What do you think?
Rate this book
When Dawn Rises
Isobelle Axford has finally proven to herself that she was never crazy. Despite what people always told her, vampires are real. And she’s found one. What she didn't realize, was that with one came another, and then another.
Vincent, Creed, and Logan are obsessed with Izzy. Their connection to her is more than just chemistry, their souls called to her like a siren song. and once they found her, they weren't letting her go.
When ghosts from Vincent’s past come back to haunt him, everyone is affected. As they are pursued, the group struggles to find harmony in their already fragile bubble.
Will they defeat the evil that threatens their happiness?
Even if they do, will all of them make it out alive?
Vincent, Creed, and Logan are obsessed with Izzy. Their connection to her is more than just chemistry, their souls called to her like a siren song. and once they found her, they weren't letting her go.
When ghosts from Vincent’s past come back to haunt him, everyone is affected. As they are pursued, the group struggles to find harmony in their already fragile bubble.
Will they defeat the evil that threatens their happiness?
Even if they do, will all of them make it out alive?
Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2025
168 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Jalen Noel
3 books22 followersJalen Noel is a new author and lover of all things romance. She is an Arizona native who wrote a snowy winter novella and is currently working on her debut paranormal romance series. The Crimson Sun series will kick off with book one, When Dawn Rises, in January of 2025. Jalen loves spending time outdoors when the weather is nice, watching movies with a hot tea, and binge-reading like her life depends on it. She dreams of being a full-time author one day and encourages everyone to follow their desires, no matter what others say.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 1, 2025
4.75!! I loved the characters but that end killed me…
March 20, 2025
3.75/5 ⭐️
Thank you so much to the author herself for providing me with an ARC, I only wish I could’ve finished it sooner. Again before I begin my review, thank you so much for the opportunity.
When Dawn Rises follows Isobelle, a vampire obsessed human who finds herself on a spontaneous journey to Germany with hopes of finding a vampire supported by her informative gay bestie, Joel. She is successful in finding a vampire, Vincent. Vincent is a unique character in the sense that he is centuries old and his mannerisms are reflective of that. She brings her new found vampire on a flight with her, to her apartment where we meet Erika, Isobelles slightly male attention desperate friend.
Soon after, we meet Creed, a vampire who may or may not be a serial killer, as well as constant flirt and also the most untrustworthy man you’ve ever met yet can’t help doing whatever he says given the correct circumstances. He’d rather push her away than ruin her. He’s drawn to her against his will, quite literally. Another man drawn to her is Logan, the golden retriever boy of this story who is a newly turned vampire, freshly dead and turned in a ditch that randomly ends up at her apartment without announcement, his only explanation being the tug that he felt towards her and he followed it.
This book is vampires x human as fated mates, something I’ve never read till this. The story is action packed and plot driven, filled with smut scenes that actually feel appropriate rather than tossed in the book for the sake of it. That said, it was spectacularly done.
I felt several emotions while reading this, primarily being anger towards Creed usually followed by joy and further followed by more anger. This man is a dick in the best and worst ways possible. One specific scene I truly loved from Creed was the cigarette moment they shared on the balcony, toward the end of the book. He truly smiled at her as she attempted to smoke, making him light it for her and watching her fail miserably, adorable scene.
I may buy a copy of this in paperback and reread it sometime soon, I also think I’ll be adding to this review very shortly once my thoughts have fully gathered.
Thank you to the author again for the opportunity, it was sent coincidentally on the morning before my birthday and made me feel truly special.
Thank you so much to the author herself for providing me with an ARC, I only wish I could’ve finished it sooner. Again before I begin my review, thank you so much for the opportunity.
When Dawn Rises follows Isobelle, a vampire obsessed human who finds herself on a spontaneous journey to Germany with hopes of finding a vampire supported by her informative gay bestie, Joel. She is successful in finding a vampire, Vincent. Vincent is a unique character in the sense that he is centuries old and his mannerisms are reflective of that. She brings her new found vampire on a flight with her, to her apartment where we meet Erika, Isobelles slightly male attention desperate friend.
Soon after, we meet Creed, a vampire who may or may not be a serial killer, as well as constant flirt and also the most untrustworthy man you’ve ever met yet can’t help doing whatever he says given the correct circumstances. He’d rather push her away than ruin her. He’s drawn to her against his will, quite literally. Another man drawn to her is Logan, the golden retriever boy of this story who is a newly turned vampire, freshly dead and turned in a ditch that randomly ends up at her apartment without announcement, his only explanation being the tug that he felt towards her and he followed it.
