Cassius : Gay Vampire Mafia Romance

by J. Tomala

Frost is having the worst day. Instead of messing around with pretty boys, he's been ordered to a cabin in the woods because his right-hand man has discovered something unusual - a teenager in a silver cage. And the icing on top? The boy has bitten off the finger of one of his henchmen.
The sensible thing to do would be to burn down the shack and everything in it. But while Frost might be a feared mob boss, he isn't a total scumbag. And that boy in the cage might just be a real-life vampire.
You don't burn something that unexpected and rare; you take it home with you... even if that impulsive action could have serious consequences.

Alec LaMar is looking for his ward. Cassius went missing a while ago, and refusing to look for the young boy has Alec regretting that decision viciously.
What makes matters worse is that his belated and amateurish investigation reveals Cassius isn't the only vampire child to have disappeared without a trace.
Of course, Alec can't expect any help from the Vampire Council. The only way to solve the case and find Cassius is to team up with the human police.
But the more he finds out, the worse the bigger picture becomes, especially when someone with power and influence tries to cover up the whole thing at all costs.

Second book in the Blood on his lips series, but can be read as a standalone.

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

Writer of (queer) fiction and sometimes artist.
Lover of books, baked goods, plants, art and tentacled things.
Enjoys a bit of horror too.
Gives away review copies (ebooks only).

Reviews

[NitaBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been sick but a review is coming

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassius is the second book in the Blood on his lips series. This book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This book has wonderful characters who definitely feel real. The world building is outstanding. There are some characters I just thought I wish I could hug you. The plot was interesting. I'm really invested in the series now. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - I thought I knew what I was going to get when I grabbed this story. It didn’t take long to realize that was not quite the case.

Frost is the mob boss who ends up rescuing and taking in teen vampire Cassius. Seji is Frost’s right-hand man and the one Frost has been lusting after for years.

Alec was Cassius’ guardian who didnt take the role very seriously but is looking to make amends after finding Cassius in Frost’s care.

The vamps team up with the humans in an atempt at rescruing more missing human and vampire children and the trafficking ring responsible for their kidnapping amd torture. There are some interesting reasons behind this amd it all ties together to make a pretty unique world.

I actually enjoyed the pairings in this. Frost and Seji dancing around each other as the sexual tension grows while they navigate the issues involving Cassius had me rapidly turning pages.

I loved the dynamics between the three and how they respected each of their roles within that. They become a found family that I was longing to see more of. I’m not often a fan of nicknames/terms of endearment, but i found myself eagerly awaiting Frost calling Cassius “Baby Bat.”

I would love to see more of these characters and world. Cassius came a long way in this book after the trauma he suffered, but he clearly had some more growing to do. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye for a number of reasons. If you’re looking for a grittier vampire story, this one might be right up your alley too.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[Emilyrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not at all what I expected, even from the blurb. Usually you know straight away going in who the main characters are going to be and, if there's romance, who that will be between. This had more than one character thread to follow but all entwined with the same overarching plot. Frost and Cassius form an undeniable yet somehow still sweet bond but the chemistry between Frost and Seji is off the charts. I thought it was interesting where the chapters followed Alec and his mission and relationships. I didn't realise it was book 2 in a series before reading it but it worked perfectly well as a standalone. The world building was good and I'm definitely interested to read more in the series. Benji seemed like the biggest sweetheart ever and so many times I just wanted to give Cassius and him a giant hug. I love how they seem to be defying tradition and I really hope there's more with these characters in the future.

Overall, this is a really good read. It had interesting characters that you become invested in, it shows the intricacies of relationships with a sense of realism (despite the vampire element) and it was well paced with the action.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series until I was already halfway in—but it worked beautifully as a standalone. The story pulled me in with its rich world-building, compelling characters, and a perfect blend of action and emotional depth.
Frost and Cassius share a bond that’s undeniable and unexpectedly tender, while the chemistry between Frost and Seji is absolutely electric. The dynamic between these characters kept me hooked. Their defiance of tradition felt refreshing and hopeful, and I truly hope we get to see more of them in future installments. Despite the vampire element, the relationships felt grounded and real, showing the complexity of love, loyalty, and identity. The pacing was spot-on, balancing emotional beats with thrilling action.
Overall, this was a captivating read with characters you’ll genuinely care about. I’m definitely diving into the rest of the series!

Would you like help turning this into a post for Goodreads or Instagram? I can tailor it to fit the vibe you're going for.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires and the mafia, what can go wrong? This was a pretty intense, can't put it down, type read. Lots of strong characters and great worldbuilding. And there was some surprisingly sweet characters. Cassius started a bit bitey, but he was a real cutie patootie. Benji will need to find his own HFN, so maybe book three? The dynamic between Deacon and Cassius is... different. Kind of sexy... but with boundaries. Some flirting. Deacon and Seji have a rather complex relationship. Sexy, a little codependent. As for where Cassius fits in? No idea. Is it poly? Maybe. The author plans on two more books.
The book needs a content warning page. They were listed in GRR's blurb, but do not appear in the vendor's. And the book really needs to put them out there.
It was a quick read. Mostly fun. A little squirmy in parts.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.

[Elin · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the themes in the book I would have assumed it to be a bit more gut punching, but it goes rather light on it and focuses on the build up of the relationship between Frost, Cassius and Seji.

With a bi plot of Alec and his detective.

We get a little view in to a world where vampires and humans work together for the best of both, and finding out that even though you are two hundred years old, it's not too late to learn new tricks.

Would I like the book to have more bite? Yes. But it's a nice read if you want a bit of steam and a bit of plot.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic read! So glad I got this arc to introduce me to this new author. The storyline, characters and relationship development were absolutely perfect! Now off to read the first book in the series, though i don't feel I missed out as this is definitely a standalone.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story about trafficking of both human and vampire children where the crime is accidentally discovered because of finding a victim in a cage in a forest cabin. That gets both humans and vampires involved in trying to find out who is behind it all and working to put a stop to it. Can't wait to read the rest of this series and see how these relationships develop.

[Christina Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down even after I found out it was book 2, it definitely can be read as its own story.

The characters were engaging, energetic and all of the place which made the story fun and difficult to put down.

Who knew mixing vampires and the mafia would be a good mix. I am going to go back and read book 1

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

I really enjoyed this.
The idea of vampires, mafia, and police is really interesting.
The interconnected relationships were very intense, the world building was great, and the mystery kept me turning the pages.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is ruthless but he is about to find a strange situation a young boy in a silver cage in a cabin. Everything tells him to burn it down but he takes them home as he is a vampire. Life is never going to be the same ever again. See where they will all take you

[Joanne Mccorkell]

DNF @ 44%.

I didnt see/feel any attraction between Frost and Alec. Despite the fact the book is called Cassius he seems to be a side character

As for Frost his ongoing attraction to his first crush completely confused me

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men, mafia, and vampires. A perfect storm for my senses. Intense doesn't begin to cover it. This dark world was an attention-grabbing sensation.

I highly recommend.

I received this arc from GRR for my honest feedback.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulls you right into the world of vampire mafia suspense. You can’t help but feel drawn to the characters as the scene continues to build. The overlapping relationships add depth and make the world even more intriguing, keeping you hooked from start to finish.

[Adoraboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read!!!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dee's Grade: A

It's a complicated book to review but if you like darkish pnr then give it a try.