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Total Chaos #1

Loving a Vampire Is Total Chaos

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Celine Brennan should be riding the high of her recent promotion to detective, but instead she’s been saddled with a case no one can seem to solve with murders so gruesome others before her have quit. Not to mention, there’s something suspicious with a new club in town and her focus keeps being pulled from the case she should be devoting her attention to.

Zavier Lockwood is old. Three-hundred-years old to be precise and he’s bored because of it. Killing the scum of Chicago and cleaning up the streets since the cops can’t seem to do it is his favorite pastime. Until he lays eyes on Celine. Soon, he finds his obsession with her far more tempting than murder. After all, no vampire can resist the allure of their mate.

As their paths cross thanks to Zavier’s uncanny ability to be wherever Celine is they both come to realize there’s something far more nefarious going on in the city they both love. They’ll have to work together to get to the bottom of it, but what happens when Celine realizes the man she’s falling for isn’t only not human, but he’s the same one committing the crimes she’s supposed to solve?

386 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

2453 people are currently reading
13609 people want to read

About the author

Aura Hayes

4 books214 followers

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5 stars
2,983 (31%)
4 stars
3,466 (36%)
3 stars
2,207 (23%)
2 stars
613 (6%)
1 star
225 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,055 reviews
Profile Image for Meghan.
301 reviews47 followers
June 28, 2025
Okay I am seriously obsessed with how much I loved this book. This was easily one of my top reads of this year, hands down. I came across this book on instagram and I kept seeing it and I read what it was about. And I was like yep this is right up my alley. That was a few months ago and when I saw that it was finally out I immediately had to read it, and boy did I DEVOUR this smutty little book.

This had everything I wanted in a romcom/vampire romance. It first and foremost, was utterly hilarious. At times I literally had tears streaming down my face with how hard I was laughing at the things Zav was saying. The man is completely unhinged, but in the best way possible. I chatted with the author for a few minutes because I posted about reading it and she literally said it best. Zavier is like a like a feral puppy, and that is honestly the best and the perfect way to describe him. He was a walking green and red flag at the same time. I could go on, and on about how hilariously unhinged he was, but again in the best way. I also adored the way he was a complete goner when he met Celine. Like why is it so romantic when a man is so obsessed with you, to the point of stalking your life? Swoon. I’m pretty sure if Celine told him that he needed him to rip his arm off for her, he wouldn’t even hesitate to hand it over to her😭

Celine was such a bad ass, I love that she was a detective. It made the story so much more interesting and intense to see how both of their stories would play out. Celine had me dying with how much she wanted to punch Zav in the face yet kiss the man senseless at the same time. That’s how you know it’s true love when you feel that way about a guy.

The fact that there is going to be another book had me first pumping the air. There was no way I could say goodbye to these characters and as soon as Valen was introduced my spidey senses were tingling and I was like, “Omgomgomg could this be…? No I don’t think so…but maybe…” and then BAM. I was like, YEP CALLED IT. Honestly so excited to see where this story goes. I really hope to get more Zav and Celine. I honestly didn’t want this book to end and I cannot wait for the next one!♥️
Profile Image for mica.
338 reviews3,451 followers
June 14, 2025
le tenia mucha más fe a este libro y resultó siendo medio meh, la autora sufre del la enfermedad "pienso que los lectores son muy estúpidos como para entender así que les deletreo absolutamente todo", personajes medio inconscientes sin mucha profundidad, no tiene que ser realista porque estamos hablando de un vampiro pero los personajes y en general las tramas en si parecieron bastante boludas y unidimencionales, muchas escenas las sentí desconectadas, como que eran escenas al alzar puestas sin una línea temporal estructurada, en fin la idea estaba pero PARA MI no fue bien ejecutada
Profile Image for Kimberlylovesreadingbooks.
284 reviews71 followers
October 17, 2025
What's October without reading about a sexy, redhead Vampire?💁🏾‍♀️🤭

I love, love, love, LOVE this book. ♥️✨
A book has never made me laugh so much this was a breath of fresh air 😍.