This book is vampires x human as fated mates, something I’ve never read till this. The story is action packed and plot driven, filled with smut scenes that actually feel appropriate rather than tossed in the book for the sake of it. That said, it was spectacularly done.
I felt several emotions while reading this, primarily being anger towards Creed usually followed by joy and further followed by more anger. This man is a dick in the best and worst ways possible. One specific scene I truly loved from Creed was the cigarette moment they shared on the balcony, toward the end of the book. He truly smiled at her as she attempted to smoke, making him light it for her and watching her fail miserably, adorable scene.
I may buy a copy of this in paperback and reread it sometime soon, I also think I’ll be adding to this review very shortly once my thoughts have fully gathered.
Thank you to the author again for the opportunity, it was sent coincidentally on the morning before my birthday and made me feel truly special.
July 16, 2025
I literally hate this book. I hate how it’s all being played out & how the fmc is written. She’s like a doormat and everything just slides by, if they’re her “mates” why tf is one of them having sex with her bestfriend??? I hate it so much, it’s terrible and I feel like the whole thing is just all over the place. Also if it’s why choose and they’re telling her she belongs to all three of them why do we keep having the same convo and thoughts about being with them all? It could’ve been better imo
January 13, 2025
WDR is a fast paced, entertaining and well written story. We follow Izzy who has been looking for vampires since her mother died, and she finally finds one, and then another comes, and another. With her three vampire boys she gets thrown into the dangerous vampire world.
This was my first why choose book, and I loved to get to read the start of three so different love stories. All the banter between the boys was amazing, and the story is the perfect mix between light and dark. Jalens writing is so good, and this book had scenes that made me giggle, blush and kick my feet, as well as scream at the book and gasping.
Some places it felt like it was some jumps in time that made it hard to feel like I was on the same page as Izzy in getting close to the boys and understanding them, and with all the new stuff happening I sometimes wondered about her mother and the things that set the story in action. But this didn’t really take much away from the experience of the story, because it is clear that this is a series that will dwelve deeper into the backstory, lore and their relationships in the coming books.
I fell in love with the main characters and side characters (not Erika tho but you can make up your own mind), setting, story, backstory and writing, and I will recommend this book to any reader who likes vampires, romantasy, fantasy, feminism or just some good smut
This was my first why choose book, and I loved to get to read the start of three so different love stories. All the banter between the boys was amazing, and the story is the perfect mix between light and dark. Jalens writing is so good, and this book had scenes that made me giggle, blush and kick my feet, as well as scream at the book and gasping.
Some places it felt like it was some jumps in time that made it hard to feel like I was on the same page as Izzy in getting close to the boys and understanding them, and with all the new stuff happening I sometimes wondered about her mother and the things that set the story in action. But this didn’t really take much away from the experience of the story, because it is clear that this is a series that will dwelve deeper into the backstory, lore and their relationships in the coming books.
I fell in love with the main characters and side characters (not Erika tho but you can make up your own mind), setting, story, backstory and writing, and I will recommend this book to any reader who likes vampires, romantasy, fantasy, feminism or just some good smut
December 30, 2024
First of all, MY MIND IS BLOWN AWAY.
Second, I loooooooooved everything about this book.
I couldn’t put it down.
The characters, the plot and by plot I mean Creed, Vincent and Logan. Also adding Joel to the mix.
Creed, is such a baddie daddy vampire. Also a heartthrob but doesn’t want you to know that.
Vincent, is ancient daddy vampire. Who’s got an accent to fall for.
Logan, the sweet golden retriever daddy vampire.
Joel, who’s besties with Isabel aka “Izzy”.
My girls Izzy and Erica who are also besties.
Izzy, is mated to three hot vampires.
Erica, who’s besties with Izzy. And also for you to read and find out…
This book overall was just soooo good.
Everything about it was just GOOD.
Vampires, 3 Hot Vampire MMCs, Friendship, Mates, like what else can you ask for. But the banter and the SPICE was 4🌶️.
I LOVED IT. Made it to my TOP 5.
Second, I loooooooooved everything about this book.
I couldn’t put it down.
