile.

Oh . . . uh . . . hi, I said, nearly stuttering over every word. I’m Laney. Laney Alexander. I took his hand and was surprised by its coolness. Suddenly that tugging started at the back of my mind again. There was something so familiar. . . . Gazing into his eyes, I lost myself in a sea of green, causing me to abandon all previous thoughts.

His voice stopped me from falling further into the depths of his eyes. It’s nice to meet you, Laney.

You, too. I smiled, my cheeks warming. Oh, and thank you for helping with Kiera.

You’re welcome, he said, letting go of my hand and flashing that dazzling smile.

He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and walked beside me back to our class. A couple of times, I worked up enough courage to glance at him, and every time he’d flash me a slight half-smile you could die for. And each time, my heart rate would kick up a notch and blood would rush to my cheeks. Other than that, it was a quiet walk back.

When we reached the door of our class, which was almost over, he said, It was really nice to meet you, Delaney. He flashed me an amazing smile.

I smiled back and blushed, again, as he slipped past me into the classroom. I stood there for a moment, collecting myself, and then I realized he’d called me Delaney instead of Laney.

That’s weird. I know I introduced myself as Laney. . . .

I shrugged it off, figuring Professor McBaldy Bald, who had taken attendance, must’ve called me by my full first name, since only teachers called me Delaney anymore.

Once I gathered my thoughts and pulled myself together, I snuck into the room, fortunately unnoticed by the professor. He was busy lecturing, his back to the class while writing on the board. I quickly and quietly grabbed our things, shoved them into our bags, and headed back to the nurse’s station, but not without one last glance in Oliver’s direction. He caught my glance and flashed a quick half-smile. My cheeks warmed and I hurried out of the room.

Dang, he’s gorgeous.

He filled my every thought as I headed back to Kiera.

Chapter 2

Kiera was conscious and sitting on the edge of the bed, nervously swinging her feet, when I got back.

Hey, I said quietly. How are you feeling?

Like I want to go home, she muttered, visibly embarrassed.

Without another word, she hopped off the table, grabbed her bag from my hand, and headed for the exit. I followed her. I hadn’t thought she was serious about going home and figured she was heading for her next class, but she surprised me when she headed straight for the parking lot. This was quite unusual behavior for my bookworm friend.

Once at my car, she waited beside the passenger door, not looking at anything but her feet. I watched her from over the top of my car for a moment before unlocking the doors. She must’ve been truly embarrassed if she wasn’t talking and wanted to go home.

The ride to our apartment started out very quiet, but after several silent moments, she asked, in the softest voice, What happened?

With some hesitation, I told her. She listened without saying a word. She just continued staring out the window. When I finished telling her exactly what had happened, I glanced over and noticed her cheeks were a dark shade of pink.

She released a heavy sigh and said nothing else.

We’d been home about thirty minutes, all of which Kiera had spent alone in her room, when she called my name. I was in my bedroom, which was just a bathroom away from Kiera’s, so I heard her loud and clear and headed for her room. I peeked around her partially opened door. She was sitting on her bed, snuggled under the covers with her back against the headboard and her knees pulled close. She looked over at me, smiled sheepishly, and then pulled her arm out from under the bedspread and patted the bed for me to come and sit. I did.

"So, what you’re telling me is that I passed out in class, and Mr. Hottie Hotness carried me to the student health center all the way on the other side of the campus?"

Yes, I answered quietly while tracing the pink cherry blossom patterns on her brown bedspread. The health center wasn’t actually all the way across campus, but the distance from our English class was enough that plenty of people had seen her in her passed out state, and in the arms of her rescuer.

OH MY GOD! she screeched.

Completely surprised by her sudden outburst, I nearly jumped off the bed.

"How humiliating! I am so mortified!" She threw herself down on the bed and hid under her covers.

I’m sorry, Kiera. What else was I supposed to do? I just about pleaded, my heart racing from being startled. "It wasn’t like I called him over."

No sound came from under the covers.

If it makes you feel any better, the world’s hottest guy was very chivalrous and saved you. See, chivalry isn’t dead after all, I said, trying to lighten the mood.

