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Budapest Moon #2
The Count's Lair
Count Anton Varga is haunted by the curse of the moon. It tugs on his emotions, ravishing his soul. Anton abhors the beast he must learn to tame if he is to find peace.
Lady Amelia Andrassy is an accomplished pianist, but her life in Budapest has been filled with heartache. When Amelia faints in the Duma's bookstore, it's Anton's strong arms that cradle her fall. His unusual eyes spark with hers, replacing their individual loneliness with the promise of feral passion.
After a two month separation, Anton is ready to walk into Amelia's life again, but is Amelia ready to fan the spark they shared into a flame?
Lady Amelia Andrassy is an accomplished pianist, but her life in Budapest has been filled with heartache. When Amelia faints in the Duma's bookstore, it's Anton's strong arms that cradle her fall. His unusual eyes spark with hers, replacing their individual loneliness with the promise of feral passion.
After a two month separation, Anton is ready to walk into Amelia's life again, but is Amelia ready to fan the spark they shared into a flame?
- GenresParanormal Romance
222 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2011
1 person is currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Burkhart
44 books417 followersJust a little about me: I was born in Manchester, NH but live in Castaic, California with my husband, and 2 sons. I have fond memories of Manchester, but have made California my home. I earned a BS in political science from California Baptist University in 1995.
I have been writing since I was 5, first making homemade comic books. Now, I work on creating short stories and novels. I spent 11 years in the US Army and over 7 years in Germany. Writing is a passion that still challenges me.
I have been writing since I was 5, first making homemade comic books. Now, I work on creating short stories and novels. I spent 11 years in the US Army and over 7 years in Germany. Writing is a passion that still challenges me.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 31, 2016
This was a good read. It really played into the genre, but gave us a fresh look at some of the typical stories we see. I liked the combination of our leading ,an and a leading lady, who is a concert pianist.
I found the storyline interesting. The main man was struggling to comes to terms with himself and just what he was. He also had the urge to rekindle the flame with a woman he saved. All the while, he wants to ensure he doesn't push to hard for the flame to start again, for fear she will run or at least not return the feeling.
The characters were created well. They had decent personalities and made for an interesting read. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more detail added to them, with this being the second book. However, they were still really fun and interesting. I also liked that they still seemed down to earth and real.
The pace was good. It did have a good blend of faster moments,for those times when things were abrupt or done in haste, but a lot of it matched the tone of a love beginning and went a little slower to give us time to enjoy the moment.
The story progresses well and definitely kept my attention. It built on the first eat well and really flowed, which I liked. I also liked that it wasn't just typical and easy to guess. It actually had sunrises and twists and turns, which some romantic reads don't.
Overall, this is a read to check out and have some fun reading.
I found the storyline interesting. The main man was struggling to comes to terms with himself and just what he was. He also had the urge to rekindle the flame with a woman he saved. All the while, he wants to ensure he doesn't push to hard for the flame to start again, for fear she will run or at least not return the feeling.
The characters were created well. They had decent personalities and made for an interesting read. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more detail added to them, with this being the second book. However, they were still really fun and interesting. I also liked that they still seemed down to earth and real.
The pace was good. It did have a good blend of faster moments,for those times when things were abrupt or done in haste, but a lot of it matched the tone of a love beginning and went a little slower to give us time to enjoy the moment.
The story progresses well and definitely kept my attention. It built on the first eat well and really flowed, which I liked. I also liked that it wasn't just typical and easy to guess. It actually had sunrises and twists and turns, which some romantic reads don't.
Overall, this is a read to check out and have some fun reading.
March 14, 2011
Secrets have power. They can destroy those involved or they can release the past, release the dark shadows of fear and free those who care to fight for what they believe in.
Lady Amelia Andrássy knows all about betrayal of trust and broken dreams and yet when she has a choice to make the past is not important, only her heart’s desire.
But is it enough? Danger lurks in the darkness, vengeance demands justice, and will that justice destroy her life once again?
Want a recipe for a great story? Take an awesome writer like Ms. Burkhart, stir in her intimate knowledge of Hungary, her innate ability to create wonderful characters, a book-full of suspense, mystery and passion and you get a book you can’t put down.
In The Count's Lair, Ms Burkhart delivers all of these and more. The Count, Anton Varga, knows what he wants, but will his chosen lover ever accept him as he is and for what he is
The Count's Lair is the second book in Stephanie Burkhart’s Budapest Moon series. And like the first is a ‘must read’ and a ‘keeper’.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Lady Amelia Andrássy knows all about betrayal of trust and broken dreams and yet when she has a choice to make the past is not important, only her heart’s desire.