The characters, the plot and by plot I mean Creed, Vincent and Logan. Also adding Joel to the mix.
Creed, is such a baddie daddy vampire. Also a heartthrob but doesn’t want you to know that.
Vincent, is ancient daddy vampire. Who’s got an accent to fall for.
Logan, the sweet golden retriever daddy vampire.
Joel, who’s besties with Isabel aka “Izzy”.
My girls Izzy and Erica who are also besties.
Izzy, is mated to three hot vampires.
Erica, who’s besties with Izzy. And also for you to read and find out…
This book overall was just soooo good.
Everything about it was just GOOD.
Vampires, 3 Hot Vampire MMCs, Friendship, Mates, like what else can you ask for. But the banter and the SPICE was 4🌶️.
I LOVED IT. Made it to my TOP 5.
January 22, 2025
I couldn’t put the book down!
Holy shit, what a ride!
I am a huge twilight fan and I have to say this book is ranking just as high. There’s human Izzy and 3 hot as sin vampires: Vincent, Creed, and Logan. Izzy is obsessed with vampire lore and is excited when she finally tracks down Vincent. Then, by chance, she meets Creed and then Logan.
Izzy discovers that the 3 sinfully delicious vamps are her mates. Vincent and Logan are loyal to her. Creed, on the other hand, is angry about having a mate and he ends up sleeping with Izzy’s roommate at least twice in the book— I did struggle with this. I’m not one for cheating. However, I was already enjoying the book so I trudged on. Creed has got to get his shit together in this second book, though.
We find out that other vampires are hunting Vincent - his maker wants him back. Vincent doesn’t want Vivienne. He detests her because she used him before and after she turned him.
The bad vamps, I imagine, are like the Volturi on steroids. They are out to torture and kill to do Vivienne’s bidding.
The cliffhanger, though… it’s going to be difficult waiting for the next book. I need to know what happens.
Holy shit, what a ride!
I am a huge twilight fan and I have to say this book is ranking just as high. There’s human Izzy and 3 hot as sin vampires: Vincent, Creed, and Logan. Izzy is obsessed with vampire lore and is excited when she finally tracks down Vincent. Then, by chance, she meets Creed and then Logan.
Izzy discovers that the 3 sinfully delicious vamps are her mates. Vincent and Logan are loyal to her. Creed, on the other hand, is angry about having a mate and he ends up sleeping with Izzy’s roommate at least twice in the book— I did struggle with this. I’m not one for cheating. However, I was already enjoying the book so I trudged on. Creed has got to get his shit together in this second book, though.
We find out that other vampires are hunting Vincent - his maker wants him back. Vincent doesn’t want Vivienne. He detests her because she used him before and after she turned him.
The bad vamps, I imagine, are like the Volturi on steroids. They are out to torture and kill to do Vivienne’s bidding.
The cliffhanger, though… it’s going to be difficult waiting for the next book. I need to know what happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
All of the characters in this book were perfection. ❤️🔥
Isobelle is intelligent and tenacious - basically, she’s everything one could want in a badass FMC.
Vincent is like the perfect embodiment of a bl0od loving Mr. Darcy 😍 Logan is the sweetest, most respectful baby vampire ever and I just love how tender he is with Izzy 🥰
As for Creed… well, just…stick a fork in me because I’m done - he’s the filthy mouthed, tattooed bad boy, BUT WITH FANGS 🥵
I’m so incredibly grateful to have been able to beta read this book and I can’t wait until January to have a physical copy to reread! 🖤
Isobelle is intelligent and tenacious - basically, she’s everything one could want in a badass FMC.
Vincent is like the perfect embodiment of a bl0od loving Mr. Darcy 😍 Logan is the sweetest, most respectful baby vampire ever and I just love how tender he is with Izzy 🥰
As for Creed… well, just…stick a fork in me because I’m done - he’s the filthy mouthed, tattooed bad boy, BUT WITH FANGS 🥵
I’m so incredibly grateful to have been able to beta read this book and I can’t wait until January to have a physical copy to reread! 🖤
January 24, 2025
i absolutely loved this book.. I never wanted to put this down! the only thing i wish that was different was i wish she had more interactions with vincent like she did with creed and logan. and holy crap the end of the book?!! so unexpected is many different ways! i loved that there was a mix between twilight and the vampire diaries in there. Vampires were definitely a good choice! 10/10!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
When Dawn Rises was my first why choose romance and it definitely did not disappoint!!! While it wasn’t spicy based, the scenes where it was were *chefs kiss* phenomenal. I ate up the conflicting emotions between Izzy and the boys and while I love all of them, Creed Martinez the man that you are!!! I enjoyed the banter, I enjoyed getting to know a bit more about Izzy and each of the boys— not that Creed allowed us in much this time around. I also can’t wait to learn more about Vivienne and the vampire origin story. The ending was criminal and I will be IMPATIENTLY waiting for book 2. WDR is now my new personality.
