Honey Parker, a part-time resident of Park City, has published the concluding installment of her vampire trilogy, titled “V-Life: The Outing.” This book wraps up the dark narrative of Sugar Bernstein, a former advertising creative director from New York, who was transformed into a vampire by Alexandria, a character described by Parker as a “She-vil.”
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Released earlier this month, “The Outing” continues the story five years after its predecessor, “Blood Relative,” which followed the 2024 book “So It Begins.” In this latest installment, Bernstein seeks to go underground, distancing herself from loved ones after the tumultuous events of Book II. She is found in Spain’s Costa de Sol, working as a singer-songwriter, until a close friend's visit brings troubling news about ancient evil forces targeting her loved ones.
Parker selected Spain for practical narrative reasons, suggesting that Bernstein's desire for safety led her to leave the country. The author also mentioned logistical challenges regarding international travel as a vampire, adding a comedic element to the plot. Bernstein’s initial choice of Australia was complicated by rules surrounding pet travel, especially concerning her cat, Maddie, whom she did not want to leave behind.
In “The Outing,” readers meet a more composed Bernstein, reminiscent of Luke Skywalker’s growth in “Return of the Jedi,” as she navigates her past and present relationships. As the story unfolds, Sugar’s personal evolution becomes evident during her interactions with others, showcasing her struggle to refine her vampire abilities while accepting her limitations.
Additionally, Bernstein's ongoing relationship with a rabbi, introduced in earlier books, deepens as the narrative progresses. While the book maintains its vampire theme, it also touches upon profound questions about life and personal boundaries.
Shortly after its release, “V-Life: The Outing” and the entire series received a gold medal for Best Series in the Fantasy category at the 2026 BookFest Awards. The first book, “So It Begins,” also won a gold medal in the Young Adult: Horror category at the 2025 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. These accolades were unexpected for Parker, who is transitioning her focus to a non-vampire book before returning to the “V-Life” series.
Parker is currently working on a standalone historical fiction novel that diverges from her existing series. She expressed an intention to explore further stories in the “V-Life” universe, considering character perspectives that intertwine with Bernstein’s journey. Parker’s works, including the “V-Life” series, are available at honeyparkerbooks.com.