Ethan Jimenez used to wish all vampires would just drop dead. Then he met Simon.
Sweet, confused, newly-turned Simon, the most incompetent vampire Ethan ever met. Ethan thought he could kill him, thought it was the hypnotic servitor’s bite that made him want to be around Simon all the time...but he was wrong.
Ethan Jimenez and Simon Childs fell in love. And then they ran away together. Now, in their new city, Ethan is happier than he’s ever been before. Simon should be happy too – but he can’t help but feel buoyed by how little he knows about being a vampire. His appetite has only gotten bigger over the last year, and now that his feeding habits are endangering Ethan's health, Simon has never felt so lost...
What he needs is another vampire, someone older and more established, who can teach him how to survive without hurting anyone. Problem is, he doesn’t know any other vampires…
Until, one night, he meets Seth, the leader of a gang of local vampires, who takes an instant liking to Simon, bringing him into the fold, and under his wing.
Simon is so busy counting his lucky stars…that he doesn’t stop to ask: what does Seth want in return?
Danielle Bird was born and raised in rural Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Penn State University and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a minor in Creative Writing. Her debut novel, "Drop Dead," was published in February 2023.
After reading Drop Dead, I was really happy with the ending but knew that I would absolutely be up for more. If book one was a little more focused on Ethan, then Heart Throb was definitely a more focus on Simon and with the way things were playinng out and the way vampire society was being expanded, I must admit I had set some expectations for myself that I'm COPIUMING will be touched upon in book 3. 🤣
I was surprised by many things, and the expansion of things in Heart Throb kept me on my toes with the scenes with Simon. Seth as a whole was such a fun character to introduce here. I had no idea whether he'd be an obstacle, a friend, an eventual both, but his character archetype is one of my absolute faves so I was definitely a happy camper with the vibes he added to this world. 🤣 The cameos from book one were nice too, and I really liked the new cast as well! The new friendships and relationships are so intriguing to me, and one of the only things I felt was missing from this entry was kind of that Ethan/Simon touch -- which made sense given everything that's going on. Given there was so much explanation with polyam and the vampire household dynamics here, I feel like book 3 will definitely help hit the landing since some stuff didn't come to fruition here, and I can't wait to see how things develop.
------ There were sooo many things introduced here, and Seth, not surprisingly, became my favorite character this book. 😂 I must admit I really was hoping for things to go a certain way that didn't come to fruition especially when there was A LOT of teasing and explanation for things, but hey, you know what? I can copium we'll get something still in the next book. And I still read this in 1.5 sittings! 🤣 Full RTC!
----- THERE'S A SEQUEL AND THE BLURB IS KILLING ME, OH MY GOD.
I had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, Drop Dead, a year ago, and I cannot convey how quickly I requested to join the review team when the ARC for this second book was listed. I didn't even read the blurb, I just knew it would be good.
You might think that's a good way to set myself up for inevitable disappointment. But Danielle Bird really said, "Sophomore slump? I don't know her!" and has delivered an action-packed, intricately well-characterised, and emotional sequel that I devoured in a single day.
As the blurb implies, Simon and Ethan's relationship undergoes strain in this book. In both real life and reading tastes, I am conflict-averse, but this is built up very realistically. It's not at all drama for the sake of drama, with both of them being very valid for feeling the way they did. Actually, probably the single issue I take with this book is that I felt they get over their fight too conveniently. But I also understand why, in terms of the story across the whole series, they had to.
Relatedly, I am going to need the third book pronto.
One of the things I like best about this book is the way the author explicates typical elements in vampire-human relationships. With Simon and Ethan, for example, it's not just "one of them's a vampire and so the other one is in danger of getting drained of blood, oh no!" Instead, their arc in this book explores compromise and care in an established relationship, and multiple dimensions of power and desire, as well as notions of monstrosity and sexuality. Another example is the way that the servitor bond makes sense for certain characters as a lifestyle choice. The author has really thought out the psychology underpinning the social world of vampires and their coterie.
I worry that previous paragraph makes this book sound like it takes itself too seriously. That's not the feeling at all! This is an absorbing read wherein the characters are all Going Through It in their respective ways, and the intricate web of shifting relationships between them had me glued to the page. I also enjoyed the polyamory and asexual representation introduced in the new ensemble characters.
In sum: more lore, more loveable characters, thoughtfully written and a pleasure to read. Highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy via BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Heart Throb is the sequel to the surprisingly complex vampire romance Drop Dead. It’s been a year since vampire Simon and ex-vampire hunter Ethan fell in love and ran away. Now, they are still dealing with the realities of their new life, which while happy, is not healthy since Simon is starving on just Ethan whose body can’t keep up with his need. When Simon meets a local vampire Seth who wants to teach him how to survive and thrive, Simon is drawn in. But Seth may not be as benevolent as he appears, bringing Simon and Ethan’s new life (and relationship) into danger.