May 11, 2025
love all the twilight references
vincent 🔛🔝
vincent 🔛🔝
May 18, 2025
Ah the ending was not what I wanted it to be but I still had fun reading it! It has enough humor to make it less twilight and more interesting than the usual. Still that ending was unfair
September 22, 2025
this book is bad. plot??? No where to be found. Do yourself a favor and pass on this one. Parts of it dragged on, def doesn’t need to be as long as it is. The author is also hateful, feel free to check her TikTok & insta 🤍
January 2, 2026
I WANT HER TO LOVE VINCENT ALREADY!!! I LOVE HIM AND NEED THEM TO BE TOGETHER
December 2, 2024
When I first heard about When Dawn Rises I was sooooo excited. I mean what’s not to love about a good why choose vampire romance? & let me tell you, Jalen did not disappoint with this one.
Obsesssssssssed. obsessed is an understatement. Be prepared to hear me yap about this book for the rest of my life. I love love love this book and all of the characters. I love the found family vibe and everything we were given. I think Jalen introduced us to the characters and their lives in such a beautiful way. It is so easy to get lost in the story but it all goes so deep. each character is so relatable. Izzy is so brave and kind and loving and I wish I was more like her.
some tropes to look forward to:
🩸 why choose
🩸 fated mates
🩸 vampires
🩸 blood sharing
🩸 found family
some quotes to look forward to 😉
“I’m not docile. I won’t be the one to sit aside and watch her fall apart while putting out the flames of her trauma. I’d stand in front of her and fuel the flames until every last person responsible for that trauma burned in it”
“I hate her because I fucking love her so much it hurts.
I hate you, Isobelle, because for the first time in sixty years, you’ve made me love again”
“What I do know is that, from now until I breathe my last breathe, home is wherever Izzy is.”
“My Persephone was taken. I plan to burn the entire world until there’s nothing left but rubble and ash to get her back.”
I can’t wait to see what comes next & where this adventure will take us 🥹
Obsesssssssssed. obsessed is an understatement. Be prepared to hear me yap about this book for the rest of my life. I love love love this book and all of the characters. I love the found family vibe and everything we were given. I think Jalen introduced us to the characters and their lives in such a beautiful way. It is so easy to get lost in the story but it all goes so deep. each character is so relatable. Izzy is so brave and kind and loving and I wish I was more like her.
some tropes to look forward to:
🩸 why choose
🩸 fated mates
🩸 vampires
🩸 blood sharing
🩸 found family
some quotes to look forward to 😉
“I’m not docile. I won’t be the one to sit aside and watch her fall apart while putting out the flames of her trauma. I’d stand in front of her and fuel the flames until every last person responsible for that trauma burned in it”
“I hate her because I fucking love her so much it hurts.
I hate you, Isobelle, because for the first time in sixty years, you’ve made me love again”
“What I do know is that, from now until I breathe my last breathe, home is wherever Izzy is.”
“My Persephone was taken. I plan to burn the entire world until there’s nothing left but rubble and ash to get her back.”
I can’t wait to see what comes next & where this adventure will take us 🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Izzy and Vincent - vampire, adapt to modern society, why choose, slow burn.
I read this because a tiktok got to me…. And it didn’t even have the part in it that made me want to read it?? Was still a very good read, however if left on a cliffhanger and the second book isn’t out yet so that sucks. But was a fun read, I hope I pick up the second when it comes out.
Izzy and Vincent - vampire, adapt to modern society, why choose, slow burn.
I read this because a tiktok got to me…. And it didn’t even have the part in it that made me want to read it?? Was still a very good read, however if left on a cliffhanger and the second book isn’t out yet so that sucks. But was a fun read, I hope I pick up the second when it comes out.