But is it enough? Danger lurks in the darkness, vengeance demands justice, and will that justice destroy her life once again?
Want a recipe for a great story? Take an awesome writer like Ms. Burkhart, stir in her intimate knowledge of Hungary, her innate ability to create wonderful characters, a book-full of suspense, mystery and passion and you get a book you can’t put down.
In The Count's Lair, Ms Burkhart delivers all of these and more. The Count, Anton Varga, knows what he wants, but will his chosen lover ever accept him as he is and for what he is
The Count's Lair is the second book in Stephanie Burkhart’s Budapest Moon series. And like the first is a ‘must read’ and a ‘keeper’.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
January 19, 2012
Reviewed for THC Reviews
The Count's Lair was another pleasant, uncomplicated read from Stephanie Burkhart's Budapest Moon series. It got off to a rather slow start, but the pace picked up about halfway through. Ms. Burkhart has a very gentle, easy writing style that doesn't really challenge me as a reader, but that can be a welcome change of pace when I'm in the mood for something lighter. Having now read four of Ms. Burkhart's books, I can say that I've noticed a trend toward them not having a great deal of conflict. The problems that do exist are overcome fairly easily, but at least The Count's Lair did have a couple of true antagonists stalking the hero and heroine. In fact, I think this may be the first time in the series that an actual physical altercation took place. I also believe it was the first time that there was a more extended scene while the hero was in his wolf form. Still, his lycanthropy isn't quite as front and center as it is in most paranormal romances. Rather than having the elaborate world-building of most paranormal stories, this book and the series in general have more of the feel of historical novels in which a few characters transform into wolves once a month, but for the most part, maintain a fairly normal human existence.
After reading the first book of the series, The Hungarian, I found myself rather intrigued by Anton and felt that he and Amelia had the potential for greatness. I did very much like them. It would be hard not to since they were both such nice people. Perhaps I simply set my expectations too high, but I couldn't help feeling that there was a little something missing, and I think that missing ingredient was the conflict. Anton seemed like this terribly tortured soul who lost his mother at a young age and whose father and brother treated him quite shabbily. He also had pursued another man's wives and had just begun to feel remorse over that. Amelia only recently discovered she had been cheated on by a husband she adored right before he was tragically killed in an accident. These events could easily have led to some deep emotional turmoil for both of them. In fact, considering that Anton went away for a couple of months to do some soul-searching, I think they did cause quite a bit of upset, but by the time the story opens most of that is over with. Anton and Amelia both have some minor issues. He fears that she might leave him, and she fears that he might cheat on her, but for the most part, it's kind of in the background and not a major part of the story. The author is good though at slowly building the love connection between her characters. I liked that Anton held back his passionate nature until Amelia had figured out that he was a werewolf. The sexual tension simmers just beneath the surface until they finally give into their feelings for one another.
What I liked most about Anton was that he's not the least bit intimidated by Amelia's talent and independence like her first husband was. To the contrary he is quite proud of her musical abilities and loves to hear her play the piano. It was very sad that Anton didn't have much of a family life growing up, but I enjoyed watching him discover a sense of family with his servants and Amelia. While this book isn't marketed as a Christmas story, a large part of the narrative takes place around the holiday season. Anton had never celebrated Christmas before, so it was fun to have Amelia introducing him to some of the joys of the season. As for Amelia, I was happy to see that she was smart enough to figure out what Anton was from the clues he gave her. Most of all, I loved how accepting she was of him right from the start. She knew of his past pursuit of Matthias's wives but chose to believe the best of him when he said he'd changed and put that behind him, and she never wavered in her love for him even when she realized he was a wolf.
Since Amelia and Kate, the heroine of The Hungarian, are best friends, Kate and Matthias play prominent secondary roles. Although Matthias is still understandably wary of Anton, the two men finally put their feud to rest to become allies against a common enemy. Also, Anton finds not only the family he craved but the support he desperately needs during the full moon from his new servants, Georg, Esme and Tomas when he rescues them from another unsavory wolf. They become not only his loyal servants but his staunchest allies.
