A Thirst for Darkness

Midnight Vampires #1

by Vivian Casey

A relatable heroine, sexy billionaire immortals, and a mysterious underground vampire organization for fans of Charlaine Harris, I.T. Lucas, Geneva Lee, J.R. Ward, and Jeaniene Frost.

Olivia Taylor can’t find employment to save her life. Up to her eyeballs in debt and sinking fast, she has no idea how she’ll ever come up with the money needed to pay her bills. The last thing she expects is for a vampire to throw her a lifeline with a mysterious job opportunity.

Olivia begins working at Dignitary, an exclusive organization that pairs human decoys with billionaire vampires looking to blend in with the living. As if mingling with immortals doesn’t complicate life enough, there appears to be a killer on the loose who holds a grudge against those working in her profession. Soon Olivia must choose between a risky life of intrigue and one of simple security, and sexy Robert Bramson is the vampire she blames for her hesitation. While the new job provides endless thrills, it just might be the death of her.

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Mystery

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

Vivian Casey grew up on a farm in a small Northern California town with a larger population of cows than humans. With plenty of fresh air and space to let her imagination run wild, she began penning stories in elementary school. Her first story was about a magical scarecrow with a taste for children’s blood, which she read to her classmates during show-and-tell. It received mixed reviews.

She kept writing, later studying English and film at the University of California, Irvine. She’s always working on her next novel, and she also writes mysteries and thrillers under Vivian Barz.

Sign up for her newsletter at www.viviancasey.com for bonus content, giveaways, and more.

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Reviews

[Crimson Tales and Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern vampire romance

Olivia is written as such a relatable character. A new college graduate drowning in student loans and debt. Having a hard time finding a job post college, she is barely keeping her head above water in the financial department. When her roommate talks her into a wet t-shirt competition, she never expected the job opportunity that would be presented to her.
Dignitary was her way out of debt. Little did she know her first outing as a decoy would lead her down a road that would change her life forever.

While this is a vampire romance, there is only 1 spicy scene 75% into the book.

This has a very murder mystery type vibes plot that was engaging. If you like a vampire romance book that is more plot than spice driven, this book is a great one to pick up.

The only things that personally didn't push this to a 5 star (and these are just personal likes and nothing against the plot/writing). There are a few chapters that are not in Olivia's POV. I typically enjoy multiple POV, but these were written in third person when Olivia's POV is in first. Switching from 1st person to 3rd person is mentally exhausting to read and hard to follow (luckily, the chapters are fairly short). I also enjoy more spice in my romance books (just personal preference). Lastly, because I enjoy more spice, I would have loved to get more of Robert's POV and more development details of their relationship.

[gonzo · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 20% the author explains every single thought the main character has and it drags out dialog and I just got so bored reading the mfc’s internal dialogue.

[Clint Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read. I feel on par of other paranormal / supernatural novels I have enjoyed by authors such as Nalina Singh, Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews. I look forward to reading more from Vivian.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing storyline with surprising plot twists. Great characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series. This is the first book I've read by the author. I like her writing style.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent story about a human who becomes a decoy for vampires and falls in love with a vampire

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed a Thirst for Darkness and was sad when it ended. I found the honesty of the main character refreshing, the main relationship exciting and the plot really intriguing. There are so many vampire stories out there, yet I found the concept of decoying so creative and interesting. Olivia was quite naive at times, and there were moments I wanted to reach out and shake her but overall I really enjoyed following her journey! I haven't read a book that fast in a while and it was a great escape. The reason I didn't feel it was 5 stars for me personally was just that I wanted more of the relationship between Olivia and Robert, I feel like their time on page together was so limited and I would have enjoyed more time getting to see their relationship develop (both in and out of the bedroom haha). The only other thing was that the ending and resolution felt very fast. Although, I like that it was left open for more to be told of Olivias story in the future, and I hope there is!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anita Hanekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia's family were not wealthy, and she had to put herself into a mountain of debt in order to go to university. Unfortunately, as too many people find out, a degree from a prestige university does not guarantee a job and she is really struggling to make ends meet. When she gets offered a job to help vampire's hide their existence, she jumps at the opportunity for the extra income as her roommate has just let her know that she is moving in with her boyfriend which means that Olivia will be even worse off financially. Olivia’s first decoy job is with someone called Robert, a vampire billionaire. The two are immediately attracted to each other but there is a strict no dating policy at Dignitary. When she finds out that there have been a few disappearances of previous employees she is a little worried and, to be fair, curious, until she and she soon finds herself being followed and then the fear becomes real. Twists and turns, danger, love and passion all combine to make a book that you won’t want to put down.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Chanel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the main reason I gave this book a chance is because of the age of the characters but honestly that's probably where I went wrong. The dialog is way too drawn out and Olivia and Liv who are supposed to be the best of friends talk way too much about everything and nothing at the same time. I liked Richard at first but there's nothing to him even though he's a vampire. They talked about their upbringings for chapters and honestly it didn't have much relevance to the story at all. For an ancient vampire he was very limited in his abilities which is really different from other vampire stories I read. Like when Olivia was in danger, he couldn't help in any capacity.

After about 60%, it became a bit predictable but then the chapters just seem so abrupt like we were in a scene and by the next chapter the plot was wrapped up. The Michael villain storyline came out of nowhere in the last 96% and we introduced a random theory that I'm not interested in reading about in the next book. Hard to see why this is a trilogy honestly because there's not much to all of it.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I finished this book last night, before going to sleep. And I had literal dreams about it all night long. Olivia and Robert have my heart. I loved their relationship and I wanted more and more as the pages flipped.

I also knew this was going to be a vampire book as I opened the first page, but I didn’t know that this was going to be one of my FAVORITE vampire books. Ahhh! This is everything one looks for in a paranormal novel. Patricia Briggs, girl, you better watch out, henny!! Vivian Casey is coming for your paranormal queen title!!! Werk!!!!

Overall, I really loved this book and the pacing was so exciting. I can’t wait for more books in the series because the ending really left it open for more!!

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book early. My opinions and thoughts of this book are my own. This book slaps.

[Alexandra Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia is definitely relatable although her internal monologue at times truly felt never-ending (and you get hit with it right from the very first chapter). I loved the twist at the end. My only true complaint is that I wish we had seen more of her time at Dignitary. We got to meet Michael of course, Marlena, and then one girl her very first night decoying and I can't even remember her name. Other than that, we don't get to see any more glimpses into this company and I really wish we did. It would've given us an even better understanding and the possibility of new characters and even spin off books about them (especially because of the twist). Aside from that, I have nothing truly negative to say, I thought this was a super fun read and I'm already on to the next one!

[Mr D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely Hooked! ** NO SPOILERS **

Smothered by the unrelenting pressure of student loans, desperate to find a job any job Olivia is in big trouble. Without a steady paycheque she’s going to be homeless in a matter of weeks.

So when her best friend and roommate Liz suggests something radical Olivia agrees, after all the possibility of some cash v’s none it’s definitely a no brainer. That was only the start of the crazy that she never saw coming.

A thoroughly enjoyable read! This book was an absolute delight, it’s masquerading as one thing and then boom something genuinely unexpected happens and it goes in a different direction. I’m over the moon with the fact that I didn’t see this ending coming. It’s a good job that the next book is available!

[Utena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have crippling debt? In need of a job to pay bills? Join Dignitary! An exclusive organization where you are the decoy for vampire billionaires. There are rules to follow and the number one rule - is never to fall in love with your client.

But what if your vampire is making it hard for you to follow those rules?


4.8/5



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[Ashleysdreamlibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book!!!!

It was super intense and going along with someone like Olivia was a blast. She is funny and quirky and doesn’t always make the best decisions but who does.

I love when she berates herself after making a silly decision.

Now the whole cataclysmic smelling blood thing? I need more info, need the why’s and just all the answers, highly anticipating the next book!

I really enjoyed getting a few chapters in other POVs I love when others do that. I definitely want to hear more from Liz and Robert!

If you want a new vampire read that’s intense and fun with just a small splash of spice I definitely recommend this book.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Thirst for Darkness" was an intense, thrilling, dramatic, and romantic novel about vampires and humans, specifically Robert, the leading vampire and Olivia, the leading human. As he introduces her to the vampire world and to his own story, the attraction begins between the two. There are many bumps, and a few murders that occur before they find their happily ever after.

This was a real page turner, and I couldn't put it down! Vivian Casey certainly knows how to keep the reader's attention. I can't wait to start 'A Curse of Darkness', her second installation in 'Midnight Vampires".

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! It started a little slow, but I ended up absolutely loving it and I read it in almost 1 sitting. The unique spin on the classic vampire/human storyline and mythology by using the decoy idea was so cool and interesting and I really loved each of the characters (except Liz… she wasn't my favorite) and how well developed they were. I really appreciated the amount of care and detail that went into developing the characters, story, and the world that they lived in, as it allowed me to get truly lost in the book. I will absolutely read the next book in the series! 5/5

[Erica Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thirst for Darkness is a fun read with a couple of unexpected twists to keep you engaged. The book doesn’t rush into the vampires, so you get a little while to build a feel for our heroine. She is likeable enough, with a decent backstory.
It does play to some of usual tropes associated with the genre, but this doesn’t detract for the book. A Thirst for Darkness is a great choice to read by the pool or to snug up in bed with.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a lot of vampire romance because I find it hard to keep interested, but this book kept me interested from start to finish. I thought the idea of vampire decoys was really cool and different. Olivia was fun and she wasn't a pushover which I loved. I felt her relationship with Robert was not the main focus of the story and I liked that.

There is definitely more to this story but it didnt and on a cliffhanger. I look forward to reading what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's a girl to do when she owes more money than she has the ability to pay? She gets a job at an exclusive escort service whose clients are vampires. The pay is great and the risk is (hopefully) minimal. The rules seem reasonable as well: keep the existence of vampires a secret, participate at the events attended and do not have a romance with a client.

Her first client Robert makes her want to disregard that last rule....

This is a very interesting take on vampire stories. Very original!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this!

I loved the premise of Vampires needing human escorts to seem “normal” to the outside world. The MFC was relatable and likeable although she was far too trusting of Vampires!

Very mild spice, about ¾ of the way in. A bit less than I would expect for a book like this but it was refreshing to have more plot than spice.

The only reason this isn’t a 5 star is I found it difficult to read in first person from Olivia’s point of view then switch to third person for others. I think it would have worked better sticking in first person.

Overall, great read.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Olivia. I thought she was funny and relatable—especially the part with her finances. LOL This was a fun and easy read, a lot to me like True Blood / the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series, which I also loved. The romance scene with Robert also had a little spice. Can't wait for the second book. I see that this is Vivian Casey's first book, so I hope she writes others.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thirst for Darkness is an intriguing story that is descriptively well written. It reminds me of a sitcom and Olivia definitely fits the bill for this character. Seh and Robert bring this story to life and had me all caught up in the drama.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Jeralyn Gabler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller, Romance, Mystery- Thirst for Darkness has it all!

Thirst for Darkness was one of those guilty pleasures that I couldn’t put down. The plot twists and turns made it unpredictable and just when I thought I figured it out, a new twist came along, making my heart race. I connected to the characters and can’t wait to read the next one. Ooooolivia…

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

*some spoilers*
Loved the story, the characters & the sudden twists & turns. I did laugh at some of the dialogue. (Playing red rover in hell). The only thing I didn't like was how fast Olivia fell for Robert. It felt like her priorities got a little mixed up. Maybe it's just me & how I interpreted Vivian's characters. Not sure if I'll continue with the series tho.

[Sadie P L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to the series

Loving this book so Far, can't wait to see what happens next, need some spice and lots for sass, attuitude and action. Loving the characters so far. Only thing for me to I feel like it goes a little slow for my liking but I'm still on it and looking forward to the next bpok

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! You truly connect with the characters and feel all their feelings. The end leaves you satisfied with all your big questions answered but also wanting to know more about the characters future!! I cannot wait for the next one.

[Amandaa Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

That plot twist at the end! My god. From the moment I started this book I was hooked. It was a light quick read that was enjoyable. No real cliffhanger at the end but still ended with unanswered questions. Some quirky characters and some laughs along the way, along with plot twists and a stalker.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia and Robert
This is a new take on vampire books and I must say its very interesting. There is mistery, adventure, suspense, vampire shenannigans and of course bad guys trying to ruin other peoples lifes. Its also very hot. A Nice fun read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thirst for Darkness: Midnight Vampires Book One

I enjoyed this book a lot! There was humor and unpredictable things going on constantly making it aareally wonderful book. I am sure other readers will think the same as I did.

[Carol Gnz]

great story

I really enjoyed this vampire story. There is a cliff hanger but it isn’t too bad. There characters are engaging and the story flows well. I am off to read the next in the series.

[SJ]

I DNF this one, so I'm not going to provide a rating. It didn't quite pull me in / wasn't quite what I was in the mood for. I think the premise that there hundreds of thousands of vampires and humans aren't aware was already a bit of a stretch for me.