September 8, 2025
"I fear I will be eternally mesmerized by her."
UHMM WHAT?!? What was that ending?? I immediately ran for book two only to find out it's not out yet 😭😭 This book really hooked me from the beginning! I devoured it in less than a day. I love reading vampire why choose books, so this book was right up my alley. I loved Logan because he was such a golden retriever. Vincent was Izzy's safe rock, and I loved it. Creed is the flirty bad boy, although he wasn't my favorite: I think there's more to develop in their relationship. I loved all the different nicknames they had! And the spice was really really good 🫠🫠 The plot was really good, and I can't wait to see what comes next; I'm literally at the edge of my seat waiting for October. There were some plot holes like the fact that Creed is a serial killer and it's only mentioned like twice?? Also Erika kind of disappeared at the end of the book?? However, I'm so so excited for book two!!
UHMM WHAT?!? What was that ending?? I immediately ran for book two only to find out it's not out yet 😭😭 This book really hooked me from the beginning! I devoured it in less than a day. I love reading vampire why choose books, so this book was right up my alley. I loved Logan because he was such a golden retriever. Vincent was Izzy's safe rock, and I loved it. Creed is the flirty bad boy, although he wasn't my favorite: I think there's more to develop in their relationship. I loved all the different nicknames they had! And the spice was really really good 🫠🫠 The plot was really good, and I can't wait to see what comes next; I'm literally at the edge of my seat waiting for October. There were some plot holes like the fact that Creed is a serial killer and it's only mentioned like twice?? Also Erika kind of disappeared at the end of the book?? However, I'm so so excited for book two!!
January 30, 2025
just read it!!!!!! i was expecting a train but it's a bit of a slow burn❤️ i need the next book now
July 28, 2025
AHHHHHHHHHH THIS FUCKING BOOK WAS EVERYTHING TO MEEEEEEEE!!!! If you loved Vampire Diaries you’ll LOVE this!! The plot 10/10. The spice 10/10. The world building 10/10. The characters 10/10. OVERALL A FRICKEN 100000/10!!!
December 2, 2024
this book oh my gosh. it’s perfecting easily one of my favorite reads this year. the spice - perfectly done and extra spicy 🌶️ i absolutely adore all the characters and it had my vampire loving heart totally happy. if your on the fence let this be the spoiler free post to push you to read it !!
July 28, 2025
felt like there were some holes throughout & seemed to jump around quickly in some parts - BUT a vampire why choose romance… sold (upset w the abrupt ending <\3)
December 11, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
4.75 ⭐️
First of all, that ending without having the second book available? Criminal 💀
This was such a fun start to this series, Logan was my favourite with his golden retriever energy but also Vince 🥵
Can’t wait to get my hands on book two!
4.75 ⭐️
First of all, that ending without having the second book available? Criminal 💀
This was such a fun start to this series, Logan was my favourite with his golden retriever energy but also Vince 🥵
Can’t wait to get my hands on book two!
December 24, 2024
I was so honored to be chosen to ARC read this book! It was exactly as it was advertised, for everyone who wanted Elena in the vampire diaries to end up with both brothers and Elijah, mixed with a grownup version of Twilight. After reading it, all I can say is I want a vampire lover that talks to me like Vincent, takes care of me like Logan, and 🍆 me like Creed 😜 Oh, and this book left off on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
When Dawn Rises is a fun read with vampires, drama, banter, villains and epic & moody love.
There is a lovely mix of Vampire Diaries and Twilight vibes with spicy twists. The dedication says it all, "For everyone who watched The Vampire Diaries and wanted Elena to have both brothers - and maybe Elijah, too - happy reading."
The book starts at full speed compelling me to the story and enjoying every moment! Jalen does a wonderful job writing the different characters making each one stand out with their own tone and personality while blending and balancing the group and story so well together!
An extra perk — the chapter heading designs are so cool!
Alsoooooo, if I had to choose a favorite, I am team Creed.
I can't wait for book two after the cliffhanger ending!!
Thank you so much to Jalen for the gifted ARC! My thoughts are my own.
There is a lovely mix of Vampire Diaries and Twilight vibes with spicy twists. The dedication says it all, "For everyone who watched The Vampire Diaries and wanted Elena to have both brothers - and maybe Elijah, too - happy reading."
The book starts at full speed compelling me to the story and enjoying every moment! Jalen does a wonderful job writing the different characters making each one stand out with their own tone and personality while blending and balancing the group and story so well together!
An extra perk — the chapter heading designs are so cool!
Alsoooooo, if I had to choose a favorite, I am team Creed.
I can't wait for book two after the cliffhanger ending!!
Thank you so much to Jalen for the gifted ARC! My thoughts are my own.
June 4, 2025
loveeeeee herrrrrrrr. i usually don’t start books not knowing the there is a series or if it’s completed yet and this book reminded me why. because what do you mean i have to wait 5 more months to know what happens next???
February 21, 2025
3.75*
I did enjoy the book for the most part, it was quite funny and I loved the three vampires that appeared out of nowhere (hello, I’m here if you have friends). Especially Creed and Vincent. Logan, honestly not so much and since the fmc spends a lot of time with him rather than with the others, I got a little bored on that aspect. I think book 2 will bring more Vincent and Creed moments and that’s what I want haha
I did enjoy the book for the most part, it was quite funny and I loved the three vampires that appeared out of nowhere (hello, I’m here if you have friends). Especially Creed and Vincent. Logan, honestly not so much and since the fmc spends a lot of time with him rather than with the others, I got a little bored on that aspect. I think book 2 will bring more Vincent and Creed moments and that’s what I want haha
February 13, 2025
Spice 🩸🩸🩸.5
ARC Review
This was a pretty fast paced and a quick story to read, but I fairly enjoyed myself reading. I'm just mad the story wasn't longer lol. I wouldn't have minded the book if it was 400+ pages.
That being said, even though I liked the overall story, I felt everything was happening very quickly . When introducing more of the harem, I personally think it was too fast? I wouldn't have minded if the mystery spanned on a week or two. I wanted the tension between Vincent and Izel before Creed interrupts them.
The FMC....I think for now I currently think she's okay? Though I am more interested in Vincent because she doesn't interact with him much, and I liked him a lot more than Creed and Logan (Well I like Logan too. He's a cute cinnamon roll.) I hope in the next book we get more of him. I want (need) more smutty time with Vincent and Izel. Gimme gimme! *grabby hands*
Also I laughed at the jabs and inspired parts of the Twilight series lol. I enjoyed it.
I received an ARC by the author, and though my thoughts and opinions are true, I wish them the best of luck
ARC Review
This was a pretty fast paced and a quick story to read, but I fairly enjoyed myself reading. I'm just mad the story wasn't longer lol. I wouldn't have minded the book if it was 400+ pages.
That being said, even though I liked the overall story, I felt everything was happening very quickly . When introducing more of the harem, I personally think it was too fast? I wouldn't have minded if the mystery spanned on a week or two. I wanted the tension between Vincent and Izel before Creed interrupts them.
The FMC....I think for now I currently think she's okay? Though I am more interested in Vincent because she doesn't interact with him much, and I liked him a lot more than Creed and Logan (Well I like Logan too. He's a cute cinnamon roll.) I hope in the next book we get more of him. I want (need) more smutty time with Vincent and Izel. Gimme gimme! *grabby hands*
Also I laughed at the jabs and inspired parts of the Twilight series lol. I enjoyed it.
I received an ARC by the author, and though my thoughts and opinions are true, I wish them the best of luck
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Highly recommend to readers who love spicy vampires!! I personally really enjoyed the spice. It didn’t overthrow the book. I loved getting to know the characters better as I read. Especially Logan. All these of the men in this book are not my new book boyfriends. It was hard deciding to be a logan girlie. The ending had me on the edge of my seat. Overall I loved it! One of my favorite reads of the year.
August 17, 2025
Just think, if Bella were to meet Edward….and his friends? (No Jacob here, just vamps!)
Izzy is a human that has been trying to find a real vampire for years. But after bringing back Vincent the vampire, a snowball of weirdness happens… because what do you mean she has THREE mates 👀 and who is hunting them?
I did feel like the writing could’ve been cleaned up a little more. Every once in a while I’d feel like a few people paragraphs were repetitive but that aside I did like the plot! I also liked that it was straight into it. Not too much world building, so for me it’s a win 👌🏻
Izzy is a human that has been trying to find a real vampire for years. But after bringing back Vincent the vampire, a snowball of weirdness happens… because what do you mean she has THREE mates 👀 and who is hunting them?
