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The Vampire's Werewolf Bodyguard
Adapted from a novella originally published as The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard by Liv Rider.
Simon doesn’t want protection. Especially not from a werewolf.
Too bad the reclusive vampire doesn’t have a choice. Simon barely survived an assassin’s strike, and he isn’t safe yet. The attack left him weak and vulnerable, which is why his meddling sire hires him a bodyguard.
A big, burly werewolf bodyguard.
Cody’s instincts make him a formidable guard—if he can control his wolf. Living without a pack or mate makes him unstable. Dangerous. After accidentally shifting on his previous assignment, he has one chance to prove
Protecting a bratty vampire who does not want his protection.
Keeping things professional is Cody’s only hope. Simon may have four centuries’ worth of defensive habits, but Cody can handle difficult clients. Except as Cody digs up the hurt behind Simon’s prickly exterior, and Simon starts to enjoy being cared for…
Staying professional might be impossible. Just like controlling Cody’s wolf.
The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is an MM paranormal romance with forced proximity, chosen mates, and bickering to lovers.
Simon doesn’t want protection. Especially not from a werewolf.
Too bad the reclusive vampire doesn’t have a choice. Simon barely survived an assassin’s strike, and he isn’t safe yet. The attack left him weak and vulnerable, which is why his meddling sire hires him a bodyguard.
A big, burly werewolf bodyguard.
Cody’s instincts make him a formidable guard—if he can control his wolf. Living without a pack or mate makes him unstable. Dangerous. After accidentally shifting on his previous assignment, he has one chance to prove
Protecting a bratty vampire who does not want his protection.
Keeping things professional is Cody’s only hope. Simon may have four centuries’ worth of defensive habits, but Cody can handle difficult clients. Except as Cody digs up the hurt behind Simon’s prickly exterior, and Simon starts to enjoy being cared for…
Staying professional might be impossible. Just like controlling Cody’s wolf.
The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is an MM paranormal romance with forced proximity, chosen mates, and bickering to lovers.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2025
228 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Tavia Lark
29 books822 followersTavia Lark writes m/m fantasy romance and erotica. Her favorite romance tropes include hurt/comfort, sharing a bed, and enemies to lovers. She writes from a sunny little apartment with the constant "help" of her fluffy cat. He just really likes typing, okay.
Join Tavia's mailing list for announcements about new books (plus a free story!):
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
April 11, 2025
“I can take your stupidly huge cock, so get on with it.”
3.5 stars rounded up.
I needed something lighter than my usual reads and this was definitely sweet and light.
“I like barbeque and long walks in the park, and I haven’t chewed on the furniture in years.”
A slightly bratty 450-year-old vampire twink and a 28-year-old werewolf bodyguard without a pack. A fun short read (240 pages). This is an adaptation of a previously released novella under the Liv Rider pen name.
The temptation to run Cody over is very strong. But that wouldn’t even kill a werewolf, because Simon wasn’t prescient enough to install silver hubcaps.
When they watch TV and the doorbell rings on the show, Simon laughs at Cody’s bristling fur.
MC Names: Simon (5'8) & Cody (6'2)
Tags: PNR, vampire/werewolf pairing, bodyguard romance, forced proximity, bickering-to-lovers, chosen mates, 422-year age-gap, blood-drinking, painting, uncontrolled shifting, isolated & lonely MCs, a little suspense and investigating, no-angst relationship, blood, violence, reference to suicide by a minor backstory character
3.5 stars rounded up.
I needed something lighter than my usual reads and this was definitely sweet and light.
“I like barbeque and long walks in the park, and I haven’t chewed on the furniture in years.”
A slightly bratty 450-year-old vampire twink and a 28-year-old werewolf bodyguard without a pack. A fun short read (240 pages). This is an adaptation of a previously released novella under the Liv Rider pen name.
The temptation to run Cody over is very strong. But that wouldn’t even kill a werewolf, because Simon wasn’t prescient enough to install silver hubcaps.
When they watch TV and the doorbell rings on the show, Simon laughs at Cody’s bristling fur.
MC Names: Simon (5'8) & Cody (6'2)
Tags: PNR, vampire/werewolf pairing, bodyguard romance, forced proximity, bickering-to-lovers, chosen mates, 422-year age-gap, blood-drinking, painting, uncontrolled shifting, isolated & lonely MCs, a little suspense and investigating, no-angst relationship, blood, violence, reference to suicide by a minor backstory character
June 3, 2025
I have no strong feelings about this book... Two lonely men find each other in a kind of meh way. It felt like they ended up together due to proximity rather than any blinding chemistry, but the concept of a vamp and a wolf together was interesting.
May 31, 2025
3.5 rounded up, just another delightful visit with Tavia Lark. Nothing about this book is life changing, and I’m likely to never think about the characters again, but the five hours it took me to read though this were happy as can be.
September 20, 2025
A sweet romance, low angst, and attempted murder? This made for a very quick, fun, and cute read!
June 22, 2025
Tropes: forced proximity, bodyguard, hurt/comfort
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 1.5/5 (it was not very spicy, but the spice it did have was well written)
Kinks: blood lust, mating
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: attempted murder, murder, violence, minor character suicide in past
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither of them are interested in anyone else once they meet
4 stars
Simon is 450 years old. He is a vampire that was turned by another very old and powerful vampire, when he was 20 years old. At the start of the book he survives someone trying to kill him, but he is weakened and it's probably not a one-person job, so his life is in danger. His sire Dima, who he has a bad relationship with hires a bodyguard to protect him. Cody, 28, is a werewolf and he is selected to be the bodyguard because he's the only non-human bodyguard at the company. Werewolves and vampires are supposed to be natural enemies, though there is a truce between them now. They spend two months together and try to get to the root of the threat to Simon's life, and they grow closer.
