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The Vampire Impresario #1
The Tenor's Shadow
One temperamental opera singer. One vampire bodyguard. Let the sparks and secrets fly.
Anthony wouldn’t let anything stand in his way.
His career as an operatic tenor was finally taking off, and he would be damned if he let some stalker keep him from his globe-hopping musical dreams. But he had made the mistake of telling his uncle about the threatening letters the creep had been leaving in his hotel room.
Now he was saddled with a muscle-bound bodyguard who was seriously cramping his love life, even if the guy did have a swoony accent and the perfect number of freckles. No matter what Anthony did, he couldn’t get rid of the stubborn redheaded Brit. Freddie just didn’t fit in with his glamorous life of encores and galas and schmoozing. And how did the man never sleep?
Freddie was there to do a job.
Or maybe a few. He had been content as head of security for the Hughes vampire coven in London. But now he’d been sent to America to keep his coven master’s nephew safe from the threat of a rival coven. He knew the rules. Anthony couldn’t find out about the existence of vampires, and he certainly couldn’t find out that Freddie was one. Plus, he had to manage Anthony’s demanding personality, and Freddie was painfully bad with people. And he absolutely one-hundred-percent had to keep himself from hooking up with the overbearing American.
When friction erupts into steamy passion, can Freddie and Anthony forge a relationship together? Or will Freddie’s secrets and the deadly vampires of the Azarian coven tear them apart?
The Tenor's Shadow is a 50,000-word MM vampire romance with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains a strong-but-silent vampire bodyguard and the high strung opera singer that falls fast for him. It also contains steamy scenes and the violence you might expect from a vampire story. Not suitable for readers under 18.
Anthony wouldn’t let anything stand in his way.
His career as an operatic tenor was finally taking off, and he would be damned if he let some stalker keep him from his globe-hopping musical dreams. But he had made the mistake of telling his uncle about the threatening letters the creep had been leaving in his hotel room.
Now he was saddled with a muscle-bound bodyguard who was seriously cramping his love life, even if the guy did have a swoony accent and the perfect number of freckles. No matter what Anthony did, he couldn’t get rid of the stubborn redheaded Brit. Freddie just didn’t fit in with his glamorous life of encores and galas and schmoozing. And how did the man never sleep?
Freddie was there to do a job.
Or maybe a few. He had been content as head of security for the Hughes vampire coven in London. But now he’d been sent to America to keep his coven master’s nephew safe from the threat of a rival coven. He knew the rules. Anthony couldn’t find out about the existence of vampires, and he certainly couldn’t find out that Freddie was one. Plus, he had to manage Anthony’s demanding personality, and Freddie was painfully bad with people. And he absolutely one-hundred-percent had to keep himself from hooking up with the overbearing American.
When friction erupts into steamy passion, can Freddie and Anthony forge a relationship together? Or will Freddie’s secrets and the deadly vampires of the Azarian coven tear them apart?
The Tenor's Shadow is a 50,000-word MM vampire romance with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains a strong-but-silent vampire bodyguard and the high strung opera singer that falls fast for him. It also contains steamy scenes and the violence you might expect from a vampire story. Not suitable for readers under 18.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
103 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 31, 2024
ARC review
I really liked this book.
Anthony stumbled upon a whole diferent world because of his uncle. In it, he found his mate.
Freddie thought he was unworthy of love but Anthony showed him that was not the case.
I loved them together, they each were the other strength
I really liked this book.
Anthony stumbled upon a whole diferent world because of his uncle. In it, he found his mate.
Freddie thought he was unworthy of love but Anthony showed him that was not the case.
I loved them together, they each were the other strength
November 1, 2024
Whewww!! The Tenor's Shadow has been a great quick read for spooky season! It's a fun mix of humor, spice, and everything nice ;) I honestly think the humor was the best part of this book.
The writing style is simple and straight to the point, and the plot is fairly straightforward. Unfortunately I did find that the plot and worldbuilding lacks a bit of sustenance. For example, when I first started reading, I totally forgot this was even about vampires. Somehow it just didn't read as a modern supernatural novel. There is not much information on the backgrounds of the vampires or their place in the world. It is sort of just like they were plopped into the real world and didn't have a specific place in society-- although who's to say that isn't the truth irl? 😱
(Without trying to spoil!) Anthony's connection to the vampires could been much more significant rather than just being a familial pawn. I would have loved to see a deeper connection between Anthony and the vampires, but it was simple enough that I didn't dwell on it too much.
Ah- Anthony's character is great! He's such a diva. Just iconic honestly. It made him both likable and dislikable depending on the situation. Some harsher growth would have done his character so good, but honestly he grew on ME. He's just a silly dude fr. That being said, Freddie is for sure his perfect match. He is the stabilization Anthony needs just like any other grumpy/sunshine(?) trope. Together they were a fun couple, albeit a bit unstable as far as their respective personalities go (it's a little hard to pinpoint the specific tropes these characters were supposed to go by, the mix of soft and harsh didn't balance out to me). They're cute together, though, and their spice scenes are sooo good. Insta-love? Public spice? Untouched? YES PLEASE!!!! I was totally clutching my pearls during the plane scene.
This is getting long, whoops! I'm just happy I had the chance to check this out.
TLDR; It is definitely worth the read! Despite my more... critical thoughts? I see sooo much potential. I truly think J.B Warrick will bring great things to the MM novel community and I'm excited to read more in the future!
- NB 🦋
The writing style is simple and straight to the point, and the plot is fairly straightforward. Unfortunately I did find that the plot and worldbuilding lacks a bit of sustenance. For example, when I first started reading, I totally forgot this was even about vampires. Somehow it just didn't read as a modern supernatural novel. There is not much information on the backgrounds of the vampires or their place in the world. It is sort of just like they were plopped into the real world and didn't have a specific place in society-- although who's to say that isn't the truth irl? 😱
(Without trying to spoil!) Anthony's connection to the vampires could been much more significant rather than just being a familial pawn. I would have loved to see a deeper connection between Anthony and the vampires, but it was simple enough that I didn't dwell on it too much.
Ah- Anthony's character is great! He's such a diva. Just iconic honestly. It made him both likable and dislikable depending on the situation. Some harsher growth would have done his character so good, but honestly he grew on ME. He's just a silly dude fr. That being said, Freddie is for sure his perfect match. He is the stabilization Anthony needs just like any other grumpy/sunshine(?) trope. Together they were a fun couple, albeit a bit unstable as far as their respective personalities go (it's a little hard to pinpoint the specific tropes these characters were supposed to go by, the mix of soft and harsh didn't balance out to me). They're cute together, though, and their spice scenes are sooo good. Insta-love? Public spice? Untouched? YES PLEASE!!!! I was totally clutching my pearls during the plane scene.
This is getting long, whoops! I'm just happy I had the chance to check this out.
TLDR; It is definitely worth the read! Despite my more... critical thoughts? I see sooo much potential. I truly think J.B Warrick will bring great things to the MM novel community and I'm excited to read more in the future!
- NB 🦋
October 30, 2024
I love a good vampire story. Anthony..Antonio..is a bit of a diva. Quite literally in this sense but also quite the handful. Freddie is our stoic, moody silent vampire type who is convinced he is a monster and not worth having a mate. On paper, they wouldn’t work, but fate has other plans for them. I feel like I should already know Daniel and Oliver. I must be missing a story there. That didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this story though. These two manage to find a way to make their pairing work, despite the dangers presented by a true monster.
December 9, 2024
Well, call me judgmental, I was ready to scrap this story once I realized vampires were involved. Yeah, I know, call me stupid, it tells you in the blurb. Thing is, all I saw was the title and I bought the book. I'm a classical music fan and a story around a Tenor sounded marvelous. Anyway, I didn't give up, Freddie sounded so cool and gorgeous I decided to read on, am I glad I did!! A new author to me and I am impressed, very well written and excellent plotting, this is a fantastic read worth of more than 5 stars.
October 27, 2024
The Tenor's Shadow is the first book in The Vampire Impresario series. This is the story of Anthony a human opera singer and Freddie a vampire. After Anthony gets threatening letters his uncle sends Freddie to be his bodyguard but he's not supposed to let Anthony know he's a vampire. I loved this story so much. Both main characters had issues to deal with that made their personalities the way they were. I loved the whole story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 20, 2025
I picked up the free prequel of this series, which was good enough to get me to read book 1. I think the stories are good and engaging, but I’d like to see a bit more development all around. The vampire characteristics are kind of vague, and little tidbits are thrown out here and there that seem to just get mentioned to fit the current storyline.
This author does a good job of creating characters that elicit emotion from the reader. Many times, I felt sadness, heartache, and sympathy for the MCs. However, I would like to see more of a passionate connection between them. It’s clear they grow to love each other in the end, but the path there isn’t always convincing.
Anthony was a pretty unlikable character at first, but I enjoyed seeing him soften and let down his walls for Freddie as he begins to trust him. Freddie was such a big marshmallow for Anthony, and I loved his golden retriever energy.
A few things that need improvement are tense use, missing words, and apostrophe use. Also, there is some repetition that can be tightened up. And, since I read the prequel right before jumping into this book, I caught a big continuity issue: When Daniel, Anthony’s uncle, tells Anthony when he was turned, he says it was when he got married, but the wedding happened 2 years after he was attacked and had to be turned to live.
I do look forward to more in this series. I’m not wild about the synopsis for book 2, but I’d really enjoy a book about Garrett, who we meet towards the end of this book.
This author does a good job of creating characters that elicit emotion from the reader. Many times, I felt sadness, heartache, and sympathy for the MCs. However, I would like to see more of a passionate connection between them. It’s clear they grow to love each other in the end, but the path there isn’t always convincing.
Anthony was a pretty unlikable character at first, but I enjoyed seeing him soften and let down his walls for Freddie as he begins to trust him. Freddie was such a big marshmallow for Anthony, and I loved his golden retriever energy.
A few things that need improvement are tense use, missing words, and apostrophe use. Also, there is some repetition that can be tightened up. And, since I read the prequel right before jumping into this book, I caught a big continuity issue: When Daniel, Anthony’s uncle, tells Anthony when he was turned, he says it was when he got married, but the wedding happened 2 years after he was attacked and had to be turned to live.
I do look forward to more in this series. I’m not wild about the synopsis for book 2, but I’d really enjoy a book about Garrett, who we meet towards the end of this book.
February 28, 2025
Shadow
I will give this book a 4/5. Antonio is an up and coming operatic tenor. He works hard because he wants to be noticed and booked by the larger opera houses. That means he does not have time for dating. Antonio is also very overbearing and demanding. But someone is threatening him. He lets his uncle know and he gets assigned a bodyguard. His uncle is married to a vampire and no one knows that vampires exist. Freddie is the lucky guy (vampire) that is gets to watch Antonio. At first the two men don’t get along but with exposure to each other romantic emotions develop. But the danger is still out there for Antonio and for Freddie. Hard choices will have to be made.
I will give this book a 4/5. Antonio is an up and coming operatic tenor. He works hard because he wants to be noticed and booked by the larger opera houses. That means he does not have time for dating. Antonio is also very overbearing and demanding. But someone is threatening him. He lets his uncle know and he gets assigned a bodyguard. His uncle is married to a vampire and no one knows that vampires exist. Freddie is the lucky guy (vampire) that is gets to watch Antonio. At first the two men don’t get along but with exposure to each other romantic emotions develop. But the danger is still out there for Antonio and for Freddie. Hard choices will have to be made.
January 8, 2025
It's risky making your main MC very unlikable right off the bat. Not sure this pulled it off.
December 25, 2024
Antonio (not “Anthony”, and definitely not his teenage nickname “Tony”) is a talented tenor working to build his career. Though he has a reputation for being a bit of a temperamental diva, he’s laser-focused on doing whatever is necessary to make a splash in the international opera scene. This includes traveling to perform at different theaters around the world, enduring grueling rehearsals, and placating bossy and egotistical directors. The demands of his work leave him little time for relationships; the best he can do is pick up an occasional adoring twink for a quick, meaningless fuck.
Orphaned in his teens, Antonio was raised by his beloved Uncle Daniel. What he doesn’t know is that Daniel’s husband Oliver is a powerful vampire and coven master, and that Daniel has also been turned. When Antonio starts getting threatening letters, he mentions them to Daniel. Oliver responds by sending Freddie Grosvenor to serve as Antonio’s bodyguard.
Massive and muscular, quiet and reserved, Freddie is a two-hundred-year-old vampire with a dark past who is devoted to his master. He’s determined to protect the flamboyant, mercurial tenor from the dangers posed by a vindictive rival coven. At first, his charge resents his presence and tries to escape from his oversight. However, a power greater than either Antonio or Freddie draws them together. They are fated mates, linked by contrary destiny. If one of them dies, the other will perish as well. While they live, however, they share a physical and psychic connection of almost unimaginable intensity.
The Tenor’s Shadow is a smoothly written MM paranormal romance that offers few surprises. J.B. Warrick’s vampires for the most part follow established traditions. They have supernatural speed and strength. Their abilities correlate strongly with their age. They drain the blood of their victims, replacing it with their own, if they want to turn a human to a vampire. They can exert magical charm to bend humans to their will.
I normally have little patience with predictable, trope-fueled fiction. Still, I greatly enjoyed The Tenor’s Shadow, largely due to its luscious eroticism. The sex/love scenes in this novel are simply glorious. The attraction between Freddie and Antonio operates at a distance and does not depend on physical contact, so that their initial erotic encounters are deliciously indirect. Freddie comes after merely imagining Antonio in the shower. Antonio surrenders to Freddie on a crowded plane, pushed over the edge by the first contact with his mate’s fangs. As they accept their bond and learn to trust one another, their sex becomes rougher and wilder, yet simultaneously sweeter and more satisfying.
It’s actually a bit embarrassing to admit that my main reason for liking this book was the sex. But then, I am an author of erotica largely because I’m sensitive to the nuances of desire and its fulfillment. I think J.B. Warrick can claim the same. I’d love to see what he could do if he were to tackle a less stereotyped plot or genre.
Orphaned in his teens, Antonio was raised by his beloved Uncle Daniel. What he doesn’t know is that Daniel’s husband Oliver is a powerful vampire and coven master, and that Daniel has also been turned. When Antonio starts getting threatening letters, he mentions them to Daniel. Oliver responds by sending Freddie Grosvenor to serve as Antonio’s bodyguard.
Massive and muscular, quiet and reserved, Freddie is a two-hundred-year-old vampire with a dark past who is devoted to his master. He’s determined to protect the flamboyant, mercurial tenor from the dangers posed by a vindictive rival coven. At first, his charge resents his presence and tries to escape from his oversight. However, a power greater than either Antonio or Freddie draws them together. They are fated mates, linked by contrary destiny. If one of them dies, the other will perish as well. While they live, however, they share a physical and psychic connection of almost unimaginable intensity.
The Tenor’s Shadow is a smoothly written MM paranormal romance that offers few surprises. J.B. Warrick’s vampires for the most part follow established traditions. They have supernatural speed and strength. Their abilities correlate strongly with their age. They drain the blood of their victims, replacing it with their own, if they want to turn a human to a vampire. They can exert magical charm to bend humans to their will.
I normally have little patience with predictable, trope-fueled fiction. Still, I greatly enjoyed The Tenor’s Shadow, largely due to its luscious eroticism. The sex/love scenes in this novel are simply glorious. The attraction between Freddie and Antonio operates at a distance and does not depend on physical contact, so that their initial erotic encounters are deliciously indirect. Freddie comes after merely imagining Antonio in the shower. Antonio surrenders to Freddie on a crowded plane, pushed over the edge by the first contact with his mate’s fangs. As they accept their bond and learn to trust one another, their sex becomes rougher and wilder, yet simultaneously sweeter and more satisfying.
It’s actually a bit embarrassing to admit that my main reason for liking this book was the sex. But then, I am an author of erotica largely because I’m sensitive to the nuances of desire and its fulfillment. I think J.B. Warrick can claim the same. I’d love to see what he could do if he were to tackle a less stereotyped plot or genre.
January 1, 2025
This is a book that luxuriates in the drama of vampires. They're both incredibly sexy (I got the vampire bites in steamy scenes I was hoping for) and horrifically deadly. There's a lot of murder and inner organs being outside the body. Although I did find it odd that Freddie never seemed that thirsty in the day to day plot. Well, not the literal kind of thirsty, anyway. This book does use the Fated Mate trope, with mechanics built in to the world that I enjoyed.
The romance happened much more quickly than I would have usually preferred it. However, Freddie is pining and yearning from the beginning and gay pining is my favorite, so I was on board. In fact, the first half of the book was so binge-able, I found myself breaking my reviewing rules. Usually, I only read my review books at home or in a quiet place. But I wanted to keep reading so much I pulled it up on my phone while we were out to lunch. It was looking to be a five star.
And then Anthony made a dumb bitch decision.
Look, I support dumb bitch decisions in fiction. Someone has to be Leroy Jenkins-ing the plot forward when common sense would grind it to a halt. But this particular dumb bitch decision made Anthony look overly ambitious and greedy for fame, almost a backslide in his character arc. The narrative did try to set up his reasonings, all around wanting control over his life. But it was so obviously a case of plot contrivance that it broke my immersion in the story almost completely.
The ending as a whole struggled to stick the landing for me. There was a late game reveal about an antagonist and a vampire ability that would have hit harder if it had been set up sooner. There was a a tense, dramatic moment right near the end I wanted to see more of (specifically, from Freddie's POV). Another character told Freddie he had become better with people (cuz grumpy), but there wasn't much indication on page that the character arc had actually happened. Anthony also has a brief mention in the epilogue about having grown as a person when it comes to his career, but it also felt unearned.
All of that being said, my feelings on this book are still more positive overall. I appreciate vampire media that isn't afraid of revel in itself, busting out vampire powers during sex scenes and everything. ANother reader may term it a "guilty pleasure" but I regret nothing.
The romance happened much more quickly than I would have usually preferred it. However, Freddie is pining and yearning from the beginning and gay pining is my favorite, so I was on board. In fact, the first half of the book was so binge-able, I found myself breaking my reviewing rules. Usually, I only read my review books at home or in a quiet place. But I wanted to keep reading so much I pulled it up on my phone while we were out to lunch. It was looking to be a five star.
And then Anthony made a dumb bitch decision.
Look, I support dumb bitch decisions in fiction. Someone has to be Leroy Jenkins-ing the plot forward when common sense would grind it to a halt. But this particular dumb bitch decision made Anthony look overly ambitious and greedy for fame, almost a backslide in his character arc. The narrative did try to set up his reasonings, all around wanting control over his life. But it was so obviously a case of plot contrivance that it broke my immersion in the story almost completely.
The ending as a whole struggled to stick the landing for me. There was a late game reveal about an antagonist and a vampire ability that would have hit harder if it had been set up sooner. There was a a tense, dramatic moment right near the end I wanted to see more of (specifically, from Freddie's POV). Another character told Freddie he had become better with people (cuz grumpy), but there wasn't much indication on page that the character arc had actually happened. Anthony also has a brief mention in the epilogue about having grown as a person when it comes to his career, but it also felt unearned.
All of that being said, my feelings on this book are still more positive overall. I appreciate vampire media that isn't afraid of revel in itself, busting out vampire powers during sex scenes and everything. ANother reader may term it a "guilty pleasure" but I regret nothing.
October 28, 2024
General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦
✨✨✨ The Tenor’s Shadow by J.B. Warrick (@jbwarrickwrites) will be released October 31st. 🎃
What happens when a temperamental opera singer gets saddled with a musclebound bodyguard who might be more than human?
Tropes:
🎶 MM romance
🎶 Vampire bodyguard
🎶 Insta-Lust
🎶 Temperamental opera singer
🎶 Opposites attract
🎶 Fated mates
J.B. Warrick brings us the exciting story of Anthony, a rising star tenor, and Freddie, his brooding bodyguard. They embody the classic “grumpy and sunshine” dynamic, with opposites irresistibly drawn to each other.
The story is fast-paced and intriguing, with just the right amount of tension. While the open-door spice could be more frequent, the engaging plot more than makes up for it.
Quotes:
Sure, Freddie’s voice was rumbly and sexy, and sure, he was tall, and his skin was porcelain with the perfect scattering of freckles. And sure, his hair was a truly rare shade of red. It didn’t matter. He would not be charmed by this British lunk.
“Brian? Your name is Brian?” Anthony asked. “Seriously? How mundane can you get?”
Anthony -Your voice blooms on stage like these calla lilies: delicate and perfect. It’s an honor to have heard you. Regards, Freddie
Freddie licked down Anthony’s neck as Anthony shivered and took in tiny gulps of air. He was trying to mute his reactions, but control was slipping away from him, and it delighted Freddie. Freddie could break him if he wanted to, and god, did he want to. Nothing would be hotter than having Anthony right at the edge.
“I make you suck my finger to get it nice and wet.” Freddie tapped his index finger against Anthony’s lips, and Anthony opened up. Freddie slipped the digit inside Anthony’s warm mouth. Anthony suckled him instinctually. Freddie could tell that his brain had gone offline. Only the desire to please remained.
“If you are a monster, you are my monster. You belong to me.”
#indieauthor #newauthor #debut #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #newbooks #booktok #indieauthorsofig #bookrec #romanceauthor #bookclub #darkromance #mmromance #vampire #gayromance #fatedmate #PNR #instalust #arcreader #arc #theshadyivy
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦
✨✨✨ The Tenor’s Shadow by J.B. Warrick (@jbwarrickwrites) will be released October 31st. 🎃
What happens when a temperamental opera singer gets saddled with a musclebound bodyguard who might be more than human?
Tropes:
🎶 MM romance
🎶 Vampire bodyguard
🎶 Insta-Lust
🎶 Temperamental opera singer
🎶 Opposites attract
🎶 Fated mates
J.B. Warrick brings us the exciting story of Anthony, a rising star tenor, and Freddie, his brooding bodyguard. They embody the classic “grumpy and sunshine” dynamic, with opposites irresistibly drawn to each other.
The story is fast-paced and intriguing, with just the right amount of tension. While the open-door spice could be more frequent, the engaging plot more than makes up for it.
Quotes:
Sure, Freddie’s voice was rumbly and sexy, and sure, he was tall, and his skin was porcelain with the perfect scattering of freckles. And sure, his hair was a truly rare shade of red. It didn’t matter. He would not be charmed by this British lunk.
“Brian? Your name is Brian?” Anthony asked. “Seriously? How mundane can you get?”
Anthony -Your voice blooms on stage like these calla lilies: delicate and perfect. It’s an honor to have heard you. Regards, Freddie
Freddie licked down Anthony’s neck as Anthony shivered and took in tiny gulps of air. He was trying to mute his reactions, but control was slipping away from him, and it delighted Freddie. Freddie could break him if he wanted to, and god, did he want to. Nothing would be hotter than having Anthony right at the edge.
“I make you suck my finger to get it nice and wet.” Freddie tapped his index finger against Anthony’s lips, and Anthony opened up. Freddie slipped the digit inside Anthony’s warm mouth. Anthony suckled him instinctually. Freddie could tell that his brain had gone offline. Only the desire to please remained.
“If you are a monster, you are my monster. You belong to me.”
#indieauthor #newauthor #debut #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #newbooks #booktok #indieauthorsofig #bookrec #romanceauthor #bookclub #darkromance #mmromance #vampire #gayromance #fatedmate #PNR #instalust #arcreader #arc #theshadyivy
November 5, 2024
This was my first book by this author and this will definitely not be my last.
Anthony is a talented opera singer hoping to earn his way into the top houses around the world. He has little family and even less of a circle of those he can truly count on. When his Uncle gets word of his nephew's threatening letters, he and his powerful husband send their best to protect one of their own. There is only one little thing, Anthony doesn't know know that vampires exist nor that his Uncle is now one thanks to his husband who is the coven leader.
Freddie is a bit grumpy and stuck in his ways but as had of security for his coven, he doesn't need to be gregarious. But when Master Hughes asks for a personal favor and let's a potential life changing promotion slip, Freddie feels the pressure to perform. Plus he must keep his vampire side to himself.
The men are drawn to each other but also want nothing to do with one another, but when the outside threat gets closer and closer v the connection is hard to deny. We get two crescendos in this story, the first gives both men someone that they can solely rely on to be there when needed. Truly found family full of love and devotion, they just aren't all the way there yet. The second is when a betrayal puts Anthony and Freddie at the forefront of the new world they will navigate together.
You get a beautiful story with medium heat and an HEA. But there's danger on the loose and it must be dealt with before more destruction occurs.
Anthony is a talented opera singer hoping to earn his way into the top houses around the world. He has little family and even less of a circle of those he can truly count on. When his Uncle gets word of his nephew's threatening letters, he and his powerful husband send their best to protect one of their own. There is only one little thing, Anthony doesn't know know that vampires exist nor that his Uncle is now one thanks to his husband who is the coven leader.
Freddie is a bit grumpy and stuck in his ways but as had of security for his coven, he doesn't need to be gregarious. But when Master Hughes asks for a personal favor and let's a potential life changing promotion slip, Freddie feels the pressure to perform. Plus he must keep his vampire side to himself.
The men are drawn to each other but also want nothing to do with one another, but when the outside threat gets closer and closer v the connection is hard to deny. We get two crescendos in this story, the first gives both men someone that they can solely rely on to be there when needed. Truly found family full of love and devotion, they just aren't all the way there yet. The second is when a betrayal puts Anthony and Freddie at the forefront of the new world they will navigate together.
You get a beautiful story with medium heat and an HEA. But there's danger on the loose and it must be dealt with before more destruction occurs.
November 11, 2024
An excellent read
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is a brand-new author to me and I’ve got to say I was thoroughly impressed. This book is about an opera singer called Anthony who is on the cusp of making his name. People know him, but he’s not performed at the big Opera house yet. He has been getting threatening letters, left at his hotel. The first two, he didn’t really take much notice of but in the third letter it was getting more serious and he ended up calling his uncle Daniel to get answers. But all it did was get him a absolutely gorgeous hunk of a man called Freddie who was to be his bodyguard. To say that Anthony wasn’t impressed was putting it mildly. This man is temperamental and when he doesn’t want something you know. But there is a lot that Anthony doesn’t know one. Freddie is actually a vampire and two his uncle Daniel is married to a vampire and three Daniel himself is now a vampire. How will Antony take this news? Can Freddie keeping safe? How many tantrums can Anthony Pull off??
I’ve got to say I really liked the way. Anthony was such a diva. I don’t know how Freddie kept a sane mind around him, but it was pretty obvious that these two had an attraction for one another, but Freddie has been a vampire for a long time and he’s got lots of regrets and doesn’t feel he’s the right man for Anthony, but will Anthony listen?! Nope! That is until they have a serious conversation. These two have got connection chemistry and passion I am super excited to read more from this author.
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is a brand-new author to me and I’ve got to say I was thoroughly impressed. This book is about an opera singer called Anthony who is on the cusp of making his name. People know him, but he’s not performed at the big Opera house yet. He has been getting threatening letters, left at his hotel. The first two, he didn’t really take much notice of but in the third letter it was getting more serious and he ended up calling his uncle Daniel to get answers. But all it did was get him a absolutely gorgeous hunk of a man called Freddie who was to be his bodyguard. To say that Anthony wasn’t impressed was putting it mildly. This man is temperamental and when he doesn’t want something you know. But there is a lot that Anthony doesn’t know one. Freddie is actually a vampire and two his uncle Daniel is married to a vampire and three Daniel himself is now a vampire. How will Antony take this news? Can Freddie keeping safe? How many tantrums can Anthony Pull off??
I’ve got to say I really liked the way. Anthony was such a diva. I don’t know how Freddie kept a sane mind around him, but it was pretty obvious that these two had an attraction for one another, but Freddie has been a vampire for a long time and he’s got lots of regrets and doesn’t feel he’s the right man for Anthony, but will Anthony listen?! Nope! That is until they have a serious conversation. These two have got connection chemistry and passion I am super excited to read more from this author.
November 4, 2024
THE TENOR'S SHADOW is the first book in the Vampire Impresario series and I cannot wait to continue with this series.
Anthony/Antonio is a rising star in the opera world, but he has received some notes that he finds odd. He contacts his uncle, only to find he and his husband take it a lot more seriously than Anthony had. Enter Freddie. Freddie is silent and deadly, although some might say moody and grumpy. In a case of opposites attract, these two are fated mates. That doesn't stop the danger heading for them though.
This was a great read, from the very beginning when we go headfirst into Anthony's diva moment to the very end when we get a glimpse of what will be for the couple. I love it when a couple turns out to be the best thing for each other, even if you don't think they will actually work. I did feel as if I'd missed a book though with Daniel and Oliver's story, and had to double-check that this was indeed the first book in the series.
Nicely paced, full of action, and steamy in all the right places, this was a gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
4 Nov, 2024
Anthony/Antonio is a rising star in the opera world, but he has received some notes that he finds odd. He contacts his uncle, only to find he and his husband take it a lot more seriously than Anthony had. Enter Freddie. Freddie is silent and deadly, although some might say moody and grumpy. In a case of opposites attract, these two are fated mates. That doesn't stop the danger heading for them though.
This was a great read, from the very beginning when we go headfirst into Anthony's diva moment to the very end when we get a glimpse of what will be for the couple. I love it when a couple turns out to be the best thing for each other, even if you don't think they will actually work. I did feel as if I'd missed a book though with Daniel and Oliver's story, and had to double-check that this was indeed the first book in the series.
Nicely paced, full of action, and steamy in all the right places, this was a gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
4 Nov, 2024
February 4, 2025
I just love a bodyguard romance and if it involves vampires a win for me. Antonio/Anthony/Tony(only my Uncle Daniel calls me that) was a diva, throwing out demands like he was the new Pavarotti and I loved him. When he starts getting threatened, his Uncle's husband sends Freddie his head of security to protect him. Not knowing about vampires I kept asking myself how was Freddie going to keep this secret.
This was a quick read as I wanted to know more about the threat, watching Antonio as he tried to build his career, whilst trying not to lust after his bodyguard and boy when he finally realised there was no use fighting the feelings he had Freddie, they were hot together doing that thing that vampires are good at.
When things got dangerous the tension really built up, adding the fight scenes made it more real and it showed that vampires were involved. As the finale drew nearer, I did have a question but that was soon answered.
Having it set in the opera world was a new to me, but as I studied music I loved the discussion of the operas in the scenes. As a new to me author I am looking forward to more in this world
This was a quick read as I wanted to know more about the threat, watching Antonio as he tried to build his career, whilst trying not to lust after his bodyguard and boy when he finally realised there was no use fighting the feelings he had Freddie, they were hot together doing that thing that vampires are good at.
When things got dangerous the tension really built up, adding the fight scenes made it more real and it showed that vampires were involved. As the finale drew nearer, I did have a question but that was soon answered.
Having it set in the opera world was a new to me, but as I studied music I loved the discussion of the operas in the scenes. As a new to me author I am looking forward to more in this world
November 10, 2024
Finally, Anthony’s career as a tenor is taking off. He is delighted to have shows scheduled all over the world. A stalker will not stop him. Unfortunately, he calls his uncle about the notes the stalker is leaving him. Now he is saddled with a bodyguard. Freddie is not what Anthony wants. He crimps his love life and does not contribute to his image. Freddie is the head of the Hughes Vampire Coven in London. He is also very desirable to Anthony, something Anthony wants to ignore. Anthony does not know about vampires as well. So many secrets could mess up a budding relationship.
Anthony was tough to handle in the beginning. Freddie’s ability to stay calm was admirable. When danger came though, these two found themselves united in more ways than one. Great romance, some heat and lots of action is all you need. This one has them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
Anthony was tough to handle in the beginning. Freddie’s ability to stay calm was admirable. When danger came though, these two found themselves united in more ways than one. Great romance, some heat and lots of action is all you need. This one has them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
December 2, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This appears to be the debut for J.B. Warrick and the premise caught me from the start. I’m always a fan of paranormal romances, and I do love a good bodyguard romance. While this book was not without its issues for me, all in all, I thought it was a nice start to a series.
Anthony is a fairly well drawn character. He has flaws, but he’s aware of them and tries to do his best to mitigate them. Especially when he throws a tantrum. I liked that he was stubborn and headstrong, but also charming and understanding. Anthony’s stubbornness in particular plays into a major plot point toward the end, and honestly, it was a bit self-serving to the story, as the major climax of the book wouldn’t have happened without it.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This appears to be the debut for J.B. Warrick and the premise caught me from the start. I’m always a fan of paranormal romances, and I do love a good bodyguard romance. While this book was not without its issues for me, all in all, I thought it was a nice start to a series.
Anthony is a fairly well drawn character. He has flaws, but he’s aware of them and tries to do his best to mitigate them. Especially when he throws a tantrum. I liked that he was stubborn and headstrong, but also charming and understanding. Anthony’s stubbornness in particular plays into a major plot point toward the end, and honestly, it was a bit self-serving to the story, as the major climax of the book wouldn’t have happened without it.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
November 11, 2024
Opera singer in trouble
This is my first time reading a book by J.B. Warrick and I found it to be an interesting and enjoyable take on a vampire tale. I haven’t read many books with an opera singer as a lead character and Warrick has given us Anthony who is getting threatening letters and ends up with Freddie as a bodyguard that Anthony really doesn’t want. I kept giggling over the fact that the vampire is a redhead called Freddie because he sounds so unlike what you would expect for a vampire. I liked how Warrick used stuff like that to craft a story that plays with the traditional type of vampire tale. I really felt for Anthony who is caught up in things that he didn’t cause and how he ends up with some difficult decisions to make. I want to read more from this world.
This is my first time reading a book by J.B. Warrick and I found it to be an interesting and enjoyable take on a vampire tale. I haven’t read many books with an opera singer as a lead character and Warrick has given us Anthony who is getting threatening letters and ends up with Freddie as a bodyguard that Anthony really doesn’t want. I kept giggling over the fact that the vampire is a redhead called Freddie because he sounds so unlike what you would expect for a vampire. I liked how Warrick used stuff like that to craft a story that plays with the traditional type of vampire tale. I really felt for Anthony who is caught up in things that he didn’t cause and how he ends up with some difficult decisions to make. I want to read more from this world.
November 26, 2024
I loved this book. It was such a fun read. I loved both Anthony and Freddie. A human opera singer and his [secret] vampire bodyguard protecting him from a stalker. YES please!! As Anthony's friend Lena said:
“You’re just trying to make up for your dull love life by living vicariously through me.”
“I am!” Lena made grabby motions with her hands. “Feed mama! I want details!”
I couldn't have said it better myself. Anthony was very attracted to Freddie. He sure as heck wasn't going to let him know though. He's frustrated that Freddie's always shadowing him- that he needs to have a bodyguard because of a stalker and just wants his freedom. The chemistry between them was sizzling. There was suspense and danger. I was hooked.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more. 5 stars.
“You’re just trying to make up for your dull love life by living vicariously through me.”
“I am!” Lena made grabby motions with her hands. “Feed mama! I want details!”
I couldn't have said it better myself. Anthony was very attracted to Freddie. He sure as heck wasn't going to let him know though. He's frustrated that Freddie's always shadowing him- that he needs to have a bodyguard because of a stalker and just wants his freedom. The chemistry between them was sizzling. There was suspense and danger. I was hooked.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more. 5 stars.
August 22, 2025
When we meet Freddie in the series prequel, The American’s Covenmaster; which, oddly, was published well after this book, I absolutely loved Freddie’s character, and that opinion holds true here. He’s had it hard over the years but he’s just a lovable, grumpy cinnamon roll. Anthony I barely liked in the prequel and here, I didn’t like him at first. But he really grew as a character, and once he began treating Freddie properly, I finally started liking him. Oliver and Daniel, from the prequel, make their obligatory appearances, and we meet some new characters that I hope to see again. (What happened to Rose, Lillian and Garrett?) We get a little bit more world building and I’m still wondering if there are other supernatural beings. There is, literally, one sentence with regard to Garrett that implies there are, but still no such characters are introduced.
November 9, 2024
New author. New exciting series.
It's a familiar trope, falling for my bodyguard. Anthony, the tenor from the title, out divas the diviest diva. He doesn't appreciate his hunky, British bodyguard, Freddie. Freddie is there to protect his boss' nephew from a rival vampire clan. They're fated mates. And Anthony doesn't know that vampires exist.
It's a bit predictable. But it's a fun and quick read. Lots of sizzle and a little bit of vampiric violence. Was a little light on the worldbuilding. They get their HEA. And we'll get more in this sweet series.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
It's a familiar trope, falling for my bodyguard. Anthony, the tenor from the title, out divas the diviest diva. He doesn't appreciate his hunky, British bodyguard, Freddie. Freddie is there to protect his boss' nephew from a rival vampire clan. They're fated mates. And Anthony doesn't know that vampires exist.
It's a bit predictable. But it's a fun and quick read. Lots of sizzle and a little bit of vampiric violence. Was a little light on the worldbuilding. They get their HEA. And we'll get more in this sweet series.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
November 17, 2024
A really great beginning to a series I will definitely be following to read more of. I'm a fan of bodyguard romances and when you combine that with the fact that Freddie the bodyguard is a vampire this was right up my alley. Anthony was quite the divo and it was interesting to see Freddie try to figure out how to deal with his temperamental nature while still protecting him and keeping all information about vampires under wraps. Anthony has some real surprises in store as he learns unbelievable things about the world he lives in and about his emotions. These two were a fantastic couple and this was a well done paranormal suspense story and romance.
November 10, 2024
This is a new author for me and I have to say I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the series! Such great characters Anthony who is a "demanding" opera singer and Freddie his bodyguard who happens to be a vampire! Freddie struggles to keep his feelings for Anthony hidden but passion soon causes him to loose control though he has to keep his vampire side hidden. All of this and an underlying plot with an enemy vampire coven!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
November 10, 2024
Quirky, fun story
Anthony and Freddie were cute together. Anthony was… a character who you really had to warm up a bit to. He’s not always likeable but he really does grow on you especially when Freddie acts as a bit of a balm for Anthony’s more diva like side. I will admit, it’s not the vampiriest supernatural book. It’s more a kind of side aspect which has some tangential link to the plot but if you removed it you could slot any number of different contemporary concepts in instead. It’s still fun and the focus is Anthony and Freddie anyway.
Anthony and Freddie were cute together. Anthony was… a character who you really had to warm up a bit to. He’s not always likeable but he really does grow on you especially when Freddie acts as a bit of a balm for Anthony’s more diva like side. I will admit, it’s not the vampiriest supernatural book. It’s more a kind of side aspect which has some tangential link to the plot but if you removed it you could slot any number of different contemporary concepts in instead. It’s still fun and the focus is Anthony and Freddie anyway.
March 5, 2025
I am not sure I liked Anthony, but I did like Freddie. It has those grumpy/sunshine vibes, but Anthony is not exactly a sunshine. They make it work though. It was an interesting story. Vampire disputes aside, I did not know that much about opera singers, their career and how opera works from the inside. Not sure how accurate it all is, but it was an interesting angle. I enjoyed the story and how it developed.
October 31, 2024
This was a nice read. At first, I didn't liked Anthony's attitude, bratty diva, but he came along. Freddie, the redhead Vampire, is handsome, buff, and doesn't speak that much. I liked him from the beginning. It's sweet to see how much both character grow, and find love in each other's arms. I loved the action and fights against the bad vampires in this book.
November 7, 2024
This book was pretty good, with and interesting fated mate element and intriguing characters. Both Anthony and Freddie are using a front to mask their insecurity-Anthony uses arrogance and Freddie aloofness. Being drawn together as fated mates strips that away, but Anthony still doesn’t know about vampires! The twist was slightly predictable but still good, and the HEA satisfying.
November 10, 2024
Amazing book, the writing feels so natural that I was immediately drawn in and couldn't put it down. I loved the protector plot line, and the sassy singer with the gruff and quiet bodyguard was a perfect match. The couple was cute and the spicy scenes added more than just smut to the book. A great find.
November 10, 2024
He plans to be a successful tenor and he wants to take the world by storm. Unfortunately he has a stalker which may stop it happening. His uncle decides he needs a bodyguard but they are hiding a secret. He is a vampire which they need to keep hidden. Life is going to get very interesting and difficult for them both. See just how it will all go
February 7, 2025
This book was fantastic and I'm most definitely looking forward to the next in the series. It does feel a little like there's maybe a prequel lurking somewhere about Oliver and Daniel--I'm definitely going to be looking into that. What's super fun is the opera rabbit hole this book dumped me into. I never thought I'd care or want to know more about actual real life opera, but here we are!
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