I don’t know why I was still surprised by how much depth this book had when I was already surprised by the first book. This is no ordinary vampire romance. It takes on the complexities and difficulties of a relationship between human (an ex-vampire hunter at that) and vampire and dives well into the nit and grit of it. So while I do think the romance was still at the forefront of the story, the book does not read as a romance. It’s very suspenseful and is even bordering on horror with some pretty brutal and gory violence.
Simon to the lead here as he attempted to juggle the many facets his new undead life has brought, and while I don’t agree with some of the things he did, I understood him nonetheless. I appreciated the return of Simon’s accidental servitor Darrell. The confict, the self doubt, and the struggle their dynamic wrings out of both Darrell and Simon made the book so much more dimensional. It once again brings in the issue of consent and self-determination but from the perspective of someone outside the romantic relationship. While I did feel like Ethan took a bit of a back seat in this one, he is being set up beautifully for the sequel (which promises to be even more layered and thrilling especially after that ending).
Heart Throb continues to surprise as a queer vampire romance with depth.
*I received an eARC via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.
Heart Throb, by Danielle Bird, is a paranormal romance about dealing with the consequences of relapsing regardless of whether it was intentional. It has been a year since Simon and Ethan escaped the hunters. After Ethan gets sent to the hospital for anemia, Simon decides to try to curb his feeding, only to suffer from horrific hunger pain. While hunting, he runs into Seth, a more experienced vampire revered by his progeny, and sure enough, Simon slowly finds himself falling further into Seth’s control, consumed by the fear of his hunger. But what starts as a promising mentor takes a darker turn when Simon realizes Seth isn’t as nice as he seems, and that he is putting himself and Ethan’s lives in the hands of a monster.
Simon doesn’t know his triggers, and he barely has any healthy coping skills to get through his cravings. He reminds me of some clients I adored at a rehab. They have the best of intentions. They’re holding themselves accountable for all the wrongs they’ve done, they’re participating with counselors and group therapy sessions, and they’re structuring their lives to where they aren’t surrounded by triggers. In a perfect world, their plan would work and everything would be fine.
But unfortunately, it’s not.
Unfortunately, Simon can’t go cold turkey because he needs blood to survive. And unfortunately, he’s treating his vampirism and his need to feed like another addiction. Seth being Seth takes advantage of that, and it isn’t until Helen takes Simon under her wing that he realizes there’s a right and wrong way to go about feeding. It’s a lifestyle that you have to navigate, sometimes by practicing harm reduction techniques, other times by playing it fast and loose, and even still, by seeing where your supports are and how you can compromise with them (in this case Ethan). I’ve said it before; addiction is an isolating disease, and though you might find a solution to it, chances are you’ve yet to address how the addiction even began. Simon even said it; “tequila, and moonshine and heroin. That’s what it’s like.”
Throughout all of this, I can’t help but empathize with Ethan. Helen’s lifestyle isn’t for him, and I’m going to be honest, it’s not for me either. I’m all for Simon treating his servitors as family, maybe even as emotional lovers/best friends at times. But I understand where Ethan’s coming from. He doesn’t want to share Simon with anyone; it’d be fine if he was feeding from Bay and Darrell and just hanging out once in a while, but to share that blissed-out intimacy is something else completely. Ethan becoming addicted to Simon’s venom was also something he didn’t ask for; what happened at the end was definitely something he didn’t ask for. Despite all they’ve been through together, I feel that Ethan is getting the short end of the stick. Then again, Simon lost himself to his vices in the past, and he’s now just discovering himself. Too bad for Ethan, he’s strapped along for the ride. He already knows who he is, but if Simon starts demanding more, he has to wrestle with himself to see if he’s okay with it. And if he isn’t, Ethan has every right to walk away. Simon doesn’t get to dictate that.
I loved this mentally and emotionally draining book. I will look for the third and final story of this trilogy. For now, I would give this story a 5 out of 5 stars.
Ohhhhh good lord...... the things this book and these characters have done to me.........
Right off the bat, I want to make it clear that I served as Danielle's critique partner for this book. HOWEVER, despite my connection here, I will confidently say I LOVED THIS BOOK SO GODDAMN MUCH!!!!! Drop Dead has a worthy successor here, and OH HOW JUICY THIS STORY GOT!!!
First of all, I loved the deeper explanations and explorations of this universe's vampire lore. I loooove vampire stories, and I'm still so amazed at how unique this one is to so many others I've seen before! HT built wonderfully on what was established in DD, and I loved being right alongside Simon as he learned all this new information about the society and culture of vampires that he's found himself sucked (pun not intended) into.
Also, soooo many amazing new characters!!! I'm often skeptical of sequel characters-how are they going to impact what we already know about the MCs we've grown to care about? How are they going to add to the story? And OH BOY did Seth & crew, Helen, and Bay deliver. I love a messy dynamic, and Seth's obsession with Simon was perfectly stomach-churning. Helen brought us a much needed level-headed, knowledgeable voice, and Bay... oh my sweet Bay. She is so me fr fr. Her and Simon's connection was beautiful and heartwarming and the perfect platonic relationship that we need more of in fiction.
Of course, not to forget about our beloved returning characters... the stars of the show, Simon and Ethan! Where DD felt more split between the two, with perhaps a slight emphasis on Ethan's character, this book definitely felt more like Simon's story. They got their happily ever after in DD... but now we're exploring what happens after ever after. As much as they love one another, their situation can't last forever... and I am soooooo intrigued (and scared) to see where book 3 takes them. Also, of course, the return of Queen Bill and Darrell! Darrell was definitely a big question mark left at the end of DD, so I was incredibly excited to see how the rest of his story played out here. The whole theme of choice and consent and the blurring of lines when servitors and vampires come into play is an incredibly interesting path to take in these books, and I am soooo here for it all.
Thank you Danielle for another BANGER, and HOW DARE YOU LEAVE US WITH THAT CLIFFHANGER!!!!!! BOOK THREE POSTHASTE!!!!! Thank you :)))))) (threateningly)
After signing up for this ARC review team, I quickly downloaded book 1 to get myself acquainted with this universe. I immediately loved Ethan. He was angry with the world and barely living beyond a simple existence. Jaded by a murderous vamp who killed his family, I understood his one track mind. His character had a curiosity about him that reminded me of a kitten. A little feral kitten.
And then Simon. The bloodsucking and murderous Vampire. He is a little puppy who absolutely adores his person. I love how his relationship with Ethan has progressed by this point.
Each character’s voice is so distinct in their POV chapters. I never wondered who I was reading. And getting to absorb the story through this diverse bunch of new folks made it so exciting.
I have a hard time with the cheating trope and there were parts that skirted that line, but because of who the characters are it didn’t affect me like it normally does.
The story and writing were so captivating, I was enveloped by the raw emotions on the page. I truly cannot say enough good things about this book. I will be “patiently” waiting for book 3.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heart Throb picks up about a year after the last book, Ethan and Simon has settled in a new city, ready for a fresh start. However difficulties arise when Simon meets some new local vampires who seem to offer all the answers to the questions he has, but at what cost?
I enjoyed seeing how life (/undeath) has gone for Ethan and Simon, as we go on a emotional roller-coaster full of happy / romantic moments and some intense sad moments.
While this book is written for 2 MCS, book 1 felt like Ethan had more of the focus (as well as the hunters), where as this book feels like there is a greater focus put on Simon (as well more worldbuilding / lore explanation around how vampires work in this world).
Overall another enjoyable read and i am very keen to see where book 3 takes us next!
This book was something else. I dropped a star because it gave me the ick a bit with the relationship Simon developed with Seth. It skirted too close to cheating for my tastes. The angst of Simon just wanting to exist without harming anyone just wrenches on your heart as he finds himself dealing with questions about his existence, vampire hunters, and toxic vampires.
I really enjoyed learning more about how vampires exist in this universe and seeing how the characters evolve to overcome the obstacles and near death experiences they experience. I can't wait to see what happens next between Simon and Ethan with their found family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This volume focuses more on Simon and how he is learning to deal with being a vampire. The first book was focused more on Ethan and the vampire hunter community.
In the second book, the vampire society is expanded upon. You get to experience experience the highs and lows of Simon's and Ethan's relationship.
This was an enjoyable read and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Thank you BookSirens for the e-ARC.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Simon is still struggling to be a vampire, to control his urges and wants to find other vampires in the hopes they'll help him.
Simon finally meets some vampires. Unfortunately not all are as they seem.
This is just as good as the first one. The struggles they go through make the story feel real. It's a side of vampires that you don't really get to see. And I love it.
I was given a copy of this book from Booksirens for an honest review.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Drop Dead, which introduced us to the main characters Ethan and Simon who completely endeared themselves to me and were both fun and intriguing! This continuation of their journey was such a great fun read and loved meeting so many new characters! Oh and the plot twist seriously!😲😭🤣 Now I cannot wait for the next book to hurry up so I can read it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
simon has tension with everyone I swearrr, lowkey started shipping Simon with darrell icl but I still love ethan and Simon they're adorable and perfect together but nothing wrong with poly AYYY
yeah I devoured the last book, analysed this book, gonna make a pedestal for the third book cause I know it'll be PEAKKK
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another great instalment in the Drop Dead series! Love the development for all of the characters. Simon is so bad ass! I'm excited to see where the series goes from here!
Strong follow-up to the first book in this series as we encounter the greater world and accompanying world building. Would read on if additional books were to be written.
Book two did not disappoint! In fact, from 60% on I had to keep putting it down since I was literally screaming. The characters and the relationships have such depth and complexity. There are some I want to protect and hug, some I want to slap upside the head, and others I just want to punch the shit out of 😂!