I got this book rec from tiktok and I knew it'd be either a hit or miss. I can confirm that this was a HIT 🎯.

I fell in love with Zavier from the minute I read his chapter. 🙇🏾‍♀️ He has to be the funniest vampire that I've read. 🤣

The way he so easily flirts with Celine and his possessiveness 👏🏾😭 and he whimpers!? *chef's kiss*

He just earned himself a spot on my book boyfriends list. 💁🏾‍♀️🤭

My favourite quotes;

Celine.
My mate.
This can’t be the end.
She doesn’t know how big of a dick I have yet.
I’m going to die and she doesn’t even know.
This is the worst

This one made me laugh out loud 🤣.

“Listen to me, Celine Brennan. We may be fated mates but no magnetic pull dictates who or what I do. Yes, it may initially bring us together in a way it wouldn’t for others, but we still have free will. If I wasn’t insanely attracted to you both mentally and physically, I wouldn’t be here. You are the most stunning, intelligent, kind creature I’ve ever crossed paths with, and I worship the ground you walk on.”

🤧♥️

Get it through that gorgeous skull of yours that I’m here for you because I want to be here. You can’t get rid of me

Lord when will it be my turn?? 😭

I can't wait for Ava and Valen 's story 😍🙂.
Profile Image for Texa .
90 reviews
June 26, 2025
Spoilers ❗️

I wanted to love it but it was so fk long and dragged on between 30% up to 85% when it finally starts to pick up the plot.
The mmc Zavier is a 300 year old vampire that finds his mate the fmc Celine. Then it goes the usual way, he stalks her, they develop feelings, she gets kidnapped, they reunite, the end. Literally nothing happens. That’s the whole book for you.
It was supposed to be lighthearted and fun but it was so boring. I think the author wanted to go for the golden retriever type of mmc but honestly for a 300 year old mammoth he was quite juvenile with his giggles and fist pumping the air and even the fmc said he reminded her of a child and then in the next sentence she would get turned on by him and it just grossed me out.

Safety: no virgins. The mmc was really old so I guess he got around 🙄 he said he had casual relationships, but genuinely didn’t give me manwhore vibes. No details on when his last time was. Ow1: there is this coffee shop owner Luna , they had casual sex in the 2000s but decided they’re better of as friends. She doesn’t cause issues and there aren’t are feelings there. She was really happy he finally found a mate. What bothered me is that the fmc frequently goes to that cafe and they know each other but she never found out they had a thing even if it was 20 years ago. Just didn’t sit right with me.
Ow2: Zavier said he loved once when he was turned 300 years ago but when he figured out she was crazier than him he bolted out of that relationship. To me it didn’t really look like he was in love with her just more of mutual companionship. He wasn’t pining for her either she was only mentioned once at the beginning. Then the fmc gets kidnapped and it’s by this ow. They hadn’t seen each in 50 or so years and it all gets resolved, he kills her.
Omd: h not a virgin, only said it’s been some time for her. She goes on a double date with her bff, her boyfriend and his cousin Asher. Tbh she had more chemistry with this om man than the mmc but after the date we never see him again.
Overall the book was safe, the mmc was obsessed since the first chapter, i just couldn’t feel their chemistry.
The next book is about the bff Ava and a powerful vampire Valen💁🏼idk if I’ll read.
I saw a lot of positive reviews for this book, maybe its just a me issue.
Profile Image for fromthestudyof.
348 reviews645 followers
July 6, 2025
okay I LOVED this

Vampire x Human Romance

He’s a vampire killing bad guys. She’s the detective trying to find the killer.

This was beyond cute!!!! A goofy, flirty vampire that’s immediately obsessed with her??? I could read 20 of these.

Things to know:
Vampire x Human
Obsessed & possessive MMC
He falls first
He’s a flirt
Fated mates
Dual POV
Profile Image for ReneeReads.
1,527 reviews129 followers
August 15, 2025
The MMC calls himself a “picky bitch” on page 2. Idk, this book is fine but I feel like it’s trying to hard to be funny/quirky and honestly I’m not in the mood for that vibe. DNF at page 86 when he mentions “pound town”. I know it’s my fault based on the title alone.
Profile Image for Brit Wilcox.
243 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2025
yapped too close to the sun and didn’t even sparkle
Profile Image for Kate Dash.
146 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2025
It was definetely more than 5 stars read. 5+ stars
Tropes:
- sunsine golden retriever vampire/ grumpy black cat human
- she’s a detective investigating murders… he did them
- fated mates (but make it slow-burn from her side)
- possessive but weirdly soft vampire
- secret identity chaos (he has more jobs than Barbie and bald guy from xxx)
- fangboner moments™
- emotional support cat
- unhinged but weirdly endearing stalker vibes

This book surprised the hell out of me—in the best way possible. I went in expecting broody paranormal angst and instead got a full-blown vampire romcom murder mystery mashup.Celine is exactly my type of heroine—sarcastic, guarded, and dangerously competent. She’s thrown into a serial killer case that’s equal parts horrifying and bizarre (the smiley face with fangs?? unhinged). Then Zavier appears: a sunshine-coded, centuries-old vampire with zero chill and all the cling. He’s like if Edward Cullen had ADHD and was emotionally available. The man is so obsessed with her he literally shows up as a janitor, a barista, a paramedic—whatever it takes to be near his grumpy murder-detecting soulmate. I should be creeped out, but honestly? I was cackling. He’s a menace in the most lovable way.
Their dynamic is absolute gold. It’s fated mates, sure, but Celine doesn’t just melt at first sight—thank god. She questions it, pushes back, and takes her sweet time falling. Meanwhile, Zavier is like, “Cool, I’ll just follow you everywhere until you love me.” (And weirdly? I didn’t hate it.) I also adored Ava, the whirlwind best friend, and Midnight the cat deserves their own novella.

If you like your romance a little messy, a lot funny, and dripping in vampire chaos—this one’s a must. It’s dark, ridiculous, and weirdly tender. A perfect storm of vibes for fans of Fated Mates who also want to laugh their way through the bloodshed. Aura Hayes, you’ve got a fan for life.

It was my honest opinions in exchange for ARC, big big thanks to VPR and Aura Hayes!!!
August 12, 2025
Здебільшого мені сподобалося, але коли він залазив до Селін в квартиру, хотілось його стукнути. І момент, коли вона була на побаченні (Зав'єр та Селін були просто сусідами), то він його здається вбив🤔 ну це якось стрьомно. Гаразд, очі закрити на вбивства злочинців можна, але ж той наче і не такий, і плюс хлопець, в квартирі далі живе Зав, він теж випадково вбив.

Десь на 80% я все ж таки задумувалась, А ДЕ РОЗКРИТТЯ ТОГО КЛУБУ??? І нарешті його показали, хоча тепер я чекаю на книжку про Аву та Валена, бо ХТО РОБИТЬ ТАКИЙ КІНЕЦЬ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lysten_and_read.
89 reviews
August 10, 2025
I was doomscrolling on instagram—as one does—making sure to keep my FYP bookish and a little teaser of this book comes up. I read the post, followed the author, and immediately went onto KU and loaded it up.

This is hands down one of my favorite reads of the year so far. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic, the stalking (in a fun way iykyk), and fated mates trope made me want to dive in and just inhale this book. The banter between Celine and Zav was absolutely adorable (don’t even get me started on the art in this book too, because the little Chibi’s of Zav 🥰.) Also, obviously, there are vampires and more paranormal creatures in this book. And that ending????!!!! Can’t wait for the second book, I am so excited!
Profile Image for Melissa.
580 reviews65 followers
February 3, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️

I came for a light paranormal rom-com. I stayed because apparently I now have a thing for sarcastic vampires with Teddy Hamilton’s voice. 🫠

Loving a Vampire is Total Chaos is exactly what it promises: chaotic, flirty, ridiculous in the best way, and way more charming than it has any right to be. Zavier is a vampire with big “I did not sign up for feelings” energy, and Celine is smart, funny, and completely unbothered by the supernatural nonsense being thrown at her. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. Their chemistry? Unreasonably good.