I did feel like the writing could’ve been cleaned up a little more. Every once in a while I’d feel like a few people paragraphs were repetitive but that aside I did like the plot! I also liked that it was straight into it. Not too much world building, so for me it’s a win 👌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
Can i rate this book more than 5 stars? This book was absolute perfection and i loved every second of it, although I am now slightly broken by the ending and the fact that this is the only book out of the series that is out at the moment.. my heart broke a little at that.
I loved vampire books as a kid then stopped reading for about 10 years but recently got back into it and I’m so glad i did and that i found this book. Now i will be counting down the days till book 2 is released
I loved vampire books as a kid then stopped reading for about 10 years but recently got back into it and I’m so glad i did and that i found this book. Now i will be counting down the days till book 2 is released
September 21, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, especially because it’s this author’s debut, but I just couldn’t 😔.
Problem one: the pacing.
The storytelling speeds through very important events and then takes forever on filler. I think the book reads this way because, and I never thought I would say this, there wasn’t enough details 😭. Many crucial scenes are summarized instead of actually shown to the reader, which I do admit makes it an easy, fast read, but I feel like I would have cared for the characters more if they experienced the story at a normal pace.
Problem two: the characters themselves.
I felt like I got hit by a truck when I learned that the main character was old enough to teach at a university😭😭the way she thinks, the way she speaks, her decisions (all questionable, by the way 💜), make her feel like a teenager to me. The same goes for Creed, who acts like an emotionally unintelligent frat boy even though he’s supposed to be a seasoned vampire (I honestly don’t think we’re ever told his age, which adds to my first point…).
Logan and Vincent act their ages for the most part, and were enjoyable to read about, but Vincent wasn’t given the “screen time” he deserved (JUSTICE FOR THE OLD MAN WHO DID NOTHING BUT TRAIN HER TO FIGHT LIKE THREE TIMES AND READ BOOKS ✊✊), and Logan was sweet but he was kind of just a walking golden-retriever trope to comfort Izzy when Creed did some bullshit 😭.
Then there’s the support characters who… don’t do much supporting, to be honest. Joel, the rich, gay best friend that literally only provides a big ass house to the story and helps Izzy out a few times. That’s all I can say about the poor guy. Her roommate Erika, who goes from being somewhat friendly with Izzy one chapter to being a bitch in the next, and then right back to friendly again (also she apparently has beef with Joel, which is never really explained why or even shown…. are yall seeing a pattern here yet or…). Lastly, the antagonists just didn’t capture my attention at all. They’re nothing special. Just kind of there… being evil…
Problem three: low stakes.
What even are the stakes? Creed might not kiss Izzy this chapter😭?? Likeeee… come on. Why is there only like two times in the entire book where something actually happens! And the other situations you could argue that are suspenseful literally have no consequences. Things that should be important just… aren’t.
Problem four: are they vampires or just immortal hot guys who drink blood?
Some of their traits just make no sense (not everything is supposed to make sense in fiction, understandable, but paired with the other problems of this book, I just had to add this point). They drink blood, can move fast, are immortal, and get damaged by being in the sun for a while, but other than that, they’re just hot humans. They sleep, they breathe, and they even still have working hearts. Idk, something about a beating heart does not correlate with immortal in my brain. What in their biology makes them survive for so long? Izzy says herself, before she even meets them, mind you, that she knows that they’re a lot like humans. No, she doesn’t explain how she even learned that (typical…). I could be thinking too much into it, but I feel like that’s an obvious plot hole 🤷♀️.
My biggest problem with these vampires is the fact that they have mates (when done right, this is one of my fav tropes btw, so I admit I’m a bit biased), and yet they basically are just suggestions I guess, according to the way the guys interact with Izzy 😹. I think the author wanted to make it obvious that even if they weren’t mated, they would still choose her, but it just comes off as them just not having a connection at all. I won’t spoil it, but one of the guys (take a wild guess who 😐) does something that I don’t think a FATED MATE would ever CONSCIOUSLY do. Girl I literally smacked myself in the head with the book when I read it. Anyway.
Problem four: last but definitely not least. Arguably the worst transgression of them all… the REAL conflict of the book.
In his head, Creed calls Izzy his “cucaracha.” His CUCARACHA. YES. HIS COCKROACH. WHAT???? Of all the Spanish terms of affection THAT’S what the author chose??? Why didn’t we stick w princesa??? WHAT WAS WRONG WITH PRINCESA??? Where did this come from??? I let the other randomly placed Spanish words slide, but this was the last straw 😭. As a Latina myself, just because a character is Latino, doesn’t mean you have to make them speak Spanish! There’s no need to sprinkle in random Spanish vocab! Just say he’s Latino!
Sigh.
Thank you for coming to my ted talk.
Problem one: the pacing.
The storytelling speeds through very important events and then takes forever on filler. I think the book reads this way because, and I never thought I would say this, there wasn’t enough details 😭. Many crucial scenes are summarized instead of actually shown to the reader, which I do admit makes it an easy, fast read, but I feel like I would have cared for the characters more if they experienced the story at a normal pace.
Problem two: the characters themselves.
I felt like I got hit by a truck when I learned that the main character was old enough to teach at a university😭😭the way she thinks, the way she speaks, her decisions (all questionable, by the way 💜), make her feel like a teenager to me. The same goes for Creed, who acts like an emotionally unintelligent frat boy even though he’s supposed to be a seasoned vampire (I honestly don’t think we’re ever told his age, which adds to my first point…).
Logan and Vincent act their ages for the most part, and were enjoyable to read about, but Vincent wasn’t given the “screen time” he deserved (JUSTICE FOR THE OLD MAN WHO DID NOTHING BUT TRAIN HER TO FIGHT LIKE THREE TIMES AND READ BOOKS ✊✊), and Logan was sweet but he was kind of just a walking golden-retriever trope to comfort Izzy when Creed did some bullshit 😭.
Then there’s the support characters who… don’t do much supporting, to be honest. Joel, the rich, gay best friend that literally only provides a big ass house to the story and helps Izzy out a few times. That’s all I can say about the poor guy. Her roommate Erika, who goes from being somewhat friendly with Izzy one chapter to being a bitch in the next, and then right back to friendly again (also she apparently has beef with Joel, which is never really explained why or even shown…. are yall seeing a pattern here yet or…). Lastly, the antagonists just didn’t capture my attention at all. They’re nothing special. Just kind of there… being evil…
Problem three: low stakes.
What even are the stakes? Creed might not kiss Izzy this chapter😭?? Likeeee… come on. Why is there only like two times in the entire book where something actually happens! And the other situations you could argue that are suspenseful literally have no consequences. Things that should be important just… aren’t.
Problem four: are they vampires or just immortal hot guys who drink blood?
Some of their traits just make no sense (not everything is supposed to make sense in fiction, understandable, but paired with the other problems of this book, I just had to add this point). They drink blood, can move fast, are immortal, and get damaged by being in the sun for a while, but other than that, they’re just hot humans. They sleep, they breathe, and they even still have working hearts. Idk, something about a beating heart does not correlate with immortal in my brain. What in their biology makes them survive for so long? Izzy says herself, before she even meets them, mind you, that she knows that they’re a lot like humans. No, she doesn’t explain how she even learned that (typical…). I could be thinking too much into it, but I feel like that’s an obvious plot hole 🤷♀️.
My biggest problem with these vampires is the fact that they have mates (when done right, this is one of my fav tropes btw, so I admit I’m a bit biased), and yet they basically are just suggestions I guess, according to the way the guys interact with Izzy 😹. I think the author wanted to make it obvious that even if they weren’t mated, they would still choose her, but it just comes off as them just not having a connection at all. I won’t spoil it, but one of the guys (take a wild guess who 😐) does something that I don’t think a FATED MATE would ever CONSCIOUSLY do. Girl I literally smacked myself in the head with the book when I read it. Anyway.
Problem four: last but definitely not least. Arguably the worst transgression of them all… the REAL conflict of the book.
In his head, Creed calls Izzy his “cucaracha.” His CUCARACHA. YES. HIS COCKROACH. WHAT???? Of all the Spanish terms of affection THAT’S what the author chose??? Why didn’t we stick w princesa??? WHAT WAS WRONG WITH PRINCESA??? Where did this come from??? I let the other randomly placed Spanish words slide, but this was the last straw 😭. As a Latina myself, just because a character is Latino, doesn’t mean you have to make them speak Spanish! There’s no need to sprinkle in random Spanish vocab! Just say he’s Latino!
Sigh.
Thank you for coming to my ted talk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews