Just for a Taste

by Vera Wolfe

Blood, Books, and a Bargain with Vampires

Cora Bowling, a Vampire History major, knows the cardinal rule of life--never trust a deal that seems too good to be true. But with her thesis on the Medici family stalled and bank account empty, the chance to study in a secluded Sicilian abbey owned by the Medici's themselves seems like divine intervention—until she discovers the job description.

Cora is bound to become the exclusive blood partner of Duca Zeno d’ Medici, a reclusive yet charming virtuoso who is cursed by a fatal genetic condition that causes photophobia, hemophilia and a fragile, blood-dependent existence. In exchange for a life spent away from high society, he must choose someone to nourish him—and the more he drinks from Cora, the more he hungers for something beyond blood. Like a moth to a flame, Cora finds herself equally drawn to his world.

But the Medici's, who prefer to keep their old money and older sins contained, detest outsiders, especially those who snoop around. The more Cora probes into their past, the deeper she traps herself—and leaving might not be an option.

With dark academia undertones, Just for a Taste is a slow-burn gothic novel about desire, sacrifice, and the cost of falling for someone you can never truly have.

Genres: Vampires

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

About the author

Debut author of Just for a Taste, Vera Wolfe is a lover of all things dark, strange, and romantic. Native to Texas and invasive to Nebraska, she spends her time crafting, playing with her bird, and reading dark academia. When it comes to writing, Vera explores the relationship between dark and light, bitter and sweet, and romance and suspense. As a nurse with a degree in psychology and minor in neuroscience, she enjoys weaving accurate and academic elements into her character-driven stories. She is especially passionate about realistic and empathetic mental health representation.

Reviews

[Jenn Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeno/Duca de Medici is a vampiric noble residing in a secluded abbey in Sicily. Cora Bowling is a doctoral student studying vampires and biology in London. When Cora is accepted as the potential blood donor for Zeno, she agrees simply for the enormous library and texts within the abbey. But little does she know what she’s truly signed up for… 💉🩸

I really enjoyed this debut gothic fiction story. The ending was definitely unexpected and I only wish a second story was coming along to tie up my hope for a HEA.

🥰 steamy, closed door
🖤 broody MMC
🎶 great music references
🧠 intelligent FMC
📜 lots of historical and literary references

Definitely check the trigger warnings, although they aren’t super intense.

And add this one to your TBR list, coming April 2, 2025!

[༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆ 𝘓𝘪𝘢 · Rating 5 out of 5]

˚ ࣪ *·˚ ˖ ᯓᝰ ⋆｡˚⋆ "ℑ 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔨, 𝔖𝔦𝔤𝔫𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔞 𝔅𝔬𝔴𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤, 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔯𝔲𝔢 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢 𝔦𝔰 𝔞 𝔯𝔞𝔭𝔞𝔠𝔦𝔬𝔲𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤. 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 𝔦𝔱 𝔦𝔰, 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔣𝔲𝔯𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔦𝔱 𝔠𝔯𝔞𝔴𝔩𝔰 𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔬 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔠𝔥𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔦𝔫𝔣𝔲𝔰𝔢𝔰 𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔬 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔶 𝔟𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔱𝔥“ᯓ *·˚ᝰ ࣪˖⋆｡˚⋆

5★

☽｡⋆𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 ☽｡⋆
ᝰ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲
ᝰ 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
ᝰ 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆
ᝰ 𝗚𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
ᝰ 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝘅 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲
ᝰ 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻
ᝰ 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮

︵‿︵‿୨୧‿︵‿︵

જ⁀ 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖
𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘉𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘋𝘶𝘤𝘢 𝘡𝘦𝘯𝘰 𝘥𝘦' 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪, 𝘢 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘷𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘈𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘡𝘦𝘯𝘰, 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘡𝘦𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦, 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴, 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘡𝘦𝘯𝘰.
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જ⁀ 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖ 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖
𓂃 ࣪˖ ⋆.˚ 𝘿𝙪𝙘𝙖 𝙕𝙚𝙣𝙤 𝙙𝙚' 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞 : 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰.𝘏𝘦’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥—𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘭𝘥-𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘡𝘦𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦—𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵, 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘴, 𝘩𝘦𝘳.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ⋆.˚ 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝘽𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 : 𝘈 26-𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳-𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴.𝘚𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳—𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦.

︵‿︵‿୨୧‿︵‿︵

જ⁀ 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖ 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖
𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘛𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦. 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨

[jessi_reading_corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was beautifully written. I really enjoyed the whimsical feel to it, all while the dark was slowly creeping in.
The deeper you got in the book, the more you felt.
It wasn't romantic as such, nor was it overly dark. It was a pleasant medium.
Having vampirism portrayed as being a medical condition was different, but actually quite enjoyable.
The ending was completely unexpected,nothing like how I thought it was going to go- which is a first for me!
This is definitely the kind of book you need to read twice, to truly appreciate the beauty of it. The amount of effort Vera put in this is just amazing.

Please do check you TWs, this book isn't dark as such, but still. Look after your MH.

[Morgan Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AMAZING - needs to be your next read!💕

Let me begin by saying, I have read hundreds of books, like upwards of 500. So when I say I am not easily surprised by the trajectory of a book, I mean it. However, this book manages to do just that! You could have given me 100 guesses and none of them would have been correct at predicting the end of this book.
This story is very original, and very well executed. The progression of the story is very natural and adequately paced, I never felt bored or like I was simply absorbing information. There was always something happening and the story was always moving forward, which is something I really enjoy as I tend to get bored otherwise.
There is some spice but it is all off page/closed door but the chemistry with the main characters is fantastic. The FMC is well spoken and intelligent, which I love. And I felt like there was some really great mental health representation mixed in as well.

I finished this book and immediately messaged my best friend about how amazing it was and that it needed to be on her list once it released.

I greatly look forward to Vera’s future work and am so grateful for her allowing me to read an advance copy!! 💕💕

[Amy Lismore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading it was amazing. I loved how you written about panic attacks and anxiety and your are a very talented author and the romance was great.

[Kristi Shepps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora, in search of research for her thesis, accepts a job position to be the blood donor for the Duke of Medici. Zeno has a form of vampirism that has been passed down through his ancestral bloodline, had no intention of finding someone to be his friend or equal. As they learn more about each other, their tolerance sparks into a tentative friendship. But soon they realize that there may be more to their bond than they once thought. Tensions rise within the Medici family and Cora is caught the crossfire.
I could not put this book down! It was so thrilling to be pulled into this fantastical slow burn tragic romance between Cora and Zeno. Neither were looking for love but they found it in such a serendipitous way. Absolutely obsessed that they were able to find peace from their demons in one other. There is so much passion that was put into creating this epic love story and I cannot wait to re-read again to experience this masterpiece all over again. Such a beautiful tragedy!

[Lauren Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting modern take on vampirism but with all the dark academia and romance our gothic hearts desire.

Cora, the FMC, is super smart and loves to research and read. It was so easy and natural to relate to her. Zeno, the MMC, is strange and unusual in the best ways. He is also very well-read and they bond over books. Their chemistry is undeniable.

They live in a restored abbey with amazing gothic vibes and multiple libraries 🙌. It’s a good mix of both the contemporary world with cell phones, cars, etc. and a fancy old-fashioned feel with gorgeous gowns, jewelry and tea time.

I could tell the author has a medical/healthcare background. Did I nerd out a few times over protocols and terminology? Yes, yes I did. 💉🤓

The entire book was unexpected and the ending absolutely floored me. I did not see it coming at all.

Fav tropes:
Dark academia 📚
Slow burn ❤️‍🔥
Morally gray MMC 🩶
Closed door 🚪
Vampirism 🧛
Abbey life 🏰
Mental health rep 🧠

Fav quotes:
“Solitude is a delicious poison. I’d rather drink it to death than have you for just a taste.”

“I think, Signorina Bowling, that true love is a rapacious thing. The stronger it is, the further it crawls into your chest and infuses into your every breath.”


Thank you Vera Wolfe for letting me read and review your debut novel! 🖤

[Kate Pazanin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok for me. It was aliytle to slow for me and there was a couple time i considered DNFing cause I lost interest. With that said it is a decent read and the author does a good job, just wasn't a 4 star for me.

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the concept was good , it just was a bit too boring with history and things …. Just not my vibe

[Kairangi Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don’t have it in me to love in parts. If I have you, I need every inch of your soul and every inch of your body. I can’t settle for less.”

Just for a taste is a masterpiece that is as light and whimsical as it is dark and eerie.
This is a book that will sit amongst my favorites.
Never have i read anything quite like it. It bends and weaves through genres, creating something unique.
The attention to detail and execution is perfect. The pace and flow, effortless.

A love story so deep, it hurts.

“I will repent for the harm that befell the most important thing to me of all. I will make the world burn.”

I look forward to reading more from this author 💜
*Arc Read.

[cheyanne jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story us such a unique take on a vampire love story. Super slow burn and it just keeps you on the edge of your seat, begging for that burn! There is such a historic and classical element to the book that brings you into the vibe of the FMC and MMC. Towards the end it comes to such an intense climax that makes it hard to put the book down. I def cried several times and the end was a tragedy I was not prepared for.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very good page-turner. I enjoyed the characters and how it was written. It's something I would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dylan J. Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me in absolute ruins. It is almost deceptive how whimsical and light the book starts; Weaving its story while the dark foreboding reality hides in the cracks and crevices between lines.

This book is a genre-bending masterpiece. Not quite romance, while also telling the most beautifully dark story of the deepest forms of love. Not quite dark academia while also telling the story in the form of deep references. Each chapter title is a reference that, in places, even acts as a triple entendre. It was an absolute delight to look up the meanings of the titles and try to figure out what is going to happen, only to have the meaning take a different shape after reading the chapter, and then once again reforming once you realize it was foreshadowing something foreshadowing something else later.

I have yet to ever read a book a second time. This will be the exception to that. There were places of foreshadowing sprinkled throughout, and with how masterfully they were hidden in plain sight, I cannot wait to go back and look for the ones hidden a bit deeper.

If you’re a fan of slow burn romances, dark academia, and tragedies. This is the book for you. Just be mindful that it does not fit into any of those categories strongly. It is laid very gently over all of them, creating the most original book I have ever read.

I loved the concept of the novel. Based on several “what ifs?” What if the Medici family didn’t die out? What if the rather than the slew of disorders caused by the incestuous circle-like family trees of old nobility, the questionable acts caused disorders resembling vampirism instead?

I’m not a fan of the fantastical. Having vampirism laid out as a medical condition, you genuinely forget the MMC is a vampire even. I absolute LOVED the execution here. It made the story feel much more closer to reality than anything else.

Overall, a nearly perfect novel. 5 stars. Highly recommend. Will be my favorite novel for a long time.

[Wings & Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC and I really enjoyed it. It was a gothic, tragedy. There were moments where I had a giggle and swooned. I loved watching Zenos let Cora in and there's were some amazing I will burn the world down for you moments. However, there were also moments that tore my heart out. If you need a happy ending, you won't get one. I loved the unique spin on vampires and I also loved the aide characters. I 100% recommend this.

The reason it lost a star ... Fade to Black Spice hehe but that's just my opinion.

[Zierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really devoured this book it was so beautifully written! I love a goth vampire book👏🏻

[Lisa Conant · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
🌶 out of 5

This is definitely a character study piece and it will be an emotional ride! Know that it's deliberately slower paced so as to really get to know Cora and the broody yet enigmatic and reclusive vampire Zeno. It was also a bit tricky to rate because the last act kind of threw me by its execution and not the ultimate outcome. I don’t wanna give spoilers though. A few plot points in the middle I wish were fleshed out more too (the villain aspect).

Firstly I loved the little prologue and also the gothic vibes of this Abby in Sicily! It's a very original story and spin on vampires which is why I reccomend this read! Vampires here are medically based, sunlight would cause terrible burns, cancer, and they need blood once a month to replenish the cells that degrade, super fair skin etc. But they are not immortal, have reflections and are otherwise human.

Cora comes to be a blood donor for Zeno, an heir to the prestigious Medici family of Italy. Yet he's aloof, broody and a bit sardonic. Though really he's just lonely and awkward since he hasn't been around people much. I enjoyed the intimate scenes of them breaking down their barriers. This is not a spicy story (only kisses and cuddles). It is about a true connection. The threat to their love comes in the form of his lineage wanting to rip her away from him so he can take his rightful place out of the shadows. I liked learning his backstory a lot but would've liked more.

I wanted to see more of the "villains" in this piece as I felt them too fleeting. As we reached the final act, I have to say I don't mind it having a "bittersweet ending". But my hesitation comes with the "how". I felt Cora's choice came abruptly and too easily. Zeno is a communicative person, despite his OTT protectiveness. The set up for the end with their choices and action didn't seem to "fit" such wonderful nuanced buildup beforehand.

I'm torn because I love the originality and the subtely of the character growth for most of it, but felt the last act didn't do justice to them. I accept the ultimate ending, I just wish it came about differently.

That being said, I STILL reccomend it for those that like slow burns, originality with vampires grounded in reality and a character driven narrative. Definitely a debut author to watch.

[⋆｡‧˚ʚ Chantal ɞ˚‧｡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘛𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞.

🌹

↓ slight spoilers ↓

🌹

The story follows Cora, who is a Vampire History major working on her thesis on the infamous Medici family, and when she's offered to be the blood partner for one of the members of the family, Duca Zeno d' Medici, she takes it in hopes of uncovering material for her work.

When I tell you it's a slow burn it is! But I do love how their relationship was steadily formed. It wasn't insta love, but a gradually forming connection.

Their moments together were so beautiful—from pairing music with the books they've read together to Zeno showing Cora his aviary to Zeno giving Cora the supplies she needed to start her own garden... He was definitely boyfriend material <3

I loved these characters together and individually!

Zeno was a bit of an introvert, had a sweet tooth, incredibly intelligent, had a fondness for birds
Cora was also intelligent, had an immense love for books, suffers from a panic disorder (loved how it was handled), a soft soul but spoke her mind & did what was right, no matter how hard it was

The side characters were likeable too.

I think my only issue–albeit small–was probably around the 80% mark. While we got a sense of how Zeno's family was like/how they treated him in the past I really would've liked to stretch out the conflict of his family with Cora. I also wanted more of his father and cousin. & I felt like Zeno got there pretty quick to save her, and the deaths were too swift. But I did like that we get a glimpse of the savagery of his vampiric nature! It was giving touch her & 💀.

I also absolutely loved the writing style of this author!

The way this book made me feel every emotion imaginable 🤧 I thought I knew what I was getting into when I read the blurb, but it truly didn't prepare me for the heartbreak I was going to experience in the end 🥺 Vera Wolfe, I will be mailing you my therapy bill, because why??

Rating: 4.5/5

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!
Please, excuse me so I may go process my emotions and cry in the corner!
Hook, line and sinker. This story has wrapped itself around my heart, sunk it's fangs in and ripped it out.

This beautiful, broody, whimsical and wholesome story will have you devouring every word, every sentence, will keep you wanting more.
Found love in places you weren't looking, but keep you wanting more, wishing more for them.
Throughout this story following Zeno and Cora, no matter the situation, it will warm your heart in their sweet moments, but can also break it.

As they try to navigate their ever waning emotions, trying to understand their new world in which they share and seeing how they come to be. You will love them, you will be annoyed with them, but ultimatly you will find, that no matter how much they love each other, sometimes you need to let go, but keep the love you have close to your heart, cherishing the sweetest moments that they share.

Their love and chemistry was magnetic, so sweet and heart warming. The way his love ran so deep, just wanting to keep her and not hurt her. That he would do absolutely anything, trying to keep her close but also push her away, to keep her safe.

All we can wish for is love, but sometimes not knowing how, it can be hard in finding what or who you can love, but wanting to keep it and protect it so furiously, you would do anything. But it is either you are all in, or not at all. You can't do it, Just for a Taste.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Cora Bowling’s world, vampirism is a genetic condition. She’s a Vampire History major, writing a thesis on the history of the Medici family, one of the richest and oldest vampire families. Her research has hit a dead end and in her desperation she accepts a role as the exclusive blood partner of Duca Zeno d’Medici.

Zeno was the heir to the Medici family but has chosen exile in a secluded Sicilian abbey. He suffers particularly hard from the fatal genetic condition of vampirism that causes photophobia, haemophilia and the requirement for blood in order to survive.

The more he drinks from Cora, the more he hungers for life beyond blood and his reclusive existence. Cora equally finds herself drawn to Zeno and the world of the Medici. Will they be able to find their happily ever after? Or will the dark secrets of the Medici destroy them both?

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book with vampires in it and gosh this book did not disappoint. It was a very very slow burn romance and was quite dark in a lot of parts but Vera Wolfe is an absolute artist in the way she paints a picture with her words.

This book is released 2nd April and I would recommend it if you want to read a slow-burn gothic novel about desire, sacrifice and the cost of falling for someone you can never truly have.

[Foxglove · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing style of ‘Just For A Taste’. At no point does it feel childish or Wattpad-like, which is getting increasingly rare in vampire fiction. There is detailed description, mostly realistic dialogue, and the writing flows very well overall. At no point did I need to reread because I struggled to grasp what was being written.

The characters are distinctive and developed, which I enjoyed. It felt quite nice to explore Cora’s different interactions with everyone. Cora herself is a realistic, intelligent, and fun character, and I like her perspective.

The plot is somewhat interesting for what it is, but I feel like it could have been told in much fewer pages. I got somewhat bored as I read, because it feels like a lot of the chapters are unneeded and irrelevant. I understand that there are no rules to writing a novel, but the primary purpose is to entertain, which is somewhat lacking in certain chapters of ‘Just For A Taste’.

Overall, I quite enjoyed reading this novel, and I wouldn't be opposed to checking out other works of the author. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in vampire fiction and anyone who enjoys an easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just for a Taste is a deliciously dark and emotionally resonant dive into a world of vampires, academia, and unexpected romance. Vera Wolfe crafts a fresh, modern take on vampirism, seamlessly blending it with gothic aesthetics and the moody charm of dark academia.

Cora Bowling, a Vampire History major, is a relatable and compelling protagonist. Her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks are portrayed with honesty and depth, adding layers to her character and grounding the supernatural elements in real emotional experience. The romance is tender and intense, perfectly complementing the story's eerie atmosphere.

Wolfe’s writing is rich and immersive, balancing sharp wit with heartfelt vulnerability. The story moves with purpose, but leaves space for introspection and connection, making every moment—dark or tender—feel meaningful.

For fans of moody romance, vampires, and gothic intrigue, Just for a Taste is a must-read. Vera Wolfe is clearly a talent to watch.

[Jen D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a debut novel??
Just a Taste wasn’t just an engaging story—it was an emotional journey I wasn’t ready to end. Zeno’s story made my heart ache, and the connection he forged with Cora was beautifully done. I loved the rich references to music, art, and literature, and how they became the foundation of their love story.

There were a few details I would have liked to see fleshed out more, but nothing that took away from the experience.

This isn’t the conventional HEA romance readers might expect. It left me deep in my feelings, and I’d caution those who need a traditional happily-ever-after—this isn’t that kind of love story. But if you're open to something raw, moving, and a little unconventional, Just a Taste is absolutely worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora is a doctoral student working on her thesis about vampires. She applied for a position at an abbey in Sicily. Only known to her is the facts she seeks when accepted for the job. The vampire, Zeno/Duca de Medici, is as different a vampire as you can get. He is shy, endearing, and somewhat peculiar. This story resonates with a different outlook on vampires. It is a gothic take plus the endearing love story that manifests is one for the books!

This story is compelling, slow moving, full of action, much innocence, but that innocence is betrayed through the actions of others, what Cora truly learns, and by a love so deep it will last a lifetime. The abbey will become home to Cora without her even realizing it. I cried very hard with what happens between Cora and Zeno. The book is definitely a winner and one I will read again and again.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no words right now. I feel like my heart was ripped out, stomped on, and taped together. I’m not completely sure what I was expecting when I started this book to be honest. I do very much appreciate a different take on vampires and that is what initially drew me in. I definitely feel like I have questions about how this story ended and a bit of anger about it. You cannot help but fall in love Zeno yourself. I felt like this story could have included him and developed his character more. I’m truly not a big fan of Cora myself. Something about the character just never really fit together completely for me, and her story seemed to overshadow Zeno - who I expected to be the focus. If you like tragic and gothic romances you absolutely need to read this!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intriguing, solemn read. The plot was very somber, and the feel of the storyline itself felt heavy and fatalistic. The book's two main characters were both so emotionally damaged that their slow burn romance was emotionally draining at times. I thought the author's take on vampirism and its history was interesting, to say the least. I did enjoy the book, but I was not left feeling any sense of joy or happiness at the end; only sadness for love and hope unfulfilled. Guess that's why I don't read dark fantasy very much, but I made an exception for this book. Glad I read it and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy the dark romantsy style books. Vera Wolfe shows great promise with this literary offering.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better strap yourself down with a cup of tea and napkins. Because this book takes you through an emotional roller coaster that doesn't stop till the very last page.

Read your triggers as there are some heavy subjects covered.

That being said. Bloody hell. I am still just raw from reading it. This is one of those books I felt to the core of my soul. One that had me feeling the warm sun in Italy and hearing those subtle tones of music while smelling the dust of old books.

It has everything and yet after putting it down, I still want more. I think this is one of those books that will live rent free in my mind for a very long time.

If you are okay with the triggers. Read it!

Its amazing.

[Puisan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing the last page, I feel very numb and bewildered at the same time. Truth is, I found the storyline implausible and to some degree irrelevant and illogical, but what I did not expect at the end of this book was how emotionally invested I was in this tragic love story. I feel the pain, the abandonment, the desire and the time transcending love that transpired between the Zeno and Cora. And because this book made me feel all these expected emotions, I would conclude that this book despite not having a happy ending, was worth the time reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book cause i love reading vampire themed books so it was a no-brainer for me but this book was engaging and fun to read and I really loved the story and characters and the back and forth in between. I do recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five fantastic stars. Author dd an awesome job telling these characters story. I felt like I knew them personally. Just the right amount of secrets, drama, and suspense. Addictive, twisted, absolutely amazing story!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lacey rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was a roller coaster ride. I LOVED IT. I was very intrigued by the way the characters talked to each other and their conversations about books. The ending was so sad though, but very .... beautiful. I loved the twist on vampirism.