Now let’s talk audiobook, because this is where it really shines:
🖤 Teddy Hamilton as Zavier = smooth, broody, funny, and dangerously listenable. The man could read a grocery list and I’d still be invested.
🖤 Casey Holloway as Celine = perfect comedic timing, grounded, warm, and makes Celine feel like someone you’d absolutely want as your best friend while chaos unfolds around you.

The dual narration brings the humor and tension to life in a way that made this feel more like a rom-com performance than just a book in my ears. I laughed out loud more than once, which always earns bonus points.

Is it deep, brooding vampire lore? No.
Is it fun, fast, flirty chaos with great audio performances? Absolutely yes.

Highly recommend if you want:
🩸 paranormal romance without taking itself too seriously
🩸 excellent banter
🩸 an audiobook that’s pure entertainment
🩸 a vampire MMC who is both dangerous and emotionally inconvenienced

Would I listen again? Yes.
Would I recommend the audio specifically? 100%.
Would I now side-eye all vampires that don’t sound like Teddy Hamilton? Also yes.

Thanks to the author and Valentine PR for an ALC of this novel.
Profile Image for Sandy (Sandy.Reads).
948 reviews530 followers
September 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you love Dexter and enjoyed Butcher and Blackbird, this book will be right up your alley. Loving a Vampire is Total Chaos is exactly what the title promises, a mix of murder, humor, and a little bit of chaos wrapped in a romance.

Zavier was the perfect MMC for this story. He’s a vampire who kills people, but at least he’s targeting the worst of the worst. His balance of humor, darkness, and a possessive streak made him such a fun character to read.

Celine, on the other hand, starts off as dedicated and straight laced in her job, but I loved watching her loosen up once Zavier enters the picture. Their dynamic brought just the right mix of banter and tension.

I ended up reading this book in one sitting, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a palate cleanser with spice, dark humor, and a splash of bloodshed.
Profile Image for mag_book_.
476 reviews368 followers
February 10, 2026
3,5/5

Bawiłam się bardzo dobrze ale pomijając humor i sexy wampira to zabrakło mi czegoś więcej - ale i tak to był przyjemnie spędzony czas ❤️ czekam na drugi tom
Profile Image for пустунка .
423 reviews11 followers
January 23, 2026
смачна, цікава історія про вампіра і його пару – людину. вона – детектив. він – серійний убивця. є масові вбивства, загадку яких потрібно розгадати. герої опиняються в самому центрі подій, і тоді з'являється нове розслідування, яке потрібно розкрити.

Зав'єр - милий, харизматичний вампір, який знайшов собі нове натхнення жити, окрім постійних вбивств негідників.

Селін – молода детектив, яка стає новою музою для вампіра.

хоч тут і є описи смертей, крові та вбивств, історію не назвеш похмурою. веселощі та легкість супроводжують сторінки (таку атмосферу, очевидно, задає Зав).

загальні враження позитивні. останні розділи остаточно прогріли мене на читання наступної книжки, тож чекаю!

4/5 ⭐
Profile Image for Victoria ✮⋆˙.
1,118 reviews127 followers
July 20, 2025
Kicking my legs and giggling whilst reading essentially this entire book today. I had such a good time reading this!

The romance and the MC’s were amazing, Zav is such a golden retriever boy but with touch her and you die energy so I was loving that! And Celine is such a fun character to read from. I really loved the dynamics in this and we got some great spicy scenes hehe. I don’t wanna say too much about the actual plot for spoilers but it’s so goood!!

I will be sitting anxiously waiting for book 2. This was such a fun easy read and just what I needed right now! Easily down as an auto buy author now ♡
Profile Image for Literary Child (Tania).
311 reviews13 followers
August 1, 2025
Про такого кумедного, але кровожерливого вампірчика, я ще не читала 😁

Це такий розвантажуючий роман. Трьосотлітній харизматично-милий вампірисько, який мочить поганців десятками, і детектив, яка ці злочини розслідує 😏

Чоловік не має кнопки «стоп» від слова взагалі. Ні у вбивствах, ні у залицяннях, ні в увімкненні «драми квін»😆 Я так реготала періодично з нього, особливо коли він вів екзистенційні розмови з котом героїні 🐾💅 Героїня така серйозна дама, а з цим вампірчиком просто розтала. Такі милотусі разом, втілення ідеально психічно стабільних стосунків (якщо забути про вбивства та «іклостояк» героя🤣)
Profile Image for NotSoBooshie.
195 reviews11 followers
August 19, 2025
DNFed at 28%.

This was neither rom nor com. I know I'm a picky bitch when it comes to romance, but I've never encountered a male lead this revolting. I can't even quite describe it. He's a volatile psycho who'll kill anyone at the drop of a hat, which I guess par for the course in this genre (kill me), but his vernacular was AWFUL. Calling himself bitch? Taking the FMC 'to pound town?'

Idk maybe there's a market for 300 year old vampire serial killers that talk like frat boys but I am not that market.
Profile Image for M.
84 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
3.5
overall I loved the cheesiness of this, but certain phrases really pulled me out, specifically in a high stakes situation that should've been tense, the internal monologue described someone as sitting "criss cross applesauce", and ends with "we're blowing this popsicle stand"
Profile Image for Bri.
4,356 reviews2,397 followers
June 28, 2025
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

Holy Cuteness! This is how you do a romcom. Funny and sweet and so adorable I couldn't stop smiling. Even with some light dismemberment it was kept so cute and fun which was perfect for these characters.

Who knew what I needed in my life was an obsessed golden retriever vampire? I can't wait for more to come from this series!
Profile Image for Andrea.
46 reviews1,410 followers
February 8, 2026
3.75
Perfect if you like a fluffy darkish romance / I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Tay_is_reading_again.
501 reviews56 followers
December 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this paranormal dark rom com! The MMC gave Lights Out meets touch her and ☠️ energy. The banter is hilarious! This was one of my favorites of the year!!

He’s a vampire serial killer and she’s a detective investigating his murders. He gets “fang boners” around her. What’s not to love?
Profile Image for Emily (Burnt.out.Bookworm).
117 reviews10 followers
June 25, 2025
Ok this was pretty cringe ngl… there was no reason the phrase “pound town” needed to be used…
Profile Image for eyes_on_words.
820 reviews31 followers
February 11, 2026
Ale mi się to podobało. Ta książka to połączenie Lights Out i Mindfuck Series z supernaturalnym twistem. Pomimo kilku głupotek bardzo mi się podobało i bardzo się w nią zaangażowałam. Z przyjemnością sięgnę po kolejną część.
Profile Image for BONNIE SMITH.
460 reviews70 followers
June 26, 2025
Until this book I didnt know I wanted a 300 year old vampire as a boyfriend.

Zavier is bored. He's been "cleaning" up the city's scum for years while feeding his, .....appetite.

Celine is a slightly unhinged (in all the best ways) detective who is trying to find a serial killer,..

When these two meet and the chemistry is off the charts, it's hard to remember that should be arch nemesis. And so the push and pull of this book is delicious and fun. I highly recommend. Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for a copy, I ate it up!
Profile Image for Annika.
27 reviews
July 27, 2025
I feel like this book needed more trigger warnings …

Zavier reminds me a lot of Damon Salvatore - very flirty, extremely funny and also randomly killing people with a smirk on his face. This Book came wrapped in a cartoon cover and was advertised as a cutesy Paranormal Romance between a grumpy cop and a sunshiny vampire. And in parts that was true. HOWEVER he also stalked her, broke into her apartment and killed her neighbor. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for morally grey characters but this book had more similarities to the DSM-5 than a Romantasy.
Profile Image for Jessica.
393 reviews
June 23, 2025
I wanted to love this but it ended up being juvenile and extremely YA coded. Very campy which isn’t a bad thing just not what I was expecting going into this.
Profile Image for andrea.el.
273 reviews3 followers
October 29, 2025
3.5/5 🖤i had a fun time with this one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,055 reviews

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