This was a very good book. I love this author's world building and the detail to her stories. The characters are complex, is a good amount of mystery to the plot, and you feel the emotion between them. There wasn't a lot of steam in this book, the first kiss was at 52%. But what there was had good emotional and sexual tension. I liked Simon, he was prickly, wily, and snarky. And he was a formidable vampire. And I loved that Cody was without a pack, and out of control with his shifting, but Simon became his focus, his center. He recognized Simon as the one he wanted to claim as his mate, he was protective and possessive over him. When Cody accidentally shifted, he seeked Simon out and was gentle and possessive of him and it was very sweet. I love that kind of thing.
One thing that I wasn't a huge fan of in this book was the third person POV It was written from. It got a little old to be hearing Cody says, Simon says over and over. I much prefer the intimacy and connection that you get out of first person POV.
Some notable moments:
"“Don’t worry about it.” Simon reclines his seat, putting his feet up on the dash. “Worst-case scenario, I’ll just sleep in the trunk.” Another minute down the darkened road, Cody says, “What.” “I modify all my car trunks,” Simon explains. “It’s fully sun-proofed, plus I can lock it from the inside.” “Oh, that makes sense,” Cody says out loud, while making a silent vow to himself. He cannot let a principal sleep in a fucking car trunk."
I love when a character is feral but still protects/is gentle with their love interest. "The massive beast sits down slowly. Even more slowly, his head rests on Simon’s thighs. Simon stares, stunned. As the warm weight settles on his knees, the closeness doesn’t feel claustrophobic anymore. “I wasn’t going anywhere,” Simon says, with a flicker of excitement he would have called breathlessness long ago. “I was going to close the door.” Cody’s head gets heavier. Each hot breath tickles Simon’s nerves. “Yes, now I’m really not going anywhere. Good job.”"
"“Any plans for tomorrow night?” Kimiko asks. Fostering friendship doesn’t mean being less obnoxious, though. “I think I’ll stay in and get railed by a giant werewolf.” “Insufferable,” Kimiko repeats, sheltering her eyes—as if she has any modesty left to preserve. Maybe, Cody chimes in, his mental voice rumbly with amusement. If you’re a good boy."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 1.5/5 (it was not very spicy, but the spice it did have was well written)
Kinks: blood lust, mating
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: attempted murder, murder, violence, minor character suicide in past
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither of them are interested in anyone else once they meet
4 stars
Simon is 450 years old. He is a vampire that was turned by another very old and powerful vampire, when he was 20 years old. At the start of the book he survives someone trying to kill him, but he is weakened and it's probably not a one-person job, so his life is in danger. His sire Dima, who he has a bad relationship with hires a bodyguard to protect him. Cody, 28, is a werewolf and he is selected to be the bodyguard because he's the only non-human bodyguard at the company. Werewolves and vampires are supposed to be natural enemies, though there is a truce between them now. They spend two months together and try to get to the root of the threat to Simon's life, and they grow closer.
This was a very good book. I love this author's world building and the detail to her stories. The characters are complex, is a good amount of mystery to the plot, and you feel the emotion between them. There wasn't a lot of steam in this book, the first kiss was at 52%. But what there was had good emotional and sexual tension. I liked Simon, he was prickly, wily, and snarky. And he was a formidable vampire. And I loved that Cody was without a pack, and out of control with his shifting, but Simon became his focus, his center. He recognized Simon as the one he wanted to claim as his mate, he was protective and possessive over him. When Cody accidentally shifted, he seeked Simon out and was gentle and possessive of him and it was very sweet. I love that kind of thing.
One thing that I wasn't a huge fan of in this book was the third person POV It was written from. It got a little old to be hearing Cody says, Simon says over and over. I much prefer the intimacy and connection that you get out of first person POV.
Some notable moments:
"“Don’t worry about it.” Simon reclines his seat, putting his feet up on the dash. “Worst-case scenario, I’ll just sleep in the trunk.” Another minute down the darkened road, Cody says, “What.” “I modify all my car trunks,” Simon explains. “It’s fully sun-proofed, plus I can lock it from the inside.” “Oh, that makes sense,” Cody says out loud, while making a silent vow to himself. He cannot let a principal sleep in a fucking car trunk."
I love when a character is feral but still protects/is gentle with their love interest. "The massive beast sits down slowly. Even more slowly, his head rests on Simon’s thighs. Simon stares, stunned. As the warm weight settles on his knees, the closeness doesn’t feel claustrophobic anymore. “I wasn’t going anywhere,” Simon says, with a flicker of excitement he would have called breathlessness long ago. “I was going to close the door.” Cody’s head gets heavier. Each hot breath tickles Simon’s nerves. “Yes, now I’m really not going anywhere. Good job.”"
"“Any plans for tomorrow night?” Kimiko asks. Fostering friendship doesn’t mean being less obnoxious, though. “I think I’ll stay in and get railed by a giant werewolf.” “Insufferable,” Kimiko repeats, sheltering her eyes—as if she has any modesty left to preserve. Maybe, Cody chimes in, his mental voice rumbly with amusement. If you’re a good boy."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
April 6, 2025
4.5
< “I’m on the clock,” Cody says, falling back on the easiest response.
“So?” Simon wiggles his hand, which is ridiculous. Then he licks his lips, which isn’t. “You’re my bodyguard. Guard my body.” >
DELIGHTFUL! I inhaled this romance in literally two sittings, and in less than 24 hours. I had an absolutely marvellous time with it.
Tavia Lark has been my go-to fantasy/paranormal author for a few years now; I don't know what it is about her writing, but it clicks with something in my brain: I've adored every single thing she's written, and "The Vampire's Werewolf Bodyguard" is no exception.
I love vampire/werewolf romances, and Simon and Cody's one stole my heart: forbidden relationship (ft. rival species AND a bodyguard/client dynamic? It was a double whammy of delicious forbidden vibes 🔥), learning to trust each other despite centuries of distrust and violence, an affection-starved vampire with a bratty side and an out of control werewolf who desperately needs a pack? Mating, blood drinking, and alllllllll the delicious steam? A wonderful plot, plus a fabulous cast of side characters AND a believable villain you'll want to run over with a truck? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!
I freaking loved this.
Simon and Cody were wonderful protagonists, and I adored being in their heads. Simon with his difficult past, his trust issues (my heart broke for him 😭) and his gut-wrenching loneliness, stole my soul. I loved his badass side too. And Cody! Talk about a swoon-worthy love interest. He was possessive, funny and so, so kind and lovely. He's got his vulnerable sides too, and like Simon, he's also plagued by loneliness.
There's nothing I love reading more than two affection-starved, lonely souls who manage to find each other and fall in love, despite all the world conspiring against them. Their romance arc was absolutely perfect.
"The Vampire's Werewolf Bodyguard" is an emotional, lightly angsty, highly romantic romp of a novel, a morsel of deliciousness that made my heart soar: I wholly recommend it (and Tavia's entire backlist actually).
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
TWs/CWs: toxic relationship (including coercion, emotional manipulation), death of family members, murder, suicide (past, side character), violence.
< “I’m on the clock,” Cody says, falling back on the easiest response.
“So?” Simon wiggles his hand, which is ridiculous. Then he licks his lips, which isn’t. “You’re my bodyguard. Guard my body.” >
DELIGHTFUL! I inhaled this romance in literally two sittings, and in less than 24 hours. I had an absolutely marvellous time with it.
Tavia Lark has been my go-to fantasy/paranormal author for a few years now; I don't know what it is about her writing, but it clicks with something in my brain: I've adored every single thing she's written, and "The Vampire's Werewolf Bodyguard" is no exception.
I love vampire/werewolf romances, and Simon and Cody's one stole my heart: forbidden relationship (ft. rival species AND a bodyguard/client dynamic? It was a double whammy of delicious forbidden vibes 🔥), learning to trust each other despite centuries of distrust and violence, an affection-starved vampire with a bratty side and an out of control werewolf who desperately needs a pack? Mating, blood drinking, and alllllllll the delicious steam? A wonderful plot, plus a fabulous cast of side characters AND a believable villain you'll want to run over with a truck? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!
I freaking loved this.
Simon and Cody were wonderful protagonists, and I adored being in their heads. Simon with his difficult past, his trust issues (my heart broke for him 😭) and his gut-wrenching loneliness, stole my soul. I loved his badass side too. And Cody! Talk about a swoon-worthy love interest. He was possessive, funny and so, so kind and lovely. He's got his vulnerable sides too, and like Simon, he's also plagued by loneliness.
There's nothing I love reading more than two affection-starved, lonely souls who manage to find each other and fall in love, despite all the world conspiring against them. Their romance arc was absolutely perfect.
"The Vampire's Werewolf Bodyguard" is an emotional, lightly angsty, highly romantic romp of a novel, a morsel of deliciousness that made my heart soar: I wholly recommend it (and Tavia's entire backlist actually).
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
TWs/CWs: toxic relationship (including coercion, emotional manipulation), death of family members, murder, suicide (past, side character), violence.
April 15, 2025
I haven't read the novella - Lark wrote it using a different pen name - but I assumed that this being more of a (short) novel length then the characters were more flashed out. Lark commented on the newsletter that in the novella Simon and Cody had sex WAY earlier 😆. Well, I am happy that this is NOT the case in this one.
I enjoyed the tentative progress between Simon and Cody from principal & bodyguard to something more. Simon had reasons to hate werewolf and it wasn't like it was HIS decision to hire Cody as his bodyguard. Cody was a werewolf without a pack and he knew the history between werewolves and vampires wasn't great. So it wasn't love at first sight between these two.
The trust was made based after some conversations and some actions. And it was joy to read. I loved these two and I wish them everlasting happiness in their immortal lives.
I enjoyed the tentative progress between Simon and Cody from principal & bodyguard to something more. Simon had reasons to hate werewolf and it wasn't like it was HIS decision to hire Cody as his bodyguard. Cody was a werewolf without a pack and he knew the history between werewolves and vampires wasn't great. So it wasn't love at first sight between these two.
The trust was made based after some conversations and some actions. And it was joy to read. I loved these two and I wish them everlasting happiness in their immortal lives.
April 27, 2025
Cheers for more books from Tavia Lark!
I always enjoy Tavia’s work, and this was a fun enjoyable read. Vampire/werewolf always hits. Though it would be better if it’s a little knottier IMO. I’m glad Tavia went back and polished up this novella into a full novel. Now I’m curious what her next project will be.
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 1-2/5
I always enjoy Tavia’s work, and this was a fun enjoyable read. Vampire/werewolf always hits. Though it would be better if it’s a little knottier IMO. I’m glad Tavia went back and polished up this novella into a full novel. Now I’m curious what her next project will be.
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 1-2/5
June 24, 2025
A solid vampire/werewolf MM romance by Tavia Lark with some fun tropes thrown in.
Entertaining read, but the world-building felt a little shoddy and the plot half-baked. Although it was not to a hugely detrimental degree, as I don't really care about those very much in romance novels, but I've been spoiled into expecting more pizazz by this author.
Still a solid read and would recommend if it fills the tropes you're craving!
Entertaining read, but the world-building felt a little shoddy and the plot half-baked. Although it was not to a hugely detrimental degree, as I don't really care about those very much in romance novels, but I've been spoiled into expecting more pizazz by this author.
Still a solid read and would recommend if it fills the tropes you're craving!
April 17, 2025
I read between the time I got on my hectic week. The cover drew me in, I thought I'll only check it out but then ended up reading all & I didn't even skip from what I remember lol. Pretty fun!
August 11, 2025
2.75 ⭐️ if I’m being honest with myself. It was ok, held my attention for a bit in the beginning but no real spark or anything. Which was a bummer as I love vampire/werewolf relationships
October 20, 2025
3.5 stars. light, cute and fun read. not life-changing and i will probably never think about this book again, but it was still charming and entertaining for the time being.
January 31, 2026
I liked the way The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard meets the age gap head-on, acknowledges the absurdity, and then builds a supernatural logic that makes it feel grounded rather than creepy. The power balance is thought through, consent is explicit, and the humour helps defang what could otherwise be uncomfortable.
Tavia Lark is also reliably someone who writes story with sex in it, not sex loosely stapled to a plot, which makes all the difference.
The only part that didn’t quite land for me was the reveal of the vampire sire as the antagonist. It unfolded so fast that I never quite got a full sense of his motivation, which made the ending feel rushed, and was probably the difference between this being a three-star and a four-star read for me.
Tavia Lark is also reliably someone who writes story with sex in it, not sex loosely stapled to a plot, which makes all the difference.
The only part that didn’t quite land for me was the reveal of the vampire sire as the antagonist. It unfolded so fast that I never quite got a full sense of his motivation, which made the ending feel rushed, and was probably the difference between this being a three-star and a four-star read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
This book takes a well worn formula and just runs with it. It brings nothing surprising or shocking in term of the overall plot, but it waves it in such a fun way I ended up having a blast. Every moment was engaging, there was never a dull moment, be it an action scene or a quiet moment between the MCs, so I couldn't put the book down and got through it in one sitting.
Watching Simon and Cody evolve from their initial dislike and annoying each other was a delight.
It felt just a bit rushed towards the end, both in the conclusion and the relationship development, but I was honestly having so much fun I didn't even mind.
Watching Simon and Cody evolve from their initial dislike and annoying each other was a delight.
It felt just a bit rushed towards the end, both in the conclusion and the relationship development, but I was honestly having so much fun I didn't even mind.
April 9, 2025
This was a super cute, funny read from Tavia, a bit lighter than some of her other books but no less enjoyable! I absolutely looooooved Simon and Cody, their dynamic was really good and the banter was *chefs kiss* Simon is a total brat (but very loveable! If you’ve read Prince of Agony he’s giving a bit of Kazia vibes) and Simon is such a kind soul, the progression of the relationship felt natural and not forced and you were rooting for them from the start.
I absolutely love how Tavia worked the assassination attempts, keeping you guessing right until the end about who’s doing what and why, I really enjoyed being kept on my toes!
I’m a huge Tavia fan and this is another fave to add to the list
Highly recommend you give it a read! 😍
May 7, 2025
I wanted something easy to read and this delivered. This was originally a novella and I think Lark did a good job making it feel like a fully story and not just a short plus some filler. Unfortunately, though, the romance didn’t convince me. I liked Simon and Cody together and could see the start of something between them, but there wasn’t enough to justify or explain how quickly their feelings developed. Maybe having to stick to the plot structure of the original novella was the problem.
December 1, 2025
This was a short, entertaining, vaguely silly read with a title that is basically the entire plot of the book. I don't need to describe anything about this book for you to know what it's about. It plays into every trope and stereotype of vampires and werewolves you can think of and I'm not mad at it. You get exactly what you are expecting.
April 8, 2025
Solid 3.5 rounded up
The book was a little slow in the beginning, but really picked up around the 40% mark. I loved how mature both of the MCs were, even though I would have loved to see more snark from both of them.
The writing was great and the book had the perfect amount of world building. I would have loved if it were longer with some more plot points and twists, but the low-angst was nice.
The book was a little slow in the beginning, but really picked up around the 40% mark. I loved how mature both of the MCs were, even though I would have loved to see more snark from both of them.
The writing was great and the book had the perfect amount of world building. I would have loved if it were longer with some more plot points and twists, but the low-angst was nice.
April 4, 2025
The Vampire's Werewolf Bodyguard is the story of Simon a vampire and Cody a werewolf. Simon is hurtand left weak after an assassination attempt, so his sire hires the company Cody works for and Cody is sent to be the bodyguard. This is were everything starts to get interesting. I loved these two and everything they have to work through like trust issues and uncontrolled shifts. I loved the characters and world building in the story. I loved how I kept trying to guess at where the story was going. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 16, 2025
4.5 stars
Not my favorite Tavia Lark, but this was a fun and sweet story! Really enjoyed it!
Not my favorite Tavia Lark, but this was a fun and sweet story! Really enjoyed it!
September 28, 2025
I’ve only read one book by this author before and I enjoyed it. So when I read the blurb for this I thought it sounded good - it was definitely giving off grumpy x grumpy which I was in the mood for.
I admit I did guess the bad guy, but their reasoning was a surprise, so it wasn’t a huge disappointment at my end.
I liked that the reasoning behind both our grumpy MCs was legitimate. Both felt lonely and isolated, unable to connect to others and that of course made the loneliness worse. I felt like the author provided background for both of them that made sense, and wasn’t horrendously tragic or OTT.
