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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
About the author
Tavia Lark
41 books895 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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Plus, there's a Facebook group!
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Join Tavia's mailing list for announcements about new books (plus a free story!):
https://tavialark.com/list
And check out Tavia's Patreon for bonus stories, behind the scenes content, and weekly chapters from new WIP novels:
https://www.patreon.com/tavialark
Plus, there's a Facebook group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tavia...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
June 3, 2026
Sooooo cute, really cute. In terms of style, it’s actually not as good as some of this author’s other books, but it’s a really good story with characters that work perfectly together.
The plot is maybe a little flat. I knew right away who the villain was, and not that much happens to make this book exciting.
But I like how Simon and Cody interact with each other.
I get the feeling that a lot was edited out, maybe... I think a few more sentences, especially regarding the feelings they develop for each other, would have done the story some good.
But if you need something quick to read in between other things, then this book is a really good choice.
Clearly a sign of a paranormal monster: Simon’s two-car garage holds two cars. No piles of boxes and junk. 🤭🧛♂️🤭
Simon is hardly a monk, but he hasn’t had a lasting relationship in the past half century. Loneliness is more comfortable than trusting a man not to leave. 🥺
“You carry a handkerchief?”
“And you don’t?” Simon scoffs. “Kids these days.”
Cody’s entire face twitches, like he’s trying not to smile. 😂🤣
Simon marvels to find himself calm. “I could get you one of those button toys. The ones that let cats and dogs talk to their owners. You could press one button for food, and another button for walkies.”
Either Cody can’t understand him, or he completely lacks a sense of humor in wolf form. 🤭🐺🤭
“Now,” Simon demands, clenching in reaction. “I can take your stupidly huge cock, so get on with it.” 😳
The plot is maybe a little flat. I knew right away who the villain was, and not that much happens to make this book exciting.
But I like how Simon and Cody interact with each other.
I get the feeling that a lot was edited out, maybe... I think a few more sentences, especially regarding the feelings they develop for each other, would have done the story some good.
But if you need something quick to read in between other things, then this book is a really good choice.
Clearly a sign of a paranormal monster: Simon’s two-car garage holds two cars. No piles of boxes and junk. 🤭🧛♂️🤭
Simon is hardly a monk, but he hasn’t had a lasting relationship in the past half century. Loneliness is more comfortable than trusting a man not to leave. 🥺
“You carry a handkerchief?”
“And you don’t?” Simon scoffs. “Kids these days.”
Cody’s entire face twitches, like he’s trying not to smile. 😂🤣
Simon marvels to find himself calm. “I could get you one of those button toys. The ones that let cats and dogs talk to their owners. You could press one button for food, and another button for walkies.”
Either Cody can’t understand him, or he completely lacks a sense of humor in wolf form. 🤭🐺🤭
“Now,” Simon demands, clenching in reaction. “I can take your stupidly huge cock, so get on with it.” 😳
June 5, 2026
Loved the idea, but the execution was a bit disappointing.
Cody, the protective 28 year old werewolf bodyguard and Simon, the snarky 450 year old vampire were cute together. Their banter was fun.
The plot itself was a bit bumpy, the mistery all right even though not very intriguing, but the writing was what really kept me from enjoying the story more.
So many short sentences.
I never knew just how much I appreciate, even need, a subordinate clause, a description or two, additional adverbs... now I know.
Cody, the protective 28 year old werewolf bodyguard and Simon, the snarky 450 year old vampire were cute together. Their banter was fun.
The plot itself was a bit bumpy, the mistery all right even though not very intriguing, but the writing was what really kept me from enjoying the story more.
So many short sentences.
I never knew just how much I appreciate, even need, a subordinate clause, a description or two, additional adverbs... now I know.
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 2, 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
May 18, 2026
3.3 stars; RTC
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: Neither are with anyone else and Cody isn't interested, but I found I disliked how much Simon still sort of pined for his sire. They had previously been together (though not for a long time) and Simon still craved his affection and attention. For like half the book it felt like if his sire had been interested, Simon would have gone to him even after meeting Cody and I just never like that sort of thing.
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.
Simon is hardly a monk, but he hasn’t had a lasting relationship in the past half century. Loneliness is more comfortable than trusting a man not to leave.
Tobias never quite understands the constant, cyclical threat of Cody’s wolf. He seems to think Cody just has to power through and control it, once and for all. But the moon waxes every month, and Cody will always be a werewolf.
Simon regrets telling the story. He had meant it as a dagger, but instead it’s an outstretched hand.
“So?” Simon wiggles his hand, which is ridiculous. Then he licks his lips, which isn’t. “You’re my bodyguard. Guard my body.”
“I can’t be distracted,” Cody explains. Simon perks up. “Am I distracting, Mr. Weston?” There isn’t an answer that won’t get Cody into trouble. “You’re a fucking brat, Mr. Caley.”
Cody touches Simon’s cheek and bends down to kiss him. The world rocks, and resettles, and suddenly makes sense.
Cody wants to mind-speak with Simon while he’s shifted. He wants to always know where Simon is. He wants every other werewolf to smell that Simon belongs to him. He never dreamed of immortality until it meant night after night, year after year, forever with his mate. “I want you,” Cody says, and each word feels right. “For as long as you’ll have me. You’re the only pack I’ve ever wanted.
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: Neither are with anyone else and Cody isn't interested, but I found I disliked how much Simon still sort of pined for his sire. They had previously been together (though not for a long time) and Simon still craved his affection and attention. For like half the book it felt like if his sire had been interested, Simon would have gone to him even after meeting Cody and I just never like that sort of thing.
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 8, 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.
September 27, 2026
B/B- for the story
A for the narration by Kirt Graves
This was a lot of fun. A werewolf without a pack who is having troubling managing his shifts and a vampire who is bored with life make for an interesting story, especially since werewolves and vampires are historical enemies. The story moved quickly and had a few surprises. Recommend for a decent urban fantasy with some humor and a fantastic narration.
A for the narration by Kirt Graves
This was a lot of fun. A werewolf without a pack who is having troubling managing his shifts and a vampire who is bored with life make for an interesting story, especially since werewolves and vampires are historical enemies. The story moved quickly and had a few surprises. Recommend for a decent urban fantasy with some humor and a fantastic narration.
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.
June 24, 2026
This was so damn good - it had all the tropes, i love with werewolf vampires.
Bodyguard/Protection? Yes!
Bickering which each other, especially bcs they don't like each other at first? YES!
Drinking blood from the future soulmate and it tasting divine? Yes, yes, YES!
And even having a little story to get them going. It was rly a fun read - and im sad, that it is only a oneshot *sob*
Bodyguard/Protection? Yes!
Bickering which each other, especially bcs they don't like each other at first? YES!
Drinking blood from the future soulmate and it tasting divine? Yes, yes, YES!
And even having a little story to get them going. It was rly a fun read - and im sad, that it is only a oneshot *sob*
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.
July 27, 2026
I would have like to know more about Dima, his motives and character in general
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 9, 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.
April 6, 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 13, 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.
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