Still nothing.

Seriously, Kiera, what did you expect me to do? Dump you out of your seat and drag your ass across campus by your ankles? I think that would’ve drawn more attention, don’t you? I was beginning to get frustrated. This was dramatic, even for Kiera.

A giggle escaped from under the covers, followed by, Thanks, Laney.

Anytime. I smiled at the covers and my frustration faded. But I imagine there are better ways to meet boys.

She popped out from under the covers and threw a pillow at me, which I deflected and knocked to the floor.

We talked for a while, and after everything was good with Kiera, I grabbed the pillow from the floor and tossed it back at her.

Well, I’m going to go spend the rest of the day on the couch, I said as I stood and headed for her door.

All joking gone, she said, What do you mean? Aren’t you going to the rest of your classes?

Always the perfect student, that Kiera. I imagined it was killing her to miss school, especially the first day. She probably thought this would set a precedent for the entire semester, possibly even the entire school year! I was sure I’d hear about it for months, mostly because this was possibly the first time Kiera had ever missed school. But I wasn’t about to bring it up, or the fact I only had one more class for the day.

Unlike Kiera’s multiple classes each day, I was taking four classes total, and they were spread out through the week. She wouldn’t approve. But she was actually the reason for this. Never again would I take her advice on how many classes to take per semester. Not knowing any better, I’d done just that the previous year, and it nearly overwhelmed me. It also didn’t make for an enjoyable freshman year. Instead, this semester I was taking the minimal amount of classes the school required to stay enrolled. I was possibly pushing that limit. . . .

No way! I responded. What if I have whatever you have? Who’s going to get the cute guy to rescue me when I pass out? I said in my most serious voice, but I was trying desperately not to smile.

She wasn’t buying it. She knew I wasn’t a huge fan of school. Again, her doing. Okay, and probably a bit of my own for listening to her.

With all my effort, I forced that smile back, but as I watched the disbelief cross her face, a quiet laugh escaped me. I couldn’t hold it back any longer. Apparently, Kiera couldn’t either. She laughed so hard she actually snorted, which made me laugh even harder.

Holding her stomach, she asked through snorted giggles, His last name is really Knight?

That’s what he said. I stifled the laugh that was about to escape and straightened at the thought of him.

So, does that make him our Knight in Shining Armor?

I don’t know about the armor, but his teeth were definitely shiny, I said with a straight face I knew wouldn’t last.

We stared at each other for a moment as she processed my comment, and then we launched into another round of snorting laughter. There must have been something wrong with us, because we weren’t usually this easily amused.

Chapter 3

While Kiera slept off whatever she had, I spent several hours in my jammies, sprawled across our large, well-loved brown couch while flipping through channels on the TV, but not actually paying attention to anything that was on.

My every thought was consumed by the mesmerizingly beautiful Oliver Knight. By his gorgeous green eyes, perfect smile, fantastic wavy hair, and those strong arms that had carried Kiera to the nurse’s office. . . .

Who says there’s no such thing as perfection? That was proven wrong today!

I fantasized about what it would be like to wrap my arms around him, to feel his strong arms around me, and to kiss his perfect lips. While lingering on the fantasy of kissing him a little too long, I realized my imagination—and possibly my hormones—had seriously run away with me. I tried focusing on the TV. It didn’t work.

At around six o’clock, Kiera emerged from her room. She looked like her regular self as she announced she was hungry. How about Chinese? she asked while stretching her arms over her head and then yawning wide.

Sure, but only if I can have it delivered, I said with a grin.

That’s fine, but you have to call it in. You know what I want. I’m taking a shower. She disappeared into the bathroom.

Kiera wasn’t a fan of delivery because she didn’t like paying the delivery charge. I was a huge fan as long as I got to stay in my jammies and on the couch. Plus, I was the one with the car, which meant I’d be the one driving. I pointed this out on several occasions, so she didn’t argue about it anymore, not much anyway, and she gave in to delivery, a lot.

About thirty minutes later, as Kiera was coming out of the bathroom wearing a clean pair of pajamas, there was a knock at the door. We assumed it was Jack, the Chinese food delivery boy, who we saw often enough to be on a first-name basis.

Hey, Jack, I said as I opened the door just enough to peek around it, hand him the money, and take our dinner. But instead of meeting Jack’s hazel eyes, I met those stunning emerald green eyes again.

I let out a little scream that startled Kiera, both guys outside my door, and me. Yes, there were two guys out there! Panicking, I bolted for my room, leaving Kiera staring after me. I slammed my door and began frantically searching for something to change into. A moment later, there was a quiet knock at my door.

Who is it? I yelped. I straightened, covering my body with clothes from the clean pile on my floor.

It’s me, Kiera answered.

I unlocked the door and opened it about an inch. Since my bedroom was just off the living room, it was enough to see that the guys were in our apartment.

Laney, let me in, she whispered, somewhat impatiently.

I tore my eyes away from the guys, blinked at her, and then hid behind the door while she came inside.

What is wrong with you? She turned to me as I quickly shut the door and locked it.

Look at me! I said, gesturing to myself. I was wearing a baggy pair of sleep shorts and a tank top with no bra, and my hair was pretty much matted to my head from hanging out on the couch all day.

Laney, since when do you care what you look like? she questioned, rather confused while looking me up and down.

I . . . um . . . She had a point. I’d never really cared what anyone thought; but it was him, Oliver Knight, at my house, with our friend, Carter . . . Why is Oliver here with Carter? I asked, the words tumbling out of my mouth as soon as the thought popped into my head.

I’m not sure. I haven’t had a chance to ask because I’ve been too busy trying to figure out what’s up with you. She eyed me curiously.

Um . . . well, I need a minute to change, I said and returned to digging through the clean pile of clothes I regularly left on my floor.

No way, Laney! Do you have a crush on the Knight with Shiny Teeth? she questioned in a cheerfully mocking tone.

Her words made me bolt upright, and I turned to face her. Kiera! That’s ridiculous! I just met him! Completely shocked by her accusation, I blushed. Again.

"That’s why I said a crush, not in looove," she responded, elongating the last word, which I was sure she did just to see if the pink in my cheeks would get darker. It did.

Whatever! Get out so I can change, I said, annoyed.

A thought occurred to me, and I stared at my bare feet, unable to face her. Oh my god. She’s right. I just spent the last several hours daydreaming about him. Or was it fantasizing? Is there a difference? Either way, you don’t typically have those kind of thoughts about people you don’t like.

About time, she said with a giggle. In all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you act like this over a boy.

She was

Reviews for Laney

[laurenkathryn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm pretty sure I got this for free, which is why I probably read it. Shallow as it is to admit, it is what attracted my interest.

From a basic perspective, yes, it was full of the usual vampire problems, the love triangle, high school cliche drama. However, it has some unique, different selling points that kept me reading. These points are what I like in a book; something that sets it aside from the rest.

Intrigue shrouded in mystery.

Lovely.

(That being said, the copy I read had a lot of spelling and grammatical errors, not that I am one to talk...)

[carolyn nowicki · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Definitely a must read for those who love Vampire/Human romance. Trust me, this series is worth getting into

[larissabookgirl_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When she first laid eyes on the hansom new guy she couldn't help but fantasise what it would be like to be held in his arms. However it was not her but her best friend that first had that honour, albeit under the most undesirable of circumstances. She had never felt for anyone what she felt for him and it seems he fells the same way. So why then was her aunt, who is more like a best friend, so against the one person she could possibly love?The more time she spends in his presence the more time she wants to spend with him. She could happily spend forever staring into his beautiful emerald green eyes and if she had her way she would. However there is more to this gorgeous boy them meets the eye. He is older then her, he never seems to eat, he avoids direct sunlight and makes numerous reference to the past. Luckily for him she has an open mind when it comes to relationships.Laney is a love story between a mortal human and an immortal vampire. However it is neither his blood drinking nor her desirable blood that is standing in the way of these star crossed lovers, but his family and hers. Although the vampire romance has been done before this story has a way of sucking you in, and along with the romance there is danger, blood and a mystery left unsolved. If you thought Twilight was good then you'll love this series.

[ebbith0115 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book. I liked the characters and the story line. I had read so many books about vampires that I though that this one wasn't going to be good, but I was really wrong. I couldn't wait to read the next one. I recommend this book to everyone. I would be reading more from this author(Joann I. Martin Sowles).

[damarisgcr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am such a sucker when it comes to a Vampire story. I would never turn down a book based on Vampires. When Joann reached out to Good Choice Reading asking for a review, there was absolutely no way I was going to turn her down. I've read great things about Laney and had my eye on this book for a while now.Laney has a slow start, but eventually picks up and once it does it is just a non-stop ride from page to page. There were a lot of similarities to other vampire books out today, but what I liked the most was that Joann explained a lot of things that other authors didn't feel the need to add to their books. For example: menstrual cycle for a woman. How can a Vampire be around at that time of the month? Yes, LOL she explained this in the book and I was laughing out loud when I read this. Though, there were lots of similarities to other books, there were also lots of things that were different. I would go into details, but then I would be giving away some spoilers.Laney is the main character and I love her! I wish she were real and MY best friend. I was laughing so hard at some of the things she would say or think to herself. She is very blunt and daring. She reminded me of myself in lots of ways. Once she set her eyes on Oliver, she knew immediately that he needed to be hers. Things do move a little slow between the two, but I liked that. I thought it gave us more time to get to know them both and fall in love with their relationship. Of course, once they started to take things to the next level, fighting to not eat each other was very hard LOL. Another thing I really liked was reading about Carter and Keira's relationship. I thought they were really sweet and fun to get to know. Everything in the book is explained really well and very easy to picture. There are lots of secrets and tons of shocking things you learn about characters you wouldn't have even thought twice about. Every single person you are introduced too in the book, plays some kind of part in the story. I am happy Joann gave me the chance to read and review her book. I am looking forward to the second one in the series and cannot wait. Laney is an easy and fast read. Not to long, not to short, just the perfect size. I recommend this book, especially to Vampire lovers like myself. 4 out 5 Stars

[bookworm_lisa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

rating bookshelves 2011, read, received-to-review, young-adultedit shelves status Read from May 01 to June 29, 2011 format Hardcover (edit) review Laney is your average 18 year old college student. She lives with her best friend off campus and attends courses at a University. On the first day of classes her roomate, Kiera, faints in English class and the gorgeous guy they had been checking out carries her to the nurses office. Laney and the guy, Oliver, hit it off fairly quickly. The attraction is pretty instantaneous and intense. Things are not what they seem, of course, this is a paranormal romance story. Oliv...moreLaney is your average 18 year old college student. She lives with her best friend off campus and attends courses at a University. On the first day of classes her roomate, Kiera, faints in English class and the gorgeous guy they had been checking out carries her to the nurses office. Laney and the guy, Oliver, hit it off fairly quickly. The attraction is pretty instantaneous and intense. Things are not what they seem, of course, this is a paranormal romance story. Oliver has secrets. You will notice that it is the Brookehaven Vampires series. I think that is a huge hint as to what Oliver may be. He also doesn't eat in front of Laney and others. Hmmm.... There is a fued between Oliver and a rogue vampire. The other vampire is ruthless and wants revenge against Oliver. There is a deeper connection between them, but I will not reveal what it is, you will need to read the story. The only concern that I had is for younger YA readers, There is quite a bit of sex talk and innuendo. It wasn't offensive, but I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers. Personally, I loved it and I am looking forward to the next installment. I have some unaswered questions that I am looking forward to finding out about. One of them has to do with Laney's parentage

[mesmericrevelation · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I just finished reading this book and it was amazing! I want more and I wanted it right now. I need to know what is going to happen next with these characters.The action in this book is awesome. The characters are great. I love Laney and Oliver. They are the cutest couple and kept making me laugh. Though I do wish there was more of their friends. I seriously need to know what is going to happen next. That is all I can think about.