Overall, The Count's Lair was an agreeable read populated with likable and relatable characters. I think my only small complaint would be that author's wording could use a little more variety. She has a tendency to repeat certain words and phrases, and in my opinion more diversity would add greater interest to both the narrative and dialog. In general, it wasn't too bad, and the only phrase that really gave me pause was “stepped into his/her personal space." Even though it was only used in the narrative prose, it had an anachronistic feel to it that was jarring, and I also felt that it wasn't a very romantic way to express two people moving closer to one another. On the upside, I really enjoyed Ms. Burkhart's exploration of werewolves and the church, whether it was possible for them to go to church and why they had a history of being perceived as evil due to certain things happening to them in holy places. The Count's Lair is the second book in the Budapest Moon series. I'll be looking forward to the next novel due for release at the end of this year (2012) that will continue with the next generation of Vargas with Anton and Amelia's daughter, Sophia's story.
The Count's Lair was another pleasant, uncomplicated read from Stephanie Burkhart's Budapest Moon series. It got off to a rather slow start, but the pace picked up about halfway through. Ms. Burkhart has a very gentle, easy writing style that doesn't really challenge me as a reader, but that can be a welcome change of pace when I'm in the mood for something lighter. Having now read four of Ms. Burkhart's books, I can say that I've noticed a trend toward them not having a great deal of conflict. The problems that do exist are overcome fairly easily, but at least The Count's Lair did have a couple of true antagonists stalking the hero and heroine. In fact, I think this may be the first time in the series that an actual physical altercation took place. I also believe it was the first time that there was a more extended scene while the hero was in his wolf form. Still, his lycanthropy isn't quite as front and center as it is in most paranormal romances. Rather than having the elaborate world-building of most paranormal stories, this book and the series in general have more of the feel of historical novels in which a few characters transform into wolves once a month, but for the most part, maintain a fairly normal human existence.
After reading the first book of the series, The Hungarian, I found myself rather intrigued by Anton and felt that he and Amelia had the potential for greatness. I did very much like them. It would be hard not to since they were both such nice people. Perhaps I simply set my expectations too high, but I couldn't help feeling that there was a little something missing, and I think that missing ingredient was the conflict. Anton seemed like this terribly tortured soul who lost his mother at a young age and whose father and brother treated him quite shabbily. He also had pursued another man's wives and had just begun to feel remorse over that. Amelia only recently discovered she had been cheated on by a husband she adored right before he was tragically killed in an accident. These events could easily have led to some deep emotional turmoil for both of them. In fact, considering that Anton went away for a couple of months to do some soul-searching, I think they did cause quite a bit of upset, but by the time the story opens most of that is over with. Anton and Amelia both have some minor issues. He fears that she might leave him, and she fears that he might cheat on her, but for the most part, it's kind of in the background and not a major part of the story. The author is good though at slowly building the love connection between her characters. I liked that Anton held back his passionate nature until Amelia had figured out that he was a werewolf. The sexual tension simmers just beneath the surface until they finally give into their feelings for one another.
What I liked most about Anton was that he's not the least bit intimidated by Amelia's talent and independence like her first husband was. To the contrary he is quite proud of her musical abilities and loves to hear her play the piano. It was very sad that Anton didn't have much of a family life growing up, but I enjoyed watching him discover a sense of family with his servants and Amelia. While this book isn't marketed as a Christmas story, a large part of the narrative takes place around the holiday season. Anton had never celebrated Christmas before, so it was fun to have Amelia introducing him to some of the joys of the season. As for Amelia, I was happy to see that she was smart enough to figure out what Anton was from the clues he gave her. Most of all, I loved how accepting she was of him right from the start. She knew of his past pursuit of Matthias's wives but chose to believe the best of him when he said he'd changed and put that behind him, and she never wavered in her love for him even when she realized he was a wolf.
Since Amelia and Kate, the heroine of The Hungarian, are best friends, Kate and Matthias play prominent secondary roles. Although Matthias is still understandably wary of Anton, the two men finally put their feud to rest to become allies against a common enemy. Also, Anton finds not only the family he craved but the support he desperately needs during the full moon from his new servants, Georg, Esme and Tomas when he rescues them from another unsavory wolf. They become not only his loyal servants but his staunchest allies.
Overall, The Count's Lair was an agreeable read populated with likable and relatable characters. I think my only small complaint would be that author's wording could use a little more variety. She has a tendency to repeat certain words and phrases, and in my opinion more diversity would add greater interest to both the narrative and dialog. In general, it wasn't too bad, and the only phrase that really gave me pause was “stepped into his/her personal space." Even though it was only used in the narrative prose, it had an anachronistic feel to it that was jarring, and I also felt that it wasn't a very romantic way to express two people moving closer to one another. On the upside, I really enjoyed Ms. Burkhart's exploration of werewolves and the church, whether it was possible for them to go to church and why they had a history of being perceived as evil due to certain things happening to them in holy places. The Count's Lair is the second book in the Budapest Moon series. I'll be looking forward to the next novel due for release at the end of this year (2012) that will continue with the next generation of Vargas with Anton and Amelia's daughter, Sophia's story.
September 12, 2013
The Count's Lair was an enjoyable romantic paranormal story. A count that finds something in his life that he has never had before. A family that he learns to love and that loves him back. He finds a woman to love and returns his love. A woman that can and will live with the knowledge that he is a werewolf. This is a beautifully written novel that I have totally loved reading. I would like to read more of the same from this author.
October 16, 2014
The Count's Lair by Stephanie Burkhart is a 2013 Desert Breeze publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Count's Lair is the second book in the Budapest Moon series. Anton Varga was a sad and broken man when we last heard from him. He had gone away for some soul searching, but now he is back home. The chance meeting he had with the accomplished pianist, Amelia Andrassy sparked something between them which at the time neither were in place to explore further. But, now that some time has passed is it possible for them put their painful past behind them and forge a future together, or will Anton's dark secret come between them?
It was good see Anton let go of his anger and bitterness. He now has many regrets but is striving to be a better person. Amelia is a widow still coping with her deceased husband's betrayals. She is not sure she can trust again, but wants to believe Anton has changed and wants to give him a chance.
In the background of the story is the meeting between Varga and a gypsy family being terrorized by the wolf pack that caused so much anguish for Anton. He takes the family in but danger continues to lurk.
The story's primary focus in on Anton's needing to convince Amelia they are soul mates and have her fall in love with him so that she can accept his condition. But, as they begin to fall in love, Anton finds it more and more difficult to give Amelia that final piece to the puzzle. I enjoyed the added sensuality to this one. Maybe it's just me, but I thought this one was a little steamier. Anton is so conflicted I couldn't help but feel bad for him. I also enjoyed the action as Anton battles his enemies. There were some really tense scenes toward the end.
Overall this one is a steady and true chapter in this series. 4 stars
The Count's Lair is the second book in the Budapest Moon series. Anton Varga was a sad and broken man when we last heard from him. He had gone away for some soul searching, but now he is back home. The chance meeting he had with the accomplished pianist, Amelia Andrassy sparked something between them which at the time neither were in place to explore further. But, now that some time has passed is it possible for them put their painful past behind them and forge a future together, or will Anton's dark secret come between them?
It was good see Anton let go of his anger and bitterness. He now has many regrets but is striving to be a better person. Amelia is a widow still coping with her deceased husband's betrayals. She is not sure she can trust again, but wants to believe Anton has changed and wants to give him a chance.
In the background of the story is the meeting between Varga and a gypsy family being terrorized by the wolf pack that caused so much anguish for Anton. He takes the family in but danger continues to lurk.
The story's primary focus in on Anton's needing to convince Amelia they are soul mates and have her fall in love with him so that she can accept his condition. But, as they begin to fall in love, Anton finds it more and more difficult to give Amelia that final piece to the puzzle. I enjoyed the added sensuality to this one. Maybe it's just me, but I thought this one was a little steamier. Anton is so conflicted I couldn't help but feel bad for him. I also enjoyed the action as Anton battles his enemies. There were some really tense scenes toward the end.
Overall this one is a steady and true chapter in this series. 4 stars
August 20, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much, mostly because of its simplicity and characters. Amelia is a strong woman who is not waiting for a man to protect her or give her financial stability. After her husband’s death, she refused to return to England and focused on her career as a piano singer. She has built a beautiful friendship with Count Anton Varga, a friendship that will soon transform into more.
Even if in the past he was not considered one of the honorable persons, he felt a connection with Amelia and wants to change to win her heart. Still, he has a secret and before having her, she must learn of it and accept it. Anton is willing to start a relationship based on trust and love.
The book’s main focus is on the relationship between the two characters, but there is also some action which brings Anton face to face with his creator. Determined to protect a witch and her family by Marcus’ wrath, he will take her and her family into his house and offer them a stable environment. We have yet again a friendship based on mutual trust and understanding.
I liked very much how Anton decided to reveal his secret to Amelia, by giving her three clues. Also, his behavior once she realized what it was left me with a good impression about the character. Still, Amelia’s reactions seemed a little too calm if you ask me. I know it sounds silly, but that moment did not seem real enough.
Regardless, I give this book a total of 4 stars, for the clean writing, clean characters and good action. Congratulations to the author and if you decide to give it a try, come by and let me know your thoughts.
Even if in the past he was not considered one of the honorable persons, he felt a connection with Amelia and wants to change to win her heart. Still, he has a secret and before having her, she must learn of it and accept it. Anton is willing to start a relationship based on trust and love.
The book’s main focus is on the relationship between the two characters, but there is also some action which brings Anton face to face with his creator. Determined to protect a witch and her family by Marcus’ wrath, he will take her and her family into his house and offer them a stable environment. We have yet again a friendship based on mutual trust and understanding.
I liked very much how Anton decided to reveal his secret to Amelia, by giving her three clues. Also, his behavior once she realized what it was left me with a good impression about the character. Still, Amelia’s reactions seemed a little too calm if you ask me. I know it sounds silly, but that moment did not seem real enough.
Regardless, I give this book a total of 4 stars, for the clean writing, clean characters and good action. Congratulations to the author and if you decide to give it a try, come by and let me know your thoughts.
March 24, 2016
A Hot Wolf - in many ways
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stephanie Buckhart did it again. She managed to write an unusual story in a very popular genre where so many other authors have just been writing more of the same. But I shouldn’t be surprised as this is the third book by her that I read and Stephanie always pulls that off. Plus she knows how to make your temperature rise – maybe that’s so yours match Anton’s. LOL
And have I mentioned he is H-O-T? Oh yes I have. See how I got distracted just thinking of Anton? I guess I should blame it on his mesmerizing eyes. But you’ll have to read this to know what I’m talking about because I don’t like writing spoilers. All I can say is that I’ve just finish the book and I’m already missing my newest book boyfriend. *sighs*
Jokes aside The Count’s Lair is an excellent read for many reasons: well-developed and likeable characters, both the main and the secondary ones; a complex and intriguing plot complemented by engrossing subplots; an unusual and fascinating setting; and a steady pace. As a reader, these are the main things I look for in a book. As a writer, I know how hard it is to accomplish all of them. Hats off to Stephanie for keeping this level of quality in her books!
Finally, although this is Book 2 in the Budapest Moon series, it is a standalone.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stephanie Buckhart did it again. She managed to write an unusual story in a very popular genre where so many other authors have just been writing more of the same. But I shouldn’t be surprised as this is the third book by her that I read and Stephanie always pulls that off. Plus she knows how to make your temperature rise – maybe that’s so yours match Anton’s. LOL
And have I mentioned he is H-O-T? Oh yes I have. See how I got distracted just thinking of Anton? I guess I should blame it on his mesmerizing eyes. But you’ll have to read this to know what I’m talking about because I don’t like writing spoilers. All I can say is that I’ve just finish the book and I’m already missing my newest book boyfriend. *sighs*
Jokes aside The Count’s Lair is an excellent read for many reasons: well-developed and likeable characters, both the main and the secondary ones; a complex and intriguing plot complemented by engrossing subplots; an unusual and fascinating setting; and a steady pace. As a reader, these are the main things I look for in a book. As a writer, I know how hard it is to accomplish all of them. Hats off to Stephanie for keeping this level of quality in her books!
Finally, although this is Book 2 in the Budapest Moon series, it is a standalone.
September 22, 2014
I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
Again, the author brings us a dark historical romance with a paranormal twist. Count Dumas is finally letting go of the past and finds himself fascinated with the lady Amelia. Now, all he has to do is tell her he is a werewolf.
I enjoyed the continuation of the story, and really liked the characters in this book, which I felt had a little more action to its plot than the first. Still, there were times that it felt the writing let an amazing story down.
I recommend this to the historical romance lovers. I'm giving it 4 fangs.
Again, the author brings us a dark historical romance with a paranormal twist. Count Dumas is finally letting go of the past and finds himself fascinated with the lady Amelia. Now, all he has to do is tell her he is a werewolf.
I enjoyed the continuation of the story, and really liked the characters in this book, which I felt had a little more action to its plot than the first. Still, there were times that it felt the writing let an amazing story down.
I recommend this to the historical romance lovers. I'm giving it 4 fangs.
April 12, 2016
This book was really good I didn't read book 1 but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I can tell you I will be waiting for the next one with that ending!! I liked the way the author wrote this book she didn't seemed rushed to get Anton's secret out to Amelia the way he did it gave her time to fall for him. I also really liked the characters in this book there was an interesting mix some good some bad and some I was not sure about till farther into the story. I like that he has finally gotten the family he has always wanted now if it all works out.
November 12, 2012
I liked this book but nothing about it really stood out to me, I'll get the sequel and prequel however.
November 2, 2011
Just okay. Actually better than Book 1, but not great.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews