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Bloodwork: A Dark Rom-Com
A LONELY SERIAL KILLER.
A BORED VAMPIRE NURSE.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DEVIL
MAKES A DEAL WITH ANOTHER DEVIL?
Timothy is a serial killer. He's also very lonely. He's a walking contradiction, and his psychological predicament doesn't escape him.
Lynnette is a vampire. She's also a nurse. She, too, is a walking contradiction.
When she unexpectedly answers his desperate call for company, they realize they could be perfect partners in crime, engaging in a few kinds of bloodwork at once, bringing out the worst and the best in each other.
With Timothy, Lynnette starts to feel more like the dangerous bloodsucking demon she was always meant to be, without having to worry about saving lives. With Lynnette, Timothy's loneliness starts to feel like nothing more than a shadow from a distant and depressing dream, and he can savor the presence of someone so inhuman that they're not bound to disappoint him like other people have.
The little deal the two outcasts make with each other should keep them both quite happy and satisfied with life-that is, assuming that Lynnette doesn't decide to make Timothy her dinner and Timothy doesn't decide to murder Lynnette for sport...
And when they are both capable of being predator and prey to each other, that's a hell of an assumption to make.
A BORED VAMPIRE NURSE.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DEVIL
MAKES A DEAL WITH ANOTHER DEVIL?
Timothy is a serial killer. He's also very lonely. He's a walking contradiction, and his psychological predicament doesn't escape him.
Lynnette is a vampire. She's also a nurse. She, too, is a walking contradiction.
When she unexpectedly answers his desperate call for company, they realize they could be perfect partners in crime, engaging in a few kinds of bloodwork at once, bringing out the worst and the best in each other.
With Timothy, Lynnette starts to feel more like the dangerous bloodsucking demon she was always meant to be, without having to worry about saving lives. With Lynnette, Timothy's loneliness starts to feel like nothing more than a shadow from a distant and depressing dream, and he can savor the presence of someone so inhuman that they're not bound to disappoint him like other people have.
The little deal the two outcasts make with each other should keep them both quite happy and satisfied with life-that is, assuming that Lynnette doesn't decide to make Timothy her dinner and Timothy doesn't decide to murder Lynnette for sport...
And when they are both capable of being predator and prey to each other, that's a hell of an assumption to make.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2024
63 people are currently reading
4136 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Demirel
2 books18 followersMelissa Demirel’s debut novel, a satirical horror rom-com called BLOODWORK, was published in February 2024. She is an author-screenwriter with a love for deliciously dark stories. She received her Bachelor's Degree, magna cum laude, and Master's Degree, summa cum laude, in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing from CSUN, where she works as the Writing Consultant and Instructional Assistant for the Graduate Master of Professional Accountancy Program at the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 19, 2024
⭐️ 2 stars ⭐️
The premise of Bloodwork was an enticing one — a serial killer in search of a partner…who better than a vampire nurse?
A shame the writing didn’t match up with the promising plot.
The main character was extremely bland and unlikeable. He’s a serial killer, so that was probably the point, but he could still be somewhat charming or have a pinch of personality, anything to make him distinguishable from a piece of soggy cardboard.
The writing was very convoluted, redundant and way too descriptive. It took the dude three whole paragraphs to take off a pair of cuffs.
Here’s a snippet to give you a taste:
Was ALL of that necessary? Was it crucial to the plot? Absolutely not. Let’s also take into account I cut this down by a lot, so it’s actually way way worse than what I showed, and way way longer.
The dialogues follow the same style, which makes following along too much work.
Disappointing, and not for me.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Killers aren’t supposed to crave company, right?
The premise of Bloodwork was an enticing one — a serial killer in search of a partner…who better than a vampire nurse?
A shame the writing didn’t match up with the promising plot.
The main character was extremely bland and unlikeable. He’s a serial killer, so that was probably the point, but he could still be somewhat charming or have a pinch of personality, anything to make him distinguishable from a piece of soggy cardboard.
The writing was very convoluted, redundant and way too descriptive. It took the dude three whole paragraphs to take off a pair of cuffs.
Here’s a snippet to give you a taste:
The key’s in—and then it pops back out. I manage to get the tip of the key back in—and then I slip and the key squeaks out and scratches my skin a bit.
•••
Now, I have to turn the key.
•••
..but the key is stuck, and nothing is happening, and I’m turning the key the wrong way.
•••
It works. It clicks. The cuffs go loose around my wrists. I pull them apart. I take my wrists, my hands, my fingers away.
Was ALL of that necessary? Was it crucial to the plot? Absolutely not. Let’s also take into account I cut this down by a lot, so it’s actually way way worse than what I showed, and way way longer.
The dialogues follow the same style, which makes following along too much work.
Disappointing, and not for me.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
March 16, 2024
DNF at 42% and that is about 20% farther than I wanted to read.
Thank you NetGalley for the free digital copy of this book for an honest review.
Timothy is a serial killer. Lynnette is a vampire-nurse. Together, maybe they are the missing pieces of each others' lives.
This book was listed as a "dark rom-com". I call bulls*^t. The only thing dark about this book is that someone is killing folks. And to be honest, the killings were pretty mild at that. So, zero trigger warnings needed on that front. The book is not funny. Like. At all. Where is the "com" I was promised? Timothy is a more dull version of Lestat from the Anne Rice vampire books. His monologues are a snooze-inducing whine-fest. "Oh poor pitiful me. I'm such a lonely serial killer. If only I could find a friend or a dignified way to die." Waaah. The story would have been more interesting if he had actually walked out into traffic. At least then the bitching and moaning would be over. Lynnette doesn't actually come into the picture until about 35% into the book and she is almost interesting to read. However, their conversations are so vanilla and dull that I was just bored. There was zero "rom" in this thing as well. And you say, "maybe it's a slow burn". If it is a slow burn, it is moving at a glacial pace. The conversations are like, "so you won't kill me, right? I would be disappointed." "Of course not. I have wanted a friend." "I can be that friend." "You wanna be my friend?" "Yes." "I'm glad." And on and on and on. How does an idea this freaking good get pulverized into this heap of garbage? The idea made me so excited to pick this up and the droning on and on about feelings and nothing made me throw it across the room.
Thank you NetGalley for the free digital copy of this book for an honest review.
Timothy is a serial killer. Lynnette is a vampire-nurse. Together, maybe they are the missing pieces of each others' lives.
This book was listed as a "dark rom-com". I call bulls*^t. The only thing dark about this book is that someone is killing folks. And to be honest, the killings were pretty mild at that. So, zero trigger warnings needed on that front. The book is not funny. Like. At all. Where is the "com" I was promised? Timothy is a more dull version of Lestat from the Anne Rice vampire books. His monologues are a snooze-inducing whine-fest. "Oh poor pitiful me. I'm such a lonely serial killer. If only I could find a friend or a dignified way to die." Waaah. The story would have been more interesting if he had actually walked out into traffic. At least then the bitching and moaning would be over. Lynnette doesn't actually come into the picture until about 35% into the book and she is almost interesting to read. However, their conversations are so vanilla and dull that I was just bored. There was zero "rom" in this thing as well. And you say, "maybe it's a slow burn". If it is a slow burn, it is moving at a glacial pace. The conversations are like, "so you won't kill me, right? I would be disappointed." "Of course not. I have wanted a friend." "I can be that friend." "You wanna be my friend?" "Yes." "I'm glad." And on and on and on. How does an idea this freaking good get pulverized into this heap of garbage? The idea made me so excited to pick this up and the droning on and on about feelings and nothing made me throw it across the room.
February 28, 2024
was this physically painful to read? yes 👍🏾 but i have to admire the author for being able to turn an amazing concept and make it so lame. never in my life have i ever seen an mmc that is this much of a loser. timothy’s a whiny bitch and every page i kept wishing he would kill himself. all he does is complain about how lonely it is killing people by himself. like my guy we understood the first 1000000 times you’ve said it. his so-called shyness is so unattractive because he just comes off like a pick me boy 🤮
and don’t get me started with his monologues like broooo shut the fuck up you’re not romeo.
this book is supposed to be a dark romcom so let’s break it down. is it dark? hmm i guess so 🤔 the romance? horribly developed 👎🏾 the comedy? the only thing funny is how bad this book is and even then i think it’s actually quite sad 💀
do yourself a favour and pick up literally any other book. this is genuinely one of the worst books i’ve ever read & it put me in a 2 week reading slump
and don’t get me started with his monologues like broooo shut the fuck up you’re not romeo.
this book is supposed to be a dark romcom so let’s break it down. is it dark? hmm i guess so 🤔 the romance? horribly developed 👎🏾 the comedy? the only thing funny is how bad this book is and even then i think it’s actually quite sad 💀
do yourself a favour and pick up literally any other book. this is genuinely one of the worst books i’ve ever read & it put me in a 2 week reading slump
July 1, 2024
The premise of this book drew me in. The book itself felt a bit wordy at times, some scenes over-described but nonetheless an enjoyable read. Lynnette is a vampire and a nurse who meets a man named Timothy and they realize they’d likely make a great team with their combined lifestyles. Together, they bring out the best and worst in each other. With Lynnette, Timothy feels less lonely, while Lynnette embraces her true vampire nature without the burden of having to stick to the rules of her profession. Their unique partnership seems to satisfy both of them, as long as they don't turn on each other in the end. The notion that they won't harm each other is a risky one, considering their predatory natures. Will they be able to remain a team, partners in crime? Or will their instincts unravel and destroy their lives?
March 6, 2024
Melissa Demirel's novel, Bloodwork, presents a captivating tale of two deeply flawed individuals who form an unlikely bond, exploring the complexities of loneliness, desire, and the nature of good and evil. Timothy, a serial killer, grapples with the contradictions of his nature, recognizing his inherent cruelty while yearning for companionship. Lynnette, a vampire and nurse, struggles with her dual identities, navigating the tension between her compassionate nature and her predatory instincts. When they meet, an unexpected connection sparks, fueled by their mutual isolation and the recognition of their own dark potential. As they engage in "a few kinds of bloodwork at once," they bring out the best and worst in each other, blurring the lines between predator and prey. Demirel deftly paints Timothy's loneliness as a palpable force, casting him as a victim of his own desires. Meanwhile, Lynnette's struggle with her innate violence adds a layer of complexity to her character, making her more than just a bloodthirsty monster. The "little deal" the two outcasts strike offers them a semblance of happiness and fulfillment, yet the precarious nature of their relationship hangs heavy in the air. The constant threat of betrayal and the ever-present potential for violence create a palpable tension throughout the narrative. Bloodwork is a dark and disturbing tale that delves into the depths of human nature, exploring the paradoxes of good and evil, loneliness and connection. Demirel's vivid imagery and nuanced characterization make this a truly immersive and thought-provoking read. As the story unfolds, the reader is left grappling with the question: When the lines between predator and prey become blurred, who truly emerges as the monster?
August 15, 2024
Bloodwork by Melissa Demirel...it's something quite unexpected. I may give it that.
It was my most anticipated ARC because I love romance, dark books, and vampires. Everything in this seemed perfect to me,
But I tend to be wrong and my anticipated read become the biggest flop of the year so far.
Timothy, our main character, is traveling America like a ghost, killing people who rub him the wrong way in the darkest alleys and disappearing before anyone could suspect about the creepy stranger who sat by himself at the bar. But this style of living is filled with loneliness no one can erase, and it's eating him alive. He needs a partner, a friend...someone to share his murderous nights with.
So he made a public announcement: a Serial killer wants to find the Robin to his Batman.
Now something sinister is watching from afar. Waiting and studying him.
What he does not know is that that lurking monster would be the perfect match for his rotting heart.
This novel follows two lonely individuals: A serial killer, and a vampire nurse who wants to reconnect with the monster inside of her. From Timothy inner monologue, we would see how they met and started this complicated connection.
It's a story filled with dark elements, yet it revolves around love and wanting to find someone you can be yourself with. It's about the ugly love between two monsters.
I, personally, would not define it as a romcom (at ALL).
I think this story would have been so much better as a novella... The narration is too tedious and repetitive because Timmy Tim here is not the most sane individual.
At the beginning, he was giving Merricat vibes (We Have Always Lived in the Castle). He was dark, unsettling and so wrong it would disturb anyone. But this book is about 300 pages... At the end of it, I was begging for him to stop thinking.
Lynette, as a romantic interest, was not really...interesting. Her story WAS INTERESTING, but her character? She was bland and for someone who is supposed to be working for decades as a nurse, she lacks empathy! (She grinds on corpses... I almost had to stop and throw up). The miss of an inner conflict in her is so obvious it hurts.
I would say in conclusion: the characters needed more development; the romance aspects of the book were mid; and the narration was too heavy to be enjoyable. It had a potential at the beginning and the dark elements were good, yet I cannot recommend this novel.
Star rating: 2/5
General Rating: 2.90/10
Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
January 6, 2025
I haven’t read a good horror romance in awhile so I was very excited to sink my teeth into this story about a serial killer who falls for a vampire.
The best thing I can say about this book is that it is an easy read. I was able to finish it in a couple days. The story is written in first person pov. It reads like a stream of consciousness. Unfortunately, it is very long winded, redundant, and repetitive. Many paragraphs I was able to skim through since they were a rehash of ones that came before. I get the sense that the author comes from a poetry background. There is a lot of alliteration and purple prose. These can be great elements in poetry but they can bloat an otherwise interesting story.
I got particularly annoyed with the constant references to the winking moon. The visual it conjured did not fit the tone. The references to the moon quickly became tired. The book is only 261 pages and there are 75 references to the moon in this story.
It was also very hard to suspend disbelief at how many times variations of the song “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” were played. I can’t remember the last time I heard that song but it appears 13 times in this relatively short novel. That’s perposterous.
Other things that stood out as ridiculous were just how many people responded to the “Partner Wanted” poster. There were at least 5 that I can remember. Seemed farfetched. Or how in another scene the killer is able to pull is handcuffed arms from behind his back and over his head without breaking any bones.
I could not get over how awful the main character is. He sees himself as a Dexter type who only kills evil people but his definition of “evil” extends to a girlfriend that cheated on him and people that annoy him at the bar. He also frequently uses the words “cunt” and “bitch” to refer to women. He’s extremely high on himself and has no redeeming qualities, begging the reader to wonder why anyone would be interested in this guy.
This is marketed on Netgalley as a “dark rom-com” but it is neither romantic or funny. I never wanted these characters to end up together.
I won’t spoil the ending but I will say that was the most satisfying part of the novel. It left me pondering the metaphors and themes of the novel after I closed the book. While I think this would have worked better as a short-story it wasn’t terrible.
If you are looking for a vampire romantic comedy, this is not the book for you. Check out You Suck: A Love Story by Christopher Moore instead. However, if you are looking for something like Caroline Kepnes’s You where Joe Goldberg falls for a vampire, you might enjoy this.
The best thing I can say about this book is that it is an easy read. I was able to finish it in a couple days. The story is written in first person pov. It reads like a stream of consciousness. Unfortunately, it is very long winded, redundant, and repetitive. Many paragraphs I was able to skim through since they were a rehash of ones that came before. I get the sense that the author comes from a poetry background. There is a lot of alliteration and purple prose. These can be great elements in poetry but they can bloat an otherwise interesting story.
I got particularly annoyed with the constant references to the winking moon. The visual it conjured did not fit the tone. The references to the moon quickly became tired. The book is only 261 pages and there are 75 references to the moon in this story.
It was also very hard to suspend disbelief at how many times variations of the song “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” were played. I can’t remember the last time I heard that song but it appears 13 times in this relatively short novel. That’s perposterous.
Other things that stood out as ridiculous were just how many people responded to the “Partner Wanted” poster. There were at least 5 that I can remember. Seemed farfetched. Or how in another scene the killer is able to pull is handcuffed arms from behind his back and over his head without breaking any bones.
I could not get over how awful the main character is. He sees himself as a Dexter type who only kills evil people but his definition of “evil” extends to a girlfriend that cheated on him and people that annoy him at the bar. He also frequently uses the words “cunt” and “bitch” to refer to women. He’s extremely high on himself and has no redeeming qualities, begging the reader to wonder why anyone would be interested in this guy.
This is marketed on Netgalley as a “dark rom-com” but it is neither romantic or funny. I never wanted these characters to end up together.
I won’t spoil the ending but I will say that was the most satisfying part of the novel. It left me pondering the metaphors and themes of the novel after I closed the book. While I think this would have worked better as a short-story it wasn’t terrible.
If you are looking for a vampire romantic comedy, this is not the book for you. Check out You Suck: A Love Story by Christopher Moore instead. However, if you are looking for something like Caroline Kepnes’s You where Joe Goldberg falls for a vampire, you might enjoy this.
April 15, 2025
Bloodwork by Melissa Demirel comes out on February 22, but I was lucky to receive an ARC from NetGalley.
The story beckons you into a realm where dark romance meets the macabre, promising a gripping tale of love between a serial killer and a vampire. The initial allure of the cover and the intriguing premise gripped my attention from the start.
The narrative unfolds with Timothy, a loner who enacts his own brand of justice by targeting those he deems unworthy of life. Opposite him is Lynnette, a vampire seeking sustenance and drawn into Timothy’s peculiar invitation. Their relationship hinges on a precarious trust, the kind that holds the threat of mortality.
Envisioning a blend of Pam from Southern Vampire Mysteries and Dexter, I anticipated a captivating journey. However, the narrative primarily unfolds through Timothy’s internal monologue, leaving me craving a more dynamic exploration of his struggles and interactions. At the same time, he’s a shy serial killer and doesn’t really interact much with others, putting the author in a difficult spot.
Bloodwork’s storyline is woven with grisly murders, each described with unsettling detail. Timothy’s moral compass, guided by fleeting interactions, sets the stage for a dark exploration of justice. Lynnette follows his rules, but there’s tension between them, showing how their relationship is getting complicated.
Within the chaos of bloodshed, a delicate romance emerges — a fragile beacon amid the darkness. The narrative skillfully tests this connection against the backdrop of shared secrets and conflicting desires, showcasing the intricate dance between love and darkness.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
The story beckons you into a realm where dark romance meets the macabre, promising a gripping tale of love between a serial killer and a vampire. The initial allure of the cover and the intriguing premise gripped my attention from the start.
The narrative unfolds with Timothy, a loner who enacts his own brand of justice by targeting those he deems unworthy of life. Opposite him is Lynnette, a vampire seeking sustenance and drawn into Timothy’s peculiar invitation. Their relationship hinges on a precarious trust, the kind that holds the threat of mortality.
Envisioning a blend of Pam from Southern Vampire Mysteries and Dexter, I anticipated a captivating journey. However, the narrative primarily unfolds through Timothy’s internal monologue, leaving me craving a more dynamic exploration of his struggles and interactions. At the same time, he’s a shy serial killer and doesn’t really interact much with others, putting the author in a difficult spot.
Bloodwork’s storyline is woven with grisly murders, each described with unsettling detail. Timothy’s moral compass, guided by fleeting interactions, sets the stage for a dark exploration of justice. Lynnette follows his rules, but there’s tension between them, showing how their relationship is getting complicated.
Within the chaos of bloodshed, a delicate romance emerges — a fragile beacon amid the darkness. The narrative skillfully tests this connection against the backdrop of shared secrets and conflicting desires, showcasing the intricate dance between love and darkness.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
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April 1, 2024DNF at page 132/54%
The writing style really isn’t my jam - it is way too descriptive and drawn out, making me unable to ever really get into the story. Most of the time I t was cringey, and that is cringey as in “I’m 14 and this is deep”. It made me absolutely despise the male main character before I even finished the first page. His issue is that he’s a very lonely and misunderstood dude, but he’s also a serial killer so can’t say I’m surprised people aren’t lined up to be his bestie. He is a boring and unreasonable character.
I was really, really sad this book didn’t work for me, because the plot line is very unique and I think it has amazing potential. But the writing style takes up so much time and attention away from the actual story. The plot honestly feels more like an afterthought. At times I nearly forgot what was even happening because in the middle of a scene there would be entire paragraphs of the main character dissecting the interior decor.
I’m sure this writing could work in other books, but it just doesn’t fit a thriller/horror book like this.
I liked the female main character, I think she was well-rounded and unlike the male main character she had a clear motivation and reasoning. Considering she is a vampire it’s weird how she made so much more sense than her human counterpart.
Even though the book is so slow paced and the characters are described as lonely, wary, distrusting and always on-guard, they fall head-over-heels in love with each other within 24 hours of their first meeting. I get that they’re a vampire and serial killer, but even then it’s unbelievable.
On the note of believability; the “logic” when it comes to the murders should be re-worked, I see no logical reason why they wouldn’t have been caught already. Again, I realize it’s a supernatural fiction, but still. He was arrested with plenty of witnesses but escaped because the cops died and the police didn’t find out any of that until next morning? Don’t you think the police would notice immediately if two police cars are missing, 5 officers are dead and an arrested murderer has escaped?
In my opinion, this book should’ve been much less “emotional”. The main focus should’ve been on the main plot (the vampire and serial killer joining forces) and the romance should’ve been a slow burn and a sub plot.
Thank you to the author and Black Rose Writing for the ARC!
The writing style really isn’t my jam - it is way too descriptive and drawn out, making me unable to ever really get into the story. Most of the time I t was cringey, and that is cringey as in “I’m 14 and this is deep”. It made me absolutely despise the male main character before I even finished the first page. His issue is that he’s a very lonely and misunderstood dude, but he’s also a serial killer so can’t say I’m surprised people aren’t lined up to be his bestie. He is a boring and unreasonable character.
I was really, really sad this book didn’t work for me, because the plot line is very unique and I think it has amazing potential. But the writing style takes up so much time and attention away from the actual story. The plot honestly feels more like an afterthought. At times I nearly forgot what was even happening because in the middle of a scene there would be entire paragraphs of the main character dissecting the interior decor.
I’m sure this writing could work in other books, but it just doesn’t fit a thriller/horror book like this.
I liked the female main character, I think she was well-rounded and unlike the male main character she had a clear motivation and reasoning. Considering she is a vampire it’s weird how she made so much more sense than her human counterpart.
Even though the book is so slow paced and the characters are described as lonely, wary, distrusting and always on-guard, they fall head-over-heels in love with each other within 24 hours of their first meeting. I get that they’re a vampire and serial killer, but even then it’s unbelievable.
On the note of believability; the “logic” when it comes to the murders should be re-worked, I see no logical reason why they wouldn’t have been caught already. Again, I realize it’s a supernatural fiction, but still. He was arrested with plenty of witnesses but escaped because the cops died and the police didn’t find out any of that until next morning? Don’t you think the police would notice immediately if two police cars are missing, 5 officers are dead and an arrested murderer has escaped?
In my opinion, this book should’ve been much less “emotional”. The main focus should’ve been on the main plot (the vampire and serial killer joining forces) and the romance should’ve been a slow burn and a sub plot.
Thank you to the author and Black Rose Writing for the ARC!
February 3, 2024
Overall Rating = 3.67
Storyline & Concept = 3
Writing & Delivery = 3
Editorial = 5
Bloodwork unites two flawed individuals in their quest for friendship, love, and someone to share their need to kill people. Timothy is a lonely serial killer, who murders people he deems unworthy of living, while Lynnette is a vampire who needs to fuel her body and satisfy her bloodlust. Lynnette responds to Timothy’s poster in which he invites people with common interests to meet him and possibly become his partner. Their rocky relationship is based on the need to trust that one won’t kill the other.
This novel is billed as a dark rom-com. It fulfills the billing as dark. The murders are plentiful and often gruesomely detailed. Timothy’s requirements that the kills are geared towards “bad” people are usually based on a fleeting interaction he has with them, with little consideration for their personal circumstances. Lynnette initially agrees to follow his rules but seems to create her own agenda along the way. A romance develops between the two and is put to the ultimate test. The “com” part of the billing is more elusive. The premise is unusual and definitely bizarre, but the humor was less obvious. This novel is the blend of Dexter-meets-vampire and would appeal to fans of either of those categories.
Sublime Line: “Bloodwork is an unusual, dark love story that brings together two predators with an unstoppable destiny.”
Storyline & Concept = 3
Writing & Delivery = 3
Editorial = 5
Bloodwork unites two flawed individuals in their quest for friendship, love, and someone to share their need to kill people. Timothy is a lonely serial killer, who murders people he deems unworthy of living, while Lynnette is a vampire who needs to fuel her body and satisfy her bloodlust. Lynnette responds to Timothy’s poster in which he invites people with common interests to meet him and possibly become his partner. Their rocky relationship is based on the need to trust that one won’t kill the other.
This novel is billed as a dark rom-com. It fulfills the billing as dark. The murders are plentiful and often gruesomely detailed. Timothy’s requirements that the kills are geared towards “bad” people are usually based on a fleeting interaction he has with them, with little consideration for their personal circumstances. Lynnette initially agrees to follow his rules but seems to create her own agenda along the way. A romance develops between the two and is put to the ultimate test. The “com” part of the billing is more elusive. The premise is unusual and definitely bizarre, but the humor was less obvious. This novel is the blend of Dexter-meets-vampire and would appeal to fans of either of those categories.
Sublime Line: “Bloodwork is an unusual, dark love story that brings together two predators with an unstoppable destiny.”
April 9, 2024
I got really excited as I read the premise of this book: serial killer and vampire nurse partnering up? I couldn’t sign up for the ARC quick enough! However, whilst I really did like the story, I’m sad that I didn’t love it…
The story is told entirely from the serial killer’s perspective (Timothy), which is refreshing as lots of books today are at least dual POV. And it really was every thought he had as he searched to find a literal partner in crime. For the most part, this was very well written and really showed the emotions that he was going through as the story progressed. There were however, whole paragraphs that I would occasionally skip because they were just so repetitive. Whilst I believe the author was trying to show the frantic, nervous, and somewhat obsessive, thoughts of Timothy, it was sometimes just too rambling for my liking. Not a criticism as such, but some of the chapters were also quite long and again, just personal preference, I haven’t come across chapters quite that long in some time, and I’m a fast reader!
Seeing the relationship develop between Timothy and his new partner was interesting as they were both quite strong and quirky characters, so it made for some rather humorous scenes!
I definitely haven’t read a book like this before and it was a pretty fun read!
3 ⭐️ 1🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Demirel and Black Rose Writing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story is told entirely from the serial killer’s perspective (Timothy), which is refreshing as lots of books today are at least dual POV. And it really was every thought he had as he searched to find a literal partner in crime. For the most part, this was very well written and really showed the emotions that he was going through as the story progressed. There were however, whole paragraphs that I would occasionally skip because they were just so repetitive. Whilst I believe the author was trying to show the frantic, nervous, and somewhat obsessive, thoughts of Timothy, it was sometimes just too rambling for my liking. Not a criticism as such, but some of the chapters were also quite long and again, just personal preference, I haven’t come across chapters quite that long in some time, and I’m a fast reader!
Seeing the relationship develop between Timothy and his new partner was interesting as they were both quite strong and quirky characters, so it made for some rather humorous scenes!
I definitely haven’t read a book like this before and it was a pretty fun read!
3 ⭐️ 1🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Demirel and Black Rose Writing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 12, 2024
"Bloodwork" by Melissa Demirel presents a tantalizing premise: a lonely serial killer, Timothy, crosses paths with Lynnette, a bored vampire nurse. Together, they explore the depths of their own darkness, contemplating a partnership in crime that could bring out both their worst and best qualities.
In theory, the idea of a serial killer seeking companionship with a vampire nurse promises an intriguing blend of horror and dark humor. However, the execution falls short of expectations. The main character, Timothy, comes across as bland and unlikable, lacking the depth or intrigue one would expect from a figure in his position. Despite being a serial killer, he's as dull as a blank canvas, devoid of the twisted charisma or dark allure that could have made him truly captivating.
Moreover, the writing style is criticized for being convoluted, redundant, and overly descriptive. Despite being categorized as a "dark rom-com," the humor falls flat, and the darkness feels subdued. The killings, central to the plot, are portrayed as mild, lacking the intensity or impact that one might expect from such a narrative. Consequently, the promised dark comedy fails to materialize.
While the premise may draw readers in with its promise of a twisted and entertaining tale, the reality falls short. "Bloodwork" ultimately struggles to deliver on its potential, leaving readers longing for more depth, wit, and genuine darkness.
In theory, the idea of a serial killer seeking companionship with a vampire nurse promises an intriguing blend of horror and dark humor. However, the execution falls short of expectations. The main character, Timothy, comes across as bland and unlikable, lacking the depth or intrigue one would expect from a figure in his position. Despite being a serial killer, he's as dull as a blank canvas, devoid of the twisted charisma or dark allure that could have made him truly captivating.
Moreover, the writing style is criticized for being convoluted, redundant, and overly descriptive. Despite being categorized as a "dark rom-com," the humor falls flat, and the darkness feels subdued. The killings, central to the plot, are portrayed as mild, lacking the intensity or impact that one might expect from such a narrative. Consequently, the promised dark comedy fails to materialize.
While the premise may draw readers in with its promise of a twisted and entertaining tale, the reality falls short. "Bloodwork" ultimately struggles to deliver on its potential, leaving readers longing for more depth, wit, and genuine darkness.
February 11, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for sending me a copy of this digital ARC just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Timothy is a lonely serial killer, looking for a partner who will understand him. Lynn is a nurse first and a vampire second, under constant turmoil with her human values and her vampiric nature. Are they soulmates or will their dark pasts will threaten their partnership?
If you’re looking for something short and sweet for Valentine’s Day, then I recommend this one! It was a strange combination of insta-love and slow burn that kept me interested. It was a little bloody for a traditional romance, but it had a lot of cute interactions that sweetened it up. There was also some spice, which was exactly what you’d expect from an unconventional pairing like Timothy and Lynn.
The feedback that I have is that it does get slower paced in the middle. The intention was to build their relationship and make you feel how much time has passed, but it becomes a bit tedious hearing about the same thing on different days.
Overall, this book was a slow burn romance, perfect for people who want to explore an unusual concept like a vampire nurse and a serial killer who take out bad people together. If this fun read is something you’d be interested in, Bloodwork comes out on February 22nd!
Timothy is a lonely serial killer, looking for a partner who will understand him. Lynn is a nurse first and a vampire second, under constant turmoil with her human values and her vampiric nature. Are they soulmates or will their dark pasts will threaten their partnership?
If you’re looking for something short and sweet for Valentine’s Day, then I recommend this one! It was a strange combination of insta-love and slow burn that kept me interested. It was a little bloody for a traditional romance, but it had a lot of cute interactions that sweetened it up. There was also some spice, which was exactly what you’d expect from an unconventional pairing like Timothy and Lynn.
The feedback that I have is that it does get slower paced in the middle. The intention was to build their relationship and make you feel how much time has passed, but it becomes a bit tedious hearing about the same thing on different days.
Overall, this book was a slow burn romance, perfect for people who want to explore an unusual concept like a vampire nurse and a serial killer who take out bad people together. If this fun read is something you’d be interested in, Bloodwork comes out on February 22nd!
February 7, 2024
Thank you, Melissa Demirel and NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!
This was definitely worth the read. Though I'm not sure if I'd read it again. A vampire and a killer? Could that be a more perfect match, or could it be hell on earth? This is definitely more a love story than a gore filled kind. Is there death? Yes, there certainly is, and there's plenty of blood. This is not for those searching for a dark, gore filled romance. This is definitely more romance of the minds and finding soul mates of a certain kind.
Reading this, I only have one complaint, and it's that the chapters were so long. Even so, I did enjoy getting to know both characters deeply both through their thoughts and how they killed. This book was different from what I've read this year: besides the fact that it's romance. It was real. Plus, you're experiencing emotions anyone could feel and then.... some not so much.
A vampire and a human killer. A perfect match? Or a disaster waiting to happen. Even if you're lonely, a simple choice can change your life forever, and a single meeting can do so much more. What do you think? Read and see what happens. Above all else, if you need a shoulder, put your head on my shoulderrrrr~
This was definitely worth the read. Though I'm not sure if I'd read it again. A vampire and a killer? Could that be a more perfect match, or could it be hell on earth? This is definitely more a love story than a gore filled kind. Is there death? Yes, there certainly is, and there's plenty of blood. This is not for those searching for a dark, gore filled romance. This is definitely more romance of the minds and finding soul mates of a certain kind.
Reading this, I only have one complaint, and it's that the chapters were so long. Even so, I did enjoy getting to know both characters deeply both through their thoughts and how they killed. This book was different from what I've read this year: besides the fact that it's romance. It was real. Plus, you're experiencing emotions anyone could feel and then.... some not so much.
A vampire and a human killer. A perfect match? Or a disaster waiting to happen. Even if you're lonely, a simple choice can change your life forever, and a single meeting can do so much more. What do you think? Read and see what happens. Above all else, if you need a shoulder, put your head on my shoulderrrrr~
March 17, 2024
This was one of the most interesting and captivating books I read. It felt like I was living inside the main character’s mind, enabling me to know why he was doing the things he was doing. Every thought, every decision, and every emotion I came across in this book were little hints and details that led you from one chapter to another in fluency.
What I liked the most was the satire of his thoughts being repetitive, a perfect tool that made me understand how unhealthily obsessed, and delusional he is as a serial killer. With the artistic and poetic but also modern and funny writing style, I could see how sick and pathetic he is, and that itself made him an interesting and special main character.
It was a slow-burn dark romance where you could truly feel the dangerous chemistry between two lovers. As much as I wanted them to love each other, I could feel the darkness coming with it. As someone who usually struggles with reading slow-burn, the writing style and pacing of this book, this book changed my mind. Not to mention the ending had me shaken since I could feel something coming but could not predict it and even then, there was nothing I could do except witness two devils making promises. Me. want. a second book. please :')
What I liked the most was the satire of his thoughts being repetitive, a perfect tool that made me understand how unhealthily obsessed, and delusional he is as a serial killer. With the artistic and poetic but also modern and funny writing style, I could see how sick and pathetic he is, and that itself made him an interesting and special main character.
It was a slow-burn dark romance where you could truly feel the dangerous chemistry between two lovers. As much as I wanted them to love each other, I could feel the darkness coming with it. As someone who usually struggles with reading slow-burn, the writing style and pacing of this book, this book changed my mind. Not to mention the ending had me shaken since I could feel something coming but could not predict it and even then, there was nothing I could do except witness two devils making promises. Me. want. a second book. please :')
April 5, 2024
Never in my life have I wanted a serial killer to kill themselves more than I want this fictional serial killer to kill themselves just so I didn't have to read another word of their overly descriptive inner dialogue. This book was pure torture to get through. The main character Timothy is supposed to be this serial killer that has traveled all over and is so good at it that he's never been caught, but at the first sign of "finding a partner in crime" he gets caught by the cops? Not to mention he is super whiny and never stops complaining about how lonely he is. I'm pretty sure the first 5 chapters are just Timothy the MMC whining about being lonely and shy and how he'll never find a friend/partner.
There chapters were overly discriptive and I really struggled to get through them. Did I need to know every single action Timothy took to escape from handcuffs? No. But I could probably escape from some handcuffs myself after the 20 min chapter I read of him escaping handcuffs.
Overall. This was definitely not a book for me.
I recieved a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
There chapters were overly discriptive and I really struggled to get through them. Did I need to know every single action Timothy took to escape from handcuffs? No. But I could probably escape from some handcuffs myself after the 20 min chapter I read of him escaping handcuffs.
Overall. This was definitely not a book for me.
I recieved a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 18, 2024
Thank you to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for offering me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A serial killer and a vampire nurse teaming up to tag-team the streets and remove them of the ‘bad guys’? What’s not to love?
Unfortunately, while the idea was great, the execution was a little lacklustre, with the first 25% of the book being extremely slow and difficult to engage with. This may have been intentional as Timothy, the protagonist, is very awkward, uncomfortable and has no social skills. If Demirel has written the time in which he is alone to mimic this then she does a good job but that does not make for an enjoyable reading experience.
Ultimately, the character of Lynette is let down by just about everything else in the novel and there are quite a few tricks missed in the story which could have really elevated this book.
Had Lynette been the protagonist, I feel that I, personally, would have enjoyed the story far more.
A serial killer and a vampire nurse teaming up to tag-team the streets and remove them of the ‘bad guys’? What’s not to love?
Unfortunately, while the idea was great, the execution was a little lacklustre, with the first 25% of the book being extremely slow and difficult to engage with. This may have been intentional as Timothy, the protagonist, is very awkward, uncomfortable and has no social skills. If Demirel has written the time in which he is alone to mimic this then she does a good job but that does not make for an enjoyable reading experience.
Ultimately, the character of Lynette is let down by just about everything else in the novel and there are quite a few tricks missed in the story which could have really elevated this book.
Had Lynette been the protagonist, I feel that I, personally, would have enjoyed the story far more.
May 25, 2024
I wanted to like this book so much.
A serial killer teaming up with a vampire nurse with the potential for more? A blend of horror and dark humor?
All of this drew me in to request Bloodwork and for a bit I really liked the story, I thought being in the mind of a serial killer was intriguing.
Sadly Timothy started to get annoying as his thoughts kept circling around things he came across, he lacked charisma and was not even likable enough, in a twisted way, for being one of the main characters. And Lynette, the vampire nurse, could not live up to the main character vibe either.
Bloodwork is categorized as dark rom-com but the story is neither dark enough for it's premise nor was the humor truly there.
I feel sad for giving this book such a low rating but I expected more, the potential was there but the story and characters did not deliver.
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Demirel and Black Rose Writing for this ARC.
A serial killer teaming up with a vampire nurse with the potential for more? A blend of horror and dark humor?
