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Dorina Basarab #2.1
In Vino Veritas
"In Vino Veritas" was Karen Chance's contribution to the
Chicks Kick Butt
anthology (June 2011). It is now available on her website as a free short as per the contract with the publisher.
Contains spoilers for Midnight's Daughter, Dorina Basarab #1
and Death's Mistress, Dorina Basarab #2.
Contains spoilers for Midnight's Daughter, Dorina Basarab #1
and Death's Mistress, Dorina Basarab #2.
42 pages, ebook
First published June 7, 2011
6 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
Karen Chance
61 books5,252 followersKaren Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a university history teacher, which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home. Visit her website or connect with her on Facebook here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 1, 2018
Funny little story featuring Ray, Louis-Ceasare, Dorina & Scarface et al. I love these characters!!
July 20, 2020
Cute but skippable.
July 22, 2020
Freebie on Karen's site! I read it years ago but still love it!
June 10, 2019
In Vino Veritas is a free Dory short story and takes place just a couple days after Death’s Mistress. Dory is still recovering from almost dying but she needs a drink. And of course a vampire takes exception. Now Dory has to figure out how to save Ray when she’s not up for a fight.
This is a fun story that shows how much Dory cares about the people who rely on her. Normally you’d expect her to let Ray, a low-life vamp, get what he deserves. But he’s under her care and she can’t just do that. She seems to collect beings in need of help, first Stinky and now Ray.
This is a fun story that shows how much Dory cares about the people who rely on her. Normally you’d expect her to let Ray, a low-life vamp, get what he deserves. But he’s under her care and she can’t just do that. She seems to collect beings in need of help, first Stinky and now Ray.
April 30, 2021
Read #3: 4/30/2021
Reread: 3/30/17
I stand by my previous review, but I added a star for the pure perfection that is this short story.
First Read: 6/29/16
Love Dory. Love Louis-Cesare. Even love Ray. Need MORE!!!
Reread: 3/30/17
I stand by my previous review, but I added a star for the pure perfection that is this short story.
First Read: 6/29/16
Love Dory. Love Louis-Cesare. Even love Ray. Need MORE!!!
March 4, 2024
De nuevo un relato que es una anécdota. Como un capítulo, pero fuera del libro.
En este caso se puede leer en la antología "Chicks Kick Butt" o como "Novella" gratuira Independiente.
Divertido, pero es muy cortito y, como dije, sólo da para una anécdota. Autores en GL Bis
En este caso se puede leer en la antología "Chicks Kick Butt" o como "Novella" gratuira Independiente.
Divertido, pero es muy cortito y, como dije, sólo da para una anécdota. Autores en GL Bis
June 18, 2017
Snack-sized Dory
This was a very cute little short story. One I wish someone had instructed me to read before Fury's Kiss. Yes, I know the reading order would suggest it needed reading beforehand, but it was so short I was pretty sure I wouldn't have been missing much. Well, I can tell you that events from this story are referenced in Fury's Kiss, and it would be nice to know what the hell they are talking about. Instead of giving it the old "Wuuut?" head scratch.
Now I just need to figure out which short story told you all about this Geminus dude. I'm thinking possibly Buying Trouble as he was involved in the smuggling and cross-breeding stuff.
If I'm right, I'll let you know!
4 Stars ★★★★
This was a very cute little short story. One I wish someone had instructed me to read before Fury's Kiss. Yes, I know the reading order would suggest it needed reading beforehand, but it was so short I was pretty sure I wouldn't have been missing much. Well, I can tell you that events from this story are referenced in Fury's Kiss, and it would be nice to know what the hell they are talking about. Instead of giving it the old "Wuuut?" head scratch.
Now I just need to figure out which short story told you all about this Geminus dude. I'm thinking possibly Buying Trouble as he was involved in the smuggling and cross-breeding stuff.
If I'm right, I'll let you know!
4 Stars ★★★★
March 6, 2017
Ah, the drinking contest! So funny! The whole mace bit! And I looked the up the meaning, and the internet says "in wine, truth." So yeah, really great and funny book!
*First read November 2nd 2012*
Excellent short story, very nice, and funny, and I can't wait till Dory says "I love you" to Louis-C. when she's not drunk, but I love the ending, and what "In vino veritas" means!! (When someone is under the influence of alcohol, one tells the truth) Or something along those lines!
*First read November 2nd 2012*
Excellent short story, very nice, and funny, and I can't wait till Dory says "I love you" to Louis-C. when she's not drunk, but I love the ending, and what "In vino veritas" means!! (When someone is under the influence of alcohol, one tells the truth) Or something along those lines!
May 29, 2019
Dorina still recovering from the events in Death's Mistress finds herself talking her way out of a duel and into a drinking game. While Louis Cesare plays only a small part in this story his interaction with Dorina's make it a worthwhile one. I enjoyed getting another look at Lord Cheung and Scarface from Death's Mistress.
August 22, 2019
A contest only Dory would have suggested.
June 10, 2012
Typical Karen Chance story: engaging, fun and all over the place. A must read for all Dory fans (but people who are not familiar with Chane's work might get confused). And Louis-Cesare's line on the very last page totally makes you want to have the next Dory book in your hands. As in yesterday!
A fun short: 4 stars.
A fun short: 4 stars.
June 23, 2012
Drunk I-love-you's are the best.
April 21, 2025
Very few pages and yet I almost die laughing !!
When Dory decides to engage in a drinking contest with the powerful and sophisticated vampire Cheng, it's just magic ><
When Dory decides to engage in a drinking contest with the powerful and sophisticated vampire Cheng, it's just magic ><
May 12, 2019
Conto curto sobre uma habilidade um pouco menosprezada, mas dessa vez útil, de Dory.
Encher a cara como quase ninguém.
Lord Cheung quer colocar suas mãos em Ray, o vampiro que passou a maior parte do livro anterior sem cabeça, ou melhor dizendo com a cabeça decepada dentro da mochila da Dory, rsrs.
Dory decide que ela e Cheung podem resolver isso em um duelo, mas não em um duelo de força ou de inteligência e sim num duelo de beber vinho fey até o seu adversário cair.
Não é atoa que Dorina já é uma das minhas heroínas de livros paranormais favoritas, rsrs
Encher a cara como quase ninguém.
Lord Cheung quer colocar suas mãos em Ray, o vampiro que passou a maior parte do livro anterior sem cabeça, ou melhor dizendo com a cabeça decepada dentro da mochila da Dory, rsrs.
Dory decide que ela e Cheung podem resolver isso em um duelo, mas não em um duelo de força ou de inteligência e sim num duelo de beber vinho fey até o seu adversário cair.
Não é atoa que Dorina já é uma das minhas heroínas de livros paranormais favoritas, rsrs
June 3, 2019
This short story is fantastic. You need to have read at least Dory#2 (Death's Mistress) to really appreciate it. In Vino Veritas Dory takes a break from kicking ass because basically, she got her own ass kicked in the previous full novel. But that doesn't mean she gets a break from having to kick some ass... so she takes the reasonable option for a duel and gets drunk off her ass instead. Like you do.
June 11, 2019
This a fantastic little read from Karen Chance. I love Dory’s character, as her attitude and approach always make me smile, probably as it’s exactly what I would do. I wasn’t a fan of novellas, but I have to admit Karen has really changed my view on them, as it feels like a complete novel has occurred, the way that she engrosses you in the story. A definite must read.
June 26, 2019
Another wonderful window into the chaotic and crazy life of one of my favourite characters of all time. I adore the intricate and emotionally charged interaction between the characters. If you want a story to make you giggle randomly in front of total strangers and not pause to care at all, then this is the one to choose.
September 29, 2017
Ha olvasod a Dorina Basarab sorozatot, ne hagyd ki ezt az apróságot! Én könnyesre nevettem rajta magam. Ajánlom mindenkinek!
June 3, 2019
What a fun short story about Dory. That Fey wine! Drunk Dory. Lol. The ending with Louis Cesare is my favorite.
June 28, 2019
I love this short story! It will make you laugh out loud, groan, and smile as Dory finds her truths in wine.
April 20, 2022
Funny and cute short story.
October 18, 2022
Short, sweet, fun. Plus, super drunk Dory.
July 7, 2023
This is a really cute story. I love Louis Cesare and Dorina's relationship.
January 20, 2025
My favourite author. Fantastic series and hasn't written a bad book yet! I love her world, her rich array of characters, kick ass heroines, and the delightful chaos that drives it all forward.
May 31, 2014
This is a free eShort story from Karen Chance's website. It falls to 2.1 in the Dorina Basarab urban fantasy series about a dhampir --- Mercia's daughter!
My Take
This was great fun with some beyond-funny characters. Wait'll you read about the challenge she throws down, lol.
Yeah, I'm a sucker for Dory. For all her strength, she's actually a fragile woman. And she finally confesses to Louis-Cesare...
The Story
Lord Cheung sends one of his Leaping Tiger masters with a message for Dory. Too bad it's not "legible".
Things do clear up a bit when Dory bashes her way into Cheung's temporary headquarters. Ray.
Cheung's gift to her for her help in Death's Mistress .
The Characters
Dorina Basarab is a 500-year-old dhampir with a well-deserved reputation. Mircea Basarab is her vampire father, and he's second-in-command to the consul. Louis-Cesare is a master swordsman imported from Europe.
Lord Cheung is a master challenging for a seat on the American Senate. Zhenge-ze, a.k.a., Scarface, is a first-level master under Cheung. Raymond Lu is a sleazy nightclub owner who belongs to Cheung and engages in smuggling.
Fin owns the bar and he's a Skogstroll, a Norwegian forest troll.
The Cover
I can't get excited about the cover. I suspect the title, author's name, and the series information is meant to look like graffiti, and instead it simply looks like it's floating on top of the brick wall behind the bored-looking Dory in her black tanktop, holding her pistol and her mace --- no, not that kind of mace.
The title refers to the old adage that in wine there is truth, In Vino Veritas, although Louis-Cesare would prefer a more sober rendering.
My Take
This was great fun with some beyond-funny characters. Wait'll you read about the challenge she throws down, lol.
Yeah, I'm a sucker for Dory. For all her strength, she's actually a fragile woman. And she finally confesses to Louis-Cesare...
The Story
Lord Cheung sends one of his Leaping Tiger masters with a message for Dory. Too bad it's not "legible".
Things do clear up a bit when Dory bashes her way into Cheung's temporary headquarters. Ray.
Cheung's gift to her for her help in Death's Mistress .
The Characters
Dorina Basarab is a 500-year-old dhampir with a well-deserved reputation. Mircea Basarab is her vampire father, and he's second-in-command to the consul. Louis-Cesare is a master swordsman imported from Europe.
Lord Cheung is a master challenging for a seat on the American Senate. Zhenge-ze, a.k.a., Scarface, is a first-level master under Cheung. Raymond Lu is a sleazy nightclub owner who belongs to Cheung and engages in smuggling.
Fin owns the bar and he's a Skogstroll, a Norwegian forest troll.
The Cover
I can't get excited about the cover. I suspect the title, author's name, and the series information is meant to look like graffiti, and instead it simply looks like it's floating on top of the brick wall behind the bored-looking Dory in her black tanktop, holding her pistol and her mace --- no, not that kind of mace.
The title refers to the old adage that in wine there is truth, In Vino Veritas, although Louis-Cesare would prefer a more sober rendering.
June 11, 2019
In Vino Veritas is a Dorina focused short story in the Cassie Palmer world. And honestly, if you’re a fan of Dory and all of her antics, then you’re going to love this one! It fits in between two Dory novels, Death’s Mistress and Fury’s Kiss, and I’d honestly suggest reading them in that order.
This short story actually takes place just a few days after the events in Death’s Mistress – so Dory is still coping with and healing from everything that happened. But that doesn’t exactly stop her from finding herself in a load of trouble. Not that any of us are surprised in the least by that bit of news.
In Vino Veritas brings Dory into a new mess, though for once she sort of isn’t at fault? Mostly? It all comes down to Ray and the mess that he’s brought along with him. But on the bright side, it was interesting to read about Dory’s way of…resolving the situation.
This short story shows Dory at her best, but in her own way. It shows us how compassionate and caring Dory is. Though it doesn’t skimp in the troublemaking, I promise you that! And of course, there’s Louise-Cesare in all his finery.
This short story is perfect for all the Dory fans out there. It’s funny, it’s sassy, and it even has a cute moment or two that will make you squeal. In short, it’s everything I could have ever hoped for when it comes to a Dory short story.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
This short story actually takes place just a few days after the events in Death’s Mistress – so Dory is still coping with and healing from everything that happened. But that doesn’t exactly stop her from finding herself in a load of trouble. Not that any of us are surprised in the least by that bit of news.
In Vino Veritas brings Dory into a new mess, though for once she sort of isn’t at fault? Mostly? It all comes down to Ray and the mess that he’s brought along with him. But on the bright side, it was interesting to read about Dory’s way of…resolving the situation.
This short story shows Dory at her best, but in her own way. It shows us how compassionate and caring Dory is. Though it doesn’t skimp in the troublemaking, I promise you that! And of course, there’s Louise-Cesare in all his finery.
This short story is perfect for all the Dory fans out there. It’s funny, it’s sassy, and it even has a cute moment or two that will make you squeal. In short, it’s everything I could have ever hoped for when it comes to a Dory short story.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
July 9, 2012
There's a bunch of free short stories by Karen Chance at http://www.karenchance.com/free_stori....
From the web site: "In Vino Veritas" was our contribution to the Chicks Kick Butt anthology (June 2011). It is now available here as a free short as per our contract with the publisher. Contains spoilers for Midnight's Daughter, Dorina Basarab #1 and Death's Mistress, Dorina Basarab #2.
Dory doesn't know why, but a vamp from the Chinese mofia has it out for her. She ends up in a drinking game with him, trying to get drunk enough to make a psychic phone call to Louis Cesar. Pretty damn funny at the end.
From the web site: "In Vino Veritas" was our contribution to the Chicks Kick Butt anthology (June 2011). It is now available here as a free short as per our contract with the publisher. Contains spoilers for Midnight's Daughter, Dorina Basarab #1 and Death's Mistress, Dorina Basarab #2.
Dory doesn't know why, but a vamp from the Chinese mofia has it out for her. She ends up in a drinking game with him, trying to get drunk enough to make a psychic phone call to Louis Cesar. Pretty damn funny at the end.
November 13, 2012
Dorina needs to save Ray (headless vampire, who now has his head reattached) again...
And since she's physically not up for a duel, she challenges Cheung with drinking faery wine (very potent)- the first one who falls under the table loses... and she knows when she's drunk a bit, her telepathic connection with Louis-Cesare is stronger... and she calls him for help...
and after 3 bottles, both are pretty drunk... and she slides off chair... and Louis-Cesare shows up, and she tells him she loves him... and he rescues her and Ray... and he tells her he's hoping for a declaration of love when she isn't drunk.
And since she's physically not up for a duel, she challenges Cheung with drinking faery wine (very potent)- the first one who falls under the table loses... and she knows when she's drunk a bit, her telepathic connection with Louis-Cesare is stronger... and she calls him for help...
and after 3 bottles, both are pretty drunk... and she slides off chair... and Louis-Cesare shows up, and she tells him she loves him... and he rescues her and Ray... and he tells her he's hoping for a declaration of love when she isn't drunk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews