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The Last Vampire
“How can I describe the heaven that is your taste? I can’t. There aren’t enough superlatives…”
Former Soviet surgeon Roman Ivanescu honors his Hippocratic Oath never to do harm by working at a blood bank in Manhattan. Quenching his violent thirst without killing a soul, Roman resists his natural urges and dances on the edge of sanity. Entranced by his first taste of her, Roman hunts down prima ballerina Maiko Himura, who awakens in him a passion he thought long dead. But when Roman finds out his new love has just a few weeks left on earth, he must make a terrible choice. And for every gift, there is a price.
A vampire’s passionate confession to his beloved, J.T. Geissinger’s The Last Vampire transforms a classic predator into a man forced to make desperate choices for love.
Former Soviet surgeon Roman Ivanescu honors his Hippocratic Oath never to do harm by working at a blood bank in Manhattan. Quenching his violent thirst without killing a soul, Roman resists his natural urges and dances on the edge of sanity. Entranced by his first taste of her, Roman hunts down prima ballerina Maiko Himura, who awakens in him a passion he thought long dead. But when Roman finds out his new love has just a few weeks left on earth, he must make a terrible choice. And for every gift, there is a price.
A vampire’s passionate confession to his beloved, J.T. Geissinger’s The Last Vampire transforms a classic predator into a man forced to make desperate choices for love.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2013
377 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Geissinger
41 books25.1k followersJ.T. Geissinger is a New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of thirty-five novels and novellas. Ranging from funny, feisty romcoms to intense erotic thrillers, her books have sold over twenty million copies and been translated into more than two dozen languages.
She is a three-time nominee in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.
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She is a three-time nominee in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.
Newsletter ➡️ http://bit.ly/1IbgZZI
Reader group ➡️ http://bit.ly/2xbtnY3
Amazon ➡️ http://amzn.to/1xQN4za
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
May 25, 2020
I would like to give this less stars because it doesn't --spoiler alert-- have a happy ending.
But the writing is superb. The pace perfect. The characters engaging (even if this author tends to overuse the wolf analogy for the man, and I've read some of her sentences in more than one book. Perhaps it's her signature. I didn't mind).
But the Hero dies, folks. He literally gives his life to his love. She wakes up to find him naked next to her, but very much dead, after he made love to her one last time.
It's poignant, tragic, yet hopeful at the same time. But realize, that when Maiko falls irrevocably in love with someone else, and perhaps gives him the same gift she received, the cycle will start all over again.
The greatest curse of the vampire seems to be love.
But the writing is superb. The pace perfect. The characters engaging (even if this author tends to overuse the wolf analogy for the man, and I've read some of her sentences in more than one book. Perhaps it's her signature. I didn't mind).
But the Hero dies, folks. He literally gives his life to his love. She wakes up to find him naked next to her, but very much dead, after he made love to her one last time.
It's poignant, tragic, yet hopeful at the same time. But realize, that when Maiko falls irrevocably in love with someone else, and perhaps gives him the same gift she received, the cycle will start all over again.
The greatest curse of the vampire seems to be love.
January 22, 2021
"Into your hands I commend my soul: I give myself freely, With all my heart, with clear intent, I surrender my life to you." -Roman
This would be a beautiful quote under different circumstances. But in this case it is simply heartbreaking, tragic, and depressing. The only good thing about this book is it's very short. Actually, it kind of sucks you right in and the writing is interesting, but it made me very sad :( I don't like ending a book being sad.
Happy reading- not this time :(
This would be a beautiful quote under different circumstances. But in this case it is simply heartbreaking, tragic, and depressing. The only good thing about this book is it's very short. Actually, it kind of sucks you right in and the writing is interesting, but it made me very sad :( I don't like ending a book being sad.
Happy reading- not this time :(
August 16, 2024
Completely unique, romantic, and heartbreaking vampire story.
Only 68 pages, so it’s a quick read, but VERY well done. J.T. Geissinger’s writing is incredible.
I also loved the backstory for both the FMC and MMC. This is a vampire story that isn’t one I’ve ever read before.
Only 68 pages, so it’s a quick read, but VERY well done. J.T. Geissinger’s writing is incredible.
I also loved the backstory for both the FMC and MMC. This is a vampire story that isn’t one I’ve ever read before.
September 19, 2022
So this is the weirdest vampire tale I've EVER read to date. Yet it was so interesting. Very quick Novella, given in the form of a confessional love letter.
All I can say without spoiling it, is oddly I loved it.
But my heart is truly breaking 😭💔💔
It's a very quick read but with a big story. So just read it and see where you land on it.
I would recommend this read.
All I can say without spoiling it, is oddly I loved it.
But my heart is truly breaking 😭💔💔
It's a very quick read but with a big story. So just read it and see where you land on it.
I would recommend this read.
October 7, 2018
Intriguing take on the vampire myth. I never saw that ending coming! Good read.
March 28, 2022
Ugh
Leave it to J.T. to obliterate my fucking heart in just under 70 pages. Leave it to me to enjoy every damn word.
Leave it to J.T. to obliterate my fucking heart in just under 70 pages. Leave it to me to enjoy every damn word.
January 7, 2014
4.5 Stars
Beautifully written, with a nice touch of humor.
However, if I had known that it would have such a sad ending, I probably would have passed on it.
Beautifully written, with a nice touch of humor.
However, if I had known that it would have such a sad ending, I probably would have passed on it.
April 20, 2025
I’m too busy sobbing
Ummm… I’m not okay! 😭😭😭 seriously exceptional and beautiful
But broke my soul, as is often the case with JT Geissinger books….
Destroyed over here. May never recover. But I’d read it again in a heartbeat
Excuse me while I go cry till my headaches a full blown migraine
Ummm… I’m not okay! 😭😭😭 seriously exceptional and beautiful
But broke my soul, as is often the case with JT Geissinger books….
Destroyed over here. May never recover. But I’d read it again in a heartbeat
Excuse me while I go cry till my headaches a full blown migraine
January 15, 2026
3.0. Rated G. Novella
This is basically the diary of a vampire.
The ending is…… I am sitting here in shock.
Interesting but I will not read again.
This is basically the diary of a vampire.
The ending is…… I am sitting here in shock.
Interesting but I will not read again.
July 7, 2023
At this point, I think I would read a grocery list from this author. I enjoy her writing, the humour, the banter and the spice!! I've enjoyed all the books I've read so far and have give either 4 or 5 stars...unusual for me. Up until this point, I was holding 5 stars for books as good as the Acotar series!
July 10, 2025
Audible - I love JT Geisinger. I’ve put off listening to “The Last Vampire” for a long time because it’s a novella. I finally broke down and bought it from Audible. The narrator/actor was absolutely fantastic! I recommend listening to this novella rather than reading it for the amazing experience alone. This was so well written and so poignant. I kinda figured out the ending 2/3 way through, but was still unprepared for when it happened. I’m still tearing up. Such a beautiful story.
January 9, 2015
As a dangerous creature whom resides at the top of the food chain, former Soviet surgeon Roman Ivanescu honors his Hippocratic Oath to never do harm, however after tasting a certain blood bag, he becomes obsessed with the women whom the blood belongs to. This alights a passion like no other, and difficult decisions must be made.
I'm so glad I found this little gem. It was brilliantly written; the style attractive with a little humour to spice things up. The sad ending didn't bother me in the slightest, as not every romance needs a happily-ever-after. I feel I should look more into Geissinger's work in general, because if her full length novels are anything like this, then I'd be in for a treat.
© Red Lace 2014
I'm so glad I found this little gem. It was brilliantly written; the style attractive with a little humour to spice things up. The sad ending didn't bother me in the slightest, as not every romance needs a happily-ever-after. I feel I should look more into Geissinger's work in general, because if her full length novels are anything like this, then I'd be in for a treat.
© Red Lace 2014
March 23, 2022
3.5 stars. I knew going into this it would be sad. But that’s all I knew. Yup definitely sad. But I didn’t feel as moved by it as I would have thought. I think this would have made for a really great full book. Any more details to pull me in and make me love the main characters and I probably would have cried like a baby. Roman gives his life to save the woman he loves and you’re reading the love letter/explanation that he leaves for her to read after he is gone because she won’t remember their time together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2022
Three times I have tried to post a review, but it disappears. Last try.
I encourage you to read this story. Roman is a man that reaches out to me. A man who loved enough. More than enough. The kind of love that we all want to feel, and experience, at least once in our lives. A man who made deep sacrifices for that love. I would have cherished a chance to have met him. An excellent story.
I encourage you to read this story. Roman is a man that reaches out to me. A man who loved enough. More than enough. The kind of love that we all want to feel, and experience, at least once in our lives. A man who made deep sacrifices for that love. I would have cherished a chance to have met him. An excellent story.
September 4, 2022
I was trembling the whole time reading this story. Sometimes, more words is not what’s needed for a story to truly touch your soul.
There are a lot of vampire stories out there. Not one is like this one. This is The ONE.
💋💋
This book was so so beautiful, so raw, so lonely…. So so powerful …
If you haven’t read this story…. You have not read a true Vampire story about love….
It was perfect in every way I wanted it to be … I am a bit broken….
I am almost in tears …..
I was amazed that it was both short and it was incredible! It only proves that you don’t need 409-500 pages to tell a beautiful tale, full of everything, the one that leaves you in a thunderstorm of emotions!
I was touched and loved every word of it as always when it comes to J.T.Geissinger.
I don’t want to give it away, but everything about it from the title to every detail was simply genius!
I love how incredibly intelligent the author is - she speaks with such ease on any topic from medicine to IT to history and geography…. There is so much in each of her stories.
But the feelings…. She is the ultimate master in the grand overpowering feelings department….. even though this one hurt a bit 🫦
There are a lot of vampire stories out there. Not one is like this one. This is The ONE.
💋💋
This book was so so beautiful, so raw, so lonely…. So so powerful …
If you haven’t read this story…. You have not read a true Vampire story about love….
It was perfect in every way I wanted it to be … I am a bit broken….
I am almost in tears …..
I was amazed that it was both short and it was incredible! It only proves that you don’t need 409-500 pages to tell a beautiful tale, full of everything, the one that leaves you in a thunderstorm of emotions!
I was touched and loved every word of it as always when it comes to J.T.Geissinger.
I don’t want to give it away, but everything about it from the title to every detail was simply genius!
I love how incredibly intelligent the author is - she speaks with such ease on any topic from medicine to IT to history and geography…. There is so much in each of her stories.
But the feelings…. She is the ultimate master in the grand overpowering feelings department….. even though this one hurt a bit 🫦
December 31, 2020
Wow
Just.... wow. I honestly did not expect to feel what this book made me feel or to be as blown away as I have. This short story had a profound impact. I usually roll my eyes at a lot of vampire romances. But this one... This one puts all others to shame. I'm not gifted at describing an author's writing, but everything about it is designed to draw you in and evoke feeling. I absolutely loathe insta-love. I will DNF a book at the drop of a hat if I even get a whiff of unrealistic ooey gooey mush. You don't find that here. If I ever were to believe love at first sight (or love at first taste) it would be because of this book. I also think the voice narrator brought the book to life and endeared me even more to Roman. This book is the perfect example that you don't need to write 400+ pages to write a good book. There was no unnecessary filler to be found. No skimming of pages. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Just.... wow. I honestly did not expect to feel what this book made me feel or to be as blown away as I have. This short story had a profound impact. I usually roll my eyes at a lot of vampire romances. But this one... This one puts all others to shame. I'm not gifted at describing an author's writing, but everything about it is designed to draw you in and evoke feeling. I absolutely loathe insta-love. I will DNF a book at the drop of a hat if I even get a whiff of unrealistic ooey gooey mush. You don't find that here. If I ever were to believe love at first sight (or love at first taste) it would be because of this book. I also think the voice narrator brought the book to life and endeared me even more to Roman. This book is the perfect example that you don't need to write 400+ pages to write a good book. There was no unnecessary filler to be found. No skimming of pages. I can't wait to read more from this author.
June 13, 2022
3.5 Stars
So I listened to this one via KUs Read & Listen, and I was kind of bored with it. Until that ending! It hooked after being bored for the rest of the book. I'd consider this more of a love story than a romance, if that makes any sense, which I wasn't expecting from this author.
The narration was good, but the way it was written was annoying. Each chapter was headed with a time that you have no idea what it means, and the story was written in this odd mix of 1st and 2nd person point of view. Towards the end its finally revealed that these are letters, or a diary, which makes so much sense, but I wish I'd have known that all along.
So I listened to this one via KUs Read & Listen, and I was kind of bored with it. Until that ending! It hooked after being bored for the rest of the book. I'd consider this more of a love story than a romance, if that makes any sense, which I wasn't expecting from this author.
The narration was good, but the way it was written was annoying. Each chapter was headed with a time that you have no idea what it means, and the story was written in this odd mix of 1st and 2nd person point of view. Towards the end its finally revealed that these are letters, or a diary, which makes so much sense, but I wish I'd have known that all along.
October 28, 2022
Oof. This is like the old days at a mall when just after wandering into a new store you realize w abrupt finality, nope. Panties. Chrome torso displaying sparkly distressed T-shirt. Murals in black and white of chistled boys with washboard abs and empty, soulfull eye. Gunshot sound and poof of smoke where I had stood. Nothing for me here.
This story embraces all the Victorian era inspired vampire clichéd adapted as if a virtue. I listened to the audio version. The guy dud it in a Bela Lugosi inspired eastern Europe accent. That's probably was put this crap over the top.
I love vampires. Why are there so few good vamp stories. Good grief.
This story embraces all the Victorian era inspired vampire clichéd adapted as if a virtue. I listened to the audio version. The guy dud it in a Bela Lugosi inspired eastern Europe accent. That's probably was put this crap over the top.
I love vampires. Why are there so few good vamp stories. Good grief.
August 30, 2025
Why didn’t anyone tell me this didn’t have a HEA?! 😭😭😭
I did not expect to cry at the end but here we are.
I loved that it was a love letter. Meaning it’s not written like a book but an actual letter. Which I loved but also I’m a slut and need spice in my books. And since it was written like a letter we only get mentions of it but not details. I also liked the twists and changes on vampires. It’s not the typical lore which when you read it you’ll understand why that’s both awesome and sucks ass.
For me to have read it in one sitting and cried I’d say it’s worth reading. But now I need to know what happens to Maiko.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ❌
I did not expect to cry at the end but here we are.
I loved that it was a love letter. Meaning it’s not written like a book but an actual letter. Which I loved but also I’m a slut and need spice in my books. And since it was written like a letter we only get mentions of it but not details. I also liked the twists and changes on vampires. It’s not the typical lore which when you read it you’ll understand why that’s both awesome and sucks ass.
For me to have read it in one sitting and cried I’d say it’s worth reading. But now I need to know what happens to Maiko.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ❌
October 26, 2025
A very short novella about a vampire who, for the first time in his very long life, fell in love. He writes his most beloved a long letter professing his love and a brief explanation of how he felt the first time he tasted her blood, how he felt about her from that first taste, sight, and interaction, and his adventures in how he came to be.
“Into your hands I commend my soul:
I give myself freely,
With all my heart, with clear intent,
I surrender my life to you.”
There is no HEA, and the ending is bittersweet, which, in reading J.T.'s books, I find happens often. It does not deter me from gravitating to her books.
“Into your hands I commend my soul:
I give myself freely,
With all my heart, with clear intent,
I surrender my life to you.”
There is no HEA, and the ending is bittersweet, which, in reading J.T.'s books, I find happens often. It does not deter me from gravitating to her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
This book shocked me.
The narrative of the book is very unusual and attractive. This book is narrated by a hero, a Vampire himself, and it appeals.
I really liked the heroine and her character.
I am from Russia and I am very pleased that my favorite author wrote a book about a Russian-Romanian vampire.
The only thing that made me sad was the end. For me, such a turn is a trigger and I find it very difficult to endure such plot twists, because I try to live the book with the characters myself while reading.
But I am grateful for this book, it is hot, sweet and beautiful.
The narrative of the book is very unusual and attractive. This book is narrated by a hero, a Vampire himself, and it appeals.
I really liked the heroine and her character.
I am from Russia and I am very pleased that my favorite author wrote a book about a Russian-Romanian vampire.
The only thing that made me sad was the end. For me, such a turn is a trigger and I find it very difficult to endure such plot twists, because I try to live the book with the characters myself while reading.
But I am grateful for this book, it is hot, sweet and beautiful.
December 3, 2022
Unusual read.
“How can I describe the heaven that is your taste? I can’t. There aren’t enough superlatives.”
The taste of Maiko Himura’s AB- blood, sets Roman on the path of claiming her— “I had to make you Vampire’”. An unusual phrase, in lieu of the usual turn or sire, we’re accustomed to.
Roman proceeds to write his story, in a time stamped format, for Maiko’s future benefit.
It rambled on in paragraph long sentences, randomly swapping between tense and POV.
This was a very short taste. Ending abruptly, it felt incomplete for me, despite being a standalone.
“How can I describe the heaven that is your taste? I can’t. There aren’t enough superlatives.”
The taste of Maiko Himura’s AB- blood, sets Roman on the path of claiming her— “I had to make you Vampire’”. An unusual phrase, in lieu of the usual turn or sire, we’re accustomed to.
Roman proceeds to write his story, in a time stamped format, for Maiko’s future benefit.
It rambled on in paragraph long sentences, randomly swapping between tense and POV.
This was a very short taste. Ending abruptly, it felt incomplete for me, despite being a standalone.
June 28, 2017
Short but sweet
A different version of the vampire myth so often found in paranormal stories. It was nearly unbelievable how detailed the character development and dialogue managed to be in such a few short pages (less than 100.) I fell in love with Roman from the first few paragraphs, he has such quiet strength, and a capacity for love. He finds that recipticle in Maiko. Not your typical love story, Ms. Geissinger was able to make a "better mousetrap."