Naturally they started developing feelings relatively quickly but it wasn’t too instalust like, thankfully. The pacing didn’t feel too rushed either as it spanned over a month or so, which is pretty long in comparison to some books I’ve read! It was good seeing how they made a little pack of two at the end.
It wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t bad either, just a nice easy book to pass the time - 3.5 stars for me.
I admit I did guess the bad guy, but their reasoning was a surprise, so it wasn’t a huge disappointment at my end.
I liked that the reasoning behind both our grumpy MCs was legitimate. Both felt lonely and isolated, unable to connect to others and that of course made the loneliness worse. I felt like the author provided background for both of them that made sense, and wasn’t horrendously tragic or OTT.
Naturally they started developing feelings relatively quickly but it wasn’t too instalust like, thankfully. The pacing didn’t feel too rushed either as it spanned over a month or so, which is pretty long in comparison to some books I’ve read! It was good seeing how they made a little pack of two at the end.
It wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t bad either, just a nice easy book to pass the time - 3.5 stars for me.
August 16, 2025
The Vampire´s Werewolf Bodyguard is the adaptation of a novel of the same title published by Liv Rider in 2016. It is an enemiesh to lovers with a mystery to solve.
I haven't read the previous version, but I loved this one. I like vampires and werewolves, more if they are together.
Simon is a vampire who doesn't repeat, who doesn't do first times and who doesn't drink from werewolves. He is handsome, sassy and paints murals. He has trouble trusting others. One night he suffers an assassination attempt from which he narrowly escapes. His sire hires a bodyguard, Cody, a werewolf with no pack and no mate who has trouble controlling his changes. He makes it clear to Simon that he is not there to investigate, only to protect him. But we do get to see how they try to solve the mystery of who is behind the assassination attempt.
I enjoyed the banter between the two, the worldbuilding is exceptional and I liked how the author developed the characters' pasts to give them depth and to justify the current situation they find themselves in.
If you want to have a good time, read it.
·I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary and honest opinion·
I haven't read the previous version, but I loved this one. I like vampires and werewolves, more if they are together.
Simon is a vampire who doesn't repeat, who doesn't do first times and who doesn't drink from werewolves. He is handsome, sassy and paints murals. He has trouble trusting others. One night he suffers an assassination attempt from which he narrowly escapes. His sire hires a bodyguard, Cody, a werewolf with no pack and no mate who has trouble controlling his changes. He makes it clear to Simon that he is not there to investigate, only to protect him. But we do get to see how they try to solve the mystery of who is behind the assassination attempt.
I enjoyed the banter between the two, the worldbuilding is exceptional and I liked how the author developed the characters' pasts to give them depth and to justify the current situation they find themselves in.
If you want to have a good time, read it.
·I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary and honest opinion·
April 14, 2025
Simon’s criteria are simple.
No first-timers—he refuses to be someone’s first bite. No repeats—he won’t feed from the same person twice, because familiarity breeds attachment. And no werewolves, because he isn’t fucking stupid.
Werewolves can bite back.
God this was everyyyyyyything to me. Bratty twink vampire and his unwanted werewolf bodyguard. Slowish burn but so worth the wait.
Following an assassination attempt, Simon’s sire forces a bodyguard on him. 28 year old Cody works for his college roommate’s security company but after he struggles to control his shift he’s on thin ice. These two are so fun together and I loved that the age gap was addressed. The mystery was really well done - not a complete surprise whodunnit but complicated enough that you don’t really see it coming. Just so well done! I wish I had a dozen more books just like this lol
No first-timers—he refuses to be someone’s first bite. No repeats—he won’t feed from the same person twice, because familiarity breeds attachment. And no werewolves, because he isn’t fucking stupid.
Werewolves can bite back.
God this was everyyyyyyything to me. Bratty twink vampire and his unwanted werewolf bodyguard. Slowish burn but so worth the wait.
Following an assassination attempt, Simon’s sire forces a bodyguard on him. 28 year old Cody works for his college roommate’s security company but after he struggles to control his shift he’s on thin ice. These two are so fun together and I loved that the age gap was addressed. The mystery was really well done - not a complete surprise whodunnit but complicated enough that you don’t really see it coming. Just so well done! I wish I had a dozen more books just like this lol
May 14, 2025
Significant issues
I couldn’t finish the book. I really tried. The premise itself held promise, but the execution was awful. The author announces which characters POV as the chapter titles. But then they jump between the character speaking and third person. It reads like a See Spot book, and worse, because they jump into third person so consistently, it actually reads like the other main character is making the observations, when really it should be internal dialogue. There is no way this book was professionally edited. Proofread, sure; but that is not the same thing as being edited. I have a hard time believing the author read it when it was done, because they would have hopefully also seen it reads like the aimless ramblings of a high school student. If this sets the precedent of Larks work, count me out.
I couldn’t finish the book. I really tried. The premise itself held promise, but the execution was awful. The author announces which characters POV as the chapter titles. But then they jump between the character speaking and third person. It reads like a See Spot book, and worse, because they jump into third person so consistently, it actually reads like the other main character is making the observations, when really it should be internal dialogue. There is no way this book was professionally edited. Proofread, sure; but that is not the same thing as being edited. I have a hard time believing the author read it when it was done, because they would have hopefully also seen it reads like the aimless ramblings of a high school student. If this sets the precedent of Larks work, count me out.
July 10, 2025
If you like your vampires cooked a la Vintage, then you are in the right place. Seriously, the author was so nitpicky about which old vampire characteristics she wanted to slap onto Simon.
Weak to sunlight? Check
Sleeps in a coffin? Check
Mention of being able to burst into a bat colony? Check.
Characteristics, she didn't add to this already vintage story:
Garlic weakness? Nope
Holy water weakness? Nope
Honestly, Tavia, how very Disney of you. Hard skip
Weak to sunlight? Check
Sleeps in a coffin? Check
Mention of being able to burst into a bat colony? Check.
Characteristics, she didn't add to this already vintage story:
Garlic weakness? Nope
Holy water weakness? Nope
Honestly, Tavia, how very Disney of you. Hard skip
April 15, 2025
2.5 rounded up
This was... fine.
This was... fine.
April 6, 2025
°˖✧✿✧˖° the vampire’s werewolf bodyguard by tavia lark°˖✧✿✧˖°
rating: ★★★★
“most importantly, he’ll have simon, who’s better than any dream. and he’ll have him forever.”
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
﹒⟢﹒tropes﹒⟢﹒
⟢ vampire x werewolf
⟢ enemies to lovers
⟢ fated/choosen mates
⟢ forced proximity
⟢ bodyguard romance
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
simon caley, a 400 year old vampire, is recovering from a recent attack and has been shoved into hiding by his sire due to the poison that leaves him weakened. he’s used to being in control, to keeping his distance, and suddenly he’s got a werewolf watching his every move and making him feel... things.
cody weston, a werewolf who does not have control over his shift. without a pack, without a mate, it leaves him unpredictable, dangerous. he has only once chance to prove himself and he is not going to let a snarky vampire ruin this chance for him.
∘₊✧the characters✧₊∘
simon’s a little snarky, a little soft, and so lonely it hurts. i loved how even though he’s a vampire, he’s not written as some overpowering. he’s vulnerable and jaded and just wants to be loved for him, not what he is.
cody, is all grumpy golden retriever energy. he’s loyal, a little awkward, super protective. and i loved him.
watching these two circle around each other was half tension, half adorably frustrating. they’re both so bad at talking but so good at feeling. the moment cody lets simon into his space? instant puddle. and simon trying to act all cool while clearly melting inside every time cody is near?? delicious.
∘₊✧the relationship✧₊∘
the enemies-to-lovers angle is soft here. werewolves and vampires stays away from eachother. it is no secret that they hate each other. but the mutual hesitation, the slow but steady getting together aspect works really well for them.
the way cody starts seeing past simon’s walls, past all the vampire and cold exterior, and just sees him? so sweet. and simon, who’s never had someone choose him just because they wanted to, not for power, not for survival, it hits him so hard. you really feel the shift when trust starts to build.
they protect each other in such different ways, but it just works. found family vibes, soft possessiveness, and a whole lot of emotional healing.
∘₊✧the plot✧₊∘
honestly, this is a comfort read. not too dark, not too fluffy. i finished it in one single sitting. the worldbuilding is solid but not overwhelming, enough paranormal politics to give it stakes, but not so much that it distracts from the romance.
the mystery is solved and i expected that but also did not? i don’t know.
i took a star off because some parts wrapped up a little too easily (especially near the end), and i wanted a bit more depth on the side characters and the pack/vamp dynamic. but honestly? it didn’t bother me that much. i was here for the romance, and i got exactly what i wanted.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
tldr: this is for you if you love a broody, emotionally repressed vampire falling for his werewolf protector. it’s got tension, softness, sexy moments, and romance that makes you smile like an idiot. a real comfort read.
I WAS GIVEN AN ADVANCED READER COPY FOR THIS BOOK. THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW <3
rating: ★★★★
“most importantly, he’ll have simon, who’s better than any dream. and he’ll have him forever.”
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
﹒⟢﹒tropes﹒⟢﹒
⟢ vampire x werewolf
⟢ enemies to lovers
⟢ fated/choosen mates
⟢ forced proximity
⟢ bodyguard romance
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
simon caley, a 400 year old vampire, is recovering from a recent attack and has been shoved into hiding by his sire due to the poison that leaves him weakened. he’s used to being in control, to keeping his distance, and suddenly he’s got a werewolf watching his every move and making him feel... things.
cody weston, a werewolf who does not have control over his shift. without a pack, without a mate, it leaves him unpredictable, dangerous. he has only once chance to prove himself and he is not going to let a snarky vampire ruin this chance for him.
∘₊✧the characters✧₊∘
simon’s a little snarky, a little soft, and so lonely it hurts. i loved how even though he’s a vampire, he’s not written as some overpowering. he’s vulnerable and jaded and just wants to be loved for him, not what he is.
cody, is all grumpy golden retriever energy. he’s loyal, a little awkward, super protective. and i loved him.
watching these two circle around each other was half tension, half adorably frustrating. they’re both so bad at talking but so good at feeling. the moment cody lets simon into his space? instant puddle. and simon trying to act all cool while clearly melting inside every time cody is near?? delicious.
∘₊✧the relationship✧₊∘
the enemies-to-lovers angle is soft here. werewolves and vampires stays away from eachother. it is no secret that they hate each other. but the mutual hesitation, the slow but steady getting together aspect works really well for them.
the way cody starts seeing past simon’s walls, past all the vampire and cold exterior, and just sees him? so sweet. and simon, who’s never had someone choose him just because they wanted to, not for power, not for survival, it hits him so hard. you really feel the shift when trust starts to build.
they protect each other in such different ways, but it just works. found family vibes, soft possessiveness, and a whole lot of emotional healing.
∘₊✧the plot✧₊∘
honestly, this is a comfort read. not too dark, not too fluffy. i finished it in one single sitting. the worldbuilding is solid but not overwhelming, enough paranormal politics to give it stakes, but not so much that it distracts from the romance.
the mystery is solved and i expected that but also did not? i don’t know.
i took a star off because some parts wrapped up a little too easily (especially near the end), and i wanted a bit more depth on the side characters and the pack/vamp dynamic. but honestly? it didn’t bother me that much. i was here for the romance, and i got exactly what i wanted.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
tldr: this is for you if you love a broody, emotionally repressed vampire falling for his werewolf protector. it’s got tension, softness, sexy moments, and romance that makes you smile like an idiot. a real comfort read.
I WAS GIVEN AN ADVANCED READER COPY FOR THIS BOOK. THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW <3
September 1, 2025
📒2.4 Read 2nd Sept, 2025.
This gave me such strong Soren (by Grae Bryan) vibes but Soren was much, much better. Some parts i felt like having a deja vu like that Firebug nickname. i picked this up becuz of Kirt Graves and by the time im 12% in i realised it’s a Tavia Lark book. Tavia is a hit or miss for me and atp i read on just to see what happens. And she can’t write sex scenes. i’m sorry, but no.
Anyhoo, this features bratty vampire Simon, who needs a bodyguard after a hunter attack. It's a direct adaptation of another book by the author, maybe under a different pen name? i’m not sure. Tropes at the end.
♦Story- 3.2⭐, Characters- 1.2⭐, Sex- 0.5⭐, Epilogue- 2⭐
● Liked the mystery part of the book where Simon and Cody try to figure out who sent the man who attacked him that night? And lemme just say, i had my icks about that person since the start and i feel vindicated lol The earliest clues where already given when we’re introduced to them. i’ll keep it at that! 😃
● It’s enemies to lovers but also client/employee, an odd combo but one that i like a lot esp in bodyguard trope.
● Hearing Kirt say “For Fuck’s sake!” was…. an experience. Now i desperately want him to redo Grae’s Vampire Mate series.
● There’s a very interesting aspect of Simon needing to be invited to a house in order to come in. The weremeet was cute.
● The final boss fight was nice.
i had some serious gripes with this one:
♦From 68% onwards read purely to find out who’s behind the attack but sadly mystery took the back seat in the story until suddenly it all makes sense and now it's confronting time. It switched and focused more on these 2, speaking of which:
♦Could not get with either of the characters. Neither felt appealing, nor their chemistry believable. i could not believe in their love cuz there was nothing to base it on.
♦However, the romance feels sudden. Despite being a slow burn, the attraction seemed to flip on like a switch. One moment Cody is avoiding dancing, the next they’re kissing? Simon’s still a brat who claims not to trust Cody, so the emotional shift lacked depth. We’re told they’re attracted but not really shown the buildup. The entire hate to love happens within a few days.
♦There’s 2 sex scenes at 66% and as expected from Tavia this has unresponsive receiver ie, no sounds from Simon. It’s like the entire world goes mute at that point. Besides that, the writing is so weird around it (there’s lots of talk about the feelings, what they used to be, how Simon came to be a vamp, etc) that there’s no way to gauge the level of intimacy between them. So for characters i already couldn’t get into or like, this separates them even further.
i don’t even know if the blood drinking included sex or not, that’s how vague the language is. It throws the word “post-coital” so im guessing it does.💀
📒Tropes & tags: brat vampire, vamp x wolf, hate to love, bodyguard, height & physical size difference, mystery, slow dancing, blood play, biting/marking.
This gave me such strong Soren (by Grae Bryan) vibes but Soren was much, much better. Some parts i felt like having a deja vu like that Firebug nickname. i picked this up becuz of Kirt Graves and by the time im 12% in i realised it’s a Tavia Lark book. Tavia is a hit or miss for me and atp i read on just to see what happens. And she can’t write sex scenes. i’m sorry, but no.
Anyhoo, this features bratty vampire Simon, who needs a bodyguard after a hunter attack. It's a direct adaptation of another book by the author, maybe under a different pen name? i’m not sure. Tropes at the end.
♦Story- 3.2⭐, Characters- 1.2⭐, Sex- 0.5⭐, Epilogue- 2⭐
● Liked the mystery part of the book where Simon and Cody try to figure out who sent the man who attacked him that night? And lemme just say, i had my icks about that person since the start and i feel vindicated lol The earliest clues where already given when we’re introduced to them. i’ll keep it at that! 😃
● It’s enemies to lovers but also client/employee, an odd combo but one that i like a lot esp in bodyguard trope.
● Hearing Kirt say “For Fuck’s sake!” was…. an experience. Now i desperately want him to redo Grae’s Vampire Mate series.
● There’s a very interesting aspect of Simon needing to be invited to a house in order to come in. The weremeet was cute.
● The final boss fight was nice.
i had some serious gripes with this one:
♦From 68% onwards read purely to find out who’s behind the attack but sadly mystery took the back seat in the story until suddenly it all makes sense and now it's confronting time. It switched and focused more on these 2, speaking of which:
♦Could not get with either of the characters. Neither felt appealing, nor their chemistry believable. i could not believe in their love cuz there was nothing to base it on.
♦However, the romance feels sudden. Despite being a slow burn, the attraction seemed to flip on like a switch. One moment Cody is avoiding dancing, the next they’re kissing? Simon’s still a brat who claims not to trust Cody, so the emotional shift lacked depth. We’re told they’re attracted but not really shown the buildup. The entire hate to love happens within a few days.
♦There’s 2 sex scenes at 66% and as expected from Tavia this has unresponsive receiver ie, no sounds from Simon. It’s like the entire world goes mute at that point. Besides that, the writing is so weird around it (there’s lots of talk about the feelings, what they used to be, how Simon came to be a vamp, etc) that there’s no way to gauge the level of intimacy between them. So for characters i already couldn’t get into or like, this separates them even further.
i don’t even know if the blood drinking included sex or not, that’s how vague the language is. It throws the word “post-coital” so im guessing it does.💀
📒Tropes & tags: brat vampire, vamp x wolf, hate to love, bodyguard, height & physical size difference, mystery, slow dancing, blood play, biting/marking.
April 9, 2025
4.25 ⭐
The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is one of those books that’s just really easy to fall into. I started it meaning to read a chapter or two, and suddenly it was few hours later and I’ve finished the whole thing.
This is a paranormal romance with an enemies-to-lovers setup, some light mystery, and two very emotionally messy MCs. To be honest, just my kind of MCs, I can never help but root for them.
As for the plot, Simon, a 400-year-old vampire with trust issues the size of a small country, ends up needing a bodyguard after a near-fatal attack. Here comes Cody, a werewolf with no pack, no mate, struggling to control his shifts. And since vampires and werewolves hate each other, it’s basically a disaster waiting to happen or the perfect setup for slow-burn romantic tension. We already know which one this is. 😉
I really enjoyed watching these two go from grudging tolerance to real connection. Simon is sassy, snarky, sharp, and incredibly lonely while trying to maintain his vampire coolness. Cody, on the other hand, is rough around the edges but a total softie once you get past his professional, grumpy exterior. He’s protective, a bit awkward, and absolutely determined to keep Simon safe.
As for their dynamic, it hits all the right buttons for me. We have forbidden attraction, bodyguard-client tension, mutual pining, and a lovely slow build of trust between two people who’ve never really had anyone in their corner before. It is a bit angsty in places, but never overly heavy. Mostly, it’s just very sweet (but not too sweet or fluffy) to see them slowly let their guards down and find comfort in each other.
I also loved the he worldbuilding which gave us just enough information on paranormal politics and danger to keep the plot moving, but without being overwhelming. That said, I wouldn’t mind a closer look at the larger vampire-werewolf world.
For the most the plot of the story moves along well, although for me some parts were wrapped up a bit too neatly.
All in all, I would say The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is a really comforting, romantic read. It has all the tropes I love like found family, hurt-comfort, emotional healing, but also two lonely “weirdos” accidentally falling in love. I would love some more books in this universe, but even if it stays a standalone, I would not mind.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.
The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is one of those books that’s just really easy to fall into. I started it meaning to read a chapter or two, and suddenly it was few hours later and I’ve finished the whole thing.
This is a paranormal romance with an enemies-to-lovers setup, some light mystery, and two very emotionally messy MCs. To be honest, just my kind of MCs, I can never help but root for them.
As for the plot, Simon, a 400-year-old vampire with trust issues the size of a small country, ends up needing a bodyguard after a near-fatal attack. Here comes Cody, a werewolf with no pack, no mate, struggling to control his shifts. And since vampires and werewolves hate each other, it’s basically a disaster waiting to happen or the perfect setup for slow-burn romantic tension. We already know which one this is. 😉
I really enjoyed watching these two go from grudging tolerance to real connection. Simon is sassy, snarky, sharp, and incredibly lonely while trying to maintain his vampire coolness. Cody, on the other hand, is rough around the edges but a total softie once you get past his professional, grumpy exterior. He’s protective, a bit awkward, and absolutely determined to keep Simon safe.
As for their dynamic, it hits all the right buttons for me. We have forbidden attraction, bodyguard-client tension, mutual pining, and a lovely slow build of trust between two people who’ve never really had anyone in their corner before. It is a bit angsty in places, but never overly heavy. Mostly, it’s just very sweet (but not too sweet or fluffy) to see them slowly let their guards down and find comfort in each other.
I also loved the he worldbuilding which gave us just enough information on paranormal politics and danger to keep the plot moving, but without being overwhelming. That said, I wouldn’t mind a closer look at the larger vampire-werewolf world.
For the most the plot of the story moves along well, although for me some parts were wrapped up a bit too neatly.
All in all, I would say The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is a really comforting, romantic read. It has all the tropes I love like found family, hurt-comfort, emotional healing, but also two lonely “weirdos” accidentally falling in love. I would love some more books in this universe, but even if it stays a standalone, I would not mind.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.
April 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this new revision of The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard, done in Mrs. Lark’s current style. I only vaguely remembered the first version, but I could feel how much more fleshed out the characters are in this one, especially the secondary ones, which added way more depth and texture to their interactions.
I loved everything about Cody and Simon. They balanced each other out really well, even if they were both grumps in their own ways, so watching them progressively look past the prejudices and baggage of their respective species and personal traumas was very satisfying, as well as seeing them soften, open up, and starting to shape a tentative future together. Also, I really appreciated how
The plot flowed more smoothly, too. The only thing I’m still unsure about were the villain’s motives.
All of that felt pretty muddled to me. So while I really liked the character developments, the dynamic between the leads and the overall world-building, I just can’t quite give it a full five stars.
I received and ARC from the author for an honest review.
I loved everything about Cody and Simon. They balanced each other out really well, even if they were both grumps in their own ways, so watching them progressively look past the prejudices and baggage of their respective species and personal traumas was very satisfying, as well as seeing them soften, open up, and starting to shape a tentative future together. Also, I really appreciated how
The plot flowed more smoothly, too. The only thing I’m still unsure about were the villain’s motives.
All of that felt pretty muddled to me. So while I really liked the character developments, the dynamic between the leads and the overall world-building, I just can’t quite give it a full five stars.
I received and ARC from the author for an honest review.
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