All of this drew me in to request Bloodwork and for a bit I really liked the story, I thought being in the mind of a serial killer was intriguing.
Sadly Timothy started to get annoying as his thoughts kept circling around things he came across, he lacked charisma and was not even likable enough, in a twisted way, for being one of the main characters. And Lynette, the vampire nurse, could not live up to the main character vibe either.
Bloodwork is categorized as dark rom-com but the story is neither dark enough for it's premise nor was the humor truly there.
I feel sad for giving this book such a low rating but I expected more, the potential was there but the story and characters did not deliver.
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Demirel and Black Rose Writing for this ARC.
Read
March 17, 2024** Thank you to Black Rose for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review **
rating: 2.3 / 5 stars
To be honest, I really wanted to like this book. Everything about the premise seemed awesome to me - someone who loves vampires and loves Dexter. But, it all fell a bit flat for me. I didn't find Timothy all that relatable and his narration style was a little weird. Their romance was weirdly run of the mill despite being what it was. The vampire aspect wasn't my favorite either.
Overall, it wasn't terrible but it wasn't my favorite book. It took me soooo long to finish it and review it because I just kept losing interest. This may be for you though, so check it out if you want!
Happy reading!!
rating: 2.3 / 5 stars
To be honest, I really wanted to like this book. Everything about the premise seemed awesome to me - someone who loves vampires and loves Dexter. But, it all fell a bit flat for me. I didn't find Timothy all that relatable and his narration style was a little weird. Their romance was weirdly run of the mill despite being what it was. The vampire aspect wasn't my favorite either.
Overall, it wasn't terrible but it wasn't my favorite book. It took me soooo long to finish it and review it because I just kept losing interest. This may be for you though, so check it out if you want!
Happy reading!!
October 25, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4
This was an intriguing premise, and an interesting story. I think with a little more polishing, it would be a great story. I found it hard to really like our serial killer MC, but it felt like he wanted the reader to like him. Unfortunately, there was nothing really charming or interesting about him, he just sort of fell flat for me. The FMC was slightly better, but still didn't feel fleshed out enough. That said, the story itself moved along at a smooth pace, and the technical side of the writing was fine overall. I'd love to see this refined a little more, I'd absolutely read an updated re-release.
This was an intriguing premise, and an interesting story. I think with a little more polishing, it would be a great story. I found it hard to really like our serial killer MC, but it felt like he wanted the reader to like him. Unfortunately, there was nothing really charming or interesting about him, he just sort of fell flat for me. The FMC was slightly better, but still didn't feel fleshed out enough. That said, the story itself moved along at a smooth pace, and the technical side of the writing was fine overall. I'd love to see this refined a little more, I'd absolutely read an updated re-release.
September 9, 2024
This book was up and down for me. I would give it 3.5 stars because of the idea of a serial killer human and a vampire teaming up. Also because of the way of the writing. Very beautifully written in some parts. The down side was some parts were dragged on. Some of the dialogue through me off too. I thought it was gonna be my top read of 2024 but by the time I got to 50% it started to change and now it’s an okay to pretty good read for me for 2024. Still love the duo idea though!!!
July 18, 2025
If you like slow paced then this one is for you. The writing was great, descriptive and you really build a bond with Timothy and Lynette. Tim is a serial unaliver who gets so desperate for companionship that he creates a poster looking for a partner. Up turns Lynette, the vampire who is also desperate for a friend or possibly more. It's a great story and again if you like slow paced than this is for you.
February 29, 2024
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc.
Honestly I've been looking for more Dark romantic comedies for ages and this hit the spot.
We follow a serial killer and a nurse vampire. This is literally such a fun concept.
While the writing is a little clunky in areas it was still such a good read.
Honestly I've been looking for more Dark romantic comedies for ages and this hit the spot.
We follow a serial killer and a nurse vampire. This is literally such a fun concept.
While the writing is a little clunky in areas it was still such a good read.
October 29, 2024
DNF’d at 34%. Great concept. Wish the characters had more drive or backstory 🤷🏼♀️. Like how was Lynette at the same job for many, many, many years and never age? Isn’t the rule of vampires to move after 10 yrs at least? MMC drove me nuts.
PS I adore the author, this book just wasn’t a win for me.
PS I adore the author, this book just wasn’t a win for me.
March 14, 2024
I wanted to love this book so badly, but I was bored! Which how can that be with a serial killer and a vampire romance? Well because our serial killer is as bland as dry cheerios.
I kept waiting for it to get good.
And sadly, I never got to that point so around 40% in I gave up.
I kept waiting for it to get good.
And sadly, I never got to that point so around 40% in I gave up.
Read
April 9, 2024Dnf early on
It’s just not my writing style - I think there’s tons of potential for this book and plot! But it just didn’t move fast paced enough. Lots of lengthy sentences, and too much rambling and repetitive.
It’s just not my writing style - I think there’s tons of potential for this book and plot! But it just didn’t move fast paced enough. Lots of lengthy sentences, and too much rambling and repetitive.
June 5, 2024
I felt the novel started off a bit slow but once we introduced both characters I started to invest in them. Overall I enjoyed this, but I felt the ending was a bit sad and rushed. I hope we get a sequel of sorts.
October 7, 2024
Nothing wrong with the writing or the plot, it was just a bit too slow for my liking and the dialogue from the main character just kept droning on and on. Maybe I will give it a chance again in the later future when I have time to actually sit down and get through it.
February 7, 2024
This was an alright read. Something a little different.
March 10, 2024
DNF @ 20%
The plot just wasn’t for me
The plot just wasn’t for me
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