A different version of the vampire myth so often found in paranormal stories. It was nearly unbelievable how detailed the character development and dialogue managed to be in such a few short pages (less than 100.) I fell in love with Roman from the first few paragraphs, he has such quiet strength, and a capacity for love. He finds that recipticle in Maiko. Not your typical love story, Ms. Geissinger was able to make a "better mousetrap."
December 8, 2019
Interesting
This book is written as a letter, it was definitely interesting to read it as such. Since it was just a short novel it didn’t give time to build the characters so as a reader we are drawn into their story. It was beautifully written with glimpses into the past and the horrors the characters faced. A fascinating and different way to present Roman and Makio’s short story.
This book is written as a letter, it was definitely interesting to read it as such. Since it was just a short novel it didn’t give time to build the characters so as a reader we are drawn into their story. It was beautifully written with glimpses into the past and the horrors the characters faced. A fascinating and different way to present Roman and Makio’s short story.
March 22, 2021
This short and sweet novella, written in the form of a love letter, offers a refreshing take on the sucked dry (get it?) Vampire Romance genre.
Beautifully narrated and reminiscent of Dr. Carlisle Cullen, this novella offers laughter, kilig, and some much appreciated depth with its unconventional ending.
It doesn't leave you high and dry despite only being 62 pagesz but it will leave you wanting to read more of J.T. Geissinger's work.
Beautifully narrated and reminiscent of Dr. Carlisle Cullen, this novella offers laughter, kilig, and some much appreciated depth with its unconventional ending.
It doesn't leave you high and dry despite only being 62 pagesz but it will leave you wanting to read more of J.T. Geissinger's work.
May 13, 2022
3.5/5⭐️
Novellas are usually hit or miss, this wasn't bad but I had higher expectations.
The way it was narrated and the ending were unusual and I haven't read many books of this type but I would have liked for the novella to be longer and the love story to be more fleshed out (it seemed one sided, somehow).
J.T.Geissinger surely likes to play with stylistic devices in her writing and this alone is making me curious about her other books 👌
Novellas are usually hit or miss, this wasn't bad but I had higher expectations.
The way it was narrated and the ending were unusual and I haven't read many books of this type but I would have liked for the novella to be longer and the love story to be more fleshed out (it seemed one sided, somehow).
J.T.Geissinger surely likes to play with stylistic devices in her writing and this alone is making me curious about her other books 👌
November 1, 2022
I really loved this book. It was a very interesting story and the narrator was great. I was so torn about the ending though. I was expecting a bittersweet HEA bc that’s typical Geissinger. But it wasn’t even bittersweet. I loved everything leading up to the end. And I wish she created a loophole to make it work. Like their love concurred all or something. This just left me sad and unfulfilled. That’s the only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5. I need the HEA, even if bittersweet.
September 8, 2023
Very Different Vampire Story
This was the most unique vampire story that I have ever read, and perhaps in it’s brevity, the most beautiful.
I cannot truly give you a description of the story without spoilers because the story was so succinct, but know it is almost poetic. You lose nothing but a few moments by reading it, and gain a brief and interesting story if you enjoy vampires.
Brava J. T.!
This was the most unique vampire story that I have ever read, and perhaps in it’s brevity, the most beautiful.
I cannot truly give you a description of the story without spoilers because the story was so succinct, but know it is almost poetic. You lose nothing but a few moments by reading it, and gain a brief and interesting story if you enjoy vampires.
Brava J. T.!
August 23, 2025
Deep and Short…..
This is a short story, told by the first to his love.
The story was told to the woman that Roman had fallen in love with.
Describing the relationship he had with his maker and educating this woman about turning into a vampire, and how they would spend their lives together in love and pain free….
The dawn came when a phone call rang and all plans had been changed........
This is a short story, told by the first to his love.
The story was told to the woman that Roman had fallen in love with.
Describing the relationship he had with his maker and educating this woman about turning into a vampire, and how they would spend their lives together in love and pain free….
The dawn came when a phone call rang and all plans had been changed........
October 24, 2025
A Bite Size Story That Leaves A Mark
Did I cry from this short novella about Maiko and Roman? Yes. Which only goes to show, emotion and great stories are not dependent on length or word count. JTG shows her skill in this haunting tale as she somehow makes us care about Roman, his past and present and future, and how he falls for his beautiful and precious Maiko.
Absolutely left an impact.
Did I cry from this short novella about Maiko and Roman? Yes. Which only goes to show, emotion and great stories are not dependent on length or word count. JTG shows her skill in this haunting tale as she somehow makes us care about Roman, his past and present and future, and how he falls for his beautiful and precious Maiko.
Absolutely left an impact.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews